2008 Woodie Awards
Book Review: Now or Never
by Elizabeth Adler, Island Books, 1997
Dawn Hughes
Issue date: 4/12/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment
- Page 1 of 1
I recently reread "Now or Never," and it was just as thrilling the second time as it was the first. Author Elizabeth Adler depicts a wonderful mystery surrounding a serial killer in Boston, Massachusetts. As the reader is caught up in the suspense and chase of an elusive psychotic killer, Adler weaves a story of beauty and romance between the two protagonists.
The story is about aBoston detective, Harry Jordan, and television celebrity detective, Mallory Malone coming together to chase a man who commits heinous murders. The reader gets bits and pieces of the three main characters' pasts from flashbacks or reflections throughout the main story.
Adler tells the story of Mallory, a self-made woman haunted by her past. I found myself aching with Mallory as she shares her painful past with Harry and sighing in romance when he reaches through her barriers to show her true love.
Our male protagonist, Harry is sexy, refined, well-mannered, sensitive, and charming. He embodies the dream cop, the one who would rush in, sweep you off your feet, and rescue you from untold dangers and horrors.
However, Harry is not without baggage. His story is secondary to Mallory's and at the end of the novel, I felt much closer to Mallory than to Harry, but that's probably because I'm a woman.
The serial killer is psychotic, but just as deep as our protagonists. His psychological problems and history match up with the typical traits of serial killers.
He shows an uncanny amount of intelligence and cunning. The killer is the sort who confounds detectives and gives women nightmares.
The conflict, plots and subplots work together to build a fascinating mystery and romance. We see Mallory struggling with her past and present. Harry struggles with Mallory to uncover the shadows of her past. Of course, there is also the prominent conflict of finding the killer.
"Now or Never" is easy to get into and easy to read. It's fast-paced, as thrillers should be. Though I wouldn't say it is relaxing or light-hearted, the book was enjoyable to read while kicking back and taking my mind off of schoolwork. I found myself lost in the layers of the story.
I think it is great to blend something light-hearted, like romance, with a darker subject. Adler does this beautifully, taking the reader from murder and blood to a candle-lit dinner followed by sex in front of the fireplace.
Anyone could appreciate a book like this; however, it's most likely to appeal to women with the romance.
The story is about aBoston detective, Harry Jordan, and television celebrity detective, Mallory Malone coming together to chase a man who commits heinous murders. The reader gets bits and pieces of the three main characters' pasts from flashbacks or reflections throughout the main story.
Adler tells the story of Mallory, a self-made woman haunted by her past. I found myself aching with Mallory as she shares her painful past with Harry and sighing in romance when he reaches through her barriers to show her true love.
Our male protagonist, Harry is sexy, refined, well-mannered, sensitive, and charming. He embodies the dream cop, the one who would rush in, sweep you off your feet, and rescue you from untold dangers and horrors.
However, Harry is not without baggage. His story is secondary to Mallory's and at the end of the novel, I felt much closer to Mallory than to Harry, but that's probably because I'm a woman.
The serial killer is psychotic, but just as deep as our protagonists. His psychological problems and history match up with the typical traits of serial killers.
He shows an uncanny amount of intelligence and cunning. The killer is the sort who confounds detectives and gives women nightmares.
The conflict, plots and subplots work together to build a fascinating mystery and romance. We see Mallory struggling with her past and present. Harry struggles with Mallory to uncover the shadows of her past. Of course, there is also the prominent conflict of finding the killer.
"Now or Never" is easy to get into and easy to read. It's fast-paced, as thrillers should be. Though I wouldn't say it is relaxing or light-hearted, the book was enjoyable to read while kicking back and taking my mind off of schoolwork. I found myself lost in the layers of the story.
I think it is great to blend something light-hearted, like romance, with a darker subject. Adler does this beautifully, taking the reader from murder and blood to a candle-lit dinner followed by sex in front of the fireplace.
Anyone could appreciate a book like this; however, it's most likely to appeal to women with the romance.
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