The Deceiving Look

Shepard & Gray #3

by Victor Methos

Sheriff Billie Gray calls on Solomon Shepard once more to tackle an investigation into the murder of a criminal defense attorney in this heart-pounding thriller from the bestselling author of A Killer’s Wife . When a local criminal defense attorney turns up dead, Sheriff Billie Gray arrives on the scene. At first glance, the lawyer’s death looks like suicide. But Billie knows this was murder. To assist with the investigation, Billie calls on her old friend Solomon Shepard, who isn’t so eager to accept. After a traumatic attack left him mentally in shambles, Solomon is on indefinite leave from the county attorney’s office. But Billie needs him. And he can’t say no to Billie. As Billie and Solomon hurtle into the investigation, they soon realize the killer may be closer to them than they ever thought possible. Can they catch a killer who anticipates their every move―before they find themselves in the crosshairs?

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Legal Thriller, Audiobook, Crime, Mystery Thriller

331 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2024

About the author

Victor Methos is the Edgar Award nominated bestselling author of over forty novels. He has been a criminal and civil rights lawyer in the Mountain West, conducting over 100 trials, and produces two books a year with his dog Fraiser by his side.

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Deceiving Look by Victor Methos is well-plotted, twisty, and filled with characters that felt real and emotionally rich. This crime and legal thriller is the third novel in the Shepard and Gray series and features Solomon Shepard and Billie Gray. In this novel, Billie asks Solomon for help investigating the death of a local criminal defense attorney who is the former mayor of Tooele, Utah. The death looks like murder to Billie, but is it?

Solomon is on indefinite leave from the county attorney’s office after being attacked in a courtroom. He has isolated himself from others and suffers from anxiety, but he can’t say no to Billie. Billie is the local sheriff. She’s efficient, charismatic, confident, and gets things done. However, not all deputies and detectives view her as a strong leader.

The backstories of the two main characters as well as a couple of others give readers additional insight into their behaviors and actions. Even though it is the first book in the series that I have read, there was enough background for it to work as a fantastic standalone read. However, I believe I would have enjoyed it even more if I had already read the first two books.

This novel is impeccably written with engaging characters and a deeply involved plot. While the story is very character driven, the author does a great job of building momentum and suspense until it culminates in a disconcerting conclusion. This unsettling thriller has some graphic scenes and some twists that keep you hooked. Trying to understand the fallout from events kept me turning the pages rapidly. Relationships with colleagues, friends, family, and others help drive the narrative.

The author did a great job of balancing the shocking scenes in the novel against the suspense and mystery aspects. Gripping scenes and a well-crafted and riveting plot hooked me from the very beginning. The dynamic plot came alive with the well-defined characters and the significant amount of conflict. Hints and clues are dropped, but it took me a long while to guess who the antagonist was. What a shock! There are also a few sub-plots that add layers to the story. Themes include relationships, mental health, power, death, and much more.

Overall, this tense, suspenseful, and tragic novel gripped me from the beginning. The author brings strong characters, a great plot, and fascinating relationships to the novel. I can’t wait to read what the author writes next.

Thomas & Mercer and Victor Methos provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 9, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.02 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[CarolG · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solomon Shepard, still suffering mentally and physically from an attack in the courtroom when he was a prosecutor, seems to have withdrawn even further from society until Sheriff Billie Gray begs him to assist with her investigation into former Mayor Dennis Yang's death which looks like a suicide but which she suspects is murder. They are joined by Mazie Heaton, a fairly new recruit to the Sheriff's Department. It's surprising how many reviews and even the book blurb itself refer to the suicide/murder of the District Attorney as the catalyst for this investigation but it was actually the death of the former Mayor that started it all.

This is the 3rd book in this series and it was a pleasure to read as were the first two. Along with the main story about the murders of the former Mayor and the District Attorney, there are side stories involving Billie's ex which was frightening on its own and Mazie's encounter with Joel, a young man with whom she accepts a date and then disappears. I sure didn't see that ending coming but I didn't really like the way it ended. As in the previous books there are some gruesome descriptions but the book itself was well written. Although I didn't like it as well as the first two books, I'm definitely up for reading the 4th book if there is one. 3.5 Stars rounded down.

My thanks to Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley for the opportunity to read a DRC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Published: January 9, 2024

[Valleri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to both Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Deceiving Look, by Victor Methos. Expected publication: January 9, 2024.

The Deceiving Look is the 3rd book in the Shepard & Gray Series. Sheriff Billie Gray arrives on the scene when a local criminal defense attorney turns up dead. At first glance, the lawyer’s death looks like suicide. But Billie knows better: this was murder.

I didn't enjoy reading The Deceiving Look as much as I did the series' first two books. However, I loved Billie and felt Maizie was a wonderful addition to the team! There was plenty of action and the pace moved along nicely. Maybe I found the gruesome portions to have a bit too much ick factor for me!

Although I rated the first two books in the series 4 stars, I'm rating this one 3 stars. I liked it but didn't love it.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Victor Methos, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Returning for another in Victor Methos’ newest series, I was met with a great piece of writing. Methos uses his two protagonists well to craft a story that is sure to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, while also proving impactful to all that is going on. When a murderer begins targeting people of some importance in the county, it is up to Sheriff Billie Gray to get to the heart of the matter. Working with a new deputy and her friend, Solomon Shepard, something seems off. While Shepard cannot help but draw a parallel to something that happened to him as a child, the apparent killer is reaching out to him, as if to taunt. Time is of the essence and neither Gray nor Shepard want this case to slip through their fingers. Methos does well to keep the action high and the twists plentiful.

After a local criminal defence attorney turns up dead in his home, all signs point to a suicide. The man had a number of personal complaints made against him and it would make sense that he wanted to end it all. However. Sheriff Billie Gray is not so sure, enlisting the help of her friend and former prosecutor, Solomon Shepard, to assist. Together, they discover some telling facts that push things into the murder category, though nothing concrete has yet been discovered.

While Solomon helps out as best he can, he is less than willing to do so. He’s had a significantly traumatic event befall him, leaving Shepard wanting to isolate before things can spiral out of control. The fact that Sheriff Gray has brought along her newest deputy, Mazie Heston, only adds to the pressure. Deputy Heaton is a firecracker if ever there was one, but her instincts are good and she wants to help.

When a second murder takes place and the body is left inside Solomon’s home, things take a significant turn. He’s got an alibi, with the sheriff no less, but something is left behind that Solomon discovers and keeps to himself. The killer may be closer than anyone thought and Solomon is anxious to reveal what he knows. Things are compounded with Deputy Heaton is kidnapped, leaving Sheriff Gray to wonder if this is a message from the killer, or perhaps a means of getting back at the fiery deputy. The action never stops in this piece, showing that Methos has all the elements of a great thriller.

I discovered the work of Victor Methos a few years ago and have not been able to get enough. He weaves a wonderful story into his thrillers, keeping the reader in the driver’s seat, while adding wonderful elements of surprise and mystery. This novel provided just what the reader needed, pushing the limits as the story developed. A strong narrative base kept things on pace and the great momentum build led to a stunning reveal by the end.

I am still getting to know Gray and Shepard, both of whom have significantly different backgrounds. Sheriff Gray has created her persona on trying to replicate the life her father lived, while Solomon Shepard is a shell of his former self, filled with a haunting past. However, their work together is strong and the ability to get to the core of the matter is unlike anyone else out there. The addition of strong secondary characters, as well as the emergence of Deputy Mazie Heaton, keeps things on pace to be strong and full of great interactions. I am eager to see where things go and how the characters will add depth to an already great series in the years to come.

Methos is always known for his legal and thrilling twists. This book was no exception with wonderful storytelling and an ending that no one could have seen coming. While the reader might think they know what directions things are headed, there is little chance of being able to predict all that comes out in this book. A strong story is met with some unpredictable elements to keep the reader on their toes. I am eager to see where things are headed and how Methos will take them there.

Kudos, Mr. Methos, for a gripping novel in this series.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Donne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third installment of the series and the fourth Victor Methos book that I have read and enjoyed. I typically don’t enjoy legal thrillers because of all the silly courtroom nonsense that so many of them have. However, Methos doesn’t have a lot of that in this series, and that’s a good thing. I also like the relationship friendship between the two MC’s, Solomon (aka Sol) Shepard and Billie Gray. I really hope that Methos doesn’t have any plans to turn this relationship into a romantic one. I truly believe that would ruin the chemistry between them and would probably not be welcomed by Billie’s dad, who also has a long-time friendship with Sol.

The story takes place a couple years after the second installment and Sol has become completely isolated and secluded from his former life and friends, including Billie and her dad. But, as the summary states, Billie needs Sol and he acquiesces and agrees to assist her. Unfortunately, Sol operates in his own way, which puts Billie in a precarious position because Sol’s methods are not legal and are dangerous.

There are secondary storylines too. One is a carryover from previous installments and that is Billie’s ex-boyfriend who was stalking and harassing Billie in previous installments. Now, his behavior has become so dangerous that Billie now needs 24/7 police protection. There is also another secondary storyline of internal affairs who were investigating the two murdered victims (Mayor & DA) for some kind of corruption and/or illegal activity.

Anyway, the murders are adding up and then one of Billie’s officers, Maize, is abducted. It becomes a race for Billie and Sol to find her because based on the killer’s MO, Maize only has about 24hrs. This story includes some of the history and memories from Sol’s childhood and family, which was very troubled and tragic. The ending was really scary and disturbing. Methos leaves Sol’s future rather questionable, at least it seemed that way to me.

The series seems to be taking a somewhat different turn, I think, although, I could be wrong. My fave characters, besides Billie and Sol, were Maize and Einstein, a young hacker that Sol uses for his illegal tactics and activities. Hope there is more of Maize and Einstein in future installments. I want to thank NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #ThomasandMercer #TheDeceivingLook

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. WOW! What a surprise! Book 3 is nothing like the first two of this series. And you certainly won't see what's coming. The author takes you through a maze of criminals acts and interactions with a handful of criminals along the way to add to the mystery ahead. I wasn't even sure where this book was headed. There were so many happenings, but none seemed to point in any definite direction. Right before the final pages, I had to go back and re-read a few places because my readers' mind was going one way, and the author cleverly takes you elsewhere. Part mystery, part thriller, Victor Methos delivers once again, a book that's hard to put down.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGallery and Thomas and Mercer for my first ARC! I was thrilled it was a Victor Methos, as I've read a few of his books and absolutely love his work. This one did not disappoint; The Deceiving Look is outstanding! The police/legal procedures are very well written, adding an authenticity some books lack. You'll never have to roll your eyes thinking "that will never happen". Mental health issues are so brilliantly woven into the story making them (as they should be) seem normal and routinely dealt with. Although it's the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone, without losing the essence of the relationships established in the first book. We were gifted the introduction of new characters which added even more flavor. If you're like me, you'll probably be trying to figure out the 'who-done-it', before reaching the end. I have to admit, I didn't! I usually do, so I was blown away that I really couldn't figure this one out. Bravo Mr. Methos, you got me!

If I was asked what the negatives were (which in no way diminishes from the book itself)? I'd say it was the cover and title. For me the title does not capture the essence of a book that grabs you from the beginning and compels you to read right through to the end.

The Deceiving Look is brilliant, engaging, easy to read, and well written. I highly recommend this book.

[Nikki Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Victor Methos. This is the 3rd book in a police procedural series.

Billie is the sheriff in town, with her new right hand, another female officer, Masie. When a big defense attorney turns up dead, Billie calls on Solomon, an old friend for help. They are trying to decide if it's a suicide or a murder. Solomon is out of the game and retired as an attorney due to a devastating attack during a case. He's been living as a recluse for three years, especially after Billie's last words were 'I never want to see you again'. Billie convinces Solomon to help.

This was an exciting read, and I finished it pretty quickly. If you enjoy police procedural novels, this is right up your alley. I'd like to thank Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley, and Victor Methos for an advanced copy for an honest opinion.

Expected publication date January 9th 2024
3.5 stars rounded up to 4

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

So here’s the thing. Methos could write a dissertation on how to peel a grape, and I would dive right in and devour the pages. Seriously. I love his style and his balls-to-the-wall approach to every story he tells. With that said, this book can be summed up with one word: dark. The characters, setting, plot, themes—all somber, oppressive and almost suffocating. Whilst on one hand that feeling of hopelessness is a testament to Methos’ ability to create pervasive and believable tone and mood, on the other hand it was SUCH a downer as to at times be uncomfortable. I had to take short breaks to recenter and remind myself that not all is lost in life, an experience I’ve never had before while reading. I suppose having an existential crisis every fifty or so pages should be a credit to the genius of Methos, but my therapist is going to work for her fee this week—not quite the result I was hoping for when I opened the cover.

I will continue to be first in line to grab anything and everything that Victor Methos pens, but for the love of all things holy, could we have something a LITTLE more upbeat next time? 😳

[Sonia Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Some people are happy in their misery."

Sooo...
First, I enjoyed reading/listening this story;
Second, I didn't like how it all wrapped up, meaning - who the killer was and his motives;
Third, I liked the last chapter :)

So, it's positive, but far from a favorite. of Victor Methos's books.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

well written with engaging characters but a tad bit gruesome for me. even though many things appear to have happened to billie and solomon prior to the events in The Deceiving Look, Methos does a great job of providing just enough background.

[Ahmad Adnan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dark and twisted thriller, marking a shift in tone from the author’s previous works.

This installment in the series feels much more mature and personal, delving into deeper, more complex themes. While it wasn't exactly my cup of tea, I can’t deny that the writing was strong, and the development of the characters was well-executed. The tension and atmosphere were gripping, and the buildup throughout the story was impressive.

Though it may not have resonated with me personally, but i am definitely picking another title in the future by Mr. Victor Methos

[Kim’s Kindle Reads. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ rounding up. This one was a bit different and I missed the courtroom aspect BUT still good. The twist in this one was very unexpected. This was the perfect ending to the series.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shephard & Grey series is another great trilogy that deserves 5 stars. Methos weaves together gripping plots, complex characters, and unexpected twists that kept me hooked from start to finish. The dynamic between both characters is compelling, their partnership adding depth and nuance to the thrilling narratives. The writing is crisp and engaging, making it hard to put the books down. Can't wait to read more.

[Nilesh Jasani · Rating 2 out of 5]

"The Deceiving Look" has Methos’ usual smooth narrative flow, and that’s about it.
The series’ generally likable characters barely have any role in a rather straightforward story. The language and writing style simply cannot make up for the lackluster story. The lack of side stories throws a further spotlight on the lack of complexity in the narrative.

A particularly disappointing aspect is the handling of a major story arc that runs through the series. The author's decision to conclude this arc in a tepid and almost peripheral manner leaves much to be desired.

[Debbie Ansbro · Rating 1 out of 5]

nothing like his earlier books. pass on this one.

This book is the opposite of earlier books by Methos. This one has stupid characters doing unbelievable things, had no suspense and the worst ending ever written. This was a total waste of time Skip this no matter how bored you may be.

[Ray Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Past Is Coming Back to Take Its Toll

The novel opens with Solomon Shepard taking an Uber home. He is dreaming of being in a morgue, and he must look at each cadaver. He doesn't want to see everything but reads each toe tag for the identity and cause of death. He hears a knock, but the morgue is devoid of living persons except them. He keeps hearing a sound. A hand grips his shoulder. He turns around and sees a bloody corpse. He wakes up screaming. The driver is startled and almost loses control of his car. The Uber driver tells him staying awake the rest of the way home would be good. He drops the Shepard off at his eerie mansion. No neighbor is even close by. The driver asks if he lives alone in this large mansion. Shepard says that it’s better he's alone. This is the depth that Shepard must climb up from to save his and others’ lives.

There are three threads. The first is Shepard's transition back into society. Sheriff Billie Gray works hard at achieving this because, as a former prosecutor and social worker with prisoners, she needs his help to investigate the death of the ex-mayor. His death is very similar to Shepard’s mother, whose death was ruled a suicide. Then, the current District Attorney is attacked and barely escapes with his life. This thread transitions to an investigation of both. The third thread is the stalking of Sheriff Gray by her ex-husband, who has been violent in the past. Dealing with him consumes much of her time and is detrimental to conducting the investigation. The attack notches up the suspense that more violence is in the future. Shepard’s methodology is unconventional and illegal for law enforcement, leading to Shepard not keeping Sheriff Gray up to speed on how he is conducting his part of the investigation and for her to accept the results. As a reader, what Shepard is doing is open to you. The twists and turns occurring during the investigation, the threat of future violence, and the difficulties that both Shepard and Gray must overcome corralled my interest and kept it to the end.

The backgrounds of Solomon Shepard and Sheriff Billie Gray are particularly rich, even after reading the first two novels in this series. Much is provided early in the novel, where the reader can watch how it affects these two characters’ thoughts and actions. The thread of Sheriff Billie Gray’s issue with her ex-husband lasts through most of the novel. I liked how the characters had flaws, as they were authentic characters for me. These aspects added to my reading enjoyment of this novel.

Some aspects that can cause some readers to stop reading are present in this novel. Intimate scenes are not one of them. Vulgar and rude language are at a low level. The most significant is the violence that is, at times, very graphic, even though most of it is portrayed as views of the crime scenes. There are references to events in the previous novels, but there is adequate backfill, so reading this novel first should not be a problem.

The primary issue I had was Sheriff Gray acquiescing to the outside-the-law actions of Shepard that would sabotage any resulting prosecution. I am more forgiving of this aspect in fast-paced action novels, but not in a normal-paced police procedural. There was one minor loose end. It is the nickname for Shepard that upset him when used. The origin of it was never explained.

This is the sixth novel over two series from this author I have read. He is in my Must-Read category of authors. If you like non-urban police procedurals, I recommend reading this novel. While I enjoyed reading this novel, it was not up to the level of four previous novels that I rated with five stars. I rate it with four stars. I am looking forward to reading further books from this author.

I received this novel's free prepublication e-book version through NetGalley from Thomas & Mercer. My review is based solely on my own reading experience of this book. Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked on this series when I read book one, and this is book three and it’s still loaded with thrilling excitement. Solomon was a prosecuting attorney, but because of a very traumatizing case in the last book he has chosen to be alone in his big house and deal with his demons. Billie, sheriff of their county, is Solomons best friend, and has not seen Solomon for the two years he has been living like a hermit. Solomon has an uncanny ability to solve difficult murder cases and Billie desperately needs his help with a new murder, which happens to be a man they both know. After seeing pictures of the murder scene, Solomon agrees to help, even realizing this will bring him into a deeper/darker depression.
Solomon and Billie work so well together, but will this case deepen their friendship or end it?
The ending was very well written, the murderer was somewhat a surprise.
The ending also left me with a feeling that this may be the final book in the series. I guess time will tell on that.

[Gemini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Womp

I was really looking forward to the release of this book. I wanted to catch up with Billie and Solomon. The previously likable Solomon was weird and bitter at the start of the book. Once he and Billie reconciled, his old personality started to show up. Their dynamic was maddening. Solomon suggested all kinds of unconventional and unethical tactics to track down the villain and Billie just kept agreeing to it. I didn’t like that at all. Once the villain was revealed, I groaned. The motive was so ridiculous. The grand speech he made to justify his actions was so lame. This was a disappointing ending to a series that I really enjoyed up until this point.

[Marija · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third installment of the series kept me reading until deep into the night. It is a well-crafted police procedural that gives us a good story through the main characters, it is filled with a good amount of mystery, thrill, and surprise elements. I will read the previous installments and look forward to the future ones.

[Breia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely good author. I have read several of his books now and all are structured well with awesome plots. I am going through and reading what I have missed because all are on Kindle Unlimited!

[Ivy Tomlinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

love these complex deeply hurt characters! love the dynamic between shepard and billie!

[Louise Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific story which goes down a path you might not expect. There are many characters to get to know and I hope they will feature in more books, especially Mazie. The writer has a clear and engaging style and clearly knows about legal processes and police procedures as he presents them with such credibility and detail.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This is the third book in this series, but there has been a pretty significant time period from the events of the last book to the beginning of this book. I'm not sure why 3 years have elapsed in between, but apparently they have. For some reason, that kind of pulled me out of the story immediately. From what I remember, these two characters had developed a pretty strong connection and to hear - right off of the bat - that they hadn't spoken in three years, well, it was weird. Maybe I read that wrong, but I don't think so.....

Anyway, this storyline has the Sheriff (Billie) and the former Prosecutor (Soloman) back together trying to solve the suspicious death of the former Mayor. There are some similarities with this death and the very unusual way that Soloman's mother passed away many, many years ago, but Billie didn't know that when she contacts Soloman. See, there is another thing that just felt....forced.

I don't know. The easiness that I felt with the first two books felt like it was missing. Things really felt like they were being pressed together on purpose. The truly important thing was that it took me quite a while to get into this story. I usually will finish a book the day that I start it, or if things are progressing slower, by the next day at the latest. I stopped and started this book several times and finally made myself finish after 3 or 4 days. This is never a good sign. In the end, it finally felt like we had some of the old chemistry between the two MC’s back.

The story line was intriguing but the killer was easy enough to figure out. Did it make sense once everything was uncovered? No, not really. Yes, there were “supposed “ reasons and attempts to justify these actions but it didn’t really work. Again, more things that felt forced.

The story arc definitely sets up another book, so it will be interesting to see where things stand after the way things ended this time. There was a definite change in the “relationship” status during the last couple of paragraphs - that also felt like it came in completely out of the blue. Seriously…OUT OF THE BLUE. Yes, things may have been foreshadowed coming into this, but this is a situation that was just thrown out in the end.

Maybe it's just me and everything made sense. But for some reason, this book had a completely different feel to it and I really had a hard time with it.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.

[Bill Grubb · Rating 1 out of 5]

Save your time and energy

Not so good. He had some great books years ago but recently they have not been good at all. Do t waste your time

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Deceiving Look is the third book in the Shepard and Gray series. I have read book 2 and 3 of the series. This can be a stand-alone read, but there is so much back story of these characters it is best to start at the beginning and because the series is that good you won't want to miss a one.

This story picks up a few years after the previous book. Sherriff Billie Gray is called to the scene of the suspected suicide of the mayor, but when Billie takes a look at the victim, she believes it was a murder. She reaches out to Solomon Gray for his expertise in being able to see connections where others don't. Sol has become isolated from his former life and friends. His helping her will put her in jeopardy as his techniques are questionable and unorthodox.

Billie’s ex has been stalking and harassing Billie. He has threatened to kill her and himself. So, her house is now under 24-hour surveillance. In spite of having an injunction for stalking against him, he continues to show up and text her continuously.

This story includes some of the history and memories from Sol’s childhood and family, which contributes to Sol's mental health decline. The mayor's manner of death is identical to his mother's believed suicide. The bodies start to pile up and a new deputy goes missing.

This was an extremely intense police procedural thriller. The story starts off with a bang and continues to rachet up from there to the explosive ending. I have to say I did not see it coming. Sol's investigation took the story on a wild chase which keeps the reader guessing and the intensity building. This was thoroughly rewarding.

I really like the characters. They are flawed and struggling but they are likeable which keeps you invested in what happens to them.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.

[Ed Bryant · Rating 1 out of 5]

poorly written.

This book was apparently never edited. Grammar is poor, sentences incomplete. Reading it was tedious. I kept hoping it would get better but it didn’t.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

Best yet of my favorite character by this author, Sheriff Billie Gray, I just love Methos' classy & gutsy female law enforcement agents!

Awesome character development, and, of course, 🩶 Gray's cohort Solomon is in this book too. Top quality mystery, a gruesome crime that is initially viewed as a brutal suicide comes to light, and this time the surprise is the perpetrator.

[Donna · Rating 1 out of 5]

What the hell?

I usually like Methos but this book has little coherence and I felt like two stories were just patched together. What clues led up to the murderer? NONE! What did the first half of the book relate to second half. I found it bewildering

[Sonia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the first book, sadly this series has been disappointing