Crime and Romance

Reviewed by Phee Paradise
Beguiled
By Deeanne Gist & J. Mark Bertrand

When I read that one of the authors of Beguiled is a romance writer, I expected the book to be full of love scenes. I did find a budding romance, but the main story is a series of strange burglaries that complicate the lives of the protagonists. Rylee is a dog walker for the upper class residents of Charleston, and many of her clients are victims of the burglaries. Logan is a crime reporter who is writing a book about the city. They meet in an unlikely and amusing way and they quickly develop a relationship.

But as they get to know each other, each questions the other’s motives. Does Rylee know more about the burglaries than she lets on? Is Logan only after a good hook for his book? The reader, on the other hand, with a superior insight, can dismiss the questions. Or can she? The story is told from both points of view, but our knowledge is limited to the aspects of the case that each of them experiences. We don’t get the whole picture until the end, when the case is resolved.

You will find yourself becoming outraged at some injustices and damages that occur, but the responses are heartwarming. The solution to the crimes is a little complicated and you may be surprised who is behind them. But the story is really about Rylee and Logan and the ending is satisfying. This is a great book for a rainy afternoon.

Pros: Great characters, a complicated crime to solve and a slowly developing romance. What more could you ask?

Cons: I can’t really think of any reason not to read the book, unless you only read heavy, philosophical fiction.

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Beguiled

(Bethany House March 1, 2007)

by

Deeanne Gist
andJ. Mark Bertrand

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Deeanne Gist, the bestselling author of A Bride Most Begrudging and The Measure of a Lady, has a background in education and journalism. Her credits include People magazine, Parents, and Parenting. With a line of parenting products called "I Did It!® Productions" and a degree from Texas A&M, she continues her writing and speaking. She and her family live in Houston, Texas.

J. Mark Bertrand has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Houston. After one hurricane too many, he left Houston and relocated with his wife Laurie to the plains of South Dakota.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the shadows of Charleston, someone is watching her... Rylee Monroe, a dogwalker in Charleston's wealthiest neighborhood, never feared the streets at night. But now a thief is terrorizing the area and worse, someone seems to be targeting her.

Reporter Logan Woods is covering the break-ins with the hope of publishing them as a true-crime book. The more he digs, the more he realizes this beguiling dogwalker seems to be at the center of everything. As danger draws ever closer, Logan must choose: Chase the girl, the story, or plunge into the shadows after the villain who threatens everything?

To read the first chapter of Beguiled, click HERE

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