Review – Still Life

Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime-scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime-scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright–and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.

Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit for which her friend modeled. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead–and the photographer insists he didn’t take the shot. Worse, her friend can’t be found, and so Avery immediately calls Parker for help.

As Avery, Parker, and their friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

My thoughts: First, the disclaimer. “I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.” That done, STILL LIFE is a page-turner. I literally couldn’t put this book down, except for things I had to do. Yes, it did get a bit creepy, but that just upped the chill factor. And as for who-dun-it? I did get a bit confused there and didn’t guess the actual murderer until the person was revealed.

I loved the presence of the Coast Guard (my son is in that service) and “seeing” them in action.  There are two different mysteries in this book, and I kept waiting for them to merge into one, but they never did, which somewhat confused me.  I didn’t have any problem keeping up with characters, and absolutely fell in love with Parker and Avery–though I did feel kind of sorry for Parker’s photographer at the end of the book.

I LOVED Ms. Pettrey’s Alaskan suspense  series, and while this new series is not quite on the same love category, it is definitely a solid placer. If you  love romantic suspense, you’ll want to read Ms. Pettrey’s STILL LIFE.