This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from Publicity team. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

4.5 hearts

The Sheriff Bet Rivers series is one I had been wanting to read. I was delighted to have this opportunity.

I really enjoyed A Cold, Cold World and both books kept me very engaged. There was less of Schweitz, sadly, because riding around on a snowmobile wasn't his thing. Bet is dealing with a major storm. There are break-ins, and people who are missing. In addition, she needs to check on people who may be caught without power or proper supplies, especially the elderly. With only one deputy, whose wife is due to give birth shortly, they are stretched thin.

Then a death is reported. She knows right away it is suspicious. But then she can't find the boy's father or sister. The brother she did find at home isn't telling her the whole truth. Bet works long hours on all these fronts. Rob is out of town.

The case is complex but Bet figures things out pretty well. That doesn't mean it is easy to find the culprits or gather the evidence she needs. Just as her one deputy becomes a father, she does get a break and finds a new deputy. He's fresh out of the military and worked in military police. He starts and is in overtime hours almost immediately as they are in a manhunt for the killer.

The pace was fast and it was exciting. Again there was the good relationships with co-workers and the community, but no page time on her personal life. Bet was elected sheriff and started dating Rob between the books. I look forward to more Bet Rivers stories. I always want more K-9 participation but I'd also like a bit of personal growth and balance as well.

The story takes place during a horrible winter storm that severely reduces access to the small town of Collier in Washington state. A body is found and because of the weather the police have to get creative in solving the crime. I loved reading this book because the authors vivid writing style had me in the snow with everyone else. I also liked how the story was not purely focused on the crime. It was also focused on Bet, the sheriff, and her life. She is a committed, caring person who will stop in the middle of a police investigation to help a horse give birth. I can’t wait to read the first book in the series and hopefully many more!