Customer Reviews

In A Heartbeat

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I really enjoyed this book and this author, given this was the second book I've read of Rita Herron's. Her writing is unusual, I like how she bases her stories in small towns where everyone knows everyone's secrets in a way. Her style of writing is my favorite thus far, and I cannot wait to read more of her work.

Brad Booker was an easy attraction and I was able to picture his character with the great details about his dark past (which was sort of weak, and forgivable.) He was dark, mysterious, and all around good-looking--and strong in both body and soul. Though, he didn't know how to make up his mind about the women he had dated, and he couldn't stop second-guessing himself, and wouldn't give himself a happily ever after ending. Though, through the words, I could tell he was a man in pain for what he had become, and grew up around. It's no wonder he was a hard man to get to. He lived a troubled, dangerous life and I see why he didn't want to take care of anyone, or see any glory because of his job. But then again, you should never let your job take over your life.

And then there's Lisa...who was in love with Brad for the longest time. Even when he found her, and stayed with her through the trials of the first grave digger. She was strong also, but she could never get rid of the nightmares of her attack by a man she thought she loved and wanted to be with, and her strength withered away. And then Brad comes to her, asking for her help with this new copycat grave digger and Lisa offers to help, though it's hard to.

The main story with the grave digger was VERY well thought out. I liked the concept, the details of what the women went through before actually being buried alive. Gave me chills just reading it. That's how you know this was a good book when it gives you chills.

Bottom line is: the romance was great, the details were magnificent, and I recommend this to anyone, as well as Herron's other works!

I would actually give this book about a 3.5 star rating, primarily for the concept. I really enjoyed the plot regarding a serial killer who buries his victims alive and then contacts a reporter about where they are buried, usually too late to save them. The twist here, was that the original serial killer died in prison and it is now a copycat killer that the police are chasing. The lone survivor of the original killer is also targeted by the copycat, because this kind of story always needs a damsel in distress for the brooding hero with a secret past to come and save. That part was actually quite well handled. The problem was with the two main characters, Lisa Langley and Special Agent Brad Booker. I just didn't feel the chemistry between them and the way she kept doing the 'I feel so sorry for myself he wouldn't want someone like me' while he was doing the 'Oh she deserves so much better than me' routine just got really old really fast. Quite frankly, Brad's secret past wasn't all that shocking or disturbing.
The story is good for the serial killer storyline, but the romance was definitely weak. It's still a good poolside or traveling read.

The Gravedigger nearly killed Lisa Langley four years ago. Special Agent Brad Booker had sworn to protect her but he almost didn't succeed. Guilt has haunted him ever since. He doesn't want to destroy the new world Lisa has carved out for herself but a copycat is on the loose and Brad fears Lisa may be a potential victim. Will Brad be able to save Lisa yet again or will his heart get in the way?

There is nothing better than picking up a book to read "just for a minute" and looking up to find you have read over 100 pages! IN A HEARTBEAT is just that kind of book. Rita Herron clearly has mastered the art of writing books that grab the reader by the throat and don't let go.

IN A HEARTBEAT is full of numerous twists and turns. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Rita Herron took me down an entirely different path. She does a fabulous job at balancing the darkness of the Gravedigger's crimes with the heroism of his targets. One can't help but be drawn into the stifling fear the Gravedigger induces in his victims as Ms. Herron creates such vivid sensations and images. Surprisingly, considering the violence of the Gravedigger's crimes, there is little gore.

What a wonderful tale of romantic suspense! IN A HEARTBEAT is an edge of your seat thriller that just begs to be finished in one sitting. Kudos, Ms. Herron, for yet another stunning tale!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

Four years ago in Buford, Georgia, the Grave Digger serial killer buried Lisa Langley alive; however, unlike his four previous victims, FBI Special Agent Brad Booker and his partner Ethan Manning arrive in time to save her life. The culprit William White was caught and convicted. Nine months later he was killed in a prison fight.

Lisa relocated to Ellijay, Georgia to start over under the name Long as a preschool teacher. Brad who was halfway in love with her, kept an eye on Lisa from a distance as he assumes she blames him for her near death.

However, a new homicide occurs that has all the MO of the Grave Digger except the victim is buried alive with a cross instead of a white rose. Brad and Ethan investigate the copy cat murderer with the former vowing nothing will happen to Lisa this time as he knows he still loves her and will die to keep her safe.

IN A HEARTBEAT is an exhilarating police procedural romantic suspense that moves rather quickly once the second wave of murders occurs and never loses a beat until the final confrontation. Brad is a fascinating character who blames himself for Lisa's near death experience though he saved her life. The final spin seems stretched though the evidence goes to the heart of the copy cat crimes; fans will appreciate this tense thriller wondering whether history will repeat itself except with a different ending.

Harriet Klausner

I liked the storyline but hate the man loves women but doesn't tell her, and she feels the same and doesn't tell him, I like the suspense but never like some of the graphic sex stuff. I personally like a little romance and a lot of suspense. The story is about Lisa Langley who is the sole survivor of a serial killer and has been in hiding for four years. She has always felt something for the cop that saved her and he for her, now they meet again because of a copycat killer who may be after her again when it starts over again. This is the first book I've read by Rita Herron and would try another, for the most part I enjoyed the book, kept me guessing.

I would have rated it a 3 but the plot was excellent - even the characters presentations were excellent - kept you on your toes.

We have Special Agent Brad Booker - has some emotion and identity problems.
His partner, Ethan Manning who always is there to help Brad.
William White - the psychotic killer who feels no guilt and is hard to find.
Lisa Langley - who escaped, through Brad's intervention, the "Grave Diggers" plans for her.
Liam Langley - who warned Brad that he was not good enough for his daughter. He was still torn up about losing his wife and not in good contact with his daughter.
Gioni Kerr - Doctor Langley's assistant and confidant and lover.
Vernon Hanks - who has been missing and wanting Lisa.
Wayne Nettleton - the reporter who is always called by the "Grave Digger" on the location of the burials - that is how he made his reputation.
Curtis Thigs - he was White's cell mate.
The three recent victims eventually all tie in to the killer.
And Yet ---------- this is a [...] that has shown up as Digger was dead.

Great plot - Excellent story lay-out - characters flawed but human if a bit quirky - just don't see the value of the freakin' language that belongs in the barnyard - vulgarity is for the un-intelligent or those who don't know how to express themselves.

Excellent story but don't know if I want to recommend it - don't forget what goes in the mind ends up coming out of the mouth - The PMS is another story.

IN A HEARTBEAT by Rita Herron
March 18, 2006

Amazon rating 3.5/5


"Lisa Langley was almost a victim of a serial killer. The Grave Digger buried his victims alive in custom-made coffins, after beating and raping them. Lisa however did not die. After being buried in the ground, she was rescued by Brad Booker, a man with secrets. As dark and mysterious as they come, Brad chose to help fight crime, despite his murky past. His life crosses paths with Lisa Langley's because of the serial killer who has struck fear in the South.

The book opens with Lisa's horrific experiences at the hands of a man she considered her boyfriend, and then moves forward four years. Lisa has assumed a new identity and is teaching at a daycare center in a remote town. She still has nightmares about her harrowing experience with the Grave Digger, as he became known to the media. Thankfully, her new life is quiet, with neither friends nor neighbors, until a man moves into the vacant home nearby and tries to befriend her.

At the same time, Brad Booker has been alerted to a copycat serial killer, possibly associated with the Grave Digger. The original killer has died, or so everyone thinks. Is there a copycat, or is the current killer the same man who nearly took Lisa's life? Brad seeks out Lisa, hoping she can unlock the killer's identity, and save the life of the latest victim, a woman Brad used to date. Lisa is willing to help. She has feelings for Brad, but believes that his only interest in her is professional." - complete review at BookLoons - M. Lofton

It's tough to find a hero appealing when his inner monologue is stuck on the topic of how unworthy he is, and how he's to blame for everything from a serial killer's choice of victims ("I dated her and now she's dead!") to the fact that he didn't get adopted as a child. ("The social worker said people only wanted to adopt nice boys!" Was she being insensitive? Or was that her polite way of saying, "You whine so much, dogs howl in nearby cities.")

Characters who wallow in self-loathing are too common in real life to interest me when I'm reading escapist fiction. Romantic suspense is one place where arrogance always trumps shame.