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Three months. Three missing women. One PI determined to discover the truth.

Back from break, PI Martina Monroe clears the air with her boss at Drakos Security & Investigations and is ready to jump right into solving cold cases for the CoCo County Sheriff’s Department.

Diving into the cold case files Martina stumbles upon a pattern of missing young women, all of whom were deemed runaways, and the files froze with minimal detective work from the original investigators. The more Martina digs into the women’s last days the more shocking discoveries she makes.

Soon, Martina and Detective Hirsch not only uncover additional missing women but when their star witness turns up dead, they must rush to the next before it’s too late.

A gripping, unputdownable thriller full of mystery and suspense.

If She Ran is the second installment in the PI Martina Monroe series.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2021

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About the author

H.K. Christie

30 books265 followers
H. K. Christie watched horror films far too early in life. Inspired by the likes of Stephen King, Jodi Picoult, true crime podcasts, and a vivid imagination she now writes suspenseful thrillers. When not working on her latest novel, she can be found eating & drinking with friends, walking around the lakes, or playing with her favorite furry pal. 
She is a native and current resident of the San Francisco Bay Area. 


The MARTINA MONROE series featuring Private Investigator Martina Monroe and her unofficial partner, Detective August Hirsch of the Cold Case Squad, is a nail-bing crime thriller series full of suspense. If you like high-stakes games, jaw-dropping twists, and embattled seekers struggling to do right, then you’ll love the thrilling Martina Monroe series.

The SELENA BAILEY series is a collection of suspenseful stories detailing one young woman's turbulent path to becoming a top-notch, kick-ass private investigator. If you like thrilling twists, dark tension, and smart and driven women, then you’ll love this new dark thriller series. A Permanent Mark is a suspenseful murder mystery featuring a grown-up Selena Bailey.

www.authorhkchristie.com

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5 stars
1,219 (55%)
4 stars
746 (33%)
3 stars
202 (9%)
2 stars
25 (1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah.
184 reviews1 follower
December 17, 2022
The plot line itself was great, but most of the dialogue just didn't feel natural and that's a big contributing factor to a story.
Profile Image for Tayler Bell.
67 reviews3 followers
January 3, 2024
i read the martina monroe series for the plot.

the plot: a detective and private investigator flirting every other chapter
Profile Image for Bobbie.
1,560 reviews
June 28, 2023
Couldn't put this book down. Totally intriguing storyline. Great characters.
Profile Image for Diane Jackson.
123 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2023
Martina Monroe is working with Detective Hirsch from the CoCo County Sheriffs Department looking into cold cases. She begins to notice a pattern of young women with similar stories that were listed by the investigators as runaways. Martina believes there is more to the story and as she begins her research more patterns begin to emerge, and more people become involved.
This is the second book in H.K. Christie’s Martina Monroe series. She throws little pieces from the 1st book but not so much that the reader feels lost from not knowing what happens in book #1. The characters work well together. So many authors jump between characters and different timelines and leave the reader in mass confusion. Christie is able to switch between characters smoothly. Great mystery that keeps you focused and looking for the next clue. I hated to come to end but it left me ready for #3 in the series.
Thank you, H.K. Christie, Keekstar Media and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
268 reviews
September 2, 2023
An exciting page turner.

Martina and Detective Hirsch have the go-ahead to start working on solving some of the massive amounts of cold cases in CoCo County. Hirsch tells Martina to go through as many of the boxes as she wants and prioritize the cases she wants to work on. It's while doing that that she finds 3 cases that she thinks are all actually part of the same case...3 blond, blue-eyed young women who all disappeared only months apart 4 years ago. The weird thing was that the police didn't seem to have ever made that connection and put those cases together, shrugging them off as "run aways." As Martina and Hirsch dig deeper, they find more suspicious cases of young blond, blue-eyed women gone missing. Martina is especially angry that someone is targeting these young women, and no one has ever taken the time to do a proper investigation into the disappearances. She vows to find them, whether alive or dead, and bring them home. I've read the first 2 books in this series, and I think I will be reading this whole series before I'm done. I really like Martina. She's a recovering alcoholic, as is her mother. She and her mother have made peace with the past, and her mom is now living with Martina and her daughter, Zoey. Martina is determined, caring, smart, can take care of herself, and is the best at finding missing people. When I sat down to read this book, I hated to put it down because it sucked me right in, and I had to find out what happened. That's the sort of book I love to read. It was interesting enough that I have already downloaded the third book in the series.
Profile Image for Christine Weald.
162 reviews2 followers
February 13, 2023
A cold case of missing women who were deemed by the police to have run away. DI Hirsch of CoCo County Sheriffs department had enlisted the help of Martina Monroe of Drakos Security and Investigations in the solving of their cold cases. Martina is described as being determined to prove herself as a competent investigator who is also a recovering alcoholic.
This is the second book in the trilogy and snippets from the first are interspersed to both remind the reader and add some background information for new readers.
Martina shows three cold cases could be connected through their coincidences, similarities, and insufficient police evidence. The story describes her painstaking investigations and thought processes such that the reader is immersed. The author manages to switch to the victims without the reader losing continuity. Their stories show their combined support and strength in survival.

A story filled with suspense, fear, survival, hope and action. It is a fast moving read with a strong famine lead and is hard to put down.
I received a free copy from the author and leave this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Billie.
5,744 reviews70 followers
February 21, 2023
Three months. Three missing women. One PI determined to discover the truth.
Back from break, PI Martina Monroe clears the air with her boss at Drakos Security & Investigations and is ready to jump right into solving cold cases for the CoCo County Sheriff’s Department.
Diving into the cold case files Martina stumbles upon a pattern of missing young women, all of whom were deemed runaways, and the files froze with minimal detective work from the original investigators. The more Martina digs into the women’s last days the more shocking discoveries she makes.
Soon, Martina and Detective Hirsch not only uncover additional missing women but when their star witness turns up dead, they must rush to the next before it’s too late.

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
199 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2021
EBook Review: IF SHE RAN by H.K. Christie

( I ) f
(F) orgotten...

(S) urely
(H) ope
(E) vaporates...

(R) eaching
(A) greement
(N) eeded

IF SHE RAN, what would happen?
If she cried, would it help?

Cold cases growing, something needs done.
New faces arrive, time to address.

Just too busy, is that excuse?
Or soon retiring, just not interested?

Detective and Martina, take the time.
All the families, need some closure.

First case chosen, expands into others.
Putting pieces together, means past explore.

Asking the questions, beyond one's assumptions.
Whether the outcome, good or bad.

Step right in, from ground zero.
Stay with it, to the finish line.

Watching the investigation, step by step.
With intense fascination, and awe reeling.

Twists and turns, hard keep balance.
Who can trust, stirs the pot.

You won't regret, a single minute.
How turns out, your new ambition.

***************************
I received this book free,
and I am leaving this
review voluntarily.
***************************
Profile Image for Sue.
551 reviews
January 12, 2023
PI Martina Monroe is solving cold cases for the County Sheriff's Department.
She chooses cold cases of missing girls, and finds that there is a pattern, and a similarity between the girls that are missing.
The cases were barely investigated and thrown aside as runaway girls. Martina is convinced that the girls were kidnapped.

She works tirelessly with Detective Hirsch to find the fate of these girls in order to give the families closure.

OK, this is what I love. A strong female lead with brains! And I got what I wanted in this book. I could not put it down! I read this in one sitting, and seriously want to read more of H K Christie's books! Absolutely rivetting and would recommend this book to readers who love a fast paced police/PI procedural.

A solid 5/5 from me

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review!!
4 reviews
May 26, 2024
Im getting picky with my thrillers and I absolutely hate it when there are inconsistencies in the story or when the plot doesn't add up. But I always know that an HK Christie book is a safe choice.

The characters are endearing, multi-faceted, intelligent, relatable. It all make sense!

The mystery is present till the end even though that author's stories tend to end quite fast.
I love the dynamic between the two main characters: closeness and mutual understanding is displayed without being too much. Its not just there to sell an unrelatable romance so the aunties will buy the book

One point still buggs me after the read (and the fact that there is only one speaks volume about the quality of the book); how did the girls know how long they had been held captive? Without anyone to tell them the date, no news, no calender...


Anyway, its still a great book and I would recommend this serie to anyone who like trillers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,143 reviews30 followers
September 20, 2021
Another very good book by H.K. Christie, in the Martina Monroe's series. It's amazing how there was so much deceit put in place in order to avoid the culprit being taken to justice, and he had a twisted mind, a very twisted mind. Through continuous and relentless digging of information, Martina uncovers layer by layer the lies and lack of information in the old files that may lead to the killer. Her partner, Detective Hirsch, is also of invaluable help, as he is always present to help and to look for details from other sources. Sometimes it is not easy to read the passages where there is hurt and more than a touch of madness, but I kept on reading forward as I had to know what would be the ultimate price paid for so many crimes. Very interesting plot and entertaining!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Stacy.
382 reviews8 followers
January 13, 2023
This is the second book in the series and it was a great read. I love the pairing of these investigators. Can’t wait to read the next book👏🏻

Martina Monroe is a private investigator and recovering alcoholic. She’s recently teamed up with Detective Hirsch from the CoCo County Sheriffs Dept to look into cold cases. The pair just solved a big case together and hope to keep the streak going.

As she goes through old case files, Martina notices there are several cases of missing young women that share the same profile. Are they runaways or could they be the victim of kidnapping The investigation leads to the exposure of questionable police work and a possible coverup. Why would the officers have done this? Are the girls alive?

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,268 reviews12 followers
September 14, 2021
Martina Monroe is assigned to help the Co-Co County Sheriff's department solve cold cases. he starts with a case of a missing person. As she connects the dots, she realizes that there i more than one missing person. I love stories with strong female leads and this one has it all and more. A story filled with fear, suspense, survival, and hope. If you enjoy stories with strong female leads, this is a book for you...highly recommend. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Anne G. Kasaba.
1,706 reviews8 followers
September 17, 2021
This is the second book in a spin-off of another of this authors series. This was a great book with an engaging storyline and a mystery that was well plotted and current to our society. The characters are multifaceted with the same flaws and strengths that you see in the people you meet daily. The protagonist is a tough battle worn woman with a soft heart when it comes to children and the families of abductees and the victims themselves. Martina is fast becoming one of my favorite characters!
848 reviews6 followers
October 1, 2022
This is the second Martina Monroe book I've read. I enjoy the stories although I find them superficial. I'm glad Book 2 gave Martina's daughter a lesser role--she was just TOO precocious in Book 1. "If She Ran" was one of those "ripped from the headlines" books with the plot already written. A few tweaks and a vagueness of the "master's" atrocities made it easier to read. The ending was a bit too speedy and the book seemed unfinished. I'll probably continue to read books in this series; they are entertaining and easy to read. I hope they get a little depth.
Profile Image for Peggy Kindt.
130 reviews
January 5, 2023
Immersion was all encompassing; the suspense was positively SENSATIONAL!!

Fabu-licious read! What a thrilling rollercoaster of fast page turner. Hot darn, couldn't put the book down for the life of me. Simply loved all characters each were cohesive to chase down the psychopath unsub. The plot was excellently written capturing amazing life changes and emotional truly personal. I'd like to give an AMAZING "shout-out" to H. K. Christie for a well written thriller and very HUMANIZING drama. Thank you! Pottsville, PA_THU; 01052023.
639 reviews8 followers
June 26, 2024
Excellent

If She Ran is a complex and compelling storyline! The material in the book is dark, reprehensible and disgusting! Multiple triggers are used, but the horrific nature of the abuse is restrained and somewhat subtle!
Martina Monroe and Detective Hirsch work together impeccably throughout the book! They are a great team and work the cases diligently! This thriller has lots of slowly developing clues, threads and conjecture! Certainly an intense and pageturning experience!
Profile Image for mary arnold.
438 reviews
September 11, 2021
Martina is hired to work with the police to solve cold cases. She finds a case file for a missing girl that is labeled a runaway and written off. She gets the okay from her partner in the police department when she finds several more very similar “ runaways “. This was hard to put down but I managed to finish it in the wee hours of the morning. I love the unexpected turns and the satisfying resolution. This is my honest review in exchange for an Arc copy.
396 reviews3 followers
March 24, 2023
Martina Monroe is seconded to CoCo County cold case unit with Detective Hirsch and spots a series of missing girls who are too similar to be a coincidence. This sets in motion an investigation which treads on a few toes amongst the old school cops but these things have to be done if justice is to be served. A compelling read with a semi happy ending and plenty of background investigation to keep it rolling along.
44 reviews3 followers
January 14, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It kept me up late at night to finish it. I just knew that Martina would find the missing young women, but wasn't sure how many would still be alive. When her best friend's daughter is captured by the monster, it really hooked me and added super stressors to the story. I'm wondering if in future books that a little romantic spark might flare between Martina and her partner.
Onward to the next novel!
Profile Image for Cynthia A.
502 reviews
September 5, 2024
How did the missing girl cases not get connected?

PI Martina Monroe was transferred to the sheriffs department to help with cold cases. After sorting 3 boxes she started reviewing the files. Almost immediately she found that three girls disappeared in the same year and each a month apart. How did someone not notice this?
We are led on an adventure that leads to the killer. Could not put the book down.
541 reviews6 followers
November 14, 2021
Martina Munroe is working on the cold case of missing girls. They were written off as being runaways, but more and more information comes out as she and Detective Hirsch dig deeper. It seems that everything was covered up. I loved reading how the two starts to strip back the layers to work towards justice for the girls.

I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest review.
Profile Image for Stacy.
382 reviews8 followers
January 13, 2023
This is the second book in the series and it was a great read. I love the pairing of these investigators. Can’t wait to read the next book👏🏻

Martina Monroe is a private investigator and recovering alcoholic. She’s recently teamed up with Detective Hirsch from the CoCo County Sheriffs Dept to look into cold cases. The pair just solved a big case together and hope to keep the streak going.

As she goes through old case files, Martina notices there are several cases of missing young women that share the same profile. Are they runaways or could they be the victim of kidnapping The investigation leads to the exposure of questionable police work and a possible coverup. Why would the officers have done this? Are the girls alive?
1,133 reviews7 followers
February 23, 2023
Meh

A p.i. working with the sheriff's department suspects the cases of missing women are associated. The investigation will have them confront evil in many forms.

This book was slow and choppy. No real suspense and not especially believable. Narration alternates and the dialogue is choppy. Could have lived without Martin's domestic/personal drama. Not a fan.
27 reviews
April 11, 2023
awesome series

I I was looking for new legal thriller series and came across HK Christie's books. I am hooked. The storylines are some of the crazies that happen in this day and age in this world. They keep you spell bound the twists and turns until the case is solved. I like the way Martina and Hirsch interact to find closure for the characters in the story.
Profile Image for Diana L. Wells.
382 reviews
August 11, 2023
Who Do You Trust?

Young women with dreams of stardom and evil men that take advantage. Another thriller with our heroes Martina Monroe PI and Detective Sherriff August Hirsch on the case. Their first collaboration was successful and the powers that be like the optics and decide to keep the positive energy moving forward. Good read.
Profile Image for Tina.
10 reviews
January 7, 2024
I couldn't put it down!

I'm so glad I found this series!
The writing style - various PoVs- took some getting used to, but it didn't interrupt the flow of the book.
The story is fast moving, and even with the different PoVs, there are no annoying repetitions, retelling of facts.
I just finished book2, now I'm off to number3.
Trigger warning (for Book 2 ) abduction, assault
Profile Image for Uma.
177 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2024
An amazing, astounding and awesome saga!!!

The adventures, actions and interactions of Martina and Hirsch keep the readers glued to the book until the last page. They maintain the suspense throughout the book wherever they are.

One needs to read the book to experience the full impact of the book. An exciting and enjoyable reading experience! Thank you, H.K. Christie !!
Profile Image for Michael D.
9 reviews
August 29, 2024
An Explosion of Suspense and Thrills

I read this as soon as I finished book 1. Similar to the first book, this one did not disappoint! The story is fast paced and flows smoothly page after page. The characters are well developed and likable. The suspense and twists make this hard to put down! I look forward to continuing the series. Well done H.K. Christie
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews

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