Review: This Fallen Prey by Kelley Armstrong

This Fallen Prey (Casey Duncan #3) by Kelley Armstrong
Publication date: February 6th 2018
Publisher: Minotaur Books
My rating: 5 Stars
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When Casey Duncan first arrived at Rockton, the off-the-grid, isolated community built as a haven for people running from their pasts, she had no idea what to expect. There are no cell phones, no internet, no mail, and no way of getting in or out without the town council's approval. She certainly didn't expect to become the town homicide detective. But, the very last thing she expected was for the council to drop a dangerous criminal into their midst without a plan to keep him imprisoned. And she never thought that she'd have to be responsible for him.

The longer Oliver Brady stays in town, the more people seem to die around him. When evidence begins piling up that someone inside Rockton is working as his accomplice, Casey races to figure out who exactly Brady is and what crimes he's truly responsible for committing.

My Thoughts:

The Casey Duncan series is set in Rockton, a town off the grid, a refuge town for those trying to escape something in life like a stalker, abusive mate, or punishment from a crime. Supposedly residents are pre-screened for violent behavior, however Eric and Casey, Rockton’s Sheriff and Detective, are finding out that many of the residents are not as their paperwork has presented them.  We’ve found out the hard way that there are very dangerous people in Rockton, but Casey and Eric are determined to keep the residents of this little town safe. Both Casey and Eric love their life, limited and imperfect as it is, they’ve found a place to belong, safe and fulfilled with each other. 

In this newest installment, all is threatened when the council decides to admit a man, Oliver Brady, who’s accused of horrendous crimes.  His stepfather paid a hefty price to have him secured there, but Casey and Eric are given no advance notice of his arrival and are completely unprepared to deal with such a prisoner, and there’s immediate chaos.  Half the town feel sorry for Oliver and the other half are ready to exact justice. Of course, according to Oliver, he’s innocent, wrongly accused and being framed. Who to believe?

Man, this installment had so many twists and turns! Just when I thought things would settle down, a new fresh threat would pop up, so I was on the edge of my seat the entire book! I love Casey’s quick, logical thinking.  She had an intelligent, deductive mind working every angle, but that didn’t keep her out of harm’s way, even so.  Still, she’s a force to be reckoned with, both mentally and physically!  I just love a woman with moves, able to kick some ass! LOVE Eric as well! He’s smart, courageous, and protective; they made an impressive team! It’s a delight to see their relationship continue to grow and solidify.  They’re just it for each other.

There’s a few twists with some of the regular cast of characters that had me gasping in surprise! Danger, thrills, and action at every turn.  On top of that these characters are so very interesting with many layers! I’m totally invested in Eric and Casey’s story, of course, but the secondary characters are captivating as well.  I’m hoping we see more with Nicole and Eric’s brother, Jacob.   Jen and Diana are just two pieces of work; love to hate them!  Mathias, Val, Tyrone, Petra, and Isabel each have their own piece of the story as well.  

The story was just sooooo good! Can I just say I love this series?! If you haven’t given it a try yet, you are missing out!  Even though every installment is its own mystery, and wraps up by the end, I do recommend reading in order.