Eight stars
Kelley Armstrong penned a great Canadian police procedural series that I devoured in short order. As the Rockton series ran its course, it was time for something new, or at least something with a different flavouring. Armstrong created a spin-off series that picks up just after Rockton fell apart. Now, with Casey Butler (Duncan) and Eric Dalton coordinating the new community of Haven's Rock, they are thrust into the action before the town officially opens, with a murder on their hands and suspects all around. With new faces and many returning from Rockton, Armstrong develops a stunning debut thriller that is sure to have all the needed elements for success.
With Rockton in the rear-view mirror, Casey Butler and Eric Dalton begin trying to set up a new community. Welcome to Haven's Rock, Yukon. Population: 0, but with a great deal of potential. Nestled in the wilderness, this is a new place for people to flee from their troubles, though the screening process is meant to ensure that trouble in Haven's Rock is minimal. At least that's the plan.
The sole rule in Haven's Rock is to stay out of the forest, which is still quite unknown. When a few members of the crew building the community break it, they go missing and begin a stream of panic. Casey and Eric receive word and rush in to investigate before it can spread. Once a body is discovered, it is apparent that there has been foul play, which opens up a major investigation.
When a crew member dead and another missing, questions arise and that pushes the investigation into high gear. Casey and Eric will have to put themselves into the middle of it all to learn what's happened and what the victim might have seen. While Haven's Rock is supposed to be a place to get away, Casey and Eric will have to clear things up before allowing others to come and set up roots of their own. Armstrong does well to keep the reader hooked from the opening salvo.
Kelley Armstrong has impressed me with the Rockton series, so I had high hopes with this novel. The book begins well and does not let up at any point. A great extension of the Rockton stories, the narrative moves at break-neck speed and never ceases until thing come crashing to a halt on the final pages. Armstrong knows how to develop the story effectively and uses great characters to help flavour the narrative and add needed depth. I can only hope things this will continue as the series gains even more momentum.
To keep the reader engaged, Armstrong must have strong plot ideas that she can hash out throughout the book. She does well with this and provides points of both interest and intrigue, providing twists that keep things from becoming too linear. I am pleased to see this and hope that things keep in the same vein as the novels increase. Armstrong provides a crime thriller and something the reader can enjoy, especially those who have loved Rockton's strong storytelling. With the latest novel awaiting me, I am eager to see how things in Haven's Rock will continue use and what new ideas Armstrong will bring to the storytelling.
Kudos, Madam Armstrong, for this great debut in the spin-off series that has all the intensity I needed.
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