ARC Review: Dead Girl Running by Christina Dodd

“…a modern day gothic novel. ”
~ Under the Covers

Kellen Adams has been running for a long time. From both a past that haunts her and a year of her life she can remember nothing about, but has left her with a gunshot scar on her forehead. She has finally managed to find a measure of peace as assistant manager at a grand but isolated hotel. However, the secluded location is the perfect place for a ruthless smuggling operation to set up. It isn’t long before Kellen starts to suspect someone in the hotel as being at its head. As Kellen’s past and present collide she needs to discover who she can trust.

In recent times I have come to really like thrillers, which is why I couldn’t resist picking up Dead Girl Running my first book by Christina Dodd. I’m certainly glad I gave it a try, the first chapter immediately sucks you in as it sets up the murder mystery/smuggling ring story line. But, it wasn’t just the present whodunit plot line that kept me reading. The past of main character Kellen Adams is a compelling mystery all of its own, especially as her past is hazy even to herself.

One of the things I liked most about this book was the gothic feel Dodd gave to it. The combination of Dodd’s slight bent towards melodrama; the oppressive dark and stormy atmosphere; the isolated setting and all the eccentric characters/potential suspects made it feel like you were reading a modern day gothic novel. This fit really well into the tense atmosphere giving the whole book a sinister edge.

The mystery itself was scattered with red herrings keeping the reader off balance. It left the murderer and head of the smuggling ring shrouded in mystery and misdirection right until the reveal at the end. For me though, it was Kellen’s heart breaking but vague past that I found most interesting, and warning! Although all the mysteries are cleared up by the end of the book, prepare yourself for a HUGE cliff hanger!

This was a great start to the Cape Charade series, the thriller/mystery aspect of the book was intriguing. There was also a little romance although it wasn’t the focus of this book, but there was enough to keep the romance junkie in me happy. A great read and I can’t wait to start the next book.

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[about-author author=”Christina Dodd”]

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