Title: Girl Most Likely
Author: Max Allan Collins
Series: Krista Larson, #1
Narrator: Dan John Miller
Published: April 2019, Brilliance Audio / Thomas & Mercer
Length: 7 hours 26 minutes / 272 pages
Source: Audio – Brilliance Audio / Print – Paperback via Little Bird Publicity
Summary:
It’s never too late for revenge in this thrilling novel by New York Times bestselling and award-winning crime master Max Allan Collins.
In a small Midwest town, twenty-eight-year-old Krista Larson has made
her mark as the youngest female police chief in the country. She’s
learned from the best: her father, Keith, a decorated former detective.
But as accustomed as they are to the relative quiet of their idyllic
tourist town, things quickly turn with Krista’s ten-year high school
reunion.
With the out-of-towners holed up in a lakefront lodge, it doesn’t
take long to stir up old grudges and resentments. Now a successful TV
host, Astrid Lund, voted the “Girl Most Likely to Succeed” – and then
some – is back in town. Her reputation as a dogged reporter has made the
stunning blonde famous. Her reputation among her former classmates and
rivals has made her infamous. Astrid’s list of enemies is a long one.
And as the reunion begins, so does a triple murder investigation.
Krista and her father are following leads and opening long-locked
doors from their hometown to the Florida suburbs to Chicago’s
underworld. They just never imagined what would be revealed: the secrets
and scandals of Krista’s own past.
My thoughts: This is the first book I’ve read/listened to my Max Allan Collins and what I hope is the first in a new series and I have to say I really enjoyed it. It’s a lighter thriller which is perfect for breaking up those heavier, darker reads that I tend to gravitate towards.
This book was equal parts police procedural and drama and I loved each part. I liked the way the high school reunion was worked into the story line – gosh, I have had a few of my own high school reunions come and go and have not attended any of them! The drama and the angst felt real and relatable and perhaps that in part is why I haven’t attended my own reunions.
I loved the relationship between Krista and her father, Keith. I think this was my favorite part of the book. He’s a detective through-and-through and even when not on the job, he’s always working. But I loved that she felt she could use his expertise on this case. He had value to add and she was not afraid to bring him in. And he saw a connection to another case that really helped things move along…something she might not have picked up on right away.
This book is a quick, fast-paced read that keeps things moving. You aren’t sure who the killer is and I liked that. I had my suspicions, but never guessed correctly. I am quite curious to see where the series is heading…as I hope it is going to continue.
Audio thoughts: This was a fun audio to listen to. It was the first time I’ve listened to Dan John Miller narrate a book and I thought he did a great job. He brought the characters to life and gave each one a unique voice and personality. I hope, if this series continues, that he will also continue as the narrator.
I like the idea of a light thriller. Too many of them are so dark and depressing that it's hard to digest them. This one sounds like it gets the balance just right. Thanks for the rec!