{Review} UNDERTOW by Kelly Cozy

ISBN #: 978-0991044511

Page Count: 270

Copyright: November 12, 2014

Publisher: Smite Publications

Description:

(Taken from back cover)

Drew Finley was a crime journalist, until his mind couldn't shut out the images of blood and bodies. Alcohol made the images go away, but also ruined Drew's career and innocents' lives.

Drew's eager to make amends and he's got a story that will help him: a profile of a local celebrity who may have been framed for murder. As he digs deeper, he'll uncover secrets and grudges that will put the people he loves in danger.

Charlene's Review:

Drew is settled in as a copy chief at the Weekly, a local newspaper, after fleeing a job and his past. He has a steady girlfriend and a comfortable life, even as he realizes his past is always right behind me. When a story comes up regarding the Lieutenant Governor wanting to commute death row sentences, Drew is called upon to look into a local murderer. Jones Cavanaugh was the Coach for a local womens basketball team. He allegedly had an affair with, and ultimately murdered, one of the players. What Drew doesn’t know is that Jones Cavanaugh is proclaiming his innocence, and as Drew follows the leads to the past, his past comes back to haunt him and change his life forever.

What starts out as a typical murder mystery focusing on a crime of passion soon becomes so much more. Ms. Cozy introduces us to the very psyche of her characters, their superficial and subconscious thoughts. As Drew cycles deeper and deeper into his research, and deeper and deeper into his addictions, the weight of the book changes and becomes almost nightmarish in its qualities. As a reader, I could feel his emotions as he struggled for the truth, and never more intimately as in the finale, which was not at all expected, and even more dramatic than I could have imagined. I actually exclaimed out loud at the turn of events.

I have reviewed a few of Ms Cozy’s books now, and this one far surpassed my high expectations. She has a wonderful grasp of character building and eliciting emotional response from the reader. Taking it one step farther in this novel with shock value, she has made me a devoted fan. If you are looking for suspense, this is the book for you.

5 out of 5 stars!


*A physical copy of this novel was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.