Review: Waking the Dead

dear readers,

(I received ARCs from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

Last March 2013 I read...

LET THE DEAD SLEEP
(Book 1: Cafferty & Quinn)
written by Heather Graham
genre: romantic suspense, paranormal

3.5 STARS 

"It was stolen from a New Orleans grave - the centuries-old bust of an evil man, a demonic man. It's an object desired by collectors - and by those with wickedness in their hearts. One day, its current owner shows up at Danni Cafferty's antiques shop on Royal Street, the shop she inherited from her father. But before Danni can buy the statue, it disappears, the owner is found dead...and Danni discovers that she's inherited much more than she realized. In the store is a book filled with secret writing: instructions for defeating evil entities. She'd dismissed it as a curiosity...until the arrival of this statue, with its long history of evil and even longer trail of death. Michael Quinn, former cop and now private investigator, is a man with an unusual past. He believes that doing the right thing isn't a job - it's a way of life. And the right thing to do is find and destroy this object weighted with malevolent powers. He and Danni are drawn together in their search for the missing statue, following it through sultry New Orleans nights to hidden places in the French Quarter and secret ceremonies on abandoned plantations. Cafferty and Quinn already know that trust in others can be misplaced, that love can be temporary. And yet their connection is primal. Mesmerizing. They also know that their story won't end when this case is closed and the dead rest in peace once again." (From Amazon)

A good supernatural romance set against the backdrop of contemporary New Orleans.  I loved the descriptions of the French Quarters and spooky graveyards.  If you like romance and mystery this is a great book.

WAKING THE DEAD

(Book 2: Cafferty & Quinn)

written by Heather Graham

genre: romantic suspense, paranormal

4 STARS 

The novel opens with Quinn returning to New Orleans and Danni and Quinn decide that being apart is not what they want or need.  As soon as Quinn's plane hits the runway he is involved in another murder case... this time it is a painting from 200 years ago that seems to have a history of murder.  

"In the case of Ghosts in the Mind by Henry Sebastian Hubert, that's more than just an expression. This painting is reputed to come to life—and to bring death. The artist was a friend of Lord Byron and Mary Shelley, joining them in Switzerland during 1816, "the year without a summer." That was when they all explored themes of horror and depravity in their art….  Now, almost two hundred years later, the painting appears in New Orleans. Wherever it goes, death seems to follow.   Danielle Cafferty and Michael Quinn, occasional partners in solving crime, are quickly drawn into the case. They begin to make connections between that summer in Switzerland and this spring in Louisiana. Danni, the owner of an eccentric antiques shop, and Quinn, a private detective, have discovered that they have separate but complementary talents when it comes to investigating unusual situations.  Trying to blend their personal relationship with the professional lives they've stumbled into, they learn how much they need each other. Especially as they confront this work of art—and evil. The people in the portrait might be dead, but something seems to wake them and free them to commit bloody crimes. Cafferty and Quinn must discover what that is. And they have to destroy it—before it destroys them." (From Amazon)

I enjoyed the first book in the Cafferty & Quinn series - romantic/paranormal-suspense - so was excited about the second book and was not disappointed. The novel, Waking the Dead has a Nora Roberts feel to it - the connections and chemistry between the characters. I also liked the storyline about a haunting and/or haunted painting.

love,

kris

Fear for Me is for Me! (Review)

dear readers,

I have only read a few books by Cynthia Eden but she is fast becoming a favourite!

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

FEAR FOR ME
(Book Two)
written by Cynthia Eden
genre: romantic-suspense, thriller, romance

4 STARS 

"She's the obsession two men share: one wants her love, the other wants her life. 
A shared passion for justice first brought Baton Rouge district attorney Lauren Chandler and US marshal Anthony Ross together--when each played their part in bringing down the infamous Bayou Butcher. The sparks flying between the two made it clear they weren't just a legal dream team. Then desire had to make way for duty, and what they had was done. But it would never be over.

Five years later, it's none other than the Butcher who gets things started again, when his shocking jailbreak reunites the lawyer and the lawman...and reignites their love. But this time, the pair is in danger of being permanently parted--by a killer with revenge on his mind, and Lauren on the top of his list. As a new wave of terror sweeps through the streets and swamps of Baton Rouge, one man will pit his boundless passion against another's relentless hate, for the life of the woman who obsesses them both." (From Amazon)

An amazing follow-up to the first book in Eden's romantic-suspense series.  The books are loosely tied together but can be read as standalone. Lauren is strong female character that gives Anthony a run for his money,  Fabulous chemistry between the hero and heroine and great suspense.

I will be reviewing Eden's Mine series in the next few posts.

love,
kris

Review: And When She Was Good

dear readers,

Have you ever wondered what secrets your neighbours have tried to keep hidden from the world?  Shows like Desperate Housewives and Weeds grips us because we cannot imagine that a person you see every day would have such shocking lives...

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

AND WHEN SHE WAS GOOD
Written by Laura Lippman
genre: suspense, fiction 

3.5 Stars 

Heloise is a suburban mom attending her son's sports games and is involved in his school and activities.  She attends church regularly but Heloise also has a secret life.  Only her son's caregiver knows her true profession as a Madam to some of the most powerful men.  We learn through flashbacks how Heloise came into this life and has kept her secrets from others.  When another woman is accused of being a suburban madam and is found dead in a car Heloise worries her life may just unravel.

The novel And When She Was Good is based on Lippman's short story, Scratch a Woman.  I have not had a chance to read this short story yet.

An interesting novel for sure.  Lippman takes the subject of prostitution and turns it into something her readers can relate to and not easily dismissed.  She  shows how someone, or anyone, can turn to this life before they even realize what is happening.  Heloise keeps the novel engaging but the suspense keeps you turning the pages.

love, 
kris

Fear Nothing...or Everything!

dear readers,

Two nights ago I stayed up till 1 am to finish FEAR NOTHING as I could not go to sleep until I knew the identity of the murderer.  Then when I did finished I was a bit creeped out...

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

FEAR NOTHING
(D.D. Warren: Book Seven)
Written by Lisa Gardner
genre: mystery, suspense, thriller, serial killers 

4 STARS 

D.D. Warren has been injured quite badly on the job and lives in pain every moment of the day.  As she goes forth with personal therapy she also tries to remember what happened that night she fell down the stairs.  Her superior suggests she should try Dr. Adeline Glen to manage her pain.

Adeline Glen has a rare condition where she is unable to feel pain.  She must constantly

monitor her actions in order to be aware of danger as her body cannot let her know.  Adeline's life has been rare - her father was a serial killer who killed himself once the police were on to him, her mother died in an institution, she was adopted by a doctor who wanted to keep her alive and an older sister that is in prison for killing a boy when she was fourteen.  Decades later she, Shana is still in prison for murdering guards in prison.  Shana's only monthly visitor is Adeline.  

30 years after Shana's first murder women are being murdered and skin flayed like their father had done and Shana herself.  One is dead and the other in prison so who is killer?  

D.D. gets involved in solving the crime despite her injury and starts looking at Day family and their secrets.  Can she discover the killer before she or another woman is murdered?

I was intrigued with this novel for so many reasons.  Adeline's condition was so interesting and how she had to live her day to day life.  Adeline was a hard character to completely like as she had some odd activities she liked to engage in.  Yet, I found myself feeling sorry for her too, as she is alone and her past seems to always be so present.  Shana is a perfect character to dissect and dislike at the same time.  She is hostile and a killer but her upbringing makes you wonder if she could have been any other way.  Poor D.D. is injured and is almost sidelined but yay she pushes her way into the case.  

The suspense in this novel was crazy...I was constantly trying to figure it all out but then gave up when the twists kept turning me around to the point I was getting dizzy.  A great suspense mystery thriller that will have you up all night trying to finish the novel to reveal the killer!

Fear Nothing is published January 7, 2014.  

love, 
kris 

Sleep with the Lights On...literally! (Reviews)

dear readers,

SLEEP WITH THE LIGHTS ON
(Brown and De Luca: Book One)
Written by Maggie Shayne
genre: suspense, paranormal, thriller

4 STARS 

Rachel de Luca is a famous self-help author who does not believe in what she preaches.  She is sarcastic but in public she must keep up her image of positiveness.  Rachel lost her sight at a young age and has honed her other senses.  It is these senses that has Rachel looking into her brother, Tommy's disappearance. Tommy may be homeless and an addict but she does not think his disappearance is voluntary.

Detective Mason Brown was having a good until he ran his car into the blind author and then gets an alarming text from his brother.  He races home when he gets a bad feeling only to watch his brother blow his brains out.  Things only get worse when he reads his brother's Eric's note detailing his life as a serial killer of young men.

In a quick second decision Mason covers his brother's murder and talks his family into donating his organs.  Mason makes sure that his corneas go to Rachel.  Rachel has her doubts but goes in for the surgery.  Within hours she is having homicidal dreams and an uneasy feeling.  There has been the theory that a organ receipient gains some of his donor's likes and dislikes.  

Once Rachel lets Mason know what she has been dreaming Mason realizes that he may not be able to keep his bother's killing a secret.  And, worse the killing has continued since his brother's death.  Rachel will continue to dig until she finds out what happened to her brother especially now that she has her sight back.  Will Mason trust her to find the killer?

This novel is...creepy and good.  The idea of organ donors passing on their traits and/or memories was really interesting and the creepiness of the book.  Rachel's sarcasm and wit makes her an interesting and likeable character. Having a character like Mason who decides to obstruct justice makes you question everything.  Shayne is unpredictable and this makes reading this novel an adventure.

love, 
kris

Review: Go Away Book, um Sorry, I Mean Gone Girl

dear readers,

Gone Girl is a bestseller and has been optioned for a movie.

GONE GIRL
Written by Gillian Flynn
genre: mystery, suspense

1.5 STARS

 Nick and Amy meet, fall in love and on their fifth anniversary Amy has disappeared.  When Nick and Amy lose their jobs they leave New York for Nick's hometown to help with his ailing mother.  Nick and his twin, Go borrow the last of Amy's trustfund and set up a bar in order to earn some income.  Amy remains unemployed and unfulfilled and as the novel enfolds we learn just who Amy and Nick really are and what happened to Amy. 

Amy, Nick, Go, and pretty much all the characters are quite unlikeable.  I fact the only one I liked was the cat, Bleeker and I'm so not a cat person.  The disappearance of Amy should have nudged my curiosity enough to finish the book but i found myself really pushing myself to flip the page.  Maybe it is all the true crime shows I watch but I found the plot a bit predictable.  I made it to the end hoping for a ending that would make it all worthwhile but the joy I received was that I could stop forcing myself to read it.

love,
kris

REVIEW: Don't Disappear for Rick Mofina's New Novel

dear readers,

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

THEY DISAPPEARED
standalone
Written by Rick Mofina
genre: mystery, suspense

4 STARS

As Jeff's marriage hangs in the balance after a family tragedy he and his wife decide to treat their son to a dream trip to New York City.  On their first outing his wife and son vanish while he goes to a shop to buy batteries.  At first the police do not believe Jeff and soon become suspicious of the mechanic from Montana who was having troubles with his wife.  As Jeff tries to race around New York to save his family he comes to realize he wants to save more than just their lives.

If you are looking for a quick fast pace ride this is the novel for you.  It feels like an episode from the first half of Law&Order as you follow the twists and turns.  While the general storyline has been done a few times the plot has you turning the pages.

love,
kris

REVIEW: TATTOOED (Book 3) Pamela Callow

dear readers,

I discovered Pamela Callow with her first novel and have loved her books since...oh, she's Canadian, too! (I received an ARC for Tattooed from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

TATTOOED

(Kate Lange: Book 3)

Written by Pamela Callow

genre: mystery, suspense, thriller

3.5 STARS

Kate Lange's past is coming front and center staring with France Sloan. Frances has ALS and wants Kate to lobby for assisted suicide on her behalf. Frances is the mother of Kenzie Sloan who was once friends with Imogen. It was Kenzie's house party that Kate dragged Imogen from and ultimately led to the car accident and Imogen's death. The memories flood back as Kenzie, now a tattoo artist, is coming to visit with her mother in her final days. Kenzie's former boy friend, McNally, has also been recently released from prison and has his sight on both Kenzie and Kate.
With Randall in New York, Kate is unsure where there relationship stands and if she should wait for him. Ethan Drake her former fiancee has decided he wants to try again and will do anything for her. In the next few days things from the past will bubble to the present and only some will make it through.

I love Kate Lange and this series. I like that it is set in Eastern Canada but not in Toronto (set in Nova Scotia). I remember the Sue Roderiguez case and how it affected everyone. I liked the plot of this book but it some how felt impersonal. Every sub-plot seemed a bit rushed but this is in comparison to rest of the series. I still liked this novel and would recommend this series.

PAST REVIEWS OF BOOK #1 & #2:

DAMAGED
(Kate Lange: Book One)
genre: mystery, thriller, suspense

4 STARS

Damaged is Callow's debut suspense novel but don't try to label it as just a medical or legal thriller because you will miss out on SO much.  Kate Lange, a new lawyer in Nova Scotia, is being haunted by her past (her sister's death and the break up of her engagement) so throws herself into a new case.  Her legal advice to her new client appears to have led to her granddaughter's death.  As Kate tries to clear her reputation she is thrown  in the path of a serial killer!

A new favourite character and author! A strong female character and I love mysterious brooding Randall! I cannot wait to get my hands on the 2nd Kate Lange book. I also really like the fact that it is set in Nova Scotia, Canada versus Vancouver or Toronto.

INDEFSIBLE

(Kate Lange: Book Two)

genre: mystery, thriller, suspense

4 STARS

A great follow up book to Damaged. Randall Barrett is looking forward to spending time with his children this summer but things go wrong from the beginning.  First his son decides to go camp instead of sailing with him, and his ex-wife reveals a devastating secret in the heat of an argument.  The next morning his ex-wife is found dead from a fall of the balcony and he is the main suspect. 

Kate lange is an associate at his law firm and just months ago they had sparks fly and they are still burning.  Will Kate be able to help Randall when everyone else has left him to drown.

I love that these novels are set in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada) versus the usual Vancouver or Toronto setting.  Callow being a lawyer and from Halifax brings out the realism in the novel.  It is a quick pace thriller.


love,
kris

Coffee Shops, Grunge Music and Murder - Part III

dear readers,

Last year (2011) I discovered 3 mystery/suspense authors who write about death in Seattle (Washington).  I live in Vancouver, BC so Seattle is not so far away making the killer quite literally next door.

Kevin O'Brien started writing at night while he worked in the day as a railroad inspector.  After his novel ONLY SON won an award, and was optioned for a film he quit his day job.  From then on he turned to writing full-time.
I discovered Keven O'Brien's novels when I was looking up up Gregg Olsen's books.  I love that like Olsen's his novels are stand alone and are a bit grittier than some other novels.

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/o/kevin-obrien/

WATCH THEM DIE

3 STARS

 Single women in Seattle are being brutally murdered by a man who sees them and then must possess them.

A great suspense thriller that has you reading until the murderer is caught.

FINAL BREATH

3 STARS

People have been dying in the most bizarre manners...what becomes clear is the pattern of the victims appearing on Sydney Jordan's television program.  Sydney has moved out of her home and taken her son to Seattle where her brother is living.  Sydney feels like someone is watching her and when she finds out all the victims are connected to her show - she knows she maybe next unless she finds out his motivation for their murder.

SPOILER: It was really good BUT the killer was easy to guess as he provided a little too much about the story and the murder themselves were such a big clue.

VICIOUS

2 STARS

For two years in Seattle - young mothers are being killed right in front of their young sons - execution style.  Then the murders stop.  Susan is looking forward to a weekend away with her fiancee and her young son.  Things start off on the wrong foot when a strange man comes on strong, her car is tampered with, the lake house feels odd, there was a murder a year ago and now Allen seems to be missing.

This novel felt forced right from the beginning.  Susan's character did not seem fleshed out and there seemed to be too many "suspects".   I felt like it was more of B-Movie.

DISTURBED

3 STARS

Molly is newly married to a divorced man with two children still living in the home his ex decorated.  When her stepson's guidance counsellor is murdered things start to come apart for everyone living in the cul-de-scac.  Secrets, lies and revenge are all in play while there is also a serial killer loose killing families who live in cul-de-sacs.

First of I liked this novel but found much wrong with it at the same time.  After finishing the novel I still have no clue what the prologue was supposed to explain to me.  After a few chapters I figured out the murderer but the author was clever enough to keep me intrigued and reading. Molly was a but annoying as she always seemed steps behind everything in her life, but I liked her stepson, Chris as a character.

I am on the hunt for Make Them Cry.

http://www.kevinobrienbooks.com/

love,
kris

Coffee Shops, Grunge Music and Murder - Part II

dear readers,

Last year (2011) I discovered 3 mystery/suspense authors who write about death in Seattle (Washington).  I live in Vancouver, BC so Seattle is not so far away making the killer quite literally next door.

Gregg Olsen writes both fiction (Suspense/Mystery and now Young Adult) and non-fiction (True Crime).  He has appeared on many radio shows and television shows - including 2 of my favourite 48 Hours and Dateline.
Okay I lied about this one...I thought I read Gregg Olsen this year, but it appears I read him in 2010.  I discovered him as I was looking up authors who wrote suspense thrillers and I recognized his photo from an episode on 48 Hours.  I decided to try one of his suspense novels as he seemed to be an acclaimed writer of True Crime.

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/o/gregg-olsen/

A COLD DARK PLACE

3 STARS

 A family is brutally murder and their son has disappeared...Emily Kenyon - a police officer and mother - is in charge of finding the boy and see if he is the murderer.  Jenna, Emily's daughter, also becomes involved and is in fact ahead of the police but soon is in danger herself. There is another family murdered in Iowa and then in Salt Lake City...and Emily is soon on a race to find a killer who may come after daughter.

This was a great suspense thriller set in the Pacific Northwest and it had me from the first page.  Emily is a great heroine and very realistic as a cop and a mother.  It is gritty but not overdone.

HEART OF ICE

3 STARS

There is a killer loose  - 3 murdered victims each taking place somewhere different - and he is cunning.  The only clues the have are the victims common background- sorority sisters who are very privileged women.  What the police do not know is that this will not end until he kills one very particular sorority sister.

I was on pins and needles throughout the novel.  It was well-written and the suspense is crazy to the point I cannot stop reading!

I am now on the hunt for his first novel A Wicked Snow.

http://www.greggolsen.com/

NEXT: Coffee Shops, Grunge Music and Murder III (Kevin O'Brien)

love,
kris

Coffee Shops, Grunge Music and Murder - Part I (Reviews)

dear readers,

Last year (2011) I discovered 3 mystery/suspense authors who write about death in Seattle (Washington).  I live in Vancouver, BC so Seattle is not so far away making the killer quite literally next door.


Rick Mofina was a journalist for the Toronto Star (Canadian newspaper) as a crime reporter and many of his articles appear in many other publications around the world.  He grew up in Ontario and now resides in Ottawa with his family.

This is the first time I have read Rick Mofina and I started with his Jason Wade trilogy (I did contact the author and he does not think that there will be anymore novels in the series) which takes place in Seattle.

Jason Wade
1. THE DYING HOUR (2005)
2. EVERY FEAR (2006)
3. A PERFECT GRAVE (2007)

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/rick-mofina/

I had picked up The Dying Hour as a freebie from my former job at a bookstore.  While shopping at Costco I saw book 2 and 3 as a book bundle and could not resist.   After visiting Seattle this year I decided to try this series and loved not only his description of Seattle but the life of a lowly crime reporter was realistic and grabs you from the beginning.

THE DYING HOUR 

(Book 1)

3 STARS

Jason Wade is an intern in the running for a permanent position at the Mirror but stakes are high as his background is not as impressive as the other interns.  He had been working at the local brewery with his alcoholic father and then put himself through community college.  Hs mother left them when he was young and recently his own girlfriend left him.  He has to win this position as he needs it to survive and keep his sanity.  Then on the police scanner he hears about a car is found abandoned on the side of the highway with the driver missing.  The competition begins....

I was intrigued with the case as much as Jason was - a woman just vanishing into thin air - there has to be more behind it.  Jason is not only the underdog in this race for a permanent position but has everything - everyone -  going against him.  This was a great suspense/mystery novel.

EVERY FEAR

(Book 2)

3.5 STARS

SPOILER: This review may contain spoilers from THE DYING HOUR.

 Jason Wade has been given the position at the Mirror but this does not mean he is accepted as he is still being shunned for his antics on the last case.  Maria Colson and her baby son, Dylan stop at the corner store - while she runs inside she leaves her son with the young girl outside the store.  Seconds later her son is being shoved into a van and Maria runs and jumps inside only to be thrown out and is now fighting for her life.  Jason is put on the case  only to discover that the couple have no troubles and no enemies.  Jason's dad, now a PI, comes across another murder that may be tied into Jason's case.  Grace Garner is the homicide detective in charge of the case and Jason's new frenemy...all are running out of time.

I liked this novel better the previous book but felt like there was something missing.  I cannot put my finger on it but I was not as satisfied in the end.  The case of missing baby Dylan was great and the characters were realistic.

A PERFECT GRAVE

(Book 3)

3 STARS

SPOILER: This review may contain spoilers from THE DYING HOUR and EVERY FEAR.

Jason Wade is back and is still not friendly with the Editor and finds himself alone, yet again.  A nun is brutally murdered but they cannot find anyone who disliked her.  This case not only digs into the nun's mysterious past but Jason's father's past comes back to haunt him.  Jason and Grace who only went out for a short time are now unsure of how to be around one another.  This leads them to keep secrets from one another which does not help with their case.

This is the concluding book in the Jason Wade series and it does tie up loose ends but I still want more - ha.  Another great  suspense mystery from Mofina.

I next want to tackle his Jack Gannon series!

Jack Gannon
1. Vengeance Road (2009)
2. The Panic Zone (2010)
3. In Desperation (2011)
4. The Burning Edge (2011)

Author's Website: http://www.rickmofina.com/

NEXT: Coffee Shops, Grunge Music and Murder II (Gregg Olsen)

love,
kris

Reviews: Get Ready to Read Through the Night...

and you may want to keep the lights on (no judgement).

dear readers,

I have been lucky this month and had a chance  to read Advanced Copies of two brilliant suspense/mystery authors: Tami Hoag and Lisa Gardner.  Both had their start in the romance genre before they went into the suspense genre for which they are now known for. (I received both ARCs from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

TAMI HOAG

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/tami-hoag/ 

Oak Knoll
1. Deeper than the Dead (2010) 4 STARS
2. Secrets to the Grave (2011) 4 STARS
3. Down the Darkest Road (2011) 4 STARS

 

The Oak Knoll series is named for the town these novels take place in (California, USA) and are set from mid-80s to 1990.  What I love about this series is that this is pre-CSI era where it is more detective work and instinct versus DNA and profiling.  Former FBI agent Vince Leone is in fact one of the pioneers of profiling so we get the beginning of this new tool.  The characters are all realistic and could fit in the present day but the setting around them reminds you that this a few decades back.  Though you could potentially read these novels as a standalone or out of order - I would advise against it.  Many of the characters run through all of the novels and unfortunately the third book does reveal some spoilers for the first.  I think that this series is so wonderful just read book one and I dare you not to continue.

DOWN THE DARKEST ROAD

(BOOK 3) 

written by TAMI HAOG
genre: thriller, mystery, suspense

4 STARS

Lauren's perfect family has fallen apart - her eldest daughter has been missing for years and her husband has left her a widow.  She is angry and wanting justice she takes her daughter, Leah and moves to Oak Knoll to start anew - except the man she suspects of her daughter's disappearance has also moved to the neighbourhood.  Det. Tony Mendez of Oak Knoll has been put in the middle to discover the truth.

I really like this series and this novel was no disappointment.  I hope Hoag continues with the series.  I love the late 80s/early 90s setting and the characters are wonderful and has wonderful suspense keeping you flipping the pages. 

LISA GARDNER

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/lisa-gardner/

D.D. Warren
1. Alone (2005) 4 STARS
2. Hide (2007) 3 STARS
3. The Neighbor (2009) 3 STARS
4. Live to Tell (2010) 4 STARS
5. Love You More (2011) 2.5 STARS
6. Catch Me(2012) 3 STARS
The 7th Month (2012)

D.D. Warren is a female homicide detective in the Boston PD and tough as nail in and out her job.  She likes her freedom but is strongly attracted to fellow BPD detective, Bobby Dodge.  I like this character because is not a damsel in distress or cold unfeeling bitch - she is the perfect blend of strength and compassion.  These books can be read on there on own but there is a story that goes through the novels.

The first 2 books Alone and Hide are more of Bobby Dodge's story than D.D.'s but gives you a great introduction to her character.  The 3-6 book feature her as the main character.  The novella The 7th Month should be read before Catch me and after Love You More. The 7th Month will be released January 10, 2012.

CATCH ME

(Book 6)

written by Lisa Gardner
genre: thriller, mystery, suspense

COMING: February 7, 2012

3 STARS

Charlie cannot remember exact details of her childhood with her mother only that her mother was not entirely sane and hurt her and her siblings.  After a fire she is sent to live with her Aunt and starts to rebuild her life as best she can.  Then the nightmare has started again - 2 years ago her best friend was murdered and the case was never solved.  Then the following year to the date her other best friend is murdered and again the case goes unsolved.  Now it is another year and Charlie is prepping for the fight of her life.  

D.D. Warren is now the mother of baby Jack and is back on the force.  She feels something is not quite right with Charlie, but also has another case of young pedophiles being murdered.  Like Charlie's best friends, there was no forced entry or much disturbed.  

I am a big fan of the D.D. Warren series - she is a realistic portrayal of a female detective in Boston PD.  She is ballsy and yet vulnerable.  I was not overly joyed with Charlene Rosalind Carter Grant as a main character.  I just did not care for her as a character and to be honest hoped she would exit left.  I have given this novel 3 starts mainly for the great writing, twists and suspense and because of the realistic nature of the novel.

love, 
kris