Inner Sanctum

This review originally appeared at Divine Magazine
Inner Sanctum continues Nathan and Sam's story which began in Double Indemnity and opens up a new investigation after a series of arson attacks in Stonebridge.
Though I think Double Indemnity has a slight edge on this sequel, I still enjoyed Maggie Kavanagh's writing, the strong personalities she creates, and particularly her new characters like Damon Blake.
In writing this as a sequential series, it means that Maggie Kavanagh is able to evolve Nathan and Sam's relationship, developing some of the seeds that were planted during Double Indemnity.
Sam and Nathan have now been together for six months. Sam is committed, but still reconciling himself with Nathan's past sexual experiences.
Whilst the fact that Sam is unable to talk to Nathan about his desires is an indication of the trust issues between them, I do not think this conforms with the idea of Sam that we have - the confident journalist who confronts murderers.
I think Sam and Nathan's gentle experimentation with different sexual roles is interesting, though not necessary to the plot, and I prefer the vanilla moments between them.
Around the couple's relationship obstacles and reluctance to trust one another, Maggie Kavanagh writes an intriguing mystery. We spend most of the story confident of the perpetrator's identity, only for Maggie Kavanagh to laugh in our faces at Inner Sanctum's explosive conclusion.
Although I had a few small issues with the book I am really excited to see what is next for Nathan, Sam and Stonebridge in Blind Spot.
I received this as a complimentary copy, in exchange for an honest review.

Inner Sanctum is the second book in The Stonebridge Mysteries by Maggie Kavanagh. This book is best read as part of the series to best understand the characters and setting. However, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel as well.
The first paragraph of the story leaves you intrigued. At the end of the first chapter, I was hooked and could not wait to finish the story. The author did a wonderful job of creating a realistic world where the reader is able to picture what is happening, including a time and place. The author realistic world pulled to reader into in was ease. The pace of the story was a steady pace that was not too fast or too slow. The characters in the story were thought-provoking and exciting. I loved that both Sam and Nathan each were not perfect. They both come across as very realistic.
The point of view alternated between Sam and Nathan, giving the reader a glimpse inside both characters. The changing point of view was done with care so the reader did not get lost or repeat story lines. The main conflict of the story is developing relationship while Sam is trying to clean a teenager’s name. The characters motivations fit the conflict. The level of conflict is perfect. I was left wanting more by the stories end. The dialogue between the characters was sincere and distinct. The characters voice matched not only the setting but fit their overall personality. I loved this story, and can see re-reading it again in the future. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
Review by Victoria
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