It was just ok. Typical thriller/mystery with an emotionally damaged protagonist. The same formula everybody seems to use anymore. I had a hard time with the fact that she had suffered a trauma but yet they never really revealed the nature of the trauma until nearly the end of the book. It would maybe have made her character make a little more sense throughout the book. But given her past it seemed so unlikely that she would be investigation this in the first place. She seemed to stay in her protected little bubble...until she didn't...but then she'd go right back to being afraid of her own shadow. ( )

This book here is just further justification for my love of Helen Phifer's books.

From engaging story-telling, to character development and everything in between, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. There are suspects at every turn, personal growth from characters that you can connect to, a fast-paced story that keeps you invested and devouring pages needing to know more.

I can not wait to see what Helen Phifer has in store for the future for Beth Adams. An immensely enjoyable read

*Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review* ( )

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Beth Adams is a forensic pathologist and has a new case that is disturbing from the very outset. There is a body to be exhumed as there is a case that presented more questions. While the grave site staff are undertaking the task, they are shocked to find another body underneath the casket.

Beth dives right into the case, but is dealing with the aftermath of an attack she experienced in her home previously. While on the current case, she returns home one night only to discover that two of her security cameras are not operating. This makes Beth very nervous and is more than a bit distracted when it comes to her job.

But, answers must be found as to the identity of the woman they found so she dives into her investigation. Beth is working alongside Detective Josh Walker and the two are old friends. I can already anticipate their relationship to surpass the professional one they have now.

When another woman turns up missing, Beth and Josh work hard and as quickly as possible to hopefully save her the same destiny as the first woman. What Beth does not know is that things are much closer to home than she could have ever imagined.

What a great start to a new series! I love Beth. She is broken, yet strong. She experienced a horrific trauma yet made something out of her life. Quite naturally, since she was a pathologist, my mind went to the television show, Quincy. So, I am eager to see other cases she works on so that she can make a difference for survivors of other victims.

Helen Phifer is new to me, but I will definitely follow this series. I love her writing style and the fact that it shows evidence of good research. She gave me characters that I admire and that I want to read more about. This book comes highly recommended.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion. ( )