Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden (Deadly #1)
July 27, 2010
Romantic Suspense
Paperback, 384 Pages
Forever


Today, Jen from That’s What I’m Talking About (Twimom227 on Twitter) is guest reviewing ! Take it away Jen!
 
What I’m talking about:
This book opens in the past: we learn about Keith Hyde and his capture of the “Romeo” killer. One girl survived.  Move forward 16 years and we learn that Hyde runs a special government division dedicated to stopping and capturing serial killers. We meet his team, which includes star profiler Monica “Ice” Davenport and new-comer Luke Dante. Together they are sent off to the southern town of Jasper, Mississippi to investigate a couple of deaths that may be related.

From the start of the book we find out that Monica and Luke share a past. One that apparently neither of them can forget, but from which Monica has walked away. Ms. Eden uses a lot of “inner monologue” for her characters, so we quickly learn the details of Monica and Luke’s mutual desire – how Luke wants Monica and is willing to push her – but also how Monica desires Luke, only to internally remind herself that Luke is a weakness and she needs to quit the sexy thoughts.  This makes for a slow start in the story. I found myself wishing that they would stop “interrupting” the mystery-solving with their “daydreams.” It was a little disturbing to read about how Luke missed Monica, while they are dissecting a gruesome murder.  I found their mutual attraction rather dull at first, especially that Monica wanted quick and hard sex, but no emotional commitment. 

However, the suspense/murder mystery heart of the book was engrossing. The author weaves a wonderful tale of suspects and motives. I enjoyed “watching” Monica as she profiled the new killer and put the puzzle together. We also read sections from the killer’s point-of-view, which helped add to the mystery of the tale.
As the book progressed, the relationship between Monica and Luke became stronger and more appropriately integrated into the story. Their first time together may have been  a less-than-stellar read, but as both characters began to reveal their darkest secrets to one another, I became hooked. And in the end, their love story was emotionally satisfying.


Deadly Fear is a delightful suspense story with a side of romance. If you are looking for a good book with interesting characters and a “killer” storyline (yes, pun intended)… then I recommend you pick up Deadly Fear.


Rating: 3.5/5


Recent Reviews:
Michelle’s Book Blog – 5/5
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