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Brown and de Luca #2
Wake to Darkness
A reunion between a cop and clairvoyant who knows him like no other leads to danger in this romantic suspense from a New York Times–bestselling author.Rachel de Luca’s uncanny sense of perception is the key to her success as a self-help celebrity. Even before she regained her sight, she had a gift for seeing people’s most carefully hidden secrets. But the secret she shares with Detective Mason Brown is one she has promised to keep. As for Mason, he sees Rachel more clearly than she’d like to admit.After a single night of adrenaline-fueled passion, they have agreed to keep their distance—until a string of murders brings them together again. Mason thinks that he can protect everyone he loves, including Rachel, by taking them to a winter hideaway, but danger follows them up the mountain.As guests disappear from the snowbound resort, the race to find the murderer intensifies. Rachel knows she’s a target. Will acknowledging her feelings for Mason destroy her—or save them both and stop a killer?“Maggie Shayne writes wonderful stories combining romance with page-turning thrills.” —Karen Robards, New York Times–bestselling author of Whispers at Midnight“Maggie Shayne is better than chocolate. She satisfies every weekend craving.” —Suzanne Forster, New York Times–bestselling author of The Arrangement
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2013
146 people are currently reading
1431 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Shayne
257 books2,571 followersI live in the teeny, tiny town of Taylor, NY, (Alliteration Alert!) though my mailing address is Cincinnatus, my telephone exchange is Truxton and I pay taxes and vote in Cuyler. All of these are at least in the same rural county in the southern hills of New York State; Cortland County. There are more cattle than people here. The nearest “big” cities are Syracuse and Binghamton and they are an hour away, in different directions, and not really all that big by most standards, though they both seem humongous to me. I look out my window to see rolling, green, thickly forested hills, wildflower laden meadows and wide open blue, blue skies. My road is barely paved. The nearest neighboring place is a 700 acre dairy farm.
My house is a big, century old farmhouse. I moved in here after my divorce in 2006. Just a little over a year later, the house, which I had named, SERENITY, burned. It was 99% gutted, and I lost my two dogs, Sally, an 11-year-old great Dane, and Wrinkles, my 14-year-old, blind bulldog. This was the culmination of my Dark Night of the soul, which had seemed to hit me all at once in 2006-2007. My mother died that year, after a 14 month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was only 60. The youngest of my five daughters had left home that same year, and while that’s not a tragedy at all, it felt like one to me. Then came the divorce. And finally there was the fire--it seemed my darkest night wasn’t quite finished with me after all. I had lost almost everything before that point, and as I poked through the wet ashes and soot the next day, I realized that I had now been stripped all the way to the bone.
No better time to start over. (And no, I didn’t come to that realization that day--there were a few days of wallowing in pity first, particularly the day after the fire, when I hit a deer and smashed up my car, which I was practically living in!)
That’s when I started to laugh. Just sat on the side of the road as the deer bounded, uninjured and carefree, out of sight, and laughed. It was just too ridiculous at that point, to do anything else!
And from there, I picked myself up, and brushed myself off, and said, okay, there’s only one way to go from here. Forward. And that’s what I did. There I was at the age of harrurmphemmph, living in my one, mostly undamaged remaining room, with a dorm-sized mini-fridge, a futon, a TV, my cat (nine lives!) and a laptop. And not much else. (Though thank goodness the room that survived the fire, was a room that had its own attached bathroom!)
Since then I have rebuilt my beloved home, which really has become my haven, my “Serenity.” I share it now with my fiancé, Lance, and we have accumulated quite the little family together. “Little” being a relative term. We have a pair of English Mastiffs, Dozer and Daisy, who weigh 203 pounds and 208 pounds respectively, and a little pudgy English Bulldog named Niblet, who is bigger than both of them, inside her mind. We also have the aforementioned cat, Glorificus (“Glory” for short,) who adores her canine pups and keeps them firmly in line. And we've acquired a pair of stray cats as well, a mother and son, Luna (Lulu for short) and Butters aka Buddy. Lulu showed up pregnant during a lunar eclipse, had a litter, and vanished again. We found homes for all the kittens except one. Butters. We got him fixed and kept him. A few months later, Lulu returned, again expecting. This litter was born on the "Monster Moon." Again, all the kittens were spayed and neutered and placed in homes, and this time we got Lulu to the vet in time to spay her before the cycle could repeat.
Glory is not amused.
She has a story of her own, my old Glory cat, having been with me before the Dark Times descended, she went through it all with me, moved with me, survived the fire, and remains with me still. She's tolerating the newcomers. Barely.
My partner is an artist, a mechanic, a welder and an inventor, and the rumors are true, he is much younger than I
My house is a big, century old farmhouse. I moved in here after my divorce in 2006. Just a little over a year later, the house, which I had named, SERENITY, burned. It was 99% gutted, and I lost my two dogs, Sally, an 11-year-old great Dane, and Wrinkles, my 14-year-old, blind bulldog. This was the culmination of my Dark Night of the soul, which had seemed to hit me all at once in 2006-2007. My mother died that year, after a 14 month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was only 60. The youngest of my five daughters had left home that same year, and while that’s not a tragedy at all, it felt like one to me. Then came the divorce. And finally there was the fire--it seemed my darkest night wasn’t quite finished with me after all. I had lost almost everything before that point, and as I poked through the wet ashes and soot the next day, I realized that I had now been stripped all the way to the bone.
No better time to start over. (And no, I didn’t come to that realization that day--there were a few days of wallowing in pity first, particularly the day after the fire, when I hit a deer and smashed up my car, which I was practically living in!)
That’s when I started to laugh. Just sat on the side of the road as the deer bounded, uninjured and carefree, out of sight, and laughed. It was just too ridiculous at that point, to do anything else!
And from there, I picked myself up, and brushed myself off, and said, okay, there’s only one way to go from here. Forward. And that’s what I did. There I was at the age of harrurmphemmph, living in my one, mostly undamaged remaining room, with a dorm-sized mini-fridge, a futon, a TV, my cat (nine lives!) and a laptop. And not much else. (Though thank goodness the room that survived the fire, was a room that had its own attached bathroom!)
Since then I have rebuilt my beloved home, which really has become my haven, my “Serenity.” I share it now with my fiancé, Lance, and we have accumulated quite the little family together. “Little” being a relative term. We have a pair of English Mastiffs, Dozer and Daisy, who weigh 203 pounds and 208 pounds respectively, and a little pudgy English Bulldog named Niblet, who is bigger than both of them, inside her mind. We also have the aforementioned cat, Glorificus (“Glory” for short,) who adores her canine pups and keeps them firmly in line. And we've acquired a pair of stray cats as well, a mother and son, Luna (Lulu for short) and Butters aka Buddy. Lulu showed up pregnant during a lunar eclipse, had a litter, and vanished again. We found homes for all the kittens except one. Butters. We got him fixed and kept him. A few months later, Lulu returned, again expecting. This litter was born on the "Monster Moon." Again, all the kittens were spayed and neutered and placed in homes, and this time we got Lulu to the vet in time to spay her before the cycle could repeat.
Glory is not amused.
She has a story of her own, my old Glory cat, having been with me before the Dark Times descended, she went through it all with me, moved with me, survived the fire, and remains with me still. She's tolerating the newcomers. Barely.
My partner is an artist, a mechanic, a welder and an inventor, and the rumors are true, he is much younger than I
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
February 27, 2020
Wake to Darkness is the second book in the Brown and de Luca series by Maggie Shayne and is as good as the first. Rachel and Mason are back together to solve more crimes and figure out what they are to each other. Lots of chemistry going on. Also lots more in the book with Mason's two nephews and Rachel's niece. And let's not forget Rachel's blind bulldog Myrtle. She steals just about every scene she is in. This book has some LOL moments and some sad ones and scary ones. Maggie Shayne gives you a little of everything. I love these characters together especially Rachel and her smart, sarcastic mouth and Mason just trying to keep up with her. Highly recommended. It is a good idea to read the first book in the series because this book is a continuation. Can't wait to read the third!
July 17, 2014
Originally posted at The Book Nympho
Rachel and Mason are back but have decided to take a break from each other as she needs time to explore life as a sighted person after having been blind for 20 years. He needs to come to terms with the devastation caused by his brother. Both thought that case was behind them but it seems as if someone is still targeting Mason's brother's organ recipients, specifically Rachel.
This second book in the series continues the previous storyline...somewhat. Rachel and Mason don't understand why but know she needs protection. In the meantime, they're still fighting their attraction to one another and losing the battle.
I enjoyed this story, maybe even more than the first book. Rachel's snarky humor continues to be a delight in this quirky series. I also love her blind bulldog, Myrtle, who is a scene stealer. The mystery is quite the stumper. I eventually figured out the killer but not the "why." There were a number of surprises I didn't see coming, which is always a good thing in a mystery.
I'm really enjoying this interesting, offbeat mystery series. It's still on the lighter side of romance but excels in story, pace, mystery and clever repartee. There's also a novella preceding this book that sets up the next story (quite clever). It's called Dream of Danger and is free on Amazon. If you plan to read this series, go grab it.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
Rachel and Mason are back but have decided to take a break from each other as she needs time to explore life as a sighted person after having been blind for 20 years. He needs to come to terms with the devastation caused by his brother. Both thought that case was behind them but it seems as if someone is still targeting Mason's brother's organ recipients, specifically Rachel.
This second book in the series continues the previous storyline...somewhat. Rachel and Mason don't understand why but know she needs protection. In the meantime, they're still fighting their attraction to one another and losing the battle.
I enjoyed this story, maybe even more than the first book. Rachel's snarky humor continues to be a delight in this quirky series. I also love her blind bulldog, Myrtle, who is a scene stealer. The mystery is quite the stumper. I eventually figured out the killer but not the "why." There were a number of surprises I didn't see coming, which is always a good thing in a mystery.
I'm really enjoying this interesting, offbeat mystery series. It's still on the lighter side of romance but excels in story, pace, mystery and clever repartee. There's also a novella preceding this book that sets up the next story (quite clever). It's called Dream of Danger and is free on Amazon. If you plan to read this series, go grab it.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
February 25, 2017
Well that was a crazy twist!!
Months after getting her eyesight back through cornea transplants (obtained from a serial killer), Rachel's life hasn't been the same. She's experiencing everything and more to the fullest, everything except the man she really wants, Mason Brown whom she shared an incredible night with. She's finishing up her interview tour when Mason approaches her for help on his current case.
With the gift of eyesight also came the gift to see things that no one else could. Rachel is dreaming of murders where people's organs (also from same serial killer) are being removed, and she feared that they will come for her eyes next. In order to protect her, Mason takes Rachel and his family on a holiday getaway to well... get away from this killer. The trip, however, is not all fun, snow, and hot chocolate. Things are occurring that indicate the killer may have followed them.
This one kept me on the edge, just when I think I could relax for a bit, things are twisted around for a surprise! Totally had no clue! I really enjoyed the dynamics between Rachel and Mason as their characters grow. The banter was clever and funny, I couldn't get enough. Even Rachel's inner voice had its own brand of sass. And of course, the cuteness of Myrtle, she steals every scene as usual. There's not a whole lot of "romance" if that's what you're looking for but Rachel and Mason's relationship is definitely blooming. Can't wait for more of them and their family!
Months after getting her eyesight back through cornea transplants (obtained from a serial killer), Rachel's life hasn't been the same. She's experiencing everything and more to the fullest, everything except the man she really wants, Mason Brown whom she shared an incredible night with. She's finishing up her interview tour when Mason approaches her for help on his current case.
With the gift of eyesight also came the gift to see things that no one else could. Rachel is dreaming of murders where people's organs (also from same serial killer) are being removed, and she feared that they will come for her eyes next. In order to protect her, Mason takes Rachel and his family on a holiday getaway to well... get away from this killer. The trip, however, is not all fun, snow, and hot chocolate. Things are occurring that indicate the killer may have followed them.
This one kept me on the edge, just when I think I could relax for a bit, things are twisted around for a surprise! Totally had no clue! I really enjoyed the dynamics between Rachel and Mason as their characters grow. The banter was clever and funny, I couldn't get enough. Even Rachel's inner voice had its own brand of sass. And of course, the cuteness of Myrtle, she steals every scene as usual. There's not a whole lot of "romance" if that's what you're looking for but Rachel and Mason's relationship is definitely blooming. Can't wait for more of them and their family!
April 5, 2014
I won a copy of "Wake To Darkness" by Maggie Shayne, the second installment in the series. I previously read the first installment, "Sleep With The Lights On", for which I have submitted a review. The second novel was just as good or better than the first installment, the suspense will keep you guessing, right to the end.
Wake to Darkness is a novel loaded with tension, and like the first novel is still focused on Eric Brown’s suicide and the people who got his organs as transplants. Mason Brown and Rachel de Luca are again thrown together because of a killer. This time instead of the killer being someone who received a transplanted organ from Eric the victims are recipients of his organs. That puts Rachel in the killer’s path.
This is a well written thriller that keeps the tension at a peak through the story. I thought I knew who the killer was but then circumstances changed my thought process. Mason and Rachel are forced to put their possible relationship ,"On Hold", and just concentrate on the murders.
Get ready to be entertained and determine whodunit. Great characters, lots of humor and tension and fast-paced action. Check it out.
Wake to Darkness is a novel loaded with tension, and like the first novel is still focused on Eric Brown’s suicide and the people who got his organs as transplants. Mason Brown and Rachel de Luca are again thrown together because of a killer. This time instead of the killer being someone who received a transplanted organ from Eric the victims are recipients of his organs. That puts Rachel in the killer’s path.
This is a well written thriller that keeps the tension at a peak through the story. I thought I knew who the killer was but then circumstances changed my thought process. Mason and Rachel are forced to put their possible relationship ,"On Hold", and just concentrate on the murders.
Get ready to be entertained and determine whodunit. Great characters, lots of humor and tension and fast-paced action. Check it out.
November 23, 2013
4 1/2 very solid stars...
I received Wake to Darkness in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This series has been amazing. I fell in love with Mason and Rachel in Sleep With The Lights On. I loved the short, but packed full of action and emotion, Dream of Danger. Both were suspenseful, witty, heartbreaking and scary. Even though I really liked both of those installments in the Brown and De Luca series, nothing prepared me for Wake to Darkness. This one scared the crap out of me. Not because it was horror filled but because I’ve grown to really like these characters and Maggie Shayne pulled no punches and kept them on the edge of certain danger pretty much from start to finish.
I knew before I ever started this review that I wouldn’t be able to explain exactly what it is I like so much about Rachel. I think it’s because she’s so ‘real.’ Honestly, how can you not like a character that makes statements like this:
Yeah, I kinda love Rachel. The thing is, she hides behind the stuff she writes. At least she thinks she does. The thing I love about Rachel and Mason together is that he sees the honesty behind what she calls ‘crap’ because she really does believe it. She just doesn’t know it. She thinks she’s self centered and cynical. She obviously doesn’t see herself clearly. She’s loyal, generous and loves those who have earned her devotion fiercely.
Wake to Darkness was not a light and fluffy romance. It wasn’t really paranormal, but it had a definite paranormal aspect. The premise was totally not real, but it still made you think ‘what if?’ and shiver at the possibility. There was plenty of action, a touch of humor, suspense, mystery and more than enough gore that opened in the prologue. Nothing was exactly what it seemed and even though I figured out the ‘who’ behind the violence this time it didn’t take away from the suspense.
This was an action driven story, but the characters are what made it for me. Yes, I loved Rachel. Mason was great too and Maggie Shayne got the teenage drama dead on with both the boys and Rachel’s niece. It wasn’t over done and it wasn’t glossed over. Just like Rachel, the characters were real and the conversations and actions were totally believable.
So yes, I have officially fallen in love with another Maggie Shayne series. I really wasn’t surprised. When you get to spend time with characters like this, what’s not to love?
I received Wake to Darkness in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This series has been amazing. I fell in love with Mason and Rachel in Sleep With The Lights On. I loved the short, but packed full of action and emotion, Dream of Danger. Both were suspenseful, witty, heartbreaking and scary. Even though I really liked both of those installments in the Brown and De Luca series, nothing prepared me for Wake to Darkness. This one scared the crap out of me. Not because it was horror filled but because I’ve grown to really like these characters and Maggie Shayne pulled no punches and kept them on the edge of certain danger pretty much from start to finish.
I knew before I ever started this review that I wouldn’t be able to explain exactly what it is I like so much about Rachel. I think it’s because she’s so ‘real.’ Honestly, how can you not like a character that makes statements like this:
If the bullshit I wrote was true, I wouldn’t have been standing with my back to the man I’d most love to bone, saying ‘No.’ Because if the bullshit I wrote was true, the question he’d just asked me would have been an entirely different one, instead of the one he asked, which had been, ‘Will you help me investigate another creeping ‘fucking’ case that might get us both killed?’
Okay, those weren’t his exact words, but they might as well have been.
Yeah, I kinda love Rachel. The thing is, she hides behind the stuff she writes. At least she thinks she does. The thing I love about Rachel and Mason together is that he sees the honesty behind what she calls ‘crap’ because she really does believe it. She just doesn’t know it. She thinks she’s self centered and cynical. She obviously doesn’t see herself clearly. She’s loyal, generous and loves those who have earned her devotion fiercely.
Wake to Darkness was not a light and fluffy romance. It wasn’t really paranormal, but it had a definite paranormal aspect. The premise was totally not real, but it still made you think ‘what if?’ and shiver at the possibility. There was plenty of action, a touch of humor, suspense, mystery and more than enough gore that opened in the prologue. Nothing was exactly what it seemed and even though I figured out the ‘who’ behind the violence this time it didn’t take away from the suspense.
This was an action driven story, but the characters are what made it for me. Yes, I loved Rachel. Mason was great too and Maggie Shayne got the teenage drama dead on with both the boys and Rachel’s niece. It wasn’t over done and it wasn’t glossed over. Just like Rachel, the characters were real and the conversations and actions were totally believable.
So yes, I have officially fallen in love with another Maggie Shayne series. I really wasn’t surprised. When you get to spend time with characters like this, what’s not to love?
It was my body that had a syringe full of that shit sticking into it. One push of the plunger and we’d be having this conversation over an Ouija board.
I was reminded that she was still in the heartbreak phase. Nowhere near the anger and vengeance phase, which was really the fun part of any breakup, in my humble opinion.
March 1, 2014
*I received a free ARC of Wake to Darkness from Harlequin MIRA via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*
Wake to Darkness has even more suspense than Sleep With the Lights On! There's a major who-dun-it that I almost didn't catch, and there's a lot of sexual tension along with the mystery and thrill.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
This is the first book of my March 2014 COYER challenge.
Wake to Darkness has even more suspense than Sleep With the Lights On! There's a major who-dun-it that I almost didn't catch, and there's a lot of sexual tension along with the mystery and thrill.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
This is the first book of my March 2014 COYER challenge.
June 8, 2016
4 1/2 stars (rounded down to 4 stars, because I had the whole mystery figured out halfway through the story)
April 30, 2016
Another great addition to the Brown/de Luca series.
The Good: Once again poor newly sighted Rachel is the target for a serial killer. Although this could have come across as repetitive as we just went through a fairly similar plot in the first book, Shayne did a good job of making this story feel different and fresh. The romance between Mason and Rachel progressed nicely and at the end of the story I was happy with their thoughts on themselves as a couple. Now I'm anxious to see what happens next with all the characters not only just Rachel and Mason but with Jeremy and Joshua too. Oh and how much do I adore Myrtle? By the way, for those not familiar with Maggie Shayne's Amazon Bio, her picture is Myrt. Sure that pup's name might be different in real life and she may not be blind like Myrtle but the pic is adorable all the same. Here's the link in case your wanting to check it out Myrt.
In addition to the character development the plot was interesting and full of suspense. I never realized I liked the whole "stranded with a serial killer during a storm of epic proportions" thing because I didn't care for it in other books but I did enjoy it here. It added an additional layer of suspense that the first book didn't have. Just another way Shayne made this book feel fresh and separate from the first book in the series.
The Bad: OK Rachel, WTH? How'd you go from a smart, give it to you straight, no nonsense, intelligent woman to one TSTL (too stupid to live)? She not only exhibited this once but twice! Two times she took Myrtle out for a potty break and two times she ended up near or in the dark woods surrounding the cabin with no "oops I ran into the killer" contingency plan. This was after she received an obvious threat that she was next on the killer's list. Rachel, you're killing me! Thank goodness Mason had her back and she didn't run into the killer during her obvious lapse in good judgment. If she had I totally would have lowered my rating because I cannot abide my heroines to be TSTL. True story. Oh and Amy was missing from this book. She was given a couple weeks off it seems and after her terrifying encounter in Dream of Danger (a kindle freebie only to be read after Sleep With the Lights On). I would have liked to see her and how she was fairing a month after her ordeal.
In a Nutshell: Overall, I totally enjoyed this book even more than the first. Despite Rachel's stupid moments, despite the lack of Amy, and despite a potentially similar plot issue this was a really good book. I'm very much looking forward to book 3 in this series!
The Good: Once again poor newly sighted Rachel is the target for a serial killer. Although this could have come across as repetitive as we just went through a fairly similar plot in the first book, Shayne did a good job of making this story feel different and fresh. The romance between Mason and Rachel progressed nicely and at the end of the story I was happy with their thoughts on themselves as a couple. Now I'm anxious to see what happens next with all the characters not only just Rachel and Mason but with Jeremy and Joshua too. Oh and how much do I adore Myrtle? By the way, for those not familiar with Maggie Shayne's Amazon Bio, her picture is Myrt. Sure that pup's name might be different in real life and she may not be blind like Myrtle but the pic is adorable all the same. Here's the link in case your wanting to check it out Myrt.
In addition to the character development the plot was interesting and full of suspense. I never realized I liked the whole "stranded with a serial killer during a storm of epic proportions" thing because I didn't care for it in other books but I did enjoy it here. It added an additional layer of suspense that the first book didn't have. Just another way Shayne made this book feel fresh and separate from the first book in the series.
The Bad: OK Rachel, WTH? How'd you go from a smart, give it to you straight, no nonsense, intelligent woman to one TSTL (too stupid to live)? She not only exhibited this once but twice! Two times she took Myrtle out for a potty break and two times she ended up near or in the dark woods surrounding the cabin with no "oops I ran into the killer" contingency plan. This was after she received an obvious threat that she was next on the killer's list. Rachel, you're killing me! Thank goodness Mason had her back and she didn't run into the killer during her obvious lapse in good judgment. If she had I totally would have lowered my rating because I cannot abide my heroines to be TSTL. True story. Oh and Amy was missing from this book. She was given a couple weeks off it seems and after her terrifying encounter in Dream of Danger (a kindle freebie only to be read after Sleep With the Lights On). I would have liked to see her and how she was fairing a month after her ordeal.
In a Nutshell: Overall, I totally enjoyed this book even more than the first. Despite Rachel's stupid moments, despite the lack of Amy, and despite a potentially similar plot issue this was a really good book. I'm very much looking forward to book 3 in this series!
January 26, 2014
A fantastic follow up! Maggie Shayne at her spine-tingling best!
I'm thrilled to say that everything I loved about book one in this series, Sleep With the Lights On, was back here in the second instalment in full force! It was a thrill ride from start to finish and everywhere in between. I loved it!
For starters, the tension surrounding the romance was delicious. Not an easy thing to achieve considering Mason and Rachel had been allowed to cave into their temptation in the first book (albeit behind closed doors! Grr!). Even so, their current "relationship" is just as enticing in its limbo state, and the reasons they think they shouldn't be together are tested to the limit in this book.
Also ratcheted right back up was the tension surrounding the serial killer that just. won't. DIE! It's incredibly well done, and definitely an interesting twist for a thriller. Although Rachel's reaction when Mason initially asks her to help out on the case is a resounding Oh Hell No!, it soon becomes clear that this new string of murders is definitely connected to the original transplant recipients, and that she will most likely become a target herself very soon.
I find it difficult to review mysteries since, naturally, you don't want to even hint at anything that might spoil another reader's enjoyment. Those Aha! moments are what they're all about, after all. But let's just say I was extremely pleased with how Wake to Darkness played out. It surprised the hell out of me. If you guess who it is before the end, then you're a much cleverer person than I am, because I did not see it coming but at all! I was miles out with my guesses!
To sum up, if you loved book one, this book is just as good if not better. I simply cannot wait to see how she ends the series!
A great read, not to be missed.
4.5 Stars ★★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I'm thrilled to say that everything I loved about book one in this series, Sleep With the Lights On, was back here in the second instalment in full force! It was a thrill ride from start to finish and everywhere in between. I loved it!
For starters, the tension surrounding the romance was delicious. Not an easy thing to achieve considering Mason and Rachel had been allowed to cave into their temptation in the first book (albeit behind closed doors! Grr!). Even so, their current "relationship" is just as enticing in its limbo state, and the reasons they think they shouldn't be together are tested to the limit in this book.
Also ratcheted right back up was the tension surrounding the serial killer that just. won't. DIE! It's incredibly well done, and definitely an interesting twist for a thriller. Although Rachel's reaction when Mason initially asks her to help out on the case is a resounding Oh Hell No!, it soon becomes clear that this new string of murders is definitely connected to the original transplant recipients, and that she will most likely become a target herself very soon.
I find it difficult to review mysteries since, naturally, you don't want to even hint at anything that might spoil another reader's enjoyment. Those Aha! moments are what they're all about, after all. But let's just say I was extremely pleased with how Wake to Darkness played out. It surprised the hell out of me. If you guess who it is before the end, then you're a much cleverer person than I am, because I did not see it coming but at all! I was miles out with my guesses!
To sum up, if you loved book one, this book is just as good if not better. I simply cannot wait to see how she ends the series!
A great read, not to be missed.
4.5 Stars ★★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2014
This book is the sequel to Sleep With the Lights On, a really good book that I enjoyed. So of course when i saw this book, I had to request it from Net Galley. I received this in exchange for a fair and honest review.
It’s a couple of months since the last book ended and also several weeks since Rachel has seen Mason. Mason is the detective that worked with her when she was terrorized by a serial killer. They both have a thing for each other but have decided to back off due to Rachel getting her sight back and wanting to experience everything she has missed since she lost her sight as a child. They thought that the murders had stopped with the death of the killer, but they are wrong. Someone is killing the people that were a recipient of a body part from Mason’s brother. This means that Rachel is in danger due to her having Mason’s brother’s corneas.
I really enjoyed the first book and this book was just as good. I thought the book was going in one direction and I ended up being completely wrong. I love books that surprise me, especially when it’s a mystery or thriller. More often then not, I am able to figure out what is going to happen and that didn’t happen. That in itself, made this a good mystery, at least in my mind it does. That wasn’t the only thing that made this book good though. The author has written two really great characters, those of Rachel and Mason. The chemistry between the two was pretty amazing,. And I would be remiss, if I didn’t mention the dog. Myrtle was my favorite part of the first book and she is just as memorable this time. I really think it would be hard to not fall in love with this little elderly, blind, bulldog.
It was a quick read and paced perfectly for a mystery of this type. The premise was interesting and the characters well written. It ended up having a good romance and I enjoyed getting to know more about Rachel and Mason. I have been reading this author’s mysteries for quite awhile now and I am sure I will continue to read them for as long as she writes them.(Puretextuality.com)
It’s a couple of months since the last book ended and also several weeks since Rachel has seen Mason. Mason is the detective that worked with her when she was terrorized by a serial killer. They both have a thing for each other but have decided to back off due to Rachel getting her sight back and wanting to experience everything she has missed since she lost her sight as a child. They thought that the murders had stopped with the death of the killer, but they are wrong. Someone is killing the people that were a recipient of a body part from Mason’s brother. This means that Rachel is in danger due to her having Mason’s brother’s corneas.
I really enjoyed the first book and this book was just as good. I thought the book was going in one direction and I ended up being completely wrong. I love books that surprise me, especially when it’s a mystery or thriller. More often then not, I am able to figure out what is going to happen and that didn’t happen. That in itself, made this a good mystery, at least in my mind it does. That wasn’t the only thing that made this book good though. The author has written two really great characters, those of Rachel and Mason. The chemistry between the two was pretty amazing,. And I would be remiss, if I didn’t mention the dog. Myrtle was my favorite part of the first book and she is just as memorable this time. I really think it would be hard to not fall in love with this little elderly, blind, bulldog.
It was a quick read and paced perfectly for a mystery of this type. The premise was interesting and the characters well written. It ended up having a good romance and I enjoyed getting to know more about Rachel and Mason. I have been reading this author’s mysteries for quite awhile now and I am sure I will continue to read them for as long as she writes them.(Puretextuality.com)
January 2, 2020
I'm enjoying this series which Jonetta recommended. I love the police / paranormal work and the relationships they are all developing. Some of it is a little campy though, but really fun and there's some great humor.
I did guess the killer this time however, which I usually don't/can't.
I did guess the killer this time however, which I usually don't/can't.
April 20, 2014
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
I won a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
I want to start out by saying that I did not read the first book in this series and I was still able to follow along easily. I do however wish that I had because I enjoyed Rachel and Mason's story tremendously.
I loved the chemistry between the two characters and the bantering throughout. Both of them were strong and likeable with enjoyable personalities. I especially enjoyed Rachel with her quick mouth and say it like it is attitude. The talking she did with herself in her head and her "inner bitch" had me giggling on more than one occasion. It would be impossible to say anything negative about Mason with his sexy good looks and his love for his family. Who wouldn't want a man around who was willing to do anything to protect the people that he loves?
The mystery itself was a joy to read. It was fast paced and unique and most importantly it kept me guessing with each twist and turn. All too often I have the "bad guy" figured out way too early but with this book I didn't guess who it was until right before they were revealed. I easily finished the book in a day because I just had to know what was going to happen and who the murderer was.
If you are looking for a quick, easy and interesting murder mystery with a large cast of likeable character (including a dog that I wanted for myself) I would highly recommend Wake to Darkness. I enjoyed it so much that I will be going back to read the first book in the series.
I won a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
I want to start out by saying that I did not read the first book in this series and I was still able to follow along easily. I do however wish that I had because I enjoyed Rachel and Mason's story tremendously.
I loved the chemistry between the two characters and the bantering throughout. Both of them were strong and likeable with enjoyable personalities. I especially enjoyed Rachel with her quick mouth and say it like it is attitude. The talking she did with herself in her head and her "inner bitch" had me giggling on more than one occasion. It would be impossible to say anything negative about Mason with his sexy good looks and his love for his family. Who wouldn't want a man around who was willing to do anything to protect the people that he loves?
The mystery itself was a joy to read. It was fast paced and unique and most importantly it kept me guessing with each twist and turn. All too often I have the "bad guy" figured out way too early but with this book I didn't guess who it was until right before they were revealed. I easily finished the book in a day because I just had to know what was going to happen and who the murderer was.
If you are looking for a quick, easy and interesting murder mystery with a large cast of likeable character (including a dog that I wanted for myself) I would highly recommend Wake to Darkness. I enjoyed it so much that I will be going back to read the first book in the series.
February 4, 2015
I first heard of this series when I won book 1 "Sleep With the Lights On" from a Goodreads first reads giveaway. I then found a novella "Dream of Danger" offered for free from amazon that continued to tell about Brown & DeLuca and whet the appetite to continue the series. I then purchased book 2.
Wake to Darkness was possibly better then the previous in the series. The romance is on the light side with the characters coming to terms with their feelings. The suspense in this one is great. Even if you figure out who the bad guy is the way it was done may still have you dropping your jaw when everything is revealed. The characters are nicely developed, even Myrtle the scene stealing dog.
Recommended for those looking for a slightly lighter romantic suspense with a touch of paranormal elements (I don't mean the vampires and werewolves that has widely been thought of when someone mentions paranormal).
Wake to Darkness was possibly better then the previous in the series. The romance is on the light side with the characters coming to terms with their feelings. The suspense in this one is great. Even if you figure out who the bad guy is the way it was done may still have you dropping your jaw when everything is revealed. The characters are nicely developed, even Myrtle the scene stealing dog.
Recommended for those looking for a slightly lighter romantic suspense with a touch of paranormal elements (I don't mean the vampires and werewolves that has widely been thought of when someone mentions paranormal).
August 13, 2016
Wake to Darkness definitely has more suspense than the first book in this series, as well as a very intriguing murder mystery to go with it. Sleep with the Lights On was all kinds of creepy and exciting and fun; but if I'm honest with myself, I really DID enjoy this second book a little bit more than the first. And I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that we already know our protagonists and have a grasp on the kind of characters they are.
This Brown and de Luca series is just the right amount of series-format plus stand-alone installments to keep a reader hooked, while at the same time giving us new material to enjoy per each book.
Anyway...
Wake to Darkness employs one of my more favorite plot devices, as the blurb states, stranding our heroes on a mountain in the dead of a wintery snow storm. Of course, I hadn't quite expected the Snowbound device to be executed the way it had been presented, and unfortunately, I didn't take to it as well as I would have in other cases. I'm not entirely sure I'm a hundred percent behind the fact that Mason chooses to take his entire family on a vacation when there's a killer out there hunting them--and to bring them to a resort where there are lots of other people, innocently trying to enjoy their own holiday vacation as well...
Of course, setting that little quibble aside, the rest of the book was fueled with suspense and that same eerie intrigue that comes with an exciting murder mystery and more of Rachel's "woo-woo" paranormal stuff. The fact that we put a new spin on the organ donation angle carried over from the first book made for a great premise to follow:
Rather than Mason's brother killing from the grave using the evil within his donated organs (which I'm still a little iffy about THAT particular concept, with the "cellular consciousness" thing also carrying an evil gene, or something like that), the recipients of the donated organs, instead, are the murder victims as someone is running around hunting and removing said organs. Instead of seeing the murders take place from the eyes of the murderer, Rachel's connection to the organ donation recipients forces her mind into the bodies of these people as they are being murdered.
The creepy factor is WAY up there this time! O.o
When the finale rolls around, however, the first book and the second book collide, and the reasoning behind all the killings make a whole lot more sense--without that iffier premise from the first book, the killings from the second book would have had to have been way different.
And you know what? I really DO appreciate how both books are stand alone mysteries, and yet the premises come together in the bigger picture of the long run. It makes me wonder how the rest of the books in the series will give us newer, fresher cases to follow while at the same time referring excellently back to actions and events from the previous books.
As I did for the first book and the novella, I immensely loved Rachel and all the characters, some more than others and some less than others. Rachel and Mason make a great team as partners in investigation, with Mason's police detective skills and Rachel's "uncanny sense of perception" that she had developed during her twenty years of being blind. I DO love Rachel's sense of sarcasm, although I feel like she got a bit exhausting with some of her "Inner Bitch to Self" conversations inside her head--it was cute the first few times, but after a while it started getting a little old. Nonetheless, I still loved following her narration a lot.
The romance was not as satisfying as I would have liked, if only because our main couple are great together as an investigating partnership, but have yet to really exhibit any kind of emotional or physical chemistry despite the blazing lust generating off of the two in spades. I just can't seem to connect the romance, and I find the sudden inner monologue declarations of love a little premature. Their chemistry was better in this second book, but still not to the level I would have liked, so I'm hoping to see more from them in the romance arena in the next book since they all but declared themselves to each other, even if not in so many words.
Of course, there still wasn't a clear conclusion to the romance by the end of the book.
Finally, the last thing I wanted to mention was the murder mystery, because I really DID enjoy this one and loved the premise to death. A serial killer taking out all the recipients of Eric Brown's donated organs? My only spoiler sport attitude about that was: How did the killer know which victims to target, because all of this information should be of the utmost confidential kind? Even the police had to go through a lot of red tape and paperwork just to get an okay to view that information.
Otherwise, it was definitely an intriguing premise, even if not executed in the best of ways.
I kind of figured out who the killer was after Rachel was attacked the first time. It was kind of a given and made the most sense to me, even if it didn't really. If that makes any sense to anyone else at all.
Wake to Darkness was lots of fun and excitement. And then there was also Myrtle, the blind bulldog Rachel adopted from the first book--such an adorable and awesome little mascot for these books!
***
2016 Reading Challenges:
• Goodreads Reading Challenge
• BookLikes Reading Challenge
• COYER Summer Vacation 2016 -- Bingo Board Three | Square C6 -- Romance
• Can You Read a Series in a Month? Challenge
This Brown and de Luca series is just the right amount of series-format plus stand-alone installments to keep a reader hooked, while at the same time giving us new material to enjoy per each book.
Anyway...
Wake to Darkness employs one of my more favorite plot devices, as the blurb states, stranding our heroes on a mountain in the dead of a wintery snow storm. Of course, I hadn't quite expected the Snowbound device to be executed the way it had been presented, and unfortunately, I didn't take to it as well as I would have in other cases. I'm not entirely sure I'm a hundred percent behind the fact that Mason chooses to take his entire family on a vacation when there's a killer out there hunting them--and to bring them to a resort where there are lots of other people, innocently trying to enjoy their own holiday vacation as well...
Of course, setting that little quibble aside, the rest of the book was fueled with suspense and that same eerie intrigue that comes with an exciting murder mystery and more of Rachel's "woo-woo" paranormal stuff. The fact that we put a new spin on the organ donation angle carried over from the first book made for a great premise to follow:
Rather than Mason's brother killing from the grave using the evil within his donated organs (which I'm still a little iffy about THAT particular concept, with the "cellular consciousness" thing also carrying an evil gene, or something like that), the recipients of the donated organs, instead, are the murder victims as someone is running around hunting and removing said organs. Instead of seeing the murders take place from the eyes of the murderer, Rachel's connection to the organ donation recipients forces her mind into the bodies of these people as they are being murdered.
The creepy factor is WAY up there this time! O.o
When the finale rolls around, however, the first book and the second book collide, and the reasoning behind all the killings make a whole lot more sense--without that iffier premise from the first book, the killings from the second book would have had to have been way different.
And you know what? I really DO appreciate how both books are stand alone mysteries, and yet the premises come together in the bigger picture of the long run. It makes me wonder how the rest of the books in the series will give us newer, fresher cases to follow while at the same time referring excellently back to actions and events from the previous books.
As I did for the first book and the novella, I immensely loved Rachel and all the characters, some more than others and some less than others. Rachel and Mason make a great team as partners in investigation, with Mason's police detective skills and Rachel's "uncanny sense of perception" that she had developed during her twenty years of being blind. I DO love Rachel's sense of sarcasm, although I feel like she got a bit exhausting with some of her "Inner Bitch to Self" conversations inside her head--it was cute the first few times, but after a while it started getting a little old. Nonetheless, I still loved following her narration a lot.
The romance was not as satisfying as I would have liked, if only because our main couple are great together as an investigating partnership, but have yet to really exhibit any kind of emotional or physical chemistry despite the blazing lust generating off of the two in spades. I just can't seem to connect the romance, and I find the sudden inner monologue declarations of love a little premature. Their chemistry was better in this second book, but still not to the level I would have liked, so I'm hoping to see more from them in the romance arena in the next book since they all but declared themselves to each other, even if not in so many words.
Of course, there still wasn't a clear conclusion to the romance by the end of the book.
Finally, the last thing I wanted to mention was the murder mystery, because I really DID enjoy this one and loved the premise to death. A serial killer taking out all the recipients of Eric Brown's donated organs? My only spoiler sport attitude about that was: How did the killer know which victims to target, because all of this information should be of the utmost confidential kind? Even the police had to go through a lot of red tape and paperwork just to get an okay to view that information.
Otherwise, it was definitely an intriguing premise, even if not executed in the best of ways.
I kind of figured out who the killer was after Rachel was attacked the first time. It was kind of a given and made the most sense to me, even if it didn't really. If that makes any sense to anyone else at all.
Wake to Darkness was lots of fun and excitement. And then there was also Myrtle, the blind bulldog Rachel adopted from the first book--such an adorable and awesome little mascot for these books!
***
2016 Reading Challenges:
• Goodreads Reading Challenge
• BookLikes Reading Challenge
• COYER Summer Vacation 2016 -- Bingo Board Three | Square C6 -- Romance
• Can You Read a Series in a Month? Challenge
May 29, 2022
As odd as these books are, I find them fascinating. The second in this series is just as good as the first and definitely as unexpected. I am not fond of bulldogs, but Myrtle is making inroads on that. Poor Mason Brown's family is so messed up that it's hard to see any future for them. And Rachel de Luca is a fount of wisdom mixed with cynicism. I love the way she talks to herself, calling her worse side Inner Bitch. I have no idea where the next book will head, because she has used up so many ideas, but I am definitely going for it.
August 28, 2023
Two in a row that made me want to read way past my bedtime!
February 3, 2014
Originally posted at The Solitary Bookworm
RATING: ★★ 1/2
First of all, let me tell you that I haven’t read the first book in the series and I think that was not a smart decision. Honestly, I love suspense and any story with a killer angle. I love the anticipation and the mystery behind the characters and the back story of it all. That is the main reason why I requested Wake to Darkness and was excited on reading it but somehow I was unexpectedly disappointed and that is sad because I wanted to love this story. Maybe if I read Sleep With the Lights On I’ll be singing a different song but I got to work with what I have.
Reading Wake to Darkness started rough for me mainly due to the change in voice of the narration. I could not adapt to it and the change between characters were really confusing. Made it harder for me to focus and enjoy the story. The switch was not smooth and the inner dialogues of Rachel was somewhat irritating at times. This was my main issue throughout the book. I am up for dual/multiple voices but in Wake to Darkness, it just did not work well for me at all. I think another issues was the fact I was not well connected with the characters, again back to the fact I haven’t read the first book, so I was not that invested with the characters or their relationship. Rachel and Mason seems like a great couple but I was not feeling the tension that’s supposedly there. Not really a big issues since the mystery was what I was looking into the story in the first place but worth the mention.
With that said, Wake to Darkness has a really good plot and it really captured my attention. I was reading ’til wee hours ready to find out who is behind everything. I love the angle that Payne is focusing on though I don’t know how she’ll work the same angle in the next book, but for Wake to Darkness it worked like a charm. The mystery behind what is happening was a good hook and the the big reveal was not who I was anticipating. I was scratching my head asking why did I not thought of that. Character wise, they were OK. Again, due to not reading book one so I was not as connected as some readers were. I am basing the facts on first impression. Rachel was fun, quick on her feet and capable as a lead but I needed a stronger character. She went a great ordeal with Mason on book one (according to reviews) but she was mellow here. Strong and capable yet there was something missing. Mason seemed flat to me. That’s the only thing I can think about this dude. In terms of delivery and pacing, for me, it was bearable. If you can get pass the shift in voices early on, then reading Wake to Darkness is going to be a easy.
If you have not read Wake to Darkness, read book one so you would not end up like me. Shows great potential but it wasn’t calling to me the way I expected. Had high hopes but part of the issue was really me so I highly suggest to give this book a try – you might have a different opinion.
RATING: ★★ 1/2
First of all, let me tell you that I haven’t read the first book in the series and I think that was not a smart decision. Honestly, I love suspense and any story with a killer angle. I love the anticipation and the mystery behind the characters and the back story of it all. That is the main reason why I requested Wake to Darkness and was excited on reading it but somehow I was unexpectedly disappointed and that is sad because I wanted to love this story. Maybe if I read Sleep With the Lights On I’ll be singing a different song but I got to work with what I have.
Reading Wake to Darkness started rough for me mainly due to the change in voice of the narration. I could not adapt to it and the change between characters were really confusing. Made it harder for me to focus and enjoy the story. The switch was not smooth and the inner dialogues of Rachel was somewhat irritating at times. This was my main issue throughout the book. I am up for dual/multiple voices but in Wake to Darkness, it just did not work well for me at all. I think another issues was the fact I was not well connected with the characters, again back to the fact I haven’t read the first book, so I was not that invested with the characters or their relationship. Rachel and Mason seems like a great couple but I was not feeling the tension that’s supposedly there. Not really a big issues since the mystery was what I was looking into the story in the first place but worth the mention.
With that said, Wake to Darkness has a really good plot and it really captured my attention. I was reading ’til wee hours ready to find out who is behind everything. I love the angle that Payne is focusing on though I don’t know how she’ll work the same angle in the next book, but for Wake to Darkness it worked like a charm. The mystery behind what is happening was a good hook and the the big reveal was not who I was anticipating. I was scratching my head asking why did I not thought of that. Character wise, they were OK. Again, due to not reading book one so I was not as connected as some readers were. I am basing the facts on first impression. Rachel was fun, quick on her feet and capable as a lead but I needed a stronger character. She went a great ordeal with Mason on book one (according to reviews) but she was mellow here. Strong and capable yet there was something missing. Mason seemed flat to me. That’s the only thing I can think about this dude. In terms of delivery and pacing, for me, it was bearable. If you can get pass the shift in voices early on, then reading Wake to Darkness is going to be a easy.
If you have not read Wake to Darkness, read book one so you would not end up like me. Shows great potential but it wasn’t calling to me the way I expected. Had high hopes but part of the issue was really me so I highly suggest to give this book a try – you might have a different opinion.
January 24, 2015
I am well and truly hooked on this series, I love it. Wake to Darkness is the second book in the Brown and de Luca series, and this is one of those series where it really is better to read the books in order - otherwise you're going to be missing quite a bit (with the exception of the novella, Dream of Danger as that book is not important in terms of groundwork, at least as far as I can tell - it was still a good read). It was well-written and paced, with easy transitions from scenes and perspectives, wonderful characters and an interesting and suspense fueled mystery.
The mystery was fairly easy to figure out - at least parts of it. I figured out the killer, less than a third into the book - though I did have moments where I briefly questioned myself, but more and more clues were dropped throughout the book that just solidified by initial suspicions. But there were certain things that weren't so clear that I had to read till the end to fully understand. Despite knowing who the bad guy was - it didn't detract from the story. I still really enjoyed it and watching everything unfold because there was just enough mystery to keep me not quite 100% sure and plenty of suspense. But perhaps more than that I enjoyed watching the characters interact.
From Rachel and Mason, to Jeremy and Misty to Myrtle and Josh it was great catching up with (and in Misty's case - getting to know) everyone. Rachel and Mason aren't done with each other by a long shot - and I really love their relationship (not just romantically) and getting to see more of them together. We also get to see how everyone is dealing with everything that happened in the first book - some characters deal better than other. I thought this was important (especially with Jeremy and Marie), because less than 6 months have passed and that was some pretty heavy stuff they went through (and are going through). Basically I thought the author did a really great job with the individual characters and their unique personalities, and the relationships between them.
I still have some questions left unanswered but overall, I am totally loving this series and can't wait to start the next book.
The mystery was fairly easy to figure out - at least parts of it. I figured out the killer, less than a third into the book - though I did have moments where I briefly questioned myself, but more and more clues were dropped throughout the book that just solidified by initial suspicions. But there were certain things that weren't so clear that I had to read till the end to fully understand. Despite knowing who the bad guy was - it didn't detract from the story. I still really enjoyed it and watching everything unfold because there was just enough mystery to keep me not quite 100% sure and plenty of suspense. But perhaps more than that I enjoyed watching the characters interact.
From Rachel and Mason, to Jeremy and Misty to Myrtle and Josh it was great catching up with (and in Misty's case - getting to know) everyone. Rachel and Mason aren't done with each other by a long shot - and I really love their relationship (not just romantically) and getting to see more of them together. We also get to see how everyone is dealing with everything that happened in the first book - some characters deal better than other. I thought this was important (especially with Jeremy and Marie), because less than 6 months have passed and that was some pretty heavy stuff they went through (and are going through). Basically I thought the author did a really great job with the individual characters and their unique personalities, and the relationships between them.
I still have some questions left unanswered but overall, I am totally loving this series and can't wait to start the next book.
March 1, 2014
"Wake to Darkness" which I won from Goodreads Giveaways is an electrically-charged crime thriller with a large dose of passion woven in. It begins when Rachel de Luca begins having vision dreams of people being murdered, a vital organ torn from their bodies. A self-help author and a woman who regained her sight through the organ donation of Detective Mason Brown's decreased brother, is swept into a mysterious series of murders linked to other organ recipients.
As the body count climbs and danger draws perilously close to Rachel and Mason's family, he whisks them away to a mountain retreat for protection only to find themselves stranded in a snowstorm with a murderer lurking in the shadows.
The plot which is well-written and keeps the reader on the edge of their chair is a roller-coaster ride as Rachel and Mason not only have to keep their loved ones safe, but restrain their passion for each other while they hunt down a heartless, deranged murderer. The story's fast-paced, progressing smoothly and quickly, the tension mounting as it culminates in a shocking, emotionally-charged ending.
The core characters are well-developed each responding in a realistic way not only to each other but also to the murderous turn of events swirling around them. Rachel de Luca, a gifted writer endowed with uncanny perception is skeptical and brutally honest about the value of her self-help books. She masks a caring, empathetic nature behind a sharp tongue and a tough, no-nonsense, gritty personality. Mason Brown, the essence of Rachel's passionate daydreams is a strong, confident, and astute detective but is also kind, generous and protective of those he loves. Jeremy, Mason's nephew haunted by the loss of his father and traumatized by his part in a shooting is at first morose, sarcastic, depressed and unresponsive until he meets Rachel's niece Misty, a warm, outgoing, down-to-earth and sympathetic teen. The antithesis of Jeremy is his brother Josh who's an energetic, enthusiastic and demanding eleven year old. Yet it is the emotional complexity of the killer whose past loss and psychotic compulsion grabs the reader's interest and leads Rachel and her detective on a spine-chilling chase.
This is a story that will grip the reader from the first page to the last, and I highly recommend it.
As the body count climbs and danger draws perilously close to Rachel and Mason's family, he whisks them away to a mountain retreat for protection only to find themselves stranded in a snowstorm with a murderer lurking in the shadows.
The plot which is well-written and keeps the reader on the edge of their chair is a roller-coaster ride as Rachel and Mason not only have to keep their loved ones safe, but restrain their passion for each other while they hunt down a heartless, deranged murderer. The story's fast-paced, progressing smoothly and quickly, the tension mounting as it culminates in a shocking, emotionally-charged ending.
The core characters are well-developed each responding in a realistic way not only to each other but also to the murderous turn of events swirling around them. Rachel de Luca, a gifted writer endowed with uncanny perception is skeptical and brutally honest about the value of her self-help books. She masks a caring, empathetic nature behind a sharp tongue and a tough, no-nonsense, gritty personality. Mason Brown, the essence of Rachel's passionate daydreams is a strong, confident, and astute detective but is also kind, generous and protective of those he loves. Jeremy, Mason's nephew haunted by the loss of his father and traumatized by his part in a shooting is at first morose, sarcastic, depressed and unresponsive until he meets Rachel's niece Misty, a warm, outgoing, down-to-earth and sympathetic teen. The antithesis of Jeremy is his brother Josh who's an energetic, enthusiastic and demanding eleven year old. Yet it is the emotional complexity of the killer whose past loss and psychotic compulsion grabs the reader's interest and leads Rachel and her detective on a spine-chilling chase.
This is a story that will grip the reader from the first page to the last, and I highly recommend it.
February 4, 2014
Rachel de Luca’s vision was restored by transplants from a cadaver after she had been blind for twenty years. That story was wonderfully told in SLEEP WITH THE LIGHTS ON. WAKE TO DARKNESS is a worthy sequel. It is not necessary to read the first book to understand the full story of this one but if you haven’t read it, you will get so much information that the first one won’t be as much a thriller as it should be. In other words, read SLEEP WITH THE LIGHTS ON first.
WAKE TO DARKNESS begins with the murder of one of the beneficiaries from SLEEP WITH THE LIGHTS ON. She becomes the first, but not the last. Rachel starts having dreams which show the victims’ murders. Working with Police Detective Mason Brown, who played a major role in her receiving the transplants, they try to find out who is doing the latest round of killings while protecting her and other beneficiaries. When the situation hits too close to home, Rachel, Mason, and their families escape to an isolated ski resort but things don’t improve.
Rachel and Mason’s personal relationship develops as they try to determine how it should be going. He realizes that Rachel, who has become famous and wealthy through her popular self-help books, doesn’t think she believes the platitudes she writes and speaks about but raises questions as to how honest she is with herself.
I figured out the murderer partway through the book, then quickly decided I was wrong. Combined with the previous book, it does make sense.
WAKE TO DARKNESS is a well-written page turner with well-developed, realistic characters who adjust to changing situations. I enjoy her little asides to the reader and the occasional changes between perspectives from Rachel to Mason. I don’t understand the title, though. My main complaint is Rachel uses too much profanity (not on every page or even every chapter) but I don’t understand why, especially when she uses it in front of her niece or Mason’s nephews and realizes she shouldn’t
WAKE TO DARKNESS begins with the murder of one of the beneficiaries from SLEEP WITH THE LIGHTS ON. She becomes the first, but not the last. Rachel starts having dreams which show the victims’ murders. Working with Police Detective Mason Brown, who played a major role in her receiving the transplants, they try to find out who is doing the latest round of killings while protecting her and other beneficiaries. When the situation hits too close to home, Rachel, Mason, and their families escape to an isolated ski resort but things don’t improve.
Rachel and Mason’s personal relationship develops as they try to determine how it should be going. He realizes that Rachel, who has become famous and wealthy through her popular self-help books, doesn’t think she believes the platitudes she writes and speaks about but raises questions as to how honest she is with herself.
I figured out the murderer partway through the book, then quickly decided I was wrong. Combined with the previous book, it does make sense.
WAKE TO DARKNESS is a well-written page turner with well-developed, realistic characters who adjust to changing situations. I enjoy her little asides to the reader and the occasional changes between perspectives from Rachel to Mason. I don’t understand the title, though. My main complaint is Rachel uses too much profanity (not on every page or even every chapter) but I don’t understand why, especially when she uses it in front of her niece or Mason’s nephews and realizes she shouldn’t
May 12, 2014
Wake To Darkness
by
Maggie Shayne
My " in a nutshell" summary...
Rachel And Mason and most of their families are trying to avoid being killed by a hooded needle stabbing maniac!
My thoughts after reading this book...
My first thought was...darn...why didn't I read the first book? Although I must say that the author does a brilliant job of filling in the gaps. I just wanted to read the first one because I enjoyed this book so much.
So...in this one...Mason and Rachel have a connection. Rachel was almost killed in the book before this one and was also blind for most of her life. Rachel also has these intense dreams where she sees or feels the victims being murdered. I almost didn't want her to sleep! Mason's brother Eric...is the reason Rachel can see. He died and lots of his organs have been relocated in other people. Unfortunately someone is killing all of those people and Rachel might be next. She has his corneas! So...because of this Rachel and Mason have taken their loved ones to a lodge where hopefully everyone will be safe...but...of course they aren't...someone begins targeting Rachel almost immediately and chaos reigns. Add to this that Mason's family is still a mess from his brother's death, Rachel and Mason want to sleep together and it's Christmas! The lodge is filled with skiers and water slides and holiday guests...and something is always happening.
What I loved about this book...
I loved that the book was fun yet terrifying at the same time. I loved Mason and Rachel's relationship and I love Myrtle...the blind happy bulldog!
Final thoughts...
I was really caught up in this story...it was tense and fun and scary all at once. The ending...may be a tad predictable...but it was still a great book!
by
Maggie Shayne
My " in a nutshell" summary...
Rachel And Mason and most of their families are trying to avoid being killed by a hooded needle stabbing maniac!
My thoughts after reading this book...
My first thought was...darn...why didn't I read the first book? Although I must say that the author does a brilliant job of filling in the gaps. I just wanted to read the first one because I enjoyed this book so much.
So...in this one...Mason and Rachel have a connection. Rachel was almost killed in the book before this one and was also blind for most of her life. Rachel also has these intense dreams where she sees or feels the victims being murdered. I almost didn't want her to sleep! Mason's brother Eric...is the reason Rachel can see. He died and lots of his organs have been relocated in other people. Unfortunately someone is killing all of those people and Rachel might be next. She has his corneas! So...because of this Rachel and Mason have taken their loved ones to a lodge where hopefully everyone will be safe...but...of course they aren't...someone begins targeting Rachel almost immediately and chaos reigns. Add to this that Mason's family is still a mess from his brother's death, Rachel and Mason want to sleep together and it's Christmas! The lodge is filled with skiers and water slides and holiday guests...and something is always happening.
What I loved about this book...
I loved that the book was fun yet terrifying at the same time. I loved Mason and Rachel's relationship and I love Myrtle...the blind happy bulldog!
Final thoughts...
I was really caught up in this story...it was tense and fun and scary all at once. The ending...may be a tad predictable...but it was still a great book!
November 4, 2014
WAKE TO DARKNESS was an excellent romantic suspense title. Rachel is getting used to being able to see after twenty years of blindness. Mason is getting used to the idea that his brother Eric was a serial killer who committed suicide - a fact that Mason covered up to protect his widow and two young sons. Rachel is no longer seeing visions through the serial killer's corneas of murders being committed. Life should be good.
Unfortunately someone is killing other people who received donations of Eric's other organs. After Rachel is attacked, Mason decides to get her, her niece and her dog out of town. Once Mason's sister-in-law is attacked, Mason decides to send her and her boys along with Rachel to an isolated resort. But the killer has followed them.
This house takes place in the days leading up to Christmas. Since they are at a ski resort in an isolated area things get a lot more complicated when a blizzard moves in stranding all of them at a resort with a murderer also in residence.
The story was filled with tension the built up as the story progressed. It was also filled with romantic tension as Mason and Rachel feel each other out about their relationship. I liked the realistic characters in this one. I could easily understand how Jeremy and Josh were stressed about the loss of their father even though they didn't know that he was a serial killer.
I was completely surprised by the identity of the villain but, after learning who it was, could look back and see hints. Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy this tension-filled story.
Unfortunately someone is killing other people who received donations of Eric's other organs. After Rachel is attacked, Mason decides to get her, her niece and her dog out of town. Once Mason's sister-in-law is attacked, Mason decides to send her and her boys along with Rachel to an isolated resort. But the killer has followed them.
This house takes place in the days leading up to Christmas. Since they are at a ski resort in an isolated area things get a lot more complicated when a blizzard moves in stranding all of them at a resort with a murderer also in residence.
The story was filled with tension the built up as the story progressed. It was also filled with romantic tension as Mason and Rachel feel each other out about their relationship. I liked the realistic characters in this one. I could easily understand how Jeremy and Josh were stressed about the loss of their father even though they didn't know that he was a serial killer.
I was completely surprised by the identity of the villain but, after learning who it was, could look back and see hints. Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy this tension-filled story.
January 4, 2015
Sleep with the Lights On was easily one of the best books I read last year. It was entertaining, the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, I constantly had to remind myself to breathe in..breathe out...
This book was not different,
It starts right around Christmas break, few months after the first one, Rachel is still enjoying her life as a newly sighted woman, the killings stopped, she and Mason have "agreed" to stay apart, so Rachel can get to know what life is like when you are not blind.
She has a new book coming out, and she was as cynical as ever. But then a new string of bodies shows up, with missing body parts, and the only connection between them
The mystery was great, but what I absolutely hated about the first book-the sappy romance- HAUNTED me in this book!!!! Every other instance, we get reminded of their "agreement", and how the chemistry between them is uncontrollable, undodge-able, and how they were unable to keep their hands off each other
WHYYYYYYYY???
Although I admit it did not bother me as much as the first one, I guess I expected it or something..
Still worth the read for the mystery, great writing, unforgettable characters.
This book was not different,
It starts right around Christmas break, few months after the first one, Rachel is still enjoying her life as a newly sighted woman, the killings stopped, she and Mason have "agreed" to stay apart, so Rachel can get to know what life is like when you are not blind.
She has a new book coming out, and she was as cynical as ever. But then a new string of bodies shows up, with missing body parts, and the only connection between them
The mystery was great, but what I absolutely hated about the first book-the sappy romance- HAUNTED me in this book!!!! Every other instance, we get reminded of their "agreement", and how the chemistry between them is uncontrollable, undodge-able, and how they were unable to keep their hands off each other
WHYYYYYYYY???
Although I admit it did not bother me as much as the first one, I guess I expected it or something..
Still worth the read for the mystery, great writing, unforgettable characters.
January 31, 2014
Harlequin | November 26, 2013 | Mass Market Paperbound|ISBN: 978-0-7783-1555-1
My Review:
Rachel de Luca is still having visions of murders through her new corneas she receivd a few months ago in this riveting story in Book Two - companion to "Sleep With The Lights On."
Only Rachel and Detective Mason Brown are aware of her secret and they plan to keep it that way to protect the people they love - but is this the right thing to do? Giving up the secret now would cost Mason his job that he loves so much and bring shame to him and his family.
After sleeping together one single night they swear off any further bedroom trysts and have mutually agreed to keep their distance and just remain "friends." Then a string of murders brings them back together again when Mason approaches Rachel for her help in solving the crimes.
Mason decides that he can protect everyone in his family and including Rachel by taking them to a beautiful ski restort, a real winter hideaway, but little does he know that danger has already followed them up the mountain.
Guests begin disappearing from the resort and the race is on to find the murderer. Rachel knows that she herself is a target, but she must move forward anyway if she is to be of any service whatsoever to Mason. "Will acknowledging her feelings for Mason destroy her - or save them both and stop a killer?"
My Review:
Rachel de Luca is still having visions of murders through her new corneas she receivd a few months ago in this riveting story in Book Two - companion to "Sleep With The Lights On."
Only Rachel and Detective Mason Brown are aware of her secret and they plan to keep it that way to protect the people they love - but is this the right thing to do? Giving up the secret now would cost Mason his job that he loves so much and bring shame to him and his family.
After sleeping together one single night they swear off any further bedroom trysts and have mutually agreed to keep their distance and just remain "friends." Then a string of murders brings them back together again when Mason approaches Rachel for her help in solving the crimes.
Mason decides that he can protect everyone in his family and including Rachel by taking them to a beautiful ski restort, a real winter hideaway, but little does he know that danger has already followed them up the mountain.
Guests begin disappearing from the resort and the race is on to find the murderer. Rachel knows that she herself is a target, but she must move forward anyway if she is to be of any service whatsoever to Mason. "Will acknowledging her feelings for Mason destroy her - or save them both and stop a killer?"
November 6, 2013
RUN and pre order NOW!!!
This book was amazing. It's even better than Sleep With the Lights On, although I didn't think that was possible.
Leave yourself plenty of time to read this book because you are going to want to DEVOUR it one sitting.
It had me on the edge of my seat and a book hasn't done that with such intensity since the mid 90's (Winter Prey- John Sanford).
The relationship/romance between Rachel and Mason is more pronounced in this book and their individual development is greater too.
This book proves why Ms. Shayne deserves to be on the top for her genre.
This book was amazing. It's even better than Sleep With the Lights On, although I didn't think that was possible.
Leave yourself plenty of time to read this book because you are going to want to DEVOUR it one sitting.
It had me on the edge of my seat and a book hasn't done that with such intensity since the mid 90's (Winter Prey- John Sanford).
The relationship/romance between Rachel and Mason is more pronounced in this book and their individual development is greater too.
This book proves why Ms. Shayne deserves to be on the top for her genre.
January 2, 2015
4/5; 4 stars; A-
I am thrilled to find another romantic suspense series to love. I had seen this series around but didn't really get into it until my GR friend Jonetta talked about it.
This second book follows closely behind book 1 and is 'more of the same' but different. The story line continues.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book, Rachel and Mason, Myrtle, the kids. It was fun and fast moving on top of the romantic suspense element which I love.
I am thrilled to find another romantic suspense series to love. I had seen this series around but didn't really get into it until my GR friend Jonetta talked about it.
This second book follows closely behind book 1 and is 'more of the same' but different. The story line continues.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book, Rachel and Mason, Myrtle, the kids. It was fun and fast moving on top of the romantic suspense element which I love.
Read
October 23, 2019Originally Reviewed on Bewitching Bibliophile
In an attempt to protect his family from the repercussions of his decision in book one, Mason takes them away to a holiday ski resort. Only the killer has followed them there and a snowstorm has cut them off from getting help or getting out of there. This one had some of my favorite romance & thriller tropes snowbound in a remote area; unknown killer amongst the guests; and secrets are threatened. Yep, it's all in there. And I flew through this one trying to get to the end and discover just who the killer was. And I was so satisfied when we got the answer.
Bodies start turning up with grisly details and once Mason realizes what the connections between the victims are he tries to isolate everyone who could possibly be a victim. Only the killer seems to be one step ahead of them and while locked in the resort two new victims turn up. It's the holidays and the resort is fully booked, how can Mason discover who the killer is without alarming the other guests?? Even though everyone was told not to share the information with anyone, someone did because there are new faces amongst the guests. Once again Mason's decision from book one comes back to haunt him, and now he's scrambling to determine who could be cleaning up his mess from before. What is the motivation for this new killer??
Once confined to the resort, Mason starts to see the cracks in the facade of his family, his nephews aren't doing as well as he thought especially his oldest nephew who has taken to different ways to cope with the pain of his father's loss. His sister in law doesn't appear to be doing so well either and isn't handling the loss of her husband and the difficulty she's having with her son too well. Mason has to juggle all of this while dealing with his difficult mother, and his relationship with Rachel and of course find out who is killing all these people before Rachel becomes the next victim.
As the story progresses and the youngest nephew gets on everyone's last nerve (including mine) little secrets get revealed; Rachel & Mason confront their feelings and they work towards unraveling the mystery. The story had a good balance between the whodunit and the romance. We really focused in on the whodunit as the mystery built and had a few red herrings as well. I certainly didn't peg the killer until the end a well. I love stories like that because I'm looking back at the other scenes and going OMG that's what that meant or so that's why?? Yeah totally worked for me. Mason's decision coming back to bite him the ass is just perfect. I know I shouldn't revel in it because I understand why he did it and I know the fallout would have been really rough, but now he's getting a glimpse of how deep this one goes and who else will get hit when it eventually does come out.
We got some more about his best friend/ partner and his partner's wife but considering this is supposed to be his best friend not as much as I was hoping. The story progresses quickly and once the crazy starts flying we don't stop until the killer is caught. There are so many moments when the secret almost tumbles out and you see how others begin to react and you just know it would have been worse before. Now Mason has to decide how to move forward with his family and Rachel. Rachel has to decide how to handle being in a relationship with Mason, adjust to having these visions and having her sight back as well. All without letting the world know she is a bigger cynic than they would believe. And yes she's still gotta celebrate the holiday as well.
This story managed to bring you in and kept you hooked until the full reveal, and even then it's not as cut and dried as you would have believed. Again we understand why they are doing what they did and the circumstances leading to it. I mean they are wrong but still, you can see what lead to their conclusion.
★★★★☆
Series In Order
Sleep With The Lights On (Brown & De Luca 1)
Dream Of Danger 1.5
RECOMMENDATIONS
Heather Graham Krewe of Hunters Series
Lisa Jackson (Non-Paranormal)
Seized By Seduction by Brenda Jackson (Non-Paranormal but has Psychic protagonist)
Happy Reading my loves,
In an attempt to protect his family from the repercussions of his decision in book one, Mason takes them away to a holiday ski resort. Only the killer has followed them there and a snowstorm has cut them off from getting help or getting out of there. This one had some of my favorite romance & thriller tropes snowbound in a remote area; unknown killer amongst the guests; and secrets are threatened. Yep, it's all in there. And I flew through this one trying to get to the end and discover just who the killer was. And I was so satisfied when we got the answer.
Bodies start turning up with grisly details and once Mason realizes what the connections between the victims are he tries to isolate everyone who could possibly be a victim. Only the killer seems to be one step ahead of them and while locked in the resort two new victims turn up. It's the holidays and the resort is fully booked, how can Mason discover who the killer is without alarming the other guests?? Even though everyone was told not to share the information with anyone, someone did because there are new faces amongst the guests. Once again Mason's decision from book one comes back to haunt him, and now he's scrambling to determine who could be cleaning up his mess from before. What is the motivation for this new killer??
Once confined to the resort, Mason starts to see the cracks in the facade of his family, his nephews aren't doing as well as he thought especially his oldest nephew who has taken to different ways to cope with the pain of his father's loss. His sister in law doesn't appear to be doing so well either and isn't handling the loss of her husband and the difficulty she's having with her son too well. Mason has to juggle all of this while dealing with his difficult mother, and his relationship with Rachel and of course find out who is killing all these people before Rachel becomes the next victim.
As the story progresses and the youngest nephew gets on everyone's last nerve (including mine) little secrets get revealed; Rachel & Mason confront their feelings and they work towards unraveling the mystery. The story had a good balance between the whodunit and the romance. We really focused in on the whodunit as the mystery built and had a few red herrings as well. I certainly didn't peg the killer until the end a well. I love stories like that because I'm looking back at the other scenes and going OMG that's what that meant or so that's why?? Yeah totally worked for me. Mason's decision coming back to bite him the ass is just perfect. I know I shouldn't revel in it because I understand why he did it and I know the fallout would have been really rough, but now he's getting a glimpse of how deep this one goes and who else will get hit when it eventually does come out.
We got some more about his best friend/ partner and his partner's wife but considering this is supposed to be his best friend not as much as I was hoping. The story progresses quickly and once the crazy starts flying we don't stop until the killer is caught. There are so many moments when the secret almost tumbles out and you see how others begin to react and you just know it would have been worse before. Now Mason has to decide how to move forward with his family and Rachel. Rachel has to decide how to handle being in a relationship with Mason, adjust to having these visions and having her sight back as well. All without letting the world know she is a bigger cynic than they would believe. And yes she's still gotta celebrate the holiday as well.
This story managed to bring you in and kept you hooked until the full reveal, and even then it's not as cut and dried as you would have believed. Again we understand why they are doing what they did and the circumstances leading to it. I mean they are wrong but still, you can see what lead to their conclusion.
★★★★☆
Series In Order
Sleep With The Lights On (Brown & De Luca 1)
Dream Of Danger 1.5
RECOMMENDATIONS
Heather Graham Krewe of Hunters Series
Lisa Jackson (Non-Paranormal)
Seized By Seduction by Brenda Jackson (Non-Paranormal but has Psychic protagonist)
Happy Reading my loves,
March 15, 2014
**A 3.5 Review as posted on KindleObsessed blog**
I asked an author one time (sorry, I forget who…I was at a conference with roughly 60 at my fingertips) what their biggest “writing” fear was. Surprisingly, it wasn’t: “writing an upchuck worthy book” (which I’ve heard more than once over the past 6 years) instead, it was:
“Writing the worst sequel known to man.”
Honestly, I was shocked by the answer. Their biggest fear was penning a crappy sequel? Why?
So I asked. And this was their answer:
(FYI – This I can quote specifically because I wrote it down. Score one for me.)
“Barry Sonnenfeld once said… “By definition a sequel can’t be original. So you’ve got to figure out what worked the first time around.” And I have NO IDEA why my first book worked. So I’m pretty much screwed.”
It got me thinking (the Sonnenfeld quote, not the whole “being screwed” dilemma) about sequels and how they tend to be a controversial subject amid literary circles. Some are adamant that sequels only show how unoriginal the author is. That they just “put the same slop in a bowl and slosh it around until it looks a little different.” Others think squeals open doors, allow authors to expand on aspects of the story they never thought people would take an interest in. But most common (and I fall into this category) are those of us that are both fans of and horrified of sequels. (A disappointing sequel can squash the book lust for additional books by the same author.) When I was offered a copy of “Wake To Darkness” by Maggie Shayne, I landed in the second half of that sentence. I was horrified of this sequel.
While I enjoyed the first novel in this series, I wasn’t sure where Shayne could take it that wouldn’t sound like twice baked potatoes. Presumably (or should I say…definitively) the “issue” was solved in book 1 (Sleep With The Lights On.) The “issue” itself being the ENTIRE BACKBONE of the “would-be series.” It wasn’t just a murder mystery. It was a paranormal murder mystery. And by the end…the paranormal had pretty much met it’s maker. Leaving only mystery left for its follow-up. Not a promising footnote for a book who’s appeal was unadulterated originality. (Feel free to go back and reread Sonnenfeld’s quote.) But I read it anyways. Because I had to know how Shayne was going to pull this off.
And she DID…pull it off that is.
“Stranded with a murderer…
Rachel de Luca’s uncanny sense of perception is the key to her success as a self-help celebrity. Even before she regained her sight, she had a gift for seeing people’s most carefully hidden secrets. But the secret she shares with Detective Mason Brown is one she has promised to keep. As for Mason, he sees Rachel more clearly than she’d like to admit…
After a single night of adrenaline-fueled passion, they have agreed to keep their distance—until a string of murders brings them together again. Mason thinks that he can protect everyone he loves, including Rachel, by taking them to a winter hideaway, but danger follows them up the mountain.
As guests disappear from the snowbound resort, the race to find the murderer intensifies. Rachel knows she’s a target. Will acknowledging her feelings for Mason destroy her…or save them both and stop a killer?”
Like I said before, sequels pretty much fall into 2 categories. Good or bad. There is rarely middle ground. You run into “bad” when no new ideas are introduced. It’s a death-trap with no foreseeable escape. Shayne avoided “bad” by changing the way her reader looks at the situation. In “Sleep With The Lights On” the reader is focused on the killer’s narration. On the paranormal elements. On the overall wildness that is cellular memory. In “Wake To Darkness” the reader is focused on the aftermath. Everything that happened in book 1 laid (in essence) dramatic ground-work for not only the emotional stability of the characters in THIS novel, but also suspicion where the plot is concerned.
There was a plethora of secrets in the first novel. Secrets that could implode a multitude of lives if revealed. In book 2 they come to head. Which causes both an action and a reaction from EVERY player (even the minor ones) involved. The plot managed to weave around all of the “reaction” and built off of it. There was fear of the unknown the first time around. In “Wake” there was a fear of knowing and then subsequently not knowing how to deal with it. The crimes themselves were less personal, (though no less gory) but initiated a bigger response. The story changed locations. (Several times.) Instead of a few members being involved in the crime solving process, an entire army of characters were. Weather also played a huge part, adding a subtle layer of “thrill” overtop of otherwise meaningless scenarios. And, most importantly…the “big reveal” was more artfully crafted. (Aka: there were more twists.)
On the character front (particularly Rachel) the blatant aggressiveness that I was none to fond of in book one starts to wither away and in its place stands a character that suddenly has “reader appeal.” In short, she starts to believe her own hype, which…for anyone who read the first book can attest to how shocking that little revelation is. The only downside to the drastic development in compassion is the way in which Shayne decided to introduce it to her audience.
Have you ever heard the phrase: “It’s ok to talk to yourself just as long as you don’t start answering.” Well, Rachel hasn’t really grasped that concept yet. Here’s an example:
“Lately, girlfriend, it’s precisely you.
I know it is. Inner Bitch. I know it is. So do I fight is our just give in to it?
Do what feel best. Isn’t that what you preach to the masses?
Doesn’t mean I believe it.
Maybe it’s time to start. I mean, come on. Rachel. Don’t you ever wonder why the bullshit you write appeals to so many people all over the world? Don’t you ever wonder why so many of them write to you tell you how your books changed their lives? Saved their lives, sometimes? It’s obviously working for the, or they wouldn’t keep coming back for more.
I never really stopped to think about that.
Then think about it now. If it works for all of them, maybe it’s not all bullshit after all.”
This entire conversation with internal…and one sided.
(Side note: I was equally annoyed by Shayne’s use of the phrase: “Inner Bitch.” Not the language itself (because let’s face it, I cuss like a trucker) but more because it was exceedingly self-deprecating (not to mention over-used.) Enough, we get it, you think you are a raging B. Move on.)
Rachel wasn’t the only to show significant growth though. From nephews to resort owners, each character took every opportunity to expand their perception. The “building” added a layer to “Wake” that was (sadly) absent from it’s predecessor. As a whole, the story felt “rounder” if that makes sense. (Let’s hope so, because I have no other way to explain it.)
Overall, I was impressed with Shayne’s ability to take a doomed story and reinvent it. No, it may not have boasted all of the amazing paranormal qualities of the first (don’t fret..it still had few) but it solidified it’s station as a thriller. Which means a new idea was introduced. The only thing needed to make a book worth while.
Two thumbs up. A squeal worth the time.
Oh…and as far as “sexy time” is concerned. (Before I forget.) There were a few “slam her against the wall” moments (and quite a bit more angst than in the first novel) but still…it didn’t overpower the novel. A successful blending of two worlds. Romance and suspense. Woot. Woot.
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: Never let the fear of failure keep you from trying.
I asked an author one time (sorry, I forget who…I was at a conference with roughly 60 at my fingertips) what their biggest “writing” fear was. Surprisingly, it wasn’t: “writing an upchuck worthy book” (which I’ve heard more than once over the past 6 years) instead, it was:
“Writing the worst sequel known to man.”
Honestly, I was shocked by the answer. Their biggest fear was penning a crappy sequel? Why?
So I asked. And this was their answer:
(FYI – This I can quote specifically because I wrote it down. Score one for me.)
“Barry Sonnenfeld once said… “By definition a sequel can’t be original. So you’ve got to figure out what worked the first time around.” And I have NO IDEA why my first book worked. So I’m pretty much screwed.”
It got me thinking (the Sonnenfeld quote, not the whole “being screwed” dilemma) about sequels and how they tend to be a controversial subject amid literary circles. Some are adamant that sequels only show how unoriginal the author is. That they just “put the same slop in a bowl and slosh it around until it looks a little different.” Others think squeals open doors, allow authors to expand on aspects of the story they never thought people would take an interest in. But most common (and I fall into this category) are those of us that are both fans of and horrified of sequels. (A disappointing sequel can squash the book lust for additional books by the same author.) When I was offered a copy of “Wake To Darkness” by Maggie Shayne, I landed in the second half of that sentence. I was horrified of this sequel.
While I enjoyed the first novel in this series, I wasn’t sure where Shayne could take it that wouldn’t sound like twice baked potatoes. Presumably (or should I say…definitively) the “issue” was solved in book 1 (Sleep With The Lights On.) The “issue” itself being the ENTIRE BACKBONE of the “would-be series.” It wasn’t just a murder mystery. It was a paranormal murder mystery. And by the end…the paranormal had pretty much met it’s maker. Leaving only mystery left for its follow-up. Not a promising footnote for a book who’s appeal was unadulterated originality. (Feel free to go back and reread Sonnenfeld’s quote.) But I read it anyways. Because I had to know how Shayne was going to pull this off.
And she DID…pull it off that is.
“Stranded with a murderer…
Rachel de Luca’s uncanny sense of perception is the key to her success as a self-help celebrity. Even before she regained her sight, she had a gift for seeing people’s most carefully hidden secrets. But the secret she shares with Detective Mason Brown is one she has promised to keep. As for Mason, he sees Rachel more clearly than she’d like to admit…
After a single night of adrenaline-fueled passion, they have agreed to keep their distance—until a string of murders brings them together again. Mason thinks that he can protect everyone he loves, including Rachel, by taking them to a winter hideaway, but danger follows them up the mountain.
As guests disappear from the snowbound resort, the race to find the murderer intensifies. Rachel knows she’s a target. Will acknowledging her feelings for Mason destroy her…or save them both and stop a killer?”
Like I said before, sequels pretty much fall into 2 categories. Good or bad. There is rarely middle ground. You run into “bad” when no new ideas are introduced. It’s a death-trap with no foreseeable escape. Shayne avoided “bad” by changing the way her reader looks at the situation. In “Sleep With The Lights On” the reader is focused on the killer’s narration. On the paranormal elements. On the overall wildness that is cellular memory. In “Wake To Darkness” the reader is focused on the aftermath. Everything that happened in book 1 laid (in essence) dramatic ground-work for not only the emotional stability of the characters in THIS novel, but also suspicion where the plot is concerned.
There was a plethora of secrets in the first novel. Secrets that could implode a multitude of lives if revealed. In book 2 they come to head. Which causes both an action and a reaction from EVERY player (even the minor ones) involved. The plot managed to weave around all of the “reaction” and built off of it. There was fear of the unknown the first time around. In “Wake” there was a fear of knowing and then subsequently not knowing how to deal with it. The crimes themselves were less personal, (though no less gory) but initiated a bigger response. The story changed locations. (Several times.) Instead of a few members being involved in the crime solving process, an entire army of characters were. Weather also played a huge part, adding a subtle layer of “thrill” overtop of otherwise meaningless scenarios. And, most importantly…the “big reveal” was more artfully crafted. (Aka: there were more twists.)
On the character front (particularly Rachel) the blatant aggressiveness that I was none to fond of in book one starts to wither away and in its place stands a character that suddenly has “reader appeal.” In short, she starts to believe her own hype, which…for anyone who read the first book can attest to how shocking that little revelation is. The only downside to the drastic development in compassion is the way in which Shayne decided to introduce it to her audience.
Have you ever heard the phrase: “It’s ok to talk to yourself just as long as you don’t start answering.” Well, Rachel hasn’t really grasped that concept yet. Here’s an example:
“Lately, girlfriend, it’s precisely you.
I know it is. Inner Bitch. I know it is. So do I fight is our just give in to it?
Do what feel best. Isn’t that what you preach to the masses?
Doesn’t mean I believe it.
Maybe it’s time to start. I mean, come on. Rachel. Don’t you ever wonder why the bullshit you write appeals to so many people all over the world? Don’t you ever wonder why so many of them write to you tell you how your books changed their lives? Saved their lives, sometimes? It’s obviously working for the, or they wouldn’t keep coming back for more.
I never really stopped to think about that.
Then think about it now. If it works for all of them, maybe it’s not all bullshit after all.”
This entire conversation with internal…and one sided.
(Side note: I was equally annoyed by Shayne’s use of the phrase: “Inner Bitch.” Not the language itself (because let’s face it, I cuss like a trucker) but more because it was exceedingly self-deprecating (not to mention over-used.) Enough, we get it, you think you are a raging B. Move on.)
Rachel wasn’t the only to show significant growth though. From nephews to resort owners, each character took every opportunity to expand their perception. The “building” added a layer to “Wake” that was (sadly) absent from it’s predecessor. As a whole, the story felt “rounder” if that makes sense. (Let’s hope so, because I have no other way to explain it.)
Overall, I was impressed with Shayne’s ability to take a doomed story and reinvent it. No, it may not have boasted all of the amazing paranormal qualities of the first (don’t fret..it still had few) but it solidified it’s station as a thriller. Which means a new idea was introduced. The only thing needed to make a book worth while.
Two thumbs up. A squeal worth the time.
Oh…and as far as “sexy time” is concerned. (Before I forget.) There were a few “slam her against the wall” moments (and quite a bit more angst than in the first novel) but still…it didn’t overpower the novel. A successful blending of two worlds. Romance and suspense. Woot. Woot.
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: Never let the fear of failure keep you from trying.
July 14, 2015
Setting: Manhattan talk show; home off Whitney Point Reservoir, New York; hospitals to get info on brother’s donors; Pine Haven ski resort & Blue Lake, Adirondacks – 6 bedroom cabin, lodge with indoor water park, etc, security office, skiing mountains & lift, dining room; Oakdale Mall;
Characters:
Mason Brown: doing his best to help his brother’s family – weekends, after school, etc; missing Rachel; guilt over covering for his brother’s crimes;
Rachel de Luca: self-help author, who was blind until recently; she’s been on a multi-city tour; she missing Mason also, but standing by her, we need to be separate – you have your brother’s family, I have a new eyesight…
Myrtle: blind boxer;
Misty: Rachel’s 17 year old niece… manipulated not to go with twin & parents to the Bahamas for Christmas, as wanted to be with boyfriend (they break up before Christmas though, because he wanted her to give him a blow job); she’s kind, anticipates Rachel, helps out with Mason’s nephews, connects with Jeremy;
Jeremy / Josh Brown : 17 year old and 11 year old nephews of Mason; Jeremy morose, and unhappy, and withdrawn (depressed?) but Josh is doing okay – bouncing back, enthusiastic, involved;
Eric Conroy Brown: Mason’s serial killer, dead brother; in end, when Mason racing to try and save Rachel from his sister in law, he ‘prays’ to Eric, hoping he is now whole in death, the way Rachel ‘sees’ it, asking him to help… and he appears to Marie, distracting her long enough for Mason to het there…ahhhh
Marie Brown: Mason’s sister in law; pregnant when husband died… baby stillborn… eyes dead; she seems overwhelmed with her children’s needs…; and we don’t figure it out until the end, but… she knew about her husband’s killing … and with his death, and her fetus’ death, she thinks she needs to collect Eric’s pieces, so she is killing the donors, and cutting out the organs; not sure why she is so cruel when she does it, drugging them with an injection of a drug that paralyzes, but one is awake and feels the pain when she cuts into them;
Roosevelt ‘Rosie’ Jones and Marlayna: Mason’s partner; he and his wife join them at the resort as another layer of protection; Marlayna upset he didn’t tell her the truth about the danger;
Victims: vet (she steals the paralyzing drug she needs, killing the vet); woman for her pancreas (1st victim that Rachel ‘sees’); a man for his left kidney; a man for his ___ - he’d contacted her to thank them, they’d been seeing each other (she thought she was discrete and hid it from her kids, but Jeremy knew), she suggested he join them at the resort as a guest, she kills him); head of security at resort; attempted to kill Rachel (hiding in back seat of her car – but Rachel knocked her away, ran car off the road (why would she try and drug her when car in motion?) – and then at resort, knocked it away again, but a small amount of drug got in her, so marie dragged her to snowmobile, and got her a bit away from resort… but Mason figured it out and tracked her down…
Finnegan Smart / Catherine Cole: resort head of security; retired cop with Irish brogue/ resort owner; he had her cell phone left at one murder, so she kills him to get the phone back;
Summary:
As the deaths build up, we are all in the dark as to motive and suspects… after Rachel attacked, they went to a resort to hide, but the killing continues right there… of course a serious storm keeps them all stuck at resort, and police help away…
But along the way, the rest of them are making connections… Misty and Jeremy… Joshua with them all… and most of all, Mason and Rachel – who have another time of passion… who admit they love one another… and are going to date… ahhh
Memorable scenes:
She goes shopping at the Oakdale Mall – parking where she used to be dropped off when blind – people are creatures of habit;
Mason to Rachel: “Will you help me investigate another creepy f---g case that might get us both killed?”
With blind Myrtle in front, held by Josh, Rachel on back to steer sled: ‘ Josh grinned at me over his shoulder, and I believe my heart grew three sizes that day.”
“Yarf?” said Myrtle. Which meant, damn straight, we’re gonna do it again – and again and again until one of us is too tired to do it…”
“If you asked me, “trust” and “seventeen” should never be uttered in the same sentence if there was a boyfriend involved. Teenage girls loved harder than any other species. Teenage love was apocalyptic. Wild horses couldn’t stop it.”
“I have to tell you something I’ve never told you before, Rachel.” Hell this sounds serious…”I hate your driving.” His head came up, and he was grinning, probably at the way my mouth was hanging open… ‘Because you’re always looking at everything but the road.” “I am not!” “Oh, pretty mountain! Oooh, what kind of bird is that? Hey, look at that cloud.”… So I let him drive. And yeah, I stayed mad at him for the first hour, until we drove past the wetlands preserve, partially frozen over, and I saw a red-tailed hawk dive-bomb…
“I was scrambling like a king crab in mating season, scuttling up that slope like Spider-Man on crack. Making up metaphors like a writer…”
“…thanked my lucky stars that I’d packed all my inner-Barbie stuff. My sweet-smelling body wash. My extra rich conditioner… I was going to do it, I thought, as I scrubbed every inch of my body. I was going to have sex with Mason tonight. My inner idiot giggled like a sophomore. My inner bitch was smiling like she knew something I didn’t. I hate when she does that.
“But every time Josh walked away from the counter to look out that window, she would haul herself to her feet, plod over and bang him in the leg with her head. If he ignored the first assault, she would start hitting him with a forepaw and whining softly. It was pretty clear to me by then that my dog thought of Joshua as her boy.”
A repeated theme – he needing her touch, she needing his touch (not sexual)… “He didn’t imagine she had any idea how much he needed to feel her just then, touching him. It didn’t even matter where, so long as she was just touching him.”
Mason meets up with Rachel at one of her shows, and watches the filming… while we hear Rachel’s dialogue (internal and external), responding to the questions, keeping up the image… Mason watches her, and sees that somewhere deep inside, she believes much of what she spouts, unbeknownst to her conscious mind… hmmm and she starts to see that in herself – dreaming that leads to getting what you want… death, where in death bad is erased, and happiness lies, etc.
Characters:
Mason Brown: doing his best to help his brother’s family – weekends, after school, etc; missing Rachel; guilt over covering for his brother’s crimes;
Rachel de Luca: self-help author, who was blind until recently; she’s been on a multi-city tour; she missing Mason also, but standing by her, we need to be separate – you have your brother’s family, I have a new eyesight…
Myrtle: blind boxer;
Misty: Rachel’s 17 year old niece… manipulated not to go with twin & parents to the Bahamas for Christmas, as wanted to be with boyfriend (they break up before Christmas though, because he wanted her to give him a blow job); she’s kind, anticipates Rachel, helps out with Mason’s nephews, connects with Jeremy;
Jeremy / Josh Brown : 17 year old and 11 year old nephews of Mason; Jeremy morose, and unhappy, and withdrawn (depressed?) but Josh is doing okay – bouncing back, enthusiastic, involved;
Eric Conroy Brown: Mason’s serial killer, dead brother; in end, when Mason racing to try and save Rachel from his sister in law, he ‘prays’ to Eric, hoping he is now whole in death, the way Rachel ‘sees’ it, asking him to help… and he appears to Marie, distracting her long enough for Mason to het there…ahhhh
Marie Brown: Mason’s sister in law; pregnant when husband died… baby stillborn… eyes dead; she seems overwhelmed with her children’s needs…; and we don’t figure it out until the end, but… she knew about her husband’s killing … and with his death, and her fetus’ death, she thinks she needs to collect Eric’s pieces, so she is killing the donors, and cutting out the organs; not sure why she is so cruel when she does it, drugging them with an injection of a drug that paralyzes, but one is awake and feels the pain when she cuts into them;
Roosevelt ‘Rosie’ Jones and Marlayna: Mason’s partner; he and his wife join them at the resort as another layer of protection; Marlayna upset he didn’t tell her the truth about the danger;
Victims: vet (she steals the paralyzing drug she needs, killing the vet); woman for her pancreas (1st victim that Rachel ‘sees’); a man for his left kidney; a man for his ___ - he’d contacted her to thank them, they’d been seeing each other (she thought she was discrete and hid it from her kids, but Jeremy knew), she suggested he join them at the resort as a guest, she kills him); head of security at resort; attempted to kill Rachel (hiding in back seat of her car – but Rachel knocked her away, ran car off the road (why would she try and drug her when car in motion?) – and then at resort, knocked it away again, but a small amount of drug got in her, so marie dragged her to snowmobile, and got her a bit away from resort… but Mason figured it out and tracked her down…
Finnegan Smart / Catherine Cole: resort head of security; retired cop with Irish brogue/ resort owner; he had her cell phone left at one murder, so she kills him to get the phone back;
Summary:
As the deaths build up, we are all in the dark as to motive and suspects… after Rachel attacked, they went to a resort to hide, but the killing continues right there… of course a serious storm keeps them all stuck at resort, and police help away…
But along the way, the rest of them are making connections… Misty and Jeremy… Joshua with them all… and most of all, Mason and Rachel – who have another time of passion… who admit they love one another… and are going to date… ahhh
Memorable scenes:
She goes shopping at the Oakdale Mall – parking where she used to be dropped off when blind – people are creatures of habit;
Mason to Rachel: “Will you help me investigate another creepy f---g case that might get us both killed?”
With blind Myrtle in front, held by Josh, Rachel on back to steer sled: ‘ Josh grinned at me over his shoulder, and I believe my heart grew three sizes that day.”
“Yarf?” said Myrtle. Which meant, damn straight, we’re gonna do it again – and again and again until one of us is too tired to do it…”
“If you asked me, “trust” and “seventeen” should never be uttered in the same sentence if there was a boyfriend involved. Teenage girls loved harder than any other species. Teenage love was apocalyptic. Wild horses couldn’t stop it.”
“I have to tell you something I’ve never told you before, Rachel.” Hell this sounds serious…”I hate your driving.” His head came up, and he was grinning, probably at the way my mouth was hanging open… ‘Because you’re always looking at everything but the road.” “I am not!” “Oh, pretty mountain! Oooh, what kind of bird is that? Hey, look at that cloud.”… So I let him drive. And yeah, I stayed mad at him for the first hour, until we drove past the wetlands preserve, partially frozen over, and I saw a red-tailed hawk dive-bomb…
“I was scrambling like a king crab in mating season, scuttling up that slope like Spider-Man on crack. Making up metaphors like a writer…”
“…thanked my lucky stars that I’d packed all my inner-Barbie stuff. My sweet-smelling body wash. My extra rich conditioner… I was going to do it, I thought, as I scrubbed every inch of my body. I was going to have sex with Mason tonight. My inner idiot giggled like a sophomore. My inner bitch was smiling like she knew something I didn’t. I hate when she does that.
“But every time Josh walked away from the counter to look out that window, she would haul herself to her feet, plod over and bang him in the leg with her head. If he ignored the first assault, she would start hitting him with a forepaw and whining softly. It was pretty clear to me by then that my dog thought of Joshua as her boy.”
A repeated theme – he needing her touch, she needing his touch (not sexual)… “He didn’t imagine she had any idea how much he needed to feel her just then, touching him. It didn’t even matter where, so long as she was just touching him.”
Mason meets up with Rachel at one of her shows, and watches the filming… while we hear Rachel’s dialogue (internal and external), responding to the questions, keeping up the image… Mason watches her, and sees that somewhere deep inside, she believes much of what she spouts, unbeknownst to her conscious mind… hmmm and she starts to see that in herself – dreaming that leads to getting what you want… death, where in death bad is erased, and happiness lies, etc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2022
I'm not sure what I was expecting from reading the sequel to a book I gave 2.5 stars, but... yeah, this was worse. The redeeming qualities I found last time were the intriguing plot and the creepy scenes, and this book didn't really have either. The premise was just a little too similar to the first book, and there weren't any shocking reveals. I'll admit, I suspected the wrong person as the killer at first, but the real answer became pretty obvious about halfway through. And not a single scene creeped me out. Which I guess wasn't its goal as it's not a horror, but it would have redeemed it a little in my mind.
And again, I hated the writing so much, especially Rachel's parts (which is most of it). Her inner monologue is just so cringey, and not intentionally so, as far as I can tell. And I hated the romance, which is not typical for me at all. It just did nothing for me. Neither Mason nor Rachel are interesting enough as characters to make me care, and there was no angst or anything to make up for it (though I think I'd hate that too in this case).
That being said, I was mildly entertained through most of it. And reading more in my hometown was cool (and a few scenes were in Rochester, where I live now, so that's kinda fun) It's certainly not the worst book ever, so 2 stars feels right. This series definitely has an audience, but it's not me, so I think I'm stopping here.
And again, I hated the writing so much, especially Rachel's parts (which is most of it). Her inner monologue is just so cringey, and not intentionally so, as far as I can tell. And I hated the romance, which is not typical for me at all. It just did nothing for me. Neither Mason nor Rachel are interesting enough as characters to make me care, and there was no angst or anything to make up for it (though I think I'd hate that too in this case).
That being said, I was mildly entertained through most of it. And reading more in my hometown was cool (and a few scenes were in Rochester, where I live now, so that's kinda fun) It's certainly not the worst book ever, so 2 stars feels right. This series definitely has an audience, but it's not me, so I think I'm stopping here.
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