Cold Blooded (A Bentz/Montoya Novel)

by Lisa Jackson

2002

Status

Available

Publication

Zebra (2002), Edition: Reprint, 464 pages

Description

Fiction. Mystery. Romance. Thriller. HTML: As a serial killer terrorizes New Orleans, a reluctant psychic sees every gruesome act in this thriller by the #1 New York Times bestselling author. A woman's burned and brutalized corpse is found in a seedy New Orleans apartment. Her killer is certain there were no witnesses, unaware that his every move was seen by a beautiful strangerâ??through nightmarish visions that came to her in bed in a bayou cottage on the outskirts of town. Weeks later, another terrifying vision shatters Olivia Bechet's sleep. Convinced a serial killer is stalking the city, she turns to the authorities. But jaded detective Rick Bentz doesn't believe herâ??even when a second body turns up, slain in exactly the same bizarre, ritualistic manner Olivia described. As New Orleans panics in the grip of a merciless killer, Olivia is frustrated by Bentz's skepticism. And yet she is also captivated by her attraction to him. But then her dreams are invaded by a murder that has yet to be committed. This time, Olivia recognizes the victimâ??and the murderer. And both are closer than she ever imagi… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member Camethyste
I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down near the end...I wanted to see what was going to happen! I definitely enjoy this author.
LibraryThing member OodsAteMyDingo
I'm a big fan of Lisa Jackson books, and this one didn't disappoint. I was hooked from beginning to end. I can't wait for the next book to come out and see where the Bentz/Montoya storyline goes!
LibraryThing member ftbooklover
When Olivia Benchet has a dream about a violent killer, she knows it is more than just a nightmare. Detectives Ruben Montoya and Rick Bentz don't believe her story of "visions" until their notes of the events outlined by Olivia exactly match the details of a decapitated woman found in a burned out
Show More
house. Going on the assumption that Olivia seems to have some knowledge of the crime, Rick spends time with her and finds himself overwhelmingly attracted, even if he doesn't believe in her visions. It isn't long before Bentz and Montoya realize that they are dealing with a serial killer, and Bentz fears that the clues they have found so far will lead them back to his own family.

Cold Blooded is very well paced, doling out just enough clues and intertwining them with the personal lives of the characters to keep the reader engaged throughout. Although there is a romantic subplot in the book, it never feels out of place and does not detract from the mystery. The religious aspects of the story have been thoroughly researched and add interest to the book. Some of the smaller plot lines are a bit of a distraction and the ending feels a little rushed, but overall, Cold Blooded is a worthy addition to the Bentz and Montoya series and is a generally enjoyable read. 4 1/2 stars
Show Less
LibraryThing member Lauren2013
Cold Blooded
4 Stars

A new serial killer is roaming the streets of New Orleans and detectives Rick Bentz and Reuben Montoya receive a lead from the most unlikely of sources, Olivia Benchet, a woman who claims to have seen a murder in her dreams. Despite his skepticism, Bentz is ultimately convinced
Show More
when a body is found fitting Olivia's description exactly. Is there a connection between Olivia and the killer?

Series note: The author's note at the end of the book indicates links between the New Orleans and Savannah series. For readers who prefer to read in order, the continuation is The Night Before.

An entertaining thriller with some surprising twists and turns.

Jackson's research is top-notch with interesting details on female saint murdered for their beliefs. It is clear that not much has changed in society when it comes to women being persecuted for rejecting male advances and attention. Moreover, the manner in which Jackson works the supernatural element into the story is compelling and makes the trope more believable in a fictional world that is not paranormal in nature. Although the plot moves along at a solid pace, there is one section just before the end that is overly drawn out, and the writing here could have been shorter and tighter.

Olivia and Rick's slow-burn romance is better than in the first book. Olivia is a particularly endearing character due to her feistiness and determination to get to the truth despite Bentz's doubts and suspicions. Rick is clearly conflicted in his feelings for Olivia, but his honesty, integrity and selflessness are evident throughout the book as details of his past are revealed. It will be interesting to see where Jackson takes this relationship in the future.

In terms of the secondary characters, I am still on the fence with regard to Bentz's partner, Montaya. He is often immature and makes too many sexist comments. Likewise, Bentz's daughter, Kristi, comes across as a spoilt brat and some of her actions make her unlikable. Both of them have their own books and will hopefully mature before their stories.

Overall, an enjoyable read, and I look forward to continuing with the series.
Show Less

Language

Original language

English

Original publication date

2002-06

Physical description

464 p.; 4.36 inches

ISBN

0821769340 / 9780821769348

Barcode

1600947
Page: 0.4048 seconds