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Beachcomber
Taking the summer off from her high-stress advertising job, Bonnie travels to a cozy Carolina beach where she falls for a handsome drifter and begins enjoying her time off, but when she realizes that the women in a string of killings bear her resemblance, she fears she may be next. Reprint.
464 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 12, 2003
212 people are currently reading
1149 people want to read
About the author
Karen Robards
133 books3,241 followersKaren Robards is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than fifty books and one novella. She has won multiple awards including six Affaire de Coeur Silver Pen Awards for favorite author.
Karen has been writing since she was very young, and was first published nationally in the December 1973 Reader's Digest. She sold her first romance novel, ISLAND FLAME, when she was 24. It was published by Leisure Books in 1981 and is still in print. After that, she dropped out of law school to pursue her writing career.
Karen was recently described by The Daily Mail as "one of the most reliable thriller....writers in the world."
Karen has been writing since she was very young, and was first published nationally in the December 1973 Reader's Digest. She sold her first romance novel, ISLAND FLAME, when she was 24. It was published by Leisure Books in 1981 and is still in print. After that, she dropped out of law school to pursue her writing career.
Karen was recently described by The Daily Mail as "one of the most reliable thriller....writers in the world."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
March 28, 2018
A bit below par.
I must admit it took me time and a lot of effort to finish reading this one. Not that it was an entirely awful read. Actually, I liked the way the story started although I was slightly confused and not sure where the plot was going. And as I read further into it, I found myself enjoying this book despite too many plot holes. The ongoing buildup of suspense really had me on the edge of my seat. Unfortunately, somewhere around the middle of the second half, when I expected the good drama and some groveling, the shit just hit the fan instead! And I can tell you that things definitely went downhill from there.
Despite the fact that I struggled with almost the whole last quarter of the book, I still had some hope that the ending would be great and it could at least make up for the bad parts. Sadly, it didn’t happen. The twist ending didn’t quite make sense to me at all. I was dissatisfied with its conclusion if you ask.
Now I’m not sure how to rate this one. It certainly didn’t measure up to my expectations, but somehow, I liked the storyline in the first half. Plus, it had me totally engrossed and made me lose myself for hours. So, I think I’m going with 3 stars.
I must admit it took me time and a lot of effort to finish reading this one. Not that it was an entirely awful read. Actually, I liked the way the story started although I was slightly confused and not sure where the plot was going. And as I read further into it, I found myself enjoying this book despite too many plot holes. The ongoing buildup of suspense really had me on the edge of my seat. Unfortunately, somewhere around the middle of the second half, when I expected the good drama and some groveling, the shit just hit the fan instead! And I can tell you that things definitely went downhill from there.
Despite the fact that I struggled with almost the whole last quarter of the book, I still had some hope that the ending would be great and it could at least make up for the bad parts. Sadly, it didn’t happen. The twist ending didn’t quite make sense to me at all. I was dissatisfied with its conclusion if you ask.
Now I’m not sure how to rate this one. It certainly didn’t measure up to my expectations, but somehow, I liked the storyline in the first half. Plus, it had me totally engrossed and made me lose myself for hours. So, I think I’m going with 3 stars.
April 1, 2017
This book held my attention from start to finish. You will go from Philly to the beaches of South Carolina. You will encounter the Mafia, FBI, Sexy FBI guy, lots of banter, a damsel in distress (she is kickass though), a serial killer, local yokel police, murder and hot sex. There is much more but I don't wanna spoil the fun! There are so many twists and turns that my heading was spinning!
March 27, 2017
good book. It combines humor, romance, and suspense. The suspense was right up to the end of the book.
June 7, 2017
A good story with interesting characters and several killers running around. After finding out that her fiancé is a high-ranking member of the mob, lawyer Christy Petrino breaks her engagement and quits her job. Her mother suggests a vacation--a week or two on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, at the beach--but it isn't the relaxing time in the sun that Christy hoped for. Her mother's boyfriend, "Uncle Vinny," who is also a mob member, demands that she do a job for him, leaving a package at a location he'll disclose once she's there. Christy isn't happy--she's avoided anything mob-related since her father was killed--but with her life and her mother's and sisters' on the line, she has no choice but to agree.
On the night of her arrival, she accomplishes her task and returns to her cottage...and finds a naked woman on the beach, who begs Christy to help her. Christy runs for her cottage, but is distracted by a man standing on the patio, who claims he's looking for his cat, and by the nosy old lady and her nephew next door. By the time Christy returns to the beach with the local sheriff and several deputies, the girl is dead, her throat slit.
Luke Rand doesn't have a cat. He's an FBI agent searching for Christy's ex-fiancé, who disappeared the day an indictment was handed down against him. Unaware that Christy has broken the engagement, he bugs her cottage. When someone bent on killing her breaks in at night, Luke comes to her rescue. But did he save her from a serial killer who has taken up residence on the island or from a mob hit?
On the night of her arrival, she accomplishes her task and returns to her cottage...and finds a naked woman on the beach, who begs Christy to help her. Christy runs for her cottage, but is distracted by a man standing on the patio, who claims he's looking for his cat, and by the nosy old lady and her nephew next door. By the time Christy returns to the beach with the local sheriff and several deputies, the girl is dead, her throat slit.
Luke Rand doesn't have a cat. He's an FBI agent searching for Christy's ex-fiancé, who disappeared the day an indictment was handed down against him. Unaware that Christy has broken the engagement, he bugs her cottage. When someone bent on killing her breaks in at night, Luke comes to her rescue. But did he save her from a serial killer who has taken up residence on the island or from a mob hit?
June 21, 2017
Great beach read, couldn't wait to get back to it! First book read from Karen Robards.
April 20, 2021
Suspenseful enough...I guess. Romance part of it was annoying.
November 1, 2018
After reading a fairly heavy book prior, I was ready for a lighthearted beachy read. Rule #1: Always read the inside flap of the book to find out what it is about before reading. #2 Don't judge a book by its cover. This book is not about a group of girlfriends beachcombing one summer in Nantucket. It is about the Mob and a serial killer called, "The Beachcomber." Protagonist Christy has one heck of a week while staying in a beach cottage on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. As I read I went back and forth between 3 and 4 stars. Was NOT happy when I realized what kind of book it was but I was hooked already and wanted to know what would happen. It was an absolute page turner and I couldn't turn them fast enough through much of the book. THEN I came to the part where the author goes a little Harlequin Romance on the reader. The indignant female falling in love with a man who she can't resist but fights her feelings. Name calling, temper tantrums, love making, punching him in the gut....it got old fast. THEN back to the page turner. I really struggled with the parts where the serial killer described how the Beast was coming out in him again and he had to hunt...It was a little too freaky for me. There were some twists and turns in this book. I am pretty good at figuring out whodunnit but this kept me guessing to the end. Several times I had to remind myself to breathe!! I don't recommend reading this when you are at home alone at night. Actually, if you are a wuss like me I don't recommend it at all. If you like a really good suspenseful novel that can get a bit graphic at times, this is your book. Just skip the Harlequin Romance part. It really didn't add much to the book anyway.
November 3, 2016
I think this is probably one of my favorite Robards' books so far. The action made it go fast, the suspense kept me turning pages long into the night. Even after I put it down I couldn't sleep for a while because my mind kept trying to figure out the mystery. There were twists and turns, the chemistry between the two main characters was great, and the sex scenes were sizzling.
My only complaint was the discovery of the serial killer's identity and disguise. I get that him being "Aunt Rosa" was great for shock value, but going back to "her" initial appearance in the book, I find it pretty unbelievable that "he" had time to slit Liz's throat, get back to the cottage area before Christy, put on the "Aunt Rosa" disguise (thinking the amount of time it took Robin Williams to transform into Mrs. Doubtfire), and show up at Christy's patio within a few minutes after she arrived (her having run straight there), and was holding Luke with Mace. Just not enough time to make it plausible, in my opinion.
Otherwise, the book was great and I never saw any of the twists coming, which says a lot because I can usually spot them miles away! Also there was plenty of humor throughout. Gary (I will now forever see SpongeBob as waving his arms and yelling "not perverts! Not perverts!"), Marvin's antics, Marvin's much demonstrated disdain for Luke, and then Gary being held a helpless "captive" by Christy's sister and her bubbly friends, all made me laugh out loud!
My only complaint was the discovery of the serial killer's identity and disguise. I get that him being "Aunt Rosa" was great for shock value, but going back to "her" initial appearance in the book, I find it pretty unbelievable that "he" had time to slit Liz's throat, get back to the cottage area before Christy, put on the "Aunt Rosa" disguise (thinking the amount of time it took Robin Williams to transform into Mrs. Doubtfire), and show up at Christy's patio within a few minutes after she arrived (her having run straight there), and was holding Luke with Mace. Just not enough time to make it plausible, in my opinion.
Otherwise, the book was great and I never saw any of the twists coming, which says a lot because I can usually spot them miles away! Also there was plenty of humor throughout. Gary (I will now forever see SpongeBob as waving his arms and yelling "not perverts! Not perverts!"), Marvin's antics, Marvin's much demonstrated disdain for Luke, and then Gary being held a helpless "captive" by Christy's sister and her bubbly friends, all made me laugh out loud!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2011
For the most part, this book is what I have come to expect from Ms. Robards in that it is fast-paced, suspenseful, and has a twist at the end, which I have not generally figured out ahead of time. Liz really bothered me, however. To have worked so hard, gotten so far, and then not to succeed was more than I could take. For the story line, it would have been okay to have her go into a coma or something that would effectively remove her from the action, but to take her out altogether and for no other reason than bad luck, was a bit much. I wasn't much thrilled with the heroine in many respects but to leave Liz to her fate and run away was a poor start. Ms. Robards does do a wonderful job of portraying fear throughout the book, which is her heroine's main characteristic. Since we are all victims of the fear within us, I probably shouldn't complain that Christy is ruled by hers, but I can't say that I look for the same characteristics in my heroines as I have myself. I always hope they will be something more. Christy is something less.
October 22, 2014
Beachcomber by Karen Robards
Love books about the seashore and with mystery intwined I though this would be a really good read.
Set on outer banks - can't wait to visit here myself, love the detailed descriptions.
Story follows the killer and their thoughts as they watch the woman in bikinis and they are his prey.
He was most taken with Liz and he stalks her as he has done to others. Also Christys' story is being told at the same time.
She's on a vacation in the outer banks when the other women have been killed on the beach. Luke is also following her as he's with the FBI and he wants information on a lot of money she had when she traveled south and left her boyfriend who was just handed a grand jury indictment.
She only delivered the suitcase so it would ensure her family would remain safe from now on....
Very real detailed action and frightening scenes. Loved hearing of the touristy things to do. Sex scenes really add to the story line.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Love books about the seashore and with mystery intwined I though this would be a really good read.
Set on outer banks - can't wait to visit here myself, love the detailed descriptions.
Story follows the killer and their thoughts as they watch the woman in bikinis and they are his prey.
He was most taken with Liz and he stalks her as he has done to others. Also Christys' story is being told at the same time.
She's on a vacation in the outer banks when the other women have been killed on the beach. Luke is also following her as he's with the FBI and he wants information on a lot of money she had when she traveled south and left her boyfriend who was just handed a grand jury indictment.
She only delivered the suitcase so it would ensure her family would remain safe from now on....
Very real detailed action and frightening scenes. Loved hearing of the touristy things to do. Sex scenes really add to the story line.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
August 6, 2009
I really liked this book and couldn't put it down.
It was a quick and interesting read.
And the ending was a surprise.
When Christy Petrino discovers that her fiancé, Michael DePalma, and the law firm where she works are linked to the mob, she breaks her engagement and quits her job. But no one walks away from the DePalma family so easily. Christy's freedom comes on one condition: She must deliver a locked briefcase to a motel on North Carolina's Ocracoke Island. Her late-night drop-off is only the beginning of a tide of terror: In the shadows of the Outer Banks, Christy senses she is being followed...and suddenly she is a witness in a police investigation of a serial killer known as the "Beachcomber" -- who targets young women who all resemble her. Handsome surfer Luke Rand offers the best kind of shelter in his strong arms. But as their sensual attraction flares, Christy hears warning bells telling her if you want to survive a hot and deadly summer, trust no one....
It was a quick and interesting read.
And the ending was a surprise.
When Christy Petrino discovers that her fiancé, Michael DePalma, and the law firm where she works are linked to the mob, she breaks her engagement and quits her job. But no one walks away from the DePalma family so easily. Christy's freedom comes on one condition: She must deliver a locked briefcase to a motel on North Carolina's Ocracoke Island. Her late-night drop-off is only the beginning of a tide of terror: In the shadows of the Outer Banks, Christy senses she is being followed...and suddenly she is a witness in a police investigation of a serial killer known as the "Beachcomber" -- who targets young women who all resemble her. Handsome surfer Luke Rand offers the best kind of shelter in his strong arms. But as their sensual attraction flares, Christy hears warning bells telling her if you want to survive a hot and deadly summer, trust no one....
June 23, 2014
I picked this book up solely due to its location and read it where it's set - on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina. It is not the type of book I usually read, as I have a high sensitivity to violence of any kind. That being said, there were only a few passages that really got to me in that vein (no pun intended) and I found the book to be engrossing and, all in all, a good Beach Read. The twist at the end was nice, a bit unrealistic, but nice. If you like books of this type, you will enjoy it. The plots moves along nicely and the character of Luke made for some nice, um, literal eye candy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2014
Christy Petrino breaks off her engagement to her boss Michael DePalma when she finds out that the law firm they work at is just a front for Michael 's mob family. The only way to get free from the family is to deliver a briefcase to a motel on Ocracoke Island. on the way back from the drop she stumbles a women who dies before Christy can bring help..... how she don't know if it's the mob or a serial killer hunting her down... plus every time something bad happens her neighbor Luke Rand is there. But she only feels safe with him.
February 3, 2015
Another great suspense romance from Karen Robards. When Christy Petrino left Philadelphia to come to Nags Head for a much needed break she did not know she would end up in the middle of a FBI undercover operation. Luke Rand needed to locate Christy new ex-boyfriend who was connected with the mob so he used hidden cameras and mics to watch her every move. Unfortunately she also witnessed a killing on the beach and now the serial killer was after her too or was he?
This is a fast moving, exciting story with just enough romance to keep you on edge.
This is a fast moving, exciting story with just enough romance to keep you on edge.
December 15, 2014
I really liked this book. I never reread the beginning, just too creepy for me, but after that I really like the book. I like the feral cat Marvin, I love how Luke gets stuck with him. I love how he keeps trying to convince Christy that they keep bumping into each other by accident. I loved their escape from the trunk, and really loved the turtles. The villain was a total surprise, I never ever would have guessed.
June 4, 2017
The author kept me on the edge of my seat during many parts of this book. This is the first hard cover book I have read from Karen Robards, however, several years ago I did listen to one of her audiobooks, which also was very good. I have been trying to remember Ocracoke Island from our last visit there many years ago. Sadly, I could not. Only that we took a boat to get there and I believe there was a lighthouse.
October 28, 2015
the actions starts right from the beginning and never ends. christy is trying to outrun 2 killers, but when she runs into someone she finally feels safe with, he can get her into just as much trouble as the killers. karen robards keeps you on your toes this whole book. just when you think you might know the ending, think again.
August 8, 2009
This book was full of twists and turns and I think anyone that reads James Patterson books think would like this book because it is also full of mystery and murder. I authur be interested in knowing what other people think after they find out who the Beachcomber really is. I would not typically read a book like this one but now I can’t wait to read more by this writer.
June 26, 2012
This book is great! It's an awesome romantic suspense that makes you laugh, your heart flutter but also keeps you on edge! There are many negative comments about Karen Robard's books but it really is a great fun read! It's easy and simple but still is good and keeps you wanting to flip the pages! I loved this book and couldn't put it down!
January 3, 2010
I like Karen Robards , but some of her books just are not for me . This one I really like though , it was my probably favorite of all I've read from her . I read it one day at the beach , it was an easy read and very entertaining . Good filler . (:
August 10, 2010
A good summer read. This book, set on an east coast island, has what it takes to keep a summer reader anxious to keep reading until the story is over. There is a little suspense, romance, and a weird twist at the end.
September 11, 2011
I liked this book. It was exciting and fun at the same time.
This is a really good beach read. This summer was so hot in Texas, that staying inside with a good book was the best!
I was only reading the light stuff.
This is a really good beach read. This summer was so hot in Texas, that staying inside with a good book was the best!
I was only reading the light stuff.
June 20, 2014
Karen Robards is a very good romantic suspense author. She is the best I have read for the non stop action and great characters. However, she deals with some heavy stuff and her books are very salacious. They are not uplifting but for page turners I haven't read much better.
August 28, 2018
Väga põnev.
Raamatus ei puudunud midagi mis mulle ei meeldiks.
Mõrvad, tagaajamised,FBI mehed, seks ja sassis suhted.
Kes on ikka mõrvar või mõrvarid.
Mismoodi on seotud Christy ekskallim Michael?
Raamatus ei puudunud midagi mis mulle ei meeldiks.
Mõrvad, tagaajamised,FBI mehed, seks ja sassis suhted.
Kes on ikka mõrvar või mõrvarid.
Mismoodi on seotud Christy ekskallim Michael?
June 4, 2007
Great summer read...I read it two summers ago!
February 20, 2008
One of Karen's mystery/romance novels. A good plot and some scary scenes that I still think about. There's some VERY risky scenes in here that made me blush!
September 4, 2008
Wow - I could picture this couple - and wow, was the man hot!!! Great read - quick and fast page turner!!
September 27, 2011
A wonderful, exciting thriller - with a totally surprise ending. I never saw it coming.
August 24, 2009
Good romantic suspense Murder mystery with a twist at the end. Enjoyed this - setting was on the Outer Banks. First time I've read this author - liked her.
May 18, 2010
A quick and easy read. Very suspenseful. I finished it quickly because I couldn't quit thinking about it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews