I wish I'd read the first books in this series - - maybe then I wouldn't have struggled so trying to figure out who was who and how they were connected. I didn't enjoy the first half of the book at all for that reason - but plowed ahead and became intrigued in the second half. But then - - I was oddly disappointed by the ending.

A mixed experience with this book but the writing is good and I liked it overall enough to give it 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

When Harvard librarian Hester Thursby is first introduced to Boston’s wealthy Matson family, she thinks that “it would take a whiteboard, string, and about a hundred hours of group therapy to figure out the dynamics going on among these people”. She is right.

The Matsons, Tucker, Jennifer, their daughter Vanessa and her husband Gavin Dean, control for profit Prescott University. Tucker is the former President, Vanessa the current one and Gavin is the CFO. Maxine Pawlikowski is the University’s General Manager and the power behind the family’s success. Maxine hires Hester, who uses her research skills to find missing persons, to locate former students. What begins as a simple search on social media turns deadly as secrets, some recent and some long buried, are revealed.

Watch Her is a character driven, literary mystery that uses current social issues to drive the plot. Until the conclusion, when one secret still remains, the characters all seem to orbit around one another in fascinating ways. Pinelawn, a house that once existed in Jamaica Plain, is eerie and atmospheric. This is the third in a series, I plan to read the first two and look forward to the next. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and Edwin Hill for this ARC.

I will leave a review on Amazon or B&N on Dec 29, 2020

Watch Her is the third book in the series, and I actually feel this was my favorite of all of them. I felt like we actually got a more in depth preview of Hester's life past and present. I also really enjoyed the storyline surrounding the University and the family that owns it. I would certainly recommend this book to others.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review, all opinions expressed here are my own.

The third book in the Hester Thursby series, and it's the best one yet. The mystery and Hester's research are as intense as ever; and there's an additional lightness to the book that makes it even more enjoyable. Hester has changed some as a result of her previous encounter and, while this story is complete within the book, you may want to read the series in order to see how the characters grow and relationships change. Either way, it's a great read.
In this novel, Hester encounters the owners of a for-profit art institute. While it begins with a fake break-in at their home, Hester and her police detective friend Angela both have questions. The book is filled with well developed characters, both old and new ranging from Morgan, Hester's non-husband to Maxine, the non-family member who is the brains behind much of the running of the art institute.
In addition to the main mystery, there are several sub-plots woven in and out which also come to satisfying conclusions. The combination will leave most readers wondering how long they have to wait for the next book featuring this unusual heroine and her circle of friends.

I didn’t care for the pacing of this book. It was way too slow. Also, too many characters were thrown at the reader at once, including in present narratives AND flashbacks. It was too much to take in and I couldn’t get into this book.

Edwin Hill writes a satisfactorily complicated story with interesting characters and a quirky back story. Although I missed the first two in this series, I was quickly engaged with its people and their interwoven relationships. Angela, Cary, Hester and Morgan and their chosen families meet up with the equally complicated staff and management of the for-profit Prescott University. The University, having managed to face-down at least one family scandal, is now dealing with another. Maxine, a loyal staffer, involves Hester to investigate a data discrepancy which will potentially bring down Prescott’s house of cards.

Hill raises timely social and political issues in this modern mystery.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 * rounded up!

Everyone has a secret. High society in Boston, with a private university at the center of it all. A librarian. A cop. An artist. A burglary. A Murder. A dark, twisted mystery that keeps you guessing until the end.

This was a really enjoyable read and a book that does not require you to have read the previous books to jump right into. This home from multiple points of view, which perhaps might be my only complaint… There were enough of them I had a hard time keeping track at first. But by about 1/3 of the way in I had them pretty straightened out. My favorite point of view was Barrett, who gave a slightly psychopathic vibe throughout.

Watch Her was a very, very slow burn. At some points, I began to wonder if it was even a murder mystery or even a mystery. When I requested to read this book I wasn’t aware it was part of a series and that may be a part of the disconnect I felt with the main character of the series. I know she’s closed off to others in the book but it felt like I was also shut out – the previous two books could 100% contain more background on Hester. The characters in the book while strong just felt incomplete and I believe it would have been in my best interest to read the first two books before this one. Hester’s love for Kate made this mama’s heart sing, as well as Angela’s secret love of George (and the fear she admits regarding him at the end of the book).

The most shocking twist was a character reveal that I was not expecting, aside from that the other reveals were fairly run of the mill. I knew that the Matson family was hiding secrets but I did not see it playing out the way that it did. I felt like 75% of the book was building up to the last 25% and after such a slow build I was a little disappointed in the overall outcome of the book. Fans of cozy mysteries that can get a little gritty might do well with this series though.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy mysteries, murder mysteries, suspense, female protagonists, and thrillers. I would like to thank Kensington Publishing, Books Forward PR, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a digital ARC of Watch Her – all opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this
before the publication date of 12/29/2020. Although this is the 3rd book in a series , (A Hester Thursby Mystery) it can be read as a stand alone.

A complex mystery about a powerful Boston family that will do almost anything to keep their secrets from coming too light.

The characters are very believable, a little quirky.

I definitely recommend this 5 Star mystery! I plan on reading the other 2 books in the series.

In the third book in the Hester Thursby series, Hester and her friend, Detective Angela White are attending a gala for Prescott University when they are told that someone has broken into the university owners' fancy mansion overlooking Jamaica Pond. Angela agrees to drop by out of courtesy, but once there, they are not sure that Jennifer Matson is telling the truth about what happened that evening. Then Prescott's general manager, Maxine, asks Hester to investigate some missing alumni, calling on Hester's renowned research skills. As Hester starts digging into the for-profit university, she unearths a tragedy that has long shadowed Jennifer and the family, financial issues, and more. But when one of the missing students she was looking into turns up dead, things turn dark, quickly.

I love Hill's Hester Thursby series. They are such intelligent and well-thought out mysteries. This wasn't my favorite of the group, but it was still incredibly well done and enjoyable. The topic of for-profit universities seemed timely and was quite interesting. Maxine made some awful choices, but I didn't envy her job running Prescott University, either.

Overall, the Matsons were a pretty terrible family shrouded in secrets and lies. Hill does an excellent job depicting this wealthy family and all the deception they've built up around them. Money certainly can't buy happiness. This is a slow build mystery, with a slightly different feel, and you have to give yourself time to acclimate to the characters and rhythm of the story. If you do, you'll be rewarded with an intriguing tale. It may not be non-stop action, but Hill writes an excellent tale of a twisted family. It's one that will keep you guessing until the end.

I also recommend reading the first two books, as there's some progress in Morgan and Hester's relationship here (and honestly, not enough Kate), but the book does stand-alone. You'll be missing two great reads, though, if you skip the first two.

I received a copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

It's a bit difficult to jump into the story as many characters are thrown into the mix quite rapidly. I would call it a murder mystery and it seemed so, along with university challenges and students. There were parts I really thought I would be grasped into, and it didn't last long. Lots of of jumping around. I did not read the first two books in the series, that could have made quite a difference. I'm keeping it around and want to read again later, maybe it won't seems so cluttered then as there were parts that totally grabbed me. Thank you #NetGalley#WatchHer#KensingtonPublishing

This was my first time reading an Edwin Hill book and I have been missing out! Although this was the third in the Hester Thursby series, I was still able to keep up although I wish I had read the other two books beforehand. I loved everything about this book and the characters. Hester and Angela have a great friendship and I love their interactions. After reading this there was no way I could not go back and read the first two in the series. They’re all good but this one was definitely my favorite. I love Edwin Hill’s writing style and can’t wait to read even more!

Maxine Pawlikowski has been by the wealthy Matson family’s side for years. When Jennifer Matson calls her to say someone has broken into the house Maxine decides to get Angela to come with her to check things out. Hester ends up coming along and soon they find themselves caught up in all of the Matson mysteries and even murder.

3 for neutral, as I was unable to finish the book. It’s not because it is poorly written, but because I found out it’s a series and want to read the first two books first. Will update once I’m able to finish all.

I just finished reading "Watch Her", by Edwin Hill. I have to admit I have not read the previous Hester Thursby book, but I am going to now that I've read this one. I enjoyed his book a whole bunch. It had a bit of everything in it. Very likeable characters, that were real and had substance to them. I felt as if I knew Hester and Morgan by the end of the book, not to mention little Kate, and Angela too. All the characters are quirky and charming. I fully enjoyed reading of their exploits. The book had the element of mystery and intrigue that is to be expected. It did not disappoint at all. I was intrigued from the first page and there were enough twists and turns to keep me guessing throughout. I even enjoyed the ending, I wasn't disappointed as I have been with some books I've read.. Without giving any spoilers, it had enough twists to keep you interested and it ended on just the right note so that I am looking forward to the next Hester Thursby mystery.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars, the only reason being I don't believe there is anything that is perfect. If there was then I would say 5, but this book was as close as they come.
I would like to thank #NetGalley for the ARC ebook copy and my friends @booksforwardpr, for sending this to me and for the copy of the interview with Edwin Hill himself. You can find the interview at mycatreads.com.

#Watchher
#NetGalley
#booksforwardfriends

Everyone has their secrets, and the powerful and rich Matson family is no different. During an art show at Prescott University, Sergeant Detective Angela White is called to the Matson family home, Pinebank, for a reported break in. What follows threatens to not only bring to light everyone's secrets, but these secrets could lead to some devastating consequences. With the simple words “watch her,” the lives of numerous people are sent down a path that may ultimately lead to devastating consequences years later. How far would you go to protect your secrets?

Watch Her is a novel that I greatly enjoyed and could not put down. This is Edwin Hill’s third novel in the Hester Thursby Mystery series, but I never felt as though I was missing something or misunderstanding things not having read the previous two novels. I really enjoyed the characters, especially the variety and differences amongst them. They are really representative of the world today, including characters that are gay, straight, transgendered, rich, not so rich, poor, women in traditionally male-dominated fields, and visa versa; they really cover the spectrum. The characters are relatable and realistic, with not only their secrets but also their fears, their ambitions and drive, their protective natures, and the way they react to the obstacles in life. Many of the themes in the novel make it a timely story, covering topics such as blended families, racism and hate, and boy’s clubs.

The style used by Hill, showing the action through the eyes of a number of characters, and the fact that the events take place over a short period of time, creates a page-turner of a novel that I could not put down. Hill also created some wonderful suspense as he jumped between characters. I was always anxious to turn the page to see what would happen next.

I highly recommend Watch Her to anyone who enjoys a good thriller with wonderful characters. Thank you to NetGalley for gifting me an electronic ARC of Watch Her by Edwin Hill, given in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are my own.

I was invited to read an advance copy of Edwin Hill’s third Hester Thursby mystery, "Watch Her," which will be released on Dec. 29. The first two books have been nominated for several awards, so the series has been on my radar, but I hadn’t yet gotten around to checking it out. "Watch Her" functions just fine as a stand-alone, however.

The novel is about a for-profit university which bears a startling resemblance to one here in the Bay Area, from its controversial real estate dealings to the tight family control (both the president of Boston’s fictional Prescott University and her real-life counterpart are the granddaughters of the founders). At first, I thought perhaps it was a coincidence, but then the author’s note in the back mentioned that Hill lived in San Francisco before he moved to Boston, so I feel pretty confident he was inspired by our local academy.

Harvard librarian Hester and her partner Morgan are invited to the opening of Prescott’s fancy new student center and art gallery, along with Hester’s good friend Angela, a police sergeant. Afterwards, Angela is asked to discreetly investigate a break-in at the mansion belonging to Prescott’s ex-president Tucker Matson and his wife Jennifer, an agoraphobic alcoholic (their daughter Vanessa is the current president). Apparently, the intruder left an item: a copy of George Eliot’s novel Adam Bede. Angela wonders if Hester can use her literary knowledge to figure out why that particular book might be relevant to the Matson clan, while the university’s general manager Maxine, who is intimately (very intimately, as it turns out) involved in the Matsons’ life, wants Hester to use her research skills to track down some missing alumni.

It takes quite a long time before somebody finally gets murdered; not to sound bloodthirsty, but it is a mystery novel, after all, and I kept wondering who the victim would be. The Matson clan provides plenty of intrigue throughout, though, since they are hiding so many dark secrets and scandals.

A final note: one of the characters in "Watch Her" is trans. Living in the Bay Area, which is home to many trans and non-binary people, has heightened my awareness of the damaging and offensive stereotypes which are often used in fictional portrayals of trans folks. So I have to give credit to Hill for sensitively and thoughtfully depicting a character who happens to be trans in his novel.

I've never read anything by this author, and I hadn't realized it was part of a series. I struggled with it at times, and perhaps that's because I haven't read the other books. However, the mystery was solid and I liked the multiple POVs.

An exciting third book in the Hester Thursby Mystery series.
I'm this installment our diminutive librarian and her detective friend Angela are drawn into the goings on of the family who owns a for profit Boston university. There are missing students, the death of a child, affairs and murder at the heart of this story. Although there are multiple mini plots, they all come together to make for a thrilling conclusion.
There writing is concise and descriptive while the pace is moderately fast. I'm a fan of the authors writing style. Although it is the third book of a series it does well as a stand-alone. Hester is a character to watch out for in the mystery/thriller genre and I highly recommend you get to know her if you haven't already.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Books Forward PR for my copy of Watch Her by Edwin Hill. It publishes December 29, 2020.
If you are looking for a mystery/thriller that was a progressive cast of characters, multiple POVs and timelines that you are trying to keep track of, look no further! This will keep you guessing with lots of surprises!
Even though this is technically part of a series, I read it as a standalone. I think it's doable, but I think the context of reading the previous books would have been helpful with some of the background info between the characters.

Hester Thursby, Harvard librarian and expert researcher, is asked by Maxine Pawlikowski, a top administrator at the for-profit Prescott University, to research a list of names. This list has been compiled by Gavin, who married into the family that owns the university, a family to which Maxine has devoted her life. Maxine suspects that this list, which is supposed to be of recent alumni, might not be kosher, that Gavin might be up to no good. Hester’s research leads to much more than a con; it leads to a past that threatens Maxine and her whole beloved family. What will people do to protect that past secret and current wrongdoing?

Non-police detective stories are tricky. It’s one thing when the protagonist is a private detective or at least is a detective by avocation, like Poirot or Wimsey. Where it gets squirrelly for me is when there’s a series of murder mysteries featuring a baker, hair stylist, veterinarian or some other profession far removed from crime solving. How believable can you make it that somebody like that keeps stumbling across murders and finds a way to solve the crime?

Hester Thursby’s supreme research skills make it believable that she is called in to help solve data-dependent problems, and not too far-fetched that what she unearths can be criminal and a threat. Also, in this third book in the series, Edwin Hill wisely doesn’t cast Hester as some lone gumshoe, putting herself in too-stupid-too-live danger at ever turn. Instead, Hester is part of the sleuthing, because once things heat up, her friend (from the first book in the series), Boston PD’s Sergeant Detective Angela White, is on the case. Chapters in the novel alternate among four people: Hester, Angela, Maxine, and Barret, one of the students on the list. Each reveals a facet of the story, moving it forward to its thrilling conclusion.

This is a fast-paced story, but it also brings us more into the personal lives of Hester, Angela, and their families. I don’t like too much domestic content in my crime fiction, but Edwin Hill keeps a nice balance. I’ve become a fan of Hester and her family, and of Angela, the warm friend who can turn into scary Sergeant White when necessary.

I’m giving this 4 stars on Goodreads, which they say means “I really liked it,” which I did. Five stars means “it was amazing,” and I reserve that for books that flat-out dazzle me.