Member Reviews
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
They story takes place in Serenity Acres, a luxury senior citizens' facility. Admission to the facility is expensive, but they promise life-long residency regardless of changes in the person's financial status. Recently, there have been several deaths, not related to illness, and Ruth, the VP of Operations is beginning to question these events. The main characters, Ruth and her neighbor Zach, have secrets from the past, as well as, current issues they are trying to cover up. I felt that the story was very well told and kept me in suspense until the last page.
3.5, rounded down to three. I have been to Santa Barbara once, but my husband was born there and has a special love in his heart for it. I think the tv show 'Psych' has shaped the way I think of Santa Barbara though, which might not be the best representation of it. ;) I don't know if I would want to return to this world of Santa Barbara, but it was fun how the author used the setting of the city as a large part of the story (I think my favorite part of the whole book was a short introduction to St. Santa Barbara!)
I have not read Catharine Rigg's first book in the series, but from what I understand, this book is not a continuation so it was easy to pick up this book as a standalone. The story goes back and forth between two main characters. I didn't like either character, even when their character flaws/motivations were acknowledged. It's really hard for me to have a "five-star" book when the main characters are so unlikable. ON a different note, I often feel like the minority when it comes to romance in a mystery. I didn't think it was necessary for some of this story, although I can't really reveal more without adding spoilers.
I am happy to say I "liked" this book as I read it, but that in the long run, it will probably be a bit forgettable down the line. I liked the mystery, but I would not categorize this as a "thriller." The beginning was a bit slow, but it started to pick up around the middle. I recommend this book for those looking for a quick "summer" read.
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story is all about murder, guilt and seeking redemption. The good guys are believable and sympathetic and the bad guys you hate. It makes you think about elder care and end of life issues that we all will have to face if we live long enough. It also makes you realize that old age, While it has it ups and downs came be positive.
New author for me but pleasantly surprised. Thank you for the approval and look forward to a book relationship with other reads in the future,
I wish I knew it was a sequel before starting it, still I really enjoyed this. The story drew me in instantly, which was no surprise, I just loved the premise so much. It was full of twists and turns. I can't wait to read more from the author.
The basic storyline for this thriller has been used many times before, If you love character driven suspense, then this is the crime novel for you.
Ruth and Zachary have real heart in a world where power and authority are taken away from those who are at their most vulnerable.
This is a page tuning read which builds to a thrilling finale.
Recommended.,
A good mystery that had well develop characters. I would read this author again. Thank you net galley for my E copy
Well developed characters with the story being told from the point of view of the two main characters, Ruth and Zach.. A retirement home has a string of unexplained deaths and it seems as if there is more to this than meets the eye.. Its all about secrets and the biggest one of all may be the one that Ruth and Zach share.. The decriptiveness in this story is great. It felt so real.
It took me a while to review this book not because I couldn’t get into it but bc of some medical issues. This book was excellently written and had the kind of edge of your seat entertainment that some author’s lack. Highly recommend this book and look forward to reading any new books from this author.
This is a story about secrets. Most of it takes place at Serenity Acres, a retirement home for wealthy seniors. Ruth has been a vice president there for years (a rather, stiff, unpopular one). She gets her next-door neighbor, Zach, a job there as a security guard and her son, Adam, a job in the kitchen. When people start dying left and right, all three of them become involved (and not in a good way). If they don't find some answers on their own, they could all go to jail. I enjoyed it sufficiently enough to read in one sitting.
This book was right up my alley. It was a good mystery, with twists and turns in all the right places. Would definitely recommend!
I'm conflicted about this book.
The good. It was a well written, engrossing read. It was also thought provoking, and made me stop and reflect. I really got involved in the lives of The characters and wanted to know what was going on.
The bad. I just didn't like Ruth, the main character. And I need to like the protagonist to truly enjoy a book. (I'm kind of superficial like that).
Overall, a very enjoyable read. Thank you to net galley for the advance read.
A compelling psychological thriller experience to the end.
The writer gives us insight into the personal issues facing each person and also how the past can impact the present.
Ruth Mosby is VP of operations at Serenity Acres. Wealthy residents were guaranteed a lifetime of care; and now it is being sold to Lost Horizons, a major care industry leader.
The competition locally is Peaceful Pastures who offer resident care at half the cost.
Ruth and Kai have interviews for the position of Executive Director with Lost Horizons management. Kai’s approach is maximise profits by evaluating ways of evicting the residents classed as destitutes; Ruth knows her many years of efficiently running Care Operations should ensure the position is hers.
Then with some resident’s death, a pink post-it note is found nearby with the resident’s name and the date they died. Who is writing these notes and what do they mean?
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks NetGalley!
Definitely an interesting and unique storyline. This is a thought provoking read about assisted suicide.
wellw orth the read for sure.
A very interesting read . Twists and turns to keep you engrossed. Wondering which way the author is going to take it. Nice and easy to read. Flows well. Enjoyable to read
I enjoyed reading this book. It had a good story to it. I liked the variety of characters in it. It is my first book read by this author. I hope to read more books by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and of course the author for this digital ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
This book is a twisted psychological thriller and was a very enjoyable read!
I really enjoyed this book. It has great main characters and a really good story line. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
OOOOO yes this was an excellent one! I absolutely loved this novel and am so impressed by Catharine Riggs! Seriously y'all need to go read this one. I didn't want it to end. The characters were fantastic and really came alive in this novel.
Ruth Mosby is the VP of operations at Serenity Acres, where the privileged elite go to die. For a hefty fee, wealthy retirees can live the good life in this posh Santa Barbara community—even after they outlive their money. Ruth thinks this is a fine arrangement, but the savvy new boss has a new rule: if you can’t pay, you can’t stay.
Ruth is deeply disturbed when destitute residents start dying at an alarming rate, as if on cue. Even more troubling, a macabre note accompanies each departed guest. Surviving guests whisper about an “Angel” who assists with suicides. Ruth has another word for it: murder.
Thank you to net galley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book it was a great experience first time reading anything from this author looking forward to many more