Tracy Crosswhite and her husband Dan have returned to the small town of Cedar Grove, Washington while their home in Seattle is being remodeled. Tracy is on maternity leave from her job as a homicide detective, training the new nanny for Daniella, and Dan is shuttling between his law office in Seattle and some work for a local businessman feeling hassled by the town. Of course, Tracy can't avoid getting involved in a local murder investigation related to a cold case and this complicates her promises to herself and her husband and makes her question her motivations for work and motherhood.

Dugoni's typical facility for strong character development and plot are on display here, amplified by the more confined canvas of a small town. The population is familiar. But not stereotypical. The cases are puzzling. But the clues are all there. The suspense mounts. Shots are fired. And then the winter weather becomes a factor. Someone is not who everyone thinks they are. The writing is clear and compelling and enjoyable.

Disclosure: Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing a free copy of this book in return for my honest review. ( )

I love the Tracy Crosswhite series, and I really enjoyed the latest book. #7 in the series has Tracy experiencing what every new mom feels: do I stay home with my baby, or do I return to a job I enjoy? While on maternity leave with Daniella, and while their home is being renovated, Dan and Tracy have moved back to their hometown of Cedar Grove. While there, Dan has taken on a client who doesn't want to sell his Market Street business to the town. The town's police chief is on admin leave after his wife died in a fire, caused by arson. The old chief, now acting, has asked Tracy to step in and take a look at it.
The 2 cases divulge, and an old case from 20 years earlier resurfaces. Tracy is in danger, making her reconsider her life's choices.
Always a great story! ( )

Another great Tracy novel! Looking forward to the next. ( )

Thoroughly enjoyed this episode of the series! Never sure from one book to the next if the stories and mysteries and cases will be believable or it they'll send my BS meter into overdrive and make me mad.

This one was really good! If you're mostly a fan of the series, you'll probably like this one. ( )

I really thought the use of flashback in a manner that advanced the story rather than slowed it was impressive. This novel was well thought out and strongly plot driven. ( )