Beau finds himself out of work after his current department is disbanded. Mel had already taken another position as Chief of Police, so Beau is really on his own. Supervising the renovations on a newly purchased home, he arrives there after lunch, expecting to see Mel. Her car was there, as was her purse, cell, and weapon, but no Mel. Beau goes into detective mode to find his wife before the unthinkable occurs, no matter what means he has to employ. It’s an exciting thriller as Beau races the clock. Well written, this novella is a page-turner. ( )

I found this short novella a perfect read since I haven't read any books in this series, but I have the book in the latest book in the series; Dance of the Bones waiting to be read. And, since Dance of the Bones is book 22 felt it good to start off with a novella where I could get to know the characters, some background and also see how I would like the writing style. And, I can say that I found this story quite good.

For one thing, I liked that even though I haven't read anything about J.P. Beaumont (Beau) before did I feel that this novella gave me enough information about him, about his wife and some people around him. It also explained how it is that he is retired by explaining the terrible accident that led to the Special Homicide Investigation Team that he was leading was disbanded. His wife Mel has a new job, chief of police in Bellingham, Washington and he is trying to adjust to the changes in their lives and Mel hasn't it easy either since there are tensions at her workplace.

Then one day when Beau shows up to the construction site and finds Mel's car there, but she is missing. Has someone kidnapped her and if so why?

I think this novella was very well done, but the thing is that the "case", with Mel missing felt like a very little part of this story. I enjoyed reading about Beau and Mel, their new life, past events and their future plans, but the kidnapping case felt a bit like thrown into this story to make it a bit more suspenseful, but I felt that it could have been more interesting if it has been given more space in a book instead of a novella. It was over so quick that it never really got thrilling to read. And, that's unfortunate because the idea was good and I liked the novella.

One thing for sure I do look forward to reading Dance of the Bones after reading this novella and I'm also looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.

I received this copy from Witness Impulse through Edelweiss in return for an honest review! Thank you! ( )

Good transition for Beau into retirement? ( )

I found this short novella a perfect read since I haven't read any books in this series, but I have the book in the latest book in the series; Dance of the Bones waiting to be read. And, since Dance of the Bones is book 22 felt it good to start off with a novella where I could get to know the characters, some background and also see how I would like the writing style. And, I can say that I found this story quite good.

For one thing, I liked that even though I haven't read anything about J.P. Beaumont (Beau) before did I feel that this novella gave me enough information about him, about his wife and some people around him. It also explained how it is that he is retired by explaining the terrible accident that led to the Special Homicide Investigation Team that he was leading was disbanded. His wife Mel has a new job, chief of police in Bellingham, Washington and he is trying to adjust to the changes in their lives and Mel hasn't it easy either since there are tensions at her workplace.

Then one day when Beau shows up to the construction site and finds Mel's car there, but she is missing. Has someone kidnapped her and if so why?

I think this novella was very well done, but the thing is that the "case", with Mel missing felt like a very little part of this story. I enjoyed reading about Beau and Mel, their new life, past events and their future plans, but the kidnapping case felt a bit like thrown into this story to make it a bit more suspenseful, but I felt that it could have been more interesting if it has been given more space in a book instead of a novella. It was over so quick that it never really got thrilling to read. And, that's unfortunate because the idea was good and I liked the novella.

One thing for sure I do look forward to reading Dance of the Bones after reading this novella and I'm also looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.

I received this copy from Witness Impulse through Edelweiss in return for an honest review! Thank you! ( )