There’s something about authenticity in crime novels. Author Lisa Black has a background as a forensic scientist, so when she tells you what’s going on in an investigation, it rings true. Trail of Blood features a fictional forensic scientist, Theresa MacLean, on the trail of a serial killer from the 1930s, and maybe a copycat killer today. Be warned that there’s some gruesome parts here, but Black handles them tastefully. And on the other side of the coin, there’s a great feel for the old railroads and railroad lore that play a crucial role in the story. Good mystery, good suspense, unique setting. Black could be destined for stardom with this series.