In Looks That Kill by Amanda Stevens, a child had been kidnapped from her bedroom almost thirty 
years ago. When the child’s grandmother is shot, it brings the case to the forefront of the news again. Private investigator Natalie Bolt feels the need to investigate the cold case, and is determined to figure out why she feels so connected to the people and the town. She pairs up with the assistant district attorney, Max Winter.
The investigation puts a target on their backs, leaving the pair racing to get to the bottom of who and why people are determined to have the investigation stopped, before it costs them their lives.
This is the third book in the Procedural Crime series. I’ve not read the previous two, but I feel this works as a standalone. This book seems to take place where the previous book left off, which involves the kidnapping of another child in town. There are some references to that case in this book, as it’s one of the reasons the case of missing Maya Lamb is brought up again, but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything by not having read it.
It wasn’t hard to put the pieces of the puzzle together, but I enjoyed the journey to the official reveal nonetheless. There are plenty of suspects to go around, and a twist is thrown in that I certainly wasn’t expecting. The author does a really good job weaving the suspense and budding romance between Natalie and Max together, as one does not overshadow the other. It’s a fast-paced story that never has a dull moment.
Looks That Kill is an intriguing page-turner that will keep readers rooted to its pages, waiting to see how it all unfolds. It’s recommended for readers who enjoy romantic suspense.
Book Info:
Publication: August 23, 2022 | Harlequin Intrigue | Procedural Crime #3
Private investigator Natalie Bolt has secrets—and not just about the attempted murder she witnessed. But revealing her true identity to prosecutor Max Winter could cost her the information he has that she desperately needs. Max has no idea their investigation into a cold case kidnapping victim will lead to Natalie herself. Or that the criminals are still targeting the woman he’s falling for…
