Lisa Regan surprises and delights me yet again and continues to defy expectations, leaving me in awe once more. In a departure from her well-known “missing girl” trope, she delivers a thrilling locked-room mystery, showcasing her versatility as a storyteller, woven with themes of trauma, earning the title of a word witch.

Through the 18 books Detective Josie Quinn has experienced plenty of loss and Josie is taking some time to address the losses in her life as well as her childhood trauma. In the refreshing shift in focus takes Detective Josie Quinn to a hunting Lodge in the mountains used as a trauma retreat. However, once again, a dead body finds Josie, presenting her with another mystery to solve. This time, it’s not just about the dynamics between the characters that I love so much. Josie is on her own with a few suspects and must navigate the investigation without Noah and her team by her side.

Joined by a cast of characters, each harboring their own haunting scars, the retreat transforms into a gripping crime scene, where secrets are brought to light, intensifying the suspense. Lisa Regan intricately weaves together elements of suspense, psychological depth, and atmospheric tension, focusing on the intricate dynamics of the cast of characters, the unexpected twists and turns, and the enthralling journey of unraveling the truth and motives behind their presence at the retreat. The isolated and eerie setting of the retreat, added layers of complexity to the unfolding drama. Each startling revelation, had me captivated right up to the climactic and riveting conclusion. It’s one not to be missed!

Check out my post for all the books in the series here here