Spunky and outgoing, nothing much bothers medical examiner Serena Hopkins--except for the thought of falling in love again. But when a serial killer is picking off her former classmates, Serena's life becomes intertwined with her old high school crush, FBI agent Dominic Allen. Is the secret she's keeping putting her next on the killer's hit list? Can she trust Dominic with the truth before it's too late? Intense, emotional, and fast-paced, "When a Heart Stops" will have readers up late as they race to the finish to find out what happens.
Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and then obtained her masters in education from Converse College. Author of twenty inspirational romantic suspense books, she is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In 1996, Lynette married "the boy next door" and now she and her husband and their two children make their home in Simpsonville, South Carolina."
Gracious! Nothing like having two different villains after you at the same time, and one right in your back yard, and never even getting the chance to take a good breath in between the threats.
This one will leave you breathless and ready to grab the next book to see what was in the package. Don't read these out of order!
Nerve-wracking and anxiety provoking are two terms that best describe this suspense novel. I can easily see this book as a horror movie in the theaters because of the serial killer theme. The plot was downright creepy and had me guessing through most of the novel, though I'm proud to say I had an inkling that ended up being dead on (pardon the pun.) I thought it was cool how the characters often prayed when needed and I ended up feeling really bad for those poor victims. Also, the faith thread seemed real to me and not inserted just to make the book Christian. Did I mention that the romance is yummy? I know, it doesn't fit with the "scary" theme, but that's what makes it interesting.
The thrill of the chase was exciting, and it compelled me to keep reading. And like any good suspense writer would, this author put a mean twist on things toward the end. As in the first book in this series, the ending resolved the dilemma... somewhat, and there was a bit of closure. (At least enough that I don't feel distressed that the next book isn't out yet.)But the resolution and teaser scene at the end already has me wanting to read the next book.
The craziest thing is this... I rarely enjoy reading suspense novels and it takes a lot for me to get into them. Dekker is one of the few "scary" authors that I like to read. Lynette Eason has earned a secure spot on that small must-read suspense list of mine with this series. I am really looking forward to the next book. And though there were a few elements that didn't seem quite believable, like Serena's age being pretty young for a Medical Examiner, that didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.
The storyline kept my attention for the most part. I didn't feel the characters' personalities were explored enough, but liked them enough to keep me going
After reading this plot of serial killer and the measures, precautions they take and give to small details..umm..I actually checked myself- how I am with precautions and all uhhh I'll be the easiest to get caught , I'm such a clumsy, silly and lazy person 😂
Honestly, I wasn't a huge fan of the romance either, that spray on sunscreen part umm..do we seriously need it ?, I felt the characters liked eachother clearly but not loved ..ok maybe Dominic loved her but it surely felt like Serena only liked him for me
Totally a fine read 🙂 I really liked her writing though😄
When a Heart Stops is only the second book I've read by Lynette Eason, but it's enough for me to know that she is now one of my favorite authors! I LOVE a good suspense book that keeps me guessing and wondering who is behind it all...well this book definitely gave me that! Even though I had kind of guessed who the killer was, there were a lot of surprises!
I loved how we got to learn a lot about Serena's and Dominic's characters in this book - they are both new favorites of mine. I was a little frustrated at one character in this book when he/she did something that I found completely foolish (not going to say what), but I guess it made the story more believable, because people actually do foolish things in real life.
One thing that made When a Heart Stops so creepy to me was the fact that we got to see inside the killer's mind (although it didn't identify the killer) and the killer's "game" was so horrible! Gives me chills just thinking about it.
In my opinion, When a Heart Stops is another hit from Lynette Eason and I can hardly wait to read the next book in the Deadly Reunions series! If you enjoy suspense books with some romance, I most definitely recommend When a Heart Stops, but I think you might want to first read When the Smoke Clears because it'll probably help you follow the story better.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
“Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
I found author Lynette Eason, and her books, just last year and she Immediately became one of my FAVORITE AUTHORS! So it is safe to say - if she has a book out, I WILL BE READING IT! She has YET to disappoint me!
I don't know many authors that can write a book that can cause you to be totally creeped out and then turn around and share such a sweet romance. The twists and turns will have you turning the pages as quickly as you can with great anticipation of what's next! Lynette Eason has such a gift and I am thankful she shares that gift with all who pick up her books!
This is book 2 of her Deadly Reunions series. The first book is titled When the Smoke Clears if you would like to start at the beginning!
If you like Suspense, Mystery, Romance, and non-stop Action ~ Lynette has you covered.
I believe ALL of her books are a MUST READ!
Thank you Donna and Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review!
My thoughts are definitely multifaceted with this book.
From a writer’s perspective: this was pretty amazing. I really appreciate Lynette’s approach to the mystery and how she diverts between the killer’s POV and those on the killer’s tail. As a suspense novel, it was very well done. I suspected who the “bad guy” was, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching it played out. If I were reviewing this strictly on writing, I’d give it five stars.
As a Christian: this book has me wondering… should I be “entertained” with stories of a serial killer? It was morally disturbing (and yes, even the characters were disgusted with this “sicko”) and I’ll admit I’m not fully decided what I should think of it along those lines.
Now, for more review-like material: This is definitely only for people who like suspense. I didn’t find that it really intensified and made me turn pages madly, wondering about the MC’s life, but I think that’s just because the writer in me was trying to figure out how Lynette would play the story. I think she does a fantastic job with it.
There wasn’t a huge emphasis on romance. Yes, there were two characters falling in love and their kisses continually got interrupted, but the thought-process was more a yearning rather than a lusting. There was one scene when he was massaging sunscreen into her that made me cringe a little with their thought-process, even though it was a “modest swimsuit” she still welcomed him touching her. That would probably be the most involved romantic scene.
God was mentioned throughout the book and the characters prayed. But it seemed more of a “help me out here” than an actual relationship with God. It slightly disturbs me that there was justification for a parents’ divorce and that it is likely a preacher will marry the divorced woman. Surface Christianity. That is what this book had for me.
When I began reading When a Heart Stops by Lynette Eason, I expected medical examiner (ME) Serena Hopkins to be under duress in China . . . considering that’s what the epilogue of When the Smoke Clears, book one in the Deadly Reunions series, indicated.
At the very least, I expected her work with the earthquake cleanup in China to be mentioned sometime throughout When a Heart Stops.
Neither of those scenarios happened, but that didn’t distract too much from the whodunit suspense found upon the pages I kept turning long into the night. With each new twist and turn along the journey (none of which I’ll be sharing, so you’ll have to pick up a copy of the book to discover the sneakiness for yourself), my heart beat faster and faster as I attempted to anticipate what would happen next.
I was wrong so often!
But that’s part of the fun of reading a Lynette Eason novel. If they were predictable, they wouldn’t be so addictive.
Book three I just purchased because I knew I’d want to read it after finishing this one. I was right. I want to read it NOW!
In When a Heart Stops, ME Serena Hopkins and FBI agent Dominic Allen are baffled to discover that the Doll Maker Killer is back—even though he’s sitting in prison. How is this possible? They aren’t quite sure, but you can be certain they’ll use all their knowledge and resources to find out!
This novel is an edge-of-your-seat suspense that will keep you up late, flipping pages while the moon inches higher and higher in the sky—not that you’ll notice. If you haven’t yet read any of Lynette Eason’s books, the Deadly Reunions series is a great one to start with. You’ll be hooked before you know it!
Spunky and outgoing, nothing much bothers medical examiner Serena Hopkins--except for the thought of falling in love again. But when a serial killer is picking off her former classmates, Serena's life becomes intertwined with her old high school crush, FBI agent Dominic Allen. Is the secret she's keeping putting her next on the killer's hit list? Can she trust Dominic with the truth before it's too late? Intense, emotional, and fast-paced, "When a Heart Stops" will have readers up late as they race to the finish to find out what happens.
Book 2 of the Deadly Reunions series picks up right where Book 1 left off which is great since the first book left many plot lines unresolved. The focus in book 2 is Serena Hopkins the Medical Examiner from Book 1. Eason has penned another riveting, suspense-filled, page turner that kept me reading til I found out the answers to several plot lines. Eason is a master at keeping the reader guessing at what will happen next and who is doing what. This book has an even faster pace than Book 1 which I didn't think was possible. It was very interesting to get a glimpse into the world of the Medical Examiner and reminded me a bit of watching an old "Quincy" show. I loved the slowly developing romance between Serena and Dominic and the fact that they realized there were feelings between them but their focus had to be on their jobs at that time. Once again, Eason left some plots unresolved to tease the reader into Book 3. Glad it is already sitting on my shelf so I can find out how all of this ends.
Oh the bodies are dropping! I think there must have been another murder every twenty pages and there really isn’t much time to do a whole lot of gawking with this novel.
I’m not a blood and guts kind of girl, I’d rather reader a romance over a murder, so when I read a murder, I take them suspenseful. If you’re going to creep me out…then. creep. me. out. I think this novel didn’t a pretty fair job of that task. The balance between murder and romance was pretty well level, though it did tip a bit heavier towards the murder business side.
The novel did feel a bit as though there needed to be a killing to keep the tension level high, but I didn’t think it too much until the ending.
I loved it when the story took a personal turn for our heroine. Putting someone close to her in danger, totally upped the anty and pumped my blood. Excellent moment in the novel. The only place where I thought it totally came out of character for the novel was at the end and the twist. Which of course I can’t say anything, so my lips are sealed, except to say I didn’t see it coming and wasn’t sure it really fit…but that’s just my personal opinion.
All in all, great book, cliffhanger ending, darn that author! ;-) And I have to wait more months until we figure out what’s in that envelope people were killing over. Shoot.
Pun intended.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publisher for my copy to review.
**Available October 2012 from Revell, a division of Baker publishers**
Wow! What a great sequel to When the Smoke Clears! Serena, a Medical Examiner, is a wonderful heroine, full of energy and brilliance – yeah, she’s smart. A terrible, ruthless killer, a handsome young man, and more all come together to fill this book with electrifying action and suspense, along with a heart-warming thread of romance. And the cover! Absolutely hands-down amazing. I love it, and have ever since I saw it. One thing I learned from this book…I’ll never become a Medical Examiner. I can read about it, I simply couldn’t do it. The book was fast-paced (a hugely good thing in suspense) and very well-written. I can’t wait for book three! Oh, so excited. :) If you are a fan of Irene Hannon or Dee Henderson, you will love Lynette Eason and her books!
Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Disclaimer: I was sent a copy of this book for review from Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to post a positive review, nor was I reimbursed in any other way. The opinions herein expressed are my own.
Lynette Eason's first book in her "Deadly Reunions Series", When the Smoke Clears, was one of my favourite romantic suspense novels in 2012, so I have been greatly looking forward to getting my hands on the next installment.
When A Heart Stops was everything I hoped for and more! I found it to be a mesmerizing read, one that sizzled with suspense and had me devouring the pages at top speed. Serena Hopkins is a fabulous character, a strong woman who confidently moves in her world of being a medical examiner, and yet someone who has a tender side looking for someone who will love her the way she is. The cat and mouse game that Serena and Dominic are drawn into with the serial killer is expertly played out in the pages of this story, keeping me guessing about what would happen next. And yet that plot line is nicely balanced with the relationship that unfolds between them as well, one handled with just the right dose of romance. As with the first book in the series, the term "romantic suspense" shouldn't keep the male readers from diving into this book, as I found myself enjoying every moment of this book. The writing is crisp, the characters are interesting and believable, and the suspense kept me glued to the pages. Add in a dose of faith, and you've created just the right formula for an entertaining evening spent with a good novel.
One warning though. After reading this book, you may not want to sleep with your light off. The suspense in this novel is just that good. Don't say I didn't warn you.
I give this book my highest recommendation, and 5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
You know a book is good when you try to sleep, but all you are thinking is, what happened, who did it, when can I read more to find out! Lynette Eason has written another great, fast paced, page turning suspense!
Again there were two story lines:
1 - The Doll Maker Killer plot: Someone is copying the MO of the doll maker killer, girls are going missing and turning up dead. Serena is on the case as the medical examiner and Dominic is the FBI Agent leading this case. Again, it felt like I was in an episode of Criminal Minds. The killer is twisted and the game the doll maker killer plays with his victims is just creepy.
2. This plot carries over from book 1 and why I would suggest you read this book in order. Jillian, Serena and Alexia's friend saw something on graduation night which is a threat to someone and places an x on the three friends' back. Someone is after Serena because of a package Jillian send to Serena.
Only plot 1 gets solved in this book. Plot 2 carries over to book 3 which I can't wait to get to. The suspense was well written and the action never stops. I had my suspicion of who the doll maker killer was and when it was revealed I found myself saying out loud "I knew it", but then a twist happens which I totally never expected. Lynette does an amazing job of keeping me guessing until the end, which is one of my top requirements in a great suspense.
The romance between Serena and Dominic is sweet. What I like about Lynette's romance is that it feels innocent and secondary to the suspense/action. You as reader can see the characters are attracted to each other and like each other, but it doesn't go overboard like some books do.
This is the second book in the Deadly Reunion series, and it picks up right where the first one left off, continuing the mystery of where Jillian has been hiding and who is trying to find her while adding a chase to find a serial killer who seems to be after Serena, Jillian's friend and the town's medical examiner. With her childhood crush back in the picture, they must work together to keep Jillian's secret and their lives.
This book has an even faster pace than the first book in the series, and although I had a clue who the killer was, I was still surprised by a few twists at the end. I love Serena's strength and compassion, especially towards the teenage girl who tries to escape a bad home environment Dominic is the typical overprotective hero, but the childhood connection makes their relationship a little sweeter than the typical romance in a suspenseful thriller.
What I really liked was the continued story of Jillian and how that mystery involved the current murder investigation. I think it's a clever way to tie the books together into a series instead of just having the characters in each book connected as friends.
Fans of suspense who have time to sit and read the book in one sitting (because you won't want to put it down) will love the latest by Lynette Eason. Be sure to read the first book first, or you'll have a lot of questions, especially as the characters from book one are mentioned with little explanation of who they are.
This book is amazing! I started it Saturday afternoon and finished it Sunday night. Once I started reading, I had the hardest time making myself put the book down for any reason. It's even better than book one (When the Smoke Clears) and I can't wait to read book 3 (When a Secret Kills)!!
This was another good mystery with romance in the Deadly Reunions trilogy. We still don't have all the answers from Book 1, but it was again hard to put the book down until this current mystery is solved. I'm looking forward to everything hopefully being answered and wrapped up in Book 3!
However, I changed my initial rating from 4 stars to 3 stars because there were less Biblical references than in Book 1. I know that's nitpicky. Since Serena's Bible notes are part of what softened Alexia's heart to God though, I thought that would be a bigger part of her character development.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Lynette Eason is a romantic suspense writer who gets better with each book. When A Heart Stops is the second book in the Deadly Reunions series and focuses on a medical examiner who gets in teh way of a serial killer. The pace pounds through most of the book, and the pauses are perfectly placed interludes of romance. A book I thoroughly enjoyed!
This was borrowed from the library. Medical Examiner (ME) Serena is working on a case with FBI Special Agent Dominic. Bodies are piling up as the police rush from each site to catch a serial killer/killers dubbed The 🚼doll Killers. A very good trilogy of 📚. Thoroughly enjoying this mystery.
This book was so creepy and twisted......and I loved it! Serena and Dominic are such a cute couple. I was drawn in from the first sentence. I had a rough idea on who it was going to be but I was still surprised at some of the reveals. I suspected a lot of people. Hats off to Lynette Eason! And onto book 3!
The heading on Lynette Eason's Infinite Suspense website says "Welcome. . .to the edge of your seat!" That pretty much nails it! She became a must-read suspense author for me two years ago with her Women of Justice series and only solidified that status with this Deadly Reunion series. When a Heart Stops is another must-read, but I must warn you: don't plan to read it in small snatches because you will not be able to put it down! The main character, Serena, has appeared as the medical examiner in each of Eason's previous books and I enjoyed having her "star" in her own story, although I wasn't certain she would survive it! The characters are masterfully portrayed, presenting the conundrum of liking them while simultaneously wondering if one is the murderer hiding in plain sight. Eason paces the suspense perfectly, periodically providing a peek into the unknown villain's mind, stamping each chapter with the day and precise time, and periodically placing a scene alone in a chapter that takes less than a page. At times, I found myself hesitant to turn the next page but at the same time, I couldn't read this book fast enough! Read this one with the lights on, preferably when you aren't home alone, but don't miss it!
I recommend reading When the Smoke Clears, book 1 in this series, before reading this one, for continuity. This is a series with an overarching story, although each book's individual plot does come to a conclusion at the end of that novel.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Another fantastic, heart-thrilling (not to mention heart-chilling in places!) read!
Definitely a series to be read in order as they follow on quite closely and have a thread tying them all together. Now looking forward to getting hold of #3 to see how it all ends up!
Something that caught me about this book to start was the picture. In the book before they had described her as a dark haired, brown eyed, super beautiful girl and in the picture you can see she has blue eyes and not very dark hair. Then when you read the book you read about her blue eyes which contradicts the book before. It was a great book apart from that.
Book two in the series. Almost as enjoyable as the first, a very good and captivating read. Know that if you read this series, it has a mystery/story arc that spans all three books, though there is a story/romance within each book of the trilogy. Can't wait to finish number three, great reads!
Typical Eason style,this book kept me up late not wanting to put it down! It's twists and turns require attention to understand the amazing individual final story line! Now on to the final book & the complete picture of all 3 books!