"The Dark Lake" by Sarah Bailey

                                                                                            
 Buy "The Dark Lake" on October 3rd on Amazon: click here!

"Regardless, everything I know and remember about Rosalind tells me that this is a crime of passion. Or maybe revenge.".....

Detective Gemma Woodstock relives the memories she has of Rosalind Ryan, a beautiful girl she attended high school with. Rosa is found dead, and Gemma is investigating. The story is told in the present with a look back on Rosa's life and the affect it left on Gemma's life. Gemma goes through the investigation as if it's surreal, and as if she's in some kind of shock. Will it hinder or help her find the killer? Will Rosa's past somehow collide with Gemma's?

Rosalind had left town after high school, but returned to teach drama. What happened to Rosa while she was in Sydney? Why did she return to her hometown? Why would anyone want this woman dead?

From a wealthy family, her dad and three brothers are left in shock, and grieving for her. Not everyone was close, and there may be a secret or two.

Gemma has her own hidden facets, a child, a secret love. How will this case change her? Change her life? There are secrets at the “Dark Lake.” Some fascinating twists will have you wanting to reach the last page as quickly as possible.

Thank you Sarah Bailey, Netgalley, and Grand Central Publishing.

"Cold Comfort (A Bridgette Cash Mystery Thriller) by Trevor Douglas

     

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"She shared Hoffman's concern about catching the killer, but right now she was far more concerned about stopping the next killing. As the ambulance's engine started, she began to formulate a plan.".......

Detective Bridgette Casseldhorf is new to the force. Paired with a detective on the edge of retirement, Bridgette will have to stand her ground with him. Taking in clues at a murder scene, Bridgette thinks it may be the work of a serial killer. Her more experienced partner, Detective Lance Hoffman, is dismissive of her ideas. It might be a long 3 months until his retirement. 

As the clues unfold will Hoffman realize Bridgette might actually have something to contribute to this case? Will there be more murders? Is there a serial killer on the loose in Hartbourne? Can these Hartbourne Metropolitan Police detectives find a way to work together peacefully, and solve a horrific crime? 

Just a few chapters in, and I was hooked. There are a few surprises you won't expect that involve Bridgette. I liked getting to know her. The characters had layers added to them smoothly, as the story carried on. A possible serial killer won't be the only danger Bridgette faces, old family secrets will add to the story line. She also comes to the attention of a couple people she'd be better off not ever meeting. 

What a enthralling crime story. I look forward to seeing Bridgette evolve as a detective, and if she will find her foothold among the men in the squad. I've been reading crime novels for at least 35 years. It's not often I can find a story that is unpredictable and captivating. 

Thank you Trevor Douglas.

"Sunday Morning Coming Down" by Nicci French ( A Frieda Klein Novel 7)

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"The shapes weren't looking at the walls. They were looking down. and Karlsson followed their gaze. This didn't make sense: why were the boards up? Why was the smell so strong, so terrible? Karlsson felt a ripple of dread and then, as he glimpsed what lay in the gash in the floor, a rush of relief that ran through his body, like a pulse of electricity. He leaned on his crutches, utterly confused. "........

This is the 7th book in the "Frieda Klein" series. The tale opens with the body of a man, a friend and protector to Frieda, found beneath the floor in her home. Her home has been invaded by a murderer. Someone is coming close to her, but she's having a hard time sorting it out.

With her friend DCI (Detective Chief Inspector) Karlsson behind her, as well as several other friends on the case, there is hope he can solve this before the killer makes another move. They know who the killer is. They know why he killed the man under the floorboards of her home. The trouble is everyone was convinced this killer died seven years ago. Is he alive? Is someone wanting them to think he's still alive? Revenge? 

Those close to Frieda are at risk. Her niece, her friends. They are truly at risk and suffering, as Frieda does for those she loves. I love the consistency from book 1 to book 7. Stand alone, or depth adding to the characters, if you've read the others. I could read book 1 and then book 7 with clarity. Just enough past intrigue to make me want to see what I've missed in between.

I enjoy detective series immensely, and this one does not fail to entertain. I've not read books 2-5 yet, but I have purchased them. I'd love to know the sequence of events in Frieda's life from the first book, through to this one. What a great ending! Not what I expected. 

Thank you Nicci French, Netgalley, and Penguin Random House UK