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A Thin, Dark Line
When Cormac O'Malley-Dogwood, Ohio's former outcast and a man just released after spending fifteen years in prison-returns and shows up on her doorstep, librarian Eloise Carmichael hires him as a handyman despite her family's warnings and her own misgivings. Inexplicably drawn to Cormac, Eloise begins to form a tentative friendship with the tortured, aloof man and unknowingly becomes ensnared in his quest for vengeance. When a body is found at the library, suspicions center on Cormac, and Eloise finds herself in the role of his defender, pitted against the most powerful men in town. As the threats against Cormac escalate, Eloise becomes obsessed with the mysteries surrounding a murder that took place fifteen years ago and begins the task of delving into the past in hopes of discovering the source of the present danger. As the body count rises and family secrets are brought to light, Eloise and Cormac are forced to realize that the only hope for redemption-and love-lies in each other. But when doubt is cast on Cormac's innocence and her very life is threatened, the one man Eloise isn't certain she can trust is the only one who can save her.
240 pages, Paperback
First published July 13, 2012
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August 26, 2012
“When does the search for justice become mere revenge? What’s the difference between the two?”.... “A thin, dark line.”
Cormac O’Mallery has just returned home to Dogwood, Ohio after spending a decade and a half incarcerated. He entered prison at the young age of eighteen, and now, fifteen years later, has returned to a town that is filled with secrets, corruption, and many who desire to see him vanish.
Thirty year old Eloise Carmichael is the local librarian. She’s one of the few who are willing to give Cormac a second chance and hires him as handyman, despite the uproar and warnings from fellow citizens.
Immediately, those who want him gone are calling or visiting, voicing their outrage. This includes some powerful individuals, including the sheriff and her uncle, who serves as the town’s mayor. After a brutally murdered body is found at the library it became evident Cormac has some very dangerous enemies.
Why are there those who are desperate to see him gone and will go to any lengths to make this happen? What happened fifteen years ago that has caused such hatred and fear of one lone man that at times is palpable? And why has Cormac returned to this town, putting himself at risk and subjecting himself to more pain? As Eloise became obsessed with finding answers, family secrets are revealed and soon her own life is in jeopardy. And as the puzzle is unraveled and the answers revealed my heart broke for a young man and the choices that were made that changed his life forever.
It’s very hard to believe this is a debut novel. Emma Elliot has given us a very well written and believable story with a cast of characters that feel more like old friends instead of people on a page. The troupe of secondary characters that are Eloise’s close friends are completely lovable. The bad guys are despicable and I wanted to see them punished in the worst sort of way!
Eloise Carmichael was a complete surprise! She is not at all as I imagined and I adored her! She is smart, witty, compassionate and tenacious. This feisty young woman firmly stands up for what or who she believes in, regardless of others opinions. And one of the things that endeared me more is her belief in Cormac. Whereas she doesn’t know him well at all, still she’s willing to give him a chance.
Another thing I liked is the slow build of the relationship between these two. I fell in love with Cormac right along with Eloise. Tall with lean, corded muscle, he is a mystery I wanted to solve. He’s tough, hard, stubborn, and carries an understandable amount of bitterness. Yet, there are times I caught glimpses of the young boy who needed someone to believe in him. His life has never been easy and while there is a certain amount of harshness, there’s also a man very much capable of gentleness. The story is told in Eloise’s POV, and while enough is given making me fall for this determined complex man, I wanted more.
This is a very enjoyable Romantic Suspense that takes the reader into the heart of this small town and into the lives of its citizens. We are witnesses to acts of desperation and fear that is gripping in intensity. In places, it is very fast paced and the suspense kept me enthralled. Other times, it is slower, giving the everyday aspects of Eloise and her relationship with her friends and Cormac. And while I felt at times the romance is secondary, it too was enough. There aren’t many descriptive love scenes but the chemistry is sure felt. As I watched these two fall in love, my heart filled with emotion and I felt the tenderness, the desperation and excitement born with this new love.
Kudos, Ms. Elliot for giving us a debut novel that is a winner! The epilogue made it even more so. We were introduced to some intriguing secondary characters and I’m hoping they will get their own book soon. I’m definitely looking forward to more!
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
Many Thanks to Netgalley and The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing for the opportunity to read this and offer an honest review. It was such a pleasure.
Cormac O’Mallery has just returned home to Dogwood, Ohio after spending a decade and a half incarcerated. He entered prison at the young age of eighteen, and now, fifteen years later, has returned to a town that is filled with secrets, corruption, and many who desire to see him vanish.
Thirty year old Eloise Carmichael is the local librarian. She’s one of the few who are willing to give Cormac a second chance and hires him as handyman, despite the uproar and warnings from fellow citizens.
Immediately, those who want him gone are calling or visiting, voicing their outrage. This includes some powerful individuals, including the sheriff and her uncle, who serves as the town’s mayor. After a brutally murdered body is found at the library it became evident Cormac has some very dangerous enemies.
Why are there those who are desperate to see him gone and will go to any lengths to make this happen? What happened fifteen years ago that has caused such hatred and fear of one lone man that at times is palpable? And why has Cormac returned to this town, putting himself at risk and subjecting himself to more pain? As Eloise became obsessed with finding answers, family secrets are revealed and soon her own life is in jeopardy. And as the puzzle is unraveled and the answers revealed my heart broke for a young man and the choices that were made that changed his life forever.
It’s very hard to believe this is a debut novel. Emma Elliot has given us a very well written and believable story with a cast of characters that feel more like old friends instead of people on a page. The troupe of secondary characters that are Eloise’s close friends are completely lovable. The bad guys are despicable and I wanted to see them punished in the worst sort of way!
Eloise Carmichael was a complete surprise! She is not at all as I imagined and I adored her! She is smart, witty, compassionate and tenacious. This feisty young woman firmly stands up for what or who she believes in, regardless of others opinions. And one of the things that endeared me more is her belief in Cormac. Whereas she doesn’t know him well at all, still she’s willing to give him a chance.
Another thing I liked is the slow build of the relationship between these two. I fell in love with Cormac right along with Eloise. Tall with lean, corded muscle, he is a mystery I wanted to solve. He’s tough, hard, stubborn, and carries an understandable amount of bitterness. Yet, there are times I caught glimpses of the young boy who needed someone to believe in him. His life has never been easy and while there is a certain amount of harshness, there’s also a man very much capable of gentleness. The story is told in Eloise’s POV, and while enough is given making me fall for this determined complex man, I wanted more.
This is a very enjoyable Romantic Suspense that takes the reader into the heart of this small town and into the lives of its citizens. We are witnesses to acts of desperation and fear that is gripping in intensity. In places, it is very fast paced and the suspense kept me enthralled. Other times, it is slower, giving the everyday aspects of Eloise and her relationship with her friends and Cormac. And while I felt at times the romance is secondary, it too was enough. There aren’t many descriptive love scenes but the chemistry is sure felt. As I watched these two fall in love, my heart filled with emotion and I felt the tenderness, the desperation and excitement born with this new love.
Kudos, Ms. Elliot for giving us a debut novel that is a winner! The epilogue made it even more so. We were introduced to some intriguing secondary characters and I’m hoping they will get their own book soon. I’m definitely looking forward to more!
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
Many Thanks to Netgalley and The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing for the opportunity to read this and offer an honest review. It was such a pleasure.
August 7, 2012
A very accomplished debut
When I first read the synopsis I thought – a body in the library?? How very Agatha Christie!! Also, it put me in mind of Jackson Rule by Sharon Sala but I was wrong. The author has a unique voice, the characters are well developed and there’s an intriguing mystery.
Cormac O’Malley has returned to Dogwood, Ohio after serving 15 years for the murder of the Sherriff’s son. He’s served his time, paid his debt to society and is trying to start life anew back with his grandfather. He turns up at the library and asks Eloise, our heroine and chief librarian, for a job as a handyman. She hires him - she believes her life is in a rut and she has fond memories of Cormac before he was sent to prison.
This is not a popular decision and small-town prejudices abound with a large majority of the population of Dogwood not prepared to give Cormac a second chance. Support for him actually comes from a surprising direction.
So Cormac and Eloise very slowly begin to develop feelings for one another. I have to say that this is not a steamy romance but much page time is given to the slow growth of their feelings. It’s told from Eloise’s POV and this works well and enough is given to the readers so they can see Cormac’s growing attachment to her. Cormac has had a difficult past and doesn’t really want to accept Eloise’s help and support at first and suspects her motives – he is very distrustful.
The horrific discovery of the body in the library starts the mystery and the action escalates rapidly – what happened on that fateful night 15 years ago is slowly revealed and people are going to extreme lengths to hide dark secrets. I did guess the identity of the killer about half way through the book but I think it was a lucky guess – it’s not really given away.
So this is a well written romantic suspense, the relationship between the two central characters is developed slowly and feels ‘real’, there’s great secondary characters you can’t help but love or hate, as the case may be. The author’s voice is captivating and I felt transported straight into her world right from the first paragraphs. It’s hard to believe that this is a debut novel and I’m looking forward to more books by Emma Elliott.
4 stars romantic suspense
With thanks to NetGalley and The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House for a review copy of this book
When I first read the synopsis I thought – a body in the library?? How very Agatha Christie!! Also, it put me in mind of Jackson Rule by Sharon Sala but I was wrong. The author has a unique voice, the characters are well developed and there’s an intriguing mystery.
Cormac O’Malley has returned to Dogwood, Ohio after serving 15 years for the murder of the Sherriff’s son. He’s served his time, paid his debt to society and is trying to start life anew back with his grandfather. He turns up at the library and asks Eloise, our heroine and chief librarian, for a job as a handyman. She hires him - she believes her life is in a rut and she has fond memories of Cormac before he was sent to prison.
This is not a popular decision and small-town prejudices abound with a large majority of the population of Dogwood not prepared to give Cormac a second chance. Support for him actually comes from a surprising direction.
So Cormac and Eloise very slowly begin to develop feelings for one another. I have to say that this is not a steamy romance but much page time is given to the slow growth of their feelings. It’s told from Eloise’s POV and this works well and enough is given to the readers so they can see Cormac’s growing attachment to her. Cormac has had a difficult past and doesn’t really want to accept Eloise’s help and support at first and suspects her motives – he is very distrustful.
The horrific discovery of the body in the library starts the mystery and the action escalates rapidly – what happened on that fateful night 15 years ago is slowly revealed and people are going to extreme lengths to hide dark secrets. I did guess the identity of the killer about half way through the book but I think it was a lucky guess – it’s not really given away.
So this is a well written romantic suspense, the relationship between the two central characters is developed slowly and feels ‘real’, there’s great secondary characters you can’t help but love or hate, as the case may be. The author’s voice is captivating and I felt transported straight into her world right from the first paragraphs. It’s hard to believe that this is a debut novel and I’m looking forward to more books by Emma Elliott.
4 stars romantic suspense
With thanks to NetGalley and The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House for a review copy of this book
September 30, 2012
4 Stars!! Impressive debut book! Nicely entwined romantic suspense!
“An old memory, sharp and clear, came to me. I was thirteen, sitting on the side of the road with skinned hands and knees, a mangled bicycle, and a pile of dusty, tattered novels. A sixteen-year-old boy—tall and lean with gray eyes that seemed tired and sad—stopped and knelt in the dirt to help me collect my library books. Then he carried them as he walked me home
The next morning, my repaired bicycle was waiting outside the front gate. Two years later, the same boy went to prison.”
Cormac is an intriguing character, it’s not always clear what his intentions are and what the circumstances were surrounding the murder he was convicted of. However, I was endeared to him right away. He has an edge about him, reasonable considering what he’s been through, his struggles are far from over, yet he also very sweet, and has an easy way with children. I loved him. Eloise is constantly in a disheveled state, she’s clumsy, but she is tenacious when she takes a stance for Cormac. She is the adored aunt of Robby and Harmon, the children of her childhood friends, Janie and Ben. They all added a personal, charming element to the read, and were a humorous distraction to the suspense aspect of the book.
Cormac broke my heart with is unbelievably tragic childhood. His mother, you’ll have to judge for yourself, but considering what she had to deal with, I think she did the best by her son that she could. As the truth is revealed, a woman who initially left distaste in my mouth garnered my sympathy. Eloise’s mother is a different story, she disgusted me with her holier than thou attitude. Well she gets her due, its funny how things come back to bite you in the ass.
Eloise and Cormac are two misfits, one outcast by society, because of his past, while the other chooses not to fit in and conform to the expectations of her parents. They made quite a pair and it was lovely to see how their love for each other blossomed.
There is an incident in the book that involves Eloise, Harmon and Robby. This particular scene, and the events that occurred in the aftermath, showcased the author’s writing rather nicely. It was gripping, realistic and my anxiety level was off the charts, both when I was in that moment, and when I was also not aware of what the outcome would be. Cormac’s vigilance, where these three were concerned, would eventually endear him to so many of the townspeople that once would not even allow themselves to believe that he had an ounce of good in him.
I was wrong on so many counts, including the culprit of the murders being committed in the present day. As the events of the past are exposed, so is the anxiety for the characters. The ending was exciting, suspenseful, and bittersweet. The author had me guessing right up to the big reveal.
If I had one compliant, it would be the transition from one scene to the next could have been smoother. At times I felt as if I’d lost time somewhere. Bottom line, the writing was good, the story captivating, delightful characters, humor, warmth, surprising events, a sweet romance, and an HEA that had me grinning!
Cormac O'Malley. "His hair was dark, unruly, and overlong. It was a face of lines and shadows, hollows and angles. Not handsome, too sharp and chiseled to be labeled as that, but it was a striking face. His eyes were so disconcerting,they were a cold, metallic gray."
*ARC courtesy of The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing via NetGalley*
“An old memory, sharp and clear, came to me. I was thirteen, sitting on the side of the road with skinned hands and knees, a mangled bicycle, and a pile of dusty, tattered novels. A sixteen-year-old boy—tall and lean with gray eyes that seemed tired and sad—stopped and knelt in the dirt to help me collect my library books. Then he carried them as he walked me home
The next morning, my repaired bicycle was waiting outside the front gate. Two years later, the same boy went to prison.”
Cormac is an intriguing character, it’s not always clear what his intentions are and what the circumstances were surrounding the murder he was convicted of. However, I was endeared to him right away. He has an edge about him, reasonable considering what he’s been through, his struggles are far from over, yet he also very sweet, and has an easy way with children. I loved him. Eloise is constantly in a disheveled state, she’s clumsy, but she is tenacious when she takes a stance for Cormac. She is the adored aunt of Robby and Harmon, the children of her childhood friends, Janie and Ben. They all added a personal, charming element to the read, and were a humorous distraction to the suspense aspect of the book.
Cormac broke my heart with is unbelievably tragic childhood. His mother, you’ll have to judge for yourself, but considering what she had to deal with, I think she did the best by her son that she could. As the truth is revealed, a woman who initially left distaste in my mouth garnered my sympathy. Eloise’s mother is a different story, she disgusted me with her holier than thou attitude. Well she gets her due, its funny how things come back to bite you in the ass.
Eloise and Cormac are two misfits, one outcast by society, because of his past, while the other chooses not to fit in and conform to the expectations of her parents. They made quite a pair and it was lovely to see how their love for each other blossomed.
There is an incident in the book that involves Eloise, Harmon and Robby. This particular scene, and the events that occurred in the aftermath, showcased the author’s writing rather nicely. It was gripping, realistic and my anxiety level was off the charts, both when I was in that moment, and when I was also not aware of what the outcome would be. Cormac’s vigilance, where these three were concerned, would eventually endear him to so many of the townspeople that once would not even allow themselves to believe that he had an ounce of good in him.
I was wrong on so many counts, including the culprit of the murders being committed in the present day. As the events of the past are exposed, so is the anxiety for the characters. The ending was exciting, suspenseful, and bittersweet. The author had me guessing right up to the big reveal.
If I had one compliant, it would be the transition from one scene to the next could have been smoother. At times I felt as if I’d lost time somewhere. Bottom line, the writing was good, the story captivating, delightful characters, humor, warmth, surprising events, a sweet romance, and an HEA that had me grinning!
Cormac O'Malley. "His hair was dark, unruly, and overlong. It was a face of lines and shadows, hollows and angles. Not handsome, too sharp and chiseled to be labeled as that, but it was a striking face. His eyes were so disconcerting,they were a cold, metallic gray."
*ARC courtesy of The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing via NetGalley*
September 21, 2012
What a nice surprise A Thin, Dark Line turned out to be! I'm always wary of debut novels, but this debut reads like the work of a veteran author. It was an incredible, emotional, riveting romantic suspense novel that I finished in one sitting.
Cormac O'Malley has returned to town after serving a prison sentence for murder. He is shunned by the entire town except for Eloise Carmichael, the town's librarian. She hires Cormac as a repair man for the library. There is an instant attraction between the two of them that slowly develops and intensifies nicely throughout the book.
When a string of homocides occur after Cormac's return, and even Eloise's life is threatened, Cormac is an instant suspect. This book focuses on slowly putting the pieces together of Cormac's past and it's ties to the current murders and the murder for which he was convicted.
I loved this book. Cormac is a very special kind of hero. He is fiercely protective of those he loves, even those who don't necessarily deserve it. The way he treats Eloise when she is rehabilitating, the way he interacts with Eloise's godson's, and even how he nurtures a little baby kitten back to health makes the reader fall in love with him right along side Eloise.
This book is very mild on the physical sensuality scale, but as far as emotional sensuality....it is burning! The connection that Cormac and Eloise share is genuine and feels very authentic. The epilogue is just awesome and I dare you to guess "who done it". I was shocked!!!
Highly recommended.
A huge thanks to Emma Elliott and The Writer's Coffee Shop via Netgalley for providing me with this ARC for review!
Cormac O'Malley has returned to town after serving a prison sentence for murder. He is shunned by the entire town except for Eloise Carmichael, the town's librarian. She hires Cormac as a repair man for the library. There is an instant attraction between the two of them that slowly develops and intensifies nicely throughout the book.
When a string of homocides occur after Cormac's return, and even Eloise's life is threatened, Cormac is an instant suspect. This book focuses on slowly putting the pieces together of Cormac's past and it's ties to the current murders and the murder for which he was convicted.
I loved this book. Cormac is a very special kind of hero. He is fiercely protective of those he loves, even those who don't necessarily deserve it. The way he treats Eloise when she is rehabilitating, the way he interacts with Eloise's godson's, and even how he nurtures a little baby kitten back to health makes the reader fall in love with him right along side Eloise.
This book is very mild on the physical sensuality scale, but as far as emotional sensuality....it is burning! The connection that Cormac and Eloise share is genuine and feels very authentic. The epilogue is just awesome and I dare you to guess "who done it". I was shocked!!!
Highly recommended.
A huge thanks to Emma Elliott and The Writer's Coffee Shop via Netgalley for providing me with this ARC for review!
November 1, 2013
Review compliant with the new Goodreads TOS (I think, we're still not sure what they are)
"This book is about Eloise who trips and falls in love with an ex-convict. A lot of people will die before they can live happily ever after. I liked this book very much. It's a very good book. You can buy it on Amazon."
Now, if you would like to read my actual review of this book, please go to http://kinga-thebooksnob.blogspot.co.... or http://kinga.booklikes.com/post/66576...
DISCLAIMER: From now on all my reviews will be appearing in this format (until I change my mind), so that Goodreads gets just the kind of content they deserve.
"This book is about Eloise who trips and falls in love with an ex-convict. A lot of people will die before they can live happily ever after. I liked this book very much. It's a very good book. You can buy it on Amazon."
Now, if you would like to read my actual review of this book, please go to http://kinga-thebooksnob.blogspot.co.... or http://kinga.booklikes.com/post/66576...
DISCLAIMER: From now on all my reviews will be appearing in this format (until I change my mind), so that Goodreads gets just the kind of content they deserve.
June 6, 2012
This story, provided by netgalley, represented a subtle, but refreshing change from the usual romantic suspense out there. I've become a bit disillusioned by the "bestseller" romantic suspenses I've read until now. So many seem to be rather stronger on the romance part than the suspense plot, which needs to be strong and tight to sell a convincing story. Some also seem to have a really irritating habit of moving straight from the hero/heroine finding a grisly dead body/getting shot/being held captive to masses of rampant sex. I personally find that rather creepy.
Well, this one avoids both those Big Mistakes, and is a damn fine romantic suspense, of just the sort that I like. It's a really great plot (OK, I had my guesses about WhoDunnit, but it didn't work out the way I thought it would, and there are characters whom you are not quite sure about right up until the end), with really strong characters. The hero and heroine are just excellent - both strong people, but in a quiet way that I really appreciated. I get a bit narked by the concept that a "strong" heroine needs to be smart-mouthed, irritating, dressed in heels and boss everyone else around. Equally, I never buy "strong" heroines that bear the weight of the world on their shoulders in painfully quiet suffering. Nah, that's not strong, that's doormat! Well, this hero and heroine are strong, because, well, they know themselves, and are at peace with who they are. They don't much feel the need to prove themselves, despite her parents constant disappointment in her, and his felonious past. This book is light on the smut/steam, and I have to think that it is much better for it. We're able to concentrate on them and the plot, rather than get distracted, and their relationship progresses at a slow pace, but is magnetic nonetheless.
Now, this book includes two of my personal pet peeves, children and friends, but they don't annoy me like they normally do. Now, don't get me wrong, I like children (I'd even go so far that I love my own, and will put up with other people's.. occasionally), and I like my friends, but 98% of the time I get incredibly irritated by friends and kids in romances, because the author doesn't make them real enough. They're usually the perfect friends, who don't let you down, don't compete against you in grooming, wardrobe choices, drinking games or men, or kids who seem to drift in and out of the plot (do these authors not realize that kids are there ALL THE TIME?) and not do anything embarrassing, except when it's cute. Well, not here. In this book, each of the heroine's friends are very real, and very individual, and the kids are suitably messy and suitably present. I'd even go so far to say that the heroine's sister's lines totally cracked me up - I'd love to have her as a friend, you'd never have a dull moment.
One other thing I really liked about this one, was that this is not a story with a really happy conclusion, in which all ends are neatly tied together into a pretty origami bow. There is pain and loss as much as hope and happiness, and the climax is suitably dark, horrendous, pitiful and incredibly sad, before the hero and heroine make their own HEA (rather than have it fall in their laps).
Great book, and fabulous debut. 4 stars. I really liked it. Published on August 16.
Well, this one avoids both those Big Mistakes, and is a damn fine romantic suspense, of just the sort that I like. It's a really great plot (OK, I had my guesses about WhoDunnit, but it didn't work out the way I thought it would, and there are characters whom you are not quite sure about right up until the end), with really strong characters. The hero and heroine are just excellent - both strong people, but in a quiet way that I really appreciated. I get a bit narked by the concept that a "strong" heroine needs to be smart-mouthed, irritating, dressed in heels and boss everyone else around. Equally, I never buy "strong" heroines that bear the weight of the world on their shoulders in painfully quiet suffering. Nah, that's not strong, that's doormat! Well, this hero and heroine are strong, because, well, they know themselves, and are at peace with who they are. They don't much feel the need to prove themselves, despite her parents constant disappointment in her, and his felonious past. This book is light on the smut/steam, and I have to think that it is much better for it. We're able to concentrate on them and the plot, rather than get distracted, and their relationship progresses at a slow pace, but is magnetic nonetheless.
Now, this book includes two of my personal pet peeves, children and friends, but they don't annoy me like they normally do. Now, don't get me wrong, I like children (I'd even go so far that I love my own, and will put up with other people's.. occasionally), and I like my friends, but 98% of the time I get incredibly irritated by friends and kids in romances, because the author doesn't make them real enough. They're usually the perfect friends, who don't let you down, don't compete against you in grooming, wardrobe choices, drinking games or men, or kids who seem to drift in and out of the plot (do these authors not realize that kids are there ALL THE TIME?) and not do anything embarrassing, except when it's cute. Well, not here. In this book, each of the heroine's friends are very real, and very individual, and the kids are suitably messy and suitably present. I'd even go so far to say that the heroine's sister's lines totally cracked me up - I'd love to have her as a friend, you'd never have a dull moment.
One other thing I really liked about this one, was that this is not a story with a really happy conclusion, in which all ends are neatly tied together into a pretty origami bow. There is pain and loss as much as hope and happiness, and the climax is suitably dark, horrendous, pitiful and incredibly sad, before the hero and heroine make their own HEA (rather than have it fall in their laps).
Great book, and fabulous debut. 4 stars. I really liked it. Published on August 16.
August 13, 2012
A Thin, Dark Line is the debut novel written by Emma Elliot… and let me tell you, this completely passed all expectations I had. My interests peaked when I read the summary and I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading this. I am so incredibly glad I picked up this book!
When I read, I generally read because I want to swoon. And I did swoon. Cormac is very reserved, quiet, mysterious, the type of person to mostly only smile faintly. He is an extremely closed off person, I felt like we didn’t really get to know him. But I think that’s the point, since it was mentioned more than once by Eloise that she really didn’t know him all that well either yet she loved him nonetheless. Exactly like I loved him. A lot of this is because he has been in prison for the last fifteen years for homicide.
Aside from all this, he cares so much, especially about Eloise. Though this is told in Eloise’s perspective, you can feel as you read his growing attachment to her by the way he responds to her. It was such a heartwarming thing to read. He’s actually very shy which I found adorable. He’s a man of few words, but when he speaks, I could melt in a pile of goo on the basis of alone of some of the stuff he says to Eloise.
I enjoyed Eloise as a heroine. She’s the town’s librarian. She’s sweet, funny, and compassionate, she doesn’t hesitate to stick up for what she believes in and she likes to give some people a hard time which I found hilarious. You can see all of this through the way she didn’t hesitate to give Cormac, an ex criminal, a chance and doesn’t hold his past against him like the rest of the town does.
It was sweet how much she defended him to many of the townspeople. This book isn’t steamy but the scenes between Cormac and Eloise, whether they were fighting or kissing or even merely talking, are so electric and addictive. I didn’t want to stop reading about these two.
Now normally I read novels because I want romance and I want to swoon. Not only did this book have those elements… but the plot was amazing! I was hooked from the beginning all the way to the end. That doesn’t happen very often to me because usually I read mainly for the interactions between the hero and heroine. And just to prove to you how much I loved this book, there were hot kisses in this but there wasn’t any sex yet I could not put this book down.
This novel had it all. I laughed, I swooned, I cried, I was shocked. I was stunned actually because usually I can guess quite early who is the killer but it wasn’t until it was revealed in the novel that I found out. It wasn’t predictable which is another reason why I loved it.
I’m not going to lie, there were a few parts that were very difficult for me to read and I felt extremely nauseated. Those who have read the book and those who will eventually read this book will know exactly what parts I’m talking about. Yet, I see it this way… if this author can bring out that many emotions within me with just her words, then I declare Emma Elliot a winner.
When I read, I generally read because I want to swoon. And I did swoon. Cormac is very reserved, quiet, mysterious, the type of person to mostly only smile faintly. He is an extremely closed off person, I felt like we didn’t really get to know him. But I think that’s the point, since it was mentioned more than once by Eloise that she really didn’t know him all that well either yet she loved him nonetheless. Exactly like I loved him. A lot of this is because he has been in prison for the last fifteen years for homicide.
Aside from all this, he cares so much, especially about Eloise. Though this is told in Eloise’s perspective, you can feel as you read his growing attachment to her by the way he responds to her. It was such a heartwarming thing to read. He’s actually very shy which I found adorable. He’s a man of few words, but when he speaks, I could melt in a pile of goo on the basis of alone of some of the stuff he says to Eloise.
I enjoyed Eloise as a heroine. She’s the town’s librarian. She’s sweet, funny, and compassionate, she doesn’t hesitate to stick up for what she believes in and she likes to give some people a hard time which I found hilarious. You can see all of this through the way she didn’t hesitate to give Cormac, an ex criminal, a chance and doesn’t hold his past against him like the rest of the town does.
It was sweet how much she defended him to many of the townspeople. This book isn’t steamy but the scenes between Cormac and Eloise, whether they were fighting or kissing or even merely talking, are so electric and addictive. I didn’t want to stop reading about these two.
Now normally I read novels because I want romance and I want to swoon. Not only did this book have those elements… but the plot was amazing! I was hooked from the beginning all the way to the end. That doesn’t happen very often to me because usually I read mainly for the interactions between the hero and heroine. And just to prove to you how much I loved this book, there were hot kisses in this but there wasn’t any sex yet I could not put this book down.
This novel had it all. I laughed, I swooned, I cried, I was shocked. I was stunned actually because usually I can guess quite early who is the killer but it wasn’t until it was revealed in the novel that I found out. It wasn’t predictable which is another reason why I loved it.
I’m not going to lie, there were a few parts that were very difficult for me to read and I felt extremely nauseated. Those who have read the book and those who will eventually read this book will know exactly what parts I’m talking about. Yet, I see it this way… if this author can bring out that many emotions within me with just her words, then I declare Emma Elliot a winner.
July 22, 2012
Four Stars :)
“Then hurt me. I can handle the pain.” I eliminated the space between us in a rush that had our lips smashing together so hard our teeth knocked and my nose cracked against his cheekbone.
I haven’t read a romantic suspense in a while and thought I was due. I’m so happy to have been given an opportunity to have a sneak peak at this little gem and I was not disappointed. Though it could’ve used a little more romance, it did not deter me from really liking the story.
After fifteen years, Cormac O’Malley has just been released from prison. He heads back to his hometown in Dogwood, Ohio looking for work. Of course, being an ex-con, he has a difficult time finding a job, especially after the town hasn’t forgotten the reason why he was in jail in the first place: He was convicted of murdering the local sheriff’s son. However, when he enters the local library, Eloise Carmichael decides to give him a break and hires him as the library’s handyman. Eloise has never forgotten Cormac’s kindness to her when she was thirteen. However, hiring an ex-con will have repercussions, especially when more murders take place. The local law enforcement immediately suspects Cormac, but Eloise believes differently. The Cormac she has gotten to know doesn’t fit the crimes, the current or the past ones. When her own life is in danger, she is dead set on finding out the truth before it’s too late. How will she react when the truth is out? Will it affect her growing closeness with Cormac?
Cormac’s character begins as a mystery. He’s dark & brooding, but underneath all that, he’s got a kind, yet tortured, soul. What we find out about his past is not pretty and makes us really empathize with him. You want nothing more than for him to have a second chance at happiness. As for Eloise, I really admired her.. She’s strong, compassionate, admirable and an extremely likable character. She would make a terrific friend. She’s very loyal to those she loves. She doesn’t even second guess her initial hiring of Cormac and is readily willing to stand by and support him and her decision.
The romance between them is few and far between. It takes a little bit of time for them to form a relationship, but it was worth it when they finally acknowledge their feelings. Cormac was nothing but sweet towards Eloise. I adored all the little emotional scenes between them. They brought me nothing but happiness. As I said earlier, I just wished there were more to cherish. As for the mystery itself, it was well told I was not as surprised when it was all revealed, but I had my suspicions on who did it.
I really did like this story and I would like to thank to the publishers at the Writer’s Coffee Shop for allowing me to read and review this book. It release date is set for August 30, 2012. I would definitely recommend it for those looking for a little suspense in their romance reads.
“Then hurt me. I can handle the pain.” I eliminated the space between us in a rush that had our lips smashing together so hard our teeth knocked and my nose cracked against his cheekbone.
I haven’t read a romantic suspense in a while and thought I was due. I’m so happy to have been given an opportunity to have a sneak peak at this little gem and I was not disappointed. Though it could’ve used a little more romance, it did not deter me from really liking the story.
After fifteen years, Cormac O’Malley has just been released from prison. He heads back to his hometown in Dogwood, Ohio looking for work. Of course, being an ex-con, he has a difficult time finding a job, especially after the town hasn’t forgotten the reason why he was in jail in the first place: He was convicted of murdering the local sheriff’s son. However, when he enters the local library, Eloise Carmichael decides to give him a break and hires him as the library’s handyman. Eloise has never forgotten Cormac’s kindness to her when she was thirteen. However, hiring an ex-con will have repercussions, especially when more murders take place. The local law enforcement immediately suspects Cormac, but Eloise believes differently. The Cormac she has gotten to know doesn’t fit the crimes, the current or the past ones. When her own life is in danger, she is dead set on finding out the truth before it’s too late. How will she react when the truth is out? Will it affect her growing closeness with Cormac?
Cormac’s character begins as a mystery. He’s dark & brooding, but underneath all that, he’s got a kind, yet tortured, soul. What we find out about his past is not pretty and makes us really empathize with him. You want nothing more than for him to have a second chance at happiness. As for Eloise, I really admired her.. She’s strong, compassionate, admirable and an extremely likable character. She would make a terrific friend. She’s very loyal to those she loves. She doesn’t even second guess her initial hiring of Cormac and is readily willing to stand by and support him and her decision.
The romance between them is few and far between. It takes a little bit of time for them to form a relationship, but it was worth it when they finally acknowledge their feelings. Cormac was nothing but sweet towards Eloise. I adored all the little emotional scenes between them. They brought me nothing but happiness. As I said earlier, I just wished there were more to cherish. As for the mystery itself, it was well told I was not as surprised when it was all revealed, but I had my suspicions on who did it.
I really did like this story and I would like to thank to the publishers at the Writer’s Coffee Shop for allowing me to read and review this book. It release date is set for August 30, 2012. I would definitely recommend it for those looking for a little suspense in their romance reads.
March 4, 2015
Eloise Carmichael is the black sheep of the family: where her sisters are successful doctors just like her father, Eloise chose to run the city's library and become sort of a hippie, keeping a distance from the rest of them. When Cormac O'Malley comes in town after serving his fifteen years' sentence in jail for murder, Eloise is the only one in town to treat him as a human being and offer him a job. Eloise is warned by everyone to send Cormac away as he's bad news, but she still remembers the quiet boy from high school that helped her repair her bike causing her to develop a small crush on him. And now that he's a man, his presence is even more intimidating than before... But it seems that Cormac's presence in town is causing trouble all around, stirring the still waters when a dead body is found inside Eloise's library. Eloise may be the only person in town to believe in Cormac's innocence, but can she prove it before something bad happens to her as well or before more people start turning dead and Cormac is dragged back to prison again?
A Thin, Dark Line is a debut novel, but you won't realize that when reading it. The prose is flowing effortlessly, the characters are well developed, the touches of humour well blended with the more serious and dark parts of the story. Because essentially, A Thin, Dark Line is a dark story: a story about how cruel people can be, taking advantage of others when in need, about how hard life can be to a small boy, about how difficult it can be to fit in when you're not willing to conform with society's rules or blend with the crowd.
I loved Eloise; she was loyal, opinionated, strong but never bitchy or obnoxious. She had her flaws of course, but that only helped to make her more likable and human than she'd otherwise be. And Cormac, though we only see him through Eloise's POV, we get to know him, see the loyalty in him, the boy trying to trust, to fit in while never daring to hope for too much but never ending up maudlin or whinny, as outcast heroes are prone to do. Those two were a great fit for each other and I really liked reading their developing romance, as much as I was intrigued by the mystery in the story. The chemistry between them -despite the lack of sex scenes (besides some heavy kissing)- was hot and the time they took to get to know each other before declaring themselves in love made their love story even more realistic. The mystery at some parts overshadowed the romance, but this was well done, never completely forgetting the love story and always keeping my interest about the villain, until the very last page.
The epilogue was great, giving the reader the exceedingly sweet Happy Ever After they needed to read after all the trouble this couple went through, and leaving me with a huge smile on my face. I'm now looking forward to reading Adriana's book (Eloise's sister), whose discussions with Eloise had me laughing out loud throughout the story and really curious about who the hero will be...
ARC provided by NetGalley
A Thin, Dark Line is a debut novel, but you won't realize that when reading it. The prose is flowing effortlessly, the characters are well developed, the touches of humour well blended with the more serious and dark parts of the story. Because essentially, A Thin, Dark Line is a dark story: a story about how cruel people can be, taking advantage of others when in need, about how hard life can be to a small boy, about how difficult it can be to fit in when you're not willing to conform with society's rules or blend with the crowd.
I loved Eloise; she was loyal, opinionated, strong but never bitchy or obnoxious. She had her flaws of course, but that only helped to make her more likable and human than she'd otherwise be. And Cormac, though we only see him through Eloise's POV, we get to know him, see the loyalty in him, the boy trying to trust, to fit in while never daring to hope for too much but never ending up maudlin or whinny, as outcast heroes are prone to do. Those two were a great fit for each other and I really liked reading their developing romance, as much as I was intrigued by the mystery in the story. The chemistry between them -despite the lack of sex scenes (besides some heavy kissing)- was hot and the time they took to get to know each other before declaring themselves in love made their love story even more realistic. The mystery at some parts overshadowed the romance, but this was well done, never completely forgetting the love story and always keeping my interest about the villain, until the very last page.
The epilogue was great, giving the reader the exceedingly sweet Happy Ever After they needed to read after all the trouble this couple went through, and leaving me with a huge smile on my face. I'm now looking forward to reading Adriana's book (Eloise's sister), whose discussions with Eloise had me laughing out loud throughout the story and really curious about who the hero will be...
ARC provided by NetGalley
August 27, 2012
“I need to know what happened fifteen years ago, Cormac. I need to understand. Because I think what’s going on now is connected to what took place then. T-to you.”
His expression was bleak. “Let it go. The past is over and done with.”
“Apparently not. It looms over us. Over the whole damn town.”
“Leave it alone, Eloise.”
I bristled. “I can’t. I won’t.”
Cormac O'Malley has returned to his home town after serving 15 years in prison for murder. Local librarian, Eloise Carmichael gives him a job as a handyman, but the entire town is boiling with anger that a murderer is living amongst them.
And somewhere lurking in the shadows are dangerous men who have secrets they will kill to protect.
A Thin, Dark Line is tightly wound suspense reminiscent of the best of Alfred Hitchcock. A part of the genius of Alfred Hitchcock is that he hinted at things and let the imaginations of his audience do the rest. It's something you don't see these days and I didn't even realize how much I missed it until I read this little gem.
Thanks to Netgalley and The Writers Coffee Shop Publishing House for this ARC.
August 27, 2012
This review can also be found on My Fiction Nook.
Please also read my interview with the author.
Well, well, well - I don't know what I expected but I didn't expect to be so blown away. Let the gushing commence.
While A Thin, Dark Line is not using a brand-new story line, Emma Elliott delivers a mighty fine romance/suspense/whodunit with her debut novel.
Eloise Carmicheal or Aunt Weez, as her two adorable godsons call her, is the family's black sheep and the librarian in the small town where she grew up and still lives. Approaching her 30th birthday, she muses to her best friend Jane (the mother of the two godsons and Eloise's best friend) about feeling stuck in a rut, without a boyfriend in sight, and yearning for having a husband and children herself.
She knows she has awesome friends, among them Jane and her husband who are struggling with the upcoming arrival of a new baby and some marital issues, and her cousin Patrick and his partner, Sal (who's also the son of the Italian Restaurant owners who regard Eloise as family).
Her mother, a most snotty, awful woman, doesn't agree with Eloise's choices in life and uses every possible opportunity to intrude on her daughter's life and make her displeasure known. Her father isn't much better, usually deep into his cups to be much of a buffer. Her three sisters are also all doctors, and Eloise's being 'just' a librarian isn't generally frowned upon by her entire family. Lovely people, all of them. Not.
Eloise deals with it as best as she can, usually giving back as good as she gets. The author gave her heroine some great backbone, and I smiled a lot when Eloise stands up for herself.
Enter Cormac O'Malley, the town's fallen son, a convicted murderer who upon his release from prison returns to his hometown. Eloise hires him as a handyman, against the advice of everyone around her, and this is where things really take off.
His appearance kicks off a series of rather mysterious events - people are starting to drop like flies - and it all points back at Cormac and the secrets the powers in the town have kept for far too long.
If it were simply a suspense/thriller, it would be a book I'd devour, but A Thin, Dark Line is so much more than that. It's also a beautiful romance as Eloise falls for Cormac and vice versa, and a wonderfully emotional story about the family you choose (your friends).
There are moments that will make you swoon, moments that will have you hold your breath, and moments that will have you ball your fists in anger. The romance was done very realistically, with amazingly emotional and tender moments that made me fall in love with both Eloise and Cormac. Well, him more than her, but that's semantics.
The image of his huge man, deep, mysterious, with callused hands, touching Eloise with so much care brought tears to my eyes. His stoic acceptance of the prejudice against him, and his quiet thankfulness when he is faced with unconditional acceptance was amazing to watch unfold. He has secrets of his own, a history he's unwilling to share, and a burning need to reveal the truth of what happened so many years ago, despite the dangers to himself. He's protective, caring, kind and lets his character speak for himself.
The two boys provide a bit of comic relief, but also serve as a reminder that children often see things more clearly than the adults around them. And that children can be a great judge of character without knowing the history of a man.
This story has a bit of everything, and I couldn't put it down. It was fantastic, and one that I will absolutely read again.
A fantastic debut novel, Ms. Elliott. I hope to see more from you.
I received a free ARC directly from the publisher. A review was not promised in exchange, and this review represents my honest opinion of the book.
Please also read my interview with the author.
Well, well, well - I don't know what I expected but I didn't expect to be so blown away. Let the gushing commence.
While A Thin, Dark Line is not using a brand-new story line, Emma Elliott delivers a mighty fine romance/suspense/whodunit with her debut novel.
Eloise Carmicheal or Aunt Weez, as her two adorable godsons call her, is the family's black sheep and the librarian in the small town where she grew up and still lives. Approaching her 30th birthday, she muses to her best friend Jane (the mother of the two godsons and Eloise's best friend) about feeling stuck in a rut, without a boyfriend in sight, and yearning for having a husband and children herself.
She knows she has awesome friends, among them Jane and her husband who are struggling with the upcoming arrival of a new baby and some marital issues, and her cousin Patrick and his partner, Sal (who's also the son of the Italian Restaurant owners who regard Eloise as family).
Her mother, a most snotty, awful woman, doesn't agree with Eloise's choices in life and uses every possible opportunity to intrude on her daughter's life and make her displeasure known. Her father isn't much better, usually deep into his cups to be much of a buffer. Her three sisters are also all doctors, and Eloise's being 'just' a librarian isn't generally frowned upon by her entire family. Lovely people, all of them. Not.
Eloise deals with it as best as she can, usually giving back as good as she gets. The author gave her heroine some great backbone, and I smiled a lot when Eloise stands up for herself.
Enter Cormac O'Malley, the town's fallen son, a convicted murderer who upon his release from prison returns to his hometown. Eloise hires him as a handyman, against the advice of everyone around her, and this is where things really take off.
His appearance kicks off a series of rather mysterious events - people are starting to drop like flies - and it all points back at Cormac and the secrets the powers in the town have kept for far too long.
If it were simply a suspense/thriller, it would be a book I'd devour, but A Thin, Dark Line is so much more than that. It's also a beautiful romance as Eloise falls for Cormac and vice versa, and a wonderfully emotional story about the family you choose (your friends).
There are moments that will make you swoon, moments that will have you hold your breath, and moments that will have you ball your fists in anger. The romance was done very realistically, with amazingly emotional and tender moments that made me fall in love with both Eloise and Cormac. Well, him more than her, but that's semantics.
The image of his huge man, deep, mysterious, with callused hands, touching Eloise with so much care brought tears to my eyes. His stoic acceptance of the prejudice against him, and his quiet thankfulness when he is faced with unconditional acceptance was amazing to watch unfold. He has secrets of his own, a history he's unwilling to share, and a burning need to reveal the truth of what happened so many years ago, despite the dangers to himself. He's protective, caring, kind and lets his character speak for himself.
The two boys provide a bit of comic relief, but also serve as a reminder that children often see things more clearly than the adults around them. And that children can be a great judge of character without knowing the history of a man.
This story has a bit of everything, and I couldn't put it down. It was fantastic, and one that I will absolutely read again.
A fantastic debut novel, Ms. Elliott. I hope to see more from you.
I received a free ARC directly from the publisher. A review was not promised in exchange, and this review represents my honest opinion of the book.
July 27, 2012
It's been a while since I've read a book like this. I can't say it was brilliant or original or unlike anything I've ever read, but there was something that I can't quite put my finger on that I fell in love with.
Eloise Carmichael, Aunt Weez for short, is the town's librarian and the black sheep of the family. She is the godmother to two adorable red-headed little boys and friend to a bunch of funny Italians and a couple struggling with life transitions and upcoming births. She is an all-around good person with a good heart. With that though, she feels conventional and predictable, and when Cormac O'Malley, a convicted felon returns to town and walks into her library things start to get interesting. Whether it's out of a desire to be a little more edgy or just because people deserve second chances, Eloise offers him a job.
What follows is a series of events that are dangerous and mysterious and everything you would expect from a good suspense, murder mystery novel. After several murders in this small town, Cormac bears the weight of scrutiny and the bruises to prove it. But so does Eloise, and sometimes together and sometimes on her own, they eventually get to the bottom of things.
Like I said above, I can't quite put my finger on what I loved about this novel, but I really, really did. I was sucked in from the very first chapter. I wanted to know who Cormac O'Malley really was, what had happened in his life to have resulted in 15 years in prison for murder, and how and why he returned to town.
The love story that plays out between Eloise and Cormac is slow and realistic, full of tension and great moments of tenderness and unspoken love. I'll also add that Cormac and Eloise have great banter, and it worked really well to lighten the sometimes heavier moments of the story. I loved getting a little glimpse into their life two years after in the epilogue. It was the perfect ending to this story.
Five stars to this for keeping me riveted, making it feel realistic, and making me swoon at the way Cormac's silent love played out on the pages.
Eloise Carmichael, Aunt Weez for short, is the town's librarian and the black sheep of the family. She is the godmother to two adorable red-headed little boys and friend to a bunch of funny Italians and a couple struggling with life transitions and upcoming births. She is an all-around good person with a good heart. With that though, she feels conventional and predictable, and when Cormac O'Malley, a convicted felon returns to town and walks into her library things start to get interesting. Whether it's out of a desire to be a little more edgy or just because people deserve second chances, Eloise offers him a job.
What follows is a series of events that are dangerous and mysterious and everything you would expect from a good suspense, murder mystery novel. After several murders in this small town, Cormac bears the weight of scrutiny and the bruises to prove it. But so does Eloise, and sometimes together and sometimes on her own, they eventually get to the bottom of things.
Like I said above, I can't quite put my finger on what I loved about this novel, but I really, really did. I was sucked in from the very first chapter. I wanted to know who Cormac O'Malley really was, what had happened in his life to have resulted in 15 years in prison for murder, and how and why he returned to town.
The love story that plays out between Eloise and Cormac is slow and realistic, full of tension and great moments of tenderness and unspoken love. I'll also add that Cormac and Eloise have great banter, and it worked really well to lighten the sometimes heavier moments of the story. I loved getting a little glimpse into their life two years after in the epilogue. It was the perfect ending to this story.
Five stars to this for keeping me riveted, making it feel realistic, and making me swoon at the way Cormac's silent love played out on the pages.
August 30, 2013
First, yes, I worked for the publisher of A Thin, Dark Line.
Second, this book enthralled me. I kept reading it as a BOOK, not as a manuscript. Totally sucked me in.
I love Cormac, and Eloise is a strong, sweet woman who fights for what is right.
This is a romance, it's a mystery...and there's a kitten! I love the kitten...I love Cormac WITH the kitten!
This book comes out on August 30, 2012...would please me no end if you'd put it on your TO READ list today!
We are going to see great books from this new author.
Second, this book enthralled me. I kept reading it as a BOOK, not as a manuscript. Totally sucked me in.
I love Cormac, and Eloise is a strong, sweet woman who fights for what is right.
This is a romance, it's a mystery...and there's a kitten! I love the kitten...I love Cormac WITH the kitten!
This book comes out on August 30, 2012...would please me no end if you'd put it on your TO READ list today!
We are going to see great books from this new author.
![Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1448463806i%2F5557851._CR0%2C13%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 26, 2012
**** ADDITIONAL POSTING INFORMATION COMING SOON ****
Overall Rating: 2.4
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 3 / 4 = total of 3.5
Writer’s Voice = 2
Character Development = 3
Story Appreciation = 1 [did not finish]
Worth the Chili = N/A [ARC from Netgalley, no idea what booksellers will charge for this one]
This book ended as a “did not finish” for me. The writer was doing a fair job of pulling me along, until we started traveling to the mundane. We had dinner parties, we had walks and talks, we had breakfast preparation. All is okay, if it contributes to the story in some form or fashion. If it is just filler, which is my assumption, it then is just mundane and you seriously don’t read a book for mundane.
Three things I liked about this book:
1.) This is a “debut” book and so keeping this in mind, I think the writer did a fair job with the initial character development. It was after we had an idea of the characters that she had trouble keeping it together.
2.) I seem to always enjoy a story when children are woven through and this story had two charming little boys. I was looking forward to more of them. But, they weren’t enough to keep me engaged through my boredom.
3.) The book blurb actually sold me on this story initially. I was fortunate to receive the ARC from the publisher via Netgalley. When I read the blurb I thought the story sounded good. Unfortunately, after about 50%, the book lost my interest.
What three things did I not like or not appreciate:
1.) Mundane. When a book wants to take you on walks, to dinner parties, have you stand and watch breakfast preparation all without really offering anything to the storyline, then it is mundane. Why am I reading this? You never want the reader to ask themselves this question as they are reading your book. You have lost them and most will not come back. Engagement is the name of the game.
2.) What more can I say. I think the above comment about wraps it up. I’m not going to over-think this or apologize. I would do the writer no service if did either. This might have worked better as a novella. If you enjoy mundane then this is the book for you. I know, I’m over-utilizing a descriptive, but it is a seriously good word to describe my thoughts on this one I won’t waste any more of your time trying to think of something kitschy to describe it better.
3.) Said it all before.
This book was free and offered by the publisher [Smith Publicity] via Netgalley for an honest review. I really tried to like this one. I tried to read it in two separate sittings and got to the 60% mark the second time. I think the author started out decently, but then it fell apart for me. You may have better luck and if so, I’m very glad for you.
Unfortunately, no Happy Reading for me on this one!
I want to gratefully thank the publisher Smith Publicity and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Netgalley ARC on 06/13/2012.
Overall Rating: 2.4
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 3 / 4 = total of 3.5
Writer’s Voice = 2
Character Development = 3
Story Appreciation = 1 [did not finish]
Worth the Chili = N/A [ARC from Netgalley, no idea what booksellers will charge for this one]
This book ended as a “did not finish” for me. The writer was doing a fair job of pulling me along, until we started traveling to the mundane. We had dinner parties, we had walks and talks, we had breakfast preparation. All is okay, if it contributes to the story in some form or fashion. If it is just filler, which is my assumption, it then is just mundane and you seriously don’t read a book for mundane.
Three things I liked about this book:
1.) This is a “debut” book and so keeping this in mind, I think the writer did a fair job with the initial character development. It was after we had an idea of the characters that she had trouble keeping it together.
2.) I seem to always enjoy a story when children are woven through and this story had two charming little boys. I was looking forward to more of them. But, they weren’t enough to keep me engaged through my boredom.
3.) The book blurb actually sold me on this story initially. I was fortunate to receive the ARC from the publisher via Netgalley. When I read the blurb I thought the story sounded good. Unfortunately, after about 50%, the book lost my interest.
What three things did I not like or not appreciate:
1.) Mundane. When a book wants to take you on walks, to dinner parties, have you stand and watch breakfast preparation all without really offering anything to the storyline, then it is mundane. Why am I reading this? You never want the reader to ask themselves this question as they are reading your book. You have lost them and most will not come back. Engagement is the name of the game.
2.) What more can I say. I think the above comment about wraps it up. I’m not going to over-think this or apologize. I would do the writer no service if did either. This might have worked better as a novella. If you enjoy mundane then this is the book for you. I know, I’m over-utilizing a descriptive, but it is a seriously good word to describe my thoughts on this one I won’t waste any more of your time trying to think of something kitschy to describe it better.
3.) Said it all before.
This book was free and offered by the publisher [Smith Publicity] via Netgalley for an honest review. I really tried to like this one. I tried to read it in two separate sittings and got to the 60% mark the second time. I think the author started out decently, but then it fell apart for me. You may have better luck and if so, I’m very glad for you.
Unfortunately, no Happy Reading for me on this one!
I want to gratefully thank the publisher Smith Publicity and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Netgalley ARC on 06/13/2012.
August 9, 2012
You're showing remarkable restraint," I said
The tic in his jaws started again . "I'm trying to refrain from chewing your ass out , Eloise, and you're making it difficult ."
Murder mysteries coupled with Romance has always been my kind of genre . Add to that a couple who banter aimlessly , well for the most part and I have my cup of tea served to me right there !
I really enjoyed reading A thin , Dark line because it wasn't your usual murder mystery . While most murder mysteries hint out certain clues about the murderer , this book really left you clueless and hanging with a big question mark on your forehead . While I was convinced that the person accused of the murders wasn't actually the killer , but the whole " Who the eff is the actual killer ??? " and then the revelation of the identity of the killer had me gaping with my eyes wide open .
* Insert 'just got the shock of my like' kinda music , which I'm guessing is a random noted played on a piano
I loved the varied characters that this book had to offer , especially Eloise ... Gawd that girl has the nerves to talk and be unbashed by any obscurity . She , for me , was strong willed and determined and did not let any thing cloud her judgement . Cormac , on the other hand had my heart aching . Right from whatever he has been through as a child to as a teen and to what he was still undergoing as an adult had my heart weeping .
This book , for me , wasn't just the story of Eloise and Cormac struggles and the secrets surrounding them . It was also a book that spoke about Friends , Family , Love , Togetherness , Forgiveness , Redemption and Revenge . Where at one end we could see the ugliness of human nature , of men and their dark heart and soul . The other end was definitely filled with goodness and kindness of the human heart and soul .
My only complain - NOT ENOUGH HOT AND HEAVY ROMANCE !!! I wanted more of Eloise and Cormac !!
On the whole , an amazing read and a page turner for sure !!
The tic in his jaws started again . "I'm trying to refrain from chewing your ass out , Eloise, and you're making it difficult ."
Murder mysteries coupled with Romance has always been my kind of genre . Add to that a couple who banter aimlessly , well for the most part and I have my cup of tea served to me right there !
I really enjoyed reading A thin , Dark line because it wasn't your usual murder mystery . While most murder mysteries hint out certain clues about the murderer , this book really left you clueless and hanging with a big question mark on your forehead . While I was convinced that the person accused of the murders wasn't actually the killer , but the whole " Who the eff is the actual killer ??? " and then the revelation of the identity of the killer had me gaping with my eyes wide open .
* Insert 'just got the shock of my like' kinda music , which I'm guessing is a random noted played on a piano
I loved the varied characters that this book had to offer , especially Eloise ... Gawd that girl has the nerves to talk and be unbashed by any obscurity . She , for me , was strong willed and determined and did not let any thing cloud her judgement . Cormac , on the other hand had my heart aching . Right from whatever he has been through as a child to as a teen and to what he was still undergoing as an adult had my heart weeping .
This book , for me , wasn't just the story of Eloise and Cormac struggles and the secrets surrounding them . It was also a book that spoke about Friends , Family , Love , Togetherness , Forgiveness , Redemption and Revenge . Where at one end we could see the ugliness of human nature , of men and their dark heart and soul . The other end was definitely filled with goodness and kindness of the human heart and soul .
My only complain - NOT ENOUGH HOT AND HEAVY ROMANCE !!! I wanted more of Eloise and Cormac !!
On the whole , an amazing read and a page turner for sure !!
February 11, 2013
3.5 Stars. A Thin, Dark Line was a book that I would not have normally picked up. I used it as an example in the Kristen Ashley Groups on how to request Buddy Reads. Everyone hopped on board, so I did too.
I enjoyed the plot. I thought the tried and true-ex convict-comes-back-to-town-so-he's-the-suspect-for-every-crime-that-passes-the-Sherriff's-desk was one that we've seen before, but I felt this took a different spin on it.
What I liked about the book:
*Our heroine, Eloise is what made it different. She wasn't perfect and didn't want to be.
*Cormac's innate strength was never used to pursue Eloise in dogged Alpha Male fashion. He was patient enough to let the relationship evolve.
*I'm a sucker for a woman playing Florence Nightingale.
*Eloise's BFF, Jane is so real. I was very impressed with this. She had two small boys, was very pregnant and her hormones were making her super sensitive. I found this to be realistic.
*Eloise's cousin, Patrick and his partner Sal were wonderful friends to Eloise. Sal's entire family, the Florenelli's adored Eloise and was very accepting of Cormac, while the rest of the town signed a petition to ride Cormac out on a rail.
*The author knows how to draw characters that you really hate as well as one's you champion.
*Eloise fights for what's right, what she believes in. She's almost fearless. She stands up for what she believes in.
*Cormac. Need I say more?
*There was so much realism in the book. Two girlfriends commiserating and eating a pan of brownies together, with no mention of what it'd do to their figure. Loved it! Girls do that!
*Good epilogue.
*that after all Cormac had been through, he had the ability to trust Eloise. A lesser man would find his ability to trust irrevocably broken.
What could have been better:
*I was so disappointed not to see the relationship between Cormac and Eloise consummated on paper. After an incredible build up, intense sexual chemistry and clear compatibility, our view stops at the bedroom door. I hate that
I think this author has a lot of talent, but I feel that she should let us into those intimate moments.
Warning: Thus book contains no sex!
I enjoyed the plot. I thought the tried and true-ex convict-comes-back-to-town-so-he's-the-suspect-for-every-crime-that-passes-the-Sherriff's-desk was one that we've seen before, but I felt this took a different spin on it.
What I liked about the book:
*Our heroine, Eloise is what made it different. She wasn't perfect and didn't want to be.
*Cormac's innate strength was never used to pursue Eloise in dogged Alpha Male fashion. He was patient enough to let the relationship evolve.
*I'm a sucker for a woman playing Florence Nightingale.
*Eloise's BFF, Jane is so real. I was very impressed with this. She had two small boys, was very pregnant and her hormones were making her super sensitive. I found this to be realistic.
*Eloise's cousin, Patrick and his partner Sal were wonderful friends to Eloise. Sal's entire family, the Florenelli's adored Eloise and was very accepting of Cormac, while the rest of the town signed a petition to ride Cormac out on a rail.
*The author knows how to draw characters that you really hate as well as one's you champion.
*Eloise fights for what's right, what she believes in. She's almost fearless. She stands up for what she believes in.
*Cormac. Need I say more?
*There was so much realism in the book. Two girlfriends commiserating and eating a pan of brownies together, with no mention of what it'd do to their figure. Loved it! Girls do that!
*Good epilogue.
*that after all Cormac had been through, he had the ability to trust Eloise. A lesser man would find his ability to trust irrevocably broken.
What could have been better:
*I was so disappointed not to see the relationship between Cormac and Eloise consummated on paper. After an incredible build up, intense sexual chemistry and clear compatibility, our view stops at the bedroom door. I hate that
I think this author has a lot of talent, but I feel that she should let us into those intimate moments.
Warning: Thus book contains no sex!
July 27, 2012
This was great writing by Emma Elliot. She meticulously built her characters and plot, taking her time to draw you into their lives. I loved Cormac, and Eloise is a strong character with strong convictions--the only thing she didn't have the strength to fight was her feelings for Cormac. And who can blame her? Ms. Elliot drew a picture of a quiet methodical man who also had a quiet sense of humor--I loved his little digs in calling Eloise "Aunt Weezie" and her library employees "pinky" and "blinky".
Cormac has returned home after doing time in prison for killing the Sheriff's grandson. The town of Dogwood is outraged and wants this "murderer" out. They are further agitated when the local librarian, Eloise Carmichaels, gives Cormac a job. Her friends fear for her safety, and her family scolds her. Her employees quit and one turns up dead inside the ransacked library. Cormac is the obvious suspect, but Eliose doesn't believe it. And that is as far as I will take you.
You couln't help but root for Cormac and Eliose. This is a must read--and I am looking forward to more wonderful books from Emma.
Cormac has returned home after doing time in prison for killing the Sheriff's grandson. The town of Dogwood is outraged and wants this "murderer" out. They are further agitated when the local librarian, Eloise Carmichaels, gives Cormac a job. Her friends fear for her safety, and her family scolds her. Her employees quit and one turns up dead inside the ransacked library. Cormac is the obvious suspect, but Eliose doesn't believe it. And that is as far as I will take you.
You couln't help but root for Cormac and Eliose. This is a must read--and I am looking forward to more wonderful books from Emma.
August 28, 2012
Review on http://passionforpages.blogspot.ca/20...
I knew after reading the summary that I had to read this book. Some summaries make you think, “eh, yeah it doesn’t sound so bad I’ll look it up when it comes out”, but then others, like this one, make you think, “how can I pimp myself out to get this book now?” Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, I didn’t have to do any pimping. Why? Because the lovely ladies I had contact with at TWCS Publishing House were generous enough to give a poor reviewer a copy of this great book without my having to do any begging. Oh, and I was prepared to beg, ladies.
Okay, fine I’ll admit it: as soon as my eyes fell on the word “ex-con” I didn’t see anything else and that’s what made me want this book so bad. Big surprise, I have filthy fantasies about ex-cons. You can bet your ass if I read a summary about a romance with an ex-con I’ll want it – and some I wish I hadn’t wanted so bad because they suh-uck, especially the ones that try to mix a romance and a murder mystery. With baited breath I started A Thin, Dark Line and…
Adored it.
Turning 30 has Eloise Carmichael convinced she’s stuck in a rut, and on a whim – and against the advice of everyone in her life – hires newly released ex-con (swoon!) Cormac O’Malley to be her handyman at the local library where she works.
I started this book convinced I had it all figured out. I was positive
it would be revealed Cormac was wrongly accused and imprisoned for another man’s crimes. Um… yeah, not quite. He did in fact commit the murder he was accused of and that was the first thing in the book that surprised me – and I love that Elliot went that route. So often authors of romance/mysteries try to make the ex-con a good guy by making the story about proving his innocence and he just happens to fall in love along the way with (of course) the woman helping him. Huge points to Elliot for not going this route! The innocence route, that is.
I really loved how the author kept me guessing about who was committing the new murders in town. She had me guessing from one character to the next and it wasn’t until the end when Eloise has her confrontation with her father that it finally hit me who it had to be all along. The suspense was wonderful.
What I really liked about this book was the romance – or lack thereof. The book is labeled romance, but really, as much heat as there was between Eloise and Cormac, and as much as he was there for her and she for him when they needed each other, there wasn’t a whole lot of romance in the book. It focused mainly on the mystery of the murders, and no one was distracted by jumping each other. (Yes, I can’t believe I just said I’m glad there was no sex in a book. WTF?) Of course there are some moments between the two, but not as much as I thought there would be going into this novel. Again, another surprise.
If you’re looking for a good mystery with a little heat thrown in once in a while, then I definitely recommend you pick up A Thin, Dark Line.
*** I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I knew after reading the summary that I had to read this book. Some summaries make you think, “eh, yeah it doesn’t sound so bad I’ll look it up when it comes out”, but then others, like this one, make you think, “how can I pimp myself out to get this book now?” Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, I didn’t have to do any pimping. Why? Because the lovely ladies I had contact with at TWCS Publishing House were generous enough to give a poor reviewer a copy of this great book without my having to do any begging. Oh, and I was prepared to beg, ladies.
Okay, fine I’ll admit it: as soon as my eyes fell on the word “ex-con” I didn’t see anything else and that’s what made me want this book so bad. Big surprise, I have filthy fantasies about ex-cons. You can bet your ass if I read a summary about a romance with an ex-con I’ll want it – and some I wish I hadn’t wanted so bad because they suh-uck, especially the ones that try to mix a romance and a murder mystery. With baited breath I started A Thin, Dark Line and…
Adored it.
Turning 30 has Eloise Carmichael convinced she’s stuck in a rut, and on a whim – and against the advice of everyone in her life – hires newly released ex-con (swoon!) Cormac O’Malley to be her handyman at the local library where she works.
I started this book convinced I had it all figured out. I was positive
it would be revealed Cormac was wrongly accused and imprisoned for another man’s crimes. Um… yeah, not quite. He did in fact commit the murder he was accused of and that was the first thing in the book that surprised me – and I love that Elliot went that route. So often authors of romance/mysteries try to make the ex-con a good guy by making the story about proving his innocence and he just happens to fall in love along the way with (of course) the woman helping him. Huge points to Elliot for not going this route! The innocence route, that is.
I really loved how the author kept me guessing about who was committing the new murders in town. She had me guessing from one character to the next and it wasn’t until the end when Eloise has her confrontation with her father that it finally hit me who it had to be all along. The suspense was wonderful.
What I really liked about this book was the romance – or lack thereof. The book is labeled romance, but really, as much heat as there was between Eloise and Cormac, and as much as he was there for her and she for him when they needed each other, there wasn’t a whole lot of romance in the book. It focused mainly on the mystery of the murders, and no one was distracted by jumping each other. (Yes, I can’t believe I just said I’m glad there was no sex in a book. WTF?) Of course there are some moments between the two, but not as much as I thought there would be going into this novel. Again, another surprise.
If you’re looking for a good mystery with a little heat thrown in once in a while, then I definitely recommend you pick up A Thin, Dark Line.
*** I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2012
My Review:
This was a great, great book! I'm telling you there is nothing sexier than a quiet, sexy alpha with a chip on his shoulder but a heart as big as anything. That's Cormac and I fell in love with this guy. When Cormac shows up at the library, Eloise hires him remembering the boy who saved her and secretly fixed her broken bicycle when they were teens. No one else in town is willing to give him a fair shot though after being convicted of killing one of the town's most influential men. But of course you know, things are not always as they seem especially in this small town.
Eloise is the town librarian, much to the chagrin of her very powerful family filled with doctors. She's always been the black sheep of the family and is honestly okay with that. She doesn't cringe from standing up to them or anyone else in this town when it comes to something she believes in and she most definitely believes in Cormac. I liked her a lot. First, this girl loves books. Secondly, she is incredibly strong and loyal. Third, pretty much everyone in town who is worth anything loves her. She's just one of those all-around great characters. She handles her 4 yo and 6 yo godsons like a pro especially with the difficulties they are having with their parents fighting. And she sees Cormac even when he's intimidating her. She doesn't let him push her away and I love that.
Cormac has not had an easy life. Hearing what he went through in his childhood literally brought me to tears. This is a man that has suffered his entire life, but he has such an amazing heart. You see it in the way that he handles Eloise, the boys, the kitten....*sigh* God, I loved this character. I don't know what made me love him more...when he was hurt or the way he stood by Eloise when she was hurt. This is a man that needs love so badly. You honestly can feel it reverberating off of him throughout the book. I loved him and Eloise together. So. Perfect.
And the suspense line...I had a feeling that I knew where it was going, but the depth of what all it entailed surprised me. Definitely one of those stories that just breaks your heart.
Honestly, this was just an amazing book. I read a lot and this book had me completely riveted to the point where my family couldn't distract me from it. At one point, my husband even looked to see where I was at in the book and was surprised that it wasn't the end (I was at the 26% mark at that point) because I was so enthralled with the story. Normally, I only get that engrossed in about the last 15% of a book. I highly recommend this book!!!
I received a complementary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This was a great, great book! I'm telling you there is nothing sexier than a quiet, sexy alpha with a chip on his shoulder but a heart as big as anything. That's Cormac and I fell in love with this guy. When Cormac shows up at the library, Eloise hires him remembering the boy who saved her and secretly fixed her broken bicycle when they were teens. No one else in town is willing to give him a fair shot though after being convicted of killing one of the town's most influential men. But of course you know, things are not always as they seem especially in this small town.
Eloise is the town librarian, much to the chagrin of her very powerful family filled with doctors. She's always been the black sheep of the family and is honestly okay with that. She doesn't cringe from standing up to them or anyone else in this town when it comes to something she believes in and she most definitely believes in Cormac. I liked her a lot. First, this girl loves books. Secondly, she is incredibly strong and loyal. Third, pretty much everyone in town who is worth anything loves her. She's just one of those all-around great characters. She handles her 4 yo and 6 yo godsons like a pro especially with the difficulties they are having with their parents fighting. And she sees Cormac even when he's intimidating her. She doesn't let him push her away and I love that.
Cormac has not had an easy life. Hearing what he went through in his childhood literally brought me to tears. This is a man that has suffered his entire life, but he has such an amazing heart. You see it in the way that he handles Eloise, the boys, the kitten....*sigh* God, I loved this character. I don't know what made me love him more...when he was hurt or the way he stood by Eloise when she was hurt. This is a man that needs love so badly. You honestly can feel it reverberating off of him throughout the book. I loved him and Eloise together. So. Perfect.
And the suspense line...I had a feeling that I knew where it was going, but the depth of what all it entailed surprised me. Definitely one of those stories that just breaks your heart.
Honestly, this was just an amazing book. I read a lot and this book had me completely riveted to the point where my family couldn't distract me from it. At one point, my husband even looked to see where I was at in the book and was surprised that it wasn't the end (I was at the 26% mark at that point) because I was so enthralled with the story. Normally, I only get that engrossed in about the last 15% of a book. I highly recommend this book!!!
I received a complementary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
October 18, 2012
Author: Emma Elliot
Published By: The Writers Coffee Shop Publishing House
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5
Review:
"A Thin, Dark Line" by Emma Elliot was a great blend of mystery, with emotions, humor, family, and romance that will enter into this novel that kept the big surprise of just what was behind all of this plot...only coming together toward the end.
A ex-con, Cormac O'Mally had come back to this town of Dogwood...after being in prison for killing the Sheriff's grandson.....needed a job and Eloise Carmichael come to his aid and hires him as a handyman at the library and all hell brakes lose because the town was outraged and only wanted this "murderer" out of their town. Will the town of Dogwood ever be the same? However, Eloise remembered the kind of person Cormac was to her when she was just thirteen and Cormac was sixteen.... how he had helped her when she had fallen off her bike. Was this why Eloise had wanted to help Cormac now that he was out of prison? Did she still have a crush on him? The town people are in a uproar that the local librarian had hired Cormac. Eloise friends are now fearing for her safety, her family acts out, employees even quit... now someone has ransacked the library and ...oh no, someone is found dead. This is where I will stop and say you will only get the rest of the story by picking up this excellent read to find out just what will happen next. Be ready because there is a lots of twist and turns going on in this read of "A Thin, Dark Line."
The characters are all very intriguing, captivating, delightful, humorous...... From Eloise(Aunt Weez), Jane, Ben,Robby, Harman, Cormac to many others that will keep your interest in this wonderful well written novel. All of the characters added a certain element to this read that will kept you on the edge of your seat till the end just wanting to know what this story is all about. Will Eloise and Comac which are totally opposites due to their pass be able to come together? This author will definitely take you through a suspenseful mystery that will keep you guessing up to the end. This is where I say again... you must pick up "A Thin, Dark Line" to see how all of this intriguing captivating story will come out.
Will there be a a 'Happy Ever After?'...after all the trouble this couple has gone through? Well, once again you will have to pick up this excellent read that I recommend to find out.
Published By: The Writers Coffee Shop Publishing House
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5
Review:
"A Thin, Dark Line" by Emma Elliot was a great blend of mystery, with emotions, humor, family, and romance that will enter into this novel that kept the big surprise of just what was behind all of this plot...only coming together toward the end.
A ex-con, Cormac O'Mally had come back to this town of Dogwood...after being in prison for killing the Sheriff's grandson.....needed a job and Eloise Carmichael come to his aid and hires him as a handyman at the library and all hell brakes lose because the town was outraged and only wanted this "murderer" out of their town. Will the town of Dogwood ever be the same? However, Eloise remembered the kind of person Cormac was to her when she was just thirteen and Cormac was sixteen.... how he had helped her when she had fallen off her bike. Was this why Eloise had wanted to help Cormac now that he was out of prison? Did she still have a crush on him? The town people are in a uproar that the local librarian had hired Cormac. Eloise friends are now fearing for her safety, her family acts out, employees even quit... now someone has ransacked the library and ...oh no, someone is found dead. This is where I will stop and say you will only get the rest of the story by picking up this excellent read to find out just what will happen next. Be ready because there is a lots of twist and turns going on in this read of "A Thin, Dark Line."
The characters are all very intriguing, captivating, delightful, humorous...... From Eloise(Aunt Weez), Jane, Ben,Robby, Harman, Cormac to many others that will keep your interest in this wonderful well written novel. All of the characters added a certain element to this read that will kept you on the edge of your seat till the end just wanting to know what this story is all about. Will Eloise and Comac which are totally opposites due to their pass be able to come together? This author will definitely take you through a suspenseful mystery that will keep you guessing up to the end. This is where I say again... you must pick up "A Thin, Dark Line" to see how all of this intriguing captivating story will come out.
Will there be a a 'Happy Ever After?'...after all the trouble this couple has gone through? Well, once again you will have to pick up this excellent read that I recommend to find out.
August 6, 2012
"I was alone with a man who'd haunted my thoughts and dreams for the last few days. Though, if I were honest with myself, it was more like since he'd first set foot in the library and asked for a job."
Although listed in the romantic genre, this book was more suspense then romance. There was however, romantic sparks between Eloise Carmichael, our lead female, and Cormac O'Malley, our lead male. Eloise is the town librarian. She just turned 30 and is trying to figure out her life and where to go from here. Enter Cormac. He has been locked away in prison for the passed 15 years on murder charges when he was 18 years old. He has come back into town to make a life for himself again. However, there is a hidden agenda on why he is back and Eloise wants to know what that is.
"And maybe the key to moving forward in life is understanding what lies behind you. No matter how painful it is."
Ignoring the town's warnings, Eloise gives Cormac the handy-man job and her library. As days go by, she befriends him and they grow closer and closer. Even her best friend advices her to not get too close to Cormac but Eloise has a mind of her own and her gut says that Coramac is a good man and that he was wronged all those years ago. She wants to get to the bottom of what REALLY happened in this town and correct this mistake. However, in her quest for finding out this truth, both Eloise and Cormac get into serious events of which one lands in the hospital. It's this hospital stay where they both realize their feelings for each other. But once out of the hospital, there is still so much to research and find out about that murder 15 years ago.
"'When does the search for justice become mere revenge? What's the difference between the two?'He was silent for several moments.'A thin, dark line.'"
I enjoyed this book. Would have liked a little more romance but liked the story itself. I have a soft spot for "broken bad boys" and I like the strong female in this story as well. At times a little clumsy but loved her stubborness.
Thank you The Writer's Coffee Shop via NetGalley for this ARC.
Although listed in the romantic genre, this book was more suspense then romance. There was however, romantic sparks between Eloise Carmichael, our lead female, and Cormac O'Malley, our lead male. Eloise is the town librarian. She just turned 30 and is trying to figure out her life and where to go from here. Enter Cormac. He has been locked away in prison for the passed 15 years on murder charges when he was 18 years old. He has come back into town to make a life for himself again. However, there is a hidden agenda on why he is back and Eloise wants to know what that is.
"And maybe the key to moving forward in life is understanding what lies behind you. No matter how painful it is."
Ignoring the town's warnings, Eloise gives Cormac the handy-man job and her library. As days go by, she befriends him and they grow closer and closer. Even her best friend advices her to not get too close to Cormac but Eloise has a mind of her own and her gut says that Coramac is a good man and that he was wronged all those years ago. She wants to get to the bottom of what REALLY happened in this town and correct this mistake. However, in her quest for finding out this truth, both Eloise and Cormac get into serious events of which one lands in the hospital. It's this hospital stay where they both realize their feelings for each other. But once out of the hospital, there is still so much to research and find out about that murder 15 years ago.
"'When does the search for justice become mere revenge? What's the difference between the two?'He was silent for several moments.'A thin, dark line.'"
I enjoyed this book. Would have liked a little more romance but liked the story itself. I have a soft spot for "broken bad boys" and I like the strong female in this story as well. At times a little clumsy but loved her stubborness.
Thank you The Writer's Coffee Shop via NetGalley for this ARC.
September 8, 2012
A Thin, Dark Line by Emma Elliot
4/5 stars
Source: Netgalley
Emma Elliot’s A Thin, Dark Line is a triple threat with a dark mystery, a character driven plot, and a sweet romance that delivers on all levels. Everyone has a past but Cormac O’Malley’s includes fifteen years in prison for murder. Eloise Carmichael’s past included a privileged upbringing in a cold an unloving environment but no murder. To say the least both Cormac and Eloise are not what their parents expected them to be.
Cormac has never denied his guilt and now that he has served his time he has returned to his hometown to care for his ailing and aging grandfather. Unfortunately for Cormac it is his grandfather and perhaps two other people who are happy about his return. Unfortunately for everyone else, Cormac doesn’t care; he has unfinished business that needs attending to and he will see it through before leaving town for good. What Cormac so doesn’t count on is Eloise Carmichael coming into to his life.
Eloise, affectionately known as El to her friends, is a refreshingly real character who always, no matter the consequences stays true to herself and her beliefs. Oh, and she has a habit of speaking her mind often before her internal edit button has a chance to engage. Like Cormac, El is her family’s black sheep despite being well-educated and successful in her career. The morning Cormac re-enters El’s life is the same morning she decides her life is in a rut and she needs a full-time handyman for the library she runs.
From the beginning, everyone except El, questions both El’s sanity and her decision to hire Cormac as the library’s handyman. Why the hell shouldn’t she hire him? He has the necessary skill set, he proves reliable immediately, and he has paid his debt to society. True to her nature, El rabidly and frequently defends her decision and Cormac to anyone who cares to question her. El often also finds herself reminding everyone that the past is just that, the past. Or is it? When the first dead body falls out of the library’s attic on top of El the past suddenly begins to rear its ugly head and every finger in town is pointing toward Cormac as the most obvious suspect. On yet another unfortunate note, the first dead body is just the first dead body. Before long the body count starts piling up and the past and the present are on a collision course with one another.
Here’s what I like:
*The mystery: It’s no secret I love backstories so Elliot’s mystery which involves both the past and the present totally satisfied my need for a thriller mixed with a long-buried dirty little secret. The backstory brings everything together and ties up all the little loose ends that have been, like the dead bodies, piling up throughout the novel.
*El’s relationship with, well, everyone! You may not like El and her attitude but she is a real and authentic character whom the author never allows to deviate from her strong personality. El’s honesty, loyalty, and ability to trust despite all the damning evidence right in front of her makes her all the better. El trusts her gut and knows, without doubt that her faith hasn’t been misplaced.
*The Flow: A Thin, Dark Line moves so smoothly from start to finish you don’t even realize how much you have read. While the mystery is a mystery, it isn’t overly complicated or drawn out to the point of absurdity. The plot moves like it means it without being at all rushed and the mystery unravels logically if somewhat tragically. Once the past and present meet there is no stopping the inevitable and all of the players come together for an excellent finish.
*The Epilogue: this is the second time this year I find myself giving an author some major props for rocking the epilogue. As it should be, everything is tied up in the epilogue and the resolution of each character’s story is quite satisfying. El and Cormac’s budding romance is finally able to blossom, all of the dirty little secrets and the truth have been exposed which allows everyone, but in particular Cormac, to move forward.
4/5 stars
Source: Netgalley
Emma Elliot’s A Thin, Dark Line is a triple threat with a dark mystery, a character driven plot, and a sweet romance that delivers on all levels. Everyone has a past but Cormac O’Malley’s includes fifteen years in prison for murder. Eloise Carmichael’s past included a privileged upbringing in a cold an unloving environment but no murder. To say the least both Cormac and Eloise are not what their parents expected them to be.
Cormac has never denied his guilt and now that he has served his time he has returned to his hometown to care for his ailing and aging grandfather. Unfortunately for Cormac it is his grandfather and perhaps two other people who are happy about his return. Unfortunately for everyone else, Cormac doesn’t care; he has unfinished business that needs attending to and he will see it through before leaving town for good. What Cormac so doesn’t count on is Eloise Carmichael coming into to his life.
Eloise, affectionately known as El to her friends, is a refreshingly real character who always, no matter the consequences stays true to herself and her beliefs. Oh, and she has a habit of speaking her mind often before her internal edit button has a chance to engage. Like Cormac, El is her family’s black sheep despite being well-educated and successful in her career. The morning Cormac re-enters El’s life is the same morning she decides her life is in a rut and she needs a full-time handyman for the library she runs.
From the beginning, everyone except El, questions both El’s sanity and her decision to hire Cormac as the library’s handyman. Why the hell shouldn’t she hire him? He has the necessary skill set, he proves reliable immediately, and he has paid his debt to society. True to her nature, El rabidly and frequently defends her decision and Cormac to anyone who cares to question her. El often also finds herself reminding everyone that the past is just that, the past. Or is it? When the first dead body falls out of the library’s attic on top of El the past suddenly begins to rear its ugly head and every finger in town is pointing toward Cormac as the most obvious suspect. On yet another unfortunate note, the first dead body is just the first dead body. Before long the body count starts piling up and the past and the present are on a collision course with one another.
Here’s what I like:
*The mystery: It’s no secret I love backstories so Elliot’s mystery which involves both the past and the present totally satisfied my need for a thriller mixed with a long-buried dirty little secret. The backstory brings everything together and ties up all the little loose ends that have been, like the dead bodies, piling up throughout the novel.
*El’s relationship with, well, everyone! You may not like El and her attitude but she is a real and authentic character whom the author never allows to deviate from her strong personality. El’s honesty, loyalty, and ability to trust despite all the damning evidence right in front of her makes her all the better. El trusts her gut and knows, without doubt that her faith hasn’t been misplaced.
*The Flow: A Thin, Dark Line moves so smoothly from start to finish you don’t even realize how much you have read. While the mystery is a mystery, it isn’t overly complicated or drawn out to the point of absurdity. The plot moves like it means it without being at all rushed and the mystery unravels logically if somewhat tragically. Once the past and present meet there is no stopping the inevitable and all of the players come together for an excellent finish.
*The Epilogue: this is the second time this year I find myself giving an author some major props for rocking the epilogue. As it should be, everything is tied up in the epilogue and the resolution of each character’s story is quite satisfying. El and Cormac’s budding romance is finally able to blossom, all of the dirty little secrets and the truth have been exposed which allows everyone, but in particular Cormac, to move forward.
September 12, 2012
Spoilers abound. You have been warned ...
This book was very well recommended on a forum I frequent and sounded like a good read. I was skeptical about buying a book from TCWS, since they're known for reworking fanfiction and selling it as something original, but between the recs and the plot synopsis, I decided to give it a go.
Sigh. I wish I had lots of good things to say about this story, but I just don't. I think the author has potential, but this story was all over the place, the characters were poorly developed, and much of it was just dull.
First, there are just too many side characters that really don't add anything to the story. There are so many friends & family members floating through this tale who have no real role whatsoever that it's hard to keep them all straight.
Second, I didn't like the heroine at all. She was always stumbling, falling, stuttering, biting her lip, trembling, or her voice was always quivering. There wasn't much else to her, except her willingness to love a convicted killer based on little more than how he looked and the sound of his voice.
But what really frustrated me more than anything else was the rambling narrative and the mundacity of the plot. In the space of about three weeks, multiple people were murdered, the heroine was involved in a near-fatal car crash, the hero was beaten almost to a bloody pulp -- all with either no follow up or, if there was follow up, it was so unbelievable it was worse than none at all. A major event would happen (Oh! A bloodied dead body falls on our heroine!), followed by pages and pages of her cooking pancakes with her bestie or calling a sister who has no major role whatsoever in the story. So frustrating.
Finally, there was so much unrealized romantic potential between the two main characters. The hero had a horrific yet interesting back-story that could have been very interesting to read about if the author had bothered to explore it or dig deeper. As for the romance, they couldn't really get very far because the hero was constantly being beaten up or arrested (yet never charged).
All in all, this was a mess and I couldn't finish the book. If you like a lot of little details that never really move the plot along, unrealistic and unnecessary plot twists, and dialogue dialogue dialogue - well, this might be the book for you. But, sadly, it just didn't work for me. And although I am excited that the digital age is making it possible for a wider range of new authors to get published, it is not without its drawbacks. I can't imagine a major publishing house would have released this book without editing, editing, editing and reworking the weaker plot points, something TWCS should have done but didn't.
This book was very well recommended on a forum I frequent and sounded like a good read. I was skeptical about buying a book from TCWS, since they're known for reworking fanfiction and selling it as something original, but between the recs and the plot synopsis, I decided to give it a go.
Sigh. I wish I had lots of good things to say about this story, but I just don't. I think the author has potential, but this story was all over the place, the characters were poorly developed, and much of it was just dull.
First, there are just too many side characters that really don't add anything to the story. There are so many friends & family members floating through this tale who have no real role whatsoever that it's hard to keep them all straight.
Second, I didn't like the heroine at all. She was always stumbling, falling, stuttering, biting her lip, trembling, or her voice was always quivering. There wasn't much else to her, except her willingness to love a convicted killer based on little more than how he looked and the sound of his voice.
But what really frustrated me more than anything else was the rambling narrative and the mundacity of the plot. In the space of about three weeks, multiple people were murdered, the heroine was involved in a near-fatal car crash, the hero was beaten almost to a bloody pulp -- all with either no follow up or, if there was follow up, it was so unbelievable it was worse than none at all. A major event would happen (Oh! A bloodied dead body falls on our heroine!), followed by pages and pages of her cooking pancakes with her bestie or calling a sister who has no major role whatsoever in the story. So frustrating.
Finally, there was so much unrealized romantic potential between the two main characters. The hero had a horrific yet interesting back-story that could have been very interesting to read about if the author had bothered to explore it or dig deeper. As for the romance, they couldn't really get very far because the hero was constantly being beaten up or arrested (yet never charged).
All in all, this was a mess and I couldn't finish the book. If you like a lot of little details that never really move the plot along, unrealistic and unnecessary plot twists, and dialogue dialogue dialogue - well, this might be the book for you. But, sadly, it just didn't work for me. And although I am excited that the digital age is making it possible for a wider range of new authors to get published, it is not without its drawbacks. I can't imagine a major publishing house would have released this book without editing, editing, editing and reworking the weaker plot points, something TWCS should have done but didn't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2012
This was good but I wanted more - and less. The best features was that I really did not see the end coming and just exactly who was responsible ultimately for the crimes in the book. I thought the children in the book were realistic, not too cute, not too old or young than they were purported to be, etc.
But at the end I felt that maybe the author had too much going on and that hindered my feeling like I was stepping into the lives of the characters. There were a ton of brothers, sisters, cousins and friends and I frankly got them mixed up. I felt for example that Adriana's story was pretty irrelevant to the whole picture, and also the issues in the Casey marriage. Not only did these little side stories seem underdeveloped, they kept me, the reader from learning more about Cormac, who was an awesome character, but I wanted to get to know much better. Why didn't we get to hear about how and why he fixed up his room with all the books and maps?
A little bit of silly grumbling here - as a librarian myself I felt the library setting was a little off. As wonderful as that old building was, it seems like a terrible place for a public library with multiple floors and rooms and 1 - 2 people staffing it. Eloise, with all her supposed love for books didn't seem very good at her job - managing her staff poorly, making questionable purchases of really obscure stuff and conducting a storytime for 2 - 4 year olds using a chapter book, (even the excellent Tale of Despereaux) Ha ha hiring an ex con as a handyman really was one of her better decisions!
But at the end I felt that maybe the author had too much going on and that hindered my feeling like I was stepping into the lives of the characters. There were a ton of brothers, sisters, cousins and friends and I frankly got them mixed up. I felt for example that Adriana's story was pretty irrelevant to the whole picture, and also the issues in the Casey marriage. Not only did these little side stories seem underdeveloped, they kept me, the reader from learning more about Cormac, who was an awesome character, but I wanted to get to know much better. Why didn't we get to hear about how and why he fixed up his room with all the books and maps?
A little bit of silly grumbling here - as a librarian myself I felt the library setting was a little off. As wonderful as that old building was, it seems like a terrible place for a public library with multiple floors and rooms and 1 - 2 people staffing it. Eloise, with all her supposed love for books didn't seem very good at her job - managing her staff poorly, making questionable purchases of really obscure stuff and conducting a storytime for 2 - 4 year olds using a chapter book, (even the excellent Tale of Despereaux) Ha ha hiring an ex con as a handyman really was one of her better decisions!
September 12, 2012
Thank you to the Writer's Coffee House for allowing access to this wonderful new author. Emma Elliot has written a wonderful romantic suspense novel with engaging characters and some Hot sexual tension burning up the pages. Loved the resourceful and independent heroine Eloise and her ex-con rugged yet sexy yet thoughtful Cormac. Will definitely give this author another go for her next book. Thank you for the introduction!
June 19, 2015
I loved this book! I loved the funny children too!
The book was funny, heartwarming and sweet.
Read it! Read it! Read it!
The book was funny, heartwarming and sweet.
Read it! Read it! Read it!
June 9, 2015
Is this pull to pub fanfiction too? I felt like I was reading an E&B story. Me no likey.
February 17, 2015
I was extremely fortunate to receive this as an ARC from NetGalley and The Writer’s Coffee Shop.
When I picked this book up, I had forgotten what the back cover blurb said about it. Going into the book without any knowledge about the plot, I was amazed to be sucked into the story from the very first chapter.
The story revolves around Eloise Carmichael, the town’s librarian who has eschewed her family’s wealth to follow her own path. When ex-con Cormac O’Malley arrives at the library’s doorstep looking for a job, Eloise decides to give the man a break he so desperately needs. Unfortunately, the town’s people aren’t nearly as forgiving and are trying to run Cormac out on a rail. When people suddenly show up dead, Cormac is the first person people look to as the culprit.
Despite the reactions of her family, Eloise won’t back down and continues to allow Cormac to work at the library.
Elliot’s descriptions and phrasing are all done so simply. So eloquently that nothing feels overdone. I appreciated the way the mystery wove itself around the growing attraction between the two main characters. I enjoyed the twist at the end and it was one that surprised me, not an easy feat. I usually pick out the villain right away.
I loved the buildup of the romantic story and how it wasn’t easy or perfect, because neither main character was perfect. Their relationship pulsed through the story, the push and pull of the various people, events and emotions in the story all had a factor into their budding love.
A really unexpected and lovely book. Well done and I can’t wait to read the next story Elliot comes up with.
“When does the search for justice become mere revenge? What’s the difference between the two?”
He was silent for several moments. “A thin dark line,” he said
When I picked this book up, I had forgotten what the back cover blurb said about it. Going into the book without any knowledge about the plot, I was amazed to be sucked into the story from the very first chapter.
The story revolves around Eloise Carmichael, the town’s librarian who has eschewed her family’s wealth to follow her own path. When ex-con Cormac O’Malley arrives at the library’s doorstep looking for a job, Eloise decides to give the man a break he so desperately needs. Unfortunately, the town’s people aren’t nearly as forgiving and are trying to run Cormac out on a rail. When people suddenly show up dead, Cormac is the first person people look to as the culprit.
Despite the reactions of her family, Eloise won’t back down and continues to allow Cormac to work at the library.
“He handled the books with surprising care. And something inside me stuttered as I noticed how he cradled the tattered books in his large, calloused hands…
My God, you would be an easy man to love, Cormac O’Malley. The thought shocked me. And terrified me.”
Elliot’s descriptions and phrasing are all done so simply. So eloquently that nothing feels overdone. I appreciated the way the mystery wove itself around the growing attraction between the two main characters. I enjoyed the twist at the end and it was one that surprised me, not an easy feat. I usually pick out the villain right away.
I loved the buildup of the romantic story and how it wasn’t easy or perfect, because neither main character was perfect. Their relationship pulsed through the story, the push and pull of the various people, events and emotions in the story all had a factor into their budding love.
“Before I could formulate a thought or question, his lips covered mine again. And while the first had been explosive, this kiss was shattering in its tenderness.”
A really unexpected and lovely book. Well done and I can’t wait to read the next story Elliot comes up with.
September 12, 2013
Cormac O'Malley returns to his home town after serving 15 years for the murder of the sheriff's son. Was he a troubled teen with a penchant for mindless violence or was there much more to the story? The provincial townspeople certainly treat him overwhelmingly like a cross between Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy...with the exception of Eloise Carmichael. Eloise remembers the sweet, polite boy who stopped to help her when she dumped her bike and all her library books when she was 13 and he was 16. He even fixed her bike for her and young Eloise thought he was the personification of a courtly and chivalrous knight. Even though they had no further contact, Eloise cried 2 years later when he went to jail for murder.
With Cormac's return, Eloise seems to be the only one willing to give him a chance and she offers him a job working for her at the town library. As Eloise gets to know Cormac, the mystery deepens as someone is murdering the good people of Dogwood and Eloise is nearly killed when her car is repeatedly rammed and driven off the road. The hatred of some townsfolk seems to run deeper than simply mistrusting the return to the town bad boy.
ATDL is a beautiful, heart warming story of love, second chances and understanding what is truly important in life. The relationship between Cormac and Eloise is very chaste and slow to develop, but also very sweet and very heartfelt.
No cussing and no sex (since people seem to want to know about that), no actual gore or violence depicted.
Some loose ends of the mystery tied up a little too neatly for me; or rather I should say I found a few elements a bit implausible but it really didn't detract from the story.
With Cormac's return, Eloise seems to be the only one willing to give him a chance and she offers him a job working for her at the town library. As Eloise gets to know Cormac, the mystery deepens as someone is murdering the good people of Dogwood and Eloise is nearly killed when her car is repeatedly rammed and driven off the road. The hatred of some townsfolk seems to run deeper than simply mistrusting the return to the town bad boy.
ATDL is a beautiful, heart warming story of love, second chances and understanding what is truly important in life. The relationship between Cormac and Eloise is very chaste and slow to develop, but also very sweet and very heartfelt.
No cussing and no sex (since people seem to want to know about that), no actual gore or violence depicted.
Some loose ends of the mystery tied up a little too neatly for me; or rather I should say I found a few elements a bit implausible but it really didn't detract from the story.
September 2, 2012
When I first began reading this ARC, the book hadn't yet being published. I had to put it down for some reason or another, and finally got back to it a couple of days later and realised it had been published in that time.
Although the first couple of chapters felt like a slow burn, the pace and story soon picked up. The character of Eloise is extremely likeable as are her friends. More importantly, they are all believable (which can be rare when characters are so... nice). It can often be hard to keep up with the introduction of so many characters in such a short space of time, but Elliot manages to present almost the entire town of Dogwood without confusing the reader.
Once the story got going, I flew through it, wanting to know what was going to happen next, often with my heart in my mouth at the audacity at some of the characters. As the story unfolds, I was more and more drawn into it. I literally couldn't put it down. My favourite couple of lines, which also explains the title are:
"'When doe the search for justice become mere revenge? What's the difference between the two?"
He was silent for several moments. "A thin, dark line," he said"
This is definitely a book I would buy if I picked it up in a book shop. I hope a physical copy is released soon as I will want to add it to my bookshelves.
For this, and more reviews, check out my blog http://michbookreviews.wordpress.com
Although the first couple of chapters felt like a slow burn, the pace and story soon picked up. The character of Eloise is extremely likeable as are her friends. More importantly, they are all believable (which can be rare when characters are so... nice). It can often be hard to keep up with the introduction of so many characters in such a short space of time, but Elliot manages to present almost the entire town of Dogwood without confusing the reader.
Once the story got going, I flew through it, wanting to know what was going to happen next, often with my heart in my mouth at the audacity at some of the characters. As the story unfolds, I was more and more drawn into it. I literally couldn't put it down. My favourite couple of lines, which also explains the title are:
"'When doe the search for justice become mere revenge? What's the difference between the two?"
He was silent for several moments. "A thin, dark line," he said"
This is definitely a book I would buy if I picked it up in a book shop. I hope a physical copy is released soon as I will want to add it to my bookshelves.
For this, and more reviews, check out my blog http://michbookreviews.wordpress.com
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