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paulabrandon's review against another edition
2.0
By turns both boring and ludicrous! It works on a dumb potboiler level, but it's silly, brain-dead trash nonetheless!
Creighton Wheeler masterminds the murder of his uncle Paul Wheeler to get his hands on his inheritance, although he's already ridiculously wealthy. He employs a method from Strangers On A Train, where he gets Billy Duke to do the murder - a shooting - for him. Billy does this because he owes Creighton for killing the wealthy widow that Billy was fleecing and who was now about to testify against him.
Paul's lover Julie is convinced of Creighton's guilt, despite his rock-solid alibi. When she learns that the Wheeler family is about to employ Derek Mitchell to represent Creighton, she flies to France so that she can wind up on a flight back to the US with him, in order to have sex with him, and thus ensure that he can no longer represent the Wheelers because of a conflict of interest. Yes, really! This is despite the fact that there's no guarantee Creighton will ever be arrested or that the Wheelers could easily find another lawyer. Did Julie plan to have sex with all of them? Derek actually brings this up, but the question remains unanswered - probably because it's so fucking stupid and Brown really couldn't come up with any way to make it logical!
Even though Derek refuses to represent Creighton and returns his retainer, he continues to dig into Creighton's past and possible motives. Despite claiming not wanting to be involved. Huh? Anyway, Creighton is carefully setting everything up to make it look like Julie and Billy were partners in Paul's death, which causes Derek to doubt Julie, even though he wants to have sex with her as well. The evidence keeps mounting up against Julie, causing friction between them, including the fact Paul recently changed his will to leave everything to Julie. But this is mired so deeply in the romantic suspense genre tropes that attempts to make Julie appear guilty are just pointless! By the very nature of this genre, we know she isn't!
Julie and Derek become convinced that Creighton plans to knock off the girl Ariel Williams, who apparently dated Billy and then testified against him. She also could have linked him to Creighton. Except it was actually her roommate Carol who dated Billy, which doesn't make much sense, but anyway. So it turns out that Creighton is actually off to murder Carol, so they all race off to save the day.
In the end, it's revealed that Paul was actually Julie's father, not her lover. Yes, that's why they had a weekly meet-up at a hotel! She claims it was to protect her parents (her father raised her as her own) and protect Paul's relationship with his deceased first wife, who couldn't have children. She wanted to spare them all the scandal. Except they all knew about the situation and were fine with it. So what's the scandal? Is this the 1960s or something?!? Julie claims she doesn't care if people thought she was Paul's lover - scandalous in itself - so it makes no freaking sense for her to care about the "scandal" of a unexpected pregnancy!
This revelation apparently also makes it okay for her to fuck a stranger on a plane, because she wasn't actually in a relationship with the person we believed she was in a relationship with. What I reckon is that Sandra Brown could have spent an extra five minutes to come up with a far less staggeringly contrived way in which to get her two main characters together! Absolutely nothing about that set-up made a lick of sense, and basically rendered the entire book very difficult to take!
I kept wavering between 1 star and 2 stars, but went with 2 stars because I suppose getting so riled up at a book's utter stupidity and inanity meant I was somewhat engaged with the material!
Creighton Wheeler masterminds the murder of his uncle Paul Wheeler to get his hands on his inheritance, although he's already ridiculously wealthy. He employs a method from Strangers On A Train, where he gets Billy Duke to do the murder - a shooting - for him. Billy does this because he owes Creighton for killing the wealthy widow that Billy was fleecing and who was now about to testify against him.
Paul's lover Julie is convinced of Creighton's guilt, despite his rock-solid alibi. When she learns that the Wheeler family is about to employ Derek Mitchell to represent Creighton, she flies to France so that she can wind up on a flight back to the US with him, in order to have sex with him, and thus ensure that he can no longer represent the Wheelers because of a conflict of interest. Yes, really! This is despite the fact that there's no guarantee Creighton will ever be arrested or that the Wheelers could easily find another lawyer. Did Julie plan to have sex with all of them? Derek actually brings this up, but the question remains unanswered - probably because it's so fucking stupid and Brown really couldn't come up with any way to make it logical!
Even though Derek refuses to represent Creighton and returns his retainer, he continues to dig into Creighton's past and possible motives. Despite claiming not wanting to be involved. Huh? Anyway, Creighton is carefully setting everything up to make it look like Julie and Billy were partners in Paul's death, which causes Derek to doubt Julie, even though he wants to have sex with her as well. The evidence keeps mounting up against Julie, causing friction between them, including the fact Paul recently changed his will to leave everything to Julie. But this is mired so deeply in the romantic suspense genre tropes that attempts to make Julie appear guilty are just pointless! By the very nature of this genre, we know she isn't!
Julie and Derek become convinced that Creighton plans to knock off the girl Ariel Williams, who apparently dated Billy and then testified against him. She also could have linked him to Creighton. Except it was actually her roommate Carol who dated Billy, which doesn't make much sense, but anyway. So it turns out that Creighton is actually off to murder Carol, so they all race off to save the day.
In the end, it's revealed that Paul was actually Julie's father, not her lover. Yes, that's why they had a weekly meet-up at a hotel! She claims it was to protect her parents (her father raised her as her own) and protect Paul's relationship with his deceased first wife, who couldn't have children. She wanted to spare them all the scandal. Except they all knew about the situation and were fine with it. So what's the scandal? Is this the 1960s or something?!? Julie claims she doesn't care if people thought she was Paul's lover - scandalous in itself - so it makes no freaking sense for her to care about the "scandal" of a unexpected pregnancy!
This revelation apparently also makes it okay for her to fuck a stranger on a plane, because she wasn't actually in a relationship with the person we believed she was in a relationship with. What I reckon is that Sandra Brown could have spent an extra five minutes to come up with a far less staggeringly contrived way in which to get her two main characters together! Absolutely nothing about that set-up made a lick of sense, and basically rendered the entire book very difficult to take!
I kept wavering between 1 star and 2 stars, but went with 2 stars because I suppose getting so riled up at a book's utter stupidity and inanity meant I was somewhat engaged with the material!
blondierocket's review against another edition
4.0
I have been waiting to get to this book since the day it was released and I’m so glad to have finished it.
When a brutal and unexpected murder takes place in an elevator, no one is above suspicion in the Wheeler family, most of all the nephew of the deceased who makes no qualms about wanting the family fortune without having to work for it.
Julie Rutledge finds herself in the midst of all the chaos of the wheeler family and under suspicion as well as she was with Paul when he died. The only person who can’t be blamed for the death is the attorney who is hired by the Wheeler Family to make sure their best interests are represented.
Derek Mitchell finds himself at a crossroads when his professional and personal judgment is compromised and he is unable to represent anyone without casting doubt and suspicion at every turn.
I loved this mystery and can’t wait to read her other most recent books.
When a brutal and unexpected murder takes place in an elevator, no one is above suspicion in the Wheeler family, most of all the nephew of the deceased who makes no qualms about wanting the family fortune without having to work for it.
Julie Rutledge finds herself in the midst of all the chaos of the wheeler family and under suspicion as well as she was with Paul when he died. The only person who can’t be blamed for the death is the attorney who is hired by the Wheeler Family to make sure their best interests are represented.
Derek Mitchell finds himself at a crossroads when his professional and personal judgment is compromised and he is unable to represent anyone without casting doubt and suspicion at every turn.
I loved this mystery and can’t wait to read her other most recent books.
juliee181's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Book club selection
melindavan's review against another edition
4.0
I selected this book for #2 on my list because it had a movie theme which I thought was highly appropriate given my 50/50 challenge. Plus, I had the privilege of hearing Sandra Brown speak at DFWCon last year. I was so impressed by her that day that I rushed out of the auditorium, bought the book (yes, actual hard copy!) and stood in a really long line to have her autograph it. She is an amazing public speaker, and all around very nice person. If you get the chance, go meet her.
The story starts out with some seemingly non-related events. By the end, the events are not only wound so tightly around each other you can’t stir them with a stick, but the layer upon layer of subplot which comes together increases the tension to the point where I could not put the book down. I also couldn’t turn out the lights for several days, and walking alone to my car in the parking garage has my heart pounding.
First Line: “Creighton Wheeler stormed across the bluestone terrace, whipping off his sun visor and making a swipe at the sweat streaming down his face, then without breaking stride, angrily tossed the damp towel and visor onto a chaise. This better be damn important. I was about to break his serve.” As first lines go, it’s ok. There’s enough action to move me along.
To me, though, the first line of Chapter 3 is better: “It was decided midway into their second Bloody Mary. At least his mind was made up, and gauging from the signals she was sending, hers was, too. The conditions weren’t ideal. It would take some tricky maneuvering, but he happened to be extremely good at tricky maneuvers, and where there was a will…” Now isn’t THAT more intriguing? I found myself wishing the story started with chapter 3. Not just for the great opening line, but for the fact that chapter 1 and 2 confused me. They are in omniscient point of view, and the head hopping drove me insane. I nearly put the book down because of it. In Chapter 3 it stops the head hopping and sticks to a single character POV, and the story is much better for it. I’m not sure why the first two chapters are like that; it’s almost like they were added on as an after thought. If it bothers you, skip ahead to chapter 3. Don’t worry, any details you might miss will be presented again.
From there on out it’s a fast romp through a twisted murder mystery. The antagonist is cunning and beautifully evil. The protagonists are likable and make human mistakes that get them mired deeper into a mess they might not get out of. Just when you think you have the mystery figured out and are simply waiting for the cops to catch on, another shoe drops. Will they solve the crime before someone else dies? Read it, find out!
4 stars for great plot, awesome characters, good pace, and over all thrill factor. Minus 1 for clunky beginning. 4/5 stars!
The story starts out with some seemingly non-related events. By the end, the events are not only wound so tightly around each other you can’t stir them with a stick, but the layer upon layer of subplot which comes together increases the tension to the point where I could not put the book down. I also couldn’t turn out the lights for several days, and walking alone to my car in the parking garage has my heart pounding.
First Line: “Creighton Wheeler stormed across the bluestone terrace, whipping off his sun visor and making a swipe at the sweat streaming down his face, then without breaking stride, angrily tossed the damp towel and visor onto a chaise. This better be damn important. I was about to break his serve.” As first lines go, it’s ok. There’s enough action to move me along.
To me, though, the first line of Chapter 3 is better: “It was decided midway into their second Bloody Mary. At least his mind was made up, and gauging from the signals she was sending, hers was, too. The conditions weren’t ideal. It would take some tricky maneuvering, but he happened to be extremely good at tricky maneuvers, and where there was a will…” Now isn’t THAT more intriguing? I found myself wishing the story started with chapter 3. Not just for the great opening line, but for the fact that chapter 1 and 2 confused me. They are in omniscient point of view, and the head hopping drove me insane. I nearly put the book down because of it. In Chapter 3 it stops the head hopping and sticks to a single character POV, and the story is much better for it. I’m not sure why the first two chapters are like that; it’s almost like they were added on as an after thought. If it bothers you, skip ahead to chapter 3. Don’t worry, any details you might miss will be presented again.
From there on out it’s a fast romp through a twisted murder mystery. The antagonist is cunning and beautifully evil. The protagonists are likable and make human mistakes that get them mired deeper into a mess they might not get out of. Just when you think you have the mystery figured out and are simply waiting for the cops to catch on, another shoe drops. Will they solve the crime before someone else dies? Read it, find out!
4 stars for great plot, awesome characters, good pace, and over all thrill factor. Minus 1 for clunky beginning. 4/5 stars!
anasatticbookblog's review against another edition
3.0
This is a 4 star story but I took away a star because I didn't like the narrator. It was exciting, creepy, unique, and there was romance. I had some trouble discerning the "voices" of the narrator, and found his voice to be a bit creepy all around. Super creepy when he was doing Clayton's voice.
dozylocal's review against another edition
3.0
This book averages out at a 3: 2 for intellectual content; 4 for readability/fun. Good story. Some twists. No major surprises. Easy to read and perfect for summer holidays :) Will certainly be looking out for more from this author when I need a break from more intense/heavy stuff.
cfulton20's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book. she is becoming a favorite author!
baucom82's review against another edition
5.0
What can I say Sandra Brown is amazing! She gives you just enough hot steamy mile high sex to keep you interested but not to much to make it a sappy boring romance.
Ms. Brown is amazing she actually researches what she writes. She writes it in a way that, yes you may be able to figure out some, however by the end of the book you are like wow I didn't see that coming.
Ms. Brown is amazing she actually researches what she writes. She writes it in a way that, yes you may be able to figure out some, however by the end of the book you are like wow I didn't see that coming.
rachaelraimo's review against another edition
4.0
I went back and forth on rating this between 4 and 5 stars but the ending really made it go to 5 stars! This may be my favorite book from Sandra Brown so far. The villain in this book was so bad and evil and the heroes of the book were so good!
I went back and forth on liking Julie or not but I loved Derek from his first scene. Opposite of Derek, I hate Chreighton from his first scene, which I’m sure you’re supposed to. I just love how Sandra Brown builds up characters. I always have such a clear picture of who she is describing and I love it!
At times it became slightly predictable but other times were complete surprises. I think i will have to take a break from the book before ever rereading it because it was just ALOT. And really intense at the end. But yes, I loved it and will definitely reread eventually. I’ve picked up the “sequel” to this one and I’m so excited for it!
I went back and forth on liking Julie or not but I loved Derek from his first scene. Opposite of Derek, I hate Chreighton from his first scene, which I’m sure you’re supposed to. I just love how Sandra Brown builds up characters. I always have such a clear picture of who she is describing and I love it!
At times it became slightly predictable but other times were complete surprises. I think i will have to take a break from the book before ever rereading it because it was just ALOT. And really intense at the end. But yes, I loved it and will definitely reread eventually. I’ve picked up the “sequel” to this one and I’m so excited for it!
nams's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Good enough book but by far not as well-developed as Brown's other book. There was a plot twist I didn't see coming at the end pertaining the perpetrator, however, the "big" reveal later on was very predictable. Overall, the characters needed to be a bit more fleshed out. The idea of the plot was interesting but none of the characters was fully likable.