First Sentence: Twenty-five years have passed since a savage killer terrorized California, massacring three ordinary families before disappearing without a trace.
FBI Agent Matthew Roarke is conflicted. As a child, Cara Lindstrom, was the only survivor of her family's massacre by a man known as The Reaper. Now, twenty-five years later, Cara kills those who prey on innocent girls. Knowing why she kills doesn't help; Roarke knows he must arrest her. After learning of the recent murder of a family with details very similar, too similar to that of Cara's family. Could The Reaper be back? Or has he been killing all along?
Sokoloff creates an excellent sense of place. Wherever Roarke is, one is right beside him. There is a tiny element of the supernatural in the plot, but more as an element of racing against the clock. An effective dream sequence plays a part, as does the author's evocative descriptions—"Dawn is a curious shade of gray; the fog drifting outside the window above her is so thick it is nearly impossible to tell the time of day."
The characters of Roarke and Cara support the theme of the moon; light versus dark. Part of Cara's appeal is that there is something mercurial about her. There is the sense of her being tuned in to an uncommon knowledge of the world. One isn't certain as to whom they should support; Roarke on the side of the law, or Cara, knowing her past and present. Although the story is told with alternating points of view between the two, it works well.
The author brings Roake's team to life while providing a connection back to the series' first book, "The Huntress." Then there is Agent Epp, an interesting character perceptive of both Roarke and Cara.
Sokoloff creates effective and perfectly timed plot twists, constantly building the suspense. On one hand, she thinks through the logic of situations, putting the pieces together. On the other, it is the forensics and following the clues, especially seeing what others should have seen, that gives genuine power to the story. Amazing the things to be learned.
"Blood Moon" is an exciting read and a wonderful addition to the "Huntress" saga. Start at the beginning and prepare to become addicted.
BLOOD MOON – VG
PolProc-Agent Matthew Roarke-CA/Nev-Contemp
Sokoloff, Alexandra – 2nd in series
Thomas & Mercer, Feb 2015, 313 pp.
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I have not read enough of her work, there's no doubt about that. I'm glad you've reminded me of it. I really need to be more familiar with her writing.
ReplyDeleteHad I not seen her at a couple author events, and then one of my mystery group members wanted us to read the first book, I might have missed these. I'm so glad I didn't. They are a great diversion.
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