Powerful family secrets are the center of this story. It's filled with characters that are part of the family or are in some way connected to the family and they all have secrets. Details about those secrets are slowly revealed throughout the book; some of which leads to further investigation and danger for Carly and Dan. There is an extremely large number of characters that makes it a bit difficult to sort out exactly who is who, but there is a family tree at the beginning of the book does help. The unexpected twist toward the end of the book makes wading through the huge number of details in the early part of the story worth the effort. The romance between Carly and Dan plays second fiddle to the mystery surrounding the Quintrell & Castillo family. Overall, it's a well written story that just has way too many characters. ( )

Carolina May has been hired by Winifred Castillo to trace her family's history, but some people in Winifred's family don't want their long-held secrets revealed, especially Winifred's nephew, Governor Josh Quintrell of New Mexico. When Josh's father, US Senator and womanizer, AJ Quintrell dies, Josh decides to use his death to propel him into a run for the presidency. At the same time, threats against Carly begin with a bloody dead rat on her pillow. Dan Duran of St. Kilda Consulting is home due to an injury that he sustained while on the job that he continues to tell people occurred in a climbing accident. He recognizes that Carly has an uphill battle trying to trace the family's history, so he decides to help and hopes that he will be there if threats against Carly become more violent.
Powerful family secrets are the center of Always Time to Die. The story is filled with characters that are part of the family or are in some way connected to the family that have secrets of their own. Details about those secrets are slowly revealed throughout the book; some of which leads to further investigation and danger for Carly and Dan. The large number of characters in the story make it a little difficult to follow, but the family tree at the beginning of the book does help. There is an unexpected twist toward the end of the book, making the struggle through the multitude of details earlier in the story worth the effort. The romance between Carly and Dan plays second fiddle to the mystery surrounding the Quintrell/Castillo family. Overall, a well written and researched story that suffers a little from so many characters. ( )

Always Time to Die
4 Stars

Synopsis
Carly May is a genealogist hired by Winifred Castillo to trace the history of her family. But someone in the Quintrell-Castillo line would rather keep old and dark secrets buried with the dead. Soon Carly finds herself the target of a sinister foe who will stop at nothing to prevent her from discovering the truth. The only person Carly can turn to is Dan Duran, a dangerous enigma with ties to the Quintrells and secrets of his own.

Review
Well-paced action and suspense.

The history of New Mexico is interesting and the genealogical aspects well-researched and explained in a way that even this science-phobe could understand (the table at the front of the book is especially useful for keeping track of who's who). Some readers may find the details excessive and tiresome but it is relevant and necessary to the plot.

The mystery is intriguing and there are just enough clues to figure it all out in time. Nevertheless, the story lacks a sense of urgency and the big confrontation scene never comes. Moreover, the transition to the epilogue is so sudden that I thought my copy might be missing a few pages.

There are also several loose ends such as the origins and nature of St. Kilda's consulting, what really happened to Sylvia Quintrell, why does Alma have it in for Carly, what are Carly's roots and what happened to Lucia and Armondo?

The romance is secondary and while the sexual tension between Dan and Carly is excellent, their chemistry never really materializes. Carly's spunk and sass, however, are a definite highlight and her banter with Dan is simply brilliant.

Overall, an intriguing read that pulled me in and wouldn't let go. I will be continuing with the series. ( )

Synopsis:Carly May has been invited to the Quintrell compound to write a genealogy of the women of the Quintrell family. In doing this she uncovers some information that has cost the lives of several women and endangers hers. Dan Duran doesn't want to be involved, but is drawn into the drama and into the danger.
Review: Interesting book with lots of action, adventure, sinister mini-plots, and, of course, romance. ( )

I really like this series. ( )