The Scorpion
- ravishhertales
- May 12, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 9
Review:
Gerri Hill is well-known for crafting engaging lesbian romances, often woven into suspenseful mystery plots. The Scorpion follows investigative reporter Marty Edwards and police detective Kristen Bailey as they get entangled in a cold case that turns deadly. While Hill delivers plenty of action, suspense, and her signature romantic development, this book stumbles in a few key areas—especially in how it handles Marty’s sexuality.
The Plot: A Cold Case Turns Red Hot
Marty Edwards specializes in digging up old, forgotten murder cases, and this time, she’s looking into one in Brownsville, Texas. But the deeper she digs, the more dangerous things become. When someone tries to silence her—twice—she realizes she’s in way over her head. Enter Detective Kristen Bailey, assigned to “babysit” her for her own safety.
As the case unravels, it becomes clear that the Brownsville Police Department itself may be involved in a cover-up. Suddenly, Marty and Kristen are on the run, dodging threats from unknown enemies and unsure who they can trust. But amid the chaos, their forced proximity sparks unexpected feelings, leading to a romance neither of them saw coming.
Thrills and Twists—But Some Plot Holes
Gerri Hill is a master of fast-paced, gripping storytelling, and The Scorpion is no exception. The suspense builds well, and the sense of paranoia—never knowing who to trust—adds tension. The action-packed plot moves at a good clip, with car chases, close calls, and just enough downtime for the characters to build their relationship.
That said, there are some noticeable plot holes. Certain elements feel underdeveloped, and at times, it seems like Kristen and Marty make it through dangerous situations too easily. Additionally, for a mystery thriller, the resolution of the case doesn’t feel as tightly woven as some of Hill’s other crime stories. If you're here mainly for the police procedural aspect, this one may not hold up as well as, say, Devil’s Rock or Under a Falling Star.
Romance and Representation: A Missed Opportunity
The chemistry between Marty and Kristen is solid, though a bit formulaic—a classic case of "tough cop meets stubborn reporter." But what makes their relationship different is Marty’s backstory: she has always identified as asexual, never experiencing sexual attraction to men or women. However, once she grows closer to Kristen, she suddenly finds herself overcome with sexual desire for the first time.
This is where the book falters. Marty’s journey could have been a great opportunity to explore demisexuality, asexuality, or fluid sexuality with nuance. Instead, it falls into a common but problematic trope: she-just-hadn't-met-the-right-person-yet. The idea that someone can be "fixed" once they find the right partner is a harmful myth in LGBTQ+ representation.
At one point, Marty even says she feels "normal" now that she has experienced sexual attraction, which is a huge misstep. It unintentionally invalidates asexuality as a legitimate identity. Hill doesn’t take the time to explore what this means for Marty beyond her attraction to Kristen, leaving readers with an incomplete and somewhat misleading take on sexuality.
Final Thoughts
The Scorpion is an engaging but flawed thriller. It has great action, fast pacing, and a compelling romance, but the mystery has some loose ends, and its handling of asexuality feels misguided. Longtime fans of Gerri Hill will likely still enjoy it, especially if they’re here for the romance. However, if you’re looking for a book with a well-developed police case or a nuanced exploration of sexuality, this one may not fully deliver.
₹450
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