Ashes to Ashes by Tami Hoag

The first book in the Kovac / Liska series. (Liska is the wisecracking one). Although, here, they are not the main characters: it's former FBI agent turned victim/witness Advocate, Kate Conlan and Special Agent John Quinn here battling a mass murderer who first tortures his victims, then anoints them and sets them ablaze.

Ashes to Ashes was my first Tami Hoag book, and I couldn't have enjoyed it more. If you are a fan of Jeffery Deaver, James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell, etc., you'll love this book. The plot was excellent, with enough twists and turns to keep me reading until 3am. The identity of the killer was a total surprise to this veteran thriller reader. Once you read it, you'll be hooked on the author's books.

I enjoyed this thriller set in Minneapolis. The story kept me guessing right up to the end and I liked the character interactions.

Thrillers and I, we are falling out of friendship with each other. Sigh.

This book was first published twenty years ago. I still remember the opening scene because not only is it our introduction Kate, but it tells us at the core who Kate is. Hoag is brilliant in showing and not telling who the characters are. Kate is still one of my favorite characters of Hoag and everything I would want my kid to be when they grow up (if I ever decide to get around to having someone else have one (laugh)).

The other character I love just as much is Sam Kovac. If you want a tired, but still cares detective with a wise cracking mouth: Sam is your cop. I think he is just awesome.
Hoag plants plenty of red herrings and twists. Oddly enough even though I remembered the beginning very well, I actually forgot who the killer was. (laugh) I did not see it, though I kind of did see one betrayal but I think that is more because I am a cynical person more than anything.

There is a dash of romance that has a history. It is a nice break from the crazy killings and the politics of police work. Hoag brings both into its imperfect glare. This is why I love Hoag so much. Hoag does not allow the story to be perfect because life is not - especially police work.

Ashes is a great introduction to the Kovac and Liska series. It is available everywhere and in all formats.

I got this book from my library. I love my local library and you should check out yours too. Request LGBTQ+ books and they will stock them! #ebooksforall