Ensnared

Detectives in Space #2

by Clare Solomon

Is time running out for both a missing girl and Reese?

The kidnapping case should be straightforward for the Prince Detective Agency, but it is anything but due to the victim’s father who refuses to pay the ransom and the abductor who seems able to move about invisibly.

In the meantime, just as he and Nick are getting closer, a man from Reese’s past shows up who threatens to reveal everything he has kept hidden and destroy the life he has created aboard The Prince.

Find out what happens in the second thrilling adventure in this science-fiction mystery series.

151 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2020

About the author

Clare Solomon began writing novels nearly three decades ago, when she was a teenager. She has worked in a variety of jobs, including legal secretary and sales advisor, while continuing to write and trying and failing to get a traditional publisher for her work. She has had a short play performed by the local amateur dramatics group and recorded on local radio and came joint first place in a local writing competition. This inspired her to self-publish and she is thrilled to be able to finally share her novels with actual real people.

Reviews

[Susan Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ensnared (Detectives in Space 2) by Clare Solomon lives up to the promise of the first book in the series. Nick and Reese must solve the kidnapping of a wealthy young alien on a space station, so there is lots of room for different species and family dynamics. Interestingly, it is partly the family issues that bring out some facets of the main characters’ pasts. The other part is a character from Reese’s childhood. It was fun to watch Nick and Reese weather the reveals and solve the case at the same time. There was a major twist at the end of the story that sets up the action of the third book, which can’t come soon enough!

[Elaine White · Rating 4 out of 5]

** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine

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Ensnared
Detectives in Space, Book 2
by Clare Solomon

★★★★☆
152 Pages
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Content Warning: mentions of death, violence, kidnapping, poverty, child slavery


With intrigue, mystery and romance in the air, nothing in smooth sailing in Ensnared, the second book in the Detectives in Space series, from Clare Solomon. The picks up right where Book 1 left off, with death, murder, and mysterious events aboard the Prince Detective Agency spaceship.

As before, I loved the mystery and how twisted the plot of the investigation was. It kept me guessing all throughout the novel, never sure of where it was going, or who was at fault. I did pick up a few clues and guess a few things, as I went along, but the eventual reveal was a nice surprise. There was a lot of that going on – mysteries not fully solved until the last minute.

And this series is another one of those mysteries. The books lead from one into the next, with the case resolved in each book, but the chemistry, the tension between characters and their backgrounds still an resolved mystery by the end of each book. With each installment of the series, we learn a little bit more. Book 1 introduced us to Reese's true purpose aboard The Prince; Book 2 tells us more about his background. Now, what I really want to know is the truth of Nick and Poppy's past, and see a little more between Nick and Reese than a kiss.

The chemistry built in a slow burn in Book 1, between Nick and Reese. At the time, Reese was under strict orders, and it made sense when they didn't progress into a relationship with each other. Reese was firmly planted in the Captain's cabin, for one. Now, with the Captain gone, it was the perfect time for Reese to make his move...except circumstances got in the way. The case took precedence, and rumours emerged as to his true past, thanks to an old acquaintance who made a perfect villain. So, be prepared. If you were expecting some hot stuff going on here, you'll be disappointed. It takes 87% just for them to kiss, but...while I would have loved more and was rooting for more, I much preferred the story taking precedence and spending that focus on an interesting plot.

When it comes to the side characters, I still don't like Poppy, which is fine. I have no incentive to like or love her, so I don't mind about that. I loved Tanya, who was a mystery from the start, right from her first appearance in Book 1 to the end of Book 2. The twists around Tanya were brilliant, and I loved them. I love her. I can't wait to see more of her.

Downfalls? There were still some editing issues, BUT they were much less than the previous book, and I absolutely acknowledge that the book is an ARC, so things may be changed before publication. Which, I have high hopes for, because this is a great series, and I'm now firmly rooted in the author's style. I'm excited to get more books by Clare Solomon, to further explore their ability to create intricate worlds and good story pacing. It's refreshing to see an author put the story before the romance.

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Favourite Quotes

“The idea made sense but it wouldn't have occurred to him: Nick's sharp mind was both impressive and sexy.”

“It was time to find out the truth about the death of Baltid Athens and he wondered uneasily who amongst the crew of The Prince would turn out to be the man's murderer.”