Among the Dead: A Rachel Carver Mystery

In Among the Dead, Rachel Carver has recently resigned from being an agent with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation when a former co-worker asks for her help in solving a murder. Since she doesn’t currently have a job, and the Sheriff’s office is actually willing to pay her as a consultant, she gets in her car and heads for Lowry County. This small town has never seen a murder like this before, and after a recent case where a deputy planted evidence which ended with the suspect being set free, they have to make sure they do everything by the book. Rachel is well known for solving hard cases, and she has the expertise and experience to ensure they follow the rules and document everything. But this might be her hardest case yet because this killer isn’t leaving any evidence and isn’t working alone. He also doesn’t seem like he’s finished yet.

This was a fun read. I would have liked a little more information on motive, but I understand that can be difficult when most of those involved are dead. I thought the author did a great job developing Rachel’s character. Even though she was awesome, I think Mrs. Shipley was my favorite; sadly she was not a main player. Her character made me long for some of that famous Southern hospitality.

Mr. Backlund did an amazing job of describing how the criminals made sure there wasn’t any evidence. Hopefully he sticks to writing and doesn’t actually decide to commit any! This was a very well-executed story that was plausible, not confusing, and didn’t leave you hanging. The ending was perfect. The case gets wrapped up, but there is enough left open with the characters that you know you will see Rachel Carver again. This isn’t super important, but the cover on this book is beautiful. Even though I know I’m not supposed to, I tend to judge books by their cover. I was not disappointed. Both the outside and the inside were great.