Investigative journalist, Kendra Dillon had to pivot when she was fired from her tv reporter job. But she found a better fit as the host of The Cold Trail, a podcast that investigates cold cases and tries to find new lines of inquiry. In the first book, The Hour of Her Death, Kendra and her associate producer, Adeline Shoop look for a case to research for their second season and settle on the murder of a nun, Sister David, on Christmas thirty years earlier.

This was fantastic crime fiction with a well plotted mystery and a riveting case. The narrative chipped away at a steady pace - slowly building suspense and preparing for the reveals - much like I'd imagine they were trying to achieve for the podcast. I was hooked from page one wanting to know more about Kendra, more about Shoop, more about Kendra's family and more about the murder of Sister David. Just more of everything. Plus I wanted to know everything she keeps in the bags she packs so carefully. I feel like there's got to be more than just pepper spray in them.

Honestly my biggest complaint is regarding the hint of romance or whatever it was that featured between Kendra and Kyle. It just felt awkward and unnatural. Actually I was also pretty disappointed that this book doesn't start with The Cold Trail's season one case, the I-80 Jane Doe murder. It would've been cool to see how it all began.

The mystery itself kept me guessing. I figured out some parts but missed others. OMFG I did not remotely see the twist coming. I mean sure I figured there were higher ups who were pulling the strings but I didn't even have Uncle Ernie/ Captain Zilba on my radar.

An incredible start to a new crime series. Highly recommend, particularly if you like Max Revere by Allison Brennan. 4.5 stars, rounded to 5 stars. ( )