I Couldn’t Put It Down
5 out of 5 stars
One of my favorite parts about the AJ Bailey series so far is that they can be read standalone. Each story has its own arc, and, sure, you’d miss out on some of Bailey’s growth, but that doesn’t change or affect the story negatively. Harvey writes stories that jump off of the page, and each time I start one of AJ’s adventures, I know that I’m in for it.
Valley of the Rays was one of those stories that I couldn’t put down. I started while on vacation in Florida one night, and it only took me two nights to finish it. I stayed up too late last night listening because I had to know how it finished. And speaking of a finish, the ending of this one was a sprint. I can’t believe everything that Harvey was able to sneak into this one.
As I mentioned above, these can be read in any order, but reading them in order (or at least the last few like I have) always helps with the character progression. This one sees AJ kidnapped and forced to help someone complete some tasks for someone known by a fake name, who, every hour, will phone in to give the update that all is well – and if that call doesn’t come in, someone close to AJ will be hurt.
The story itself flashes back and forth between multiple characters, and a few times, I thought, “how the heck do these two match up?” But as it continued on, I started to see the whole picture (and in case you don’t, Harvey gives a nice “catch up” scene).
Valley of the Rays is one of the best titled books in this series too. It’s not only a catchy name, but a lot of the story takes place in a place called that where lots of Stingrays come to feed. They played an interesting role in the story and made this one stand out in my recent memory.
Book Description:
Kindle Edition Currently Available with Kindle Unlimited
If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it might be a bird of prey….
An unassuming man coerces his way onto the island with AJ’s involuntary assistance. Could he be as harmless as he seems, or capable of something far more sinister?
When AJ encounters a stranger on a suspicious boat after her morning dives, she finds herself caught in a bizarre game of cat and mouse while she leads an unlikely villain all over the island.
Book seven in the series thrusts AJ into a knife edge predicament where the wrong move will cost her the life of a loved one.
Each book can be listened to in series order, or as standalone novels.”
Valley of the Rays by Nicholas HarveyNarrator: Kim Bretton
Length: 7 hrs and 4 mins
Series: AJ Bailey #7
Published by Self Published on January 5th 2023
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Format: Audiobook
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Also by this author: Angels of the Deep, Graceless, Deadly Sommer, Solomon's Well
Also in this series: Solomon's Well, Queen of the Island Skies, Neptune's Wall, Spanish Bay Reef
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