Cold River

I picked up my wife's copy of Cold River over the holiday. She told me Carla Neggers was a great writer but I hadn't had the chance to read one of her books until this last week. I thought they mystery was compelling, full of great twists and an interesting plot. I am starting Cold Pursuit next weekend. Loved the setting -- felt just like the town I grew up in and took me right back home.

This book links up with "Cold Pursuit" with Hannah Shay -- I love the carry through from the last book, creating continuity but with an whole new exciting plot! Her dialog once again shines, and the plot intricacies always surprise! So excited for the next book -- well done again by Carla Neggers!!!

Carla Neggers just keeps getting better and better. This is the second book in the Black River series and it picks up from Cold Pursuit in fine style and at the same time makes its own mark. The connection between the two plots is the death of Drew Cameron which was never solved in the first book. But as the investigation continues, it moves close to Hannah Shay whose brother Devin was involved in the earlier events and is pointing towards her childhood friend Bowie O'Rourke. Hannah, part owner of the Three Sisters Cafe in Black River and aspiring prosecutor, is keenly aware of her social standing in the tight knit town, but she is determined to pursue the truth of the case. This inevitably leads to crossing paths with Sean Cameron who along with his two brothers and sister is also determined to find the killer of their father. When Hannah and Sean connect sparks fly on several levels and their individual quests become one. Neggers trademark depiction of authentic relationships within and among families has never been better. The depth of feeling and the reality of the characters are as compelling as the intricate and well portrayed plot. That, along with her clear prose style make this book a real winner.

Hannah Shay,a minor character in the first Black Falls book, "Cold Pursuit", steps to the fore in this latest offering by the always engaging Carla Neggers. Hannah's brother Devin had been involved in an unresolved plot that had left four people dead and barely escaped with his own life. One of the victims of that plot was Drew Cameron, a native of Black Falls and father of the Cameron family:A.J., Elijah, Sean and Rose. Elijah, along with his Secret Service love, Jo Harper brought down the killers but not the mastermind of that plot and now the whole family is trying to reach some conclusions about the death of Drew. Hannah has always felt on the outside in Black Falls,and is constantly striving to make her place there. She has been successful in helping create a popular local cafe which helped fund her law studies and is on the verge of becoming a prosecutor. With the Camerons, especially Sean, working to find answers and her own involvement with the town and the case, Hannah must navigate between her conflicts and loyalties as well as her growing attraction to Sean to pursue a solution. Her old friend Bowie O'Rourke, an outsider like herself, is under suspicion as being involved and Hannah seeks out the truth of that in order to reach a conclusion. Neggers manages the intricate plot well, weaving the various threads together into a satisfying whole while at the same time sharply drawing characters that resonate emotionally with one another and with the reader. Her usual strengths depicting relationships are readily apparent and the depth of feeling she portrays has the ring of authenticity. Even the minor characters are sharply etched and memorable. This is finely crafted and deeply satisfying read. Can't wait for the next one!

Eight months ago, Drew Cameron was murdered on Cameron Mountain in Vermont. Those who killed him also died; that is everyone except the person who hired the professional hit men. Drew's sons Sean and his brothers (see Cold Purist for Elijah's tale) believe Hannah Shay, owner of Her Three Sisters Café in nearby Black Falls, Vermont, is the key to their finding out who the culprit really was. However, Sean approaches Hannah asking for her assistance, but she refuses as she is afraid her friend Bowie O'Rourke is in the middle of the blood flowing down Cameron Mountain. However, someone with less ethics when it comes to homicide awaits the right moment to learn what Hannah knows before killing her. Sean vows to keep the obstinate Hannah safe as he believes she is in the crosshairs and besides he has loved her since high school. The latest Black Falls "Cold" thriller is a strong romantic suspense that turns pristine Green Mountain state into a dark grim landscape. Drew and Hannah are a delightful pairing as he knows somehow she is the center of danger, but she rejects his offers of protection out of loyalty. Fans will relish Carla Neggers' tense action-packed thriller that never slows down throughout the exhilarating story line. Harriet Klausner