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Romantic Suspense #7
Todesschrei
»Schrei, so laut du kannst – keiner wird dich hören!«
Er hat eine Vorliebe für mittelalterliche Folterinstrumente. Für seine Kunst überschreitet er jede menschliche Grenze. Er lässt seine Opfer um ihr Leben schreien. Doch dann heften sich Detective Vito Ciccotelli und Archäologin Sophie Johannsen an seine Fersen, und eine Jagd auf Leben und Tod beginnt …
Er hat eine Vorliebe für mittelalterliche Folterinstrumente. Für seine Kunst überschreitet er jede menschliche Grenze. Er lässt seine Opfer um ihr Leben schreien. Doch dann heften sich Detective Vito Ciccotelli und Archäologin Sophie Johannsen an seine Fersen, und eine Jagd auf Leben und Tod beginnt …
667 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2007
367 people are currently reading
6052 people want to read
About the author
Karen Rose
61 books5,447 followersOFFICIAL WEBSITE:
www.karenrosebooks.com
Internationally bestselling, RITA-award winning, author Karen Rose was born and raised in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. She met her husband, Martin, on a blind date when they were seventeen and after they both graduated from the University of Maryland, (Karen with a degree in Chemical Engineering) they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Karen worked as an engineer for a large consumer goods company, earning two patents, but as Karen says, “scenes were roiling in my head and I couldn't concentrate on my job so I started writing them down. I started out writing for fun, and soon found I was hooked.”
Her debut suspense novel, DON'T TELL, was released in July, 2003. Since then, she has published fifteen more novels and two novellas. Her seventeenth novel, ALONE IN THE DARK, will be released in 2016.
Karen's books have appeared on the bestseller lists of the New York Times, USA Today, London's Sunday Times, and Germany's der Spiegel (#1), and the Irish Times, as well as lists in South Africa (#1) and Australia!
Her novels, I'M WATCHING YOU and SILENT SCREAM, received the Romance Writers of America's RITA award for Best Romantic Suspense for 2005 and 2011. Five of her other books have been RITA finalists. To date, her books have been translated into twenty-four languages.
A former high school teacher of chemistry and physics, Karen lives in Florida with her husband of more than twenty years, her two daughters, two dogs, and a cat.
www.karenrosebooks.com
Internationally bestselling, RITA-award winning, author Karen Rose was born and raised in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. She met her husband, Martin, on a blind date when they were seventeen and after they both graduated from the University of Maryland, (Karen with a degree in Chemical Engineering) they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Karen worked as an engineer for a large consumer goods company, earning two patents, but as Karen says, “scenes were roiling in my head and I couldn't concentrate on my job so I started writing them down. I started out writing for fun, and soon found I was hooked.”
Her debut suspense novel, DON'T TELL, was released in July, 2003. Since then, she has published fifteen more novels and two novellas. Her seventeenth novel, ALONE IN THE DARK, will be released in 2016.
Karen's books have appeared on the bestseller lists of the New York Times, USA Today, London's Sunday Times, and Germany's der Spiegel (#1), and the Irish Times, as well as lists in South Africa (#1) and Australia!
Her novels, I'M WATCHING YOU and SILENT SCREAM, received the Romance Writers of America's RITA award for Best Romantic Suspense for 2005 and 2011. Five of her other books have been RITA finalists. To date, her books have been translated into twenty-four languages.
A former high school teacher of chemistry and physics, Karen lives in Florida with her husband of more than twenty years, her two daughters, two dogs, and a cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 639 reviews
September 14, 2025
The first in the Philadelphia/Atlanta sub-series in Karen Rose's 'Romantic Suspense' series was easily the best book of this reality so far. A complex romantic suspense read that starts off with the finding of a buried medieval tortured and murdered body in a field. The female archaeologist romantic lead is brought to the field and helps them discover more medieval tortured and/or murdered bodies! When they realise there are also empty prepared graves in the field they realise there are more murders to come. This is one of those all-shown reads as we follow the killer's life as well. A serial killer with a rationale unlike any you'll ever see!
It still hard to get round romance blossoming amongst serial torture and murder, but the deeper in the reality I get, the more comfortable with ever widening cast. The suspense, intrigue and multi layered but easy to follow storytelling. It's not that common for me, but this has been one of those rare serials where the books have got better the deeper in the series I get! A Three Star, 7 out of 12 read.
2025 read
It still hard to get round romance blossoming amongst serial torture and murder, but the deeper in the reality I get, the more comfortable with ever widening cast. The suspense, intrigue and multi layered but easy to follow storytelling. It's not that common for me, but this has been one of those rare serials where the books have got better the deeper in the series I get! A Three Star, 7 out of 12 read.
2025 read
February 1, 2023
Die For Me by Karen Rose
Romantic suspense. #7 in the order of all the author books. Can be read as a stand-alone.
A body is found in a Philadelphia field and Detective Vito Ciccotelli calls in archaeologist Sophie Johannasen to help investigate.
They find multiple bodies and the work starts to identify the victims and track down the killer. The empty spots are chilling because you know they are planned.
Intense and gripping. Lots of bodies. Horrifying, torturous kills. And a psycho killer.
Romantic suspense. #7 in the order of all the author books. Can be read as a stand-alone.
A body is found in a Philadelphia field and Detective Vito Ciccotelli calls in archaeologist Sophie Johannasen to help investigate.
They find multiple bodies and the work starts to identify the victims and track down the killer. The empty spots are chilling because you know they are planned.
Intense and gripping. Lots of bodies. Horrifying, torturous kills. And a psycho killer.
February 17, 2009
If you were to google "creepy killer" "medievel torture" or "tension filled suspense", you are sure to come across this series at some point in your search.
Karen Rose is a brand new author to me (thank you Auntee and Isis for the recommendation!). I literally could not put this book down after I cracked the cover and ended up finishing it in record time. The interesting subplots, twists and unexpected turns held my attention until the very end. And then I lay awake all night with visions of a chair of nails and a gore-filled video game stuck in my head.
The romance is light, but sweet. The characters have depth and are interesting. The dialogue was not there as much as I would like - I'm a dialogue girl! - but it was realistic and followed the storyline. The author clearly did her research and this showed in her descriptions of medical examinations, detective work, forensics, etc. (No bumbling Barney Fifes in this book!) I'm thoroughly impressed and would highly recommend this series to anyone with a strong stomach.
Karen Rose is a brand new author to me (thank you Auntee and Isis for the recommendation!). I literally could not put this book down after I cracked the cover and ended up finishing it in record time. The interesting subplots, twists and unexpected turns held my attention until the very end. And then I lay awake all night with visions of a chair of nails and a gore-filled video game stuck in my head.
The romance is light, but sweet. The characters have depth and are interesting. The dialogue was not there as much as I would like - I'm a dialogue girl! - but it was realistic and followed the storyline. The author clearly did her research and this showed in her descriptions of medical examinations, detective work, forensics, etc. (No bumbling Barney Fifes in this book!) I'm thoroughly impressed and would highly recommend this series to anyone with a strong stomach.
April 16, 2014
Quick Summary
It all started to unravel when a man stumbles upon a killer's graveyard only because his wife thought he needed exercise. By the time Sophie Johannsen, a local archeologist, finished her analysis, the body count was outrageous. Detective Vito Ciccotelli (Chick) had his hands full and not just with solving the case.
The mystery/suspense?
Utterly chilling. This was one of the most twisted serial killers ever. Woke up at 4:00 am because I just had to make sure they got him before he offed someone I cared about.
The romance?
Vito and Sophie were zapped the first moment they met and really didn't try to avoid it. Aside from a few bumps, this was a fine and sexy romance.
And speaking of the main characters....
Sophie is a 5'11" blonde, beautiful Amazon with a big brain and snarky wit. Vito is tall, dark and a little broody but with a sense of romance that had her (and me) melt. Oh, and he has a dimple in one cheek.
And everyone else?
It's a big cast and Sophie and Vito are just two of the very well-developed characters in this story.
What about the rest of the series?
I'm 7 books in and it's a perfect record. These are the most consistent stories in all the series on my shelf. If you haven't read Karen Rose and you love this genre, you're really missing something special. Just make sure you start from the beginning.
Bottom line
Another chilling mystery, great romance and interesting story. This author is my auto-buy.
It all started to unravel when a man stumbles upon a killer's graveyard only because his wife thought he needed exercise. By the time Sophie Johannsen, a local archeologist, finished her analysis, the body count was outrageous. Detective Vito Ciccotelli (Chick) had his hands full and not just with solving the case.
The mystery/suspense?
Utterly chilling. This was one of the most twisted serial killers ever. Woke up at 4:00 am because I just had to make sure they got him before he offed someone I cared about.
The romance?
Vito and Sophie were zapped the first moment they met and really didn't try to avoid it. Aside from a few bumps, this was a fine and sexy romance.
And speaking of the main characters....
Sophie is a 5'11" blonde, beautiful Amazon with a big brain and snarky wit. Vito is tall, dark and a little broody but with a sense of romance that had her (and me) melt. Oh, and he has a dimple in one cheek.
And everyone else?
It's a big cast and Sophie and Vito are just two of the very well-developed characters in this story.
What about the rest of the series?
I'm 7 books in and it's a perfect record. These are the most consistent stories in all the series on my shelf. If you haven't read Karen Rose and you love this genre, you're really missing something special. Just make sure you start from the beginning.
Bottom line
Another chilling mystery, great romance and interesting story. This author is my auto-buy.
May 17, 2010
Die For Me has received almost unanimous 5 star reviews from everyone whose read it that I know personally. I'm gonna have to add mine to it. Well written, extremely well plotted without sacrificing one ounce of character development- Ms. Rose is an author to watch!
She must be, considering the fact I'm almost fed up with the serial killer/stalker plot. In fact, I almost put DFM down soon after I started it because of this, but the intriguing characters and my curiosity about them kept me going.
Sophie is an archaeologist called into to assist the police in a homicide investigation when a body is found on a deserted piece of property. She's tall, prone to hippy clothing, bold and blond- and just as vulnerable as you and I. Vito is a detective with soft heart. He's seen the worst- including an event that killed the woman he loved, but he hasn't given up on humanity. When they meet, there is an instant attraction and, despite all that's going on around them, and their respective baggage, they fall for each other in a big way.
The killer in this story is unconscionable, heartless, and not as intelligent as he thinks! Too late, he finds himself up against a formidable investigative team- a team who cracks the shell of his evil deeds putting themselves one step ahead of unknowing him through most of the book. (Which is something that I LOVED about DFM. These cops were no dummies!)
This book is a nail-biter and the inevitable climax and resolution is satisfying enough to suit even lil ol' jaded me! (Sophie ain't no wilting flower waiting patiently for her knight in shining armor- although Vito is indeed that!)
Good read!
She must be, considering the fact I'm almost fed up with the serial killer/stalker plot. In fact, I almost put DFM down soon after I started it because of this, but the intriguing characters and my curiosity about them kept me going.
Sophie is an archaeologist called into to assist the police in a homicide investigation when a body is found on a deserted piece of property. She's tall, prone to hippy clothing, bold and blond- and just as vulnerable as you and I. Vito is a detective with soft heart. He's seen the worst- including an event that killed the woman he loved, but he hasn't given up on humanity. When they meet, there is an instant attraction and, despite all that's going on around them, and their respective baggage, they fall for each other in a big way.
The killer in this story is unconscionable, heartless, and not as intelligent as he thinks! Too late, he finds himself up against a formidable investigative team- a team who cracks the shell of his evil deeds putting themselves one step ahead of unknowing him through most of the book. (Which is something that I LOVED about DFM. These cops were no dummies!)
This book is a nail-biter and the inevitable climax and resolution is satisfying enough to suit even lil ol' jaded me! (Sophie ain't no wilting flower waiting patiently for her knight in shining armor- although Vito is indeed that!)
Good read!
April 23, 2023
3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise, the mystery, and the mc's families.
The Not-So-Good: The length. I think it was too long and I did skim some parts that felt truly unneeded (and didn't struggle later because of it).
The Bad: The romance. I didn't feel it. Past lust, I didn't think there was nearly enough focus being in the couple to establish and develop the romantic connection. I also struggled a lot with the POV. Focusing on so many people in 3rd person narrative felt like work as a reader -- and it never should feel like work reading a book!
Overall: This was just alright. It was way too long and could've easily been edited down, because after looking back, some of the parts were definitely unnecessary for the overall storyline.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Sophie and Vito's story. Vito is a homicide detective and he needs an archaeologist, and Sophie's name comes up. Sophie helps the police and since she is a historian on the methods the serial killer is using, she continues to be a consultant. Vito and Sophie have a connection instantly, but both of them have troubled pasts that make them hesitant to get into a relationship. After some secrets get revealed and some trust gets earned, they start a relationship while also trying to find the serial killer. There are some suspenseful moments, some mystery, and some romantic scenes....and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This focused on many characters in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Alright. It was super long (557 pages on my kindle app) and it sometimes felt it. I did skim some parts, especially the parts that focused on the side characters.
Instalove: No. instalust? Yes.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Vito. I liked him and how he was with the h, but I felt like he wasn't all that deep of a character and I wanted more from him.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Sophie. I liked her more then the H. I appreciated her smarts and loyalty, but I still wanted more.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Alright. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes, but mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a good place but I would've liked much more of the personal stuff on page for closure, especially after how long the book is. I would still call it a HEA ending
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise, the mystery, and the mc's families.
The Not-So-Good: The length. I think it was too long and I did skim some parts that felt truly unneeded (and didn't struggle later because of it).
The Bad: The romance. I didn't feel it. Past lust, I didn't think there was nearly enough focus being in the couple to establish and develop the romantic connection. I also struggled a lot with the POV. Focusing on so many people in 3rd person narrative felt like work as a reader -- and it never should feel like work reading a book!
Overall: This was just alright. It was way too long and could've easily been edited down, because after looking back, some of the parts were definitely unnecessary for the overall storyline.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Sophie and Vito's story. Vito is a homicide detective and he needs an archaeologist, and Sophie's name comes up. Sophie helps the police and since she is a historian on the methods the serial killer is using, she continues to be a consultant. Vito and Sophie have a connection instantly, but both of them have troubled pasts that make them hesitant to get into a relationship. After some secrets get revealed and some trust gets earned, they start a relationship while also trying to find the serial killer. There are some suspenseful moments, some mystery, and some romantic scenes....and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This focused on many characters in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Alright. It was super long (557 pages on my kindle app) and it sometimes felt it. I did skim some parts, especially the parts that focused on the side characters.
Instalove: No. instalust? Yes.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Vito. I liked him and how he was with the h, but I felt like he wasn't all that deep of a character and I wanted more from him.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Sophie. I liked her more then the H. I appreciated her smarts and loyalty, but I still wanted more.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Alright. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes, but mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a good place but I would've liked much more of the personal stuff on page for closure, especially after how long the book is. I would still call it a HEA ending
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
November 9, 2008
Die For Me was another winner by Karen Rose. This book was filled with suspense and had a touching romance as well. The hero and heroine both have unresolved issues from their pasts that they help each other confront. They are both very likeable characters, and I appreciated the way that they did not fight their feelings for one another. The villain was truly evil and the descriptions of his handiwork were quite gruesome. As with the other Karen Rose books I have read, this was an intense, engrossing book. I am already looking forward to reading the next book, Scream for Me.
Vito Ciccotelli, Philadelphia Homicide Detective, is called to investigate a body found in a field. When the body is uncovered, what they find is horrifying. A metal detector indicates the possibility of finding more of this gruesome handiwork. The police department requests the assistance of an archaeologist, Sophie Johannsen. Her sophisticated equipment scans reveal a grid of bodies in the field. As the bodies are exhumed, it is clear that they are dealing with a monster. Several of the bodies have been brutalized using medieval torture methods. After spending hours scanning the field, Vito assits Sophie in putting her borrowed equipment away, and asks her to dinner. The two are immediately drawn to one another, but an incident occurs that causes Sophie to badly misjudge and rebuff Vito. Vito contacts Sophie the next day to try to find out why she so suddenly seemed to dislike him. Their misunderstanding is cleared, and they share a kiss, but Sophie still refuses his company. As Sophie is an expert in medieval warfare, she continues to consult with the police. She believes that information Vito will hear from one of the medieval experts she sends him to will turn him against her. Nothing is further from the truth, and when Vito lets Sophie know that he trusts her and believes in her integrity, she agrees to dinner. Vito and Sophie spend a passionate night together, and when he realizes that other medieval experts are disappearing, he makes certain she is provided with police department protection. Vito spends his nights with Sophie, and they quickly become to care deeply for one another. As they investigate the murders, they find numerous people to question and they soon realize that this brutal killer is using the murders as artwork for a video game. The investigation becomes more personal to Vito when it becomes clear that Sophie is a target of the murderer. While Vito and Sophie learn more about one another and realize how important their relationship is, danger to Sophie escalates, and they must race to apprehend the terrifying killer.
There was much to like about this book. It had a great story filled with suspense, and wonderful main characters whose romance is satisfying. There were numerous likeable secondary characters, and a terrifyingly evil antagonist. I did make a mistake right before I read this book that lessened the suspense. I went to Karen Rose's website to review the book relationship page with all of the major characters listed, and then decided to read the synopsis of the next book, Scream for Me. The first sentence of the synopsis for that book told me the identity of the bad guy in Die for Me. I immediately quit reading the synopsis, and I still thoroughly enjoyed the book, but I wish I would not have known who the villain actually was. I would have liked to see how long it took me to discover it myself. If you don't want a huge spoiler for this great book, stay away from the synopsis for the next book.
Vito Ciccotelli, Philadelphia Homicide Detective, is called to investigate a body found in a field. When the body is uncovered, what they find is horrifying. A metal detector indicates the possibility of finding more of this gruesome handiwork. The police department requests the assistance of an archaeologist, Sophie Johannsen. Her sophisticated equipment scans reveal a grid of bodies in the field. As the bodies are exhumed, it is clear that they are dealing with a monster. Several of the bodies have been brutalized using medieval torture methods. After spending hours scanning the field, Vito assits Sophie in putting her borrowed equipment away, and asks her to dinner. The two are immediately drawn to one another, but an incident occurs that causes Sophie to badly misjudge and rebuff Vito. Vito contacts Sophie the next day to try to find out why she so suddenly seemed to dislike him. Their misunderstanding is cleared, and they share a kiss, but Sophie still refuses his company. As Sophie is an expert in medieval warfare, she continues to consult with the police. She believes that information Vito will hear from one of the medieval experts she sends him to will turn him against her. Nothing is further from the truth, and when Vito lets Sophie know that he trusts her and believes in her integrity, she agrees to dinner. Vito and Sophie spend a passionate night together, and when he realizes that other medieval experts are disappearing, he makes certain she is provided with police department protection. Vito spends his nights with Sophie, and they quickly become to care deeply for one another. As they investigate the murders, they find numerous people to question and they soon realize that this brutal killer is using the murders as artwork for a video game. The investigation becomes more personal to Vito when it becomes clear that Sophie is a target of the murderer. While Vito and Sophie learn more about one another and realize how important their relationship is, danger to Sophie escalates, and they must race to apprehend the terrifying killer.
There was much to like about this book. It had a great story filled with suspense, and wonderful main characters whose romance is satisfying. There were numerous likeable secondary characters, and a terrifyingly evil antagonist. I did make a mistake right before I read this book that lessened the suspense. I went to Karen Rose's website to review the book relationship page with all of the major characters listed, and then decided to read the synopsis of the next book, Scream for Me. The first sentence of the synopsis for that book told me the identity of the bad guy in Die for Me. I immediately quit reading the synopsis, and I still thoroughly enjoyed the book, but I wish I would not have known who the villain actually was. I would have liked to see how long it took me to discover it myself. If you don't want a huge spoiler for this great book, stay away from the synopsis for the next book.
January 5, 2015
★★★★★ Very well narrated by Tavia Gilbert; I’ll look for books narrated by her again. A fabulous crime-mystery that still manages to have a great romance within; amazing secondary characters; pleasant epilogue. Be warned, the serial killer is
really
diabolically evil.
April 20, 2015
A grave is uncovered in a snowed field outside of Philadelphia. Police canvass the surrounding area with a metal detector, finding five more possible resting places. Enlisting the help of an archaeologist, they discover a hidden graveyard with sixteen graves and (only) nine bodies.
And the killer already has a new body to fill one of his empty graves. But is he truly simply a sociopath, or are his motives more sinister than the police suspect?
I loved it from the first word. Wonderfully chilling suspense, a few secrets thrown in to keep things interesting, a perfectly (and fascinatingly) twisted killer, a to-die-for detective (I'm not ashamed to admit I fell head over heels for Vito "Chick" Ciccotelli, under his Alpha-ness he was just so über sweet), a feisty archaeologist of Amazonian build and some deep issues of her own, great supporting cast (with two heavy hints about the next two books, which I can't wait to tackle), a heavy dose of "history appreciation" thrown into the mix ("manna" for a history aficionado like me), lovely romantic undertones to provide a breather from the thriller parts...
A wonderfully crafted and delivered story.
And the killer already has a new body to fill one of his empty graves. But is he truly simply a sociopath, or are his motives more sinister than the police suspect?
I loved it from the first word. Wonderfully chilling suspense, a few secrets thrown in to keep things interesting, a perfectly (and fascinatingly) twisted killer, a to-die-for detective (I'm not ashamed to admit I fell head over heels for Vito "Chick" Ciccotelli, under his Alpha-ness he was just so über sweet), a feisty archaeologist of Amazonian build and some deep issues of her own, great supporting cast (with two heavy hints about the next two books, which I can't wait to tackle), a heavy dose of "history appreciation" thrown into the mix ("manna" for a history aficionado like me), lovely romantic undertones to provide a breather from the thriller parts...
A wonderfully crafted and delivered story.
September 25, 2020
Expectacular¡¡¡. Me ha tenido enganchada desde la primera página, un buen ritmo que no ha decaído en toda la novela y tampoco se ha alargado haciendo sufrir a los espectadores. Muy bien ligada la historia amorosa dentro de la trama, lo único que me ha chirriado es el instant love entre los protagonistas, pero lo perdono porque la novela me ha encantado.
Voy a leer la siguiente en breve
Voy a leer la siguiente en breve
April 14, 2014
Este livro é de uma autora que infelizmente foi abandonada em Portugal.
Tem este livro traduzido cá como: "Morre por mim" e o segundo "Scream for me" como: "Grita por mim", ambos traduzidos pela Bertrand.
Depois, tem mais uns títulos traduzidos pela Círculo de leitores que já não são fáceis de encontrar.
Gostei muito deste livro e não contava lê-lo tão depressa. Então a Cata (do blogue páginas encadernadas) ia ler este mês e disse-me se queria fazer parte da leitura conjunta que ela ia fazer mais outras meninas.
Não tinha o livro, a Cata enviou-me o e-book em inglês e eu aventurei-me. Então, assim, este livro teve quase três estreias.
Estreia completa na autora, nunca tinha lido nada dela.
Estreia quase completa em e-book (ainda só tinha lido um livro neste formato).
Estreia quase completa em inglês (não lia em inglês desde 2007 - último Harry Potter).
Demorei mais tempo a ler este menino por estar em inglês mas nem por isso foi mais difícil. E com isto, foi o "empurrão" que estava a precisar para regressar às leituras em inglês.
Adorei ler novamente na língua original.
Este livro, um policial, tem todos os ingredientes para deliciar os fãs do género.
- Crimes horrendos.
- Criminoso super inteligente que não comete erros.
- Polícias cativantes e com passados por resolver.
- Arqueologia e medieval.
- Um romance entre os protagonistas.
Só muito perto do fim sabemos quem é o responsável por mortes tão horríveis, mas, o que este livro tem de bom é que, tem vários capítulos em que vemos o assassino no seu dia-a-da, no trabalho, e também capítulos em que tem a vítima em cativeiro.
Ao longo do livro todo, para além dos crimes principais, há alguns mistérios que pairam não só sobre os protagonistas (ex-mulher de Vito e mistério do saco preto de cadáveres para Sophie), mas também sobre outras personagens que se vão revelar tanto ou mais importantes para a história (caso do Daniel).
A escrita é fluida e estes livros não são mesmo nada difíceis de ler em inglês, o inglês da autora é fácil e acessível para quem sabe um pouco da língua. Não utiliza expressões difíceis.
Há uma ou outra palavra que tive de ver o que significava mas de resto, percebe-se tudo muito bem e dentro do contexto.
Escusado será dizer que fiquei fã da autora e que vou ler os restantes livros dela em inglês.
Não dou a pontuação máxima ao livro por suspeitar desde o início de quem seria o assassino, não foi exactamente aquele que eu suspeitava mas estava muito relacionado.
No fim, quando é revelado, ainda é mencionado outro personagem como possível vilão da história e o meu coração até deu um pulo se assim fosse e me tivesse escapado, mas revelaram-se quase certas as minhas suspeitas desde o início.
O fim é um doce para algumas leitoras. . .
Tem este livro traduzido cá como: "Morre por mim" e o segundo "Scream for me" como: "Grita por mim", ambos traduzidos pela Bertrand.
Depois, tem mais uns títulos traduzidos pela Círculo de leitores que já não são fáceis de encontrar.
Gostei muito deste livro e não contava lê-lo tão depressa. Então a Cata (do blogue páginas encadernadas) ia ler este mês e disse-me se queria fazer parte da leitura conjunta que ela ia fazer mais outras meninas.
Não tinha o livro, a Cata enviou-me o e-book em inglês e eu aventurei-me. Então, assim, este livro teve quase três estreias.
Estreia completa na autora, nunca tinha lido nada dela.
Estreia quase completa em e-book (ainda só tinha lido um livro neste formato).
Estreia quase completa em inglês (não lia em inglês desde 2007 - último Harry Potter).
Demorei mais tempo a ler este menino por estar em inglês mas nem por isso foi mais difícil. E com isto, foi o "empurrão" que estava a precisar para regressar às leituras em inglês.
Adorei ler novamente na língua original.
Este livro, um policial, tem todos os ingredientes para deliciar os fãs do género.
- Crimes horrendos.
- Criminoso super inteligente que não comete erros.
- Polícias cativantes e com passados por resolver.
- Arqueologia e medieval.
- Um romance entre os protagonistas.
Só muito perto do fim sabemos quem é o responsável por mortes tão horríveis, mas, o que este livro tem de bom é que, tem vários capítulos em que vemos o assassino no seu dia-a-da, no trabalho, e também capítulos em que tem a vítima em cativeiro.
Ao longo do livro todo, para além dos crimes principais, há alguns mistérios que pairam não só sobre os protagonistas (ex-mulher de Vito e mistério do saco preto de cadáveres para Sophie), mas também sobre outras personagens que se vão revelar tanto ou mais importantes para a história (caso do Daniel).
A escrita é fluida e estes livros não são mesmo nada difíceis de ler em inglês, o inglês da autora é fácil e acessível para quem sabe um pouco da língua. Não utiliza expressões difíceis.
Há uma ou outra palavra que tive de ver o que significava mas de resto, percebe-se tudo muito bem e dentro do contexto.
Escusado será dizer que fiquei fã da autora e que vou ler os restantes livros dela em inglês.
Não dou a pontuação máxima ao livro por suspeitar desde o início de quem seria o assassino, não foi exactamente aquele que eu suspeitava mas estava muito relacionado.
No fim, quando é revelado, ainda é mencionado outro personagem como possível vilão da história e o meu coração até deu um pulo se assim fosse e me tivesse escapado, mas revelaram-se quase certas as minhas suspeitas desde o início.
O fim é um doce para algumas leitoras. . .
November 9, 2012
I've said that Karen Rose is the best romantic suspense author around. This book reaffirms my feelings.
Sophie is an archaeologist called in to help police when a mass grave is found. Sophie meets Vito Ciccotelli, a detective working the case. They feel a connection to each other, but each has personal issues to deal with before they can explore a relationship. Meanwhile, Vito and his crew are slowly discovering they are dealing with the most evil, crafty, and dangerous serial killer they've encountered. Sophie soon discovers she is next on the killer 's list.
I had a little trouble getting into the book at first. There were three different stories going on at once, plus the budding romance and personal lives of Sophie and Vito made it hard for me to keep track of everything that was going on. But, once the stories started to come together to form one, I was really into it. I really felt sorry for Daniel and his sister. I suppose we find out more about the Vartanian family in the next book. Vito was the perfect hero. He wasn't over the top alpha male, but strong, smart, and still patient and nice with Sophie. Sophie 's family was unbelievable. I was happy that she found stability with Vito.
Overall a B+
Sophie is an archaeologist called in to help police when a mass grave is found. Sophie meets Vito Ciccotelli, a detective working the case. They feel a connection to each other, but each has personal issues to deal with before they can explore a relationship. Meanwhile, Vito and his crew are slowly discovering they are dealing with the most evil, crafty, and dangerous serial killer they've encountered. Sophie soon discovers she is next on the killer 's list.
I had a little trouble getting into the book at first. There were three different stories going on at once, plus the budding romance and personal lives of Sophie and Vito made it hard for me to keep track of everything that was going on. But, once the stories started to come together to form one, I was really into it. I really felt sorry for Daniel and his sister. I suppose we find out more about the Vartanian family in the next book. Vito was the perfect hero. He wasn't over the top alpha male, but strong, smart, and still patient and nice with Sophie. Sophie 's family was unbelievable. I was happy that she found stability with Vito.
Overall a B+
August 20, 2010
I can't say that this book scared me but I can say that the Killer was extremely creepy. The story was so good that I'm gonna continue on with the next book in this series. I had not planned on doing that but after finishing this story I still want more.
May 6, 2009
This is one of those covers that scares readers like me away. I almost didn't read the book because of the cover.
This is the first Karen Rose book I've read and I enjoyed it. I would have given it five stars, but three things bothered me. 1. It used the "f" word too much. 2. There was one sex scene, and it was peculiar. The guy scolded the woman after their first "time" together and later referred to how he was "teaching" her in that area. I didn't like that at all. 3. The character development was strange for me.
However, after finishing the book, I think the character development was only strange to me because I had never read this author before.
There were a lot of characters and side stories going on in this book. So, if you've got a sharp brain, you'd probably like that. My brain had trouble keeping all of the characters' stories straight.
I did figure out who the murderer was from the very beginning. It was kinda the typical "who is the least likely" person scenario. However, I still enjoyed reading the book to find out how they were going to catch the murderer.
There is some gruesome violence in this book - so beware.
It was a good read, and I will read more of her books - until she reaches the "f" word quota. Then I will have to set her down and forget about her.
This is the first Karen Rose book I've read and I enjoyed it. I would have given it five stars, but three things bothered me. 1. It used the "f" word too much. 2. There was one sex scene, and it was peculiar. The guy scolded the woman after their first "time" together and later referred to how he was "teaching" her in that area. I didn't like that at all. 3. The character development was strange for me.
However, after finishing the book, I think the character development was only strange to me because I had never read this author before.
There were a lot of characters and side stories going on in this book. So, if you've got a sharp brain, you'd probably like that. My brain had trouble keeping all of the characters' stories straight.
I did figure out who the murderer was from the very beginning. It was kinda the typical "who is the least likely" person scenario. However, I still enjoyed reading the book to find out how they were going to catch the murderer.
There is some gruesome violence in this book - so beware.
It was a good read, and I will read more of her books - until she reaches the "f" word quota. Then I will have to set her down and forget about her.
December 27, 2024
I am a big fan of the work of Tom Clancy. No one could weave a political thriller as good as he could. He is greatly missed. I didn't even mind that there was no romance in his books, I just loved them. I see elements of his essence in the work of Karen Rose. She is a superior storyteller who can craft characters and plot twists like very few other authors. In Die For Me her romance is believable and her mystery is chilling. She weaves her characters and the plot into a seamless tale of revenge, ego and madness. Very chilling. Into this plot she weaves a really sweet romance between two characters who both have had rough times in the past. The resulting tapestry is wonderful for fans of the romantic-suspense genre.
As with most of Karen Rose's books, to revel details of the plot would be a disservice to a future reader. This book unveils its' secrets and the story unfolds and the reader really needs to make these discoveries for themselves.
As with most of Karen Rose's books, to revel details of the plot would be a disservice to a future reader. This book unveils its' secrets and the story unfolds and the reader really needs to make these discoveries for themselves.
September 28, 2010
4.5 stars. The author weaves an excellent story, excellent voice, richly well done. Caution: too much horrific torture for me.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
The majority of the story is the solving of many mysteries. The way they are solved, the fact that they are getting so close to the killer without the killer knowing, and the plot mechanics were well done. This is mostly mystery and suspense. It is rare for me to like a mystery as much as I liked this one. I usually want more time spent on the relationship, but I was happy with the amount here. The cop and archaeologist drew me in. I enjoyed learning about them and being with them. This was not a cookie cutter book in any way. Not once was I bored. I enjoyed every page (notwithstanding the torture). There were some smart lines and smart ideas. I was not insulted by anything.
However, the torture may not appeal to some readers. The killer uses different medieval torture devices and weapons on several different people. The author showed the beginning of some torture scenes, but most of the scenes were told after the fact by the authorities describing what had been done to the victims. I didn’t have to live through the details of the torture scenes, but the descriptions of what had been done left me shuddering. The torture scenes were vividly in my mind when I would wake up in the middle of the night, and first thing the next the morning.
I had to deep breathe to calm myself when I finished the book. This is one of the worst villains I have ever read about – evil. Yes it had a happy ending for the main characters, but so many other people had died such horrible deaths, I was unsettled at the end. This author could be a “must read 5 star author” for me if she would use less haunting evil. The after effects and the horrible memories stayed with me for days. I’d love to see the author write with less horror. I can handle stories with rape, murder and some torture, but not so much of it. I was impressed with everything else about the author. She’s a great writer, but I don’t think I’ll buy the sequel which I suspect may be too strong for me. However, I plan to take a look at her in the future, hoping she might write something a little softer. If anyone knows of something she’s written that is softer, please let me know in the comment section below.
STORY BRIEF:
Sophie is an archaeologist who left her digs and research career to take a job in a small museum. She wanted to be near her grandmother and earn money to pay for a nursing home for her. Vito is a police detective assigned to the case of a dead body found in a field. His department asks Sophie for help in locating other bodies in the field using her archaeological equipment. They find several mutilated bodies. Sophie helps them identify the medieval torture devices used on the bodies. Sophie and Vito are drawn to each other, with some interesting conflicts.
DATA:
Story length: 558 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: 1, 4 pages long. Setting: current day Philadelphia, PA, Dutton, GA, and New York City, NY. Copyright: 2007. Genre: romantic mystery suspense.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
The majority of the story is the solving of many mysteries. The way they are solved, the fact that they are getting so close to the killer without the killer knowing, and the plot mechanics were well done. This is mostly mystery and suspense. It is rare for me to like a mystery as much as I liked this one. I usually want more time spent on the relationship, but I was happy with the amount here. The cop and archaeologist drew me in. I enjoyed learning about them and being with them. This was not a cookie cutter book in any way. Not once was I bored. I enjoyed every page (notwithstanding the torture). There were some smart lines and smart ideas. I was not insulted by anything.
However, the torture may not appeal to some readers. The killer uses different medieval torture devices and weapons on several different people. The author showed the beginning of some torture scenes, but most of the scenes were told after the fact by the authorities describing what had been done to the victims. I didn’t have to live through the details of the torture scenes, but the descriptions of what had been done left me shuddering. The torture scenes were vividly in my mind when I would wake up in the middle of the night, and first thing the next the morning.
I had to deep breathe to calm myself when I finished the book. This is one of the worst villains I have ever read about – evil. Yes it had a happy ending for the main characters, but so many other people had died such horrible deaths, I was unsettled at the end. This author could be a “must read 5 star author” for me if she would use less haunting evil. The after effects and the horrible memories stayed with me for days. I’d love to see the author write with less horror. I can handle stories with rape, murder and some torture, but not so much of it. I was impressed with everything else about the author. She’s a great writer, but I don’t think I’ll buy the sequel which I suspect may be too strong for me. However, I plan to take a look at her in the future, hoping she might write something a little softer. If anyone knows of something she’s written that is softer, please let me know in the comment section below.
STORY BRIEF:
Sophie is an archaeologist who left her digs and research career to take a job in a small museum. She wanted to be near her grandmother and earn money to pay for a nursing home for her. Vito is a police detective assigned to the case of a dead body found in a field. His department asks Sophie for help in locating other bodies in the field using her archaeological equipment. They find several mutilated bodies. Sophie helps them identify the medieval torture devices used on the bodies. Sophie and Vito are drawn to each other, with some interesting conflicts.
DATA:
Story length: 558 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: 1, 4 pages long. Setting: current day Philadelphia, PA, Dutton, GA, and New York City, NY. Copyright: 2007. Genre: romantic mystery suspense.
November 12, 2021
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; SEPT 30, 2016
Narrator: Tavia Gilbert
I managed to finish the audio this time and I'd say I enjoyed this book more this time than when I read it back in 2007. However, I found the torture details more difficult to handle than when I read the paperback. I don't mean there were much of that in the book but, rather, the thoughts conjured up by the mere thought of those medieval torture devices. The depth of man's depravity in relation to violence is incomprehensible to me.
The romance between Vito and Sophie was stronger for me this time round, too, as was the fact that Vito is not just handsome, but movie-star gorgeous. I didn't notice that back in 2007.
The biggest thing I noted listening to the audiobook compared to reading print, was Tavia Gilbert's pronunciation of 'Othello'. I couldn't believe she pronounced it 'Otheyo'! YO! It's not a Spanish word. The 'L' is not changed to a 'Y' sound. Gawd.
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; MAY 2013: MISSION ABORTED
Narrator: Talia Gilbert
I tried but I couldn't listen to more than a couple of pages. It's hard to tell from just a sample at times. Gilbert reads fine but I find high female voices unpleasant to the ear (it's my ears, other people don't have a problem). I thought I'd give this audio a chance, that as long as it's well-narrated, I'll be okay with it but I'm not.
I'll still check out KR's other books by other narrators, though. I might find one female voice I like, failing which there's always Sandra Brown.
==========================================
REVIEW OF PAPERBACK, NOVEMBER 2007:
Karen Rose became an auto-buy after I read You Can't Hide and so far she hasn't disappointed. Sophie, the heroine of Die For Me, is professional and competent - one of the reasons why Karen Rose is a "safe" author. I don't have to worry about any of her heroines being TSTL and forgetting their professionalism. Of course, if I were a teenager reading Rose's books, I'd say her heroines are too uptight and conservative but I'm a few light years away from my teens so Rose's heroines suit me fine. Still beautiful, still sexy but have brains, baby!
Vito, I knew would have his own book ever since he popped up in one of the earlier books so even early on he was already making an impression.
Die For Me is a little gruesome though we aren't taken through the actual killing scenes so it was okay for me. I hate having to go through a scene with the serial killer slicing and dicing his way through. Ugh. Rose did it well in this book and I don't think anyone would be upset.
Romance-wise, I was relieved that there was an equal amount of attention given to it as to the suspense. I hope Rose never forgets this balance and if she does decide to switch to Suspense, as Coulter, Brown et al have, that her books not be labeled Romantic Suspense so I know what I'm getting when I buy.
Narrator: Tavia Gilbert
I managed to finish the audio this time and I'd say I enjoyed this book more this time than when I read it back in 2007. However, I found the torture details more difficult to handle than when I read the paperback. I don't mean there were much of that in the book but, rather, the thoughts conjured up by the mere thought of those medieval torture devices. The depth of man's depravity in relation to violence is incomprehensible to me.
The romance between Vito and Sophie was stronger for me this time round, too, as was the fact that Vito is not just handsome, but movie-star gorgeous. I didn't notice that back in 2007.
The biggest thing I noted listening to the audiobook compared to reading print, was Tavia Gilbert's pronunciation of 'Othello'. I couldn't believe she pronounced it 'Otheyo'! YO! It's not a Spanish word. The 'L' is not changed to a 'Y' sound. Gawd.
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; MAY 2013: MISSION ABORTED
Narrator: Talia Gilbert
I tried but I couldn't listen to more than a couple of pages. It's hard to tell from just a sample at times. Gilbert reads fine but I find high female voices unpleasant to the ear (it's my ears, other people don't have a problem). I thought I'd give this audio a chance, that as long as it's well-narrated, I'll be okay with it but I'm not.
I'll still check out KR's other books by other narrators, though. I might find one female voice I like, failing which there's always Sandra Brown.
==========================================
REVIEW OF PAPERBACK, NOVEMBER 2007:
Karen Rose became an auto-buy after I read You Can't Hide and so far she hasn't disappointed. Sophie, the heroine of Die For Me, is professional and competent - one of the reasons why Karen Rose is a "safe" author. I don't have to worry about any of her heroines being TSTL and forgetting their professionalism. Of course, if I were a teenager reading Rose's books, I'd say her heroines are too uptight and conservative but I'm a few light years away from my teens so Rose's heroines suit me fine. Still beautiful, still sexy but have brains, baby!
Vito, I knew would have his own book ever since he popped up in one of the earlier books so even early on he was already making an impression.
Die For Me is a little gruesome though we aren't taken through the actual killing scenes so it was okay for me. I hate having to go through a scene with the serial killer slicing and dicing his way through. Ugh. Rose did it well in this book and I don't think anyone would be upset.
Romance-wise, I was relieved that there was an equal amount of attention given to it as to the suspense. I hope Rose never forgets this balance and if she does decide to switch to Suspense, as Coulter, Brown et al have, that her books not be labeled Romantic Suspense so I know what I'm getting when I buy.
October 29, 2020
LOVED IT !!!
I read a book from Karen Rose (“You belong to me”) years ago and since then I’ve been dying to read another book from her. I couldn’t find any of them in my country. So, special thanks to my best friend who bought me some of her books in UK this summer.
This book is a chilling insight into the mind of a very cold blooded sociopathic killer with genius computer skills. Make no mistake about this being a 'fluffy romance/thriller' , it is very graphic with plenty of gore, peppered with some truly heinous individuals and a lovely romance thrown in. The suspense part of the book was much more entertaining than the romance part. Some of the twists in the story literally shocked me and grabbed my attention, although I never lost interest during the entire book.
Karen Rose did a great job in developing the characters, even the secondary characters too. Vito was the perfect hero. He was strong, able, smart, but not full of himself and arrogant and over the top alpha male. I thought he would be really good for Sophie. I was happy Sophie finally found some peace regarding her career and some stability in her personal life.
Can’t wait to read the other books in this series. :) :)
*Second time reading this book, the impression remains the same. Great suspense, great characters, creepy atmosphere and sweet romance. Next week I'm reading Scream for me.
I read a book from Karen Rose (“You belong to me”) years ago and since then I’ve been dying to read another book from her. I couldn’t find any of them in my country. So, special thanks to my best friend who bought me some of her books in UK this summer.
This book is a chilling insight into the mind of a very cold blooded sociopathic killer with genius computer skills. Make no mistake about this being a 'fluffy romance/thriller' , it is very graphic with plenty of gore, peppered with some truly heinous individuals and a lovely romance thrown in. The suspense part of the book was much more entertaining than the romance part. Some of the twists in the story literally shocked me and grabbed my attention, although I never lost interest during the entire book.
Karen Rose did a great job in developing the characters, even the secondary characters too. Vito was the perfect hero. He was strong, able, smart, but not full of himself and arrogant and over the top alpha male. I thought he would be really good for Sophie. I was happy Sophie finally found some peace regarding her career and some stability in her personal life.
Can’t wait to read the other books in this series. :) :)
*Second time reading this book, the impression remains the same. Great suspense, great characters, creepy atmosphere and sweet romance. Next week I'm reading Scream for me.
July 20, 2014
A body is unearthed in a field. Heading the investigation, Detective Vito Ciccotelli requests the help of an archaeologist to use ground penetrating radar in the area. Sophie Johannsen helps him uncover a total of seventeen graves, nine of them filled with bodies. Some of the victims have been buried up to a year; many have been tortured. But it's the empty graves that really scare Vito. This means the killer isn't done, and has many more murders planned.
Another excellent romantic suspense novel from Karen Rose. I love her books. She uses just the right amount of romance with the right amount of suspense. Her characters are very likeable and there are no TSTL moments in these books. I'm not a fan of getting the villain's point-of-view, but it works in this story. By getting into his head, we find out why his is killing, and just who he plans to put into the empty graves. This made the book even scarier for me. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
Another excellent romantic suspense novel from Karen Rose. I love her books. She uses just the right amount of romance with the right amount of suspense. Her characters are very likeable and there are no TSTL moments in these books. I'm not a fan of getting the villain's point-of-view, but it works in this story. By getting into his head, we find out why his is killing, and just who he plans to put into the empty graves. This made the book even scarier for me. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
February 4, 2015
This is book #7 in Karen Rose's Romantic Suspense series.
Character Development is very good. The suspense is great, it kept me reading with wondering who did it, how they figure it out and how they get the bad guy. The romance was sweet and light.
The dialogue was natural and believable to the characters and situations. The detective and forensics aspects were believable.
I would recommend this author and this series to anyone who is in love with romantic suspense novels. I would recommend reading in order for the understanding of some of the cast of characters that were developed in other books through the series.
Character Development is very good. The suspense is great, it kept me reading with wondering who did it, how they figure it out and how they get the bad guy. The romance was sweet and light.
The dialogue was natural and believable to the characters and situations. The detective and forensics aspects were believable.
I would recommend this author and this series to anyone who is in love with romantic suspense novels. I would recommend reading in order for the understanding of some of the cast of characters that were developed in other books through the series.
June 3, 2025
4,5 sterren. wat een goed verhaal. ga zeker het volgende deel ook lezen. Schreeuw voor mij.
August 19, 2017
Excellent novel, a good thriller with a clever plot and vivid characters with a solid background story. Especially the serial killer: he was extra creepy and so powerfully written that he overshadowed the H/h.
This was my first book by Karen Rose, now I have to get all the others ;)
This was my first book by Karen Rose, now I have to get all the others ;)
August 22, 2015
4.5 stars. Another chilling read by Karen Rose. Seriously mental psycho. I'm always fascinated to watch Rose weave the different characters & plot lines together by the end...and suddenly, it all makes sense. I suspected the identity of the villain a little earlier in this one than some of the others, but it didn't distract from the suspense, horror, or ending at all. A Must Read!
September 22, 2025
Fantástico. ¿Porqué las editoriales han dejado de editar thriller romántico? ¿Porqué no siguen sacando novelas de esta mujer? Incomprensible para mi.
Y diez años después, en esta relectura, sigo pensando lo mismo. No me acordaba casi nada del libro y me lo he bebido en menos de 24 horas (cosas de estar de vacaciones)
Y diez años después, en esta relectura, sigo pensando lo mismo. No me acordaba casi nada del libro y me lo he bebido en menos de 24 horas (cosas de estar de vacaciones)
April 22, 2024
Още една много добра история от Карън Роуз.
Вито Чикотели беше един от любимите ми персонажи от “Не можеш да се скриеш” и не можеше да не пренебрегна списъка си с книги, за да прочета неговата история.
“Die for me” (все още не е преведена на български и не знам какво заглавие би имала) е първата книга в поредицата за специален агент Даниъл Вартанян.
Отново имаме обичайната история - секси полицай (в този случай Вито) разследва случай за сериен убиец и му трябва помощ от сексапилна жена, специалист в нещо си, с която бързо си стават близки.
Отново имаше семейни драми и обрати, интересни персонажи, секс, страх, кръв… всичко нужно за добра книга.
Основната сила на книгата за мен са историите на героите. Софи беше много сладък образ и до края на историята вече я обичах. Цялата фамилия Чикотели и сплотеността им ми напомни за моето шумно семейство и ми беше много мило докато се запознавах с всички членове, които останаха непознати в “Не можеш да се скриеш”. Хареса ми, че отново видяхме и Тес.
В “Die for me” заедно с историята на Вито и Софи, паралелно върви и тази на специален агент Даниъл Вартанян и неговото дисфункционално семейство, което ще е в центъра на събитията за тази трилогия. Определено ми стана много симпатичен, даже предполагам, че следваща книга (разказваща неговата история) ще ми е още по-интересна. Историята му е много интересна и нямам търпение да разгърне напълно потенциала си в следващите две книги. Определено този път историята е много заплетена и съм изключително щастлива, че ще мога да я проследя в още цели две книги и няма да ми се наложи да се сбогувам с героите толкова скоро.
Този път одобрявам дори епилога, който не ни каза само как се развиват нещата за главните герои, но и за някои, които вече сме срещали и в другите книги… (не искам да спойлвам повече).
Давам 4⭐️ единствено, защото някои неща в модус операндито на убиеца сякаш бяха твърде фантасмагорични. Също така романсът между Вито и Софи на моменти ми се струваше насилен.
Карън Роуз продължава да не държи в плен на своите истории, въпреки че вече очаквам какво ще се случи. Не знам каква магия ми е направила, но не мога да спра.
Вито Чикотели беше един от любимите ми персонажи от “Не можеш да се скриеш” и не можеше да не пренебрегна списъка си с книги, за да прочета неговата история.
“Die for me” (все още не е преведена на български и не знам какво заглавие би имала) е първата книга в поредицата за специален агент Даниъл Вартанян.
Отново имаме обичайната история - секси полицай (в този случай Вито) разследва случай за сериен убиец и му трябва помощ от сексапилна жена, специалист в нещо си, с която бързо си стават близки.
Отново имаше семейни драми и обрати, интересни персонажи, секс, страх, кръв… всичко нужно за добра книга.
Основната сила на книгата за мен са историите на героите. Софи беше много сладък образ и до края на историята вече я обичах. Цялата фамилия Чикотели и сплотеността им ми напомни за моето шумно семейство и ми беше много мило докато се запознавах с всички членове, които останаха непознати в “Не можеш да се скриеш”. Хареса ми, че отново видяхме и Тес.
В “Die for me” заедно с историята на Вито и Софи, паралелно върви и тази на специален агент Даниъл Вартанян и неговото дисфункционално семейство, което ще е в центъра на събитията за тази трилогия. Определено ми стана много симпатичен, даже предполагам, че следваща книга (разказваща неговата история) ще ми е още по-интересна. Историята му е много интересна и нямам търпение да разгърне напълно потенциала си в следващите две книги. Определено този път историята е много заплетена и съм изключително щастлива, че ще мога да я проследя в още цели две книги и няма да ми се наложи да се сбогувам с героите толкова скоро.
Този път одобрявам дори епилога, който не ни каза само как се развиват нещата за главните герои, но и за някои, които вече сме срещали и в другите книги… (не искам да спойлвам повече).
Давам 4⭐️ единствено, защото някои неща в модус операндито на убиеца сякаш бяха твърде фантасмагорични. Също така романсът между Вито и Софи на моменти ми се струваше насилен.
Карън Роуз продължава да не държи в плен на своите истории, въпреки че вече очаквам какво ще се случи. Не знам каква магия ми е направила, но не мога да спра.
April 4, 2011
Dark and Utterly Chilling, But Excellent
It's winter in Philadelphia and a body has been found in a shallow grave in a frozen, fallow field. The body has been posed, the victim heinously tortured, and homicide detectives Vito Ciccotelli and Nick Lawrence soon realize they have a monster on their hands. The ME knows an archaeologist who may be able to help search the rest of the field after evidence points to more bodies. Dr. Sophie Johannsen doesn't look like Vito expected when he went to pick her and her ground penetrating radar (GPR) equipment up from the college. The attraction between them is instantaneous but horribly ill timed on both ends, and the case Vito's just landed is getting grislier by the minute.
As the death toll grows and more and more bodies are discovered, it's Sophie's expertise in medieval weaponry that puts her in the cross hairs of a cold, conscienceless killer. Vito is determined to keep her safe, but someone out there is even more determined to hear her scream...and scream...and scream before the light of life is extinguished from her eyes forever.
Karen Rose is the very best sort of author. Not only does she write exceptionally well, but she tells a hell of a story while doing so. I haven't been reading her books for long, but I'm quickly working through them now that I'm aware of them. Her unique blend of police procedural, suspense, and romance sets her apart in the genre and catapults her to the top of my list of "must read" authors. Each book is a study in intricate plotting and remarkable balance, led by strong and well developed characters leading ordinary but easy to relate to lives until one horror or another trips them up and pushes them into the realm of the extraordinary.
Die For Me (book #7) is the best one I've read by Rose to date. In fact it's currently at the top of my list of all the romantic suspense I've read, regardless of author. The plot is a twisting, horrifying thing that draws readers along, keeping them enthralled almost despite themselves. The intricacy of the timing, pacing, and plot is quite astounding given the length of the book, and the characters' journey to catch this monster is riddled with dead ends, double blinds, and shocking evidentiary information that lends Die For Me (book #7) the creepy and frustrating tension that makes the police procedural aspects of the book so bleakly realistic.
And hands down, I can't think of a single killer in any book I've read recently that is more disturbing and traumatically horrifying than the one here. The depth of malevolence is doubly powerful for its utter sociopathic disregard for life. This is not a killer motivated by sexual perversions or a yen for power over his victims. He doesn't taunt the police with the intricacies of his crime or do things with the intent of getting caught. He is sadistically ruthless in his own pursuits and the rest of the world and their social and emotional mores mean absolutely nothing to him.
It makes him unique. It makes him monstrous. And it makes him one scary dude to read about. I would not in good conscience recommend this book for readers who are easily disturbed by atrocities perpetrated on human beings. The victims' injuries are discussed openly and graphically, even though it's in a more clinical sense, but there is more than one scene that disturbed me, and I've got a pretty high tolerance level for that sort of stuff. Sensitive readers should try one of Rose's other books and skip this one. And if you're the sort of reader who gets stuck imagining the physical and emotional torment of the victims as you read no matter how you try not to...you won't be sleeping well...or at all...for awhile.
The romance between Sophie and Vito evolves with all of Rose's typical adept-level skill, and she makes excellent use of a full-bodied stable of realistic secondary and ancillary characters to assist in that endeavor. I haven't read many authors who can so deftly and completely populate a book with characters that are flawed and wounded to varying degrees but trend towards intelligence and goodness, who are also believable in their actions, words, and motivations. Fewer still manage that with quite the same level of aplomb as Karen Rose does. She's fast becoming one of my favorite authors.
I haven't read her books in order as yet, but I'm going to start, as Rose excels in character crossover and connected backstory and I think it may serve to enhance the reading experience. The mind sort of boggles at whether that's even possible, but we'll see. I loved Die For Me (book #7) as much as anyone can love something so grim on one side of the coin, and my admiration for Karen Rose only grows with each title I read.
Still...after this one, I may read some light romantic comedy, just to smooth out the rough edges left over from such a sadistic monster as the killer here. Then I'll be back.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
It's winter in Philadelphia and a body has been found in a shallow grave in a frozen, fallow field. The body has been posed, the victim heinously tortured, and homicide detectives Vito Ciccotelli and Nick Lawrence soon realize they have a monster on their hands. The ME knows an archaeologist who may be able to help search the rest of the field after evidence points to more bodies. Dr. Sophie Johannsen doesn't look like Vito expected when he went to pick her and her ground penetrating radar (GPR) equipment up from the college. The attraction between them is instantaneous but horribly ill timed on both ends, and the case Vito's just landed is getting grislier by the minute.
As the death toll grows and more and more bodies are discovered, it's Sophie's expertise in medieval weaponry that puts her in the cross hairs of a cold, conscienceless killer. Vito is determined to keep her safe, but someone out there is even more determined to hear her scream...and scream...and scream before the light of life is extinguished from her eyes forever.
Karen Rose is the very best sort of author. Not only does she write exceptionally well, but she tells a hell of a story while doing so. I haven't been reading her books for long, but I'm quickly working through them now that I'm aware of them. Her unique blend of police procedural, suspense, and romance sets her apart in the genre and catapults her to the top of my list of "must read" authors. Each book is a study in intricate plotting and remarkable balance, led by strong and well developed characters leading ordinary but easy to relate to lives until one horror or another trips them up and pushes them into the realm of the extraordinary.
Die For Me (book #7) is the best one I've read by Rose to date. In fact it's currently at the top of my list of all the romantic suspense I've read, regardless of author. The plot is a twisting, horrifying thing that draws readers along, keeping them enthralled almost despite themselves. The intricacy of the timing, pacing, and plot is quite astounding given the length of the book, and the characters' journey to catch this monster is riddled with dead ends, double blinds, and shocking evidentiary information that lends Die For Me (book #7) the creepy and frustrating tension that makes the police procedural aspects of the book so bleakly realistic.
And hands down, I can't think of a single killer in any book I've read recently that is more disturbing and traumatically horrifying than the one here. The depth of malevolence is doubly powerful for its utter sociopathic disregard for life. This is not a killer motivated by sexual perversions or a yen for power over his victims. He doesn't taunt the police with the intricacies of his crime or do things with the intent of getting caught. He is sadistically ruthless in his own pursuits and the rest of the world and their social and emotional mores mean absolutely nothing to him.
It makes him unique. It makes him monstrous. And it makes him one scary dude to read about. I would not in good conscience recommend this book for readers who are easily disturbed by atrocities perpetrated on human beings. The victims' injuries are discussed openly and graphically, even though it's in a more clinical sense, but there is more than one scene that disturbed me, and I've got a pretty high tolerance level for that sort of stuff. Sensitive readers should try one of Rose's other books and skip this one. And if you're the sort of reader who gets stuck imagining the physical and emotional torment of the victims as you read no matter how you try not to...you won't be sleeping well...or at all...for awhile.
The romance between Sophie and Vito evolves with all of Rose's typical adept-level skill, and she makes excellent use of a full-bodied stable of realistic secondary and ancillary characters to assist in that endeavor. I haven't read many authors who can so deftly and completely populate a book with characters that are flawed and wounded to varying degrees but trend towards intelligence and goodness, who are also believable in their actions, words, and motivations. Fewer still manage that with quite the same level of aplomb as Karen Rose does. She's fast becoming one of my favorite authors.
I haven't read her books in order as yet, but I'm going to start, as Rose excels in character crossover and connected backstory and I think it may serve to enhance the reading experience. The mind sort of boggles at whether that's even possible, but we'll see. I loved Die For Me (book #7) as much as anyone can love something so grim on one side of the coin, and my admiration for Karen Rose only grows with each title I read.
Still...after this one, I may read some light romantic comedy, just to smooth out the rough edges left over from such a sadistic monster as the killer here. Then I'll be back.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
August 16, 2019
After a shaky start this series is improving with each book.
Following a host of interconnected law enforcement officers over a variety of locations adds to the enjoyment and the author has improved in weaving the romance into the suspense more seamlessly. The case involving historical methods of torture although quite grizzly also added an interesting dynamic as did the personal involvement of a new character who promises to be a great addition to the series.
3.5 stars
Following a host of interconnected law enforcement officers over a variety of locations adds to the enjoyment and the author has improved in weaving the romance into the suspense more seamlessly. The case involving historical methods of torture although quite grizzly also added an interesting dynamic as did the personal involvement of a new character who promises to be a great addition to the series.
3.5 stars
June 3, 2022
Had wel een derde korter gemogen, maar spannend verhaal. Ondanks dat t lang rekt blijft t spannend en vlot . De volgende twee delen komen zeker op mijn lijstje.
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