Wow. Before I start the review, I just have to say that if I were to describe THE LAST WINTER OF DANI LANCING in one word it would be -- INTENSE. 
 Basically, this is a story told in alternating periods of time, frequently through flashbacks, in which a mother, father, and former lover tell the tale of Dani Lancing - a girl they all loved and lost in different ways. In her early twenties, while in University, Dani was presumably beaten, raped, and murdered, and nobody has yet to discover the identity of her murderer. 
 Years later, her father Jim, mother Patty, and former love Tom are still struggling to deal with Dani's tragic death. Jim and Patty's relationship has fallen apart, leaving them entirely separated and Jim completely distraught, alone, and confused. Patty has become dangerously preoccupied with uncovering the mysterious identity of her daughter's killer -- willing to do anything and everything to locate and kill the man who took her daughter's young life. And Tom has devoted his life to detective work, determined to help women like Dani before it is too late. 
 When Tom discovers a lead to the identity of Dani's murderer, he feels he has no choice but to share the details with Patty. Patty, in turn, makes her own questionable connections to obtain evidence that she may use to her advantage. As the characters go back and forth between flashbacks to the past and disjointed bits of current reality, the tale of murder becomes more twisted, complex, and intriguing. 
 More than just an exciting tale of murder and mystery, THE LAST WINTER OF DANI LANCING is also a multi-faceted tale of love, humanity, and morality. How far will a person go to protect an identity -- a love -- a life? Can a person simultaneously be both the victim and villain of the same crime? Are immoral acts justified in the name of love? 
 Confusing at times, based on the way the timelines are alternated, the novel is definitely one that is entertaining, enthralling, and even heart-felt at times. A murder mystery, a ghost story, and a story of true love, THE LAST WINTER OF DANI LANCING is definitely one to add to your reading lists, once it comes out later this year. 
 A huge thanks to the publisher for allowing me the chance to review an advanced copy of the novel. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!