Series Reading - The Couple's Secret by Lisa Regan

If you've been following my blogging journey at all, you've probably come to realize that I'm a big fan of the mystery/thriller genre.  It's not to say that I read this genre to the exclusion of all else, but a healthy slice of my reading pie is in that realm.  I truly enjoy being on the hunt for a solution; for the bad guy or girl, the process of solving the mystery, and the feeling of satisfaction that comes with a neat and tidy ending.  I love the challenge of pitting my crime-solving skills against our fictional detective heroes.  Sometimes I win, sometimes I'm foiled. 

What really gets me invested is when a book kickstarts a story that carries our hero or heroine on through a well-written series.  One of the key elements that gets me hooked on a series is when the main character has a vivid and flawed backstory.  Sometimes it's a troubled upbringing, a drinking problem, relationship difficulties or another human frailty, but it makes the character more a person to me.  A person with whom I can identify, root for, and sympathize with when they fall.  

One such "person" lives in a twenty-three book series authored by Lisa Regan, Detective Josie Quinn.  Josie; abducted as a baby, raised by an abusive woman, later learns she has another family including a twin sister. If there aren't some opportunities in that scenario for trouble to break out, toss in her work as a police detective in a small Pennsylvania town that seems plagued with more than its share of crime.  I mean serious crime-kidnapping, serial killers,  and Josie's own past back to haunt her.  You name it!

Twenty-three books!  You might say, "yikes".  I don't have the time or interest in devoting myself to such a lengthy saga.  That's one of the side benefits of trying this series-you jump in or pull yourself out when you feel the need.  These books do stand on their own two feet if you only read one, two or a few.  Granted you will miss some of what I believe is a great foundation, but it's never to difficult to catch on and catch up.

Just so you don't miss out, today is launch day for Book #23, The Couple's Secret, which I was lucky enough to have gotten my greedy little hands on early.  Like all the JQ's preceding, it was a hit for me.  The early reviews are also excellent, with Amazon reporting an average rating of 4.9 five star reviews so far. 

MJ had this to say:

Lisa Regan delivered another suspenseful and entertaining story that keeps you guessing. I like her writing style, the characters, the suspenseful and the storyline. I can’t get enough of this wonderful series and I can only recommend it.

I received an advance review copy via Netgalley/Bookouture and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.

S Zellmer's thoughts:

This latest Josie Quinn thriller was amazing. Josie and her team take on a case of bodies found submerged in a river, who turn out to have disappeared years ago from a town hours away. But they didn't drown - they were murdered before disappearing into the water. Who would want this couple dead, and why were they found so far from their home? The more she investigates, the more questions Josie has. And the more she realizes that even families that appear perfect can have plenty to hide.

The story was so enthralling, and the mysteries so layered, with many family members entangled in the secrets of the couple's past. They are the type of people who project one image to society, leaving their true selves exposed only to those closest to them. Josie and her team really have to dig into this family and get them to push past their loyalties to reveal their darkest secrets. It's the only way they will get justice for the victims. They may not be totally innocent, but they still deserve justice, and Josie always fights for that. It's why her character has such a high level of integrity. And once those involved start to spill, you won't believe how depraved some people can be.

Jenny's review:

Some Series that go on this long have run their course long before getting to #23.  Somehow Lisa Regan continues to keep me excited about each book and looking forward to the next one.  I love her characters!  Even the ones I don't like.  She has the ability to make you invested in their stories and lives and keeps you wanting more.  

There is no doubt in my mind that you'll enjoy Lisa's series, especially #23.  Give it a try and don't forget to leave your own review.