Book Review: 'Fatal February' by Barbara Levinson

Stacey Cotrufo Romance Alley Reviewer: I am an avid reader and writer of contemporary romances. I started reading Harlequin romances in the 7th grade and haven't stopped. I enjoy a fast-paced story or one's that focus on family/friendships as the subplot. Some of my favorite authors include Susan Mallery, Nora Roberts, Robyn Carr, Kristan Higgins, Maureen Child, Debbie Macomber...you get the idea.

'Fatal February' by Barbara Levinson

The Review by: Stacey Cotrufo 

I was a little hesitant to sit down and read Barbara Levinson’s “Fatal February”. I am an avid reader of romance novels but what I’ve come to discover is that it is really the contemporary novels that I lean towards.

“Fatal February” was a good read; fast paced with characters that really seemed to leap off of the page. The problem was more with me. This type of story reminds me of when Sandra Brown sort of did a crossover from her usual contemporary romances to a more romantic/suspense and then a full throttle suspense with some romantic elements thrown in. So really, it’s not that the story itself wasn’t enjoyable, it was just that I now know for certain that I am not a murder mystery/legal thriller type of reader.

If you are, then this would be right up your alley. With Miami lawyer Mary Magruder Katz having what seems to be a horrendous run of bad luck but there is so much going on in this story, that you keep turning the pages to see what happens no matter how uncomfortable the situation may be.

Something else about this story that stood out was that it was written mostly in the first person; Mary is telling the story. I don’t know why that stood out so much or why it became a hindrance but it was just another issue for me to get over while reading “Fatal February”.

From the opening page describing the crime to the final one hinting at Mary’s next big case, Author Barbara Levinson keeps you going. Her scenes aren’t overly drawn out – although sometimes I wish they were because I wanted more action! – and she doesn’t leave her readers lingering in a situation for too long.

If you are looking for a witty, fast-paced murder mystery with just a little bit of sexual steaminess, grab yourself a copy of “Fatal February” and prepare yourself for a ride.

Publisher's website: www.oceanviewpub.com