Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
The author hit the ground running in this romantic suspense story and didn't slow down until it was all over. The story opens as Johnny, a young delivery driver, all but stumbled over the dead body of store owner Vi Mullen. I was impressed with his presence of mind as he avoided panic and kept it together long enough to call the local marshal. That didn't last long as he began to worry about the killer coming after him.
Next, we see Luna, a local hairdresser, and occasional private investigator. She takes a phone call from her investigator dad, who has cautionary words for her about Deputy Jaxon Gray, the young man she's just started dating. The things he's told her about his past are complete fabrications, which stuns Luna and makes her want to get at the truth. Without a word to Jaxson or anyone else, she closes her shop and heads to his hometown, looking for answers.
The acting marshal, Ken Yarrow, and Jaxson arrive at the murder site to investigate. Ken is a man who believes that he is better than he is and looks down on Jaxson as an inexperienced rookie. He has his opinions, and not much interferes with them. He doesn't take well to Jaxson's observations, shutting him down hard. Because of the circumstances of the murder, a piece of the floor had to be cut out to remove the body. Ken and Jaxson were shocked to discover another mummified body under the flooring. Jaxson feels his world start to crumble around him as he recognizes the second body.
This began a complex investigation into two murders, seventeen years apart. I ached for Luna, who was hurt, angry, and feeling betrayed by the lies she uncovered about Jaxson. She thought there was a connection between them, and now she doesn't know how she can trust him. It's especially disappointing because it seems so out of character for the man she knows. With the discovery of the second body, Jaxson knows it's a matter of time before his connection to her comes out. He also knows he should have come clean with Luna long ago, and now it may be too late.
I liked Luna and understood her wariness about trusting Jaxson. She also wanted to trust her instincts, which told her he was not guilty of murder. I was happy to see Jaxson tell Luna everything, including things she didn't uncover on her own. She is determined to find the truth and leaves no stone unturned in that pursuit. Jaxson tries to get her to back off, but she is stubborn about finishing what she started. Neither she nor Jaxson expects the complicated family issues that come to light.
At the same time this is happening, Jaxson is also involved in interviewing possible suspects in Vi's murder. The problem is that she was not well-liked by the people in town, thanks to her abrasive and frequently cruel attitude. There were many people with the motive and opportunity to kill her. Additionally, Vi's estranged twin sister, Vera, showed up in town on the day of the murder, accompanied by Vi's ex-husband, Axel. Vera is Vi's sole heir and a nasty piece of work herself.
There were multiple twists to this investigation, with one person, then another, looking like likely suspects. Every new lead uncovered created more questions. Then one unexpected clue started unraveling the whole story, including a surprising link between the two murders. Luna found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time, caught up in the desperate killer's web. She did a great job keeping her head, hoping her message to Jaxson would reach him in time. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I couldn't wait to see how it turned out. The ending was neatly wrapped up with a couple of karma-driven surprises.
I liked the relationship between Jaxson and Luna. He cared for her but didn't feel right getting too close without telling her the truth about himself. Once that obstacle was gone, I liked seeing their connection grow. They are equally protective of each other, and Luna wants to see Jaxson's questions about his past answered. I did not expect the surprising answer to one of those questions and the effect it would have on Jaxson's future.
#netgalley
Next, we see Luna, a local hairdresser, and occasional private investigator. She takes a phone call from her investigator dad, who has cautionary words for her about Deputy Jaxon Gray, the young man she's just started dating. The things he's told her about his past are complete fabrications, which stuns Luna and makes her want to get at the truth. Without a word to Jaxson or anyone else, she closes her shop and heads to his hometown, looking for answers.
The acting marshal, Ken Yarrow, and Jaxson arrive at the murder site to investigate. Ken is a man who believes that he is better than he is and looks down on Jaxson as an inexperienced rookie. He has his opinions, and not much interferes with them. He doesn't take well to Jaxson's observations, shutting him down hard. Because of the circumstances of the murder, a piece of the floor had to be cut out to remove the body. Ken and Jaxson were shocked to discover another mummified body under the flooring. Jaxson feels his world start to crumble around him as he recognizes the second body.
This began a complex investigation into two murders, seventeen years apart. I ached for Luna, who was hurt, angry, and feeling betrayed by the lies she uncovered about Jaxson. She thought there was a connection between them, and now she doesn't know how she can trust him. It's especially disappointing because it seems so out of character for the man she knows. With the discovery of the second body, Jaxson knows it's a matter of time before his connection to her comes out. He also knows he should have come clean with Luna long ago, and now it may be too late.
I liked Luna and understood her wariness about trusting Jaxson. She also wanted to trust her instincts, which told her he was not guilty of murder. I was happy to see Jaxson tell Luna everything, including things she didn't uncover on her own. She is determined to find the truth and leaves no stone unturned in that pursuit. Jaxson tries to get her to back off, but she is stubborn about finishing what she started. Neither she nor Jaxson expects the complicated family issues that come to light.
At the same time this is happening, Jaxson is also involved in interviewing possible suspects in Vi's murder. The problem is that she was not well-liked by the people in town, thanks to her abrasive and frequently cruel attitude. There were many people with the motive and opportunity to kill her. Additionally, Vi's estranged twin sister, Vera, showed up in town on the day of the murder, accompanied by Vi's ex-husband, Axel. Vera is Vi's sole heir and a nasty piece of work herself.
There were multiple twists to this investigation, with one person, then another, looking like likely suspects. Every new lead uncovered created more questions. Then one unexpected clue started unraveling the whole story, including a surprising link between the two murders. Luna found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time, caught up in the desperate killer's web. She did a great job keeping her head, hoping her message to Jaxson would reach him in time. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I couldn't wait to see how it turned out. The ending was neatly wrapped up with a couple of karma-driven surprises.
I liked the relationship between Jaxson and Luna. He cared for her but didn't feel right getting too close without telling her the truth about himself. Once that obstacle was gone, I liked seeing their connection grow. They are equally protective of each other, and Luna wants to see Jaxson's questions about his past answered. I did not expect the surprising answer to one of those questions and the effect it would have on Jaxson's future.
#netgalley
