Jenifer Ruff

This book was definitely for adults. The subject matter is disturbing, obviously, though I do appreciate that the author does not go out of her way to make the descriptions of abuse graphic.

I picked this up randomly on a BookBub deal or something like that, and I'm really glad I did. This book is a page turner and I was so eager for everything to be wrapped up. It's a dark story, to be sure, but I was surprised by what an important story it was.

This was NOT just a "fun thriller". It really show more dug into the problem of human trafficking and specifically sex trafficking of young girls. It's something I don't know enough about, but it definitely frightens me and makes me want to hold my children a little bit tighter. I thought the characterization of the trafficked girl Sofia seemed true to life, and it broke my heart!

One nitpick: I HATE how the main character made a throwaway comment about how someone she went to school with was a "companion" but it was different because she was an adult. No. The "sex work" industry is counter to the common good and to women's dignity. Buying or selling sex should be entirely illegal. It would be much easier to stop the trafficking of young girls if we weren't constantly telling them how empowering it is to show their bodies on Instagram! show less

3.5 stars.

This is the second book I've read in this series, and I think I'm going to aim to read the rest! I just really enjoy the Agent Heslin books. She's a fun character to spend time with, along with her literal pack of dogs and other animals. She's still got the "but I can't commit right now!" thing going on in her love life, but hey, it's a multi-book series, you have to milk SOMETHING.

I like the mystery here, too. There were a lot of clues to pin together, and her brother being show more involved added a new layer of intrigue. I also enjoyed meeting her dad, and the setting of this book made me crave a vacation.

Like the second book, I read this out of order and it was totally understandable, BUT if you can read these in order, do so. You will get additional character development stuff and references to her past case/cases will make sense.

Anyway, this book is a little more good old entertaining mystery fun than book 2 - the discussion of human trafficking added a certain depth - but I don't see anything wrong with that. I've loved Nancy Drew since I was a little girl, and this book reminds me of a grown up version of that.

The one poor spot was the ending - I just didn't find it AS satisfying as I was expecting. Not bad, though.

Content wise, like the the last one, there was no "on page" sexual content, even if the books deal with pretty dark themes. show less

The Atonement Murders by Jenifer Ruff is a very highly recommended mystery/procedural and the seventh novel in the series featuring FBI Special Agent Victoria Heslin.
When NBA player Jerome Smith is found murdered in Boston with the words "This Is Your Atonement" written in lipstick on the wall, FBI Special Agent Victoria Heslin is assigned to the case. But this was not the first murder. Two months before this in Charlotte Todd Eckstrom was found murdered with the same message written on the show more wall. The two men knew each other and were friends since high school, so it seems perhaps the murders were related to some event in their shared past. Then two sisters are murdered with the same message written on the wall but seemingly no connection to the first two.

The Atonement Murders is a well written mystery/procedural that intelligently follows the investigation and sets a fast pace that will hold your attention throughout. The narrative is mainly set in the present day following Victoria and the evidence uncovered, with some chapters set twelve years ago when Todd and Jerome were teens. There are also occasionally shorts excerpts from the killer's journal. The motivation and identity of the murderer is not clear until the end. All the clues and connections are logical and compelling in the investigation. There are no improbably twists.

I really enjoyed The Atonement Murders and as described, it truly is a standalone investigation which concludes at the end. This was my first book in the series and I enjoyed it so much that I now I need to read the previous books. Victoria Heslin is a wonderful, appealing, insightful character. She approaches her investigation with logic, intelligence, and care, plus she loves animals. It was really a pleasure being introduced to her.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Greyt Companion Press via NetGalley.
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The Bad Neighbor by Jenifer Ruff is a highly recommended investigative thriller. This is the ninth book in the series featuring FBI Agent Victoria Heslin but can easily be read as a standalone novel.

Chris and Zoey Hamilton have just moved from California into their dream home, a fixer-upper in the affluent Virginia community of Mountain Meadows. The house was the home of a notorious embezzler Steve Johnson who disappeared without a trace five years and his wife decided to sell it. The two show more are trying to fix it up while building a new life together when Zoey suddenly disappears.

FBI Special Agent Victoria Heslin and her fiancé veterinarian Ned Patterson also live in Mountain Meadows. When out running early one morning they discover two dogs running free without an owner around. The dogs belonged to Zoey and while returning them Victoria learns that Zoey is missing. She and Ned help look for her on the trails and then Chris contacts the police. It appears that something happened to Zoey, leaving her dogs to run loose. Since Victoria and Ned were taking the week off, they become involved in the search for Zoey.

This is a nightmare neighborhood full of people who are potential suspects, with the exception of Victoria and Ned. The narrative moves back and forth in time through mainly three different viewpoints, with a fourth added later. Chapters follow Zoey's story leading up to her disappearance, the opinions of a snobbish neighbor named Grace, and Victoria in the present day investigation. All of the characters are delineated as individuals and it is easy to distinguish between them.

The investigation moves a quick pace with short chapters alternating the points-of-view and time periods. This choice helps keep interest high as clues are discovered in both timelines and it introduces all the suspicious neighbors. The pages flew by quickly as both timelines are equally compelling. Thanks to BooksGoSocial for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
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