Helpful Score: 4
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
Hair raising suspense, May 31, 2004
Reviewer: NurseMare "MaryLovesBooks" - See all my reviews
Well, I found out what Romantic Suspense is by reading this book. It is a mix of sizzling romance with mystery/suspense. I read a variety of things, but have never read a book quite like this one.
Special Agent Steven Thatcher is the lead investigator on a series of serial killings in his small town - the killer targets young, innocent teenage girls. He meets his teenage son's teacher, Jenna Marshall who is concerned about his son's falling grades. They feel an immediate attraction for one another, but due to losses and disappointments in their previous relationships, they resist each other's affections.
After the initial chapters, which included sizzling descriptions about how the main characters felt about each other, I almost put this book down. I was afraid the book would be more romance and very little suspense. I was wrong. I am so glad I didn't give up on this one.
Though romance is at the core of this story, the suspense is so hair raising and realistic that I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish reading this book. As with any good mystery/suspense, this writer managed to throw out enough clues to lead you along the path of who the killer was yet still hit you with a big surprise you at the end - the killer is not the person you think he is.
This was a highly entertaining read, I highly recommend it. You may just stay up past your bedtime reading it too.
Hair raising suspense, May 31, 2004
Reviewer: NurseMare "MaryLovesBooks" - See all my reviews
Well, I found out what Romantic Suspense is by reading this book. It is a mix of sizzling romance with mystery/suspense. I read a variety of things, but have never read a book quite like this one.
Special Agent Steven Thatcher is the lead investigator on a series of serial killings in his small town - the killer targets young, innocent teenage girls. He meets his teenage son's teacher, Jenna Marshall who is concerned about his son's falling grades. They feel an immediate attraction for one another, but due to losses and disappointments in their previous relationships, they resist each other's affections.
After the initial chapters, which included sizzling descriptions about how the main characters felt about each other, I almost put this book down. I was afraid the book would be more romance and very little suspense. I was wrong. I am so glad I didn't give up on this one.
Though romance is at the core of this story, the suspense is so hair raising and realistic that I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish reading this book. As with any good mystery/suspense, this writer managed to throw out enough clues to lead you along the path of who the killer was yet still hit you with a big surprise you at the end - the killer is not the person you think he is.
This was a highly entertaining read, I highly recommend it. You may just stay up past your bedtime reading it too.
Helpful Score: 2
Offering heart-racing thrills, both in the bedroom and the forensics lab, this second romantic intrigue from Rose (Don\'t Tell) showcases her growing talent. Rose has created complex, realistic characters in high school teacher Jenna Marshall and Special Agent Steven Thatcher, whose eldest son, Brad, is in Jenna\'s class. Though Steven, a widower, is in the midst of a search for a serial killer who targets cheerleaders in their small North Carolina town, he takes time to visit Jenna when she calls to tell him that Brad, who used to be a high achiever, is flunking out of chemistry. When they meet, their own chemistry takes over and they find themselves falling in love, despite their troubled romantic pasts and the fact that Jenna may be next on the killer\'s list. Rose populates her novel with vivid characters - like Steven\'s seven-year-old son Nicky, who was a character in Rose\'s previous novel - and stokes the tension to a fever pitch, throwing in shocking twists each time the story threatens to settle into predictability. Though some of Steven and Jenna\'s lovers\' quarrels deteriorate into melodrama, readers will hardly notice as they rush to the novel\'s thrilling conclusion.
Helpful Score: 2
Great Book Fantastic Author Books are linked by characters
High Point, North Carolina is gripped with fear as a serial killer is in action. State Bureau of Investigation Agent Steven Thatcher vows to bring down this predator killing children. He knows first hand how parents feel as his preadolescent son Nicky was abducted, but fortunately rescued though six months later mental scars remain on the lad, his dad, and his teenage brother Brad......He takes a break from his obsession when Brad's chemistry teacher Dr. Jenna Marshall asks to see him. Brad's grades have collapsed and Jenna is worried about him. Jenna has other problems with threats from a wealthy father who demands she reinstate his failing son back on the football team. Still she finds she is attracted to Steven, who feels the same way. As they fall in love and he tries to uncover a killer with high level protection, a relationship seems impossible. Not only have both have suffered from previous relationships, his children remain traumatized by the abduction....
High Point, North Carolina is gripped with fear as a serial killer is in action. State Bureau of Investigation Agent Steven Thatcher vows to bring down this predator killing children. He knows first hand how parents feel as his preadolescent son Nicky was abducted, but fortunately rescued though six months later mental scars remain on the lad, his dad, and his teenage brother Brad......He takes a break from his obsession when Brad's chemistry teacher Dr. Jenna Marshall asks to see him. Brad's grades have collapsed and Jenna is worried about him. Jenna has other problems with threats from a wealthy father who demands she reinstate his failing son back on the football team. Still she finds she is attracted to Steven, who feels the same way. As they fall in love and he tries to uncover a killer with high level protection, a relationship seems impossible. Not only have both have suffered from previous relationships, his children remain traumatized by the abduction....
Helpful Score: 2
This one will keep you on the edge of your seat. The love story is wonderful and a great backdrop for the suspense. A sure thing!!!!!
Helpful Score: 2
One by one, the girls disappear from their beds at night. Each one is pretty, with long dark hair. And each one is found brutally murdered. Special Agent Steven Thatcher has sworn to find the serial killer preying on this small town. As the investigation pulls him one way, his family pulls him in another. A widower haunted by loss, he now worries about his son Brad slipping away. But there's a bright light in his life: his son's teacher, Jenna Marshall, has reached out to help. She's beautiful, kind and considerate--and slowly, tentatively, she and Steven are starting to fall in love. But both have been hurt before--badly. And as the two try to find the courage to bare their souls, a murderer who has slain many looks for the real treasure he craves. He sets his traps. And waits. for Jenna....
Helpful Score: 1
great fast paced action! never would have guessed the perp!
Helpful Score: 1
Another good Karen Rose book. This one is good feels predictable but takes off with about 250 pages left, there is no stopping reading at that point. Ends good too.
Helpful Score: 1
Really enjoyed this story about two people who find one another and fall in love while their world around them is in utter chaos with a serial killer on the loose. Special Agent Steven Thatcher is a man haunted by pain. After his wifes death, he is left to raise 3 boys on his own. Fans of this author will remember Steven Thatcher and his youngest son, Nicky from her last book, Dont Tell. In this book, we find Steven trying to pick up the pieces of the mess his life has become while trying to connect with his boys. Nicky still suffers after his ordeal in Dont Tell and now the eldest son, Brad, has changed practically overnight into a surly and angry young man who is failing his classes. Trying to balance the chaos of his home life with the nightmare reality of the grisly murders he is investigating at work seems impossible. The last thing he expects is to meet someone he can envision a future with.
Jenna Marshall is Brads chemistry teacher who is battling her own personal demons since her fiancé died two years ago. She cares deeply about her students and is gravely concerned about the changes she sees in Brads attitude and his grades. Outside of teaching, Jenna hasnt made time in her life for romantic relationships. When they first meet, the reader is given a very strong view of the instant chemistry between them.
As intense as their attraction toward one another is, so are the serial killings. Here is a killer who is very methodical in his hunt for prey. The grisly execution of each brutal murder leaves the town in fear of who will be next. With the disappearance of each girl, Stevens frustration grows. The appearance of a detective from Seattle doesnt help when Steven learns he is investigating similar killings and they are looking for the same suspect.
I really enjoyed the entire story, including the murder mystery. The author does a fantastic job of keeping the reader guessing and holding their interest without downplaying the ending. I liked that the revelation of the killers identity did not detract from the rest of the story. So many times a book will just fizzle out once the villain is unmasked. There are lots of unexpected surprises in this story after we learn who the killer is. There were a lot of great scenes involving Stevens son, Nicky and Jenna and her German Shepherds, Jim and Jean Luc, which were very entertaining to read. I especially enjoyed them because it takes the edge off of the murders and gives insight to the reader about the characters multiple layers.
I loved watching these two lonely souls let down their walls and let the other in. I felt the relationship progressed realistically; also dealing with the conflicts and issues that came up in a believable manner. I am enjoying this authors writing style and am looking forward to reading more of her work.
Jenna Marshall is Brads chemistry teacher who is battling her own personal demons since her fiancé died two years ago. She cares deeply about her students and is gravely concerned about the changes she sees in Brads attitude and his grades. Outside of teaching, Jenna hasnt made time in her life for romantic relationships. When they first meet, the reader is given a very strong view of the instant chemistry between them.
As intense as their attraction toward one another is, so are the serial killings. Here is a killer who is very methodical in his hunt for prey. The grisly execution of each brutal murder leaves the town in fear of who will be next. With the disappearance of each girl, Stevens frustration grows. The appearance of a detective from Seattle doesnt help when Steven learns he is investigating similar killings and they are looking for the same suspect.
I really enjoyed the entire story, including the murder mystery. The author does a fantastic job of keeping the reader guessing and holding their interest without downplaying the ending. I liked that the revelation of the killers identity did not detract from the rest of the story. So many times a book will just fizzle out once the villain is unmasked. There are lots of unexpected surprises in this story after we learn who the killer is. There were a lot of great scenes involving Stevens son, Nicky and Jenna and her German Shepherds, Jim and Jean Luc, which were very entertaining to read. I especially enjoyed them because it takes the edge off of the murders and gives insight to the reader about the characters multiple layers.
I loved watching these two lonely souls let down their walls and let the other in. I felt the relationship progressed realistically; also dealing with the conflicts and issues that came up in a believable manner. I am enjoying this authors writing style and am looking forward to reading more of her work.
Helpful Score: 1
very good book...a good story with "real" people that kept you guessing about the villain...of course it helped that the plot took place a half hour from my hometown, so the characters and scenery seemed much more real to me since I knew exactly where each place was
Helpful Score: 1
GREAT BOOK!! STAYED UP ALL NIGHT TO FINISH!!
DONT MISS THE OPPORTUNITY!!
DONT MISS THE OPPORTUNITY!!
Helpful Score: 1
Great book! This is my first Karen Rose book, but now I'm hooked. I'm looking for more from her now. This book was a good mystery with a surprise ending. I can usually figure out "who done it" and I didn't in this one. Great read!!
Helpful Score: 1
Special Agent Steven Thatcher is investigating a serial killer who preys on young girls. Two cheerleaders have been kidnapped and murdered. While Steven is racing against time to try to save another teenage girl, his family is pulling him in another direction. His oldest son, a high achiever, has become sullen and angry, flunking out of chemistry. His son's teacher, Jenna Marshall, is reaching out to help. As Jenna and Steven draw closer, the murderer has set his sites on his next victim...Jenna.
This is a very well written romantic suspense story that kept me turning the pages. Karen Rose does a great job making the characters jump off of the page. Even the minor characters are interesting. The only drawback I had with this story was the hero's jealousy. It got kind of old after the third or fourth time he jumped to conclusions about the heroine. My rating: 4 Stars.
This is a very well written romantic suspense story that kept me turning the pages. Karen Rose does a great job making the characters jump off of the page. Even the minor characters are interesting. The only drawback I had with this story was the hero's jealousy. It got kind of old after the third or fourth time he jumped to conclusions about the heroine. My rating: 4 Stars.
Great Book! Page turner! Very suspenseful and romantic. I think Karen Rose is my new favorite author. This is the second book of hers I've read and both are great romantic murder mysteries.
Special Agent Steven Thacher has sworn to find the serial killer preying on this small town. A widower haunted by loss, he now worries about his son Brad slipping away. But there's bright light in his life: his son's teacher, Jenna Marshall, has reached out to help.
well done mystery/thriller.
Loved loved loved this book! Karen Rose is a fantastic author. I really enjoyed this characters in this book, and the plot was interesting. Lots of surprises! Definitely a recommended read.
KEEPS YOU ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT,GREAT READ.
About a teacher and FBI Special Agent who meet and
fall in love while dealing with a serial killer. Really
good.
fall in love while dealing with a serial killer. Really
good.
I really enjoyed this book. An easy read with great characters
Another great one from Karen Rose.
Excellent! You will be guessing until the end!
Karen Rose is spellbinding! Hard to put the book down until you finish it.
I have loved all of Karen Rose's books. She keeps you in suspense and your always guessing till the end. She also adds romance well without over doing it and turning it into a D.S novel. Her characters are ones you can relate to in some way.
I´m not much into romance but these books by Karen Rose are pretty dang good. Talk about hot for teacher! The suspense is really well done and the romance is.... well, it´s not the corny kind. Some people may want to keep a towel or tissues handy. It is definitely a book to keep you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the end.
This is the second book in Karen Rose´s Romantic Suspense series and continues to follow Steven Thatcher, a detective with the SBI (State Bureau of Investigation in Raleigh, NC). In this story, Steven is investigating the disappearance of a young girl who is later found murdered. Then, it happens again and again and then they knew they were dealing with a serial killer who was targeting cheerleaders from local area schools. While Steven is already under enough pressure to find the killer and the 16 year old girl who is currently missing but hopefully still alive, Steven is also dealing with family trouble. His oldest son has been acting out lately and is flunking chemistry. Steven has to make time in the middle of this murder investigation to meet with his son´s teacher. He doesn't just meet her though, he literally takes her down when they collide in the school lobby. Sparks fly immediately but he tries to keep himself under control because he can´t risk his kids getting attached to someone who might leave them like his wife did.
This is the second book in Karen Rose´s Romantic Suspense series and continues to follow Steven Thatcher, a detective with the SBI (State Bureau of Investigation in Raleigh, NC). In this story, Steven is investigating the disappearance of a young girl who is later found murdered. Then, it happens again and again and then they knew they were dealing with a serial killer who was targeting cheerleaders from local area schools. While Steven is already under enough pressure to find the killer and the 16 year old girl who is currently missing but hopefully still alive, Steven is also dealing with family trouble. His oldest son has been acting out lately and is flunking chemistry. Steven has to make time in the middle of this murder investigation to meet with his son´s teacher. He doesn't just meet her though, he literally takes her down when they collide in the school lobby. Sparks fly immediately but he tries to keep himself under control because he can´t risk his kids getting attached to someone who might leave them like his wife did.
Another first-rate read from Ms. Rose!
Good strong intelligent heroine, as for the Hero....I think I'm a little bit in love with him:-) -He's strong, intelligent, competent, without being an overly arrogant jerk...Both of their past hurts are prety significant, but they (thankfully) don't overshadow the mystery...Secondary characters were well planned out as well, even if you don't usually like reading about anyone other than the H and h, it's hard to remain indifferent towards them....but they too, did not take over the book.
The story, as I've come to expect from Ms. Rose was well thought out, and kept me on the edge of my seat (biting my nails!) for quite some time....The villain was somewhat of a surprise...(I had suspected him, but ruled him out)...Overall both the imagery and writing were brilliant...I can't wait to read her next one!
Good strong intelligent heroine, as for the Hero....I think I'm a little bit in love with him:-) -He's strong, intelligent, competent, without being an overly arrogant jerk...Both of their past hurts are prety significant, but they (thankfully) don't overshadow the mystery...Secondary characters were well planned out as well, even if you don't usually like reading about anyone other than the H and h, it's hard to remain indifferent towards them....but they too, did not take over the book.
The story, as I've come to expect from Ms. Rose was well thought out, and kept me on the edge of my seat (biting my nails!) for quite some time....The villain was somewhat of a surprise...(I had suspected him, but ruled him out)...Overall both the imagery and writing were brilliant...I can't wait to read her next one!
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