Latest Books The Big Thrill Recommends: INSENSIBLE LOSS by Linda L. Richards

The Big Thrill Recommends: INSENSIBLE LOSS by Linda L. Richards

Recommended by Ellen Quint

In INSENSIBLE LOSS, Linda L. Richards once again draws readers into the life of a now-former hit woman struggling to outrun her past and confront her inner demons. The book opens with a poignant quote from Friedrich Nietzsche about the dangers of gazing into the abyss—an apt metaphor for the mental and physical landscape the protagonist finds herself navigating. Set against the rugged backdrop of one of Arizona’s largest national parks, the story unfolds with the nameless protagonist gazing into a canyon, both literally and figuratively.

Having abandoned her deadly profession and constantly fearing for her life, the protagonist, who remains nameless throughout, is on an endless, solitary journey, accompanied only by her dog. Interestingly, the dog is also nameless until this enigmatic pair stumbles onto the property and into the life of a famous, reclusive painter which sparks a fascinating twist in the plot. Without giving too much away, this encounter serves as a pivotal moment, further complicating the protagonist’s already fraught existence.

Richards masterfully crafts tense, life-threatening situations in which the protagonist relies on the only instincts she has left—those of survival, often deadly in nature. Fans of the series will be treated to more insights into the protagonist’s mysterious backstory. While INSENSIBLE LOSS can be read as a stand-alone, readers new to the series may find additional depth by starting from the beginning to grasp the protagonist’s motivations fully.

In the concluding Author’s Note, Richards shares the origin of the title: She was introduced to the concept of insensible loss on the tennis court by a medical doctor friend. It describes fluid losses (such as becoming dehydrated) that an individual is not aware of—a fitting metaphor for the emotional and psychological losses experienced by the characters throughout the novel.

Richards delivers a powerful addition to this compelling series, leaving readers with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead for this complex and captivating heroine.

The Big Thrill Recommends: INSENSIBLE LOSS by Linda L. Richards