Agent Tyberius “Ty” Granger is part of the FBI’s Strange Crime Unit. Serial killers with odd religious ritualistic undertones fall under their jurisdiction. Their latest case takes them to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where a serial killer is leaving dead women tattooed with flowers at various lighthouse. Ty isn’t a fan of North Carolina because of his own family history, and a hurricane approaching the coast makes him even more antsy. However, Ty’s obligation to the team and his drive to stop serial killers has him headed back to North Carolina.

Ty is an intriguing character, one who is perfect for such a dark tale as THE GARDEN GIRLS. Jessica R. Patch delves into Ty’s dark past, the one he thought he’d left behind when he was kicked out of the Family of Glory. While Ty’s expertise is as a religious behavioral analyst, his own past has shadowed his view on all religions, painting them in the same warped view of the Family of Glory. His disdain towards his coworkers’ faith as Christians is palpable, even as he dearly loves them otherwise and considers one of them the brother he wished he’d had. Jessica R. Patch takes readers- and Ty- into some dark places and I wondered how she would pull off a redemption story, but I had tears by the end of the story.

The Strange Crimes Unit isn’t your typical unit and I intend to read the earlier books as Jessica R. Patch has me hooked! I love books that combine faith and the thriller genre without being overly preachy or condemning and THE GARDEN GIRLS is the perfect example of how to make this combination work. Jessica R. Patch doesn’t hesitate to deal with some heavy real-world issues even in the midst of a very odd and frightening spate of murders. Some of the revelations were unexpected and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what else was in store for us as readers.

THE GARDEN GIRLS is a dark and often disturbing tale. However, even in the darkest moments, Jessica R. Patch showcases the value of friendship and love amidst the heartaches and pain. THE GARDEN GIRLS may include one of the most bizarre serial killers I’ve ever read about, but the story is also one of the most redemptive ones I’ve had the pleasure of reading as well. Highly recommended!