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Heart Breaker
She’ll do whatever it takes to track this killer ...
Harmony Talbot’s world is destroyed when she arrives home and discovers her cousin’s dead body, left with a single white rose as the killer’s calling card. Lightning shouldn’t strike twice, but this is the second unsolved murder in Harmony’s family. Harmony is determined that this time there will be justice, even if she has to track down the culprit herself.
Homicide detective Bern Knight is good at catching criminals. Though meaningful, his work leaves little time for relationships, and the last thing he needs is a beautiful, bumbling amateur sleuth getting herself into trouble. Whoever committed this crime is no ordinary murderer; he's a ghost, leaving behind no evidence until more bodies with the same sadistic markers start turning up.
As a digital forensic investigator, Harmony has a special set of skills that she’s fully prepared to use, no matter how much the stern detective is against her interference. Tracking the killer is no easy feat, but Harmony lures him out of hiding. Except now she’s the one in the killer’s crosshairs…
Harmony Talbot’s world is destroyed when she arrives home and discovers her cousin’s dead body, left with a single white rose as the killer’s calling card. Lightning shouldn’t strike twice, but this is the second unsolved murder in Harmony’s family. Harmony is determined that this time there will be justice, even if she has to track down the culprit herself.
Homicide detective Bern Knight is good at catching criminals. Though meaningful, his work leaves little time for relationships, and the last thing he needs is a beautiful, bumbling amateur sleuth getting herself into trouble. Whoever committed this crime is no ordinary murderer; he's a ghost, leaving behind no evidence until more bodies with the same sadistic markers start turning up.
As a digital forensic investigator, Harmony has a special set of skills that she’s fully prepared to use, no matter how much the stern detective is against her interference. Tracking the killer is no easy feat, but Harmony lures him out of hiding. Except now she’s the one in the killer’s crosshairs…
385 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 15, 2017
Tired after her flying work trip to Melbourne, Harmony Talbot was looking forward to relaxing with a glass of wine for the remainder of Sunday before returning to work on the Monday. She was surprised to see her cousin and housemate’s car still at their house, but could see no sign of Leona – Harmony thought she’d probably gone for a walk. But it wasn’t long before her complacency turned to horror when she discovered Leona’s brutally battered body…
Detective Bernard Knight headed the homicide team called to Harmony’s home and he was disgusted at what they found. The ensuing investigation found the killer was smart; forensics had nothing to go on – everything was wiped clean. But Bern knew people made mistakes – they just had to find this killer’s.
In the meantime Harmony decided to do some investigating herself. She was a digital forensic investigator with skills in IT that the majority of experts didn’t have. And she was prepared to use those skills even when she knew she shouldn’t. But the sudden and shocking discovery of more bodies gave both Harmony and the homicide detectives the realisation that they were dealing with a serial killer – and the danger was creeping even closer to Harmony than she was aware. Would Bern and his team catch the psychopath before another body was found?
Heart Breaker by Aussie author Shannon Curtis is a completely breathtaking, intense and fast paced psychological thriller with a ripple of romance throughout. I raced through the pages with my heart in my mouth (as the saying goes!), horrified at what I could see would happen and hoping it wouldn’t! What a great read this was! I have no hesitation in recommending Heart Breaker very highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital copy to read and review.
Detective Bernard Knight headed the homicide team called to Harmony’s home and he was disgusted at what they found. The ensuing investigation found the killer was smart; forensics had nothing to go on – everything was wiped clean. But Bern knew people made mistakes – they just had to find this killer’s.
In the meantime Harmony decided to do some investigating herself. She was a digital forensic investigator with skills in IT that the majority of experts didn’t have. And she was prepared to use those skills even when she knew she shouldn’t. But the sudden and shocking discovery of more bodies gave both Harmony and the homicide detectives the realisation that they were dealing with a serial killer – and the danger was creeping even closer to Harmony than she was aware. Would Bern and his team catch the psychopath before another body was found?
Heart Breaker by Aussie author Shannon Curtis is a completely breathtaking, intense and fast paced psychological thriller with a ripple of romance throughout. I raced through the pages with my heart in my mouth (as the saying goes!), horrified at what I could see would happen and hoping it wouldn’t! What a great read this was! I have no hesitation in recommending Heart Breaker very highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital copy to read and review.
April 26, 2019
After her trip away on a work related workshop, Harmony Talbot is relieved to be home. She is looking forward to nothing more than a relaxing time catching up with her cousin and housemate Leona. But Leona has a secret she has not shared with her cousin. That secret costs Leona her life. Harmony comes home to find Leona’s dead body. On her mutilated body is a single white rose. For the second time murder has come to Harmony’s family. The other one that occurred when Harmony was fourteen was her father. When that happened her mother fell apart. Harmony fears what response this latest murder will have on the sisters, Leona’s mother and her own mother. Detective Bern Knight is good at his job. But he has paid the price once before for a serious mistake with a woman involved in a case. So the last thing he needs is Harmony getting involved in this case. But Harmony seems to have made it her job to solve Leona’s murder. And then another murder occurs and the spectre of a sick serial killer raises its head. Young women are at risk. Can they catch him before he kills again?
I wasn’t sure how far I would get with this book as the murders are sadistic and sickening. Thankfully the author doesn’t go into extensive detail but enough to set the scene and show how twisted this killer is. I really liked both Harmony, who is a caring person who often puts others needs above her own. I also liked Bern and especially with relationship he has with his large, supportive family of siblings. This is a gripping read that presses all the suspense and tension filled buttons. The pace is fairly consistent throughout broken only by a couple of steamy scenes. Towards the end the pace is absolutely full on. I dare you to try and put it down then. I couldn’t.
Initially I picked up this book because I had read Runaway Lies by the same author and enjoyed it. This one didn’t let me down either. It had me turning pages as fast as I could and wanting to get back to it at every opportunity. A book that will have you fearful at times of the ease at which information is acquired, I found this to be a compelling read and highly recommended.
I wasn’t sure how far I would get with this book as the murders are sadistic and sickening. Thankfully the author doesn’t go into extensive detail but enough to set the scene and show how twisted this killer is. I really liked both Harmony, who is a caring person who often puts others needs above her own. I also liked Bern and especially with relationship he has with his large, supportive family of siblings. This is a gripping read that presses all the suspense and tension filled buttons. The pace is fairly consistent throughout broken only by a couple of steamy scenes. Towards the end the pace is absolutely full on. I dare you to try and put it down then. I couldn’t.
Initially I picked up this book because I had read Runaway Lies by the same author and enjoyed it. This one didn’t let me down either. It had me turning pages as fast as I could and wanting to get back to it at every opportunity. A book that will have you fearful at times of the ease at which information is acquired, I found this to be a compelling read and highly recommended.
April 3, 2017
Okay so Heart Breaker... was brilliant!
This is my first time reading anything by Shannon Curtis and I was pleasantly surprised. One, being Australian and reading a book set in Australia is always a plus, especially Sydney, as it enriches the visuals in my mind considering I've been there before! (Well, not a car yard or anything, but you get me). Two, this novel just blew it's competition out of the water. Not only a murder/ thriller mystery full of intrigue, but throw in the added romance and some steamy sex scenes and you've got me hooked.
The characters were rich and bold, likening them to the audience and I liked that I couldn't really pick the murderer until well on into the book. A very smart and thrilling read, Heart Breaker should definitely be on your to read list!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first time reading anything by Shannon Curtis and I was pleasantly surprised. One, being Australian and reading a book set in Australia is always a plus, especially Sydney, as it enriches the visuals in my mind considering I've been there before! (Well, not a car yard or anything, but you get me). Two, this novel just blew it's competition out of the water. Not only a murder/ thriller mystery full of intrigue, but throw in the added romance and some steamy sex scenes and you've got me hooked.
The characters were rich and bold, likening them to the audience and I liked that I couldn't really pick the murderer until well on into the book. A very smart and thrilling read, Heart Breaker should definitely be on your to read list!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2017
WOW! This rocked! As an Aussie I was thrilled to find another GREAT Aussie author.
My first book by Shannon Curtis but it won't be the last. The storyline was great and I liked all the characters. This was full of mystery, suspense and a little bit of creepy as hell. It also contained a bit of romance and hot sex. I was drawn in from the very first chapter and struggled when I had to put the book down. I didn't lose interest at all, definitely a page turner that had me on the edge of my seat. Also a great ending.
My first book by Shannon Curtis but it won't be the last. The storyline was great and I liked all the characters. This was full of mystery, suspense and a little bit of creepy as hell. It also contained a bit of romance and hot sex. I was drawn in from the very first chapter and struggled when I had to put the book down. I didn't lose interest at all, definitely a page turner that had me on the edge of my seat. Also a great ending.
August 31, 2024
Heart Breaker is an excellent romantic suspense book by Shannon Curtis. After attending a conference in Melbourne, digital forensic investigator Harmony Talbot comes home to find her cousin dead in the home they share. However, this was not the first time that murder hit Harmony's family. Not following the direction of Detective Inspective Bern Knight, Harmony Talbot started to investigate her cousin's murder. Will this decision lead her into the arms of the killer? The readers of Heart Breaker will continue to follow Harmony Talbot, and Detective Inspective Bern Knight will discover what happens.
I enjoy Shannon Curtis's writing style, which always connects me with her characters and story. I engaged with this Book from the first page and continued to the end. I love Shannon Curtis's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other. Heart Breaker is well-written and researched. I like Shannon Curtis's description of the settings of Heart Breaker, which allowed me to imagine being part of the Book's plot.
The readers of Heart Breaker will understand the role of digital forensic investigators. They are forensic investigators, gaining insights into their crucial role in law enforcement and company security. The Book also explores the personal struggles of those entangled in crime, adding a compelling layer to the narrative.
I recommend this Book.
I enjoy Shannon Curtis's writing style, which always connects me with her characters and story. I engaged with this Book from the first page and continued to the end. I love Shannon Curtis's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other. Heart Breaker is well-written and researched. I like Shannon Curtis's description of the settings of Heart Breaker, which allowed me to imagine being part of the Book's plot.
The readers of Heart Breaker will understand the role of digital forensic investigators. They are forensic investigators, gaining insights into their crucial role in law enforcement and company security. The Book also explores the personal struggles of those entangled in crime, adding a compelling layer to the narrative.
I recommend this Book.
May 7, 2017
WOW this is one hell of a good story, a story that is so well written I got lost in it for the weekend. MS Curtis has bought to life on the pages of this book a serial killer, a cop who is hard working honest and never gives up and a heroine who is determined to get justice for her family and she will go to any lengths to get it.
Harmony Talbot has come home early from an IT conference in Melbourne to her Sydney home that she shares with her cousin Leona only to discover that Leona has been brutally murdered how could this happen again she lost her father fourteen years before in a murder that was never solved, this time Harmony is going to ensure that the killer is caught even if she has to catch the killer herself.
Bern Knight is a good detective he works hard and does not leave a lot of time for himself although he is very close to his family, but when he meets Harmony at the scene of the crime he feels a spark for this woman a beautiful woman who pushes him with her vulnerability and strength and he does get closer to her as he investigates the murders but also does his best to keep Harmony safe with her doing her own investigating.
The romance between Bern and Harmony is sensual and moving, Harmony uses her digital forensic knowledge to help the police department secretly although Bern has a good idea where the information is coming from but the more he is around her the bigger the pull between them. And as they get closer to the killer everything heats up. Truly this is a story not to be missed I loved it from start to finish and I highly recommend this one thank you MS Curtis for another keeper and one that will stay with me for a long time and ensure I keep the doors locked and am very careful online.
Harmony Talbot has come home early from an IT conference in Melbourne to her Sydney home that she shares with her cousin Leona only to discover that Leona has been brutally murdered how could this happen again she lost her father fourteen years before in a murder that was never solved, this time Harmony is going to ensure that the killer is caught even if she has to catch the killer herself.
Bern Knight is a good detective he works hard and does not leave a lot of time for himself although he is very close to his family, but when he meets Harmony at the scene of the crime he feels a spark for this woman a beautiful woman who pushes him with her vulnerability and strength and he does get closer to her as he investigates the murders but also does his best to keep Harmony safe with her doing her own investigating.
The romance between Bern and Harmony is sensual and moving, Harmony uses her digital forensic knowledge to help the police department secretly although Bern has a good idea where the information is coming from but the more he is around her the bigger the pull between them. And as they get closer to the killer everything heats up. Truly this is a story not to be missed I loved it from start to finish and I highly recommend this one thank you MS Curtis for another keeper and one that will stay with me for a long time and ensure I keep the doors locked and am very careful online.
May 28, 2017
Heart Breaker by Shannon Curtis is the best book I have read for a while. The fact that the killer's identity is given to us as little snippets at a time just makes you want to keep on reading to find out what makes this person motivated to kill. As it also has a budding romance involved between one of the victims cousins and the lead detective also keeps the interest going.
Harmony arrives home early from a conference to discover her dead cousins body with a single white rose - this is the killers calling card. Unfortunately for Harmony's family this is the second death in her close knit family and she will do anything to help catch the killer. Her father was previously murdered and the killer was never found. Harmony this time is going to make sure that justice is done for her family and will use her skills as a digital forensic investigator to catch a killer at all costs.
The homicide detective assigned to the case - Bern Knight - good at catching criminals and with the 'misguided' help of Harmony pulls out all stops to bring him in especially when 8 other bodies are discovered in a scrap yard.
A constant page turner that had me burning the midnight oil.
Harmony arrives home early from a conference to discover her dead cousins body with a single white rose - this is the killers calling card. Unfortunately for Harmony's family this is the second death in her close knit family and she will do anything to help catch the killer. Her father was previously murdered and the killer was never found. Harmony this time is going to make sure that justice is done for her family and will use her skills as a digital forensic investigator to catch a killer at all costs.
The homicide detective assigned to the case - Bern Knight - good at catching criminals and with the 'misguided' help of Harmony pulls out all stops to bring him in especially when 8 other bodies are discovered in a scrap yard.
A constant page turner that had me burning the midnight oil.
May 22, 2017
I received Heart Breaker by Shannon Curtis to read and review from Beauty and Lace Book Club.
A digital forensic investigator returns home after a weekend away to discover the brutally murdered body of her cousin. She makes a promise to her family to bring the murderer to justice at whatever cost.
The Homicide Detective in charge of the case struggles with his growing attraction to the victims cousin.
They are in a terrifying race to catch the killer before he strikes again.
Fast paced packed with murder, mystery, romance and a thrilling conclusion.
A great read.
A digital forensic investigator returns home after a weekend away to discover the brutally murdered body of her cousin. She makes a promise to her family to bring the murderer to justice at whatever cost.
The Homicide Detective in charge of the case struggles with his growing attraction to the victims cousin.
They are in a terrifying race to catch the killer before he strikes again.
Fast paced packed with murder, mystery, romance and a thrilling conclusion.
A great read.
May 20, 2017
Heart Breaker is a thrilling and unpredictable read that delivers us disturbing murders and gruesomely displayed antics of a serial killer .
This is by far the most suspenseful read I've read in a long time I spent the entire time reading enthralled at the cleverness of the authors insight into forensic cyber dealings and the information put forth in regards to the ins and outs of the investigating behind murders .
It's truly a roller coaster ride . Heartbreak , past regrets , suspense , romance , intrigue , family and and unpredictable read that will have you on the edge of your seat till the very last page.
Lots of great characters penned within the pages . Strong , sassy and kick ass heroine . A sexy detective and an array of wonderfully scripted secondary characters .
Family was also an important role within the story , hope , past traumas and standing as a team and loving unconditionally .
I enjoyed the romance and steamy sex scenes :) so for those who like smouldering connections you'll be pleasantly sated lol
Harmony and Bern found something they never bargained for among a dark road , it certainly brought some light in the turmoil .
The murders are gruesome, dark and twisted .. as the story unravels so does the beginning of the saga . We find out why .... who ... and are given closure on all aspects .
The author certainly keeps you on your toes from beginning to end .
My first read from this author and it won't be my last .
A twisted killer
A sassy cyber whizz
And a hell bent detective ...
A thrilling read from beginning to end .
This is by far the most suspenseful read I've read in a long time I spent the entire time reading enthralled at the cleverness of the authors insight into forensic cyber dealings and the information put forth in regards to the ins and outs of the investigating behind murders .
It's truly a roller coaster ride . Heartbreak , past regrets , suspense , romance , intrigue , family and and unpredictable read that will have you on the edge of your seat till the very last page.
Lots of great characters penned within the pages . Strong , sassy and kick ass heroine . A sexy detective and an array of wonderfully scripted secondary characters .
Family was also an important role within the story , hope , past traumas and standing as a team and loving unconditionally .
I enjoyed the romance and steamy sex scenes :) so for those who like smouldering connections you'll be pleasantly sated lol
Harmony and Bern found something they never bargained for among a dark road , it certainly brought some light in the turmoil .
The murders are gruesome, dark and twisted .. as the story unravels so does the beginning of the saga . We find out why .... who ... and are given closure on all aspects .
The author certainly keeps you on your toes from beginning to end .
My first read from this author and it won't be my last .
A twisted killer
A sassy cyber whizz
And a hell bent detective ...
A thrilling read from beginning to end .
October 10, 2019
I'm only three chapters in so this review and stars may get edited, but I find it quite inappropriate that we have several pages of the 'hero' cop rhapsodising about how stunningly beautiful the heroine is ( "beautiful, almost angelic, except for the tousled curls that immediately and oh-so-wrongly put images of her hair tumbling across his pillow - no, better yet, his chest") at the crime scene where her cousin (who she lives with and is very close to) just got murdered, and then have our 'heroine' think about how handsome the hero was ("his scent, his clear blue gaze and strong jaw, his strength") while she's hugging her aunt and mother just after telling them her cousin (their daughter/niece) died. Can we at least wait for the body to cool before they notice how attractive they are?
*****
Finished and I'm really disappointed - I was excited to be discovering a new-to-me Australian author and enjoy romantic suspense as a genre. Yet in the end the stars went down from my initial impression, not up - I find the 'romance' (and the speed at which it moves) unbelievable and inappropriate, don't find it romantic (based entirely on physical appearances and lust), the crime element is very dark (I really don't want to see things from the killer's perspective!), and the murderer has practically been put on a pedestal as a genius who is eeeeeevil. If you want well done Australian romantic suspense, try Sarah Barrie instead - e.g. Blood Tree River.
*****
Finished and I'm really disappointed - I was excited to be discovering a new-to-me Australian author and enjoy romantic suspense as a genre. Yet in the end the stars went down from my initial impression, not up - I find the 'romance' (and the speed at which it moves) unbelievable and inappropriate, don't find it romantic (based entirely on physical appearances and lust), the crime element is very dark (I really don't want to see things from the killer's perspective!), and the murderer has practically been put on a pedestal as a genius who is eeeeeevil. If you want well done Australian romantic suspense, try Sarah Barrie instead - e.g. Blood Tree River.
May 26, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. Probably wasn't the smartest to read it while home alone though! Quite scary to see how easy it is for social media be used for evil, although I am pretty much aware of it, Heart Breaker shows the dark side of the techno devices we use every day. Enjoyed the characters, the Knight family sound like a lot of fun. I could see a future story with Bern and Harmony joining forces to run their own business.
Recommend to all crime readers.
Recommend to all crime readers.
July 3, 2017
Amazing! Tightly plotted, edge of your seat thriller with a lovely romance woven through it. I loved the characters, both the MCs and supporting and hopefully Bern's siblings will get their own stories in the future as they all look to have really interesting back stories that I'd love to learn more about.
April 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, partly because it was set in Sydney but mostly because its a damn good read with lots of interesting side stories as well as a major murder/serial killer vibe. Highly recommenrd
June 23, 2017
3.5 stars
Romance was blah and the book dragged in the middle but the climax was awesome.
Romance was blah and the book dragged in the middle but the climax was awesome.
July 23, 2017
This is the first romantic suspense novel I've read and I loved it! I think I found a new genre I love to read haha.
August 5, 2017
I finally got to sit down and finish the fab thriller from Shannon Curtis, Heart Breaker. Wow, did that have me enthralled! I love a good romantic suspense, particularly one where both elements of romance and suspense complement each other rather than compete. This was certainly the case with Heart Breaker.
Harmony and Bern were brilliantly drawn characters, and their chemistry was perfect. The identity of the villain in this piece is drip-fed, and at times you think you may have the person pegged, but never until she wants you to know, did the author reveal it. I also really enjoyed the glimpses into my Sydney - places that I remember from my childhood.
Heart Breaker is definitely worth a read! Thrilling and suspenseful, taut and vibrant, with deeply interesting characters you can't help but want to know more about.
Harmony and Bern were brilliantly drawn characters, and their chemistry was perfect. The identity of the villain in this piece is drip-fed, and at times you think you may have the person pegged, but never until she wants you to know, did the author reveal it. I also really enjoyed the glimpses into my Sydney - places that I remember from my childhood.
Heart Breaker is definitely worth a read! Thrilling and suspenseful, taut and vibrant, with deeply interesting characters you can't help but want to know more about.
June 2, 2018
I really enjoyed this story. It was creative, different , heartfelt, sexy and funny. Nice to see an Australian author. Great read.
Love the characters. How it roll into one. Love that the characters came from different back grounds. Reasons behind the serial killer and how the heroine reacts. Enjoyable read
Love the characters. How it roll into one. Love that the characters came from different back grounds. Reasons behind the serial killer and how the heroine reacts. Enjoyable read
May 2, 2017
What a great page turning story, I only wish I didn't have such a busy weekend so that I could have read it through!
After a conference in Melbourne, Harmony Talbot returns home earlier than expected to the house she shares with her cousin Leona. She thinks that Leona has gone on a frenzied house cleaning spree, as it's spotless and has a faint lemony smell. Hoping that she won't be long with what ever she's doing, Harmony settles in for a relaxing afternoon but that soon turns to horror when she discovers Leona's mutilated body.
Detective Bernard 'Bern' Knight is assigned to the case and very soon it becomes apparent that a serial killer is on the loose. With the police not having much to go on, Harmony's skills in her work as a digital forensic investigator come to the fore and she does some illegal cyber sleuthing, while both she and Bern are becoming more attracted to each other.
I must admit this had me fascinated with the cat and mouse game played over the internet in cyber land. Very fast paced, this book had my heart in my mouth many times and I loved the way Harmony and Bern's relationship developed, just the type of romantic suspense novel I love and one I certainly recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.
After a conference in Melbourne, Harmony Talbot returns home earlier than expected to the house she shares with her cousin Leona. She thinks that Leona has gone on a frenzied house cleaning spree, as it's spotless and has a faint lemony smell. Hoping that she won't be long with what ever she's doing, Harmony settles in for a relaxing afternoon but that soon turns to horror when she discovers Leona's mutilated body.
Detective Bernard 'Bern' Knight is assigned to the case and very soon it becomes apparent that a serial killer is on the loose. With the police not having much to go on, Harmony's skills in her work as a digital forensic investigator come to the fore and she does some illegal cyber sleuthing, while both she and Bern are becoming more attracted to each other.
I must admit this had me fascinated with the cat and mouse game played over the internet in cyber land. Very fast paced, this book had my heart in my mouth many times and I loved the way Harmony and Bern's relationship developed, just the type of romantic suspense novel I love and one I certainly recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.
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January 31, 2018The premise was interesting but the writing style didn't engage me and I found the pacing quite slow; there was more telling rather than showing. This was a DNF for me.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews