Blessing of the Lost Girls

This was a solid serial killer mystery set in the present-day southwestern United States. Blessing of the Lost Girls combines J.A. Jance's Brady and Walker family series, and includes quite a bit of backstory and family history, especially at the beginning. Although I am very familiar with Joanna Brady and her family, I have never read any of the Walker family stories. Despite this unfamiliarity, I would rather have just taken the Walkers as presented in this story without all the complicated family history. It interrupted the otherwise smooth and intense flow of the story. The characters were so fully formed in this novel that the detail seemed unnecessary. 
Despite the detailed family tree explanations, the story of the serial killer targeting mainly young indigenous women was timely and compelling. After a quick, grisly start, the first third was a bit slow, mainly due to all the family history. But it quickly picked up and I stayed up late last night to read the final 75 pages.
A very good read, especially for J.A. Jance's many fans.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this novel.