COLD CASE TRUE CRIME - Denise N Wheatley
Harlequin Intrigue
BUY
July 2021
Romantic Suspense
REVIEWER: Wayne Jordan | RATING: B+
Harlequin Intrigue
BUY
July 2021
Romantic Suspense
REVIEWER: Wayne Jordan | RATING: B+
REVIEW: During the two years since the closure of its Kimani line, Harlequin has not only upped its acquisition of books by black authors featuring black main characters, but integrated those authors into its traditional lines, showing the publisher’s commitment to acquiring and promoting diverse voices. Earlier this year, when I saw the cover of Denise N Wheatley’s COLD CASE TRUE CRIME, I was intrigued and couldn’t wait to get my grubby hands on a copy. Harlequin Romantic Suspense and Intrigue are my favorite Harlequin lines, and COLD CASE TRUE CRIME fits into the Intrigue framework.
Samantha Vincent has a popular true crime blog, so when a friend asks her to investigate a murder, and Sam suspects the involvement of the police, she does what Sam does best, she agrees to investigate and, eventually, partners with the reluctant Detective Gregory Harris. He believes there is some merit to her suspicions, and they set out to find the truth and a killer.
Both the hero and heroine are likeable protagonists, but totally opposites. Gregory is a by-the-book detective and loyal to the boys in blue while Samantha is passionate and often reckless. On a few occasions, her passion for justice almost gets her in serious trouble but Gregory is always there to save her when she calls.
The mystery plot is well-paced and satisfying. There were also enough twists and turns to keep me wondering what would happen next. In fact, I thought I had figured things out but then something unexpected would happen.
While COLD CASE TRUE CRIME is heavy on the suspense and light on the romance, in keeping with the intrigue guidelines, I found the romance a bit too light. Though there was an obvious chemistry between the two, I wanted a bit more…heat or passion. Despite this minor grouse, COLD CASE TRUE CRIME is a book that fans of this genre should not miss. Ms. Wheatley has a definitely feel for the romantic suspense genre and I look forward to more books from her. She is a welcomed addition to the Harlequin Intrigue line!
12th July 2021 | romcol@caribsurf.com
Samantha Vincent has a popular true crime blog, so when a friend asks her to investigate a murder, and Sam suspects the involvement of the police, she does what Sam does best, she agrees to investigate and, eventually, partners with the reluctant Detective Gregory Harris. He believes there is some merit to her suspicions, and they set out to find the truth and a killer.
Both the hero and heroine are likeable protagonists, but totally opposites. Gregory is a by-the-book detective and loyal to the boys in blue while Samantha is passionate and often reckless. On a few occasions, her passion for justice almost gets her in serious trouble but Gregory is always there to save her when she calls.
The mystery plot is well-paced and satisfying. There were also enough twists and turns to keep me wondering what would happen next. In fact, I thought I had figured things out but then something unexpected would happen.
While COLD CASE TRUE CRIME is heavy on the suspense and light on the romance, in keeping with the intrigue guidelines, I found the romance a bit too light. Though there was an obvious chemistry between the two, I wanted a bit more…heat or passion. Despite this minor grouse, COLD CASE TRUE CRIME is a book that fans of this genre should not miss. Ms. Wheatley has a definitely feel for the romantic suspense genre and I look forward to more books from her. She is a welcomed addition to the Harlequin Intrigue line!
12th July 2021 | romcol@caribsurf.com
(B+)