i read this in paperback originally. I have not yet finished the series but that is my goal for this year. lisa jackson has the perfect way of blending romance and suspense.

Cold Blooded
4 Stars

A new serial killer is roaming the streets of New Orleans and detectives Rick Bentz and Reuben Montoya receive a lead from the most unlikely of sources, Olivia Benchet, a woman who claims to have seen a murder in her dreams. Despite his skepticism, Bentz is ultimately convinced when a body is found fitting Olivia's description exactly. Is there a connection between Olivia and the killer?

Series note: The author's note at the end of the book indicates links between the New Orleans and Savannah series. For readers who prefer to read in order, the continuation is The Night Before.

An entertaining thriller with some surprising twists and turns.

Jackson's research is top-notch with interesting details on female saint murdered for their beliefs. It is clear that not much has changed in society when it comes to women being persecuted for rejecting male advances and attention. Moreover, the manner in which Jackson works the supernatural element into the story is compelling and makes the trope more believable in a fictional world that is not paranormal in nature. Although the plot moves along at a solid pace, there is one section just before the end that is overly drawn out, and the writing here could have been shorter and tighter.

Olivia and Rick's slow-burn romance is better than in the first book. Olivia is a particularly endearing character due to her feistiness and determination to get to the truth despite Bentz's doubts and suspicions. Rick is clearly conflicted in his feelings for Olivia, but his honesty, integrity and selflessness are evident throughout the book as details of his past are revealed. It will be interesting to see where Jackson takes this relationship in the future.

In terms of the secondary characters, I am still on the fence with regard to Bentz's partner, Montaya. He is often immature and makes too many sexist comments. Likewise, Bentz's daughter, Kristi, comes across as a spoilt brat and some of her actions make her unlikable. Both of them have their own books and will hopefully mature before their stories.

Overall, an enjoyable read, and I look forward to continuing with the series.

( )

When Olivia Benchet has a dream about a violent killer, she knows it is more than just a nightmare. Detectives Ruben Montoya and Rick Bentz don't believe her story of "visions" until their notes of the events outlined by Olivia exactly match the details of a decapitated woman found in a burned out house. Going on the assumption that Olivia seems to have some knowledge of the crime, Rick spends time with her and finds himself overwhelmingly attracted, even if he doesn't believe in her visions. It isn't long before Bentz and Montoya realize that they are dealing with a serial killer, and Bentz fears that the clues they have found so far will lead them back to his own family.

Cold Blooded is very well paced, doling out just enough clues and intertwining them with the personal lives of the characters to keep the reader engaged throughout. Although there is a romantic subplot in the book, it never feels out of place and does not detract from the mystery. The religious aspects of the story have been thoroughly researched and add interest to the book. Some of the smaller plot lines are a bit of a distraction and the ending feels a little rushed, but overall, Cold Blooded is a worthy addition to the Bentz and Montoya series and is a generally enjoyable read. 4 1/2 stars ( )

Excellent mystery ( )

Kept me on my toes!! I thought I knew who it was and I'm thrown for a loop!! ( )