Archives for August 28, 2025

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The couple in the photo smile at the camera, arms wrapped around each other, faces alight with happiness. They were two people getting a second chance at love, trying to blend their young families and start a new life together. Until their smiles became frozen for the camera forever as their lives were cut tragically short by a horrifying act of violence…

Seven years ago, Tobias Lachlan and his fiancée Cora Stevens went out for a romantic dinner together. They left the restaurant smiling and holding hands, Cora sent a text message to say they were on the way home… but they were never seen again, leaving their family and friends with broken hearts and unanswered questions.

Detective Josie Quinn is shocked when she’s called to investigate the discovery of their bodies in a submerged car in the river just outside Denton. The medical report soon shows that Tobias and Cora were brutally murdered, sending shockwaves through the community and reopening the case that police thought had long gone cold.

With no obvious clues, and no sightings of the couple after they left the restaurant that night, Josie draws a blank. Tobias and Cora’s children, now grown, can’t imagine who might have wanted their parents dead. The discovery of a tiny old-fashioned key in the remnants of Cora’s purse could unlock the mystery, but no one knows what the key might open, and Josie can’t figure out what it meant to Cora. But secrets don’t stay buried forever, and if Josie knows one thing to be true, it’s this: someone always knows something. As she digs deeper, Josie finds evidence that this perfect couple might have been keeping secrets. Secrets from their children, and secrets from each other.

But then another body is found—another member of the family, tragically silenced forever. Josie’s investigation has stirred up more than just the river bed, and she knows that the killer is now even more desperate to keep their secrets hidden. Who is trying to rip this family apart, and can Josie find out before it’s too late?

Lisa Regan never fails to steal my heart when I visit Detective Josie Quinn! She’s an ever evolving character who delivers strength and grit on the regular, but there’s a softer side of her as well who loves hard and collects friendship and love every day of her life. I always enjoy my return visits and watching her prosper no matter the hardships life has thrown out at her from a very young age. I can’t recommend this series enough!

This particular book nabbed my attention very quickly with a whodunnit cold case at the forefront while Josie was dealing with personal drama as well. The case is well developed with multiple key players who are keeping secrets and testing alliances. There are twists and turns along the way that will keep the reader intrigued as Josie pulls out all stops to get justice for the vics.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a strong female lead in law enforcement who solves case after case while building a happily ever after with friends, family and the love of her life.