Dee Rommel #5
6 Days by Jule Selbo is, ironically, the fifth book in the Dee Rommel series. This is already a crowded, detailed world by the time Dee is hired for her first solo mission as a private eye. Hired by her godfather, the former head of the firm’s best friend, she is soon drawn into the uppercrust world of Freya Cummings and her small isolated family. Though there is a little story beforehand, the book truly picks up when they reach Freya’s private island.
Freya was traumatically raped at the age of thirteen, and had a baby that she was told was dead. However, a young woman has stepped forward claiming to be her daughter and is pushing hard to meet her mother. Freya, a famous recluse who hasn’t left her island in years, is not eager to make the acquaintance. Dee and the family friend, who is immediately smitten with Freya, are tasked with making this claim simply go away – whether there is a biological relationship or not between them.
However, Freya is in no mood to cooperate. She simply wants this to be over, and she doesn’t want to provide any information. There is even an immediate ban on DNA tests, as she doesn’t trust them, for either herself or her son. Dee rubs her the wrong way by asking too many pushy, forceful questions. Just as she is getting shut out of the case, bodies start turning up and they all seem connected to the mystery daughter.
This book is not, in my opinion, the place to start the series. There were many references and names thrown at the reader right off the bat I had no context for. Someone who has already enjoyed the rest of the series is the audience for this one – as we don’t even know precisely where Dee’s other leg went, starting there. It’s just simply gone.
Readers should be aware that this story includes description of Freya’s rape, sexual intimidation, death of a cat, and just generally course language. It is not for the faint of heart. However, readers looking for a darker, twisty, story should dive right in. — Margaret Agnew