3 STARS (I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).Emma is asked to come to a convent in Maine to look over a painting that may have to do with her new job with the FBI in Art Crimes. The nun who summoned her has been murdered and Emma feels she must find the killer. Collin also a FBI agent (undercover) is visiting a friend in Maine and finds himself pulled to Emma and the Mystery.It was an all right novel...a little weak in the suspense and romance...but held my attention in guessing who the killer is. I've not read any of Ms. Negger's works, but when I saw an ad for her latest, Heron's Cove, I thought it sounded interesting, because I spent my honeymoon on the shores of Maine years ago. So I tried to check it out at my local library only to find a serious waiting list for it. Fortuantely, I found Saint's Gate - the prequel to Heron's Cove, so I checked it out. I'm so glad I did.Enter Emma Sharpe, art crimes expert with the FBI, and Colin Donovan, FBI covert agent. Both become involved in a murder/art theft at the Sisters of the Joyful Heart convent and lots more fascinating characters of whom I hope to read more in future novels. This story was a fast, easy read. I think it's because even though you don't know "who-done-it" till the last, you have a sneaky suspicion about half-way through the novel. I don't know that much about saints, art, or catholicism, but I do enjoy a good read and I liked Ms. Neggers' style of writing - it's smooth, not jerky, and follows a good, clean path to the end. I think this style of suspense doesn't leave one with nightmares - if I have to stop reading before bed, I know the characters will be alright till I pick it up again. I liked this story and now I know I'll look forward to reading the next Emma/Colin story in Heron's Cove. I gave this one 3 stars.
What do You think about Saint's Gate (2011)?
Enjoyed. Easy read, liked the characters. Would read another w/the same characters.
—BookLover786
Definitely enjoyable thriller-romance, though very light on the romance side.
—Taylor
very good look forward to reading the rest of the series
—Jasonma5252
