Monday, April 13, 2015

Closer Than You Think by Karen Rose

Closer Than You Think by Karen Rose is a fast paced romance suspense/thriller with almost non-stop action and a classic psychopath serial killer -- ruthless, cold, unbalanced -- at the center of the suspense plot. By using the killer's point of view during key segments of the story, Rose allows the reader to experience his focus on Dr. Faith Fry, the main character of the novel, as well as the horrible physical and psychological violence his victims suffer. This twisted, violent point of view, although extreme at times, built up tension and kept me on edge until the end.

The romance is secondary to the suspense. Rose, however, weaves it in along with all the non-stop action and violence that takes place. The love that grows between the intended victim, intelligent and gutsy Dr. Faith Fry, and FBI agent Deacon Novak develops at the same breakneck speed as the action and short timeline that Rose utilizes to hunt the killer.

Deacon is physically different. Going by Rose's descriptions of him, Deacon could have become a caricature. Instead,intelligent and with vulnerabilities, a family and a need to love and be loved, Deacon is much more. Both he and Faith are lonely at heart and click almost instantly. Although the timeline for this romance is short, Rose takes the time to integrate family histories and backstories for both main characters. Danger and adrenaline helps this couple bond quickly, turning deep attraction into more.

Many viable suspects are introduced and kept me going back and forth trying to guess the identity of the villain. However, there is lack of good follow-up throughout the investigation that I found slightly frustrating, and much running around going on. The thriller sections could have been tighter, however I found Closer Than You Think a great read. The story is violent, mildly sexual, with more sexual tension than graphic scenes, it shows loving as well as dysfunctional family ties, and some intriguing secondary characters that I want to know better. Grade: B+

BOOK SUMMARY:
Psychologist Faith Corcoran is desperate to escape the stalker who’s made her life a nightmare for the past year—desperate enough to run to the one place that has been her nightmare far longer. Both boon and bane, her recent inheritance of her grandmother’s old house in Cincinnati offers sanctuary in which she can start her life anew, but requires that she face the dark memories that still resonate to this day.

But she has no idea how close to home her fears still are.

Two college girls have gone missing in the area, and FBI Special Agent Deacon Novak is called to work on the case. When his inquiry unexpectedly leads him to Faith, he finds a beautiful and brave woman he can’t help but fall for. Soon they’ll discover that this seemingly simple investigation is anything but. Reaching back decades into Faith’s own past, it will shatter everything she believes to be true and will give terrifying new meaning to flesh and blood.
NOTE: A big thanks to Leslie, from Leslie's Psyche, for recommending this book.



6 comments:

  1. I liked this story too. But I think some of her other books were better.
    And I dislike having so many scenes from the villain's POV....
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    1. Hi Sonia!

      I've only read one other book by Karen Rose, so I don't have a big base for comparison.

      I find her villains a bit over the top.

      RE: POV. In a straight romance, like you, the villain's POV usually distracts me. In a romance suspense/thriller like this one where the romance is secondary, I like it because it allows me to search for little clues and builds the suspense.

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    2. I don't like how long those inner monologues carry on. I want to focus on what the good guys are doing, I don't really care about the bad guys' moves because I already know he will be bad and I feel happy enough knowing how they get him and why he did those things.

      One good example I cherish is Stieg Larsson's Millenium trilogy, especially the 2nd and 3rd books - which I looooooved - where there were bad guys whose voice we didn't have but of course we'd know what they were doing, but for once, the good guys were a step ahead and they managed to divert the bad things that could happen. Usually suspense books don't work this way and it's the main reason I loved those.

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    3. I have the first two books of the Stieg Larsson trilogy in my TBR. Friends insisted that I read them and just gave me the books, lol! I've never felt the impulse to read them, though. Maybe I will read them one of these days. :)

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    4. I have a friend who thinks the same, never had the impulse...but I really like how special and different the action moves along in his books. But of course, all opinions are personal...

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    5. I have the first two books in my book shelves, that means at some point I will read them. I just don't know when I will get to them.

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