Conspiracy Theory by Elle Keaton

Conspiracy Theory by Elle Keaton

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Blurb

Years of grueling police work have left Niall Hamarsson jaded and disillusioned with life…although it’s likely he’s been that way all along. The last straw lands when the DA refuses to try a case Niall worked for years to bring to justice. Within hours he finds himself heading to the only place he’s ever been able to call home—a place he knows he doesn’t belong.

Mat Dempsey returned to Piedras Island after his father’s death. These days he’s Island County’s sheriff. He’s happy enough, even if moving home from San Francisco effectively forced him back into the closet. Mat’s well-ordered universe collapses when a local’s body is discovered floating in the cold waters of Hidden Harbor’s marina. All hell breaks loose in the community, and accusations fly…all coinciding with Niall Hamarsson’s return. Niall and Mat have a history, and it’s not one Mat’s proud of. He owes Niall an apology, even if it means getting down on his knees. However, Mat’s first priority is investigating the murder before his community tears itself apart and he may have to ask the aloof Niall Hamarsson for help.

Push apart, pull together, yes or no… The chemistry crackles between them but will the two men be able to put aside their pasts and embrace a future?
Maybe.

Buy Link

Amazon

Review

I had a little mini-breakdown last week. I couldn’t bring myself to write, and I definitely didn’t want to read romance or anything romance-adjacent. I mostly sat in a corner and crocheted, if we’re being honest. I finally realized I was out of pre-reviewed books, came out of my little yarn cave, and made myself read. Conspiracy Theory was the first book I read.

I think Elle Keaton might possibly live inside my head, or at least vacation there. This book was exactly what I needed to get over my mega-snit. It had everything I want or need in a romance book. Both main characters had some damage, and both of them were amazing people. There is a dog. The dog does not die. There’s a dramatic backstory, there’s murder, and there are strong and wonderful characters to warm the heart.

Niall catches and holds my heart the most. His story is the most tragic and the most compelling. He’s overcome so much to get to where he is today, and his experiences have left more than a few scars. Niall is a profoundly lonely man and it would be almost impossible not to relate to him in some way.

Mat has his issues too. They’re different from Niall’s, and in a way they complement each other. They fit so well it’s easier to see their arcs rise across the pages.

In terms of world building, I was able to see the island perfectly even though I’ve never been to the Pacific Northwest. Keaton does a masterful job of making the world come alive, from the weather to the landscape to the side characters. This was true in the Accidental Roots series as well, so it won’t come as a surprise to regular readers.

In terms of the plot, I can’t say much that won’t be a spoiler. That’s kind of the challenge in reviewing mysteries. I will say the killer threw me for a loop in the end. I knew they weren’t a good person, but I didn’t know quite what a crap person they were. Keaton did an amazing job of making a plausible case for this person without ever making it obvious it was them. It was beautiful, it was brilliant, and I can only hope to do my own work as well.

Emotionally, I was in tears by 28%. There were some great laughs, and of course there’s a dog so I smiled too. I don’t want to get into just why I related so strongly to some of these characters, but the mark of an amazing writer is someone who can pull strong emotions out of readers even though most of us will never experience half the trauma the characters have. And most of us would crumble under it.

Anyway, TL;DR – buy this book. It’s incredible and you’ll be so glad you did.