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mirocchi's review
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
claudia_is_reading's review
3.0
This book didn't really work for me, not as the other ones did at least.
The mystery was mostly background noise, the way in which the relationship is moving is not very healthy (Max seems to believe that he needs to stop being who he is to date Royce), and the whole River thing is annoying and led to nowhere. Yes, I know, in the next book, probably, but it permeated this book and went well beyond foreshadowing to go right into irritating territory.
Yes, I'm happy that they fixed their problems, sure, but... having Max only staying because of Royce makes him... kind of pathetic, TBH.
I don't know, everything felt quite flat and unsatisfying ~sigh~ Oh, well, I will read the next book in the series, I'm not ready to give on them, yet :P
The mystery was mostly background noise, the way in which the relationship is moving is not very healthy (Max seems to believe that he needs to stop being who he is to date Royce), and the whole River thing is annoying and led to nowhere. Yes, I know, in the next book, probably, but it permeated this book and went well beyond foreshadowing to go right into irritating territory.
Yes, I'm happy that they fixed their problems, sure, but... having Max only staying because of Royce makes him... kind of pathetic, TBH.
I don't know, everything felt quite flat and unsatisfying ~sigh~ Oh, well, I will read the next book in the series, I'm not ready to give on them, yet :P
suze_1624's review
4.0
Back in Rainy Dale - where it is a dangerous place to be, with murders and fires!
Max and Royce are still on the outs, but do manage to finally talk things through, so progress is made.
However, Max suffers a severe setback and has to acceot help from River - not his furst choice.
The fires escalate and a number of suspects are identified and cleared, until the culprit is found - though i did start looking for potential suspects in the text after a while and ended up hitting the right one.
Max and Royce are still on the outs, but do manage to finally talk things through, so progress is made.
However, Max suffers a severe setback and has to acceot help from River - not his furst choice.
The fires escalate and a number of suspects are identified and cleared, until the culprit is found - though i did start looking for potential suspects in the text after a while and ended up hitting the right one.
mardiskl's review
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
isalaur's review
fast-paced
5.0
This 4th book in the Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries is yet another cleverly constructed tale. Aside from the mystery of the arsonist there’s relationship drama, and not just for Royce and Max.
As the book begins Max is dealing with watching his home and clinic burn to the ground. Royce and Max are still on the outs so it gets uncomfortable when Royce agrees to let Max stay with him. Max is trying to decide whether to rebuild and stay in Rainy Dale, another complicated decision when there is another fire. Royce is now embroiled in a serial arson case and the arson investigator is a bit too like Max in terms of his social skills (or lack thereof) which is getting on Max’s last nerve.
The author does a great job throwing around red herrings so there are several possible suspects. Adding to the town drama is an adulterous affair and the recently arrived homeopathic doctor that Max is sure is up to something. There are several irons in the fire in this book and a couple seem to be laying foundations for future books.
It was an engrossing read that I read all in one sitting. I didn’t want to put it down. I’m hoping Max and Royce stay on an even keel now as I was getting pretty annoyed with Royce. Watching Max try to conform to social mores light to be a hoot.
As the book begins Max is dealing with watching his home and clinic burn to the ground. Royce and Max are still on the outs so it gets uncomfortable when Royce agrees to let Max stay with him. Max is trying to decide whether to rebuild and stay in Rainy Dale, another complicated decision when there is another fire. Royce is now embroiled in a serial arson case and the arson investigator is a bit too like Max in terms of his social skills (or lack thereof) which is getting on Max’s last nerve.
The author does a great job throwing around red herrings so there are several possible suspects. Adding to the town drama is an adulterous affair and the recently arrived homeopathic doctor that Max is sure is up to something. There are several irons in the fire in this book and a couple seem to be laying foundations for future books.
It was an engrossing read that I read all in one sitting. I didn’t want to put it down. I’m hoping Max and Royce stay on an even keel now as I was getting pretty annoyed with Royce. Watching Max try to conform to social mores light to be a hoot.
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