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whamydid's review against another edition
4.0
Don’t Look Down follows the case of Jo, a highly successful beauty company owner who is being blackmailed by someone. When she agrees to meet the alleged blackmailer, she finds herself in a shoot out where she takes someone’s life. She is thrown into turmoil as she is tracked down by detective duo Sterling and Rafael. The story follows the case against Jo and gets to the bottom of why she was being blackmailed - and by who.
This book got off to a really strong start. I was hooked and couldn’t wait to get to the bottom of the case. But, I found in the middle it got a little bit slow and repetitive but eventually picked back up again.
Overall, I enjoyed this. It was engaging and I was invested in the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eBook in exchange for a review.
kourtneyalexis's review against another edition
4.0
4 Stars!!!
This new series is FIRE! Don't Look Down is book number 2, although you do not need to go back and read book number 1, I did. There is enough back story explained in order to pick up the relationship between the NYPD detectives Sheryn and Rafael.
If you pick this book up and are confused in the first few pages or hate Jo, the main character, initially, just keep reading.... ;)
The writing is superb! The plots are very twisty and cool. I also really enjoy the NYC setting. I can't wait to see where this series goes and what mysteries will be tackled by Sheryn and Rafael in the coming pages.
A special thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Hilary Davidson for providing me with a reviewer copy.
This new series is FIRE! Don't Look Down is book number 2, although you do not need to go back and read book number 1, I did. There is enough back story explained in order to pick up the relationship between the NYPD detectives Sheryn and Rafael.
If you pick this book up and are confused in the first few pages or hate Jo, the main character, initially, just keep reading.... ;)
The writing is superb! The plots are very twisty and cool. I also really enjoy the NYC setting. I can't wait to see where this series goes and what mysteries will be tackled by Sheryn and Rafael in the coming pages.
A special thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Hilary Davidson for providing me with a reviewer copy.
getlitwithamy's review against another edition
4.0
Don’t Look Down follows the case of Jo, a highly successful beauty company owner who is being blackmailed by someone. When she agrees to meet the alleged blackmailer, she finds herself in a shoot out where she takes someone’s life. She is thrown into turmoil as she is tracked down by detective duo Sterling and Rafael. The story follows the case against Jo and gets to the bottom of why she was being blackmailed - and by who.
This book got off to a really strong start. I was hooked and couldn’t wait to get to the bottom of the case. But, I found in the middle it got a little bit slow and repetitive but eventually picked back up again.
Overall, I enjoyed this. It was engaging and I was invested in the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eBook in exchange for a review.
ireadwhatuwrite's review against another edition
5.0
Jo Greaver would appear to have it all. A growing company, a loving partner, supportive friends, and up and coming success. She is also being blackmailed. When she comes to the payoff with a bag of money and a gun, the blackmailer is killed and she is injured. This seems an open and shut murder case for detectives Sterling and Mendoza and yet as the investigation goes on it just doesn’t add up somehow for Sterling.
I read this whole book in a couple of hours, which should say something about how good it is. The entire mystery is a hall of mirrors with circular clues, obvious, certainly guilty of something suspects, and a huge array of technicolor characters that should not have anything in common with each other. The author expertly juggles varied plot points using Sheryn Sterling and her partner as wonderful fixed points to keep the various threads of the story pulled tight, keeping the reading on the edge until the reveal shows how it all falls together. I have not read the first book in this series. It wasn’t needed as this stands alone nicely, however, I will make catching up a priority because these characters deserve to be read.
I read this whole book in a couple of hours, which should say something about how good it is. The entire mystery is a hall of mirrors with circular clues, obvious, certainly guilty of something suspects, and a huge array of technicolor characters that should not have anything in common with each other. The author expertly juggles varied plot points using Sheryn Sterling and her partner as wonderful fixed points to keep the various threads of the story pulled tight, keeping the reading on the edge until the reveal shows how it all falls together. I have not read the first book in this series. It wasn’t needed as this stands alone nicely, however, I will make catching up a priority because these characters deserve to be read.
travellingthepages's review against another edition
3.0
This book. I’m not really sure what to say. I also feel like I’m a little bit of a harsher critic when it comes to thrillers because I read them so often.
I didn’t like the multiple character viewpoints. There were too many and I didn’t understand why most of them were necessary.
For me, this made the book drag for a bit. I did find it interesting though! Just a bit long.
I think if it was just Jo and the detective it would have been perfect. I didn’t really need the dude detective’s POV or the boyfriend’s. They seemed unnecessary.
I did however like the idea of the book! I thought it was interesting with the blackmail and then the random murder. Like what is happening! So that for sure kept me on my toes!
This was book #2 and can be read as a stand-alone!
I kind of sort of recommend it.
I didn’t like the multiple character viewpoints. There were too many and I didn’t understand why most of them were necessary.
For me, this made the book drag for a bit. I did find it interesting though! Just a bit long.
I think if it was just Jo and the detective it would have been perfect. I didn’t really need the dude detective’s POV or the boyfriend’s. They seemed unnecessary.
I did however like the idea of the book! I thought it was interesting with the blackmail and then the random murder. Like what is happening! So that for sure kept me on my toes!
This was book #2 and can be read as a stand-alone!
I kind of sort of recommend it.
iowabookmama's review against another edition
5.0
Author: Hilary Davidson
Genre: Thriller/Mystery
Rating: 5/5 Stars
First off, thank you so so much to the author, Hilary Davidson, for reaching out to ask me to review her upcoming book, Don’t Look Down. Ms. Davidson went above and beyond, too: when I realized Don’t Look Down was the second in her Shadows of New York series, even though the books definitely do not need to be read in order, Ms. Davidson provided me with a copy of her first book in the series, One Small Sacrifice. While you can read each of these as stand-alone novels, you should do yourself a favor and just get both because they are both amazing non-stop thrill rides.
Seriously, I started One Small Sacrifice the day we left Jamaica, reading it straight through on the bus ride to the airport, on the plane, and finishing the final pages standing in line for customs in Atlanta. Then I immediately began Don’t Look Down, finishing it in less than two days. These books are ah-may-zing. I can’t wait for her next! But, in the meantime, Don’t Look Down publishes tomorrow, February 11, so run right over to the book store and grab your copy!
In Don’t Look Down, we begin by meeting Jo – a young, successful entrepreneur who seems to be on the fast track to nothing but success. However, Jo has a past filled with secrets, which she will do anything to keep hidden – including pay off her blackmailer. But when she goes to meet him, one man ends up dead and Jo ends up with a bullet, fighting for her life. Enter, NYPD detectives Sheryl Sterling and her partner Rafael Mendoza. While the initial evidence all points to Jo as the murderer, Sterling has her doubts. She has too many questions about all the players involved to be convinced of Jo’s guilt, but this puzzle is tricky and deadly…
RATING BREAKDOWN
Plot – 2/2: Davidson’s thrillers are incredibly fast-paced, plot driven detective procedurals. This story is built to keep you guessing and keep you trapped inside the pages. I am not lying when I say I could not put either of these books down because I could not stop until I found out what happened next.
Writing – 2/2: Davidson’s writing is everything I want in a thriller: it reaches through the pages, grabs you by the collar, and yanks you back into the story. I felt like I was right there with Jo and Sheryl, trying to figure out what was what.
Characters – 2/2: Okay, this is where Davidson really shines for me. Detectives Sterling and Mendoza are the characters that feature in both books, so I want to focus on them. I love Davidson for writing two very real, diverse, complicated, SMART detectives. They are not two-dimensional in the slightest. Sterling is so kick-ass, and she questions everything, but with a real level of empathy and understanding. She doesn’t jump to the easiest conclusion, but she also has Mendoza to bring a more direct view when needed. I love these two detectives and can’t wait for more of them!
Twists/Thrills – 2/2: These books are both incredibly thrilling, packed with action and out-of-nowhere twists. I was guessing the whole way in both books, right up until the final pages. The ending of Don’t Look Down had me especially shook, wondering what the hell just happened – but in the best way.
Feel – 2/2: It’s rare that I find a series that I want to read each book in that series one right after the other. Usually, I like a little break between the books. The only other thriller series, besides these two, that I can read straight through is the Rockton series by Kelley Armstrong. I finished One Small Sacrifice and immediately flipped to Don’t Look Down. And if there was a third, I would have picked it up as soon as finishing DLD. These books are amazing – they’re plot driven but also character driven, leaving you with strong feelings about what happens to the characters involved and wanting more and more and more.
10 points for a very bright 5 stars – for both Don’t Look Down and One Small Sacrifice. Run, don’t walk, to get your hands on both of these!
Happy Reading!
Genre: Thriller/Mystery
Rating: 5/5 Stars
First off, thank you so so much to the author, Hilary Davidson, for reaching out to ask me to review her upcoming book, Don’t Look Down. Ms. Davidson went above and beyond, too: when I realized Don’t Look Down was the second in her Shadows of New York series, even though the books definitely do not need to be read in order, Ms. Davidson provided me with a copy of her first book in the series, One Small Sacrifice. While you can read each of these as stand-alone novels, you should do yourself a favor and just get both because they are both amazing non-stop thrill rides.
Seriously, I started One Small Sacrifice the day we left Jamaica, reading it straight through on the bus ride to the airport, on the plane, and finishing the final pages standing in line for customs in Atlanta. Then I immediately began Don’t Look Down, finishing it in less than two days. These books are ah-may-zing. I can’t wait for her next! But, in the meantime, Don’t Look Down publishes tomorrow, February 11, so run right over to the book store and grab your copy!
In Don’t Look Down, we begin by meeting Jo – a young, successful entrepreneur who seems to be on the fast track to nothing but success. However, Jo has a past filled with secrets, which she will do anything to keep hidden – including pay off her blackmailer. But when she goes to meet him, one man ends up dead and Jo ends up with a bullet, fighting for her life. Enter, NYPD detectives Sheryl Sterling and her partner Rafael Mendoza. While the initial evidence all points to Jo as the murderer, Sterling has her doubts. She has too many questions about all the players involved to be convinced of Jo’s guilt, but this puzzle is tricky and deadly…
RATING BREAKDOWN
Plot – 2/2: Davidson’s thrillers are incredibly fast-paced, plot driven detective procedurals. This story is built to keep you guessing and keep you trapped inside the pages. I am not lying when I say I could not put either of these books down because I could not stop until I found out what happened next.
Writing – 2/2: Davidson’s writing is everything I want in a thriller: it reaches through the pages, grabs you by the collar, and yanks you back into the story. I felt like I was right there with Jo and Sheryl, trying to figure out what was what.
Characters – 2/2: Okay, this is where Davidson really shines for me. Detectives Sterling and Mendoza are the characters that feature in both books, so I want to focus on them. I love Davidson for writing two very real, diverse, complicated, SMART detectives. They are not two-dimensional in the slightest. Sterling is so kick-ass, and she questions everything, but with a real level of empathy and understanding. She doesn’t jump to the easiest conclusion, but she also has Mendoza to bring a more direct view when needed. I love these two detectives and can’t wait for more of them!
Twists/Thrills – 2/2: These books are both incredibly thrilling, packed with action and out-of-nowhere twists. I was guessing the whole way in both books, right up until the final pages. The ending of Don’t Look Down had me especially shook, wondering what the hell just happened – but in the best way.
Feel – 2/2: It’s rare that I find a series that I want to read each book in that series one right after the other. Usually, I like a little break between the books. The only other thriller series, besides these two, that I can read straight through is the Rockton series by Kelley Armstrong. I finished One Small Sacrifice and immediately flipped to Don’t Look Down. And if there was a third, I would have picked it up as soon as finishing DLD. These books are amazing – they’re plot driven but also character driven, leaving you with strong feelings about what happens to the characters involved and wanting more and more and more.
10 points for a very bright 5 stars – for both Don’t Look Down and One Small Sacrifice. Run, don’t walk, to get your hands on both of these!
Happy Reading!
sarahsbookstack's review against another edition
3.0
Jo is expecting to pay is a blackmailer and gets a bullet instead. She also leaves her blackmailer bleeding out on the floor as she escapes. She tries to flee but is caught. During her interrogation, she is shown a picture of her "blackmailer" but she had no idea who this really is.
As we dig into Jo's past, it's heartbreaking. Her sister she turned to when she had no one else was supposed to protect her but instead pimped her out. I did not like her boyfriend. I see why she didn't disclose her past to him but he didn't pay the bail she needed and felt she needed to go to prison for at least a night to, I don't know, learn a lesson I guess.
I felt the only one who actually cared about Jo in her life now was Detective Sheryn and she was investigating her!
As we dig into Jo's past, it's heartbreaking. Her sister she turned to when she had no one else was supposed to protect her but instead pimped her out. I did not like her boyfriend. I see why she didn't disclose her past to him but he didn't pay the bail she needed and felt she needed to go to prison for at least a night to, I don't know, learn a lesson I guess.
I felt the only one who actually cared about Jo in her life now was Detective Sheryn and she was investigating her!
marishareadsalot's review against another edition
4.0
A twisty mystery indeed, albeit (very) slightly predictable. I love a book where multiple storylines intertwine in the end. About 50% of the way through it became a classified “unputdownable.”
maesreadingworld's review against another edition
4.0
4 star For Don’t Look Down! Set in New York, Jo is an up and coming successful business owner. But everything is not as it seem! Someone is blackmailing Jo for her her past and now she has figure out who and how they got this information.
This was a great mystery and police procedural! There was a lot of twists and turns, so many people could to be to blame. Sterling and Rafael were a great team of detectives, I really like their banter. This is the kind of mystery where you know no one is completely innocent or are they? but you can’t put your finger on who did what or are they truly innocent!
Thank you to Hilary Davidson for copy for honest review!!
This was a great mystery and police procedural! There was a lot of twists and turns, so many people could to be to blame. Sterling and Rafael were a great team of detectives, I really like their banter. This is the kind of mystery where you know no one is completely innocent or are they? but you can’t put your finger on who did what or are they truly innocent!
Thank you to Hilary Davidson for copy for honest review!!
anjana's review against another edition
4.0
This is a much better story than that of the first. The lead detectives continue to be mildly dislikable. This is a rarity in such police procedurals, but that is what we have to work with leading investigators who feature in a very odd space of the spectrum between good and evil. We hear both their voices, one more than the other and watch how they work together and what they think of the unravelling situation. The other voices we get to hear are odd choices. It is of the accused and her boyfriend.
Jo Greaver walks into a strange situation and leaves with her life. This situation starts to blow up (at one time literally), and the story gets more twisted as we progress. I think I figured out the culprit only when the author wanted me to and not one minute before. This is a very classy move in a book of this sort and to carry it accurately is probably hard. There is a lot of leg work involved, and since I listened to the audio version, I felt like I was witnessing it all in person.
The cast is very different, and there are red herrings strewn everywhere. The pacing worked, and I think this would appeal to anyone who reads books in the thriller genre.
Jo Greaver walks into a strange situation and leaves with her life. This situation starts to blow up (at one time literally), and the story gets more twisted as we progress. I think I figured out the culprit only when the author wanted me to and not one minute before. This is a very classy move in a book of this sort and to carry it accurately is probably hard. There is a lot of leg work involved, and since I listened to the audio version, I felt like I was witnessing it all in person.
The cast is very different, and there are red herrings strewn everywhere. The pacing worked, and I think this would appeal to anyone who reads books in the thriller genre.