The Penance Stone

by Suza Kates

Six months in a secluded, Japanese village. To Harper Gray, it's the perfect getaway and a place to write her next book. The best part is she'll be all alone, safe in a mountainside retreat and isolated from the rest of the world. Because evil comes in many forms, and she's already lost too much.

Reid Ellis knows the village of Chuujitsu, its culture, and its customs. When he agrees to aid the reclusive author, he can't understand why she hides herself away. Her past still casts a long shadow, but he's determined to make her feel safe.

When a terrified young girl, priests who stalk the night, and ancient Shinto laws become part of the story, Harper and Reid can't tell truth from legend. The two become entangled in each other, but Harper still finds danger at every turn. Is there something more to the odd symbol she keeps seeing? Or is love the only thing she needs to fear?

Kindle Edition

First published February 20, 2013

About the author

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www.suzakates.com

Suza Kates is the author of the Savannah Coven Series as well as other suspense and paranormal books. She loves writing mysterious places, page-turning suspense, and characters you’d like to hang out with. She’s a member of Novelists Inc. and has written fifteen novels with the help of lighted candles and full coffee mugs.

Suza currently lives in the German countryside with her husband and two fierce attack cats—at least until a tractor drives by.

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Reviews

[Andie_4 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. The way the scenery/setting is described is gorgeous and the way it contrasts with the ugliness, showing sometimes something just looks beautiful, so well done. The heroine is flawed, loved the way she fights to overcome her past. It was good to see a strong female smart, brave, and working to move to a brighter future. The romantic interest was a breath of fresh air compared to the domineering, controlling men that has been out there lately. He was smart, sexy, supportive and loving which was awesome! And I just want Saya to come to my place for dinner and wine. A great mystery really glad I picked it up.

[Anjeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow Suza! How the heck did you come up with that story? First, to be in the mind of a person suffocated with that magnitude of soul wrenching loss. Harper's need for such a controlled and secluded environment shows how loosing someone violently could impact oneself. Then how other relationships suffer in consequence. But to wrap that up in the hair raising intrigue you came up with... no words will do justice. Just WOW!

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 5 out of 5]

 
The Penance Stone, Suza Kates
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romantic Suspense.
This is a bit outside my usual genre, but I love books set in the Far East, the blend of cultures and the glimpse into different traditions, and was intrigued by the suspense element so I wanted to read it.
 
Harper was a likable person, escaping into her own head most of the while, isolating herself to be safe from the fears that beset her after a horrific personal tragedy. Then she meets Reid, her assistant while she’s in Japan, who lives close. He’s studying the people and the culture for his dissertation and he’s drawn to her right from the start. It takes a while though before he can get through her defences enough to even talk to her without feeling he’s scaring her. She was expecting a female assistant and seeing Reid throws her. Gradually though her defences come down and wham – once they do its easy to feel the attraction between them. I liked Reid, he’s a genuinely kind man, who would have helped Harper even if he wasn’t attracted. One of those True Gentlemen, and being gorgeous doesn’t do him harm either! He’s so curious about Harper, about what she’s scared of, but it takes a long while before she trusts him enough to tell him.
 
 Before that there are so many things they go through, so many snippets of mystery that stir her curiosity. Reid urges her to make more friends, to get out more but somehow once she does she seems to be a magnet for danger. Who is painting Kanji symbols, who is Emi and why is she so full of fear? What’s the mystery the priests are hiding and why does no one speak about them or the temple? For a scared woman Harper doesn’t hesitate to step into danger, and it seems when most people would turn and run away Harper just takes another step forward! Reid gets really frustrated and scared for her, I was too, mentally shouting “no, don't go there, don't do that!” He wants to protect her but from what? How can he when she keeps getting into dangerous situations? Its part of her personality though, part of her historical problems that mean she’s unable to walk away without being sure Emi is safe and no-one will harm her. It takes her into a really heart stopping danger ( hers and mine!) though, a situation that almost claims her life.
Wow – the suspense in this is powerful – I had no idea who or what was behind it and what happened took me greatly by surprise. No quick whack on the head then a rescue here – its very drawn out, very slowly built up tension that had me racing through the pages to see what happened...and then just when I though they were safe its danger all over again. the psychology aspect too is interesting, why Harper past affected her actions in the present, and also the culture of secrecy, how old traditions could still be kept through fear.
Stars: Five, a real rollercoaster read. Having read it though now, I don’t think its one I’d re read but its an excellent suspense with a side of romance thrown in.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review

I requested this story because I LOVE Suza Kates. I will admit, I wasn't sure about this story at the start. I didn't care for the characters, but about 1/3 of the way in, I just got sucked and emerged several hours later. Wow, once the story got going, it was great!

Writer Harper Gray arrives in Japan without knowing any Japanese, but intending to keep to herself and just write. She hires Reid Ellis to be her assistant. Reid, an PhD student writing his dissertation can't help but be attracted to Harper and fear lingering in her eyes. Throw in a mysterious mute girl and a sassy new friend and you've got a mystery worth reading.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book for free from a Goodreads giveaway.

I enjoyed the cultural tone of this book. I thought it was unique and interesting, and the story kept me interested. I especially enjoyed the ending. However, I'm not a big "romance" fan, and the romantic subplot was predictable and a little over the top. I did enjoy reading it, and I appreciate the opportunity.

[Gitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Suza Kates. I like to read the SC books, but Suza's stand alone books I really love. I only have one thing: Suza, write longer books! They are so great- a perfect mix of krim and romance. Suspence to keep reading (far too late) and leaving you wanting more.

[Christine Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book, but I liked Ms. Kates' Savannah Coven series more... I think this says more about my personal preferences than suggesting there's fault to be found in The Penance Stone. If you like "scare-romances," which don't involve any "magic," this book might be your cup of tea.

[Laura Molina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and fast paced, you'll have your heart in your throat a lot

[Kerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as a goodreads giveaway and it has been sitting in my to read pile for a while. I am not sure exactly how I feel about this story. The idea is solid and interesting and there is enough suspense to keep the reader engaged, but there was something a little off in the writing that made me not like it as much as I wanted to. I did not connect with the characters much at all and thought the development of them was incomplete, especially Reid and Saya. There is a lot alluded to with Reid, but his history was never really fleshed out. Saya was almost an afterthought and played such a small role throughout the book that it felt weird to have her included in the climax. Overall, it is a compelling plot idea that is somewhat lacking on execution.