Title: Death Grip by Elaine Viets
Angela Richmond, Death Investigator Series Book Four
Publisher: Severn House Publishers
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
Length: 225 pages
Book Rating: B
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
Every town has its secrets. Some are too deadly to stay hidden.
Chouteau County’s super-rich know how to cover up a scandal, but when it comes to murder, they’d better watch their backs . . . Death investigator Angela Richman is determined to see a killer brought to justice in this sharply written and darkly entertaining mystery set in Missouri, perfect for fans of Lisa Gardner and J.A. Jance.
Angela Richman, Chouteau County death investigator, finds herself deep in the Missouri woods on a perfect spring day. But there is nothing idyllic about her grim walk – a body has been discovered in a muddy creek, and Detective Jace Budewitz wants Angela on the scene.
Terri Gibbons, the popular Forest High track star who went missing eight months ago, has been found strangled. Could a message found in Terri’s shoe hold the key to catching her killer? Chouteau Forest is a town of privilege and secrets, where everyone has something to hide . . . Can Angela overcome the many obstacles in her way to see justice served when the Forest’s wealthy residents will go to any lengths to prevent the truth being revealed?
Review:
Death Grip by Elaine Viets is an intriguing mystery. This fourth entry in the Angela Richmond, Death Investigator series can be read as a standalone.
Death Investigator Angela Richmond records evidence at local death scenes. She is meticulous as she records her findings when Choteau County’s residents pass away. When the body of a young woman is discovered, Angela and Detective Jace Budewitz are almost certain the victim is missing jogger Terri Gibbons. Two more skeletonized remains are also found at the scene.
The supposition that the killer is most likely a local is confirmed when Angela finds a piece of evidence in which Terri names her killer. The accused is a wealthy resident who is considered one of the town’s most eligible bachelors. With the wealthy towns people able to make their troubles easily go away, will Angela and Jace find the evidence they need to ensure his arrest and conviction?
Angela is a widow who is still mourning the sudden death of her husband two years earlier. She is trying to decide whether or not she is ready to date Officer Chris Ferretti. He makes no effort to hide his interest in going out with her. Angela blows a little hot and cold with him while she attempts to sift through her confusing emotions.
Angela is not an investigator but she cannot resist providing assistance when asked. Even after both she and Jace are warned to stay away from their suspect, they continue attempting to build their case. In between recording evidence at other death scenes around town, Angela tries to figure out a way to gather enough evidence to arrest their suspect. Both she and Jace take full advantage when someone else connected to the possible perpetrator turns up missing. Will Angela and Jace find the missing woman before it is too late?
Death Grip is an engrossing mystery with a unique premise. Angela is a realistically drawn character whose struggles both on and off the job ring true. The secondary cast of characters is also well-rounded and mostly likeable. Although the killer’s identity is known, there is still plenty of suspense since Jace and Angela have track down a viable lead that will result in an arrest. Elaine Viets brings this gripping mystery to an action-packed conclusion. I greatly enjoyed and highly recommend this latest installment in the Angela Richmond, Death Investigator series.
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