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kdelorey0702's review
dark
medium-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking, Murder, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
A Thin Dark Line
3.5 Stars
When a suspected killer is released on a technicality, Detective Nick Fourcade is removed from the case. Not one to give up, Nick forges an unlikely alliance with Deputy Annie Broussard. Known for playing by the book even to her own detriment, Annie is determined to seek justice for the victim even if it means putting herself at risk. But who is the real threat - the killer or those sworn to uphold the law?
Series note: Book #4 in the Doucet series and book #1 in the Broussard and Fourcade series. Despite these associations, this can be read as a standalone as the characters and the mystery are unrelated to the previous Doucet books.
This is my second foray into Tami Hoag's writing. The first was not all that successful as my expectations were for romantic suspense when Hoag's style is more thriller with romantic elements. Being aware of this made the current reading experience more satisfying.
The Louisiana bayou setting is very atmospheric and Hoag depicts some of the more uncomfortable nuances of a small town in the South with aplomb. She also does not shy away from realistic portrayals of law enforcement and the treatment of women in the profession. As recent cases in the US and the UK have illustrated, not much has changed since 1997.
Nick and Annie's chemistry is off the charts and their interactions are breathtaking. Nick is a compelling character whose actions are morally and ethically questionable. He skirts around the rule of law yet never completely crosses the line between hero and villain. Annie is the complete opposite. Although her strong sense of justice would seem to put her at odds with Nick, she is actually the perfect complement to him, and they bring out the best in each other.
The case itself is compelling with some excellent twists that keep the reader guessing throughout. The pacing is good although the book could have been shorter with less repetition of characters' internal musings and fewer overly descriptive paragraphs of settings.
Overall, an excellent mystery with strong characters and an engaging romance.
3.5 Stars
When a suspected killer is released on a technicality, Detective Nick Fourcade is removed from the case. Not one to give up, Nick forges an unlikely alliance with Deputy Annie Broussard. Known for playing by the book even to her own detriment, Annie is determined to seek justice for the victim even if it means putting herself at risk. But who is the real threat - the killer or those sworn to uphold the law?
Series note: Book #4 in the Doucet series and book #1 in the Broussard and Fourcade series. Despite these associations, this can be read as a standalone as the characters and the mystery are unrelated to the previous Doucet books.
This is my second foray into Tami Hoag's writing. The first was not all that successful as my expectations were for romantic suspense when Hoag's style is more thriller with romantic elements. Being aware of this made the current reading experience more satisfying.
The Louisiana bayou setting is very atmospheric and Hoag depicts some of the more uncomfortable nuances of a small town in the South with aplomb. She also does not shy away from realistic portrayals of law enforcement and the treatment of women in the profession. As recent cases in the US and the UK have illustrated, not much has changed since 1997.
Nick and Annie's chemistry is off the charts and their interactions are breathtaking. Nick is a compelling character whose actions are morally and ethically questionable. He skirts around the rule of law yet never completely crosses the line between hero and villain. Annie is the complete opposite. Although her strong sense of justice would seem to put her at odds with Nick, she is actually the perfect complement to him, and they bring out the best in each other.
The case itself is compelling with some excellent twists that keep the reader guessing throughout. The pacing is good although the book could have been shorter with less repetition of characters' internal musings and fewer overly descriptive paragraphs of settings.
Overall, an excellent mystery with strong characters and an engaging romance.
taconsolacion's review against another edition
3.0
Book couldn't make up its mind whether to be a romance or thriller. Has a nice Psycho plot twist turned inside out. Story could have been told in much less than the 600-odd pages that Ms. Hoag took. Three stars for me.
road's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
cflenor's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book! The characters have rich personalities that pop off the page! I’m looking forward to reading the sequel!!! Highly recommend!!!
aturtlesnestbookreviews's review against another edition
5.0
A little dated being from late 90's but I loved it. This is another one I couldn't put down. I think I fell for Nick Forcade myself! Great Book!
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