laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Die for Me
4 Stars
When several graves are uncovered in a field, Philadelphia detective, Vito Ciccotelli, calls in local archeologist and medieval historian, Sophie Johannsen to aid in the investigation. With the bodies piling up, Vito and his colleagues will have to race against the clock once the sadistic killer sets his sights on Sophie.
A tense and exciting if predictable read.
In terms of the plot, it is relatively easy to guess the villain’s identity. Nevertheless, the story is well-developed and suspenseful. Rose’s research into medieval weaponry and torture devices, as well as the computer game industry and forensic investigation, is exceptional and makes for interesting reading. It should be noted that the descriptions are quite graphic and violent, and the books deals with some disturbing themes. As such, it may not be for everyone.
As in most of Rose’s books, there are numerous characters to keep track of from Sophie and Vito’s respective families, colleagues and friends to the killer’s victims and other assorted witnesses. That said, each and every character plays an important role in the story and none are superfluous. Moreover, Rose’s villain is as diabolical as they come and his actions and motivations make for some spine-chilling scenes.
The romance between Sophie and Vito is the weakest aspect of the book. Sophie is not a particularly likable heroine. She is cold, curt, abrasive and self-absorbed. While she does eventually change her outlook on life and become more agreeable, she never quite manages to evoke any sympathy. Vito, on the other hand, is sexy and charming, and his devotion to his family makes him extremely engaging. To be honest, aside from the physical attraction, it is unclear why he wants to be with her.
All in all, a solid addition to Rose’s thrilling if hauntingly dark series.
4 Stars
When several graves are uncovered in a field, Philadelphia detective, Vito Ciccotelli, calls in local archeologist and medieval historian, Sophie Johannsen to aid in the investigation. With the bodies piling up, Vito and his colleagues will have to race against the clock once the sadistic killer sets his sights on Sophie.
A tense and exciting if predictable read.
In terms of the plot, it is relatively easy to guess the villain’s identity. Nevertheless, the story is well-developed and suspenseful. Rose’s research into medieval weaponry and torture devices, as well as the computer game industry and forensic investigation, is exceptional and makes for interesting reading. It should be noted that the descriptions are quite graphic and violent, and the books deals with some disturbing themes. As such, it may not be for everyone.
As in most of Rose’s books, there are numerous characters to keep track of from Sophie and Vito’s respective families, colleagues and friends to the killer’s victims and other assorted witnesses. That said, each and every character plays an important role in the story and none are superfluous. Moreover, Rose’s villain is as diabolical as they come and his actions and motivations make for some spine-chilling scenes.
The romance between Sophie and Vito is the weakest aspect of the book. Sophie is not a particularly likable heroine. She is cold, curt, abrasive and self-absorbed. While she does eventually change her outlook on life and become more agreeable, she never quite manages to evoke any sympathy. Vito, on the other hand, is sexy and charming, and his devotion to his family makes him extremely engaging. To be honest, aside from the physical attraction, it is unclear why he wants to be with her.
All in all, a solid addition to Rose’s thrilling if hauntingly dark series.
heather_warby's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
coley0504's review against another edition
5.0
I first listened to this book and fell in love with Karen Rose's writing style. After this one I went back and started reading her books in order they were published. I love each of them but this one is special to me since it was my first. I have re-read it and listened to it again and that shows how much I enjoyed it.
tetzkorn's review against another edition
5.0
Karen Rose does no wrong in my book. Another nail biter that kept me up way too late.
johanna14's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mags_louise's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely love this book, have now reread it numerous times, and its definitely one of my favourite Karen Rose novels.
The story itself is gripping and has a way of pulling you in and keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end. It also has a lot of components to it, but they all come together perfectly and create a real pulse pounding, suspenseful yet romantic story, that I would completely recommend to others. Not to mention it opens the door to the Vartanian family and two more fantastic stories.
The story itself is gripping and has a way of pulling you in and keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end. It also has a lot of components to it, but they all come together perfectly and create a real pulse pounding, suspenseful yet romantic story, that I would completely recommend to others. Not to mention it opens the door to the Vartanian family and two more fantastic stories.
ela_35's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I liked this book, but the beginning was a bit slow.
I really liked the story when the pace picked up. I liked seeing the investigation – when the detectives found information and tried to connect the dots.
The person I suspected turned out to be the killer! But the backstory was really interesting, and I didn’t expect it at all.
I didn’t like the scenes that weren’t told from Sophie or Vito’s POVs. Those scenes were boring, as I really didn’t care about the game company employees, and while Daniel’s POV gave more information, not much happened.
I liked Sophie and Vito. I wanted to see more scenes with Sophie’s uncle, Vito’s family and Katherine. Aside from all the obvious characters, I really didn’t like Daniel’s mother as she was an absolute idiot who neglected her non-sociopathic children. Also, I wanted to see Lana get arrested, as she was rubbish too and I agreed with Sophie about what happened with Elle.
I liked this book, especially when the pace picked up, and I can’t wait to continue with the series as there are still some things about the Vartanians that haven’t been explained.
salene27's review against another edition
4.0
The first victim is found in a snow-covered Philadelphia field. Detective Vito Ciccotelli enlists the aid of archaeologist Sophie Johannsen to determine exactly what lies beneath the frozen ground. Despite years of unearthing things long buried, nothing can prepare Sophie for the matrix of graves dug with chilling precision. The victims buried there haunt her. But the empty graves terrify her-the killer isn't done yet.
SCREAM FOR ME
He is cold and calculating, the master of a twisted game. Even with Vito and Sophie hot on his trail, he will not stop. One more empty grave must be filled, and one last scream must be heard-the scream of an archaeologist who is too close for comfort and too near to resist...
Really enjoyed this book! Loved Sophie.
SCREAM FOR ME
He is cold and calculating, the master of a twisted game. Even with Vito and Sophie hot on his trail, he will not stop. One more empty grave must be filled, and one last scream must be heard-the scream of an archaeologist who is too close for comfort and too near to resist...
Really enjoyed this book! Loved Sophie.