4.5 stars

When a series is named after the main character, and it’s a romantic suspense, you don’t necessarily expect an HEA…but you do expect an HFN. While it didn’t always seem that would happen with this book, there is definitely an HFN when all is said and done. This story had me hopping!

Laurel Snow is an FBI profiler who has worked many serial killer cases. She’s very young and very good at her job. Laurel is one of those kids that went to college before she was even a teenager and doesn’t have the greatest social skills. What I love about her is that she knows she has problems with social situations and doesn’t always just push that aside as nonsense just because she’s the smartest one in the room. Generally, when (if) she realizes she’s alienating her audience she changes tack. It’s not because she’s embarrassed but because she has empathy. Too often, characters such as Laurel are portrayed as robots with no feelings for those around them. Sure, Laurel can get annoyed or confused by the emotions of her family and colleagues. She also knows it’s a her problem and not a them problem so she does what she can to find a middle ground. At least with those who are willing to meet her at that half-way point.

What’s a romantic suspense without a grumpy gus? Better yet, a grumpy gus with a loyal dog. Huck and his dog don’t interact with many. He may work for the state’s Fish and Wildlife department, but he works alone or is called in on special projects. He hasn’t been a team player in years, since a particularly troublesome case that has left him with PTSD and a host of other issues. He may not welcome an intriguing FBI agent showing up at his door while he’s technically on vacation, but he appreciates her matter-of-fact ways.

This story is all about the serial killer, but the chemistry between Laurel and Huck is great, too. The respect they have for one another is peppered with the strong connection they share. Huck wants none of these entanglements and Laurel doesn’t quite know what to do with the pull. She’s no innocent, but she’s never felt these particular impulses. There’s a slow-burn happening, and we even get some payoff. There’s much more story to unfold with these two as this series goes along. They already gave me plenty of warmth and butterflies so I can’t wait to see where it all leads.

Reading is an escape for me, a way to relax and unwind. I don’t typically read straight suspense because I need to know things are going to work out in the end. This story kept me guessing. There were many suspects in my mind and the author did a wonderful job of keeping things moving without sticking on one person for too long, but not making any of the possibilities seem outrageous. Yet I knew I’d get some sort of closure and Laurel would finish the story in a good position and not in a body bag.

There are so many interesting characters introduced in this story. A great blend of storytelling and setting up the series as a whole. I absolutely adore the partner the FBI sends in for Laurel. Walter just rolls with the punches and seems to really want to make up for some not so stellar work in the past. Kate and her girls are a joy and really bring a different side of Laurel out. And I can guarantee we aren’t done with some of the other, more creepy, denizens of the town. I cannot elaborate without spoilers, but my stomach was often in knots from some of these people. The guilty and the others alike.

I’m very interested to see where the author takes this story. I’m looking forward to going along for the ride.

**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely*

You can find more of my reviews at All In Good Time.

Laurel Snow is an FBI Agent/Profiler and very intelligent, she gets a call from her mother asking to come home to their small town because the sheriff thinks her uncle is a serial killer.
Once back home Laurel forms a friendship with a single mother, meets an interesting witness, digs up family secrets unintentionally, connects with a handsome mountain who is a fish and wildlife officer and catches the serial killer.

I love all things romance and mystery, this book was a mystery thriller with a little romance plot.

Laurel is an easy to like character she's independent and strong, Huck knows that and doesn't try to take care of her all the time despite wanting to.

There's also an interesting group of supporting characters who I can't wait to see the development of their relationships in the other books.

This is just the first book in the series so I assume that the subplots that are unsolved will be solved in the other books to come.

The world-building in this as well was so well done that I thought I was feeling how cold it will be while reading it.

This book was a page turner, LOVED IT!!!

Looking forward to the rest of the series.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC.