Long Bright River

Long Bright River by Liz Moore, 480 pgs.

Mickey has always been a protector. She works hard to take care of herself, her son, and her community--all while fulfilling her duties as a Kensington police officer. This is no simple task, especially in the midst of the opioid crisis, and it is made more difficult by her close connection to the situation through her sister, Kacey, who has struggled with addiction most of her life. When Kacey's disappearance coincides with a string of suspicious deaths, Mickey must search her past and present to protect her loved ones. 

It is rare that a story grabs my attention right from the beginning, but this book is immediately gripping. Liz Moore paints a complete picture of Kensington with a recognition of its problems and an overwhelming sense of empathy for its community. Mickey is flawed and strong and interesting. The switches between the past and present are really well done. Highly recommend as a thriller and as a thoughtful examination of the opioid crisis and the networks of people it impacts