The first time we see Abby in action, she arrives at the scene of an elderly woman's murder, where she meets Luke Murphy, the private investigator who witnessed the killer escaping. Surprisingly, he also has a connection to her parent's case; his uncle died in the same fire saving then six-year old Abby. While she has some initial reservations about working with him (namely, the fact that she's interested in him, despite already being in a relationship), they eventually join forces in an effort to close the case once and for all.
Both characters also carry burdens from the past; Abby is consumed to the point of near obsession over her parents death, while Luke, a widower, harbors guilt about the accident that killed his wife and injured his daughter. As flawed human beings in need of grace, they both have lessons to learn as their lives are drawn together.
What I like about these books is that they feel like episodes of a television series; woven throughout the underlying story arc about the fire investigation are other criminal cases to be solved, such as the disappearance of a teenage girl, or a fugitive husband who killed his sons and left his wife crippled. The faith element can't be overlooked, either; time and again, God's presence provides guidance amid confusion, speaks truth to lies, and points to the promise of redemption and new beginnings. I even found myself feeling sorry for one character who was involved in the subsequent cover up, hoping they would change their heart.
If you're looking for an action-packed series that blends themes of redemption, grace, and healing with suspenseful police drama and stirrings of romance, "Cold Case Justice" is definitely up your alley. Clear some time in your day and hold on tight; they're perfect for binge-reading.