Justice Delayed by Patricia Bradley

This novel is the first in a new series from Bradley, focusing on cold cases in the Memphis area. This novel centers on a murder eighteen years ago. An innocent man night be executed if proof of his innocence is not found quickly.

A prologue gives us an introduction to the murder years ago but all of the circumstances do not come to light until near the end of the novel. We readers must figure it out right along with those working on the cold case.

I liked the characters and how they are developed. Andi, a reporter, is the younger sister of the murdered woman. Others investigating include Brad, Andi's brother, and Will, Brad's best friend for decades. Will's cousin is the one to be executed so there is much interplay of relationships in the novel. Andi is tenacious when it comes to getting to the bottom of her sister's murder. But she is a flawed character in that she cannot admit she is getting addicted to pain pills. Will is more than just a friend to Andi. Their budding romance is threatened by the addiction issue.

I enjoyed the development of the plot. Those involved in the circumstances of the murder are still around so it was fun to figure out which of them was the real murderer. There is a red herring or two and maybe a twist at the end if one didn't see it coming. I was pretty sure who the murderer was and was not surprised. There was a good bit of suspense right at the end, though, and that was good.

I recommend this novel to those who enjoy a good mystery that includes a Christian message.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Patricia Bradley has been a finalist for the Genesis Award, winner of a Daphne du Maurier Award, and winner of a Touched by Love Award. She lives in Mississippi. You can find out more at www.ptbradley.com.

Revell, 352 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.