When Jade Eby Isn't Writing...

Originally published at my blog Chasing Empty Pavements

To be completely honest, I wasn't expecting much from this book. The last few Netgalley books I've read haven't been much to rave about and it seems I get into these slumps where it takes at least 5 or 6 books to get me to a book I really feel good about. This novel seriously took me by surprise.

The Good: It's been a very long time since I've found a new mystery series with an awesome lead detective that I've fallen in love with. The Stranger You Seek however just fixed that for me. I love Keye Street. She is a feisty, blunt and underdog of a character. She kicks ass and takes names but all in a realistic setting. No paranormal/fantasy aspects in this novel. I hate to admit it but I also LOVE books about serial killers. Don't ask me why. I just do okay? The serial killer in this novel is so smart and evil and the way Williams writes, you can just tell how creepy the killer is. I loved the secondary characters in this novel as well and the romance is kept at a subtle minimum which I enjoyed. The way Williams has the killer interact with the characters is unique and fresh. It's not your typical run of the mill chapters that switch pov's. Williams makes use of technology to help her killer interact with Keye and her team. I can't say much about the twists/plot but all I can say is that I was almost to the end and I thought, "Omg. This is SO easy. Why did she make the killer so predictable!" Only to find out I was WRONG! Score for Williams. I also love the fact that this novel takes place in the South...ya'll know how much I love books set in the south :P The writing was done well, the characters fully developed and interesting, intriguing and likable and of course the plot was wonderful. I think there is a new Janet Evanovich on the scene and her name is Amanda Kyle Williams!

The Bad: Nothing negative to say about this book! It was wonderful!

**I received this book free from the publisher through www.netgalley.com. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.