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Out of Time #4
The Devil's Due
Time travelers Simon and Elizabeth return in book four of the Out of Time series.
Simon and Elizabeth's plans for their honeymoon are interrupted when they discover a list of unfinished business hidden in Simon's grandfather's journal. Picking up where Grandfather Sebastian left off, Simon and Elizabeth, along with Jack Wells, travel to glamorous 1933 Hollywood to save the life of movie star Alan Grant. But the Golden Age of Hollywood is more than parties and premieres.
Behind the bright lights and bigger-than-life contracts, shadows lurk and no one is what they seem. It's a place where people will do anything for fame and fortune. And if Simon and Elizabeth fail, more than a man's life might be lost.
Simon and Elizabeth's plans for their honeymoon are interrupted when they discover a list of unfinished business hidden in Simon's grandfather's journal. Picking up where Grandfather Sebastian left off, Simon and Elizabeth, along with Jack Wells, travel to glamorous 1933 Hollywood to save the life of movie star Alan Grant. But the Golden Age of Hollywood is more than parties and premieres.
Behind the bright lights and bigger-than-life contracts, shadows lurk and no one is what they seem. It's a place where people will do anything for fame and fortune. And if Simon and Elizabeth fail, more than a man's life might be lost.
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First published December 14, 2012
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About the author
Monique Martin
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Monique was born in Houston, Texas, but her family soon moved to Southern California. She grew up on both coasts, living in Connecticut and California. She currently resides in Southern California with her naughty Siamese cat, Monkey.
Monique attended the University of Southern California's Film School where she earned a BFA from the Filmic Writing department. Monique worked in television for several years before joining the family business. She now works full-time as a freelance writer and novelist. Her novels Out of Time, When the Walls Fell, Fragments & The Devil's Due are the first three books in the Out of Time series.
She's currently working on an adaptation of one of her screenplays, her father's memoirs about his time in the Air Force's Air Rescue Service and the next book in the Out of Time series.
Monique was born in Houston, Texas, but her family soon moved to Southern California. She grew up on both coasts, living in Connecticut and California. She currently resides in Southern California with her naughty Siamese cat, Monkey.
Monique attended the University of Southern California's Film School where she earned a BFA from the Filmic Writing department. Monique worked in television for several years before joining the family business. She now works full-time as a freelance writer and novelist. Her novels Out of Time, When the Walls Fell, Fragments & The Devil's Due are the first three books in the Out of Time series.
She's currently working on an adaptation of one of her screenplays, her father's memoirs about his time in the Air Force's Air Rescue Service and the next book in the Out of Time series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 29, 2012
I love the entire Out of Time series. Simon and Elizabeth are smart, sexy, and funny! They are wonderful foils for each other!
In this story they're in Old Hollywood fighting something that isnt what it seems-just like Hollywood itself. The story is fast-paced and the writing and characterizations are excellent! As usual the author has built a world so rich, with bits of history seamlessly interwoven, that the reader is pulled into the setting. And just as with the other three books in the series she has created a supporting cast that feels so alive that you find yourself thinking about them long after you've finished the book.
Martin deftly tells the backstory so the first time reader wont be lost, but I definitely suggest spending the money and starting with book one Out of Time!
In this story they're in Old Hollywood fighting something that isnt what it seems-just like Hollywood itself. The story is fast-paced and the writing and characterizations are excellent! As usual the author has built a world so rich, with bits of history seamlessly interwoven, that the reader is pulled into the setting. And just as with the other three books in the series she has created a supporting cast that feels so alive that you find yourself thinking about them long after you've finished the book.
Martin deftly tells the backstory so the first time reader wont be lost, but I definitely suggest spending the money and starting with book one Out of Time!
December 19, 2012
I've been waiting for this book since two days after that last came out! As usual, Simon and Elizabeth are in prime form. The addition of Jack (I know he was in the last book, but he was VERY present in this one)is a brilliant one. He brings a new dynamic to the scenes. Elizabeth is kind of a smart ass, but Jack is full on witty comic relief with real life skills. He's arrogant but with a hard knocks common sense that justifies it. Can't wait for more!!!!
February 13, 2013
This book, the 4th in a series, takes the husband and wife protagonists back to Hollywood's golden age. If you like time travel, and you enjoyed either Moonlighting or Hart to Hart, give this series a try.
April 15, 2018
Simon, Elizabeth and Jack travel back to late 1930s/early 1940s Hollywood and work to save a brilliant actor from an unknown fate.
The setting is great, the story is easy enough to read. Unfortunately there are some flaws that distract from the story.
First of all, the relationship between Simon and Elizabeth. This relationship has always been a little on the gross side to me. The 20 year age gap, and her status as his former student and current employee at the time they originally become a couple would not be out of place in a book about power imbalance in relationships. The author not only seems to think that the imbalance is perfectly appropriate, she also presents extreme jealousy and controlling behaviour as romantic. It's not my cup of tea, and if I had a friend or relative who was involved in a relationship like this one, I'd be genuinely worried for their welfare and safety.
This need to control all situations is also present in the relationship between Simon and Jack, so at least the characterisation is consistent.
The second thing that had become irritating by this episode was the ease with which Simon and Elizabeth not only adapt to their surroundings, but also the speed with which they are able to connect with all of the people necessary to achieve their goals. This book relies upon saving a movie star from an unknown fate. Within hours of arriving back in time, all the main players are identified, and the movie star thoroughly charmed by Elizabeth. In a story about time travel, suspension of disbelief shouldn't be this difficult.
Nevertheless, I'm going to continue with the series.
The setting is great, the story is easy enough to read. Unfortunately there are some flaws that distract from the story.
First of all, the relationship between Simon and Elizabeth. This relationship has always been a little on the gross side to me. The 20 year age gap, and her status as his former student and current employee at the time they originally become a couple would not be out of place in a book about power imbalance in relationships. The author not only seems to think that the imbalance is perfectly appropriate, she also presents extreme jealousy and controlling behaviour as romantic. It's not my cup of tea, and if I had a friend or relative who was involved in a relationship like this one, I'd be genuinely worried for their welfare and safety.
This need to control all situations is also present in the relationship between Simon and Jack, so at least the characterisation is consistent.
The second thing that had become irritating by this episode was the ease with which Simon and Elizabeth not only adapt to their surroundings, but also the speed with which they are able to connect with all of the people necessary to achieve their goals. This book relies upon saving a movie star from an unknown fate. Within hours of arriving back in time, all the main players are identified, and the movie star thoroughly charmed by Elizabeth. In a story about time travel, suspension of disbelief shouldn't be this difficult.
Nevertheless, I'm going to continue with the series.
May 26, 2017
I truly enjoyed this book. There was the time travel aspect of the book, which is a favorite of mine. There was also the paranormal and the historic side of the story. The book covered the movie business in the 1930s; everything from the writers to the actors, and more. They mentioned actual actors from that time, such as Jimmy Stewart and Carol Lombard. The paranormal was back in this book for the first time since the first book in the series. It adds an unusual twist to what otherwise would be just a historic time travel story. Simon and Elizabeth continue their travels, and their love story. Jack West had a story line of his own, and it made the reader want to find a solution for his problem. The 3 characters will be continuing their travels, and I look forward to the next book.
August 25, 2025
Thrills and romance
Martin delivers the goods again in this 4th instalment of the Out Of Time series. Simon and Elizabeth are so predictable yet so loveable. What a couple. There's a tightness to the author's style and a consummate control of pace. It's sweet but not too sweet and full of surprises. Martin does a good job of providing just enough back story to connect with previous books in the series and to ensure the stand alone ability of this one.
The Devil's Due introduces a supervillain called Thorn who I expect our daring time travellers will tangle with in future instalments.
It is a well balanced and highly entertaining read. Of course I'm looking forward to the next one now.
Martin delivers the goods again in this 4th instalment of the Out Of Time series. Simon and Elizabeth are so predictable yet so loveable. What a couple. There's a tightness to the author's style and a consummate control of pace. It's sweet but not too sweet and full of surprises. Martin does a good job of providing just enough back story to connect with previous books in the series and to ensure the stand alone ability of this one.
The Devil's Due introduces a supervillain called Thorn who I expect our daring time travellers will tangle with in future instalments.
It is a well balanced and highly entertaining read. Of course I'm looking forward to the next one now.
April 21, 2025
The Out of Time series has quickly become a favorite in my library on audible. Tom Jordan is fabulous with the voices and the characters. Elizabeth reminds me of a precocious child Simon tries to protect from danger. Simon is intelligent and book smart beyond his years. Alan Grant is the movie star that this book revolves around in 1933. Jack Wells character brings lots of angst and emotions to this story.
The author paints a beautiful picture of life in the thirties. From the clothes the characters are wearing to the sights and sounds of Hollywood. I find myself immersed in the time and place of the Devil's Duo.
Very well done!
The author paints a beautiful picture of life in the thirties. From the clothes the characters are wearing to the sights and sounds of Hollywood. I find myself immersed in the time and place of the Devil's Duo.
Very well done!
February 7, 2018
Another solid addition to the Out of Times series!
Simon and Elizabeth are off to Hollywood 1933 after finding a list of names and dates in Sebastian Cross' personal effects. This story begins with a gripping prologue that sets the tone, and was a welcome addition to the series. Martin continues to find her voice with these characters, and her research again shows with this adventure.
I enjoyed the addition of Jack into the series, but was a bit disappointed that time travel was for him a relationship tool, but much of that frustration resolved itself in the end.
Simon and Elizabeth are off to Hollywood 1933 after finding a list of names and dates in Sebastian Cross' personal effects. This story begins with a gripping prologue that sets the tone, and was a welcome addition to the series. Martin continues to find her voice with these characters, and her research again shows with this adventure.
I enjoyed the addition of Jack into the series, but was a bit disappointed that time travel was for him a relationship tool, but much of that frustration resolved itself in the end.
June 22, 2022
A good series about a time traveling couple. In the fourth book, a list is discovered in his Grandfather’s newly arrived possessions that leads Simon and Elizabeth to head back to 1920’s Hollywood to save an actor from an unknown evil. Fun romp through Hollywood, if a bit giggly fan-ish. Good mystery with a Devil and Daniel Webster vibe.
October 4, 2019
I’m debating between 3 & 4 stars. I love the chemistry between the characters, the pacing and the mystery. Twist and turn and it doesn’t go where I had thought! A lot of the interest is in revisiting time periods and seeing that time through modern eyes.
September 30, 2021
Great Book!
Every book I read in this series makes me want to continue on to read the next! I don’t want to think about what I’ll do when I finish the series (and of course Jack’s series and the Christmas specials), so today I have so much to look forward to. Thank you!
Every book I read in this series makes me want to continue on to read the next! I don’t want to think about what I’ll do when I finish the series (and of course Jack’s series and the Christmas specials), so today I have so much to look forward to. Thank you!
May 28, 2017
Time travel to Hollywood 1933. Fun visiting this era. Simon & Elizabeth made an enemy of a demon (the devil?) by outsmarting him.
January 6, 2018
I enjoyed this book as much as the first 3. This one tugged at the heartstrings. Recommend this wonderful series.
January 31, 2018
I loved this book and this series and I hope there are more. I loved and cared about the characters and will continue to read about them as more of this series (I hope) becomes available.
September 20, 2018
Seemed to finish very abruptly although was a good read throughout
October 29, 2021
Very good time travel series.
April 22, 2022
Not my favorite.
June 24, 2022
This series is great. Each "period" they visit has such fun (and sometimes scary) characters. I love that they've added Jack. He's super and always manages to save them
April 10, 2025
Time travel, selling one's soul to the devil,getting soul back.
Really like Simon and Elizabeth and other characters.
Not as intense as other stories but still good.
To does great job as narrator.
Really like Simon and Elizabeth and other characters.
Not as intense as other stories but still good.
To does great job as narrator.
January 11, 2013
This is the fourth story in the “Out of Time” series, and it starts with finding out Elizabeth and Simon have just got married (ahhh), and Jack is still around. I like this series mainly due to the interesting places Simon and Elizabeth visit, their sweet but fun interaction with each other and others they meet on their adventure, the ‘mistakes’ that Elizabeth finds herself in and the fun mystery behind what needs to be ‘fixed’. However, I have to say that I was a little disappointed with this instalment in the series.
Elizabeth and Simon where fun as usual, it was like saying hello to old friends, and it was lovely to read about them happy together. But the mystery behind why they travelled back in time was, honestly, a little boring. It just did not grab me. The other books had this clear goal of what the outcome would be and why it needed to be done, but this did not. It was just a person, nothing particularly special, no wow factor. And it took so long to find out what they had to do to help him. In addition to this, there was not as much action as usual. There seemed to be a lot of socialising instead. But the thing that was most disappointing was how he was saved, it was just so simple and could have had happened at any time. I liked how the previous books have been fun but complex, this one was fun, but simple.
What was more interesting to me, and I don’t think it should have been, was the side story of Jack. That was interesting, it was a nice side story, and played well along the rest. I just needed more from the rest. I wish I was saying I loved this like the previous ones (particularly number 3 which was my favourite), but it was really only ok. I will however read the next one.
Will I read it again? No
Elizabeth and Simon where fun as usual, it was like saying hello to old friends, and it was lovely to read about them happy together. But the mystery behind why they travelled back in time was, honestly, a little boring. It just did not grab me. The other books had this clear goal of what the outcome would be and why it needed to be done, but this did not. It was just a person, nothing particularly special, no wow factor. And it took so long to find out what they had to do to help him. In addition to this, there was not as much action as usual. There seemed to be a lot of socialising instead. But the thing that was most disappointing was how he was saved, it was just so simple and could have had happened at any time. I liked how the previous books have been fun but complex, this one was fun, but simple.
What was more interesting to me, and I don’t think it should have been, was the side story of Jack. That was interesting, it was a nice side story, and played well along the rest. I just needed more from the rest. I wish I was saying I loved this like the previous ones (particularly number 3 which was my favourite), but it was really only ok. I will however read the next one.
Will I read it again? No
January 22, 2019
*minor spoilers but not enough to spoil anything*
2.5
I was really not a fan of this one. If it had been any other series I wouldn’t have even finished the book. But I love Simon and Elizabeth so I stuck it out. This seemed to drag on. I couldn’t get into the plot no matter how hard I tried. The writing isn’t any different, I really think it was just what was happening that put me off. They go back to save an actor (and it isn’t even fully explained why until way into the book) and all they do the entire time is drink. I did like Alan Grant quite a bit though. Even though this wasn’t the best... I’m still very excited to read Simon and Elizabeth’s next adventures.
We learned about Jack’s past and honestly it was heart-breaking. You would think that since I wasn’t totally into the plot I wouldn’t be affected by it, but it was actually very sad and I teared up in his parts. It was very well-written and I could feel what he felt. All in all, I’m starting to really like Jack as a character. At first I was just kind of indifferent, but he’s grown on me.
2.5
I was really not a fan of this one. If it had been any other series I wouldn’t have even finished the book. But I love Simon and Elizabeth so I stuck it out. This seemed to drag on. I couldn’t get into the plot no matter how hard I tried. The writing isn’t any different, I really think it was just what was happening that put me off. They go back to save an actor (and it isn’t even fully explained why until way into the book) and all they do the entire time is drink. I did like Alan Grant quite a bit though. Even though this wasn’t the best... I’m still very excited to read Simon and Elizabeth’s next adventures.
We learned about Jack’s past and honestly it was heart-breaking. You would think that since I wasn’t totally into the plot I wouldn’t be affected by it, but it was actually very sad and I teared up in his parts. It was very well-written and I could feel what he felt. All in all, I’m starting to really like Jack as a character. At first I was just kind of indifferent, but he’s grown on me.
March 19, 2013
Ok.....I enjoyed this one just as much as the last 3. I hear the author is penning the 5th one as we speak. I will definitely read it when it comes out.
The plot once again follows the 2 main characters, who happen to be in love (the love story is the campy part!). They get caught up in time travel, and engage in a "good vs evil" adventure that also involves supernatural elements.
What I liked about this book (and all of the books so far): The time travel aspect gives the story the feel of a period piece, much like historical fiction. Historical fiction is my favorite.
What I did not like about this book: The resolution to the plot was highly anti climactic and not nearly clever enough to be even halfway feasible. It made me feel like the author was in a hurry to finish this one up and did not put enough logic and thought into making a complete resolution/ending to the story.
Another thing I like about these books is that they are quick, easy reads. Yes, it seems to be taking me a long time to read a book these days, but I've been limiting my reading only at bedtime, since I rarely have the spare time for leisure reading these days. I actually finished this book days ago, but only just now marked it as complete on good reads.
On to my next literary adventure. Until next time.....
Sara
The plot once again follows the 2 main characters, who happen to be in love (the love story is the campy part!). They get caught up in time travel, and engage in a "good vs evil" adventure that also involves supernatural elements.
What I liked about this book (and all of the books so far): The time travel aspect gives the story the feel of a period piece, much like historical fiction. Historical fiction is my favorite.
What I did not like about this book: The resolution to the plot was highly anti climactic and not nearly clever enough to be even halfway feasible. It made me feel like the author was in a hurry to finish this one up and did not put enough logic and thought into making a complete resolution/ending to the story.
Another thing I like about these books is that they are quick, easy reads. Yes, it seems to be taking me a long time to read a book these days, but I've been limiting my reading only at bedtime, since I rarely have the spare time for leisure reading these days. I actually finished this book days ago, but only just now marked it as complete on good reads.
On to my next literary adventure. Until next time.....
Sara
September 5, 2013
Another enjoyable outing in the 'Out of Time' series by Monique Martin. Again, the author has weaved a character from a previous book into this adventure, and we get to find out more of Jack's back story.
Simon and Elizabeth would have to be some of my favorite fictional characters, their dynamic with one another never gets boring, and it's always thoroughly enjoyable to see how frustrated Simon gets with Elizabeth's never-ending ability to get into trouble, whether accidentally or purposefully. Their differences are what make them such a magical couple.
In this book, Simon, Elizabeth and Jack travel back in time to the golden years of Hollywood, intent on saving an actor's life. The twists and turns in this storyline were entertaining, but it did move a little slower than the previous books. Despite this, it was still a very entertaining story and this one again had a hint of the supernatural in its conclusion.
Simon and Elizabeth would have to be some of my favorite fictional characters, their dynamic with one another never gets boring, and it's always thoroughly enjoyable to see how frustrated Simon gets with Elizabeth's never-ending ability to get into trouble, whether accidentally or purposefully. Their differences are what make them such a magical couple.
In this book, Simon, Elizabeth and Jack travel back in time to the golden years of Hollywood, intent on saving an actor's life. The twists and turns in this storyline were entertaining, but it did move a little slower than the previous books. Despite this, it was still a very entertaining story and this one again had a hint of the supernatural in its conclusion.
January 12, 2014
I love the concept behind this series of books, and I truly enjoyed the first couple of books, but while the story line is changing with every publication, the relationship between the main characters is not. She is always the impulsive one that gets them in trouble, and he is the overprotective, angsty older man who is afraid of losing the only love he'll ever have. Plop that down in the middle of a different era and give them a mystery to solve and you've got a story.
These books are well written, and I have enjoyed reading them. I am tempted, however, to not keep going. I'll give it one more book in the series. If the main characters are the same again, then I'll shelve this series and chalk it up to an enjoyable, although short, read.
These books are well written, and I have enjoyed reading them. I am tempted, however, to not keep going. I'll give it one more book in the series. If the main characters are the same again, then I'll shelve this series and chalk it up to an enjoyable, although short, read.
September 20, 2014
Between 3 & 4 stars.
I love time travel, but still not sure what to make of this series. Sort of like how you can't walk away from a train wreck??
Some of the stuff (mostly past books) I wish didn't include the "occult" - as soon as I see that vampires are in a book description, I walk away! This does NOT have vampires.
Enjoyed seeing the golden age of Hollywood! Wish I could have been there :-)
Enjoyable read. Onto book 4 (managed to get box 4-6 for a nice low price, or I wouldn't have read).
I love time travel, but still not sure what to make of this series. Sort of like how you can't walk away from a train wreck??
Some of the stuff (mostly past books) I wish didn't include the "occult" - as soon as I see that vampires are in a book description, I walk away! This does NOT have vampires.
Enjoyed seeing the golden age of Hollywood! Wish I could have been there :-)
Enjoyable read. Onto book 4 (managed to get box 4-6 for a nice low price, or I wouldn't have read).
April 25, 2017
Another romp in the past for Simon and Elizabeth, this time to Hollywood in 1933 with all the glamour of the golden age. They are there to save one of Hollywood's "action" stars of the day. It's light, it's an easy read, it's fun. It should be darker than it is but it's a caper, not a Gothic drama. If you've been reading the series and enjoying it, you will like this one too. Perhaps not one of the better books in the series and one of the shorter ones, so it's not that complex. It is what it is and I enjoyed it.
February 13, 2015
Another good adventure
Another good Adventure with Simon Nd Elizabeth. I love the humor involved in their relationship even when Elizabeth is getting into trouble. What I don't like is the review of the previous books in every book. People should read the other ones. It makes it feel more like a book and less like a story. With that said I will definitely continue to follow Simon, Elizabeth, and now Jack through time.
Another good Adventure with Simon Nd Elizabeth. I love the humor involved in their relationship even when Elizabeth is getting into trouble. What I don't like is the review of the previous books in every book. People should read the other ones. It makes it feel more like a book and less like a story. With that said I will definitely continue to follow Simon, Elizabeth, and now Jack through time.
January 20, 2015
I didn't like this one as much as the others. The story line in this one just wasn't as engaging. I didn't find the characters that Elizabeth and Simon were helping to be very endearing and I only cared about them solving it to progress the story. I did, however, REALLY enjoy Jack's story in this one. At the end, though, I was wishing for a happier solution for him. (In later books, his story turns around, and I am happy about the way it ended, so have no fear!)
May 3, 2016
I enjoyed this book. I do find it puzzling though how they can go back with the purpose of saving someone therefore changing their timeline but spend so much time talking about not affecting the timeline with Jack. Changing anyone's timeline would have a rippling effect on the future so by that they should just stay home which would be a shame.
November 20, 2014
This was a cool book, because they went back in time to Hollywood in the 1930's. I love the couple in this series. An uptight British professor & his carefree American wife. Going back in time to save people & get the bad guys!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews