All We Hide

by Robyn Gigl

In this twisty and poignant small-town mystery, a trans detective working for the District Attorney’s Office takes on the cold case murder of a local trans woman—and her investigation unravels the threads of a county-wide conspiracy as well as a personal mystery that’s haunted her since childhood.

When Lieutenant Lauren Kelly is exiled to the Homicide Cold Case Unit at the DA’s office, she knows her superiors are sticking her there as punishment until she can quietly retire. That way, no one can claim they discriminated against the only trans detective in Donn County.

Even though Lauren has enough on her plate already—a teenage daughter struggling with Lauren’s recent transition, an ex-wife Lauren hasn’t gotten over, a former detective father with Alzheimer’s—she starts looking into the murder of Sherry Darling, a trans sex worker and Lauren’s former high school classmate. As Lauren looks deeper into Sherry’s case, she finds evidence of a cover-up with far-reaching implications that may or may not be tied to the reason her mother left decades earlier.

Entertaining and deeply human, All We Hide is a compelling, page-turning mystery that will resonate in the hearts and minds of readers long after the final twist.

Genres: Mystery, LGBT, Thriller, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Queer, Audiobook

456 pages, Hardcover

Published August 4, 2026

About the author

Robyn Gigl is an author, attorney and advocate. TIME Magazine selected her novel, SURVIVOR’S GUILT, as one of the 100 best Mystery and Thriller books of All Time. Her first novel, BY WAY OF SORROW, was called “quietly groundbreaking” by the NY Times and named one of the best crime novels of 2021 by CrimeReads. SURVIVOR’S GUILT was also named one of the best crime novels of 2022 by the NY Times, and won the Joseph Hansen Award for LGBTQ+ Crime Writing. Robyn’s third novel, REMAIN SILENT, was published in May 2023 and was also nominated for the Joseph Hansen Award. Her fourth novel, NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, was published in June 2024 and the NY Times called Erin McCabe "one of the best series characters around."

Robyn can be found on X @robyngigl on Instagram @robyngigl and at robyngigl.com.

Reviews

[Vanessa Amelya]

This isn’t my typical read, but when I read the description, I was so intrigued. A trans detective investigating the cold case murder of a trans woman? I was sold.

I was invested from beginning to end. I uncovered the truth right alongside Lauren, and it honestly played out like a movie in my mind. The writing was so immersive it all felt real. Lauren is a badass.

The trans representation was beautifully done. Beyond the mystery itself, getting to see Lauren’s experiences added another layer to the story and made it even more impactful.

Jen Richards was the perfect narrator for this story. She brought every character to life, especially Lauren.

I received an ALC from RB Media via NetGalley, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to listen.

[Gabe]

All We Hide by Robyn Gigl is a mystery/police procedural novel that follows transgender detective Lauren Kelly in her new role investigating cold cases for the county DA's office. The county she lives in is very conservative so she is shunned once she comes out. For a while she is relegated to serving subpoenas and then is moved to the the non-existent cold case unit in her office's attempt to freeze her out. This gives her the opportunity though to investigate a cold case murder involving her former high school classmate and trans sex worker Sherry Darling. As Kelly's investigation continues, she uncovers a conspiracy within the county government that has been ongoing for decades and involved her father, a retired detective in the same department who is suffering from dementia. While Kelly unravels the conspiracy, she begins to find answers to questions from her past and learns that many things she grew up believing to be true aren't.

I loved reading this mystery and was captivated throughout the book by Kelly's process and determination to find answers for Sherry Darling, herself, and her community of fellow law enforcement officers and their families. There were moments where I felt certain I solved the mystery but then the book would throw another twist at the reader. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy less gruesome mysteries and more police procedurals as well as to fans of Blue Bloods. This book was a great read and I look forward to reading future books by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

[Bill Silva]

Yes, the author has an agenda; yes, the prose is workmanlike at best, and the story (which moves very slowly) is mostly predictable; and yes, the characters are pretty one-dimensional. All that said, this is Gigl’s best book (although I really did miss her series’ main character, Erin McCabe), and I found it—as a mystery/police procedural—both affecting and compelling…and, especially in the transphobic environment of our country’s current politics, necessary. It pushed all the right buttons for me.

[Robin Gustafson]

I listened to the audiobook version narrated by the wonderful Jen Richards, listening on every walk and commute until I finished. I loved the character of Lieutenant Lauren Kelly. Can't wait for more.

Thank you to Chris Wolak for recommending this on Episode 267 of the Book Cougars podcast https://www.bookcougars.com/blog-1/20....

I'm hooked and look forward to reading Robin Gigl's other books, including the Erin McCabe's series.

[Cindy]

My favorite bumper sticker these days is this simple reminder: "Be Careful Who You Hate. It Could Be Someone You Love." This sentiment is at the heart of this excellent police procedural/murder mystery. It deals with losing a parent at a young age and an older parent losing his mind to dementia. It is also a frank look at the struggles of a police officer who changed gender to female within that macho environment.
I know the author from her excellent legal series, and picked this up on the strength of her writing. I was well into the novel when I realized it wasn't a prequel to the Erin McCabe books, but a standalone! It is much more explicit about the emotional complications and family/friends' reactions to having come out as transgender. In this story, that event is all in the past yet never far behind (or out of mind) for her co-workers. The prejudice she encounters is an everyday thing, yet that doesn't stop her from doing her job and solving a case or two.
The audiobook narration is excellent as well.
My thanks to @RobynGigl, @RecordedBooks, @RBMedia, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #AllWeHide for review purposes. It is now available!

[Leslie]

Like a good Law & Order episode with depth & nuance, & as always with Gigl, really interesting & nuanced portrayals of late in life transitions. Perhaps a bit long in places, but compelling!!

[Rickie]

This book absolutely broke my heart. The trans representation was handled with so much compassion and humanity, and it added incredible depth to an already deeply moving story. My only complaint is that I found it a little hard to keep track of all the characters at times, but it was still a beautiful read.

[Max]

A compelling murder mystery driven by a trans investigator as she tries to solve the decades-cold case of another trans woman, Sherry Darling. At the same time, she navigates her incredibly complex family life, with a famous brother, dad with Alzheimer's, a mom who up and left when she was 5, and her ex-wife and daughter.

The story is brought to life with a moving performance by narrator Jen Richards.

I really cannot recommend this enough to crime/mystery fans who want a queer lens through which to read/listen through. The way it unfolded kept me constantly engaged, but not overwhelmed by new details. There were enough mini-recaps that I never felt too confused trying to keep all the names and leads in mind. The writing also didn't ever leave me with that common murder mystery "Oh come on, it's right there!!" feeling that comes with having figured something out well in advance of the detective. This fact alone raises this to not only a 5-star, but a shiny 5-star read.

I honestly can't wait to see what Robyn Gigl puts out next!!

I received this as an ALC on NetGalley. Thank you!

[ezra]

Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for this ALC!

Rating: 4.5 Stars rounded up.

“All We Hide” is a beautifully tragic thriller telling the story of Lauren Kelly, a transgender woman and police Lieutenant. When she is moved to a newly established “Homicide Cold Case Unit” as a punishment for daring to openly be herself, she makes the best of it by investigating the unsolved murder of her former classmate and fellow transgender woman, Sherry Darling. But the deeper she looks into it, the more she uncovers… and the discoveries she makes put her and her family in danger.

I’ll be the first to say that I’m not a big fan of thrillers. They often feel formulaic, boring, and lack the ability to inspire any real emotion. This book is a far cry from that.

Let’s first discuss the thriller aspects of this book. Gigl crafted a wonderfully tense, twisty mystery that doesn’t have to rely on cheap tricks to keep you guessing. She takes you exactly where you have to be, and it really felt as if I figured things out at (more or less) the exact same pace as Lauren. The case itself and the tendrils it is connected to feel real, and are all the more heartbreaking for it.

Now, I simply cannot move on without describing how wonderful the trans representation in this book is. I do love reading about messy young trans women (and men!), but there is something so beautiful about reading the story of an older queer person, especially of older trans people. Lauren came out and started transitioning in her late 30s, at which point she had been married and was the parent of a pre-teen. Seeing the way she navigates this new change and the way it impacts her family, how it affects their relationships, felt completely real and raw, often had my heart clenching. Of course, we do also get to see the other side of the experience of many transgender women in Sherry, who was tragically murdered at only 23 years of age, doing sex work in an attempt to save up for her surgeries. However, in her portrayal of Sherryl, Gigl never makes her feel one-dimensional or reduces her to one aspect of her personality, one event in her life; Sherry is vibrant, she is happy and in love, she is kind.

The characters in this book were also amazing. I could talk about how much I love the characters who are the “good guys”, but what I find much more significant is how well-crafted and layered the “bad guys” feel. Sure, some people are simply evil in a way that feels irredeemable. But most people, both in real life and in this book, are more complicated than that. I absolutely loved the way Gigl portrayed these characters, and especially the way she portrayed the fate of them. Not everyone who has done terrible things deserves redemption – but maybe some do.

The audiobook is narrated by Jen Richards, whose voice fits Lauren’s character beautifully, and who brings these characters and scenes to life with a vibrancy and level of emotion that I don’t commonly see in audiobooks.

I absolutely cannot recommend this book enough. It even had me tearing up at the end – and that is not something I can say about many books. Tragic, tense, beautiful, masterfully crafted, this thriller has it all.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter]

3.25⭐️
Book/Plot: 3.75⭐️
Audio: 2.5⭐️
A friend recommended this one to me, and I’m glad she did because I ultimately enjoyed the story. However, I did have some reservations, which is why I landed on a 3⭐️ rating.

I was fortunate to receive access to the audiobook ALC from RB Media via NetGalley, as a strong audiobook performance can really elevate a story. I appreciated that a trans actor was cast to narrate a trans protagonist, as it added a sense of authenticity to the character. That said, I struggled with the narration overall because there was very little distinction between the voices of different characters. Even subtle shifts in tone or cadence would have helped make conversations easier to follow. As a result, many of the characters blended together for me, which occasionally pulled me out of the story.

I also found the narration pace exceptionally slow. While listeners can always adjust playback speed, there comes a point where doing so begins to affect the narrator’s vocal quality. I typically listen at up to 2x speed, but this still felt quite slow to me. I ultimately increased it to 2.5x (which is the next option using NetGalley), which improved the pacing but noticeably altered the sound of the narration. Because of the way it was recorded, I found myself caught between a speed that felt too slow and one that sounded somewhat unnatural. This definitely impacted my overall experience with the audiobook.

As for the novel itself, I genuinely enjoyed the story. I appreciated the insight it provided into the experiences and challenges faced by a trans individual, but at times I felt the messaging overshadowed the mystery. It occasionally felt as though the book was trying to balance two equally important goals: telling a compelling police procedural and providing education and advocacy. Both elements have value, but for me they didn’t always blend seamlessly. I found myself being pulled in two directions, and the mystery sometimes took a backseat to the broader themes the author wanted to explore.

To be clear, I think the topics discussed are incredibly important, and I can absolutely understand why the author chose to center them. This is simply a reflection of my reading experience. I also found myself wondering whether the readers most likely to pick up this book—those with shared experiences and allies already interested in these conversations—may be more familiar with some of the information being presented than the audience that might benefit most from it.

One final note: the first half of the book moves at a fairly slow pace, but I would encourage readers not to give up on it. The second half picks up considerably, and once the mystery takes center stage, the story becomes much more engaging. While I’ve been critical of certain aspects of the audiobook and pacing, I still recommend this book overall. If you’re interested in the story, I’d suggest picking up a physical copy rather than the audiobook.

[Anna]

I am not normally a reader of police procedurals but the idea of a trans detective protagonist is so cool that I decided to give this book a go. I'm glad to report that the main character Lauren is the highlight of the book for me, and a wonderful character to follow around. Lauren just feels very *real*. She is tough, courageous, definitely a badass but is at the same time very reflective and vulnerable. I love how unflinchingly honest Gigl is about the realities of being a trans woman - the discrimination that Lauren experiences in the book is genuinely enraging to read, while the real and undeniable impacts of her transition on her ex-wife and daughter were depicted with a raw honesty. At the same time, despite all these challenges, Lauren also shows us the very necessity of transitioning and to carve out a way forward to live authentically. In particular I appreciated Lauren's insights about gender - her comment (to paraphrase) that gender is what's between our ears, not what's between our legs, is something that I will remember from this novel.

I must admit that some of the plot details in this police procedural went over my head but this is probably the fault of this reader rather than the author. I can see that the twin murder mysteries are intricately woven and this book will probably scratch the brains of readers who like complex and detailed crime-solving - Gigl really gets into the nitty gritty of the cases, and her career as a lawyer really came through here. Personally I found the Sherry Darling case more interesting than the case involving Lauren's mum's murder and I docked a star because the storyline of Lauren's mum didn't really grip me, although of course it was important to Lauren's character.

I found the ending to be emotionally satisfying, and I love the central message of this story: even when we can't fully heal from the past, even when we don't believe in a just world, justice - however imperfect - is still worth pursuing.

Overall, this is a well-written, heartfelt, meticulously plotted murder mystery novel with a great main character.

[MichiruEll]

Many thanks to Netgalley and Soho Press for providing me with an e-ARC for review.
4.25 stars

In this story, we follow Lauren Kelly, a lieutenant for the DA’s office of a fictional large city in the US. Lauren is a trans woman working in a very transphobic environment, where basically no one supports her.

As part of her new position as a lieutenant, she picks up the cold case murder of a trans woman that happened 20 years ago, where it seems the cops – including Lauren’s own father – botched the job and may have tried to frame someone for the crime. As the story progresses, an additional, much more personal case becomes mixed in with the first. Lauren has to try to untangle the corruption and lies in the cases, and try to find allies to help her solve this case.

Beyond the standard crime-investigation novel, this story also features a more personal look at the life of a trans woman who came out later in life. She navigates complicated relationships with her father, who has advanced Alzheimer, her brother, who is a Hollywood star, her ex-wife and her daughter, who struggles with her parent’s transition.

This novel was very engaging and well written. I never wanted to put it down, even though it’s quite a long book. I really enjoyed the main character’s voice (the book is written in first person). One thing that felt a bit weaker in the writing was in more genuinely emotional moments, where I didn’t always feel the feelings Lauren said she had. From time to time I also struggled with keeping track of some of the characters/suspects as a number of them had similar names.

But in general, I recommend this story. It was a good time and an original perspective for a detective novel.

[Andrea (looseleftlesbian)]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This was a hard one to read due to the blatant transphobia our MC had to endure. I will say that if you are struggling mentally, maybe read this at another time, especially if you are trans. It made me cry several times and I’m just a lesbian.

Wow. I wish I would’ve read this sooner. I usually will read my ARCs in order of when they are published, so All We Hide was far down on the list since I was approved for the ARC months ago. This was such a rollercoaster of emotions and keeps you wanting to keep reading to find out what happens next. I really didn’t see the majority of the twists that came and I love that. There were so many aspects that I would have never even thought of. This isn’t a genre I usually read but All We Hide has made me want to read more mystery/cop procedurals. As long as they are sapphic of course!

This was so much more than just a thriller/crime story. As is the case with most books, there’s more to them than just the plot. This was such a touching story about acceptance and the what ifs in life. It’s crazy how many things could have changed if people made different choices.

I will remember this book for years to come. This is an important story that needs to be told and we need more trans representation in all forms of media. Thank you, Robyn.

[Caleb O'Connell]

All We Hide is a deeply affecting mystery that proves the most compelling investigations are often the ones that uncover the truths we hide from ourselves.

What I appreciated most is Robyn Gigl's ability to balance a gripping cold-case investigation with profound emotional storytelling. Lieutenant Lauren Kelly is far more than a detective pursuing justice—she is a woman navigating family, identity, loss, and the lingering impact of choices made decades earlier. That emotional authenticity gives the novel a depth that elevates every twist.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its layered narrative. The murder investigation unfolds alongside a deeply personal search for belonging and truth, revealing how institutional failures, family secrets, and forgotten histories continue to shape the present. Each revelation feels earned, adding emotional weight rather than simply delivering surprise.

At its heart, All We Hide is about the courage required to confront the past—even when doing so threatens everything we believe about ourselves and the people we love. It is a thoughtful reminder that justice is not only about solving crimes but also about finally giving forgotten voices the chance to be heard.

A compelling, emotionally rich mystery for readers who enjoy character-driven crime fiction, layered suspense, and stories that linger long after the final page.

[Joseph Chris]

Lauren Kelly has a lot more to solve than a cold case. She’s dealing with a career that has effectively been pushed aside, a strained relationship with her teenage daughter, lingering feelings for her ex-wife, and a father whose Alzheimer’s is changing their relationship. Then she takes on the murder of Sherry Darling, someone she once knew, and the investigation starts reaching into Lauren’s own past.

That combination is what makes All We Hide stand out to me. The murder mystery provides the forward momentum, but Lauren’s personal life gives the investigation much more emotional weight. She isn’t just looking for a killer; she’s uncovering connections to old wounds and questions she has carried since childhood.

I also appreciate the small-town setting for this kind of story. When everyone has history with everyone else, secrets can stay buried for years and uncovering one can expose an entire network of people who would rather keep the past untouched.

The premise suggests a mystery that balances investigation with family, identity, grief, and institutional failure. Lauren sounds like a protagonist whose personal stakes make every discovery matter.

Overall, this feels like a thoughtful mystery where the biggest question may not only be who committed the murder, but how much truth has been deliberately hidden.

[Alyssa Martinez]

WOW. What a book - I loved every minute of this. I never write reviews on GR, but this was such an important book, I want it to get the recognition it deserves.

As soon as I saw the blurb, I knew I wanted to read it. Our MC, Lieutenant Lauren Kelly, is “the only trans detective in [the] Donn County” DA’s office. She gets moved to the (newly created) Homicide Cold Case Unit in an attempt to freeze her out. Instead of letting them get to her, she uses her new position to re-open the cold case murder of a trans woman, who also happened to be Lauren’s former HS classmate. Along the way, Lauren uncovers new info in the disappearance of her mother from 20+ years ago, all while navigating the impact of her (recent, but in the past) transition on her relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.

I was moved to tears (both happy and sad) more than once. Lauren’s experiences added an extra layer to this already complex and emotional story, and the mystery had me turning the pages quickly. I was sad when it ended — I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters!

Highly recommend if you like murder mysteries and are looking for one with some extra emotional impact. This was super well written and I will definitely be picking up Robyn’s other books!

[Lyn]

First I want to say thank you so much to NetGalley and RBmedia for this ALC.

3.50 rounded up for the rating

Reading through the blurb for this one, I was intrigued. What starts out as a case no one else wants leads into the discovery of what happened to Lieutenant Lauren Kelly's mother. It's a 'lets discover what's happening' to some unsolved crimes while trying not to get ourselves in trouble. Mix in a little bit of some daily struggles and you have All We Hide, a book that is a fun read.

I will say that the first 10% of the book was a little slow for me and I had to bring myself back to focus. Once you get more into the investigation part, it started to pick up. A little predictable at times and the ending wasn't as shocking as I would have liked, but it was good and I enjoyed my time listening.

I loved the voice of the narrator, Jen Richards, who seemed to bring this character to life. Engaging just enough not to lose my attention without being over the top either. A perfect pick for the Audiobook in my opinion.

[Grace]

*slight plot spoilers* I was lucky enough to win this book in my first GoodReads giveaway (yay!) and I was so excited to read it! This was my first police procedural book and I’m so glad it was! It was a masterful first impression on the genre. I typically pick up a fast paced twisty thriller, but I really enjoyed the more “slow burn” added suspense page of the first 3/4 of the book. I felt as if I was working on this case alongside Lauren which made the read even more enjoyable!
I appreciated that the author used a first person point of view. It helped me to better understand and connect with a character that I personally don’t have the same experiences as. I also liked how all the different story lines were balanced in the story. Reading Lauren balance two cases while navigating topics such as dating and being discriminated against in the work place as a woman who is transgender was a book experience I very much enjoyed and would recommend!

[Ranash_books]

“If this is all we have why not to try to leave it better than we got here”

Even though mystery book are usually pretty predictable to me I decided to read this one since the main character is a transgender police officer and I wanted to know more about being a queer person in a transphobic and gender driven environment.

It was especially interesting to me since I (she/they) can express myself freely (I don’t live in the USA thank god)

So yes. the story may be a little predictable but it makes you think a lot about existence forgiveness and the ability to change as a person.
I enjoyed the listening (I highly recommend the audiobook) and I can’t wait for all of you to read it.

Thank you RBmedia and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy.

As Robyn said: “Love can conquer fear”
You’re worth it, you have a right to exist and express yourself however you want and fuck everyone who says you don’t.

[Margaret]

I hope is that this the beginning of a new series. It features a trans woman, (Lauren) who works as a cop for the DA. Note that Gigl's wonderful previous series (Erin McCabe Mysteries) also featured a trans-woman, but in that case, she was a lawyer. Lauren is working on a cold case involving a murdered trans sex worker. The man originally convicted was found not guilty at a retrial. This entertaining mystery involves prominent people in the city, missing evidence and gets personal for Lauren as her dad, who now suffers from dementia, worked the case. I really enjoyed it. It is said that reading popular fiction develops better empathy and it is my hope that by having more trans characters in great books, it helps ‘put to rest’ the crazy idea that they are something to fear. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reading copy. 4.25/5

[Skye Kilaen]

This contemporary mystery stars a woman homicide detective who transitioned while on the force and is just trying to do her job while dealing with the fallout a.k.a. other people being awful about it. I quite enjoyed this, and I’m hoping Gigl writes more for this character, because I would love to see her life as she keeps moving forward. (Especially because there’s a hint of what may be the beginning of a sapphic romance for her…)

There is some dialogue that sounds stiff, more like interior narration than like what someone would actually say out loud. Strangely, it was most often her brother whose dialogue had that problem. But it was absolutely not enough of an issue to take away from my enjoyment of the book.

[Hope]

I'm not usually a bit fan of detective stories (with the exception of horror), but Lauren has gotten a place in my heart. To be yourself, unapologetically, in a place where you are not allowed to exist is a beautiful thing.
This book gave me such a strong feeling of community. Queer people, sticking together, to make the world a better place.
It's also a story of family and how prejudices can tear them apart, but also of how one is rarely completely a bad person. It's a beautiful story filled with self-discovery and forgiveness. These kinds of books make the world a better place.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Jess Bullock]

What a phenomenal book. I am primarily a romance reader and I don't tend to read books without even a romance subplot but I'm so glad I took a chance on this. This book follows a trans detective who is working a 20 year old cold case about a trans sex worker who was murdered and, while doing so, uncovers other parts of her life that had been buried or hidden away.

There was enough transphobia to make my blood boil while also having some incredibly endearing moments and everything felt so put together and the police stuff felt very well researched. Just an excellent book with wonderful narration.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC.

[Jenna]

Thank you Netgalley for this ALC. I have never read a crime book where the main character is a trans woman and a cop. It was a perspective I’ve never read but I have to say this book is powerful. On top of solving a murder (or two), it shows what trans people have to go through every day while trying to live life and be authentic to themselves. This book kept me engaged, on the edge of my seat and never knowing what was coming next. The FMC is strong, sturdy and ready to stand up for herself and others. SUCH A GOOD ONE!

Also the blue wall is soooo obnoxious however is very reflective of our actual reality.

[Tahni]

All We Hide is a police procedural mystery following Lauren Kelly, a trans detective investigating a cold case in a boys' club DA's office.

Both the mystery and Lauren's story are compelling. Lauren's subtle humor and resignation at unfair treatment and prejudice made her so real I stayed immersed in the story throughout.

4 stars for the mystery. 5 stars for the storytelling. Excited to go back and read Gigl's previous work!

Expertly narrated by Jen Richards. Audiobook production was also well done.

Many thanks to Recorded Books and RBmedia, NetGalley, and author Robyn Gigl for this audiobook to honestly review.

[Anne Tigan]

Robyn Gigl practices law by day and writes award-winning novels at night. All We Hide is a great read, a police procedural that leaves no stone unturned, or thread hanging. I started reading it on a Friday morning and finished it Monday evening. The twists and turns of the trans detective's life in transition are as well plotted as those of solving the crime -- they are twinned, and eye-opening. There is a challenge at every turn for Lieutenant Lauren Kelly (once Liam Kelly). It's as much in inside look at the trans life as it is about the dogged effort of keeping open a cold case the powers that be want closed.

[Cindy]

2.5 stars. I got this book as a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
Books about old cold cases always feel improbable to me. I know they exist but finding anyone who was around for the crime and actually remembers something useful seems like a very long stretch. The most interesting part of the book was hearing the internal thoughts of a trans woman dealing with the same people she knew and worked with before and after her transition.

[G.P. Gottlieb]

A small-town detective gets sidelined to the homicide cold case department in a small-town DA’s office, and she knows her transfer is punishment for being a trans woman. Lauren is already grappling with a teenage daughter, an ex-wife, and an ex-cop father with Alzheimer’s when she starts delving into the 20-year-old cold case of a murdered trans sex worker. Her investigation puts everyone she loves at risk. https://newbooksnetwork.com/all-we-hide

[Jaclyn]

I really, really liked this one! This was my first book by this author, so I went into it a little skeptical, but it was so well written. Not only was the mystery incredibly compelling, but the characters’ relationships and emotions, particularly the experiences of the main character, who is trans, added so much depth to the story. It was more than just a good mystery; it was an emotional and layered read that kept me invested throughout. An easy 4.5 stars!

[Michelle Kimber]

I was skeptical about this book. The premise sounded great, but I struggle finding good books with Trans characters done well. This book delivered. The mystery was very slow burn, the Trans FMC was so well portrayed. I usually dnf slow burn mystery/thriller books. I couldn't stop reading this