The first words hit like a punch to the face and you feel as confused as the character being narrated about, but much more into the book than it, because we want to know what the heck is going on (just like the character), but one of us, knows that is safe. The prologue does its job of catching your attention, and not only that, to keep and excite it to the point that once you finish it, you will be wanting to know everything! Why the red lilies? Why the room? Why the picture frames? Why her? So many questions, and this is what a thriller should be doing.
Anna’s J. Stewart’s narrative enwraps us as she tells the details of the scenes, reactions and thoughts of the characters, and adds the mysteriousness of the villain that presents to be a very complex and troubled creature of a man, and what does this has to do with pictures? It’s… curious? What are we really looking at here? This plot has some weird vibes, I like it!
There is a lot of religious traces on the book and a cult-like atmosphere to the events of the plot, and given that this is all happening in Hollywood, you might as well take this with a grain of salt, as many rumors may turn out to be true… Seen from the lenses of a paparazzi .
After reading this book a bit, you go “HA!” on why the title is “exposed”, and I will warn you that is a masterful triple pun.
So, we have not only hints of a cult, murders and Hollywood style drama and intrigue, all blended in the pages, seen from the perspective of our main character that loves to step in to get a closer picture of things. I mean, why would someone murder a homeless man for a film? And why would a person try to rob a car for a box of junk? Specially with cops around! There are so many scenes that at first don’t make sense, that make us question more and more about what is going on, but more importantly: why?
A paparazzi gone unintentional detective that is simply trying to pay the bills, but finds out something that puts her life in danger, and she is compelled to face it in order to get to the bottom of it.
There is heavy and fiery romance on this novel, and boy did the author make an excellent job on it! The author quickly and skilfully creates the events between our main characters in the most unusual ways and circumstances, spiced with humour, sarcasm, hints of flirtation and thoughts, that help in making it feel more natural, before the spicy scenes, that, once again, surprise us on how they go, and how naturally they are developed. For those readers who love the “alfa” male role on a character, this novel is one you want to pick up right away, and this is rare for me to say it, but, given his behaviour, this is one alfa male that I approve, and you will understand why. Men, take notes, women, enjoy.
An old case that should have been solved, re-emerges from the depths of the past and drags both father and son to the same killer and cult, without much chance to catch the killer that apparently is too close and powerful.
There is a powerful sub-plot here, that is wired in romance. You see, there is a cop and our MC, that are dancing around each other and the MC has trust issues, especially with cops, yet, they want to eat each other to the bone, and so, the cop, or the author through the character of the cop, tries to reason the bad behaviours and less favourable circumstances around the institutions of Police and the individual cops, and it may seem romantic and dreamy, but, in this day and age, most actually feel like the MC on this topic.
There are scenes that will make you want to punch the MC for her carelessness – and at times downright stupidity – in dangerous circumstances, even though at times she is told not to do exactly what she will do. The annoyance level makes you get more involved with the story and adds to the thrilling scenes of the investigation and mystery of the book, so they are a plus here, for sure.
There are so many suspects, and no leads for more than a quarter of the book, and for more than half of the book, all the clues lead nowhere or don’t point specifically to direction, no matter how much attention you pay on the plot, you can’t and won’t be able to pinpoint something, yet, will be able to make a lot of loose connections, which can be frustrating to read, in the good way, of course because this is a thriller.
Exposed by Anna J Stewart is one of those rare novels that are planned to the detail, and you as a reader will feel this book develop as you read and start to bloom after having held its secrets for more than 100 pages, and it will not disappoint, not even a little bit, this is masterful!
Pros:
- Excellent plot that does not let you guess, nor gives clues to reach conclusions
- Gripping, intriguing and suspenseful.
- EXCELLENT romance, although we could have a little bit more of spice in the smut scenes, but that’s just me
- Excellent character build on several levels
- Intricate connections on the events
- Enjoyable all the way
Cons:
- There are hints of what’s happening on the plot too early.
Scribble's Worth 
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