Traces of Murder - Rachel Lee (HI #2003 -- June 2021)

Series: Conard County: The Next Generation (Book 45)

            Conard County (Book 65)

She's about to face danger…
 
the kind she never trained for.
 
Neither elite soldier Hillary Kristiansen nor US Special Ops member Trace Mullen knew that a trip to the cemetery to mourn their shared friends' deaths would result in an investigation. But as they bond over their grief, they find themselves determined to prove that the deaths were not mere tragedies -- they were murders. In the process, they'll expose a cover-up…and fight for their lives when an illicit arms dealer sets his sights on them.
 
Good book, mostly a mental suspense story, concluding with an excellent physical confrontation. Hillary is a Norwegian special ops soldier who came to Conard County to pay her respects to Brigid, a good friend who died in action. While at Brigid's grave, she noticed a man standing at Brigid's husband's grave. Trace grew up with Brigid and Allan, and they were all best friends. He refuses to believe that Allan committed suicide over Brigid's death and believes that Allan was murdered.
 
I liked the first meeting between Hillary and Trace. They recognize each other for what they are: the best of the best. Therefore, it is no surprise that Hillary understands Trace's concerns when he explains them to her. Hillary feels that the best way to honor Brigid is to help Trace uncover the truth, but it won't be easy. Allan may have left Trace all of his passwords in his will, but his files were a disorganized mess. Brigid's handwritten letters were the same. But as Hillary and Trace read through them, it became evident that Brigid stumbled on something dangerous. I could feel Trace and Hillary's frustration as they tried to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. I could also feel their relief and concern when they found something that led them in the right direction.
 
It didn't help that both Trace and Hillary felt that they were being watched. In this book, we also get the viewpoint of the person watching them, who is also the one behind Allan's death. Following his thoughts and actions showed that Trace and Hillary found something that went far deeper than expected. It was also evident that he felt in over his head but had no way out. The more fearful he became of discovery, the greater the danger to Trace and Hillary. The final confrontation was terrific, with fantastic teamwork and a well-done resolution.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Trace and Hillary. They connected quickly thanks to their similar careers. I loved watching them together, from their long-distance running to their meals at Maude's diner to searching for the truth. I loved how neither beat around the bush when it came to feelings and desires. Their attraction grew quickly even though neither believed there was any future in it. One of the greatest things was Trace's respect for Hillary, both professionally and personally. I especially liked that he could be protective while still believing in her ability to take care of herself. As they spent more time together, Trace and Hillary realized that what they felt was more than casual but didn't know what they could do about it. I loved how the danger they experienced showed them what was important. The ending was terrific. 

 
 

Hunted in Conard County - Rachel Lee (HRS #2125 - Feb 2021)

Series: Conard County: The Next Generation (Book 44)
            Conard County (Book 64)

When she goes after a killer

He's by her side, every step of the way

Injury has left ex-cop Kerri Addison with seizures, diminished self-confidence and a dread of relationships. Now she teaches criminal law in a town where a cunning rapist is at large. Drawn to investigate with Sergeant Stuart Canady, Kerri knows there is much to fear. But with fear comes grit, an effective weapon against this monster. Falling for her handsome new partner -- now that's another danger entirely...and one that might get her killed.

Terrific book that grabbed my attention from the first page and kept me hooked right to the end. It isn't just fantastic romantic suspense; it is also an emotional look at Kerri's struggles with her disability. Kerri lost her career as a cop when an on-the-job injury left her with seizures. Determined to break out of the spiral of self-pity, she left her home in Florida to take a job teaching criminal justice at Conard County's community college. Adjusting is more challenging than she expected, from losing full independence to a dread of relationships. But she is one determined woman.

The story opened with a peek at the rapist, then jumps back two weeks to Kerri and Stuart's first meeting. Kerri's request to the sheriff's department for a guest speaker for her class netted her Sergeant Stuart Canady. There is an immediate connection between them, bonding over police work stories and something else neither wants to identify. I loved how easily they became friends. Because of the nature of her seizures, Kerri tells Stuart about them early on, fully expecting him to pull away. Instead, he expresses his admiration for her strength and resilience.

I loved watching the relationship between Kerri and Stuart develop. Initially, it is merely friendship - dinners at Maude's, walking Snowy, Kerri's service dog, and getting the Florida native ready for a Wyoming winter. But along the way, things start to change. I loved watching them grow closer, though Kerri did her best to resist it. Her greatest fear is that of becoming a burden. I ached to see her continually apologizing for her "zone outs" and her inability to do certain things. I loved Stuart's patience and understanding and his determination to make her see that her disability didn't need to define her. Stuart, a former MP, has some issues of his own, so he understands her fears.

When the first rape occurs, Kerri's feelings of frustration hit a new level. In her old job, she was a victims advocate and used to being in the thick of things. After the second one, she found herself inadvertently involved, much to Stuart's dismay. He worried about her safety, while the feeling of being useful again worked wonders on Kerri's self-confidence. I loved seeing the changes in her outlook and the difference those changes made in her relationship with Stuart. But when his fears come to pass, Stuart must find a way to get past Kerri's inhibitions and convince her that his love is there to stay. I loved the ending.

The suspense of the story was great. From the first glimpse into the rapist's mind to his capture at the end, the tension was incredible. I could feel law enforcement's frustration at the lack of leads to follow and his glee at using what he'd learned in his classes against them. The rapid escalation of his activities heightened the tension, and the fear that gripped the town was palpable. Seeing the rapist track Kerri's work with the victims was nerve-wracking because he made it clear what his plans were. The final confrontation had me glued to the pages until it was all over.

One of the things I liked about this book was the look at the day-to-day struggles of life with a disability. It's different for everyone, but the frustrations are real. Having the kind of support Kerri has with Stuart is vital.