Beneath Dark Waters (A New Orleans Novel)

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Another minor thing which impacted the flow of the story were giving characters names that were somewhat difficult to know how to pronounce, only for the character to explain how to pronounce their oddly spelled name. This was consistent with the first book too and something which I found quite annoying 😅. From the first rousing chapter to the last, Scream for Me is intense, complex, and unforgettable.”— New York Times bestselling author James Patterson This author never fails to bring suspense and emotion with well developed characters. Beneath Dark Waters is set in New Orleans; it is the second book set there and #28 in the Romantic Suspense series. This is my favorite romance genre by far because their is a mystery and action along with the romance. The plot is almost medieval: Val moves into Kaj’s home and transforms it into a fortress. The barbarians are on the outside, feverishly attempting to storm the castle. There is a pervasive sense of foreboding.

That man is Aaron Gates. Who it turns out is connected to a gang Sixth Day. Whom NOPD believe long disbanded but now believe are targeting Kaj's son. Beneath Dark Waters is a standalone second book in the New Orleans sub-series and the twenty-eighth entry in the overall Romantic Suspense series. There are connections to the previous book, but not in such a way that new readers couldn’t grab this one and appreciate all they were getting. Jace frowned. There was a little boy walking next to the pregnant lady. He looked like he was only eight or nine years old. “Why?” Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The best part of this story is the character development. She perfected the bad guys with all of the creepiness and meanness that draws you into the depths of the story. The supporting characters are wonderful as well. With a range of depth and conviction, Rose grabs your interest throughout this massive book.

Internationally bestselling, RITA-award winning, author Karen Rose was born and raised in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. She met her husband, Martin, on a blind date when they were seventeen and after they both graduated from the University of Maryland, (Karen with a degree in Chemical Engineering) they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Karen worked as an engineer for a large consumer goods company, earning two patents, but as Karen says, “scenes were roiling in my head and I couldn't concentrate on my job so I started writing them down. I started out writing for fun, and soon found I was hooked.”

Overall, this briskly paced novel was engaging and atmospheric with great characterization. I can’t wait to find out who will be featured in the next book. I recommend this to those that like romantic suspense novels with relatable and likeable main characters. Kaj, Val, and Elijah are likeable characters. Kaj is kind, understanding, and determined to help his boss root out corruption in the area. However, he also fears for his son’s safety. Val is a Marine veteran, tenderhearted, capable, and thoughtful. However, she is also estranged from her sister Sylvie. Elijah is ten years old, smart for his age, and kindhearted. Kaj and Val seem to balance each other, but their attraction came on a little too fast. However, these strong protagonists with strong senses of determination were easy to get behind and hope that they succeed in their endeavors. Several characters from book one make an appearance in this one as well so readers can catch up on their lives as well. Some of the antagonists are known immediately while others are slowly revealed. As I always say, I believe books need trigger warnings so my warnings here are drug abuse, child neglect and sexual assault. These are mostly just referred to and dealt with care and are quite brief so would not have put me off the book but I just believe readers should have that knowledge before reading. Assistant District Attorney Kaj Cardozo has only lived in New Orleans for six months, but he is known in both New York and in his new home city for his fight against corruption. He’s also working a high-profile celebrity assault case that is getting publicity across the country. When his son Elijah becomes the target of a kidnapping attempt, Kaj hires Broussard Investigations to protect Elijah. Val Sorensen is the person assigned to be his bodyguard and the firm is hired to investigate the incident. The investigation reveals more than they bargained for, as drugs, corruption, and murder are discovered. I seriously miss the old Karen Rose books. There’s so much more atmosphere, suspense and a lot of mystery. You could feel the tension and the fear!!

Antoine was right. Val had done some fine shooting, considering one of the gunmen had been using a semiautomatic rifle.” The pristine record marks a game-changing chapter in the band's history and presents the brainchild of keyboardist, founder and main songwriter Martijn Westerholt with a new lineup. Rejoining the fold and bolstering DELAIN’s continuity are original guitarist Ronald Landa and original drummer Sander Zoer, while new members - terrific vocalist Diana Leah and bassist Ludovico Cioffi - continue to evolve their sound. This book is interesting as we read both sides of events (‘goodies’ and ‘baddies’) and it holds your attention as at times you know what is coming up before the characters do. Takes off like a house afire. There’s action and chills galore in this non-stop thriller.”— New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen A fast-paced, high-intensity story that’ll carry you along on an amazing journey.”— New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster

Her novels, I'M WATCHING YOU and SILENT SCREAM, received the Romance Writers of America's RITA award for Best Romantic Suspense for 2005 and 2011. Five of her other books have been RITA finalists. To date, her books have been translated into twenty-four languages. This was a twisty tale told in part by one of the major villains of the story who is a real evil character. I enjoyed the relationships in the story. Val and Kaj are two damaged people who are healing and find each other along the way. He is dealing with the loss of his wife to cancer and raising a very bright and diabetic son. She is overcoming the trauma of being raped by three of her fellow Marines and then not letting the Marine Corps cover it up.

And, to hype up the tension, the major villain gets narration time as well. I really wanted some big-time justice there and Karen Rose delivered. Karen Rose has written another top-notch thriller! Grab this book. You won’t be able to put it down.”— New York Times bestselling author, Brenda Novak iOnline version: |aRose, Karen. |tBeneath dark waters. |bFirst edition |dNew York : Berkley, 2023 |z9780593336342 |w(DLC) 2022049487

Assistant District Attorney Kaj Cordozo’s life is thrown upside down when two masked men attempt to kidnap his son, Elijah. Given the high-profile case Kaj is working on, he’s not about to take any more risks. So in steps Burke Broussard Private Investigation Agency. Not only PIs but some of the best bodyguards in the business. Val Sorensen is assigned as Elijah’s bodyguard, a role she takes incredibly seriously. Val, Kai and Burke work to figure out who tried to kidnap Elijah so that they can keep him safe from further attempts, Val realises she has a personal connection to the gang suspected to be behind the attempt. The Sixth Day gang killed her brother, and she has wanted to take them down since. But is there more?Val is a great role model for woman. She has survived the most horrendous ordeal a woman can face. Val has managed to overcome her mental demons and move forward. I admire Val’s willingness to become Jace’s advocate. She knows the boy has been dealt a bad hand, especially by his two older brothers. Val believes the teen deserves better, and she wants to help him achieve it. What I like the most about Val is her thoughtfulness towards Elijah’s medical needs. She researched his condition, so she could better understand everything he may need while under her protection. Suspense, danger, action, intense moments, and romance are combined to provide readers with a fabulous read in Beneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose…This riveting crime thriller, police procedural, and romantic suspense novel keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.”— Mystery & Suspense Val Sorensen is a Marine veteran and new to the Broussard team. She takes this job very seriously and soon finds herself more than a little in love with her charge and his hot father. She also finds herself in the middle of the reasons they are in danger and those reasons put everyone around them in danger. 3 1/2-Stars