FBI agent Ren Bryce and cold case investigator Janine Hooks works together trying to solve the death of a pregnant woman. It seems that this case has links to a case from fifty years ago...

I enjoyed this book immensely, much thank to two extraordinary women that are a fantastic duo. I have been trying to think of two women working together that I like as much as I like Ren and Janine, but I can't think of any. The dialog between them are snappy and wonderful, just as between two best friends. Also, one thing that makes this book a bit different that other crime novels are the fact that Ren is bipolar and she is on medicine, but that doesn't mean that she is cured so she has her moments in the book. Janine also seems to have some problems, I mean who spends time in the middle of the night laying a jigsaw? I haven't read the previous three books (yet) so I don't know her history. I only know that she is really anxious to lose her job and that is something that really troubled her in this book.

The case was also very interesting. I have a weakness for cold cases and it was interesting to see how all the pieces fell slowly into place and how things in the past came to influence the present time. Beside the case was it also interesting to see how Ren dealt with being bipolar. In the text, you could see her answers, but in italics you could also see her thoughts and even though she is better you can tell that sometimes events make her very stingy. For instance, her telling her boyfriend about being bipolar was a big thing for her.

This is a great book. I ordered the next book after only reading 30% of it and I usually wait at least until the book is finished before I do that. I actually have ordered book two also so I'm looking forward getting them and getting to know Ren and Janine from the beginning.

I received a copy from the publisher and Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours in return for an honest review! ( )

Didn't read it-ran out of time on library

Harm’s Reach is the fourth book in Alex Barclay’s crime fiction series featuring FBI Agent Ren Bryce.

Despite not being familiar with the previous novels in this series I didn’t feel at all adrift. Ren, an FBI agent attached to a multi agency task force in Denver, is following up on a bank robbery when she stumbles upon the body of a young pregnant woman, shot to death in a rental car on the side of the road. No one seems to be able to explain what Laura Flynn was doing there or why any one would wish her harm.

The investigation twists in unexpected ways, with Ren’s colleague and friend, cold case investigator Janine Hooks, becoming involved when they theorise that Laura may have uncovered some sensitive information about a fifty year old crime. Even as they explore the possibility, Ren continues to delve into Laura Flynn’s life, and discovers that the wealthy employers that claim Laura as family are hiding secrets from them. I enjoyed the intricacies of the plot and was surprised by the way the threads converged to resolve not one but three very different cases.

I really liked getting to know Ren who is an intelligent and capable investigator with a wicked sense of humour. Ren is also struggling with a recent diagnosis of bi-polar disorder, an unusual trait for a lead character in this genre, and a new long distance relationship with a man who is unaware of her condition.
Ren’s colleagues and friends are appealing, I enjoyed her banter with Janine and her task force mates, and the relationship between Ren and her boss, and with her therapist, offers additional insight into her character.

Offering strong and interesting characterisation, and a well crafted story I really enjoyed Harm’s Reach and I’m eager to read more of this series. ( )