Some deaths are easy to investigate, and some are not. Los Angeles is still experiencing an intense heat wave, so it seems "normal" that an old hoarder in a hot and overcrowded dirty house would pass away in these conditions. Typical open and shut case and the cops can get out of the stench and filth quickly.

Despite having been badly injured in her last case and back to work early with the Los Angeles Police Department, Detective Elouise "Lou" Norton is giving this case her full attention, especially after finding 73- year-old Eugene Washington's Purple Heart award. What a way for a former Viet Nam hero to end up.

Despite the desire of everyone to just get on with it, Lou feels a sense of unease that something is off in this situation. As the clean-up starts, some strange and intriguing things come to light. Just what really caused Eugene's strange death and the clues, like the pull of quicksand, seem to draw her and her partner, Colin, into danger. Can they figure out what or who is behind what gets uncovered as they dig in the filth of the house and in the various dealings that get uncovered?

CITY OF SAVIORS is the fourth book in the highly acclaimed Detective Elouise Norton series by Rachel Howell Hall and has a heroine who is a feisty, intelligent and competent Black female homicide detective with a big heart working in what is still a white male-dominated police force. She is tough and determined to do what it takes to do her job well.

Despite her own problems, Lou is not going to let others block her when she is determined to get what she needs and wants. As CITY OF SAVIORS is my first opportunity to read Hall's books, I can attest that it reads very well as a standalone mystery as there is some looping back to circumstances that happened in the previous books that blend in well with the new homicide case. I am definitely looking forward to reading the previous books in the series to find out more about those cases!

CITY OF SAVIORS is a fast-paced, page-turning police procedural that I personally had to read nonstop until I finished its surprising ending. Hall is exceptionally talented at pulling a reader right into her settings and situations. Right from the get-go, you will feel the discomfort of the shimmering Los Angeles heat and definitely can understand why the cops want to get out of that place fast. Still, Lou persists in looking for any evidence that might be helpful, but clues are as elusive as her dream man.

CITY OF SAVIORS is sure to be a big hit with Hall's fans, new and long standing, as the characters are well drawn and believable in their actions, attitudes and roles. The interaction between Lou and her partner, Colin, and especially with members of Eugene's church and others are dramatic and intriguing. CITY OF SAVIORS is a treat for any thriller/police procedural lover! Grab a copy and enjoy the sleuthing with Lou! You will soon be begging for more!