Shadow Dance

This was a great read from start to finish! I enjoy this authors work and this story developed great. The characters are strong, the plot moves swiftly and there is just the right amount of sizzle to make you wish for your very own "body guard".

I JUST READ THIS FOR THE FIRST TIME AND WAS BLOWN AWAY FROM THE FIRST PAGE ON. I LOVE TRISTAN.. AND ESPECIALLY WITH AMANDAALL I CAN SAY IS WHEN'S THE SEQUAL BECAUSE WE NEED MORE OF TRISTAN AND HIS LOVELY LASS.

Ms. Andersen's research for this story was excellent. The police work, serial killer and dancers (aka gypsies)portrayed here are excellent. This story is well done. I didn't find it to be slow as other reviewers stated. Although I do have to say anyone not knowing who the killer is well before the end of the book is not paying attention. The secondary characters are great. (When Randy finally gets his, I was cheering.) While it takes Mandy and Tristin awhile to get together, when they finally do the love scenes are hot!This story is very different from Ms. Andersen's recent works, but well worth the read.

I do not agree with the assessments that this book started out slowly. I felt that it had necessary plot and character development that moved along at a good pace. It is evident from the outset that our two slightly misfit main characters are uncharacteristically attracted to eachother. Susan builds the heat and chemistry between them as only she can. Their attraction is powerful and well written, and I did not find it to be slow at all.I think that Susan is a rare author who writes romantic suspence as well as she writes contemporary romance, and I thouroughly loved this book. My only complaint has to do with the ending. I thought it dragged out with a bit of unnecessary drama, and should have come to a conclusion more quickly.

Experienced with ending the careers of serial killers, Seattle detective Tristan MacLaughlin is sent to Reno to head the task force trying to stop the Show Girl Slayer who has killed three local chorus line dancers. Tristan finds himself not wanting the job because he detests hoofers believing they are high-class hookers.Dancing has been Amanda Rose Charles' life, however currently she is afraid of the killer who murdered a close friend. When Amanda meets Tristan, they immediately share a mutual dislike for one another. He thinks she is a whore and she believes he is a terse egotist. As they become acquainted, they begin to realize their stereotyping is way off base. Tristan sees refined elegance and Amanda observes a caring soul. Soon the couple falls in love, but the show stopping Show Girl Slayer still stalks the ballrooms.Albeit a serial killer thriller, the lead couple's distinct and opposite personalities turn SHADOW DANCE into a strong police procedural romance. The investigation is fun to follow, but the relationship between the cop and the dancer lightens yet also intensifies the mood, which leads to the chase to stop the killer seemingly real. Readers will adore the intrepid yet reticent Tristan and cherish the lively Amanda. Though a reprint of Susan Anderson's debut novel, the tale remains a strong blending of mystery and romance that fans of both genres will appreciate.Harriet Klausner