The Roses of May

I don't see why this couldn't have been a stand alone and not part of a 'series' with The Butterfly Garden. Yes, the FBI agents are part of the story and you do get some input of what happened after the first book. However, it felt like it was in the background, a side story. For me, that almost ruins The Butterfly Garden and I loved that story. I had a few more issues with this one. Why are so many creepy men stalking/bothering 16 year old Priya? Why are multiple cops jerks to her and feel like they can openly comment about her dead sister? It just didn't seem realistic. I mean, come on, a cop is going to tell Priya that she is just as beautiful as her sister was? She's 16 and he knows her sister was brutally murdered! The other huge thing that made me want to stop reading is a spoiler... Overall, I didn't like this one as much as The Butterfly Garden. I enjoyed it more in the beginning. The characters are great. The story just fell apart towards the end and main character suffered from 'smart person does really stupid thing' syndrome.

All of Dot's books are just fantastic! I love this one and can't wait to listen to "Into the Water."

Absolutely addictive!

Disappointing follow up to The Butterfly Garden. Follows the least likable detective from the first book and a new female narrator. Very slow plot and anti-climactic ending. Hopefully the third book will be more exciting.