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Linnea and Parker’s investigation has taken them into a cult. A cult that wears robes and masks, a cult with decaying old people in the higher ranks, but most importantly, a cult that sacrifices people. After witnessing a murder, the detectives must escape undetected and plan their next move to take down the large, masked group.

Pine and Merrimac is really enjoyable for two specific reasons: one is the case and the other is the interplay between the leads. It started with investigation and detection, and now the story has stacked the odds against our heroes by displaying the cult’s numbers, power, and reach. Then writer Kyle Starks and artist Fran Galán interject these sweet moments between the loving couple whether it’s flirty sentiments or cute gestures that add charm to the detective/suspense story. It’s a fun book all around – though this issue ends with a gut punch that’ll have readers move the next issue to the top of their must read pile.

-Amanda Sheriff