Lieutenant Phoebe Swift is a hostage crisis negotiator with the Savannah-Chatham Police Department and we’re introduced to her when she shows up at the scene where a despondent man is threatening to jump from a ledge. What’s important about that moment is we get to see her in action early on, getting insight into her skills, and meet Duncan Swift, the bar owner who was friends with and employed the jumper. He’s immediately taken with the feisty Phoebe and makes it his mission to get to know her better. In the meantime, Phoebe’s problems with a troublesome police officer in her ranks escalates to something awful. When later it’s determined she’s the focus of a stalker, things get dangerous for her and those close to her heart.
I’ve wanted to read this story since forever and have recommended it as a group read countless times and it was finally chosen this month. It’s an older one of Roberts’ suspense standalones, written over ten years ago but does not feel dated at all. Phoebe has so many wonderful qualities and I liked that she had imperfections. She’s a single mother having to be the leader of her extended family. The scenes sharing her troubled but formative childhood were as compelling as those in the present. The threats to her life were extremely harrowing and provided a level of tension that hung in the background for most of the story. The secondary characters, both those connected to Phoebe and Duncan, are crucial to the story, all having important roles. They added so much texture to the storyline.
I also liked Phoebe’s relationship with Duncan. He was witty and genuine, seemingly perfect for the elusive Phoebe and he knew how to stick. I chose to listen to the story as Roberts seems to have the best narrators for her books. I don’t listen to the In Death series so hadn’t heard Susan Ericksen’s narration of Roberts books but now see what all the fuss is about. Her performance was outstanding, especially when doing the hostage negotiations scenes. She lifted the story off the pages. I loved everything about this book and Ericksen’s narration. Hated to see it end.
Book Info
- Release Date: June 10, 2018
- Narrator: Susan Ericksen
- Audio Length: 16 hours, 34 minutes
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Listen to a Sample!
Blue Mood Café 
Awesome review Jo! I loved this one too! It took me 12 years to finally get to it!😥😥💜
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Thank you, Susan💜 I kept pushing and pushing. And, the group is loving it.
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Glad you’re enjoying this 🙂 I loved it too.
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Thank you, Cathy💜 I’m in great company, then!
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Fab review and that sample was brilliant!
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Thank you, Nicki💜 Glad you checked out the sample. She’s SO good!
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Fantastic review! I’m sure I would love this one. I have been buying some of Roberts on audio when there are deals because the library doesn’t seem to have audio versions of hardly any.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thank you, Anne💜 I think you would! Her previous publisher wouldn’t allow the libraries to carry her audios. At some point, she’ll regain the rights. I used an Audible credit for this one.
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Great review, Jonetta. 🙂 Despite being published years ago, if the story feels fresh to you, this means the book is worth reading. Generally, thrillers don’t stand the test of time. Glad to know this one does.
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Thank you, Debjani💜 I was worried it might not but it turned out well.
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I love her standalone novels, and can never get enough of them! I’m pretty sure I read this one many years ago, but embarrassingly sometimes they melt into each other 🙈
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I’m an unabashed fan of her standalones, too, Corina💜 And, I only listen to them.
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Oooh I never tried one of her audiobooks before, do they all have different narrators?
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Yes, they do and she always has fantastic ones.
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Amazing review! I haven’t read anything by Nora but I don’t know where to start!! xx
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Thank you, Meggy💜 Do you enjoy romance? I think you would enjoy Shelter in Place and Under Currents. And if you can listen to them, even better. If you like dystopia/fantasy, I highly recommend her Chronicles of the One series. I’ve reviewed all of them here so you can easily check them out.
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I enjoy romance when there’s more than just the romance 🙂 Ooh I’ll have a look, thank you! xx
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It sounds like the audio really added to your experience, Jonetta, and I loved your review. It made me want to listen to this one! I haven’t read a Nora Roberts (non JD Robb) book in so long, but I was sent her newest and I’m really looking forward to it.
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Thank you, Jennifer💜 Yes, it did!!! Which one did you get, Hideaway?
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Yes! I was struggling to remember the name and too lazy to look! 😂
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This one sounds like a sure fired winner, and I know you love this author too.
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You bet I do!
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Glad you finally got to read or should I say, listen to this one. I read it a couple of years ago and enjoyed it as well. Nice review Jo.
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Thank you, Carla💜 Persistence paid off😏
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