January 16, 2019 7:05 am
In the space of a few minutes, the lives of those visiting or working at the DownEast Mall and adjacent theater in Rockpoint, Maine were permanently altered. Three shooters decided that whatever was wrong in their lives warranted the selfish actions they took in those moments. Survivors Reed Quartermaine and Simone Knox followed paths that weren’t part of their original destinies until that event in the mall. Reed went into law enforcement and Simone expressed her feelings through art.
I first thought this was going to be a story about a mass shooting and the immediate aftermath, more about the pursuit of the attackers and those involved in the investigation. This couldn’t be further from the reality as that event just serves as the context for those that survived the massacre. Reed and Simone may be the central characters to anchor the story but there’s a richness to the breadth and angles of the lives of those that surround them and others. Their relationship develops slowly and fairly organically, a quick ignition but then a slow burn. I adored CiCi Lennon, Simone’s grandmother and admired Essie McVee, the police detective who plays such a strong role in Reed’s life and decisions.
All of this is in the midst of a really diabolical character connected to the mall shooting. This person was chilling, a true psychopath hiding in plain sight. You’re just not going to breathe easily until the creep is stopped. The tension is constant but it doesn’t detract from some truly lovely moments throughout the book.
I loved and inhaled this book, as I knew I would, especially when I learned January LaVoy was narrating the story. She delivered her typically outstanding performance, which made this one of my more favorite reading experiences.
Also see my review at Books of My Heart
(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
Posted by Jonetta | Blue Mood Café
Categories: Audiobook, Romantic Suspense
Tags: Reviews
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I have it in my tbr 😃👍🏻
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By bibliogyan on January 16, 2019 at 7:45 am
I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
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By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 16, 2019 at 7:46 am
Perfect timing for me. I just finished her Year One book and although I didn’t love it, am looking for another book by this author. I am going to add this one. Terrific review!
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By yayareadslotsofbooks on January 16, 2019 at 8:45 am
Thanks, Marialyce! Sorry you didn’t love Year One but I think you might enjoy this one.
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By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 16, 2019 at 8:47 am
I’m adding this one to the list Jonetta. The subject matter is quite timely. Great review as always!
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By macsbooks311 on January 16, 2019 at 9:08 am
Thanks, Mackey!
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By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 16, 2019 at 9:25 am
I loved this – one of Nora Roberts’ best standalones. And it put me on to January LaVoy. She’s an excellent narrator.
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By Cathy on January 16, 2019 at 9:56 am
We are in complete agreement, Cathy, on both points!
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By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 16, 2019 at 7:07 pm
Fantastic review sounds like a great book!
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By nickimags @ The Secret Library Book Blog on January 16, 2019 at 10:03 am
Thank you, Nicki!
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By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 16, 2019 at 7:07 pm
Sounds so good! I really enjoy Nora Roberts, but I need to catch up with a few! Her standalones are always fantastic I think. Great review, Jonetta!
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By Stephanie on January 16, 2019 at 11:43 am
Thanks, Stephanie! I think I’m now at the point where I prefer her standalone novels, too.
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By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 16, 2019 at 7:08 pm
Yes, I do need to read the last book in her The Guardians trilogy, which I liked and I have the last one on audio to listen to, but her newest trilogies haven’t caught my attention. She seems to put more detail and attention to her standalones.
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By Stephanie on January 16, 2019 at 7:46 pm
I have that one to listen to, also, Stephanie!
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By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 19, 2019 at 3:45 pm
Great reminder that I need to finish this one.
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By JoHawkTheWriter on January 16, 2019 at 12:32 pm
Glad it gave you a nudge!
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By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 16, 2019 at 7:09 pm
Wonderful review, Jonetta!
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By Darinda (Nightcap Books) on January 16, 2019 at 1:36 pm
Thank you, Darinda!
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By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 16, 2019 at 7:09 pm
I’ve been so curious about this one, Jonetta, and it sounds terrific and timely! Your review is wonderful, and I’m not sure I’ve listened to this narrator before. LOVED the sample! ♥️
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By jennifertarheelreader on January 16, 2019 at 9:23 pm
Thank you, Jennifer! LaVoy is on my top 5 list of favorite narrators. I think you’d really enjoy this one.
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By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 16, 2019 at 10:25 pm
Great review, Jonetta!
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By B Lostinacoulee on January 16, 2019 at 9:44 pm
Thank you, Brenda!
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By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 16, 2019 at 10:25 pm
This sounds really good. I just recently started reading Nora Roberts (with Year One). Now, I’m excited to try more of her work. Looks like this is one to add to the list. I also love January LaVoy.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
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By Melanie Simmons (@mlsimmons) on January 18, 2019 at 12:18 pm
This one is really, really good, Melanie! Definitely add to your list.
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By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 18, 2019 at 7:38 pm