The Alibi

by Sandra Brown

ACE ISBN 0446608653 (ISBN13: 9780446608657)

Sandra Brown's two previous novels, Unspeakable and Fat Tuesday, earned her a loyal band of romantic suspense fans and The Alibi is sure to increase the following. Mixing a little murder, some corruption, and a good bit of illicit romance, this novel makes the golf courses of Charleston, South Carolina, seem as seedy and fascinating as the back alleys of Chinatown.

Hammond Cross wants to be the district attorney, and for years he has proven himself to be a man of high principles and irreproachable character. When his investigations turn up evidence of the corruption of local tycoon Lute Pettijohn, Hammond has no doubt about what is the right thing to do--even when his own father is under suspicion. However, this simple debate becomes complicated when Pettijohn is murdered and Hammond's alibi is a night of forbidden passion with the suspected murderess, Dr. Alex Ladd.

Brown's quick dialogue, character quirks, and plot twists help give a modern bent to the classic detective tale. While some of the characters prance across the pages with a predictability that would make Dashiell Hammett proud (the drunk-makes-good assistant, the light-hair-dark-history socialite) most of the characters show refreshing individuality. As Hammond's internal conflict intensifies--and the passion and danger do, too--readers will find all criticisms vanishing as they blast their way through this suspenseful page-turner. --Nancy R.E. O'Brien

Genres: Romance, Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Fiction, Thriller, Contemporary

564 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Sandra Brown is the author of more than sixty New York Times bestsellers, including STING (2016), FRICTION (2015), MEAN STREAK (2014), DEADLINE(2013), & LOW PRESSURE (2012), LETHAL (2011).

Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into over thirty languages.

In 2009 Brown detoured from romantic suspense to write, Rainwater, a much acclaimed, powerfully moving historical fiction story about honor and sacrifice during the Great Depression.

Brown was given an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Christian University. She was named Thriller Master for 2008, the top award given by the International Thriller Writer’s Association. Other awards and commendations include the 2007 Texas Medal of Arts Award for Literature and the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Reviews

[♥Sharon♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I must sound like a broken record right but I truly enjoy all of the Sandra Brown books that I have read so far. Well, there was one that fell a little short for me but all the others have been such fantastic reads for me.

The Alibi is one of my top three SB books. This one takes us to Charleston, South Carolina where we meet the sexy Hammond Cross and the stunning Alex Ladd.



With each book I have read, there is something a little extra that I end up loving. Whether it is the location, the side characters or even the writing style based on the date of publication, I fall in love with something different. The little “extra” I loved in this one was that things got shaking between the sheets within the first 20%. :) That is almost unheard of in SB books. And I have to say she can write some pretty sexy cabins scenes.



Hammond and Alex find each other at a local fair. He was her knight in shining armor, saving her from some persistent men. A ride on Ferris wheel, a walk on the pier and a flirtatious dance has Hammond wanting more.



But Alex resist and leaves alone only to find herself in Hammonds arms a short time later. Hammond is feeling things that he knows he shouldn’t but he has to have her. They head to Hammond's cabin and share a night of heated passion, indulging in their desires. But when the morning comes, so does a sense of dread, when Hammond finds himself alone.



The allusive romantic connection between the two main characters created a different type of conspiracy that made the story even more captivating. The mystery and suspense in this one centers around the murder of Lute Pettijohn, who is a ruthless businessman and cheating husband.

Many would have reasons for wanting him dead but nothing appeared to be clear cut. I had so many questions, a few theories but each time I thought I was getting somewhere, a twist was thrown in and I was back to wondering. I didn’t know who to trust, the good guys or the bad guys

The all-around push and pull with this one was fantastic. I loved the depth in character SB gave to Hammond and Alex. Both were perfectly flawed which made them so appealing. And it never fails that she serves up a plot that has been thickened by intriguing side character.

Rory, Steffi, Davee and Loretta all brought something different to this story. Rory was a bit of an ass. You’ll struggle with liking him or not but I think in the end you will like him just like I did. Steffi was your classic bitch with a capital B! Davee was fabulous!! Her personality was so colorful. And Loretta, she didn’t have a huge part in the story but there was just something about her.

Without doubt this one comes highly recommended. I think I say this with every SB book review I write. Even though the romance takes a back seat to the mystery and suspense, every sexy morsel you get is truly delicious. You will love Hammond and Alex.

[Mo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, as I have enjoyed every Sandra Brown book I have read.

Out here, he wasn’t a professional, or a colleague. Or a son. Tension, anger and the weight of responsibility began to melt off him. The sense of freedom was heady.

It’s more on the suspense and mystery than on the romance but don’t let that put you off. There are still some hot scenes.

“Dispensing with the frivolity, he kissed her meaningfully. When at last he pulled away, her troubled expression alarmed him. "What?"
"Be careful, Hammond."
"No one will know I was here."
She shook her head. "Not that."
"Then what?"
"You may have to put me on trial for my life. Please be careful that you don't make me fall in love with you first.”

How could one, anyone, describe the instant when it all comes together? How to describe that burst of clarity when one knows that his life has only just now begun, that everything that’s happened before was rot compared to this and that nothing will ever be the same again?

He had never felt like this in his life ...

For one horrifying moment, she feared she had gasped out loud, echoing her orgasm. Even more horrifying, she had unintentionally turned and was looking at Hammond. His eyes were hot, as though he had been following her thoughts. A blood vessel in his temple was distended and ticking

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS


Wow!!! It’s been a while since I’ve read a Sandra Brown book…And damn, have I missed them! And l have to say that this is a difficult book to review, as I don’t want to slip up and give anything away.

Trust me, with this one… Just go in blind. Don’t read any reviews or even plot descriptions. Just start reading.


Hammond Cross

Just know that there are some incredibly juicy characters that await you. The writing is fabulous as usual, and the intrigue undeniable.


Alex Ladd

The dense air was redolent with the tantalizing aromas of cooking food — junk food.



“Where up north are you from?
“Why?”
“Because you are obviously ill-bred and very rude.”

But this one has a little treat… yes, we get the sexy stuff right upfront! No slow build on this baby.



How to describe that burst of clarity when one knows that his life has only just now begun, that everything that’s happened before was rot compared to this, and that nothing will ever be the same again?

It takes place in Charleston, South Carolina. A town that I’ve visited many times. And there is no better place for a murder/mystery/thriller/romance if you ask me.



He had met her less than a week ago — less than a week — but he had never been more sure of anything in his life. Never before had he been so physically attracted to a woman. He had never felt such a cerebral, spiritual, and emotional connection to anyone.



I sort of predicted the outcome quite early, but the story kept me guessing until the end. I always knew how I wanted it to end… and lets just say that… that’s all I’m going to say.

“Don’t be a Boy Scout.”

LOL! Loved the book. Go read it!

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Review to come.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do enjoy a good romantic suspense with an engaging mystery and this one fit the bill. Hammond Cross, a prosecutor with the Charleston DA's office finds himself stopping at a county fair en route to his cabin for the weekend. Rescuing a beautiful women from some unwanted male admirers, he spend a few hours with her enjoying the treats of the fair and later running in to her on the way to the cabin, spends the night with her. But in the morning she is gone and he never even got her name. Returning to Charleston, he discovers that real estate magnate and cheating husband Lute Pettijohn was murdered in his hotel suite around the time Hammond was leaving for his cabin. There are a number of suspects for Lute's death including his wife Davee and an unknown woman. Even Hammond saw him briefly that evening.

This is my first book by this author but I very much enjoyed her characters and the twists in the plot that made it difficult to guess who committed the murder (the perpetrator was a complete surprise!). Even the side characters were all rich and interesting - Davee (Lute's wife and Hammond's childhood friend), Rory Smilow, the police detective, Lorretta, the ex-cop and recovering alcoholic who does undercover work for Hammond and Steffi, Hammond's colleague and ex-lover (and a total bitch!) and the town of Charleston was charming and an excellent location for a murder mystery.

[Pepa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reseña completa:https://masromance.blogspot.com/2023/...
Cómo me gusta Sandra Brown!
No puedo decir que esta novela sea romántica porque, aunque hay romance, es secundario. Tiene peso, sí y, quizás más que en otras novelas, pero su relación me ha parecido física y falta de ternura. Y, en general, dada la situación y la continencia de su imposible relación, algo fría.
Es de los que se comen a besos con los ojos!
El suspense genial y es de las pocas autoras que consigue que hasta el final no sepa a ciencia cierta quien es el culpable. Dado que la protagonista es indudable que no lo es, quedan otras opciones con las que Sandra Brown juega y lo hace de forma estupenda con una trama complicada y enrevesada que te atrapa hasta el final
Muy recomendable si os gusta el buen suspense y la investigación policial de un asesinato como centro de la trama

[Una Tiers · Rating 3 out of 5]

After checking the book out by mistake, the plot once again was intriguing but looooooooooooooooooong. The romance was silly.
The culprit was well disguised. A good few ideas for mystery authors.

[Vintage]

Just started reading, but with my vast legal knowledge culled from Law & Order, Columbo, and CSI etc, would an ex-BIL really be allowed to investigate the murder of his ex-BIL? And would a County Prosecutor actually question the widow on their first meeting?

DNF.

I didn't find any of the characters likable at all.

[Serena Miles · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 estrellas
Sandra Brown me encanta, pero se nota que este libro se publicó hace 26 años y aunque me ha entretenido, hay muchas cosas que no me han llegado a convencer

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall rating: 4.5 stars!

Triggers:
Cheating: No
Love triangle: No
Sex with om/ow: No. There were TWO scenes where two different women came onto the hero, Hammond Cross, but the hero wasn't even remotely interested either time. All he could think about from the moment he met Alex Ladd was her and that was in the beginning of the story.

The first woman was a woman who he worked with. He had a casual relationship with her for a year (exclusive, but secret because they worked together). The hero didn't love her. He had already been evaluating his life and breaking it off with her when he went on his "trip" in the beginning of the book. When he met Alex, that sealed the deal for him. He was ready for a woman who was wife material and a family. When he met Alex, she hit him like a ton of bricks. He was instantly smitten. Anyway, when he gets home from his small "trip" (the heroine has disappeared off the face of the earth and he never even knew her name) the woman he works with, shows up at his condo, proceeds to sit on his lap and kiss him. He pushes her away and breaks up with her. At no point did he want her sexually. He knew the whole time seeing her again, he was going to break up with her. He does not kiss her back or touch her intimately.

The second woman, Davey, is a very close friend with him. They love each other as FRIENDS and nothing more. Years ago, they had sex - only one time and it was just to do it. It was year ago, before she got married and all. They didn't even kiss in the act. Davey is the one who's husband has been murdered. Her husband was an asshole 200%. She was feeling low one night and comes onto Hammond. She goes up to him and kisses him. He is shocked and doesn't kiss her back. She immediately backs away and they talk about it. She is in no WAY an issue because she doesn't have feelings for him like that, she was just feeling low and wanted a no strings romp. Her story is pretty sad actually.
Intimate pasts: Hammond Cross (hero): Not a virgin. Had casual sex in school and college, but seems like an all around good guy. As he got older, he didn't strike me as the type of guy to just have sex with random women. He wasn't involved with anyone he loved, but they were exclusive relationships and I am almost positive he used condoms. I don't know how long it was for him before he meets Alex, but I would assume not too long since he had that girl he was dating. On the other hand, he was already evaluating breaking up with her and knew he was going to before he even met Alex.

Alex Ladd (heroine): She was not a virgin. I don't know how long it's been for her, but that's all I'll say on her because revealing anything else would spoil the story and revelations.
Push/pull: I would have to say that most of that comes from the heroine, since the day after they meet and share a night of passion together, she is the one with the secrets and the one who disappears. When Hammond finds out more about her, he does attempt to fight his feelings, but he really doesn't. He can't have his primal response to Alex. He is all about her, even when he tries to fight his feelings. Alex doesn't think she is good enough for him so she does push him away a little. Overall, for a suspense story, there was quite a bit of romance IMO.
OW/OM drama: There were some villains both of the male and female variety. His ex, Steffi, the one he was dating, does cause drama, but not relationship wise. She was very upset at first when he broke it off with her because she isn't used to a man not wanting her. So, I guess I'd have to say not really any drama relationship wise

HEA: Yes, but definitely could have used an epilogue!

Once again, Sandra Brown has sucked me right in. I enjoyed that this installment in his romantic suspense series had just a little more romance, declarations, etc. Hammond was absolutely smitten with Alex from the minute he laid eyes on her.

There were only a few sex scenes, but they were very HOTTTTT.

I'll leave the plot alone and let you read it for yourself if you are interested in the blurb. :)

The only reason I rated it 4.5 instead of 5 stars was because I really wanted more with the ending. It was sweet, definitely, but it would have been better with an epilogue.

[Mo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audible. Excellent. Loved both main characters.

[Sandra Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

One night of "escaping reality" turns into a long, ominous nightmare for Prosecutor Hammond Cross. A spur of the moment decision turned into a night of passion with a mysterious woman who was gone by dawn's light. Hammond doesn't even know her name. He will before long, and it just may be his downfall.

Intriguing characters flaunt their way through The Alibi. At first they didn't seem to have any connection to one another, leaving me wondering where it all was leading. It soon becomes apparent as the "i's" are dotted and the "t's" are crossed, and their paths intertwine. The characterizations are masterfully written - each character is unique, working their own agenda. I found myself fascinated with them all as the story played out, and I racked my brain trying to figure out their motives and connections to one another. Hammond appears to be on a suicide mission as his actions belied his position, threatening to destroy his future. My heart raced through the last few chapters . . . and I may have screamed "NO" out loud a time or two. Another Must Read by Sandra Brown!

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked "The Alibi". I had my suspicions and wasn't off by much. I just couldn't figure out the motive. I enjoyed the plot and as always there were many characters to enrich the story. All of them were great, from Davee to the alcoholic PI Loretta, to the Detectives and the DAs.

The heat between the MC's is OTT and even though they fall for each other in only a few days, their connection from the start and the tibits in their memories from their first night together, are enough to convince even the most skeptical reader.

What I didn't like at all, and I'm surprised that an accomplished romantic author like SB would do, is the description of Hammond's two former hook-ups. I know that 35 year olds have a past and don't come to a new relationship without baggage, it doesn't mean that I enjoy reading explicitely about them and that's exactly why I take a whole star from my rating.

Otherwise the book is solid and nothing less than I came to expect from Sandra Brown.

The narrator did a decent job, even though I would like more diversity in the various voices.

[Hulya Kara Yuksel · Rating 3 out of 5]

-3.5- ⭐

I listened the audiobook. ☺

[Mei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent RS from Sandra Brown!
I'm really amazed how she manages to find a really inticate stories, full of tension and suspense!

[Nell · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite Sandra Brown novels.

Loved the relationship between Alex and Hammond; and Hammond and Davee.

Right from the get go Steffi comes across as harsh. I know she was trying to get ahead in a "man's world" but she seemed to hate every female.

The mystery aspect was great. All I know is that it wasn't Alex or Hammond. Everyone one else was up for grabs.

Wished there was an epilogue.

[Kara of BookishBytes · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a shockingly bad book about lawyers. There's some romance and a mystery involved; those were blah. The romance was based on immediate physical attraction that supposedly deepens into amazing trust and a willingness to sacrifice everything for each other . . . after one night when the two characters don't even know each others' names. I roll my eyes in disbelief.

But the legal aspects of this story made it almost unreadable for me. Every attorney/law enforcement officer has significant conflicts of interest--some of which we know about from the get go--and no one is voluntarily or involuntarily removed from the case. What??? Everyone is covering up for everyone else for motives that aren't clear and certainly aren't significant enough for these people to risk their livelihoods and jail time.

Despite some popular characterizations, my experience in working with hundreds of lawyers is that they go out of their way to be honest and ethical and I simply couldn't suspend my disbelief for the sake of this story. I won't say that lawyers never make stupid or unethical decisions, but the lawyers in this book were truly, unrealistically, breaking the law or serious ethical boundaries at every turn.

I did end up pleasantly surprised that I hadn't predict "who done it," but I had a hard time getting to that point in the story. This book isn't worth reading.

[Jena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread 2021

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this slow building character driven murder mystery by the Queen of romantic suspense, Sandra Brown. In fact for me the motives of each of the characters involved in the murder of shady business man Lute Pettijohn on both sides of the law and the way they intersected were more of a page turner than finding out who actually did the murder. It's become a bit of a goal when reading a Brown to try and tease out her multiple threads and work out "whodunnit" (I didn't in this particular case) but the way she crafts and manipulates her characters and the reader always ensures much reading enjoyment and again she didn't disappoint.

4.5 stars.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent read for sure, but when I compare it to other books that I've given 4 stars, I just couldn't go that high with this. I guess I may be a bit prude, but sex between people who have just met and don't even know each other's names is kind of a turn off for me. And of course, within a week of barely having any personal contact with each other, there are declarations of undying love. I did like most of the characters, even, oddly, the ones who were a complete mess, which is a big plus for me. The mystery was good, but things were a little too drawn out for me.

[Vanessa Booked Up · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Captivating Stars!

Fantastic!! I've been in the absolute worst reading funk of my entire career as an adult reader. I swear, if this book would've been another flop, I think I would've been done reading for a good long while. But leave it to the brilliant mind of Sandra Brown to bust me right out of it!!!

Amazing, unputdownable read!

Wish there would've been even a teeny epilogue. Even tho I know it isn't her style.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite work by her. I could easily put it down and move on to another book which I did a few times!

[Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey) · Rating 4 out of 5]

SB is always a good listen, entertaining, captivating. She kept me second guessing myself, but I had the killer nailed before it was revealed. That didn’t bother me much as I did question my choice along the way. What did bother me was the insta love. Why do authors feel the need to have characters say the words I love you? Especially well before believability if nothing more because they haven’t established enough on paper for the reader to feel it. Why in the middle of the book when maybe at the end, it would be received better? Was their chemistry? Sure. But nothing in the characters action other than an abundance of lust would lead anyone reader to think there was love. Disappointing. But a good read. Narrator was okay.

[Myself · Rating 4 out of 5]

Casi que le daría un 4.5 porque me ha gustado mucho, pero como novela policíaca, que es lo que es, nada de novela romántica. La recomiendo pero no si buscáis romance.

[Jane Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ½ Stars. Very enjoyable.

Interesting to watch Hammond who was in a bad fix. He had strong ethics, yet he was tormented with his lust for a woman. He wanted to do the right thing, yet kept doing the wrong things to help her, yet it was good what he ended up doing and how things ended.

Some authors make characters do or say things that are not reasonable or do not fit their characters’ motivations in order to have a plot twist or suspense. That annoys me. This book did not do that. It had twists that were well thought out and fit characters’ motivations. This was good storytelling.

Some readers complained about the ending being abrupt. And I agreed, initially. I wanted an epilogue to tell me what happened later to the main character. But as I thought about it more, I was ok with it. He would end up ok whether he stayed where he was or changed jobs or other. And the feeling about the romantic relationship was good.

AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
I felt iffy about Dennis Redfield at first, but he grew on me and I was fine with him as the story continued.

DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Swearing language: I don’t recall any but there might have been a little. Sex scenes: about three, but not a lot of detail. Setting: around 1999 Charleston, S Carolina. Book copyright: 1999. Genre: romantic suspense.

[Pat Cromwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The absolute best Sandra Brown book ever. Hammond Cross is the best hero she has ever penned. The book moves at a fast pace. The ending is excellent! Ah... so tempted to give it 5 stars but only God rates a 5. I have 3 copies of the Alibi for fear something might happen to one and then I'd be without. I keep a copy on my bookshelf, my desk at work, and in my car. That way I am covered. There are very few books I am that anal about but this book along with Sharon Sala's Out of the Dark and Anne Stuart's Ritual Sins I definitely covet.

[Ariannha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vaya! Este final si que ha sido sorpresivo, una buena historia, con suficiente dosis de intriga y suspenso, pero a pesar de que siempre he adivinado al "malo de la película", en éste no lo vi venir...

Lo único que lamento es que la autora no haya dedicado unas páginas más a un Epílogo que cerrara la historia con broche de oro.

[Bona Caballero · Rating 4 out of 5]

The alibi es la novela de suspense romántico que Sandra Brown publicó en 1999. En mi opinión es la novela de Brown que mejor equilibra la parte de suspense con la romántica.
El misterio a resolver, en este caso, es el asesinato de un hombre de negocios de Charleston. Sigue un poco la línea de Sedas de Francia, con un hombre de la ley (el fiscal Hammond Cross) enamorado de la sospechosa (Alex Ladd). Solo que aquí las cosas están aún más desquiciadas, porque Hammond sabe que ella no es culpable. No puede ser la asesina... Porque estaba con él, en una feria rural… y luego echándole guindas al pavo, azúcar, canela y clavo. Él es su coartada. Y sin embargo… Hammond es incapaz de frenar una investigación hacia la mujer que ama. A veces, francamente parecía que le iba a explotar la vena de puro cabrero y frustración.
La leí en inglés, así que no sé como estará la versión en español.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.

[εllε · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was undecided between 2 and 3 stars. But since I didn’t hate it, I’m giving it 3.
The story was interesting and the writing good, but there were some very wrong things with it. Firstly, I’d like to say that some of these “lawyers” in this book were not very professional, in terms of ethics and moral.
Secondly, the “romance” was unsatisfactory and superficial. The hero behaving like a puppy.
There was a situation which made me so uncomfortable, something like this: “We just had unprotected sex, But I don’t really care”. Wtf? You don’t care about getting the woman pregnant or catching STD? And it happened again. So this didn’t leave a good taste.

Anyway, this is fiction but still, you as an author should aim
to educate, and that part was wrong.

[Makati · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had quite a hard time getting into this book, which isn't entirely it's fault.
Wouldn't have guessed the murderer... 😉