Beloved: A Sensual Noir Thriller
by Laine Cunningham
4 out of 5 Stars
I actually read and reviewed this a while ago, but am just getting around to posting it on my blog because of the new cover. It wasn’t a major redesign(yes, I did that!) but I love the way it came out. Check out my book cover design page to see my latest creations, or check out my books page to see the designs I’ve created for myself.
Description
An FBI agent tracking two separate serial killers must access a dark and sensual power to find justice.
Shortlisted for the Pirate’s Alley William Faulkner Award
Recipient, Vermont Studio Center Residency and Grant
Recipient, Wildacres Arts & Humanities Center Residency
When FBI agent Priya Conlin-Kumar tracks two different serial killers hunting in the same city, she sees visions from The Ramayana, an ancient Hindu epic about the demon king Ravana. As each new vision creeps further into the physical world, it seems those demons have arrived in Wheeling. One is a serial rapist who kills to prevent his victims from identifying him. The other is a superpredator who fetishizes his victims and their manner of death. He becomes fixated on Priya, believing her to be his perfect woman. Killing her will bring him the ultimate satisfaction.
While one killer stalks the other as a bizarre kind of courtship, Priya falls in love with the county sheriff…and welcomes his kinky streak. Each night his knowledge of bondage opens her to pleasures she has always desired and the trust she has always craved. Their loving BDSM activities stand in stark contrast to the sexualized violence of the murders. To find justice for dozens of women, Priya must access the dark, sensual power of the goddess Kali. Her nights with her lover grow ever more intense until her shakti – her female power – shakes the mountains. Only then can she face the demonic superpredator on his own terms.
Combined with a supercharged erotic love story, this complex and entertaining novel from award-winning author Laine Cunningham reveals the real horror story embedded in serial killer psychology.
Review
First off, this is not a normal read for me. I’m expanding my experiences, though, and I’ve heard good things about this author.
I have to admit, I found the first part of the book extremely difficult to read. Like, I had to take a week off to get over it, and even then, I had to skim over most of the sections involving Cole. He’s the serial rapist, and to be honest, the anger and brokenness of this character was a little too much for me to handle.
Once past that, I found Priya’s character to be strong, beautiful, and compelling, and her relationship with Randal is kind of epic.
There was also a beauty to the way Lawrence, the serial killer, was portrayed. Despite his heinous crimes, something about the way they were described almost drew you into his delusions.
I think the author struck the perfect balance of beauty and evil, and the way Hinduism weaves throughout the story brings a touch of magic that is easy enough to follow along with, even for someone as uneducated in the religion as I am.
There is a lot of sexual content, some good and some repulsive, so if that’s not your thing, I recommend you stay clear, but if you can handle all that, then I think it’s worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
