the setup…
The town of Denton is pummeled by torrential rains, causing the riverbanks to overflow, flooding a lot of the town. Detectives Josie Quinn and Gretchen Miller are assisting with water rescues when they see what looks like a body wrapped in a tarp float to the surface after a house is swept away from its foundation. Back at the morgue, Josie is stunned when she sees the perfectly preserved dead girl wearing a familiar jacket…one formerly owned by her deceased ex-husband Ray. She’s identified as Beverly Urban who supposedly left town sixteen years ago and was rumored to be secretly dating Ray.
the heart of the story…
Josie is once again thrown back into her past as she knew Beverly, a troublemaker who had quite a few run ins with her over Ray. The investigation leads them to the salon where Beverly’s mother Vera used to work and to a group of affluent women, including the mayor, who were more than just her clients. All this in the midst of the town being overrun by the river’s waters, a contentious mayoral campaign and a missing Vera who hasn’t been seen since her daughter disappeared.
the narration…
Kate Handford is now firmly affixed in my mind as the voice of the series and I’m loving everything about her performances.
the bottom line…
Finding Ray’s beloved baseball jacket on Beverly’s body raised old insecurities for Josie. It was a tough case that forced her to revisit old relationships and butt heads with the mayor again. She also experienced a stunning discovery that leaves her (and me!) reeling. The hits just keep on coming and I wonder how much more Josie can bear. The investigation was fascinating and I did guess the twist prior to the reveal. No matter as I highly enjoyed the resolution and the story.
Book Info
- Release Date: August 12, 2020
- Series: Detective Josie Quinn #9
- Narrator: Kate Handford
- Audio Length: 12 hours, 40 minutes
- Publisher: Hachette UK – Bookouture
Blue Mood Café 
Fab review, Jo. Glad you enjoyed it even though you’d worked out the twist.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Nicki💜 You’re never really sure so it didn’t throw me out of the story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review Jonetta. The setting reminds me of the tragedy that occurred recently in Texas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jodie💜 It hit closer to home for me as I live in NC. The devastation in the western part of the state is still trying to recover.
LikeLike
I’ve added these to my wish lists.
Anne – Books of My Heart
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re going to have a good time, Anne💜
LikeLike
It’s always a great sign that a story ends up being so good, even when you guess the plot twist. Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Lashawn💜
LikeLike
I’m so glad you are still enjoying the series! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Immensely💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just finished book 23 and it was another excellent sequel… You have so much to look forward still. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another great review of a book I know I will love. I have to finish some of my other series before starting this one. I bet it hit close to home for you, Jo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Carla💜 You’re right, it felt like I was living it realtime.
LikeLiked by 1 person