Awesome debut suspense novel....
590284
Claire Lambert decides to give her friend Afton's dating service Camelot a try.  On her way to the bus stop late at night after providing Camelot with her bio, she cuts through a schoolyard and witnesses a brutal murder.  She flees the scene, only to be chased by the killer.  She manages to escape his evil clutches, but slips and falls, banging her head on the way down, only to wake up in the hospital with very few memories of what happened the night before - and Washington, D.C. detective Sean Richter, along with partner/cousin Aidan Burke waiting for answers regarding the murder.

The two detectives work the Cold Case Unit, and fear this is the work of a serial killer from the past that has struck again.  With Claire's memory in shreds, they focus their attentions on the dating service, believing this is the link to the killer.  When Claire fled the murder scene, she dropped her purse, along with her ID, which the killer has.  Sean and Aidan walk a fine line, trying to protect Claire from the killer, while using her as bait to reel him in.  And, in the process, Sean and Claire develop more than a working relationship, which could put the entire case in jeopardy.
This is an awesome debut novel from Heather Lowell.  The amnesia angle has been used over and over again in suspense stories, but this author gives it a whole new believable spin.  The characters are well developed and likeable, with a heroine to be admired.  The hunky detectives speak for themselves, with a story line that is loaded with suspense and passion.  Kudos, Ms. Lowell, for a presenting a captivating and sexy debut novel.  I certainly hope the saga continues, with Aidan's story.
3158057
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Looking for her father ends up landing Taylor Martin into situations that she never expected. Taylor couldn't find closure about her father walking out on his family until she had a chance to ask him why. But someone is trying to stop Taylor from finding her dad. And meeting Nick Sinclair makes Taylors life even more interesting. Especially since Nicks brother is Taylors number one suspect.

This is an awesome debut novel from author Patricia Bradley. After reading the first few pages, I was captured! The characters were solid and believable, and I could truly feel the emotions Taylor felt when she talked about her dad. Tensions were high throughout the book because Taylor was getting to close to answers, which would expose to many people. I don't like saying too much about what happens in the book, because it ruins it for me when people do that, so I will just say if you love suspense/thrillers, then this book is a must for you to read. Believe me, you will not be disappointed in the time and money spent on this one!!

I received this book from the publisher Revell Publishers  to read and review.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 55.
1161505
This is the debut suspense novel by B.E. Sanderson. Dang! This is a well-plotted book with a wonderfully flawed main character, a delightfully evil villianess, and just a touch of romance with an interesting twist at the end. Jace Douglas has a whole trunkful of baggage but she's a crack investigator--driven and obsessive. Emma Sweet has always been spoiled and it didn't take much to start the rot beneath the "sweet." Ben Yancy is more than he appears. When the three of them finally come together in California, the results are...explosive. <i>*bwahahaha*</i> Sorry. Couldn't resist. While the reader knows who the perpetrator is, the real drama comes from Jace's hunt for her before the next man dies. This book is like "The Mentalist" and "Crinminal Minds" on a road trip.
2986282
Oh, my word, what a debut novel! "Eeny Meeny" is a thriller that does just that - thrills. Tight plot, good character development, diabolically twisted storyline. Detective Inspector Helen Grace is on the trail of a serial killer who abducts two people at a time, and every time one walks out alive. What is the killer's motive? How does the killer choose the victims?

There is only one thing I'd like to mention that I wish author M.J. Arlidge had done a little better. Although we get enough of a glimpse into Helen's personal life to know that she had some sort of troubled past, we are not made privy to any of that past until, all of a sudden about 3/4 through the book, it all gets thrown at us in a hurry. Helen's past is a key plot element which should have been more thoroughly introduced throughout the entire length of the novel; I'm sure Aldridge could have done this without giving anything away. The fact that the reader finally gets to see Helen's past so late in the novel makes the ending seem a little rushed. It's still a good ending, don't get me wrong, but I would have liked that element to have been drawn out more.

Despite the above, I still give this book 5 stars because it was riveting, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm really looking forward to reading the next DI Helen Grace novel "Pop Goes the Weasel."
3397888
What an awesome debut novel. Ms Isaacs held me captive from the very beginning.
Characters were interesting, likeable and sexy.
The story line was sweet, intense, sexy and suspenseful all wrapped into one.
I definitely recommend this book.
1225011
Mr. Payne writes an excellent debut suspense thriller with a touching background love story. His characters are realistic, every day people and the story kept me engaged to the very end. I truly look forward to more from this writer. Well done, Mr. Payne.
2913846
The Light is an intense and down right creepy beginning to an exciting new series. From the get go, I knew this book was going to creep me out. Just look at the cover. This character screams "I am uber creepy. You better fear me." So it was no surprise to me when the first real scary / suspenseful scene occurred early on in the novel and that I was on the edge of my seat the whole time... with every little twist and suspenseful bump making me want to hide under the covers. From that scene alone, I knew this was going to be one of those novels that I had to either read in the daylight or at least a few hours before sleep. Now before you get thinking that this book is going to be way too scary for you, I must admit that 1.) I scare pretty easily and 2.) The novel's two scariest scenes (in my opinion) are in the beginning of the novel. The rest of the novel is more suspenseful and mystery based with a few creepy scenes mixed in.

Despite the creepy and scary factor involved, I really enjoyed the novel. The Light is an action packed read that kept me on the edge of my seat. It seemed like the pages flew by as I tried to say one step ahead of Marshall and his mystery. The characters in the novel were quite interesting to me. Marshall reacts in a manner very similar to how I think I would, so his character was very easy to relate to. And while Marshall's character did not have as much character growth as I was hoping for, I realize that this is the first novel in a series so it is possible that readers will see the needed growth in one of the next novels. The secondary characters of Sydney and Cooper were a lot of fun to read about. Sydney is a tough on the outside character. She is sassy, and at times, hilarious. Her character was a wonderful foil to Marshall, and the two of them together made this book an exciting read.

The Light, thankfully, has enough scary / creepy moments to satisfy the horror fans, but not too much to turn off other readers like myself who tend to get scared really easily. The creepiness that MacHale has created sets the mood in the novel perfectly. The Light is a suspenseful gem by giving the reader plenty of little twists. And while every question is not answered or at least mostly explored by the end of the novel, the ending will definitely have readers craving more.
3232852
If you're looking for a novel that will keep you turning pages till the wee hours of the morning, Donnell Bell's debut novel, The Past Came Hunting, is the perfect choice. The plot twists just keep coming. But there's so much more than spine-tingling suspense. Her characters are so richly crafted that they will stay with you long after you've finished the book...including one of the scariest bad guys I've come across in a long time. I really cared about Ms. Bell's heroine, Melanie Norris, and her teenaged son, Luke. So when Melanie's past came hunting, I didn't want any harm to befall either one of them. I guarantee that as the pacing accelerates toward the dramatic climax, your heart will be in your throat. Mine was. I couldn't put it down.

I'm a fan, and I can't wait for Ms. Bell's next novel.
378946
3.5  The Trap is Melanie Raabe's debut novel. The tagline on the cover is a great invitation to open up the book and read more..."I know who killed my sister. I wrote this book for him."

Author Linda Conrads has not left her house in eleven years. The death of her sister was incredibley traumatic - she was brutally murdered in her own home - and Linda saw the man as he fled the house. The killer was never apprehended. Linda has retreated..."It's not a wide world, my world, but it is safe. At least that's what I thought."

While watching the news on television one evening, Linda is stunned - she has immediately recognized the murderer on the screen. Unable to leave her house, she is determined to catch the killer with the only power she has - the written word. Linda Conrads' newest book will mirror the circumstances and details of the actual case - and draw out the murderer.

Or will it? As her plan comes to fruition, Linda is now not as sure as she was and she begins to doubt her memories -  and her sanity.

Oh, my goodness, does Raabe play with the reader. I was on board with Linda and her idea to expose the crime through her book. (Linda's parallel book is within the pages of The Trap. As the book progresses, we learn more of the past) But then, Raabe turns things upside down. Our narrator may not be as reliable as we initially believed. I love unreliable main characters, trying to decide what's real, right and the truth as I read. Raabe turns things around more than once as the book progresses. There's a lovely little cat and mouse game between Linda and the alleged murderer. Hmm, makes the title The Trap even more apropos.

I did however, find some of  the plot devices a bit of a stretch. Linda never confides in her friends, never talks to police about her suspicions, but instead devises a plan that will take quite a while to execute - she needs to first write a book. But it is a novel idea. (yes, pun intended )  I was drawn in by Linda's history, story and quest, but only as a removed, impartial witness - I never really connected personally with her and her grief and guilt.

The word thriller has been attached to the promotion of The Trap. I myself found it to be more of a slow building plot, drawing on alternate scenarios and answers, before making its way to the final reveal.

Sony Pictures has already picked up the film rights for The Trap.
4762383
4 and 1 / 2 stars

Detective Julie Jules Sawyer is on her way to visit her father. She happens upon a dead man in the ladies toilet.  When she grabs the conductor and proceeds to the womens toilet they discover the body is gone.

Naomi is an older woman who lives with her Golden Retriever Cooper in a trailer park. Living next door to her is a family whose 12-year old daughter Candace has gone missing. Even though their ages are disparate, they get along famously and Cooper also misses the little girl. While walking in the woods with her dog Naomi happens upon a severed human foot.

Meanwhile back on the train, the killer announces that he has a bomb and a hostage and stopping the train will force him to set off the bomb.  As Jules desperately searches for clues, time is ticking. Is it possible that these two cases are connected?

For a debut novel, this book is very well written and plotted. It is a high octane read with lots of suspense and drama. For fans of thrillers, youll love this one!

I want to thank Netgalley and Rachel Hargrove for forwarding to me a copy of this most remarkable debut to read.
1258864
Behind Closed Doors had me glued from the beginning. I felt as though I was Grace living thru the Hell that her husband Jack put her thru on a day to day basis..I loterally had a hard time putting this book down. What an Amazing first novel for this author!! I look forward to reading more from her in the future...I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat....What a ride!!!!
862000
This was my first novel by Cary Allen Stone and certainly not my last.  I already have the next three.  This was absolutely the most intriguing, action-packed and suspenseful novel I have read in quite awhile. I loved the first in this series of psychological thrillers.  The first page begins with the serial killer taking the life of Father Moralli.  Quite an exciting beginning and the book was spellbinding all the way to the end.

I loved the characters: Mika Scott, the FBI profiler; Detectives Jake Roberts and Harmon and all the other investigative crew.  The characters  seemed to have things in their past that haunt them.  And then there is Lori Powers who definitely has tremendous psychological  problems in her past.  With her, things are never as they seem.  Put them all together and this is quite a page-turning book with suspense, action and graphic violence and much more.  I could not put it down!!

Cary is intelligent and very knowledgeable about the FBI and police procedures. I loved his comments about where the word "testify" came from!  Also, the explanations concerning lightening!  He has a lot of interesting facts throughout the book!!

This is definitely a book you don't want to pass up!!
4679608
This is the first novel I've read by this author and I'm happy to say I simply cannot wait to read more of her work. This one kept me wide awake until dawn, which is exactly what a good romantic suspense novel should do.

Tabitha Martin, works as a hotel night manager while trying to get her license as an RN. She's had a rough life, she's the daughter of two addicts, and is trying to keep her troubled younger brother, Seth, out of jail, while being victimized by her drug-dealing ex-boyfriend, Joey.  Parker Evans works as an undercover operative for the U.S. Marshals Service, and, as such, his undercover life has become more real to him than his own, and he's dealing with his own PTSD issues while trying to infiltrate a drug ring that's operating out of the hotel Tabitha manages in order to catch its notorious fugitive leader, Gerald Lightfoot. Joey has been blackmailing Tabitha by threatening to expose her brother's criminal involvement with him as leverage in order to force her to use her position at the hotel to arrange accommodations for him so that  Joey can keep his drug business on the down low, discretely conducting his drug deals out of a hotel suite.

Tabitha meets Parker, aka Damian Evans, his undercover alias, when he first checks into her hotel, trying to get the lay of the land in preparation for a sting operation to capture Lightfoot. She's always been attracted to heavily tatted bad boys, even though her relationship with Joey has made her wary of getting involved with another one, but when she and Damian meet, the attraction is mutually instantaneous, and thus begins one of the most well-written, intriguing, erotic and suspenseful novels it's been my pleasure to read. I cannot wait to backtrack and read the previous novels in this series while eagerly awaiting the publication of the fourth and final novel.
1787046
I've discovered the cure for the common cold. Put on your snuggly PJ's, climb into bed, and dive into "Unlock the Truth," the debut novel by Robena Grant. You'll quickly forget about your runny nose and hacking cough as you lose yourself in this gripping romantic suspense.

The stakes start high and escalate with every page. The heroine, Dena Roman, needs to learn who murdered her sister, and why.  When a second woman is murdered, Dena can no longer sit back and wait for the authorities to solve the crimes. She heads to Rancho Almagro, the small, California desert town where the killings occurred, to do some digging of her own.  Her first stop? The Triple C Ranch, and Zeke Cabrera, the owner and prime suspect.

Zeke has more than his fair share of problems. The L.A. lawyer finds himself back in his hometown, struggling to rescue the family citrus farm, and suspected of murder. He initially wants nothing to do with the feisty PR expert who lands on his doorstep, but Dena quickly proves adept at managing the local police and media.

They want the same thing--to find the killer--and join forces to search for the truth. But they're both keeping secrets, which might endanger their investigation, their developing romance, and even their lives.

I thought I'd read a few chapters of "Unlock the Truth" until the Nyquil kicked in, and then go night-night, but boy was I wrong! I stayed up well past my bedtime to discover how this tight, suspenseful mystery and sizzling romance played out, and I was not disappointed. I wouldn't trade those hours back for the sleep, which, for me, is saying a lot!

Now I have to rest up, because Ms. Grant's next novel, "The Blue Dolphin," just went live on Amazon. I have another marathon read in my near future!
2113062
This was an awesome debut novel by Sandie Jones!  Although the beginning had kind of a slow start, the action sped up quickly and I was drawn into the story of Emily and her relationship (or lack thereof) with Pammie, her soon-top-be mother-in-law.  Pammie is an astounding character with so many flaws and machinations that one wonders if she just sits in her living room and plots against Emily.  She was my favorite character because I never knew what to expect from her next.  I will always remember the conclusion of the book because it was such a surprise, so twisted and oh, so good!  Readers of psychological suspense will certainly enjoy this dark tale of a young womans survival in spite of all odds.  Highly recommend this great book!

Disclaimer

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising
1177939
A terrific debut for this author!  A combination of romance, ambition, sex, deceit, and suspense/danger that will leave you wanting to read more by this author.  The characters are terrific (even the ones you won't like).  Great and highly original story.  Wonderful writing.
I received an ARC, and I am leaving a voluntary review.
1590824
This is a fair and honest review and wow! This is the first novel I've read by this author and it most certainly won't be the last.

Five soldiers who were held and tortured by the Taliban, formed a strong bond of brotherhood. Two years later, after leaving the military, that bond results in their forming ARES, a security agency. One of those soldiers, Rafe Vargas, a covert ops specialist, is the featured hero in what purports to be the first novel in a new series. Before the agency is fully up and running, Rafe inherits his late grandfather's home in Newton, Iowa, and heads there to clean out his grandfather's house and sell the property.

It's at a small cafe in Newton that Rafe spots, is attracted to and comes to the aid of Annie White, who is the daughter of the serial killer known as the Newton Slayer, a vicious thrill killer who was found dead in his prison cell 15 years earlier. During her late father's crime spree, in which he tortured and killed 7 women, Annie had visions of the murders, visions which ended with her father's death, or so she thought. For the past three weeks, the visions have returned and she leaves her home in Denver to try to use those visions to save the women she sees running for their lives. She has no idea why the visions have returned, and is hoping that it means that her beloved father was wrongly accused and convicted, especially since she seems to have attracted a stalker. Rafe convinces her to allow him and his team to protect her and help her get to the truth. He's the first person to believe her when she admits to having these visions.

So begins one of the most spine-chilling, suspenseful novels I've read since The Silence of the Lambs. In this un-put-down-able book, nothing is as it seems, except for the strong feelings that develop between Rafe and Annie, and the twists, turns, revelations and danger within its pages kept me reading until the wee hours of the morning. There is still a mystery to be solved at the end of this novel, a lead-in to the next novel in the series, I'm sure. Ms. Ivy has found a new fan in me, and I am eagerly awaiting the next novels in this series. Do not miss this one!