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Killing Time
Returning to the entrancing supernatural territory of her popular novels Dream Man and Son of the Morning, New York Times bestselling author Linda Howard has written a sizzling new novel that is her most daring, exciting, and original yet.
In 1985, with much fanfare, a time capsule was buried under the front lawn of a small-town county courthouse, to be reopened in 2085. But just twenty years later, in the dead of night, the capsule is dug up, its contents stolen. That same night, one of the contributors to the capsule is brutally slain in his home–with no sign of forced entry or indication of a struggle. One by one, others who had placed items in the time capsule are murdered.
Besides his suspicions about the sudden, mysterious appearance of Nikita Stover, the chief investigator, Knox Davis, has absolutely no leads. And while Nikita’s no murderer, she seems to be hiding plenty of secrets. With more at stake than anyone else realizes, the smart-talking Nikita is determined to catch this cunning killer–while at the same time battling her own deepening feelings for a man and for a world in which she doesn’t belong.
When readers crave a seductive novel of unrelenting suspense with a paranormal twist, Linda Howard delivers time and again . . . make that Killing Time–a captivating, character-rich story that races along on a breathless plot full of action and intimacy, romance and danger, thrills and intrigue.
From the Hardcover edition.
In 1985, with much fanfare, a time capsule was buried under the front lawn of a small-town county courthouse, to be reopened in 2085. But just twenty years later, in the dead of night, the capsule is dug up, its contents stolen. That same night, one of the contributors to the capsule is brutally slain in his home–with no sign of forced entry or indication of a struggle. One by one, others who had placed items in the time capsule are murdered.
Besides his suspicions about the sudden, mysterious appearance of Nikita Stover, the chief investigator, Knox Davis, has absolutely no leads. And while Nikita’s no murderer, she seems to be hiding plenty of secrets. With more at stake than anyone else realizes, the smart-talking Nikita is determined to catch this cunning killer–while at the same time battling her own deepening feelings for a man and for a world in which she doesn’t belong.
When readers crave a seductive novel of unrelenting suspense with a paranormal twist, Linda Howard delivers time and again . . . make that Killing Time–a captivating, character-rich story that races along on a breathless plot full of action and intimacy, romance and danger, thrills and intrigue.
From the Hardcover edition.
363 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2005
218 people are currently reading
1713 people want to read
About the author
Linda Howard
223 books7,169 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Linda S. Howington is an American best-selling romance author writing under the pseudonym Linda Howard. After 21 years of penning stories for her own enjoyment, she submitted a novel for publication which was very successful. Her first work was published by Silhouette in 1982. She is a charter member of Romance Writers of America and in 2005 Howard was awarded their Career Achievement Award.
Linda Howard lives in Gadsden, Alabama with her husband, Gary F. Howington, and two golden retrievers. She has three grown stepchildren and three grandchildren.
Linda S. Howington is an American best-selling romance author writing under the pseudonym Linda Howard. After 21 years of penning stories for her own enjoyment, she submitted a novel for publication which was very successful. Her first work was published by Silhouette in 1982. She is a charter member of Romance Writers of America and in 2005 Howard was awarded their Career Achievement Award.
Linda Howard lives in Gadsden, Alabama with her husband, Gary F. Howington, and two golden retrievers. She has three grown stepchildren and three grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
October 8, 2020
Frankly I started reading this book just to kill time! *No pun intended xD*
I knew I'd have a good time because, who am I kidding, it's Linda Howard y'all! But never thought I'd love the time travel mumbo jumbo and all the futuristic tech shown in the book. Nikita's gadgets were super cool. It was fun to read about her history and how she was "made". Her understanding of the current day lingo was hilarious for the most part..
Unlike most LH heroes, this guy was a gem! No ulterior motive towards the girl, in fact he tries his best to cover for her, no overbearing macho attitude, no pomposity either, just a tad too curious for his own good. Even the mystery part was pretty neat. 4.5 killer stars.
Now, just wondering what happened to the sour Santa's tyres and chickens 🤔
I knew I'd have a good time because, who am I kidding, it's Linda Howard y'all! But never thought I'd love the time travel mumbo jumbo and all the futuristic tech shown in the book. Nikita's gadgets were super cool. It was fun to read about her history and how she was "made". Her understanding of the current day lingo was hilarious for the most part..
Unlike most LH heroes, this guy was a gem! No ulterior motive towards the girl, in fact he tries his best to cover for her, no overbearing macho attitude, no pomposity either, just a tad too curious for his own good. Even the mystery part was pretty neat. 4.5 killer stars.
Now, just wondering what happened to the sour Santa's tyres and chickens 🤔
January 10, 2016
Killing Time is my forty-ninth book by Linda Howard, but I can't believe it turned out to be her first book that I had a hard time getting into. It took me awhile to connect with her characters, which has never happened to me before. I always love her characters, especially the heroes but in this book, I still don't know why I didn't find Knox all that attractive like I was expecting. But Nikita, on the other hand, surprised me with her intelligence. She never put herself into danger, never had trouble following directions or doing what she had been told. She’s one of my ideal heroines.
About the romance part, I thought they fell in love with each other too easily and it happened totally out of nowhere. More than half of the book, Nikita refused to have sex and any intimacy with Knox, not even kissing. But just when she thought it was time…so it was time!? Well, I tried to understand that. And then they were on the bed, having mind-blowing sex. Hmm…Normally, it should annoy me, but for some reason it didn’t. It might be because Knox was so cute and sweet in this scene.
At this point, I couldn’t stop myself from grinning! That was my hero!
As the story continued to unfold, I couldn't help but got curious why the bad guy had to do such things. And it left me stunned when I knew all the truths! Seriously? Was this the reason?! I admit it was a bit disappointing.
The ending was way too abrupt and I wasn’t impressed by the way it ended. It just wasn’t what I was expecting and I thought it didn’t count as a good conclusion. However, the story was fast paced and something about the time travel in this book kept my interest all the way through. Moreover, I liked the plot and characters just fine so I ended up giving this book 3 stars.
About the romance part, I thought they fell in love with each other too easily and it happened totally out of nowhere. More than half of the book, Nikita refused to have sex and any intimacy with Knox, not even kissing. But just when she thought it was time…so it was time!? Well, I tried to understand that. And then they were on the bed, having mind-blowing sex. Hmm…Normally, it should annoy me, but for some reason it didn’t. It might be because Knox was so cute and sweet in this scene.
"I’m awake," she said, reflexively clinging to him lest he drop her. Her fingers dug into warm, damp flesh and hard muscle.
"That’s good. Making love’s always better when both people are awake."
Her heart pounded wildly in her chest, and her thoughts scattered. "But-what-I didn’t-"
"Hush," he said, and kissed her.
At this point, I couldn’t stop myself from grinning! That was my hero!
She pulled her mouth free, and he said, "No talking."
"I was going to say ‘yes.’"
"Oh." He paused. "That’s okay, then."
As the story continued to unfold, I couldn't help but got curious why the bad guy had to do such things. And it left me stunned when I knew all the truths! Seriously? Was this the reason?! I admit it was a bit disappointing.
The ending was way too abrupt and I wasn’t impressed by the way it ended. It just wasn’t what I was expecting and I thought it didn’t count as a good conclusion. However, the story was fast paced and something about the time travel in this book kept my interest all the way through. Moreover, I liked the plot and characters just fine so I ended up giving this book 3 stars.
February 18, 2014
3.5 stars for story; 4.5 for narration by Joyce Bean. Rounded up and averaged to 4, cuz I actually liked this more than expected (my hopes were not high). Despite its low rating average, I finally caved. It's one of the few Howards I hadn't read before.
I liked the setting, small town Kentucky, 2005. Liked the shrewd, blue-eyed, well-built hero, Knox Davis, archtypical bulldog detective. Everyone in town likes Knox, and at first he seems so easy going, even mild. Don't be fooled. Knox, like all Howard heroes, is alpha, protective, and passionate. He's flat-out straight about what he wants: Nikita, in his bed. Or in the shower. Or...on a cracker, cuz nothing sits on a Ritz... (I kept thinking of Ritz crackers. Don't ask).
Great heroine, Nikita Stovar, FBI agent from the future (200 years in the future). She's a Howard heroine through and through: compassionate but strong, clever, careful, determined. Never a victim. Never too stupid to live.
The plot was decent. Coherent. Credible, in a weird SCI-FI way. Slightly interesting, from an academic perspective. But predictable. I guessed who was helping the villain. You will, too.
Yummy love scenes. Two scenes -- just the right amount for me. (Still fanning myself over that shower sex!!)
Why only 3.5 stars? Two main reasons:
Pacing problems. Howard too frequently digressed from the present year (2005) to describe life 200 years in the future: space colonies, vaccinations (no handshakes), technology, weaponry, politics, medical breakthroughs, cloning, organ harvesting, cars, the value of paper, etc. Who cares? I wanted to know about the time capsule, the murders, and their developing relationship. This digression slowed the pace tremendously, especially when it was conveyed through Niki's internal rumination. It felt irrevelevant. I grew impatient. Bored.
Also, the epilogue was set in the future, with Niki's parents. I wanted it to be set in Kentucky, with Knox and maybe his parents, etc. I don't know her futuristic parents, or her little nephew. No matter how adorable, I simply don't care about them. Never met them. Why place them into the story at the very end??
But on the upside again, at least this book didn't have numerous slasher scenes, explicit murders complete with flashing knives, pounding hammers, and rivers of blood. Much as I loved Mr. Perfect and Dream Man, I hated the explicit murder scenes. This book felt "softer" I guess. More like Open Season, set in a small Southern town, with fade-to-black murders and a well-liked hero who works in the police department and cares about his parents. It also reminded me of the small-town-sheriff hero in Blue Moon, in the anthology Strangers in the Night. Nothing in Killing Time will give me nightmares. There is nothing like that horrible scene in Burn.
Okay, so I'm a wimp.
I liked the setting, small town Kentucky, 2005. Liked the shrewd, blue-eyed, well-built hero, Knox Davis, archtypical bulldog detective. Everyone in town likes Knox, and at first he seems so easy going, even mild. Don't be fooled. Knox, like all Howard heroes, is alpha, protective, and passionate. He's flat-out straight about what he wants: Nikita, in his bed. Or in the shower. Or...on a cracker, cuz nothing sits on a Ritz... (I kept thinking of Ritz crackers. Don't ask).
Great heroine, Nikita Stovar, FBI agent from the future (200 years in the future). She's a Howard heroine through and through: compassionate but strong, clever, careful, determined. Never a victim. Never too stupid to live.
The plot was decent. Coherent. Credible, in a weird SCI-FI way. Slightly interesting, from an academic perspective. But predictable. I guessed who was helping the villain. You will, too.
Yummy love scenes. Two scenes -- just the right amount for me. (Still fanning myself over that shower sex!!)
Why only 3.5 stars? Two main reasons:
Pacing problems. Howard too frequently digressed from the present year (2005) to describe life 200 years in the future: space colonies, vaccinations (no handshakes), technology, weaponry, politics, medical breakthroughs, cloning, organ harvesting, cars, the value of paper, etc. Who cares? I wanted to know about the time capsule, the murders, and their developing relationship. This digression slowed the pace tremendously, especially when it was conveyed through Niki's internal rumination. It felt irrevelevant. I grew impatient. Bored.
Also, the epilogue was set in the future, with Niki's parents. I wanted it to be set in Kentucky, with Knox and maybe his parents, etc. I don't know her futuristic parents, or her little nephew. No matter how adorable, I simply don't care about them. Never met them. Why place them into the story at the very end??
But on the upside again, at least this book didn't have numerous slasher scenes, explicit murders complete with flashing knives, pounding hammers, and rivers of blood. Much as I loved Mr. Perfect and Dream Man, I hated the explicit murder scenes. This book felt "softer" I guess. More like Open Season, set in a small Southern town, with fade-to-black murders and a well-liked hero who works in the police department and cares about his parents. It also reminded me of the small-town-sheriff hero in Blue Moon, in the anthology Strangers in the Night. Nothing in Killing Time will give me nightmares. There is nothing like that horrible scene in Burn.
Okay, so I'm a wimp.
March 6, 2017
The plot of this book was a bit out there but I really liked the hero, the heroine and their relationship. You know how most heroes are so similar they are almost indistinct - they are hunky, alpha, manly, etc. But this guy had a distinctive trait that will make him stand out in my mind - he was super curious - so you can imagine how he reacted when this woman told him she was from the future. He didn't believe her necessarily but he was so curious that he kept asking all these questions! He was always asking questions and that made him really good at his job.
He was tough and super smart but also low key and reasonable. Sometimes he would act protective but she would explain why she should do this or that and he would see reason. Both of them were really good investigators and they put two and two together fairly quickly once they had the pieces of the puzzle. They never got caught with their pants down!
I found it very funny how he knew the power of his bare chest. At some point, he's in the dog house with her and he deliberately started walking without a shirt! No pretending "I don't know how hunky I am" non-sense. This guy knew what he had and wasn't afraid to use it!!
I enjoyed the narration by Natalie Ross. I didn't love the hero's voice but her southern accents were great - not that I'm an expert but they seemed authentic to me.
I also loved the end. One of them had to give up something dear but it made soo much sense!
The futuristic plot is complicated - lots of complicated gadgets, time travel theory gibberish, etc. - so I can understand that it may not be for everybody. Regardless, I really enjoyed it!
He was tough and super smart but also low key and reasonable. Sometimes he would act protective but she would explain why she should do this or that and he would see reason. Both of them were really good investigators and they put two and two together fairly quickly once they had the pieces of the puzzle. They never got caught with their pants down!
I found it very funny how he knew the power of his bare chest. At some point, he's in the dog house with her and he deliberately started walking without a shirt! No pretending "I don't know how hunky I am" non-sense. This guy knew what he had and wasn't afraid to use it!!
I enjoyed the narration by Natalie Ross. I didn't love the hero's voice but her southern accents were great - not that I'm an expert but they seemed authentic to me.
I also loved the end. One of them had to give up something dear but it made soo much sense!
The futuristic plot is complicated - lots of complicated gadgets, time travel theory gibberish, etc. - so I can understand that it may not be for everybody. Regardless, I really enjoyed it!
August 10, 2017
Audio and book review:
I'm not sure where to go with this. Not a typical Linda Howard, but I've only read a few.
Nikita, the heroine, is a time traveling FBI agent who meets up with down home Kentuckian sheriff/detective Knox to find out why a 20 year old time capsule has been stolen as why there are so many deaths popping up around it. That's pretty much it.
Well not really, their investigation/romance is okay, but the side plot was a mega downer for me and their are truck size plot holes. Don't feel I'm doing the book justice so read others reviews.
I'm not sure where to go with this. Not a typical Linda Howard, but I've only read a few.
Nikita, the heroine, is a time traveling FBI agent who meets up with down home Kentuckian sheriff/detective Knox to find out why a 20 year old time capsule has been stolen as why there are so many deaths popping up around it. That's pretty much it.
Well not really, their investigation/romance is okay, but the side plot was a mega downer for me and their are truck size plot holes. Don't feel I'm doing the book justice so read others reviews.
March 7, 2017
Killing Time
3.5 Stars
Nothing ever happens in the small town of Pekesville, Kentucky. That is until a series of strange events occur including strange flashing lights, an unearthed time capsule and the murder of a local lawyer. County Investigator Knox Davis has his hands full, but the sudden appearance of FBI Nikita Stover does little to ease his mind as the mysterious agent is keeping secrets that will shake the foundations of Knox's orderly world.
Science fiction and time travel are not favorite tropes of mine, yet Howard somehow manages to weave the complex futuristic threads with the more recognizable romantic suspense themes to form a coherent and enjoyable story.
Howard's explanation of time travel is quite plausible and she manages to mostly avoid the annoying causal loop paradoxes that often plague this sub-genre. Moreover, her descriptions of life in the future are logical and realistic, especially considering that some of the devices (or rather primitive versions of them) have already come to pass (the book was originally published in 2005).
The romance is engaging as both Knox and Nikita are likable characters. Knox's unquenchable curiosity and Nikita's social and verbal slips are very endearing, and they have a sweet if rather lukewarm chemistry. The main conflict revolving around whether or not they can be together in the long term is resolved in a believable if rather simplistic manner.
The suspense plot is the weakest aspect of the story as the villain's motivation is obscure and the question of a wider conspiracy at work remains unresolved.
In sum, a pleasantly surprising read despite its issues, but Howard's more conventional romantic suspense books are better.
3.5 Stars
Nothing ever happens in the small town of Pekesville, Kentucky. That is until a series of strange events occur including strange flashing lights, an unearthed time capsule and the murder of a local lawyer. County Investigator Knox Davis has his hands full, but the sudden appearance of FBI Nikita Stover does little to ease his mind as the mysterious agent is keeping secrets that will shake the foundations of Knox's orderly world.
Science fiction and time travel are not favorite tropes of mine, yet Howard somehow manages to weave the complex futuristic threads with the more recognizable romantic suspense themes to form a coherent and enjoyable story.
Howard's explanation of time travel is quite plausible and she manages to mostly avoid the annoying causal loop paradoxes that often plague this sub-genre. Moreover, her descriptions of life in the future are logical and realistic, especially considering that some of the devices (or rather primitive versions of them) have already come to pass (the book was originally published in 2005).
The romance is engaging as both Knox and Nikita are likable characters. Knox's unquenchable curiosity and Nikita's social and verbal slips are very endearing, and they have a sweet if rather lukewarm chemistry. The main conflict revolving around whether or not they can be together in the long term is resolved in a believable if rather simplistic manner.
The suspense plot is the weakest aspect of the story as the villain's motivation is obscure and the question of a wider conspiracy at work remains unresolved.
In sum, a pleasantly surprising read despite its issues, but Howard's more conventional romantic suspense books are better.
August 10, 2010
Ok I'm a huge Linda Howard fan. I've read every single thing she's ever written and most of my all time favs were written by her. It used to be that I would auto buy her and salivate for the next one. This latest one is why I've stopped that. Don't get me wrong, I read it all (in about 3 to 4 hours, that's how "easy" it was,) but (hating to say it) it was just "eh".
You can tell her heart just isn't in it anymore and at this point she should just stop unless and until she gets the magic back. I'm sure she's made enough money.
This story is about a time cop from the future (which should have made me love it because you know how I love my Sci Fi) and a cop from small town Kentucky. The plot was thin, or at the very least, too easily resolved and the ending was so rushed I was like, "huh? the climax is here already?". It was like she hit her deadline and said, "Well, I gotta end it somewhere." And did.
The other major problem was the lack of chemistry between the hero and heroine. I just didn't "feel" it like her old stuff.
Anyway, like I said, I didn't stop and throw it against the wall so I can't say it was bad. I just found it lacking.
So in the end, I say read it, but wait till it's in paperback or get it from the library. The HB price isn't worth it.
You can tell her heart just isn't in it anymore and at this point she should just stop unless and until she gets the magic back. I'm sure she's made enough money.
This story is about a time cop from the future (which should have made me love it because you know how I love my Sci Fi) and a cop from small town Kentucky. The plot was thin, or at the very least, too easily resolved and the ending was so rushed I was like, "huh? the climax is here already?". It was like she hit her deadline and said, "Well, I gotta end it somewhere." And did.
The other major problem was the lack of chemistry between the hero and heroine. I just didn't "feel" it like her old stuff.
Anyway, like I said, I didn't stop and throw it against the wall so I can't say it was bad. I just found it lacking.
So in the end, I say read it, but wait till it's in paperback or get it from the library. The HB price isn't worth it.
December 7, 2010
I know this book hasn't been rated very high by other people but I loved it. It's sci-fi, contemporary with romantic suspense all rolled into one with some time travel thrown in. At first when I heard the name Nikita for the heroine I thought, "Oh brother!", but actually it did fit. Nikita is sent back in time to find a renegade time traveler. There's more than she thought going on. She meets up with investigator Knox Davis for some help. Great book.
May 17, 2010
Like all of Linda Howard's romantic suspense, this is fast-paced and smooth reading, but ultimately it failed as both a suspense and a romance. The time travel element was the big problem, in my opinion. I found it to be confusing and underdeveloped.
On the suspense side of things, I'm still not really clear about the motives of the bad guys in this book and it didn't feel like anything was really resolved, especially in the future. I still have a hundred questions about what the bad guys were trying to accomplish and while they seemed to have been stopped in the present day, the larger conspiracy was still at large in the future and I didn't see what would stop them from sending someone else back in time to complete their mission. I was also really unclear about what the plans for the time machine were doing in the time capsule in the first place.
On the romance side of things, it was just resolved too easily. Throughout the story, we have the tension caused by the idea that she couldn't stay in the past and he couldn't go forward to the future. But then in the end, it turned out that her life in the future wasn't all that great and that she was really much better off in the past. Way too easy, IMO. You got to work for these things.
This is only the second Linda Howard I've read that I didn't care for, and I've read at least 8 or 10 by now, so I would definitely continue to recommend the author, just not this particular book.
On the suspense side of things, I'm still not really clear about the motives of the bad guys in this book and it didn't feel like anything was really resolved, especially in the future. I still have a hundred questions about what the bad guys were trying to accomplish and while they seemed to have been stopped in the present day, the larger conspiracy was still at large in the future and I didn't see what would stop them from sending someone else back in time to complete their mission. I was also really unclear about what the plans for the time machine were doing in the time capsule in the first place.
On the romance side of things, it was just resolved too easily. Throughout the story, we have the tension caused by the idea that she couldn't stay in the past and he couldn't go forward to the future. But then in the end, it turned out that her life in the future wasn't all that great and that she was really much better off in the past. Way too easy, IMO. You got to work for these things.
This is only the second Linda Howard I've read that I didn't care for, and I've read at least 8 or 10 by now, so I would definitely continue to recommend the author, just not this particular book.
January 21, 2017
I'm not sure how to explain this book. I did like it, but it was kinda strange. The beginning was slow and I wasn't too sure about it. As I trudged on, my curiousity got the better of me. The storyline itself was very unique and interesting. It took awhile to get into the main characters. By the end I was happy I finished it......If you like time travel, give this book a read.
March 3, 2012
If I want a good romantic -suspense novel to read ,III always turn to a Linda Howard book first.Her books always have the right amount of romance & supense & twists & turns to keep me in the book.Her characters always have great chemistry,humour,& sexual tenison between them.Her storylines always grab you from the start & keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next.Killing Time was a little different than her usual fare,but it did not dissapoint at all! It was more mystery with time-travel and a touch of Sci-Fic..with a satisfying ending. A great escape read.
December 4, 2013
One of my least favorite Linda Howard's. It just felt a little contrived to me and the characterizations were not as good as usual in her books.
March 6, 2022
3 stars.
I love Linda Howard but I think I may have read all of her best book and this one just wasn’t up to par. Partly this was a victim of the time travelling trope, (written in 2005 but feeling like it was written much earlier) the future was unbelievable and missing key elements of life today like the smart phone. Strangely the only thing bang on was the elimination of handshaking due to a global pandemic.
The characters felt like cheap imitations of other Howard characters and the plot was boring. Had I realised this was a time travel romance I probably wouldn’t have read it as it’s my least favourite trope.
I may need to go visit some good old Howard books to erase the memory of this one
I love Linda Howard but I think I may have read all of her best book and this one just wasn’t up to par. Partly this was a victim of the time travelling trope, (written in 2005 but feeling like it was written much earlier) the future was unbelievable and missing key elements of life today like the smart phone. Strangely the only thing bang on was the elimination of handshaking due to a global pandemic.
The characters felt like cheap imitations of other Howard characters and the plot was boring. Had I realised this was a time travel romance I probably wouldn’t have read it as it’s my least favourite trope.
I may need to go visit some good old Howard books to erase the memory of this one
April 22, 2025
Nešto malo drugačije od Linde. U običan triler ubaci klasičnu romansu, malo putovanja kroz vreme i dobiješ knjigu koja drži pažnju.
January 9, 2016
When I first started this book it didn't seem like a Linda Howard book and I found myself reading the synopsis again and double checking the author. Yep - Linda Howard. I usually get into her stories pretty fast and even enjoy re-reading some of my favs. This one it took me past Chapter 4 before I started getting into the story and still for a lot of the work I found myself pushing to read versus not wanting to stop reading.
I liked Knox Davis as the MC/hero. Some people have referred to his character as Beta versus Alpha, but I think he was still more alpha than beta. He knew what he wanted and went after it. When faced with obstacles, he used his brain and not necessarily his brawn - doesn't make him beta; just smart. He definitely wasn't an in your face alpha which may have been his appeal. He was calm, cool and collected as he worked though problems or brought the heroine around to his way of thinking.
I liked Knox Davis as the MC/hero. Some people have referred to his character as Beta versus Alpha, but I think he was still more alpha than beta. He knew what he wanted and went after it. When faced with obstacles, he used his brain and not necessarily his brawn - doesn't make him beta; just smart. He definitely wasn't an in your face alpha which may have been his appeal. He was calm, cool and collected as he worked though problems or brought the heroine around to his way of thinking.
March 7, 2017
I saw someone else I follow had just read this and it sounded rather good. I gather up all Linda Howard's old books when I see them, and it turned out I had this in my pile, but hadn't gotten around to it. I didn't realise I had this otherwise I would have read it a while ago. Lucky me! It came along at the right time, just when I needed a good book ... dang it's hard to find anything these days, it quite often takes me longer to find a book than it does to read it.
I was with it right from the very start, and I found it really enjoyed it right the way through. I love Linda Howard's effortlessly good writing. The epilogue was fantastic and the very last line in the book, wahoo! Loved it. It put a big grin on my face.
Not a five star read, but well worth a four for enjoyment. A lovely time travel read with good ending.
I was with it right from the very start, and I found it really enjoyed it right the way through. I love Linda Howard's effortlessly good writing. The epilogue was fantastic and the very last line in the book, wahoo! Loved it. It put a big grin on my face.
Not a five star read, but well worth a four for enjoyment. A lovely time travel read with good ending.
December 7, 2017
#95 for 2017 RC
Genre: Suspense Romance
Alurnya berjalan lamban, sehingga di awal-awal baca saya agak lamban juga menyelesaikannya. Bercerita tentang kapsul waktu yang hilang yang diikuti dengan pembunuhan beberapa orang secara misterius. Sebagai penyelidik Knox Davis tidak menemukan bukti-bukti yang kuat untuk mengarahkan siapa pembunuhnya.
Tiba-tiba muncul Nikita Stover, wanita misterius yang mengaku sebagai agen FBI. Kemunculannya yang bersamaan dengan pembunuhan membuat Knox mencurigainya, dan menyelidiki latar belakangnya. Karena disudutkan oleh Knox, Nikita pun mengakui bahwa dia berasal dari masa depan, sekitar 200 tahun dari zaman sekarang.
Kurangnya chemistry diantara mereka yang membuat hubungan mereka serasa hambar untuk dibaca, seperti dipaksakan. Tersangka mulai diketahui di 2/3 cerita dan gak ada gregetnya. Jadi bisa dibilang bukunya gak kena di hati saya.
Genre: Suspense Romance
Alurnya berjalan lamban, sehingga di awal-awal baca saya agak lamban juga menyelesaikannya. Bercerita tentang kapsul waktu yang hilang yang diikuti dengan pembunuhan beberapa orang secara misterius. Sebagai penyelidik Knox Davis tidak menemukan bukti-bukti yang kuat untuk mengarahkan siapa pembunuhnya.
Tiba-tiba muncul Nikita Stover, wanita misterius yang mengaku sebagai agen FBI. Kemunculannya yang bersamaan dengan pembunuhan membuat Knox mencurigainya, dan menyelidiki latar belakangnya. Karena disudutkan oleh Knox, Nikita pun mengakui bahwa dia berasal dari masa depan, sekitar 200 tahun dari zaman sekarang.
Kurangnya chemistry diantara mereka yang membuat hubungan mereka serasa hambar untuk dibaca, seperti dipaksakan. Tersangka mulai diketahui di 2/3 cerita dan gak ada gregetnya. Jadi bisa dibilang bukunya gak kena di hati saya.
August 2, 2021
Written as I read-
This is the third book in my COVID Quarantine Linda Howard Read-a-thon. I simply went to our local used bookstore, pulled her books off the shelves and bought a pile that had high ratings on GR. I knew this one had an element of time travel, which I'm NOT a fan of, but I was willing to give it a try anyway. I'm having a blast reading it!
I really like the hero, Knox; a polite, slightly obsessive hunk who can't resist a puzzle and follows the logic of a mystery better than Sherlock Holmes ever did. I wasn't so sure about the heroine, but I like the little questions being dropped about who she really is, and the slowly developing relationship between them is a lot of fun to read. That's a good thing, because the mystery definitely takes a back seat to the characters.
Knox's fiance died seven years ago, and he and his almost-mother-in-law share a bond over their loss. I love that timeline, where he's only now really ready to move on. Too many books have someone remarrying a year after a loved one's death, and some people do move on that fast. But many people, like me, take a lot longer to feel ready and it's nice to see that reflected in a book sometimes.
Not laugh-out-loud funny, but amusing and absorbing. So far so good!
Now that I've finished this one, I'm really sad it's over. The time travel was an integral part of the story but didn't overwhelm it. I liked the MCs and their families, too. A nice diversion at a rather grim time in my life. 4 solid stars
This is the third book in my COVID Quarantine Linda Howard Read-a-thon. I simply went to our local used bookstore, pulled her books off the shelves and bought a pile that had high ratings on GR. I knew this one had an element of time travel, which I'm NOT a fan of, but I was willing to give it a try anyway. I'm having a blast reading it!
I really like the hero, Knox; a polite, slightly obsessive hunk who can't resist a puzzle and follows the logic of a mystery better than Sherlock Holmes ever did. I wasn't so sure about the heroine, but I like the little questions being dropped about who she really is, and the slowly developing relationship between them is a lot of fun to read. That's a good thing, because the mystery definitely takes a back seat to the characters.
Knox's fiance died seven years ago, and he and his almost-mother-in-law share a bond over their loss. I love that timeline, where he's only now really ready to move on. Too many books have someone remarrying a year after a loved one's death, and some people do move on that fast. But many people, like me, take a lot longer to feel ready and it's nice to see that reflected in a book sometimes.
Not laugh-out-loud funny, but amusing and absorbing. So far so good!
Now that I've finished this one, I'm really sad it's over. The time travel was an integral part of the story but didn't overwhelm it. I liked the MCs and their families, too. A nice diversion at a rather grim time in my life. 4 solid stars
January 17, 2013
This is at best a B grade effort by an A+ author who brought us ingenious books like “Mr. Perfect”, “Dying to Please”, and “Blood Borne”. It’s a mesh of a murder mystery, and a tepid romance, with a time traveling FBI agent (the heroine), who isn’t nearly assertive enough to be a Fed, or even a convincing cop.
As sci-fi, the time travel story, it was ok, but the author seemed to forget the self imposed rules of what can come through the time portal, and what cannot.
As a romance, the Hero and Heroine were ok, together, but it seemed to me IMO, to be luke warm at best.
As a mystery, it was abrupt, and cut-off, and devoid of clues that would make sense. The time traveling fed used her DNA scanner to sift for clues everywhere - except at the last actual uncontaminated murder scene. It’s like she forgot she had this detecting tool.
I’m a sucker for sci-fi romance and a time traveling story by one of the most talented authors should be a slam dunk, but the neglect of details, and the passiveness of the female who was supposed to be this super-cop brought her off to me as unassertive and borderline incompetent. She should have been in control of the investigation, not following the lead of the local constabulary.
As sci-fi, the time travel story, it was ok, but the author seemed to forget the self imposed rules of what can come through the time portal, and what cannot.
As a romance, the Hero and Heroine were ok, together, but it seemed to me IMO, to be luke warm at best.
As a mystery, it was abrupt, and cut-off, and devoid of clues that would make sense. The time traveling fed used her DNA scanner to sift for clues everywhere - except at the last actual uncontaminated murder scene. It’s like she forgot she had this detecting tool.
I’m a sucker for sci-fi romance and a time traveling story by one of the most talented authors should be a slam dunk, but the neglect of details, and the passiveness of the female who was supposed to be this super-cop brought her off to me as unassertive and borderline incompetent. She should have been in control of the investigation, not following the lead of the local constabulary.
August 9, 2015
Author: Linda Howard
First published: 2005
Length: 455 pages (Large Print)
Setting: Contemporary (2005). Smalltown, Pekesville, Kentucky.
Sex: Explicit. Reasonably frequent.
Hero: Chief County Investigator
Heroine: FBI
Not sure what it was I just read. An odd combination of heavily explained time travel, light mystery/suspense, a nod to a romance and explicit sex with plenty of penis references. It seems this author had an idea and very much wanted it published...
The worst part is how time travel really doesn't work and the more you try to explain it the less it holds. Too many questions remain unanswered and the belief suspension required to just enjoy the tale is lost.
Ultimately, some good ideas wrapped cumbersomely in a science journal.
1.5 stars rounded up.
References:
Authoron w'pedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_H...
(ISBN 9780375435157)
-CR-
First published: 2005
Length: 455 pages (Large Print)
Setting: Contemporary (2005). Smalltown, Pekesville, Kentucky.
Sex: Explicit. Reasonably frequent.
Hero: Chief County Investigator
Heroine: FBI
Not sure what it was I just read. An odd combination of heavily explained time travel, light mystery/suspense, a nod to a romance and explicit sex with plenty of penis references. It seems this author had an idea and very much wanted it published...
The worst part is how time travel really doesn't work and the more you try to explain it the less it holds. Too many questions remain unanswered and the belief suspension required to just enjoy the tale is lost.
Ultimately, some good ideas wrapped cumbersomely in a science journal.
1.5 stars rounded up.
References:
Authoron w'pedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_H...
(ISBN 9780375435157)
-CR-
Read
June 27, 2010I really wish I would have read the reviews and had read a better description of this book before I took the time to read it. Normally I can read Linda Howard's books without doing either, as they are all generally pretty good. I can't even rate this book. I can't say it was horrible but I can't say it was good either. The time-travel thing threw me. I can, and do, read various genres but I usually stay away from anything related to this subject. And, as with other books I have read, this was confusing and it wasn't explained well through out the book. The love story was okay, but not great by any means. I love Linda Howard and will continue to read as many of her books as I can get my hands on. I will, however, read more about the books before I start reading. I only continued reading this book because I kept hoping it would get better and that it would make better sense. It didn't on either.
September 18, 2013
This was my second contemporary Linda Howard book and it is very different from the other. The hero is a masculine yet really geeky small town cop who loves chasing after questions. The heroine is serious and controlled, and also a bit geeky. This is a time travel story, but is more acceptable to me than most because the person traveling has studied up and is trying to apprehend a criminal. Ultimately, the reason for the murders in the book is a bit disappointing, and there were some discontinuities regarding what supposedly could travel through time, but the book was a smooth and easy read with two likable main characters. This is a 3.5 star read for me as it was easy to read, but some of the back story could have been better supported.
September 22, 2011
Hmmm, well I really wish I could say something brilliant and wonderful about this story, but I just can't. There just wasn't that special magic that I expect from a Linda Howard book. The story was ok, I enjoyed the parts about the mechanics of time travel. But the characters just didn't have that special spark that makes them stand out in my mind.
April 13, 2011
I enjoy Linda Howard and this one was good, not her best, but not half bad. If you enjoy romance and a good mystery thriller then this author is for you. Beware the amount of sex is high, but its a good story.
May 12, 2009
A rather strange book. Interesting premise and several interesting points, but slightly sloppy on the plotlines.
October 25, 2015
I read this awhile ago but I never rated it on here. Fabulous book!
June 12, 2018
Ich muss gestehen: Das Cover ist einfach nur schrecklich und passt überhaupt nicht zum Inhalt des Buches. Deswegen wundert es mich schon ein bisschen, dass es ausgewählt wurde. Außerdem habe ich selten ein Buch gelesen, bei dem der Klappentext so wenig verrät wie bei diesem. Das Positive: Es gibt beim Lesen die ein oder andere Überraschung.
Das Buch ist mit "Roman" unterschrieben, allerdings denke ich, dass man es auch als Krimi bezeichnen kann. Zumindest gibt es Morde und natürlich einen tollen Ermittler :) Allerdings spielt auch ein Zeitreise-Aspekt mit hinein, den ich so nicht erwartet hätte, der mir aber gut gefallen hat.
Die Story an sich ist allerdings etwas flach. Mir hat sehr gut gefallen, wie 2005 und die Zukunft miteinander verwebt werden. Allerdings bleibt dadurch die eigentliche Handlung sehr oberflächlich. Hier hätte ich mir mehr Tiefe gewünscht.
Wer aufgrund des Covers jetzt viel Sex erwartet, wird enttäuscht werden. Der spielt nämlich nur eine untergeordnete Rolle. Für mich war das sehr positiv, weil das nicht mein Genre ist. Allerdings kann ich mir vorstellen, dass der ein oder andere Leser sich dadurch schon etwas in die Irre geführt fühlt.
Insgesamt war das Buch für mich okay, man konnte es gemütlich lesen, ohne zu viel mitdenken zu müssen. Für ein paar entspannte Sommer-Lesestunden perfekt. Von mir gibt es 3 Sterne!
Das Buch ist mit "Roman" unterschrieben, allerdings denke ich, dass man es auch als Krimi bezeichnen kann. Zumindest gibt es Morde und natürlich einen tollen Ermittler :) Allerdings spielt auch ein Zeitreise-Aspekt mit hinein, den ich so nicht erwartet hätte, der mir aber gut gefallen hat.
Die Story an sich ist allerdings etwas flach. Mir hat sehr gut gefallen, wie 2005 und die Zukunft miteinander verwebt werden. Allerdings bleibt dadurch die eigentliche Handlung sehr oberflächlich. Hier hätte ich mir mehr Tiefe gewünscht.
Wer aufgrund des Covers jetzt viel Sex erwartet, wird enttäuscht werden. Der spielt nämlich nur eine untergeordnete Rolle. Für mich war das sehr positiv, weil das nicht mein Genre ist. Allerdings kann ich mir vorstellen, dass der ein oder andere Leser sich dadurch schon etwas in die Irre geführt fühlt.
Insgesamt war das Buch für mich okay, man konnte es gemütlich lesen, ohne zu viel mitdenken zu müssen. Für ein paar entspannte Sommer-Lesestunden perfekt. Von mir gibt es 3 Sterne!
July 16, 2017
Guess I should pay more attention to the dust cover in the future. This type of mystery/crime drama is not my style. However, once I got deeper into the book the story line was interesting, so I kept going. If you are into future meets present then you will probably like this book. It was an enjoyable read and the characters were likeable, its just not my style. I think that there were times it was blogged down with Knox and Nikitas relationship, or lack thereof, that made the book seem longer and lost at times. Again, it was ok and I've learned my lesson because sometimes you really do need to judge a book by its dust "cover".
April 6, 2025
This one was all around just pretty good. I thought the time traveling element was interesting. I didn't think too hard on it, I didn't care about the plot holes.
I wanted to see a bit more love between them. I didn't quite buy into the HEA at the end. I did like both characters, especially in the beginning. They both seemed a bit different from the normal LH characters. But the slowly became more of the same, which isn't bad but not as exciting.
The mystery to the story was pretty interesting but not very deep. Its a pretty shallow but entertaining story.
I wanted to see a bit more love between them. I didn't quite buy into the HEA at the end. I did like both characters, especially in the beginning. They both seemed a bit different from the normal LH characters. But the slowly became more of the same, which isn't bad but not as exciting.
The mystery to the story was pretty interesting but not very deep. Its a pretty shallow but entertaining story.
January 27, 2018
This book was a surprise. In reading the description I thought the book was going to be about a chief investigator trying to figure out the disappearance of a time capsule and solving a bizarre murder. It turned out the story that revolved around time travel. The story held my interest all the way through. I would definitely recommend it as a good read.
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