Drawing Fire – Janice Cantore – Cold Case Justice #1 – Tyndale House Publishers – 1 June 2015
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Synopsis
One case from her past defines homicide detective Abby Hart.With a possible serial killer stalking elderly women in Long Beach, California, Abby’s best lead is Luke Murphy, an irritating private investigator who saw a suspect flee the scene of the latest homicide. When Abby discovers that the most recent victim is related to the governor, she’s anxious to talk to him about a cold case that’s personal to her–one Luke is interested in as well.As she learns more about the restaurant fire that took her parents’ lives years ago, Abby discovers why Luke is so invested in finding the ones responsible. The more they uncover, though, the more questions they have. Can Abby find peace without having all the answers?
My thoughts
Drawing Fire is a compelling suspense, with edge-of-your-seat action, plenty of twists and touches of faith and romance.
Detective Abby Hart’s life changed the night her parents died in a fire. She changed her name, hid her identity and became set on finding those responsible for the Triple Seven fire and murders. But she was warned to investigate quietly, so she has been working her way up as a successful cop and now homicide detective. When she is called to work a second murder that points to a serial killer, she is surprised by the link to her parents’ case.
Private Investigator Luke Murphy’s life hasn’t gone the way he expected. His wife was killed in a tragic car accident and he has raised his daughter as a single parent. He has also devoted his life to trying to solve the murder of his uncle. When a missing teen case leads him to Detective Hart, the two discover their shared interest in the Triple Seven investigation.
Drawing Fire is written in a no-nonsense, down to business way that completely embodies the police investigation and how Abby likes to handle herself. The short, sharp sentences worked well, although sometimes I felt like the story was told more than shown. Drawing Fire gives you a more typical look at crime solving life (or so I would assume). There are several cases on Abby’s desk, and as her past is revealed, her parents’ murder is not actually formally one of them. This means there is a lot of action and always something going on.
It was about halfway through the book that the story really picked up the pace and became un-put-downable for me. That’s not to say there wasn’t plenty of action beforehand, it’s just that at the halfway point all the pieces started coming together, more facts about the past were being revealed and there was twist after intriguing twist. It was also about halfway through the book that Abby and Luke really start working together and the attraction starts growing – very gradually mind you. The romance never really develops. By the end of the book, you realise that Abby and Luke’s story will need to be continued in book two of the Cold Case Judgement Series.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book. I can’t wait to read more about Abby and Luke – theirs is a sweet story and they have a nice chemistry and a strong connection. I also want to see where they go individually in their professional roles as I have a feeling this is only going to get more exciting. While Drawing Fire has a complete storyline, there are plenty of open threads which could be followed up on. Overall, Drawing Fire was a very exciting read. The mystery felt fresh and original and there was a great balance between touches of faith and hints of romance.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
More information
Category: Fiction
Genre: Christian suspense.
Themes: Crime. Homicide detective. Family. Romance.
Series: Cold Case Justice #1
Published: 1 June 2015 by Tyndale House Publishers
Format: Paperback, ebook. 425 pages.
Author’s website: Janice Cantore.
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