I don't even know how many books by Nora Roberts I've read, but lately they've all been bit too structured. What I mean by structured is that it feels like the author has just checked items off different lists (plot points, character descriptions, etc) and just written without feeling. The result is always okay, but not necessarily brilliant (then again, considering that she publishes an average of two books a year, every year, and has done so for a long time, I'd say it would be pretty difficult to always deliver brilliance with that schedule). Anyway, I was positively surprised with Whiskey Beach. It wasn't my favourite book by Nora Roberts, but it was surprisingly interesting, or enjoyable at least. I have to say, I wasn't impressed with the hero, Eli Landon, but I loved the heroine, Abra Walsh. Pretty much everything about her brought a smile to my face, starting with her name. I also enjoyed her attitude towards life. Not surprisingly, the house was the third main character, and I really liked the sound of it. I'd love to visit a house like that someday. Full of stories with long history, filled with love and family memories. Someone, who reviewed this book earlier, talked about Noraland, and how in it everyone is white and privileged, how the murderer is caught before the last chapter and all is well that ends well. That's true, and I'd actually like to see some differences in future books from Nora Roberts, though I doubt that'll happen. However, I don't see the Noraland bad as such, especially since most of the readers know beforehand what kind of book they have picked. For me this particular book worked well with this moment in my life; I needed some light-hearted flirting, peaceful yoga and leisurely walks with a happy dog. On some other time I probably would have rated the book differently, but right now, it's a four-star book. Enjoyable, light, brings smile to my face. Even the actual crime-plot didn't but a damper on things, although it was a bit too convenient most of the time. This novel was ok, but just that ok. It wasn't a strong thriller. Was very slow to get started & very predictable throughout. I considered it more of a love story than a thriller. Easy reading & not unpleasant but certainly not exciting, though provoking or special. The last chapter, which was a sample chapter of another Nora Roberts book looked much more exciting & gripped from that one chapter. With Whisky Beach the story didn't really start until chapter nine.
What do You think about La Casa De La Playa (2013)?
Pretty good story for a Nora Roberts mystery, kept my interest and was diverting.
—Tori
Very well written. An enjoyable read, although somewhat predictable.
—splink
