Book Review: As You Look by Veronica Gutierrez

As You Look
Author: Veronica Gutierrez
Series: A Yolanda Avila Mystery
Publication: Bella Books (March 22, 2022)

Description: Former LAPD cop-turned private investigator Yolanda Ávila blames herself for her mother’s death. If she’d only followed her cop instincts instead of the juju—her random prophetic dreams—the perpetrator would have been off the streets and her mother would still be alive. The only salve against her guilt is Yolanda’s vow to reject that juju crap, and to solve cases using only good solid detective work.

But when her godson is kidnapped and his parents are suspected of murder, Yolanda finds herself caught between what she feels and what she knows. And with the escalation of the case comes the escalation of her dreams. Until she can no longer ignore their importance.

If she wants to overcome the guilt and deal with her pent-up grief, Yolanda must confront the juju and learn to trust its place in her life. If she doesn’t, she risks losing yet another loved one. And she can’t possibly let that happen.

My Thoughts: This mystery introduces Yolanda Avila. She a former LAPD cop who left because of harassment since she's a competent woman, Hispanic, and a Lesbian. None of those traits endeared her to her fellow officers. Now, she's trying to build a new career as a private investigator.

Yolanda receives a panicked call for her best friend who tells her that her six-year-old son Joey has been kidnapped. Her friend Carmen first suspects her estranged husband since they have been arguing about custody. But Luis is as baffled as Carmen and as innocent. 

As Yolanda investigates, she finds herself looking into unions and construction projects that could be the cause of the child's disappearance. Yolanda has a psychic gift that she isn't willing to trust. After all, trusting it may have led to the death of her mother in a road rage accident perpetrated by the person Yolanda was looking for because she looked in the wrong place based on her visions. Despite getting psychic clues, Yolanda is determined to find her godson using traditional detective skills.

The child is found but problems don't end. Yolanda's investigation has led to something that the criminals want hidden. Yolanda is assaulted and her ER Doctor wife Sydney is threatened before the case can be solved.

I enjoyed this story despite the large amount of untranslated Spanish that was interspersed. It showed me a place and culture that was unfamiliar to me. I liked the relationship between Yoland and Sydney and the acceptance they get from both their families. 

The mystery was well-done and filled with intriguing plot twists. 

Favorite Quote:

"You sound like Sydney. She thinks that blocking out the juju keeps me from grieving for Mom. But grief isn't the issue. My cross to bear is all this guilt."

I received this one from a publicist at Kaye Publicity. You can buy your copy here.