The Phoenix Detective Agency's latest case sends Tally McGinnis and Cid Cameron to northern California coast in the search of a serial killer. A difficult task under any circumstances, their efforts are further impeded by a highly questionable local sheriff's department and a threat of seriously damaging political fall-out. Nonetheless, Tally begins the arduous task of determining exactly how, why, and by whom Johanna Haskall was murdered. As the mystery deepens, family secrets and seemingly inexplicable personal motives arise to further blur the lines between what appears to be and what actually is the truth. To share anymore would no doubt spoil the exciting adventure awaiting the reader. However, let it be said that the lyrics of that old song, "Somebody loves me..I wonder who.." will linger in the reader's mind throughout the journey.

There are many authors who write in the mystery genre. Too often they tend to overlap to the degree to which they sometimes seem indistinguishable. Nancy Sanra does not fall into this category. Her tightly written story begins quickly and rockets across the chapters. This is a novel which truly involves the reader. One can empathize with Katie as she continues, albeit reluctantly, to recognize that Tally's profession demands so much more than just time and effort; it demands a little piece of Tally's soul with each heartbreaking case.

Sanra knows her characters well, and it is with a deft touch that she brings the subtle facets of each to the page. Reading No Evidence is like spending time with old friends. The reader is comfortable within the setting and with these women who have carved out a business for themselves that very often tests them to their limits. The secondary characters exceed the stereotypical depictions often seen in lesser novels. Once confronted with the murderer, the reader is presented a chilling portrait of a savage psychopathic individual who will stop at nothing to accomplish his vision of his reality. This novel is the fourth in the Tally McGinnis series and is the best entry thus far.

This reader has enjoyed the previous novels, but No Evidence displays a growth in this writer's craft. The dialogue is crisp, at times sardonically humorous, and extremely readable. McGinnis' three main characters have developed into personable, stalwart, yet sensitive, women. The plotline is realistically developed and races across the pages. It is truly a book one cannot put down. Strong, independent, and likable women are exemplified in the characterization of professional partners, Tally and Cid. Tally's relationship with Katie, the receptionist and third partner in the Phoenix Detective Agency, has evolved over time, and the presentation here is very satisfying for those readers who have followed it throughout the previous novels. Fast-paced action scenes, characters consumed by self-doubt and a twisted sense of love, and intrepid and tenacious detectives add to the hard-boiled detective genre created by the author. No Evidence is an entertaining and rewarding way to spend a few hours. This reader eagerly awaits the next in the series.