The Three Beths by Jeff Abbott Published by Grand Central Publishing on October 23, 2018
Genres: Mystery, Suspense
Pages: 352
Format: eBook
Source: Library
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My mom would never leave me.
This has been Mariah Dunning's motto. Her compass. Her belief. So when she glimpses her mother--who's been missing for the past year--on the other side of a crowded food court, Mariah's conviction becomes stronger than ever. Or is she losing her mind?An unlikely coincidence?
When Beth Dunning disappeared without a trace, suspicion for her murder-despite the lack of a body or any physical evidence-immediately fell upon Mariah's father. Until Mariah stumbles upon two other recent disappearances from Lakehaven. And all three women had the same name: Beth.Or a sinister connection?
Mariah would give anything to find out what happened to her mother, and clear her father's name. But the truth may be more devastating than she could have imagined...
Read It, Rate It and Record
A short review to update challenges
Several friends have read this and it looked like it would be something I would like. I did like the mystery and suspense of what happened to these woman. There are so many things one doesn’t really know about others, even spouses or children, those in your own home.
The story shifts point-of-view somewhat based on what is happening, then they tell the story. Most is either Mariah or her father. My main issue is not connecting with Mariah. I felt for her but I thought her outbursts and her deciding to be a detective were not quite right. I can understand her being upset, of course. Didn’t she have to work at all, that she could just talk to people to gather information? I kept worrying that she was truly putting herself in danger, which she was. When there has already been a kidnapping or murder, it’s TSTL not to have backup, but who could she trust? Her father already knew they were in danger.
I somewhat guessed at the villain (s) but not the connections and twists. The plot and writing were good; I just wish the characters were a bit more realistic, or more developed.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2018 Library-Love Challenge
- 2018 New Release Challenge
Good review, Anne! Despite your issues, it still seems there was a lot to like here.
That sums it up well. I’d say some people couldn’t be quite that cliche petty but …. Donald Trump. Some people can be blind and petty.
Mariah did make me cringe at times. I couldn’t help but wonder why she would do the things she was doing. I was also able to guess some things but there was quite a bit that surprised me in the end.
I read your review after I wrote mine. I figured out it this morning. Mariah’s feelings were realistic but her actions were not sometimes. I needed a bit more character development beyond following the mystery. Overall it was a good read and I enjoyed it though.
I saw this one on your reading list and was curious so I’m glad to get your thoughts on it. It sounds good though I’ll keep expectations lower because of some of the unrealistic stuff going on, too.
It’s fiction but it’s not paranormal or fantasy so I hold my realistic meter a little higher. But character development could also have been a bit more. It doesn’t matter so much with the mystery / suspense etc. but I still like it.
Wonderful review, Anne! I’ve read this one and can totally understand your points. I am glad it was a good read for you overalll. Happy Holidays! ♥️
Thanks Jennifer. It is probably your blog where I saw it first.
It’s a shame about the lack of character development but I’m glad you still enjoyed it overall.
I try to figure out what the difference is in what makes the character developed/defined and when it doesn’t feel like it. It’s not length of the book. It’s not a show vs tell thing. It’s not a physical description or any other one thing. But with some author’s work, there is just a gut deep feeling of knowing the character. The words unerringly paint a picture which can’t be shaken.