This story is loaded with action, grit, gruesome imagery, and even some sweet lightheartedness that provides the balance to even out the crime and suspense levels.

We Imagined It Was Rain by Andrew Siegrist - Publishers Weekly

An up-all-night, unforgettable tale of secrets, lies, and taut suspense. Readers will want to grab this one!”— New York Times bestselling authorCarla Neggers Prosecutor Kaj Jean-Pierre Cardoza and his son ten-year-old son Elijah are new to the New Orleans area, only being there six months. Kaj knows there is corruption in the police department and the Prosecutor’s office has had their hands full cleaning up a past ADA’s shady dealings. Kaj has been assigned two high profile cases, one where a movie star was allegedly raped by the director and one where a drug dealer beat his son’s oncologist to death when he failed to save him. Unfortunately, both put him and his son in danger. When Elijah narrowly escapes an attempted kidnapping, Kaj doesn’t trust the police to guard them and instead hires Broussard Investigations to keep them safe. That man is Aaron Gates. Who it turns out is connected to a gang Sixth Day. Whom NOPD believe long disbanded but now believe are targeting Kaj's son. Berkley Publishing Group and Karen Rose provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 15, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.The romance develops between Broussard's agent, Val and the ADA, Kaj. They bond over Elijah and protecting his safety, as well as desire to capture the criminals. We do see some characters from the previous book in New Orleans.

Beneath Dark Waters (A New Orleans Novel Book 2) - Kindle Beneath Dark Waters (A New Orleans Novel Book 2) - Kindle

In his debut collection of loosely connected stories set mostly in Tennessee, some of which draw on local folklore, Siegrist shows a remarkable ability to evoke the missing pieces in his characters’ lives. As the title suggests, water, in all its variations, is central to these tales of lost love, memory, and transformation. In the haunting

Blistering, high-octane suspense that never lets up.”— New York Times bestselling author Karen Robards

Beneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose | Goodreads Beneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose | Goodreads

The two main characters, Val and Kaj, were developed with heart and kindness, plus the growth of steamy heat and simmering love interest tempered the ugliness surrounding them. Kaj, Val, and Elijah are likeable characters. Kaj is kind, understanding, and determined to help his boss root out corruption in the area. However, he also fears for his son’s safety. Val is a Marine veteran, tenderhearted, capable, and thoughtful. However, she is also estranged from her sister Sylvie. Elijah is ten years old, smart for his age, and kindhearted. Kaj and Val seem to balance each other, but their attraction came on a little too fast. However, these strong protagonists with strong senses of determination were easy to get behind and hope that they succeed in their endeavors. Several characters from book one make an appearance in this one as well so readers can catch up on their lives as well. Some of the antagonists are known immediately while others are slowly revealed.This riveting crime thriller, police procedural, and romantic suspense novel keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The novel builds suspense in a way that pulls readers into the lives of the characters. The plot is full of chasing down leads and interviewing people as well as plenty of danger for those involved. I enjoyed how the author provided unpredictable moments and a little humor, which offset some gruesome spots in this tale. Themes include murder, abduction, relationships, families, drugs, friendship, secrets, trust, assault, torture, corruption, and much more. Beneath Dark Waters opens with a terrible kidnapping attempt that did not succeed, but put New Orleans Assistant District Attorney, JP “Kaj” Cardozo on the alert that one of his cases caused someone to go for his vulnerable son, Elijah. He is guilt-ridden, but doesn’t waste time skipping the dubious protection of NOPD and goes straight to Broussard’s. He’s assigned former Marine, Val Sorensen.

Beneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose | Hachette UK

The heart-stopping new thriller in the New Orleans series, from Sunday Times bestselling author Karen Rose. However, with threats coming from every direction and trouble knowing who the team can trust. This is not an easy task. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Yet, as the investigation gets underway it becomes increasingly clear there is more at play than anyone thought and all eyes soon move to Aarons brothers. Effortlessly balances romance and crime . . . an excellent example of how far-reaching and varied romance can be * New York Times *J.P. “Kaj” Cardozo is the Assistant District Attorney for New Orleans. When his young son is nearly kidnapped, he hires Broussard Investigations to protect him. Kaj feels tormented that his job puts his son’s life in jeopardy. However, he cannot ignore his growing attraction to his son’s new female bodyguard. The investigation takes a darker, drastic turn when they learn there is more to both of his high-profile cases. Will Kaj have to step away from those cases to protect his son? Or will he power through to allow justice to be served? When Val Sorensen of Burke Broussard Private Investigation Agency is assigned as Elijah's bodyguard, she realises she also has a very personal connection to the gang thought to be behind the attempted kidnap - a run in with Sixth Day cost her brother his life. Val is also dealing with the death of twin. Throughout this story, she learns more about her brother and learns that he wasn't the hero she thought he was which brings its own trauma to the situation. ELLIJAH is awesome but unbelievable at 9 years old. So definitely suspend your beliefs in this novel and just enjoy what you can. Everything lays out a bit too easily and some of the connections are OTT Karen Rose has written another top-notch thriller! Grab this book. You won’t be able to put it down.”— New York Times bestselling author, Brenda Novak