In the Clearing

I loved this story. It was one of those books that I kept putting down so I could think about it for a while before reading again. My favorite stories are always about things that happened in the past where someone has to look back and figure out what happened. This one went back further than most (40 years) and I really didn't see how it could be done. I really expected it to be one of those things where they figure it out but can't prove it...

I do have to say that all of the first three books in this series have involved small town cops being lazy, incompetent, or negligent. In the first two books that also included defense attorneys. I'm hoping for a break in that trend. It feels a bit like a groundhog day scenario.

We have two murder stories going on. The main is a 40 year old case in a small town involving the death of an American Indian girl in 1976. Originally classified a suicide by the ME, the Sheriff in 1976 and Tracy, herself, believe it to be murder. Proving it is another matter and the way Mr., Dugoni goes about solving the crime is very good. He throws a good twist into the mix as the methodical solving of the case is unfolding.

The secondary murder takes place in Tracy's hometown of Seattle and involves a case of domestic abuse. Her usual supporting cast are busy solving this one. for good measure, Mr. Dugoni has thrown a twist in here as well.

The main protagonist, Tracy Crosswhite and her supporting cast from the Seattle PD are very well developed. The Crosswhite novels are a bit different in that they methodically detail the crimes as thrillers. They also detail the solving of the crimes very well as police procedurals.
Once again, Mr. Dugoni just keeps moving forward steadily. He wastes no chapters with unwanted fillers or fluff.

This is the 3rd installment of the original trilogy there is a 4th book I will be reading after I finish the book I am reading!