A gripping and graphic murdery mystery!
932680
Rain Falls Like Mercy is the third edition in Jack Todd's trilogy about the Paint family. You do not necessarily need to read the first two in order to enjoy this third book, but I suspect you will wish to do so after you read this one.

This story takes place in 1941 during World War II in a small Wyoming town where the murder investigation of a slain teen girl is underway.

The town sheriff, Tom Call, must forego his investigation when Pearl Harbour is bombed and he soon finds himself in the U.S. Air Force flying dangerous missions in England. Yet he still tries to unravel the circumstances of the murder investigation that awaits him at home and his sole suspect, Pardo Bury, the son of a very affluent and powerful businessman.

While Tom Call is embroiled in the war in England, Pardo Bury waits out his time a Texas jail for slicing a prostitute. The moment he is released, sets out on a new spree of violence, victimizing both men and women.

Part Western, part World War II, the story unfolds with intensity as Jack Todd holds nothing back in his graphic descriptions, strong language, and twisting plot. The reader embarks on a journey from the U.S. to England, Japan to Germany, and then back to the U.S., keeping us enthralled throughout.
1255709
This book was captivating! I truly enjoyed it from start to finish. I realized it was a second book involving Prudence however it doesn't have to be read in order to appreciate the story or characters.  Set in 1888 the crimes committed were murders so horrifically executed they seem to fit Jack the Rippers style. With a town wanting answers afraid The Ripper himself had made his way to them, they quickly put away the culprit, or did they? I tend to lean towards gore and dark gothic tales  so this was an excellent read for me.  Sex,murder, shady politics and possibly more than 1 murderer made this a book I wish continued!
1278414
Frankie Sheehan is dealing with two complex murders as a detective in Dublin, Ireland.  Sometimes the public fails to understand or perceive the tremendous stresses that are a constant and pervasive part of the job.  Frankie is well-respected but also has her colleagues worried about her present recovery and work on another case.
The first one involves the murder of Tracy Ward, a case in which she was physically assaulted in a brutal way.  Even now in the middle of her work, her own posttraumatic stress syndrome makes it hard to function, but Frankie is no wimp and forges on.  She dreads having to testify against the accused killer but her passion for justice far exceeds her fears.  The second and present case she is trying to solve with her colleagues involves a well-respected microbiologist scientist and professor, Eleanor Costello.  At first it was believed she committed suicide.  But clues appear that indicated murder was the truth and there is a further mystery with the mysterious disappearance of the victims husband.
Add to the mix that this crime has something to do with the Dark Web of the Internet where people who enjoy violence with sex communicate with each other.  Many of these scenarios go further than intended, eventually involving law and order forces. But a chemical will prove to be the weakness that the killer leaves behind and leads to an arrest.
Is the trial of the first murder connected to the death of Eleanor Costello?  Is Tracy in more danger than she realizes?  As the person in charge of the investigation of both cases, how clear is Frankies thinking as her own traumatized psyche confuses issues.
Olivia Kiernan has written a gripping, reality-based police mystery novel that will keep you flipping the pages, wondering if justice will be served or evaded. Nicely done, Olivia Kiernan!
2836682
Whodunnit? Susan May has done it in Deadly Messengers! I got a free soft copy of Deadly Messengers from the author for an unbiased review. She has really outdone herself. I devour well-written, dark and engrossing thrillers that could give others nightmares and this book delivers!
Detectives Lance OGrady and Trip Anderson are called to a bloody crime scene where an ordinary guy with no history of violence has gone on a murderous rampage at a restaurant with an axe. Then more "normal" people lose their marbles and go around butchering total strangers for unknown reasons.

Struggling freelance writer Kendall Jennings is given an assignment to cover these mysterious murderers by interviewing the survivors. Predictably, her investigation leads to some vital information which the detectives may have overlooked: a connection to the mass murders. She convinces Lance OGrady to act on this information, which leads to the master mind and the reason (frighteningly, this could actually happen) for normal persons becoming deranged axe wielders.
Murder, mayhem, mystery, masala, some romance, sympathy and grief described with empathy, and tons of gore described in vivid detail add up to Deadly Messengers. Read this great and gory thriller at your risk!
1611206
The most-feared serial killer, Leonard Stump, hasn't been seen in almost 20 years, but the FBI know he is back! He has Come back to his old hunting ground, Las Vegas. A mass grave has been found in the desert by FBI Agent Violet Darger. Her partner, Victor Loshak, is older and wiser, but driving her crazy with his need for control.  Stump has kidnapped again and Darger and Loshak are determined to stop him.

The statistics of the missing from Las Vegas are terrifying, if true. This storyline has some humor, but mostly its a brutal and dark tale of evil beyond belief. The characterizations are fascinating and the strong women in the story are inspiring. The attention to detail gives one the feeling of being in the story and it is frightening! The authors have woven an imaginative, unique, and complex story that will have you reading late into the night with a pounding heartbeat. An amazing read!
4582411
This is my first Mo Hayder book and I am very pleased with it. The main character, Jack Caffery, struggles with his own demons as he pursues a vicious serial killer in the Greenwich area of greater London. Caffery is new member of the Area Major Investigative Pool (AMIP), basically a top notch group of detectives who specialize in investigating  homicides. After five dead female bodies are found in a construction site, mutilated and abused DI Caffery finds himself pursuing a deranged and very dangerous killer. The characters are well drawn and intriguing. There are several plot twists that keep the reader guessing throughout most of the book. The story is fast moving and definitely frightening. There is considerable graphic violence and sexual situations so if you are squeamish I recommend not reading this one. I have read a lot of British mysteries and police procedurals and rate this as one of the best. I have ordered the remaining Mo Hayder books in this series and look forward to reading them.
762154
I like crime thrillers, this one is a little graphic though, but it definitely kept my interest! The characters are very likable and have their secrets from the past, which added side twists to the story. Figuring out the "who done it" is what keeps me reading! It took me a little bit longer this time! Have already read the second one in the series!
3922806
Laura Bradford's debut mystery is a winner! You'll feel you're right on the boardwalk smelling the breeze coming in over the ocean in a seaside resort town. Elise Jenkins, fresh from journalism school, expects to spend her first weeks on the job at the Ocean Point Weekly covering ordinary events. Instead, she's thrown into reporting a murder of one of the town's residents, and the murders rapidly multiply. Detective Mitch Burns is under great pressure to solve murders that not only have the locals experiencing shock and grief, but may drive away the tourists, too. Both Elise and Mitch get a chance to tell their side of the story, and it's fascinating to learn what each thinks of the other as the investigation (ahem, did I mention romance?) progresses. On top of that, Elise and Mitch are some of the nicest people around, people with whom you're definitely going to enjoy spending time. Bradford keeps you guessing until the end about the villain and the villain's motivation. One of the great things about Elise is the sensitivity she uses in her reporting, respecting both the victims' families and the investigation process. With characters as refreshing as an ocean breeze, a setting so vivid you're going to get a sudden urge for taffy, and a strong whodunit puzzle, the elements of this book come together in a satisfying way. I'm already looking for the next Elise Jenkins mystery!
4290328
A wonderfully written murder mystery told through the eyes of a 14 year old son of a minister in the Midwest!  Much wisdom is imparted through the struggles of each family member and friends of the murdered child.  I enjoyed Mr. Krueger's ability to developed and impart strong personalities of each of the main characters.  This is a novel that I had difficulty putting down.  It kept me guessing until the end!
4455967
An exciting , thrilling mystery full of police procedures that give insight to how crimes are examined and solved.  It also shows the tenacity that law enforcement agencies display in attempting to solve crimes. They just keep at it until they finally get their man.  In this tale they are being hampered by the fact that the killer they are seeking could possibly be one of their own. This gripping tale is fast paced from the start and will hold your interest through-out.  I RECOMMEND...Enjoy!
1114297
I just finished reading this very intense, suspenseful murder mystery. As this slowly and methodical investigation independent of the Canadian police unfolds, there are many questions, was it murder, was it a dim whited accident? the back story of all involved is one of the best things that can lead the reader to many incorrect conclusions if you are not on your toes. A masterfully written tale that yes should be a movie or TV series. A must read for those that enjoy a great crime drama or murder mystery
1807606
Another great read by Rebecca Forster!  I couldn't put it down.

The "main" story starts in the middle of the night during a raging storm.  Josie is beckoned out of her slumber only to start a nightmare of a case that has a twisted connection to Albania, and a young man known to Hermosa Beach as Billy.  2 men are dead and a woman known as Billy's mother hangs on for dear life.  Will they find the killer?  All fingers are pointing at her "son"?  Will someone else die?  Will Josie and Archer get married?  I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how this murder mystery all tied back to the first chapter where Yilli was introduced in Albania, and was left knowing there will be another Witness book to read (Hopefully soon)!!  Thanks Rebecca!  Another nail biter!

**This is a book that builds a back story from the past during the story.  Do not let that detour you from reading this twisty mystery.
1020051
Hey everyone!

First of all, I would like to thank NetGalley once again for another spectacular book!

The book starts describing a series of abuses, violence and even a murder, leaving a child without his family several years ago.

Many years later, a black girls body is found in the woods of a city, and although the authorities state that the girl has run away from home and had an accidental, the reporter Nell McGraw believes the girl has been murdered. 32284024

As soon as she starts to investigate, several murders start to happen in the city, all of them with sexual assaults. As if it couldn't get worse, one night Nell was woken up by her cellphone, and as she answered it, she had an unpleasant surprise: it was no one less than the murder.

She sees herself, then, involved with the murders, both as a witness and as a victim. She starts to worry about her children and her friends, and the murder turns out to be a surprise to everyone.

I must say I was able to discover the murderer of this plot, but I confess during many passages of the story I was in doubt about the murdererss identity.

To be really honest, I myself got scared of sleeping alone a couple of nights after I read the book, lol. I was afraid to receive the murderers call!!!

I highly recommend this book, really. The story is very well constructed, Nell is a deep character, and the end is really surprising. A great book!
2803018
A gripping read - fast moving and suspenseful with many surprising twists
3910548
Kara Thomas The Darkest Corners is a twisted psychological thrill ride! I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this one but by the end I was held riveted! The mystery had so much more going for it than I was initially led to believe!

The book opens up with Tessa going back home to Pennsylvania in order to see her father, who is in prison for armed robbery, whos dying. Sadly, she doesnt make it in time, but she feels no real loss over not being able to say goodbye. She stays with her old childhood friend, Callie during this time.

Theres a history between her and Callie. When they were young there was a serial killer on the loose and one night Callies cousin Lori was killed. The police were sure it was the serial killer and young Callie and Tessa were convinced of it too. Now it looks like they might have been wrong. The first clue to this is when another of Tessa and Callies friends is killed in the same way that all the other girls had been killed.

I will admit, that this book definitely has a slower pace to it. Things were kind of dragged out, Tessa looking into this and that and how long this lead takes and then its onto the next one. But yet, I found I still couldn't put this book down! Many things are happening in this book and the case that tore apart Tessa and Callies friendship is at the center of it.

I cant get into too many details on all the new expansions that spring from this old case, but lets just say theres a lot more to come! Though its weird that we have two teenagers working together to try to find the real killer from all those years ago. I mean, I get why they don't tell any adults or other police officers. Theyre of an age where lying to police officers can spell trouble for them, but at the same time, you got to wonder why they didn't try involving other adults. Though, most are still convinced the real killer is safely behind bars, so again, theres that! All the debating in my head and I still find plausible answers for the simple things!

Its been a long time since Ive read a book with practically no romance! Surprisingly, I was okay with that. There was a guy Tessa talked to and ended up getting his help a time or two, but there was nothing between them romance wise! It was refreshing! Because in reality, or fiction reality, you're trying to find out who really killed your best friends cousin, theres no time for kissy-kissy! LOL.

What amazed me even more was even after the identity of the whodunit came about, there was still a decent amount of pages left! And there were more puzzles being solved and at the very end, you're kind of left with a cold chill because omigosh how did I not see this coming and what was up with that?! Its insane! Though I didn't mind the insanity from a readers point of view!

The Darkest Corners is one intense psychological thriller! This is definitely a read that will have you jumping at the littlest things and being more guarded about who you trust! Its one heck of a head-spinner but makes for a perfect thriller!

Overall Rating 4/5 stars
1188645
We fear violence less than our own feelings. Personal, private, solitary pain is more terrifying than what anyone else can inflict.  Jim Morrison

 Probably the toughest time in anyones life is when you have to murder a loved one because they're the devil.  Emo Philips

 I love a really good mystery. A story that keeps me enthralled, wondering, guessing and staying awake into the wee small hours; Just one more page, just one more page.  Me

The Rose Red Reaper meets all of these contingencies and more. The mystery itself is extremely well done. Too often I find myself figuring out the Who dunnit shortly into the book. In this case, there was one small hint, well into a double-digit chapter that gives a clue  but it doesnt give it away, and I actually didn't start to get suspicious until well into the book. Score. A mystery that makes me think!

And think I did, not only about the story itself, but also about the characters. Loucks characters are some of the more interesting that I have come across in mystery novels recently. The lead characters are Lieutenant Commander Mason Cole, previously a Navy SEAL, and his brother Detective Devon Cole. Lt. Commander Cole joins his brother with the Chicago Serial Crimes Unit after the savage murder of Masons girlfriend. For a year, Mason obsesses over Jills death, desperately attempting to find any clue to her murderer. Sleepless and lost, he walks the streets at night, fleeing the nightmares that torment him. His only solace is his seat at a table in a little diner close to his home, where the coffee is always fresh, and the wait staff are a small group of women who are always kind, and always leave him in peace.

Now, the killer has struck again, and what slowly becomes obvious is that this isn't just any serial killer. At first, there seems to be no connection between the deaths, no ties between the victims. However, as the number of grisly deaths climb, a picture slowly begins to form, an image of abuse, of torture and depravity of the worst sort, and of massive failures of a system that is purportedly designed to help the most helpless among us. A system that allows unspeakable horrors to be committed with impunity. As Mason, Devon and their small group of specialists begin to unravel the convoluted path into the mind of a killer, Mason grows closer to Dakota, the owner of the tiny diner where he feels so at home. A closeness that now places Dakota in the sights of a killer who has no mercy, and whose final goal is to destroy Masons life.

One of the things I like the most about the book is that none of the characters are cookie cutter cardboard cutouts. Their personalities are well developed and realistic, allowing you to actually come to know them as people. No one is written as an over-the-top super hero, nor are the women in the story either weaklings or superwomen  they are simply very real and likable characters. Dakota herself is blind, and yet she owns the diner and bakes the wonderful pastries, including cinnamon rolls that had my tummy rumbling whenever the characters moaned in ecstasy as they enjoyed them. Though she might be blind, she comes across as a person who truly enjoys her life and doesnt see herself as being any different from anyone else, or as lacking or crippled in any way. I deeply admired her. Even the killer, for all his depravity, is in a way a sympathetic character. What he does is horrific, but at the end of the story one cant help but feel a spark of sadness at what happened to drive him to the degree of hatred that he suffers  a hatred that has destroyed his soul beyond any hope of salvation.

All in all, I can highly recommend this book to any mystery lover. Well-written, well thought out, and absolutely captivating The Rose Red Reaper is a worthy addition to any aficionados bookshelf.
4250713
This is a very unique mystery of epic proportions! Detective Jack Cade is called to the scene of a grisly ritualistic murder using a Japanese samurai sword. He meets Dr. Michael Di Santo, a criminal profiler, who is very knowledgeable of Japanese culture and this particular ritual. There is immediate intense sexual chemistry between them which they give into while working together to solve this mystery. But Dr. Di Santo has a tragic secret that threatens to derail their feelings and the killer turns his sights onto him. Throughout the story, new possible suspects are introduced and the mystery increases until an explosive ending! You will not know who the killer is until the end! I will be looking for more from this author!

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.  Reviewed by Barb from Alpha Book Club