Dead Like Me

Dead Like Me
by Kelly Miller

226 pages
Published November 29, 2012

This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

On edge after a two-week mandatory leave, Detective Kate Springer is blindsided when she discovers she shares a link with Tampa's newest murder victim-a troubled teen found strangled and dumped in a remote part of town. The bond between them threatens to expose Detective Springer's past-a past she's been hell bent on keeping secret. When the killer finally emerges from the shadows, Kate's secrets aren't the only thing on the line. So is her life.

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Ms. Miller has done a great job with her debut novel. The characters are very real -- although I really didn't like Kate for the first couple of chapters. After that, she really fell into focus. I thought Patrick was great, he made a great partner for Kate.

The "mystery" was predictable, which was fine, most are.

I have to admit, there were a couple of things that bothered me. First, if you read this, be prepared for the fact that this isn't a happy/feel good book. This is a drag-you-into-the-trenches type of book. Generally, I read to escape, not to hear about child molestation.

My other complaint is rather silly: it took me almost the whole book to stop comparing Detective Kate Springer to Detective Kate Beckett. (Sorry, I'm a Castle fan. When I hear "Detective Kate" I assume it'll be followed with Beckett. And really, Kate Beckett is hard to live up to.) Sorry.

I'm very curious as to what Ms. Miller will bring us next!

3.5/4 stars