First Chance

Chance Kirby has the DNA of an investigator, but a murder case promises more challenges and surprises than a garden-variety divorce case. Darla Weaver is a woman who demands justice for her murdered sister, Patience Milroy. Patience was 16 years old when she was brutally murdered, and while Darla has some misgivings about Chance’s abilities, she hires her to investigate. One of the characteristics of the case that piques Chance’s interest was that the victim’s clothes were on backwards. When Chance reaches out to one of her contacts in law enforcement, she discovers a recent murder with a similar m.o. When Chance shares her findings with her adopted sister Tia, Tia tells Chance that there may be a serial killer operating in or around Hopeful, Texas. Chance will have her mettle tested as her suspect proves elusive and her safety, as well as Tia is in jeopardy.

First Chance is the debut mystery novel from writer Kasey Lansdale, and it is a surefire winner from start to finish. Lansdale has created a transfixing protagonist in Chance Kirby, who is tenacious but vulnerable, a private detective out to prove herself in an often male-dominated profession. Lansdale has a promising future in the mystery genre.