Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Connected
SERIES: The Bureau
AUTHOR: Kim Fielding
PUBLISHER: Tin Box Press
LENGTH: 130 pages
RELEASE DATE: October 29, 2024
BLURB:
Long-time Bureau agent Owen Clark has an assignment in Copper Springs, Wyoming. Although once he was excited about what he could offer the Bureau, Owen has become hardened over the years by his experiences, and he feels no joy in being sent to the town where he grew up—and then fled as a teen.
Keaton Gale was a promising child star who later crashed and burned due to addiction and a supernatural talent he never asked for. He has rebuilt his adult life in near solitude, rehabilitating an old house and occasionally renting a room to travelers.
The two men find an immediate connection. But something disturbing has been happening at the abandoned coal tipple outside of town—something that promises disaster for Owen and Keaton… and the world at large.
REVIEW:
NOTE: This is Book 12 in this series, but it can maybe be read as a standalone. There are significant spoilers though for previous books – especially the last one. I recommend reading the other books – mostly because they are really well written and also because the characters from other books are mentioned throughout this one.
So first let me say that I’m SO happy this series didn’t end with the previous book. I had fears that it might, but no! We move forward 🙂 This is a new case after the events of the last book – although we get a flashback to Chief Townsend and Owen Clark as a baby agent at the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs. It’s not immediately apparent why this one lunch meeting is offered as a jumping off point. But cut to the present and all will be revealed 😉
I hate to be spoilery here, so I’ll just say that Agent Clark is now in his late 40s. He careened around a bit before he had a close encounter in the wilderness and was pointed to the agency. He was awed by that interaction and he had no other ideas of a future, so he pursued it. And he’s had a good career. And he’s not visited his home town since he left (not necessarily voluntarily) when he was 18. But the new Chief is sending him there after getting a message from Owen’s family. To say that he’s less than thrilled about this development is an understatement.
When Owen shows up, his initial thoughts on accommodations are quickly dashed, so his office finds him something else – a guest house. He arrives to meet Keaton Gale there. He’s got a niggle of recognition but he’s been gone for nearly 30 years, so he could be quite mistaken. Except he isn’t And it turns out that there is more to Mr. Gale than meets the eye. Turns out to be a good thing for Owen since his investigation leaves him in a quite precarious position and only Keaton may be able to get to him in time.
This is another wonderful book in this favorite series. There is always something new and borderline creepy and oooie-oooie in these stories and this is no exception. Owen is a bit grumpy at this point in his career. He’s been busy, he’s made a difference, he’s had a decent life and career. He’s feeling his age and he’s doing what he’s asked. With some grumbling along the way. Turns out this was a bit of a boondoggle in one way and a mission on the other. Keaton is not what he seems and when he and Owen sort of confess to each other, well there is some mutual recognition and attraction. I won’t say more, but I really enjoyed this story of second chances and of surprises and maybe even laying some things to rest. Highly recommended. Fans of this series will be thrilled that it seems this ride isn’t over 😀
RATING: 
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