Review – Did You Miss Me? by Karen Rose

Did You Miss MePublisher: Signet
Publish Date: Out Now
How I got this book: Copy from publisher

Baltimore prosecutor Daphne Montgomery pulled herself out of a damaged past to build a solid life for herself and her son. But after she helps to convict a killer, her confidence is shattered once again by the news that her son has been kidnapped.

Daphne believes it’s connected to the recent high-profile trial, and at first FBI special agent Joseph Carter agrees. But together they find the reality to be even more troubling, and it runs deeper than Daphne fears. With her son’s life in jeopardy, she must unlock a dreadful secret about her past—and confront a truth that will change everything for those closest to her. And, if she survives, threaten the lives of everyone she loves.
*Blurb from Goodreads*

I first discovered Rose last year when I was in the mood for a new romantic suspense author, and she absolutely blew me away with the complicated storylines and intense murder mystery stories. I don’t know that I would classify her as your standard romantic suspense, but more of a murder mystery romance author. While there isn’t a lot of high-octane action, the thrilling uncertainty of what’s to come is enough to keep me on the edge of my seat.

Daphne was recently promoted to prosecutor, and has taken on the case of her life. The media surrounding the case is out of this world, and Daphne has received death threats against herself and her family. Dedicated to seeing it through, she beefed up security on herself and her son, Ford, just in case. When the decision comes down that she has won her case, she is distraught to hear Ford has been kidnapped.

Joseph has been watching Daphne from afar, so when he catches Ford’s disappearance case, he will do anything and everything in his power to bring him back home. As Joseph follows the clues, he realizes that there is more going on than anyone expected, and that Daphne’s past is coming back to haunt her in ways she never imagined possible. Now, Joseph and Daphne will have to fight to not only find Ford, but to uncover a murder that has been haunting Daphne since she was a little girl.

I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing Rose’s books are. They are so involved, so complicated, and always packed full of mystery. At over 500 pages, Rose throws in some crazy twists and turns, ones that I never saw coming. In the past, I’ve felt that her books can almost be TOO complicated, bordering on convoluted. However, I was easily able to follow along and never once felt like she was doing too much in this story. The mystery flowed beautifully, with scenes from Daphne and Joseph being broken up with the killer and his nefarious deeds. I love that Rose gives the reader a look at every angle of the plot, from Daphne and Joseph’s struggle with unveiling the clues, Ford’s experience as a victim, and the killer’s somewhat insane actions that all make sense in the end.

One of the other things I really enjoyed in this book was that the romance always seemed to be at the forefront of my mind, regardless of the fact that it didn’t seem to be the core of the story. Between Joseph’s pining over Daphne, Daphne’s ongoing attraction and the chemistry between them that is prevalent even in the most stressful times, the book had strong romantic undertones throughout. Plus, given the fact that Joseph is already half in love with Daphne at the beginning of the book, I thought their romance was so sweet and special. I love when an author can create an intense murder mystery while still making me believe in the romance, regardless of how ridiculous the situation may seem.

Some of my favorite parts of this book featured two of the secondary characters that have been in the last couple books: Stevie and Clay. These two have been dancing around each other for awhile now, and I am DYING to see if and when they get their happily ever after. Rose has a way of adding in some incredible secondary characters that occasionally steal the spotlight from the main characters. There is usually a large cast in each of Rose’s books, and while I can sometimes have a difficult time keeping track of who is who, this book didn’t seem to present that problem at all. And for that, I loved it!

All in all I am so glad that I picked up this novel. I love a good murder mystery, and with the strong romance between Daphne and Joseph, this was the perfect read for me. The backstory with Daphne’s history was creepy and compelling and I loved the way it played into the plot. I am so anxious to see who Rose will be writing about next, and can only pray we will get to see Clay and Stevie.
I give Did You Miss Me? a B+

4 thoughts on “Review – Did You Miss Me? by Karen Rose”

  1. Great review, thank you. I know her books are too scary for me, so my best friend is reading them in preparation of meeting the author in Berlin, Germany, in May. Glad you like them so much!

    p.s. only one more Facebook like for 500!

  2. Karen Rose is my favorite author and I read each one of her books as soon as I can get my hands on them. Love that woman’s writing!!

    I thought the romance between Joseph and Daphne and how each secretly pined for the other oh so sweet. And like you, I can’t wait for Clay and Stevie’s story. I think theirs is next or coming soon. Karen Rose mentioned on her FB that she’s working on their book now. Yay, can’t wait :).

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