(audiobook) Having read the author before, I had an idea of what to expect, but I was still surprised. In a good way, because I enjoy a good detective story with a crazy serial killer. But it isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, so be prepared for disturbing content.
As the name of the series suggests, it’s a sequel series, but there’s no need to read the previous series to understand this one. Major events are explained enough to get a feel of those side characters and their stories, and don’t distract from the current plot.
Nick is a FBI agent investigating a gruesome murder that reminds him of a past case that was never closed. By re-opening the case, he discovers that there may have been a survivor, the killer’s first victim, and she might be the key to find the murderer. The victim, Meadow, was left disfigured by the attack.
For a FBI crack team, Nick’s team missed a lot of things during the first investigation, if they’re now able to find lots of new information. While necessary to the plot, this bothered me a bit. The author covers it by insisting Nick was a new agent, but he wasn’t alone in the team. But whatever. Also, even though it was needed to develop the love story, the coincidence of Nick and Meadow knowing each other was a bit too much.
What was nice though, was the fact that Nick was attracted to Meadow despite her scars. Of course, he knew her without them, and thought she was beautiful already. Still it encouraged him to have positive things to say about them. That Meadow needed a man’s validation to feel better was a bit annoying too. Since the victims’ beauty is the motive for the murders, it’s understandable that physical attributes are at the center of the story and a plot device though. The whole message is positive, so I didn’t mind.
The murder plot itself was quite good. The author slips little hints that keep the reader guessing who the culprit is. Though the revelation isn’t a major twist, the mystery is kept for a long time. Since it isn’t a long book, it doesn’t hold for too long either. The story is paced well, with quieter moments–usually about Meadow and Nick’s relationship–and some investigation, with a slight acceleration toward the end.
The narration was mostly good. Both narrators did their character well, not so much the other’s character. It felt like they weren’t voicing the same character sometimes. The female narrator was good for Meadow’s quiet demeanor, while the male narrator’s deep voice was perfect for Nick. Still a short, fast, gripping listen.
Quickie
- Series: The new generation #1 (can be read as a standalone, but linked to other series by the author)
- Hashtags: #romantic thriller #romantic suspense #law enforcer #victim #serial killer #scars
- Triggers: gruesome depictions of murders, verbal abuse
- Main couple: Meadow Holiday & Nicholas Clark
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + all the positive vibes around Meadow’s scars
- – either I’m smarter than those smart men, or it could have been written a bit better, but I had guessed the culprit really fast