A tropical whodunit with biblical chills and a compelling detective…
Detective Karen Skaryd planned to spend her twenty-fifth wedding anniversary relaxing at a luxury Caribbean resort with her husband, Brock. Instead, the veteran Florida homicide detective finds herself investigating a series of ritualistic murders after a prominent guest is poisoned and a cryptic biblical verse is left behind. Working without jurisdiction and facing increasingly hostile local authorities, Karen races to stop a killer whose crimes appear to follow the Ten Commandments.
Vega delivers a confident series debut that balances classic whodunit pleasures with the broader scope of an international thriller. The tropical resort creates an inviting closed-circle mystery, with politicians, wealthy rosarians, resort staff, and vacationers all emerging as credible suspects. Karen is a capable, observant investigator whose professionalism feels authentic. Her affectionate marriage to Brock lends the story welcome emotional warmth. The biblical clues enrich the central mystery, and the investigation progresses through careful observation and methodical detective work. A sprawling supporting cast occasionally diffuses the momentum, but the mounting suspense and layered conspiracy keep the pages turning. Procedural fans with a taste for classic mysteries should take note.
Pub date June 21, 2025
thewordverve
ISBN 978-1956856842
Print length 318 pages
Price $10.95 Paperback, $5.95 Kindle edition
