Author: Kris Nelscott

When you sit down to read a mystery novel, you hope to be surprised with what you find. Certain mysteries are too predictable from the onset and others leave you disappointed because it just falls apart.

This is definitely in the happy surprise category.

In the backdrop of a historical Memphis, right up to the execution of Martin Luther King Jr., we have an African-American P.I., Smokey Dalton, taking a case from a young white Laura Hathaway.

Right away, Nelscott (pen name of Kristine Kathryn Rusch), sucks you into the world. Her ability to grip the reader and keep them stuck to the page is spectacular.

You actually feel that you are in Memphis during the time and working alongside Dalton as he takes this case presented to him. Then, once you’re locked in, the surprises start popping up.

I don’t just mean the final reveal (although that was good too), but just where this book goes seems unconventional for a mystery and it works so well. If I had to take a guess, it would be there’s a real storyline woven in here.

You’re hooked to the story and stay for the mystery.

After reading many budding authors, some great and some with great potential, it’s always a pleasure to come back to someone who is a master at her craft. Couldn’t recommend this enough.