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A Palmchat Islands Mystery #1
Until Death Do Us Part
At a beautiful sunset wedding in the tropics, there is a gunshot. A loud gasp erupts, followed by exclamations of shock and horror. A scream pierces the balmy air. At the groom’s feet, the bride collapses, her head a pulpy shattered mess of brain matter, bone, and blood. As the guests panic, married journalists Vivian and Leo Bronson struggle to make sense of the chaos and madness. Who would want to kill the bride on her wedding day? As Vivian and Leo search for the truth, they discover that sins committed long ago may have put the bride in the crosshairs of a killer desperate to make sure the past stays buried. The married journalists are experts at uncovering secrets but exposing them could prove deadly. Until Death Do Us Part is Book 1 in the popular Palmchat Island Mystery series but can be read as a standalone.
Start reading this exciting whodunit mystery today!
This book is an updated and revised version of the previously published "The Bloodstained Bride."
Start reading this exciting whodunit mystery today!
This book is an updated and revised version of the previously published "The Bloodstained Bride."
312 pages, Paperback
Published January 18, 2021
368 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 6, 2018
First, I want to thank Rachel Woods for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
Rachel Woods wrote the most unique and interesting mystery book with interesting topics in The Prodigal Captive that I have ever read before. There were times in the book where I was laughing and other times I was shaking my head thinking WOW she went there. I read a lot of mystery books but none of them deal with a severed penis from a dead body. Made me think of John Wayne Bobbitt. Whom ironically is from my neck of the woods. So, that is why I was laughing.
I totally commended Silas the character that came out to his father as thinking he was born the wrong gender! That must have been so hard to do coming out as being transgender. I am a very open-minded person and very pro LGBT. So, I was totally cool with this aspect of the story. What concerned me was he was one of the ones that went missing. You couldn’t help wonder if this was the reason behind it. However, he was not the only one that was missing.
This was a very fast paced moving mystery that kept you guessing. For me I kept wondering why they cut off his penis lmao!!
Rachel Woods wrote the most unique and interesting mystery book with interesting topics in The Prodigal Captive that I have ever read before. There were times in the book where I was laughing and other times I was shaking my head thinking WOW she went there. I read a lot of mystery books but none of them deal with a severed penis from a dead body. Made me think of John Wayne Bobbitt. Whom ironically is from my neck of the woods. So, that is why I was laughing.
I totally commended Silas the character that came out to his father as thinking he was born the wrong gender! That must have been so hard to do coming out as being transgender. I am a very open-minded person and very pro LGBT. So, I was totally cool with this aspect of the story. What concerned me was he was one of the ones that went missing. You couldn’t help wonder if this was the reason behind it. However, he was not the only one that was missing.
This was a very fast paced moving mystery that kept you guessing. For me I kept wondering why they cut off his penis lmao!!
August 20, 2022
This was a nice suspenseful read.
The ending entertained me, it wasn't expected. But there wasn't any nail biting happening either.
The ending entertained me, it wasn't expected. But there wasn't any nail biting happening either.
September 6, 2018
The Prodigal Captive - a review by Rosemary Kenny
The eponymous prodigal, refers to the missing Silas, heir to a billionaire businessman, in Rachel Woods' fascinating first novella in the 3- book Palmyra Islands Mystery Series.
His anxious father appeals to his long-time friend Don Bronson, who in turn calls in a favor from his own son, Leo. Leo's wife is investigative journalist Vivian Thomas-Bronson and she's soon on the case, when a man's horribly mutilated body is washed up on the shore on the Caribbean Island resort of St Killian's Island.
This easy-read action mystery thriller is full of suspense and includes a holiday romance that could become something more, as Leo goes undercover to search out the truth behind the sex clinic. The facts he reveals will shock and keep you on the edge of your seat with excitement ,as the link 'eros' is uncovered.
Rachel Woods' modern crime-thriller has the making of a real winner as it has secret cults, murder, kidnap, secret bizarre rituals and much much more.
Get your copy today, but don't read it after dark,(or alone) - especially if you're a squeamish male reader - and prepare to be thrilled!
The eponymous prodigal, refers to the missing Silas, heir to a billionaire businessman, in Rachel Woods' fascinating first novella in the 3- book Palmyra Islands Mystery Series.
His anxious father appeals to his long-time friend Don Bronson, who in turn calls in a favor from his own son, Leo. Leo's wife is investigative journalist Vivian Thomas-Bronson and she's soon on the case, when a man's horribly mutilated body is washed up on the shore on the Caribbean Island resort of St Killian's Island.
This easy-read action mystery thriller is full of suspense and includes a holiday romance that could become something more, as Leo goes undercover to search out the truth behind the sex clinic. The facts he reveals will shock and keep you on the edge of your seat with excitement ,as the link 'eros' is uncovered.
Rachel Woods' modern crime-thriller has the making of a real winner as it has secret cults, murder, kidnap, secret bizarre rituals and much much more.
Get your copy today, but don't read it after dark,(or alone) - especially if you're a squeamish male reader - and prepare to be thrilled!
February 24, 2019
A man’s body has floated onto the beach at St. Killian’s Island resort. What’s strange is a brand on his foot “eros” and his penis is missing. Investigative journalist Vivian Thomas-Bronson got in hunt of the killer. But she is alone as her husband Leo is called in by his father to investigate the disappearance of a billionaire’s son later found with the brand “eros” on his foot too. Clearly the cases are linked but Leo is going to find out way more than he expected when he goes undercover.
This book had me hooked from the beginning. Just by this description I can’t be the only one wanting to know why he was killed, the meaning of the brand, and the whole missing penis. What I got was one heck of a thriller as Vivian and Leo discover some seriously messed up people.
This book was well written and drew me in right away. I loved the story and all the twists and turns. For those that love a great thriller/mystery you need to check out this book. I can’t believe that this is my first book from Rachel Woods. I will honestly say that it will NOT be my last.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
This book had me hooked from the beginning. Just by this description I can’t be the only one wanting to know why he was killed, the meaning of the brand, and the whole missing penis. What I got was one heck of a thriller as Vivian and Leo discover some seriously messed up people.
This book was well written and drew me in right away. I loved the story and all the twists and turns. For those that love a great thriller/mystery you need to check out this book. I can’t believe that this is my first book from Rachel Woods. I will honestly say that it will NOT be my last.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
June 10, 2018
This book was really intriguing, and so much better than I was expecting (sorry Rachel!) from the basic description I was given before I agreed to read it. From the very beginninng of the prologue you're drawn in, and I was just so absorbed in the story that, before I knew it, it was all over! I'd definitely recommend this book to all lovers of romantic suspense books or those who, like me, just like a good mystery/suspense book and can cope with some romance if the book's good enough! I'm definitely interested in reading more books like this by the author in future.
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
September 8, 2018
I never thought I'd enjoy reading a murder mystery but I read the blurb and thought I'd give it a try and I am so glad I did. The Prodigal Captive had me on the edge of my seat from the start wishing I could read faster so I could find out what happened quicker. This is a well written story with well developed characters and a interesting story line. I loved the interaction between Leo and Vivian. This is my first book by this author and in this genre and I will be looking for more of her books in the future. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
September 22, 2018
When a body missing a penis washes ashore on St.Killian Vivian, an investigative reporter is on the story. When her husband Leo is summoned by his billionaire father only to discover his fathers school friend, Hambone,needs him son to help find his friends missing son! Unbeknownst at the time, him and his wife are looking into the same thing. They time up to investigate this mysterious club Eros. Then the adventure begins. This was a really good story with romance, adventure, danger, mystery. Everything a good book needs. I’m looking forward to reading the next book!
February 6, 2019
This one is going to get your attention and have you sitting up with the way a murder is. You will have Vivian on one side of it, then Leo on the other but you will soon suspect something yourself. This one will have you jotting down the 5 w's with you becoming woven into it deeply with the characters. Funny too is something that is in this I discovered actually goes way back in the past and the first woman that was photographed for it just before prison had such a happy look on her crazy face. Anyways this one will grip you good and keep you all the way to the end.
December 28, 2019
I can honestly say I have never read a book with a plot like this one. The storyline is very disturbing. The villain, Madame L’Amour, is a real monster. This story is about dominatrix, sacrifice, and cutting off a vital body part.
The only reason way I didn’t rate this book lower, is because I like Vivian and Leo as a couple. I appreciate the relationship they have with the local police and how they use their investigation skills to help solve crimes. The author does a solid job with story development. It’s just this time the subject manner was way too gruesome for me.
The only reason way I didn’t rate this book lower, is because I like Vivian and Leo as a couple. I appreciate the relationship they have with the local police and how they use their investigation skills to help solve crimes. The author does a solid job with story development. It’s just this time the subject manner was way too gruesome for me.
April 16, 2019
The Prodigal Captive
A heart gripping novel that will have you reading to the very end. Wanting to know who got who. Or will they make it in time?
Vivian and her husband Leo are just having an average day at home talking about work and the paper. When a friends calls to see if they can do him a favor..find his son. His last whereabouts was in Palmchat Islands, The Killians ones. Will they be able to find him in time or is he already gone
A heart gripping novel that will have you reading to the very end. Wanting to know who got who. Or will they make it in time?
Vivian and her husband Leo are just having an average day at home talking about work and the paper. When a friends calls to see if they can do him a favor..find his son. His last whereabouts was in Palmchat Islands, The Killians ones. Will they be able to find him in time or is he already gone
June 1, 2018
Oh wow. I can't believe this book. It is full of suspense and twist and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The author did a wonderful job in planning this plot. This is a must read that you will want to find a quiet place that you won't be bothered because once you start reading you won't do anything else until you finish it. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
July 15, 2018
Another excellent story about Vivian and Leo Bronson who run a newspaper by day and solve murders by night. This couple are not afraid of anything and want their island community to be free of criminals. This is methodology this author license add rule. Keeps reader unable to put book down. Excellent
September 6, 2018
If you like suspense/romantic thrillers then this is a good book to read.
The story keeps you on the edge of your seat if you persevere. The story started great, very gripping and then I found it died a little in the middle of the book but picked up again towards the finish.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
The story keeps you on the edge of your seat if you persevere. The story started great, very gripping and then I found it died a little in the middle of the book but picked up again towards the finish.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
September 17, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book. It kept me turning the pages. I liked the main characters too. I thought the story was twisted in so many ways.It was intriguing. I can't wait to read the second book in the series to see what crazy situations the characters will get into. I would recommend this book to others especially if they enjoy this genre.
May 20, 2018
This is an enjoyable, exciting read. Starts with a bang and doesn’t let up. The action is gripping and the characters are compelling. The story line is fast-paced, with an intriguing plot and engaging characters. Highly recommended!
August 1, 2018
A dead body floats to shore with a missing penis. A wealthy man's son is missing. An undercover operation to a supposed sex clinic goes terribly wrong. Men held captive. This is a easy to read novel that catches your interest from the beginning. A very thrilling adventure.
February 10, 2019
A body shows up with the word Eros branded on its foot. This leads to a fetish cult which leads to a buxom Dominatrix which leads to........ well, stuff. This wasn't an awful book, but it certainly wasn't a great one either. It was an ok diversion.
Read
October 8, 2020 Sick
I could barely read the prologue and could go no further. How anyone could write such disgusting, gruesome filth, and use the word 'romance' as part of the book description is beyond me.
I could barely read the prologue and could go no further. How anyone could write such disgusting, gruesome filth, and use the word 'romance' as part of the book description is beyond me.
November 27, 2023
My review was lost in the cracks. That crack never shrinks. Next time my husband or sons if I need anything, I am going to be honest and ask them to create a list review graveyard. I successfully posted my review on Facebook. Happy Holidays ⛄
June 4, 2018
This book grabs you from the very beginning. Full of twists and intrigue. Characters are well developed. It is a must read.
August 29, 2018
Fast
Fast read. Entertaining. I would enjoy just a tad bit more mystery. The villain a little harder to catch. All in all a recommended read.
Fast read. Entertaining. I would enjoy just a tad bit more mystery. The villain a little harder to catch. All in all a recommended read.
September 7, 2018
this was a fun thriller.. had mystery and intrigue.. kept me wondering what was next and kept me curious.. it was a funny story and i really enjoyed it. i would love to read the next one also.
October 30, 2018
Good
Very suspenseful and romantic. Unfortunately secrets in a marriage have a way of coming out. A big mistake for Vivian.
Very suspenseful and romantic. Unfortunately secrets in a marriage have a way of coming out. A big mistake for Vivian.
August 1, 2019
Great
I like the romance between Leo and Vivian. The description of St Killian makes you want to visit there and get lost
I like the romance between Leo and Vivian. The description of St Killian makes you want to visit there and get lost
October 18, 2019
Aweful
Aweful . Couldn't finish though I tried for about 3/4 of the book. Seven more words required. Wow that's weird.
Aweful . Couldn't finish though I tried for about 3/4 of the book. Seven more words required. Wow that's weird.
February 13, 2021
Rachel Woods writes such great stories. I really enjoyed the suspense when reading this novel.
May 24, 2021
Missing person.
What’s going on in this sleepy little village? Where are the missing men? Will they be found before it’s too late ?
What’s going on in this sleepy little village? Where are the missing men? Will they be found before it’s too late ?
June 19, 2021
Well written but graphic
This was a sexually graphic novel. The author is a good writer and developed her characters well. But it was a little too graphic for me.
This was a sexually graphic novel. The author is a good writer and developed her characters well. But it was a little too graphic for me.
December 23, 2022
Sorry to say that I didn't like this book at all. I made myself speed scan the last few chapters so I could get it finished. I feel like the the plot was all over the place and it seemed the author had a difficult time keeping track as well. Large sections of chapters were filled with the characters reiterating information in order to organize where the plot was going. So confusing. So many words going around and around, and getting nowhere.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews