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Old Acquaintances
Two years after her mom's death, Rissa is finally ready to get on with her life. But someone else has different plans for her... Rissa Neil is confronted with an unknown enemy who turns her life into a living nightmare. She tries to convince herself that everything happening around herfeelings of being watched, strange phone calls when she's awayis just coincidence, but she can't fool herself for long. Finally, when two Old Acquaintances of hers are murdered, she turns to her best friend, Matt, for help. But who can she rely on when he suddenly jumps to the top of the suspect list? With only a few leads to go on and nowhere to run, Rissa wants to use herself for bait, but the police want to put her in protective custody. While they butt heads, things heat up as the body count rises and the suspect list dwindles. Detective Stone, a respected detective who lives up to his name, is soon assigned the case, but will he be able to solve the murders of Rissa's Old Acquaintances before the killer decides its time to end the game and destroy Rissa for good?
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2010
2 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Ursula Gorman
2 books20 followersOld Acquaintances is author Ursula Gorman's debut novel; published Dec. 2010. Her second novel, The Best of Us, was just completed and will be released in Feb. 2012. The Best of Us is the first installment of a three book series.
Ursula has always been an avid reader and turned that love into writing. She is married and has two children. She lives with her family in the Missouri Ozarks.
Ursula has always been an avid reader and turned that love into writing. She is married and has two children. She lives with her family in the Missouri Ozarks.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 8, 2010
What would you do if suddenly, people you used to know were being murdered, you were being harassed by frightening phone calls, you began receiving strange gifts, and you felt you were being followed? All these things and more were happening to Rissa Niel. All Rissa had in her life were the only two friends who stuck by her after she lost her mother two years ago and a small boutique. Things were not perfect for the kindhearted beauty, but her sad existence turned into a living nightmare when late one night after closing up shop, a dark figure stepped out of the bushes.
I would suggest that when you read “Old Acquaintances” that you make sure you have a chair with a comfortable edge because this book will have you on the edge of your seat, a lot. It reads like a well-edited movie with every page alive with drama, mystery, and romance. The characters are interesting and believable. The story is captivating and hard to put down. My wife, who is blind, reads many books on tape. When I read Old Acquaintances to her, she agreed with me that Author-Ursula Gorman has crafted a murder mystery that is as good as any we have ever read, and we have read several of the classics. If you like suspenseful murder mysteries with a dash of romance then you must read “Old Acquaintances.”
I would suggest that when you read “Old Acquaintances” that you make sure you have a chair with a comfortable edge because this book will have you on the edge of your seat, a lot. It reads like a well-edited movie with every page alive with drama, mystery, and romance. The characters are interesting and believable. The story is captivating and hard to put down. My wife, who is blind, reads many books on tape. When I read Old Acquaintances to her, she agreed with me that Author-Ursula Gorman has crafted a murder mystery that is as good as any we have ever read, and we have read several of the classics. If you like suspenseful murder mysteries with a dash of romance then you must read “Old Acquaintances.”
December 17, 2010
I thought I knew who-dun-it, but—no I didn’t. If you like murder mysteries and trying to figure out who did the dastardly deed then this book is for you. Old acquaintances are being eliminated regularly and Rissa must come up with an answer as to why, and put a stop to it before she becomes a victim of the killer. Time is running out and the answer is eluding her. It appears Detective Stone wants to help Rissa find the killer, but is there more to it. The detective may be more concerned with developing a relationship with her. This story has more twists and turns than a coiled rattlesnake. Old Acquaintances by Author Ursula Gorman weaves a tale of intrigue that keeps you guessing until the very end. -- Jim Baumgardner, author of Sarah’s Wish
May 19, 2012
I should start by saying that I was lucky enough to receive a free copy of this book from the author through the Goodreads.com First Reads program.
I sometimes worry when I see that a book that could be described as “romantic suspense,” so I was glad to find that the romantic aspects of this mystery didn’t detract from the plot. It was refreshing change to find a protagonist with high moral standards and I appreciated how clean this book was in both plot and language. I would have liked to see the book be a little longer, but if you’re looking for a good read and don’t have a lot of time, this would be a great choice. I hope to read more from this author.
I sometimes worry when I see that a book that could be described as “romantic suspense,” so I was glad to find that the romantic aspects of this mystery didn’t detract from the plot. It was refreshing change to find a protagonist with high moral standards and I appreciated how clean this book was in both plot and language. I would have liked to see the book be a little longer, but if you’re looking for a good read and don’t have a lot of time, this would be a great choice. I hope to read more from this author.
June 21, 2011
Years ago, I swore off murder mysteries, especially those featuring serial killers; the scenes were too graphic, and the motivation too dark. I like to read this genre to be entertained, not dragged down! When I read Ursula Gorman’s book, I was rewarded with a good whodunnit full of suspense and romance with none of the negative aspects of murder mysteries that I came to despise. I truly enjoyed Old Acquaintances, and didn’t put it down until I finished it. I recommend this book to mystery and romance lovers, plus it’s even clean enough to share with your kids!
December 18, 2010
Ursula Gorman certainly brings her characters to life in Old Acquaintances! She weaves a perfect blend of mystery, suspense, and romance. The readers will be captivated by the "good guys" while trying to figure out who is creating all the deadly terror! Old Acquaintances is definitely a page-turner that will keep you guessing until the end. A great read!
Lisa Tortorello
-author of My Hero, My Ding
Lisa Tortorello
-author of My Hero, My Ding
March 20, 2011
A very good first mystery. The characters were well-developed and seemed very real as well. The story was tight and the mystery believable. The suspense kept building until the very end. Just enough romance was thrown in to soften the plot line---and it was romance without a lot of gratuitous sex which I found very refreshing. I enjoyed the book very much and I'm looking forward to the author's next mystery.
February 13, 2011
If mystery with a side of romance is your dish then check out "Old Acquaintances" by Ursula Gorman. Follow the twists and turns as Detective Stone and Rissa Niel work to catch the stalker who is systematically killing off her acquaintances? Is her best friend somehow involved or is there some other explanation? Old Acquaintances will leave you guessing till the end!
January 2, 2011
Gorman has a firm grasp on murder mystery and tells a captivating story in Old Acquaintances. Her characters are believable and intriguing. She kept me guessing until it was obvious who “done” it. I turned page after page without putting the book down. Excellent job and I’m looking forward to your next book!
December 7, 2010
An excellent murder mystery. Very well written. The story flows freely with enough intrigue to keep you guessing. I tried very hard to sleuth out the ending. To my surprise I was wrong.
Highly recommend this book for mystery lovers.
Highly recommend this book for mystery lovers.
June 14, 2011
I can't wait to read this book! It sounds very intriguing.
December 11, 2010
Veru entertaining read. Ursula gives the reader a couple of twist and turns that keeps you guessing. Sure enough, she throws in a surprise ending.
May 9, 2020
Nice little mystery
July 23, 2011
Reviewed by Stephanie
Book provided by author for review
Mystery and suspense set your skin on fire in Gorman's debut, Old Acquaintances. The drama presented towards Rissa is frightening because of how far the criminal goes to ruin her life, and also because of how realistic the situation is.
Innocent citizens are brutally murdered, and the sequence seems random, until one link is discovered, that connects them all: Rissa. The victims are all somehow related to her, whether they be childhood friends, neighbors, or people in her daily life (such as her hairdresser); all old acquaintances.
Somehow, Rissa knows these slayings are happening because of her. Even worse, she knows this serial killer is targeting her specifically for a reason. But what reason could that be? She doesn't have any enemies that she knows of.
Old Acquaintances is thrillingly fast-paced and unexpectedly charming. The romance could have been left out, however. I mean, I enjoy a starry-eyed romance every now and then, but it's plain annoying when squeezed in with the suspense of the crime. It's also one of the impractical aspects of this short novel. Stone, the handsome detective, and Rissa fall in love during the case, where Stone is the active detective, and Rissa is the protected victim and witness; their relationship seems highly unprofessional and unlikely. Rissa also has the chaste "no sex until marriage", and claims to be in love with Stone as soon as the case is over. Like I said, I love romance, but even to me, that sort of "love" is a bit farfetched.
Gorman's style is effortless; the story moves quickly and the plot is laid out step by step, making it a little predictable. Regardless, I enjoyed this mystery novel; there were times I smiled at the cheesiness of Rissa and Stone's romance, and times I shivered at the creepiness of the murderer's path. For those of you who like a blend of clean romance and spine-tingling suspense, Old Acquaintances is the perfect read.
Book provided by author for review
Mystery and suspense set your skin on fire in Gorman's debut, Old Acquaintances. The drama presented towards Rissa is frightening because of how far the criminal goes to ruin her life, and also because of how realistic the situation is.
Innocent citizens are brutally murdered, and the sequence seems random, until one link is discovered, that connects them all: Rissa. The victims are all somehow related to her, whether they be childhood friends, neighbors, or people in her daily life (such as her hairdresser); all old acquaintances.
Somehow, Rissa knows these slayings are happening because of her. Even worse, she knows this serial killer is targeting her specifically for a reason. But what reason could that be? She doesn't have any enemies that she knows of.
Old Acquaintances is thrillingly fast-paced and unexpectedly charming. The romance could have been left out, however. I mean, I enjoy a starry-eyed romance every now and then, but it's plain annoying when squeezed in with the suspense of the crime. It's also one of the impractical aspects of this short novel. Stone, the handsome detective, and Rissa fall in love during the case, where Stone is the active detective, and Rissa is the protected victim and witness; their relationship seems highly unprofessional and unlikely. Rissa also has the chaste "no sex until marriage", and claims to be in love with Stone as soon as the case is over. Like I said, I love romance, but even to me, that sort of "love" is a bit farfetched.
Gorman's style is effortless; the story moves quickly and the plot is laid out step by step, making it a little predictable. Regardless, I enjoyed this mystery novel; there were times I smiled at the cheesiness of Rissa and Stone's romance, and times I shivered at the creepiness of the murderer's path. For those of you who like a blend of clean romance and spine-tingling suspense, Old Acquaintances is the perfect read.
November 15, 2012
Ursula Gorman has created an intriguing mystery in Old Acquaintances. It is easy to picture the main character, Rissa Neil, from the first paragraph. This image expands as other characters are added to the plot. Rissa and her friend Matt have developed an unusual relationship which complicates the investigation of the mysterious events surrounding Rissa. When Detective Stone tries to piece the many connections and leads together he finds it hard to concentrate on the case. His attraction to the young victim makes it hard to remain objective while trying to keep her safe.
The characters in the story are believable, and easy to follow as the suspense builds. The author weaves two unusual twists into the mystery that keeps the reader guessing. Ms. Gorman has combined strong characters, mystery, and romance into a page-turning read.
The characters in the story are believable, and easy to follow as the suspense builds. The author weaves two unusual twists into the mystery that keeps the reader guessing. Ms. Gorman has combined strong characters, mystery, and romance into a page-turning read.
September 28, 2011
A quick read filled with mystery and romance. It is an average read. It's not at all bad. The mystery isn't overly complex but makes you think 'who's done it?' murder case. Quick-paced tempo.
*Goodreads.com Early book reader copy*
*Goodreads.com Early book reader copy*
March 20, 2012
Fantastic new author!
April 5, 2014
Some of the dialogue icked me out
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews