Sunday, December 6, 2009

Review and Giveaway - Dying Scream




Title: Dying Scream
Author: Mary Burton
Publishing Date: December 2009
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Rating: C
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: Received an ARC from the publisher requesting a book review.

Adrianna Thornton is selling her husband's large family estate that has been his family's home for generations in order to pay off her husband's medical bills. She and Craig were hit by a drunk driver which put Craig in a coma for two years and caused Adrianna to miscarry their baby. Adrianna is trying to put her life back together but she keeps receiving these creepy gifts saying they are from her late husband Craig. Also, two bodies are found on her husband's estate and they are the bodies of missing women from several years ago. The detective Gage Hudson has Craig as his chief suspect. Then a new victim appears and what seemed an open and shut case becomes complicated.

As I started reading Dying Scream, I realized right away that there was a previous book with a connection to these same characters. I did a little research and discovered that Dead Ringer features Adrianna's sister Kendall and another detective Jacob Warwick. Oddly enough, the author's website does not disclose that these two books are connected. At any rate, enough information is given to clue the reader in to what happened in Dead Ringer.

I have mixed feelings about Dying Scream, as it has its good points and bad. On the plus side, the mystery surrounding the dead bodies was excellently done. I was never able to guess who the real killer was the whole time. Burton leads the reader through a twisting maze of clues, keeping the reader guessing up until the very end.

Where the book failed for me was the romance between Gage and Adrianna. Adrianna is described frequently in the book as cold and regal. Gage grew up in a trailer park while Adrianna lived in a mansion. Gage feels like Adrianna is too good for the likes of him. I never really felt a connection between them or got the sense that they really loved each other. Gage seemed more wrapped up in the idea of Adrianna, than the actual woman herself. On the otherhand, Adrianna never really looked passed what was on the surface of Gage's personality. I really can't recommend this book, unless you are a die hard fan of suspense.

Now after that glowing review, the publisher generously sent me an extra book that I can offer up in a giveaway. So.... if anyone would like a copy of Dying Scream just comment on this post. This contest will close Thursday, December 10th at midnight. I will pick a winner randomly and announce the winner on Friday. This contest is open to anyone.

Here is what others had to say:

Long and Short Reviews
Bookshipper

This book can be purchased in print or kindle format from Amazon.

15 comments:

ABCD Diaries said...

I'd love to give it a try:) Thanks!
christinbanda at yahoo dot com

mindy said...

this looks wonderful thanks minsthins at optonline dot net

Homemaker said...

I love romance and suspense books...to have both in one would make for a very interesting book...

sallylynnsara@hotmail.com

Alicia said...

I'd love to read it.

Thanks for the giveaway >^..^<

bloggyig at gmail dot com

Pearl said...

As I already had my sights on this book I'm in for the giveaway.

Sorry to hear the romance didn't quite work.

tetewa said...

I'd like to be included, sounds good! tWarner419@aol.com

Susan said...

I love romance books. And horror books are cool too.

Anonymous said...

I would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks. wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

kathy55439 said...

Sounds like a great read....

Marissa said...

I like romantic suspense books, sorry to hear that the romance did not work for you, but it still sounds like a good read.

Holly said...

I have this book in my TBR pile. I was thinking about picking it up next, but I might hold off a while longer..

Unknown said...

I love a good mystery/thriller. I'm adding this to my wishlist for sure,sounds like a great read

wendy wallach said...

Looks good to me! God, I love to read!

madamerkf at aol dot com

D Q said...

I would love to be entered. Looks like a great read.

Jill D. said...

Thank you everyone for participating! The winner of the contest is Wendy. Congratulations! I have emailed you Wendy. Just reply with your address and I will get it out to you right away.