This opens with panic in Salem over murders and a prospect of a serial killer on the loose.as bodies wash ashore. This is demonstrated by the assorted and diverse residents besieging the local police office under any excuse possible in order to get any news, gossip going on the situation. Into this scene arrives Agent Tala Marshall to be part of an elite team tasked with solving the murders. Her introduction is somewhat bazaar, with detailed observations of various other characters down to hair styles, smells and other rather uncomfortable seemingly irrelevant features. Particularly so of the local acting chief Wilder Mason. The story then sets off on a race to discover the killer and a journey of personal discovery which seems to be the main focus and purpose of the tale rather than stopping a murderer. It is distracting from what could be the main gripping story and at times uncomfortable.

This story has been just ok for me. Maybe I had expected more because I had discovered this author recently and I liked her McCall and sequel a lot. More than this one.

This novel has quite a homicide plot, with FBI agents and local Salem police teaming up to catch a serial killer. Perhaps the number of characters that appear in the plot, especially the group created to try to catch the killer, has been the main cause of my lower rating. I'm not saying that each and every one of the characters isn't interesting, but maybe because there are too many, too much accumulates in a single book. And that makes you lose interest.

The police plot itself is not original or surprising, so it adds to the general disappointment.

I think that, separately, some of the couples that have been formed in this story would be more interesting, without mixing one with the other. The personalities of some of the protagonists have not been clearly explained either, many things are intuited or must be read between the lines.

Definitely, this author has better novels.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I had a really hard time getting into the story in the first half of the book, BUT the second half was really good. I just couldn't connect to the characters or the story at first, but I'm glad I stuck around for the ending.

Things I liked
I really enjoyed the connections made between the characters as they worked together on the task force. I thought Darcy's ability was a nice surprise, and I wanted to see more of it. The story taking place in Salem with ties to the witch trials was an interesting addition as well.

Tropes and Things
- Serial killer hunt
-Sapphic Romance (FF)
- BIPOC representation
- FBI Taskforce

Things I wanted more of

I wanted more detail and time spent on the abilities of everyone on the task force, especially Tala. I feel like I didn't really get to see her fully in action. I also would have liked to see more of the development of the relationship between Tala and Wilder. It felt a little rushed in the beginning stages.

Review posted on Goodreads and Barnes and Noble.

"Undercurrent" by Patricia Evans offers a gripping blend of crime thriller and character-driven drama set against the haunting backdrop of Salem Harbor, Massachusetts. Bodies mysteriously wash ashore, prompting the formation of an elite task force comprising FBI agents, profilers, and detectives, all converging in a remote log cabin to crack the case.

Agent Tala Marshall stands out as the protagonist, her intricate background of overcoming deep generational wounds making her the country’s top criminal profiler. She is paired with Wilder Mason, a local detective who intriguingly ties the present murders to the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. As they delve deeper into the case, Tala and Wilder's relationship evolves, weaving personal growth with professional dedication.

While the mystery itself carries all the intrigue expected of the genre, some readers might find it a bit predictable, with the culprit becoming apparent midway through the book. Nevertheless, the richness of the characters compensates for this, especially with the dynamic between Tala and Wilder, and the supporting characters Hooper, Trobaugh, Maren, and Darcy, each bringing unique strengths and interactions to the story.

"Undercurrent" effectively balances crime suspense with character development. Although managing six main characters in a relatively short novel can be challenging, Evans handles it well enough to keep the story engaging. Fans of her previous McCall series will appreciate her venture into crime thrillers and likely hope for future cases involving this compelling ensemble.

Overall, "Undercurrent" is a fast-paced, character-rich novel that promises excitement and emotional depth. The blend of historical intrigue with modern-day crime-solving creates a captivating read that leaves readers eager for more.

I have picked the book based on the very intriguing premise of hunting a serial killer in Salem and discovering connections to 1692 Salem Witch trials in his motives.
FBI task force is pulled together to join local Police chief Wilder Mason. Complete task force is 6 females who share a cabin in the woods.
They all have complex stories. I believed that Darcy's character deserved lots more detail and time in the book. Tala and Wilder were the main characters. Maybe others get follow up book in a series?
The book felt rushed, big leaps made with not much detail as to how the characters got there.
The author painted lovely picture of the rural cabin, you felt cosy reading about amazing meals shared by the agents and the roaring fires.
Maren was my favourite character, also have enjoyed few witty jokes.
However my main gripe is, that the story was nothing like what I expected.
The serial killer hunt was tucked away so far in the background that you could fit in on 2-3 pages if that. Instead the book was fully focused on the dynamic of the group and their relationships.
The book could have been easily twice as long with more time spent on the crimes and history of Salem Witch hunt and on individual characters.

Undercurrent is the story of a group of specialist law enforcement women forced together to work on a serial killer case. While the case itself weaves in the background, the main focus is the dynamics and budding relationships between the women involved in catching the killer.

As a mystery, the murder story has all the intrigue you would expect. However, it was a little predictable, and I have to admit that I was able to guess the culprit halfway through the book. I found the real focus to be on the incredibly complex characters who each have a myriad of layers written into their personalities that made them come alive on the pages. As you would expect, when 6 powerful same sex attracted women are thrown together, sparks will fly. Our author clearly captures those sparks and carefully peels back the layers of each of the women’s personalities to render them vulnerable to each other.

At the centre of this is Tara and Wilder, both with complex histories, who see each other’s strengths and vulnerabilities. As they become closer, they develop a mutual trust and companionship that lends itself to further exploration. Hooper and Trobaugh, the older, married couple within the group add value with their maturity and strength and of course, humour. Then we have Maren and Darcy, two opposites who find a strength in each other as they work together to solve the case.

An all-round good read. I really hope this turns into a series, there is so much more to explore of each of these wonderful women.

The female team who caught a serial killer
Reading the blurb I expected this book to track down a serial killer with all the tension and gritty details that usually entails. So it was a total surprise that the focus from the outset is on the investigation team which comes together in smalltown Salem, Massachusets: There were quite a few fun scenes which had me laughing out loud. I loved the chemistry between the characters and the delightful insights into those individuals who are not always what they seemed (cheers for the Australian mate!). It gave the whole story warmth and substance - the romance comes naturally. As a foodie I relished the dashes of great cooking.
And the thriller? There are grisly murders, creepy encounters and the grand finale sneaks up behind all the efforts to get a handle on the murder.
So yeah, there was some great writing, good character descriptions, a fun team but the balance between this and the thriller was a bit off. So it was 4 plus stars rounded up to 5.

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.

Can you call books about a serial killer nice? Let's go with yes, so I can say this was a nice crime procedural about a task force pulled together to track down a serial killer in Salem Massachusetts. And because this is totally normal, ALL of the women on the task force are lesbians. And just like a softball team, romance is not far behind!

The romance part of the story is focuses on hotshot FBI Profiler Tala Marshall and acting Salem Police Chief Wilder Mason, two women with painful pasts who find themselves drawn together despite the gruesome circumstances. There are also agents Maren James, a wild Australian, a buttoned-up Darcy Norse, and the married couple LJ Hooper and Brenda Trobaugh. The six women converge on the police chiefs cabin to try and figure out who is killing the people who keep washing up on the beach in Salem.

The story was well-written and engaging, but lacked the complexities that the best crime thrillers have. The women do their best to solve the mystery, and do uncover some answers, but I never got the sense that these were crack agents despite their reputations. I don't want to give any spoilers, as I was surprised at the ending, but I didn't feel like there were clues or a good build-up to discovering who the murderer is, which takes some of the fun and suspense out of the novel. It was an interesting take to tie it in to the Salem Witch Trials, but in the end I felt like it was just a coincidence of location.

I liked the characters and their different personalities, but trying to write a book with six of them is ambitious and in this case took away from getting deep into any of them. It was interesting to see how the dynamics changes depending on who was interacting with who. I know Hooper and Trobaugh have their own book, but there was still a decent amount of page time allocated to them here. All the characters just made it hard to develop the romance between Wilder and Tala, which was meant to be the main focus of the story.

Overall I enjoyed reading Undercurrent and would recommend it to anyone looking for a light serial killer read.

Undercurrent is a murder mystery/thriller set in Salem, Massachusetts, with historical ties to the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. The lead characters include Wilder Mason, a local detective, and agent Tala Marshall. In addition, there is an interesting cast of FBI agents and profilers who form a task force to try to catch a killer who is murdering people who have committed various sins.

The task force characters were varied and interesting, especially Maren who is introduced in a unique way while on a lesbian cruise. I hope that Maren and Darcy get a book of their own in the future. I'd recommend this book to others for its historical implications, good writing, funny dialogue and situations, and an interesting murder mystery. 4.25 stars

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Salem police chief Wilder Mason gets help from FBI specialists to find a serial killer that has already struck three times. The six women form a task force and are staying at Wilder’s cabin to avoid attracting attention in the community. Tala is one of the FBI’s top profilers and is sharing a room with Wilder and partnering up during the investigations. The story jumps in quickly and it took a bit for me to figure out the six main characters. Maren (Australian and great cook) teams up with Darcy (who has psychic abilities).

The story is fast paced. It is somewhat a procedural novel as they visit crime scenes, conduct interviews and get autopsy findings. But the book is mostly focused on Wilder and Tala while the others report when the task force meets up or dines together. Other people in the book are limited so I didn’t have a hard time guessing who was behind the killings but that didn’t make it any less exciting.

Overall I enjoyed the crime suspense story. The connection for Tala and Wilder is strong and comes very quickly. I loved Maren and Darcy and getting glimpses of their growing friendship. But trying to follow six main people is a lot in a short novel. Also I realized that even though they are the best profilers an actual profile is never given. This may be because of how quickly the story progresses.

I’ve read and enjoyed the author's McCall two book series. And I like her switching genres to try a crime thriller. Now that I’ve figured out the characters I am hoping there may be another case for them to work on together.

“Undercurrent” by Patricia Evans is an interesting and absorbing sapphic murder mystery with a love story embedded firmly inside. There’s a large cast of characters–all female, all lesbian. The story is set in Salem, MA, and that location is an important part of the plot. As a reader, I found parts of the book a little choppy but still easy to follow. The choppiness didn’t take away from my reading enjoyment, but I wish the author had been consistent throughout with more details of the interplay between the six main characters. As I write this review I realize that perhaps the author has set up this group of law enforcement ladies for future adventures together. I’d read them all. Tala and Wilder are the leading ladies of this book. They’re well crafted, slightly mysterious, and a delicious pairing. Four stars for this story, and thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read it.

This was a good book, but I figured out who the killer was pretty early.

Set in Salem, Massachusetts, a task force is brought in to help with a serial killer. It's mostly based in Wilder and Tala's POV, but others are sprinkled in as well. This was a lot to keep up with in regards to all the characters, but Evans did a good job keeping it smooth and not give us too much information at once.

The six women living in a house together had its up and downs while they try to solve the case. The friendships that are developed and more were great to see even if I feel like it moved really fast. I would read a book about Maren and Darcy though as they are completely different. This was a good crime, suspense novel and the history was intertwined really well.

Overall, a pretty good book, but I still felt like Wilder and Tala moved super quick, but I've heard life and death situations enhance everything. I would recommend it.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Six mains, as far as I can see. Two may have been in another book so are not a romance as together but it is still six mains that is quite a lot to keep their backstories in my head and I’m struggling. I’ve resorted to writing a cheat sheet, with names and potted history to try and keep on top.
I’m also struggling with the story and some plot devices. It feels a bit like a clever book that is cleverer than me. I’m enjoying it but not understanding all of it. That said when the tension ramped up towards the end, I was tense. There were actually less baddies than mains, but the writer did a good job of each red herring being possible. I never quite felt I was on top of all the moving parts but I still enjoyed the read as a tag along rather than immersed.

𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗦: ꜱᴀᴘᴘʜɪᴄ. ᴄʀɪᴍᴇ. ᴍʏꜱᴛᴇʀʏ. ɪɴᴛʀɪɢᴜᴇ. ᴛʜʀɪʟʟᴇʀ. ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ. ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ. ꜰᴇᴅᴇʀᴀʟ ᴀɢᴇɴᴛꜱ. ɴᴏɴ-ʙɪɴᴀʀʏ ɢᴇɴᴅᴇʀ. ᴘᴇᴏᴘʟᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴄᴏʟᴏʀ.
📖ᴀʀᴄ 🏳️‍🌈⁠

When I read the synopsis, this was not what I expected. I have never read Patricia's work so I don't know the writing style. But this was a little underwhelming. There was potential because the storyline of connecting the past and the present to solve a case was really intriguing. And I don't know but was Tala like psychic or something? There were adequate sub-plots but they did leave a few unanswered feelings, not questions because one can simply draw ones own conclusion. The whole issue with Miranda really didn't make sense, was she like crazy since the start or she, I don't know, like met Jesus or something cult-y? 😂😂


I did enjoy the interaction between the characters. And their friendly banter. There were six agents, 2 were already a couple, the MCs got together but the other two, I wonder if they ended up together on another cruise.

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙤 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.

WOW! 4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for this book!! The cover and the blurb pulled me in straight away and i was so excited to be approved for an ARC copy via netgalley! thank you so much for the opportunity! This book had me in a chokehold! The plot was so interesting, hunting a serial killer in a small town and having a task force put together of the best of the best to track them down. Also audibly gasped when i found out it was an all female & gay cast! Loved that so much!! You don’t see enough representation in books and it warmed my heart. The suspense kept me going all throughout, just when you thought you knew who the killer was, NOPE! Such a good twist and the ending was so beautiful. I wasn’t 100% sure about Tala’s mum and her situation but the closure for Tala was so meaningful. Love Tala and Wilder together and their little saying is so cute; “you’re safe, i’ve got you” and Tala then saying “you remembered” UGH hit me right in my feelings. Loved the banter throughout and all of the characters were so lush. Maren’s opening scene was HILARIOUS and her relationship with Darcy was so lovely. This is my first read from this author and it definitely has me wanting to read more of their books!
Only thing i would’ve loved is an epilogue!! or a next book for Tala and Wilder😍

Sat down to start this book and couldn’t put it down! A lot of twists and turns make it so interesting. One of my favorite reads of the year!

When bodies start washing up on the shore in Salem Harbor, Massachusetts, an elite task force of FBI agents, profilers, and detectives join forces in a remote log cabin to decode the clues and stop the killer from targeting another victim!
Great read! This book was a very interesting storyline! It had suspense, intriguing plot, murder, mystery, a fantastic who done it and a few crazy twists and turns! I definitely recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Local law enforcement and FBI combine a task force to search for a serial killer apparently linked to the Salem witch trials. The story is interspersed with the interactions of the six women on the task force and the romances evolving between them. Along with annoying exes and nasty exes. And peripheral characters annoying or otherwise. Good story. I've read other books by this author and so far have thoroughly enjoyed them. Plenty of scope for follow up stories on some or all of the women.

I was biting my nails while I was obsessively reading this gem!
I loved it!
At first I thought this motley crew of women would scratch each other's eyes out or fight.
But they are absolutely wonderful, funny, brilliant when it comes to the case, and some of them seem made for each other.
Wilder is the interim boss of Salem, where three bodies have turned up so far and no one has any idea where to start looking for the killer.
So the FBI and police need help from the best.
They even personally pick her up from vacation on a cruise full of women (Maren is so cool, I love her!).
They stay together in Wilder's cabin to solve the case. There they focus on the case, but it turns into much more than that!
The friendships that slowly develop bring them closer together and they discover each other's talents up close. Admiration and understanding lead to wonderful moments and more!
I don't want to give too much away and therefore won't reveal anything about possible constellations etc.
I'll just say, it's going to be hot!!
Of course, the murders and the mystery surrounding them are in the foreground and keep everyone on tenterhooks.
Salem is mystical, with a difficult, very well-known past and that actually made it even more interesting for me. The story is gripping.
A thriller with very sweet and tender moments and full of wonderfully written characters.
Remains exciting until the end! Amazing story!
Thanks to Patricia Evans, Bold Stroke Books and NetGalley for this ARC!

Title: Undercurrent

Author: Patricia Evans

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Rating: ★★★½☆
Release Date: 9th July 2024

Patricia Evans’ "Undercurrent" is a gripping and atmospheric mystery that combines historical intrigue with modern-day crime-solving. With bodies washing up in Salem Harbour, Massachusetts, this thrilling novel brings together an elite team of FBI agents, profilers, and detectives in a race against time to stop a killer.

Agent Tala Marshall, one of the country’s top criminal profilers, joins an elite task force to tackle a chilling case in Salem Harbor. When bodies start appearing on the shore, the team sets up in a remote log cabin to decode the clues and prevent more deaths. Tala’s partner, Detective Wilder Mason, believes the murders are linked to the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. As they delve deeper into the mystery, Tala must confront her own turbulent past and build connections with the team. Wilder, determined to crack both the case and Tala’s guarded heart, must work alongside her to uncover the undercurrent that ties Salem’s dark history to the present-day murders.

What I Loved:

1. Historical Connection: The link to the Salem Witch Trials adds a fascinating layer to the mystery. The historical context enriches the story and provides intriguing clues that connect the past to the present.
2. Complex Characters: Tala Marshall is a compelling protagonist with a deep and troubled past. Her journey of self-discovery and the gradual unveiling of her backstory add depth to her character. Wilder Mason’s dedication to the case and his growing connection with Tala bring a nice balance of professional and personal stakes.
3. Atmospheric Setting: The eerie and mysterious setting of Salem Harbour, with its rich history and haunting ambiance, is beautifully described. The remote log cabin serves as a perfect backdrop for the team’s intense investigation.
4. Team Dynamics: The interactions and camaraderie within the task force are engaging. The team’s diverse skills and personalities create an interesting dynamic as they work together to solve the case.

The historical references and clues tied to the Salem Witch Trials add a unique twist to the murder investigation. This blend of history and modern crime-solving sets "Undercurrent" apart from typical thrillers.

"Undercurrent" is a fun and thrilling read that combines historical intrigue with a modern-day murder mystery. Patricia Evans crafts a story that keeps you guessing, with enough twists and turns to keep you engaged until the very end.

While the pacing can be uneven at times, and some character relationships feel a bit rushed, the novel’s strengths lie in its atmospheric setting, compelling protagonist, and the fascinating connection to Salem’s dark past. Tala’s personal journey and her evolving relationship with Wilder add emotional depth to the story, making it more than just a standard thriller.

Thank you to The Publisher Bold Strokes Books, Inc. ,The Author Patricia Evans & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.