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To the Grave
Carlene Thompson
To the Grave In To the Grave , Carlene Thompson's next thrilling page-turner, no secret can stay buried for long... As a psychologist, Catherine Gray understands the power of first love. As a woman, she still has feelings for her first crush, James―a handsome lawyer who was trapped in a bad marriage for years. Now that Catherine has returned to Aurora Falls, and James is divorced, they can finally build a life together. But then she stumbles onto his first love―his ex-wife Renée, missing for the past three years―murdered…
Catherine is stunned. How well does she really know James? What secret destroyed his marriage―and who killed his wife? When a mysterious fire destroys the crime scene, Catherine starts looking for answers. In a portrait for a masked woman, she sees Renée's eyes looking back at her hauntingly. And when the next victim is revealed, it becomes terrifyingly clear that an obsessed killer is on the loose―and Catherine is next in line…
To the Grave In To the Grave , Carlene Thompson's next thrilling page-turner, no secret can stay buried for long... As a psychologist, Catherine Gray understands the power of first love. As a woman, she still has feelings for her first crush, James―a handsome lawyer who was trapped in a bad marriage for years. Now that Catherine has returned to Aurora Falls, and James is divorced, they can finally build a life together. But then she stumbles onto his first love―his ex-wife Renée, missing for the past three years―murdered…
Catherine is stunned. How well does she really know James? What secret destroyed his marriage―and who killed his wife? When a mysterious fire destroys the crime scene, Catherine starts looking for answers. In a portrait for a masked woman, she sees Renée's eyes looking back at her hauntingly. And when the next victim is revealed, it becomes terrifyingly clear that an obsessed killer is on the loose―and Catherine is next in line…
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
19 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Carlene Thompson
23 books256 followersCarlene Thompson is an author of suspense thriller novels.
Her first book, Black for Remembrance, was published in 1990 by Little, Brown and was well received. Her books are suspense novels, often with romantic elements and many take place in Thompson's home state of West Virginia. Her books often feature animals, which she bases on animals she knows in real life.
Her first book, Black for Remembrance, was published in 1990 by Little, Brown and was well received. Her books are suspense novels, often with romantic elements and many take place in Thompson's home state of West Virginia. Her books often feature animals, which she bases on animals she knows in real life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 24, 2020
Catherine Gray is happy to be back in her hometown and in the arms of her first love, James Eastman. James has recently divorced his wife after she disappeared without a word two years ago. While showing her sister a property that the Eastman family owns, Catherine stumbles across a body. She recognizes the woman as James' ex-wife, Renee Moreau. As the police begin their investigation, a fire destroys the crime scene. When another murder victim also appears to have ties to James, Catherine fears someone may be setting him up.
I've read a few of this author's mystery/suspense books, but this one didn't work for me. There was a lot of filler in this book...many detailed descriptions and inane conversations that had absolutely nothing to do with the mystery. The characters were not well developed. Many of the were just plain unlikeable. The mystery itself was okay. My rating: 2.5 Stars.
I've read a few of this author's mystery/suspense books, but this one didn't work for me. There was a lot of filler in this book...many detailed descriptions and inane conversations that had absolutely nothing to do with the mystery. The characters were not well developed. Many of the were just plain unlikeable. The mystery itself was okay. My rating: 2.5 Stars.
June 24, 2025
Joa ist jetzt nicht ihr bestes aber ihre Bücher sind einfach meine Comfort-Thriller
February 2, 2013
Marissa received a review copy in exchange for her honest review from St. Martin's Publishing. Her review was first posted at Romancing the Book.
My biggest pet peeves in fiction writing are stilted speech, inane dialogue that just wouldn’t happen between two people, descriptions of the obvious, and errors in the time line. Unfortunately, this book is full of all of these things. For instance, when Catherine falls into an old cistern, becomes tangled in the hair of a dead body and keeps getting dragged under the water, her sister yells to her, “Let loose the body” and “Just rip out the hair with all your might”. “With all your might”? Lines like this are doubly disappointing as the author has a Ph.D. in English and this is her fifteenth book.
Catherine is a 29-year-old psychologist but comes off a bit immature at times. In real life, I can understand crying because your boyfriend doesn’t call when you think he should but Catherine is the heroine of a novel. Heroines are, by definition, brave and strong yet Catherine came off a bit sniveling and whiney, more like an insecure sixteen year old than a professional psychologist.
James seemed almost a minor character. We never get his thoughts or see what he is doing when he’s alone. He is stand-offish and almost secretive. Quite honestly, I couldn’t see what attracted Catherine to him. James and Catherine are already together when the book begins but there is no flashback or recounting of how they ended up together. I think relating this would have made a difference in how their relationship was perceived.
All in all, To the Grave was a bit of a disappointment. The plot itself is good but between discrepancies in the storyline, what I would term “uncomfortable” dialogue, and weak characters, reading was difficult. However, I stayed with the book and found that if I looked past these pet peeves of mine, the story was an enjoyable thriller that kept me guessing until the end.
My biggest pet peeves in fiction writing are stilted speech, inane dialogue that just wouldn’t happen between two people, descriptions of the obvious, and errors in the time line. Unfortunately, this book is full of all of these things. For instance, when Catherine falls into an old cistern, becomes tangled in the hair of a dead body and keeps getting dragged under the water, her sister yells to her, “Let loose the body” and “Just rip out the hair with all your might”. “With all your might”? Lines like this are doubly disappointing as the author has a Ph.D. in English and this is her fifteenth book.
Catherine is a 29-year-old psychologist but comes off a bit immature at times. In real life, I can understand crying because your boyfriend doesn’t call when you think he should but Catherine is the heroine of a novel. Heroines are, by definition, brave and strong yet Catherine came off a bit sniveling and whiney, more like an insecure sixteen year old than a professional psychologist.
James seemed almost a minor character. We never get his thoughts or see what he is doing when he’s alone. He is stand-offish and almost secretive. Quite honestly, I couldn’t see what attracted Catherine to him. James and Catherine are already together when the book begins but there is no flashback or recounting of how they ended up together. I think relating this would have made a difference in how their relationship was perceived.
All in all, To the Grave was a bit of a disappointment. The plot itself is good but between discrepancies in the storyline, what I would term “uncomfortable” dialogue, and weak characters, reading was difficult. However, I stayed with the book and found that if I looked past these pet peeves of mine, the story was an enjoyable thriller that kept me guessing until the end.
July 27, 2012
This was one of those books that had me at the blurb but then lost me when I started reading it.
Catherine Gray has always been in love with James. She was heartbroken when he married another woman and went away for college to sulk. However, James marriage doesn't last so she hightails it back to Aurora Falls to practice psychology in a local office and finally be with the man she loves. But her life isn't neat and tidy with James and soon it starts unraveling when his ex-wife is found dead in his family's cottage. She's determined to stay by James' side, no matter what...even if it means her life.
On "paper" Catherine should have been a great heroine. She's finally got the man she's always loved and now, with someone out to hurt him or blame him (she wasn't sure which) I expected her to her to leap off the page and be James' champion and dare anyone to say he had anything to do with his wife's murder. What we got instead was a completely flat character who was too old fashion and out of date for this story (what late twenties woman drives around singing fifties music when she's happy?).
But Catherine wasn't the only one who seemed to suffer from flatness and come from a different era. James was even more at odds with present day. His speech and mannerisms, again, were too out of date for a story and was often times just so blase about what was happening that I truly didn't care about what happened to him.
While I had problems with the characters, this story did have a nicely written mystery. The author did a fantastic job of keeping me guessing as to who the real culprit was of the murders. It truly wasn't until the last few pages of the book that we finally get the whole story revolving around Renee's death. It was for the mystery alone that I kept turning the pages in this one, because in the end I had to know who was behind the whole mess.
For this one, I'm grading on the mystery and deducting for characters I couldn't deal with. Total Score:
Catherine Gray has always been in love with James. She was heartbroken when he married another woman and went away for college to sulk. However, James marriage doesn't last so she hightails it back to Aurora Falls to practice psychology in a local office and finally be with the man she loves. But her life isn't neat and tidy with James and soon it starts unraveling when his ex-wife is found dead in his family's cottage. She's determined to stay by James' side, no matter what...even if it means her life.
On "paper" Catherine should have been a great heroine. She's finally got the man she's always loved and now, with someone out to hurt him or blame him (she wasn't sure which) I expected her to her to leap off the page and be James' champion and dare anyone to say he had anything to do with his wife's murder. What we got instead was a completely flat character who was too old fashion and out of date for this story (what late twenties woman drives around singing fifties music when she's happy?).
But Catherine wasn't the only one who seemed to suffer from flatness and come from a different era. James was even more at odds with present day. His speech and mannerisms, again, were too out of date for a story and was often times just so blase about what was happening that I truly didn't care about what happened to him.
While I had problems with the characters, this story did have a nicely written mystery. The author did a fantastic job of keeping me guessing as to who the real culprit was of the murders. It truly wasn't until the last few pages of the book that we finally get the whole story revolving around Renee's death. It was for the mystery alone that I kept turning the pages in this one, because in the end I had to know who was behind the whole mess.
For this one, I'm grading on the mystery and deducting for characters I couldn't deal with. Total Score:
June 25, 2013
I love murder mysteries and have read many. I was hoping that Carlene Thompson would be a new author in this genre that I would enjoy. By this will be the first and last book of hers I will read. I had to keep reminding myself that this was not a teenage novel. The characters were so one dimensional and immature. The plot had potential, but she just threw in details that didn't fit together and her attempts at subtle hints were as obvious as a flashing traffic signal. Really, Ian losing his cell phone all the time was a major development to the conclusion? Lame....
January 27, 2013
I could not get into this book. It was overly descriptive, like a high school creative writing student would be (a bad one) I have read her material before but after 85 pages I ended my misery and put it down
June 10, 2012
This would make an excellent Lifetime movie.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur magazine: http://affairedecoeur.com.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur magazine: http://affairedecoeur.com.
July 29, 2013
Good plot, horrible writing. 3.5 stars.
March 23, 2015
Not as good as some of her others...had a hard time getting into the story.
July 8, 2021
Although it was a fine read, the writing was boring overall and the characters flat. Of course in the end motivations often fall down to our very base desires for companionship and security but the obsession with money and sex, especially how every female character felt like a play on Saint or whore (or some twisted and obsessive version of the two), felt repetitve and shallow. Maybe I'm being overly judgmental because I still read the whole thing and liked solving the mystery with Catherine but... It just left me with a generally disappointed feeling.
January 19, 2024
4.5. Carlene knows how to keep you on your toes. Every time you think you know who the killer is, she throws in a plot twist. This book literally keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
August 11, 2017
A nice thriller with lots of suspense for someone needing that adrenaline rush!
October 26, 2017
Love this Author's writing and stories. Keeps you guessing until the very end
January 8, 2018
Nota Geral: 2.7/5
Escrita: 3
Cenário: 3
Originalidade: 3
Personagens: 2.5
Suspense: 2.5
Humor: 2.5
Romance: 2.5
Capa: 3
Aditivo: 3
Previsível: 2
Escrita: 3
Cenário: 3
Originalidade: 3
Personagens: 2.5
Suspense: 2.5
Humor: 2.5
Romance: 2.5
Capa: 3
Aditivo: 3
Previsível: 2
March 2, 2020
Cold case of a missing woman becomes alive when she turns up recently murdered. Many suspects.
October 8, 2012
Catherine Gray is back in Aurora Falls after being away several years for school. As a psychologist, she’s gotten an office at a local office but her patient roster is still on the light side. She has finally landed her teenage love, though, James Eastman. He was married when Catherine had her crush on him, but he is no longer and they've been seeing one another for a while.
When she and her sister Marissa journey to the old Eastman cottage so Catherine can show her the land for a potential house, something tragic happens. Catherine falls through some old wood and comes into contact with a body. It’s Renee Eastman, James’s first wife who disappeared several years ago.
Jame’s reacts differently than Catherine would like him to, but she shrugs it off and continues her daily routine. She does add something to it, though. She visits the local art gallery where it is said that a painting of Renee hangs. Even though the woman is wearing a mardi gras mask, Catherine knows it is Renee, a woman who was known for her loose ways.
When two other people are found murdered, Catherine and James begin to wonder what’s really going on. Catherine begins to suspect James, until there is an attack on both of their lives. Who murdered Renee and now wants James’ new love dead? Why?
TO THE GRAVE is a suspense driven story but I was never clear why there were so many supporting characters that lent nothing to the plot. There were definitely some characters in this book that were not needed in any capacity. The plot does twist and turn and I was surprised with the ending but the story didn't reach out and grab me, like most of Thompson's books do. I liked it, and will read Thompson's books again, it just is not up to her usual standards.
When she and her sister Marissa journey to the old Eastman cottage so Catherine can show her the land for a potential house, something tragic happens. Catherine falls through some old wood and comes into contact with a body. It’s Renee Eastman, James’s first wife who disappeared several years ago.
Jame’s reacts differently than Catherine would like him to, but she shrugs it off and continues her daily routine. She does add something to it, though. She visits the local art gallery where it is said that a painting of Renee hangs. Even though the woman is wearing a mardi gras mask, Catherine knows it is Renee, a woman who was known for her loose ways.
When two other people are found murdered, Catherine and James begin to wonder what’s really going on. Catherine begins to suspect James, until there is an attack on both of their lives. Who murdered Renee and now wants James’ new love dead? Why?
TO THE GRAVE is a suspense driven story but I was never clear why there were so many supporting characters that lent nothing to the plot. There were definitely some characters in this book that were not needed in any capacity. The plot does twist and turn and I was surprised with the ending but the story didn't reach out and grab me, like most of Thompson's books do. I liked it, and will read Thompson's books again, it just is not up to her usual standards.
October 12, 2013
After completing her graduate work and licensing requirements, Catherine returns to her hometown of Aurora Falls to start her practice as a psychologist. Once home, she begins dating James with whom she has secretly been in love for many unrequited years. James is newly divorced from Renée – a woman who had cheated on him left and right and made no secret of it. Until one day when Renée simply vanished, forcing James to eventually get a divorce in absentia all the while enduring further humiliation and speculation that he was somehow involved in her disappearance. But without a body or any evidence to suggest foul play, it was just a missing‐persons case. That is until Catherine discovers Renée’s body.
From that point, we are introduced to a bevy of characters who may or may not have reason to want Renée, or anyone connected to her, dead. But to go into further detail would be spoiler‐ish. And frankly, I found the story to be so convoluted with such a large cast of characters that it would be exhausting to try to summarize it.
I was drawn to this book by the description. I enjoy a good thriller with my romance. Sadly, this book did not deliver on that premise. We do not get to experience much in the way of romance as the actual relationship between Catherine and James does not seem to be central to the story. o_O? Nor do we get to experience much of the thriller component as the majority of the action happens “off stage.”
While I found many issues with this story, there were three related issues that had me wanting to chuck this book against the wall:...
Read the full review at The Book Pushers: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/09/06/...
From that point, we are introduced to a bevy of characters who may or may not have reason to want Renée, or anyone connected to her, dead. But to go into further detail would be spoiler‐ish. And frankly, I found the story to be so convoluted with such a large cast of characters that it would be exhausting to try to summarize it.
I was drawn to this book by the description. I enjoy a good thriller with my romance. Sadly, this book did not deliver on that premise. We do not get to experience much in the way of romance as the actual relationship between Catherine and James does not seem to be central to the story. o_O? Nor do we get to experience much of the thriller component as the majority of the action happens “off stage.”
While I found many issues with this story, there were three related issues that had me wanting to chuck this book against the wall:...
Read the full review at The Book Pushers: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/09/06/...
October 28, 2012
TO THE GRAVE by Carlene Thompson is an interesting romantic suspense.While this is my first time reading this author's work,it will not be my last. "To The Grave" has suspense,secrets,obsession, love, murder and and bit of romance. Set in Aurora Falls Catherine Gray and James Eastman on a journey to find the truth,a murderer,if Catherine can stay alive. While,a little slow and maybe a bit drawn out in the beginning,"To The Grave
is overall a fast paced story full of suspense. If you enjoy suspense,mystery and romance you will enjoy this title. Received for an honest review from the publisher.Details can be found at the author's website,St. Martin's Press,and My Addiction and More.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR,My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
is overall a fast paced story full of suspense. If you enjoy suspense,mystery and romance you will enjoy this title. Received for an honest review from the publisher.Details can be found at the author's website,St. Martin's Press,and My Addiction and More.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR,My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
March 30, 2013
Unfortunately, this is one of the books I bought for my birthday.
What a waste of money. The lead character,Catherine, was someone I never connected with. She is whiney and very childish. the man she loved married someone else and his wife was a nightmare. After she had disappeared, he divorced her and finally, he and Catherine became a couple. As a psychologist, you would think she would be more logical and grown up than she is. His ex wife was found by Catherine on his family's propery, murdered. the plot could have been a good book and I had read good reviews of her other books. But this one was terrible. When a writer who usually does a good job, puts out a book of such a disaster, I always wonder if there was a deadline looming and there wasn't enough time to properly develop the characters and the dialogue. Save your time and your money and skip this book.
What a waste of money. The lead character,Catherine, was someone I never connected with. She is whiney and very childish. the man she loved married someone else and his wife was a nightmare. After she had disappeared, he divorced her and finally, he and Catherine became a couple. As a psychologist, you would think she would be more logical and grown up than she is. His ex wife was found by Catherine on his family's propery, murdered. the plot could have been a good book and I had read good reviews of her other books. But this one was terrible. When a writer who usually does a good job, puts out a book of such a disaster, I always wonder if there was a deadline looming and there wasn't enough time to properly develop the characters and the dialogue. Save your time and your money and skip this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 1, 2013Catherine Gray, a psychologist, has just come back to her hometown Aurora Falls from getting her Ph.D at Berkeley, where she finally gets a chance with her first crush, James Eastman. Whom of which was trapped in a bad marriage for years. What Catherine thinks looks to be a promising future- takes a turn for the worst when she discovers James' ex-wife, HIS first love, Renee, who has been missing for the past the years... murdered.
I liked this book because it kept me on my toes and every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was wrong and intriguingly surprised. I liked everything about this book, I'd like to read more by Carlene Thompson.
I liked this book because it kept me on my toes and every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was wrong and intriguingly surprised. I liked everything about this book, I'd like to read more by Carlene Thompson.
August 27, 2012
Well written suspenseful thriller, To The Grave pulls the reader in from the beginning and keeps you guessing until the end. James is a compelling character and you want to know more about his loyalty to his ex-wife and his newer relationship with Catherine. I would definitely try another of Carlene Thompson’s books.
Full review on Single Titles
http://singletitles.com/?p=7678
Full review on Single Titles
http://singletitles.com/?p=7678
March 20, 2013
Catherine falls in a cistern and discovers Rene, the ex wife of her boyfriend! This is not the only murder in town- there follows a series of murders and attempted murders connected with Rene's death.
I really enjoy Thompson's books but this was not up to par in my book. I felt part of the ending [and solution to the murders] was a little weak.
I really enjoy Thompson's books but this was not up to par in my book. I felt part of the ending [and solution to the murders] was a little weak.
September 12, 2012
I was very disappointed in Thompson's new book. I'm a huge fan of her earlier novels, especially Black For Remembrance. However, I just could not get into this one. I might try it again later, but right now there are better books to read.
April 29, 2013
I have never read a book that kept me guessing as much as this one. I have been a Stephen King fan for years so I usually do not do mystery/suspense books but this one had a balance of everything imaginable in a book and that made it a on the edge of my seat read for me!
July 2, 2013
This book was going great for the first half and then just became crazy and freakishly wierd! There were words mispelled in the book and some sentences didn't make sense. Either Carlene Thompson is a bad author OR she highered a CRAPPY editor for the book.
November 16, 2013
I thought this book was OK. At times, it didn't hold my attention and I struggled to continue reading. There were parts that were page turners and kept my interest. I stopped and started reading, hence why I gave it a three star rating.
August 17, 2014
The story was okay - interesting mystery... but I truly disliked the 2 main characters - Catherine and James. It is difficult to enjoy a book when the main characters are people you don't like - lol
Marissa and Erica were much more likeable.
Marissa and Erica were much more likeable.
June 25, 2015
Du Carlene Thompson à l'état pur ! Je n'ai jamais été déçue en lisant ses livres et ce n'est pas aujourd'hui que ça va commencer. ce roman m'a tenu en haleine du début à la fin et j'ai juste hâte de pouvoir lire un nouveau livre de cette auteure. J'adore !
July 15, 2013
It was an easy read and a good story. Carlene does a great job shocking you at the end of all her books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews