Love Lies Bleeding    by Jess McConkey Order:  USA  Can William Morrow, 2011 (2011) Softcover, e-Book Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Samantha had everything – a sweet job, a man who loved her, and what she considered a perfect life. Then she suffered a random act of violence and sank into a coma for two months. Stuck up north in a small community with a physical therapist to help her back to the real world, Sam feels trapped. Her fiancé agrees with her dictatorial father on her care. Sam's father oversees everything she does and is sure he knows what is best for his princess. Sam has nightmares, with an overwhelming fear that she is being attacked again. But! Yes, that but that changes everything. Strange happenings are occurring that bewilder Sam. Tension grows, reflected in Sam's demeanor. She declares herself a free agent. Daddy doesn't agree. Which only raises her ire. She has thoughts that are not her own. A young hoodlum harasses her. She sees a woman in a lavender nightgown strolling at night by the lake. She has violent outbursts. The only person who stands by her is her therapist, Anne. The one good thing in her life is Roxy, a rescued dog. The suspense in this novel is underplayed but brings action to the story. Sam plays her part well and we see her progression from one who has been traumatized to someone who desperately wants control of her own life but isn't sure she can manage it on her own. The story is character driven, pretty much leaving individuals' surroundings to readers' imaginations. Which is fine. I can furnish rooms to my taste and enjoy the flora and fauna to my preferences. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews