Evie Carter's husband is shot three times at his desk. Evie takes the gun and shoots his computer twelve times just as the police arrive.
When D.D. is notified, her interest is amplified because 16 years ago, Evie killed her father. That death was ruled accidental. D.D. vividly remembers this case and how sixteen-year-old Evie behaved at the time. Now D.D. has to wonder whether the death of Evie's father was really accidental.
When Flora sees the news and recognizes the photo of Conrad Carter as a man who met with Jacob Ness, Flora's kidnapper, she is stunned. (There is a lot of back story on how D.D. and Flora met and how Flora became a vigilante and D.D.'s confidential informant. Flora's first appearance in this series begins with Find Her.)
Evie, who has been subject to suspicion and media scrutiny for years, tries to figure out what happened to her marriage and to her life. The answers are surprising, and Gardner carefully introduces them while still keeping the reader in suspense.
Gardner's introduction of Flora Dane into an established series was a brilliant move. In Never Tell, she introduces two new characters that will give her a broader range of stories to tell. Evie's character has enough depth to make it possible she may appear again in future works and the computer geek and crime buff Keith Edgar will provide another aspect to future works.
Never Tell is an excellent, well-plotted, and fascinating addition to the series. I had to slow myself down with this one--it moves quickly and skillfully from one voice to another, but without leaving each chapter as a cliffhanger. I finished each chapter ready to switch to a new perspective, not frustrated at being cut off in the middle of a story.
If you've already been involved with these characters, you will love this one. If not, it functions well as a standalone, but you might want to go back to Find Her to get all of the background on Flora Dane.
Recommended.
NetGalley/Penguin Group
Crime Fiction/Suspense. Feb. 19, 2019. Print length: 416 pages.
I did read/listen to Find Her so I hope to try this as well. Sounds good.
ReplyDeleteFlora Dane revived this series for me. :)
DeleteI read FIND HER a few years ago and liked it. I had read other book featuring D.D. Warren and so I was glad to see her again. I wasn't as fond of Flora, but I allowed that she might grow on me. I've not read the book in between as yet, LOOK FOR ME. I'll try to get that one from the library and then go on to this one. I really like what you shared here.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed the addition of Flora, but not the details of her abduction. I like Flora's determined attitude and that D.D. has formed a not exactly friendly and often frustrating relationship with her. :)
DeleteI loved Flora Dane in Find Her. But I still need to read Look For Me. And now this one, too! Oh, well. At least I have some good reading to look forward to. :)
ReplyDeleteFlora adds an unpredictable element to the stories, and her single-minded refusal to be known as a victim keeps her interesting. I liked Look For Me, too, but Never Tell is my favorite!
DeleteOkay, this sounds so good! I like the sound of Flora and DD working together. They sound like formidable women.
ReplyDeleteThey are formidable women. Both are strong women who have different perspectives and distinct methods for achieving the same goals.
DeleteI skimmed this review because I want to read it soon, as I've read all Lisa Gardner's books, though out of order, since her first-- The Perfect Husband. When I read that way back in the day I knew I'd found a go-to author. Interesting that Flora is back again; maybe she is a permanent character in these books? I wasn't sure of her in the first one but now I'm okay with her addition.
ReplyDeleteThe details of Flora's captivity put me off in her first appearance, but I did like Flora's role as a vigilante and the way it created that complicated relationship with D.D., who admired Flora, but saw her as trouble. Flora allows D.D. a way to maneuver outside of the box.
DeleteI enjoyed "Find Her" a lot! I need to check out this book, too.
ReplyDeleteI think you'll like it. :) Find Her, Look for Me, and Never Tell are the three books that include Flora Dane.
DeleteI've enjoyed this author's books before and definitely want to read this one. I didn't realize it was a series so I'll have to see if I have the first one.
ReplyDelete