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Tough Customer by Sandra Brown – A thrilling ride or a formulaic repeat?

A suspense-filled thriller that intertwines obsession, regret, and second chances, Tough Customer follows Dodge Hanley, a private investigator forced to reckon with his past when his estranged daughter is targeted by a dangerous stalker. Sandra Brown delivers high stakes and emotional depth, but does this novel truly stand out, or does it tread familiar ground?

Is Tough Customer Sandra Brown at her best—or is it just another thriller?

Some books grab you by the throat from page one. Others take their time, weaving suspense through slow-burning tension. Tough Customer tries to do both. It is part crime thriller, part emotional reckoning, with Sandra Brown’s signature mix of romance and danger. But does it deliver a truly unforgettable read, or does it feel like a rehash of her past bestsellers?

Tough Customer by Sandra Brown – A thrilling ride or a formulaic repeat?

Imagine getting a call from someone you haven’t seen in three decades. Now, imagine that call is from an old lover who needs you to save the daughter you’ve never met—from a psychotic stalker. That is the crisis facing Dodge Hanley, a grizzled private investigator, in Sandra Brown’s Tough Customer.

Also read: The Girl on Fire by Devashish Sardana: Does the crime thriller live up to the hype?

Published by Simon & Schuster in 2010, this 486-page thriller blends murder, obsession, and long-lost love into a fast-paced, emotionally charged narrative. Brown is no stranger to crafting bestsellers, and here she delivers a high-octane blend of suspense and human drama. But does the novel live up to its premise? Let us break it down.

Who are the key characters, and do they work?

A thriller is only as strong as its characters, and Tough Customer presents an interesting—if somewhat familiar—cast.

Dodge Hanley: The classic Anti-Hero

  • A hard-boiled detective with a lifetime of regrets.He’s cynical, self-destructive, and carries enough regret to fill the Grand Canyon. 

  • But underneath the rough exterior, he’s a man haunted by the choices he’s made.

  • He’s seen too much, done worse, and isn’t big on apologies.

  • His sarcasm is sharp, but his inner turmoil is sharper.

  • Is he likable? That depends on your tolerance for grumpy, chain-smoking men with commitment issues.

Caroline King: Strong-willed but underutilized

  • She left Dodge years ago, choosing stability over chaos.

  • Now a successful real estate mogul, she’s capable but overshadowed by Dodge’s larger-than-life presence.

  • Does she get enough depth? Not really. While she is the reason Dodge is in this mess, her role in the present timeline feels secondary.

Berry Malone: The self obsessed damsel who tries not to be one

  • Smart, independent, but constantly in danger.

  •  Oren Starks, an unstable former colleague, has developed a terrifying obsession with her, and his violent outbursts make it clear that he’s willing to kill for her attention.

  • Her relationship with her stalker, Oren, is tense, but her romantic subplot with Sheriff Ski Nyland feels underdeveloped.

  • Does she break the mold? Not exactly. She’s a standard capable but vulnerable female lead.

Oren Starks: The unhinged Stalker who is more creepy than clever

  • A former coworker with a disturbing obsession.

  • Oren isn’t just any stalker—he’s delusional, intelligent, and methodical, which makes him all the more dangerous.

  • Sandra Brown excels at writing menacing villains, but Oren isn’t as complex as he could be.

  • Is he terrifying? Yes. Memorable? Less so.

Ski Nyland: The lawman who needed more page time

  • The ex-army lawman with a soft spot is a solid, duty-bound sheriff.

  • His chemistry with Berry lacks spark, making their romance feel obligatory rather than organic.Well, romance isn’t easy when bullets are flying.

Does the thriller element hold up?

Sandra Brown is a master at pacing, and Tough Customer has its share of white-knuckle moments. However:

✅ The tension is effective. Oren’s unpredictability keeps things gripping.
✅ The mystery unfolds at a steady pace. There’s always a reason to turn the next page.
❌ Some plot points are predictable. If you’ve read a few thrillers, you’ll likely see some twists coming.
❌ The ending feels rushed. After 400+ pages of buildup, the climax wraps up too quickly.

What is the best quote from the book?

“Gazing into her calm, sherry-colored eyes, he felt little cracks forming in his mean ol' heart.”

It’s a moment that encapsulates Dodge—tough on the outside, fractured on the inside.

Where does Tough Customer struggle?

📉 Dodge Hanley is polarizing. Some will love his no-nonsense attitude, others will find him exhausting.Especially in the flashback scenes.
📉 The romance feels like an afterthought. Unlike Brown’s other books where romance and suspense are equally gripping, here, the love stories feel secondary.
📉 The villain isn’t groundbreaking. Oren Starks is terrifying, but not particularly unique in the genre.

FAQs about Tough Customer

1. Is Tough Customer a standalone novel or part of a series?

It’s a loose follow-up to Smash Cut, where Dodge Hanley also appears, but it can be read as a standalone thriller.

2. How does Tough Customer compare to Sandra Brown’s best books?

It’s not as strong as Chill Factor or Envy in terms of plot originality and emotional depth, but it is still a solid read.

3. Is there a strong romance element in this book?

Not really. The romantic elements feel underdeveloped compared to Brown’s other works. The book leans more into family drama and crime investigation.

4. Is the ending satisfying?

Yes and no. The final confrontation is intense, but the resolution feels a bit rushed.

5. Should I read Tough Customer if I’m new to Sandra Brown?

You could, but I’d recommend starting with her more gripping novels like Chill Factor or Smoke Screen first.

Is Tough Customer worth your time?

⭐ 3.8/5 – A solid thriller, but not Brown’s best.

✅ Good for readers who love a mix of romance and crime.
✅ Dodge Hanley is an interesting anti-hero.
❌ The romance feels underdeveloped.
❌ The ending doesn’t quite deliver on the buildup.

Is it a bad book? No. Is it one of Sandra Brown’s best? Not quite.

Let us discuss!

📚 What’s your favorite Sandra Brown book? Drop a comment!
🔥 Reading a thriller right now? Tell us about it!

📍 For the full review and more book insights, visit: www.TusharMangl.com

✍️ Tushar Mangl writes on books, investments, business, mental health, food, Vastu, leisure, and a greener, better society. Speaker, author of Ardika and I Will Do It.

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