Harm Not The Earth by Liz Milliron
Series Name: Laurel Highlands Mystery #4
Genre: Traditional
Release: August 10, 2021
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When Southwest Pennsylvania’s summer rains flood the Casselman River, State Police Trooper Jim Duncan finds a John Doe body in what is initially believed to be a tragic accident. But when a second victim, John Doe’s partner in an environmental group at odds with a nearby quarry operation, is rescued, all thoughts of accidental drowning are abandoned. After Jim is invited to join the official investigation, he begins to think a career shift might be in his future.

Meanwhile, Assistant Public Defender Sally Castle is approached by an abused woman who is accused of murdering her abuser. Although the rules prevent Sally from taking the case, she steps outside her office to help the woman and discover the truth.

As their separate cases become intertwined, Jim and Sally struggle to determine if their new paths can be traveled together or if they will divide their newly repaired relationship. And equally important, will they be able to bring a killer to justice before another innocent life is lost?

Dru’s Short Musing:
Like fine wine, this series continues to get better with time, and you want to savor every sip. The prowess of the characters to do the right thing is evident in this well-written and executed mystery that immediately grabbed my attention. Two dead bodies, an accident or murder?, and an abused woman, how does she fit in?, set the tone for how well this story is being told. Both Jim and Sally looks for clues that will lead to the truth in this captivating drama where a web of deceit takes hold. The author does a great job in keeping me intrigued and in suspense as to how this will play out with each piece of the puzzle taking shape, that when completed will point to the person responsible. As usual, the visually descriptive narrative puts me in the middle of all the action with its engaging dialogue, the local setting, and a great cast of characters whose roles are pivotal in the telling of this tale. This is another great read in a terrific series. I look forward to the new adventures awaiting Duncan and Sally.

FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the author.