Reckoning and Ruin By Tina Whittle

by Cynthia Chow

Details on how to win a copy of this book at the end of the review.

As much as she would like to pretend that she’s fine, previous events have Atlanta gun shop owner Tai Randolph struggling. After taking over Boone’s Confederate-themed store, the estrangement with her dying uncle bothers Tai more than she is willing to admit. Perhaps this helps to explain why she is less than receptive to the advice/threat from her boyfriend’s therapist and ex-girlfriend that Tai refrain from continuing to involve Trey Seaver in the chaos that is her life. A brain injury left Trey with a built-in lie detector and needing a completely regimented life, but the ex-sniper had to rebuild his personality; he is now a mere shadow of his former self.

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Tai has more than earned her reputation for acting impulsively and rashly, but for once she has justification for attempting to hide her discovery of ominous postcards and poems. What she can’t hide is the gun-wielding arrival of Hope Lyle, who is in a frenzy over the disappearance of her husband. Tai last kicked John Wilde out when she discovered him cheating with a then-barely legal Hope, but Tai has a weak spot for her early first love. The timing has Tai unable to ignore the coincidence of a $9 million lawsuit being filed against her, Trey, and the security company he works for, by Jasper Boone. In prison rehab recovering from Trey shooting him, Jasper’s ties to an extreme segment of the KKK have the Klan targeting him for lethal retribution and punishment.

Image source: Poisoned Pen Press

What makes this such an outstanding read is the unique relationship between Tai and Trey. Trey’s struggle to reorganize his life in a manner his brain can accept is as fascinating as the interactions between these two troubled individuals. Tai prides herself on her independence, and her immense control issues have her battling with Trey as much as she empathizes with him. The year of loving Trey has made Tai all too aware of his flaws, and frustration often has her emotionally striking out to the point of no return. They are stronger together than apart though, and this unique mystery highlights fascinating characters and the Low Country Savannah setting. The result is a compelling and outstanding mystery series.

To enter to win a copy of Reckoning and Ruin, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “reckoning,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen April 9, 2016. If entering via email please include your mailing address.

Use this link to purchase the book:

Reckoning and Ruin: A Tai Randolph Mystery

Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).