Elena Taylor (2)

It's common knowledge that everyone knows everybody and everything that happens in small town. There are no secrets. But interim Sherrif Elizabeth 'Bet' Rivers discovers that the cliché isn't true. Bet has returned to her home town of Collier, Washington to fill in for her late father. Feeling undecided about staying or returning to the LAPD, her immediate plans are determined when an unidentified body appears in the bottomless lake near town.

The first half of the book is a slow burn. Well-rounded characters are introduced. Solid-sounding police procedures are followed. Questions are raised. Town history and mysteries are hinted at. A break in the case finally pushes the plot into motion. Yet the mystery of the murder victim will not reveal its secrets easily. The plot and twists are well crafted and keep the reader guessing right up to the end.

Disclosure: Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing a free copy of this book in return for my honest review.
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All We Buried by Elena Taylor
Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery #1

Excellent introduction to a new series by a new-to-me author that I will definitely want to follow in this series and perhaps any book she might write. This book had me guessing and caring and hoping all would work out as Sheriff Elizabeth “Bet” Rivers as she worked to uncover the mystery of who murdered Jane Doe.

What I liked:
* The writing and how it gradually allowed me to know the characters and eventually solve the case (although I did read ahead to find out because – that’s what I di)
* Bet: intelligent, capable, wise, considering options for her future, has an interesting backstory that comes out over the course of the book, strong, resilient, and likable
* Schweitzer: Anatolian Shepherd, originally belonged to Bet’s father but becoming hers more and more – great dog!
* The history of the small town and how it impacted the community and the specific murder investigation
* The potential murderers and how they were presented and eventually exonerated…or not.
* Alma: a bit crusty but perfect at the front desk at the sheriff’s office
* Clayton: part-time deputy that may become full-time in the future has wicked mad skills that would be useful as a policeman.
* The undercurrents related to the upcoming election for sheriff
* That there was more than a murder involved
* That most of the characters were more than what I expected them to be
* The potential for romance for bet hinted at in the book.
* The flashbacks Bet had and how they played into the mystery
* That all the threads were tied up at the end of the story
* Reading the last page and feeling satisfied while wanting to read more.

What I didn’t like:
* The baddie…wow…just WOW
* Having to say goodbye and now wait for book two to be published.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars… (more)