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St. Kilda Consulting #5
Death Echo
When she joined St. Kilda's, the elite security consulting firm, Emma Cross thought she'd left behind the blood, the guilt, and the tribal wars that defined her life at the CIA. Yet, trading spying for investigating yacht thefts didn't alleviate the danger -- or melt away her professional paranoia. Now, the same good instincts that got her into trouble at the agency might be what will help her survive her latest case.
With some arm-twisting, St. Kilda and Emma are tracking a yacht named Blackbird, a dead ringer for another ship that went missing somewhere between Vladivostok and Portland a year earlier. Emma knows the boat's intended cargo is lethal. What she needs to find out is whether it's biological, chemical, or fissionable. And she's only got seven days to uncover the truth . . . or a major American city will be lost.
With some arm-twisting, St. Kilda and Emma are tracking a yacht named Blackbird, a dead ringer for another ship that went missing somewhere between Vladivostok and Portland a year earlier. Emma knows the boat's intended cargo is lethal. What she needs to find out is whether it's biological, chemical, or fissionable. And she's only got seven days to uncover the truth . . . or a major American city will be lost.
392 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
222 people are currently reading
1105 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Lowell
208 books1,922 followersIndividually and with co-author/husband Evan, Ann Maxwell has written over 60 novels and one work of non-fiction. There are 30 million copies of these books in print, as well as reprints in 30 foreign languages. Her novels range from science fiction to historical fiction, from romance to mystery. After working in contemporary and historical romance, she became an innovator in the genre of romantic suspense.
In 1982, Ann began publishing as Elizabeth Lowell. Under that name she has received numerous professional awards in the romance field, including a Lifetime Achievement award from the Romance Writers of America (1994).
Since July of 1992, she has had over 30 novels on the New York Times bestseller list. In 1998 she began writing suspense with a passionate twist, capturing a new audience and generation of readers. Her new romance novel Perfect Touch will be available in July of 2015.
To get a full list of titles as well as read excerpts from her novels, visit www.elizabethlowell.com.
In 1982, Ann began publishing as Elizabeth Lowell. Under that name she has received numerous professional awards in the romance field, including a Lifetime Achievement award from the Romance Writers of America (1994).
Since July of 1992, she has had over 30 novels on the New York Times bestseller list. In 1998 she began writing suspense with a passionate twist, capturing a new audience and generation of readers. Her new romance novel Perfect Touch will be available in July of 2015.
To get a full list of titles as well as read excerpts from her novels, visit www.elizabethlowell.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
February 27, 2012
How this novel got a close to a 4 star review is beyond me.
The plot had great potential, but the book ended up being just plain boring. The "action" part of the book is all talk but NO ACTION. And all the talk is about BOATS and YACHTS. Reading this book was like reading a manual on operating heavy machinery (boats:)), and i wonder how this was not an issue with everyone > 20 pages at a time about how the engine "purrs", how the ropes are tied, how to navigate it through still and stormy waters, how fast to go, how to watch out for obstacles (LOGS!!!!?!) - Who cares?! If I wanted to read up on navigating yachts properly I would have gotten a "do it yourself" book, not a romance thriller!!! One word > BOOOOOOORRRRIIINGGGG!!!
As for the romance - no chemistry can be felt , despite a lot of talk about it... overall - poorly "executed" novel.
And just one more thing > had the author spent just a tiny portion of time used on useless yacht/boat navigation info on researching OTHER topics, the book would be more realistic. Just an example - Russian/Georgian/Soviet names > Tarik, Temori, Taras, Amanar... ?? What?! Maybe Turkish, Afgan, Albanian, Arabic... But Slavic/russian - no.
The plot had great potential, but the book ended up being just plain boring. The "action" part of the book is all talk but NO ACTION. And all the talk is about BOATS and YACHTS. Reading this book was like reading a manual on operating heavy machinery (boats:)), and i wonder how this was not an issue with everyone > 20 pages at a time about how the engine "purrs", how the ropes are tied, how to navigate it through still and stormy waters, how fast to go, how to watch out for obstacles (LOGS!!!!?!) - Who cares?! If I wanted to read up on navigating yachts properly I would have gotten a "do it yourself" book, not a romance thriller!!! One word > BOOOOOOORRRRIIINGGGG!!!
As for the romance - no chemistry can be felt , despite a lot of talk about it... overall - poorly "executed" novel.
And just one more thing > had the author spent just a tiny portion of time used on useless yacht/boat navigation info on researching OTHER topics, the book would be more realistic. Just an example - Russian/Georgian/Soviet names > Tarik, Temori, Taras, Amanar... ?? What?! Maybe Turkish, Afgan, Albanian, Arabic... But Slavic/russian - no.
February 15, 2022
After reading 2/3 of this book I just abandoned it. The plot goes in circles and never moves forward which is not desired by any reader.
February 11, 2011
Because I was so captivated with so many of Elizabeth Lowell's previous novels that included the Donovan clan (family) as well as auction houses that specialize in whatever she is writing about (from illuminated manuscripts to gemstones) I was very disappointed with this latest novel.
Very little story, too much talk boring talk between the two main characters (a male and female stuck unexpectedly together aboard a yacht) and just an overall boring novel.
I think that the author found a subject (yachts) and wanted to write a story involving them. Nothing wrong with that except there was way too much description on the proper way to board a yacht, to keep it going down below (mechanical systems) and above (steering, ropes, etc.), how to maneuver it through the waters, how to unboard a yacht and more than you would ever want to know unless you plan on operating one yourself!
Further, the sticky passion that the two main characters will not admit to it is just too sticky and never-ending.
I always try to finish a book (even if I do not particularly like the novel) but I had to quit reading a little over halfway through the book. I wasn't even interested in the ending! I had just had enough.
Sorry Elizabeth!
Very little story, too much talk boring talk between the two main characters (a male and female stuck unexpectedly together aboard a yacht) and just an overall boring novel.
I think that the author found a subject (yachts) and wanted to write a story involving them. Nothing wrong with that except there was way too much description on the proper way to board a yacht, to keep it going down below (mechanical systems) and above (steering, ropes, etc.), how to maneuver it through the waters, how to unboard a yacht and more than you would ever want to know unless you plan on operating one yourself!
Further, the sticky passion that the two main characters will not admit to it is just too sticky and never-ending.
I always try to finish a book (even if I do not particularly like the novel) but I had to quit reading a little over halfway through the book. I wasn't even interested in the ending! I had just had enough.
Sorry Elizabeth!
May 24, 2012
This was a phenomenally bad book made even more notable by the fact that Elizabeth Lowell is usually quite competent and often fantastic. I continued reading mostly out of the belief that at some point the writing would turn and things would magically resolve. The romantic element of the plot was phoned in with a few flirty lines that somehow became intense passion and a soul connection. The suspense plot was overly complex and the resolution was somehow both too pat and murky. Interspersed with all this were insanely long and detailed accounts of all things motor boating as well as one brief but painful foray into how to make your own radiation detector using household items; that was just odd. I came away from the book with the distinct impression that it had been written as a group project with a distinct lack of editing. If you want to read a much better novel by Elizabeth Lowell that also features a motor boat (well done) and a reasonable suspense and romantic element, I would suggest Jade Island
June 24, 2010
Elizabeth Lowell's newest novel "Death Echo" has the detail, characters, and intrigue that fans of her work will enjoy. However, the plot drags along under the weight of just too much detail. Did I really need pages of boating background, or info about how to tie a knot? Not really. This time Lowell's complex background and details get her in trouble. Instead of playing up the romance between her two characters or the threat of danger, she dives into the world of yachting, political agencies, and smuggling rings, which confuse and weigh down the reader and the plot.
While this is definitely not one of Lowell's best books, the sharply drawn characters and fast dialogue will keep you reading despite the slow parts.
While this is definitely not one of Lowell's best books, the sharply drawn characters and fast dialogue will keep you reading despite the slow parts.
March 28, 2016
I enjoyed book four in this series, and this one was available from the library-- so I went for it. But it didn't grab me like the previous one did. Mostly, there was a lot about boats. I found myself only half-listening a lot of the time, which was not a good approach with the level of detail involved in this story (much of it concerning boats). This one was just not my cup of tea.
July 11, 2010
Let me say first that I fell in love with E. Lowell after picking up Blue Smoke & Murder 2 yrs ago. Since then I've read all of the Rarities Unlimited, St. Kilda, Donovans, plus a few more. Her characters are well drawn, the plots are solid, though admittredly formulaic, and the dialog is superb. In this book the characters are somehow, not quite finished. The romance portion of the story is, unfortunately, thrown in as if an afterthought. I liked the plot, not being a "bad guys chasing good guys", but the good guys putting the bad guys on the run. From the middle of the book on, it was compelling. Her denouements are typically riveting, but perhaps I'm getting a bit jaded, because there was no suspension of disbelief at all. If you are a fan, you'll still enjoy this book, although it isn't her best work. And, btw, if you are a Joe Faroe fan, you will be happy. The dialog in this book does NOT disappoint. I was laughing out LOUD. If you are just discovering this author, start with another book by her. She's great.
September 3, 2018
Dissatisfied with the work she was doing with the CIA, Emma Cross gets a job with a private security consultant firm looking for stolen yachts. MacKenzie Duran, special ops agent turned boat salesman, are forced to work as a team to find the ship used by terrorists who are planning a lethal attack. I enjoyed the cloak and dagger. Beth Mcdonald was not the voice of the characters.
October 16, 2016
I had a bit of trouble keeping the bad guys straight, but the Hero and Heroine's stories and characters were great. I especially liked the hero, who drives a yacht.
April 2, 2017
I really liked this book. I'm usually a person who watches tv shows about these murder mysteries or crime investigation. This book was about a girl named Emma Cross who was a former CIA agent. She is set out to investigate other crimes with her partner Mackenzie Durand. The story talks about there day to day experience to catch the criminals. If you are interested in these types of books, then I recommend this to you.
July 13, 2010
Every so often I pick up a book with no supernatural elements. Really, I do! Death Echo is a straight thriller and a pretty darn good one, with a dash of romance and lots of action.
Emma Cross is a former CIA agent now working for St. Kilda’s, an elite private investigation firm. She’s been working on a case involving insurance fraud with stolen yachts, tracking a yacht called Blackbird. When she finds out the intended cargo is going to be used to destroy an American city within the next seven days, she needs help. She finds it in the form of MacKenzie Durand, a transit captain who is taking the Blackbird to the commissioning yard for final electronic installations. He also happens to be a former special ops soldier who is a dangerous, trained killer. Emma enlists Mac to help her find out what the deadly cargo is (biological, chemical or nuclear?), and to stop it from killing innocent people. Along the way, Russian spies, Slavic smugglers and other bad people try to keep Emma and Mac from solving the mystery. The finale is a stormy high-seas chase that made me sea sick just reading it!
Lowell writes expertly about living onboard a yacht and the challenges of learning to pilot, anchor, navigate, read charts, etc. As Emma learns to be first mate, so do we. I also enjoyed the tension between Emma and Mac – and you know it’s only a matter of time before they fall for each other. When they do, it’s spectacular! Descriptions of the Pacific Northwest make you feel like you are sightseeing on the river yourself, except without the danger of hitting a submerged log. If you like your thrillers with lots of action and romance, you’ll like this book.
Emma Cross is a former CIA agent now working for St. Kilda’s, an elite private investigation firm. She’s been working on a case involving insurance fraud with stolen yachts, tracking a yacht called Blackbird. When she finds out the intended cargo is going to be used to destroy an American city within the next seven days, she needs help. She finds it in the form of MacKenzie Durand, a transit captain who is taking the Blackbird to the commissioning yard for final electronic installations. He also happens to be a former special ops soldier who is a dangerous, trained killer. Emma enlists Mac to help her find out what the deadly cargo is (biological, chemical or nuclear?), and to stop it from killing innocent people. Along the way, Russian spies, Slavic smugglers and other bad people try to keep Emma and Mac from solving the mystery. The finale is a stormy high-seas chase that made me sea sick just reading it!
Lowell writes expertly about living onboard a yacht and the challenges of learning to pilot, anchor, navigate, read charts, etc. As Emma learns to be first mate, so do we. I also enjoyed the tension between Emma and Mac – and you know it’s only a matter of time before they fall for each other. When they do, it’s spectacular! Descriptions of the Pacific Northwest make you feel like you are sightseeing on the river yourself, except without the danger of hitting a submerged log. If you like your thrillers with lots of action and romance, you’ll like this book.
June 9, 2018
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
There was a point early in the book where I wasn't sure if I was going to have to DNF or not. It was so slow to get going and way too overly detailed on yacht piloting and such.
Once the action picked up a bit, it got a lot better.
Emma is a former CIA agent hired by St Kilda Consulting (this is the 5th in the series and the first I've read). She's working on cases involving insurance fraud and yachts. She's on the trail of a ship named Blackbird, and Mac (former special ops) is a transit captain hired to take the yacht to get it's final bits and bobs installed. The two team up when it's discovered that others want the boat for nefarious reasons.
I enjoyed the developing relationship between the two main characters, Emma and Mac. But as the book takes place over the course of nine days--with the bulk of the book taking place over six days, and the final chapter set three days later--I had a tiny bit of a hard time believing in their HEA. HFN, for sure, though. No "I love yous" were exchanged, but the two deep form a connection based on more than just physical attraction, and I can see things working out for them in the long run. I like that there was zero angst between the two of them. They were attracted to each other, they acted on it, they worked together to defeat the bad guys.
There was a point early in the book where I wasn't sure if I was going to have to DNF or not. It was so slow to get going and way too overly detailed on yacht piloting and such.
Once the action picked up a bit, it got a lot better.
Emma is a former CIA agent hired by St Kilda Consulting (this is the 5th in the series and the first I've read). She's working on cases involving insurance fraud and yachts. She's on the trail of a ship named Blackbird, and Mac (former special ops) is a transit captain hired to take the yacht to get it's final bits and bobs installed. The two team up when it's discovered that others want the boat for nefarious reasons.
I enjoyed the developing relationship between the two main characters, Emma and Mac. But as the book takes place over the course of nine days--with the bulk of the book taking place over six days, and the final chapter set three days later--I had a tiny bit of a hard time believing in their HEA. HFN, for sure, though. No "I love yous" were exchanged, but the two deep form a connection based on more than just physical attraction, and I can see things working out for them in the long run. I like that there was zero angst between the two of them. They were attracted to each other, they acted on it, they worked together to defeat the bad guys.
June 19, 2012
★★★½
Elizabeth Lowell writes great books that you probably won't remember. They are entertaining, action-packed and well written. They just aren't all that unique. There are a lot of people who write books in this genre and to stand out an author needs to do something really special.
Some might think this is some sort of sacrilege but I would put Elizabeth Lowell in the same league as Tom Clancy. Very entertaining but they're not books I'm going to be talking about in a month.
Emma an operator for St Kilda Consulting finds herself in a game of cat and mouse with three cats and only one mouse. She is facing off against CIA, a former KGB killer and a mysterious 3rd party . Her back-up comes in the form of a boat captain named Mac, former military and her best shot at stopping what an incident that might lead to World War 3.
The last author in this genre who really knocked my socks off was Noah Boyd The Bricklayer.
Elizabeth Lowell writes great books that you probably won't remember. They are entertaining, action-packed and well written. They just aren't all that unique. There are a lot of people who write books in this genre and to stand out an author needs to do something really special.
Some might think this is some sort of sacrilege but I would put Elizabeth Lowell in the same league as Tom Clancy. Very entertaining but they're not books I'm going to be talking about in a month.
Emma an operator for St Kilda Consulting finds herself in a game of cat and mouse with three cats and only one mouse. She is facing off against CIA, a former KGB killer and a mysterious 3rd party . Her back-up comes in the form of a boat captain named Mac, former military and her best shot at stopping what an incident that might lead to World War 3.
The last author in this genre who really knocked my socks off was Noah Boyd The Bricklayer.
July 13, 2017
Former CIA operative, now part of the St Kilda security consulting organization, Emma Cross is tracking the yacht Blackbird which may be carrying a lethal cargo. A twin of this ship the Black Swan went missing a year ago and now they turn up near Seattle. The transit captain, Mac, who brings the Blackbird in for commissioning is former special ops retired. When the pilot who is to move the boat to Canada is killed. Mac is recruited by the suspected bad guys to take the job and Emma recruits him to work with her for St Kilda's. The plot involves not only St Kilda, but also CIA, FBI, Georgian and Russian government and mafiya organizations. The plot is twisted and no one is telling all they know. It's a fast paced adventure thriller with smart MCs and lots of untrustworthy politicians. Good conclusion to the series.
June 23, 2010
Lots of technical details for yachting aficionados. This really could have used a map! I'm not sure that the basic premise of the terrorist plot made much sense...but that's probably just me. All in all, it was an enjoyable romantic suspense read.
(I have a feeling that this is something that a man could read if he wanted to. The romance/sex is pretty minimal--i.e hot but not pages and pages worth, and it could easily be skipped over.)
(I have a feeling that this is something that a man could read if he wanted to. The romance/sex is pretty minimal--i.e hot but not pages and pages worth, and it could easily be skipped over.)
June 21, 2010
Death echo is a nautical term, and this St. Kilda thriller takes place mostly on a yacht. Lowell is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors, but the romance part of this story didn't live up to my expectations. There were too many nautical terms for me, too. Great as my disappointment was, I rated it a four because the suspense is excellent. Men may respond better to this than romance lovers will. And, after all, mine is only one opinion.
May 3, 2011
I found this one hard going. It should appeal to serious boating enthusiasts though--the details of taking the yacht through rough water and the mechanics of handling the boat make up a large part of the book. The dialogue is awfully clever in many places. For me, a little less exposition and more story would have been nice. It's not bad, just not up to some of Ms. Lowell's work, such as The Wrong Hostage. I debated between two and three stars, but since I finished it, I decided on three.
June 22, 2010
Usually Elizabeth Lowell is one of my favorite authors and I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of this book, but I was dissapointed. I had a hard time focusing on the storyline and the characters didn't draw me in as much as usual. It was okay, and the story was kind of interesting, but it just didn't have the draw that most of her books have.
August 17, 2023
Emma left the CIA and now works for St. Kilda and the insurance company who wants to find out why their yachts are disappearing. Mac is a retired special ops leader who only wants to captain yachts and spend his days on the ocean and forget his past. Emma and Mac are thrown together and the sparks fly. What ensues is fast paced, passion filled, and terrific read.
August 10, 2017
This is not up to the quality of previous books. Almost too complex a plot involving many government agencies, Russia and Georgia and a lot of info about boats!! Plot was unclear and once again heroics at a level know only in action movies seems to save the day. Too much for me.
July 4, 2010
I was so disappointed. I've never read Ms. Lowell before and expected so much more. Interesting story, enjoyed the sailing sequences but it didn't do it for me.
June 6, 2025
MY RATING GUIDE: 4.5 Satisfied Stars. Over morning coffee, my husband & I listened to the audio performance of DEATH ECHO performed by Beth McDonald. We liked it. My husband thought DEATH ECHO was ‘every bit as good as any Clive Cussler, Catherine Coulter, FBI/Brit in the FBI, Douglas Preston or other Action Intrigue novels we’ve completed’ together. I have read Lowell’s novels previously but this was my husband’s first time. He has given me the go ahead for others.
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 it & might read it again; 4= WE WERE WELL SATISFIED & would read/listen to this again; 5= I LOVED THIS; it was great! & most likely will read again (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Former CIA operative Emma Cross now works for St Kilda Consulting. She has been given a joint assignment with a new partner not employed by St Kilda, Transit Captain Mackenzie Durand. Together, they are to act as a transit pilot (and his Eye Candy) for a new mega yacht, the Black Bird, with delivery from Seattle to an undetermined spot off Vancouver Island, Canada. During the transit, Emma and Durand will have 7 days to discover what kind of contraband the Black Bird is carrying - whether chemical, bio, or nuclear and relay that information to Emma’s bosses at St Kilda. The CIA has heard rumors that a big operation is going down off the Northwest coast waters in the next few days involving Black Bird and an undetermined deadly cargo. They contacted St Kilda Consulting for cooperation.
Mackenzie Durand is former military, Special Ops. He has been working independently out of Seattle as a Shipping Transport Captain delivering new yachts to their owners since his retirement. Dangerous missions aren’t new to Durand but he purposed to leave that business years ago, along with the dead bodies of most of his team. Durand isn’t thrilled when the CIA attempts to bully him into cooperating but decides Emma will be hung out to dry unless someone steps up. Now, Durand & Emma have less than 7 days to discover and get Black Birds dangerous cargo out of circulation without ending up fish bait by the the guys planning the drop, the CIA, or any of the others circling the water.
Comments ~
1) DEATH ECHO is bk5, the final book, in Elizabeth Lowell’s St Kilda Contemporary Suspense Thriller series. Although the books connect peripherally, each title has its own main characters, conflicts and resolution and can be read in any order or alone. Joe & Grace Faroe, from bk2, appear in secondary roles in DEATH ECHO.
2) This is a Contemporary Suspense Thriller Intrigue novel. Dry humor and sexual innuendos are plentiful, action and suspense based.
3) I have read nearly all Lowell’s novels. Some I have enjoyed, others not so much. Both my husband & I enjoyed the audio of DEATH ECHO.
4) Although DEATH ECHO was published in 2010, the story itself has held up well over time (with slight technology changes). Readers who enjoy gritty, fairly realistic Suspense Thrillers Intrigue novels dealing with political infighting (FBI vs CIA vs bent legislators), questionable politics and crime coupled with sexual tension might enjoy DEATH ECHO. It seems DC politics haven’t changed much over time.
5) Beth McDonald performed DEATH ECHO. She is excellent with accents, voices and languages (as far as I could tell). Her voice, at times terse, tense or humored, fit the story very well.
READER CAUTIONS ~ Not recommended to those who prefer Clean fiction.
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used on occasion.
VIOLENCE - Yes. Smuggling, drug dealing, contraband, arson, murder, mafia, political infighting, corrupt politics but without extended graphic display of violence.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Many innuendos with brief steamy intimacy in last third easily skipped if desired.
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 it & might read it again; 4= WE WERE WELL SATISFIED & would read/listen to this again; 5= I LOVED THIS; it was great! & most likely will read again (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Former CIA operative Emma Cross now works for St Kilda Consulting. She has been given a joint assignment with a new partner not employed by St Kilda, Transit Captain Mackenzie Durand. Together, they are to act as a transit pilot (and his Eye Candy) for a new mega yacht, the Black Bird, with delivery from Seattle to an undetermined spot off Vancouver Island, Canada. During the transit, Emma and Durand will have 7 days to discover what kind of contraband the Black Bird is carrying - whether chemical, bio, or nuclear and relay that information to Emma’s bosses at St Kilda. The CIA has heard rumors that a big operation is going down off the Northwest coast waters in the next few days involving Black Bird and an undetermined deadly cargo. They contacted St Kilda Consulting for cooperation.
Mackenzie Durand is former military, Special Ops. He has been working independently out of Seattle as a Shipping Transport Captain delivering new yachts to their owners since his retirement. Dangerous missions aren’t new to Durand but he purposed to leave that business years ago, along with the dead bodies of most of his team. Durand isn’t thrilled when the CIA attempts to bully him into cooperating but decides Emma will be hung out to dry unless someone steps up. Now, Durand & Emma have less than 7 days to discover and get Black Birds dangerous cargo out of circulation without ending up fish bait by the the guys planning the drop, the CIA, or any of the others circling the water.
Comments ~
1) DEATH ECHO is bk5, the final book, in Elizabeth Lowell’s St Kilda Contemporary Suspense Thriller series. Although the books connect peripherally, each title has its own main characters, conflicts and resolution and can be read in any order or alone. Joe & Grace Faroe, from bk2, appear in secondary roles in DEATH ECHO.
2) This is a Contemporary Suspense Thriller Intrigue novel. Dry humor and sexual innuendos are plentiful, action and suspense based.
3) I have read nearly all Lowell’s novels. Some I have enjoyed, others not so much. Both my husband & I enjoyed the audio of DEATH ECHO.
4) Although DEATH ECHO was published in 2010, the story itself has held up well over time (with slight technology changes). Readers who enjoy gritty, fairly realistic Suspense Thrillers Intrigue novels dealing with political infighting (FBI vs CIA vs bent legislators), questionable politics and crime coupled with sexual tension might enjoy DEATH ECHO. It seems DC politics haven’t changed much over time.
5) Beth McDonald performed DEATH ECHO. She is excellent with accents, voices and languages (as far as I could tell). Her voice, at times terse, tense or humored, fit the story very well.
READER CAUTIONS ~ Not recommended to those who prefer Clean fiction.
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used on occasion.
VIOLENCE - Yes. Smuggling, drug dealing, contraband, arson, murder, mafia, political infighting, corrupt politics but without extended graphic display of violence.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Many innuendos with brief steamy intimacy in last third easily skipped if desired.
February 17, 2019
This book was mediocre, but I'm glad I read it because it's really helped me identify where I think most romantic suspense authors are not getting it right. In my quest to find the best romantic suspense books/authors, I'm finding that many of them have one thing in common: too many perspectives.
Now, don't get me wrong - perspectives are good! I love lots of perspectives! But if it's done the way it's been doing in the romantic suspense genre, it takes a lot away from the book. It creates something lacking, and causes the book to lack two of the key ingredients (it's in the title) - romance and suspense.
Take this book for example. We had the "perspectives" (or for the sake of my point "story lines") of the following people:
1) Mac and Emma's romance/mission
2) The "bad guy's" story...ish
3) This Russian spy guy
4) The agency's meetings and perspectives of what was going on
5) Two other agents helping Emma and Mac
Yes, that's right - five different stories that we're bumping back and forth from! The chapters alternated between these five perspectives, causing the following issues:
The romance was never given justice. We didn't spend enough time with the characters, and only got teased with their little scenes. Their chemistry was sparking, but every time anything started happening, it would switch to another perspective. We also never got to learn anything about any of the characters, so they really meant nothing.
The suspense was NOT SUSPENSEFUL! Because we were getting all sides of the story, there wasn't any guessing left. There was no suspense, because we knew everything from everyone we needed to know. That left us with just the characters, but because we were exploring too much, we were left with an overall disappointing and boring plot.
And this is the SAME EXACT case with all of the other romantic suspense books I've read lately. This book had potential, but because of these mistakes, my enjoyment was lessened quite a bit.
Now, don't get me wrong - perspectives are good! I love lots of perspectives! But if it's done the way it's been doing in the romantic suspense genre, it takes a lot away from the book. It creates something lacking, and causes the book to lack two of the key ingredients (it's in the title) - romance and suspense.
Take this book for example. We had the "perspectives" (or for the sake of my point "story lines") of the following people:
1) Mac and Emma's romance/mission
2) The "bad guy's" story...ish
3) This Russian spy guy
4) The agency's meetings and perspectives of what was going on
5) Two other agents helping Emma and Mac
Yes, that's right - five different stories that we're bumping back and forth from! The chapters alternated between these five perspectives, causing the following issues:
The romance was never given justice. We didn't spend enough time with the characters, and only got teased with their little scenes. Their chemistry was sparking, but every time anything started happening, it would switch to another perspective. We also never got to learn anything about any of the characters, so they really meant nothing.
The suspense was NOT SUSPENSEFUL! Because we were getting all sides of the story, there wasn't any guessing left. There was no suspense, because we knew everything from everyone we needed to know. That left us with just the characters, but because we were exploring too much, we were left with an overall disappointing and boring plot.
And this is the SAME EXACT case with all of the other romantic suspense books I've read lately. This book had potential, but because of these mistakes, my enjoyment was lessened quite a bit.
May 27, 2025
This is one of those books with multiple viewpoints that can be very annoying unless those changes of POV are well labeled. I thought this book was well labeled. I had no trouble knowing where I was and who I was with. That made for an enjoyable reading session.
This book is also one in a series that I haven't read the other books in the series. I do that a lot. My gage of a good series is one where I can do that. There are series I know I have to read from the start because the main character changes and grows. This is not one of those.
As to the book itself, this is a thriller with yachts. There were two yachts that looked identical. One was reported stolen and sunk. The second was going on its breakdown cruse when our story starts. Our hero, Emma Cross, is charged with investigating the theft of the first yacht and the threat of theft of the second. There are rumors that one or both of them are going to be used to transport a dirty bomb to Seattle and blow it up there. While Emma is only supposed to determine if that rumor is true, she ends up working to prevent the bombing.
Without giving you too much information, Seattle isn't destroyed in this book. There are sinkings, people practicing piracy, boats with things not declared tucked inside unlikely places, storms, and just plain spy on spy action. The action is pretty much all over the place. , and pretty much non-stop. I can't always say that about thrillers.
I liked this book. I got a picture of sailing that I didn't have before, at least about ocean sailing. It's different from sailing on a lake. If you're used to sailing in cabin cruisers, you may like this book. Likewise, if you like stealth spy books, you'll get a kick out of this book.
This book is also one in a series that I haven't read the other books in the series. I do that a lot. My gage of a good series is one where I can do that. There are series I know I have to read from the start because the main character changes and grows. This is not one of those.
As to the book itself, this is a thriller with yachts. There were two yachts that looked identical. One was reported stolen and sunk. The second was going on its breakdown cruse when our story starts. Our hero, Emma Cross, is charged with investigating the theft of the first yacht and the threat of theft of the second. There are rumors that one or both of them are going to be used to transport a dirty bomb to Seattle and blow it up there. While Emma is only supposed to determine if that rumor is true, she ends up working to prevent the bombing.
Without giving you too much information, Seattle isn't destroyed in this book. There are sinkings, people practicing piracy, boats with things not declared tucked inside unlikely places, storms, and just plain spy on spy action. The action is pretty much all over the place. , and pretty much non-stop. I can't always say that about thrillers.
I liked this book. I got a picture of sailing that I didn't have before, at least about ocean sailing. It's different from sailing on a lake. If you're used to sailing in cabin cruisers, you may like this book. Likewise, if you like stealth spy books, you'll get a kick out of this book.
June 9, 2025
This book had an intriguing premise and a strong start. The mission was clearly complicated from the beginning, and I was curious to see how deep it would go. As the plot developed, more and more external actors were introduced — especially from government agencies like the FBI and CIA — but instead of raising the tension, their roles became increasingly unclear. Who was involved, why, and how? It was hard to tell, and eventually, I stopped trying to keep track.
The story is rich in detail, almost overwhelmingly so at times. The nautical elements — while clearly well-researched — were heavy and often slowed down the pace. The action was carefully crafted, but the emotional layer fell flat. The relationship between the two main characters lacked spark. They talked a lot, and sometimes reflected on each other in their thoughts, but there was no real sense of chemistry. It wasn’t something you felt between the lines — it was just stated, without any emotional undercurrent to back it up.
The tension builds for most of the book, but when the moment finally comes… it just fizzles. The danger is real, yes, but the payoff lacks impact. After all that buildup, the climax feels dull — like a balloon slowly deflating instead of bursting.
And then… the ending.
After 350 pages of buildup, intrigue, and meticulous plotting, everything wraps up in a few quick paragraphs. Key revelations, emotional arcs, and dramatic scenes are rushed and underexplored. For a book that spent so much time building a complex web of relationships and events, the final resolution is shockingly brief. A few sentences, and that’s it. It left me feeling unsatisfied.
A bold concept with a lot of promise — but in the end, it felt overstuffed, underresolved, and emotionally distant.
The story is rich in detail, almost overwhelmingly so at times. The nautical elements — while clearly well-researched — were heavy and often slowed down the pace. The action was carefully crafted, but the emotional layer fell flat. The relationship between the two main characters lacked spark. They talked a lot, and sometimes reflected on each other in their thoughts, but there was no real sense of chemistry. It wasn’t something you felt between the lines — it was just stated, without any emotional undercurrent to back it up.
The tension builds for most of the book, but when the moment finally comes… it just fizzles. The danger is real, yes, but the payoff lacks impact. After all that buildup, the climax feels dull — like a balloon slowly deflating instead of bursting.
And then… the ending.
After 350 pages of buildup, intrigue, and meticulous plotting, everything wraps up in a few quick paragraphs. Key revelations, emotional arcs, and dramatic scenes are rushed and underexplored. For a book that spent so much time building a complex web of relationships and events, the final resolution is shockingly brief. A few sentences, and that’s it. It left me feeling unsatisfied.
A bold concept with a lot of promise — but in the end, it felt overstuffed, underresolved, and emotionally distant.
July 17, 2023
I am not a fan of spy thrillers, especially "romantic" spy thrillers. I did not realize that is what this is when I bought it. I just grabbed it, thinking it might be a mystery. So these are the thoughts of a person who read the wrong book.
Emma Cross is a former CIA agent to moved to a private security firm, St. Kilda's, when she is assigned to track down a missing yacht. A part of that hunt involves learning about the fancy yacht's twin, which is in a seafaring town in Washington, near the Canadian border.
She meets the captain of the boat, who has just been given the job of sailing it north to a point unknown (he will be informed as needed). Mac (MacKenzie Durand) has a history in covert operations as well, which Emma soon figures out. She is assigned the job of recruiting him.
Ultimately the two end up taking the yacht north on difficult seas, while Mac learns the special features of the luxury boat and Emma learns how to be a first mate.
Turns out the pair are being tracked by more than one agency or group. Mac finds some of the trackers but he can't be sure if he's found them all. The two have learned, however, that there is a limited amount of time to figure out who is doing what and why, and to prevent a major catastrophe, of which they know only a hint.
The two work well together and, of course, they are two attractive people who fall for each other and indulge in no end of sexual banter. And spy banter. In fact, it gets plain tiresome to me (but again, I'm not a fan of this type book). They encounter challenge after challenge, culminating in major battles that threaten to kill them both.
Do they save the world? What do you think?
Emma Cross is a former CIA agent to moved to a private security firm, St. Kilda's, when she is assigned to track down a missing yacht. A part of that hunt involves learning about the fancy yacht's twin, which is in a seafaring town in Washington, near the Canadian border.
She meets the captain of the boat, who has just been given the job of sailing it north to a point unknown (he will be informed as needed). Mac (MacKenzie Durand) has a history in covert operations as well, which Emma soon figures out. She is assigned the job of recruiting him.
Ultimately the two end up taking the yacht north on difficult seas, while Mac learns the special features of the luxury boat and Emma learns how to be a first mate.
Turns out the pair are being tracked by more than one agency or group. Mac finds some of the trackers but he can't be sure if he's found them all. The two have learned, however, that there is a limited amount of time to figure out who is doing what and why, and to prevent a major catastrophe, of which they know only a hint.
The two work well together and, of course, they are two attractive people who fall for each other and indulge in no end of sexual banter. And spy banter. In fact, it gets plain tiresome to me (but again, I'm not a fan of this type book). They encounter challenge after challenge, culminating in major battles that threaten to kill them both.
Do they save the world? What do you think?
July 9, 2018
This was a gift from the local library that I picked up on the way out. I ended up keeping this for myself and was certainly glad that I did. St. Kilda is the agency to call when action is needed immediately and discreetly. The agents that work there are highly trained at just about any situation that you can throw at them...including the threat of a biological weapon that will kill a tremendous amount of people. Enter Emma Cross from St. Kilda whose job it is to stop this at all costs. Her begrudging partner in this is the highly trained as well MacKenzie Durand (Mac for short) who needs her as much as she needs him. Together they plan to thwart the efforts of some terrorists who are attempting to destabilize relations between countries with their plan. The battle for the world ensues and Mac and Emma must do all they can to bring the plans to a watery grave. Not being a nautical expert, I was slightly swamped with the vocabulary regarding sailing but quickly righted myself with the help of my handy dictionary. There is a respect that I hold for writers who write in true detail, not just gobbledy gook because it sounds good, but upon closer inspection it is found to mean nothing. Lowell has a clean sense of writing and direction in her stories that allows you to engross yourself in the action packed events that are surrounding it. Excellent for a beach read to lose yourself into!
March 8, 2017
My heart is still pounding from all the action during the end of the book!
Totally different than all the other Elizabeth Lowell novels I have read: lots less romance (sex) and much more action. She is so good at this type of writing style! I didn't miss the steamy parts much because there was always something happening.
Lowell masters whatever topic her novel revolves around ... in the past art heists, precious gems and now stolen yachts. Almost all the action happened on the water and it was so knowledgeable. She wrote with such knowledge that I feel as if I could survive having to sail a 40' yacht through choppy waters!
Great gym read. Loved it.
Totally different than all the other Elizabeth Lowell novels I have read: lots less romance (sex) and much more action. She is so good at this type of writing style! I didn't miss the steamy parts much because there was always something happening.
Lowell masters whatever topic her novel revolves around ... in the past art heists, precious gems and now stolen yachts. Almost all the action happened on the water and it was so knowledgeable. She wrote with such knowledge that I feel as if I could survive having to sail a 40' yacht through choppy waters!
Great gym read. Loved it.
December 27, 2017
I wish we could rate by 1/2s. Death Echo is a 3.5 in my book, just not quite a 4. Emma left the tension-fraught CIA, wanting to use her skills but not wanting to deal with the tribal wars, etc. As a part of St. Kilda Consulting, she finds herself pulling out her old skills when investigating possible insurance fraud on a luxury yacht. MacKenzie Durand, her new partner, honed his skills as the leader of a special ops team who were nearly wiped out due to bad intel. The two must figure out how to work together to stop a possible attack on a major U.S. city.
Parts were predictable, many were not. Suspense-filled read with many twists and turns.
Parts were predictable, many were not. Suspense-filled read with many twists and turns.
February 21, 2020
This is in my opinion one of the best St. Kilda books. I like all of them, but there's something about Mac and Emma's relationship that just makes this one special. I really appreciate that for once the woman is the professional and the guy is brought along for the ride (although Mac is completely qualified in his own right). The story itself is fast paced and really holds the reader's attention. We also see some of the other St. Kilda folks and they are excellent as usual. All in all a great read. Plus if you haven't read all the books (and I personally haven't read them all yet) you can still follow the story with ease.
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