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Romantic Suspense #19
Het kwaad in jou
Rechercheur Clay Maynard spoort vermiste kinderen op, maar zijn eigen dochter Taylor is door haar moeder jarenlang bij hem weggehouden. Al sinds haar jeugd heeft haar moeder Taylor verteld dat haar vader een monster is, maar nu ze hem eindelijk ontmoet kan ze dat beeld bijstellen. Terwijl Taylor werkt als therapeut en eindelijk nieuwe vriendschappen en familiebanden durft aan te gaan, ligt er een gevaar op de loer. Een gevaar dat duisterder en bedreigender is dan iedereen kan vermoeden…
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2017
524 people are currently reading
3392 people want to read
About the author
Karen Rose
61 books5,468 followersOFFICIAL WEBSITE:
www.karenrosebooks.com
Internationally bestselling, RITA-award winning, author Karen Rose was born and raised in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. She met her husband, Martin, on a blind date when they were seventeen and after they both graduated from the University of Maryland, (Karen with a degree in Chemical Engineering) they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Karen worked as an engineer for a large consumer goods company, earning two patents, but as Karen says, “scenes were roiling in my head and I couldn't concentrate on my job so I started writing them down. I started out writing for fun, and soon found I was hooked.”
Her debut suspense novel, DON'T TELL, was released in July, 2003. Since then, she has published fifteen more novels and two novellas. Her seventeenth novel, ALONE IN THE DARK, will be released in 2016.
Karen's books have appeared on the bestseller lists of the New York Times, USA Today, London's Sunday Times, and Germany's der Spiegel (#1), and the Irish Times, as well as lists in South Africa (#1) and Australia!
Her novels, I'M WATCHING YOU and SILENT SCREAM, received the Romance Writers of America's RITA award for Best Romantic Suspense for 2005 and 2011. Five of her other books have been RITA finalists. To date, her books have been translated into twenty-four languages.
A former high school teacher of chemistry and physics, Karen lives in Florida with her husband of more than twenty years, her two daughters, two dogs, and a cat.
www.karenrosebooks.com
Internationally bestselling, RITA-award winning, author Karen Rose was born and raised in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. She met her husband, Martin, on a blind date when they were seventeen and after they both graduated from the University of Maryland, (Karen with a degree in Chemical Engineering) they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Karen worked as an engineer for a large consumer goods company, earning two patents, but as Karen says, “scenes were roiling in my head and I couldn't concentrate on my job so I started writing them down. I started out writing for fun, and soon found I was hooked.”
Her debut suspense novel, DON'T TELL, was released in July, 2003. Since then, she has published fifteen more novels and two novellas. Her seventeenth novel, ALONE IN THE DARK, will be released in 2016.
Karen's books have appeared on the bestseller lists of the New York Times, USA Today, London's Sunday Times, and Germany's der Spiegel (#1), and the Irish Times, as well as lists in South Africa (#1) and Australia!
Her novels, I'M WATCHING YOU and SILENT SCREAM, received the Romance Writers of America's RITA award for Best Romantic Suspense for 2005 and 2011. Five of her other books have been RITA finalists. To date, her books have been translated into twenty-four languages.
A former high school teacher of chemistry and physics, Karen lives in Florida with her husband of more than twenty years, her two daughters, two dogs, and a cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 444 reviews
May 2, 2018
Monster in the Closet by Karen Rose is a 2017 Berkley Books publication.
Clay’s job is locating missing children, but for years, his own missing daughter remained elusive.
But, when Taylor Dawson arrives at Carters Stables, working as a new intern, those who know Clay begin to suspect she could be his long -lost daughter.
Meanwhile, the traumatized child Taylor is working with may be harboring the identity of a killer.
Naturally, the little girl could be in danger, but if the killer thinks the child may have confided in Taylor, she too could be in the line of fire.
Taylor also finds herself conflicted when she begins to develop feelings for Ford Elkhart, a man who has survived a horrible trauma of his own. But, once Taylor’s internship is over, she will have to make a painful decision about her future. Will she stay and get to know her biological father and forge a deeper relationship with Ford, or will she return home to take care of the man who raised her?
This is a compelling story, but one that is also bittersweet. Taylor and Clay lost so much time together, time that can never be recovered, both laboring under false impressions this entire time.
However, reconnecting on an emotional level proves more complicated, stymied somewhat by their extended families, respectively.
I’ve read my fair share of Karen Rose’s romantic suspense novels over the years, and really enjoy them. This one, however, was a little tepid. This is a long running, interconnected series and to try at this point, to brief newcomers to the series would be difficult. Yet a little recap might have been in order since I struggled to recall some of the characters. I did remember Ford and Stevie, however, which were the focus of previous installments in this 'Baltimore' arc.
Some things about this story bugged me, like Stevie's attitude towards Taylor, which was understandable to an extent, but too over the top. She very nearly pissed me off and I had really liked her character, previously.
The romance segment got off to a very quick start, with very little build up, but it did run cold and hot, and is very complicated. However, I did want Ford to find happiness, and I think Taylor is a good match for him.
Also, readers should know up front that the identity of the killer is revealed straight away. Often this tactic only increases the suspense as I usually find myself sitting on pins and needles wishing I could give the good guys a heads up, but in this case the suspense was muted somewhat. There are some tense situations, however, that helps to offset the lack of a suspenseful buildup.
Still, the story is very absorbing and thought provoking. This installment seems to focus more on family connections and the building and development of relationships that may have seemed like a lost cause, than on the crime elements. However, the focus on family did give the story an emotional edge not all that common in romantic suspense novels. The ending is satisfying, and I liked the way the future looks for Taylor and Ford, two people who deserve some long overdue happiness.
Although this one was not my absolute favorite in the series, any book written by veteran romantic suspense author Karen Rose is a cut above, which is why I have bumped up the rating, after some careful consideration. This is a solid series, overall, and I find myself feeling really excited about the upcoming sixth chapter of the Baltimore series!!
3.5 stars rounded up
August 9, 2019
Taylor Dawson is working as an intern and equine therapist at Daphne’s horse farm, Healing Hearts, but her real agenda is to check out Clay Maynard, her biological father who she only recently learned wasn’t the monster her mother made him out to be. She’s also making headway with one of the kids in her therapy who hasn’t spoken since she witnessed her mother’s murder...unbeknownst to the killer.
The stories that involve children always unnerve me and this one definitely set me on edge. The scenes involving the children, Jazzie and Janie Jarvis, were just chilling. It was balanced, though, by Clay's reunion with his daughter, Sienna, now known as Taylor. I’ve long awaited this story and I reveled in every part of their discovery. Loved every minute of it. Even Taylor and Ford’s instant attraction worked.
Marguerite Gavin did a great job narrating the story, as usual. She captured so many voices distinctively. The villain in this story was particularly nasty and she nailed him. I was glad to return to Baltimore, which is my favorite of the cities in this series because of the character connections and their sense of family. And, for once, the body count didn’t spin out of control!
The stories that involve children always unnerve me and this one definitely set me on edge. The scenes involving the children, Jazzie and Janie Jarvis, were just chilling. It was balanced, though, by Clay's reunion with his daughter, Sienna, now known as Taylor. I’ve long awaited this story and I reveled in every part of their discovery. Loved every minute of it. Even Taylor and Ford’s instant attraction worked.
Marguerite Gavin did a great job narrating the story, as usual. She captured so many voices distinctively. The villain in this story was particularly nasty and she nailed him. I was glad to return to Baltimore, which is my favorite of the cities in this series because of the character connections and their sense of family. And, for once, the body count didn’t spin out of control!
May 23, 2017
Jazzie is 11 years old. Coming home from school she finds her mother dead on the floor ... and her killer rooting around in the closet. Jazzie does the only thing she can ... she hides behind a large chair and holds her breath.
Weeks later, Jazzie becomes a part of an organization that provides horse therapy for kids who have been victims of serious crimes. She has no spoken a single word since finding her mother's body ... and she's never told what she knows.
Taylor Dawson is interning at Healing Hearts with Horses, as part of her becoming a practicing psychologist. And while Taylor makes a small connection to Jazzie, Taylor has her own secrets. She's been asking questions about a man who also works for the organization. She has just come from California, so why would she be asking about a man who resides in Maryland?
I have always enjoyed this author's Romantic Suspense stories. This one is about 95% suspense and the rest is romance. The author has written a book full of the characters of some of her previous books. So although a part of a series, this serves extremely well as a stand alone.
The reader learns early on who the killer is ... and just how monstrous he is. He decides that Jazzie must be silenced before she tells what she knows, as well as her therapist, Taylor. The book is suspenseful, exciting, and full of characters that have chosen to become a family. All of them have endured and overcome personal tragedies to come out relatively normal on the other side.
5 Stars for the book ........... 5 Stars for the series!
Many thanks to the author / Berkley Publishing Group / Netgalley for the advance digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Weeks later, Jazzie becomes a part of an organization that provides horse therapy for kids who have been victims of serious crimes. She has no spoken a single word since finding her mother's body ... and she's never told what she knows.
Taylor Dawson is interning at Healing Hearts with Horses, as part of her becoming a practicing psychologist. And while Taylor makes a small connection to Jazzie, Taylor has her own secrets. She's been asking questions about a man who also works for the organization. She has just come from California, so why would she be asking about a man who resides in Maryland?
I have always enjoyed this author's Romantic Suspense stories. This one is about 95% suspense and the rest is romance. The author has written a book full of the characters of some of her previous books. So although a part of a series, this serves extremely well as a stand alone.
The reader learns early on who the killer is ... and just how monstrous he is. He decides that Jazzie must be silenced before she tells what she knows, as well as her therapist, Taylor. The book is suspenseful, exciting, and full of characters that have chosen to become a family. All of them have endured and overcome personal tragedies to come out relatively normal on the other side.
5 Stars for the book ........... 5 Stars for the series!
Many thanks to the author / Berkley Publishing Group / Netgalley for the advance digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 13, 2017
Really wish I enjoyed this more, but a few things made it hard. I don't like knowing the killer's identity early on in the story, and unfortunately that's the case here. He was revealed early on, and had his own POV chapters, which was another drawback. He was a hideous person, not surprising since he's a killer, and I didn't like being in his head.
Also, there were so many characters from the previous books that kept popping up, which I guess is fine if you've read the whole series, but I was at a total loss and there was a lot of page time spent on them. Another strike, I couldn't stand Clay's wife Stevie! She was a total bitch to Taylor, the daughter Clay had spent years trying to find, and there was absolutely no reason for it. Stevie's excuse was that she's protective of her man and thought that Taylor caused him pain, but the circumstances (which were explained right away) were in no way Taylor's fault, so her behavior was totally uncalled for. Then there was the romance between Taylor and Ford, it felt very teenager-ish, and didn't do a thing for me.
I guess some of this is my fault since I picked up the series on book 19, but in a lot of cases these types of series can be read as a stand-alone, with the story focused on one particular mystery and couple. I wouldn't recommend picking up in the middle here.
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley Books in exchange for an honest review.
Also, there were so many characters from the previous books that kept popping up, which I guess is fine if you've read the whole series, but I was at a total loss and there was a lot of page time spent on them. Another strike, I couldn't stand Clay's wife Stevie! She was a total bitch to Taylor, the daughter Clay had spent years trying to find, and there was absolutely no reason for it. Stevie's excuse was that she's protective of her man and thought that Taylor caused him pain, but the circumstances (which were explained right away) were in no way Taylor's fault, so her behavior was totally uncalled for. Then there was the romance between Taylor and Ford, it felt very teenager-ish, and didn't do a thing for me.
I guess some of this is my fault since I picked up the series on book 19, but in a lot of cases these types of series can be read as a stand-alone, with the story focused on one particular mystery and couple. I wouldn't recommend picking up in the middle here.
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley Books in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2017
Although I have read Karen Rose books before I have never read any of this Romantic Suspense series and therefor did not know any of the characters from the other books in this series. However The Monster in the Closet can be read as a stand alone novel. I enjoyed reading this book, there were lots of different sub plots that kept me interested. I would like to thank NetGalley for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2017
We all know monsters are not in the closet, or they shouldn’t be, but for one young girl, that monster was very real and very deadly and all she could do was hide until he left. Jazzie faced a nightmare beyond imagining. She spent hours alone in her ruined apartment, her brutally murdered mother’s body just inches from her and she will never tell what she saw because somehow she knows he will know and come for her, too.
Her complete silence make Jazzie a candidate for Healing Hearts with Horses and there she connects with new intern, Taylor Dawson. Is it because they both are keeping secrets? Is it because they both know there ARE monsters in the closet that can become real-life monsters?
As Jazzie runs from her monster, Taylor has vowed to get to know the man who haunted her life, the man her mother called a monster, her father. What Taylor finds means her entire life was a lie, but for Jazzie, her monster is real and coming for her and anyone she may have opened up to. Taylor has slain one monster by getting to know who her father really is, but now she is in the crosshairs of Jazzie’s monster, whose gun is very real…
Karen Rose’s MONSTER IN THE CLOSET is a web of turmoil, lives crossing paths and buried truths revealed as one young girl with the wisdom of a sage and the terror of a child traumatized becomes the focus of a murder investigation because only she knows what really happened and she isn’t talking. Meanwhile, one young woman will battle her own demons to finally face the truth of who her own monster really was.
Edgy, intense and emotionally charged, there is a common thread that binds the many characters in this tale and Karen Rose keeps the tension high and the danger chilling. I was caught up in the drama, the suspense and the lives that were touched by a monster.
I received an ARC edition from Berkley in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Romantic Suspense - Book 19
Publisher: Berkley (August 29, 2017)
Publication Date: August 29, 2017
Genre: Suspense
Print Length: 512 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Her complete silence make Jazzie a candidate for Healing Hearts with Horses and there she connects with new intern, Taylor Dawson. Is it because they both are keeping secrets? Is it because they both know there ARE monsters in the closet that can become real-life monsters?
As Jazzie runs from her monster, Taylor has vowed to get to know the man who haunted her life, the man her mother called a monster, her father. What Taylor finds means her entire life was a lie, but for Jazzie, her monster is real and coming for her and anyone she may have opened up to. Taylor has slain one monster by getting to know who her father really is, but now she is in the crosshairs of Jazzie’s monster, whose gun is very real…
Karen Rose’s MONSTER IN THE CLOSET is a web of turmoil, lives crossing paths and buried truths revealed as one young girl with the wisdom of a sage and the terror of a child traumatized becomes the focus of a murder investigation because only she knows what really happened and she isn’t talking. Meanwhile, one young woman will battle her own demons to finally face the truth of who her own monster really was.
Edgy, intense and emotionally charged, there is a common thread that binds the many characters in this tale and Karen Rose keeps the tension high and the danger chilling. I was caught up in the drama, the suspense and the lives that were touched by a monster.
I received an ARC edition from Berkley in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Romantic Suspense - Book 19
Publisher: Berkley (August 29, 2017)
Publication Date: August 29, 2017
Genre: Suspense
Print Length: 512 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
August 11, 2017
I had high hopes about this book as I have heard a lot about Karen Rose and her writing. One thing became abundantly clear very quickly and that this is truly a continuation in a series. I was at a loss in certain aspects because I had just not read the prior book.
While most of the story was easy to follow, I did get lost with the amount of characters in the book. There are at least 20, if not more, people that are involved in the story. They all intersect and are related in one form or another, either through work or personally. I finally gave up trying to keep track of who is who.
The story itself was very interesting but the way it’s written did not lend itself to a lot of suspense. There was an overload of conversation that did not really pertain to the current crime, but more in the past books and relationship department. It’s tough to blend a romantic suspense novel. I think she did well in the personality and character development area, but the suspense area was lacking for me.
The best part of the book was the ending and how she wrapped up the crime. Some was exciting and some predictable. She also included a long finale which will lead to other stories, I’m sure.
For me, this was a good read but I grew bored with a lot of the conversation and repetitiveness through the 20+ characters. I think I will read other books by Karen Rose as I enjoy this genre, this one was not overly exciting until till the end.
*arc received for review consideration
full review - http://amidlifewife.com/monster-in-th...
While most of the story was easy to follow, I did get lost with the amount of characters in the book. There are at least 20, if not more, people that are involved in the story. They all intersect and are related in one form or another, either through work or personally. I finally gave up trying to keep track of who is who.
The story itself was very interesting but the way it’s written did not lend itself to a lot of suspense. There was an overload of conversation that did not really pertain to the current crime, but more in the past books and relationship department. It’s tough to blend a romantic suspense novel. I think she did well in the personality and character development area, but the suspense area was lacking for me.
The best part of the book was the ending and how she wrapped up the crime. Some was exciting and some predictable. She also included a long finale which will lead to other stories, I’m sure.
For me, this was a good read but I grew bored with a lot of the conversation and repetitiveness through the 20+ characters. I think I will read other books by Karen Rose as I enjoy this genre, this one was not overly exciting until till the end.
*arc received for review consideration
full review - http://amidlifewife.com/monster-in-th...
August 29, 2017
NOW LIVE!
Amazon * B&N
It's been way too long since I've read a Karen Rose book and I've missed these characters. There were a lot of new faces that I can't wait to go back and meet in their own books, but there was also a lot of older characters that I loved getting to see again. I definitely won't be getting behind on this series again after this.
This book follows Taylor, Clay Maynard's long lost daughter, on her mission to meet and get to know her father. Along the way though she picks up the interest of a killer and will need the help of her new friends to survive.
Reading a KR book brings me back to when I first got into reading and her books were actually one of the first that I ever sat down and read in one sitting. This book was no different than the usual Karen Rose flare that I was expecting and I loved all of it. There was the perfect amount of suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat, along with that sweetness of romance between Taylor and Ford.
The bottom line is that this is one of my favorite authors and I love her ability to completely captivate me in her stories. I definitely recommend, not only this book, but all of her books if you're a fan of Romance Suspense.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon * B&N
It's been way too long since I've read a Karen Rose book and I've missed these characters. There were a lot of new faces that I can't wait to go back and meet in their own books, but there was also a lot of older characters that I loved getting to see again. I definitely won't be getting behind on this series again after this.
This book follows Taylor, Clay Maynard's long lost daughter, on her mission to meet and get to know her father. Along the way though she picks up the interest of a killer and will need the help of her new friends to survive.
Reading a KR book brings me back to when I first got into reading and her books were actually one of the first that I ever sat down and read in one sitting. This book was no different than the usual Karen Rose flare that I was expecting and I loved all of it. There was the perfect amount of suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat, along with that sweetness of romance between Taylor and Ford.
The bottom line is that this is one of my favorite authors and I love her ability to completely captivate me in her stories. I definitely recommend, not only this book, but all of her books if you're a fan of Romance Suspense.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2017
Impressive it delivers on a stomach churning of brutality
Jazzie Jarvis and her little sister Janie had once been the rich kids. Before their father left, they had a nice house and a nice car.
But now Jazzie's Mama drove her to school in a old car with crappy paint work. They now lived in a crappy little two bedroom apartment.
Disappointed and upset Jazzie held back the tears as her Mama had forgotten to pick her up and she had forgotten about the art fair, she promised she would be there.
Hauling her rucksack Jazzie walked home. Someone was in the apartment in the coat closet. Quick thinking Jazzie hides under the bed. A mean man was looking for something, when he couldn't find what he was searching for he killed Jazzie's Mama.
Jazzie's father Gage Jarvis was a monster who committed domestic violence.
At eleven years old Jazzie had not spoken a single word not since finding her mother' broken body in a pool of blood.
I highly recommend reading The Monster In The Closet as Karen Rose is no stranger to hard work writing fiction where monsters need a place.
Jazzie Jarvis and her little sister Janie had once been the rich kids. Before their father left, they had a nice house and a nice car.
But now Jazzie's Mama drove her to school in a old car with crappy paint work. They now lived in a crappy little two bedroom apartment.
Disappointed and upset Jazzie held back the tears as her Mama had forgotten to pick her up and she had forgotten about the art fair, she promised she would be there.
Hauling her rucksack Jazzie walked home. Someone was in the apartment in the coat closet. Quick thinking Jazzie hides under the bed. A mean man was looking for something, when he couldn't find what he was searching for he killed Jazzie's Mama.
Jazzie's father Gage Jarvis was a monster who committed domestic violence.
At eleven years old Jazzie had not spoken a single word not since finding her mother' broken body in a pool of blood.
I highly recommend reading The Monster In The Closet as Karen Rose is no stranger to hard work writing fiction where monsters need a place.
August 15, 2017
Jazzie ,an 11year old, walks home real upset because her mom didn’t come to her art fair as promised, but after arriving home she is greeted by a nightmare. She finds her mom brutally murdered with the killer still in the house. Scared Jazzie hides behind a chair till the killer leaves and hasn’t spoken a word since. Jazzie and her sister Jamie end up at Daphne’s equine therapy center Healing Hearts with Horses where a new intern Taylor Dawson seems to make progress with Jazzie. But Taylor is keeping some secrets of her own and has come to put an end to a monster that visited her dreams since she was a little kid.
An exciting continuation to the Baltimore series where old characters are revisited .You know who the killer is in the beginning but Karen Rose still makes it a thrilling suspenseful ride. The characters are well developed even the antagonist. I highly recommend this book to all Karen Rose fans.
Many thanks to Berkley Publishing Group/Berkley & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
An exciting continuation to the Baltimore series where old characters are revisited .You know who the killer is in the beginning but Karen Rose still makes it a thrilling suspenseful ride. The characters are well developed even the antagonist. I highly recommend this book to all Karen Rose fans.
Many thanks to Berkley Publishing Group/Berkley & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
May 17, 2017
Disappointing and as predictable as the number of Fords hard ons per page
Read
August 30, 2017NO RATING. DNF @ 43%
Sadly I'm going to put this one down. It's not grabbing me, I've been pushing until 40% because I truly enjoyed the previous books in this series but unfortunately I'm not enjoying it. I didn't care for most of the many—too many— characters, even the main plot wasn't enough to keep my interest.
Arc received in exchange for an honest review.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
Sadly I'm going to put this one down. It's not grabbing me, I've been pushing until 40% because I truly enjoyed the previous books in this series but unfortunately I'm not enjoying it. I didn't care for most of the many—too many— characters, even the main plot wasn't enough to keep my interest.
Arc received in exchange for an honest review.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
October 18, 2017
Plenty of victims here and not just the dead kind either. The walking wounded are here in abundance and each is living with their own invisible scar. I'm not really a fan of the psychologically wounded, but they are at the center of this book. Karen Rose wants us to think that everyone is walking around with some kind of wounded psychic. She may be right, but I prefer to think that those wounds can successfully heal and the scar can fade to nothing.
Taylor Dawson is the summer intern for the Healing Hearts program. She loves the farm and helping the children in the program, especially Jazzie and her sister Janie . But, the internship is only a front for the real reason she's there - finding her birth father, Clay Maynard. Taylor is his long lost daughter, Sienna. After a lifetime of hiding from him, her mother, on her deathbed, tells her that Clay is not the monster she told her he was.
As Taylor comes to terms with the man that Clay is and his fiercely loyal friends and family, she meets and falls for Ford Elkhart. She also becomes the target of a real monster and it isn't just Taylor that he is after, Jazzie and Janie are also in danger.
Taylor Dawson is the summer intern for the Healing Hearts program. She loves the farm and helping the children in the program, especially Jazzie and her sister Janie . But, the internship is only a front for the real reason she's there - finding her birth father, Clay Maynard. Taylor is his long lost daughter, Sienna. After a lifetime of hiding from him, her mother, on her deathbed, tells her that Clay is not the monster she told her he was.
As Taylor comes to terms with the man that Clay is and his fiercely loyal friends and family, she meets and falls for Ford Elkhart. She also becomes the target of a real monster and it isn't just Taylor that he is after, Jazzie and Janie are also in danger.
June 14, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars, mainly because overall Karen Rose is a cut above most other authors. I’ve read all of Karen Rose’s novels over the years, and generally enjoy them. But this one was not one of the best. I know this is a long running, interconnected series, but at some points there were far too many characters. Also got very wordy at times.
I may get shot down for this but personally I found this one extremely sickly sweet (I know it’s supposed to be a romance but....) I much prefer the Atlanta/ Philadelphia series and Chicago series, plus most of the Cincinnati series. Having said that I will probably read the next in series just won’t get it and read ASAP.
I may get shot down for this but personally I found this one extremely sickly sweet (I know it’s supposed to be a romance but....) I much prefer the Atlanta/ Philadelphia series and Chicago series, plus most of the Cincinnati series. Having said that I will probably read the next in series just won’t get it and read ASAP.
August 28, 2017
Honestly, I don't think I've ever read a book that encompasses both the mystery/thriller and romance categories, and after finishing this one (which I truly enjoyed, BTW), I probably won't do it again. The thriller part is great - more than a few times I caught myself right on the edge of my usual seat at one end of our living room sofa. The romance part? SMH.
That's not because I'm anti-romance - heck, I've been married for 55 years, although I suppose some might say that's an argument for both sides of the equation - nor is it because I didn't like the characters. In fact, I liked them all a lot (except for the bad guys and gals, of course). But mostly, that sappy stuff tends to leave me cold when it's on paper. Here, my thinking was more like hey, it's the 21st century - any two people your age I know would have booked a room by now, especially when one of you, shall we say, gets aroused every time the other one of you as much as burps.
So, I'll concentrate my review on the thriller part, and it's pretty much all good. A young girl named Jazzie came home to find her mother lying on the floor dead - and the murderer rummaging around in the closet in the room. She hides behind a chair and - to her terror - sees who it is. About a month later Jazzie, who hasn't spoken a word since the day of the murder, and her little sister Janie are sent to an equine therapy facility. There, they meet Taylor Dawson, who's come from California for an internship after graduating college with a degree in psychology.
At the facility, Taylor meets Ford Elkhart, the hunky son of the facility's owner (almost instantly, they become the two who really, really need to get a room). But Taylor has other issues; as a young child, her mother told her that her absent father was a terrible, mean person who someday would return to do her harm. She's since learned that her mother lied big-time, and she's desperately trying to find her birth father. Meanwhile, Ford's good friend and private-eye Clay Maynard has spent years trying to find the daughter he never knew, stolen by his spiteful ex-wife (hmmm, does two and two make four)?
Much of the tension happens when the murderer - who's been on the loose - begins to suspect that Jazzie could identify him. He finds out where the girl is, and his big question is whether she's shared her secret with anyone else and if so, with whom. How he answers that question threatens the lives of Jazzie, Taylor and several other fine folks.
Throughout if all, a number of other people are "connected" in various ways, with backstories that need to be kept straight (for the most part easy to do). Ultimately, they come together in an all's well that ends well finish.
I should also say that the entire book takes place over the course of a couple of days, making some of what happens a little tough to swallow. I'm pretty much willing to accept love at first glance. Believing that people who are willing to almost instantly forgive those they thought for years had done them wrong is a bit of a stretch. But when Taylor is injured during a squirmish, goes to the emergency room for stitches and the whole thing - from squirimsh to release - takes a total of two hours, it was all she wrote. I've known plenty of folks who had to visit an ER, and not a single one - not ever - got sprung in less than half a day.
My conclusion? Very enjoyable book. My thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
That's not because I'm anti-romance - heck, I've been married for 55 years, although I suppose some might say that's an argument for both sides of the equation - nor is it because I didn't like the characters. In fact, I liked them all a lot (except for the bad guys and gals, of course). But mostly, that sappy stuff tends to leave me cold when it's on paper. Here, my thinking was more like hey, it's the 21st century - any two people your age I know would have booked a room by now, especially when one of you, shall we say, gets aroused every time the other one of you as much as burps.
So, I'll concentrate my review on the thriller part, and it's pretty much all good. A young girl named Jazzie came home to find her mother lying on the floor dead - and the murderer rummaging around in the closet in the room. She hides behind a chair and - to her terror - sees who it is. About a month later Jazzie, who hasn't spoken a word since the day of the murder, and her little sister Janie are sent to an equine therapy facility. There, they meet Taylor Dawson, who's come from California for an internship after graduating college with a degree in psychology.
At the facility, Taylor meets Ford Elkhart, the hunky son of the facility's owner (almost instantly, they become the two who really, really need to get a room). But Taylor has other issues; as a young child, her mother told her that her absent father was a terrible, mean person who someday would return to do her harm. She's since learned that her mother lied big-time, and she's desperately trying to find her birth father. Meanwhile, Ford's good friend and private-eye Clay Maynard has spent years trying to find the daughter he never knew, stolen by his spiteful ex-wife (hmmm, does two and two make four)?
Much of the tension happens when the murderer - who's been on the loose - begins to suspect that Jazzie could identify him. He finds out where the girl is, and his big question is whether she's shared her secret with anyone else and if so, with whom. How he answers that question threatens the lives of Jazzie, Taylor and several other fine folks.
Throughout if all, a number of other people are "connected" in various ways, with backstories that need to be kept straight (for the most part easy to do). Ultimately, they come together in an all's well that ends well finish.
I should also say that the entire book takes place over the course of a couple of days, making some of what happens a little tough to swallow. I'm pretty much willing to accept love at first glance. Believing that people who are willing to almost instantly forgive those they thought for years had done them wrong is a bit of a stretch. But when Taylor is injured during a squirmish, goes to the emergency room for stitches and the whole thing - from squirimsh to release - takes a total of two hours, it was all she wrote. I've known plenty of folks who had to visit an ER, and not a single one - not ever - got sprung in less than half a day.
My conclusion? Very enjoyable book. My thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2017
I so enjoyed this book! It was like a book family reunion, getting a peek at what was currently happening with several couples from previous books. And how happy was I that Clay FINALLY got to meet the daughter he thought was lost forever! (this isn't a spoiler; it's in the book description)
I thought the crime/suspense aspect of this one was good, as well. The pacing was perfect, and even though this paperback was almost 500 pages, it didn't feel like it.
If you've never read Karen Rose, I definitely wouldn't start with this book. But starting at the beginning of her work is worth it. I read one of her stories a few years ago and went right to the beginning of her book list and proceeded to read them all in published order. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed all of her books -- some more than others -- but she just gets the romantic suspense genre perfectly, at least in my opinion. Sometimes the books are a tad too long, but I always like her characters.
Can't wait for the next one!
I thought the crime/suspense aspect of this one was good, as well. The pacing was perfect, and even though this paperback was almost 500 pages, it didn't feel like it.
If you've never read Karen Rose, I definitely wouldn't start with this book. But starting at the beginning of her work is worth it. I read one of her stories a few years ago and went right to the beginning of her book list and proceeded to read them all in published order. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed all of her books -- some more than others -- but she just gets the romantic suspense genre perfectly, at least in my opinion. Sometimes the books are a tad too long, but I always like her characters.
Can't wait for the next one!
August 12, 2017
The Monster in the Closet (Romantic Suspense #19; Baltimore #5) by Karen Rose
Author: Karen Rose
Title: The Monster in the Closet
Series: Baltimore
Cover Rating:
Book Rating:
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A mother is dead, and now her killer hunts the child that witnessed the brutal crime...Private Investigator Clay Maynard locates missing children for clients, but has nearly given up hope of finding his own daughter, cruelly stolen from him by his ex-wife twenty-three years ago.Equine therapist Taylor Dawson has chosen to intern at Daphne Montgomery-Carter's stables so that she can observe the program's security director - her father, Clay Maynard. Trying to reconcile the wonderful man she's getting to know with the monster her mother always described, Taylor never expects to become the target of a real monster, the man who murdered the mother of the little girls she works with at the stable. Neither does she expect to fall for Ford Elkhart, Daphne's handsome son, who is dealing with his own demons. As family and friends gather for a wedding, Taylor starts to imagine a permanent life in Baltimore.But not if the real monster gets to her first..
Monster in the Closet is a crazy intense book. Rose is amazing, the multiple character story lines and the journey she takes into the mind of Gage and his justification for what he does and who he becomes is seriously disturbing. I have to give Rose mad props for creeping me out the way she did in this book.
Poor Jaz was valiant and amazing and despite being broken by what she witnessed she managed to carry the more delicate emotions of the reader. I really liked getting to see the journey the cops took, the one Gage took and the journey of the victims in this book took.
There is so much going on and it really sucks you in right from the get go. Monster in the Closet is disturbing, its dark, its emotional and very well done. I have to give Rose credit for the places she must have had to go mentally when writing this book more than just a romantic suspense this book is a serious suspense write but it also pens a journey that tells how dark family relations can go when one of them goes scarily wrong.
If you haven't read these books before I highly suggest it!
Until next time book lovers...
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley Publishing. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!
Thank you so much for stopping by!
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Author: Karen Rose
Title: The Monster in the Closet
Series: Baltimore
Cover Rating:
Book Rating:
Buy This Book:
A mother is dead, and now her killer hunts the child that witnessed the brutal crime...Private Investigator Clay Maynard locates missing children for clients, but has nearly given up hope of finding his own daughter, cruelly stolen from him by his ex-wife twenty-three years ago.Equine therapist Taylor Dawson has chosen to intern at Daphne Montgomery-Carter's stables so that she can observe the program's security director - her father, Clay Maynard. Trying to reconcile the wonderful man she's getting to know with the monster her mother always described, Taylor never expects to become the target of a real monster, the man who murdered the mother of the little girls she works with at the stable. Neither does she expect to fall for Ford Elkhart, Daphne's handsome son, who is dealing with his own demons. As family and friends gather for a wedding, Taylor starts to imagine a permanent life in Baltimore.But not if the real monster gets to her first..
Monster in the Closet is a crazy intense book. Rose is amazing, the multiple character story lines and the journey she takes into the mind of Gage and his justification for what he does and who he becomes is seriously disturbing. I have to give Rose mad props for creeping me out the way she did in this book.
Poor Jaz was valiant and amazing and despite being broken by what she witnessed she managed to carry the more delicate emotions of the reader. I really liked getting to see the journey the cops took, the one Gage took and the journey of the victims in this book took.
There is so much going on and it really sucks you in right from the get go. Monster in the Closet is disturbing, its dark, its emotional and very well done. I have to give Rose credit for the places she must have had to go mentally when writing this book more than just a romantic suspense this book is a serious suspense write but it also pens a journey that tells how dark family relations can go when one of them goes scarily wrong.
If you haven't read these books before I highly suggest it!
Until next time book lovers...
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley Publishing. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews
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May 7, 2017
I was really excited to receive an ARC of this novel as I love the Romantic Suspense series.
Monster in the Closet is the 19th book in the Romantic Suspense series and the 5th in the Baltimore series. The Romantic Suspense series follows a makeshift family made up of a group of friends. There may be some spoilers here for the other books in the series but not this one, only because I can't talk about any of the other characters without spoilers for previous books!
We see old favourites in this novel such as Detective JD Fitzpatrick and his partner Lucy a medical examiner, who we were first introduced to in You Belong to Me.
Paige Holden & Grayson Smith the private investigators from No One Left to Tell although they don't feature heavily in this one.
State attorney Daphne Montgomery & Special Agent Joseph Carter from Did you Miss Me? As well as Daphne's son Ford.
Clay Maynard & Detective Stevie Mazetti from Watch Your Back.
Faith Corcoran & Special agent Deacon Novak from Cincinnati 1 Closer Than You Think.
I love the way that Karen Rose expertly blends all of the characters into a relationship with each other. If you haven't read the Romantic Suspense series before, each book focuses on one couple, how they get together and their romance, but alongside that runs a thriller element with a murder and the couple's attempts to solve the murder and catch the killer.
Monster in the Closet sees 2 children Jazzie & Janie in therapy at Daphne's equine therapy centre. Their mother has been violently murdered and Jazzie hasn't spoken since. But she's finally opening up to the new intern therapist Taylor Dawson, but she's got secrets of her own that she's hiding and this is where the romance and suspense comes in.
The difference with this one is that we know who the killer is right from the beginning and this creates an immediate frustration as we watch the characters attempt to discover who the killer is and gather evidence.
Overall this was a great novel, picking up with the younger generation of the friend/family group. Once again it was fast paced and unputdownable and most importantly thoroughly enjoyable!
Monster in the Closet is the 19th book in the Romantic Suspense series and the 5th in the Baltimore series. The Romantic Suspense series follows a makeshift family made up of a group of friends. There may be some spoilers here for the other books in the series but not this one, only because I can't talk about any of the other characters without spoilers for previous books!
We see old favourites in this novel such as Detective JD Fitzpatrick and his partner Lucy a medical examiner, who we were first introduced to in You Belong to Me.
Paige Holden & Grayson Smith the private investigators from No One Left to Tell although they don't feature heavily in this one.
State attorney Daphne Montgomery & Special Agent Joseph Carter from Did you Miss Me? As well as Daphne's son Ford.
Clay Maynard & Detective Stevie Mazetti from Watch Your Back.
Faith Corcoran & Special agent Deacon Novak from Cincinnati 1 Closer Than You Think.
I love the way that Karen Rose expertly blends all of the characters into a relationship with each other. If you haven't read the Romantic Suspense series before, each book focuses on one couple, how they get together and their romance, but alongside that runs a thriller element with a murder and the couple's attempts to solve the murder and catch the killer.
Monster in the Closet sees 2 children Jazzie & Janie in therapy at Daphne's equine therapy centre. Their mother has been violently murdered and Jazzie hasn't spoken since. But she's finally opening up to the new intern therapist Taylor Dawson, but she's got secrets of her own that she's hiding and this is where the romance and suspense comes in.
The difference with this one is that we know who the killer is right from the beginning and this creates an immediate frustration as we watch the characters attempt to discover who the killer is and gather evidence.
Overall this was a great novel, picking up with the younger generation of the friend/family group. Once again it was fast paced and unputdownable and most importantly thoroughly enjoyable!
August 31, 2017
I enjoyed this romantic suspense with an interesting plot centered around heroine. It had plenty of action over the three days of the story with lots of exciting parts. I liked seeing characters from earlier books in the series. Therapist Taylor spent her life believing her father was a monster. When she learned otherwise she secretly goes to see him and is attracted to her boss's son Ford.
January 18, 2020
On the whole, I neither liked or hated this installment to the “Baltimore Series” (though after reading my review, you might question that statement).
At times the story sent pulses racing and pages turning. It had its riveting and emotional moments. And at several intervals there were a few fast-paced, highly intense vibes, as well. But at no time was there ever that revved-up feel I usually experience through ninety percent of a Karen Rose book.
Blah, blah, — blah, blah, blah, blah. (OMG! Did I really type those words?) A lot of unnecessary page-filler that didn’t push the story along. I’ve never ever given the slightest thought to the idea of criticizing a book written by Ms. Rose. It seems unfathomable. But here I am saying just that. The Monster just didn’t quite get the job done — at least not the way every other Rose book has done in the past.
The writing is still exacting, the details delivered with precision, and the plot fast-paced and chilling, but most of it felt amateurish and even a bit unrealistic. Connecting with the central figures was difficult, if not impossible. They didn’t make me feel much of anything except sadness for the painful traumas both had endured as youngsters. I didn’t cheer the romantic connection between Taylor and Ford or care whether or not they even got a happily-ever-after. And I might just add that I’ve been waiting a long time for Ford to get his own book – and this certainly wasn’t what I imagined. He and Taylor had to share this book with so many past characters and it left little time for relationship building between them. I am not a fan of insta-love. Yeah, okay I can understand first glances, first touches and first kisses. But immediate chemistry that builds a forever after in twenty–four hours? No, call me Debbie Downer, but not in the cards without a little work.
My emotions did go on high alert whenever the story turned to the two little girls who had lost their mom in a horrendous crime. And one was an eye witness. That certainly brought my emotions roaring into protection mode. I found reading about using the horses in therapy interesting. I might have enjoyed a bit more emphasis on that part of the story. For sure, better than cleaning out their stalls.
In the last few chapters, whatever had been held back seemed to swim its way to the forefront and I almost started to believe the author had found her mojo. But it just wasn't enough to bail it out and make it anything more than average.
But at no point did I find this book to be one of those up-all-nighters, or even one where I found myself gasping for breath or hard to set aside for a potty break. Nope – this Monster even found himself back in the closet a few times while I chose other activities. In the end, a disappointing and anti-climactic read.
At times the story sent pulses racing and pages turning. It had its riveting and emotional moments. And at several intervals there were a few fast-paced, highly intense vibes, as well. But at no time was there ever that revved-up feel I usually experience through ninety percent of a Karen Rose book.
Blah, blah, — blah, blah, blah, blah. (OMG! Did I really type those words?) A lot of unnecessary page-filler that didn’t push the story along. I’ve never ever given the slightest thought to the idea of criticizing a book written by Ms. Rose. It seems unfathomable. But here I am saying just that. The Monster just didn’t quite get the job done — at least not the way every other Rose book has done in the past.
The writing is still exacting, the details delivered with precision, and the plot fast-paced and chilling, but most of it felt amateurish and even a bit unrealistic. Connecting with the central figures was difficult, if not impossible. They didn’t make me feel much of anything except sadness for the painful traumas both had endured as youngsters. I didn’t cheer the romantic connection between Taylor and Ford or care whether or not they even got a happily-ever-after. And I might just add that I’ve been waiting a long time for Ford to get his own book – and this certainly wasn’t what I imagined. He and Taylor had to share this book with so many past characters and it left little time for relationship building between them. I am not a fan of insta-love. Yeah, okay I can understand first glances, first touches and first kisses. But immediate chemistry that builds a forever after in twenty–four hours? No, call me Debbie Downer, but not in the cards without a little work.
My emotions did go on high alert whenever the story turned to the two little girls who had lost their mom in a horrendous crime. And one was an eye witness. That certainly brought my emotions roaring into protection mode. I found reading about using the horses in therapy interesting. I might have enjoyed a bit more emphasis on that part of the story. For sure, better than cleaning out their stalls.
In the last few chapters, whatever had been held back seemed to swim its way to the forefront and I almost started to believe the author had found her mojo. But it just wasn't enough to bail it out and make it anything more than average.
But at no point did I find this book to be one of those up-all-nighters, or even one where I found myself gasping for breath or hard to set aside for a potty break. Nope – this Monster even found himself back in the closet a few times while I chose other activities. In the end, a disappointing and anti-climactic read.
August 30, 2017
There are a few things I look forward to throughout the year, the release of Karen Rose’s latest offering is definitely one of them. Monster in the Closet is the fifth book in the Baltimore series and works well as a standalone however I recommend reading a few of the others in the series before this one, just to give you a bit more background on the host of colourful characters featured in the Baltimore series.
Jazzie is 11 years old. Coming home from school she finds her mother dead on the floor and her killer rooting around in the closet. Terrified, she hides behind a large chair and holds her breath and waits for the killer to leave. Weeks later, Jazzie is receiving therapy through the Healing Hearts With Horses organisation. She has not spoken a single word since finding her mother’s body and has never revealed she saw her mother’s murderer.
Taylor Dawson is interning at Healing Hearts with Horses, prior to becoming a practising psychologist. Taylor begin to make a small connection to Jazzie, but Taylor has her own secrets. She’s been asking a lot of questions about a man who also works for the organisation. Having just arrived from California, why would she be asking about a man from Maryland who she has never met?
Tensions rise high when the murderer discovers that Jazzie has witnessed the attack and is starting to talk to Taylor. This monster won’t stop until they are both dead.
Intense and suspenseful, Monster in the Closet is an intricately woven web of lies and deceit. Rose skillfully has several threads of sub-plot running simultaneously throughout the main story before being neatly tied up at the end. Narrated in third person from various points of view, Rose keeps the pace flowing at top speed leaving the reader on the edge of their seat.
The large group of surrounding cast were great characters, multi-dimensional and full of depth. The character development of the “monster” was absolutely superb and you get the see the “why” behind the things he did and how his smart thinking allowed him to go undetected for so long.
As with all of Rose’s books, there is a bit of romance going on, this time between Taylor and Ford Elkhart giving the story a flash of light amongst all that darkness.
Monster in the Closet is a taut, tightly wound tension filled thriller that you will not be able to put down, and leave you yearning for more in the series. Highly recommend, thanks to Karen Rose, Headline publishers and NetGalley for sending the review copy.
Jazzie is 11 years old. Coming home from school she finds her mother dead on the floor and her killer rooting around in the closet. Terrified, she hides behind a large chair and holds her breath and waits for the killer to leave. Weeks later, Jazzie is receiving therapy through the Healing Hearts With Horses organisation. She has not spoken a single word since finding her mother’s body and has never revealed she saw her mother’s murderer.
Taylor Dawson is interning at Healing Hearts with Horses, prior to becoming a practising psychologist. Taylor begin to make a small connection to Jazzie, but Taylor has her own secrets. She’s been asking a lot of questions about a man who also works for the organisation. Having just arrived from California, why would she be asking about a man from Maryland who she has never met?
Tensions rise high when the murderer discovers that Jazzie has witnessed the attack and is starting to talk to Taylor. This monster won’t stop until they are both dead.
Intense and suspenseful, Monster in the Closet is an intricately woven web of lies and deceit. Rose skillfully has several threads of sub-plot running simultaneously throughout the main story before being neatly tied up at the end. Narrated in third person from various points of view, Rose keeps the pace flowing at top speed leaving the reader on the edge of their seat.
The large group of surrounding cast were great characters, multi-dimensional and full of depth. The character development of the “monster” was absolutely superb and you get the see the “why” behind the things he did and how his smart thinking allowed him to go undetected for so long.
As with all of Rose’s books, there is a bit of romance going on, this time between Taylor and Ford Elkhart giving the story a flash of light amongst all that darkness.
Monster in the Closet is a taut, tightly wound tension filled thriller that you will not be able to put down, and leave you yearning for more in the series. Highly recommend, thanks to Karen Rose, Headline publishers and NetGalley for sending the review copy.
December 1, 2017
So, having not read any of the other books in this series, I have come to the conclusion that every person in this book has either been kidnapped or shot - or both- sometimes multiple times. Which was completely unrealistic to me. But anyway...
I'm honestly not even sure where to start with this book. There were like 4 different plots that all intersected but were also different. There was the story of Jazzie, who after witnessing the murder of her mother, ends up in therapy with her younger sister only to end up being stalked by the killer. Where she ends up in therapy is where Taylor Dawson works. But Taylor isn't just an intern there to help kids, she's actually looking for her birth father who works at the therapy ranch as security. Only he thinks his daughters name is Sienna and he's been looking for her for over 20 years. Oh, and there's a love story involved.
See? Confusing.
There was just too much going on in this book for me to focus on just one thing and therefore I couldn't really get attached to anyone. The most interesting parts for me were with Jazzie, the little girl. She hadn't spoken since finding her mothers body and reading her POV just broke my heart. And everything just kept happening to her.
The love story lost me because it was very instalove. Literally the day Taylor and Ford meet, everyone finds out who she is and by that night, they already can't leave each others side. YOU JUST MET. Gah! It was just unbelievable and sappy to all hell.
Then there was the character of Gage - Jazzie's father and the villain of the story. First, he seems to be just straight evil but then toward the end the author has him questioning his actions. Ok, so you killed multiple people but now your questioning using little girls for ransom? Was this the author's way of trying to redeem him or make us feel anything but disgust for him? Whatever it did, it just made me want to not read any more.
If you're going to write a mystery/thriller - don't make it so convoluted that you can't keep characters straight. Also, multiple plot points are not needed and just make a mess.
I'm honestly not even sure where to start with this book. There were like 4 different plots that all intersected but were also different. There was the story of Jazzie, who after witnessing the murder of her mother, ends up in therapy with her younger sister only to end up being stalked by the killer. Where she ends up in therapy is where Taylor Dawson works. But Taylor isn't just an intern there to help kids, she's actually looking for her birth father who works at the therapy ranch as security. Only he thinks his daughters name is Sienna and he's been looking for her for over 20 years. Oh, and there's a love story involved.
See? Confusing.
There was just too much going on in this book for me to focus on just one thing and therefore I couldn't really get attached to anyone. The most interesting parts for me were with Jazzie, the little girl. She hadn't spoken since finding her mothers body and reading her POV just broke my heart. And everything just kept happening to her.
The love story lost me because it was very instalove. Literally the day Taylor and Ford meet, everyone finds out who she is and by that night, they already can't leave each others side. YOU JUST MET. Gah! It was just unbelievable and sappy to all hell.
Then there was the character of Gage - Jazzie's father and the villain of the story. First, he seems to be just straight evil but then toward the end the author has him questioning his actions. Ok, so you killed multiple people but now your questioning using little girls for ransom? Was this the author's way of trying to redeem him or make us feel anything but disgust for him? Whatever it did, it just made me want to not read any more.
If you're going to write a mystery/thriller - don't make it so convoluted that you can't keep characters straight. Also, multiple plot points are not needed and just make a mess.
March 5, 2020
Another great read from KR! This one is special--she said she wrote it as a Valentine to her readers who love her characters as much as she does. This book wraps up all the Baltimore stories and couples. They all make appearances. But the best thing about the story is that the readers (like me) who have loved Clay Maynard from when we first met him will see him get the final pieces to his HEA. There are some scary moments but mostly tender and heart-rending ones. Highly recommended as are all KR's books.
February 27, 2019
Redelijk boek in het genre waar Karen Rose in uitblinkt, romantic suspence.
Vond hem wel erg langdradig hier en daar, het boek had naar mijn mening wat ingekort kunnen worden.
Cover vind ik mooi maar niet specifiek bij het boek passend.
3,5 ster.
Vond hem wel erg langdradig hier en daar, het boek had naar mijn mening wat ingekort kunnen worden.
Cover vind ik mooi maar niet specifiek bij het boek passend.
3,5 ster.
August 16, 2017
I have read many Karen Rose books in my time and enjoyed them all and this one is no different. It keeps you glued to the pages from start to finish. Also, what I really liked is that you could actually read this without reading the first five. I found that it could be read as a one off novel.
There are several sub plots that keep you interested throughout the book. The main story is regarding an 11 year old child who comes home to find her mother dead and the killer rooting around in the closet. She hides. But she hasn't said a word since. Now the killer is looking for her.
That's the main plot. It is an intriguing story one that keeps you hooked. I would definitely recommend this book.
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
There are several sub plots that keep you interested throughout the book. The main story is regarding an 11 year old child who comes home to find her mother dead and the killer rooting around in the closet. She hides. But she hasn't said a word since. Now the killer is looking for her.
That's the main plot. It is an intriguing story one that keeps you hooked. I would definitely recommend this book.
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
August 19, 2017
My absolute favourite series of books EVER. I cried so many times with this one! I honestly feel like these characters are my friends and family. I am always sad when it comes to an end. Not many authors can bring characters to life the way Karen Rose can! READ IT. THEN READ ALL THE OTHERS!
July 26, 2018
Monster in the closet is a different from the other books in the series, not only the protagonist a lot younger than those in the previous books, they are also not actually in law and enforcement sector.
I really enjoyed it, it was different it focused a bit more on the human aspect, the relationships between the group of people we have gotten to know over the course of the series and we get a happy ending and questions answered for a character, Clay that has been part of the series for a long time. The book does have quite a lot of subplots and since I feel like this book was primarily written for the fans of the series because of whom it was about, Taylor Dawson and her father Clay Maynard.
Taylor Dawson now a adult, decides to find her father to get to know more about him after finding out the truth from her dying mother. This takes her to Baltimore, working in the Daphne’s program centre, where she hopes of learning more about the man who she only remembers glimpses of. Ford Elkhart is Daphne’s son and he is suspicious of her behaviour. They are attracted to each other but don’t know where it would lead, since not only is Taylor hiding who she is but also because she doesn’t intend to stay in Baltimore.
The subplot focuses on the murder of the mother of two girls, one of girls is being helped by Taylor at the centre and is starting to open up to her which brings her in sights of the murderer.
Overall, it was a enjoyable read and not as full on mystery/thriller as Karen Rose’s other books but that is because as I said earlier a gift for the fans of the series who had been waiting to find out about the truth of Clay’s daughter.
ARC was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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August 24, 2018
Let me begin by saying - i’ve always been a Karen Rose fan. Her books have the right tone with focus mostly on the thriller part, twisted plot lines and a sense of “whodunnit” curiosity keeping you guessing and engaged throughout...sprinkle a hint of romance in just the right places and there’s the recipe for a perfect romantic thriller.
This book however was a major disappointment hence the single star rating.
Firstly there is no sense of mystery as the culprit and his MO are revealed as soon as the story starts.
Secondly, 450 pages for him to figure out something the reader already knows and then a hurried ten pages regarding how he deals with the situation hardly qualifies this book under the thrilling category.
Thirdly this one seemed like a revision for the jumble of interconnected characters and their stories from all previous books in the series. I felt like she shouldn’t have made all of them friends, friends of friends, partners, god fathers and god mothers to each others kids. Reason being, each book features one couple who have dealt with trauma and something dark and are victims of some horrid event - to connect all such folks into one family just seems a little unreal. Every single one of them
has either been kidnapped, shot someone, been stalked, chased by some maniac, been shot at - its just overwhelming.
Fourthly - i almost liked the bad guy in this one only because he seemed the most real. Of course he’s an asshole but at least he’s flawed. The rest of the characters ? OMG saccharine sweet to the point of giving me diabetes. Too unrealistically cutsie (hope this makes sense). I mean do none of them posses any flaw whatsoever ?? Name of the book is “Monster In The Closet” whereas it should have been “Santa Clause on prosaic with diabetes and cheese” in the closet. This is the book equivalent of the TV series “Full House”. CHEESE FEST.
The romance between Taylor and Ford happens right off the bat - much to soon without any build up and just seems contrived.
One too many - he knew what she felt, she knew what he meant, curt nods pregnant with meaning that somehow telepathically all of them understand. Its just too much.
I cringed at the part where Ford tells Taylor he left Holly and Dillon’s reception early because they - making air quotes - “threw him out” seeing his upset face as he was missing her *major eye roll moment*.
Also im all for empowered women but in the more recent books in this series i feel like its all over done...her right hook brought him down on his ass, Stevie’s hard stare scaring the shit out of Clay, “id better do this or she said she’ll have my head and i know she’s capable of doing just that”, he knew better than to mess with her, mama bears, every single one a female ninja who can kick, punch, shoot like a pro, think faster than Sherlock and all the men forever discussing the women like they are scared of them kicking their asses but not in any serious way - more like in a cute way and this to me just ruins the point. Its offensive almost.
The end was again too convenient - neatly wrapped up with a pink, sprinkle coated shiny, sparkly, glittery ribbon tied by a unicorn.
Sorry for the rant but i hope Karen Rose gets back to her old writing style with more developed plots and thrilling twists, believable characters and just a hint of romance. Underline - just a hint.
This book however was a major disappointment hence the single star rating.
Firstly there is no sense of mystery as the culprit and his MO are revealed as soon as the story starts.
Secondly, 450 pages for him to figure out something the reader already knows and then a hurried ten pages regarding how he deals with the situation hardly qualifies this book under the thrilling category.
Thirdly this one seemed like a revision for the jumble of interconnected characters and their stories from all previous books in the series. I felt like she shouldn’t have made all of them friends, friends of friends, partners, god fathers and god mothers to each others kids. Reason being, each book features one couple who have dealt with trauma and something dark and are victims of some horrid event - to connect all such folks into one family just seems a little unreal. Every single one of them
has either been kidnapped, shot someone, been stalked, chased by some maniac, been shot at - its just overwhelming.
Fourthly - i almost liked the bad guy in this one only because he seemed the most real. Of course he’s an asshole but at least he’s flawed. The rest of the characters ? OMG saccharine sweet to the point of giving me diabetes. Too unrealistically cutsie (hope this makes sense). I mean do none of them posses any flaw whatsoever ?? Name of the book is “Monster In The Closet” whereas it should have been “Santa Clause on prosaic with diabetes and cheese” in the closet. This is the book equivalent of the TV series “Full House”. CHEESE FEST.
The romance between Taylor and Ford happens right off the bat - much to soon without any build up and just seems contrived.
One too many - he knew what she felt, she knew what he meant, curt nods pregnant with meaning that somehow telepathically all of them understand. Its just too much.
I cringed at the part where Ford tells Taylor he left Holly and Dillon’s reception early because they - making air quotes - “threw him out” seeing his upset face as he was missing her *major eye roll moment*.
Also im all for empowered women but in the more recent books in this series i feel like its all over done...her right hook brought him down on his ass, Stevie’s hard stare scaring the shit out of Clay, “id better do this or she said she’ll have my head and i know she’s capable of doing just that”, he knew better than to mess with her, mama bears, every single one a female ninja who can kick, punch, shoot like a pro, think faster than Sherlock and all the men forever discussing the women like they are scared of them kicking their asses but not in any serious way - more like in a cute way and this to me just ruins the point. Its offensive almost.
The end was again too convenient - neatly wrapped up with a pink, sprinkle coated shiny, sparkly, glittery ribbon tied by a unicorn.
Sorry for the rant but i hope Karen Rose gets back to her old writing style with more developed plots and thrilling twists, believable characters and just a hint of romance. Underline - just a hint.
July 30, 2017
Still reigning supreme as the 'queen of romantic suspense', Karen Rose hits another one out of the ballpark in her newest thriller!
Taylor is a young woman who has known trauma. Lied to all her life about her real father, she's constantly looked over her shoulder in fear. Now she's ready to face her past and find out if the man she's feared all her life is truly the face of evil her mother painted him to be. Clay is a private investigator who reunites missing children with their families. Although the most important case of his life, he's never been able to solve -- that of his own missing daughter. Eleven year old Jazzie witnessed her mother beaten to death by a man she knows all too well while hidden behind a chair. She hasn't spoken a word since that fateful day and for good reason -- if the killer finds out she can identify him, her mother's fate will be her own. Fueled by emotionally gripping scenes, this delectably sexy thriller will have you on the edge of your seat. Intersecting story's and multiple POV's come together flawlessly in a span of just over twenty four hours. Readers will be hopelessly drawn to the sympathetic character of Jazzie and her palpable fear of the reprehensible villain. MONSTER IN THE CLOSET is a tense, tightly-wound, suspense-filled thrill ride that will leave you yearning for more.
~ Kris Miller, certified TopShelf Reviewer. TopShelf Magazine does not offer 'paid review services’ and TopShelf Reviewers are not compensated for their reviews.
Taylor is a young woman who has known trauma. Lied to all her life about her real father, she's constantly looked over her shoulder in fear. Now she's ready to face her past and find out if the man she's feared all her life is truly the face of evil her mother painted him to be. Clay is a private investigator who reunites missing children with their families. Although the most important case of his life, he's never been able to solve -- that of his own missing daughter. Eleven year old Jazzie witnessed her mother beaten to death by a man she knows all too well while hidden behind a chair. She hasn't spoken a word since that fateful day and for good reason -- if the killer finds out she can identify him, her mother's fate will be her own. Fueled by emotionally gripping scenes, this delectably sexy thriller will have you on the edge of your seat. Intersecting story's and multiple POV's come together flawlessly in a span of just over twenty four hours. Readers will be hopelessly drawn to the sympathetic character of Jazzie and her palpable fear of the reprehensible villain. MONSTER IN THE CLOSET is a tense, tightly-wound, suspense-filled thrill ride that will leave you yearning for more.
~ Kris Miller, certified TopShelf Reviewer. TopShelf Magazine does not offer 'paid review services’ and TopShelf Reviewers are not compensated for their reviews.
May 8, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Headline for an advance copy of The Monster in the Closet, the fifth romantic suspense novel in Ms Rose's Baltimore series.
Jazzie returns home to find her mother dead and the murderer still in the house. Very few people know that she can identify the killer, especially as she has been mute since that day. The stakes are raised when she manages to say thank you to Taylor Williamson, an intern at a therapy centre. In a separate plotline Taylor turns out to be series regular Clay Maynard's long list daughter.
I have been reading Ms Rose's work for many years and generally look forward to the exciting plots and sizzling romance she serves up but I must admit to being disappointed in The Monster in the Closet. The crime plot is lacklustre and has none of the edge of your seat tension I've come to expect and Taylor's situation, both romantically and with her 2 fathers, lacks credibility and seems a bit repetitious. For me the balance between crime and personal life is wrong with too much emphasis on family and friends and not enough on the crime.
This is, by no means, a bad novel as Ms Rose has a knack for drawing the reader in, moving her plot along in a timely manner and creating very likeable characters, it just doesn't concentrate enough on the crime aspects for my taste.
Jazzie returns home to find her mother dead and the murderer still in the house. Very few people know that she can identify the killer, especially as she has been mute since that day. The stakes are raised when she manages to say thank you to Taylor Williamson, an intern at a therapy centre. In a separate plotline Taylor turns out to be series regular Clay Maynard's long list daughter.
I have been reading Ms Rose's work for many years and generally look forward to the exciting plots and sizzling romance she serves up but I must admit to being disappointed in The Monster in the Closet. The crime plot is lacklustre and has none of the edge of your seat tension I've come to expect and Taylor's situation, both romantically and with her 2 fathers, lacks credibility and seems a bit repetitious. For me the balance between crime and personal life is wrong with too much emphasis on family and friends and not enough on the crime.
This is, by no means, a bad novel as Ms Rose has a knack for drawing the reader in, moving her plot along in a timely manner and creating very likeable characters, it just doesn't concentrate enough on the crime aspects for my taste.
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