The Unseen Sister

Detective Kat Ballantyne #2

by Andy Maslen

For DS Kat Ballantyne, finding the murderer might mean looking closer to home. DS Kat Ballantyne is still reeling from a revelation that turned life as she knew it upside down. But when a dog walker discovers the body of a woman among the standing stones known locally as the Three Sisters, there’s no time to focus on her own troubles. Kat is drawn back to work to investigate. At first, the death appears to be an accident. But then Kat discovers an infinity symbol branded onto the dead woman’s abdomen. She’s convinced there’s a vicious killer at large. Still juggling her turbulent private life with her professional duty, she begins to dig into the victim’s past. There, she uncovers shocking secrets and several potential suspects. When a second woman is found killed in similar circumstances, Kat needs answers fast. Does she have a serial killer on her hands? Or is the perpetrator motivated by something more personal? What connects the victims? And can she catch the killer before anyone else turns up dead?

Genres: Audiobook, Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Thriller, Suspense, Murder Mystery

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 5, 2024

About the author

MILLION COPY BESTSELLER SHORTLISTED FOR KINDLE STORYTELLER AWARD

Andy Maslen writes thrillers across a number of genres: police procedurals, vigilante, psychological, suspense and horror. He spent 30 years in business before turning to writing full time.

Readers praise Andy's novels for their relatable characters, realistic dialogue, sense of place and kinetic action sequences, and for his meticulous research into police procedure around the world.

He is the creator of best-selling series featuring Kat Ballantyne, Gabriel Wolfe, Stella Cole and Inspector Ford, plus standalone novels and short stories.

Andy was born in Nottingham, England. After leaving university with a degree in psychology, he worked in business for thirty years as a copywriter. In his spare time, he plays the guitar. He lives in Wiltshire.

Reviews

[Danielle-Gemma💜 · Rating 4 out of 5]

You absolutely cannot leave us on a cliff hanger like that! I need the third book and I need it right now!

[Nurse Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Unseen Sister, by Andy Maslen, is the 2nd detective novel narrated from the perspective of Det. Kat Ballantyne. I enjoyed the is audiobook as a standalone without having read the first book featuring the fore-mentioned detective. The narrator of the audiobook does have a British accent as the story’s location is Middlehamptom UK.

Coming off the win of Detective Kat Ballantyne’s last serial killer investigation, Kat is not anticipating yet another one to fall into her lap. With one murdered woman dead and a curious branding burned into her flesh, Det. Ballantyne discovers secrets from her family’s past that complicate her role in the investigation. When a second woman is found murdered, Kat starts to put pieces together in an effort to find the killer.

This story does a great job of character development, even not having read the previous book. Det. Kat Ballantyne is a like-able character who focuses on her role as a detective but also shows us her family side of life. The plot itself was somewhat easy to predict, but was still enjoyable. I found this audiobook to be well narrated and easy to follow,

Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this advanced listeners copy. The opinions listed above are an honest review without bias. 3.5 stars rounded up.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Kat Ballantyne finds herself on a new homicide case which ends up being closer to home than she first realised. Debuting as the second novel following Kat’s life as a Detective, The Unseen Sister follows its predecessor, The Seventh Girl, into a world of serial killers, drug dealers and lies.

First and foremost, the plot was great from the get-go with twists and turns around each corner. I found myself confidently picking out the Murderer to only realise a few chapters later, I was clearly on the wrong track. Who doesn’t love a book that keeps you guessing?

Kat lives a relatively bland and normal life with her son and husband at home. I felt we needed more insight into her Husbands new client and the constant remarks / breadcrumbs about Kat’s concerns regarding an affair. I suppose that could always crop up in another book?

Without spoiling anything, I thoroughly enjoyed the link to Kat but was hoping it would cause more issues than it actually did. Maybe that’s the morbid thinker in me.

I enjoyed the ending and it coming full circle. I like that things wrapped up nicely and we weren’t left with many loose ends. Did I see the ending coming? Not 100%! I definitely picked the wrong killer.

Downside; the book dragged a little for me. I think there was a lot of description/scene building where it wasn’t needed. That being said, it was a quick read.

3.75 stars from me.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review!

[Suzi (Lil Bit Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fitness enthusiast Jo Morris is found dead after a workout near the Three Sisters rock formation. Although it initially appears to be an allergic reaction, the actual cause of death was far more sinister. Jo was supposedly loved by all, and signs are pointing to the husband as the prime – after all, it’s always the husband, isn’t it? But when a second body turns up with striking similarities, the police are forced to admit something darker is happening. Maybe there was more to Jo Morris than the loveable philanthropist persona she presented to the world.

I loved the first DS Kat Ballantyne book, The Seventh Girl! If you did too, you won’t want to miss this worthy second installment. The Unseen Sister is twisty, turny, unpredictable, and cleverly plotted. There’s no shortage of suspects and their possible motives kept me guessing the whole time. Kat is a fantastic character – she’s a dedicated and tenacious detective, but also emotionally vulnerable and slightly morally grey. This installment has Kat struggling to balance her home life and her work life, with enough attention paid to her marriage and motherhood to be compelling but still allowing the police procedural aspect to take center stage. This story ends with a major cliffhanger, so I am eagerly awaiting The Silent Wife, which is scheduled to be released later this year

Fans of Isabella Maldonado or Tami Hoag (one of my all-time favorite serial killer/police procedural authors) will definitely enjoy The Unseen Sister and this series as a whole! Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me an advance copy of this book.

[Gayle Coward · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ending contrived to encourage purchase of next in series

I would have given this book an excellent rating until the end. It seems the author has borrowed the modus operandi of a television series which leaves one hanging in the air until the next series in the following year. I won't fall for it. This is my last purchase of this author.

[Lana M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

[Michael Fronczak · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first Ballantyne book and this one could've been great, but the interactions between Kat & her superior are very grating and takes away from the overall story. There are bad bosses and people with agendas, I get it - but her boss appears incompetent and actively out to sabotage her at every step, apparently without any sort of repercussion or notice from higher ups. Instead of adding to the book, it takes away for me.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Kat!

I am loving this series.
I also loved more about Kat, and her life outside of being a detective. There is an odd twist in THIS book that seemed not needed but once done … and the thought of book 3 is revealed, I wonder if it is a tease for that.

This book has a lot of characters and I admit, at times, with no changing in POVs that I was a bit confused … who was this again? Were they important? It seemed like the author did it to keep the readers mind spinning. And mine did … I had no guess as to who did it.

This was a good mystery and I am intrigued for more.

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

The long anticipated follow up to the first book in this series, The Seventh Girl, didn't disappoint!

I really enjoyed returning to the life of DS Kat Ballantyne and her colleagues. Picking up from where we were left at the end of book one, Kat is still reeling when a body is discovered at the Three Sisters stones. Thrown straight back in at the deep end, Kat and Tom soon discover some disturbing history about the woman and a shocking secret sends Kat spinning. When a second murder is committed, with a clear link to the first victim, it is apparent that the team have a serial killer on their hands and are in a race to find the killer before they strike again.

Brilliant writing, great characters and some hilarious "Tomsplaining" had me hooked and I am delighted to see that we don't have long to wait until book three, because the ending was some kind of cliff-hanger!

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Andy Maslen and Thomas and Mercer for an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting plot and characters! The first chapter set the tone and had me invested from the beginning. By the end of it though, the writing style started to bug me. I get the whole “asking questions to keep the reader engaged” bit, but it stated to be done entirely too frequently. Other than the authors overuse of this writing bit, this was an interesting read.

[Brendan Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Andy Maslen is a great author. I gave this book four stars, but the writing is better than that; maybe it's lower because the denouement and mystery was a little darker than I cared to read.

I am looking forward to taking this to my local bookshop soon, to trade it for cash or credit. Why? I checked their stock and don't see this author, and I'd love for someone else to discover his good writing.

I'm thinking about writing fewer murder mysteries and a greater number of other genres, as, like Bob Wilkins had to stop hosting Creature Features as the horror movies got to him, reading books with a lot of such deaths is less appealing as I grow older and our little world gets crazier.

The Kat Ballantyne series is a good one, if you like a good British female detective protagonist, well penned, and surrounded with a good supporting cast.

[Nicky Mottram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the DS Kat Ballentyne series. A great read which had me gripped from the first page to the last! I’m loving how the author is developing the main characters in the series. Looking forward to the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the arc of this book 📕 in exchange for an honest review

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Jade Thomson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a quick read, a bit confusing at times but the ending had be shocked n surprised. Not rushing for the 3rd book but will get to it eventually!!

[Natasha Harte · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably like 2.5 stars - not bad but also just not as gripping as the other until the very end.

[Kerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

But slow at times however the story overall was really good

[Rah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Painfully slow. Very police procedural but with an off feeling. A body is found at a three sisters monument, she died of an allergic reaction, but had her epipen on her, and was branded post death. Kat says she doesn’t focus in on one suspect and only follows the clues, but she’s has little to no clues and is so focused that the husband did it. Even though someone knew the drugs and epipen would work together to cause death and it wasn’t found in an easy google search so why would the husband know that info, she’s just focused on him. Then, at almost 60% of the book, Kat calls the childhood bestie, they were bullies together, and mere hours later she calls 911 to say she’s been poisoned and dies, but how does she know she was poisoned, plus she was branded, and she calls 911 about it but they get no info about the guilty party from her? Bad 911 operator right there. Oh you’ve been poisoned? Okay well send someone, bye. No question of by who, or how do you know, or what happened. Also she called 911 to say she was poisoned but also was sprayed, knocked to the ground, branded and potentially died quickly. Then her home was locked with no sign of forced entry. It literally doesn’t make sense. It got better as she actually started to follow clues to try to solve the crimes but it seemed like she never did her job right, asking the right questions or fully following clues until she basically led the murderer to the final “sister”. And then the epilogue ending. She just has money in her account and literally doesn’t look at where it came from or anything? Ugh.

[Gene · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good mystery but so very flawed that those flaws detract from the story far more than they add. Kat is a good police officer, thorough and detailed, but she is the most insecure “detective” I have ever read. She is meticulous with her police work but constantly questioning herself and everything about her life. She has ZERO self esteem, thinks her husband is having an affair, though she the goods on her crooked superior she does actually nothing about that and acts as if she’s terrified of him. She does not like her own father, who may or may not be a bad guy too though a rich developer, yet grovels in his presence. She’s intimidated by her own just-turned 13 year old son and constantly worries about absolutely everything, while doing the job of catching killers.

With her achievements she should be brimming with self confidence, justifiably, yet continually finds ways to undermine herself and her self image. These would be great stories if she had half the brass in her personal life she does in her professional life. I wish Andy would do more for women than make one a bang up cop and a personal head case, that does not do the cause of women in positions of authority any good, indeed it undercuts them all, as far too many men are wont to do. Do better, Andy. Do better.

[Em Carver-Barrass · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a really awful story. Clichéd, boring, repetitive, unsophisticated language, Same old conflict between the hero and her superior officer. This has been done to death and I'm sick of it. The characters are confusingly given 2 or even 3 different names. Pointless mostly. The narrator is awful. Breathy, overly dramatic without let up, excitable pitch as if something was about to happen, but didn't, so it hurt the ears after a while. I kept leaving it and returning, in the hope things improved. They didn't. I'm annoyed with myself for continuing, because there is no ending. Seriously. It just ends. Without warning. Don't bother with it. There are very many other authors and narrators who do much better jobs.

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4*

[Tini · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clever, solid mystery with a competent, likeable lead.

This is the second book in the Detective Kat Ballantyne series. I hadn't read the first book, but while there were some references to it, it was not necessary to understand the story or get to know the characters.

DS Kate Ballantyne is investigating the suspicious death of a woman found the standing stones called "Three Sisters". Was it a simple allergic reaction, or an unlawful death? The investigation into the death woman's life not only uncovers a dark secret in the victim's past, but brings forward revelations about Kat's own that leave her reeling.

I greatly enjoyed Kat, who is competent and manages to maintain a healthy family life despite her work demands. In fact, her personal life takes the stage much less than the blurb would have you believe, which I appreciated. But it's not just Kat; every character, from her colleagues to the suspects, is developed very carefully and thoughtfully, which adds a rich layer to the story. I also commend the author for displaying proper investigative methods and criminal procedure throughout the book.

It was a bit disappointing that the blurb gave away something which doesn't happen until the second half of the book, which makes the focus of the entire investigation up until that point seem obviously faulty; I would have rather been surprised by that revelation. However, neither the author nor the story is to blame for that.

The only thing I can truly fault in the story is the development/revelation of the mystery itself. I did deduct one star because I felt like the culprit was obvious rather quickly, and that Kat could have gotten there much urgently if she had just paid closer attention while questioning people, and/or asked more follow-up questions about the victim's past. The glaring contradiction that eventually leads Kat down the right path seemed obvious to me, and probably will to a lot of readers. Nevertheless, the author did a good job of presenting a variety of suspects throughout the book, and I liked the conclusion of the case.

All in all this was a solid, enjoyable, clever read. The epilogue all but assures a third book is in the works, and I will happily be back to read it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I listened to the audiobook version and thoroughly enjoyed it.

"The Unseen Sister" is slated to be released on May 7, 2024.

[L Powers (Bookish_Mum) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Unseen Sister by Andy Maslen
A Detective Kat Ballantyne Band 2)
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 16 May 2024

For DS Kat Ballantyne, the hunt for a murderer hits close to home. Still grappling with a life-altering revelation, Kat's world is further rocked when a woman's body is discovered among the ancient standing stones known as the Three Sisters. With no time to dwell on her own troubles, Kat dives back into her work to unravel the mystery.

Initially dismissed as an accident, Kat's attention is grabbed by an infinity symbol branded on the victim's abdomen, sparking her conviction that a ruthless killer is on the loose. Balancing her tumultuous personal life with her professional duties, she delves into the victim's past, unearthing shocking secrets and a roster of potential suspects.

As another woman meets a similar fate, Kat races against the clock to uncover connections between the victims and catch the culprit before more lives are lost. With each revelation, Kat inches closer to the truth, determined to bring justice to the victims and closure to their loved ones.

This instalment marks the second book in the Detective Kat Ballantyne series. Despite not having read the first book, I found that while there were occasional references to it, they didn't hinder my understanding of the story or ability to connect with the characters.

I found Kat to be a compelling character, balancing competence in her work with a fulfilling family life despite the demands of her job. Contrary to expectations set by the blurb, her personal life didn't overshadow the narrative, which I found refreshing. Furthermore, I appreciated the meticulous development of every character, from Kat's colleagues to the suspects, adding depth to the story. The author's attention to detail in depicting investigative methods and criminal procedures also deserves commendation.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer, and the author, Andy Maslen, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the Kat Ballantyne series brings on a good murder mystery. A young woman is found in a park dead from what looks like anaphylaxis. But some things just don’t add up as the victims phone is missing etc. Kat has a feeling it’s more.

This book follows along as Kat searches for clues and investigates two murdered women that end up being linked by their past.

Spoilers****

Woman one is Jo Morris and women two is Elise. In school there were three who called themselves the three sisters they were big bullies and even bullied one girl to attempt suicide. Now, someone is taking revenge. Kat also finds out, after doing a DNA test that she is somehow a half sibling to the first victim, Jo. Realizing that meant her father had an affair. She confronts him and it doesn’t go as planned. But she ends up blackmailing him to keep quiet about the relationship to the victim otherwise she will tell the world and her mother about the illicit affair. Which would ruin his reputation. Jo doesn’t want to be thrown off the case do to the relation of the first victim. They end up throwing you for loops as to who the killer is, arresting the husband who in my eyes, they made it too obvious it wasn’t him. A character wouldn’t have all that random evidence that early in the book if they were actually guilty. And the victims 1 ex husband. So many people in this book could have been the killer. Luckily they found out before the third “sister” could be murdered. It was a revenge killing for the girl they bullied who ended up going down a dark path in her life and eventually did kill herself. The old teacher from their school days was firing from cancer and decided to enact that revenge.

It ends with Kat suddenly becoming on the radar for investigation because someone sent her a large sum of money to her bank account that she had no idea was there. Someone is trying to set her up and make her look dirty….. guess we will have to wait until August to find out who.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Andy Maslen’s “The Unseen Sister” is the second installment in the Detective Kat Ballantyne series. This gripping police procedural takes readers on a thrilling journey through the dark and twisted corridors of human nature. Set against the eerie backdrop off Middlehamptom, UK, the story begins with the discovery of a woman’s body among the standing stones known as the Three Sisters. 

Detective Sergeant Kat Ballantyne is still reeling from personal revelations that have upended her life. However, she is quickly drawn back into the fray when a dog walker stumbles upon the body of a woman. As Kat delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers shocking secrets and a web of deceit that connects the victims. 

Maslen excels in crafting realistic and relatable characters. Kat Ballantyne is a compelling protagonist, juggling her turbulent private life with her professional duties. Her determination and vulnerability make her a character readers can root for. 

“The Unseen Sister” explores themes of family secrets, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones. The novel delves into the psychological impact of trauma and the resilience required to overcome it. 

Maslen’s writing is crisp and engaging, with a keen eye for detail. The pacing is well-balanced, maintaining tension throughout the novel. 

“The Unseen Sister” is a captivating read , with its well-crafted plot, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes, it is a worthy addition to the Detective Kat Ballantyne series. 

[Marcy Sorenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝘆 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗻

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5

❗️I received an advance listener copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily❗️

🎧I listened to the audiobook🎧
🎙️Narrated by Ell Potter

I never felt fully hooked by this story. It was enjoyable, but not addictive liked I want a thriller to be. There were some twists I didn’t see coming, and some I did. Kat I felt was lacking a bit and could use more personality. I would still recommend.

𝖡𝖫𝖴𝖱𝖡:
For DS Kat Ballantyne, finding the murderer might mean looking closer to home.
DS Kat Ballantyne is still reeling from a revelation that turned life as she knew it upside down. But when a dog walker discovers the body of a woman among the standing stones known locally as the Three Sisters, there’s no time to focus on her own troubles. Kat is drawn back to work to investigate.
At first, the death appears to be an accident. But then Kat discovers an infinity symbol branded onto the dead woman’s abdomen. She’s convinced there’s a vicious killer at large. Still juggling her turbulent private life with her professional duty, she begins to dig into the victim’s past. There, she uncovers shocking secrets and several potential suspects.
When a second woman is found killed in similar circumstances, Kat needs answers fast. Does she have a serial killer on her hands? Or is the perpetrator motivated by something more personal? What connects the victims? And can she catch the killer before anyone else turns up dead?

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Goodreads Giveaways for this free eBook!

“Empathy had its place. But it had a conjoined twin: suspicion.”

For story, this book was a 2.5 star for me, but the writing wasn’t horrible and it may appeal to others, so I rounded up to 3. This story takes place in Middlehampton, UK. I live in the United States. So, if this book is accurate, either they do police work VERY differently in England, or mystery readers have different expectations for their English books. Is it really only the ambulance that has home entry kits (crowbar!)? Hm.

I liked:
* Perspective on policing and murder investigations in another country (UK). Great that the UK has such a support system for victims. Family Liaison Officer and Victim Support were mentioned.

I disliked:
* Kat Ballantyne is not my favorite protagonist. She doesn’t seem very good at being Detective Sargeant. So much empathy. Terrible interrogator and can’t read people. Not in shape. Observant after the fact. Exaggerated responses. Overall, I was annoyed with her lack of detective skills, or as she says “basic policing”.
* Too many procedural details. Knowing what paperwork Kat needs to fill out and have people sign isn’t very interesting or necessary for the storyline.
* Not sure what the point was for including all Kat’s familial angst and anxiety. For instance, Van’s work never did relate back to the story.
* Way too many unnecessary characters

Thank you for reading!

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Unseen Sister” by Andy Maslen is the second book in the Kat Ballantyne series and is a gripping thriller. I had previously read “The Seventh Girl” which I enjoyed that introduced Detective Kat Ballantyne.

Detective Sergeant Kat Ballantyne is a very interesting character, dedicated but vulnerable as many book detectives seem to be. There is a good mix of the plot itself as well as the personal side of Kate which makes an entertaining read. Still struggling with a personal revelation that has sent her life into a spin, Kat is now dealing with the body of a young woman that was discovered by a dog walker.

First impressions appear to be an accidental death but this changes when Kat finds an infinity symbol branded onto the victim’s abdomen. The case is complex and Kat attempts to balance the demands of the investigation and the upheaval happening in her personal life.

When Kat starts looking into the victims life she discovers shocking secrets that throw up several potential suspects, all of which have motives. This is a fast paced novel and the investigation accelerates when a second woman is found murdered with a similar MO.

I am enjoying this series, good relatable characters with well thought out plots and delivered at a fast pace. Bring on the next instalment.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for supplying a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Brooke Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, I recently had the opportunity to read "The Unseen Sister" by Andy Maslen. This book had several positive elements that stood out to me. I was particularly drawn to the main character, Kat Ballantyne, and her bagman, Tom. Tom's fresh perspective as a new cop and Kat's unique detective methods made their dynamic intriguing and accessible for the reader.

The plot was full of intriguing elements and kept me on my toes with plenty of red herrings. However, the abundance of characters made it a bit challenging to keep track of everyone, which slowed down the pacing at times.

One aspect of Kat, the protagonist, that piqued my interest was her flawed nature as a detective. Her tendency to make false arrests and occasionally disregard protocol made her character more complex and added an element of frustration, both for the reader and within the storyline.

Despite my initial concerns, just when I thought I had the story figured out, a clever twist at the end left me eagerly anticipating the next installment. Overall, "The Unseen Sister" is an engaging read with enough suspense and unexpected turns to leave me wanting more. I'm already counting down the days until I can open the next book in the series.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Detective Kat Ballantyne series and oh my goodness I thought the first book was terrific but this one is even better and hell yes what an awesome ending I can’t wait for the next instalment and what is in in store for Kat !
If you love a good police procedural then this is the read for you it kept me hooked right from the off and what a fiendishly well crafted plot line it had keeping me guessing all the way to the absolutely brilliant conclusion that as I said left me gasping for more!
The writing is excellent and some great characters Tomski is really coming into his own and I particularly love the ongoing battle of wills between Kat and the obnoxious “carve up" it all makes for a read that I raced through.
So I can’t praise Andy Maslen enough it’s a superb read and series I just hope that it won’t be too long till we have the next book and I for one can’t wait, many many thanks Mr Maslen.
My thanks also to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in a series and important that you read the series in order. If you don't, some of the background information will be lost and a few of the arcs carry over from the first book. (Though as a general rule I would always recommend reading a series in order anyway.)

Kat is investigating what is determined to be a murder. As she starts looking in to the victim's past, it intersects with her own in a surprising way. At the same time, her own conflicting feelings towards a coworker get projected onto her husband and she starts thinking he might be having an affair. All of this together at the same time is a lot and Kat starts to feel the effects. Does it make her miss clues? Does it sabotage her investigation and career? Will her actions in the first book come back to haunt her? Will her marriage survive? It is a lot to fit into one book but it keeps the tension and the pace high. I am looking forward to the next book(s) in the series!

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.