I came to Josie Quinn late in her series (Cold Heart Creek was number seven) but I quickly got hooked on Josie’s story and the author’s writing style. Now I can’t wait for the next book each time.
Don’t believe me? Check out my reviews for Find Her Alive and Save Her Soul.
Anyway.
The new vulnerability shown by Josie in the previous book takes firmer shape in this one. I loved the scene where Misty and Josie took Harris to pre-school. Even though it was a simple enough scene, it seemed very telling to me.
First, Josie and Misty have formed a camaraderie that balances each other. It’s not always easy, but they work off of each other, almost a yin and yang to each other.
I also thought it was clever that Josie understood Harris on another level (with the hand squeezing). That was an insight to Josie’s more tender side (yes, she has one). I look forward to seeing where the author goes with Josie’s character.
The case at hand is interesting too. I liked the cryptic nature of the notes around the victims. This went along with how Josie found the sticker on the bag in the first case.
I’m not saying anything more about the case than that. But it’s a good one. And I constantly admire how original the investigations are. Kudos to the author on that. It’s never boring.
The other thing the author does well is give us insight into the killer’s mind and motivations. The chapters from the killer’s perspective provide just enough information that we (the readers) can look at characters as they’re introduced and wonder if they are the culprit.
I love being a part of the investigation in that manner.
While this is an asset to the books, for me, the thing that keeps drawing me back is the evolution of Josie. She’s not static, she’s not always the same. She changes with each experience.
That makes her real, and one of my favorite detectives in the genre.
Author Bio:
Lisa Regan is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and Amazon bestselling crime novelist. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and Master of Education Degree from Bloomsburg University. She is a member of Sisters In Crime, Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and daughter. Find out more at her website: www.lisaregan.com