I am truly disapointed with this second Catherine McLeod mystery. I did note that the first book in this series was not up to par with my beloved Father John O'Malley series, but hoped it would get better in subsequent books. Unfortunately not with this one either. The plot is humdrum and there isn't much tension. We know who the killer is from the beginning so the element of surprise is certainly taken away from us. I could even forgive that if the characters were better drawn. They aren't. Catherine is one-dimensional and the killer is stereotyped. I'm sorry Ms. Coel, but I cannot continue to read this series. It didn't do anything for me. But don't stop with Father John. I love that series very much, and always can't wait for the next installment. ( )

Margaret Coel is a new to me author, but definitely not a new to the world author. She is a best selling author, and I have heard lots of FANTASTIC stuff about her work. I am happy to say that I wholly agree with the people who have shouted her praises. I was super pleased with this novel and the characters within. It kept me up late into the night, turning page after page, having to find out the outcome of the suspenseful story.

This novel is different. It's killer, a detective. Wow. I would never have thought that someone would use the detective in a novel as a killer. Oh, you are probably thinking, she's giving away the plot. Nope. If you read the synopsis, it's a dead giveaway (no pun intended!). It's how the book begins. But, the fun part was all the twists and turns of Catherine McLeod piecing the clues to the puzzle together. It was truly interesting.

Catherine McLeod is a character I would love to know in real life. She's strong yet independent and lovable. She takes her job seriously and is just an all around great character.

Detective Ryan Beckman is the perfect suspect (no pun intended, again!) for this story. Broken affair victim, jealousy and revenge take over. She's been on the job long enough to know how to cover her tracks....or has she? Will she out run Catherine McLeod and her investigation? Or will Catherine McLeod overtake the clues and witnesses and come out on top?

This is one of the best mystery novels I've read in awhile. It's an awesome, fast paced, thriller that will keep you on alert as you witness Beckman and McLeod going head to head in this chase. This is the second McLeod novel and I must go back and read the first one! If it's anything like this one, it's sure to be a rocking good 5 Book novel! I also can't wait to go back and check out Ms. Coel's other books from her Wind River Mysteries.....this lady is TALENTED! I definitely recommend this book, with it's perfect combination of suspenseful mystery, life risking, and touch of romance. ( )

David Matthews is the extremely popular candidate running for the Governor's seat in Colorado. Catherine McLeod has been covering his campaign. There are rumors of a few skeletons in his closet, affairs and some shady business deals but nothing that can be really substantiated. No one is more shocked than Catherine when news spreads that the candidate has been murdered in his home.

Police are scrambling to solve this high profile case as quickly as possible. His wife has motive with all his affairs and the murder weapon is even found in her house. But Catherine receives an anonymous phone call from someone who tells her they witnessed the killer leaving the scene of the crime and it was not his wife. Catherine puts her career and her life on the line to find the witness who can identify the killer.

My Thoughts:
The first reason I loved this book was that while it is being released three years after the last book the book picks up only about a year later. Catherine's romance has progressed but not by much, she is still learning more and more about her heritage and the mystery is top notch.

We know who the killer is from the beginning and we watch them react to everything happening as Catherine gets closer to the truth. Catherine is a tough heroine but we also get to see her softer side. She great in the moment of drama but is very human as she lets down her walls as she deals situations beyond her control.

The writer also writes in almost a poetic way when she describes the scenes in the book from things as simple as a sunrise to the places she travels while running down clues.

I am glad I made the effort to read this author's work. She is an outstanding storyteller. Catherine's ancestors would be very proud at how well she tells a story. I am going to have find a way to work into my reading schedule the Wind River Mysteries. I think I am missing out on some wonderful books!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Berkley Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )