Audible Book Review: The Murderer's Son, A Jackman and Evans Thriller by Joy Ellis

This is a good thriller and I’ll look to listen to more in the series.

The Murderer's Son
A Jackman and Evans Thriller
By: Joy Ellis
Narrated by: Richard Armitage

Series: Jackman & Evans (Published Order), Book 1,
Jackman & Evans (Recommended Listening Order), Book 2
Length: 9 hrs and 30 mins
Release date: 10-16-18
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Police Procedural, Psychological
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Twenty years ago: a farmer and his wife are cut to pieces by a ruthless serial killer.
Now: a woman is viciously stabbed to death in the upmarket kitchen of her beautiful house on the edge of the marshes.
Then a man called Daniel Kinder walks into Saltern police station and confesses to the murder.
But DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans of the Fenland Constabulary soon discover that there is a lot more to Daniel than meets the eye. He has no memory of the first five years of his life and has a rather unusual obsession with his mother....
Full of twists and turns, this is a crime thriller that will keep you gripped until the shocking ending.
©2016 Joy Ellis (P)2016 Audible, Ltd

Review:
Daniel Kinder is a news reporter who has just finished an effective article regarding nursing at the local hospital. It is a shock to his girlfriend and those he interviewed when he walks in to the police station to confess to a grisly murder. The murder is similar to a murder committed twenty years earlier. Daniel has periods of blackouts but he believes he is the killer because he believes he is an infamous murderer’s son.

DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans of the Fenland Constabulary are not inclined to immediately accept the confession. On the other hand, the young man definitely has issues and knowledge that is close to the crime scene. They pull in a skilled psychologist who has worked with serial killers before. It seems that those around Daniel are willing to work with him to prove he is not a killer. Unfortunately, each time he runs off there is another murder. If the real killer isn’t discovered, Daniel won’t be the only victim yet to suffer.

This story has good character development and good twists in the mystery. The pacing is steady and although I guessed the villain, there was suspense in how the investigation played out until the end. I like DI Jackman and his partner DS Evans who are not romantically involved but make a good team. They have different skills that complement each other. I’m glad I had this on my shelf and listened to it while it was available. I did read this first and saw that some reviewers preferred this as book 1 instead of book 2. I will note the series for more reading when I need a good police thriller.

Audio Notes: Richard Armitage is a skilled narrator and did a wonderful job with this work. His character voicing, emotional energy and pacing added to the story.

Source: August 2022 Audible Plus. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: The New Husband by D.J. Palmer

This is a creepy thriller.

The New Husband
by D.J. Palmer

File Size: 3611 KB
Print Length: 379 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1250270553
Publisher: St. Martin's Press (April 14, 2020)
Language: English
ASIN: B07SBQ9VZM
Genre: Domestic Thriller, Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

What makes Simon Fitch so perfect?
-He knows all her favorite foods, music, and movies.
-Her son adores him. He was there when she needed him most.
-He anticipates her every need.
-He would never betray her like her first husband.
The perfect husband. He checks all the boxes.
The question is, why?
Nina Garrity learned the hard way that her missing husband, Glen, had been leading a double life with another woman. But with Glen gone—presumably drowned while fishing on his boat—she couldn't confront him about the affair or find closure to the life he blew apart.
Now, a year and a half later, Nina has found love again and hopes she can put her shattered world back together. Simon, a widower still grieving the death of his first wife, thinks he has found his dream girl in Nina, and his charm and affections help break through to a heart hardened by betrayal. Nina's teenage son, Connor, embraces Simon as the father he wishes his dad could have been, while her friends see a different side to him, and they aren't afraid to use the word obsession.
Nina works hard to bridge the divide that’s come between her daughter and Simon. She wants so badly to believe her life is finally getting back on track, but she’ll soon discover that the greatest danger to herself and her children are the lies people tell themselves.

Review:
Nina is the mother of two teens. Her husband Glen seems to be absent more than at home. Then one day he turns up missing under dark circumstances. Nina discovers more evidence of betrayal and isn’t sure if Glen is dead or faked his disappearance. As she is struggling to get her life back together, a new man appears. Simon is a widower and a teacher at her children's' school. Simon seems to quickly know all of Nina’s favorites. She is on shaky ground and vulnerable to his charm.

Nina’s elder teen son, Connor, is quick to find an attentive friend in Simon. But Nina’s daughter, Maggie, isn’t ready to give up on her father and she isn’t ready to trust Simon. Nina’s friends are worried when Nina begins to cancel plans with them after she moves in with Simon. Nina doesn’t see the signs as easily as those who are a step away. Is Simon really “perfect” or are there unrevealed problems?

When the true situation is revealed to the reader it is likely to catch your breath. From that point, the suspense is thick as the dangers increase.

I did enjoy the intense ride. I liked how Maggie develops a new relationship and was able to question appearances. This made a good contrast element. The writing moved along well and kept me wanting to find out how events would play out. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a good domestic thriller.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Dead Girl Running by Christina Dodd

This is an engaging suspense with an ending that leads to another book.

Dead Girl Running
Cape Charade
By: Christina Dodd
Narrated by: Vanessa Johansson

Series: Cape Charade Series, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 04-24-18
Language: English
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
I have three confessions to make:
1. I've got the scar of a gunshot on my forehead.
2. I don't remember an entire year of my life.
3. My name is Kellen Adams...and that's half a lie.
Girl running...from a year she can't remember, from a husband she prays is dead, from homelessness and fear. Tough, capable Kellen Adams takes a job as assistant manager of a remote vacation resort on the North Pacific Coast. There amid the towering storms and the lashing waves, she hopes to find sanctuary. But when she discovers a woman's dead and mutilated body, she's soon trying to keep her own secrets while investigating first one murder...then another.
Now every guest and employee is a suspect. Every friendly face a mask. Every kind word a lie. Kellen's driven to defend her job, her friends, and the place she's come to call home. Yet she wonders - with the scar of a gunshot on her forehead and amnesia that leaves her unsure of her own past - could the killer be staring her in the face?
©2018 Christina Dodd (P)2018 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Review:
Kellen Adams has a few secrets in her background…and some mysteries. Kellen has reinvented herself after escaping from a brutal, abusive husband. She is pretty sure he is dead, but it is still hard to put it behind her and out of her dreams…or nightmares.

Kellen spent seven years in the military honing combat and deductive skills. Now she has taken a job as an assistant manager at a remote vacation resort. Kellen has a brain that observes, delineates details and categorizes people and situations. This helps her working with various employees and guests and aids in directing the activities. She didn’t expect to have to deal with an uncovered, mutilated body and the subsequent investigation. The facts point to the murderer being someone, most likely staff or a long-time resident, at the resort. This news soon puts all the current staff and guests on edge.

One particular guest is supposed to be a moody author, but he keeps sticking his nose into the investigation. Finally, he pulls Kellen into his secret intrigues claiming to be an undercover officer of a little-known government artifact recovery department. The theory is that a master criminal has been smuggling stolen artifacts through the resort. Now Kellen has these headaches to add to her nightmares of running from an abusive husband and losing a year of her memories.

I was pulled into the story right away. Kellen’s unique quirk of identifying the characteristics of each person she encounters is an interesting (although sometimes awkward) technique to introduce the other characters. There are several threads of intrigue weaving through the story: Kellen’s past, the suspected smuggling and the current investigations. The author includes flashback chapters to fill in Kellen’s history and people from her past who ultimately collide with her present. There is more than one strong suspect which kept the twists going until the end. After several suspenseful, dangerous confrontations, the story ends with a surprise that is likely to have me picking up the next book.

Over the years I have enjoyed many books by Christina Dodd, both historical romances and romantic suspense. This one had different writing elements but still the well-developed characters and twisty plot. I recommend this to readers who like romantic suspense that is strong on intrigue and action.

Audio Notes: Vanessa Johansson does a good job with the narration. The characters are distinct, and the energy helps keep the listen moving. The audio made it easier for me to listen through the story.

Source: December 2018 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Last Woman in the Forest by Diane Les Becquets

This is an interesting psychological thriller.

The Last Woman in the Forest
by Diane Les Becquets

Print Length: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley (March 5, 2019)
Sold by: Penguin Group (USA) LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07DMZ4P68
Genre: Mystery, Psychological Thriller
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

From the national bestselling author of Breaking Wild, here is a riveting and powerful thriller about a woman whose greatest threat could be the man she loves.…
Marian Engström has found her true calling: working with rescue dogs to help protect endangered wildlife. Her first assignment takes her to northern Alberta, where she falls in love with her mentor, the daring and brilliant Tate. When they’re separated on another assignment, she’s shattered to learn of his tragic death. Before long, Marian discovers disturbing inconsistencies about Tate’s life, and begins to wonder if the man she loved could have been responsible for the unsolved murders of at least four women.
Hoping to clear Tate’s name, Marian reaches out to a retired forensic profiler who’s haunted by the open cases. But as Marian relives her relationship with Tate and circles ever closer to the truth, evil stalks her every move.…

Review:
Marian Engström is a gentle sort of person who loves animals. She drifted from job to job until she found a job working with rescue dogs in an endangered wildlife research program. The dogs are specially trained and assigned to trained handlers. Marian was lucky to get accepted to the program and slowly gets to advance with the training skills. She meets Tate who becomes her training and mentor. Marian is surprised by Tate’s interest but craves his gentle, caring attention. Romantic entanglement is not permitted in the project teams but they secretly become involved. One of the other workers warns Marian that a relationship with another handler would probably not survive their separation to different jobs around the world.

After being assigned separate projects, Marian is devastated to learn of Tate’s death by a bear attack. She becomes more confused and distraught when a visit with Tate’s sister reveals that Tate lied to her about his life history.

Tate once told her that he found a female victim of a serial murderer who was never caught. Tate described the body with particular detail which Marian realizes shouldn’t be possible if the woman wasn’t found for months. Marian calls the investigating forensic profiler, Nick, trying to assure herself that she hadn’t fallen in love with a monster.

Nick is retired and dealing with his own health issues. But he agrees to talk to Marian and review the information she has. Bit by bit a picture of Tate develops that leaves Nick scared for Marian’s safety just as he himself is preparing for specialist treatment for life threatening cancer.

This story builds through an interesting series of present events, then switch back profiles and memories. Marian dialogs her history, her first encounter and subsequent romantic development with Tate. Interspersed with Marian’s accounts are Nick’s developed profiles of each of the murder victims, describing the facts that led him to believe how they were approached and the events of each of their murders. The book starts with a prologue description of the first victim. This pulled me in. Chapter 1 jumps to present day situation with Marian concerned about the doubts she was having about Tate. Chapter 2 moves back seven months. This pattern continues throughout the book.

There was still a slowness to the story, perhaps due to this pattern of changing entries, but this was balanced with the intriguing plot that was developed by the author. There wasn’t really strong suspense until late in the story. I think this is a solid physiological thriller.

Source: 2018 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019NetGalley and 2019Alphabet Goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Edge of Memory by Maura Beth Brennan

This is an interesting profile with bit of mystery.

The Edge of Memory
by Maura Beth Brennan

File Size: 716 KB
Print Length: 230 pages
Publisher: First Edition Design Publishing (December 12, 2017)
ASIN: B0788828JG
Genre: Drama, Psychological Thriller, Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

When your childhood is cut short by murder and treachery, it's not easy to live a normal life. At the tender age of nine, Harriet witnessed her father beat her mother to death, and she holds herself partially responsible. Still haunted by half-memories, guilt, and disturbing dreams, she has constructed a solitary and joyless existence, with little room for men or romance. Facing her thirtieth birthday, she knows she must do something to change her life. Like an omen, she meets Agnes, a rich elderly widow looking for a companion at her summer home in Maine, and the two forge a business deal. Thinking this will be like a vacation and a time to plan a better future, Harriet is shocked to discover challenges and obstacles she hadn't anticipated. Agnes' nephew and sole heir resents Harriet and wants her gone. And then there's Eli, the local artisan who makes her reconsider her decision to avoid men. Can he possibly return her feelings? Soon, the nephew's schemes, along with a heartbreaking betrayal, culminate in an event that changes her life forever. Will she fail Agnes as she failed her own mother years ago? Will she lose the man she loves? Or will she find her own strength and realize happiness at last?

Review:
Harriet was only nine when her father beat her mother to death. Harriet has blocked the memories but still has always felt responsible and unworthy to be happy. As her thirtieth birthday nears, she decides that she must change her life. Fate steps in when she meets a rich elderly widow, Agnes, who hires her as a companion. Agnes asks Harriet to accompany her to her summer home in Maine. Bit by bit Agnes gets Harriet to step out of her comfort zone and begin to truly transform herself.

Harriet meets Eli, an artist in town, who takes an interest in her, but they have misunderstandings to work through. Meanwhile Agnes’ nephew and heir visits on the weekends. He is arrogant and rude. Feeling threatened by the growing friendship between Agnes and Harriet, he accuses Harriet of not taking good care of Agnes as she seems to be having stomach illness. He blames Harriet for other accidents and missing items around the house too.

Intensity increases with Agnes' life threatened and Harriet's relationship with Eli challenged. Will her newly found confidence allow her to face the dangers to life and heart? 

Although I had a lot of trouble relating to Harriet’s insecure character, the author makes a clear portrayal of a young girl who was the victim of abuse as a child and never received counseling to help resolve her feelings of shame, guilt and inferiority. I had to keep this in mind throughout the story. I thought some of the mystery was pretty obvious, but I still liked how it played out. There was one sexual scene that seemed a bit cliched. It was more detailed than I like but not totally graphic.

The writing has some light descriptive prose and is an easy read. I would recommend this to readers who like family drama, women’s growth, a little suspense and a touch of romance.

Source: NetGalley 2017. This qualified for 2018TBR, March Take Control, NetGalley and Alphabet Challenges.

Book Review: Blink by K.L. Slater

This is a thriller with a well laid plot and good twists.

Blink
A psychological thriller with a killer twist you'll never forget
by K.L. Slater

File Size: 1463 KB
Print Length: 328 pages
Publisher: Bookouture (February 16, 2017)
ASIN: B01NBF30MU
Genre: Psychological Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

What if the person you love most in the world was in terrible danger … because of you?
Three years ago, Toni’s five-year-old daughter Evie disappeared after leaving school. The police have never been able to find her. There were no witnesses, no CCTV, no trace.
But Toni believes her daughter is alive. And as she begins to silently piece together her memories, the full story of the past begins to reveal itself, and a devastating truth.
Toni’s mind is trapped in a world of silence, her only chance to save herself is to manage the impossible. She must find a way to make herself heard. She must find her daughter.
A compelling, gripping thriller with a breathtaking twist that will keep you awake until the early hours. Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train, Behind Closed Doors and The Sister.

Review:
This story has an unusual pattern as a primary character is in a coma. She is alive inside but unable to let the doctors know that she is alive and trying to communicate. No one knows who she is but she can think; so she thinks about the history of what happened and why beautiful Evie disappeared.

Toni lost her husband to a war accident when their daughter, Evie, was only three and half years old. Toni slowly lost all their and her friends over the next eighteen months. She finally has moved to a small house in her mother’s neighborhood. Mum has been a big help even if that help sometimes seems intrusive. But Toni knows she is struggling and needs the help of her mum and maybe more. She is glad that Evie will be starting school soon and Toni decides she needs to find a job to help pay for the bills that have been piling up.

Harriet, who will be working with Evie in school, has stopped by to meet Toni. Harriet and mum don’t quite see eye to eye, and they both are clearly seeking to exercise control.

Toni is lucky to find a job but now she must deal with a resentful, insecure and jealous boss as well as coping with the opposition of her mother. Adding to her stress is the fact that Evie, picked up from her first day at school by Mum, has come home unhappy and unwilling to talk about it. After just a short time Evie disappears and three years later the story picks up with the coma patient.

The backstory is told through what appear to be memories of the coma patient as well as Toni’s point of view. And occasionally a journal entry by a ‘watcher’. There is a long section that covers day to day activity, introducing the characters who have contact with Toni and Evie. This got to be a bit drawn out for me as I was ready for the story to move on. When it finally gets to the crisis there are some twists that had me looking back at the beginning to see what clues I missed and noting the intentional misdirections.

The author lays out a good plot that includes at least three potential threats. The story has trauma, madness, greed and other motives revealed near the end. It had me shaking my head, wincing at behaviors, and shuddering at deliberate bullying and cruelties. I can recommend this to readers who like family drama with strong suspense.

I received this through NetGalley. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Book Review: One Breath Away by Heather Gudenkauf

This is a thriller presented in an interesting fashion with varying views and a focus on emotional drama.

One Breath Away
by Heather Gudenkauf

• File Size: 470 KB
• Print Length: 375 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: B008CK8XXG
• Publisher: Mira; Original edition (June 26, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0080GUZDS

Genre: Suspense, Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: June 26, 2012

In her most emotionally charged novel to date, New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf explores the unspoken events that shape a community, the ties between parents and their children and how the fragile normalcy of our everyday life is so easily shattered.

In the midst of a sudden spring snowstorm, an unknown man armed with a gun walks into an elementary school classroom. Outside the school, the town of Broken Branch watches and waits.

Officer Meg Barrett holds the responsibility for the town's children in her hands. Will Thwaite, reluctantly entrusted with the care of his two grandchildren by the daughter who left home years earlier, stands by helplessly and wonders if he has failed his child again. Trapped in her classroom, Evelyn Oliver watches for an opportunity to rescue the children in her care. And thirteen-year-old Augie Baker, already struggling with the aftermath of a terrible accident that has brought her to Broken Branch, will risk her own safety to protect her little brother.

As tension mounts with each passing minute, the hidden fears and grudges of the small town are revealed as the people of Broken Branch race to uncover the identity of the stranger who holds their children hostage.

Review:
This is certainly an engaging thriller although not quite what I expected. This suspenseful tale is presented from the rotating viewpoint of five characters: Augie, Holly, Will, Evelyn and Meg.

A strange man has walked into the Broken Branch elementary school with a gun and is holding a classroom  hostage. No one really knows where the danger exists and most are too frightened to make an escape especially since their teachers are enforcing the lock down rule of staying in their own rooms.

Augie is a 13 year old ‘tough’ girl who is anxious to protect her younger brother, P.J.  A terrible accident put their mother, Holly, in the hospital and the children have been transplanted to live with the maternal grandparents they have never met. What can Augie do to protect P.J. from the terror of the situation, especially when she discovers that it is his classroom that the kidnapper has taken hostage?

As Holly floats in and out of the pain medication she recalls why she was so eager to leave the hard life of the farm.  She wonders if her children will fare all right with her parents. Then she receives a muffled phone call from Augie that has her panicking.  What can she do to help her children when she is thousands of miles away in a hospital?

Will never understood why Holly left home without a word and made no contact for fifteen years. What did he do or fail to do? He wants to build a good relationship with his grandchildren, Augie and P.J.. But first, how can he help get them safely out of this school crisis?

Evelyn has always loved her third grade students just as her own children. Why must her last few weeks before retirement be spoiled by a gunman threatening her young charges?  She is prepared to die to protect them even as she imagines the kind and sensible things her husband would say to her.

Meg is a local police officer who has had to push her way to gain respect. Her own daughter would be in the third grade classroom except she is spending the day with her father, Meg’s ex-husband. Meg is trying to figure out the best way to keep everyone safe in this explosive situation while she struggles to figure out what man in town might do something so cruel.

Through the life antidotes for each character Ms. Gudenkauf  weaves the connected relationships and exposes human emotions and different thought processes. I did appreciate this interesting technique and acknowledge how the author portrays the difference it makes when one steps outside of a relationship and views circumstances from another’s perspective.  The writing is strong and clear.  I suppose I prefer fast action suspense novels but I think any reader who enjoys emotional drama would enjoy this presentation as it weaves the characters lives, past and present, until the madman is revealed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Will’s revelation:

In the scheme of the world, in this day, the life of one cow and her calves didn’t mater much, not in comparison to the live of his grandchildren and daughter in-law. Location 2601.

I saw this book on several other blogs and it caught my attention.  I appreciated receiving the opportunity to review it from Harlequin, Mira Division, through NetGalley.

This story is set in Broken Branch, Iowa for the Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my New Author and Suspense challenges.

Book Review and Giveaway Link: Forgive Me, Alex by Lane Diamond

This is a gripping portrayal of a twisted serial killer and the man who hunts him.

Forgive Me Alex

by Lane Diamond

• File Size: 687 KB
• Print Length: 262 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1622539001
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Evolved Publishing (December 18, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B006NTNQP8

Genre: Psychological suspense thriller

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 

 

Book Description

Publication Date: December 18, 2011

Evolved Publishing presents an intimate look inside the mind of a killer, and of the man determined to end that killer, in "Forgive Me, Alex" by Lane Diamond. (Psychological Suspense Thriller)

~~~~~~~~~~

Tony Hooper stands in shadow across the street, one amongst many in the crowd of curiosity-hounds gathered to watch a monster's release. Seventeen years after Mitchell Norton, "the devil," terrorized Algonquin, Illinois on a spree of kidnapping, torture and murder, the authorities release the butcher from psychiatric prison.

Tony longs to charge across the street to destroy Norton—no remorse—as if stepping on a cockroach. Only sheer force of will prevents his doing so.

"The devil" walks the world again. What shall Tony do about it? Aye, what indeed.

After all, this is what Tony does. It's who he is. "The devil" himself long ago made Tony into this hunter of monsters. What a sweet twist of fate this is, that he may still, finally, administer justice.

Will FBI Special Agent Linda Monroe stop him? She owes him her life, so how can she possibly put an end to his?

Tony Hooper and Mitchell Norton battle for supremacy, with law enforcement always a step away, in this story of justice and vengeance, evil and redemption, fear and courage, love and loss.

~~~~~~~~~~

.

Review:
This is a psychological suspense thriller that is told from the views of two characters: the ‘monster’ serial killer, Mitchell Norton, and the man who longs to kill him, Tony Hooper.  The book rocks between these characters and between past events of 1978 and the present in 1995, showing the connections weaving these lives together. In the present Mitchell has been released after serving 17 years in prison for the murders he committed in 1978.  Those murders included people that 18 year old Tony knew and the loss and trauma created a huge impact on his Tony’s life and future.

All other characters are shown through the narratives of the two main protagonists. Tony in 1978 has a younger brother who is his heart, a girl friend he is reluctant to leave behind as he plans for college, an emotionally absent father and an adoptive grandfather who is his main support.  Tony met FBI Special Agent Linda Monroe in 1978 during the investigation of the multiple killings. She appears again in the present scenes as a friend and reminder of ‘the law’ which Tony may not want to be reminded of. After all, Linda isn’t likely to condone vigilante acts. But Mitchell’s actions in 1978 ‘corrupted’ Tony’s mind causing Tony to become a hunter of serial killers.  Now Tony is just waiting for the chance to eliminate this personal evil from the world.

I really liked the technique used by the author in sharing the past and present circumstances. Also Mr. Diamond does a great job in portraying the thoughts of the twisted, evil mind of the killer and the tortured emotions of Tony.  There are quotes at the beginnings of chapters that are intriguing and fitting.

The writing is straight forward with surprising spots of dark, melancholy prose. There is some gritty language and some gruesome killing.  The intensity of the story moved so well that neither of those elements bothered me.  I found the story gripping from beginning to end.  At times I held my breath and at other points I blinked back tears.

I highly recommend this book, especially if you like this genre and aren’t intimidated by the twisted evil of a monster.  You might ask yourself: what would you do if you came face to face with the evil monster who killed someone you loved? Would you seek to kill the killer? Then ask the question that Tony asks himself: ‘Which would be worse for the criminal: a quick death, or a lifetime of wallowing in misery behind bars without hope of parole, knowing that his life was already over but that he must suffer it all the same?’ Location 1622

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Consider the opening lines of Tony’s thoughts:

I never expected to be a killer.
Who does? Location 161.

Mitchell’s initial thoughts of “the Reaper”:

Who was he, and why did he pursue me? Beat all hell outta me, but I recognized his pure evil. He was capable of hideous, unspeakable acts–no hesitation, no pity, no remorse. Location 592.

A peek at Tony’s turmoil:

Emotions tore at my mind until I could barely think, or stand, or breathe. One crept out of my psyche to overhadow all the others: anger–persistent, pernicious, persecuting. Location 1614.

I received this book for tour participation through Novel Publicity.

More about the Author, Lane Diamond

I write fiction, long and short. My writings cross over many genres and focus on diverse subjects, ranging from the mysteries of the human mind, with its fragile psychological and emotional states, to the everyday joy and anguish of life on Earth. Ultimately, characters move me – as both a reader and an author. It’s all about the people. When not writing, I’m Publisher and Executive Editor at Evolved Publishing.

Connect with me on my website,  Facebook, Twitter, GoodReads, or via Evolved Publishing.

GIVEAWAY!

Novel Publicity Blog Tour Notes:

Wanna win a $50 gift card or an autographed copy of Forgive Me, Alex? Well, there are two ways to enter...

1. Leave a comment on my blog. One random commenter during this tour will win a $50 gift card. For the full list of participating blogs, visit the official Forgive Me, Alex tour page.
2. Enter the Rafflecopter contest! I've posted the contest form below, or you can enter on the tour page linked above.

Get Forgive Me, Alex on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Audio Book Review: Whispers II: the Books by Terry Rich Hartley

This is a surprisingly full story in a small package. 

Whispers II: The Books

by Terry Rich Hartley

Read By: Nick Landrum
CD Price: $2.99 | Download $1.99
ISBN: 9781611140880
Product Code: MWA0201112D1
Publisher: Mind Wings Audio (February 12, 2012)

Available also at: Amazon Kindle
Listening time: approximately 1 hour 10 min.
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Novella
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Description:

Three bodies in a submerged SUV, a yuppie’s suicide, and a pawnbroker’s heart attack seem as unrelated as apples and rocks until unemployed crime reporter Moe Bybee stumbles into a connection. Two books, separated by miles, provide links to what could be the biggest story of Moe’s life, but they also lead him to encounter a cold-blooded bounty hunter with mob connections and dark powers. Ultimately—and unhappily—mild-mannered Moe stands as the only shield between the hunter and his prey, Glenna Whitcome and her Down’s syndrome child, Newt. –Sequel to Terry Rich Hartley’s Whisper.

Review:
This short audio packs a good chilling punch. I was immediately pulled into the story and waiting to find out the connections. It quickly became clear that a certain book was cursed, bringing death to those who opened it and perhaps even to those who only handled it. Then the nature of the book and the history are revealed as Moe, a round bellied, rather unattractive and unemployed reporter begins to chase down the story. Moe discovers a connection to a second book, the mob and a murderous bounty hunter. Moe has a chance to become a hero and redeem his writing career. But will he survive the experience?

The story is crisp and the mystery, humor and suspense is really well done.  The narration is excellent. I really liked the fast paced story and the inflection for the characters fit precisely.  I would definitely look for more books authored by Terry Rich Hartley and books narrated by Nick Landrum.

If you want a quick chilling suspense listen I recommend you pick this up.

I appreciate receiving this MP3 Download for review from Mind Wings Audio through AudioBook Jukebox.

This story is set in Ennis, Montana for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my ARC, New Authors and Audio Challenge lists.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway -2 Copies: The Whisperer by Donato Carrisi

This is a psychological thriller that had me holding my breath!

The Whisperer

by Donato Carrisi

• Hardcover: 432 pages
• Publisher: Mulholland Books; 1 edition (January 5, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316194727
• ISBN-13: 978-0316194723

     Genre: Psychological Thriller
     My Rating:  4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: January 5, 2012

A gripping literary thriller and smash bestseller that has taken Italy, France, Germany and the UK by storm.

Six severed arms are discovered, arranged in a mysterious circle and buried in a clearing in the woods. Five of them appear to belong to missing girls between the ages of eight and eighteen. The sixth is yet to be identified. Worse still, the girls' bodies, alive or dead, are nowhere to be found.

Lead investigators Mila Vasquez, a celebrated profiler, and Goran Gavila, an eerily prescient criminologist, dive into the case. They're confident they've got the right suspect in their sights until they discover no link between him and any of the kidnappings except the first. The evidence in the case of the second missing child points in a vastly different direction, creating more questions than it answers.

Vasquez and Gavila begin to wonder if they've been brought in to take the fall in a near-hopeless case. Is it all coincidence? Or is a copycat criminal at work? Obsessed with a case that becomes more tangled and intense as they unravel the layers of evil, Gavila and Vasquez find that their lives are increasingly in each other's hands.

THE WHISPERER, as sensational a bestseller in Europe as the Stieg Larsson novels, is that rare creation: a thought-provoking, intelligent thriller that is also utterly unputdownable.

Review: This is a very engaging thriller!
Mila is a lone outsider who profiles criminals, particularly child abductors and murderers. She has been bought in to join a local team investigating the disappearance of five girls whose arms - one per child - have been located, with nothing else. Adding to the puzzle is a sixth arm of an unidentified child. Mila has been called in because she is known for successfully finding children. That is her focus while the other members of the team search out the clues to find the killer.

Each of the team members has unique skills but they also have flaws. Goran Gavila, a loner and civilian is a renowned criminologist.  He is the fierce and determined leader of the team but sometimes he doesn’t see beyond his own suppositions and perhaps he has some distractions resulting from being the single parent after his wife left him and their son. The eldest agent is Stern, the information officer. He can piece together histories and similarities even if he is coming near to retiring. The 40ish, stocky Sarah is the logistic officer and computer expert. She is brusque, angry and resentful of Mila’s presence. The final team member is agent Klaus Boris, the interrogator who gets answers using many techniques as necessary.  He seems affable enough until rebuffed by Mila.

The kidnapper lays out a trail of the bodies with clues. If the team can decipher the clues they might be in time to find a girl still alive. The pressure is high and the tension thick as the team tries to work together despite chaffing each other. Things become even more intense as it appears the killer knows every step the team makes and is always one step ahead.

The team dubs the killer by the name of “Albert” but as they reveal one suspect they begin to question if they have found the wrong man. They dig deeper and are led to another villain; then another. The author adds a few views of the perpetrator but this becomes a path of misdirection too. Are they tied together? What is the connection?

The author reveals faces of evil while the team begins to crumble as their past and secrets are exposed. There are twists thrown in that are unexpected and wickedly macabre. This is a wonderful puzzle that kept me guessing and questioning to the end. The story presents a criminal mind that is new to me; it is scary and engrossing. If you like your mystery on the dark, psychological side, this is one not to miss!

A Quote:  "Evil generates only more evil. That has always been its chief characteristic."

Thank you to Little Brown & Co. for providing this book for review.

I have TWO ARC copies for giveaway. :-)

I will add this to my ARC, New Authors and Mystery and Suspense challenges.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY: 

1. I can't really have you comment on the author's website unless you can read Italian! So instead, tell me why you would like to read this book OR tell me if you have a psychological thriller to recommend.
This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two more entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

THERE WILL BE TWO WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 24, 2012.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries and announced on February 25 with 72 hours to complete the winners form.