Carnal Innocence

Rating:
Summary: Nora Robert's BEST
Review: Don't hesitate. Buy this book today.

This is Nora Robert's best book. The characters are warm and funny and realistic. I have spent enough time in small towns in Missouri that I can see many of those townspeople in the characters in Carnal Innocence. I find myself going back and reading it again once or twice a year.

Rating:
Summary: A new Nora Roberts Fan!
Review: I absolutely loved this book. Nora Roberts managed to write a fantastic romance, which, by itself was great, but then wove in a murder mystery and came up with a real winner. The story takes place in a small town in Mississippi called Innocence. A serial murderer is killing women and they are all connected to the Longstreet family, especially Tucker. He is a laid back, kind of lazy, womanizer who had dated the first 3 women killed. The new girl in town, Caroline, has moved into her grandmother's house to recuperate from her hectic life as a concert violinist. Of course she is right in the thick of things from the time she arrives. The mystery is well written and had me guessing from one person to the next. It is such a good story and Nora Roberts has added lots of humor, and has a good talent for writing southern dialogue. I am anxious to find other books written by her as this was my first. I listened to it on Audio-book and was so impressed with the narrator, he sure had alot of characters to portray and did a fantastic job with all of them. If you happen to get the Recorded Books version on audio there is also a whole tape interviewing Nora Roberts that was fun to listen to. I would recommend this to anyone who likes either romance, mystery or a good combination of both.

Rating:
Summary: Murder, Romance & Southern Hospitality!
Review: In a hurry, I picked up "Carnal Innocence" for a light read on a long train trip. Not expecting much, (maybe it was the title?), I was surprised to find this Nora Roberts' novel very entertaining.

Carolyn Waverly, a world-class concert violinist takes a much needed break from her high pressured tours and a romance gone sour. She visits her deceased grandparents' home in Innocence, Mississippi, hoping to find the tranquillity she experienced there as a child. As she begins to settle-in and get to know the friendly locals, a murder victim is found on her property - the third victim in a series of serial killings. Apparently the town's most attractive women are being targeted for death. The sheriff and FBI do not know if the murderer is a stranger lurking in the bayou or a lifelong inhabitant of Innocence. To complicate matters for the lovely Caroline, her new beau, (he works fast!), the irresistibly charming, handsome, Tucker Longstreet, is a suspect.

There are a few surprises in the plot and Ms. Roberts' characters are wonderful. Caroline Waverly, who has lead a lonely life on the road, with constant concert tours, is immediately taken into the bosom of the townsfolk. Many remember her as a child and begin to treat her like extended family. The southern warmth and hospitality, along with some local history and characters' foibles, liven up the novel as much as the mystery and romance. A fun, light read - perfect for long train or plane trips!
JANA

Rating:
Summary: Nora Roberts .........What can I say? She excels again.
Review: Nora Roberts does it again with another great read.

In "Carnal Innocence" the writer beautifully meshes romance and mystery into a wonderful page-turner from start to finish.It has you constantly guessing who the killer is, with the frequent twists and turns of the plot.

You will fall in love with Caroline and Tucker, and you will absolutely love Cousin Lulu.On the other hand you won't be able to wait to see the back of Austin.

If you have never read a Nora Roberts book before, this is a good one to start with.

As an avid reader of all genres of fiction, I recommend this book and I assure you that you will not be disappointed.