Customer Reviews

Die in Plain Sight

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

I read this book very carefully because I thought it was a real mystery and I might need the clues in the early part of the book later. Actually, it did not make any difference as the book did not make any sense. I have three major problems with this book. 1. It happens too fast. The love story between Ian and Lacey develops too fast. The relationship between Susa, the mentor, and Lacey, the student, happens too quick. Even the remarriage or Rory and his ex-wife happens too fast. Why does this have to be a speed story? It only makes it silly. Adding a few more weeks to story would make it deeper and more interesting. 2. I knew who the mystery artist was from the beginning. No mystery there. And when it was finally revealed it made no sense. He did not seem crazy, or deranged, or obsessed. So why did he keep his identity secret for 40 years? 3. The ending was a real let down. Again, we had too many unnecessary characters who did not really add to the story during the book and were not brought back in at the end. What happened to Shayla, the partner? The business was totalled. What happened to the Pickfords when the property was finally divided? They were family. What happened to Angelique? She mad a merger in the works. Why did we need to spend time reading about these people if they were not going to make a difference in the story? And, most importantly, what happens to the mystery artist once he was finally unmasked?

Bottom line... skip it. Too long... too silly. And the sex isn't even that hot. I agree with the reviewer who thinks this may have been a short story that was (unsuccessfully) expanded into a novel simply by adding a few subplots instead of developing the main one.

I have been a fan of Elizabeth Lowell since the Donovan series, and followed the Rarities series which came after. I have read all of them so far and have to say that "Die in Plain Sight" was a much better read than its predecessor in the Rarities series, "Running Scared."

First off, the lead couple were much more enjoyable and the focus on the romance can be seen in this book. The mutual attraction between Ian and Lacey grows throughout the book, and Lacey was much more fleshed out, especially when her family dynamic is introduced, which is important to the storyline. Altogether, she was a likable heroine. The hero was likable also, yet their was less characterization for him as a whole. In reading many of Ms. Lowell's books, you see a pattern in almost all her heroes (intelligent, stubborn, alpha males with some kind of past working law enforcement or for the government.) Dont get me wrong, their is nothing wrong with that, but in order to make the character stick out, some vulnerabilities, some quirks need to be added that differentiates the hero from other characters. For me, Ian did not really stand out, he seems recycled somehow, a cut and paste type character.

I though the mystery was pretty good too, and although you are not too surprised to find who the "bad guy(s)" were, their are one or two interesting twists to the book and for me the lead up to the end (the path the protagonists have to take in order for the finale) was what I enjoyed more. However, I felt the ending was a little rushed and could have used at least one more chapter in order to clean up the loose ends, in order to get a better sense of closure.

The focus on Impressionist Art was well played out and again Ms. Lowell does her research. And the introduction of Susa Donovan, and old character from her other books, was a surprising and not to unwelcome one.

All in all, not a bad romantic suspense novel by Elizabeth Lowell, much better than the second Rarities book, "Running Scared." She incorporated both romance and suspense more evenly this time. But it simply lacked something, although the story and romance were not to bad. To truly read the author at her best in romantic suspense, I would recommend her Donovan series: Amber Beach, Jade Island, Pearl Cove and Midnight in Ruby Bayou.

The writing was okay. I've read worse stories. The characters were not great. That was probably my biggest problem with the story. None of the characters had even the slightest ring of truth to them. Ian Lapstrake was the phoniest male protagonist I've seen in quite some time. Completely unbelievable. Almost romance novel caliber. In fact, the entire book has the feel of a romance novel that has been repackaged for wider appeal. Unfortunately, it fell well short of that appeal.

I, too, enjoyed the 3 characters of Ian, Susa and the protagonist, whose name escapes just now. Wish the story had been more interesting. The ending was fairly predictable; anticlimactic. I was looking for thrill and fascination with the art world (ala the Da Vinci Code), and got more sex than art. I'm sorry I bought the book. Should have borrowed it from the library. It's not a keeper.

I love Elizabeth Lowell's novels, especially those featuring the Donovan family, with its Alpha-males and super talented women. I hoped that "Die In Plain Sight," with Donavan matriarch Susa as a major character, would be on par with "Jade Island," "Amber Beach," and "Midnight on Ruby Bayou." Unfortunately, it is not. I have been disappointed in Ms. Lowell's last few books and that's a real shame, as she has long been a favorite writer. I'm not about to give up on her though. She has given me much enjoyment over the years and I am sure she still has many terrific stories to tell and dynamic new characters to reveal.

Artist Lacy Quinn's grandfather bequeathed all his paintings to her upon his death. There are extraordinary landscapes and other, more disturbing canvasses depicting violence and death. Grandfather and granddaughter had an exceptionally close relationship, from the time she was a little girl and first began to show interest in art and painting until the man's death at a fairly young age. Lacy is different from her wealthy, society family - more at home painting in jeans than dancing in designer gowns. Her grandfather was a black sheep of sorts - so the two found comfort and inspiration in each others company. Lacy is determined to show famous artist Susa Donovan her grandfather's work and have it evaluated when she discovers Ms. Donovan will be in town to support a charity event. Lacy's parents, especially her father, warn her that bringing the old paintings to the public's attention might stir up some disagreeable truths, old rumors, that are best left alone. Lacy agrees to present the work under an assumed name so no one will identity it with the Quinn family - especially since the paintings are all unsigned. Standing in line, waiting for her turn with Susa, Lacy meets hunky Ian Lapstrake, an employee of Rarities Unlimited, Donovan friend and Susa's temporary bodyguard. Ian is smitten at first glance with the sexy, sassy young artist with the curly auburn hair. Also at first glance, Susa realizes the value and high quality of the paintings Lacy has brought. In fact, she believes she knows the artist. Ian is aware that Lacy is using an assumed name and offers his assistance to discover the long hidden secrets behind the artwork and a series of unexplained deaths that had been ruled accidental.

Now don't get me wrong. The novel is worth reading. The plot is engaging, although it plods at times, detracting from both the mystery and the romance. The characters, as always, are well developed and interesting, but not as outstanding as usual. I hope the author does better with her next effort.
JANA

Die in Plain Sight is a mystery/suspense novel with quite a bit of romance thrown in. The focus on California high society and the conflict within a rich family reminded me of the TV series Dallas and other evening soaps. There is also a fairly in-depth look at the contemporary art scene. Elizabeth Lowell is either an artist herself or did quite a bit of research for the novel. Unfortunately, these elements don't always gel and the book, while compelling in places, drags at times. The story is quite complex, spanning several generations and many characters. It took me a while to get all of the names and families straight; listening to the book on tape probably made this more difficult, as with a printed book you can more easily backtrack and look up tidbits you may have missed. The book is quite ambitious in this regard, and is set up to be a sort of epic. It does not really have the content to fulfill this ambition, however. One thing that I found a little distracting was that the point of view frequently changes from one character to another. Giving the reader access to the thoughts and feelings of characters who turn out to be relatively minor can be frustrating.

Lacey Quinn is an artist and the owner of an antique shop. Her socialite parents do not understand her or approve of her career choice. The one family member who she could relate to was her deceased grandfather, who was also an artist; he may also have been a forger. Lacey meets the mandatory tall, dark and handsome hero in the person of Ian Lapstrake (do people outside romance novels and soap operas have names like Lacey Quinn and Ian Lapstrake?). Ian works for a security company that specializes in evaluating and protecting works of art. Together they uncover an ever-murkier past that suggests that Lacey's grandfather may have been a murderer as well as a forger. To make matters worse, someone is stalking Lacey and warning her to stop asking questions.

I enjoyed parts of the book, but found some of it a little repetitive. There is also a fairly strong leaning towards the romantic/sexual aspect of the story. The novel is probably geared more to female readers, which may explain some of my impatience with it. But I don't really like the idea of books (or movies) that are aimed mainly at one gender. The final few chapters seemed hurried after all of the build-up. One minute we are in the midst of a bewildering maze of danger, mystery and confusion, the next everything is wrapped up in a neat package. I admired the attention to detail Lowell gives to the art scene in California. She also seems to have something of a bird's eye view of the mannerisms of the upper class, or at least one subculture within in. A mostly good read, but the story could have used some tightening up and some of the characters could have been more fully developed.

"Die in Plain Sight" was the second Elizabeth Lowell I read. The first, "The Color of Death" was very good, and I was hoping for more of the same.

What I got was a fluffy piece with no suspense, no real drama, and characters that were so incredibly superficial they were nearly transparent. The hero in particular is hard to believe, given he is flawless in strengths, smarts and looks it makes him not very interesting to read. Even if he had a scar or SOMETHING that made him a little more tangible, it would have helped.

The heroine, a zany new-ager painting prodigy, stumbles through life as a victim of happenstance. Her adventure is a jumble of hastily thrown together occurrences which happen to end with her being the protégé of a famous and beloved painter and engaged to the man of her dreams. Never did a character in a book have to work so little to achieve so much.

A disappointment for sure.

I truly enjoyed Ian and Lacy, but something lacked in this story. I will say that the story line that has been appearing in your Rarities Series are starting to sound predictable which leaves the reader disappointed. I will try to stay an avid reader of yours, but lately its been hard to shell out the extra bucks for hardcover that leave me rather unsatisfied.

I got one-quarter through this book, and just couldn't endure it any longer. The plot moved at a snail's pace. Pages and pages were devoted to mundane events. The dialogue, especially that of Ian and Lacey, was incredibly hokey. Also, after the previous books painted Susa as this impressive, sophisticated woman, I found her portrayal in this book to be rather banal. Anyway, I have no idea how the book turns out, and I don't care. Don't waste your money.

When painter Lacey Quinn takes some of her grandfather's paintings to famous artist Susa, she hopes to hear that the old man's work had merit. Instead she finds that her grandfather was a forger. Forgeries or not, though, someone wants those painting--especially the paintings showing violent deaths. When handsome bodyguard/art appraiser Ian Lapstrake shows up--chemistry flares between himself and Lacey. He knows that she is hiding a secret--but what he doesn't know is that that secret is about to put both of them into serious trouble.

With incredible luck, Lacey, Ian, and Susa end up painting at the same exact spot where a fatal car accident once took place--and it turns out that the 'accident' was the subject of one of grandfather's paintings--except that in the painting, it was murder. And someone is willing to do anything to get their hands on that murder painting, even if it means murdering again.

Author Elizabeth Lowell blends sex with intrigue to keep the reader turning pages. An excessive reliance on coincidence, the hackneyed rich family who runs the local police department plot, protagonists who won't guess what the reader will guess by page twenty, and a fundamentally implausible story line weaken the novel, however. As long as Lacey and Ian are in bed--or in painting table or anywhere else making love--the story flies. When it comes to mystery, there isn't much there.