An Absence of Motive

Marlee and Ben’s story in An Absence of Motive, book one in the Raising the Bar Brief series by Maggie Wells, is an emotional, suspenseful, and roller coaster ride of suspense. This sweet suspense romance brings together two characters from different backgrounds and upbringings. Sheriff Ben Kinsella is new to town, after his cover as an undercover DEA agent was blown he needed a way to start over; so why not small town Georgia. Marlee Masters has reluctantly returned home after recently graduated from law school, to be work for her father, who not only owns the local mill but also the town. Henry Master is a formidable man, who dictated over his children, letting them know his expectations for their futures. Marlee had planned to be in town for only a short while, returning to Atlanta, but her father had different plans for her; especially after the apparent suicide death of her brother. Marlee is positive her brother was murdered and works with Ben to prove it; despite the nasty whispers and rumors swirling around town. It is evident that sparks fly and an attraction occurs between Ben and Marlee from the moment meet; despite them trying to avoid the magnetic pull. As they explore clues, another suicide occurs, as well as Marlee having a stalker, vowing retribution if she and Ben don’t stop their investigation. When a third suicide occurs and the danger to Marlee seems to grow, she and Ben are determined to solve this crime before Marlee becomes a victim, herself. Ms. Wells wrote an intriguing, emotional, and suspenseful story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale with sizzling chemistry, lots of red herrings, and engaged secondary characters helping Marlee and Ben find a way to solve a crime and build a future together. I highly recommend An Absence of Motive to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily reviewing it. I am having a hard time figuring out the star rating for this one. It isn't a 4 but a little better than a 3 but not by much. This is the first book of a series. I normally enjoy this author's work. But this one is falling short for me. I felt the ending was a little rushed. The thread to tie everything up was a little ambiguous than I am used too. I tried to connect to the characters but I just couldn't seem to relate to them. I did enjoy the dual POV format that the book was written in. The chapters were decent sized so the perspectives were changed during the chapters. That was a good thing for me. Getting that glimpse into the characters' thoughts normally helps me to get a better understand of them. This was a clean romance with just a little kissing here and there.

I loved how you didn't know think things were linked at first and even when you do start to see they may all be related to one another you just can't work out why or who is behind it and then you have the creepy texts that Marlee is getting. Marlee and Ben work well together trying to dig up evidence of what really happened to her brother and the new deaths in town and the attraction they both have fuels the fire in Ben to make sure Marlee is safe even from her father who leaves a lot to be desired as a parental figure. This has action, suspense, attraction as well as laughs and determination and I can not wait to read the next in the series!! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.