Reviewed by Taylin

TITLE: Conspiracy Theory

SERIES: Hamarsson and Dempsey #1

AUTHOR: Elle Keaton

PUBLISHER: Dirty Dog Press

RELEASE DATE: October 8, 2019

LENGTH: 245 Pages

BLURB:

Years of grueling police work have left Niall Hamarsson jaded and disillusioned with life…although it’s likely he’s been that way all along. The last straw lands when the DA refuses to try a case Niall worked for years to bring to justice. Within hours he finds himself heading to the only place he’s ever been able to call home—a place he knows he doesn’t belong.

Mat Dempsey returned to Piedras Island after his father’s death. These days he’s Island County’s sheriff. He’s happy enough, even if moving home from San Francisco effectively forced him back into the closet. Mat’s well-ordered universe collapses when a local’s body is discovered floating in the cold waters of Hidden Harbor’s marina. All hell breaks loose in the community, and accusations fly…all coinciding with Niall Hamarsson’s return.Niall and Mat have a history, and it’s not one Mat’s proud of. He owes Niall an apology, even if it means getting down on his knees. However, Mat’s first priority is investigating the murder before his community tears itself apart and he may have to ask the aloof Niall Hamarsson for help.

Push apart, pull together, yes or no… The chemistry crackles between them but will the two men be able to put aside their pasts and embrace a future?
Maybe.

REVIEW:

Having had enough of politics keeping the bad guys out of jail, Detective Niall Hamarsson leaves his job and life behind. Officially on extended leave, but with no intention of going back, Niall heads home to the island of Piedras, to fix his grandparents cabin.

Mat Dempsey moved back to the island from San Francisco after his mother insisted the local version of mafia couldn’t get to be sheriff. Matt won by a landslide. Not only has a crimewave hit the normally quiet island, but a fantasy from his childhood has returned – Niall Hamarsson.

Some believe the crimes are the work of the QAnon – a conspiracy theory group. While Mat doesn’t hold to the theory, he knows something is going on, and all he must do is find their connection. Unfortunately, he has an inexperienced crew. Pride stops him accepting Niall’s help. Not only that but the man shuns company. But when events hot up and involve Niall on a personal level, the men have no choice but to work together.

The story is told in the present tense with named chapters focusing on Niall or Mat. Generally, I’m not a fan of this style because I get confused. However, the story is also told in the third person and strictly sticks to the pov of one man or the other. It was beautifully done, leaving me with no confusion whatsoever.

First in a series, the groundwork is set for this and future instalments. The stories behind Mat and Niall are detailed. Thus, the budding relationship between them is beyond slow burn, with minimal heat rating. This element didn’t stop me melting for the lead men, because the events on the page were so interesting.

When Niall returns to Piedras, it brings back childhood memories. The ones before his Grandparents taking him in were not good. They were something no child should have to endure. The way the events are recalled and his subsequent life in school, principally as a recluse, had me in tears. His grandparents were loving and did what they could, but scars are not easily erased. Niall has so many walls constructed, protecting him from humanity – they ensured that his world revolved around his work. When that shit in his face, big time, he broke. The emotions Niall experiences are superbly written.

The more extensive casting includes a range of characters from the inherently good, the suited slimy, down to the local yokel, and absolutely undesirable. All were introduced in a way that made them memorable.

Other than wanting some parts to speed up a little, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Although part of a series, Conspiracy Theory could be read as a standalone. Breadcrumbs were left for the next book which should be out in spring 2020. I will look out for it with anticipation.

RATING:

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