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Charlie Mack Motown Mystery #3
Catch Me When I'm Falling
Someone is murdering the homeless in Detroit’s Cass Corridor―by immolation. These horrific crimes wouldn’t require an investigation by Charlie Mack and her crack team investigators, except one of the burned bodies is her mother’s friend. There’s a lot wrong with this the police won’t admit a serial killer is on the loose, drug trafficking intersects with the deaths, and a rogue cop is involved. The timing also couldn’t be worse―Charlie and Mandy are finally moving in together. This case becomes the most difficult of Charlie's career when she transforms herself into a street person, and mixes with the corridor’s gangs, do-gooders, and the down-and-out to uncover evidence the police can’t continue to ignore.
203 pages, Paperback
First published March 19, 2019
11 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl A. Head
13 books268 followersShe/Her. Introvert, solver of puzzles, righter of fictional wrongs. I write the Anthony Award nominated Charlie Mack Motown Mystery series-two-time, Lambda Literary Award Finalist, Goldie Winner. Jeopardy Clue in February 2025,
Time's Undoing, published by Dutton Books and based on a true story, is a finalist for the L.A. Book Prize, Anthony, Agatha, and Strand Critics Award.
Time's Undoing, published by Dutton Books and based on a true story, is a finalist for the L.A. Book Prize, Anthony, Agatha, and Strand Critics Award.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 27, 2020
This is my favorite installment so far. Not only do we get a mystery but we get much more of a character driven story so that means more of Charlie's personality and insecurities and we even get more background and character development in the secondary characters. LOVED this. Full review to come.
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
June 10, 2019
I don't read too many mysteries, but I enjoyed this book by Cheryl A. Head partly because her African American lesbian detective, Charlie Mack, is intriguing. The detective series is set in Detroit, where Mack is head of a diverse detective firm.
I was drawn to this particular book because it's about murders of homeless people. Mack shows a good understanding of homeless people's lives. The story is moving as well as fast-paced.
I was drawn to this particular book because it's about murders of homeless people. Mack shows a good understanding of homeless people's lives. The story is moving as well as fast-paced.
June 21, 2022
Really good Charlie Mack mystery centered on the homeless community.
July 20, 2020
Content Note: For trans folks who pick this up, there is a trans character death. Yes, that’s a spoiler, but it was upsetting to me, and may upset others. Other than that plot point, which I think could have been handled differently, I liked the characters and story.
March 22, 2019
A superlative mystery thriller on many levels!
Washington DC author Cheryl A. Head has stated that her career as a writer, television producer, filmmaker, broadcast executive, and media funder ‘has taken me to every continent except Antarctica and Australia. I'm an ardent observer and listener, always trying to connect the dots, and now is the time to marry my experiences with the craft of writing, and the art of storytelling. Much of what I write focuses on the themes of diversity (in its broadest sense), acculturation and tolerance. Sometimes with a bit of danger and always with a lot of humor, food and music. I've written (the highly awarded) ‘Long Way Home: A World War II Novel’, short stories about families and other relationships and I've completed the first installment of a detective series called The Charlie Mack Mysteries – ‘Bury Me When I’m Dead’ - which brings lesbian private investigator, Charlene Mack to life as she grapples with her sexuality, solves a missing-person case, and cares for her mother with early onset Alzheimer's.’ Now following the success of her first two Charlie Mack novels, Cheryl brings us the further adventures of Charlie Mack in CATCH ME WHEN I’M FALLING. Originally from Detroit, Cheryl has an affinity for the flavor and history of Motown and she uses that very well in this third installment of her series. She writes with great skill and has that ability to relate quality mystery with hefty dollops of humor that make the book ring to the last words.
‘Someone is murdering the homeless in Detroit’s Cass Corridor—by immolation. These horrific crimes wouldn’t require an investigation by Charlie Mack and her crack team investigators, except one of the burned bodies is identified as her mother’s friend. There’s a lot wrong with this case: the police won’t admit a serial killer is on the loose, drug trafficking intersects with the deaths, and a rogue cop is involved. The timing also couldn’t be worse—Charlie and Mandy are finally moving in together. This case becomes the most difficult of Charlie's career when she transforms herself into a street person, and mixes with the corridor’s gangs, do-gooders, and the down-and-out to uncover evidence the police can’t continue to ignore.’
That is the plot outline, but the pleasure of Cheryl’s book is immersing yourself in the fever-pitch drama she writes with such finesse. For this reader this Book 3 of this series is the finest:: though all of the books are excellent, this one shoots like a rocket - it is exhilarating. Highly Recommended.
Washington DC author Cheryl A. Head has stated that her career as a writer, television producer, filmmaker, broadcast executive, and media funder ‘has taken me to every continent except Antarctica and Australia. I'm an ardent observer and listener, always trying to connect the dots, and now is the time to marry my experiences with the craft of writing, and the art of storytelling. Much of what I write focuses on the themes of diversity (in its broadest sense), acculturation and tolerance. Sometimes with a bit of danger and always with a lot of humor, food and music. I've written (the highly awarded) ‘Long Way Home: A World War II Novel’, short stories about families and other relationships and I've completed the first installment of a detective series called The Charlie Mack Mysteries – ‘Bury Me When I’m Dead’ - which brings lesbian private investigator, Charlene Mack to life as she grapples with her sexuality, solves a missing-person case, and cares for her mother with early onset Alzheimer's.’ Now following the success of her first two Charlie Mack novels, Cheryl brings us the further adventures of Charlie Mack in CATCH ME WHEN I’M FALLING. Originally from Detroit, Cheryl has an affinity for the flavor and history of Motown and she uses that very well in this third installment of her series. She writes with great skill and has that ability to relate quality mystery with hefty dollops of humor that make the book ring to the last words.
‘Someone is murdering the homeless in Detroit’s Cass Corridor—by immolation. These horrific crimes wouldn’t require an investigation by Charlie Mack and her crack team investigators, except one of the burned bodies is identified as her mother’s friend. There’s a lot wrong with this case: the police won’t admit a serial killer is on the loose, drug trafficking intersects with the deaths, and a rogue cop is involved. The timing also couldn’t be worse—Charlie and Mandy are finally moving in together. This case becomes the most difficult of Charlie's career when she transforms herself into a street person, and mixes with the corridor’s gangs, do-gooders, and the down-and-out to uncover evidence the police can’t continue to ignore.’
That is the plot outline, but the pleasure of Cheryl’s book is immersing yourself in the fever-pitch drama she writes with such finesse. For this reader this Book 3 of this series is the finest:: though all of the books are excellent, this one shoots like a rocket - it is exhilarating. Highly Recommended.
April 24, 2019
Washington DC author Cheryl A. Head has stated that her career as a writer, television producer, filmmaker, broadcast executive, and media funder ‘has taken me to every continent except Antarctica and Australia. I'm an ardent observer and listener, always trying to connect the dots, and now is the time to marry my experiences with the craft of writing, and the art of storytelling. Much of what I write focuses on the themes of diversity (in its broadest sense), acculturation and tolerance. Sometimes with a bit of danger and always with a lot of humor, food and music. I've written (the highly awarded) ‘Long Way Home: A World War II Novel’, short stories about families and other relationships and I've completed the first installment of a detective series called The Charlie Mack Mysteries – ‘Bury Me When I’m Dead’ - which brings lesbian private investigator, Charlene Mack to life as she grapples with her sexuality, solves a missing-person case, and cares for her mother with early onset Alzheimer's.’ Now following the success of her first two Charlie Mack novels, Cheryl brings us the further adventures of Charlie Mack in CATCH ME WHEN I’M FALLING. Originally from Detroit, Cheryl has an affinity for the flavor and history of Motown and she uses that very well in this third installment of her series. She writes with great skill and has that ability to relate quality mystery with hefty dollops of humor that make the book ring to the last words.
‘Someone is murdering the homeless in Detroit’s Cass Corridor—by immolation. These horrific crimes wouldn’t require an investigation by Charlie Mack and her crack team investigators, except one of the burned bodies is identified as her mother’s friend. There’s a lot wrong with this case: the police won’t admit a serial killer is on the loose, drug trafficking intersects with the deaths, and a rogue cop is involved. The timing also couldn’t be worse—Charlie and Mandy are finally moving in together. This case becomes the most difficult of Charlie's career when she transforms herself into a street person, and mixes with the corridor’s gangs, do-gooders, and the down-and-out to uncover evidence the police can’t continue to ignore.’
That is the plot outline, but the pleasure of Cheryl’s book is immersing yourself in the fever-pitch drama she writes with such finesse. For this reader this Book 3 of this series is the finest:: though all of the books are excellent, this one shoots like a rocket - it is exhilarating. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, March 19
‘Someone is murdering the homeless in Detroit’s Cass Corridor—by immolation. These horrific crimes wouldn’t require an investigation by Charlie Mack and her crack team investigators, except one of the burned bodies is identified as her mother’s friend. There’s a lot wrong with this case: the police won’t admit a serial killer is on the loose, drug trafficking intersects with the deaths, and a rogue cop is involved. The timing also couldn’t be worse—Charlie and Mandy are finally moving in together. This case becomes the most difficult of Charlie's career when she transforms herself into a street person, and mixes with the corridor’s gangs, do-gooders, and the down-and-out to uncover evidence the police can’t continue to ignore.’
That is the plot outline, but the pleasure of Cheryl’s book is immersing yourself in the fever-pitch drama she writes with such finesse. For this reader this Book 3 of this series is the finest:: though all of the books are excellent, this one shoots like a rocket - it is exhilarating. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, March 19
May 6, 2024
Head moves back to the Detroit landscape as the Mack Agency tackles heinous murders of the homeless. Homes and those without are the theme, Charlie and Mandy will be moving in together. Charlie's mother lives in an assisted living facility. Her Alzheimer's has not progressed to far; she is able to recognize the names of the homeless men from book 1. Eddie is one of the victims who have been murdered. Not just murdered, deliberately set on fire. The folks at the Mack Agency feel it will only take a few days to answer Evangeline's concerns. Not so, with gang land interference, and a mad man on the prowl, Charlie takes a huge risk. Victims and hopelessness go hand in hand. While undercover, will Charlie be next?
If anyone is falling, it is this reader who is eager for volume 4.
Highly recommended for mystery readers of all ages.
Ideal for book club discussions.
If anyone is falling, it is this reader who is eager for volume 4.
Highly recommended for mystery readers of all ages.
Ideal for book club discussions.
April 19, 2019
Here I go again with Charlie and her wonderful team of private investigators! This story touched me on so many levels because it portrays the realistic and heart-breaking circumstances street people have to deal with on a daily basis. I know that I've probably said this before but I'll say it again—I adore everything about Charlie because she is a down to earth and compassionate woman who will go out of her way to help anyone in need. This author did a fantastic job of capturing all the angst, elation, sorrow and terror each character experienced throughout this story. I will always be a huge fan of this author's books because I can't get enough of Charlie. I can't wait to read the next installment to this awesome series!
June 15, 2020
Loved it, but ...
I was impressed with the plotlines and character development. The good cop/bad cop storyline had some surprising twists. The story took characters and events from prior books in the series, and put them to good use here. I particularly admired having a character with Alzheimer's who is given important tasks, and makes discoveries critical to the plot. I also admired the compassionate development of a sympathetic transgender character, including the realistic and diverse reactions from other characters. I was less happy with the stereotypical outcome for that character, and was disappointed by the ending of the book.
I was impressed with the plotlines and character development. The good cop/bad cop storyline had some surprising twists. The story took characters and events from prior books in the series, and put them to good use here. I particularly admired having a character with Alzheimer's who is given important tasks, and makes discoveries critical to the plot. I also admired the compassionate development of a sympathetic transgender character, including the realistic and diverse reactions from other characters. I was less happy with the stereotypical outcome for that character, and was disappointed by the ending of the book.
April 14, 2019
A gripping look at the underside of Detroit and the homeless who are trying to get by. Charlie Mack is asked by her mother to discover who killed Eddie, a homeless guy she befriended. As Charlie goes undercover, she finds drug trafficking, prostitution and people taking advantage of the homeless, but worse she finds collusion with rogue police. Charlie and her partner Gil put their lives on the lines to discover who is killing homeless people and setting their bodies on fire. An excellent, tense mystery
January 12, 2023
TW: violence to vulnerable people (unhoused, transgender).
The story is involving, the new characters are engaging, and the familiar characters are evolving.
Don't wanna give any spoilers but I think I can say, I'm still hoping to see some BLM, and some objection to militarism, but I am happy to see attitudes progressing, and awareness growing, as seen in respect toward the unhoused and transgender characters, and in awareness of the corruption of some people in power, in this installment of the Charlie Mack series.
The story is involving, the new characters are engaging, and the familiar characters are evolving.
Don't wanna give any spoilers but I think I can say, I'm still hoping to see some BLM, and some objection to militarism, but I am happy to see attitudes progressing, and awareness growing, as seen in respect toward the unhoused and transgender characters, and in awareness of the corruption of some people in power, in this installment of the Charlie Mack series.
December 29, 2023
This is the third book of Cheryl Head’s Charlie Mack series that I’ve read, and I like the chemistry of the three partners and their helpers at her investigative agency, and how they take care of each other.
The central plot of discovering and catching the bad person(s) responsible for the immolation deaths of homeless people on familiar Detroit streets is a rather standard series of tips and undercover work that PI procedurals present. The characters that our heroes interact with give us a glimpse of life on the streets.
Worth reading.
The central plot of discovering and catching the bad person(s) responsible for the immolation deaths of homeless people on familiar Detroit streets is a rather standard series of tips and undercover work that PI procedurals present. The characters that our heroes interact with give us a glimpse of life on the streets.
Worth reading.
July 6, 2020
Love it!
One of my favorite parts of this book is when the main character gets a temp job at the local Avalon bakery to better fit in on an undercover job. If you love Detroit-- the sites, the sounds, the restaurants-- you'll love this series. There characters are complex, flawed, and layered. They remind me of real metro people. We all need room to grow learn and learn.
One of my favorite parts of this book is when the main character gets a temp job at the local Avalon bakery to better fit in on an undercover job. If you love Detroit-- the sites, the sounds, the restaurants-- you'll love this series. There characters are complex, flawed, and layered. They remind me of real metro people. We all need room to grow learn and learn.
November 13, 2022
Fluctuate between 3.5 - 4 stars and am going with the 4. Catch Me When I'm Falling is set in Detroit and focuses on an investigator and her team trying to find a serial killer murdering homeless people. I liked the use of the setting of Detroit and I found it interesting to learn more about some day-to-day experiences of those who are homeless. What caused me to vacillate in my rating was how the writer handled diversity. I think it's great that there's a fair amount of diversity in the characters in the book, but sometimes it felt a bit too obvious, as if the author was trying to make a point. For me that distracts from the story. However, Head does better with it than some authors and I would like to read more of her books and encourage other to check them out.
July 1, 2020
Somebody's burning homeless people & police don't care
An action-packed, entertaining story with interesting characters & riveting plot lines. It was a very enjoyable read. I recommend this book.
An action-packed, entertaining story with interesting characters & riveting plot lines. It was a very enjoyable read. I recommend this book.
July 18, 2021
So far this was the best book in the series for me. There was a lot of detail but not as much as she included in the previous two books. The story flowed well and I felt a connection to the main characters and side characters that I didn’t get the last time.
July 10, 2024
An okay and interestingthird part of this series- I actually think it’s getting better and better!
The narration of the audiobook version was greatly narrated by Stephanie Weeks - 5 stars for the narration
The narration of the audiobook version was greatly narrated by Stephanie Weeks - 5 stars for the narration
April 6, 2019
A rare find: A crime novel where every character is believably flawed and human. Stunning characters. Can’t wait to read more in the series.
January 20, 2020
Great.
I really enjoyed Catch Me when I’m Falling. A great story of private investigation leading up to busting dirty cops.
I really enjoyed Catch Me when I’m Falling. A great story of private investigation leading up to busting dirty cops.
April 16, 2021
This was a great way to experience living in Detroit, with the city playing a role as a main character.
July 3, 2023
Another good mystery in this series. Very creative mystery with wonderful characters. And it’s fun to read a story set in Detroit, which is a city that doesn’t appear as a setting that often.
April 2, 2025
Unfortunately, Im not really sure how I feel about this book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews