Book Review: Blood Moon by Sandra Brown
When I stumbled upon Blood Moon by Sandra Brown, I felt a strange mix of curiosity and nostalgia. Having heard whispers of her work in the past, I was intrigued by the book’s blurb on Edelweiss. But as I settled in, the familiarity of Brown’s writing style pulled me back in time, reminding me of another beloved author—Nora Roberts. The mix of suspense, romance, and compelling characters certainly piqued my interest, but how did the story hold up?
Plot and Characters
Blood Moon wraps itself around the world of investigative journalism and crime-solving, with protagonist Beth Collins navigating a treacherous landscape where facts can make or break her career. Her partnership with Detective John Bowie, who is as ruggedly assertive as they come, creates a dynamic that’s both interesting and, at times, frustrating. As noted in one memorable quote, “Aren’t we meant to be on the lookout for inconsistencies, do some meddling, poke and probe when called for?” This could easily sum up the driving point of the narrative—both characters are on a quest for the truth, even if they often complicate matters with their personal agendas.
However, I found myself lacking in the romantic excitement typically found in such narratives. John’s attraction to Beth often felt like a comedic trope rather than a passionate spark, which led me to feel less invested in their connection. As I read, I caught myself yearning for more depth in Beth’s character. Her focus on facts and the rising stakes of her episode felt at odds with John’s overt pursuits. I wondered if we were supposed to align in our affection for him—at least, I didn’t quite share that sentiment.
Writing Style and Pacing
Brown’s narrative style was engaging, and I appreciated the dialogue, especially the quirky humor injected by secondary characters like Tom Barker and his henchman, the Ogre. Their comedic interruptions reminded me of B-rated crime flicks, a mix of thrills and giggles. While I understand that this could be a signature charm for some readers, it veered a bit too far into the nostalgic for my tastes—almost like watching a dated sitcom.
Regarding mystery, while Beth’s producer claimed that she had the makings of an engaging story with intricate connections to the dramatic Blood Moon—an astronomical event that sets the stage for the mystery—the resolution felt a bit rushed and underwhelming. The detectives’ deductions seemed lackluster, leaving me wanting more challenge in piecing together the clues.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
The quotation “These guys, these sociopaths, never want to get caught, but deep down they want to boast,” resonated profoundly with me. It encapsulates the often convoluted motives of the villains I love to dissect in crime novels. Still, while those moments of intrigue sparkled, the narrative fell a bit flat for me overall.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sandra Brown’s Blood Moon is a cocktail of crime, romance, and a dash of comedy, but it may not be for everyone. If you’re a fan of classic detective stories with charismatic leads—however cliched they might feel—you might find a cozy spot waiting for you. As for me, while I didn’t wholly fall in love with it, it certainly left me pondering the experience. I believe there’s potential here, especially for those who enjoy a light, mystery-driven romance. It’s always fascinating to uncover how different authors wield their narratives, and while Blood Moon wasn’t a home run for me, it left enough of an impression to keep me curious about Brown’s storytelling journey. 🍂🌕