Assessment:
Plot: The overarching plot here is interesting and worth developing. However, the author needs to be careful about the plausibility of plot points. From the beginning, there are instances that are simply not realistic, and these take readers out of the story.
Prose: The prose here suffers from grammatical issues, the passive voice, and excessive and unnecessary details. The text would benefit from an edit to condense and tighten the prose.
Originality: Luttrell creates an original story with an interesting story arc. Some of the book's potential is undercut by plotting and prose issues, but the basis for an original and compelling tale is there.
Character Development: The author does an apt job of developing Cate, who is realistic and vivid. Other characters feature in the story, but none are as well-developed as Cate.
Date Submitted: August 09, 2018
JRo
4.0 out of 5 starsA romp of a read.
31 March 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
I really enjoyed this book. It took me a couple of chapters to get into the story. The style of writing reminded me of a true crime book which only added to the suspense of Cate's turbulent life. Just when I felt comfortable with the story there was another twist and a turn to keep me on my toes. I liked how the story was spread across two continents and the detail to both countries' idiosyncrasies were well presented and engaging. A romp of a read.
Mar 15, 2018Essie Harmon rated it really liked it
4.5 stars
just a heads up…when starting “Drawing Danger” by L.E. Luttrell, make sure you don’t have anywhere you need to be or anything you need to do because you won’t want to stop reading until you’ve finished it all!! Trust me on this! The author wastes no time setting the stage and tone for the book and how Cate’s story is going to be interesting – starting from the fact that she saw her mother’s killer years ago when she was 6, and she has the image of him in her mind and tries drawing him u ...more
Apr 01, 2018Jenna rated it it was amazing
This book by L.E. Luttrell was great! I read a lot in this genre (murder/mystery/suspense) so I’m always impressed when I come across a book that stands out in its own way from the masses. I thought this premise was quite interesting and unique to have Cate as a young girl witness her mother’s murderer, then spend a good part of her life ‘drawing’ him so that he could be brought to justice (hence the title). I was completely pulled in from the opening pages, and enjoyed the personality of the different characters (especially Cate) and Luttrell’s attention to detail on all fronts, from characters to geography (interesting note on that at the end too). We feel transported not only into Cate’s unique and interesting (and sometimes terrifying) life, but her experiences…This one has more shocking twists and reveals than I imagined it would – it made for some seriously captivating reading as the secrets of the past are revealed throughout, and the guilty person is definitely a surprise. Dark, edgy and shocking to the end… I thought that overall the book was well written even though there were some punctuation/grammar mistakes here and there, it was no big deal (I’ve seen worse) and even though I did wonder on occasion where the story was going, it was interesting to see how it all tied together in the end, which I loved! Bittersweet but very fitting… and speaking of sweet, I’d love to try that cake recipe! This is a standalone book (not a series), but if Luttrell writes any more, I’d be happy to read it. I would recommend this book to fans of literary/psychological thrillers and mystery/suspense.
Drawing Danger
by L.E. Luttrell
Ariel C's review
Jan 19, 2018
really liked it
Riveting tale of a young woman’s struggle to bring her mother’s killer to justice.
Early in childhood, Cate witnessed the brutal murder of her mother.
Although the case remained unsolved for decades, Cate refuses to allow herself to ever forget the face of a killer who has haunted her nightmares for decades.
Determined that her mind will forever retain the image of the man who murdered her mother, a young Cate begin drawing him.
Police never found the killer but Cate continues sketching that face into adulthood, in preparation for the fateful day that she will come face to face with the killer once more.
But is Cate allowing her mother's murder to engender an unhealthy obsession of the past which is wiser forgotten?
A past immersed in so much danger that it should remain buried- lest it resurrect with it a threat to the living, reviving a ruthless murderer with an insatiable appetite for blood.
Drawing Danger is a fascinating concept driven novel, brought to life by a compelling female protagonist and action fuelled plot.
Cate's drawing is such a simple action and at times also appears a complex device, one that preoccupies both Cate and the reader.
The means of capturing a murderer, an obsession of Cate's school days, a possible coping strategy to come to terms with trauma that a child's psyche cannot properly process- the drawing is a wonderful metaphor, with a multitude of possible meanings.
An engaging debut from L.E Luttrell.
Very skilled characterization spanning three decades, which provides an intricate depiction of Cate's formative years and her transformation over the decades.
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Follow Reviews
May 19, 2018Kayleigh Mathews rated it really liked it
4.5 stars - I have no idea why this book took me so long to read because it's such an addicting read - more detailed review to come on my blog
Mar 28, 2018Stacy rated it really liked it
3.5 stars
I really liked this book, “Drawing Danger” by L.E. Luttrell. It was well written and plotted, while there were some editing/grammar/formatting things, it was nothing that made me like the captivating storyline any less. It definitely got my attention from the intriguing opening with her mother’s murder, although I admit after the first few chapters I wasn’t really sure if I really wanted to continue, only because I didn’t click with the unique narrative style and thought it felt too ‘telling’ (as opposed to ‘showing’) and this keeps us at arm’s length thoughout. But I was intrigued by Cate’s life and her mission to bring her mother’s killer to justice. And the set up was very original I thought, so I stuck with it and I am glad I did. It is not a quick read by any stretch, nor should it be. There are too many interesting events and crazy (literally) experiences here to gloss over so Luttrell takes her time in carefully developing the various storylines so that we the readers are thoroughly invested the whole way through as the secrets of the murder come to light in very dramatic ways. Once I adjusted to the narrative style, I found myself completely lost in this world she recanted night after night. Was almost disappointed when I was done, but the ending gave the emotional satisfaction I look for in a great book, which is rare for me these days, and also provides some unexpected insight. Recommend to fans of thrillers/suspense, or anyone who just enjoys an entertaining, unique story with lots of drama. (less)
Apr 01, 2018Claire rated it really liked it
"Drawing Danger” by L.E. Luttrell is an excellent novel that captured my attention from the beginning, pulled me in, and never once let go. Each scene was engaging, imaginative, and flowed smoothly from one to the next… never a “dull part” where you get bored or want to skip ahead… in fact almost the opposite with the various interweaving plotlines from the past and present and going from one character and intriguing event to the next. The descriptions were very strong, and I mean with Luttrell’s word choice… vivid and powerful with a nice literary slant that is very easy to read and just sink right into. And even though the book is written in third-person present tense (which is an odd style that can feel too ‘telling’ at times), I felt like I was genuinely inside the characters’ heads (but mostly Cate) experiencing this crazy drama through their eyes, for better or worse. It’s hard to know who to trust, and there is plenty of mystery, secrets, betrayal and danger throughout. The ending was a shocker… happy in some ways, but definitely some sad moments as well. Keep reading after the epilogue because there is some interesting info there and a nice treat! Would like to read more from Luttrell as she has a natural gift for creating a well-thought out story and bringing memorable characters to life in an unpredictable, engaging way. (less)
Mar 31, 2018Jax rated it really liked it
I really enjoyed this book. It took me a couple of chapters to get into the story. The style of writing reminded me of a true crime book which only added to the suspense of Cate's turbulent life. Just when I felt comfortable with the story there was another twist and a turn to keep me on my toes. I liked how the story was spread across two continents and the detail to both countries' idiosyncrasies were well presented and engaging. A romp of a read.
Feb 22, 2018Fran'S rated it it was amazing
Just brilliant , love it when you can get straight into a book. Great story, brilliant ending.
Apr 10, 2018Jennifer rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: 2018-books
Suspense and Intriging
I thoroughly enjoyed this book full of suspense and intrigue, the story centres around Cate who lost her mum in horrific circumstance that she witnessed whilst hiding from the murderer when she was just 6 years old. She decides to make a sketch of him and keeps on doing so until she turns 18 and begins to right a wrong and see the man responsible rot for his crimes. Sadly this becomes an horrific ride and it affects all those that she holds dear. What will the outcome be and read it and find out.