Talking to Strangers, By Fiona Barton

In Deadly Valentine, a gripping mystery from the author of Local Gone Missing, Detective Elise King finds herself navigating a complex investigation when Karen Simmons is murdered on Valentine’s Day. With the victim actively using dating apps, Elise begins to suspect that Karen’s online encounters may have led to her untimely death. As the investigation unfolds, the town becomes divided; some residents blame Karen for her own demise, while others rally together to protest the pervasive violence against women.

Amid this turmoil, Kiki Nunn, an ambitious reporter and single mother, enters the fray. With the local news industry in decline, Kiki sees the Simmons murder as her opportunity to revive her career. Determined to break the story, she relentlessly pursues her own investigation, often stepping on Elise's toes and complicating the already tense situation.

As Kiki's aggressive newsgathering brings her closer to the truth, she finds herself increasingly at odds with Elise, who is working tirelessly to solve the case before the killer strikes again. With each revelation, the stakes rise, and both women must confront their own demons—Elise grappling with the pressure to solve the murder and Kiki fighting for her career and the safety of her young daughter.

Deadly Valentine is a nail-biting exploration of ambition, truth, and the lengths people will go to uncover dark secrets lurking beneath the surface of a seemingly quiet town. 📚❤️