PI Vincent Delaney thought he was done with the NOPD until a string of seemingly unrelated child murders brings an unexpected invitation from the FBI, and his old boss.
A serial killer is roaming the South, preying on children appearing in pageants, and the police want him to go undercover using his own family. Accepting would mean lying to people he loves and maybe even putting them in harm's way.
In Baton Rouge, a violent criminal has escaped and is seeking revenge for the brother Delaney shot dead. But Delaney isn't going anywhere. He has unfinished business.
Meanwhile, north of the French Quarter, shopkeepers are being extorted and ask for Delaney's help. Extortion is a matter for the police.
But what do you do when those responsible are the police?
Delaney has his work cut out and he'll be lucky if he makes it out of this alive...
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[TIMMY DONALD WAITED TO BE INTRODUCED; HE WASN'T nervous]***
(Bloodhound Books, 5 October 2017, copy received via the publisher and voluntarily reviewed)
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I read this book in less than three hours. I feel quite giddy with the wonder of it all.
I loved it, absolutely adored every word and syllable of it. From the gripping opening until the ending, which leaves the way open for more Delaney adventures, I was utterly and completely hooked.
Three stories converge in this book, the serial killer preying on children, the criminal seeking revenge on Delaney for a choice he made in the past and the police corruption. I loved the way the author deftly weaves these stories together without it getting confused or messy.
I loved the setting, New Orleans. Most of the crime fiction I read is set in the US and UK so this this made a nice change.
The characters are so real they come to life on the page. I loved Delaney, he's sort of messed up, trying to do his best and I loved the comradeship between him and his dog.
And So It Began is amazing. One of the best books I've read this year.
