In the final installment of the Four Point Trilogy, Sali and Maggie, despite their retirement, find themselves tirelessly recruited by civilians asking for their help. When a desperate mother appeals to Sali's sensitivities to search for her missing daughter, the duo, reluctantly, give in. With the case suddenly spiraling into yet another international disaster and the FBI urging their assistance, Sali confronts her biggest fears and her unusual reliance on Jenny to survive. Will Sali and Maggie emerge unscathed from this experience? Or will it be enough to force a wedge between them?
Max grew up just outside of New York City, spending most of her formative years outdoors creating wild ghost hunts with neighborhood kids, setting booby-traps to capture unwitting family members, and building clubhouses on top of ten-foot walls. Max wrote her first story at the age of twelve and titled it Circles of Friendship. Through the years, Max has written several short-stories and poems, all of which met the wrath of the “Not Good Enough” monster and ended in fiery demise.
Max regained her confidence when she began writing scholarly articles and research theses on her first trip through graduate school. It took several years for her to break the habit of the formal writing that marred her creativity. An additional Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing was Max’s biggest support in this. Max writes primarily sci-fi/fantasy, paranormal romance, and Young Adult stories.
Ok series! Nice premise for this last series/book which had a few good topics that i think the storytelling should have stayed with but--meh! Buzzkill:- The author should have focus a lot more on the plotline (take it down a notch or three) and less on her overindulgent in what i believe was way too much sex scenes for every other sentence in this book (overdramatize & overuse). Additional,for a married couple (Sali & Maggie) they might come across as very immature and annoying at times even their childish dialogues might turn some readers off. However,i want to point out that also in this series while it does not excuse all of Sali's knucklehead actions plus many of her mood swings and clearly illustrates the many reckless nature of all her other bad behaviors,Ellendale tries her best to prove the crime through the lens of adolescent/law ignorance rather than all-out criminal activity - and she also addresses tolerance,therapy,justice & maybe forgiveness.
I feel like I've run a 20 miler after finishing this series. Seriously.
Oh and Max? Seriously? Brexit? /facepalm
Right. So I need to curl up to a cozy fire with a fluffy beach book or something after going through all of that. This book, unlike the first 2 centers around a completely new set of WTF that everyone gets wrapped up in.
I kept thinking further in, oh FFS, cut them a break please.
Finally. Big A Sigh. Now I think all I've got left from Ellendale is a few shorts. I'm going to queue them up eventually but you'll have to forgive me if I seek out some fluff piece somewhere.
I wish this was more than a trilogy... I could read about Sali, Maggie and their family and friends again and again and again.
Great writing by Ellendale. I love the banter between all the characters, they're great individuals but as a group they're awesome. I'm really sad to see the end of the Four Point Trilogy.
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first two. The case this time around, is not connected to the previous storyline, so it feels odd, and out of place - considering that all encompassing plot thread throughout so far.
The characters are all still there though, and it's nice to see them mostly being happy, enjoying life, having loads of sex lol. Seriously it got a little much I have to say. There's also a weirdly incestuous quality where everyone's up in each others business, and are all too free about sharing their sexcapades in ways that did made me uncomfortable - that's on me. I just didn't find those parts realistic.
Unfortunately a lot of the characters personalities are merging and becoming identical and not individual anymore. There were a few inconsistencies that bothered me.
4,5 stars A good ending to an enjoyable series. Well done. Sali's character development over the course of all three books was great to read about and her romance with Maggie was adorable.
Holy Wow! You definitely have to read this book!!!!
Sali & her friends are back more awesome than ever in this book ...... Can Sali solve the case in time??? you'll have to read the book and find out!!!
the story takes off right from the start ... it has an intense storyline that has you on the edge of your seat and holding your breath until you realize it's ok again and you can breathe! It really does just grip you and you're hooked until the very end.. I couldn't stop reading (I finished in a few hours) it's compelling and intriguing.. I had to know what was going to happen next! It really flows well from one chapter to the next, a kickbutt awesome story, with a perfect balance of adrenaline/mystery/action and romance.. with plenty of laughs!!! fantastically written! great character development! I love everything about this book!!!!!
—“Once again, my wife's life will be in danger over some intrinsic obligation that we feel to save the world or help anyone who asks it of us.”
—“There wasn't a greater agony than knowing I'd left her there alone and the powerlessness was almost too much to bear.”
Talk about ending with a bang… what better way to conclude an awesome romantic mystery thriller series!!! Cause this ending... OMG!!! I am a speechless, crying & emotional wreck so grateful for this journey...
—“I was here when she was sick. I know what she faces every time she stands at the edge of the abyss, looking inside it. There's only so much a person can take before they fall in.”
—““The last thing I saw was my fear-ridden wife holding on to every emotion with the fragility of blown glass.”
Absolutely restores faith & hope in true love!! It broke my heart, pissed me the hell off & reduced me to tears, riding the emotional rollercoaster from the 1st book to the series epilogue of finding & forging relationships & bonds that survives steadfast throughout the most difficult, dire & darkest times full of the comfort, passion & pleasure that only comes from real love!!!
…Can't find the words that can even begin to explain my emotions & feelings… IJS— I SO LOVE THIS BOOK & THE ENTIRE SERIES!!!!
Fantastic Finale of the series! Quite an intense read with a gripping story line. I just love these two and I love their relationship, and even the side characters there wasn´t one I didn´t like. I´m really sad to see them go an only reappear here and there in other books but I think it´s better to leave it like this on a strong note than to milk it to no end and get irrelevant. One of best thing of this series other than the crime story and the personal growth after such an incident is that the book aren´t overly mushy. Yes there is romance and quite a lot of really good sex but it´s all really good balanced so it doesn´t get too mushy.
The bevyload of mental, emotional and psychological trilogy comes to a fever pitch with this 3rd and final installment. Guaranteed to leave you gasping for breath after a jaw-droppingly intense race to an ultimate end! But not before Max Ellendale rips your heart out, messes with your mind and thoughts and then just when you think your mind can't handle any further stress and emotional upheaval, she calmly presents something to you that is so sweet and precious that you immediately heave a HUGE sigh of relief....and joy....and happiness....and exhiliration!!! PHEEEEEEEEWWWWWWW!!!!!
Back to the this final installment, Sali and Maggie, once again, couldn't get away from harm and danger, despite living as a couple of retirees, enjoying a bit of quiet and peace. But once a detective, always a detective, innit? Creatures of habit. They just couldn't help themselves. This time, it was about finding a mother's missing child. This mother just showed up at Maggie & Sali's door one day and the rest was history. Before they knew it, Sali found herself deeply entrenched in a huge international case. Ellendale's skill in portraying this deeply felt dilemma that Maggie was experiencing as she watched Sali putting herself in harm's way again, was palpable - their non-communicative behaviour toward each other at first, Maggie struggling to put her fears and anxiety into words, Sali trying to appease Maggie. But both of them knew they were alike in the sense that they always wanted to help people. In the end, they worked out a compromise, which I thought truly showed their relationship growth and maturity. The process was written with such authenticity, it was a fascinating case study to read.
In this book, it was revealed that Maggie and Sali's unconventional family unit added another member, Nora!! Yup, she had been living with the two lovebirds since everything happened in "Point Two" (Book 2). And her growing ease in living her life more openly was such a joy to read! YAY! This trio's friendship truly shone through in this book. Fantastic chemistry! Loved their exchanges!
One of me favourite moments was the brilliant depiction of an unconventional family unit amongst Sali, Maggie, Ben, Moreno, and now Nora and Harper. Their incredibly natural chemistry, camaraderie, their bond truly showed that a family doesn't need to be based on biological linkage. A family consists of a tight-knit group of people who love and care for each other unconditionally, who are one another's support system, who would do anything for each other at any given time. And that's how I define Sali, Maggie and Co. I absolutely loved the amount of laughter, hilarious banter and all-around sense of unity and familiarity whenever they were around each other. Ellendale's portrayal of their interactions was so spot-on, I really felt they were a family unit.
One character I have to mention out of this trilogy. Anita. Sali and Maggie's therapist and friend. Anita who was always there in the background ready to assist, always protective of Sali's well-being, and Maggie's too, but this special bond she had with Sali was something to be cherished. She was her (and Maggie's) saviour, to be honest. She was truly the unsung hero in this trilogy. Besides, Ellendale threw in a little more info about our mysterious therapist. I was always intrigued by Anita's character since Book 1. But reading this, I was unquestionably curious about her back story since Anita didn't really reveal all, just through snippets, insinuations, guesses, that she neither confirmed nor denied. A typical psychologist, eh? Answering questions with a questions whenever asked. She is a fascinating case study. A mysterious, intriguing character, really. I'd love it if Ellendale would eventually tell her story.
Sidenote: There was this spark going on between Anita and Mercy. Hmmm...
One of me favourite moments, an utterly pleasant surprise was scrolling to a chapter and it was Maggie's POV, presented as a first-person!!! And in a few other chapters, too! Every time I saw "Maggie" on top of the chapter, I let out a little whoop of joy and a fist bump! Ellendale did it! Bloody hell YES! Waited long enough, wishing upon wishing and voila!!!! Thank you, Ellendale! Although only a few chapters but I was positively ELATED with utter JOY! I always wanted to know about Maggie's internal thoughts, her side of things, how she felt about Sali, her life, their life... Ellendale revealed some of it and I couldn't be happier and appreciative! Cheers, Ellendale! In this case, Ellendale's inclusion of Maggie's POV, read as a first-person made Maggie's predicament ever so visceral as Sali went deeper into the case. It was such a fantastic, brilliant, genius way of portraying the acute psychological urgency that was happening with Maggie in relation to Sali's situation.
This method truly increased the level of intensity of the scenario, which astutely tied in to one of the most gruelling, gut-wrenching, heart-pounding, breathtaking scenes I've ever read! Sali's final psychological break. The non-stop mental assault of epic proportions, exchanges in and out of consciousness, the deliberately confusing, messy dialogue, monologue, that were written with such authority, visceral authenticity I felt like I was in Sali's mind, experiencing it all as it unfolded! The scene on the bridge. I was frozen. Bile in my throat. So real. So intense. It hit me in the deepest recesses of my mind.
Needless to say, "Mirror" was a mammoth of a roller-coaster ride for me. Mentally, psychologically, emotionally, I was tied in knots. The adrenaline rush, fearing for Sali and Maggie, and then being guided down to still waters of calm, relief, peace, serenity and a TRUE HEA in the end! Thank bloody Christ!! What a RUSH, indeed! Left me mentally exhausted, emotionally numb after that. Honestly can't recall the last time a book, let alone the entire trilogy, gave me such a psychological and emotional whiplash! Ellendale, you've outdone yourself. I raise me hat to you for your brilliance in the field of psychology specifically in the trauma area and genius handling of the human psyche through the flow of words and expressions that you masterfully crafted.
If there were a collection of words that I would use to define Sali, it is this:
"From the ashes rises the phoenix, Soul renewed, Battle scars remain, But pain a distant memory."
I can't end this without mentioning the priceless gift that I got out of this trilogy and that is....
...the EPIC love story between Maggie and Sali, spanning all 3 books.
Ellendale's masterful construction of their love story, with their off-the-charts connection and chemistry, their constant playfulness, their banter, their alluring public displays of affection, the profession of their love and devotion for each other, presenting the reader with an example of a long-term relationship, detailed with such realism, poignancy, and deep-seated resonance that I couldn't help but feel Maggie and Sali's characters, and their circle of friends, their unconventional family unit, were as real as you and me.
Ellendale's reverberating words and expressions given to Maggie and Sali, how she wrote their unbroken bond, their uncompromising symbiotic connection, their absolute physical and psychological reliance on each other, their untethered souls, were utterly intoxicating, so addictive to explore. Their special connection transcended everything else. Their love was beyond love. It was an all-consuming energy, divine and pure, everlasting through time and space. Soul mates. Kindred spirits. I have no proper words to define it but the feeling that resonated in me reading Maggie and Sali's relationship was nothing short of breathtaking, utterly mind-blowing.
All in all, "Mirror" along with "Four Point" (Book 1) and "Point Two" (Book 2) aka the "Four Point Trilogy," are all on me list of favourite lesfic books. Maggie and Sali are one of me all-time favourite fictional couples. Their love story is one that I will re-visit many times, that's for sure!
All 3 books of the "Four Point" trilogy are a resounding MUST-READ. Guaranteed to give you a major cerebral assault of the highest emotional, mental and psychological level! Buckle up and brace yourselves for one of the most riveting psychological rides you'd ever take!
Another fantastic and immersive read from Max Ellendale. Maggie and Sali get once again get drawn into an investigation despite being officially retired. Unlike previous books the perilous situation in which Sali finds herself is concluded fairly quickly, however this does not mean a lack of drama and tension, and both Sali and Maggie have to deal with the fallout.
The story is gripping and the love that these two characters have for each other is heartwarming. A powerful read from a talented author.
August 2021 update: As good as I remembered. After reading other books in this universe I had forgotten how precarious Sali's mental health became in this book. Even though I knew how it turned out, I found it just as gripping and emotional on second read. I'd love this to be an audiobook book though I doubt anyone could do justice to this complicated character.
When your mother invites you to go to Cabo - GO. Super satisfied by the closure of this trilogy. Sali's growth is complex and fragile, but also steadfast and enduring. Joining her and Maggie's journey has been worth the annoyed people whose emails I skipped to finish these books.
It was no surprise that Sali & Maggie would agree to another undercover op for those kids, but I certainly was nervous when it started going bad, when they lost contact.
The connection Sali & Maggie has is beautiful, I loved all 3 books, if you like crime thrillers, a must read!!!
That was disappointing: no detective story, only overly described trauma experiences, and way too many sex scenes that were not remotely believable.
Only the first book of the series is worth reading. The two others are just re-heated plots. Don't bother reading them if you're looking for a crime book
I would highly highly recommend reading this series it has everything you could want: action, love, swearing, smartassness, and lots of great characters who pretty much get along with each other.
I want more from this series but perhaps it might to have a break before then because damn. That was some emotional rollercoaster. I feel for everyone in this...but I still want more. Care to expand on the this universe Max?? I’d greatly appreciate it. Cheers 👍🏽
I loved Mirror. Book three in the Four Point Trilogy. I think I liked this one the best of all three. Great combination of police procedure, sister love and romance.
I love reading a series, but I hate when it ends. 😢 Sali and Maggie are all set for retirement, until they're not! A visitor at the door begins an adventure that takes Sali back to a dark place. Maggie and Anita are there to help, but the past steps in, once again, to haunt Sali. I love all the characters in this trilogy and their stories kept me reading late into the night! The steam is rising in this third book & know I wouldn't read this one in public! Squirming in a waiting room tends to make people look at you funny! (Fanning myself) 😜 Anyway, I'm off to start another series by Max, the Legacy series!
I got an hour of sleep, last night, because I just had to finish this trilogy. The tears fell from my eyes two different times. As much as I love Maggie and Sali, I find myself needing to know what happened to Anita. Did she find someone to spend her life with, will it be with another woman? Same thing goes for Mercy. Then there is Jenny. I just want her to be happy. I have no idea what the Four Point Universe will hold, but I'll be starting on that series as soon as this review is finished. My complaints remain about the same as the sequel. I feel like Sali acted very juvenile at times. Situations she should have been professional, she acted like a young teenager. Again, the constant slapping, punching, hitting was irritating. Even though it was in a joking manner.
4,25/5 This was my favorite. I didn't picked it ,it picked me.
I cried so much at this which was unexpected, I didn't realise how deep these characters were already inside me until there was any possibility of them getting in any way hurt.
There were things that were kinda problematic ,that in my opinion would had made this book better ,that and the fact that it bored me until like 30% of it.The perfect ending, I didn't think that at the beginning and it was nice to see myself understanding more trough the process
Also for a fucked up couple they were probably the healthiest too
Detective Salinger James and her partner took on a cold case serial killer case that ended with Sali being kidnapped and a victim. Detective Margaret Miller took over the case with Sali consulting. Maggie and Sali become friends and lovers. The charters are strong professionals including police, FBI, judges and psychiatrists. A Sapphic mystery and police procedural.
this trilogy is so so good. and this book in particular had my head beating in my arse i was so caught up in all the emotions and the action that i basically had a starring role in the book.
i actually enjoyed this trilogy so much i’m going to read the 14 book series set in the same universe just so i can stay in this world a bit longer.
The first couple times I read this story, it disturbed me that this sort of thing could be happening. It awakened me to realize that it does. I always enjoy any story Sali and Maggie are featured. I would like to see the series continued further. I also would like to see more of the Legacy series.
As strong a story as the first two of the trilogy. Intense story line but not without some great comedic scenes that take you thru the whole spectrum of emotions. A must read of the trilogy!
I really like Sali and Maggie and their relationship. I think they are my favorite book couple. I hope to read more about them in the Four Point Universe series which is up next for me. I highly recommend this book and this author.