Worth Killing For: A Julia Gooden Mystery by Jane Haseldine

The Story:
From the Kensington Books website

Detroit newspaper reporter Julia Gooden returns in a twisting, superbly assured new mystery, where a brutal murder and a father’s sudden return may provide the answers she’s spent decades searching for . . . or lead deep into a fatal trap.

The past never really leaves us. Crime reporter Julia Gooden sees proof of this every day in her stories. A dark childhood, a negligent parent, early abandonment—any one of them can seal a person’s fate as either a villain or victim. Julia, who experienced all three, seems to have beaten the odds, finding happiness raising her two sons and a blossoming relationship with detective Raymond Navarro.

But now, after three decades of absence, Julia’s conman father has resurfaced to throw her life into turmoil again. Julia was only seven when Duke Gooden abruptly left. Barely a month later, her nine-year-old brother, Ben, disappeared. Ben was her hero and protector, and though the case is cold, Julia has never given up hope of finding him. Duke’s return offers vital clues—but it also makes her a target of those who intend to see Duke punished for his many sins.

When Julia investigates the death of a city councilman’s young nephew, she finds links to a string of other murders . . . and to a web of greed and kidnapping that stretches back decades. At long last, Julia may be able to discover what happened to Ben all those years ago, but only if she’s willing to risk everything in her present . . .

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My Thoughts:
This is a first! I don't think I've ever cried while reading a mystery. My goodness, Jane Haseldine sure knows how to make the connection between characters and reader! She has a hit on her hands with this one.

While I loved the previous book in this series, Worth Killing For pretty much gutted me (in a good way!). It offers readers a look at Julia's childhood and all the pain and hurt that shaped her as a child and now as an adult. Ms. Haseldine brings a sense of authenticity to the character that is unlike any I've read in a very long time.

I don't gush over mysteries. As a matter of fact, I don't usually seek them out to read, but these Julia Gooden Mystery novels are just spectacular. The action and suspense are tempered with just a glimmer of hope and romance, which is Renee catnip. I was hanging onto that sense of hope like it was a lifeline! Honestly. I was devastated for Julia by the end of the book. I don't think I've ever read a mystery I've enjoyed more! I hope this isn't the last we've seen of these characters.

~ My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars! ~

*I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*

 Happy Reading!