Review of Collecting the Dead (Special Tracking Unit, Book 1)

Author: Spencer Kope
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review By: Shana

This was a nicely done FBI procedural with a twist - one half of the "Special Tracking Unit" masquerades as a man tracker but actually has something of a paranormal power to track people by their unique "shine" (an aura or essence that is particular to each individual). Known as "Steps," very few people know the true source of his amazing tracking ability.

The mystery itself is two-pronged. The immediate thrust of the book is a serial killer known as the Sad Face Killer, who has a definite type and whose victims are piling up. As the case unfolds and the STU is one step behind, they eventually end up in a race against time to find the latest victim before she dies. A larger plot overlaps this case and we are told of a killer that Steps has been aware of for years and who he has dubbed "Leonardo." Leonardo appears to be aware, at least in part, of Steps ability and taunts him.  

The sleuthing and chase to apprehend the serial killer is solidly done, and there is enough character building to make the protagonists a bit fuller than two dimensional. While there is a lot of humor in the book, Kope mixes enough gravity in to make the whole thing move quickly. Still, the dialog can be a bit too cute, and the emotion sometimes feels shallow and under-developed. Still, a promising first entry in the series.