⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Was I hooked by that book? Oh, yes. This edge-of-your-seat murder mystery exposes the horrific truth behind a seemingly peaceful hidden community.

Two people were murdered, at the exact same time, in the same gruesome manner, bodies covered in the same red poppies… but on opposite sides of the country. With Detective Kara Quinn investigating in Oregon and Special Agent Matt Costa in Virginia, the Mobile Response Team digs deep to uncover more about each victim. What is the link between the two, and why were they targeted? Yet their search unearths more questions than answers, until they meet Riley Pierce, the only person still alive who might be able to help them find the killers. Soon, it becomes clear this case is nothing like they’ve seen before as their investigation leads them to the hallowed grounds of Havenwood, an eerily beautiful place rooted in a terrifying past. As more bodies turn up, all tied to the same community, Kara and Matt are desperate to piece the puzzle together before Havenwood’s leader sacrifices everything to keep her secrets buried.

MY THOUGHTS

Kara was on top of her game. She read their witness, Riley, like a familiar, well-known book, and knew just what to ask and when. Even when Catherine tried her best to throw shade her way. Riley had so much stacked against her, but she came through for everyone when they needed her to.

The cult aspect of the story was interesting and disturbing and provided an excellent setting for this thrilling tale. Things started off kind of slow, but the pace picked up as more and more details were revealed. There were some flashbacks to the past through the eyes of Riley and some of the other cult members.

I loved Kara and Matt together and the way their relationship was progressing. They kept things as professional as they could when they were on the job, but their feelings for each other still came through in small but meaningful ways. Matt’s trust in Kara was a beautiful thing to behold.

This series keeps amazing me at how the recurring characters get a chance at one point or another to experience serious personal growth in the midst of all the mayhem. I can recommend this book and this series if you like suspense, fast-moving police procedurals, and a bit of romance. It is definitely best to read these books in order.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Were you hooked by that book? Let me know in the comments below.

Genre: Suspense, Romance
Published: January 7, 2025
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Series: Book 6 of Quinn and Costa