Not Who We Expected

Lisa Black has done it again! Suspense fills the fourth book in the Locard Institute Thriller series, Not Who We Expected, that features Dr. Ellie Carr and Dr. Rachael Davies. They’re forensic analysts, forensic instructors, and crime scene experts. Rock star Billy Diamon hires Rachael and Ellie to locate and ensure his daughter Devon is okay.

She and her boyfriend left college for a career development retreat near Topaz, Nevada. Devon’s calls have stopped, and after learning that Carlos’ body was found a few miles from the ranch, Billy’s worried about her.

Ellie goes undercover at the ranch as a new client while Rachael works to learn more about Devon and find out how Billy knows her late sister Isis. Devon seems to be thriving, but no one is mentioning Carlos. However, the attendees follow the leader whether it’s in mind or body exercises, whether they’re dangerous or not. Is this a self-improvement and career development retreat or something more sinister?

Ellie is a complex character. She left her job with the FBI’s Evidence Response Team after divorcing a co-worker. She’s analytical, outwardly friendly and outgoing, but somewhat insecure at times. Rachel is empathetic, a former Washington D.C. medical examiner, and is currently the assistant dean of education at the Locard Institute and guardian of her nephew.

This riveting novel quickly grabbed my attention. It’s descriptive without slowing the pace, allowing me to easily visualize the home and venues for the rock star making a comeback as well as the rural area where the ranch was located. The tension level, unpredictable moments, and twists to the story, along with the action scenes interspersed with Ellie’s investigation, kept me engaged. The hidden undercurrents and possible dangers kept the suspense level high. I found the perceptions and actions around manipulation, indoctrination, loyalty, control, consequences for failure, and isolation disturbing. My biggest quibble is that there is very little forensics in this book. I also thought the pacing was a little slow at times.

Overall, this was a fascinating and captivating novel with great characterization and worldbuilding! There is the right amount of mystery, tension, and apprehensiveness to keep readers engrossed and wondering what will happen next. Themes include self-help, trust, betrayal, deception, misdirection, greed, murder, life of a rock star, and much more. This series is best read in order, although this one can be read as a standalone novel. The author’s note at the end is worth reading. Additionally, she has listed several sources she consulted during her research.

Kensington Publishing and Lisa Black provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 25, 2025.