When I requested this I didn't realise that it was part of a series. I have not read the other books so cannot review this title. Sorry for any inconvenience.

“Not EVERY book is for everyone, but for every ONE, there is a book”

Synopsis
Kateri is a cop running from a car accident, her mothers death, a broken engagement and a trail of poor choices. She is hoping for a fresh start and a way to redeem herself.

Shannon is a young man who is trying desperately to keep it all together for his family. His longing for love and companionship and his drive to provide for his family blind his choices.

Bear, who is he? Where did he come from? A mysterious wealthy businessman willing to help, but at what cost?

Review
This book was a slow start for me. In the beginning I thought the book would focus on the character of Kateri and her life. I was wrong. I found the character of Kateri to be a supporting role to the story of Shannon. The author’s writing moves across 2 POV, that of Shannon and Kateri. Shannon’s story is one of longing. I would describe Shannon as a confused young man trying to be everything for everyone and losing himself in the midst of it all. The author does a great job building the reader’s empathy for Shannon to the point where the reader is willing to absolve him of all crimes (or at least I was). Kateri is a puzzle. Her character comes across as decisive and caring but I was not as attached or invested in her character in comparison to Shannon.
Overall the book has a good pace. The author begins putting it all together for the reader by the last quarter of the book, little hints are dropped, key moments described that lead the conscious reader to a conclusion with all questions answered. A great mystery for readers that enjoy Lisa Jackson, Faye Kellerman.

5 stars! Absolutely spooky! Kateri fisher is a strong female character that I think most woman will root for. I loved seeing her be able to handle herself on a force as the only woman officer.

Great read. Angry characters, it made me feel frustrated sometimes. I guess that’s the power of the author. Do recommend it for days that you just want to read something different than a romantic novel.

This one was a bit of a slow burn for me. It developed a searing momentum the farther we got into the mystery. The mystery of what happened in the rundown Jenkins home in the woods. We have a secret child in the closet. Blood all over the place. Burned bones, considered to be those of Pearl Jenkins, the matriarch. And another child, Shannon, who may have killed his mother and left his little sister for dead. We also have a damaged cop, Kateri Fisher, working to piece all of this together. This is gritty, lyrical, and heartbreaking writing. I like dark, though, so this suited me perfectly. I look forward to reading whatever comes next from Jennifer Pashley.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book, but one chapter in and I couldn’t put it down. Kateri Fisher is a small town cop still considered new to town. When she is handed the assignment of a bloody house, missing girl, and burning bones, she is right in her element. I couldn’t have guessed all the different ways this book would go. Loved it!

Because of the writing style, there's a dreaminess to this book that you don't find in most mystery/thrillers. I think that might alienate some readers, but I liked it. And I have to say, out of all the possible explanations I considered, I did not see this one coming.

Thank you, Crooked Lane, for providing this review copy.

Nobody cared about Pearl Jenkins. The woman lived like a hermit, alone in the woods. Or so everyone thought, then she disappears, leaving behind a great deal of blood and a child no one knew existed. Enter Kateri Fisher, a loner herself, and the only female detective on the small police force. She’s the only one who seems interested in the case in a town where everyone knows everyone and some people matter more than others. I liked Pashley’s understanding of small town politics and the inclusiveness that works against anyone who looks or acts differently

This is a character driven mystery with an unlikable protagonist. From the beginning, I did not care for this Character. The story moves slowly and the language is distracting . That being said, other readers might enjoy reading this book.