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Broslin Creek #2
Deathscape
After a near-death experience, artist Ashley Price is compelled to paint visions of the dead, and fears she's gone crazy. Then she paints a man buried alive and, recognizing the surroundings, she rushes to save him.
Instead of being grateful to her for rescuing him, Detective Jack Sullivan accuses her of being in league with a serial killer. He swears he will put her behind bars. Except, the more time he spends with her, the more he falls under her spell. Can he trust her, or is he walking into another deadly trap?
Instead of being grateful to her for rescuing him, Detective Jack Sullivan accuses her of being in league with a serial killer. He swears he will put her behind bars. Except, the more time he spends with her, the more he falls under her spell. Can he trust her, or is he walking into another deadly trap?
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2012
265 people are currently reading
1465 people want to read
About the author
Dana Marton
146 books836 followers Dana Marton writes fast-paced action-adventure romances that take her readers all over the globe. She is a Rita Award finalist and the winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence. She loves writing stories of intrigue, filled with dangerous plots that try her tough-as-nails heroes and the special women they fall in love with. Her books have been published in seven languages in eleven countries around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
August 30, 2025
This was a short Romantic-Suspense and there was a lot crammed into the short page count, and a lot left out and not fully developed. Ashley and Jack's relationship was adversarial from the beginning, not my preferred H/h trope. I didn't care for how Jack didn't trust Ashley and tried his best to make her the baddie.
Ashley Price is a talented young artist who has already managed to make a name for herself. A year ago, she was involved in an accident where she was dead for twenty minutes dead before the EMTs revived her. After this horrible incident Ashley can't paint landscapes, which was her specialty. She now paints abstracts in order to pay the bills. She also paints gruesome portraits of death scenes which seem to come to her in visions and scare her to death, so she keeps them hidden.
Jack Sullivan is a detective who has been chasing the serial killer who killed his sister fifteen years ago. He has tracked him to Roslin, PA. The killer knows Jack is getting too close for comfort and sets a trap for him, which would have been the end of Jack except Ashley has a vision, paints the crime scene, recognizes where Jack is buried, saves his life and plunges her own into absolute turmoil.
Ashley Price is a talented young artist who has already managed to make a name for herself. A year ago, she was involved in an accident where she was dead for twenty minutes dead before the EMTs revived her. After this horrible incident Ashley can't paint landscapes, which was her specialty. She now paints abstracts in order to pay the bills. She also paints gruesome portraits of death scenes which seem to come to her in visions and scare her to death, so she keeps them hidden.
Jack Sullivan is a detective who has been chasing the serial killer who killed his sister fifteen years ago. He has tracked him to Roslin, PA. The killer knows Jack is getting too close for comfort and sets a trap for him, which would have been the end of Jack except Ashley has a vision, paints the crime scene, recognizes where Jack is buried, saves his life and plunges her own into absolute turmoil.
April 27, 2013
Fast paced, easy breeze!
Ashley Price is doing everything she can to get her life back on track and convince her father that she can once again take care of her own daughter, Maddie. But cheating death a year ago has changed her profoundly, especially blaming herself for not being able to save her neighbour’s child, Dylan.
Detective Jack Sullivan has moved from city to city, transferring when he could, searching for a serial killer who murdered his older sister when he was thirteen. He blames himself – it was his fault because of his plea for pizza that night for dinner that had her leaving the house, never to be seen alive again.
He believes that Brady Blackwell, the killer, has made his home in Broslin, and he’s determined to find him. And certain circumstances have him believing that Ashley can lead him to said killer.
**Spoiler Alert** Do not read past this point if you don’t what to know what happens. … Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Right from the prologue, the author draws you in. I mean, c’mon, a serial killer setting up a trap for a relentless detective hot on his ass is bound to suck a reader into the story. And chapter one just cements it.
After her near-death experience, Ashley has visions. Visions she never asked for, doesn’t want, and would do just about anything to stop. She paints what she sees, almost in a trance with a bad migraine, and the scare the crap out of her.
One night, a rather vivid vision floods her, and she paints what she sees. Only this time, the body’s eyes are staring back at her – that had never happened before in an of her visions. Recognizing the backdrop in the painting, she goes in search of the big boulder, knowing it’s on her property, that she needs to save him.
She rescues him and the live happily ever after.
…
Psych! (Yes, I know – an oldie but a goodie!)
Jack believes she’s in it with Blackwell, as either a willing or an unwilling accomplice. But she’s not. Not only does he force her to tell how she knew where to find him, but to make matters worse, he witnesses one of her visions. He wants to believe she’s a great actress, but deep down in his obsessed mind, he knows she’s the real deal.
He’ll protect her – even when he’s falling in love with her.
Being removed from the case, du to his closeness – his conflict of interest, doesn’t stop him. His obsessed mind won’t allow it.
**Watching the characters “tip-toeing” around each other was fun to watch. Attracted to each other, it was great to see the give and take between them, fighting the attraction. IMHO, I needed to feel a little more steam, heat, and sparks between them. But it was still good.
I changed my mind on the suspect several times but kept coming back to the same character – I liked that I was right (doesn’t happen too often,) and that it wasn’t predictable. It was intriguing!
Secondary characters run the gamut of emotion, and I can’t wait to get to Bing’s story. That man needs someone to love him.
Overall great read. I recommend it!
Ashley Price is doing everything she can to get her life back on track and convince her father that she can once again take care of her own daughter, Maddie. But cheating death a year ago has changed her profoundly, especially blaming herself for not being able to save her neighbour’s child, Dylan.
Detective Jack Sullivan has moved from city to city, transferring when he could, searching for a serial killer who murdered his older sister when he was thirteen. He blames himself – it was his fault because of his plea for pizza that night for dinner that had her leaving the house, never to be seen alive again.
He believes that Brady Blackwell, the killer, has made his home in Broslin, and he’s determined to find him. And certain circumstances have him believing that Ashley can lead him to said killer.
**Spoiler Alert** Do not read past this point if you don’t what to know what happens. … Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Right from the prologue, the author draws you in. I mean, c’mon, a serial killer setting up a trap for a relentless detective hot on his ass is bound to suck a reader into the story. And chapter one just cements it.
After her near-death experience, Ashley has visions. Visions she never asked for, doesn’t want, and would do just about anything to stop. She paints what she sees, almost in a trance with a bad migraine, and the scare the crap out of her.
One night, a rather vivid vision floods her, and she paints what she sees. Only this time, the body’s eyes are staring back at her – that had never happened before in an of her visions. Recognizing the backdrop in the painting, she goes in search of the big boulder, knowing it’s on her property, that she needs to save him.
She rescues him and the live happily ever after.
…
Psych! (Yes, I know – an oldie but a goodie!)
Jack believes she’s in it with Blackwell, as either a willing or an unwilling accomplice. But she’s not. Not only does he force her to tell how she knew where to find him, but to make matters worse, he witnesses one of her visions. He wants to believe she’s a great actress, but deep down in his obsessed mind, he knows she’s the real deal.
He’ll protect her – even when he’s falling in love with her.
Being removed from the case, du to his closeness – his conflict of interest, doesn’t stop him. His obsessed mind won’t allow it.
**Watching the characters “tip-toeing” around each other was fun to watch. Attracted to each other, it was great to see the give and take between them, fighting the attraction. IMHO, I needed to feel a little more steam, heat, and sparks between them. But it was still good.
I changed my mind on the suspect several times but kept coming back to the same character – I liked that I was right (doesn’t happen too often,) and that it wasn’t predictable. It was intriguing!
Secondary characters run the gamut of emotion, and I can’t wait to get to Bing’s story. That man needs someone to love him.
Overall great read. I recommend it!
December 19, 2012
This was an exciting suspense story, with a wonderfully dark, tortured hero and an unusual heroine who ended up being perfect for each other--even though he suspects her of being connected to the man who tried to murder him at the beginning of the story. I especially loved how he interacted with the heroine's daughter. Even with all the darkness inside him (well-motivated darkness, btw), there was still enough good guy in him that he never let it touch the little girl. Loved the dramatic, climactic ending.
While I did peg the villain pretty early on (a hazard of writing romantic suspense, I suppose), it in no way diminished my enjoyment of the book. Found a couple of typos, but the story was extremely well-written. Probably the main thing that kept me from giving it five stars was that it was more of a suspense book than "romantic" suspense, although there was definitely a relationship there, along with a happy ending.
Great action. Great suspense. If you don't mind some pretty dark themes, it's a book I'd highly recommend.
While I did peg the villain pretty early on (a hazard of writing romantic suspense, I suppose), it in no way diminished my enjoyment of the book. Found a couple of typos, but the story was extremely well-written. Probably the main thing that kept me from giving it five stars was that it was more of a suspense book than "romantic" suspense, although there was definitely a relationship there, along with a happy ending.
Great action. Great suspense. If you don't mind some pretty dark themes, it's a book I'd highly recommend.
July 26, 2020
Deathscape by Dana Marton is the second book in the Broslin Creek series and was much darker than the first book. Ashley and Jack are both damaged due to circumstances in their past but they are also the type of characters that I can root for throughout the story. A fast paced plot, a serial killer bent on continuing his "artistic" visions and a sweet little girl named Maddie who wins your heart as soon as she appears on the page. I'm already looking for the next one in this series.
December 5, 2012
‘Deathscape’ introduces readers to two strangers who met by fate and find exactly what they need.
Ashley Price nearly lost her life in a tragic accident. While ice skating with her young daughter and a neighbor boy, they fell into the depths of the cold, icy water. Ashley rescued her daughter and went back under to save the boy, but lost her own life instead. In fact, she was legally dead before paramedics brought her back to life. The boy died. Filled with regret and guilt, her world is turned upside down and she can’t seem to shake the nasty visions which haunt her. The only way to stop the visions is to utilize her artistic talents and paint what she sees. The trouble is she keeps painting dead people. Until one day she paint Detective Jack Sullivan and something is different. Not only is he not yet dead but his body is buried on her property.
Ashley is afraid of Jack. Since the accident, most people in the small town think she is a complete mental case. Ashley avoids him but he keeps coming back into her life. Her focus is stopping the visions and regaining her life. She must grow strong in order to keep her daughter in her life. There isn’t time for love or a man.
Jack is a cop and suspicious of her already, but he is also drop dead sexy and head strong. He’s after the man who tried to kill him, a serial killer who has already taken the life of his sister. He’s certain Ashley is connected to the killer and maybe even working with him. When he discovers her macabre paintings, he is even more certain. Why does he get a stir inside his stomach every time he sees her? She’s off limits. Why does he enjoy spending time with her five year old daughter? Jack isn’t the fatherly type or even the marrying man.
Will Ashley go crazy or will she allow her heart to fall for Jack? Will Jack figure out there is more to life then catching his sister’s murderer? There is only one way to find out, read the book.
Dana Marton is an award winning author and ultra-talented. Her characters are strong and believable. There is a perfect mix of romance and suspense that holds readers on the edge of their seat and keeps them flipping the pages.
Ashley Price nearly lost her life in a tragic accident. While ice skating with her young daughter and a neighbor boy, they fell into the depths of the cold, icy water. Ashley rescued her daughter and went back under to save the boy, but lost her own life instead. In fact, she was legally dead before paramedics brought her back to life. The boy died. Filled with regret and guilt, her world is turned upside down and she can’t seem to shake the nasty visions which haunt her. The only way to stop the visions is to utilize her artistic talents and paint what she sees. The trouble is she keeps painting dead people. Until one day she paint Detective Jack Sullivan and something is different. Not only is he not yet dead but his body is buried on her property.
Ashley is afraid of Jack. Since the accident, most people in the small town think she is a complete mental case. Ashley avoids him but he keeps coming back into her life. Her focus is stopping the visions and regaining her life. She must grow strong in order to keep her daughter in her life. There isn’t time for love or a man.
Jack is a cop and suspicious of her already, but he is also drop dead sexy and head strong. He’s after the man who tried to kill him, a serial killer who has already taken the life of his sister. He’s certain Ashley is connected to the killer and maybe even working with him. When he discovers her macabre paintings, he is even more certain. Why does he get a stir inside his stomach every time he sees her? She’s off limits. Why does he enjoy spending time with her five year old daughter? Jack isn’t the fatherly type or even the marrying man.
Will Ashley go crazy or will she allow her heart to fall for Jack? Will Jack figure out there is more to life then catching his sister’s murderer? There is only one way to find out, read the book.
Dana Marton is an award winning author and ultra-talented. Her characters are strong and believable. There is a perfect mix of romance and suspense that holds readers on the edge of their seat and keeps them flipping the pages.
December 10, 2015
Broslin Creek, small Pennsylvania town, normally a quiet, friendly place. Ashley Price is quietly going crazy.. just like her mother did. At least that's what she thinks.
It's in her head and the only way to make it go away is to paint. An artist by trade, recently she hasn't done much painting. She grabs her paints and her canvas and paints until she can barely move. Then she really looks at what she's painted. The man doesn't look dead .. and she recognizes that particular boulder next to his body.
Maybe, she thinks, the man isn't dead ..maybe this will be unlike the others ...all the other dead bodies she has painted knowing those visions come out of guilt for not saving the life of one very small boy.
It's the middle of the night, snow is on the ground, and although she is almost housebound, she runs out, fearing that this time her mind will splinter.
The man she finds half buried is a cop ...Jack Sullivan...but he is still alive. She promptly becomes the number one suspect of being the partner of a serial killer that Jack has been trying to catch for several years.
Ashley fights telling him that she's going crazy and has visions while at the same time fighting the enormous attraction she feels for him.
This is a new author for me. Although, I only occasionally read Romantic Suspense, the book blurb drew me in. The story itself kept me reading.
The characters are finely drawn. You can feel the fear rolling off of Ashley and the anger that radiates in Jack's character built upon years of frustration.
There are many secondary characters that lend a hand in deceiving the reader until the conclusion of the story. As with any Romantic Suspense, there is some sweet loving that goes on until almost the end and then it just sort of explodes into something more.
Although a part of a series, this book functions quite well as a stand-alone. Starting on DEATHWATCH next.
My thanks to the author who so graciously furnished a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
April 23, 2014
Deathscape by Dana Marton is a 2012 publication.
BOOK BLURB:
After a near-death experience, artist Ashley Price is compelled to paint visions of the dead, and fears she's gone crazy. Then she paints a man buried alive and, recognizing the surroundings, she rushes to save him.
Instead of being grateful to her for rescuing him, Detective Jack Sullivan accuses her of being in league with a serial killer. He swears he will put her behind bars. Except, the more time he spends with her, the more he falls under her spell. Can he trust her, or is he walking into another deadly trap?
This book is a fast paced romantic suspense novel that examines the effects on a person when they are a victim in one way or another of a crime. Ashley is practically a hermit, incapable of taking care of her daughter and Jack is a man that lost his sister to a serial killer and now he is unable to live life normally. His obsession leads him to believe that Ashley could somehow be involved with the killer when he finds her collection of macabre paintings. Ahsley and Jack are both at risk of becoming the next victim. Jack's character flaws lead him to think the worst of people and to bend the rules and treat people unfairly. He slowly comes to realize he has been wrong about Ashley and understands he has a lot of changes to make in his life. He also is realistic enough to know he may never really be normal , but is willing to try for Ashley.
Ashley's ordeal will teach her to face her worse fears and realize she wil be able to cope with her past and live a productive life and be a good mother to her daughter. Ashley and Jack accept that they will still face many challenges, but they will love each other just the way they are. So, the in summary, I enjoyed the character development, the suspense, and the touch of paranormal elements mixed in. I give this one 4 stars.
BOOK BLURB:
After a near-death experience, artist Ashley Price is compelled to paint visions of the dead, and fears she's gone crazy. Then she paints a man buried alive and, recognizing the surroundings, she rushes to save him.
Instead of being grateful to her for rescuing him, Detective Jack Sullivan accuses her of being in league with a serial killer. He swears he will put her behind bars. Except, the more time he spends with her, the more he falls under her spell. Can he trust her, or is he walking into another deadly trap?
This book is a fast paced romantic suspense novel that examines the effects on a person when they are a victim in one way or another of a crime. Ashley is practically a hermit, incapable of taking care of her daughter and Jack is a man that lost his sister to a serial killer and now he is unable to live life normally. His obsession leads him to believe that Ashley could somehow be involved with the killer when he finds her collection of macabre paintings. Ahsley and Jack are both at risk of becoming the next victim. Jack's character flaws lead him to think the worst of people and to bend the rules and treat people unfairly. He slowly comes to realize he has been wrong about Ashley and understands he has a lot of changes to make in his life. He also is realistic enough to know he may never really be normal , but is willing to try for Ashley.
Ashley's ordeal will teach her to face her worse fears and realize she wil be able to cope with her past and live a productive life and be a good mother to her daughter. Ashley and Jack accept that they will still face many challenges, but they will love each other just the way they are. So, the in summary, I enjoyed the character development, the suspense, and the touch of paranormal elements mixed in. I give this one 4 stars.
June 22, 2014
The second book in the Broslin Creek series by Dana Marton. Ashley Price had a near death experience and has "visions" that she paints. She paints a scene of a man buried on her property and he is still alive. Jack Sullivan is a cop who was buried by a serial killer that he has been searching for. The killer murdered his sister and he is determined to find him. The search led him to Broslin Creek.
I am loving this series so far. It has the right blend of romance and suspense for me. The identity of the killer wasn't too hard to guess but it was still great to see how the author tries to steer you in a different direction. I highly recommend this series to Romantic Suspense fans.
I am loving this series so far. It has the right blend of romance and suspense for me. The identity of the killer wasn't too hard to guess but it was still great to see how the author tries to steer you in a different direction. I highly recommend this series to Romantic Suspense fans.
November 27, 2017
This was a slowly evolving look into the darkness that Ashley Price lived with after her experience of dying and being brought back to life. It had brutal moments of despair paired with precious moments of joy during times spent with her daughter Maddie.
Detective Jack Sullivan was a man obsessed with finding his sisters murderer, having been one of the killers chosen victims himself only fueled his need for vengeance to greater efforts to find the man.
These two started off on the wrong foot but when they got past their initial dislike and mistrust of each other the attraction that at first caused them discomfort became a raging inferno that could no longer be ignored.
The combination of mystery, romance and suspense worked well as the story unfolded. For me the conflicts faced by both Ashley and Jack made them easier to relate to and also easier to like. The villain was one that I figured out early on but the depth of his depravity still creeped me out when more and more of his character was revealed.
Having not read the first book this second still felt complete on it's own, although there were some back story references it would have been nice to have been privy to the full meaning of.
Detective Jack Sullivan was a man obsessed with finding his sisters murderer, having been one of the killers chosen victims himself only fueled his need for vengeance to greater efforts to find the man.
These two started off on the wrong foot but when they got past their initial dislike and mistrust of each other the attraction that at first caused them discomfort became a raging inferno that could no longer be ignored.
The combination of mystery, romance and suspense worked well as the story unfolded. For me the conflicts faced by both Ashley and Jack made them easier to relate to and also easier to like. The villain was one that I figured out early on but the depth of his depravity still creeped me out when more and more of his character was revealed.
Having not read the first book this second still felt complete on it's own, although there were some back story references it would have been nice to have been privy to the full meaning of.
January 19, 2015
I have three words for this book: spine-chilling, macabre and unputdownable.
The thing is that I don't read paranormals. I've never felt the urge to read one mostly due to my inability to suspend disbelief, therefore I was surprised when after reading the blurb I couldn't wait to read Deathscape, a romantic suspense novel with paranormal elements.
Hands down one of the very best suspense books in a very long time. Despite the chills that went down my spine, I literally couldn't put it down.
If you are looking for a well-written book with strong and convincing characters and plot twists that will keep you guessing until the very end, I highly recommend that you read Deathscape.
This was my first book by Ms. Marton and I'll definitely look into reading more of her work in the future.
The thing is that I don't read paranormals. I've never felt the urge to read one mostly due to my inability to suspend disbelief, therefore I was surprised when after reading the blurb I couldn't wait to read Deathscape, a romantic suspense novel with paranormal elements.
Hands down one of the very best suspense books in a very long time. Despite the chills that went down my spine, I literally couldn't put it down.
If you are looking for a well-written book with strong and convincing characters and plot twists that will keep you guessing until the very end, I highly recommend that you read Deathscape.
This was my first book by Ms. Marton and I'll definitely look into reading more of her work in the future.
February 28, 2013
Dana Marton's latest indie offering is a terrific romantic suspense, deftly balancing a satisfying romance with a twisty, engaging mystery. The book starts in the middle of impending chaos and the tension never really lets up from there.
I loved the characters, not just the main duo but also the supporting characters, who were vivid in their own rights. Particularly satisfying was the way that Marton defied expectations with characters who might have, in less able hands, come off as caricatures instead of three-dimensional people with both flaws and virtues.
When I'm looking for romantic suspense, I'm looking for a story like Deathscape. Can't wait for the sequel.
I loved the characters, not just the main duo but also the supporting characters, who were vivid in their own rights. Particularly satisfying was the way that Marton defied expectations with characters who might have, in less able hands, come off as caricatures instead of three-dimensional people with both flaws and virtues.
When I'm looking for romantic suspense, I'm looking for a story like Deathscape. Can't wait for the sequel.
February 12, 2013
Thank you Goodreads for my autographed copy of Deathscape.
This was my first Dana Marton book that I have read. I will say I was a little skeptical in the beginning of the story, but that soon changed and I could not put it down. I finished it in two days.
You have an idea of where the story is going, but then some twists and turns get thrown in there. I would recommend this book to any of my friends. It was fun and easy to read. Now I cannot wait to read Captain Bing's story.
Thanks for a great story!!
This was my first Dana Marton book that I have read. I will say I was a little skeptical in the beginning of the story, but that soon changed and I could not put it down. I finished it in two days.
You have an idea of where the story is going, but then some twists and turns get thrown in there. I would recommend this book to any of my friends. It was fun and easy to read. Now I cannot wait to read Captain Bing's story.
Thanks for a great story!!
Read
February 3, 2015I am not going to give this a rating because I abandoned it pretty quickly. This was a free download I saw on BookBub and thought I'd check out a new to me author. The main characters Ashley and Jack both really irritated me for different reasons. It might change over the course of the book but, in the beginning, both characters were behaving a bit like psychos. The author didn't make me believe in or want to root for either of them so I closed the book.
December 27, 2012
This is one of the best books I've read in awhile! I admired Ashley for not giving up. She pulled though her fears to be the mother, her daughter needed her to be. I liked the way you tied her visions to the guilt. I also was thankful Jack made the right choice in the end. I was glad both Ashley and Jack worked everything out in the end. Good book. I look forward to reading more from you!
Read
November 28, 2012Very good book! Well written, well thought out and I loved that the story wasn't based around sex. There was a splash of romance and attraction but the story line spoke for itself. I rarely do reviews but I stumbled upon this book and really enjoyed it! Will definitely buy another of this writer.
February 18, 2013
Good thriller with a creepy but original plot, and interesting characters full of flaws and tortured by their past. The romance part is really light but believable.
December 13, 2014
★★★½✩ Nice that the psycho was after the hero instead of the heroine.
November 7, 2021
Excellent Suspense
Deathscape is an emotion filled suspense that keeps building and drawing you into the story. The romance is very light but still there. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Deathscape is an emotion filled suspense that keeps building and drawing you into the story. The romance is very light but still there. I look forward to reading more in this series.
October 8, 2016
Deathscape is at this point my favorite work by Dana Marton! I love a good mystery suspense, and unlike so many where a romance is tossed in for good measure – this one lacks a cheesiness that I find so annoying!
Ashley should be dead. Unlike the neighbor boy who was with her and her daughter, Ashley was brought back by the paramedics after falling through the ice at the reservoir. Since that night, the artist has ‘episodes’ where all she can do to get rid of the crippling migraine is paint – and what she paints terrifies her! After she steps back, the migraine quickly fading once the painting is complete, she sees death...until she paints Jack. She knows where he is, but since the accident she is all-but housebound. Her own daughter has been living with Ashley’s father until Ashley can ‘pull her self together’ and face her fears.
Jack is after a brutal serial killer known as ‘Blackwell’ who he has been chasing for his entire career as a police detective, but falls into his trap instead. Brutally tortured for days, on the edge of death he is buried while still alive. Before he can meet his maker, Ashley realizes the man in the painting is still alive, and on her land! She faces her terror and goes out to find the man she painted; A man she has never met. Once uncovered, a naked Jack assumes she is in cahoots with the serial killer and pushes her to talk about how she knows the murderer. After all, how could she possibly know where he was buried unless she is in league with him?
Ashley already struggles to face her fears, and now she has to prove her innocence as well. Jack is convinced she knows something, but as time goes by he begins to believe her and eventually – protect her.
Ashley should be dead. Unlike the neighbor boy who was with her and her daughter, Ashley was brought back by the paramedics after falling through the ice at the reservoir. Since that night, the artist has ‘episodes’ where all she can do to get rid of the crippling migraine is paint – and what she paints terrifies her! After she steps back, the migraine quickly fading once the painting is complete, she sees death...until she paints Jack. She knows where he is, but since the accident she is all-but housebound. Her own daughter has been living with Ashley’s father until Ashley can ‘pull her self together’ and face her fears.
Jack is after a brutal serial killer known as ‘Blackwell’ who he has been chasing for his entire career as a police detective, but falls into his trap instead. Brutally tortured for days, on the edge of death he is buried while still alive. Before he can meet his maker, Ashley realizes the man in the painting is still alive, and on her land! She faces her terror and goes out to find the man she painted; A man she has never met. Once uncovered, a naked Jack assumes she is in cahoots with the serial killer and pushes her to talk about how she knows the murderer. After all, how could she possibly know where he was buried unless she is in league with him?
Ashley already struggles to face her fears, and now she has to prove her innocence as well. Jack is convinced she knows something, but as time goes by he begins to believe her and eventually – protect her.
February 10, 2014
I rated this novel 5 stars on Amazon
This review is from: Deathscape (Broslin Creek 2) (Kindle Edition)
I read Deathscape, the second of the Broslin Creek series, by Dana Marton, as a stand-alone novel. It contains all the elements of a superb romantic suspense--almost like an old Gothic novel: A heroine living in an old farmhouse on 100 acres of land paints death scenes of murder victims, while struggling to regain her sanity-- and her daughter--after a tragic near-death experience; A cop hero who survives a serial killer’s attempt to murder him has a thirst for vengeance and a secret from his past; and an extremely creepy villain.
This novel was fraught with tension: the plot was well thought out, the characters' psychological frames of mind in keeping with their circumstances. Not a book to read if you just want sex every other page, which would not be in keeping with the danger and vulnerable mental states of the hero and heroine. Appropriately, the sexual climax occurs in the resolution, so that the solving of the crime and the culmination of their release had this reader finishing the story with a happy sigh.
I also love the play of words in the title---Landscape, which was what the heroine painted before the Death-scapes/scenes;
and E-scape, as in the hero's Escape from Death. Also, as serial killers tend to keep tokens or trophies from their victims, the title hints at the macabre display the killer has made from the 'souvenirs' of each victim. Clever wording, well-developed main characters, and clever plotting with an array of characters from town kept me guessing until the end.
I highly recommend this book and will be reading the other novels in this series: DeathWatch (#1), DeathTrap (#3), and DeathBlow (#4).
This review is from: Deathscape (Broslin Creek 2) (Kindle Edition)
I read Deathscape, the second of the Broslin Creek series, by Dana Marton, as a stand-alone novel. It contains all the elements of a superb romantic suspense--almost like an old Gothic novel: A heroine living in an old farmhouse on 100 acres of land paints death scenes of murder victims, while struggling to regain her sanity-- and her daughter--after a tragic near-death experience; A cop hero who survives a serial killer’s attempt to murder him has a thirst for vengeance and a secret from his past; and an extremely creepy villain.
This novel was fraught with tension: the plot was well thought out, the characters' psychological frames of mind in keeping with their circumstances. Not a book to read if you just want sex every other page, which would not be in keeping with the danger and vulnerable mental states of the hero and heroine. Appropriately, the sexual climax occurs in the resolution, so that the solving of the crime and the culmination of their release had this reader finishing the story with a happy sigh.
I also love the play of words in the title---Landscape, which was what the heroine painted before the Death-scapes/scenes;
and E-scape, as in the hero's Escape from Death. Also, as serial killers tend to keep tokens or trophies from their victims, the title hints at the macabre display the killer has made from the 'souvenirs' of each victim. Clever wording, well-developed main characters, and clever plotting with an array of characters from town kept me guessing until the end.
I highly recommend this book and will be reading the other novels in this series: DeathWatch (#1), DeathTrap (#3), and DeathBlow (#4).
January 13, 2013
4 1/2 stars
“Deathscape” by Dana Marton is the mesmerizing paranormal romantic suspense tale featuring an artist named Ashley Price who is recovering from a tragic accident that resulted in her developing agoraphobia and losing custody of her beloved young daughter. Her talent has also been affected and there is the frightening side effect that she is sporadically compelled to paint very disturbing pictures, but she never expects to become drawn into an open investigation of a serial killer. Detective Jack Sullivan has made it his professional obsession to bring the murderer to justice but never expects to be rescued by a fragile woman who seems terrified of everything. The two of them will need to overcome their emotional handicaps and get past preconceived notions if they are going to survive long enough to catch the killer.
This was a chilling but fascinating contemporary romantic suspense read that had paranormal elements. I really enjoyed the way things were gradually revealed and it was entertaining to watch Jack's skepticism morph into an appreciation for what an unexpected resource Ashley provides. The tension mounts and the suspects multiply as the eerie events add to the clues being provided. It was delightful to see the hard-bitten Jack interact with Ashley's young daughter and the events leading up to the initial meeting between Jack and Ashley is very memorable. This was a great example of a nicely developed and suspenseful story.
submitted to Night Owl Reviews
“Deathscape” by Dana Marton is the mesmerizing paranormal romantic suspense tale featuring an artist named Ashley Price who is recovering from a tragic accident that resulted in her developing agoraphobia and losing custody of her beloved young daughter. Her talent has also been affected and there is the frightening side effect that she is sporadically compelled to paint very disturbing pictures, but she never expects to become drawn into an open investigation of a serial killer. Detective Jack Sullivan has made it his professional obsession to bring the murderer to justice but never expects to be rescued by a fragile woman who seems terrified of everything. The two of them will need to overcome their emotional handicaps and get past preconceived notions if they are going to survive long enough to catch the killer.
This was a chilling but fascinating contemporary romantic suspense read that had paranormal elements. I really enjoyed the way things were gradually revealed and it was entertaining to watch Jack's skepticism morph into an appreciation for what an unexpected resource Ashley provides. The tension mounts and the suspects multiply as the eerie events add to the clues being provided. It was delightful to see the hard-bitten Jack interact with Ashley's young daughter and the events leading up to the initial meeting between Jack and Ashley is very memorable. This was a great example of a nicely developed and suspenseful story.
submitted to Night Owl Reviews
October 5, 2014
4 solid Chilling-Thrilling Stars! This is the second in the Broslin Creek series by Dana Marton and it was better than the first. I read Deathwatch several months ago and not really sure why I didn't jump right into Deathscape. My bad!
Ashley has had a near death experience and since then she's been compelled to paint macabre scenes of death. She becomes physically ill just before a vision comes and the only relief is to paint it out. She has no idea who or where the victims are; until one night. After she regains her senses after painting a victim she recognizes the setting. It's on her property. What should she do? How long ago did the victim die? Is the victim dead yet? Is there anything she can do? In order to find out, she has to overcome her worst fears. Can she do it?
Jack has been hunting Blackwell for over a decade and he can feel that he's getting close. Blackwell has been watching and plotting Jack's demise for years. Who will win? All things lead Jack to believe there is a link between Ashley and Blackwell. Is there? Or is Ashley simply caught in a web accidentally? But, Jack isn't the only one who thinks Ashley is Blackwell's willing partner. The FBI wants quick answers and Ashley could wrap things up nicely.
At the very end of this novel, when the action was at its most intense, Jack gets a text. I did, too........ At the very same time Jack got his. I about jumped out of my skin. Talk about being involved in the story! =P
Ashley has had a near death experience and since then she's been compelled to paint macabre scenes of death. She becomes physically ill just before a vision comes and the only relief is to paint it out. She has no idea who or where the victims are; until one night. After she regains her senses after painting a victim she recognizes the setting. It's on her property. What should she do? How long ago did the victim die? Is the victim dead yet? Is there anything she can do? In order to find out, she has to overcome her worst fears. Can she do it?
Jack has been hunting Blackwell for over a decade and he can feel that he's getting close. Blackwell has been watching and plotting Jack's demise for years. Who will win? All things lead Jack to believe there is a link between Ashley and Blackwell. Is there? Or is Ashley simply caught in a web accidentally? But, Jack isn't the only one who thinks Ashley is Blackwell's willing partner. The FBI wants quick answers and Ashley could wrap things up nicely.
At the very end of this novel, when the action was at its most intense, Jack gets a text. I did, too........ At the very same time Jack got his. I about jumped out of my skin. Talk about being involved in the story! =P
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June 23, 2019"After a near-death experience, artist Ashley Price is compelled to paint visions of the dead, and fears she's gone crazy. Then she paints a man buried alive and, recognizing the surroundings, she rushes to save him.
Instead of being grateful to her for rescuing him, Detective Jack Sullivan accuses her of being in league with a serial killer. He swears he will put her behind bars. Except, the more time he spends with her, the more he falls under her spell. Can he trust her, or is he walking into another deadly trap?"
The suspense in this story keeps you guessing, but, for me, the problems the main characters face were what kept me interested. I read every page and kept trying to figure out how I would have handled their problems. The 'villain' was so twisted that no normal person could have comprehended his next actions - that made for a really interesting read, as did the psychic aspects and their denial that such things could happen. Altogether a fascinating read if you want a different suspense novel with romantic aspects. I loved the way the ending resolved the issues without just removing them.
Instead of being grateful to her for rescuing him, Detective Jack Sullivan accuses her of being in league with a serial killer. He swears he will put her behind bars. Except, the more time he spends with her, the more he falls under her spell. Can he trust her, or is he walking into another deadly trap?"
The suspense in this story keeps you guessing, but, for me, the problems the main characters face were what kept me interested. I read every page and kept trying to figure out how I would have handled their problems. The 'villain' was so twisted that no normal person could have comprehended his next actions - that made for a really interesting read, as did the psychic aspects and their denial that such things could happen. Altogether a fascinating read if you want a different suspense novel with romantic aspects. I loved the way the ending resolved the issues without just removing them.
August 4, 2013
I must say I have to agree with all the positive comments posted about this book. After reading it myself, I found them to be quite the same as my thoughts.
Dana Marton has the art of intriguing and keeping you in suspense til the very end. She had me biting my nails in some scenes, then anxious and sympathetic for Jack and Ashley in others. A -can't put down, page turner- book, for sure. Was easy to read and flowed nicely, good voice. When you thought you knew for sure who the killer was, another possible person looked suspicious of the crime. Enjoyed the romance between Jack and Ashley which didn't overpower the story, but progressed slowly into a nice relationship. I'd say this story was mystery, suspense and romance, in that order of intensity. Dana Marton is a new favorite author on my TBR list. I'm so happy to see she has many published books, which I'll be looking forward to reading next. Definitely keep an eye out for this author for your Romantic/Suspense reading pleasure.
I received this book for free for my honest opinion. I give it 4.5 stars
Dana Marton has the art of intriguing and keeping you in suspense til the very end. She had me biting my nails in some scenes, then anxious and sympathetic for Jack and Ashley in others. A -can't put down, page turner- book, for sure. Was easy to read and flowed nicely, good voice. When you thought you knew for sure who the killer was, another possible person looked suspicious of the crime. Enjoyed the romance between Jack and Ashley which didn't overpower the story, but progressed slowly into a nice relationship. I'd say this story was mystery, suspense and romance, in that order of intensity. Dana Marton is a new favorite author on my TBR list. I'm so happy to see she has many published books, which I'll be looking forward to reading next. Definitely keep an eye out for this author for your Romantic/Suspense reading pleasure.
I received this book for free for my honest opinion. I give it 4.5 stars
October 30, 2012
This book was amazing. I have to be honest here. The first couple of pages kept me wondering what exactly was going on. But as soon as the 2 main characters cross paths everything comes together. When a book keeps me turning the pages and not wanting to put it down, it instantly becomes one of my favorites, and this one did just that. I couldn't pu it down until I found out who the killer was, and it kept me guessing until the very end. :)
Jack Sullivan is a detective only interested in finding the serial killer that killed his sister. Now he is sure of where the killer lives he just needs to find out who he is.
Since her own death from being underwater under ice for 20 minutes Ashley Price has been suffering from vicious headaches and visions of dead people that she just has to paint for it to go away. But now a vision has shown her a man that is not yet dead and she is going to try to save him. But after saving him she might just become the killer's next target.
Jack Sullivan is a detective only interested in finding the serial killer that killed his sister. Now he is sure of where the killer lives he just needs to find out who he is.
Since her own death from being underwater under ice for 20 minutes Ashley Price has been suffering from vicious headaches and visions of dead people that she just has to paint for it to go away. But now a vision has shown her a man that is not yet dead and she is going to try to save him. But after saving him she might just become the killer's next target.
June 19, 2013
Detective Jack Sullivan is obsessed with a serial killer...he moves to Broslin Creek to try and find him. He thinks he has moved to commit his next kill. Then something happens and he meets Ashely Price....she has issues of her own that she's trying to deal with...it's so hard to see what she goes through...but she has courage. So go get the book...
You will need to pick this book up to find out all the hidden secrets...it's a real page turner...I can assure you that you will not be disappointed in this book...now after this book comes Deathtrap and that is just as wonderful as this one...
Dana Marton has it all it this book...action, thriller, a little romance, suspense....it will have you guessing...it grabs you from the first page. There's terrifying moments and sweet moments...so hard not to love this book..
You will need to pick this book up to find out all the hidden secrets...it's a real page turner...I can assure you that you will not be disappointed in this book...now after this book comes Deathtrap and that is just as wonderful as this one...
Dana Marton has it all it this book...action, thriller, a little romance, suspense....it will have you guessing...it grabs you from the first page. There's terrifying moments and sweet moments...so hard not to love this book..
December 27, 2012
I’m glad that I took a risk buying this book. I had my reservations since the first book I read from this author was good, had a lot of promise but turned out to be 50 pages long so everything was wrapped up before the plot got really interesting.
Now Deathscape is a book, not a novella. The plot had me guessing about the possibilities, loved the neck breaking pace, enjoy that Ashley simply didn’t let herself down and did everything she could to overcome her traumatic experience and not loosing herself.
Jack was hotheaded, determined, with a traumatic past of his own and a bit reckless in his quest for revenge, but the man was sexy as hell.
Now Deathscape is a book, not a novella. The plot had me guessing about the possibilities, loved the neck breaking pace, enjoy that Ashley simply didn’t let herself down and did everything she could to overcome her traumatic experience and not loosing herself.
Jack was hotheaded, determined, with a traumatic past of his own and a bit reckless in his quest for revenge, but the man was sexy as hell.
June 6, 2013
Strongest point for me with this book was the deft handling of the paranormal element. Seems so many authors are on this trend right now and think more is better, to the extent that everyone involved has some kind of paranormal ability. In this case, an accident leaves an artist with emotional issues and a link that leads her to see ... and paint ... victims who have died.
Otherwise the plot is somewhat predictable, though the characterization is quite good. For me, more police procedural and less romance would have been better but should appeal even more to romance readers.
Otherwise the plot is somewhat predictable, though the characterization is quite good. For me, more police procedural and less romance would have been better but should appeal even more to romance readers.
November 6, 2012
A great book, and must read! It challenges you and I can tell you that the two protagonists frustrate the hell out of you but that just adds to the terrific story. This book has everything that rivets the reader to begin reading it and then not being able to put it down!! I love Dana Marton's books and once again she has brought quality to the table!!
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December 16, 2012Absolutely one of the best books I have read in a really long time. The story truly keeps you intrigued hanging on every small clue to the identity of the killer and the characters are interesting enough that you cant wait to learn more about them and see if they manage to overcome the baggage and come together. Thank you for a great read. Cant wait for the next book about Capt Bing!
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