Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) reviewed on 7/31/2008 + 5322 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 4

When I finished reading HEARTSICK, the first novel of this series, I touted it as the best thriller ever. I still stand by that sentiment. And even though SWEETHEART doesn't quite live up to the greatness of that first book, it's still a really good read.

All of the characters from the first book are back, and they find themselves in circumstances that are, in a lot of ways, similar to those in the first book.

Archie is still obsessed with Gretchen. Gretchen is still obsessed with killing -- and with Archie.

Archie's family, friends, and co-workers are trying to help him end his addiction to both painkillers and Gretchen, but it doesn't seem to be working. He's living with his ex-wife and children, and he loves them and wants to keep them safe, and yet he still wants -- no, needs -- to be with Gretchen in some way.

The plot is added to (and sometimes complicated by) the story that Susan Ward began working on in HEARTSICK -- that of the affair between the beloved Senator and the underage babysitter. This story becomes intertwined with the present when Susan's friend/mentor is killed, and the case falls into Archie's lap.

SWEETHEART is a fairly quick read, and I stayed up late to finish it. I really did like it, even though I wasn't as impressed with it as I was HEARTSICK.

There's no doubt that Archie and Gretchen will be back. I'm anxious to see more of them, and to find out who will be the death of who.

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