Finished 4-28-10, rating 4/5, mystery, pub. 2000
Book 2 in the Merci Rayborn series
I always think a series should be read in order, but for the first time on my blog I’m going to say that you don’t have to read the first one to truly appreciate the second in this series. Here’s my review of the first one. I didn’t really care for Merci in Blue Hour, but I did like her in this one.
Merci is a homicide detective living with her young son and widowed father. She has a new partner, after her last one (and the father of her child) was killed, a love interest, and a new case that threatens at least one of those relationships. A prostitute is murdered and it looks like there is at least one cop involved. Then Merci is handed a cold case 30 years old and it is also a murdered prostitute involving cops. Could they somehow be related? And why is someone trying to help her by providing evidence?
Merci really did grow on me this time around. She still has some issues, but the death of Hess a few years ago and the birth of her son has softened her a bit. This is not one of those mysteries that wraps up everything with a beautiful bow. Yes, all of the storylines reached a conclusion, but there were some difficult decisions to be made and Merci is just the gal to make them. Life is messy and this mystery captured that. Loved it. My only complaint was the large cast of characters. I sometimes had a difficult time remembering who was who.
I’m looking forward to the next one is the series. This book came from my own library.
Stacy's Books 
I love it when a series improves as it goes along. This sounds like a good one!
I really like the T Jefferson mysteries I’ve read so far.
I love a good mystery series! I’ll have to check this one out.
Natalie :0)
He’s a great author. I bet any of his books are pretty good.
I’m always looking for good mysteries! I’ll have to check this one out.
Hope you find it 🙂
Good to know I can skip book one and get on with the series. It sounds like the author has drawn an excellent character in Merci.
Can you believe I said you could skip book 1? 😉
Sounds like an interesting series and one that I’ve never heard of..even though you said we could skip #1 I just don’t think I can do it!!! 😀
There is quite a bit going on in this book. I’ll take your advice and skip Book 1. Thanks 🙂
Sounds like a very interesting mystery. I like that it involves a cold case. It is great when a character grows on you and you end up liking them, isn’t it?