Darby Graham is a forensic linguist. Or was. Lately she's been struggling with PTSD from a case that cost her almost everything. Now she's been sent to Idaho to stay at the exclusive Mule Shoe Dude Rance for a vacation...and to look into some recent incidents of sabotage that has the owner worried.
Bram White is a Deputy Sheriff investigating a string of fires in town. He hopes Darby will help him analyze the letters left by the serial arsonist. In return, she asks for his help at Mule Shoe when things escalate and people start getting hurt.
My thoughts:
I liked Darby a lot. And I found it fascinating how she could draw so many clues and truths just from listeining to a person's words. And her fight to deal with her PTSD triggers felt very real. I thought Bram was a good guy, if a little shallow at times. His interactions with Darby were sometimes awkward, sometimes cute, sometimes humorous, and always fun.
The mystery itself has lots of different threads, from the random problems at the lodge, to the arson, to a missing artist, to murder. The way Parks weaves them all together with both suspense and good writing makes this novel very readable and engaging. And there are two dogs, Holly and Maverick, that Darby rescues at the beginning of the book that I totally loved! I'd give this one 4 stars.
Happy Reading!
You had me at 'forensic linguist'! How fascinating! Will go and look this one up. :-)
ReplyDeleteIsn't that a cool job? And an even better skill to have! No one would ever be able to lie to you.
DeleteThis intrigues me, especially because I want to know more about being a forensic linguist. I agree that it sounds fascinating to be able to do what she does with just words.
ReplyDeleteHer skills as a forensic linguist really intrigued me!
DeleteI love dogs in books! This sounds like a fun thriller like book. Nice review!
ReplyDeleteI love dogs in books, too! :D
DeleteThank you for sharing. Regine
ReplyDeleteHi, Regine!
DeleteI love it when an author can weave so many different plot threads together and make it feel seamless. Glad you enjoyed this one!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that, too. Especially in mysteries!
DeleteI really enjoyed this one!! Love her writing!
ReplyDeleteIt's good. I want to check out some of her other books now.
DeleteI had to go look up forensic linguist!
ReplyDeleteRight? I don't think I've ever read about someone with that job before, but it's very interesting.
DeleteI enjoyed this one too. I didn't know what a forensic linguist was before this book, but found it so fascinating.
ReplyDeleteIt was a very fascinating part of this book, that's for sure!
DeleteI love when dogs are a part of the story. This sounds like a good one.
ReplyDeleteDogs make any story better! :D
DeleteAnother author that I've meant to read for a long time. This one sounds really good. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed it.
DeleteThis one sounds like it has some interesting characters. Definitely worth a look!
ReplyDeleteI thought it was an enjoyable mystery.
DeleteYes! Two dogs! I think it's so difficult to portray PTSD realistically. Nice review, Lark.
ReplyDeleteThe dogs are great! And I thought Parks handled Darby's PTSD really well. I was impressed.
DeleteI don't think that I have read a book with a forensic linguist before. I like the sound of this one.
ReplyDeleteIt was a new one for me!
Delete"Forensic linguist" as a career sounds amazing! It sounds like a really good read -- thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that a fascinating job? It'd be a great job for a continuing mystery series imo.
DeleteThis sounds like a good one. I love when a good mystery story brings in more about the characters. I think it's interesting as they work through there problems. I've also never read a book with a forensic linguist in it before!
ReplyDeleteI never had either, but her job is kind of cool.
DeleteI love the sound of this! Especially with the main character being a forensic linguist. Adding to my TBR.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was a fun mystery.
DeleteA forensic linguist would be such an interesting job. I'm also curious about the protagonist's struggle with PTSD and how that is handled by the author. Adding this to my wish list! Thank you for your great review, Lark!
ReplyDeleteThe way the author deals with Darby's PTSD felt so authentic and believable. I was impressed.
DeleteKicking off the year with a 4 star read! This sounds like a good mystery and I like that the main character is not necessarily a police officer yet someone who works closely with the police. It'll be interesting to learn more about how they help solve crimes.
ReplyDeleteI liked that about her, too. She'd be a good character to write a series around, though I don't know if the author has any plans to do so.
DeleteWhat an interesting way to get the killer's mind. I like the sound of this one. Plus, dogs! Wonderful review, Lark! :)
ReplyDeleteDogs do make everything better. Even books. :D
DeleteYeah I always like dogs in mysteries. I hope they're all the way through the story.
ReplyDeleteThey are...which I was glad about. :D
DeleteThe premise sounds intriguing. And the dogs is a draw, too! :)
ReplyDeleteI did love the dogs! :D
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