Collision of Lies

Written by Tom Threadgill

Narrated by Alma Cuervo

Three years ago, a collision between a fast-moving freight train and a school bus full of kids led to devastation and grief on an unimaginable scale. But a fresh clue leads San Antonio police detective Amara Alvarez to the unlikely conclusion that one of the children may still be alive. If she's correct, everything law enforcement believes about the accident is a lie. With time running out, Amara must convince others--and herself--that despite all evidence to the contrary, the boy lives. And she will do everything in her power to bring him home. A fresh voice in suspense, Tom Threadgill will have you questioning everything as you fly through the pages of this enthralling story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781980064275

Reviews for Collision of Lies

[Iona Jordon-matthews · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Brilliant, just brill loved it, start to finish! Can't wait for the next one.<><

[claudia.castenir · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Tom Threadgill is a new-to-me author whose work I will be on the watch for in the future. Collision of Lies is a great suspense novel. Detective Amara Alvarez is anxious to transfer from the Property Crimes Unit to Homicide. She could never have foreseen how helping a distressed mother of a child who had died in a bus crash three years earlier could have advanced her efforts toward that goal. Nor could she have imagined the intricate and devious plot she in collaboration with a Texas Ranger and the FBI would have to unwind. Not to be cliché, but Collision of Lies truly is an edge of the seat read. I would classify this book more as a clean suspense or mystery than as a Christian fiction novel, but either way, I would highly recommend it to mystery and suspense fans. The story is well-plotted, vital information is well paced and placed, and characters and dialogue are believable. I am grateful to have received a copy from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

[Hilda Merwin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very suspenseful but with great humor added in. can’t wait for the next book.

[clamato_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read Network of Deceit first as it was an ARC from LT and Revell publishing. I really enjoyed it! And today, just finished Collision of Lies and loved it! Really like Amara Alvarez as a kick-ass cop! And the funny and sort of surprising thing is that she was created by a male author. She is a wee bit obsessed with workouts but she can take out a bad guy with a roundhouse and that is super cool to me. There were laugh out loud moments and omd no moments but just could not wait to get back to the story. I got my city's library to buy this series and they are in demand! I can't wait till the next book!

[melissa_o-399736 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a unique story that had me intrigued and kept my attention.

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

First I have to say I love, love, love main character Amara Alvarez and am thrilled that she will be returning in another novel! Okay, I got that out of the way and can say that I really, really liked Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill. Besides the very funny, sometimes quirky, and normal law enforcement types that populate the pages, Collision of Lies is a page-turner full of twists and turns and a lot of please don’t go there — oh you did! No, this book isn’t graphic, but it doesn’t sugarcoat the evil that men will stoop to. Police work is the key to the investigation, so if you like that sort of thing, this novel is for you. The cop vibe is strong, but in a very credible way. There were a few things I did find less than credible, but they heightened the suspense, so perfectly allowable. Amara is a fabulous character — intuitive, empathetic, and kick-butt. I cannot wait to see where she will go next. The book is pure suspense, but there may be a bit of romance down the line.Great plot, characters, and action — Collision of Lies has it all! It is highly recommended!Highly Recommended.Audience: adults.(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[tatoosh-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The town of Cotulla Texas is devastated when a train collides with a school bus killing all the children. Three years later, one of the children sends a text message to his parents. The case was closed long ago, but out of sympathy Detective Amara Alvarez agrees to see what she can find out about the text. Soon the police chief assigns Amara and Texas Ranger Sara Colby to investigate the case, and, with the case official reopened, the FBI becomes involved. The story begins slowly but builds gradually with each development. As a reader, I was sure from the beginning that the children must be alive. It wouldn’t be much of a story if they weren’t. But the interesting characters, the complex mystery, and the gentle way each development nudges the story forward without giving too much away maintained the suspense and kept me engaged. The ending was somewhat superficial, but not so much that it spoiled the book for me. Amara is a solid female protagonist, and Sara is an interesting but underdeveloped sidekick. So many authors seem to think that an exciting novel requires a protagonist that is at war with colleagues, superiors, reporters, and pretty much everyone else. Amara and Sara represent an alternate approach. I particularly enjoyed the collegial working relations, both between themselves and with the medical examiner, detective Starsky, and the police chief. I think this is the only police procedural I can recall that depicted the police chief as supportive and patient.Collision of Lies ranks among the best fiction I have read in the last two years.

[medwards429 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thank you in advance to Revell Books (a division of Baker Books Publishing) for providing a complimentary review through their Revell Reviewers program. A positive review was not required. All words and thoughts are my own.

Last year, during part of a “tour” with a publicity/review group, I was introduced to the genre of Christian Suspense. As I like suspense, this was an intriguing genre to me. I didn’t see how the two could co-exist. But, I quickly fell in love with it. And, it’s easily one of my favorite genres.

Tom Threadgill is a new author to Revell, and he knocks this genre out of the park with this novel.

Right off the cover is striking, and haunting, especially given the title – “Collision of Lies”.

Warning –> if kids in peril bothers you, then I would skip this book. However you do not see it depicted. By the time the book starts the accident is over three (3) years old. There are some vivid descriptions of the accident’s aftermath though.

With that said …

The story begins rather slowly with a chance encounter at a café between a grieving set of parents and Detective Amara Alvarez. Amara is a property crimes detective that wants to move into homicide.

Amara is doubtful about a text the parents have received that calls into question as to how their son, who died three years earlier, could send them a text. The mother is convinced that somehow her son survived, the father not so much.

Amara decides to only look into things to perhaps ease the mother’s feelings. And, she is working real cases that need to be solved. After all, several agencies investigated – the FBI, the local police, NTSB, the railroad authorities. Amara notes it’d be easier to name who wasn’t involved.

Like the tagline said – But it was an accident. Right?

That’s all she can find. There’s no evidence to the contrary. But, things just aren’t right. A seemingly unrelated double murder strikes the characters in this book wrongs. But, the people are unconnected. B

That is until a connection is found (a slight one), prompting Texas Ranger, Sara Colby, to be called in to “re-open” the Cotulla case. It is more an unofficial opening though, and it is to remain secretive.

I loved how Threadgill only threw out samples, like the supermarket samples – enough to get a taste, but nothing serious. Nothing to really bust the case wide open with the “ah-ha”, “here it is” moment.

The author, and forgive me for saying this, is sneaky. Up until halfway, he’s only throwing scraps at the characters and the readers. I had to keep reading to see where he was taking this story. The chapters were short, which made the pace of the novel almost non-stop. It was difficult to put down.

Due to the ME’s finding on some DNA, everything about the case becomes suspect. And, everyone involved becomes suspect as well – the police department, the ME’s office – nothing (and no one) is to be believed.

Eventually, the small pieces come together and the case is officially re-opened, causing the FBI to become involved.

Then the roller coaster ride begins. And, this isn’t a simple up/down, around type. This is the extreme – trip/upside down loops. Just when you think that you’ve got it figured out – nope. Nothing is to be believed and time begins crucial.

It is a “thrill a minute” type of read with some moments of levity that even made me laugh, which was courtesy of another character – Detective Jeremiah Peckham with the nickname of “Starsky”. As a fan of the TV series, Starsky (Paul Michael Glaser) was my FAVORITE. I also liked how the author referenced the TV series in Amara’s search.

There are some romantic elements – an older detective, Wylie, with Amara’s mom; Sara and the Medical Examiner; Amara and Starsky. I’m really hoping that we can find out why he got the nickname (though I think I know – his character’s personality), and I want to see them two together. They truly complement each other. And, I’d love to see them work a complete case together.

Threadgill writes two solid female leads in this – Amara and Colby. They’re strong without diminishing the role of the men in the novel either. They’re balanced and work together.

While sold by a Christian fiction group – this book lacks Christian references. Those who worry it may be “preachy” will find it isn’t. Faith, if any, is kept to a bare, almost miniscule level. However it is a solid clean read without the use of vulgarity, graphic language, profane language, or sexual references. Threadgill proves that a story can work and be riveting without using them.

This is the first novel I’ve read by the author, and with the teaser at the end of this one, I doubt it is going to be the last.

[hes7 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A new clue regarding a horrific accident from years ago prompts detective Amara Alvarez to begin investigating. At the start, she never could have anticipated the twists she would encounter, yet the more she finds, the more she determines to not give up searching for the truth. Collision of Lies is an enthralling read from start to finish. Each new twist kept me intrigued, eager to reach the final pages and get the answers I wanted. Through it all, Amara—and the characters working with her—proves strong, capable, and fun to get to know. I had a great time with this story and cannot wait to read more from Tom Threadgill.I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[stardust_fiddle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

And the award for best thriller so far this year goes to “Collision of Lies” by Tom Threadgill! I’ve recently read a few great suspense novels, but this one went above and beyond. It’s always a delight to find a new Christian suspense author because the secular market for this genre is so full of profanity and lewdness. Another perk for me was that there was not a romantic side plot. I prefer to focus on the suspense and not be distracted by romantic affairs. Like the train wreck that forms part of the plot, I could not look away once I started turning the pages. Threadgill builds the plot carefully, piece by piece, rather than revealing it all at once, and this approach draws the reader inexorably into the burning mystery. Three years ago, a school bus full of children died in a devastating accident. Or was it? And is there a chance that one of the children, Benjamin Reyes, could inexplicably still be alive? San Antonio police detective Amara Alvarez finds herself unintentionally drawn into investigating this closed case, with coincidence upon coincidence adding up to a shocking conclusion. Each step had me questioning how I would react or what I would do, and I felt empathetic toward Amara and the Reyes family, a sure sign of adept writing. Likewise, the camaraderie between the police officers warmed my heart; especially in times such as these, it is so refreshing to see those in blue working together in a coed environment and building one another up while doing their level best to serve the community. Gaining insight into the inner workings of law enforcement, trying to puzzle together the truth of the 3-year-old collision and how it relates to current happenings, and even being entertained by Almara’s pet iguana all make “Collision of Lies” a must-read for suspense aficionados as well as for anyone who enjoys an intriguing, clean story that will have readers questioning everything. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thirty seconds. If they were still arguing, she'd call the cops then. Let the professionals deal with them. This sounds like the thoughts of most average citizens but Amara Alvarez actually IS a professional and she soon learns that this isn't going to be her usual burglary case! A conversation overheard at the Breakfast Bodega diner introduces her to a distraught mother who believes that she has just received a text message from her young son who was killed three years earlier in a tragic accident. Marisa Reyes asks, NO, she begs Amara to help her and her husband find if their son could be alive. Amara's initial reaction is to kindly let them down easy but her cop intuition tells her that there could be more. What follows is an exciting story of "what-ifs", "no way", and "how can this be?" and author Tom Threadgill has created some unique characters and some startling incidents to keep me immersed until the end. Has there been a mistake? Could Benjamin Reyes truly be alive? Can Amara reunite this family? Are there sinister forces still involved in this incident?I absolutely love Amara Alvaraz and I've added her to my list of super heroines. I admire her for her strength, her kind and loving heart, and her determination to find out if Benjamin is alive. There are several other characters who add interest to this story but I was especially drawn to Ranger Sara Colby, Homicide Detective Starsky, and the ever-hopeful parents, Marisa and Enzo Reyes.This is my first book by Tom Threadgill and I am now his fan! I'm hopeful that he will share many more adventures with Amara and I'm also rooting for Amara to be promoted to Homicide after working all of those burglary details. If you're looking for non-stop action, mystery/suspense, and the reminder that hope and faith go hand-in-hand, you will want to read Collision of Lies.I received a copy of this book from Revell. There was no obligation to post a positive review and I received no monetary compensation. These are my own thoughts.

[polarmath · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a new to me author and I enjoyed the story. It was really fast moving and made you really think as it continued as to what was being discovered and how it related to the collision several years ago. Amara had to do all she could when she found out some new information about the crash and how to act on it on a way that bring about the best results. I received a copy of the book to read, the review is mine.

[simplykelina · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I was really pulled into this one by the synopsis, but I was not sure where the story would go once I started reading it. I was instantly pulled in from the very first chapter. The author did a great job getting you instantly engaged with the characters and their story. This did deal with the death of the children including a murder/suicide of 17 children.As the story continued though, I really lost interest. The story moved to a very heavy detective plot, and I just was not enjoying that. Things were happening, but not happening at the same time. We had new cases coming into story. Even though they were connecting to the school bus incident, it was just not working for me.I skimmed to the end to find out what happened with this one.

[jkj94 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Was it a horrific accident or something far more disturbing?I thought this book was an intriguing suspense, but I did not get any vibes that it was of the Christian genre so much.I found the plot to move along for the most part relatively quickly, although I felt there were a few spots that were slower. I did enjoy the humor, with a touch of romance included. I would recommend this book to anyone who would enjoy a clean suspense novel. Tom Threadgill is a first-time author for me, and I have to say I would continue to read more by him in the future.I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[lamb521 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: Collison of LiesAuthor: Tom ThreadgillPages: 400Year: 2020Publisher: RevellMy rating: 5 out of 5 stars.The story hooked me from the first word till the very last! Amara Alvarez is a young lady desiring to move from the burglary division to the homicide division of the police force. The character is young, tough, energetic and definitely family orientated. Amara has a unique house pet that roams the apartment when she is home and its who she thinks out loud to when trying to unravel the knot in a case and find the missing piece of the puzzle.Alvarez gets drawn into a case that occurred in the area many years prior. The detective gets drawn in as she is sitting in a local restaurant and overhears the loud interaction between a husband and wife. The lady, Mrs. Reyes, has received a text that is ominous in content and cannot be traced, supposedly sent by her son who was killed in a bus accident years ago. Unless Detective Alvarez finds any clue not previously investigated when it first happened, the case will remain closed and the mother will have no peace.Tom Threadgill writes a very tension filled story that brings many threads together and eventually at the end of the book, his masterpiece is on exhibit! I enjoyed how the female leading player Detective Amara Alvarez puts family time first if at all possible. It was great reading of a family that comes together weekly, enjoying a good meal and family fun but also with open arms to strangers.The ending was surprising, and I look forward to what suspenseful tale will come next from the pen of Tom Threadgill!Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

[cherylk_44 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the first book I have read by this author. After reading this book, I plan to check out more books from this author. This book may be published by a Christian publisher but it is not "preachy". So, anyone who is in the mood for a really good book to read or thrillers should check out this one. I was caught up in the mystery surrounding the bus crash. It seemed like when one clue would be revealed, it just unraveled about three more questions. The mystery along with the engaging characters and good storyline is what kept my interest. You could say that I was "lost" within the pages of this book. There was not a dull moment to be found. I do want to point out that I was happy with the ending. I have commented on endings before, There is nothing worse than to read a book only to get to a disappointing ending. That was not the case with this book.

[alyssaross-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This story has you on the edge of your seat from the first page and never lets up. I was hooked right away and didn’t want to put it down. This was such an interesting and terrifying premise. This is the type of story that’s interesting to read about but I pray I never read about it in the news.The characters were excellent and I found them easy enough to relate to. Their chemistry and the way they interacted with each other was always respectful. I found that inspiring.Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Suspense.

[coverloverbookreview · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have to confess; I don’t often read books with male authors. Especially when the main character is a female. Sometimes when female characters are created by male authors, they aren’t believable. Men make them too emotional, too over the top. I also rarely read crime stories, suspense, or thrillers. The subject matters are too deep and my brain can’t shut off the images and stresses they impose on me. With that said, even with the horrible tragedy, I found it difficult to put this book down.The first chapter completely pulled me in, and Detective Amara Alvarez tugged at my sympathies. She’s strong, and believable (even if she is created by a male) and I rooted for her.I’ll be watching for more work from this author. I’m influenced to evaluate male authors with a softer eye. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Once you turn the pages on this one you are hooked. What a mind this author has, I can’t even imagine the scenario given here, and I don’t really want to! Horrible!We are given a tough woman detective with the San Antonio police department, she is looking to move to homicide and I don’t she could have foreseen the case she ends up working on.We get to see banter between these officers, and some chuckles, we eat and travel on stake out, and wonder if all will be there by the end of the story. We also get some very big surprises, so you will soon be page turning and hoping for the best.I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

[marykuhl · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received this book as an LTER.This book had me hooked from the first page, and there aren't too many I can say that about. A detective with the burglary unit is eating breakfast and overhears and a couple arguing. She intervenes to make sure there is not a domestic issue and gets a whole lot more than she bargains for. A three year old train collision comes back to life and Detective Amara Alvarez does a lot of digging on her own time. Detective Alvarez wants a chance to be a homicide detective. While semi-investigating the train crash that killed 17 children, she befriends "Starsky" a homicide detective. He feeds her information that gives her background and lo and behold, the whole investigation takes off.I like all of the characters in this book, from the wise-cracking co-worker to the eccentric ME. They all work well together. I hope this is a series because I look forward to more adventures.

[kellyreeder · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved everything about this book. Chriistian fiction at its’ best. A strong female protagonist leads the way, and her niggle of doubt became my curiosity and made me want to keep reading. I appreciated the shorter chapters which helped keep the action going. I can’t wait to read more books by this author.

[jfe16 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Review of Advanced Reading CopyA disruptive discussion between a husband and wife thrusts San Antonio Police Detective Amara Alvarez into the middle of a mystery connected to the horrific Cotulla school bus/freight train collision that occurred more than three years earlier. Her initial reluctance to be involved in what she believes is the mother’s grief-filled refusal to accept her son’s death soon gives way to a determination to find some answers as several puzzling events seem to point toward the bus accident. But if Marisa Reyes’s son Benjamin is alive, then what really happened to the children on the school bus on that fateful day?Well-drawn, interesting characters populate this suspense-filled story. Amara, like all good detectives, is appropriately curious; tempering her initial reluctance to become involved with her compassion for the family helps define her character and draws readers to empathize with her. Unexpected revelations keep the tension building and the suspense keeps the pages turning. Readers who enjoy police procedurals and/or intriguing mysteries will find much to appreciate here [and much to anticipate as they look forward to the next book in the series].Highly recommended.I received a free copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Readers program

[milibrarian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A horrific train crash and explosion involving a school bus killed everyone involved, or did it? When the mother of one of the children receives a text from her son pleading for help, San Antonio Police Department Detective Amara Alvarez begins to take a second look at the long-closed case and finds ties to a recent murder. As the FBI and other agencies work together to determine what really happened, they are lead to a remote Mexican research facility.This is an interesting thriller featuring a likeable, smart female detective. However, it should not be considered Christian fiction; there is no mention of God or faith. The characters rely upon their own skills to solve the case. Recommended to fans of Sara Paretsky and Linda Castillo.

[sherripo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this book very much. It kept my interest and I didn't want to put it down. It was written with a good flow and was suspenseful. Though I would have liked a different ending on one matter it was really well written with plenty of plot twists. I have never read anything else by Tom Threadgill but I will be watching for the second book in this series.

[jillrey · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

After being interrupted by a couple over her breakfast, Detective Alvarez takes matters into her own hands. While remaining impartial, it oddly appears a murder-suicide of a school bus incident that occurred 3 years ago isn't all it seems. A thrilling unraveling of a local department, parents' devastating losses and new friends Collision of Lies is a perfect pairing of excitement and intrigue. However, there were moments of far fetched grasping of straws and a distracting, not fully developed romances that diverted an otherwise entirely engrossing read. *Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[satxreader · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I live in the area in which this story is set, so I was eager to see if it actually bore any relation to this part of Texas ( I HATE it when clueless authors decide to set their novels in Texas and then have the characters start from the Rio Grande, have lunch with a friend in Dallas, and be back home in time for dinner...seriously...have they ever looked at a map? But I digress). We start right off the bat with SAPD Detective Alvarez investigating a string of burglaries in Leon Valley. Which wouldn't be a problem except that Leon Valley is a real place, and it is its own city, with its own Police Department. SAPD would not be called to investigate burglaries in another town. Strike One. Then Alvarez mentions several times that her dad died right before her "Quinceañero". Which would be fine if she were a boy, but since she isn't, and since much is made of her hispanic family, you would expect her to know that her celebration is called a "Quinceañera". Strike Two. This was not an auspicious beginning.HOWEVER, I kept reading, and I'm so glad I did! This was a really good story, likable, believable characters, and no foul language in every sentence. (I'm not offended by foul language, but it IS extra refreshing to find a book that is every bit as engaging without resorting to the easy literary crutch of nasty speech.) I enjoyed the teamwork in the investigation that allowed each of the characters to participate in trying to work out the pieces of the puzzle. There is a teaser after the end of "Collision" that begins with Detective Alvarez's first case after being transferred to Homicide -- I can't wait until it comes out!!!

[grammy57 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

First, this book was published by Revell so I expected it to be an actual Christian fiction. While it was a clean read, for the most part, I would not call it Christian in any way. In fact, there were 2 times when sexual activity was hinted at between unmarried people. This was sad and not needed. The other thing that made it not a Christian book in my eyes is that there was only reference to God in ways that anyone would say things like "Thank God".My overall opinion of the book though was it was interesting and held my interest throughout. The editing was very well done, especially considering I was given an ARC. I was disappointed that one thing was left unanswered but I cannot say what as it would give away too much of the story. Tom Threadgill did a nice job of introducing his characters and giving them life. They were very believable. He is also a good storyteller, building tensions and giving answers in a timely manner.I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. If you like a good mystery, you will enjoy this book. LibraryThing gave me this book, but the review and opinions are totally mine and not required.

[sherylhendrix · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Detective Amara Alvarez is eager to leave the world of property crimes for the more exciting world of homicide detective. So when she happens upon a woman who believes - even against all odds - that her son who was killed in a terrible bus/train accident several years before had somehow contacted her through a text message Alvarez is drawn into a protracted and somewhat off the books discovery mission to see if there is anything to the woman's hope. Two questionable homicides cause her to look deeper, and what she finds finally tweaks the interest of those above her. She becomes part of a task force to look into the Cotulla accident, which leads to more and more questions about the official report. This thriller builds slowly until the crescendo at which point it is difficult to put the book down. The resolution is both satisfying and tragic and lends credibility to the story. I look forward to reading the second in this new series by Threadgill.

[macygma · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Well. To say that Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill is a great book is probably an understatement. It was mesmerizing, sad, happy, tense and other adjectives as well. It’s been along time since I stayed up most of the night to finish a book.All Amara Alvarez wants is to be a detective. She has been assigned to Property Crimes for quite awhile and is desperate for a change. When she witnesses an argument in a local restaurant she goes to intervene and hears a story she can’t quite believe: a boy missing for over three years called his mother asking for help.So starts a search for the boy who was allegedly killed when a school bus driver committed suicide by driving his bus full of children in front of a train. But did Benjamin die? Did any of the kids? Is it all a game to hurt the parents all over again?Get some rest before you start reading, you’ll need it! Out 2/7/2020.

[jenniferrobb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

As far as I remember, this is the first book I've read from this author. I thought it started out a bit slowly, but the suspense built well and kept me interested. I would probably read future books in the series (or with this main character) but I don't think I'd read this book again so I didn't give it 5 stars for that reason.Warning, Spoilers May Follow. Read at your own discretion.*****Three years ago, there was a horrible bus-train accident that resulted in the loss of many lives. A mother gets a text she thinks is from her son who supposedly died in the accident. A few days later, another mother finds an apology note under her windshield wipers. Something about Amara Alvarez pursuing the case bothered me--there just didn't seem to be logical reasons for her to do what she did or to keep pushing for more information on the case. I get that it was a plot point the author needed to advance the story--if no one looked into it, there would be no story--but that doesn't mean I believe it would have really happened.I liked that Alvarez had an iguana as a pet. It's different--not the standard dog or cat--and it does provide some information about an animal that many people may not know. I liked Alvarez's family (even though we don't see much of them) and am glad her former co-worker/supervisor seems to be finding love with Alvarez's mother. I was also glad to see relationships develop between the ME and a Texas Ranger and between Alvarez and Starsky. (Will we learn why he has his nickname at some point in the books? I suspect it relates to the TV show "Starsky and Hutch" but I haven't figured out why he got the nickname yet.) I liked that there were several strong females as part of the team. The romances aren't overdone--the suspense part takes more precedence in the plot than the romances do. I do wonder if Alvarez gets transferred to homicide whether she would still be allowed to date another homicide detective. I was suspecting something like sex trafficking as the reason behind the abductions but instead it was some kind of pseudo-scientific research. I don't know enough about DMT or the science discussed to know if it is a true thing or whether the author manufactured the idea for his plot. I liked the ME's quirk of wondering where and how idioms came to be and what their meaning is/was. I did something like that myself, but related it more to sayings that dealt with things in my profession. It wasn't always easy to find the origins of the sayings--and some even meant something different than I'd thought they did. Disclosure: I received an ARC free through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers Program. As part of the program, a review was requested but not required. Content of the review is my own thoughts on the ARC.