Detective Clara Jeffries remains a standout in the “strong female law enforcement agent” genre, and her background is certainly the most unique.
This third book in the series finds Clara quickly enmeshed in another investigation which is complicated by the location and proximity to Alber.
In fact, this time there are two investigations and it’s up to Clara to determine if there is any crossover. I very much like the way this author plots the stories, because everything is organic and natural. There is no forced connection or tying into each other.
Things just happen.
Clara’s background remains a major point both in her personal life and as she addresses clues and facts of the cases.
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(For those who haven’t read any of these books yet, Clara grew up in a polygamous town, leaving after being forced into a horrible marriage. She returned in book one and is still struggling with acceptance – both of her past and dealing with the townspeople viewing her as an apostate).
She and Max (a lost boy of the town) have also progressed in their relationship, but not without struggle there as well. I like how the author keeps this real as well. They both have baggage that they are trying to work around, but it’s not always unsurmountable.
I was happy to see a bit of progress with her relationship with her family as well. It’s an important part of her character, and there were some touching moments. It will be interesting to see if Mother Ardeth comes around.
In spite of Clara helping several people in the town and some seeming to soften toward her, there remains a sore spot (no spoiler) that will definitely take centerstage in future books.
As with any crime thriller, I don’t want to give anything away about the particulars of the investigation. But I will continue to look forward to Clara’s cases and to see what happens next.
Author Bio:
A novelist and award-winning journalist, Kathryn Casey is the author of eleven highly acclaimed true crime books and the creator of the Sarah Armstrong mystery series. Library Journal picked THE KILLING STORM as one of the best mysteries of 2010. Her latest true crime, IN PLAIN SIGHT, investigates the Kaufman County prosecutor murders, a case that made worldwide headlines. Casey has appeared on Oprah, 20/20, the Today Show, Good Morning America, the Biography Channel, Reelz, The Travel Network, Investigation Discovery, and many other venues. Ann Rule called Casey “one of the best in the true crime genre.”
