Jenny Hilborne's latest Doucette mystery is a complex and gritty crime story.

Tangled relationships leave you questioning - or maybe second guessing - each person's role. Everyone has something to hide, or at least a secret they'd prefer not to share. John Doucette is relentless as he pulls away all the layers to get at the truth.

The plot builds from a slow burn to a heart-thumping end. Just when you think you have it figured out, a twist comes along to knock you off balance. Hilborne never lets us get too comfortable in our assumptions.

While this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. Each book reads well on its own, with Doucette investigating and the murder as the central issue.

*I was fortunate to read an advance copy.* ( )