4.15 AVERAGE


Beneath Dark Waters the second book in the New Orleans's series, however I read this as a stand-alone. This is a fast paced, twisty romantic thriller which is also full of family. Although I did think this was a bit of a slow start the rest had a great pace and I loved learning about all the characters and seeing the romance develop. Overall I highly recommend and I would check out the whole of the series.
adventurous dark emotional tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
tulletempest's profile picture

tulletempest's review

3.75
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

OMG! Beneath Dark Waters is an exciting, wild ride with amazing characters, diabolical villain(s) and a storyline that will hold you captive until the very end!

I absolutely LOVE the story! All the characters are amazing, I was invested in each and every one of them and I need MORE of the New Orleans series!

Val and Kaj (spelled K-a-j and rhymes with pie) have explosive chemistry! I love them together. Kaj is a single dad with the cutest and smartest son ever and Val is Marine veteran and roller derby queen with lots of shadows in her eyes. They are brilliant together and the ensemble cast is equally brilliant! This book is my favorite in the series!

There are so many twists and turns and some surprise revelations that I did NOT see coming! Ms. Rose always gets me! I can’t say much more without spoiling but I will tell you that you MUST get this book! You won’t be sorry!

I don’t have one negative thing to say. It’s awesome! I highly, HIGHLY recommend Beneath Dark Waters, all the New Orleans books and the entire Romantic Suspense series from Karen Rose!

**Net Galley generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

It's one of my favourite books ever. Definitely recommend reading.
_maypat_'s profile picture

_maypat_'s review

4.75
dark mysterious tense medium-paced

A romantic thriller set in the New Orleans bayou

Karen Rose’s “Beneath Dark Waters” presents another exhilarating installment in the New Orleans series, and it shines with its abundant mystery and suspense. While there are a few minor drawbacks, the engrossing mysteries within both the main plot and subplots elevate the reading experience.

The story revolves around Assistant District Attorney Kaj Cordozo, whose life is thrown into turmoil when masked assailants make a brazen attempt to kidnap his son, Elijah. With Kaj’s involvement in a high-profile case, the danger to his child is palpable, and this primary mystery serves as the backbone of the narrative. The tension is relentless as readers join Kaj and Val Sorensen from the Burke Broussard Private Investigation Agency in their quest to protect Elijah and unravel the sinister forces at play.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in its multifaceted mysteries. Beyond the central abduction plot, there are several well-crafted subplots that add depth and intrigue to the story. These subplots include Val’s personal vendetta against the gang suspected of the kidnapping and the involvement of the menacing Gates brothers, Aaron and Corey. Each layer of mystery is skillfully woven into the narrative, creating a complex tapestry of secrets and motives.

I thoroughly enjoyed the abundance of mysteries within “Beneath Dark Waters.” Karen Rose excels at planting clues and red herrings, keeping you guessing until the very end. Her ability to maintain suspense and uncertainty throughout the story is commendable, and it ensures that the pages keep turning as you eagerly anticipate each revelation.

Although this is a romantic suspense, I did feel that there are moments where the romantic aspects of the story seemed a little bit disjointed and ‘added on’; there were instances where character decisions seemed to prioritise personal relationships over the urgency of the situation.

In conclusion, “Beneath Dark Waters” is a thrilling addition to Karen Rose’s New Orleans series, with its rich tapestry of mysteries captivating readers from beginning to end. The intertwining main plot and subplots provide layers of intrigue that keep you engrossed in the narrative. While there are some minor quibbles with the romantic elements and character choices, the book excels in delivering suspense and a satisfyingly complex mystery. If you’re a fan of suspenseful thrillers with an abundance of secrets and a touch of romance, this novel is a worthwhile read that showcases Karen Rose’s talent for crafting intricate and captivating mysteries.
dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Oops. This whole story is about a child in danger? And teenagers beaten and killed by older siblings? Didn’t even make it far enough to learn what hellish trauma our heroine suffered in the past. NFK

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Beneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose in return for my honest review.
This is the second book in the New Orleans series but could easily be read as a standalone. In true Karen Rose form this is a brilliant page turner with lots going on and just the right amount of romance, can’t wait for the next instalment.