Posts
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?
I don't think I've ever read a Karen Rose story. This one sounds like it might be right up my alley. Thanks for the review, Leslie. :)
ReplyDeleteTracy, really? Oh, you really need to read her. I can loan you any of her books. (Hey, it's a great excuse to get together :))
ReplyDeleteTracy ~ Don't let Nath hear you say that. lol Definitely give Rose a try. She's wonderful!
ReplyDeleteLori ~ Agree. Rose is one not to be missed!
Oh wow, Tracy! I thought I was the only one!
ReplyDeleteI keep talking about doing a Karen Rose reading challenge. I have big plans of reading all of her books. As soon as I catch up in the In Death series, that is. ;)
Glad you liked this one, Leslie! This series keeps hitting high scores from you ladies every time!!!
Leslie is this a new series by Rose? Not related to the one we were reading before? I have some from that other series in my TBR, but if this is a new one (with only 3 books), then I'll just pick these up!
ReplyDelete@Tracy -- DEFINITELY give her a shot. Rose is great!
Christine ~ A Karen Rose challenge is a great idea! I'll use any excuse to do re-reads of her books. :)
ReplyDeleteHils ~ It's a bit of a spin-off with a couple of minor characters carried over but you could easily start with the first book in this series.
I'm going to do it. I promise! I cannot miss all these A and B+ reads that you, Lori and nath keep throwing out there in front of me! Hils, do you read Karen Rose also?
ReplyDeleteChristine, I've read a few books from her original series, but am grossly behind on that one. She's really good.
DeleteToo late, too late! Tracy, you've never read Karen Rose?!? Tsst, tsst! Queen of RS Tracy, that is who Karen Rose is! LOL. Definitively give her a try, because she's excellent :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed this book, Leslie :P We ended up giving the same grade :P I can't wait for her next book. Should be Clay and Stevie, finally. And after, I might get Brie!!
Nath ~ You tell her Nath! lol
ReplyDeleteIt's time for Clay and Stevie. We've waited long enough. :)