What do you think?
Rate this book
Chasing Venus
Known for page-turning romantic novels that keep you reading late into the night, Diana Dempsey delivers a suspenseful tale about a man and a woman who must shed the past to embrace the future …
Annette Rowell’s latest novel is leapfrogging up the bestseller lists, and with every surge in sales she’s becoming more of a household name. The literary success she’s struggled so hard for would be a dream come true were it not for the killer preying on bestselling authors.
Reid Gardner hosts a syndicated crime show dedicated to capturing the most dangerous fugitives. The former LAPD cop knows only too well how violence can shatter lives. No victim arouses his ardor more than the pretty brunette author who’s become the target of a psychopath. Yet falling in love with her could cost him not only the reputation he’s spent years building, but the one killer who forever eludes him …
Annette Rowell’s latest novel is leapfrogging up the bestseller lists, and with every surge in sales she’s becoming more of a household name. The literary success she’s struggled so hard for would be a dream come true were it not for the killer preying on bestselling authors.
Reid Gardner hosts a syndicated crime show dedicated to capturing the most dangerous fugitives. The former LAPD cop knows only too well how violence can shatter lives. No victim arouses his ardor more than the pretty brunette author who’s become the target of a psychopath. Yet falling in love with her could cost him not only the reputation he’s spent years building, but the one killer who forever eludes him …
317 pages, ebook
First published August 30, 2011
44 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Diana Dempsey
13 books65 followersAuthor of the Beauty Queen Mysteries, Diana Dempsey never competed in beauty pageants herself but she did the next best thing: she worked in TV news. After a dozen years of war zones and 3 a.m. wake-up calls, she packed up her mic and her Emmy and morphed into a writer of fast and fun romantic fiction.
Diana’s novels have been called “almost impossible to put down” (Romance Reviews Today), “skillfully plotted and filled with realistic detail” (Library Journal), and “spicy, sexy, and sultry” (Booklist). Her first novel, FALLING STAR, was nominated for a RITA award for Best First Book by the Romance Writers of America.
To find out about Diana’s titles, and to contact her:
Visit her website at DianaDempsey.com
Join her on Facebook at Diana Dempsey Books
Follow her on Twitter at Diana_Dempsey
Diana’s novels have been called “almost impossible to put down” (Romance Reviews Today), “skillfully plotted and filled with realistic detail” (Library Journal), and “spicy, sexy, and sultry” (Booklist). Her first novel, FALLING STAR, was nominated for a RITA award for Best First Book by the Romance Writers of America.
To find out about Diana’s titles, and to contact her:
Visit her website at DianaDempsey.com
Join her on Facebook at Diana Dempsey Books
Follow her on Twitter at Diana_Dempsey
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 15, 2012
Where to begin? Hmm, plot against four authors leading to murders? Annie Rowell so fully engaged in possibly being framed? Philip demanding a divorce once complete with payment studies? Hot former cop, now host of popular 'Crimewatch'?
From atop, you should now have acknowledged a peek which has ability to gain and alongside, provide spice in all more! This is by truth, first mystery ebook I've read and resuming now, am amazed! No, wait right there! Amazed doesn't begin to give such righteous explanation, truly. First, I was sure Frankie was the murderer. Why you ask? Because he is easily driven by craving fame and money. "Best of Top Sellers List" comes increased income and for he to be an authors agent. But, hold on! How about Ms. Rowell herself?... Maybe she's exhausted. Constantly typing to meet certain deadline, simply unstable? Murder isn't far once level of instability reaches. She's gone insane and has began murdering her inspired authors? Or... This is never ending. Even now, I must read more upon words viewed on my apple device. This mysterious trembling ebook! Well, this my friend is no time- worthlessness. Took me about two minutes to take a breather. Charles Waring surprisingly being the murderer? Killed his own wife? Wait! Do you understand this doubtful atmosphere. Brilliant! Once spending hours trying to figure out possible suspects and murderer, I still can't consider but anything resulting I to stop reading this ebook. Although, also trembling and much. Horrid situations within this storyboard. This ebook has defined astonishment. And bravo more to come for such unique talented author; Diana Dempsey!
From atop, you should now have acknowledged a peek which has ability to gain and alongside, provide spice in all more! This is by truth, first mystery ebook I've read and resuming now, am amazed! No, wait right there! Amazed doesn't begin to give such righteous explanation, truly. First, I was sure Frankie was the murderer. Why you ask? Because he is easily driven by craving fame and money. "Best of Top Sellers List" comes increased income and for he to be an authors agent. But, hold on! How about Ms. Rowell herself?... Maybe she's exhausted. Constantly typing to meet certain deadline, simply unstable? Murder isn't far once level of instability reaches. She's gone insane and has began murdering her inspired authors? Or... This is never ending. Even now, I must read more upon words viewed on my apple device. This mysterious trembling ebook! Well, this my friend is no time- worthlessness. Took me about two minutes to take a breather. Charles Waring surprisingly being the murderer? Killed his own wife? Wait! Do you understand this doubtful atmosphere. Brilliant! Once spending hours trying to figure out possible suspects and murderer, I still can't consider but anything resulting I to stop reading this ebook. Although, also trembling and much. Horrid situations within this storyboard. This ebook has defined astonishment. And bravo more to come for such unique talented author; Diana Dempsey!
March 6, 2020
This book was fairly good. The premise is interesting and the writing was pretty good too. I liked it, but overall I think I would've liked it more if there was a bit more action.
Annie is understandably upset about being wrongfully accused of murder, and so is determined to find the real killer to clear her name. She is an intelligent woman, and her imagination helps her think of possible suspects. She was all fired up, but ends up holing up for most of the book (also understandable, but still).
And Reid... Well, I couldn't quite make up my mind about him. Overall, he is a good guy and had great qualities. But his moments of weakness were quite something. It made me feel bad for Annie, but he at least came through in the end (which was when I decided that okay, I think I do like him). As a romance hero, his words summed it up right: "He was an unbelievably flawed man, but somehow an amazing woman found it within herself to love him anyway."
Overall, a good read.
Annie is understandably upset about being wrongfully accused of murder, and so is determined to find the real killer to clear her name. She is an intelligent woman, and her imagination helps her think of possible suspects. She was all fired up, but ends up holing up for most of the book (also understandable, but still).
And Reid... Well, I couldn't quite make up my mind about him. Overall, he is a good guy and had great qualities. But his moments of weakness were quite something. It made me feel bad for Annie, but he at least came through in the end (which was when I decided that okay, I think I do like him). As a romance hero, his words summed it up right: "He was an unbelievably flawed man, but somehow an amazing woman found it within herself to love him anyway."
Overall, a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2013
Very good crime/thriller story. I barely put the book down and just to sleep . Till the last few chapters I was raking my brain trying to find out who the killer was.....I was really surprised to find out who it was: well done Ms Dempsey! You can write, no doubts about it. I recommend this book if you like a good thriller story.
January 1, 2013
Awesome Kindle freebie!
This is an exciting story that is full of action and mystery. I'm not sure what the title has to do with the story, but I was up late into the night enjoying the read.
This is an exciting story that is full of action and mystery. I'm not sure what the title has to do with the story, but I was up late into the night enjoying the read.
January 5, 2013
I loved this book! What a great idea using mystery writers as the main characters.
The story has best selling mystery writers being murdered by the same means they use in their books. It then adds an up and coming writer who climbs higher and higher finally making the best sellers list as her competition is being murdered one by one. Then she becomes the target of the investigation as the killer frames her following the same storyline from her first novel. With the FBI on her tail, she has to find a way to clear her name before the killer gets her since she is the next target to be eliminated. And of course the killer is a writer about to publish his first book.
I found the story suspenseful and entertaining.
The story has best selling mystery writers being murdered by the same means they use in their books. It then adds an up and coming writer who climbs higher and higher finally making the best sellers list as her competition is being murdered one by one. Then she becomes the target of the investigation as the killer frames her following the same storyline from her first novel. With the FBI on her tail, she has to find a way to clear her name before the killer gets her since she is the next target to be eliminated. And of course the killer is a writer about to publish his first book.
I found the story suspenseful and entertaining.
April 27, 2013
A good thriller with a very well developed plot, flowing thoroughly from beginning to end.
The idea of the crime writers being themselves the victims was great.
Oh and i loved the characters, who felt real and had depth to them.
The book is really engaging and captivating and kept me guessing till the end about the identity of the killer. I thought i had it figured out earlier but i was mistaken.
.
I also loved the writing style of the author and thought it was flowing naturally.
One thing though i would love to point to is that the cover didn't really present or relate to the story. It gave me a different impression about the story, kind of a sexy adventure or a funny romance, not a thriller.
In short, i really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more of the writer.
The idea of the crime writers being themselves the victims was great.
Oh and i loved the characters, who felt real and had depth to them.
The book is really engaging and captivating and kept me guessing till the end about the identity of the killer. I thought i had it figured out earlier but i was mistaken.
.
I also loved the writing style of the author and thought it was flowing naturally.
One thing though i would love to point to is that the cover didn't really present or relate to the story. It gave me a different impression about the story, kind of a sexy adventure or a funny romance, not a thriller.
In short, i really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more of the writer.
October 7, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this well written and captivating book. The characters are portrayed well and are easy to relate to with lots of detail of who they are and their background in the story.
I loved the idea of the story being about mystery writers who are being killed off. What I loved the most though was that every time I thought I knew who the killer was they got bumped off leaving me wondering who it really was. I was surprised at the end to find out who it was.
I didn't have the opportunity to sit and read a lot of this book in one sitting to begin with and I found myself looking forward to picking it up and continuing the story.
I loved the idea of the story being about mystery writers who are being killed off. What I loved the most though was that every time I thought I knew who the killer was they got bumped off leaving me wondering who it really was. I was surprised at the end to find out who it was.
I didn't have the opportunity to sit and read a lot of this book in one sitting to begin with and I found myself looking forward to picking it up and continuing the story.
September 19, 2013
I couldn't escape the feeling I knew this story, there was something about it that seemed familiar, from the writers being murdered using their own plot lines to the avenging host of the crime watch programme, perhaps I've seen a similar movie.
The book was full of twists and turns and a couple of times my main suspect was proved to be innocent. It was a very enjoyable read that kept you guessing and had a very interesting and unexpected outcome.
The book was full of twists and turns and a couple of times my main suspect was proved to be innocent. It was a very enjoyable read that kept you guessing and had a very interesting and unexpected outcome.
February 22, 2013
This was a good book and the ending was a surprise. It did have two unexplained events. The main character leaves her bag behind while running for her life but suddenly in the end, she has it again. The other is the book never explains how the psychopath knows where to find her but the FBI and manhunt cannot. For a first book by this author, it could be cleaned up a little.
January 22, 2013
I thought this book was good. Enjoyable characters and easy to read. The plot was interesting and it was tricky to pick the killer. I thought the ending seemed quite rushed. This is the 2nd book of Diana Dempseys that I have read and both times I have really enjoyed her writing style.
February 2, 2013
Great plot! I loved the main mystery--so clever to have authors die like a scene from their mystery novels. The characters has depth and you learned a great deal about their back story. It kept me guessing until the end!
April 30, 2013
What an awesome book. Kept me interested the whole way through. Loved the interaction between Reid and Annie. I didn't have a clue who did it until the last chapters of the book. I have a new author I'll definitely follow.
October 23, 2014
Great Read. Page Turner. All emotions involved & you got to feel what the characters were going through. The killer was a shocker. But guess its because of how the book was written, no light was shed on them throughout. All in all. Well executed!!
June 14, 2013
Fab, I loved every page and I am looking forward to the next book from this author I just purchased. I was lucky to have this book for free but I am truly hooked on her writing style.
March 20, 2021
Fantastic! Totally Enjoyed
What a great book! It pulled me in & held on to me right to the very last word. Even when I hadd to put it down & break to take care of some interruption, it stayed with me. This made it easy to pick up where I left off.
I saw the killer everywhere (laugh) & yet I was still totally surprised when he or she was finally revealed. I thought I knew the motive & then when the motive was explained I realized I didn't.
Those are the hallmarks of a really good mystery and the sizzling and well penned romance between the characters was an appreciated bonus.
What a great book! It pulled me in & held on to me right to the very last word. Even when I hadd to put it down & break to take care of some interruption, it stayed with me. This made it easy to pick up where I left off.
I saw the killer everywhere (laugh) & yet I was still totally surprised when he or she was finally revealed. I thought I knew the motive & then when the motive was explained I realized I didn't.
Those are the hallmarks of a really good mystery and the sizzling and well penned romance between the characters was an appreciated bonus.
July 7, 2017
Got Chasing Venus as a free kindle offer and could not put it down!
It is an exciting, well written thriller. Till the end it was not clear who the seriel killer was and the developing attraction/love between Reid and Annie was wonderful to read.
Simple loved this story and recommend it highly!
It is an exciting, well written thriller. Till the end it was not clear who the seriel killer was and the developing attraction/love between Reid and Annie was wonderful to read.
Simple loved this story and recommend it highly!
July 12, 2020
This was a great book I couldn't put it down. The characters were believable . There was a few twists along the way. A perfect romance wrapped in a murder mystery that's easy to read and will keep you turning the pages.
March 30, 2015
Published: 30/08/2011
Author: Diana Dempsey
Recommended for: fans of thrillers
Edition: Kindle
I found this book by Diana Dempsey on the Kindle Store for free so I thought that I would give it a try. First of all this book shows that Diana Dempsey is a really brilliant and talented author. Her writing style makes the book flow nicely and keeps up a consistant pace making sure there is no dull moments to be read. It is a story that is packed with action, adventure and mystery, it is a good thriller which develops the plot throughout the book, The characters were brilliant and they had depth with them which makes them more realistic and easy to get along with. A really good book for fans of thriller books.
Author: Diana Dempsey
Recommended for: fans of thrillers
Edition: Kindle
I found this book by Diana Dempsey on the Kindle Store for free so I thought that I would give it a try. First of all this book shows that Diana Dempsey is a really brilliant and talented author. Her writing style makes the book flow nicely and keeps up a consistant pace making sure there is no dull moments to be read. It is a story that is packed with action, adventure and mystery, it is a good thriller which develops the plot throughout the book, The characters were brilliant and they had depth with them which makes them more realistic and easy to get along with. A really good book for fans of thriller books.
March 26, 2018
I've been looking for good mysteries and this one was free for Kindle. It received very high reader reviews. I enjoyed the first part of the book-- it was engaging and suspenseful. Then at the 60 percent mark, without warning, the writer served up a huge helping of smut that was incongruous with the plot. By then I wanted to know "who done it" so I skipped over the "incident" and skimmed to the end. A couple of questions were left unanswered for me. I probably would have given this 3 stars but I don't like gratuitous sexual content. Guess I'll have to stick with Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes.
January 15, 2013
Good mystery story. So it seems this book was inspired by America's Most Wanted, almost reminded me of particular stories covered by the program. The downside was that there were a few typos that I found quit distracting and an obvious inconsistency in the story. When Annie breaks into her rep's home, she hides her bag in the bushes and suddenly has to run away from the home without being able to fetch her bag. Later, she has her bag with her?! Other than that, I enjoyed this book.
February 25, 2013
A mystery about mystery writers...ok, you've got me interested. I liked the plot of this book and that it was fast paced. I hate mysteries that seem to constantly go in circles. Annie was a great character but even by the end of the book I felt like I wish I would have gotten to know her a little better. There is some tension while some characters determine what is right and wrong and explore the gray area in between the two. A good read.
June 23, 2016
Dempsey's best book yet!
January 30, 2013
Loved this one. I could not put it down - stayed up late on school nights and everything!
December 14, 2012
Kept me guessing until the very end, I loved it
January 14, 2013
This book had an unusual plot that was fun to read. I enjoyed it.
February 2, 2013
Lightweight and undemanding. A good read if you're looking for a pacy page turner with twists and turns. Not edgy enough for my liking, but quite enjoyable in its own way
March 4, 2013
Struggled to put this down, very good read
February 15, 2019
Pretty good mystery and a lot of fun!
April 20, 2013
It was pretty average writing and the social commentaries on the lives of women were not to my taste. The story was alright.
August 4, 2013
I think this must have been a free download from Amazon but I really enjoyed it. The ending was maybe a little abrupt but a very good read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews