Probably my favorite in the series so far.
I enjoyed that Steele had a story line of his own, not that we follow along with him and experience it. We find out after the fact when he related details to Odelia and when she digs around. In the past Steele has been a backdrop character, just providing someone for Odelia to bounce off of and here he moves part of the plot.
Odelia is a likable character and it's nice to read a mystery series where the main character has her head on straight, is good at her job and has a great personal relationship. The fact that Greg (her husband), a wheelchair bound paraplegic, is not used to garner sympathy (for him or Odelia for taking care of him )or set up as a paragon of the paraplegic community (look at what he's overcome, isn't that wonderful!) was refreshing. He is just a regular working joe who just happens to be in a wheelchair.
When her mother was introduced to the series, I wasn't sure I liked it. She started off as a stock old woman character: mean, cranky, complaining/demanding, but she's developing nicely.
Sometimes the many references in Jaffarian's books about the plus size of her characters irritates me. I'm overweight and I occasionally reflect on how often it comes up in my life compared to the characters in her books. However, I didn't really notice those references in this book. Another plus. Yes, it'a an integral part of the characters, but don't beat us over the head with it.
If you've read any of the other books in the series and liked them, I'm sure you'd enjoy this one. For new readers, if you're looking for a competent, nice female lead I'd give this book a try. Well, I'd start with the first book, but this one stands alone well.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.