A review by rbharath
Deadly Secrets by Robert Bryndza

relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

With this I have caught up with all books of the Erika Foster series so far. I need to decide if I will wait for the next instalment or read more of the Kate Marshall series by the author.  As with the other books in the series, this combines a good story, well developed characters, and strong police procedure. 

Marissa Lewis, a burlesque dancer, is found murdered right outside her home. Her mother who stays with her finds her in the morning. There are others who have been attacked by an assailant wearing a gas mask as they alight from trains and walk, very much like what Marissa did. Investigation reveals that Marissa led a complex life and had secret relationships, including one with a married man who says they were planning to elope. There is another obsessed individual who photographs her all the time. There are other investigation threads which need to be pursued as well based on her work life. This is the kind of complex case which Erika excels in solving. She has problems of her own though – her father-in-law is not well, and her relationship with colleague Peterson has entered a curious phase. Moss, is appointed the temporary in-charge of the case, till Erika can be back, and I liked how her character gets some focus this way. 

This one gets off to an exciting start and though in the middle I thought it was losing steam, it gets back with some good last sections, and a strong finish. I like Bryndza’s books for Erika Foster’s strong & complex character, good police procedures, and non-sensationalist writing without forced twists. There is a suggestion here and there on the motive, but it really comes together completely only at the end. 

A great series!