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Richmond Novels #1
I'm Watching You
He’ll Taste Their Fear
The first kill was easy. The second much easier. No guilt, no remorse, just a rush of adrenaline surging through him as each life drains away, and the pleasure of knowing that their deaths help his beloved Lindsay. And there are so many more who deserve to die…
Hear Their Screams
The first twisted gift to Lindsay O’Neil arrives hidden in a bouquet of flowers. When her estranged husband, Detective Zack Kier, is assigned to the case, Lindsay’s past comes back with a vengeance. Because only Zack knows the dark secret she lives with—or so she thinks. Now nothing can prepare her for the nightmare to come…
And Watch Them Die
Everything Lindsay’s stalker does, every life he takes, is for her. But when Lindsay spurns his gifts, she and those she loves most become targets of a depraved madman whose rage is growing, and who is waiting, watching, closer than she ever feared…
The first kill was easy. The second much easier. No guilt, no remorse, just a rush of adrenaline surging through him as each life drains away, and the pleasure of knowing that their deaths help his beloved Lindsay. And there are so many more who deserve to die…
Hear Their Screams
The first twisted gift to Lindsay O’Neil arrives hidden in a bouquet of flowers. When her estranged husband, Detective Zack Kier, is assigned to the case, Lindsay’s past comes back with a vengeance. Because only Zack knows the dark secret she lives with—or so she thinks. Now nothing can prepare her for the nightmare to come…
And Watch Them Die
Everything Lindsay’s stalker does, every life he takes, is for her. But when Lindsay spurns his gifts, she and those she loves most become targets of a depraved madman whose rage is growing, and who is waiting, watching, closer than she ever feared…
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2007
1264 people are currently reading
2427 people want to read
About the author
Mary Burton
68 books4,077 followersMary Burton, whose latest novel is THE LIES I TOLD, loves writing suspense, getting to know her characters, keeping up with law enforcement and forensic procedure, morning walks, baking, and tiny dachshunds. She also enjoys hunting down serial killers, which she does in her New York Times and USA Today bestselling novels. Library Journal has compared her work to that of Lisa Jackson and Lisa Gardner, and Fresh Fiction likened her writing to that of James Patterson.
Mary is routinely featured among the top ten writers in Amazon’s Author Rankings for romantic suspense, thriller and mystery. Upon publication, her novels, including NEVER LOOK BACK and BURN YOU TWICE, consistently rank high on the Kindle eBooks Store Bestseller List. Her novels CUT AND RUN and YOU'RE NOT SAFE were nominated for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award for Romantic Suspense.
A Richmond native, Mary is the author of forty-five published novels and five novellas as Mary Burton and as Mary Ellen Taylor.
A member of International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Novelists, Inc., and Romance Writers of America, Mary is known for creating multiple suspense stories connected by characters and/or place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
July 24, 2017
Definitely kept me on my toes and guessing until the very end.
February 15, 2019
The 2 stars are for the murder mystery. The romance in this story was awful. Lindsay kicked her alcoholic detective husband out a year ago because he wouldn’t quit drinking. He drove straight to a coworkers place and slept with her. This coworker answered his phone the next morning when Lindsay called. In the last year Zack-the husband- has gotten clean and refused all date offers from the coworker he slept with. I guess he only felt ok about sleeping with her once and felt some sort of delayed loyalty to Lindsay and has kept it in his pants. Unfortunately this OW is at all of the crime scenes flirting with Zach and even has the nerve to ask Zach to tell Lindsay that she says hi. I wish that when this author throws this type of drama in that she would resolve it- the book ends with Lindsay not knowing who the OW is- she has no clue that Zack sees her all the time at work or that OW has been pursuing Zack. Lindsay has unprotected sex with Zack and they never speak of safety or STD’s even though she knows he cheated. This is very unrealistic to me, but I think Burton is more concerned with her mystery storyline and the romance is an afterthought. We are told at the end of the story that Lindsay and Zack have been going to counseling and working on their problems. I would have liked to see that progress and definitely needed some grovel and explanation about the cheating from Zack. I only finished to find out if I was right about the killer!
July 21, 2017
I'm a Mary Burton fan so I liked the plot, the pacing and the writing.
The characters were good, but I have to say I took exception to Lindsay on numerous occasions. She is supposed to be smart, independent and due to her working with abused women and situations - she is street wise smart. But when it comes to her own behavior, she becomes TSTL because she can't sit still, she can't stay here, she has to do something. Which inevitably leads her into to trouble. DUH!
The reconciliation between Lindsay and her soon to be ex Zack, didn't feel complete. It seemed to be resolved with unprotected sex and not dealing with the issues. Yes, he is sober and working on staying sober, but those issues were worked out mainly with his homicide partner and not Lindsay. And the key "divorce" paper issue was his infidelity which wasn't really dealt with. We are introduced to the "other woman", have her still flirt with Zack and even tell Zack to say hi to Lindsay and then nothing. Seemed like a dropped thread as well as an important unresolved issue. Maybe I was just wanting to see a smackdown and a you don't mess with someone else's man confrontation.
Although it was a fast read and I did enjoy it, it just didn't hit all the marks for me.
The characters were good, but I have to say I took exception to Lindsay on numerous occasions. She is supposed to be smart, independent and due to her working with abused women and situations - she is street wise smart. But when it comes to her own behavior, she becomes TSTL because she can't sit still, she can't stay here, she has to do something. Which inevitably leads her into to trouble. DUH!
The reconciliation between Lindsay and her soon to be ex Zack, didn't feel complete. It seemed to be resolved with unprotected sex and not dealing with the issues. Yes, he is sober and working on staying sober, but those issues were worked out mainly with his homicide partner and not Lindsay. And the key "divorce" paper issue was his infidelity which wasn't really dealt with. We are introduced to the "other woman", have her still flirt with Zack and even tell Zack to say hi to Lindsay and then nothing. Seemed like a dropped thread as well as an important unresolved issue. Maybe I was just wanting to see a smackdown and a you don't mess with someone else's man confrontation.
Although it was a fast read and I did enjoy it, it just didn't hit all the marks for me.
April 22, 2008
Lindsay O'Neil has worked through the horrors of her family's abusive past. Her father beat her mother, eventually killed her, and Lindsay is the one who found her mother's bloody corpse at 17 years of age. After putting herself through college, 29-year-old Lindsay now works with abused spouses and runs Sanctuary Women's Shelter. She's a fierce champion for battered women and lives for her job. It's a good though because after her short marriage disintegrated, it helped her keep her sanity. Now she tries to work herself to exhaustion to keep her mind busy and prevent her nightmares about her past.
What Lindsay is about to find out is that she now has a Guardian. He's a psychotic killer and he's decided to 'help' Lindsay by killing abusive husbands and eventually, anyone else who 'harms' Lindsay. He sends her the hands of his victims as a tribute. The cop assigned to the case happends to be her former husband...now dried out and cleaned up, and looking to reconcile.
This was a suspenseful and tight read. The author kept me guessing right up until she chose to reveal the killer. The plot moved quickly and kept me engrossed to the end. If you like a little romance with your suspense...this is definately a book for you.
What Lindsay is about to find out is that she now has a Guardian. He's a psychotic killer and he's decided to 'help' Lindsay by killing abusive husbands and eventually, anyone else who 'harms' Lindsay. He sends her the hands of his victims as a tribute. The cop assigned to the case happends to be her former husband...now dried out and cleaned up, and looking to reconcile.
This was a suspenseful and tight read. The author kept me guessing right up until she chose to reveal the killer. The plot moved quickly and kept me engrossed to the end. If you like a little romance with your suspense...this is definately a book for you.
August 1, 2017
So far I'm having a hard time getting through it. It's just boring. It feels too much like a cheap grocery store/CVS find of book. it's very bland. The silly sappy half ass romance/murder/mystery thrillers. You find on sale there. I want it to move along at a good pace stuff to happen already. I'm halfway through it and only 2 people dead and a crappy forced as hell romance. Ugh. If I read serial killer then give me that. I don't CARE ABOUT THIS FORCED ROMANCE, it's torture! Ugh! I'm about the throw It out and call it quits.
UPDATE: I just gave up. it felt like a choir to pick up and read. I've got better things to read. good riddance.
UPDATE: I just gave up. it felt like a choir to pick up and read. I've got better things to read. good riddance.
January 3, 2009
Lindsay O’Neil has herself a guardian. He watches over her. Just to make sure Lindsay is aware that she is care for, her guardian leaves her presents in the form of murdered wife-beaters, with their left hands chopped off. The hands are then sent to Lindsay.
Lindsay’s estranged husband, detective Zack Kier is on the case. Zack has not seen Lindsay in about a year, though he is glad to see her again, he just wished it was under better circumstances. Lindsay and Zack team up to bring down her guardian. By doing so though, it will be exposing Lindsay’s past. In order to stop her guardian, Lindsay will have to let Zack back into her life both past and present.
The guardian is not happy that Lindsay does not appreciate her gifts. So he decides to go after Lindsay’s friends, to show her how much he really cares for her and that he and she are the only family she needs.
Lindsay is a good heroine. She is not afraid to face a killer straight on. Even when he is wearing his sunglasses, Zack oozes sex appeal. I’m Watching You is Mary Burton’s debut novel. I can tell you that having read both this novel and Dead Ringer, Mrs. Burton is a force to be reckoned with. She is a powerhouse when it comes to exhilarating suspense. For anyone who wants a new author to read, now is the best time to check out both of Mrs. Burton’s books with I’m Watching You and Dead Ringer.
Lindsay’s estranged husband, detective Zack Kier is on the case. Zack has not seen Lindsay in about a year, though he is glad to see her again, he just wished it was under better circumstances. Lindsay and Zack team up to bring down her guardian. By doing so though, it will be exposing Lindsay’s past. In order to stop her guardian, Lindsay will have to let Zack back into her life both past and present.
The guardian is not happy that Lindsay does not appreciate her gifts. So he decides to go after Lindsay’s friends, to show her how much he really cares for her and that he and she are the only family she needs.
Lindsay is a good heroine. She is not afraid to face a killer straight on. Even when he is wearing his sunglasses, Zack oozes sex appeal. I’m Watching You is Mary Burton’s debut novel. I can tell you that having read both this novel and Dead Ringer, Mrs. Burton is a force to be reckoned with. She is a powerhouse when it comes to exhilarating suspense. For anyone who wants a new author to read, now is the best time to check out both of Mrs. Burton’s books with I’m Watching You and Dead Ringer.
September 18, 2017
Forgettable characters, relationships I couldn't care less about, and a plot that could have been written much better, I'm Watching You was just bad. I didn't feel anything for the main character, and the "twist" was so ridiculously out there that it made very little sense. Continuity errors were prevalent, and there were many moments when I was shaking my head at the lack of common sense in the character's actions. I don't even know why I finished reading it, because it was unsatisfying. I would not recommend this book to anyone. Don't waste your time.
June 20, 2016
I'm pretty sure I have read this before... So I'll admit I skimmed it a little. Good story, if you can get past Lindsay being one of those stupid people who "can't sit still" and thinks she's invincible until it's too late. Duh.
September 27, 2017
4.5 suspenseful stars!! Mary Burton never disappoints!! I loved every thing about this book.....the storyline was exciting and mysterious, and the characters were perfectly developed. I was kept guessing the whole time and by the time every thing was revealed, I was absolutely shocked and blown away!!
December 28, 2017
This book was a pleasant surprise. It was my first Mary Burton and I will definitely be reading more from her. It was engaging with likable characters and I liked how the story lines tied together at the end. A page-turner.
August 10, 2023
I usually just let the story carry me and don’t try to figure out the killer too much, but this one really kept me guessing. The main character did get annoying with her bullheaded actions though.
June 13, 2012
Lindsay O’Neil survived her father’s abuse. He killed her mother and then himself, but she managed to survive and begin a sheltered for battered women. But now someone calling himself ‘The Guardian’ is threatening that. He’s killing abusers in her name and sending her their severed hands. To complicate matters, her estranged husband Zach Kier is one of the lead detectives investigating the case.
She and Zach separated due to his alcoholism, fueled partly by his work as an undercover vice cop. Zach managed to get clean, but Lindsay is still wary of renewing their relationship. His partner Jacob Warwick believes he’ll return to drinking as well and treats him rather brusquely.
Lindsay works with the cops to catch the killer, but she also tries to continue protecting battered women – including her secret roommate Nicole Piper. Unfortunately, some of those women are suspects. Even more unfortunately, Nicole’s husband is looking for her. I liked that Lindsay both had a reasonable motive for not cooperating completely with the police and didn’t go looking for the killer on her own. She trusts them to do their job.
I likewise enjoyed Mary Burton’s portrayal of Zach. An alcoholic is easy to make unlikeable. But I know many undercover narcotics cops do have substance abuse problems, and he made the effort to change his lifestyle and get clean. Lindsay’s decision to kick him out wasn’t the best possible, but it makes sense given her background of abuse.
Some scenes in I’M WATCHING YOU are rather violent, but I don’t think Burton revels in the gore as much as some suspense writers. Children (teenagers) are hurt during the course of the novel, which I know bothers some readers. There are many references to and scenes of abuse that might not be palatable to those close to the subject. Nothing in the story bothered me, but it does tread close to issues that bother some people (often with good reason).
Burton develops an interesting serial killer who is all the more disturbing because his motives are altruistic. I’M WATCHING YOU plays well within the conventions of the genre and possesses the favorable characteristics of a non-jerk hero and a thinking heroine.
She and Zach separated due to his alcoholism, fueled partly by his work as an undercover vice cop. Zach managed to get clean, but Lindsay is still wary of renewing their relationship. His partner Jacob Warwick believes he’ll return to drinking as well and treats him rather brusquely.
Lindsay works with the cops to catch the killer, but she also tries to continue protecting battered women – including her secret roommate Nicole Piper. Unfortunately, some of those women are suspects. Even more unfortunately, Nicole’s husband is looking for her. I liked that Lindsay both had a reasonable motive for not cooperating completely with the police and didn’t go looking for the killer on her own. She trusts them to do their job.
I likewise enjoyed Mary Burton’s portrayal of Zach. An alcoholic is easy to make unlikeable. But I know many undercover narcotics cops do have substance abuse problems, and he made the effort to change his lifestyle and get clean. Lindsay’s decision to kick him out wasn’t the best possible, but it makes sense given her background of abuse.
Some scenes in I’M WATCHING YOU are rather violent, but I don’t think Burton revels in the gore as much as some suspense writers. Children (teenagers) are hurt during the course of the novel, which I know bothers some readers. There are many references to and scenes of abuse that might not be palatable to those close to the subject. Nothing in the story bothered me, but it does tread close to issues that bother some people (often with good reason).
Burton develops an interesting serial killer who is all the more disturbing because his motives are altruistic. I’M WATCHING YOU plays well within the conventions of the genre and possesses the favorable characteristics of a non-jerk hero and a thinking heroine.
April 12, 2008
This book was great, but more suspense than romance. Great twists and turns in the plot. Even though I was disappointed at the amount of 'romance' in the book. It kept me turning the pages. The villain at the end was a surprise till nearly 3/4 way into the book.
Mary Burton writes a good suspense.
Mary Burton writes a good suspense.
January 29, 2013
This is my first Burton book and for sure will not be my last. Great mixture of romance and suspense. Cant wait to dig in to the second book in this series.
April 14, 2022
3.5 Stars Rounded Up
I've really been enjoying this authors work the last couple of years. This one was really different for me for at least the first half or so of the book. It didn't really remind me of this authors work, but I stuck with it and the last half was much better.
I think one of my problems was with the main character. She was so judgemental of everyone especially her estranged husband. I realize she had a right to be angry at him and he did have problems. He had straightened out his life, but it didn't matter to her. Of course she had a major reason due to her horrible past, but still. Plus, she kept putting herself into situations that she should not have. I call that too stupid to live moments.
There's a serial killer involved and has his sights on people the main character has problems with. There's even another thread that has a very unsavory person that jumps into the mix.
The best part was that I never figured out for sure until way late in the book the whodunit part. Of course this person was on my radar but so were several others. I'll definitely be reading the next one that I already own.
Recommended to adult readers that enjoy romantic suspense.
I've really been enjoying this authors work the last couple of years. This one was really different for me for at least the first half or so of the book. It didn't really remind me of this authors work, but I stuck with it and the last half was much better.
I think one of my problems was with the main character. She was so judgemental of everyone especially her estranged husband. I realize she had a right to be angry at him and he did have problems. He had straightened out his life, but it didn't matter to her. Of course she had a major reason due to her horrible past, but still. Plus, she kept putting herself into situations that she should not have. I call that too stupid to live moments.
There's a serial killer involved and has his sights on people the main character has problems with. There's even another thread that has a very unsavory person that jumps into the mix.
The best part was that I never figured out for sure until way late in the book the whodunit part. Of course this person was on my radar but so were several others. I'll definitely be reading the next one that I already own.
Recommended to adult readers that enjoy romantic suspense.
March 22, 2025
ก่อนอื่น ใครเป็นคนใส่เรื่องย่อเวอร์ชั่นไทยในนี้ สปอยทั้งเรื่องเลย เรื่องย่อบนปกหลังไม่ใช่แบบนี้เด้อ
เล่มนี้เป็น romantic suspense ที่ถ้าอ่านเอาความสืบสวนก็สนุกดี ปกติไม่ค่อยอินแนวสืบสวนแต่เล่มนี้เล่าเรื่องคดีได้น่าลุ้น เดาอยู่ครึ่งค่อนเรื่องว่าคนร้ายคือใครเพราะคนนั้นคนนี้น่าสงสัยไปหมด แต่ในส่วนของ romance นี่ไม่อยาก root for พระเอกนางเอกเล้ยยย พระเอกนางเอกเป็นสามีภรรยาที่แยกกันอยู่มาปีนึงแล้วแต่ยังไม่ได้เซ็นใบหย่า ซึ่งสาเหตุที่เลิกกันเป็นเพราะพระเอกติดเหล้าแล้วนางเอกไล่ออกจากบ้าน พระเอกเลยไปนอนกับผู้หญิงอีกคนเพราะอยากทำร้ายจิตใจนางเอก โอ้มายยย ถึงพระเอกจะพยายามกลับมาไถ่โทษและคืนดี แต่เนื้อเรื่องมันเน้นเล่าสืบสวนเป็นหลักเลยรู้สึกว่าการไถ่โทษตรงนี้ยังไม่มากพอ ถ้าพระเอกนางเอกเลิกกันโดยไม่มีเรื่องนอกกายนอกใจมาเกี่ยวอาจจะรู้สึกอยากเชียร์ให้กลับมาคืนดีกันมากกว่านี้
เล่มนี้เป็น romantic suspense ที่ถ้าอ่านเอาความสืบสวนก็สนุกดี ปกติไม่ค่อยอินแนวสืบสวนแต่เล่มนี้เล่าเรื่องคดีได้น่าลุ้น เดาอยู่ครึ่งค่อนเรื่องว่าคนร้ายคือใครเพราะคนนั้นคนนี้น่าสงสัยไปหมด แต่ในส่วนของ romance นี่ไม่อยาก root for พระเอกนางเอกเล้ยยย พระเอกนางเอกเป็นสามีภรรยาที่แยกกันอยู่มาปีนึงแล้วแต่ยังไม่ได้เซ็นใบหย่า ซึ่งสาเหตุที่เลิกกันเป็นเพราะพระเอกติดเหล้าแล้วนางเอกไล่ออกจากบ้าน พระเอกเลยไปนอนกับผู้หญิงอีกคนเพราะอยากทำร้ายจิตใจนางเอก โอ้มายยย ถึงพระเอกจะพยายามกลับมาไถ่โทษและคืนดี แต่เนื้อเรื่องมันเน้นเล่าสืบสวนเป็นหลักเลยรู้สึกว่าการไถ่โทษตรงนี้ยังไม่มากพอ ถ้าพระเอกนางเอกเลิกกันโดยไม่มีเรื่องนอกกายนอกใจมาเกี่ยวอาจจะรู้สึกอยากเชียร์ให้กลับมาคืนดีกันมากกว่านี้
February 8, 2021
Another kicker story!
Wow. I am in looove with these Burton Books. This is fantastic.
Don't get me wrong, there are a few quirks and a few mishaps along the way and a few questions unanswered but thats what makes these books so good. Love this series so far
Highly recommended to read
Wow. I am in looove with these Burton Books. This is fantastic.
Don't get me wrong, there are a few quirks and a few mishaps along the way and a few questions unanswered but thats what makes these books so good. Love this series so far
Highly recommended to read
September 23, 2022
This was really good! It kept my interest the whole time. It is a thriller. It kept me guessing the whole time.. It was really creepy how someone kept a close eye on Lindsey..So close that there were cameras in her own home, and a few people she knew.."The Guardian" protects her and kills the abusers she deals with when protecting the victims...Really creepy.. But I liked it. The story was really good!
April 23, 2018
*Abgebrochen*bei Seite 144.
Das war das letzte Buch der Autorin für mich, da es einfach nur langweilig ist.
Das war das letzte Buch der Autorin für mich, da es einfach nur langweilig ist.
November 26, 2018
More like 3.5 stars, good story with some twists but dragged out a little. Still enjoyed it.
January 12, 2018
In 'I'm Watching You', Sanctuary Women's Shelter Director Lindsey O'Neil is fully dedicated to helping abused women break away from their abusive partners and start afresh. However, she soon becomes the one needing help when a dead man is discovered outside the shelter. With his left hand chopped off and a note written by The Guardian (the perpetrator) to Lindsay left at the crime scene, the murder is certainly meant to deliver a message. But what does The Guardian want from her?
Despite the exciting beginning in which The Guardian disposed of the body, the rest of the story was problematic due to its long-winded, unrealistic and romance-focused content. The Guardian was supposed to be looking out for Lindsay and he was clearly someone who was hell-bent on achieving his goal no matter the consequences. His lack of "activity" contradicted his entire persona though. He only killed a few people and left incredibly vague messages. He tried to make Lindsay understand why he chose those particular victims but ironically, he failed to get his message across. What a joke.
Besides that, the police were highly incompetent and unprofessional. Lindsay's soon-to-be ex-husband (but of course they're going to get back together - anyone can see that from the moment he's introduced), Zack is partnered with Warwick who obviously doesn't have a good opinion of him and isn't afraid to show it. Why? Because Zack used to be an alcoholic hence Warwick expected him to relapse. While that's a fair assumption, it didn't make it alright for Warwick to treat him badly and that's coming from someone who didn't like Zack either.
Amidst not getting along and not trying to work together to solve a crime, Zack was oddly more interested in getting into Lindsay's good books again than catching the unsub. That thought dominated his brain so the important investigative aspects were thrown out the window. Meanwhile, Warwick found himself strangely attracted to Kendall - a pushy reporter who would've happily died to further her career. They took forever to interrogate witnesses and potential suspects. Even the maintenance man who frequented Lindsay's home was way better than them!
I found Lindsay to be unlikeable as she was mostly uncooperative and interrupted the police when they were collecting evidence from the dead body. Yes, the fact that the shelter is a shelter should remain a secret and yes, no one likes having their premises teeming with cops but they're there for a reason so back off, Lindsay! On top of that, she withheld vital information to protect her roommate, Nicole - a victim of abuse as well as other women. Her reason was understandable but stupid under the circumstances. Hiding information made her look suspicious and every little piece of information matters in such cases.
The side storyline revolving around Nicole and her vicious husband Richard was better than the main storyline but it was evidently incorporated to help conclude the whole The Guardian - Lindsay bit. It didn't help that Richard was made out to be some obsessive dude who had no qualms about stalking Nicole and targeting everyone who had helped her. He was even described as "powerful and vengeful" at one point. Yes to the latter, no to the former. Abusers are cowards who use force, threats and violence to get what they want.
Overall, 'The Guardian' was strangely boring and uneventful for such a promising premise. Bogged down by pointless and repetitive paragraphs centering on Zack and Lindsay's chemistry-free and romance-free relationship, the police doing nothing and The Guardian seething to himself, this book was truly a relief to complete.
Despite the exciting beginning in which The Guardian disposed of the body, the rest of the story was problematic due to its long-winded, unrealistic and romance-focused content. The Guardian was supposed to be looking out for Lindsay and he was clearly someone who was hell-bent on achieving his goal no matter the consequences. His lack of "activity" contradicted his entire persona though. He only killed a few people and left incredibly vague messages. He tried to make Lindsay understand why he chose those particular victims but ironically, he failed to get his message across. What a joke.
Besides that, the police were highly incompetent and unprofessional. Lindsay's soon-to-be ex-husband (but of course they're going to get back together - anyone can see that from the moment he's introduced), Zack is partnered with Warwick who obviously doesn't have a good opinion of him and isn't afraid to show it. Why? Because Zack used to be an alcoholic hence Warwick expected him to relapse. While that's a fair assumption, it didn't make it alright for Warwick to treat him badly and that's coming from someone who didn't like Zack either.
Amidst not getting along and not trying to work together to solve a crime, Zack was oddly more interested in getting into Lindsay's good books again than catching the unsub. That thought dominated his brain so the important investigative aspects were thrown out the window. Meanwhile, Warwick found himself strangely attracted to Kendall - a pushy reporter who would've happily died to further her career. They took forever to interrogate witnesses and potential suspects. Even the maintenance man who frequented Lindsay's home was way better than them!
I found Lindsay to be unlikeable as she was mostly uncooperative and interrupted the police when they were collecting evidence from the dead body. Yes, the fact that the shelter is a shelter should remain a secret and yes, no one likes having their premises teeming with cops but they're there for a reason so back off, Lindsay! On top of that, she withheld vital information to protect her roommate, Nicole - a victim of abuse as well as other women. Her reason was understandable but stupid under the circumstances. Hiding information made her look suspicious and every little piece of information matters in such cases.
The side storyline revolving around Nicole and her vicious husband Richard was better than the main storyline but it was evidently incorporated to help conclude the whole The Guardian - Lindsay bit. It didn't help that Richard was made out to be some obsessive dude who had no qualms about stalking Nicole and targeting everyone who had helped her. He was even described as "powerful and vengeful" at one point. Yes to the latter, no to the former. Abusers are cowards who use force, threats and violence to get what they want.
Overall, 'The Guardian' was strangely boring and uneventful for such a promising premise. Bogged down by pointless and repetitive paragraphs centering on Zack and Lindsay's chemistry-free and romance-free relationship, the police doing nothing and The Guardian seething to himself, this book was truly a relief to complete.
January 9, 2020
Spoilers. Spoilers.
I don't know. When I found out he slept with another woman, the book just went downhill. I couldn't pass that. And that totally ruined the romance for me. Everytime the OW showed up I was just "HELL NO". She even had the audacity of telling him to say hi to his wife and I was like "Oh bitch you didn't". I thought the apology the reporter gave to the h was better than the one the H gave for sleeping with another woman. But... enough about the couple. let's talk about the story. I thought it was fast paced. I usually don't like when a book have multiple POV's (except the two main characters, of course) but this one was not a problem, except... when I'd read someone else's POV and I was like "why is this relevant?" But everything eventually made sense. I just thought the changing on POV's was really abrupt and confusing. And I knew who the bad guy was since the beginning, the author gives a lot of clues, most of them are pictures, believe it or not. All in all if it wasn't for the OW part I think it could've been a five stars book for me. But that is something I can't swallow. So it was a two. Maybe next time.
I don't know. When I found out he slept with another woman, the book just went downhill. I couldn't pass that. And that totally ruined the romance for me. Everytime the OW showed up I was just "HELL NO". She even had the audacity of telling him to say hi to his wife and I was like "Oh bitch you didn't". I thought the apology the reporter gave to the h was better than the one the H gave for sleeping with another woman. But... enough about the couple. let's talk about the story. I thought it was fast paced. I usually don't like when a book have multiple POV's (except the two main characters, of course) but this one was not a problem, except... when I'd read someone else's POV and I was like "why is this relevant?" But everything eventually made sense. I just thought the changing on POV's was really abrupt and confusing. And I knew who the bad guy was since the beginning, the author gives a lot of clues, most of them are pictures, believe it or not. All in all if it wasn't for the OW part I think it could've been a five stars book for me. But that is something I can't swallow. So it was a two. Maybe next time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2013
This was a fairly typical crime thriller, I enjoyed it while I was reading it and I would read more by Mary Burton but I probably wouldn't re-read the book.
I thought Zack and Lindsay's relationship path was too predictable, I would have liked them to have slowly worked out their issues instead of overdramatising everything the other person did (though I suppose my way isn't as interesting for the masses!) Warwick and Zack's relationship was too antagonistic I thought - I didn't see how they could have worked together as partners as well as Burton said when Warwick clearly distrusted Zack so much. I understood the inclusion of Kendall, because the next book was about her, but at the same time it was a bit too much to keep bringing her in when Lindsay was meant to be the main character. I liked the side plot with Lindsay's roommate as I felt that added extra tension but I felt the end was a bit average -
I thought Zack and Lindsay's relationship path was too predictable, I would have liked them to have slowly worked out their issues instead of overdramatising everything the other person did (though I suppose my way isn't as interesting for the masses!) Warwick and Zack's relationship was too antagonistic I thought - I didn't see how they could have worked together as partners as well as Burton said when Warwick clearly distrusted Zack so much. I understood the inclusion of Kendall, because the next book was about her, but at the same time it was a bit too much to keep bringing her in when Lindsay was meant to be the main character. I liked the side plot with Lindsay's roommate as I felt that added extra tension but I felt the end was a bit average -
September 6, 2016
Unfortunately I had read the second part of this story first. However although I knew some of the outcome I did not know who the murderer was. So it was still a good read.
Different a serial killer who is out to protect someone and thinks he is doing her a favour every time he murders.
Nice romantic sideline in which our heroine is married but seperated from one of the policemen in charge of the case.
I have only recently discovered Mary Burton, but have enjoyed all her books so far.
Different a serial killer who is out to protect someone and thinks he is doing her a favour every time he murders.
Nice romantic sideline in which our heroine is married but seperated from one of the policemen in charge of the case.
I have only recently discovered Mary Burton, but have enjoyed all her books so far.
June 5, 2017
This book was quite a disappointment. To be fair, mysteries/crime stories are not generally what I gravitate to when it comes to reading, but I decided to give this book a try. Some of the characters were interesting, while others were not. I have to say I did enjoy the main character, Lindsay. The story had a very slow start. The ending was gripping, but the rest of the story was very bland for me and left a lot to be desired. After reading this I have no interest in reading any of the author's other novels. Maybe this genre just isn't for me...
September 29, 2015
I like suspenseful thrillers because you don't have any real clue as to who did it until the climax. Then all the clues are put together and the reader figures it out then he gets caught. Well written.
March 28, 2009
So far this is an excellent murder mystery I havent read one of these in quite a long time. This was VERY good I enjoyed this book
July 12, 2012
Good read,the crime angle of the book was very good but the romance angle disappointed me a little but overall i enjoyed the book.
February 26, 2024
Lindsey’s father abused both her and her mother. Her mother never would leave him and because he was an unstable drunk he took it too far one day. At seventeen she ran away and found herself working a Woman’s Sanctuary Shelter for abused women. The haven was created by Lindsay as a tribute to her mother.
…
When a murdered victim is left on her property Lindsey freaks out about the detectives and media keeping her location private. The Guardian is sending a message to Lindsey. Detectives keep connecting Lindsey to the murders.
…
Detective Zack her estranged husband, whom she hasn’t seen in a year, shows up as one of homicide detectives. They separated due to his drinking problems which led to bad choices, one of which he works with. Zack’s grateful for the opportunity to share space with Lindsey because he’s hoping for another chance.
…
Mary Burton focused on Lindsey, a woman who found her mother beaten and killed by her father, who later in life founded a woman’s shelter for abused women. I know I should be grateful for the work Lindsey is doing for the community, but the story felt flat for a murder investigation. Given this is a character driven story it’s really challenging trying to keep track of the suspects and the women Lindsey is helping. It’s all very overwhelming. They’re a lot to process. Mary Burton is trying to tackle too many things at once: the childhood trauma, the broken marriage, the battered women, the murders, alcoholism, and the shelters location.
…
I definitely needed something more from this story. I am curious to see if I’m correct in who I think is the killer, so I’m speed reading until I find out. The attention to detail is incredible. I find with investigations it’s important. However, I draw the line when every move is noted. I don’t need step by step details of these characters lives from the time they wake up until they fall asleep. I will say this the book doesn’t follow typical police procedures while investigating.
…
When a murdered victim is left on her property Lindsey freaks out about the detectives and media keeping her location private. The Guardian is sending a message to Lindsey. Detectives keep connecting Lindsey to the murders.
…
Detective Zack her estranged husband, whom she hasn’t seen in a year, shows up as one of homicide detectives. They separated due to his drinking problems which led to bad choices, one of which he works with. Zack’s grateful for the opportunity to share space with Lindsey because he’s hoping for another chance.
…
Mary Burton focused on Lindsey, a woman who found her mother beaten and killed by her father, who later in life founded a woman’s shelter for abused women. I know I should be grateful for the work Lindsey is doing for the community, but the story felt flat for a murder investigation. Given this is a character driven story it’s really challenging trying to keep track of the suspects and the women Lindsey is helping. It’s all very overwhelming. They’re a lot to process. Mary Burton is trying to tackle too many things at once: the childhood trauma, the broken marriage, the battered women, the murders, alcoholism, and the shelters location.
…
I definitely needed something more from this story. I am curious to see if I’m correct in who I think is the killer, so I’m speed reading until I find out. The attention to detail is incredible. I find with investigations it’s important. However, I draw the line when every move is noted. I don’t need step by step details of these characters lives from the time they wake up until they fall asleep. I will say this the book doesn’t follow typical police procedures while investigating.
January 15, 2019
This is a very busy book. It has the main two characters story, with a lot of other people mixed in as well as the different sides of the investigation with all the suspects. Then there are also two sub-plots included with a pushy, ambitious reporter and a friend from college who is hiding from an abusive husband and staying with the heroine.
Lindsay had a terrible childhood, including growing up in a home of abuse and being the one to come home and find her mother murdered. After this she flees, changes her name and starts again with her past always a constant in her mind, haunting her. She marries a cop (Zack, a (narcotics detective, at that time) and they have a rocky relationship that ends with his alcohol abuse and infidelity. Though she filed for divorce they are still married, but estranged, and she is surprised to find him (now cleaned up and a homicide detective) at the murder scene outside the battered women’s shelter she runs. Murder after murder occur and ‘gifts’ from each murder are left for her, at work and home, by someone called ‘The Guardian’. Emotions run amok between Lindsay and Zack as they work together to find the murderer, reopening old wounds regarding her past and their failed marriage.
The book is full of suspense and keeps you guessing till almost the end. The identity of ‘The Guardian’ is revealed when Lindsay is in mortal danger (by the abusive husband in one of the sub-plots) and comes to her aid. If you are hoping for a ‘romantic’ aspect of this story, there is really not a true one. Lindsay and Zack bounce around with their feelings and share some inner thoughts of the other and there is one quick intimate scene but no real romance or extended intimacy between the two. This book is mostly about the mystery/suspense aspect of finding the murderer and the interaction between the two sub-plots but it does include a HEA.
Lindsay had a terrible childhood, including growing up in a home of abuse and being the one to come home and find her mother murdered. After this she flees, changes her name and starts again with her past always a constant in her mind, haunting her. She marries a cop (Zack, a (narcotics detective, at that time) and they have a rocky relationship that ends with his alcohol abuse and infidelity. Though she filed for divorce they are still married, but estranged, and she is surprised to find him (now cleaned up and a homicide detective) at the murder scene outside the battered women’s shelter she runs. Murder after murder occur and ‘gifts’ from each murder are left for her, at work and home, by someone called ‘The Guardian’. Emotions run amok between Lindsay and Zack as they work together to find the murderer, reopening old wounds regarding her past and their failed marriage.
The book is full of suspense and keeps you guessing till almost the end. The identity of ‘The Guardian’ is revealed when Lindsay is in mortal danger (by the abusive husband in one of the sub-plots) and comes to her aid. If you are hoping for a ‘romantic’ aspect of this story, there is really not a true one. Lindsay and Zack bounce around with their feelings and share some inner thoughts of the other and there is one quick intimate scene but no real romance or extended intimacy between the two. This book is mostly about the mystery/suspense aspect of finding the murderer and the interaction between the two sub-plots but it does include a HEA.
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