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Secrets and Lies #3
Salalikud südamed
Betsy Jakes nägi õudusunenägusid – unenägusid, mis võinuks lahendada aastatetaguse mõistatuse. Keegi tema väikelinnas aga leidis, et selle tõttu peab ta surema.
Kui Sam Jakes tuleb koju, et aidata vennal lahendada nende ema mõrv, vapustavad teda hingepõhjani kaks asja. See kuritegu on ilmselgelt sarimõrvari kätetöö, kes on juba kaks korda tapnud. Ja... Lainey Pickett elab ikka veel siin. Naine, kelle ta aastaid tagasi ilma ühegi selgituseta maha jättis, on ühtäkki tema elus tagasi. Naine peab ikka veel vimma, kuid Sami süda tuksub siiani ainult talle.
Kui Sam süüvib mõrvajuhtumitesse ja päevavalgele hakkavad tulema kolmekümne aasta tagused saladused, tuleb Samil ajaga võidu joosta, et mõrvar tabada ja hoida ka Laineyt – ainsat naist, keda ta kunagi armastanud on ja armastab – ohvriks langemast.
Kui Sam Jakes tuleb koju, et aidata vennal lahendada nende ema mõrv, vapustavad teda hingepõhjani kaks asja. See kuritegu on ilmselgelt sarimõrvari kätetöö, kes on juba kaks korda tapnud. Ja... Lainey Pickett elab ikka veel siin. Naine, kelle ta aastaid tagasi ilma ühegi selgituseta maha jättis, on ühtäkki tema elus tagasi. Naine peab ikka veel vimma, kuid Sami süda tuksub siiani ainult talle.
Kui Sam süüvib mõrvajuhtumitesse ja päevavalgele hakkavad tulema kolmekümne aasta tagused saladused, tuleb Samil ajaga võidu joosta, et mõrvar tabada ja hoida ka Laineyt – ainsat naist, keda ta kunagi armastanud on ja armastab – ohvriks langemast.
288 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2016
265 people are currently reading
1073 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Sala
280 books2,306 followersBiography
Sharon Sala is a Native Oklahoman and still lives within a two hour drive of where she was born.
First published in 1991, she is a New York Times/USA Today, best-selling author with a 135 plus books published in seven different genres, including Romantic suspense, Mystery, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Non-Fiction.
Industry Awards include:
Eight-time RITA finalist. (Romance Industry award)
The Janet Dailey Award.
Five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine.
Five time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award.
Five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence.
Heart of Excellence Award.,
Booksellers Best Award.
Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award RITA, presented by RWA.
Centennial Award from RWA for recognition of her 100th published novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
May 16, 2022
Great series!!
March 20, 2016
Didn't read the other books in the series but I don't think I really missed anything. This book was certainly not a romance. The separated lovers meet again, have one fight then admit they still love each other. No angst and not much character development. A lot of not very interesting stuff about the old murder and the new murders. I did read the prologue of the first book and I really expected more tension from the killer. I know Sharon Sala can write with more tension. She wrote one of the creepiest villains I have ever read in Torn Apart but this one was lackluster.
And just for my taste I don't particularly enjoy 2nd chance at love stories and that seems to be all she is writing lately.
And just for my taste I don't particularly enjoy 2nd chance at love stories and that seems to be all she is writing lately.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2019
Akhirnya, finalisasi dari seri "Secrets and Lies" ini lumayan menegangkan di ending cerita.
Sam Jakes pulang ke Mystic untuk membantu saudaranya, Trey Jakes (hero di buku pertama) mencari pembunuh ibu mereka. Dan Sam bertemu kembali dgn Lainey Pickett, cintanya satu dasawarsa yg lalu. Lainey yg baru menjalani kemoterapi pengangkatan payudaranya sedang mengalami masalah kepercayaan diri.
Novel ini masih sama saja rasanya dgn novel lainnya di seri ini. Hambar dari segi romance, tidak ada yg istimewa. Sedangkan dr unsur suspense, krn ini penutup agak sedikit lebih baik krn akhirnya ditemukan pembunuhnya (yg sayangnya sudah bisa diduga oleh saya).
Dan yg saya bingung adalah adanya macan kumbang jejadian dimasukkan. Buat apa coba?
Seri ini xoxo saja. Entah kenapa GPU bukannya melanjutkan menerjemahkan JD Robb - In Death series saja, atau Elex Media dgn Last Chance Rescue -nya Christy Reece, tapi malah menerjemahkan novel-novel suspense romance author baru yg (maaf) kurang menggugah selera saya.
Sam Jakes pulang ke Mystic untuk membantu saudaranya, Trey Jakes (hero di buku pertama) mencari pembunuh ibu mereka. Dan Sam bertemu kembali dgn Lainey Pickett, cintanya satu dasawarsa yg lalu. Lainey yg baru menjalani kemoterapi pengangkatan payudaranya sedang mengalami masalah kepercayaan diri.
Novel ini masih sama saja rasanya dgn novel lainnya di seri ini. Hambar dari segi romance, tidak ada yg istimewa. Sedangkan dr unsur suspense, krn ini penutup agak sedikit lebih baik krn akhirnya ditemukan pembunuhnya (yg sayangnya sudah bisa diduga oleh saya).
Dan yg saya bingung adalah adanya macan kumbang jejadian dimasukkan. Buat apa coba?
Seri ini xoxo saja. Entah kenapa GPU bukannya melanjutkan menerjemahkan JD Robb - In Death series saja, atau Elex Media dgn Last Chance Rescue -nya Christy Reece, tapi malah menerjemahkan novel-novel suspense romance author baru yg (maaf) kurang menggugah selera saya.
May 4, 2016
The third and final book in the Secret and Lies series by Sharon Sala. After learning of his mother's death and his sister is in ICU in a coma, Sam Jakes finally returns home to Mystic, West Virginia. There he encounters Lainey Pickett, the love of his life. But war destroyed his dreams of a happily ever after. Now he just wants to discover the truth of his mother's murder and return to his solitary life in Atlanta.
Lainey Pickett never left Mystic. Always hoping someday Sam would return. Now he is here but is it too late?
Okay, we finally get to learn who the murderer is. That was a plus. The story tried to throw us off a few times but I did guess the who before the end. Still, there was a few surprises along the way. The story follows several people in the story that really served no purpose other than trying to steer us away from the killer. Overall, it was a good read but didn't grab me as firmly as many of this author's books have. The series does have a cliffhanger that is revealed in the final book so anyone considering this book should read the entire series.
Lainey Pickett never left Mystic. Always hoping someday Sam would return. Now he is here but is it too late?
Okay, we finally get to learn who the murderer is. That was a plus. The story tried to throw us off a few times but I did guess the who before the end. Still, there was a few surprises along the way. The story follows several people in the story that really served no purpose other than trying to steer us away from the killer. Overall, it was a good read but didn't grab me as firmly as many of this author's books have. The series does have a cliffhanger that is revealed in the final book so anyone considering this book should read the entire series.
May 16, 2016
I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review and here it is: 5+ stars
Sharon Sala does it yet again in this excellent third novel in her Secrets and Lies trilogy. It takes a master weaver to combine a tale of a wounded warrior with physical scars and the PTSD to prove it, the breast cancer survivor who loved him and whom he abandoned for 10 years and with whom he might just have a second chance at happiness, the mystery of multiple homicides dating from back in 1980 and continuing into the present, the mystery of who committed these crimes, secret journals, hidden photos, death and bomb threats, the only witness in a drug-induced coma, and, as if that wasn't enough, a panther attack. There aren't that many authors capable of weaving all the aforementioned plot lines into a perfect, seamless tapestry of pain, loss, love, devotion, regrets, forgiveness and hope. Luckily for her readers, Sharon Sala manages to do this again and again with each new novel, and this one is no exception. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Sharon Sala does it yet again in this excellent third novel in her Secrets and Lies trilogy. It takes a master weaver to combine a tale of a wounded warrior with physical scars and the PTSD to prove it, the breast cancer survivor who loved him and whom he abandoned for 10 years and with whom he might just have a second chance at happiness, the mystery of multiple homicides dating from back in 1980 and continuing into the present, the mystery of who committed these crimes, secret journals, hidden photos, death and bomb threats, the only witness in a drug-induced coma, and, as if that wasn't enough, a panther attack. There aren't that many authors capable of weaving all the aforementioned plot lines into a perfect, seamless tapestry of pain, loss, love, devotion, regrets, forgiveness and hope. Luckily for her readers, Sharon Sala manages to do this again and again with each new novel, and this one is no exception. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
February 2, 2017
Oh my word. this review is for all three books, in the series. first off let me say . bravo! i was not expecting it to end up like that. this book, will keep you on the edge of your seat, its a real page turner. all the way from book one, to the last. you get drawn in to it. wanting to know. who the killer is. and when you finally find out, you shocked, I would of never thought it was who they reveleved, the charachters are great, and I love how they find their true loves. very sad that so many died. The twis and turns in the 3 books really leave you guessing and wanting more.
January 19, 2016
Sharon Sala always meets and exceeds my expectations when I sit down to read her book. Her characters are the kind of people I would love to meet and visit with. But the very best part of her books is that there is always a total surprise in the endings that makes you jaw drop and you go huh? This is definitely a keeper and one I will be re-reading several times.
September 17, 2019
Dark Hearts
What a book and end to a trilogy! This last book has kept my emotions spiking all over the place. So much heartbreak, yet the good that comes from some of it, is what makes life continue on.
What a book and end to a trilogy! This last book has kept my emotions spiking all over the place. So much heartbreak, yet the good that comes from some of it, is what makes life continue on.
March 26, 2019
Dark Hearts ~ Sharon Sala 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Inilah buku pamungkas dari trilogi Secret and Lie. Akhirnya ketauan juga siapa pelaku pembunuhan 3 warga Mystic.
Sam Jakes kembali ke Mystic setelah mendapat kabar kematian ibunya. Sam mau tak mau harus menghadapi masa lalu dan kampung halaman yg telah ditinggalkannya bertahun2 yang lalu.
Lainey Pickett kekasih yg dicampakkan Sam begitu saja, juga mengalami tahun2 yang berat. Hingga akhirnya Sam kembali ke Mystic.
Sam dan Lainey akhirnya merajut kembali hubungan mereka. Disaat bersamaan, Sam juga membantu Trey menemukan dalang dibalik pembunuhan Ibu dan 2 orang temannya juga yang telah menembak adik perempuannya.
Mystic kota kecil, tentu saja gosip cepat beredar. Belum lagi warganya yg rata2 masih berada di sana, kebanyakan mengenal satu sama lain. Dan kejadian malam kelulusan SMA tahun 1980 akhirnya terkuak. Meski author menyelipkan beberapa tokoh untuk "menjebak" pembaca tapi tetep tertebak. Yah, siapa sih yang paling takut masa lalunya terkuak? Aplg udh 30thn lbh berlalu.
Yang menurut saya agak kurang pas adalah kejadian Jack Powell. Harusnya bisa dimasukan cerita keluarga Powell tanpa kecelakaan Jack. 😭
P. S : membaca seri ini harus dari buku pertama dan berurutan karena seri ini sambung menyambung dan penjahatnya hanya tertebak di buku ketiga ini.
Inilah buku pamungkas dari trilogi Secret and Lie. Akhirnya ketauan juga siapa pelaku pembunuhan 3 warga Mystic.
Sam Jakes kembali ke Mystic setelah mendapat kabar kematian ibunya. Sam mau tak mau harus menghadapi masa lalu dan kampung halaman yg telah ditinggalkannya bertahun2 yang lalu.
Lainey Pickett kekasih yg dicampakkan Sam begitu saja, juga mengalami tahun2 yang berat. Hingga akhirnya Sam kembali ke Mystic.
Sam dan Lainey akhirnya merajut kembali hubungan mereka. Disaat bersamaan, Sam juga membantu Trey menemukan dalang dibalik pembunuhan Ibu dan 2 orang temannya juga yang telah menembak adik perempuannya.
Mystic kota kecil, tentu saja gosip cepat beredar. Belum lagi warganya yg rata2 masih berada di sana, kebanyakan mengenal satu sama lain. Dan kejadian malam kelulusan SMA tahun 1980 akhirnya terkuak. Meski author menyelipkan beberapa tokoh untuk "menjebak" pembaca tapi tetep tertebak. Yah, siapa sih yang paling takut masa lalunya terkuak? Aplg udh 30thn lbh berlalu.
Yang menurut saya agak kurang pas adalah kejadian Jack Powell. Harusnya bisa dimasukan cerita keluarga Powell tanpa kecelakaan Jack. 😭
P. S : membaca seri ini harus dari buku pertama dan berurutan karena seri ini sambung menyambung dan penjahatnya hanya tertebak di buku ketiga ini.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2022
Son Sam returns home ( he was in the war & was wounded/suffered from severe PTSD,he became a recluse from his family & longtime girlfriend Lainey). His Mom Betsy (last of the 3 survivors) is murdered & sister Trina is shot,but she didn’t die from her wound. Marcus killed Donny to keep a cheating scandal quiet. Marcus is running for office & didn’t want the truth to come out & ruin his chances. TJ ,Marcus’ son kills Dick,Paul & Betsy,in case they eventually remembered what they saw ,when Donny was killed. Sam& Lainey make up & end up getting married.
September 27, 2021
WOW! What an ending! Another outstanding romance/murder/mystery series by Sharon Sala. I just couldn't help loving all the characters in each of the books. They are so well written. Do not skip the first two books in the series as they are crucial. And, they are worth reading. I may have come late to the party, but I'm flying through them making up lost time! Another keeper shelf series!
June 25, 2025
I enjoyed this series. a bit racy.. and the 3 books/stories connect great... You have to read the series to verify who the killer is.. Or find out if you don't know
September 21, 2020
Hate to see this series come to an end. I love the characters! Hard book to put down because I had to find out what would happen next. I loved every minute of the story!
March 22, 2016
A series' conclusion, that left me breathless. Absolutely fantastic romantic suspense, where the romance and mystery are twined together perfectly.
Since the book one, the author has given some clues to the reader who might have been behind the heinous, senseless murders in the small town in the mountains of Virginia. Even when part of the story is told from the murderer's point of view, the true identity still manages to surprise.
The story is flowing off the pages so seamlessly, it was impossible to put down, until the case was solved. The fear and tension in the town are palpable, the frustration of the law enforcement high, since there seems to be no evidence to point out to any direction.
The tragic murder of their mother, brings the recluse son, Sam to the town. He had his reasons to stay away, the reasons no one truly understood, until they meet him again after a decade. The scars the war left on him, are not only outside, but the PTSD flares up, when you least expect, and he wanted to keep his loved ones safe, from himself.
The reunion with Lainey is oddly beautiful in its brutality. It shows that no one is safe from the tragedies of life, and puts both Sam and Lainey on the same line immediately. I absolutely loved them together, how the angst and drama of their circumstances was enough, and the author just lets them love and cherish each other, after the long separation. Their honesty, loyalty, and love for each other was stunning, and so graceful.
All the characters in the story are well built, and have levels of depth, that made them alluring. They are the kinds of people you want to spend your time with, and get to know them, lovable, charming, and utterly captivating.
In the midst of the thrilling and heart-stopping mystery, that leaves several families devastated, two broken souls finally find their way back to each other, if only they can stay alive, to have the second chance with each other
~ Five Spoons
Since the book one, the author has given some clues to the reader who might have been behind the heinous, senseless murders in the small town in the mountains of Virginia. Even when part of the story is told from the murderer's point of view, the true identity still manages to surprise.
The story is flowing off the pages so seamlessly, it was impossible to put down, until the case was solved. The fear and tension in the town are palpable, the frustration of the law enforcement high, since there seems to be no evidence to point out to any direction.
The tragic murder of their mother, brings the recluse son, Sam to the town. He had his reasons to stay away, the reasons no one truly understood, until they meet him again after a decade. The scars the war left on him, are not only outside, but the PTSD flares up, when you least expect, and he wanted to keep his loved ones safe, from himself.
The reunion with Lainey is oddly beautiful in its brutality. It shows that no one is safe from the tragedies of life, and puts both Sam and Lainey on the same line immediately. I absolutely loved them together, how the angst and drama of their circumstances was enough, and the author just lets them love and cherish each other, after the long separation. Their honesty, loyalty, and love for each other was stunning, and so graceful.
All the characters in the story are well built, and have levels of depth, that made them alluring. They are the kinds of people you want to spend your time with, and get to know them, lovable, charming, and utterly captivating.
In the midst of the thrilling and heart-stopping mystery, that leaves several families devastated, two broken souls finally find their way back to each other, if only they can stay alive, to have the second chance with each other
~ Five Spoons
April 17, 2016
I found DARK HEARTS to be technically well written but I wasn't that impressed by this story itself. I found some of the characters such as Sam to be interesting and some were one dimensional.
What really threw me off initially was the romance between Sam and Lainey. He had deserted her years ago without a word so it doesn't make sense that after throwing a coffee cup at him, they are able to pick up right where they left it way back when. It just doesn't seem to be realistic though it might be some man's dream result.
And the suspense seemed to be over played. I think that I would have thrown my iPad if I had to read the words 'the killer' once more. I am disappointed by this as I have read books by Ms. Sala before and found her to have a deft touch with tension and suspense.
This is not a book that I would recommend to my readers. I have found that romantic suspense has to be real to draw the reader into the story. Without it, there is no sense of build up that this genre is known for.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
What really threw me off initially was the romance between Sam and Lainey. He had deserted her years ago without a word so it doesn't make sense that after throwing a coffee cup at him, they are able to pick up right where they left it way back when. It just doesn't seem to be realistic though it might be some man's dream result.
And the suspense seemed to be over played. I think that I would have thrown my iPad if I had to read the words 'the killer' once more. I am disappointed by this as I have read books by Ms. Sala before and found her to have a deft touch with tension and suspense.
This is not a book that I would recommend to my readers. I have found that romantic suspense has to be real to draw the reader into the story. Without it, there is no sense of build up that this genre is known for.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
July 16, 2016
2.5 stars. This was an OK read for me. But I thought the mystery overshadowed the romance. And that might not be a problem but as a second chance romance story they saw each other again, had one blow up, and then everything was hunky dory and all was forgiven. Then they went on as if the past 10 years 10! had never happened. That just didn't endear me to the characters very much.
I did not read the other 2 books before this one and I got along just fine. I had the killer figured out fairly soon.
Still not a bad way to spend an afternoon, just not what I was hoping for.
I did not read the other 2 books before this one and I got along just fine. I had the killer figured out fairly soon.
Still not a bad way to spend an afternoon, just not what I was hoping for.
April 5, 2016
Sharon Sala hit another ball out of the park with Dark Hearts.
I can't remember a book that had me crying this much.
A beautiful story of a man who has come home because of the
death of his mother. He sees the woman that loves and
starts mending there relationship. If you have not read this
I can honestly say you should. Sharon Sala thank you for the
many, many enjoyable hours of reading. Mystery, scandal, love of
family and heart breaking love.
I can't remember a book that had me crying this much.
A beautiful story of a man who has come home because of the
death of his mother. He sees the woman that loves and
starts mending there relationship. If you have not read this
I can honestly say you should. Sharon Sala thank you for the
many, many enjoyable hours of reading. Mystery, scandal, love of
family and heart breaking love.
March 30, 2016
I had been eagerly anticipating this book to finish the series. Finding out the identity of the killer was great! Sharon does an excellent job of giving you red herrings on who it could be. Everyone had a secret they wanted to keep hidden. I know when I pick up one of her books I will be moved to laughter and tears.
April 5, 2016
Sharon Sala hit another homer with Dark Hearts. First of all I really like this series.
I can't remember the last book that cried so much. Mystery, scandal, love of family
and finding love again. Sharon thank you for the many, many enjoyable hours of reading.
I will be waiting for the next book. Sincerely Donna Jo
I can't remember the last book that cried so much. Mystery, scandal, love of family
and finding love again. Sharon thank you for the many, many enjoyable hours of reading.
I will be waiting for the next book. Sincerely Donna Jo
September 30, 2016
Great conclusion to this romantic suspense trilogy with plenty of action that moved right along. All kinds of suspects have been building throughout the series. Rebuilding after tragedy, especially the heroine, showed the true grit of the main romantic characters. Sam returns home after his mothers murder and finally confronts Lainey, the woman he pushed away after he was wounded in war.
Read
January 25, 2016A very satisfying conclusion to the series. The previous book ended with Betsy and Trina shot by the killer. Now, Trina's brother Sam comes back to find out who killed his mother and shot his sister. ARC from NetGalley.
March 10, 2016
Tragedy, mystery, murder, love. This booked sucked me in and kept me hooked until the end. Satisfying ending to the trilogy. Cant wait for her next series. Read this when you have about 5 hours spare, as you will want to read it in one sitting.
January 18, 2016
Received courtesy of NetGalley.
A mystery with roots in the past is solved in the third book in the series.
A mystery with roots in the past is solved in the third book in the series.
Read
January 21, 2016********Thank you NetGalley for an Advanced Copy of this title*****
Review to come soon and WOOOOOW! what an amazing book!
Review to come soon and WOOOOOW! what an amazing book!
March 30, 2016
Amazing
Sharon Salas never disappoints you.As always she's written a story that holds you from the first word to the very last.
Sharon Salas never disappoints you.As always she's written a story that holds you from the first word to the very last.
March 31, 2016
Never would have guessed the identity of the killer! Enjoyed the book, although it was a bit sad with the loss of Mrs Jakes.
April 3, 2016
The Best...
Sharon Sala never disappoints, I read the first two books & could not wait for the conclusion. It was better than I hoped for. Never stop writing, you are the best..
Sharon Sala never disappoints, I read the first two books & could not wait for the conclusion. It was better than I hoped for. Never stop writing, you are the best..
April 8, 2016
Two-haiku review:
Third witness murdered
Son comes home to find killer
Finds love of his life
Finally revealed
I guessed who murderer was
Best of the series
Third witness murdered
Son comes home to find killer
Finds love of his life
Finally revealed
I guessed who murderer was
Best of the series
December 1, 2017
Dark Hearts, the 3rd book in the Secrets and Lies series is another great read and addition to the series by Sharon Sala. The final teen that was in an accident on graduation night decades ago has now been murdered. Betsy Jake's was the final survivor of that accident and the killer took care of her and her daughter, Trina, was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and is now a victim too. She's was shot too but is alive and in a coma.
Sam Jakes never returned home to Mystic after being injured while on duty in Afghanistan ten years ago. He broke Lainey Pickett's and he thinks his mother's heart by not ever returning home. It's too late for he and his mother but he's hoping it's not too late to mend fences with Lainey. After recovering his injuries from the war, Sam now is a successful private investigator and has his own investigation business in Atlanta. Sam returns home to bury his mother and help his brother, police chief of mystic, Trey Jake's, and the county sheriff find the killer of his mother, Dick Phillips and Paul Jackson. How does the accident decades ago and the current murders tie together is what these brothers have to figure out and find the killer before even more people die. Next on the list is there sister, Trina, because she knows the identity of the killer.
This book is full of twists and you won't want to put it down as you try to figure who the killer is and why these murders are happening. This plot is a classic example of how things happen for a reason even though we can't understand the why at the time something terrible happens. That tragic event may be what has to happen in our life to put us on the path to our destiny.
Sam Jakes never returned home to Mystic after being injured while on duty in Afghanistan ten years ago. He broke Lainey Pickett's and he thinks his mother's heart by not ever returning home. It's too late for he and his mother but he's hoping it's not too late to mend fences with Lainey. After recovering his injuries from the war, Sam now is a successful private investigator and has his own investigation business in Atlanta. Sam returns home to bury his mother and help his brother, police chief of mystic, Trey Jake's, and the county sheriff find the killer of his mother, Dick Phillips and Paul Jackson. How does the accident decades ago and the current murders tie together is what these brothers have to figure out and find the killer before even more people die. Next on the list is there sister, Trina, because she knows the identity of the killer.
This book is full of twists and you won't want to put it down as you try to figure who the killer is and why these murders are happening. This plot is a classic example of how things happen for a reason even though we can't understand the why at the time something terrible happens. That tragic event may be what has to happen in our life to put us on the path to our destiny.
September 3, 2018
Conclusion to the murder plot that has run through all three books. I pretty much figured out who it had to be because of the way the possible suspects were characterized.
The romance plot in this one gets a bit of a short shift because so much hinges on finally giving way more space to the murder plot than the other two books got. To be fair, Sala doesn't often do a lot in the way of romance. While her books always include romance, the romance is pretty low-to-no conflict with the couple getting together pretty early on with very little fuss. So they are usually already together and in a committed relationship very early in the book so the lion's share of the plot and conflict can be centered on the suspense part of the story. That is never more evident than in this book.
I liked some of the aspects of the investigation into the decades old mystery but ultimately thought the motivation of the present day murderer was kinda dumb. You murdered people who had completely forgotten about a 35 year old crime to cover up said crime. Except your murder is exactly what shone a spotlight on the old crime! If you have just not killed anyone you'd have been fine. I guess that old Homicide: Life on the Streets quote is apropos here: "Crime makes you stupid."
Overall a nice rom-suspense trilogy that made for hours of good listening on audio.
The romance plot in this one gets a bit of a short shift because so much hinges on finally giving way more space to the murder plot than the other two books got. To be fair, Sala doesn't often do a lot in the way of romance. While her books always include romance, the romance is pretty low-to-no conflict with the couple getting together pretty early on with very little fuss. So they are usually already together and in a committed relationship very early in the book so the lion's share of the plot and conflict can be centered on the suspense part of the story. That is never more evident than in this book.
I liked some of the aspects of the investigation into the decades old mystery but ultimately thought the motivation of the present day murderer was kinda dumb. You murdered people who had completely forgotten about a 35 year old crime to cover up said crime. Except your murder is exactly what shone a spotlight on the old crime! If you have just not killed anyone you'd have been fine. I guess that old Homicide: Life on the Streets quote is apropos here: "Crime makes you stupid."
Overall a nice rom-suspense trilogy that made for hours of good listening on audio.
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