My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This fantastic follow-up may be even better than the series' stellar debut!
Deadly Tides is the second book in author Mary Keliikoa's Misty Pines Mystery series, and it may be even better than the fantastic series' debut. Strong, multi-dimensional characters and a complex and robust plot had me glued to the pages from start to finish.
The story is told through the eyes of Sheriff Jax Turner and his ex-wife, FBI Special Agent Abby Kanekoa, and the plot involves one of the most puzzling of current phenomena: the detached, sneakered feet that keep washing up on the beaches of the Pacific Northwest. Their two-pronged investigation, involving missing persons and two such grisly clues, is fascinating and logical, with twists popping up regularly to keep things even more interesting. Their complex personal situation and the case are complicated as Abby's mother, a possible witness to the events in Misty Pines, suffers growing mental and physical decline due to the effects of Alzheimer's.Jax Turner has grown considerably since his first appearance in book one, and while Abby was only a supporting character there, she takes a full and prominent role now. Both are beginning to feel like people I know. Readers learn more about recurring characters, and new ones are introduced. They are also developing beyond what is usually seen in supporting figures, again resulting in a realistic tale and a more robust look and feel to the town of Misty Pines.
This story absolutely hits the ground running and maintains an urgent pace and forward momentum until the final page. I recommend DEADLY TIDES to mystery readers who enjoy police procedurals, thrillers, psychological suspense, and stories set in the Pacific Northwest or those curious about the feet washing up on the beaches there.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.
