Emma Lawson is the youngest ethics investigator in Sacramento. She investigates and uncovers corruption and greed in projects covered by the taxpayers’ money. Alibi Morning Sun (yes that’s the character´s real name) is a detective who is able to connect dots that no one else thinks about. When a mysterious fire erupts at a storage facility and an accidental drowning turns out to be a possible murder case, Emma’s and Alibi’s professional lives cross over in ways they hadn´t anticipated. Even more frightening is that the killer knows both of them, but they have no idea. Under a Broken Sky by Kris Calvin is the latest installment in the Emma Lawson series that propels the reader into a whirlwind of deception and murder, with a little bit of stalking sprinkled in. 

I will preface this review by saying that this is the second book in the series by Kris Calvin, but the first piece of hers I´ve ever read. So take my opinion as you will. But just like any author who writes somewhat-standalone-books-but-part-of-a-series novels, Calvin expertly tells a story that both loyal fans and first-time readers will not only be able to follow but also enjoy. 

Emma’s parents have been out of her life since she was 11 years old. By the time we meet her, she’s been dealing with this abandonment for the past 20 years. Despite this, she’s one of the most diligent and hardworking characters I’ve come across. But her family dynamic is definitely reflected in her other relationships. Her best friend Kate, and Kate’s son Luke, are a significant part of Emma’s life, and I loved getting to know those relationships too. 

Alibi’s name is the only part of this book that made me roll my eyes. Once I got over that, he grew on me as well. He notices a troubled, beautiful young woman and can’t ignore the fact that she might be in danger. Turns out that this young woman, named Daphne, is more involved with the mysterious yet troubling events taking place in Sacramento than she wants the other characters to realize. As both Alibi and Emma dig a little deeper, they find she was intimately connected with Johnny Hill, the drowning victim that might possibly be a murder victim. And she knows the identity of his murderer. But of course the answers are just out of their reach. Plus, the deeper they dig, the more danger that comes to them – because the killer is watching their every move, and completely under their radar.

Overall, this book kept me hooked and on my toes. I really appreciated the thought that went into developing multidimensional characters, and even more so since this was my first time reading Calvin’s work. Needless to say, I’ve already added her first book in the series to my reading list. 

Kris Calvin joins us for a Cantina Conversation where we discuss her previous work background, how she got into writing, and what advice she has for Emma and Alibi. Keep an eye out for an upcoming episode of The Nerd Cantina Show podcast and check out All That Fall and Under a Broken Sky. Both titles are available now.