Blue Heaven by C.J. Box

This author is known for his great series featuring Joe Pickett. However, this book stands alone and is well-done!

Blue Heaven is the name local retirees have given a rural spot in northern Idaho where many former policemen have retired.

The story opens with two small children witnessing the murder of a man. The perpetrators also notice the children and the hunt begins.Unknown to the kids is the fact that all five men are former LAPD cops and what they are involved in is much more than murder.

Enter Villatoro, also a retired member of the LAPD and a ruthless investigator. Not unlike a librarian with a challenging reference question, Villatoro continues to work on the only open case in the department. He has come to the area because marked bills have surfaced from the local bank.

Mix all this together with a small-town community that rallies when the UPS man, another retired policeman and the children go missing. All sorts of rumors abound and it’s not until two or three down-to-earth characters stick their necks out that things turn around.

Well written, fast-moving, and a believable story from a consistently good author.

Ladybookbug!