Publisher's Weekly Review
Maggie Gardner, the heroine of this uneven suspense novel from bestseller Black (Evidence of Murder), works with the Cleveland PD as a civilian criminologist. When the bodies of four men are found away from where they were killed, each shot with .22 caliber bullets, Maggie joins the homicide team delving into possible links among the victims. The four all have traces of granite, asbestos, lead paint flakes, and cat hair-and have committed such serious crimes as rape, murder, and human trafficking. Since their criminal records are available only to the police, Maggie suspects that the killer is someone in law enforcement. If she knows who it is, she could face an agonizing decision about whether to turn that person in. She hopes she's wrong. The intriguing forensic details help drive the plot to its satisfying conclusion, but the sketchy portrayal of the characters, particularly Maggie, will disappoint readers expecting more depth. Agent: Vicky Bijur, Vicky Bijur Agency. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
This is the first book in a new series featuring Cleveland forensic investigator Maggie Gardiner and homicide detective Jack Renner, but don't expect your typical detective story. Gardiner is a complete forensic nerd with no real personal life outside her job. She has become obsessed with the victims of several murders, all of whom were shot point-blank in the back of the head, yet are seemingly unrelated. By using tapings pieces of tape pressed against victim's clothing that pick up threads, dust, and fibers she has literally picked up enough clues to find the place where all the murders took place. Renner is a vigilante cop turned serial killer, but he only kills people who need killing, reminiscent of Jeff Lindsay's Dexter. But Renner is no sadist; he kills quickly and cleanly in his quest for the justice often denied by the legal system. While Gardiner is not a cop, she works hand in hand with the police as she narrows in on the killer. The surprising ending is sure to keep readers coming back for more.--Alesi, Stacy Copyright 2016 Booklist
Library Journal Review
Ohio-based forensic scientist Black (Close to the Bone) here launches a new series. Maggie Gardiner is a forensic investigator for the Cleveland Police Department, and she loves her job. As she assists in the investigations of a succession of murders, she must match wits with a serial killer with a sense of justice-the victims are all rapists and killers. Working with Maggie as she chases the bad guys is Jack Renner, a dedicated detective with secrets of his own. These characters are well written and interesting, and their motivations, both good and bad, easily propel the action. This unusual relationship will hopefully be developed further in later books. The narration by Kirsten Potter is professional and without distraction. Verdict Fans of forensic mysteries will look forward to more in this series. Recommended. ["A great choice for readers of psychological suspense, forensic investigations, and mystery": LJ 4/15/16 review of the Kensington hc.]-Kristen L. Smith, Loras Coll. Lib., Dubuque, IA © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.