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To save the woman he loves, he has to let a killer walk free.
Annabelle Englewood's life is crumbling around her. Her entire family is slaughtered; she's accused of committing the crime; and the detective working the case is making her feel things she doesn't want to feel and challenging her belief that she is unworthy of being loved.
Detective Xavier Montague knows better than to get involved with a woman in a case he's working. Especially one who is so emotionally vulnerable. And yet, against his better judgment, he's drawn to Annabelle, but this forbidden attraction will force him to confront the darkest time in his life.
↝ Trigger warning - mature content, issues of sexual assault/abuse, violence ↜
Annabelle Englewood's life is crumbling around her. Her entire family is slaughtered; she's accused of committing the crime; and the detective working the case is making her feel things she doesn't want to feel and challenging her belief that she is unworthy of being loved.
Detective Xavier Montague knows better than to get involved with a woman in a case he's working. Especially one who is so emotionally vulnerable. And yet, against his better judgment, he's drawn to Annabelle, but this forbidden attraction will force him to confront the darkest time in his life.
↝ Trigger warning - mature content, issues of sexual assault/abuse, violence ↜
288 pages, ebook
First published January 8, 2016
350 people are currently reading
503 people want to read
About the author
Jane Blythe
117 books1,361 followers
USA Today bestselling author Jane Blythe writes action-packed romantic suspense and military romance featuring protective heroes and heroines who are survivors. One of Jane's most popular series includes Prey Security, part of Susan Stoker's OPERATION ALPHA world! Writing in that world alongside authors such as Janie Crouch and Riley Edwards has been a blast, and she looks forward to bringing more books to this genre, both within and outside of Stoker's world. When Jane isn't binge-reading she's counting down to Christmas and adding to her 200+ teddy bear collection!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
September 17, 2016
Was she a victim or a murderer? Annabelle is the only survivor of the demented gore and murder in her family’s home and she doesn’t remember a thing. Was it because she was found sleeping when detectives arrived? How could she not hear the deaths and mutilations of her family? Why was she spared? How does Detective Xavier Montague go from accusations of murder to becoming Annabelle’s protector?
Annabelle is stunned, she had no idea what was happening as she slept, but was it a natural sleep or was her dream of a shadowy figure in her room a reality? What did he do to her? Not ready to accept the about face form the detective, Annabelle is alone, scared and runs to her best friend and neighbor who seems to be the only person to believe her until more families face the same macabre scenes. Why is one survivor left? Is it a sick message from the killer who dances in their blood?
Get ready to take notes as the clues lead the detectives on wild goose chase to stop a serial killer before he strikes again. Is the killer giving them obscure clues that no one can fit into the puzzle?
Xavier never meant to fall for the beautiful Annabelle or to want to understand why she feels she is unlovable. As the danger grows, so does their attraction, but could it a fatal to one or both of them?
One by Jane Blythe digs into the darker side of detective work, the side we don’t see, the side that has more questions than answers. Never get involved with the victims/suspects, but Xavier has his own past that calls to the protector in him where Annabelle is concerned. Annabelle is one tough and damaged character and I liked her, but the mystery of why she was unworthy for love needed to be out there sooner! I swear I got hives waiting! I do have to say, Jane Blythe nailed this suspense/mystery with just the right touch of doubt as to the villain, and his motives were a shocker! Fabulous reading with a chance to get a touch of romance while sharpening your detective skills!
I received this copy from Jane Blythe in exchange for my honest review.
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Series: Count to Ten - Book 1
Publication Date: January 8, 2016
Publisher: Jane Blythe / Bear Spots Publications
ISBN-10: 0992418070
ISBN-13: 978-0992418076
Genre: Mystery | Thriller | Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 287 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Annabelle is stunned, she had no idea what was happening as she slept, but was it a natural sleep or was her dream of a shadowy figure in her room a reality? What did he do to her? Not ready to accept the about face form the detective, Annabelle is alone, scared and runs to her best friend and neighbor who seems to be the only person to believe her until more families face the same macabre scenes. Why is one survivor left? Is it a sick message from the killer who dances in their blood?
Get ready to take notes as the clues lead the detectives on wild goose chase to stop a serial killer before he strikes again. Is the killer giving them obscure clues that no one can fit into the puzzle?
Xavier never meant to fall for the beautiful Annabelle or to want to understand why she feels she is unlovable. As the danger grows, so does their attraction, but could it a fatal to one or both of them?
One by Jane Blythe digs into the darker side of detective work, the side we don’t see, the side that has more questions than answers. Never get involved with the victims/suspects, but Xavier has his own past that calls to the protector in him where Annabelle is concerned. Annabelle is one tough and damaged character and I liked her, but the mystery of why she was unworthy for love needed to be out there sooner! I swear I got hives waiting! I do have to say, Jane Blythe nailed this suspense/mystery with just the right touch of doubt as to the villain, and his motives were a shocker! Fabulous reading with a chance to get a touch of romance while sharpening your detective skills!
I received this copy from Jane Blythe in exchange for my honest review.
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Series: Count to Ten - Book 1
Publication Date: January 8, 2016
Publisher: Jane Blythe / Bear Spots Publications
ISBN-10: 0992418070
ISBN-13: 978-0992418076
Genre: Mystery | Thriller | Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 287 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
March 21, 2017
*Thank you to the author for providing a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review!*
Actual Rating: 5.0
This is, quite possible, one of the best romantic suspenses that I've ever read.
One begins with the gruesome murder of the Englewood family - except for Annabelle Englewood. When all signs point to her as the perpetrator, Detective Xavier Montague assumes she's the killer. Until another family is murdered with the same morbidity, and it becomes obvious that the killer is still on the loose. As murder after murder follow, the pieces become that much harder to piece together. And as Xavier deals with his newfound feelings for Annabelle, he may be forced to make a decision that will question how much he is willing to risk for the person he loves.
First of all, the plot. Holy. That was such a wild ride from start to finish, so much that I finished it in two hours, all in one sitting. I just couldn't put this down! From the very first page, I was intrigued, and as the story continued I really started to get into it and focus on each of the suspects. Everything tied together very well, and I really enjoyed the plot overall. I thought that this book was an excellent balance between suspense and romance, and it was well blended together. Who the killer remained a mystery until the end, and I love love love how twisted the road was to get there. (I'm not even ashamed to say that I got it wrong.)
The characters were extremely three-dimensional. Each one had their own story, and it was amazing to see how realistic people were as we learned about the scars they still had. In fact, I have to commend the author on the different personalities and voices that each character had, even the minor ones. I especially loved Annabelle and Xavier's story - I know they were the main characters, but I admired the different kind of strength in each of them and learned to understood who they were.
The writing style is definitely a really strong aspect of this book. From the very first page, I felt my heart jump, intrigued at what was going on. The writing was extremely engaging throughout, and it really allowed the story to come alive for me.
Overall, this is definitely a book I would recommend - especially if you're a fan of romantic suspense. I really wish this book was more well known too; I'm not ashamed to say that I loved it a lot more than thrillers like Gone Girl or Girl on the Train, which received so much more hype.
Actual Rating: 5.0
This is, quite possible, one of the best romantic suspenses that I've ever read.
One begins with the gruesome murder of the Englewood family - except for Annabelle Englewood. When all signs point to her as the perpetrator, Detective Xavier Montague assumes she's the killer. Until another family is murdered with the same morbidity, and it becomes obvious that the killer is still on the loose. As murder after murder follow, the pieces become that much harder to piece together. And as Xavier deals with his newfound feelings for Annabelle, he may be forced to make a decision that will question how much he is willing to risk for the person he loves.
First of all, the plot. Holy. That was such a wild ride from start to finish, so much that I finished it in two hours, all in one sitting. I just couldn't put this down! From the very first page, I was intrigued, and as the story continued I really started to get into it and focus on each of the suspects. Everything tied together very well, and I really enjoyed the plot overall. I thought that this book was an excellent balance between suspense and romance, and it was well blended together. Who the killer remained a mystery until the end, and I love love love how twisted the road was to get there. (I'm not even ashamed to say that I got it wrong.)
The characters were extremely three-dimensional. Each one had their own story, and it was amazing to see how realistic people were as we learned about the scars they still had. In fact, I have to commend the author on the different personalities and voices that each character had, even the minor ones. I especially loved Annabelle and Xavier's story - I know they were the main characters, but I admired the different kind of strength in each of them and learned to understood who they were.
The writing style is definitely a really strong aspect of this book. From the very first page, I felt my heart jump, intrigued at what was going on. The writing was extremely engaging throughout, and it really allowed the story to come alive for me.
Overall, this is definitely a book I would recommend - especially if you're a fan of romantic suspense. I really wish this book was more well known too; I'm not ashamed to say that I loved it a lot more than thrillers like Gone Girl or Girl on the Train, which received so much more hype.
December 17, 2019
One is the first book in Jane Blythe’s Count to Ten series, and I was a wee bit uncertain about this one at first. However, it did not take long before I was addicted and devouring it in a single sitting.
At first, this one didn’t quite grab me as I found the actions difficult to believe. I was shaking my head at some of the things the police were doing, unable to believe such unprofessional actions could take place. When I suspended my belief about these things, I found myself lost to the story.
Sure, I did not fall crazy in love with the romance between the characters. However, I found myself addicted to the story. I was addicted to the mystery, desperate to see how the pieces came together, and could not put it down until I had my answers.
Although this wasn’t quite a full four-star rating, it was close enough for me to round my rating up. Moreover, the lack of answers and the lingering aspects have me desperate to dive into book two to see what happens next.
At first, this one didn’t quite grab me as I found the actions difficult to believe. I was shaking my head at some of the things the police were doing, unable to believe such unprofessional actions could take place. When I suspended my belief about these things, I found myself lost to the story.
Sure, I did not fall crazy in love with the romance between the characters. However, I found myself addicted to the story. I was addicted to the mystery, desperate to see how the pieces came together, and could not put it down until I had my answers.
Although this wasn’t quite a full four-star rating, it was close enough for me to round my rating up. Moreover, the lack of answers and the lingering aspects have me desperate to dive into book two to see what happens next.
March 25, 2017
All my reviews can be found at The Tiny Reader's Reference! Come on over and say hello!
Short n Sweet: Despite an interesting premise, One grapples with unpolished writing, frustrating main characters, and insta-love. This is a quick and delightfully bloody read, but it simply isn’t finished.
This novel was given to me for free from the author, as part of Goodread’s group Shut Up and Read’s Read it and Reap program, geared toward shining a spotlight on independent or lesser known authors. In exchange, I would provide an honest review.
There is a story here. That’s about all I can say.
One suffers not from lack of plot, or characters, or intrigue. It suffers from the very same affliction that other independent works suffer from - lack of editing. This comes out in a myriad of ways. Allow me a demonstration:
“How’s Annabelle doing?” Xavier asked once they were back in the corridor.
“Actually, she’s pretty exhausted. I don’t want you interviewing her today; she needs to rest,” Dr. Daniels challengingly arched an eyebrow.
Xavier exchanged a glance with Kate, “We can interview more relatives of the Jenners today and speak with Annabelle in the morning,” she proposed.
He nodded his agreement, “Tell her we’ll be here early in the morning,” he informed the doctor.
It is like this, save a handful of times, in the entire book. It began to slow my reading pace, and I started skipping over everything typed after quotation marks. Without the tags, the dialogue became natural. However, when the dialogue became unnatural, it was surrounding “Well, as you know Bob…” issues. A group of detectives, medical examiners, and forensic scientists are not going to stand in a circle and repeat the obvious. We are clobbered over the head with conclusions.
“The Englewoods were all dead when their bodies were mutilated,” Billy explained. “That girl was lucky to survive; you think whoever it was got spooked when you two showed up?” When no one responded, Billy’s dark eyes grew wide, “You think she’s the killer? Murder/suicide? Or at least murder, attempted suicide. Why? What possible reason could this young woman have for killing her family? And the way she did it,” Billy shuddered. “She must be one angry girl.”
You’ve been in the field for years, Billy the Medical Examiner. Why are you acting like this is the first case you’ve ever worked?
The romance is insta-love. Xavier has only seen her in hospital gowns, spoken with her for one minute, and is then suddenly in love with her, dreaming about her, wanting her. We are told very little about who Annabelle is as a person, save for a tendency to become a pushover, and ~sky blue eyes~ (which we are, again, clobbered with).
Originally, I was going to give One a three star rating, because editing is relatively independent of the story and characters itself. But then, this gem scraped across my wholly unprepared eyeballs:
And, as much as he hated to admit it, the first thought that had jumped into his mind was that once they found the killer, there would be nothing left standing between him and Annabelle.
Annabelle lost her entire family. The young brothers she cared for, the parents who housed her, the entire support system she had collapsed around her in a vicious, bloody mess. And the detective can only think about her family’s killer as standing in his way to get into her pants. My desire to root for him was destroyed with one small, yet powerful, line. The whole romantic situation felt very power-imbalanced.
On that note - rape. Rape is present in One, not in description, but used as a plot device. A poor plot device. When the killer's motivations are revealed, none of them involve sexual deviancy of any type - and yet, rape is used liberally as a device for angst, and a way to illustrate that the bad guy was just terrible, you guys. I object to this on a moral stance, as rape is not something to spread around like butter on the horribly burned toast of your story. It is a very real, very horrifying, very destructive act of violence, that is used as a literal weapon in real life. Not for you to further your angsty writing needs.
I will leave you, dear readers, with a hilarious tidbit I couldn't help but laugh over:
“Because I thought she needed a break,” Dr. Daniels’ face turned a bright shade of red. “You’ve already harassed her twice, both times I needed to sedate her. She’s just lost her entire family, you accused her of being a killer, then changed your mind, then came back and dumped a truckload of questions on her when she was in no condition to deal with them. She needed a break. I wanted to let her have some time to try to sort things out before you unleashed another tirade on her.”
Hell yeah Dr. Daniels you got this the only person in this whole book who has his head on straight GO DR. DANIELS-
I knew she was not a killer from the second they brought her in,” he announced adamantly. “Anyone with such amazing eyes could never take a life.”
WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU DR. DANIELS
Short n Sweet: Despite an interesting premise, One grapples with unpolished writing, frustrating main characters, and insta-love. This is a quick and delightfully bloody read, but it simply isn’t finished.
This novel was given to me for free from the author, as part of Goodread’s group Shut Up and Read’s Read it and Reap program, geared toward shining a spotlight on independent or lesser known authors. In exchange, I would provide an honest review.
There is a story here. That’s about all I can say.
One suffers not from lack of plot, or characters, or intrigue. It suffers from the very same affliction that other independent works suffer from - lack of editing. This comes out in a myriad of ways. Allow me a demonstration:
“How’s Annabelle doing?” Xavier asked once they were back in the corridor.
“Actually, she’s pretty exhausted. I don’t want you interviewing her today; she needs to rest,” Dr. Daniels challengingly arched an eyebrow.
Xavier exchanged a glance with Kate, “We can interview more relatives of the Jenners today and speak with Annabelle in the morning,” she proposed.
He nodded his agreement, “Tell her we’ll be here early in the morning,” he informed the doctor.
It is like this, save a handful of times, in the entire book. It began to slow my reading pace, and I started skipping over everything typed after quotation marks. Without the tags, the dialogue became natural. However, when the dialogue became unnatural, it was surrounding “Well, as you know Bob…” issues. A group of detectives, medical examiners, and forensic scientists are not going to stand in a circle and repeat the obvious. We are clobbered over the head with conclusions.
“The Englewoods were all dead when their bodies were mutilated,” Billy explained. “That girl was lucky to survive; you think whoever it was got spooked when you two showed up?” When no one responded, Billy’s dark eyes grew wide, “You think she’s the killer? Murder/suicide? Or at least murder, attempted suicide. Why? What possible reason could this young woman have for killing her family? And the way she did it,” Billy shuddered. “She must be one angry girl.”
You’ve been in the field for years, Billy the Medical Examiner. Why are you acting like this is the first case you’ve ever worked?
The romance is insta-love. Xavier has only seen her in hospital gowns, spoken with her for one minute, and is then suddenly in love with her, dreaming about her, wanting her. We are told very little about who Annabelle is as a person, save for a tendency to become a pushover, and ~sky blue eyes~ (which we are, again, clobbered with).
Originally, I was going to give One a three star rating, because editing is relatively independent of the story and characters itself. But then, this gem scraped across my wholly unprepared eyeballs:
And, as much as he hated to admit it, the first thought that had jumped into his mind was that once they found the killer, there would be nothing left standing between him and Annabelle.
Annabelle lost her entire family. The young brothers she cared for, the parents who housed her, the entire support system she had collapsed around her in a vicious, bloody mess. And the detective can only think about her family’s killer as standing in his way to get into her pants. My desire to root for him was destroyed with one small, yet powerful, line. The whole romantic situation felt very power-imbalanced.
On that note - rape. Rape is present in One, not in description, but used as a plot device. A poor plot device. When the killer's motivations are revealed, none of them involve sexual deviancy of any type - and yet, rape is used liberally as a device for angst, and a way to illustrate that the bad guy was just terrible, you guys. I object to this on a moral stance, as rape is not something to spread around like butter on the horribly burned toast of your story. It is a very real, very horrifying, very destructive act of violence, that is used as a literal weapon in real life. Not for you to further your angsty writing needs.
I will leave you, dear readers, with a hilarious tidbit I couldn't help but laugh over:
“Because I thought she needed a break,” Dr. Daniels’ face turned a bright shade of red. “You’ve already harassed her twice, both times I needed to sedate her. She’s just lost her entire family, you accused her of being a killer, then changed your mind, then came back and dumped a truckload of questions on her when she was in no condition to deal with them. She needed a break. I wanted to let her have some time to try to sort things out before you unleashed another tirade on her.”
Hell yeah Dr. Daniels you got this the only person in this whole book who has his head on straight GO DR. DANIELS-
I knew she was not a killer from the second they brought her in,” he announced adamantly. “Anyone with such amazing eyes could never take a life.”
WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU DR. DANIELS
May 11, 2020
Salve lettori, oggi vi parlo di "Uno", primo libro della serie “Conta fino a dieci” di Jane Blythe, arrivata in Italia lo scorso aprile grazie a Hope edizioni.
Che cosa succede quando l'amore prende il sopravvento e la giustizia passa in secondo piano?
Annabelle Englewood si sveglia in quello che sarà il suo incubo. La sua famiglia viene assassinata e mutilata in modi indescrivibili, e a quanto pare lasciarla viva è stata una scelta dell'assassino.
La cosa strana è che tutti gli indizi conducono a lei e quando in ospedale si sveglia legata al letto, e accanto a lei trova il detective Xavier Montague che l'accusa di crimine, per Annabelle sembra iniziare un nuovo incubo.
Presa in contropiede da questa accusa, cerca di difendersi e far capire che non è stata lei ad aver commesso un crimine del genere.
Successivamente le piste della polizia si allargano, perché l’assassino colpisce ancora, lasciando volutamente una nuova vittima illesa.
Gli indizi sembrano non condurre da nessuna parte e quelli che avevano contro Annabelle non stanno più in piedi, e la donna torna ad essere una vittima come le altre.
Xavier Montague ha passato gli ultimi tre anni a dimenticare il suo passato che sembra avere legato al polso. Non tocca più una donna da quando ha perso sua moglie, ovvero dall’incidente per cui ancora si dà la colpa.
L’amore non sembra essere un’opzione per lui, eppure quando la notte del primo crimine si trova Annabelle tra le braccia e i suoi occhi si rispecchiano nei suoi, pensa che lei non è come le altre.
Avere una relazione con una vittima di un caso è sbagliato, ma qualcosa lo conduce sempre da lei.
L’assassino colpisce ancora varie famiglie, e tutto ciò lo riporta sempre da Annabelle. L’attrazione tra i due è evidente, tanto che anche la ragazza stessa decide di provare a fidarsi del detective Montague.
Ma quando l’amore è più forte della giustizia, tutto va contro ogni logica.
Chi sarà l’assassino?
Perché Annabelle prova qualcosa per Xavier, ma non vuole abbandonarsi a questa nuova relazione?
Ho iniziato questa serie un po’ scettica, anche perché ho scoperto dopo che fosse composta di dieci volumi.
Pensavo di trovare un libro autoconclusivo, ma così non è stato perché l’autrice ha lasciato il finale aperto. Però confesso che non mi è dispiaciuto affatto. Ho letto con molto piacere questa storia; lo stile dell’autrice riesce a travolgere il lettore, facendolo diventare un tutt’uno con la storia.
Ci sono scene raccapriccianti, altre che lasciano il fiato sospeso, e ognuna ne vale la pena.
Ho apprezzato tantissimo, da romanticona che sono, la storia d’amore che l’autrice ci ha regalato. Due personaggi completamente diversi, eppure entrambi spezzati da qualcosa che tende ad avvicinarli.
Un thriller meraviglioso, carico di suspense e inganni.
La presenza del romance porta il lettore a finirlo senza che se ne accorga, ma sul più bello siamo costretti a fermarci così, col fiato sospeso, e attendere il seguito.
Spero che la casa editrice ci dia presto il secondo volume, sono curiosa di leggere come andrà a finire visto che c’è un assassino a piede libero!
Alla prossima.
Che cosa succede quando l'amore prende il sopravvento e la giustizia passa in secondo piano?
Annabelle Englewood si sveglia in quello che sarà il suo incubo. La sua famiglia viene assassinata e mutilata in modi indescrivibili, e a quanto pare lasciarla viva è stata una scelta dell'assassino.
La cosa strana è che tutti gli indizi conducono a lei e quando in ospedale si sveglia legata al letto, e accanto a lei trova il detective Xavier Montague che l'accusa di crimine, per Annabelle sembra iniziare un nuovo incubo.
Presa in contropiede da questa accusa, cerca di difendersi e far capire che non è stata lei ad aver commesso un crimine del genere.
Successivamente le piste della polizia si allargano, perché l’assassino colpisce ancora, lasciando volutamente una nuova vittima illesa.
Gli indizi sembrano non condurre da nessuna parte e quelli che avevano contro Annabelle non stanno più in piedi, e la donna torna ad essere una vittima come le altre.
Xavier Montague ha passato gli ultimi tre anni a dimenticare il suo passato che sembra avere legato al polso. Non tocca più una donna da quando ha perso sua moglie, ovvero dall’incidente per cui ancora si dà la colpa.
L’amore non sembra essere un’opzione per lui, eppure quando la notte del primo crimine si trova Annabelle tra le braccia e i suoi occhi si rispecchiano nei suoi, pensa che lei non è come le altre.
Avere una relazione con una vittima di un caso è sbagliato, ma qualcosa lo conduce sempre da lei.
L’assassino colpisce ancora varie famiglie, e tutto ciò lo riporta sempre da Annabelle. L’attrazione tra i due è evidente, tanto che anche la ragazza stessa decide di provare a fidarsi del detective Montague.
Ma quando l’amore è più forte della giustizia, tutto va contro ogni logica.
Chi sarà l’assassino?
Perché Annabelle prova qualcosa per Xavier, ma non vuole abbandonarsi a questa nuova relazione?
Ho iniziato questa serie un po’ scettica, anche perché ho scoperto dopo che fosse composta di dieci volumi.
Pensavo di trovare un libro autoconclusivo, ma così non è stato perché l’autrice ha lasciato il finale aperto. Però confesso che non mi è dispiaciuto affatto. Ho letto con molto piacere questa storia; lo stile dell’autrice riesce a travolgere il lettore, facendolo diventare un tutt’uno con la storia.
Ci sono scene raccapriccianti, altre che lasciano il fiato sospeso, e ognuna ne vale la pena.
Ho apprezzato tantissimo, da romanticona che sono, la storia d’amore che l’autrice ci ha regalato. Due personaggi completamente diversi, eppure entrambi spezzati da qualcosa che tende ad avvicinarli.
Un thriller meraviglioso, carico di suspense e inganni.
La presenza del romance porta il lettore a finirlo senza che se ne accorga, ma sul più bello siamo costretti a fermarci così, col fiato sospeso, e attendere il seguito.
Spero che la casa editrice ci dia presto il secondo volume, sono curiosa di leggere come andrà a finire visto che c’è un assassino a piede libero!
Alla prossima.
October 6, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. There is a serial killer targeting families and leaving one family member alive. A really gruesome, intense, and suspenseful story that will leave you guessing until very end! Highly recommend!
April 25, 2017
Annabelle Englewood wakes up handcuffed to a hospital bed. The last thing she remembers is feeling tired after dinner and going to lay down for a nap. Her entire family has been brutally murdered during this time and she's suspect number one. Detective Xavier Montague is on the case, but there's something about Annabelle's eyes that draws him in and soon his first instinct of her innocence is proven right when more families are murdered in the same fashion and she becomes a pawn in the killer's vicious game. How far will Detective Montague go in order to protect Annabelle?
Let me just say that the killer is one cruel, psychotic and horrifying son of a bitch. And let's face it, I LOVE me a crazy antagonist with no moral boundaries. His killings and actions become more brutal as the book progresses. Solidly my favorite character from the book. Now, while I do like my characters flawed, and Annabelle and Xavier both certainly are, it became a bit overwhelming with Annabelle's continuous self-depreciation and repetitive questioning of herself and everyone around her. At a certain point I almost wish he HAD killed her. (I'm a horrible person, I know.. and I'm fine with it.) If it was the author's point to make the reader really see how much self doubt and anxiety she had, it absolutely worked. I just wish the background on why she was like this was a bit more fleshed out. Xavier is a likable character though - a hot detective with a tad bit of a hero complex after a traumatic experience with his ex wife? GIMME. Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of insta-love... I know, I know, traumatic experiences brings forth lots of other emotions, some tending to the co-dependent, instantaneous love of a lifetime. It's plausible. I just don't like it. (I could be a jaded, single woman too but that's a whole other story that has nothing to do with this one.) With all of the ramblings above said, let me point out this is the first book in a series so I expect that we will learn more about Annabelle and her past, see how the relationship may possibly continue between her and the detective and what more the creepy antagonist can bring forth. I'm certainly intrigued enough to want to know where the story continues. Take TWO!
3.5 stars! Firstly, thanks so much to Jane for a copy in return for my honest review. And for taking the time to answer my author Q&A with her on my blog!
Let me just say that the killer is one cruel, psychotic and horrifying son of a bitch. And let's face it, I LOVE me a crazy antagonist with no moral boundaries. His killings and actions become more brutal as the book progresses. Solidly my favorite character from the book. Now, while I do like my characters flawed, and Annabelle and Xavier both certainly are, it became a bit overwhelming with Annabelle's continuous self-depreciation and repetitive questioning of herself and everyone around her. At a certain point I almost wish he HAD killed her. (I'm a horrible person, I know.. and I'm fine with it.) If it was the author's point to make the reader really see how much self doubt and anxiety she had, it absolutely worked. I just wish the background on why she was like this was a bit more fleshed out. Xavier is a likable character though - a hot detective with a tad bit of a hero complex after a traumatic experience with his ex wife? GIMME. Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of insta-love... I know, I know, traumatic experiences brings forth lots of other emotions, some tending to the co-dependent, instantaneous love of a lifetime. It's plausible. I just don't like it. (I could be a jaded, single woman too but that's a whole other story that has nothing to do with this one.) With all of the ramblings above said, let me point out this is the first book in a series so I expect that we will learn more about Annabelle and her past, see how the relationship may possibly continue between her and the detective and what more the creepy antagonist can bring forth. I'm certainly intrigued enough to want to know where the story continues. Take TWO!
3.5 stars! Firstly, thanks so much to Jane for a copy in return for my honest review. And for taking the time to answer my author Q&A with her on my blog!
April 28, 2020
4- ⭐
Parto con la parte che mi ha catturata di più, ovvero quella thriller: le scene del crimine sono descritte in un modo che mi hanno ricordato serie TV come Law and Order, mi sono piaciute moltissimo!
Per tutto il libro ero intenta a cogliere gli indizi per vedere se sarei riuscita a scoprire il colpevole insieme a Xavier, al suo partner, nonché grande amica Kate, e al loro team. Anche se ho trovato qualche falla che si può giustificare col fatto che la conseguenza sarebbe stata movimentare le acque nelle indagini. Inoltre, piccola chicca che ho apprezzato tantissimo è il punto di vista del serial killer, è sempre macabro ma quasi affascinante leggere i meccanismi mentali di questa figura.
Per quanto riguarda la parte romance, sinceramente, l'ho trovata meno coinvolgente. Confesso che non sono un'amante del colpo di fulmine. Lo sviluppo dei sentimenti (soprattutto da parte di Xavier) mi è sembrato un po' veloce, come un'infarinatura che avrebbe bisogno di più sviluppo, che spero ci sia nei volumi successivi. Sarà anche che le indagini durano due settimane e quindi la relazione tra loro è stata concentrata, però sono comunque dolci insieme. Singolarmente li ho amati di più come personaggi. Hanno entrambi un vissuto pesante, soprattutto Annabelle anche per ciò che ha dovuto subire nel corso di questo romanzo. Ecco, avrei approfondito di più il passato di Annabelle perché mi è parso importante e l'ha resa la ragazza sensibile ed insicura che è.
Tutto sommato è un buon libro e continuerò sicuramente la serie anche perché non è finita qui...
Parto con la parte che mi ha catturata di più, ovvero quella thriller: le scene del crimine sono descritte in un modo che mi hanno ricordato serie TV come Law and Order, mi sono piaciute moltissimo!
Per tutto il libro ero intenta a cogliere gli indizi per vedere se sarei riuscita a scoprire il colpevole insieme a Xavier, al suo partner, nonché grande amica Kate, e al loro team. Anche se ho trovato qualche falla che si può giustificare col fatto che la conseguenza sarebbe stata movimentare le acque nelle indagini. Inoltre, piccola chicca che ho apprezzato tantissimo è il punto di vista del serial killer, è sempre macabro ma quasi affascinante leggere i meccanismi mentali di questa figura.
Per quanto riguarda la parte romance, sinceramente, l'ho trovata meno coinvolgente. Confesso che non sono un'amante del colpo di fulmine. Lo sviluppo dei sentimenti (soprattutto da parte di Xavier) mi è sembrato un po' veloce, come un'infarinatura che avrebbe bisogno di più sviluppo, che spero ci sia nei volumi successivi. Sarà anche che le indagini durano due settimane e quindi la relazione tra loro è stata concentrata, però sono comunque dolci insieme. Singolarmente li ho amati di più come personaggi. Hanno entrambi un vissuto pesante, soprattutto Annabelle anche per ciò che ha dovuto subire nel corso di questo romanzo. Ecco, avrei approfondito di più il passato di Annabelle perché mi è parso importante e l'ha resa la ragazza sensibile ed insicura che è.
Tutto sommato è un buon libro e continuerò sicuramente la serie anche perché non è finita qui...
May 18, 2020
https://www.lettriciimpertinenti.it/2...
Un bel thriller investigativo con una storia d’amore su cui avevo molte aspettative che però non si sono del tutto realizzate.
Tre bacchette per la protagonista. Annabelle è la prima giovane vittima di un atroce serial killer che inizia a colpire alcune famiglie sterminandone tutti i membri eccetto uno. È fragile, confusa, emotivamente provata, del tutto indifesa, come è logico che sia e… niente basta il personaggio è coerente e sembra anche ben costruito però non mi ha convinto né mi ha conquistata. Potrebbe però esserci del non detto ancora da scoprire visto che questo romanzo fa parte di una serie.
Tre bacchette per il protagonista. Nemmeno Xavier mi ha convinto del tutto. Potenzialmente è un personaggio con tutte le carte in regola per piacermi, ma non è successo. Ha i suoi bei fardelli che si porta appresso dal passato, è bello, ha proprio bisogno di una persona speciale nella sua vita… immagino che se quella persona speciale è Annabelle, si può dire che sono ben assortiti, insomma Xavier mi ha conquistata anche meno di Annabelle.
Quattro bacchette per il thriller. La parte thriller di questo romanzo è quella che ho preferito, ben sviluppata e portata avanti con arguzia, l’autrice semina indizi veri e falsi e stimola il lettore a scoprire insieme ai detective chi sia l’assassino anche se, quando si svela tutto il quadro, le motivazioni del killer mi sono sembrate un po’ superficiali ma anche qui d’obbligo l’interrogativo: ci sarà altro nei prossimi romanzi?
Quanto alla parte romance, il contesto generale in cui nascono e si sviluppano i sentimenti tra Xavier e Annabelle ha interferito molto con romanticismo e passione.
Tre bacchette per l’ambientazione. La vicenda si svolge in una innominata cittadina americana, abbastanza grande affinché le persone non si conoscano e assolutamente non collocata. È funzionale alla storia e non ruba la scena alla vicenda.
Tre bacchette per stile e struttura. Il romanzo è narrato in terza persona al passato con i focus preponderanti di Xavier e Annabelle anche se c’è qualche sporadica incursione della collega detective di Xavier e ovviamente del serial killer che scopriamo solo alla fine. I capitoli sono scadenzati con le ore, a sottolineare la corsa contro il tempo per prendere l’omicida, e contribuiscono a creare anche un bel ritmo adatto al soggetto.
Attenzione, Impertinente in quarantena.
Non ho impertinenze da fare. Capita.
Non è mai capitato? C’è sempre una prima volta!
A chi può piacere questo romanzo?
Piacerà a chi ama i thriller e desidera che i detective si innamorino.
Piacerà a chi ama i thriller ma preferisce che non si mostrino tutti i dettagli cruenti.
In definitiva un romanzo che non mi ha convinto eppure sono rimasti in sospeso alcuni dettagli di non poco conto quindi credo proprio che proseguirò con il conteggio fino a dieci. Mi sono spoilerata la composizione della serie e ho visto che la coppia Xavier/Annabelle tornerà ancora e quindi potrebbe essere interessante scoprire l’evoluzione della loro storia e soprattutto trovare risposta a certi dettagli troppo precisi per essere stati messi a caso.
Il libro può essere letto come autoconclusivo per quanto riguarda la parte Thriller.
Aliena
Un bel thriller investigativo con una storia d’amore su cui avevo molte aspettative che però non si sono del tutto realizzate.
Tre bacchette per la protagonista. Annabelle è la prima giovane vittima di un atroce serial killer che inizia a colpire alcune famiglie sterminandone tutti i membri eccetto uno. È fragile, confusa, emotivamente provata, del tutto indifesa, come è logico che sia e… niente basta il personaggio è coerente e sembra anche ben costruito però non mi ha convinto né mi ha conquistata. Potrebbe però esserci del non detto ancora da scoprire visto che questo romanzo fa parte di una serie.
Tre bacchette per il protagonista. Nemmeno Xavier mi ha convinto del tutto. Potenzialmente è un personaggio con tutte le carte in regola per piacermi, ma non è successo. Ha i suoi bei fardelli che si porta appresso dal passato, è bello, ha proprio bisogno di una persona speciale nella sua vita… immagino che se quella persona speciale è Annabelle, si può dire che sono ben assortiti, insomma Xavier mi ha conquistata anche meno di Annabelle.
Quattro bacchette per il thriller. La parte thriller di questo romanzo è quella che ho preferito, ben sviluppata e portata avanti con arguzia, l’autrice semina indizi veri e falsi e stimola il lettore a scoprire insieme ai detective chi sia l’assassino anche se, quando si svela tutto il quadro, le motivazioni del killer mi sono sembrate un po’ superficiali ma anche qui d’obbligo l’interrogativo: ci sarà altro nei prossimi romanzi?
Quanto alla parte romance, il contesto generale in cui nascono e si sviluppano i sentimenti tra Xavier e Annabelle ha interferito molto con romanticismo e passione.
Tre bacchette per l’ambientazione. La vicenda si svolge in una innominata cittadina americana, abbastanza grande affinché le persone non si conoscano e assolutamente non collocata. È funzionale alla storia e non ruba la scena alla vicenda.
Tre bacchette per stile e struttura. Il romanzo è narrato in terza persona al passato con i focus preponderanti di Xavier e Annabelle anche se c’è qualche sporadica incursione della collega detective di Xavier e ovviamente del serial killer che scopriamo solo alla fine. I capitoli sono scadenzati con le ore, a sottolineare la corsa contro il tempo per prendere l’omicida, e contribuiscono a creare anche un bel ritmo adatto al soggetto.
Attenzione, Impertinente in quarantena.
Non ho impertinenze da fare. Capita.
Non è mai capitato? C’è sempre una prima volta!
A chi può piacere questo romanzo?
Piacerà a chi ama i thriller e desidera che i detective si innamorino.
Piacerà a chi ama i thriller ma preferisce che non si mostrino tutti i dettagli cruenti.
In definitiva un romanzo che non mi ha convinto eppure sono rimasti in sospeso alcuni dettagli di non poco conto quindi credo proprio che proseguirò con il conteggio fino a dieci. Mi sono spoilerata la composizione della serie e ho visto che la coppia Xavier/Annabelle tornerà ancora e quindi potrebbe essere interessante scoprire l’evoluzione della loro storia e soprattutto trovare risposta a certi dettagli troppo precisi per essere stati messi a caso.
Il libro può essere letto come autoconclusivo per quanto riguarda la parte Thriller.
Aliena
May 3, 2017
I love dark stories with murder and serial killers running wild, and Jane Blythe has come through in this fantastic series. This guy is a real sicko. Only death will stop him.
Right off, I’m thinking…Oh no she didn’t…
Yes, he fell for her and yes, there’s a lot more gory and brutal murder to come.
Who is it? Why such grotesque murders?
I have a problem with Annabelle and Xavier hooking up, but hey, stranger things have happened. He seems too old for a naive, inexperienced young woman like her. I like my books to be ‘realistic’ and, even though I enjoyed how it developed, not just jumping in bed, but the slow and getting to know you kind of thing, something still felt off.
Annabelle ‘s dialogue made her seem older than her years, but maybe the traumatic events she has been though have caused her to grow up sooner. After all, she had been the adult of her household.
I love the fact I can’t figure out who is the culprit, even though I feel I must have met him by now. I do have a feeling…oh, wait, maybe it’s him…or could it be him?
The sicko wants revenge and I want to know why.
The twists and turns kept coming, never letting up, even when the last page was read. I DID NOT want it to end. Jane Blythe was ‘this close’ to having me rate this a five and I definitely look forward to reading more of her work.
I voluntarily reviewed One by Jane Blythe.
To see more visit fundinmental
Right off, I’m thinking…Oh no she didn’t…
Yes, he fell for her and yes, there’s a lot more gory and brutal murder to come.
Who is it? Why such grotesque murders?
I have a problem with Annabelle and Xavier hooking up, but hey, stranger things have happened. He seems too old for a naive, inexperienced young woman like her. I like my books to be ‘realistic’ and, even though I enjoyed how it developed, not just jumping in bed, but the slow and getting to know you kind of thing, something still felt off.
Annabelle ‘s dialogue made her seem older than her years, but maybe the traumatic events she has been though have caused her to grow up sooner. After all, she had been the adult of her household.
I love the fact I can’t figure out who is the culprit, even though I feel I must have met him by now. I do have a feeling…oh, wait, maybe it’s him…or could it be him?
The sicko wants revenge and I want to know why.
The twists and turns kept coming, never letting up, even when the last page was read. I DID NOT want it to end. Jane Blythe was ‘this close’ to having me rate this a five and I definitely look forward to reading more of her work.
I voluntarily reviewed One by Jane Blythe.
To see more visit fundinmental
February 26, 2017
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Jane Blythe!
Did I absolutely love this novel? No, but I did quite like it. I an going to start off by what didn't work for me.
First, I thought that there was too much attention put in Vanessa when she had such a small role to play in the story and its development. It puzzled me throughout the book why this character was being paid extra attention, and when I got to the end of the book, I was expecting a huge reveal about her.
Secondly, and this is just personal, I am usually okay with gore; like more than fine, but man the crime scene description made me queasy! Girl, you've got some talent there. If only it didn't weird me out so much.
Now off to the good stuff!
I really enjoyed the romance aspect of the book. Nothing felt forced about this relationship, and both parties felt real; battling their demons like normal people. They weren't strung up on this super passionate love affair, but on a connection based love which was a refreshing change.
In addition, Blythe's writing is well structured and formulated, spending just the right amount of time from one narrative to the next whilst keeping the reader interested. I was impressed at how different the personalities of each of the narratives were and how well the author executed them; especially the murderer - man was he ever deranged.
Thank you again so much Jane for the opportunity to review your book!
Did I absolutely love this novel? No, but I did quite like it. I an going to start off by what didn't work for me.
First, I thought that there was too much attention put in Vanessa when she had such a small role to play in the story and its development. It puzzled me throughout the book why this character was being paid extra attention, and when I got to the end of the book, I was expecting a huge reveal about her.
Secondly, and this is just personal, I am usually okay with gore; like more than fine, but man the crime scene description made me queasy! Girl, you've got some talent there. If only it didn't weird me out so much.
Now off to the good stuff!
I really enjoyed the romance aspect of the book. Nothing felt forced about this relationship, and both parties felt real; battling their demons like normal people. They weren't strung up on this super passionate love affair, but on a connection based love which was a refreshing change.
In addition, Blythe's writing is well structured and formulated, spending just the right amount of time from one narrative to the next whilst keeping the reader interested. I was impressed at how different the personalities of each of the narratives were and how well the author executed them; especially the murderer - man was he ever deranged.
Thank you again so much Jane for the opportunity to review your book!
September 7, 2016
Wow! Amazing story.
This story had me gripped from page one. Even the way it started it threw me for a surprise. I love a good suspense that keeps me guessing until the end and this one definitely didn't disappoint. I can't wait to get started on the next book, Two.
Xavier and Annabelle both had such hurdles to overcome. It was great to see them unfold slowly and with such great depth. Jane Blythe definitely knows how to weave a great story filled with suspense and intense emotion!
This story had me gripped from page one. Even the way it started it threw me for a surprise. I love a good suspense that keeps me guessing until the end and this one definitely didn't disappoint. I can't wait to get started on the next book, Two.
Xavier and Annabelle both had such hurdles to overcome. It was great to see them unfold slowly and with such great depth. Jane Blythe definitely knows how to weave a great story filled with suspense and intense emotion!
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December 31, 2018
Imagine your whole family has been slaughtered and you wake up to find yourself in handcuffs and accused of the crime, that is what happened to Annabel Englewood. Her family has been brutally murdered. During the book, a few more families will have this happen to them and in each case - one member of the family will be left alive while the others suffered tremendously. Jane Blythe's book is not one for the faint-hearted, and if you are looking for a cozy mystery, then this isn't for you. The murders in this book are quite horrific and graphical. In this book, it's a race against the time as Detective Romeo Xavier Montague is falling for Annabel and if he's not careful, then he may lose her to the killer as she was a prize for him. This book kept me guessing until the end as it had two potential killers and when the real one was revealed, I have to admit I didn't see that coming. If you are looking for an excellent gruesome mystery series to begin, then check out Book #1 of the Count to Ten Series. The other good thing about this series is that each book is only 12-15 chapters which makes it a quick read and can be read as a stand-alone story.
March 19, 2017
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review (Shut up and read group).
So, the story was good, although sometimes a little slow or repetitive. The main characters were frustrating, and I mean especially Annabelle. She was lame, whiny and annoying. I seriously wanted to slap her half the time. Or hit my head against the wall.
The killer was, I mean IS (since he's still around) really, totally sick. Probably the worst serial killer I've read or heard about. I mean, Jack the Ripper would look like an apprentice in comparison.
The only character I liked is Xavier. Really sweet and hot. Well, ok, the "cop factor" his too charming to me.
The ending left a bitter taste in my mouth. I guess I will have to read all the books in the series to see how it ends with the killer and all. Not sure I will though. It's not that I didn't like the book. It's just too frustrating and getting too long. Too slow.
3 stars is my rating.
So, the story was good, although sometimes a little slow or repetitive. The main characters were frustrating, and I mean especially Annabelle. She was lame, whiny and annoying. I seriously wanted to slap her half the time. Or hit my head against the wall.
The killer was, I mean IS (since he's still around) really, totally sick. Probably the worst serial killer I've read or heard about. I mean, Jack the Ripper would look like an apprentice in comparison.
The only character I liked is Xavier. Really sweet and hot. Well, ok, the "cop factor" his too charming to me.
The ending left a bitter taste in my mouth. I guess I will have to read all the books in the series to see how it ends with the killer and all. Not sure I will though. It's not that I didn't like the book. It's just too frustrating and getting too long. Too slow.
3 stars is my rating.
November 14, 2016
Wow! I expected a romantic suspense novel, but this was so much more than just that. The gruesome, almost ritualistic, murder of the Englewood family leaves behind one surviver, Annabelle. Did she do it? Did she kill her whole family? That is exactly what detective Xavier Montague believes at first. As discoveries are made, we soon realize that Annabelle's surviving is just a ploy in the sick and twisted mind of the murder. He strikes again and again and we're faced with a serial killer that leaves the detectives baffled. All the while Xavier, who has demons of his own, is trying to fight his attraction for Annabelle while solving these murders that don't seem to add up. Why is Annabelle convinced that she's so unlovable? And who is the actual murder? Yeah, I got it wrong.
This is a dark and very suspenseful novel weaves hints and characters and the plot perfectly together. I was sucked in from the first page. Couldn't get enough of the Blythe's writing style and story telling. The deeper I got, the more I needed to know. If you're fan of suspense thrillers with a perfect hint of romance than this is not to be missed.
This is a dark and very suspenseful novel weaves hints and characters and the plot perfectly together. I was sucked in from the first page. Couldn't get enough of the Blythe's writing style and story telling. The deeper I got, the more I needed to know. If you're fan of suspense thrillers with a perfect hint of romance than this is not to be missed.
May 19, 2020
Per salvare la donna che ama, lui deve lasciare a piede libero un assassino.
La vita di Annabelle Englewood si sta sgretolando attorno a lei. Tutta la sua famiglia è stata trucidata… lei è accusata di aver commesso quel crimine ed il detective che lavora al caso le fa provare cose che non vuole provare, sfidando la sua convinzione di non essere degna di essere amata.
Il detective Xavier Montague sa bene che non deve farsi coinvolgere da una donna su un caso a cui sta lavorando. In particolar modo da una donna che è emotivamente vulnerabile. Eppure, contro ogni logica è attratto da Annabelle, ma la sua attrazione proibita lo obbligherà ad affrontare il momento più buio della sua vita.
Pagine intriganti, aberranti, dove nell’ombra si muove una figura misteriosa, assetata di sangue, smaniosa nell’ebrezza di affondare la lama nella gola delle sue vittime, metodica nel portare a compimento con cura, premura e sadismo sempre più efferato ed insaziabile.
Una chiamata al 911… un intruso in casa dei vicini… l’arrivo della polizia all’interno di una casa trasformata in uno scenario fatto di mutilazione, sangue ed orme… qui comincia questa storia dove il detective Xavier e la sua collega Kate si trovano ad affrontare nel pieno di una tiepida notte di inizio primavera… ma qualcuno ancora respira… due occhi chiari come il ghiaccio che si aprono improvvisamente e che inaspettatamente bloccano lo sguardo di Xavier sul posto…
Queste pagine sono un mix perfetto tra Nella mente dell’assassino e Il collezionista d’ossa, un intenso viaggio in un orrore fatto di vittime dove un meticoloso assassino, crimine dopo crimine si evolve… avete presente Il silenzio degli innocenti, dove l’assassino è come un bruco che tesse il suo bozzolo per poi trasformarsi in falena. Beh, qui calza a pennello con questo misterioso personaggio che crimine dopo crimine si evolve, affina la sua tecnica, vive dell’eccitazione di sentire le sue mani affondare nel sangue delle sue vittime, che diventano come una tela vergine da riempire di colore rosso, denso, caldo, dove il suo caratteristico odore di rame è la più prelibata delle essenze.
Xavier, il nostro dectective è un personaggio di particolare spessore, lui il cui peso del passato ben gioca su ciò che è oggi. È frustrato da questo continuo gioco dell’assassino dove prove inconsistenti lo fanno brancolare nel buio, ma al tempo stesso collegato ad Annabelle, l’unica sopravvissuta del primo crimine… un legame che non comprende appieno cosa sia, ma che al tempo stesso lo spinge verso di lei, a proteggerla, esserle accanto… Lei dal suo canto oltre ad essere una sopravvissuta, è anche debole e forte al tempo stesso, un’anima sperduta e schiacciata dagli eventi ma che pur cela dentro di sé più di ciò che pensa. Diciamo che l’ho trovata a volte contraddittoria, come un topolino in trappola il più delle volte, molto soggiogabile nella mente, in cui si cela la chiave di molti misteri legati a lei ed alla sua particolare personalità nell’approcciarsi alla vita.
Ho trovato questo romanzo di particolare, di agghiacciante, brutale bellezza, dove nella tua mente ti crei il profilo dell’assassino, assisti alle scene del crimine, dove non mancano gli scabrosi dettagli, resti scioccato da quanto un essere umano possa essere in grado di fare è pianificare nella sua mente contorta. Mente che avremo modo di conoscere, seguirne le elucubrazioni mentali, la frenesia che si innesca in lui dopo aver colpito la prima volta, che diventa una sorta di iniziazione e di voto, non da meno la sua mente fredda, i suo ragionamenti, la scoperta passo dopo passo del suo intricato piano che come un ragno, negli anni ha affinato e strutturato al millesimo. Devo dire che la scrittrice ha creato un perfetto, contorto assassino che ti ossessiona, intriga e ti spaventa in egual misura.
Inoltre è stata abile nel costruire tutta la storia, l’intero caso, ritrovandosi ivi coinvolti i vari pensieri delle persone inerenti, comprese le vittime! Particolare questo labile legame tra Xander e Annabelle entrambi caratterizzati da dei trascorsi agghiaccianti, dove la loro introspezione profonda ti coinvolge e ti catalizza come un magnete.
La scrittrice ci crea uno scenario da horror, cupo, a tratti desolante, fatto di vicoli ciechi e mai una gioia, dove si spazza in ciò che è il nero pozzo spietato del crimine, con personaggi senza scrupolo che segnano indelebilmente le proprie vittime soggiogandole e piegandole alla paura, scelte dettate dalla solitudine ma al tempo stesso il non aprirsi con gli altri. Tutto condito da indagini e prove degni di un vero e proprio poliziesco giallo, dove l’assassino non sai mai dove si cela e sembra star sempre un passo avanti a tutti, ma pure la profondità dei sentimenti, la forza all’interno di se stessi, l’appoggiarsi l’uno all’altro e la crescita insieme.
Crea un perfetto film nella nostra mente che chi ama questo genere non può di certo farsi sfuggire e non rimanerne rapiti e coinvolti pagina dopo pagina, omicidio dopo omicidio. Una penna veramente particolare ed imperdibile di cui non vedo l’ora di leggere il prossimo capitolo ben curiosa di sapere in che agghiacciante, nuovo, strabiliante incubo ci coinvolgerà!
La vita di Annabelle Englewood si sta sgretolando attorno a lei. Tutta la sua famiglia è stata trucidata… lei è accusata di aver commesso quel crimine ed il detective che lavora al caso le fa provare cose che non vuole provare, sfidando la sua convinzione di non essere degna di essere amata.
Il detective Xavier Montague sa bene che non deve farsi coinvolgere da una donna su un caso a cui sta lavorando. In particolar modo da una donna che è emotivamente vulnerabile. Eppure, contro ogni logica è attratto da Annabelle, ma la sua attrazione proibita lo obbligherà ad affrontare il momento più buio della sua vita.
Pagine intriganti, aberranti, dove nell’ombra si muove una figura misteriosa, assetata di sangue, smaniosa nell’ebrezza di affondare la lama nella gola delle sue vittime, metodica nel portare a compimento con cura, premura e sadismo sempre più efferato ed insaziabile.
Una chiamata al 911… un intruso in casa dei vicini… l’arrivo della polizia all’interno di una casa trasformata in uno scenario fatto di mutilazione, sangue ed orme… qui comincia questa storia dove il detective Xavier e la sua collega Kate si trovano ad affrontare nel pieno di una tiepida notte di inizio primavera… ma qualcuno ancora respira… due occhi chiari come il ghiaccio che si aprono improvvisamente e che inaspettatamente bloccano lo sguardo di Xavier sul posto…
Queste pagine sono un mix perfetto tra Nella mente dell’assassino e Il collezionista d’ossa, un intenso viaggio in un orrore fatto di vittime dove un meticoloso assassino, crimine dopo crimine si evolve… avete presente Il silenzio degli innocenti, dove l’assassino è come un bruco che tesse il suo bozzolo per poi trasformarsi in falena. Beh, qui calza a pennello con questo misterioso personaggio che crimine dopo crimine si evolve, affina la sua tecnica, vive dell’eccitazione di sentire le sue mani affondare nel sangue delle sue vittime, che diventano come una tela vergine da riempire di colore rosso, denso, caldo, dove il suo caratteristico odore di rame è la più prelibata delle essenze.
Xavier, il nostro dectective è un personaggio di particolare spessore, lui il cui peso del passato ben gioca su ciò che è oggi. È frustrato da questo continuo gioco dell’assassino dove prove inconsistenti lo fanno brancolare nel buio, ma al tempo stesso collegato ad Annabelle, l’unica sopravvissuta del primo crimine… un legame che non comprende appieno cosa sia, ma che al tempo stesso lo spinge verso di lei, a proteggerla, esserle accanto… Lei dal suo canto oltre ad essere una sopravvissuta, è anche debole e forte al tempo stesso, un’anima sperduta e schiacciata dagli eventi ma che pur cela dentro di sé più di ciò che pensa. Diciamo che l’ho trovata a volte contraddittoria, come un topolino in trappola il più delle volte, molto soggiogabile nella mente, in cui si cela la chiave di molti misteri legati a lei ed alla sua particolare personalità nell’approcciarsi alla vita.
Ho trovato questo romanzo di particolare, di agghiacciante, brutale bellezza, dove nella tua mente ti crei il profilo dell’assassino, assisti alle scene del crimine, dove non mancano gli scabrosi dettagli, resti scioccato da quanto un essere umano possa essere in grado di fare è pianificare nella sua mente contorta. Mente che avremo modo di conoscere, seguirne le elucubrazioni mentali, la frenesia che si innesca in lui dopo aver colpito la prima volta, che diventa una sorta di iniziazione e di voto, non da meno la sua mente fredda, i suo ragionamenti, la scoperta passo dopo passo del suo intricato piano che come un ragno, negli anni ha affinato e strutturato al millesimo. Devo dire che la scrittrice ha creato un perfetto, contorto assassino che ti ossessiona, intriga e ti spaventa in egual misura.
Inoltre è stata abile nel costruire tutta la storia, l’intero caso, ritrovandosi ivi coinvolti i vari pensieri delle persone inerenti, comprese le vittime! Particolare questo labile legame tra Xander e Annabelle entrambi caratterizzati da dei trascorsi agghiaccianti, dove la loro introspezione profonda ti coinvolge e ti catalizza come un magnete.
La scrittrice ci crea uno scenario da horror, cupo, a tratti desolante, fatto di vicoli ciechi e mai una gioia, dove si spazza in ciò che è il nero pozzo spietato del crimine, con personaggi senza scrupolo che segnano indelebilmente le proprie vittime soggiogandole e piegandole alla paura, scelte dettate dalla solitudine ma al tempo stesso il non aprirsi con gli altri. Tutto condito da indagini e prove degni di un vero e proprio poliziesco giallo, dove l’assassino non sai mai dove si cela e sembra star sempre un passo avanti a tutti, ma pure la profondità dei sentimenti, la forza all’interno di se stessi, l’appoggiarsi l’uno all’altro e la crescita insieme.
Crea un perfetto film nella nostra mente che chi ama questo genere non può di certo farsi sfuggire e non rimanerne rapiti e coinvolti pagina dopo pagina, omicidio dopo omicidio. Una penna veramente particolare ed imperdibile di cui non vedo l’ora di leggere il prossimo capitolo ben curiosa di sapere in che agghiacciante, nuovo, strabiliante incubo ci coinvolgerà!
June 8, 2019
Interesting story, and good insights to a police detective's mind and mindset while on the job. I was very dismayed when I learned the story doesn't end; it continues. While I did read this book, I'm not compelled to read the 2nd one.
May 3, 2020
un po'moscio... tra l'altro il serial killer è ancora libero...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2021
I can see why this book is free.
March 19, 2017
*** Copy gifted in exchange for review***
Thanks to the author and the read-it-and-reap program.
*** Trigger warning - sexual abuse
From the get go, this book totally reminded me of a Lifetime movie. You have the requisite action, suspense, slightly off putting romance, and disturbingly dark elements.
Now I don’t mind indulging in an occasional Lifetime movie and at first this book was engaging enough and definitely had a good plot going. I could gloss over some cheesy lines and still find it rather enjoyable. Until the last third of the book.
Sigh…
Like a lot of Lifetime movies, this book greatly oversimplifies and in fact misrepresents trauma and mental illness. The implication that one can simply overcome trauma by matter of personal choice is so erroneous.
Thanks to the author and the read-it-and-reap program.
*** Trigger warning - sexual abuse
From the get go, this book totally reminded me of a Lifetime movie. You have the requisite action, suspense, slightly off putting romance, and disturbingly dark elements.
Now I don’t mind indulging in an occasional Lifetime movie and at first this book was engaging enough and definitely had a good plot going. I could gloss over some cheesy lines and still find it rather enjoyable. Until the last third of the book.
Sigh…
Like a lot of Lifetime movies, this book greatly oversimplifies and in fact misrepresents trauma and mental illness. The implication that one can simply overcome trauma by matter of personal choice is so erroneous.
September 26, 2016
Synopsis: Annabelle Englewood slaughters her family while they sleep. Or so it seems to Detective Xavier Montague when he and his partner arrive at her house to find her sleeping peacefully, her family all dead. But then another family and another are murdered, again with one family member left alive, and it becomes clear that Annabelle is simply a pawn in a vicious killer's game. Intrigued by Annabelle, the first woman Xavier has been attracted to since his divorce, when he comes face to face with the killer he will be forced to make the ultimate choice, a life and death decision, that could let a psychotic murderer walk free.
When I review I usually leave my rating for the end but due to this being a mixed review I'm going to let you know I give this book 5 stars... So please stick with me all the way to the end.
I feel like I had a love/hate relationship with this book. It took zero time for me to be hooked on it. ZERO. There were times while reading One, that I had to physically put the book down, hug my child, take a minute and return to the book. When writing can effect you so deeply that it takes up emotional residence in your mind, then it has to have been done right. I rarely give a 5 star rating and to be honest I struggled with rating this book as such, but to give it any other rating would have been a severe injustice to Ms. Blythe and her clear talent for detail and story telling.
Annabelle Englewood has just had her whole family murdered, and she is being blamed. She's devastated, in shock and angry as hell. I don't know that Annabelle's character could have been written any better. She's a beautiful broken soul, who is beyond damaged yet highly insightful and very aware of her own limitations. Her fear has a way of gripping you as the reader and making you feel fear for her. Detective Xavier Montague has made the mistake of the century by accusing a victim of murder, there isn't much you can say in the way of an apology but you can promise the almost impossible by promising to catch your families murderer and your tormentor. Xavier is a very determined and thorough detective who spends more time invested in work than he does life. With the help of his partner Detective Kate Hannah, Xavier is able to work through his growing feelings for Annabelle and the current case of a serial killer on the loose.
This book isn't a HEA romance so if that's what you're looking for then this isn't the book for you. But if you're looking for a book that is gripping and terrifying and leaves your soul reaching for more thrilling action then this is definitely for you. I will use the word romance loosely because it's there but it doesn't take center stage to the plot. This book hits on some very, very hard topics for me personally. This is where the hate comes into my love/hate relationship for this book. There is a bit of a spoiler coming up but I promise its only a small, small spoiler. This book features rape in a few instances and to me rape should never be used for entertainment value... EVER.... Yes, I'm very aware that rape is a common occurrence in life but to me its a trauma thru and thru and to read about it when I'm reading for entertainment value makes me feel disgusting, the same can be said for murder which I understand but I promised to give my honest opinion and this is it. So that is where I struggled and if this is a point of sensitivity for you then maybe you should think twice before reading. Even with that being said this book absolutely earned 5 stars through its indepth plot, multi dimensional characters and the authors uncanny way of putting words on paper and turning it into an emotional experience.
When I review I usually leave my rating for the end but due to this being a mixed review I'm going to let you know I give this book 5 stars... So please stick with me all the way to the end.
I feel like I had a love/hate relationship with this book. It took zero time for me to be hooked on it. ZERO. There were times while reading One, that I had to physically put the book down, hug my child, take a minute and return to the book. When writing can effect you so deeply that it takes up emotional residence in your mind, then it has to have been done right. I rarely give a 5 star rating and to be honest I struggled with rating this book as such, but to give it any other rating would have been a severe injustice to Ms. Blythe and her clear talent for detail and story telling.
Annabelle Englewood has just had her whole family murdered, and she is being blamed. She's devastated, in shock and angry as hell. I don't know that Annabelle's character could have been written any better. She's a beautiful broken soul, who is beyond damaged yet highly insightful and very aware of her own limitations. Her fear has a way of gripping you as the reader and making you feel fear for her. Detective Xavier Montague has made the mistake of the century by accusing a victim of murder, there isn't much you can say in the way of an apology but you can promise the almost impossible by promising to catch your families murderer and your tormentor. Xavier is a very determined and thorough detective who spends more time invested in work than he does life. With the help of his partner Detective Kate Hannah, Xavier is able to work through his growing feelings for Annabelle and the current case of a serial killer on the loose.
This book isn't a HEA romance so if that's what you're looking for then this isn't the book for you. But if you're looking for a book that is gripping and terrifying and leaves your soul reaching for more thrilling action then this is definitely for you. I will use the word romance loosely because it's there but it doesn't take center stage to the plot. This book hits on some very, very hard topics for me personally. This is where the hate comes into my love/hate relationship for this book. There is a bit of a spoiler coming up but I promise its only a small, small spoiler. This book features rape in a few instances and to me rape should never be used for entertainment value... EVER.... Yes, I'm very aware that rape is a common occurrence in life but to me its a trauma thru and thru and to read about it when I'm reading for entertainment value makes me feel disgusting, the same can be said for murder which I understand but I promised to give my honest opinion and this is it. So that is where I struggled and if this is a point of sensitivity for you then maybe you should think twice before reading. Even with that being said this book absolutely earned 5 stars through its indepth plot, multi dimensional characters and the authors uncanny way of putting words on paper and turning it into an emotional experience.
March 2, 2017
Wow. I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. It was absolutely incredible. It drew me in right from the start, making my palms sweaty, my breath catch in my throat, and my heart skip a beat!
The complexity of this book is astounding, it's full to the brim of twists and turns at every page.
It's Gritty, gruesome and fantastic. Written extremely well, no flaws at all. The character developments are perfect, describing everyone in detail Yet still leaving some parts a mystery. THAT ENDING THOUGH!!!! I need more!!! So much more!!! My top read of 2017!
A massive 5 stars from me!
#2OCCAB
The complexity of this book is astounding, it's full to the brim of twists and turns at every page.
It's Gritty, gruesome and fantastic. Written extremely well, no flaws at all. The character developments are perfect, describing everyone in detail Yet still leaving some parts a mystery. THAT ENDING THOUGH!!!! I need more!!! So much more!!! My top read of 2017!
A massive 5 stars from me!
#2OCCAB
July 29, 2019
Whoa, I was not sure what I was expecting going into this book or series, but let me tell you that One takes you on a powerful ride and sinks its claws in you right away. I enjoyed the suspense aspect as well as the character development. It was a great beginning to a series and keeps you guessing on 'who dun it' throughout the entire book!
I received an ARC of the book in return for my honest feedback!
I received an ARC of the book in return for my honest feedback!
May 28, 2020
First thoughts: OMG! I really wasn't expecting too much of this book. It was a freebie I picked up recently and an author I'm unfamiliar with. What a surprise I got. The characters end up being well defined as the story goes on. The action is fast. The crimes are terrible, positively gruesome. Which is not so much a recommendation as a description. The romance is touching and realistic, at all ages. I immediately bought books 2 though 10, the rest of the series and am praying that they're just as good! Wow!
I have now read all ten books in the series. It was a while between One and Two, but then I read Two through Ten one right after the other. It is really a continuing story anyway, so it's really easy to do. The core of these books is a family of three brothers, two homicide detectives and a hospital surgeon. The cast that surrounds them includes the women they love, the families they come from, and the families they create by blood or friendship and let us not forget the criminals who sin against them. Pretty much the whole series holds up to what I found in the first book and I feel comfortable giving the whole series a FIVE STAR rating! Highly recommended for those who enjoy Romantic Suspense where your romance and your crime go about 50-50 and the tension is high throughout for both.
I have now read all ten books in the series. It was a while between One and Two, but then I read Two through Ten one right after the other. It is really a continuing story anyway, so it's really easy to do. The core of these books is a family of three brothers, two homicide detectives and a hospital surgeon. The cast that surrounds them includes the women they love, the families they come from, and the families they create by blood or friendship and let us not forget the criminals who sin against them. Pretty much the whole series holds up to what I found in the first book and I feel comfortable giving the whole series a FIVE STAR rating! Highly recommended for those who enjoy Romantic Suspense where your romance and your crime go about 50-50 and the tension is high throughout for both.
December 3, 2019
This was a very descriptive book, so much so that I felt like I was in a episode on the ID network or a CSI episode. The suspense factor I loved but the descriptions of murders were something I’m that use in my books but overall just added to the fact A this book is written in way that you can visualize everything and B I need to read more murder/mysteries cause I found myself really into this one! Detective Xavier is tasked with solving the murders and finding the serial killer only problem is the prime suspect, Annabelle, he can’t help but being extremely drawn to her. The book kept me guessing on who the killer could probably be which only added to my enjoyment of it cause I couldn’t determine what would be next
August 29, 2019
Gritty!
This was the first book that I've read by this author. I love the whole crime/thriller scene, so I picked up this when I saw it on facebook. I really liked the twisted tale from the past, and how it mingled now with the present. I liked Xavier and Annabelle. I liked how they become one another. If I'm honest I really wanted to know that they got a Happy ever after, and I'm not sure if we'll find that out in future books, but I really wanted to see them content in life.
All in all, it was a really interesting read. It kept me hooked and sitting in the edge of my seat.
This was the first book that I've read by this author. I love the whole crime/thriller scene, so I picked up this when I saw it on facebook. I really liked the twisted tale from the past, and how it mingled now with the present. I liked Xavier and Annabelle. I liked how they become one another. If I'm honest I really wanted to know that they got a Happy ever after, and I'm not sure if we'll find that out in future books, but I really wanted to see them content in life.
All in all, it was a really interesting read. It kept me hooked and sitting in the edge of my seat.
December 5, 2019
Page turner!!
Jane Blythe is a recently discovered author to me and she's very quickly becoming a favorite. One was a thrilling, edge of your seat story that had so many twists and turns that just when I though I had it figured out something big would happen that would make me rethink everything. It was heartbreaking, suspenseful and heart stoppingly brilliant. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
Jane Blythe is a recently discovered author to me and she's very quickly becoming a favorite. One was a thrilling, edge of your seat story that had so many twists and turns that just when I though I had it figured out something big would happen that would make me rethink everything. It was heartbreaking, suspenseful and heart stoppingly brilliant. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
December 1, 2019
Great start to a series!
This story has action from the beginning! I loved Xavier and Annabelle! I loked getting all the different points of view from the characters. Great job!
This story has action from the beginning! I loved Xavier and Annabelle! I loked getting all the different points of view from the characters. Great job!
May 3, 2020
http://www.esmeraldaviaggielibri.it/u...
Uno di Jane Blythe primo volume romantic suspense della serie “Conta fino a dieci” pubblicato da Hope edizioni nella collana Hope Crime il 20 Aprile 2020
Arriva in Italia, grazie alla Hope Edizioni un’autrice che penso piacerà a molte. Uno è il primo di dieci libri della serie “Conta fino a dieci” e penso proprio, visto l’esordio, che ci regalerà un bel po’ di palpitazioni. Con una scrittura semplice ma d’effetto l’autrice ci parla con dovizia di particolari di assassini senza scrupoli e poliziotti pronti a tutto o quasi per trovarli, perché, talvolta, il cuore ci mette lo zampino e anche la giustizia cede davanti all’amore.
Una chiamata al 911, nel cuore della notte, fa accorrere una squadra di poliziotti sulla scena di un crimine che definire efferato non rende davvero l’idea. Non c’è limite a quello che l’assassino ha fatto in quella casa. Quattro persone sono state assassinate e orribilmente mutilate mentre erano ancora nei loro letti. In vita è rimasta solo Annabelle, la figlia maggiore, una ragazza con degli occhi azzurri così chiari da risultare quasi bianchi. E sono i suoi gli occhi che si ritrova a fissare il detective Xavier Montague quando la trova ferita nel suo letto. Ma tutti gli indizi trovati sulla scena del crimine la indicano come la sola colpevole dei fatti e, anche se la bellezza di quegli occhi hanno sconvolto il malinconico detective, l’uomo non può fare a meno di accusarla. Annabelle è sconvolta per la morte di tutta la famiglia e lo è ancora di più quando capisce di essere stata accusata. Vittima? Carnefice? Chi è davvero Annabelle? Cosa ha fatto quella notte e perché lei non ricorda nulla? Alla squadra di medicina legale, però, basta poco per capire che la giovane è innocente, che anche se tutte le prove portano a lei qualcuno ha voluto incastrarla. Ma perché? Chi è questa giovane che tutti dipingono come una ragazza deliziosa ma molto schiva?
Xavier vuole scoprirlo e non solo perché vuole acciuffare un assassino a piede libero che sta continuando ad uccidere, sterminando una seconda e poi ancora una terza famiglia, ma perché dopo tre lunghi anni il suo cuore sta tornando alla vita. Gli occhi e il sorriso triste di Annabelle lo hanno catturato irresistibilmente e mentre la caccia all’assassino si fa sempre più pressante, il detective dovrà fare i conti con il suo doloroso passato e con il mistero che circonda la vita di Annabelle. E anche se sa benissimo che intraprendere una relazione con una vittima non è consentito, che la vittima potrebbe legarsi a lui solo perché in quel momento rappresenta la sua roccia, lui si rifiuta di crederci. C’è qualcosa tra lui e l’enigmatica Annabelle e cercherà in tutti i modi di tenerla a lungo nella sua vita.
Devo dire che leggendo questo libro mi è sembrato di rivestire i panni di un investigatore, mi sono ritrovata e cercare gli indizi, a fare ipotesi, a cercare di capire cosa si nascondesse dietro uno sguardo o una parola. Perché in questo libro si evidenzia molto il lavoro un po’ nascosto degli investigatori con le loro domande senza risposte, i vicoli ciechi in cui incappano, i pochi indizi su cui possono contare e le altre centinaia di piccole cose che compongono il lavoro di un poliziotto. Il tutto coronato da un sentimento nuovo, un sentimento che sboccia piano, piano e su cui l’assassino farà leva per continuare i suoi sporchi comodi.
Xavier e Annabelle sono due bei personaggi, entrambi hanno un passato doloro e nessuno dei due nutre la speranza che il futuro possa essere migliore. Due vite e tanti segreti per ognuno dei due e, mentre quelli di Xavier vengono alla luce seppur lentamente, quelli di Annabelle vengono svelati solo a metà. Annabelle crede di essere una persona pavida, una che si è sempre nascosta, che non ha mai lottato preferendo accettare tutto quello che le capitava pur di non mettersi contro niente e nessuno e, invece, in questa occasione è più coraggiosa di quanto possa pensare. Xavier ha sempre pensato di essere una persona forte, una a cui la vita poteva fare di tutto e quando è successo davvero il mondo gli crollato addosso. A loro modo sono due personaggi che hanno tratto forza dalle loro debolezze e sarà proprio questa loro peculiarità ad avvicinarli. Xavier ha bisogno di amare e Annabelle ha bisogno di essere amata. Ci riusciranno? L’assassino darà loro una possibilità di vivere questo sentimento?
Devo ammettere che, stranamente, non è stata solo la storia d’amore a tenermi incatenata alla lettura, quanto l’intreccio della situazione, i motivi dell’assassino, il non riuscire a capire quale fosse l’anello che collegava tutte le morti e, vi dirò che aspetto con ansia il secondo libro della serie perché devo assolutamente scoprire tutto quello che è rimasto in sospeso. Perché, sì il finale mi ha lasciato un pochino frustrata e anche se da quello che ho capito i protagonisti principali della prossima storia saranno altri, credo e spero, che Xavier e Annabelle continuino ad aprirci le porte delle loro menti e dei loro cuori.
Uno di Jane Blythe primo volume romantic suspense della serie “Conta fino a dieci” pubblicato da Hope edizioni nella collana Hope Crime il 20 Aprile 2020
Arriva in Italia, grazie alla Hope Edizioni un’autrice che penso piacerà a molte. Uno è il primo di dieci libri della serie “Conta fino a dieci” e penso proprio, visto l’esordio, che ci regalerà un bel po’ di palpitazioni. Con una scrittura semplice ma d’effetto l’autrice ci parla con dovizia di particolari di assassini senza scrupoli e poliziotti pronti a tutto o quasi per trovarli, perché, talvolta, il cuore ci mette lo zampino e anche la giustizia cede davanti all’amore.
Una chiamata al 911, nel cuore della notte, fa accorrere una squadra di poliziotti sulla scena di un crimine che definire efferato non rende davvero l’idea. Non c’è limite a quello che l’assassino ha fatto in quella casa. Quattro persone sono state assassinate e orribilmente mutilate mentre erano ancora nei loro letti. In vita è rimasta solo Annabelle, la figlia maggiore, una ragazza con degli occhi azzurri così chiari da risultare quasi bianchi. E sono i suoi gli occhi che si ritrova a fissare il detective Xavier Montague quando la trova ferita nel suo letto. Ma tutti gli indizi trovati sulla scena del crimine la indicano come la sola colpevole dei fatti e, anche se la bellezza di quegli occhi hanno sconvolto il malinconico detective, l’uomo non può fare a meno di accusarla. Annabelle è sconvolta per la morte di tutta la famiglia e lo è ancora di più quando capisce di essere stata accusata. Vittima? Carnefice? Chi è davvero Annabelle? Cosa ha fatto quella notte e perché lei non ricorda nulla? Alla squadra di medicina legale, però, basta poco per capire che la giovane è innocente, che anche se tutte le prove portano a lei qualcuno ha voluto incastrarla. Ma perché? Chi è questa giovane che tutti dipingono come una ragazza deliziosa ma molto schiva?
Xavier vuole scoprirlo e non solo perché vuole acciuffare un assassino a piede libero che sta continuando ad uccidere, sterminando una seconda e poi ancora una terza famiglia, ma perché dopo tre lunghi anni il suo cuore sta tornando alla vita. Gli occhi e il sorriso triste di Annabelle lo hanno catturato irresistibilmente e mentre la caccia all’assassino si fa sempre più pressante, il detective dovrà fare i conti con il suo doloroso passato e con il mistero che circonda la vita di Annabelle. E anche se sa benissimo che intraprendere una relazione con una vittima non è consentito, che la vittima potrebbe legarsi a lui solo perché in quel momento rappresenta la sua roccia, lui si rifiuta di crederci. C’è qualcosa tra lui e l’enigmatica Annabelle e cercherà in tutti i modi di tenerla a lungo nella sua vita.
Devo dire che leggendo questo libro mi è sembrato di rivestire i panni di un investigatore, mi sono ritrovata e cercare gli indizi, a fare ipotesi, a cercare di capire cosa si nascondesse dietro uno sguardo o una parola. Perché in questo libro si evidenzia molto il lavoro un po’ nascosto degli investigatori con le loro domande senza risposte, i vicoli ciechi in cui incappano, i pochi indizi su cui possono contare e le altre centinaia di piccole cose che compongono il lavoro di un poliziotto. Il tutto coronato da un sentimento nuovo, un sentimento che sboccia piano, piano e su cui l’assassino farà leva per continuare i suoi sporchi comodi.
Xavier e Annabelle sono due bei personaggi, entrambi hanno un passato doloro e nessuno dei due nutre la speranza che il futuro possa essere migliore. Due vite e tanti segreti per ognuno dei due e, mentre quelli di Xavier vengono alla luce seppur lentamente, quelli di Annabelle vengono svelati solo a metà. Annabelle crede di essere una persona pavida, una che si è sempre nascosta, che non ha mai lottato preferendo accettare tutto quello che le capitava pur di non mettersi contro niente e nessuno e, invece, in questa occasione è più coraggiosa di quanto possa pensare. Xavier ha sempre pensato di essere una persona forte, una a cui la vita poteva fare di tutto e quando è successo davvero il mondo gli crollato addosso. A loro modo sono due personaggi che hanno tratto forza dalle loro debolezze e sarà proprio questa loro peculiarità ad avvicinarli. Xavier ha bisogno di amare e Annabelle ha bisogno di essere amata. Ci riusciranno? L’assassino darà loro una possibilità di vivere questo sentimento?
Devo ammettere che, stranamente, non è stata solo la storia d’amore a tenermi incatenata alla lettura, quanto l’intreccio della situazione, i motivi dell’assassino, il non riuscire a capire quale fosse l’anello che collegava tutte le morti e, vi dirò che aspetto con ansia il secondo libro della serie perché devo assolutamente scoprire tutto quello che è rimasto in sospeso. Perché, sì il finale mi ha lasciato un pochino frustrata e anche se da quello che ho capito i protagonisti principali della prossima storia saranno altri, credo e spero, che Xavier e Annabelle continuino ad aprirci le porte delle loro menti e dei loro cuori.
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