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Carnal innocence
Nora Roberts, bestselling author of The Reef and Genuine Lies, mixes scorching passion with icy suspense in her classic novel of murder and infatuation in a southern town now available in hardcover for the first time.
In the small town of Innocence, Mississippi, days are long, nights are fragrant, and secrets are hard to keep. But when a brutal killer starts claiming the lives of the town's most attractive women, lifelong neighbors are forced to wonder if the culprit is a stranger lurking in the bayou...or someone right next door.
World-famous concert violinist Caroline Waverly knows nothing of the murders when she arrives in Innocence. Burned out from a childhood lost to endless rehearsals and an all-too-public breakup with the conductor who was her lover, Caroline is looking for a little peace and some time to think. She hopes that a stay at her late grandmother's house the one with a covered porch just made for soft summer nights will provide the tranquillity she needs. But Innocence has something else to offer Caroline: a man named Tucker Longstreet.
Blessed with the Longstreet good looks, lazy charm, and family fortune, Tucker is a tall, cool drink of water and he knows it. He likes to keep his romances short and shallow. But one look at Caroline, and Tucker realizes that she is unlike any other woman he's met. Tightly coiled and coolly reserved, Caroline is determined to fight him off. She might be able to do a better job if she hadn't felt an unexpected thrill at his ardent advances...and if she hadn't been so scared after finding a third murder victim in the murky waters behind her home.
For Caroline Waverly,a beautiful summer interlude could turn into much more or could stir a killer's crazed dreams. Because there's just one small problem with her new romance: Tucker is the leading suspect in the killings.
In the small town of Innocence, Mississippi, days are long, nights are fragrant, and secrets are hard to keep. But when a brutal killer starts claiming the lives of the town's most attractive women, lifelong neighbors are forced to wonder if the culprit is a stranger lurking in the bayou...or someone right next door.
World-famous concert violinist Caroline Waverly knows nothing of the murders when she arrives in Innocence. Burned out from a childhood lost to endless rehearsals and an all-too-public breakup with the conductor who was her lover, Caroline is looking for a little peace and some time to think. She hopes that a stay at her late grandmother's house the one with a covered porch just made for soft summer nights will provide the tranquillity she needs. But Innocence has something else to offer Caroline: a man named Tucker Longstreet.
Blessed with the Longstreet good looks, lazy charm, and family fortune, Tucker is a tall, cool drink of water and he knows it. He likes to keep his romances short and shallow. But one look at Caroline, and Tucker realizes that she is unlike any other woman he's met. Tightly coiled and coolly reserved, Caroline is determined to fight him off. She might be able to do a better job if she hadn't felt an unexpected thrill at his ardent advances...and if she hadn't been so scared after finding a third murder victim in the murky waters behind her home.
For Caroline Waverly,a beautiful summer interlude could turn into much more or could stir a killer's crazed dreams. Because there's just one small problem with her new romance: Tucker is the leading suspect in the killings.
Hardcover
First published December 1, 1991
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About the author
Nora Roberts
1,209 books59.6k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 928 reviews
August 14, 2020
World famous concert violinist Caroline Waverly goes to Innocence, Mississippi, (a small southern town) to spend some time at her late grandmother’s house. After being in the hospital, and going through a grueling concert schedule, Caroline needs some time for rest and relaxation. When she arrives at her grandmother’s house Caroline discovers that there has been a series of killings in Innocence recently. Pretty girls are being murdered by a serial killer. Caroline also meets handsome, wealthy, and charming Tucker Longstreet who happened to be involved with some of the victims. As the murders continue Caroline wonders if she may be next…
This was a very entertaining read. Innocence had many lively characters, some likable, some not. (At times I had trouble keeping track of them all!) Tucker was a laid-back kind of hero who loved fast cars and 50’s music. The ladies in town liked him. I liked how he befriended young Cy and helped him out. Caroline was a sweet, reserved, and kind heroine. From childhood on, Caroline’s mother really pushed her to be a violinist. Good wasn’t enough, Caroline had to be the best. Endless tours and rehearsals. Caroline also discovered her fiancé was cheating on her. She eventually collapsed from the stress and exhaustion and needed a well-deserved rest. The more time she spent in Innocence, the more she felt like she was home and wanted to fit in.
The story started off a bit slow but the pace picked up as the book progressed. I liked the small town setting and the variety of gossipy characters, mostly hanging out at the town restaurant, the Chat ‘N Chew. I had fun trying to figure out who the culprit was.
Another enjoyable read by Nora Roberts.
This was a very entertaining read. Innocence had many lively characters, some likable, some not. (At times I had trouble keeping track of them all!) Tucker was a laid-back kind of hero who loved fast cars and 50’s music. The ladies in town liked him. I liked how he befriended young Cy and helped him out. Caroline was a sweet, reserved, and kind heroine. From childhood on, Caroline’s mother really pushed her to be a violinist. Good wasn’t enough, Caroline had to be the best. Endless tours and rehearsals. Caroline also discovered her fiancé was cheating on her. She eventually collapsed from the stress and exhaustion and needed a well-deserved rest. The more time she spent in Innocence, the more she felt like she was home and wanted to fit in.
The story started off a bit slow but the pace picked up as the book progressed. I liked the small town setting and the variety of gossipy characters, mostly hanging out at the town restaurant, the Chat ‘N Chew. I had fun trying to figure out who the culprit was.
Another enjoyable read by Nora Roberts.
April 19, 2017
You are probably dying to ask me…What are you doing reading a romance published in 1991? Isn’t it terribly outdated?
Well, I read it because the audiobook came HIGHLY recommended by friends and I put a lot of stock in friend recommendations. And yes, it’s a bit outdated – there are no cell phones, no internet and the police procedure is a bit iffy (we know better now that an FBI agent shouldn’t be consorting with the sister of a suspect) but the book is old enough that it doesn’t feel weird, if that makes any sense.
Carnal Innocence is the story of a small town in Mississippi with a serial killer in its midst. I’m not much for books set in small towns –in general, most authors paint them too idyllic – but I was charmed by this one. Probably because Ms. Roberts didn’t portrayed only the good (charming characters, great atmosphere, neighbors supporting one another) but also the bad (race tensions) and the ugly. And with a serial killer on the loose, there’s a lot of ugly going on.
Caroline arrives at Innocence after spending some time in the hospital. All her life, she has been a good little girl who does what her Mommy wants but after some therapy, she realizes that she needs to change if she wants to be happy. Her first encounter with Tucker Longstreet wasn’t promising and like her, I didn’t like him at all. Unlike most romance heroes, Tucker is portrayed as an easy going guy who’s favorite thing to do is to take a nap. In the first few chapters, his family is described in all its infamy - they are the richest people in town but there’s an alcoholic older brother, lazy but charming Tucker and a twice divorced younger sister who loves the gentlemen a little too much.
At the beginning, one of Tucker’s affairs comes to life and I was a bit outraged that he would date women from a different social strata. Didn’t he realize that some of these women wanted more? Then, I realized that I was being patronizing: these women knew Tucker way better than me and decided to date him. Why should he bear the burden of their expectations? He didn’t owe them marriage anymore than a poor guy would, especially when he hadn’t made any promises. As the story continued, I felt like the heroine: against my better judgment, I couldn’t help but be charmed by Tucker – that Southern accent in the audiobook really helped. He was funny, handsome and charismatic, a lover of poetry with a big heart and with most depth than most people realize.
The mystery is excellent with a lot of layers. It’s about family feuds and madness. I won’t go into details because I don’t want to give you any spoilers but it was very well done. I figured out who was the murderer before the denouement, but even I was a bit shocked.
Please note that race tensions are an aspect of the story and some characters use the N word. It didn’t bother me because it made sense in the story but I want to mention it in case some readers are offended by the use of the word.
The unabridged audiobook narrated by Tom Stechschulte was simply scrumptious – I think already mentioned the deliciousness that was Tucker’s accent. Even with the glowing recommendations, two things made avoid this audiobook for while: the length and the cover. The unabridged version is almost 18 hrs. but once you get started, you get caught up in the narrative and start enjoying every time Tucker tells a story about his ancestors. You also forget about the scary cover!
Overall, an excellent romantic suspense novel with great characters and ambiance. Completely recommended!
Well, I read it because the audiobook came HIGHLY recommended by friends and I put a lot of stock in friend recommendations. And yes, it’s a bit outdated – there are no cell phones, no internet and the police procedure is a bit iffy (we know better now that an FBI agent shouldn’t be consorting with the sister of a suspect) but the book is old enough that it doesn’t feel weird, if that makes any sense.
Carnal Innocence is the story of a small town in Mississippi with a serial killer in its midst. I’m not much for books set in small towns –in general, most authors paint them too idyllic – but I was charmed by this one. Probably because Ms. Roberts didn’t portrayed only the good (charming characters, great atmosphere, neighbors supporting one another) but also the bad (race tensions) and the ugly. And with a serial killer on the loose, there’s a lot of ugly going on.
Caroline arrives at Innocence after spending some time in the hospital. All her life, she has been a good little girl who does what her Mommy wants but after some therapy, she realizes that she needs to change if she wants to be happy. Her first encounter with Tucker Longstreet wasn’t promising and like her, I didn’t like him at all. Unlike most romance heroes, Tucker is portrayed as an easy going guy who’s favorite thing to do is to take a nap. In the first few chapters, his family is described in all its infamy - they are the richest people in town but there’s an alcoholic older brother, lazy but charming Tucker and a twice divorced younger sister who loves the gentlemen a little too much.
At the beginning, one of Tucker’s affairs comes to life and I was a bit outraged that he would date women from a different social strata. Didn’t he realize that some of these women wanted more? Then, I realized that I was being patronizing: these women knew Tucker way better than me and decided to date him. Why should he bear the burden of their expectations? He didn’t owe them marriage anymore than a poor guy would, especially when he hadn’t made any promises. As the story continued, I felt like the heroine: against my better judgment, I couldn’t help but be charmed by Tucker – that Southern accent in the audiobook really helped. He was funny, handsome and charismatic, a lover of poetry with a big heart and with most depth than most people realize.
The mystery is excellent with a lot of layers. It’s about family feuds and madness. I won’t go into details because I don’t want to give you any spoilers but it was very well done. I figured out who was the murderer before the denouement, but even I was a bit shocked.
Please note that race tensions are an aspect of the story and some characters use the N word. It didn’t bother me because it made sense in the story but I want to mention it in case some readers are offended by the use of the word.
The unabridged audiobook narrated by Tom Stechschulte was simply scrumptious – I think already mentioned the deliciousness that was Tucker’s accent. Even with the glowing recommendations, two things made avoid this audiobook for while: the length and the cover. The unabridged version is almost 18 hrs. but once you get started, you get caught up in the narrative and start enjoying every time Tucker tells a story about his ancestors. You also forget about the scary cover!
Overall, an excellent romantic suspense novel with great characters and ambiance. Completely recommended!
April 7, 2012
ETA: 4/7/12 The unagridged version narrated by Tom Stechschulte is now available on audible.com!
5* for the narrator/narration. Listened to this on audio narrated by the masterful Tom Stechschulte. Absolutely amazingly deep, sexy voice. Recommended if you can find it.
While listening to a book on audio the reader is forced to listen to all the description and not skim. I'm guilty of skimming at times, especially when the action gets going and I'm on the edge of my seat. While listening to Stechschulte's excellent narration of Carnal Innocence, I was struck by the rich details Roberts includes in her book. She never rushes a scene, either. She sets it up and then almost plays with her readers, slowing down the action and making you wait for the punch. But her descriptions aren't fillers only there to increase word count. The words paint a picture, enabling the reader see the muddy water, and feel the steamy heat, and smell the marsh. Her writing is vivid and alive. Roberts has written books I don't care for, but when she's on, she's amazing. And she's "on" more times than not.
5* for the narrator/narration. Listened to this on audio narrated by the masterful Tom Stechschulte. Absolutely amazingly deep, sexy voice. Recommended if you can find it.
While listening to a book on audio the reader is forced to listen to all the description and not skim. I'm guilty of skimming at times, especially when the action gets going and I'm on the edge of my seat. While listening to Stechschulte's excellent narration of Carnal Innocence, I was struck by the rich details Roberts includes in her book. She never rushes a scene, either. She sets it up and then almost plays with her readers, slowing down the action and making you wait for the punch. But her descriptions aren't fillers only there to increase word count. The words paint a picture, enabling the reader see the muddy water, and feel the steamy heat, and smell the marsh. Her writing is vivid and alive. Roberts has written books I don't care for, but when she's on, she's amazing. And she's "on" more times than not.
September 7, 2017
این کتاب اولین اثر ترجمه شده از نورا رابرتز در ایران است ٠ نکته جالب در مورد نویسنده آن است که در هر هفته ، حداقل سه کتاب از وی در صدر فهرست پرفروش ترین رمان های مجله نیویورک تایمز قرار دارد و کتاب شهر بی گناه پرفروش ترین اثر اوست که در سال ۲۰۰۱ به مدت ۸ ماه در صدر پرفروش ترین ها بوده است.
August 12, 2024
Aug 11, 2024
After re-reading a favorite Sandra Brown book set in the south (Slow Heat in Heaven), I was in the mood for another book set in the south, this soothed my southern gent craving.
Solid 4 Stars
I really enjoyed this book and the narrator was fantastic. My only complaint was there are sooooo many characters involved at times it was confusing and I would have to stop and remember who's who. I really didn't figure out who the killer was till about 3/4 or more into the book...I kept changing my mind. Very good storyline and characters with plenty of aghast and heart beating scenes.
Tucker and Carolyn
The hero Tucker Longstreet is not my average kind of hero he's very "Non Alpha" but he is so endearing with his many family history stories and southern charm it's hard not to fall for him just a little.
The Heroine Carolyn Waverly is a world famous violinist. She's very lonely and alone although she does have family, as an only child and a child prodigy to an overbearing mother she is suffering in more ways than one and decides to take some time off and heads to the house she inherited from her grandparents in Innocence, MS where her life and goals are irrevocably changed.
* This is an older book (1991) therefore there is much in this book that’s definitely NOT politically correct.
Originally read: Oct 23, 2013
After re-reading a favorite Sandra Brown book set in the south (Slow Heat in Heaven), I was in the mood for another book set in the south, this soothed my southern gent craving.
Solid 4 Stars
I really enjoyed this book and the narrator was fantastic. My only complaint was there are sooooo many characters involved at times it was confusing and I would have to stop and remember who's who. I really didn't figure out who the killer was till about 3/4 or more into the book...I kept changing my mind. Very good storyline and characters with plenty of aghast and heart beating scenes.
Tucker and Carolyn
The hero Tucker Longstreet is not my average kind of hero he's very "Non Alpha" but he is so endearing with his many family history stories and southern charm it's hard not to fall for him just a little.
The Heroine Carolyn Waverly is a world famous violinist. She's very lonely and alone although she does have family, as an only child and a child prodigy to an overbearing mother she is suffering in more ways than one and decides to take some time off and heads to the house she inherited from her grandparents in Innocence, MS where her life and goals are irrevocably changed.
* This is an older book (1991) therefore there is much in this book that’s definitely NOT politically correct.
Originally read: Oct 23, 2013
March 22, 2019
Oh my God this book had a lot of action and some Sweet Moments in it that I really liked
December 15, 2014
Narrator was good, but I didn't care for it. Too depressing. Quite dated. Felt even older than 1991. Almost didn't finish it, but wanted to see if I had the villain pegged (yes).
Addy-Lou, Bobby T, Billy Lee, Lulu, Della, Darlene, Earlene, Christy, Sissy, etc..... My poor little head hurts. So many southern-fried characters — it was a trial to keep track of who belonged to which family.
I didn't laugh once, and rarely smiled. I like to laugh. I like heartwarming romances with a dangerous, suspenseful edge and witty dialogue. (Well, I did chuckle when someone fell into an open grave, but that scene wasn't meant to be funny).
Except for watching young Cy overcome his fears and find refuge in Tucker, there wasn't much to lighten the heart. Just basically a depressing read with a predictable plot and a "let's-wrap-it-up-quick" ending.
A downer with a morbid tone: I did like the lead characters, Tucker and Caroline, but the book is not uplifting or amusing. Too many sluts screwing everything in sight, married or single — I'm talking about Josie, especially, but also Eddy-Lou and Darlene. Raging alcoholism. Wife abuse (Vernon and Austin). Two crazed Bible-thumping psychos. A race-hating scene straight out of the KKK. Mutulation, madness, murder. Blood sucking and biting. Also, far too much religious profanity -- it's on every other page. Rude.
Even the ending is dismal. By the denouement of the killer, this hokey hamlet has been condemned to a miserable future, full of hatred, hurt, and so much guilt. Caroline should have told Tucker what really happened, and should have explained the past history. As things were left at the end,
For a book written in 1991, a huge percentage of the characters were happy to entertain lung cancer. It seemed that every man in the book smoked Chesterfield.
Nature versus nurture? In this case, it all came down to nature. So what does that portend for Cy?
As I said, I did like Tucker and Caroline, but I didn't fully buy into Tucker falling so hard and fast for her. A more credible love affair? Caroline and her new puppy, Useless. Loved that name — a play on words with Ulysses.
A far better book is this author's more recent publication, The Witness, narrated superbly by Julia Whelan. There were some similarities between Caroline's coldly controlling mother in this book and Abigail's horrible mother, Dr. Susan Fitch, in that book.
Addy-Lou, Bobby T, Billy Lee, Lulu, Della, Darlene, Earlene, Christy, Sissy, etc..... My poor little head hurts. So many southern-fried characters — it was a trial to keep track of who belonged to which family.
I didn't laugh once, and rarely smiled. I like to laugh. I like heartwarming romances with a dangerous, suspenseful edge and witty dialogue. (Well, I did chuckle when someone fell into an open grave, but that scene wasn't meant to be funny).
Except for watching young Cy overcome his fears and find refuge in Tucker, there wasn't much to lighten the heart. Just basically a depressing read with a predictable plot and a "let's-wrap-it-up-quick" ending.
A downer with a morbid tone: I did like the lead characters, Tucker and Caroline, but the book is not uplifting or amusing. Too many sluts screwing everything in sight, married or single — I'm talking about Josie, especially, but also Eddy-Lou and Darlene. Raging alcoholism. Wife abuse (Vernon and Austin). Two crazed Bible-thumping psychos. A race-hating scene straight out of the KKK. Mutulation, madness, murder. Blood sucking and biting. Also, far too much religious profanity -- it's on every other page. Rude.
Even the ending is dismal. By the denouement of the killer, this hokey hamlet has been condemned to a miserable future, full of hatred, hurt, and so much guilt. Caroline should have told Tucker what really happened, and should have explained the past history. As things were left at the end,
For a book written in 1991, a huge percentage of the characters were happy to entertain lung cancer. It seemed that every man in the book smoked Chesterfield.
Nature versus nurture? In this case, it all came down to nature. So what does that portend for Cy?
As I said, I did like Tucker and Caroline, but I didn't fully buy into Tucker falling so hard and fast for her. A more credible love affair? Caroline and her new puppy, Useless. Loved that name — a play on words with Ulysses.
A far better book is this author's more recent publication, The Witness, narrated superbly by Julia Whelan. There were some similarities between Caroline's coldly controlling mother in this book and Abigail's horrible mother, Dr. Susan Fitch, in that book.
March 10, 2017
What I love about Nora Roberts’ books is she makes sure that the reader is easily drawn to her characters. She paints vivid pictures of both Tucker and Caroline from the very beginning of the book and continues to develop them through out. I loved how Tucker and Caroline seemed to bring out the best and worst in each other. Since this book was published over two decades ago, there are a lot of cultural references that are dated and cell phones just didn't exist then. Just ignore them and enjoy a fantastic, vintage Nora Roberts book.
Caroline is in Innocence, MS taking a much needed break from her life. Her grandmother recently passed away and left her the farmstead, a place Caroline always considered home. With her career as a the leading concert violist, she sorely needs the peace and sense of place she remembers from her childhood visits. Shortly after she moves in she finds a murdered woman. She also finds herself drawn to the town bad boy, Tucker Longstreet.
Tucker is infamous for his good ole' playboy ways, but there was something about him that makes him a cut above the rest. He has never lied to his women and when Edda Lou accuses him of making marriage promises, then claims he got her pregnant, Tucker is not about to go merrily down the aisle. When Edda Lou turns up dead, her father takes a dive off the deep end and goes after Tucker.
There are several plots and subplots swirling around the small southern town of Innocence where gossip is the primary form of communication and it is hot and sticky. The mystery surrounding the killings in Innocence, with Tucker being a prime suspect, is a good backdrop to intensify the emotions these Caroline and Tucker have for each other.
Caroline is in Innocence, MS taking a much needed break from her life. Her grandmother recently passed away and left her the farmstead, a place Caroline always considered home. With her career as a the leading concert violist, she sorely needs the peace and sense of place she remembers from her childhood visits. Shortly after she moves in she finds a murdered woman. She also finds herself drawn to the town bad boy, Tucker Longstreet.
Tucker is infamous for his good ole' playboy ways, but there was something about him that makes him a cut above the rest. He has never lied to his women and when Edda Lou accuses him of making marriage promises, then claims he got her pregnant, Tucker is not about to go merrily down the aisle. When Edda Lou turns up dead, her father takes a dive off the deep end and goes after Tucker.
There are several plots and subplots swirling around the small southern town of Innocence where gossip is the primary form of communication and it is hot and sticky. The mystery surrounding the killings in Innocence, with Tucker being a prime suspect, is a good backdrop to intensify the emotions these Caroline and Tucker have for each other.
January 19, 2016
This was a three and a half star southern mystery that was punched up to a four star by Tom Stechshulte's narration. Nora did a wonderful job making the foliage and surroundings so real that I felt like I was there along with the characters. The murder mystery was a pretty good Southern drama with original characters mixed with some romance and a bit of comic relief.
February 12, 2021
I lost a lot of sleep over this book - purely because I couldn’t put it down! I loved it, and the story just captures you from the beginning. A triumph!
March 26, 2017
Innocence is a small town and the most prominent and success family is the Longstreet siblings.
Tucker Longstreet is the hero and one who loves a good nap and when the mood strikes willing woman with no relationship complications. He is in charge of the many businesses his family has interest in. He is one very laid back type and one who takes life as it comes. He is not one to get worked up for many things unless it is needed or pushed to it and many underestimate him. His last woman has just confronted him. She is upset that he let her loose but has been telling her friends that marriage will happen so she argues with him and claims she is pregnant in a front of many in the town at a bar in order to save face and force his hand. Dumbstruck, he is very confused about what to do with her claim and if it is true.
Caroline Waverly, the heroine, is a concert violinist and coming to live for a time in her deceased Grandparents home left to her. She has suffered a breakdown from stress and exhaustion. She also discovered her fiance cheating and has broken off her engagement as well as several concerts she was touring for. She has always been under the thumb of her mother who is all about status and doesn't acknowledge her roots. Caroline has always done what she was told and now that has come at the price of her health. She is back in the small hometown of her mother to recuperate and find herself and what she wants instead of the life planned out for her.
Tucker and Caroline first meeting doesn't go well and even though Tucker is attracted to her and she him, Caroline refuses to consider someone who she feels is like her ex. Tucker then has a huge issue when the woman who claims she is pregnant by him turns up dead and Caroline is the one who discovers the body at the spot they first met and on her property. The thing is she isn't the first woman to turn up dead and all of them have the same crime earmarks. His friend and Sheriff, Burke has had to enlist the help of the FBI for the cases. While the town is turned upside down due to the murders and suspicion is on many, it will be a case that ends up revealing a lot of secrets along the way as well as too.
I enjoyed this book but I didn't love it. I wasn't a big fan of Caroline and I had issues with Tucker at times too. The case was interesting though and I was surprised by what came out and who did it. This was one that had lots of characters and could throw you off if not paying attention to who is who.
I got the audio of this and the narration was excellent. He was good at the making the characters sound distinctive as well as the emotion that is needed. This is set in the early 90s and in the South so it contains some racism (including the use of some racial slurs by some characters but it fit for the type of people they were) as well as no cell phones and things like that. It to me fit the time, the small mindset of some people, and the small town mentality that can happen too. I think overall it could have been more of a 4 but some things felt unfinished for me and because I wasn't as into the main characters it fell a little short for me in that area even as I enjoyed how the story unfolded and getting to know the characters too. It also picked up speed as it went also which helped it too. But a decent read over all.
Tucker Longstreet is the hero and one who loves a good nap and when the mood strikes willing woman with no relationship complications. He is in charge of the many businesses his family has interest in. He is one very laid back type and one who takes life as it comes. He is not one to get worked up for many things unless it is needed or pushed to it and many underestimate him. His last woman has just confronted him. She is upset that he let her loose but has been telling her friends that marriage will happen so she argues with him and claims she is pregnant in a front of many in the town at a bar in order to save face and force his hand. Dumbstruck, he is very confused about what to do with her claim and if it is true.
Caroline Waverly, the heroine, is a concert violinist and coming to live for a time in her deceased Grandparents home left to her. She has suffered a breakdown from stress and exhaustion. She also discovered her fiance cheating and has broken off her engagement as well as several concerts she was touring for. She has always been under the thumb of her mother who is all about status and doesn't acknowledge her roots. Caroline has always done what she was told and now that has come at the price of her health. She is back in the small hometown of her mother to recuperate and find herself and what she wants instead of the life planned out for her.
Tucker and Caroline first meeting doesn't go well and even though Tucker is attracted to her and she him, Caroline refuses to consider someone who she feels is like her ex. Tucker then has a huge issue when the woman who claims she is pregnant by him turns up dead and Caroline is the one who discovers the body at the spot they first met and on her property. The thing is she isn't the first woman to turn up dead and all of them have the same crime earmarks. His friend and Sheriff, Burke has had to enlist the help of the FBI for the cases. While the town is turned upside down due to the murders and suspicion is on many, it will be a case that ends up revealing a lot of secrets along the way as well as too.
I enjoyed this book but I didn't love it. I wasn't a big fan of Caroline and I had issues with Tucker at times too. The case was interesting though and I was surprised by what came out and who did it. This was one that had lots of characters and could throw you off if not paying attention to who is who.
I got the audio of this and the narration was excellent. He was good at the making the characters sound distinctive as well as the emotion that is needed. This is set in the early 90s and in the South so it contains some racism (including the use of some racial slurs by some characters but it fit for the type of people they were) as well as no cell phones and things like that. It to me fit the time, the small mindset of some people, and the small town mentality that can happen too. I think overall it could have been more of a 4 but some things felt unfinished for me and because I wasn't as into the main characters it fell a little short for me in that area even as I enjoyed how the story unfolded and getting to know the characters too. It also picked up speed as it went also which helped it too. But a decent read over all.
May 4, 2014
Well done romantic mystery suspense. I was engaged all the way through.
Wonderful character creation. Wonderful dialogue. Various conflicts are well done.
An example of fun dialogue: Tucker is this slow talking rich southern man who sleeps with a lot of women. Heroine is not interested. He makes a seductive comment to her. She says “You’re sick.” He replies “I do feel a fever comin’ on.”
I loved the way clues and things came out gradually during the book - like the clue someone saw that led them to discover who tampered with a car. I loved Tucker’s relationship with a teenage boy -- heartwarming.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
I recently heard Judith Ivey doing a southern accent that was irritating. Tom Stechschulte (this audiobook narrator) did a wonderful southern accent. And he was soooo sexy as Tucker. Wow. And he did women well - no effeminate gay guy sounds. He did so many different voices well. He’s now one of my favorite narrators.
OTHER BOOKS:
Nora Roberts is hit and miss with me. The hits – my favorites are: Carnal Innocence, Born in Fire, Angels Fall, The Witness, Northern Lights, and Sea Swept.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 17 hrs and 55 mins (402 pages). Swearing language: strong including religious swear words, but not often used. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: about 9, but most were vaguely referred to with no details. Setting: around 1991 small town Innocence, Mississippi. Book copyright: 1991. Genre: romantic mystery suspense.
Wonderful character creation. Wonderful dialogue. Various conflicts are well done.
An example of fun dialogue: Tucker is this slow talking rich southern man who sleeps with a lot of women. Heroine is not interested. He makes a seductive comment to her. She says “You’re sick.” He replies “I do feel a fever comin’ on.”
I loved the way clues and things came out gradually during the book - like the clue someone saw that led them to discover who tampered with a car. I loved Tucker’s relationship with a teenage boy -- heartwarming.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
I recently heard Judith Ivey doing a southern accent that was irritating. Tom Stechschulte (this audiobook narrator) did a wonderful southern accent. And he was soooo sexy as Tucker. Wow. And he did women well - no effeminate gay guy sounds. He did so many different voices well. He’s now one of my favorite narrators.
OTHER BOOKS:
Nora Roberts is hit and miss with me. The hits – my favorites are: Carnal Innocence, Born in Fire, Angels Fall, The Witness, Northern Lights, and Sea Swept.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 17 hrs and 55 mins (402 pages). Swearing language: strong including religious swear words, but not often used. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: about 9, but most were vaguely referred to with no details. Setting: around 1991 small town Innocence, Mississippi. Book copyright: 1991. Genre: romantic mystery suspense.
April 24, 2017
2.5 stars
This was just too dated and redneck for me to really get into. I didn't like the lazy-assed, but generous (of course), hero with no ambition other than to sit in his hammock all day. I didn't like the racist/KKK elements or the driving drunk that everyone seemed to do without a second thought.
The best part about this book was the narrator.
This was just too dated and redneck for me to really get into. I didn't like the lazy-assed, but generous (of course), hero with no ambition other than to sit in his hammock all day. I didn't like the racist/KKK elements or the driving drunk that everyone seemed to do without a second thought.
The best part about this book was the narrator.
March 1, 2022
https://www.frowl.org/worstbestseller...
Great news: Nora Roberts has grown as a writer since 1991.
Great news: Nora Roberts has grown as a writer since 1991.
April 18, 2017
A great old book that's not dated at all! Loved the mystery and all the details that went on, it was a really long book .
I had guessed the killer correctly so I'm proud of myself! lol
I had guessed the killer correctly so I'm proud of myself! lol
May 5, 2024
Buen libro de suspense romántico. Aunque el romance me ha resultado algo frio aunque me encanta Tucker el protagonista me ha enamorado. La autora habla de mucha pasión pero en el momento de la acción de verdad se queda corta para mi gusto pero es la marca personal de la autora. El libro tiene más tensión sexual que cuando pasa realmente. La historia no son sólo los protagonistas. Hay un montón de secundarios. Ha veces me perdía quién era cada quien de tantos que hay La verdad me encanta como la autora te mete en el mundo rural en el pueblo con los vecinos, los chismes, las barbacoas, el calor sofocante del verano. La autora se recrea es el ambiente y eso a mí me encanta. En cada libro suyo te mete en la vida de sus personajes aquí de verdad puedes sentir que estás en el campo en un pueblo pequeño sureño de estados unidos. Aunque este libro tiene unos añitos es de 1991 y se nota en varias cosas y además no todo es bueno. no hay móviles, los personajes fuman como cosacos, hay mucho racismo de algunos personajes, hay violencia de genero que no se denuncia aunque esto es por parte de los malos. La gente se casa con 18 años y tienen muchos hijos. Y son muy cristianos y algunos fanáticos religiosos. La autora denuncia el racismo. Aparecen cruces como las del kkk. Y bueno los asesinatos. Aunque debo decir que está muy bien hilado yo me podía hacer una idea de quién era el asesino pero hasta que no llega el momento climax y en mi cabeza se van hilando todas las pistas que encajaban desde el principio no lo vi venir. Es un plop twist increíble. Es un libro romántico. Pero el romance aunque bonito para mi gusto queda en un segundo lugar. Quedan cosas en el aire como siempre que leo un libro independiente de Nora Roberts los finales para mi gusto muy precipitados y no me gustó que al final se guardará un secreto fundamental para saber qué había ocurrido pienso que era importante que se supiera. No quiero revelar cosas importantes del libro. Solo decir que como romance se me ha quedado corto, pero más por la frialdad de la autora en estás escenas. Pero como Thriller es buenísimo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2015
3.5/5; 4 stars; B+
I read the paperback of this book so many years ago that I couldn't remember much except that I enjoyed it. When our Audiobook group was discussing the great narration of the audible version I thought I would check it out. I really did enjoy this new to me narrator, and he brought the rating up a bit.
I liked the way Nora Roberts lays the ground work for her stories. With her descriptions of the town, the people, the main characters and the tidbits of history, I had a crystal clear impression of the world this story took place in.
Overall, I enjoyed the mystery and the characters. The romance was a bit weak but all the other things going on in the story made up for it.
I read the paperback of this book so many years ago that I couldn't remember much except that I enjoyed it. When our Audiobook group was discussing the great narration of the audible version I thought I would check it out. I really did enjoy this new to me narrator, and he brought the rating up a bit.
I liked the way Nora Roberts lays the ground work for her stories. With her descriptions of the town, the people, the main characters and the tidbits of history, I had a crystal clear impression of the world this story took place in.
Overall, I enjoyed the mystery and the characters. The romance was a bit weak but all the other things going on in the story made up for it.
June 12, 2011
Tucker and Caroline, according to Lifetime Television:
Me likey!
Me likey!
August 14, 2021
In 1991, I would have given this RS 5 stars. Today, it felt more like 3.
There was a small-town setting in the heart of 'the Old South'. Except for the original publication date, I thought it was the 1950s. Cigarettes and drinking while driving appeared to be the norm. Old money bought favors.
I found the romance reeked with instalust on the part of Tucker Longstreet. Then again, the guy was used to ladies falling at his feet and (thank goodness!), Caroline Waverly was NOT one of them.
Someone began killing the local women and several of the townspeople thought it might be Tucker. I found the story dragged on in parts mainly with unnecessary descriptions of (what felt like) the backwaters of Mississippi. As I expected, Caroline became Tucker's savior. The twisty knot of suspense at the end was also good.
There was a small-town setting in the heart of 'the Old South'. Except for the original publication date, I thought it was the 1950s. Cigarettes and drinking while driving appeared to be the norm. Old money bought favors.
I found the romance reeked with instalust on the part of Tucker Longstreet. Then again, the guy was used to ladies falling at his feet and (thank goodness!), Caroline Waverly was NOT one of them.
Someone began killing the local women and several of the townspeople thought it might be Tucker. I found the story dragged on in parts mainly with unnecessary descriptions of (what felt like) the backwaters of Mississippi. As I expected, Caroline became Tucker's savior. The twisty knot of suspense at the end was also good.
October 22, 2010
Unabridged audiobook version from Speaking of Audiobooks dated 9/30/10:
Narrated by Tom Stechschulte
Attempting to listen to a bad copy of Carnal Innocence, I just knew there was so much to enjoy that I was missing because of all that extra noise. Giving up on my library copy, I was delighted when my friend offered to loan me a copy. I totally fell into the story and in love with Tucker. Tom Stechschulte’s narration is superb and I believe it’s his interpretation of Tucker that made him so, well, to die for! There are a number of suspense plots (probably too many for my taste if I had been reading) that, when added to some well written characters, make this unabridged audio version into pure entertainment. Although released in both CD and cassette tape formats in 1999, it can be difficult to find affordably. Hopefully your local library’s copy is better than mine although, I must add, that Carnal Innocence was on hold when I returned it to the library. Even after eleven years, it’s still a popular audiobook.
NOTE: There were a few scenes I didn't want to hear - they were definite "skim" territory if I'd been reading. But the narration by Stechschulte and the hero Tucker made this one 5 stars regardless of the violence.
Narrated by Tom Stechschulte
Attempting to listen to a bad copy of Carnal Innocence, I just knew there was so much to enjoy that I was missing because of all that extra noise. Giving up on my library copy, I was delighted when my friend offered to loan me a copy. I totally fell into the story and in love with Tucker. Tom Stechschulte’s narration is superb and I believe it’s his interpretation of Tucker that made him so, well, to die for! There are a number of suspense plots (probably too many for my taste if I had been reading) that, when added to some well written characters, make this unabridged audio version into pure entertainment. Although released in both CD and cassette tape formats in 1999, it can be difficult to find affordably. Hopefully your local library’s copy is better than mine although, I must add, that Carnal Innocence was on hold when I returned it to the library. Even after eleven years, it’s still a popular audiobook.
NOTE: There were a few scenes I didn't want to hear - they were definite "skim" territory if I'd been reading. But the narration by Stechschulte and the hero Tucker made this one 5 stars regardless of the violence.
September 29, 2024
Como dije en mi blog, esto es un «noir sureño, truculento y brillante». La violinista Caroline se toma un tiempo muerto acudiendo a una casa que ha heredado de su abuela, en Innocence, en pleno delta del Misisipi. Su vecino resulta ser Tucker, un ligón sureño muy suavecito, como uno de esos vermús dulces, que entran fácil y te dejan una pegada de fondo. Interpreta un poco el papel de patán perezoso, sensual y despreocupado. La novela engancha desde el primer momento, y creo que es porque equilibra muy bien tres cosas: el desarrollo de la tensión romántica-erótica, el misterio de unos crímenes crueles y el entorno en que se desarrolla la historia. Caroline y Tucker se enamorarán a pesar de que ninguno de ellos estaba por la labor de buscar a alguien definitivo en ese momento de su vida. Tucker vive muy bien a su aire y Caroline tiene que recomponerse, sanar y decidir qué quiere hacer con su vida. Totalmente recomendable para los amantes del suspense romántico en general y del negro sureño, en particular.
March 18, 2011
Don’t get excited---Innocence is a very small town in Mississippi although, yes, it is a very carnal small town. The kind of town where everybody knows your business as well as the business of your family 200 years back and it’s all still current.
A world-famous violinist has escaped to Innocence to find herself and her roots. Roots that are based on a very short visit as a young girl to her grandparents. Unfortunately for Caroline, she has arrived at the tail end of three nasty murders.
We get to know a number of people in Innocence all of whom have their impact on the murders and through them we find a small town of support and tolerance. Particularly Tucker Longstreet’s brand of tolerance. Okay, yeah, he’s a unrelenting womanizer, but he has a philosophy toward life that I’d like to adopt:
And eventually, he persuades Caroline into adopting the concept as she learns more about the depths of Tucker Longstreet as opposed to the surface he allows most people to believe.
This is a sweet and easy romance with homey characters which leaves you wanting small town life.
A world-famous violinist has escaped to Innocence to find herself and her roots. Roots that are based on a very short visit as a young girl to her grandparents. Unfortunately for Caroline, she has arrived at the tail end of three nasty murders.
We get to know a number of people in Innocence all of whom have their impact on the murders and through them we find a small town of support and tolerance. Particularly Tucker Longstreet’s brand of tolerance. Okay, yeah, he’s a unrelenting womanizer, but he has a philosophy toward life that I’d like to adopt:
“We’re taking this down to the basics, Caro. It gets planted, it gets harvested, and somewhere along the line it ends up in a pretty dress like the one you’re wearing tonight. Sure, I could sit up nights worrying whether we’re going to get enough rain, or too much rain. Whether the truckers are going on strike, or those dimwits up in Washington are going to fuck up again and shuck us into a depression. Or I can get myself a good night’s sleep. The results would be exactly the same.”
And eventually, he persuades Caroline into adopting the concept as she learns more about the depths of Tucker Longstreet as opposed to the surface he allows most people to believe.
This is a sweet and easy romance with homey characters which leaves you wanting small town life.
January 17, 2014
"I can be an outsider, or I can belong. It comes down to how you treat others, doesn't it?"
Whoever said that you can't go home again? Caroline Waverly has fled to Innocence Missisippi to escape the burdens of her high stress career as a famous violinist and the pressure her mother imposes on her. Staying in the house that her grandparents owned, she finds a slower pace than what she is used to. she discovers the joy of smalltown living; warm friends, friendly neighbors, and even romance. But there is more going on in Innocence than meets the eye. Girls are being brutally murdered, in a case that has the local authorities and the FBI stumped. And if Caroline isn't careful, she may find herself as the next victim.
The thing I love most about Nora Roberts is that her books are so much more than just one thing. They are romance, but they are also so much more. They are sometimes comedy, mystery, crime solving, but they are always always about discovering what life is all about and learning who you really are. Carnal Innocence is no different. The mystery behind the murders kept me guessing until the very end. And the end WAS very shocking, believe me! The romance that grew between Tucker and Caroline absolutely made me swoon. And it brought tears to my eye to see how much confidence blossomed within Caroline throughout the course of her stay in Innocence. She really just grew so much as a character and that was the real highpoint of this novel.
Whoever said that you can't go home again? Caroline Waverly has fled to Innocence Missisippi to escape the burdens of her high stress career as a famous violinist and the pressure her mother imposes on her. Staying in the house that her grandparents owned, she finds a slower pace than what she is used to. she discovers the joy of smalltown living; warm friends, friendly neighbors, and even romance. But there is more going on in Innocence than meets the eye. Girls are being brutally murdered, in a case that has the local authorities and the FBI stumped. And if Caroline isn't careful, she may find herself as the next victim.
The thing I love most about Nora Roberts is that her books are so much more than just one thing. They are romance, but they are also so much more. They are sometimes comedy, mystery, crime solving, but they are always always about discovering what life is all about and learning who you really are. Carnal Innocence is no different. The mystery behind the murders kept me guessing until the very end. And the end WAS very shocking, believe me! The romance that grew between Tucker and Caroline absolutely made me swoon. And it brought tears to my eye to see how much confidence blossomed within Caroline throughout the course of her stay in Innocence. She really just grew so much as a character and that was the real highpoint of this novel.
August 1, 2016
Story and narration EXCELLENT 4.5, narrator Tom Stechshulte did a fantastic job with the southern. Just right. Audiogals Classic List
Very much like an old movie with Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward type, like The Long Hot Summer but unlike that movie which was mostly melodrama and a hot love affair... this one had a serial killer. But the pace reminded me so much of the movie, sipping ice teas, gossiping, cotton plantation and the hierarchy of the town of Innocence, maybe even a little bit of Peyton Place.
Caroline comes to take a break from concert performances (she's a violinist). Comes to recover from a broken heart and her own lack of self esteem. She meets Tucker Longstreet, I can so picture Paul Newman in his prime playing this role. Perhaps Nora Roberts had him in mind.. anyway he appears to be a charming womanizer who couldn't scrap up get-up-and-go without a bulldozer. But then again still waters run deep. I enjoy the town, the heat, the anger, the fear and finally the hot romance. Tucker I enjoyed getting to know him, a true onion of a character.
Written in the 60's this would have been made into a movie, today... folks just can't appreciate slow southern charm unless it's written by Nicholas Sparks.
Very much like an old movie with Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward type, like The Long Hot Summer but unlike that movie which was mostly melodrama and a hot love affair... this one had a serial killer. But the pace reminded me so much of the movie, sipping ice teas, gossiping, cotton plantation and the hierarchy of the town of Innocence, maybe even a little bit of Peyton Place.
Caroline comes to take a break from concert performances (she's a violinist). Comes to recover from a broken heart and her own lack of self esteem. She meets Tucker Longstreet, I can so picture Paul Newman in his prime playing this role. Perhaps Nora Roberts had him in mind.. anyway he appears to be a charming womanizer who couldn't scrap up get-up-and-go without a bulldozer. But then again still waters run deep. I enjoy the town, the heat, the anger, the fear and finally the hot romance. Tucker I enjoyed getting to know him, a true onion of a character.
Written in the 60's this would have been made into a movie, today... folks just can't appreciate slow southern charm unless it's written by Nicholas Sparks.
May 27, 2012
Gostei bastante deste livro, apesar de não me ter cativado tanto como outros que já li da Nora. Tem bastante suspense e mistério e um pouco menos de romance do que é habitual, mas o pouco que tem é muito giro e divertido, dei umas boas gargalhadas com as personagens deste livro, principalmente com o Tucker (uma personagem masculina um pouco diferente das que a Nora costuma criar, mas não menos cativante) e com a prima Lulu. Mas o que ma cativou mesmo foi a parte policial, nunca imaginaria que era o assassino… foi o livro que li ate hoje em que mais me surpreendeu descobrir quem estava por detrás de todas as mortes, só por esse aspeto já é um livro que vale a pena ler. Também foi muito giro descobrir um pouco mais sobre a forma de vida e de pensar das pessoas do sul dos EUA, fez me lembrar um pouco o meu Alentejo, tudo muito devagar e todo o rodeio que damos às palavras para chegar realmente ao assunto que interessa…muito giro lol é um livro que sem dúvida vale a pena ler.
August 25, 2019
The setting of the sweltering, southern small-town is fantastic. It is inhabited with flamboyant characters who get under your skin quickly. They breath life in to their town with gossip, passion, love, death and everything in between. Add a rivting suspense with twists and turns that surprised the hell outta me and I was enthralled by this story from beginning to end. The romance was heart-tugging sweet, Caroline and Tucker are endearing characters with their personal quirks and their chemistry was evident from their first encounter! Once again I'm enamored by the characters, both main and supporting, and the setting that was full of southern charm. But the suspense plot added a thrill that shows Nora Roberts has a nack for incorporating various storythreads into a flowing, exciting read!
July 17, 2011
It took quite some time for the story to develop and I had a hard time sticking with it. Somewhere around halfway, it got really interesting, the characters came alive and the mystery got suspenseful. The relationship between Caroline and Tucker developed slowly and unfolded very nicely. Both of them had commitment issues that needed resolution before they could have a decent chance at a romance and it was handled perfectly....it's the highlight of the book.
The whodunit factor is pretty high and there's a nice surprise ending. I'm rating this only a 3.5 because it just took too long for this story to develop. It's worth it to hang in there but, for me, it was a challenge.
The whodunit factor is pretty high and there's a nice surprise ending. I'm rating this only a 3.5 because it just took too long for this story to develop. It's worth it to hang in there but, for me, it was a challenge.
October 18, 2019
There is a murderer loose in the small town of Innocence. The cops and the FBI are all at a loss who the person could be.
Not one of my favorite of Nora's books. Something about the heroine and hero felt stilted. Almost like the heroine needed more growth and the hero needed more romance? I don't know. For any other author it would have been great, but its Nora and I hold her to a higher standard, fair or not.
Still its an interesting murder mystery and will stay in my personal library.
Not one of my favorite of Nora's books. Something about the heroine and hero felt stilted. Almost like the heroine needed more growth and the hero needed more romance? I don't know. For any other author it would have been great, but its Nora and I hold her to a higher standard, fair or not.
Still its an interesting murder mystery and will stay in my personal library.
June 19, 2016
4.5 stars. The South really came alive in this book, a lot of it due to the brilliant narration by Tom Stechschulte. Those Southern accents were just so good, coupled with a great story and this is a fabulous romantic suspense, even 20 years later.
May 29, 2012
4.5 -- review to come
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