Haunted by a Broken Oath

JD Wolfe Investigation, #1

by

Dee Armstrong

Riveting and unique!

Haunted by a Broken Oath is the first book in author Dee Armstrong's fascinating JD Wolfe Investigation paranormal detective mystery series, and with its unique premise and compelling plot, it was an absolutely riveting beginning. Justyne Diamond "JD" Wolfe has just completed the licensing requirements to become a private investigator and is working in her adopted family's PI business. Her first solo assignment is late-night surveillance of an all-night diner owned by a longtime family friend and decorated war hero who believes something illegal is going on during the late shift. But what JD discovers kicks off an entire series of dangerous events, starting with a kidnapped child, a global child trafficking ring, and murder. 

JD has such a tragic past and is coping the best she can. Orphaned young, she has been literally haunted by the spirit of a strange woman, as long as she can remember, who is still present in her life and dreams. I honestly felt that JD was just done with her being there all the time, whether the woman was hanging around or actively meddling in her daily activities. Their communication is difficult. While the ghost woman can understand JD, she can only respond in stilted, staccato syllables and simple words. I enjoyed how, as the story progressed, JD relaxed somewhat about her presence and began to partner with her as she finally figured out how the ghost could help by following or finding people and doing small tasks JD could not. JD is a hardworking young adult, but at times she lapses in maturity as she tries to make sense of her cases and family revelations. Even as she's working through what she endured as a child, she still has the compassion to try to help a returned veteran who was severely wounded before being medically discharged. 

The plot is well-paced and deals with several serious issues, including child sexual predators, the death of a parent, suicide, and mental health, to name a few. The author juggles these topics and their related storylines and multiple points of view to create an absorbing tale. While initially appearing unrelated, these disparate and complex storylines unfold with surprising twists and gradually converge into a bombshell of a whole. 

I recommend HAUNTED BY A BROKEN OATH to readers of paranormal detective stories. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.