A Novel (The Virtue Falls Series) - Because I'm Watching

When I first opened this library book I thought It wouldn't be something I would be interested in and put it aside. I then picked it up and read a paragraph, then a few pages and suddenly realized I couldn't put it down. It was a fun story, the quirky characters grew on me, the romance was a nice touch and I really felt for the police chief as well as her deputies. I did figure out one of the bad guys early on, but there were surprises down the road. I already took out another novel by this author.

This mystery was intriguing from the very beginning. Not only was the beginning captivating but the entire book created a pleasant uncertainty which is the benchmark of all great mysteries. The writer hands out plenty of suspense, joy, terror, and even a dollop of romance. There were enough surprises to keep me off-balance which engendered anger and shock. The bad guy was truly just that, a bad dude. Do not worry, you will not have mixed feelings for the villain or the book. You will hate the villain but love the book. This one is a definite keeper.

The latest in Dodd's Virtue Falls series delivers agonized yet truly enjoyable characters, dry and hilarious wit, a little romance, and a truly suspenseful experience.
If you are worried about the thrill factor being extreme and leaving the romantic suspense arena and venturing into the horror; don't. You are completely pulled through the book with enough suspense to create a thrilling ride, but not so much you need to sleep with the light on.
Dodd draws into realistic and difficult life experiences for her main characters, yet never drags you into despair, she leaves you holding on to that spark of life you see inside of them each time you turn the page.
We also get to continue the story of Kateri, who's been a favorite since book one, and whom I love just a little more each time.
Overall a totally satisfying escape, one that I just wasn't quite ready to let go of.

This book had me squirming in my seat! The characters in this book were nothing what I was expecting for the third book in the Virtue Falls series. Of course after reading Christina Dodd for as long as I have, I should have known better than to try to think ahead of her creatively twisted mind! I absolutely fell in love with the main characters and all of their neurotic flaws. This is a story of obsession, fear, strength and determination and it will make you view the neighbors on your street in a whole new way.

Christina Dodd never ceases to AMAZE!!! Entering into the Virtue Falls world again to visit characters we know and love and then introducing Maddy and Jake who are both part of Virtue Falls but not really known or participating in "town living". What a great love story based on a tragic past for both main characters. Maddy and Jake make me crazy with their past creeping up on them both and having to face their demons to make them better people, especially better when together. It was a page turner from the very start! From the crazy rantings of a "crazy Maddy" to her driving into Jake's home, I couldn't wait to see what happened next! I can't wait to see what adventure will be next in Virtue Falls.

Because I'm Watching takes place mostly at night. The two main characters, Maddie and Jacob, fear the night and try hard not to fall asleep because of the horrible things that happen if they do. Maddie's past horrors marks her as "crazy" by her neighbors although she tries to act "normal" and wants to belong among the people she lives with. Jacob is made into a "hero" and his neighbors forgive his outbursts and his unfriendliness even as he, himself, wants to die and has no use for his neighbors.
Jacob's involvement with Maddie and her hallucinations saves both of them. Because of Jacob, Maddie finds out that her hallucinations are engineered by someone else and because of Maddie, Jacob learns that life is worth living.

When Obsession Falls came out, it was my favorite. Now I am hard pressed to choose between it and Because I'm Watching. I think Because I'm Watching wins. I really thought Mad Maddie and Jacob's characters were brilliantly written, intricate and well developed. Their stories were so deep and rich, albeit tragic in their own rights. I loved the suspense, the craziness, the mystery, the nosy neighbors, Sheriff Kwinault and more. The terror Maddie experienced was palpable. The PTSD was brought into the story sensitively and honestly. A few times the cadence of the writing was slightly awkward but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. I am looking forward to the next installment.

I really enjoyed this continuation of Virtue Falls books. Love the interaction between Maddie & Jacob. They are both complex characters and it was nice to see the background of both and how they came to be where they are. I felt very irate for how Maddie had been treated and was glad when it was all resolved. I found myself very wrapped up in all the characters, as i usually am with this series. I was also thrilled we got to see a lot of Sherrif Kateri and hope future books keep her front and center, she deserves her own happy ever after. I don't want to give much away but if you enjoyed the previous books you will love this, i found myself staying up until 3:00 am to finish (good thing i had Sunday & Monday off work).
Cant wait for the next - "The woman who couldnt scream". I highly recommend this book!

I absolutely loved this story! This is book three of The Virtue Fall series!! Maddie and Jacob's story is the most gut wrenching, beautiful love story.

It's full of fear, suspense, twists and turns. But it's also got lots of hope and love.

I truly think this story is the best Christina Dodd has written!

This novel, like all of Christina Dodd's novels, is exceptional. Fully developed characters, a plot with twists and turns, some suspense, some romance; all carefully balanced. Stands alone or read the series.

Love, love, loved this book. Christina Dodd's books are automatic buys for me. I think that I've read 90% of her books. I am enjoying the new direction her writing has taken... less sex, more thrill. Ms. Dodd is a wonderful storyteller.

I like the main characters. They are flawed, but believable, likeable and interesting. I liked the byplay between them and I laughed out loud a couple of times. Just make sure that you set aside a block of time to read the book, because you will not be able to put it down.

Full disclosure: I was given an autographed copy of this book to read and review. I definitely got the better part of the deal! :)

I loved this book; it held my interest & kept me up all night - I had to find out how it would end. Loved the ending - the house door closing.
I would, & have, recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story, a good mystery, and an absolutely great plot line. The characters are interesting and fit in the Virtue Falls population so well; now I'm waiting for the next book.

Once again Christina Dodd does not disappoint! Suspense, intrigue and a little bit of romance combines to give readers a glimpse of the three main characters. Following Jacob Denisov as he re-enters the world of the living, Maddie Hewitson as she deals with her demons and Sheriff Kateri Kwinault as her life in Virtual Falls evolves. This is a MUST read.

Awesome series and my new favorite. If you haven't read any, I'd suggest start from the beginning and read in order. I thought Obsession Falls was great but this one is crazy great! I love the characters and town Dodd has created. Her plots are absorbing and riveting. I cannot wait for the next book!

Another suspenseful, romantic installment in the Virtue Falls collection, this one featuring a horror novelist, Maddie, who has a traumatic past and seems like she may be on the pale end of the Asperger's spectrum. Her love interest, Jacob, is a trauma survivor too, having endured mind-torture during a tour in the army.

Maddie is either suffering from acute psychosis - or is being systematically tormented and made to merely appear crazy - and either way she's shunned and feared by the residents of her uptight neighborhood. As her plotline unspools, she and Jacob connect and clues start to fall into place.

I would have loved a deeper look into Maddie. I found myself longing for more details about her grisly college experience and following lock-up in the psychiatric hospital. As it was, it seemed her backstory was a surface skim only, and as a result I never felt like I had the opportunity to know her on a deep enough level to really understand the quirks and strangeness that Jacob ended up finding endearing...but that only struck me as exceedingly odd. Maddie, to me, was a more difficult character to connect to than even Cordelia - whose awareness of her own (obvious) Asperger's traits make her far more palatable. Maybe if Maddie was more self-possessed and aware of her foibles, I would have been able to dial into her a little deeper. Alas, her near childlike countenance made that really tough, so I found myself gravitating more to the simultaneous plotline of Kateri, Luis, Bergen, and Stag (Stag! That his name is the so obviously stud-like 'Stag' makes me howl with laughter every time it plays over the page. And I don't know if the comic relief is intentional or not, but either way I love it. 'Stag' is an EPIC name)

Kateri is in the running for Sheriff, Bergen is both her opponent and friend, there are a gaggle of old codgers who have rods up their asses over a woman OR a Native American being in a position of such authority (and Kateri is both) who therefore make for some deliciously I-love-to-hate-you characters. Kateri is sharp, sensitive, and nobody's fool.

I was so glad she didn't let Greasy Luis do the Filthy McNasty with her. (Don't you have a hand, Luis? Trot on home and use it. Get on, now.)

Dodd manages a massive cast very well; everyone's plot weaves seamlessly into each other's, and it's so, so easy to get caught up in the entire community she has created here. Of course I am already committed to the next book in this series, as now I know the players on such an intimate level and am invested in their stakes.

My love affair with Virtue Falls continues...4 stars

Once again, Christina Dodd grabs our attention on the first page, and doesn't let go until the final word.

Excellent pacing, involved characters, and that creepy feeling of being watched. What more could we ask for!

This is a book that is really almost two mysteries in one book. It kept me guessing almost from the beginning of the story. I loved Maddie and Jacob and how they were able to help each other. It has been a long time since I have found myself staying up late at night to read a book because I could not put it down but when I got into Jacobs plight and Maddie dealing with her "issues" I just had to keep reading!! Thank you Christina Dodd, I can't wait until the next installment, the teaser was GREAT!!

Have just finished this book. Another excellent read. I Love the way Christina keeps me wanting and expecting more from her characters. Her next book, The Woman Who Couldn't Scream, is already on my to read list. Thank you for peaking my interest in mystery novels with another avenue for me to explore.

Excellent book! A realistic depiction of the emotions involved with 'gas lighting' and what it feels like to question your own sanity when trying to figure out who is lying and who is telling the truth! First book I've been able to concentrate on since my divorce.

I received in exchange for a honest review.
This is the third book in the Virture Fall series and what a wonderful series it is. From beginning to end it has you in suspense, with the action,plots, etc. it had me hooked. It's is well written. I highly recommend this to anyone.