It’s been awhile since I’ve last posted a book review, so I’ll be changing that today. My TBR pile is growing and lately I’ve done little about working it down. Another situation that I’m changing. 🙂
Today I bring you my thoughts on Desolation Bluff, by Toni Pike.
Take it away, Amazon:

Blind romance author Oliver Cameron uses the pen name of Fidel Amore and thinks he has the perfect life at his country estate near Desolation Bluff. After a honeymoon in Paris, his wife Vanessa continues her work as his assistant. His friend Ray is the business manager who lives in the gatehouse and also acts as the public face of Fidel Amore, doing all those book-signing trips that Oliver never wanted to attend. Helen Dunkley is the housekeeper devoted to him since childhood – but she detests the two newcomers.
Complications set in when Ray, working on his old car, accidentally backs into Oliver. His injuries appear minor but the next day he suddenly regains his sight. Oliver wants Ray and Vanessa to be the first to hear his good news, but when he finds them he uncovers a shocking betrayal.
Thanks Amazon, I’ll take it from here:
It’s hard to delve into the nitty-gritty of this book and keep from revealing the plots and twists. It’s a fun, quick read, with a “Got ya!” ending. The story flows well and Toni has done a great job of creating characters that are easily sympathized or hated.
Some of the plot is predictable, yet I liked the way it was knit together. I couldn’t help but smile at the “comeuppance” served so cleverly by the protagonists.
There’s just enough romance to wet the taste buds of fans of the genre, and enough to appeal to those who prefer action/thriller. A great balance of both. I’m giving this one, FOUR STARS!
Meet Toni:

Toni Pike is a multi-genre author who enjoys writing exciting thrillers for adults, non-fiction, and hilarious books for children. She also loves travelling and being with family and friends. She lives in Australia and firmly believes that coffee and long walks are an essential part of any day.
Do you like books that you can’t stop reading? Pike is the author of DESOLATION BLUFF, DEAD DRY HEART and The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series: THE MAGUS COVENANT, THE ROCK OF MAGUS, THE MAGUS EPIPHANY and HOLY SPEAR OF MAGUS.
The Brody Cody Series is for children aged 6-9: BRODY CODY AND THE STEPMOTHER FROM OUTER SPACE and BRODY CODY AND THE HAUNTED VACATION HOUSE.
She’s also the author of two non-fiction books. THE ONE WAY DIET is a no-nonsense guide to losing weight and coping with the journey. HAPPY TRAVELS 101 is a short book of travel tips with great advice for anyone who wants to travel overseas.
An excellent review, Mark.
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Thanks, Robbie. 🙂
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Thank you so much, Robbie – Mark’s review was such a lovely surprise. Toni x
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/313717324435?mkevt=1&mkcid=16&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0
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Thank you!
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What a great review to share!
Congratulation, Toni.
Thank you, Mark!
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Thanks, Pat.
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Thanks so much, Pat – I’m thrilled about Mark’s review. Toni x
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Great review, Mark. It sounds as if the author has managed to include all the required elements in the right doses to create an excellent read. Thanks for the recommendation!
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She certainly did. 🙂
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Thanks so much, Olga – that means a lot from an expert like you. Toni x
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Thanks Mark. This would be a great read.
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I really enjoyed it. 🙂
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Thanks for your lovely comment. Toni x
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I enjoyed this book too, Mark. It was the first book of Toni’s that I read. Wonderful spot-on review. Congrats to Toni!
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Thanks, Diana. 🙂
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Thanks so much Diana – I’m over the moon with your endorsement as well as Mark’s fabulous review. Toni x
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What a way to be taken from an emotional high to devastation. This sounds like a good one. Congrats to Toni!
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I enjoyed it for sure. I hope you get a chance to read it, Jacquie.
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Thank you so much, Jacquie! Hope you have a lovely week. Toni x
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Great review, Mark!
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Thank you. 🙂
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Thank you very much. Toni x
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Thanks for the great review, Mark, and for the introduction to Toni and her books. I’ve seen her on other blogs too. You have piqued my interest, so her book is added to my list.
Congrats to her, as well.
~Lauren
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That’s great news, Lauren. I know you’ll enjoy it. 🙂
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Thanks you so much, Lauren. I’m thrilled to hear that, and I certainly hope you enjoy it. Toni x
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I read Desolation Bluff about a year ago and enjoyed it. Since I’m writing more for children now, I’m going to give one of Toni’s Brody Cody books a try.
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Glad you enjoyed the book too, Pete.
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Thanks so much, Pete – I’m so glad you enjoyed Desolation Bluff as well. I hope you enjoy Brody Cody! Have a nice weekend. Toni x
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What a plot. My mind is spinning with possibilities. Sounds, excellent, Toni, and thanks, Mark, for the review.
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I think you would enjoy this one, Jacqui.
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Thanks very much, Jacqui – I’m delighted that you like the sound of it. Have a fabulous week. Toni x
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A great review of Toni´s book. It´s on my TBR list which is very long, I´m afraid.
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Thanks, Darlene.
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Thanks Darlene – happy reading. Toni x
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Hi Mark, Thank you so much for reading and reviewing Desolation Bluff – what a delightful surprise. I’m over the moon that you enjoyed it. Have a fabulous week, Toni x
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You’re welcome, Toni. 🙂
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A lovely review to share, Mark! Cheers to Toni. 🙂
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Thanks, Natalie.
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Thank you very much, Natalie – hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend. Toni x
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Congratulations to Toni on the great review! The book sounds as though it would make a good movie.
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I agree, Liz.
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🙂
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Thank you so much, Liz – that would be very nice! I’m thrilled with Mark’s review. Toni x
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You’re welcome, Toni.
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I love characters that are easily sympathized or hated. Thank you for sharing this terrific review, Mark! 🙂
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I love them too, Miriam.
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🙂 🙂
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Thank you so much, Miriam – I’m so delighted with Mark’s review. Toni x
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It was an excellent review, Toni.
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Great review! It sounds line a story I’d enjoy.
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I think you would, Denise. Thanks for stopping by.
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Thanks, Denise!
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This sounds like a great read. Thanks for sharing your review, Mark.
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I enjoyed it, Jill. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
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Thanks, Jill – I’m thrilled with Mark’s review. Toni x
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Sounds like an interesting book, wish I had more time to read…
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I found it to be a good read. 🙂
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😊
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Thank you, Francisco. Toni
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My pleasure Toni, and will definitely look for the book, I certainly trust the words of Mark.
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Thank you so much, Francisco!
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Good review. Sounds interesting!
Sent from my iPad
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Thank you.
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Thank you, John and Wendi. Toni
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This one sounds like something I would enjoy. Congrats to Toni on the great review!
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I think you would, Mae.
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Thank you so much, Mae. Toni x
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