Yesterday’s Whine

 

In an effort to give all those books that we overlook the first time around—a second chance, I am launching Yesterday’s Whine, a review site that will feature my critique on books of the past ten or fifteen years.

 

 

Now or Never  *** (three stars)

Elizabeth Adler,  Island Books, 1997

 

Okay, despite the fact that this book markets with a mystery/thriller lure, it is, underneath it all—a romance.  Harlequin meets Jack the Ripper.

 

In some areas, the blending works well. When Mal, short for Mallory, needs a big strong male to depend upon, Harry Jordan enters, stage left, always ready to perform heroic feats to save the damsel in distress.

 

But in other parts, when the lovers fight to create longing in the reader for a reconciliation, the story loses its oomph.  The arguments are superficial and, frankly, embarrassing.  Anger mounts over silly misconceptions (okay, that’s typical in romances) but Adler does not sustain it and no emotion arises in the reader.  We sit, outsiders, and watch with aloofness as the characters walk through their screaming, accusing and then kissing, paces.

 

The plot is the enduring staple where handsome rugged, man-of-means, meets mysterious female and must dissect her past in order to save her.  Yawn.  Problem is, Adler just doesn’t weave the details well enough to make us believe her characters. 

 

The best part is the stalking, and eventual murder, of a night nurse. 

 

Although Adler creates some interesting supporting characters, we are left feeling as though it’s no great loss when they are hacked to death or they throw themselves into a raging sea. 

 

But, the book kept me turning the pages, so that’s a plus.  Never on the edge of my seat, at  least I sat up.  I would recommend this read for a fan of pulp romanticism, unless you can’t stand the thought of blood.  If you’re a mystery fan – don’t bother.