I recently agreed to a book “read-and-review swap” with author Trish Jackson, which is how I came to be in receipt of Capricorn Cravings. When Trish initially contacted me with her request I went and researched the title. Seeing that the book’s “about” blurb seemed interesting, I had her send it over. I’m glad that I did because Capricorn Cravings turned out to be a fun, adventurous, fast-paced read. And, while Capricorn Cravings does fall into the Romance category, it is not overly so, which also broadens the novel’s reading audience. Truthfully, I think anyone who enjoys the genres of: romance, adventure or murder and intrigue will find this book to be an entertaining read. With that said though, let me provide some insight into the plot…
It’s a quiet night, the sun has long ago set, and Riley Shaughnessy, the book’s main character, is meditating in her normally peaceful “away from it all” spot located within the forest not far from her home. Unfortunately, her much needed reprieve from the heaviness that her life’s career calling sometimes brings, is shattered by the sound of gunfire. Her mind shifts into overdrive while listening to the sounds of running feet, followed by the sound of someone being shot and then crashing heavily to the ground; mere feet from her.
This time of year is not hunting season, nor is it the appropriate time of day even if it were. After an initial attempt to stand during the fracas, Riley stayed down, as ordered by the man who is now lying comatose on the ground in front of her. Finally, the only sound breaking the night’s silence is that of her own, labored, breathing. Hoping she’s safe; she crawls across the ground, quickly reaching the injured man.
Being a veterinarian, she examines him as best as she can in the darkness; seeking to determine how badly he’s hurt. Riley also has a bad habit of talking aloud to herself, and after making a rather inappropriate comment she realizes the stranger has regained consciousness. Mortified by her words, she somehow manages to keep her head, telling him to be still as she’s going to go get help. When she and her friend Jim return, they discover that the mysterious stranger has vanished.
At her office the next day, her assistant Jamie is a no show; however, it doesn’t occur to Riley to worry about her until Jamie’s mother calls the following day. Jamie has seemingly vanished without a trace, leaving her young daughter, the love of her life, behind. After several days, Jamie is finally declared missing by the local authorities, and a search party is organized. Foul play is suspected and due to her association with Jamie, Riley becomes a “person of interest…”
I don’t want to provide any more information about this novel, but I will say it was well worth the read. Jackson writes with believability and style. Her scenes, characters and character interactions flow well, and she delivers a seamless romantic thriller (of sorts) that will certainly hold the reader’s attention. Definitely a four star read and I look forward to reading more from Jackson in the future.