TEST
there are mild spoilers for the first six books in this review
In 2016, I read our review of City of the Lost by Kelley Armstrong, thought, that looks interesting and promptly forgot about it. Three years later, when we reviewed Watcher in the Woods I downloaded the book but didn’t get to it. Finally, last summer, after readers in the forum mentioned how much they loved the Casey Duncan/Rockton series, I downloaded book one–City of the Lost— and was entranced. I read all seven books–the final book in the series came out in February–and enjoyed them all individually and as a series.
What do I love about the Rockton series?
Imagine a town, created decades ago in the remote Yukon, where people who need to disappear can. This city, Rockton, is cloaked and essentially invisible–there’s no electricity, no computers, phones, or internet, no mail. Rockton only admits people who have a skill the town can use or–and this is something the reader learns over time–who have paid a vast sum to the Council, the shadowy remote group who controls the town. Rockton is in large part self-sustaining and civilized, unlike the areas around it which are peopled by other more primitive groups one of which, the hostiles, are terrifying.
In book one, City of the Lost, a young woman named Casey Duncan comes to Rockton with her friend Diana. Both are escaping violent pasts. Diana, however, hasn’t any real skill to bring to town but Casey does. Rockton has just one sherriff, Eric Dalton and he’s been unable to solve a series of killings that have recently occurred in Rockton. Casey is a homicide detective and is professionally trained, something Eric who was born in Rockton is not.
Over the seven books in the series, Armstrong keeps the suspense and the tension coming. I love good long plot arcs and this series has many. Who are the hostiles and why are they so violent? What is the true story behind Dalton’s childhood? Who is the Council and what are their motives? Is Rockton made up of criminals, victims, or both? Incorporated into these plotlines, in each book, is a specific mystery, several of which I was riveted by and couldn’t see the denouncements until they arrived upon the page.
Armstrong also excels at character. Rockton is a small place and we get to know many characters, none of whom are quite what they seem. I am especially fond of Isabel, the brothel owner, Mathias, the butcher, and Jacob the, well, I’ll let you learn that on your own. All the books are built upon the relationship between Casey and Dalton which is a romantic suspense reader’s dream.
The final book in the series, The Deepest of Secrets, answers all the questions the series posed. The story about the hostiles is especially well resolved as is the true motives of the Council. It’s also an interesting story about privacy and our pasts–Armstrong wants the reader to consider who we are: The person in our worst moments or the person in our everyday actions? What happens, in a small town where secrets are necessary in order for the community to function, when those secrets all spill out? And who would we ally with? Those who’ve had our back recently or those whose backstories we feel the safest with?
If you are looking for a smart, addictive, romantic suspense series, the Rockton novels are for you. While not every book in the series is a DIK, the overall experience the series is superb. I recommend it highly.
Grade: B+
Book Type: Romantic Suspense
Sensuality: Warm
Review Date: 28/03/22
Publication Date: 02/2022
Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.
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Just have to report in . . . finished book 5 this afternoon, and have 6 and 7 waiting to be read. Am thoroughly enjoying this series. There is some on-page violence (especially in Book 1) for others who might have an even lower tolerance for violence than me; but it is appropriate to the storyline(s) given that Casey is a homicide detective. Everyone’s comments here are spot on: interesting characters, premise, setting, and story arcs. Thanks for a great recommendation everyone!
Glad you are enjoying them. A good series is hard to find!
I listened to the first one about a month ago thanks to Libby. I’ve already got the next one on hold – couldn’t get it and had to wait in line. Solid voice, riviting story, great characterization. The narrator did a good job. There were a few times, when I was engaged, that I wanted it to move faster :) Sign of a good author, eh?
On my way to pick up the first book in the series. Thanks to all who responded to my questions, and have responded generally.
I too started the series and have now read the first two books. They should absolutely not be my cup of tea: Lots of nature, snow, low tech, a closed community with lots of crime happening, which usually seems very unrealistic, like why are there so many murders in St. Mary Mead ;) … but I really, really like these books.
Yes , I miss Kurt, love to dislike D., shocked about B. … but I adore Storm, am intrigued about Jakob and am off to download book 3.
Thanks for the recommendation
I started the first book of the series tonight, based on this recommendation, and was bowled over by the killer opening. But now, a few chapters in, I can’t cope with the apparent abandonment of ex-con sweetheart and pseudo-casual fling, Kurt. What a babe!! Please tell me there is justice for Kurt!
Sadly, no. I too mourned poor Kurt!
Well at least now I know to let go! Thanks Dabney, both for the recommendation and quick removal of my Kurt bandaid.
Kurt is very nice, but I think as you read on it’s clear he wasn’t the right guy for Casey. Hopefully he’s moved on to find a better life for himself as she urged him to do.
I’m quite tempted by your review Dabney but I have to say I’m generally leary of m/f romantic suspense. I detest TSTL characters (e.g. having sex in dangerous situations or as a reaction to violence) and I’m done with extensive descriptions of violence, particularly against women. TSTL and torture is generally not in this author’s wheelhouse. From your description, it sounds like the violence is mostly off-page: the characters are figuring out what happened, not experiencing the violence itself. Yes?
There is no on page violence that I can remember. And Casey is never TSTL. These books are measured–they’re not sensationalistic.
Ok, I’m in! Thanks!
I don’t think you will regret reading these at all. My adult daughter and I read them from book to book without stopping. I miss that world even today.
I agree!
Casey is a trained detective and a pretty cool cucumber. There’s no TSTL moments from her in all the books I have read. I think the people who would complain would be ones looking for an overly girly character. She’s a perfect fit for the rougher- back to basics life style and investigating she signs on for. I also think you will enjoy the series.
Wow, I didn’t even realize the last book was released. I can’t wait to read it and see how it all wraps up. I’m so happy you enjoyed the series!
I was very content with the conclusion!
I was too!
Thanks both of you for the endorsement! It’s nice to know I won’t be disappointed with the wrap up.