Thriller Review

Black Rose
by Resa Rowland
ISBN-10: 1933037547
Review by Heather Froeschl

A novel of suspense and psychological thrill, "Black Rose" is an interesting ride in the psyche of a woman who learns that life is never as it seems. Alexis Ruccini is in for some rude awakeningsàsome of which are enough to push any woman over the edge of reality.

Alexis lives a good life. She oversees the cattle ranch, gets her hair done weekly and is encouraged by her husband to stay at home while he works as a doctor and pays the bills. Is it a good life though, when that is all she is permitted to do? Abuse comes in all forms and Royce mentally abuses his wife, controlling every moment of her day, every aspect of her existence. She is just beginning to realize this. But something larger is looming. She is being stalked, watched, baited and terrorized by someoneàsomeone who knows her home, knows her husband and is taking control of it all. Someone is taking control away from Royce and making their life a living hell.

The story is quite thrilling and fast paced. This is an entrancing read. There were a few instances where I couldn't fathom why the character didnÆt call the police but I suppose that can be chalked up to her being so controlled by her husband. The only other problem, save for the tiny font used, was an abundance of misspellings throughout the book. As an editor I pick up on these things and they distract me terribly, as a reader I feel they are simply a show of sloppiness. The author constructed a great plot, deeply wonderful characters and a good page turning read, but she didn't hire an editor.

Still, the book is worth reading and is an interesting look at domestic abuse, wrapped up in a thrilling novel.