August 28, 2024

* Review * ANOTHER GIRL LOST by Mary Burton

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Another Girl Lost by Mary Burton
Published by Montlake on September 17, 2024
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Ten years ago, fifteen-year-old Scarlett Crosby was held captive in a terrifying ordeal with a girl named Della. Scarlett escaped, their predator was killed, and Della simply vanished. Detective Kevin Dawson always wondered if Della even existed.

A decade later, Scarlett is a successful artist. As hard as she tries to move on, the mysterious Della remains her inescapable obsession. Then a girl’s body is discovered—a link to Scarlett’s horrific past—and all her old traumas resurface. So does Della. Scarlett has seen her hiding in plain sight. The girl who knows Scarlett’s secrets, who understands the desperate compromises Scarlett made to endure hell, and who, like Scarlett, embraced the darkness to survive.

As a suspicious Detective Dawson once again comes calling, and obsessions turn deadly, Scarlett fears there isn’t a living soul she can trust. As for Della, who’s watching from afar, what could she possibly want from Scarlett now? And what new nightmare lies ahead?

Diabolical and attention grabbing from start to finish! I adored this book … up until the last page that is. The characters are well developed with a chilling backstory that plays out to come back and haunt them a decade later, the angst is on point and the general pace of the story was steady even with going back in time to get the background every few chapters. I would definitely say it was a 5 star read until the ending let me down so badly. I feel like Scarlett didn’t get the justice she deserved in telling her story to fruition and having the truth come out, and I wanted to see more of how her life settled in once all was said and done. So disappointed with the ending.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a twisted who dunnit where the past revisits and makes them wonder if something is truly happening or not.

* Review * DON’T MAKE A SOUND by H.K. Christie

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Don't Make a Sound by H. K. Christie
Series: Val Costa #2
Published by Bookouture on August 27, 2024
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Our eyes lock, and I know my life is about to end. The desperation and determination in their face sends a shiver down my spine. But it’s not until I see the glint of the blade, that I realize how quickly it will all be over…

When beloved local teacher and devoted mother, Claire Nelson, is discovered murdered in her kitchen, stab wounds covering her delicate pale skin, FBI Special Agent Val Costa is drawn out of retirement. Claire’s two children are in pieces, and Val won’t rest until they have the justice they deserve.

Battling nightmares about the serial killer she escaped just weeks ago, Val has her work cut out for her. A church regular, Claire was adored by her neighbours and spent her spare time helping the homeless. Who would want to hurt this beautiful soul? The killer took Claire’s car and wallet, and left traces of blood at the scene, but Val’s instincts tell her the attack wasn’t random.

Interviewing Claire’s students and the people she helped at the shelter, Val thinks she’s hit another wall. Until DNA results from the blood at the crime scene turn the entire case on its head; Val’s assailant was a woman. Who is she, and why would she do this?

With more questions than answers, Val battles one of the toughest cases of her career. But when the trail leads her to a monster hiding right in front of her all along, will she catch them before another precious life is taken?

I was hooked quickly and the twists and turns kept me glued throughout! The second book in the Val Costa series really picked up the pace from the first one and had me enthralled with the story soon after starting. The pace was quick, the characters were fairly well developed and the turmoil and mystery was top notch. I feel that if you didn’t read the first book in the series you aren’t going to understand the wholeness about Val’s background because it wasn’t fleshed out in any great detail in this one, but I think you’ll be able to follow it decently. The main storyline for this particular book was very intriguing and well written. I’m looking forward to more to come from Val and her sidekicks!

I recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a thriller that is high in action but light in gore. You’ll find lots of twists to keep you entertained throughout.