Innocence Road ⎼ Laura Griffin

Detective Leanne Everhart swore she’d never go back to her hometown near Marfa, Texas—but she returns when her brother needs her, only to find a town in need too, still torn apart by a decades-old crime.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

From the top, this book was so well-written it truly felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book. The scenery, the characters’ dialogue and internal monologues, and the overall pacing were all written at an expert level, allowing for the story to fully pull me in. 

The plot of this book follows Leanne Everhart, a police detective who’s returned to her hometown force after two decades away. Leanne is a captivating lead, with a determination that only grows stronger as the book progresses. There are a few other POVs interspersed, but Leanne’s no-nonsense narration drives the story. 

I also really enjoyed the environment of this book. Set near Marfa in western Texas, the book explores the impact the town faces as a hub for immigration, art, and small town politics. While investigating multiple missing persons cases, Leanne spends time delving into each area that changed her hometown’s dynamics. 

If you, like me, find yourself reading dozens of detective-led thrillers that all seem to coagulate into an amalgamation of generic plot twists and characters, you might still be hesitant. While Innocence Road has all the classic hallmarks of a detective thriller, it is elevated in all the key areas, leaving the reader with a memorable reading experience.

Thanks to Berkley for the free book in exchange for an honest review!

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