Seconds to Live by Melinda Leigh – a Review

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Description:
Wildlife biologist Mac Barrett avoided his hometown of Scarlet Falls for years—too many bad memories. But when he receives the news that his father is dying, he rushes home only to discover he’s too late. Shaken, Mac retreats to his remote cabin seeking peace and solace. Instead, he crashes his jeep to narrowly avoid running over the naked body of a woman lying in the road. Even more disturbing, when he regains consciousness, the body is gone.

Police detective Stella Dane wants to believe Mac, even if his story about the vanishing body seems far-fetched. But when Mac’s description matches the missing woman she’s been searching for, it raises a disturbing question: How does a dead body disappear?

Mac and Stella will have to work together to find the answer and catch a psychotic kidnapper—and quickly. The killer has a deadly message to send, and the case is about to become personal…

Review:

What a spectacular read to finish a series! Seconds to Live by Melinda Leigh keeps you on edge as she examines the mind of a psychotic killer and soothes your soul, downright restores your faith in humanity, with Mac and Stella’s burgeoning love story. I’ve enjoyed every installment of the Scarlet Falls series and I’m bummed to see it end. The Barrett family dynamic is bittersweet due to unconventional upbringing, bless the Colonel’s heart, but the devotion to loved ones is unequivocal and truly memorable.

Mac and Stella are facing distinct crossroads that coincide in the town of Scarlet Falls. The setting is immediately darkened, however, by the stealthy presence of a disgruntled, unhinged kidnapper with a twisted purpose:

How could he make his message clear? Some people were unworthy of life. There were consequences for bad decisions. People should be punished for their sins. What would it take for the world to understand?

When the killer decides to showcase his depravity, Mac reacts in the most primal of ways to protect Stella (he is a wildlife biologist). You remember Stella Dane, the police detective? Mac’s suddenly gone deaf to Stella’s protests of knowing her job and understanding its risks. Caveman-ish. I loved every bit of it! If Mac is to earn his involvement in the case, and more importantly, Stella’s life, he has to come clean about himself.

I sort of suspected Mac’s revelation, but it was a well-preserved one. It felt like a breath of fresh air for Mac (and the readers) to get to those inner layers of Mac’s heart. The erratic behavior that never quite flew under the family’s radar? They noticed, as did Stella, and Mac was finally able to unburden himself. Ms. Leigh left Mac open and vulnerable and positively precious to Stella. Just so well written!

A nod to Ms. Leigh for maintaining the killer’s identity a mystery. She detailed two deviants and their warped minds. Unsettling clues and tips pointed guilty fingers to both suspects. As a matter of fact, there was a third dangerous character capable of horrors who will also make you cringe. The anger and damage displayed by these individuals leant credence to proper criminal profiling and research. Better you than me, Ms. Leigh!

I really enjoyed Seconds to Live. Just when critical time was running out on the case, another cog of the dastardly wheel jammed progress and had you cursing the monster responsible! The hunt will make your heart pound and keep you guessing, but the developing relationship, the sense of trust and belonging building between Mac and Stella, will inspire you — will make it all worthwhile. Melinda Leigh wrote a strong, sentimental finale to a thrilling series. It has been my pleasure to fall in love with Scarlet Falls.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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