Deadly Betrayal (Coastal Investigation, #1)

by Sheila Kell

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Deadly Betrayal by Sheila Kell is the first book in the Coastal Investigation series. Having enjoyed the author's Agents of H.I.S series, I went into Deadly Betrayal with high expectations. While not as great as the books from her Agents of H.I.S series, Deadly Betrayal delivered an interesting and fast-paced tale of murder and betrayal.

The story in Deadly Betrayal follows Cassie McKay and JD Walker. At the beginning of the story, the reader learns that Cassie was a divorcee and a former FBI analyst. She returned home to Mississippi after the failure of her marriage and the lack of recognition by the FBI. The reader learns she is to start her new job as a private investigator. However, she doubted her abilities and planned to inform her prospective employer that she had second thoughts about the job. Then she learns that her new partner would be JD Walker, the boy, now a man, who broke her sixteen-year - old heart. 

Now, this new development should have her running in the opposite direction, especially when their reunion started out on a bad note. However, with the murder of his son's mother and with him as the only suspect, Cassie would be the one to help him clear his name. Will they have the ability to overcome the pain of the past? Can they work as a team and find the actual murderer?

The mystery emanated a cozy vibes. Suspense was non-existent, nevertheless the need for answers had me turning the pages.  Granted, this was not a long book, so it was an easy read. Initially, guessing the identity of the perpetrator proved a challenge, but as the story unfolded, it all became clear. With this knowledge came the understanding for the reason behind the name of the book.

Now, while I enjoyed the mystery element, the romance failed to win me over. It was quite underwhelming and lacked authenticity. In fact, hardly any page time was given to this aspect of the story. It's understandable that there was an urgency is clearing JD's name.  Nevertheless, one would expect that after years of separation, it would take some time for a rebuilding of their relationship. Especially, given how their relationship ended in the first place.  The author glossed over their past issues. Also, it stuck me as odd that JD during his tenure as police detective never took advantage of all the resources at his fingertips to verify information given to him that led to the end of his relationship with Cassie.

Overall, while not my favourite from the author, Deadly Betrayal delivered an interesting tale which would appeal to readers who enjoy romantic suspense with emphasis on the suspense.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading