“Your heart is too soft for this Dani Flanagan.”  

“Maybe so (Michael).  But perhaps your heart is too hard.”

 

Gritty yet mystical and heartfelt.  Harmon’s newest book tackles a dark time in Cleveland history with finesse and humanity.

 

A gruesome serial killer.  A town shaken to its core.  A grumpy, closed off detective.  And a highly compassionate young woman.  The makings of an unforgettable read.     

 

Fedoras and long black cars set the damper mood for this story.  But it’s Dani’s light touch that awakens the plot’s full potential.  This dark story strewn with victims and laced with fear is offset by the gentleness we find in Dani. That dichotomy is adeptly executed and creates a message of hope even in the bleakest of circumstances. 

 

The cruelest truth in this story is that of the butcher’s victims.  Real people.  Most lost to the world and left nameless.  Yet Harmon manages to shine light onto them, well honoring them all of these years later.   

“Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortal.”

 

This book sets lofty goals… blending true crime facts from the Cleveland Torso Murders into a mystery/romance steeped in magic.   And yet, it works.  Which is why Harmon continues to be a go-to author I can count on.  

 

Many thanks to @amy.harmon.author and @amazonpublishing for this #gifted copy.  (Is it wrong to say that I’m already eagerly awaiting the next book?)