Buried Threads

Threads #2

by Kaylin McFarren

Rachel Lyons and her partner Chase Cohen accept a contract to recover a lost priceless treasure in the Sea of Japan. However, upon arriving in Tokyo, they soon discover their mission is more complicated and dangerous than they originally believed. In order to prevent a natural disaster from striking Japan and killing millions, they must form an alliance with yakuza members, dive into shark-infested waters and recover three ancient cursed swords...before time runs out.

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Thriller, Fiction, Paranormal

364 pages, Paperback

First published October 8, 2013

About the author

Kaylin McFarren has received more than 70 national literary awards, in addition to a prestigious RWA Golden Heart Award nomination for FLAHERTY'S CROSSING - a book she and her oldest daughter, New York Times/USA Today best-selling author Kristina McMorris, co-wrote in 2008. Prior to embarking on her writing journey and developing the popular THREADS psychological thriller series, she poured her passion for creativity into her work as the director of a fine art gallery in the Pearl District in Portland, Oregon; she also served as a governor-appointed member of the Oregon Arts Commission.

When she’s not traveling or spoiling her two pups and three grandsons, she enjoys giving back to her community through participation and support of various charitable, medical and educational organizations in the Pacific Northwest. Her award-winning time-travel adventure, HIGH FLYING, asks challenging questions that will linger long after the final twists are revealed. Jumping to the supernatural-horror genre, Kaylin's clever GEHENNA series takes readers into the pit of Hell, through the mechanisms of secret societies, and across the Earth’s crust, ever raising the stakes for this soulmate duo—a roguish, Nephilim creature and beautiful guardian angel presented with mind-boggling challenges.

With each story she writes, this author delivers unexpected twists and turns and keeps her readers on the edge of their seats, leaving them guessing and thoroughly entertained.

FUN TIDBITS

Kaylin is proud of the fact that her great aunt Bessie B. Cordell, an evangelistic missionary during WWII, was instrumental in opening an orphanage in Tientsin, China and also wrote two published novels, Precious Pearl and Blossoms of the Flowery Kingdom, documenting her dangerous, harrowing experiences.

She keeps a glass of wine close by while writing love scenes, Kleenex on her desk while writing heart breakers, and has been known to empty a box of chocolates when she's completely stumped.

A consummate "pantser" and perfectionist, she writes and edits as she goes, and uses photographs of models and actors from tabloid magazines to visualize her characters.

She loves her husband of 48 years dearly, however, if Josh Holloway, Hugh Jackman or Ian Somerhalder came knockin', well... their marriage just might be put to the test.

Reviews

[Jola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review also on www.jolasbookshelf.wordpress.com

Although I haven't read the first book in this series, I thoroughly enjoyed this installment. It had everything to keep me captivated - treasure hunt, romance, twists.
It was also fun to read a book that took place in Japan. The author most certainly took her time to research the culture of this Asian country and it helped make the story more believable.
I will go back and read book one sometime to learn the beginning of Rachel's story. I also look forward to book three!

Thanks to Kaylin McFarren for sending me a free copy of the book.

[Grace Elliot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel and Chase are experts at recovering lost treasure –and their next assignment is in Japan. But all is not as it seems and what should be a straightforward job to retrieve an ancient Samurai sword – turns out to be anything but…
Despite being slightly out of my comfort zone (being unfamiliar with Japanese culture) I soon relaxed into ‘Buried Threads’ because I found myself in the hands of a talented writer, who knit together the threads of erotic romance, gangs, cults, mystery and Japanese society with consummate skill.
I ended up enjoying the mix of cultures: the obvious physical attraction between Chase and Rachel, compared to the more subtle but incendiary, highly charged Japanese eroticism. In a book with an attractive Japanese monk, a surprise sibling, curses and decapitation –the scene is set for a rollicking adventure. The story grabs you, much like a screenplay, and this book could easily make the transition to Hollywood blockbuster.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buried Threads by Kaylin McFarren is a 2013 Creative Edge Publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Blurb:
Rachel Lyons and her partner Chase Cohen accept a contract to recover a lost priceless treasure in the Sea of Japan. However, upon arriving in Tokyo, they soon discover their mission is more complicated and dangerous than they originally believed. In order to prevent a natural disaster from striking Japan and killing millions, they must form an alliance with yakuza members, dive into shark-infested waters and recover three ancient cursed swords...before time runs out.

Rachel and Chase are experts in treasure hunting. Their current assignment takes them to Japan. When they arrive they realize they have gotten more than they bargained for. The sword they seek carries a curse that could pretty much wipe out Japan. Desperate, they make alliances with some very dangerous people.
Rachel and Chase have more than a working relationship. They are bonded in many ways and must lean on one another during the most tense adventure they have ever experienced. By tense, I mean TENSE!
The Japanese culture is very interesting . I don't know a great deal about Japanese traditions but I believe the author did her homework. There is a mystery, adventure, crime, a touch of the paranormal and romance. Once I started this book I just couldn't stop reading it. There is a lot going on and you will have to put aside any distractions and really pay attention. This book is quite unlike any other book you may encounter in the mystery or paranormal genre. I applaud the author's research and the ability to combine all the elements she used into one absorbing read. One thing I should point out is that this book does contain a number of erotic sex scenes. (That is not a critisism- it's just information I thought I should pass along)
Overall I enjoyed this one and would recommend it mystery suspense readers, paranormal romance readers and those that like action adventure. I give this one an A ( 4 stars)

[Gillian (Tattooed Book Review) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review and more at www.tattooedbookreview.com!

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

“In this world, all lust is grief.”

In this exciting story of romance and adventure, two professional treasure hunters are thrown in to an unfamiliar world, filled with ancient religions and modern gangsters. East meets west when the Rachel and Chase must navigate dangerous waters, booby-trapped tombs, human traffickers, and Japan’s mysterious culture, religion, and dangerous Yakuza assassins. The fish out of water aspect is multi-layered and wonderfully detailed and is a fantastic backdrop to this exciting, sexy, and dangerous book.

My head was spinning as I eagerly turned the pages, following a vast cast of characters as the story unraveled with surprise after surprise. From the beginning, I felt like I had the characters pegged, but they constantly challenged any pre-conceived notions I may have had as their stories developed. I became invested in all of the characters, even the villains. But, Rachel and Chase had my greatest loyalty and I enjoyed their romance and the way they overcame adversity, not just in their relationship, but in the face of grave danger.

The action and adventure of an Indiana Jones movie, the murderous intrigue of the yakuza, and the mystique of geishas and monks all swirl around a pair of sexy and brave treasure hunters. This is a huge and exciting story, beautifully realized as emotion blends with suspense. A nail-biting climax is followed up by a satisfying conclusion and the promise of much more to come from these great characters and their engaging world.

“…’Sometimes you just need to have a little faith before you dive in.’

’And what is the pool’s deep and you can’t swim?’, she asked.

’Then you learn how to tread water.’ “

*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[The Literary Vixen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first began reading. This is a great book! It has dangerous plots, passion, super natural, and even a treasure hunt all tied up in this great story called Buried Threads. I felt the author is very familiar with Japanese culture as it shows throughout the story with both the clothing and customs. It does have some steamy erotic scenes. What I really enjoyed about this book is that it isn't predictable. It was like being taken on an adventure and not quite knowing where it will lead. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a mystery that is mixed with danger and passion.

[Sara]

Please see Boundless Book Reviews for the review, that will post at a later date.

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

A pair of treasure hunters, on the track of an ancient katana encounter a monk who lays souls to rest, and can read past lives, and wind up teaming with the yakuza, after things get out of control.

Entertaining.

[Diana (Offbeat Vagabond) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original review here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2013/12/buried-threads-blog-tour-review-100.html

Buried Threads is book 2 in the Thread series. I completely missed that memo this time around and haven't read book one, Severed Threads, yet. But fortunately, I got into this book just fine, so it won't be much of an issue. What a ride this was, I didn't know what to expect with this, but I am definitely a new fan. Buried Threads gives you a bit of everything. McFarren oozes talent and I am super excited for book three in this series.

I love this story. The buildup and where it goes are very refreshing aspects of the book. It is set in Japan and McFarren does such a great job of describing Japanese culture. I must say, I learned quite a bit. Some of our main characters, Rachel and Chase, visit Japan because they are treasure hunters. They were hired to find a mysterious sword that is said to be very powerful and very expensive. I love the mystery in this book. Someone is killed (someone kind of big) and the mystery is just very refreshing. I love that this book is based in reality, but has hints of paranormal throughout. It really added another element to the book. This story will make you very, very happy.

I love that we follow three main stories/characters. They are all after something and it was nice seeing how it all comes together and learning the whys of it. I really liked Rachel. She sees fragile, but she is tough as nails. I really connected with her quickly. She works hard for everything and doesn't like being taken advantage of due to her father. Her father leaves behind some interesting surprises that turn Rachel's workd even more topsy-turvy. She already found out that she has been hired by an eccentric monk who reads souls and wants a mystical sword. How much more crazy can it possibly get? Oh, she has no idea. I also really enjoyed Mariko. I wasn't sure about her at first though. She was a geisha whose livelihood pretty much depended a big name gangster named Kenji. I loved seeing her journey in this book. She grew so much. Kenji was scary and yet very sexy. I love that the book showed us things from his point of view as well. He is quite the interesting villain and it was great seeing how his story unraveled as well. Then we have Yuki. She worked with Shinzo and knew a lot more about the treasures than anyone else. Her story adds even more to the book that you won't believe. Oh my goodness, it is beyond insane.

This book will truly take you on a journey like no other. Everything from goblin sharks to reincarnation with mystery, suspense, mystical elements and some very steamy romance. There is no way you can't find something to love with this book. I am so in love. I can't wait to dive (no pun intended) more into this world with the first book and book three. Don't go into this expecting you are going to have things figured out. You won't have any idea until the very end. Highly recommend this read and it is definitely a favorite for 2013.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended up loving this and wanting to read the other two in the series Severed Threads (book 1) and Banished Threads (coming soon).

It started out kind of slow for me in the first few pages, but once Rachel popped into the story it picked up and moved along quickly. (323 pages – I read it all in one day.) Actually, before the story even starts, there is a poem with the same title as the book, I loved it. I read it a couple of times and it gave me a bit of insight into where the story was going without giving it all away.

The story starts with Kenji, a mobster in Japan. He is not a nice man, but there were a couple of moments with Mariko where I wondered if my feelings were supposed to change toward him, was he more gray than black in a black and white world with black being evil and white being good.

Then we meet Rachel on the plane on her way to Tokyo to start this adventure. She and Chase own the treasure hunting company and they have been hired by Shinzo to find these swords whose replacement will stop the prophecy from coming to fruition.

There are a lot of characters in this book but they are pretty easy to keep track of because their names are so different and their roles are important.

I kept looking at the author’s name while I was reading, looking for some hint of Asian ancestry because she wrote with such knowledge about Japan and the language. When I was finished there was a note about how Kaylin has been fascinated with the arts and culture of Japan for 40 years and has traveled across Asia. I was impressed. I learned more about Japan in this one book than I have in my entire life I believe.

It was interesting because little things would be revealed and would change my entire thoughts on where the book was going. Then something else would happen and I was all what is the point of this character then??? If it’s not this, then what? Everything gets tied up neatly in the end, not one piece forgotten, and every single character, every single plot line was essential to get us to where we were at the end. It is amazing when you see those intricate pieces and plots all fall into place.

Excellent story, quick moving, dramatic, twists and turns you will not see coming, some hot and steamy scenes (definitely not for the under 18 set), it was just a very enjoyable read.

[Jessica Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second installment of the Threads series, we find our two main characters, Chase and Rachel, heading off to Japan to help locate a treasured sword with a gem in the handle that was lost when a boat sank. Along the way they encounter gangs, ninjas, and evil spirits and have to battle all and more while trying to find the treasure and save Japan from the worst earthquake it has ever experienced. This novel has so much action, more action than all the others in this series so far put together. I love the details the author put into this book, it really helped bring me into the story as if I was watching the fights and killings right in front of me, and of course like the previous book the author does a fantastic job at writing sex scenes that leave you all hot and bothered *wink wink*. Action and sex are not the easiest to describe without the reader getting lost or having the scene come off as cheesy, so for this author to be able to do both in this book really is a tell to how good the book is. Out of the three books in this series I have read so far this I will say is not my top favorite, but I did highly highly enjoy it, the reason I cannot say it was the best is I did not connect with the new characters introduced like I have in other books, especially the character that may be related to one of our treasure hunters, I just feel she was not in the novel enough to find that connection, but this may because she will appear in a future installment of this series where her storyline will be explained more but for right now I just did not like her that much she was to simple. Another reason is the fact that the main characters that the series surrounds are not in a lot of, there is so much focus on new characters that they take a back burner and that always to me takes away from a story since they are so good and are the main reason I fell in love with this series.
So in conclusion, I really liked this book and would highly recommend it, especially if you like action packed battles and hot steamy sex scenes with of course the normal personal relationship dramas. And I would give this a strong 4 out of 5 stars, only downside is the limited connection with certain newly introduced characters and the limited appearance of the main characters.

[Moná · Rating 5 out of 5]

The treasure hunting adventure continues in book #2 and there’s even more than your average deep sea dive for recovering artifacts. Both Rachel and Chase are off to tackle on a hunting task for a private client in the land of Japan. Meeting up with their assigned Japanese associates Shinzo and Yuki to forge a plan to retrieve 3 traditional swords each completing a special and sacred collection. The unexpected twists started from the very beginning and progressed throughout the rest of the book. No denying that there’s so much more to the task than was lead to believe, in turn becoming more of a challenge that no one expected.

In “Buried Threads,” author Kaylin McFarren gives her readers a bit of a background story of our main character’s Japanese associates that seemed more startling than usual childhoods. Since there is a history of another culture, we also are learning more about the Japanese culture as we continue reading, giving more pieces to this already massive puzzle. Unknown curses attached to objects, similarly to grave robbery, everyone feels they're entitled to what’s been hidden beneath the surface for a couple years, no one has been as brave as these four along with the rest of the team. All sorts of emotions are invoked as you read through each chapter, realizing there are also supernatural behaviors lingering to stir some trouble along the way. There was one particular secret that was kept from Rachel all these years, only to find out while being on the other side of the globe, which enlightens a brighter purpose of her needing to be in Japan.

As to their discovery of the swords, a situation occurs where both Rachel and Yuki are captured in hopes of being used as bargaining chips in exchange for the collection of swords. The fate of these characters’ lives are at stake and new developments are what keeps the reader’s attention to find out what would happen next. I truly enjoyed reading this book, it has invoked emotions of all sorts, even had me on the edge of my seat when the characters stared danger in the face, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I recommend anyone to continue this journey of discovery as the adventure and twists are beyond what anyone would imagine.

[B.K. Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buried Threads by Kaylin McFarren was so much more than I expected! I love Kaylin's work and have read her before, and I just think she keeps getting better and better.

Lost treasures, heated romance, seeing the dead and Monks! What more can you ask for all in one book? NOTHING!
We meet Rachel in the beginning on a plane heading to Japan to meet a boss she has no idea of what they look like or who they are. She's having issues with her boyfriend and it looks like it may be over, and the last thing she wants is to be confronted by competition. More is than what meets the eye though and trouble's a brewing in Japan.

You just don't know who to trust and where the story will go.
McFarren did an excellent job keeping you guessing right up to the end of the book. I loved the entire story, and even though it is the 2nd book in the series and I didn't feel like I missed too much by by not reading the first, which I loved. Actually, I had no idea that this was a series until I did a little research to find the cover to include in my review. So, with that said, I would suggest reading the first book and going in order, but if you don't, it won't hurt.

It's a very well written book, full of adventure and surprise twists, with even a surprise at the end. The thing I loved the most is that you could feel each character's emotion, which Kaylin does such a great job with, even from her first book, Flaherty's Crossing. She does such an amazing job drawing you in and showing, not telling.

If you haven't read McFarren's books yet, I suggest you do. I honestly think there is a little bit of everything for everyone, from action to magic, and combine that with a well driven plot, totally cool characters and an amazing story, you have one hell of a book!

Buried threads is a fantastic, must-read. Buckle up your seatbelt, hang on tight and don't forget the ice!

[Kathleen Short-Ridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a continuing store about a woman and man that are treasure hunters. In this installment the two go to Japan to see find not one but three swords. There is lots of danger that has you cheering for the heroes.
What I liked about this book is that even though I have not read them in sequence I have read the other two and they are great stand alones as well as great together. You can follow along if you got one at the library and did not know it was a series. Then when you read them in order you get more out of them. I loved that is one was around swords and Japan. I am a teacher of ESL for students in Japan, and like seeing the different perspectives of Japan and even the yakuza that is popular in American TV or in writings. I love how the characters grew and we became more and more involved in their lives.
What I did no t like about this book was the spiritistic stuff that was added in. I was expecting the Yakuza angle, Geisha, and other Japanese cultural references. I was not expecting the “Safe the souls (ghosts) seen in pictures” angle with people going into trances and things. That being said it was still well written and for those that do like the spiritualistic things in books then it is right up your alley. It was just not my cup of tea.

I would recommend this book to others that like mysteries and I am glad that the author continued this as a series and we could see what happened next with these characters.
A strong 2
As you know I rate things not as stars but with this rating.
#1 Keep- these I keep to read over and over
#2 Share and tell- Buy one copy to keep and one or more copies to share telling others about it.
#3 Donation- These are great reads for a one time read for me.
#4 Chuckers/ Fire starters- These are books that I either could not get into or they were written poorly. These then become great fire starters

[Rae Ryans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaylin Mcfarren has a great series with threads, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I'm very glad I took the chance. It has action, adventure, suspense, and even a little romance. The romance wasn't overboard, and was very well intertwined in the story...It didn't feel forced at all.

Buried Threads is the second in a series. I didn't read the first one(yet!) but it read very well as a standalone. Of course after finishing this one, and being very impressed, I am going to grab Severed Threads(first book) as soon as I can.

The detail in everything from dialog, to locations was amazing. The way she captured the Japanese culture was absolutely spot on! I can't even find the words to tell you how well Mcfarren has weaved together a treasure hunting adventure, and a suspenseful- save the world tale, with just enough romance so perfectly well.

Following Rachel and Chase on their contract in Japan was great, and feeling the dynamic relationship between the two characters as the story progresses feels so real. Character development throughout the entire book was excellent, and balanced.

The pacing is very fast but smooth, and the author doesn't miss a beat or rush details. I lost myself in the story for quite a while, because I couldn't put it down once I started. This is indeed a page turner!

There is so much to love about this book. I can't stop thinking about it even after I'm done reading it, and I will defiantly recommend it to everyone over the holidays!

[Sara H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating. Intriguing. Bizarre. No, really.
This complex tale of finding Japanese artifacts to pay off a modern-day debt sucked me into its world and didn’t let go. This is part Indiana Jones with a little Fifty Shades of Grey thrown in. Most thrillers tend to favor government spy agencies or serial killers, while this one will introduce readers to the Japanese mob or yakuza, who are just as brutal and sociopathic as any frightening murders.
This fast-paced book takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride with a curious mystery about Japanese historical loot, erotic love scenes between some unlikely characters followed by shocking violence.
The story is quite suspenseful because everyone seems to want the sunken treasure, although not everyone knows what they are looking for. The ignorance of some of the more ruthless characters makes the story very unpredictable.
This book is very original and the author isn’t afraid to discard seemingly key people – I don’t want to give anything away but a lead character is beheaded not even halfway through the book. I was pretty impressed with how well this story is done.
It flows well and the historical information is well woven into discussions so that it seems like a natural information transfer. This book is definitely worth a read, guaranteed.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book for an unbiased review. But honestly, if this book had been talked about more in online groups or a top Amazon rating I would have picked this up anyways. I LOVED the intensity this book brought. Action, DANGER, lust, extreme ups, and downs are all there. The cover is unique and beautiful. Not that you should pick a book by its cover.

Rachel and Chase are treasure hunters, but that might be the only normal basic part of this story. There are monks, cursed swords, Yakuza and Geisha. You get multiple characters points of view and it isn't jumbled or crazy. You can follow it and get a clear idea and understanding of the character. The intensity is brought here, like seriously. Everyone is after this sword, and everyone has their own reasons. The main character is even beheaded!!! Only spoiler your getting.

Honestly, I am probably going to read this book again soon. It is so different than most of the other types of books out there. It's a whole new culture and atmosphere to read about. This is what really got me the most. You can believe the world that is built actually exists. You can feel the presence of the people. I believe people should give this a shot. Let's put it this way... I am going to be picking up the first and third books in the series.

[Bikram · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this audiobook for free from the author / narrator / publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

There are currently four books in the series and I received all four together. Thus I was able to listen to them one after the other, in chronological order and didn't feel like I was missing out on any part of the story. Actually, you can enjoy of the books on their own too. All four books of the series are almost equally good, maybe some slightly better than the other. Hence, I will be posting the a collective review of all four books together.

I read a book based on treasure hunting theme after a very long time. Even though I was skeptical at first, as I listened to more n more of it, I got addicted to this spell-bounding storytelling. The characters are so well written and multi-faceted that you can't point a finger at any of them and say "that's pretty bland". And the storyline is equally intriguing. There's action, suspense, thrill; there's dollops of romance. Best thing about this series is that there's no dull moment. All 4 books are constantly fast-paced. You won't be bored.

The narration is another positive point of this series. Four books are narrated by different narrators, and it's amazing that all of them did a splendid job. All the characters have their own distinct and clear voice. Emotions are portrayed elegantly. And audio quality is good.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buried Threads - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Three cursed legendary Samurai swords, created by the greatest maker of all time and lost/stolen over the centuries from the Buddhist monks who were charged with protecting them. One jewel-hilted wakizashi has been located under water near Tokyo, Japan, while the other two remain hidden below ground in their owner's lost tomb. According to mythology, those worthy to possess any/all of the dead Prince's swords will acquire great powers, but an unworthy owner (ie thief), will unleash a cataclysmic storm resulting in the swamping of vast areas of Japan and the loss of huge numbers of inhabitants!

Kaylin McFarren is rightly a multiple award-winner and has herein produced a polished narrative starring Americans Rachel Lyons and Chase Cohen, in her second novel in the Threads series, Buried Threads. Brought in as treasure-hunting experts by a Yakuza gangster, (to recover the two swords (daisho) and shorter katana from their hiding places without any clear locations), the pair must work against the clock to beat the impending disaster. Can they do it?
Read Buried Threads by Kaylin McFarren to join in this amazing adventure, which would make a great film in the genre of Indiana Jones, Dirk Pitt or a Lara Croft!

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.

[Jenny Santini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t normally go in for the Romancing the Stone type of books but I might just have to change my ways.
This is one thrilling story of sharks, horrid eels, rotting corpses, flying darts, ghosts and swords somehow surviving hundreds (thousands?) of years stored in an under the ocean hideaway.

Getting to the swords is a whole ordeal overcoming personality clashes, gangsters, diving mishaps and general threats to end one’s life if they don’t follow orders. I think it was the Japanese gangster element that I found curious. So many of the characters were blood-thirsty killers with a soft side. It’s very unusual when the author is able to humanize the evil characters.

The main characters, Rachel and Chase, are very likeable. I think the character I disliked the most wasn’t the nutso killers but the monk. He was very manipulative, never said thank you and put everyone’s life in jeopardy for I think is a silly reason. But I’m not up on my Japanese culture so maybe releasing souls is important work. I thought that man was ruthless in his own selfish way.

So to sum up, this was a very interesting book with lots of different elements. You have romance, sex, murder, mystery, danger and sprituality all wrapped up in one book. Check it out.

[Matt Ing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I see that Buried Threads is a sequel but I saw no hint of book one in the novel. This is most definitely a stand-alone novel. I haven’t read the first one and it didn’t seem to matter. The characters have lots of dramatic backstory, mostly revolving around Rachel’s scoundrel dad and Chase’s daughter, but it hardly seemed important considering the plot revolved around people halfway across the world.
I’m still recovering from this intense drama. There were so many moments of near death that my heart was pounding for half the book. I’m a big fan of thrillers and this one ranks up there with some of the best. Everyone seemed in jeopardy for altogether different reasons. Every time I suspected someone was having a nightmare or there was a ghost, it turned out to be a legitimate threat. It blew away all of my expectations and I could never really see what was coming.
Don’t get discouraged with the slow start; it unfolds into an intriguing hunt while bypassing dangers, both human and aquatic. If you are a strict thriller reader, don’t get turned off by the romance tag. While there are a few sex scenes, there’s no real mushy ones.
If you are a fan of thrillers, this one won't disappoint.

[Cianna Sunshine & Mountains Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grade: A (Five Stars)

This book is definitely one to pick up. It’s got a little bit of everything, and it doesn’t leave you hanging. It’s also able to be read without reading the first one in the series, so you won’t miss anything if you didn’t read Severed Threads. Reading this book is just an adventure. The author does a really great job of pulling you into the events instead of letting you stand on the sidelines and watch. I really liked that it was set in Japan, and that the main character has a treasurer hunting business! Talk about awesome jobs! Overall, I think this is a great read. It’s got a kick ass female lead, with a lot of adventure, mystery and even some nice romance scenes for those of us 18+. The author even had a great poem in the beginning of the book which helps readers settle into the story, and give them a bit of a guide. I read the book quickly, and didn’t notice any major errors or trouble spots. I was impressed that the author was able to introduce so many characters and plot points, but still manages to tie it all up in the end. This was a nice change, and an interesting book, and I do not think you’ll regret picking up a copy, or buying it for a friend for the holidays!

*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is CRAZY. I mean CRAZY. I say that in a good way. There is just so much going on. I’ll start at the beginning.
Rachel goes to Japan to meet up with Chase for a treasure hunt. I have to admit this whole angle was great and new and interesting. I mean how many books are out there with underwater dives to get treasure buried thousands of years ago.
Anyway, Rachel’s client is a bit bonkers and seems to have a shady past as does the women who is working with him. The background of the characters kind of rolls out in the beginning and it slows the book down a tad. Hang in there because once the action starts it’s quite a ride.
To my surprise, the treasure recovery is not the end of the story. There are a whole series of events afterward as everyone tries to get the swords they recovered.
I was flashing to that scene in Kill Bill when Uma Thurman sword fights the girl in the school uniform when those girl thugs attack Rachel. Don’t ask me why, but it’s probably the only time Japanese bad girl moments I can remember.
The story takes a bit of a loopy turn with the reincarnation thing, but otherwise this book was amazing.

[Tiffany Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Wow. Wow. I loved this book. It was everything I had no idea I was expecting. There were so many hot scenes, crazy dangerous people and breathless moments. I am never going swimming again. Even Kenji – a mass murderer - was a hot mess with his bad boy-damaged soul act. I never thought a killer could be sexy. I thought what happened to him was very, very sad. I’ll start at the beginning but I don’t want to give too much away. There are two Americans who are going to help a monk find some swords so he can set the souls free. It’s a bit of a strange concept but there are so many mystical moments that it’s hard to know what is real or imagined. The mob gets involved and all hell breaks loose. The start was a bit slow but it really picks up and the drama doesn’t stop until the end. Nothing happened like I expected it would. The Asian gang life with its chopping of little fingers was a bit gross. I wasn’t expecting so much grody violence but I guess it fit in with the violent culture. This is a great book for someone with an open mind and a fan of paranormal.

[Colleen Start · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that you feel sad when it ends because you still want to read about the people you’ve gotten to know. I feel a little empty now and wish there was more to read.
I tried to draw out the story but rushed to the end because I couldn’t stop reading. The characters are three-dimensional, even the killers. There’s a lot more to Chase, Rachel, Mariko, Yuki and Shinzo that you can imagine.
I wasn’t a fan of Mariko in the beginning, but she got stronger as the story unfolded. There are four narrators and the story shifts from one point of view to another fairly seamlessly. I never felt lost and enjoyed seeing a story from multiple eyes.
Even with the added insight, I never knew who to trust. There was so much back-stabbing, betrayal, revenge going on that I never felt like I was on solid footing. When I thought the story would go right, it went left or up or down. I could never predict anything that happened, which was great because I hate it when a story is predictable. This was an unexpected pleasure and I look for more from Kaylin McFarren.

[Karen S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really impressed with this book. I didn't know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. It's a bit of a slow start but the action soon picks up and doesn't stop. I am not exaggerating. It doesn't stop and carries you through the entire book. It's that blood rushing, ears pounding type thriller where nothing is as it seems and no one is quite like you thought they were. There is a ton of bizarre stop going -- ghosts, body possession etc - that can turn a reader off, but I thought it went well. They were dramatic turns in the story that were interesting and surprising. It's not like it changed things dramatically. It just added an flare that was unexpected.
I also really liked the characters, even the people who were bad. I can empathize with their plight even if it seems for the wrong reason. The geisha was at first the most simple and then the more complicated person.
Lastly, there are couples in this book that are trying to connect in interesting ways.There are some pretty intense moments in the book.

[J Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would almost characterize Buried Threads as a mystery. I say that because there is a main character that is killed in the beginning third of the book and it sets an edge to the story that doesn’t go away. After this character is killed all I could think about was who did it? And it’s followed by another murder and some very suspicious events, which just set me on edge for the rest of the book. I thought at any moment, anyone could be killed by this unknown murderer. And in the end, the person I suspected did it, wasn’t true. I think that’s a true mark of a mystery because often in books you can figure out the who dun it. Not here.
I really enjoyed this book for the forementioned murder mystery, but also the subtle mystical elements that I didn’t see coming. Maybe it was the Japanese elements, maybe it was the historical aspect of the treasure recovery, but I didn’t have a clue as to what was going to happen next and that to me is the true hallmark of a great book. If you take the reader by surprise, I don’t see how a reader can expect more.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

BURIED THREADS by Kaylin McFarren has beautiful cover art. Although truly lovely, it’s very different for the covers of my favorite genre of “cozy mysteries.” I was almost thrown off, but repeated the mantra: ”Don’t judge a book by its cover,” and began reading. I’m so glad I did! I was soon rivited by the action and characters in this suspenseful novel.

BURIED THREADS is an extremely well written novel that is classified as “romantic suspense.” I found it to have more action and mystery than romance. It’s a sequel to SEVERED THREADS, but is definitely a stand alone novel. Kaylin McFarren’s writing style is smoothly flowing, allowing the reader to become immersed through vivid descriptions. I found the treasure hunting adventures to be very intriguing. The romance is “hot” but is woven into the story in a way that doesn’t overtake the mystery and action. I greatly enjoyed this book and it was hard to put down. I will be reading more books by Kaylin McFarren.

RATING: 4

Heat Rating: Hot

REVIEWED BY: Molly Waters

Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[Elizabeth Ehlen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel and Chase keep a blooming love alive while on an underwater Japanese treasure hunt. Buried Threads follows the pair during the second installment of the Threads series, where they run into the Yakuza, a soul-seeking monk, a greedy treasure hunter, a conniving Geisha, and a weird prophecy they are destined to fulfill.

While the second book in a series, I read this first and had no trouble with continuity. There is some basic history of Rachel and Chase revealed during conversation, but their relationship blossoms during this book in a way that makes sense even without the first book. It is definitely a thriller, complete with sex, swordfights, and supernatural battle. I really enjoyed the writing and plot development, and while there were a lot of characters to keep track of there was some character development that didn’t hinge completely on plot twists. The sex scenes were a little much for me but that’s never been something I thought was necessary to move a plot along. Still an enjoyable read and recommended for anyone who enjoys thrillers.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our couple now run a treasure hunting company and embark on their latest quest. But what starts as a simple retrieval soon builds into an adventure with global consequences.

This is book two of the series. While the story is written as a standalone and works well in that regard, there are references and backstory in the first book that you might miss. It works either way.

The story follows the action formula to a tee, with lots of action, plenty of twists and turns and some spicy scenes to provide a very fun, exciting and comfortable ride. There is also an element of the paranormal, which just adds to the overall mystery and appeal.

The story is very well written, with a solid plot and detailed characters that help bring the story to life. I found the action to be gripping and hard to put down so that I kept reading well past when I should have been asleep. I enjoyed this one just as much as the first and am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.

Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from the author for review purposes.

[Camala Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaylin McFarren does a great job building a world around realistic Japanese culture, or what I presume is realistic considering I’ve never been there or read much about Japanese culture. I have never thought about the seedy, underbelly of the Japanese criminal world. There’s a lot going in this book that’s told from three, sometimes four, different viewpoints. Although that may seem confusing, it’s not really. The story at first seems fairly simple with a couple trying to help recover treasure in a dive of a wrecked boat but that only scrapes the surface of what’s happening. The author doesn’t stray from her original story, it just keeps getting enhanced as the secrets are uncovered and the truth comes out after endless digging. You think this American couple is there to do one thing, but then the story keeps evolving and changing in surprising ways. No character is boring or does the expected. I can't rave about this book more.