Fostering Death (A Jesse Damon Crime Novel) - K M Rockwood

Hounded out of the funeral home after trying to pay his last respects to his foster mother, Jesse is devastated at her passing and not being able to explain that he didn't actually commit any crime that sent him to prison for nearly twenty years. He heads home fighting back tears only to be confronted by detectives Belkins and Montgomery.

The epitome of good cop/bad cop, Jesse knows the routine when stopped by them or any law enforcement officer; turn and face the wall, hide the wince as the handcuffs are clamped tightly around his wrists, wait to be frisked. And then answer the relentless questions, knowing the answers given won't be heard let alone believed.

From the questions and the error of not keeping his mouth shut, Jesse learns that his foster mother may have been murdered and he's the prime suspect. Disbelief that someone could have killed a woman dedicated to looking after 'lost' children, Jesse tries not get involved. The only problem is that someone wearing the same black and red plaid jacket was seen in the neighborhood of his foster parents. So naturally he's a suspect.

With only a few days to go before his probation is up at work which means he's with the union and has health insurance, Jesse needs to keep his head down. Unfortunately, with drug induced Aaron popping up where he lives making trouble, the odd goings on with the newly opened Tabernacle and its cat goddess plus his possible girlfriend a drunk and overreacting to a change in work procedures, Jesse is itching to 'investigate' the death but can he do so with out misfortune getting in the way?

Continuing on from Steeled For Murder, Jesse is still struggling with getting back on track. With detectives determined to find him guilty of something and the threat of going back to being monitored, he is even more on tenterhooks about what he does and where he goes. The main characters are met again - Kelly, Aaron - as well as a few new ones such as Issac. Convinced he's a target, the likable convict finds himself tangled in web of mistrust, bad judgement and misunderstanding.

Another brilliant, gripping outing for Jesse. It's a fairly quick read but so absorbing and delivers a punch. I found myself wishing Jesse could catch a break. Despite staying out of trouble somehow it finds him; he has essentially a good heart and looks out for other people, even if it may mean getting into trouble himself. A riveting, engaging crime novel with a surprising ending. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.