Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Christmas Past by Mary Burton Published by Zebra on October 29, 2019
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 96
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple
Photographer Nicole Piper moved to Virginia hoping to put a troubled past behind her and start fresh with her baby daughter. But those hopes are dashed when she receives a very unwelcome Christmas gift—from her late husband. It’s a letter that holds clues to an elusive killer’s identity. The victim had helped save Nicole’s life—and paid with her own. Nicole owes it to her to follow the letter’s trail, and perhaps put to rest the fear that stalks her once and for all. But she can’t do it alone.
When Homicide Detective David Ayden first met Nicole, he was looking for a fresh start too. Widowed and raising two teenage boys, Nicole was the only woman who’d stirred his interest—and the attraction was mutual. But that was months ago and she wasn’t ready to trust again. Maybe she still isn’t. All that matters now is that she needs his help—even if it means embarking on a road trip that will take them both into the heart of danger—and desire
I enjoy this author and she writes some excellent romantic suspense. I read this since I wanted some holiday themed stories to read for the beginning of December.
The romantic suspense portion of Christmas Past was suspenseful and exciting. The characters did have some development with a view to their internal thoughts, rationalizations and justifications. I always like when they are not all good or bad but we see all the shades of their morality. But there were some serious evil, bad guys who were more stereotypical.
The romance was second chance but still not very realistic. It took a back seat to the action, so that was a plus. I wouldn’t really call this a Christmas story other than it was set at that time. I liked this dark, action story which was a quick read.
About Mary Burton
Mary Burton loves writing suspense, researching law enforcement and forensic procedures, morning walks, baking, books, and tiny dachshunds. She also enjoys hunting down serial killers, which she does in her and USA Today bestselling novels of suspense and romance. Library Journal has compared her work to that of Lisa Jackson and Lisa Gardner, and Fresh Fiction likened her writing to that of James Patterson.
Mary is routinely featured among the top twenty writers in Amazon’s Author Rankings for romantic suspense, and her recent novel The Last Move claimed the number ten fiction slot in the Kindle eBooks Store.
Research is a favorite part of Mary’s day. She never tires of learning more about police work, evidence collection and analysis. She’s known for taking a hands-on approach, whether it means interviews with professionals in the field, forensic seminars or lessons at the firing range.
A Richmond native, Mary has lived there for most of her life. She is a graduate of Virginia’s Hollins University and worked in marketing before she began writing full time. Her first book was published in 2000 and she’s now the author of thirty-four published novels, five novellas and four works of contemporary women’s fiction written as Mary Ellen Taylor.
A member of International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Novelists, Inc., and Romance Writers of America, Mary is known for creating multiple suspense stories connected by characters, such as her recent The Forgotten Files novels. Her new book, Her Last Word, and The Last Move, break that mold.
When not traveling for research or visiting with readers at bookstores, book festivals and conferences, Mary remains very much a homebody. She and her husband spend time alternately enjoying and lamenting their empty nest and spoiling their four-legged babies Buddy, Bella and Tiki.
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:
- COYER Friends
Haha. I wondered about the Christmas aspect of a rom. suspense book. I guess setting counts but probably doesn’t provide the warm feels. But *shrugs* many feel that Die Hard is a Christmas movie. ?
yes it is kind of the same type of connection. I love Die Hard but I was surprised when I first heard people classifying it as a Christmas movie. Now it makes sense because we re-watch it together then because that is when we have time off as a family to watch movies. Of course, I am a huge fan of the musicals like White Christmas and um, the Grinch and Rudolph (Burl Ives!) . lol Classics like It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th St round out my faves.
I’ve been collecting books by this author and really need to start reading them. Thanks for reviewing one with a Christmas theme. Excellent review, Anne?
Thank you. I do really like this author but I like the longer books more.
I reviewed this when it first came out. I biggest problem was that I hadn’t read the first story so I felt like I had been set down in the middle of an ongoing book. Apparently, that one was part of a anthology. I think I rated it 3.5. I love this author and I’m working my way thru her work.
Oh I didn’t realize it was part of any series. Yes it would be less insta if there was a previous story. I’ll have to look for it. Thank you. I also really love this author.
I found the information on Amazon reviews. One of the reviewers names the anthology if that helps.
Thank you!