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The Forgotten Files #1
The Shark
At the grisly murder scene of a teen prostitute, Virginia state trooper Riley Tatum’s past roars back to haunt her. When she was a teenage runaway, she was kidnapped, drugged, and left unconscious on the streets. She has no memories of what happened, only strange recurring dreams of two men playing cards.
Former FBI agent Clay Bowman, Riley’s old flame, is Shield Security’s newest member. He’s plagued by the unsolved case of a serial killer nicknamed the Shark who murdered girls as part of a sadistic poker game. Only one girl survived. With the Shark now bent on evening that score, Clay has a chilling suspicion: Riley is the girl who escaped the Shark’s deadly amusement—and she is his next prey.
As the Shark gets ready to play his hand, can Riley and Clay stop him—or will this killer finally claim the one who got away?
Former FBI agent Clay Bowman, Riley’s old flame, is Shield Security’s newest member. He’s plagued by the unsolved case of a serial killer nicknamed the Shark who murdered girls as part of a sadistic poker game. Only one girl survived. With the Shark now bent on evening that score, Clay has a chilling suspicion: Riley is the girl who escaped the Shark’s deadly amusement—and she is his next prey.
As the Shark gets ready to play his hand, can Riley and Clay stop him—or will this killer finally claim the one who got away?
353 pages, Paperback
First published May 24, 2016
6465 people are currently reading
6162 people want to read
About the author
Mary Burton
68 books4,066 followersMary Burton, whose latest novel is THE LIES I TOLD, loves writing suspense, getting to know her characters, keeping up with law enforcement and forensic procedure, morning walks, baking, and tiny dachshunds. She also enjoys hunting down serial killers, which she does in her New York Times and USA Today bestselling novels. Library Journal has compared her work to that of Lisa Jackson and Lisa Gardner, and Fresh Fiction likened her writing to that of James Patterson.
Mary is routinely featured among the top ten writers in Amazon’s Author Rankings for romantic suspense, thriller and mystery. Upon publication, her novels, including NEVER LOOK BACK and BURN YOU TWICE, consistently rank high on the Kindle eBooks Store Bestseller List. Her novels CUT AND RUN and YOU'RE NOT SAFE were nominated for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award for Romantic Suspense.
A Richmond native, Mary is the author of forty-five published novels and five novellas as Mary Burton and as Mary Ellen Taylor.
A member of International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Novelists, Inc., and Romance Writers of America, Mary is known for creating multiple suspense stories connected by characters and/or place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 873 reviews
June 25, 2023
Mary Burton knows how to write a police procedural with plenty of suspense and thrills that allow readers to experience shocking action scenes from the comfort and safety of their homes.
The Shark
is the first book in The Forgotten Files series and features Virginia State Trooper Riley Tatum and former FBI agent turned private security specialist Clay Bowman.
Riley’s past comes back to haunt her when she is called to the murder scene of a runaway teen. Riley had been a runaway twelve years ago and had been kidnapped, drugged, and left unconscious on a bus that ended up in Virgina. She doesn’t remember seven days of her life. Clay has just started work for Shield Security. He and Riley had met when he was training police officers at Quantico five years ago. This case reminds Clay and his boss Joshua Shield of an unsolved case from New Orleans when a serial killer nicknamed the Shark murdered girls as part of a poker game.
Riley’s characterization is well done. She’s smart, physically fit, loyal, doesn’t like the limelight, and is driven to stop human trafficking of young girls. Clay’s character was not quite as well developed. He’s had trouble moving on after his wife died five and a half years ago and hasn’t settled into making a house a home. However, he is now renovating an old house he purchased. The remaining characters don’t have as much depth.
The book did a great job of bringing together Riley’s past and the present through flashbacks interspersed in the current story line. She is a strong but vulnerable protagonist who feels she can’t show any weakness to her colleagues on the various police forces.
The author is a great storyteller with gripping scenes and a disturbing story that depicts the devastating risks to runaways and the effects of human trafficking on them. The plot moves at a fast pace with some twists and turns. However, the antagonist was a little too predictable. The chemistry between Riley and Clay was there, but took a backseat to the crime thriller and police procedural parts of the book. There was a steamy scene or two. One quibble that I had was that the police let a civilian participate in so many of the activities.
Written for those who love crime thrillers and detective stories with a little romance, The Shark has plenty of action and is thought-provoking and an antagonist that is dark and sinister. The book has an intensity that hooked me easily. The author also does a great job of incorporating real-world issues into the story that add depth. Besides those already mentioned, they include grief, work-life balance, friendships, found family, murder, gambling, and much more.
Overall, this was an intense mystery with some chilling scenes. It’s an amazing story filled with drama, suspense, and action. I look forward to seeing what is next in this series. This appears to be a re-release of the book. Readers of gritty mysteries, crime thrillers, and police procedurals will likely enjoy this novel.
Kensington Books - Zebra and Mary Burton provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for June 27, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.31 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Riley’s past comes back to haunt her when she is called to the murder scene of a runaway teen. Riley had been a runaway twelve years ago and had been kidnapped, drugged, and left unconscious on a bus that ended up in Virgina. She doesn’t remember seven days of her life. Clay has just started work for Shield Security. He and Riley had met when he was training police officers at Quantico five years ago. This case reminds Clay and his boss Joshua Shield of an unsolved case from New Orleans when a serial killer nicknamed the Shark murdered girls as part of a poker game.
Riley’s characterization is well done. She’s smart, physically fit, loyal, doesn’t like the limelight, and is driven to stop human trafficking of young girls. Clay’s character was not quite as well developed. He’s had trouble moving on after his wife died five and a half years ago and hasn’t settled into making a house a home. However, he is now renovating an old house he purchased. The remaining characters don’t have as much depth.
The book did a great job of bringing together Riley’s past and the present through flashbacks interspersed in the current story line. She is a strong but vulnerable protagonist who feels she can’t show any weakness to her colleagues on the various police forces.
The author is a great storyteller with gripping scenes and a disturbing story that depicts the devastating risks to runaways and the effects of human trafficking on them. The plot moves at a fast pace with some twists and turns. However, the antagonist was a little too predictable. The chemistry between Riley and Clay was there, but took a backseat to the crime thriller and police procedural parts of the book. There was a steamy scene or two. One quibble that I had was that the police let a civilian participate in so many of the activities.
Written for those who love crime thrillers and detective stories with a little romance, The Shark has plenty of action and is thought-provoking and an antagonist that is dark and sinister. The book has an intensity that hooked me easily. The author also does a great job of incorporating real-world issues into the story that add depth. Besides those already mentioned, they include grief, work-life balance, friendships, found family, murder, gambling, and much more.
Overall, this was an intense mystery with some chilling scenes. It’s an amazing story filled with drama, suspense, and action. I look forward to seeing what is next in this series. This appears to be a re-release of the book. Readers of gritty mysteries, crime thrillers, and police procedurals will likely enjoy this novel.
Kensington Books - Zebra and Mary Burton provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for June 27, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
-----------------------------------------
My 4.31 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
March 24, 2017
4.5 stars.
This was a new author for me and I have to say this book rocked! This is a dark disturbing thriller that has some fantastic twists that I didn't see coming. It was a race to the end because the suspense drew me in. The characters were done very well. It kept me turning the pages till the very end.
An engaging suspense where past and present collide. Over twelve years ago young women who lived on the streets were being killed in New Orleans and now the killings have started again in Virginia. State trooper Riley Tatum is first on the scene and what she sees brings back fuzzy memories of 7 days she cannot remember from 12 years ago. Seems she was the only one that got away.
The mystery was good and the story had many pieces that didn't seem to fit together at first but once they were all put together you could see how they all lead to the The Shark – the person responsible for so many deaths.
WOW I did not see that coming-the bad guy surprised me. When it got close I was thinking no way but, it was him. This is my first book by her and am looking forward to more. I'm looking forward to the next one in this series and hope there are many more.
Calling all mystery and thriller fans that like a dark psychological thriller. Gripping Suspense and recommend it to all Angela Marsons and Stacy Green fans.
This was a new author for me and I have to say this book rocked! This is a dark disturbing thriller that has some fantastic twists that I didn't see coming. It was a race to the end because the suspense drew me in. The characters were done very well. It kept me turning the pages till the very end.
An engaging suspense where past and present collide. Over twelve years ago young women who lived on the streets were being killed in New Orleans and now the killings have started again in Virginia. State trooper Riley Tatum is first on the scene and what she sees brings back fuzzy memories of 7 days she cannot remember from 12 years ago. Seems she was the only one that got away.
The mystery was good and the story had many pieces that didn't seem to fit together at first but once they were all put together you could see how they all lead to the The Shark – the person responsible for so many deaths.
WOW I did not see that coming-the bad guy surprised me. When it got close I was thinking no way but, it was him. This is my first book by her and am looking forward to more. I'm looking forward to the next one in this series and hope there are many more.
Calling all mystery and thriller fans that like a dark psychological thriller. Gripping Suspense and recommend it to all Angela Marsons and Stacy Green fans.
June 3, 2017
3.75 "Life-and-Death Game" Stars
Twelve years ago, Riley Tatum disappeared from the street. When some one offered her a bottled water, she’d taken it. that was the last thing she remembered. She lost seven days of her life. But then she found five playing cards in her back pocket. Now after these years, she’s become a police officer and she has a case like that but with one difference: the girls are dead and one the back of cards was written loser!
Clay Bowman had first met Riley five years ago. It had been six months after his wife died and he was training a group of police officers, including Riley. She was one of her best students. He’d had a chance to love her once and had tossed it away. Now after five years, they must work on the same case but his assignment is to protect her!
I loved its writing. It took you on the edge of your seat all the time. But I had a problem. I like my Suspense books with some romantic aspects! Yeah, Clay and Riley attracted to each other but you could feel no passion, tension, angst, attraction or love between them. They didn’t use any endearment words even, let alone L word!
The story is told in multiple POV, 3rd person. it can be read as a standalone. It was well-paced, but I had a little problem with the characters’ relationship albeit if you can name it relationship! But all in all, it was a good read and I enjoyed it. hope you like it as well!
Twelve years ago, Riley Tatum disappeared from the street. When some one offered her a bottled water, she’d taken it. that was the last thing she remembered. She lost seven days of her life. But then she found five playing cards in her back pocket. Now after these years, she’s become a police officer and she has a case like that but with one difference: the girls are dead and one the back of cards was written loser!
Clay Bowman had first met Riley five years ago. It had been six months after his wife died and he was training a group of police officers, including Riley. She was one of her best students. He’d had a chance to love her once and had tossed it away. Now after five years, they must work on the same case but his assignment is to protect her!
I loved its writing. It took you on the edge of your seat all the time. But I had a problem. I like my Suspense books with some romantic aspects! Yeah, Clay and Riley attracted to each other but you could feel no passion, tension, angst, attraction or love between them. They didn’t use any endearment words even, let alone L word!
The story is told in multiple POV, 3rd person. it can be read as a standalone. It was well-paced, but I had a little problem with the characters’ relationship albeit if you can name it relationship! But all in all, it was a good read and I enjoyed it. hope you like it as well!
September 14, 2016
“The Shark” by Mary Burton
I believe romantic suspense lovers are going to be thrilled with Mary Burton’s new series, The Forgotten Files.
The first installment, “The Shark,” is centered around Riley Tatum, a Virginia State Trooper, who has worked exceedingly hard to get her life back on track after running away from home as a teenager and getting herself into a nightmarish situation she was lucky to have survived.
She now specializes in ‘tracking,’ with her faithful dog, Cooper, and is adopting a troubled teen named Hannah. Her life has finally stabilized, until she finds a murdered prostitute with a hand of playing cards on her person, who also happens to bear a striking resemblance to Riley.
To complicate matters, Clay Bowman, a man Riley once had tender feelings for, has insinuated himself into her investigation, believing Riley is the target of a serial killer known as “The Shark.”
Hoping to keep her troubled past from becoming public knowledge, Riley reluctantly teams up with Bowman to discover who it is playing high-stakes poker games with the lives of young women.
This story is a traditional romantic suspense novel, but will also appeal to thriller fans too. The plot is very disturbing, featuring some of the most depraved bad guys I’ve encountered in recent memory. The plot twists shocked me so hard I nearly lost my breath! This one may not be for the faint of heart, as there are forensic details and the story is pretty dark. However, Riley is a fantastic character and her tenacity is inspiring. I enjoyed Bowman’s more low key approach, but bristled on occasion when he made decisions without consulting Riley. However, the two ended up working together quite well, and made a good team.
The romance is slow to build, and while it is not the prominent thread in the story, it is a nice second-chance-at-love story which gave me hope that Riley will finally have a chance at having a real family and some long overdue happiness. “4-stars”!
Reviewed by Julie Whiteley for Suspense Magazine
I believe romantic suspense lovers are going to be thrilled with Mary Burton’s new series, The Forgotten Files.
The first installment, “The Shark,” is centered around Riley Tatum, a Virginia State Trooper, who has worked exceedingly hard to get her life back on track after running away from home as a teenager and getting herself into a nightmarish situation she was lucky to have survived.
She now specializes in ‘tracking,’ with her faithful dog, Cooper, and is adopting a troubled teen named Hannah. Her life has finally stabilized, until she finds a murdered prostitute with a hand of playing cards on her person, who also happens to bear a striking resemblance to Riley.
To complicate matters, Clay Bowman, a man Riley once had tender feelings for, has insinuated himself into her investigation, believing Riley is the target of a serial killer known as “The Shark.”
Hoping to keep her troubled past from becoming public knowledge, Riley reluctantly teams up with Bowman to discover who it is playing high-stakes poker games with the lives of young women.
This story is a traditional romantic suspense novel, but will also appeal to thriller fans too. The plot is very disturbing, featuring some of the most depraved bad guys I’ve encountered in recent memory. The plot twists shocked me so hard I nearly lost my breath! This one may not be for the faint of heart, as there are forensic details and the story is pretty dark. However, Riley is a fantastic character and her tenacity is inspiring. I enjoyed Bowman’s more low key approach, but bristled on occasion when he made decisions without consulting Riley. However, the two ended up working together quite well, and made a good team.
The romance is slow to build, and while it is not the prominent thread in the story, it is a nice second-chance-at-love story which gave me hope that Riley will finally have a chance at having a real family and some long overdue happiness. “4-stars”!
Reviewed by Julie Whiteley for Suspense Magazine
August 18, 2017
Very disappointed.
Got this free with audio. Narration is very bad, goes to high volume to whisper.
Trained police dog Cooper is kept in a cage at home, why?
Got this free with audio. Narration is very bad, goes to high volume to whisper.
Trained police dog Cooper is kept in a cage at home, why?
July 2, 2023
The Shark by Mary Burton
Romantic suspense.
Virginia State Trooper Riley Tatum’s past comes back to haunt her. A body is found with playing cards in the pocket and Clay Bowman of Shield Security fears it’s a warning to Riley. Clay believes that Riley was a survivor of a deadly card game and the Shark is not willing to let her escape the destiny he has planned.
Tense and gripping, the story is filled with the investigation to find the killer and reason behind the playing cards. Riley has built her life to protect and serve. She has also mentored and loved a teen and the adoption is pending. Riley will do whatever she has to, even revisiting her past.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Romantic suspense.
Virginia State Trooper Riley Tatum’s past comes back to haunt her. A body is found with playing cards in the pocket and Clay Bowman of Shield Security fears it’s a warning to Riley. Clay believes that Riley was a survivor of a deadly card game and the Shark is not willing to let her escape the destiny he has planned.
Tense and gripping, the story is filled with the investigation to find the killer and reason behind the playing cards. Riley has built her life to protect and serve. She has also mentored and loved a teen and the adoption is pending. Riley will do whatever she has to, even revisiting her past.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
August 30, 2016
3.5 Stars
For twelve years Riley Tatum has eluded the grasps of a serial killer, and she hasn't even known it. But now the killer is back, this time with plans to never let Riley go again. With the help of ex-FBI Agent, and former lover, Clay Bowman, Riley starts a dangerous cat and mouse game with a killer hellbent on getting to her.
The Shark was an intriguing tale of how the past can follow you to the present. I loved getting to know Riley and learning how she survived a hard life and always managed to leap over the hurdles that life threw at her. She had a strong personality and it made her easy to like. Clay was the same, easily likable, and I liked the role his character had within this story. His alpha-ness never took over, rather it made for a captivating story between him and Riley.
The end was a little predictable and I figured out what the "big secret" was. It didn't take too much enjoyment away from the book, but because of what the secret was I was a little meh about the end.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and it reminded me why I like romantic suspense books so much. I haven't read Mary Burton in a long while but I definitely plan on sticking to this series and not forgetting about it.
For twelve years Riley Tatum has eluded the grasps of a serial killer, and she hasn't even known it. But now the killer is back, this time with plans to never let Riley go again. With the help of ex-FBI Agent, and former lover, Clay Bowman, Riley starts a dangerous cat and mouse game with a killer hellbent on getting to her.
The Shark was an intriguing tale of how the past can follow you to the present. I loved getting to know Riley and learning how she survived a hard life and always managed to leap over the hurdles that life threw at her. She had a strong personality and it made her easy to like. Clay was the same, easily likable, and I liked the role his character had within this story. His alpha-ness never took over, rather it made for a captivating story between him and Riley.
The end was a little predictable and I figured out what the "big secret" was. It didn't take too much enjoyment away from the book, but because of what the secret was I was a little meh about the end.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and it reminded me why I like romantic suspense books so much. I haven't read Mary Burton in a long while but I definitely plan on sticking to this series and not forgetting about it.
July 28, 2017
Wow I just finished The Shark last night by Mary Burton & I must say I have found a new author & series I just loved every minute the pacing was good & the characters were well written especially Riley Tatum & Clay Bowman just loved how well they jelled together as a couple.
This was a dark gritty thriller that kept me wanting to know more about Riley Tatum she had balls & was so believable I was rooting for her the whole way through, also liked how Miss Burton combined trooper Tatum's job & her family life especially her background with her step father William Charles, the subject matter was disturbing but the red herrings the author had thrown in sent my head going in all different places.
The ending was frantic & manic at times I would never had guessed the bad guy in a million years it just shocked me I kept saying NO NO NO it can't be I loved this book so much I bought The Doll Maker at 19% this was so enjoyable for me I was really shocked at how much I loved Mary Burtons writing style. 4 solid stars
This was a dark gritty thriller that kept me wanting to know more about Riley Tatum she had balls & was so believable I was rooting for her the whole way through, also liked how Miss Burton combined trooper Tatum's job & her family life especially her background with her step father William Charles, the subject matter was disturbing but the red herrings the author had thrown in sent my head going in all different places.
The ending was frantic & manic at times I would never had guessed the bad guy in a million years it just shocked me I kept saying NO NO NO it can't be I loved this book so much I bought The Doll Maker at 19% this was so enjoyable for me I was really shocked at how much I loved Mary Burtons writing style. 4 solid stars
September 29, 2023
3.5-3.75 Stars
Great idea and concept but the pacing was a little slow.
Virginia state trooper Riley is currently working on the homicide of a teen prostitute. The teenager was barely 18 and a runaway. She was kidnapped, drugged, and killed for a high-stakes card game. Something Riley knows well.
The novel started off great. I was intrigued by The Shark and his motivation for killing young girls as part of his high-stakes card game. Why did he prefer his girls to all look a certain way? Is he coming after Riley?
My biggest gripe is the pacing. It was quite slow around the middle. Where is the sense of urgency?! Shouldn't Riley be in a rush to find The Shark before he strikes again? Before he comes after Riley or her loved ones? Things didn't pick back up until the last 15% of the novel. There was a twist at the end, it was a tad predictable but still entertaining.
Overall, this is for you if you're a fan of mysteries/thrillers who don't mind the slow pacing.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Mary Burton, and Kensington Books for graciously sending me the copy to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
Great idea and concept but the pacing was a little slow.
Virginia state trooper Riley is currently working on the homicide of a teen prostitute. The teenager was barely 18 and a runaway. She was kidnapped, drugged, and killed for a high-stakes card game. Something Riley knows well.
The novel started off great. I was intrigued by The Shark and his motivation for killing young girls as part of his high-stakes card game. Why did he prefer his girls to all look a certain way? Is he coming after Riley?
My biggest gripe is the pacing. It was quite slow around the middle. Where is the sense of urgency?! Shouldn't Riley be in a rush to find The Shark before he strikes again? Before he comes after Riley or her loved ones? Things didn't pick back up until the last 15% of the novel. There was a twist at the end, it was a tad predictable but still entertaining.
Overall, this is for you if you're a fan of mysteries/thrillers who don't mind the slow pacing.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Mary Burton, and Kensington Books for graciously sending me the copy to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
April 25, 2017
4.5 Stars
This was my first Mary Burton novel and I have to say it did not disappoint! This is a dark and twisted psychological mystery/thriller with a splash of romance added to the mix. The Shark is very intense and a complete page-turner, I couldn't stop until I got to the end. I'm so glad I picked this book up - highly recommend!
This was my first Mary Burton novel and I have to say it did not disappoint! This is a dark and twisted psychological mystery/thriller with a splash of romance added to the mix. The Shark is very intense and a complete page-turner, I couldn't stop until I got to the end. I'm so glad I picked this book up - highly recommend!
March 15, 2019
I had high hopes, as I've never read this author before. Unfortunately, I was left feeling a bit ambivalent.
My complaints:
1. There are so many inconsistencies in this story-telling. And they're BIG inconsistencies too, like character's eye colors changing from chapter to chapter. But not just any characters...the ones described as all looking alike with dark hair and eyes. That's a problem.
2. The romance was ridiculous and unnecessary. A guy in a power position makes eyes with his student, sleeps with her, and pushes her away because he's feeling JUST.SO.GUILTY.
3. The words "lady luck" printed 4,976,158 times.
4. If your family member is facing death, do you really take the time to fix your hair before you go and try to save him/her?
5. The twist was incredibly predictable.
My likes:
1. Cooper!
That's it. Just Cooper.
I wouldn't waste your time with this one.
My complaints:
1. There are so many inconsistencies in this story-telling. And they're BIG inconsistencies too, like character's eye colors changing from chapter to chapter. But not just any characters...the ones described as all looking alike with dark hair and eyes. That's a problem.
2. The romance was ridiculous and unnecessary. A guy in a power position makes eyes with his student, sleeps with her, and pushes her away because he's feeling JUST.SO.GUILTY.
3. The words "lady luck" printed 4,976,158 times.
4. If your family member is facing death, do you really take the time to fix your hair before you go and try to save him/her?
5. The twist was incredibly predictable.
My likes:
1. Cooper!
That's it. Just Cooper.
I wouldn't waste your time with this one.
January 15, 2024
It had potential. It just did not feel “alive” to me.
This is an outrageous statement when the book is about a rich male gambler who sets up card games with the stakes being the life of a young woman ~ but the whole tone of the book seemed misogynistic. The dynamic with the main characters, how they acted and felt ~ all seemed misogynistic.
This is an outrageous statement when the book is about a rich male gambler who sets up card games with the stakes being the life of a young woman ~ but the whole tone of the book seemed misogynistic. The dynamic with the main characters, how they acted and felt ~ all seemed misogynistic.
May 8, 2016
Riley Tatum past is coming back to haunt her, as a teenager she was a runaway and found herself waking up on a bus not having any memory of what had happened to her the week before after being drugged. Other than playing cards in her pocket and a few strange dreams Riley had no clue of what had happened to her during the missing time.
After the incident Riley found a bit of help in her life and finished school and went on to become a state trooper. Now Riley finds herself investigating the murder of another young teenage runaway and the case hits a little too close to home when there are playing cards found with the victim.
The Shark is the second book I've read by Mary Burton and have found myself really enjoying her writing style and the cases involved. However with The Shark I didn't quite like the wrap up to the case quite as much so I've decided to give it 3.5 stars. Still a great read I just find myself flying through the pages and completely engaged in finding out all the details in the case.
As usual the characters in this read were likable. Riley was a strong lead that had brought herself out of a horrible life and now fights to help other girls that are now in a tough situation like she herself had faced. There is a tough of a romantic connection between Riley and Clay Bowman which follows the formula of a Mary Burton read, it's not overpowering and only touched upon while most of the read focuses on the investigation.
As far as the investigation is concerned, again the case involved is one that seems meant to shock the reader, a serial killer that kills based on betting on games of cards. I think that's one thing I enjoy with the books I've read is the situations just seem so twisted to think of existing.
Overall, 3.5 stars for The Shark. Found this one a to have a tad bit less exciting of a wrap up to the case but still a good read overall.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
After the incident Riley found a bit of help in her life and finished school and went on to become a state trooper. Now Riley finds herself investigating the murder of another young teenage runaway and the case hits a little too close to home when there are playing cards found with the victim.
The Shark is the second book I've read by Mary Burton and have found myself really enjoying her writing style and the cases involved. However with The Shark I didn't quite like the wrap up to the case quite as much so I've decided to give it 3.5 stars. Still a great read I just find myself flying through the pages and completely engaged in finding out all the details in the case.
As usual the characters in this read were likable. Riley was a strong lead that had brought herself out of a horrible life and now fights to help other girls that are now in a tough situation like she herself had faced. There is a tough of a romantic connection between Riley and Clay Bowman which follows the formula of a Mary Burton read, it's not overpowering and only touched upon while most of the read focuses on the investigation.
As far as the investigation is concerned, again the case involved is one that seems meant to shock the reader, a serial killer that kills based on betting on games of cards. I think that's one thing I enjoy with the books I've read is the situations just seem so twisted to think of existing.
Overall, 3.5 stars for The Shark. Found this one a to have a tad bit less exciting of a wrap up to the case but still a good read overall.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
October 22, 2018
Solid suspense, amazing heroine, well-written.
Absolutely loved the heroine. One of the best!
The romantic part wasn’t very prominent, crime mystery was the main storyline.
Ok hero, no epilogue.
4 and not 5 because of 1 twist, which disappointed me a lot. I didn’t want certain character to be a bad guy :-((((((
Absolutely loved the heroine. One of the best!
"Real men don’t bruise the women they love."
The romantic part wasn’t very prominent, crime mystery was the main storyline.
Ok hero, no epilogue.
4 and not 5 because of 1 twist, which disappointed me a lot. I didn’t want certain character to be a bad guy :-((((((
April 16, 2017
State Trooper Riley Tatum has a past that very few people, if any, know about. When she was a teenager, she lived on the street. She's missing several days and the only thing she vaguely remembers is that there were men playing cards. She was left unconscious on the street with only 5 cards in her pocket .. a royal flush.
Today she is first on the scene of the discovery of a teen prostitute and it's bringing back those memories. Found on this young girl are five cards ...with L O S E R written on those cards.
Former FBI Agent Clay Bowman connects this murder with a serial killer from several years ago. Young girls who being murdered as part of a fiendish poker game. There was only one survivor ... Riley Tatum.
Bowman and Tatum have a past .. a one night stand .. and Tatum is extremely unhappy to learn she cannot follow this serial killer unless she works with Bowman. She made one mistake with him and she's not about to make another. As for Bowman, in his defense, his wife his wife had died 6 months previously and he was not in the right place in his mind to start a new relationship. He handled it badly and would like a second chance.
The serial killer, known as The Shark, has reared his head after 12 years of silence .. and his eyes are set on Riley. As more young girls are found murdered, Riley finds herself solidly in the middle of this case and facing more danger than she knows. Bowman is determined to protect her, even as he uses her for bait.
Who will win the final game of chance?
I have totally read this series out of order and it's great as each of the books are stand alone, complete and without cliff hangers. I have read many of this author's books and I have never been disappointed at what I found between the covers. Here romantic suspense books are cleverly written, with credible characters, and an even balance between the suspense and the romance.
Highly recommended for those who love romantic suspense and crime fiction.
Today she is first on the scene of the discovery of a teen prostitute and it's bringing back those memories. Found on this young girl are five cards ...with L O S E R written on those cards.
Former FBI Agent Clay Bowman connects this murder with a serial killer from several years ago. Young girls who being murdered as part of a fiendish poker game. There was only one survivor ... Riley Tatum.
Bowman and Tatum have a past .. a one night stand .. and Tatum is extremely unhappy to learn she cannot follow this serial killer unless she works with Bowman. She made one mistake with him and she's not about to make another. As for Bowman, in his defense, his wife his wife had died 6 months previously and he was not in the right place in his mind to start a new relationship. He handled it badly and would like a second chance.
The serial killer, known as The Shark, has reared his head after 12 years of silence .. and his eyes are set on Riley. As more young girls are found murdered, Riley finds herself solidly in the middle of this case and facing more danger than she knows. Bowman is determined to protect her, even as he uses her for bait.
Who will win the final game of chance?
I have totally read this series out of order and it's great as each of the books are stand alone, complete and without cliff hangers. I have read many of this author's books and I have never been disappointed at what I found between the covers. Here romantic suspense books are cleverly written, with credible characters, and an even balance between the suspense and the romance.
Highly recommended for those who love romantic suspense and crime fiction.
April 24, 2023
A great start for this series! This is the first book I have read by Mary Burton. The main character, Riley Tatum, is strong and courageous. She has issues from her childhood she had had to overcome as she changed her life and became a Virginia state trooper. She works with a wonderful dog who I enjoyed reading about who helps her track and find people. Riley is working to adopt a teenage runaway who has been living with her when Riley saved her from the streets.
Riley's past has come back to haunt her and she is caught up in an investigation of girls who are strangled and found dead with several playing cards in their pocket with the word Loser written across one of the cards.
Riley had arrived in Virginia on a bus with no memory of what had happened or how she got there from New Orleans, and she had several playing cards in her pocket. Hers did not have Loser written on them though.
I'm looking forward to more books in this series. I really liked Riley and following her investigation. I also liked Clay, the guy who was looking out for her and the romantic interest in the book. The book was fast-paced and tension increased as the bodies kept piling up.
Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on June 27, 2023.
Riley's past has come back to haunt her and she is caught up in an investigation of girls who are strangled and found dead with several playing cards in their pocket with the word Loser written across one of the cards.
Riley had arrived in Virginia on a bus with no memory of what had happened or how she got there from New Orleans, and she had several playing cards in her pocket. Hers did not have Loser written on them though.
I'm looking forward to more books in this series. I really liked Riley and following her investigation. I also liked Clay, the guy who was looking out for her and the romantic interest in the book. The book was fast-paced and tension increased as the bodies kept piling up.
Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on June 27, 2023.
February 23, 2019
Song for summary: It's Not Over by Daughtry
A breathtaking romantic suspense! The characters are driven, gritty, and haunted; while the plot follows the pursuit of a serial killer who takes his poker games to a new and deadly level. Packed with attraction, crime, murder, one loyal tracking dog, and a nightmare from the past; The Shark is a non-stop thrill ride from start to finish. Keep your playing cards close and your poker chips closer, because in this chilling novel, Lady Luck has the final say on who will live to see the next day.
A breathtaking romantic suspense! The characters are driven, gritty, and haunted; while the plot follows the pursuit of a serial killer who takes his poker games to a new and deadly level. Packed with attraction, crime, murder, one loyal tracking dog, and a nightmare from the past; The Shark is a non-stop thrill ride from start to finish. Keep your playing cards close and your poker chips closer, because in this chilling novel, Lady Luck has the final say on who will live to see the next day.
February 4, 2020
3.5 stars
I purchased this series (three books total) on a whim during a Kindle sale a couple years ago and decided to finally read book one, The Shark.
First, I'll say that I was surprised to see this listed under the romance genre because while there is a relationship with a couple steamy scenes, the story in no way focuses on that aspect and it doesn't diminish what I think is a solid mystery/thriller.
Riley Tatum lost her mom as a teen and quickly bailed on her childhood home with her creepy step-dad. She stepped off a bus after being kidnapped and drugged and was lucky enough to be found by Duke, a former gambler who turned his life around and contributes to his community by offering help to runaways.
"When Riley Tatum vanished twelve years ago, no one sounded an alarm. No one called the cops, gathered a search party, or posted flyers. She simply disappeared from the streets into an abyss. Swallowed whole. She should have died. Been long forgotten. But for reasons she didn't understand, the darkness spat her out."
Riley knows Duke saved her life; she would've ended up on the streets if it weren't for his guidance. She's now a Virginia state trooper working with her beloved Labrador retriever Cooper and they're a team well known for their tracking skills.
When a teen prostitute is found dead with five playing cards, Riley knows she was meant to find the body. Years ago when she woke up with no memory of what had happened to her, she found five cards in her back pocket.
Former FBI agent Clay Bowman is the newest member of Shield Security and he wants to assist in the case. The one case from his past that he can't let go of is a serial killer called the Shark who murdered girls in a high stakes poker game. Out of the five cases he's aware of, only one girl survived... and he's pretty sure the survivor is Riley Tatum.
Riley and Clay work together to track the Shark before another girl is pulled into his sick game but they soon realize his sights are set on Riley, the one who got away.
Like I said, this is a solid mystery/thriller. While the twist was somewhat obvious, especially as the story progresses, I was really caught up in both the case and Riley's personal life. She has a past with Clay and there's definitely an attaction there to explore, she's got a lot of personal stuff going on like adopting a teen she's taken care of for a few years. The case is dark and leads right back to Riley so readers get to see her piece together the truth of her own past. I'll definitely continue with book two!
I recommend The Shark to readers who love mystery/thrillers with a hint of romance.
For more reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com
I purchased this series (three books total) on a whim during a Kindle sale a couple years ago and decided to finally read book one, The Shark.
First, I'll say that I was surprised to see this listed under the romance genre because while there is a relationship with a couple steamy scenes, the story in no way focuses on that aspect and it doesn't diminish what I think is a solid mystery/thriller.
Riley Tatum lost her mom as a teen and quickly bailed on her childhood home with her creepy step-dad. She stepped off a bus after being kidnapped and drugged and was lucky enough to be found by Duke, a former gambler who turned his life around and contributes to his community by offering help to runaways.
"When Riley Tatum vanished twelve years ago, no one sounded an alarm. No one called the cops, gathered a search party, or posted flyers. She simply disappeared from the streets into an abyss. Swallowed whole. She should have died. Been long forgotten. But for reasons she didn't understand, the darkness spat her out."
Riley knows Duke saved her life; she would've ended up on the streets if it weren't for his guidance. She's now a Virginia state trooper working with her beloved Labrador retriever Cooper and they're a team well known for their tracking skills.
When a teen prostitute is found dead with five playing cards, Riley knows she was meant to find the body. Years ago when she woke up with no memory of what had happened to her, she found five cards in her back pocket.
Former FBI agent Clay Bowman is the newest member of Shield Security and he wants to assist in the case. The one case from his past that he can't let go of is a serial killer called the Shark who murdered girls in a high stakes poker game. Out of the five cases he's aware of, only one girl survived... and he's pretty sure the survivor is Riley Tatum.
Riley and Clay work together to track the Shark before another girl is pulled into his sick game but they soon realize his sights are set on Riley, the one who got away.
Like I said, this is a solid mystery/thriller. While the twist was somewhat obvious, especially as the story progresses, I was really caught up in both the case and Riley's personal life. She has a past with Clay and there's definitely an attaction there to explore, she's got a lot of personal stuff going on like adopting a teen she's taken care of for a few years. The case is dark and leads right back to Riley so readers get to see her piece together the truth of her own past. I'll definitely continue with book two!
I recommend The Shark to readers who love mystery/thrillers with a hint of romance.
For more reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com
May 4, 2019
RATING: 4 STARS
2016; Montlake Romance
Nothing can put a damper on Virginia state trooper, Riley Tatum adopting her seventeen year old foster daughter until she gets a call to a murder scene. The grisly murder of a prostitute brings back memories of Riley's past - a part of her past that she cannot remember so well. She is brought on to the team of investigators including former FBI agent, Clay Bowman. Bowman is now retired and working at Shield's (Shield is also former FBI), a security company. Bowman was also Riley's one time lover and instructor. As Riley's past is coming to haunt her present, and maybe also her future, she is not sure she can work with Bowman. But he could be her last chance to capture the predator, The Shark before more victims get caught up in his game.
I have read Mary Burton in the past and have thought her books okay. I liked the romantic suspense story line but wanted more thriller and mystery. I was looking forward to the quick read, but wow, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the plot, characters and suspense. I think you mysteries fans will figure out who The Shark is, but you will love every second of Riley and Bowman chasing him down. The next book will have Riley's boss as the main hero and I cannot wait!
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
2016; Montlake Romance
Nothing can put a damper on Virginia state trooper, Riley Tatum adopting her seventeen year old foster daughter until she gets a call to a murder scene. The grisly murder of a prostitute brings back memories of Riley's past - a part of her past that she cannot remember so well. She is brought on to the team of investigators including former FBI agent, Clay Bowman. Bowman is now retired and working at Shield's (Shield is also former FBI), a security company. Bowman was also Riley's one time lover and instructor. As Riley's past is coming to haunt her present, and maybe also her future, she is not sure she can work with Bowman. But he could be her last chance to capture the predator, The Shark before more victims get caught up in his game.
I have read Mary Burton in the past and have thought her books okay. I liked the romantic suspense story line but wanted more thriller and mystery. I was looking forward to the quick read, but wow, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the plot, characters and suspense. I think you mysteries fans will figure out who The Shark is, but you will love every second of Riley and Bowman chasing him down. The next book will have Riley's boss as the main hero and I cannot wait!
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
June 22, 2023
I’ve been a Mary Burton fan for quite a few years now. I love her Criminal Profiler series about a team of FBI profilers. I’ve also read several of her romantic suspense books too. She’s a pretty good writer and storyteller.
The book summary basically just introduces the premise for the primary storyline: the investigation of a killer dubbed The Shark who uses teenaged prostitutes as wagers in a card game where their lives depend on a winning or losing hand. Most of the story revolves around the investigation of the murders of the prostitutes by Riley, and her K9 partner, Cooper, along with state agent, Dakota Sharp, and Clay Bowman, who works for Shield Security, a high-level, private, security company that has been investigating The Shark killings for 12yrs.
While the book summary mentions the secondary storyline of Riley and Clay knowing each other, it really made more of it than it really was. It wasn’t like Riley and Clay were ever a couple or had even a friendly beneficial type arrangement; they were simply a one-night stand, many years ago. Heck, Riley doesn’t even recognize him when he first crosses her path (literally on a mountain path) again. There’s also another secondary storyline of Riley trying to help prostitutes get off the street and out of the life of prostitution. She tries to get them to go to a group home that is run by her friend, Duke, and his wife, Maria. Duke and Maria helped Riley 12yrs ago when she was a runaway.
Deep into the second half of the story, the investigation gets some new leads that gets Riley, Dakota, and Clay closer to The Shark, an old and wealthy card player. The ending comes fast after that and ends in a life and death battle for Riley and Clay. A sad but very satisfying ending. This is categorized as mystery/romantic suspense that definitely leaned more towards mystery/suspense than romance; the romance (between Riley and Clay) was brief and really late in the story.
I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #KensingtonBooks #TheShark
The book summary basically just introduces the premise for the primary storyline: the investigation of a killer dubbed The Shark who uses teenaged prostitutes as wagers in a card game where their lives depend on a winning or losing hand. Most of the story revolves around the investigation of the murders of the prostitutes by Riley, and her K9 partner, Cooper, along with state agent, Dakota Sharp, and Clay Bowman, who works for Shield Security, a high-level, private, security company that has been investigating The Shark killings for 12yrs.
While the book summary mentions the secondary storyline of Riley and Clay knowing each other, it really made more of it than it really was. It wasn’t like Riley and Clay were ever a couple or had even a friendly beneficial type arrangement; they were simply a one-night stand, many years ago. Heck, Riley doesn’t even recognize him when he first crosses her path (literally on a mountain path) again. There’s also another secondary storyline of Riley trying to help prostitutes get off the street and out of the life of prostitution. She tries to get them to go to a group home that is run by her friend, Duke, and his wife, Maria. Duke and Maria helped Riley 12yrs ago when she was a runaway.
Deep into the second half of the story, the investigation gets some new leads that gets Riley, Dakota, and Clay closer to The Shark, an old and wealthy card player. The ending comes fast after that and ends in a life and death battle for Riley and Clay. A sad but very satisfying ending. This is categorized as mystery/romantic suspense that definitely leaned more towards mystery/suspense than romance; the romance (between Riley and Clay) was brief and really late in the story.
I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #KensingtonBooks #TheShark
May 22, 2023
Well, unfortunately The Shark ended up being a dud for me. The description intrigued me. But the story didn't quite live up to the hype. I probably expected something different from the given narrative. The most off-putting item in the novel was that The Shark himself doesn't commit the murders. He has his poker playing partner commit the crime. What's the thrill in that?
With barely a thrill with the first murder, there wasn't anything left to keep me going. And with nothing left on the horizon at 33%, I threw in the towel. Too bad. But that's not going to stop me from trying Burton's other works of fiction. For now, The Shark is a one star DNF for me.
I received a digital copy of the book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
With barely a thrill with the first murder, there wasn't anything left to keep me going. And with nothing left on the horizon at 33%, I threw in the towel. Too bad. But that's not going to stop me from trying Burton's other works of fiction. For now, The Shark is a one star DNF for me.
I received a digital copy of the book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
May 30, 2016
I always get excited when I see a new book from Mary Burton and once again I was not disappointed. Fast paced and full of tension this really was a great read. Police Trooper Riley Tatum left home as a teenager to get away from her overly friendly step father. Alone on the streets Riley was abducted and drugged but fortunately for Riley she was able to get away, the same can't be said for several other victims. Now the killer is back and has returned to his old ways, he also has Riley in his sight, this makes for some very suspenceful reading as he is determined she will not escape again. What I liked about this book was Riley's character, she is tough, strong and also very determined herself, will she be able to escape a second time? All round another great story.
August 25, 2017
Good storyline, predictable in parts but entertaining and held my attention. The romance didn't work for me. Volume issues with the audio. The male lead character was painful to listen to and the accents were all over the place. 4 stars for the book but not for the audio.
January 12, 2017
NOT A REVIEW
I did not listen beyond chapter 2 so this is not a review. It's a rant. If you hate someone else's rant, do yourself a favor and don't bother to read this.
The 1 star is for my aborting it so early. Not because of the plot but because of one minor (to others) but major bugbear for me: Riley attended a training class that Clay was teaching and the only interaction they had during the 5-month course was Riley asking some questions. At end of said course she goes to his motel room, they have sex and Clay gets the morning-after blues (his wife had died 6 months ago). Clay tells Riley to leave and she is SO hurt and upset because, as she told him, “I don’t know why, but I thought this was more than a casual hookup.”...“I thought we had something,”
I don't know why either because hell if I know why in this day and age a woman would expect "something more than a casual hookup" when all they did was casually hook up!
I could envisage that I was going to have to contend with Riley's hurt feelings over being booted out of Clay's motel room that morning 5 years ago, that what could have been a good murder suspense was going to end up one of those romantic crap that romance authors obviously believe should be dragged along into their suspense series. If the above is what these authors believe then I strongly recommend they stick to the romance genre. If they truly want to break into the suspense one then take a cue from the likes of Sandra Brown or Karen Rose - mature women who do sleep with men they are attracted to but not expecting a second date or worse, a relationship, just because last night was good for both of them.
Rant over.
I did not listen beyond chapter 2 so this is not a review. It's a rant. If you hate someone else's rant, do yourself a favor and don't bother to read this.
The 1 star is for my aborting it so early. Not because of the plot but because of one minor (to others) but major bugbear for me: Riley attended a training class that Clay was teaching and the only interaction they had during the 5-month course was Riley asking some questions. At end of said course she goes to his motel room, they have sex and Clay gets the morning-after blues (his wife had died 6 months ago). Clay tells Riley to leave and she is SO hurt and upset because, as she told him, “I don’t know why, but I thought this was more than a casual hookup.”...“I thought we had something,”
I don't know why either because hell if I know why in this day and age a woman would expect "something more than a casual hookup" when all they did was casually hook up!
I could envisage that I was going to have to contend with Riley's hurt feelings over being booted out of Clay's motel room that morning 5 years ago, that what could have been a good murder suspense was going to end up one of those romantic crap that romance authors obviously believe should be dragged along into their suspense series. If the above is what these authors believe then I strongly recommend they stick to the romance genre. If they truly want to break into the suspense one then take a cue from the likes of Sandra Brown or Karen Rose - mature women who do sleep with men they are attracted to but not expecting a second date or worse, a relationship, just because last night was good for both of them.
Rant over.
August 14, 2016
Rounding up to 3 stars on this one.
The Shark was an okay read to pass the time, but definitely not my favorite of Mary Burton's.
I found the basis of the plot rather flimsy, but was able to look past it for awhile. However, it was entirely too long and could have been a much shorter book. I don't think any of the characters were very well developed and, quite frankly, were a little irritating most of the time.
One thing I found very annoying was that not once, but twice, there was a huge editing error about the victims in this story. It's stated that all the girls had dark hair and brown eyes, like Riley. Yet in the next paragraph Clay is admiring Riley's green eyes. Later in the story Riley is looking through photos and it is stated again that the girls all have dark hair and eyes; yet in the photo Riley is looking at, the shirt the girl is wearing brings out her "vivid green eyes." If your plot centers around a similarity that ties victims together, you might want to make sure the descriptions are accurate and consistent.
I see there will be a second installment in The Forgotten Files. This book was entertaining enough to get me to read it, but I do hope it is better than this one.
The Shark was an okay read to pass the time, but definitely not my favorite of Mary Burton's.
I found the basis of the plot rather flimsy, but was able to look past it for awhile. However, it was entirely too long and could have been a much shorter book. I don't think any of the characters were very well developed and, quite frankly, were a little irritating most of the time.
One thing I found very annoying was that not once, but twice, there was a huge editing error about the victims in this story. It's stated that all the girls had dark hair and brown eyes, like Riley. Yet in the next paragraph Clay is admiring Riley's green eyes. Later in the story Riley is looking through photos and it is stated again that the girls all have dark hair and eyes; yet in the photo Riley is looking at, the shirt the girl is wearing brings out her "vivid green eyes." If your plot centers around a similarity that ties victims together, you might want to make sure the descriptions are accurate and consistent.
I see there will be a second installment in The Forgotten Files. This book was entertaining enough to get me to read it, but I do hope it is better than this one.
June 21, 2016
I like books with strong heroines and Riley Tatum is a strong heroine so it was easy to get vested in her character. She is days away from adopting Hannah, a young teen-age runaway when a traumatic event from her past comes back to haunt her. She gets teen-age runaways, because she was one. During her time on the streets 7 days of her life are blank and she doesn't remember hardly anything except having 5 poker cards in her pocket and a bus trip landing her in Virginia.
Now girls with similar playing cards on their bodies have been murdered and Riley is pulled into the investigation. I really liked the plot of this one. It's not complicated, but it's well done. Some of the characters could use a little more fleshing out, but it's a good cast of characters.
For those who like romantic suspense, this is more suspense than romance. Riley does have second chance at a relationship with Clay Bowman, a one night stand from her past. The relationship is slow to blossom as she's not sure if she can trust him on a personal level. Although this romance worked pretty well, I never felt that Clay's character was as fully fleshed out as I would have liked.
I like Ms. Burton's writing and I did enjoy reading this one.
Now girls with similar playing cards on their bodies have been murdered and Riley is pulled into the investigation. I really liked the plot of this one. It's not complicated, but it's well done. Some of the characters could use a little more fleshing out, but it's a good cast of characters.
For those who like romantic suspense, this is more suspense than romance. Riley does have second chance at a relationship with Clay Bowman, a one night stand from her past. The relationship is slow to blossom as she's not sure if she can trust him on a personal level. Although this romance worked pretty well, I never felt that Clay's character was as fully fleshed out as I would have liked.
I like Ms. Burton's writing and I did enjoy reading this one.
October 28, 2018
Trooper Riley Tatum was once a teenage runaway who was lucky enough to have survived the streets. Twelve years later, she's the first responder at a crime scene where she discovers the body of a young prostitute who looks much like herself at that age. As another connection between herself and the victim comes to light, she realizes there's a madman out there who gets his thrills by betting on the lives of runaway teens... Clay Bowman is a former FBI agent who once worked the case in New Orleans. He now works for a prestigious private security firm and is assigned to assist Riley in the investigation, as well as provide her protection. However, Riley and Bowman have a short history and she wants nothing to do with him. But as 'The Shark' sets up for a rematch with no intention of losing, Clay may be her only chance of walking out of the the poker game with her life.
This was another well written and suspenseful story by Ms. Burton that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was fast paced, flowed well, and held my undivided attention the entire time I spent reading it. I liked Riley and Bowman who were both unique and complex characters. Their personal relationship wasn't developed enough in my opinion though, since Bowman seemed to truly love and never quite get over the death of his wife. As a romance it left much to be desired, but as a mystery it was a highly intriguing and compelling read. There were plenty of twists along the way and although The Shark wasn't who I was expecting, his opponent didn't come as a huge surprise. Still, I found this to be a gripping story and am very much looking forward to Agent Sharp's book next. I also really hope to learn more about Shield Security and what motivates its mysterious and powerful owner.
This was another well written and suspenseful story by Ms. Burton that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was fast paced, flowed well, and held my undivided attention the entire time I spent reading it. I liked Riley and Bowman who were both unique and complex characters. Their personal relationship wasn't developed enough in my opinion though, since Bowman seemed to truly love and never quite get over the death of his wife. As a romance it left much to be desired, but as a mystery it was a highly intriguing and compelling read. There were plenty of twists along the way and although The Shark wasn't who I was expecting, his opponent didn't come as a huge surprise. Still, I found this to be a gripping story and am very much looking forward to Agent Sharp's book next. I also really hope to learn more about Shield Security and what motivates its mysterious and powerful owner.
May 24, 2016
Mary Burton is no stranger to this genre, and once again she has produced a good mystery full of intrigue and suspense.
This story is the first book in a new series, The Forgotten Files, and it takes us on a journey into the world of young runaways and their susceptibility to the predators that hunt them.
The characterization is well done. The characters are complex and have depth. And the plot is well written, interesting, and action packed with twists and turns, and of course a little romance to keep you turning the page.
I really enjoyed it. And I look forward to reading the next novel in the series, The Dollmaker, when it is published.
Thank you to NetGalley, especially Montlake Romance, for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
This book is due to be published on May 24, 2016.
This review can also be found at www.whatsbetterthanbooks.com
This story is the first book in a new series, The Forgotten Files, and it takes us on a journey into the world of young runaways and their susceptibility to the predators that hunt them.
The characterization is well done. The characters are complex and have depth. And the plot is well written, interesting, and action packed with twists and turns, and of course a little romance to keep you turning the page.
I really enjoyed it. And I look forward to reading the next novel in the series, The Dollmaker, when it is published.
Thank you to NetGalley, especially Montlake Romance, for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
This book is due to be published on May 24, 2016.
This review can also be found at www.whatsbetterthanbooks.com
November 26, 2020
WOW!!!
A great beginning for this series..
Virginia state trooper Riley Tatum is the leading lady in this nerve-racking criminal thriller by Mary Burton!!
"The Shark" is a hideous monster dress in human vestment..
Along his way dead pretty teenage girls are found scattered, victims of a sadistic poker game..
Riley is running out of time and must find not only who is hiding behind "The Shark" to stop the murders, but must also find a way to solve the riddle surrounding and wrapping her past..
Mary Burton writting is clear, precise and engrossing!!
The characters are more than believable and the story leaves the reader hungry,pregnant with expectation..
i did enjoy it, and look forwards for the next instalment..
Dean;)
A great beginning for this series..
Virginia state trooper Riley Tatum is the leading lady in this nerve-racking criminal thriller by Mary Burton!!
"The Shark" is a hideous monster dress in human vestment..
Along his way dead pretty teenage girls are found scattered, victims of a sadistic poker game..
Riley is running out of time and must find not only who is hiding behind "The Shark" to stop the murders, but must also find a way to solve the riddle surrounding and wrapping her past..
Mary Burton writting is clear, precise and engrossing!!
The characters are more than believable and the story leaves the reader hungry,pregnant with expectation..
i did enjoy it, and look forwards for the next instalment..
Dean;)
October 4, 2022
Този трилър се оказа много приятна изненада. Не подходих с особени очаквания и сигурно затова в крайна сметка останах с усещането, че не само не съм си изгубила времето, но и съм открила нов за мен автор, който ще следя.
Ще се хареса на любителите на добре написани, мрачни трилъри, с фина романтична нотка (без нищо прекалено или твърде дразнещо), симпатични герои и умело изграден, логичен сюжет.
Ще се хареса на любителите на добре написани, мрачни трилъри, с фина романтична нотка (без нищо прекалено или твърде дразнещо), симпатични герои и умело изграден, логичен сюжет.
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