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EDITORIAL REVIEW
Not all conspiracies are global; some are well-hidden in small towns with perfect facades...
Experience Jade Snow's humble beginnings as a sexy international super-sleuth in "Small Town USA," before she turns spy extraordinaire in GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure)!
Jade Snow, international journalist who braved Iraq and Afghanistan, arrives to the idyllic Berkshires, MA. But Stepford is the perfect town where nothing is what it seems. The idea is for Jade to get her rest before the arrival of the baby and while her husband is on a dangerous assignment to Somalia. However as usual, Jade finds a life-threatening adventure where no one else would look. She must get to the bottom of the unlikely local conspiracy, free up a rape victim from her terrified silence and rehabilitate the wronged man. All this, while managing to stay sane and alive.
Camouflaged as a cozy mystery, including the incumbent knitting club and a cool super-sleuth cat, Stepford USA digs much deeper, including the ironic look at a typical American small town setup, complete with kindly, yet utterly clueless local knitting ladies, and a stinging satire encouraging the reader to acknowledge the corruption and failures of the American justice system.
Lovely setting, a wisp of romance, mystical element + humor included at no extra charge.
For readers 13 through adult.
Note: While each book in the Accidental Spy Adventure Series stands on each own, it is advisable to read them sequentially to fully appreciate plot twists and character development.
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READER REVIEWS
Cassandra
4.0 out of 5 stars There is danger in paradise...
This a good read, I found the character of Jade Snow to be interesting and fun to read about. I did find that I knew who the suspects for the crime were within the first 1/4 of the novel, but it was interesting to see how it played out, and how Ray wrapped the story up. The subject matter of the book was graphically described multiple times and fully re-hashed down to the tiny details. I assume this is typical in sleuthing novels. I haven't read many modern sleuthing stories, but this one reminded me of Sherlock Holmes. It especially reminded me of the relationship between Holmes and Watson because of the relationship of Jade and her best friend. I did find, as other reviewers have stated on GoodReads, several typos and syntax errors. There were several parts where the novel went from past tense into present tense and back to past tense. I found this made it so I had to re-read the paragraph more than once to clarify what had happened. This did detract from the story for me, yet it still held me in until the last page and I found the overall writing good. I look forward to seeing more from this author.
5 people found this helpful
Mardi
5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling until the very end
Jade Snow is an investigative journalist who has braved the hardships of such places as Afghanistan. When a `white knight' leaps to save her, she quickly falls in love and gets pregnant. But this new development is about to change Jade forever. When her husband insists on moving her to the safety and isolation of Stepford, Jade characteristically finds a story to investigate.
But Jade is being watched... and the mysterious web begins to be woven - a clever simile made through Jade's new involvement with he knitting club of Stepford.
On discovering a horrific crime that has happened many years ago, Jade smells a rat: There are too many suspicious angles. Adding the fact that the victim is still alive but unable to converse, intrigue and mystique build.
This is a very enjoyable book with terrific characters and a clever storyline that conjurs truths from the imbedded lies and deceit of the higher echelons of Stepford. In a whirlwind of well crafted storytelling we experience Jade's paranormal psychic visions and even venture into a virtual reality laboratory to discover that all is not as it seems.
This novel makes clever observations on morality, class and perception with wonderful twists and turns that will surprise and intrigue.
A purposeful puzzle, compelling until the very end.
Looking forward to reading Lada Ray's other novels.
BrendaJane
5.0 out of 5 stars Sleepy, Uneventful, Small Town Paradise...NOT!
I enjoyed solving this mystery, though we knew who the guilty ones were early on, it was the finding of the proof, uncovering the details and getting the story straight that was the heart of this book. I did like the small town warmth and the friendly people but on the flip side, it was their naivete and face-value belief in people that gave the "bad guys" free reign as they went unpunished for their crime, sending to prison an innocent man, as well as keeping an innocent woman locked in the prison of her mind. I would have liked to have heard the outcome of the victim in new surroundings, the prognosis was good but we didn't know how that turned out. I like this author; I'm now starting to read the next book in the series, I'll get back to you on that.
TN mom
5.0 out of 5 stars Well crafted easy read.
This was an easy read, with some good built-in suspense and danger, for the reader to work through.
A.C. den Brouwer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Good book - thrilling - you ain't got time to eat!
Sherry Fundin
5.0 out of 5 stars Could this happen in your town?
Of course, the name alone made me think of the Stepford Wives. Would it be predictable? Yes and no.
Jade was married and pregnant, so she gave up her world-traveling journalistic career and moved to a small town in Massachusetts.
She had a hard time adjusting to such a laid back atmosphere, until her visions started. She had never been psychic or had visions before, but Rebecca refused to be ignored.
To help pass the time and find out the secrets that were being covered up, she joined the knitting club. If her thinking was correct, these women would know everything that went on in town and she could learn about Rebecca from Gossip Central.
Adelaide, one of the ladies from the knitting club, missed another meeting. Jade used the excuse of her pride in her finished baby hat to visit her. That was when she met Lily, her cat. There was something special about her, she seemed human.
While she was there, Jason came in. He had been in prison, convicted of the rape and murder of Rebecca. He sat and had tea with Jade and Adelaide. On Jade's walk home, it went through her my mind that it couldn't have been him who tortured and killed Rebecca. She felt he was a victim.
The visions would only show part of what really happened. She kept trying to see more.
She was determined to prove Jason's innocence, but someone was just as determined to stop her. The question was - how far would they go?
5 STARS - Would Buy It For Them (lol)
I love Lada Ray's books and her writing keeps me in suspense, waiting for the next surprise, twist, turn, or delightfully evil surprise. Okay, I may be a little sick, but I love reading about the evil that men do. The minute I think I know what is going on and where the story is taking me, she pulls something else out of her magical bag of mystery.
The books I have read of Lada's have been pretty heavy and this seemed to be a departure from them. But, wait, she always has a surprise or two that you don't see coming and she didn't fail me now. I knew who the real murderers were early on, but she kept me guessing, as I tried to figure out how she was going to prove it. She puts in all the details to make you see how depraved people can be and the torture Rebecca suffered.
The cover is gorgeous and the title is so appropriate. Yes, the title does give away the background of the book, but the story goes so much further. A small town, with all the things that entails. Gossips. Good old boys club made up of the rich and connected. And a murder, but the victim, Rebecca, refuses to be silenced by death, reaching out to Jade for justice.
I loved her descriptions of the characters. They are so real, they can be your neighbor, your friend, or maybe even you.
Jason - an Adonis, spoiled
Marc - ambitious and full of himself, a sleazebag and politician. An oxymoron?
Peter - roving eyes and naughty fingers, a womanizer, married for money
Jack - a nerd, bad with women, a loner
Nick - chief of police.
The paranormal events are so believable. I have actually heard of some things that happen in the book, happening in real life. I have heard that people really have visions. Someone I know swears she has a psychic friend. The friend really does help the police occasionally solve cases. Doesn't it have to be true then? Is it really paranormal or is it something else?
Of course, there are always the pet lovers who say their critters talk to them and they understand every word of it. ^_^
The emotions I felt as she uncovered the sordid details ranged from disgust to anger, sorrow to happiness, and a feeling of relief when it was over. Even though it wasn't happy ever after for everyone, I felt very satisfied.
I won this book on Lada Ray's blog, along with Gold Train and Green Desert, books in the Accidental Spy Adventure Series.
Once I read her book Earth Shifter, I was eager to read more.
I look forward to reading many more books from Lada Ray.
J.J.Collins
5.0 out of 5 stars STEPFORD, USA - A Mystery - Highly recommended
This first instalment by Author - Lada Ray introduces us to brilliant investigative journalist - Jade Snow. Jade Snow we learn, is a twenty eight year old all action investigative journalist used to dodging straying bullets in Afghanistan, before a near death experience throws her into the arms of her soon to be husband Paul. What Jade doesn't realise is that her days of investigative journalism and an all action career are about to come to an abrupt halt when motherhood dawns or is it?
This thriller is set in the sleepy surroundings of Stepford, Massachusetts, a small town community in America that hides a deep dark secret. Jade finds herself in this sleepy town against her wishes following her husband's insistence on finding her a nice, quiet and calm environment for her to remain fit and well during her pregnancy. Jade Snow we learn is no ordinary young mum to be. It is not long before her inquisitive mind and investigative instincts, lead her onto the trail of a devastating dark hidden secret within the community. A crime so horrendous and brutal, it lives on in the lives and happenings of this sleepy hallow even until the present day.
Jade's loneliness and love of quality company finds her being introduced, and soon becoming part of the social set-up of this most picturesque of American town's. The intimate circle of six women Jade would join, unbeknown to her, will transform her time in Stepford from a peaceful relaxing stay into an intriguing web of lies, deceit and mystery. The pursuit of the truth will not only put Jade Snow and the life of her unborn child in grave danger, it will have a profound impact on the lives and community of this most fascinating of small towns for years to come.
This story of a horrific crime, a victim, an accused person and powerful local interests, desperate to keep the truth hidden from the larger world, only makes Jade Snow throw off her restrictive temporary physical shackles and risk all, to unravel the truth. The pursuit of truth among the complex personalities of this town, and an eagerness for someone to keep it hidden at all costs makes the challenge appear impossible.
Stepford USA takes us on a journey with this charming, sharp minded young journalist in a race to reveal the truth before someone else is killed, will Jade succeed? Can she protect herself and the life of her unborn child? Who can she trust? Anyone? Will she manage to discover the facts before it costs someone their life or even her own?
On the face of it, Stepford is a thriving small town community the likes of which are splattered across the American continent however, the deceit and manipulation facing Jade threatens not just people, it threatens the very way of life of this beautiful town. Undeterred, Jade Snow takes us on a gripping, dark psychological adventure, where unrealised talents may be the difference between life and death for Jade and others.
Does the answer to the secret rest within the group of six ladies "Knitting Club"? All women of varying ages and loyalties. We are introduced to Lady Adelaide Paphos, an elegant motherly like lady, who develops a fondness and close bond with Jade during her time in Stepford. Her son Jason who harbours a long held secret. Then a chance lunch time meeting with the power players of the local community that introduces us to the young police chief - Chief Nordini, Judge Bowman, Lawyer Marc Catcham, Banker Peter Burns and the quiet Jack Maloof. These men all with varying interests and knowledge of the comings and goings of the town extend an invitation to the elite Rotary Club to Jade. How will this innocent invitation propel Jade into an even more intricate web of unimagined deceit?
Jade's investigative journey takes us to a "Hidden Lake", a chance encounter with a friendly neighbour and his dog, a virtual reality experience and observing one of the married town influencers groping a woman out of sight of others. How does all this relate to the truth? Can it be found and who is watching Jade's every move?
This page turning thriller is exciting, full of suspicion and possesses excellent character development throughout. It challenges the reader to consider the glaringly obvious and not so obvious, reality and challenge their own perceptions of reality and illusion in the pursuit of destroying the prejudices found in every small town. Will Jade and her soon to be born baby survive the small town experience?
The author has managed to develop a character with a fascinating thoughtful purpose. The brilliant combination of plot, character development and unexpected twists and turns, keeps the reader addicted to the next turned page. Once you start reading this book, you will not put it down such is the perfect pace and flow of words in which the book is written by the author.
Psychological thrillers don't get much better than this. Excitingly and yet chillingly gripping, it's the sort of plot line that surprises you at every turn and absolutely does not let you go.
A highly recommended read for anyone.
12 people found this helpful
The Raven
5.0 out of 5 stars A quiet town with a questionable past
In this, the first full instalment of the Jade Snow, accidental spy series, we follow our protagonist Jade Snow as she embarks on her new life in quaint Stepford, Berkley, a small town with a questionable past. On the advice of her new career-minded husband, pregnant Jade prepares for a quiet life away from the city, only to find herself entangled in a decade's old conspiracy of Stepford's elite.
Like many a good mystery, the story is based on the premise that an innocent girl has been raped, an innocent man convicted, while the guilty parties escape without punishment. At the heart of the story is Jade's developing friendship with ageing pillar of the society Adelaide and her son, convicted Jason, a kind-hearted, misunderstood sheep in wolf's clothing whose recent return to Stepford following a full term behind bars has captivated the rumour mongers. As their friendship develops, Jade begins to suspect that Jason was the victim of a miscarriage of justice. Following a series of coincidences and various leads, Jade becomes convinced that there is treachery afoot and attempts to get to the bottom of things, determined to leave no stone unturned.
For me, the book was enjoyable for many reasons. Ms. Ray does a great job developing intrigue and maintaining it and the plot develops nicely throughout. Her easy to read, well-written narrative draws the reader in early on and allows for a close rapport with a likeable protagonist. The author describes the settings and scenarios in vivid detail, and, coupled with a strong female cast, it is not difficult to imagine the bustling, but quaint, Stepford as it would appear in real life. Better yet, it allows the personality of the characters to come through in clear detail. As a first person narrative, the standard follow the clues scenario develops into something of a personal crusade for the protagonist and the author's ability to explore the mental abilities, and limitations, of her heroes, villains and victims allows for some delightful character development.
Recommended for fans of the first person narrative.
Jason Sullivan
5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting Psychological Thriller
Reviewed in the United States
Some people think small town life is uneventful. Jade Snow, the protagonist of Lada Ray's mystery-thriller, Stepford USA, thought so as well. But Jade was soon to learn that sleepy little towns can hold the biggest, scariest secrets! Jade arrives in Stepford in order to rest up before having a baby. However, she quickly starts to pick up hints that everything is not all charm and tranquility. Many years ago a horrible crime was committed from which the dust has never quite settled. With her husband halfway around the world, and while she awaits the birth of her baby, Jade tries to uncover the truth. But who can she trust? In a small town that harbors a dangerous secret one misstep can be fatal!
This exciting page-turner written by Lada Ray will have you guessing who did it from the very beginning. Lada skillfully weaves many surprises into this psychological thriller. Her exquisite scene setting together with compelling dialogue makes Stepford USA a fascinating, if at times nail-biting, read. If you are a cat lover, as I must admit I am, you will very much enjoy the exploits of a certain heroic feline who plays no small part in this book. I highly recommend Stepford USA. Jade Snow is intelligent, warm and witty. Join her as she puts the pieces together and helps release a town from its dark, hidden past.
10 people found this helpful
The Raven
5.0 out of 5 stars A quiet town with a questionable past
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
In this, the first full instalment of the Jade Snow, accidental spy series, we follow our protagonist Jade Snow as she embarks on her new life in quaint Stepford, Berkley, a small town with a questionable past. On the advice of her new career-minded husband, pregnant Jade prepares for a quiet life away from the city, only to find herself entangled in a decade's old conspiracy of Stepford's elite.
Like many a good mystery, the story is based on the premise that an innocent girl has been raped, an innocent man convicted, while the guilty parties escape without punishment. At the heart of the story is Jade's developing friendship with ageing pillar of the society Adelaide and her son, convicted Jason, a kind-hearted, misunderstood sheep in wolf's clothing whose recent return to Stepford following a full term behind bars has captivated the rumour mongers. As their friendship develops, Jade begins to suspect that Jason was the victim of a miscarriage of justice. Following a series of coincidences and various leads, Jade becomes convinced that there is treachery afoot and attempts to get to the bottom of things, determined to leave no stone unturned.
For me, the book was enjoyable for many reasons. Ms. Ray does a great job developing intrigue and maintaining it and the plot develops nicely throughout. Her easy to read, well-written narrative draws the reader in early on and allows for a close rapport with a likeable protagonist. The author describes the settings and scenarios in vivid detail, and, coupled with a strong female cast, it is not difficult to imagine the bustling, but quaint, Stepford as it would appear in real life. Better yet, it allows the personality of the characters to come through in clear detail. As a first person narrative, the standard follow the clues scenario develops into something of a personal crusade for the protagonist and the author's ability to explore the mental abilities, and limitations, of her heroes, villains and victims allows for some delightful character development.
Recommended for fans of the first person narrative.
Broomy
5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
Gripping, I could not put it down.
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