Susan McBride (1)

Picked this as my Kindle First book for November (I believe). I don't have too much to say about it, but I did enjoy it from beginning to end. Started slowly but built up quickly, and since I can be pretty oblivious and not the type to see twist endings coming (my boyfriend is much better at that!), it kept me guessing until the very end.

I liked the characters, Hank and Jo in particular, in no small part because she's an animal lover like I am, and I found her easily relatable. Story is told mostly from her POV with interspersed chapters of entries from Jenny (the victim's) journal.

Writing was good, as well. Definitely would check out Ms. McBride's future works =)… (meer)

When Detective Jo Larson, begins investigating the death of a young girl, what she finds is a tragic suicide, but she doesn't stop there. Jo has survived a rough childhood, and because of her past, is determined to find out why this fifteen-year-old girl with everything to live for would take her own life. What she uncovers is rape, cyberbullying, and much more. Although the subject matter is hard to read, the topics touched on in this book are eye-opening, and all too real., although I do think the author handled the story with care.… (meer)

This was a fast-paced crime mystery with protagonist, Jo Larsen, heading the investigation into the disappearance of Jenny Dielman, a woman grieving for her 3 year-old son. The plot was solid and made sense, but Jo seemed a little too flawed and unreasonably obsessed with her job. Her partner, Hank, and her boyfriend, Adam, both try to protect her from herself, but Jo seems hell-bent on punishing herself for being a victim as a child. But, even though, her dedication seems over the top, Jo is a likeable character and she did rescue the cat, Ernie. Although the plot was somewhat predictable, the story moved along and wrapped up nicely at the end. Very entertaining.… (meer)