Last Ragged Breath

In Keller's (Summer of the Dead) latest, Bell Elkins, the prosecutor of Ackers Gap, WV, is trying to untangle the murder of an aggressive casino developer whose body is discovered on land owned by local hermit Royce Dillard. Royce survived a fluke natural disaster as a toddler that left him orphaned and damaged. In spite of his eccentricities, the town is firm in their defense of him, making Bell's job even harder. Combine this with Bell's new dating life, a new pet, attempts to stay connected with her sister and daughter, and her anger over former sheriff Nick Fogelsong's move to the private sector, and Bell has her hands full. This title stands alone, but new listeners will be acutely aware that they're missing backstory from previous series entries. Keller is a wonderful writer, with well-timed humor and pop culture references. Narrator Shannon McManus does a great job voicing the characters.