Status
Available
Genres
Collection
Publication
Pocket Star (2011), Edition: Reprint, 512 pages
Description
Late one night Atlanta PI Dodge Hanley receives a phone call from his lost love, Houston realtor Caroline King, who asks him to come to Texas to help catch Oren Starks, a creepy over-the-top stalker who's out to kill Dodge and Caroline's 30-year-old daughter, Berry Malone. Dodge hasn't seen Berry since the day she was born. When Starks takes a shot at Berry in Caroline's house, hitting a work associate of Berry's instead, Dodge rushes to the rescue. While Merritt County deputy sheriff Ski Nyland, who falls for the equally smitten Berry, is no slouch on the case, the relentlessly ruthless Dodge plays the most crucial role in the effort to stop the bad guy.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Books007
Dodge goes to Houston to help his old flame Caroline and his daughter, Berry. Berry was the sole witness of a murder by, whom they assume, a man who has been stalking her. Romance develops with Berry and a law enforcement officer, Ski as well as with her parents as the murder invest. unfolds.
Many
Many
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different story lines unfold in this book. Find myself hard to relate to Caroline's attraction to Dodge but overall, decent book. Show Less
LibraryThing member ZachMontana
Ex-wife asked her estranged lover and father of her child who she hasn't seen since the birth of the child and who is a private investigator to come back and help catch a murder. Interesting story and good relationship coverage.
LibraryThing member mikedraper
Dodge Henry is a former cop who now works as a private investigator for his friend, attorney, Derek Mitchell.
Dodge has been divorced from Caroline King for thirty years but still has strong feelings for her. He's taken by surprise when he gets a call from Caroline, asking for his help. Before he
When Dodge arrives in Houston, Caroline introduces him to Berry as an old friend who is a private investigator. Then, they tell him what prompted the call for help.
Orin Starks, a former co-worker of Berry's, entered her home and confronted her while she was in the shower. He informed her that he was going to kill her. Her screams brought Ben Lofland to her assistance. Ben had been in another part of the house. When Ben arrives, Starks is surprised. He shoots Ben, wounding him and then flees the house.
Dodge is a no nonesense, chain smoking tough guy in the Clint Eastwood-Dirty Harry image. He begins working with a local deputy sheriff, Sky Nyland, an Afghanistan War vet.
As the men search, Starks goes on a rampage. He kills a number of people and one of whom is another of Berry's co-workers who also had a problem with Starks.
I wanted to like this novel more but felt that the characters were stereotypical. Other than Ski Nyland, I found no interesting characters and by the time the novel ended I found that I couldn't care less what happened.
Sandra Brown is a legend in mystery writing but this novel disappointed.
Dodge has been divorced from Caroline King for thirty years but still has strong feelings for her. He's taken by surprise when he gets a call from Caroline, asking for his help. Before he
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can answer, she tells him that it's about his daughter, Berry, who was almost killed by a mad stalker.When Dodge arrives in Houston, Caroline introduces him to Berry as an old friend who is a private investigator. Then, they tell him what prompted the call for help.
Orin Starks, a former co-worker of Berry's, entered her home and confronted her while she was in the shower. He informed her that he was going to kill her. Her screams brought Ben Lofland to her assistance. Ben had been in another part of the house. When Ben arrives, Starks is surprised. He shoots Ben, wounding him and then flees the house.
Dodge is a no nonesense, chain smoking tough guy in the Clint Eastwood-Dirty Harry image. He begins working with a local deputy sheriff, Sky Nyland, an Afghanistan War vet.
As the men search, Starks goes on a rampage. He kills a number of people and one of whom is another of Berry's co-workers who also had a problem with Starks.
I wanted to like this novel more but felt that the characters were stereotypical. Other than Ski Nyland, I found no interesting characters and by the time the novel ended I found that I couldn't care less what happened.
Sandra Brown is a legend in mystery writing but this novel disappointed.
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LibraryThing member PatrickJIV
Ingredients of crime, romance, and a lot of guess work makes this book a 5 star read! I was fooled until the last 15/20 pages before getting the reason for all the confusion. Think Ms Brown has a hit on her hands!
LibraryThing member bitsy08
REALLY enjoyed this one. I'm finding that every time I read a Sandra Brown, I really enjoy them. Recommend it highly.
LibraryThing member cmeilink
Although this was a book that I read through quickly and one that held my interest, I don't think it was one of Sandra Brown's best books.
Intertwined in this story is a love affair of the past making its way to the present, a daughter meeting a father she never knew, and a psycho ex co-worker of
Sorry, just not too excited about this one.
Intertwined in this story is a love affair of the past making its way to the present, a daughter meeting a father she never knew, and a psycho ex co-worker of
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the daughter's who threatens them all.Sorry, just not too excited about this one.
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LibraryThing member minjung
P.I. Dodge Hanley receives a call one night from Caroline asking him to come to Small Town, Texas, (where she and her daughter Berry live) because Berry needs his assistance. Berry is the daughter that Caroline and Dodge had together, although Dodge hasn't seen Berry since the day she was
Dodge now lives in Atlanta, where he is an investigator for a law firm, and has been married (and divorced) twice. He's a bit of the stereotypical P.I. - he doesn't care much for rules and it really bother him if he breaks a few hearts. Good stuff, right? But of course, there's one woman who has never really left his mind.
Berry needs his help because she's the victim of a stalker who has managed to strike uncomfortably close to home. Of course Dodge drops everything to go to Texas. In an odd turn of events, he manages to strike an alliance with local law enforcement, particularly Deputy Ski Nyland.
As usual, Sandra Brown manages to deftly balance romance, suspense, and intrigue. She weaves together the story of the present day and the past showing how Caroline and Dodge met and how it all went wrong (and who, if anyone, is to blame). I was tempted to give this four stars, but I just couldn't. On one hand, I really was kept guessing as to what was going on (there was a wicked twist at the end!), but the ridiculousness of the names prevent me from giving this four stars. When I'm reading a sentence about Dodge and Ski talking about how they're going to protect Berry, it's just difficult to take a book seriously. And it's unfortunate, because the book was actually good.
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born.Dodge now lives in Atlanta, where he is an investigator for a law firm, and has been married (and divorced) twice. He's a bit of the stereotypical P.I. - he doesn't care much for rules and it really bother him if he breaks a few hearts. Good stuff, right? But of course, there's one woman who has never really left his mind.
Berry needs his help because she's the victim of a stalker who has managed to strike uncomfortably close to home. Of course Dodge drops everything to go to Texas. In an odd turn of events, he manages to strike an alliance with local law enforcement, particularly Deputy Ski Nyland.
As usual, Sandra Brown manages to deftly balance romance, suspense, and intrigue. She weaves together the story of the present day and the past showing how Caroline and Dodge met and how it all went wrong (and who, if anyone, is to blame). I was tempted to give this four stars, but I just couldn't. On one hand, I really was kept guessing as to what was going on (there was a wicked twist at the end!), but the ridiculousness of the names prevent me from giving this four stars. When I'm reading a sentence about Dodge and Ski talking about how they're going to protect Berry, it's just difficult to take a book seriously. And it's unfortunate, because the book was actually good.
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LibraryThing member rdh123
P.I. Dodge Hanley receives a call one night from Caroline asking him to come to Small Town, Texas, (where she and her daughter Berry live) because Berry needs his assistance. Berry is the daughter that Caroline and Dodge had together, although Dodge hasn't seen Berry since the day she was
Dodge now lives in Atlanta, where he is an investigator for a law firm, and has been married (and divorced) twice. He's a bit of the stereotypical P.I. - he doesn't care much for rules and it really bother him if he breaks a few hearts. Good stuff, right? But of course, there's one woman who has never really left his mind.
Berry needs his help because she's the victim of a stalker who has managed to strike uncomfortably close to home. Of course Dodge drops everything to go to Texas. In an odd turn of events, he manages to strike an alliance with local law enforcement, particularly Deputy Ski Nyland.
As usual, Sandra Brown manages to deftly balance romance, suspense, and intrigue. She weaves together the story of the present day and the past showing how Caroline and Dodge met and how it all went wrong (and who, if anyone, is to blame). I was tempted to give this four stars, but I just couldn't. On one hand, I really was kept guessing as to what was going on (there was a wicked twist at the end!), but the ridiculousness of the names prevent me from giving this four stars. When I'm reading a sentence about Dodge and Ski talking about how they're going to protect Berry, it's just difficult to take a book seriously. And it's unfortunate, because the book was actually good. ( )
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born.Dodge now lives in Atlanta, where he is an investigator for a law firm, and has been married (and divorced) twice. He's a bit of the stereotypical P.I. - he doesn't care much for rules and it really bother him if he breaks a few hearts. Good stuff, right? But of course, there's one woman who has never really left his mind.
Berry needs his help because she's the victim of a stalker who has managed to strike uncomfortably close to home. Of course Dodge drops everything to go to Texas. In an odd turn of events, he manages to strike an alliance with local law enforcement, particularly Deputy Ski Nyland.
As usual, Sandra Brown manages to deftly balance romance, suspense, and intrigue. She weaves together the story of the present day and the past showing how Caroline and Dodge met and how it all went wrong (and who, if anyone, is to blame). I was tempted to give this four stars, but I just couldn't. On one hand, I really was kept guessing as to what was going on (there was a wicked twist at the end!), but the ridiculousness of the names prevent me from giving this four stars. When I'm reading a sentence about Dodge and Ski talking about how they're going to protect Berry, it's just difficult to take a book seriously. And it's unfortunate, because the book was actually good. ( )
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LibraryThing member PennyTinapple
Alway a fun quick read
LibraryThing member silversurfer
This author always fashions a good book, with strong characters and plot twists that keep you guessing. Liked everything about it, except the Title...which I don't get.
LibraryThing member tabascofromgudreads
Listened to the audiobook. This is a "romantic thriller", very weak on the thriller and ok on the romance. Got it for free. Good morphine to survive the LA traffic.
LibraryThing member tabascofromgudreads
Listened to the audiobook. This is a "romantic thriller", very weak on the thriller and ok on the romance. Got it for free. Good morphine to survive the LA traffic.
LibraryThing member Tiffy83
Another great Sandra Brown book! :)
LibraryThing member capewood
This is the first Sandra Brown book I've read. I had decided it would be my last but some of the reviewers here seem to really love her so maybe I'll give her another chance. I'll skip a detailed plot summary since there are plenty of reviewers who have done that.
The overall plot was OK. The story
What specifically didn't I like?
First of all, there is a relationship problem. The Dodge Hanley character is so unlikable it's hard to believe that 30 years ago (when as we learn via flashbacks he was just as unlikable) he was able to win a beautiful, intelligent, and ambitious woman such as Carolyne. Dodge does something so reprehensible (I couldn't believe it) and the relationship is over. And then, when the child of that relationship, 30 years later, Berry (what kind of a name is that?) is threatened and almost killed by a stalker, Carolyne, who has had no contact with Dodge for 30 years, calls him up for help.
The other problem? Throughout the story Starks is portrayed by his intended victim as a genius at strategy. But he hardly comes across that way in the book. He has a chance to kill Berry, has her at gunpoint, and doesn't do it. All through the book Starks' actions seem like that of a blunderer not a mastermind. And just to be sure that I picked up on that the main guys on his trail (Ski the local investigator and Dodge) keep saying "I thought this guy was supposed to be a genius".
I listened to this on audio cd. When Starks gets killed at the beginning of disk 11 (of 12), I began to dread what was coming. Clearly Berry is not out of danger but where is that danger coming from? I could identify only one character who might be a continuing threat to Berry but it seemed too far-fetched. MAJOR SPOILER - then it came to me, maybe Starts has a twin brother? But I dismissed this thinking to myself if the author uses this plot device I will never read anything by her again. Sure enough, not only does Starks have a twin brother but he's somehow mentally deficient and Starks can get him to do what ever he likes. So it wasn't Orrin who got killed but his idiot brother Carl. Carl, who is never even hinted at previously in the book.
The overall plot was OK. The story
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was OK. Deranged stalker (Orren Starks) is after his former coworker (Berry) for spurning him. Turns out she also stole some of his work and convinced their company to fire him so he does have some legitimate beef against herWhat specifically didn't I like?
First of all, there is a relationship problem. The Dodge Hanley character is so unlikable it's hard to believe that 30 years ago (when as we learn via flashbacks he was just as unlikable) he was able to win a beautiful, intelligent, and ambitious woman such as Carolyne. Dodge does something so reprehensible (I couldn't believe it) and the relationship is over. And then, when the child of that relationship, 30 years later, Berry (what kind of a name is that?) is threatened and almost killed by a stalker, Carolyne, who has had no contact with Dodge for 30 years, calls him up for help.
The other problem? Throughout the story Starks is portrayed by his intended victim as a genius at strategy. But he hardly comes across that way in the book. He has a chance to kill Berry, has her at gunpoint, and doesn't do it. All through the book Starks' actions seem like that of a blunderer not a mastermind. And just to be sure that I picked up on that the main guys on his trail (Ski the local investigator and Dodge) keep saying "I thought this guy was supposed to be a genius".
I listened to this on audio cd. When Starks gets killed at the beginning of disk 11 (of 12), I began to dread what was coming. Clearly Berry is not out of danger but where is that danger coming from? I could identify only one character who might be a continuing threat to Berry but it seemed too far-fetched. MAJOR SPOILER - then it came to me, maybe Starts has a twin brother? But I dismissed this thinking to myself if the author uses this plot device I will never read anything by her again. Sure enough, not only does Starks have a twin brother but he's somehow mentally deficient and Starks can get him to do what ever he likes. So it wasn't Orrin who got killed but his idiot brother Carl. Carl, who is never even hinted at previously in the book.
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LibraryThing member bpascoe
Tough talking, chain smoking Atlanta Investigator Dodge Hanley (from Smash Cut: A Novel) receives a late night phone call from the love of his life Caroline King who lives in Texas. Dodge has not seen Caroline in 30 years and now their daughter, Berry, is being stalked by a former co-worker who
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wants her dead. He immediately returns to Texas. Sheriff Deputy and Afghanistan war veteran Ski Nyland, who is the local investigator on the case, is immediately attracted to Berry. Ski will do anything to keep her safe, but is suspicious of her story. Does she hold secrets that may have provoked her stalker turned killer? Show Less
LibraryThing member lewilliams
The beginning of this book had my attention, but that soon faded about a fourth of the way through. My first Sandra Brown book. I'll think twice about reading another one.
LibraryThing member Tiffy_Reads
Another great Sandra Brown book! :)
LibraryThing member ZachMontana
Engaging audio book with mystery and sex as old PI comes back to help his girlfriend and mother of a child he's not seen since birth with a shooting
LibraryThing member readingover50
I received this book for free from the Goodreads first reads program.
This book was good. I liked all the main characters. Dodge, Caroline, Ski and Berry. The story cut back and forth between present day (the threat against Berry's life), and the past (the story of how Dodge and Caroline met).
The mystery/suspense aspect of this book moved a little too slowly for me. You knew right away who the bad guy was, but the hunt for him went on and on.
I have only read a few of Sandra Brown's books. But I have enjoyed them enough that I will read more of them if the opportunity presents itself.
This book was good. I liked all the main characters. Dodge, Caroline, Ski and Berry. The story cut back and forth between present day (the threat against Berry's life), and the past (the story of how Dodge and Caroline met).
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Sometimes it felt like I was reading two separate books. I could have done without such an extensive explanation of Dodge and Caroline's past. It could have been summed up in less than a chapter.The mystery/suspense aspect of this book moved a little too slowly for me. You knew right away who the bad guy was, but the hunt for him went on and on.
I have only read a few of Sandra Brown's books. But I have enjoyed them enough that I will read more of them if the opportunity presents itself.
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LibraryThing member stephanie_M
Not my most fave book, but a solid good read. The middle was a little dragging, but I loved the "twist" at the end, even though I saw it coming. My favorite character wads Dodge, who seems to be everyone else's as well. I don't remember him from Smash Cut, but it's been a while.. but I love
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characters like this. I am glad the female of the story wasn't as lily white, pure-to-the-soul kind of person, and had a few large flaws, but her man loved her anyway. But does everyone have to pair up at the end, in every book? Is there always a happy ending in her stories? It's not in real-life. Show Less
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2010-08
Physical description
512 p.; 4.13 inches
ISBN
1416563113 / 9781416563112