If you love a good mystery, then Ridley Pearson is your man. On July 10th, the #1 New York Times Bestselling Author (not to mention award-winning for his children’s novels based on Peter Pan) hits shelves with his newest edge-of-your-seat, twists-and-turns novel.

Set in Sun Valley, Idaho, Killer Weekend follows small resort town sheriff Walt Fleming. Eight years ago he saved a young U.S. Attorney General, Elizabeth Shaler, from a would-be attacker. Now she is back in his sunny little hide-a-way to announce her candidacy for president and Walt is forced to work with a private security firm, the FBI, and the Secret Service to keep her protected after a death threat and a gruesome airport murder.

Sheriff Fleming is an immensely likable character; competent and kind, he is the kind of man you want to root for. It also helps that he is surrounded by a cast of despicable folks, all out to serve themselves and no one else.

Always the master of a completely rounded story, Pearson gives us opposing views by jumping from the always thinking Fleming to the cold and calculated assassin. Both perspectives are so lush with detail that they jump off the pages.

As Pearson is someone who typically develops his stories so very well, I was surprised to find that a subplot involving Fleming’s estranged wife seems underdeveloped and extraneous. It is a rare misstep from him and does little to enhance any of the characters.

Nevertheless, Killer Weekend is a well-written and impeccably smart thriller. Every character is dynamic, forcing readers to love or hate them, and not a one fades into the background of oblivion. With more than one unexpected twist, you will not be left wanting.