This is another novel I picked up because I confused the author with someone else, but I am so glad I did! I understand the second book in the series is out now, too.
Lexi is a survivor of a serial killer. She’s doing the usual “there’s a little bit of blood in my JackDaneils-stream” self medicating that a lot of trauma survivors fall victim to.
Rachel is the cop who put the serial killer away… or did she? There’s either a copycat, or she had it wrong the first time round.
Lexi’s been running her own scams on paedophiles, using less than legal methods to provide cops with ironclad evidence to take them down. I really liked this aspect – it gives Lexi agency, even though she’s struggling. She is finding a way to make a positive influence. There’s also very little prospect of formal IT training for the homeless, and zero prospect of getting in with the cops with a record for solicitation, so Lexi forging her own path despite starting at a significant deficit is a mark of her strength.
Without spoilers, Rachel’s carrying some guilt over her decisions. This gives Lexi an in with the cops, and a legitimate chance to take down whoever is killing little girls this time.
I’ll follow Lexi into the next book, for sure.