I love this author's books. He does a great job of building well rounded characters, situations, surroundings and the story line in general. This is the 1st book in a spin-off of the author's Harry Starke series. Sergeant Kate Gazzara was first introduced in the Harry Starke series. If you haven't read any books in the Harry Starke series, start now!
This series, though, is a stand alone so if you don't know Harry, you can start here. Kate was Harry's partner in the Major Crimes Unit, Homicide Division, Chattanooga, TN. But Harry retired, and now she has a new partner, Detective Tracy. He's not Harry. She might as well be on her own. She also has help from some uniforms. Sarah Foote is a little more helpful. And Kate keeps in close contact with Harry. Very close. Harry is very well off, and very well connected, so she makes use of that, too.
This is a murder mystery, of course. The victim is a teenage girl. Her body is found stuffed/wedged in a concrete pipe. Mike Willis, CSI, gets to the crime scene before Kate and is already busy, as is the ME. The girl was apparently dead for several days before the dump.
Her ID is made through DNA, but that is about all they have. No crime scene. No DNA but the victims, Jasmine. No semen, footprints or anything else to help them find the crime scene.
But Kate is relentless. This not going to end up a cold case. There is a limited pool of possible perps, so she goes back to them each several times, getting a little more information every time. She's closing in on the killer, but still needs more proof.
The solution to the crime explodes when Kate identifies a critical piece of evidence, and Mike Willis confirms the crime scene. Everything happens pretty quickly after that. The story ends with an unexpected bang, and the case was solved in a record 5 days.
This was a great book! It's a great introduction to the new series. The second book in the series shows the continued growth of Kate as a Sergeant in her own stand-alone light. When you're done with this book, don't stop. Read the second book in the series, “Saffron” to see how Kate continues to grow and develops.
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The ending will have you gasping!
Jasmine is missing--she left to meet her friends and never made it! Kate Gazzara who is now the lead on the case is hoping that she can solve the case without her partner who just retired. They are still dating but she does not want to ask for help. Her new partner is not exactly on the ball-he is brand new to homicide having worked narcotics for many years.There are many twists and turns which will have you guessing. When Jasmine's body is found it is in terrible shape--who could have done this. You may or may not be surprised--but the ending will have you gasping!
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Top reviews from other countries
Ann Stanmore
Great characters, good plot.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 20, 2018
Linda R McKee
An enjoyable way to spend the holidays
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 29, 2019