An Eye for an Eye

This is a terrific follow-up to BITTER PAST, which showcased all forensic aspects of a murder investigation. The author has certainly done her research and writes not only authoritatively, but in a manner that lay people find it very easy to understand.

Ellie Matthews, once a well-known criminalist, is now a professor of criminology at a local college. She recently consulted on a murder case and wants nothing to go back to her 'normal' life. But then a family friend goes missing and she finds herelf once again being drawn in to use her expertise.

Her friend is found murdered and left with a message that leaves no doubt that the killer has a vendetta against the local law enforcement.

Partnering again with Detective Nick Baxter, she's on the verge of losing it when the killer takes Ellie's sister. But it's what the killer wants in return for her sister's safe return that sets them all on edge.

This is such a well-written crime novel. I love all the forensics, from the collecting to the analyzing of clothing and / or objects looking for clues to the killer. It's fast-paced with lots of action. I love how Ellie and Nick interact with each other ... it's almost like siblings. They may argue or get short with one another, but there's always a layer of trust and respect at hand.

Many thanks to the author / Amazon Digital Services LLC / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

I enjoyed An Eye for an Eye by Caroline Fardig. Ellie Matthews teaches criminology classes at a nearby college. She worked at the local sheriff's department as a CSI analyst before teaching. When a family friend goes missing Ellie must put her skills to work to try and find her before it is too late. Ellie finds herself working with Detective Nick Baxter and the abductor/killer seems to be targeting the Sheriff's Department. The clock is ticking and they must rush to solve this case before someone else dies.

I received an ARC of this book via Net Galley - thanks so much for this opportunity! I really enjoy Caroline Fardig's other books and was thrilled to see that she had a new series. I didn't realize this was the 2nd book in a new series, but I didn't feel lost at all. It's a very interesting and suspenseful read that definitely kept me guessing the whole way through. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and now I want to read the 1st in the series! And I hope there will be more to come!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2263213801?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

An Eye for an Eye is the second book in the Ellie Mathews Novels by Caroline Fardig. These stories are a bit darker in nature than Ms. Fardig's Java Jive Mystery Series, but every bit as well done.

Former criminalist turned college professor Ellie Mathews is pleased to be out of the limelight and back in the classroom after her recent consultation on a case that took her campus by storm. When the niece of her friend and mentor, Sheriff Jayne Walsh, is abducted Ellie is drawn back in to assist, again working with Detective Nick Baxter. The abductor appears to be a serial killer from the perfectly orchestrated clues left by an apparent sociopath,

As the abductions increase so do the clues, and it becomes obvious that the killer has a vendetta against the department that originates in a case from over a decade ago. The killer insists the case be reinvestigated by Mathews and Baxter and gives them a short deadline with dire consequences for failure.

As the reader follows along with the around the clock process of stopping a serial killer, the pace quickens and the adrenaline flows as the clock ticks down to the killer's deadline. A real nail biter, the characters grab you, making you care about them and their ominous situation. I found this story hard to put down and that I was turning pages as fast as possible. I look forward to the next story in the series and do recommend this book..

I received an ARC of an Eye for an Eye by Caroline Fardig threw the publisher and NetGalley. I am pleased to voluntarily review this book.

This is the second book in the Ellie Matthews series. This is a good mystery with a likeable protagonist. Ellie Matthews is a professor at Ashmore College, teaching forensic science. She is happy teaching students in a field she excelled in when she worked for the Police Department. Her younger half sister, Rachel, is a student at the same college. Nate, Rachel's young son, rounds out their family.

Rachel is worried about her friend Jenna when she misses a class they are in together. They were scheduled to present a class project and Rachel knew she wouldn't miss class voluntarily. Jenna told Rachel that she and the new boyfriend were going to spend the weekend together. She knows Jenna has a poor track record choosing boyfriends and knows something must be wrong when she not only doesn't show up but she also doesn't answer her phone. Rachel asks Ellie for help. When Jenna's phone is found in the bushes on campus, they know it's time to involve the police.

The writing is good with well developed characters and escalating suspense. Jenna's disappearance is only the beginning of trouble that leads Ellie back into working alongside with the police. I recommend this book to those who enjoy a good mystery.

This is the 2nd book following a criminologist Professor Ellie Matthews doing her Sherlock talents to solve crime dramas. Caroline Fardig brings an amazing cast of characters who navigate an amazing "Who Done it" mystery. This book can be read as a stand alone but I will stress having read the first book in this series "Bitter Past" that both showcase an author of exceptional talent. Ellie and Detective Baxter Nick Baxter again team as partners to race against the clock to put puzzle pieces together to solve a cold case. Police department abounds with interesting individuals all focused on moving this story along in killer fashion. Look forward to Fardig's next installment to see how Elle and Nick battle their next case and their cautious romance. "A copy of this book was provided by Amazon Digital Services LLC via NetGalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."

An Eye for an Eye is the second Ellie Matthews story from Caroline Fardig (Bitter Past is the first), but is a stand along story. Fast read with interesting characters and twists makes this a great series. Ms Fardig manages to make the reader feel invested in the outcome. I was given a copy to review.