Title: Count to Ten
Author: Karen Rose
First published February 1, 2007
550 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780446616904 (ISBN10: 0446616907)
Rating: 4.29
Overview
Lieutenant Michael Dawson has been a firefighter for years, but the recent string of fires in his small town has him on edge. The fires are more than just accidents, they are intentional and deadly.
Michael’s new partner, Detective Rachel Harper, is determined to get to the bottom of it. She believes the arsonist is sending a message and wants to make the culprit pay.
As the fires continue, Michael and Rachel become closer, both personally and professionally. But the arsonist is always one step ahead, setting traps and causing chaos.
With each fire, the danger grows, and Michael and Rachel know they need to catch the arsonist before it’s too late. The clock is ticking, and the arsonist’s desire for destruction is insatiable.
Michael and Rachel must race against time to stop the killer before he strikes again.
About the Author
Karen Rose is an award-winning author whose internationally bestselling books have captivated readers worldwide. Born and raised in the suburbs of Washington, DC, Karen met her husband Martin on a blind date when they were both seventeen.
After graduating from the University of Maryland with a degree in Chemical Engineering, they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where Karen worked as an engineer for a large consumer goods company. However, Karen found herself distracted by scenes that kept playing in her head, and she began writing them down for fun.
Soon enough, Karen realized that she had found her calling as a writer.
Karen’s first suspense novel, DON’T TELL, was published in July 2003, and since then, she has published fifteen more novels and two novellas. Her seventeenth novel, ALONE IN THE DARK, will be released in 2016.
Karen’s books have appeared on bestseller lists around the world, including the New York Times, USA Today, and London’s Sunday Times. They have also been translated into twenty-four languages.
Karen’s novels, I’M WATCHING YOU and SILENT SCREAM, received the Romance Writers of America’s RITA award for Best Romantic Suspense in 2005 and 2011, respectively. Five of her other books have been RITA finalists.
Karen is a former high school teacher of chemistry and physics and currently lives in Florida with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, and a cat.
Editoral Review
Count to Ten by Karen Rose is an intense and gripping thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. First published on February 1, 2007, the novel has since become a classic in the genre, known for its complex characters, intricate plot, and fast-paced action.
Karen Rose is one of the most celebrated authors of romantic suspense and has made a name for herself as a master of the craft. The novel is set in Cincinnati and follows the lives of a group of characters whose lives are all intertwined through their work as law enforcement officials.
The main character is detective Mia Mitchell, who is called in to investigate a case in which a serial killer is targeting women in the area. Along with her partner, Rico, Mia must navigate the dangerous underworld of crime in order to track down the killer before he can strike again.
As she delves deeper into the investigation, Mia’s personal life becomes intertwined with the case, making her more vulnerable than ever. Along the way, she must confront her own fears and demons as she fights to bring the killer to justice.
One of the strengths of the novel is Karen Rose’s skilled characterization. Each of the characters is fully fleshed out and feels like a real, living person.
They are all flawed in their own ways, but their humanity makes them all the more compelling. Another strength is the pacing of the plot, which is expertly crafted to keep the reader hooked from beginning to end.
Despite these strengths, the novel does have some flaws. The plot can be somewhat convoluted at times, making it difficult to keep track of all the different characters and their relationships to each other.
Additionally, some readers may find the book’s graphic violence and disturbing content to be too much to handle. Overall, Count to Ten is a must-read for fans of the thriller genre.
Its strong characters, intricate plot, and high-stakes action make it a standout in the genre and a book that will stay with readers long after they’ve turned the final page. While it may not be for everyone, those who can handle the novel’s intense content will find it to be a thrilling and unforgettable ride.
Rating: 8/10. While the novel is not without its flaws, its strengths are many and make it a book that should not be missed.
It is recommended for fans of the thriller genre looking for a gripping and intense read.