Review - In the Belly of Jonah by Sandra Brannan

Book summary from Amazon (teaser)

A window cut into a girl's body sets off a desperate search for a serial killer with an artistic bent.

Liv "Boots" Bergen is shocked when the body of a stunning college intern working in her Colorado limestone quarry is found on the shores of a nearby reservoir. Clues are scarce--except that the crime scene appears to be a macabre, intricately staged tableau.

My Review - 4 stars

I knew this was a series, I mainly enjoy stand alone's so I initially thought OMG we will be dealing with the same serial killer, sigh, but nope looks like different cases for the series but the same amateur girl next door acting detective, Liv and the real Detective Streeter.  So in the Belly of Jonah we get it all with a good wrap up, I am pleased.

I did a minor in Art History so I completely got the mysterious brutal and gruesome parts but it didn't take away from the story at all, if anything it helped with the visuals.  A sick and twisted serial killer that thought far to much of himself.

I did like the idea that Liv came across as just using her brain and experiences to be able to help the Detectives instead of a wannabe that is better than the cops, that usually is a put off to me.   She was directly involved as the victim worked for her and the Detective was an old friend from college.  They dealt with the critical incident with staff very well, completely believable.  What was unbelievable is staying with Liv during the investigation, that would never get approved with Liv being so close to the investigation.  Especially since it wasn't a secret, ridiculous.

I was pleased that people actually died, the ones who usually never do, that was well done, gave us some good action.  Sandra Brannan did a great job on giving you ideas of who the murderer was so it became a him or him or is it someone else, good suspense.

This was a strong debut, well thought out.  A touch on the cozy side for me other than brutal scenes but overall it worked.  I will continue to read this series.

I read this after recommendation from blogger friend Michelle at red headed book child.