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Deadly Switch
**A mysterious text preluding murder. A globe-trotting suspect on the run. Can a young woman end the killing before her past buries her future?**
Vancouver, BC. Investigative reporter Jordan Stone loathes her estranged dad. But when he oddly messages her from out of the blue, she puts her bitterness aside for a slim chance to reconnect. Yet upon her arrival at his lavish mansion, all she finds is a stranger’s cooling corpse.
With her missing father now accused of homicide and embezzling millions, Jordan’s attempts to expose the truth only land her on the hit list. Desperate to discover who is really pulling the
strings, she races to Italy to revisit her miserable childhood… knowing she’s drawing the attention of a cold-blooded killer.
Can she crack the case before she joins the skeletons in her family’s closet?
Vancouver, BC. Investigative reporter Jordan Stone loathes her estranged dad. But when he oddly messages her from out of the blue, she puts her bitterness aside for a slim chance to reconnect. Yet upon her arrival at his lavish mansion, all she finds is a stranger’s cooling corpse.
With her missing father now accused of homicide and embezzling millions, Jordan’s attempts to expose the truth only land her on the hit list. Desperate to discover who is really pulling the
strings, she races to Italy to revisit her miserable childhood… knowing she’s drawing the attention of a cold-blooded killer.
Can she crack the case before she joins the skeletons in her family’s closet?
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2013
114 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Karen Dodd
3 books22 followersKaren Dodd is the award-winning author of the Stone Suspense novels and the upcoming Nicoló Moretti thriller series (release date: early 2021).
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For new releases and a free book, join Karen's VIP Readers Club:
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FULL LIST OF BOOKS:
Stone Suspense Novels:
Deadly Switch
Scare Away the Dark
A Nicolo Moretti Thriller (NEW SERIES COMING SOON!)
Amazon: books2read.com/u/bxZ5AP
Facebook: http://bit.ly/KarenDodd-Facebook
Instagram: https://bit.ly/KarenDodd-Instagram
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/KarenDodd-Pinterest
For new releases and a free book, join Karen's VIP Readers Club:
https://karendodd.com/vip-club/
FULL LIST OF BOOKS:
Stone Suspense Novels:
Deadly Switch
Scare Away the Dark
A Nicolo Moretti Thriller (NEW SERIES COMING SOON!)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
October 13, 2018
Deadly Switch is about love, jealousy, family secrets and murder. Jordan Leighton came to visit her estranged father Gavin Stone to found a body in his bed. Jordan Leighton did not know what to think was her father guilty of murder or not. For Jordan Leighton, things did not add up, so Jordan starts to investigate find out the truth. However, what Jordan Leighton found out would devastate Jordan and changed her life forever. The readers of Deadly Switch will continue to follow the twists and turns of Jordan Leighton investigation.
Deadly Switch is the first book I have read of Karen Dodd, and I did enjoy reading this book. I like Karen Dodd portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout the book. Deadly Switch was well written and researched by Karen Dodd. I found the plot of Deadly Switch exciting and it engaged me from the first page. The way Karen Dodd describes her sittings did a fantastic job of ensuring I became part of the background of this book.
The readers of Deadly Switch will learn about the Witness Protection Program and how it affects everyone involved. Also, the readers of Deadly Switch will start to understand what some people will do to have children.
Thank you to Karen Dodd and Voracious Readers for my ARC copy of this book for an honest review. I recommend this book.
Deadly Switch is the first book I have read of Karen Dodd, and I did enjoy reading this book. I like Karen Dodd portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout the book. Deadly Switch was well written and researched by Karen Dodd. I found the plot of Deadly Switch exciting and it engaged me from the first page. The way Karen Dodd describes her sittings did a fantastic job of ensuring I became part of the background of this book.
The readers of Deadly Switch will learn about the Witness Protection Program and how it affects everyone involved. Also, the readers of Deadly Switch will start to understand what some people will do to have children.
Thank you to Karen Dodd and Voracious Readers for my ARC copy of this book for an honest review. I recommend this book.
November 23, 2022
GRIPPING! Caught and held my attention from the very first page. Filled with glorious rollercoaster twists and turns.
Kudos
Kudos
June 10, 2018
The intrigue is well written as is the romance. The descriptions of Italy are
enticing and the suspense cleverly handled. A couple of the peripheral
characters I felt were superfluous but didn’t detract from the story. A good
debut novel.
Voracious Readers Only forwarded this book to me.
Linda R.
enticing and the suspense cleverly handled. A couple of the peripheral
characters I felt were superfluous but didn’t detract from the story. A good
debut novel.
Voracious Readers Only forwarded this book to me.
Linda R.
January 9, 2014
Deadly Switch pulls you right into this sinister storyline with intrigue written all over it. It is a fast paced adventure that takes you from one place to another seamlessly.The details leave a clear view of the scenery around you. This adventure grabs your attention and holds you captive throughout. This is a thrilling murder mystery that keeps you guessing all the way through.
The writing is impeccable and the dialog is smooth, clever, inviting and straightforward leaving you curious at the same time thoroughly entertained.
This is an extremely smart suspenseful mystery that I ate up in one sitting. It was hard to pull myself away from the ever expanding drama that was building minute by minute.
"Inspector Hunter, I don't see how my personal life is any of your business. However, to answer your question, I don't know why he wanted to meet. His text just said it was urgent and he would explain when I got here."
The writing is impeccable and the dialog is smooth, clever, inviting and straightforward leaving you curious at the same time thoroughly entertained.
This is an extremely smart suspenseful mystery that I ate up in one sitting. It was hard to pull myself away from the ever expanding drama that was building minute by minute.
"Inspector Hunter, I don't see how my personal life is any of your business. However, to answer your question, I don't know why he wanted to meet. His text just said it was urgent and he would explain when I got here."
February 13, 2019
From the windswept shores of Vancouver's richest neighbourhood to the tropical sun of Italy, Ms. Dodd takes readers on a mysterious, intriguing adventure with memorable characters, compelling twists and a fantastic ending. I can't wait to keep going with this series!
June 10, 2018
This was a nice story with some twists and turns. The characters were well developed and believable. I didn’t care for the use of cliché catch phrases, but that’s a personal preference.
There were several smaller subplots within the book, making the reader wonder how it was all going to be tied together. The author managed this task quite
There were several smaller subplots within the book, making the reader wonder how it was all going to be tied together. The author managed this task quite
June 19, 2019
I received a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.
Thoroughly enjoyed the book from start to finish. I was taken in by the intrigue from the start and had trouble putting the book down. Loved the characters.
Thoroughly enjoyed the book from start to finish. I was taken in by the intrigue from the start and had trouble putting the book down. Loved the characters.
August 6, 2018
Received this book via Voracious readers in return for a honest review.
This is a very sophisticated novel, there is romance, suspense, twists and turns, especially with the sub plots in the storyline. Believable characters throughout, i couldn't put it down
This is a very sophisticated novel, there is romance, suspense, twists and turns, especially with the sub plots in the storyline. Believable characters throughout, i couldn't put it down
September 17, 2018
I received a review copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers. The author goes into great detail when describing events and places which might have taken away from the element of suspense. The book was a good read but I felt that it was a slow read.
March 3, 2019
Deadly Switch starts with a body, a missing person and a young woman who wants to find out the truth. While this is an exciting beginning and this book takes it's readers from Vancouver to Italy and California, it fails to deliver any real excitement.
However, apart from the over zealous use of complicated vocabulary (eg milquetoast) in the first few chapters, this book is very well written and is a pleasure to read because of this. The main character, Jordan, is well developed and believable. Instead of discovering all her answers with jaw-dropping acuity, the book is more of a slow-boiler and some answers are only revealed in the final chapters.
I look forward to reading the next book in Karen Dodd's Stone series, hoping that Jordan moves out of discovering her personal background and investigating mysteries further afield.
I was able to read a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review, due to the generosity of the author and Voracious Readers Only.
However, apart from the over zealous use of complicated vocabulary (eg milquetoast) in the first few chapters, this book is very well written and is a pleasure to read because of this. The main character, Jordan, is well developed and believable. Instead of discovering all her answers with jaw-dropping acuity, the book is more of a slow-boiler and some answers are only revealed in the final chapters.
I look forward to reading the next book in Karen Dodd's Stone series, hoping that Jordan moves out of discovering her personal background and investigating mysteries further afield.
I was able to read a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review, due to the generosity of the author and Voracious Readers Only.
December 29, 2013
Sophisticated and intricate, this debut novel by Karen Dodd starts with a bang, and keeps you turning the page right to the end. It has intrigue, romance on a number of levels, and an inside look at the high stakes of real estate development that I haven't seen before. Her characters jump off the page, and no matter what danger they're facing, you can't help but be involved. I particularly loved Dodd's description of the settings. Whether she was describing West Vancouver,British Columbia, Carmel, California or Tropea in Calabria, Italy, I felt she had an intimate knowledge of these places, which immersed me even deeper in the story. Karen Dodd is an author to watch.
June 8, 2018
This was a very well-written, suspenseful novel. I appreciate that the author was careful to indicate the setting and date of each chapter at the outset. This made it easy to follow the order in which the action took place.
There is plenty of action in the novel, as well as insight into the backstory. Still, the author holds back plenty of details so the novel's denouement contains some surprises.
Most of the characters are well-developed and come across as being realistic, but there are a couple of exceptions. I felt that two or three characters sort of dangled in the wind - they had a purpose in the plot, but I felt that more development would have rendered them more impactful to the reader.
I also found that some elements of the plot were wrapped up rather too neatly and quickly for my taste. These stray bits could have been left as unknowns (because life is like that) or they could have been edited out - they ended up seeming more distracting than central to the plot as far as I'm concerned.
As this is the beginning of a series, it would have been logical that some of these threads and characters could have been given better - more thorough - treatment in a later installment as a continuation of the events of this book (although I do appreciate that this novel can be appreciated as a stand-alone piece of work).
I am also not sold on the author's choice of shifting the perspective of the story. While it did add depth and understanding to two characters, it simply overplayed the importance of another character - I expected that character to have a much bigger impact and was confused when that didn't happen. I also felt that the backstory sections would have worked better had they been condensed. This hindered the storyline in the present - too much of this information remains hidden from the main character. I felt this ultimately left too many bolts out of nowhere in the resolution of the novel - I felt cheated as there were no hints for the reader to puzzle out the truth. (I like having a fair shot at figuring stuff out for myself).
This is a good start to a promising series, although I'm really not sure what direction the author will take this.
I received a free copy through Voracious Readers only.
There is plenty of action in the novel, as well as insight into the backstory. Still, the author holds back plenty of details so the novel's denouement contains some surprises.
Most of the characters are well-developed and come across as being realistic, but there are a couple of exceptions. I felt that two or three characters sort of dangled in the wind - they had a purpose in the plot, but I felt that more development would have rendered them more impactful to the reader.
I also found that some elements of the plot were wrapped up rather too neatly and quickly for my taste. These stray bits could have been left as unknowns (because life is like that) or they could have been edited out - they ended up seeming more distracting than central to the plot as far as I'm concerned.
As this is the beginning of a series, it would have been logical that some of these threads and characters could have been given better - more thorough - treatment in a later installment as a continuation of the events of this book (although I do appreciate that this novel can be appreciated as a stand-alone piece of work).
I am also not sold on the author's choice of shifting the perspective of the story. While it did add depth and understanding to two characters, it simply overplayed the importance of another character - I expected that character to have a much bigger impact and was confused when that didn't happen. I also felt that the backstory sections would have worked better had they been condensed. This hindered the storyline in the present - too much of this information remains hidden from the main character. I felt this ultimately left too many bolts out of nowhere in the resolution of the novel - I felt cheated as there were no hints for the reader to puzzle out the truth. (I like having a fair shot at figuring stuff out for myself).
This is a good start to a promising series, although I'm really not sure what direction the author will take this.
I received a free copy through Voracious Readers only.
December 11, 2018
I received a review copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers. I am a huge fan of thrillers and I was excited to read this book. It did not disappoint. This is a well written, suspenseful story. The main characters were well rounded and believable. The story had a lot of twists and turns, almost too many, as I felt at times it was hard to tell where the story was going. The story moved well and I’m glad the author titled each chapter with place names and dates - otherwise it would have been very confusing. I did feel that at times the story felt a little disjointed and confusing, maybe because so much of the story was in the past and told from the father’s perspective. I expected the bulk of the story to be set in the present with more emphasis placed on the main character, Jordan, and her journey, but this is simply my own personal opinion based on the original synopsis I read about the book.
The author spent a lot of time describing in very great detail the various locations, scenery and surroundings, which I did appreciate, but I personally felt at times that these details and descriptions were distracting from the action, but again this is a personal preference- I prefer books that are more action and dialogue driven - not so heavy on descriptions of scenery.
But all that aside, this is a solid, entertaining story with plenty of twists and turns. A good start to a series and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
The author spent a lot of time describing in very great detail the various locations, scenery and surroundings, which I did appreciate, but I personally felt at times that these details and descriptions were distracting from the action, but again this is a personal preference- I prefer books that are more action and dialogue driven - not so heavy on descriptions of scenery.
But all that aside, this is a solid, entertaining story with plenty of twists and turns. A good start to a series and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
January 27, 2024
A combination of detective fiction and romance, Deadly Switch will appeal to fans of both genres
My first impressions weren't hugely positive as it took me a while to warm to the protagonist Jordan, an ambitious journalist who is estranged from her father Gavin Stone. Somewhat suprisingly (given that initially we're only aware of Jordan's perception of him), I engaged more easily with his story and it was the development of Gavin's relationship with Kathryn that drew me into the body of the novel. The author's descriptions of Italy in particular brought the narrative to life and in the scene where the couple have dinner with friends on the terrace, I felt I could almost have been there with them.
There are plenty of twists to keep you guessing within the crime element of the story, although for me there was one 'big reveal' that I had anticipated from a much earlier stage.
I would recommend the book and suggest that even if it is a little slow to start with, it's well worth it to persevere as the pace does significantly improve quite quickly.
In the interest of transparency, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and independent review.
My first impressions weren't hugely positive as it took me a while to warm to the protagonist Jordan, an ambitious journalist who is estranged from her father Gavin Stone. Somewhat suprisingly (given that initially we're only aware of Jordan's perception of him), I engaged more easily with his story and it was the development of Gavin's relationship with Kathryn that drew me into the body of the novel. The author's descriptions of Italy in particular brought the narrative to life and in the scene where the couple have dinner with friends on the terrace, I felt I could almost have been there with them.
There are plenty of twists to keep you guessing within the crime element of the story, although for me there was one 'big reveal' that I had anticipated from a much earlier stage.
I would recommend the book and suggest that even if it is a little slow to start with, it's well worth it to persevere as the pace does significantly improve quite quickly.
In the interest of transparency, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and independent review.
February 7, 2022
I got a free copy of this book through The author using a website called voracious.
So I have to say at first I didn’t like the beginning and then I start getting interested in the story of Jordan and her father. We go from present day to all of a sudden going into 1985. And all I could think about was why are we talking about the past. Because of the title of the book I cannot help but wonder if maybe Jordan’s mother was not her mother, or she was switched at birth, or maybe she was a little girl from the orphanage but then the age didn’t match up. I was trying to think of any possible reason why we are talking about the past and her dad’s affair. And then I realize I am addicted to finishing this book. So I have to say overall I don’t like it I do have questions. I feel like I know who the bad guy is but then I’m very confused as if it’s the person I think it is what happened to their wife. I don’t think that ever gets explained. Unless it turns out it’s not the person I’m thinking about. So I’m kind of confused.
Overall I think it’s a very good read and others will enjoy
So I have to say at first I didn’t like the beginning and then I start getting interested in the story of Jordan and her father. We go from present day to all of a sudden going into 1985. And all I could think about was why are we talking about the past. Because of the title of the book I cannot help but wonder if maybe Jordan’s mother was not her mother, or she was switched at birth, or maybe she was a little girl from the orphanage but then the age didn’t match up. I was trying to think of any possible reason why we are talking about the past and her dad’s affair. And then I realize I am addicted to finishing this book. So I have to say overall I don’t like it I do have questions. I feel like I know who the bad guy is but then I’m very confused as if it’s the person I think it is what happened to their wife. I don’t think that ever gets explained. Unless it turns out it’s not the person I’m thinking about. So I’m kind of confused.
Overall I think it’s a very good read and others will enjoy
January 6, 2024
Oh what tangled webs we weave when we are practicing to deceive.
This could be the motto of this book! Nothing is what it seems to be and you can't take anything for face value.
Jordan Stone does not like her father from whom she has been estranged for many years! She gets a text from him out of the blue wanting to see her and she obliges (even though she's not sure she should)
When she arrives at the lavish home, she finds a dead body in her father's bed and no sign of her father.
Being a reporter, she has to find out what is going on and who is behind all this. There are so many places and people that she needs to find in order to get to the truth! Will she find out before she becomes another victim?
This book was a great read and takes to you places you would love to visit. Well written and detailed it was a pleasure to turn the pages and find out what was going to happen next.
I received a copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers for my honest review!
This could be the motto of this book! Nothing is what it seems to be and you can't take anything for face value.
Jordan Stone does not like her father from whom she has been estranged for many years! She gets a text from him out of the blue wanting to see her and she obliges (even though she's not sure she should)
When she arrives at the lavish home, she finds a dead body in her father's bed and no sign of her father.
Being a reporter, she has to find out what is going on and who is behind all this. There are so many places and people that she needs to find in order to get to the truth! Will she find out before she becomes another victim?
This book was a great read and takes to you places you would love to visit. Well written and detailed it was a pleasure to turn the pages and find out what was going to happen next.
I received a copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers for my honest review!
March 6, 2019
I got a copy of this book from VoraciousReadersOnly for an honest review.
I normally do not read thrillers or crime novels but I thought that I wanted to try something different so I decided to pick this up. This book had crime, murder, and romance all bundled up into one book that was overall an easy and fast paced read.
The setting: Italy- it made me want to go there so badly. I have always wanted to go to Italy and I felt that I really enjoyed the parts that were set there.
There were other settings in the book also and I think the author did a nice job in making sure you knew where and when you were. Each chapter that changed was labeled so you did not have to spend time guessing what was going on.
At first when the back story started I was so interesting in knowing what happened and who did it that I felt a little not interesting in it. However after a chapter or two I really found myself enjoying learning about what happened in the past.
I normally do not read thrillers or crime novels but I thought that I wanted to try something different so I decided to pick this up. This book had crime, murder, and romance all bundled up into one book that was overall an easy and fast paced read.
The setting: Italy- it made me want to go there so badly. I have always wanted to go to Italy and I felt that I really enjoyed the parts that were set there.
There were other settings in the book also and I think the author did a nice job in making sure you knew where and when you were. Each chapter that changed was labeled so you did not have to spend time guessing what was going on.
At first when the back story started I was so interesting in knowing what happened and who did it that I felt a little not interesting in it. However after a chapter or two I really found myself enjoying learning about what happened in the past.
March 14, 2020
I received this book from Voracious Readers fora n honest review. This was book one of a new series. We are introduced to Jordan Leighton who is a new journalist at her paper who desperately wants to to be a reporter for the criminal element. Jordan receives a text message from her estranged father and goes to his house where she finds a dead body. Jordan begins to wonder what her father has done as he also seems to be missing. While investigating Jordan discovers that everything she knows about her life is wrong. She delves deeper into her father's life she learns long kept secrets. She ends up traveling to Italy where she finds potential love and more questions with not enough answers. As I read this book I wanted to know more and get the answers. By the end I was disappointed that I still had questions that need answers! I will be looking for the next book in this series to see if it answers some of the questions I have remaining.
February 2, 2023
I received this book through voracious readers only, in exchange for an unbiased review.
I was attracted by the CanLit factor and must say I enjoyed reading about West Vancouver/Vancouver as places I know well. Having the story move around the world a bit was fun and I have a hankering to head to Tropea, Italy!
I found the story itself to be a compelling mystery. Well written, all the details and loops closed in the end. Interesting characters for the most part. My only quibble was with the protagonist, Jordan seemed to be a bit immature and a bit of a whiner for someone her age. But perhaps that is what happens to privileged white gals? I also wasn't sure of the significance of her repeated stomach issues. I guess a physical symptom of her underlying anxiety, however I found it annoying rather than adding anything to the story itself. Small issues from my perspective as a reader. I would read other books by this author. Perhaps another Stone mystery???
I was attracted by the CanLit factor and must say I enjoyed reading about West Vancouver/Vancouver as places I know well. Having the story move around the world a bit was fun and I have a hankering to head to Tropea, Italy!
I found the story itself to be a compelling mystery. Well written, all the details and loops closed in the end. Interesting characters for the most part. My only quibble was with the protagonist, Jordan seemed to be a bit immature and a bit of a whiner for someone her age. But perhaps that is what happens to privileged white gals? I also wasn't sure of the significance of her repeated stomach issues. I guess a physical symptom of her underlying anxiety, however I found it annoying rather than adding anything to the story itself. Small issues from my perspective as a reader. I would read other books by this author. Perhaps another Stone mystery???
July 4, 2018
Received a complimentary copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only but will be downloading more by this author as loved every single moment of this story.
From the first moment that our heroine finds the body of a stranger in her estranged fathers house you find yourself being sucked into a wealthy idyllic lifestyle where holidaying in Italy is for the whole of the summer and not the normal 2 weeks. The characters have such depth that you find yourself caring what happens to them as if they were your friends. The places are so well described that you believe that you are there with them smelling all the wonderful aromas and seeing the beautiful sites, instead of huddled on the sofa while its pouring down with rain!
A brilliantly woven story that combines the past and present to reach a surprising twist that you don’t see coming.
From the first moment that our heroine finds the body of a stranger in her estranged fathers house you find yourself being sucked into a wealthy idyllic lifestyle where holidaying in Italy is for the whole of the summer and not the normal 2 weeks. The characters have such depth that you find yourself caring what happens to them as if they were your friends. The places are so well described that you believe that you are there with them smelling all the wonderful aromas and seeing the beautiful sites, instead of huddled on the sofa while its pouring down with rain!
A brilliantly woven story that combines the past and present to reach a surprising twist that you don’t see coming.
June 15, 2021
When Jordan Leighton is invited unexpectedly to her estranged father’s home, she finds a stranger’s body. With her father missing, he is a prime suspect and Jordan, a junior reporter and aspiring investigative journalist, decides to delve into her father’s affairs to find out what really happened. The trail takes her back to her birth town in Italy and into the centre of a tangled web of deceit that stretches decades into her parents’ past.
Initially a little slow-moving, this story becomes much more of a page-turner as it progresses and I found myself hoping that Jordan would deal with her demons and exonerate her father. This story had a twist I thought I had seen coming, but it surprised me and took a very different direction (in a good way – sometimes plot twists are a stretch of the imagination too far, but this was not).
An engrossing, suspenseful story with plenty of twists.
Initially a little slow-moving, this story becomes much more of a page-turner as it progresses and I found myself hoping that Jordan would deal with her demons and exonerate her father. This story had a twist I thought I had seen coming, but it surprised me and took a very different direction (in a good way – sometimes plot twists are a stretch of the imagination too far, but this was not).
An engrossing, suspenseful story with plenty of twists.
October 29, 2023
A solid mystery / crime thriller, that delivers it's best when the setting is Italy.
Unfortunately, for me, the main character Jordan seemed very naive, and I really had trouble relating to her - maybe it's just that she seems very short-tempered and quick to jump to conclusions without thinking them through. Perhaps this was used as a way to portray the impetuousness of youth? Whether or not it was, I found her tendency to yell or argue with other characters' and their attempts to help her somewhat unlikeable.
Everything else though is good: a competent plot, with enough action and a few twists to keep it interesting; and the other characters are well sketched, some with sufficiently various shades of grey so that you can never be entirely sure which side of the line they'll end up on.
Many thanks to the author and VRO for the copy on which this review is based.
Unfortunately, for me, the main character Jordan seemed very naive, and I really had trouble relating to her - maybe it's just that she seems very short-tempered and quick to jump to conclusions without thinking them through. Perhaps this was used as a way to portray the impetuousness of youth? Whether or not it was, I found her tendency to yell or argue with other characters' and their attempts to help her somewhat unlikeable.
Everything else though is good: a competent plot, with enough action and a few twists to keep it interesting; and the other characters are well sketched, some with sufficiently various shades of grey so that you can never be entirely sure which side of the line they'll end up on.
Many thanks to the author and VRO for the copy on which this review is based.
September 7, 2018
A page turner that kept me up until the wee hours. Deadly Switch was fast paced and suspenseful with splashes of romance, adventure and assorted bad guys with nefarious motives. The main characters were well rounded and I appreciated her deftly handling the complexity of their humanity.The dialogue flowed and the story for the most part kept me engaged.
I wish the author had not tried to wrap up so many of the frayed threads of a few minor characters quite so tidily. I wanted to be left wondering about them especially as Deadly Switch is the first book in a series not the last.
I look forward to reading more by Dodd and thank her and Voracious Readers Only for the opportunity to read and offer my review.
I wish the author had not tried to wrap up so many of the frayed threads of a few minor characters quite so tidily. I wanted to be left wondering about them especially as Deadly Switch is the first book in a series not the last.
I look forward to reading more by Dodd and thank her and Voracious Readers Only for the opportunity to read and offer my review.
January 22, 2019
I received a copy for review through Voracious Readers Only. I enjoyed this book, although it took me some time to get interested in the character. Good descriptions of the locales and action and likeable characters. The end of the book seems rushed, trying to wrap everything up and not leave any character unaccounted for. The time span is necessary for the story but makes some of the action in the 'present' seem excessive. If I had invested money with Jordan's father, I wouldn't be waiting over 25 years to take action to find out what happened to it. The authorities have been waiting all these years to catch villains and Jordan, unknowingly, asks a few questions and ultimately closes the case for them.
February 2, 2022
A solid 3.5, rounded up to 4.
I liked this one! It seemed to cross a few genres as there was a murder mystery, but also a but of a contemporary fiction book enfolded in this. I did not agree with / like the MC nor her choices, and I didn't really understand the reveal as it seemed a bit far-fetched, though perhaps it was just me. I did think this could either have lost a section or added a few more pages to even out the pacing. The middle 30% seemed to take quite a long time and the last 30% went by too quickly for me. Regardless, this was an incredibly imaginative and well-written book with an intriguing mystery at its core.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this one! It seemed to cross a few genres as there was a murder mystery, but also a but of a contemporary fiction book enfolded in this. I did not agree with / like the MC nor her choices, and I didn't really understand the reveal as it seemed a bit far-fetched, though perhaps it was just me. I did think this could either have lost a section or added a few more pages to even out the pacing. The middle 30% seemed to take quite a long time and the last 30% went by too quickly for me. Regardless, this was an incredibly imaginative and well-written book with an intriguing mystery at its core.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2023
This is a unique debut novel that features infidelity, Mafia involvement with a land developer's business and family and a deadly deception of Jordan Stone's birth details as she grapples to help solve the investigation of a dead body in her father's house. All these ingredients add up for an intriguing and absorbing read. The writer adroitly weaves a twisted plot and after the mystery is cleared and the dust settles, breaths forth a surprising conclusion at the end of the narrative. The suspense ride is impactful and it will hit you subtly along the course of the story. This is a different type of thriller that could draw a following from crime aficionados and could possibly spawn a series of books.
July 14, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.
Jordan Leighton finds herself embroiled in a mystery that spans almost three decades and three countries. As the plot thickens, Jordan has many decisions to make relative to new information surfacing around every corner.
I cannot believe that this is this a debut novel for this author. This was a gripping mystery that had me wanting more and more with every page I read. I literally could not put this book down and managed to finish it in less than a day's time. If you enjoy mystery novels, this should be on your to read list - you won't be disappointed.
Jordan Leighton finds herself embroiled in a mystery that spans almost three decades and three countries. As the plot thickens, Jordan has many decisions to make relative to new information surfacing around every corner.
I cannot believe that this is this a debut novel for this author. This was a gripping mystery that had me wanting more and more with every page I read. I literally could not put this book down and managed to finish it in less than a day's time. If you enjoy mystery novels, this should be on your to read list - you won't be disappointed.
April 26, 2019
Jordan discovers a dead body, and her estranged father is the prime suspect. She then is tasked to write a report at work on an embezzlement case - involving her father. She tries to find out more about this case by travelling to Italy, where her father had business in the past, but ends up finding more about her own past than she ever knew.
In this book you get the present story of Jordan, as well as a detailed look at the backstory of her father. It had some twists, and kept you guessing. I enjoyed this story.
In this book you get the present story of Jordan, as well as a detailed look at the backstory of her father. It had some twists, and kept you guessing. I enjoyed this story.
August 12, 2021
This was an offering from Voracious Readers and that description certainly fits. Jordan Leighton discovers a dead body in her estranged father's house and the story entices you in from there. As with any good mystery/thriller, it would be churlish to give the story away. However, why is she estranged from her father? Why is her surname Leighton and not Stone? Why did someone try to run her off the road? How does a holiday in Italy years ago have such puzzling and frightening consequences? Get your favourite drink and a comfortable chair and enjoy.
September 30, 2022
Fantastic! This book is full of suspense, and is very intriguing! A page turner from start to finish. Having downloaded this novel via Voracious Readers Only, a new to me author, I was pleasantly surprised.
The writing was excellent, the characters are well developed, and the book is full of unexpected plot twists that you don’t see coming. I do personally think the ending could have used a bit more oomph. However, it was a good read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the writing styles of John Grisham, Lee Child, or Karen Slaughter.
The writing was excellent, the characters are well developed, and the book is full of unexpected plot twists that you don’t see coming. I do personally think the ending could have used a bit more oomph. However, it was a good read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the writing styles of John Grisham, Lee Child, or Karen Slaughter.
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