LEFT FOR DEAD is a fast moving mystery thriller full of action, well-developed characters, a witty protagonist, and surprises. Karen Vaughan introduces her main protagonist Laura Fitz providing readers her history, including details of Laura’s nose for investigating crimes as a CSI and her reputation for attracting dead bodies. Vaughan continues to share details of her other protagonist giving readers details of Laura’s husband Gerry. The author updates her readers giving them what has transpired series to date including details of Laura and Gerry expecting their first child in two months. Due to her pregnancy, she is only working in the CSI lab and not visiting any crime scenes. The pace of the story-line picks up momentum when Gerry finds his cousin badly beaten and near death.
Vaughan introduces support characters who add twists and turns to the main plot and she creates subplots that add direction changes to her mystery. The author provides readers details of each character’s actions and the roles they play as they enter the story-line. Readers are wondering what will happen next as they follow Laura as if they are sitting on her shoulder. LEFT FOR DEAD’s plot continues to provide lots of action on every page. The author describes unfolding events such as a dead body on a trail, a murder of an ex-husband, connections to the mob, a kidnapping, strained family relationships, and an overprotective husband. Each of these events keep Vaughan’s readers on the edge of their seats as the LEFT FOR DEAD’s story-line builds towards an unpredictable outcome.
Left for Dead by Karen Vaughan, is witty and intelligently told mystery story. It’s the 6th in the Laura and Gerry mysteries series and a delightfully penned book.
It seems even pregnancy will not stop Laura Fitz from being a corpse magnet, as she stumbles yet again onto another dead body. While Laura is talking to the police, she receives a phone call from hubby. Apparently, Laura’s gift or curse for discovering the dead and becoming embroiled in the nasty affairs of the murder has rubbed off on to Gerry, for he has found his cousin near death.
The Fitz’s have once again become entangled in murder, mayhem, the lives of others along with the danger it entails. But, through it, all Laura remains her witty self. Gerry doesn’t fair as well as his love for Laura and their coming baby, upset his judgement at times. After all, it is difficult to be objective when the life of one's wife is on the line.
Ms. Vaughan has another terrific read in Left for Dead. I enjoyed this book enormously and highly recommend it to everyone.