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Fatal #9
Fatal Frenzy
Inauguration day is almost here…
Lieutenant Sam Holland is on medical leave, recovering from an attack that shook her to the core. With no case to distract her, she’s trying to stay busy—even voluntarily meeting with her new White House staff. But it’s not enough to keep the horrific memories at bay, and her family is worried, especially her husband, Vice President Nick Cappuano. Nick is dealing with his own demons where his wife’s safety is concerned, losing night after night of sleep as he takes steps to ensure what happened that day will never happen again. The pressure is building inside the Cappuanos’ marriage, and something’s got to give before Nick takes the oath of office. A series of knife attacks in the midst of inauguration madness has the District on edge, and when the case strikes shockingly close to home, Sam returns to help hunt down a heartless killer. In a case full of ugly twists and turns, Sam will have to confront her past and find her strength again…before it’s too late.
Lieutenant Sam Holland is on medical leave, recovering from an attack that shook her to the core. With no case to distract her, she’s trying to stay busy—even voluntarily meeting with her new White House staff. But it’s not enough to keep the horrific memories at bay, and her family is worried, especially her husband, Vice President Nick Cappuano. Nick is dealing with his own demons where his wife’s safety is concerned, losing night after night of sleep as he takes steps to ensure what happened that day will never happen again. The pressure is building inside the Cappuanos’ marriage, and something’s got to give before Nick takes the oath of office. A series of knife attacks in the midst of inauguration madness has the District on edge, and when the case strikes shockingly close to home, Sam returns to help hunt down a heartless killer. In a case full of ugly twists and turns, Sam will have to confront her past and find her strength again…before it’s too late.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2015
1024 people are currently reading
1352 people want to read
About the author
Marie Force
209 books8,438 followersMarie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and erotic romance. Her series include Gansett Island, Fatal, Treading Water, Butler Vermont and Quantum.
Her books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Speigel bestseller in Germany.
Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.
Join Marie’s mailing list on her website at marieforce.com for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/marieforceauthor/. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.
Her books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Speigel bestseller in Germany.
Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.
Join Marie’s mailing list on her website at marieforce.com for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/marieforceauthor/. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 364 reviews
July 21, 2024
2024 Update
I listened to the story this second go round. My original comments stand and the story was even more enjoyable because of the outstanding narration by Kaminsky.
2016 Review
As Sam and Nick prepare for the upcoming inauguration, she's still recuperating from her physical and emotional injuries sustained from Stahl's assault. Clearly suffering silently from the effects of PTSD, Sam wonders if she'll ever be able to return to the job. In the meantime, her team is grappling with a tough case that appears to be a potential serial killer at large.
This was a gripping story addressing some very tough issues, including PTSD, survivors guilt and grief. Sam's path back wasn't easy and she's still a work in progress. I liked how her situation was addressed even if her recovery seemed a little fast. Of course, her husband, Nick, the Vice President-Elect is always the perfect balm for anything that ails you.
The book is aptly titled with all the inauguration preparation wrapped around the normal chaos associated with Sam's job. I liked that the fusion of that with her role as Second Lady was dealt with much more realistically. There are many heartwarming moments interspersed with the tragic ones, making this a much more interesting and layered story, if not terribly exciting. (I needed a break after the last book.)
I'm still in love with this series and looking forward to the next phase of Sam and Nick's lives. We were also left with a sense of coming political intrigue, just enough to leave me wanting.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
I listened to the story this second go round. My original comments stand and the story was even more enjoyable because of the outstanding narration by Kaminsky.
2016 Review
As Sam and Nick prepare for the upcoming inauguration, she's still recuperating from her physical and emotional injuries sustained from Stahl's assault. Clearly suffering silently from the effects of PTSD, Sam wonders if she'll ever be able to return to the job. In the meantime, her team is grappling with a tough case that appears to be a potential serial killer at large.
This was a gripping story addressing some very tough issues, including PTSD, survivors guilt and grief. Sam's path back wasn't easy and she's still a work in progress. I liked how her situation was addressed even if her recovery seemed a little fast. Of course, her husband, Nick, the Vice President-Elect is always the perfect balm for anything that ails you.
The book is aptly titled with all the inauguration preparation wrapped around the normal chaos associated with Sam's job. I liked that the fusion of that with her role as Second Lady was dealt with much more realistically. There are many heartwarming moments interspersed with the tragic ones, making this a much more interesting and layered story, if not terribly exciting. (I needed a break after the last book.)
I'm still in love with this series and looking forward to the next phase of Sam and Nick's lives. We were also left with a sense of coming political intrigue, just enough to leave me wanting.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
October 28, 2015
Another good read. I love Sam. Well, I love Nick too but Sam is my kind of girl. Doesn't know how sexy she is, loves her jeans and boots and isn't too inclined to dress up but when she does, she does it with bells on!
I am away in Bonnie Scotland and don't have much time for reviews. xoxo
I am away in Bonnie Scotland and don't have much time for reviews. xoxo
May 26, 2020
4.5 stars
To start with, I read book 1 in this series Fatal Affair (Fatal #1) in November 2015 and somehow never picked it up again. Either I must have been knee deep into other books because it makes really no sense at all - especially since I devoured book 9 & 10 on my weekend trip and I already asked the author if I could get my fingers onto book 11 coming out next month.
The Fatal series reminded me a bit of the In Death series by Nora Roberts - which is one of my all time favorite series. Both series have incredibly strong women. In Fatal Frenzy Sam Holland, a lieutenant at the Washington, D.C., Metro Police, was a no nonsense kind of woman, not backing down and not afraid to tell her colleagues as well as upper management how things needed to go. I adore strong and feisty women, who are confident, self-assured, and just kick-ass heroines.
In book 1 Sam met Nick Cappuano, at that time he was a chief of staff and friend to murdered senator. They had a brief but passionate one night stand years ago, and when they met again sparks flew.
In Fatal Frenzy (Fatal #9) Nick is being sworn in as VICE PRESIDENT of the United States - OMG!!!!
So, obviously I missed a heck of a lot of storyline and plot, when I jumped from book 1 to book 9. But my library only had two of the author's books available as audiobook and I needed something to listen to stat. So I jumped in and I had NO trouble at all keeping up with the plot.
Immediately after starting the book I was captivated by Sam Holland. Her personality and demeanor spoke to me from the very first minute. I loved how tough she was, how much responsibility she carried on her shoulders, and the respect she earned from her colleges. The bone deep dedication she brought to her job was fascinating to me. And all of that made her a stand-out heroine.
She didn't back down when shit hit the fan. She soldiered on, and strived to keep the well-being of colleges, friends, family and civilians as her highest priority. Just because she was now the wife of the VP, her duties and responsibilities towards her people wouldn't change. And because she was far from perfect or invincible, her struggles and doubts were genuine.
The entire book was incredibly well plotted and thought through. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, and the twist at the beginning of the book had me reeling for the rest of the story. The ensuing trial for all involved was heart-breaking.
If you love suspense mysteries with a sexy hero and a healthy dose of HOTNESS - read this book/series!!!! Nick and Sam heat up the sheets on more than one occasion. I loved their interactions, their deep love for each other, and their passion and sexual attraction was palpable and turned up the HEAT!!
All of the secondary characters were wonderfully fleshed out and the multiple POV's allowed a more intimate relationship between reader and story. I started caring for ALL of the characters. They were more like a family - partners, colleges, friends - a cast that I cared deeply about by the end of this book. That's why it was such an enigma that I stoped reading the series in 2015.
I loved this book!!! I was enthralled, entertained, invested, and moved by the characters and the story. And now I'm finishing up Fatal Identity (Fatal, #10).
I also should mentions that the narrator did a fabulous job. I loved her voice, nuances, and the speed of reading. Her characters were distinct and it was a joy listening to her speak.
I'm HOOKED!!!!!
___________________________________
Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog.
Find me on Bookstagram.
To start with, I read book 1 in this series Fatal Affair (Fatal #1) in November 2015 and somehow never picked it up again. Either I must have been knee deep into other books because it makes really no sense at all - especially since I devoured book 9 & 10 on my weekend trip and I already asked the author if I could get my fingers onto book 11 coming out next month.
The Fatal series reminded me a bit of the In Death series by Nora Roberts - which is one of my all time favorite series. Both series have incredibly strong women. In Fatal Frenzy Sam Holland, a lieutenant at the Washington, D.C., Metro Police, was a no nonsense kind of woman, not backing down and not afraid to tell her colleagues as well as upper management how things needed to go. I adore strong and feisty women, who are confident, self-assured, and just kick-ass heroines.
In book 1 Sam met Nick Cappuano, at that time he was a chief of staff and friend to murdered senator. They had a brief but passionate one night stand years ago, and when they met again sparks flew.
In Fatal Frenzy (Fatal #9) Nick is being sworn in as VICE PRESIDENT of the United States - OMG!!!!
So, obviously I missed a heck of a lot of storyline and plot, when I jumped from book 1 to book 9. But my library only had two of the author's books available as audiobook and I needed something to listen to stat. So I jumped in and I had NO trouble at all keeping up with the plot.
Immediately after starting the book I was captivated by Sam Holland. Her personality and demeanor spoke to me from the very first minute. I loved how tough she was, how much responsibility she carried on her shoulders, and the respect she earned from her colleges. The bone deep dedication she brought to her job was fascinating to me. And all of that made her a stand-out heroine.
She didn't back down when shit hit the fan. She soldiered on, and strived to keep the well-being of colleges, friends, family and civilians as her highest priority. Just because she was now the wife of the VP, her duties and responsibilities towards her people wouldn't change. And because she was far from perfect or invincible, her struggles and doubts were genuine.
The entire book was incredibly well plotted and thought through. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, and the twist at the beginning of the book had me reeling for the rest of the story. The ensuing trial for all involved was heart-breaking.
If you love suspense mysteries with a sexy hero and a healthy dose of HOTNESS - read this book/series!!!! Nick and Sam heat up the sheets on more than one occasion. I loved their interactions, their deep love for each other, and their passion and sexual attraction was palpable and turned up the HEAT!!
All of the secondary characters were wonderfully fleshed out and the multiple POV's allowed a more intimate relationship between reader and story. I started caring for ALL of the characters. They were more like a family - partners, colleges, friends - a cast that I cared deeply about by the end of this book. That's why it was such an enigma that I stoped reading the series in 2015.
I loved this book!!! I was enthralled, entertained, invested, and moved by the characters and the story. And now I'm finishing up Fatal Identity (Fatal, #10).
I also should mentions that the narrator did a fabulous job. I loved her voice, nuances, and the speed of reading. Her characters were distinct and it was a joy listening to her speak.
I'm HOOKED!!!!!
___________________________________
Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog.
Find me on Bookstagram.
May 30, 2018
4.5 stars.
Crushing lows and soaring highs....”
Crushing lows and soaring highs....”
January 15, 2016
Frenzy is definitely the speed of the emotional highs and lows in this installment of the Fatal series. Sam and Nick are such a special couple and all of the supporting characters are fully fleshed out and feel like family in their own right. The previous books were more driven by the criminal plot and solution, where this book is more focused on the relationships, person to person and person to career. Death, despair, questioning of life careers and goals, family and success are all covered in this book with a smaller portion of this book focused on the crime.
I love Ms. Force's writing and the power couple of Sam and Nick is hard to beat. This is a must read series for me and I always tell everyone to try it. Can't wait for the next book!
I love Ms. Force's writing and the power couple of Sam and Nick is hard to beat. This is a must read series for me and I always tell everyone to try it. Can't wait for the next book!
October 16, 2024
I am just not a Sam fan. Not gonna lie - she isn't my favorite heroine, not even close. It is a true testament to the writing skill of Marie Force that I'm still reading this series. This one had some really low points, be sure to have Kleenex handy, and some high points. But low and high, it tugged at my heart and kept me reading.
After surviving a horrendous attack by a fellow cop, Sam Holland is on leave and battling PTSD. At the beginning of the book the PTSD was winning, and Sam was seriously thinking about giving up being a cop. After all, as the second lady she would have more than enough to keep her busy. Nick had his own trauma to work through and life would be so much more tranquil. Luckily Sam found she could talk it through with Dr. Harry and just in time because her department really needed her back.
As Inauguration week begins with thousands descending on Washington a murder is stalking the streets of the city. With few clues, detectives are following up on everything, even those deemed insignificant. It is on one such encounter that the unthinkable happens and lives are changed forever. It takes everything within Sam to pull her people together and find the murderer.
After surviving a horrendous attack by a fellow cop, Sam Holland is on leave and battling PTSD. At the beginning of the book the PTSD was winning, and Sam was seriously thinking about giving up being a cop. After all, as the second lady she would have more than enough to keep her busy. Nick had his own trauma to work through and life would be so much more tranquil. Luckily Sam found she could talk it through with Dr. Harry and just in time because her department really needed her back.
As Inauguration week begins with thousands descending on Washington a murder is stalking the streets of the city. With few clues, detectives are following up on everything, even those deemed insignificant. It is on one such encounter that the unthinkable happens and lives are changed forever. It takes everything within Sam to pull her people together and find the murderer.
June 27, 2018
My least favorite book of the series so far. The focus is on all the relationships rather than the crime/suspense side. It's emotional but was heading too far into being melodramatic.
December 6, 2016
I liked that for once Marie Force followed a somewhat different story line in Fatal Frenzy. For almost half of the novel we get a Sam on leave, recovering from an attack that from which she emerged afraid to go back to work and reconsidering her life choices.
Nick, as well as all her friends and colleagues, is anxious about her: that is not the Sam he knows and loves. However, a tragedy forces her hand. So gradually we get the old Sam as she goes back and starts leading her team once again, now in an investigation that is very close to them all. Thus we have the expected suspense and thrill of the Fatal series, as the homicide team solves their latest intriguing and terrible case. But this story is also about Nick’s inauguration day, and we get a very good blend of both worlds.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget the drama and chaos from one book to another in a long series, however Fatal Frenzy reminds us of what has happened before and goes on from there. That was a good change for once, and Force was further superb in surprising us.
Altogether this story is much more than thrill and suspense, it’s about family, friendship, love. It starts with adversity and fear but ends in a celebration in spite of the tragedy.
4 stars for Force, a very good entertainment.
Nick, as well as all her friends and colleagues, is anxious about her: that is not the Sam he knows and loves. However, a tragedy forces her hand. So gradually we get the old Sam as she goes back and starts leading her team once again, now in an investigation that is very close to them all. Thus we have the expected suspense and thrill of the Fatal series, as the homicide team solves their latest intriguing and terrible case. But this story is also about Nick’s inauguration day, and we get a very good blend of both worlds.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget the drama and chaos from one book to another in a long series, however Fatal Frenzy reminds us of what has happened before and goes on from there. That was a good change for once, and Force was further superb in surprising us.
Altogether this story is much more than thrill and suspense, it’s about family, friendship, love. It starts with adversity and fear but ends in a celebration in spite of the tragedy.
4 stars for Force, a very good entertainment.
September 15, 2015
(Beta Reader - June, 2015)
FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW SOON
FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW SOON
July 24, 2024
Lt. Sam Holland is currently on leave after suffering a violent attack from her nemesis Stahl. Suffering from PTSD, Sam is questioning whether she wants to continue her career in law enforcement. As she takes time off, her squad is investigating a series of seemingly unrelated stabbings. Two people have died, and two others are in critical condition. Gonzo is in charge during Sam's absence. But a shocking turn in the case has Sam heading back to the police station to find a killer.
I found this case very interesting. The stabbing victims seemed to not have anything in common. I couldn't figure out how the police were going to pinpoint the villain. Meanwhile, Nick is the new Vice President of the U.S. The President has not given him anything to work on, so Nick has decided he will make his own agenda. This story should make a good storyline for future books.
The one thing I did not like was Sam's altercation with Ramsey. Anyone else who did what she did would have been suspended or even fired on the spot. I couldn't believe she wasn't called in front of the brass for her behavior. I would have given this book a higher rating if that hadn't happened. My rating: 4 Stars.
I found this case very interesting. The stabbing victims seemed to not have anything in common. I couldn't figure out how the police were going to pinpoint the villain. Meanwhile, Nick is the new Vice President of the U.S. The President has not given him anything to work on, so Nick has decided he will make his own agenda. This story should make a good storyline for future books.
The one thing I did not like was Sam's altercation with Ramsey. Anyone else who did what she did would have been suspended or even fired on the spot. I couldn't believe she wasn't called in front of the brass for her behavior. I would have given this book a higher rating if that hadn't happened. My rating: 4 Stars.
September 27, 2021
When Marie said Frenzy, she really means Frenzy! What a roller coaster of events and emotions! I love this latest installment of the Fatal series so much. To me the crime and investigation took a back seat to emotions: in tragedy and in celebration. So different from the previous books where a case almost always drives the story and the triumph we feel at the end is because of the resolution of the case. This book was less of a crime/suspense/thriller book and more a life story: love of family, love of friends, love of the job, how one must face and deal with tragedy, as well how to start moving forward. It started out with sadness but ended with a huge amount of happiness and celebration in spite of the tragedy. A lot of tears and as usual, laughter, with this one. Kudos Marie! Can't wait for the next Fatal book!
December 9, 2018
An emotional story, lots of ups and downs. I liked it and am happy the series is moving away from feeling like fan fic of the In Death series.
October 3, 2021
Another great addition to the Fatal series.
Awesome …
Awesome …
September 29, 2015
(Clapping...) 5 Stars!!!! Loved it and so sad it's over, but can't wait for the next one. After so many bks this series is still going strong. Glad there's more to come. Will definitely be listening to this one when it comes out in audio version.
May 28, 2016
Tissue alert!!! Good and Bad tears but tears nonetheless and me feeling that kind of emotion over a book is totally 5 stars. This is a series I started several years ago and I have become quite fond of Sam and Nick and the crew.
Back story on the couple, but you should really read all the books to get the whole thing with the impact that it deserves, Samantha is a homicide detective and Nick was someone from her past that she fell almost instantly in love with. Although the feelings went both ways, a sociopath kept them apart for seven years. They met again when she was investigating his best friend's murder. Since that day they have gotten married and are trying to adopt a son, Scotty. Nick has also become Vice President of the US. They are also trying to recover from Sam being kidnapped and tortured by a former colleague.
This books picks up there with Nick about to be sworn in and Sam is questioning whether or not she will ever want to be a cop again. She doesn't feel safe anymore. Gonzo is running the dept in her absence and they are trying to solve a seemingly random case where a madman is running the streets killing people with a knife.
Everyone is concerned about Sam, after all she is cleaning the house and has become so docile. Giving her the time she needs is becoming more difficult because they are afraid for her. She even voluntarily went to the White House to meet her staff (shudder). Then Cruz is suspended for beating up a guy who harassed and beat up his girlfriend, making the department even more short-handed. Then the unthinkable happens and she is thrust back into her job to find this man who has now killed a cop.
As the inauguration nears and the guy is still on the lose even though the FBI and the US Marshals have been brought in, Sam and Nick have to decide how to deal with her double duty as Second Lady and LT Holland.
There are so many surprises in this book with people we have come to know through this series it is shocking. But only Ms. Force can write a book that contains so much emotion and turmoil at one time. While there are some moments of levity in this book it is a hard book to read for those of us who are invested in these characters. It's a Marie Force weekend of catch up in this house this weekend. I hope you will read the series too, if you haven't started already.
Back story on the couple, but you should really read all the books to get the whole thing with the impact that it deserves, Samantha is a homicide detective and Nick was someone from her past that she fell almost instantly in love with. Although the feelings went both ways, a sociopath kept them apart for seven years. They met again when she was investigating his best friend's murder. Since that day they have gotten married and are trying to adopt a son, Scotty. Nick has also become Vice President of the US. They are also trying to recover from Sam being kidnapped and tortured by a former colleague.
This books picks up there with Nick about to be sworn in and Sam is questioning whether or not she will ever want to be a cop again. She doesn't feel safe anymore. Gonzo is running the dept in her absence and they are trying to solve a seemingly random case where a madman is running the streets killing people with a knife.
Everyone is concerned about Sam, after all she is cleaning the house and has become so docile. Giving her the time she needs is becoming more difficult because they are afraid for her. She even voluntarily went to the White House to meet her staff (shudder). Then Cruz is suspended for beating up a guy who harassed and beat up his girlfriend, making the department even more short-handed. Then the unthinkable happens and she is thrust back into her job to find this man who has now killed a cop.
As the inauguration nears and the guy is still on the lose even though the FBI and the US Marshals have been brought in, Sam and Nick have to decide how to deal with her double duty as Second Lady and LT Holland.
There are so many surprises in this book with people we have come to know through this series it is shocking. But only Ms. Force can write a book that contains so much emotion and turmoil at one time. While there are some moments of levity in this book it is a hard book to read for those of us who are invested in these characters. It's a Marie Force weekend of catch up in this house this weekend. I hope you will read the series too, if you haven't started already.
October 16, 2023
One of the main characters is killed, and the whole squad/department is affected. Sam gets her mojo back but not without a book full of emotion. Great read.
Very well written - a great police procedural. Highly recommend this series for those that enjoy suspense, police procedurals, and romance. Very likeable main characters, and very hateable bad guys and some nasty cops!
From the blurb: Lieutenant Sam Holland is on leave, recovering from an attack that shook her to the core. With no case to distract her, she's trying to stay busy—even voluntarily meeting with her new White House staff. But it's not enough to keep the horrific memories at bay, and her family is worried…especially her husband, Vice President Nick Cappuano.
Nick is dealing with his own demons where his wife's safety is concerned, losing night after night of sleep as he works to make sure what happened that day will never happen again. The pressure is building inside the Cappuanos' marriage, and something's got to give before Nick takes the oath of office.
When two college girls go missing in the midst of inauguration madness, the chief of police needs the one cop he can count on to find them and save the Metro PD from disgrace. In a case full of ugly twists and turns, Sam will have to confront her past and find her strength again…before it's too late.
2 thumbs up and 5 solid stars.
Very well written - a great police procedural. Highly recommend this series for those that enjoy suspense, police procedurals, and romance. Very likeable main characters, and very hateable bad guys and some nasty cops!
From the blurb: Lieutenant Sam Holland is on leave, recovering from an attack that shook her to the core. With no case to distract her, she's trying to stay busy—even voluntarily meeting with her new White House staff. But it's not enough to keep the horrific memories at bay, and her family is worried…especially her husband, Vice President Nick Cappuano.
Nick is dealing with his own demons where his wife's safety is concerned, losing night after night of sleep as he works to make sure what happened that day will never happen again. The pressure is building inside the Cappuanos' marriage, and something's got to give before Nick takes the oath of office.
When two college girls go missing in the midst of inauguration madness, the chief of police needs the one cop he can count on to find them and save the Metro PD from disgrace. In a case full of ugly twists and turns, Sam will have to confront her past and find her strength again…before it's too late.
2 thumbs up and 5 solid stars.
September 29, 2015
4.5 Stars. Another wonderful read from the Fatal Series! I did enjoy this much more than a couple of the last ones. I just really love Nick to pieces. I dislike political crap, and he's just so refreshing. It's so obviously 'fiction'...lol!;) Sam's dash at the end was very cool, too...almost as amazing as Nick breaking Twitter:) Lots of ups and downs and dark subjects in this one, but we come away feeling hopeful and looking forward to the next.
September 17, 2015
A very emotional instalment that I completely loved!
October 4, 2015
I'm not sure but this actually might be my new favorite, it was just that good.
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please don't read further, there are big spoilers on the SERIES if you continue... consider yourself warned.
Those of you who follow the series know Stahl had held her hostage and threatening to killer her while torturing her in book 8. That left Sam pretty damaged in book 9 where she literally didn't trust her instincts, wasn't sure she could go back to the force after her wounds had healed.
She finally gets some help from Nick/Sam's doctor friend, BTW they have got to find him a nice girl. He is perfect. Anyway, they move on and just in time. A member of the force is killed and not only do they have a cop killer on the streets but he's a human trafficker as well. Talk about a creep from the word go.
To top it all off it's Inauguration week, with Nick's big day coming up.
A lot of folks are going to say Aw! Come on! Nick starts out in book 1 as a Senator's Chief of Staff and by Book 9 he's being sworn in as Vice President. I get that, but if you want to enjoy the series that's how it rolls. I'm hoping for now they leave Nick alone for the next 4 years or at least 10 novels. He's climbed as far as he needs to. It was tricky how they managed in the books the logistics of the Secret Service with Sam's job.
I'm still hoping miracle of miracles that Sam does get pregnant (That's what I was hoping for with the ending of this book), didn't happen. Either that or some gunman at the Inauguration where Sam saves the day. But Sam balances things out, I wish J.D. Robb would take a page out of this series and let Rourke and Eve adopt.
Anyway I seriously think this was one of the better books in the series to date. Nick was in a lot of scenes in this novel and I find that when he isn't I don't enjoy the books as much.
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please don't read further, there are big spoilers on the SERIES if you continue... consider yourself warned.
Those of you who follow the series know Stahl had held her hostage and threatening to killer her while torturing her in book 8. That left Sam pretty damaged in book 9 where she literally didn't trust her instincts, wasn't sure she could go back to the force after her wounds had healed.
She finally gets some help from Nick/Sam's doctor friend, BTW they have got to find him a nice girl. He is perfect. Anyway, they move on and just in time. A member of the force is killed and not only do they have a cop killer on the streets but he's a human trafficker as well. Talk about a creep from the word go.
To top it all off it's Inauguration week, with Nick's big day coming up.
A lot of folks are going to say Aw! Come on! Nick starts out in book 1 as a Senator's Chief of Staff and by Book 9 he's being sworn in as Vice President. I get that, but if you want to enjoy the series that's how it rolls. I'm hoping for now they leave Nick alone for the next 4 years or at least 10 novels. He's climbed as far as he needs to. It was tricky how they managed in the books the logistics of the Secret Service with Sam's job.
I'm still hoping miracle of miracles that Sam does get pregnant (That's what I was hoping for with the ending of this book), didn't happen. Either that or some gunman at the Inauguration where Sam saves the day. But Sam balances things out, I wish J.D. Robb would take a page out of this series and let Rourke and Eve adopt.
Anyway I seriously think this was one of the better books in the series to date. Nick was in a lot of scenes in this novel and I find that when he isn't I don't enjoy the books as much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2015
This is one of the few series where every next book is just perfect!
I love how Ms. Force writes about the life of detectives and what they go through in their line of work.
I feel that sometimes it is idealized, but I love it all the same! Woldn't be wonderful if in real life one could find such colleagues?! So much honesty and so much respect! The same can be said for the politics: if Nick was real I would made him President of the world! LOL
To enjoy this series at its full you should read all the books in order, because the story is evolving and rgowing with each book!
The characters are excellent and I love each one of them!
I must say that I cried .... :(
There's so much feeling packed here that you go through laughin to crying in a few pages! Really great!
An excellent addition!
I love how Ms. Force writes about the life of detectives and what they go through in their line of work.
I feel that sometimes it is idealized, but I love it all the same! Woldn't be wonderful if in real life one could find such colleagues?! So much honesty and so much respect! The same can be said for the politics: if Nick was real I would made him President of the world! LOL
To enjoy this series at its full you should read all the books in order, because the story is evolving and rgowing with each book!
The characters are excellent and I love each one of them!
I must say that I cried .... :(
There's so much feeling packed here that you go through laughin to crying in a few pages! Really great!
An excellent addition!
November 25, 2015
This 9th book's story line was good & very sad. This story had a nice amount action. I really enjoyed the action. Some parts of this story made me sad. I liked the hot & steamy scenes. I felt so sorry for Sam. I love Sam's toughness & strength. I love how Nick is with Sam. I was happy for Nick. I felt sorry Gonzo. I was happy for Freddie. I really enjoyed the ending. Great job Ms. Force can't wait to read the next one.
September 22, 2015
I would have loved to give more than 4 stars but I really hate it when one of the major secondary characters in the book gets killed. Killing Arnold was like killing J D Robb's Trueheart in my mind, it was all just a bit too much. I don't know how Gonzo is going to continue as a cop after all the stuff that's happened to him in the last couple of books!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2016
I don't know why I put off reading this. I think I just needed to be in the right mood but wow, I really liked Sam and Nick in this one. They had plenty of moments together and Nick now as the VP adds a very interesting dynamic to their relationship. Sam is her usual kickass self and Nick, as usual, is the hot, sexy politician. Now, the action in the end might be over the top, but I loved it! :)
September 18, 2015
Marie, Marie, Marie. Words cannot express how much emotion I felt through this book. I loved every second of it. Thank you for Sam and Nick and the rest of gang. 5 stars x infinity! <3
May 3, 2016
This book has a somewhat different feel than the earlier books in the series. Sam is recovering both physically and emotionally from her last case, and is finding herself at loose ends. Others are concerned about her and she is questioning those things that she had always taken for granted. Poor Gonzalez is in the hot seat, and then Freddie is in trouble. So, the unit is short staffed and there is a crazed knife murderer on the loose.
At first I thought the book summary was completely misleading, but it turns out that it was really only misleading about Sam's relationship to her White House staff, who turn out to be great. In addition, I felt that the resolution of the stabbing murders was a bit easily tied to another case without much evidence other than them being able to "prove" that they were connected.
I liked the scenes with Freddie and his girlfriend, as well as that with Jeannie and Michael. The inauguration day excitement was rather over the top, but fun in a blockbuster movie kind of way. So, while I felt that some of the procedural material was convenient at best, I did like the character development. And, I'm wondering if we won't start seeing some of the Secret Service agents getting partnered up in future books. A couple of them are more obvious characters now.
At first I thought the book summary was completely misleading, but it turns out that it was really only misleading about Sam's relationship to her White House staff, who turn out to be great. In addition, I felt that the resolution of the stabbing murders was a bit easily tied to another case without much evidence other than them being able to "prove" that they were connected.
I liked the scenes with Freddie and his girlfriend, as well as that with Jeannie and Michael. The inauguration day excitement was rather over the top, but fun in a blockbuster movie kind of way. So, while I felt that some of the procedural material was convenient at best, I did like the character development. And, I'm wondering if we won't start seeing some of the Secret Service agents getting partnered up in future books. A couple of them are more obvious characters now.
April 22, 2016
This story started out as a "poor pitiful Sam" story, a little understandable after the events of the previous book, however, this one took it just a little too far. Sam seemed a shell of herself, and it wasn't believable at all. She'd been tough as nails up until this point, and had faced life and death before, and yet we're to believe a little razor wire, a gun, and some fire are going to spook her? Nah, didn't ring true. Nick's concern in this situation was believable, but again took things a bit too far. I did like the wrapping up of some plot threads in this book, but the suspense story seemed to take a backseat to the emotional issues. It was good, but could have been better for me.
April 8, 2016
I was disappointed by this episode in the series. All of the characters that were tortured through out Sam's career and she was almost lost in her despair over what happened to her. Did we not read about Sam in the other books helping to convince two characters, who were also tortured in one way or another, to be strong enough to get through their situations. Jeannie: who was kidnapped, strapped to a bed and repeatedly raped and Sam's niece: who was drugged, gang raped and then had the event posted on the internet for the world to see. How about Gonzo being shot in the neck!? Honestly, I only felt a little sorry for Sam and was annoyed that she felt so sorry for herself. AAANNNNDDD we get her husband is sexy (the author only mentioned this one million times).
November 14, 2020
3.5 stars.
Re-listened in Nov 2020. The whole WH Inauguration thingy is a bit triggering......
______________________
I hate when regular characters that you've come to like are killed in long-term series. Maybe it makes sense for TV shows when the actors want to leave but in books, it shouldn't be necessary. I understand in this case it provided the catalyst for all the angst and self-doubts for the characters but I wish MF had chosen another way. I actually thought about dropping this series after reading this a couple of years ago.
Re-listened in Nov 2020. The whole WH Inauguration thingy is a bit triggering......
______________________
I hate when regular characters that you've come to like are killed in long-term series. Maybe it makes sense for TV shows when the actors want to leave but in books, it shouldn't be necessary. I understand in this case it provided the catalyst for all the angst and self-doubts for the characters but I wish MF had chosen another way. I actually thought about dropping this series after reading this a couple of years ago.
April 4, 2016
I love this series - but this particular installment was not my favorite. I was disappointed with the direction and the tone, and honestly I just couldn't get past it. For the first time in the fatal series I skimmed to finish. And let me say - poor Gonzo - I feel like he's being unnecessarily tortured!! Of course I will still read the next book though...I guess it's normal that you don't always LOVE them all..
October 20, 2015
9 books in, this series has really started to have run its course. Always a bit on the unbelievable side, it's starting to get outlandish, and I'm not sure how much more Ms. Force can do before it crosses over into completely and off-puttingly unrealistic.
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