Kill Me If You Can

Nicole Young's juggling of time, hope, and fear proves her to be a master of the mystery genre. Young also provides settings that influcence the plot as much as the action. Her fresh touch with the classic devices of suspense makes this book very special, very rewarding. Don't plan to get much done after you pick this book up. It's a winner.

I have purchased the two books available in the Patricia Amble Mystery Series, this one and the other "Love Me If You Must." If you enjoy mystery novels this one is a must! The twists and turns always kept me quessing and the endings were never disappointing. I am so anxious for the third book due out in Feb 09, "Kiss Me If You Dare."

Confused and fearful of the feelings invoked by her friend, police officer Brad Walters, Tish Amble escapes to the Upper Peninsula in search of the family her grandmother blamed for her mother's suicide. Planning to renovate the summer home she remembers from her last days with her mother, Tish discovers the men in her family have a shady past, an aunt who despises everyone except Tish and finding the truth can be a painful and dangerous task. Nicole Young follows her debut novel, Love Me If You Must, with another enthralling mystery encompassing dysfunctional families, the insidious grip of criminal behaviour and the continuing journey of Tish's heart. The complexity of Tish's character is a joy to read as she struggles with the emotional pain of abandonment, the desperate need to connect with her seemingly unsavoury family and battles her attachment to Brad . The suspense is intriguing and kept me turning each page with anticipation and not a little anxiety! Kill Me If You Can finishes with a killer ending, ensuring Nicole's third instalment, Kiss Me If You Dare, flys off the shelves in February, 2009

Kill Me If You Can by Nicole Young is the second Patricia Amble mystery. Patricia (Tish to friends and family) has purchased a log cabin in Michigan's Upper Peninsula to renovate while she recuperates from the events of the previous book. The cabin was a summer retreat for her and her mother when she was a little girl, before the woman committed suicide not too far from the cabin. But when Tish arrives, she finds a torn picture of her mother on a pillow with the words "Don't ask why" written across it. She quickly discovers that both her mother and father (whom she's never met) still have family in the area who are quick to claim her as their own. She's caught in a web of spousal abuse, drugs, and secrets when all she wants to do is retreat to the cabin. Tish loses her privacy, but discovers happiness in the company of others and in serving them. Her fledging faith is growing, but regularly tested. The violent ending feels like a punch in the gut, and the preview chapter of the next book: Kiss Me If You Must only taunts. I'm counting the days until it's released and Tish's secret past is revealed!

Patricia Amble has returned to a childhood locale in Michigan's Upper Peninsula in hopes of discovering clues into the secrets of her past as well as opening a new vista of opportunities as she pursues her interest in locating, redecorating and restoring historical residences. "Kill Me If You Can" is the second in the Patricia Amble Mystery series. Award winning author, Nicole Young's descriptions of Michigan's natural beauty and locales are brilliant and provide an incredible back drop for her story of suspense, intrigue, mystery, and romance. Because of her determination for independence, a sense of guilt, stubbornness, pride, sensitivity, vulnerability, and justice Tish often finds she is conflicted and as a result makes decisions which lead to possible risk and put her life in jeopardy. The book is written as a first person narrative. Nicole has done a superb job of revealing Patricia's thoughts and emotions. The characters that surround Patricia are varied all believable, some despicable, others genuine. All are flawed people building lives and relationships. An element of self esteem, abuse, and healing is embedded in the plot to give substance and a message through the platform of fiction. Key characters are at various levels of understanding in their spiritual journey and as they express their concern for others the message of God's love and forgiveness is clearly presented. Nicole builds a sustained interest through a constant development and escalation of the action in her complex plot. Her character interaction is strong and distinctive. Nicole Young's writing is compelling, compassionate, and inspirational. "Kill Me If You Can" touches the heart through action adventure, intrigue, and mystery.