Book Review | Trace Of Evil by Alice Blanchard

Trace Of Evil

by Alice Blanchard

Minotaur Books

Publication Date : December 3, 2019

Pages : 384

Synopsis From Publisher :

Natalie Lockhart always knew she was going to be a cop. A rookie detective on the Burning Lake police force, she was raised on the wisdom of her chief-of-police father. These cases will haunt you if you let them. Grief doesn’t come with instructions.

But the one thing her father couldn’t teach her was how to handle loss. Natalie’s beloved sister was viciously murdered as a teenager, and she carries the scars deep in her heart. Although the killer was locked up, the trace evidence never added up, and Natalie can’t help wondering―is the past really behind her?

As the newest member on the force, Natalie is tasked with finding nine missing persons who’ve vanished off the face of the earth, dubbed “the Missing Nine.” One night, while following up on a new lead, she comes across a savage crime that will change everything.

Daisy Buckner―a popular schoolteacher, wife to a cop, and newly pregnant―lies dead on her kitchen floor. As Natalie hunts for Daisy’s killer in the wake of the town’s shock, her search leads to a string of strange clues―about the Missing Nine, about Daisy’s secret life, and reviving fresh doubts about her sister’s murder.

As the investigation deepens, Natalie’s every move risks far-reaching consequences―for the victims, for the town of Burning Lake, and for herself.

Although I love the story of a tortured and troubled male detective, I sometimes wish for a more original and relatable lead detective. One with a somewhat healthy relationship with their family who is not addicted to drugs or alcohol. These stories are great but thankfully I cannot relate to them. I can just hope they can control their vices long enough to save a life or solve a crime. In Detective Natalie Lockheart, Blanchard created the detective I have been craving. A well adjusted, hardworking, female detective who has some issues, but has not allowed herself to be controlled by her past. 

In Burning Lake New York, well regarded school teacher, Daisy Buckner has been murdered in her home. As usual her husband comes under suspicion. Natalie Lockheart is made the lead detective in Daisy’s case. Burning Lake is a small town where everyone knows everyone. Most of the witnesses and suspects Natalie interviews are her own friends or family. In order to find justice for Daisy, Natalie must put aside her feelings of loyalty to catch a killer.  

Burning Lake NY has a history which has engrained itself within the community. The history of the town includes the death of three “witches” murdered for allegedly practicing witchcraft. The deaths of these women are acknowledged throughout the book. Many current residents of Burning Lake practiced witchcraft in their younger days. Mostly love spells and seances, witchcraft is now a sort of rite of passage for most of the young people in town. I really enjoyed reading how a town which once killed women for being different has now transformed into a more tolerant and accepting community. 

In addition to the case of Daisy’s murder is the cold case of the Missing Nine. Nine young women who have gone missing in Burning Lake. The case is passed onto each new detective of the police department. Being the newest detective, Natalie is now the lead investigator on the case. With each new detective, the hope is that fresh eyes will uncover a new lead. Natalie gives as much of her time and dedication to the case of the Missing Nine as she gives to Daisy’s murder. Often times being told to table the investigation by her superior officer. The cold case has haunted the town of Burning Lake for years. Natalie’s stubborn dedication to solving the case of Missing Nine, will endear her to readers. 

For readers looking for a new police procedural series with a down to earth, strong, female lead character look no further than Trace Of Evil. The central plot is gripping but without theatrics and shocks. Rather more of a simmering twist which kept me completely immersed in the story. Fans of Sharon Bolton’s The Craftsman should add Trace Of Evil to their list of must reads. 

Murder and Moore Rating :

4.5 out of 5 Stars