This twisty domestic thriller is a solid debut from Terri Parlato!

Molly and her husband Jay and six on their dearest friends are celebrating Jay’s 40th birthday at their home. Molly turns in early and Jay, a psychologist, stays up late to work on his book on Abnormal Psychological Behavior and Criminals. When she wakes in the morning Jay’s side of the bed is untouched and still cold and she doesn’t smell coffee, which is highly unusual. Molly heads out back to Jay’s office and finds him dead with his throat slashed. Did one of their friends do it or did a stranger break in and kill her husband?

Detective Rita Myers is a thirty year veteran with the Boston PD. She and her new partner, Chase Fuller, begin to investigate Jay’s murder. Rita likes to take notes by hand and doodles while she does so, while Chase likes to take his notes on his smartphone. It works. While they’re investigating Jay’s case another body turns up on the property that Jay and Molly own. Could there be more to this??

The chapters alternate between Molly and Rita, with Molly’s story being more in depth but I felt more drawn in to Rita. I hope Rita was not as fleshed out because we will see more of her in the future, because I REALLY liked Rita. Even though this seems to be a police procedural it is very character driven especially between the two women.
I thought I knew who the murderer was but boy was o wrong and that doesn’t happen often.

The narration on the ALC was perfection. I especially loved the narration from Christina Moore- “Rita”. She really channeled the detective part. I hope to hear more from her.
4 solid stars from me.

Thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and RB Media for the early review copies!