Veena’s review of Harbor Island (Sharpe and Donovan, Book 4) by Carla Neggers
Romantic Suspense published by MIRA 26 Aug 14
I stumbled upon this series by accident and even though I’ve been promising myself to go back and pick up the earlier books that I’ve missed, I haven’t been able to make time to do that as of yet. I find this next installment in the same vein as the other Sharpe and Donovans, with their team on the job solving murders and associated art crimes, but what appeals to me in this book is the evolution of the relationship not just between Colin and Emma but some of the other characters in the book.
Colin and Emma are engaged and haven’t had a chance to share their good news with their families, before they find that a relationship needs as much nurturing and care as one of their cases. Right off the bat Emma decides to go alone to a remote island to meet a woman who purports to have some information for her regarding the art thief who’s been taunting the Sharpes. This doesn’t sit well with Colin, especially since Emma arrives at the isolated location to find the woman murdered. As they follow the clues and try to find the murderer, they find that they will emerge stronger as a couple at the end of this particular road, even though it will take some work on both their parts. I truly enjoyed seeing them grow as a couple, especially as they go back to the convent where Emma once was a novice.
Father Fin became a priest after his faith in god was tested at the loss of his family. We find that his faith is going to be further tested in this story as he comes face to face with Aoife, with whom he once had a wild fling and, given different circumstances at the time, he might have taken a different route to finding himself than priesthood. As he provides support to an old friend who’s involved in the murder of a woman she came to the US to meet, as well as to rekindle old flames, he does significant soul searching about his path in life. He is a powerful character and his journey definitely lifts the book from ordinary for me.
Another relationship that appears in trouble at the start of the story is Yank and Lucy. Their journey is different from the other two journeys but perhaps closest to Emma and Colin. I really enjoyed their discussions as they worked their way back together.
Of course, our intrepid investigators will solve the murder and along the way they solve a lot more things. It is unclear to me where the author will take this series next, but I have definitely enjoyed the two books that I’ve read.
Grade: B
Summary:
In this vivid and suspenseful addition to her widely acclaimed Sharpe & Donovan series, New York Times bestselling author Carla Neggers takes readers on a heart-stopping journey from Boston to Ireland to the rocky coast of Maine
Emma Sharpe, granddaughter of world-renowned art detective Wendell Sharpe, is a handpicked member of a small Boston-based FBI team. For the past decade Emma and her grandfather have been trailing an elusive serial art thief. The first heist was in Ireland, where an ancient Celtic cross was stolen. Now the Sharpes receive a replica of the cross after every new theft—reminding them of their continued failure to capture their prey.
When Emma receives a message that leads her to the body of a woman on a small island in Boston Harbor, she finds the victim holding a small, cross-inscribed stone—one she recognizes all too well. Emma’s fiancé, FBI deep-cover agent Colin Donovan, is troubled that she’s gone off to the island alone, especially given the deadly turn the thief has taken. But as they dig deeper they are certain there is more to this murder than meets the eye.
As the danger escalates, Emma and Colin must also face do-or-die questions about their relationship. While there’s no doubt they are in love, can they give their hearts and souls to their work and have anything left for each other? There’s one thing Emma and Colin definitely agree on: before they can focus on their future, they must outwit one of the smartest, most ruthless killers they’ve ever encountered.
Other books in this series:
