Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll (Review & Giveaway)

About Hidden in the StarsA quilt holds the secret to a killer still at large---and who his next victim will be. 

Following an attack that killed her mother and stole her ability to speak, 21-year-old Sophia Montgomery has no choice but to accept her estranged grandmother's offer to return to their family home. Although detective Julian Frazier is working hard on the case, Sophia unknowingly frustrates him because her inability to speak thwarts her eyewitness evidence. The fact that Julian is undeniably attracted to Sophia doesn't help either, so Julian hides his feelings as concern for a trauma victim and focuses instead on finding the killer. 

Little do they know, the clues to solving the case may be right in front of them, displayed in Sophia's mother's "special" quilt design. Who will realize the secret Sophia's unwittingly been hiding in plain sight? When the truth comes to light, will Sophia find her voice again? Or will the murderer---still at large---silence her forever?

My thoughts:  This novel is shorter than most but just right for this story. I found the story lagged a bit here and there, but all in all, it was an enjoyable read.

The frequent mention of various ballets performed by the mother of the protagonist was interesting as was mention of the costumes. Sophia was victim of a horrendous attack on she and her mother by ruthless men. Surviving the attack with her life but with a body that will no longer be able to compete in world-class gymnastics, Sophia begins her healing while she helps the detective, Julian, with bits of information that lead to the who, what, and why of the attack.

As the book begins to wrap up, the pace picks up and excitement builds.  I have read Robin Caroll's books in the past and really enjoyed them. This is one I can recommend but not one of my favorites. I do have the opportunity to offer one of Chat With Vera's readers a giveaway copy to win for their very own. I hope you'll enter and think you'll enjoy the book should you win it or acquire your very own copy elsewhere. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway begins October 1 & ENDS October 23 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to USA addresses only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway 
Robin Caroll is the author of 22 published novels. When she isn't writing, Robin spends time with her husband of 20-plus years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home in Little Rock, Arkansas. She gives back to the writing community by serving as conference director for ACFW. Her books have been named finalists in such contests as the Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer's Choice Award, Bookseller's Best, and Book of the Year.



12 comments:

  1. I don't know much about ballet or gymnastics, but I've always been impressed by the people who can do it. :) Thanks for the giveaway!

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  2. I love to see the grace and athleticism that is displayed by both ballet dancers and gymnists.

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  3. I was never very good at balance or jumping so don't know much. I have much respect for those who make a career of these. So much determination & practice, practice, practice.....

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  4. My daughter did gymnastics when she was young.

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  5. Both ballet dancers and gymnasts are graceful and delightful to watch.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

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  6. My granddaughter was a ballet student from the age of 3 until this summer when she graduated from high school. She was in a production of The Nutcracker in Ames, IA.

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  7. I love the Russian composers who wrote music for ballets - Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky, Borodin, Stravinsky - beautiful works of art!

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  8. always my fav thing to watch on the olympics

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  9. I danced ballet for 10 yrs as a child

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  10. I was in gymnastics for many years as a child.. loved it! I took ballet one year and didn't care for it nearly as much. This book looks to be a lovely read!
    Blessings!
    Kelly Y
    kelly *at* dkcountryarts *dot* com

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  11. When me and my sister were kids we used to take the side padding rail on edge of the waterbed and pretend it was a balance beam! And putting it back on before my mom got home!
    sunniewoodyplus2 atmsn.com

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  12. I love both ballet and gymnastics. I have always loved watching team USA during the Olympics

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