UNSEEN by Karin Slaughter

Karin Slaughter is GOOD. That's the short version of my review, but read on if you want more than that. This entry in the Will Trent/Sara Linton series is riveting, but more importantly, furthers character development is a way usually unseen in thrillers, which tend to put plot before character. Slaughter's characters grow. Every book reveals new developments in individual and relationship development. GBI Agent Will Trent is undercover. Medical Examiner Sara Linton is fretting because Will is distant and she has to deal with the shooting of her stepson, Jared, who is married to her arch nemesis, Macon detective Lena Adams. The Lena Adams-Sara Linton feud, which is, frankly, not my favorite. Despite the pages focused on this less interesting (to me) component, the book as a whole is fast-paced.

This is an excellent entry in a fascinating series. Will's pursuit of a mysterious drug kingpin and the raid are riveting. Lena's point of view slows things down a bit, but not enough to knock more than one star from the rating, at least for me. The novel is gritty and often dark, and Slaughter is fond of exploring the gray area between right and wrong. This makes for a compelling read.

Where to start? Slaughter combined two series, her Grant County/Sara Linton series, which begins with BLINDSIGHTED, and her Atlanta/Will Trent series, which begins with TRIPTYCH. The first combined book is UNDONE. I think you can easily start with UNDONE if you'd like. Since this is where the most compelling plotlines begin, that's what I would recommend. You can always go back and read the earlier books later.

Source disclosure: I received an e-galley of this title courtesy of the publisher.