by Cynthia Chow

Details at the end of this review on how to enter to win a copy of Deeper Than The Grave, along with a link to purchase the book where a portion goes to help support KRL.

If ever there was a couple who embodies the phrase, “opposites attract,” it would be Tai Randolph and Trey Seaver. Recent violent attacks have them united as the poster couple for PSTD though, and somehow these two damaged and prickly personalities have found in each other a place of safety. Tai has also finally managed to put the Atlanta gun shop she inherited from her Uncle Dexter into the black, and a call from his friend Richard has her enthusiastically recovering Civil War remains and artifacts disturbed by a tornado in the Amberdecker family cemetery. While Tai is absolutely thrilled to able to whip out her metal detector and traipse through the Kennesaw Mountain cemetery, security expert Trey is far more concerned with Tai’s track record for attracting bodies and disaster. He has reason to be concerned, as Tai stumbles across both the shotgun-carrying protective Amberdecker matriarch, as well as a skull that is definitely not a historical relic.

While Tai is dealing with an impending ATF audit as well as a new neighbor who is using her Kennesaw Revitalization Committee to revitalize Tai right out of business, Trey is coping with the PSTD that re-occurs with every anniversary of a car accident three years ago. While the damage to his brain cost him his prized position within the Atlanta police special ops SWAT team, it also has made him amazingly observant, needing to adhere to rigid schedules, and able to detect every indicator in another person’s face to tell when they are lying. That he has been able to forge a relationship with the emotional, impulsive, and very flexible-with-the-truth Tai is both a miracle and a revelation.

When the identity of the remains at the cemetery, as well as additional bones found at the gun shop, seem to be leading back to Dexter, Tai is unable to stop herself from proving her beloved uncle innocent, despite warnings from her psychologist brother, the police, and Trey. Putting her safety and her relationship with Trey in jeopardy, Tai breaks into museum fundraisers, questions witnesses at a pseudo-biker bar, and even trails a drug-dealing and virtual black market skateboarder in order to redeem her uncle’s reputation.

Trey Seaver continues to be one of the most fascinating characters in mystery fiction, and watching him cope with both his brain injury and his PSTD is intriguing and compelling. The details of how Tai’s squeezing his shoulder reminds Trey of the same reassuring move made by his SWAT teammates is heart-breaking, but it also explains how the bond between Trey and Tai has grown to be so strong. Tai definitely tests Trey’s patience as she throws herself at danger with seemingly little thought as to the consequences, but she is always ready with a smart quip to justify her actions. The couple is at a definite turning point in their relationship, and readers will be fully invested in seeing whether these two damaged souls can make the necessary leap of faith. Adding to the fun of this novel, the fourth in the series, are numerous details about the Civil War, dedicated re-enactors, and the families for whom the war has never ended. Very smart dialogue, strong humor, and two absolutely fascinating lead characters make this a superbly written series that continues to delight.

To enter to win a copy of Deeper Than The Grave, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Deeper,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen December 6, 2014. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.

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Click on this link to purchase this book & a portion goes to help support KRL!

Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).