The Echo Killing

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review

So, every once in awhile I'll request something besides fantasy or outside of YA– shocking I know. Here is one of those times. I absolutely love mysteries. I love trying to figure out who the villain is and connecting all of the clues. It is why I like the In Death series so much and even Midsomer Murders (tv show). Unfortunately, I wasn't a huge fan of this one and I even somehow guessed the killer and some other things.

The main character, Harper, is a crime reporter. While she may write about crimes, this puts her in a difficult position for solving a crime, which really isn't her job to do. This keeps getting explained to Harper along with “you're obsessed” which she promptly denies... even though she totally is going beyond her job AND SHE IS OBSESSED. Her obsession is actually what had me tempted to put the book down at 70%. I felt she was absolutely so in the wrong and there is only so much breaking the law that I can put up with. For me, the means do not always justify the results.

Her job and her obsession with the case become most of her personality for the book, so I ended up not liking her so much. I do like some of the side characters, so they helped make the book enjoyable. Mostly, because we are taken along with Harper's tunnel vision in regards to the case, I wasn't as taken. BUT, I see how some other people might find how she investigates and gets evidence to be thrilling and exciting– keeping them on their toes.

The romance is a fun little element which I think will be explored more in future books. Luke ws one of my favorite characters. He really cares about Harper and wants to help her, but as a cop there is only so much he can condone.

So, I think I might recommend this one to people who like thrillers more than mysteries. There might be some other qualifiers, but I'm still working this book out in my head. I think because I seem to be picky with my thrillers.