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Aftermath
by M.K. Ahearn
2.5–3 Stars — More Missed Potential Than Criminal Minds Magic
Aftermath promises a thrilling, Criminal Minds style romantic suspense with a grumpy x sunshine pairing, but unfortunately, it never quite delivers on its full potential. Marketed for fans of Lights Out by Navessa Allen and Spencer Reid coded characters, I went in expecting a dark, twisty, emotionally charged story with a compelling FBI lead. What I got instead was a surface level suspense and a romance that felt underdeveloped.
The premise had potential: a small town museum historian obsessed with a cold case teaming up with a disgraced FBI agent hunting a serial killer? It sounded SO goof and reminded me of my queen, Catherine Cowles; she writes romantic suspense and it is always stellar. But while the setup was solid, the execution lacked depth. Agent Winston Beck is supposedly brilliant (IQ wise), but that never truly gets shown on the page. It’s told to us repeatedly, but if you are looking for that cerebral, Spencer Reid like charm and insight, you will be left wanting. The character traits felt more like a checkbox than a personality.
The suspense plot was predictable, with few surprises, and the romantic chemistry between Lenny and Stone lacked spark. Their connection seemed more convenient than believable. If you're familiar with Catherine Cowles' work (and she is the queen of romantic suspense), you'll likely feel this is a watered down version. It's missing the emotional punch and tight, immersive writing Cowles consistently delivers.
There's also the matter of editing. This book desperately needs another proofreading pass. Grammatical errors and typos were distracting and pulled me out of the story often enough to take away from the overall experience.
If you're looking for a light suspense read with a tattooed FBI agent and small town charm, you might still enjoy Aftermath. But if you’re expecting Criminal Minds grit, deep psychological insight, or anything resembling a dark romance, this isn't it.
Thank you to M.K. Ahearn for the eARC of this book.
Aftermath promises a thrilling, Criminal Minds style romantic suspense with a grumpy x sunshine pairing, but unfortunately, it never quite delivers on its full potential. Marketed for fans of Lights Out by Navessa Allen and Spencer Reid coded characters, I went in expecting a dark, twisty, emotionally charged story with a compelling FBI lead. What I got instead was a surface level suspense and a romance that felt underdeveloped.
The premise had potential: a small town museum historian obsessed with a cold case teaming up with a disgraced FBI agent hunting a serial killer? It sounded SO goof and reminded me of my queen, Catherine Cowles; she writes romantic suspense and it is always stellar. But while the setup was solid, the execution lacked depth. Agent Winston Beck is supposedly brilliant (IQ wise), but that never truly gets shown on the page. It’s told to us repeatedly, but if you are looking for that cerebral, Spencer Reid like charm and insight, you will be left wanting. The character traits felt more like a checkbox than a personality.
The suspense plot was predictable, with few surprises, and the romantic chemistry between Lenny and Stone lacked spark. Their connection seemed more convenient than believable. If you're familiar with Catherine Cowles' work (and she is the queen of romantic suspense), you'll likely feel this is a watered down version. It's missing the emotional punch and tight, immersive writing Cowles consistently delivers.
There's also the matter of editing. This book desperately needs another proofreading pass. Grammatical errors and typos were distracting and pulled me out of the story often enough to take away from the overall experience.
If you're looking for a light suspense read with a tattooed FBI agent and small town charm, you might still enjoy Aftermath. But if you’re expecting Criminal Minds grit, deep psychological insight, or anything resembling a dark romance, this isn't it.
Thank you to M.K. Ahearn for the eARC of this book.