Book Review: Declan’s Cross by Carla Neggers

Title:  Declan’s Cross
Author:  Carla Neggers
Genre:  Romantic Suspense
Pages:  320
Published:  August 2013
Publisher:  Harlequin
Source:  Publisher

Synopsis:

An escape to an idyllic Irish seaside village is about to turn deadly in this riveting new novel by master of romantic suspense Carla Neggers.

For marine biologist Julianne Maroney, two weeks in tiny Declan's Cross on the south Irish coast is a chance to heal her broken heart. She doesn't expect to attract the attention of FBI agents Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan—especially since a Donovan is the reason for her broken heart.

Emma and Colin are in Ireland for their own personal retreat. Colin knows he's a reminder of everything Julianne wants to escape, but something about her trip raises his suspicion. Emma, an art crimes expert, is also on edge. Of all the Irish villages Julianne could choose…why Declan's Cross?

Ten years ago, a thief slipped into a mansion in Declan's Cross. Emma's grandfather, a renowned art detective, investigated, but the art stolen that night has never been recovered and the elusive thief never caught.

From the moment Julianne sets foot on Irish soil, everything goes wrong. The well-connected American diver who invited her to Ireland has disappeared. And now Emma and Colin are in Declan's Cross asking questions.

As a dark conspiracy unfolds amid the breathtaking scenery of Declan's Cross, the race is on to stop a ruthless killer…and the stakes have never been more personal for Emma and Colin

It was suppose to be a lovely relaxing holiday for Emma and Colin.  Some time away from work and life in general.  Both FBI and workaholics, these two definitely need the break.  Unfortunately for them, things don’t turn out as planned.  Mysteries, murder, and mayhem seem to find the pair.

Colin’s brother’s now ex-girlfriend Julianne has made a last minute trip to Ireland and is staying not far from where Emma and Colin are visiting.  When Emma hears where Julianne is staying she is immediately on edge.  Ten years ago, this place was the scene of a art theft, one that was never solved.

As the pair try and track down what happened to Julianne’s friend, and what caused her death; they also are re-investigating the theft.  Trying to piece together whether both instances are connected or just a fluke.  Why this town?  What was so special about those pieces?

This story is book three is a series and I would definitely recommend picking up the first two before diving into this one.  There is a lot of back story between Emma and Colin that would help the reader get into the story.  Unfortunately for me, I haven’t read them and it took me a bit to get into the story and figure out the connections. 

Would I recommend this book?  Yes, it was a great read despite the issue I mentioned above.  The story was interesting with a few twists and intrigue.  I liked the relationship between E & C, they are a great pair.  Would I read more by this author?  I would!  I’ve enjoyed Carla’s books in the past and was thrilled to take part in the tour for Declan’s Cross. 

If you like a bit of suspense, intrigue, murder, romance and travel – then this is a series you should pick up.

GoodReads

Carla Neggers has been spinning stories ever since she climbed a tree with pad and pen at age eleven. Now she is the New York Times bestselling author of almost 70 novels, with millions of books sold in over 30 countries. Her popular Sharpe & Donovan romantic suspense series featuring FBI agents Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan launched with Saint’s Gate in 2011 and has been praised as “a breathtaking reading experience” (Providence Journal) and “gripping and suspenseful” (Nashua Telegraph). In 2012, her Swift River Valley series debuted with Secrets of the Lost Summer, which garnered a starred review from Booklist and a Top Pick from RT Book Reviews and shot onto the New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists.

Growing up in rural Massachusetts with a Dutch father, a Southern mother and six brothers and sisters, Carla developed an eye for detail and a love of a good story. Her imagination, curiosity and sense of adventure are key to creating the complex relationships, fast-paced plots and deep sense of place in her books.

When she isn’t writing, Carla loves to travel, hike, garden and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband, Joe, are frequent travelers to Ireland and divide their time between Boston and their hilltop home in Vermont, not far from Quechee Gorge.