Carbo's tendency to take a minor character from one novel and give him or her a lead in the next novel is much the same as in Tana French's novels. This penchant of developing secondary characters contributes a freshness and energy to each succeeding plot.
A Sharp Solitude features FBI investigator Ali Paige and Reeve Landon. Landon is Ali's former boyfriend and the father of her daughter. When Anne Marie Johnson (a journalist who was last seen accompanying Reeve Landon and his service dog for an article she was writing) is murdered, Landon becomes the chief suspect. Intensely private and with a secret past he is desperate to keep hidden, Landon is arrested after not admitting that Anne Marie visited his cabin.
Ali Paige refuses to believe Landon is guilty and gets involved in the investigation using her FBI position to get information. But Ali is not authorized to do so and is jeopardizing her own career. She is also afraid she may discover something she doesn't want to know.
I thought I knew where the novel was going because issues concerning gun control appear early, but while that is an interesting aspect, the truth is something different.
Shifting between Reeve Landon and Ali's perspectives, the reader learns of the events in their pasts that contribute to the situation in which they find themselves.
Monte Harris and Gretchen Larsen have only cameo appearances.
A fine addition to this series, but I wonder who will take the lead in the next installment.
Read in March; blog review scheduled for May 17.
NetGalley/Attria Books
Suspense. May 29, 2018. Print length: 368 pages
I keep meaning to try this series. I like the idea of the more minor characters taking the lead in upcoming tales and have liked that about Tana French's books. I definitely need to make reading the first a priority. I think I might have it on audio - need to look.
ReplyDeleteI have certainly enjoyed this series. Carbo's characters have depth and the plots keep me engaged!
DeleteI would like to start this series from book one before reading every word of your review, but it seems like you really enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy stories set out in nature where the environment becomes a character itself, so this would be a good one for me, thanks.
The series combines the power of natural places--the beauty and dangers of nature--with suspenseful plots. I've enjoyed each of the books in Carbo's series set in Glacier National Park!
DeleteAnother series I can put on my summer reading list. :D
ReplyDeleteI think you'd like these books, Lark! From the threat of grizzly bears and forest fires to human menace, Christine Carbo's setting absorbs them all. :)
DeleteI think Tana French has done that so well in developing her secondary characters in her Murder Squad books although I admit I would like for her to revisit with some of her earlier characters. Anyway, this sounds great and although not my typical setting that I like to read about, I'm intrigued!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to revisit Rob and Cassie from French's first two books. I'm eager for more Gretchen Larsen in Carbo's books--she is a fascinating character!
DeleteI like the idea of giving a minor character to a lead character in the next novel. Like Iliana, I also like an author to revisit with some of her earlier characters. And speaking of Tana French, I'm really hoping that she'll have a new book out this year. Anyways, this book sounds interesting so I may want to check out this series.
ReplyDeleteThis series is full of suspense and complex characters in an environment that is as multi-layered and complex as the human characters. I eagerly await each new addition to this series!
DeleteInteresting- like a cross between Nevada Barr and Tana French! This sounds great. Is there a particular character that has been your favorite in this series?
ReplyDeleteYes, Gretchen Larson is probably my favorite character and The Weight of Night is my favorite book in the series.
DeleteI've never tried this series, or even known of it. I like the idea of different characters taking the lead in each new instalment -- I've never read that before (not a Tana French reader)
ReplyDeleteSo many books, so little time! This is a series that I really enjoy and look forward to each new installment. :)
DeleteAs much as I like series books that follow the same characters, it is refreshing to read a series that features different characters with each book. There are several series I read like that, now that I think about it. I haven't read this particular series, but it's on my list to read. :-)
ReplyDeleteI like both kinds of series. Those with characters that you watch grow with each new book and the kind that lets a secondary character lead in the next book. It must take some of the pressure off the author to try and keep a character fresh through book after book!
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