From the very first chapter, Trace O'Reilly's story gripped me, not just as a detective thriller, but as a profound exploration of justice, redemption, and resilience. The way you open with Trace on death row, wrongfully accused, is both daring and emotionally charged. By the time he is granted a last-minute pardon, the reader is not only invested in his innocence but also deeply tied to his humanity.
What struck me most was how you balanced the intensity of a classic murder mystery with the personal weight of a father-daughter relationship. The dual fight, for the truth behind his ex-wife's murder, and for the chance to save and reconnect with his daughter, gave the story a layered emotional core. Trace isn't just solving a crime; he's reclaiming his life, his identity, and his family. That's what makes this book stand out in the genre.
Bryan's compelling description of the events unfolding in this classic-style, but clean detective mystery rates right up there with the best. Each chapter has been skillfully designed to build the suspense and keep you reading. As the first in a five book series, this one sets the standard. Plus, you will see these same characters reemerge in the new Justice series.
