On Her Watch by Melinda Leigh @MelindaLeigh1 #ChristinaTraister @BrilliancePub

the setup…
Grey’s Hollow Sheriff Bree Taggert is wrapping up a domestic violence call when she receives word about the discovery of a dead body by a couple of hikers in a remote section of the town. As she and Matt Flynn, her investigator and life partner check, out the scene, they find another body at the site. The final body count is three, all appearing to be young women placed there at different points of time. Do they have a serial killer in their midst?

the heart of the story…
Under normal circumstances, investigating this type of crime would be a challenge for Bree’s understaffed department but they’re in the throes of a flu outbreak throughout the county, impacting every unit. I was impressed how they didn’t let this impact the case, drawing on outside resources without letting anything slide. Bree’s family situation continues to bond and solidify, including Matt who has moved in. It was a lovely aspect of the story to balance the tragic murders of these girls and the sudden disappearance of two more who seem to fit the profile and some badly behaving men in their lives.

the narration…
I enjoy Traister’s storytelling skills as she models Bree’s temperament and personality. I’ll always listen to this series as she’s now the voice in my head for the characters.

the bottom line…
The procedurals were exceptional, particularly how Bree maneuvered around the staff shortages but never sacrificing the processes. There were multiple suspects to ponder and it was essential to pay attention to the clues (beware the red herrings). The case was fascinating but I was equally drawn to the personal aspects involving Bree, her blended family and friends. Still loving this series!

Book Info

• Release Date: May 14, 2024
• Series: Bree Taggert #8
• Narrator: Christina Traister
• Audio Length: 9 hours, 35 minutes
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio

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(Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)