The bodies of two young girls are found in San Diego and police officials cannot even determine their identities. They decide to approach the case as missing persons and reach out to Alice Vega, the private investigator renowned for her skills in finding people. Vega decides she needs a partner to help and reaches out to former detective Max (Cap) Caplan. They worked together on her last big case in Pennsylvania and neither was quite done with each other. As with their last case, what began as one mission turned into something much larger.
Without exposing too much about the story, I will say it’s another steeped in human trafficking, which seems to hit a hot button for Vega. After the last book, I wanted to know more about her and to see if there was any potential between her and Cap. These two play off of each other extremely well, which was essential to their staying alive during this case. They encounter a labyrinth of lies, deceit, subterfuge and misdirection from every angle. Things sometimes get violent and often at Vegas’ hands and danger lurks at every corner…really.
I enjoyed this story primarily because of the enigma known as Alice Vega. She and Cap have this odd connection that just works. While I did learn more about her, it was just enough to make me want even more. She’s not your typical investigator and there are times I think she’s superhuman, expecting her to emerge victorious in every situation just because she’s so formidable. Cap isn’t any slouch but he clearly lets her take the lead. I opted to listen to the story again as I like how the narrator seems to get this character and Cap. The case is heartbreaking and shines an ugly light on the plight of young girls spirited across our borders into the awful world of sex trafficking. But, there’s a jaw dropping conclusion that made this end on a so very satisfying note. I can’t wait for more Vega and Cap.
Book Info
- Release Date: January 21, 2020
- Series: Alice Vega #2
- Narrator: Tavia Gilbert
- Audio Length: 15 hours, 21 minutes
- Publisher: Random House Audio
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(Thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Blue Mood Café 
Fab review Jo!
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Thank you, Nicki💜
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Another great review, Jonetta. 🙂 A male investigator letting a female investigator take lead is unheard of these days. Glad to know you enjoyed the book.
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Thank you, Debjani💜 It is truly an unusual dynamic.
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Sounds like the narrator got this one right, considering the heartbreaking topic. I’ve read a couple of mysteries covering child trafficking and sex trafficking in general, and they’re always hard to read, no matter how good the characters. But this one sounds like it’s done really well. Thanks, Jo.
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Thank you, Alexandra💜 Yes, the narrator focused on getting the characters right, who were seriously focused on the issue.
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I’m currently reading a really good murder-mystery Blood on the Tracks by Barbara Nickless that might be your kind of read.
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I’ve listened to both of these and LOVE them. Fantastic review!
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thank you, Anne💜
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Fab review! I definitely like the sound of this one. xx
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Thanks, Yvo💜 Yes, you’d love Alice. Start with the first book, though.
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Jan and I read this book awhile ago and really enjoyed it. So hoping there will be more adventures from Vega and Cap. Wonderful review, Jonetta!
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 I’m pretty certain there’s more to come. I read an article she wrote recently and I think she’s committed to Alice.
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This Alice Vega character sure does sound mysteriously fascinating! You’re making me crave for a good crime investigation story. Great review, Jonetta! 😀
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Thanks, Lashaan💜 Oh, this is a good series! Highly recommend.
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