NO MORE BAD DAYS

In this mystery, an investigation into a woman’s murder and dismemberment forces police detectives to delve into the worst of humanity.

For Det. Kimberly Hall, a murder investigation is nothing new. She knows how to deal with her boss, Capt. Mitchel, and the frustrating reporter Jessica Stevens. Hall recognizes she has a team of experts to help her find the killer. But the same experience and knowledge aren’t shared by her rookie partner, Det. Alex Diaz, and one of his decisions may cost the victim, Laura Gibbons, the justice she deserves. For Laura, life had never been easy—and now it is over. The abuse she faced as a child from her violent father and her neglectful mother had left her afraid to trust anyone to truly love her. The suspects in her murder include her ex-boyfriend Nathan Watters; her current boyfriend, Jordan Walsh; and the best friend she was in love with, Brady Callister. Something happened between Brady and Laura that left them not speaking for months. Her mother says Laura had a bad breakup with Nathan. And it turns out that Jordan has a criminal history. Medical Examiner Ramya Singh concludes that Laura died on Friday night—right after she had dinner with Brady. But Brady saw her alive when he left his girlfriend, Andrea, and detectives discovered a necklace on Laura’s body that was given to her by Nathan (“It has an inscription on the back: ‘No more bad days’ ”). More concerning is the enigmatic older man Laura texted a friend about: Ryan Leary. Whitaker’s characters are well developed, with their moral complexity highlighting the mystery and creating a compelling story. Diaz’s eagerness and Hall’s experience and by-the-book attitude meld well. The fast-paced plot with unexpected turns is effectively supported by the captivating characters driving it. The realism of the players, especially Hall and Diaz, and the challenges they face add believable stakes to the mystery. Even characters like Jessica, whose actions are unsympathetic but understandable, remain intriguing and bolster the intricate narrative. The author has crafted a masterful mystery.

An unpredictable and gripping thriller with a strong cast.