Hidden Nature, Nora Roberts
Synopsis:
Nora Roberts’ Hidden Nature follows Sloan Cooper, a Natural Resources police officer whose life takes an unexpected turn when she’s critically injured interrupting a convenience store robbery. During her recovery, back at her childhood home, a local woman vanishes, sparking Sloan’s curiosity. She uncovers a chilling pattern of similar disappearances across multiple states, realizing a dangerous serial killer is at work.
As Sloan delves into the mystery, she finds an unlikely ally and potential love interest in Nash Littlefield, who, along with his brother, has moved to town to start a contracting business. While Sloan races against time to stop the escalating abductions, she must also navigate her personal healing and a blossoming romance, risking her life once more to bring the twisted killers to justice.
Richard says
Nora Roberts’ latest romantic suspense novel, Hidden Nature, delivers a compelling blend of thrilling mystery and heartwarming romance.
The plot centers on Sloan Cooper, a Natural Resources police officer whose life is irrevocably altered when she’s shot during a convenience store robbery. Her arduous recovery leads her back to her family home, but Sloan, ever the investigator, can’t sit idly by.
When a local woman vanishes, Sloan’s keen instincts kick in. Her unofficial investigation soon uncovers a disturbing pattern of disappearances across state lines, pointing to a methodical and chilling serial killer.
Roberts masterfully builds suspense by revealing the killers’ twisted motivations and methods early on, creating a palpable sense of dread as Sloan unknowingly closes in. The polished narrative makes the reader privy to the villains’ actions, adding in a unique layer of tension, making every step Sloan takes feel precarious.
Amidst the dark hunt, a lighter, yet equally engaging, thread emerges with the arrival of Nash Littlefield and his brother Theo, who move to Heron’s Rest to start a renovation business. Nash’s grounded nature and quiet strength provide a compelling counterpoint to Sloan’s driven personality, fostering a slow-burn romance that feels earned and genuine. The supportive family dynamics, particularly Sloan’s close-knit relatives and the secondary romance between her sister Drea and Theo, add depth and warmth, preventing the darker elements from becoming overwhelming.
Hidden Nature shines in its suspenseful plotting and the resilience of its protagonist. Sloan’s journey from vulnerability to renewed strength, coupled with the intricate unraveling of the serial killer’s horrifying “mission,” makes for a propulsive and engaging read.
Roberts weaves a captivating story balanced by thrilling detective work with the comforting embrace of family and burgeoning love. Readers will feel the warmth of a well-written romantic novel coupled with the tension and suspense of a polished crime story.
Though novel may occasionally lag, too much detail and an unnecessarily long descriptions, overall it’s a gripping story that at the same time is charming and warming emotionally. An enjoyable read.
