This book is, in a word, riveting. Such a smooth read with a great plot. The characters were well developed. I read this book in a few hours because I couldn't put it down. I loved it.

This is my 1st review for Netgalley books:)

I really liked Glory, I thought she was really sweet, despite the heartrending things she had been thru in her life. I look forward to Reading further books by this author.

Who knew Northern California was so violent? This book had an exceptionally high body count for a murder mystery. I liked the two main characters, an investigative reporter from New York City and the local woman who is a sheriff's deputy haunted by memories of a case she failed to solve.

I am not really into Supernatural series but this cover screamed read me!! Yes I do judge a book by their covers at first glance.

Sorry. But hey I am honest back to the review!

Helen Harper creates feisty, likable characters have a need to fight for what is right no matter what and a desire to be normal. Emma Bellamy was normal until something happened changing her forever!

I will be honest this would be a 5 star review but the ends had me scratching my head because it didn't match with the actions though out the series even when Emma spells it out for readers it still doesn't make since.

I love the author decision that using a persons name as the power to control another person. It was a interesting twist!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance copy of Helen Harper Brimstone Bound

California Deputy Sheriff Rhoda Swift and New York author and journalist Guy Newberry work together to solve 3 murders which lead to the answers of a 13 yr old massacre in the same town

So much fog, so much screaming.

A moody but familiar setting from Muller, wrapped around the tale of (wait for it) a 1970s Northern California commune gone horribly wrong, with after-effects lingering into the present day. Muller always gives great place and this coastal California county sketched from whole cloth is vivid and familiar. I have driven through this county with this fog beading my windows, watching long grasses bent by the offshore breeze instead of the long single lane road that's carrying me away.

I was kind of meh on the heroine because a) her dog was a convenience rather than a character or character attribute but much more b) if you're a capable law enforcement person I find it hard to believe you let some New York City writer swan in and become your investigation partner.

I was very meh on the New York City writer, and much more enamored with his dead wife, which should tell you possibly more than you need to know about both me and him.

Great mystery, though.

Content notes: 1970s gonzo parenting, child abuse, death of a parent, murders, infidelity, racist language used by racists, non-ironic use of the r-word.

Three and a half stars...

Rhoda Swift is a sheriff’s deputy in Soledad County in California where she
Works,lives, and is haunted by the murder that happened thirteen years ago.
Now a body has been found in the sea off Point Deception. Guy Newberry
An author has also come to town to write a book about the unsolved murder.
Can they work together to solve the case?
This is a different read from Muller’s McCone series, It moved slower and
Tied both cases together in the end.

My mom has read lots of books by Marcia Muller and her husband, Bill Pronzini. I have read some of them, and they are always entertaining. This one was about mysterious happenings along the Northern Calilfornia coastline. I liked it!

Point Deception by Marcia Muller is the first book of the Cape Perdido mystery series, a contemporary mystery set on Highway 1 along the rugged, beautiful coastline of Northern California. Cape Perdido series books are set in fictitious Soledad County (between Mendocino & Humboldt counties), yet each is a standalone mystery.

Chrystal "Chryssie" is driving a borrowed Mercedes up the coast highway when it breaks down. She's unprepared for problems, under-dressed for the cool coastal breeze, desperate to get help and get away. She waits hours by the roadside as cars whiz by; even a sheriff's car passes.

Signal Port is "a town in trouble". 13 years ago, a horrific mass murder took place in nearby Cascada Canyon. Town residents are wary. They don't like outsiders. The case has not been solved. They don't talk about it at all; only refer to "Before" / "After".

Deputy Sheriff Rhoda Swift was first responder to the canyon, witnessed violent death up close. Mistakes were made by the team; as the rookie, she was blamed. It wrecked her life for years, now she keeps rigid control, works hard.

Guy Newberry writes books about "towns in trouble". He arrives from New York, begins asking about the murders (his enquiries are unwelcome). He too views life as "Before" / "After" a personal tragedy.

As the 13th anniversary of the canyon murders approaches, a "floater" is discovered (Chryssie), a town resident is killed on the highway, another disappears. Could these events be linked to the past? Rhoda decides she must reopen the unsolved case, find answers, right wrongs. With the town in denial, she can only rely on Guy to help investigate.

As events unfold, chapters alternate point of view between Chryssie, Rhoda and Guy. Why Chryssie was there; what she did before getting stranded. Rhoda's perspective reveals a great deal about the town's residents: relationships, strengths and weaknesses, crimes. Guy's perspective is an objective look by an experienced researcher, but without context.

An engrossing web of stories about past & present residents, their families, hopes and dreams. Many secrets come to light as Rhoda and Guy examine what led to the massacre and its subsequent cover-up. Together they uncover the truth; each overcome personal demons. But even Rhoda and Guy don't know it all - we the reader know more details, from Chryssie's memories. A real page-turner, that lingers in memory after its final page.

Good, but not great.

Great writing...I was intrigued, curious, and guessing the whole time. I really loved this book.