Customer Reviews

Catch The Moon

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To Catch the Moon is that rare treat these days - a smart, fast-paced novel that also happens to be heart-stoppingly romantic and deliciously fun. Alicia Maldonado is an up-and-coming prosecutor from hardscrabble beginnings who's still reeling from a case that nearly derailed her career and shattered her self-esteem. But when a flamboyant, internationally-known millionaire is found brutally murdered, Alicia finally has a chance to regain her footing and shine like she's never shone before. But can she successfully prosecute the case without sacrificing the scruples that have always defined her? And what of the handsome news reporter with the hundred-watt smile who seems as interested in her as he is in the case? Does she dare trust this seductive stranger? And more importantly, can she trust her heart?

To Catch the Moon is blessed with sharply-drawn characters, a dreamy Northern California locale, fiery romance and a twisty, edge-of-your-seat thrill around every corner. And in Alicia Maldonado, the author has created a sympathetic, three-dimensional heroine for the 21st century.

Alicia Maldonado, Deputy District Attorney in Salinas, California is Montery County's best prosecutor. She is tough, self-assured and got where she is by hard work, grit and determination. She tells it the way it is and she gets convictions. And now she may have landed the case that will make her career, the murder of gubernatorial candidate Daniel Gaines.

The evidence points to John David Stennis, otherwise known as the environmental activist, Treebeard. However, Alicia's instincts tell her something is rotten in Denmark. It seems life in the Gaines household had not been all that rosy. The victim's lovely widow doesn't seem to be shedding enough tears over her loss and there are too many facts that don't add up

Suave and sophisticated news correspondent Milo Pappas attempts to seduce Alicia for information about the investigation, but she turns him down, even though she's initially attracted to him, she's not about to fall for his charms, just so he can get a scoop. Complicating matters, the Widow Gaines is Milo's ex-girlfriend and she tries to destroy both Alicia's and Milo's careers, so one might wonder if her alibi is really so airtight.

I found CATCH THE MOON to be a fast and fun filled read that I can highly recommend to anybody who likes to curl up with a good book and while away a rainy day, or any other kind of day for that matter. I liked the characters very much and I liked the way Ms. Dempsey drew me into the story and kept me there. All and all this book was a very pleasant experience for me.

When a popular gubernatorial candidate is murdered, it's the juiciest case in Monterey County history, and it falls right into Alicia Maldonado's lap. The hardworking deputy district attorney sees it as the perfect vehicle to launch her into public office. Unfortunately, her slimy and incompetent boss, DA Kip Penrose, commandeers the case and the limelight. He needs the visibility to win votes for his upcoming reelection, and a conviction is a slam-dunk--the murderer practically left his calling card.

Alicia is relegated to a fact gatherer, someone who feeds the DA sound bites so he'll look good. She's resigned to her fate--until she begins to suspect that the case isn't so cut-and-dried after all, and the murderer might be the victim's own wife. Penrose, however, sweeps under the carpet any evidence he doesn't like. The wife's family is his biggest campaign supporter. And when Alicia won't shut up, Penrose sabotages her entire career in a way that promises she will never be elected to any public office.

Add to this injustice a charming network TV reporter trying to use Alicia for his own ends, and a host of over-ambitious characters who will manipulate any situation to further their aims, and Alicia is in heaps of trouble.

As in her first novel, FALLING STAR, Diana Dempsey creates realistic and memorable characters, complete with flaws, that you can really root for; then she puts them into trouble so terrible you can't figure out how they'll ever triumph. The author immerses the reader in a well-researched world of money and power, ambition and greed, and surprise plot twists. This is an author to watch.

Catch the Moon has got it all. Lots of suspense and a sizzling romance. Nobody does better villains than Diana Dempsey! What a great summer read. Hop on it, before the beach days of summer are over. You're in for a treat!

So in two days, I have read two Diana Dempsey novels. Falling Star and now, To Catch The Moon. The action centers on Assistant DA Alicia Maldanado, a no nonsense prosecutor with a huge chip on her shoulder, that will never stop until her job is done. In this story, however, her job is not done until a murder is solved. Not an easy task when it seems that everyone is conspiring for something and nothing is what it seems. The love triangle between a hotshot TV news reporter and Alicia's main suspect and herself just adds to the craziness and drama!

One thing that I really love about Diana's work is her expert ability to weave a very complex storyline into a fun and fast read. You don't feel unfilled or bored after you finished and the endings do make you wanting more, which is always a good thing!

If you do do not like books that are fun to read and smart and sexy at the same time and prefer boring, tired, books, don't get this book. Otherwise, buy it and download it and enjoy the adventure that awaits you.

This book is SO GREAT! Now I don't normally read these types of books but from the very beginning I was completely engrossed!

Really such a treat and I just finished it minutes ago and am sad I can no longer spend time with Dempsey's characters. They are so rich and fantastic! What I love most about the characters is that they are REAL, complex with faults and all. For none of them are perfect but yet so wonderfully created that you are rooting for them!

(also fyi: This would make a GREAT MOVIE! Jennifer Lopez would be a great lead! )

It is so clever and you can tell that the author went to extensive research to create the plot and character as when you read her "Acknowledgements" it is clear that she did all the work behind the words to make the circumstances real. Her power as an author is in the details and she gives so many that the world is so easily created. I really felt attached to the characters, the plot and the final outcome--which I did not see coming!

What I also loved about it was how much it was both a murder mystery and a love story...a great combo in genres. This is worth the read and your time for sure as it was such a delight to read!

I have read a few books since I finished this, so I can't remember the details of what I liked and what I didn't like. However, I do know that I enjoyed this book - and bought the author's other books too.

Just like her debut novel, FALLING STAR, CATCH THE MOON is a real page turner. Ms. Dempsey's characters are so compelling, though not always in an attractive way, that you simply must read on to the climax. As is her style, all loose ends are magically and skillfully tied up in a rapid fire and feel good conclusion. Perhaps a bit trite, but it is exactly what I wanted to happen! Give this book to a friend and they will thank you. By-the-by, I figured out who dunnit by page 225. Will you?

Normally, I tend toward softer mysteries that are a little cute and corny. But To Catch the Moon was a great break from my pattern. This mystery is heartracing and exciting, with great characters and a little grime at the edges. Enjoy this mystery but make sure your doors are locked.

Ms. Dempsey has a style of writing where it is easy for the reader to connect with the characters ... you can't help but despise the bad guys, while cheering on the good ones.