the setup…
It’s only been a few months since Acting Sheriff Emmy Clifton buried her father and now she’s putting her mother Myrna to rest. As she, her son Cole and her estranged sister Jude Archer, a retired former FBI agent, drive to the reception, they hear sounds of gunshots coming from the home of Allison Vickery, a retired police detective. They walk into an active scene and find her dead and later her sixteen year old daughter Mandy who falls from the attic, gravely wounded. The list of probable suspects is clear and everyone in North Falls (and beyond) has a theory. But, it’s complicated and Emmy, facing an upcoming election and her own insecurities, is just trying to keep her focus.
the heart of the story…
Complicated is an understatement as Emmy is facing her own demons, including her prickly relationship with Jude, vacillating between wanting her help and for her to go away. The small town and family dynamics are potent and powerful, as are the facts of the case as everyone has an opinion and agenda. Despite their issues, Emmy and Jude make a formidable team.
Complicated is an understatement as Emmy is facing her own demons, including her prickly relationship with Jude, vacillating between wanting her help and for her to go away. The small town and family dynamics are potent and powerful, as are the facts of the case as everyone has an opinion and agenda. Despite their issues, Emmy and Jude make a formidable team.
the narration…
Kathleen Early is the voice in my head for every Slaughter story and I hope that never changes. She has an innate understanding of the authors rhythm, making her storytelling superb. Her voice distinctions for the many colorful characters are perfection.
Kathleen Early is the voice in my head for every Slaughter story and I hope that never changes. She has an innate understanding of the authors rhythm, making her storytelling superb. Her voice distinctions for the many colorful characters are perfection.
the bottom line…
Secrets abound and are slowly revealed throughout the story, some earth shattering and others I saw coming. Combined with the richness of the characterizations and the compelling procedurals, it made for the most exciting reading experience. I’m loving the vibe of this series and that ending left me counting the weeks until the next book.
Secrets abound and are slowly revealed throughout the story, some earth shattering and others I saw coming. Combined with the richness of the characterizations and the compelling procedurals, it made for the most exciting reading experience. I’m loving the vibe of this series and that ending left me counting the weeks until the next book.
Book Info
- Release Date: August 11, 2026
- Series: North Falls #2
- Narrator: Kathleen Early
- Audio Length: 14 hours, 29 minutes
- Publisher: William Morrow
Listen to a Sample!
I’m glad you’re continuing to enjoy the series! Great review Jonetta.
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Thank you, Jodie💜 Classic Slaughter.
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Fantastic review, Jo, hope you don’t have too long to wait for the next book!
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Thank you, Nicki💜 It will probably be a year *sigh*
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