Monday, January 28, 2008

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

10 comments:

nath said...

I'm glad you enjoyed the book Kristie! and I think you'll like Die For Me :)

Brandy said...

I have been lurking (not in a creep way! *G*) for a while now and am SO glad you liked this book. Die for Me was the book that hooked me on Karen Rose, so I hop you enjoy that one. (And if you do, Scream for Me is due out May 13.)

Kris said...

I just got this one from the library last week. Have been putting it off, but I need to just pick it up and read it. Glad to know you liked it. :)

~ames~ said...

WOOT!!

I just love Reed and Mia. Especially how he can't open the small condiment packages and Mia helps him out with that. And then when he gets jealous of David (the firefighter) that she's playing pool with.

Ok, I think I need to reread. LOL

Kristie (J) said...

Nath: I really did enjoy it - it was heavy dutier than I'm used to but I certainly liked it enough to search out her back list.

Brandy: Welcome out of Lurkdom!! I know what you mean. I've lurked at a few places before getting up the nerve to actually post something - thinking whatever I had to say wasn't important. I love finding new authors with back lists. It doesn't happen very often any more so when I find someone it's all good! Have you read the one about Dana, Nothing to Fear yet? I looked it up to order at Chapters online - since it's not on the shelves and when I do another online book order, I plan on getting that one too.

Kris: It's good - but warning - rather gruesome in some parts. But not as bad as some of the gruesomeness in the In Death books so I was OK with it.

Ames: I loved Reed and Mia too! I especially liked how Reed finally realized he could love two women and appreciate each for their differences.

Julia said...

I think I have collect all of Karen Rose on going books but haven't read them yet. I read the first book though. Glad to hear you like this book :)

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Brandy said...

I've read Nothing to Fear, but my all time favorite Karen Rose book is I'm Watching You. But, I also liked Die For Me, that one was my first and made me a fan. *g*
As for lurking, yeah, I'm guilty. I am VERY shy, so commenting is hard, but you read a great book and I just had to comment! *G*

Kristie (J) said...

Brandy: that's the wonderful thing about blogging. Somehow we are able to overcome our shyness. And thanks for all the other titles too. I know Ames loves her like a duck loves water.

Julia: I do that too - collect books by authors without ever having read a single one! It's an odd thing - yet comforting to know that there are others who do that too.

Lori said...

Yay - a KR convert! All her books are fabulous, Kristie! My only problems is she's so good her next one is due out in HC this year, dammit!

Kristie (J) said...

Lori: I'm a convert all right. In fact I'm reading Die for Me now and I ordered a couple more online last night!!