Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Notorious (Max Revere #1) by Allison Brennan

Series: Max Revere #1
 336p.
Published: 3/25/14
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Source: From NetGalley and publisher for review
Maxine Revere has dedicated her life to investigating murders that the police have long since given up any hope of solving. A nationally renowned investigative reporter with her own TV show and a tough-as-nails reputation, Max tackles cold cases from across the country and every walk of life. But the one unsolved murder that still haunts her is a case from her own past. 
When Max was a high school senior, one of her best friends was strangled and another, Kevin O’Neal, accused of the crime. To the disgrace of her wealthy family, Max stood by her friend, until she found out he lied about his alibi. Though his guilt was never proven, their relationship crumbled from the strain of too many secrets. 
Now Max is home for Kevin’s funeral—after years of drug abuse, he committed suicide. She’s finally prepared to come to terms with the loss of his friendship, but she’s not prepared for Kevin’s sister to stubbornly insist that he didn’t kill himself. Or for an elderly couple to accost her at the airport, begging her to look into another murder at Max’s old high school. Max is more interested in the cold case at her alma mater than in digging around Kevin’s troubled life, but she agrees to do both. As Max uncovers dark secrets, she finds herself caught in a complicated web of lies that hit far too close to home. And it’s becoming increasingly clear that someone will do whatever it takes to make sure the truth stays buried.
My thoughts:
 We follow Max, a famous reporter who specializes in handling cold cases and finding the truth. In this book we find Max coming to her hometown for a funeral of a friend. She is approached by two elderly people who want the case of their grandson solved which has recently gone cold. She can't ignore the pull of a mystery so she goes on a quest to solve the murder for the couple. While she is there, it seems as if everyone from her past is telling her not to involve herself in a high school friend's cold case. The case her recently deceased friend was accused, something that happened 13 years ago while they were in highschool. One that she had no intention on solving. While she investigates one murder, thoughts keep turning back to the murder of her friend until she decides to solve that one as well. She as well as others in the community have needed that closure for quite a while.

The twists in this book were certainly interesting. I thought the cases were connected, then I thought they weren't.... then I knew who did it, and then that fell through. Wait, was I right in the first place, or was it now one of the 3 or 4 other people I now suspect. Yes, this book kept me guessing until the end. It also involved another mysterious murder which seems to connect all three but yet hold it apart. Will it ever be solved?

I really enjoyed this mystery. At first, I thought I would have problems connecting with Max since she tends to hold everyone at arm's length. She holds people telling the truth in high esteem. She cannot handle anyone close to her who lies. It is a betrayal in her opinion. This close connection to the truth and feeling of betrayal drew me closer to Max rather than further away. It showed a vulnerability otherwise lacking in her character.

I give this book 4 stars. It's a fun mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. I haven't had that happen in quite a while. I recommend it for those that love a good murder mystery.

32 comments:

  1. I kind of saw the cover and thought sci.fi..weird

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  2. I don't read many mysteries b/c the ones I have read have been ridiculously predictable, but you say this one isn't, so maybe I should check it out . . .

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  3. I don't read much mystery on a regular basis, but I'll definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for this series - it seems right up my alley! Great review, Melissa!(:

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    1. I don't either (at least in a contemp sense), but I do enjoy it. I always want to read more.

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  4. Every time I see this cover the Duran Duran song "Notorious" pops into my head. LOL. I'm a very picky mystery reader and I hate when I solve the book before the detective/investigator does so the mere fact that it kept you guessing makes me want to pick this one up. This book has been popular at my library so I'll put myself on hold for it soon. Great review!

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    1. Hey! Thanks for the earworm! LOL Now I'll have that in my head. :D

      Hope you enjoy!

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  5. Heh. You sound like me when I read a mystery/thriller Melissa! I always have a bunch of theories and suspects that I bounce between, convinced I'm right one minute only to be proven wrong the next. Love it:) I much prefer that to knowing who it is early on!

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    1. Oh I knew who it was and then I didn't and then it had to be someone else, but then why didn't they... LOL I enjoy that more too but even sometimes the ones you know early on can be entertaining. :)

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  6. I don't usually read mysteries, but really like Allison Brennan so will give this one a try. Love a story that keeps you guessing!

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  7. I've been enjoying mysteries lately, trying to figure them out. This one sounds good!

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  8. OOh, this sounds good! Did I request this one? *ponders* If not, I might have to see if it's still on Netgalley!

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  9. I am all for a good murder mystery that will keep me guessing. I will have to try this one. maybe it will help break the reading slump?

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    1. I hope so. Hm... Felicia always has great rec's for murder mysteries!

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  10. That is one totally cool cover. I haven't heard of it, but it sounds very good! Great review, Melissa!

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  11. I almost always figure out the murderer before the end of the book. Sounds like this one isn't so easy to figure out. I might give Max a try. Like your review!

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    1. It does make you go around and around... or it did me! :D

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  12. I completely missed this on Netgalley, which is odd. The cover is very appealing.
    I read mysteries now and then to change things up a bit, and this sounds like a good choice.

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  13. Wow, this sounds good, I want it. See Melissa you add to my tbr pile too!

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  14. I love when a book can actually keep me on my toes and make me suspect everyone! I'll definitely have to get this one.

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  15. sounds like a good book for me. I'm really loving mysteries lately and one that keeps you guessing is, of course, always great.

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  16. I'm glad to see Max grew on you, and the mystery sounds like a brain teaser. I love when I think I know the answer and I get proven wrong over and over. :-) Fab review Melissa, can't wait to get my hands on this one!

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  17. I love that when you suspect many people and at the end you're surprised. And you're telling yourself "ah yes it's him!!". I confess with the cover I thought it was a new YA but it's even more interesting. thanks!

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  18. Hi Melissa, what fits this book better, mystery or suspense? I could go for a mystery book, but not often for suspense.

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  19. I love me a good mystery book. Thanks for the great review!

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  20. ooo i use to love watching cold case! so this is kind of exciting for me :D

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