I’m reviewing Eyes On You by Kate White today for TLC Book Tours. As always, I am provided with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
About the book (from the publisher): After losing her on-air job two years ago, television host Robin Trainer has fought her way back and now she’s hotter than ever. With her new show climbing in the ratings and her first book a bestseller, she’s being dubbed a media double threat.
But suddenly things begin to go wrong. Small incidents at first: a nasty note left in her purse, her photo shredded. But the obnoxious quickly becomes threatening when the foundation the makeup artist uses burns Robin’s face. It wasn’t an accident – someone has deliberately doctored the product.
An adversary with a dark agenda wants to hurt Robin, and the clues point to someone she works with every day. While she frantically tries to put the pieces together and unmask this hidden foe, it becomes terrifyingly clear that the person responsible isn’t going to stop until Robin loses everything that matters to her…including her life.
My review: I’m pretty sure I’ve read all of Kate White’s books and I’ve enjoyed them. I’ve even reviewed one on this blog – you can find the review of Hush here. So I was really looking forward to a new novel of suspense from this author. White is a good writer and her mysteries usually take place in and around New York City. The author knows her beloved city well and that clearly shows in the words she uses to paint a picture of NYC; the neighborhoods, the street life and the hustle and bustle.
But this time, I was a wee bit disappointed. The very idea of a stalker is chilling and when bodily threat enters the picture, the stakes immediately ramp right up to pure terror. I can’t imagine how frightening that must be. That fear should be the force that drives the novel. Though White does an admirable job of weaving events and clues into the fabric of this mystery, it never quite worked for me. I figured out early on in the novel who the bad guy was and it turned out I was right. I think the best suspense/mystery/thrillers are those that keep you guessing up until the end. You, as a reader, might think you have an idea of how it’s going to end….but you should never be absolutely sure. Even better if there’s a plot twist in the final pages that completely surprises you. That isn’t easy to do, I know, but the best novels in this genre do it well.
As events escalate, I want to feel that I’m along for the ride, catapulting my way through the pages right along with the protagonist. Is anything better in the book-reading world than the words: I couldn’t put it down? I didn’t have that feeling this time around.
That being said, Eyes on You is still a good read. I’d label it Good Beach Reading – perfect for when you want to read something engaging but light. The world of television and media and publishing and agents is fascinating and White writes it well. Add to that the sights and sounds of Manhattan and you’ve got a good summer read with a plucky heroine, to boot.
About the author: Kate White is recognized internationally as not only the veteran editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, the bestselling women’s magazine in the world, but also as the critically acclaimed author of both fiction and nonfiction books. Few high-profile editors have successfully balanced the rigors of overseeing a major magazine title with a thriving and independent writing career.
Good news: one of you will win a copy of Eyes on You. Simply leave a comment on this post to be entered. It’s open to readers in the U.S. and Canada. I’ll pick a winner on Sunday evening.
Happy Thursday.
I liked all of her past books and hope I will like the new one.
Sounds like a good summer read.
Always happy to try a new author!
I enjoyed your review. Thanks for this giveaway.
I’m terrible at unraveling mysteries, so this could be a surprise ending for me!
Always love a good mystery..sounds good to me!
Being a long time member of the Woman’s Club… we hold the book section at my house. Everyone reads different stuff and shares. We exchange books and I would love to read this one and pass it along. Who would ever want to read about WWII? Well we are doing it just because someone recommended a good series of five novels.
We hold the garden section at my house also…we talk about all kinds of DIRT. Wonderful group of women!
Sunny and beautiful in Southern California today.
That was a very honest, and good review. I would still read it for fun.
I have never read any of her books. This sounds like a good summer read.
Shirley
I’ve not read this author, but want to after your review. Will check our little library. Hopefully they will have at least one of her books.
They don’t have authors that you’ve reviewed in the past, so I’ve bought several. I love your recommendations and reviews
jane intx
I’ve read some of her other books and enjoyed her writing so I would give this one a read. Throw my name in the hat for the book!
I love mysteries and Kate White’s books. This one sounds so good, and I’d enjoy reading it. Thanks for having the giveaway.
I can ‘t even remember the last time I read a suspense novel, so count me in and thanks for the giveaway!
I’ve just discovered your blog, and enjoy reading it! Always looking for new books to read, and this one sounds great! Thanks for the book review and giveaway!
Claudia, I would be delighted to be entered in this drawing. Love mysteries. Thanks for sharing your review with us.
Looking forward to checking out the previous books, as one reader said – it’s always nice to find another author to read. Thanks for sharing.
claudia
i love hearing your view on the books you read.. and i would love to have a chance to be in the drawing.
reading is my favorite thing to do, and this author is new to me, and its always nice to find another to follow reading their books.
thanks again and have a wonderful weekend..
big ladybug hugs
lynnl
Claudia, thank you for an honest review. Although I really hate getting a new book by an author you love just to be disappointed. However, a “beach read” is absolutely what I need at this time. And, I just have to tell ya, I love your blog! Suz
I have never read any of her books, but would like to try one. : )
I’m glad you enjoyed this one even though it wasn’t quite a favorite for you.
Thanks for being a part of the tour.