Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Death Behind Every Door - Romantic Suspense Review

Goodreads:  Death Behind Every Door (The Blackbird Files #1) by Heather Graham

Rating: Liked It (3 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  In the shadows of a Scottish castle, something deadly is lurking in every corner…

When FBI special agent Luke Kendrick discovers chilling evidence of dozens of victims at a crime scene in London, he recognizes the calling card of the notorious H.H. Holmes Society. Named for the nineteenth-century monster regarded as America’s first serial killer, the society is comprised of a twisted web of killers, working to carry out heinous murders in Holmes’s memory. And now the group’s been linked to a Scottish castle turned B and B—where guests check in but never check out.

Arriving at the sinister Graystone Castle posed as a tourist, Luke is joined by Special Agent Carly MacDonald, and the pair is immediately confronted by dangers hidden in the castle’s depths. With guests disappearing and a network of killers closing in, Luke and Carly have only each other to rely on—and they’ll have to race to cut off the head of the snake before the blood trail of the past can culminate in a very real and deadly present.

Genre: Romance - Romantic Suspense     

Why I Picked This Book:  I really enjoy this author and I really enjoyed the three books in the Blackbird Trilogy last year.

My Impression: While overall I enjoyed this book, it did fall a bit flat for me and I didn't enjoy it as much as I usually enjoy Graham's books.  The history of the H.H. Holmes and Scotland itself are interesting but it was a bit heavy handed - especially at the beginning.  As well, there were so many references to a previous event that I ended up going and checking that this was in fact the first book in the series and that I wasn't missing anything.  While the action got started pretty quickly it took me a bit to get involved in the story and to feel at all connected to Carly and Luke.  

This book did have all the aspects I enjoy in Graham's books - a suspenseful mystery, a fantastic creepy setting, and two capable and tough main characters.  Once I got into the story it proved to be a quick read that I did enjoy but getting there was just took a bit longer than expected.  I will read the next Blackbird Files book as I do love the international setting but this was definitely a weaker start.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? I would but it is more based on how much I have enjoyed her other books than my experience with this book.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you're a longtime Graham fan than I would recommend picking up this book but this is not the book I would recommend for starting this author.  

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

3 comments:

  1. This sounds good. I'll have to check it out.

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  2. That is one cool-looking creepy house!

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  3. I didn't grab this one. I am sorry it didn't pull you in and fell flat.

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