Sandy M’s review of An Excuse for Murder by Vanessa Westermann
Romantic Suspense published by Wild Rose Press 20 Mar 19

When we received a request here at The Pond to review this book, I decided to take a chance, since I have been trying new authors lately. I liked the short blurb we received, and once I began reading, I really liked the prologue. So I figured I was in for a great read.

Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Not that the crime and mystery of the story isn’t good. It’s more that the book is supposed to be romantic suspense. For me, it’s suspense with romantic elements. I wanted more between Gary and Kate, but they spent a good part of the time apart, doing their own investigating. When they finally do come together for the romance of it all, that doesn’t last long and there’s not much more romance to be had after that. My other nitpick is the ending. When I read that last word, I actually went straight to the author’s web site to find out if there’s another book coming, because that ending sure made me feel like there should be. At this point, I don’t think that’s happening.

I do like Gary, the hero. It’s his story in the prologue that reeled me in, making me believe I was in for one heck of a ride. He’s a former bodyguard and lost the woman he was guarding – the woman he fell in love with – on his watch. Now he’s bent on revenge, using all those feelings to kill the man who stole his life from him. He’s now in the security business, so he knows his way around crime and murder.

Kate is a bookstore owner, and I like her, though not as much as Gary. She’s plain spoken, loves a good mystery – whether in print or real life – and eventually gives in to her attraction to Gary. She’s a strong woman who doesn’t faint at the sight of blood or quiver when danger is near. She uses her head, doesn’t fall over the downed tree so the villain can catch up. Thank goodness.

But there is a bit too much time, for my romance tastes, spent talking to other people, going through dreams and the like, instead of making that time between Gary and Kate. I think I would have believed in their romance more if that had happened, especially because this book is touted as romantic suspense. The mystery and investigation is quite good, but that doesn’t feed the romantic soul inside me. And while the end is a poignant moment for Gary, my soul still wasn’t appeased and I was left wanting.

Grade: C-

Summary:

As a former bodyguard, it should be easy for Gary Fenris to kill, especially when the motive is revenge. But Gary has made two mistakes in his life. The first was letting the woman he loved die on his watch. The second was thinking vengeance could bring him peace.
Local bookstore owner and amateur lock pick Kate Rowan loves nothing more than a good mystery. Her curiosity soon leads her down a trail of blackmail, obsession and death. Despite the risk – or maybe because of it – Gary finds himself drawn to Kate. When danger strikes, Gary is forced to face the fact that he used love as an excuse for murder. And he’s got one last score to settle.

Read an excerpt.