What do you think?
Rate this book
Swerve
From Inglath Cooper, bestselling author of That Month in Tuscany, a story to remind us how quickly an otherwise straight-line life can swerve so far off track that it is no longer recognizable. . .
A night of fun at a music festival in Washington, DC, ends in a nightmare when two young girls never come home. Psychiatrist Emory Benson waits up for her seventeen-year old sister, but realizes something is terribly wrong when she doesn't show up and can't be reached on her cell phone. Since the death of their parents to a drunk driver, Emory has been Mia's guardian, doing her best to raise her sister as they would have wanted and to keep her safe. Through her work in a hospital Emergency Room, Emory witnesses tragedy on a regular basis, but is completely unprepared when it visits her own life again.
As it becomes clear that something horrible has happened to Mia and her friend Grace, Emory puts her life on hold to find them, enlisting the help of a rogue detective and former Navy Seal named Knox Helmer.
But evil has a name and a face and every intention of keeping what she has stolen. The proprietor of a hotel outside the nation’s capital, runs a business for wealthy individuals with a taste for things that can't be bought in polite society.
Can Emory and Knox find the two girls before their fate is forever sealed?
***
★★★★★ Could not put it down until I finished the book! This book wasn't what I expected but it was even better! Love this author and she did not disappoint me with this story.
★★★★★ Great book! Loved the couple as they fell in love! The scary reason they meet is awful! Inglath has done it again!
★★★★★ Very emotional. An excellent book full of mystery! emotionally charged; could not put it down. very happy with the outcome of it!
★★★★★ Awesome Read! Did I mention I did not want to put it down? I was actually sad I had finished it. Which doesn’t happen often!
★★★★★ Fun Read! Such an easy book to get into. Even the predictable situations in the book were exciting to read. Really enjoyed and will read more of this author’s work.
★★★★★ Good read. Had me holding on, had to keep reading till the end. Spell binding and very rewarding till the end. Enjoyable.
A night of fun at a music festival in Washington, DC, ends in a nightmare when two young girls never come home. Psychiatrist Emory Benson waits up for her seventeen-year old sister, but realizes something is terribly wrong when she doesn't show up and can't be reached on her cell phone. Since the death of their parents to a drunk driver, Emory has been Mia's guardian, doing her best to raise her sister as they would have wanted and to keep her safe. Through her work in a hospital Emergency Room, Emory witnesses tragedy on a regular basis, but is completely unprepared when it visits her own life again.
As it becomes clear that something horrible has happened to Mia and her friend Grace, Emory puts her life on hold to find them, enlisting the help of a rogue detective and former Navy Seal named Knox Helmer.
But evil has a name and a face and every intention of keeping what she has stolen. The proprietor of a hotel outside the nation’s capital, runs a business for wealthy individuals with a taste for things that can't be bought in polite society.
Can Emory and Knox find the two girls before their fate is forever sealed?
***
★★★★★ Could not put it down until I finished the book! This book wasn't what I expected but it was even better! Love this author and she did not disappoint me with this story.
★★★★★ Great book! Loved the couple as they fell in love! The scary reason they meet is awful! Inglath has done it again!
★★★★★ Very emotional. An excellent book full of mystery! emotionally charged; could not put it down. very happy with the outcome of it!
★★★★★ Awesome Read! Did I mention I did not want to put it down? I was actually sad I had finished it. Which doesn’t happen often!
★★★★★ Fun Read! Such an easy book to get into. Even the predictable situations in the book were exciting to read. Really enjoyed and will read more of this author’s work.
★★★★★ Good read. Had me holding on, had to keep reading till the end. Spell binding and very rewarding till the end. Enjoyable.
258 pages, ebook
First published September 14, 2018
1916 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Inglath Cooper
63 books933 followersVirginia author Inglath Cooper fell in love with reading as a little girl, devouring most of the books in her elementary school library. At some point, she decided she wanted to pursue a writing career, creating romance fiction that did for others what her favorite books have done for her. “I love character-driven books that leave me feeling as if I’ve really known these people and make me wish I didn’t have to turn the last page.”
“Romance fiction has always appealed to me because it deals with so many of the relationships in a woman’s life. Not only the love of her life, but often her relationship with her mother, sister or best friend. Romance authors have so much room to explore many of the meaningful moments and transitions in women’s lives. And who doesn’t love a good love story?”
Inglath most often writes stories about love and life that are set in small Virginia towns like the one where she grew up. “I like to think the flavor of my hometown shows up in my books both in their setting and through the characters who people it.”
When aspiring writers ask her how to be an author, she says, “Everything I know about writing books I learned from reading books.”
Inglath has been chosen as a RITA® Award winner for best long contemporary romance novel given out each year by Romance Writers of America. Her books are available through Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, itunes.com, and Kobobooks.com.
Outside of writing, Inglath is actively involved in dog rescue, working with The Franklin County Humane Society to place dogs and cats in need of rehoming. She volunteers her time in every capacity possible: serving on the Board of Directors, fundraising, photographing dogs and cats available for adoption and serving as a foster home. “Helping an abused or neglected dog go on to have a wonderful life with a family who loves them is more rewarding than I can possibly say.”
“Romance fiction has always appealed to me because it deals with so many of the relationships in a woman’s life. Not only the love of her life, but often her relationship with her mother, sister or best friend. Romance authors have so much room to explore many of the meaningful moments and transitions in women’s lives. And who doesn’t love a good love story?”
Inglath most often writes stories about love and life that are set in small Virginia towns like the one where she grew up. “I like to think the flavor of my hometown shows up in my books both in their setting and through the characters who people it.”
When aspiring writers ask her how to be an author, she says, “Everything I know about writing books I learned from reading books.”
Inglath has been chosen as a RITA® Award winner for best long contemporary romance novel given out each year by Romance Writers of America. Her books are available through Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, itunes.com, and Kobobooks.com.
Outside of writing, Inglath is actively involved in dog rescue, working with The Franklin County Humane Society to place dogs and cats in need of rehoming. She volunteers her time in every capacity possible: serving on the Board of Directors, fundraising, photographing dogs and cats available for adoption and serving as a foster home. “Helping an abused or neglected dog go on to have a wonderful life with a family who loves them is more rewarding than I can possibly say.”
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
dnf
September 16, 2018DNF @ 21%
Multiple POVs, good writing, interesting plot.
But what was a purpose of making male protagonist to sleep with Senator's wife? It totally ruined any possible trail of romance for me.
No decent man would ever sleep with a MARRIED woman!
For those, who wonder, it happened before he met the h, no idea if he continued to cheat with this woman after he knew the h.
For me it didn't matter, even in a thriller any man, who sleeps with married woman, is a cheater and not worth it.
Multiple POVs, good writing, interesting plot.
But what was a purpose of making male protagonist to sleep with Senator's wife? It totally ruined any possible trail of romance for me.
No decent man would ever sleep with a MARRIED woman!
For those, who wonder, it happened before he met the h, no idea if he continued to cheat with this woman after he knew the h.
For me it didn't matter, even in a thriller any man, who sleeps with married woman, is a cheater and not worth it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
no-way-jose
September 15, 2018Alex says it best
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
April 3, 2022
great ending
Book was a tad dark at first but got better and better. I’ve enjoyed other books of Inglath Cooper more.
Book was a tad dark at first but got better and better. I’ve enjoyed other books of Inglath Cooper more.
November 22, 2018
Swerve is by Inglath Cooper. This novel is set in the Washington D.C. area. It brings to light one of the most heinous crimes I can think of- the kidnapping of young girls to be put into a prostitution ring. It brings to light some of the men who work these rings and why they might do so. Having a child kidnapped must be the hardest thing a parent can face. To have no idea where they are or how they are is heart-breaking. How parents and families deal with this situation is different in every case; but it has to be dealt with one way or another.
Dr. Emory Benson is a second year Psych resident at Johns Hopkins in Washington D.C. She could have chosen Columbia; but she stayed here because her sister, Mia, was finishing up high school and all her friends were here. Emory didn’t want to take her away from them. Emory had taken on the care of Mia when Mia was eight. Their parents were killed by a drunk driver and Emory had stepped up and taken her sister to raise. Even with her responsibilities with Mia, Emory managed to work full time, finish college, and complete medical school. Now she was doing her residency. Meanwhile, Mia had grown into a teen and began rebelling against Emory but only on minor things. Mia was grateful to Emory but was afraid she would lose the memories of her parents. She didn’t want to see Emory as a mother figure, she was her sister. Despite this, the two got along very well so when Mia wanted to go to the festival with her best friend, Grace, Emory agreed if Grace’s parents did as well. According to the rules Grace had put into place, Mia called her to let her know they were OK and would be home by midnight. Shortly after that call, Mia and Grace were kidnapped.
Knox Helmer was a police detective who had once been a SEAL. He had left the military and had taken a job with the police department. He was troubled with PTSD but was able to do his job. His marriage had failed because he had come back from his deployments a different man than the man he left as. His ex tried her best; but was unable to handle the PTSD. She had since remarried and Knox was happy for her. He was assigned the case and talked to Emory. The next day he was put on leave for six weeks. Emory persuaded him to help her find Mia. Can they find her before anything happens to her?
This is a very exciting book once you get into it. The first chapter or two start rather slowly. It is well written and very authentic.
Dr. Emory Benson is a second year Psych resident at Johns Hopkins in Washington D.C. She could have chosen Columbia; but she stayed here because her sister, Mia, was finishing up high school and all her friends were here. Emory didn’t want to take her away from them. Emory had taken on the care of Mia when Mia was eight. Their parents were killed by a drunk driver and Emory had stepped up and taken her sister to raise. Even with her responsibilities with Mia, Emory managed to work full time, finish college, and complete medical school. Now she was doing her residency. Meanwhile, Mia had grown into a teen and began rebelling against Emory but only on minor things. Mia was grateful to Emory but was afraid she would lose the memories of her parents. She didn’t want to see Emory as a mother figure, she was her sister. Despite this, the two got along very well so when Mia wanted to go to the festival with her best friend, Grace, Emory agreed if Grace’s parents did as well. According to the rules Grace had put into place, Mia called her to let her know they were OK and would be home by midnight. Shortly after that call, Mia and Grace were kidnapped.
Knox Helmer was a police detective who had once been a SEAL. He had left the military and had taken a job with the police department. He was troubled with PTSD but was able to do his job. His marriage had failed because he had come back from his deployments a different man than the man he left as. His ex tried her best; but was unable to handle the PTSD. She had since remarried and Knox was happy for her. He was assigned the case and talked to Emory. The next day he was put on leave for six weeks. Emory persuaded him to help her find Mia. Can they find her before anything happens to her?
This is a very exciting book once you get into it. The first chapter or two start rather slowly. It is well written and very authentic.
September 6, 2020
Change is Constant
In the course of everyday living we go through the motions without much thought to how quickly circumstances can cause drastic changes in our lives, which gives meaning to the title of this book by Inglath Cooper. “Swerve” focuses on two sisters whose parents were killed in an auto accident. At the tender age
of eighteen, Emory becomes eight year old Mia’s guardian. Even with assuming that responsibility, Emory goes on to college and is now serving an internship as a doctor of psychiatry.
When now seventeen year old Mia and her friend Grace disappear from a music concert, Emory isn’t satisfied the police are doing enough and hires suspended detective Knox Helmer to help find the girls. He knows from experience that time is usually the deciding factor between life and death in cases of abduction. But can they find Mia before it’s too late?
“Swerve” has the necessary elements of a well plotted thriller; intrigue, suspense, and even some shoot ‘em up action. There are few surprises however in the characters. They are either good guys or baddies, except for Knox, who is charming and believably flawed. Emory’s character development is slow to emerge but winds up showing more depth than what is revealed earlier. The denouement is a bit too neat and quickly wrapped up but on the whole, it is an entertaining and fast-paced read. Four stars.
In the course of everyday living we go through the motions without much thought to how quickly circumstances can cause drastic changes in our lives, which gives meaning to the title of this book by Inglath Cooper. “Swerve” focuses on two sisters whose parents were killed in an auto accident. At the tender age
of eighteen, Emory becomes eight year old Mia’s guardian. Even with assuming that responsibility, Emory goes on to college and is now serving an internship as a doctor of psychiatry.
When now seventeen year old Mia and her friend Grace disappear from a music concert, Emory isn’t satisfied the police are doing enough and hires suspended detective Knox Helmer to help find the girls. He knows from experience that time is usually the deciding factor between life and death in cases of abduction. But can they find Mia before it’s too late?
“Swerve” has the necessary elements of a well plotted thriller; intrigue, suspense, and even some shoot ‘em up action. There are few surprises however in the characters. They are either good guys or baddies, except for Knox, who is charming and believably flawed. Emory’s character development is slow to emerge but winds up showing more depth than what is revealed earlier. The denouement is a bit too neat and quickly wrapped up but on the whole, it is an entertaining and fast-paced read. Four stars.
April 21, 2025
I do realize this is fiction and so the quick pace of evidence coming to light and solving a mystery is expected, but the ending was a bit too hurried to wrap things up for my taste.
It felt like the author had a deadline and wasn’t sure where to go with some plot points without needing a lot more writing, so she just threw out a quick sentence or two to hopefully appease the reader’s questions.
I wanted just a little more closure regarding some of the bad guys and either a bit more believable ending for our main characters romance…or just leave the romance out altogether from the novel. It honestly would have been a good and maybe better book without the romance.
But, not an overly bad book. However, not one I’ll run out to tell my friends to read. Overall, pretty okay is my rating.
It felt like the author had a deadline and wasn’t sure where to go with some plot points without needing a lot more writing, so she just threw out a quick sentence or two to hopefully appease the reader’s questions.
I wanted just a little more closure regarding some of the bad guys and either a bit more believable ending for our main characters romance…or just leave the romance out altogether from the novel. It honestly would have been a good and maybe better book without the romance.
But, not an overly bad book. However, not one I’ll run out to tell my friends to read. Overall, pretty okay is my rating.
December 7, 2019
Danger, Trust, Love
This was an excellent suspense read. My biggest gripe is that the main characters, Emory and Knox, go a year after the main event with zero contact, yet Emory is willing to take a flight to reunite with Knox on an island. What happened during that year? Is Emory still doing a residency in psychiatry? Is Mia secure enough to go away to college? How does Knox plan to make a living? Put simply, I needed more background to find the resolution totally satisfying.
This was an excellent suspense read. My biggest gripe is that the main characters, Emory and Knox, go a year after the main event with zero contact, yet Emory is willing to take a flight to reunite with Knox on an island. What happened during that year? Is Emory still doing a residency in psychiatry? Is Mia secure enough to go away to college? How does Knox plan to make a living? Put simply, I needed more background to find the resolution totally satisfying.
June 24, 2019
This book was different from Cooper’s other books, but it was just as hard to put down! It was a fast-paced and often intense read due to the serious subject matter.
Despite that, she was able to mix in humor where appropriate and a romance. She managed to effortlessly bridge several genres with the page-turner storyline.
I think this is the fourth book I’ve read by Inglath Cooper and I’m a solid fan of her writing at this point!
Despite that, she was able to mix in humor where appropriate and a romance. She managed to effortlessly bridge several genres with the page-turner storyline.
I think this is the fourth book I’ve read by Inglath Cooper and I’m a solid fan of her writing at this point!
October 21, 2020
Abducted
Human trafficking is a crime of epic proportions in the world today. Brave men and women are doing their best to rescue victims. Unfortunately, not all abductions have a happy ending like this story. Knox suffering with PTSD is another important condition that many military returns experience. Ms. Cooper is a good writer and I always enjoy her books.
Human trafficking is a crime of epic proportions in the world today. Brave men and women are doing their best to rescue victims. Unfortunately, not all abductions have a happy ending like this story. Knox suffering with PTSD is another important condition that many military returns experience. Ms. Cooper is a good writer and I always enjoy her books.
December 8, 2020
Would read again
Ok...I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the characters but the only thing that I get caught up in is the end. I know it is just a story but I seems a bit difficult to think that could really happen. But as I said it was just a book. I need to remember just a book!
Ok...I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the characters but the only thing that I get caught up in is the end. I know it is just a story but I seems a bit difficult to think that could really happen. But as I said it was just a book. I need to remember just a book!
March 20, 2019
Different than the other books that I have read by Mrs Cooper but I did enjoy it this had a little bit more of a mystery and little bit more suspense then her other books that I have read but I would like to see this couple grow and maybe a sequel
April 2, 2020
A Good Story
I enjoyed reading this book. It is about human trafficking and takes place in the DC area. The main characters are a psychiatrist and police detective. It is about greed, crime, regrets and love.
I enjoyed reading this book. It is about human trafficking and takes place in the DC area. The main characters are a psychiatrist and police detective. It is about greed, crime, regrets and love.
June 30, 2020
Not Disappointed
I could've easily read this book from cover to cover in one sitting, but didn't, because I did not want it to end! This is my 2nd Inglath Cooper book read, and I can't wait to start my 3rd.
I could've easily read this book from cover to cover in one sitting, but didn't, because I did not want it to end! This is my 2nd Inglath Cooper book read, and I can't wait to start my 3rd.
September 16, 2020
Wow just wow. Loved the story, the way it was written, the way all the characters came together, the underlying sexual tension, the characters, the pull to keep reading. I can find no fault. Wish there were more in a series.
December 30, 2020
This book started off great then about half way through it began to feel more of a love story. The ending was a little on the silly side with capturing villains with guns flying, doors being knocked in, I’ve read many of her books and would have liked to give them ten stars rather than the five which is the highest. Unfortunately not this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2021
Riviting
I was pulled in immediately, and read this book in only two sittings. The characters are very well written and believable, though the ending left me wishing for a more comprehensive closure.
I was pulled in immediately, and read this book in only two sittings. The characters are very well written and believable, though the ending left me wishing for a more comprehensive closure.
May 1, 2022
Timely Theme
The book was a good read, but mostly a timely content. People need to be kept aware that these abductions are real and still happening even if the news media ignores it.
The book was a good read, but mostly a timely content. People need to be kept aware that these abductions are real and still happening even if the news media ignores it.
January 12, 2024
After I read and then you loved me I had to get my hands on another inglath cooper book. Let me tell you this book did not disappoint. It was kind of dark in the beginning but it was so good. A definite cannot put down book
October 7, 2018
Pretty good book
While this book was nothing like I expected I did like it. It was so different from any books that I have read from this author. It will keep your attention.
While this book was nothing like I expected I did like it. It was so different from any books that I have read from this author. It will keep your attention.
October 22, 2018
Good read
Had me holding on, had to keep reading till the end. Spell binding and very rewarding till the end. Enjoyable
Had me holding on, had to keep reading till the end. Spell binding and very rewarding till the end. Enjoyable
October 25, 2018
Interesting
I didn’t know if I wanted to read this. It was gross at first with her father hunting . But as I read more it kept my interest. Really like the ending.
I didn’t know if I wanted to read this. It was gross at first with her father hunting . But as I read more it kept my interest. Really like the ending.
January 9, 2019
Not believable
Throughout, was not believable. Abduction, preparation of girls for first appointment, finding clues to their rescue, rescue, all of it not believable.
Throughout, was not believable. Abduction, preparation of girls for first appointment, finding clues to their rescue, rescue, all of it not believable.
May 5, 2019
Captivating
Very well written. I found it hard to put down. You might just stay up all night with this one. So good and ends well. Love this book and recommend it to all.
Very well written. I found it hard to put down. You might just stay up all night with this one. So good and ends well. Love this book and recommend it to all.
June 17, 2019
Excellect
Such a good read I couldn't put it down. And I am not one to leave reviews but this book deserved one.
Such a good read I couldn't put it down. And I am not one to leave reviews but this book deserved one.
Read
August 27, 2019I loved this! This author has matured and reached a pinnacle!
January 29, 2020
Not in depth of anything???
February 27, 2020
Such a good book. Read it in one sitting. Couldn’t put it down!
Read
March 15, 2020Another page turner by Inglath Cooper
A tough topic to read about because you hate to think about the horrible possibility of such things but I was captivated!
A tough topic to read about because you hate to think about the horrible possibility of such things but I was captivated!
April 3, 2020
I really like this author but this book was just average for her. This one just didn’t wow me. Maybe if I hadn’t read so many other books by this author, I would have liked it better.
April 12, 2020
Too predictable
I like this author’s other books but this plot was too predictable and tidy. I would have expected more from this author.
I like this author’s other books but this plot was too predictable and tidy. I would have expected more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews