Veena’s review of Falling Darkness (South Shores, Book 3) by Karen Harper
Romantic Thriller published by MIRA 18 Apr 17
This is one series that reads like one story broken into three distinct parts in order to meet size and publishing deadlines. So while I normally thrive on picking up a book out of sequence, I had to go back and read Books 1 and 2 before I could read this one. The series starts with a bang – literally – and then Nick Markwood, opposing counsel, is offering Claire a job which she can’t resist. Before long Claire is embroiled in a love almost at first sight with Nick and running for her life with her entourage of ex-husband and child – along with lover – into scary parts unknown.
Having solved murders in the first two books in the series, Claire and Nick turn state’s witness against Nick’s enemy who’s gunning for them. As they flee from all that is safe and familiar with bodyguard and nanny in tow, their plane that is taking them away into witness protection develops engine trouble and leaves them stranded in the ocean off the coast of Cuba.
Through a series of adventures where they’re befriended by a fisherman and his family, they find themselves in Havana trying to stay one step ahead of the authorities who are hunting them. During this time in a freakish coincidence, they unmask their enemy’s hideaway. Fortunately, they’re able to get in touch with the FBI and make their way through the Guantanamo Bay US base to their witness protection safe haven.
As is the case with them, the body count doesn’t seem to let up. Were they followed? Or does their enemy have contingencies for contingencies? This is a thrilling conclusion to a well-told tale. Between Claire’s interesting and different medical condition to the dynamics of an ex-husband who finds he still loves his wife to a new romance and husband and a criminal master mind who’s playing God, forcing them to do things his way. The story is as chilling as it’s exciting.
Grade: C+
Summary:
At the mercy of a treacherous sea…
Claire Britten’s training never prepared her for this—the forensic psychology curriculum didn’t cover plane crashes. Or how to help fellow survivors cope, seven frightened people huddled in two small rafts awaiting a rescue that may never come. Especially when three of them are your ex-husband, your young daughter—and the man you love, Nick Markwood, whose pursuit by a criminal mastermind forced you all to run in the first place.
When the bedraggled crew finally reaches dry land, they are still far from safe. Nick tries to secure transport to their witness-protection placement, urging everyone to stick to the identities laid out for them. They don’t need any complications. But when danger follows them to their supposed safe haven, Claire and Nick no longer know who is helping or harming them. Racked by doubt and mistrust, still hunted, they must band together—or fall.
Other books in this series:
