Pages: 320
Source: Publisher
Purchase Links: Amazon | Kobo | Barnes & Noble
About the book:
Vivian Brazier never thought life as an art photographer would include nightly wake-up calls to snap photos of grisly crime scenes or headshots for aspiring male actors. Although she is set on a career of transforming photography into a new art form, she knows her current work is what’s paying the bills.
After shooting crime scene photos of a famous actress, the latest victim of the murderer the press has dubbed the “Dagger Killer,” Vivian notices eerie similarities to the crime scenes of previous victims—details that only another photographer would have noticed—details that put Vivian at the top of the killer’s target list.
Nick Sundridge has always been able to “see” things that others don’t, coping with disturbing dreams and visions. His talent, or as he puts it—his curse—along with his dark past makes him a recluse, but a brilliant investigator. As the only one with the ability to help, Nick is sent to protect Vivian. Together, they discover the Dagger Killer has ties to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood royalty and high society. It is a cutthroat world of allure and deception that Vivian and Nick must traverse—all in order to uncover the killer who will stop at nothing to add them to their gallery of murders.
My
Thoughts:
Vivian Brazier was born to a wealthy, well-connected family,
and left a life of luxury to pursue her dreams of becoming a photographic artist. Her parents were not pleased with her decision
so she’s on her own trying to make her way in the coastal town of Adelina Beach
in California. To supplement her income Vivian snaps photos of crime scenes,
and one in particular sets her on edge: the victims of the Dagger Killer. This
killer poses the victims is such a way that makes Vivian think this murderer
has a background in photography. As if
this isn’t strange enough Nick Sundridge, a private investigator, shows up on
her door saying he’s been hired to be her bodyguard after information comes out
that names Vivian as the target of a deranged killer.
I’ve really enjoyed the Burning Cove series! Set in the
1930s on the California Pacific Coast, Burning Cove is a resort/hotel that
caters to the rich and famous. It’s a town described with the beauty of Big Sur
or Carmel: cliffs with breathtaking views of the Pacific with the added
enticing feel of Old Hollywood.
I loved Vivian! She was a strong, clever woman, and she never
seemed to let life’s setbacks get her down or derail her from her goals. Nick and Vivian’s chemistry was palpable from
their first meet, and of course working together closely their romance turns
from attraction to more quickly.
The initial call to
Vivian’s aid was made in conjunction with a supernatural lead, and I liked this
bit of paranormal element added to the story. The mystery kept me guessing
until the end, keeping my attention firmly focused on the story unfolding!
4 Suns
I can totally relate to Vivian not getting the approval from her family about her work. My parents really struggled with me majoring in Music back in the day.
ReplyDeleteThat's a bummer. It hurts when the people who love you the most don't support your dreams or plans. I hope it all worked out for you!
DeleteI think way back when I first started blogging I tried this author. I can't even remember if I liked her writing or not. I need to look into her again. Glad you enjoyed this one and hope you are doing well!
ReplyDeleteShe's a prolific writer so I wouldn't be surprised if you did pick her up in the past. Thanks! I'm doing well, and I hope you are too!
DeleteI've seen this series around for the last couple years (the covers have such a distinct look) but have never really looked into them. Interesting that this one has a paranormal element. And I'm not sure I knew Quick and Krentz were one and the same!
ReplyDeleteI love the time period it's set in, and Quick captures it well. Yes, she's pretty prolific, and I think she writes under one more pen name in addition to those two.
DeleteI've read a few books by Amanda Quick, though none in this series. But I do like the way she writes and the characters she creates. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is my favorite series by her. She writes easy, entertaining reads. Perfect beach read. :)
DeleteI jumped in on this series with the last book and was glad to keep going with this story. I loved them both and got stumped as well. One of these days I'll go back for the first two books.
ReplyDeleteI think the first book and this on are tied for favorites in the series. I look forward to your thoughts, Sophia Rose! :)
DeleteI have read two by her and enjoyed them :=D
ReplyDeleteNice! :)
DeleteYours is the second rave review I've read for this book and this series. I really do need to give it a try. It sounds amazing!
ReplyDeleteI love the time period it's set in, and it's a fun mystery.
DeleteI always pause, when I am checking the eLibrary and one of these books comes up, because the covers are so nice, but I don't read much historical fiction. The 30s is a time period I don't think is covered as much as say the 20s or 40s, so it would be interesting just for purposes of revisiting the time period.
ReplyDeleteI do love the covers, and the time period is so old Hollywood glam. Fun!
DeleteThis sounds really good, Rachel! I really need to read more of this author's work. It is good to know that this series does not have to be read in order.
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun mystery/romance! Hope you like it if you pick it up. :)
DeleteThis series sounds like it has such a beautiful setting, and the characters sound great! What an entertaining premise. I love that they mystery kept you guessing, and that there was a paranormal element in this story. Fantastic Review Rachel :)
ReplyDeleteLindy@ A Bookish Escape
Thanks Lindy! I was a little surprised by the paranormal element. I liked it. :)
DeleteWhat a great review you have here. I simply love this author but haven't picked up this series yet. I need to. I really love the time and setting.
ReplyDeleteHope you love this series, too, if you decide to pick it up. :)
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