Caught my attention right from the start !! I loved this book so much ! Really didn't see some of the things coming and it blew myind. Such great work .

Val is back ! First of all I love Val and Brady they are excellent characters! I love the small town feel in this series. Who killed Claire? Every time you think you figured it out your wrong! I love books that keep me on my toes! Read both books in this series you will not be disappointed! If you love a great murder mystery with a serial killer stalker in the distance watching Val then read this series!!!

if you thought the first instalment of val costa’s life was good, then this second instalment just knocked it out of the ballpark. h.k. christie once again balances character’s personal lives and casework SO well, with a three character POV structure that works really well. following more of val’s life (and her budding partnership-turning-relationship (i hope!) with brady) as well as being teased with more from the bear made this book an easy five star read.

only thing i’m left asking? when’s book three hitting shelves (and who is the bear..)

This is another stellar crime thriller from H. K. Christie. It is the continuing story of Valerie Costa the former FBI agent. In this thriller she has moved home to be with her mom who is recovering from a stroke. When a brutal murder takes place, Val lends her expertise to the police department to try and unravel the mystery. Valerie Costa worked for the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, so she has a keen sense when it comes to identifying the perpetrator. This story unravels slowly, but rapidly escalates as they get closer to solving the crime. It has some shocking turn of events that keep you totally engaged in the story! It is a true crime story reminiscent of a Criminal Minds episode. This book is a must read for thriller lovers! I look forward to reading more of her books.

Book two in the series and it's another hit. 

Red Rose County. Who would not want to live there.? It seems like such a peaceful place to spend your life, but the reality is far from rosy all the time. 

The people living there must thank their lucky stars for Val, who is a champion in solving crime cases. As a former FBI agent, she struggled a bit to find her place in this quiet spot, but because she has lived their before, the villagers make her feel very welcome, except for the baddies, of course. :)

I am happy to see that Val has recuperated from her ordeal and starts making a life for herself again. She has found a job she likes and has found a few colleagues she bonds with. 

Her former job as a profiler helps her to see things others don't and it's thanks to her determination she and her team get to the bottom of the case with a little help from a friend or is it a fiend? 

This is another story that kept me glued to my screen. I like everything about it: the writing style, the characters, the setting. And of course, with a cliffhanger the author keeps us hanging, craving more, much more. 5 stars

Thank you

I enjoy a good thriller. This one had a great plot, but I found myself distracted by the dialogue. It came across stiff and un-natural in some places.

This talented author has written page turner. Secrets and red herrings…murder…family and friends. Recipe for intrigue. Realistic characters keep this story moving quickly. Val is trying to solve this case. Her mother is ill, and that complicates the situation. This story about a loving daughter is complicated by the murder, to say the least. Thanks Netgalley.

Val is living with her mother who had a stroke, having left the FBI.
She is called in by the Sheriff to investigate the murder of Claire Nelson, a beloved teacher in the town. Val immediately suspects Claire's husband, Jordan of being somehow involved in his wife's death.

This is another absolutely riveting instalment of the Val Costa series.
Val's instincts are almost always correct, and she has plenty of experience, having worked in the FBI.
There seems to be a theme of a secondary crime or crimes being uncovered while she is investigating.

I love the way she has found her niche with the team, and made close friends with the ladies. Also, the community spirit, and the way her mother and friends have an avid interest in the cases that Val investigates.
I suspect that Val's kidnapper, The Bear, will be making another attempt to kidnap her - I hope she figures out who he is.
The Admirer is concerning, leaving notes for Val and assisting behind the scenes with her cases.

Of course, there is a cliffhanger ....

Looking forward to the next in this series, Val is fast becoming one of my favourite strong female leads.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.

Val is again helping the local police when a beloved mother and teacher is found stabbed to death in her kitchen. Val is suspicious of the husband, Jordan, but he has an alibi. Still...after days of searching, Val and Brady uncover some sickening information about the husband, but they also figure out who the killer is and why they committed the murder. And, thru it all, Val is receiving messages, supposedly from her former kidnapper,. the Bear, but no sign of him.