The Last Place You Look

Private investigator Roxane Weary takes on a case to find a missing woman who disappeared fifteen years ago. The disappearance connects to a death row inmate scheduled for execution, and his sister believes the missing woman could prove his innocence. Roxane pursues leads in a small Ohio town while battling her own personal demons and complicated family dynamics. Her investigation uncovers a web of secrets spanning multiple families and decades of buried truths. As time runs out before the execution date, Roxane must navigate local law enforcement resistance, unreliable witnesses, and her growing suspicion that things are not what they seem. The case forces her to confront both professional and personal challenges as she races to uncover the truth. The novel explores themes of justice, family loyalty, and the ways trauma shapes both individuals and communities. Through its noir-influenced lens, it raises questions about whose stories get believed and why.

Readers describe the book as a fresh take on the PI genre with a complex female protagonist. Many highlight Roxane Weary's flawed, realistic character development and her struggles with alcohol and relationships. Readers appreciated: - LGBTQ+ representation that feels natural rather than forced - Tight pacing and unexpected plot twists - Authentic portrayal of Columbus, Ohio setting Common criticisms: - Some found the ending rushed - Multiple subplot threads can be hard to follow - A few readers felt the relationship drama overshadowed the mystery Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (230+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (150+ ratings) One reader noted: "The complicated family dynamics and Roxane's personal demons add depth beyond a standard mystery novel." Another wrote: "The case unfolds at a realistic pace - no convenient last-minute revelations or perfect detective work."

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🔍 The protagonist, Roxane Weary, was partially inspired by the author's experience as a private investigator working with insurance fraud cases. 📚 This book won the Shamus Award for Best First P.I. Novel in 2018, establishing Lepionka as a notable voice in crime fiction. 🏳️‍🌈 Roxane Weary is one of relatively few openly bisexual protagonists in mainstream detective fiction, contributing to LGBTQ+ representation in the genre. 🌆 The novel is set in Columbus, Ohio, where author Kristen Lepionka lives, allowing for authentic details of the city's geography and culture. ⚖️ The cold case at the center of the novel was partly inspired by real-life instances of death row inmates being exonerated through DNA evidence and witness recantation.