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Stranger at Sunset
International Mystery and Crime
"One of the most inventive murders I have ever come across in years of reading crime fiction ... it will send a particularly icy chill up the spines of male readers." - Crime Fiction Lover
Dr. Kate Hampton, a respected psychiatrist, gathers with a group of strangers at her favorite travel spot, Sunset Villa in Jamaica. Included in the mix are friends of the owners, a businessman with dubious credentials, and a couple who won the trip from a TV game show.
It is January 2013, following the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The luxury resort is struggling, not from the storm, but due to a scathing review from caustic travel writer, Matthew Kane. The owners have invited him back with hopes he will pen a more favorable review to restore their reputation.
Even though she is haunted by her own demons, Kate feels compelled to help. She sets out to discover the motivation behind Kane’s vitriol. Used to getting what he wants, has the reviewer met his match in Kate? Or has she met hers?
The suspense is a slow-burning mystery as seen through the eyes of different narrators, each with their own murky sense of justice. As Kate's own psychological past begins to unravel, a mysterious stranger at Sunset may be the only one who can save her.
"One of the most inventive murders I have ever come across in years of reading crime fiction ... it will send a particularly icy chill up the spines of male readers." - Crime Fiction Lover
Dr. Kate Hampton, a respected psychiatrist, gathers with a group of strangers at her favorite travel spot, Sunset Villa in Jamaica. Included in the mix are friends of the owners, a businessman with dubious credentials, and a couple who won the trip from a TV game show.
It is January 2013, following the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The luxury resort is struggling, not from the storm, but due to a scathing review from caustic travel writer, Matthew Kane. The owners have invited him back with hopes he will pen a more favorable review to restore their reputation.
Even though she is haunted by her own demons, Kate feels compelled to help. She sets out to discover the motivation behind Kane’s vitriol. Used to getting what he wants, has the reviewer met his match in Kate? Or has she met hers?
The suspense is a slow-burning mystery as seen through the eyes of different narrators, each with their own murky sense of justice. As Kate's own psychological past begins to unravel, a mysterious stranger at Sunset may be the only one who can save her.
ebook
First published June 22, 2014
About the author
Eden Baylee
19 books228 followersEden Baylee left a twenty-year banking career to write. Incorporating some of her favorite things such as travel, culture, and a deep curiosity for what turns people on, her brand of writing is sensual and literary.
She has written three collections of erotic novellas and flash fiction ~ SPRING INTO SUMMER, FALL INTO WINTER, and HOT FLASH.
On June 30, 2014, she released her first novel--a psychological mystery/thriller set in Jamaica called STRANGER AT SUNSET.
Eden loves hearing from readers, so connect to her via her website at www.edenbayleebooks.com and all her social networks.
She has written three collections of erotic novellas and flash fiction ~ SPRING INTO SUMMER, FALL INTO WINTER, and HOT FLASH.
On June 30, 2014, she released her first novel--a psychological mystery/thriller set in Jamaica called STRANGER AT SUNSET.
Eden loves hearing from readers, so connect to her via her website at www.edenbayleebooks.com and all her social networks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
November 26, 2014
"Vacation Can Be a Killer!"
I was given the ARC book, "Stranger at Sunset" by Eden Baylee via Netgalley, in exchange for my honest review.
This is Eden's debut novel, a psychological mystery/thriller set in Jamaica.
Kate Hampton, a psychiatrist, chooses to help her friends Anna and Nolan, (Owners of Sunset Villa in Jamaica) prepare for 'damage control' after a bad travel review, by Matthew Kane, threatens the closure of the remote resort. After the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, this luxury resort is struggling to make ends meet...and need a positive review to restore its reputation. So the owners invite Matthew, Kate and some other guests back to the villa. Kane's ultimate plan is to see what makes Matthew tick...and change his mind.
But then a person disappears...and is presumed dead! Then this novel becomes a real whodunit.
This book is very descriptive and well written. I loved trying to figure out what was going to happen next. The characters are well defined and believable, and Eden is able to illicit a vivid picture in my mind of the island, the villa and each character. This is a character driven novel and the story is told from different points of view.
The plot doesn't resolve until late in the book and it comes as a complete surprise. I can only say thank you once again to Netgalley and Eden Baylee, and her publisher, lowercase publishing for allowing me to read this novel. For those readers that really enjoy a mystery suspense thriller, definitely check out this novel. I am sure you won't be disappointed.
June 30, 2014
***The Mapping of Stranger Desires***
I first encountered Eden Baylee in late 2012 when I read her collection of poems and flash fiction, entitled 'Hot Flash'. The literary quality of her writing and her wit encouraged me to dip into the erotic novellas in her 'Spring into Summer' collection. I have been a fan ever since.
So when I discovered she was writing a full-length mystery/thriller novel, I was intrigued.
'Stranger at Sunset' is a great piece of fiction writing with engaging characters, many of whom - in the fine mystery tradition - have embarrassing and potentially lethal secrets. The novel opens with a fine noir scene, which could have been straight out of Dashiel Hammett, and then Ms. Baylee's dark lens pans back to give us a view of the various people assembling for a holiday at Sunset Villa in Jamaica.
The backdrop of the Caribbean island in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy gives 'Stranger' an exotic feel, and the author treats the reader to the sights, sounds and smells of that wonderful island. The cast of this drama is well-drawn and diverse, displaying a variety of psychological types well-suited to a whodunnit. Humour, feisty encounters and a hint of romance make for a heady cocktail.
Some mysteries are so plot-driven, that the characters come over as two-dimensional, mere grist for the plot, but Ms. Baylee knows how to avoid this. The events grow organically out of human interactions, rivalries and grievances.
For me, Eden Baylee remains 'the cartographer of desire', although she demonstrates here her skills include mapping not only sexual attraction, but many of the other emotions that haunt us.
I look forward to the next of Dr. Kate Hampton's adventures. An excerpt of the second book in the series - 'A Fragile Truce' - is included at the end of the novel. Bring it on!
July 2, 2014
With Stranger at Sunset, Eden Baylee's focus is on the characters. That's not to say that the plot suffers any sort of neglect. In fact, I think the opposite is true. The plot shines brighter simply because the characters are so compelling.
This story gives us a variety of perspectives, told from the points of view of different characters. We see what drives their choices and their behavior. Most complex and mysterious is Kate, who gets people to confide in her with ease while she keeps her own secrets buried deep.
The plot is multi-layered, unfolding slowly at first and building up speed as the layers unfold. The realism here is stunning. Eden Baylee proves that providing detail isn't about how many words you write, but about which words you choose and how you put them together.
This story gives us a variety of perspectives, told from the points of view of different characters. We see what drives their choices and their behavior. Most complex and mysterious is Kate, who gets people to confide in her with ease while she keeps her own secrets buried deep.
The plot is multi-layered, unfolding slowly at first and building up speed as the layers unfold. The realism here is stunning. Eden Baylee proves that providing detail isn't about how many words you write, but about which words you choose and how you put them together.
September 27, 2014
This is author Eden Baylee' s first mystery novel after establishing herself as an outstanding erotic literature author. The qualities that makes her writing stand out are present in this psychological mystery/thriller set on a tourist resort in Jamaica.
Dr.Kate Hampton is one of a group of people staying at the resort that was battered in two ways. One was by a tropical storm, the other was from a terrible review written by a reviewer for a respected travel magazine. The owners invite the writer back for a second chance at a respectable review. Dr. Hampton, who is friendly with the owners, will assist in whatever manner she can in order to help her friends get their business back on track.
The qualities that I enjoy in Ms. Baylee' s writing are plentiful in this story. Her characters are richly developed, each with their own idiosyncrasies and personalities. This is true not only of Dr. Hampton and Matthew, the critic/villain of the story but for all the other characters as well. There is plenty of sexual tension between some of them. This is illustrated in a manner that is not erotic, but dramatic which fits with the storyline perfectly. As for the murder that takes.place, this particular type of writing makes the crime so interesting to read.
If there is a downfall to this story it is the actual murder mystery takes place so late in the book and for me, was easy to solve right away. However that doesn't take away anything from this novel as a whole and it enhances what has already been written about the characters. The ending, while not dealing with the murder, also is excellent in that it is all about one of the characters and that person's past demons.
I've given this book an overall rating of 4 1/2 stars out of five, rounded up to five for Amazon and Goodreads. I wish to thank Ms. Baylee for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Dr.Kate Hampton is one of a group of people staying at the resort that was battered in two ways. One was by a tropical storm, the other was from a terrible review written by a reviewer for a respected travel magazine. The owners invite the writer back for a second chance at a respectable review. Dr. Hampton, who is friendly with the owners, will assist in whatever manner she can in order to help her friends get their business back on track.
The qualities that I enjoy in Ms. Baylee' s writing are plentiful in this story. Her characters are richly developed, each with their own idiosyncrasies and personalities. This is true not only of Dr. Hampton and Matthew, the critic/villain of the story but for all the other characters as well. There is plenty of sexual tension between some of them. This is illustrated in a manner that is not erotic, but dramatic which fits with the storyline perfectly. As for the murder that takes.place, this particular type of writing makes the crime so interesting to read.
If there is a downfall to this story it is the actual murder mystery takes place so late in the book and for me, was easy to solve right away. However that doesn't take away anything from this novel as a whole and it enhances what has already been written about the characters. The ending, while not dealing with the murder, also is excellent in that it is all about one of the characters and that person's past demons.
I've given this book an overall rating of 4 1/2 stars out of five, rounded up to five for Amazon and Goodreads. I wish to thank Ms. Baylee for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2016
“Stranger at Sunset” by Eden Baylee is a fantastic read. A group of strangers and acquaintances spend a week together in a holiday resort in Jamaica after a tropical storm has recently devastated parts of it. One of those guests has given the resort a terrible write up in a travel magazine, another is an egotistic self-declared ‘alpha’ male, there are a few couples and house staff and then there is our heroine psychologist Kate.
The atmosphere is loaded with tension between the owner and the reviewer as well as between some of guests, there is plenty of sexual chemistry and the air is also full of secrets, plans and deceits. The focus of the narrative shifts to let us into the minds and thoughts of the well-chosen and perfectly fleshed out characters. They are all multi-dimensional and I ended up feeling for even the less likable ones because of the insights into their pasts or backgrounds. Kate as the trained psychologist is a great character who, with a razor sharp ability to dissect and analyse them, brings further dimensions to our perception and understanding of the cast.
The writing establishes and carries forward an excellent sense of expectation from page one, where a brief and ominous episode with binoculars already whets our curiosity. Atmospheric, stylish and confident Baylee feeds us the story day by day until some big events do take place. I do not wish to spoil the experience by hinting at what is going to happen, only that I thoroughly enjoyed the story and was genuinely surprised by the way everything developed.
I read some of Baylee’s erotic writing which has much more depth than the genre normally calls for and “Stranger at Sunset” is no exception. A psychological thriller of literary quality.
The atmosphere is loaded with tension between the owner and the reviewer as well as between some of guests, there is plenty of sexual chemistry and the air is also full of secrets, plans and deceits. The focus of the narrative shifts to let us into the minds and thoughts of the well-chosen and perfectly fleshed out characters. They are all multi-dimensional and I ended up feeling for even the less likable ones because of the insights into their pasts or backgrounds. Kate as the trained psychologist is a great character who, with a razor sharp ability to dissect and analyse them, brings further dimensions to our perception and understanding of the cast.
The writing establishes and carries forward an excellent sense of expectation from page one, where a brief and ominous episode with binoculars already whets our curiosity. Atmospheric, stylish and confident Baylee feeds us the story day by day until some big events do take place. I do not wish to spoil the experience by hinting at what is going to happen, only that I thoroughly enjoyed the story and was genuinely surprised by the way everything developed.
I read some of Baylee’s erotic writing which has much more depth than the genre normally calls for and “Stranger at Sunset” is no exception. A psychological thriller of literary quality.
July 29, 2014
Stranger at Sunset is the first in a series of books by this talented author. We meet Kate Hampton, a psychiatrist. She's used to working out what motivates people, she has a perfect memory, she's a larger than life character. Everyone she meets comes under her scrutiny and she has a deep-rooted need to work them out. What happens then when she flies to Jamaica to spend her vacation at her favourite holiday resort, Sunset Villa and meets Matthew Kane? Matthew had visited Sunset Villa once before and had reviewed it in his influential travel magazine column, giving it a 1 star rating and causing the owners to lose business. The owners, Anna and Nolan, invited the travel writer back to the resort in the hope of changing his mind about the place. They bent over backwards to meet his every need, including some quite odd requests. They invited Kate along for support, along with some other friends.
Matthew Kane is a slippery character, not likable at all. None of the hotel guests warm to him.
Kate knows the owners well, they are her friends. She tries her best to help influence Matthew to change his review.
In this wonderful murder/mystery the author has painted the scene well. She takes the reader on a virtual trip to Sunset Villa. The sites and sounds of the Caribbean are well described so that you can almost imagine sitting on a sun-drenched beach with a cool drink in your hand as you read.
This mystery is written in the style of the great whodunnits.
The main character, Kate, is intriguing, she seems to have a much deeper side to her that was hinted at in this book and I'm sure will be developed in the series to come. I almost agreed with her father when he said "... you're a shrink, but you're in desperate need of one yourself." All that, however, is part of the charm of this book. It will be interesting to find out how things develop in the next instalment.
Lots of interesting characters, intrigue, romance, danger, mystery, and a beautiful setting.
Matthew Kane is a slippery character, not likable at all. None of the hotel guests warm to him.
Kate knows the owners well, they are her friends. She tries her best to help influence Matthew to change his review.
In this wonderful murder/mystery the author has painted the scene well. She takes the reader on a virtual trip to Sunset Villa. The sites and sounds of the Caribbean are well described so that you can almost imagine sitting on a sun-drenched beach with a cool drink in your hand as you read.
This mystery is written in the style of the great whodunnits.
The main character, Kate, is intriguing, she seems to have a much deeper side to her that was hinted at in this book and I'm sure will be developed in the series to come. I almost agreed with her father when he said "... you're a shrink, but you're in desperate need of one yourself." All that, however, is part of the charm of this book. It will be interesting to find out how things develop in the next instalment.
Lots of interesting characters, intrigue, romance, danger, mystery, and a beautiful setting.
April 17, 2015
"Secrets eventually erode the soul."
Stranger at Sunset by Eden Baylee is a gripping suspense novel with more than meets the eye. Well-constructed, I was drawn in right away due to the beautifully poetic and prolific writing style. The story came to life and I was instantly drawn in. There is passion to the writing which had me reading at a feverish pace.
The drama and the clever twists and turns kept me guessing all the way through.
This psychological thriller was hard to put down as I read through the night. The lack of sleep was worth the quality pay out that this book offers. Well-written with a great plot line I found this unique mystery to be mesmerizing.
The author does a great job of setting the stage and feeding the reader an entertaining mystery that is an attention grabber. I was hooked from the very first page.
Stranger at Sunset it a fascinating escape which packs a punch, to say the least. Would most highly recommend.
Quote ~
The light in her room replaced the sun's blush, a poor substitute given a set of floor-to-ceiling jalousies bracketed his view. He waited to see what she would do next. His breathing deafened his ears as if he were wheezing through a mask; adrenaline pumped in his veins. She moved in front of the window facing him. With hands on her hips, legs spread apart, she stood full frontal and stared straight at him. He shrank back and jostled her image.
Could she see him?
With his naked eye, he peeked in her direction. Nothing had changed. Motionless, she continued to stand in position. Unable to resist, he gathered his wits and raised the binoculars once again, adjusted the focus ring on her legs-those legs that seemed to go on forever.
Stranger at Sunset by Eden Baylee is a gripping suspense novel with more than meets the eye. Well-constructed, I was drawn in right away due to the beautifully poetic and prolific writing style. The story came to life and I was instantly drawn in. There is passion to the writing which had me reading at a feverish pace.
The drama and the clever twists and turns kept me guessing all the way through.
This psychological thriller was hard to put down as I read through the night. The lack of sleep was worth the quality pay out that this book offers. Well-written with a great plot line I found this unique mystery to be mesmerizing.
The author does a great job of setting the stage and feeding the reader an entertaining mystery that is an attention grabber. I was hooked from the very first page.
Stranger at Sunset it a fascinating escape which packs a punch, to say the least. Would most highly recommend.
Quote ~
The light in her room replaced the sun's blush, a poor substitute given a set of floor-to-ceiling jalousies bracketed his view. He waited to see what she would do next. His breathing deafened his ears as if he were wheezing through a mask; adrenaline pumped in his veins. She moved in front of the window facing him. With hands on her hips, legs spread apart, she stood full frontal and stared straight at him. He shrank back and jostled her image.
Could she see him?
With his naked eye, he peeked in her direction. Nothing had changed. Motionless, she continued to stand in position. Unable to resist, he gathered his wits and raised the binoculars once again, adjusted the focus ring on her legs-those legs that seemed to go on forever.
November 24, 2014
I was grabbed from the very opening. This book is not as easy to figure out as you would think. The reader gets involved in the lives of the characters. You are invested in them to the point you must continue to read, just to find out what happens to them. You will find characters like Matthew that you don't like because he is extremely egotistical. You will find characters like Rob that will repulse you because being from the south and acting dumb and not caring is not an endearing quality. Then there is Kate. You will want to continue to read just to find out what secrets she is hiding, because obviously there has to be something there. The setting is so well described and woven throughout the story that the reader feels as if they are sitting on the beach or feeling the wind blow through their hair. It made me want to visit Sunset Villa. I have never read any of this author's previous books as she writes a genre I do ot read. This was a great book and one I will recommend.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
January 8, 2015
A bunch of people thrown together under odd circumstances can often cause high-stress situations with unusual results. Add in a tropical paradise, burning attraction, and fiercely competing agendas, and you are left with a book worthy of the cast of "Lost".
LONG STORY SHORT
It is 2013, shortly after Hurricane Sandy. A small, intimate resort tucked into the beaches of Jamaica is struggling thanks to a scathing travel review penned by an extremely demanding critic. It just so happens that a highly successful psychiatrist - Dr. Kate Hampton - is called upon to help the resort's owners address that demanding critic in a way that might help their now-floundering business. The solution? Re-invite the critic to experience the resort while the owners are present. What the critic - Matthew Kane - knows is that he is hard to please and he doesn't hold high expectations for this trip. What he doesn't know is that the owners have also invited several of their closest friends and allies, as well as some random bookings, to surround them while he is present. Told from multiple viewpoints, this extremely well-written thriller managed to genuinely surprise me. Passion, lust, eccentric characters, beautiful settings, a plot that unfolds at the perfect pace - this book is a little treasure. I've read a lot of mystery/murder books, and this one genuinely shocked me. That said, I kept finding myself wanting more - more backstory to the characters, more explanations of motivations, etc. Despite this....
On an ascending scale of 1 to 5, I give this work a 5.
LONG STORY
The Good
Well, Baylee certainly knows how to hook readers and tantalize them with every suspenseful, engaging page!! I was positively glued to this book for awhile!
Kate is a high-achieving psychiatrist with demons in her closet that threaten to break through if she lets her guard down for even a second. Matthew is an insecure travel reviewer who finds security in writing harsh reviews if his incredibly picky demands are not met. Adam is a man who runs a business for which many women would slug him. Jessica is a southern belle who wants to prove she is not just a belle. Rob is Jessica's slovenly, selfish boyfriend. Greg and Tom, as well as Nadine and Ben, are long-time friends of Anna and Nolan, the owners of a charming resort in Jamaica. And they are all sharing the resort for the week.
The resort is in trouble. When Matthew Kane last visited, he wrote a scathing review in an influential travel magazine when the resort "failed" to meet up to his incredibly picky demands (wash his clothes separately because he's sensitive to soaps/fragrances, make him separate food because many foods make him sick, etc). Anna reached out to Kate for advice, who said to invite him back but not to go "above and beyond" for him as that would stroke his fragile ego a tad too much. Anna and Nolan did so, but they invited their aforementioned friends, as well as scheduled several random bookings (Adam, Rob, Jessica).
It turned out to be a rather interesting week as personalities and personal agendas clashed on the beach, in the bedroom, and elsewhere. A rather interesting week full of, um.....steam and murder.
I have to give Baylee credit where credit is most certainly due - this incredibly engaging book surprised me. Now, I'm not saying I'm the most well-read person on the planet. Certainly not. But I have read a lot and a LOT of that reading has included murder/mystery because I like to try and figure out whodunitandhow by the middle of the book. Let's just say that by the middle of this book we don't yet know who even dies or how it happens, much less whodunit. Once that information was revealed, I'm sure someone several states over heard my jaw clunk to the floor. :) The murder happens in a way that is positively chilling, extremely surprising, certainly entertaining, and oddly gratifying.
Let's start at the beginning. This book opens with a voyeur spying on a naked woman standing on a balcony. He marvels at her beauty, but cannot believe what he just saw her do: dump a body into the unforgiving ocean waves below. Then the story immediately leaves this scene and travels back in time, visiting characters who are descending on the charming resort mentioned above for a week of relaxation and supporting Anna and Nolan, a loveable couple who are struggling to keep their resort open after Matthew's scathing review scared off travelers.
The story itself is told from multiple viewpoints as Baylee uses different chapters to switch between characters having a turn at being the center of attention. In this way we are able to figuratively (of course) crawl inside the inner minds of most of the major characters. Several character's viewpoints dominate the book (Kate, for example) and not every chapter focuses on any one character. I realize this sounds confusing, but Baylee writes it so incredibly well that it is easy to track who is speaking, why they are the focus at that particular point, and what is going on. I don't think I've honestly read many books where this is done quite so well. I was never confused about who was speaking. It helps that everyone's voice is distinct and makes sense given their backstory.
The plot unfolds at a pace not unlike that of a relaxing place on a tropical island - leisurely. It doesn't clip along super quickly, nor does it dwell on any one scene for far too long. Rather, it unfolds rather delicately and in manner that keeps the pages turning. Baylee plants enough foreshadowing and "but they didn't know....." kinds of lines to keep readers engaged without becoming bored in any way. Chapters/sentences/dialogues are extremely well constructed. Rarely did I have to back up and re-read anything to figure anything out; it just flows so extremely well.
Characters are done amazingly well also. There are the loveable people, the ones you want to slap, the ones impossible to please. And the psychiatrist. I felt a particular kinship with her as I also work in psychology (though she is infinitely further along in her career than I) and can relate to someone who is always observing others' behavior and trying to figure it out. She's got quirks and dings in her armor, but they just make her more relateable.
Then comes the murder. A murder done in a meticulously thought out manner that would send chills down a seasoned investigator's spine. But will the murderer get away with it? Why did it happen? And is anyone sorry? I better quit asking leading questions or I'm going to give away too much. :P
Anyways, this is a very well-written, very thought out, extremely surprising thriller. It kind of feels as though Agatha Christie and Alfred Hitchcock got together with the writers of the television shows "Castle" and "Lost". Not sure how that combination really makes sense, but somehow it works. Oh, and let's throw in elements of the movies "Hitch" and "Hannibal" in for good measure, because they are for sure at play. Want to know what I mean? Read the book. :)
The Bugly (bad/ugly)
I really didn't have a lot to complain about here. There were a couple of typos, but I identified no more than 5 in the entire book. My biggest issue is this: BACKGROUND!!! I kept wanting more to explain why characters acted the way they did. WHY was Matthew so difficult to please? WHAT was Kate running from (well, this is kind of explained near the end....but not really)? WHAT DROVE PEOPLE? Of course, I'm always interested in explanations of why/how/what, so I'm always a tad chagrined when these explanations come up short. I just felt like there was a ton of material to work with and this book could have easily been much longer. The only character who is really explained thoroughly is Kate....but I guess that kind of makes some sense: she seems to be the character that Baylee is developing further in subsequent works. But that means there are going to be subsequent works in what may turn out to be a series. Yay!!
LONG STORY SHORT
It is 2013, shortly after Hurricane Sandy. A small, intimate resort tucked into the beaches of Jamaica is struggling thanks to a scathing travel review penned by an extremely demanding critic. It just so happens that a highly successful psychiatrist - Dr. Kate Hampton - is called upon to help the resort's owners address that demanding critic in a way that might help their now-floundering business. The solution? Re-invite the critic to experience the resort while the owners are present. What the critic - Matthew Kane - knows is that he is hard to please and he doesn't hold high expectations for this trip. What he doesn't know is that the owners have also invited several of their closest friends and allies, as well as some random bookings, to surround them while he is present. Told from multiple viewpoints, this extremely well-written thriller managed to genuinely surprise me. Passion, lust, eccentric characters, beautiful settings, a plot that unfolds at the perfect pace - this book is a little treasure. I've read a lot of mystery/murder books, and this one genuinely shocked me. That said, I kept finding myself wanting more - more backstory to the characters, more explanations of motivations, etc. Despite this....
On an ascending scale of 1 to 5, I give this work a 5.
LONG STORY
The Good
Well, Baylee certainly knows how to hook readers and tantalize them with every suspenseful, engaging page!! I was positively glued to this book for awhile!
Kate is a high-achieving psychiatrist with demons in her closet that threaten to break through if she lets her guard down for even a second. Matthew is an insecure travel reviewer who finds security in writing harsh reviews if his incredibly picky demands are not met. Adam is a man who runs a business for which many women would slug him. Jessica is a southern belle who wants to prove she is not just a belle. Rob is Jessica's slovenly, selfish boyfriend. Greg and Tom, as well as Nadine and Ben, are long-time friends of Anna and Nolan, the owners of a charming resort in Jamaica. And they are all sharing the resort for the week.
The resort is in trouble. When Matthew Kane last visited, he wrote a scathing review in an influential travel magazine when the resort "failed" to meet up to his incredibly picky demands (wash his clothes separately because he's sensitive to soaps/fragrances, make him separate food because many foods make him sick, etc). Anna reached out to Kate for advice, who said to invite him back but not to go "above and beyond" for him as that would stroke his fragile ego a tad too much. Anna and Nolan did so, but they invited their aforementioned friends, as well as scheduled several random bookings (Adam, Rob, Jessica).
It turned out to be a rather interesting week as personalities and personal agendas clashed on the beach, in the bedroom, and elsewhere. A rather interesting week full of, um.....steam and murder.
I have to give Baylee credit where credit is most certainly due - this incredibly engaging book surprised me. Now, I'm not saying I'm the most well-read person on the planet. Certainly not. But I have read a lot and a LOT of that reading has included murder/mystery because I like to try and figure out whodunitandhow by the middle of the book. Let's just say that by the middle of this book we don't yet know who even dies or how it happens, much less whodunit. Once that information was revealed, I'm sure someone several states over heard my jaw clunk to the floor. :) The murder happens in a way that is positively chilling, extremely surprising, certainly entertaining, and oddly gratifying.
Let's start at the beginning. This book opens with a voyeur spying on a naked woman standing on a balcony. He marvels at her beauty, but cannot believe what he just saw her do: dump a body into the unforgiving ocean waves below. Then the story immediately leaves this scene and travels back in time, visiting characters who are descending on the charming resort mentioned above for a week of relaxation and supporting Anna and Nolan, a loveable couple who are struggling to keep their resort open after Matthew's scathing review scared off travelers.
The story itself is told from multiple viewpoints as Baylee uses different chapters to switch between characters having a turn at being the center of attention. In this way we are able to figuratively (of course) crawl inside the inner minds of most of the major characters. Several character's viewpoints dominate the book (Kate, for example) and not every chapter focuses on any one character. I realize this sounds confusing, but Baylee writes it so incredibly well that it is easy to track who is speaking, why they are the focus at that particular point, and what is going on. I don't think I've honestly read many books where this is done quite so well. I was never confused about who was speaking. It helps that everyone's voice is distinct and makes sense given their backstory.
The plot unfolds at a pace not unlike that of a relaxing place on a tropical island - leisurely. It doesn't clip along super quickly, nor does it dwell on any one scene for far too long. Rather, it unfolds rather delicately and in manner that keeps the pages turning. Baylee plants enough foreshadowing and "but they didn't know....." kinds of lines to keep readers engaged without becoming bored in any way. Chapters/sentences/dialogues are extremely well constructed. Rarely did I have to back up and re-read anything to figure anything out; it just flows so extremely well.
Characters are done amazingly well also. There are the loveable people, the ones you want to slap, the ones impossible to please. And the psychiatrist. I felt a particular kinship with her as I also work in psychology (though she is infinitely further along in her career than I) and can relate to someone who is always observing others' behavior and trying to figure it out. She's got quirks and dings in her armor, but they just make her more relateable.
Then comes the murder. A murder done in a meticulously thought out manner that would send chills down a seasoned investigator's spine. But will the murderer get away with it? Why did it happen? And is anyone sorry? I better quit asking leading questions or I'm going to give away too much. :P
Anyways, this is a very well-written, very thought out, extremely surprising thriller. It kind of feels as though Agatha Christie and Alfred Hitchcock got together with the writers of the television shows "Castle" and "Lost". Not sure how that combination really makes sense, but somehow it works. Oh, and let's throw in elements of the movies "Hitch" and "Hannibal" in for good measure, because they are for sure at play. Want to know what I mean? Read the book. :)
The Bugly (bad/ugly)
I really didn't have a lot to complain about here. There were a couple of typos, but I identified no more than 5 in the entire book. My biggest issue is this: BACKGROUND!!! I kept wanting more to explain why characters acted the way they did. WHY was Matthew so difficult to please? WHAT was Kate running from (well, this is kind of explained near the end....but not really)? WHAT DROVE PEOPLE? Of course, I'm always interested in explanations of why/how/what, so I'm always a tad chagrined when these explanations come up short. I just felt like there was a ton of material to work with and this book could have easily been much longer. The only character who is really explained thoroughly is Kate....but I guess that kind of makes some sense: she seems to be the character that Baylee is developing further in subsequent works. But that means there are going to be subsequent works in what may turn out to be a series. Yay!!
May 14, 2020
“Stranger at Sunset” is a psychological mystery set at a Jamaican resort. Kate is a psychiatrist who heads to Jamaica to help her friends after a critical review hurts their business. Matthew is the reviewer who is invited back with the hope he rethinks his opinion of the place. The story is told through several points of view, and the scenery is brought to life almost sensually. I was surprised at the twists the story took and can honestly say there was an event I’ve never seen done that way. Although I might have suspected what was going on, I still couldn’t have predicted the outcome. Other storylines and characters added layers to this. Ms. Baylee has a way of getting into her character’s heads. I appreciated some of the little details, like how Kate would take the first three letters of a person’s name and come up with three words that fit their personality. This was Ms. Baylee’s first novel in this genre. I haven’t read Ms. Baylee’s erotica, but I felt she brought a unique touch to this story I found entertaining. I will be reading more psychological mystery or thrillers from this author.
November 5, 2014
Stranger at Sunset, Eden Baylee
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Suspense
This is a bit of a departure for me, a thriller without any romantic element. A fun read though, and one which had me wondering “who, why?”
It starts with us meeting the characters staying Sunset Villa, along with the owners and staff. They’re a mixed bunch – I loved peppy Jessica with the obnoxious boyfriend Rob, and of course Adam, very typical Alpha confident man. Kate and her three letters of name characterisations was interesting, and it was fun seeing her predictions of the types play out. Kate herself is quite closed, she’s a psychiatrist but keeps her own self very hidden while skilfully drawing out others. She’s a major player in the novel, and we see much of it through her eyes and actions. Of course there’s the obnoxious travel writer Matthew too....
The Villa is struggling, recovering from the expense of the hurricane damage would have been ok, but they’ve also been hit by a big drop in bookings since Matthew wrote a scathing review, and hoping to placate him and show him that his experience was unusual, owners Anna and Nolan have invited him back. He’s got a list of conditions a mile long, one of those people who’ve self diagnosed many intolerances, and it means special food prepared, special treatment of cleaning his room and linens, and he expects other guests and islanders to accommodate him too. One of his gripes is paint fumes from a nearby private property – he claims they exacerbate his problems, and is furious that Anna and Nolan can’t stop the property owners from painting until he is gone. I’ve huge sympathy for them – in my working life as a cleaning contracts manager one of my sites was a small library, only open a few hours a week and with only two hours cleaning time. First the librarian complained as the new cleaner didn’t pull out the weeds lining the path, and I pointed out it wasn’t part of her job, the old cleaner simply did it from goodwill. I suggested the library staff could do it – that met with shock and horror – they certainly couldn’t stoop to that, and they were angry I wouldn’t make the cleaner do it, despite her not getting paid for that. Then the main librarian said she was allergic to spray furniture polish fumes, and instructed that only water be used on the bookshelves, plain water, nothing added. So we did that, but unfailingly every Friday at 2 p.m. as the library opened I’d get a call with complaints, usually along the lines that the cleaner had activated some polish left on the radiators, by wiping them with the proscribed damp cloth. Nothing I could do, and nothing to keep her happy, just as Anna and Nolan here haven't a hope of pleasing Matthew.
We kind of go through a day to day scenario with little gripes coming up between the guests, and learning more about the background to Anna and Nolan and their staff. Its a real “family” affair with staff being longstanding and loyal, and regarded as part of the family. Then the cracks appear, and we get different guests views about what's happening...and find out some are more than they seem on the surface, and are prepared to shape events to get the outcome they want. When things heat up its a real puzzle working out who is responsible and why, and I had a couple of people in mind but simply couldn’t decide between them.
Stars: Four, its a compelling psychological thriller, and it was fun looking out for tiny clues to work out the puzzle. Its a one off for me though – I do prefer some romance in my suspense reads.
ARC supplied by author.
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Suspense
This is a bit of a departure for me, a thriller without any romantic element. A fun read though, and one which had me wondering “who, why?”
It starts with us meeting the characters staying Sunset Villa, along with the owners and staff. They’re a mixed bunch – I loved peppy Jessica with the obnoxious boyfriend Rob, and of course Adam, very typical Alpha confident man. Kate and her three letters of name characterisations was interesting, and it was fun seeing her predictions of the types play out. Kate herself is quite closed, she’s a psychiatrist but keeps her own self very hidden while skilfully drawing out others. She’s a major player in the novel, and we see much of it through her eyes and actions. Of course there’s the obnoxious travel writer Matthew too....
The Villa is struggling, recovering from the expense of the hurricane damage would have been ok, but they’ve also been hit by a big drop in bookings since Matthew wrote a scathing review, and hoping to placate him and show him that his experience was unusual, owners Anna and Nolan have invited him back. He’s got a list of conditions a mile long, one of those people who’ve self diagnosed many intolerances, and it means special food prepared, special treatment of cleaning his room and linens, and he expects other guests and islanders to accommodate him too. One of his gripes is paint fumes from a nearby private property – he claims they exacerbate his problems, and is furious that Anna and Nolan can’t stop the property owners from painting until he is gone. I’ve huge sympathy for them – in my working life as a cleaning contracts manager one of my sites was a small library, only open a few hours a week and with only two hours cleaning time. First the librarian complained as the new cleaner didn’t pull out the weeds lining the path, and I pointed out it wasn’t part of her job, the old cleaner simply did it from goodwill. I suggested the library staff could do it – that met with shock and horror – they certainly couldn’t stoop to that, and they were angry I wouldn’t make the cleaner do it, despite her not getting paid for that. Then the main librarian said she was allergic to spray furniture polish fumes, and instructed that only water be used on the bookshelves, plain water, nothing added. So we did that, but unfailingly every Friday at 2 p.m. as the library opened I’d get a call with complaints, usually along the lines that the cleaner had activated some polish left on the radiators, by wiping them with the proscribed damp cloth. Nothing I could do, and nothing to keep her happy, just as Anna and Nolan here haven't a hope of pleasing Matthew.
We kind of go through a day to day scenario with little gripes coming up between the guests, and learning more about the background to Anna and Nolan and their staff. Its a real “family” affair with staff being longstanding and loyal, and regarded as part of the family. Then the cracks appear, and we get different guests views about what's happening...and find out some are more than they seem on the surface, and are prepared to shape events to get the outcome they want. When things heat up its a real puzzle working out who is responsible and why, and I had a couple of people in mind but simply couldn’t decide between them.
Stars: Four, its a compelling psychological thriller, and it was fun looking out for tiny clues to work out the puzzle. Its a one off for me though – I do prefer some romance in my suspense reads.
ARC supplied by author.
August 14, 2014
A vacation can be a killer.
Dr. Kate Hampton, a respected psychiatrist, gathers with a group of strangers at her favorite travel spot, Sunset Villa in Jamaica. Included in the mix are friends of the owners, a businessman with dubious credentials, and a couple who won the trip from a TV game show. Sounds like fun right? YES it was I loved the set up of the book and the introduction of Dr Kate. This is a very interesting character. Aside from being a respected Psychiatrist she has eidetic memory, commonly known as a photographic memory. Most people dont really understand that this is real and it is both verbal and photographic. Kate is a rare case because she recalls both. So I loved her.
Among the rest of the guest going to Sunset in Jamaica is Nadine and her husband Ben, the evil travel reviewer Matthew Kane and Jessica along with her boyfriend Rob. Jessica was an adorable southern girl that won her trip on the Price Is Right. She is a young blogger (gotta love them bloggers) and her boyfriend is a very odd, immature, uncouth and somewhat abusive man. I dont think he realized how he was abusing Jessica because he was dumber than dirt! Lastly there is an entrepreneur Adam from Chicago. He is like a mogul who has Steven Covey type businesses. I liked his edge too!
heres what happened Bubble
It is January 2013 and the owners Ana and Nolan greet their guest. Kate has become close with them and has vacationed there several years so she sees what the hurricane did to the island of Jamaica. If anyone remember the old book by Agatha Christie and film And Then There Were None, this had an eerie feel like that did. So Anna invites Matthew back to hopefully review for the second time her hotel. Matthew was a character that the author created brilliantly. He had these requests that are so far out there it was laughable. He wanted menu items, fragrance free laundry detergent and no pesticides anywhere near him.
In this extremely detailed novel we get to the point that Matthew is missing, presumed dead. It is a rare telling too. The author uses chapters with different POV's and narrators. This is super easy to follow along with too even though I know I am probably not describing it the correct way.
When the incident occurs, for spoilers sake I wont say, the way it is done was mind blowing! I am a mystery lover and this was something that rivals a Patricia Cornwell novel. That good!
Stranger at Sunset is a well written thriller with a cast of characters that will leave you begging for more. I am thrilled that there is going to be more Dr Kate She is an amazing woman.
September 2, 2014
Why pay thousands of dollars for a Jamaican getaway when you can jump right into the ripe beaches and beautiful people in this hot thriller. I loved this story and one of the best aspects within the novel was that all the characters introduced were real and each of them had their own lives, troubles, happiness, growth, and perspectives throughout the pages.
To start off we get to meet Kate Hampton a therapist with her own troubled past who goes down to her favorite vacation Inn during her winter break from work but it isn’t all about relaxing and enjoying herself she is out for retaliation. A grumpy pretentious reviewer who has recently attacked Kate’s friends, Anna and Nolan, and their darling Inn is coming back to gather a second opinion. Another interesting couple taking a vacation won the free trip and these southern lovebirds do not seem to agree on anything at nay point throughout the story. Which one of these characters is pushed to the edge and which one will never return home?
Add a few more colorful couples to this story and not only do you have a complexity of people to decipher but you get hit with a full on murder that leaves you clueless for a good chapter or so. Murder lurked around every chapter, which kept me on my feet the entire time. I made every connection of who would kill who and how or why but I kept falling short of the truth. Even after the murder takes place I was utterly confused with who killed him/her, why, and even when I got to read how the person was killed I was still left dumbfounded.
Keeping up the suspense and tension in this story really made it a homerun for me. I was frustrated trying to add up all the pieces together and when it finally hit the story didn’t end but added a whole new danger to everyone in the Inn. When the police catch up with the happenings going on at this deserted in you cant help to wonder what would happen next.
Everyone in this novel has a motive but not everyone has motive to kill one particular person and this is when the twists and turns start to aggravate and entertain. I spent most my night tossing and turning trying to figure it all out but so worth the read. I recommend this to anybody who enjoys a bit of suspense in his or her life!
To start off we get to meet Kate Hampton a therapist with her own troubled past who goes down to her favorite vacation Inn during her winter break from work but it isn’t all about relaxing and enjoying herself she is out for retaliation. A grumpy pretentious reviewer who has recently attacked Kate’s friends, Anna and Nolan, and their darling Inn is coming back to gather a second opinion. Another interesting couple taking a vacation won the free trip and these southern lovebirds do not seem to agree on anything at nay point throughout the story. Which one of these characters is pushed to the edge and which one will never return home?
Add a few more colorful couples to this story and not only do you have a complexity of people to decipher but you get hit with a full on murder that leaves you clueless for a good chapter or so. Murder lurked around every chapter, which kept me on my feet the entire time. I made every connection of who would kill who and how or why but I kept falling short of the truth. Even after the murder takes place I was utterly confused with who killed him/her, why, and even when I got to read how the person was killed I was still left dumbfounded.
Keeping up the suspense and tension in this story really made it a homerun for me. I was frustrated trying to add up all the pieces together and when it finally hit the story didn’t end but added a whole new danger to everyone in the Inn. When the police catch up with the happenings going on at this deserted in you cant help to wonder what would happen next.
Everyone in this novel has a motive but not everyone has motive to kill one particular person and this is when the twists and turns start to aggravate and entertain. I spent most my night tossing and turning trying to figure it all out but so worth the read. I recommend this to anybody who enjoys a bit of suspense in his or her life!
December 15, 2014
Secrets, intrigue, and murder at a Caribbean resort.
Dr. Kate Hampton is a psychiatrist with a rather detached, almost icy, air. We hop a plane with her to her favorite vacation spot, a boutique resort in Jamaica. Only this trip isn't all fun in the sun. A pesky travel writer has published a cutting review of the place. The owners, who've become Kate's friends, have convinced Matthew Kane to come back for a second look. Kate wants to get a closer look at the guy and figure out how convince him to undo the damage he's done. Only Matthew isn't there long before someone ends his writing career for good.
Eden Baylee has given us all the makings of a tense psychological thriller. The setting is rendered in such convincing detail, I felt like I could Google the place and a website would pop up. The plot is taut and had plenty of unexpected twists. The characters are all given rich back stories and secrets they might be willing to kill to protect.
Kate herself is complicated. Not easy to like. As she's the closest thing to a heroine in the novel, I really wanted to root for her, but she unnerved me. For a psychiatrist, she carries an amazing load of baggage. This added to the drama and made me want to follow Kate after the book ended.
I did have two small issues with the novel. First, Kate's love interest comes on the scene (in a meaningful way, at least) rather late in the day. And his own story is a bit James Bond-ish, so it really would have been preferable to have it seeded through the plot from early on. Second, the multiple points-of-view weakened the book for me. I had to keep getting re-connected with whoever was "seeing" the action in a given chapter. It was a bigger problem in the beginning, because it undermined identification of the protagonist. Later on, it got easier to slip from one head to another. I understand why Baylee took the road she did--a roving POV keeps the reader a little off balance and helps delay revelation of the killer's identity. But I felt a little TOO off balance for the first half of the novel.
Even with the bumps, STRANGER AT SUNSET provides plenty of suspense and offers a fascinating look into the world of a woman who may or may not be a psychopath.
Dr. Kate Hampton is a psychiatrist with a rather detached, almost icy, air. We hop a plane with her to her favorite vacation spot, a boutique resort in Jamaica. Only this trip isn't all fun in the sun. A pesky travel writer has published a cutting review of the place. The owners, who've become Kate's friends, have convinced Matthew Kane to come back for a second look. Kate wants to get a closer look at the guy and figure out how convince him to undo the damage he's done. Only Matthew isn't there long before someone ends his writing career for good.
Eden Baylee has given us all the makings of a tense psychological thriller. The setting is rendered in such convincing detail, I felt like I could Google the place and a website would pop up. The plot is taut and had plenty of unexpected twists. The characters are all given rich back stories and secrets they might be willing to kill to protect.
Kate herself is complicated. Not easy to like. As she's the closest thing to a heroine in the novel, I really wanted to root for her, but she unnerved me. For a psychiatrist, she carries an amazing load of baggage. This added to the drama and made me want to follow Kate after the book ended.
I did have two small issues with the novel. First, Kate's love interest comes on the scene (in a meaningful way, at least) rather late in the day. And his own story is a bit James Bond-ish, so it really would have been preferable to have it seeded through the plot from early on. Second, the multiple points-of-view weakened the book for me. I had to keep getting re-connected with whoever was "seeing" the action in a given chapter. It was a bigger problem in the beginning, because it undermined identification of the protagonist. Later on, it got easier to slip from one head to another. I understand why Baylee took the road she did--a roving POV keeps the reader a little off balance and helps delay revelation of the killer's identity. But I felt a little TOO off balance for the first half of the novel.
Even with the bumps, STRANGER AT SUNSET provides plenty of suspense and offers a fascinating look into the world of a woman who may or may not be a psychopath.
August 20, 2014
Wicked good read. This psychological thriller is a departure from Ms. Baylee's erotic romances (and I loved Spring Into Summer!) although there are still a few good erotic scenes to remind her fans she hasn't forgotten how to write a steamy sex scene, without going overboard the way a lot of writers do. (A good sex scene, like a sexy outfit, should still leave something to the imagination!) Psychologist Kate Hampton and a sundry assortment of wildly different people find themselves all at the same Jamaican resort, which is run by friends of Kate's and which is recuperating from both Hurricane Sandy and a bad review by a travel writer who's been invited back to give them a second chance.
I read mostly on public transportation, and this book made me miss my subway stop once! The characters are well-defined and different; you've got your redneck Southern couple, a narcissistic and deeply bitter travel writer, and the sort of misogynist but successful he-man who makes money teaching beta males how to score with chicks. (If you live in Toronto you're probably well-familiar with the infamous Dimitri the Love Doctor here who I suspect is the inspiration for the Adam character.)
The story develops well and encompasses several of the characters as Kate, working undercover for her friends, tries to get closer to Matthew the travel writer, in hopes of seeing or convincing him to write a better review. Matthew finds himself attracted to Kate, and repelled by Adam who represents everything he wants to be as a man. While reading of the rivalry between the two men, I was reminded of the Killer Virgin in southern California this spring who went gunning for beautiful women because he couldn't get laid.
Ms. Baylee does a fine job of delineating the psyches of her various characters. The prologue begins with the disposal of a corpse by one of the guests; it's not clear which one is the corpse or which is the disposer. Who gets murdered and why, and by whom, is actually quite disturbing.
This is a great read and I caution you to be careful of your stops if you read it on public transportation!
I read mostly on public transportation, and this book made me miss my subway stop once! The characters are well-defined and different; you've got your redneck Southern couple, a narcissistic and deeply bitter travel writer, and the sort of misogynist but successful he-man who makes money teaching beta males how to score with chicks. (If you live in Toronto you're probably well-familiar with the infamous Dimitri the Love Doctor here who I suspect is the inspiration for the Adam character.)
The story develops well and encompasses several of the characters as Kate, working undercover for her friends, tries to get closer to Matthew the travel writer, in hopes of seeing or convincing him to write a better review. Matthew finds himself attracted to Kate, and repelled by Adam who represents everything he wants to be as a man. While reading of the rivalry between the two men, I was reminded of the Killer Virgin in southern California this spring who went gunning for beautiful women because he couldn't get laid.
Ms. Baylee does a fine job of delineating the psyches of her various characters. The prologue begins with the disposal of a corpse by one of the guests; it's not clear which one is the corpse or which is the disposer. Who gets murdered and why, and by whom, is actually quite disturbing.
This is a great read and I caution you to be careful of your stops if you read it on public transportation!
November 3, 2014
"A Psychological Thriller At It's Best!"
This is a novel you'll want to read on a rainy weekend, because you won't want to put this down till the very end! Kate Hampton lives in Lower East Side, New York City. It's snowing lightly, but another storm is heading for the Big Apple. Before shutting down her computer for the night, she sees an e-mail from Anna Pearson. Anna and her husband Nolan own Sunset Villa Estate resort in Jamaica. Anna needs some help from Kate: Matthew Kane, a travel/vacation critic, has published a scathing review of their resort in 'Travel In Style Magazine' which has triggered a landslide of cancellations. Mr. Kane will be at the resort at the same time Kate plans her January vacation at Sunset. Will they be able to get him to retract the negative review and replace it with a favorable one? Kate read the review on-line and when done, something is triggered in her mind giving her a sense of deja vu and shivers ran up her spine. Kate is a woman who has eidetic memory, mostly known as total recall or photographic memory, which only three percent of the world's population exhibits. For Kate it is not a gift, but a curse. The words Mr. Cane has written in his review can be translated as to his personal characteristics: maladjusted, awkward, tantrum thrower ... and these traits create rage in her. As a doctor of psychology, she's always been able to control her emotions in public, but in the privacy of her home, she is often plagued with headaches and extreme behaviors. This day she is meeting Dr. Jack Campbell for lunch. He's a good friend and colleague, but he's not interested in romancing women. Kate shares her information about Matthew. After a challenging discussion, Kate is not sure if Matthew falls into the psychopath or sociopath category, but she's sure he's a narcissist. She's looking forward to meeting Mr. Matthew Kane in person to confirm her pre-diagnosis; Jack warns her to be careful. This is an amazing, well written story which will challenge you, the reader, as a crime solver. You'll think one way, and then the twists come. I loved this story, it was exciting and I'm looking forward to reading more of Eden Baylee's stories.
This is a novel you'll want to read on a rainy weekend, because you won't want to put this down till the very end! Kate Hampton lives in Lower East Side, New York City. It's snowing lightly, but another storm is heading for the Big Apple. Before shutting down her computer for the night, she sees an e-mail from Anna Pearson. Anna and her husband Nolan own Sunset Villa Estate resort in Jamaica. Anna needs some help from Kate: Matthew Kane, a travel/vacation critic, has published a scathing review of their resort in 'Travel In Style Magazine' which has triggered a landslide of cancellations. Mr. Kane will be at the resort at the same time Kate plans her January vacation at Sunset. Will they be able to get him to retract the negative review and replace it with a favorable one? Kate read the review on-line and when done, something is triggered in her mind giving her a sense of deja vu and shivers ran up her spine. Kate is a woman who has eidetic memory, mostly known as total recall or photographic memory, which only three percent of the world's population exhibits. For Kate it is not a gift, but a curse. The words Mr. Cane has written in his review can be translated as to his personal characteristics: maladjusted, awkward, tantrum thrower ... and these traits create rage in her. As a doctor of psychology, she's always been able to control her emotions in public, but in the privacy of her home, she is often plagued with headaches and extreme behaviors. This day she is meeting Dr. Jack Campbell for lunch. He's a good friend and colleague, but he's not interested in romancing women. Kate shares her information about Matthew. After a challenging discussion, Kate is not sure if Matthew falls into the psychopath or sociopath category, but she's sure he's a narcissist. She's looking forward to meeting Mr. Matthew Kane in person to confirm her pre-diagnosis; Jack warns her to be careful. This is an amazing, well written story which will challenge you, the reader, as a crime solver. You'll think one way, and then the twists come. I loved this story, it was exciting and I'm looking forward to reading more of Eden Baylee's stories.
November 2, 2014
Murder, Mystery, Romance
The author of this story says she likes to write in-depth characters and spends time imagining what her character would be like and do under certain circumstances, and that is certainly how she presented the characters of this story to us. Sunset Villa was a resort in Jamaica, which had been devastated by the hurricane Sandy. The owners of only five years, Nolan and Anna Pearson purchased the resort and had a big mortgage on it plus wages for the few employees they had. The managed to renovate the resort after the storm and had a wonderful cook and employees. They were visited by a reviewer, Matthew Kane, for a travel magazine, who was not mentally healthy and more demanding than any patron would be. The Nolans weren’t there when he stayed there and although he was well treated, he demanded so much that the employees didn’t know how to handle it. Since he was narcissistic and egotistical, he wrote a extremely derogatory review, which definitely hurt the resort’s reputation.
Anna contacted her best friend, Kate Hamilton, a psychiatrist, how to attempt to get Kane to do a better review and Kate suggested they invite him there for a free week, saying nothing about the review. Anna let other friends know of the problem and about seven or eight of them came the same week as Kane, as did Kate. Thus you have a collection of most interesting characters: Jessica, an older teenager, who won a free ticket there and brought her boyfriend Rob, an uncouth character from the South who drank too much and the two fought often; a friend Adam who was a top businessman; Kate, and Daniel, an Englishman. Kate is a beautiful woman and Kane wants to bed her and flirts outrageously and ogles her. Kate is aware of this and leads him on, until she finds out he is going to write another bad review, just because he can.
The author describes her actors and the scenes so well it is like being there. I don’t want to say more as I don’t want to ruin any of the mystery for a reader, but it is a page turner and makes the reader take note of everything or he will miss important clues.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
The author of this story says she likes to write in-depth characters and spends time imagining what her character would be like and do under certain circumstances, and that is certainly how she presented the characters of this story to us. Sunset Villa was a resort in Jamaica, which had been devastated by the hurricane Sandy. The owners of only five years, Nolan and Anna Pearson purchased the resort and had a big mortgage on it plus wages for the few employees they had. The managed to renovate the resort after the storm and had a wonderful cook and employees. They were visited by a reviewer, Matthew Kane, for a travel magazine, who was not mentally healthy and more demanding than any patron would be. The Nolans weren’t there when he stayed there and although he was well treated, he demanded so much that the employees didn’t know how to handle it. Since he was narcissistic and egotistical, he wrote a extremely derogatory review, which definitely hurt the resort’s reputation.
Anna contacted her best friend, Kate Hamilton, a psychiatrist, how to attempt to get Kane to do a better review and Kate suggested they invite him there for a free week, saying nothing about the review. Anna let other friends know of the problem and about seven or eight of them came the same week as Kane, as did Kate. Thus you have a collection of most interesting characters: Jessica, an older teenager, who won a free ticket there and brought her boyfriend Rob, an uncouth character from the South who drank too much and the two fought often; a friend Adam who was a top businessman; Kate, and Daniel, an Englishman. Kate is a beautiful woman and Kane wants to bed her and flirts outrageously and ogles her. Kate is aware of this and leads him on, until she finds out he is going to write another bad review, just because he can.
The author describes her actors and the scenes so well it is like being there. I don’t want to say more as I don’t want to ruin any of the mystery for a reader, but it is a page turner and makes the reader take note of everything or he will miss important clues.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
July 12, 2014
A copy of this book was gifted to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Eden Baylee's excursion from novellas to a novel is analogous to a breakfast at Tiffany's, that prepares you for dining at a 3 star Michelin restaurant in France. In other words, it's 'bloody delicious!'
Kate Hampton's personal demons are partially revealed to us early on in a visceral episode that shakes the 'outwardly' confident psychiatrist to her emotional core. While struggling to contain her cathartic childhood experiences, she also chooses to help her friends Anna and Nolan, (proprietors of Sunset Villa in Jamaica) prepare for 'damage control' after a scathing Travel Review, by megalomaniac Matthew Kane, that threatens the closure of the remote resort.
Fears, hopes and the insecurities of employees and guests alike drive the thrilling story forward as the tension is cranked tighter and tighter by Eden Baylee's ability to dangle and tease just enough information to have you trying to guess what will happen next, yet, masterfully enough to conceal the truth only until it's the the perfect time to do so.
Kate's pivotal presence at the resort touches the lives and loves of practically every guest and employee as she courageously sets about, putting into motion, a sequence of events that in some ways not only seeks to 'right' injustices to her friends, but she also draws strength from them, to finally face her own dark memories that have been deeply locked away inside her psyche.
I almost found myself wanting to do a 'buddy read' with this, so that after I read a few chapters I could call my friend and play detective for all the different possibilities that the story could have played out. If you are someone that enjoys mystery, romance, twists and turns, and a thoroughly entertaining book, well, this is the one for you.
Eden Baylee's excursion from novellas to a novel is analogous to a breakfast at Tiffany's, that prepares you for dining at a 3 star Michelin restaurant in France. In other words, it's 'bloody delicious!'
Kate Hampton's personal demons are partially revealed to us early on in a visceral episode that shakes the 'outwardly' confident psychiatrist to her emotional core. While struggling to contain her cathartic childhood experiences, she also chooses to help her friends Anna and Nolan, (proprietors of Sunset Villa in Jamaica) prepare for 'damage control' after a scathing Travel Review, by megalomaniac Matthew Kane, that threatens the closure of the remote resort.
Fears, hopes and the insecurities of employees and guests alike drive the thrilling story forward as the tension is cranked tighter and tighter by Eden Baylee's ability to dangle and tease just enough information to have you trying to guess what will happen next, yet, masterfully enough to conceal the truth only until it's the the perfect time to do so.
Kate's pivotal presence at the resort touches the lives and loves of practically every guest and employee as she courageously sets about, putting into motion, a sequence of events that in some ways not only seeks to 'right' injustices to her friends, but she also draws strength from them, to finally face her own dark memories that have been deeply locked away inside her psyche.
I almost found myself wanting to do a 'buddy read' with this, so that after I read a few chapters I could call my friend and play detective for all the different possibilities that the story could have played out. If you are someone that enjoys mystery, romance, twists and turns, and a thoroughly entertaining book, well, this is the one for you.
October 18, 2014
Dr. Kate Hampton is a psychiatrist and has an eidetic (photographic) memory that can assess a patient with descriptive words from the first three initials of their first name. Kate accepts an invitation from friends Anna and Nolan Pearson owners of Sunset Villa Estate in Jamaica for professional help with travel reviewer Matthew Kane who panned their vacation villa in the magazine, Travel in Style, without his knowledge. Kate being gifted with the eidetic memory at an early age and in a scientific study at seventeen years old has sharper skills as an adult using her educational prowess after arriving in Jamaica and meeting Matthew for the first time, ultimately deciding upon the words Maladjusted, Awkard, and Tantrum-thrower for his particular case.
When Matthew Kane disappears on the island for several days, the police interview the owners, guests, and staff receiving adverse comments concerning him and his negative personality and self-centeredness.
Eden Baylee has written an exciting and suspenseful novel about a psychiatrist who has her own ideas in handling sticky situations in an unusual manner with persons who are contemptible and arrogant. The novel has an interesting storyline and main character that does not disappoint regardless being a tad bit slow in certain areas of the book. The novel is enjoyable and well worth the read to add to your bookshelf and gifting opportunity. Ms. Baylee is also releasing a follow-up novel with Dr. Kate Hampton entitled A Fragile Truce and I cannot wait to read what happens next in the life of this unusual doctor.
I received this book from the author and Masquerade Tours in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
When Matthew Kane disappears on the island for several days, the police interview the owners, guests, and staff receiving adverse comments concerning him and his negative personality and self-centeredness.
Eden Baylee has written an exciting and suspenseful novel about a psychiatrist who has her own ideas in handling sticky situations in an unusual manner with persons who are contemptible and arrogant. The novel has an interesting storyline and main character that does not disappoint regardless being a tad bit slow in certain areas of the book. The novel is enjoyable and well worth the read to add to your bookshelf and gifting opportunity. Ms. Baylee is also releasing a follow-up novel with Dr. Kate Hampton entitled A Fragile Truce and I cannot wait to read what happens next in the life of this unusual doctor.
I received this book from the author and Masquerade Tours in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
July 30, 2016
Friends and strangers alike comprise the group of people gathered at the Sunset Villa in Jamaica. Among them is Matthew Kane, a travel reviewer whose previous bad review of the resort had seriously damaged its credibility. Several cancellations later, complicated by Hurricane Sandy, the resort is struggling. The owners invite Kane back hoping that a good stay will bring forth a better review and renewed business.
Co-owner Anna Pearson contacts Dr. Kate Hampton, a respected psychiatrist and friend, for her professional opinion. Has Anna made a mistake in inviting Kane back? Anna is filled with a powerful and confusing sense of rage just reading about this man and in order to help her friend, she needs to observe his behavior in person.
In Jamaica, Kate and others of disparate backgrounds arrive for the week. Eden Baylee’s characters are real, vibrant, quirky, enigmatic creatures. While reading, I felt like an invisible guest among the lot, watching, wondering, and not quite trusting anyone.
The author is very careful with words. She does not litter the page with them. As a wise person once told me, “Write as if every word costs you a dollar.” That is how Baylee crafts her prose. She adeptly builds suspense at every turn.
If I’d had the time, I would have read this novel in one sitting. For me, it was that engaging. I’m a big fan of literary fiction, psychological drama, and realistic, multi-faceted characters. Stranger at Sunset had me on edge from beginning to end. I’m very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Kudos to Eden Baylee for an extraordinary debut into a new genre.
Co-owner Anna Pearson contacts Dr. Kate Hampton, a respected psychiatrist and friend, for her professional opinion. Has Anna made a mistake in inviting Kane back? Anna is filled with a powerful and confusing sense of rage just reading about this man and in order to help her friend, she needs to observe his behavior in person.
In Jamaica, Kate and others of disparate backgrounds arrive for the week. Eden Baylee’s characters are real, vibrant, quirky, enigmatic creatures. While reading, I felt like an invisible guest among the lot, watching, wondering, and not quite trusting anyone.
The author is very careful with words. She does not litter the page with them. As a wise person once told me, “Write as if every word costs you a dollar.” That is how Baylee crafts her prose. She adeptly builds suspense at every turn.
If I’d had the time, I would have read this novel in one sitting. For me, it was that engaging. I’m a big fan of literary fiction, psychological drama, and realistic, multi-faceted characters. Stranger at Sunset had me on edge from beginning to end. I’m very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Kudos to Eden Baylee for an extraordinary debut into a new genre.
September 2, 2014
Where to begin?
Let’s start here – I loved STRANGER AT SUNSET.
I didn’t just like it. No, no.
I. LOVED. It.
I'm allow me to give it a 5-star rating, when clearly STRANGER AT SUNSET deserves 10-stars.
STRANGER AT SUNSET is a mystery you can sink your teeth into, like a good meal, and savor every portion of it. It has a noir feel to it, sort of like a good wine perfectly paired with delicious food.
Eden was masterful at getting my emotions involved. Example: I started out hating a character, then feeling sorry for them before turning around and disliking that character all over again. There were many scenes where I “felt” for the character and the situation. I was left breathless at times.
The characters are well defined and diverse, and Eden painted a vivid picture with her words of the island, the villa, etc. I had a clear view in my mind of what each character looked like, the villa, the island. I even felt the heat of the climate.
I thought I had the story figured out early on, but Eden threw me a curve ball (more than one) that kept things interesting and kept me guessing.
STRANGER AT SUNSET had me thinking of Agatha Christie’s Poirot series but without the prim and proper feel. The book is not Eden’s usual erotic literature. STRANGER AT SUNSET is a mystery, a strong mystery, that has a dark sexy edge to it. After all, “you can take the girl out of erotica, but you can’t take the erotica out of the girl” :) .
If you like mysteries, if you like psychological twists, then I highly recommend STRANGER AT SUNSET.
Let’s start here – I loved STRANGER AT SUNSET.
I didn’t just like it. No, no.
I. LOVED. It.
I'm allow me to give it a 5-star rating, when clearly STRANGER AT SUNSET deserves 10-stars.
STRANGER AT SUNSET is a mystery you can sink your teeth into, like a good meal, and savor every portion of it. It has a noir feel to it, sort of like a good wine perfectly paired with delicious food.
Eden was masterful at getting my emotions involved. Example: I started out hating a character, then feeling sorry for them before turning around and disliking that character all over again. There were many scenes where I “felt” for the character and the situation. I was left breathless at times.
The characters are well defined and diverse, and Eden painted a vivid picture with her words of the island, the villa, etc. I had a clear view in my mind of what each character looked like, the villa, the island. I even felt the heat of the climate.
I thought I had the story figured out early on, but Eden threw me a curve ball (more than one) that kept things interesting and kept me guessing.
STRANGER AT SUNSET had me thinking of Agatha Christie’s Poirot series but without the prim and proper feel. The book is not Eden’s usual erotic literature. STRANGER AT SUNSET is a mystery, a strong mystery, that has a dark sexy edge to it. After all, “you can take the girl out of erotica, but you can’t take the erotica out of the girl” :) .
If you like mysteries, if you like psychological twists, then I highly recommend STRANGER AT SUNSET.
July 26, 2014
Right from the start, the prologue lets the reader know that a murder has taken place. But who was the victim? Who was the murderer? And who stood by and watched it all? After that dramatic beginning with all those questions running around in your head, the story begins. Ms. Baylee gives the reader just enough details to keep you guessing ‘who-done-it’ and just when you think you might have figured it out, you realize that you got it all wrong. Not until the very end was the killer revealed, and to me, that is what makes this book an excellent read and a solid mystery/thriller.
Stranger at Sunset by Eden Baylee is one of those novels that starts off as a slow burn and gradually builds to an intense inferno. Ms. Baylee has managed to craft a thrilling and engaging masterpiece that was difficult to put down. There were so many characters involved with the story, but each one has an integral part that made this story so engrossing. With vivid descriptions of Jamaica and of the resort, I really felt that I was right there in the action. This was an amazing and intense psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat and I would recommend it to anyone!
*I was provided a copy of this book via the author in exchange for an honest review.
- See more at: The Avid Book Collector
Stranger at Sunset by Eden Baylee is one of those novels that starts off as a slow burn and gradually builds to an intense inferno. Ms. Baylee has managed to craft a thrilling and engaging masterpiece that was difficult to put down. There were so many characters involved with the story, but each one has an integral part that made this story so engrossing. With vivid descriptions of Jamaica and of the resort, I really felt that I was right there in the action. This was an amazing and intense psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat and I would recommend it to anyone!
*I was provided a copy of this book via the author in exchange for an honest review.
- See more at: The Avid Book Collector
June 28, 2014
A Marvelous and Murderous Trip to Jamaica!
Popular short story and flash fiction author Eden Baylee writes her very first full-length novel, Stranger at Sunset, and she gives us an interesting trip to Jamaica with a female psychiatrist Dr. Kate Hampton who is not only intelligent, strong, but is carrying some heavy emotional baggage of her own. The beautiful resort is 'Sunset Villa' and the young owners are good friends of Kate.
Matthew Kane, a fastidious impossible to please writer for a Travel Guide publication has written a scathing review of 'Sunset Villa', totally malicious and untrue, and the young most amicable owners, Nolan and Anna, have invited him back at their own expense for a hopeful retraction. There are other guests at the villa, each carrying their own variable dimensions of personality traits - anger, joy, strong, weak... Within this composite framework which is Stranger at Sunset a murder occurs...and along comes a mysterious English stranger.
The reader can weave through the tangled webs of the tale and discover the true essence of the story - no spoilers from this reviewer.
Ms Baylee's first novel gives thorough treatment to the characters and the story, acquitting herself well in her initial efforts in a full-length novel. Stranger at Sunset is an interesting and enjoyable read.
Popular short story and flash fiction author Eden Baylee writes her very first full-length novel, Stranger at Sunset, and she gives us an interesting trip to Jamaica with a female psychiatrist Dr. Kate Hampton who is not only intelligent, strong, but is carrying some heavy emotional baggage of her own. The beautiful resort is 'Sunset Villa' and the young owners are good friends of Kate.
Matthew Kane, a fastidious impossible to please writer for a Travel Guide publication has written a scathing review of 'Sunset Villa', totally malicious and untrue, and the young most amicable owners, Nolan and Anna, have invited him back at their own expense for a hopeful retraction. There are other guests at the villa, each carrying their own variable dimensions of personality traits - anger, joy, strong, weak... Within this composite framework which is Stranger at Sunset a murder occurs...and along comes a mysterious English stranger.
The reader can weave through the tangled webs of the tale and discover the true essence of the story - no spoilers from this reviewer.
Ms Baylee's first novel gives thorough treatment to the characters and the story, acquitting herself well in her initial efforts in a full-length novel. Stranger at Sunset is an interesting and enjoyable read.
August 2, 2014
We’re introduced to Kate as she’s planning her yearly vacation in Jamaica. To add to the mix, the resort owners, who she’s become friends with, inform her of a negative review they received by a travel magazine and that they invited the reviewer back. It gets even more interesting when you consider what an a—the guy is. As the story unfolds we’re introduced to other vacationers and their various quirks that really bring the story to life. Their banter flowed smoothly and at times felt like I was sitting at the table with them.
While I’ve never been to Jamaica, the author did a wonderful job in describing the area and it sounded every bit as beautiful as the pictures I’ve seen. The one downside to her descriptive ability was me whimpering over the food descriptions, but I don’t really look at that as a negative. lol
The tension among the guests was excellent and added some good misdirection that keeps you guessing down to the wire. Plus the murder… Oh man, that was a thing of beauty creative-wise. I’d go on, but I’m not a fan of giving spoilers so you’ll have to read it yourself.
Overall, it was a fun read I’m looking forward to checking out again in the near future and can’t wait to check out the next book in the series.
While I’ve never been to Jamaica, the author did a wonderful job in describing the area and it sounded every bit as beautiful as the pictures I’ve seen. The one downside to her descriptive ability was me whimpering over the food descriptions, but I don’t really look at that as a negative. lol
The tension among the guests was excellent and added some good misdirection that keeps you guessing down to the wire. Plus the murder… Oh man, that was a thing of beauty creative-wise. I’d go on, but I’m not a fan of giving spoilers so you’ll have to read it yourself.
Overall, it was a fun read I’m looking forward to checking out again in the near future and can’t wait to check out the next book in the series.
December 8, 2015
Gifted or cursed with an eidetic memory, protagonist Kate draws readers in to this novel with an immediate pull, as she lives in her compartmentalized world of people and events, closing doors on those things she’d rather not try to remember. New acquaintances are quickly classified with three-word descriptions, lending an intriguingly humorous touch to a novel that’s filled with fascinating characters, all well-blended, well-labeled, and stirred. Gay, straight, black, white, young, old... they gather here in a gorgeous location, each looking for something while the proprietress looks for relief from that much-dreaded one-star review.
Like a modern Agatha Christie, author Eden Baylee introduces a fine collection of conflicting intentions to her tale, adds murder, brings in the cops, and leaves it to the reader and protagonist to figure it all out. Which Kate most surely does. The resolution adds that new-adult nuance of serious sexuality and complex, maybe twisted morality. Plus there's an inconclusive sense of mystery ready to fire up a series.
This should be a really cool/hot series, and Stranger at Sunset stands alone as a cool hot complex read of conflictedly dark morality.
Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review.
Like a modern Agatha Christie, author Eden Baylee introduces a fine collection of conflicting intentions to her tale, adds murder, brings in the cops, and leaves it to the reader and protagonist to figure it all out. Which Kate most surely does. The resolution adds that new-adult nuance of serious sexuality and complex, maybe twisted morality. Plus there's an inconclusive sense of mystery ready to fire up a series.
This should be a really cool/hot series, and Stranger at Sunset stands alone as a cool hot complex read of conflictedly dark morality.
Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review.
July 7, 2014
Stranger at Sunset by Eden Baylee
Dr. Kate Hampton, a psychiatrist goes to her favorite vacation spot in Jamaica, Sunset Villa. While there a travel reporter (Matthew Kane) who once wrote a bad review is there to review the Villa once again. The owners just want a good review to bring the business back.
Kate meets some interesting people. Each person is dealing with their own inner demons, especially Kate. Kate is determined to help save the Villa in any way she can.
Well written story told from the voice of each character. You could really get the feel of what (each person) was going through. I liked the air of mystery around Kate. It made her more interesting. I feel that lovers of psychological/thrillers/suspense will enjoy Stranger at Sunset.
Dr. Kate Hampton, a psychiatrist goes to her favorite vacation spot in Jamaica, Sunset Villa. While there a travel reporter (Matthew Kane) who once wrote a bad review is there to review the Villa once again. The owners just want a good review to bring the business back.
Kate meets some interesting people. Each person is dealing with their own inner demons, especially Kate. Kate is determined to help save the Villa in any way she can.
Well written story told from the voice of each character. You could really get the feel of what (each person) was going through. I liked the air of mystery around Kate. It made her more interesting. I feel that lovers of psychological/thrillers/suspense will enjoy Stranger at Sunset.
February 11, 2015
When Eden Baylee contacted me and said that this is her first thriller, would I like to read it? I thought she meant it was her debut novel. So when I was marking it to read I discovered she had other books, erotica, oh my, this book is so far from erotica as you could ever be, unless someone in a bikini in Jamaica is seen to be erotic lol
Eden has done a marvelous job with this book. She says within her book how she likes to delve into the characters, she is really awesome in that way, each person in this book is 'alive'.
The plot is very good, and chosen well in a series of history that we will all relate to, remember or know of. This is what makes it sound so real.
I would like to thank Eden Baylee for keeping me entertained this afternoon whilst reading this book at a hospital department awaiting my husband where I would otherwise have been bored. This took me away from it all.
March 14, 2015
Stranger at Sunset is a novel about memory and the morality found in one's personal choices. The fact that this book is also a well-written and visceral mystery is incidental. The character of Kate Hampton and the others we find at the Sunset Villa resort in Jamaica are each well-drawn, like neighbours we've known or strangers we've come to know on a similar holiday. The sights and sounds of this small luxury resort on the coast of that country are real enough to see and hear. By the last page, the group we've grown to know--and the setting--are ones we want to revisit soon. And the same can be said for the story world that author Eden Baylee has created. I, for one, can't wait to be welcomed back.
July 3, 2014
Wowzee.
Slow-burning, but under-your-skin-crawling Caribbean-flavored mystery thriller with a dash of romance.
Superb buildup - the tension rises on every page with the last 30% of the book becoming real page-turners.
The writing style is superb. I'd say the author finds the golden middle between implementing a literary writing style and a genre-thriller voice.
I don't want to talk much about the story, except that it's layout of having women and men meet for dinner is reminiscent of classic Agatha Christie setups - maybe a wink to the old masters ?
Read this book if you want to enjoy a tight, gripping Caribbean-dashed mystery thriller with psychological finesse.
Slow-burning, but under-your-skin-crawling Caribbean-flavored mystery thriller with a dash of romance.
Superb buildup - the tension rises on every page with the last 30% of the book becoming real page-turners.
The writing style is superb. I'd say the author finds the golden middle between implementing a literary writing style and a genre-thriller voice.
I don't want to talk much about the story, except that it's layout of having women and men meet for dinner is reminiscent of classic Agatha Christie setups - maybe a wink to the old masters ?
Read this book if you want to enjoy a tight, gripping Caribbean-dashed mystery thriller with psychological finesse.
November 7, 2014
In this mystery. thriller the author brings you a very unique murder with an even more unique killer. All the characters were developed and the author does a very good job of making her characters have more then one layer. Each of the characters play a part in this book, not one of the was just there to fill space. This book makes you ask who and why and it holds the answer back until it's the perfect time. I will say that the author has enticed to me to the next book with the little sneak peek at the end. This is a good book for all readers.
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