I’m getting harder to impress. So when I find a writer that seriously makes me doubt my ability as a storyteller enough to toss my manuscript in the dumpster, you know the prose is tight, the suspense high, and the tingles, electrifying.Such was the case this fall when I read One Scream Away, the debut novel by Kate Brady (Grand Central Publishing, July 2009). I was with friends I don’t see often, and I was down south specifically to see them, but after taking what was meant to be a sneak read at the first line only, I spent as many stolen moments as I could to read another line, another paragraph, another chapter. The characters are skillfully drawn, each clue tantalizing, each layer deeper and more subtle than the last as Neil, Beth and Chevy race toward the final showdown.Neil, ex FBI, and antique expert Beth, have their scars to bear, each one a jagged-edged puzzle piece that is the perfect ointment for the other’s wounds. And Chevy, well, he’s just plain wacko, but in his own belief system, each crazed step he takes is a solid and reasonable response to a need, his need, for justice and revenge. The secret Beth guards with her life lies at the centre of the novel, yet not even Beth can fathom why Chevy tortures women as he makes his way back to her, each one with a message specific to Beth, nor can she imagine the horror that drives Chevy to make her pay.One Scream Away is a suspense-lover’s book. Harrowing, gritty, pulse-pounding--all the dedicated tag words apply. The tender connection and lustful hunger between Neil and Beth spark the romance lover that lurks in all of us. All in all, a very satisfying read. So why am I so anxious to sink my teeth into Kate’s next book? So I just finished One Scream Away! I really liked this book! There's tons of action and suspense in the hunt to catch Chevy Bankes.I really liked Beth, she's such a strong, determined woman. She's been raising her daughter alone for the past 7 years and has been preparing to defend her family against Chevy the whole time. She slowly starts leaning on Neil as their relationship grows and develops. I love Neil. Neil gets involved in this investigation because it closely resembles a case from his past, when he was part of the FBI. After meeting Beth, he starts opening his heart to the mother and little girl. He tells Beth she doesn't have to be alone anymore, she can lean on him. I would have liked to see a bit more of a HEA with Beth and Neil after the climax of the story.
What do You think about Legami Pericolosi (2009)?
This is the first novel of a high school friend of mine! A fun summer read....
—Seb
Finally finished reading the book and it was really a great book.
—spaderette
what a scary book, loved the ending though, real surprise!
—shian
Great story. Full of twists, turns, and surprises.
—HORSEgirl3599
