What do you think?
Rate this book
Webs #1
Webs of Fate
A gripping story of greed, conquest, love, and forgiveness. In the high-fashion world of the mid-'80s, Ashleigh McDowell falls victim to a painful betrayal by Danielle Norman, a naive and vulnerable young buyer who is fighting to save her plummeting career. How high a price will both women pay in their battle over a grave secret? Each step Ashleigh takes to uncover the truth about Danielle's actions--and her whereabouts--unwittingly exposes her to a criminal mastermind who feels events spinning out of his control. Unexpectedly, Ashleigh discovers an ally in her hunt for Danielle--the handsome Conrad Taylor. But is he the man who will steal her heart or break it? In a race against both time and the emotions that haunt her, Ashleigh ultimately finds what fate holds for her. From international award-winning author Darlene Quinn, Webs of Fate is a tension-filled work of fiction that creates the background for the personalities and motivations that drive the stories in Webs of Power and Twisted Webs. Read the entire Webs standalone series!
Webs of Fate
Webs of Power
Twisted Webs
Unpredictable Webs
Webs of Fate
Webs of Power
Twisted Webs
Unpredictable Webs
- GenresFiction
517 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
3 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
Darlene Quinn
9 books326 followersDarlene Quinn is an international award winning author and speaker from Long Beach, California.
Darlene writes what she likes to read, which is page-turning-suspense, based on actual events in the world of fashion department stores, while never allowing the facts to get in the way of a good story. The stand-alone Web series explores love and loss, career and family, forgiveness and redemption. Fast-paced chapters propel unforgettable characters through the turmoil of overlapping and often conflicting commitments. As part of a nine-member management team for the Bullocks Wilshire Specialty Department Stores (West Coast Division of the former Federated Department Store conglomerate ~ now Macy's Inc.) She has an insider's perspective on the rise and fall of major department stores. The prologues and first chapters of each stand-alone novel can be read on her website
http://darlenequinn.net/books/
National and International Awards:
Webs of Perception
2019 Book Excellence Awards Fiction
Grand Prize Winner
Conflicting Webs
2015 Beverly Hills Book Awards General Fiction
2015 International Readers Favorite Silver Medal for General Fiction
Unpredictable Webs
2014 International Readers Favorite Gold Medal for General Fiction
2014 Beverly Hills Book Awards and the President's Choice top prize winner!
Twisted Webs
2011 International Book Award Winner for Fiction and Literature, as well as the Winner of the
2011 National Indie Excellence Award for General Fiction.
Webs of Power
2009 National Indie Excellence Award for General Fiction
Webs of Fate
2011 Readers Favorite Award for General Fiction.
Quinn's first published novel, Sizzling Cold Case, published in January of 2007, was a somewhat unusual collaboration as well as labor of love for her dear friend, Buddy Ebsen. His work-in-progress was a Barnaby Jones novel, which at his widow's request, Quinn was thrilled to complete.
Prior to being an author and speaker, Quinn was a teacher in the public school system, a self-improvement and modeling instructor, a private contractor for the city, department stores (Bullock's/Robinson's), and hospitals.
Darlene has two children, John and Jodie, six wonderful grandchildren, and lives with her husband and greatest supporter, Jack, in Long Beach and Big Bear, California.
Darlene is currently working on Just 10 Seconds.
Darlene writes what she likes to read, which is page-turning-suspense, based on actual events in the world of fashion department stores, while never allowing the facts to get in the way of a good story. The stand-alone Web series explores love and loss, career and family, forgiveness and redemption. Fast-paced chapters propel unforgettable characters through the turmoil of overlapping and often conflicting commitments. As part of a nine-member management team for the Bullocks Wilshire Specialty Department Stores (West Coast Division of the former Federated Department Store conglomerate ~ now Macy's Inc.) She has an insider's perspective on the rise and fall of major department stores. The prologues and first chapters of each stand-alone novel can be read on her website
http://darlenequinn.net/books/
National and International Awards:
Webs of Perception
2019 Book Excellence Awards Fiction
Grand Prize Winner
Conflicting Webs
2015 Beverly Hills Book Awards General Fiction
2015 International Readers Favorite Silver Medal for General Fiction
Unpredictable Webs
2014 International Readers Favorite Gold Medal for General Fiction
2014 Beverly Hills Book Awards and the President's Choice top prize winner!
Twisted Webs
2011 International Book Award Winner for Fiction and Literature, as well as the Winner of the
2011 National Indie Excellence Award for General Fiction.
Webs of Power
2009 National Indie Excellence Award for General Fiction
Webs of Fate
2011 Readers Favorite Award for General Fiction.
Quinn's first published novel, Sizzling Cold Case, published in January of 2007, was a somewhat unusual collaboration as well as labor of love for her dear friend, Buddy Ebsen. His work-in-progress was a Barnaby Jones novel, which at his widow's request, Quinn was thrilled to complete.
Prior to being an author and speaker, Quinn was a teacher in the public school system, a self-improvement and modeling instructor, a private contractor for the city, department stores (Bullock's/Robinson's), and hospitals.
Darlene has two children, John and Jodie, six wonderful grandchildren, and lives with her husband and greatest supporter, Jack, in Long Beach and Big Bear, California.
Darlene is currently working on Just 10 Seconds.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 7, 2011
Darlene Quinn’s Webs of Fate (Greenleaf Book Group Press) is a fast paced window into the world of department stores and high fashion laced with mystery, intrigue, suspense and romance. Quinn does a masterful job of manipulating chapters to prevent the reader from putting the book down. It’s almost impossible not to turn the page to see what is going to happen next.
The main character is Ashliegh McDowell, a beautiful, smart and courageous executive who is consumed with finding and clearing the name of a missing buyer, Danielle, who looked to Ashliegh as her mentor. Ashliegh’s quest puts her life and career in danger, but she cannot stop until she finds out what happened to Danielle and to clear up evidence of criminal activity by her.
In the midst of her investigation, she also must deal with her rapidly diminishing affection for her fiancé, a very wealthy and powerful corporate raider who never takes no for an answer. Ashleigh must deal with the culminating stress and begins finds to find comfort in the company of Conrad Taylor, the apparent next CEO of her company, but struggles with competing feelings.
With the help of Conrad, the company security chief and a private investigator, Ashliegh keeps digging and keeps turning over clues that lead to disturbing revelations. Through these characters, Quinn weaves the different story lines into an exciting and satisfying conclusion.
The book is long, about 520 pages, but if you’re looking for a good read that’s entertaining and keeps you turning the pages, this is it.
The main character is Ashliegh McDowell, a beautiful, smart and courageous executive who is consumed with finding and clearing the name of a missing buyer, Danielle, who looked to Ashliegh as her mentor. Ashliegh’s quest puts her life and career in danger, but she cannot stop until she finds out what happened to Danielle and to clear up evidence of criminal activity by her.
In the midst of her investigation, she also must deal with her rapidly diminishing affection for her fiancé, a very wealthy and powerful corporate raider who never takes no for an answer. Ashleigh must deal with the culminating stress and begins finds to find comfort in the company of Conrad Taylor, the apparent next CEO of her company, but struggles with competing feelings.
With the help of Conrad, the company security chief and a private investigator, Ashliegh keeps digging and keeps turning over clues that lead to disturbing revelations. Through these characters, Quinn weaves the different story lines into an exciting and satisfying conclusion.
The book is long, about 520 pages, but if you’re looking for a good read that’s entertaining and keeps you turning the pages, this is it.
June 17, 2011
Darlene Quinn's new novel Webs of Fate is a page turner from prologue to epilogue. The well developed charaters are introduced to the reader a little at a time with all their different personality traits, relationships to each other and of course the secrets of each will keep the novel close at hand until you reach the end. Webs of Fate is a Prequel to Darlene Quinn's award winning Webs of Power and Twisted Webs. The novel delves into the 1980's retail fashion market where a web of greed, murder, love, and forgiveness is spun for the cast of charaters that will give you insite into the personal relationships in the workplace and personal lives created in this world of suspence and big business. I would highly recommend getting caught in this Web of Fate that Darlene Quinn has spun for us readers. I was privileged to be given this novel to read in advance.
January 5, 2012
I thought this book was to long and drawn out. I tried to get into, but I found the 3 page chapters slightly annoying. I love to read and for me its usually pure entertainment, but not this book. I thought it took to long to get to the conclusion. The idea for the mystery was good, but I found that when I picked up the book each time I got some of the characters confused.
September 20, 2011
"Why would Mitchell send white roses when he knew...? A picture of Gran in her coffin flashed before her eyes. For a moment she doubted herself. Hadn't she mentioned...? She had. Ashleigh had specifically told him that white roses reminded her of death."
Whew! The Prequel to the Webs of Power series is fantastic! If you haven't read Quinn yet, I encourage you to start with this prequel before moving on to Webs of Power and Twisted Webs (Check out my earlier reviews). It is, of course, a great stand alone novel, but also does provide an earlier look at several of the main characters that brings each even more alive to readers.
Ashleigh McDowell, our main female character, had been engaged before. She had loved Dan dearly and before he died, Ashleigh had promised to look after her sister Danielle Norman. Now years later, Danielle was working as a buyer for Bentleys Royale, while Ashleigh was the leader in the human resources area and had done much to ensure personnel issues were routinely and quietly handled. She was well respected by all, even though none of them really knew her secret connection to Bentleys Royale.
Now, Danielle has disappeared and there were signs that she may have been attacked and taken from Bentleys...
But there are also signs of major financial tampering in her sales area--was she responsible for the thefts or had she discovered what somebody else had done and been taken because of that knowledge?
Fighting against Danielle's supervisor who immediately wanted her fired and replaced, Ashleigh realized that they needed to find Danielle to really prove her innocence. But she was met with resistance from everybody, including Mitchell, her fiancee, who was just too selfish to have time taken away from him, even for Ashleigh to help a close friend.
As the investigation continued however, Mitchell became involved personally when one of his investments, Medley Originals, was named as one of the vendors who apparently was involved in the embezzlement.
"Ashleigh fingered through the Medley Originals sweaters, which were displayed in new Lucite bins, and looked up when the associate returned from the dressing room, her dark eyes filled with enthusiasm. She pointed to her special twenty-four-karat, gold-plated associates' badge with two sparkling diamond chips, which identified Angela as a member of the honorary Hundred-Thousand-Dollar-Cl;ub. Though inflation had more than doubled the average sale over the past two decades, for the sake of morale, the sales requirement for the honorary club had not been raised..."
Amid the constant daily business life of the struggling but highly recognized Bentleys Royale, readers see the beginnings of corporate takeovers, merging, and loss of autonomy by the leaders of individual stores. One man, in fact, Conrad Taylor, had already been brought in and was overseeing activities at Bentleys. But he also one night met Ashleigh outside the home of Danielle Norman, both there to try to find some reason, some understanding of what Danielle has gotten herself into. Ashleigh finds herself attracted to him, even as she becomes more sure that she cannot marry Mitchell Wainwright. What she can't understand is why Conrad is personally involved and, even more, why he has access to Danielle's home...
However, when Ashleigh becomes the target of death attempts, she is glad Conrad has her back!
Webs of Fate is the best of Quinn's books, in my opinion, providing an outstanding drama and excellent murder mystery. The fact that it also provides a solid background to this series is a bonus. Having read the entire series, knowing that each are powerful novels, I choose this as my favorite just because I enjoy the whodunit aspect wherever I find it! For corporate power actiion and suspense, the entire series must be applauded. It is clear that the author has a solid background in the world of department store management. This latest novel shows her expanding beyond her, perhaps, comfort zone into the mystery/suspense genre. Certainly a success! Highly recommended...
Book Received
from publisher
GABixlerReviews
Whew! The Prequel to the Webs of Power series is fantastic! If you haven't read Quinn yet, I encourage you to start with this prequel before moving on to Webs of Power and Twisted Webs (Check out my earlier reviews). It is, of course, a great stand alone novel, but also does provide an earlier look at several of the main characters that brings each even more alive to readers.
Ashleigh McDowell, our main female character, had been engaged before. She had loved Dan dearly and before he died, Ashleigh had promised to look after her sister Danielle Norman. Now years later, Danielle was working as a buyer for Bentleys Royale, while Ashleigh was the leader in the human resources area and had done much to ensure personnel issues were routinely and quietly handled. She was well respected by all, even though none of them really knew her secret connection to Bentleys Royale.
Now, Danielle has disappeared and there were signs that she may have been attacked and taken from Bentleys...
But there are also signs of major financial tampering in her sales area--was she responsible for the thefts or had she discovered what somebody else had done and been taken because of that knowledge?
Fighting against Danielle's supervisor who immediately wanted her fired and replaced, Ashleigh realized that they needed to find Danielle to really prove her innocence. But she was met with resistance from everybody, including Mitchell, her fiancee, who was just too selfish to have time taken away from him, even for Ashleigh to help a close friend.
As the investigation continued however, Mitchell became involved personally when one of his investments, Medley Originals, was named as one of the vendors who apparently was involved in the embezzlement.
"Ashleigh fingered through the Medley Originals sweaters, which were displayed in new Lucite bins, and looked up when the associate returned from the dressing room, her dark eyes filled with enthusiasm. She pointed to her special twenty-four-karat, gold-plated associates' badge with two sparkling diamond chips, which identified Angela as a member of the honorary Hundred-Thousand-Dollar-Cl;ub. Though inflation had more than doubled the average sale over the past two decades, for the sake of morale, the sales requirement for the honorary club had not been raised..."
Amid the constant daily business life of the struggling but highly recognized Bentleys Royale, readers see the beginnings of corporate takeovers, merging, and loss of autonomy by the leaders of individual stores. One man, in fact, Conrad Taylor, had already been brought in and was overseeing activities at Bentleys. But he also one night met Ashleigh outside the home of Danielle Norman, both there to try to find some reason, some understanding of what Danielle has gotten herself into. Ashleigh finds herself attracted to him, even as she becomes more sure that she cannot marry Mitchell Wainwright. What she can't understand is why Conrad is personally involved and, even more, why he has access to Danielle's home...
However, when Ashleigh becomes the target of death attempts, she is glad Conrad has her back!
Webs of Fate is the best of Quinn's books, in my opinion, providing an outstanding drama and excellent murder mystery. The fact that it also provides a solid background to this series is a bonus. Having read the entire series, knowing that each are powerful novels, I choose this as my favorite just because I enjoy the whodunit aspect wherever I find it! For corporate power actiion and suspense, the entire series must be applauded. It is clear that the author has a solid background in the world of department store management. This latest novel shows her expanding beyond her, perhaps, comfort zone into the mystery/suspense genre. Certainly a success! Highly recommended...
Book Received
from publisher
GABixlerReviews
August 14, 2011
This spellbinding, suspenseful novel takes place in the heart of the high-fashion, fast-paced, fiercely competitive business world in Beverly Hills during the mid-eighties. Bentleys Royale is feeling the pinch of the negative economic climate which creates a tension and desperation for increased employee performance and the meeting of impossible career demands. In this highly charged atmosphere with budget cuts and unrealistic bottom line demands, executives must perform or risk the loss of their livelihood.
David Jerome, the hard-driven, tough taskmaster runs a tight ship. WEBS OF FATE, starts off with the mysterious disappearance of Danielle Norman. Upon further investigation, there appears to be discrepancies in Danielle's department connected to an embezzlement scheme. She has been under pressure to meet her targets or lose her job. No one knows whether she is dead or alive or what part she's played in this act of ultimate company betrayal. As the plot unfolds, her dear friend and mentor Ashleigh McDowell, becomes deeply involved in her efforts to discover the reasons behind the mysterious disappearance of Danielle. In doing so, she unwittingly puts herself in extreme danger. Ashleigh's fiance, Mitchell Wainwright III, appears to be withholding pertinent information from not only the private investigation company he's hired, but from her as well. Who can she trust as she seeks to find the much desired answers? The tall handsome, Conrad Taylor, becomes her ally in trying to put together the pieces to this intriguing puzzle which is built on lust for power, secrecy, and survival.
Quinn, an international award-winning author, weaves together the plot to WEBS OF FATE with skill and expertise. Her knowledge of this world is evident in every word that she writes. She utilizes this knowledge to create an action packed, fictional work of art that will capture any readers interest right at the onset. It is apparent that Quinn is no novice when it comes to her ability to create a story chock full of intrigue, jealousy, romance, hatred and revenge. The many twists and turns that captivate the reader and hold their interest is beyond description. This well-written work of fiction is over five-hundred pages long. I had a tough time putting this book down but due to its length, it was impossible to read in one sitting. I wanted to keep reading and reading and I was very disappointed to see it come to an end. To me, that spells a great book. Quinn made me want more...no reader can ask for more than that nor can any author!
David Jerome, the hard-driven, tough taskmaster runs a tight ship. WEBS OF FATE, starts off with the mysterious disappearance of Danielle Norman. Upon further investigation, there appears to be discrepancies in Danielle's department connected to an embezzlement scheme. She has been under pressure to meet her targets or lose her job. No one knows whether she is dead or alive or what part she's played in this act of ultimate company betrayal. As the plot unfolds, her dear friend and mentor Ashleigh McDowell, becomes deeply involved in her efforts to discover the reasons behind the mysterious disappearance of Danielle. In doing so, she unwittingly puts herself in extreme danger. Ashleigh's fiance, Mitchell Wainwright III, appears to be withholding pertinent information from not only the private investigation company he's hired, but from her as well. Who can she trust as she seeks to find the much desired answers? The tall handsome, Conrad Taylor, becomes her ally in trying to put together the pieces to this intriguing puzzle which is built on lust for power, secrecy, and survival.
Quinn, an international award-winning author, weaves together the plot to WEBS OF FATE with skill and expertise. Her knowledge of this world is evident in every word that she writes. She utilizes this knowledge to create an action packed, fictional work of art that will capture any readers interest right at the onset. It is apparent that Quinn is no novice when it comes to her ability to create a story chock full of intrigue, jealousy, romance, hatred and revenge. The many twists and turns that captivate the reader and hold their interest is beyond description. This well-written work of fiction is over five-hundred pages long. I had a tough time putting this book down but due to its length, it was impossible to read in one sitting. I wanted to keep reading and reading and I was very disappointed to see it come to an end. To me, that spells a great book. Quinn made me want more...no reader can ask for more than that nor can any author!
January 29, 2014
Get ready to meet the ‘players’ in the high end retail fashion business as their personal and professional lives are spun into a web of deceit, love, and the quest for power at any cost, including murder. Darlene Quinn recreates the 80’s so well; it’s as if the reader is transported in a time capsule with her wonderful imagery through her words. Webs of Fate uncovers the not-so-pretty side of the world of high fashion and glamour when a fashion buyer goes missing and is accused of underhanded deeds. Determined to get to the bottom of her friend’s disappearance, Ashleigh risks her reputation and possibly her life as she gets a little too close to the truth. For Ashleigh, it is also a time of re-evaluation of relationships in her life, as her overbearing and cutthroat fiancé becomes more demanding and her mind wanders to Conrad Taylor, another powerful player in the retail fashion industry.
Darlene Quinn writes with attention to detail without overwhelming the reader, slowly introducing each character and the role they play in this intriguing and emotionally charged look “behind the scenes” where the weak are doomed and honor is an often rare, yet priceless commodity. Filled with characters that are used to living life at the top of the food chain, pushing the limits and getting their way, Webs of Fatebecomes more addictive with each page.
If you are looking for a read that makes no apologies for the lifestyles of the rich and famous, yet still creates a good mystery with tension, you might like Webs of Fate.
I received a review copy from Greenleaf Book Group in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: August 24, 2011
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
ISBN: 9781608321728
Genre: Adult Romance/Mystery
Number of Pages: 529
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Darlene Quinn writes with attention to detail without overwhelming the reader, slowly introducing each character and the role they play in this intriguing and emotionally charged look “behind the scenes” where the weak are doomed and honor is an often rare, yet priceless commodity. Filled with characters that are used to living life at the top of the food chain, pushing the limits and getting their way, Webs of Fatebecomes more addictive with each page.
If you are looking for a read that makes no apologies for the lifestyles of the rich and famous, yet still creates a good mystery with tension, you might like Webs of Fate.
I received a review copy from Greenleaf Book Group in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: August 24, 2011
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
ISBN: 9781608321728
Genre: Adult Romance/Mystery
Number of Pages: 529
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
July 13, 2011
A fashion buyer disappears under mysterious circumstances. Her department’s accounts are out of whack, indicating some reckless spending and, perhaps, felonious activity. Young Danielle is like a baby sister to Ashleigh McDowell, the lovely and headstrong personnel executive for Bentleys Royale. Doing her best to juggle her professional duty, personal relationships and determination to find the truth behind Danielle’s activities, Ashleigh herself becomes a target.
This is the recipe for Darlene Quinn’s “Webs of Fate” (Greenleaf Book Press, 2011), the thrilling prequel to “Webs of Power” and “Twisted Webs.”
Set in the middle 1980s, mostly in Long Beach, California, “Webs of Fate” is a tangled net of greed, manipulation and impending doom – both corporate and personal. Quinn gives us an inside look at the competitive nature of fashion, from outrageous marketing strategies to hostile takeovers. Numerous references are made to some of the regional players during that period, such as Buffum’s, The May Company and The Broadway.
From page to page, chapter to chapter, Quinn paints a vivid picture of how one person’s homophobia snowballs into embezzlement, abduction and exploding cars. With her own career and life at stake, Ashleigh relentlessly pursues the truth, while simultaneously trying to summon up the courage to end her engagement to Mitchell Wainright III. And for his part, Mitchell’s dogged determination to protect his family name unwittingly plays a part in Danielle’s fate.
“Webs of Fate��� is the most suspenseful novel I’ve read since the late Michael Crichton’s “Airframe.” And Ashleigh McDowell is cut from the same cloth as heroines Casey Singleton of “Airframe” and Laurie Montgomery of Robin Cook’s “Blindsight.”
This is the recipe for Darlene Quinn’s “Webs of Fate” (Greenleaf Book Press, 2011), the thrilling prequel to “Webs of Power” and “Twisted Webs.”
Set in the middle 1980s, mostly in Long Beach, California, “Webs of Fate” is a tangled net of greed, manipulation and impending doom – both corporate and personal. Quinn gives us an inside look at the competitive nature of fashion, from outrageous marketing strategies to hostile takeovers. Numerous references are made to some of the regional players during that period, such as Buffum’s, The May Company and The Broadway.
From page to page, chapter to chapter, Quinn paints a vivid picture of how one person’s homophobia snowballs into embezzlement, abduction and exploding cars. With her own career and life at stake, Ashleigh relentlessly pursues the truth, while simultaneously trying to summon up the courage to end her engagement to Mitchell Wainright III. And for his part, Mitchell’s dogged determination to protect his family name unwittingly plays a part in Danielle’s fate.
“Webs of Fate��� is the most suspenseful novel I’ve read since the late Michael Crichton’s “Airframe.” And Ashleigh McDowell is cut from the same cloth as heroines Casey Singleton of “Airframe” and Laurie Montgomery of Robin Cook’s “Blindsight.”
September 21, 2011
Attention to detail is the hallmark of Bentleys Royale, the fictional high-end retailer in Darlene Quinn’s novel Webs of Fate. The same could be said of Quinn, who renders her characters and settings so well that one could visit them and know exactly what to do. In fact, once I finished the book, I found myself missing the people in it. But the book is not just details, as finely drawn as those are. Quinn interweaves plots in a way that has you almost as concerned for the fate of the store as for the missing Danielle Norman.
I must admit that this is not a genre I have read before; I normally read nonfiction, but I read this at a friend’s urging. I’m glad I did. It was a wonderfully fun read, with beautiful people moving through a world where knowing what is being worn is almost as important as “who done it.” The complexities of the interpersonal relationships—ex-spouse, new fiancé, demanding boss, petty manager, prodigal son, friends who might not be and enemies who definitely are, problems at work and problems at home—make the story compelling, and contribute to the difficulty in figuring out what might have happened, who might have done it, and what could happen next.
If you enjoy a solidly crafted mystery that is hard to put down, and especially if you are intrigued by the world of high fashion, Webs of Fate would be an excellent choice.
I must admit that this is not a genre I have read before; I normally read nonfiction, but I read this at a friend’s urging. I’m glad I did. It was a wonderfully fun read, with beautiful people moving through a world where knowing what is being worn is almost as important as “who done it.” The complexities of the interpersonal relationships—ex-spouse, new fiancé, demanding boss, petty manager, prodigal son, friends who might not be and enemies who definitely are, problems at work and problems at home—make the story compelling, and contribute to the difficulty in figuring out what might have happened, who might have done it, and what could happen next.
If you enjoy a solidly crafted mystery that is hard to put down, and especially if you are intrigued by the world of high fashion, Webs of Fate would be an excellent choice.
September 23, 2011
I loved this book! Let me see if I can explain how I felt while reading it...Have you ever been with your best friends "chatting it up" for hours? And the worry of someone needing to leave, breaking up the fun would run through your thoughts throughout the gathering? You coud have sat there talking forever, not wanting it to end? That's how I felt reading Web's Of Fate....I didn't want it to end. I found myself spreading out my reading times because I didn't want to finish the book. Kind of like a good candy bar...once you take that last bite...its gone! I also found myself thinking throughout the day what the characters in the story were doing, like they were actually a part of my iife! THAT'S when you know you're reading a good book...when you think the "Danielle" in the storyline is your actual friend! Another thing I liked about Web's Of Fate is that it left me with a satisfying closure. Often times, I find myself enjoying a book emensely but then the ending seems to be somewhat unsatisfying or anticlimactic. Darlene Quinn did a wonderful job drawing you into the lives of these characters from beginning to end. I look forward to her next book. Oh and I have to add...I've been to some of the locations she mentions in the book, which made it that much more enjoyable for me!
October 7, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Quinn's fast-paced writing and chapter-ending cliffhangers kept me in for the ride. Coming from a 1980s department store (now closed) management background, I felt at home waltzing through the back offices with Ashleigh and Conrad, who I loved in Webs of Power. Quinn's characters are multi-dimensional and she pays such close detail to the little things around them. The reader cannot do anything other than see and feel the tale unfold. I had a hard time putting it down. I can't wait to read Twisted Webs, the third part of the trilogy.
July 20, 2011
Darlene Quinn has spun us all a fine tale of greed, revenge, lies and even love and pulls un into this world so we too become caught in the webs of fate. Set in Beverly Hills in the 1980's this book takes us back to the wonderful era of great department stores. This one will keep you guessing and turning pages to read what happens next. A good Read!
August 6, 2011
This is an author you want to follow. To me it was more like watching a film. The attention to detail amazed me. Reading it was like living it. The vast character cast are very likeable, and vivid to the core. A mystery you need to find an answer to. As a writer I learnt a lot from this extraordinary writer. Being one of those books where the choice of words fit perfectly into the theme.
September 27, 2011
Emotionally captivating novel about betrayal and loyalty, anger and love, compassion and greed. Complex characters strive to live their lives among the difficulties faced in the upper echelons of the 1980s retail industry and are thrown off balance by the unfolding of unexpected events. Classy, eloquent, dynamic and passionate.
July 12, 2011
The main female character was seeking true love like her grandparents had. The characters were well rounded and I could believe that they could be real people. I found the story to be a pageturner. I enjoyed the story from cover-to-cover. I will seek out this author again in the future.
May 7, 2017
This is the review for the book Webs of Fate on Audible written by Darlene Quinn and narrated by Karin Allers.
Let me start by saying that this is a long book! It is over 15 hours...one of the longer ones I have in my library. However, the cliff-ending chapters are short, which I love, and kept me listening! For those of you who like long listens, this may be the one for you! It is the first book I have read in this series, as well as my first from this author. If I choose to listen to the others, I now have a good understanding of the characters, being that this is the Prequel to Darlene Quinn's Web Series. Either way, it is able to be read as a stand-alone, if you so desire. The author seems to have written a book that appeals to lovers of multiple genres. She covers mystery, romance, and suspense and includes themes of greed, loyalty, lies, love, and crime. It will be especially loved by those who find interest in the 80's high end department stores.
The narration was good, except for the beginning of the novel. The narrator's pace was very quick for the first hour or two...it almost sounded rushed (at normal speed). I'm not sure if I just got used to it or if she slowed down, but I think her speed contributed a bit to my confusion in parts of the book. However, I felt her voices, tone, and inflection were right on cue. I think Karin Allers was a good match for this audiobook!
I rated Webs of Fate by Darlene Quinn 4 stars instead of 5 because I felt that the story could have been of shorter length. The multi-layered plot and introduction of multiple characters had me confused at times. I found myself re-listening to chapters so I could figure out what I missed. This was okay to me at first, since the chapters were short, but after doing it in five different parts, I started to become a little bothered. However, this is just my own personal opinion. I do plan to continue with the Web Series, and I recommend you give it a try! If you are looking for a well-written book by an author who is experienced and well-researched in the area of department stores/management, this is the one for you!!
Thank you for reading my review!
Let me start by saying that this is a long book! It is over 15 hours...one of the longer ones I have in my library. However, the cliff-ending chapters are short, which I love, and kept me listening! For those of you who like long listens, this may be the one for you! It is the first book I have read in this series, as well as my first from this author. If I choose to listen to the others, I now have a good understanding of the characters, being that this is the Prequel to Darlene Quinn's Web Series. Either way, it is able to be read as a stand-alone, if you so desire. The author seems to have written a book that appeals to lovers of multiple genres. She covers mystery, romance, and suspense and includes themes of greed, loyalty, lies, love, and crime. It will be especially loved by those who find interest in the 80's high end department stores.
The narration was good, except for the beginning of the novel. The narrator's pace was very quick for the first hour or two...it almost sounded rushed (at normal speed). I'm not sure if I just got used to it or if she slowed down, but I think her speed contributed a bit to my confusion in parts of the book. However, I felt her voices, tone, and inflection were right on cue. I think Karin Allers was a good match for this audiobook!
I rated Webs of Fate by Darlene Quinn 4 stars instead of 5 because I felt that the story could have been of shorter length. The multi-layered plot and introduction of multiple characters had me confused at times. I found myself re-listening to chapters so I could figure out what I missed. This was okay to me at first, since the chapters were short, but after doing it in five different parts, I started to become a little bothered. However, this is just my own personal opinion. I do plan to continue with the Web Series, and I recommend you give it a try! If you are looking for a well-written book by an author who is experienced and well-researched in the area of department stores/management, this is the one for you!!
Thank you for reading my review!
February 9, 2018
This whole series so far has been a very good read. I highly recommend that if you have not read the previous book in this series that you go back and do so. This is book three in the Webs Series by Darlene Quinn.
Ashleigh was engaged to Dan but he ended up dying before they got married. Before Dan died, Ashleigh promised him that she would take care of his sister Danielle. Ashleigh has been sort of a mentor to Danielle since then.
Fast forward a few years and Danielle has been working as a buyer for Bentleys Royale. Ashleigh was the higher up in the human resources department there where no one really knew her connection to the company. Ashleigh was good at what she did and kept things on the down low to avoid problems in the company.
When Danielle comes up missing with signs of a struggle at the company, Ashleigh is determined to get to the bottom of this and find Danielle. What Ashleigh also discovers is that there has been some financial tampering in the sales department. Was it Danielle or did she know something about this that lead to her abduction?
Danielle's boss wants her fired but Ashleigh is going out on a limb for her and tells them that they need to find her so that she can prove her innocence. No one is really interested in helping Ashleigh find Danielle which is frustrating to her. When things become personal for Danielle's fiance, he decides to help Ashleigh and get involved in trying to find out what is going on.
When Ashleigh runs in to Conrad, a coworker, at Danielle's house one night, many new questions are brought to the surface. How does he know Danielle and how can he get into her house? Conrad and Danielle become very close while trying to find out what has happened to Danielle. Ashleigh is glad of this when she starts getting death threats. She is glad that Conrad has her back.
This was overall a great read that kept you turning the pages from beginning to end. I can't wait for the next book in the series to see who we get more of! This has been a really good series!
Ashleigh was engaged to Dan but he ended up dying before they got married. Before Dan died, Ashleigh promised him that she would take care of his sister Danielle. Ashleigh has been sort of a mentor to Danielle since then.
Fast forward a few years and Danielle has been working as a buyer for Bentleys Royale. Ashleigh was the higher up in the human resources department there where no one really knew her connection to the company. Ashleigh was good at what she did and kept things on the down low to avoid problems in the company.
When Danielle comes up missing with signs of a struggle at the company, Ashleigh is determined to get to the bottom of this and find Danielle. What Ashleigh also discovers is that there has been some financial tampering in the sales department. Was it Danielle or did she know something about this that lead to her abduction?
Danielle's boss wants her fired but Ashleigh is going out on a limb for her and tells them that they need to find her so that she can prove her innocence. No one is really interested in helping Ashleigh find Danielle which is frustrating to her. When things become personal for Danielle's fiance, he decides to help Ashleigh and get involved in trying to find out what is going on.
When Ashleigh runs in to Conrad, a coworker, at Danielle's house one night, many new questions are brought to the surface. How does he know Danielle and how can he get into her house? Conrad and Danielle become very close while trying to find out what has happened to Danielle. Ashleigh is glad of this when she starts getting death threats. She is glad that Conrad has her back.
This was overall a great read that kept you turning the pages from beginning to end. I can't wait for the next book in the series to see who we get more of! This has been a really good series!
May 22, 2017
I didn't like this book as much as the first book I read by this author. This book is really long and I had a hard time keeping track of who is who and just what was going on. I thought the narrator did a fine job of reading this book. I was gifted the book with the understanding I would leave an honest review.
December 4, 2015
This is the best so far in this series. Going back in time to visit Ashleigh and experience some of the events that are briefly mentioned and referenced in the first two books. There are three distinct crimes that happen in this book, and each has its own unique and special twist. They all revolve around a missing buyer from Bentleys Royale, Danielle. Ashleigh and Danielle have quite the history together, and she just knows that Danielle would never just disappear - she loved her job too much and would never risk doing anything to lose it.
There were a few slow spots in the book that kept it from getting a full 5 star rating. These spots delved more into the retail personnel that really didn't seem to play a part in the story - perhaps they have more to do in future stories.
The suspense was incredible. There were times I thought for sure that someone wasn't going to be saved, they weren't going to find the bad guys, and it would all just fall apart. But then something would happen or be discovered and the chase was on again. I loved it!
Getting to know Conrad, Ashleigh, Vivian, and Mitchell in a different light was very entertaining as well - especially since I had read the books and knew where they were all going to end up. I'm enjoying this series more and more with each book.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.hotofftheshelves.com/2015/...
There were a few slow spots in the book that kept it from getting a full 5 star rating. These spots delved more into the retail personnel that really didn't seem to play a part in the story - perhaps they have more to do in future stories.
The suspense was incredible. There were times I thought for sure that someone wasn't going to be saved, they weren't going to find the bad guys, and it would all just fall apart. But then something would happen or be discovered and the chase was on again. I loved it!
Getting to know Conrad, Ashleigh, Vivian, and Mitchell in a different light was very entertaining as well - especially since I had read the books and knew where they were all going to end up. I'm enjoying this series more and more with each book.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.hotofftheshelves.com/2015/...
November 9, 2015
Webs of Fate
By Darlene Quinn
Ashleigh McDowel is a woman that has her career on the right track. Her fiancé Mitchell Wainwright has plans for them the night she is informed her friend has went missing. Danielle Norman never showed up at her appointment in New York and Ashleigh knows that Danielle was looking forward to that appointment.
Conrad Taylor is a man that can do what needs to be done professionally without interference of his personal thoughts, or so he could before his friend and ex Danielle Norman goes missing and the bold and beautiful Ashleigh takes it upon herself to find out where she is and why she left.
Along the way many red flags pop up during Conrad and Ashleigh's search for their friend. Could this be the woman they both know and love? Words are being thrown around such as embezzlement and theft. Will they find Danielle in time to get answers? What happens when threats are made on Ashleigh's life?
This is a first of Darlene Quinn's work for me and I applaud her work, though I became confused early on. There seemed to be too much going on for me to follow. When I did catch on, I thoroughly enjoyed the plots and meeting the new characters.
With so many characters vying for top spot things felt disconnected a bit and I couldn't really pin down what the 'Main Characters' were about. As I said this is a brilliantly written story and the plot is one I haven't read before. I applaud Darlene Quinn for telling a uniquely suspenseful story.
By Darlene Quinn
Ashleigh McDowel is a woman that has her career on the right track. Her fiancé Mitchell Wainwright has plans for them the night she is informed her friend has went missing. Danielle Norman never showed up at her appointment in New York and Ashleigh knows that Danielle was looking forward to that appointment.
Conrad Taylor is a man that can do what needs to be done professionally without interference of his personal thoughts, or so he could before his friend and ex Danielle Norman goes missing and the bold and beautiful Ashleigh takes it upon herself to find out where she is and why she left.
Along the way many red flags pop up during Conrad and Ashleigh's search for their friend. Could this be the woman they both know and love? Words are being thrown around such as embezzlement and theft. Will they find Danielle in time to get answers? What happens when threats are made on Ashleigh's life?
This is a first of Darlene Quinn's work for me and I applaud her work, though I became confused early on. There seemed to be too much going on for me to follow. When I did catch on, I thoroughly enjoyed the plots and meeting the new characters.
With so many characters vying for top spot things felt disconnected a bit and I couldn't really pin down what the 'Main Characters' were about. As I said this is a brilliantly written story and the plot is one I haven't read before. I applaud Darlene Quinn for telling a uniquely suspenseful story.
September 13, 2016
Darlene Quinn takes us back to the 80’s in this book, Webs of Fate. I have to say I have no read two of her other books, and I thought this was the third book in the series, but the one I read prior to this was in the 90’s so I think I either have the order wrong, or the author did not write the books in chronological order, both of which are very possible.
I liked this one a lot more than I liked the last book I read, there was just more depth I think to Ashliegh’s character, which was nice. Plus I liked the she was motivated to find her friend and clear her name, I like the loyalty aspect to that act. I also thought this storyline had a lot more suspense than the previous book, or maybe the writing was just more suspenseful, either way I think it worked in the novels favor.
Once again I did think the book was entirely too long, it went on for a very long time, which I think started to effect the pacing both in the beginning and in the end, and I think that might be an issue for a lot of readers. I think this was definite improvement from the last book, and I could see how women fiction readers would enjoy this book, especially if they have any interest in the 80s decade.
I liked this one a lot more than I liked the last book I read, there was just more depth I think to Ashliegh’s character, which was nice. Plus I liked the she was motivated to find her friend and clear her name, I like the loyalty aspect to that act. I also thought this storyline had a lot more suspense than the previous book, or maybe the writing was just more suspenseful, either way I think it worked in the novels favor.
Once again I did think the book was entirely too long, it went on for a very long time, which I think started to effect the pacing both in the beginning and in the end, and I think that might be an issue for a lot of readers. I think this was definite improvement from the last book, and I could see how women fiction readers would enjoy this book, especially if they have any interest in the 80s decade.
August 3, 2012
This book will certainly not appeal to everybody’s taste, but I found it to be an exciting and compelling read. Not my genre of choice, but a welcome relief from my usual reads.
It took me awhile to get to the point where I couldn’t put it down, but once there I quickly got caught up in the highs and lows of the main characters’ lives. Intricately written with detailed character backgrounds and an exquisite setting, the multi-layered plot had quite a few unexpected twists and surprises. New characters are continually introduced into the story, which adds to the mystery and suspense, and draws the reader deeper into the drama.
Overall this was an intriguing read, written by an author who perceptibly wrote a crime thriller not only for its enjoyment value, but to engage readers in a gripping story where everything is not always what it seems. Two thumbs up to Darlene Quinn for a splendidly-written novel!
It took me awhile to get to the point where I couldn’t put it down, but once there I quickly got caught up in the highs and lows of the main characters’ lives. Intricately written with detailed character backgrounds and an exquisite setting, the multi-layered plot had quite a few unexpected twists and surprises. New characters are continually introduced into the story, which adds to the mystery and suspense, and draws the reader deeper into the drama.
Overall this was an intriguing read, written by an author who perceptibly wrote a crime thriller not only for its enjoyment value, but to engage readers in a gripping story where everything is not always what it seems. Two thumbs up to Darlene Quinn for a splendidly-written novel!
June 10, 2016
Webs of Fate was my first introduction to author, Darlene Quinn.
This book has all the elements of a great read. Ashleigh is a very strong protagonist....I had visions
of Emma Harte, the original woman of substance, as I read. The setting of a high end department
store, Bentleys Royale, made the story so real. All the escapades of what goes on in the retailing
industry was so telling. Mischief, romance, mystery, criminality, greed and more contribute
to keeping the reader turning those pages. I could not put it down. I was there.
Darlene Quinn knows just how to keep you engaged in the characters and the story. I loved it.
My husband read it, as well, because I could not stop raving about it. He thoroughly enjoyed
this book. We both read Webs of Power, too. That will be for another review.
I found a new author to enjoy. Darlene Quinn. I plan to read all of her books.
She is a gem of an author!
This book has all the elements of a great read. Ashleigh is a very strong protagonist....I had visions
of Emma Harte, the original woman of substance, as I read. The setting of a high end department
store, Bentleys Royale, made the story so real. All the escapades of what goes on in the retailing
industry was so telling. Mischief, romance, mystery, criminality, greed and more contribute
to keeping the reader turning those pages. I could not put it down. I was there.
Darlene Quinn knows just how to keep you engaged in the characters and the story. I loved it.
My husband read it, as well, because I could not stop raving about it. He thoroughly enjoyed
this book. We both read Webs of Power, too. That will be for another review.
I found a new author to enjoy. Darlene Quinn. I plan to read all of her books.
She is a gem of an author!
December 14, 2015
The sign of a good book is when I reach the last page and can say I did not see one proofreading error. The sign of a really good book is when I can’t wait to get to the end, yet am sad to see the last page. Darlene Quinn’s Webs of Fate is all of this and more, and could easily be a standalone. Being part of Quinn’s Web series, the last page leaves us eagerly waiting to learn what is coming in the next book. What fate awaits Ashleigh, Conrad and yes, even Mitchell? Every character seems to be holding something back. Will we eventually find out what? Only time will tell. Quinn is a gifted writer who obviously knows retail and the world of high fashion. Her ability to develop character profiles the reader loves or hates (or at times a bit of both) is masterful. I am not-so-patiently awaiting the next installment.
~ Linda Thompson, Host of www.TheAuthorsShow.com
~ Linda Thompson, Host of www.TheAuthorsShow.com
May 18, 2017
A look into the high fashion world of the 80's, Webs of Fate combined mystery, intrigue and romance for a very satisfying story. The narration was well done and enhanced my listening experience. Be prepared for a long list of characters and a lengthy listen! The chapters were fairly short, which broke the book down into very manageable chunks. Overall, Webs of Fate was a very enjoyable listen and I would recommend it.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator. This review is my honest opinion.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator. This review is my honest opinion.
May 17, 2016
I did enjoy this book, however, I did get confused sometimes about the politics of the store. There were a lot of characters, it was a little hard to keep them straight. The mystery that Ashleigh had to deal with was interesting. It was a big book but a quick read because I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I do look forward to reading the author's other books. I won this on Goodreads.
March 6, 2013
Darlene Quinn knows how to get you hooked into a story. I have a rule, if a book can make me laugh and cry, it's a winner. Webs of Fate did just that! And the ENDING....OMG. I can't say too much about this book without giving away spoilers. If you love suspense and thrillers, this book is for you.
August 22, 2014
Like the other books in the series I really enjoyed it.
It's the type of sweeping saga that reminds me of Barbara Taylor Bradford books.
There's strong women, family backstabbing, mystery, drama, and entertainment on every page.
It's the type of sweeping saga that reminds me of Barbara Taylor Bradford books.
There's strong women, family backstabbing, mystery, drama, and entertainment on every page.
November 5, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed this prequel to the "Web" series. It was very interesting to see how the characters I've grown to love developed into the people they are in later books. Hard to put this one down!
July 5, 2016
Wow! Another amazing book from this series! I was really nice to read this Prequel after the first 2 books, and learn about how the characters got to where they are now. I am onto the next book, because I can't wait to see what is in store for the characters in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews