Scan barcode
A review by laurenjodi
Always Time to Die by Elizabeth Lowell
4.0
Always Time to Die
4 Stars
Synopsis
Carly May is a genealogist hired by Winifred Castillo to trace the history of her family. But someone in the Quintrell-Castillo line would rather keep old and dark secrets buried with the dead. Soon Carly finds herself the target of a sinister foe who will stop at nothing to prevent her from discovering the truth. The only person Carly can turn to is Dan Duran, a dangerous enigma with ties to the Quintrells and secrets of his own.
Review
Well-paced action and suspense.
The history of New Mexico is interesting and the genealogical aspects well-researched and explained in a way that even this science-phobe could understand (the table at the front of the book is especially useful for keeping track of who's who). Some readers may find the details excessive and tiresome but it is relevant and necessary to the plot.
The mystery is intriguing and there are just enough clues to figure it all out in time. Nevertheless, the story lacks a sense of urgency and the big confrontation scene never comes. Moreover, the transition to the epilogue is so sudden that I thought my copy might be missing a few pages.
There are also several loose ends such as the origins and nature of St. Kilda's consulting, what really happened to Sylvia Quintrell, why does Alma have it in for Carly, what are Carly's roots and what happened to Lucia and Armondo?
The romance is secondary and while the sexual tension between Dan and Carly is excellent, their chemistry never really materializes. Carly's spunk and sass, however, are a definite highlight and her banter with Dan is simply brilliant.
Overall, an intriguing read that pulled me in and wouldn't let go. I will be continuing with the series.
4 Stars
Synopsis
Carly May is a genealogist hired by Winifred Castillo to trace the history of her family. But someone in the Quintrell-Castillo line would rather keep old and dark secrets buried with the dead. Soon Carly finds herself the target of a sinister foe who will stop at nothing to prevent her from discovering the truth. The only person Carly can turn to is Dan Duran, a dangerous enigma with ties to the Quintrells and secrets of his own.
Review
Well-paced action and suspense.
The history of New Mexico is interesting and the genealogical aspects well-researched and explained in a way that even this science-phobe could understand (the table at the front of the book is especially useful for keeping track of who's who). Some readers may find the details excessive and tiresome but it is relevant and necessary to the plot.
The mystery is intriguing and there are just enough clues to figure it all out in time. Nevertheless, the story lacks a sense of urgency and the big confrontation scene never comes. Moreover, the transition to the epilogue is so sudden that I thought my copy might be missing a few pages.
There are also several loose ends such as the origins and nature of St. Kilda's consulting, what really happened to Sylvia Quintrell, why does Alma have it in for Carly, what are Carly's roots and what happened to Lucia and Armondo?
The romance is secondary and while the sexual tension between Dan and Carly is excellent, their chemistry never really materializes. Carly's spunk and sass, however, are a definite highlight and her banter with Dan is simply brilliant.
Overall, an intriguing read that pulled me in and wouldn't let go. I will be continuing with the series.