katiya's review against another edition
3.0
Socialite Belinda Kittridge is back in Portside, overseeing renovations to her parents' home while they are on a European cruise. But, at a gathering of her old friends, a murder is committed and her past comes back to haunt her.
As I settled into this book, there were parts of it that were a delight:
1. Belinda is a trust-fund baby and has a fantasy lifestyle. Her twin brother is her counter and works for his living which neatly balances the story.
2. There are ties to the past which are always mysterious and evocative.
3. The main character finds a love interest.
4. The police detective was worthy of his title and actually was proactive.
But then, there were things that detracted from my enjoyment:
1. The main character is entitled and waved her privilege around when it suited her.
2. The murderer was easy to spot.
3. No character was particularly sympathetic.
4. There was a scene where a male physically assaulted a female, but it was deemed acceptable and cute.
5. It was all a bit much. The story needed to be wrapped up much sooner than it was.
I liked this first-in-series enough that I'll probably, eventually, read the second book - mostly to see how Belinda and Bennett work together as a team.
As I settled into this book, there were parts of it that were a delight:
1. Belinda is a trust-fund baby and has a fantasy lifestyle. Her twin brother is her counter and works for his living which neatly balances the story.
2. There are ties to the past which are always mysterious and evocative.
3. The main character finds a love interest.
4. The police detective was worthy of his title and actually was proactive.
But then, there were things that detracted from my enjoyment:
1. The main character is entitled and waved her privilege around when it suited her.
2. The murderer was easy to spot.
3. No character was particularly sympathetic.
4. There was a scene where a male physically assaulted a female, but it was deemed acceptable and cute.
5. It was all a bit much. The story needed to be wrapped up much sooner than it was.
I liked this first-in-series enough that I'll probably, eventually, read the second book - mostly to see how Belinda and Bennett work together as a team.
maplessence's review against another edition
2.0
Really good cover.
Not a bad story but Belinda is quite snobbish & unlikeable in parts & Bennett remains a cliche.
2.5 stars
Not a bad story but Belinda is quite snobbish & unlikeable in parts & Bennett remains a cliche.
2.5 stars
sari3189's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
marzipanwonderland's review
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
sasyjenn's review
adventurous
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ckundim99's review
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
vesper1931's review
2.0
Belinda Kittridge, socialite, returns home and meets up with Bennett Tate, ex policeman, P.I. and now security expert to determine the connection between a death ten years ago and a present one.
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