Lot's Return to Sodom

I was uncertain if I would like this book as much as 'In the Belly of Jonah.' Not because I doubted that it would be good but because I liked the first one so much. Since I was up until ludicrous hours of the morning finishing it, I think it's safe to say it delivered.
I completely adore Liv Bergen. She is one of my all time favorite female characters.
No matter what though, I still thoroughly enjoyed Lot's Return to Sodom and can't wait to read the next book!

This is the second book in the Liv Bergen series and here, Liv finds herself at the wrong place and the wrong time and her instincts as an amateur sleuth kick in.
Unlike the first book, this book's pace takes a step back and you're not hit with gory crime scene details but it rather shows more developed characters and we get to meet Liv's family.
In my view, it's almost as though the author is slowly prepping Liv for more hardcore cases and to do so she's got to be at her best and Streeter (a.k.a Agent Adonis) has to get an understanding of what exactly he feels for Liv.
The writing style and tone is still very refreshing and I am hopeful that anyone who picks the first book would read the entire series because aside from the action, solving mysteries, attraction and insight, there's the desire to see if Liv did get to accomplish her resolution of not using strong language.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC! Two down, three more to go!

When you finish reading the first book in a series, you know whether or not you're going on to the next book. In fact, you have, at least subconsciously, made up your mind that you are in it for the reading long haul. Great characters and page turning action are often the leading reasons for grabbing the next book. Another factor, for me anyway, is the backstory. How well does the author flesh out the supporting characters? Do all the characters come across as flesh and blood people each with their peculiarities and flaws? I was happy that Special Agent Streeter Pierce made it into this, the second book in the series. And, the people in Liv Bergen's large family are not just names.

Along with a great backstory that gives realism to a series, red herrings are necessary to work the mystery angle. Sandra Brannan throws up a red herring here and there to give the reader enough suspects on which to chew. Just when you are convinced that so and so is the guilty party, another possibility is offered.

Liv Bergen isn't a cop, and she isn't an FBI agent. She runs one of the family quarries in Colorado, has a love for the business, and an innate talent for putting two and two together to solve the sticky mysteries of murder. Liv is a lapsed Catholic schoolgirl who sometimes recalls Bible passages in ways that the nuns might not appreciate. She is the kind of strong female protagonist who is both human and admirable.

If you're looking for a your next thriller, filled with folks you will either love or hate, I suggest that you run, don't walk, to get your copy of the first book in the series, IN THE BELLY OF JONAH, and this one. Why both? When you finish the first one, you will want to immediately start on the next. By the way, LOT'S RETURN TO SODOM has a great ending!

We pick up right where book one left off and it seems Liv just cannot stop helping solve cases especially when she is hurt. When she witnesses what she believes is crime she knows that the MC will be looking for her. On top of this, it seems her brother will find himself being questioned by the police on the murder of his girlfriend. When he asks for Liv's help on not only clearing his name but also in finding out who is involved she doesn't hesitate even if the FBI gets involved. What Liv uncovers is a secret that has been held onto for years. The one thing about Liv is that she does whatever she needs to help her family out even if that means putting herself in the danger zone.

I honestly think that Liv needs to become an agent because she is amazing at putting pieces together to solve the crime.

Though this biker gang came across as the worst their leader did not. For some reason, he seemed to be a good guy at times and I am not sure if that was an act, or if he really wanted to seem good. I was a bit weirded out at how they earned their purple wings I even went back to re-read that section in case I got it wrong.

I think this author did a great job with Sturgis and what does happen there though she did keep it a bit cleaner in some aspects.

Overall a good story I am loving this Liv Bergen series. I can not wait to read more.

Review: LOT'S RETURN TO SODOM by Sandra Brannan
(A Liv Bergen Mystery)

I fell in love with this series from the very beginning of the first mystery, IN THE BELLY OF JONAH. I loved this one also, though due to the subject matter it was personally uncomfortable. Ms. Brennan delves deeply into the psyches of her characters (which I find personally gratifying) and she continues to set up complex patterns and plots.

Protagonist Liv Bergen returns to her home town of Rapid City, South Dakota, for a brief convalescence with family as she continues her recovery from the near-fatality of IN THE BELLY OF JONAH. It so happens that her visit coincides with the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and multiple murders. Liv' s puzzle-loving mind can't resist interfering, especially since one elderly deceased was a long-term family friend, and the murdered young lady was shortly to become Liv's brother's beloved fiance.

Thanks Netgalley for a copy to read and review.

Let's be honest... this was an amazing read but the covers and titles need to go. Biblical titles probably turn off more readers than not. Which is a horrible thing since I found this to be an amazing read. I was totally engrossed and didn't want to put this book down. First of all it's a mystery/thriller about bikers at Sturgis, second Liv is the best nonagent problem solver I have ever read. She didn't even attend Quantico and she's solving mysteries and murders way before FBI agents. Of course she's always in the right place at the right time. She needs to probably heal up a bit for the next book since she's always a hair away from dying. Five amazing stars of entertainment, this book was hands down just an amazing read. I learned some stuff about bikers that I'd rather not know too....;)

Another great Liv Bergen mystery. A little less gore, but definitely left me on my seat trying to figure out who the killer was and the hows and the whys. Again I spent the entire book trying to narrow down my options to find the killer at right towards the end I had two in mind, but the clues sent you a different way. Again the killer was in the book the entire time and didn't come out of left field - love it.

Brannan expertly loops her character Bergen into this next investigation. This book begins just after the completion of the first book and her therapy from her injuries. I absolutely believed the way she ended up in the middle of this investigation and felt as though it was completely smartly done.

Something that may be minor, but I enjoyed was that this book could be a stand alone. There were a few references to book number 1, but I felt as though anyone could grab this second in the series and enjoy it on its own.

I think any reader who loves the suspense and wants to piece together the puzzle to finish with a killer that no one would have guessed in the beginning would enjoy this one. I am anxiously awaiting for the next appearance of Liv Bergen.