Virtue Falls

By: Christina Dodd

Narrated by: Rebecca Soler

Blockbuster best-selling author Christina Dodd delivers a novel in Virtue Falls that will leave listeners breathlessly resisting pauses in this "truly stunning work of mystery, danger, and romance" (RT Book Reviews).

Twenty-three years ago, Misty Banner was brutally slashed to death in her home in Virtue Falls, Washington. Her husband was convicted of the murder. Their 4-year-old daughter Elizabeth witnessed the crime, but has no memory of the killing. Now, two decades later, Elizabeth is back in Virtue Falls. She soon discovers her father is innocent. The real killer is still out there. And her investigation has stirred dark and deadly resentments that could provoke in another bloody murder - her own - in this riveting novel from best-selling author Christina Dodd.

©2014 Christina Dodd (P)2014 Macmillan Audio

Excellent read, would like to find more of her.

Would you listen to Virtue Falls again? Why?

In a few months I will definitely read it again.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Virtue Falls?

I have none, the whole book was a fantastic experience.

Have you listened to any of Rebecca Soler’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I have never, but I will look for her also

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, unfortunately I could not.

Interesting scene but felt a disconnect in the story

I enjoyed the scene of Virtue falls and the detailed workings of the earthquakes and Tsunami. Unfortunately, I felt a huge disconnect with the characters and the way the integrated with each other. From the waitress off in Seattle to Cateri (sp?) I felt the actual murderer was introduced and then set aside, never really exploring their character in detail. The narration was okay but the Irish accent came through occasionally on Elizabeth's dialogue and was out of place outside Margret.

Dodd's new direction is worth your time and money

“Virtue Falls” is Christina Dodd’s first foray into storylines with a more intense thriller/mystery focus. She has written romantic suspense before (see her Bella Terra series), but “Virtue Falls” focuses much more heavily on the “suspense” element. While this is a new direction for her, it’s also her 50th published novel, and her deft hand is evident.

Elizabeth Banner has returned to the town where, according to trial results, her father killed her mother 23 years ago. Elizabeth’s father is a famous geologist, and she is following in his footsteps. As he has been in prison for those 23 years, Elizabeth points out that her career is due to aptitude more than influence. The project he started before the murder is still ongoing, and Elizabeth has signed on. The town of Virtue Falls is on the cost of Washington state, the perfect place for Elizabeth to investigate the path and impact of tsunamis caused by earthquakes.

That’s foreshadowing, folks, as it doesn’t take long for both an earthquake and tsunami to strike. Serendipitously, Elizabeth is at the team’s coastal worksite alone when that happens, and she videos the event. The cataclysm isolates the town from the rest of the world, and also uncovers hidden bones. Some of those bones prove to belong to Elizabeth’s mother. Her father, who is slipping erratically into Alzheimer’s, has been moved from prison to a “memory care center” in Virtue Falls. Elizabeth’s suicidal ex-husband, former FBI agent Garik Jacobsen, finds a reason to live when he takes on the task of protecting Elizabeth. And it turns out she needs protection: A killer is stalking again, and he has Elizabeth in his sights. Is it the same person who killed Elizabeth’s mother?

I really enjoyed this book, and fans of Lisa Gardner, Alex Kava, Tami Hoag, Erica Spindler, and other similar writers will find it worth their time. Because of the setting – small town – and the isolating earthquake, the possible suspect list is limited but Dodd does a good job of casting suspicion around. I wasn’t 100% sure of who the killer was until nearly the end, which is as it should be. The characters are engaging as well. The narrator, Rebecca Soler, does an excellent job, and I will be adding her to my list of narrators to watch for.

I will definitely be purchasing Dodd’s next installment in the Virtue Falls series.

Not bad after all

Ok, So I started with Christina Dodd's latest suspense book, so going from that (Amazingly written) to this was a bit of whiplash. I could barely get thru the first few chapters. I almost gave up, but I stuck with it as I have no others loaded to Audible at the moment. Storyline - not bad. Some a little cheesy, but I just rolled my eyes and kept on. Not too keen on the romance parts. I feel it was unnecessary and lame, but then again romance novels are not interesting to me so maybe that's normal.
Narrator. It was ok, for the most part. Conversation was a bit eh,

Overall I was not overwhelmed with enjoyment or dislike. It was ok.
I won't be continuing the series as it appears she just moves on to another heroine and dashing hero...and I can't take anymore.

Read her latest "Wrong Alibi" it's way better and very enjoyable.

Riveting Suspense!

I would never have claimed to be a Christina Dodd fan prior to this book. Yes. I have finished a couple of her books here and there, but she never captured my full attention. Virtue Falls completely changed that. From the get-go, the reader is hooked, not just by the traumatic events, which include murder, earthquakes, and tsunami‘s, but by the characters. Each one is more riveting, remarkable, and intriguing than the last, The hero and heroine are each slightly damaged, and yet genuinely good and likable. The suspense held me in her grip to the very last word and beyond.

Tense, gripping

If you could sum up Virtue Falls in three words, what would they be?

Gripping, tense, fiancé stating.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Hate to have to sleep while ready this book. Wanted to know what was coming next.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

What evil faces in the face of true
Ove.

Any additional comments?

One of the best books read thi summer. Will look for another by Chrismtina Dodd. It is not a series and stands alone so strong.

Good story needs better editing

The storyline is good and the character development is good but about halfway into the book I felt the author was being paid by the page instead of focusing on the story. The ending was good but could have been accomplished with the same result and a little more reality -dad could have come in during the fight and been the hero instead of the villain being knocked out on floor and couple, an FBI agent, embracing prior to securing the villain.

It grew on me

When I first started listening to this I figured that I’d listen to the first book and move on. But the more I listened the more I just loved the town and characters. So I got the rest in the series. I am a west coast living woman. I live in Cali and am familiar with earthquakes. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.

Great book with very interesting characters!

If you could sum up Virtue Falls in three words, what would they be?

I really liked this book. The characters where unique and interesting. The mystery murder from the past was really well done as well. Great book.

Great Book!!

As usual Christina always delivers no matter the genre of her novels...this book was magnificent!!