The first installment in the Bree Taggert series introduces the protagonist as a complex and impassive individual. However, the chain of events quickly turns her into a sympathetic character to the audience. In the present, Bree is experiencing the same tragedy that did as a young child, therefore, reopening healed wounds. The human element is brought into the narrative through the vulnerability of the two main characters. Though they are stoic and professional during the ordeal that has hit close to home, their inner fears and traumas render them human.
Tragedy strikes the small town where Bree grew up as her younger sister, Erin, is found dead and her husband Justin is missing. The specifics resemble their parents’ murder-suicide that left them orphans and Bree afraid of dogs. Mike is the only person she can trust to solve the crime mostly because of his past job as a deputy sheriff. Akin to Bree, Mike is also a victim since he was Justin’s friend and wants to prove his guilt or innocence. Both characters have had past traumas, both physical and psychological, that will pose a challenge to their investigative efforts. Since they are both too close to the case they are separated from the investigation but this hardly stops them. The narrative depicts two individuals coming to terms with personal burdens in the face of another tragedy.
While the spotlight is on these two characters, the family conflicts and dramas take place in this small community with strong values. The story delves into drug addiction, grief, family support, morals, and fears. This series introduces Bree while in the middle of a tragedy that could destroy her but she powers through. Additionally, she has to face one of her worst fears and the unresolved past. It proves that she is a worthy detective with a knack for solving mysteries even in the worst of situations.
