Forsaken Trust picks up about nine months after the events of Crossed.  Rowan has dumped Luce's ass, so things are not going well. On top of the dissolution of her  relationship (and the fact that Rowan kept the dogs), Luce is feeling betrayed by her boss - first by intentionally sending her to Willow Ridge where she was too personally invested and the resulting impacts that the case had on her, and dangling the promise of recommending her for the FBI.   Wallowing a bit - she's living in a pretty squalid apartment subsisting on takeout and beer - Luce is at loose ends when her boss shows up and assigns her to a new case.

This is primarily a mystery/thriller - focused on the investigation of the murder of four women in a small  town that is struggling with the economic downturn and the opioid crisis.  Yup, another serial killer is loose in Ohio and Luce is on the case.   The four women are older, former addicts who are linked by a mysterious tattoo on their wrists.  As the investigation progresses, Luce runs into more and more walls as the small town's residents keep their secrets and there's a definite feeling of fear among those who seem to know more than they are willing to tell.   The secrets lead to deeper and more hidden crimes and the body count rises - it's a bit like an old Law and Order episode where the investigation starts with one crime but quickly vectors to something seemingly unrelated but also more deeply disturbing.   The pacing works well with Luce's piecing the information together to form the larger picture and implications.

Doench's writing is top notch - there's an authenticity and realness in her depictions of the seedier side of the town and inhabitants and she inserts a grittiness to the the crimes that involve women who have been victims for far longer than just the moment that they were murdered.

Although, the level of introspection in this book isn't as deep as it was in Crossed  - Luce isn't intimately involved with the case and she's settled quite a few of the demons from her past - this is still an interesting character study of Luce.  The focus and drive we saw in Crossed is still there as she refuses to take the easy explanation and close the case - her intuition and logic pushing her to dig a bit deeper and further into what is really going on.  She also still has quite a bit of her shit to get together.

If you're looking for a romance or even a romantic thriller, this is likely not the book for you.  In both Crossed and Forsaken Trust, whatever sex there is is a fade to black kind of scene which is perfectly fine in the context of the story lines.  There are a couple of viable romantic interests in the second book- the cocky rookie and the attractive medical examiner - but they lend more to further delving into Luce's character through her actions and decisions and how she's trying to manage relationships better than she did with Rowan.

Overall,  I think that Forsaken Trust was a stronger mystery/thriller - it's more intricate and realistic; but, I missed the level of depth we got from Luce as she struggled with her past and present.   Each on their own merits is a great read.

If you're reading the book I'd almost recommend you skip the epilogue as I found it a bit out of sync with the rest of the book.  It was almost like Doench had decided to end the Luce series with this book (luckily that is not the case and two years later we have Deadeye to continue Luce's series) and tied any loose ends up quickly with a bit of a HEA.    It had a bit of a rushed feel to it and seemed that Luce was laundry listing everything that happened in the next couple of months.   It wasn't bad - but it was a weird fit with the rest of the book.

I'd give this book a solid 2 1/2 stars, if halves were an option. This is the second title of a series, which I did not know when I began reading. I hadn't read the first title, but luckily this story is written in such a way that reading the first book isn't required; just enough detail is included from the first to give the reader a pretty good background on previous events and where the main character's head is. The storyline is dark and sucks the reader in immediately with a serial killer preying upon a small town, which seems hellbent on protecting its secrets. This was an interesting take on things--a town protecting even the heinous of acts. However, other than an interview or two with suspicious looks, there wasn't a whole lot of time developing or showing this conspiracy. For a procedural, there really wasn't even much investigation. Part of the fun of these books is to try to solve the crime along with the investigator. It felt though that this particular crime just more or less solved itself and other than telling the reader about a small town conspiracy, there was really no exploration of that theme. Other than the main character Luce, whose eyes the story is told through, none of the other investigating characters are well described or fleshed out, other than describing their hair and relative fitness levels. Throw in visions of a dead ghost father who spouts advice like Obi-Wan Kenobi, a far-fetched ending, and an out of no where tacked on all tell no show epilogue, and this lost several points with me. Interesting story concept but poor execution.

When I requested to review this book I honestly did not realise it was the second in a series. But I am pleased to say you do not need to read book one to enjoy this one. I requested it because I am a sucker for a good mystery and never having read this author before I thought I'd give her the chance to impress me. And she did and then some. The author has a wonderful writing style which grabs you at once. The story is told by the main character Luce.

The beginning has you floating down the river in a canoe enjoying the sunshine and blue skies. OMG I was in heaven. Then we meet the bodies. The story also takes on a new speed.

Luce is a detective and assigned to the case. You learn that Luce has just split from her girlfriend, I guess this is where book one would come in handy. Luce is a troubled soul and often speaks to her father ( who is dead) to solve cases. She uses him as a sounding board and if you didn't know you would think who was there. You could argue that Luce lacked the confidence to solve a case without her fathers input but honestly I get it I talk to my mum all the time its kind of comforting.

What I really liked about the book is Doench had me fooled. I thought it was going way and then it went another. I didn't see that coming. I am seriously hoping there is a book three. A few unanswered questions need answering. I would recommend this definitely especially if you love a good mystery.

*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1984393598

https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R3SEQOEECQ7EYY/ref=pe_1572281_66412651_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

This book wasn't as exciting as the first one of the series, but still very good and entertaining. I couldn't put it down and I really hope for another one in the series. Great job!

Forsaken Trust was a breath of fresh air in the mystery/ thriller genre. I just wish I had known it was a sequel before I picked it up. That being said, I probably didn't need to read the first book as Forsaken Trust explained a few things that happened previously and painted a picture for you.

The novel begins with four women's bodies being found on the shore of a lake in a small town. The town is known for it's addictions to opiates so you would think the deaths would be kind of open and shut, but not in this case. This is where Luce Hansen comes in. Luce is a tough detective battling her own demons and she comes onto this case introducing a whole host of new characters. I must admit I thought this novel was going one way and was going to be quite predictable, however it switched tones and took me by pleasant surprise. I won't go into it however as it would spoil it for you, but definitely pick this one up if you like a twisty small town tale.

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Forsaken Trust was the second book in the Luce Hansen Thriller. Initially, I wanted to read this book because the title intrigued me. After reading this book, I felt the author did a great job telling the story of those characters who experienced “forsaken trust” in their lives. The unwritten question throughout was-who to trust? Luce, a very complex and multidimensional character, was needed to investigate murders in a town filled with secrets and misplaced trust. It was a task that Luce took to heart. Near the end of the story, Luce offered her trust to a major secondary teenage character and vowed not to forsaken her like others did.

The plot was very interesting with realistic problems such as drug abuse, prostitution, abuse of power, and human trafficking. There were twists and turns throughout the story which engaged the reader. The writing was very detailed and gave the reader powerful strong images to absorb, especially of the crime scenes. The author brilliantly weaved these gruesome images to the forefront of the story once again with her very vivid description of the last victim; and this grisly scene became a major turning point and breakage of the trust factor in this town.

Forsaken Trust is a story you will remember long after the last page is read.

I really enjoyed the first Luce Hansen book by Meredith Doench and eagerly awaited the next. I wasn't disappointed. There is much to the story here - it is complex, well thought through and demands a fair amount of attention. The new characters are excellent and I particularly liked Harper. If I was so inclined, the descriptions of kayaking would make me want to take to the water immediately. The changes in Luce (no spoilers here) are well handled and sympathetic to her behaviour in the first book. And the solution to the murders of several women is unexpected and yet credible. There are moments when you are anticipating Luce's behaviour and it was almost tempting to jump ahead and see what she actually did. Ms Doench grows better with each book and I look forward to more about Luce.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.

This is a great suspenseful mystery/ thriller with a lot of unexpected turns but it is not a romance in any way. There are hardly any scenes that would be considered romantic. It is very well written and the characters are well developed. I have not read the first book in this series (I honestly did not realize until now that it was a series) but it didn't hinder me from understanding any of the plot. There were a few hints of another case, which I assume is the case of the first book but it is not really relevant in this story and so it can be read as a stand alone.
The only thing that was kind of strange about the book was her not only talking to her dead dad but also full on seeing him. I feel like the ghost thing was taken a bit too far.

The most curious thing about this book is that I have no recollection of the first one. I know I read it, I know I liked it. Beyond that, nothing. I was glad the author chose to close some of my memory gaps (I wonder if I'd feel it was too much repetition, if I'd remember anything), but even this information didn't jog my memory.

Maybe because I was trying to remember, I had a hard time finding my way into this or even wanting to pick it up again once I had started. Just the foggy memory of really liking the first one made me pick it up again.

And I liked it. Still like the main character, liked the case even though I think I'm really done with trafficking storylines. I think I've also had my fill of serial killers, but I take either in a book I otherwise enjoy.

It was definitely more investigation than romance, which I always appreciate, but I didn't mind the romance bits and enjoyed that it didn't take a straight line.

I wouldn't mind reading more about Luce in another book.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. At the time of requesting a review copy, I didn’t realize it was the second in a series.

The story is told in first person and from Luce’s point-of-view. The writing style is exquisite, vivid in detail, which includes some pretty dark content, so consider yourselves warned this is not a love story.

When fifteen-year-old Ava finds a body while she’s out rowing, the story takes off running. Not only is there the crime/murder to solve but a teachers ethics come into question.

There’s a slight paranormal feel to the story due to the ghost of Luce’s deceased father making a couple of brief appearances. I got the feeling his presence was more prominent in book one, something I would’ve welcomed.

Harvey was an interesting side-character, but it took many mentions of the name before it finally sunk in and stuck with me Harvey was a ‘she’. From memory, it’s not until around the 80% mark we learn Harvey’s first name is Alison?

I devoured this story and anticipated it being a solid 4.5 to 5 star read for me. That was until near the very end. I don’t understand why the last scene was thrown in, well I guess I do, but it felt rushed. The heroine, who one minute had her hands bandaged due to her fingers being worn down to the quick in the previous scene, uses her hands as though she hadn’t just suffered such trauma. In fairness, adrenaline probably factored into the situation, however even overlooking the details, it didn’t make the ending any better for me.

On a final note - the epilogue is the closest the story comes to any hint of romance and it’s all told to the reader.

5 stars for the majority of the story, 3 stars for the ending, overall rating 4.25 stars.

Special agent Luce Hansen jumps in with both feet. When a serial killer begins dumping bodies in Wallace Lake, Ohio she puts her recent break up behind her to find the killer. The big city things that go on in small towns doesn't surprise her.

Thanks NetGalley for providing a copy for me to review.

An exceedingly well done follow-up to "Crossed," which found Luce exploring another dicey situation with her usual aplomb and the inviting quirk of discussions with her dearly departed father. As a heroine, she possesses the ideal blend of courage, vulnerability, intelligence and investigatory zeal to keep the reader invested throughout the whole of the plot which, while standard, had a interesting end. I look forward to more additions to this series.

This is the second book in the Luce Hansen series. While this is not as exciting at the first book Crossed, I still really enjoyed it. Doench, can really write. Her style is very appealing and makes for excellent mysteries. There is a few small loose ends that this book wraps up from book 1, but most of the story is contained in this book. Therefore, you could read this without reading Crossed. I'm anal about reading series in order, so I would personally recommend reading Crossed first, plus it is a good book.

In the beginning of this book, we find Luce struggling to deal with a break-up and loosing her house. She still has not made it to the FBI, and is drinking too much in frustration. When she gets called in to a new serial killer case, Luce has to get herself back together. With four bodies of women found near each other, Luce knows it is only time before the killer will strike again.

One of my small issues with book 1, was not connecting with Luce's girlfriend. I just didn't really get them as a couple, so I must admit I'm really happy with the turn of direction Doench took this. We are introduced with a much better fit, for a possible relationship. While it is still early, I could see more of a connection already.

Most of the book is dealing with the mystery. This is way more of a mystery book than a romance. The mystery had a lot of moving parts, but it didn't get convoluted. I totally understood everything going on, and it all flowed well. After a tough case of murder and crime, I really liked the ending of the book including the epilogue. It was happy, but not perfect, and just fit the series well.

I hope Doench will write a book 3. I have really gotten to like Luce as a character and I want to know what happens next. If you are a fan of a more hard hitting mystery/crime type book, then this series will be right up your alley.

An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.

I enjoyed this book very much. I didn't read the first book in the series so I think it's safe to say, this could be a stand alone. However, I am now going to read the first one. I like to connect the dots and really enjoyed this authors writing style. The way she tells a story and her wit that just falls into place will keep the pages turning. The ending was a bit of a surprise too. Forsaken Trust is well written with likable characters that will grab you from the beginning page to the last page. I highly recommend it.

I think that if you've read the first book in this series, and you connected to Luce, the narrator, you'll likely enjoy this book. I didn't read the first book, and I was more interested in the serial killer aspect of the plot than the relationships (past and present) in Luce's life. I think the dialogue was well done--for the most part it felt natural, but I didn't really connect to Luce, and I need that empathy with the narrator or main character to really enjoy a book.

This is a sequel and I didn't read the first book. Luce is a very well written character. She has compassion, strength and vulnerability. And she can be funny as well. The author has a great feel for the character.

This is not really a romance in pure sense of the word, so if you believe there is going to be a big romance between characters you might want to adjust your thinking to a mystery novel. It has overtones of romance, and certainly the recovery from a bad breakup, but not a direct romance.

Still I really enjoyed the building of the relationship with the medical examiner. The mystery seemed sort of weak and a lot was spoken about the trauma of Luce's last case. I would of like to of known more about that since it was mentioned often in this book.

This is an easy enjoyable read and Luce has some much depth. There is a lot of depth of and I was surprised at the levels in the town of abuse and neglect. I thought the ending was a good twist, not one I was expecting, so that was a pleasant surprise.

I look forward to reading the next took and the blossoming romance that is starting to take place.