This is the third book in a series featuring Detective Clara Jefferies. Set in Alber, Utah, this crime thriller set is unique in that Clara is a former member of the polygamous community that resides there. Elijah's People is a fundamentalist Mormon sect that rules its members and one that had ousted Clara when she ran away from her ancient husband when she was 24. She returned about 9 months earlier and is now Chief of Police. Her former family -- several sister wives, her Mothers, and many of her siblings remain ensconced in the town and have severed ties with Clara. So, in addition to her duties with the police, Clara is trying to find a way to be accepted back into her family, and also juggling a new romance.
In this story, bones have been found on a nearby mountain and are the remains of a young girl and a baby. As Clara examines old cold case records, she finds that pregnant girls have gone missing from town for years. But, the members of Elijah's People keep their secrets and no one seems to care about their missing daughters. NO SPOILERS.
I've read the previous installments and wanted to see if things were changing for Clara and they are, but at a snail's pace. As an outsider, Clara has found it difficult to do her job and has yet to fully commit to staying in Alber. She's the typical female detective protagonist and, as such, her character is stereotypical of all in this genre. The romance aspect is convenient and Clara is struggling with the developing relationship due to her past. She has a lot to work through and sometimes that is tedious. Of course she puts herself in harm's way. I haven't really bonded with her nor have I decided whether to continue the series. The details about the religion and lifestyle practiced by this sect - the polygamy, etc. - are interesting. Even so, the actual plot was quite predictable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
This is the third book in a series that should be read in order.
Genre - crime thriller, female detective, Mormon polygamous sect, Alber, Utah,
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