Silent Watch
2 Stars

Note: This book has been reissued as The Survivor.

In pursuit of a serial killer known as the Rose Killer, FBI Agent Blake Corwin enlists the aid of Samantha Dawson who survived the killer's vicious attack. Reluctant at first, Sam ultimately agrees as her determination to catch a monster and have a future is more than strong enough to overcome her fears.

Despite its potential, this book is simply one cliché after another, and the romance is lackluster at best. The serial killer/FBI agent/witness protection plot has been done numerous times before and there is nothing original or unique about it here.

The romance also falls completely flat. While both Sam and Blake are likable enough, particularly Sam whose strength of will and resilience in the aftermath of her ordeal is admirable, there is absolutely no chemistry in the relationship. Moreover, Blake's stoicism is overdone to the extent that he comes across as mopey rather than dark and brooding.

Finally, it is particularly annoying that the reporter who exposes Samantha's identity is never punished. His actions are not only reprehensible but possibly even criminal, and the situation is merely glossed over.

All in all, Elle Kennedy has written some really good books, but this is unfortunately not one of them. ( )