Silver Falls

Synopsis from the back-cover: Rachel is finally getting it right. After years of wandering, she's married the perfect man and settled into the ideal life. But as her sleepy little town turns into a killing ground, she realizes that this new life may come at too high a price. Caleb Middleton says he's returned home to set things right. But as her husband's dangerous brother circles like a hungry wolf, poking holes in her perfect world, Rachel draws her young daughter in close. The rain and violence keep coming, and Rachel must decide whether to trust her dream life or her instincts...before the town of Silver Falls becomes her grave.

Silver Falls by Anne Stuart is an enjoyable read, and more so because I was reading it with two of my dear blog buddies, Melody and Julia. For this review, we have decided to do something different and the format would be in Q&A. Let’s begin.

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QUESTIONS FROM MELODY:

What do you think of the hero and the heroine?

I enjoy the chemistry between the hero (Caleb) and heroine (Rachel). Anne Stuart did a good job with their characterization; they are perfect for each other.

What do you think of David’s behaviour to the victims? Did it take away all your surprises when he is shown as the murderer from the beginning of the story? Or would you prefer to find out who’s the murderer towards the end of the story? Why or why not?

I think it is scary seeing that he effortlessly captivates the victims into believing that he is their prince charming, and is a person who totally understands their needs and wants. Then he kills them. He has a specific modus operandi, which I will not mention here for fear of spoiler. I definitely think he is sick.

I like the fact that the murderer is made known right from the start. This way, it keeps the suspense going—the fear for Rachel’s life and her daughter’s, to see how the often misunderstood Caleb would stop his brother from hurting more people, and they would all survive the madness.

What attracts the heroine to the hero, considering he is her “brother-in-law”?

I believe it is the “roughness” and the bad boy appeal in Caleb. He evokes the feelings Rachel never thought she has. The fact that Rachel thinks she loves David (she married him because he is a nice guy and is able to provide stability to Sophie her teenage daughter) and not being able to be herself, fuels the attraction.

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QUESTIONS FROM JULIA:

I remember Anne Stuart said that SILVER FALLS was inspired by Ted Bundy who lived with a woman and her daughter during part of his killing spree and never touched them. And she wondered what that would be like for woman who living with a monster and never knew it. How did that affect you while reading SILVER FALLS, knowing that in real life there were a Ted Bundy just like David?

I just thank God that I am not living with one, but if I did I would definitely need all the help I could get to set myself free and to stay alive. Your question reminded me that I have a book written by Ann Rule about the inside story of the serial killer Ted Bundy. The book is called THE STRANGER BESIDE ME.

Anne Stuart’s books are more on the dark, thrilling and Gothics side with a element of good vs evil. From her earlier work or most of her recent work, how does SILVER FALLS compare to those? Was there any difference? What did you like and didn't like about SILVER FALLS?

I have read all of her earlier works of the Ice series, which are all romantic suspense. I do not see much difference between those and this one. Both are sexy with good plots. In fact, I think they read like a formula.

What did yo think about the cover art for SILVER FALLS? Love it? Hate it? Your opinion?

I think the cover art is fine. It creeps me out but at the same time makes me want to pick it up and read it. It suits the dark tone well.

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MY QUESTIONS:

Are there any ideas that make you stop and think, lessons learned, etc.; for example, be more wary before jumping into a relationship – and how have you changed after reading it?

Things are not always what it seems. First impressions are dangerous. We should always get to know the other person better before jumping into a romantic relationship. We should also get our facts right before jumping into conclusions. Some of our actions will affect the lives of others around us.

Were you able to think of any connections between the book and your life, perhaps in ways that touched you, reminded you of your own life, or reminded you of event(s) that happened to someone else? It may not be murder...

There are things in this book that are too close to home. I have a friend who married a guy with medical condition like David’s (minus the psycho-ness) but the amazing thing is that they both have a strong marriage. What is lacking in the bedroom is compensated with affection, respect, and love for each other. This shows that while sex is important in a marriage, it is not all there is to it.

Relating to the characters in the book, which one is your favorite? Is there anyone that you hate or detest? Is there something about the character that you’d like to change? If yes, what?

My favourite: Caleb Middleton the brother-in-law. As for the character I hate or detest the most, I do not think I have any because as evil as they are, they are important to the plot. And I would not change them.