Wildlife biologist Mac Barrett is working in the jungles of Brazil when he gets the call to return to Scarlet Falls as his father’s health has deteriorated. He’s attacked before he makes it home but manages to get there despite his serious injuries. However, they take a toll after visiting his father and he has an accident on the way to his cabin, caused by him attempting to avoid the body of a woman in the middle of the road. Rookie Detective Stella Dane comes upon the accident and an unconscious Mac but the body of the woman is gone. Based on his description, she appears to be the missing woman Stella is searching for but she’s unsure whether to trust Mac’s recollection.
Of all the Barrett siblings, Mac is the one who seemed the most opaque and I finally learned why. There’s a lot more to him than I’d imagined, which made this one of the many reasons why I enjoyed this story. One other is the return of Stella Dane who is dealing with the mental repercussions from her involvement in a shootout detailed in the last story. She was a patrol officer and is newly promoted to the detectives rank but suffers from personal doubts and anguish from that debacle. Mac and Stella team up on her current investigation involving the abduction of two women but their personal attraction began when he was last home. I loved how they didn’t pretend it wasn’t there and faced their feelings head on. They were incredibly well matched even though I didn’t see that in the last story. Both are two vulnerable people who don’t shy away way from any of their issues and rely on each other to work through them.
I don’t want to minimize the importance of Stella’s case as it was grim and evil. It was always in the background when it wasn’t the main focus of the moment and what was done to the victims was cruel and insensitive. One more unexpected surprise was the adjustments made by the narrator who abandoned those ridiculous male voices she created in the two earlier books. No distractions at all this time and I actually enjoyed her performance! I’m glad I stuck with the audiobook version because she helped keep the story exciting with great pacing. This was a wonderful end to the series and I’m glad to begin its spinoff, Morgan Dane, set up nicely here.
Book Info
- Release Date: June 28, 2016
- Series: Scarlet Falls #3
- Narrator: Cris Dukeheart
- Audio Length: 10 hours, 5 minutes
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Blue Mood Café 
There sounds like there are a lot of really good layers in this story, with plenty of mystery and suspense as well, Jo. I really like the sound of this but, of course, have to ask, do I need to read previous instalments or not?
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Unfortunately, three of the main characters featured experienced extreme trauma in the second book. You’ll not appreciate where they are now without having known the intricate details of what happened. And, one of the mains tracked from the first book in a meaningful way.This author has done a great job with character development and the effects of trauma upon them mentally. I’d be doing you a disservice to say otherwise.
I just completed the accompanying book discussion and it was obvious the previous stories weighed heavily on opinions. Hope this is helpful, Alexandra.
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Ah, I figured that from your review that this is a great read, but only contingent upon having read previous installments. That means I have some catching up to do. Thanks for the honest feedback, I know I can always trust you.
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You’re welcome, Alexandra, and that’s high praise💜
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Great review, Jonetta. 🙂 I haven’t read this series, but it sounds like a good one. Vulnerable characters facing their struggles head-on is a major attraction for me in any book. Thanks for recommending.
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Thank you, Debjani💜 It’s a favorite for all the things you recognized.
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Fab review Jo 😀
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Thank you, Nicki💜
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Fabulous review! I loved this series even though I listened to Morgan Dane first which is backward in order. This author is one of my favorites in this genre.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thank you, Anne💜 We almost started Morgan Dane first until I noticed it was a spinoff of this one.
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Another one for me to keep in mind. Wonderful review too!
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Thank you, Marialyce💜
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Great review, Jonetta!! Glad the series ended on a high note. Hope the spinoff is good, too!
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Thank you, Julie💜
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