I am not a dedicated series reader… let’s just say I have book commitment issues, so it’s testament to Lepionka’s wordsmith-ery that I’ve made it all the way to #4 in the Roxane Weary series. And what’s not to like? Roxane is a tough and relatable private detective with a dysfunctional family background that bring to mind Tana French’s Dublin Squad.
She’s a bit prickly on the outside and has her walls way up, but it’s a defense mechanism concealing her secret sensitivity. I appreciate how Roxane is capable of taking care of herself, but is simultaneously self-aware. She realizes that she does need people as much as it pains her to admit it.
In my opinion, Once You Go This Far is one of the strongest installments in the series, ranking just below the first novel, The Last Place You Look, which happens to be my favorite. When Roxane embarks on a morning hike, she is not expecting to be in the vicinity when Rebecca Newsome, an older woman walking her dog, falls off the trail and plunges to her death.
Even more surprising, the victim’s daughter Maggie, decides to hire Roxane, convinced that her mother’s accident may actually be an incident of foul play. Roxane is skeptical, but agrees to take on the case. And it’s not long until her investigation leads her down a twisted, treacherous path involving political power struggles, domestic drama, casino intrigue and a close-knit religious community that might actually be a cult.
This book is fast-paced and hooked me from the very beginning. I managed to happily demolish it in only a few short days. I enjoyed the many layers and nuances that slowly unraveled as the author kept me guessing. I love Roxane’s wry sense of humor as well as the way Lepionka makes even the most minor characters feel vibrant and fully realized.
Once You Go This Far is thrilling throughout with plenty of excitement, but avoids glorified violence altogether which I greatly appreciate. It reads more like an edgy Nancy Drew mystery. I highly recommend this book to all the mystery fans out there and I hope the fifth book comes out soon so I can get my next Roxane fix!
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
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