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Brown and de Luca #4
Deadly Obsession
A cold-blooded killer with a burning obsession…
Rachel de Luca has a bad feeling about the new woman in Detective Mason Brown's life, the nurse taking care of him after he's injured in the line of duty. She'd like to think it's just jealousy, but intuition tells her it's something more, maybe something dangerous.
Mason knows Rachel's wary of commitment, and asking her to stay when he's in this condition would be the worst thing for their relationship. Then they receive chilling news that drives everything else from their minds.
Mason's psychotic sister-in-law has escaped from custody, putting her sons — the nephews he's raising — in the crosshairs. When his house is burned to the ground, he and Rachel are relieved that there are no bodies in the smoldering rubble, but now his nephews are missing and the clock is ticking.
As Mason and Rachel try to find the boys, she senses a new and unexpected danger stalking them. Soon, everyone close to Mason is in deadly peril — Rachel more than anyone….
Rachel de Luca has a bad feeling about the new woman in Detective Mason Brown's life, the nurse taking care of him after he's injured in the line of duty. She'd like to think it's just jealousy, but intuition tells her it's something more, maybe something dangerous.
Mason knows Rachel's wary of commitment, and asking her to stay when he's in this condition would be the worst thing for their relationship. Then they receive chilling news that drives everything else from their minds.
Mason's psychotic sister-in-law has escaped from custody, putting her sons — the nephews he's raising — in the crosshairs. When his house is burned to the ground, he and Rachel are relieved that there are no bodies in the smoldering rubble, but now his nephews are missing and the clock is ticking.
As Mason and Rachel try to find the boys, she senses a new and unexpected danger stalking them. Soon, everyone close to Mason is in deadly peril — Rachel more than anyone….
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 25, 2014
137 people are currently reading
652 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Shayne
257 books2,572 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 85 reviews
November 30, 2014
It's no secret that I love this series. This story does everything to keep my love in place!!
First of all, I find fatal attraction-ish stories appealing on so many levels, especially when they're done well. Mason Brown hires the nurse from hell to help with his needed home care following his hero life saving rescue of two children from a burning fire. Rachel's paranormal instincts (she calls it NFP for "not "&)#% psychic) go into overdrive the first time she meets her but Mason's a little slow to properly react.
Things get even dicier when Marie Brown, Mason's institutionalized sister-in-law, starts going off the rails. As guardian of his two nephews, Mason's concerned that she'll somehow connect with them.
I could not put this book down and fortunately, being on a 5-hour road trip, I didn't have to! My heart was in my throat for so much of the story because everyone was at risk. Shayne doesn't always protect her main characters (i.e., Mason's injuries at the start of the story) so you can't count on that to ease the suspense. The nurse was truly whacko but in a pretty delicious way if you are drawn to this type storyline. I was actually sad to reach my destination as I had about an hour more of reading to go:)
When you're ready to start this book, make sure you've got plenty of time to read it in one sitting or you'll regret it. There's not too much mystery as we know the bad guys but there's plenty of suspense to make up for that and it's a nail biter. I loved everything about the story, including Rachel and Mason's continuing-to-develop relationship and Myrtle the blind bulldog's scene stealing. Even she has her own, private intrigue to add to the mix. This series is definitely an auto read for me.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
First of all, I find fatal attraction-ish stories appealing on so many levels, especially when they're done well. Mason Brown hires the nurse from hell to help with his needed home care following his hero life saving rescue of two children from a burning fire. Rachel's paranormal instincts (she calls it NFP for "not "&)#% psychic) go into overdrive the first time she meets her but Mason's a little slow to properly react.
Things get even dicier when Marie Brown, Mason's institutionalized sister-in-law, starts going off the rails. As guardian of his two nephews, Mason's concerned that she'll somehow connect with them.
I could not put this book down and fortunately, being on a 5-hour road trip, I didn't have to! My heart was in my throat for so much of the story because everyone was at risk. Shayne doesn't always protect her main characters (i.e., Mason's injuries at the start of the story) so you can't count on that to ease the suspense. The nurse was truly whacko but in a pretty delicious way if you are drawn to this type storyline. I was actually sad to reach my destination as I had about an hour more of reading to go:)
When you're ready to start this book, make sure you've got plenty of time to read it in one sitting or you'll regret it. There's not too much mystery as we know the bad guys but there's plenty of suspense to make up for that and it's a nail biter. I loved everything about the story, including Rachel and Mason's continuing-to-develop relationship and Myrtle the blind bulldog's scene stealing. Even she has her own, private intrigue to add to the mix. This series is definitely an auto read for me.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
June 16, 2016
When I grow up I want to be Rachel! LOL
I love Rachel. I adore Rachel. I want the next book NOW!!!
This whole serires is just fantastic! Everybody should read it!
This is a direct sequel of the last book (Innocent Prey).
Mason has said the three magic word to Rachel at the end of Innocent Prey but Rachel didn't said them to him! WOW!
So Rachel and her Inner Bitch have some very funny dialogue between themselves! LOL
I simply adore how Rachel's brain works! It's illogically logic! It's fantastic!
I love Mason and the boys too, but my absolute favorit is Rachel (in case it was not clear!!!!)!
In this book too we have a crime they have to solve. As Rachel herself says:
What with my penchant for falling into one case after another like I was being pushed there. Like I was being led there.
Also, this crime too is connected with the stories of the previous books. Maybe not so tightly, but still... ;)
Another character, because she's just that, is Myrtle, the blind bulldog. She's sooo cute that I really wanted to adopt her! And we have a new entry: Hugo - a bulldog puppy!
I was also happy to find out that Rachel's and Mason's love story is growing and that they're forming a loving family together!
As Rachel says:
It would be for all of us. A family home for the family I’d never thought I’d always wanted.
I love also how MS writes. How she changes from 1st person to 3rd persone without glitch. Her writing flows: a perfect mix of descritions, inner dialogue, dialogue, heat, sweetness, foul mouth... there's everything a good book needs!
What are you waiting for: start this series ASAP, you'll not regret it!
I love Rachel. I adore Rachel. I want the next book NOW!!!
This whole serires is just fantastic! Everybody should read it!
This is a direct sequel of the last book (Innocent Prey).
Mason has said the three magic word to Rachel at the end of Innocent Prey but Rachel didn't said them to him! WOW!
So Rachel and her Inner Bitch have some very funny dialogue between themselves! LOL
I simply adore how Rachel's brain works! It's illogically logic! It's fantastic!
I love Mason and the boys too, but my absolute favorit is Rachel (in case it was not clear!!!!)!
In this book too we have a crime they have to solve. As Rachel herself says:
What with my penchant for falling into one case after another like I was being pushed there. Like I was being led there.
Also, this crime too is connected with the stories of the previous books. Maybe not so tightly, but still... ;)
Another character, because she's just that, is Myrtle, the blind bulldog. She's sooo cute that I really wanted to adopt her! And we have a new entry: Hugo - a bulldog puppy!
I was also happy to find out that Rachel's and Mason's love story is growing and that they're forming a loving family together!
As Rachel says:
It would be for all of us. A family home for the family I’d never thought I’d always wanted.
I love also how MS writes. How she changes from 1st person to 3rd persone without glitch. Her writing flows: a perfect mix of descritions, inner dialogue, dialogue, heat, sweetness, foul mouth... there's everything a good book needs!
What are you waiting for: start this series ASAP, you'll not regret it!
October 9, 2018
Deadly Obsession is book four in the Brown and de Luca series by Maggie Shayne. Detective Mason Brown and Rachel de Luca were coming home from a date when they saw a house on fire. Detective Mason Brown went inside the burning house to see if anyone was inside and found two young children. However, Detective Mason Brown
I did it again read the last book in a series. I will have to go back and read the Brown and de Luca series from the beginning. However, Deadly Obsession is a standalone and an enjoyable book to read. I love the two main characters and the way Maggie Shayne portrayed them. I like the way Maggie Shayne interacted her characters with each other. Maggie Shayne did a fantastic job of incorporating the animals into the plot of Deadly Obsession, and at times I could not help but laugh with what they get up too. Deadly Obsession is well written and researched by Maggie Shayne. Halfway through Deadly Obsession, I did realise who the killer was halfway through the book, but still, the end came out of the left field.
The readers of Deadly Obsession will learn the importance of communications between couples. Also, the readers of Deadly Obsession will start to understand the way that law enforcement officers can use people who have ESP.
I recommend this book.
I did it again read the last book in a series. I will have to go back and read the Brown and de Luca series from the beginning. However, Deadly Obsession is a standalone and an enjoyable book to read. I love the two main characters and the way Maggie Shayne portrayed them. I like the way Maggie Shayne interacted her characters with each other. Maggie Shayne did a fantastic job of incorporating the animals into the plot of Deadly Obsession, and at times I could not help but laugh with what they get up too. Deadly Obsession is well written and researched by Maggie Shayne. Halfway through Deadly Obsession, I did realise who the killer was halfway through the book, but still, the end came out of the left field.
The readers of Deadly Obsession will learn the importance of communications between couples. Also, the readers of Deadly Obsession will start to understand the way that law enforcement officers can use people who have ESP.
I recommend this book.
June 15, 2016
4 1/2 stars (rounded down to 4 stars, because I couldn't believe an experienced and decorated cop like Mason wouldn't check Nurse Batshit Crazy's background before hiring her)
August 13, 2016
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
As I had mentioned in my Pre-Review of Deadly Obsession, Maggie Shayne answered a question on GR stating that there was going to be a fifth installment of the Brown and de Luca series. I haven't seen much else about this news aside from another GR question answered by Shayne, that gives a tentative release date for fall of this year. And then there's the reference to an older book, The Gingerbread Man , of which I will probably be checking out from the library in the next few days, because READING MOOD.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing what there will be in store next for this series, because as it stands, Deadly Obsession actually feels like a pretty well-rounded conclusion to the Brown and de Luca series, if that was what Shayne is going for. If not, I suppose we'll be seeing even more stand-alone novels being pushed out centering around Rachel and Mason, and frankly, I'm not complaining.
If I had to describe how I felt about Deadly Obsession, I'd actually say that it was the most exciting, edge-of-your-seat installment of this series. It doesn't really have a mystery, per se, since we already know up front who the serial arsonist slash killer is. And we also get to see into said arsonist/killer's head, and it is definitely NOT a steady place to be. There's a pretty twisted mind floating around the world of this fourth book and it's kind of scary.
As was the case with the previous books, the action starts out immediately, with Mason rushing into a burning building to save babies, thus cementing him in every woman's mind as the perfect, wonderful hero he's always been (aside from that one little set-back with his brother being an evil serial killer and how he covered up that evidence, and all). Mason regains a bit more depth in this fourth book than I had seen from the previous installment, but he still comes off a bit carbon-copy, so I hope that the next book will be good for him.
Instead, Rachel's continued complexities makes me continue to love her more and more. And I love that she doesn't react like a typical romance novel heroine to many different situations she is presented with. And I'm also kind of glad that her jealous side is so transparent and childish when it comes to Mason's home care nurse, "Nurse Boobsalot," but that at the same time, she's quite level-headed about her feelings. But being level-headed on the outside doesn't mean that she's not going to resort to childish name calling and unabashed web stalking of said new nurse who all but charges into Mason's home with the obvious mission of seducing him, even with Rachel standing right there.
And I find it even more amusing that even Mason's nephews have caught onto the home care nurse's seduction plans, while Mason's just all, "Well, she seemed so desperate for a job that I just couldn't turn her down. What do you mean she's got a thing for me?" Because it's kind of cool that he doesn't seem to notice or care... though, honestly a little unbelievable. Because as Rachel points out, there's no way a hot-blooded man like him couldn't notice the centerfold model body on that woman.
I also loved this description of the first time Rachel sees and describes the nurse, Gretchen Young:
One of the things I found sweet was how the boys, Mason's nephews, realized that Nurse Gretchen was trying to seduce Mason, and decided to let the nurse know that it was no good because of how Mason's "crazy about Rachel," and so Gretchen's pre-occupation with Mason was a waste of time. The entire tone Jeremy (the seventeen year old) took when speaking to Gretchen felt pretty protective of Rachel, and that was just all sorts of sweet and made me smile.
The interactions between the characters have always been pretty excellent, especially within this newly minted little family of uncle, nephews, and Rachel, plus the dogs. I wouldn't mind seeing more of them in future installments being all "happy, warm family" with each other.
And again, despite the fact that we already know what's going on--with the psychotic arsonist, and Mason's sister-in-law being a danger to them as well--the book was every bit a page-turning suspense to find out how things would pan out in the end. As with the previous books, this one was probably damn near perfect in spite of the switching POV narration.
The events were fast-paced and straight-forward, and I didn't really feel like there were too many tangents taken that would sidetrack from the main conflict. We get to see more of Jeremy as an individual rather than just a kid in the background in Mason's life. We get to see more of twelve-year-old Joshua as well and some bits of youthful wisdom that really makes you think.
But all-in-all, the story flew by pretty quickly and you're left with a gaping hole and thoughts of, "Oh. It's over? Already?" And then we proceed to pout and await the next installment.
Oh, but also, there's a very obvious mistake in the story line that apparently didn't get caught: Mason's partner, Rosie's wife is named Gwen in this book, when in previous books she was named Marlayna. I thought there might have been just a typo at first, but she is referred to several more times as Gwen in this book, so it seems like it was just one editing mistake that should probably be fixed.
Otherwise, damn near perfect.
***
2016 Reading Challenges:
• Goodreads Reading Challenge
• BookLikes Reading Challenge
• COYER Summer Vacation 2016 -- Bingo Board Three | Square R10 -- Thriller
• Can You Read a Series in a Month? Challenge
As I had mentioned in my Pre-Review of Deadly Obsession, Maggie Shayne answered a question on GR stating that there was going to be a fifth installment of the Brown and de Luca series. I haven't seen much else about this news aside from another GR question answered by Shayne, that gives a tentative release date for fall of this year. And then there's the reference to an older book, The Gingerbread Man , of which I will probably be checking out from the library in the next few days, because READING MOOD.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing what there will be in store next for this series, because as it stands, Deadly Obsession actually feels like a pretty well-rounded conclusion to the Brown and de Luca series, if that was what Shayne is going for. If not, I suppose we'll be seeing even more stand-alone novels being pushed out centering around Rachel and Mason, and frankly, I'm not complaining.
If I had to describe how I felt about Deadly Obsession, I'd actually say that it was the most exciting, edge-of-your-seat installment of this series. It doesn't really have a mystery, per se, since we already know up front who the serial arsonist slash killer is. And we also get to see into said arsonist/killer's head, and it is definitely NOT a steady place to be. There's a pretty twisted mind floating around the world of this fourth book and it's kind of scary.
As was the case with the previous books, the action starts out immediately, with Mason rushing into a burning building to save babies, thus cementing him in every woman's mind as the perfect, wonderful hero he's always been (aside from that one little set-back with his brother being an evil serial killer and how he covered up that evidence, and all). Mason regains a bit more depth in this fourth book than I had seen from the previous installment, but he still comes off a bit carbon-copy, so I hope that the next book will be good for him.
Instead, Rachel's continued complexities makes me continue to love her more and more. And I love that she doesn't react like a typical romance novel heroine to many different situations she is presented with. And I'm also kind of glad that her jealous side is so transparent and childish when it comes to Mason's home care nurse, "Nurse Boobsalot," but that at the same time, she's quite level-headed about her feelings. But being level-headed on the outside doesn't mean that she's not going to resort to childish name calling and unabashed web stalking of said new nurse who all but charges into Mason's home with the obvious mission of seducing him, even with Rachel standing right there.
And I find it even more amusing that even Mason's nephews have caught onto the home care nurse's seduction plans, while Mason's just all, "Well, she seemed so desperate for a job that I just couldn't turn her down. What do you mean she's got a thing for me?" Because it's kind of cool that he doesn't seem to notice or care... though, honestly a little unbelievable. Because as Rachel points out, there's no way a hot-blooded man like him couldn't notice the centerfold model body on that woman.
I also loved this description of the first time Rachel sees and describes the nurse, Gretchen Young:
I looked out the front door as a nymphomaniac prostitute in a Nurse Goodbody costume got out of a little red car and Beyonce'd her way to the door.
"I thought it was June. It's still June, right? 'Cause this looks like Halloween to me."
Jeremy said, "If she says 'trick-or-treat,' Dad, give her me."
"Oh, hell," Mason said.
I turned slowly, tearing my eyes off the breast-feeding-mother-sized breasts that were revealed by the open top of her white, button-down, skintight, micro-mini nurse getup. Yea, it was that bad.
One of the things I found sweet was how the boys, Mason's nephews, realized that Nurse Gretchen was trying to seduce Mason, and decided to let the nurse know that it was no good because of how Mason's "crazy about Rachel," and so Gretchen's pre-occupation with Mason was a waste of time. The entire tone Jeremy (the seventeen year old) took when speaking to Gretchen felt pretty protective of Rachel, and that was just all sorts of sweet and made me smile.
The interactions between the characters have always been pretty excellent, especially within this newly minted little family of uncle, nephews, and Rachel, plus the dogs. I wouldn't mind seeing more of them in future installments being all "happy, warm family" with each other.
And again, despite the fact that we already know what's going on--with the psychotic arsonist, and Mason's sister-in-law being a danger to them as well--the book was every bit a page-turning suspense to find out how things would pan out in the end. As with the previous books, this one was probably damn near perfect in spite of the switching POV narration.
The events were fast-paced and straight-forward, and I didn't really feel like there were too many tangents taken that would sidetrack from the main conflict. We get to see more of Jeremy as an individual rather than just a kid in the background in Mason's life. We get to see more of twelve-year-old Joshua as well and some bits of youthful wisdom that really makes you think.
But all-in-all, the story flew by pretty quickly and you're left with a gaping hole and thoughts of, "Oh. It's over? Already?" And then we proceed to pout and await the next installment.
Oh, but also, there's a very obvious mistake in the story line that apparently didn't get caught: Mason's partner, Rosie's wife is named Gwen in this book, when in previous books she was named Marlayna. I thought there might have been just a typo at first, but she is referred to several more times as Gwen in this book, so it seems like it was just one editing mistake that should probably be fixed.
Otherwise, damn near perfect.
***
2016 Reading Challenges:
• Goodreads Reading Challenge
• BookLikes Reading Challenge
• COYER Summer Vacation 2016 -- Bingo Board Three | Square R10 -- Thriller
• Can You Read a Series in a Month? Challenge
March 11, 2015
After Detective Mason Brown is injured while saving two children in a house fire, he hires a visiting nurse. Mason's girlfriend, Rachel de Luca, takes an immediate dislike to the nurse. Her intuition tells her that Gretchen Young is trouble. But her problems with Gretchen take a backseat when they hear that Mason's sister-in-law has escaped from the mental hospital and has taken her sons with her. As Mason and Rachel search for his nephews, her senses tell them that the boys are not the only people in danger...Mason and Rachel are in the cross-hairs too.
Another outstanding addition to Maggie Shayne's Brown & de Luca series. In this book, Rachel is not sure if she is ready for any kind of commitment from Mason. But when he is injured she realizes she doesn't want to live without him. She's just not sure how to tell him.
As usual, the dialogue is sharp and witty, the characters are well drawn, and the suspense is top-notch. I hope the author decides to continue this series in the future. My rating: 5 Stars.
Another outstanding addition to Maggie Shayne's Brown & de Luca series. In this book, Rachel is not sure if she is ready for any kind of commitment from Mason. But when he is injured she realizes she doesn't want to live without him. She's just not sure how to tell him.
As usual, the dialogue is sharp and witty, the characters are well drawn, and the suspense is top-notch. I hope the author decides to continue this series in the future. My rating: 5 Stars.
February 25, 2017
5 stars
I love every bit of this book!
Someone has taken a fatal attraction to Mason Brown after seeing him on the news, rescuing two young children from a burning home. Mason is injured after his heroic rescue and is in need of a home care nurse to change his bandage. In comes Gretchen Young, who wants to do more than just nurse his wounds. Rachel's senses go berserk when she meets Gretchen but she wasn't around long enough to decipher what makes her uncomfortable. It's not jealousy, at least not that she would admit to it. Rachel and Mason are still figuring out their relationship and what their next step should be. It was funny and sweet to watch Rachel figure her way in this and Mason being patient as always. On top of that, Mason's sister Marie, has had a breakdown at the psychiatric center where she's been staying. She's adamant and worried about their safety, and must find a way to get to her boys. Josh and Jeremy both have bigger roles in this book. It was nice to see them with Rachel too and see that their little "family" has grown together. Even Myrtle, cute and funny as always, gets a new friend.
It was obvious from the get go who the bad guy was, it was just a matter of seeing it play out and how the other characters become involved. There were several heartbreaking moments with the boys and their mother, I really felt for them and their situation. I was kept on edge towards the end as I was expecting something big to happen. The book resolved nicely and I loved the epilogue. I've come to love these characters and I'm glad there will be one more book after this. I rather not see the series end at all, but I'll take one book at a time!
I love every bit of this book!
Someone has taken a fatal attraction to Mason Brown after seeing him on the news, rescuing two young children from a burning home. Mason is injured after his heroic rescue and is in need of a home care nurse to change his bandage. In comes Gretchen Young, who wants to do more than just nurse his wounds. Rachel's senses go berserk when she meets Gretchen but she wasn't around long enough to decipher what makes her uncomfortable. It's not jealousy, at least not that she would admit to it. Rachel and Mason are still figuring out their relationship and what their next step should be. It was funny and sweet to watch Rachel figure her way in this and Mason being patient as always. On top of that, Mason's sister Marie, has had a breakdown at the psychiatric center where she's been staying. She's adamant and worried about their safety, and must find a way to get to her boys. Josh and Jeremy both have bigger roles in this book. It was nice to see them with Rachel too and see that their little "family" has grown together. Even Myrtle, cute and funny as always, gets a new friend.
It was obvious from the get go who the bad guy was, it was just a matter of seeing it play out and how the other characters become involved. There were several heartbreaking moments with the boys and their mother, I really felt for them and their situation. I was kept on edge towards the end as I was expecting something big to happen. The book resolved nicely and I loved the epilogue. I've come to love these characters and I'm glad there will be one more book after this. I rather not see the series end at all, but I'll take one book at a time!
January 5, 2015
4/5; 4 star; A-
This book was a great ending to a great series. This brand of romantic suspense is light and funny, mixed with psycho killers. Somehow Maggie Shayne makes it work.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book and the whole series. The mystery aspect was a bit over the top, and Rachel's denial in the first quarter of the book drove me crazy, but other than that it was fabulous.
This book was a great ending to a great series. This brand of romantic suspense is light and funny, mixed with psycho killers. Somehow Maggie Shayne makes it work.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book and the whole series. The mystery aspect was a bit over the top, and Rachel's denial in the first quarter of the book drove me crazy, but other than that it was fabulous.
February 28, 2018
I really hate to keep saying the same thing about each of these Brown and de Luca novels but what I have to say is quite true -they are so suspenseful that they keep me at the edge of my chair. They practically insist that I read them straight through although I keep pulling myself away to prolong the enjoyment.
This book is filled with character growth, relationship growth, mystery (not so much), and a ton of suspense. If I tried to explain the story, I would be afraid that I would spoil it for someone, so I'll try to be vague.
Early in the book Mason gets hurt quite badly while rescuing two children from a house fire. He now needs a nurse to care for his burns and that is where all the trouble starts. You see, the nurse is a nutcase who is fixated on Mason.
She is also a firebug - which actually isn't explained to my satisfaction. How did she get that way, how did she come by her knowledge of bomb making and fire-starting? It is never explained.
Anyway, Nurse Nutcase wants all the people who matter to Mason out of his life----everyone! Including the dogs. She wants to be the one to 'ease his suffering', she wants to matter to Mason.
Possible Spoiler Alert-------------------->
Another small issue I had with this book is after Mason gets out of the hospital he is still hurt enough to need home nursing - so just how did he manage all the feats that he did ( for example running into another burning building without doing lasting damage to his already damaged lungs?), with burns like he had wouldn't it have been difficult just to drive a car or take a shower? ------------------> End spoiler.
Even with the issues I had with this book, it still managed to be one of my favorites and will be a sure re-read for me. I hope this keeps on going as a series.
I hope you have read the previous books and the novella or you might find yourself a wee bit lost. This CAN be read as a stand-alone, but I really don't recommend you do so. Much of the story depends on you having read the past books for this one to make much sense.
This book is filled with character growth, relationship growth, mystery (not so much), and a ton of suspense. If I tried to explain the story, I would be afraid that I would spoil it for someone, so I'll try to be vague.
Early in the book Mason gets hurt quite badly while rescuing two children from a house fire. He now needs a nurse to care for his burns and that is where all the trouble starts. You see, the nurse is a nutcase who is fixated on Mason.
She is also a firebug - which actually isn't explained to my satisfaction. How did she get that way, how did she come by her knowledge of bomb making and fire-starting? It is never explained.
Anyway, Nurse Nutcase wants all the people who matter to Mason out of his life----everyone! Including the dogs. She wants to be the one to 'ease his suffering', she wants to matter to Mason.
Possible Spoiler Alert-------------------->
Another small issue I had with this book is after Mason gets out of the hospital he is still hurt enough to need home nursing - so just how did he manage all the feats that he did ( for example running into another burning building without doing lasting damage to his already damaged lungs?), with burns like he had wouldn't it have been difficult just to drive a car or take a shower? ------------------> End spoiler.
Even with the issues I had with this book, it still managed to be one of my favorites and will be a sure re-read for me. I hope this keeps on going as a series.
I hope you have read the previous books and the novella or you might find yourself a wee bit lost. This CAN be read as a stand-alone, but I really don't recommend you do so. Much of the story depends on you having read the past books for this one to make much sense.
June 3, 2016
An excellent conclusion to a fantastic series.
The Good: Forgive me if this review is nothing but a bunch of gushing about how great this book was for me. After 4 books I am honestly going to miss Rachel and Mason, not to mention Jeremy, Josh and Myrtle. These characters are forever embedded in my brain and I can only hope that Maggie Shayne will write another book in the Brown/deLuca series in the future. The plot was full of twisty-turny things that made my stomach leap to my throat. The character development was so spot on it was real (no insta-love crap!!!! wooohooo!) from the relationship between Mason and Rachel to the growing family the mismatched cast of characters became. It was fun. It was serious. It was, dare I say it again? Real.
The relationship between Rachel and Mason grew to an obvious cohabiting end point and even though they were so into each other I liked that this book didn't feel the need to have them jump into bed every other chapter. It would have been unnecessary at that point especially for someone, like myself, who sucked down the first 3 books in record time. I also really liked the way Shayne was able to bring Marie into the story in such a believable way. She's a complex secondary character that I really like and really feel sorry for. Poor Marie!
The Bad: There really isn't much in the name of Bad things I can complain about. It would have been nice to see Amy more but other than that my only real complaint is this is the LAST Brown/deLuca book. Sad Panda Face!
In a Nutshell: I've read some of Shayne's Paranormal romances and found them just OK. her Romantic Suspense books are miles beyond those. Read the Brown/deLuca books. Seriously. Read them now!
The Good: Forgive me if this review is nothing but a bunch of gushing about how great this book was for me. After 4 books I am honestly going to miss Rachel and Mason, not to mention Jeremy, Josh and Myrtle. These characters are forever embedded in my brain and I can only hope that Maggie Shayne will write another book in the Brown/deLuca series in the future. The plot was full of twisty-turny things that made my stomach leap to my throat. The character development was so spot on it was real (no insta-love crap!!!! wooohooo!) from the relationship between Mason and Rachel to the growing family the mismatched cast of characters became. It was fun. It was serious. It was, dare I say it again? Real.
The relationship between Rachel and Mason grew to an obvious cohabiting end point and even though they were so into each other I liked that this book didn't feel the need to have them jump into bed every other chapter. It would have been unnecessary at that point especially for someone, like myself, who sucked down the first 3 books in record time. I also really liked the way Shayne was able to bring Marie into the story in such a believable way. She's a complex secondary character that I really like and really feel sorry for. Poor Marie!
The Bad: There really isn't much in the name of Bad things I can complain about. It would have been nice to see Amy more but other than that my only real complaint is this is the LAST Brown/deLuca book. Sad Panda Face!
In a Nutshell: I've read some of Shayne's Paranormal romances and found them just OK. her Romantic Suspense books are miles beyond those. Read the Brown/deLuca books. Seriously. Read them now!
May 19, 2024
I'm not sure why I never got round to reviewing this back when I read it, but suffice to say it was excellent just like every other instalment in this wonderful gritty series!
January 20, 2021
Don’t know if was a slip of the mind or a conscious decision, but in the previous book Rosie’s wife was Marlayna and in this one, she is Gwen.
Read
November 8, 2019Originally Reviewed on Bewitching Bibliophile
While going on a date with Rachel, Mason happens upon a home on fire, when the neighbors mention they didn't see the family leave and that children lived there he runs in to rescue them. This is a clarifying moment for Rachel because it makes her realize that she could lose him to his long before she could lose him because they don't suit ( which isn't true since they are perfectly suited) but relationship fears aren't rational they just are. His heroism is caught on camera and reported in a glowing news report, which incidentally the firebug who started the fire sees and decides that Mason is the one for them. They are tired of being put as second best when the person they chose as a partner returns to their partners ( because you know getting with a cheater is how you guarantee your relationship..what a dumbass).
Mason is slightly injured and the Dr wants him to have visiting nurse services, which gives the firebug an in. Delusion thy name is this dumbass. They haven't even met Mason yet and is already spinning fantasies about killing everyone in his life so he will fall for them. I just. Really??? Form the getgo we know who the crazy is and we get insight into their lives and why they are doing it, for me this ratcheted up the tension because I kept screaming at my book, How doesn't Mason see the crazy gleam in their eyes?? Every time the villain would have been in a room with Rachel they found a way out so that Rachel couldn't read them.
This was a fantastic read and I flew through this one as well. Told in alternating perspectives, we get the crazy insights, Rachel's insights as she tries to navigate the new knowledge she has of her full feelings for Mason, and Mason as he goes through the case of the arson. While this going on it's time for his oldest ne[hew to graduate high school, due to the case from the last book a family member is in an institution and when the incidents involving them escalate they believe it's the family member who has escaped. The family member escaped because the arsonist wanted to be able to blame someone else when they committed their crimes and this would work perfectly. Except despite having a mental breakdown the family member is all about protecting the family and even if they can't express that to everyone they still do their best to protect everyone.
This is perhaps the most amount of characters POV we have gotten from these books and it all worked well. It flowed together well. The last book ended a case but left some overall questions especially with Mason's comments to Rachel, who of course is now running scared until that night and now she's trying to navigate it all. I loved the young love we're getting from her niece and his nephew, and how practical this twin is. It's pretty good actually how refreshing the kids are in this story, especially after the events of the last book.
Of course, Rachel is full of snark and sass throughout the whole story and I love the way she and mason interact with each other. I love her sister and their relationship. I also love how her friendship with Abby, her assistant who is great at making her see reason. They are amazing together. This one flew by really quickly and I enjoyed myself the entire time.
★★★★☆
While going on a date with Rachel, Mason happens upon a home on fire, when the neighbors mention they didn't see the family leave and that children lived there he runs in to rescue them. This is a clarifying moment for Rachel because it makes her realize that she could lose him to his long before she could lose him because they don't suit ( which isn't true since they are perfectly suited) but relationship fears aren't rational they just are. His heroism is caught on camera and reported in a glowing news report, which incidentally the firebug who started the fire sees and decides that Mason is the one for them. They are tired of being put as second best when the person they chose as a partner returns to their partners ( because you know getting with a cheater is how you guarantee your relationship..what a dumbass).
Mason is slightly injured and the Dr wants him to have visiting nurse services, which gives the firebug an in. Delusion thy name is this dumbass. They haven't even met Mason yet and is already spinning fantasies about killing everyone in his life so he will fall for them. I just. Really??? Form the getgo we know who the crazy is and we get insight into their lives and why they are doing it, for me this ratcheted up the tension because I kept screaming at my book, How doesn't Mason see the crazy gleam in their eyes?? Every time the villain would have been in a room with Rachel they found a way out so that Rachel couldn't read them.
This was a fantastic read and I flew through this one as well. Told in alternating perspectives, we get the crazy insights, Rachel's insights as she tries to navigate the new knowledge she has of her full feelings for Mason, and Mason as he goes through the case of the arson. While this going on it's time for his oldest ne[hew to graduate high school, due to the case from the last book a family member is in an institution and when the incidents involving them escalate they believe it's the family member who has escaped. The family member escaped because the arsonist wanted to be able to blame someone else when they committed their crimes and this would work perfectly. Except despite having a mental breakdown the family member is all about protecting the family and even if they can't express that to everyone they still do their best to protect everyone.
This is perhaps the most amount of characters POV we have gotten from these books and it all worked well. It flowed together well. The last book ended a case but left some overall questions especially with Mason's comments to Rachel, who of course is now running scared until that night and now she's trying to navigate it all. I loved the young love we're getting from her niece and his nephew, and how practical this twin is. It's pretty good actually how refreshing the kids are in this story, especially after the events of the last book.
Of course, Rachel is full of snark and sass throughout the whole story and I love the way she and mason interact with each other. I love her sister and their relationship. I also love how her friendship with Abby, her assistant who is great at making her see reason. They are amazing together. This one flew by really quickly and I enjoyed myself the entire time.
★★★★☆
August 13, 2022
Fantastic end to the series. I read until I was finished. Rachel really grows in this book. Jeremy, Josh, Myrtle, and now little Hugo work their ways into your heart until you can't help but worry like a mother over what is going to happen. Mason gets the "Duh" award over Gretchen, and even Angela and Marie get a better showing. I really loved this one. As usual, the internal dialogue between Rachel and her Inner Bitch are delightful, and some of her conversations with her twin nieces are really telling.
December 5, 2014
Originally posted at The Bookaholic Cat
4 ½ Stars
Deadly Obsession is the fourth book in the Brown and de Luca series by Maggie Shayne.
In this installment Rachel is not only dealing with helping Mason with an investigation, she is also coming to terms with her feelings for Mason and his nephews.
Rachel has a come a long way since first book. Recovering her sight has been a blessing to which she’s slowly getting used to. One of the things I like about this series is seeing things for the first time through Rachel’s eyes because she makes me appreciate simple things I usually take for granted.
In Deadly Obsession, Rachel realizes she’s not only in love with Mason, but also with his nephews. They now belong to her too and she will do anything in her power to keep them safe.
Mason knows what he wants and that is Rachel. He knows he can’t rush her, so he patiently waits until she acknowledges and accepts what they have together; a romance that developed slowly throughout the books and had the perfect climax in this installment.
Not everything is easy for them; apart from the emotional issues they are dealing with, they are also dealing with two crazy women. One is Mason’s sister in law and the other one is a woman who has fixation on Mason and thinks he’s her soul mate.
I don’t want to give spoilers away and the blurb already explains perfectly well what Deadly Obsession is all about, so I won’t say more about what happens in this book. You will have to read it to know more.
Apart from Rachel and Mason there are others characters that deserve mention. Why? Because they made even more special this book/series; they are Rachel’s dog Myrtle and her fashion statements, Rachel’s assistant, Amy, and her capable hands, Mason’s nephews Josh and Jeremy and their unconditional love and Rachel’s sister and her family always there to support Rachel in all her endeavors.
I have enjoyed every single one of the Brown and de Luca books, for that reason I have mixed feelings about this series coming to an end. I’m happy it ends on a high note and with an excellent book like this one, in which Maggie Shayne ties up all the loose ends perfectly; but at the same time I feel I’m not yet ready to say goodbye to Rachel, Mason, Myrtle and the rest of the cast. Each book has been an adventure and Deadly Obsession was not an exception. Maggie Shayne knows how to perfectly balance suspense, mystery and romance and she does it in a way that keeps you glued to the pages wanting to know what is coming next.
If you like romantic suspense Deadly Obsession is a book you need to read. Although it could be read as a stand alone I recommend you reading the Brown and de Luca series in order, starting with first book, Sleep With the Lights On, and going on from there. You need to do that to get the full effect of the story arc of this wonderful series. Trust me, all the books in this series are great and worth reading.
4 ½ Stars
Deadly Obsession is the fourth book in the Brown and de Luca series by Maggie Shayne.
In this installment Rachel is not only dealing with helping Mason with an investigation, she is also coming to terms with her feelings for Mason and his nephews.
Rachel has a come a long way since first book. Recovering her sight has been a blessing to which she’s slowly getting used to. One of the things I like about this series is seeing things for the first time through Rachel’s eyes because she makes me appreciate simple things I usually take for granted.
In Deadly Obsession, Rachel realizes she’s not only in love with Mason, but also with his nephews. They now belong to her too and she will do anything in her power to keep them safe.
Mason knows what he wants and that is Rachel. He knows he can’t rush her, so he patiently waits until she acknowledges and accepts what they have together; a romance that developed slowly throughout the books and had the perfect climax in this installment.
Not everything is easy for them; apart from the emotional issues they are dealing with, they are also dealing with two crazy women. One is Mason’s sister in law and the other one is a woman who has fixation on Mason and thinks he’s her soul mate.
I don’t want to give spoilers away and the blurb already explains perfectly well what Deadly Obsession is all about, so I won’t say more about what happens in this book. You will have to read it to know more.
Apart from Rachel and Mason there are others characters that deserve mention. Why? Because they made even more special this book/series; they are Rachel’s dog Myrtle and her fashion statements, Rachel’s assistant, Amy, and her capable hands, Mason’s nephews Josh and Jeremy and their unconditional love and Rachel’s sister and her family always there to support Rachel in all her endeavors.
I have enjoyed every single one of the Brown and de Luca books, for that reason I have mixed feelings about this series coming to an end. I’m happy it ends on a high note and with an excellent book like this one, in which Maggie Shayne ties up all the loose ends perfectly; but at the same time I feel I’m not yet ready to say goodbye to Rachel, Mason, Myrtle and the rest of the cast. Each book has been an adventure and Deadly Obsession was not an exception. Maggie Shayne knows how to perfectly balance suspense, mystery and romance and she does it in a way that keeps you glued to the pages wanting to know what is coming next.
If you like romantic suspense Deadly Obsession is a book you need to read. Although it could be read as a stand alone I recommend you reading the Brown and de Luca series in order, starting with first book, Sleep With the Lights On, and going on from there. You need to do that to get the full effect of the story arc of this wonderful series. Trust me, all the books in this series are great and worth reading.
November 25, 2014
Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Chelle:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review
If you haven't had a chance to devour the Brown & de Luca books yet, I cannot recommend them strongly enough. I will say right off, however, that Deadly Obsession should not be read as a standalone novel. You really need to read the series in order to truly appreciate the arc of the story and the nuances of the characters. And speaking of characters, Rachel de Luca is easily, hands down, one of my absolute favorite heroines of all time (and I read A LOT). :)
It's going to be tough for me to write a review for this book without spoilers, because so much as happened within the series to lead the reader to Deadly Obsession, and so much happens within the book that cannot be easily relayed without spoilers. So I'll do my best to give you an idea of the fantastic nature of this book in a vague enough way that I don't ruin it for you...
Detective Mason Brown and New Age Author guru Rachel DeLuca have been through a lot. Murders, mystery, kidnappings, instal-chemistry, fighting their feelings, and more. Their relationship is at a high point in Deadly Obsession though, and they FINALLY realize the depth of their feelings. Rachel's still fighting it, after all, it's in her nature to do so, but Mason has given in and to see them slide comfortably into that is a beautiful thing after wanting to smack each of them in previous books.
As per usual, there's plenty of murder, mayhem, thrills and chills and mystery in Deadly Obsession. This time, it's a bit of an homage to Fatal Attraction, but even better. Rachel's heightened sixth-sense is on high alert from the get go, but she's not entirely sure she can trust what she's feeling, and a series of events force Mason, Rachel and those closest to them to realize that life and time are precious, and good things should be grabbed with two hands and held on to for dear life.
Like I mentioned it's very hard to say more without ruining any of it. Let me just say that the entire Brown & de Luca series is fantastic - a wickedly funny, action-packed, dangerous, mysterious, beautifully plotted, well-written and slightly romantic thrill-ride that will have you glued to the pages of each and every installment. Deadly Obsession was the perfect conclusion to the series, and I highly recommend it and its predecessors to everyone!
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review
If you haven't had a chance to devour the Brown & de Luca books yet, I cannot recommend them strongly enough. I will say right off, however, that Deadly Obsession should not be read as a standalone novel. You really need to read the series in order to truly appreciate the arc of the story and the nuances of the characters. And speaking of characters, Rachel de Luca is easily, hands down, one of my absolute favorite heroines of all time (and I read A LOT). :)
It's going to be tough for me to write a review for this book without spoilers, because so much as happened within the series to lead the reader to Deadly Obsession, and so much happens within the book that cannot be easily relayed without spoilers. So I'll do my best to give you an idea of the fantastic nature of this book in a vague enough way that I don't ruin it for you...
Detective Mason Brown and New Age Author guru Rachel DeLuca have been through a lot. Murders, mystery, kidnappings, instal-chemistry, fighting their feelings, and more. Their relationship is at a high point in Deadly Obsession though, and they FINALLY realize the depth of their feelings. Rachel's still fighting it, after all, it's in her nature to do so, but Mason has given in and to see them slide comfortably into that is a beautiful thing after wanting to smack each of them in previous books.
As per usual, there's plenty of murder, mayhem, thrills and chills and mystery in Deadly Obsession. This time, it's a bit of an homage to Fatal Attraction, but even better. Rachel's heightened sixth-sense is on high alert from the get go, but she's not entirely sure she can trust what she's feeling, and a series of events force Mason, Rachel and those closest to them to realize that life and time are precious, and good things should be grabbed with two hands and held on to for dear life.
Like I mentioned it's very hard to say more without ruining any of it. Let me just say that the entire Brown & de Luca series is fantastic - a wickedly funny, action-packed, dangerous, mysterious, beautifully plotted, well-written and slightly romantic thrill-ride that will have you glued to the pages of each and every installment. Deadly Obsession was the perfect conclusion to the series, and I highly recommend it and its predecessors to everyone!
Read
December 30, 2014In this fourth Brown and DeLuca novel, Rachel and Mason have advanced their relationship enough that they are sleeping together frequently but neither is ready to admit to any emotional commitment. But, after Mason runs into a burning home to save two children and is burned himself, Rachel acknowledges - to herself at least - that she loves him. The fire is arson and Mason begins investigating.
The arsonist has done this before, when a man breaks up with her she uses fire to attempt to regain her place in his life. To her thinking, if she takes away everyone else he loves, he will naturally turn to her. She sees news footage of Mason running into the house and decides that Mason is her true love. But there are a couple of obstacles in her way - Rachel and his nephews.
Add in that the arsonist is a nurse at the facility where the boys' mother has been committed and that Marie recognizes the evil in her eyes. But Marie, heavily medicated and psychotic as she is, can't communicate what she believes. However, the nurse makes it possible for her to escape which just adds more chaos to the situation.
There are fires, graduation parties, kidnappings, and a cute new bulldog puppy in this wonderful story. There is also love - finally spoken - for each other and for the family they are building together. This was a great story.
The arsonist has done this before, when a man breaks up with her she uses fire to attempt to regain her place in his life. To her thinking, if she takes away everyone else he loves, he will naturally turn to her. She sees news footage of Mason running into the house and decides that Mason is her true love. But there are a couple of obstacles in her way - Rachel and his nephews.
Add in that the arsonist is a nurse at the facility where the boys' mother has been committed and that Marie recognizes the evil in her eyes. But Marie, heavily medicated and psychotic as she is, can't communicate what she believes. However, the nurse makes it possible for her to escape which just adds more chaos to the situation.
There are fires, graduation parties, kidnappings, and a cute new bulldog puppy in this wonderful story. There is also love - finally spoken - for each other and for the family they are building together. This was a great story.
January 6, 2015
Key characters...
Mason and his nephews...Rachel...his girlfriend...who used to be blind and now is sort of a psychic. She is a self help personality, too. Myrtle is her beautiful frog loving bulldog. I love reading about Myrtle's antics!
Settings...
This sort of takes place where they all live...in various different houses...the problem is that the villain keeps trying and often succeeding in burning lots of houses down.
Simply put...what's going down...
I just happened to have read the book before this book so it was incredibly easy to fall into this one. It's a suspense filled fast paced mystery with a villain who is evil and conniving. The villain is also totally mentally deranged. Mason is the villain's target. Anyone connected to him is in the way.
What I thought about this book...
The characters in this book and in the other books in this series starring Mason and Rachel including Mason and Rachel are really enjoyable. The characters just click. The relationships are fun...when they aren't being hunted down and stalked. The danger is ever present. This book had more than one psychotic person. Plus...I love that in this one bulldog Myrtle gets a little surprise, too! A very sweet surprise!
Why you might want to read it, too...
Fans of suspense filled mystery should love this one.
April 24, 2019
I love the characters
But there are mistakes. 1) Rosie's wife is Marlayna in all the other book, Cantone's life partner was Gwen in the previous book. So did Rosie dump Marlayna and marry Gwen? Rachel had green eyes in the first book, now they're "baby blues". I find it very annoying when there are so many inconsistencies. Was there no proofreader? Or was the proofreader too lazy to check. I love this series but it really annoys the heck out of me when the characters somehow morph.
But there are mistakes. 1) Rosie's wife is Marlayna in all the other book, Cantone's life partner was Gwen in the previous book. So did Rosie dump Marlayna and marry Gwen? Rachel had green eyes in the first book, now they're "baby blues". I find it very annoying when there are so many inconsistencies. Was there no proofreader? Or was the proofreader too lazy to check. I love this series but it really annoys the heck out of me when the characters somehow morph.
April 23, 2018
I liked the series - but some glaring errors in editing/proof reading, Rosie's wife in this book was Gwen - in the previous books it was Marlayna - did he get divorced and I just didn't pick it up. It just bugs me, als owhen the boys are take from Mason's home by Marie - it quite clearly says they leave the door open - but further on it refers as to the door being closed as to how the dogs got out through the back.
March 29, 2016
I'm really, really loving this series.
The progression of the relationships as well as the murder & mayhem have me hooked.
I cannot wait for more Brown & de Luca!!!!
The progression of the relationships as well as the murder & mayhem have me hooked.
I cannot wait for more Brown & de Luca!!!!
April 27, 2020
Gretchen Young is determined to get what she wants and kills those who get in her way. When her affair with Peter Rouse was ending, she wanted him back but he wanted his wife back. To get even with him, she burned down his house with his wife in it. The children were saved by Detective Mason Brown and, as she watched the news reports of his heroic actions, she decided that the hero was for her. She didn’t count on Rachel De Luca, Mason’s girlfriend. When Rachel saw Gretchen, she knew that something was off about her but she had no idea she was a psychopath and Rachel was in her sights.
Gretchen wanted Mason for herself and that meant she had to get rid of his nephews who lived with him as well as Rachel. She met Marie, the boys' mother, when she was a nurse at the mental hospital where Marie was incarcerated. Marie looked into Gretchen's eyes and saw the same evil she had seen in her husband's eyes and warned her to leave her children alone.
Gretchen wanted Mason for herself and that meant she had to get rid of his nephews who lived with him as well as Rachel. She met Marie, the boys' mother, when she was a nurse at the mental hospital where Marie was incarcerated. Marie looked into Gretchen's eyes and saw the same evil she had seen in her husband's eyes and warned her to leave her children alone.
January 15, 2019
Highly addictive
I loved this series! Beware, once you start reading them, you will not want to stop. It's four books and I advise all to read them in order.
This author draws you into the stories and characters. The heroine is a hoot. Her internal dialogue cracked me up and she was no wilting flower either. The hero was an awesome character too. They were made for each other. And the supporting character were great too, especially Myrtle. Love that dog.
If you love drama, murder & mysteries surrounded by the love of a very imperfect family, don't miss out on these books.
My only complaint? There were only four books and I want more.
I loved this series! Beware, once you start reading them, you will not want to stop. It's four books and I advise all to read them in order.
This author draws you into the stories and characters. The heroine is a hoot. Her internal dialogue cracked me up and she was no wilting flower either. The hero was an awesome character too. They were made for each other. And the supporting character were great too, especially Myrtle. Love that dog.
If you love drama, murder & mysteries surrounded by the love of a very imperfect family, don't miss out on these books.
My only complaint? There were only four books and I want more.
October 12, 2021
3.5 rounded to 4.
Not my favorite of the series. For two people that are supposed to be so good at reading people, they seem to get themselves in a lot of trouble. You would think Mason, being the star detective that his supposed to be, would be able to read his nurse's intentions.
Seems to be a couple editing errors in this book too. The name of Rosie's wife was completely changed in this book from the previous three. Also, there was a mention that Mason was going to get his Mom to watch the kids, then the next page he says how she's on a cruise.
I'm ready to be done with this series.
Not my favorite of the series. For two people that are supposed to be so good at reading people, they seem to get themselves in a lot of trouble. You would think Mason, being the star detective that his supposed to be, would be able to read his nurse's intentions.
Seems to be a couple editing errors in this book too. The name of Rosie's wife was completely changed in this book from the previous three. Also, there was a mention that Mason was going to get his Mom to watch the kids, then the next page he says how she's on a cruise.
I'm ready to be done with this series.
August 23, 2019
I thought Maggie Shayne's Brand series was my favorite, and I have read almost ALL of Maggie Shayne's books, but Brown and DeLuca have taken the lead. Rachel DeLuca is a smart mouth, kick butt psychic but do NOT tell her she is psychic. She will deny it to the end. She teams up with Detective Mason Brown to find a killer before the killer finds them. This plot will keep you guessing until the end. It's a nail-biter.
June 6, 2021
Burning story!
Another great chapter in the Brown and De Luca saga. Forging a family together while solving an arson case that hits too close to them all. My only issue is that the name of Rosie's wife went from Marlayna in a previous book to Gwen in this one. I was a little confused for a moment.
Another great chapter in the Brown and De Luca saga. Forging a family together while solving an arson case that hits too close to them all. My only issue is that the name of Rosie's wife went from Marlayna in a previous book to Gwen in this one. I was a little confused for a moment.
March 3, 2024
Wow this one was Mason and Rachel on steroids! It really felt like anything could happen and probably did. Seriously I don’t know how they were all ‘ok’ with it all on the end. Maybe love can conquer all?
A solid thriller, I did enjoy this one but wanted a little more from our nurse I think. 4 stars.
A solid thriller, I did enjoy this one but wanted a little more from our nurse I think. 4 stars.
May 10, 2017
A great ending to the series! It is always bittersweet to end a series, but with this one it was perfect!! The case was closed, the made up reasons they couldn't take the next step were resolved and they are together they way I wanted!
October 9, 2018
I don’t usually start a series with book 4 but this fitted into a few of my challenges. There were lots of references to previous events so I did feel as though I had missed lots which made this a bit confusing. Not sure if I love the narrative style.
January 2, 2020
I love this installment the best so far! I love how we got the perspective of insane person. How she see things. We also see more of Marie and I definitely love how it goes in here. Lots of suspense as well. Awesome book!
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