4 Stars! ~ Months have passed since the kidnapping case had been closed, but is it really over? There’s a murder with chilling similarities to the skeletal remains discovered with one of the previous kidnapped victims. FBI criminologist Seth Varitek had helped with the original task force when the BCCFD had been under attack. Now the Chief has called him back in, and he knows his local counterpart, Cassie Dumont, won’t welcome him. Though all the new investigators have had to work hard to fit in, Cassie’s chip on her shoulder has made everything even more difficult. Finding Seth at her crime scene, only adds to Cassie’s chip, and while she sees the need for his help she insists that this is her territory and he’s there only as support. It becomes clear that the new murder is definitely linked to the previous kidnapping case, especially when the murderer makes an attempt on Cassie’s life and his next victim looks like she could have been Cassie’s younger sister. Seth doesn’t want to feel protective of Cassie, but flash backs to his wife’s murder years before keep interfering in his concentration and he finds himself trying to control every move she makes. Cassie isn’t about to be controlled; she’s a cop, she can look after herself.Another gripping thriller from Ms. Andersen. Cassie grew up motherless with four overly protective older brothers. And after a scarring relationship before the Academy, she still has some self-esteem issues that she hides behind her tough don’t-mess-with-me attitude. Seth’s uncomfortable with Cassie’s fearless approach to police work; she’s too much like him, too much like his dead wife. But finding the killer and trying to stay alive, these two manage to reach deep inside and discover they are not their pasts and they can move on together. Nicely written. Great set up for the next book, Maya’s story.
