Only Girl Alive by Holly S. Roberts
Published: January 13, 2023
Bookouture
Pages: 276
Genre: Police Procedurals
KKECReads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Holly S. Roberts is a retired homicide detective and the USA TODAY Bestselling Author of Play and Ruck (Completion Sports series). She is excited to announce a new crime thriller series published by Bookouture Hachette, releasing on 1/13/2023. For Holly’s spicier side, you’ll love her anti-hero bad boys who will curl your toes (Hotter Than Hell series) and a lighter (not so spicy) humorous paranormal series with shifters and Hellhounds (Marinah and King). She also writes cozy mysteries under the pen name Suzie Ivy. She lives with her two spoiled dogs high in the mountains. Holly is a self-defense instructor and owned a martial arts gym where she taught women to kick butt.
Detective Eve Bennet takes a steadying breath as she enters the main bedroom of the Tanners’ modest home in the tight-knit town of Hilldale, Utah. Mrs Tanner’s high-collared nightgown and her long plaited blonde hair are soaked in blood. Next to her, Mr Tanner’s hands are clasped together in a final prayer.
Filled with dread, Eve forces herself towards the children’s rooms. But instead of two children, she only finds one. Where is the youngest daughter, Hannah? And why are there long scratches across the walls?
Eve tracks Hannah down to her uncle’s house nearby. But he won’t let her step foot in the house. Eve knows what it’s like to be held captive by a family member, and fears for Hannah’s safety. What is he terrified Hannah might reveal?
Back at the Tanner home, Eve makes a shocking discovery in the dust covered attic. Mr Tanner was hiding a dark secret from the rest of the community—the kind of secret someone would kill for.
Realizing another family could be in danger, Eve runs from the house and stumbles into the path of the one man she spent years trying to forget— and he won’t let her get away this time. Can Eve escape the evil that has haunted her whole life? And will she catch the killer before another innocent family is murdered?
“Sinners waited for salvation in the next rooms.”
Eve is excellent at her job. She leads her team well, and their dynamic is close to perfect. Eve’s unique qualification makes her so good at what she does- she grew up in a polygamist cult. Her childhood was filled with brainwashing, torment, abuse, and the teachings of fundamentalist Mormons. When the team gets dispatched to investigate a family annihilation, Eve expects things to be complicated. These people don’t trust her. But the truth, and the past, are about to explode.
Holy buckets. This will be an incredible series, and I am beyond excited to read the next book. I could not put this down.
I loved the characters; Eve is strong, intelligent, and guarded. Clyde is smart, gentle, and protective. Bina is swift and capable. Ray and Collin are comedic relief mixed with intelligence and talent. The dynamic of this team is beautiful.
The research that went into bringing this story to life is evident and thorough. I appreciated Holly’s experience as a homicide detective and her attention to detail.
The plot of this book was terrifying and fascinating. The things that happened it was like watching a documentary. I enjoyed the writing, the way the story developed, and the way the plot played out.
I am looking forward to the next case this team investigates!