This story is much more a dramatic thriller than it is a mystery. The whodunnit is revealed fairly early on with details being provided as the story progresses. The story line concentrates on how the murderer is caught and brought to justice.
There were two things I didn’t realize when I choose to read this book: 1) that it was book 19 in a series and 2) there were major paranormal elements. Neither were problems for me but I was a little surprised. I often read books out of order to check to see if they can be read stand-alone. This one can as the author provides enough information at the beginning to give the story context without becoming too much of a “spoiler” if I want to read prior books in the series. The paranormal parts (ghosts visiting the main character and then other later another character who can understand the thoughts of animals) was also something I could enjoy though I don’t normally read paranormal books. Both elements were necessary in the story and were blended well.
Eve Duncan is a famous forensic sculptor who specializes in putting faces on skeletal remains. In this story, a young girl of 9 is found eight years following her death. Eve is consumed with finding out as much as possible about this child and finding a way for her remains to go “home”.
Eve is aided in her endeavor by her boyfriend Joe and other various characters. They race across country (from Atlanta to Northern California)searching for clues and trying to stop the murderer from wrecking more havoc. While I have not read the prior books, by the end of this one, it is obvious that it is a pivotal book with something of a re-boot contained in it. I won’t say more to give it away but by the end of the book, things are looking up considerably.
I received a digital ARC copy of this book from the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, via Netgalley.
