Review - Dead and Gone

Title:  Dead and Gone

Author:  Joanna Schaffhausen

Series:   Detective Annalisa Vega #3

Publisher:  Minotaur Books

Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   328

Date of Publication:   August 8, 2023

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

The next installment of Joanna Schaffhausen's critically acclaimed Detective Annalisa Vega series.

For Chicago police detective Annalisa Vega, Sam Tran’s death presents an ominous puzzle. The ex-cop turned PI is found hanging from a cemetery tree with a message across his chest that suggests someone holds a murderous grudge against the police. Annalisa suspects the real answer lies in one of Tran’s open cases. She believes he stumbled on a dark secret during his investigations and someone killed him to keep him quiet. Her own family harbors plenty of secrets, something Annalisa is reminded of when her brother turns out to be one of Sam’s last clients.

Vinny Vega hired Tran to find a dangerous stalker on his daughter’s college campus. Now Sam is dead and the stalker remains at large, with Annalisa’s niece Quinn firmly in his sights.

To protect Quinn, Annalisa begins tracing Sam’s steps back through his open cases, which include not only the campus stalker but also a brutal double homicide from twenty years ago. Did Sam finally find the killer? Did he uncover the stalker’s identity? Annalisa must figure out which secret got Sam killed, and fast, or someone else will die. Every move she makes brings her closer to the truth of Sam’s death, and closer to a murderer who will stop at nothing to remain free.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

The apparent murder of ex-cop turned PI Sam Tran starts of having Detective Annalisa Vega's full attention. However, when her niece starts to have struggles at her college, Annalisa now has two cases on her hands. When it came to Sam, Annalisa soon finds out there was a definitely a reason he was killed, but she must unearth secrets that Sam had been hiding. With regard to her niece Quinn, not only is Annalisa concerned about what is going on at the campus, but Quinn's father and Annalisa's older brother Vinnie want to protect his daughter at any cost.

There is a possible tie-in between Sam's murder and the case of stalking that is going on at the college Quinn is attending. More than that, there is a case of twenty years ago that is somehow connected as well. 

Annalisa is a strong cop. She has experienced her share of trials. Years before she was married to the officer she is currently assigned with, Nick. The flame never died between Annalisa and Nick, and it was really nice to see how their relationship is much stronger now than when they were married. 

This third book in the Detective Annalisa Vega series was a compelling read. I loved the drama, intrigue and twists as the story went on. In August, the fourth book in the series will be available, All the Way Gone. However, it is on my immediate TBR as I just love this series and all of the characters. Annalisa's family has a complicated history, but I loved how close she is to her family despite the troubles they have.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books as well as NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Joanna Schaffhausen wields a mean scalpel, skills she developed in her years studying neuroscience. She has a doctorate in psychology, which reflects her long-standing interest in the brain―how it develops and the many ways it can go wrong. Previously, she worked as a scientific editor in the field of drug development. Prior to that, she was an editorial producer for ABC News, writing for programs such as World News Tonight, Good Morning America, and 20/20. She lives in the Boston area with her husband and daughter.

web | twitter