Toxic Deceit by D.L. Keur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the 3rd book of the series, we see the continued growth of Mike's relationship with his co-workers. No romance here. Just solid respect and a coolish friendships warming up even with the flighty Rayne. She's Mike's forensic expert and she's learning how Mike operates as the Chief Deputy in Sheriff's office. This time the two, plus another deputy are investigating what appear to be poisonings. There doesn't seem to be much in common with the victims, but that is key in discovering the spree killer's motives and who they are.

Corporal Rayne Rankin is key with her role as a forensic investigator. Over the previous two books, she's been a difficult character with her dislike of the Chief Deputy--she thinks he's too quiet, which spooks her. That and her previous relationship with a Native American man that ended badly makes it hard for her to develop a good working relationship with the taciturn Mike "Midnight" Murphy.

Then there's King who was Mike's partner in the military. With one leg amputated, King might have been put down, but Mike brought his brave friend home with him when he left the military. Midnight's prosthesis clicks on uncarpeted floors, giving Rayne warning so she doesn't act a fool being startled by the preternaturally quiet Mike.

The three plus Deputy Jefferson work together to solve the spree killings. Nope. No hints on the who or why there. Read the book to find out all about the mystery. That's why we readers all love mysteries, right? We want to solve the crime with just enough hints from the author to lead us to the correct conclusions.

If you haven't yet read books 1 and 2, you should read them first to get a feel for the relationships between the characters, including the dog. That will make book 3 a more satisfying read although it stands on it's own in the development and reveal of the crime.


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