If you’re looking for a page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, “Moving Target” by Elizabeth Lowell is an excellent choice. As the first novel in the Rarities Unlimited series, readers are introduced to a cast of intriguing characters, a fast-paced plot full of twists and turns, and heart-pumping moments that will have you holding your breath.
The story centers around expert gemologist and rare gem hunter, Cheyenne Amber. When a mysterious map comes into her possession, she finds herself embroiled in a high-stakes race to find a priceless ruby before it falls into the wrong hands. As she navigates through a treacherous web of alliances, betrayals, and dangerous secrets, Cheyenne is forced to confront her past and the one man who has the power to shatter her world.
Key Takeaways:
- “Moving Target” is a thrilling novel by Elizabeth Lowell with a suspenseful plot that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.
- The first book in the Rarities Unlimited series introduces readers to expert gemologist and rare gem hunter, Cheyenne Amber, who finds herself in a high-stakes race to find a priceless ruby.
- The novel is full of twists and turns, secrets, and dangerous alliances that propel the story forward.
- Readers will be treated to an inside look at the world of rare gems and the people who will do anything to obtain them.
- The complex characters and their relationships add depth and intrigue to the fast-paced plot, making the novel a must-read for fans of suspense and thrillers.
About the Author
Elizabeth Lowell, born in 1944 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a well-known American author of romance and mystery novels. She is best known for her popular “Rarities Unlimited” series, which includes the novel “Moving Target”. Lowell’s writing career began in 1977, with the publication of her first romance novel, under the pseudonym “Ann Maxwell”. The New York Times best-selling author has written over thirty novels and has won numerous awards throughout her career.
Lowell’s education background includes obtaining a B.A. in anthropology from the University of California, Riverside, and an M.A. in library science from the University of Oklahoma. Before becoming a full-time author, she worked as a researcher and a teacher. Lowell’s writing style is often noted for its fast-paced action, rich characterization, and vivid descriptions.
Her inspiration comes from her experiences as a world traveler and her love of history, which is evident throughout her novels. Lowell has also been influenced by other notable authors, such as Daphne du Maurier and Kathleen Woodiwiss.
“I have always wanted to create characters who are real, believable, and someone the reader can root for and identify with. Writing is a way to share my love of history, travel, and romance with my readers, and I feel incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to do so.”
Setting and Characters
“Moving Target” transports readers to a world of intrigue and danger set in present-day Washington DC. The book takes place against the backdrop of a high-stakes jewelry auction, and as events unfold, the characters find themselves in increasingly perilous situations.
The main character is successful antique dealer and expert thief, Serena Charters, who is tasked with stealing a rare and valuable necklace from the auction. Serena’s partner in crime is Justin Talbot, a former government agent who is now a reclusive gem expert.
The supporting cast includes some shady characters like bid-rigger Tony DeMarco, ruthless collector Harrison Fairchild, and Emma Cross, Serena’s best friend and owner of the auction house. Readers will have to navigate the web of alliances and double-crosses to uncover the truth behind all the deception.
Plot Overview
Elizabeth Lowell’s “Moving Target” follows the story of successful art dealer Rachel Matre, who finds herself immersed in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse after receiving a mysterious package. The package turns out to be a clue to solving the murder of her ex-husband, which leads Rachel to meet former military man Jack Dakota. Together, they navigate their way through the high-stakes underworld of art theft, blackmail, and murder to uncover the mystery of her ex-husband’s death.
The plot of “Moving Target” is filled with suspenseful twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. From unexpected alliances to heart-stopping action sequences, Lowell masterfully weaves together a gripping story that is sure to leave readers breathless.
“It’s a well-crafted, action-packed, and suspenseful story that will have you hooked from the first page.”
Themes and Motifs
Elizabeth Lowell masterfully weaves together various themes and motifs throughout “Moving Target,” adding depth and complexity to the thrilling plot. From love and betrayal to greed and obsession, these elements invite readers to contemplate the broader implications of the story.
Love and Betrayal
One of the primary themes in “Moving Target” is the exploration of love and betrayal. The romantic tension between the main characters, Emma and Colin, is complicated by their competing interests and the deceitful actions of those around them. Their struggle to trust one another in the midst of danger creates a relatable and poignant backdrop for the novel’s action-packed plot.
Greed and Obsession
Another notable theme present throughout “Moving Target” is the danger of greed and obsession. As characters vie for valuable artifacts and treasures, they become willing to take extreme measures, placing themselves and others in harm’s way. Lowell uses these motivations as a commentary on the darker side of human nature, inviting readers to consider the consequences of putting wealth and power above all else.
“Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction.” – Erich Fromm
Symbolism and Imagery
Alongside these themes, Lowell employs various motifs and symbolic imagery throughout the novel to enhance the reader’s experience. From the repeated use of the phrase “moving target” to the descriptions of the diamond cross at the heart of the story, these elements add depth and meaning to the narrative.
The cover art for “Moving Target” also offers its own symbolic imagery, depicting an antique watch and a bullet, representing the dual nature of the pursuit of time and danger in the novel.
Writing Style
Elizabeth Lowell’s writing style in “Moving Target” is unparalleled. She expertly weaves together intricate plotlines with vivid descriptions, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Her use of language is precise and evocative, transporting readers into the heart of the story. Through her narration, Lowell creates a rich and dynamic world that readers can fully immerse themselves in.
One of Lowell’s unique approaches is her use of storytelling techniques, such as foreshadowing and flashback, which enhance the narrative and create depth. Her pacing is masterful, always leaving readers wanting more.
“Lowell’s talent for suspenseful storytelling shines through in ‘Moving Target.’ Her writing style is captivating, and readers will find themselves fully invested in the story from start to finish.”
The Art of Foreshadowing
One of Lowell’s most effective techniques is her use of foreshadowing. By dropping subtle hints throughout the story, she builds suspense and keeps readers guessing about what will happen next. For example, in “Moving Target,” Lowell uses foreshadowing to hint at the identity of the villain, creating a sense of tension and urgency.
| Examples of Foreshadowing in “Moving Target” | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “The gun was heavy in her hand, and she wondered if it was loaded.” | This line, spoken by the protagonist early in the story, hints at the violent showdown that will occur later on. |
| “He had ice in his veins, a ruthless streak a mile wide.” | This description of one of the characters foreshadows his eventual betrayal. |
| “The clock was ticking, and she knew time was running out.” | The urgency conveyed in this line foreshadows the fast-paced, action-packed climax of the story. |
Overall, Elizabeth Lowell’s writing style is both engaging and effective, making “Moving Target” a thrilling and unforgettable read.
Reception and Reviews
Elizabeth Lowell’s “Moving Target” has been well-received by both readers and critics alike. The book has garnered plenty of attention since its release, with many reviewers praising its unpredictable plot twists and engaging characters.
According to Publishers Weekly, the novel is a “tightly woven” story that “weaves a web of danger, deceit, love and redemption around the colorful, if somewhat shady, characters.”
Kirkus Reviews applauds Lowell, calling her writing “sharp, evocative” and her storytelling “compelling and suspenseful.” The review goes on to say that “the author’s skill with characterization and nuanced plotting is on full display.”
“Lowell’s writing is sharp, evocative, and compellingly suspenseful.” – Kirkus Reviews
General readers have also provided overwhelmingly positive feedback. On Goodreads, “Moving Target” has an average rating of 3.97 stars out of 5 based on over 9,000 reviews. Many readers praised the book for its fast-paced action and intricate storyline.
| Positive Feedback from Readers |
|---|
| “I couldn’t put this book down. Lowell’s writing had me hooked from the start!” |
| “The plot twists in this book kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend it!” |
| “Elizabeth Lowell is a masterful storyteller. This book has everything you could want in a suspenseful novel.” |
Impact and Influence
Elizabeth Lowell’s “Moving Target” and the Rarities Unlimited series have left a significant impact on the literary landscape. The book’s gripping plot, well-crafted characters, and suspenseful storytelling have made it a favorite amongst readers and critics alike, cementing its status as a classic thriller.
Furthermore, “Moving Target” helped establish Elizabeth Lowell as a highly respected author in the romance and thriller genres. Her unique writing style and ability to create memorable characters have made her a household name, with many considering her a pioneer of the romantic suspense subgenre.
The success of “Moving Target” and the Rarities Unlimited series has also influenced the mystery and suspense genres, with many authors following in Lowell’s footsteps and incorporating elements of romance and high-stakes adventure into their own works.
“If you’re a fan of suspenseful thrillers and high-stakes adventure, “Moving Target” is a must-read.” – BookPage
Similar Works
If you enjoyed “Moving Target” by Elizabeth Lowell, here are some similar books that you may also enjoy:
- The Third Victim by Lisa Gardner
- The Collector by Nora Roberts
- The Heist by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg
- The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
- The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
These books feature suspenseful storytelling and thrilling plot twists that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, much like “Moving Target.” Additionally, if you are a fan of Elizabeth Lowell’s writing style and approach to storytelling, you may also enjoy other books in the Rarities Unlimited series, such as “Running Scared” and “Die in Plain Sight.”
Book Adaptations
Due to the popularity of “Moving Target” and the success of Elizabeth Lowell’s Rarities Unlimited series, many fans have wondered whether the book would be adapted into other forms of media.
While there have been no official announcements regarding a movie or TV adaptation of “Moving Target,” rumors have circulated for years about a potential screen adaptation. Some fans have even speculated on which actors they would like to see portray the book’s main characters.
Despite the lack of concrete information, it is clear that the book’s thrilling plot and memorable characters would translate well to the screen. Any adaptation would need to capture the gripping suspense and intricate plot twists that made the book a beloved classic among fans of the mystery genre.
While we wait for any official news regarding a potential adaptation, fans can continue to enjoy the book’s suspenseful twists and turns on the page.
Reader’s Feedback
Readers of “Moving Target” have praised Elizabeth Lowell for creating a suspenseful page-turner that keeps them engaged until the very end.
“I absolutely loved this book! The plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t put the book down until I finished.”
– Jane D.
Many readers have also commented on the compelling characters and well-written prose:
“The characters are so well-developed and relatable. Lowell’s writing style is effortless and I found myself becoming fully immersed in the story.”
– Sarah L.
Overall, “Moving Target” has received positive feedback from readers who appreciate the gripping plot, engaging writing style, and memorable characters.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Lowell’s “Moving Target” is a true page-turner that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. The Rarities Unlimited series kicks off with this thrilling novel, introducing readers to the exciting world of rare treasures and the dangers that lurk around every corner.
Readers looking for a suspenseful and engaging read will not be disappointed with “Moving Target.” Lowell’s writing style keeps the narrative flowing smoothly, with well-developed characters and unpredictable plot twists that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
The book’s themes of love, betrayal, and obsession are explored in depth, adding layers of complexity to the already gripping story. The setting and time period add a unique historical element to the novel, transporting readers to a different era and immersing them in the richly-detailed world of Rarities Unlimited.
Overall, “Moving Target” is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an exciting and well-written thriller. It’s not surprising that the book and the Rarities Unlimited series have garnered positive reviews from readers and critics alike. If you haven’t had the chance to read “Moving Target” yet, we highly recommend giving it a try and experiencing the suspense for yourself.
