Another great one from Dallas! Here's my Amazon review:
I've read quite a few books from the author and enjoy his ability to write engaging characters in situations that come alive for me. This book was a bit of a surprise, but a very pleasant one, as it went places I really didn't expect it to. It's a mystery novel and becomes driven by a police investigation. Very intriguing and a fun twist because it's still wrapped in the author's trademark BDSM bent.
The characters were wonderful, and if you've read the prior Nikki book series, you'll remember some of them. The writing pulled me into the setting very quickly and kept me there throughout.
I had a blast reading it and would highly recommend.
Hunt for a serial killer against a scandalous backdrop
I liked the book. It's a real page turner and am looking forward to the next sequel.
This book is of a reasonable length (273 pages) and includes a prologue, 33 chapters, and a preview of the second book. [Unfortunately, BDSM books are often far too short.]
The blurb is pretty well done. It is not strictly necessary to have read the Nikki books beforehand, but doing so enhances the reading experience. Readers will encounter several characters again and recognizing them is fun. The story surprises not only with the development of the plot but also by transcending genre boundaries. At its core, the story revolves around the hunt for a serial killer; in other words: a classic police investigation. The plot is driven primarily by the criminal investigation. BDSM elements merely provide the background and are few and far between. The victims shared a common trait: they were submissive masochists and rigorously trained slavegirls. All of them bore distinctive tattoos that revealed this status to those in the know. The clandestine institution that administered these tattoos - marking a form of graduation - is known to some as the „Nevada Facility“.
What, exactly, is the Nevada Facility? This question is not conclusively answered in this book, either. Special Agent (FBI) Brandt: The Nevada Facility is a classified operation of a government agency the name I can‘t divulge. The Nikki books provided (some) details about the backgrounds of the women who are (voluntarily) willing to undergo training there. By questioning one of Trask's current slaves, the investigators also learn about the circumstances under which this sometimes occurs. In (unfortunately only) two outstanding chapters described from the perspective of a slave named Selene, the reader gains an inside look at the Nevada Facility, aka the „Nevada Behavioral Research Institute“, aka „bondage paradise“. Even the location is classified, let alone the identities of the woman who‘d gone through the programm. The number of women released with the tattoo is also unknown—possibly hundreds. Trask don‘t personally operate it. He paid for the Facility, wich is a sort of prison. He finances it upfront and his money is partially refunded to him through a government contract with one of his businesses. The psychologist in charge is a woman.
The story in this book is told primarily from the perspective of Robin Meadows, and to a somewhat lesser extent from that of Nikki. There are two chapters from the perspective of the slave Selene, as well as a brief section from the perpetrator's point of view. Meadows is a Detective Sergeant in the Springdale PD Homicide Division. Nikki Moreno is a multimillionaire and a former slave. Meadows is Black and Moreno is White. The skin color of the individuals involved certainly plays a role for Meadows, though more in a political and social sense than a sexual one.
Nikki has since become a person of public interest, and she, too, bears the aforementioned tattoos. The fact that Nikki bears the same unusual tattoos as a murder victim whose case Meadows is investigating leads the investigators to billionaire Austin Trask and, subsequently, to Nikki. Corporal Hayden: Some celebrity and his girl. Nicole Moreno moves in completely different circles than Robin Meadows. It is fascinating to observe how Meadows reacts to this environment. Meadow's investigation is further complicated when it turns out that influential figures are ensuring she is barred from pursuing any inquiry leading to the Nevada Facility. It looks like a dead end as events take a dramatic turn. It becomes clear that Nikki herself is in danger. As further victims are discovered, it becomes apparent that the police are dealing with a serial killer. In the end, it seems the killer is unmasked (literally), but both he and the person who presumably hired him are killed. I have all sorts of wild theories about whether the alleged perpetrator is really the right one—and whether the hints about his supposed employer (aka "The Mastermind") might be misleading. So far, not even a convincing motive for the murders has been presented. It isn't even certain that the murders and the attacks on Nikki are actually connected.
Nikki, however, still feels she is in danger; too many questions remain unanswered. That brings Book One to a close—at least for now. A cliffhanger at this point would have really bothered me. To be continued.
A few notes about some characters:
Nicole „Nikki“ Moreno, née Chalmers, multimillionaire masochistic, former slavegirl, now a wealthy heiress and businesswoman early thirties, hot blonde, fit in a sexual relationship with Kevin Being in a harem of sluts is a fantasy of mine.
Austin Trask, billionaire charming, sadistic, a bit megalomaniacal, unscrupulous the most powerfull person in Springdale I am still amazed at how, on the one hand, he is completely open about his inclinations with certain people and, on the other, ruthlessly guards certain secrets. So, it is better not to cross his path. "Would you like to meet her?" (the woman in his cage) „Lira is routinely tortured.“ It‘s great to be the king. „And the most important thing, I have nothing to do with the murder they‘re investigating.“ Always good for a surprise.
Kevin Kavanaugh, aka „Mr. K“, Nikki‘s primary sex partner (but isn't into BDSM), special assistent, security director I can‘t tell you about my background. It‘s classified.
Ria Alexander, née Peterson, marketing MBA, divorced, looking for a new job personal assistant (liason with Moreno Holdings) comes back (after about eight years) and has a place in Nikki's life again
Lira, aka Susannah Bremer, slavegirl at Trask‘s mansion masochistic personality labial rings, grommets, ID disk, no tattoos (yet) Trask: „She‘s been forbidden to speak human language for several months."
Robin Meadows, 36, black, Detective Sergeant, Springdale PD, Homicide Division Quirk: Habit of appraising the looks of other women (in terms of whether they might be a potential romantic rival). „She does look lovely, if you like skinny blondes.“ She is having marital problems with her hubby David that are escalating.
Jim Brennan, 45, white, Detective, Springdale PD, Homicide Division stolid, brusque, honest, has a gambling problem, wife (?) Brigette Papasian In his role, he is almost a walking cliché and seems to be typecast for the typical detective quotes. It‘s funny. We are the police. „I think that you know something.“ You never watched Columbo? not particularly loyal: „I‘m not going to prison for life to save you.“
David Meadows,40 , black, handsome, Robin‘s husband, courtroom bailiff bitching at his wife too often, too lazy, lacks independence in the household throws Robin out, gets arrested, loses his job
Dorothy Wheeler, white, Lieutenant, Springdale PD, Internal Affairs lawywer, career-hungry, with political ambitions I sometimes get the impression that the author finds it quite easy to create characters that the reader loves to hate. Wicked Witch of the West
Richard Muller, black, Sergeant, Springdale PD, Internal Affairs arrogant prick, has a temper
Warren Seagrave, white, Private Investigator with Trask security service south african, has a talent for accents
Dennis Tomassi, Senator from Minnesota, now running for the presidency, is friends with Trask and is supported by him aka „The Reverend“, had sex with the slave Nikki years ago (Book One)
Paul McCready, owner of Conquest Security, Florida Character from „The Food“ (2011)
Danielle Travis, special assistant, expert interrogator, consultant, exuded sexuality
Selene Cosby, a slavegirl at the facility
The team „off records, off budget“, police substation in Nikki‘s house DET SGT Robin Meadows DET Jim Brennan DET SGT Richard Muller, formerly with Internal Affairs CPL Earl Hayden, formerly uniformed street cop Kevin Kavanaugh, appointed as special police officer Warren Seagrave, consultant, private investigator, Trask security service Paul McCready, special consultant Danielle Travis, (very) special consultant
The Robbers set on Nikki?! John Doe, in a coma, from too many blows with a skillet DeWayne Jones, 17, shot dead Demetrius Jones, 13, getaway driver, in custody,
A few things I particularly liked: Selene's Chapters the police procedural and the (american) police lingo (e.g. ROR) Dr. Yamaguchi Reality check: gunshot wounds have consequences Everyone and their dog have names [Although, what about Brigette/Brigitte Papasian and Richard (Dick)/Larry Muller?] the fact that Ria has found a place in Nikki's life again Kevin's cooking skills Susannah‘s testimony Nikki‘s skillet fight Facility: the idea of forced, exhausting physical exercise (rowing, etc.) Danielle
Some things, I was missing:
not enough bondage
„ID from where?“ - „Unknown. Just her picture, name and a number.“ Is that a thing?
So, what was the deal with the Lambo? Red herring
Nicole Moreno moves in completely different circles than Robin Meadows. After an initial period of reserve, Robin and Nikki quickly switch to using first names. Perhaps this transition could have been introduced more organically; it feels a bit abrupt.
Gifts and gratuities policy – frequently mentioned, diligently ignored
What kind of accident did Brigette have?
Why are the robbers seriously debating the different penalties for rape versus murder when they (or rather, Demetrius) have already murdered the guard?
Selene: Her appearance (muscular or emaciated?) is not described.
Some things, which I didn't like as much: too many coincidences, in Springdale [mainly in Chapter 6] 1. (Video) podcast about Trask, accompanied by Nikki—no bodyguards? 2. Corpral Hayden, remembers a local podcast: Ty Drexler‘s „The City“ 3. Brigette‘s accident, Brennan's absence during the robbery 4. Kavanaugh's absence (without a replacement!) during the robbery 5. Delgado's absence (Never talk with cops without a lawyer) 6. Robin is unarmed; she left both (!) firearms in the car
I keep mulling over Chapter Six (The Home Invasion). When I first read it, I was thrilled; it was surprising, suspenseful, and funny (the skillet fight). In retrospect, however, it does feel a bit contrived. Regardless, I still consider it one of the best chapters in the book. I particularly enjoyed the completely different perspectives of Robin (criminal psychology angle) and Nikki (horny, but feisty).
A few loose ends: According to Lew Tyler: The rich lambo driver took Evelyn Li to Jamaica and Europe. No one checked that.
Identity of the John Doe Robber?
Who set the robbers on Nikki?
When I recall how long it took Nikki to readjust to speak again back then, I am amazed by Lira's three-hour interview.
Nikki is certain that if Trask had hired a killer, the person would have been a professional and wouldn't have left a body in a parking lot. So—why would someone who is clearly in the same league seek out less professional killers?
Police harassment by the East Ivy Police Department. Them—again?
Robin's trip to Las Vegas seems like a waste of time
LT Wheeler: Even a career-hungry internal investigator with political ambitions wouldn't stick her neck out that far. The evidence was, after all, very flimsy. This all works better if a black cop was party to a criminal conspiracy with a black perp. BS! There were plenty of reasons pointing in Meadows' favor: witness statements from Ria and Nikki, and security camera footage of the getaway car. Then there was the John Doe's weapon, gunshot residue on him, and signs of a fight on the skillet.
DET SGT Muller: I can't understand why Meadows brings him into her team after that stunt.
What I expect in the sequel and what I would be happy about:
It will be difficult for Nikki and Robin to find out more about the Nevada facility; they have to stay under the FBI's radar while doing so. And—perhaps complicating matters further—they will likely end up on a collision course with Austin Trask.
More details about the Nevada facility, obviously. Although, if in doubt, I would actually prefer (initially) to read less about the administrative aspects and instead get more inside views from the perspective of the female slaves.
Nikki should train not only with guns but also in unarmed self-defense (e.g. Krav Maga or BJJ). I love it when Nikki is being „trained“.
More Bondage. Nikki lets Trask spank her because she is a masochist. Isn't she into bondage, too? She could practice self-bondage or lock herself in a cage with a time lock
Facility: forced, exhausting physical exercise, but against each other—as a competition— racing or pony-girl training
The preview had something horrific about it, like a mad scientist (Dr. Andros) scene. I just can't imagine anyone consenting to something like that. I like bondage and confinement too, but I draw the line at cables and tubes. I would, for example, prefer strict restraints and cages to that.
Favourite quotes: Dr. Yamaguchi: „This isn‘t TV“ Dr. Yamaguchi: „They say that five to twenty-five percent of the population are masochists. About two percent of people engage in BDSM“ Meadows: „We‘ve got other cases.“ Trask: „According to my lawyer, I need a lawyer to talk with anyone except my lawyer. Especially the police.“ Meadows: „This case is starting to get complicated.“ Meadows: „What had this white bitch ever done to deserve to live here?“ Meadows: „What is the meaning of the tattoo chains on your wrists? Brennan: "We just have a few more questions." Captain Reynolds: „I know that rich people get into kinky shit.“ Captain Reynolds: „If you start pestering these people, the establishment will come down on your head like a ton of bricks.“ Captain Reynolds: „I can see why you haven‘t made Sergeant yet.“ East Ivy PD officer: „ I don‘t want to see you loitering around here again.“ Meadows: „How did you know where and when we found her?“ Nikki: Google Trask: „Lira, pull yourself out of subspace and answer the police questions completely and honestly.“ Nikki: Wouldn't it hurt your business empire to have the news of your torture facility come out if the police catch the killer?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.