In the illustrious wake of two previous masterpieces, Terry Weaver once again proves his literary prowess with his third installment, A Long Night Cry, in the highly acclaimed Eli Ridge detective series. For aficionados of suspenseful police procedurals, intricately woven criminal mysteries, electrifying thrillers, and narratives that unmask the complexities of vigilante justice, getting acquainted with the character of Eli Ridge is an absolute must.

Weaver’s tale delves into a poignant exploration of contemporarily pressing issues, including murder, kidnapping, drug cartels, systemic corruption, and the debilitating impact of emotionally distant families. The plot thickens as three teenage girls — a Mexican immigrant, a senator’s daughter, and her intimate friend — mysteriously disappear. While societal and political pressures force Ridge to primarily focus on locating the senator’s daughter, he staunchly believes that every victim warrants an equal amount of concern and investigative rigor. This moral compass leads him down a treacherous path, as his pursuit of justice threatens his career and endangers those closest to him.

The author’s exemplary storytelling swiftly ensnares readers in a maelstrom of suspense, emotional turmoil, and an ever-growing anticipation of the narrative’s next development. Weaver’s adroit narrative techniques serve to augment the story’s suspense as each chapter delves deeper into the narrative, cleverly piecing together the mystery surrounding the missing girls and keeping readers on edge. In particular, Eli Ridge’s character will likely resonate with many as we share in his struggles and emotional descent triggered by the escalating events, creating a deep connection that echoes long after the final page.

A Long Night Cry is a thoroughly engaging read that stands as a testament to Weaver’s talent for suspense. For those unacquainted with the Eli Ridge series, fear not, as this book can certainly be enjoyed as a standalone novel. However, the reading experience will undoubtedly be enriched if you’ve had the pleasure of delving into the earlier works, namely A Dark Day in Texas and Whitewashed Tomb. A Long Night Cry is a truly captivating narrative that is entirely worth your time.

Pages: 354 | ASIN : B0C43LX91K