She doesn’t trust cops... He's an iron-willed detective who doesn’t know whether to cuff her or kiss her.
Keiki Tallerman is a strong-willed tech prodigy whose life is shattered when her drone captures video of her best friend’s bizarre murder.
Experience has taught her good reason to not trust any police officers, especially when the hard-boiled detectives come knocking on her door. Their suspicions narrow when the second of her trio of friends disappears without a trace from their small urban community.
Conflicting evidence at a disturbing crime scene leaves gossamer threads weaving a complicated web of lies and deceit. Every clue Detective Garnett finds steers the investigation to a deep, dark network entangling the young coed in a labyrinth of cunning subterfuge.
Unable to piece the evidence together, Garnett is torn between following the letter of the law and protecting the amateur sleuth determined to clear her name. Add a large dose of mutual attraction and sparks fly.
Can he earn Keiki’s trust in time to save her life, or will the psychotic killer destroy the woman who is crushing his emotional defenses?
Reily Garrett is a writer, mother, and companion to three long coat German shepherds. When not working with her dogs, she’s sitting at her desk with her furkids by her side. Author of chilling suspense and snarky romance, her stories include romantic thrillers and paranormal romance, . Regardless of genre, each book delves into a dark and twisted imagination yet is tempered with romance and a touch of humor. Reviews by Kirkus Reviews, San Francisco Bay Review, and BestThrillers.com best describe her work: "This could be James Patterson, Lee Child, and Tess Gerritsen rolled into one, but the dark, twisted methods used by the serial killer could surprise even those readers…” - San Francisco Bay Review “…steamy, seductive police procedural…” - BestThrillers.com “…well-researched thriller that remains romantically genuine throughout.” - Kirkus Review
Prior experience in the Military Police, private investigations, and as an ICU nurse gives her fiction a real-world flavor.
Critical Tangent is book 1 of a new romantic suspense series from Reily Garrett. I have read all the books (six novels and one novella) of her McAllister Justice romantic suspense series and enjoyed them immensely; thus, I am excited to learn she is embarking on a new set of novels in the same vein.
I am pleased Ms. Garrett is bringing her trademark style to her new series. Her stories emphasize substantial plots and, just as importantly to me, warm personal and familial relationships with just the right amount of romance. Her protagonists are extremely easy to root for. Her works also generally focus on a techie theme such as the dark web, microchips, nanotechnology, bioprinting, and this time drones. I usually don’t learn much from my suspense reads, but I do when Ms. Garrett is behind the pen.
In Critical Tangent, the protagonist is Keiki, a college senior who in her short life has endured more than her share of tragedy. She is pretty much alone in the world except for a very few people. Keiki builds drones and hopes to become a private investigator. She does things for the right reasons but lacks judgment at times and unintentionally puts herself in danger. The brutal murder of her best friend brings her together with detectives Nolan and Coyote who are dealing with their own trials and tribulations. As the cops try to sort this out, people begin to disappear and there are more attempted murders. Keiki is devastated and feels much of what is happening is her own fault. Could she be right? The cops must deal with not only solving the mysteries but keeping Keiki under control as she attempts to sort out the case herself despite her total lack of experience as an investigator. They are also confronted with the real question of whether Keiki is actually involved in the crimes.
I loved Keiki and her budding relationship with Nolan despite clear trust issues. Though a romantic aspect is definitely there, it is more of a sidelight to the crime plot in this, the first book of the series. That’s okay though as it’s an excellent teaser for me to continue with the series. Going forward, I also eagerly anticipate learning more about the intriguing pasts of both Nolan and Coyote. Nolan also has a big family with four sisters, and I forecast them playing a much bigger role in future installments. Hopefully this family will prove to be as close as the McAllisters are in Ms. Garrett other series. Critical Tangent loses a star as I really missed the warm homey feelings and camaraderie that the McAllister family provides in the other series. Knowing Ms. Garrett, however, I am confident these aspects will be progressively incorporated in her new series as well.
The technical angle with the drones is well written and easy to understand for us non-techies. As I say, I enjoy learning new things, especially from my fiction reads. Another strong point is the humorous banter laced throughout the story. The comic relief works well alongside the terrific suspense scenes that had me on the edge of my seat. Ms. Garrett definitely has a gift for writing suspense. I also love that Ms. Garrett always has a role or two for the family pets whether they be dogs, cats, or ferrets!
I highly recommend Critical Tangent to all fans of romantic suspense. I am so pleased to have this new series to look forward to, especially since the McAllister Justice series appears to be winding down. While I’m at it, I highly recommend that series as well. Those books can easily be read as stand-alones, but for full enjoyment I suggest reading them in order.
I want to thank Ms. Reily Garrett for trusting me to beta read for her. It’s been an honor and a real pleasure to witness her growth as a writer over the last several years. Despite this relationship I offer strictly unbiased opinions in my reviews of her works.
The first book in a romantic suspense series, A Critical Tangent introduces Keiki Tallerman, a college senior, as she and her friend Shelly are testing a prototype drone. Keiki is a skilful mechanic, building drones for Harock Industries and also using her skills with the machines while working part time for a private investigator. When she witnesses a brutal and fatal attack on Shelly through the camera attached to the drone, she is left in no doubt who will be the next target.
Keiki has her own reasons for not trusting the police, which become apparent as the story progresses. Detective Nolan Garnett and his partner, Detective Coyote Waylin are the investigating officers and suspect Keiki’s not telling them all she knows, which leads them to believe she could be somehow involved in Shelly’s death. Keiki’s role as an amateur sleuth and the fact she has no family, not to mention her distrust of the police, prompt her to attempt to find the perpetrators herself. But the attacks and murders don’t stop with Shelly.
Despite his conflicting feelings, deep down Nolan didn’t believe Keiki was involved, although Coyote wasn’t so sure. Nevertheless, while working to solve the case they were also trying to stop Keiki from getting herself in danger. Nolan has four sisters so he’s more used to the female mindset than Coyote, nevertheless they work really well together even as this is an out of the ordinary case.
There’s a strong attraction between Nolan and Keiki, which they both try to deny. The romance aspect is light which was a good way to go for the first of a series.
I haven’t read anything by Reily Garrett before but based on this I would read more. A Critical Tangent is an engaging, well paced story with likeable characters. The drone aspect is topical, with the machines becoming ever more popular, and the technicalities are explained well.
A Critical Tangent is the first book in Reily Garrett’s new series, Moonlight and Murder, and it sets up the series well. It contains all the things Reily Garrett does well, ensuring you’ll be happy to devour it in no time at all and will be desperate for book two.
As is regularly the case with a Reily Garrett book, before I go any further, I just wished to make a quick note. I’m fortunate enough to beta read for Reily Garrett, lucky enough to get an insight in how these books develop. However, this does not influence my rating in any way. The beta reading process is a lot of fun, but I keep my ratings of the final book completely separate from the beta reading process. My rating is a reflection of what I have read, not my status as a beta reader, and the four-star rating shows this is a great book.
As always, Reily Garrett sucked me into this story from the start. You’re pulled in deep, curious to see how all the pieces come together. It offers all the things you hope for when reading a romantic suspense – action, intrigue, mystery, and great chemistry between the characters – making it a book that grabs you on multiple levels. With plenty happening throughout and details being introduced throughout the story, it keeps you turning the pages and unable to put it down.
Although not my favourite Reily Garrett read, A Critical Tangent is another fabulous example of Reily Garrett’s ability to create an addictive romantic suspense.
A Critical Tangent by Reily Garrett First of the Moonlight and Murder series
Keiki Tallerman, a student in her final year, has a talent for designing drones. In the opening scene she is flying one of her latest prototypes from her student room and communicating through its microphone and camera with her friend Shelly in a field by a wooded area. As Keiki puts the drone through its paces she witnesses Shelly’s brutal murder and becomes a target for the killer. Past experiences have instilled a distrust in the police which undermines the growing attraction between her and Nolan, the detective whose protective instincts towards her are sometimes at odds with the evidence stacking up against her. There are so many characters in the beginning that I did find it hard at first to keep track of them. As this is the first in the series, it shouldn’t be a problem in successive books for readers already familiar with them. The first scene packs quite a punch and sets the tone for the rest of the novel and kept me turning the pages to find out what happened next. The personalities are well drawn and the spark between Nolan and Keiki fairly zings off the page. The author uses the device of letting different characters narrate the chapters so that you see the situation from a variety of viewpoints and perspectives. Keiki is feisty but vulnerable, Nolan is strong and caring, and the killer is sadistic and terrifying. The dialogue and interactions between the characters keep the plot moving on but occasionally the language used would pull me out of the scene. “Rare was the occasion she incurred awkward emotions around men” is one example where the vocabulary seemed clunky and unconvincing. This may simply be down to differences between the American and British market and, having said that, these were rare blips in an otherwise fast-paced and genuinely thrilling narrative. I particularly like the insight I was given into drone technology and police procedure and I’m sure this is the beginning of a gripping series. A third of the way in, I’d have given this book a 3* rating but once the characters kicked in and I became caught up in the plot I rounded it up to a 4*. I reviewed a free copy of this book for Rosie Amber's Book Blog. The views are my own.
A Critical Tangent is the first book in the Moonlight and Murder series by the badass, Reily Garrett. I have read most of her books and they are always full of suspense, love, and badass characters. I was excited when I found out she was starting a new series.
Keiki is a mechanical prodigy who is going into the drone business. She has been building and perfecting them for years and during her college years she has been working for a PI and Harock Industries. But once she graduates she is opening up her own business, if she can survive till graduation. When she witnesses her best friend’s murder while flying her drone, she knows it was a message. One she receives loud and clear...You’re next.
Nolan moves back to his small hometown a few years ago and since then there hasn’t been many murders, if any and now he had a coed found in the middle of a meadow. It’s a was a hard case from the beginning and now his only real lead doesn’t want to cooperate. Keiki has history with the police and it’s not a good one. She doesn’t trust them to find justice. He knows she is hiding something and it was his job to figure it out. Especially when another one of her friends goes missing and with his partner, Coyote on his ass about seeing something between him and the witness. Something that it’s there. It can’t be. But what if there is?
Can the detectives and a mechanical prodigy solve a murder before the next body is found?
I don’t want to spoil anything so I will leave it at that. I will say that it was an exciting and suspenseful ride. The characters are likable, smart, and witty. The writing is fantastic, engaging, and intelligent. I am excited about the next book.
Quotes:
“I know you hurt, Keiki. I promise it will get better. It won’t be fast, and it won’t be a linear process, but it will happen.” “Because you have experience with four sisters?” “Because I have experience with a broken heart.”
“Shit. Okay. Next time I’ll call you in the middle of the night to interrupt whatever wild orgy you’re hosting to sneak around, trespass, and get conked over the head with me. We share that stuff, right?” “Damn straight. And for the record, any activities I may be involved in, end by eleven. I do need my beauty sleep, after all.”
“Oh, and for the record, I think you’ve lost your marbles.” “Maybe there’s a hole in the bag and I’ve lost a few, but I still do okay.”
The brilliant Reily Garrett has done it again with the start of her new series, Moonlight and Murder. Her stories are at the top of my list as best suspense which lets me drop the most f-bombs since the twists are all turned out, with the turns quite twisted up, so it's rare that I do figure out, "who dun it" before it's revealed. This is the story of Keiki Tallerman, a genius when it comes to building her drones, which she's been perfecting for some time now. During one of her drone runs, she witnesses her best friend being murdered, and the killer tells her that she's next when he finds her. All of a sudden her life takes a dark turn, as she doesn't feel like she can go to the police, since she doesn't trust them one bit to get justice. And to be fair, there's reasons for this, but I'm not telling. Unfortunately for my girl, the police show up to find out what she knows, but like me, she's not telling anything either. Detective Nolan Garnett & his partner, Coyote, caught this case, and he knows instantly that she's hiding something, but hell if he can get her to reveal it, so he's not only trying to solve this case, but having to find out what Keiki knows to do so as everything is starting to lead back to her. Keiki, on the other hand, feels like they think she had something to do with it, so she believes she's on her own to solve this. There's also a slight complication in the fact that she & Nolan has a very strong attraction to each other, well, past his uniform and all. So in a race against time, will Keiki ever let Nolan in, so they can unite to find this killer before anymore bodies show up, like maybe hers?! You'll have to hit that one click button to find out, and trust me, you want to find out immediately. See, Ms. Garrett has penned another story full of suspense, next level intensity, & edge of your seat goodness with a side of angst & a dash of romance, so you don't want to miss out! I simply CANNOT WAIT for the next book, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
~Non-stop Action ~First, I’ll state that I received this book as a gift from the author to read and review. ~I have read several other books by the author, Reily Garrett. So, within the first few pages I had to stop and remember that this was a new series…and there are differences. This is a good thing. And this worked well for me. ~This book has different characters, which we get to see develop. The police detectives, Nolan Garnett and Coyote Waylin, are portrayed as the good guys. Both are driven by a number of factors…including their upbringing, the job they have chosen to do, and their own personal demons. They have a great desire to see justice carried out, but sometimes feel forced to work within the boundaries of the law, and are torn when the need to step over that line sometime happens. ~There are other characters that fit into this story. Again, we get to discover exactly what makes Katherine “Keiki” act and react as she does. This information is spaced out over a period of reading time…which keeps the story interesting. ~The plot is pretty straight forward…murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking. This format provides plenty of action. However, the real story revolves around how Keiki is involved in the whole affair. ~There is a smaller sub-story, about the romantic interaction between two of the story’s main characters. (While not wanting to compare this series to Reily’s other series…Okay, I’m going to compare ‘em…) The romance part of this book is not as prominent as in her other series, “McAllister Justice.” Doesn’t mean that there is not a romantic struggle between characters…it is definitely there. ~I definitely enjoyed this book! I recommend it to anyone looking for an intense, fast-paced story. There were ample twists and turns throughout the book to keep the reader involved.
This book ran in circles. Everything was over explained, yet nothing was explained at all. The romance was lacking, and the mystery was lacking. The word rape was mentioned one too many times, and it seemed like it had 0 effect on everyone.
The number of times the MC said she'd handle it herself and then needed saving and she got absolutely nothing done herself drove me insane.
Also, the way the age gap was portrayed made it seem like he was 67 and she was 14. They're both in their 20's! There was no reason for all the things said about their age. It should've just been detective/witness conflict of interest. For the first 30% of the book I literally thought Nolan was pushing 50 with his inner dialogue only to discover he was 28!
Having read this author once before I was not hesitant to venture into this one. Since I am on a suspense bing this fit right in. Bonus is it is the beginning of a series. We follow Keiki in that she draws us in with the story as it unfolds. I would say too that she might also be a target along with the dead. The suspense will start slowly but soon have you climbing as things at times speed up. We have to rely on Garnett to not go wrong and get this cleared up. Remember she is a witness. This author will know how to have you become so entwined in this you will forget time. This plays with our minds too just like theirs. Not to fear though there is romance too. The combo of all this makes for a delightful consuming read.
This is an intense super riveting story with an awesomely intelligent woman Keiki and a dedicated detective Garnett. Be prepared for an awesomely written story with lots of action that you will have difficulty putting down. I am looking forward to book 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oh WOW what a great story. A real intriguing mystery story, full of so much suspense it keeps you hooked. An enjoyable read from the start to the finish. I’ve read a few books by Reily Garrett and I just love how complex and intriguing they are with murder, mystery, passion and romance what a great combination to keep you coming back for more.
Drones, Murder, and Romance.... Add to that some kidnapping thrown into the mix.
Three friends and two partners and the interactions that go on between the main characters. Murder and kidnapping, romance are all included. Add in technology which I include. Is the main heroine the suspect or the target? As a first in a series it was a good book for setting up the partners and a love interest to move on to future books.
In our own house we have several drones and have played with them a lot, and with the future of drones approaching it makes the thought of drones being used as in the books more and more possible!
I did receive a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
I was absolutely captivated with this book and felt like I became one with the story and characters. It is a realistic story with very interesting characters. Reily Gerrett always keeps things relevant and this modern-day storyline is dominated by the use of drones. Ms. Gerrett did a fantastic job of keeping the story moving and building the suspense. One point became increasingly clear in our data driven world; our freedoms are teetering on the edge of extinction. It is alarming to see how easy our freedom could be invaded by the use of emerging technologies and should serve as a clarion cry of alarm to all. And, while the potential to use drones for good is unlimited, so is the potential to use drones for evil.
This is well-written prose of grief and fear. Struggling to find balance as a student who builds and flies drones for her friend’s father’s company, Katherine Tallerman (Keiki) is the one of a trio of friends who witnesses the death of her doppelganger through the remote camera on her latest drone mission. Her lack of trust in law enforcement that failed to find the murderer(s) of her parents in a carjacking leaves her fearful of what the threats from her friend’s murderer may lead to as he threatened her through her drone’s camera. While she has his voice recorded, he was wearing a black facemask that leaves her no choice but to try to solve this murder herself. It is when her second friend disappears and the killer breaks into her home that Keiki truly acknowledges her need for protection.
Everything seems isolated from each other yet very connected in this psychological crime thriller. Fighting the battles that reign in the mind and heart of Keiki, the detectives who pursue the case, and Keiki’s two best friends will capture your imagination and hold you breathless until the end.
There's a subplot involving a charming, romantic attraction between Keiki and one of the detectives. However, it never overtakes the plot but remains somewhat in the background and provides a bit of relief in this highly readable plot driven thriller with both strong female and male characters.
The story line is engaging and relatable. The plot has so many twists and turns that provide a constant rollicking ride. The characters’ interactions with one another are unique and refreshing allowing you to truly connect with the characters and the unusual situation they find themselves in. There is some strong language in this book but it was rare and not unique in today’s culture. Given the setting and circumstances, it felt authentic.
A rollercoaster of suspense and emotion that has your heart pounding until the end, Critical Tangent was a rush that I thoroughly enjoyed!
I would recommend it to anyone interested in this genre.
A special thank you for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The first book I read about drones. As usual, Reily met my expectations when it comes to this genre. Kudos! I love it and looking forward to the next part. More power.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a wicked ride. Lots of action with some soft moments. Keiki was caught in the middle of something she could not see. Death began to surround her. Nolan became her protector whether she wanted him to be or not. He had his own demons to fight but found his way to accept Keiki and his feelings for her. I recommend this story.
I received a copy of this book through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
A Critical Tangent is the first book in the Moonlight and Murder series and is a great start to this new series.
The characters are well developed, intelligent, and likable. The storyline is well written and compelling, with murder, lies, betrayal, humour, danger, drama, and some romance.
This is the first book I have read from the author and I am looking forward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Keiki witnesses her roommate being murdered and the murder plans to come after her as well. She doesn’t trust the police as they didn’t help when her parents were killed. As the police investigate everything seems to circle back to Keiki. Detective Nolan knows Keiki is hiding something, will he discover the truth? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, lots of twists and turns and steamy chemistry. I was hooked from beginning to end and I can’t wait for more!
An exciting page turner. There is suspense, heart-warming and heart-breaking moments, even a little humor to ease the tension. I am eager to read the next one. I look forward to getting to know all the characters even better. Thanks to the author for providing a copy for my voluntary review. Delighted to discover this new series.
Loved it! This action-packed page turner is phenomenally written with amazing characters and a wild roller coaster ride that was highly entertaining and NEVER boring!
Reily Garrett – Moonlight and Murder Bk 1 – A Critical Tangent – Reviewed 12/3/19 Alone - Murder – Drones – College and no trust in the Cops makes it hard to move forward!!
In this first book of the Moonlight and Murder series, it begins with Keiki Tallerman watching her roommate being murdered on a drone that she had built. Even though she can’t identify him as he was wearing a mask, he taunts her by threatening to find her and kill her. Her world slowly falls apart.
Years before Keiki’s parents were killed, and in her mind, the cops did nothing to find the killers. Keiki has no faith that they could help her now. When the police show up and want to know what she knows, Keiki has the impression that they think she is involved. Now for sure, she has to clear her name and find the killer of her friend. Next, her roommate disappears and she knows that it is up to her to solve this mystery.
Detective Nolan Garnett feels that Keiki is holding back, and as he searches for the killer/kidnapper every turn leads back to Keiki. As the case progresses he realizes that his heart is at stake. Will Keiki find more than she wants and will Nolan want more than he was searching for?
What did I like? I have read one of the other series that Reily has written and I knew what to expect from that. She has a knack for developing characters that just reach out and capture your heart. She didn’t let me down. Keiki, Nolan, and Coyote did just that, stole my heart! I love the feistiness, innocents, and determination that Keiki has. Nolan and his partner Coyote, the good looking detectives with their own demons within them almost broke my heart.
What will you like? Incredible action, filled with intense moments of fear, murder and unbelievable mystery that keeps the story jumping and tense. Heartbreaking emotional moments with tears running down the face. Heart-stopping treachery and deception from unexpected sources through an astonishing maze of criminal activities. Be prepared for an excellent read that will leave you wanting more!!
I enjoyed this new book by Reily Garret. She tells a good story, and I have liked all of her books that I have read. However, I only gave it 4 stars because I didn’t really like the ending. I think it would have been better as a ‘stand alone’ book.
Amount of sex 1 / 5 How explicit are the sex scenes 1 / 5 Story 4 / 5 Overall: 4 / 5
A Critical Tangent is a suspenseful story written by author Reily Garrett. It is the first book in the Moonlight and Murder series, and it’s full of action, drama, and suspense. I was quickly sucked into the storyline and read it in one day.
A Critical Tangent tells the story of Keiki, who’s best friends with Shelly and Gabby. Keiki designs drones, and while she’s flying a new prototype, she witnesses her friend’s murder. Nolan and his partner Coyote are both detectives, and they’re investigating Shelly’s death. When Keiki’s other friend Gabby disappears, the detectives have to decide if Keiki is responsible or if she’s being framed.
Nolan and Keiki had a lot of sexual tension, but the main focus was the investigation. I was kind of hoping for a little more steamy, but I truly enjoyed the story. The book did have a happy for now ending, but I’m hoping we’ll learn more about Nolan and Keiki in the next book, Pivotal Decisions.
Great first book! Such an entertaining read. How interesting that this young college student has so much going for her, despite tragedy. Very smart and very cool that she flies drones ;) Loved the doggy and I cannot wait for book two. I received this ARC for an honest review.
Wow! Critical Tangent blew me out of the waters!! Critical Tangent sucked me in from the first page. It will have your heart racing in this action packed, suspenseful mystery with unexpected twists at every corner. A range of emotions that touches your heart. After the tragedies Keiki has endured she is a strong survivor with a good heart. She trusts no one. Keiki does have a charming, brutal side to her though. Her banter will have you in stitches. 'Keiki groaned and repeatedly punched one key with excessive force. “Damn. This is an ID ten T issue.”' Took me a minute to figure it out. Loved it!! Nolan and Coyote are the lead detectives in the case. With evidence piling up against Keiki, "Tink" and Coyote must prove her guilty or innocent. Hard to do when she's a force to be reckoned with. Trouble with a capital "T". Betrayal, mystery, murder, suspense, and banter. Can't wait for next installment, Pivotal Decisions #2 (Moonlight and Murder Series). I strongly recommend Critical Tangent!!
A Critical Tangent is a romantic suspense story and book one of the Moonlight and Murder series.
Keiki witnesses the brutal murder of her student friend via a camera on a drone―but the two-way communication gave the killer a full view of Keiki and now he’s coming after her.
When a second student goes missing and a third is attacked, Detective Garrett and his partner Coyote’s usual quiet life begins to get complicated. The killer’s evidence all leads to Keiki, except Garrett believes that she is a victim and he attempts to protect her. However, Keiki finds it hard to trust the police; instead, she plans her own investigation. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-faW
Bicoastal author Reily Garrett has been employed as an ICU nurse, a private investigator, and in the military police – all of which supplies her with the intricate and detailed knowledge from which she forges her books. She addresses issues such as man's cruelty and ingenuity for torment and torture, having witnessed the after-effects of a teenager mugged at knife point for a pair of tennis shoes, or an elderly woman stabbed repeatedly with a screwdriver for no apparent reason- all leaving an indelible impression that will forever haunt her subconscious. On the other side other spectrum of experiences she has observed a woman stopping her vehicle in severe, snowy weather to offer her own winter coat to a stranger, a teenager wearing a threadbare hoodie - life's diversities observed by Reilly are endless.
Having enjoyed her McAllister Justice Series, entering a new realm in her Moonlight and Murder Series is met with high expectations – and Reily delivers! Taking advantage of the growing use of drones in investigative (and political!) venues makes this series even more pertinent. The caliber of writing remains high, as the opening pages of her Prologue attest: “Aw, Keiki, if I could find the fun bottom of your brain, I’d switch it to permanent on. You’re always working. You should’ve come hiking with me. Fresh air would do you good.” Shelly tisked then smiled. “Not that there’s anything wrong with loving your work, but you have an old man psyche trapped in a young woman’s body.” That is the perky way Reily introduces her main character and sets the tone for this fine mystery.
A quality synopsis is provided – ‘College student Katherine (Keiki) Tallerman’s focus on designing drones is shattered after her prototype records her roommate’s murder. Captured video details the masked killer’s promise to find his remote witness and finish the job. Experience has taught Keiki good reason for not trusting any cop, especially when they come knocking on her door. Unfortunately for Keiki, their suspicions narrow when the second of her trio of friends disappears without a trace. Conflicting evidence at a brutal crime scene leaves gossamer threads weaving a complicated web of lies and deceit. Every lead Detective Garnett finds steers the investigation to a deeper, darker network entangling the young coed in a labyrinth of cunning subterfuge. Garnett is torn between following the letter of the law and protecting the witness determined to clear her name. Can he earn Keiki’s trust in time to save her life, or will the psychotic killer destroy the woman who is crushing his emotional defenses?’
Another terrific novel from a writer of immense skill – and another very promising series. Recommended.
Our heroine films a murder with her drone and now she is the target of the killer. Can she forge an uneasy alliance with the investigating cop to save herself?
This is a romantic suspense story although the romance aspect builds slowly and late in the game. Which works just fine for me as it gives the main plot a chance to unfold. I found the story to be well written and easy to read although the plot was rather complex and required paying attention. I also really liked the characters (most of the time). They did have some communications issues and lots of trust issues, but some of that was understandable and they did work through it. Once they gained some trust, the chemistry was solid. It had been a while since I read a book by this author and this was a welcome return for me. I look forward to reading more.
Highly recommended..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
Katherine aka Keiki is a head-strong college student who specializes is building drones for the Franklin Harock Corporation. The drones have 2-way audio and visual. Harocks daughter Shelly and Keiki look amazingly alike and now Shelly is dead. Another friend is kidnapped after a party, and a professor is killed. Is there a connection? What would that connection be? Keiki is looking for answers with the help of Detective Nolan Garnett. One is head-strong and fearless and the other is just trying to keep her alive so she can graduate college. There is danger everywhere. Drones can be used for good but they can also be used for evil. This subject matter isn't something I generally read. There is a lot of wannabe romance and big age and life experience difference here. I did receive this e-book for free from the author and I said I would write a review.
Reily Garrett is one of my favorite authors and the McAlister‘s series this one of the best I’ve ever read. With that being said I’m was super excited to get a copy of Critical Tangent, the first book in her new series. Riley has a way of combining murder, intrigue, twist and turns just the right amount of romance and this one is no exception. Her writing draws you in and keeps you wanting more. Keiki is a college student who makes drones. But why are her friends ending up dead and bad men chasing her. Nolan and Coyote are the policemen who are investigating the crime. Can they search through the mess and find her innocent? I can’t wait to see where Riley takes us on their next storyline.