Once again Ms. Ruff pulled me directly into the story. I didn't want to put the book down! The main focus of this book is sex trafficking young Eastern European girls, a serious, and important topic. I've heard of real stories similar to what happened with the girls, and like it did with the news, my heart broke for the characters in the book. It is something we don't pay enough attention to, how often do you think of sex trafficking when you don't see those fliers in the bathrooms? It's a huge business, using not only girls brought in from other countries, but also girls (and boys) from the United States. There should be more awareness, instead of being reminded by a great story.
Agent Victoria Heslin is called in to consult on a missing person's case in Charlotte by her boss, Larry Murphy. Though missing less than 24 hours, a friend of his wife's asked for help in finding her daughter. Without meeting the family in question, we already know from the conversation between Larry and Victoria that the family is affluent and privileged, giving them access to early help from the FBI. However, the family is uncooperative, and almost hostile towards Victoria, even though they requested the FBI's assistance. This is theme one, and makes more sense throughout the book, though how it ties in is a huge suprise. In the course of her investigation, she comes across a large sex trafficking ring, theme two and the parallel main theme that runs the course along with the kidnapping. Again are the minor, "just reminding you", in the back of your mind, themes of Victoria's background and romance.
As I thought it did from the first book, the slow moving, in the background romance adds to Victoria's character development. Unlike with her work, in the realm of romantic relationships she's uncertain, uncomfortable AND giddy with her feelings, and confused at times. So we continue to see her softer side develop in this book, and how it blends with her work persona. The candidness familiar in her position as a female agent is still apparent in her personal life, which can make for some awkward moments, but relatable. Her protective side is out in full force even before the sex trafficking ring is unveiled, giving a nod to her mother's kidnapping. The mention of both themes points to their continued development in further books.
While Ned was a focus (sort of) in the first part of the book, Rivera took over in the second half. Ms. Ruff let us sit with some of Ned's behaviors, while putting the attention on the agent's progression. His feelings for Victoria are fleshed out and presented to the readers in a more open fashion. This is not the only way we see growth in the character. Throughout we are given repeated flashes of his bravery, his rage and disgust for the sex traffickers, and his empathy, fear, and concern for the girls caught in the ring. To be honest, Ned felt like a secondary character in light of Rivera's presence.
I did feel that some of the tertiary characters were a little flat, for as often as they were used. There was very little backstory for any of them (which doesn't normally matter, as they aren't very involved in the story). For the secondary characters, we were given a slightly better understanding of, but some I couldn't decide if they were secondary or tertiary. It led to story lines that were left dangling.
I am very much anticipating the next book! This series has definitely been added to my favorites!
I was given an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.