Dead in the Water: Cold Case Psychic Book 7, Pandora Pine

Finally on a real honeymoon, Tennyson and Ronan are set to enjoy the sun, the water, and a lot of time to reconnect.  Well, as much as they can between feuding family members, psychic readings, and a murder mystery dinner that turns into a very real murder mystery.

Emotionally I think that Ronan and Tennyson are back on track.  They're using their words and their actions to express how they feel like mature adults and are truly understanding how to connect when the other is at their lowest.  The rest of the crew, however, are making up for all that loveliness by sniping, backbiting, being pissy and passive aggressive, and refusing to soften and forgive.  Usually that's all Ronan and Ten's job but they're now thrust into the roles of peacemaker and counselor.  They take up the mantle rather well, actually, so it's nice to see them use the tools they've been given all along to help their friends.

We're now in book seven and I can honestly say I'm pretty much over their jokes and expressions of affection that all sound like insults.  I get that there are relationships like that but it seems like every character, especially Kevin, Ronan, Jude, and Ten, are pioneering new ways to avoid saying nice things in favor of using cruel and rude words to express love and caring instead.  While I'm fine with it if the conversation lends itself to that kind of banter, this is being used during every conversation.

As for the murder mystery bit, most of it felt pretty organic.  The villain was pretty bad and quite a bit over the top as was the reaction of the one friend that was involved with them.  Aside from the larger-than-necessary actions and reactions it all went together pretty well and the confrontation wrapped up rather quickly.

It's the relationships that take the stage in this story rather than the crime.  It added an element of reality for Truman and Carson to go through turmoil and frustration, that no relationship is immune from difficulty.  Except it was Jace and Kevin's relationship that was the most chaotic.  For our second introduction to Jace he's doing a helluva job ruining my opinion of him.  We know there's a lot of stuff going on underneath the surface but to act like he does isn't giving me hope that those reasons will truly make up for it.  Let's hope that That Old Magic gives us some decent groveling and hope for those two.

Overall I think we're getting back where we need to be in terms of character evolution and family growth.  This was a fun, sweet, and emotional addition to the series that I think came just in time for everyone's next phase that's coming.

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