After arriving in England on a much-deserved vacation, Rachel Lyons and Chase Cohen are quickly forced into becoming crime-stopping sleuths when a collection of priceless Morris Graves’ paintings turns up missing at her uncle's gallery. Determined to clear him of all wrong-doing and free his accused granddaughter, the treasure-hunting duo risk not only their relationship but also the life of their unborn child when it’s discovered that someone is determined to destroy the Lyons’ family by any means necessary.
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.
I freaking loved this book!! I just had to start off by saying that… But this is the third book in the Thread series by Kaylin McFarren and to me this is by far the best in the series. This book starts out with the band of beloved treasure hunters taking a short break from all the danger and treasure hunting to attend to some personal business. After finding out in the second book that Rachel is pregnant and agreeing to marry Chase, the next step is to get the approval from Rachel’s Uncle Paul, which turns out to be more than any bargained for. This book has all that you grew to love in the other books, lots of steamy hot sex scenes between Chase and Rachel, and lots of action that leads the two into some life and death situations, but what makes it stand out more than other books in the series is that it give so much back story into the Lyon’s family. In this novel there are juice scenes of affairs that lead to secret babies and others that lead to murder. There are secret siblings, and you also find out why Rachel’s mother left and you even may catch a glimpse of her future return. I also loved how the author was able to give multiple stories lines from multiple characters points of view’s without them getting confusing and then in the end completely tying them together without any questions or confusion. This is never an easy thing to do. This novel also like others you are introduced to new characters, but the ones in this novel I feel will not just stay in that one book, but will continue to appear in future books since they become part of the Cohen/Lyon’s crew. I also really loved how the book ended, it left it open for this story line to appear in other novels. I also love how the author approached the insecurities felt by Rachel, insecurities of abandonment from Chase since he had done so before as we learned in book one, Insecurities of losing who she is and her independence if she married him, and finally the insecurity of being a new mother. The reason I really enjoyed this mainly because it makes the characters feel more real and more like we the readers, gives them depth. The author also does a fantastic job at also exploring the effects of these insecurities on others around Rachel, such as Chase, how they deal with trying to right any wrongs and ease her doubts, but at the same time also understanding why she has these thoughts and feelings. Truly I have no concerns or issues with this book, I loved everything about it. I loved the story, the action, the love, everything, It was a super easy read that I was able to get through in about a day. So I highly recommend this book and give 6 out 5 starts!
Rachel Lyons and Chase Cohen decide to visit Rachel's uncle - Paul Lyons in London to take his blessings for their impending marriage. With Rachel's pregnancy sickness worsening day by day and Chase's fears growing of losing Rachel, there's trouble in paradise. Things turn worst when they reach London and find themselves involved into a mystery, mystery of stolen paintings from Paul's Gallery, which everyone thinks his step grand-daughter Sloan has something to do with. Paul is sure Sloan is innocent but Sloan's absence makes things dangerous. Chase and Rachel get themselves so involved in this mystery that their lives get in danger. While solving this mystery, chasing culprits and trying to save Lyons from bad guys, Rachel and Chase learn the most important lesson of their lives.
BANISHED THREADS is third installment in the THREADS series by Kaylin McFarren. Though its a series, one can easily read all the three books as stand-alone without getting confused. BANISHED THREADS is not as lengthy as its successors and that makes it a crisp mystery novel. Author McFarren ends each book with a cliffhanger which works in favour of the genre of the series. Banished Threads was supposed to be the last installment of the series, but Author McFarren has announced a fourth book in the series titled as Twisted Threads which will release somewhere in 2016 End. She promises to answer all the questions Banished Threads has generated in the end.
Kaylin McFarren's Banished Threads has it all: suspense, mystery and romance. Chase Cohen is a treasure hunter who has made plenty of mistakes in his lifetime, however, getting his business partner Rachel Lyons pregnant and asking her to marry him was not one of them. With characters who are damaged, flawed, and completely relatable to readers, McFarren breathes life into every character throughout every page with pure raw emotion, leaving you on the edge of your seat and a pounding in your chest.
Chase adores Rachel, but experiences in her past have made her reluctant to fully trust in anyone but herself. In an attempt to receive Rachel's uncle Paul's blessing on their impending marriage, the pair travel to London to spend a week on dry land in hopes of winning over his favor, which won't be easy. Nevertheless, what they walked into was a series of events and encounters that put their relationship on ends, made Rachel question her parentage and what she thought she knew about her family, and put themselves and those they care about in great danger.
Even though this is the third book in the series, it is easy to read as a standalone. I haven't read the first two books yet, but may go back and read them just to learn a little more about Rachel and Chase.
This is a quick easy read for mystery/suspense lovers. There is murder, robbery, kidnapping, and all sorts of intrigue. I had no idea who the culprit was and why until the actual reveal, which is just the way I like it.
There are to be two more books in this series, and the author promises they will tie up all the loose ends and answer all the questions generated in this one. I can hardly wait!
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
In “Banished Threads” by Kaylin McFarren, we meet Chase Cohen and Rachel Lyons. Chase is a treasure hunter. Rachel, Chase’s partner and pregnant fiancée, is constantly having second thoughts about their wedding. The couple travels to England to ask Rachel’s uncle for his wedding blessing, but once they arrive at his manor, unfortunate events bring to light some serious family issues that were kept from Rachel. These hidden controversies however, ultimately help Chase to win the affection of Rachel’s family as he uses his sleuthing abilities to solve the mysteries.
Rachel’s uncle is Paul Lyons. Through a marriage of convenience to Sara, a wealthy woman in her own right, Paul becomes the rich owner of an art gallery. During a dinner party in honor of the newlyweds to be, a priceless collection of paintings is stolen from the gallery. On the same night, Sara’s rebellious granddaughter Sloan vanishes. The girl’s disappearance raises many questions: is Sloan behind the theft or has she been kidnapped for ransom?
I found the mystery of Sloan’s kidnapping, together with the evolution of the story to be very intriguing. While Chase is busy with Sloan’s case, Paul Lyons is accused of a murder, and all the while, other family secrets are being revealed.
The characters in “Banished Threads” are well developed and the drama is constant. The reader must be engaged because each chapter reveals secrets and hidden motives kept by family members and acquaintances. The story opens with an unexpected death, but soon after the author focuses on the relationship between Chase and Rachel. From there Kaylin McFarren develops a captivating plot around family secrets and the serious mental disorder that afflicts one of the main characters.
Overall, I liked Kaylin McFarren’s ability to create a range of fully developed personalities whose lives are filled with challenges and struggles. She has assembled a unique and well-developed cast of characters, allowing the reader to cultivate strong opinions about each of them. “Banished Threads” by Kaylin McFarren is a well-written mystery/thriller. I really enjoyed the descriptions and the way the plot was developed.
Book 3 in Kaylin McFarren's excellent Threads Series, makes a good standalone novel, although the earlier books give useful background and introduction to the MCs, Rachel Lyons and Chase Levy. The first part of the story reveals the lovers' mixed emotions regarding Rachel's unplanned and unexpected pregnancy. which she seems to resent as somewhat of an unwanted event, especially as her focus has been on their anticipated wedding. Travelling to England to get her Aunt and Uncle's blessing and have a much needed holiday at the same time, proves more stressful that ever expected. Chase is confused by Rachel's mood swings, caused by her hormones becoming erratic and her body changing, as the pregnancy grows and shows more. Chase wonders if things will get worse before they get better and if he can stand a lifetime married to a woman who seems like a stranger to him at times. The engaged couple discover Rachel's aunt and uncle's marriage is a sham and the former's gift to the couple of a house angers Uncle Paul, who still blames Chase for his brother (Rachel's father), having drowned, (on one of Chase's expeditions).
When do stolen paintings appear in Paul's art gallery? Why did Paul want the house to become his? What happened to Paul's 'secret' girlfriend? Who's the person with a guilty secret? How is the mystery of the house solved? Why did Rachel's Mom leave for good?
With lots of steamy romance from the outset, overseas travel, adventure, overcoming the odds, murder and lots of thrilling action, this book holds the reader's attention totally. The excellent prologue, using multiple POV to keep up the fast read/speed of development, lives up to its promise and with the taut suspense, sexy lovers, parents-to-be,and family secrets revealed, you'll be right on the edge of your seat, chewing your fingernails down to the elbows in anticipation of a grand climax, where the killer and the solution to the mystery of the misappropriated paintings will be revealed - you'll be amazed at the (unpredictable) answer! I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.
This is the third book in this series by this author. That being said, I didn't feel lost in it. Rachel and Chase are in England on vacation. Rachel really wants her uncle to approve of Chase but things don't go as planned. Family secrets have a way of not staying buried and while there, some of Rachel's family secrets come to light that even she didn't know. Chase uses his sleuthing abilities to help the family and hopefully get into their good graces. I really liked the characters the author brought in. I felt for Rachel having second thoughts about marrying Chase even though she is carrying his baby. Her uncle's marriage of convenience is an interesting point. The gallery theft and Sloan's disappearance are intriguing and you wonder if she is kidnapped or if she is responsible for the theft. The book starts a bit slow but picks up the pace to where you do not want to put it down, even when it ends! This was a 4/5 for me. I really want to go back and read the previous 2 books in the series and see what little snippets that I pick up that are mentioned in this book.
A very suspenseful mystery with theft, kidnapping, murder, weird family dynamics, multiplying suspects and more. Yet somehow it still comes across as more romance than mystery. Set in England, there is plenty of angst and very engaging characters. Listed as a book three, I thought it was just fine as a stand alone. I prefer the audios, and this one is voice interpreted by Valerie Gilbert who always has a way of drawing the reader in and engaging a sense of need to read for just a little longer.
The saga of Rachel Lyons and Chase Cohen continues in book three. Rachel should be happy that she is engaged and pregnant with Chase’s baby but she fears he will leave her once again. They travel to England for a vacation as things are still strained between them.
They visit her reclusive uncle who runs an art gallery. But things go dangerous when painting are stolen and his step granddaughter appears to be the guilty party due to her troublesome past. Things take a dangerous turn when the against her family.
The book started out a bit slow and it seemed like it was going to be a romance but quickly took a left turn with twists and turns I had not even remotely expected. Very interesting with a great story line. Some things I expected to happen didn't happen. I'm not sure if it was because this is part of a series or not but the book does stand well on it's own. Would like to read the other books. I did win this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
I won this book on Goodreads for an honest review.
A well written mystery with ample nail biting, page turning excitement to keep you hanging on for more! The characters are interesting and likable, the scenery well described and visionary. I highly recommend this story and author to anyone that likes a truly smashing and brilliant who-done-it!
The saga of Chase Cohen and Rachel Lyons continues in book three of the Thread Series! The inimitable treasure-hunting business partners sail to England in the hope of asking Paul Lyons, Rachel’s uncle, for his blessing. Rachel, on the other hand, is not only dealing with morning sickness atop thoughts of her soon-approaching marriage, she is also riddled with a flurry of “what-ifs.” Chase’s relationship with Paul is rocky at best. Yet that pales in comparison to the serious family issues—more like skeletons in the closet—that are at stake in the Lyons household, especially when Sloan, Paul’s step-granddaughter, and Rachel are kidnapped.
Mistress storyteller and award-winning author Kaylin McFarren spins another action-packed adventure shrouded in mystery in her latest sequel. McFarren opens with a supposed tryst that morphs into an unexplained death. Grabbing her audience’s full attention, McFarren quickly shifts gears to the emotional and sexual tension brewing between Chase and Rachel, her two featured characters. Critical to McFarren’s writing style is how she slyly weaves in an array of colorfully complex characters—many of which function as foils for the purpose of building her dynamic cast—while undergirding her story with themes of the lovers’ anxiety and their unfolding relationship. Equally critical is the inclusion of a handful of supportive characters that play distinctive roles in the development of both the storyline and series.
Lightly punctuating her third person narrative with omniscient viewpoints, McFarren provides readers with windows that take snapshots into her character’s thought processes and inner turmoil, especially when she places them within life-threatening scenes. Although the bulk of her story is grippingly fast-paced, McFarren keeps readers engaged by throwing in a variety of sexual scenes that range from steamy to downright disturbing, as well as off-the-wall unexpected moments. Great “unexpected” examples include Chase inadvertently overhearing a sexually skewed hypnotic session and artistic representatives attending a posh dinner with bags on their heads, just to name a few.
Amid chapters replete with alternating character scenes, plenty of un-clichéd scenes, and romance—all set within suspenseful environs, McFarren’s tale would be incomplete without the infusion of a bit of history. Inspired by her love of the arts as well as owning and operating her own art gallery, McFarren aptly sprinkles in elements of art, giving particular attention to the works of the eccentric abstract painter Morris Graves. Also of interest is the way she portrays aspects of London, such as the infamous Soho district.
As with Severed Threads and Buried Threads, book three closes on a cliffhanger—one that indubitably will keep readers on edge anticipating its sequel. Well written and absolutely enthralling, Banished Threads is a wonderful addition to McFarren’s award-winning series!
Originally posted on Pacific Book Review. Anita Lock, Book Reviewer
Anyone would consider adventures to be exciting, but try imagining the joy of finally visiting estranged relatives. Yes, not so thrilling. Both Rachel and Chase didn’t even have the chance to settle in from their last treasure-hunting job while in Japan and now they thought of needing to get Rachel’s uncle, Paul’s blessing seems slim to none. Meanwhile, Chase is caught off guard from the appearances of members from Rachel’s past, which she has failed to discuss with him on numerous occasions. If things couldn’t get any worse, it, of course, does simply because Rachel’s family somehow ends up in a bind that has all to do with the family’s art gallery. Even though Paul doesn’t like the idea of his niece being engaged to Chase, would he set his differences aside to save both the family and business?
In “Banished Threads,” author Kaylin McFarren brings her readers clarity about the somewhat foreign relationship Rachel has with her uncle, Paul. Chase is more focused on trying to win Paul’s views about him in hopes to receive a blessing to marry, along with making a great impression. Unfortunately, I guess maybe from trying too hard, his efforts only made Paul look at him as more unfit than ever. It also seems like this particular family possesses a lot of secrets, which can sort of be considered a treasure, the unknown background knowledge of everyone. Another thing I can point out is the majority of the characters don’t really follow given advice or instructions, it’s as if the Lyons family amongst their friends are all ‘do whatever I want regardless’ kind of people, clearly ending up on the bad side of a predicament.
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 as the conclusion of this series, I will surely miss the main characters, I sort of developed a bond with. I recommend this entire series for anyone that enjoys an adventure, treasures, exciting experiences, and a happy loving couple.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It’s been rumored that Banished Threads concludes a vivid mystery series revolving around sleuths, spies, and treasure hunts: so those who have relished Kaylin McFarren's prior books should be prepared to read slowly, carefully, and enthusiastically, because this final book will end the series unless Kaylin surprises us all.
That said, Banished Threads should not be missed by either prior fans or newcomers, and twists the threads of family ties to their breaking points, as it uncovers stolen paintings, a missing granddaughter, an uncle accused of murder, and a plot to destroy a family.
Rachel and Chase have their hands more than full, especially since Rachel faces building her own future family circle, which may become endangered by her actions.
Taunt scenes of confrontation between characters, underlying issues of trust, forthcoming nuptials changed by unexpected voyages, and the terror of a kidnapped woman are all wound into atmospheric descriptions of setting and psyche alike. But it's the psychological depth that keeps the protagonists filled with life and three-dimensional personalities.
These revelations, liberally peppered throughout a story of danger and motivation, keep the plot moving quite a step above the usual genre mystery.
Mystery and thriller readers will find this level of description sets Banished Threads apart from more singular plots as it evolves into a gripping story of life and death told on many levels, using real living, breathing protagonists whose actions and thoughts move beyond the art and intrigue circles they traverse.
Quite simply, Banished Threads is an emotion-charged ride through a series of close encounters that are as psychologically gripping as they are filled with action.
Mystery and thriller audiences are in for a real treat.
This is a continuing store about a woman and man that are treasure hunters. In this installment the two go to London to see her family and get involved in mystery that includes murder, drugs, and robbery.
What I liked about this book was that, even though I skipped reading the second book, was that I could easily follow along with and not get lost. I also like that it was a book that kept me hooked and I did not want to put it down. The characters are written in a way that you cared for them even if you have not read any of the previous books. You saw the romance and the loved they had for each other. I loved the ending where even the troubled teen got help and felt she was loved, not to mention the twist with the real killer. I am glad the author turned this into a series and you could see the continuation of it. What I did not like was the sex scenes that were added to make the romance seem real for the characters. It was graphic and to me reeked of twisted sickness especially the scene with the doctor and his client. Another thing was the F bomb which was used with a somewhat regularity as to tell someone to shove off. 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.
OMGoodness! Kaylin McFarren has done it again, and I think this is her best book to date. She never fails to entice, keep you drawn in and have you flipping the pages to find out what happens.
Rachel Lyons and her fiancé are treasure hunters. They are visiting England to get a blessing from her uncle, Paul Lyons. Paul isn't very fond of Chase Cohen, and now that Rachel is pregnant, it's more important to her than ever that Paul accepts and approves of their marriage. When they arrive at Cumberforge Manor though, they soon become more than just treasure hunters.
Sarah Lyons, Paul's wife, has disowned her granddaughter, Sloan Rafferty, an art collection disappears, and when Sloan is the prime suspect and goes missing, Paul is more determined than ever to find his now missing granddaughter and prove her innocence. In order to do so, he must enlist the help of both Rachel and Chase, forcing him to place his trust in the one person he could care less about.
Murder, secrets, lies, and sex make this thrilling read a page-turner from beginning to end. I loved the writing, the characters and the plot. From the opening sentence of Banished Threads, McFarren had me hook, line, and sinker!
If you haven't started this series yet, I highly recommend them and I promise, you won't be sorry.
This is a romantic mystery thriller that starts with Gwen going to a cliff face in a storm and being pushed off, to her death. The next quarter of the book introduces a number of dysfunctional relationships and families, together with many descriptions and expressions of feelings. There are even two couples, both women pregnant, and neither knowing what to do next. In this respect this is more a woman's book, and I found this part somewhat over-written. As the book continues, something of a mystery develops, although part of the mystery is trying to work out what is going on. This is not helped by characters who do obviously silly things so as to get themselves in danger, and while there are some hazardous situations to keep the tension up, I found many of them to be too contrived. In the second half there is an art robbery, suggestions of a black widow, some kidnappings, in short now there is plenty going on. Some of the action scenes are quite well-written, but one or two of them descend into the cliché type, and the last one, which involves the type of scene often seen, is resolved in what I consider an unlikely way. My personal view is that long introspective "will I, won't I marry X?" sits awkwardly in a thriller. However, it is well written, and if you want a thriller with plenty of emotional expression and introspection, this will be as good as most.
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.
I will admit that I have not read the first 2 books in the series but did not feel completely lost in the story. I wish I would have read the other books just because it would have made it easier to understand the internal struggles of Rachel and Chase. I feel like the pace started out a little slow then became moving at warp speed. It became clear that there were several characters who working on their own personal agendas when it came to the art gallery and mysterious deaths occurring. The author does an exceptional job of fleshing out the many characters involved.
The story line is complex with several different events happening that draw the reader in. I didn't quite understand Rachel's irrational desire to go to the location where Chase was even after he had explained to her the weather was too bad to drive. It got pretty hairy at that point and I couldn't put the book down trying to see if Rachel and the baby can survive. The only thing that was not exactly resolved was the mysterious deaths that have occurred of Rachel's grandmother and Sara's husbands. Overall, great read for anyone who loves a good suspenseful mystery mixed with romance.
Before Rachel and Chase get married, they seek the approval of Rachel’s Uncle Paul. When they arrive at his estate, they are thrown in the middle of an art heist/kidnapping scheme. As Chase helps the investigation, he begins to uncover long hidden secrets that threaten to destroy Rachel’s family.
Talk about a dysfunctional family, this was definitely one. I didn’t like the character of Rachel. There was too much “woe is me” going on, and it made it hard for me to feel sorry for her. I thought the story became more interesting once the mysteries and secrets came along. I liked the different twists that were thrown in. This was a good plot that kept me interested to the end. Having read all three in this series, I liked the way it ended. It brought great closure to the Rachel and Chase story. I definitely like this author’s writings and look forward to her next series.
I enjoyed this story of mystery and adventures and secrets galore. I haven't read the first two in the series but I don't think that matters. The author managed to get across what had happened to the characters previously. I enjoyed the increasing pace of the book and found the revelations quite surprising at times. I wasn't too keen on Rachel to start with as she seems so cold and aloof. Also Sloan seemed very annoying and unlikeable but as the story unfolded I began to understand both of them. I think I will have to search out some more books by Kaylin McFarren as I like her writing style. It flows well as has a very realistic tone . I was provided with a complementary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Filled with complex, multi-dimensional characters and unavoidable threats, this novel keeps everyone guessing as a true murder-mystery should, while transforming the troubled female protagonist into the strongest member of the cast. Set in rural England, the twists and turns and cliffhanging finale popular in Kaylin McFarren books delivers in a fun, unexpected way. But don't worry if you're a fan of the series. There are two more books in the works that will tie up any loose ends left hanging.
I could not wait to find out where the plot was going next. Per usual our hero and heroine had to go through danger before they could come to a happy ending
How far would you go to get everything that you want in order to save yourself from living in poverty? Would you sell yourself to someone and go into a marriage as they say of convenience where you sign a contract and live by another person’s rules? Paul Lyons does just that when a rich woman named Sara, tempts him with the lure of money and the ownership of an art gallery. Getting to know them and more about their marriage you begin to understand why neither one really cares about what the other is doing. Chase Cohen is an interesting character with many flaws and yet at times endearing. A treasure hunter looking to increase his wealth as he and his fiancée Rachel, rethink their thoughts about getting married and decide to travel to England to ask her uncle Paul for his permission to marry this young man. But, things do not go as planned and when arriving in England and at his magnificent home or manor events take an ugly turn. Getting to know Sara and hearing her deal with her granddaughter Sloan, we learn about some serious family problems and the fact that she is about to be cut off financially from her trust. With a certain amount of money given to her by Paul, Sloan is now on her own until something changes it all. Just why is Sara doing this and what is her real motive for wanting Sloan out of the way has yet to be revealed.
Listening to the banter and arguments between Chase and Rachel and trying to win over her family, you begin to wonder if they are a perfect fit even though she is about to have his child. There is quite a bit of artwork that is on display by an artist named Morris Graves and Rachel when she goes to the gallery sees a piece she wants and hurriedly purchases it before anyone else. Sara is coldhearted and her granddaughter who won’t give an inch or allow her to know that she finally got to her, disappears as does a priceless collection of this artist’s paintings which are stolen during a dinner in honor of Chase and Rachel’s upcoming marriage. When Sloan’s friend Sky appears at the party and expresses his concern Paul automatically takes over but does not seem to be too concerned about Sloan. Called away to the phone and learning that the very artwork to be viewed at the gallery the next day was stolen his primary concern is no longer Sloan. But, things change and he is taken ill as Chase looks for their personal doctor what he sees when he’s treating Sara is anything but modern medicine. While Paul is in the hospital Chase takes charge in order to get into good favor with him and hopes to help find Sloan. But, having taken out a new insurance policy just three days prior to the gallery viewing, he might be accused of insurance fraud.
The author then reverts back to the murder in the prologue of someone close to Paul. The death is described through the eyes of the victim Gwen and we hear her voice and see her killer vividly. Paul who was a best selling writer or novelist now is in charge of a rich art gallery and enjoys the luxury of taking care of his wife Sara’s money and estate. But, Paul disapproves of Chase from the start and when he is supposed to congratulate them at their party Sara instead congrats Paul on the art show and when Chase asks in front of guests for his blessing the answer and the response are anything but what he would want or expect. As the evidence pour in and questions are asked some think that the paintings were stolen by Sloan to get back at Sara for taking away her trust fund. Rude, recalcitrant and spoiled you hear her pleas for help and mercy when the kidnapper is beating her and someone else wants to save her. When Sloan finally appears and the person holding her says he’s a cop just why did they take her and who turns on her that she would never expect? When the housekeeper Margaret can no longer hold on to a family secret everything that Sloan believed in comes crashing down as she learns the harsh reality about something her grandmother did. Lies, betrayals, family secrets, hate, jealousies and revenge are just the tip of the iceberg that the author brings to light. While Paul says he will help Sloan because someone else gives her up for the theft, can he and Chase turn the tables around before someone else is hurt or killed? With Gwen’s death now in the open and Paul accused of it and secrets about Sara’s three previous husbands come to light you begin to wonder just how dangerous she is and whether what they are saying about her is true. Rachel is not quite sure what to believe as her old friend Killian hands Sloan over to the police, her car gets stuck in the mud and poor Rachel finds herself smack dab with a psychic whose prediction is unsettling and then face to face with Brandon and Julien the man who kidnapped Sloan. Did Sara really try to kill Paul and her other three husbands? What is Rachel going to do when she learns about her relationship to Sloan and why? As a treasure hunter who searches for jewels, gold and other things can he use his skills to unravel what happened to Sloan, find the missing artwork and learn who is the real threat?
As your hear Rachel’s voice and her words as she keeps thinking that Chase does not listen to her or what she thinks instead is headstrong and follows his instincts, we begin to wonder just what brought these two together and if they are really a perfect match. Pasts come into the present and Chase is blamed for the death of Paul’s brother and will not exactly welcome him with open arms. Chase hopes that by the time all is said and done, Paul is out of the hospital and everything goes back to normal, that he will approve of their marriage and feel confident that he can take care of Rachel. But, the police are looking at Paul for the murder of murders of her husbands and Gwen while Chase tries to absolve Sloan.
With Sara firing her staff and as she says cleaning house, Rachel in dire need of rescue and Chase running in many different directions the author has readers wondering if the clock will run out before anyone can save both Sloan and Rachel. Just who is the killer and how did three men really die? What really made Paul sick? As Chase races the clock to find out what happened to Rachel she uses her intuition, intelligence and resourcefulness to try and escape her captors. When the truth comes out as to who is behind the murders, who wants revenge and why she was taken you won’t believe the twists, turns and surprises as a family secret is revealed. Will Sloan realize that it’s time to change her ways and become an adult and see Sky for whom and what he really is and understand his honesty and caring? Will Rachel decide to marry Chase or will she continue to be headstrong and push him away not realizing that he really does care for her in his own special way? What about Paul? Will he decide to remain with Sara or is she the reason Gwen was killed? An ending that leaves readers wondering just what if anything Sara had to do with the murders of her husbands. Memory loss can do a lot to a person and is she losing hers or is she a great actress? As the novel comes to a close you hope that the author will bring Chase back to help solve more cases, find more jewels, go on more treasure hunts and prevent others from becoming Banished Threads in someone’s diabolical plans. Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ Magazine