Simone and Reed are making plans for the future. She’s been working on a statue for a memorial and it’s finally starting to take shape. He’s the newly installed chief of police on the island and planning for public safety over the summer vacation season. That is, until the first card arrived in the mail confirming he’s on the list. A serial killer is out there, hunting them both, along with dozens of others on a list of people who survived a mass shooting 13 years ago. Reed is the killer’s penultimate target – he was made famous by the original event as a young adult, went on to join the force…and survived another attempt on his life that nearly cost the killer their own. The icing on the cake? He’s in love with another top target – the girl who called 911 at the first shooting.
Nora Roberts may be best known for her over 200 romance novels, but Shelter in Place delivers the suspense of a major thriller work. Released in 2018, this book feels like a ripped from the headlines story with so many mass shootings in locations like malls and theaters. But leave it to Roberts to weave a beautiful love story throughout the novel. Many of her novels have been turned into Lifetime movies, and this is another that could easily see the screen. This is a story about the impact of our decisions and dealing with our grief, but also seeing past the exterior image to who someone is behind the façade.
I give Shelter in Place 4 out of 5 stars. As soon as I finished this novel, I picked up my phone to tell people about it – it was so good! The only major detraction for me was that this felt like it was written for screen adaptation. There were a few moments that didn’t seem to further the plot or any character development. I also found the first few chapters hard to read – it may have been the subject matter, but it felt like I couldn’t connect with the characters in those first few pages. I appreciate the way Roberts dealt with the long-term effects of trauma and the bond of the shared experience. I also enjoyed the inclusion of the law enforcement procedures and the artistic methods!
This novel should, and does, come with a strong warning label given the subject matter: mass shootings, family violence, drug use, and serial killers. If you enjoy books in the Ryanverse but are looking for something with a little more romance and less military procedures, you will enjoy this book. I would also recommend this book for readers used to reading Roberts romance works, but looking for something with a little more thrill.
I chose Shelter in Place for the US States reading challenge prompt “Maine”. I’ve had this on my shelf for about a year now, and it’s the first Nora Roberts book I’ve read. I’m looking forward to reading more of her work after this! Have you read any of Robert’s books? What’s your favorite?
This post contains affiliate links.
What I’m Reading
- Current print book: There’s No Coming Back From This, Ann Garvin
- Current audio book: Poisoned Water, Candy J Cooper & Marc Aronson
- Book I’m most looking forward to: Legends of the Fall, Jim Harrison
Read With Lindsey 
One thought on “Shelter in Place”