Caffeinated Reviewer

We are back with another novel in the Columbia River romantic suspense mystery series. In The Next Grave by Kendra Elliot, Detective Evan Bolton is investigating the murder of a retired detective and a missing persons case. He’ll need the help of canine specialist Rowan Wolff and her dog Thor to solve this one. A gripping mystery that will keep you up past your bedtime.

Following a murder and a woman’s sudden disappearance, investigations into old crimes and new collide in an alarming novel of suspense by a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author.

Detective Evan Bolton is gutted by his latest investigation. His friend and mentor, retired detective Rod McLeod, has been murdered, his body left in the trunk of a junkyard car. When McLeod’s daughter and grandson abruptly vanish, Evan knows it’s not a coincidence. Search and rescue canine specialist Rowan Wolff agrees as she and her dog, Thor, track the missing family.

The two cases converge in a puzzling twist. Evan discovers that McLeod has been reinvestigating old crimes—solved but not forgotten. Evan takes them on, one by one, and a disturbing suspicion forms that someone in law enforcement has something to hide and would do anything to keep those secrets buried.

But Evan and Rowan’s time is slipping away. They have to find the killer now. Before someone else disappears. Before someone else dies.

While each of the novels in the Columbia River series work as a standalone mystery/case, I recommend reading in order for the relationships that form even if the author does a great job of bringing new readers up to speed.

Bolton is shocked when his old mentor is found murdered in the trunk of a car. Things take a turn when he realizes the detective’s daughter is missing as well. Old case files found in the retired detective’s home have him question what really happened and why.

Elliot delivered a compelling case, and the story hooked me from the start. When it appears Bolton might be in danger, the risk escalates and soon a young boy and Bolton find themselves in great danger. Can Rowan and Thor find them in time? Twists, corruption and compelling facts make this one a must read.

The romance is served on the side and continued from a previous story. I love the well-developed characters and side stories involving them, the dogs and other officers.

Amazon* | Audible

About Kendra Elliot

An Amazon #1 selling author, Kendra Elliot has sold over 4 million books. She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives there with her husband, three daughters, two cats, and a Pomeranian. She's fascinated with forensics, refuses to eat anything green, and dreams of living every day in flip flops. The BONE SECRETS NOVELS: HIDDEN, CHILLED, BURIED, ALONE, KNOWN and VEILED (a novella) The CALLAHAN & McLANE novels are a spin-off of the Bone Secrets books. VANISHED, BRIDGED, SPIRALED, and TARGETED. The MERCY KILPATRICK series, a spin-off of the CALLAHAN & McLANE series, A MERCIFUL DEATH, A MERCIFUL TRUTH, and A MERCIFUL SECRET. She also writes the Rogue River novella series with author Melinda Leigh. A four-time Wall Street Journal best selling author, 2014 International Thriller Writers finalist, a three time Daphne Du Maurier winner, and a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice finalist.

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About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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