Grace Blades suffers a trauma as a child and is left orphaned and in the care of protective services. Shunted from one foster to another, she grows into a self-sufficient girl who can take care of herself, and later on, becomes a brilliant psychologist specializing in the care and treatment of patients who have suffered similar situations. Grace lives a quiet, controlled existence most of the time -- except for when she feels compelled to take a "leap" away from her oceanfront home and her psych practice. It's on one of "those" nights that she meets a man in a bar. It's after this satisfying encounter that the real story in this novel begins. I'll say no more about the plot particulars to avoid spoilers.
I'm not quite sure what genre this book fits into because it's not particularly a mystery, and though it is graphic with details in some parts, it's not really a thriller either. Although the reader is meant to feel that Grace is in danger, the suspense really never builds and there's little tension, so this is more a narrative about an unusual woman trying to seek some sort of justice and retribution when she faces off with a sadistic killer she first met as a child. I didn't really like Grace, nor did I buy into all her behavior, skills, and supposed brilliance though the author reminds us often. Oh, and did I mention Grace happens to be super rich was expensive fast cards and limitless cash? She just seemed like another "wonder woman" stereotype seen so often in this kind of novel these days -- and I've grown rather bored with this type of character: the ones who are dark and damaged and dangerous.
Now, what kept me reading on despite my lack of interest in the outcome of Grace's mission is that Kellerman can write! His vocabulary and sentence structure make even his descriptions of all the roads in Beverly Hills and surround interesting. I'm not sure he has got the psyche of women down very well, and I note this is a standalone -- a departure from his Alex Delaware series with its strong male protagonist. Regardless, he does know how to keep a reader turning the pages. There is a lot of time and energy spent on explaining the backstory of Grace and I'm wondering if this is a set up for a series featuring this character. Not sure the book world needs another "Dexter"-like protagonist or vigilante plot. Not sure if I'd read another. Also, the title of this doesn't seem to fit given out the story plays out.
Anyway, check it out if this all sounds appealing to you and let me know what you think!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the e-book ARC to review.
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