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Mitchell & Associates #2
Tough Customer: A Novel
Colleagues, friends, and lovers know Dodge Hanley as a private investigator who doesn’t let rules get in his way—in his private life as well as his professional one. If he breaks a heart, or bends the law in order to catch a criminal, he does so without hesitation or apology.That’s why he’s the first person Caroline King—who after a thirty-year separation continues to haunt his dreams—asks for help when a deranged stalker attempts to murder their daughter . . . the daughter Dodge has never met. He has a whole bagful of grudging excuses for wishing to ignore Caroline’s call, and one compelling reason to drop everything and fly down to Texas: guilt.Dodge’s mind may be a haze of disturbing memories and bad decisions, but he arrives in Houston knowing with perfect clarity that his daughter, Berry, is in danger. She has become the object of desire of a co-worker, a madman and genius with a penchant for puzzles and games who has spent the past year making Berry’s life hell, and who now has vowed to kill her.Dodge joins forces with local deputy sheriff Ski Nyland, but the alarming situation goes from bad to worse when the stalker begins to claim other victims and leaves an ominous trail of clues as he lethally works his way toward Berry. Sensing the killer drawing nearer, Dodge, who’s survived vicious criminals and his own self-destructive impulses, realizes that this time he’s in for the fight of his life.
From acclaimed best-selling author Sandra Brown, Tough Customer is a heart-pounding tale about obsession and murder, the fragile nature of relationships, and, possibly, second chances.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Sandra Brown
363 books19.7k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Sandra Brown is the author of more than sixty New York Times bestsellers, including STING (2016), FRICTION (2015), MEAN STREAK (2014), DEADLINE(2013), & LOW PRESSURE (2012), LETHAL (2011).
Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into over thirty languages.
In 2009 Brown detoured from romantic suspense to write, Rainwater, a much acclaimed, powerfully moving historical fiction story about honor and sacrifice during the Great Depression.
Brown was given an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Christian University. She was named Thriller Master for 2008, the top award given by the International Thriller Writer’s Association. Other awards and commendations include the 2007 Texas Medal of Arts Award for Literature and the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sandra Brown is the author of more than sixty New York Times bestsellers, including STING (2016), FRICTION (2015), MEAN STREAK (2014), DEADLINE(2013), & LOW PRESSURE (2012), LETHAL (2011).
Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into over thirty languages.
In 2009 Brown detoured from romantic suspense to write, Rainwater, a much acclaimed, powerfully moving historical fiction story about honor and sacrifice during the Great Depression.
Brown was given an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Christian University. She was named Thriller Master for 2008, the top award given by the International Thriller Writer’s Association. Other awards and commendations include the 2007 Texas Medal of Arts Award for Literature and the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,163 reviews
January 30, 2015
This was the second book in the series. We met Dodge in the previous book but didn’t know a lot about him. He seemed to live a lonely existence so I was interested in reading about him.
I was dying to know what happened between Dodge and Caroline and their story was told in a series of flashbacks, to 30 years earlier. I think I was more interested in their story than I was with Ski and Berry.
It's SB, of course there's a twist. I think I guessed it about 2 seconds before I read about it. See, Sharon and Karen, all this reading is paying off.
I'm not sure if their ages were mentioned but I guess Dodge and Caroline were in their fifties. I wish more authors would write about older couples.
To be honest, in the end I didn’t really care for Berry and Ski or if they got their HEA. All I wanted to read about was Dodge and Caroline. It all wrapped up a tad too quickly for me and I would have loved a longer epilogue a bit further down the road.
Poor Dodge. Yeah, what happened was horrible and it was his own doing … then again, we wouldn’t have the story if it had not happened like that.
If Ski and Berry's story had been a bit stronger and I had felt a connection with them it might have been a five star. But they kind of annoyed me. Especially her.
Overall, another winner from this lady. Seriously can she not write a bad book?
Hard-living detective-turned-P.I., Dodge Hanley tries not to dwell on the past. But when he gets a call from Caroline King, “the one” who got away, there’s no time for looking back; their daughter is in trouble.
I was dying to know what happened between Dodge and Caroline and their story was told in a series of flashbacks, to 30 years earlier. I think I was more interested in their story than I was with Ski and Berry.
Gazing into her calm, sherry-colored eyes, he felt little cracks forming in his mean ol' heart. It had been toughened early by the loss of his mother, who'd loved him, hardened by his father, who hadn't, then made stony by the man's ceaseless cruelties.
It's SB, of course there's a twist. I think I guessed it about 2 seconds before I read about it. See, Sharon and Karen, all this reading is paying off.
Caroline has told Berry that Dodge is an old friend they can rely on to prove she didn’t shoot her ex-lover, even though she’s already told the cops she saw the real culprit. It was Oren Starks, Berry insists, a former co-worker fired for stalking her.
She leaned forward and touched his lips with hers
I'm not sure if their ages were mentioned but I guess Dodge and Caroline were in their fifties. I wish more authors would write about older couples.
"The sun was setting. A flock of birds was reflected on the surface of the water. Pines cast long, straight shadows on the pebbled shore.
"That wasn't my worst, Caroline. Not by a long shot."
To be honest, in the end I didn’t really care for Berry and Ski or if they got their HEA. All I wanted to read about was Dodge and Caroline. It all wrapped up a tad too quickly for me and I would have loved a longer epilogue a bit further down the road.
"Tears came to his eyes, and, if he'd found it difficult to breathe before, it was impossible to do so now."
Poor Dodge. Yeah, what happened was horrible and it was his own doing … then again, we wouldn’t have the story if it had not happened like that.
If Ski and Berry's story had been a bit stronger and I had felt a connection with them it might have been a five star. But they kind of annoyed me. Especially her.
Overall, another winner from this lady. Seriously can she not write a bad book?
May 29, 2020
My first foray into the Sandra Brown literary pool...and I liked it!
April 27, 2019
Audio book
Better than average suspense that actually surprised me on more than one occasion. The book alternates between the parallel stories of the heroine’s mother and father’s relationship in 1978 and the current day manhunt and semi-romance of the heroine and the Dudley Do Right Sheriff investigating the attempted murder and subsequent murders.
Confused?
An evil doer has become infatuated with his co-worker, the younger heroine in the story, has shot what he thought was her lover and has fled. He then goes on a psycho rampage.
This incident inspires the heroine’s mother to call her ex, a PI and the heroine’s unknown father, to help handle the problem.
Sandra Brown does a good job with the man hunt and the pyscho killer elements of the plot. She introduces some interesting side characters that she drops the ball on, but overall good job. I was surprised on a couple of occasions which was nice and then not so nice.
The suspense story is primary, but the romance of the older heroine and hero is by far the more interesting story. In fact, the daughter, Berry, is pretty insufferable.
Reviewing suspense stories is hard to do as SPOILERS. This is one of SB’s better ones. The narration is well done especially for the male characters and there is some humor. Best character is Dodge the foul-mouthed, chain smoking curmudgeon that can still charm the women. All the women. SB is much better at writing male characters, and it shows in this book.
Dodge
Ski
Caroline and Berry
Who cares.
Okay...fine.
Caroline
Berry
The evil doer
Better than average suspense that actually surprised me on more than one occasion. The book alternates between the parallel stories of the heroine’s mother and father’s relationship in 1978 and the current day manhunt and semi-romance of the heroine and the Dudley Do Right Sheriff investigating the attempted murder and subsequent murders.
Confused?
An evil doer has become infatuated with his co-worker, the younger heroine in the story, has shot what he thought was her lover and has fled. He then goes on a psycho rampage.
This incident inspires the heroine’s mother to call her ex, a PI and the heroine’s unknown father, to help handle the problem.
Sandra Brown does a good job with the man hunt and the pyscho killer elements of the plot. She introduces some interesting side characters that she drops the ball on, but overall good job. I was surprised on a couple of occasions which was nice and then not so nice.
The suspense story is primary, but the romance of the older heroine and hero is by far the more interesting story. In fact, the daughter, Berry, is pretty insufferable.
Reviewing suspense stories is hard to do as SPOILERS. This is one of SB’s better ones. The narration is well done especially for the male characters and there is some humor. Best character is Dodge the foul-mouthed, chain smoking curmudgeon that can still charm the women. All the women. SB is much better at writing male characters, and it shows in this book.
Dodge
Ski
Caroline and Berry
Who cares.
Okay...fine.
Caroline
Berry
The evil doer
October 31, 2011
The perfect book if you like tough, taciturn, Western cops with manly one syllable action names: we get two for the price of one. Dodge -- older guy reunited with his lost love Caroline, and Ski -- hunky deputy who falls for Caroline’s daughter Berry, during a manhunt to find a maniac obsessed with her. (I assumed while listening that her name was Barrie -- "Berry" is pretty weird. If it was ever explained, I missed it.)
My favorite part of this was Dodge and Caroline’s story, revealed slowly via flashbacks throughout the course of the book. There are some real surprises and a lot of sadness in it. The suspense elements of the story seemed a bit clunky, but improved by the end. I might possibly have given this a lower rating if I’d read it but of course Viktor Slezak's sexy voice makes anything sound good.
My favorite part of this was Dodge and Caroline’s story, revealed slowly via flashbacks throughout the course of the book. There are some real surprises and a lot of sadness in it. The suspense elements of the story seemed a bit clunky, but improved by the end. I might possibly have given this a lower rating if I’d read it but of course Viktor Slezak's sexy voice makes anything sound good.
May 13, 2018
Review written May 13, 2018
4 STARS - Once again a slightly romantic SB suspense did it for me. Simply great!
A audiobook by Sandra Brown, add narrated by on of my favorite narrators Victor Slezak, is ALWAYS a very good book-choice. This one Tough Customer is 13:39 hours and it might be fun to first read Smash Cut (4 stars) , then this book links to the main characters in that book, but it isn’t absolutely necessary.
*******************************************
We have four main characters here, not counting the bad and dangerous one, a mother and daughter in her thirties, an old long ago but not forgotten alpha man lover and a younger crime investigating police (Deputy). Of course I swooned most for the second chance part...
A good crime plot and some truly heartbreaking moments. I damaged my pink nails and smiled when it was sweet and romantic.
*******************************************
I LIKE - and enjoy everything I ever tried written by SB
4 STARS - Once again a slightly romantic SB suspense did it for me. Simply great!
A audiobook by Sandra Brown, add narrated by on of my favorite narrators Victor Slezak, is ALWAYS a very good book-choice. This one Tough Customer is 13:39 hours and it might be fun to first read Smash Cut (4 stars) , then this book links to the main characters in that book, but it isn’t absolutely necessary.
*******************************************
« Hard-living detective-turned-P.I., Dodge Hanley tries not to dwell on the past. But when he gets a call from Caroline King, “the one” who got away, there’s no time for looking back; their daughter is in trouble. »
We have four main characters here, not counting the bad and dangerous one, a mother and daughter in her thirties, an old long ago but not forgotten alpha man lover and a younger crime investigating police (Deputy). Of course I swooned most for the second chance part...
A good crime plot and some truly heartbreaking moments. I damaged my pink nails and smiled when it was sweet and romantic.
*******************************************
I LIKE - and enjoy everything I ever tried written by SB
September 29, 2019
This book was readable, but definitely not one of Sandra Brown's best (her best is very very good!).
First, I had a little trouble finding it believable—Carolyn King ignores Dodge Hanley for 30 years and then calls him up and demands that he drop everything and fly from Atlanta to Houston to help her. Their daughter Berry is in trouble—but Dodge has never gotten to even meet her before. Also pretty much every main character in the book ended up in a romance, which seemed a little coincidental.
The idea for the story itself was good: Crusty old PI is tracked down by ex-love-of-his-life to help their daughter, who has become the target of a psycho stalker. He teams up with a handsome local sheriff whose feelings for Berry become more than professional. The bad guy was well done—he was bad and scary and appropriately tricky. The parts with Dodge and Sheriff Ski putting all the clues together and racing to find the stalker before it's too late were great.
However, the book felt like the initial idea was maybe more for a novella and it just had a bunch of padding to make it almost 400 pages. I felt like sections were kind of boring and not necessary so ended up skimming here and there to get back to the important parts of the plot. Or maybe the book was rushed to publication before it was truly ready.
Either way, it was ok but not great. Sandra Brown fans will probably like it, as well as fans of romance. If this is the first Sandra Brown book that someone reads, they probably won't be tempted to read others!
First, I had a little trouble finding it believable—Carolyn King ignores Dodge Hanley for 30 years and then calls him up and demands that he drop everything and fly from Atlanta to Houston to help her. Their daughter Berry is in trouble—but Dodge has never gotten to even meet her before. Also pretty much every main character in the book ended up in a romance, which seemed a little coincidental.
The idea for the story itself was good: Crusty old PI is tracked down by ex-love-of-his-life to help their daughter, who has become the target of a psycho stalker. He teams up with a handsome local sheriff whose feelings for Berry become more than professional. The bad guy was well done—he was bad and scary and appropriately tricky. The parts with Dodge and Sheriff Ski putting all the clues together and racing to find the stalker before it's too late were great.
However, the book felt like the initial idea was maybe more for a novella and it just had a bunch of padding to make it almost 400 pages. I felt like sections were kind of boring and not necessary so ended up skimming here and there to get back to the important parts of the plot. Or maybe the book was rushed to publication before it was truly ready.
Either way, it was ok but not great. Sandra Brown fans will probably like it, as well as fans of romance. If this is the first Sandra Brown book that someone reads, they probably won't be tempted to read others!
September 28, 2010
I'm a fan of Sandra Brown. I enjoy her books and I think she does a great job of reeling readers into her stories. This one was no exception. I liked the idea of lovers reuniting after 30 years apart but I knew there was a painful reason as to why the two split up 30 years ago when they were deeply in love.
I liked the story but I didn't like it. As I mentioned, I liked the idea of lovers reuniting after 30 years but I don't like the reason they split up. I was hoping it wasn't what I thought but unfortunately it was. I hurt so badly for Caroline and I felt her pain at Dodge's betrayal. Then for her to be having their baby at the same time he was "doing his job or undercover work", all by herself. Ugh, it makes my heart hurt just typing this.
His betrayal really ruined the book for me at that point. Even though he was undercover and trying to find out information on a suspect it still wasn't right. He did it to get information and that almost made it worse.
However, he suffered for the next 30 years because of his betrayal. I like this scene where he apologizes to Caroline after 30 years:
"...it meant nothing. I went through it mechanically, the whole time planning what I was going to do as soon as it was over.
I didn't betray you with my dick. I betrayed you with my ego. Nothing I said then, or say now, will make any difference. I did it. But I want you to know how sorry I am about it all. When you told me I'd hurt you worse than Roger Campton had, I hated what I'd done. Hated myself for doing it to you and destroying what we had." He paused, took another soughing breah. "I've wanted to say this to your for thirty years. I'm sorry for the pain I caused you."
So, why 3 stars? Because I still liked the book. Dodge was good man who loved his woman with all of his heart but made a mistake that cost him 30 years with the woman he loved and 30 years with his daughter.
The love story between Berry, his daughter, and Ski Nyland, the deputy sheriff was okay but I was really more interested in her parents than her. I didn't dislike her but I wasn't a big fan of hers.
Sandra Brown always writes an interesting story with a twist and this was no execption. I really should've seen it coming but when it comes to SB, I usually don't.
A good quick read. I don't go out of my way to read a lovers reunited story but this one was worth it. Even with the pain. It really tied me up emotionally. Nicely done.
I liked the story but I didn't like it. As I mentioned, I liked the idea of lovers reuniting after 30 years but I don't like the reason they split up. I was hoping it wasn't what I thought but unfortunately it was. I hurt so badly for Caroline and I felt her pain at Dodge's betrayal. Then for her to be having their baby at the same time he was "doing his job or undercover work", all by herself. Ugh, it makes my heart hurt just typing this.
His betrayal really ruined the book for me at that point. Even though he was undercover and trying to find out information on a suspect it still wasn't right. He did it to get information and that almost made it worse.
However, he suffered for the next 30 years because of his betrayal. I like this scene where he apologizes to Caroline after 30 years:
"...it meant nothing. I went through it mechanically, the whole time planning what I was going to do as soon as it was over.
I didn't betray you with my dick. I betrayed you with my ego. Nothing I said then, or say now, will make any difference. I did it. But I want you to know how sorry I am about it all. When you told me I'd hurt you worse than Roger Campton had, I hated what I'd done. Hated myself for doing it to you and destroying what we had." He paused, took another soughing breah. "I've wanted to say this to your for thirty years. I'm sorry for the pain I caused you."
So, why 3 stars? Because I still liked the book. Dodge was good man who loved his woman with all of his heart but made a mistake that cost him 30 years with the woman he loved and 30 years with his daughter.
The love story between Berry, his daughter, and Ski Nyland, the deputy sheriff was okay but I was really more interested in her parents than her. I didn't dislike her but I wasn't a big fan of hers.
Sandra Brown always writes an interesting story with a twist and this was no execption. I really should've seen it coming but when it comes to SB, I usually don't.
A good quick read. I don't go out of my way to read a lovers reunited story but this one was worth it. Even with the pain. It really tied me up emotionally. Nicely done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2016
4.5 Stars
I loved Dodge, his dry humour and wit and the character came alive by Victor Slezak's narration......His story of losing Caroline was very sad and I shed a tear even though he was a stupid idiot and deserved what he got, but my heart still broke for him and for Caroline who loved and lost the love of her life......30 years is a long time to live without that person!
Great story with a surprising twist at the end.
I loved Dodge, his dry humour and wit and the character came alive by Victor Slezak's narration......His story of losing Caroline was very sad and I shed a tear even though he was a stupid idiot and deserved what he got, but my heart still broke for him and for Caroline who loved and lost the love of her life......30 years is a long time to live without that person!
Great story with a surprising twist at the end.
December 24, 2017
Another great Sandra Brown. I loved the characters in this one especially the "Tough Customer" Dodge Hanley a wise cracking, ex lawman who has kept the mistakes of his past buried deeply inside but now must use all his skills to save the daughter he has never met from being a stalker's next victim.
4.5 stars.
4.5 stars.
December 17, 2010
2 1/2 stars.
Dodge Hanley is a former cop who now works as a private investigator for his friend, attorney, Derek Mitchell.
Dodge has been divorced from Caroline King for thirty years but still has feelings about her. He's taken by surprise when gets a call from Caroline asking for his help. Before he can answer, she tells him that their daughter, Berry, is being stalked by a madman and was almost killed.
When Dodge arrives in Houston, Caoroline introduces him as a friend who is a private investigator. Then, they inform him of what prompted their call for help.
Orin Starks, a former co-worker with Berry, entered her home and confronted her when she was in the shower. Hi informed her that he was about to kill her. However, her scream was heard by Ben Lofland, a friend who was in another part of the house. Ben rushed to her and took Starks by surprise. Starks wounded Ben and fled the house.
Dodge is a no nonesense, chain smoking tough guy in the Clint Eastwood-Dirty Harry image. He begins working with a local deputy, Sky Nyland, an Afghanistan War vet.
As the men search, Starks goes on a rampage. He kills a number of people and police find the body of another co-worker who also had problems with Starks.
I wanted to like this novel more but found the characters sterertypical. Other than Ski Nyland, I found no interesting or sympathetic characters. As I got to know Berry, I found her a liar and someone who would do what she could go get ahead in business.
Sandra Brown is a legend in mystery writing but this novel disappointed.
Dodge Hanley is a former cop who now works as a private investigator for his friend, attorney, Derek Mitchell.
Dodge has been divorced from Caroline King for thirty years but still has feelings about her. He's taken by surprise when gets a call from Caroline asking for his help. Before he can answer, she tells him that their daughter, Berry, is being stalked by a madman and was almost killed.
When Dodge arrives in Houston, Caoroline introduces him as a friend who is a private investigator. Then, they inform him of what prompted their call for help.
Orin Starks, a former co-worker with Berry, entered her home and confronted her when she was in the shower. Hi informed her that he was about to kill her. However, her scream was heard by Ben Lofland, a friend who was in another part of the house. Ben rushed to her and took Starks by surprise. Starks wounded Ben and fled the house.
Dodge is a no nonesense, chain smoking tough guy in the Clint Eastwood-Dirty Harry image. He begins working with a local deputy, Sky Nyland, an Afghanistan War vet.
As the men search, Starks goes on a rampage. He kills a number of people and police find the body of another co-worker who also had problems with Starks.
I wanted to like this novel more but found the characters sterertypical. Other than Ski Nyland, I found no interesting or sympathetic characters. As I got to know Berry, I found her a liar and someone who would do what she could go get ahead in business.
Sandra Brown is a legend in mystery writing but this novel disappointed.
September 8, 2015
The second book in Sandra Brown's Mitchell & Associates series. Realtor Caroline King calls her old lover P.I Dodge Hanley for help. Their daughter, Berry Malone, has a stalker who is threatening her. Thirty years ago Caroline and Dodge were lovers and mistakes made tore them apart but now Caroline needs his help to keep their daughter safe and to find the stalker. Dodge teams up with the local police and the chase is on.
I did not realize this was a series when I found it in the library but I quickly found I didn't need to read the first to understand this book. As far as the suspense goes, this book gets nearly five stars. But the romance element didn't really do it for me. The author used the writing style of going back and forth from the present to the past. Something I'm not fond of. The characters were flawed and that was fine but some of them weren't all that likable at times. There are actually two romances in this. The reunion romance of Dodge and Caroline (both in their fifties) and the new romance of Ski and Berry. There were some interesting twists that made for a pretty good story but the ending was not satisfying for me.
I did not realize this was a series when I found it in the library but I quickly found I didn't need to read the first to understand this book. As far as the suspense goes, this book gets nearly five stars. But the romance element didn't really do it for me. The author used the writing style of going back and forth from the present to the past. Something I'm not fond of. The characters were flawed and that was fine but some of them weren't all that likable at times. There are actually two romances in this. The reunion romance of Dodge and Caroline (both in their fifties) and the new romance of Ski and Berry. There were some interesting twists that made for a pretty good story but the ending was not satisfying for me.
July 26, 2011
WOW!!!!!!! This author is fantastic!!!!! "Tough Customer". A movie should be made of it. A true page turner and I didn't want it to end.......great suspense, a true who done it!!! Finding one's true love again after 30 yrs........finding that love is even stronger then ever!! Dodge Hanley getting to know his daughter that he has not seen since her birth, 30 yrs ago.......a deranged stalker bent on killing his daughter Berry....and he must protect the love of his life Caroline and his daughter Berry....but someone else is wanting to protect Berry too, a young police officer Ski Nyland who teams up with her dad Dodge.......lot's of twists and turns.........a must read!! Contemp....
April 5, 2018
About what I expected having listened to "Smash Cut".
Low rating from me just because I prefer mystery story over romantic interaction. Unless Brown writes a book sans romance, this will be me last.
Should does produce a good product in her genre, especially having the book narrated by Victor Slezak.
Low rating from me just because I prefer mystery story over romantic interaction. Unless Brown writes a book sans romance, this will be me last.
Should does produce a good product in her genre, especially having the book narrated by Victor Slezak.
August 29, 2018
Excelente libro!!! Definitivamente soy fan de Sandra Brown...
En el libro anterior Smash Cut conocemos a la dupla Derek Michell/ Dodge Hanley; si bien ese libro está focalizado en Derek, Dodge es parte esencial de la historia también. Pero en éste libro Dodge se tiene que hacer cargo de decisiones tomadas en el pasado y ayudar a una persona muy especial que es el blanco de un acosador...
Dodge Hanley - Caroline King.
Una de las parejas protagónicas. Por contexto a lo largo de ambos libros sabemos que Dodge tuvo un gran amor en el pasado, dos ex-esposas y que tiene un don especial con las mujeres. Pero ahora es la oportunidad de descubrir como Dodge y Caroline se conocen en el pasado, lo que comparten, lo que sienten y qué es lo que pasa entre ellos para que se separen durante 30 años. La hija de ambos, Berry, es acosada por un ex-colega de trabajo y cuando el intento de asesinato falla; Caroline no lo duda y llama a Dodge para ayudar a proteger a su hija.
Me gustó Dodge!! Es un excelente personaje, y conocer su historia ayuda a entender su vida. Está es la segunda oportunidad que siempre quiso pero la que nunca creyó que se merecía. Es la historia de personas más maduras que se reencuentran en la vida y a pesar de la persecución, las pistas, los asesinatos y el acoso de Berry, encuentran el momento para reconectarse.
Ski Nyland - Berry Malone.
Ski es el policía que acude a la llamada del 911 hecha por Berry la noche en que su ex-colega de trabajo intenta asesinarla. Ski (que en mi cabeza suena Skay) es un militar retirado, trabajador y seguidor de las leyes y normas, es el último en darse por vencido y tiene una intuición infalible que hace que el y Dodge sean el equipo encargado de rastrear al acosador.
Berry por su lado tiene un padre que acaba de aparecer, padre que no sabía que existía, un acosador obsesionado con matarla, un trabajo en donde no le brindan el apoyo y comprensión necesaria y a Ski, quien al principio duda de ella pero después se convierte en su soporte a medida que los asesinatos a su alrededor comienzan a aumentar. Lo que me gustó de Berry es que no es un damisela en peligro, es una mujer ambiciosa que reconoce que no ha actuado de forma ética para poder obtener el ascenso que tanto desea. En muchos aspectos es muy parecida a Dodge. Ski es un hombre super correcto pero nunca juzga a Berry por su forma de actuar, ella se culpa por la ola de asesinatos pero Ski tiene experiencia en aprender a perdonarse a si mismo, así que él está ahí para ella.
Es un thriller excelente!! Con dos parejas y dos historias a la par. Tanto en éste, como en el libro anterior, el lector conoce la identidad del "malo" desde el principio, es más ciertos capítulos están narrados desde el punto de vista de éste personaje, pero la utilización de ese recurso no le quita el atractivo a la historia. En el libro anterior, la caracterización de psicópata es espectacular y en éste el giro el final es fantástico e inesperado. Como bonus la camaradería entre Dodge/Ski/Derek es el broche de oro de estos increíbles personajes masculinos.
August 4, 2013
Two reviews of this winner for me - AudioGals and Speaking of Audiobooks
Narrated by Victor Slezak
Glomming Sandra Brown’s romantic suspense audio backlist in 2010, I met Dodge Hanley, the hero of Tough Customer, in Smash Cut. It never dawned on me at the time that Dodge was a potential hero meant to carry his own book. He’s a middle aged, hard-talking, chain-smoking investigator for attorney Derek Mitchell (the hero of Smash Cut).
Thirty years ago, Dodge and the love of his life, Caroline, divorced. He doesn’t have much to do with Caroline these days but at her call for help, he drops everything and travels to Houston. Apparently a madman is stalking her daughter Berry. Ski, a fourth primary character, is the local lawman investigating the case. Together, the four make Tough Customer a three-part romance – Dodge and Caroline in their first years together, Dodge and Caroline present day, and Berri and Ski. It’s a formula that worked extremely well for me.
As with most Brown books, I experienced Tough Customer in audio only but I’m still certain that if I had read it in print first, I’d prefer the audio. Victor Slezak is that good. I allowed his narration and Brown’s characters to sweep me away making me not really care if there were a few suspense details that may have bothered me in print. Read the rest of the review at AudioGals http://www.audiogals.net/2013/01/toug....
Narrated by Victor Slezak
During my Sandra Brown audio glom last year, I met the hero of Tough Customer, Dodge Hanley, in Smash Cut. He’s a middle aged hard-talking, chain-smoking investigator. I can’t say I saw hero potential in Dodge but I didn’t know that’s what Brown had in mind either. It’s been thirty years since his divorce from the love of his life, Caroline, but at her call for help he travels to Houston to assist in finding the madman stalking her daughter Berry. A fourth character, Ski, is the local law investigating the case making Tough Customer a three part romance – Dodge and Caroline present day, Dodge and Caroline in their beginning years, and Berry and Ski. It all worked very well for me.
I experienced Tough Customer purely as an audiobook – no print version around. However, I have a sneaking suspicion that if I had, I’d prefer the audio. I let the narration and characters sweep me away and didn’t nitpick some of the suspense details that may have been bothersome in print. And I must say – I was thoroughly entertained. Victor Slezak comes close to first place in my ranking of male narrators and when he talks – I listen. His characters are easily distinguishable although I did have to listen closely to differentiate Caroline and Berry at times. For those who dislike male narrators performing high-pitched female voices, you won’t find that with Slezak. Tough Customer is no Envy (my favorite Brown audio) but listening still made me want to do a little extra housework or extend my walk a bit just to hear more…and more.
Written by Lea AAR for the 4/06/11 Speaking of Audiobooks: April 2011 Releases
http://www.likesbooks.com/blog/?p=6234
Narrated by Victor Slezak
Glomming Sandra Brown’s romantic suspense audio backlist in 2010, I met Dodge Hanley, the hero of Tough Customer, in Smash Cut. It never dawned on me at the time that Dodge was a potential hero meant to carry his own book. He’s a middle aged, hard-talking, chain-smoking investigator for attorney Derek Mitchell (the hero of Smash Cut).
Thirty years ago, Dodge and the love of his life, Caroline, divorced. He doesn’t have much to do with Caroline these days but at her call for help, he drops everything and travels to Houston. Apparently a madman is stalking her daughter Berry. Ski, a fourth primary character, is the local lawman investigating the case. Together, the four make Tough Customer a three-part romance – Dodge and Caroline in their first years together, Dodge and Caroline present day, and Berri and Ski. It’s a formula that worked extremely well for me.
As with most Brown books, I experienced Tough Customer in audio only but I’m still certain that if I had read it in print first, I’d prefer the audio. Victor Slezak is that good. I allowed his narration and Brown’s characters to sweep me away making me not really care if there were a few suspense details that may have bothered me in print. Read the rest of the review at AudioGals http://www.audiogals.net/2013/01/toug....
Narrated by Victor Slezak
During my Sandra Brown audio glom last year, I met the hero of Tough Customer, Dodge Hanley, in Smash Cut. He’s a middle aged hard-talking, chain-smoking investigator. I can’t say I saw hero potential in Dodge but I didn’t know that’s what Brown had in mind either. It’s been thirty years since his divorce from the love of his life, Caroline, but at her call for help he travels to Houston to assist in finding the madman stalking her daughter Berry. A fourth character, Ski, is the local law investigating the case making Tough Customer a three part romance – Dodge and Caroline present day, Dodge and Caroline in their beginning years, and Berry and Ski. It all worked very well for me.
I experienced Tough Customer purely as an audiobook – no print version around. However, I have a sneaking suspicion that if I had, I’d prefer the audio. I let the narration and characters sweep me away and didn’t nitpick some of the suspense details that may have been bothersome in print. And I must say – I was thoroughly entertained. Victor Slezak comes close to first place in my ranking of male narrators and when he talks – I listen. His characters are easily distinguishable although I did have to listen closely to differentiate Caroline and Berry at times. For those who dislike male narrators performing high-pitched female voices, you won’t find that with Slezak. Tough Customer is no Envy (my favorite Brown audio) but listening still made me want to do a little extra housework or extend my walk a bit just to hear more…and more.
Written by Lea AAR for the 4/06/11 Speaking of Audiobooks: April 2011 Releases
http://www.likesbooks.com/blog/?p=6234
November 29, 2017
Saya agak kecewa dgn novel ini. Memang agak berbeda dgn suspense romance author lainnya, tetapi malah saya merasa diberi suguhan suspense yg lebih jelek drpd biasanya. Belum lagi alur ceritanya cenderung lambat membuat bosan dan mata mengantuk.
Tidak seperti biasanya, hero di novel ini sudah gaek, Dodge Hanley. Bayangkan saja Harrison Ford tua sedang beraksi, didampingi deputi yg jauh lebih muda, Ski Nyland (bayangkan saja Chris Hemsworth). Demi menolong anaknya yg sedang dirundung dan dikuntit pembunuh psikopat berbahaya, Dodge rela bertemu kembali dgn mantan kekasihnya setelah 30 thn tidak bertemu.
Jadi selain reuni Dodge dan Caroline, author juga memaparkan dgn kilas balik thn 1978-79, dari awal pertemuan mereka hingga perpisahan mereka, setelah kelahiran Berry. Sayangnya, entah salah dimana, kisah masa lalu maupun masa kini mereka sama sekali tidak memikat. Lebih diperparah lagi dgn romansa Berry dan Ski yg rasanya sangat dipaksakan, demi tandem percintaan seperti begini, tua-muda bercinta semuanya.
Utk tokoh antagonist-nya juga sama saja parahnya alias tidak menarik dan stereotipe utk ukuran penjahat yg psikopat. Hanya perbedaan di klimaks ceritanya saja yg menjadi kejutan dari novel ini.
Tokoh Berry ini seharusnya menjadi heroine-nya, entah krn karakternya kurang kuat atau apalah, saya merasa malah ke belakang makin terkikis peranannya, dan muncul menguat lagi saat klimaks. Apalagi peranan Ski, benar-benar pemanis saja.
Saya merasa ada missing link di novel ini yg belum pernah saya rasakan di novel-novel sebelumnya. Saya kurang puas walaupun suspense-nya cukup lumayan, hanya kurang greget seperti biasanya, cenderung monoton. Hubungan emosional Dodge dan Caroline juga agak canggung bagi saya. Tema Cinta Lama Bersemi Kembali ini rasanya agak kurang pas ya? Entah apanya yg ngaco.
Tidak seperti biasanya, hero di novel ini sudah gaek, Dodge Hanley. Bayangkan saja Harrison Ford tua sedang beraksi, didampingi deputi yg jauh lebih muda, Ski Nyland (bayangkan saja Chris Hemsworth). Demi menolong anaknya yg sedang dirundung dan dikuntit pembunuh psikopat berbahaya, Dodge rela bertemu kembali dgn mantan kekasihnya setelah 30 thn tidak bertemu.
Jadi selain reuni Dodge dan Caroline, author juga memaparkan dgn kilas balik thn 1978-79, dari awal pertemuan mereka hingga perpisahan mereka, setelah kelahiran Berry. Sayangnya, entah salah dimana, kisah masa lalu maupun masa kini mereka sama sekali tidak memikat. Lebih diperparah lagi dgn romansa Berry dan Ski yg rasanya sangat dipaksakan, demi tandem percintaan seperti begini, tua-muda bercinta semuanya.
Utk tokoh antagonist-nya juga sama saja parahnya alias tidak menarik dan stereotipe utk ukuran penjahat yg psikopat. Hanya perbedaan di klimaks ceritanya saja yg menjadi kejutan dari novel ini.
Tokoh Berry ini seharusnya menjadi heroine-nya, entah krn karakternya kurang kuat atau apalah, saya merasa malah ke belakang makin terkikis peranannya, dan muncul menguat lagi saat klimaks. Apalagi peranan Ski, benar-benar pemanis saja.
Saya merasa ada missing link di novel ini yg belum pernah saya rasakan di novel-novel sebelumnya. Saya kurang puas walaupun suspense-nya cukup lumayan, hanya kurang greget seperti biasanya, cenderung monoton. Hubungan emosional Dodge dan Caroline juga agak canggung bagi saya. Tema Cinta Lama Bersemi Kembali ini rasanya agak kurang pas ya? Entah apanya yg ngaco.
August 25, 2010
This one was kind of hard to categorize. The mystery wasn't very mysterious and the end was a bit of a cop out and there weren't any clues dropped that I could see to help the reader figure it out. Some of the police stuff wasn't real realistic.
The story of Berry and the man stalking her was interrupted quite often by flashbacks of her parents affair 30 years ago. At first the flashbacks were a little disruptive and then you realized that the real story was happening in the flashbacks and because they had been apart for 30 years you knew a train wreck was coming and it was a bit agonizing waiting for it.
I loved the character of Dodge and would have been happy if more of the story had revolved around him. Eventually I got a little emotional over his mistakes and his sad life and was happy that he eventually got a second chance. Caroline, the woman he loved was also not entirely without blame either.
I've read some reviews that said they didn't like the manipulative ways that Berry got herself in trouble. But as I've said before, I don't expect all my characters to be perfect people. I like them better if they're not. I will say however that had there been more from Berry's POV about her learning and growing and realizing she'd taken a wrong path, it would have been easier to make her a more sympathetic character. It wasn't that she didn't grow just that there wasn't room enough to really show it rather than tell it.
Not a regular romance and not a real good mystery but it does succeed on the level of showing mistakes can affect a person's whole life.
The story of Berry and the man stalking her was interrupted quite often by flashbacks of her parents affair 30 years ago. At first the flashbacks were a little disruptive and then you realized that the real story was happening in the flashbacks and because they had been apart for 30 years you knew a train wreck was coming and it was a bit agonizing waiting for it.
I loved the character of Dodge and would have been happy if more of the story had revolved around him. Eventually I got a little emotional over his mistakes and his sad life and was happy that he eventually got a second chance. Caroline, the woman he loved was also not entirely without blame either.
I've read some reviews that said they didn't like the manipulative ways that Berry got herself in trouble. But as I've said before, I don't expect all my characters to be perfect people. I like them better if they're not. I will say however that had there been more from Berry's POV about her learning and growing and realizing she'd taken a wrong path, it would have been easier to make her a more sympathetic character. It wasn't that she didn't grow just that there wasn't room enough to really show it rather than tell it.
Not a regular romance and not a real good mystery but it does succeed on the level of showing mistakes can affect a person's whole life.
April 13, 2021
When his daughter is attacked by a deranged serial killer, Dodge Hanley races to help the daughter he has never known because of guilt. The illusive killer bounces from one spot to another, leaving devastation in his wake and Dodge scratching his head. This killer is not following any pattern.
With a ton of suspense and action, the story comes to an exciting conclusion.
This is my first book by Sandra Brown, and I must admit, I was disappointed. Not in the writing, but in the conclusion of the story. It felt like the author wrote herself into a corner and pulled a rabbit out of her hat. The rabbit has been around numerous times. It felt old.
With a ton of suspense and action, the story comes to an exciting conclusion.
This is my first book by Sandra Brown, and I must admit, I was disappointed. Not in the writing, but in the conclusion of the story. It felt like the author wrote herself into a corner and pulled a rabbit out of her hat. The rabbit has been around numerous times. It felt old.
March 11, 2019
Decent book... something didn’t work for me. Not sure what it was sadly
February 13, 2023
Odlična knjiga zanimljiva napeta svakako procitati
April 5, 2020
Boring-predictable - characters were not appealing-trying too hard-stereotypes
July 17, 2017
I love Sandra Brown but not this one. Dodge is a good character but the "Sue Me' got old, as did the fat references. It was chock full of clichés, I expect better from Ms. Brown. Guess they can't all be winners.
August 3, 2011
I haven't read a Sandra Brown in years. She used to be one of my faves. I saw this new one on the library shelf and thought, why not? 639 pages of large print, I've got a few days to walk down memory lane with an old friend.
I kept cringing at the awkward logic forcing the action and the odd word choices in dialogue that really didn't fit the character...the "F" bomb flying in from nowhere, and frankly, there is not enough sex in this book. Seriously. Nobody does the nasty til the last 100 pages. I had an unkind thought: How old is Ms. Brown now?
I remembered HER story -- glamourous, graceful Texas model turns romance novelist. Oh, the descriptions of the clothes worn by the heroines, the atmosphere (nobody could do Southern-steamy-swamp like her).
There were no clothes, rooms, settings so vivid they became silent characters in this book (well, the Big Thicket preserve was pretty good at the end, but as a quick walk-on), like in her heyday. Is she slipping? Were the 80s/90s her glory, now over and past. Has the world moved on and beyond from Sandra Brown?
Then the story-train got rolling, full steam ahead. Sandra Brown is one of the best women's storytellers of our time, with over 70 novels and a lifetime achievement award. I'm certainly not going to dicker over a few word choices here and there. Each word is not a gem, but the overall story is satisfying, with plenty surprising twists and masterful techniques.
In summary, not her best novel, but she can still tell a story like one of the greats that she is.
I kept cringing at the awkward logic forcing the action and the odd word choices in dialogue that really didn't fit the character...the "F" bomb flying in from nowhere, and frankly, there is not enough sex in this book. Seriously. Nobody does the nasty til the last 100 pages. I had an unkind thought: How old is Ms. Brown now?
I remembered HER story -- glamourous, graceful Texas model turns romance novelist. Oh, the descriptions of the clothes worn by the heroines, the atmosphere (nobody could do Southern-steamy-swamp like her).
There were no clothes, rooms, settings so vivid they became silent characters in this book (well, the Big Thicket preserve was pretty good at the end, but as a quick walk-on), like in her heyday. Is she slipping? Were the 80s/90s her glory, now over and past. Has the world moved on and beyond from Sandra Brown?
Then the story-train got rolling, full steam ahead. Sandra Brown is one of the best women's storytellers of our time, with over 70 novels and a lifetime achievement award. I'm certainly not going to dicker over a few word choices here and there. Each word is not a gem, but the overall story is satisfying, with plenty surprising twists and masterful techniques.
In summary, not her best novel, but she can still tell a story like one of the greats that she is.
October 3, 2019
This book jumps back and forth between past (Dodge and the Caroline King's relationship) and present (someone is trying to kill their child) making the storytelling choppy and slow. It's like MS. Brown didn't know which story she wanted to focus on...unusual for her.
On one hand she's showing how Dodge messed the relationship up and Caroline decided the screw up meant he had no place in his own daughter's life. This was just so sad and messed up that it was hard to enjoy. In fact, for me Caroline came off as a self righteous money grubbing shrew. And usually I'm all for crucifying the cheater, but not to the extent of stealing their parental rights.
And like mother, like daughter: The daughter is definitely not someone I would care about either as she's learned how to be a backstabbing b**ch from her mother. But since she's hot looking like her mother, Detective Ski is in lust. At least in this book, Ski shows a little more professionalism than you find in a lot of romantic suspense which makes him fairly likable.
And actually Dodge (past screw up aside) is fairly likable and competant.
The murder plot is interesting enough except I didn't buy two things. Instead of a phone call to one person, the police would have made a personal visit which would have made some of what was said on the phone and following actions a possibly different outcome. And when they were looking for possible people Oren would go to, I would have thought they would have found out sooner some more clues.
The last 20% of the book while better, still didn't win me over.
On one hand she's showing how Dodge messed the relationship up and Caroline decided the screw up meant he had no place in his own daughter's life. This was just so sad and messed up that it was hard to enjoy. In fact, for me Caroline came off as a self righteous money grubbing shrew. And usually I'm all for crucifying the cheater, but not to the extent of stealing their parental rights.
And like mother, like daughter: The daughter is definitely not someone I would care about either as she's learned how to be a backstabbing b**ch from her mother. But since she's hot looking like her mother, Detective Ski is in lust. At least in this book, Ski shows a little more professionalism than you find in a lot of romantic suspense which makes him fairly likable.
And actually Dodge (past screw up aside) is fairly likable and competant.
The murder plot is interesting enough except I didn't buy two things. Instead of a phone call to one person, the police would have made a personal visit which would have made some of what was said on the phone and following actions a possibly different outcome. And when they were looking for possible people Oren would go to, I would have thought they would have found out sooner some more clues.
The last 20% of the book while better, still didn't win me over.
September 9, 2010
I've read most of Sandra Brown's books, and usually I'm excited when they come out and read through them really quickly (as in, maybe takes me 3 days to finish one). This one took me almost a whole week to get through. It was a little sad and disapointing that this book did not live up to Sandra Brown's usual standards.
First of all, I didn't like Berry, one of the main characters. She came across as selfish, kind of mean, and overall just not a very good person. But, most of the book revolved around the romance between her parents, Caroline and Dodge. I felt like the Berry/Ski relationship was just an afterthought Brown felt like she needed to include to spice things up, and I'd have to say that wasn't a very successful idea. I did like the backstory of Caroline and Dodge though, and I almost wonder if that would have made for a better book. This one just had too much going on. While the ending wasn't as predictable as many of hers can be, the whole mystery of Oren Sparks just wasn't very exciting for me.
Overall, not one of Sandra Brown's best. I'm not going to stop reading her books or anything, but hopefully the next one will be better.
First of all, I didn't like Berry, one of the main characters. She came across as selfish, kind of mean, and overall just not a very good person. But, most of the book revolved around the romance between her parents, Caroline and Dodge. I felt like the Berry/Ski relationship was just an afterthought Brown felt like she needed to include to spice things up, and I'd have to say that wasn't a very successful idea. I did like the backstory of Caroline and Dodge though, and I almost wonder if that would have made for a better book. This one just had too much going on. While the ending wasn't as predictable as many of hers can be, the whole mystery of Oren Sparks just wasn't very exciting for me.
Overall, not one of Sandra Brown's best. I'm not going to stop reading her books or anything, but hopefully the next one will be better.
October 3, 2010
I was a little disappointed in the latest from Sandra Brown. Dodge Hanley is called to help his daughter Berry, whom he abandoned at birth. The flashbacks to the relationship between Berry's mother, Caroline and Dodge were distracting and the overall story was disorganized. Most of the characters were unlikable and the mystery was undeveloped, with an ending that had no development in the story. I get the feeling that this was a rushed project. Definitely not up to the author's earlier books.
June 11, 2017
#50 for 2017 RC
Genre : Suspense
Antagonis di buku ini tipenya sama dengan tokoh antagonis di buku SB sebelumnya "Smash Cut". Mungkin karena dua buku itu berseri. Twist di akhir cerita benar-benar agak mengejutkan. But itu ciri khas SB.
Genre : Suspense
Antagonis di buku ini tipenya sama dengan tokoh antagonis di buku SB sebelumnya "Smash Cut". Mungkin karena dua buku itu berseri. Twist di akhir cerita benar-benar agak mengejutkan. But itu ciri khas SB.
July 24, 2021
Not my favorite by this author, but I enjoyed it. The reader for the audiobook was pretty good and fit the book in my opinion.
July 8, 2019
Another great book by Sandra Brown. Loved how it all flowed together and kept me on the edge of my seat. Perfect romance mystery novel.
May 24, 2024
I love that all of Sandra Brown is a mix of thriller and romance. It’s a breath of fresh air to be out of the romance world sometimes but this lets me just dip a toe out of it. They aren’t too gruesome either which I really appreciate. This one has two romances which just makes it all the better in my opinion. Such a wonderful ending.
🌀Synopsis
Berry has a stalker that has driven her out of her own home. After a series of bad decisions, Berry takes up residence at her mother’s lake house. Things are going well until her stalker follows her there and attempts to kill her.
Thankfully he doesn’t succeed and her mother, Caroline, calls in reinforcements to help them track the stalker down. She doesn’t call in just anyone though, it happens to be Berry’s biological father who she has never met before this. Dodge isn’t even sure why he answered Caroline’s call, let alone why he hopped on a plane to help the daughter he never met.
Over the course of the manhunt the past and present meet. They continue working with law enforcement and find her stalker has wandered into the woods and killed himself. Dodge has a niggling suspicion something still isn’t right and now that Berry and Caroline know the truth about how he feels, he’s not going to let them down.
🌀Synopsis
Berry has a stalker that has driven her out of her own home. After a series of bad decisions, Berry takes up residence at her mother’s lake house. Things are going well until her stalker follows her there and attempts to kill her.
Thankfully he doesn’t succeed and her mother, Caroline, calls in reinforcements to help them track the stalker down. She doesn’t call in just anyone though, it happens to be Berry’s biological father who she has never met before this. Dodge isn’t even sure why he answered Caroline’s call, let alone why he hopped on a plane to help the daughter he never met.
Over the course of the manhunt the past and present meet. They continue working with law enforcement and find her stalker has wandered into the woods and killed himself. Dodge has a niggling suspicion something still isn’t right and now that Berry and Caroline know the truth about how he feels, he’s not going to let them down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,163 reviews