Review by Chrystal Oaks -- E M P Honeymoon

Chrystal Oaks · Post by **Chrystal Oaks** » 27 Jan 2020, 22:05

[Following is a volunteer review of "E M P Honeymoon" by Dorothy May Mercer.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Newlywed Kelly McBride Turbulo discovers a private room in the back of a shop with computers that contain alarming images on their screens. They are images of what appears to be electrical grid lines of the United States and Canada. She is caught but manages to get away and calls her brother, Mike McBride, for help. Thus starts the honeymooner’s, Kelly and Tom, journey to discover who is behind the ominous threat to the United States. Throughout their journey, they have the help of the CIA, Homeland Security, and Mike’s own security team.

E M P Honeymoon: Kelly & Tom is the second book I have read by Dorothy May Mercer. Even though it is part of the McBride series and some of the characters from Cynthia and Dan are brought back in this book, it can be read as a standalone. Just like the first book I read by her, it is fast-paced with an unexpected surprise and a suspenseful mystery to solve. The majority of the setting takes place in Honduras where Kelly and Tom are on their honeymoon. After Kelly stumbles upon the puzzling room of computers and escapes from the bad guy, the storyline follows the United States agencies and how they interact (or not) to figure out and thwart the threat against the USA. There is little depth given to the characters except for one antagonist, Sue Lynn Reese. To avoid a spoiler, all I will say is that Mercer provides details to show how Sue Lynn is groomed and ultimately connected to the threat.

Something I truly admire is Mercer’s ability to present a serious topic in a light-hearted manner. She is able to create just enough suspense and mystery without generating nightmares. As I stated above, this is only the second book I have read by her and don’t know if this holds true for all of them, but I really like the detailed information she provides at the end of each book. In this case, the reader gets a detailed account and links to the respective sources. These sources include the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), earth’s orbit, and electromagnetic pulse (EMP).

There is only one complaint I have against E M P Honeymoon: Kelly & Tom. I wish there would have been more build-up and depth on Kelly and Tom: a flashback on when they met, a flashback on their wedding day, and an explanation as to why Kelly was so tired in one scene. Otherwise, I enjoyed reading this book. Also, it appears to have been professionally edited. There is some cursing but it felt natural and not forced, and there are no explicit sex scenes.

Overall, I rate E M P Honeymoon: Kelly & Tom 4 out of 4 stars. It is entertaining and educational with just the right amount of suspense. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to read a quick, light, and fast-paced thriller.

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E M P Honeymoon
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kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 30 Jan 2020, 22:16

Reading several books by the same author helps to understand their writing style. I like how you point out that the author included detailed information about NASA and EMPs. It takes skill to get the right balance of suspense with romance. Thanks for your review.

Post by **Adina Lutinger** » 01 Feb 2020, 11:21

I read and reviewed this book recently too and it was interesting to read your perspective. And I really relate to what you said about Mercer’s ability to present a serious topic in a light-hearted manner, I noticed that too and I really like that. Thanks for the great review!

Lisa A Rayburn · Post by **Lisa A Rayburn** » 29 Feb 2020, 21:27

I read Cynthia and Dan and wasn't all that impressed. I really hadn't planned on reading any more of the author's work. You seem to have really liked this one except for the slim character development on Kelly and Tom and a little lack of detail. Now that I've read your review, maybe I'll have to reconsider my position on this. Thanks for the great review!

alanajoseph2004 · Post by **alanajoseph2004** » 13 Mar 2020, 15:42

The story is very interesting with suspense have me wondering what next . The two lovely couple were very brave to see a private room and went spying. The story didn't say if Kelly and Tom was successful in discovering who was behind the treat to the united states

naisausogolele · Post by **naisausogolele** » 19 Apr 2020, 20:53

Good book to read I hope if they can expand a little more. Making it a more defined one within the context of that writing.

Sanju Lali · Post by **Sanju Lali** » 26 Nov 2020, 21:50

A pursuit to discover who is behind the ominous threat to the United States. The protagonist having the help of the CIA, Homeland Security to achieve their agenda seems quite engaging story to me. Thanks for your insightful review.

Etienneza · Post by **Etienneza** » 29 Jan 2021, 12:53

The book definitely sounds more than rivetting from the reviews. You Provided a very informed assessment of the book's plot, positives, and only the singular negative aspect. I look forward to your following reviews!

Berry_ · Post by **Berry_** » 03 Mar 2022, 23:26

This seems like a great novel that is full of action which I love. I can't wait to read it. Great review.

Zubair Ahmed 7 · Post by **Zubair Ahmed 7** » 04 May 2022, 17:36

I started reviewing recently and this being my second last review, I learnt something new from having gone through a different perspective.

Mildred Echesa · Post by **Mildred Echesa** » 25 May 2022, 17:04

From the on set and book cover, the book seems to be about space but after reading your review, I discovered it is not. Great review

OTrain Disene · Post by **OTrain Disene** » 25 May 2022, 18:13

I enjoyed novels filled with suspence. And I think I might just love this one.

lilianchikasi · Post by **lilianchikasi** » 11 Jun 2022, 12:47

You gave an interesting review without leaving any spoilers. I really enjoyed reading your review. Good job

Sanju Lali · Post by **Sanju Lali** » 14 Jul 2022, 05:29

A nice fact paced science fiction thriller looks very much entertaining to me. Thanks for your honest review making this book appealing to me.

Mtsweni Nelsy · Post by **Mtsweni Nelsy** » 29 Sep 2023, 16:17

Your review paints a vivid picture of a thrilling story in "E M P Honeymoon: Kelly & Tom." The discovery of alarming images on computers and the subsequent journey to uncover the threat sounds like a gripping and suspenseful adventure. Thanks for the review!