In Mercy Creek, book two of the Jo Wyatt Mystery Series, author M.E. Browning transports the reader to Echo Valley, Colorado, to catch up with Detective Jo Wyatt as she investigates the disappearance of eleven year old Lena Flores after spending Saturday at the Echo Valley fairgrounds.

Detectives Jo Wyatt and Squint Mac Allister get the call to investigate the disappearance of eleven year old Lena Flores when she doesn't report to the 4-H livestock pavilion at the fairgrounds on Sunday morning. Jo and Squint begin a tireless investigation to prove that Lena did not run away, but was a missing child case. Lena's disappearance stirs up secrets and grudges within Lena's family that includes some issues from the past that involves Jo. With a growing list of suspects, Jo is determined to find out what happened to Lena.

Author M.E. Browning weaves a slow-building and suspenseful tale that follows Jo's latest investigation to uncover the truth behind Lena's disappearance. I loved reading this action-packed story. Jo's observations and detail to the police procedure used within the investigation coupled with her past history with the girl's family kept me intrigued as she slowly put the pieces of the mystery puzzle together.

The reader will be easily drawn into this richly descriptive plot that will keep them guessing as long hidden secrets, family dramas, a growing list of possible suspects, motives, and clues are uncovered, while leaving the reader completely shocked by the surprise ending. And if that's not enough, Jo is still dealing with personal issues: her recent divorce from ex-husband Cameron Finch, and being passed over for the police department's sergeant position by him, while also dealing with a new police chief and trying to strengthen her position as a detective within the Echo Valley Police Department.

I look forward to reading more of Jo's investigations in the Jo Wyatt Mystery Series.

Mercy Creek has enough drama, tension, action, dark secrets, intrigue, and unexpected twists and turns that will take the reader on one heck of a thrilling roller coaster ride.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book via NetGalley from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.

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