4.5 stars.

Down the Broken Road by J.R. Backlund is an adrenaline-laced mystery. Although this newest release is the second installment in the Rachel Carver series, it can be read as a standalone. However I also recommend the previous novel as well.

Rachel Carver is a former SBI Agent who is now working as a legal investigator. Just as she interviewing for a job with a legal firm, reporter Bryce Parker reaches about to her about the case that ended her career. Then the law firm surprises her with the opportunity to re-investigate the same case in which veteran Tyler Larson was murdered. Despite Rachel's doubts, her former boss at the SBI believed his girlfriend was his killer. The discovery that another one of Larson's Army buddies has been murdered breathes new life into the old case. In addition, Bryce has discovered a witness Larson's murder. Rachel's work on both cases has barely begun when she finds herself on the run from local law enforcement. Trusting no one except for her former partner Danny Braddock, will Rachel uncover the truth about who killed Tyler and his friend, Adam Hubbard?

Rachel is resourceful and laser focused as she tries to make sense of the events unfolding in the present. Although the police are certain they have arrested the person responsible for Adam's brutal murder, Rachel is convinced his death is linked to Tyler's. When she takes a second look at Tyler's journals which detail his wartime deployments, she has new avenues to explore. Rachel realizes her previous investigation into Tyler's murder was incomplete so she begins searching for the other men who were also deployed with him. With a possible motive beginning to emerge, Rachel inadvertently puts herself in harm's way as she begins to close in on the suspects in the murders.

Down the Broken Road is a fast-paced mystery with an intriguing storyline. With puzzling murders to solve and quite a few suspects to investigate, Rachel is absolutely relentless in her quest for the truth. J.R. Backlund brings this newest addition to the Rachel Carver series to an action-packed, electrifying conclusion. ( )

3.5 After a disastrous end to her last case Rachel resigns from the SBI and goes freelance. Though she hasn't forgotten what happened, still believes it was a wrong enfing, she is busy trying to rustle up enough work to make a living. Until an opportunity arrives unexpectedly, giving her the opportunity to prove she was right to have doubts.

Rachel is a strong character, aggressive many times to her own detriment, obsessive as her old boss and mentor calls her and tough, physically and mentally. This case will take her into the past, and have ties back in the past and far away. It will put her in danger, and will cost many lives.

I didn't like this as much as the first in series, I think almost too much happened, making it more difficult for me to follow. Of course, it may just be me because this time of year when I have so much to do, makes concentration much more difficult. Still, I love her character, enjoy the way she puts things together, and liked her conversation with Pender at books end. Will definitely read the next.

ARC from Netgalley and Crooked Lane. ( )