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Victory Cove #1
Widow's Tale
Serena Murphy was losing her mind.
Every night Serena stood on the deck of O'Flanagans Tavern, searching Maine's rugged coast for a sign of her husband's body. Though he was pronounced lost at sea, Alan Murphy still haunted her as only his malevolent spirit could. In the loft above her tavern, Serena hears footsteps pace across her living room floor, yet when she turns, no one is there. Alan would not let a little thing like death stop him from tormenting her. If she could just find his body, surely this torture would stop.
It had been ten years since Brett Murphy saw his sister in-law, although the separation was by design, to avoid temptation. Now Brett was in Victory Cove, not to declare his feelings for Serena, but to discover the truth about his brother's death. In doing so, he must battle Serena's ghosts, both real and contrived.
Every night Serena stood on the deck of O'Flanagans Tavern, searching Maine's rugged coast for a sign of her husband's body. Though he was pronounced lost at sea, Alan Murphy still haunted her as only his malevolent spirit could. In the loft above her tavern, Serena hears footsteps pace across her living room floor, yet when she turns, no one is there. Alan would not let a little thing like death stop him from tormenting her. If she could just find his body, surely this torture would stop.
It had been ten years since Brett Murphy saw his sister in-law, although the separation was by design, to avoid temptation. Now Brett was in Victory Cove, not to declare his feelings for Serena, but to discover the truth about his brother's death. In doing so, he must battle Serena's ghosts, both real and contrived.
264 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2008
About the author
Maureen A. Miller
32 books1,272 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Maureen A. Miller worked in the software industry for fifteen years. She crawled around plant floors in a hard hat and safety glasses, hooking up computers to behemoth manufacturing machines. The job required extensive travel. The best form of escapism during those lengthy airport layovers became writing.
Maureen’s first novel, Widow's TALE, earned her a Golden Heart nomination in Romantic Suspense. After that, she became hooked on the genre. As hooked as she was, childhood fantasies still danced around in her head––little voices calling for her to write the young adult science fiction BEYOND series. To her, it was still romantic suspense…just on another planet!
Maureen is a wife. A mother of a crazy Corgi. A lover of mozzarella. And she truly believes there is a portal to outer space somewhere in her house.
Maureen’s first novel, Widow's TALE, earned her a Golden Heart nomination in Romantic Suspense. After that, she became hooked on the genre. As hooked as she was, childhood fantasies still danced around in her head––little voices calling for her to write the young adult science fiction BEYOND series. To her, it was still romantic suspense…just on another planet!
Maureen is a wife. A mother of a crazy Corgi. A lover of mozzarella. And she truly believes there is a portal to outer space somewhere in her house.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 17, 2021
I really liked the creativeness of the story. The words she used were descriptive, and the sentences were not dull in any shape or form. I finished this book in one day. I couldn't put it down. It was a very hot book. The one thing I didn't like was that the love between the two main characters was really shallow to me. It never says why Serena married Alan in the first place. Another thing is that how realistic is that Alan really looked that good? I never met anybody who looked like that (god I wished I did). It was a good quick book to read.
October 16, 2009
I've finished this book and I must say I was very pleased. I enjoyed it and when I put it down, I honestly looked forward to picking it up again. The relationship between Brett and Serena was a joy to watch develop. It had the right amount of tension and suspense and a nice surprise at the end! Well worth the read. Enjoy it I certainly did.
July 19, 2025
MY RATING GUIDE: Rounded up to 4 Stars. I enjoyed The Widow’s Tale. It had enough twists and turns to keep me guessing and the action scenes kept me engaged. I enjoy Gothic novels and Widow’s Tale has that feel. Widow’s Tale reminded me of a Mary Stewart Classic Romance Suspense novel.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good & might or might not read it again; 3.5= I ENJOYED THIS & might read it again; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT & might read it again; 5= I Loved this; it was great! & most likely will read again (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Victory Cove, a small village along the Maine coastline ~
Serena Murphy’s family has owned & operated Victory Cove’s local lobsterman’s pub for the past 3 generations. When her parents retire and move to Florida it becomes Serena’s business. She loves the town, the people in it and running the family business. One month ago, Alan, Serena’s husband of 10yrs, took their boat out to sea just before an incoming storm. When he didn’t return Serena contacted the police. They completed a thorough search but neither they nor anyone else in the village was able to find any trace of Alan. He has been missing, presumed dead, ever since.
Alan has an older brother, Brett Murphy, 36yrs. Brett’s career keeps him moving frequently plus Serena did not have a phone number to contact him when Alan went missing. Serena has also been unable to contact Alan’s parents, who have been out of the country on an extended trip. One month after Alan’s disappearance Alan’s brother, Brett arrives in Victory Cove demanding answers.
Comments ~
1) Widow’s Tale is a standalone novel with a second (standalone) book, Endless Night which follows. Both are based in Victory Cove. Maureen Miller’s books are fairly new to me. I have read four now. Two I liked quite well, Jungle of Deceit and Widow’s Tale. (Apparently Widow’s Tale was Miller’s first book, published 2009 & she received a nomination for it).
2) Widow’s Tale is a Romance Suspense novel with an Enemies to Lovers trope. It found it quick reading. I enjoyed the intrigue of the backstory and gothic-like setting. Readers who enjoy the following may want to check out Widow’s Tale:
> Romance Suspense novels.
> Seasoned MCs (mature in years and life situations).
> Conflict which stems from situations outside the couple rather than between them (misunderstandings/miscommunication to move the story are minimal).
> Characters who prevail through difficult times to discover a better future.
> The Enemies to Lovers trope.
> Closed door Romance.
> Minimal angst & relationship drama.
> Minimal to none TSTL scenes by the heroine.
> Mary Stewart’s 1940’s-2000’s Romance Suspense novels.
READER CAUTIONS ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used.
VIOLENCE - PG-13. Yes but not particularly dark or graphic.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Kissing scenes, otherwise fade to closed door.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good & might or might not read it again; 3.5= I ENJOYED THIS & might read it again; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT & might read it again; 5= I Loved this; it was great! & most likely will read again (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Victory Cove, a small village along the Maine coastline ~
Serena Murphy’s family has owned & operated Victory Cove’s local lobsterman’s pub for the past 3 generations. When her parents retire and move to Florida it becomes Serena’s business. She loves the town, the people in it and running the family business. One month ago, Alan, Serena’s husband of 10yrs, took their boat out to sea just before an incoming storm. When he didn’t return Serena contacted the police. They completed a thorough search but neither they nor anyone else in the village was able to find any trace of Alan. He has been missing, presumed dead, ever since.
Alan has an older brother, Brett Murphy, 36yrs. Brett’s career keeps him moving frequently plus Serena did not have a phone number to contact him when Alan went missing. Serena has also been unable to contact Alan’s parents, who have been out of the country on an extended trip. One month after Alan’s disappearance Alan’s brother, Brett arrives in Victory Cove demanding answers.
Comments ~
1) Widow’s Tale is a standalone novel with a second (standalone) book, Endless Night which follows. Both are based in Victory Cove. Maureen Miller’s books are fairly new to me. I have read four now. Two I liked quite well, Jungle of Deceit and Widow’s Tale. (Apparently Widow’s Tale was Miller’s first book, published 2009 & she received a nomination for it).
2) Widow’s Tale is a Romance Suspense novel with an Enemies to Lovers trope. It found it quick reading. I enjoyed the intrigue of the backstory and gothic-like setting. Readers who enjoy the following may want to check out Widow’s Tale:
> Romance Suspense novels.
> Seasoned MCs (mature in years and life situations).
> Conflict which stems from situations outside the couple rather than between them (misunderstandings/miscommunication to move the story are minimal).
> Characters who prevail through difficult times to discover a better future.
> The Enemies to Lovers trope.
> Closed door Romance.
> Minimal angst & relationship drama.
> Minimal to none TSTL scenes by the heroine.
> Mary Stewart’s 1940’s-2000’s Romance Suspense novels.
READER CAUTIONS ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used.
VIOLENCE - PG-13. Yes but not particularly dark or graphic.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Kissing scenes, otherwise fade to closed door.
November 28, 2010
Storyline: Maureen Miller's Widow's Tale is a tale for long, cold winter's nights in front of roaring fires with a many cups hot cocoa topped with extra marshmallows!
Our hero, Brett Murphy, is every girl's dream, but he has a problem with our heroine, Serena Murphy. Besides the fact that they are related by marriage, there is more between them than first meets the eye. Serena's deteriorating state is lost on him at first when he comes to town asking questions about his brother's mysterious disappearance. In his eyes, the residents of Victory Cove are all suspects including Serena. Serena, on the other hand, seems to have a death wish regarding her brother-in-law, which appears to be insurmountable. She has her own ideas about her husband's disappearance which leads the reader to assume that she is either deranged or at the very least deserving of Brett's suspicions. As the story develops and the mystery unfolds, so does their on again, off again relationship. In the end, it was not what either of them expected. Her warm descriptions of O'Flanagan's Tavern has me yearning for a trip up the eastern seaboard and a bottle of Allagash beer.
Grammar/Spelling: I found very few typos and/or grammatical errors in Widow's Tale. Maureen put together an excellently edited work with no more errors than a reader might expect to find in a Danielle Steele novel.
Character Development: The characters are very well developed over the course of the novel with emphasis on the two main characters, Serena and Brett. Her descriptions of them paint wonderful pictures of two very real persons with real issues and real emotions.
Writing Style: Ms. Miller's writing style is fresh and clean with little if any distraction from the storyline. The action flows as smooth as melted chocolate. Mmmm. And is just as sweet. She draws the reader into a frenzied state of anticipation and then backs off (I would say just like a good lover, but that might offend someone.) She knows how to bring her characters and scenes to life without exaggeration or graphic displays of affection. Certainly, she is able to turn out a grand romance with style, mystery and adventure woven into the tapestry.
The dialog is realistic and believable and quite colorful according the coastal folks in the area.
Continuance: I did not notice any problems with time-lines other than the fact that it seemed we would never get to the nitty-gritty and that just keeps the reader interested.
Overall Rating: 5
Our hero, Brett Murphy, is every girl's dream, but he has a problem with our heroine, Serena Murphy. Besides the fact that they are related by marriage, there is more between them than first meets the eye. Serena's deteriorating state is lost on him at first when he comes to town asking questions about his brother's mysterious disappearance. In his eyes, the residents of Victory Cove are all suspects including Serena. Serena, on the other hand, seems to have a death wish regarding her brother-in-law, which appears to be insurmountable. She has her own ideas about her husband's disappearance which leads the reader to assume that she is either deranged or at the very least deserving of Brett's suspicions. As the story develops and the mystery unfolds, so does their on again, off again relationship. In the end, it was not what either of them expected. Her warm descriptions of O'Flanagan's Tavern has me yearning for a trip up the eastern seaboard and a bottle of Allagash beer.
Grammar/Spelling: I found very few typos and/or grammatical errors in Widow's Tale. Maureen put together an excellently edited work with no more errors than a reader might expect to find in a Danielle Steele novel.
Character Development: The characters are very well developed over the course of the novel with emphasis on the two main characters, Serena and Brett. Her descriptions of them paint wonderful pictures of two very real persons with real issues and real emotions.
Writing Style: Ms. Miller's writing style is fresh and clean with little if any distraction from the storyline. The action flows as smooth as melted chocolate. Mmmm. And is just as sweet. She draws the reader into a frenzied state of anticipation and then backs off (I would say just like a good lover, but that might offend someone.) She knows how to bring her characters and scenes to life without exaggeration or graphic displays of affection. Certainly, she is able to turn out a grand romance with style, mystery and adventure woven into the tapestry.
The dialog is realistic and believable and quite colorful according the coastal folks in the area.
Continuance: I did not notice any problems with time-lines other than the fact that it seemed we would never get to the nitty-gritty and that just keeps the reader interested.
Overall Rating: 5
February 27, 2012
Just finished Widow's Tale and really enjoyed it. It was a different story than I was used to, but was really good (most of us don't like to read the same story written by different authors, right?). I found the characters to be real and developed well. I truly did not know "who did it" until close to the end, but I knew it was probably one of three people. It was a good book that flowed nicely and kept me wanting to read on and finish. This is my first book by Maureen A. Miller and it will not be my last. There was a good amount of suspense and the intimate scenes were appropriately scattered throughout the book and right on with the story line and accurate according to the characters and their personalities. I high recommend this book!
August 9, 2009
Widow's Tale has so much going for it that it's hard to speak of it all. It's a beautifully written romance that has a fantastic murder mystery mixed in. The author will pull you right in from the first chapter and doesn't let go. The setting in Maine makes you want to go there, visit the pub and have a drink with those characters. It's like you can see and small the ocean or the storm when it blows in. Very realistic descriptions.
The characters are also so well written that you feel as if you've known them. Serena and Brett will soon become your favorite romance couple and you feel for each of them as the book goes along. There's romance, mystery, excitement and so much more in this book that it's a must read.
The characters are also so well written that you feel as if you've known them. Serena and Brett will soon become your favorite romance couple and you feel for each of them as the book goes along. There's romance, mystery, excitement and so much more in this book that it's a must read.
February 22, 2012
Widow’s Tale by Maureen Miller – Lovely!! A romantic suspense that draws you in. Not only that, but the growing mystery, tension and suspense are mirrored by weather and elements in such a way that you’ll feel the ice, and the cold and the desolation. I loved the way Ms. Miller used those elements to deepen the suspense in this book.
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I just loved Maureen’s voice and her visual descriptions that could warm you up, or strip you down to feel the icy cold, and leave you feeling ultimately satisfied with the ending.
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I just loved Maureen’s voice and her visual descriptions that could warm you up, or strip you down to feel the icy cold, and leave you feeling ultimately satisfied with the ending.
March 21, 2011
A eerily beautiful tale of a couple brought together by the mystery of murder. Maureen captures your heart and attention from the beginning of this novel. Anticipation on every page then keeps you reading of the realistic and likeable character's horrors and attraction. Her description and plot are to the point, yet enough to put you right in the middle of the haunting chill that is Serena's New England home.
I highly recommend this book and anything else by the author. As far as the genre goes, Ms Miller does romance tastefully and suspense adequately among couples with the most playful personalities.
"Dammit woman." - Brett
I highly recommend this book and anything else by the author. As far as the genre goes, Ms Miller does romance tastefully and suspense adequately among couples with the most playful personalities.
"Dammit woman." - Brett
January 11, 2010
Intriguing from the start. Keeps up the pace. Extremely well written love scenes. Likable hero and lovable heroine. Being an author myself, I like to read many different genres in order to hone my skills when I find myself attempting to write horror scenes or thriller scenes or humorous scenes in my own works. For romance, Miss Miller cannot be beat. Her work is tasteful and stylish, never crass or crude and can only be classified as "Hot" (which is a word I do not use often)! LOL. If you want a good mysterious ghost story starred with romance, Widow's Tale is for you.
June 12, 2011
Ms. Miller did a nice job of tyding up all the angles in this suspenseful romance.
I knew that Serena was in trouble when her brother-in-law, Brett Murphy showed up to investigate her husband's death. The two of them do a nice dance of evading their own feelings, while attempting to figure out what happened to Alan Murphy.
However, the story that unfolded was tight and concise. I enjoyed the coastal town atmosphere and the secondary characters that made the tavern come to life.
I'll look forward to more of Ms. Miller's work in the future.
I knew that Serena was in trouble when her brother-in-law, Brett Murphy showed up to investigate her husband's death. The two of them do a nice dance of evading their own feelings, while attempting to figure out what happened to Alan Murphy.
However, the story that unfolded was tight and concise. I enjoyed the coastal town atmosphere and the secondary characters that made the tavern come to life.
I'll look forward to more of Ms. Miller's work in the future.
May 24, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Widow's Tale." I was instantly drawn into the story and found the characters really came alive. Actually, I had to remind myself from time to time that they weren't real people. Honest, I don't usually get that drawn into a story. I don't want to give anything away, so won't go into the story itself, just let it be known that this is a romantic suspense worth reading. It's one you won't want to put down until you reach the very end. Now I'm looking forward to reading the rest of Maureen A. Miller's books.
September 10, 2011
Widow's Tale is a romantic thriller. When Serena and Brett meet after 10 years it is in disturbibg circumstances, trust for each other is the last thing on their minds. Maureen is a great story teller and I love her writing.
January 2, 2010
Well written and will draw you in with it's seductive plot. I love both the love story and the mystery. I will be looking for more from Maureen Miller as I throughly enjoyed Widow's Tale.
May 27, 2011
This book had ghosts, murder, lost love, danger, deception and romance all set in a tiny fishing village of the shore of Maine. Enjoyable reading!
August 12, 2016
I was really excited about this book because I read the Beyond series by this author and it was phenomenal, but this one fell far short.
June 15, 2021
***copy provided by author/publisher through BookSirens***
Serena Murphy is haunted by the ghost of her husband lost at sea a month ago. He wasn't a kind man in life and he's not in death either. Then his brother comes to town, demanding answers and suspecting Serena of helping his brother into the afterlife...
This one was rather painful to go through. I kept at it, because I kept hoping that it would actually get good, but it never did.
I didn't like the heroine. Maybe because I just couldn't get past the fact she stuck with her bastard of a husband for so long because she didn't like failure. Sheesh, lady.
I didn't like the hero, because he was an asshole, believing his brother even though he knew better and lashing out at Serena because he never got over his lust for her.
The suspense/haunting part of the story was the only thing that kept me turning the pages, but instead of the dead husband actually being alive faking the haunting (which was my first instinct) or the dead husband's ghost actually doing the haunting, the real culprit came out of the left field and the motive was flimsy at best.
Disappointing.
Serena Murphy is haunted by the ghost of her husband lost at sea a month ago. He wasn't a kind man in life and he's not in death either. Then his brother comes to town, demanding answers and suspecting Serena of helping his brother into the afterlife...
This one was rather painful to go through. I kept at it, because I kept hoping that it would actually get good, but it never did.
I didn't like the heroine. Maybe because I just couldn't get past the fact she stuck with her bastard of a husband for so long because she didn't like failure. Sheesh, lady.
I didn't like the hero, because he was an asshole, believing his brother even though he knew better and lashing out at Serena because he never got over his lust for her.
The suspense/haunting part of the story was the only thing that kept me turning the pages, but instead of the dead husband actually being alive faking the haunting (which was my first instinct) or the dead husband's ghost actually doing the haunting, the real culprit came out of the left field and the motive was flimsy at best.
Disappointing.
July 25, 2021
Widow's Tale~ Victory Cove bk 1 by Maureen A Miller
I am enjoying reading this series of Victory Cove, I read book two first though that didn’t spoil reading this second. However, I might need to read book 2 again and pay more attention to see if Serena and Brett got married? Also, did they get HEA?
As with the second book I was gripped from the very first page until the last. I found the Widow's Tale to be intriguing full of suspense that really did keep me glued to the end. I found in the book the chemistry between Brett (Serena's brother-in-law) and Serena was so good, that I was drawn into this story from the beginning. The way the story is written, I could picture myself there too.
Maureen has a way of connecting the characters with the reader. Widow's Tale is extremely very well written, which keeps you intrigued from beginning until the end.
I found this book on booksriens and I’m leaving this review as my honest thoughts no spoilers you really do need to purchase this yourself.
I highly recommend Widow's Tale by Maureen A Miller I’m so looking forward, hopefully, book 3!
I am enjoying reading this series of Victory Cove, I read book two first though that didn’t spoil reading this second. However, I might need to read book 2 again and pay more attention to see if Serena and Brett got married? Also, did they get HEA?
As with the second book I was gripped from the very first page until the last. I found the Widow's Tale to be intriguing full of suspense that really did keep me glued to the end. I found in the book the chemistry between Brett (Serena's brother-in-law) and Serena was so good, that I was drawn into this story from the beginning. The way the story is written, I could picture myself there too.
Maureen has a way of connecting the characters with the reader. Widow's Tale is extremely very well written, which keeps you intrigued from beginning until the end.
I found this book on booksriens and I’m leaving this review as my honest thoughts no spoilers you really do need to purchase this yourself.
I highly recommend Widow's Tale by Maureen A Miller I’m so looking forward, hopefully, book 3!
June 15, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Can Her Ghosts Be Silenced!
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2021
I received this great suspenseful murder mystery through Book Sirens. I loved it and couldn’t put it down. The heroine in this story has gone through torture for the past ten years. Now her husband is presumed dead and he’s haunting her and not in a good way. In comes the brother-in-law to find out what actually happened and he wants to blame her. This turns into one murky event after another with them both trying to figure out if her husband is dead or alive and torturing her with ghosts. Then add the sexual tension between them and what will happen next makes this a wild and breathtaking read. I loved it! I’m definitely adding this Author to my reading list. I’m sooo volunteering to give this review.
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2021
I received this great suspenseful murder mystery through Book Sirens. I loved it and couldn’t put it down. The heroine in this story has gone through torture for the past ten years. Now her husband is presumed dead and he’s haunting her and not in a good way. In comes the brother-in-law to find out what actually happened and he wants to blame her. This turns into one murky event after another with them both trying to figure out if her husband is dead or alive and torturing her with ghosts. Then add the sexual tension between them and what will happen next makes this a wild and breathtaking read. I loved it! I’m definitely adding this Author to my reading list. I’m sooo volunteering to give this review.
July 16, 2021
Wow! I love how this starts, Serena feels she is being haunted by her dead husband Alan and his brother Brett isn’t very helpful either. He wants to know what happened but appears to be blaming her. I did not figure out who was responsible for Alan’s death until the end. This was a page turner and man do you feel for Serena. A gripping read that makes you feel all sorts of feelings, creepy and scary. I would recommend this book.
I received an advanced copy for free and the views and opinions are my own.
I received an advanced copy for free and the views and opinions are my own.
July 26, 2021
I enjoyed this book. It was a combination of romantic suspense, psychological thriller, and mystery. The storyline kept me engaged throughout the book and the characters ranged from likable to appropriately villainous.
Serena's husband is supposed to be dead. But she hears footsteps in the night and a child's laughter. Her brother-in-law has shown up seeking answers and believes the lies his brother told him about her. They need to work together to get to the bottom of what's going on and uncover Alan's secrets.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Serena's husband is supposed to be dead. But she hears footsteps in the night and a child's laughter. Her brother-in-law has shown up seeking answers and believes the lies his brother told him about her. They need to work together to get to the bottom of what's going on and uncover Alan's secrets.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
June 21, 2021
This is the first book I've read from this author and I have already requested the second in the series. This was a well written book, it kept me guessing and had me on the edge of my seat. Serena & Brett's connection could be felt from the beginning, it was a wonderful love story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I can't wait to start the next one. I was given an ARC and I am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
August 1, 2021
Serena was haunted by her husband Alan in life and death. Both emotionally and physically.
Brother-in-law, Brett, comes to Victory Cove to find out about his brother’s death. After 10 years of not seeing Serena he finds his love for her has never ended.
They have to work together to find the mystery behind the hauntings and Alan’s death.
Recommended read. Mystery, love and twists that are unpredictable.
Brother-in-law, Brett, comes to Victory Cove to find out about his brother’s death. After 10 years of not seeing Serena he finds his love for her has never ended.
They have to work together to find the mystery behind the hauntings and Alan’s death.
Recommended read. Mystery, love and twists that are unpredictable.
April 7, 2024
Serena the widow
Serena is tortured by the apparent death of her husband, Alan. But there was no body, and now she is tortured by ghosts: footsteps in her living room, a baby crying, then laughing. Alan was not a nice person, and their relationship had deteriorated. Really great reading.
Serena is tortured by the apparent death of her husband, Alan. But there was no body, and now she is tortured by ghosts: footsteps in her living room, a baby crying, then laughing. Alan was not a nice person, and their relationship had deteriorated. Really great reading.
July 8, 2021
*I received a complimentary copy of this book via BookSirens and this is my honest review*. I really enjoyed the plot. It was intriguing and there was a good amount of mystery and suspense. I found it to be an entertaining romantic thriller.
October 29, 2020
Good Book
Great mystery and suspense. Also a good love story entwined in the mystery. The widow has endured a loveless marriage and now her husband is murdered.
Great mystery and suspense. Also a good love story entwined in the mystery. The widow has endured a loveless marriage and now her husband is murdered.
February 22, 2021
seriously, got to be too much to handle
September 1, 2021
I received an ARC of this book. Wow! A chilling and gripping mystery. Detailed and complex, this book captured my interest right from the start. I couldn't put it down until I finished it.
January 25, 2013
A haunting murder mystery.
After marrying 10 years ago Serena Murphy returned to the rugged coast of Maine to run her family's Tavern. Marriage to Alan Murphy was not a bed of roses. She realized her mistake early on but her sense of family kept her from leaving him no matter what he did. Then one day he disappears at sea never to be heard from again. She feel she is being haunted by him every night and is losing her battle with sanity.
Brett Murphy hasn't seen his sister in law since her marriage to his brother 10 years ago where he wanted to warn her about his brother and claim her for himself. But he didn't and now he has gotten word about his brother's death and after hearing all the lies over the years from Alan about Serena he thinks she had something to do with his death. But after hearing Serena's "ghost" and seeing how visible scared she is Brett begins to thing somethings are not as they appear to be.
Serena and Brett not only have the mystery to solve about what Alan had been up to but they also both have to get over there guilt of always being attracted to each other and see if they can make a relationship between them work all while trying to avoid a killer who is getting impatient.
After marrying 10 years ago Serena Murphy returned to the rugged coast of Maine to run her family's Tavern. Marriage to Alan Murphy was not a bed of roses. She realized her mistake early on but her sense of family kept her from leaving him no matter what he did. Then one day he disappears at sea never to be heard from again. She feel she is being haunted by him every night and is losing her battle with sanity.
Brett Murphy hasn't seen his sister in law since her marriage to his brother 10 years ago where he wanted to warn her about his brother and claim her for himself. But he didn't and now he has gotten word about his brother's death and after hearing all the lies over the years from Alan about Serena he thinks she had something to do with his death. But after hearing Serena's "ghost" and seeing how visible scared she is Brett begins to thing somethings are not as they appear to be.
Serena and Brett not only have the mystery to solve about what Alan had been up to but they also both have to get over there guilt of always being attracted to each other and see if they can make a relationship between them work all while trying to avoid a killer who is getting impatient.
February 4, 2013
It was entertaining
Serena - first encountered in Endless Night - is haunted by footsteps and a child crying - after her husband has been missing at sea, presumed dead, for a month. No one in the village really cares about Alan, including the police who have declared him dead. He wasn't much chop as a husband or neighbour - so it isn't until his brother Brett turns up that anything is done.
I enjoyed this romantic thriller though not quite as much as Endless Night. I was slightly disappointed that Jake and Meg from that novel didn't rate a mention as the rellies of John Morse, but that is my quirk and nothing to do with the story!
However, the pace was good and the tension rose and fell just at the right times. The only thing I didn't find convincing was the repeated attempts of Brett and Serena to show they'd had a falling out in a bid to bring the intruder into the open. They did this too often and the fact that the perpetrator, who was a bit of a surprise, didn't "twig" that was a minor plot fault.
However, the ending was satisfactory and I congratulate Ms Miller.
Serena - first encountered in Endless Night - is haunted by footsteps and a child crying - after her husband has been missing at sea, presumed dead, for a month. No one in the village really cares about Alan, including the police who have declared him dead. He wasn't much chop as a husband or neighbour - so it isn't until his brother Brett turns up that anything is done.
I enjoyed this romantic thriller though not quite as much as Endless Night. I was slightly disappointed that Jake and Meg from that novel didn't rate a mention as the rellies of John Morse, but that is my quirk and nothing to do with the story!
However, the pace was good and the tension rose and fell just at the right times. The only thing I didn't find convincing was the repeated attempts of Brett and Serena to show they'd had a falling out in a bid to bring the intruder into the open. They did this too often and the fact that the perpetrator, who was a bit of a surprise, didn't "twig" that was a minor plot fault.
However, the ending was satisfactory and I congratulate Ms Miller.
February 21, 2010
I read about a third of the book. I was really disappointed. Instead of a mystery though that was in there, it is mostly about the lust her brother-in-law has for her. She is in a daze and not responding to his trying to get her attention, so he kisses her passionately. Not that he hasn't wanted to before that. This was just an excuse.
Serena's husband Alan is presumed dead. However, no one has been in any hurry to look into it much. That is until his brother Brett comes to the small Maine coastal town of Victory Cove. He tells Serena he's not leaving until he has answers. There were things about Alan that others weren't aware of.
I never did find out what really happened to her husband but to me, it isn't worth continuing on.
Serena's husband Alan is presumed dead. However, no one has been in any hurry to look into it much. That is until his brother Brett comes to the small Maine coastal town of Victory Cove. He tells Serena he's not leaving until he has answers. There were things about Alan that others weren't aware of.
I never did find out what really happened to her husband but to me, it isn't worth continuing on.
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