Review: Dangerous Message
Rating: 1 out of 5
Date: 02 8, 2014
I've enjoyed the prior two Samantha Rialto mysteries quite a bit. But this installment honestly left me stunned. And not in a good way. I don't know what the author was thinking, but maintaining Samantha's abusive ex husband as a viable choice in the typical 'suitor triangle' sends an insulting and dangerous message. Not to mention irresponsible. The man beat her (Samantha) and there are insinuations he forced himself on her/rape although thankfully these experiences are not detailed, just hinted at. The rest of the plot paled since I could not get over my disgust an author would write a man who beat his wife as a suitor option.However I will touch upon the unbelievability of Samantha dragging a high school student into dangerous situations AND how said HS student easily rode roughshod over Samantha, the adult, as she allowed the student to push her head first into a dangerous situation because she could not be assertive enough as an adult to say NO! Ridiculous. How does a woman like this make it through daily life on her own? She's supposed to be in control and teaching High School students for Pete's sake!I can not imagine the appeal of such a weak woman. Being the third book of the series I expected some growth from the character of Samantha, but its stagnated. Their is no growth or forward movement in her relationship with Ben. Her "accidental" agreeing to dates with Doug are moot since he was bumped off for no reason. ("Accidently agreeing" bc once again she wasn't assertive enough to speak her mind or say what she wanted, she allowed Doug to push her into something.) And of course, this brings us right back to her ruminating on her abusive ex and toying with feelings for him...because she's not assertive enough to stand up to folks berating her for dumping such a 'good guy', allowing Harry to manipulate her feelings, etc. Sense the theme yet?I thought I'd found a new series and protagonist to cheer for. Sadly, it's been downhill since February (when hints began that the ex might be turning from vile abuser to possible suitor). Sorry Ms Katy, you won't be able to fool me into reading April.