Sandy M’s review of If You Know Here (Ash Trilogy, Book 3) by Shiloh Walker
Romantic Suspense published by Ballantine 28 Feb 12

I devoured this trilogy in nothing flat. Every character – yes, even the villain – is first rate, the mystery keeps you guessing for quite some time, and the romance is vintage Shiloh Walker. If you’re already a fan, you know how good these books are. If you’re not a fan yet, well, you need to step up to the plate. Ms. Walker has knocked it out of the park, time for you to bring it on home.

Up to this point in the trilogy, the reader has no idea who the killer is. You might have an idea or two, there’s some good misdirection going on throughout, but it’s not until about a third of the way into this book we find out who’s been wreaking such havoc on Ash, Kentucky and these characters we’ve grown to love. And that’s all because Nia, cousin to Joely who was killed in the first book, pushes this villain’s buttons, pushes him to re-plan time and again. This guy is scary. Not only because of his need to pursue, violate, and kill, but he blends in. He’s grown up among the people he’s terrorizing, and they have no idea the kind of monster they have in their midst.

Nia has returned to Ash because things regarding the death of the killer and the closure of her cousin’s case just don’t sit right with her. Something isn’t right. So she’s determined to do her own investigating, with the help of the new sheriff, Ezra King, who is the hero in the first book. Ezra has had the same kind of feeling, so he listens to Nia and promises to look into it. But that’s not fast enough for her. Between her research and calling in favors, she’s uncovered some vital information.

Law remembers the golden-eyed, trigger-happy woman who pulled a gun on him because she thought he’d killed Joely. Now she’s back in Ash and she’s on his mind. He doesn’t know if he really wants anything to do with someone who’s so rash, he can’t resist Nia. And I’m glad, because these two are great together. When they meet up again, it’s awkward for Nia because of her previous actions, but Law is ready for more, so much more. When he discovers why she’s really back, he doesn’t think she’s crazy and he wants to help.

Then the killer begins to stalk Nia, trying to scare her enough she’ll hightail it out of Ash, but she feels safe with Law, and little by little the pieces begin to fall into place. Our villain knows the jig is almost up and he begins to put his final plans in motion, knowing he won’t go to jail. And this guy will go to every length there is to stay free. When they find his workshop, holy shit. You’re as sickened and amazed as the characters who discover it are. When all is actually solved this time around, Nia leaves town. Leaves Law. I couldn’t believe it.

You must read this trilogy from the beginning. No way around it. I don’t know that you’d be lost if you failed to start here, but you sure won’t get the whole effect of the story or the characters. These characters feature dominantly in each book, but each romance is never lacking. The story arc moves in time through each one, so you will definitely miss a lot if you read out of order. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Grade: A+

Summary:

A SHADOW IN THE WINDOW

Nia Hollister doesn’t scare easily. Come hell or high water, she intends to find her cousin’s killer. She returns to Ash, Kentucky, for answers. What she doesn’t expect is to ache with desire every time she sees Law Reilly. If any man can help her escape the nightmares for a while, it’s him. But can she allow herself to take comfort in those strong arms when a murderer still roams free?

Unknown to Nia, as she quietly slips into Law Reilly’s home, is that she’s being watched—by someone who is waiting for an opportunity to strike.

Timing is everything, though he can’t wait forever. If she’s not frightened, she soon will be. Nia has made a vow to find her cousin’s killer. She should be careful what she wishes for.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: