THE SEARCH by Nora Roberts
Nora Roberts is one of the most consistently successful novelists practicing her craft today. In her works as a whole there is always a woman in jeopardy. There is always a new romance brewing, usually between two unlikely people. There is always quick witted dialogue. You have all of those elements blended with good writing and you can’t go wrong. You end up with page turning, enjoyably readable books like THE SEARCH.
THE SEARCH is Roberts at her best. In this book, her latest, the heroine is Fiona Bristow. She is a dog trainer who lives on an island off the state of Washington. She also assists in search and rescue operations when someone goes missing. She has a lot of friends and a relatively happy life.
Her past however is a different story. At one time she was abducted by a serial killer and held in the trunk of his car. She, of all his victims, managed to escape. Her testimony later helped convict him and send him to life in prison. There he still remains.
The problem is he has inspired a copycat killer, and one who wants to correct the mistakes made by his “mentor.” This means Fiona must die. It is only a matter of time before he comes for her.
On the romantic front Fiona has met Simon Doyle, a furniture maker. Simon is his own man and has no need or desire for a committed romantic relationship. He frequently tells Fiona she is not his type. Still there is some non-definable something in the air that draws these two together.
As you can see all the elements for success are there in the plot and thanks to Roberts’ ability to bring these characters to life, this book soars. It also helps that the dialogue between Fi and Simon crackles with romantic tension and sharp wit.
Roberts writes long books that give the story its full due. There are no shortcuts, no forced endings. She lets the story run as far as it needs and fills in the pages with amazing character development. By the time you finish a Roberts’ novel like THE SEARCH, you know the characters completely and wish, hope, beg for her to continue their stories.
THE SEARCH is a love story, a tale of suspense, and a Hepburn/Tracy type battle of the sexes. It also is a story about dog training. You get it all in these pages. So make sure it is on your list to be read and enjoyed.
THE SEARCH is published by G P Putnam’s Sons. It contains 488 pages and sells for $26.95.