Maryland PD forensic scientist, Emersyn D’Azzo, has an explosive past with her father’s younger partner, Detective Alec Pearce. He is off limits. A sexual dance between her and Alec fractures Emersyn’s close relationship with her father just moments before a sniper’s bullet rips Joe D’Azzo from her life.
The forensic report ties the fatal bullet to an ongoing spree of sniper killings across the state. Her father's murder wasn’t a random act of violence, and Emersyn can't stay clear of his case. Alec could help her find the true motive, but while he makes her heart race, history taught her a hard lesson. She can’t trust him. She can't trust anyone.
Thrown together, they uncover a decades-old disappearance of a college student, and Joe D'Azzo was a person of interest. The investigation takes a deadly twist. Can they learn to trust each other with their hearts to save their lives?
Award Winning Author, Nancy C. Weeks writes romantic suspense novels that sometimes have a touch of the supernatural. Her characters stalk her dreams until she curls up with her laptop and creates riveting tales sure to end with the most satisfying HEA. The best way to see who is keeping her awake at night is to join her newsletter or Nancy’s Corner on Facebook.
Her favorite quote: Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. ~Thomas Edison~
This is my first book by Ms. Weeks and the book description sounded really interesting. Romantic suspense is my favorite genre and I also like police procedures. However, I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped. At only 259 pages (176 e-book version) it's somewhat shorter of a read and yet it took me quite a while to read. I kept getting pulled out of the story and found myself setting it aside for a while. There is a comparison to Blue Bloods in the book description but aside from everyone in the book being a friend or family member, I wasn't feeling the similarity.
I wasn't overly thrilled with the initial scene of Alec and Em making out on the dance floor, but it provided a good introduction to their relationship. What did capture my attention was the scene of Em's dad getting shot. This was really good and I wish the book had done more of these scenes and less of the emotional drama scenes. I didn't feel the suspense of the mystery throughout the book. I wanted more suspense and more police work than I got. There seemed to be minimum police work and it felt more like everyone was waiting for the bad guys to show up and drop more clues.
Em was definitely not my favorite heroine as she was emotionally volatile and felt very immature. Definitely not the logical and scientific persona I would expect in her career choice of forensic scientist for a police department. In many situations, both Alec and Em come off as over reacting teenagers. Their volatile and OTT reactions would often pull me out of the story. (Thus the setting the books aside for awhile.) When Alec is pissed he calls her by her full name and she goes ballistic and says not to call her that. Again the immature behavior pulls you out of the story. Only Em's mom seemed to have normal reactions.
The story line also felt like it just jumped from scene to scene with Em having some kind of emotional reaction. Em is wanting to get closer to Alec and then she doesn't trust Alec. And then she realized she was wrong and wants to get close again. Alec doesn't think with his background he would be good for her. But when he finally is ready, she's like ready to leave. And (spoiler alert) when he's ready to pop the question, she questioning again. I can't get past why she is always arguing against what she wants.
There are a number of secondary characters but most of them didn't feel very well developed. This could be due to the short length of the novel. One example is that there is a professional security detail placed on Em to protect her, but they aren't really developed, don't really do much and basically aren't needed for the final scene. Em's siblings make rare appearances, but again they aren't really developed. The secondary characters felt flat instead of adding that additional dimension to a book.
The final action scene in the book was really good except, it didn't answer the main question going through the book. Who is the shadow man? Going into this I thought this was a stand alone novel but it looks to be book #1 in a new series that has an open mystery thread that will go through at least one more book. This is a growing trend and not one that I'm enthusiastic about. When you read over 100 books a year, you don't want/need books that leave threads hanging. I want the story to be complete. I like series, but I really want each book to have a complete ending. This one left me with that incomplete feeling and I don't like finishing a book like that. When I hit a point where it said "Three months later...", I was like "What? We really haven't gotten any answers."
The epilogue does look to be setting up the next two characters in the series.
I want to thank Net Galley and Crimson Romance for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.
I loved it. Excellent story and complex characters. I think Nancy C. Weeks is getting better by the book. Full review available soon at www.beckyfladeauthor.com
Excellent, fast-paced romantic suspense novel. I loved Em for her smarts and courage, while Alec was a complex beta hero with a troubled past and a heart of gold. Their chemistry was palpable, and I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of their interactions as they navigated the mine field of murder and mayhem in the Greater D.C. area. The ending was satisfying, yet it left a plot point or two unresolved - but this only added to my anticipation for the sequel. Nancy C. Weeks, I look forward to what comes next. Five stars!
THE EYEWITNESS is a great start to the new D'Azzo Family suspense series by Nancy C. Weeks. The author skillfully introduces all the main characters one at a time, showing how they contribute to the story, and creates energized scenes vivid enough for the reader to feel a part of the action.
The two main characters in this book are Emersyn D'Azzo, the youngest child of Grace and Joe D'Azzo, and Detective Alec Pearce, Joe's capable and trusted partner. She is a newly graduated forensic scientist, who has a long-standing love/hate relationship with the serious detective. When the story begins, Emersyn is celebrating her graduation with her family and ends up arguing with her father, while Maryland police are trying to identify a sniper who's been randomly shooting people around Maryland. Joe and Alec are part of a statewide law enforcement task force to solve the murders, and it appears Joe has been targeted by the sniper.
Pros: 1. The story is fast paced, action packed and well written. 2. All the more significant characters are well-developed, with their own unique flaws and strengths. 3. Vivid scenes transport the reader into the story. 4. The dialogue and interactions are interesting and realistic. 5. Having lived in Maryland when snipers were terrorizing DC and its neighboring counties in Maryland and Virginia several years ago, I remember the fear of not knowing where the sniper would strike next. That fear is accurately reflected in this story.
Cons: 1. The only sex scene in the story was written well, but I felt it was a little too long at that point in the story. 2. Part of the mystery isn't totally solved in this book but is provided as the link to the next story in the series. Since this is not unusual to a series, and since neither of these negatives take away from the book's overall storyline, they only drop the rating to 4.5 stars.
Overall: THE EYEWITNESS is a smart, fast-paced, and well-written mystery that should appeal to suspense and mystery fans everywhere.
If You Like This, You May Like: SHADOW SERIES by Nancy C. Weeks, TRACERS SERIES by Laura Griffin, MORGANS OF NASHVILLE and TEXAS RANGERS series by Mary Burton, FBI THRILLER BOOKS by Catherine Coulter, LUCY KINCAID NOVELS by Allison Brennan, DARKNESS by Karen Robards, BRIT IN THE FBI THRILLERS by Catherine Coulter and J.T. Ellison, DECKER/LAZARUS NOVELS by Faye Kellerman, BUCHANAN/FBI SERIES by Julie Garwood
* An e-galley was provided by Adams Media/Crimson Romance and Edelweiss for an honest review. ** Read my other reviews on the Blue Moon Mystery Saloon blog.
This contemporary romantic suspense starts with an unfortunate bang as the heroine's father is murdered just after they had a big argument. The book details the investigation into this as well as the budding romance between the heroine and the hero, who happened to be her dead father's partner.
This book was mostly well written, but I didn't quite buy the romance aspect. This is an enemies-to-lovers spot, and I think that is hard to pull off in general but especially when there's so much else going on in the story (like there is in this one). We need to see a pivotal shift for both characters that’s believable and contextually correct. Yes, I got that the two had a bad history, which sets up the enemies part, and they continue to butt heads even while they have an undeniable attraction to each other. Neither part rings true for me. Another thing that didn’t quite sit right for me was the idea of a hot-headed person being a forensic scientist; the two ideas just don’t blend well together in my mind. I know one of the themes that runs throughout is that she is working on that aspect of herself, but it seemed like an oil-and-water combination that would be unlikely to happen in real life. I also didn’t feel like the initial hospital scene was accurate in several ways; I won’t detail all the reasons, but I am an RN, and I wondered if the author had done much research into what goes on in a hospital and what it’s really like (including security).
The familial relationships in this story are complex in a way that feels accurate to real life. I enjoyed the dialogue in that it seemed natural, but I didn't think that the key characters had enough differentiation in their voices. The suspense aspect was better done than the romance aspect. There were plenty of twists, turns, and surprises. While the book didn't technically end on a cliffhanger, there are some unresolved issues. All in all, despite the glowing reviews on here, I am unsure if I'm inspired to read the next book in the series to see how those loose ends to tie up.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
A definite page-turner. I enjoyed Nancy Weeks's Shadows series so dived right into this book and I was not disappointed. The characters are richly developed and complex. The plot so twisty and turny that I had no idea who could be behind the murder and mayhem. Was it a copycat, or someone masquerading as a copycat to hide their real intentions? Who could our heroine and hero trust? Could they even trust each other? Emersyn was a likeable heroine even though a couple of times I was screaming at the book at some of her actions. But then I've never been shot or targeted by a cold-blooded killer, so who am I to say what I'd do in the circumstances. Alec the hero was strong and tortured and had vowed to Emersyn's father to keep her safe. A vow that was darn hard to fulfill when Emersyn refused to stay out of the investigation into her father's murder and when they had undeniable chemistry between them. The Eyewitness is a truly riveting story and while the romance has a satisfactory happy ending, the suspense plot continues into the next book. I can't wait to read that one. If you like a book that keeps you guessing to the end, grab The Eyewitness.
I read Book 2 of The D'Azzo Family series, The Analyst, first. It had me so drawn in that I had to go back and read Book 1, The Eyewitness. I am glad that I did so. In The Eyewitness, Nancy Weeks thoroughly introduces the characters that I got to know and love in Book 1. She reveals new layers of the characters that are also in Book 2.
The Eyewitness is intensely engaging. It is a thrilling suspense story in which we get the romance end of things too. There is quite a bit of drama and murder as well that adds to the intrigue and mystery. I could not put this book down, and like The Analyst, I read this one in a day. That was back in September. I re-read it today to make sure that I did not forget anything. I did not. I felt the same thrills and aha moments. The characters came right back to me as I read.
Reading this book a second time has me prepared for the next one in the series that features Nathan D'Azzo. I can hardly wait to read Book 3!
I purchased and read this book back in September and then received an ARC copy from Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
This was tense from the beginning! Fabulous plot! Intricate weaving of a story that took place over many years, though we only live through 5 months. The pacing was perfect! Immediate hot kiss, then a murder. More details, action, then more romance, more details, etc. Multiple peaks of intensity and stress. These characters will need therapy. What a ride!
The characters have histories that include pain, but their development is lacking. The plot drives this story and the characters are secondary. The romance isn't organic, and behaviors don't always make sense, especially Alec's 180°. Again, plot driven. The setting is urban where it gets quite cold in the winter; there's nothing distinct to indicate Maryland except it's a copycat of the Beltway Sniper.
Do I need to read books before this one: no Would I read more of the series: yes Cliffhanger: romance, no; murder, yes POSSIBLE TRIGGERS Sex: it happens off page, a little nudity is described Language: 61 F words, 26 Lord's name in vain, 55 S words Violence: shootings, electrical harm, torture, murders, breaking and entering, kidnapping
A police detective's daughter, newly hired at the M.E.'s office, has the hots for his partner, much to the father's chagrin. The attraction is mutual and the partner is walking a fine line between lust and keeping the father happy. But all that changes when the detective is gunned down with the daughter as a witness. in a series of events too stupid to be believed, the daughter withholds information and embarks on her own investigation. She is annoyingly immature. Although there are some good action scenes the overall resolution is disappointing and does nothing but set up the next book. It is nothing like the tv show Blue Bloods, is mired by too many characters. It is neither romantic nor suspenseful.
I received a copy of The Eyewitness from the author and am giving an honest review. I read and thoroughly enjoyed the Shadows and Light series and was happy to see a few of the characters in this book. Meeting Alec, Emersyn, and the rest of the D’Azzo Family makes me want to read the next installment as soon as possible. As in her earlier books, the characters, relationships, and technology are quite compelling, and I get a kick out of the local references to the Maryland/DC area. However, the copy editing continues to be insufficient, and I am frustrated by typos and other errors. Keep up the great characters and family dynamics, Nancy!
A gripping story that kept me awake long into the night, then hooked me back to it early in the morning. The twists and turns that had my head spinning. Awesome. The romance part was . . . Well, from one page to next I didn't know if there was a romance. There were as many twists and turns with that as there was with the case. Between the two there was no way I was leaving this story. I was thrilled when Emersyn and Alec finally wade through their issues to their happy-ever-after. However, the mystery wasn't resolved. Grrr! Arg! There is a couple chapter teaser leading to the next book though. I need to know.
Em is a forensics investigator. Eric is a cop, her father’s partner. Em and Eric find themselves fighting their attraction while trying to unravel the mystery and twisted history behind Em’s father’s murder. Throw in a sniper and you have a thrilling story. Only complaint, Em is portrayed as more out-of-control than reasonable and a hard character to like.
This is the first book in a 3 book series. The romance part is resolved but the mystery continues in the 2nd and 3rd book about Em’s sister, Tessa, and brother, Nathan. No heat, mild bedroom scene, closed door romance.
This book hooked me from the beginning and kept me engaged until the end. The characters were interesting and the situations dynamic. There were enough twists to keep everything moving and exciting without being confusing. There were several unanswered questions, which I'm guessing (hoping) will be answered in the subsequent books. I don't usually like then books set you up to have to read the next book, but this book was good enough I'd want to read the next one anyway. It also tied enough up that it was still a satisfying read without answering all those questions, because while those questions exist, the book didn't end in a cliffhanger.
This book grabbed my attention from page one. An exciting story with edge of your seat suspense that keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next, you think you have it all figured out only to realize you don't. I had a hard time putting it down but needed to so I could go to bed. Great characters that are strong and well developed. The story line keeps you guessing on what will happen. Definitely recommend! This is one of those books I could read again and again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
well done start to a series, although I'm not sure I'd compare it to Blue Bloods (not a criticism, just not how I would sell this.) Em and Alec are a dynamic pair who I look forward to reading more about. Weeks has captured the fear that permeated the DC area during a time when there were snipers roaming free. Good writing, well plotted, definitely worth a read. THanks to edelweiss for the aRC.
I've read every book in Weeks' Shadow series and this author never disappoints. Beginning a new series with the Emersyn D'Azzo story already has me hooked. Every character comes to life and when the action starts, its a page turner that takes me through a gamut of emotions. The chemistry between Emersyn and Alec was unmistakable. And while Weeks resolves some of the mystery in surprising twists and turns, she leaves me in anticipation of the next in the series which I can't wait to read!
Such a great book. I want an Alec of my own. He was so dark and just yum. I really didn't get how Emersyn's dad could take him in, help him and be his partner and yet be so opposed to him liking her? But just a great story with lots of twists and turns. I hope there is another one to help solve what was left open in the end. Either way I just loved this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The D’Azzo clan has ties to various branches and aspects of law enforcement. From forensic scientists to FBI analysts, to undercover ops related to human trafficking.
Personal and professional losses are all personal
Somewhere, with more than one someone they know, there is betrayal and more death.
Intense collection of family drama, wins and losses
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A thriller of a story that leaves you wanting to open that second book to find out more about Shadow Man and the mysterious sniper. While the mystery continues it’s Tessa’s turn to take the lead, will she find love like Em and Alec have ?
The story could have been proofread better, incorrect tenses used and the killer’s surname changed from Larson to Lawson within a paragraph. Easy fixes.
This book was really just about Alex and Em fighting against each other then running away, it was so annoying because it was ridiculous and their reasonings made no sense. Then using her parents rings for their wedding rings, that was just plain creepy!!!! If anything You would think her mother would want to continue to wear hers and then wear her husband’s on a chain around her neck. Or maybe her son or other daughter would want the father’s ring!!
This was my first read by Nancy Weeks and it was riveting! The Eyewitness is a well written mystery with plenty of action to keep the pages turning. Really enjoyed the relationship between Emersyn and Alec and how he fits into her family. I just have to add ... that dance between them ... hot! Can't wait to read the next book.
This book was a wonderful one that takes you through a full range of emotions with the characters. Grief, joy, anger, and love are all described amazingly well. The intrigue and suspense are fabulous.
This is my first book by Nancy C. Weeks but it won't be my last.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this book as it’s my first book by this author. The story is brilliant, it seems well thought out and it very well written. It’s action packed with lots of suspense and romance that all lead to a HEA. I really loved reading this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She unset her father by dancing with his younger partner but seconds later her father is shot dead. all she wants now is to find out who is behind it. They are thrown together but can they learn to trust each other? Will she find out the truth? See how she gets on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Was hooked from the first sentence. The characters are strong and their emotions jump out at you. You feel like you are part of every scene. Just wish I had the whole series on hand...they read well alone but way better as a whole. This is an author to keep on reading
I can promise this book will capture you in the very first pages and you will not want to stop reading even to eat or other important necessary things . A few curse words appropriately placed. Even for someone as conservative as I am. Excellent writing and has a nice love story also. Enjoy.
I loved the eyewitness; its just the perfect combination of romance, crime/ investigation and suspense. You are left wondering who the Shadow man is but at the same time you know that its ok if it never comes up. Because the D'Azzo family are stronger and still together with the new addition. Thank you Ms Weeks.
I’m pretty jaded when it comes to contemporary suspense romance. This one managed to un-Jade me. Many of the usual tropes are there but they just for once didn’t spoil the story. Not going to forget Em and Alec anytime soon. That’s the best compliment I can think of.