The Golden Girl (Jessie Tucker #2) by Dana Perry

It's a hot night during summer in New York City. Maura Walsh, a young policewoman visits a strip club, accepts cash from the bartender and leaves. Then she heads off to a house of prostitution where she meets the woman who runs that business and collects additional money. After that, she goes to a trendy restaurant, sits at a table and is visited by the manager who talks with her a moment before giving her money. "An hour after that, Maura Walk was found shot to death...news accounts described her as a hero cop..but there was no mention of any of those payoffs she took. That would all come later."

Jessie Tucker is a crime reporter for the NEW YORK TRIBUNE and is well known as the survivor of a vicious attack in Central Park 12 years ago. As a popular media superstar, Jessie wants the biggest story around and insists that she work on the Maura Walsh murder. The police are investigating, but no one could figure out who killed her or why. Jessie wants to dive deep and get personal by talking to other cops, friends and family. She definitely wants to chat with Maura's father, the NYPD Deputy Commissioner -- a true New York legend on the police force. Of course the editors are down with her idea as they envision the headlines for the exclusive report. So she's off to get her answers but never imagined what she would discover. NO SPOILERS.

This is the second in the series featuring Jessie Tucker and it's best if you read THE SILENT VICTIM, otherwise you'll have no idea about her whole ordeal in Central Park and the story she breaks that answers questions about her personal experience. There are hints in this book, but not enough background detail so you will be at a disadvantage not knowing her motivation for this story. She's a survivor and an interesting character, but I admit to having to suspend a bit of disbelief about her involvement in basically doing detective work. Although some have said there were twists and turns and surprises, you might be able to anticipate them if you read a lot of novels in this genre. The narrative is fast-paced and this was a quick read that held my interest. I'd be interested in seeing what happens in the next book as there are some dangling ends in her personal life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.

This is the second in the series and I'd suggest you read the first one.

Genre - crime thriller, female reporter