Customer Reviews

Dark of Night (Troubleshooters Series)

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

This book should be used as an example in writing classes on HOW TO jump the shark (if for some reason an author were so inclined) If you have not followed the series you may enjoy this book but for those of us who have been waiting for the past 5 years for a resolution to the story arc it's pretty brutal.

Characters have been completely re-written and in some cases are nothing like the previous books. Nash and Dave who have barely exchanged more then a few sentences are suddenly great friends! Same with Decker and Tracey, apparently there was an animalistic attraction between the two of them for years now! Surprise!!! Dave, who in past books has been described as geeky, needy and insecure is suddenly an Alpha hero who's tough as nails and of course saves the day. AND could be a SEAL with one hand tied behind his back. Gimme a break.

Tracey, sweet ditzy Tracey who was introduced to us in ITS as not smart enough to work a phone system, clothes obsessed and sexually inexperienced (2 previous partners not including one night stand Izzy) is suddenly the smartest character in the book, quickly putting all the pieces together and is sexually confident enough to order Decker around and act out his BSDM fantasies. The thing about character growth is we actually need to see it - Brockmann just makes drastic changes to their personalities and we are supposed to believe that it's just peeling back the layers, we just didn't see those aspects in them before. And if you believe that I have a bridge to sell you in Alaska. Of course I'm more of 'show me, don't tell me' kind of reader and Brockmann seems to have lost her ability for subtlety.

For those who were devastated that Decker and Sophia would not find their HEA together (despite all the signs in prior books and lets not forget those misleading polls that Brockmann has on her website indicating their couple status) this book doesn't make you feel better. Prior to the release spoilers indicated we would find out exactly WHY Sophia and Decker would never work out - and the reason why? Decker apparently is a closet BSDM wannabe. I read that and thought, seriously??!! Does the author really believe her readers are that naive?? We would simply say, oh it's ok they aren't together because Decker wants to be tied up, covered with a hood and whipped! That's a good reason to suddenly pair her with Dave. I feel the author had to come up SOME reason since she changed her mind halfway through the arc and thought this might do it. Paging JR Ward!!! The one conversation that Decker and Sophia have about their past is disappointing and anti-climatic.

The plot is beyond unbelievable and I was laughing out loud at parts that were not intended to be funny.

Now onto the couples. Dave and Sophia were nauseating as expected. Granted I would have been a tough sell in order to find them believable as a couple and unfortunately Brockmann failed to convince me. I still don't believe that Sophia is IN love with Dave but rather loves him, their baby and the life they will have together. The basic premise of her realizing that she loves Dave, her best friend is when he is in danger and is almost killed in the parking lot....so it's OMG you almost died, I do love you after all!!! And right near the end of the book she tells Decker she's a bit jealous of his and Tracey's happiness, but at the same time she's not. So she's slightly jealous? She obviously still has feelings for Decker then. Not exactly an HEA worthy of a romance novel, more like real life where the girl settles for 2nd choice, but has kids and a house and joins the PTA and is very content.

Tracey and Decker were the best part of the book (their character issues aside) and I would have liked to have seen more of them, particularly at the end which felt very rushed. Again, I'm not really convinced of a very happy HEA....they seemed a bit more in lust then in love.

Very happy to have Tess and Nash wrapped up and happy.

Near the end of the novel Sophia is talking about Dave and Decker and how the two of them are not interchangeable. Which is the exact complain many fans have with Brockmann at this time. For years she builds up Sophia and Decker and then in one very anticlimactic novel she switches it all around so she could have her surprise ending. I guess we are supposed to celebrate her edginess??? Praise her for pushing the boundaries??? Sorry, but when you create a 5 year story arc and then have it end in such a cluttered book she should be prepared for the backlash she is now experiencing. Maybe this won't effect her sales, maybe this book will be a hit for her but I'm tired of being manipulated.

This series has been on the decline for some time now and this was the final nail in the coffin for this reader. I'm sad to say that I think Brockmann is going to places that I just don't care to follow. I think her style has changed and perhaps mine has as well........I just don't like to read romance novels that are more like far fetched soap operas....or perhaps more like 90210 considering the lingo of most of the characters. It really wouldn't surprise me at this point to have characters come back from the dead, like Bobby Ewing in Dallas.

Some of you, particularly Dave fans, may enjoy this book but for me it was a wall banger.

Jimmy Nash is reported to be dead and the few Troubleshooters that know he's alive want to keep it that way as they search for the people from his black ops past who want to see him silenced forever. While mourning, Sophia finally makes her choice in geeky spy Dave Malkoff, and Decker moves on to receptionist Tracy who guesses that Nash is alive, thus putting her in danger - so it's off to the safe house for her (though getting there will be a chore).

Brockmann continues the downward spiral that started with the mess that is "Into the Storm," ironically the book that introduced Tracy to the masses as a bit of a scatterbrain. But believe it or not, she and Decker really click as a couple (though she is far too needy and falls in love too easily). I could care less if Sophia chose Dave over Decker; these just are not the same characters or the same level of writing that I have come to love over the years. Gone are the great action sequences and fully-developed characters with a little romance sprinkled in, replaced with too much talking and narrative to move the story along. When Brockmann uses introspection, all her characters sound/think in the same teeny bopper voice. These are grown men, some well over middle age. Her decision to have Decker into BDSM was an interesting direction, but was poorly executed - what few love scenes he had with Tracy were pretty chaste by comparison of other novels she's written. Brockmann - once an auto-buy - is still a definite library loan.

© Tracy Vest, March 2009

I must say that when I saw the reviews for this book I was upset. I really wanted Sophia and Deck to get together. I mean, that's how Brockmann set it up. I had received the book the day before I read the reviews. I was furious that Brockmann decided to change the tide. I wanted to return the book immediately. Well, I got distracted and didn't get to the book for a few days and so I got over my initial anger.

Well, I ended up reading the book. I can't say I wasn't disappointed. Although Brockmann made a good effort of rearranging everything we had hitherto read about Deck, Sophia, and Dave I was left feeling kind of blah. Yeah, the way she wrote it went okay, but the fact that she changed our perception of Deck, Tracy, Dave and Sophia by rearranging their personalities didn't fly true with me. I couldn't get over waiting for Dave to do something completely geeky or for Tracy to do something completely dumb blondish.

I'm disappointed that Brockmann chose to represent the characters one way in previous books, then changed their characters to show different personalities. I realize it is a work of fiction, but the reason most of us read these types of books is for the realism that is represented. When things go way beyond reality (i.e. completely changing your IQ and personality), the book and author loses credibility.

Does this mean I will no longer read Brockmann books? No. But I feel like if it happens again, I might go looking elsewhere for my thrills. I love the troubleshooter series. I've read EVERY one. However, I have a hard time dealing with such an obvious deviation from an originally intended plot. I almost feel deceived. Brockmann led us to believe one thing, but we ended up with something different. The book was good, but you have to completely shut out the voices that are asking "what?" "how is that possible?" "She is so not that smart!" etc.

I just finished listening to the CD version of this book and there were several times when I drove around the block or sat in my driveway because I couldn't turn off until a particular scene was completed. It was that compelling! So be forewarned, this isn't going to be a negative review.

I've read some of the negative reviews of this book and even checked out a couple of blogs that are really negative. As advertised, I'm going in the other direction.

True, I gave the book a four instead of a five and that's only because there was so much exposition. It was probably necessary to bring everyone up to speed; I just found it tedious.

As far as the book itself, I loved it. I thought Dave and Sophia belonged together and with all due respect to those who thought Dave's character changed too much, have you been reading these books all along? Right from the beginning, when Dave was first introduced, it was made clear that he thought he wasn't good for much and everyone else thought he was amazing. He thought he was just a geek who couldn't lead and didn't have much to offer. Ken Karmody said it best towards the end when he told Dave that he (Dave) was a legend in the Spec Op world because of who he is and how he gets things done. In Into the Storm, he saved Decker under impossible circumstances; Tom Poletti and Decker both keep trying to put him into leadership roles that he doesn't think he can handle and at which he then excels. Please, the only change in Dave's character is that he finally realized his own worth and strengths.

I read where someone complained that Sophia was a wimp. I didn't pick that up much, but it could be I just wasn't seeing it. Tracy as Wonder Woman was kind of a shock. However, if you read the book to the end and just read it without trying to second guess the characters, you can see how each character grew and developed and found new facets of themselves everywhere they looked.

Decker came to grips with the unreasonable demands he put on himself and finally was able to relax and enjoy himself. I think the whole thing about him being into S & M is BS and I'm not even going to go there. Anyone who wants to believe that the interactions between Tracy and Deck are in that realm, go for it. As for Tracy, she reached inside and found the strong (and sometimes seriously annoying) woman that was hiding under the blond bimbo facade, a metamorphosis that began when she was almost killed by the lunatic in Into the Storm.

Dave just went about his business, doing what had to be done and Sophia came to grips with herself and her healing process. So, I didn't see a wimp; I saw a woman discovering a whole new world of joy being with, as she says in the prior book, "with a man who loves me." If all those who think she turned into a wimp because she was grappling with some real intense personal growth can go through that kind of experience and remain strong and confident throughout, I salute you.

To cut to the chase here, there are parts in the middle that got a little dire and there were moments when I wanted to smack a character or two. On the whole. however, I liked this book, can't wait till the book itself comes so I can read it and will probably listen to it at least once more. Once I finished it, my biggest concern was that we wouldn't see Deck and Tracy and Sophia and Dave or Tess and Nash anymore. And honestly, I'm really concerned about Izzy and Eden and hope we are going to get to their story! In the meantime, this is a great story. Sue, ther are parts that might have been better and parts that are superb. Nobody's perfect! Read it, enjoy it, and watch the characters grow!

There are two types of readers for this book, the casual fan of Brockmann, and diehard fans who have strong feelings for the characters. The casual fan will likely love this book. It's better written than the last few books of hers, flows nicely, has a lot of action, and it reads well. I read it in one day.

This review is for the other kind of readers.

** SPOILERS **

First of all, don't put me in the "bitter because it isn't Soph/Deck camp". In my review of ITF, I stated that those two weren't going to be together, and I was right. That being said, I thought Soph and Dave were a horrible couple, and I skimmed most of their scenes. If I hadn't, I would have rated the book one star.

I guess my main complaint is that Brockmann changed the personalities of 4 people. Sophia became SuperWimp, Dave became SuperDave, Deck - good grief, and Tracy became TessLite. And there was no need for this. Dave was a fine character in his own right, he didn't have to became like the SEALs he resented to win the girl. Why not play up his strengths? Instead, he has to become a superhero. It didn't fit.

I won't get into Sophia because there are so many more interesting characters. Suffice to say I'm glad those two ended up together, because to see them with anyone else would have been even worse.

Tracy and Decker. Okay, I'll buy this pairing, not necessarily believe they'll be together forever, but at least for a while. Tracy in this book has become super smart, wise, strong; why she'd settle for the mess that is Decker I'll never know. My favorite line in the book is hers, when she told Decker he's pathetic and would end up alone, because that's what I always thought. To me, Decker was always a messed-up version of Max, and like Max in his own book, once Brockmann opened up his head, you kind of wished she hadn't. Decker is prudish, repressed, and not very likeable in this book. Yuck. And after the big reveal about what kind of sex made him tick, I thought we'd get more interesting sex between the two. Maybe I've been reading too much erotica, but, lame.

Tess and Jimmy. Ah, THIS who I read the book for. And she did these two perfectly, they were themselves. The only thing I didn't buy is that Tess would have waited 5 years for Jimmy to tell her the truth. Smart and resourceful as she is, I think Tess would have tied Jimmy to a chair after about a year with her list of what she knew and made him tell. But aside from that, nice payoff. Finally. Jimmy had the best lines in the book and hands down is my favorite character. The love Tess and Jimmy share could light up a room. Now that's romance!

I was jarred to find Sam and Jimmy in scenes together, though, like seeing Clark Kent and Superman in the same room. As Decker is messed-up Max, Jimmy is messed-up Sam. And while I'm glad to see Sam so darn content, his soulful, wisdom-dispensing is kind of forced. But it was cute so I'll let it go.

Very nice scenes with Jules and Robin, nice cameos by others, in all it was pretty well done. Not the book it could have been, and really, I don't get why it took 5 years to tell. It's the end of the arc, and I find myself really glad. Nice while it lasted. I'm done, because I have no desire to read about Izzy with his child bride, and while Lopez may or may not get his story, I've lost interest. The SEALs and Troubleshooters are among the best written and involving series out there, but everything must come to an end. This wasn't a terrible way to end it, I guess.

Warning, there will be spoilers.
I love Suzanne Brockmann, to me she is the epitome of escapist writing. But I can't understand what happened with this book.
For FOUR books she has been writing the Sophia/Decker cliff hangers, foreshadowing. That was almost longer than Alyssa/Sam... She polled people asking about Favorite side story romances and Decker/Sophia were listed. To say that she never planned for them to be together or that she didn't lead us in that direction is bull. In Hot Target when Angelina gets shot Decker runs to Sophia to make sure she's okay. How many times has Decker looked at Sophia longingly? Seriously, they were set together and suddenly Into the Fire she starts to change directions, with Dave and Sophia.
I couldn't read the parts with Dave and Sophia. They were whiny and Dave was annoying. The "closure" between Decker and Sophia was unfulfilling and unrealistic. Sophia even mentioned being jealous of "Tracy and Decker's happiness." WHAT? Is that not Sophia settling? Is that not Decker being controlled by his d**k?
The thing that makes it the worst is her explanation of Decker's obsession-but not really- of Sophia. The sex plus the danger. He liked getting "hummed" by her but never actually liked her. Decker likes being commanded and Sophia would never do that for him. Really? This is the romantic hero we're supposed to know and love? We're supposed to swallow that? That makes Decker seem shallow and completely unworthy of Sophia's affection. It was a weak story line/ excuse to have him with Tracy. And Tracy? The girl who believed Izzy when he started talking in fairy tales to her while they're having sex. She's supposed to be smart and interesting enough for Decker to love? I can't believe that I thought I ever knew these characters. THey seem completely re-written.
The end also seemed rushed and more like a summary than an actual story. Throughout the entire book there was too much of some things, some people, and not enough of others. There still wasn't enough of Tracy and Decker for me to really believe they should be together for anything other than sex. Dave and Sophia I just flat didn't like, which I have never liked Dave that much but I always liked Sophia as a character. Now she just seems sad.
I wish this book never happened because everything after it is now going to have to have these completely unbelievable relationships in them. I don't get it, and I am so disappointed I am selling my book back.

If 4 1/2 stars was an option, that's what I'd give the book. I liked it much better than the last one, actually.

I didn't want Sophia and Decker together. I admit I did initially, but when Decker couldn't get his act together after awhile - I began rooting for Dave to grow a spine and step in.

I give Dave and Sophia a thumbs up. I liked seeing Dave's POV. Decker and Tracy - not a surprise, but like many of the other reviewers have already said the author suddenly giving Tracy a brain, didn't work for me. My preference would have been to let her hang about for awhile and allow us to see her mature then use her later.

I love Jimmy/Tess finally getting squarted away, they've been one of my favorite pairings along.

I loved that Kenny made an appearance - he's been an enjoyable character. Jules/Robin were as always nicely written. Sam/Alyssa - honestly they sort of bore me now & have been overused - there are many other of the older characters I would prefer to see.

My biggest critism of the book was that the arc for Sophia/Decker/Dave went on way too many books.

That said the author has a loyal following - and I am one of those people. Will I read the next one? You bet. There are a very small handful of authors that I will purchase in hardback and Brockmann is one of them. I got this book on Friday night and read it in one sitting.

I am so surprised and disappointed in this latest story from the Troublshooters series. I was so anxiously awaiting its release, and I even agreed to be open minded when the secret behind who the main couples would be was leaked out. It took me forever to get through this book. I felt the characters were unrecognizable...not the same characters we grew to like in the previous books.....and, yes, I was terribly disappointed in the end that all the little innuendos and suggestions of the past I don't know how many books did not result in a Decker and Sophia pairing. Decker andTray were too fast and too forced as a couple. Nothing special and certainly nothing worth waiting for. Also, we never got a satisfactory explanation as to why Decker was so consistently protective of Sophia and why in HT he said he dreamed of her face, her mouth when in DON he says he never loved her...very blase. What a frustrating ride to take readers on for a five year period just to pull the rug out from underneath us and give us a big fizzle. I had gone into the book with an open mind, but now more than ever I am disappointed with the outcome. Sadly, the pairing of what could have been the literary romanctic couple of our time was sacrificed to give us a boring realistic twist. News flash...people who read romance don't necessarily need or want the realistic in it.

I'm not going to re-write what this book is about, but give a review. I LOVE Suzanne Brockmann, but this wasn't a book I was crazy about. If you hadn't kept up with previous books, this one may seem like an overload of detail of MANY characters. Anyway...Brockmann introduces a special type of connection (kinky interest) between the characters: Tracy and Deck. Without giving it away for those that have not read it... I was very interested that this book wouldn't have gone into tradtional sexual chemistry... but when I thought it was going into a "kinky" direction, Brockmann brought it back to mainstream and I thought it was disappointing. Not to mention you never get a full love scene from the two. The rest of the book was good, but I was chomping at the bit turning the page hoping Deck and tracy would "blossom", but they did not.

I have been a Brockmann fan for many years and have read all her TDD books. I am very grateful for her work and consider her a talented writer and her earlier works some of the best, if not the best in the genre - interesting, well researched, with believable glimpses into the world of the SEALS, likeable characters, and funny dialogue. However, I found this book and some of her recent books somehow lessened - containing seemingly less research, less thoughtful stories, less believable characters, less humour; In the Dark Of Night, Sophia/Dave part seemed contrived - difficult to believe if you read the previous books. The Tess/Nash Jules/Robin storylines and dialogue were also a little boring. The plot of the story itself was somewhat banal - the sinister government agency conspiracy - very '80's'. By-far my favorite part was the Decker and Tracy story - a little intriguing, less cliche, a little tittilating, more of a page-turner, and even kind of funny. I am looking forward to Ms. Brockmann's next books and to the time when she finds better inspiration again!