Detective Harriet Foster has some years under her belt working to solve crimes in the City of Chicago. In her latest case, a well-connected college student turns up dead in a field near his family’s campus mansion. The scene and evidence point to alcohol poisoning. But the moments that passed between the time of death, when the body was found, and when authorities were notified raises suspicions. When Harri and her partner Vera begin digging deeper, they connect the dots to a case from 30 years ago in which a student’s body was found in the same field. With no leads and uncooperative witnesses, Harri and Vera have their work cut out for them. But Harri is still mourning the death of her previous partner. And also trying to catch whoever has been harassing her about the past. Echo by Tracy Clark is the third installment in the Detective Harriet Foster Thriller series in which Harri must open up to her team if she wants to catch a killer, and her stalker, before it’s too late.
Book
The victim, Brice Collier, was a wealthy student of Belverton whose father Sebastian is a major benefactor of the school. Needless to say, the school administration never questioned large social gatherings and illegal activities. That is, until Brice’s body shows up in a field near the property. Two female students find his body and call it in, but Harri and Vera can tell they’re hiding something. Furthermore, the dean and the Collier estate – including an unsettling associate named Lange – have an existing decades-long relationship. The small network seems to protect any probing that might occur – whether its underage drinking or a possible murder. Not to mention the fact that Sebastian’s name pops up during Harri and Vera’s investigation into whatever happened all those years ago.
Time is of the essence as more bodies pile up and anyone with answers face potential danger in Echo. But Harri is pulling double duty trying to catch her stalker – the person who continues to call her, harassing her about what had happened to her late partner and why. When the person taunts Harri by bringing her and Vera’s family into it, Harri is fed up and determined to stop them by any means necessary. She only hopes that she can uncover the secrets and catch the assailants before it’s too late.
Review
Tracy Clark reminds readers why she is one of the best at writing detective/crime fiction stories with Echo. I’ve read the author’s Cass Raines series and Hide (Detective Harriet Foster #1). So I knew that this one wouldn’t disappoint. The story is well-paced and engaging. I was hooked from the first chapter when we see the crime unfold and later watch Harri and her colleagues connect the dots. While this book can be read as a standalone, I encourage readers to start with Hide so that they can see the progression of Harri’s character development, career, and her relationship with her team.
The author delivers authenticity and relevance by keeping up with changing policies and politics of law enforcement. Even though the story has a gritty and serious vibe, I appreciated the witty dialogue and commentary from supporting characters. This one is a must-read for lovers of thriller, suspense, and crime fiction.
Tracy Clark joins the Cantina Book Club Podcast to talk about Harri’s character development and plans for future installments. Keep an ear out for the interview on an upcoming episode and preorder Echo, available December 3.
