Scalding Deceit

Louis Baker & Bert Hicks #2

by Cori Lynn Arnold

A string of overdoses in Rochester, New York's bedroom suburbs has Detective Louis Baker and her partner Robert Hicks wondering if the only survivor, a wealthy pharmaceutical manufacturer, is the mastermind behind the tragedies, or the man who can lead them to the devious poisoner.

When botched DNA evidence poisons a rape and murder trial Kristine Rocha, assistant district attorney is struck with a personal crisis. Kristine must navigate the investigation to keep her job, while struggling to hold things in her family together.

316 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2013

About the author

Cori Lynn Arnold has worked as a hotel housekeeper, handy woman, laundry attendant, radio disc jockey, library clerk, historical photographic archivist, mathematics tutor, teaching assistant, art work framer, photo lab junky, portrait and wedding photographer, high school algebra teacher, internet security researcher, security analyst, computer programmer and ethical hacker. She currently resides in Connecticut and can be found roaming from coffee shops to book stores wearing the same cheap brown 'good luck' sweater ripping apart at the seams.

Reviews

[Rob Forteath · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a conventional murder mystery in this book, starting with a series of puzzling murders and proceeding through the usual unveiling of clues and suspects. At the start of the book, the mystery is the focus, but it is soon almost in the background as two human stories are told, in alternating chapters.

The main protagonists are the pair of detectives introduced in Frigid Deceit, and they continue to be very entertaining and believable. Indeed all of the characters outside of the murder mystery are well developed and interesting.

By the late stages of the book, the murder mystery is definitely taking a back seat to the two stories. The solution is revealed almost like tidying up, but we don't mind because by then we are more interested in the lives of Detective Baker and her friend ADA Rocha. Their stories are interesting and real and told well, proceeding in a natural way in which the author seems to be recording events, rather than directing them.

The book is enjoyable, with a good mix of serious tension and some very funny moments. The two detectives in particular are almost a comedy team, and carry the book along quite nicely.

[Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, A light and easy read with engaging lead characters and a fast paced plot. Nothing gruesome but a good amount of tension to keep you turning the pages.
That's both of Cori Lynn Arnold books I've read and liked. Will I buy the next one? Yes.

[Captainjenny2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gripping read start to finish! I highly recommend it to anyone in the mood for a thriller...

[Cindy DeJager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cori is a fantastic author and Scalding Deceit is a good read!