Bitter Past by Caroline Fardig
Ellie Matthews #1

Ellie Matthews quit her job with the police force as a criminalist when one case too many that hit close to home and had her needing a less stressful job. Working as an instructor at a university provided a calmer life that while allowing her to keep her forensic skills current. Her peace was definitely shattered when she was asked to consult by the police on an active murder case and I have a feeling that one case might lead to more cases in the future.

What I liked:
* The case to be solved: murder of a student and then a few more murders that followed
* The police procedural aspect of the story, investigation techniques, and forensic steps taken to solve the murders
* The setting on and near a campus
* That there was more than one potential killer suspected
* The twists and turns, red herrings, and surprises
* Getting to know the characters that will probably show up again in the series as it progresses
* That Ellie was flawed…but not too flawed. I didn’t find her warm, likable, easy to connect with, even tempered, or easy to understand but I am interested in what happens next and would like to know more of her backstory
* Detective Baxter: a good work partner for Ellie in solving crimes
* Rachel: Ellie’s younger sister, single parent to Nick, college student – expect to see more of her in the future
* The potential for the series
* Finding out what triggered Ellie to leave her job with the Police department
* Thinking about what it would be like to have been in Ellie’s shoes…don’t think I would choose to be her
* Wondering about what her next case will be

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Feeling that Ellie seems less than well grounded…perhaps that will change as the series progresses.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? I think so

Thank you to Severn River Publishing and Bookfunnel for the ARC – this is my honest review.

3-4 Stars ( )

This is a fascinating book, and I love everything about it.

I love the characters, I love the way they interact both, between them and with the victims; I admire the deep research done by the author, which is evident as you're reading; I truly appreciate the attention to detail while describing the different settings; I take great pleasure in the superb writing and the well-constructed plot.

This is a book that will hold your attention from beginning to end and will prove to be very difficult to put it down. I recommend you to begin it (as I did) whit a long week-end ahead *laughs*

An excelent,promising new series, I'll be looking forward to the next book on it. ( )