Cardinal Virtue

by J.R. Lesperance, Lauren Hughes (Editor)

A beloved schoolteacher, her gruesome death, and a series of cryptic symbols left behind by the killer are just the beginning… Police legacy Lara Nadeau never thought she would find herself anywhere but her beloved Boston. However, after the death of her father and one too many missteps on the job, she is transferred to a small, charming city near Salem. Wracked with grief and haunted by a hostage situation gone horribly wrong, Lara spirals into a toxic mire of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. She hoped the slow pace of small town policing might be a calm retreat to help set her back on the straight and narrow. Unfortunately, not long after her arrival to idyllic Eastfall, a brutal, ritualistic murder of a beloved educator sends the community reeling. To make matters worse, the prime suspect is the police chief’s son, Police Sergeant Zachariah Braddock. Charming and handsome, Zach has a few demons of his own, but is he capable of such atrocities? Lara’s only wish is to return to Boston and prove she is not her past mistakes, but one death was only the beginning. A sequence of peculiar murders of local women, a house with a mind of its own, and the return of an old flame, threatens to derail her. If Lara can’t overcome her own personal demons to help find the killer in time, her chances of clearing her name and saving her own life, will be dead in the water.

324 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2020

Reviews

[Kathryn Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

COULD. NOT. PUT. IT. DOWN.

If you are a fan of mystery and paranormal with a good dose of history, you're going to love this book. The author's use of character pushed me through the pages and made me feel like I was there with Lara on the quest to find the killer, find out what's in the house, and better herself in the process. I read this book in one sitting and adored the autumn New England setting. I'm itching to read book two and find out what happens next.

[PrettyBookish13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah. This book… I’m lost for words! What I thought was just going to be a simple police thriller with ritual killings turned into a mildly paranormal thriller, and I love the way it was done. The subtle links and hints all came together beautifully. I will admit, I guessed (correctly) who the killer was, a little over half way through, but that didn’t detract from the story in any way and to have my suspicions proven correct was very satisfying.
I love how well it’s set up for a sequel while also completing most of the current storyline.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding first novel. The vivid descriptions and complexity of the characters, story and how it unfolds keeps you turning page after page. The main lead female is strong, not without flaws - keeping her relatable- you'll be rootin for her success. The unlikely trio is witty and balanced. I appreciate the openness in relationships and will be curious how they'll unfold in coming books. Can't wait to read more

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was glad I got to read this, it was a strong opening chapter in this world and was engaged with what was going on. The characters had that feel that I was looking for and wanted to read more in this series. J. R. Lesperance wrote this well and left me wanting to read more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I began reading the sample on kindle unlimited and couldn’t wait for it to arrive in the mail. I had a hard time putting it down and really enjoyed the older movie references!

[Francesca Costa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast-paced book that was just my speed!! Combining a gritty true crime story with a supernatural New England element was a stroke of genius!!!! So so excited to read more from this author 💕