Kill to Keep

Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery, #3

by

Elena Taylor

Steady suspense with plenty of surprise twists as the sheriff and her department investigate a murder at a traveling carnival.

Kill to Keep is the third book in author Elena Taylor’s excellent Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery series, which finds Bet and her team struggling to solve a homicide during the return of the traveling Carnival Roma to small Collier, Washington. Rob Collier, a former FBI agent and owner of much of the small town, has leased some of his acreage to Carnival Roma for their annual two-week operation of rides, games, and performances. Before its official opening, he and Sheriff Bet Rivers arrive to conduct a site inspection when they hear a gunshot. They quickly discover the body of an unidentified white male behind the “big top,” however, the man doesn’t show any signs of trauma, let alone a wound from a bullet. 

The suspense builds steadily as Bet and the members of her department, including the deputized Rob, work to solve the man’s murder, and with rampant suspicions of and by the carnies, it is tough going. Much of the story also focuses on Bet and Rob’s growing relationship and her self-doubt about whether she is more into him than he is into her. A continuing storyline is her struggle with her past relationship with her deceased father, the former sheriff, and her resulting imposter syndrome after taking over his position as sheriff. Still, with a good group of coworkers on her side, she’s working her way through that and through this difficult case.  

The plot moves at a deliberate pace as the team must overcome roadblocks in dealing with the carnival community, who are, at best, reluctant to speak with law enforcement. They are an insular group with trust issues, and the transient nature of their livelihood creates a suspicious image for outsiders. Bet is smart and thoughtful, and able to see through her own preconceptions to reach the truth of the case. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way, especially toward the latter part of the story, and that really revs up the pace of the tale.   

While this book is the third in the series, it can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone. However, I believe those who have read the previous novels will connect more with the building relationships and the impact of shared past experiences on the main characters. I recommend KILL TO KEEP to readers of mysteries, suspense, and thrillers. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.