"The Search" by Nora Roberts is a romantic suspense novel that follows Fiona Bristow, a dog trainer and Search and Rescue volunteer, who survived an encounter with a killer in the past. Set on Orcas Island, Fiona's peaceful life is disrupted by the presence of a copycat killer, leading to a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The book intertwines elements of romance, suspense, and dog training, creating a multi-layered narrative that keeps readers engaged till the end. Roberts skillfully weaves together themes of survival, love, and danger, making for a compelling and fast-paced read that explores the dynamics between the characters and the evolving threat they face.

The writing style of "The Search" is described as engaging and informative, particularly in its detailed portrayal of dog training and Search and Rescue operations. Roberts incorporates elements of mystery and intrigue, balancing them with moments of romance and humor, resulting in a story that is both entertaining and educational. The book delves into the complexities of human-canine relationships, highlighting the loyalty and companionship of dogs while also exploring the darker aspects of crime and danger that threaten the characters' lives.

Characters:

Characters display depth, with Fiona as a resilient survivor, Simon as a gruff but caring love interest, and strong supporting roles that add to the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is characterized by detailed descriptions of dog training and relationships, featuring conversational dialogue that blends humor with tension.

Plot/Storyline:

The story revolves around Fiona Bristow, a survivor of a serial killer, who is now training search and rescue dogs while facing threats from a copycat killer as she navigates a romance with Simon Doyle.

Setting:

Set on Orcas Island, the picturesque surroundings contribute to the narrative, creating a strong sense of place that supports the plot's development.

Pacing:

The pacing varies with a slower start focusing on details of dog training, leading to a more rapid build-up of suspense towards the end.

On a chilly morning in February with a misty rain shuttering the windows, Devin and Rosie Cauldwell made slow, sleepy love. It was day three of their week’s vacation—and month two of their attempt to ...

Notes:

The protagonist, Fiona Bristow, is a skilled dog trainer specializing in search and rescue operations.

Fiona survived a brutal attack by a serial killer, which adds depth to her character.

The story is set on Orcas Island, Washington, a picturesque setting that enhances the plot.

Fiona owns and trains three dogs, who play a significant role in her life and the plot.

The male lead, Simon Doyle, is a wood artist with a mischievous puppy named Jaws, emphasizing the bond between humans and animals.

The narrative explores themes of survival, strength, and the challenges of moving on from trauma.

Nora Roberts conducted extensive research on search and rescue techniques and dog behavior for authenticity in the story.

The plot weaves a suspenseful narrative involving a copycat killer, elevating the tension throughout the book.

Many readers appreciated the strong female lead who is not portrayed as a victim, but rather as someone who empowers herself.

The dialogues often highlight the dynamic relationship between Fiona and Simon, showcasing witty banter despite his sometimes abrasive personality.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of trauma related to serial killings, psychological distress, and references to past violence.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance that develops between the main characters amid the suspense of the serial killer plot.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

A canine Search and Rescue volunteer fights danger and finds love in the Pacific Northwest wilderness in this riveting #1 New York Times bestseller from Nora Roberts.

To most people, Fiona Bristow seems to have an idyllic life-a quaint house on an island off Seattle's coast, a thriving dog-training school and a challenging volunteer job performing Canine Search and Rescue. But Fiona got to this point by surviving a nightmare: an encounter with the Red Scarf Killer, who shot and killed Fiona's cop fiancé and his K-9 partner.

On Orcas Island, Fiona has found the peace and solitude necessary to rebuild her life with her three loyal Labs. But all that changes on the day intensely private wood artist Simon Doyle barrels up her drive with an out-of-control puppy, desperate for her help.

As Fiona embarks on training Jaws, and Simon begins to appreciate both dog and trainer, the past tears back into Fiona's life. A copycat killer has emerged out of the shadows, a man whose bloodlust has been channeled by a master with one motive: to reclaim the woman who slipped out of his hands…

Ratings (22)

Incredible (6)
Loved It (11)
Liked It (4)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (33):

Read It (22)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (9)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

katyana

Incredible

3 months

I've reread this book repeatedly, and it's honestly one of my favorite Nora Roberts books. It makes me want to train a dog for S & R, too.

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About the Author:

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels. She is also the author of the bestselling In Death series written under the pen name J. D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her…

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The Search

Nora Roberts