Okay, I admit it - I was a Nora Roberts virgin. I know, I know, 191
books in print - 169 of them New York Times bestsellers and I
hadn't read a one. So trying to be a well rounded reader, I picked
up her latest - The Search - on a hot lazy Sunday afternoon in the
hammock. Perfect choice!
Fiona Bristow was the lucky one. Destined to be the 13th victim of
the Red Scarf Killer serial killer, she fought back, escaped and he
was captured, prosecuted and jailed. Fiona's fiancee was also a
victim. She has retreated to Orcas Island where she works as a dog
trainer and also leads a volunteer canine search and rescue group.
Simon, a talented wood artist, is also looking for peace and quiet
when he moves to Orcas. But his puppy Jaws needs professional help
and he seeks out Fee. Well, sparks fly.... But danger is afoot as
well. Although the killer is safely behind bars, someone seems to
be on a mission to duplicate his work. Is Fiona in his sights?
Roberts has created a strong female lead in Fiona. Simon is the
rough and ready, not looking for a relationship kind of guy (who of
course just happens to be really attractive) The interactions
between the two are entertaining if not wholly believable. I got a
little tired of hearing Simon say shut up. There's some steamy sex
scenes between the two that did a steamy day justice. For the most
part, the story is more on their budding relationship with the
killer taking a back seat. Yes the suspense is there, but those
looking for a high level thriller won't find it here.
As a dog lover, what I did really like were the dog training
scenes. Lots of good information, some I've tried - I've got one
who likes to jump up on people - and it worked! I found the search
and rescue operations and methodology just as interesting. Some
readers may find this slows them down. Great dog quote from the
book "One of the best things about dogs, to Fiona's mind, was their
absolute joy in welcoming you home, whether you'd been gone for
five minutes or five days. There lay unconditional and boundless
love. 'And I really liked her descriptions of the setting she
chose. A cute little cottage in the woods, with beaches nearby?
Sign me up. Orcas Island is real.
So I enjoyed my first foray into Roberts' territory - great
escapist reading that didn't tax my brain. Fans of romantic
suspense will enjoy Nora Roberts. It kind of reminded me a bit of
Iris Johansen's writing. I can see why she's at the top of her
game.
Roberts also writes under the nom de plume of J.D. Robb and has a
highly successful 30 book series - the futuristic In Death books.