Countdown by Carey Baldwin – a Review

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Description:
Don’t believe everything you see.

Special Agent Atticus Spenser and forensic psychiatrist Dr. Caitlin Cassidy are in Tahiti enjoying a much-needed break from the FBI when they spot newlyweds taking fun photos on the beach. But as the groom carries his bride deeper into the waves, Spense is positive he sees a flash of terror cross her face. All his instincts scream that this woman is in danger. Yet moments later, it’s the groom who has nearly drowned… and the bride has vanished, leaving a bloody wedding dress floating in her wake.

The authorities aren’t sure who to believe—the groom, who insists his wife tried to murder him… or her twin, who claims her sister must have acted in self-defense. Intrigued, Spense and Caity agree to help investigate. But when they discover that the missing bride is the daughter of a notorious confidence man, they begin to suspect that all is not what it seems. Now they’ll need to separate victim from villain, fact from fiction, truth from lie, to determine if there’s really a killer on the loose… or if it’s all one big con.

Review:

Countdown is the final installment of the fabulous Cassidy and Spenser Thrillers series by the wonderful, Carey Baldwin. I have had the tremendous pleasure of reading, and reviewing, this incredible series since its introduction, and this finale is Carey Baldwin‘s swan song to Atticus and Caitlin. It’s never easy to say goodbye to characters, but the joy they’ve brought me far outweighs the sadness.

Our dynamic duo finally arrives in Tahiti, their long-desired, always-postponed escape from duty, but the purpose is of grand proportion now: Spense and Caity are getting married! This destination wedding comes with a timetable/plans to abide by…but when our H/H happen upon a frisky bride and groom taking their free spirit out to deep waters, and the unconventional dip devolves into a near drowning, Caity and Spense find themselves torn between private citizen status and FBI profilers yet again.

As focused on their big day as they intended to be, Caity and Spense simply can’t overlook attempted murder in their idealic island. Rose and Tommy Preston, newlyweds, have a checkered past that only research and discovery can make decipher. Now, if only the bride hadn’t gone “missing”, things could go a little easier for Caity and Spense! Throw in Rose’s twin sister, Lilly, who has a past of her own with good ole Tommy, and the plot thickens. But even in the midst of chaos and confusion, unearthing details that lead to major revelations, there are stolen moments between Caity and Spense that bring a sense of peace, of pause and perspective, that love truly is the end all. When Caity reaches out to touch Spense after a harrowing moment or when Spense lets his gaze linger on Caity…that’s the stuff. That gut reassurance of devotion. Carey Baldwin has developed a tender love story, woven lovingly throughout the series, between two strong characters who’ve become a formidable combination. Who’ve forged an unforgettable partnership.

Not only will you scrutinize the actions of the twin sisters and find yourself glued to Tommy’s seedy behavior, seriously questioning good choices all around, but Ms. Baldwin brings back beloved characters who shone in the background while supporting our H/H. “The moms” are darling and committed to the cause, but Spense’s relationship with Dutch Langhorne in particular is proof of not squandering love. It warmed my heart to know Spense has someone else to rely on.

What makes newlyweds turn and spitefully twist on each other? Lines of loyalty are crossed and Caity and Spense determine that not all is what it appears to be. As the race to prove innocence lapses, murderous consequences hang in the balance. It is suspenseful and dramatic. Be prepared for face-palming, “smh”-ing, and even high-fives for getting shi# done!

Countdown dragged Caity and Spense away from ticking off all the wedding details, but their commitment to one another never wavered. Caity and Spense are perfect together and cases seem only to enhance their uniqueconnection. I bid them a fond farewell for all they’ve meant to me. Soooo…how will you wow us next, Ms. Baldwin?

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied for Review