Haunting Memories from a Troubled Past by Ellie DeFarr is a good old-fashioned detective story, the modern day trigger is that the star detective is Hera Hunter, a woman, an abused child, a vigilante and an ex-Marine Corp sniper. A phone call from a frightened Ida Bunce asking for help from Hera’s private investigation company opens the story. When Hera arrives at the appointed time, Ida is already dead. Thus begins the search for the killer and the secrets of the Bond Street Alliance. As Hera investigates the murder, each clue she finds brings another question and pushes her into further danger. When she discovers the Bond Street Alliance is made up of several high level political officials and she attempts to expose them, Hera’s life is suddenly in grave danger.

Ellie DeFarr has written a story offering murder, danger, friendship, and a little romance with characters that are real and a plot that offers twists and turns from start to finish. Haunting Memories from a Troubled Past is a perfect read for man, woman, young and old, all who are a fan of reading a good detective story. Haunting Memories from a Troubled Past is a fast reading, entertaining book. I have quickly become a fan of Ellie DeFarr and anxiously await the next Hera Hunter book. Haunting Memories from a Troubled Past would make a fantastic weekly television show and in my mind I have already cast the leading roles as well as Lucky, Hera’s faithful puppy.

Haunting Memories of a Troubled Past introduces you to the main protagonist, Hera Hunter, who works as a private investigator by day, and a vigilante sniper at night. She deals her own brand of justice to criminals who have killed or harmed women, all while taking less dangerous cases from people and companies during the day. Aided by her hacker friend Toby, Hera Hunter has a myriad of friends and family, all who work just on the shady side of the law. Among these are a cat burglar, a foster father who deals with stolen goods, a sister who owns a high-class brothel, and other friends who aid her once or twice during cases. When Hera is called by a private secretary expressing fear for her life, little did Hera know that that would be the last time they would speak. That was beginning of her worries, for after discovering Ida Bunce's death, Hera Hunter must now unravel a mystery involving a secret organization tied to the criminal foundation of the city. She is aided mostly by Ida's old dog, Lucky, whom she hopes will bring her luck and the answers she needs to bring the killer to justice and uproot some of the organized crime in her city.

I particularly loved Hera Hunter's adventures in this book. Ellie DeFarr does an excellent job in weaving a mystery story that makes the reader ask questions and try to guess, but ultimately the author surprises you once the answers and climax are revealed. It's definitely a page-turner and I enjoyed each and every one of DeFarr's characters, even the villains. Not everything is black and white in the real world, even in crime, and it's definitely appreciated in this piece.

Crouched in the dark, a former marine sniper squeezes the trigger and exacts her own brand of justice. This is Hera Hunter, a private investigator who settles scores, finds romance, and investigates three troubling murders. Ellie DeFarr paints a suspenseful picture with her complicated heroine in Haunting Memories from a Troubled Past. Hera's mother was murdered by her father and this must be a central fact in her motivation to take the law into her own hands. Hera takes lives when the legal system fails.

Centreville is the story's setting, where business and political corruption is common and there are many luxurious lifestyles. Hera meets handsome Mac, who is also a private investigator. He is hired for personal business by the mayor. Their paths and investigations intersect and their attraction is inevitable. But the nitty, gritty facts of three murders need an explanation. Hera uses her wits, attention to detail, and tag-along dog Lucky to help solve the crimes.

I am very impressed with Ellie DeFarr's ability to pace the suspenseful action and to organize the plot. The varied circumstances and motives behind the murders could have been confusing. But the plot hinged on the two main characters Hera and Mac. The personality of the pooch Lucky was endearing, of course. For local color, there was a favorite bar named the Pickled Pub. The moral dilemma of the vigilante shootings was explained in enough detail to keep Hera likeable. Haunting Memories from a Troubled Past by Ellie DeFarr is a complex, modern whodunit and an intriguing character study.