Customer Reviews

Dead Ringer (Warner Forever)

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

 

 

Annie Solomon has proven that she's here to stay with the publication of her second fabulous book, "Dead Ringer" following an admirable debut with "Like A Knife".

Solomon entices and teases with two protagonists who start out battling and soon are steaming their way to an incredible romance. Along the way bad girl, Angelina Mercer, must help Federal Agent Finn Carver find a stolen cache of plutonium before its sold to the highest bidding terrorist group. Finn must keep Angelina alive while she infiltrates the Montana ranch of the suspected thief, Victor Borian, who just happens to be the husband of the birth mother for whom she has been fruitlessly searching. Victor has his own plans for Angelina and her 'aunt Marian' has an agenda as well. The story deftly hurtles to a steamy conclusion that is well worth staying awake long into the night to finish.

This is my first book by this author and I'm glad I took a chance. I gave it 4 stars because I don't think the style or story was quite up to my usual favorites like Linda Howard, Elizabeth Lowell, and Kay Hooper. The plot was slightly predictable and I guessed the real bad guy right off. Maybe it was a lucky guess, but there were no surprises for me. Having said that, I still enjoyed the book because of the characters.

Angelina had a terrible thing happen to her that changed the course of her life and how she acted. For the most part, it was realistic. I really felt bad for her and the innocence that she lost. Finn was a good character as well. Hard and unyielding, yet sensitive and caring despite his resolve to not like her. A real likable guy after he stopped being hard on Angel.

This book leaned a little more towards the romance between the two than seriously concentrating on the suspense/mystery. However, I think Solomon did a great job balancing the two. It was a nice enjoyable read.

Warning! This book is a romance novel. All the quotes on the cover about how great it is are from romance novel publishers. I was looking for a new mystery/suspense type book, and while I enjoy a good romantic story thrown in there, this book is WAY more about the"simmering tensions" between the 2 characters than the mystery. It got old real fast for me, and the romance was pretty predictable too.
If you usually read Harlequinn romance supermarket books, this is a well written book within that genre. If you, like me, avoid "bodice-ripper" romance books at all cost, avoid this one too.

Ms. Solomon has a way of keeping you riveted to the pages and feeling the emotions of her characters. Edge of your seat type suspense,a creepy obsession that will have you wondering if finding out the truth really is worth it, and a new twist to the familiar plot. It's not the type of story that will stay imbedded in your memory as a great read, but it is ideal for keeping you entertained for a short time.

This book was barely "okay" for me. I did not like the bickering and game playing by emotionally scarred people but I kept reading for the "mystery" element. It reminded me of the Phyliss A Whitney books I used to read as a teen, which later in life seemed rather juvenile. As this was her second book (2003), maybe Ms. Solomon simply needed a little more time to develop her writing skills. I was fortunate to pick up one of her later works first which prompted me to go on a hunt for her others. To date I have read five other books by Ms. Solomon. I rate on a broader scale than Amazon allows but do use a scale from 1-5. My ratings in order from least favorite to favorite are as follows:

Dead Ringer - 2.75
Tell Me No Lies - 3
Life a Knife - 3.25
Blind Curve - 3.75
Blackout - 4 (which was also a Rita Winner)

I definitely plan to continue to read her books as I think this author has talent. I enjoy finding a relatively unknown author and helping to spread the word about their books. A newer author I really enjoy is Roxanne St. Clair. I would love to hear yours.

Happy Reading!

Great chemistry between the two main characters. Not put together as well as her latest books. Be sure to read One Deadly Sin. If you like Annie Solomon it is still worth reading. However if you are reading this author for the first time check out Like a Knife or Blackout instead.

I love the suspence and drama drawn out in this one. It had twists that kept you focused. Great Read-so Read it!

This was a great book. I couldn't put it down and stayed up most of the night reading. The suspense had me hooked. The characters were very real. I even have a little crush on Finn Carver. I'll definitely be watching for more books by Annie Solomon.

I loved it. It was a great read and adventure. It was a real page turner. I loved the characters. Didn't want it to end. Looking forward to Annie's next installment.

I enjoyed this novel very much. I really was disappointed when it ended. A wonderful read.