ECONOGAL

Laura Griffin penned Innocence Road. Since she is a new to me author, I do not know if this book will remain among her stand-alone novels or if it will turn into yet another series. It certainly has potential. The protagonist is interesting; with her flaws and the way she pushes others away. Furthermore, rural Texas near the Big Bend area is a rich setting for description and a complex background to develop both storylines and characters.

Leanne Everhart returned to Madrone, Texas following the death of her father. She now works for the Madrone Police Department just like he did. Following in his shadow is not easy.

Tough and experienced by a stint in the city, Leanne faces a complicated life back in the small town. Her brother is a recovering addict with a secret girlfriend. And then there is her mom. Since her mom remarried just weeks after her father’s death, Leanne holds a bit of a grudge.

Finally, Duncan Harper, a sheriff’s deputy has a soft spot for Leanne. But she is keeping him at arm’s length despite her feelings for him. Why, is a bit of a mystery. So, life is complicated for Leanne even without two major cases popping up to catch her off-guard.

Leanne is assigned the case of a brutally murdered young woman. The body was found along a stretch of highway, desolate and isolated. Simultaneously, a murder case her boss and her father had solved is thrown out and the local man convicted of the slaying returns to Madrone.

The two cases overlap and Leanne finds herself butting heads with everyone from her boss to her mother. Is it possible her dad sent an innocent man to prison? Just one of many questions posited.

Laura Griffin is a best-selling author, and it shows. She presents many possible culprits and creates suspense as well as mystery. The unveiling of the villain was a bit of a surprise, yet very plausible. I will continue to look for books from this author. I highly recommend either purchasing Innocence Road from your favorite bookstore or visiting your local library.