Recent Read

Count to Ten - Karen Rose

Why this one: Ames gave this one a very good review and since she’s always reading books I’ve recommended, and she did not only watch, but bought North and South, it only seemed fair that I try one of her recs.

Level of Steam: If I had read this one when the furnace was off, it would have gone a long way in keeping me warm.

Amazon Blurb: When a series of arsons turns out to hide a homicide, Mia teams up with Chicago Fire Department Lt. Reed Solliday to track down the firebug killer. Still reeling from her father's death and her last case, which landed her partner, Abe, in the hospital, Mia's not pleased to be teaming up with someone new—especially with Abe's assailant still on the loose. Reed has his doubts as well, suspecting that Mia isn't ready to be back on assignment. As the investigation proceeds and the two divulge their troubled pasts, they find themselves warming to each other—just in time for Mia to become the next target for the flame-happy madman.

My thoughts: Unlike another book I read from Ames list that didn’t really work for me – it was a Lora Leigh book, Count to Ten by Karen Rose worked very well indeed! I love a strong heroine and Mia fits that bill to a tee. She is smart, intelligent and gutsy. If you like Eve Dallas, I’m sure you will like Mia. She is like Eve without the sharp edges. Although she keeps men at a distance – relationship wise – she does have a core group of good friends who worry and care about her.

Reed makes a great hero. He is a widower who was very much in love with his wife – refreshing isn’t it. His first wife was good and rather than villianize her in any way, the author just makes the two women completely different. It’s interesting to read how he handles being the single father of a slightly rebellious daughter.

Both of these characters are wary of getting involved with each other, but the attraction can’t be kept under wraps for long. The romance part of this book was great. But what really stood out for me was the suspense. I’ve only ever read something this suspenseful in the In Death books. Although a fan of Romantic Suspense, much of what I read is more geared towards the romantic. Not this one. The suspense is chilling and even though the villain – who I did not guess until near the end – is chilling. At first one almost feels somewhat sympathetic towards him, but as the body count goes up, and the villain gets more and more gruesome and out of control, you see how evil this person really is.

I really enjoyed this book and I’m happy I have a new author to look forward too. I’ve already bought another one by her and I see she has a nice back list.

Thanks Ames!!

Grade: 4 out of 5