Troop 18

I really could go on and on about how much I have adored Jessica L. Webb’s novels. Every book has been just outstanding.

Troop 18 comes from Andy’s perspective and picks up fairly soon after Kate left Andy in Pathogen. Right out of the gate you feel Andy’s despair of their quasi-breakup. She has counted the days that Kate has been gone with no contact. Not a phone call, nor a text to let her know where they stand or how she is. Andy’s heart is broken and she is terrified of a future without Kate. Her pain is palatable, you feel it just radiating right of the page. Jessica Webb, you are so good! I love a book that makes you feel, even if it hurts. Of course, Andy turns to work as her salvation, and this takes us right into a bizarre case dealing with a group of RCMP cadets, who may or may not be up to something nefarious. Andy is needed to root out what they are hiding and whether this troop needs to be allowed to continue their training. Not life and death craziness of like the past two novels, but interesting nonetheless.

When Kate does come back to Andy, well I could just gush about their reconnection. These two ripped their hearts out, spoke the truth and held nothing back. Their reconciliation was done masterfully! Emotions, oh the emotions! This is basically the heart of this one. While the mystery is very mysterious, it’s the emotional journey of the Andy and Kate that is the main focus. Of course, I love it, total romance junkie here.

Is this the last of the series, if I was a betting woman I would say yes if felt like the end of the road to me. The characters of Kate and Andy have been phenomenal. What a fantastic series this has been. It is definitely a series to treasure. Webb is easily on of the best authors in this genre, I can’t wait to see where she takes us next.

Reviewed by Anja Schindler

This is another solid mystery by Ms. Webb. Troop 18 is the third in the Dr. Kate Morrison series. I have enjoyed the early books in this series and was eagerly looking forward to reading this one. I was not disappointed.

The two main characters are RCMP Sgt. Andy Wyles and Dr. Kate Morrison. The first two books were written from Kate’s point of view. In this book, however, the story is presented through Andy. Although this could be read as a standalone book, I think the reader would miss out on the history of the two characters. So, I would recommend reading the series in order.

Book one and two were fast-paced thrillers. This book is not a thriller...I enjoyed delving into Andy’s character. Her character was developed further than in previous books in the series.

The mystery in this book pertains to Troop 18 of the RCMP. The cadets in this troop are different from any other troop that has come through the training facilities. Andy’s superiors ask Andy to observe these sixteen cadets and determine why they are acting in a manner so different from any other cadets. So, she sets up a training camp in the interior of British Columbia for the training instructors, herself, and to her surprise, Kate who has been assigned as the camp medic.

I enjoyed this book and found it to be a good mystery. I rate this book 4-1/2 stars out of 5.

Reviewed by Patty Anderson

Jessica L Webb never fails to impress me. I enjoyed this book the most of the three in the series. It was interesting to see things from Andy's point of view for a change. I loved that it wasn't all moonshine and roses for this couple and that they actually had to work through things. This story also seemed way more realistic than the previous two (not that I don't enjoy a bit of far fetched escapism every now and then). I enjoyed reading about the Canadian Mounted Police and everything they get up to. The other characters (the relevant ones at least) in the story were well rounded and interesting. I could almost feel the mud and smell the trees. Can't decide who I'm more in love with, Kate or Andy ;) Loved this book and would recommend it to anyone.

Reviewed by Liezl Kruger

I have been a fan of this series from book one, so when I saw that the third book was to be released I knew I had to get a chance to review it.

If you have read the first two books in this series (which I highly recommend you do before reading this book) you will be familiar with this authors style of writing, which she carries on into this book.

The story in this book is quite different from the first two books as there is less action and more time for us to get to know Andy and Kate when they aren't completely stressed out. That said, it does not mean that this book is any less suspenseful the the previous two, in fact I spent the majority of the book trying to figure out what the secret was but I just couldn't figure it out (although I did come close).

Webber has a way of giving you a whole lot of information but leaving you just as in the dark as you were before and I love that about her books, nothing is ever as it seems.

The mystery part of the book aside, I have to say that I really enjoyed getting to see Andy and Kate in a more relaxed setting, without a literal or hypothetical countdown happening during all of their interactions.

If this is the last book in the series I would be happy with how it ended because I like how the author developed Andy and Kate's relationship, she didn't just give us the fairytale ending, instead she gave us a couple who has weathered the storm and come out stronger for it but still realises that they have a lot to work on which for me is the most real and happy ending she could have given them.

Reviewed by Jade Faltain

‘Troop 18’ is the third in the Dr Kate Morrison series and is another winner. We were left on a bit of a cliffhanger in the last book and I am so glad this came out so soon. Andy is finding it hard to deal with some things in her life Andy welcomes the chance to go on an assignment involving the training depot for the RMCP. It involves Troop 18 and a secret that no-one can get out of them. The story is a fascinating mystery that had me stumped and I loved how it was told in a very understated way with so much going on under the surface. The closeness of the Troop is important but I felt that the setting allowed for an intense togetherness that added to the mystery. I was so pleased when Kate became involved as the relationship between her and Andy is pivotal to the whole series. Jessica L Webb has managed to write a wonderful love story that has such passion and emotional depth. These two were made for each other. I highly recommend Troop 18.

Reviewed by Karen McIntosh