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Pine Lake
SLEEPWALKING WITH DANGER
The murder of security expert Jack King's girlfriend has haunted him for fifteen years. Returning to Pine Lake, Texas, where the townsfolk still consider him suspect, might not be the smartest move, but a killer seems to be holding up a mirror to his past. The same witness to this new murder was also present the night Jack's girlfriend dieds…but both times, she was sound asleep…
Sleepwalking has gotten Olive Belmont into some sticky situations. Being the witness to both murders may have put her on the killer's list. Even so, she doesn't think the killer is Jack and is willing to help him. But will putting his past to rest ease her mind or leave her with even greater nightmares?
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2017
32 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Stevens
266 books2,226 followersAmanda Stevens is the award-winning author of over fifty novels, including the modern gothic series, The Graveyard Queen. Her books have been described as eerie and atmospheric, “a new take on the classic ghost story.” Born and raised in the rural south, she now resides in Houston, Texas, where she enjoys binge-watching, bike riding and the occasional Horror Night with friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 12, 2017
ARC Review, 3.5 stars
Being a huge fan of the Graveyard Queen series, I was curious to see how Amanda Stevens would write a more traditional romantic suspense book. When I think of this author, I think of her ability to write incredible descriptions that make a scene come alive. I was not disappointed with this book. With descriptions like: "Sinewy bodies glided through the dark shallows. Frogs plopped, herons fished and the water lilies closed up tight, their bloom heads drooping drowsily in the waning light", the muggy, swampy world of Pine Lake, Texas comes alive.
The story is suspenseful, but a bit too straightforward. I thought the mystery could be flushed out more and I would be happy with a little more relationship development. It felt short. Nonetheless, this book has good bones and I would recommend it to those who enjoy the genre.
Being a huge fan of the Graveyard Queen series, I was curious to see how Amanda Stevens would write a more traditional romantic suspense book. When I think of this author, I think of her ability to write incredible descriptions that make a scene come alive. I was not disappointed with this book. With descriptions like: "Sinewy bodies glided through the dark shallows. Frogs plopped, herons fished and the water lilies closed up tight, their bloom heads drooping drowsily in the waning light", the muggy, swampy world of Pine Lake, Texas comes alive.
The story is suspenseful, but a bit too straightforward. I thought the mystery could be flushed out more and I would be happy with a little more relationship development. It felt short. Nonetheless, this book has good bones and I would recommend it to those who enjoy the genre.
January 19, 2019
Topboek alweer
April 23, 2020
A good suspense book from a great author.
The Good, The Bad, and Everything Else: While I feel the suspense of this book was top notch I would have loved for the book to be longer. A longer book would have been really able to capitalize on the feeling of suspense. The length of book is pretty typical of a category romance and in most cases it always leaves me wanting more. This book in particular I wanted the romance to have more time to develop naturally as well as wanting longer suspense. The book takes place in a matter of days so a viable romance really doesn't have time to develop but luckily there wasn't insta-love. Yes the characters had a connection but thankfully there were no I Love You's at the end. So that was a plus for me.
The mystery part was expected but with a twist so I liked it quite a bit but would have liked a more hidden motive rather than the one explained. There were also a couple episodes of a sleepwalking incidents that felt off to me. I don't know a lot about sleepwalking but I did have a friend who did sleepwalk who said she had to have a lock on her bedroom door because while she was a sleepwalking she was unable to have the dexterity to unlock doors. Of course sleepwalking could be highly different from one person to another. As I said, I don't know a lot about it.
The characters could have been fleshed out more but there is a basic understanding of both Jack and Olivia and what makes them tick. I liked Olivia but found she was a bit of a Mary Sue. I also liked Jack but his complexity was just glossed over. Stevens gave us just a taste of what Jack was all about and, not to beat a dead horse....where did that saying come from anyway?....it's pretty morbid, but had there been the option of a longer book Jack might have ended up worth of Book Boyfriend status.
In a Nutshell: This was a good book on the verge of being great. This author knows her stuff and is really capable of penning a thrilling book. This is my first book by her but not my last as I have tons of her Intrigues on my shelf.
The Good, The Bad, and Everything Else: While I feel the suspense of this book was top notch I would have loved for the book to be longer. A longer book would have been really able to capitalize on the feeling of suspense. The length of book is pretty typical of a category romance and in most cases it always leaves me wanting more. This book in particular I wanted the romance to have more time to develop naturally as well as wanting longer suspense. The book takes place in a matter of days so a viable romance really doesn't have time to develop but luckily there wasn't insta-love. Yes the characters had a connection but thankfully there were no I Love You's at the end. So that was a plus for me.
The mystery part was expected but with a twist so I liked it quite a bit but would have liked a more hidden motive rather than the one explained. There were also a couple episodes of a sleepwalking incidents that felt off to me. I don't know a lot about sleepwalking but I did have a friend who did sleepwalk who said she had to have a lock on her bedroom door because while she was a sleepwalking she was unable to have the dexterity to unlock doors. Of course sleepwalking could be highly different from one person to another. As I said, I don't know a lot about it.
The characters could have been fleshed out more but there is a basic understanding of both Jack and Olivia and what makes them tick. I liked Olivia but found she was a bit of a Mary Sue. I also liked Jack but his complexity was just glossed over. Stevens gave us just a taste of what Jack was all about and, not to beat a dead horse....where did that saying come from anyway?....it's pretty morbid, but had there been the option of a longer book Jack might have ended up worth of Book Boyfriend status.
In a Nutshell: This was a good book on the verge of being great. This author knows her stuff and is really capable of penning a thrilling book. This is my first book by her but not my last as I have tons of her Intrigues on my shelf.
October 7, 2017
Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2017/10/review-...
Jack King. a former homicide detective turned security expert, is a Harlequin alpha through and through; the quiet hero with a dark past riddled in anger, bitterness, and betrayal. Driven out of his hometown of Pine Lake, TX, by the town’s false accusations of murder, he’s come back 15 years later after receiving some odd phone calls from his former high school buddies who hint that some of the details behind the death of his high school girlfriend aren’t exactly true. Especially when he learns that she kept some secrets from him.
Upon his arrival, he is instantly embroiled in another murder that takes him back down memory lane and has him viewing the town with prejudicial eyes. His discovery of the body also reintroduces him to Olive Belmont, the cousin of his former best friend, Nathan. She is all grown up and the local high school principal. Olive has a habit of sleepwalking which is how she ends up at the scene of the murder. Jack saves her life and Olive’s former teenage crush roars to the surface. Only, this Jack is nothing like the old Jack and that scares Olive. However, she doesn’t feel he is guilty of anything and vows o help him clear his name for good and discover the truth.
Jack’s investigation into both deaths and the attempts on his and Olive’s life leads him into the town’s seedy drug culture and the ties that bind it to some of the city’s top residents. As Jack grows closer to discovering the truth, he also grows close to Olive. But unless Jack can let go of the past, he may not have a future to embrace.
As a fan of Amanda Stevens Graveyard series I was intrigued when I learned she had written a nonparanormal romance suspense for Harlequin Intrigue. Set in the small town of Pine Lake, TX, Stevens uses her sharp writing skills to build an atmospheric mystery that has ties to the past and present when a young woman’s murder mimics another murder from 15 years ago. Dark and descriptive, this story has all the elements of a classic who dun with a brooding alpha hero, a slightly damaged heroine, and a slew of suspects and motives all converging together in a sleepy little southern small town with a long memory. The storylines straightforward reveal blends well with the solid suspense-filled mystery. A steady pace and engaging narrative serve to keep the reader guessing as Steven’s expertly juggles multiple plotlines while she fans the flames of Jack and Olive’s attraction. Some may be disappointed by the low key romance but I found it provided nice fodder for the story’s much stronger mystery elements.
The storyline’s straightforward reveal blends well with the solid suspense-filled mystery. A steady pace and engaging narrative serve to keep the reader guessing as Steven’s expertly juggles multiple plotlines while she fans the flames of Jack and Olive’s attraction. Some may be disappointed by the low key romance but I found it provided nice fodder for the story’s much stronger mystery elements.
The ending wasn’t a surprise (I had guessed who the villains were) but their motive was and I commend Steven’s for her clever little manipulations and subterfuge. Though a definite deviation from Steven’s usual fare, Pine Lake is an enjoyable bit of escapism for fans who enjoy a mystery that keeps them guessing.
Grade: B
Jack King. a former homicide detective turned security expert, is a Harlequin alpha through and through; the quiet hero with a dark past riddled in anger, bitterness, and betrayal. Driven out of his hometown of Pine Lake, TX, by the town’s false accusations of murder, he’s come back 15 years later after receiving some odd phone calls from his former high school buddies who hint that some of the details behind the death of his high school girlfriend aren’t exactly true. Especially when he learns that she kept some secrets from him.
Upon his arrival, he is instantly embroiled in another murder that takes him back down memory lane and has him viewing the town with prejudicial eyes. His discovery of the body also reintroduces him to Olive Belmont, the cousin of his former best friend, Nathan. She is all grown up and the local high school principal. Olive has a habit of sleepwalking which is how she ends up at the scene of the murder. Jack saves her life and Olive’s former teenage crush roars to the surface. Only, this Jack is nothing like the old Jack and that scares Olive. However, she doesn’t feel he is guilty of anything and vows o help him clear his name for good and discover the truth.
Jack’s investigation into both deaths and the attempts on his and Olive’s life leads him into the town’s seedy drug culture and the ties that bind it to some of the city’s top residents. As Jack grows closer to discovering the truth, he also grows close to Olive. But unless Jack can let go of the past, he may not have a future to embrace.
As a fan of Amanda Stevens Graveyard series I was intrigued when I learned she had written a nonparanormal romance suspense for Harlequin Intrigue. Set in the small town of Pine Lake, TX, Stevens uses her sharp writing skills to build an atmospheric mystery that has ties to the past and present when a young woman’s murder mimics another murder from 15 years ago. Dark and descriptive, this story has all the elements of a classic who dun with a brooding alpha hero, a slightly damaged heroine, and a slew of suspects and motives all converging together in a sleepy little southern small town with a long memory. The storylines straightforward reveal blends well with the solid suspense-filled mystery. A steady pace and engaging narrative serve to keep the reader guessing as Steven’s expertly juggles multiple plotlines while she fans the flames of Jack and Olive’s attraction. Some may be disappointed by the low key romance but I found it provided nice fodder for the story’s much stronger mystery elements.
The storyline’s straightforward reveal blends well with the solid suspense-filled mystery. A steady pace and engaging narrative serve to keep the reader guessing as Steven’s expertly juggles multiple plotlines while she fans the flames of Jack and Olive’s attraction. Some may be disappointed by the low key romance but I found it provided nice fodder for the story’s much stronger mystery elements.
The ending wasn’t a surprise (I had guessed who the villains were) but their motive was and I commend Steven’s for her clever little manipulations and subterfuge. Though a definite deviation from Steven’s usual fare, Pine Lake is an enjoyable bit of escapism for fans who enjoy a mystery that keeps them guessing.
Grade: B
October 22, 2018
Jack King returns to Pine Lake after 15 years, when he originally left the town when he was the prime suspect in his girlfriend's murder. Someone was eventually put away for the crime, but Jack's reputation never recovered. He's lured there after learning that his buddies, Tommy Driscoll and Nathan Bolt, were lying when they gave each other alibis for the night the girlfriend, Anna Grayson, was murdered.
Right when he arrives, he discovers a dead body in the lake by his uncle's cabin! It is a young woman. Could her murder be connected to the death of Anna Grayson? Jack is soon in the company of Olive Belmont, Nathan's cousin, who has suffered from bouts of sleepwalking throughout her life. It turns out that she was sleepwalking on the nights of both murders. Her potential as a witness, and Jack's determination to uncover the truth, makes them both targets.
Very good romantic thriller! I had read Stevens' The Whispering Room some years ago and really enjoyed it. So I'm quite pleased that I really enjoyed her contribution to the Intrigue line! This is very well-plotted, with no Scooby-Doo surprise endings. I certainly wasn't expecting how it all turned out! Strong praise for a category romantic thriller, I must say!
On top of this, Stevens was able to create a good sense of place, and generate a shiver with descriptions of possible killers stalking the bridge at night. Although the plot was reasonably complex, it never got out of hand, and ably tied up the loose ends at the end.
The romance was a bit subdued, as can often be the case with an Intrigue book. However, Stevens still created strong, believable characters in Jack and Olive. They behaved like people with reasonable heads on their shoulders! I've often bemoaned the hero or heroine with a martyr complex, who always thinks absolutely everything is their fault. Olive feels guilt over her father's death, for example, and acknowledges that she felt it was her fault (for believable reasons), but doesn't carry on about it, and indeed has come to accept it was simply an unlucky tragedy.
Similarly, one trope in romance I don't like is the hero hung up on a dead wife or girlfriend. Here, Jack still feels sorrow about Anna's death from 15 years ago, but it is sorrow that she never got to live the full life she deserved. He has moved on, but still feels she deserves justice., and is determined to get it for her. He's not all, "Boo hoo hoo, my girlfriend died 15 years ago," which would usually be the case in a lesser author's hands.
So with its captivating, suspenseful plot, plenty of atmosphere, and surprisingly well-drawn characters, there's not really anything negative I can say about this enjoyable thriller. And as it's an increasingly rare standalone book in the Intrigue line, that's another plus!
Right when he arrives, he discovers a dead body in the lake by his uncle's cabin! It is a young woman. Could her murder be connected to the death of Anna Grayson? Jack is soon in the company of Olive Belmont, Nathan's cousin, who has suffered from bouts of sleepwalking throughout her life. It turns out that she was sleepwalking on the nights of both murders. Her potential as a witness, and Jack's determination to uncover the truth, makes them both targets.
Very good romantic thriller! I had read Stevens' The Whispering Room some years ago and really enjoyed it. So I'm quite pleased that I really enjoyed her contribution to the Intrigue line! This is very well-plotted, with no Scooby-Doo surprise endings. I certainly wasn't expecting how it all turned out! Strong praise for a category romantic thriller, I must say!
On top of this, Stevens was able to create a good sense of place, and generate a shiver with descriptions of possible killers stalking the bridge at night. Although the plot was reasonably complex, it never got out of hand, and ably tied up the loose ends at the end.
The romance was a bit subdued, as can often be the case with an Intrigue book. However, Stevens still created strong, believable characters in Jack and Olive. They behaved like people with reasonable heads on their shoulders! I've often bemoaned the hero or heroine with a martyr complex, who always thinks absolutely everything is their fault. Olive feels guilt over her father's death, for example, and acknowledges that she felt it was her fault (for believable reasons), but doesn't carry on about it, and indeed has come to accept it was simply an unlucky tragedy.
Similarly, one trope in romance I don't like is the hero hung up on a dead wife or girlfriend. Here, Jack still feels sorrow about Anna's death from 15 years ago, but it is sorrow that she never got to live the full life she deserved. He has moved on, but still feels she deserves justice., and is determined to get it for her. He's not all, "Boo hoo hoo, my girlfriend died 15 years ago," which would usually be the case in a lesser author's hands.
So with its captivating, suspenseful plot, plenty of atmosphere, and surprisingly well-drawn characters, there's not really anything negative I can say about this enjoyable thriller. And as it's an increasingly rare standalone book in the Intrigue line, that's another plus!
August 2, 2017
I don't usually read category romances; but I'm a fan of Stevens 'Graveyard Queen' series, so I thought I'd give this a shot. It was a well written and suitably creepy murder mystery. A little more small town angst and backstabbing than I care for, and the ending was rushed; but I still enjoyed the book.
After reading about the Blackthorne Security Agency, I got the impression that this may not be be the first book featuring the agency. If it is, then Stevens really should use it for another book, maybe even create a series around it.
After reading about the Blackthorne Security Agency, I got the impression that this may not be be the first book featuring the agency. If it is, then Stevens really should use it for another book, maybe even create a series around it.
January 22, 2021
3.5*
As a teenager, Jack was accused of his girlfriend's murder. Even after someone else was caught and found guilty, his small town still treated him differently. As soon as he could, he left. Olive moved in with her uncle after her dad was killed in a car accident. As a result of the trauma of that, Olive sleepwalks. Due to her sleepwalking, she may have witnessed 2 murders. Jack comes back to town after his uncle dies to both decide what to do with his uncle's home and to clear his name.
Nice mystery and a decent amount of suspense and setup. Romance is light in this one. No insta-love or I love yous. Just a HFN which I thought realistic given the length of time Jack and Olivia get reacquainted. I would have liked more about Mona and Beth (and what they knew). Ending was a little rushed.
As a teenager, Jack was accused of his girlfriend's murder. Even after someone else was caught and found guilty, his small town still treated him differently. As soon as he could, he left. Olive moved in with her uncle after her dad was killed in a car accident. As a result of the trauma of that, Olive sleepwalks. Due to her sleepwalking, she may have witnessed 2 murders. Jack comes back to town after his uncle dies to both decide what to do with his uncle's home and to clear his name.
Nice mystery and a decent amount of suspense and setup. Romance is light in this one. No insta-love or I love yous. Just a HFN which I thought realistic given the length of time Jack and Olivia get reacquainted. I would have liked more about Mona and Beth (and what they knew). Ending was a little rushed.
June 26, 2019
Jack King is contacted by old friends to return to Pine Lake. Both friends are trying to implicate the other in the death of Jack's high school girlfriend. Then there is Olivia Belmont, the cousin of one of the "friends". Jack learns that she has a sleepwalking problem and may have been at the scene of his girlfriend's death. Now Jack is back and there is another dead woman.
This was just a fair read for me. Not bad exactly, just not great. I couldn't really seem to bond much with the characters and the story line itself just didn't do it for me. But I read the whole thing so it wasn't bad.
This was just a fair read for me. Not bad exactly, just not great. I couldn't really seem to bond much with the characters and the story line itself just didn't do it for me. But I read the whole thing so it wasn't bad.
September 23, 2017
This book was a fun, quick read. The characters are well developed and I loved the way the setting of Pine Lake was described. The author did a great job building suspense. About halfway through, I couldn't put it down. I had to find out the answers! If you are looking for a mystery with some romance, this book is for you. ARC review
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February 8, 2018
This was great! The Harlequin Intrigue line doesn't usually catch my eye, but I'm a fan of this author, so I figured I would give it a shot. And I'm so glad I did! This was a great suspense novel - I was actually desperate to figure out who the bad guy really was. I think the author did a great job tying everything together, and I'd definite continue to read more by her in the future.
September 15, 2017
Sleepwalking was a twist and made for an interesting mystery
October 17, 2017
Jack King is a loner, a serious cynic with trust issues, ostracized by his entire hometown when he was barely eighteen, accused of his girlfriend’s vicious murder. Olive Belmont is a small town girl with guilt issues plagued by sleepwalking and nightmares. When Jack returns to Pine Lake after fifteen years, determined to find out the truth about the old murder that changed the course of his life, and the body of another girl is found the night of his return, all hell breaks loose.
As the first two on the scene of the new murder, Jack and Olive are thrown together, and from the beginning, danger follows close behind them. The mystery is well done. The secondary characters are multi-dimensional, testing readers with whodunit. I loved this story. It’s full of suspense, with a solid romance that develops at an honest pace. I haven’t read a Harlequin Intrigue in quite a while, but I’d read this author before, and knew I’d get a great story. I wasn’t disappointed!
As the first two on the scene of the new murder, Jack and Olive are thrown together, and from the beginning, danger follows close behind them. The mystery is well done. The secondary characters are multi-dimensional, testing readers with whodunit. I loved this story. It’s full of suspense, with a solid romance that develops at an honest pace. I haven’t read a Harlequin Intrigue in quite a while, but I’d read this author before, and knew I’d get a great story. I wasn’t disappointed!
August 15, 2017
I'm a big fan of The Graveyard Queen Series, so jumped at the chance to read a new book by this author. Pine Lake was an intriguing romantic suspense that features Jack King and Olivia Belmont. The murder of his high school girlfriend has haunted Jack, and now a new murder has taken place. Olivia, who sleepwalks, seems to have been an inadvertent witness to both murders. She may be the killer's next target, and Jack is determined to keep her safe while finding the killer.
Great characters, an interesting storyline, and a good balance of romance and suspense made this a book to enjoy!
Great characters, an interesting storyline, and a good balance of romance and suspense made this a book to enjoy!
June 18, 2018
Jack pretty much gets duped into coming back to his hometown to get closure on an old murder he had originally been charged with. And you know how small towns are… they still think he is guilty even though he was not charged with the murder in the end.
I found a few of the situations a little “out there” in the “ hard to believe” category but the story was good, the characters were interesting and the whodunit kept me entertained for most of the book.
Definitely check this one out.
I bought this book with my own money.
I found a few of the situations a little “out there” in the “ hard to believe” category but the story was good, the characters were interesting and the whodunit kept me entertained for most of the book.
Definitely check this one out.
I bought this book with my own money.
February 9, 2018
Pine Lake is the first novel I recall reading by this author, and it was a very nice introduction to her work. More mystery than romantic suspense, it certainly kept me guessing until the very end and I give it 4.5 stars.
The hero, Jack King, is back in his hometown after 15 years away. During that time he's been, among other things, a homicide detective, and he's now working for an international security firm. He left Pine Lake after being falsely accused of killing his beloved girlfriend, Anna, but even after her killer was found, tried and convicted, he was still treated like a pariah in his hometown. After graduating from high school he left Pine Lake behind and moved on. When two of his old high school friends, Nathan Bolt and Tommy Driscoll, phone him out of the blue, each accusing the other of lying about their alibis for the night Anna was murdered, Jack's interest is piqued as to why his two friends lied under oath, and, since his uncle recently passed away and left Jack his cabin on Pine Lake, he returns to the town that still thinks he got away with murder to find out why.
No sooner does Jack return to Pine Lake when he witnesses a young woman's body being dumped into the lake in the middle of the night, just as Anna's was, but he also discovers Nathan's younger cousin, Olive Belmont, sound asleep on the bridge truss--she's always been a sleepwalker, and that habit has kept her returning to the old bridge repeatedly through the years. Jack rescues her from her precarious position, and calls the police about the dead body in the lake--both circumstances pulling him headlong into another police investigation of this new murder, reawakening 15-year-old suspicions about his possible involvement in Anna's murder, the mystery of what Olive saw or didn't see at the scene of both murders, the lies and motives behind Tommy and Nathan's lies, and a slowly developing romance between himself and Olive, who is just about to step into her role as the new high school principal.
There are also attempts on Olive's life, as well as Jack's, many secrets to be uncovered, and no shortage of possible suspects in this novel. The author's skillfully crafted and adept descriptions of the hot, steamy, swampy setting, created an excellent backdrop to the mysterious tone and atmosphere of this gripping whodunit of a novel.
My only issue with this novel is the ending. Since, as stated previously, there is a very slowly budding romance between Jack and Olive, the denouement is handled in very short order, the murders solved, and the barely-there romance between these two characters goes from not to hot far too quickly considering the slow and steady pace of the rest of the novel. However, that doesn't take much away from what was an otherwise excellent and well-written mystery novel.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
The hero, Jack King, is back in his hometown after 15 years away. During that time he's been, among other things, a homicide detective, and he's now working for an international security firm. He left Pine Lake after being falsely accused of killing his beloved girlfriend, Anna, but even after her killer was found, tried and convicted, he was still treated like a pariah in his hometown. After graduating from high school he left Pine Lake behind and moved on. When two of his old high school friends, Nathan Bolt and Tommy Driscoll, phone him out of the blue, each accusing the other of lying about their alibis for the night Anna was murdered, Jack's interest is piqued as to why his two friends lied under oath, and, since his uncle recently passed away and left Jack his cabin on Pine Lake, he returns to the town that still thinks he got away with murder to find out why.
No sooner does Jack return to Pine Lake when he witnesses a young woman's body being dumped into the lake in the middle of the night, just as Anna's was, but he also discovers Nathan's younger cousin, Olive Belmont, sound asleep on the bridge truss--she's always been a sleepwalker, and that habit has kept her returning to the old bridge repeatedly through the years. Jack rescues her from her precarious position, and calls the police about the dead body in the lake--both circumstances pulling him headlong into another police investigation of this new murder, reawakening 15-year-old suspicions about his possible involvement in Anna's murder, the mystery of what Olive saw or didn't see at the scene of both murders, the lies and motives behind Tommy and Nathan's lies, and a slowly developing romance between himself and Olive, who is just about to step into her role as the new high school principal.
There are also attempts on Olive's life, as well as Jack's, many secrets to be uncovered, and no shortage of possible suspects in this novel. The author's skillfully crafted and adept descriptions of the hot, steamy, swampy setting, created an excellent backdrop to the mysterious tone and atmosphere of this gripping whodunit of a novel.
My only issue with this novel is the ending. Since, as stated previously, there is a very slowly budding romance between Jack and Olive, the denouement is handled in very short order, the murders solved, and the barely-there romance between these two characters goes from not to hot far too quickly considering the slow and steady pace of the rest of the novel. However, that doesn't take much away from what was an otherwise excellent and well-written mystery novel.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 17, 2018
This was a good read it was full of mystery and suspense. There were so many possibilities of who killed Anna and what was happening in Pine Lake. You have Jack King a man that of course was the prime suspect when Anna was found dead because he was the deceased boyfriend. Shortly after they had the person they suspected murdered her Jack had to leave Pine Lake. Now after so many years away he is back and ready to investigate who killed Anna but during his return he runs into Olive. Olive is a wonderful woman that had a crush on Jack when they were in high school but now they are all grown up and there is this instant chemistry between them. Olive suffers from a sleeping disorder and Jack is fortune it to find Olive that night when a body was dumped in the river. I couldn't believe that she was actually climbed on top of the railing of the bridge and was peacefully sleeping. Jack and Olive were great together and in order for them to be happy they need to figure out the mystery of Anna's death. Secrets are going to be revealed and people will finally see who had been a true friend if they were friends at all.
Pine Lake was a good read with good characters. The storyline was good but it was a little too slow going for me. I wanted things to move along or maybe I needed more detail about the other characters. The ending was okay but I felt that I needed more of a closure.
I totally recommend this read!!
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
Pine Lake was a good read with good characters. The storyline was good but it was a little too slow going for me. I wanted things to move along or maybe I needed more detail about the other characters. The ending was okay but I felt that I needed more of a closure.
I totally recommend this read!!
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
September 21, 2017
Its been 15 years since the murder of his girlfriend and Jack a scrutiny expert now is back to his old home town after some strange phone calls from his old friends. Just when he enters his home town he manages to come upon a dead body oddly similar situation to the one of his ex. Olive is a sleepwalker and has managed to be present at both crimes found sleeping near where the body is disposed of. Both of the two have some type of connection going on and they'll stick together while Jack tries to find out more information about whats going on before he's accused of killing this girl this time.
Geez I must of tried writing that description at leave 4 times before I settles on the one that currently posted. I love a good mystery, I loved that this book had enough clues to the readers pointing fingers at who they think is the true killer. I have to say that I was suspicious of at least 3 to 4 people throughout this book and still managed to be semi-surprised of who it was in the ending. I loved that even though there was that connection between the two main characters their romance didn't over power this book it was more mystery then anything. I really enjoyed this book it was something I could escape into for a couple of hours and I liked it.
Geez I must of tried writing that description at leave 4 times before I settles on the one that currently posted. I love a good mystery, I loved that this book had enough clues to the readers pointing fingers at who they think is the true killer. I have to say that I was suspicious of at least 3 to 4 people throughout this book and still managed to be semi-surprised of who it was in the ending. I loved that even though there was that connection between the two main characters their romance didn't over power this book it was more mystery then anything. I really enjoyed this book it was something I could escape into for a couple of hours and I liked it.
October 4, 2017
I love it when I can’t figure out who the bad guy is. I thought I knew who it was, I really felt like I was figuring it out and then Amanda Stevens blindsided me with the truth. This was a really great, suspenseful read. I really liked Jack. He was a character that was pretty easy to connect with even though he had walls the size of Texas surrounding him. I would have actually liked to dive into Olive a bit more and also the relationship that brewed between Olive and Jack. The story was more about the murders (one 15 years before and the one that happened recently) which I actually didn’t mind at all.
I really loved how the story brought Jack back to his hometown for the first time in 15 years. He didn’t leave on the best terms, but there’s no doubt he had to come back, especially not after receiving two phone calls that brought up old memories. I found Olive to be an interesting character. I was intrigued by her and that’s why I would have loved to explore her a bit more. What we did get though, drove the story along and added an interesting layer to the mystery.
This was a really quick read for me. It was a thrilling ride that I enjoyed from beginning to end. If you’ve read other books by Amanda Stevens, including her Graveyard Queen series, I would be careful comparing those books to this one. This is definitely different, but enjoyable. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys thrillers/mysteries/suspense.
I really loved how the story brought Jack back to his hometown for the first time in 15 years. He didn’t leave on the best terms, but there’s no doubt he had to come back, especially not after receiving two phone calls that brought up old memories. I found Olive to be an interesting character. I was intrigued by her and that’s why I would have loved to explore her a bit more. What we did get though, drove the story along and added an interesting layer to the mystery.
This was a really quick read for me. It was a thrilling ride that I enjoyed from beginning to end. If you’ve read other books by Amanda Stevens, including her Graveyard Queen series, I would be careful comparing those books to this one. This is definitely different, but enjoyable. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys thrillers/mysteries/suspense.
September 21, 2017
A classic who-done-it! With multiple people acting suspiciously, we're on the hunt for the true culprit from beginning to end. There's not a huge amount of romance to the story, but the characters are really easy to connect with, and I enjoyed them both from the start. With a lot of subterfuge, it's a fun read as we go back and forth trying to figure out who is looking more guilty than the next!
Security expert Jack King left his hometown of Pine Lake, Texas behind 15 years ago, but the trauma and loss he experienced before he left continues to haunt him to this day. His high school girlfriend was murdered ... a beautiful, fun-loving spirit who deserved a warm and fulfilling life ... and the whole town thought he did it!
Recent events have brought Jack back to town to figure out what's really going on in Pine Lake. He's received calls from his so-called former best friends, both shining light on the other's actions and possible deception. Just after arriving, he runs across Olive Belmont in a very dangerous situation. He puts himself out there to help her, and as new things come to light it appears her sleepwalking habit might have had her subconsciously witnessing two murders!
Security expert Jack King left his hometown of Pine Lake, Texas behind 15 years ago, but the trauma and loss he experienced before he left continues to haunt him to this day. His high school girlfriend was murdered ... a beautiful, fun-loving spirit who deserved a warm and fulfilling life ... and the whole town thought he did it!
Recent events have brought Jack back to town to figure out what's really going on in Pine Lake. He's received calls from his so-called former best friends, both shining light on the other's actions and possible deception. Just after arriving, he runs across Olive Belmont in a very dangerous situation. He puts himself out there to help her, and as new things come to light it appears her sleepwalking habit might have had her subconsciously witnessing two murders!
October 3, 2017
Amanda Stevens is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors, ever. I loved her Graveyard Queen series, so when this book showed up I had to get my hands on it. I wasn't disappointed at all. Jack King left Pine Lake after high school because of his girlfriend's murder, of which he was accused. And his best buddies alibied each other out, leaving him to take the blame. Now Jack is back, to clear his name and to figure out who killed the next girl. Olive Belmont used to think Pine Lake was a great little town where she was able to start over, but threats on her life and a new murder make it less happy. There are so many bad guys in this tale, the whodunit is a well crafted one. You won't know who it is until the end because they're all suspicious. No one is wearing much of a white hat. Great story, great suspense. I enjoyed it immensely.
September 27, 2017
I’m a big fan of Amanda Steven’s Graveyard Queen series but had not yet read any of her Harlequin Intrigue books...and I was NOT disappointed by any means! Her usual skill with interpersonal relationships is in fine form here. Her plots (as well as characters) are always fully developed and complicated; understanding of her characters—and feeling like you really know them—is effortless. She is a master at weaving in doubts and red herrings, to ensure that there is a thrilling surprise. You can’t go wrong with an Amanda Stevens book...you will be entertained and kept in the dark...right to the exciting end!!
August 12, 2023
It was just so so. I liked the character of Jack and Olive. I did not understand the motivation of Tommy Driscoll. I understood Nathan’s hatred more. There were way too many characters for me to keep track of. I had trouble trying to relate who knew what and who knows why they did what they did. An example is ms. Mona and her relationship with Tommy. Why is the first thing that was in the book “ Tommy is going to hurt olive . I couldn’t keep track of who was Jack’s friends or foe.is Beth Driscoll ? Did Tommy love Jamie. It seemed so and that he loved Mona. Why did Nathan call Jack? How could olive be do innocent?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2017
Exciting !!! By, Carla ; Amanda Stevens knows how to put ZING in mystery. Every detail is spot on without all the unnecessary words to try to explain to the reader what's going on. This is a very suspenseful book with romance, but the romance does not over power the characters or the story itself. The characters themselves were very believable in the story and easy to understand why and how the story line progressed. I was given an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion. I will always read her books :-)
October 14, 2017
I really enjoy Amanda's Graveyard Queen series so when I had a chance to receive Pine Lake from her, I snapped it up. The cast of characters were all enigmatic which lead me to question each of their motives including the leads Jack and Olive. The setting was eerie. (Isn't that why we enjoy Amanda's books?!) I liked the intrigue. And I was happy with the ending. My only complaint, and this is no fault of the author, was the editing. Overall, I liked this book. Thank you Amanda for the opportunity to review your book!
January 27, 2019
A big fan of the Graveyard Queen series, I was excited to receive a review copy of Pine Lake. Amanda Stevens has a way of spinning a tale which is easy to follow and hard to put down. Although this tale didn't grab me as quickly as the Graveyard Queen, I wasn't disappointed once I got involved in the story of Jack and the secrets of the past. The author offers the twists and turns you expect from her in her writing. I'm not too sure on the sleepwalking angle - of whether this could actually have occurred in the way it has been written. But, other than that, I really enjoyed the story.
October 3, 2017
I wish that Harlequin Intrigue writers can take some lessons from HelenKay Dimon - especially when she wrote H Intrigue stories such as the Corcoran series. Her characters where always well developed, likable with a lot of chemistry & romance, and the story/plot was also full of suspense & intrigue. With this one, I found nothing was flushed out (not the story, romance or characters) and it lost my interest halfway through.
September 28, 2017
I want more grave yard series, that was good this one not so much. Not horrible just not as good as I know she can do.
October 3, 2017
Spine tingling suspense is a Stevens Trademark! Pine Lake had that and the allure of small towns. With old secrets and cunning characters! A fantastic read!!
October 23, 2017
Great read.
Love everything from this author. Couldn’t put it down! Quick, easy read that kept you wondering and when you figured it out it still twisted you up. Great read!
Love everything from this author. Couldn’t put it down! Quick, easy read that kept you wondering and when you figured it out it still twisted you up. Great read!
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