I got to read a police procedural murder mystery by a new author this week, and I was pleasantly entertained throughout the story.
I enjoy a police procedural point of view every once in a while because the reader gets a different perspective than what you get when you see it from a victim’s or killer’s point of view.
Engaging and enjoyable, check out my thoughts below
On the Killer’s Trail by Alice Openshaw
ASIN: B0GNXKRK2N
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Publication date: November 17, 2026
ISBN-13: 979-8892427951
OVERVIEW:
Thirty-one-year-old Police Sergeant Penny Maclean has fallen into a routine at work. Speaking at school assemblies, chasing runaway dogs—it’s all beginning to feel stale. So when the popular wife of a local doctor is found dead on Halloween night, Penny jumps at the chance to investigate.
But the more she knows, the more unsettled she becomes. She and the murdered woman have a lot in common; they even share a love of rural life and animals. Still, unremarkable as the victim’s life appears at first glance, Penny can’t shake the feeling that the woman had a secret. After all, Penny has her own complicated past.
As she hunts the killer, Penny unearths secrets that pull her into the dark side of rural Maine. She only knows one thing for certain—she must discover the truth before the chain of violence claims another victim.
On the Killer’s Trail by Alice Openshaw Review
The story begins with the reader meeting the victim, and with a short intro, it dives right into the crime. We are thrust into the world of solving a riddle in a small, unassuming town set in Maine.
Our main character is not a new officer, but this is her first murder, and she is immediately thrown into the fire.
Upper-ranking officers try to direct her investigations, discourage her from completely investigating leads she feels she needs to, and, of course, intimidate her with the intimidation of being new to this part of police work.
The author includes plenty of twists and turns as our detective looks for leads and develops her case theories. There are plenty of other secondary characters that help balance her but also try to intimidate her direction. In a community where everyone knows everyone, feathers are certainly going to be ruffled.
The pacing is good with energy and flow, but without the edgy pounding pace felt in some thrillers. The characters are strong, and the author gives us insight and balance to our main character through her personal life and work life.
On the Killer’s Trail delivers a murder mystery with dark secrets in a small town setting. Strong feelings and a passionate detective make a difference in this one.
4 STARS!!
Disclaimer: Affiliate Links have been included – Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest, and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.