Dangerous Refuge

Sometimes some of the best scripted stories can be ruined by repeated suggestions that come far too often that they distract you from the original story. Such is the case in the latest novel from Elizabeth Lowell, Dangerous Refuge. In this novel, the reader is immediately introduced to Shaye Townsend, who works for National Ranch Conservancy, whose goal is to broker a deal between ranch owners and the Conservancy to retain the land for the purpose of ranching instead of seeing the property abandoned or turning into shopping malls or high-priced resorts. When Shaye discovers the body of Lorne Davis, to her untrained eye, it doesn't appear that he died of natural causes.

When Tanner Davis shows up at the ranch, the sparks begin to fly and between the two with sexual innuendos on almost every other page about what either of them wants from the other. That is the downright distracting part. I can deal with the fact that these two are more than mildly attracted to one another but I felt like I needed to be reminded of that fact throughout the entire first half of the book. Even though the story behind this was really well written, it was that repeated reminder between the two that really ruined what could have been a great novel for me.

The novel focuses on Tanner Davis working with Shaye Townsend on investigating the mysterious death of his uncle while taking a much needed break from working the morgues in Los Angeles as a Homicide Detective. Now discovering that the 1932 Saint-Gauden gold coins he had been collecting his whole life had suddenly gone missing even though it their hiding place would have made his Uncle look like a Pirate to discover them. Tanner believes that whoever had stolen the coins might in fact be the very same person who he believes murdered his Uncle and won't stop until he uncovers the truth.

I received Dangerous Refuge by Elizabeth Lowell compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. The story was well written and the premise that inspired me to want to read this was amazing. However the intense sexual undertones and consistent reminders of their intense sexual attraction to one another really got old after the first few chapters. However, with that being said, if you like that type of reference in your murder mystery dealing with a bit of modern western fiction thrown in, then you will find this novel suitable for your tastes. For me, this one ranked 3 out of 5 stars and I was hoping for a bit more than what I got between the pages, but that is my preference. There are bound to be countless readers that would really enjoy this novel.

For more information about Dangerous Refuge, Elizabeth Lowell and where to preorder a copy of this book coming early April, please click on the links below:

Dangerous Refuge by Elizabeth Lowell

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