Buried Road

Buried Road by Katie Tallo
12/3/24; 336 pages
HarperCollins
Augusta "Gus" Monet #3

Buried Road by Katie Tallo is a very highly recommended mystery/thriller which features the return of amateur investigator Gus Monet, this time joined by her daughter 12-year-old Bly (Boo).

Journalist Howard Baylis, Gus's partner and the only father Bly has ever known, disappeared when Bly was 9. They were on a camping trip when Howard went to meet a source for a story three years ago and was never seen again. They spent a year looking for him with few clues. The two have missed him every day since, so they were shocked to see his obituary in the paper and that his parents are having a memorial service in three days. The two head back to Prince Edward County, the location where he was last seen and where the memorial service will be held.  

Once there, they discover the camper Howard was driving has been found and Bly secretly finds clues to Howard's movements three years ago, including his notes and phone. The two recreate their clue wall in the camper and resume their search for Howard based on the new information they have found.

Although it can be read as a standalone novel, it was exciting to read Buried Road after enjoying the previous two books featuring Gus. The first book featuring Gus is Dark August (takes place when Gus is a young adult and she investigates her mother's last case before her death when Gus was 8 years-old) which is followed by Poison Lilies (when Gus was pregnant with Bly and meets Howard).

Bly is the narrator in this compelling, well-written mystery and she helps Gus in their search for clues. I quite enjoyed Bly as the narrator as Gus can be extreme and over-the-top. Gus is a tenacious, obnoxious character, but this is tempered by Bly who is careful and thoughtful. They are both written as fully realized, realistic individuals that encounter a cast of memorable supporting characters.

The pace is even at the beginning but then picks up as more information and clues are uncovered. The trail is cold, but becomes clear that they are on to something because they also are encountering resistance and it becomes increasingly unsafe. You have to set some disbelief aside, which was easily done as the action and danger increases. The setting itself becomes an important part of the intricate plot. 4.5 rounded up.

Another great novel by Katie Tallo! Thanks to HarperCollins for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.