Gone for Good: A Novel

I started reading Joanna Schaffhausen's books with her debut, The Vanishing Season, and here we are with her fifth book and start of a brand new detective series - and I've thoroughly enjoyed every single one. This series gives us Detective Annalisa Vega and a murder that leads back to a cold case and a tragedy from Annalisa's past. This author seems to lean toward protagonists who are broken by past trauma. Granted, Annalisa is certainly more well-rounded than Ellery Hathaway, but she still has her own issues to work on. And no, I'm not complaining, just thought it was worth noting. I evidently lean toward those broken protagonists myself because all my favorite detective series do as well. I think it adds to the personal connection and character development, so bring on the emotional turmoil. That said, this one took a bit to get into the story and invested in the characters. Once things got going and whatever it is that makes a reader click with a character worked in me, Joanna Schaffhausen didn't let me down. The story is gritty and the path to the killer is a twisty one. Things also take a personal turn for Annalisa, and to be honest, I'm still not sure how I feel about the way this one wrapped up. That, of course, means I'm still thinking about it and mulling over all the details, the what-ifs, etc. I know I'll be very interested to see how the conclusion here affects things in book 2 of the series. So, a new series by what has become one of my favorite authors - not a bad way to while away a weekend. And if you enjoy suspense and haven't met this author's work, what are you waiting for?

GONE FOR GOOD is the first book in the Detective Annalisa Vega series. This is expected to be a series of mystery, suspense, crime novels featuring Chicago Detective Annalisa Vega. I give kudos to Joanna Schaffhausen for writing a beautifully descriptive book about a sadistic serial killer and *describing* the murder scenes *without* bogging down into blood, gore, and gratuitous depravity. I enjoyed that there was even a secondary mystery included, because Grace Harper and her Grave Diggers group are investigating more than one cold case at any given time. It was satisfying that Annalisa was able to complete Grace’s final two largest files. Annalisa is a likeable main character, brave and intelligent. Her partner, and ex-husband, Nick is also likeable – to me – even if her family doesn’t like him. Her high school sweetheart, Colin, ran scared as a young man, but now that he has returned to Chicago I hope he becomes a more permanent fixture in Annalisa’s future stories. Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via NetGalley, my opinions are my own and are given freely. Title: GONE FOR GOOD Series: Detective Annalisa Vega #1 Category /Genre: Mystery / Suspense Recommended for: 18+ Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused Received from: St. Martin’s Press

I was so excited to see that Joanna Schaffhausen has a new series and that I got to read and review the first one for Netgalley. Detective Annalisa Vega is a complex character with a sad and intense past, including a father who was also a policeman. Her new case is to find the Lovelorn Killer, a serial killer who has been active for two decades, long enough for her father to have tried to catch him before the task fell to her. Her partner Nick is also her ex-husband the rapport between the two was humorous and rare. They actually performed as if they were still friends! There is family drama thrown into the mix of the killer who has now killed seven victims. He is currently trying to catch Annalisa alone so that he can make her another victim, but her partner and her friends are not going to let that happen. The story moves along at a fast pace, with plenty of action and twists along the way. I certainly did not guess the killer’s identity, even with the multiple clues that the author left on the trail. Schaffhausen is an absolute master of weaving an intricate tale with hidden clues and likable characters and this one was no exception. In fact, it was so good that when I got to the end, I immediately wanted to know how long I have to wait until book two of the series is released. Annalisa is a sympathetic character who understands people and she knows that we will not want to wait long to see her again! Fans of mystery/suspense/police procedural should not pass up a chance to read this one! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”