Annalisa Vega is back investigating a cold case she isn’t assigned to and not permitted to look into as well as a present-day murder of a policeman.

She has a hunch that both cases are related, and the murderer is the same person.

There was not enough evidence to convict this person for the first murder twenty years ago, and it looks like there isn’t enough this time either.

Annalisa is determined to prove she is right when everyone is telling her she has it all wrong.

Things happen while she is digging up evidence, but it made someone angry, and now she might be a suspect.

I always enjoy Ms. Schaffhausen’s books. Her story lines keep you glued to the pages.

Fans of Annalisa will again be treated to her amazing detective work.

Even though it is Book #2, you can read LONG GONE as a standalone.

This one will have the most cunning sleuths guessing incorrectly. 5/5

This book was given to me by the publisher for an honest review

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Annalisa Vega is a Chicago detective, who made her first appearance in Gone for Good, where she solved a 20 year old cold case, but enormously complicated her own life in the process. I would definitely read that one before this one - a lot happened there that is still reverberating in this second entry in the series.

Annalise is still a detective, and is still partnered with her ex-husband, an interesting dynamic in itself! Because of the events in the first book, she is still the brunt of a good bit of hostility from her fellow police, but she's still doggedly tenacious in doing her job. She and Nick, her partner, are called to the scene of a shooting, where Leo, a police officer has been shot. He was a member of a group of 4 police officers, who were known for solving numerous crimes, primarily drug busts, but who also had an enormous number of complaints against them. One of the suspects, Moe, was a suspect in an earlier murder, against whom there was not enough evidence to convict, but this leads Annalisa to revisit that case as well.

There are a fair number of possible suspects in Leo's murder - his current young wife, his ex-wife and children from his first marriage, numerous people who he has harassed and sent to prison (justly or not), Moe, and perhaps the remaining members of his group. And was this just directed at Leo, or is he merely the first?

Meanwhile, Annalisa is dealing with personal and family complications, stemming from the events of the last book, as well.

I very much enjoyed this - it's a quick ride, and hard to put down. Annalisa is an interesting character - very honest, smart, and dedicated - but certainly not a superhero. She makes mistakes, and sometimes I found myself cringing, saying "no, don't do THAT," but I couldn't help liking her and rooting for her all the way!

I became an instant Joanna Schaffhausen fan when I discovered her Ellery Hathaway series. Although disappointed to see that one end, the Annalisa Vega series is just as good. Vega is a complex, interesting and likeable main character, a smart detective with a backstory that drives her decisions and actions in her personal and professional lives. As Long Gone opens, Vega and her partner (who happens to be her ex-husband) are called to a murder scene in the middle of the night: a cop shot dead in his bed. Their investigation reveals multiple suspects, including the prime suspect in a 20-year old murder that resonates with Vega in more ways than one, and she soon finds herself trying to solve both cases. But her tendency to chase leads on her own could end up costing Annalisa her career. Or her life. Even though I was pretty sure I'd figured out what was going on before the reveals, this is a well written, character-driven book that kept me hooked and satisfied to the end.

3.5 murder stars

In book two of this series, we meet up again with Detective Annalisa Vega and her ex-husband/partner Nick. Annalisa is still reeling from turning her cop father and brother in for a long-ago crime.

This book opens with the death of Detective Leo Hammond, and Annalisa and Nick are on the case. Moe Bocks, a car salesman, is the prime suspect. Looking into Moe’s past, Annalisa and Nick are soon drawn into another unsolved mysterious murder.

Danger seems to follow Annalisa as she digs into the truth and other cops aren’t happy that she is digging around in their old cases. Can she solve the case before more dead bodies pile up?

This one had a lot of characters and murders to keep track of and I just wasn’t as drawn into it as I was with the first book. I do like police procedurals, but I just didn’t find the characters as likeable in this one.

Long Gone by Joanna Schaffhausen
(Detective Annalisa Vega #2)

Chicago detective Annalisa Vega has a botched up life. Her role in solving a long ago murder has ruined her relationships with her family, cops she has to work with, and a long ago boyfriend who might have been a part of her life again. What she does have is an ex husband detective partner, Nick, who wants back in her life in a more personal way, but that could lead to more hurt than Annalisa can handle at this point in her life.

Luckily there is a lot to keep Annalisa busy. Her best friend/former sister in law, is now dating a guy who was suspected of a murder, years ago. And an old timer, old school detective turns up dead, a guy who was famed or infamous for being part of the Fantastic Four, known for their high crime solve rate. Once Annalisa and Nick look deeper into the past of these four old timer cops, they don't look so fantastic anymore.

What we end up with is bodies, past and present, and too many characters for me to keep straight. I like a good mystery but I don't want to have to keep notes while I read a book. To call this mystery complicated would be an understatement. Add into the mystery that Annalisa puts herself into such dangerous situations, running headlong into places she should not go, especially alone, and I was getting pretty frustrated with the complications and Annalisa's judgement. But I do have a very good read on Annalisa now and won't expect her to ever sit by and not jump into the middle of whatever catches her attention. She is the last person to try to make a partner, boss, parent, or anyone else happy. She is always going to be stirring the pot, at risk of life and limb and career.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books/SMPInfluencers and NetGalley for this ARC.

Joanna Schaffhausen’s Annalisa Vega series is fantastic! Especially since she usually has two mysteries going at the same time. Annalisa teams up again with her partner and ex-husband Nick….in addition to solving two murders will they resolve their relationship. GREAT book!

After reading the first book in this series, I could not wait for the next one! Long Gone does not disappoint. The series revolves around the life of police detective, Annalisa Vega, as she solves her current and other detectives’ cold cases.

The only tiny issue I had was that I had read the first book in the series a while back, so I could not remember all the details that follow through to Book 2. It took me a bit of time reading to reacquaint me with what happened in Book 1. Reading the series at one time would be ideal, but many of the details from Book 1 are mentioned and explained in the second book.

Long Gone was well-written, and I felt the author took the time to develop her characters thoroughly. I am already looking forward to the third book in this series!

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions stated above are my own.

4.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an egalley in exchange for an honest review

The second book in the Detective Annalisa Vega series was so darn good! When the story begins, Annalisa and her ex-husband and police partner, Nick Caravelli, are called to the stylish Chicago home of a fellow police officer found dead with only his second wife as an eye-witness. The killer, it seems, has fled in scuba diving gear. If the life of the victim didn't already present its challenges, the investigation also leads Annalisa and Nick to look into an unsolved murder of a young woman, twenty years ago. But her fellow police officers are not to keen on Annalisa's involvement in the investigation and someone lurks in the shadows, ready to make sure that she stays silent.

Annalisa Vega is in a three way tie with Erika Foster and Lottie Parker for my affections. Yet, I don't believe these three could survive in the same procedural room. In addition to the investigation, Annalisa's family problems are just as intriguing to me as a reader and I loved that Joanna Schaffhausen continues to give us an eye into the Vega family. I feel empathy for Annalisa's situation and I was happy with a few outcomes of possible reconciliation with particular members of her family. Hopefully, this will also trickle down to the thin blue line.🤞

If you're a reader who enjoys your female detectives to be stubborn and quick to figure out crimes, then I highly recommend that this series might be perfect for you.




Expected publication date 09/08/22
Goodreads review published 06/07/22

A year and half after turning her dad and brother in for murder, disgraced Detective Annalisa Vega is struggling personally and professionally. The fallout is taking an almost unbearable toll on her. Will the investigation of a well known cop's murder be her opportunity to turn things around?

I'm officially a fan of the Annalisa Vega series. After devouring Gone for Good, I immediately began Long Gone. The second book in the series did not disappoint! In order to find the killer, Annalisa must investigate two interconnected murders. These cases become more complex as more secrets, complicated relationships, and bad choices are revealed. The many twists and turns in the investigation keep you guessing about what actually happened. Additionally, I liked the way the author integrated Annalisa's family drama and personal entanglements without detracting from the story.

If you are looking for a fast-paced police procedural with a determined female lead, you must check out Long Gone. I can't wait to see what's next for Annalisa Vega!

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the digital copy of this book. This voluntary review reflects my honest opinion.

OUTLIER ALERT!

In book two of the series, Annalisa Vega and her ex-husband and partner, Nick Carrelli are called to investigate the murder of Leo Hammond.

Leo was a member of the “Fantastic Four” a unit of cops with an UNUSUALLY high rate of “solved” cases.

This was a unit of cops who seemed interchangeable to me among this LARGE cast of characters! I kept getting these men confused as the author sometimes referred to them by first name, and other times by last names.

Upon arrival on the scene, Leo’s wife, Kayla, claims that the suspect was wearing full scuba gear, when he entered their home.

He is dubbed, “The Frogman”.

When Moe Bocks, a fast talking used car salesman who most people believe got away with a murder years ago, becomes a suspect in this crime-Annalisa decides to try to solve that cold case as well-despite being told by her superior, in no uncertain terms-to leave it alone.

BUT- she can’t!!

Moe is now dating her former sister-in-law, Sassy, who is also a friend, and the mother to her two nieces!

So Annalisa is going to continue to investigate both cases, at any cost!

***

Joanna Schaffhausen has scores of fans, who will find this book satisfying!

But, I find that both series are too FORMULAIC for my tastes.

In the Ellery Reed series, we had Ellery who was brilliant but reckless-following leads on her own and leaving her partner out of the loop. Ellery often goes against her superior’s orders, and gets herself in trouble. And, she is constantly rescued by her love interest-Reed- a man she continually pushes away, despite her feelings for him.

In this series, we have Annalisa, who is brilliant but reckless-following leads on her own and leaving her partner out of the loop. Annalisa goes against her superior’s orders and gets in trouble. And, she is constantly rescued by her partner, Nick, who is also a love interest despite her constantly pushing him away despite some unresolved feelings for him.

Sure, the back stories which explain both of these complicated relationships are different, but all of the books follow a predictable path.

Many readers enjoy books like these! Look how many Stephanie Plum books there are, despite a predictable formula and continuing love triangle!! (Janet Evanovich’s wildly popular series is at #28 and counting? )

Nothing wrong with that at all!
Many readers look forward to seeing this dynamic play out in each installment.

But, it just doesn’t work for me!

And, now that I can see that this series will probably follow a similar path to the Ellery Hathaway series, I will leave reviews for the future books in the series, to other reviewers, who are enjoy her writing more.

Thank You to Minotaur books for the invitation to read this in exchange for a candid review!

AVAILABLE on August 9th, 2022.

Annalisa Vega is back and quite frankly, not better than ever. After exposing a murder her brother committed and her father covered up, she is persona non grata with Chicago PD. So who better to investigate the death of a "hero" cop that may have just been bad, and possibly dirty? Annalisa can't fall any further right? Except for Annalisa, in her pursuit of justice, can't help digging into a cold case connected to Leo Hammond's murder, and she continually circumvents the rules to do so. She may also be so focused on solving the cold case that more people will die on her active case. There's certainly a difference between Annalisa's current pursuit of justice, and her father looking the other way to it being served in the past, but a dogged and stubborn determination that causes Annalisa to ignore the rules puts her in grave danger. There are people out there that don't want the past exposed and they're willing to do whatever it takes to keep it secret - including an attempt at framing Annalisa that leaves her pursuing justice without the weight of her badge to back it up. Once again, Schaffhausen creates dueling crime story lines, active and cold, that eventually have a connection as the book plays out and a protagonist capable of solving them, but not without the risk of paying a personal price. Nick Caravelli, Annalisa's ex-husband, returns in the story once again as her partner professionally and in a personal way that teases the reader about their future, as well as Annalisa's first love, a major character in the first book who makes a reappearance in Long Gone. Annalisa still has familial and romantic entanglements to sort out, so it's likely the reader will see her again in the future, and I personally am looking forward to it. A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Long Gone is the second in the Annalisa Vega series and it’s as action packed as the first.
Annalisa is an interesting character. She’s a detective, still working with her ex-husband as her partner. She’s estranged from her family for turning her ex-cop father in for his role in a murder. And to say she has strong opinions about her best friend’s current beau is an understatement. She’s also perennially in trouble with her superior for not obeying orders, like standing down from a line of inquiry.
She’s currently investigating the unusual murder of a policeman. He was one of the Fantastic Four, a squad responsible for solving multiple crimes above the average. She’s also looking into a cold case for which themurdered cop was lead detective.
I enjoyed this story as good entertainment. I had trouble believing parts of it, but it didn’t dampen my enjoyment. There are some well done twists. And I had no clue who was behind either of the murders she’s investigating.
This can easily be read as a stand-alone as the reader is given sufficient background information.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.

At this point, Joanna Schaffhausen is my "go-to" author for mysteries that star a female detective. I loved the Ellery Hathaway series, and Annalise Vega has worked her way into my bookish heart <3. Note: This is book 2 in the series, and while book 1 is not 100% necessary, read book 1 first. Everything flows better and makes more sense that way.

Things I enjoy about this series:
-the mystery!! While I tried to "guess" the murderer throughout the whole story, I was definitely along for the ride. All "reveals" were interesting, moved the story forward, and felt believable within the timeline provided. The ending was exactly where the story needed to go.
-the characters! Annalise is not perfect, and her imperfections do not make her a difficult character to enjoy. Too many stories have flawed MCs that are difficult to sympathize with- not a problem with this book!
--everything! That might be a bit much, but this is a series that I look forward to reading, so I have to be overly excited about it.

Thank you Netgalley and St Martin's press for an advanced e-copy of this book. Long Gone will be published on August 9th, 2022. This is contemporary mystery gold!

Sometimes you get the wrong idea : things happen you so believe the worse and then All Hell breaks! No one to trust not even yourself?

I waited soo friggen long to get my hands on this book and damn it did not disappoint. Be sure to read book one, GONE FOR GOOD, before reading this one. It is not 100% necessary but in order to understand some of the backstory, you will need to. Without spoiling anything from book one, I shall try ro review this.

Because of what happened in Gone for Good, Annalisa is being treated like she has the plague. She lost her family, and the respect of her precinct. So when a Detective turns up dead in his own home, Annalisa doesn't have anything else to lose so she investigates it.

This was another PERFECT police procedural by @joannaschaffhausen. I instantly fell back in love with all the characters and the storyline. Long Gone, was filled with so many twists and turns, I honestly had no idea who the Murderer was. Or who we could even trust. It seemed like once again, Annalisa found herself in a lose-lose situation but she never stopped doing what was right. HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading all of Schaffhausen's books.

Chicago detective Annalisa Vega shattered her life, personally and professionally, when she turned in her ex-cop father for his role in a murder. Her family can’t forgive her. Her fellow officers no longer trust her. So when detective Leo Hammond turns up dead in a bizarre murder, Annalisa thinks she has nothing to lose by investigating whatever secrets he hid behind the thin blue line. I have always enjoyed this series even though I am often annoyed and frustrated by the lead character. This story is heavily rooted in the past which adds to the suspense of this story. I can't wait for the next in the series. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.

Joanna Schaffhausen is a master of intrigue and suspense. Her latest in the Chicago-based Annalisa Vega series is sophisticated and captivating. Annalisa is getting over turning two of her police officer family members in for murder when she is called upon to once again investigate a fellow cop's murder. Her investigation takes her on a wild ride of deception and long-held misconceptions which she is tasked to dispel. The more she learns, the more she puts her own life in serious danger.

Schaffhausen consistently delivers phenomenal books with multiple layers of mystery and profound character development. The twisty plot delivers more than one surprise. Her characters do not remain stagnant, as with some authors, and it is a delight to witness their growth from book to book. Schaffhausen is on top of her game and both newcomers and returning fans will be eager to read this.

Joanna Schaffhausen hits it out of the park again. Detective Vega and her partner are in pursuit of yet another murderer on the streets of Chicago, and of course there are twists, turns, and surprises, along with family drama and complicated relationships. This book series would make an excellent movie or tv series. I can't wait for the next installment!

I enjoyed this latest installment in the Detective Vega storyline. Sometimes I hated Annalisa and her many antics but the pace was breakneck and reckless and any good book needs that too. Crime and punishment sometimes comes in different levels and many lives are affected. Figuring out the plot was full of suspense and the ending was the tie together to make it comforting but wanting more. Can't wait for the next one.

Thank you Netgalley for this arc

Joanna Schaffhausen has done it again! The second Detective Vega book did not disappoint. I enjoyed seeing how Vega dealt with the fallout from the end of book one and the relationship between her and Nick. If you enjoyed the first book, you'll enjoy this one. Vega continues to be the perfect thriller heroine.