This is book 2. You NEED to read the first to fully get the second, the characters and background. (I didn’t read it!) I will however read it out of interest. I felt the author knows their audience, the book is well written BUT the romance side isn’t my bag I’m afraid. The story was intriguing but a slow burn which didn’t always hold my interest and I really wanted to fully enjoy this. I wish it had more umph, it would be a fabulous book! Overall it’s an ok book (I couldn’t write one) but please read the first one!

Book two of a series featuring anthropologists Jayne and Steelie.

It may be better for background knowledge if the reader has read the first book, Silent Evidence, as events from that instalment do have a bearing on the attitudes of Jayne and Steelie in this new offering. I have not read the first, and therefore find this book difficult as a standalone.

After a previous close shave, apparently in book one, the women are called to UCLA campus at the request of an old friend. Breaking ground for a new building on the site, a body has been uncovered. Agency 32/1 confirm that the remains are fairly recent and therefore not of “historical” significance, so LAPD are called in to take over. Obviously the case doesn’t end there for Jayne and Steelie!

With lots of acronyms and their meanings, numerous usages of police jargon, all mixed in with a bit of romance and some Steelie witticisms, it an ok if slow read.

Cleverly written by someone who obviously knows her field and is quite happy to run with it, I’m sure the book will be devoured by fans of the first one. IMO the reader needs to know the women and their backgrounds better and be familiar with their past cases, but I certainly understand its appeal.

I was not enamoured with the romance side of the story and had no interest in the lovey dovey happenings. Keep the plot to the professional working relationships and I’m much more invested.



Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK.