DEAD POINT Maggie Blackthorne, Book 1

When Maggie Blackthorne returns to her hometown to take up her new position as an Oregon State Police sergeant, she expects to deal primarily with small-town petty crimes. But her first case turns out to be a double homicide. Narrator Allyson Ryan creates a believable lead character in Maggie, highlighting both her tough and vulnerable sides. In addition, Ryan successfully characterizes the myriad townspeople, many of whom have their own reasons for not wanting to talk to the police. Ryan's portrayals create the feel of small-town residents without overdoing it, and the result is an enjoyable fast-paced mystery. K.J.P. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2021]