A review by shelleyrae
Cold Dawn by Carla Neggers
3.0
Cold Dawn is the third installment in the Black Falls series. I haven't read the previous two [b:Cold Pursuit|3949638|Cold Pursuit|Carla Neggers|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255887059s/3949638.jpg|3995281] and [b:Cold River|6730202|Cold River|Carla Neggers|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1275681695s/6730202.jpg|6926426] but understand the premise of this novel is a continuation of an ongoing storyline in the previous books. It is not strictly necessary to have read them to enjoy Cold Dawn, Neggers provides enough background to put the current plot and characters in context, though I'd recommend it.
Neggers has created a solid mystery, an asassin who likes fire seems to be stalking Black Hills. Still raw from previous events, the characters are certain that they are the target of his attentions. Neggers is able to believably sustain the suspicion of who and why until nearing the conclusion. I particularly felt that the misdirections were tightly plotted so that suspense was maintained. I would have liked a slightly more spectacular conclusion given the assassin's famed abilities, I felt the potential for that confrontation wasn't fully exploited.
The relationships between the characters are a little convoluted, it's quite a big cast though Nick and Rose are the focus in Cold Dawn. This is where reading the previous books would have been helpful to keep them straight, though Neggars revealed just enough to peak my interest in their stories.
Nick and Rose have obviously tangled in a previous book and Nick has come to Black Falls to pursue Rose as much as investigate the murders in town. Rose is likeable, if a little bland. The reason for fighting her attraction to Nick is shallow (he is mega-rich, handsome etc) and I would have liked a stronger motivation. Nick is appealing for both his physical description and his behaviour. Their romance unfolds nicely with a little honest lust thrown in.
In all, Cold Dawn is an enjoyable romantic suspense novel, and the series would make a good addition to the reading list of fans of the genre.
*ARC recieved from NetGalley*
Neggers has created a solid mystery, an asassin who likes fire seems to be stalking Black Hills. Still raw from previous events, the characters are certain that they are the target of his attentions. Neggers is able to believably sustain the suspicion of who and why until nearing the conclusion. I particularly felt that the misdirections were tightly plotted so that suspense was maintained. I would have liked a slightly more spectacular conclusion given the assassin's famed abilities, I felt the potential for that confrontation wasn't fully exploited.
The relationships between the characters are a little convoluted, it's quite a big cast though Nick and Rose are the focus in Cold Dawn. This is where reading the previous books would have been helpful to keep them straight, though Neggars revealed just enough to peak my interest in their stories.
Nick and Rose have obviously tangled in a previous book and Nick has come to Black Falls to pursue Rose as much as investigate the murders in town. Rose is likeable, if a little bland. The reason for fighting her attraction to Nick is shallow (he is mega-rich, handsome etc) and I would have liked a stronger motivation. Nick is appealing for both his physical description and his behaviour. Their romance unfolds nicely with a little honest lust thrown in.
In all, Cold Dawn is an enjoyable romantic suspense novel, and the series would make a good addition to the reading list of fans of the genre.
*ARC recieved from NetGalley*