Review: Angels Burning by Tawni O'Dell

Angels Burning

by Tawni O'Dell

Publisher: Gallery Books

Pages: 288

Format: book

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  On the surface, Chief Dove Carnahan is a true trailblazer who would do anything to protect the rural Pennsylvanian countryside where she has lived all fifty of her years. Traditional and proud of her blue-collar sensibilities, Dove is loved by her community. But beneath her badge lies a dark and self-destructive streak, fed by a secret she has kept since she was sixteen.

When a girl is beaten to death, her body tossed down a fiery sinkhole in an abandoned coal town, Dove is faced with solving the worst crime of her law enforcement career. She identifies the girl as a daughter of the Truly family, a notoriously irascible dynasty of rednecks and petty criminals.

During her investigation, the man convicted of killing Dove’s mother years earlier is released from prison. Still proclaiming his innocence, he approaches Dove with a startling accusation and a chilling threat that forces her to face the parallels between her own family’s trauma and that of the Trulys.

Kritters Thoughts:  Chief Dove Carnahan is the chief of police and in this small country town in Pennsylvania most of the policing is minor bumps and bruises, but one day a body of a young girl is found and the whole town is turned upside down.  

This book was such a great mix of small town people drama and mystery that was engaging from page one.  I read this in one day and it was just the right length and pacing for a great mystery thriller with a side of drama!  

Dove Carnahan was a fun woman to follow through this story.  Her history with this town and the way she approached the investigation was entertaining.  I loved the dynamics of Dove and the people of this town - the dueling families and how they all wove together was just great.  For me there were a few pages where I had to reread to make sure I had everyone's family relationships and love relationships all straight!  

Published back in 2016, I am frustrated with myself that I just now read it and even more sad that the author hasn't written a novel since.  I want more from this author!  

Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.