Bronze Mystique / Secrets in Silence

Rating:
Summary: Bronze Mystique & Secrets in Silence
Review: Harlequin's latest 2-in-1 collection is a combination of a 1984 Harlequin Temptation, 'Bronze Mystique,' by Barbara Delinsky and a new Harlequin Intrigue by Gayle Wilson, 'Secrets in Silence.' I'm always skeptical of these collections. They usually exploit the better selling author, in this case Delinsky, by reprinting one of her older books that is dated and nothing like the books she's writing now, while drawing attention to the newer author who might not get it otherwise. Since the newer author's book is more contemporary and suited to today's readers, it comes off better than the reprint and makes the old favorite look weaker. That was the case in the last one of these 2-in-1 Intrigue collections, with Delinsky's 'Threats and Promises' and the then-new 'Her Secret Past' by Amanda Stevens. The difference is more noticeable here since 'Bronze Mystique' was not even an Intrigue. Why not reprint an actual Intrigue in an Intrigue collection? Nora Roberts' 'Night Moves' seems a perfect fit with this book. Anne Stuart's 'Catspaw' fits even better, with her Wilson collaboration on a new 'Catspaw' sequel coming out next month. Wilson's book is so good only something like those books would have been able to withstand direct comparison in a collection like this.

I found the book inexplicably chosen instead, Delinsky's 'Bronze Mystique,' to be a solid read. Anyone reading it in 1984 might like it even more. But the series romance novels of 1984 were very different than most of what we see today and I don't think it's fair to completely judge it in today's terms. Readers may want to keep in mind that the book is seventeen years old and does read like it. Those more familiar with Delinsky's current work and bestsellers will likely find something far different here. The romance is good, though the story is very slowly paced and the subplot takes a while to develop. Ironically, that would normally make it a perfect companion for a Wilson story.

Wilson's 'Secrets in Silence,' though, is nearly worth the price of the collection by itself. I've had a wide range of responses to this author's Intrigues over the years. One thing has remained the same for all of them: I've never understood why her books were Intrigues and not Intimate Moments. None of her Intrigues have been plot heavy or mystery oriented whodunits, the two elements that typically separate Intrigues from Intimate Moments. I've never been able to tell the difference between her brand of romantic suspense and the Intimate Moments version.

'Secrets in Silence' is a first. For me, it's the first Wilson contemporary that is unmistakably an Intrigue and doesn't feel like it could be an Intimate Moments. Most of her books to feature a whodunit ('Echoes in the Dark,' the Home to Texas books, 'Her Private Bodyguard,' 'Never Let Her Go,' 'Heart of the Night') failed as mysteries because there were too few suspects and so few developed secondary characters that it was too obvious who the villain had to be (like most Intimate Moments). 'Secrets in Silence' is the first to feature a large cast of characters and a number of suspects to keep readers guessing to the end. It's the first Wilson Intrigue to feature a heavily plotted, intricate mystery that's as important as, if not more than, the romance. Quite simply, this has to be the best contemporary murder mystery Wilson has ever written. So of course, it's not being published as an Intrigue. What irony.

The story: Ten years after a little girl was murdered in a small Alabama town, Callie Evers has come to investigate. She's found a connection that links this case to the murder of another little girl. No one seems willing to discuss the murder that tore the town apart, especially not former police chief Ben Stanton. Stanton was torn apart for bungling the case and failing to charge the killer. Now he may have a second chance. Callie has become a target of someone who doesn't like the questions she's asking. Can Stanton finally close the case that's haunted him all these years and save one more victim from a deadly killer?

If 'Bronze Mystique' was dated in a bad way, 'Secrets in Silence' reminds me of old Intrigues in a good way. It's a throwback to the kinds of books the line used to publish and the stories of authors like Jenna Ryan, Bethany Campbell and even Stuart's 'Hand in Glove.' Dark, atmospheric, full of small town secrets, it's the kind of story I've missed. Some category readers may want to be warned that this story contains some mainstream elements not everyone will be comfortable with. The murder of children is not an easy topic to read about, and I found some parts of the story unsettling (and rightfully so). This may not be a story for everyone. Those that do try it will likely find a wonderfully engrossing and suspenseful tale you won't want to read in the dark. It's one of the best Intrigues of the year.

Normally, I wouldn't recommend paying a higher price for a category-sized novel and a reprint. In this case, 'Secrets in Silence' is worth the price all on its own. One of the very best by the author.

Rating:
Summary: One of Ms. Delinsky's best
Review: I throughly enjoyed this story. An earlier Delinsky, and less complex than her bigger books perhaps, but one of her best romances.

Rating:
Summary: Pure sugar fluff, couldn't wait to get to the end.
Review: This is the first book of Barbara Delinsky's I've read that I didn't like. It was so predictable. I can't believe men really talk like that in real life. I couldn't wait to finish it.