Reviews

Don't Look Now by Mary Burton

laura_catto's review

3.0

The writing is addictive. The reveal of the murderer is kept relatively ambiguous until the last 15% of the book.

emma_not_watson_reads's review

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

nadenetotallyaddictedtoreading's review

4.0

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Having heard many great things about Mary Burton’s work, I jumped at the opportunity to read/listen to Don’t Look Now. Narrated by full cast the story I found myself transported on a journey filled with mystery and suspense.

In Burton’s latest romantic thriller, we meet Detective Jordan Poe. A topnotch detective, but stubborn as the day is long. Jordan took on the role of taking care of her younger sister, Avery, after the death of their mother. Since then, their lives did not take the easy road. Avery hung out with the wrong crowd and soon became involved in drugs. The turning point  to getting her life back on track was the day Jordan found her bound, wrapped in plastic and left to suffocate.

Two years later Jordan visited a crime scene and found the victim bound, wrapped tightly in plastic and gagged. Then she found another victim murdered in the same fashion. Immediately, her thoughts flashed back to the day she rescued her sister. She recognized the murders mirrored the manner in which she found her sister two years ago. The only difference her sister lived. The case became personal as a result, so you can imagine  her turmoil when she learnt that Texas Ranger Carter Spencer would take over the case.

I enjoyed the story from start to finish. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. The crime scenes are gritty and definitely not for the faint of heart. Jordan’s captain took her off the case, but she went and did her own investigation. Eventually, she and Jordan became a team. I loved how well they worked together, even after an attack left her blind.

Although advertised a romantic suspense, the romance was non-existent. First, I never felt the chemistry between Jordan and Spencer. Also, expressions of feelings were not portrayed until near the end and it didn’t feel authentic.

I had a fair idea as to the identity of the villain. Given the nature of the victims, it wasn’t too hard to figure out the who and the why. However, it would have been nice to have the perpetrator’s back story. I never understood his motive and what compelled him to effect such heinous acts.

Narration

This was my first time experiencing a full cast narration, and I enjoyed the experience. I have listened to Hillary Huber before, but  the other narrators were new to me. They all did a wonderful job bringing the story and the characters to life. I would definitely listen to them again
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Conclusion/ Recommendation

Despite the issues I had with the romance and lack of backstory for the perpetrator, I enjoyed  Don’t Look Now. I found the suspense to be well done, especially at the point where the end was drawing close. For readers who enjoy mystery, suspense and gritty crime scenes, Don’t Look Now would make a great addition to their reading list.

This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

rachel___mae's review

2.5

Don’t Look Now is a new romantic suspense story, publishing on September 28, 2021. The novel follows a homicide detective, Jordan Poe, as she’s put on the case of a potential serial killer in her backyard. Not only that, but it’s a case that hits close to home, as she wonders if the serial killer has a connection to her younger sister. As the case begins to unfold, we’re introduced to Carter Spencer, a Texas Ranger who’s pulled onto the case as it gets darker.

Right off the bat, I must mention that this has a lot of potential triggering topics. I tried to catch them all below in a list, but this is a dark story that has a serial killer at the center and deals with drug use/drug addiction and violence of all kinds.

I’m not going to go into a lot of the plot, for the sake of keeping this a blank slate for those that feel inclined to read it, but I particularly liked Carter Spencer, both as a character and a love interest. Watching the relationship between Carter and Jordan evolve over the course of the novel was a real highlight for me and one of my favorite parts on the book.

I have a hard time putting my finger on what about this book didn’t hit with me. The pacing wasn’t what I was hoping for, as it was slower than I expected a thriller/romantic suspense/murder investigation to go. In some ways it reminded me of Melina Leigh’s romantic suspense books, but I didn’t connect to Jordan as well as I have to other man characters in books like this. A particular section in the middle of the book did pull me in a little bit more with a twist, but I figured out who the killer was early on, and I was a little disappointed that I had figured it out.

All in all, this was an okay read, but it isn’t going onto my list of books I’d like to reread.

Warning: This book discusses some sensitive topics that may be triggering for some readers including death of a loved one, murder, physical violence, sexual violence, verbal abuse, drug addictions, drug abuse, traumatic events, and vivid depictions of crime scenes.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.