When a skeleton in a crate is uncovered in Madison Square with a unique memento, Cold Case Detective Everett Larkin enlists the help of Forensic Artist Unit detective Ira Doyle to solve the mystery of the death mask. Tensions rise the closer they get to solving the case, but Doyle's sweet and unapologetic flirting may be Larkin's own undoing. 

Larkin is a really intriguing character. I've never heard of HSAM before, so it's interesting to read a POV with this kind of condition. Even though he can be awkward and brutal in his honesty, he's not socially inept. He has no problem giving as good as he gets from others on the force and is (rightfully) a bit arrogant. But underneath his confident work exterior, he struggles on a personal level to cope with the feelings and trauma his memory makes him relive time and time again. Even with his therapist and his husband, he feels alone and unheard. That is, until he meets Ira Doyle. Doyle is a complete sweetheart. He's patient and genuine, the perfect foil for Larkin's brusque demeanor. Though we don't get his point of view, he does have a bit of a past of his own that we get glimpses of. I hope we get more of Doyle and their relationship in the next book, because that's really the only thing lacking in this one. 

I love the setting of the series. I've read one other series by Poe - the co-authored series with Gregory Ashe - and I thought the same thing. When I read mystery/suspense, having a gritty kind of backdrop like the reality of New York City adds a layer of darkness that really helps the story. The case was really interesting too. I love reading about fictional cold cases because it's so satisfying having justice for these long forgotten victims. The case was fast paced with lots of different clues, and I didn't have any idea who the murderer was. It didn't end on a cliffhanger, but there is definitely some intrigue going into the next book. 

I was a little wary of starting the series because the only other books I've read by CS Poe I didn't love. I'm so glad I gave this a chance though because I had a good time. The setting was interesting and the characters endearing with an action packed plot. Looking forward to what's next for Larkin and Doyle. 

Read if you like:

• opposites attract

• romantic suspense

• slow burn 

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