Rating - 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - January 8, 2024
Publication Date - January 23, 2024

*I received an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @abwrites, @htpbooks and @netgalley!

There are many twists and turns, like mini mysteries within the bigger mystery, which I enjoyed. It made it harder to predict the answers to each mystery. I got lost sometimes but so did the characters, which made it feel like we were figuring everything out together! You might guess who did something and still be surprised about what happens next. I also enjoyed that there were hints of romance, even though it was not the main plot.

I do not agree with many of the opinions on homelessness and addictions that are held by the characters in this book but I was able to put that aside and still enjoy the story. I found that it does play into myths and misconceptions held by society, so please be aware of that when reading. I think it creates a good opportunity for readers to do their own research and learn more about why those beliefs are not necessarily fact.

Overall, The Missing Witness is a great thriller that will keep you on your toes and even has some romance to reach a broader audience!

Get excited to read The Missing Witness, available January 23, 2024! 🎉

*Please check trigger warnings*

Kara Quinn has been called back to Los Angeles to testify in the case against David Chen, a human trafficker. Months ago, Kara went undercover to expose David Chen’s operation, bringing women in from China for forced labor in LA sweatshops. However, things go terribly wrong the night of the raid and Kara’s informant as well as her partner Colton are murdered. Kara was forced to relocate as David Chen put a price on her head. After assisting Matt Costa and his FBI Mobile Response Team back in the first installment, Matt arranged for Kara to come work for him on loan from the LAPD.

Now with the case against David Chen finally going to trial Kara’s days with the Mobile Response Team may be coming to an end. However, when Chen is shot the whole case starts to come undone. Kara, Matt, and Michael must piece together why Chen was killed and the plot is more complex and deeper than they imagined. Homeless assistance programs, corrupt city officials, leaks in the Los Angeles FBI office factor into their investigation. Plus, FBI Agent Bryce Thornton is still gunning for Kara’s badge. They have an ugly history.

The Missing Witness was a crime procedural with many layers. Kara reunites with the LAPD, and it’s bittersweet for her. This is what Kara’s been working toward, a chance to get her life and career back in LA, but things aren’t as she imagined. Kara’s become attached to working with Matt and his team of agents, solving cases all over the US. She’s become attached to Matt as well, albeit reluctantly. Matt’s been a steady rock for Kara as she works through relationship issues. I’ve enjoyed seeing them draw closer.

Living in California, I’m disheartened to hear the story is based in part on the homeless crisis here. So many of the facts defy logic!

I love Allison Brennan’s brand of mystery/crime procedurals! She blends complex characters, their relationships, and current topics into a riveting mystery! I breezed right through, glued to the pages, eager to see how it all turned out! I’ve grown attached to all the characters on Matt’s team, each being fleshed out a little more with each installment. The series is best read in order. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of MIRA. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I’ve been loving Allison Brennan since I read one of her novel and found it weill plotted, entertaining and gripping. This series improves with each new instalment and I like how the author deals with social issues (human trafficking, homelessness) and include them in her story.
Kara is a clever and strong woman and I liked how she wasn’t frightened by the menaces and how she collaborated to solve this complex thriller.
Gripping, full of surprising twists, heartbreaking at times.
Strongly recommended
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to MIRA for this ARC, all opinions are mine

LOS ANGELES – The 2023 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count results were released today, showing a 9% rise in homelessness on any given night in Los Angeles County to an estimated 75,518 people and a 10% rise in the City of Los Angeles to an estimated 46,260 people.

A human trafficking case from detective Kara Quinn’s recent past reminds her how haunted she is by Sunny’s death. Sunny was instrumental when it came to Kara's trying to stop a trafficking ring. Now back in Los Angeles, Kara is set to testify against the person who was running the human trafficking in the case where Sunny was killed. Because of her impending testimony, there is a vendetta against Kara.

Then the story goes back and forth to Violet, whose mother is one of the victims of homelessness. Her mother is one, like many others, who fell victim to the drug epidemic. Addicts, as the book mentions, are on a “…slippery slope of desperation". It was impossible not to feel compassion for the people in this book, and of course, real life, which is why I included stats about Los Angeles above.

Even before the trial begins, the prosecuting DDA is stabbed, and this increases the danger that Kara is facing. It becomes patently clear that there is a high level of corruption and this places Kara's life at risk more than once.

There is a missing witness and both Kara and FBA SSA Matt Costa are determined to get to the bottom of things in this desperate case. Time. Time. Time. Will it run out?

Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

another twisty turn follow up to the quinn series. Allison Brennan keep up the hard work on these thrillers. They hit every time

Kara Quinn, on loan from the LAPD to the FBI, is finally headed back to LA to testify in a trial. A trial that has put her life in danger for the past few months. When the defendant, Chen, is shot down in cold blood outside the courthouse and another involved in the case is killed in front of Kara, things really heat up. Violet saw who killed Chen, but is now the missing witness. She is tied to another case about fraud with grants for the homeless, but could the two be connected? Many are looking for Violet, but who can she trust? In this book that’s a big question. Police and FBI corruption abound and as answers are sought to help solve the cases, twists and turns have all of us asking that same question. Will Matt and Kara be able to solve the crime before anyone else gets killed (including themselves)? Quinn takes us into the streets and the homeless camps. Highlighting the corruption that goes on with the grants that are received to help. When big money is involved greed takes over and trouble ensues. Looking forward to the next Quinn and Costas case! Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Well Researched and Wonderfully Written


I must express my renewed admiration for Allison Brennan, as I found myself thoroughly enjoying "The Missing Witness." Being a long-time fan who has sporadically delved into her works, this novel, the 5th installment in the Quinn & Costa series, proved to be a delightful one-day read. Despite not having read the preceding books, the narrative was engaging, and any missed backstory only heightened my eagerness to explore the series from the beginning – I've already acquired the first book.

The storyline revolves around a gripping case of human trafficking, where the accused meets a tragic end, and the key witness vanishes. While the plot is undeniably compelling, what truly captivated me was the poignant opening. Allison Brennan skillfully portrays the harsh realities of homelessness and drug addiction, delivering a narrative that feels uncomfortably real. This raw depiction resonated deeply, drawing me into the story with an authentic and impactful touch.

I extend my gratitude to Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA, and NetGalley for granting me access to an eARC of "The Missing Witness." The experience was both enlightening and enjoyable, reaffirming my appreciation for Allison Brennan's storytelling prowess.

A great continuation in the Costa and Quinn series.
I am enjoying seeing the growth in Kara and Matt’s relationship.
A fast paced story that keeps you engaged.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book was so engrossing and fast paced my heart felt like it was jumping out of my chest numerous times!!! From beginning to end I was hooked. I loved that it didn’t show the GLITZ AND GLAMOUR side of LA that are so often shown in books but also spotlighted the not so nice parts that need reform (ie the homelessness, mental health crises, and substance abuse issues that plague the city, that they have more than enough money to tackle but choose to put towards other means)! The whole book (and the rest of the books in the series) totally lends itself to a Netflix or other streaming platform show!!! SOOO SOOO OUTRAGEOUSLY GOOD!

If you like crime/court procedurals with a some real social issues thrown in this book would be PERFECT for you!

4.5⭐️

⭐️THIS BOOK IS OUT NOW⭐️

Special thanks to NetGalley @htpbooks and @_mira_books_ for the review copy in exchange for my honest review❤️

#themissingwitness #allisonbrennan #mirabooks #htpbooks

The Missing Witness is the 5th book in the Quinn & Costa. I will say right off the bat that I had not read the previous books in the series, and while it was clear there was some backstory I was missing out on I’m more than thrilled to say that didn’t hinder my enjoyment of The Missing Witness in the least. (Only made me interested in reading the series from the beginning.) The book centers around a human trafficking case where the accused is murdered and the witness to that crime goes missing. It’s an excellent story, but honestly what really hooked me was the opening. Allison Brennan’s portrayal of the homeless plight and drug addiction is hard hitting, totally believable, may even be a bit too real for those who’ve known anyone who has ever been in such situations, but it was that realism that just drew me right in. Thanks so much to Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA, and NetGalley for allowing me access to an eARC of The Missing Witness.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-missing-witness-allison-brennan/1143446385?ean=9780778369653&bvnotificationId=5c3950d2-ba3f-11ee-ba81-0ef28ef729b5&bvmessageType=REVIEW_APPROVED&bvrecipientDomain=gmail.com#review/269821050

Quinn and Costa are tasked with finding a missing witness. But they are finding it hard to know who to trust. They find themselves in the midst of corrupt city politics. It also breaks open the awful state of the Californis homeless. It is gripping and I didn’t want it to end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Missing Witness is the fifth installment in the wonderful Quinn and Costa series that just keeps getting better and better with each book. Allison Brennan’s storytelling is phenomenal, and I know I can’t get enough of this series and this author’s books. The reader has been waiting since book one, The Third to Die, when we got introduced to Kara, Matt and the rest of the Mobile Response team. It’s been leading up to this particular case of Kara’s and I know I am not the only one who was on teeter hooks to see how it would end up for her as well as for the FBI team she has been on loan with. The writing is top notch with so many twists and turns I really didn’t see them coming as I flipped the pages to see what is next. This is testament to the author’s wonderful storytelling. This is an author who knows how to craft a story filled with twists that will draw the reader in until the very last page.

We met Kara Quinn in the first book, The Third to Doe and I know I wasn’t the only one who found the prickly detective compelling and intriguing. I enjoyed each of the series books, but THE MISSING WITNESS puts them on Kara’s turf in Los Angeles and we finally see what happens when the trafficker is determined to see pay for his crimes finally face justice when it all goes sideways. The characters are what make this series such a wonderful entertaining read. They are flawed, complex people and the reader can’t help but find yourself rooting for them. I really enjoy Kara’s relationship with the FBI team as each book in the series kept it growing between them and the reader is shown how Kara is and why she is the way she was.

The Missing Witness is one wild ride right from the beginning to the last page. I am really hoping the author continues this series as it really is quite different from other FBI series I have read, and the characters continue to grow and learn with each book. If you are looking for an action-packed ride with compelling characters and a fast-paced storyline, then I highly recommend this series as a whole. I do recommend reading from the beginning as each book builds upon the end and we get to see the growth of the main characters with each book.

I loved this book!

After the detailed build up of these multiple complex cases, figuring out the characters involved, wondering if they were clean, or dirty, had me hooked and didn’t want to stop reading this addictive story. There were many twists and turns that really added so much. The ending was just right and I’m wanting to see more from this team.

Thanks to NetGalley & the Harlequin for an early copy! I’m definitely adding the rest of series to my tbr stack! Posted 1,23.24 to my instagram book account @theendlessstack & Goodreads.

This is book five in a series that I have not read the previous books. I felt quite lost through much of the book and highly recommend reading the series from the beginning.

Even not having read the previous books I can tell that fans of this series are going to love it. There are many enjoyable twists and turns and, it appears, some new characters being added.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the 5th book in the Detective Quinn and FBI Agent Costa Series; I had not read any of the series prior to this and felt lost from the beginning. I needed the background of what was going on in order to fully understand. I will be going back a reading them hoping to get some things cleared up.

Without reading the previous books I still think that this book was full of twists and turns; it kept me engaged throughout and I enjoyed it!

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and author for my ARC!

This is book 5 in the series and I recommend reading the previous books to get the most out of this one.

Kara Quinn is an LAPD cop assigned to Matheus Costa's FBI team. who are investigating the federal & state programs to house the homeless. Violet Halliday is a city hall IT tech rebuilding a crashed server when she realizes records related to housing the homeless are missing from the database. When a lawyer begins an investigation and asks for Kara's help, Kara finds herself a witness to his murder.

Allison Brennan explores the fraud and graft that can happen when checks and balances aren't in place to provide accountability for vast amounts of money.

This fast-paced novel involves a twisted path to justice, and a revelation in Kara's personal life and romantic leadings.

Great series because of the two lead characters. Kara Quinn and Matt Costa. They just work so well together, it makes it easy to fall right into the story, which is the mark of a great book for me. The Missing Witness is the fifth book in the series, but they can be read standalone as enough back story is there to enhance the reading of this series.

Kara Quinn heads back to LA where she had been undercover to testify at the case that sent her to the Mobile Response Team when her cover was blown. I like Kara’s struggle here with returning to LA. The action starts right away and doesn’t stop which I absolutely loved about this book. The pace is quick, the action moves along at a great clip throughout, with breaks to catch your breath just in the right place.

The relationship between Kara and Matt also grows in this installment. I love how things are progressing here and here’s where I do like the slower pace of their building relationship. I just really like this aspect of the overall story and it is what draws me into the series. I know I’m going to get a great story from this author, but it’s the romance that brings me back.

Overall, a very satisfying suspenseful story. If you haven’t tried this series and author, I would recommend checking out Quinn & Costa!

Kara is back in LA to testify against an infamous human trafficker. But, when the trafficker is shot in broad daylight, it turns the case inside out. Secrets start to surface and Kara Quinn has no idea who to believe.

This is part of the Quinn and Costa series. It is not necessary that you read them in order. But it is nice to have a backstory about these two and their past.

Quinn and Costa are a great pair. And Kara Quinn is at her best in this book. I love how she questions everything and everyone…including her friends. She knows someone is lying and she will not stop! And of course, Matt Costa is her calming influence. He can bring Kara back to earth.

This story has the reader all over the place wondering what is going to happen next. The hunt for the truth keeps everyone guessing. This is a fast paced thriller you do not want to miss.

Need a good mystery with a chase…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

📚✨ Book Review ✨📚

Allison Brennan delivers another gripping installment in the Quinn & Costa series with 'The Missing Witness.' Detective Kara Quinn's return to Los Angeles for a human trafficking trial takes a perilous turn when a key witness vanishes, throwing her into a vortex of murder, mystery, and explosive secrets.
Brennan's writing skillfully weaves a tapestry of suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns. The dynamic partnership between Kara Quinn and FBI special agent Matt Costa adds depth to the narrative, blending romance seamlessly into the heart-pounding suspense.
'The Missing Witness' is a well-crafted police procedural, featuring a strong female protagonist and a labyrinth of conspiracies. Brennan's vivid descriptions and fast-paced storytelling make this novel a definite page-turner, offering a thrilling and entertaining experience for fans of romantic suspense.

Very grateful to the publisher for this review copy, opinions are my own

Another story with Detective Kara Quinn at the center, but this one felt different, she is back on her home turf in Los Angeles, CA and what starts as a normal visit with her testifying in the case that made her leave the city. But of course, nothing is normal and things go down hill very quickly with murder, shady cops and a whole lot of investigating.

Before I go further as I said yesterday with the previous book in this series, I really suggest the reader starting at book one in this series as the character development from book to book is important and it helps to know where Kara Quinn has been before you go into this one.

This book felt different from the others, but that was a problem for me, the only thing was the HUGE cast of characters to keep straight. From LAPD to FBI to non police officers, this book had such a huge cast and it took a lot of concentration to keep everyone straight. AND of course some are the culprit, so having to keep my eye on them made for some slower reading, but that was not because of the pace. The pacing in this book was fantastic, while I may have personally slowed down so I could gather all of the evidence, Allison Brennan keeps the plot moving and from one bomb shell to another, this book kept going and going!

I wonder if this is the last of the Kara Quinn series, I wouldn't mind more and see where she goes after this one concluded.