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Melody
Two stories of deadly passion intertwine in this gripping mystery by bestselling author Stacy-Deanne, who weaves a thrilling tale of love and death.
Melody Cruz is certain her sister's new boyfriend, the wealthy, charming, and handsome Keith Taylor, has a dark past that he will do anything to hide. Wanting to protect her sister, Melody works to uncover Keith's secrets, not realizing that in doing so, she is sacrificing her own safety—because Keith will go to any lengths to keep himself in control.
At the same time, a man named the "Albany Predator" has been brutally raping black women throughout the city, and Melody is convinced that her best friend is the rapist's next target. Detectives Brianna Morris and Steven Kemp are placed on the case, determined to bring this sadistic felon to justice. But when things couldn't get any more complicated, all evidence is turned around to reveal a surprising prime suspect.
Full of forbidden desire and unwavering strength in the face of danger, Melody is a chilling tale that will leave readers breathless as they navigate all the plot twists and turns. Struggling to survive until the end, the diverse cast of characters will be left questioning their loyalties, their passions, and how far they might be willing to go to protect the ones they love.
Melody Cruz is certain her sister's new boyfriend, the wealthy, charming, and handsome Keith Taylor, has a dark past that he will do anything to hide. Wanting to protect her sister, Melody works to uncover Keith's secrets, not realizing that in doing so, she is sacrificing her own safety—because Keith will go to any lengths to keep himself in control.
At the same time, a man named the "Albany Predator" has been brutally raping black women throughout the city, and Melody is convinced that her best friend is the rapist's next target. Detectives Brianna Morris and Steven Kemp are placed on the case, determined to bring this sadistic felon to justice. But when things couldn't get any more complicated, all evidence is turned around to reveal a surprising prime suspect.
Full of forbidden desire and unwavering strength in the face of danger, Melody is a chilling tale that will leave readers breathless as they navigate all the plot twists and turns. Struggling to survive until the end, the diverse cast of characters will be left questioning their loyalties, their passions, and how far they might be willing to go to protect the ones they love.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
Stacy-Deanne
179 books328 followersStacy-Deanne (pronounced Dee-Anne) is an award-winning and bestselling novelist of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and women's fiction novels.
Her work includes Everlasting, Melody, Bruised, and Captivated. Stacy is a 2011 and 2012 African-American Literary Award nominee.
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Her work includes Everlasting, Melody, Bruised, and Captivated. Stacy is a 2011 and 2012 African-American Literary Award nominee.
Join mailing list:
http://eepurl.com/dFGzTL
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 7, 2010
I really enjoyed this book! From the very beginning, it hooked me in and it kept me going. Often, I'll start a book that starts with a bang and slows at some point, but this one didn't disappoint. The book begins with Keith Taylor "just passing by" Melody Cruz's bedroom while she's undressing. Just the way he was staring at her was enough to give me the creeps, and this was definitely a creepy guy. The problem for Melody is that she can't get rid of him either because he's her sister's new boyfriend.
He's also able to charm his way with most people he comes across, so few people believe Melody when she tells them that he's been threatening her. Among those who can't see what a creep Keith really is are her sister and her new love interest. I admit that Keith was a very interesting character. I can't give away the ending, but suddenly the author gives us a glimpse of his point of view and it was nothing like I expected. It was easy to think of him one way when given Melody's point of view, but seeing his added another layer to him.
Then there is the "Albany Predator" who was a man going around and raping the black women in the area. I got spooked enough reading about his exploits that I double checked my locks and (at one point) couldn't even sleep. This was a truly evil guy, and there was a particular twist halfway through the book in regards to his identity that nearly knocked me over. I never saw it coming in a million years, so major kudos to the author on that one! It was my favorite part of the entire book just because it was so unexpected.
Meanwhile, two detectives, Brianna Morris and Steven Kemp are on the case to solve the mystery of who this "Albany Predator" is, and I enjoyed these two. They had a romantic past that served as an intriguing sub-plot, and being a romance reader at heart, I loved how this was played out. I'd love to read future stories with these two. They provided some excellent humor and terrific romantic tension (even though their past was "history").
I definitely recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a "what will happen next?" on the edge of your seat suspense/mystery novel.
He's also able to charm his way with most people he comes across, so few people believe Melody when she tells them that he's been threatening her. Among those who can't see what a creep Keith really is are her sister and her new love interest. I admit that Keith was a very interesting character. I can't give away the ending, but suddenly the author gives us a glimpse of his point of view and it was nothing like I expected. It was easy to think of him one way when given Melody's point of view, but seeing his added another layer to him.
Then there is the "Albany Predator" who was a man going around and raping the black women in the area. I got spooked enough reading about his exploits that I double checked my locks and (at one point) couldn't even sleep. This was a truly evil guy, and there was a particular twist halfway through the book in regards to his identity that nearly knocked me over. I never saw it coming in a million years, so major kudos to the author on that one! It was my favorite part of the entire book just because it was so unexpected.
Meanwhile, two detectives, Brianna Morris and Steven Kemp are on the case to solve the mystery of who this "Albany Predator" is, and I enjoyed these two. They had a romantic past that served as an intriguing sub-plot, and being a romance reader at heart, I loved how this was played out. I'd love to read future stories with these two. They provided some excellent humor and terrific romantic tension (even though their past was "history").
I definitely recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a "what will happen next?" on the edge of your seat suspense/mystery novel.
September 22, 2008
Melody
"Melody" is two stories in one. First, you have the title character Melody. After the death of her parents, Melody and her sister, Sarah, were separated and raised by different family members. Now adults, they share a home. The new man in Sarah's life gives Melody the hebby jebbies. She can't quite figure it out, but something is not right with Keith and she is determined at all cost to find out. Will it be at the risk of her relationship with her sister or even her life?
Second, you have Detective Brianna Morris. She is one of the investigating officers tracking the Albany Predator, a serial rapist targeting black women. Funny thing is the descriptions of the assailant by his victims match her partner, Detective Steven Kemp, to a tee.
I found the premise of the first plot to be gearing towards unbelievable. I never got a good grasp of main character Melody, her sister, or their strained relationship. There were unresolved issues, questions left unanswered (WHY being my biggest one) and a character that really didn't serve a purpose (Craig).
The second plot, which I found more interesting, was overshadowed by the first and as a result was not expounded on as much as I would have liked. Like the first plot, there were also unresolved issues and questions left unanswered. I questioned why this subplot was even introduced since the stories overlapped minimally at best.
"Melody" was not a bad read, but it was uneven. With more development "Melody" has the potential to be a thriller.
Reviewed by: Lela
"Melody" is two stories in one. First, you have the title character Melody. After the death of her parents, Melody and her sister, Sarah, were separated and raised by different family members. Now adults, they share a home. The new man in Sarah's life gives Melody the hebby jebbies. She can't quite figure it out, but something is not right with Keith and she is determined at all cost to find out. Will it be at the risk of her relationship with her sister or even her life?
Second, you have Detective Brianna Morris. She is one of the investigating officers tracking the Albany Predator, a serial rapist targeting black women. Funny thing is the descriptions of the assailant by his victims match her partner, Detective Steven Kemp, to a tee.
I found the premise of the first plot to be gearing towards unbelievable. I never got a good grasp of main character Melody, her sister, or their strained relationship. There were unresolved issues, questions left unanswered (WHY being my biggest one) and a character that really didn't serve a purpose (Craig).
The second plot, which I found more interesting, was overshadowed by the first and as a result was not expounded on as much as I would have liked. Like the first plot, there were also unresolved issues and questions left unanswered. I questioned why this subplot was even introduced since the stories overlapped minimally at best.
"Melody" was not a bad read, but it was uneven. With more development "Melody" has the potential to be a thriller.
Reviewed by: Lela
August 14, 2008
It's a thriller. There's a story about a woman who I believe is looking out for her sister, Sarah. It is cool but it can be danger for someone you trust, deceive you and you can't do nothing about it because it's too last. I like the book. It's a must read and I'm enjoying it.
October 21, 2010
I LOVED this book!
February 3, 2026
This book pissed me off to no end.
June 30, 2012
Author Stacy-Deanne weaves two stories into one book with her latest release Melody. The first story centers on the title character Melody Cruz, who's very suspicious of her sister's new boyfriend Keith. Truth be told Melody has never liked any of her sister, Sarah's boyfriends but her concerns are well founded with Keith who she catches watching her undress. Keith's perverted ways aren't Melody's only concerns but she's having a hard time convincing her sister to see past Keith's good looks, charm, and wealth. Melody's determination to end her sister's relationship becomes dangerous when Keith discovers that Melody has been digging into his past.
The second story interweaved into the book is about a rapist who's terrorizing the city and has been labeled the "Albany Predator". The rapist is only attacking black women making Melody's best friend Aileen a prime candidate. Between the worrying about both Sarah and Aileen's safety, Melody is barely able to focus on herself or her blooming relationship with Lucas Lawson.
Meanwhile, the two detectives assigned to the "Albany Predator" case, Brianna Morris and Steven Kemp, have their hands full with terrified victims and no leads. But they also have no idea just how close to home this case is about to hit. The evidence is pointing in a very unlikely direction! Both stories manage to flow nicely together while sharing the same setting and central character, Melody.
What did you like about the book?
The "Albany Predator" story line was a great detective story and could have stood alone as a crime novel.
What did you dislike about the book?
The Keith and Sarah story line moved too slowly at the beginning. Melody's withholding of crucial information from Sarah made her appear weak and unsure of herself.
What could the author do to improve the book?
The title character, Melody, needed more self confidence to pull off the Keith-Sarah storyline. Melody came off as whiney and insecure making that story line drag. Readers need to relate with title characters especially if the book is going to be centered around them.
The second story interweaved into the book is about a rapist who's terrorizing the city and has been labeled the "Albany Predator". The rapist is only attacking black women making Melody's best friend Aileen a prime candidate. Between the worrying about both Sarah and Aileen's safety, Melody is barely able to focus on herself or her blooming relationship with Lucas Lawson.
Meanwhile, the two detectives assigned to the "Albany Predator" case, Brianna Morris and Steven Kemp, have their hands full with terrified victims and no leads. But they also have no idea just how close to home this case is about to hit. The evidence is pointing in a very unlikely direction! Both stories manage to flow nicely together while sharing the same setting and central character, Melody.
What did you like about the book?
The "Albany Predator" story line was a great detective story and could have stood alone as a crime novel.
What did you dislike about the book?
The Keith and Sarah story line moved too slowly at the beginning. Melody's withholding of crucial information from Sarah made her appear weak and unsure of herself.
What could the author do to improve the book?
The title character, Melody, needed more self confidence to pull off the Keith-Sarah storyline. Melody came off as whiney and insecure making that story line drag. Readers need to relate with title characters especially if the book is going to be centered around them.
March 1, 2016
I liked this book. It is truely a pager turner. I usually can figure out who done it rather quickly, however with this one I figured wrong. LOL It was intriguing.
Want to Read
March 1, 2010Just ordered a copy. Can't wait to read it!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews