In Harm's Way

Luce Allen Mystery #1

by Barbara Winkes

A new sapphic detective series from the author of Carpenter/Harding and Lord and

She just wants to bring them home.

Wendy Tillis goes missing after an appointment at the Women’s Health Center, a clinic that has been the target of violent opposition. For Detective Luce Allen, who returns to work days after her own procedure, it’s personal. Soon, the investigation takes a tragic turn, and the detective newly assigned to the case is someone Luce knows all too well.

They soon discover that more women are missing.

Having to navigate hostile witnesses, office politics, and her own personal experience, Luce turns to her friend Dr. Kendra Jones for comfort. Their relationship is on the verge of moving beyond friendship, when Luce gets too close to danger…

Genres: Mystery, LGBT, Crime

223 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 6, 2025

About the author

Barbara Winkes writes suspense and romance with lesbian characters at the center. She has always loved stories in which women persevere and lift each other up. Expect high drama and happy endings.

Discover a variety of genres, serial and standalone. Women loving women always take the lead.

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
The new mystery series by Barbara Winkes features detective Luce Allen.

After visiting the Women's Health Center, pregnant Wendy Tillis disappears without a trace. This clinic has often been the target of anti-abortion activists, who harass and intimidate patients. For Luce Allen, who has just returned to work after a procedure at the same clinic and has been assigned the case, this is almost a personal matter. As she attempts to solve the case with the help of her team, more disturbing pieces of the puzzle emerge. From a single case, it becomes a much bigger affair. A tricky and worrisome case.

Kendra Jones, a doctor at the Women's Health Clinic, is Luce's best friend. She helps Luce come to terms with her personal experiences. And then there is the underlying attraction between Luce and Kendra, which both feel but hardly dare to give in for fear the other might not feel the same way. Who will finally dare to show their feelings?

I liked the development of the relationship between Luce and Kendra. They don't rush things, open up to each other slowly, and don't let themselves be carried away by quick sex, even in emotional and vulnerable situations. Their friendship is too important to both of them to lose it over just a roll in the hay. The fact that Luce's police investigation also involves Kendra is an additional hurdle to overcome.

A promising start to a new series.

Thanks to the author for receiving an ARC for an honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ good start to this new detective series

[Carol Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark and Intense!
Luce is investigating the disappearance of a woman who has not been seen since her appointment at a Women's Health Clinic. She’s emotionally connected to this case, having just been through an appointment of her own, but she is soon in danger herself and drawn into it in ways she could not have imagined.

Barbara Winkes has delivered a strong start to a new directive series. I was not expecting this to take some of the turns it did, so it really surprised me, but drove home important messages and showed the extremist measures people take when ruled by their beliefs alone. Luce was doing a great job investigating and I was trying to piece it together along with her. I didn’t know who to trust or be suspicious of but it didn’t take long to realise that Luce’s situation meant she was also a prime target for whoever was behind the disappearances.

There were also some very emotional moments along the way. Both in the case and personally for Luce, and her friend Kendra. They shared an emotional connection and were well suited. Kendra really knew how much support Luce needed and was brilliant at being there for her. This case had a lot to do with fuelling their relationship, especially when it got darker and Luce was in real danger. It was a turning point for them both realising what was at stake and what they could lose by not acting on their feelings.

I am excited for more of this series and cannot wait for what comes next for Luce and Kendra.

[Corrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Harm's Way is the first in the new Luce Allen Mystery Series by author Barbara Winkes.

Detective Luce Allen is just getting back on the job after a recent procedure when a familiar case takes a dark and unexpected turn. What began as a routine investigation suddenly becomes deeply personal—and far deadlier—than she ever anticipated.

As Luce digs in, she must navigate office politics, hidden agendas, and her own vulnerabilities to protect others—and herself—from a threat that hits closer than she thought.

First books in a series always take a bit of time as we get to know the characters. I’m not that familiar with what the author has published so far, so I was missing some context about a few side characters mentioned in passing, but it wasn’t a big deal. I think I’ll need to read the next one to see if it really clicks for me. I’m also curious to see where the (very) new romantic situation between her and her best friend Dr. Kendra will go.

3.7 Stars

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I have been a fan of Carpenter/Harding for a long time and was hopeful this would be as good. It is! And I love the nod to them in the book. This story is so complex. I don't want to give too much away as the slow unfolding is part of what makes the novel delicious. Luce is a hard character to understand but once you get some backstory, it does make sense. Her decisions are very consequential and relevant to the book. Luce and Kendra are so careful with each other but I was happy with the way it turns out. This book combines suspense and romance into an intoxicating mix. The side characters are well developed and complex. I walked away wondering what I would have done and thought about this book for a long time. A definite read!

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!!!

Be prepared to immediately drop into curiosity about Detective Luce Allen, and into a case with tragedy, suspense, action. Be ready to slowly come to know, then suddenly to love, Luce Allen. And hold on tight for the story inside the story that is so relevant, deep, important, and a horrific illustration of wrong. Of course, there is that can't-stop-reading tension and suspense with surprise that unsettles. This book is filled with humanity- secrets, pain, stoicism, and emotion. I adore when series intersect and old friends appear, and I'm hooked - on another series, and two more women. I can't wait for more! Thank you, Barbara!

[Sabra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it was a bit of a disappointment. The author was very vague as far as the relationship between Luce and Tyler was concerned. It took me a while to figure out that they had sex a couple of times, and Luce ended up having an abortion. I don’t agree with her decision, but it’s fiction, after all.
The kidnapping and murder portion of the book was well written, and I was anxious to find out who the culprit was. I admire Luce’s determination to solve the crimes, and her tenacity to keep going. She had many doubters in her orbit, but she eventually persevered.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nicely paced, well written addition to Ms Winkes extensive collection of characters. Luce Allen is a flawed, dedicated, gifted detective who might be developing feelings for her best friend. She’s also fragile, headstrong, and a bit opinionated. Just perfect, in other words, to carry a complex story of missing women, abortion activists, and corrupt politicians.

I hope Ms Winkes is busy writing. This series or Carpenter and Harding ~ I don’t mind, I’ll read it!

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Holy hell was this intense. I’m a big fan of Winkes’s writing so I was excited to get to this new release. I was not disappointed. Luce is a fascinating and multifaceted main character. She felt real which I liked. The case in this was intriguing and kept me hooked and while there is no romance in this there is a bit of a tease of one between Luce and Kylie. I can’t wait for book two to see where things go from here. Great read.

[Bean Can · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was very meh to be honest I liked the main characters but I feel like the story overall could have been developed more and have more detail. for example when she was hit by another car it was described in absolutely no detail we were just told it happened. Also I feel like there were too many names to remember in the story I only remember Luce's name and Kendra's name and I've only just finished it!

[Looby Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Luce Allen is working the case of a missing girl when she has another case added to her workload. Someone is missing after going to see a Dr at a place that also offers abortions for women.
What follows is a case that is quite chilling alongside another the old one that also is another facet of the degradation of some humans and the evil that they do.
Brilliant.

[Michael Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

for a good cause

Luce it’s a detective and is given a very strange case. Women go into an abortion clinic of being kidnapped and she has to find out why. I like the characters in this book as it shows both their strengths and weaknesses. I like to plot and it took to the end of the book to realize what was happening. I recommend this book for thriller readers.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the very first page. Luce Allen is a compelling lead tough yet vulnerable and the way the book weaves together a tense missing-persons investigation with her own emotional journey is masterful. The sapphic element feels organic and refreshing. This is a smart, socially aware mystery that still delivers page-turning suspense.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tough Issues, Great Story

Ooh, this is a good one. It covers tough issues but it's a great story! Through in the romantic part and it's excellent. I loved it and am excited that it's #1 in a new series. I'll be eagerly waiting for the continuing story of Luce and Kendra.

[Corinne Knapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

good story line, writing style

Hard to follow writing style. Prefer less characters and more in-depth character development. Will try sequel. Worth reading to see if you like the storyline.

[Alyssa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's OK...

Spelling errors, weak plot, weak dialogue. It's short enough to push through. The characters are a bit thin on personality, but it is the first book. I am willing to give the second book a chance to see if the author found her feet.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The suspense IN Harms Way was good. I have enjoyed every Carpenter/Harding I have read. Detective Luce Allen gets assigned to a new case which it was a very good thriller sapphic romance

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

basically follows the exact same logic plot as the carpenter series just with different characters in different circumstances

[Frances Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book

I so enjoy this book The character loose was very interesting I love the story line can't wait to read the next book

[Donna Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good tale of women doing what women do best. Very tricky topic handled very carefully.

[j good · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good

I love a good crime thriller, and "In Harm's Way" was really good. I plan to follow up with book two right now.

[Shamim Sinnar · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book didn't do it for me. The plot was simultaneously boring and unbelievable, the characters seemed flat and emotionless, and the writing was simplistic and stale.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Winkes detective series. I'm crossing my fingers on Luce and the doc having a happy ending in the next book.

[Dorthy]

Loved it. Great Plot.

[Cat5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the character of Luce as a strong, smart woman until the plot turned into a bad TV cop show. Luce acted completely out of character and put herself in danger.
As soon as she left a crime scene with evidence (the clinic with a list of victims), I knew she was going to be abducted. Because of course, this strong, smart woman can't outsmart the bad guy(and she knew who he was) and arrest him on evidence or get him to make a mistake. The ending gives me some hope Luce won't slip up in the next book.