Suspects

by Danielle Steel

Theodora Morgan is fashion royalty. Founder of a wildly popular online shopping service, she is one of the most successful businesswomen in the world, although she prefers to keep a low profile, especially over the last months. It was a year ago when the unthinkable struck her family, and her husband, industry mogul Matthieu Pasquier, and their son were kidnapped and held for ransom—a nightmare that ended in tragedy.

The case has gone cold, despite evidence linking the crime to Matthieu’s Russian competitors. Theo has reluctantly gone back to work running her company. On the flight to a launch party for one of her highly anticipated pop-up shops in New York City, she crosses paths with high-society networker Pierre de Vaumont. Theo politely invites him to her event—unaware that Pierre has been flagged by the CIA.

Senior supervising CIA operative Mike Andrews investigates Pierre’s suspicious Russian contacts and clears him to enter the country, but when he realizes that Theodora Morgan is on the same flight, he becomes concerned for her safety. Posing as a lawyer, Mike begins a covert mission—starting with Theo’s opening party. When Mike and Theo meet, their connection is instant, but Theo is completely unaware of Mike’s true objective or identity… or that the life she is rebuilding is in grave danger.

Genres: Romance, Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Crime, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world's bestselling authors, with almost a billion copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include All That Glitters, Royal, Daddy's Girls, The Wedding Dress, The Numbers Game, Moral Compass, Spy, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina's life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; Expect a Miracle, a book of her favorite quotations for inspiration and comfort; Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved; and the children's books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood.

Facebook.com/DanielleSteelOfficial
Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense. This book follows and is told through the point of view of the two main characters (Theodora Morgan and Mike Andrews). I have to say that I loved both the romance and the suspense/mystery in this book. This book pulled me into the story from the first page, and I did not want to put it down. I loved the characters. This book is very fast moving and keeps you wanting to read. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Delacorte Press) or author (Danielle Steel) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this one will keep on getting mixed reviews due to the ongoing Ukraine crises. July 2022 is my DS catch up month. I did like this book, but as I've found with some of DS's newer books they only seem average lately. I will keep hoping that we receive a stellar one soon!

[Suz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Theo (Theodora) is grieving for her son and husband, murdered by bothched ransom effort. Her husband ended up being far from loving, having partaken in many affairs. The narrative bounced between a wife adoring and missing him terrribly, and refusing to date and besmirch their relationship even a year later. This see-sawed a lot until she takes the plunge and becomes involved with Mike, the handsome CIA agent. Theo is always in danger as her dead husband's Russian's competitors still remain greedy; she needs around the clock bodyguards.

This one lacked substance, made worse by the usual audio narration that always seem to be generic and wooden. The narration is always clear, but it's like somehow all of DS audios aren't performed by 'real' actors, they always miss something. Luckily these reads are on the short side, and I treat them for the indulgence they are, a light easy read, with a lot of eye rolling involved.

This author loves to write about the passionate and infatuation stages of relationships, and having just read a non ficiton about relationships neeeding good old fashioned and mature hard work, I can't help but reflect on the unrealistic portion of the fairytale relationships she portrays. Also, a strong woman always rolling over and accepting bad treatment from the men in their life.

I added this one to my TBR given that Theo was in fashion (aren't a lot of DS' protagonists), but when it comes down to the rating, 2 stars is generous.

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two unlikely people get together across the world from each other. Theo is an American living in Paris and has a fashion business that takes her to New York City. Mike is with the CIA and Theo catches his eye when a person on the flight with her from Paris comes on the radar of the intelligent agencies in France, Britain, and the US. When the man appears at Theo's pop-up store, Mike goes in the store to follow the man and to meet Theo. He is instantly drawn to her and her tragic history. Her husband and thirteen-year-old son were kidnapped and killed but the killers were never found. Theo is left living her life with bodyguards. Mike would like to get her closure and find those responsible. They soon develop a relationship after he shows up in Paris pretending, he has a client there. This is a romantic suspense with danger, action, and revenge all in a backdrop of wealth and glitz. I liked Mike and Theo. Both are strong characters with rewarding careers.
I received a complimentary copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine, Delacorte Press and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

[Jonann loves book talk❤♥️❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspects by Danielle Steel is a cozy contemporary romance you do not want to miss. Your heart will race till the very end of this juicy read! 🥰

Synopsis:
Theodora "Theo" Morgan is a highly sought-after retail designer. She built her mega prosperous financial empire selling her unique clothing and accessories online. Sadly, her husband and 13-year-old son were kidnapped for ransom last year, resulting in tragedy. The case remains unsolved, and Theo lives with the constant threat of danger. She requires 24/7 protection to maintain her safety.

A business trip to New York brings Theo into contact with handsome CIA agent Mike Andrews. The instant sexual attraction between Mike and Theo is very steamy, but can he protect Theo from the brutal kidnappers?

Suspects is available for purchase on June 28th. Romance readers will fall in love with Mike and Theo. Congratulations, Danielle Steel, on another bestseller!👏

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, for allowing me to review this beautifully written e-book. I truly appreciate your generosity

[Wendy W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
Suspects by Danielle Steel is an emotional story about a woman who lost her husband and son in a kidnapping gone wrong. But, one year later and the kidnappers still have not been caught, and she’s in as much danger as she was before.

Theodora Morgan (Theo) lives in Paris and has a wildly successful online fashion site, and for years has been known as the queen of fashion. Her life took a quick turn for the worse a year ago when her husband and thirteen-year-old son were kidnapped and then murdered. Still reeling from their deaths, Theo barely manages her own company as well as her late husband's global businesses. The kidnappers were never caught, and Theo still has 24-hour bodyguards to keep her safe.

Theo finally decides to go out into the world and travels to New York to oversee a fashion pop-up store for her fashion line. While in New York she meets Pierre de Vaumont, a jet-setting networker, and invites him to her exclusive opening of the pop-up store. She doesn’t realize that Pierre was flagged by the CIA, and that’s when she meets Mike Andrews, who poses as a lawyer but is actually a CIA agent who is tailing Pierre. After meeting Theo, Mike decides to have another look at her husband and son’s kidnapping and decides to see if he can find out more about the kidnappers, especially if they are still alive and active.

This is a complex mystery and a very emotional story. Theo is a broken woman and is slowly healing as she gets back out in the world and oversees her business and her late husband’s business. Her life since the kidnapping has been one of solitude, except for the 24-hour bodyguards.

Suspects has something for almost everyone. It’s a thriller, with a mystery with just a bit of romance as we get inside the world of high finance, and global espionage. It’s not a long book, so it’s a quick read, but very satisfying too. It’s set in Paris, but we go to New York and French Chateau in the countryside.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspects by Danielle Steel is an intriguing romantic suspense. The story is told from the point of view of Theodora “Theo” Morgan and Mike Andrews. Theo owns an online clothing company that is a success. She married an older Frenchman, and they had a son, Axel. Unfortunately, Theo’s husband and son were kidnapped, and the case went sideways. The kidnappers killed both the husband and son leaving behind a devastated Theo. The case has yet to be solved and there are worries that the kidnappers will strike again since they only got half of the ransom. Mike Andrews is a CIA agent in New York. When Theo flies to New York to oversee the opening of a pop-up shop, Pierre de Vaumont is on the same plane. Pierre must be vetted before being allowed into New York which is how Mike becomes aware of Theo. Mike attends the opening of Theo’s New York pop-up shop and there is an instant connection. Mike wants to protect Theo. The only way to keep her safe is to find the men who kidnapped her husband and son. I enjoyed Suspects. I thought it was well-written and engaging. I liked the characters. Theo is a smart woman with a head for business. She is also creative, hardworking, and down to earth. Mike is man with a good heart. He is also intelligent, strong, and a diligent worker. He has devoted his life to his career. I liked Mike’s sister, Fiona. She is a lively character and added humor to the story. Suspects has tension, romance, drama, mystery, and intrigue. The second half of the story moves at a quick pace. I liked all the action. There is some repetition, a small amount of foul language, and there are intimate situations (just so you are aware). I found myself drawn into Suspects and quickly devoured it. I liked the descriptions of Paris and the fashions. I enjoyed reading Suspects and I look forward to Danielle Steel’s next novel. Suspects is a gripping tale with crazed kidnappers, a keen CIA agent, a withdrawn widow, a creative sibling, a smarmy matchmaker, and a rare romance.

[Amreet Kaur · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was just terrible. I refuse to believe that any good reviews are authentic. Steel has absolutely zero sense about how to write with flavour or style- she literally just puts words on paper. She tells instead of showing, which is usually evidenced through cliched and overt dialogue. The characters are stereotypes of themselves with zero development, and high predictability. This is NOT a thriller, it is a romance novel where the older male hero saves his damsel in distress. In the first half of the book, nothing happens at all, like literally nothing. Then everything happens at once and way too fast in the middle, and then it goes back to absolutely nothing. The book just drags on so much and Steel repeats herself so many times. The whole time I was reading it I kept telling myself I would just wait for the good part, and it just never came. I finished the book and felt really sad that I had wasted so much of my time. Also found it strange that Steel mentions roast chicken about 5 times during the course of the book.

[Bonnie DeMoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theodora Morgan is a fashion icon, but has been mostly in seclusion since her billionaire husband, Matthieu, and their son Axel were kidnapped and murdered a year before. She is slowly beginning to attend events at some of her pop-up stores, but maintains a behind-the-scenes profile. Mike Andrews is a CIA operative investigating Pierre De Vaumont, a social networker with Russian contacts. When Mike and Theo meet, they have a connection, but she has no idea of the danger she is in or the real reason Mike came into her life.

This is a riveting story that is all at once sad, thrilling, and hopeful. The romance between Theo and Mike is well done, and the CIA thriller aspect of this novel is compelling. The main characters instantly draw the reader in and the book is filled with intrigue.

I noticed something when reading this book that made me smile. All of the writing manuals, classes, and guides always say “Show, don’t tell. Don’t just tell the story. Show it in dialogue. ” Well, I would say 75% of this story is telling, not showing, but it doesn’t matter. It’s captivating, compelling, and moving. The characters are believable and I connected with them immediately. It completely works. And it made me realize that most or all of the books that I’ve read by Ms. Steel have been written this way. That old adage that “rules are made to be broken” stands true here. This style works for Danielle Steel, as many millions of her readers will attest. It is a good lesson for writers to remember. If you want to write in a way that may break a few rules, and it works for you, go for it. Fans of romantic thrillers and of Danielle Steel will greatly enjoy this one.

I received a free copy of this book from Random House via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 3 out of 5]

WOW! How can this be my 44th book by Danielle Steel? That's because I started reading her in my teens and still love her books to this day!! This one starts out with Theo who is mourning the loss of her husband and child as they were kidnapped and held for ransom. Then she meets Mike, a CIA agent and a romance ensues between them. This was not my favorite book of hers. I thought it was just ok. But you can bet I will be looking for her next great book!! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.

[Victoria · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reads like it was written by a juvenile.

[MicheleReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theodora (Theo) Morgan is a fashion mogul. Her online shopping site is a huge success. But with all her success, she is grieving the loss of her husband Matthieu and her 13-year-old son. A year ago, a botched ransom attempt resulted in their murder. The crime is believed to have been ordered by a former Russian partner who was seeking millions in losses from a failed venture. Theo's life remains in danger, but she decides to emerge from her seclusion and travels from her home in Paris to New York City. She doesn't know his true identity, but she meets CIA operative Mike Andrews who had been tailing a suspicious passenger on her flight. Mike and Theo have an instant connection. Mike's interest in Theo quickly elevates beyond keeping her safe. Intrigue, romance, danger and fashion are all rolled into one in this fast-paced story.

When there's a new Danielle Steel book out, I feel compelled to read it. Suspects is her latest. It's a short book that offers no surprises - but that's not why you read Danielle Steel. Her books are little treats that can be gobbled down in a sitting or two and offer an enjoyable escape. A little glitz and glamour are always fun when there's some espionage added. Not her best but enjoyable, nevertheless.

Rated 3.75 stars.

Review posted on MicheleReader.com.

[Lori Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read a Danielle Steel book in years and when I saw this one available to read early, I jumped at the chance. I thoroughly enjoyed Suspects and was pleasantly surprised at the suspenseful story of the book. The book centers around Theo Morgan, a very well known retail fashion designer. She sets up pop-up shops all over and sells the most sought after fashion designs. She is extremely successful, but has to overcome a terrible tragedy. One year ago as the book starts, Theo's husband and 13 year old son were kidnapped. There was a ransom demand that Theo could easily have paid, but the authorities wanted more time to try to solve the case. It ended in tragedy with the kidnappers killing her husband and son. Theo was and still is devastated as the book begins. She's basically been a hermit for an entire year, not feeling confident enough to go out. She's been running her business remotely and now she's also running her husband's business. She lives in Paris, but travels to New York, Los Angeles, Texas, etc setting up her pop-up shops for short periods.

On one of her trips to New York to prepare a rented building for her fashions, a CIA agent, Mike Andrews, notices someone shady in first class on the same plane as Theo. He knows her story and also knows that the people responsible for Theo's husband and son's death were never caught. He calls several people he knows in law enforcement both in Paris and New York to check on this shady fellow. The plane has been held until they have checked out if they will be allowed to land in New York. They get clearance, but Mike decides he will check in on Theo once she arrives to make sure all is okay.

When Mike and Theo meet, it's an instant connection that they both feel. Mike tells Theo he's a lawyer who wants to buy his sister one of her purses. He doesn't want to alarm Theo and tell her he's CIA. They exchange numbers and end up meeting for dinner while she's in town. The chemistry and sparks fly from these two and you'll love reading about all of their meals, trips, and their "time together" if you catch my drift. As all of this is going on, the people that killed her family are still out there and now they want payback for not getting all of the ransom. Will they be able to get through Theo's security team to kidnap/kill her? Will Mike be able to protect Theo? I read this book in a day as it's a very quick read that you can't put down.

Be sure to pick this book up on June 28th. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for an advanced copy of Suspects.

[Anne OK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best – nor the worst that I’ve read from Danielle Steel. It was average at best and what I’ve come to expect from her recent books. I stuck with it but never felt satisfied or excited with the reading experience.

It’s glitzy and glamorous romantic suspense -- but not too much suspense -- in a global murder case to be solved along with an insta-love romance between a world-famous designer in her mid-thirties and a late-forties CIA agent that feels lacking in development wow power. You’ll also find lots of repetitiveness in the non-graphic sexual scenes and also in the story’s overall details and dialogue.

Just an “ok” story where the author never seems to go that extra mile or offers more than just the minimal. Blah in many ways. I think I may be ready to say good-bye to this author, who once upon a time was a favorite.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review 

While reading Suspectsi didn't know what to except. This book was such a well written story I love the mystery reading this book I felt I was living it too 5 star read 



Happy Reading 

Lisa 📚

[paige (ptsungirl) · Rating 3 out of 5]

"They were gone, and all she could do now was keep going."

[Daniel Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different for me. A murder mystery suspense, my favorite type of book, but this one was full of romance.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book by Danielle Steel. Of course all the people are rich, successful and beautiful.Theo Morgan has led a very sad life for the last year because her husband and son were kidnapped and killed. There are bodyguards for Theo, and she has not been seen in public in over a year. Theo meets Mike who is a CIA agent and both of their lives are changed forever.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspects by Danielle Steel is one of those rare stories that does everything well, romance, drama, and suspense with a touch of espionage. Theo Morgan, fashion royalty is still reeling from the untimely murder of her husband and son a year ago. The case has since gone cold when suddenly she crosses paths with Pierre, a smarmy guy in my opinion and he is being watched by the CIA. When Senior supervising CIA operative Mike Andrews enters Theo's life things become sweeter for Theo, and she begins to experience life once again. This is not without its share of drama and suspense, no one can weave such a wonderful tale of love and intrigue as Danielle Steel.

This book is full of high fashion and glamour as fans of Danielle Steel will love. The writing is descriptive and this is a fast easy and enjoyable read,

[Renata Annese · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love most of Danielle Steel books. I was expecting a first-rate page turner, but it was slow and kind of boring. I was hoping it would get better at some point, but it did not. I am very disappointed.

[Read Rest Recharge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fans of Danielle Steel should enjoy this book. It is full of glitz, glamour, and international intrigue. This romance has some added mystery and suspense. I also appreciated that the main female character was somewhat stronger and brighter than the typical Danielle Steel heroines.

It is a quick, easy read, and you know the ending will be a happy one. But, don’t let that deter you. It is still an enjoyable book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, and Delacorte Press for an advanced copy of this book in exhange for my unbiased and unsolicited opinion.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope.Nope. Why oh why do I continue to read her. This book was obviously written lickety split. So so so much writing the same.thing.over. I’ve never read a book where the author repeats themselves so.much. It was weird. The story was so unbelievable as most all of her books are. Always writing about rich, expensive things...and using words too big for this genre...just thrown in, because. But hey....at least she didn’t use the word ‘pensive’...not once. She must have gotten the memo on that.
Please have some respect for your readers, and for the love of all that is good and holy....proofread.

[Alicia Niles Kleckner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theo is heartbroken due to a devastating occurrence that robs her of everything dear to her. Finally able to return to her lucrative fashion business she meets Mike, a handsome CIA agent who knows her past and knows that she is still in danger from the people that harmed her loved ones. Mike helps ramp up the investigation into finding and putting these people behind bars so that Theo can live a normal life without fear. This is one of the most exciting books that Ms. Steel has written ! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Unlike many Danielle Steel novels, this one doesn’t have the main character— a woman— painted as a feeble, weak, reliant on a man to exist. Suspects was a quick, likable read with strong characters who you root for. It’s hard to find things about them that were unlikeable. A nice turn in the stable of established books.

[Alex (Alex's Version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it...

However, the writing isn't very good, After reading some Nora Roberts, Kristan Higgins and some other fabulous writers and Danielle can't compare, HOWEVER It is a quick, easy read, and you know the ending will be a happy one.

I Still think Beautiful and Finding Ashley are my favorite of her newer ones..

[Tammy Adams · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story never seemed to get started for me. Terribly boring. I have to break the habit of checking out each of her new books. They all seem to be a disappointment

[Mozaika Literacka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zadziwiająco ofensywna, prowokacyjna i szpiegowska, scenicznie zupełnie nieprzewidywalna! Podejrzani to przede wszystkim intrygująca powieść obyczajowa – osadzona gwałtownie w fascynującym świecie biznesu modowego, obficie obdarzona śmiałą namiętnością, w przebiegu niezwykle charakterna i mocno dramatyczna. Teren tej historii zdaje się być grząski i niebezpieczny – staje się wręcz otwartą kompozycją misternie prowadzonych działań wywiadowczych, fabularnie dążących do zdemaskowania przebiegłych działalności przestępczych. Danielle Steel intencjonalnie zatem sieje zamęt w otchłani ludzkiej wyobraźni.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one. A wealthy Parisian fashion mogul who was recently widowed when Russian kidnappers killed her husband and son, falls in love with an American CIA agent. With the setting in Paris and New York City, the attraction was easy!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one! Just a great mystery, romance.

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! how good this book was. Danielle steel was a good author and I thought She nailed it . She put a lot of her emphasis on romance. This story had a bit of romance, but it was a real good CIA go get them kind of story.

I really liked it and I hope you do too.