the first of the series explains a lot when you have read so many of the other books.
very good read

Decided to go back and read the first in the Joanna Brady series, since I picked up one in the middle and liked it so much. Fast paced mystery book. This is a page turner, set in the high desert. Joanna Brady's husband is found shot, left for dead. The book revolves around things that Joanna didn't know about her husband, and refused to believe. The truth comes to light by the end of the book.

A mildly interesting mystery with some unconvincing and convenient plot twists.

Solid introduction to the Joanna Brady character, a woman whose deputy husband is shot in Bisbee, AZ. She's tough and persistent, yet human, and I liked seeing how she interacted with others during this tough time. I could tell the story was mostly setting up background for future books (this is a series), but it was a good quick read and ill try some more in the series to see her in action as a sheriff.

Great series! I realized I've already read this on! Moving on to another!

Felt cliched and predictable. Long sentences explaining things that didn’t really matter. Also didn’t prefer the crassness of the sex scenes. But the story did keep me engaged and turning the page.

Liked this first book in the series a lot. It brought up a lot of personal emotions.

In DESERT HEAT, Joanna Brady’s husband Andy, a local deputy who is running for sheriff, is shot dead. The sheriff’s department says Andy was involved with drug smuggling and his death was a suicide attempt. Joanna doesn’t believe this and doesn’t believe clues found at the scene support it either. This book was told from dual perspectives—Joanna’s and Angie’s, a girl who was being trafficked by a killer for hire. This had some parts that felt a bit slow early on, but overall was a good mystery, particularly once we reach the point where Joanna and Angie meet up and start working together to solve the crime, while they’re simultaneously being hunted by people who want to silence them. I’m definitely interested in reading more of the series. 4/5 stars