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Never Enough: A Markos Mystery
Detective Sean Malone always thought he would follow in his father’s footsteps. Some roads, however, are better left untraveled. Patrick Malone had everything he ever wanted. A career, a family, and the respect of his community. Until one night on the beaches of Clearwater, it was all taken away. Now, twenty years later, his son Sean is in the same position. In love with Andie Markos, he is about to become a father. About to realize all of his dreams. About to lose it all. What happened twenty years ago threatens to happen again. As the deadly secrets that should have died with Patrick Malone rise, ready to capture his son and everyone he knows in a web of addiction, doubt, and betrayal, Sean will discover that some family secrets never truly die.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2019
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 15, 2019
Doctor Markos and Detective Malone’s relationship has escalated from casual to committed. With a baby on the way, Andy is faced with a tough decision when Sean asks for her hand in marriage. It seems both of their dreams are coming true, but there are still nightmares from Sean Malone’s past and they begin to surface in this fast paced suspense novel.
Family secrets are unraveled and boundaries are crossed.
Ms. Adam’s did it again and wowed me with her realistic, very likeable characters. I love the Greek culture she throws into the storyline which always makes me hungry for some delicious dolmas. She went a little deeper into darker waters with this novel and explored the dangers and downward spiral addiction can cause. Truly a remarkable story.
Family secrets are unraveled and boundaries are crossed.
Ms. Adam’s did it again and wowed me with her realistic, very likeable characters. I love the Greek culture she throws into the storyline which always makes me hungry for some delicious dolmas. She went a little deeper into darker waters with this novel and explored the dangers and downward spiral addiction can cause. Truly a remarkable story.
January 16, 2019
The latest instalment of the Markos mysteries adds family secrets to the danger that Dr Andromeda Markos finds herself in. When an unstable drug addict from their past shows up, both Andie and Sean find themselves in hot water
A non-stop adventure with pregnancy, divorce and two mother-in-law’s to cope with, this book was good to the last page!
A non-stop adventure with pregnancy, divorce and two mother-in-law’s to cope with, this book was good to the last page!
February 19, 2019
Doctor Markos (Andie) and her love interest- Sean Malone are high school sweethearts who've found each other again. Despite the fear of commitment we've seen as Andie's character develops through this series, it appears Police detective Sean might finally win her over. But even after a surprise pregnancy, Andie balks when he asks for her hand in marriage... vestiges of the wounds of former betrayals have yet to heal. Perhaps Sean can help mend this distrust, and just when you think he might...
The action picks up quickly as secrets are revealed- some perhaps left in the shadows... Secrets that threaten the new couple's happiness and even their potential future together- if not their lives! Drug addiction, murders, betrayals and family drama flesh out a wonderful tale that flourishes in the well-described Greek culture of Tarpon Springs, Florida.
The suspense and action are to be expected in any story by this author, but it's the in depth character development that will have you falling in love with her stories. I definitely recommend "Never Enough," you won't be disappointed.
The action picks up quickly as secrets are revealed- some perhaps left in the shadows... Secrets that threaten the new couple's happiness and even their potential future together- if not their lives! Drug addiction, murders, betrayals and family drama flesh out a wonderful tale that flourishes in the well-described Greek culture of Tarpon Springs, Florida.
The suspense and action are to be expected in any story by this author, but it's the in depth character development that will have you falling in love with her stories. I definitely recommend "Never Enough," you won't be disappointed.
January 27, 2019
Adams has done it once again! Never Enough is more than enough ~ as a stand alone novel or 3rd book in her amazing Marcos Mystery series. Hard hitting and fast paced with just enough “creep you out” factor. Bondable and endearing characters ~ sure to leave you with the perfect mix of “book death” and baited breath for #4. 5 STARS!
February 5, 2019
Another Genre-Blending Tale from the Pen of Isabella Adams
Never Enough finds the series protagonist, Dr. Andromeda (Andie) Markos, her gal pals, and her wanna-be fiancé, Sean, embroiled in a tale of family secrets revealed and addiction-driven drama. As with the two previous books in the series, the camaraderie and unqualified support among the women is extremely well portrayed. Likewise, the cultural constraints of Andie’s Greek heritage strike home, the expectations of her mother and Andie’s own conflicted feelings between old and new traditions being center stage. When you read the book, you’ll feel the muggy days of this small, Florida, coastal town (Tarpon Springs), as well as the sand between your toes. Adams paints these scenes well. And finally, the author deals with the topic of addiction with such an authoritative voice that I could not help but suspect there is something autobiographical in the Dr. Markos’ character. But in guiding potential readers to this book, things become murkier, as Adams bends the rules a bit on her chosen genre, a cozy mystery, while putting emotional drama center stage. It’s a blend that gives the story a fresh voice and can be engaging, if the combination works for you.
The book stays true to a cozy, downplaying both sex and violence. The former is generally behind closed doors, while the latter is somewhat intense during a hostage scene, but is still handled with restraint and care. It was the mystery, however, that gave me pause. The book involves a cold case, but the killer is revealed in the prologue. No mystery there. There is a hostage situation, but it’s resolved quickly and midway through the story. Even the extent of the ‘sins of the father’ is thin as a mystery, as the clues which were intended to be vague left only two possibilities, only one of which seemed viable for the series. In the end, the mystery seems to be whether Sean’s family secrets will destroy his dreams for the future – his career and his hoped-for life with Andie.
While the truth that’s revealed is definitely something that would rock anyone’s world, to my mind, the drama is overplayed in places. Characters showed desperation around issues that were largely resolved. They were prone to jumping to the worst possible conclusion. Regarding Andie’s feeling about Sean, for example, Stacy said it best. “… perhaps you should wait to talk to him about this before delegating him to the ‘vile betrayer’ bin.” And the characters never seem able to make a decision – “I can’t speak my mind, because I’m not sure what my mind is saying.” That’s Stacy’s thought but it seemed to describe everyone. Too often, confusion was my reaction to a character’s emotions rather than empathy. But as they say about cars, your mileage may vary.
Overall, if you’re looking for a cozy mystery featuring warm solidarity among a group of likeable women and a depiction of Greek tradition transplanted to a small, Florida, coastal town that rings true, you can’t go wrong with Never Enough.
Never Enough finds the series protagonist, Dr. Andromeda (Andie) Markos, her gal pals, and her wanna-be fiancé, Sean, embroiled in a tale of family secrets revealed and addiction-driven drama. As with the two previous books in the series, the camaraderie and unqualified support among the women is extremely well portrayed. Likewise, the cultural constraints of Andie’s Greek heritage strike home, the expectations of her mother and Andie’s own conflicted feelings between old and new traditions being center stage. When you read the book, you’ll feel the muggy days of this small, Florida, coastal town (Tarpon Springs), as well as the sand between your toes. Adams paints these scenes well. And finally, the author deals with the topic of addiction with such an authoritative voice that I could not help but suspect there is something autobiographical in the Dr. Markos’ character. But in guiding potential readers to this book, things become murkier, as Adams bends the rules a bit on her chosen genre, a cozy mystery, while putting emotional drama center stage. It’s a blend that gives the story a fresh voice and can be engaging, if the combination works for you.
The book stays true to a cozy, downplaying both sex and violence. The former is generally behind closed doors, while the latter is somewhat intense during a hostage scene, but is still handled with restraint and care. It was the mystery, however, that gave me pause. The book involves a cold case, but the killer is revealed in the prologue. No mystery there. There is a hostage situation, but it’s resolved quickly and midway through the story. Even the extent of the ‘sins of the father’ is thin as a mystery, as the clues which were intended to be vague left only two possibilities, only one of which seemed viable for the series. In the end, the mystery seems to be whether Sean’s family secrets will destroy his dreams for the future – his career and his hoped-for life with Andie.
While the truth that’s revealed is definitely something that would rock anyone’s world, to my mind, the drama is overplayed in places. Characters showed desperation around issues that were largely resolved. They were prone to jumping to the worst possible conclusion. Regarding Andie’s feeling about Sean, for example, Stacy said it best. “… perhaps you should wait to talk to him about this before delegating him to the ‘vile betrayer’ bin.” And the characters never seem able to make a decision – “I can’t speak my mind, because I’m not sure what my mind is saying.” That’s Stacy’s thought but it seemed to describe everyone. Too often, confusion was my reaction to a character’s emotions rather than empathy. But as they say about cars, your mileage may vary.
Overall, if you’re looking for a cozy mystery featuring warm solidarity among a group of likeable women and a depiction of Greek tradition transplanted to a small, Florida, coastal town that rings true, you can’t go wrong with Never Enough.
December 14, 2019
After surviving a violent attack by a murder suspect, Dr. Andie Markos has found a second chance for love with her high school sweetheart, Detective Sean Malone. All is not roses though as her ex-husband refuses to finalize their divorce, and she's avoiding telling her traditional Greek mother that she's pregnant. Even though Sean adores her and wants to marry her, the specter of betrayal lingers in her mind and she's afraid to commit. It also doesn't help that the cold case murder of Sean's police officer father has risen its ugly head with allegations of drug dealing. As Sean investigates to discover the truth, more information emerges that could derail their happiness.
I picked this book up as I really enjoyed the previous one, Last Man Out. This story is good as well and the author does a terrific job setting up the mystery and revealing it little by little. I also continued to enjoy the relationships she had with her daughter and her friends. However, the sub-plot with Stacy and Sully doesn't really go anywhere or move the story forward, but it is fun and it could be a set-up for something that takes place in a later book.
My one major quibble is that after having read, Last Man Out, which was terrific and I loved it, none of the trauma she experienced seems to have had any kind of lasting impact which is odd. I don't want to give it away, but the main character, Andie Markos, survives a rather horrific ordeal and it isn't until half-way through this book that there was an acknowledgement that it even happened and then it was tossed aside. (Time wise it seemed to happen less than a year before this story takes place.) Why isn't she seeing a therapist or at least alluding to seeing one? And if she isn't, why? A trauma of this magnitude changes you and Andie's arc should have been her recovery and how the previous event changed her life and how it affects her continuing issues with her ex-husband and her mother.
Nevertheless, I did enjoy the book quite a bit and it can be read as a standalone.
I picked this book up as I really enjoyed the previous one, Last Man Out. This story is good as well and the author does a terrific job setting up the mystery and revealing it little by little. I also continued to enjoy the relationships she had with her daughter and her friends. However, the sub-plot with Stacy and Sully doesn't really go anywhere or move the story forward, but it is fun and it could be a set-up for something that takes place in a later book.
My one major quibble is that after having read, Last Man Out, which was terrific and I loved it, none of the trauma she experienced seems to have had any kind of lasting impact which is odd. I don't want to give it away, but the main character, Andie Markos, survives a rather horrific ordeal and it isn't until half-way through this book that there was an acknowledgement that it even happened and then it was tossed aside. (Time wise it seemed to happen less than a year before this story takes place.) Why isn't she seeing a therapist or at least alluding to seeing one? And if she isn't, why? A trauma of this magnitude changes you and Andie's arc should have been her recovery and how the previous event changed her life and how it affects her continuing issues with her ex-husband and her mother.
Nevertheless, I did enjoy the book quite a bit and it can be read as a standalone.
February 14, 2019
My review is 4.5 stars.
Writing a suspense mystery, a thriller is not as easy as it seems but to accomplish that a vast amount of researching is required along with the detailing. From Book #1 "Last Man Out" to this book #3 "Never Enough" in the series, the evolution of the story is beautifully done. The characters are expanded really well. And I liked the romance part too. What I really like about this book is how good the book is written considering language and controlled P.O.V., because in Mystery if your flow of the book is slow the readers feels bored and disconnected. Izzy, did a nice job in writing a fast paced book which definitely plays a vital role to tie up readers to their chair. I liked how true she's to her detailing that directly reflects how deep she did the research for the book.
My reviews on writing points are as follows:
Language: 4.5 *
Words-Phrases: 4 *
Characters: 5 *
P.O.V.: 4.5 *
Plot: 4.5 *
Story-Scenes: 4 *
Dialogues: 4.5 *
Along with the mystery part the story and love of our two main characters has the correct amount of focus which makes the book more versatile because as a reader I got the relationship & mystery both. Izzy has a persona of mystery book writer but I can see that she can try her hand in other genres also and I have full confidence that she's going to succeed in them as well.
I definitely recommend this book.
Writing a suspense mystery, a thriller is not as easy as it seems but to accomplish that a vast amount of researching is required along with the detailing. From Book #1 "Last Man Out" to this book #3 "Never Enough" in the series, the evolution of the story is beautifully done. The characters are expanded really well. And I liked the romance part too. What I really like about this book is how good the book is written considering language and controlled P.O.V., because in Mystery if your flow of the book is slow the readers feels bored and disconnected. Izzy, did a nice job in writing a fast paced book which definitely plays a vital role to tie up readers to their chair. I liked how true she's to her detailing that directly reflects how deep she did the research for the book.
My reviews on writing points are as follows:
Language: 4.5 *
Words-Phrases: 4 *
Characters: 5 *
P.O.V.: 4.5 *
Plot: 4.5 *
Story-Scenes: 4 *
Dialogues: 4.5 *
Along with the mystery part the story and love of our two main characters has the correct amount of focus which makes the book more versatile because as a reader I got the relationship & mystery both. Izzy has a persona of mystery book writer but I can see that she can try her hand in other genres also and I have full confidence that she's going to succeed in them as well.
I definitely recommend this book.
March 6, 2019
High school sweethearts, Sean Malone and Andie Markos have a second chance at a life together, but the past is fighting to tear them apart once again.
Never Enough is a real page turner. The characters are entertaining. I like how Andie’s friends are there for each other and can’t wait to read their stories. Even the mothers of Sean and Andie, though not likeable, are relatable. The action is fast paced. There are moments, like when Andie is held hostage with her staff, that you actually feel fear. This is the first Isabella Adams book I have read, but it won’t be the last.
Never Enough is a real page turner. The characters are entertaining. I like how Andie’s friends are there for each other and can’t wait to read their stories. Even the mothers of Sean and Andie, though not likeable, are relatable. The action is fast paced. There are moments, like when Andie is held hostage with her staff, that you actually feel fear. This is the first Isabella Adams book I have read, but it won’t be the last.
May 15, 2019
Excellent Mystery and Satisfying Romance
Finally we get to see what happens to a big chunk of the Markos clan. Like the author’s other books, this one transported me to the Greek community in their town in Florida. Excellent mystery, crime, and suspense, and I especially liked how the author made addiction true and accessible and more understandable. This book is great on its own and even better in its place at the end of the trilogy!
Finally we get to see what happens to a big chunk of the Markos clan. Like the author’s other books, this one transported me to the Greek community in their town in Florida. Excellent mystery, crime, and suspense, and I especially liked how the author made addiction true and accessible and more understandable. This book is great on its own and even better in its place at the end of the trilogy!
July 11, 2019
Great Book
I enjoyed reading this novel. It held my attention and I wanted to finish it. The plot thickens with each chapter. My favorite character in the book is Andie. Will he lose everything? You will have to read the book to find out. Great job writing Isabelle. Can’t wait for your next book.
I enjoyed reading this novel. It held my attention and I wanted to finish it. The plot thickens with each chapter. My favorite character in the book is Andie. Will he lose everything? You will have to read the book to find out. Great job writing Isabelle. Can’t wait for your next book.
May 26, 2020
When I picked up this book, I didn't realize it's a trilogy. But, honestly, the story has been well developed that I didn't feel left out. It's a stand-alone thriller.
The characters are well developed. There is a particular mystery that grows more profoundly as I would turn pages. I get a peek into Greek culture, which I enjoyed reading. Overall a quick read as it'll keep you hooked.
The characters are well developed. There is a particular mystery that grows more profoundly as I would turn pages. I get a peek into Greek culture, which I enjoyed reading. Overall a quick read as it'll keep you hooked.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews