Smash Cut

This is the first Sandra Brown book I've ever read. Her writing had me hooked from the first page!! With everything going on, it was hard to put the book down. Can't wait to read more of her books!

Sandra Brown is one of the few authors who is able to guarantee an enviable level of book sales with the presence of her name on the cover. And with SMASH CUT, her latest novel, Brown gives her readers their money's worth by delivering what may be her best work to date, blending characters, plot and memorable vignettes into a rapidly readable mix. SMASH CUT begins with a murder. A daring robbery carried out on an elevator at the Moultrie Hotel in Atlanta by a ski-masked bandit ends with the murder of Paul Wheeler, the CEO of Wheeler Enterprises. A widower who is a well-regarded pillar of Atlanta society, Paul was also a highly successful businessman. And it had been his practice to meet weekly at the Moultrie with Julie Rutledge, who, despite the disparity in age between herself and Paul, had been his companion for almost two years. Julie, the owner of Atlanta's most successful art gallery, had just concluded her weekly meeting with Paul when he was murdered. The police initially have no significant leads as to the identity of the killer, although Creighton Wheeler, a thoroughly unsympathetic character, has the most to gain from his death, given that he is Paul's nephew and testamentary heir. Despite the best efforts of Creighton's father, Doug, the 28-year-old waste of skin has absolutely no interest in the family business other than the extent to which it can be a cash cow to feed the maw of his own interests: call girls, fast cars, designer clothes, and --- most of all --- films, which he watches obsessively. When the police investigating Paul's murder begin paying close attention to Creighton's affairs, Doug looks to Derek Mitchell, Atlanta's pre-eminent defense attorney, for representation. Derek is unaware of what has taken place when he is initially contacted by Doug as he had just returned from a vacation in Paris. And although Derek is intrigued by the case, he ultimately turns it down, telling Doug that Creighton, who has an airtight alibi, is not a viable suspect in the case. But the reader soon learns that the truth goes deeper than that. Although Derek has an extreme distaste for Creighton, the real reason he denies the case is because he is attracted to Julie, which would produce a conflict of interest. When Creighton, who has always harbored a deep dislike of Julie, becomes aware of the attraction, it puts Julie and Derek --- as well as the real killer --- in his crosshairs as Julie slowly and inexorably becomes the primary focus of the police investigation. This state of affairs occurs as the result of Creighton's machinations. As unlikable as he may be, Creighton is a diabolical genius as well as an uncontrollable narcissist who will do anything to get what he wants. Using scenes from the classic films with which he is obsessed, Creighton blazes a trail of mayhem across Atlanta, with his ultimate target being an innocent who unwittingly holds the key to Paul's murder. As Julie and Derek race to bring down Creighton, even as t

Brief and to the point. This is a great book. Kept me guessing and uncertain until the end. Unlike a lot of authors this summer who have come back with mediocre (at best) books, Ms Brown has kept up the good work. I acutally went back and downloaded another or her books that was equally good. Looking forward to her next.

Just finished the book and it wasn't bad, though also not great. Great chemistry and tension between Derek and Julie. As for suspense, I expected more twists and turns, for sure more surprises I mean there were a few baby ones here and there, but only two big ones in the whole book. I mean you suspect the mastermind from the beginning, and its confirmed in the middle of the book. The rest is all a matter of catching and proving it. The ending was great though, came together perfectly. So basically its a mild suspense dramatic read. If your new to Sandra I suggest her other suspense novels first, but if your a fan like me, you'll love it no matter what.

If you're like most readers, you probably feel the same as I do about certain good authors and their latest releases, even at their worst, they're good. Sandra Brown's latest is an excellent read. I liked it from the very beginning. Great mystery, good characters, although there were few surprises along the way, it still kept me flipping the pages. I love being drawn into a thriller and this book achieves its purpose. I was intrigued by the antagonist,wondering what he'd do next. The only thing I would have changed was to spice up the love scenes a bit more. They're pretty vanilla, and for me, vanilla doesn't do the trick anymore, but otherwise, a decent story.

Sandra Brown is among the best writers that adds suspense-filled overtones to an underlining romantic plotline. Her newest book, Smash Cut, is just another example of her brilliant pen work. The book begins with the murder of a highly successful, well-recognizable CEO, Paul Wheeler. What at first seems like a simple robbery, however, is proving to be anything but. The Atlanta businessman had romantic entanglements with one of the most successful art dealers in the Southern US, Julie Rutledge, may be the only viable witness alive. As this case dominates the headlines, the world renown defense lawyer, Derek Mitchell, is hired by the family to defend, Creighton Wheeler, the nephew of Paul, whom has yet to be charged with the crime. This is a bold move from the family and it raises all sorts of red flags. But laying in wait is Julie, who is committed to bringing justice to Paul, and is willing to do all she can to see that it happens -- and her first task is to prevent the incredibly handsome, Derek Mitchell, from defending the case. This latest book by Ms. Brown moves along at a blinding pace. The book starts fast and only gains momentum. The twist and turns are so unpredictable, that you cannot see them coming. For instance: Creighton Wheeler is the primary suspect, yet has an alibi for the night of the crime. But if he is not guilty, then why did the family rush and hire the best defense lawyer in the business? And what role did, Julie Rutledge, truly play in all this? Remember, she is the viable witness? The characters are brilliantly constructed and mesmerize the reader by inviting them into this world of sordid lust and carnal desires. I highly recommend it. Another book I would highly recommend is GE0 TIN'S masterful novel SIRENS: Sirens (Enchanted Song) it is another incredibly crafted novel the features the dual genre.