Eight stars
D.K. Hood keeps the series rushing along, providing high-octane action and sustained thrills throughout. Hood has kept this series strong and moving, as characters and plot lines evolve throughout the collection of novels. When Black Rock Falls suffers severe weather, Sheriff Jenna Alton is forced to make some serious choices. A killer has been luriking around, killing and leaving a calling card for the authorities to ponder. How will it all play out, as Alton tries to get to the bottom of it all? Hood proves a great writer once more with this piece.
The rain has turned from a wonderful meteorological event to something nasty, soaking her to the skin. She rushes out of the large house and hides behind a vehicle, hoping that no one will find her. However, as fast as a flash of lightning, he discovers her hiding spot and she's compromised once more. The hunt is on and someone's going to perish in the puddles.
The rain has gone from a pleasant change to being a complete disaster. Roads are closed and landslides have kept Back Rock Falls isolated from the rest of Montana. When Sheriff Alton receives a call, the panic in the caller's voice lets her feel that this could be another crime. A woman's body is found in the river and it does not look like an accident.
When Sheriff Alton and Deputy Dave Kane rush to the scene, they see the lifeless body and its position screams of being dumped. Tattered clothes and hair all over, as well as an odd clue, a jack of hearts, tucked into her underwear. This calling card could be essential in discovering the killer's identity, though the motive is still far from being clear.
It is only a few days until another body turns up, this time stuffed in the back of a vehicle. Her neck is covered in red welts and she is nothing like the previous victim. However, a playing card is again stuffed into the victim's clothes, proving that there could be a pattern. Could there be a third victim out there, perhaps as yet targeted?
Shut out from the outside world, Sheriff Alton and her deputies begin analysing the clues they have. This could be the work of a serial killer the FBI has been hunting for going on a decade. If so, this notorious killer has come to Black Rock Falls on a mission, but they've yet to clash with Sheriff Alton, one woman in authorities who does not shy away from serial killers or the dangerous work they do. With a few potential suspects, Sheriff Alton will have to crack the case wide open. Hood provides all the ingredients for a successful series once more with this novel.
D.K. Hood has paved the way for her own success with this series, pulling on all the right elements. Her narrative foundation is strong and ever-evolving, so series fans never need to feel they are in a repetitive loop. Ideas mesh well with the quick pace this series offers, leaving the reader from getting too settled. Serial killers may gravitate towards Black Rock Falls, but no two stories are alike and Hood keeps the action intense throughout.
Character development has never been an issue with this series as the protagonists evolve before the attentive reader. Surrounded with a number of strong secondary characters, Hood offers up a plethora of activity for all to enjoy,. With more characters becoming regulars, story arcs emerge and force the reader to pay closer attention, never sure what is about to happen. There was an interesting subplot with Dave Kane's memory loss and the examination of his connection to Jenna, as well as the memories of all they have been through since Kane arrived in Black Rock Falls. While not central to the story, it did provide some intriguing moments. The richness of their development and means by which they flavour the narrative hep keep the reader involved in all that is taking place.
Action is heightened through the number and depth of the plot twists that occur throughout the story. This series has never lacked in confusing spins and Hood does well to keep them new and somewhat fresh. The series prides itself on the small town feel and powerful plot developments. I can only hope there are new ideas percolating in the series, for Hood has never stopped keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.
Kudos, Madam Hood, for making the momentum of this series forcing the reader to keep up with the pace.
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