As an avid reader, it's always exciting for me to discover books that stimulate and challenge me while also enlightening me on social issues. Extra poAs an avid reader, it's always exciting for me to discover books that stimulate and challenge me while also enlightening me on social issues. Extra points to an author who tackles a subject rooted in history and yet one that's still prevalent in today's world, rendering it in such a manner as to be highly entertaining at the same time as educational. Without Lillie's skill and mesmerizing prose, BLOOD SISTERS might have been one long sermon on the injustices suffered by Native Americans. However, with brilliant plotting, intriguing characterizations and a lot of heart, Lillie skillfully entices readers with a fantastic, heart stopping mystery while also highlighting the gross indignities and mistreatment suffered by a group of Indigenous people. Carve out enough time to read this one straight through as there's no way to put it down once you begin.
Vanessa Lillie's BLOOD SISTERS is an intense, eye opening, highly emotional suspense thriller delivered via the voice of Syd Walker, an archeologist for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Rhode Island. Her mission is to preserve Cherokee history, culture and land rights while identifying skeletal remains of victims of violence and returning them home to their people. Syd is disturbed when she receives a request to return to the town of Pincher, Oklahoma - a place she fled fifteen years prior following an attack that left her best friend dead and her sister Emma Lou damaged in a way that left her permanently scarred and floundering in a world of drugs and bad decisions. Syd’s haunted by her troubled past, but the discovery of a skull with Syd's old I.D. card lodged in its mouth makes it impossible for her to refuse the case. Leaving behind her wife who's just announced her pregnancy, Syd heads back to her small hometown with the ghost of her best friend Luna riding shotgun in her mind, stirring up old disturbing memories. A number of Indigenous women have gone missing in the area and upon arriving home, Syd learns her sister Emma is among them. As Syd starts investigating, it's soon clear she's rattling skeletons that are making people in power extremely nervous. Once again, decisions are forced upon her people without proper restitution, but this time Syd won't walk away until she gets justice for both the dead and the living. If they don't kill her first.
BLOOD SISTERS focuses on one native woman's efforts to find the missing and return them home - whether dead or alive. The plot line is intricately woven, unfolding at a steadily rising, tension ladened pace through vivid prose that transports readers to the dark, desolate countryside alongside Syd while charging all with solving the mysterious disappearances while exposing the secrets held within the raped land before time runs out. The author's utilization of a ghost's voice in Syd's head to deliver the story is genius, setting an eerie, spooky tone while leading readers to speculate if the person is a ghost or Syd is hallucinating. It's clear Syd is in a precarious state of mind and holding on by a thread as she battles both inner and outer demons determined to take her down, all of which adds to the dark, malevolent atmosphere of this riveting thriller. I love that just when you think you have it all figured out, the shocking climax knocks you off your feet.
Vanessa Lillie has rendered a story rich in the history of Native Americans, spotlighting their continued struggles with drug and environmental issues, forced abandonment of their homes and land without restitution and the suspicious disappearance of Indigenous women for whom no one seems to be searching. Indications are this is the first in a series of books to come featuring Syd - an Indigenous, lesbian woman - as the lead character which is exciting, albeit a rare occurrence in the book world. Through Lillie's brilliant, descriptive writing, Syd comes across as a spirited, yet vulnerable character with strong ethics battling her own demons - one who readers will have no problem respecting and/or feeling empathy for. BLOOD SISTERS is a dynamic, engrossing, heart touching suspense thriller that's highly addictive as well as eye-opening, and it's clear it comes straight from the heart of the author. Highly recommended to fans of mysteries and suspense thrillers as well as readers who enjoy beautifully written stories with a spotlight on critical issues and injustices rooted in history that have existed over the years. What a jewel of a book! If you only read one book for Native American Heritage Month, make it this one! Many thanks to Berkley Publishing for an advanced readers copy and the tour invitation. My tour stop is on Nov. 21, 2023 at Cross My Heart Reviews. This review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine. All opinions expressed are my own....more
THE TEACHER is a foreboding psychological thriller with cleverly executed twists and turns contrived to keep readers and characters off-kilter and reeTHE TEACHER is a foreboding psychological thriller with cleverly executed twists and turns contrived to keep readers and characters off-kilter and reeling from beginning to end. Author Freida McFadden has honed her craft to near perfection, especially when it comes to those last minute, final page shockers no one sees coming. In that aspect, THE TEACHER is the crème de la crème of psychological thrillers - a masterpiece of illusions with unreliable characters and scandalous over the top twists.
THE TEACHER opens with a mysterious, eerie scene in the middle of nowhere where an unknown is digging a grave before flashing back three months where readers are introduced to Eve and Nate Bennett - a couple who both teach at the local high school. Students dread Eve's math class like the plaque while Nate's English class is highly lauded especially among young teenage girls who swoon over his movie star good looks and charismatic personality while gossiping about how a plain Jane like Eve ever hooked a star like Nate. Addie is a student in both classes where she struggles in math and excels at English - an obsessive loner who's bullied by the in-crowd and shunned by old friends. Eve views the presence of Addie in both her and her husband's classes as a potential complication because of a scandal involving Addie and a teacher who was fired for improper behavior last year while Nate is sympathetic to Addie's plight, offering to help her hone her writing skills as a young poet and encouraging her to find her place among her peers. Before long, the three characters' lives are hopelessly intertwined in a dangerous, highly combustible situation that can't end well. The story that unfolds is one that quickly morphs into a sordid tale of bullying, stalking, abuse, revenge and murder. There's little more I can say without spoilers. I advise going into this one as clueless to the plot line as possible and prepare to be blown to smithereens by a signature McFadden explosive ending that I suspect will leave readers reeling and discussing for some time.
Author Freida McFadden has rendered another fast-paced, addictive thriller readers will find nigh on impossible to put down. The disturbing story is narrated via the voices of Eve and Addie with chapters alternating between their points of view. An overall tone of impending doom permeates the pages as characters and readers struggle with deciding who can be trusted and who's hiding behind a mask of civility waiting for their chance at the ultimate revenge. The author's utilization of short, engaging chapters is highly effective at drawing readers into this mystifying tale of abuse and murder. Support characters are as riveting and believable as the main characters, playing major roles in the outcome of this heart wrenching tale. Readers should be forewarned that THE TEACHER accentuates dark themes including abuse of power and sexual molestation of minors some may find disturbing.
THE TEACHER is one of those books that swallows readers whole, sucking them in on page one and holding them hostage until the very end. Simply said . . . McFadden's books should come with a highly addictive warning label in neon colors on the front cover. Even when some of the twists border on the unbelievable, readers will find themselves thoroughly engaged and reading into the wee hours seeking answers. And, as always, McFadden will absolutely stun readers with the final big reveal in the epilogue.
THE TEACHER is a raw, riveting, compulsive psychological thriller that I suspect will top many readers' favorite lists in 2024. With each subsequent book, Author Freida McFadden has risen steadily through the ranks to take her place among the elite of psychological thrillers' authors. Highly recommended to fans of thrillers, suspense and mysteries. 4.5 Stars Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for a free advanced readers' copy of this title which releases on Feb. 6, 2024. All opinions expressed are my own. This review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is now available on my blog, Cross My Heart Reviews. ...more
THE QUIET TENANT is a bold, gripping thriller that I found hard to put down, and I suspect this one will prey on my mind for some time. There's a haunTHE QUIET TENANT is a bold, gripping thriller that I found hard to put down, and I suspect this one will prey on my mind for some time. There's a haunting quality to it, an eerie, ever-growing sense of malice that surrounds and almost suffocates you with claustrophobic vibes. My advice to other readers is to go into it without reading any spoilers as I did, allowing yourself to experience it first-hand.
Aidan Thomas is a well-liked, friendly, helpful man who's admired by his friends and neighbors. Unfortunately, it's all a facade, a veneering that hides a dark and evil side. In truth, Aidan is a serial kidnapper and killer who's responsible for the death of eight women and is holding his ninth victim in a shed behind his house. Rachel was kidnapped five years ago and knows she's presumed dead. Her desire to live; however, is strong and readers will learn she's not quite as complacent and brainwashed as Aidan believes. She's learned a few things about manipulation over her years of captivity and does what's necessary to survive. When Aidan's forced to move with his thirteen-year-old daughter Cecelia to another residence, Rachel gently nudges him into deciding to take her along, introducing her as his old friend and new tenant. Rachel now has the opportunity to interact with Cecelia for brief periods of time when Aidan lets her out of her room. Cecelia adores her father, but she's Rachel's only chance at freedom. Does she dare tell Cecelia the truth, or will it be signing her own death certificate? Meantime, Aidan is courting his next victim Emily who is smitten with the handsome widower. The story that ensues is a dark, emotional, heart-pounding masterpiece.
THE QUIET TENANT is a bit unusual in structure and delivery, switching between narratives from chapter to chapter and multiple points of view. At first, it feels a bit choppy or disconnected, but as the story takes off the sharp prose and short chapters are highly effective at building tension and trepidation in characters and readers. Michallon takes time to set the scene with a steadily increasing pace driven by a malevolent tone that grows darker page by page. Points of view include Rachel, Cecelia and Emily, affording readers intimate knowledge of each woman's thoughts and views of the truth as they know it. Rachel's perspective is particularly disturbing as one might expect as she begins pushing boundaries seeking a way out of her never-ending nightmare, and the author does an outstanding job of relaying her desperation while keeping a small spark of hope alive. It's easy for readers to question her choices at times, however, no one can really know the psychological impact of being held captive for so long with the fear of death looming every single day unless you've been there. All characterizations are brilliantly rendered, multi-layered and believable. Through twists and turns, the author manipulates readers and characters towards an ending most won't see coming.
THE QUIET TENANT is a dark, gritty, highly disturbing thriller that's sure to haunt my nights for some time. Beyond being a fantastic thriller, this story speaks volumes about a woman's strength and will to live and survive the trauma and psychological aftermath of such a horrific ordeal. It's an amazing story of the feats possible when women bond together to stand as one against abuse. While THE QUIET TENANT is a somber read, I love that it's also a story of hope and survival. Highly recommended to fans of psychological thrillers and so-called "women's fiction" because this is a story showcasing the many strengths of women, both individually and together. I found THE QUIET TENANT to be an impressive debut from author Clemence Michallon. Many thanks to Knoph Publishing Group for an arc of this title. All opinions expressed are my own. This review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is now available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews. ...more
I always feel wiped out . . . like I've run a double triathlon after finishing another Alex Cross book. Double Cross is no different. It's another tenI always feel wiped out . . . like I've run a double triathlon after finishing another Alex Cross book. Double Cross is no different. It's another tension laden, high action, shoot 'em out, barely surviving book. I get tired just reading them. While I enjoyed this one, I sometimes feel a bit like I'm being led in circles with some of the same villains appearing again and again even against all odds. This is another example with the Mastermind locked away for life in the most secure maximum security prison out there and yet...yes, he escapes and no one is safe again. Having said that, these books are so well written that I can't stop reading until the end. And, of course, it ends with the set up for the next book well in place. Yes, I'll continue the series! What else can I do at this point?? Highly recommended....more
Sergeant Riley Fisher is the newly appointed head of the Field Investigations division of the sheriff's office in Black Hawk County. She is shocked anSergeant Riley Fisher is the newly appointed head of the Field Investigations division of the sheriff's office in Black Hawk County. She is shocked and devastated to learn the identity of a murder victim discovered in a local corn field. The victim is Chloe Miller, a childhood friend which stirs both good and bad memories in Riley. Chloe's family is part of the area's notorious Zephyr cooperative.
Riley and the small town sheriff's office are out of their league as this murder investigation quickly becomes complicated and intertwined with area corporations and their dominance over small town family farmers. Riley's intentions are good, and she leads the investigation to the best of her ability and experience. Her own personal issues threaten to spill over into the investigation giving the story an air of authenticity. The setting takes over as a character on its own as it plays critically into the plot line. Much of the focus is on agricultural issues and the takeover of family farms that have been passed down over the ages. For the most part, I feel the author does a good job with content and setting although at times it feels a bit overwhelming.
The Fields is an intriguing debut from an obviously talented new author. I enjoyed the way she controls the flow of this story as it plays out and look forward to reading more. Recommended to fans of mystery and suspense. *Special thanks to Flatiron Books for an arc of this book. **Reviewed at Cross My Heart Reviews ...more
Twenty-four years ago, a small community was horrified and sickened by the rape, brutal beating and drowning of fourteen year old Leena Rai. When a beTwenty-four years ago, a small community was horrified and sickened by the rape, brutal beating and drowning of fourteen year old Leena Rai. When a beloved school guidance counselor confessed to the crime, shock waves reverberated throughout the small, close-knit community and rumors ran rampant. After his detailed confession, Clayton Jay Pelley refused to speak of the crime again. He accepted his life sentence without benefit of a trial, leaving the police and community frustrated with unanswered questions and dangling case threads.
Now Pelley is talking to Trinity Scott, a young, ambitious true crime podcast reporter. Upon her arrival in Twin Falls, Scott relentlessly pursues everyone with ties to the old case including one of the original investigators, retired Detective Rachel Walczak, whose life course was tragically altered by the murder and subsequent investigation. Her refusal to be interviewed motivates Scott to dig deeper into the past, and she unknowingly sets off a series of events that quickly spiral out of control when episodes of her podcast begin to air. The release of Trinity's interviews with Pelley sends shock waves rumbling through the community as new questions are raised and the past and present collide. People are nervous. People are scared. People are lying. Why? Was Clay's confession twenty four years ago a truth? Or lie? If he didn't kill her, who did?
Inspired by a true crime, White has penned a thriller I promise will leave you dazed and searching for answers while trying to come to terms with a crime so cold-blooded, so heartless, so unimaginable that it begs the question "Why"? Dark, unsettling, disturbing on many levels, Beneath Devil's Bridge forces readers to acknowledge the dark side of human nature. Unfolding through multiple points of view and then/now chapters, the story moves forward like an avalanche - picking up momentum, rolling over you page by page, chapter by chapter, podcast after podcast until it buries you. As I burned through pages with heart pounding, the only thing I could hear was these character's voices in my head - their lies, deceit, accusations - brought to life through flawed characters, twisted plot lines and all five senses. All thanks to the expertise of an author who excels at manipulating and transporting readers into unsettling scenes alongside unreliable narrators hiding game-changing secrets. White's masterful rendering of this story shines a light on some ugly truths still prevalent in society today. The reading experience will be greatly enhanced if you go into it as I did - knowing little. However, I'll leave you with one quote to ponder: "If it takes a village to raise a child, does it also take a village to kill one?"
If I'm lucky, maybe once in a blue moon, I read a book that leaves my mind reeling, heart aching and soul searching. One that haunts me long after The End. Beneath Devil's Bridge is one of those books. Loreth Anne White has a gift for rendering thought-provoking stories that demand attention, respect and intimate soul searching. Stories that inspire, entertain and motivate. Stories that hurl you at warp speed toward electrifying endings you most likely won't see coming. Highly recommended for fans of true crime, suspense thrillers, mysteries and 5 star books in any genre.
Lucy King flees Brooklyn to escape an abusive ex-boyfriend. She tells no one where's she's headed as she attempts to vanish without a trace. Lucy moveLucy King flees Brooklyn to escape an abusive ex-boyfriend. She tells no one where's she's headed as she attempts to vanish without a trace. Lucy moves into a house in Woodstock hoping to settle into an unobtrusive, quiet, invisible life, but when her irresistible neighbor Vera invites her over to dinner Lucy can't seem to say no. Soon Lucy, Vera, and her husband John are inseparable - an odd but tight-knit threesome dining and hiking together almost daily. As Lucy remains diligent about her own security, she never stops looking over her shoulder for her ex and soon comes to realize that she's grown dependent on her neighbors. As time passes, Lucy's surprised at how hostile the people in Woodstock are toward John. When the couple confides in Lucy and ask for her help in staging a "Van Gogh" disappearance for John, she's hesitant but how can she say No? When the staged accident goes awry and what was supposed to be an unsolved disappearance turns into a murder investigation, tensions rise, secrets are spilled, and Lucy finds herself on the hot seat. What happened?
All The Broken People is one wild, crazy, delusive trip! From beginning to end, I read at a furious pace trying to keep up with everything going down in this island town. Accusations fly, threats are hurled, betrayals uncovered, secrets kept . . . until they're not. The setting is picture perfect and the pace is like flames chasing a fresh trail of gasoline. The fire is hot and furious and you just know there's going to be a big, shocking explosion when it all comes together in the end. Konen created a unique cast of characters led by an unreliable narrator that tempts readers into a complex maize of events and possibilities - and then abandons them with the dilemma of figuring out "who done it". It's been awhile since I've maneuvered such a curvy, twisted plotline, and I can tell you I changed directions several times before I escaped that maize by figuring out what was going on. I was right in the end, but that fact in no way diminished the intensity of this anxiety inducing thriller. This author's writing will keep you entranced and searching for answers until the very end. All The Broken People is a tense, gripping, all-consuming Domestic Thriller that I highly recommend. Fans of mystery, suspense, and thrillers (especially Domestic Thrillers) are going to love this one!
*Special thanks to G.P. Putnam's Sons of Penquin Random House for an arc of this book via Netgalley. **Review posted at: Cross My Heart Reviews...more
Spoiler Free Review: Eight years ago, most Grant County authorities were confident they had locked a serial rapist and murderer away for life. Recent bSpoiler Free Review: Eight years ago, most Grant County authorities were confident they had locked a serial rapist and murderer away for life. Recent brutal cases of misogynistic attacks on women bearing the same horrifying MO suggest the serial killer is still out there preying on women. The convicted inmate's declaration of innocence and disturbing accusations of dirty cops add fuel to the flame indicating a deadly mistake and gross injustice may have occurred. In a race against time, GBI Agent Will Trent and team, including girlfriend Medical Examiner Sara Linton, begin the monumental task of sifting through disturbing past GC cases in search of an illusive missed detail that links past with present. As a result, ghosts from the past escape, old wounds flare, and painful memories surface straining the fragile relationship between Will and Sara. That is all I can say about this story without huge spoilers. Do yourself a favor by going into this story blind. It'll spear you straight through the heart if you do!
The Silent Wife is another raw, gutsy, graphic, glorious addition to the Will Trent series. The riveting story unfolds through alternating periods of past and present that served to keep me burning through pages to reach the end. I admire and appreciate Slaughter's gift for setting scenes that pull readers in via all five senses, but consider yourself forewarned that graphic crime scenes may be disturbing to read as they are brutally realistic leaving no doubt the author has once again done her homework right down to the most meticulous detail. This author's signature sharp prose and intimately woven plot lines propel characters and readers forward at a frantic life or death pace. Readers can count on being plummeted into the chaos of characters' minds while finding themselves charged with unmasking a deadly predator hiding in plain sight . . . before he kills again. Those familiar with the Grant County series will recognize past characters they love . . . or love to hate. There's not much more I can say about this author's characterizations without sounding like a broken record. They're amazingly accurate, detailed, dimensional, and alive with main characters who are deeply flawed, vulnerable and so unbelievably real that my heart aches for them whenever I'm back in their world.
The Silent Wife is everything I hoped it would be and more. I started it with anticipation, read with trepidation, and finished it with cautious optimism. It's gritty, graphic, emotional, heartbreaking, and what does it say about me that I can't wait for the next book? I applaud Slaughter for shining a light on assault survivors who struggle to escape the darkness and overwhelming sense of loss and grief to find their path forward again. Their strength and will to live are an amazing inspiration to all. Needless to say, The Silent Wife has a place of honor on my All-Time Favorites Shelf. I'll even venture to say it's the best of the series thus far! This story embodies everything I love about suspense thrillers . . . and complicated love stories. Highly Recommended! *Special thanks to publisher William Morrow for an arc of this book via edelweiss.plus **Review posted at: Cross My Heart Reviews...more
Author Loreth Anne White has gifted readers with another complex, compulsive five star psychological thriller. Go ahead and pre-order In The Deep todaAuthor Loreth Anne White has gifted readers with another complex, compulsive five star psychological thriller. Go ahead and pre-order In The Deep today as it's destined to be that book - the one everyone's raving about upon release in the Fall of 2020. From the courtroom in which heiress Mrs. Cresswell-Smith stands accused of the cold-hearted, grim murder of her husband Martin to the gruesome crime scene deep in the dark lagoons of coastal Australia, In The Deep unfolds at a brisk pace through extraordinarily unreliable narrators and varying chapters of Then and Now. Courtroom testimonies and first hand opinions conflict. Some see a cunning, conniving black widow out for vengeance while others see a woman on the edge of mental collapse - a victim with a sad history of unbearable loss and grief. She once survived her worse nightmare to find happiness again with real estate mogul Martin Cresswell-Smith only to now stand charged with his horrific murder. What happened to her between Then and Now? Is she victim or villainess? Who will you believe?
Author Loreth Anne White has a gift for delivering stories that are all-consuming for characters and readers alike and In The Deep is another compelling illustration of her limitless talent. Her signature descriptive prose mentally transports readers into highly sensual settings employing all five senses - the overwhelming sight, sickly smell and bitter taste of blood and death, the emotional turmoil forcing fear to escape the lips, the eerie sounds forewarning imminent danger - all wrapped up in a landscape of immeasurable beauty. All serve to propel readers through scenes and pages spiraling toward an unknown ending and fate. Sharp, tightly woven plot lines and deeply flawed characters lure readers through a maze of deception, betrayal, abuse, and vengeance. Through smoke and mirrors, readers are charged with seeking the truth - guilty or innocent? And just when you think you have it all figured out, the final shocker will be revealed!
In The Deep is a dark, gripping tale of manipulation, broken trust, and emotional distress. White's story gives voice to the many stereotyped victims and survivors of substance, mental, and physical abuse and illness as well as to those who are or ever have been lost in the dark, bottomless pit of inconsolable grief. After finishing this book, I sat and thought about what I had read and came to the realization there are times in life when a person may find themselves adrift in the deep without an anchor. If you're ever lost there, I pray you'll see and reach for the light and become a survivor. Fans of mystery, suspense, and psychological thrillers are going to be over-the-moon over this book. It's shelved on my 2020 Favorites Shelf. Highly Recommended!
*A special thank you to Author Loreth Anne White for an early arc of this book via Netgalley. **Reviewed at: Cross My Heart Reviews...more
Twenty-three years after her cousin's disappearance during a visit to Ireland, now Detective Marcy D'arcy is called back to the scene by a message froTwenty-three years after her cousin's disappearance during a visit to Ireland, now Detective Marcy D'arcy is called back to the scene by a message from the Gardaí that new evidence has surfaced. A bloody scarf belonging to Erin has been found, and another young woman is missing. Marcy's frustration and anguish over her cousin's vanishing without a trace is evident as she is drawn back into the past looking for answers. What clues are they missing? Did her sister fall victim to a serial killer - one who's preying on young women again? Can authorities get to the truth before anyone else dies? Not without Det. D'arcy's help. And she'll give it to them with or without their permission.
The Mountains Wild is a highly atmospheric, twisted read with a killer setting in the mountains of Ireland. The author's descriptive prose denotes a scene of beauty with hints of malice, propelling a steady suspenseful pace. Revealed through Maggie's point of view, we are privy to her thoughts both as a smart detective and profiler and as a woman recalling her youth and days gone by with her strange cousin. Through chapters of past and present, readers become part of the original unsuccessful search in 1993 as well as the present one in 2016. Taylor's execution of the intense plot is excellent as are the police procedural elements. The story is riveting and best read with as few breaks as possible to maintain the flow and allow readers to follow the chain of evidence and introduction of various characters. While I wasn't totally shocked at the big reveal in the end, the groundwork was laid and it was expertly executed. The Mountains Wild is the study of a complex woman who must deal with the past in order to move into the future. It's also a study of a land, its history, and people. Fans of mystery, suspense, thrillers, and police procedurals will love this beautifully written book. Highly Recommended.
*Special thanks to Minotaur Books for an arc of this book via Netgalley. #MinotaurInfluencers **Review posted at: Cross My Heart Reviews ...more
Wow! I finished reading The Night Swim with head spinning and heart hurting. What can I say about a book that absolutely slayed me? Pushed all my buttWow! I finished reading The Night Swim with head spinning and heart hurting. What can I say about a book that absolutely slayed me? Pushed all my buttons? Well-done, Megan Goldin! The Escape Room was fantastic, but this book left me speechless. I'll attempt to organize my scrambled brain and share my thoughts about this five hundred star book.
Rachel Krall is well-known for her highly successful true crime podcast and her uncanny ability to find justice for people that the system failed. While her voice is easily recognizable, her face is not which is why it spooked her to find a note tucked under her car windshield wiper while parked at a remote truck stop. No one should know her whereabouts as she's on her way to record her next podcast in the small town of Neapolis, N.C. The note implores Rachel to look into the old case of a girl named Jenny Stills who died twenty-five years ago in the same town, and it's signed by Hannah, Jenny's sister. The story that unfolds is told through two compelling points of view - one from Rachel as she covers the rape trial of the town's golden boy swimmer who stands accused of raping a high school girl only identified as K. and at the same time pursuing leads in the old case of Jenny Stills and another pov through Hannah, as the heartbreaking story of what happened to her sister twenty-five years ago comes to light. It is absolutely riveting reading the letters Hannah writes Rachel as she pours out her heart revealing past tragic events as are the chapters of Rachel recording her crime podcast of the trial and interviewing witnesses. I couldn't stop reading as I focused on both characters and cases which play out through dual timelines that are flawlessly woven throughout. Through skillfully placed twists and turns, the reader, along with the jury and the podcast audience is charged with deciding Guilty or Not Guilty?
Goldin expertly draws readers into the small town environment of have's vs. have-not's, showcasing the way privilege and reputation can sway or redirect the delivery of justice. With care and grace, the author delves into the heartbreak and brutality of rape and its devastating, life long effect on victims and their families. It allows readers to get an up close and personal view of how rape survivors are often treated - shamed, shunned, and unfortunately many times "raped" again during agonizing court testimony only to watch their attacker walk free. I can't say enough about the author's skill in delivering this mesmerizing story through characters that broke my heart. Moving from courtroom scenes to podcast transcripts to Hannah's letters to Rachel's investigation, I was fully engaged from page one forward. The Night Swim is a heartbreaking, gripping, totally captivating suspense thriller that I highly recommend. Another book for my 2020 Favorites Shelf!
*So many thanks to Minotaur for an arc of this book! **I'm part of The Night Swim Blog Tour. This review will post on Cross My Heart Reviews on Aug. 14, 2020....more
The dynamic writing duo of Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen have left me speechless once again. Their talent to deliver compelling, convoluted thrilleThe dynamic writing duo of Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen have left me speechless once again. Their talent to deliver compelling, convoluted thrillers time and again is truly amazing. You Are Not Alone is a chaotic story of deception, revenge, manipulation, and obsession. Told from multiple points of view and shifting past/present timelines, the story is divided into three parts and hinges on the reader solving the mystery on their own as the story unfolds.
In Part One, characters are introduced and as their paths crossed and they began interacting, my curiosity peaked. Marketing Researcher Shay Miller is obviously lonely, obsessed with statistics, and in need of a new job, residence, and life. Once again, she's on the outside looking in just as she's been most of her life. Completely by chance, she witnesses the horrifying suicide of a woman in a subway station and becomes haunted and obsessed with what she saw. Shay is left in emotional turmoil feeling an unreasonable need to discover more about the woman and what drove her to take her own life. While Part One moved a bit slow for me, I was intrigued and appreciated the author's meticulous attention to detail knowing it would be important to the story later on. In Part Two, I was quickly put on high alert by a shift in story ambiance with an increasing sense of malice and suspense. Shay's obsession has intensified, and as a result she pings on the radar of sisters Cassandra & Jane who befriend her. At this point, I began questioning everything and everybody and strongly suspected that things were on the verge of spiraling out of control for someone. In Part Three, the fantastic writing duo's many beautifully intertwined plot threads began to unravel, and my trepidation quickly elevated. For me, the tone and sense of urgency was reminiscent of Poe's Tell Tale Heart - rapidly rising along with Shay's paranoia. Like the assumed sound of the beating heart in Poe's short story, my own heartbeat grew louder and louder and louder in my head as I maneuvered all the twists and turns. And true to form, the authors withheld the final twist until the end. While I figured out some things along the way, I in no way saw this final one coming.
After finishing You Are Not Alone in the wee hours of the morning, I looked over to see my husband peacefully sleeping and was indeed glad I was not alone. Hendricks & Pekkenen excel at writing suspense thrillers with a frantic tone and pace that never fail to sweep readers up and hurl them like an angry wave toward the distant shore. Short chapters reinforce the dark, edgy, sinister tone as does the writing style. Characterizations are spot-on, in-depth and complete with background information and glimpses into the questionable mental psyche of these women. The result is another fantastic, riveting, sinister tale that fans of mystery, suspense, and psychological thrillers will devour! Highly Recommended!
*A special thank you to St. Martin's Press for an arc of this book via Netgalley. **Reviewed at Cross My Heart Reviews...more
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