This isn't a genre I usually grab up, but I'd heard lots of good things about this book and was excited to get my hands on it. I was not disappointed.

Jim Bean (he changed his name at an earlier age) is a one man private investigator, who's often low on cash. When a potential client hires him to find her brother, nothing seems out of the ordinary until he catches up with the so-called brother and discovers that his client has murdered several individuals. The guy isn't her brother but her main goal, and Bean has lead her directly to him.

While the mysteries I've read up until now have followed a 'who done it' plot, this one takes a slightly different turn. It's clear from the first page who the murderer is, and Bean discovers this himself already a third way into the book. But this is where the story really kicks in. The mystery turns into a hunt as Bean tries to scrape of clues on this very slippery murderer's past. There are plenty of unexpected twists and turns, and the murderer is nothing if not clever.

Bean is fairly cliche—a solo private investigator, gruff, low on money, non-existent social life, and a bit bumbly. Or so he starts out. As soon as he figures out that he's been foooled, his character switches gears, and he's much more on top of his game. His past and personality gain more depth and even his 'love' life (nothing exaggerated by any means) starts to spark. But while his character gains momentum, the murderer's breaks apart.

Sophie is crazy, and she's complex. Her intentions, kills and goals mix together as well as vinegar and milk. There are hints at why she's turned out like this, although this is only lightly touched upon. The author sprinkles in a bit of odd humanitarian sparks into her personality, which heads in the right direction to add a little sympathy. Both of these areas, however, could have used a little more exploration. Most of the book, she's quite clever and has laid out an amazing web. It's no wonder Bean has his hands full.

If it weren't for the ending, I would have given it 5 -stars. While everything happens with high tension and exciting last moments, her character unravels to the point of almost making all of the build-up sour. Her decisions no longer follow the same line, nor do her last set-ups. Still, it is an explosive ending and wraps things up well. There's also enough hints open to lead into another high-stakes adventure, one I'm looking forward to picking up and getting lost in again.

I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley and enjoyed it enough to want to leave my honest thoughts. ( )

Thrilled to think that these colorful characters (the good guys) might be in future Sin City Investigation reads! This serial killer story was twisted and psychologically based about Sophie Evers! How much more bad karma can be instilled in a villain besides being in an abusive foster home, parents that did not want her, and an inner voice that is always condemning! Her only joy was the friendship of a neighbor Daniel; although a few years older than her he treated her with kindness. Regrettably Daniel is stalked by Sophie as he attempts to lead an adult life as a cowboy. Diabolical Evers seeks the help of Private Investigator Jim Bean when she is unable to locate Daniel. Coming to the realization that Sophie is only using him; Jim fights to protect Daniel from her kidnapping goal. Wonderful support community aid Jim. Agent Ava Webb, Oscar Olsen, Ely, Sandy just to name a few and of course Annie is purring her part. "A copy of this book was provided by Midnight Ink via NetGalley with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read and comments here are my honest opinion." ( )

J.D. Allen, it appears, always knew she wanted to write thrillers; in college she studied forensic Anthropology and creative writing and the combination works. The combination works well for her writing. However, I am not fond of serial killers and it colors my reaction to books like this.

Sophie Evers has had an obsession about Dan Hodge since high school, and over the years the obsession has grown in intensity. Sophie has taken up murder as a way to get ahead in the world, all in preparation for the life she will lead with Dan once she captures him and he finally understands that he has loved her all along.

But Dan has vanished, somehow, and Sophie can't find him. That's weird because she can usually do anything she wants, but she decides to ask someone else to try, in hopes that a new viewpoint will do the trick. She hires Jim Bean and, because she is a control freak, drugs and rapes him to keep the tension high. Jim finds Dan pretty easily (weak point in plot) and soon sees through Sophie's story about why she wants to find him. He vows to protect Dan from Sophie and the remainder of the book is cat and mouse.

It's not a bad book but it's awfully similar to others (I am particularly reminded of the Huntress series). Ms Allen gets no extra points for originality. We may see more of Jim Bean, though, and that's a good thing.

I received a review copy of "19 Souls: A Sin City Investigation #1" by J.D. Allen (Midnight Ink) through NetGalley.com. ( )