True Vision by Joyce Lamb
June 1, 2010
Paranormal Romantic Suspense
Paperback, 352 Pages
Berkley
Reviewed by Tori
Favorite Quote: “Hey darlin’, what’s your sign?”
“Do not enter.”
Charlie Trudeau is having a normal day when she suddenly witnesses a fatal hit and run. Now she is having psychic experiences and someone is trying to kill her. Enter Noah Lassiter. A police detective from Chicago, he knew the hit and run victim and he wants justice. His only witness is Charlie who is not pleased with him nosing through her business. He knows she is hiding something but Noah needs her help-even if the attraction between them complicates things. As Charlie and Noah start to uncover more of the truth, they realize that they are looking for a desperate killer. A killer who has nothing to lose.
In the first of Joyce Lamb’s True series we meet Charlie Trudeau and Noah Lassiter. Charlie is a strong willed feisty newspaper reporter who has a habit of making enemies. When she witnesses a fatal hit and run accident she is surprised when the victim says her name before dying. Then the psychic episodes start. Charlie has always been more empathic then the average person but now she is experiencing what others experience with a mere touch. Now as Charlie’s experiences intense, she is blacking out and having seizures.
Noah Lasstier is a detective from Chicago that knew the victim, Laurette Atkins. Best friends; he wants answers to who killed her. Noah knew Laurette came to find Charlie for a reason. When Noah asks Charlie about it she clams up claiming ignorance. Noah knows Charlie is lying and cannot let it go. As Noah gets to know Charlie, he sees that her claims of ignorance are for self preservation. He also falls in love with her. When attempts on Charlie’s life escalate Noah steps in to protect her. He senses the attempts are connected to his friends death. When friends and family members of Charlie’s get caught in the crossfire, Noah and Charlie know they have to find the killer fast.
True Vision is a suspenseful Paranormal written along the same lines as Tami Hoag. Charlie and Noah are both strong sensual protagonists. Charlie is forever running into danger and Noah is forever saving her. But it’s not cliché-ish or trite. Ms. Lamb manages to sustain a high impact suspense while slowly drawing Charlie and Noah in to an explosive, sensual affair. She handles both story lines brilliantly; blending them seamlessly till the end. Her supporting characters are fully developed and able to hold their own. They increase the rich reality of the story. I cannot wait to see Logan and Alex’s story in her next book,True Colors.
There are some humorous parts in the book that are appreciated in bringing down the tension level. Charlie’s empathic ability has an, urrr, “interesting” side effect when used with someone during a sex. Even though I’m not a big fan of the psychic storyline this one does not come off as unbelievable. Ms. Lamb down plays the psychic angle and sets it up as the base for her series. It doesn’t define Charlie, but is an interesting new facet to her make up and sets the stage for more to come.
Noah is yummy hot. Low key and playful, he neatly confuses Charlie and draws her to him. The mystery/suspense of the story is intense and well written. Ms. Lamb does a wonderful job of twisting and turning the facts to leave you on the edge till the end. I would have loved to hear a little more about Charlie’s childhood as it is a major part of the psychic angle. I felt a little cheated by her interactions with her parents and didn’t like how cowed she was by her mother. Beyond that, Joyce Lamb definitely goes on my To-Be-Bought list.
Rating: 4/5
Recent Reviews:
Errant Dreams – 4/5
Goodreads
Oh, I picked this one up on the rec from a friend. Thanks for the great review Tori, I can't wait to read it!
I LOVE that quote Tori :)
I tend to have issues with psychic storylines…but…this one sounds well done. I want to meet Noah ;)
Sounds good :=) And I like if it does not get to cliché, with all that running
Lea-Thanks
Mani-Thanks-there are some really funny quotes through out book.
Blodeuedd-Lamb handled it great. No cheesiness. lol
Tori – very well written review, it was enough to get my interest in the book going.
I can't wait to read this one, sounds good. I love a playful hero, yummo. Good review, T!
LOVE that quote!! Very nice review, I want to read this one ASAP!! :)
I have issues with psychic plot lines. Why? Because I automatically picture this *David Blane you've just been Mind Freaked* or that guy from the Breakfast Club Andrew something (he had that tv show on USA) he often grabbed his temple and closed his eyes, le lame. I can't help it, this is what I think of.
So…you think I'll like this one?
P.S. Nice review. I love the quote.
Lily-Thanks! You'll like.
Mar-He is playful and VERY smexy.
FV- I LOL when I read that.
Smokin-The psychic angle is not cheesy and is really laid back.
She's not channeling spirit guides or
winning lottery numbers. I think i'd be a good book to read after intense m/m.
Nice review, makes me want to read the book.
It sounds great and I love the funny quote- what a great come back!
:o)
MsM
Hi Tori
I LOVED this book. Grabbed me from the first page. I loved where she tied in Charlie's gift with their lovemaking – pretty spectacular.
I think Lamb is a genius at a riveting plot & sexy hot love scenes. I read Cold Midnight & Found Wanting as well (and loved them) & have just got the rest of her back list. Enjoyed your review.
MsM-Thank you.
Mary G.-Isn't that "gift" fab? lol
Hi Tori,
Thanks for the great review and now I really want to read this one!
LOL Tori
I think that was so unique & so different from 3rd person POV & just reading it from the male POV.
I forgot to say that The book stayed with me for a few days after. I just liked it that much.
Thanks for the intro – off to check out her work..
Lovely review..
E.H>
I finished reading this book last night and I loved it. This was the first book that I've read by this author but it won't be the last. The book was great from start to finish it kept my attention from the first page to the last and these days that doesn't happen very often.
sstrode@scrtc.com