There’s a serial killer at work in Baywood, Wisconsin and he or she has a pattern. That’s the reluctant conclusion Detectives A. L. McKittridge and Rena Morgan have reached when they arrive at the scene of the fourth victim where it mirrors three others. Even more concerning about the pattern is, if they’re right, the killer will strike again in ten days. A. L. and Rena race to figure out the victims’ connections so they can identify the next person before the ten days are up.
When I decided to read this book, I didn’t know it was going to be part of a series, and after finishing, I couldn’t be happier that there will be more stories about these detectives. I like them as partners as they have sort of a yin yang relationship that worked extremely well in every aspect while maintaining proper boundaries. The procedurals were engaging and well paced, creating tension and excitement. There’s also a strong relationship element here where there was focus on A. L.’s and Rena’s personal lives that was equally as interesting. The suspense kicked up a notch when they identified the next potential victim and the story went in a new (great!) direction.
This is my first experience with the author and I liked her character development. By the end of the book, I felt like I knew them well enough but wanted more. The procedurals were well researched and followed logical investigative directions, which I find important. While I figured out the likely suspect, the why of it all was elusive and kept me guessing. I didn’t learn what A. L. stands for and that promises to be a whole thing in itself. I enjoyed the mystery, the procedurals and the interpersonal dynamics, enough to want to see more of these characters. It’s a strong start to what promises to be a good series.
Book Info
- Release Date: February 18, 2020
- Series: A. L. McKittridge #1
- Page Numbers: 384
- Publisher: MIRA
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(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Blue Mood Café 
Jonetta thank you so much for this review. I think this would be great in my time of ill health. Down with flu.
Do I need to concentrate too hard to follow the story? My brain is slow
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Oh, no! I’m so sorry you’re sick, Shalini.
No, the story isn’t difficult to follow but if you like trying to deduce the outcome, it’s trickier.
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I have fever now, I wanted something that is easy to follow. I don’t want to analyze. I was listening to something with too many narrators, my poor brain couldn’t take it
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This one isn’t taxing.
Get better💜
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Oh, now I like the sound of this one, Jonetta. Right up my dark alley! 😉
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I do think you’d enjoy this one, Alexandra. And, the characters’ lives are a bit messy.
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Messy is fine especially when the author gives us a duo that have a fun dynamic, it’s more realistic.
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It’s deliciously messy! Made them more real.
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Oh this sounds like a great start to a series. I like your review Jo. It has really made me want to get to this one. I wish there were more hours in the day.
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Thanks, Carla💜 Im really glad I broke my NetGalley diet for this one.
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Yea – I’m so glad you liked this one. I’m starting it tonight, if I can make it that long!
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Oh, I hope you like it, too, Mackey💜
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So far, yes, I do. I set it aside to finish another one for Valentine’s Day but I’m back with it now.
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Yay!
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This sounds like a great new series. I’ve been looking for some new thrillers to read so I think I’m going to have to check this out, especially since the main characters sound so interesting. Great review!
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Thanks, Suzanne💜 I was pleasantly surprised!
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