The Lucy Kincaid series was selected as a group read in one of my Goodreads groups and we determined, because of character crossovers, we needed to first read her earlier series in publication order.
When she was just five years old, FBI scientist Olivia St. Martin witnessed her sister’s abduction by a man who subsequently murdered her. It completely reshaped her life, including her career choice. Now, recent DNA tests reveal that the man she helped convict was not the murderer and she’s determined to help find the actual killer. Her analysis takes her to Seattle where the most recent child victim was found and appears to be the work of the same person. However, she’s allowing Detective Zack Travis to believe she’s a field agent in order to help with the case.
This was a tough story as it involves the sexual assault and murder of children, always rough, but thankfully the author chose to handle the details sensitively and without a lot of graphics. Olivia’s story is sad but she’s become an expert in forensic science and her research significantly helped the Seattle Police Department target the right person, sift through relevant clues and stay focused on key leads. I found the investigation chilling and the procedurals highly interesting. Olivia’s developing relationship with Zack was the weak link here as their romance just didn’t ring authentic as it ramped up too quickly and his later reaction to her duplicity felt contrived.
Despite my issues with the romantic element, I very much enjoyed the story as it moved rapidly and had multiple points of view, including the killer’s, which always heightens the tension. This was a really good series and I’m looking forward to the next connected one by this author.
Book Info
- Release Date: February 28, 2006
- Series: Predatory Trilogy #3
- Page Numbers: 416
- Publisher: Ballantine Books
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Blue Mood Café 
I do love this series. My one complaint is that they are not available in e format in UK. ZWhy oh why in this day and age
Gill
LikeLiked by 2 people
That makes no sense! Have you reached out to Brennan? She’s responded via Twitter to my questions in the past.
LikeLike
Again, not one for me, because of the subject. But I do have Brennan on my list to check out because of your reviews! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
She’s a good writer and doesn’t seem to shy away from the tough topics.
LikeLike
So I heard, but still, there are some subjects I cannot read for so many reasons. But that doesn’t mean (I hope) that I won’t find something she’s written that I can read. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I completely understand!!! Sorry that didn’t come across. There are some type stories I can’t touch either.
LikeLike
Seems like a book worth checking out, Jonetta. I love reading police procedurals. Definitely going into my TBR.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course, I’m biased but highly recommend💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review Jonetta!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Inge💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Terrific review, Jonetta!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Deanna💜
LikeLike
Gah I’m sure I want to read this series after your fabulous reviews. No idea when I can fit them in my schedule. Sigh.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Anne💜 One of these days…
LikeLike
Another series which sounds great! Too many books and too little time to get to them all. Terrific review, Jonetta!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Marialyce! It was a really good but tough series.
LikeLike
It is great that you are still enjoying this series. I will give her a go eventually. I like that even though there are some tough topics, she handles them with sensitivity. Nice review Jonetta.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry for my late response, Carla! I’ve gotten behind by being out of town.
Yes, though the topics are hard, nothing gratuitous here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great, I will check this one out.
LikeLiked by 1 person