When it comes to gripping novels of unrelenting suspense, Julie Garwood is in a class by herself. In the course of her career, she has mastered the art of creating characters who live and breathe in compelling, page-burning stories that never fail to surprise. As her legion of fans can attest, she strikes the perfect balance between excitement and insight, action and heart. Now, in this breathless new novel, Garwood has written her most electrifying thriller to date. KILLJOY Avery Delaney has always tried to put the past far behind her. Abandoned by her rapacious, conniving mother when she was only three days old, Avery was raised by her grandmother and beloved aunt Carolyn. Then, when she was eleven, she witnessed her grandmother's violent death, before Avery herself was shot and left for dead. Miraculously she survived. The man responsible is serving time in a Florida prison. This traumatic experience propels Avery into a life of law and order. Her razor-sharp mind and ability to gather data and decipher evidence has made Avery an expert crime analyst for the FBI. But soon she will have to use every one of her adroit skills on a case that hits painfully close to home. Avery's workaholic aunt, Carolyn Salvetti, is certain her (hopefully soon-to-be ex) husband sent her the gold embossed reservation to the posh Utopia Spa in the mountains of Colorado. At first she is resistant, but then figures it will be a welcome respite from the cutthroat advertising business, not to mention a networking extravaganza. Plus she persuades her niece to join her for the two weeks of luxury and decadence. But Carolyn never makes it to Utopia. Under false pretenses, she is taken to anisolated retreat by a handsome stranger with a dazzling smile, suave demeanor, and the darkest of motives. His name is Monk, a hired assassin. Now, with scant clues and fewer resources, Avery must track down and save Carolyn--and outmaneuver a brilliant killer who is part of an elaborate plot of madness and lethal vengeance.
"From the Hardcover edition.
About the Author
Julie Garwood is the author of seventeen New York Times bestsellers, including Mercy, Heartbreaker, Ransom, and Come the Spring. There are more than thirty million copies of her books in print.From the Hardcover edition.
Even though Killjoy is part of the Buchanan series, the main characters are not from the Buchanan family. This is the story of Avery Delaney and John-Paul Renard, whom we meet in the 2nd book "Mercy". He is the older brother of Michelle Renard, actually Michelle Buchanan, since she married Theo Buchanan (the oldest Buchanan Son/Brother)
Avery was raised by her Grandmother and her Aunt Carrie since her mother left her at just two days all. At the age of 11, her mother sends one of her boyfriends to get Avery, however there is a struggle and Avery ends up getting shot and also witnesses the her grandmother being murdered She is later saved from another kidnapping by an FBI agent which influences her in her career choices.
Avery works as a crime analyst for the FBI. While John-Paul has spent almost a year tracking the assassin, Monk who tired to kill his sister but escaped in “Mercy”. A credit card trail leads John-Paul to an expensive spa in Aspen. Avery after resisting for weeks, finally agrees to meet her aunt at the same spa in Aspen for some relaxation time but her aunt never shows up. John-Paul and Avery are thrown together in a race to find her aunt who was taken by Monk.
I liked Killjoy, particularly because it tied up the loose ends from “Mercy”. At the end of “Mercy”, Monk escapes from the hospital wounded, but we don't know what happens to him. We also get to learn a lot more about why he is the way he is and to be honest near the ending I felt a little sorry for him. There is also a contradiction between Avery and John-Paul in regards to their views on government organizations such as the FBI. Avery believes in being a team player and the work the FBI does while John-Paul has a rather cynical view due to his experiences in special ops. I think Avery is a female character that one can admire She's smart, courageous, independent and she doesn't like to be seen as eye candy to any man, however at the same time her soft, emotional feminine side shows through
I think overall it was a good storyline, a surprising twist at the end (at least for me) and the characters didn't fall into bed right away. There was a build up and even an emotional struggle for John-Paul. I was a little disappointed that Theo and Michelle were only briefly mentioned and during some parts the story drag on hence why I gave it 4 stars.
This book you will fall in love with both main characters in their journey to save their loved ones, they are both strong with great kirks that you learn enjoy and look for. It is a great thriller that keeps you wanting more and you won't want to put it down untill your finished. If you have read Julies books you know how great they are -especially the Buchanan fanily which the hero is related to and you get to read about old friends.
This really does sit smack bam in the middle of the romantic suspense genre. If you are used to reading hard core mystery novels then the plot here will disappoint you, if you like contemporary romantic suspense you will love this. It is well written, the characters are interesting and the pace is good. I've enjoyed reading each of these contemporary stories.
it took me a long time to make up my mind if i was going to read this trilogy or not. Thinking that as it's not normally her style to write murder/suspence stories, i could be disappointed. And i did not want to ruin blemish my love for Julie Garwood books. But then curiousity got the better of me. And i have to say i am very very happy. It's different, yes. But just as good!Don't miss it.
This is the BEST Julie Garwood book I have ever read.
It's the third in a trilogy and to read them in order is a must to follow the story properly.
I'm not really into mystery/muder type novels but I seriously couldn't put it down, my only disappointment was that it was the end of the trilogy.
SUPER fast paced, lots of action, the requisite love side to things (a little more than predictable but who can blame her).
Fabulous book to sit back and read with your favourite drink and snacks while you immerse yourself in the story line, always thinking that the heroine will be okay at the end of the day - she has to be - but not knowing the true outcome or the twists till the last few pages!
TRY IT!!! Don't let this trilogy put you off as being off her style, I'd say it's her best work yet.
You can earn a 10% commission by selling Killjoy paperback book on your website. It's easy to get started - we will give you example code. After you're set-up, your website can earn you money while you work, play or even sleep!
Authors/Publishers
Are you the Author/Publisher? Improve sales by submitting additional information on this title.
Cart
(
– Customer review on 17/07/2008
