She Treads Softly: The Final Truth

Monday, December 2, 2024

The Final Truth

The Final Truth by Morag Pringle
1/8/25: 343 pages
Storm Publishing
Rachel McKenzie #3

The Final Truth by Morag Pringle is a recommended investigative crime novel, highly for those who have read the previous two books in the Rachel McKenzie series.

A body is found in a local cemetery and the case comes to the attention of Rachel McKenzie who is a prosecutor in the Scottish Highlands. The victim has a connection to the case Rachel's mother was investigating before she disappeared and presumed dead. Rachel's father was convicted and imprisoned for her murder. Hoping she can discover the truth, Rachel enlists the help of detective constable Selena MacDonald, and takes a look at the original files. She quickly discovers someone is still keeping track of her actions and she may be in danger.

This is a well-written, carefully plotted, and even-paced investigative mystery that carefully follows clues while uncovering connections and more information. There are some twists and surprises along the way and the setting in Scotland is definitely an integral part of the plot. The surprising and shocking ending endangers Rachel while providing closure about what happened to her mother. Those who appreciate strong female main characters will appreciate this novel.

Anyone who enjoyed the first two books will want to read The Final Truth for the closure it provides. Starting with this third book of the series did leave me feeling that I was missing out on some vital information, but enough background was provided that I never felt lost or confused. 3.5 rounded up. Thanks to Storm Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

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John Updike's six rules for reviewing:

1. Try to understand what the author wished to do, and do not blame him for not achieving what he did not attempt.

2. Give him enough direct quotation--at least one extended passage--of the book's prose so the review's reader can form his own impression, can get his own taste.

3. Confirm your description of the book with quotation from the book, if only phrase-long, rather than proceeding by fuzzy precis.

4. Go easy on plot summary, and do not give away the ending.

5. If the book is judged deficient, cite a successful example along the same lines, from the author's oeuvre or elsewhere. Try to understand the failure. Sure it's his and not yours?

To these concrete five might be added a vaguer sixth, having to do with maintaining a chemical purity in the reaction between product and appraiser.....Review the book, not the reputation.... Better to praise and share than blame and ban. The communion between reviewer and his public is based upon the presumption of certain possible joys in reading, and all our discriminations should curve toward that end.