A Descent Into Hell by Kathryn Casey

 

When Jennifer Cave's family couldn't get in touch with her in Austin, Texas, they started to worry.  Jennifer had had some tough teenage years and battles with drugs but she never lost her caring for others and her sunny nature.  She seemed to be getting on the right track and had just landed a new job that she was excited about.  But no matter how many times or who called, there was no answer and her friends there didn't know where she was.

Colton Pitonyak was the exact opposite.  He had some from a wealthy family and had been the shining boy in high school.  Always at the top of his class and even an alter boy for many years.  But when he and Jennifer met, things went badly.

By that time, Colton had changed quite a bit.  He was heavily dealing and using drugs and barely had a rein on a horrific temper.  He wanted a relationship with Jennifer but she had him firmly in the friend zone.  Did he have something to do with Jennifer's disappearance?

Kathryn Casey is one of the stellar names in the true crime genre.  She always does a ton of research and her ability to relate to those caught up in violence and grief is another strong point.  Everyone told Jennifer not to continue her relationship with Colton but she was too caring to drop a friendship of someone in trouble.  This book is recommended for true crime readers.