Obey All Laws by Cindy Goyette

This well-written story about the adventures of a probation officer will appeal to fans of Janet Evanovich. When Casey Carson takes over her missing cousin’s case file, she becomes a magnet for trouble. Author Cindy Goyette draws from her own background in creating Casey’s world of law enforcement and criminal clients. The court scenes, police work, and dealings with probationers are realistically portrayed. A thrill-packed plot makes this a book you won’t want to put down. The first action-packed scene got my attention and the energy never let up.

I really enjoyed reading Obey All Laws, with a strong female PO who kicks butt. She does whatever it takes to protect those she cares about, bouncing back from physical assaults by her muscled and tattooed clients and their associates. Each time it looks like she’s defeated, she rebounds even stronger. When it comes to her personal life, Casey exposes a softer side to her personality. Her mother’s suicide, her divorce from Betz (the detective who remains her friend), and the growing distance between herself and her father make Casey a likeable and relatable character.

There’s never a dull moment in Casey’s life. As she questions who to trust and who to turn to, twists and turns in her search for cousin Hope lead down a dangerous path, both literally and figuratively. The mountains and desert of Arizona form a perfect backdrop for hiding missing persons and for body disposal. 

There’s a bit of everything here—crime fiction, action, suspense, romance, humor—and it works well. Author Cindy Goyette had me worried and fearful one minute, then laughing and swooning the next. If you like your crime fiction fast-paced with a dash of fun, this book is for you.