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Sarah Woods Mystery #3
An Island of Illusions
This third and final installment of the Sarah Woods Mystery Series finds our sleuth immersed in the tropical splendor of Oahu. However, what begins as an island getaway for Sarah quickly morphs into a desperate search for the missing infant of a wealthy Boston family. Just when the detectives believe they've made a breakthrough in the case, a shocking death shakes their investigation to the core. Much to Sarah's surprise, surveillance expert Max Stevens also joins the frantic search. Will the detectives locate the missing child? Will Sarah finally share her true feelings with Max?
Pick up this novel and lose yourself in the mystery, or start with Book One, "An Appointment with Murder." Either choice will keep you guessing 'til the very end.
Pick up this novel and lose yourself in the mystery, or start with Book One, "An Appointment with Murder." Either choice will keep you guessing 'til the very end.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2012
280 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
April 24, 2015
Sadly, this is the final book in the Sarah Woods mystery trilogy. I have really enjoyed it. Sarah is a "mature" woman that is at a crossroads in her life. She has her own business, but is a bit bored with it, but it pays the bills. Her teenage son, Brian, is a year away from college and leaves Sarah with more time on her hands to think about her life and her twenty year marriage. When she becomes involved in a murder case at her own business, Sarah found she has a knack at "detecting". So, since then, she has been working with Carter and sometimes with Max doing undercover jobs as a part time occupation.
In this installment, Sarah is on vacation in Hawaii trying to see if she and her husband can work things out. It's not long before it becomes clear to her this Hawaiian vacation was planned out by Carter, who has a job for her to do.
So, Sarah once more utilizes her undercover skills to determine if the father of a missing child could somehow be involved.
Once Sarah starts to work she is surprised to find that another familiar face has arrived in Hawaii- Max!
The only complaint I have about this book was that Sarah, who had been so easy to relate to in the first two short stories, seemed to go off script a bit at the beginning of this one. She says a few things that are completely uncharacteristic of Sarah. She makes the suggestion that she is willing to do "ANYTHING" for this job. Maybe she was just over excited, but it seemed a bit off to me.
However, the character "rights" herself and the case takes center stage. This case is so sad, and once again we are treated to a peek inside the lives of the wealthy that seem to get away with just about everything. The conclusion of the case might be a little controversial to some, and while I was satisfied with the ending, I still had a weird feeling about it.
Sarah's personal life had a more solid and uplifting feel to it, as Sarah finally makes a decision about her troubled marriage and faces her feelings for Daniel head on. I will miss Sarah Woods a lot. Overall 3.5 rounded to 4
In this installment, Sarah is on vacation in Hawaii trying to see if she and her husband can work things out. It's not long before it becomes clear to her this Hawaiian vacation was planned out by Carter, who has a job for her to do.
So, Sarah once more utilizes her undercover skills to determine if the father of a missing child could somehow be involved.
Once Sarah starts to work she is surprised to find that another familiar face has arrived in Hawaii- Max!
The only complaint I have about this book was that Sarah, who had been so easy to relate to in the first two short stories, seemed to go off script a bit at the beginning of this one. She says a few things that are completely uncharacteristic of Sarah. She makes the suggestion that she is willing to do "ANYTHING" for this job. Maybe she was just over excited, but it seemed a bit off to me.
However, the character "rights" herself and the case takes center stage. This case is so sad, and once again we are treated to a peek inside the lives of the wealthy that seem to get away with just about everything. The conclusion of the case might be a little controversial to some, and while I was satisfied with the ending, I still had a weird feeling about it.
Sarah's personal life had a more solid and uplifting feel to it, as Sarah finally makes a decision about her troubled marriage and faces her feelings for Daniel head on. I will miss Sarah Woods a lot. Overall 3.5 rounded to 4
August 18, 2012
This was a great conclusion to the series. I enjoyed the first two books in the Sarah Woods Mystery Series, "An Appointment with Murder," and "An Act of Deceit," so naturally I had to grab this final story for my Kindle when it became available. Ms. Jennings's writing style is enjoyable in that she has taken the time to develop her characters thoroughly, allowing them to evolve as the series progressed. However, I feel each book also works well as a stand alone story. It takes a certain level of finesse to pull that one off. Jennings's works are well written and properly edited; I'd recommend them all to those who enjoy hard-boiled mysteries.
January 20, 2017
Good plot and characters. The premise that the husband goes home with little discussion and leaves the wife behind is a little shaky. The book definitely needs a good editor. I really wanted to give it 3.5 stars.
February 23, 2022
A good mystery
September 16, 2012
Sarah Woods is a part-time private detective in a troubled marriage. While vacationing with her husband in Hawaii, she meets up with two investigators who ask her to assist them in a missing person case. Sarah quickly shows so much interest in the case that her hubby takes a flight home. To Sarah's apparent delight, detective Max soon fills the void in her love life. By this act and others, Sarah reveals herself as independent, willing to take on a challenge, and unintimidated by men. The case has several aspects, including a missing grandchild, his troubled young mother and her dominating father; the missing child's father and his lover, who may be involved in the kidnapping; a lawyer, a tattooed man, and an Elvis lookalike. A ransom has been paid but the child has not been returned. All the parties of interest are within local driving distance. Sarah, Max, and others visit various seedy parts of Oahu, conduct interviews and surveillance, ponder the evidence, and develop theories to no avail. Photos of missing children are found, the missing child's father dies mysteriously, the daughter has a miscarriage, and other events occur. The conclusion reveals a certain moral ambiguity. The author leaves it to the reader to judge.
September 14, 2012
I have not read a mystery in a very long time and I really liked this one.
I started with this book and now I think I will need to go back and read Parts One and Two!
This story was nicely written and flowed wonderfully. The setting was not in the obvious touristy areas of Hawaii, but showed you a more seedier side to paradise.
This story truly kept me guessing- I was totally surprised when the mystery was solved!
I started with this book and now I think I will need to go back and read Parts One and Two!
This story was nicely written and flowed wonderfully. The setting was not in the obvious touristy areas of Hawaii, but showed you a more seedier side to paradise.
This story truly kept me guessing- I was totally surprised when the mystery was solved!
May 4, 2015
Disappointed again.
Usual after very good and interesting book, I reread old book again. Not like her other books, you can guess the ending easy. Characters are very shallow. Good thing it was free.
Usual after very good and interesting book, I reread old book again. Not like her other books, you can guess the ending easy. Characters are very shallow. Good thing it was free.
September 11, 2018
Sarah Woods Mysteries Book 3: An Island of Illusions (31+ chapters) — Jennifer L. Jennings Sept. 10, 2018
Sarah is on an unexpected trip to Hawaii, but she soon finds out not all is as it seems. A father and child is missing and the grandfather is paying big bucks for Sarah and Carter to find him. When the father of the boy ends up dead, the case turns to finding out if the boy is still alive. On the personal front, Sarah’s relationship with her husband comes to a head and by the end of the book, has resolved. An old love makes a decision that will change Sarah’s future. The ending is a little different and yet exactly as it should be.
There were several familiar faces in this story, and more is discovered about Carter’s background. Ms. Jennings constructs a well paced, skillfully developed cozy that has the right amount of everything in it.
I am enjoying how the author is building the characters and their relationships. I will continue to read this series. There were a few typos in my ebook version.
Solid three stars.
Sarah is on an unexpected trip to Hawaii, but she soon finds out not all is as it seems. A father and child is missing and the grandfather is paying big bucks for Sarah and Carter to find him. When the father of the boy ends up dead, the case turns to finding out if the boy is still alive. On the personal front, Sarah’s relationship with her husband comes to a head and by the end of the book, has resolved. An old love makes a decision that will change Sarah’s future. The ending is a little different and yet exactly as it should be.
There were several familiar faces in this story, and more is discovered about Carter’s background. Ms. Jennings constructs a well paced, skillfully developed cozy that has the right amount of everything in it.
I am enjoying how the author is building the characters and their relationships. I will continue to read this series. There were a few typos in my ebook version.
Solid three stars.
January 18, 2018
Sarah is an unhappily married 40-something massage therapist who has, unbeknownst to her husband and teen-aged son, has worked as an amateur detective. Now she is in Hawaii, supposedly on a golfing trip her husband has won, but in reality to help find the missing baby of a very rich doctor's neurotic daughter.
Most of the book takes place in the parts of Hawaii that tourists never see - the poor, the drugged, the unemployed. Still, Sarah works on the case, rather happily, until her demanding husband falls and hurts his back. He leaves in a huff and for the first time Sarah seriously contemplates divorce. She is attracted to the man she is working with on this case, Max, which makes her wonder if she really wants a divorce or if she is merely looking for the thrill of an affair. The case if further complicated by the murder of the baby's father and the presence of the doctor's lawyer, Richard. Richard and the doctor put obstacles in the way of solving the case, which are seemingly insurmountable.
Most of the book takes place in the parts of Hawaii that tourists never see - the poor, the drugged, the unemployed. Still, Sarah works on the case, rather happily, until her demanding husband falls and hurts his back. He leaves in a huff and for the first time Sarah seriously contemplates divorce. She is attracted to the man she is working with on this case, Max, which makes her wonder if she really wants a divorce or if she is merely looking for the thrill of an affair. The case if further complicated by the murder of the baby's father and the presence of the doctor's lawyer, Richard. Richard and the doctor put obstacles in the way of solving the case, which are seemingly insurmountable.
June 4, 2022
The vacation that Sarah thought Daniel had suggested as a romantic interlude in their relationship, was instead engineered by Carter who needs Sarah in Hawaii for a kidnapping case. And, of course he needs a surveillance expert on the team, in enters Max! The twists and turns, the questions and answers will lead you to a surprising conclusion of tale of where is Toby?
A female sleuth with quiet intelligence and thoughtful caring. I am looking forward to Sarah's next case.
Each Sarah Woods mystery can be read and enjoyed individually.
A female sleuth with quiet intelligence and thoughtful caring. I am looking forward to Sarah's next case.
Each Sarah Woods mystery can be read and enjoyed individually.
May 15, 2018
'An Island of Illusions' was one great read. This quick read was full of mystery. The story line kept me glued to the pages. I truly love Sarah and her sense of self is getting g better. I will be so happy when she finally walks away from her a$& of a husband. He really angers me with his action. Every thing about him irritates me. Max on the other hand seems like a very good man. We'll see. I look forward to reading more. A great add to your tbr list.
August 19, 2018
Sarah Woods, a masseuse has found herself at times helping out a PI without her husband and son knowing. On a vacation in Hawaii she is recruited to work on a child abduction case. With a lot of twists and turns the case is resolved not to everyone's knowledge or happiness. It also ended with the end of Sarah's marriage and her telling her soon-to-be ex and her son about her other job. It was a heavy cozy mystery that I enjoyed and looking forward to Sarah's next adventure.
August 3, 2020
Sarah and her husband go on vacation to Hawaii - where Sarah is planning on continuing her second career as sleuth while her husband golfs. Quickly their plans hit a snag and she realizes how much her marriage is in trouble. Sarah and team are on the trail of a missing child for their client. Interesting surprise ending.
August 6, 2017
The book was good but I had trouble getting into the book. The first half had me going back and forth with wondering. Then all of a sudden the book took off and I could not put it down. It was a surprise ending.
September 18, 2018
Oahu to work with a rich client, and at time babysitting the mother of the missing child. Max comes in to do his specific line of work, and walks with him at night Sarah enjoys. When dismissed from case, doesn’t seem right to her, and she digs further, keeps you guessing to the end.
November 12, 2020
Even though Sarah Wood’s marriage has been on the fritz, her husband surprises her with a trip to Hawaii. Time was going to be spent relaxing under the sun and by the waves. Then Carter shows up with a kidnapping case.
This was an okay mystery, but it had too many people in it.
This was an okay mystery, but it had too many people in it.
May 28, 2017
Exciting read
Really good mystery. It kept you guessing as to who the real bad person was. I recommend. It to other readers.
Really good mystery. It kept you guessing as to who the real bad person was. I recommend. It to other readers.
August 16, 2018
Interesting
I enjoyed this book. It had some twists and turns that I liked. I'm looking forward to reading number 2 in the series.
I enjoyed this book. It had some twists and turns that I liked. I'm looking forward to reading number 2 in the series.
September 17, 2018
Easy to read mystery that provides for an entertaining journey with a storyline and characters that will work for most readers. 3.5 stars
May 21, 2019
It would probably help to read the first two books first.
September 5, 2023
Interesting ending.
March 16, 2017
An easy, fun, light mystery. I'd read another.
May 15, 2015
This is the only book I've read by this author (so far). Many of the elements in the story line reminds me of cozy mysteries: the lack of gore, minimal action, no conspiracy, and gradual revelation of characters' true color (psychological state, motivation in life, etc.) The story itself may appear somewhat "lackluster" (it does not broach any themes of the times, think Hollywood mystery stereotypes), even though it revolves around a missing child, which always touches a soft spot in the audience. This is no classic of the genre (think Agatha Christie), but very good execution nonetheless.
The author relies heavily on narration to bring out the plot. There is a nice balance between narrative and dialogues. Descriptions are few and far between. The approach is the exact opposite of the popular mantra "Don't tell. Describe." But it totally works in this small-time mystery. Even though the story took place in Hawaii, the author refrains from exploiting the scenic elements, which is a rarity in tropical mysteries. There are a few incidences where she made Hawaiian cultural references, but these are more exceptions rather than the norm. She's able to focus her effort in enhance the "fluidity" of the story: her characters act, the details tie together, and the twists-and-turns are realistic and logical. Picking up her cues, the audience follows the plot without too much distraction. There no forced thriller, suspension, or plots. The tale flows, almost effortlessly.
There are good reasons behind "Don't tell. Describe." Narratives are unnatural form of observation. Most of the time, most of us observe the environment by picking up visual cues. No wonder it is extremely difficult to narrate with grace, and people advise against narration and promote description as the primary story telling strategy. Imagine the pleasant surprise when I chance upon this book! I simply can't skip relating an example here:
"I unbuckled my seatbelt, twisted my torso around, and reached into the back seat."
The one-liner utilizes three verbs with such precision. The action begins, progresses, and ends in one go. The swiftness of the scene conveys a sense of urgency. Talking about economy and precision of words!
Although the author predominantly narrates rather than describes in this mystery, she clearly shows a knack for precise description as well when she does describe:
"Max's scent reminded me of wind swept pine needles on a summer's day."
The one major peeve I have for this mystery is the relationship between Sarah (the protagonist) and Max (her fantasy lover). When Max first entered into the story, it's apparent that although Sarah harbored feelings for Max, neither party had knowledge about their mutual affection. I also infer from their first encounter in Hawaii that they did not see/interact with each other often. Therefore I assume that even though there is chemistry between the two, it is innocent and minor. I was flabbergasted when Max broached the subject of his potential career move to Chicago, Sarah felt this deep anguish but hid it, which in turn caused such misery to Max. I don't know about the general audience, but I am unprepared for this. Contrary to the impeccable logic devised for the mystery component (granted, it is a small-time mystery), the romance department is decorated with less taste than lust. The emotional exchange of the dual is childish and, in my humble opinion, panders to a much younger (teenager?) audience. I expected something with more depth and moderation from middle-agers. But hey, who am I to say this is out-of-character for Sarah and Max? Although I am no longer a teenager, but I have not yet entered my thirties. Perhaps this resemblance to teenage impulsiveness is the modern midlife crisis :-)
The author relies heavily on narration to bring out the plot. There is a nice balance between narrative and dialogues. Descriptions are few and far between. The approach is the exact opposite of the popular mantra "Don't tell. Describe." But it totally works in this small-time mystery. Even though the story took place in Hawaii, the author refrains from exploiting the scenic elements, which is a rarity in tropical mysteries. There are a few incidences where she made Hawaiian cultural references, but these are more exceptions rather than the norm. She's able to focus her effort in enhance the "fluidity" of the story: her characters act, the details tie together, and the twists-and-turns are realistic and logical. Picking up her cues, the audience follows the plot without too much distraction. There no forced thriller, suspension, or plots. The tale flows, almost effortlessly.
There are good reasons behind "Don't tell. Describe." Narratives are unnatural form of observation. Most of the time, most of us observe the environment by picking up visual cues. No wonder it is extremely difficult to narrate with grace, and people advise against narration and promote description as the primary story telling strategy. Imagine the pleasant surprise when I chance upon this book! I simply can't skip relating an example here:
"I unbuckled my seatbelt, twisted my torso around, and reached into the back seat."
The one-liner utilizes three verbs with such precision. The action begins, progresses, and ends in one go. The swiftness of the scene conveys a sense of urgency. Talking about economy and precision of words!
Although the author predominantly narrates rather than describes in this mystery, she clearly shows a knack for precise description as well when she does describe:
"Max's scent reminded me of wind swept pine needles on a summer's day."
The one major peeve I have for this mystery is the relationship between Sarah (the protagonist) and Max (her fantasy lover). When Max first entered into the story, it's apparent that although Sarah harbored feelings for Max, neither party had knowledge about their mutual affection. I also infer from their first encounter in Hawaii that they did not see/interact with each other often. Therefore I assume that even though there is chemistry between the two, it is innocent and minor. I was flabbergasted when Max broached the subject of his potential career move to Chicago, Sarah felt this deep anguish but hid it, which in turn caused such misery to Max. I don't know about the general audience, but I am unprepared for this. Contrary to the impeccable logic devised for the mystery component (granted, it is a small-time mystery), the romance department is decorated with less taste than lust. The emotional exchange of the dual is childish and, in my humble opinion, panders to a much younger (teenager?) audience. I expected something with more depth and moderation from middle-agers. But hey, who am I to say this is out-of-character for Sarah and Max? Although I am no longer a teenager, but I have not yet entered my thirties. Perhaps this resemblance to teenage impulsiveness is the modern midlife crisis :-)
August 24, 2012
Sarah Woods is on vacation. Daniel (her husband), got a great deal on a vacation in Hawaii. Daniel has plans for golf and Sarah just wants to relax in the sun. When Daniel slips and falls, and can't go golfing and is being a big baby about it. Sarah has to get out of the hotel and get away for a minute. When Carter shows up at pool side, she knows something is up. Sarah has been secretly working for Carter(PI). Carter explains to her that he sent Daniel a good deal for Hawaii so he could get her their to help him. She laughs it off and decides to help. Daniel is being a jerk on top of a baby and she wants nothing but to get away from him anyway. Sarah learns, Carter is helping a fellow PI in a missing child case. The family is looking for the kid and funding the operation, the police have nothing. Sarah also finds out, Max is there equipment specialist. The sparks fly, even after weeks of not seeing each other. The family thinks the mom's ex has taking the child. He disappears right after the little boy disappears. So when they come across him in the airport under a alias, the hunt begins. Sarah goes to give the ex a massage, the only thing she sees with the guy is he is a perv. The next day he shows up dead. As the mystery continues, Daniel gets more upset and decides to leave Hawaii. Sarah, already vested in the case refuses to leave. Daniel gives her a ultimatum and leaves anyway. Sarah knows the marriage is over. Maybe it will give her some time with Max? Will they find the child and figure out what is going on? Will Sarah and Max finally get together? It will keep you guessing to the end.
Jennifer does it again. Had me totally stumped until the end of the book. LOVED the interaction between Max and Sarah. Loved how it ends and am looking forward to the another novel! I am a fan! This is a book that is good for 16 and up. Some violence, mild sexual conduct (nothing explicit). Wonderful story for anyone looking for a GREAT mystery! Jennifer please keep me in mind when you write the next one!
come and see this review and more at juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
Jennifer does it again. Had me totally stumped until the end of the book. LOVED the interaction between Max and Sarah. Loved how it ends and am looking forward to the another novel! I am a fan! This is a book that is good for 16 and up. Some violence, mild sexual conduct (nothing explicit). Wonderful story for anyone looking for a GREAT mystery! Jennifer please keep me in mind when you write the next one!
come and see this review and more at juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
April 25, 2016
I hadn’t realised this was the third novel in the series when purchased and do feel I would have been better acquainted if I had read the previous books prior to this, for example Sarah’s relationship with her husband has broken down quite dramatically in this book and I feel there was probably a prelude to this that I have missed out on. This issue aside (as I do feel it is my mistake) the book was very good.
I enjoyed the mystery plot and the investigation that went into resolving the storyline, very cosy mystery based. This story is quite quick paced and it doesn’t take long for the readers suspicions about the characters to build. Who is really good and who is putting on a show.
The characters were quite well written and did what they were supposed to. The husband was annoying, the soon to be lover alluring, and the culprit kept you guessing. There was a few things that didn’t work though with continuity of Sarah’s decisions being a little frustrating.
The book itself was very easy to read, nothing too hard-hitting. It wasn’t edge-of-your-seat thrilling but it was enjoyably. The mystery storyline was very good. I would happily read this author again and think her writing style will develop well.
I enjoyed the mystery plot and the investigation that went into resolving the storyline, very cosy mystery based. This story is quite quick paced and it doesn’t take long for the readers suspicions about the characters to build. Who is really good and who is putting on a show.
The characters were quite well written and did what they were supposed to. The husband was annoying, the soon to be lover alluring, and the culprit kept you guessing. There was a few things that didn’t work though with continuity of Sarah’s decisions being a little frustrating.
The book itself was very easy to read, nothing too hard-hitting. It wasn’t edge-of-your-seat thrilling but it was enjoyably. The mystery storyline was very good. I would happily read this author again and think her writing style will develop well.
December 17, 2012
Sara Woods has a secret life. Her estranged husband thinks she is a massage therapist, but her real job as a private investigator is a lot more exciting. When Sara and her husband are sent on a vacation to Hawaii she quickly finds out the trip is work related. An ill infant has been stolen from a wealthy family. Sara must use her sleuthing skills and intuition to find the baby before it’s too late. As the details of the kidnapping are revealed, Sara must also address her personal life, which complicates the investigation.
Sara is a very likable character who truly cares about her mission. I enjoyed her moxie, intelligence and overall approach to life and the case. She deals with her personal life in a realistic manner as she tries to solve the case with her team. Author Jennifer Jennings has done a great job of adding twists and turns throughout the story so that the reader is totally enthralled and always guessing who did it. I could not put this book down and am sorry to see that this is the last book in the series.
(This book was provided to Compulsion Reads for review by the author.)
Sara is a very likable character who truly cares about her mission. I enjoyed her moxie, intelligence and overall approach to life and the case. She deals with her personal life in a realistic manner as she tries to solve the case with her team. Author Jennifer Jennings has done a great job of adding twists and turns throughout the story so that the reader is totally enthralled and always guessing who did it. I could not put this book down and am sorry to see that this is the last book in the series.
(This book was provided to Compulsion Reads for review by the author.)
January 3, 2016
Back and forth on whether to rate a "1" or a "2". I did finish it and I had purchased a box set with the author's first three books of this series. I did manage to finish all three books, which were all very short, thankfully, and all three combined were about the length of one normal book. This was like watching a bad movie on TV late at night. You don't really want to keep watching, but you want to know what happens.
Hopefully this author gets better, but I don't think I will ever personally find out. Two things I observed.... The first being that there were random things that happened that had nothing to do with anything else in the book, which left me frowning and asking, "What was THAT all about!?" And the second was similar - just sleazy incidents thrown in that took away from the book and the story and they were over as soon as they were mentioned. It was almost as though someone handed her a card with an incident listed and said here, put this in your book and the author couldn't really incorporate it into the story, so she just picked a random spot and typed those words in the book. Crazy.
Hopefully this author gets better, but I don't think I will ever personally find out. Two things I observed.... The first being that there were random things that happened that had nothing to do with anything else in the book, which left me frowning and asking, "What was THAT all about!?" And the second was similar - just sleazy incidents thrown in that took away from the book and the story and they were over as soon as they were mentioned. It was almost as though someone handed her a card with an incident listed and said here, put this in your book and the author couldn't really incorporate it into the story, so she just picked a random spot and typed those words in the book. Crazy.
May 25, 2015
When you win a trip to Hawaii with a husband you no longer love, is it a win? Well, there's more to the prize than meets Sarah's expectations. A client paid for the whole deal - the string?
Is her marriage falling apart because of all the secrets? Her husband doesn't know she's working for a PI, or that she's putting her life on the line while he tries to recover from a strained muscle. Or maybe her marriage is falling apart because they don't love each other and haven't for a long time.
Putting aside her personal problems is easy when there's a case to solve, and she has a sexy partner to distract her. But finding a child who's been lost this long is almost impossible. Spoiled clients, bodies piling up, and a case that defies solving sours the paradise of Sarah's vacation.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a bit of grit in their mystery and a realistic backdrop of the effects of being a secret investigator.
Is her marriage falling apart because of all the secrets? Her husband doesn't know she's working for a PI, or that she's putting her life on the line while he tries to recover from a strained muscle. Or maybe her marriage is falling apart because they don't love each other and haven't for a long time.
Putting aside her personal problems is easy when there's a case to solve, and she has a sexy partner to distract her. But finding a child who's been lost this long is almost impossible. Spoiled clients, bodies piling up, and a case that defies solving sours the paradise of Sarah's vacation.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a bit of grit in their mystery and a realistic backdrop of the effects of being a secret investigator.
April 11, 2014
Simplistic yet a fun read. This was a kindle freebie that I read while having a head cold. I wasn't looking for something that required much concentration but was still interesting. It fit the bill perfectly! My only real objection was to the main character's romantic involvement storyline (and that is just a personal preference and conviction.) One thing that I appreciated was despite choosing Hawaii as the setting, the author did not fall too far into the trap of trying to go "local" in her dialect. Like me, some may find her local characters to be sterotypical but perhaps only meant to give "island flavor" to the plot? It would have been nice to have positive strong local characters like the majority of people living in Hawaii.
I would read the other books in the series for more entertainment and lighthearted reading.
I would read the other books in the series for more entertainment and lighthearted reading.
December 3, 2012
The last in the series this story brings Sarah, Carter and Max to Hawaii to find a child believed to be kidnapped. Sarah finally coming to terms about her marriage and Max. The child the grandson of a prominent doctor and his daughter was kidnapped at three months of age, a ransom paid and the child never recovered. Eight months later, the private investigator spots the child's father in an airport and follows him to Hawaii. The child's father is found dead, an accident and the search continues to find the whereabouts of the child. Sarah learning the doctor's daughter has issues that no one can resolve because her father continues to cover up for her. Sarah returns home and learns the truth about the child from the lawyer that was once on the payroll of the doctor. This is a fast read, a mystery that continues until the final pages.
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