In Trace of Evil, we meet Natalie Lockhart, a rookie detective whose current caseload includes investigating the disappearance of nine transients who have gone missing from her small town. When Natalie drives an intoxicated coworker home one evening, they enter his home to find his wife has been murdered. As the investigation into this new case takes priority, Natalie discovers that witchcraft was involved. Unfortunately, the main suspect is in a coma and the process of looking into the murder becomes far more complicated and frightening than anyone could have anticipated. Additionally, when another homeless person goes missing, the clear signs of a serial killer begin to emerge.
The complexities of this story drew me in quickly. Although I am not usually drawn toward police procedural novels, Trace of Evil offers so much more with its intricate mystery and emotional depth.
The well-developed, nuanced characters are easy to invest in. Of course, the reader is most privy to Natalie’s thoughts and feelings. We see her as a tough cop, a vulnerable woman still wrestling the grief of her own sister’s murder, and a lonely individual with a broken heart and hidden feelings for her superior. Her many dimensions created an authentic feel and interesting storyline.
The writing is very descriptive but not overly done. Blanchard paints each scene thoroughly so the reader can imagine it well. I easily envisioned this book playing out like a movie in my mind.
Although the story moves slower than the average thriller, it is a solid mystery that proves to be quite satisfying. Nothing is overt and I felt like I was trying to solve the crime alongside Natalie Lockhart.
This is the first novel I’ve read by this author but it certainly won’t be my last. Since Goodreads notes that this is the first in a series, I am excited to see what the future holds for the protagonist! If you’ve grown weary of predictable narratives, as I have, I do believe you will find Trace of Evil to be a refreshing change of pace!
4.5 stars
The complexities of this story drew me in quickly. Although I am not usually drawn toward police procedural novels, Trace of Evil offers so much more with its intricate mystery and emotional depth.
The well-developed, nuanced characters are easy to invest in. Of course, the reader is most privy to Natalie’s thoughts and feelings. We see her as a tough cop, a vulnerable woman still wrestling the grief of her own sister’s murder, and a lonely individual with a broken heart and hidden feelings for her superior. Her many dimensions created an authentic feel and interesting storyline.
The writing is very descriptive but not overly done. Blanchard paints each scene thoroughly so the reader can imagine it well. I easily envisioned this book playing out like a movie in my mind.
Although the story moves slower than the average thriller, it is a solid mystery that proves to be quite satisfying. Nothing is overt and I felt like I was trying to solve the crime alongside Natalie Lockhart.
This is the first novel I’ve read by this author but it certainly won’t be my last. Since Goodreads notes that this is the first in a series, I am excited to see what the future holds for the protagonist! If you’ve grown weary of predictable narratives, as I have, I do believe you will find Trace of Evil to be a refreshing change of pace!
4.5 stars