From Nora Roberts comes the #1 New York Times bestseller Shelter in Place (June 2018)–a powerful tale of heart, heroism…and propulsive suspense. It was a typical evening at a mall outside Portland, Maine. Three teenage friends waited for the movie to start. A boy flirted with the girl selling sunglasses. Mothers and children shopped together, and the manager at video game store tended to … together, and the manager at video game store tended to customers. Then the shooters arrived.
The chaos and carnage lasted only eight minutes before the killers were taken down. But for those who lived through it, the effects would last forever. In the years that followed, one would dedicate himself to a law enforcement career. Another would close herself off, trying to bury the memory of huddling in a ladies’ room, helplessly clutching her cell phone–until she finally found a way to pour her emotions into her art.
But one person wasn’t satisfied with the shockingly high death toll at the DownEast Mall. And as the survivors slowly heal, find shelter, and rebuild, they will discover that another conspirator is lying in wait–and this time, there might be nowhere safe to hide.
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Very up to date subject matter with great characters and story line
Another great book from Nora Roberts
One of her best books. Great plot and cast of characters. I enjoyed it.
Slow start but improved
In her timely tale, which begins with a mall shooting, Nora Roberts has tapped into a sensitive vein running through America. She digs into the psyche of both mass shooters and serial killers while exploring what it means to be victimized by both.
The novel is propelled by the idea that tragedy amplifies personality traits which lie dormant in us all. One survivor of the mall shooting may find his calling as protector of the innocent while another withdraws; finally working through her trauma as she peels back the layers of her protective shell. In yet another survivor, inner ugliness erases all traces of the previously beautiful façade.
The canvas of Roberts’ characters is rich in detail as she treats her readers to visceral descriptions, both visual and emotional. She elevates the beauty of her imagery by incorporating the artistic perspectives of her character.
The stand-out character in this novel is that of Ci Ci, the grandmother. Ci Ci makes a spectacular role model for grandmothers everywhere as a New Age free spirit with the slightest touch of Wicca. Sexy and philisophical, Ci Ci drops her own brand of pixie dust on her loved ones, filled with wisdom, love and acceptance.
“Unputdownable” is an apt way to describe Shelter in Place. I listened to the audiobook narrated by January LaVoy. Usually, I listen to audiobooks while I do hands-on projects that don’t require concentration. I was not able to do that while listening to this story. I frequently found myself at a dead stop, utterly caught up – creating landscapes or scenes in my mind. LaVoy’s characterizations, combined with the production quality and trajectory of the characters’ journey, was engrossing.
I’ll conclude by mentioning that, although the climax is gripping and spectacular, I would love to have seen an expanded description of the killer’s resolution. However, even with this minor wish, I would not hesitate to recommend Shelter in Place. It was an exciting and thoroughly satisfying way to spend 15 hours and 22 minutes, almost in one sitting!
Nora always delivers.
I have read all of Nora Roberts books except one. She has over 200 books that she has written. I think this is the best one she has ever written.
WOW!!! This had my attention from the first page and kept it until the very end! This was the Nora Roberts I discovered years ago, before all the stories started to feel the same. I can not recommend this enough!
Wow!
Nora Roberts has been writing books that have been dealing with issues and problems around us. She hit the nail on the head with the storyline in this book. Loved the characters and never disappointed with her books. Good one
Good story but I think it should have ended sooner. The killing became redundant tome.
Catches you up right away. Great setup then you are hooked
I always love Nora Roberts characters – people that I would like to know and seem just genuine. Good book!
Nora Roberts didn’t disappoint. She kept me in suspense until the end. Of course, everything ended well.
Confession time. Despite her status as a best selling author, I don’t always enjoy Ms. Roberts’ work. Although she is undoubtedly gifted, with a flair for rich characterization, it just doesn’t always work for me. However, when it DOES work, as in this case, it works beautifully. The images here and the exploration of the horrible tragedy of a mass shooting and its aftermath are all skillfully crafted, and the two primary characters – Reed and Simone – are particularly special, while the author manages something that seldom happens to me; she incorporates this semi-procedural thriller into a lovely romance, and that takes a heck of a lot of ability for a confirmed skeptic like myself. She also manages to create a particularly nasty villain – the kind one can love to hate, and revel in the final triumph of karmic justice. Though I am quite sure I will continue to be wary of the kind of massive praise that always seems to greet her new publications, I will admit this one deserves it. 4 full stars.
Loved this book and the author!
Nora Roberts always delivers.
Wonderful! Couldn’t put this book down.
Nora Roberts books are always special, and this one is no different. I loved the depth of the story. It’s not just a simple romance. As usual, she definitely hit the mark for me.. It was wonderful!
Love Nora Roberts books, but this book is the best yet. I hated to stop reading because the plot and the characters were so intense!
I love Nora Robert’s books! Shelter in Place is one of her best!!!