Identity by Nora Roberts is a standalone romantic thriller published in May 2023 that tells the story of a woman whose life is shattered by a serial killer and con artist who steals her identity.
...
Identity by Nora Roberts is a standalone romantic thriller published in May 2023 that tells the story of a woman whose life is shattered by a serial killer and con artist who steals her identity.
Plot Summary
The novel centers on Morgan Albright, an independent woman who has worked hard to establish roots in Baltimore by working two jobs: one in construction and one as a bartender. Her carefully planned life unravels after she invites a flirtatious customer, "Luke," to a dinner party. Luke is actually Gavin Rozwell, a cold-hearted con artist and serial killer who targets women with the goal of stealing their assets, identity, and eventually their lives.
Gavin murders Morgan's roommate, Nina, who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, and drains Morgan's finances. Devastated and in debt, Morgan flees to her family in Vermont to rebuild her life. There, she reconnects with her mother and grandmother, finds a new job, and slowly builds a relationship with a local man, Miles Jameson.
Meanwhile, Gavin continues his killing spree, leaving clues that show he is obsessed with Morgan, the one who got away. The story follows Morgan's journey of healing and resilience, balancing the suspense of the looming threat with the warmth of family and new romance, leading to an eventual confrontation with the killer.
Reviews and Themes
Reviewers generally praise Identity for its engaging storyline, strong characters, and balance of tension and romance.
- Suspense and Pacing: The novel is described as a page-turner that keeps readers hooked with a suspenseful plot and multiple twists and turns. Chapters from the perpetrator's point of view add to the chilling narrative.
- Characters and Relationships: Customers highlight the well-developed and relatable characters, particularly the three generations of strong women in Morgan's family. The romance with Miles is described as a slow burn that feels genuine.
- Themes: A central theme is the power of community and family in overcoming great evil and personal devastation. The story also explores resilience, starting over, and finding inner strength after experiencing a deeply personal and horrific crime.
Publication Details
Identity: A Novel was first published in hardcover on May 23, 2023, by St. Martin's Press. A paperback edition was released on May 7, 2024, and a mass market paperbound reissue is scheduled for April 1, 2025.
[Show More]
Preview 10 out of 449 pages