Review: Fade to Black by Leslie Parrish
Saturday, October 10, 2009
A group of elite FBI special agents has been brought together to form the Cyber Action Team, aka CAT - and they have one mission: to solve Internet-related murders.
From his years in the FBI's violent crimes unit, Special Agent Dean Taggert has learned firsthand how vicious people can be. But this is the worst he's ever seen. Eight victims have been murdered, their final moments captured on film and shown on a secret Web site called Satan's Playground. And a madman who refers to himself as the Reaper is auctioning off their means of death.
When the investigation leads Dean to the small town of Hope Valley, he enlists the help of sexy and capable Sheriff Stacey Rhodes, who's dealing with secrets of her own. It's too late to save the latest victim, but Dean and Stacey still have to work fast, because the Reaper's next auction is about to begin... (by goodreads.com)
Review:
I will warn you before I start to review this book: I’m not a passionate suspense reader. In my whole life I read not more than 5 or 6 books in this genre. I never could really connect with this books so I stopped reading them. So why did I buy this one? I read so many wonderful reviews about this series that there was no other possibility as to read this books. And I’m really happy I did it.
The series is all about the Black Cats, a new subdivision of the FBI. They try to solve Internet crimes but the rest of the FBI is not very happy to have this new division. The head of the Black CATs had his difficulties with some people in the bureau and so no-one wants to support them. The CATs are a really mixed bunch of people- a few computer nerds work together with hard assed agents who seem to eat nails for breakfast.
This book focuses on the suspense plot and the romance takes a seat behind it. The story is fast paced and gripping. Mrs. Parrish created a great combination of the cold fact side of the investigation and the hands on bloody side. Some scenes are really hard to digest but I’m a real horror movie junkie so I had really no problem with that. The case itself was very intriguing and from the start I wanted to get this guy. It’s a real page-turner and I didn’t know who the bad guy is till nearly the end(I guessed right two pages before it was revealed- I’m not sure if that counts).
As said the romance is not the front role here but the relationship between Dean and Stacey is wonderful developed. I really liked that the whole thing started slow. Would have been strange to see them chasing a crazy and disgusting murderer and hopping in the sack after the first meeting.
Dean is a real hard ass agent but he shows his sweet side when he is near our little Sherriff. He’s caring and a oh so sweet father. He’s really good at his job and knows what he does.
Stacey is a really strong character and I liked her right from the start. She stands her (wo)man in her job and doesn’t back down from problems. She knows how to handle people, the good and the bad and runs her town with real determination.
I would have liked a little more romance in the story but I really enjoyed the book and will definitely read the next book ASAP.
To learn more about Leslie Parrish and her books please visit her website here.
The Black CATs series:
1. Fade to Black: other reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon
13 comments:
I've been eyeing this series but I'm a bit like you about reading suspense genre books. So I've been a bit hesitant on picking up the first book. I think I'll go ahead and grab it now. Thanks for the awesome review. :)
@Donna That's exactly what I thought. Never would have imagined I would like these kind of books. But they are great!
Like you and Donna i'm not really into Suspence/thriller genre. But i have read so many great reviews there must be a reason why.=)
I'll wait to see what you think of the next 2 books ;)
I'm another one who isn't really into books like this, but I really enjoyed your review. Don't know if I want to start a new series right now...will wait and see.
I'm with you Susi, romantic suspense is just not a top genre for me. But if it's a great book then I cave a buy it :) Your review makes me want to broaden my reading diet! Great review!
@pattepoilue Will be happy to tell you what I think.
@Alexia I know what you mean about a new series. Sometimes I think I already have enough series I can't live without.
@Smokinhotbooks Thanks hon, and I hope you'll like this book as much as I did. And it's really a good one to start this genre IMO.
I am like you, have no read much suspense, books with some in it but not books that are entirely. This one sounds good though
@Blodeuedd It's a real good suspense. Reminded me a bit of the movie 8MM.
Glad you enjoyed it, Susi! There's definitely more romance in the second book in the series, 'Pitch Black'. Which reminds me: I still have to read the third one, 'Black at Heart'!
I really enjoyed this one!! Loved Dean and Stacy..I just bought the next two. Great review!!
@SarahT The book was really wonderful and your review got me hooked.LOL
@Mandi Agree completely and I had to buy all three immediately...
This does sound like a good read and if you don't usually like this genre and think it's 4/5 then it much be good. On my tbr list is goes! :)
@Book Chick City You will not regret it. This was a very good read!
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