annieb123
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Murders at Sugar Mill Farm is a well written procedural mystery/romance by Ronica Black. Released 12th Dec 2023 by Boldwood Books, it's 312 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
This is an intricately plotted procedural with a female investigator trying to track down a serial killer, set in Louisiana. There are tie-ins with forensic anthropology and scientific investigation; fans of Reichs & Cornwell's respective forensic investigators will probably like this book as well. It's a standalone, though the author has left the possibility to revisit the characters in future.
There is a romantic triangle subplot (F/F/F) with slow burn romance, but it's secondary to the primary serial killer investigation. The denouement and resolution felt a bit rushed. There is one moderately explicit scene between two of the three main characters which felt a little bit tacked on, but was well written and felt integral to the plot. Some explicit violence and rough language. The serial killer aspect is well written, but obviously quite creepy.
Four stars. There aren't a ton of serial killer procedurals with lesbian leads readily available and this one is well written and passes the Bechdel test with flying colors.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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