Tamara has a strong feeling that the roommate's murder is not connected with the several murders of local prostitutes. To find Gabriella Tamara will need to break down some barriers and find someone who will trust her and whom she can trust. When she finds that in person in young runaway Amaretta, Tamara learns more about Gabriella and the secrets that are keeping her hidden - the ones that may threaten her life.

The Devil Riding is a very atmospheric novel. Valerie Wilson Wesley has created a memorable cast of characters - from Gabriella's distraught mother to her scared, grown-up acting friend, to her political activist father. Over the course of the series, Tamara has grown into a tough, strong, yet decidedly feminine heroine. The harsh reality of life on the streets shines through the glitz and glamour of Atlantic City as the two extremes are deftly juxtaposed, providing a very textured atmosphere. The mystery, while well plotted, is fairly easy to solve, though there is one last piece that readers may not be able to place much before Tamara. The lively atmosphere and strong characters ably carry this latest entry into a down to earth, entertaining series.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry