What do you think?
Rate this book
Portrait of Death #1
Portrait of Death: Unforgotten
Three years ago, I held her pink silk toe shoe in my hand, helplessly watching the cab drive away before I could give it back to her. The next morning when I stood in front of the portrait drying on my easel, I knew the beautiful ballerina would soon die. Her portrait is one of two hundred and twenty-seven. Each one of the subjects is the victim of murder, and I’ve painted them all. I’ve kept my morbid ability a secret for twenty years, terrified someday, someone would find out.
Someday has arrived, and the someone banging down my door today demanding answers is a gorgeous, irate homicide detective armed with a photo of one of my paintings right there on the front page of the most popular tabloid in the city. He peppers me with questions I can’t answer, and despite my worst fears being realized, all I can think about is painting this man, alive, and with far fewer clothes on.
Detective Callum Graham tells me the dead ballerina I painted is his sister, and she's been missing for three years. Missing, he says firmly, as though any other conclusion is unacceptable. My inappropriate thoughts of seeing him naked, vanish. How do I explain to this man, this brother desperate to find his baby sister alive, that she’s been dead for two years, eleven months, and three weeks?
AUTHOR'S NOTE
There have been allegations made by unnamed individuals who have not read this book in its entirety, as to the so-called ‘political rant’ included in this novel and a singular remark of “lord cheeto” which has caused these same unnamed individuals to take offense. I have copied directly from the manuscript the alleged inflammatory remark and so-called political rant, to allow future readers to have—in context—access to the passage in question and judge for themselves whether reading the entire novel is worth their time, without having to rely on false news.
The passage in question is located on page 9.
"After Elliot’s death, I thought the curse had ended. I went six years without painting another portrait of someone’s death and moved to Manhattan the year I turned seventeen.
I hadn’t been there for six months before I tore a stub of paper off a flyer advertising puppies for sale and came to hours later with a brand new, gruesome painting drying on my easel.
I still didn’t know how or why, but several times a year, I’d carelessly pick up something without even thinking about it, and a few days later, there would be a new painting down here in my crypt.
It was my secret.
One I hadn’t ever intended to share with the world, but thanks to a backstabbing, money-grubbing, coke-snorting, no good son of a b**** ex-boyfriend, my crypt and my paintings were the hottest tabloid story to hit the stands since Lord Cheeto made office.
In the last week, everyone I considered a friend abandoned me like rats fleeing from a sinking ship. Only Nigel, my very well paid assistant and agent, stuck by me.
He told me all press was good press, no matter how bad it seemed.
He’s just trying to keep me from running off to a deserted island in the Caymans.
Did I forget to mention the POD paintings are all murder victims?
Yeah. That’s a treat, huh?
Once the initial panic and feelings of betrayal faded, and after I changed the locks and updated my security system, I knew someone would come to investigate.
I had a room full of dead people, murdered people, framed on canvases in my basement.
I just didn’t expect the person to be the older brother of a murdered woman whose Portrait of Death hung on the wall in my crypt.
Someday has arrived, and the someone banging down my door today demanding answers is a gorgeous, irate homicide detective armed with a photo of one of my paintings right there on the front page of the most popular tabloid in the city. He peppers me with questions I can’t answer, and despite my worst fears being realized, all I can think about is painting this man, alive, and with far fewer clothes on.
Detective Callum Graham tells me the dead ballerina I painted is his sister, and she's been missing for three years. Missing, he says firmly, as though any other conclusion is unacceptable. My inappropriate thoughts of seeing him naked, vanish. How do I explain to this man, this brother desperate to find his baby sister alive, that she’s been dead for two years, eleven months, and three weeks?
AUTHOR'S NOTE
There have been allegations made by unnamed individuals who have not read this book in its entirety, as to the so-called ‘political rant’ included in this novel and a singular remark of “lord cheeto” which has caused these same unnamed individuals to take offense. I have copied directly from the manuscript the alleged inflammatory remark and so-called political rant, to allow future readers to have—in context—access to the passage in question and judge for themselves whether reading the entire novel is worth their time, without having to rely on false news.
The passage in question is located on page 9.
"After Elliot’s death, I thought the curse had ended. I went six years without painting another portrait of someone’s death and moved to Manhattan the year I turned seventeen.
I hadn’t been there for six months before I tore a stub of paper off a flyer advertising puppies for sale and came to hours later with a brand new, gruesome painting drying on my easel.
I still didn’t know how or why, but several times a year, I’d carelessly pick up something without even thinking about it, and a few days later, there would be a new painting down here in my crypt.
It was my secret.
One I hadn’t ever intended to share with the world, but thanks to a backstabbing, money-grubbing, coke-snorting, no good son of a b**** ex-boyfriend, my crypt and my paintings were the hottest tabloid story to hit the stands since Lord Cheeto made office.
In the last week, everyone I considered a friend abandoned me like rats fleeing from a sinking ship. Only Nigel, my very well paid assistant and agent, stuck by me.
He told me all press was good press, no matter how bad it seemed.
He’s just trying to keep me from running off to a deserted island in the Caymans.
Did I forget to mention the POD paintings are all murder victims?
Yeah. That’s a treat, huh?
Once the initial panic and feelings of betrayal faded, and after I changed the locks and updated my security system, I knew someone would come to investigate.
I had a room full of dead people, murdered people, framed on canvases in my basement.
I just didn’t expect the person to be the older brother of a murdered woman whose Portrait of Death hung on the wall in my crypt.
427 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2019
75 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Isabel Wroth
20 books422 followersSalutations!
I just wanted to let the folks know that I don't very often find myself on the ol' Goodreads site. I have too many social media accounts to keep up with and a new website.
If you have questions about books, updates, or want to share what's on your mind, you're better off hitting me up via email or Facebook. Or visiting my website!
Happy Reviewing,
~Isabel
I just wanted to let the folks know that I don't very often find myself on the ol' Goodreads site. I have too many social media accounts to keep up with and a new website.
If you have questions about books, updates, or want to share what's on your mind, you're better off hitting me up via email or Facebook. Or visiting my website!
Happy Reviewing,
~Isabel
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
September 18, 2019
What a wonderful surprise!!!
I loved Ms. Wroth's SF romances, and I started this one RS with trepidation, afraid that it will not be as good. I've never been happier to be wrong!!
This reminded me of one of my favorit series: Brown and De Luca by Maggie Shayne.
Jo was similar to Rachel, but where Rachel is blind, Jo was in an asylum being treated because she could paint murdered people before they're murdered!
Jo is a wounded woman, basically afraid she'd be put again in an asylum, but she's not afraid to rant against the detective! I loved her rants! She just unburden herself bluntly and I loved her for not being afraid!
The story is interesting and the dialogue very well done, well balanced with inner thoughts and action.
Callum, the hero, is said detective - a willful and forceful man who's just perfect to balance Jo's insecurities and fears. He's also not afraid to speak bluntly or to accuse Jo of being the serial killer when he's shown her Portraits of Death! ;)
When to strong will conflict, sparks fly! It was so, so fun!!!
The mistery part was good to and it unraveled in a logical fashion.
Also the secondary characters were well described and I liked them very much! I thought that Callum's parents were Jo and Callum in the future! LOL
I'll be looking forward to the next book, hoping I'll find out who killed Jo's little brother!
I loved Ms. Wroth's SF romances, and I started this one RS with trepidation, afraid that it will not be as good. I've never been happier to be wrong!!
This reminded me of one of my favorit series: Brown and De Luca by Maggie Shayne.
Jo was similar to Rachel, but where Rachel is blind, Jo was in an asylum being treated because she could paint murdered people before they're murdered!
Jo is a wounded woman, basically afraid she'd be put again in an asylum, but she's not afraid to rant against the detective! I loved her rants! She just unburden herself bluntly and I loved her for not being afraid!
The story is interesting and the dialogue very well done, well balanced with inner thoughts and action.
Callum, the hero, is said detective - a willful and forceful man who's just perfect to balance Jo's insecurities and fears. He's also not afraid to speak bluntly or to accuse Jo of being the serial killer when he's shown her Portraits of Death! ;)
When to strong will conflict, sparks fly! It was so, so fun!!!
The mistery part was good to and it unraveled in a logical fashion.
Also the secondary characters were well described and I liked them very much! I thought that Callum's parents were Jo and Callum in the future! LOL
I'll be looking forward to the next book, hoping I'll find out who killed Jo's little brother!
September 27, 2019
Fuck the hero! Fuck the heroine too because she apologized for his screw up! Why the fuck she needed to apologize for? He’s the one who didn’t answer her phone calls for a week and when she left for Paris for 3 weeks he’s pissed because she left? And she’s like “I’m so sorry” and crying and jumping him! Fuck him and her! Stupid ass woman! Let him grovel! Let him crawl through glass while begging for your forgiveness!
I hate when the heroine has to beg for forgiveness when she wasn’t the one who screwed up!
I hate when the heroine has to beg for forgiveness when she wasn’t the one who screwed up!
September 24, 2019
One of the most original books I’ve ever read and one of the best of 2019. Isabel wroth is an absolute genius. Full stop.
Quick plot summary: This story starts with a strong af heroine named Josephine, who was a child prodigy painter and learned that she has a psychic ability that comes out through her art; she can tell if someone is about to be murdered by picking up a personal object of theirs. When an ex-boyfriend exposes her secret paintings, word gets out and in comes the hero. Callum is a headstrong private detective who's sister was murdered 3 years ago and he hasn't given up the case yet. He highly suspects Josephine has somethign to do with it. From there, they work together to find the real killer, by utilizing Jo's psychic gifts.
Characters:
Heroine was fucking amazing. Loved her. Strong and confident. Had a healthy, casual sex life before hero. You know what else I liked about her? She was the rich one in the MC's dynamic. How many times do we have to read a poor h and a rich H??! NOT THIS BOOK.
Hero was also spectacular. All of Wroth's hero's are so incredibly devoted to their heroines and the chemistry is off the fucking charts.
The villain... no spoilers on this one. A book can only be as good as the villain and this one had depth.
I recommend to all that want something out of the box and original. The romance is so sweet and the plot is captivating. Read this quote and tell me you dont want to read this:
"I hear every woman learns at a young age how to fake it for the sake of a man's ego."
Safety:
Completely safe.
Sexually active heroine
Not a manwhore Hero
No cheating
No other people after meeting
No OW/OM drama
Heroine was attacked by the killer so some physical abuse.
No sexual abuse.
1 month of seperation
Slight push and pull. The MC's like to push each others buttons and they argue alot, but in a really sexy way :)
Quick plot summary: This story starts with a strong af heroine named Josephine, who was a child prodigy painter and learned that she has a psychic ability that comes out through her art; she can tell if someone is about to be murdered by picking up a personal object of theirs. When an ex-boyfriend exposes her secret paintings, word gets out and in comes the hero. Callum is a headstrong private detective who's sister was murdered 3 years ago and he hasn't given up the case yet. He highly suspects Josephine has somethign to do with it. From there, they work together to find the real killer, by utilizing Jo's psychic gifts.
Characters:
Heroine was fucking amazing. Loved her. Strong and confident. Had a healthy, casual sex life before hero. You know what else I liked about her? She was the rich one in the MC's dynamic. How many times do we have to read a poor h and a rich H??! NOT THIS BOOK.
Hero was also spectacular. All of Wroth's hero's are so incredibly devoted to their heroines and the chemistry is off the fucking charts.
The villain... no spoilers on this one. A book can only be as good as the villain and this one had depth.
I recommend to all that want something out of the box and original. The romance is so sweet and the plot is captivating. Read this quote and tell me you dont want to read this:
"I hear every woman learns at a young age how to fake it for the sake of a man's ego."
Safety:
Completely safe.
Sexually active heroine
Not a manwhore Hero
No cheating
No other people after meeting
No OW/OM drama
Heroine was attacked by the killer so some physical abuse.
No sexual abuse.
1 month of seperation
Slight push and pull. The MC's like to push each others buttons and they argue alot, but in a really sexy way :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2019
First of all, I love everything Isabel Wroth writes and have read almost all of her books. Even when I don't love everything about the story, I still love her writing and imagination. She's got something special.
This book is a bit of a paranormal/romance/suspense/mystery. The blurb is enough to suck you in and the story keeps your attention.
Jo was a child prodigy with a talent for painting. At a young age she discovered her "gift". Jo has a gift (or a curse, if you ask her) that gives her the ability to paint a person's death after touching an item that they have also touched. When she painted her 1 year-old brother's drowning death at the age of 10, she tried to warn her parents, urging them to keep him away from water, to keep him safe. All this got her was 2 years, locked in an asylum being sedated and treated with electroshock therapy. And still her brother died.
As an teen, she successfully sued her parents for emancipation and for all her money they had squandered, living off their cash cow daughter. As an adult, she continues to paint and is very successful but she avoids people, trusting few and living in fear of having an "episode". You see, she's still painting Portraits of Death, or PODs as she calls them. When an ex blabs to the tabloids about her hidden room of portraits, she comes to the attention of the police, particularly a surly detective who is looking into the murder of his younger sister.
I loved the first half of the book as we learn about Jo and who she is, her past, her experiences, and her sense of powerlessness to do anything to change or help the deaths of innocents. Detective Callum Graham is still grieving his sister and is very sceptical of any psychic powers. These two have crazy UST and sparks fly whenever they are together. Cal can be a really big donkey butt and says and does some really hurtful things to Jo. I wanted to strangle him a time or five. Luckily for the reader, Jo is no doormat and gives as good as she gets. There are some really great moments where Jo explains a few things to Cal that had me cheering. She really lets him have it! Cal does learn from his mistakes, is truly remorseful, and to top it all off, is sexy as hell, so it's easy to forgive him.
The main weakness of the story is the suspense/mystery plot. The story shines when we are reading about Jo, her gift, her dreams about a murderer girl, but the search for the serial killer and the discovery of clues was weak, obvious, and not really that interesting. I can excuse the book it's lack of suspense because I was so drawn to the characters and I was loving the developing romance. I just didn't really care about the serial killer subplot and was relieved when that part was over. I really loved that the mystery is resolved fairly early near the end and we are given chapters of time with Jo and Cal figuring their relationship out, and getting closure for Cal and his family. It was like a really long and satisfying epilogue.
The book has some terrific secondary characters, Nigel, her assistant/agent, John and Marcy, Cal's parents who show her love and friendship like she's never experienced.
If you are a fan of Isabel Wroth you will love this book. If you can manage your expectations for the mystery plot and just enjoy the ride, you'll love this book.
Safety:
This book is a bit of a paranormal/romance/suspense/mystery. The blurb is enough to suck you in and the story keeps your attention.
Jo was a child prodigy with a talent for painting. At a young age she discovered her "gift". Jo has a gift (or a curse, if you ask her) that gives her the ability to paint a person's death after touching an item that they have also touched. When she painted her 1 year-old brother's drowning death at the age of 10, she tried to warn her parents, urging them to keep him away from water, to keep him safe. All this got her was 2 years, locked in an asylum being sedated and treated with electroshock therapy. And still her brother died.
As an teen, she successfully sued her parents for emancipation and for all her money they had squandered, living off their cash cow daughter. As an adult, she continues to paint and is very successful but she avoids people, trusting few and living in fear of having an "episode". You see, she's still painting Portraits of Death, or PODs as she calls them. When an ex blabs to the tabloids about her hidden room of portraits, she comes to the attention of the police, particularly a surly detective who is looking into the murder of his younger sister.
I loved the first half of the book as we learn about Jo and who she is, her past, her experiences, and her sense of powerlessness to do anything to change or help the deaths of innocents. Detective Callum Graham is still grieving his sister and is very sceptical of any psychic powers. These two have crazy UST and sparks fly whenever they are together. Cal can be a really big donkey butt and says and does some really hurtful things to Jo. I wanted to strangle him a time or five. Luckily for the reader, Jo is no doormat and gives as good as she gets. There are some really great moments where Jo explains a few things to Cal that had me cheering. She really lets him have it! Cal does learn from his mistakes, is truly remorseful, and to top it all off, is sexy as hell, so it's easy to forgive him.
The main weakness of the story is the suspense/mystery plot. The story shines when we are reading about Jo, her gift, her dreams about a murderer girl, but the search for the serial killer and the discovery of clues was weak, obvious, and not really that interesting. I can excuse the book it's lack of suspense because I was so drawn to the characters and I was loving the developing romance. I just didn't really care about the serial killer subplot and was relieved when that part was over. I really loved that the mystery is resolved fairly early near the end and we are given chapters of time with Jo and Cal figuring their relationship out, and getting closure for Cal and his family. It was like a really long and satisfying epilogue.
The book has some terrific secondary characters, Nigel, her assistant/agent, John and Marcy, Cal's parents who show her love and friendship like she's never experienced.
If you are a fan of Isabel Wroth you will love this book. If you can manage your expectations for the mystery plot and just enjoy the ride, you'll love this book.
Safety:
September 28, 2019
After reading damn why is life often disappointing? I thought I would give this book atleast 4 stars
A more detailed review to follow.
While reading
10% in I am already completely hooked and intrigued.
The storyline is so unique and freaking orginal- honestly this should be a movie. The heroine has a psychic ability - if she touches a object touched by a person who is going to die soon- something takes over her, hours pass in a second, she blinks and suddenly she has painted their murder scene down to the last detail. Yeah, ALL OF THEM ARE MURDER VICTIMS. Which presents a lot of problems for her. Its definitely a curse- her parents send her to a physchiartic asylum where she was basically tortured for 2 years. Now that her secret is out to the world thanks to a scumbag ex boyfriend, all her friends have abandoned her and the police is knocking at her doorstep, forcing her to prove her innocence.
One of the detective is our hero. And currently, he is (obviously) hostile, suspicious and angry at the women he suspects maybe the behind the "disappearance" of his sister. Yep, one of the person she has painted, includes H's sister, meaning she is already dead.
Can't wait for the romance!
I have extremely high expectations now. Let's see this continues.
The heroine was a millionaire at age 8! DAMN. I love super talented, successful, rich gals. It's always the guy who is.
A more detailed review to follow.
While reading
10% in I am already completely hooked and intrigued.
The storyline is so unique and freaking orginal- honestly this should be a movie. The heroine has a psychic ability - if she touches a object touched by a person who is going to die soon- something takes over her, hours pass in a second, she blinks and suddenly she has painted their murder scene down to the last detail. Yeah, ALL OF THEM ARE MURDER VICTIMS. Which presents a lot of problems for her. Its definitely a curse- her parents send her to a physchiartic asylum where she was basically tortured for 2 years. Now that her secret is out to the world thanks to a scumbag ex boyfriend, all her friends have abandoned her and the police is knocking at her doorstep, forcing her to prove her innocence.
One of the detective is our hero. And currently, he is (obviously) hostile, suspicious and angry at the women he suspects maybe the behind the "disappearance" of his sister. Yep, one of the person she has painted, includes H's sister, meaning she is already dead.
Can't wait for the romance!
I have extremely high expectations now. Let's see this continues.
The heroine was a millionaire at age 8! DAMN. I love super talented, successful, rich gals. It's always the guy who is.
October 6, 2019
2.5 stars.
The mystery itself was decent, but the development of it wasn't great. I think the storytelling style of this author, which includes long monologues, doesn't lend itself to subtlety and, IMHO, that's what a well executed mystery needs to have.
However, I did enjoy a heroine who wasn't a damsel. Despite her low self esteem, she has a spine for the things that counted. With the exception of a rage-inducing moment at the end, I liked her and admired her.
The hero, was a jerk and I didn't like him much. I also didn't like the fact that the h would forget about the many legitimate reasons she had for being mad at him just because he was good looking and great in bed.
I liked that there was no OP drama in this book. Neither were virgins and you don't get any of the H's past, other than he preferred blonds who didn't call him out on his boorish behaviour.
One star for a pretty strong h who didn't take anyone's crap (most of the time), one for no OP drama, and half a star for the mystery.
The mystery itself was decent, but the development of it wasn't great. I think the storytelling style of this author, which includes long monologues, doesn't lend itself to subtlety and, IMHO, that's what a well executed mystery needs to have.
However, I did enjoy a heroine who wasn't a damsel. Despite her low self esteem, she has a spine for the things that counted. With the exception of a rage-inducing moment at the end, I liked her and admired her.
The hero, was a jerk and I didn't like him much. I also didn't like the fact that the h would forget about the many legitimate reasons she had for being mad at him just because he was good looking and great in bed.
I liked that there was no OP drama in this book. Neither were virgins and you don't get any of the H's past, other than he preferred blonds who didn't call him out on his boorish behaviour.
One star for a pretty strong h who didn't take anyone's crap (most of the time), one for no OP drama, and half a star for the mystery.
April 8, 2023
This was a fun one! I love psychic hs and especially love the trope when it includes a disbelieving asshole detective H but I wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I did. I liked both characters a lot and the story was pretty heartfelt. I would have liked to have seen the H grovel for some of the shit he did but at the same time I appreciated the h being loving and forgiving and not wanting to beat him when he was already down. It’s evident just how sorry he was so that really helped. Usually I don’t really connect with the victims in these mystery stories, I connect with the MCs more, but the author did such a good job of endearing us to Mia. I was really invested in the psychic connection and the mystery of her death.
Overall: 3.5 because sometimes the h got a bit OTT that it verge on feeling antic-y and not genuine.
Overall: 3.5 because sometimes the h got a bit OTT that it verge on feeling antic-y and not genuine.
December 11, 2021
3.75 stars
It was a really good read. Good characters and interesting storyline. I liked the heroine’s character- she was smart, resourceful and not a doormat (well, most of the time).
**spoiler**
I was a little annoyed towards the ending when the hero’s big apology turned into the heroine apologising instead. Grr. The heroine also couldn’t stay mad at the hero cos he was too sexy 🙄
Otherwise, I really quite enjoyed the book.
Re-read Dec 2021
It was still a really good read. Engaging writing, interesting characters and great storyline. The hero/heroine apology thing didn’t annoy me as much this time. So the romance was better too.
4 maybe even 4.5 stars.
It was a really good read. Good characters and interesting storyline. I liked the heroine’s character- she was smart, resourceful and not a doormat (well, most of the time).
**spoiler**
I was a little annoyed towards the ending when the hero’s big apology turned into the heroine apologising instead. Grr. The heroine also couldn’t stay mad at the hero cos he was too sexy 🙄
Otherwise, I really quite enjoyed the book.
Re-read Dec 2021
It was still a really good read. Engaging writing, interesting characters and great storyline. The hero/heroine apology thing didn’t annoy me as much this time. So the romance was better too.
4 maybe even 4.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2019
Amazing. I'm not one to write reviews because i'm not really good at it. But this books deserves a big "wow". I'm so glad i've read it and i can't wait for the next one. I love this authour writting technique and stories.
August 26, 2019
Started out strong, reminded me 2 Linda Howard books, where one was Sweeny who painted in trance dead people in their last moment and other Linda book where detective smooched it up with vitness/psycic. It was a good meshup for 60% of book or so and then it kinda felt flat. Ending was boring for me
February 27, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Not emotionally able to describe and talk about this masterpiece. But I'll say this...
It's one of the most perfectly described stories, and one of the most perfectly balanced books I've ever. EVER. Read.
Not emotionally able to describe and talk about this masterpiece. But I'll say this...
It's one of the most perfectly described stories, and one of the most perfectly balanced books I've ever. EVER. Read.
October 25, 2023
Reread: 9/23. 4-4.25 stars. I still enjoy this series a lot. It is so unique and enjoyable.
Original review: 9/19. 4-4.25 stars.
Quickie review: Wow, this was really good and unique. I was totally engrossed in this romantic suspense story about an somewhat-psychic artist who paints portraits of people who are going to die/have died after touching something the person touched. This is also a romance between the artist, Jo, and the brother of one of her subjects, a police detective named Callum whose sister was murdered. I really enjoyed both the romance and the mystery. I loved both Callum and Jo. I definitely felt the slow burn love and connection between them. This book does end in an HFN. I am a little weary that this is going to be a series, because I don't want anything to happen to Jo and Callum's relationship. But I will continue reading more books in the series because I really like the premise and the suspense storyline.
Original review: 9/19. 4-4.25 stars.
Quickie review: Wow, this was really good and unique. I was totally engrossed in this romantic suspense story about an somewhat-psychic artist who paints portraits of people who are going to die/have died after touching something the person touched. This is also a romance between the artist, Jo, and the brother of one of her subjects, a police detective named Callum whose sister was murdered. I really enjoyed both the romance and the mystery. I loved both Callum and Jo. I definitely felt the slow burn love and connection between them. This book does end in an HFN. I am a little weary that this is going to be a series, because I don't want anything to happen to Jo and Callum's relationship. But I will continue reading more books in the series because I really like the premise and the suspense storyline.
September 27, 2019
First pages was intriguing, but after that story slipped down. Characters was so exaggerated in their behavior, that my eyes are hurting from rolling. H&h fell in love instantly, after that book was Page after page boring and laughable in the worst way possible. I'm dissapointed, such great idea turned out to so flat.
October 14, 2019
Really enjoyed the story but hated the love story. It didn't work for me at all and hated the lovey parts and wish the it would have stayed on track of portraits and mystery instead. Not all books need a love interest and I think they would have been better off as friends.
January 20, 2021
Nowhere near as good as Queen’s Ransom. Not sure what was different when she wrote that book but it’s not in this one. Nor in the Sarazen Saga series.
Read
November 27, 2019I am utterly obsessed with this book / series.
It's so original, so interesting, so twisty, and the tension between the hero and heroine had me completely gripped - in addition to the already super gripping story. This is hands down one of the best books I've read this year and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
It's so original, so interesting, so twisty, and the tension between the hero and heroine had me completely gripped - in addition to the already super gripping story. This is hands down one of the best books I've read this year and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
August 2, 2019
Now I know this author from her great sci fi romance reads. I am not a fan of murder mystery or crime books at all, they remind me of a past long term profession I had and reading books of those genres generally feels too much like ( old ) work... HOWEVER after reading the blurb... I was intrigued.
Trigger warnings for those that need them, this is not a light and fluffy read. It involves death and serial killers...take from that what you will.
This book had me hooked from the start, with a underpinning paranormal theme and vibe that was delivered by our leading lady's perspective. I could not put this book down.
I loved Jo she was a great female lead... funny, smart and sensitive. Her personal story is one that is filled with heartbreak, pain and loss. Our main man, Cal is a wonderful mix of grumpy, grouchy, sexy he-man. He has his own personal mission and tale of sadness. Their interactions were not only emotive but funny and an absolute pleasure to read. Their connection and chemistry was phenomenally crafted and I loved the almost slow burn build up🔥🔥
I was not prepared for the feels that this book unleashed on me but my god it was an emotional rollercoaster that was so worth the read!
It's a story that breaks your heart to pieces and then puts it back together. Making even the 'toughest' of Book Pimps shed a tear or two ( FYI it's me...I'm the Book Pimp... I cried buckets!! )
I was ecstatic to learn that there will be a sequel and am looking forward to the next instalment!
Trigger warnings for those that need them, this is not a light and fluffy read. It involves death and serial killers...take from that what you will.
This book had me hooked from the start, with a underpinning paranormal theme and vibe that was delivered by our leading lady's perspective. I could not put this book down.
I loved Jo she was a great female lead... funny, smart and sensitive. Her personal story is one that is filled with heartbreak, pain and loss. Our main man, Cal is a wonderful mix of grumpy, grouchy, sexy he-man. He has his own personal mission and tale of sadness. Their interactions were not only emotive but funny and an absolute pleasure to read. Their connection and chemistry was phenomenally crafted and I loved the almost slow burn build up🔥🔥
I was not prepared for the feels that this book unleashed on me but my god it was an emotional rollercoaster that was so worth the read!
It's a story that breaks your heart to pieces and then puts it back together. Making even the 'toughest' of Book Pimps shed a tear or two ( FYI it's me...I'm the Book Pimp... I cried buckets!! )
I was ecstatic to learn that there will be a sequel and am looking forward to the next instalment!
July 27, 2019
3.5 stars
hands down it was such a great read, it's been a really long time for me since i've read a book like this it deserve the stars it got . the psychic was good i loved every time the FL got a version and the said part was presented in a good way that kept me as a reader hunging for more and i did wanted to see more of it .
FL : loved her simple as it is she had a very sad past and a awful parents but she still turnd into such amazing women , even thought she was rich but she was humble . true her gift or curse as you want to see was not something that came with a manuelle as how you use it or handle it but our FL was trying to deal with it as good as she can.
ML : this was one of sad part of the book for me and it is why i did not give it 4s because we didn't have the ML point of view , i wanted to see what's going on with him but we only got his POV for one chap at the end .
no need to say he was not very wolcoming with FL psy GIFT he was somtimes rude but to bee honest i did not hate him , after all it was his sis that went missing for 3 years and sure no one believe it easly when some say i have a gift!
he was protective of the FL and a good guy at hart
so yes you got me i'm going to wait for the sec book in the series and i hope it's like this one or even better
hands down it was such a great read, it's been a really long time for me since i've read a book like this it deserve the stars it got . the psychic was good i loved every time the FL got a version and the said part was presented in a good way that kept me as a reader hunging for more and i did wanted to see more of it .
FL : loved her simple as it is she had a very sad past and a awful parents but she still turnd into such amazing women , even thought she was rich but she was humble . true her gift or curse as you want to see was not something that came with a manuelle as how you use it or handle it but our FL was trying to deal with it as good as she can.
ML : this was one of sad part of the book for me and it is why i did not give it 4s because we didn't have the ML point of view , i wanted to see what's going on with him but we only got his POV for one chap at the end .
no need to say he was not very wolcoming with FL psy GIFT he was somtimes rude but to bee honest i did not hate him , after all it was his sis that went missing for 3 years and sure no one believe it easly when some say i have a gift!
he was protective of the FL and a good guy at hart
so yes you got me i'm going to wait for the sec book in the series and i hope it's like this one or even better
August 30, 2019
I would like a 10 , 15 or 20 ☆☆☆☆☆☆ please ! This book deserves at least 20 ☆☆☆☆'s
I seen a remark of this book on one of the pages I frequent. In between books , I got it . Started reading. Couldn't put it DOWN !!
What an awesome book !!
Jo is a young woman who was a
child prodigy at painting ! What only her parents and Doctors knew , was that she was able to paint grisly, macabre death scenes !
In actuality, Jo was somewhat of a painting physic. She had the ability to touch something as innocuous as a thrown towel, from a disgruntled man, and paint Exactly how he died. Creepy . She has a whole room of paintings such as these. By a weird coincidence, a few of these paintings ends up in a tabloid . So , of Course the Cops come a knocking !!!!
Detective Callium Graham cant Believe that in this den of death , there is a picture of his Sister !!!!!
So Jo has better start talking !!!!!
What happens next is a thrilling tale of heartbreak and attraction, and freaky connections that keeps the reader on their toes !! Fior me , I like to try and figure out
"Whodunnit " . It was an epic adventure in this book !!!
Sooooo looking forward to the next book !!!! Thank you Isobel Wroth for a fantastic read !!!
I seen a remark of this book on one of the pages I frequent. In between books , I got it . Started reading. Couldn't put it DOWN !!
What an awesome book !!
Jo is a young woman who was a
child prodigy at painting ! What only her parents and Doctors knew , was that she was able to paint grisly, macabre death scenes !
In actuality, Jo was somewhat of a painting physic. She had the ability to touch something as innocuous as a thrown towel, from a disgruntled man, and paint Exactly how he died. Creepy . She has a whole room of paintings such as these. By a weird coincidence, a few of these paintings ends up in a tabloid . So , of Course the Cops come a knocking !!!!
Detective Callium Graham cant Believe that in this den of death , there is a picture of his Sister !!!!!
So Jo has better start talking !!!!!
What happens next is a thrilling tale of heartbreak and attraction, and freaky connections that keeps the reader on their toes !! Fior me , I like to try and figure out
"Whodunnit " . It was an epic adventure in this book !!!
Sooooo looking forward to the next book !!!! Thank you Isobel Wroth for a fantastic read !!!
July 31, 2019
Wow!
All her life, Josephine has hidden her curse from even her best friend. She sees death, and not just any death, but murders. When she touches something belonging to a person who is fated to die a violent death, she paints their death. But who would believe her? Suddenly her skill is outed by an angry ex and she's thrust into the investigation of a missing woman, the subject of one of her paintings. The woman's brother, a homicide detective, comes to Jo for answers. During the course of the investigation, Jo is accused of being the killer, attacked by the real killer, finds family where she least expected it, finds love and betrayal, and finally justice. The killer is portrayed with just the right amount of creepy skin crawling insanity. The story was fantastic. The characters well-written and the story fast paced. There was humor, suspense, and grief. I can't wait for the next one!
All her life, Josephine has hidden her curse from even her best friend. She sees death, and not just any death, but murders. When she touches something belonging to a person who is fated to die a violent death, she paints their death. But who would believe her? Suddenly her skill is outed by an angry ex and she's thrust into the investigation of a missing woman, the subject of one of her paintings. The woman's brother, a homicide detective, comes to Jo for answers. During the course of the investigation, Jo is accused of being the killer, attacked by the real killer, finds family where she least expected it, finds love and betrayal, and finally justice. The killer is portrayed with just the right amount of creepy skin crawling insanity. The story was fantastic. The characters well-written and the story fast paced. There was humor, suspense, and grief. I can't wait for the next one!
July 26, 2019
A new, exciting direction for Ms. Wroth!
Most of my reading is Sci-fi romance, with a scattering of shapeshifter paranormal. After sampling the first chapter of this mystery/romance, I had to have it! Intense! Every single moment.
What a life this artist has had! Jo endured years of meaningless abuse in the name of mental health, abandoned by family. It’s no wonder she keeps away from others so much. Such strength she has, to move forward with her life. I love her assistant, Nigel. Nigel is the most awesome best friend ever! Secrets revealed bring Detective Callum Graham to investigate. I’m ambivalent toward him at first, but he grows on me (and Jo 😄).
The story held me firmly in its grasp to the very end. All the prominent characters are well-developed, leaving me eager for more stories about them. I’ll be waiting!
Most of my reading is Sci-fi romance, with a scattering of shapeshifter paranormal. After sampling the first chapter of this mystery/romance, I had to have it! Intense! Every single moment.
What a life this artist has had! Jo endured years of meaningless abuse in the name of mental health, abandoned by family. It’s no wonder she keeps away from others so much. Such strength she has, to move forward with her life. I love her assistant, Nigel. Nigel is the most awesome best friend ever! Secrets revealed bring Detective Callum Graham to investigate. I’m ambivalent toward him at first, but he grows on me (and Jo 😄).
The story held me firmly in its grasp to the very end. All the prominent characters are well-developed, leaving me eager for more stories about them. I’ll be waiting!
July 26, 2019
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
As usual another awesome story! But I have to thank the author for finally creating the lead female character that is built like me. I read A LOT of romance. And the women are mostly built small everywhere, large everywhere, or large b**bs with small frames. This is the first book I've read with the woman having large wide hips and butt with little to no b**bs. Every woman is built differently so why does everyone assume that a large backside equals large breasts? So Thank You! As for the story? It made me cry, laugh, and curse. You can't get better than that. Awesome job!!! Can't wait for the next book.
As usual another awesome story! But I have to thank the author for finally creating the lead female character that is built like me. I read A LOT of romance. And the women are mostly built small everywhere, large everywhere, or large b**bs with small frames. This is the first book I've read with the woman having large wide hips and butt with little to no b**bs. Every woman is built differently so why does everyone assume that a large backside equals large breasts? So Thank You! As for the story? It made me cry, laugh, and curse. You can't get better than that. Awesome job!!! Can't wait for the next book.
July 24, 2019
This book held me so spellbound I could not put it down. Jo had a horrible past and now her secrets are out there for everyone to see. Callum is a tough, determined homicide detective who has no clue how his life is about to change. Mia's story and resolution made me cry.
Engaging plot, fascinating characters, beautiful writing, this book was one hell of a journey: I laughed, cried, and might have even spoken out loud to these people once, or twice (I haven't done that in a long long time while reading a book).
Engaging plot, fascinating characters, beautiful writing, this book was one hell of a journey: I laughed, cried, and might have even spoken out loud to these people once, or twice (I haven't done that in a long long time while reading a book).
August 8, 2019
Whoa!
I wasn't sure i would like this type of story, but it was amazing! It was really suspenseful and had some very moving parts in it. I might've teared up a bit a few times. The romance was well balanced with the mystery and I was surprised by the reveal. My only concern is that future books won't have much of the romantic development if they follow the same main characters. I would rather have each book focus on a new set of main characters who come together while solving a mystery. I would recommend this book as long as the reader is ok with very dark themes.
I wasn't sure i would like this type of story, but it was amazing! It was really suspenseful and had some very moving parts in it. I might've teared up a bit a few times. The romance was well balanced with the mystery and I was surprised by the reveal. My only concern is that future books won't have much of the romantic development if they follow the same main characters. I would rather have each book focus on a new set of main characters who come together while solving a mystery. I would recommend this book as long as the reader is ok with very dark themes.
July 24, 2019
Just wow!
I’ve read the sarazen series which is one of my favorites and just had to give this new book of Wroth’s a try. I’m not one to leek spoilers and I won’t start now but if you’re looking for a little mystery and a new type of psychic paranormal story; you can stop looking and read PoD.
There were small grammar edits but nothing too drastic to take away from the story.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!!!!
I’ve read the sarazen series which is one of my favorites and just had to give this new book of Wroth’s a try. I’m not one to leek spoilers and I won’t start now but if you’re looking for a little mystery and a new type of psychic paranormal story; you can stop looking and read PoD.
There were small grammar edits but nothing too drastic to take away from the story.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!!!!
August 19, 2019
Isabel Wroth, I kinda hate you.
You made me cry. Again. You made me stay up all night. Again. You're awesome. You also kinda suck. Thanks for the many hours of great reading! I'm really very conflicted about getting hooked on another amazing series. And I am sincerely grateful that you always provide top notch entertainment. I KNOW it's a crapton of hard, not fun work to get a book published. So thank you again. I can't wait to read book two!
You made me cry. Again. You made me stay up all night. Again. You're awesome. You also kinda suck. Thanks for the many hours of great reading! I'm really very conflicted about getting hooked on another amazing series. And I am sincerely grateful that you always provide top notch entertainment. I KNOW it's a crapton of hard, not fun work to get a book published. So thank you again. I can't wait to read book two!
October 1, 2019
I actually enjoyed the psychic aspect of the story. I enjoyed Jo. She wasn’t a pushover and gave as good as she got. She went thru a lot as a child and as an adult and still saw things in a relatively positive manner. The H was an ass at first but eventually chills out and comes around. The story kept me engaged and left enough of a mystery to want to read the next book. I seriously want to know about her brother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2019
OMG
One of the best murder/romance books I have read. Both sides are equally handled with exquisite ease by this author. Both M/Cs are compelling characters with off the chart chemistry. I love her other series but this has become my new favorite. Bravo Ms. Worth for writing a mystery and making me freaking love it.
One of the best murder/romance books I have read. Both sides are equally handled with exquisite ease by this author. Both M/Cs are compelling characters with off the chart chemistry. I love her other series but this has become my new favorite. Bravo Ms. Worth for writing a mystery and making me freaking love it.
July 22, 2019
A sexy and suspenseful story
An awesome mystery that kept me hooked from beginning to end. I love Jo, the psychic heroine and Callum, the cynical hero. Their chemistry is off the charts and the romance is just steamy enough. I highly recommend this if you are looking to switch up genres!
An awesome mystery that kept me hooked from beginning to end. I love Jo, the psychic heroine and Callum, the cynical hero. Their chemistry is off the charts and the romance is just steamy enough. I highly recommend this if you are looking to switch up genres!
July 31, 2019
Could not put it down!
Kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end! I had a hard time putting the book down to work or sleep, the suspense of what would happen next kept me latched on. A very good read, even for those new to this author.
Kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end! I had a hard time putting the book down to work or sleep, the suspense of what would happen next kept me latched on. A very good read, even for those new to this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews