I just finished Crush by Alan Jacobson, and wow, what an ending!
This is the second novel in the Karen Vail series (now three books). Karen Vail is a top profiler for the FBI, who gets a (little too) involved in her cases. In this book, she is on vacation in Napa Valley, when she and her boyfriend find a dead body inside a wine cave. Karen then inserts herself into the team to find what turns out to be a serial killer that has been operating for quite some time.
The best part of this novel is the character of Karen Vail. She's smart, intense and a little bit confrontational. She makes a few mistakes in the novel, but recognizes them and takes them in stride. I thought the first Karen Vail novel (The Seventh Victim) was a little over the top, but I really liked the character, so I gave the second novel a try. The fact that both of the novels were free on Amazon for the Kindle helped out a bit too!
The book is also a quick tour of Napa Valley, and mentions several famous vineyards. My only criticism of the novel is that it may be a little TOO researched, meaning there are a few too many brand names thrown in there. I know some people think this adds authenticity, but for me, when it is a constant lineup of brand names, it feels a little too commercial for me.
The ending of this book makes me want to pick up the third Karen Vail novel ASAP, but I think I'm going to take a friend's advice and read The Monkey's Raincoat by Robert Crais next. circa 1992!
Okay-this is like the 15th time I've tried to leave a comment. I'm about to pull my hair out at and scream.
ReplyDeleteI totally can't wait to read this series because I think it is finally time for me to introduce some take charge lead female characters to my readers.
As always, I love your blog and I really can't wait to finish this comment so I can read the review of The Breach by Patrick Lee.