Gone Astray

When Detective Rory Naysmith suffers a heart attack, he is no longer able to perform his duties as he has for over twenty years. A move to Winterset, Nebraska as the department’s only detective and the slower pace of life should suit him fine. The Chief expects him to solve the cold case of a hijacked truck, that is until there is a murder. As if Rory doesn’t have enough worries as he learns his way around the town, an elderly woman goes missing and another truck is hijacked. A small-town police procedural as Rory investigates with the help of a rookie cop. The summary sounded interesting and this was pleasant read. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

I received this book from Netgalley and thanks to them & Wild Rose Press. This was my first book from this author I read lots of mystery/thrillers, police procedurals & suspense, I'm always delighted to find a new characters & settings. Enjoyed Rory as a relocated, post heart attack detective. Several varied crimes to solve & interesting family, small town dynamics going on. Story written as stand alone, but would certainly make the start of a new series which I would definitely read.

Detective Rory Naysmith has relocated to a small town in Nebraska. He's 50 years old, has had a heart attack, and with the assistance of a rookie, sets out to prove he still has what it takes to do the job. He's the only detective, so he doesn't expect to see a whole lot of action.

His superior wants him to work on an unsolved case of a truck hijacking. He doesn't get too far with that, when a Vietnam veteran is found dead behind some dumpsters. Before he can solve the case, an elderly woman goes missing, followed be another hijacking.

His biggest problems .... he's brand new to the town and doesn't have the contacts that police usually have. He is the only detective ... and his assistant is still a rookie. His gut feeling is that all these cases are connected .. but how? And he's lost some of his confidence that he can still be the detective he once was.

Well written, there's lots of action to follow. Characters are solidly drawn, and I really enjoy how Rory and the rookie relate to each other. In a small town, there's always one or two quirky residents, and they are all fun to get to know. Suspense starts on the first page and maintains its level until the very final explosive conclusion. Hoping to see more of these characters somewhere down the road.

Many thanks to the author/Wild Rose Press / Netgalley for the digital copy of this mystery/suspense. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Great Small Town Who Dunit
This is a wonderful mystery. An older cop who thinks he still has it but doesn't know for sure takes a detective position in a small Nebraska town. He anticipates a slower lifestyle when a major crime wave lets loose for him to solve. This story looks at small-town life with an honest eye. It is realistic but not terribly gritty. The story has all the little pieces as it builds. Finally, they all come together in the big denouement – and I bet you will be surprised! I highly recommend this book. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.