I was so so excited to receive advanced access to this book! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.
I loved book one (a must-read!), and I could not wait for another mystery with Natalie Lockhart.

I really enjoyed book 2, even though I did not rate it as highly as the first one. The things that I loved from the beginning of the series continued to draw me in here - the main character, Natalie, and her family background and hometown roots; the setting of Burning Lake in upstate New York and all its history as the site of witch trials - all of which lended itself to an evocative picture of atmospheric gloom in a rustic, small town. I thought the use of flashbacks and accounts of memories from Natalie's past were an effective way to tie the ongoing events investigating the murder of a young woman visiting Burning Lake to the town and Natalie's state of mind.

I thought the mystery was well-done. But we did not get any resolution regarding Natalie's childhood friend Bella. Could this be where a subsequent book goes?!

I will say that I am pretty invested in the subplot, Natalie's personal life. I do wish that there could have been more development leading up to that reveal at the very end. I felt that it was random, although that may have been the author's intent. If so, I thought that it still could have been built up in subtle ways, especially since throughout the book we were led to believe there was another relationship brewing.

Overall, a great mystery read! It lacked some of the drama in the first book (I mean, sort of understandable given the events that occurred...) But I can't wait for more in this series.

Halloween is a big deal in Burning Lake and the day after the over the top festivities, Detective Natalie Lockhart find a woman’s body in a dumpster. The woman has no identification and no one recognizes her, her only identifying features are a tatoo and a callus under her chin. As Natalie follows the few clues she has, she begins to believe this woman is only the latest in a string of murders that may very well have included Natalie’s best friend.

After finishing the first book I was left stunned. I couldnt wait for book two. Trust me, this book did not disappoint! The twists and turns kept me on edge the entire time.