Title: Beachcomber
Author: Karen Robards
First published August 12, 2003
452 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780743453493 (ISBN10: 0743453492)
Rating: 3.85
Overview
Set in the same world as Beth Revis’s bestselling novel “Across the Universe,” “As They Slip Away” tells the story of Selene, a talented singer on board the spaceship Godspeed. In a society that values only practical skills, Selene and her fellow “loons” in the Hospital are at a disadvantage.
But when Selene is chosen to study under the Recorder, Orion, she sees a glimmer of hope. Along with a young sculptor named Luthor, Selene discovers the power of art and the beauty of human connection.
But their forbidden romance threatens to upend the fragile balance of life on the ship, ruled by the heartless dictator Eldest. This novella delves into the history of Godspeed and its inhabitants, offering a deeper understanding of the world that Amy and Elder will eventually inherit.
About the Author
Karen Robards is a highly successful author, having penned over fifty books and a novella. Her impressive track record includes being a New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller, as well as receiving six Affaire de Coeur Silver Pen Awards for being a favorite author.
Karen’s passion for writing started at a young age, and she was first nationally published in Reader’s Digest in December of 1973. She sold her first romance novel, ISLAND FLAME, at the age of 24, which was published by Leisure Books in 1981 and is still in print today.
She decided to leave law school to fully dedicate herself to her writing career.
Recently, The Daily Mail praised Karen as “one of the most dependable thriller writers in the world.”
Editoral Review
Beachcomber by Karen Robards is a thrilling novel that takes readers on a heart-pumping ride through tropical paradise. The book was first published on August 12, 2003, and is written by renowned author Karen Robards, who is well-known for her romantic suspense novels.
The story is set on a beautiful island paradise where all the tourists come to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. However, when Leigh Heyward, a beautiful young woman, finds a body while walking on the beach, she suddenly becomes embroiled in a terrifying mystery.
As she tries to unravel the truth and clear her name, she encounters dangerous situations and battles personal demons that threaten to destroy her. The characters in Beachcomber are well-developed, with Leigh Heyward being the main protagonist.
We follow her as she tries to navigate the perilous twists and turns of the investigation into the murder of a young woman, all while being the prime suspect. Leigh’s strength, determination, and resilience make her an admirable character that readers will root for throughout the story.
Robards’ writing style is fast-paced, with plenty of action and surprise twists to keep readers engaged. The novel is packed with tension and suspense, and the beautiful island setting provides the perfect backdrop for the story to unfold.
The pacing is well-managed, with the story moving at a swift pace without ever feeling rushed or incomplete. While the book does not have any significant historical or cultural significance, it does touch on relevant issues such as violence against women and self-doubt that resonate with current societal concerns.
Despite its many strengths, the book does have a few limitations. Some readers may find the plot predictable, and the romantic subplot, although well-written, can sometimes distract from the main story.
That being said, these minor flaws do not detract significantly from the overall excellence of the book. Overall, Beachcomber is an engaging and well-crafted novel that will keep readers hooked until the very end.
It is a must-read for fans of romantic suspense and will appeal to anyone who loves a great mystery. We highly recommend it and give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
