Berkley | 16 August 2022 | 352 pgs
Source: Library
I chose this book to kick off the new year. After all, nothing could go wrong with a romance and that title sounds cool, isn't it?
Our heroine, Phoebe Walsh, is a PhD candidate studying and analysing true crimes and the writers who write them as part of her dissertation. She's so obsessed with the genre so much so that she could imagine some homicide cases to a mysterious or a bad situation. She's imaginative and a little paranoid like that.
With her father's passing and to clean out his house before reselling, Phoebe returns to her childhood home in Florida where she reacquaint with her younger brother whom she hasn't contacted in a while. Perhaps her late night arrival isn't a good idea given her over imaginative mind as she couldn't help but to think of all the bad scenarios when a guy approaches her and offers to help her move her desk (yes, she attached her desk onto her car's roof). Turns out he's her neighbour, Sam, but that didn't help in her lowering her guard around him.
As cliché as this goes, Phoebe begins to see him in a new light as the time passes and her relationship with her younger brother deepens as they begin to share their thoughts and ideas for his proposal to his girlfriend. For a romcom, it was a fun read but I've to admit I'd a different expectation prior diving into this book as I thought Sam would be featured as a mysterious "dangerous" man and Phoebe would unveil his "mask" through several misunderstanding and "bad" encounters before she finds his true identity, ha. Phoebe wasn't a character whom you'd warm up to easily given her characteristics but once she'd let her guard down, she could be as good-natured like her younger brother, Connor. Overall it was an entertaining read and I quite enjoyed a few occasional true crime references throughout the book.
Posts
Hmmm...I'll think about this one, Melody. True crime is certainly a popular theme these days, isn't it? With all types of fiction.
I really liked this one...Sam was the best, and I liked Phoebe's personal journey. And her bits of serial killer trivia made me laugh more than once. :D
Kay - It definitely is, Kay. It's hard not to take notice of them since they happen in real life. :(
Lark - I liked Sam. He was a great guy, wasn't he? ;)
This seems more or a romance than a thriller. Glad you enjoyed it.
I love that title! This is definitely a winner for the start of the year. I am glad you enjoyed it, Melody!
That is such a catch title and cover! My first read of the year was also a three star read so not bad but definitely looking forward to more exciting reads this year. This is one for my TBR when I'm in the mood for a lighthearted romance.
Harvee - A romcom for sure, but it'd be nice if there's a bit of a mysterious side given the title. ;)
Wendy - I love that title, too! I'm curious what the author will write for her next book.
Iliana - I hope you'll enjoy this book when you get to it, Iliana.