Review: Did You Miss Me?

Did You Miss Me?
Karen Rose
Romantic Suspense
Baltimore/Book 3
Signet/February 5, 2013

Baltimore prosecutor Daphne Montgomery pulled herself out of a damaged past to build a solid life for herself and her son. But after she helps to convict a killer, her confidence is shattered once again by the news that her son has been kidnapped.

Daphne believes it’s connected to the recent high-profile trial, and at first FBI special agent Joseph Carter agrees. But together they find the reality to be even more troubling, and it runs deeper than Daphne fears. With her son’s life in jeopardy, she must unlock a dreadful secret about her past—and confront a truth that will change everything for those closest to her. And, if she survives, threaten the lives of everyone she loves.

Ever since I read my first Karen Rose book, I've been a fan.  Rose's writing is equal parts suspense, mystery and romance.  The suspense is intense at times, grabbing the reader and holding on.   The mystery isn't always so mysterious, sometimes it becomes obvious who's sporting the face of evil before the big reveal.  One thing I've always liked about Rose's writing is how she is able to mesh the romance within the suspense.  

In Did You Miss Me? Daphne Montgomery and Joseph Carter are thrown together when Daphne's son is kidnapped.  This isn't the first time these two have worked together towards a common goal. But it is the first time they are able to let themselves imagine a life together as more than just acquaintances.  The suspense is kept at the forefront with the romance developing as the investigation allowed.  

Daphne is a strong heroine with a combination of intelligence and beauty that could easily intimidate some men.  Joseph isn't easily intimidated.  When they do get together it's easy to see how well they fit and how their experiences and maturity can make the reader believe these two have a shot at a long term relationship.  

The suspense is multi-layered with a variety of evilness that Rose is able to pull together and make a plot that is fairly easy to follow.  The make antagonist has this ability to be a sociopath at one moment and then leave the reader feeling a small moment of pity for him.  This ability to have the reader emphasize with the murderer, even for a second is part of Rose's talent. 

If there was one problem I had with the story it was the  police and their sometimes narrow focus on one suspect.  Yes, as the reader I had a different perspective and knowledge than the characters.  But the job of the police should be to explore all possible, viable suspects, not just the obvious ones.  

Even feeling that I might do a better job than the police (yeah, right), I still enjoyed Did You Miss Me? and am eagerly anticipating Ms. Rose's next novel. 

Rating: B+

Baltimore Series ~

You Belong to Me
No One Left to Tell
Did You Miss Me?

Those of you who still stop by the blog (thank you), you've no doubt noticed how quiet it's been for the last few months.  It hasn't only been the last few months but the last nearly two years of stress and worry that have eaten away at my peace and happiness. 

Last October my oldest brother Rick lost his battle to cancer.  Even though we all knew things were not going well, it was still hard to believe that he wouldn't pull through and beat this horrible disease.  He was an amazing brother, wonderful father to his girls and a good friend too all who knew him.

Since then I've pulled away from blogging and the internet, only going on sporadically.  I've missed all of you so much but I couldn't seem to get back into the habit of blogging.  I'm still reading and have some reviews that I plan to write, so don't give up on me just yet. :)

Thanks to all of you who have sent emails over the months, checking up on me and letting me know that you are there for me.  You have no idea how much that means!

Before I get too teary-eyed that I can't see the screen, I'll just leave you with a quote by the author Hunter S. Thompson.  This was printed out and passed around at my brother's memorial service.  My brother liked it and it sums up how he lived his life.

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "Woo Hoo" what a ride!