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Showing posts with label Romantic Suspense. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romantic Suspense. Show all posts
Saturday, November 28, 2020
Classic Or Not, I'd Give This Gothic Novel a Pass
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Mrs. Maxim de Winter was working as a lady's maid to a wealthy busybody on vacation in Monte Carlo when she met Maxim. Although she was shy and awkward, the dashing widower took an interest in her. In a surreal twist of fate, she found herself married to him just a few weeks later. Now, she's the mistress of Manderly, a sprawling mansion on the Cornish coast. With no experience as a wife or a woman with means, she's intimidated by both her formidable new home and her position within it. The housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, is cold and unwelcoming, obviously finding the current Mrs. de Winter no match at all for her predecessor. Everyone, in fact, seems obsessed with Maxim's deceased first wife, Rebecca. Her successor becomes just as fixated. Who was Rebecca? Why does she still have such a hold over Maxim and his associates? Most importantly, what really happened to her? The new Mrs. de Winter would very much like to know ...
I'm always up for a creepy Gothic novel and Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is a genre classic. I'd never read it before, but lots of people love it, so I finally decided to give it a go. It's definitely an atmospheric tale, with an eerie, unsettling vibe that kept me feeling on edge throughout. That was my favorite part of the story by far. Plotwise, Rebecca moves at a glacial pace, with so much extraneous information that I yawned through a good 70% of the book. It picks up toward the end, wrapping up with an odd, abrupt ending that had me wondering if my copy of the novel was missing some pages. The finale is satisfying, I guess, in that it's about unlikable people getting what they deserve. While Rebecca is more layered than it first appears to be, making some sharp and subtle observations about identity, marriage, and the subjugation of women, I found it to be a long, dull slog featuring repellant characters that I didn't care for at all. I didn't end up totally hating the book, but I certainly did not love it. Even if you adore Gothic novels, I'd recommend giving this one a pass.
(Readalikes: Reminds me a little of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for mild language (no F-bombs), violence, and sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Rebecca with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Friday, April 03, 2020
Jazz Age Murder Mystery Clean, Exciting, and Enjoyable
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
After almost a decade as an apprentice to the late Harry Houdini, 26-year-old Wren Lockhart knows all about creating the perfect illusion. She does it both onstage and off, concealing her true self behind a confident vaudeville act and a wardrobe of gentleman's clothing designed to both draw attention and deflect it. Given her guarded life of wealth and privilege, no one would guess at Wren's humble beginning as the daughter of a drunken theater owner. She'd like to keep it that way.
When a daring illusionist act by a man Houdini denounced as a fraud goes horribly awry, leaving a man dead, Wren is unwittingly drawn into the ensuing police investigation. Although she desires only to be left alone, she understands the gentle threat issued by FBI agent Elliot Matthews—if she doesn't cooperate, he will reveal to the public what he knows about her past. Desperate to keep her secrets hidden, Wren agrees to help. It soon becomes apparent, however, that she's not the only one willing to risk everything to keep the truth under wraps. With her reputation, her secrets, and even her heart on the line, Wren must make sure Elliot's case gets solved. And quickly. Before everything she's worked so hard to build crumbles before her very eyes.
I discovered Kristy Cambron last year and have since been eager to read everything she's ever written. The Illusionist's Apprentice proved a good place to start. With plenty of rich detail, its Jazz Age/vaudeville setting comes to vivid, vibrant life. The characters are warm, likable, and interesting. Plotwise, the novel moves along at a brisk enough pace, making for an exciting story. I especially appreciate Cambron's ability to create a compelling mystery but keep it PG-rated. Although she's considered a writer of Christian fiction, God/religion is touched on only lightly in this novel. However, Cambron does make sure to emphasize the continual triumph of light over darkness, good over evil. The Illusionist's Apprentice does touch on some dark subjects, but its overall tone is positive and uplifting. For all these reasons and more, I very much enjoyed this intriguing historical mystery.
(Readalikes: Um, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and mild innuendo
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Second Nichelle Clarke Mystery Almost as Entertaining as First
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
(Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Buried Leads, it may inadvertently spoil plot surprises from its predecessor, Front Page Fatality. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
With aspirations of reporting for The Washington Post, 28-year-old journalist Nichelle Clarke is always on the hunt for career-making news stories. When a corpse wearing an Armani suit is discovered in the woods, Nichelle is the first on the scene. The dead man's identity as a high-profile lawyer and tobacco lobbyist turns the story into an even juicier tale than Nichelle first imagined. As she digs into his shady dealings, she uncovers a trail of dirty deeds. Then, another body with connections to the first is found in a dumpster. Who is offing people and why?
Determined to track down the murderer, Nichelle puts herself in the sights of a brutal killer. Despite warnings from her sexy Mafia informant and a handsome old friend, she won't stop until she uncovers the truth. Even if hers is the next designer-clad corpse to turn up in a shallow grave.
Buried Leads is the second installment in LynDee Walker's enjoyable mystery series starring the intrepid, shoe-obsessed Nichelle Clarke. I didn't like it quite as much as the first book, but this one is still fun, exciting, and engrossing. Nichelle is an entertaining narrator who's likable and funny. The fact that she always has guys swooning over her gets annoying, especially since none of them has much personality. Still, I'm enjoying this series and will definitely continue reading it.
(Readalikes: Other books in the Nichelle Clarke series, including Front Page Fatality; Small Town Spin; Devil in the Deadline; Cover Shot; Lethal Lifestyles; Deadly Politics; and Hidden Victims)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a handful of F-bombs, plus milder expletives), violence, and sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Buried Leads with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Monday, December 09, 2019
Mystery Series Debut a Pleasant Surprise
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Journalist Nichelle Clark has one dream—to work as an investigative reporter for The Washington Post. In order to earn such a coveted job, the 28-year-old first has to prove herself capable, which means she needs a major story, the kind that will grab the attention of the bigwigs at the Post. With more seasoned reporters gunning for every lead, Nichelle has to fight for every crumb she can get. When her "cops and courts" beat at the struggling Richmond Telegraph finally lands her a prime story, she can't wait to dive in. As the deadly police boat collision she's investigating turns from accident to suspected homicide, Nichelle knows she's stumbled on a story that could make her whole career.
The deeper Nichelle digs, however, the more dangerous her life becomes. Suddenly, she's dealing with missing evidence, drug dealers, and a sexy Mafia man whose sudden appearances at her home make her heart race—in more ways than one. Add to that a bitter rivalry with the office bimbo and a handsome new colleague whose intentions she can't quite figure out and Nichelle's got a lot on her shoulders. Can her designer stilettos hold up under the pressure? Will Nichelle live long enough to sort her business and nab the story of a lifetime? Or will the examination of Nichelle's murdered body be the next item on the coroner's to-do list?
I downloaded Front Page Fatality, the first installment in LynDee Walker's Nichelle Clarke mystery series, because it was cheap on Kindle (right now it's only $3.99). If I had seen its original cover (above right), I would have kept my distance, but the new art plus a compelling plot summary made me want to give this one a chance. I have to say, I'm glad I did. The book turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. I enjoyed the newsroom setting, which felt very authentic thanks to Walker's extensive experience as an investigative reporter. Despite Nichelle's sometimes annoying fashion and shoe fetishes, I found her to be an appealing heroine. She's confident, funny, tough, and determined. Plotwise, Front Page Fatality doesn't offer anything outstanding or original; still, it's compelling. I definitely wanted to know what was going to happen next. It's not my favorite mystery series debut or anything, but I've already bought the next two books in the series, so that says a lot about how much I enjoyed Front Page Fatality.
(Readalikes: Other books in the Nichelle Clarke series by LynDee Walker)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, and innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Front Page Fatality with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Christian Romantic Suspense "Perfect Storm" Just Not For Me
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Fourteen years ago, the secret relationship between a preacher's daughter and the son of the town drunk was discovered, setting off a conflict that ended with one father killing the other. Although Roy Beckett insisted he was innocent, he was sent to prison for the murder of "Brother" Strickland. A decade and a half later, Roy is pardoned and set free, to the horror of the victim's family.
Brenna Strickland Hertzog is having a hard enough time dealing with a nasty custody battle between her and her powerful ex-husband. The last thing she needs right now is to deal with the shocking release of her father's killer. Brenna's drinking too much as it is—how is she going to cope with this new development in her already stressful life? Then Roy's son, Nate Beckett, shows up on her doorstep for the first time in 14 years, rekindling all the feelings she had for him when they were kids. Their innocent, but clandestine teenage romance led to her father's death; renewing it now could be even more dangerous ...
Forced to take a break from his job as a smokejumper after he sustains second degree burns over 20% of his body, Nate returns home to recover and see his father. Nate has always believed in Roy's guilt, but when his father begs him to find Brother Strickland's true killer, he feels obligated to dig into the murder. A major complication comes in the form of beautiful, broken Brenna who needs him now more than ever. What will Nate's sleuthing uncover? Can Brenna ever forgive, let alone love, the son of her father's alleged murderer?
I have to say upfront that romantic suspense is really not my genre. Add in Christian elements and it often leads to a perfect storm of cheesy, far-fetched, overwritten drama. No, thanks. Still, something about the premise of Smoke Screen by Terri Blackstock made me agree to read and review it. Did it change my mind about this genre? Um, no. While I appreciate that the novel's clean and faith-affirming, its flat characters, dull prose, and melodramatic plotline made me a little crazy. While Brenna's a sympathetic character, she's not a super likable one. I couldn't understand Nate's interest. Their resulting romance, therefore, seems forced and sparkless. As far as the suspense portion, there's not a lot as the plot focuses mainly on Brenna's personal problems. The lackluster mystery at the heart of the story is thin and implausible, especially since the "twists" are obvious from miles away. Overall Smoke Screen is definitely not the worst Christian romantic suspense novel I've ever read, but for me, it was a so-so read at best. To be fair, this is how I feel about most books in this genre. Still, I would have liked for Smoke Screen to change my mind; unfortunately, that just didn't happen. Bummer.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other Christian romantic suspense novels, but no specific titles are coming to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of Smoke Screen from the generous folks at Thomas Nelson via those at Celebrate Lit in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
--
Would you like more opinions on Smoke Screen? Follow along on the book's blog tour by clicking on the links below:
As He Leads is Joy, November 9
Sara Jane Jacobs, November 9
CarpeDiem, November 9
Christian Bookaholic , November 9
Fiction Aficionado, November 10
KarenSueHadley, November 10
Quiet quilter, November 10
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 10
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 11
Among the Reads, November 11
Genesis 5020, November 11
A Reader’s Brain, November 11
Robin’s Nest, November 12
All-of-a-kind Mom, November 12
Bigreadersite , November 12
Blogging With Carol , November 12
Betti Mace, November 13
Spoken from the Heart, November 13
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 13
Emily Yager, November 13
By The Book, November 14
For Him and My Family, November 14
A Baker’s Perspective, November 14
Splashes of Joy , November 14
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 15
Through the Fire Blogs, November 15
Andrea Christenson, November 15
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 16
The Christian Fiction Girl, November 16
Just the Write Escape, November 16
Mary Hake, November 16
Remembrancy, November 17
Simple Harvest Reads, November 17 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
EmpowerMoms, November 17
Bloggin’ ’bout Books, November 17
Blessed & Bookish, November 18
Older & Smarter, November 18
For the Love of Literature, November 18
Inklings and notions, November 18
Lights in a Dark World, November 19
amandainpa , November 19
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 19
Pause for Tales, November 19
Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 20
For The Love of Books , November 20
Hallie Reads, November 20
Cathe Swanson, November 21
Christian Bookshelf Reviews, November 21
All 4 and About Books, November 21
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 21
Batya’s Bits, November 22
Livin’ Lit, November 22
Texas Book-aholic, November 22
janicesbookreviews, November 22
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Despite Promising Elements, New Romantic Suspense Novel Just an Average Read
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Losing her mother at birth and growing up in a succession of foster homes has left 30-year-old Harper Taylor with a desperate longing for a family to call her own. Wealthy Oliver Jackson, her mentor and business partner, has been like a father to her, but Oliver's real children see her only as an interloping gold digger. While Harper tends to the pen shell beds that are the center of her research and burgeoning career, she's pursuing her goal of creating the family she's always wanted. Not only is she "adopting" a frozen embryo, hoping to bear a child of her own, but she's also submitted her DNA to a testing company in the hopes of discovering birth relatives.
Almost as soon as Harper receives news of a DNA match, a series of disturbing events happen—Oliver is attacked while diving, a stranger tries to assault Harper, and Harper's newfound half-sister narrowly escapes an attempted abduction. Coincidence? No way. The more Harper communicates with her half-sister, the more disturbing information they uncover about their family. Is someone trying to eliminate living members to keep secrets from the past from coming to light? Terrified for her future, Harper reluctantly partners with Oliver's son, Ridge, to solve the mystery of her past. Can the duo get to the bottom of what's going on? Will Harper ever have a chance at finding love and a family or will she be the next Taylor woman to die a mysterious death?
Let me say this upfront: I'm not a big fan of romantic suspense. I am a *little* obsessed with genealogy, though, so the premise of Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble definitely caught my attention. Secrets-of-the-past-haunting-the-present is one of my favorite story tropes as well, so I figured I'd give this one a try. While I found the book disappointing overall, there are several elements I appreciate about Strands of Truth besides those I already mentioned: (1) the fact that it's clean and faith-promoting without being preachy, (2) the featuring of honorable, God-fearing characters who come off as moral and devoted, not fanatical or weird, and (3) the inclusion of some interesting/unique subjects like pen shell harvesting and sea silk weaving (although neither gets enough attention in the story). Unfortunately, I also found the characters to be flat and personality-less, the action to be melodramatic and far-fetched, and the prose to be lifeless and dull. I did, however, care enough about Harper to read her story to the end. And, while the finale feels cliché and silly, I didn't see the novel's Big Reveal coming. So, there's that. All in all, though, Strands of Truth turned out to be just an average read for me.
P.S. I'm notoriously picky about books and apparently I'm in the minority in my opinion on Strands of Truth. Check out the book's stellar reviews on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and Goodreads for more viewpoints. Also, be sure to follow along on the novel's blog tour (see links below).
(Readalikes: I don't read much romantic suspense, so nothing's really coming to mind. Suggestions?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of Strands of Truth from the generous folks at Thomas Nelson via those at Celebrate Lit in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
--
Follow along on Strands of Truth's blog tour, hosted by Celebrate Lit:
Blog Stops
A Baker’s Perspective, September 3
Inspired by fiction, September 3
EmpowerMoms, September 3
Blogging With Carol, September 3
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 4
My Devotional Thoughts, September 4
Christian bookaholic, September 4
KarenSueHadley , September 4
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, September 5
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 5
Susan Cornwell, September 5
Inside the Wong Mind, September 5
Godly Book Reviews, September 5
Through the Fire Blogs, September 6
Emily Yager, September 6
Older & Smarter?, September 6
Blessed & Bookish, September 6
Andrea Christenson, September 6
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 7
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 7
Avid Reader Nurse, September 7
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, September 7
The Becca Files, September 8
Blossoms and Blessings, September 8
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, September 8
Mary Hake, September 8
Spoken from the Heart, September 9
Betti Mace, September 9
Back Porch Reads, September 9
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 9
Because I said so and other adventures in parenting. , September 9
Moments, September 10
All-of-a-kind Mom, September 10
For Him and my Family, September 10
Bloggin’ ’bout Books, September 10
Texas Book-aholic, September 11
Retrospective Spines, September 11
Daysong Reflections, September 11
Christian Bookshelf Reviews , September 11
SusanLovesBooks, September 11
Remembrancy, September 12
Worthy2Read, September 12
Just the Write Escape, September 12
Southern Gal Loves to Read, September 12
Bigreadersite , September 13
janicesbookreviews, September 13
As He Leads is Joy, September 13
Livin’ Lit, September 13
To Everything A Season, September 13
Simple Harvest Reads, September 14
Pause for Tales, September 14
For The Love of Books , September 14
Living Life Free In Christ, September 14
A Reader’s Brain, September 15
Quiet Quilter , September 15
Hallie Reads, September 15
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 15
Inklings and notions , September 16
By The Book, September 16
Real World Bible Study, September 16
Patiently Waiting, September 16
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