Review: Alone in the Dark ~ Karen Rose

Alone in the Dark
Karen Rose
Romantic Suspense
Cincinnati Series/Book 2
Signet/February 2, 2016

Homicide Detective Scarlett Bishop has seen enough bad guys slip through the cracks and innocent victims go unavenged to know that good doesn't always prevail. So far she’s been able to lock away her rage and her vigilante fantasies. That lock is about to break.

Former Army Ranger Marcus O'Bannion is a fierce champion of victims’ rights. His secret past gives him good reason. He believes he’s seen the depths of human depravity, but then his investigation into the murder of a young girl who once asked for his help lures him and Scarlett down a dark, dark road—and straight into the crosshairs of a dangerous, powerful underground ring that deals in human trafficking. To stop them, Scarlett and Marcus have to be just as cunning and just as ruthless. But first they have to make it out alive.

One of my favorite romantic suspense authors is Karen Rose. She never disappoints and always freaks me out with her villians. Alone in the Dark didn't disappoint and it certainly had its freak-out moments.

If you've read the first book in the Cincinnati Series, then you're familiar with Detective Scarlett Bishop and Marcus O'Bannion. Both captured my attention in Closer Than You Think. Scarlett because she is not only a cop but a detective in a decidedly man dominated world. And, she can kick-ass. Marcus because he was hiding some secrets and I'm nosy. I had to find out what was up with this guy. He's was also an Army Ranger so you know he's had some experience in the ass-kicking department too.

Detective Scarlett Bishop walks a thin line. She has to because of what she sees on the job. Imagine some of the worst crimes of murder and then having to talk to suspects, some of whom you know are guilty and be professional. I don't think I would ever have the patience to be a cop. I'd probably end up pulling my gun too often. But Scarlett keeps her cool for the most part. She's easy to like and possible one of my favorite Karen Rose heroines.

Marcus O'Bannion runs a newspaper but he has a side gig which he keeps a secret. It's dangerous and straddles the line between the legal and not so legal. Marcus also has an attraction to Scarlett and he trusts her about as much as he can because of her profession. So when he asks Scarlett for help, it felt natural as well as Scarlett answering Marcus' late night call.

Scarlett and Marcus have this balancing act they perform through much of the story. With Marcus' secret and Scarlett trying to enforce the law, however imperfect it sometimes is, they form an interesting alliance. Their romantic interest in each other is right there, just below the surface but they push forward with their investigation into the death of a young girl. Scarlett and Marcus form a great team and their chemistry and romance is made authentic because of their physical attraction as well as how they feel safe sharing their worst nightmares with each other. The way it's written, I completely fell for their romance.

One of the things I especially liked was the team effort of Marcus and his newspaper employees. It was interesting to see how they all worked together not only to print the news but in their other endeavor. They understood and lived the phrase "I've got your back." The secondary characters add much to the plot and are fittingly developed for their roles.

The intricacies of the criminals and their viciousness in which they execute their business is disturbing because it is doubtful it is pure fiction. Ms. Rose gives us plenty of reasons to despise the antagonists. Which is a good when the author gives the reader antagonists who are interesting but you also hate them. I was ready for all of them to end in a bloody, painful death. I did get my wish for at least a few of them. That made me happy.

Alone in the Dark is pure Karen Rose. My only complaint is having to wait for the next book. Bring on Stone.

Rating: A

Cincinnati Series ~

Closer Than You Think
Alone in the Dark

Review: Closer Than You Think

Closer Than You Think
Karen Rose
Romantic Suspense
Cincinnati/Book 1
Signet/February 3, 2015

Psychologist Faith Corcoran is desperate to escape the stalker who’s made her life a nightmare for the past year—desperate enough to run to the one place that has been her nightmare far longer. Both boon and bane, her recent inheritance of her grandmother’s old house in Cincinnati offers sanctuary in which she can start her life anew, but requires that she face the dark memories that still resonate to this day. 

But she has no idea how close to home her fears still are. 

Two college girls have gone missing in the area, and FBI Special Agent Deacon Novak is called to work on the case. When his inquiry unexpectedly leads him to Faith, he finds a beautiful and brave woman he can’t help but fall for. Soon they’ll discover that this seemingly simple investigation is anything but. Reaching back decades into Faith’s own past, it will shatter everything she believes to be true and will give terrifying new meaning to flesh and blood.

The start of a new series from a favorite author can be exciting. While this is a new location and some new characters there are a few familiar characters, most notably the hero, Deacon Novak.

Deacon is a very physically distinct character but beyond his physical attributes, he is intelligent, determined and a risk taker. He's an FBI agent and while he follows the rules, he also thinks outside the box. It was good to learn more about Deacon, about his past and his family. It helped make him a more complete character rather than this shadowy form in a leather coat. I did find him almost ordinary but I think that was due more to the build up in previous books as well as his unique features. Was I expecting some type of superhero? Maybe. Turns out he's more of an everyday hero.

Faith Corcoran is an intelligent psychologist who is trying to escape her past. She has changed her name and moved in an attempt to be safe. Faith's intelligence is not hidden or downplayed in a false attempt to make her seem more vulnerable and I liked that. Faith certainly still has vulnerable moments, but through intelligence and sometimes luck, she survives. She also doesn't treat Deacon like a freak of nature but sees the allure of his physical differences.

I've always thought Rose can write some creepy, nasty villains,but this time she may have just outdone herself. Sick bastard sounds about right. Rose keeps the reader guessing as to who the villain really is. We are also introduced to some new secondary characters who added another layer to the plot. The plot itself is intrinsic to both Deacon and Faith resolving the struggles and suffering in their pasts.

Like many of Rose's romances, this one happens quickly but doesn't feel rushed. Along with the quick pace of the suspense, so goes the romance between Deacon and Faith. At one point I couldn't believe it had only been two days since Deacon and Faith met. It felt like they had known each other for years. It had to do with the way they clicked with each other. The suspense and danger do throw them together in stressful situations which only seems to enhance the attraction.

With the first book in a "newish" series read, I already find myself looking forward to the next book. I wonder who the hero and heroine will be? For now, only Ms. Rose knows.

Rating: B+

Cincinnati Series ~

Closer Than You Think