Book Cover Image: Come Sundown by Nora Roberts
" data-orig-size="263,400" sizes="(max-width: 197px) 100vw, 197px" aperture="aperture" />BOTTOM LINE: Not one of her best but still enjoyable
Genre: Suspense & Thriller; Romance
Publication Date: 30 May 2017
Source: Publisher
Synopsis from the Publisher:
“The Bodine ranch and resort in western Montana is a family business, an idyllic spot for vacationers. A little over thirty thousand acres and home to four generations, it’s kept running by Bodine Longbow with the help of a large staff, including new hire Callen Skinner. There was another member of the family once: Bodine’s aunt, Alice, who ran off before Bodine was born. She never returned, and the Longbows don’t talk about her much. The younger ones, who never met her, quietly presume she’s dead. But she isn’t. She is not far away, part of a new family, one she never chose—and her mind has been shattered…
When a bartender leaves the resort late one night, and Bo and Cal discover her battered body in the snow, it’s the first sign that danger lurks in the mountains that surround them. The police suspect Cal, but Bo finds herself trusting him—and turning to him as another woman is murdered and the Longbows are stunned by Alice’s sudden reappearance. The twisted story she has to tell about the past—and the threat that follows in her wake—will test the bonds of this strong family, and thrust Bodine into a darkness she could never have imagined.”
My Thoughts: In the effort of full disclosure, there has never been a Nora Roberts novel that I have not enjoyed. Some I enjoy more than others, but she is my go-to author when I need a pick-me-up. I love how she portrays relationships and life. Plus, even though every one of her characters is gorgeous, she keeps them real with moodiness, monetary woes, and the like. Adding to that, her novels always keep me engaged.
With that out of the way, you now know I am not going to find much fault with her latest novel. While it is not an example of her best writing, it still manages to hit all the right notes – for me. The Bodine family is fun, and the camaraderie of the employees on the ranch makes me downright envious for a better work environment. The mystery was not so much of a mystery, but Ms. Roberts does an excellent job showing the seriousness of the tragedy that befalls Alice and its repercussions. While there is the requisite happily-ever-after, it is still within the realm of possibility given everything the family experiences. Also, you can never go wrong with one of Ms. Roberts’ heroines. They kick ass, take names and are always highly independent. Bodine is a great example of someone with a solid sense of family, responsibility, and relationships.
Does Come Sundown have its flaws? Yes, it does, but as I said earlier, Ms. Roberts’ novels are the only novels for which I can ignore them and forgive the author any transgressions. I found the Bodine family to be too much fun to pass criticism, and I love how she handled Alice’s character. For me, I was engaged and entertained, which is exactly what I have come to love about Nora Roberts’ novels.
