The Next Girl by Carla Kovach is the first book in a series about Detective Gina Harte, who works hard to bring justice to those who have been abused. She has worked hard to get where she is and takes her job seriously, but her past has been a source of pain and confusion. The story follows her as she investigates the disappearance of a woman, Debbie Jenkins, and her potential love interest. The realism of the story is paramount, and the characters are well-developed and believable. The story is full of twists and turns, and readers will be left wanting more.