Leave No Trace – Kat & Lock #2

Author: Jo Callaghan
Genre: Crime Thriller, Police Procedural
370 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 2024

Synopsis
One detective driven by instinct, the other by logic.
It will take both to find a killer who knows the true meaning of fear . . .

When the body of a man is found crucified at the top of Mount Judd, AIDE Lock – the world’s first AI Detective – and DCS Kat Frank are thrust into the spotlight as they are given their first live case.

But with the discovery of another man’s body – also crucified – it appears that their killer is only just getting started. With the police warning local men to be vigilant, the Future Policing Unit is thrust into a hostile media frenzy as they desperately search for connections between the victims. But time is running out for them to join the dots and prevent another death.

My review
Leave No Trace by Jo Callaghan is the second book in the Kat & Lock series, and after thoroughly enjoying the first novel, I was excited to dive into this one over the weekend. In this latest installment, DCS Kat Frank and AIDE (Artificially Intelligent Detective Entity) Lock are thrust into a high-stakes live investigation. This innovative series offers a fresh take on the police procedural genre, making it perfectly suited for the modern age.

The dynamic duo of AIDE Lock and DCS Kat Frank takes center stage and their partnership skillfully blends instinct and logic. The story kicks off with a chilling discovery: a man has been crucified at the top of Mount Judd. This horrifying crime pushes both Lock and Frank into the public eye as they work together to solve their first live case.

Callaghan’s storytelling is innovative, and effortlessly blends the timeless appeal of classic crime fiction with the intriguing role of AI in modern investigations. Her writing is sharp and engaging, never slowing down the pace. Callaghan brings the complexities of AI to life with just the right amount of scientific detail, ensuring it enhances the story rather than overwhelming it. The partnership between Lock, with his logical precision, and Frank, with her intuitive insight offers a unique approach to crime-solving, combining the power of artificial intelligence with human instinct.

My only critique is that I felt the novel placed a bit too much emphasis on current social issues. While I admire authors who use their platforms to address important topics, I thought there was a little too much social commentary woven into the story.

Overall, Leave No Trace is a fascinating, fast-paced, highly entertaining read. Callaghan’s personal experiences have clearly played a significant role in shaping both Blink and Trace, and while I’m sorry for the challenges she’s faced, I believe they’ve only strengthened the stories. There’s an undeniable personal connection that comes through, both with the author and the novel’s characters. Callaghan has crafted a well-developed, imaginative, and engaging narrative, and I look forward to picking up the third installment soon.

My recommendation: worth the read!