The Search—A book review

As avidly as I read, I’m not sure why I’ve never read a novel by Nora Roberts before this. I mean, she has only written 191 novels and has 400 million copies in print.

It isn’t as if my standards are high. They aren’t. I’ll read almost any book that has words in it. Almost.

It may be that I had consigned her as a writer of bodice rippers, the short one-plot-fits-all genre that I do avoid.

It seems either I was wrong about her or she has improved her skills.

I recently received a review copy of The Search and totally enjoyed all 484 pages. It is a combination love story, dog book and murder mystery. It also has quite a few laugh-out-loud moments, the mechanics of Canine Search and Rescue, a funny scene of table sex, and one plot twist that will bring an evil smile to your face. The characters are well drawn and the dialogue sparkles.

(One of my professors once pointed out that good dialogue does not reflect the way people actually talk. The way people actually talk is mostly inane and dull.)

The main character, Fiona Bristow, has built a comfortable life as a dog trainer and head of a local volunteer Search and Rescue group. Years ago she was the only survivor of a vicious, sadistic serial killer. As authorities were moving in to arrest him, he killed her fiancé and his police canine partner in retribution.

Slowly she has gathered her life together, drawing strength from that which didn’t kill her. She lives in a quaint wooded cabin on an island in the Pacific Northwest with her three Labradors. She enjoys her thriving dog training business, her circle of friends and the rewards of finding lost children and hikers.

Complications arise in the form of a new neighbor, Simon Doyle, a handsome, noted woodcrafter, who seeks her help for his destructive puppy, aptly named Jaws. Rugged and independent but with an endearing sense of humor, Simon does not want a woman in his life any more than Fiona wants a man to complicate hers.

However, with Jaws the puppy and Fiona’s dogs drawing them together, feelings change.

Although the serial killer of years past has been safely locked away in maximum security, a series of vicious copycat killings convince authorities that Fiona’s life is once again in danger.

The combined strength of Fiona and Simon is tested as the killer slowly moves in to carry out the evil wishes of his mentor.

The Search by Nora Roberts, a definite B+ for summer reading.

Comments

[Becky's Barnyard]

I love Nora Roberts books. I have not read this one yet but am looking forward to it.

[jackie]

I've read some of her books..and meh..they're ok..but this one sounds interesting.

[Tammy]

I'm a fan of Nora Roberts, but I only read her trilogies (or groups of four as the case may be). I had to limit myself in some way as she is so prolific. The trilogies are quite formulaic, but I find them oddly comforting! :) I might break with my "rule" and try this one out though!

[Robert McCarty]

Perhaps you would like to read Planet Of The Dogs, first book in a series...Miss Merrie, a Poodle, is Queen of the dogs...the dogs come down to Planet Earth to teach people about love and to save the farmers of Green Valley from invasion...

Read sample chapters: www.planetofthedogs.net

Read about concepts and therapy reading dogs at: http://barkingplanet.typepad.com

Email us at barkingplanet@aol.com and we'll send you a complimentary review copy
Best wishes,
Robert

[cube]

I'm a prolific reader myself and I have never read anything by Nora Roberts either. Bodice-ripper books don't cut it for me, but you have managed to paint a favorable picture of this one.

Problem is, I have a long To Read list. If only there were more hours in the day *sigh*

[jennyann]

Well I'm not much of a fan of hers either for about the same reasons, but this does sound of quirky and cute. I will have to check it out......thanks for blogging about it!!