This was actually a really good read I wasn't really sure about it. But I wanted to give it a shot. I'm so glad I did! It is very well written with a complex story line that is simple enough not to get convoluted but complex enough to keep you guessing. The mystery past was really good and the ending of what she had missed out on was a bit heartbreaking and unexpected but all around a good read. I would like to see more from this writer!

This was such a great read! I loved the mystery, and I loved this setting, and it was such an entertaining read! I wanted to know why her name could be half a lie, and which half, and I wanted to know more about what she was running from!

We do get, fairly quickly, her past, what's she's running from, and boy, that was a sucky situation. That he did that, and why he did that? Awful. But she was strong and she picked up the pieces, and she's made a good life for herself.

With finding the dead body at her work, things become pretty intense pretty fast. They are fairly cut off at the moment, so there's only a few people who are suspect. With the added pressure that she doesn't remember her husband's face, and the question of if he was even behind it in the first place. I just wanted to know it all!

I really enjoyed how things progressed, watching the clues come to light, seeing them be put together, and how everything ended up! It was really entertaining, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for this series!

Loved reading this book, and I can't wait to continue on!

** spoiler alert ** Gah! Hero's magical peen cures heroine's infertility. I have a theory why but the author chose not to address it.

Info dumps! 2 large ones early on and smaller ones scattered throughout.

The romance was slow burn, which I enjoyed, but then we got a surprise which, for me, killed the development of the romance. There was a happy ending of sorts but also kind of a cliffhanger.

With the revelation of the hero, Kellen being hired by her current employers is both sweet and creepy, just a bit stalkerish.

I figured out one of the bad guys early on. Other bad guys were simply over the top and unbelievable.

What I liked:

The story was compelling and twisty. I kept reading to see what would happen. I liked Kellen, for the most part. Some of her behavior was iffy but I could mostly understand why she did it. It had Gothic elements as well as weather bound and trapped.

Good representation of PoC although that was mostly the secondary characters. The heroine Kellen is a mix of Caucasian and American Indian but can apparently pass for white and was raised white. It's unclear how recent or far back the Native American part of her family is and frankly seemed to be nothing more than a plot device, eg her late husband's family was horrified she wasn't pure. But the secondary characters were a good mix different ethnicities and we have one character with a prosthesis. There is one lesbian but her sexual identity is quickly erased which was disappointing. Okay, I guess this was a mixed bag of good and bad representation. On the whole, it was more diverse than a lot of contemporary romances but it could have been better.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and stayed up most of the night reading it. But it had problems and the magical, infertility-curing peen pissed me off big time. I'll try Dodd again, but with lower expectations.

What a fascinating book. I was impressed by the storyline and the characters were all well written and complex. Where there are complex storylines combined with intriguing characters the reader experience is magnified tremendously. To have a book that is well written as well as entertaining is a delight. Reading is about escaping your world and entering another one. The word building was phenomenal in this book. Here I forgot about my own life and was immersed in the world created by the author. I would recommend this book.

Kellen Adams is not exactly who she appears to be. Throughout the story we find out more about her past and the missing year of her life via flashes of her past threaded the through current day storyline.

What initially drew me in was the idea of a murder happening at a remote hotel, but what kept me reading was the trying to figure out Kellen's secrets.  The setting was perfect, the characters were a great balance and there were a few twists I didn't see coming.

I thoroughly enjoyed unraveling exactly what happened to Kellen, figuring out what sorts of her were her true self and which were out of necessity. I want to know more about her and some if the supporting characters. I plan to read more from this series!

This was an easy read, but nothing to get excited about. The romantic suspense wasn't there... the mystery/thriller wasn't there... It just didn't do anything for me at all.

Just love Christina Dodd. Glad she has started a new series, combining Virtue Falls and Bella Terra with some great characters. I curious to know the rest of Kellen’s life. I'm hoping to read much more about Kellen even as a secondary character in following Cape Charade books.

This spin off of another popular series by author Christina Dodd features an unreliable main character. What is her real story and motive(s)? This page-turner will keep you guessing.

3.5

Kallen has several issues from her past that she is running from. An abusive husband and a year she can't remember are just the beginning of her problems. When she gets a new job at a vacation resort, Kallen starts to think that maybe, just maybe, her life is going to change for the better. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Author Christina Dodd's writing is new for me and I must admit I found this first book of the Cape Charade series to be pretty exciting. As things start to go bad for Kallen, she is no longer sure who she can trust (and neither did I). The story included dead bodies, stolen historical artifacts, lots of action and just a smidge of romance. What more can a reader ask for? I already have the next book loaded and ready to read. I'm anxious to see where Kallen's life goes from here.

My thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley.

4.5 Stars

Trigger warnings: graphic violence, domestic abuse and murder.

The first lines of the synopsis!

I have three confessions to make:

1. I've got the scar of gunshot on my forehead.

2. I don't remember an entire year of my life.

3. My name is Kellen Adams...and that's half a lie.

Let me say it again for those in the back...THOSE LINES!

Do I have your attention? Yes? Good! I don't want you to miss out on a great read. Christine Dodd nailed this book. From the moment I read the synopsis, I knew I needed this. I'm a long time fan of Dodd, but haven't picked up one of her books in a while. No better time to dive back in. So, I sent up some book prayers that those lines weren't going to be the best part of the book, and thankfully, they weren't. They were far from the best part! Kellan Adams most definitely stole the show!

I'm wicked hard on my female protagonists, but I seriously adored the hell out of Kellen, especially as more and more of her history was revealed, which the author provided through flashbacks of triggered memories. Ms. Dodd gave us two completely different character personalities when it came to Kellen, validating her development and progress: pre-military and post military. Pre-military, she’s a victim of domestic abuse. Post military, she's a strong, kick ass survivor, with balls of steel (figuratively). An admirable character full of inspiration.

I want more Kellan Adam heroines. The book world could definitely use more of her strength, no games and contrived drama, take no shit, loyal personality. No more door mats for heroines, please!!

As Kellan races against the clock to find out who the enemies are, Dead Girl Running will have your mind whirling with assumptions and conclusions, trying to put all the pieces together. Nothing is ever as it seems. Once you think you have it all figured out, think again! You’ll encounter secrets and lies, twisty turns, a haunting past, characters who may or may not be who they say they are, and a ride that will take you on a roller coaster of feelings.

The suspense was on point, everything I would look for. Complex and completely gripping. I'm excited to say it caught me by surprise in a few places, especially that ending. I was NOT even close to figuring that out. In fact, I had to stop and reread. Not expected-at all. Nowhere in the story was there even a hint. Great job, Ms. Dodd, you kept this seasoned reader on her toes, figuring out the pieces right along with Kellen. Thank you for such a unique story line and unpredictable ending!!

While I loved this book I did struggle here and there. The pacing caused some issues for me. The beginning and end-great pacing. Fast, intriguing, kept me coming back for more. The middle-not so much. I found it was an information dump and I was often distracted by other things. I even skimmed it a bit. But don't let that deter you from reading; this truly is a great book. Also, some of the action scenes were a tad bit far-fetched, but I think it helped lighten up the topics, and added some oomph to the pacing.

I'd say overall, Dead Girl Running was perfectly imperfect. Exactly what I needed and I can't wait to dive into book two. I need to know where the author plans on taking Kellan and that ending. Bring on What Doesn't Kill Her!

Thank you, Netgalley, for gifting me a copy of Dead Girl Running by Christine Dodd.

This is book one in a new series, Cape Charade by prolific Christina Dodd. Kellen is on the run. She's not sure why but she has a large scar and no memory of the last year. She's working a a remote resort in the Pacific Northwest and when a dead body is found everyone is a suspect and under investigation. When there is a second murder she's worried that something in her past has caught up with her but she has no idea what. Lots of twists and characters to keep you interested. Ms Dodd has numerous series and they are all well written and popular. This is a good start to this new series. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Check out Dead Girl Running by Christina Dodd: A good mystery but I wasn’t prepared for the abuses. I’ll reread later if I’m able to process this more readily. For now, just not for me.

Another suspense novel, with twists and turns and mistaken identities, this one set in an isolated resort on the West Coast. A good read if you're in the mood.

I needed a drink, several drinks after NetGalley initially denied my request for Dead Girl Running. But after some judicious begging I was delighted to receive Dead Girl Running (DGR) from NetGalley and even more so when I finished it.
The story has several threads running through, all of them centered on former army officer Kellen Adams. Kellen has taken a job at the luxury resort, Yearning Sands, as assistant manager.
When Annie and Leo Di Luca, from the Bella Terra series, and owners of Yearning Sands leave on vacation, Kellen is left in charge of the resort.
There are few guests at Yearning Sands during the dark and stormy nights of January; most of the staff is gone too, seeking sunnier climes during this traditionally slow month.
Guests and staff who are willing to stay through this wild but beautiful time, are horrified when Kellen discovers the remains of a mutilated murder victim on the grounds of Yearning Sands.
A quiet guest outs himself to Kellen, telling her that he is an agent of a small under- the- radar government agency and that the murder could be related to an investigation he is running.
Kellen has her own issues with spouse abuse, stolen identity and a year lost to memory.
Murder at her work place is something she could really live without.
After unexpectedly having to assume the position of security director, Kellen doesn’t know who to trust. The Di Luca’s relent to Kellen’s pleas and send one of their own, Maximilian Di Luca to take over her security duties. Max seems very faintly familiar to Kellen, possibly from her lost year, but he gives no indication of knowing her.
The setting of Yearning Sands is wondrous, the wild Washington Pacific coast, mesmerizing in fair weather, but mad, bad and dangerous to know during the winter months.
On the other had the other hand, Yearning Sands sounds like a dream, every wish catered to by highly trained staff, except for that possible murderous staff member.
But then the sadistic killer could be one of the guests too. There are plenty of choices, with the stakes so high. Kellen quotes something that brings me right back something my mom used to say, “I only trust me and thee, and I’m not too sure about thee. Or me.” So fitting for Kellen’s frame of mind.
Dead Girl Running provides plenty of excitement; and no small amount of “Hmm, I never thought about that” moments.
Ms Dodd bravely tackles with gentle insight the tragedy of spousal abuse. The reader will most likely come away with a greater understanding of the victimology and understand Kellen’s search for family. Any family. Even just a family made up of co-workers.
Only a few quibbles, Kateri Kwinault, Virtue Fall’s Sheriff really only makes a cameo appearance and without Stag!
Also, the ending, that lovely ending, I needed more, a lot more. It’s not a cliff hanger, I just want to continue to know Kellen’s life. DGR is the start of a new series combing Virtue Falls and Bella Terra. So I'm hoping to read much more about Kellen even as a secondary character in following Cape Charade books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. Now to what address should I ship my first born son?





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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36336099-dead-girl-running" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Dead Girl Running (Cape Charade, #1)" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1506879335m/36336099.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36336099-dead-girl-running">Dead Girl Running</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12695.Christina_Dodd">Christina Dodd</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2166647931">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I needed a drink, several drinks after NetGalley initially denied my request for <i>Dead Girl Running</i>. But after some judicious begging I was delighted to receive <i>Dead Girl Running</i> (DGR) from NetGalley and even more so when I finished it.<br /> The story has several threads running through, all of them centered on former army officer Kellen Adams. Kellen has taken a job at the luxury resort, Yearning Sands, as assistant manager. <br />When Annie and Leo Di Luca, from the Bella Terra series, and owners of Yearning Sands leave on vacation, Kellen is left in charge of the resort. <br />There are few guests at Yearning Sands during the dark and stormy nights of January; most of the staff is gone too, seeking sunnier climes during this traditionally slow month.<br />Guests and staff who are willing to stay through this wild but beautiful time, are horrified when Kellen discovers the remains of a mutilated murder victim on the grounds of Yearning Sands. <br /> A quiet guest outs himself to Kellen, telling her that he is an agent of a small under- the- radar government agency and that the murder could be related to an investigation he is running. <br />Kellen has her own issues with spouse abuse, stolen identity and a year lost to memory.<br />Murder at her work place is something she could really live without.<br />After unexpectedly having to assume the position of security director, Kellen doesn’t know who to trust. The Di Luca’s relent to Kellen’s pleas and send one of their own, Maximilian Di Luca to take over her security duties. Max seems very faintly familiar to Kellen, possibly from her lost year, but he gives no indication of knowing her.<br />The setting of Yearning Sands is wondrous, the wild Washington Pacific coast, mesmerizing in fair weather, but mad, bad and dangerous to know during the winter months. <br />On the other had the other hand, Yearning Sands sounds like a dream, every wish catered to by highly trained staff, except for that possible murderous staff member.<br />But then the sadistic killer could be one of the guests too. There are plenty of choices, with the stakes so high. Kellen quotes something that brings me right back something my mom used to say, “I only trust me and thee, and I’m not too sure about thee. Or me.” So fitting for Kellen’s frame of mind.<br /><i>Dead Girl Running </i>provides plenty of excitement; and no small amount of “Hmm, I never thought about that” moments.<br />Ms Dodd bravely tackles with gentle insight the tragedy of spousal abuse. The reader will most likely come away with a greater understanding of the victimology and understand Kellen’s search for family. Any family. Even just a family made up of co-workers.<br />Only a few quibbles, Kateri Kwinault, Virtue Fall’s Sheriff really only makes a cameo appearance and without Stag!<br />Also, the ending, that lovely ending, I needed more, a lot more. It’s not a cliff hanger, I just want to continue to know Kellen’s life. DGR is the start of a new series combing Virtue Falls and Bella Terra. So I'm hoping to read much more about Kellen even as a secondary character in following Cape Charade books.<br />Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. Now to what address should I ship my first born son?

Kellen Adams job at a remote vacation spot in the Pacific Northwest should be a lot more beautiful than this mystery is. There are dark forces and a sort of locked room vibe after she finds a woman's mutilated body--all the guests at the time are considered suspects. I liked the amnesia twist in Kellen's own life, and how she views things without certain memories of her own.

Christina Dodd is alway a sure bet. In DEAD GIRL RUNNING, The book starts with:
I have three confessions to make:
1. I've got the scar of a gunshot on my forehead.
2. I don't remember an entire year of my life.
3. My name is Kellen Adams...and that's half a lie.

Call me intrigued. Kellen is the assistant manager at a ritzy resort in Washington State. She is also a former captain in the military. Throughout the story, hints are dropped about the three statements at the start of the book. There's plenty of suspense and a little bit of romance. While I enjoyed the book, the ending seemed rushed. An epilogue would have been better that the abrupt close readers get.

Loved the book and am looking forward to the next one. I have recommended it to many of my readers at work. (I'm a library director)Our copy of the book has a waiting list. It has also sparked interest in starting at the beginning and reading Ms Dodd's Virtue Falls series first.

I wasn't completely sure what to think.

Kellen Adams is an enigma.   A girl who’s been on the run with 1 entire year of her life simply gone from her memory.

She ends up working at a vacation resort where she finds a sense of peace and belonging.  She brought some of her team members from her military days to work there; basically her “family”. Things seem to be going really well.

Then a dead and mutilated body shows up on shore. Thus beginning a series of twists and turns in a suspense full of who “dunnits”.  I was questioning everything!  At least for the most part.

So, while the suspense kept me reading and the romance was appealing, there were parts I struggled with.

The beginning totally sucked me in.  I’d say for the first portion of the book I was intrigued but then started to feel bogged down with a data dump.  There was a lot of information to absorb which detracted from the story line a bit.

Then just as the story started making my heart race it began to slow and level off. BUT don’t worry it doesn’t last long. The story started to gain traction again and in a big way;  it got me turning pages at lightening speed! So by the last page I felt better about the book.

I think Christina Dodd is an amazingly talented writer. Her books rock! So, while this may not be my favorite of her books, I have no doubt I’ll be reading the next one.

Kellen Adams has been running for a long time. From both a past that haunts her and a year of her life she can remember nothing about, but has left her with a gunshot scar on her forehead. She has finally managed to find a measure of peace as assistant manager at a grand but isolated hotel. However, the secluded location is the perfect place for a ruthless smuggling operation to set up. It isn’t long before Kellen starts to suspect someone in the hotel as being at its head. As Kellen’s past and present collide she needs to discover who she can trust.

In recent times I have come to really like thrillers, which is why I couldn’t resist picking up Dead Girl Running my first book by Christina Dodd. I’m certainly glad I gave it a try, the first chapter immediately sucks you in as it sets up the murder mystery/smuggling ring story line. But, it wasn’t just the present whodunit plot line that kept me reading. The past of main character Kellen Adams is a compelling mystery all of its own, especially as her past is hazy even to herself.

One of the things I liked most about this book was the gothic feel Dodd gave to it. The combination of Dodd’s slight bent towards melodrama; the oppressive dark and stormy atmosphere; the isolated setting and all the eccentric characters/potential suspects made it feel like you were reading a modern day gothic novel. This fit really well into the tense atmosphere giving the whole book a sinister edge.

The mystery itself was scattered with red herrings keeping the reader off balance. It left the murderer and head of the smuggling ring shrouded in mystery and misdirection right until the reveal at the end. For me though, it was Kellen’s heart breaking but vague past that I found most interesting, and warning! Although all the mysteries are cleared up by the end of the book, prepare yourself for a HUGE cliff hanger!

This was a great start to the Cape Charade series, the thriller/mystery aspect of the book was intriguing. There was also a little romance although it wasn’t the focus of this book, but there was enough to keep the romance junkie in me happy. A great read and I can’t wait to start the next book.

A great weekend read! Every mystery that takes place in an extravagant hotel is one worth reading...and this one is no exception.

There's enough going on here to keep any reader involved for the long haul.