Conspiracy Theory (Harmarsson & Dempsey #1) by Elle Keaton

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Blurb

Years of grueling police work have left Niall Hamarsson jaded and disillusioned with life…although it’s likely he’s been that way all along. The last straw lands when the DA refuses to try a case Niall worked for years to bring to justice. Within hours he finds himself heading to the only place he’s ever been able to call home—a place he knows he doesn’t belong.

Mat Dempsey returned to Piedras Island after his father’s death. These days he’s Island County’s sheriff. He’s happy enough, even if moving home from San Francisco effectively forced him back into the closet. Mat’s well-ordered universe collapses when a local’s body is discovered floating in the cold waters of Hidden Harbor’s marina. All hell breaks loose in the community, and accusations fly…all coinciding with Niall Hamarsson’s return.Niall and Mat have a history, and it’s not one Mat’s proud of. He owes Niall an apology, even if it means getting down on his knees. However, Mat’s first priority is investigating the murder before his community tears itself apart and he may have to ask the aloof Niall Hamarsson for help.

Push apart, pull together, yes or no... The chemistry crackles between them but will the two men be able to put aside their pasts and embrace a future?

Maybe.

Review 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Conspiracy Theory, the first book in Elle Keaton's Hamarsson & Dempsey series, appears to be the start of another addicting series.

First, I need to say that the cover doesn't match the storyline. This is not a tough guy story at all. This is a romantic suspense at it's finest.

In this slow burn romance, Niall quits his old life and returns to his small town. There he's reunited with his sort of ex, Matt, with whom he left off on bad terms. 

What follows is a whole lot of mystery, as they work together to find out what's going on in their town. There's a murder to solve, strange animal sightings, and more. The reader is kept intrigued and guessing throughout.

Despite there being so much happening, the characters are developed enough to allow the reader to get a good sense of them, as well as their backstories. There's a good mystery, with great flow, and a solid pace. This is definitely an intriguing story.

The setting is that of a small island town, and the townspeople add greatly to the charm, and will hopefully lead to a fantastic series.

Conspiracy Theory is perfect for anyone who's looking for a good romantic suspense. Elle Keaton expertly combines a mystery with a slow burn, second chance romance. I am excited to see what else develops for Niall and Matt in the future.