Linda Howard Book Junkies discussion

The Bodine ranch and resort in western Montana is a family business, an idyllic spot for vacationers. A little over thirty thousand acres and home to four generations, it’s kept running by Bodine Longbow with the help of a large staff, including new hire Callen Skinner. There was another member of the family once: Bodine’s aunt, Alice, who ran off before Bodine was born. She never returned, and the Longbows don’t talk about her much. The younger ones, who never met her, quietly presume she’s dead. But she isn’t. She is not far away, part of a new family, one she never chose—and her mind has been shattered…

When a bartender leaves the resort late one night, and Bo and Cal discover her battered body in the snow, it’s the first sign that danger lurks in the mountains that surround them. The police suspect Cal, but Bo finds herself trusting him—and turning to him as another woman is murdered and the Longbows are stunned by Alice’s sudden reappearance. The twisted story she has to tell about the past—and the threat that follows in her wake—will test the bonds of this strong family, and thrust Bodine into a darkness she could never have imagined.

I'm over half way done. This is not your usual NR romantic-suspense. Some very heavy Women's Fiction subjects in this one.

Thanks Anita, I am only about 5 chapters into it, but other things keep getting in the way of me reading. I want to say I would do it tonight, but too tired. Maybe tomorrow.

I finished this book and the first half I was bored senseless. I would put the book down and completely forget about it. Then maybe a day later I would force myself to read at least a chapter. The only interesting parts were the snippets about Alice. Finally!! when Alice was found I got really interested in it. I couldn't understand why everyone had to stay at the hospital. I understand Cora and maybe Maureen switching off or something by why did everyone have to stay?

I knew from the very beginning who the killer was. I felt for him and I really would have liked to see the epilogue include an up date on him. I would liked to see he was indeed getting treated for the abuse and indoctrination his father taught him.

Finished the book yesterday and my reaction is similar to Dee's.

I was extremely bored by the day to day running of the resort - and I mean really bored. The characters seemed to be re-runs of other NR characters with the list, schedules and agendas and group idea fests. Not that I didn't like the three couples, but there was definitely a been there vibe for me.

When Alice was found, the story line finally got interesting and I really enjoyed this aspect of it. I wished there had been more story line on the search for "Sir" after Alice was found. And who the killer is and the relationship was much too easy of a tag. I would definitely have liked to see more of an epilogue on him as he was abused as much as Alice.

I found the book description where the "police" suspected Cal misleading as he wasn't really suspected by the police/sheriff as much as being the target of one police officer's anger and vendetta.

It's hard to call this a romantic suspense, as there really wasn't any suspense or suspense build up for me. Finding Bodine (hated her name throughout the book) was way, way too easy.

I agree with both of you. I just wasn't caught up in the story and even caught up on my TV viewing while reading this book.

Anita wrote: "I agree with both of you. I just wasn't caught up in the story and even caught up on my TV viewing while reading this book."

I read while watching some of my taped shows as well!

No. I put the book down and watched TV. I never just watch TV, I'm always reading too.

NR is such a great writer, but this one really missed the mark... Actually, it missed the whole city, state, or country. I am glad that I have read many of her books before this one or I might not want to read another.