Salvation Station is an easy-to-read pageturner centred around a mysterious and compelling case, as we follow a determined police captain trying to find a killer who has really unnerved her, and a reverend whose faith is being taken advantage of.

The multiple storylines are both very interesting to see unfold, and each keeps your intrigue high as you anticipate how they will ultimately come together. Although it becomes quite obvious how they are linked, this is not a negative of the book. Sometimes authors need to deceive their readers to convince them that they have enjoyed the story, but I much prefer Salvation Station's more straightforward approach, which lures you in with great characters and curiosity, instead.

Kathryn Schleich's writing is naturally engaging, and Linda is a strong lead character who keeps you emotionally engaged in the case in the same way that she is. She's determined to find out the facts, as you root for her to find justice for whoever killed this young family and for someone to help Reverend Williams see sense before it's too late. In the end, the stories come together with a satisfying conclusion. I thought there might have been one final twist in the closing chapters, but Schleich still takes the time to effectively tie up all of her loose ends.

What I like most about this police procedural story is that it emphasises how long it can take to solve a murder case, as there aren't always the resources available to put a large team on a case fulltime. Set over a year, it is paced really well while also highlighting Linda's struggle to find enough ongoing evidence to keep the case open, without readers feeling the span of its dragged out timescale.

As a debut novel, Salvation Station is really impressive. The religious elements give the book an original feel, while Schleich's writing ensures that you remain hooked throughout.