Member Reviews

From the moment you pick up "Trust Issues" and are drawn in by its intriguing cover, you might expect a romance or women’s fiction story. But don’t be fooled—this novel packs a crime thriller punch, brimming with suspense, mystery, and unforgettable characters.

The story revolves around Claire Kincaid, a PR professional in Atlanta whose work demands she spin the less-than-redeeming actions of her powerful clients, from judges to politicians. Her task takes a chilling turn when murder comes into the picture. Not only does she find herself in danger, but also a grieving teenager that she is hiding and trying to protect. As if that weren’t enough, her fiancé—claiming to be a forensic accountant—mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind an empty apartment and more questions than answers.

The novel's strengths lie not only in its tightly woven plot but also in its richly crafted characters. Claire’s bond with her free-spirited grandmother (a vestige from the hippie era) adds warmth and levity to the narrative, contrasting her strained relationship with her mother, who is fixated on uncovering the identity of Claire’s biological grandfather. These personal dynamics enrich the story, providing layers of depth that make the high-stakes thriller even more compelling.

Trust Issues masterfully balances the personal and the perilous, offering twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. The fast-paced narrative is complemented by a cast of quirky, yet pivotal characters that will captivate fans of contemporary crime fiction.

For those seeking a gripping read that blends suspense with moments of heartfelt humanity, Trust Issues is the book for you.

(This review will be posted on UnderratedReads on 12/27/24)

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A rising star in a prominent Atlanta public relations firm, Claire Kincaid can fix anything, except herself. When she shows up at a couples workshop without a partner, a handsome stranger named Kevin Thomas rescues her from humiliation by posing as her fiancé. Although she's drawn to Kevin, she's determined to stay true to Rob Evans, the man she plans to marry.

Revelations of long-buried family secrets land her in the middle of a fight between Jams, her beloved grandmother, and her mother, Janis. After years of demanding Jams tell her the name of the father she never knew, Janis sets out to find his identity on her own. Before Claire can help, a woman from one of her firm's focus groups is murdered, and her teenage daughter appears, determined to find justice. With help from Jams, the three set out to discover who's responsible and find themselves facing down one of Claire's most obnoxious and dangerous clients.

When Kevin reappears and announces that her fiancé Rob isn't who he claims to be, Claire realizes if she puts her trust in the wrong person, she could lose everything, including her life.

Loved it. Will recommend to others.

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A good story and I liked the main character, Claire. There was a lot going on and it became convoluted and confusing at times. It didn’t really hold my interest, but I feel like it could be really gripping with a good edit and some more tension and excitement. I found myself bored and was hoping there would be an epic twist to save it, but it ended just as expected.

2 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Katherine Nichols and Black Rose for an ARC in return for an honest review.

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