Linda S. (Linda) reviewed on 2/21/2016 + 770 more book reviews

In this book, the reader is introduced to DI Jim Neal and DS Ava Merry. This new series starts with an investigation into the death of a young girl found in a common.

Neal and Merry haven't been working together long and solving this murder will frustrate the two of them, especially as they each have their own theory.

One thing becomes certain though ... they have plenty of suspects to choose from. It's found that the young lady had not one, but two stalkers. There's also a college professor who likes them young. Her roommate's boyfriend also had a 'thing' for her that wasn't reciprocated.

And what is the connection to another death almost 20 years prior?

I really like starting on the ground floor when I come across a new series. I find it enjoyable to learn the backstory ... who the protagonists are and how they got to be the people they are. This book is no exception. It is very well-written. It moves at a good pace, and picks up speed the more you read.

The characters are quite likable. Neal is the boss, older, single dad with a 10-year old son. He's basically the quiet one, the one who thinks through every move and he values his private life. Merry is the more-impulsive of this partnership. She's more apt to jump into situations without thinking things through. She's young, single, she's pretty, and not afraid to use her looks to bring down a bad guy. She also has a cat .... so she can be responsible when she wants to be.

The story is intricately entwined with the past which comes to a boil when Merry makes a mistake.

Next in the series is DARK SECRET.

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