Blood Moon by Sandra Brown: A Mixed Bag of Intrigue and Frustration
When I first stumbled upon Blood Moon by Sandra Brown on Edelweiss, the engaging blurb snagged my interest like a well-hidden clue in a mystery novel. I’d never read anything by Brown before, so I was excited to dive into this new release. However, as I turned the pages, I found myself navigating a patchy landscape of intrigue and frustration, ultimately landing on a rating of 2.75 stars.
At its core, Blood Moon grapples with themes of truth and deception, something that resonates deeply in today’s world, especially in the realm of media and investigative work. The story follows Beth Collins, a determined journalist, and Detective John Bowie, a dominant alpha male whose lustful glances at Beth feel almost caricatured at times. This dynamic struck me as both intriguing and somewhat outdated, reminiscent of the days of Nora Roberts, with that familiar immediacy of male desire layered over a mystery that was very much rooted in truth-seeking.
Brown’s writing style feels cinematic; at moments, it’s as if I’m watching a low-budget ‘90s crime flick unfold. However, that exact pacing is both a charm and a drawback—it builds tension in some scenes while making others feel almost comically loose. A quote that really struck me was, “These guys, these sociopaths, never want to get caught, but deep down they want to boast.” It captures the essence of the thrill intertwined with the narrative and gave me a glimpse into Brown’s exploration of human psychology.
Yet, the character portrayal in Blood Moon left me wanting. While Beth is laser-focused on her career, her obsession with uncovering the truth didn’t mirror the instant chemistry I feel should exist with her male counterpart. John’s relentless struggle against his own desires made me chuckle at times, especially as he kept reminding himself, “No way in hell, lady. No matter how delectable your lips.” But in the end, it often read as a preposterous distraction, rather than genuine attraction.
The plot’s mystery—centered around a series of murders ominously linked to a total lunar eclipse—is rich in potential, but the delivery was lacking. Max, Beth’s producer, hinted at the makings of a captivating story, but it often felt like I was missing crucial clues along the way. I craved that satisfying ‘aha!’ moment, yet the resolution left me feeling underwhelmed.
That said, the novel isn’t without its redeeming qualities. The playful bantering between John and the secondary characters lightened the tension and brought moments of levity. The bond between John and his dog, Mutt, is particularly endearing and adds a touch of warmth that balances the darker themes. Their investigative teamwork showcased some genuine chemistry that could have flourished further.
In conclusion, Blood Moon may appeal to readers who enjoy a blend of romance and crime but are perhaps less concerned with intricately woven plots or character depth. For me, it was a journey peppered with frustration and sparks of delight, leaving me with a curious yearning for what else Brown might offer in her expansive oeuvre. While it may not be the best on my shelf, it definitely wasn’t a total loss, leaving me pondering how intricacies of storytelling shape our reading experiences.