Past Imperfect

Reviewed by Michelle Ellis © 2006

Wild Child Publishing.com © 2006

Title: Past Imperfect
Author: Nora Peterson
Publisher: Write Words
Genre: Romantic Suspense
ISBN:1-59431-352-0
Release date: February 2006
Author's website: http://www.norapeterson.com

Have you ever read a book that confused you and made you wonder why you picked it up? Have you been searching for a book that you can just pick up and love? Well, look no further because here it is!

I read Past Imperfect in two sittings, which means it was a 'can't put down' book. I enjoyed reading it because it was such an easy read. From the first chapter, I fell into the story and felt like I had been reading it for a while! That's how quickly I got attached to the main character, Casey McCloud. I marvelled at the author's writing style, and the brilliant descriptions in that first chapter, which she continued throughout the book.

Nora Peterson has a massive talent for describing scenery without boring the reader. Most novelists that I have read go into a labour intensive description that makes me skim read until the action begins. Not so with Past Imperfect. I cared about the surroundings in this story and wanted to know what they were, the images came to mind helping me to see where things were happening. I wanted to read on from the word go, wanted to see what happened next and also see if I could work out how it would end! I failed as a detective in solving the crimes in this book, which is a good thing. I don't enjoy reading something where you guess 'who dunnit' as it takes the shine away from the need to keep reading.

The characters were well drawn, making me feel I knew Casey. I felt sorry for Vince and Wanda, two characters in the story who use the homeless persons' facilities. This section of the book had me questioning my own feelings towards the homeless and made me feel ashamed I don't do something to help. To inspire such feelings in me is the mark of a good writer. To be touched or have my conscience pricked means the author did her job very well.

The plot is a good one, with a few unseen twists and turns. I suspected many people who may have 'dunnit' while reading and to find out who did 'do it' gave me a bit of a surprise. I liked that twist and of course everything falls into place then, and you stop harbouring horrible feelings towards the characters you suspected all along. You find yourself apologising to the suspects in your head for ever believing it was them!

I was also pleased to find it didn't have the usual happy ending for Casey and her ex-boyfriend, Jack. This book was true to life and, in that respect, had me nodding my head in approval. Running off into the sunset together is not my usual cup of tea! I also liked the Epilogue that tied everything up nicely and made me a little sad that the book had come to an end! I felt like I was saying goodbye to an old friend.

Educational as well as entertaining, I would recommend Past Imperfect to anyone who likes a tale that moves along without having to scratch your head or frown. Some wonderful lines in there that had me wishing I had written them. A good read all round. I'll be looking out for more from Nora Peterson. Long may she reign!

Four cats.

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To find out more about how to purchase Past Imperfect, visit Nora Peterson's website.