Russell H. J.

Review of eBook

Kathryn Sinclair, part of a cyber-hacking group known as Grey Nemesis collective, finds herself detained under several sections of the Computer Misuse Act. Facing years of imprisonment for cyber-crimes, she jumps at the offer of a deal, one that will ensure she does not face extradition, will waive her legal fees, and will drop all the charges against her.

In exchange, she will agree to go undercover to investigate a group suspected of large-scale international tax fraud. Her cyber skills will enable her to gather the evidence needed.

There’s just one catch . . . she must pretend to be married to the Detective Sergeant who arrested her. A man she detests.

Ultimately, Kathryn sees the deal as her only way out, and she agrees to go undercover with James Denton. But they’ll soon discover that nothing is quite as it seems in this remote, small religious community. It isn’t long before Jamie and Kathryn discover that the religious group is a façade; Hell’s Glen holds some repulsive people and some grisly secrets.

Will Kathryn find the necessary evidence to keep her freedom? And more importantly, will she find a way to convince the people around her that she and Jamie are a devoted couple?

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Although readers are sure to appreciate the trigger warning provided prior to the prologue, the main character . . . and the horrific events in her life . . . are realistically drawn. Sadly, her experience is true-to-life for many children. What sets this narrative apart is the handling of Kathryn’s issues. Granted, it does seem as if Jamie and Kathryn move from despising each other to falling into an immoderate relationship in the blink of an eye, but their relationship also moves the story along in a way that highlights the gentleness and patience with which Kathryn is treated. She's never forced beyond her comfort zone, never belittled or made fun of for her feelings.

With its strong sense of place and its compelling characters, the evolving story keeps the pages turning. At times grim and gritty, the narrative is occasionally cringe-worthy, but [sadly] rather true to life. Astute readers may figure out the “secret” within the cult [it’s a doozy], but as the plot twists and turns its way toward a decidedly satisfactory denouement, everything has a way of working itself out.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from The Book Whisperer and NetGalley
#HellsGlen #NetGalley… (meer)