This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Published by Kensington
Released on October 29, 2019
Pages: 100
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
The Delight
A romantic suspense novella set at Christmas time was just the thing for me right now. It’s not very Christmas oriented, but it does come into play a bit. I’m all about the romance and suspense so that was the delight here for me.
Review
Piper is on her own with her infant daughter, Beth. She’s had an horrendous time in her recent past(18 months)concerning her abusive husband and his unrelenting search for her to kill her. She survived, he didn’t. Now she’s trying to pick her life back up and she’s starting to do so. She’s a photographer, has a small apartment for her and her daughter and has friends now-something her husband deprived her of. She also met a man months before who wants her. She turned him down as she is not ready. David Ayden is a detective, a widower and the father of two teenage boys. He befriended Piper in the past, but since she turned him down, he’s backed off. When Piper is in need of help from the police, she turns to him for help. Pretty soon the two are off on a search to find more answers. It seems her husband didn’t give up and has more up his sleeve-although he really is quite dead. And no this is not a supernatural book!
A romance novella is certainly easier to write than a romantic suspense, I am guessing. So much goes into the planning of the suspense element in addition to the romance. In this case, it felt like I had missed a whole other book. The author does set up the scene of what happened in the past, but I still wondered and even went looking. I couldn’t find the book it related to, but did find out that this book is a re-release and was part of an anthology with two other authors-and from what I can tell, neither of the others related to this one. So although at times it had me really wondering about the previous story, I did for the most part enjoy reading this book.
I’ve just listened to two series by this author back to back and have really enjoyed all of the books. So I was more than happy to find this book on Net Galley. I’m glad I read it, but as I said before, I really wish there had been a book about what came before. If there is, I want to read it. I’m not really fond of being dropped into the middle of a mystery as a rule, but it all worked out and the author did a good job of filling in the holes. I also really liked the characters and the romance. And while it is a dark subject matter at times, there was some good things that happen-which is always welcomed in a book set during the holidays. Since it is such a short book, I’m going to leave it at that. This is recommended to adult romantic suspense readers.
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Ooh, I’d have trouble with that as well, Lorna…feeling like I’m missing half the story. I’m happy Burton was able to fill in holes for you for the most part so that you could still enjoy the story though. I have several of Burton’s books sitting on my shelf. I know I’m going to enjoy them…just have to find time. 😉
I found two series of hers on KU read and listen for free so that was good. Plus some others too but not a whole series. I’m really enjoying her work.
Strange about the previous story feeling. That would have made me nutters. Nothing says Christmas like murder though!
It did make me nuts. After I wrote the review I saw on another review on Amazon(since this is a rerelease) that it was based on a story in an anthology called Silver Bells. I probably won’t be buying that. I has hoping for a full book.
I love mysteries and suspense set during the holiday season. This one does sound good and I still need to read Mary Barton’s stuff.
I’m really loved liking Mary Burton’s full size books in particular.
I guess it’s time for the holiday books! I don’t think I’ve ever read a Christmas suspense book though.
Karen @ For What It’s worth
Net Galley is full of them right now. And I know it is so early.
AH yes I can understand that you wanted another novel to get a bit more what happenned
I really did. And since I found out since I wrote this that it’s based on a story from yet another anthology I decided I’m done wondering. My tbr pile is just too ridiculous!
Well even though you were dropped in the middle of a mystery I’m glad that you ended up liking the book.
Thanks! It helps that I really enjoy the author.
Love it! Xmas and suspense. Perfect
Yes! Kinda early though, but oh well.
I like Mary Burton but it sounds like this one was missing some key pieces of information. I would want to know the history too. Great review!
Thanks. You can really feel lost when you know part of the plot is just missing.
I love her work but this was an odd novella. I think it could have just been a whole book including more of the earlier background when she first moved there 18 months ago. Wonderful review!
I know exactly what you mean. That’s why I went looking for an earlier book which was from an anthology. I wished for a whole book. It would have been a lot better that way!