the setup…
FBI Special Agent Nikki Hunt and her team are called to a gruesome scene at the Weber family’s Stillwater farmhouse. Dave and Joan were brutally stabbed to death, their son Bryce clinging to life and an unknown female dead from an apparent fall from the second floor into the foyer. She’s later identified as Jessica Chandler and it’s baffling as to why she was even there. Bryce is a star on the University of Minnesota’s swim team and a member of a fraternity, living in the frat house. Finding out who might want these people dead and why feels like an insurmountable challenge.
the heart of the story…
The name of the game seems to be subterfuge and misdirection. The biggest dilemma was figuring out who to trust among the host of people close to Bryce and his connection to Jessica. But he’s in a coma, unable to speak. The frat brothers, his roommates and best friend feel unreliable. Even Jessica’s recent behavior is complicated. And who would want his parents dead?
the narration…
Kate Handford is a master storyteller here and adeptly managed a host of distinctive characters. I enjoy her being the voice of the series.
the bottom line…
It’s all about the procedurals as the team was taxed to untangle this puzzling murder. I enjoyed the journey but was disappointed at how it ended, the final solution feeling rushed, told instead of playing out. Otherwise, I was captivated by the story, especially as Nikki’s personal life seems to have stabilized.
Book Info
- Release Date: May 3, 2022
- Series: Nikki Hunt #5
- Narrator: Kate Handford
- Audio Length: 8 hours, 19 minutes
- Publisher: Hachette UK – Bookouture
Blue Mood Café 
Great review, it’s a shame the ending fell a bit flat for you.
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Thanks, Sarah💜 It was a great story that deserved more time to that ending.
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Fab review, Jo, too bad about that ending!
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Thanks, Nicki💜 Her endings are normally much more climactic than this was.
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I’m sorry the ending was disappointing for you. Great review though Jonetta.
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Thanks, Jodie💜
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I think I have the first of this series but have not read them. But they are on my radar. Thanks for sharing.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thanks, Anne💜 I’m so enjoying this series.
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I’m trying to get into more thrillers this year! Definitely not a genre I touch on that much, and I should change that.
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It’s one of my most favorite genres. Highly recommend as there are so many talented writers in it.
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Fab review! I really need to hurry up and catch up with this series… I’m glad you are still enjoying it! ❤
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Thanks, Yvo💜 She’s really great at plotting.
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Wonderful review, Jo. I’m glad the series continues to be enjoyable, but it’s too bad about the ending this time around. Hopefully the next one gets back on track.
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Thank you, Carla💜 It was wonderful until the very end. Still a great story.
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