(4.5 stars) I’ve never read Slaughter before. Why did I wait so long? She walks the perfect line of complex murder investigation meets flawed, likable characters meets refreshing love story. And they all dance rather nicely together, puling one other through a series of plot hops. The subject is a toughie – multiple, calculated rapes that lean uncomfortably close to today’s headlines. Slaughter has a lot to say about how we love to blame rape victims, and it would be nice to think certain readers are paying attention. Her writing packs a resounding punch.