Attorney Morgan Dane is a widow with three young girls who is finally deciding to emerge following the death of her husband. It’s been a year and she’s ready to get on with her life and is considering a job as assistant district attorney in Scarlet Falls. Before she has a chance to decide, she’s asked by her former babysitter’s grandmother to help find her. Morgan gets former police officer Lance Kruger, now a private investigator, to assist her and together they find Tessa Palmer, brutally murdered. When her neighbor’s son Nick is arrested for the crime, Morgan volunteers to represent him as she’s convinced of his innocence.
The story begins from Tessa’s point of view as she’s being pursued by her killer so needless to say, I got hooked immediately and found it difficult to stop listening. We’re given small clues right from the beginning but not enough to deduce the killer. Morgan’s decision to represent Nick is not without consequence as the community believes he’s guilty and turns against her. It was interesting to witness the fragility of long standing relationships in these type situations when the public at large renders a verdict before the trial has even started. I was happy to see Lance again from the Scarlet Falls series and his and Morgan’s burgeoning romance is on low simmer. That’s refreshing as so often there’s an instalove rush but not here. Much time is being given as both of them have baggage to shed.
The rest of the story lived up to the promise of the prologue as the pace was rapid, the investigation compelling and the action exciting. I must admit to being caught flatfooted in figuring out the identity of the killer but also really didn’t care because the story was more engaging than my desire to deduce the villain (an anomaly for me!). The secondary characters were equally interesting and added texture to the story. This series is a spinoff of Scarlet Falls and while it stands alone very well, i benefitted by knowing a lot about Lance, the town and some other characters. You’ll enjoy this no matter but for die hards like me that are diligent about character development and reading in order, it’s something to consider. I chose to listen to the book and Cris Dukeheart delivered a strong performance. I’m committed to this format for the rest of the series with the same narrator.
Book Info
- Release Date: May 16, 2017
- Series: Morgan Dane #1
- Narrator: Cris Dukeheart
- Audio Length: 9 hours, 50 minutes
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Blue Mood Café 
Fab review Jo sounds like a good start to a new series!
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Thanks, Nicki💜 It’s a very strong start.
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Sounds like this one was a definite winner, and yes, added to my must check out! I have a few Melinda Leigh suggestions from you. I need to start reading.
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It was, Alexandra💜 That prologue was chilling.
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Oh, a definite must then!
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I loved this series and I always enjoy Cris Dukehart. Fabulous review! You are in for some amazing reads ahead.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thank you, Anne💜 I was hoping you’d say that!
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Great review, Jonetta! I love, when the characters and the story are so engaging that identifying the killer is just a small part of the enjoyment. Interesting to see, where this series go – assuming you continue to the bitter end 😉
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Thank you, Stargazer💜 I’m in for this series for the long haul!
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Wonderful review. I like the sound of this one. xx
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Thanks, Yvo💜 It was a page turner!
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Great review, Jonetta. Trial by the community is now a norm. People are judged guilty before the trial starts which leaves many innocent souls scarred for life. Good to know it has a slow-burn romance. Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you, Debjani💜 It was sad commentary on how quickly communities can rush to judgment.
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Found another great series for you! Yay! Enjoy!
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 You know me well!
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Thank you 🙂 And it’s on kindle unlimited in the UK so I have it waiting for me to read 😀 Fab review x
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Jules, this is a spinoff of the Scarlett Falls series, which should also be on KU. Morgan is just barely introduced there but there’s lots about Lance’s backstory.
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Thank you, I will add those to my list too 🙂 x
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