Day: November 13, 2020

Wow! What an introduction to a new series!

Seriously, before I say anything else, I just have to say that if you are a fan of mystery thrillers you need to get this book.

If you’re a fan of tough, smart heroines who are very real, you need to get this book.

And if you’re a fan of being taken along on a detailed case that follows an investigation perfectly, you need to get this book.

I can’t say enough good things about it.

Right from the prologue, where Victoria “Tori” Hunter is questioned about her sister’s disappearance, I could tell that it was going to be a well-told story. There was something about the style of writing and the interplay between characters that drew me in.

The story then jumps to present day and takes off from there. Honestly, it was so well-plotted I don’t want to give anything way, but the way the author moves between characters and events was flawless.

I really liked Tori. She was one of the most real characters I have “met.” Everything that was part of her story rang true – nothing seemed to be overdone or manipulative to fit the narrative. Her career trajectory, life choices, and attitude were all spot on.

I also appreciated Braddock and his history. I’m partial to NYPD stories, but I’m also picky about them. Authors often use a well-known department as a mechanism but treat it as any other law enforcement agency.

This author either did copious research or knew someone on the job, because he captured the attitude (and background) of an NYPD MOS perfectly. I think I actually knew this guy. I also appreciated that 9/11 wasn’t used as a crutch, but as a pivotal event that was a part of Braddock’s history. It was accurate.

The plot was excellent. Once again, everything just flowed. I especially liked how there was a side story that focused on Tori’s normal “every day” job. That was an interesting detour that gave the reader insight to Tori’s drive and professional persona. It also provided additional background.

The author does a great job of creating a “real” investigation. There are swings and misses, wrong avenues and surprise suspects. Again, I can’t stress how natural everything was.

I’m starting to repeat myself, but that’s because I want to emphasize how great the book was – but not give any plot points away.

Suffice to say that I’m very excited to have found Agent Tori Hunter, and I can’t wait to read more of her stories.  Definitely one of my top reads for the year.

Author Bio:

Roger Stelljes is the acclaimed New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of pulse-pounding murder mystery and suspense novels, including the Tori Hunter and McRyan Mystery Series. Roger’s crime thrillers are noted for their fast-paced, yet intricate plots filled with layered and complex characters.

Roger started his first novel in July 2002 while on vacation in Minnesota’s Brainerd Lakes area and has been writing ever since. His debut book, The St. Paul Conspiracy, was nominated in genre fiction for the Minnesota Book Awards along with finalists Brian Freeman and William Kent Krueger. With his follow-up, Deadly Stillwater, where Vince Flynn hailed Roger as a “powerful new thriller voice”, he won the Midwest Independent Book Publishers award for commercial fiction.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Roger still lives there with his family. In addition to his work as an author, Roger is a partner in his law firm. Roger is an avid sports enthusiast and enjoys spending time outdoors boating, attending hockey games, and honing his golf game.