Die for Me
4 Stars

When several graves are uncovered in a field, Philadelphia detective, Vito Ciccotelli, calls in local archeologist and medieval historian, Sophie Johannsen to aid in the investigation. With the bodies piling up, Vito and his colleagues will have to race against the clock once the sadistic killer sets his sights on Sophie.

A tense and exciting if predictable read.

In terms of the plot, it is relatively easy to guess the villain’s identity. Nevertheless, the story is well-developed and suspenseful. Rose’s research into medieval weaponry and torture devices, as well as the computer game industry and forensic investigation, is exceptional and makes for interesting reading. It should be noted that the descriptions are quite graphic and violent, and the books deals with some disturbing themes. As such, it may not be for everyone.

As in most of Rose’s books, there are numerous characters to keep track of from Sophie and Vito’s respective families, colleagues and friends to the killer’s victims and other assorted witnesses. That said, each and every character plays an important role in the story and none are superfluous. Moreover, Rose’s villain is as diabolical as they come and his actions and motivations make for some spine-chilling scenes.

The romance between Sophie and Vito is the weakest aspect of the book. Sophie is not a particularly likable heroine. She is cold, curt, abrasive and self-absorbed. While she does eventually change her outlook on life and become more agreeable, she never quite manages to evoke any sympathy. Vito, on the other hand, is sexy and charming, and his devotion to his family makes him extremely engaging. To be honest, aside from the physical attraction, it is unclear why he wants to be with her.

All in all, a solid addition to Rose’s thrilling if hauntingly dark series. ( )

Un asesino implacable, un videojuego donde las víctimas son reales… Un detective de homicidios y una arqueóloga especialista en historia medieval deben unir fuerzas para detener este juego diabólico.
16 tumbas, algunas de ellas vacías, y un asesino implacable que no parará hasta llenarlas. La primera víctima es hallada en un campo cubierto de nieve en Filadelfia. El detective Vito Ciccotelli solicita la ayuda de la arqueóloga Sophie Johannsen para determinar exactamente qué yace debajo de ese terreno congelado. A pesar de que ha pasado años excavando, nada puede preparar a Sophie para la matriz de 16 tumbas excavadas en cuatro hileras con una escalofriante precisión. Las víctimas allí enterradas la atormentan. Pero las tumbas vacías la aterrorizan: el asesino aún no ha terminado. Es frío y calculador; el maestro de un juego retorcido. Y con Vito y Sophie tras su huella, no parará. Una tumba vacía ha de ser llenada y un último grito ha de ser escuchado: el de una arqueóloga que está demasiado cerca y que es demasiado irresistible.

Die For Me by Karen Rose
Romantic suspense. #7 in the order of all the author books. Can be read as a stand-alone.
A body is found in a Philadelphia field and Detective Vito Ciccotelli calls in archaeologist Sophie Johannasen to help investigate.

They find multiple bodies and the work starts to identify the victims and track down the killer. The empty spots are chilling because you know they are planned.

Intense and gripping. Lots of bodies. Horrifying, torturous kills. And a psycho killer.
Wow. ( )

Die for Me
4 Stars

When several graves are uncovered in a field, Philadelphia detective, Vito Ciccotelli, calls in local archeologist and medieval historian, Sophie Johannsen to aid in the investigation. With the bodies piling up, Vito and his colleagues will have to race against the clock once the sadistic killer sets his sights on Sophie.

A tense and exciting if predictable read.

In terms of the plot, it is relatively easy to guess the villain’s identity. Nevertheless, the story is well-developed and suspenseful. Rose’s research into medieval weaponry and torture devices, as well as the computer game industry and forensic investigation, is exceptional and makes for interesting reading. It should be noted that the descriptions are quite graphic and violent, and the books deals with some disturbing themes. As such, it may not be for everyone.

As in most of Rose’s books, there are numerous characters to keep track of from Sophie and Vito’s respective families, colleagues and friends to the killer’s victims and other assorted witnesses. That said, each and every character plays an important role in the story and none are superfluous. Moreover, Rose’s villain is as diabolical as they come and his actions and motivations make for some spine-chilling scenes.

The romance between Sophie and Vito is the weakest aspect of the book. Sophie is not a particularly likable heroine. She is cold, curt, abrasive and self-absorbed. While she does eventually change her outlook on life and become more agreeable, she never quite manages to evoke any sympathy. Vito, on the other hand, is sexy and charming, and his devotion to his family makes him extremely engaging. To be honest, aside from the physical attraction, it is unclear why he wants to be with her.

All in all, a solid addition to Rose’s thrilling if hauntingly dark series. ( )

When a decomposed body turns up in a field, police call upon an archaeologist to map out the grave. To their horror, they discover not one but 16 interconnected graves; seven yet to be filled. As they work to identify the nine victims (many which were tortured), the killer is busy dispensing his own brand of medieval justice on victim #10. it's nearly 600 pages and has so much going on, but as always, It's a gripping read. It could easily be trimmed about 100 pages and been an even more taut and suspenseful thriller. ( )