husnaibrahim_'s reviews
226 reviews

I remember after finishing “Promises in Death,” I wondered why Eve’s investigations rarely involved children or teenagers as victims. So It  definitely piqued my interest to see precisely that in this book.

One aspect that drew me in was the strong focus on Eve's personal life, her interactions with friends and family. Just like in the previous book, the influence her friends always seem to have on the plot is consistently refreshing. Plus, if I’m being honest, witnessing her social awkwardness always adds an endearing quality.

Also, Jamie's role in this one was a highlight. Yet, I wish it didn’t always have to be linked to the loss of a loved one. He’s still  quite young, and the recurring trauma could potentially affect him negatively in the future.

Apart from that, I honestly found almost everything about this book to be enjoyable. From the handling of the case to the wedding of our ever-dedicated resident doctor. It was all such a delightful and touching experience to read.

While I'm quite fond of this series and our very own FBI agent Nina Guerrera, I'm not entirely sure I enjoyed this one as much as the first two (I considered the first two as five star reads).

This time around, it seemed to lack some of the thrills I was hoping for, even though I had been looking forward to how Bianca would fit into the story. However, I must admit, the serial killer in this book was truly something. The entire Egyptian theme was quite eerie, and the identity of the killer caught me by surprise. I honestly didn’t guess it would be him.

My suspicions initially focused on the first two suspects, maybe because I didn’t take a liking to them right from the start.  That said, I did appreciate that we got to explore Nina's emotional side a bit more. As for what's coming next, I’m hoping there’s another book and I'm eager to see who I'd prefer her with - Perez or Kent, though I’m currently leaning more towards Perez.

One aspect that bothered me the most was Breck’s capabilities. I'm not questioning her skills or what FBI agents can uncover in certain situations, but it often felt like she was holding back. She'd find something and not immediately share it, leaving it for Wade or Kent to analyze, and then she’d say, “Hold on, I actually found this earlier,” or “I think I have precisely what you’re looking for.”

Nonetheless, aside from these concerns and a few minor issues, I have to say it was reasonably satisfactory. It just didn't quite carry the same level of excitement as the first two books, if I’m entirely honest. Still, I’m eagerly anticipating the next case they tackle and seeing how Bianca manages her graduate program.

This is one of the most frustrating books I’ve encountered in a while. Not because the murder mystery was some kind of brain-twister, but because the writing style made the female main character almost unbearable.

As I listened to the audiobook, one consistent thing kept going through my head “Why is it so repetitive?? She keeps saying the same thing. And If she genuinely trusts Andy, why hasn’t she confided in him about the road incident? I mean shes clearly an amateur, so she can’t solve this issue alone!”

I can’t blame the narrator for this, as it’s clearly an issue with the book’s structure. Because this book is poorly written. Roughly 60% of the content felt like recycled filler, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a sentence that didn’t reappear at least three times, if not more, throughout the book.

The only thing I liked was her finally learning more about her parents from Aaron. But, on that note, what in the world did she and her uncle ever discuss if her parents were never brought up? It’s baffling that she had to rely on a stranger to fill in the most basic details.

Then there’s the core plot, the murder of her uncle, and her trying to solve it. Which was fine especially with the help of Andy but what was sorely lacking was more background information. We needed at least one chapter to fill in the gaps about her life before leaving town, her life during visits to her uncle, her childhood friendship with Andy, and so on. 

Because while it was believable that he loved her because they were childhood best friends, it was hard to connect with them. She came across as somewhat cowardly, playing the scaredy-cat, and he seemed to emerge out of thin air. Plus as I said, no background information whatsoever. 

I’m just so annoyed I stuck with the book, despite my inner debate about giving up on it, because I genuinely wanted to know who and why her parents and uncle were murdered. I even started settling into the book and enjoying the interactions between Andy and her. But when I finally discovered the reasons behind the murders, I was mad all over again. Because that was the most useless and twisted reason. Perhaps it might have worked in a different situation or context, but in this scenario, it felt poorly executed and left me doubting the credibility of the culprits and their motives.

Then there was how they were rescued in the ending! It might have worked if the book was set up to be more of an FBI thriller or if we got introduced to them somewhat in the middle but out of nowhere? Yeah it just doesn’t make sense. 

In the end, this book feels like a mystery that aims for shock value but misses the mark. It’s akin to putting together the best episodes from an FBI series but the pieces didn’t fit together seamlessly. Also with not much substance holding it together, if that makes sense.

That’s why, while I hate to be so harsh, I can’t help but think this is probably the worst book I’ve encountered this year.encountered this year. 

I’m glad I gave this book a second chance by opting for the audiobook this time. I definitely enjoyed it more than my first attempt. Now, I’m actually looking forward to reading the second book. Maybe this time, I’ll try reading while also listening to the audiobook simultaneously.

While I do acknowledge that this book is better written and structured than the first one, I can't help but wish it didn't throw so many twists and turns at us.

Sure, small towns are rarely as simple as they seem, and people harbor family secrets. But goodness, this book takes complexity to a whole new level. The amount of intrigue and hidden secrets is astonishing.

So much unfolds in this story. I know Doctor Pittman seems to have evaded justice, but I can't help but think his respite won't last. I'm not buying his version of Aunt Marsha being a master manipulator and him being at her mercy’s end. 

Then there's the whole tangled web of love affairs involving Lacy, Jack, and the school principal. It’s a lot to take in, just like Justin’s current situation. I genuinely hope he manages to overcome it.

I’m genuinely excited about the next book. I can’t wait to see Zak, maybe as a deputy at the very least. I know many people encourage him to aim for sheriff, but I'm not sure how realistic that is. He might face resistance from the old-timers in the police department. Well, except for Nadine, as it's clear Deputy Black has a soft spot for him. I’m eager to see where their relationship goes in the next book and whether they’ll decide to take the plunge and move in together. Maybe then I’ll finally enjoy a bit of romance in this book, as I’m definitely not a Tiff and Kenny shipper.