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A Madness of Sunshine
Anahera Rawiri left New Zealand at twenty-one, fleeing small-town poverty and the ghosts of her childhood with no plans to look back. But eight years later, she returns, seeking familiarity as respite from the shattered remains of her new life. And despite the changes brought on by a bump in tourism--the shiny new welcome sign at the town line and a decidedly less shiny new police presence--Golden Cove appears much as it ever was: a small settlement on the savage West Coast of the South Island, populated by all the remembered faces and set against a backdrop of lush greenery, jagged cliffs, and crashing waves.
Detective Will Gallagher knows all about ghosts; his own chased him out of a promising career in Christchurch, landing him as the sole cop in a quaint town where his most pressing concerns are petty theft and the occasional drunk. When Golden Cove resident Miri Hinewai goes out for a run and fails to return, Will finds himself heading up a missing person's search that rapidly escalates into an official investigation after this case is connected with similar ones from the past. As an outsider, Will begins to rely on Anahera's knowledge of the area and its residents to help him delve into Golden Cove's secrets, and to determine whether it shelters something far more dangerous than just an unforgiving landscape.
Detective Will Gallagher knows all about ghosts; his own chased him out of a promising career in Christchurch, landing him as the sole cop in a quaint town where his most pressing concerns are petty theft and the occasional drunk. When Golden Cove resident Miri Hinewai goes out for a run and fails to return, Will finds himself heading up a missing person's search that rapidly escalates into an official investigation after this case is connected with similar ones from the past. As an outsider, Will begins to rely on Anahera's knowledge of the area and its residents to help him delve into Golden Cove's secrets, and to determine whether it shelters something far more dangerous than just an unforgiving landscape.
344 pages, ebook
First published December 3, 2019
890 people are currently reading
16894 people want to read
About the author
Nalini Singh
251 books26.7k followersI've been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There's no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,448 reviews
December 24, 2021
A Madness of Sunshine, by Nalini Singh, places us in Golden Cove, a small New Zealand settlement, on the savage West Coast of the South Island. Twenty-nine year old concert pianist Anahera Rawiri, is back, having married a wealthy man at the age of twenty-one and living a life of glamour and luxury in London. But her husband dropped dead less than a year ago and her heart was shattered when she meets his pregnant mistress at the funeral. Now Ana has returned home, where she grew up in poverty, daughter of a mother that endured years of abuse from her father. Ana is bitter and hard now, willing to leave her concert pianist career behind to live in the broken down cabin that she and her late mother had called home.
Detective Will Gallagher is the town's lone officer, having been a hero during a hostage crisis but later having fallen apart when two people he had vowed to protect perished at the hands of an abuser. After several anger related issues, Will is happy to be banished to Golden Cove where he makes his rounds day and night checking on every single household, ordering kids on street corners to go home when it's late, making sure each of the residents of Golden Cove are safe. He's broken and feels like this is where he needs to be, accepting that his rising star career is in shatters and that he deserves this new position.
Fifteen years earlier three young women hikers went missing in this area and the women were never found. Some think they got off trail, never to find their way back, but others wonder if there is a serial killer in their midst. Ana and five close friends were carefree teenagers back then and surprisingly, all of these friends are still living in Golden Cove or have come back to Golden Cove for some reason or another. This is the setting in which a nineteen year old beauty goes for a run and never comes back. The small town is full of angry entitled men who could have harmed the girl and it's up to Will to find out what has happened. Being an outsider to the area, Will leans on Ana to help him investigate the people and the land as they look for the young woman.
The story has promise although, at awkward times Will, but more often Ana, can get lost in their memories of the past, often very repetitive memories, that begin to weigh down the story in the present. There are also so many characters in the story that it's hard to keep track of them all, and people like Ana's best friend, who has a presence in the early part of the story, seem to be forgotten as the story progresses. I also cannot understand how Ana became a concert pianist using the lone church piano, when the town doesn't seem to have any resources for her to learn her skill. There are other things that didn't ring true to me so I had a hard time connecting to the characters and the story.
Pub December 3rd 2019
Thank you to Berkley/Penguin Publishing Group and Edelweiss for this ARC.
Detective Will Gallagher is the town's lone officer, having been a hero during a hostage crisis but later having fallen apart when two people he had vowed to protect perished at the hands of an abuser. After several anger related issues, Will is happy to be banished to Golden Cove where he makes his rounds day and night checking on every single household, ordering kids on street corners to go home when it's late, making sure each of the residents of Golden Cove are safe. He's broken and feels like this is where he needs to be, accepting that his rising star career is in shatters and that he deserves this new position.
Fifteen years earlier three young women hikers went missing in this area and the women were never found. Some think they got off trail, never to find their way back, but others wonder if there is a serial killer in their midst. Ana and five close friends were carefree teenagers back then and surprisingly, all of these friends are still living in Golden Cove or have come back to Golden Cove for some reason or another. This is the setting in which a nineteen year old beauty goes for a run and never comes back. The small town is full of angry entitled men who could have harmed the girl and it's up to Will to find out what has happened. Being an outsider to the area, Will leans on Ana to help him investigate the people and the land as they look for the young woman.
The story has promise although, at awkward times Will, but more often Ana, can get lost in their memories of the past, often very repetitive memories, that begin to weigh down the story in the present. There are also so many characters in the story that it's hard to keep track of them all, and people like Ana's best friend, who has a presence in the early part of the story, seem to be forgotten as the story progresses. I also cannot understand how Ana became a concert pianist using the lone church piano, when the town doesn't seem to have any resources for her to learn her skill. There are other things that didn't ring true to me so I had a hard time connecting to the characters and the story.
Pub December 3rd 2019
Thank you to Berkley/Penguin Publishing Group and Edelweiss for this ARC.
October 28, 2025
Anahera was born and raised in Golden Cove - seaside coast of New Zealand.
"Nothing, there's nothing. It's like she vanished into thin air."
The land is wild, beautiful and savage - and deadly.
When Anahera was a teen, a tragedy occurred - one that haunts the residents to this day.
"They never found the missing hikers, did they?"Anahera left her hometown - swearing she'll never return.
Only...eight years later she finds herself on the very same shores that the women disappeared from.
She returned home two hundred and seventeen days after burying her husband while his pregnant mistress sobbed so hard that she made herself sick.Miriama was a girl last time Anahera was in town. And has since grown into a beautiful woman...and then...just like that...she's gone.
Anahera's cold, hard heart threatened to crack.Faced with the horrifying reality that the missing hikers were never found and that Miriama disappeared in a similar way...Anahera knows that she can no longer sit aside.
"If you had an accident, it's possible no one will find you for days."Whew! This one just snatched me up and spit out the pieces.
I literally began the book, and next thing I knew I was turning the last page.
Nalini Singh does an excellent job of transporting the reader into the wild, untamed West Coast. The way she described the deadly cliffs, the wild bush and just...well..everything really drew me into the story.
The main characters - Anahera and Will - really cinched it for me.
I thought Anahera was a good lead - she was a strong woman and a fierce person. She didn't back down and yet, she was honest, and kind (without being overbearing).
I loved Will - the one and only police officer of Golden Cove. His unwavering loyalty and determination to do what's ride really tied the book together.
I also thought his "otherness" (he wasn't born in the cove) added an interesting dimension as the plot unfolded.
He was an outsider. How could he possibly know the secrets that tied together the residents of this town? How could he hope to understand the wounds...The actually mystery itself? I don't want to give it away but...wow. Did NOT see that coming!
With thanks to the author and Berkley Publishing for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
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February 28, 2020
The Madness of Sunshine by Nalini Singh is a 2019 Berkley publication.
As a reader of romance, Nalini Singh’s name is recognizable to me, and I have seen her books reviewed by some of my GRs friends. However, I’m not into fantasy romance novels featuring angels and demons, or changelings, so I’ve never read any of her work. However, when I saw the author had tried her hand at writing a straight up mystery suspense novel, it piqued my curiosity.
Singh did an admirable job with her first novel of suspense. The book is not without its flaws, but the story is solid when it comes to premise, mood, atmosphere, and location-
Anahera has returned to her hometown of Golden Cove, a small, secluded enclave in New Zealand after the death of her husband. She hasn't even settled in good when she finds herself swept up in the search for a young, vibrant woman who has vanished without a trace. The woman’s disappearance brings to mind, a summer eight years ago, when several other women also disappeared. Could the two cases be connected?
Will, the law enforcement officer working the case, is wrestling with his own demons, as he relies on Anahera to help him navigate the mysterious interconnections between the residents of the town and the missing woman.
I loved the atmosphere of this book. The mood is tense, with so many secrets and possible motives to explore. The book did have a few weaknesses, however…
I had trouble connecting to Anahera and Will. There’s enough background information provided about each of them, it just wasn’t enough to bring the characters to life for me. The chemistry between the couple felt forced, their dialogue stilted and wooden.
The plot is straightforward, not at all complicated- but there is a good amount of tension hanging in the air, as the reader tries to puzzle out who had the best motive, who may be hiding a secret affair or harboring an unhealthy obsession or jealousy. Some developments are fairly obvious, but there is a nice twist to keep things from being too predictable. However, a seasoned mystery reader may see it coming anyway.
Overall, this is a descent mystery. Because this is the author’s first foray into a new genre, I’m going to go a little easy on her. The story is good- but not great, and there’s nothing here that stands out from countless others like it. That said, it was an enjoyable enough read and I think, with a tighter plot and deeper characterizations, the author could carve out another successful niche for herself.
As a reader of romance, Nalini Singh’s name is recognizable to me, and I have seen her books reviewed by some of my GRs friends. However, I’m not into fantasy romance novels featuring angels and demons, or changelings, so I’ve never read any of her work. However, when I saw the author had tried her hand at writing a straight up mystery suspense novel, it piqued my curiosity.
Singh did an admirable job with her first novel of suspense. The book is not without its flaws, but the story is solid when it comes to premise, mood, atmosphere, and location-
Anahera has returned to her hometown of Golden Cove, a small, secluded enclave in New Zealand after the death of her husband. She hasn't even settled in good when she finds herself swept up in the search for a young, vibrant woman who has vanished without a trace. The woman’s disappearance brings to mind, a summer eight years ago, when several other women also disappeared. Could the two cases be connected?
Will, the law enforcement officer working the case, is wrestling with his own demons, as he relies on Anahera to help him navigate the mysterious interconnections between the residents of the town and the missing woman.
I loved the atmosphere of this book. The mood is tense, with so many secrets and possible motives to explore. The book did have a few weaknesses, however…
I had trouble connecting to Anahera and Will. There’s enough background information provided about each of them, it just wasn’t enough to bring the characters to life for me. The chemistry between the couple felt forced, their dialogue stilted and wooden.
The plot is straightforward, not at all complicated- but there is a good amount of tension hanging in the air, as the reader tries to puzzle out who had the best motive, who may be hiding a secret affair or harboring an unhealthy obsession or jealousy. Some developments are fairly obvious, but there is a nice twist to keep things from being too predictable. However, a seasoned mystery reader may see it coming anyway.
Overall, this is a descent mystery. Because this is the author’s first foray into a new genre, I’m going to go a little easy on her. The story is good- but not great, and there’s nothing here that stands out from countless others like it. That said, it was an enjoyable enough read and I think, with a tighter plot and deeper characterizations, the author could carve out another successful niche for herself.
January 4, 2022
this reminded me a lot of tana french and jane harpers books, so much so that i have no trouble saying is basically ‘the searcher’ combined with ‘the survivors’ (just with a tiny bit more romance).
and what makes these stories so interesting is that the setting totally steals the show. with this, it really felt like i was in a small coastal NZ town where everyone knows each other and their business. its the kind of immersive storytelling that makes the setting feel like a character all on its own. so that was enjoyable.
as far as the plot goes, its your pretty typical small town mystery where a local girl goes missing. nothing really new there. i also found the pacing to be slow. the investigation doesnt really present any significant information until the last half, which made the story feel drawn out. but other than that, the plot/story feels pretty standard. which is why im glad the setting was so enjoyable.
so if youre a fan of TF or JH and are looking for something similar, i think this is the book for you!
↠ 3.5 stars
and what makes these stories so interesting is that the setting totally steals the show. with this, it really felt like i was in a small coastal NZ town where everyone knows each other and their business. its the kind of immersive storytelling that makes the setting feel like a character all on its own. so that was enjoyable.
as far as the plot goes, its your pretty typical small town mystery where a local girl goes missing. nothing really new there. i also found the pacing to be slow. the investigation doesnt really present any significant information until the last half, which made the story feel drawn out. but other than that, the plot/story feels pretty standard. which is why im glad the setting was so enjoyable.
so if youre a fan of TF or JH and are looking for something similar, i think this is the book for you!
↠ 3.5 stars
January 3, 2020
Sunshine.
That's what she was.
Sunshine.
Bright. A thing of life. A thing that could burn
A Madness of Sunshine ships you to a remote town on the edge of the world, where even the blinding brightness of the sun can’t mask the darkness that lies deep within a killer.
On the rugged West Coast of New Zealand, Golden Cove is a closed knit community, living in peace. That is until one fateful summer- a beautiful young woman disappears without a trace, and the residents of Golden Cove wonder if there is someone sinister living among them. It’s not long before the dark past collides with the present and deadly secrets come to light.
A Madness of Sunshine is a complex, character-driven thriller, with a romance subplot. Though a thriller, it has ample drama among characters to keep you engaged. A madness of Sunshine starts off as an easy read where you have no idea where the story is going to take you.
The book does an excellent job of transporting the reader to a remote world in NZ. You can imagine the lonely landscapes, the deadly cliffs, the deadly cove which you make you feel like a part of the story. The beautiful setting adds another dimension to the story that follows. Not just the landscape, the language, the traditions, the small communities and beautifully brought to life on paper.
The characters including, the main characters - Anahera and Will – were really well written. A strong and Independent, Anahera and Will - A loyalty and determined police officer gel well together in this book. Both the main characters here are likable which makes the story engaging.
I did struggle with the pace of the story and the story gathers momentum only around the 2/3rd mark. Much of the book is very much character-driven with more focus on interactions and less action. The story often went back to the original group of 6 friends but none of these friends (except Anahera) had a major role to play in the story, which felt like a wasted opportunity. The book introduces way too many characters which are hardly used as the story moves forward. Having said that the story does justice to the characters it chooses to focus on.
Overall, A Madness of Sunshine is a well-plotted mystery with some well-developed characters. If you enjoy a character-driven story with a bit of mystery & romance, you will enjoy this one. Three and a half stars
Many thanks to the publishers Berkley & Penguin Publishing Group and Edelweiss for the ARC.
December 7, 2019
3.5 stars
Madness of Sunshine started off as an easy, engaging read for me with that opening line that pulled me into the story right away. The setting here is vividly written and Nalini Singh really knows how to pull that right into the plot making this a fascinating story because of that.
Things did start to go a little sideways here for me with the characters, though. There are a few of them and many become suspects. The characters then began to feel a bit stereotyped to me and things started to feel like there were meant to become complicated instead of red herrings.
Our main characters here Anahera and Will are likeable and vulnerable making their dynamics interesting and I enjoyed the romance element to the story. The romance is light here and just a small part of the story. Just the way I like it sometimes.
The ending well, hmm I am not sure I remember it now ......
I recommend this one to readers who enjoy an easy beautifully written setting that really plays into the plot with a bit of romance and a mystery you don't need to think too hard about but just go along for the ride.
I received a copy from the publisher.
Madness of Sunshine started off as an easy, engaging read for me with that opening line that pulled me into the story right away. The setting here is vividly written and Nalini Singh really knows how to pull that right into the plot making this a fascinating story because of that.
Things did start to go a little sideways here for me with the characters, though. There are a few of them and many become suspects. The characters then began to feel a bit stereotyped to me and things started to feel like there were meant to become complicated instead of red herrings.
Our main characters here Anahera and Will are likeable and vulnerable making their dynamics interesting and I enjoyed the romance element to the story. The romance is light here and just a small part of the story. Just the way I like it sometimes.
The ending well, hmm I am not sure I remember it now ......
I recommend this one to readers who enjoy an easy beautifully written setting that really plays into the plot with a bit of romance and a mystery you don't need to think too hard about but just go along for the ride.
I received a copy from the publisher.
November 23, 2019
Well consider me a lonely inhabitant of minority opinion world because I'm really bummed about this. The book had a good start, but then it took too long for something to happen and in the meantime there were way too many characters introduced. It was getting difficult for me to keep track of all of them and their importance in the story. I got some ‘The Dry’ vibes, but it didn’t end up being nearly as suspenseful and I had trouble caring about the characters. Also, there was a ton of over explaining and lots and lots of repetition. Once you mention a point or two about the character, I don't need it to be hammered home 800 times - I get it.
Please don't be discouraged by my review - there are COUNTLESS favorable reviews, so clearly I am missing out on something.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Berkley Publishing and Nalini Singh for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
Review Date: 11/22/19
Publication Date: 12/3/19
Please don't be discouraged by my review - there are COUNTLESS favorable reviews, so clearly I am missing out on something.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Berkley Publishing and Nalini Singh for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
Review Date: 11/22/19
Publication Date: 12/3/19
March 27, 2025
3.75 stars
Lately, I’ve been getting more into thrillers and wanted to add even more to my 2020 TBR. So when I found out Nalini Singh was writing one, I was beyond excited.
There were several things I really loved about this book:
The Setting – The story takes place in New Zealand, and Singh’s deep familiarity with the country shines through. From the language and traditions to the small communities and their unique challenges, everything was beautifully detailed. The vivid descriptions brought the setting to life, making me wish I could book a flight to New Zealand immediately.
The Characters – Both main characters were layered, mysterious, and deeply intriguing. Their development felt natural, like peeling back layers one by one, adding to the overall suspense. And yes—there’s romance! A slow burn, but so worth it.
The Final Quarter – The last part of the book was an absolute nail-biter. Everything came together in such a satisfying way, making the slow build-up worth it.
That said, I did struggle with the pacing. The first three-quarters of the book were very character-driven—more dialogue, less action. There were so many suspects and possible directions the story could take that it sometimes felt drawn out. I needed just a bit more momentum to be fully glued to the pages. In fact, I’m almost embarrassed to admit it took me nearly a week to finish.
Still, the way everything wrapped up left me impressed, and I’ll definitely be picking up more of Singh’s thrillers if she writes them. Thrillers are a genre I want to explore more, and having a favorite author venture into it makes it that much easier for me.
ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
Lately, I’ve been getting more into thrillers and wanted to add even more to my 2020 TBR. So when I found out Nalini Singh was writing one, I was beyond excited.
There were several things I really loved about this book:
The Setting – The story takes place in New Zealand, and Singh’s deep familiarity with the country shines through. From the language and traditions to the small communities and their unique challenges, everything was beautifully detailed. The vivid descriptions brought the setting to life, making me wish I could book a flight to New Zealand immediately.
The Characters – Both main characters were layered, mysterious, and deeply intriguing. Their development felt natural, like peeling back layers one by one, adding to the overall suspense. And yes—there’s romance! A slow burn, but so worth it.
The Final Quarter – The last part of the book was an absolute nail-biter. Everything came together in such a satisfying way, making the slow build-up worth it.
That said, I did struggle with the pacing. The first three-quarters of the book were very character-driven—more dialogue, less action. There were so many suspects and possible directions the story could take that it sometimes felt drawn out. I needed just a bit more momentum to be fully glued to the pages. In fact, I’m almost embarrassed to admit it took me nearly a week to finish.
Still, the way everything wrapped up left me impressed, and I’ll definitely be picking up more of Singh’s thrillers if she writes them. Thrillers are a genre I want to explore more, and having a favorite author venture into it makes it that much easier for me.
ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2020
Intensely character driven and held in an arrestingly deadly setting, this is a lingering read.
Writing: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Pacing: ★★★★★
Villain(s)/Reveal(s): ★★★ 1/2
Full disclosure: I've been a long-time fan of Nalini Singh. She writes some of the most well-written, beautifully plotted paranormal romances in the game. As in, they're worthy of SFF labels but are tragically only published as mass market paperbacks (I'm a hardcover girl, but I bend my rule for this queen).
So when I heard she was writing a mystery/thriller, I was SHOOK. As in, had to get a copy, was willing to beg, barter, and more to get this gem. And it DID NOT disappoint. In fact, it's elevated my opinion so much that I hope this is just the beginning—there better be more!
A Madness of Sunshine unfolds like a tightly clenched fist in achingly slow fits and starts. A young girl full of vitality, Miriama, goes out for a run one evening along the coast of Golden Cove, New Zealand. She doesn't come back.
Will is a cop hiding from his former life as a hotshot detective in Golden Cove. Not much happens in a small town where everyone knows everyone...but several female hikers have disappeared over the decades, and when Miriama goes missing, the old wounds resurface and the town of "pleasant" neighbors erupts. Can Will solve this current missing persons case amidst the echoes of the past?
Anahera left Golden Cove one year and never looked back. The past only holds pain and secrets, and she's never wanted to relive it—until her London husband dies suddenly and the hidden mistress comes knocking at her door. Shocked at the shattering of her "perfect" life, she returns to Golden Cove with fresh eyes and old wounds.
Will and Anahera come together over the disappearance of Miriama, and it's truly a character study of these two flawed characters finding solace in solving the problems of the past. But, as with other Nalini Singh novels, each and every side character jumps off the page with personality and depth. No one is two dimensional, and no one is overlooked. This felt real.
I'm so happy to see Singh branching out into the mystery/thriller genre. The mystery was tightly plotted, the villain(s) (no spoilers here!) were deeply motivated, and the unfolding of the plot was extremely satisfying. Don't miss this one!
Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Instagram
Writing: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Pacing: ★★★★★
Villain(s)/Reveal(s): ★★★ 1/2
Full disclosure: I've been a long-time fan of Nalini Singh. She writes some of the most well-written, beautifully plotted paranormal romances in the game. As in, they're worthy of SFF labels but are tragically only published as mass market paperbacks (I'm a hardcover girl, but I bend my rule for this queen).
So when I heard she was writing a mystery/thriller, I was SHOOK. As in, had to get a copy, was willing to beg, barter, and more to get this gem. And it DID NOT disappoint. In fact, it's elevated my opinion so much that I hope this is just the beginning—there better be more!
A Madness of Sunshine unfolds like a tightly clenched fist in achingly slow fits and starts. A young girl full of vitality, Miriama, goes out for a run one evening along the coast of Golden Cove, New Zealand. She doesn't come back.
Will is a cop hiding from his former life as a hotshot detective in Golden Cove. Not much happens in a small town where everyone knows everyone...but several female hikers have disappeared over the decades, and when Miriama goes missing, the old wounds resurface and the town of "pleasant" neighbors erupts. Can Will solve this current missing persons case amidst the echoes of the past?
Anahera left Golden Cove one year and never looked back. The past only holds pain and secrets, and she's never wanted to relive it—until her London husband dies suddenly and the hidden mistress comes knocking at her door. Shocked at the shattering of her "perfect" life, she returns to Golden Cove with fresh eyes and old wounds.
Will and Anahera come together over the disappearance of Miriama, and it's truly a character study of these two flawed characters finding solace in solving the problems of the past. But, as with other Nalini Singh novels, each and every side character jumps off the page with personality and depth. No one is two dimensional, and no one is overlooked. This felt real.
I'm so happy to see Singh branching out into the mystery/thriller genre. The mystery was tightly plotted, the villain(s) (no spoilers here!) were deeply motivated, and the unfolding of the plot was extremely satisfying. Don't miss this one!
Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Instagram
May 3, 2020
3.5*
A wonderfully written atmospheric novel set along the coast of New Zealand.
Anahera returns to her home in Golden Cove following the un-timely death of her husband in London. It’s high time to put that tragic event behind her. Hopefully, she can slip back into her old life, returning to a place where everyone knows and cares for her. Easier said than done.
Shortly after her return, tragedy visits her once again. One of the most beloved young women in the village goes missing and everyone of course fears the worst. Is there some sort of connection between this latest incident and the 3 missing hikers who also vanished in the same area? Everyone is a suspect!
Nalini Singh writes a compelling novel that captured my attention immediately. Don’t expect a rapid-paced thriller. This is very much a slow, drawn-out burn of a tale that guides you on a journey, ending with a very satisfying and, somewhat shocking ending,
A buddy read with Susanne
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing for an ARC to read and review.
A wonderfully written atmospheric novel set along the coast of New Zealand.
Anahera returns to her home in Golden Cove following the un-timely death of her husband in London. It’s high time to put that tragic event behind her. Hopefully, she can slip back into her old life, returning to a place where everyone knows and cares for her. Easier said than done.
Shortly after her return, tragedy visits her once again. One of the most beloved young women in the village goes missing and everyone of course fears the worst. Is there some sort of connection between this latest incident and the 3 missing hikers who also vanished in the same area? Everyone is a suspect!
Nalini Singh writes a compelling novel that captured my attention immediately. Don’t expect a rapid-paced thriller. This is very much a slow, drawn-out burn of a tale that guides you on a journey, ending with a very satisfying and, somewhat shocking ending,
A buddy read with Susanne
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing for an ARC to read and review.
January 6, 2020
Have you ever been so caught up with the characters of a book that you miss you once you’ve finished? I have been walking around for a week trying to figure out what I’ve misplaced, who I haven’t contacted, what I’ve left undone, only to realize that what I’m missing are the people and places in A Madness of Sunshine! What a marvelous story and even better characters!
Will is a cop with a past that is dark and tumultuous. Once a rising star in the metro force, he now has been relegated to a very small hamlet by the ocean. There he simply wants to be a ghost, do his job overseeing petty crimes and live out his days in quiet. Ana has come home after fleeing the village and vowing never to return. Her childhood was traumatic and one that she wanted to leave behind her forever. Now, she has returned to forget the new life she has made. She, too, longs to be a ghost, to be left alone in solitude. Neither gets what they want when a beautiful young girl goes missing and rumors begin to tie her disappearance to hikers who vanished 15 years before.
While the premise of the story may seem, on the surface, like one we have read before, what sets this story apart from the rest is the location, the rugged New Zealand West Coast and its beautiful Maori people, and the incredible character development. I’ve read more than my fair share of crime fiction and come across plenty of down and out cops but few have reached out and grabbed me like Will did. There was something about the flaws of all of the characters, the major and minor ones, that made them more real, brought them to life, had them haunting my dreams. Has them in my head even now. A Madness of Sunshine is what all crime fiction should be.
Apparently this is a departure in genres for this author and I can only hope that we see more of this type of writing from her. If you haven’t already read A Madness of Sunshine you will want to add it to your must-read list, I promise.
Will is a cop with a past that is dark and tumultuous. Once a rising star in the metro force, he now has been relegated to a very small hamlet by the ocean. There he simply wants to be a ghost, do his job overseeing petty crimes and live out his days in quiet. Ana has come home after fleeing the village and vowing never to return. Her childhood was traumatic and one that she wanted to leave behind her forever. Now, she has returned to forget the new life she has made. She, too, longs to be a ghost, to be left alone in solitude. Neither gets what they want when a beautiful young girl goes missing and rumors begin to tie her disappearance to hikers who vanished 15 years before.
While the premise of the story may seem, on the surface, like one we have read before, what sets this story apart from the rest is the location, the rugged New Zealand West Coast and its beautiful Maori people, and the incredible character development. I’ve read more than my fair share of crime fiction and come across plenty of down and out cops but few have reached out and grabbed me like Will did. There was something about the flaws of all of the characters, the major and minor ones, that made them more real, brought them to life, had them haunting my dreams. Has them in my head even now. A Madness of Sunshine is what all crime fiction should be.
Apparently this is a departure in genres for this author and I can only hope that we see more of this type of writing from her. If you haven’t already read A Madness of Sunshine you will want to add it to your must-read list, I promise.
September 27, 2023
I love a book that immerses you so deeply in the setting it’s like taking a mini vacation to a place you’ve never been. In “A Madness of Sunshine” Nalini Singh transports the reader to the rural coasts of New Zealand, where you must be careful not to wander off the trails, and the stark, harsh beauty of the landscape comes off the page with her exquisite writing. A girl has gone missing while running. In such a small community, everyone turns out to search.
I quite enjoyed the two main characters, as this was a slow building sort of mystery/thriller+ a touch of romance that took the time to immerse us in background as we slowly unraveled clues. A true character driven piece, I found myself absorbed from beginning to end, and while some of the outcomes I saw coming for a while, a few also caught me by surprise. I’ve read Nalini Singh’s paranormal romance and romances and enjoyed them immensely, and this was a delight as well.
I quite enjoyed the two main characters, as this was a slow building sort of mystery/thriller+ a touch of romance that took the time to immerse us in background as we slowly unraveled clues. A true character driven piece, I found myself absorbed from beginning to end, and while some of the outcomes I saw coming for a while, a few also caught me by surprise. I’ve read Nalini Singh’s paranormal romance and romances and enjoyed them immensely, and this was a delight as well.
May 3, 2020
4 Stars.
The Past Never Stays in the Past.
Anahera never imagined that she would return to Golden Cove, New Zealand, after eight years. When her life in London shattered into a million pieces, returning home seemed like the perfect answer.
Good or bad, the small town of Golden Cove hasn’t changed much over the years. Most of Anahera’s friends left for greener pastures and returned, the same as her.
If only Golden Cove was as peaceful as Ana remembered.
When local resident Miriama Hinewai goes missing, the town is turned on its head. Detective Will Gallagher is the town’s only cop and it's up to him to find out what happened.
“A Madness of Sunshine” is a captivating, complex, character driven mystery. It grabbed my attention immediately and I found myself completely drawn in, scared for all of the characters, eagerly awaiting the compelling conclusion. Though I found the end to be a tad bit far fetched, overall, I really enjoyed this novel by Nalini Singh. This is my first read by the author and it won’t be my last!
Another buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing Group and to Nalini Singh for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 5.3.20.
The Past Never Stays in the Past.
Anahera never imagined that she would return to Golden Cove, New Zealand, after eight years. When her life in London shattered into a million pieces, returning home seemed like the perfect answer.
Good or bad, the small town of Golden Cove hasn’t changed much over the years. Most of Anahera’s friends left for greener pastures and returned, the same as her.
If only Golden Cove was as peaceful as Ana remembered.
When local resident Miriama Hinewai goes missing, the town is turned on its head. Detective Will Gallagher is the town’s only cop and it's up to him to find out what happened.
“A Madness of Sunshine” is a captivating, complex, character driven mystery. It grabbed my attention immediately and I found myself completely drawn in, scared for all of the characters, eagerly awaiting the compelling conclusion. Though I found the end to be a tad bit far fetched, overall, I really enjoyed this novel by Nalini Singh. This is my first read by the author and it won’t be my last!
Another buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing Group and to Nalini Singh for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 5.3.20.
January 7, 2020
4 stars 6/1/20
Short review for this as I'm hungry, cooking dinner and I have a 6yr that just proclaimed in a dramatic voice and a hand on her forehead that her life is ruined because her dad cried her tears. Yes, you read that right.
This was not a thriller really, but it was a decent murder mystery. In my opinion a good murder mystery involves a fascinating setting and several suspects with equal motives and opportunities and you can't help changing your mind at least three times over who did it. The book had all that in spades! I couldn't put my finger on who the murder was straight away and that definitely earns points for me.
Instead of a thriller factor we got this deep melancholy and sadness peppered with restrained rage. And I think that's what didn't entirely work for me. By the end I was thoroughly depressed..
It's an exquisitely descriptive book in terms of location and setting. The whodunnit element is not easy to pinpoint and that's the hard part in books like this. Overall a good murder mystery and an excellent genre change from Nalini Singh.
Please do NOT read spoiler unless you have read the book. I'm also keeping the spoiler as vague as I can.
11/4/19
Thriller and Nalini Singh?!
Short review for this as I'm hungry, cooking dinner and I have a 6yr that just proclaimed in a dramatic voice and a hand on her forehead that her life is ruined because her dad cried her tears. Yes, you read that right.
This was not a thriller really, but it was a decent murder mystery. In my opinion a good murder mystery involves a fascinating setting and several suspects with equal motives and opportunities and you can't help changing your mind at least three times over who did it. The book had all that in spades! I couldn't put my finger on who the murder was straight away and that definitely earns points for me.
Instead of a thriller factor we got this deep melancholy and sadness peppered with restrained rage. And I think that's what didn't entirely work for me. By the end I was thoroughly depressed..
It's an exquisitely descriptive book in terms of location and setting. The whodunnit element is not easy to pinpoint and that's the hard part in books like this. Overall a good murder mystery and an excellent genre change from Nalini Singh.
Please do NOT read spoiler unless you have read the book. I'm also keeping the spoiler as vague as I can.
11/4/19
Thriller and Nalini Singh?!
March 21, 2020
3 desolate STARS ★★★✩✩
⤐ Overall.
Weeeelll... I'm not too happy with this, but not too dissatisfied either. Overall, I expected A Madness of Sunshine to be twisted. Nalini has always proven to be creative in regard to crimes, even in her romance novels. As the crimes in this story unravel, Nalini yet again sucks the readers into a vortex of evil and horror, but the overall thrill didn't really get to me as I expected it to. Maybeee it's owed to the fact I didn't pay proper attention in the beginning, but I'm pretty sure the other 90% of the book should've been able to make up for my initial lack of investment. Hence, I can't give too much praise to the arch of suspense.
The characters were all good and well but felt pretty familiar to the Psy-Changeling series I love so much. I'm not sure whether Nalini's to blame for that, the narrator of the audiobook or myself.
⤐ What’s happening.
Until that heart that loved sunshine so much vanished together with the girl it lived for, casting a shadow over the community of Golden Cove. Did the sea devour it or the cliffs of New Zealand's beautiful but angry coastlines? Or is something much darker at work, swallowing up the light?
_____________________
writing quality + easy of reading = 4*
pace = 3*
plot/story in general = 3*
plot development = 2.5*
characters = 3*
enjoyability = 2.5*
insightfulness = 3*
This book is for you if… you'd like to see what else Nalini can do, besides sci-fi Romance. This recommendation only stands, however, if you're willing to tone down your expectations and don't take it out on her other books.
⤐ Overall.
Weeeelll... I'm not too happy with this, but not too dissatisfied either. Overall, I expected A Madness of Sunshine to be twisted. Nalini has always proven to be creative in regard to crimes, even in her romance novels. As the crimes in this story unravel, Nalini yet again sucks the readers into a vortex of evil and horror, but the overall thrill didn't really get to me as I expected it to. Maybeee it's owed to the fact I didn't pay proper attention in the beginning, but I'm pretty sure the other 90% of the book should've been able to make up for my initial lack of investment. Hence, I can't give too much praise to the arch of suspense.
The characters were all good and well but felt pretty familiar to the Psy-Changeling series I love so much. I'm not sure whether Nalini's to blame for that, the narrator of the audiobook or myself.
⤐ What’s happening.
‘Sunshine.
That’s what she was.
Sunshine.
Bright. A thing of life. A thing that could burn.
And this heart, it beat only for her.
It could murder for her.
For love. For Sunshine.’
Until that heart that loved sunshine so much vanished together with the girl it lived for, casting a shadow over the community of Golden Cove. Did the sea devour it or the cliffs of New Zealand's beautiful but angry coastlines? Or is something much darker at work, swallowing up the light?
_____________________
writing quality + easy of reading = 4*
pace = 3*
plot/story in general = 3*
plot development = 2.5*
characters = 3*
enjoyability = 2.5*
insightfulness = 3*
December 3, 2019
This is my first book by this incredibly talented writer, so I had very few, if any, expectations. I was swept away by the beauty of descriptions of the West Coast of New Zealand:
....She stood on a jagged cliff looking out over the crashing sea below as fog wove through the treetops, a light misty rain falling and dissipating before it ever got to her...
Anahera Rawiri returns to her home town of Gloden Cove after eight years of absence, a successful career as a classical pianist and the death of her handsome, elegant and cheating husband. Anahera is a fascinating character and you gradually discover how her strength/ hardness are the result of tragic experiences in her childhood and adolescence. You also discover that she is fiercely loyal and kind.
Will is a decorated police officer who got sent away from Christchurch and is now serving as the one and only policeman in Golden Cove. He takes his job seriously and is liked by the locals, although he will never be able to change his status of an outsider.
When nineteen year old local girl Miriama goes on a run and vanishes into thin air, he leads first the search party and then investigation and finally solves the mystery, not only of Miriama's death, but also the cold case of hikers who disappeared several years ago in a similar way.
Will needs Anahera's help to discover what happened to the beautiful Miri, who was admired and courted by many local men as well as tourists passing through the town. There are plenty of suspects, as well as plenty of secrets that run 'like a thick tide of lava beneath the surface'. The poem in the prologue foreshadows the story:
...Sunshine.
That's what she was.
Sunshine.
Bright. A thing of life. A thing that could burn.
And this heart, it beat only for her.
It could murder for her.
For love. For Sunshine.
There is a touch of romance, but mostly Madness of Sunshine is a thriller which focuses on the tragic loss of human life. Whether you are a fan of Nalini Singh or you are new to this author, and are just looking for a mystery set in New Zealand, this unique story has a lot to offer.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Berkley for the review copy provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
....She stood on a jagged cliff looking out over the crashing sea below as fog wove through the treetops, a light misty rain falling and dissipating before it ever got to her...
Anahera Rawiri returns to her home town of Gloden Cove after eight years of absence, a successful career as a classical pianist and the death of her handsome, elegant and cheating husband. Anahera is a fascinating character and you gradually discover how her strength/ hardness are the result of tragic experiences in her childhood and adolescence. You also discover that she is fiercely loyal and kind.
Will is a decorated police officer who got sent away from Christchurch and is now serving as the one and only policeman in Golden Cove. He takes his job seriously and is liked by the locals, although he will never be able to change his status of an outsider.
When nineteen year old local girl Miriama goes on a run and vanishes into thin air, he leads first the search party and then investigation and finally solves the mystery, not only of Miriama's death, but also the cold case of hikers who disappeared several years ago in a similar way.
Will needs Anahera's help to discover what happened to the beautiful Miri, who was admired and courted by many local men as well as tourists passing through the town. There are plenty of suspects, as well as plenty of secrets that run 'like a thick tide of lava beneath the surface'. The poem in the prologue foreshadows the story:
...Sunshine.
That's what she was.
Sunshine.
Bright. A thing of life. A thing that could burn.
And this heart, it beat only for her.
It could murder for her.
For love. For Sunshine.
There is a touch of romance, but mostly Madness of Sunshine is a thriller which focuses on the tragic loss of human life. Whether you are a fan of Nalini Singh or you are new to this author, and are just looking for a mystery set in New Zealand, this unique story has a lot to offer.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Berkley for the review copy provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
February 12, 2020
I love books that take you to remote settings and transport your mind to places you probably will never be fortunate enough to visit. In this story, Nalini Singh was able to do just that. She aptly portrayed the beauty of New Zealand, and its breathe. She presented us with characters living and sometimes hiding out in a small town environment, the typical haves and have nots and many of her characters were admirable.
The story is complicated and one of the characters, Anahera, reeling from the death of her husband and a terrible secret about him being revealed, returns home to Golden Cove, a place she vowed never to go back to. The town's inhabitants are a varied group and when one of their young beloved residents, Miriama, goes missing, it sets in motion a search for her that unearths many secrets and lies and eventually a scenario so evil and bizarre makes the book end on quite an unanticipated note.
However, along the way many of the characters at times seem to muddle the story telling. They seemed to make the story somewhat more convoluted than it needed to be. Too much repetition also was a flaw that I saw in the story.
However, overall, it was an interesting story more for the remoteness of the setting and the lives of the two main characters.
Thank you to Nalini Singh, Berkley Publishing, and Edelweiss for a copy of this book.
The story is complicated and one of the characters, Anahera, reeling from the death of her husband and a terrible secret about him being revealed, returns home to Golden Cove, a place she vowed never to go back to. The town's inhabitants are a varied group and when one of their young beloved residents, Miriama, goes missing, it sets in motion a search for her that unearths many secrets and lies and eventually a scenario so evil and bizarre makes the book end on quite an unanticipated note.
However, along the way many of the characters at times seem to muddle the story telling. They seemed to make the story somewhat more convoluted than it needed to be. Too much repetition also was a flaw that I saw in the story.
However, overall, it was an interesting story more for the remoteness of the setting and the lives of the two main characters.
Thank you to Nalini Singh, Berkley Publishing, and Edelweiss for a copy of this book.
November 23, 2019
I'm a romance genre girl through and through. When I saw that this was Nalini Singh, I knew I needed to give this book a try even though I hesitate at the genre. I'm really glad that I did. From the first chapter this book captured my attention and held. The writing is phenomenal. It doesn't matter what genre this author writes, she knows how to captivate.
I think because I knew going in that this was a thriller, I really focused on everything I learned about all the characters that were introduced. I wanted to be able to make my guesses about who did it. Nalini did a great job giving us readers enough doubts about everyone that it did leave me guessing until the end. She also made feel enough for some of these characters that I was practically begging that they weren't the culprit. One particular person would have devastated me but that's only because of how it would have affected others.
The author did give us a little bit of romance to enjoy in this book. I made myself think about if I would have liked this as much if it didn't have that small part to round things out. My conclusion, while Nalini Singh may have just opened me up to a new genre to enjoy, I still think I need that romance to feel satisfied at the end of a good read.
I think because I knew going in that this was a thriller, I really focused on everything I learned about all the characters that were introduced. I wanted to be able to make my guesses about who did it. Nalini did a great job giving us readers enough doubts about everyone that it did leave me guessing until the end. She also made feel enough for some of these characters that I was practically begging that they weren't the culprit. One particular person would have devastated me but that's only because of how it would have affected others.
The author did give us a little bit of romance to enjoy in this book. I made myself think about if I would have liked this as much if it didn't have that small part to round things out. My conclusion, while Nalini Singh may have just opened me up to a new genre to enjoy, I still think I need that romance to feel satisfied at the end of a good read.
December 17, 2019
I listened to “A Madness of Sunshine” by Nalini Singh performed by Saskia Maarleveld. It’s a great story and Maarleveld is phenomenal. Her voice range is amazing.
Singh was raised and lives in New Zealand which adds authenticity to her story. Her descriptions of the villagers and landscapes make the story. This is a crime fiction story set in a tiny and remote village. As with all crime mystery stories, it’s the pacing as well as the characters that involve the reader/listener.
A brief synopsis is that a local woman returns to her village that she promised herself she’d never return to. She got out as a teen with her music talent. Unfortunately, her husband dies, which alone rocks her life. And then she discovers he had a pregnant mistress which drove her to take refuge in her remote hometown.
Soon after her return, a beautiful young girl goes missing. This girl was about to escape the small village with her photography talent. Her disappearance brings back the unsolved murders of hikers that occurred decades earlier while the woman was a teen. Soon there is worries that the serial killer is back.
I did enjoy listening to Maarleveld’s voice while she told the story. She added to the intrigue and mystery. I highly recommend the audible version.
Singh was raised and lives in New Zealand which adds authenticity to her story. Her descriptions of the villagers and landscapes make the story. This is a crime fiction story set in a tiny and remote village. As with all crime mystery stories, it’s the pacing as well as the characters that involve the reader/listener.
A brief synopsis is that a local woman returns to her village that she promised herself she’d never return to. She got out as a teen with her music talent. Unfortunately, her husband dies, which alone rocks her life. And then she discovers he had a pregnant mistress which drove her to take refuge in her remote hometown.
Soon after her return, a beautiful young girl goes missing. This girl was about to escape the small village with her photography talent. Her disappearance brings back the unsolved murders of hikers that occurred decades earlier while the woman was a teen. Soon there is worries that the serial killer is back.
I did enjoy listening to Maarleveld’s voice while she told the story. She added to the intrigue and mystery. I highly recommend the audible version.
January 9, 2020
I adore everything Nalini Singh does - so much that I read her newest book even though I rarely, if ever, read anything that could be categorized as either thriller or crime. And I am very glad I did. Everything I adore in her writing was present here, especially her wonderful hand with world-building. Obviously world-building in a real world setting is a lot different to world-building in a paranormal setting, but in the end Singh manages to portrait this small town at the end of the world in New Zealand with much the same flair as her more out there worlds featuring shapeshifters and angels.
The biggest strength of this book is the atmosphere she creates her; the place she portraits seems effortlessly creepy and stifling. Set in the rough West coast of New Zealand's South Island (a place I was lucky enough to visit last year), her town and its inhabitants come to life in a really satisfying way. I also enjoyed the central romance, even though it did take the backseat to the mystery. These two people are damaged in their own way and find solace in each other - and I was so here for that.
Content warning: miscarriage, cheating, infertility, serial killing, stalking, arson
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The biggest strength of this book is the atmosphere she creates her; the place she portraits seems effortlessly creepy and stifling. Set in the rough West coast of New Zealand's South Island (a place I was lucky enough to visit last year), her town and its inhabitants come to life in a really satisfying way. I also enjoyed the central romance, even though it did take the backseat to the mystery. These two people are damaged in their own way and find solace in each other - and I was so here for that.
Content warning: miscarriage, cheating, infertility, serial killing, stalking, arson
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2020
Three and a half stars.
Golden Grove is a peaceful town in New Zealand but it is also a place where 3 young women hikers go missing. No trace of them is found. Life moves on after a fashion and some of the inhabitants of Golden Grove escape to other places. Anahera is one of them. She is a concert pianist. Married to Edward, she has had a glamorous life overseas until Edward dies and she suddenly finds out her life was not so perfect after all. She returns to Golden Grove, the tragic past she left behind and her mother’s cottage. She resumes friendships with a number of those she grew up with and thinks maybe she can settle back here, at least for a time. That is until another vibrant and popular young woman goes missing. The missing woman brings back echoes of the past for Anehera but also haunting memories for police officer Will Gallagher. A relative newcomer, Will is still very much looked on as an outsider by inhabitants of Golden Grove though they do respond when he organises a search for the young woman. The town rallies because this is one of their own who is missing. As the search goes on, secrets and lies are uncovered. Who can be trusted? And who is responsible for the young woman’s disappearance? It has to be someone the townsfolk all know. But who?
This book has a brooding, atmospheric quality to it. The main characters, Anahera and Will, are well developed and inspire empathy with their troubled pasts. This is very much a character driven story rather than a fast paced read. There are a lot of chracters to keep track of but they are mostly defined enough so the reader does not get confused. The setting is beautifully portrayed. The writing is mostly beautiful with the exception of some of the blokey conversations. There are several red herrings which may keep the reader guessing. There were times when things were repeated that I felt didn’t need to be. I felt like saying,’ I got it first time round.’ Sadly, that did slow the pace a little more than necessary.
Despite those things this is an interesting mystery that contains an element of romance. The romance never takes over and becomes the focal point though. It remains firmly on the mystery. I enjoyed this book, my first read by this author and would be interested to read another. A recommended read for those who like a slow burn character driven mystery. Love the cover on this one.
Golden Grove is a peaceful town in New Zealand but it is also a place where 3 young women hikers go missing. No trace of them is found. Life moves on after a fashion and some of the inhabitants of Golden Grove escape to other places. Anahera is one of them. She is a concert pianist. Married to Edward, she has had a glamorous life overseas until Edward dies and she suddenly finds out her life was not so perfect after all. She returns to Golden Grove, the tragic past she left behind and her mother’s cottage. She resumes friendships with a number of those she grew up with and thinks maybe she can settle back here, at least for a time. That is until another vibrant and popular young woman goes missing. The missing woman brings back echoes of the past for Anehera but also haunting memories for police officer Will Gallagher. A relative newcomer, Will is still very much looked on as an outsider by inhabitants of Golden Grove though they do respond when he organises a search for the young woman. The town rallies because this is one of their own who is missing. As the search goes on, secrets and lies are uncovered. Who can be trusted? And who is responsible for the young woman’s disappearance? It has to be someone the townsfolk all know. But who?
This book has a brooding, atmospheric quality to it. The main characters, Anahera and Will, are well developed and inspire empathy with their troubled pasts. This is very much a character driven story rather than a fast paced read. There are a lot of chracters to keep track of but they are mostly defined enough so the reader does not get confused. The setting is beautifully portrayed. The writing is mostly beautiful with the exception of some of the blokey conversations. There are several red herrings which may keep the reader guessing. There were times when things were repeated that I felt didn’t need to be. I felt like saying,’ I got it first time round.’ Sadly, that did slow the pace a little more than necessary.
Despite those things this is an interesting mystery that contains an element of romance. The romance never takes over and becomes the focal point though. It remains firmly on the mystery. I enjoyed this book, my first read by this author and would be interested to read another. A recommended read for those who like a slow burn character driven mystery. Love the cover on this one.
January 22, 2020
A widow returns home, a woman goes missing, and secrets from the past won’t stay buried for long��� In this tensely-plotted, taut thriller, Nalini Singh crafts a breathtaking mystery set in the wild thicket of a small coastal New Zealand community that hooked me from page one!
The tension that Singh has built in the community of this book is pulled so taut it feels it could snap. The mystery is so well-plotted that it is almost breath taking. The anger and turmoil boiling below the surface is mirrored by the jagged cliffs, thrashing waves, and thick forest of the New Zealand coast. I’d venture to call this a gothic mystery because the setting is so powerful, almost a character itself.
Anahera grew up in Golden Cove, but she left it behind and moved to find a new life in London. Following the death of her cheating husband and the confrontation with his pregnant mistress, Anahera returns reluctantly to Golden Cove. She has few happy memories there. An abusive father, the memory of her mother’s untimely death, and the shock of her husband’s affair and death is too much.
I loved how unpredictable the nature of New Zealand was. The rocks of the cliff feel jagged and menacing. Storms roll in from the ocean with alarming force. And something is brewing under the seemingly safe community of Golden Cove… A woman disappears while out jogging. Could it have been an accident? Perhaps she got lost in the thick forest. Anahera already fears the worst. It reminds her of the three women who went missing in Golden Cove many years before, when she was a teenager.
Detective Will Gallagher also suspects a connection between the three cold cases and the recent disappearance. As an outsider, Will sees the residents of Golden Cove with an objectivity that Anahera cannot. But Anahera also knows the secrets of Golden Cove. In a community this small, there are only so many dark corners to hide in.
A fantastic mystery with a setting that is truly exceptional—this is a great escape read that you won’t be able to put down!
Thank you to Berkley for my copy. Opinions are my own.
The tension that Singh has built in the community of this book is pulled so taut it feels it could snap. The mystery is so well-plotted that it is almost breath taking. The anger and turmoil boiling below the surface is mirrored by the jagged cliffs, thrashing waves, and thick forest of the New Zealand coast. I’d venture to call this a gothic mystery because the setting is so powerful, almost a character itself.
Anahera grew up in Golden Cove, but she left it behind and moved to find a new life in London. Following the death of her cheating husband and the confrontation with his pregnant mistress, Anahera returns reluctantly to Golden Cove. She has few happy memories there. An abusive father, the memory of her mother’s untimely death, and the shock of her husband’s affair and death is too much.
I loved how unpredictable the nature of New Zealand was. The rocks of the cliff feel jagged and menacing. Storms roll in from the ocean with alarming force. And something is brewing under the seemingly safe community of Golden Cove… A woman disappears while out jogging. Could it have been an accident? Perhaps she got lost in the thick forest. Anahera already fears the worst. It reminds her of the three women who went missing in Golden Cove many years before, when she was a teenager.
Detective Will Gallagher also suspects a connection between the three cold cases and the recent disappearance. As an outsider, Will sees the residents of Golden Cove with an objectivity that Anahera cannot. But Anahera also knows the secrets of Golden Cove. In a community this small, there are only so many dark corners to hide in.
A fantastic mystery with a setting that is truly exceptional—this is a great escape read that you won’t be able to put down!
Thank you to Berkley for my copy. Opinions are my own.
January 24, 2020
4.7 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Anahera is going back to her hometown, a place that she never wanted to return to but somehow finds she needs the comfort of. While there, Miriama, a young beautiful girl disappears while out jogging and Anahera finds herself helping the new town cop, Will, uncover the secrets of Golden Cove and it's residents.
She returned home two hundred and seventeen days after burying her husband while his pregnant mistress sobbed so hard that she made herself sick.
In this standalone, Singh has written an intoxicating mystery suspense. The writing was smooth in a way that sucked me in and wouldn't let me go; I was lost in the beautifully dark atmosphere. Readers are pulled in with the character of Anahera, a woman who grew-up in Golden Cove. Her father was an abusive alcoholic who her mother didn't kick out until he began to turn his abuse on Anahera. While she still has friends that live in Golden Cove, it's not a place of happy memories for her. The background Singh creates for Anahera, abusive father, widowhood that surprises her with a husband who cheated on her, and a miscarriage, all perfectly shapes the character we see on the pages, steely contained, strong, and heartfelt willing.
“Everyone has secrets,” he repeated after completing the maneuver. “It's often the people who look like they have no secrets at all who turn out to have the biggest ones.”
While we're led into the story by Anahera, she gives us the lay of the land and townspeople, the emotional aspect, the new town cop Will leads the technical, murder mystery part that takes over the middle of the story. As a reader, I was emotionally locked in the story because of how Singh quickly and thoroughly created a web spun with the townspeople from Anahera's experiences and feelings about them. This made me eager to follow along with Will as he gathered evidence and tries to piece together the how and why about Miriama's disappearance. While I didn't connect as much with Will, he had his own layered backstory of how he ended up in Golden Cove and gave credence to his feelings and actions. The focus of the story is the mystery of Miriama's disappearance but for those looking for it, the bonding relationship that develops between Anahera and Will, infuses the story with a slow burn romance.
That was the thing with this town---the way the gossip flowed, you'd think you knew everything. But there were secrets here, a thick tide of lava beneath the surface.
Along with the atmosphere and emotions evoked, the details that Singh includes made this story a cut above for me. How Will goes about the investigation and the facts and alluding he finds or is told along the way kept my eyes on everyone. When Will finds out that three woman hikers disappeared from the Golden Cove area fourteen years ago too, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. If you weren't feeling the atmosphere as much as I, I could see how the middle could drag a touch, as there might be considered one too many red-herring dancing to and away reasons given out. I also thought the villain(s) reveal started to creep into info dump reveal as it went on a beat too long. The ending also felt abrupt but it could be me just not wanting to say goodbye to these characters. A Madness of Sunshine was a small town mystery suspense that showcased the good, bad, and ugly of a small New Zealand town while chilling me to the soul at times and at others, having me smile through the tears.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Anahera is going back to her hometown, a place that she never wanted to return to but somehow finds she needs the comfort of. While there, Miriama, a young beautiful girl disappears while out jogging and Anahera finds herself helping the new town cop, Will, uncover the secrets of Golden Cove and it's residents.
She returned home two hundred and seventeen days after burying her husband while his pregnant mistress sobbed so hard that she made herself sick.
In this standalone, Singh has written an intoxicating mystery suspense. The writing was smooth in a way that sucked me in and wouldn't let me go; I was lost in the beautifully dark atmosphere. Readers are pulled in with the character of Anahera, a woman who grew-up in Golden Cove. Her father was an abusive alcoholic who her mother didn't kick out until he began to turn his abuse on Anahera. While she still has friends that live in Golden Cove, it's not a place of happy memories for her. The background Singh creates for Anahera, abusive father, widowhood that surprises her with a husband who cheated on her, and a miscarriage, all perfectly shapes the character we see on the pages, steely contained, strong, and heartfelt willing.
“Everyone has secrets,” he repeated after completing the maneuver. “It's often the people who look like they have no secrets at all who turn out to have the biggest ones.”
While we're led into the story by Anahera, she gives us the lay of the land and townspeople, the emotional aspect, the new town cop Will leads the technical, murder mystery part that takes over the middle of the story. As a reader, I was emotionally locked in the story because of how Singh quickly and thoroughly created a web spun with the townspeople from Anahera's experiences and feelings about them. This made me eager to follow along with Will as he gathered evidence and tries to piece together the how and why about Miriama's disappearance. While I didn't connect as much with Will, he had his own layered backstory of how he ended up in Golden Cove and gave credence to his feelings and actions. The focus of the story is the mystery of Miriama's disappearance but for those looking for it, the bonding relationship that develops between Anahera and Will, infuses the story with a slow burn romance.
That was the thing with this town---the way the gossip flowed, you'd think you knew everything. But there were secrets here, a thick tide of lava beneath the surface.
Along with the atmosphere and emotions evoked, the details that Singh includes made this story a cut above for me. How Will goes about the investigation and the facts and alluding he finds or is told along the way kept my eyes on everyone. When Will finds out that three woman hikers disappeared from the Golden Cove area fourteen years ago too, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. If you weren't feeling the atmosphere as much as I, I could see how the middle could drag a touch, as there might be considered one too many red-herring dancing to and away reasons given out. I also thought the villain(s) reveal started to creep into info dump reveal as it went on a beat too long. The ending also felt abrupt but it could be me just not wanting to say goodbye to these characters. A Madness of Sunshine was a small town mystery suspense that showcased the good, bad, and ugly of a small New Zealand town while chilling me to the soul at times and at others, having me smile through the tears.
August 29, 2019
Oh my how to review this one.
It was a non stop thrill ride that went all the way to the end. I wanted to finish this book in one go but sleep won.
This story is set in New Zealand and features a strong Maori woman as the main character. Mostly, it is is a small town mystery. And once secrets turn up no one is safe no matter how long you have known them.
I liked how Singh described the landscape. It made me feel as though I was there experiencing the tension unfolding along with the characters.
Give this fast paced story a go.
It was a non stop thrill ride that went all the way to the end. I wanted to finish this book in one go but sleep won.
This story is set in New Zealand and features a strong Maori woman as the main character. Mostly, it is is a small town mystery. And once secrets turn up no one is safe no matter how long you have known them.
I liked how Singh described the landscape. It made me feel as though I was there experiencing the tension unfolding along with the characters.
Give this fast paced story a go.
December 2, 2019
Atmospheric, gritty, and suspenseful!
The Madness of Sunshine is a sharp, compelling read that transports you to Golden Cove, New Zealand, a small coastal town where the sudden disappearance of a local young woman with a bright future unearths a lot of strong emotions, tragic memories, and more long-buried secrets and skeletons than anyone could have ever imagined.
The prose is vivid and precise. The characters are tormented, mistrusting, and diligent. And the plot, including all the subplots, intertwine and unravel subtly into an engrossing investigative tale filled with life, loss, family, friendship, heartbreak, manipulation, abuse, violence, murder, and a sliver of romance.
Overall, The Madness of Sunshine is an absorbing, dark, ominous tale that does an exceptional job of reminding us that evil can live easily amongst us and is often hidden behind masks of normality. It’s surprisingly the first novel I’ve read by Singh, but it certainly won’t be the last.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Madness of Sunshine is a sharp, compelling read that transports you to Golden Cove, New Zealand, a small coastal town where the sudden disappearance of a local young woman with a bright future unearths a lot of strong emotions, tragic memories, and more long-buried secrets and skeletons than anyone could have ever imagined.
The prose is vivid and precise. The characters are tormented, mistrusting, and diligent. And the plot, including all the subplots, intertwine and unravel subtly into an engrossing investigative tale filled with life, loss, family, friendship, heartbreak, manipulation, abuse, violence, murder, and a sliver of romance.
Overall, The Madness of Sunshine is an absorbing, dark, ominous tale that does an exceptional job of reminding us that evil can live easily amongst us and is often hidden behind masks of normality. It’s surprisingly the first novel I’ve read by Singh, but it certainly won’t be the last.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2020
I'm on the fence here, but for me it was a 2.5 stars for a generous rating. I tried to give it a 3 star for New Zealand, but I just can't. With better nature descriptions, I might have.
It has too many characters that are plot encompassed within too many plot lines. And because of that structure to hang them all on, it becomes way too long and also language redundant. You are told the same thing about 10 or 20 times in personality emotive or physical description. Tall, slender, skin color, shape over and over again. It does not need to be hammered at the reader like that- in fact, it makes the entire just flat. It does for me.
Many will say that adds to the character depth, especially in the main 5 or 6 high school friends who return or meet after more than a decade. And it seems that 2 or 3 of them have pretty high falutin careers despite coming from such a tiny and insular New Zealand west coast town. And believe me, that's the least of what you are required to belief swallow with this overall picture. I was flabberghasted that a concert pianist is moving back to a place/cabin without a piano and only one time does she go use one at a "church" or chapel that she never seems to attend. Pianists practice EVERY SINGLE DAY. Always. But that's exactly where this novel is. It floats on sexual attraction, desire and flirting levels, coupling memories or future possibilities mixed with grief, loneliness, jealousy. All those last on a effusive, highly emotional description and oozing level. Men especially in this one are not having conversations like any men I've ever known. All except for Will seem virtually lover, monster, confidant similar to Randy on "Say Yes to the Dress" TLC show. Or some function of mean bully or suave speaking teaser. But they don't have dialogue which connotes their own male self-identity or norm. At first I thought it was the Maori influence and cultural differences. But no, it's a female who writes men in the acts they do. Not at all how they speak and think. Normal men are few in this huge bunch of town people involved within any divergent parts of this meandering tale too.
There are some regular women. Josie, who is certainly one, appears a bunch at the beginning and then floats off in the entire somewhere quiet to wait for her baby? That's how this one goes. To connect the now, then, and far past plots all together- some people become central and others just get mentioned as tangents, become background or themselves barely stay inquiry fodder.
That's why I rounded it down from a 2.5 stars. Because in completion that takes a million hours in coming- you know that the 19 year old beauty is gone, but you really don't know how many bad seeds there are left in all those missings' wakes.
Those who like terrible, terrible demises and aren't truly that interested in New Zealand OR the Maori, will like this one far more than I did. I won't be tempted to read this author again. She has imagination but no practical applications knowledge.
I thought it was a real HOOT that one set of characters' closing determination was they were going to move to Germany and become inconspicuous because they were blonde. REALLY! Our heroine does exactly what you expect of her, as well. That is NOT a spoiler, because it's a sure thing from the first word. And does she know it too.
Lastly, I read this off and on between other non-fiction or historical stuff. There was never a moment when I just couldn't put it down. By the end, I didn't really care how many baddies were in the group, because on a whole they were all too insincere and also morose. Even Will.
It has too many characters that are plot encompassed within too many plot lines. And because of that structure to hang them all on, it becomes way too long and also language redundant. You are told the same thing about 10 or 20 times in personality emotive or physical description. Tall, slender, skin color, shape over and over again. It does not need to be hammered at the reader like that- in fact, it makes the entire just flat. It does for me.
Many will say that adds to the character depth, especially in the main 5 or 6 high school friends who return or meet after more than a decade. And it seems that 2 or 3 of them have pretty high falutin careers despite coming from such a tiny and insular New Zealand west coast town. And believe me, that's the least of what you are required to belief swallow with this overall picture. I was flabberghasted that a concert pianist is moving back to a place/cabin without a piano and only one time does she go use one at a "church" or chapel that she never seems to attend. Pianists practice EVERY SINGLE DAY. Always. But that's exactly where this novel is. It floats on sexual attraction, desire and flirting levels, coupling memories or future possibilities mixed with grief, loneliness, jealousy. All those last on a effusive, highly emotional description and oozing level. Men especially in this one are not having conversations like any men I've ever known. All except for Will seem virtually lover, monster, confidant similar to Randy on "Say Yes to the Dress" TLC show. Or some function of mean bully or suave speaking teaser. But they don't have dialogue which connotes their own male self-identity or norm. At first I thought it was the Maori influence and cultural differences. But no, it's a female who writes men in the acts they do. Not at all how they speak and think. Normal men are few in this huge bunch of town people involved within any divergent parts of this meandering tale too.
There are some regular women. Josie, who is certainly one, appears a bunch at the beginning and then floats off in the entire somewhere quiet to wait for her baby? That's how this one goes. To connect the now, then, and far past plots all together- some people become central and others just get mentioned as tangents, become background or themselves barely stay inquiry fodder.
That's why I rounded it down from a 2.5 stars. Because in completion that takes a million hours in coming- you know that the 19 year old beauty is gone, but you really don't know how many bad seeds there are left in all those missings' wakes.
Those who like terrible, terrible demises and aren't truly that interested in New Zealand OR the Maori, will like this one far more than I did. I won't be tempted to read this author again. She has imagination but no practical applications knowledge.
I thought it was a real HOOT that one set of characters' closing determination was they were going to move to Germany and become inconspicuous because they were blonde. REALLY! Our heroine does exactly what you expect of her, as well. That is NOT a spoiler, because it's a sure thing from the first word. And does she know it too.
Lastly, I read this off and on between other non-fiction or historical stuff. There was never a moment when I just couldn't put it down. By the end, I didn't really care how many baddies were in the group, because on a whole they were all too insincere and also morose. Even Will.
December 4, 2019
It is so exciting when an author you love in one genre is able to successfully transition to another! This is one of my favorite small town thrillers that I've read- tightly paced, an evocative small town setting in rural NZ, characters that fit within in typical genre conventions with nice little twists, and a satisfying road of twists and turns. I particularly loved the main female lead in this one, and I really appreciated the exploration & validation of female anger. This isn't a book where the moral of the story is that the heroine with an abusive past needs to "just get over it," which was so refreshing. Very exciting to see more in this genre from Nalini Singh!
November 3, 2019
Dark and twisted, Nalini Singh’s A MADNESS OF SUNSHINE lays bare the very soul of a small New Zealand coastal town when the nightmares of the past collide with the horrors of the present and no one can feel safe anymore.
Anahera is back years after leaving to follow her heart and her dreams, only to have them turn to dust and ash. Will was once a decorated police officer, but one emotional mistake leads him to the backwater town of Golden Cove where the normally tranquil area is a balm to his soul.
Then the unthinkable happens, a beautiful nineteen-year-old woman disappears and hunt is on to find her before history repeats itself and all that is left is her battered body.
Nalini Singh has created an atmosphere of darkness and foreboding, mistrust and doubt as Anahera and Will become embroiled in a case that will have readers on high alert through this twisted tale. Fabulous small town characters, an uncertainty of who can be trusted, as lies and deceit are uncovered, one wretched piece at a time.
Does evil reside in Golden Cove? No one can be trusted, and Nalini Singh keeps us guessing which path this tale will take until the very end explodes with revelations that will have readers sitting back on their heels.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Berkley Publishing Group! My review is honest and voluntary.
Publisher: Berkley (December 3, 2019)
Publication Date: December 3, 2019
Genre: Crime | Thriller
Print Length: 352 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Anahera is back years after leaving to follow her heart and her dreams, only to have them turn to dust and ash. Will was once a decorated police officer, but one emotional mistake leads him to the backwater town of Golden Cove where the normally tranquil area is a balm to his soul.
Then the unthinkable happens, a beautiful nineteen-year-old woman disappears and hunt is on to find her before history repeats itself and all that is left is her battered body.
Nalini Singh has created an atmosphere of darkness and foreboding, mistrust and doubt as Anahera and Will become embroiled in a case that will have readers on high alert through this twisted tale. Fabulous small town characters, an uncertainty of who can be trusted, as lies and deceit are uncovered, one wretched piece at a time.
Does evil reside in Golden Cove? No one can be trusted, and Nalini Singh keeps us guessing which path this tale will take until the very end explodes with revelations that will have readers sitting back on their heels.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Berkley Publishing Group! My review is honest and voluntary.
Publisher: Berkley (December 3, 2019)
Publication Date: December 3, 2019
Genre: Crime | Thriller
Print Length: 352 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 2, 2019
Singh weaved small town politics, interesting characters and small-town characteristics into the seaside town of Golden Cove. Where not much happens, unless you count those missing folks eight years back. They never solved the case(s). Many townsfolk have ideas about it though. Was it a hiking accident, were they swept out to sea or did something more nefarious happen?
Golden Cove is a close-knit community where people have ties to one another. It’s one where the young move away but somehow find there way back. Such is the case with Anahera. She is returning to the cove after eight years and crushed dreams. A bit of car trouble has her meeting the town’s police officer Will. A decorated officer with a promising career he was transferred from the force in Christ Church after an incident. Locals still consider him an outsider but a tolerable one.
When a popular, young girl goes missing on her nightly run the past collides with the present and the mystery that unfolds soon has Will and Anahera crossing paths and working together. It isn’t long before the attraction they feel for one another leads to more. I would not call this a romantic suspense, but would classify this as a suspense thriller with romantic elements.
I admit I approached this with both excitement and trepidation. I have enjoyed this authors urban fantasy and paranormal series and wondered what she would bring to the table. Nalini Singh, delivered a seasoned character driven suspense thriller that was rich, well plotted, entertaining, intriguing and addictive.
The story builds slowly as we gain knowledge, character background and the author sets the tone, for some this may drag, but I loved and appreciated the details. I felt the narration enhanced theses aspects.
From the coastal setting to the characters I slipped into this story and felt the imagery appear before me. The main characters were flawed, held depth and believability as did the murder(s).
The suspects, interviews and pieces to the puzzles kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had it narrowed down things took a turn and wham it left me to puzzle over the pieces again. It was brilliantly done and tightly woven.
Saskia Maarleveld was the perfect narrator for this tale and she captured the coastal setting, suspenseful plot and essence of the characters. She added a layer of magic to an already superb thriller. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Golden Cove is a close-knit community where people have ties to one another. It’s one where the young move away but somehow find there way back. Such is the case with Anahera. She is returning to the cove after eight years and crushed dreams. A bit of car trouble has her meeting the town’s police officer Will. A decorated officer with a promising career he was transferred from the force in Christ Church after an incident. Locals still consider him an outsider but a tolerable one.
When a popular, young girl goes missing on her nightly run the past collides with the present and the mystery that unfolds soon has Will and Anahera crossing paths and working together. It isn’t long before the attraction they feel for one another leads to more. I would not call this a romantic suspense, but would classify this as a suspense thriller with romantic elements.
I admit I approached this with both excitement and trepidation. I have enjoyed this authors urban fantasy and paranormal series and wondered what she would bring to the table. Nalini Singh, delivered a seasoned character driven suspense thriller that was rich, well plotted, entertaining, intriguing and addictive.
The story builds slowly as we gain knowledge, character background and the author sets the tone, for some this may drag, but I loved and appreciated the details. I felt the narration enhanced theses aspects.
From the coastal setting to the characters I slipped into this story and felt the imagery appear before me. The main characters were flawed, held depth and believability as did the murder(s).
The suspects, interviews and pieces to the puzzles kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had it narrowed down things took a turn and wham it left me to puzzle over the pieces again. It was brilliantly done and tightly woven.
Saskia Maarleveld was the perfect narrator for this tale and she captured the coastal setting, suspenseful plot and essence of the characters. She added a layer of magic to an already superb thriller. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
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