“The Truth Will Out” by Karen J. Mossman

I’ve read short stories by Karen J. Mossman and was eager to read this book, The Truth Will Out. It’s a choice I’m glad I made. This story packs a punch from the beginning. Mossman wastes no time getting into the heart of the matter.

Sarah and her friend Abby are young women who share a house and are enjoying life. Playing a child’s game of jacks, one I remember well from my own childhood, they are startled when a brick flies through the window. It’s apparent this no accident as there is a word scrawled on the brick that seems to be directed at one of the women. Of course, they call the police, especially since Abby’s father is a Chief Superintendent in Manchester, England. This is just the first in a series of attacks. The question is, are both girls being targeted or is it only one who has attracted the attention of an enemy?

When Abby is injured her father becomes directly involved and assigns Inspector Ryan Andrews to investigate the case. Ryan is attractive, something Sarah immediately notices. The clever repartee between these two is spot on. Sarah has something dark in her past that she refuses to reveal. Ryan is determined to learn what her secret is. There is an electricity between the two that can’t be denied.

In chapter three the author introduces “Kelly”, and it is there that the mystery deepens. Mossman lays out the back story through Sarah’s memories. The story is filled with domestic violence and criminal behavior. The author does an excellent job of describing the inner conflicts an abused woman experiences.

Mossman used the colloquial language of the area but it is easy to follow and contributes to the realism of the characters. Although the growing relationship between Ryan and Sarah is expected, Mossman throws in some curves that left me surprised.

I enjoyed this book very much. There are a few missing words here and there but they in no way detracted from the story. The pacing is great; there are no dragging moments. The characters are believable. And the conclusion is satisfactory. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a thriller with mystery, some romance and doesn’t mind some gritty violence. I’ll definitely be reading more books by this author. I award this book a well-earned Gold Bookworm.