[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Midnight Ink in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book releases on February 8, 2019.]
Summary
Lauren and Reese were wrapping up a long day at the police station where they worked on cold cases. Lauren had a couple things to finish before leaving, but she told Reese he could turn off the light as he left since she’d only be a few more minutes. Her attacker probably thought the dark office meant everyone was gone. Finding Lauren there, with her back to the door, her assailant first stabbed her. Then he stomped on her head and left her for dead bleeding on the floor, taking the Murder Book from the office. Before passing out, Lauren noticed the guy was dressed like a cop.
Thankfully, Reese came back to the office and found Lauren and got her the help she needed. While she recovered, they worked on who would have attacked her. Why did the attacker take the Murder Book, a hard copy binder of the department’s cold cases? Why had he been trying to get into the records room? What would have scared someone into making a move like that – attacking a police officer in the police station – over a cold case? And why would a cop be involved at all?
Review
This is book 2 in this suspense series, but this was the first book I had read with these characters. There are many references to the events of book one, but I had no trouble following things without having read it.
The “mystery” in the story was fascinating. I loved how they were able to piece things together and then execute a plan to catch the culprits. I felt this was more of a suspense story than a straight up mystery as they had the who and the why figured out at least half way through the book.
This is a grittier story than the mysteries I usually read – more language and bloody descriptions/violence than a cozy mystery. There’s a little more distance with the characters than in a cozy, too. The characters were interesting, but there weren’t any except maybe the dog whom I especially liked.
If you like a darker mystery, one with police officers instead of amateur sleuths, and city settings rather than quaint towns, check this series out. I would start with book one as there are some characters who carry over and who may be players in a future book.