Helpful Score: 7
This is one of the worst Dinah Mccall books I've read. The main characters were silly and boring (what grown woman calls her grandfather "Grampy"?). I felt what the author set up with Anna the housekeeper was misleading and just wrong. The main character's co-worker cops were only there for comic relief (because our main character cop can single handedly do everything). The only thing that helped get to the end of this thing was the guy who got out of prison. His story was compelling and I wanted to see how it ended. Despite my strong desire for someone to take this book off my shelf, I have to say that there is so very little to recommend about it.
Helpful Score: 5
"At the age of 2, Olivia was kidnapped and her parents murdered. Ransom was demanded, paid, and she was found wandering a mall. Flash forward 25 years, a suitcase is found behind a wall with a tiny skeleton and a tell tale sign that this might be Olivia. Confused yet? Well, a Sealy family trait of an extra thumb was visible on both Olivia and the skeleton that was found. But if Olivia was returned, then who was this baby. Has Olivia's whole life been a lie?
In comes Det. Trey Bonney of the Dallas Police Department. He also happened to be Olivia's high school love. The story gets very twisty with side stories that don't really make sense or have a point and are never fully explained. Abortion clinic bombing, neighbors house broken into, wayward cousins, etc.
In the end, this compilation of characters each reveals a small part of the story which leads to a very unlikely conclusion. This is my first McCall book and I can't say that I didn't like it, just wish she would have left parts out and tightened up other storylines. She has talent, just lacked direction on this one. Amazon Review: http://tinyurl.com/yns4w
In comes Det. Trey Bonney of the Dallas Police Department. He also happened to be Olivia's high school love. The story gets very twisty with side stories that don't really make sense or have a point and are never fully explained. Abortion clinic bombing, neighbors house broken into, wayward cousins, etc.
In the end, this compilation of characters each reveals a small part of the story which leads to a very unlikely conclusion. This is my first McCall book and I can't say that I didn't like it, just wish she would have left parts out and tightened up other storylines. She has talent, just lacked direction on this one. Amazon Review: http://tinyurl.com/yns4w
Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoyed this book. This is the first book I've read by Dinah McCall, but I will definitely read more of her books!!
Helpful Score: 2
Dinah Mccall really knows how to create characters you grow to care about. She is a masterful storyteller and keeps you completely hooked on this story from the first page to the last. If you enjoy tales of suspense or mystery, you will LOVE this book.
Helpful Score: 1
At the age of 2, Olivia was kidnapped and her parents murdered. Ransom was demanded, paid, and she was found wandering a mall. Flash forward 25 years, a suitcase is found behind a wall with a tiny skeleton and a tell tale sign that this might be Olivia. Confused yet? Well, a Sealy family trait of an extra thumb was visible on both Olivia and the skeleton that was found. But if Olivia was returned, then who was this baby. Has Olivias whole life been a lie? In comes Det. Trey Bonney of the Dallas Police Department. He also happened to be Olivias high school love. The story gets very twisty with side stories that dont really make sense or have a point and are never fully explained. Abortion clinic bombing, neighbors house broken into, wayward cousins, etc. In the end, this compilation of characters each reveals a small part of the story which leads to a very unlikely conclusion. This is my first McCall book and I cant say that I didnt like it, just wish she would have left parts out and tightened up other storylines. She has talent, just lacked direction on this one.
Excellent... A young heiress learns her whole life may not have been as it seems... and at the same time is reunited with her first love.
I love Dinah McCall's books. She is a must read for me.
One of my very favorite Sala books. This one emotionally moved me...
this is a romantic mystery excellent reading.
Suspenseful. Good author.
I just finished reading this book. If you love mystery and suspense, then you definitely need to read this book. I couldn't put it down!
This book is awesome. A really good read.
an intricate tale of treachery and terror
This book also appears under the author's real name, Sharon Sala. Either name, this is an engrossing book.
Good, suspenseful novel.
Good book, couldn't put down, finished in 1 night!
This book was really interesting to read I couldn't put it down.
Very good book. A shocking ending!
Twenty-five years ago someone kidnapped two year old Olivia Sealy after murdering the child's parents. Her grieving wealthy grandfather Marcus hears nothing after dropping off the ransom money. However, two months later, Olivia is found at a mall; the police arrest Foster Lawrence, who picked up the ransom money. He spent the next twenty-fives years behind bars, but has just been freed.
In Lake Texoma, Texas retiree Marshall Baldwin works on renovating a cottage he just bought when he drops a sledge hammer on the floorboard, which leads him to a hidden suitcase. Inside is the remains of a two year child buried for twenty-five years and having the second thumb that is a genetic trademark of all Sealys. Dallas homicide detective Trey Bonney investigates the toddler murder although Olivia was his high school girlfriend who dumped him. Olivia, who had the two thumbs, turns to him to help her learn the truth as to whether she is the real granddaughter and if not who is she.
Readers will ponder until the end whether Olivia or the corpse in the suitcase is Marcus' granddaughter and who the one is that is not as both have the genetic trademark though Olivia's residual thumb was surgically removed once the dominant digit was affirmed. Though the climax seems too pat, this story line combines a strong police procedural, a fine second chance romance, and an identity mystery into a powerful thriller that will garner Dinah McCall new readers.
In Lake Texoma, Texas retiree Marshall Baldwin works on renovating a cottage he just bought when he drops a sledge hammer on the floorboard, which leads him to a hidden suitcase. Inside is the remains of a two year child buried for twenty-five years and having the second thumb that is a genetic trademark of all Sealys. Dallas homicide detective Trey Bonney investigates the toddler murder although Olivia was his high school girlfriend who dumped him. Olivia, who had the two thumbs, turns to him to help her learn the truth as to whether she is the real granddaughter and if not who is she.
Readers will ponder until the end whether Olivia or the corpse in the suitcase is Marcus' granddaughter and who the one is that is not as both have the genetic trademark though Olivia's residual thumb was surgically removed once the dominant digit was affirmed. Though the climax seems too pat, this story line combines a strong police procedural, a fine second chance romance, and an identity mystery into a powerful thriller that will garner Dinah McCall new readers.
wonderful book i have read this book 2 times.
This is the first book by Sharon Sala/Dinah McCall that I've read. It takes twists and turns I didn't expect. I couldn't put it down! Excellent read!
fast read will be looking for more..Very enjoyable..
This book did not end as I thought it would and that is what I love in a story when you think the ending is going one way and then out of left field another ending happens. The thing that puzzles me is how could a mother not know her own child when another is standing there that looks like them. I guess she never had the maternal instinct.
A family is renovating a home they just purchased when they find a suitcase containing the skeleton of a small child inside a wall. As the police investigate the murder, they discover that the skeleton is approximately twenty-five years old. The child also had a second thumb on her left hand, a trait carried by the Sealy family. This leads Detective Trey Bonney to the home of Olivia Sealy. At the age of two, Olivia was kidnapped and her parents murdered. She was later returned to her grandfather unharmed. Now twenty-five years later, neither Olivia nor her Grandfather know anything about the murdered child who apparently has ties to their family.
After reading the first couple of chapters, I thought this sounded like an intriguing mystery which included a romance. Unfortunately, it really didn't hold up. I found the writing to be problematic. There were so many inane details that did not add to the story. Every character had a point-of-view. Many of their scenes lent nothing to the overall story.
I found Olivia to be incredibly annoying. She cried at the drop of the hat and needed her Grandfather or Trey to hold her over and over again. Her relationship with Trey was ridiculous. They had dated in high school when she left him at the request of her grandfather. Now they are back together for one day when they declare their everlasting love. The saving grace to this book was the big twist at the end which I didn't see coming. My rating: 2 Stars.
After reading the first couple of chapters, I thought this sounded like an intriguing mystery which included a romance. Unfortunately, it really didn't hold up. I found the writing to be problematic. There were so many inane details that did not add to the story. Every character had a point-of-view. Many of their scenes lent nothing to the overall story.
I found Olivia to be incredibly annoying. She cried at the drop of the hat and needed her Grandfather or Trey to hold her over and over again. Her relationship with Trey was ridiculous. They had dated in high school when she left him at the request of her grandfather. Now they are back together for one day when they declare their everlasting love. The saving grace to this book was the big twist at the end which I didn't see coming. My rating: 2 Stars.
this book is marked as a romantic suspense which is not my kind of book. i read it anyway and have to say it was really good. i couldn't put it down. it's more suspense and less romance if you ask me.
Loved this book. Highly recommend it.
I like this book a lot. It had a few twists and turns. Think the acceptance of the main male character by the family was rather quick. I would have preferred more friction between them all.
I had to find out what happens next with a long ago murder (of a toddler)and of course 2 lovers. A good mystery even tho I started to get it before the end!
Just finished this one - I'm a fan of Sharon Sala - and found out she writes as Dinah McCall as well - well written mystery.
will keep you reading till the end.
SHE NEEDS TO KNOW WHO IS SHE.FOR THAT THEY HAVE TO FIND OUT WHO THE BODY IN THE SUITCASE BELONGS TO.
awesome book, one will not want to put down
A good, light mystery. Kept my attention.
I LOVED this book, read it cover to cover non stop LOL
Pretty engaging. Good mystery!
Twenty-five years ago Olivia Sealy was kidnapped for ransom. Today she has no memory of the terrible event, yet an uneasy feeling still haunts her-a fear that is realized when an infant's skeleton is found and a connection is made to Olivia's past.
As news of the discovery makes headlines, Olivia and the people close to her suddenly become targets for a murderer bent on revenge. Still stunned by the revelation and its implications, Olivia puts her trust in Trey Bonney, the detective assigned to the case. But neither counts on a madman who may hold the answer to the twenty-five-year-old mystery-a secret someone hoped was buried for good.
This is a good mystery romance. Recommend for adults only due to the language and adult situations.
As news of the discovery makes headlines, Olivia and the people close to her suddenly become targets for a murderer bent on revenge. Still stunned by the revelation and its implications, Olivia puts her trust in Trey Bonney, the detective assigned to the case. But neither counts on a madman who may hold the answer to the twenty-five-year-old mystery-a secret someone hoped was buried for good.
This is a good mystery romance. Recommend for adults only due to the language and adult situations.
Twenty-five years ago Olivia was kidnapped for ransom. She has no memory of the event, but when a child's skeleton is found in the basement of her old house a connection is made to her past.
Keeps you guessing all the way to the end. Suspenseful and romantic, good combination.
Twenty-five years ago Olivia Sealy was kidnapped for ransom. Today she has no memory of the terrible event, yet an uneasy feeling still haunts her-a fear that is realized when an infant's skeleton is found and a connection is made to Olivia's past.
As news of the discovery makes headlines, Olivia and the people close to her suddenly become targets for a murderer bent on revenge. Still stunned by the revelation and its implications, Olivia puts her trust in Trey Bonney, the detective assigned to the case. But neither counts on a madman who may hold the answer to the twenty-five-year-old mystery-a secret someone hoped was buried for good.
Ties to the past run deeper than blood.
As news of the discovery makes headlines, Olivia and the people close to her suddenly become targets for a murderer bent on revenge. Still stunned by the revelation and its implications, Olivia puts her trust in Trey Bonney, the detective assigned to the case. But neither counts on a madman who may hold the answer to the twenty-five-year-old mystery-a secret someone hoped was buried for good.
Ties to the past run deeper than blood.
25 years ago olivia was kidnapped for ransom today she has no memory of the event
I thought this was a great page turner.. read it in a weekend that was snowy and cold and had a wonderful time of it!
from the back cover:
Twentyfive years ago Olivia Sealy was kidnapped for ransom. Today she has no memory of the terrible even, yet an uneasy feeling still haunts her- a gear that is realized when an infant's skeleton is found and a connection is made to Olivia's past.
As news of the discovery makes headlines, Olivia and the people close t her suddenly become targets for a murderer bent on revenge. Still stunned by the revelation and its implications, Olivia puts her trust in Trey Bonney, the detective assigned to the case. But neither counts on a madman who may hold the answer to the twentyfive year old mystery- a secret someone hoped was buried for good.
from the back cover:
Twentyfive years ago Olivia Sealy was kidnapped for ransom. Today she has no memory of the terrible even, yet an uneasy feeling still haunts her- a gear that is realized when an infant's skeleton is found and a connection is made to Olivia's past.
As news of the discovery makes headlines, Olivia and the people close t her suddenly become targets for a murderer bent on revenge. Still stunned by the revelation and its implications, Olivia puts her trust in Trey Bonney, the detective assigned to the case. But neither counts on a madman who may hold the answer to the twentyfive year old mystery- a secret someone hoped was buried for good.
An interesting book, i liked it
Intriguing plot. The story line really pulled me in & made for an excellent read.
twenty-five years ago Olivia Sealy was kidnapped for ransom. Today she has no memory of the terrible events, yet an uneasy felling still haunts her - a fear that is realized when an infant's skeleton is found and a connection is made to Olivia's past.
As news of the discovery makes headlines, Olivia and the people close to her suddenly become targets for a murderer bent on revenge. Still stunned by the revelation and its implications, Olivia puts her trust in Trey Bonney, the detective assigned tot he case. But neither counts on a madman who may hold the answer to the twenty-fiver year old mystery - a secret sommeone hoped was buried for good.
As news of the discovery makes headlines, Olivia and the people close to her suddenly become targets for a murderer bent on revenge. Still stunned by the revelation and its implications, Olivia puts her trust in Trey Bonney, the detective assigned tot he case. But neither counts on a madman who may hold the answer to the twenty-fiver year old mystery - a secret sommeone hoped was buried for good.
Heroine's past is about to be revealed twenty-five years after she was kidnapped.
one of the best books I've ever read!
Twenty-five years ago Olivia Sealy was kidnapped for ransom. today she has no memory of the terrible event, yet an uneasy feeling still haunts her - a fear that is realized when an infant's skeleton is found and a connection is made to Olivia's past. As news of the discovery makes headlines, Olivia and the people close to her suddenly become targets for a murderer bent on revenge. Still stunned by the revelation and its implications, Olivia puts her trust in Trey Bonney, the detective assigned to the case. But neither counts on a madman who may hold the answers to the twenty-five-year-old mystery - a secret someone hoped was buried for good.
haven't been disappointed in one of her books yet
25 years ago a baby was kidnapped and then found. Olivia has been haunted by her past and now there is evidence that she may not be who she thinks she is! Detective Trey Bonney is assigned to the case. Neither counts on a madman who holds the answer to questions from the past. Fast paces, lots of characters, lots of mystery and detective word. Fairly stong characters, but not much to the romance part of the story. I like a suspence, but I want my romance, too!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. THE TITLE REALLY SAYS IT ALL.
The fictional story of Olivia Sealy who was kidnapped twenty five years ago for ransom. Today, she has no memory of the terrible event except for an uneasy feeling that still haunts her.
Twenty-five years ago Olivia Sealy was kidnapped for ransom. Today she has no memory of the terrible event, yet an uneasy feeling still haunts her-a fear that is realized when an infant's skeleton is found and a connection is made to Olivia's past.
As news of the discovery makes headlines, Olivia and the people close to her suddenly become targets for a murderer bent on revenge. Olivia puts her trust in Trey Bonney, the detective assigned to the case. But neither counts on a madman who may hold the answer to tghe twenty-five year old mystery-a secret someone hoped was buried for good.
This is the first Dinah McCall book I've read, but it won't be the last. I loved this book!
As news of the discovery makes headlines, Olivia and the people close to her suddenly become targets for a murderer bent on revenge. Olivia puts her trust in Trey Bonney, the detective assigned to the case. But neither counts on a madman who may hold the answer to tghe twenty-five year old mystery-a secret someone hoped was buried for good.
This is the first Dinah McCall book I've read, but it won't be the last. I loved this book!
Twenty five years ago, Olivia Sealy was kidnapped for ransom. Today, she has no memory of the event yet an uneasy feeling still haunts her. Then an infant's skeleton is found and a connecton is made to Olivia's past.
Twenty-five years earlier Olivia Sealy had been kidnapped, and her parent murdered. Olivia was later returned to her family (left in a shopping mall) but has no recollection of the kidnapping. Fast forward several years later...the discovery of a suitcase holding the skeletal remains of a two year old girl, killed twenty-five years earlier is found. Questions start being asked and Olivia suddenly finds herself becoming a target for murder. As if this isn't enough for her to balance...she has to deal with the detective that's investigating the case...her childhood sweetheart that her grandfather made her give up.
Trey Bonney thought he got on with his life but when the old bones lead to the doorstep of the only woman he's ever loved he's about to realize that he's not as put together as he thought he was. Trey and Olivia need to put the past to rest but those feelings aren't going away and in fact are growing in intensity. They're not children playing at love anymore, their adults with deep feeling. Will Trey be able to solve the old murder and keep his Livvie alive or will the past finally get it's revenge?
Trey Bonney thought he got on with his life but when the old bones lead to the doorstep of the only woman he's ever loved he's about to realize that he's not as put together as he thought he was. Trey and Olivia need to put the past to rest but those feelings aren't going away and in fact are growing in intensity. They're not children playing at love anymore, their adults with deep feeling. Will Trey be able to solve the old murder and keep his Livvie alive or will the past finally get it's revenge?
Twenty five years ago Olivia Sealy was kidnapped for ransom. Today she has no memory of the terrible event, yet an uneasy feeling still haunts her-a fear that is realized when an infant's skeleton is found and a connection is made to Olivia's past.
twenty five years ago olivia sealy was kidnapped for ransom. today she has no memory of the terrrible event, yet an uneasy feeling still haunts her- a fear that is realized when an infants skleton is found and a connection is made to olivias past
Twenty-five years ago Olivia Sealy was kidnapped for ransom. Today she has no memory of the terrible event, yet an uneasy feeling still haunts her -- a fear that is realized when an infant's skeleton is found and a connection is made to Olivia's past.
As news of the discovery makes headlines, Olivia and the people close to her sudenly become targets for a murderer bent on revenge. Still stunned by the revelation and its implications, Olivia puts her trust in Trey Bonney, the detective assigned to the case. But neither counts on a madman who may hold the answer to the twenty-five-year-old mystery -- a secret someone hoped was buried for good.
As news of the discovery makes headlines, Olivia and the people close to her sudenly become targets for a murderer bent on revenge. Still stunned by the revelation and its implications, Olivia puts her trust in Trey Bonney, the detective assigned to the case. But neither counts on a madman who may hold the answer to the twenty-five-year-old mystery -- a secret someone hoped was buried for good.
