Publisher: Zebra Books | Published January 1, 2011
Paperback | 416 pages | ISBN 978-1420110195
Publisher: Zebra Books | Published February 1, 2011
Paperback | 416 pages | ISBN 978-1420110203
The burning question of the day is what constitutes a paperback thriller v. a thriller released in hardback? What sort of standards does a mystery/thriller book have to live up to in order to make the hardbound cut? Is it the number of bodies that pile up throughout the novel? The complexity of the mystery? Or perhaps the realism of the crime scenes and police procedures?
Whatever it is, if being a hardbound release gives a book more shazaam (cool word, huh?) and snazziness and even credibility then I am surprised Mary Burton’s books Senseless
and Merciless
did not make the cut! Senseless was released in January, 2011, while Merciless came out in February. This is a 2-book series that will blow you away!
and Merciless did not make the cut! Senseless was released in January, 2011, while Merciless came out in February. This is a 2-book series that will blow you away!Summary: Senseless
takes us into the mind of a killer who brands his victims with a 5-pointed star prior to the stabbing through the heart. Eva Rayburn has only recently gotten out of jail for allegedly killing her boyfriend during a sorority house party that led up to the Victorian mansion burning to the ground. When the victims begin to pile up, Eva is the only link that connects all of the bodies.
takes us into the mind of a killer who brands his victims with a 5-pointed star prior to the stabbing through the heart. Eva Rayburn has only recently gotten out of jail for allegedly killing her boyfriend during a sorority house party that led up to the Victorian mansion burning to the ground. When the victims begin to pile up, Eva is the only link that connects all of the bodies.I finished Senseless one night, and the next day I was reading Merciless. I’m one of those readers who finds an author she likes and has to read every book ever written by them before it’s over with!
one night, and the next day I was reading Merciless. I’m one of those readers who finds an author she likes and has to read every book ever written by them before it’s over with!Merciless has us meeting Eva’s sister, Angie, who is a defense attorney, and seeing some detectives who were in Senseless. Eva also plays a supporting role Merciless. This book opens up with a skeleton being discovered in a park, but not just a skeleton – this skeleton has had its bones polished, gleaming white and perfectly preserved, and showcased in an elaborate design. It is suspected that the victim was a psychologist who Angie recently was able to get acquitted for attempted murder. Now Angie becomes the target of this killer in Merciless, and all the bodies lead to her.
has us meeting Eva’s sister, Angie, who is a defense attorney, and seeing some detectives who were in Senseless. Eva also plays a supporting role Merciless. This book opens up with a skeleton being discovered in a park, but not just a skeleton – this skeleton has had its bones polished, gleaming white and perfectly preserved, and showcased in an elaborate design. It is suspected that the victim was a psychologist who Angie recently was able to get acquitted for attempted murder. Now Angie becomes the target of this killer in Merciless, and all the bodies lead to her.First Lines in Senseless:
: What are you doing?” Eva whispered.The fear in her voice fueled his excitement and anger as he dangled her star pendant over the dancing flames. “You’re so proud of your star necklace. So proud of being a Rising Star. Now you’ll have it with you forever.”
First Lines in Merciless:
: The foul odor of decaying flesh roused the woman from her drugged haze, burning her nostrils and lungs like a freshly snapped ammonia capsule. She blinked, clawed toward consciousness, searching the pitch-blackness for a landmark to anchor time or place. However, there was nothing except the stench that grew more potent with each hitching breath.
Author’s Tone and Writing Style: With Senseless, I was hiding my head under the covers hoping the killer wouldn’t leap out of the book and find me! It was quite enjoyable to read a paperback thriller that surpassed all of my expectations. Eva was a protagonist with faults of her own – more of fully-rounded and developed character than what can be seen in romance thrillers. The mystery behind the story kept the plot moving along rapidly, and although I guessed the killer, I was way off on the circumstances leading up to why. The procedural aspects sounded so realistic, from the fire department to the police department to even the homeless shelter Eva worked at. Truly an author to read again and again!
, I was hiding my head under the covers hoping the killer wouldn’t leap out of the book and find me! It was quite enjoyable to read a paperback thriller that surpassed all of my expectations. Eva was a protagonist with faults of her own – more of fully-rounded and developed character than what can be seen in romance thrillers. The mystery behind the story kept the plot moving along rapidly, and although I guessed the killer, I was way off on the circumstances leading up to why. The procedural aspects sounded so realistic, from the fire department to the police department to even the homeless shelter Eva worked at. Truly an author to read again and again! Merciless is another terrifying ride through the mind of a psychopath. Having characters from Senseless blend in with those from Merciless added to the enjoyment. Seeing the love between Angie and her sister Eva, along with the moments of frustration, anger and anxiety truly exemplified sisterhood. A couple of times I found phrases repeated from Senseless. It wasn’t a big deal, because both books were outstanding, but I do think Senseless was probably a tad better in my mind. I know both novels were entertaining, scary and excellent, but Senseless just seemed to have a bit more oomph. Do read Senseless prior to reading Merciless. You’ll be out-of-sync if you start Merciless first. Caution: There are some graphic sex scenes in both books, hence the “romance” in romance thriller.
is another terrifying ride through the mind of a psychopath. Having characters from Senseless blend in with those from Merciless added to the enjoyment. Seeing the love between Angie and her sister Eva, along with the moments of frustration, anger and anxiety truly exemplified sisterhood. A couple of times I found phrases repeated from Senseless. It wasn’t a big deal, because both books were outstanding, but I do think Senseless was probably a tad better in my mind. I know both novels were entertaining, scary and excellent, but Senseless just seemed to have a bit more oomph. Do read Senseless prior to reading Merciless. You’ll be out-of-sync if you start Merciless first. Caution: There are some graphic sex scenes in both books, hence the “romance” in romance thriller. Mood these books evoke: hiding under the covers scaredy-cat! Romance scenes made me blush, and want to grab my sweetheart!
If you like these books then you may like:
Love Me To Death
by Allison Brennan
by Allison Brennan 
by Wendy Corsi Staub Blood Stains
by Sharon Sala
by Sharon SalaMy thanks to the Joan Schulhafer Publishing & Media Consulting for providing the books to review.
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