#BookReview Among the Dead by J.R. Backlund @crookedlanebks

Among the Dead by J.R. Backlund
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Former North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation agent Rachel Carver blames herself for the collateral death of an innocent woman in her last case. Unable to accept her superior’s attempts to cover up the incident, she turned in her badge. But when a former partner asks her to consult on a new murder case, she reluctantly agrees, traveling to a small, remote mountain community, where she’s tasked with leading a group of inexperienced detectives on a hunt for the killer. The trek has hardly begun when what seems to be the act of a loner proves to be much more as Rachel's team comes under attack―and a detective is killed in the fallout.

Now that the stakes have risen, Rachel’s old employers at the SBI step in to take over the investigation. But Rachel, convinced they are on the wrong track, continues to work the case alone. And just as she delves into the town’s past, she discovers a secret history that connects the victims―one that makes her the target of a man who would kill to keep it a secret―in Among the Dead, J. R. Backlund’s gripping mystery debut.

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Before I review this book I just want to say two things, yes the cover is gorgeous and it was one of the reasons I wanted to read this book and secondly, here we have once again a blurb that gives away too much of the story. I will get to it later on, but first I want to write about the positive things about the book.

Among the Dead by J.R. Backlund is a good start on a new series. I quite liked Rachel Carver, she has been through a traumatic event prior to this book and still waiting to learn if there will be legal repercussions for it. The case in this book is also interesting, especially since there doesn't seem to be a motive for the killings. I have a fondness for crime books set in small towns where everyone knows everyone and people have secrets so this one right from the start felt right up my alley. Now, back to the blurb problem, it gives away too much. I hate it, when I know certain events will happen and I sit and wait for them. And, I did it with this book and that took away some enjoyment of reading the book. Sorry, but I want to know as little as possible and I love it when the book takes surprising turns. This book didn't surprise me especially much and hence I felt it was just an OK book.

Despite my blurb problem with Among the Dead do I think the book was perfectly OK to read. I would probably have enjoyed it more if I wasn't prepared already to certain things, like the death of a police officer. However, despite that was the book OK, the ending, the disclosure was perhaps not the most spectacular nor surprising, but I do want to read the next book in the series!

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!