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Recommend this book:
The Roach
A Dark Vigilante Thriller
Rhett C. Bruno
2021 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
The Roach by Rhett C. Bruno is proof that there is always room for a great story that features a comic-book type character. Make way for Reese Roberts, a vigilante that strikes fear in the hearts of criminals operating in Iron City. Known by his vigilante persona as The Roach, Roberts is an antihero who does not operate under a strict moral code. He will not hesitate to inflict extreme force, even kill if necessary. But keeping Iron City clean from criminal elements is a high-risk undertaking, and it got to him when a bullet in his spine left him in a wheelchair after saving Laura Garrity, the mayor’s daughter. As a paraplegic, he lost all sense of rhyme and reason, evidenced by the story’s tragic opening. A new Roach vigilante appears in Iron City after his armored suit is stolen from his lair. At the same time, a rogue killer arrives in the city, leaving brutal personal messages used to taunt the Roach. Roberts will have to postpone his suicide plans because he is the only one who can fix the whole mess—and he will have to do it this time not in an armored suit but in a wheelchair.
Being a big fan of the superhero genre, I seriously enjoyed what this story is all about. But The Roach shouldn’t be taken as one of those fantastical superhero stories. It is more about a city and how it can potentially break a man’s soul, and out of that brokenness, a man selects a choice that feeds his feelings of helplessness. As a writer, Rhett C. Bruno has an intelligent understanding of his theme, much like Alan Moore and Frank Miller. He has written a novel where the setting and character are inseparably linked to each other in that Roberts takes care of the city and pays the price for it. It appears that Bruno finds the misery of Roberts more painful than the scourge he has inflicted on criminals. This is fascinating because it helps explain how far a man could take his conflict against himself and against others—and you know that the Roach has to hit back somehow. The Roach is a brilliant antihero novel. I highly recommend this to anyone who is into cutting-edge and intelligent action hero stories.
The Roach by Rhett C. Bruno is proof that there is always room for a great story that features a comic-book type character. Make way for Reese Roberts, a vigilante that strikes fear in the hearts of criminals operating in Iron City. Known by his vigilante persona as The Roach, Roberts is an antihero who does not operate under a strict moral code. He will not hesitate to inflict extreme force, even kill if necessary. But keeping Iron City clean from criminal elements is a high-risk undertaking, and it got to him when a bullet in his spine left him in a wheelchair after saving Laura Garrity, the mayor’s daughter. As a paraplegic, he lost all sense of rhyme and reason, evidenced by the story’s tragic opening. A new Roach vigilante appears in Iron City after his armored suit is stolen from his lair. At the same time, a rogue killer arrives in the city, leaving brutal personal messages used to taunt the Roach. Roberts will have to postpone his suicide plans because he is the only one who can fix the whole mess—and he will have to do it this time not in an armored suit but in a wheelchair.
Being a big fan of the superhero genre, I seriously enjoyed what this story is all about. But The Roach shouldn’t be taken as one of those fantastical superhero stories. It is more about a city and how it can potentially break a man’s soul, and out of that brokenness, a man selects a choice that feeds his feelings of helplessness. As a writer, Rhett C. Bruno has an intelligent understanding of his theme, much like Alan Moore and Frank Miller. He has written a novel where the setting and character are inseparably linked to each other in that Roberts takes care of the city and pays the price for it. It appears that Bruno finds the misery of Roberts more painful than the scourge he has inflicted on criminals. This is fascinating because it helps explain how far a man could take his conflict against himself and against others—and you know that the Roach has to hit back somehow. The Roach is a brilliant antihero novel. I highly recommend this to anyone who is into cutting-edge and intelligent action hero stories.
Recommend this book:
 by Thomas Benigno. When his sister Peggy vanished on her way to a dance, Charli...){kind=link}
The Criminal Mind
A Psychological Thriller (The Good Lawyer Series Book 3)
Thomas Benigno
2021 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
When local authorities are apathetic regarding a kidnapping and the recent discoveries of children's bodies, three retirees start an investigation of their own in the intriguing suspense novel, The Criminal Mind: A Psychological Thriller (The Good Lawyer Series: Book 3) by Thomas Benigno. When his sister Peggy vanished on her way to a dance, Charlie Malone left home and joined the Marines. More than fifty years later, Charlie meets eighteen-year-old Mia, who has ties to his hometown. Sadly, as a result of childhood trauma, Mia has multiple personalities. When the bodies of small boys uncovered at a construction site coincide with Mia's traumatic memories, Charlie believes there is a connection between the boys, Mia, and Peggy. Convincing retired lawyer Nick Mannino and Former Secret Service agent Paul Tarantino to investigate, the three men travel to the crime scenes. Shocked by local law enforcement's dispassionate attitude regarding the recent grisly discoveries and the current kidnapping of a local boy, they become suspicious. Is it possible the police are involved in a cover-up? If so, how long has it been going on?
Superbly written, The Criminal Mind by Thomas Benigno is a sensational novel in the Nick Mannino series. Filled with mystery and suspense, it is a riveting story with an intricate plot, complex storyline, and intriguing characters. Spellbinding twists coil throughout, coming to a horrifying and heart-stopping conclusion. Distinctive characters who have acute moral, physical, emotional, and mental issues add context to the storyline. Their contrasting personalities, challenges, and attitudes give the plot definition and balance. Although this is the third book in the series, the book does well as a standalone. Nick's previous exploits that are relevant to the plot ease into the storyline without interrupting the flow of the story. Engaging and intense, it is a gripping novel with a compelling and suspenseful plot that promises to thrill fans of mystery, thrillers, and suspense.
When local authorities are apathetic regarding a kidnapping and the recent discoveries of children's bodies, three retirees start an investigation of their own in the intriguing suspense novel, The Criminal Mind: A Psychological Thriller (The Good Lawyer Series: Book 3) by Thomas Benigno. When his sister Peggy vanished on her way to a dance, Charlie Malone left home and joined the Marines. More than fifty years later, Charlie meets eighteen-year-old Mia, who has ties to his hometown. Sadly, as a result of childhood trauma, Mia has multiple personalities. When the bodies of small boys uncovered at a construction site coincide with Mia's traumatic memories, Charlie believes there is a connection between the boys, Mia, and Peggy. Convincing retired lawyer Nick Mannino and Former Secret Service agent Paul Tarantino to investigate, the three men travel to the crime scenes. Shocked by local law enforcement's dispassionate attitude regarding the recent grisly discoveries and the current kidnapping of a local boy, they become suspicious. Is it possible the police are involved in a cover-up? If so, how long has it been going on?
Superbly written, The Criminal Mind by Thomas Benigno is a sensational novel in the Nick Mannino series. Filled with mystery and suspense, it is a riveting story with an intricate plot, complex storyline, and intriguing characters. Spellbinding twists coil throughout, coming to a horrifying and heart-stopping conclusion. Distinctive characters who have acute moral, physical, emotional, and mental issues add context to the storyline. Their contrasting personalities, challenges, and attitudes give the plot definition and balance. Although this is the third book in the series, the book does well as a standalone. Nick's previous exploits that are relevant to the plot ease into the storyline without interrupting the flow of the story. Engaging and intense, it is a gripping novel with a compelling and suspenseful plot that promises to thrill fans of mystery, thrillers, and suspense.
Recommend this book:
Spot Thru the Hart
Lou Berthelson
2020 Finalist
394 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Spot Thru the Hart by Lou Berthelson is a psychological thriller that is dark and enthralling. The central character is John Hart, and when he loses two members of his team in Jonesborough, he is concerned, as is everyone. Their investigation leads to more disturbing crimes, and these crimes involve murders committed in the last four decades. Everything points to a very influential man. John aches for justice but the enemy he has to take down is not an ordinary one.
I enjoy crime stories that start with isolated incidents and build up into a web of disturbing situations and this is one such story. John Hart is a strong and sophisticated character and while he pursues justice for his people, he has deep layers of troubles to deal with. The author writes the characters deftly and each has deep layers that peel off like layers of an onion. I enjoyed the prose, the focused scenes, and the way that points of view are developed. The story is filled with vivid descriptions and imagery. The descriptive prose is enriched by interesting dialogues. One of the things that I enjoyed in the story is the sense of loyalty in John’s group. Spot Thru the Hart is suspenseful and filled with moments that take readers by surprise and the unpredictability of the plot is one of the main ingredients that make the story unique. This is a story for readers who love strong characters and intense conflict. There are twists aplenty and it is hard to guess where the story leads.
Spot Thru the Hart by Lou Berthelson is a psychological thriller that is dark and enthralling. The central character is John Hart, and when he loses two members of his team in Jonesborough, he is concerned, as is everyone. Their investigation leads to more disturbing crimes, and these crimes involve murders committed in the last four decades. Everything points to a very influential man. John aches for justice but the enemy he has to take down is not an ordinary one.
I enjoy crime stories that start with isolated incidents and build up into a web of disturbing situations and this is one such story. John Hart is a strong and sophisticated character and while he pursues justice for his people, he has deep layers of troubles to deal with. The author writes the characters deftly and each has deep layers that peel off like layers of an onion. I enjoyed the prose, the focused scenes, and the way that points of view are developed. The story is filled with vivid descriptions and imagery. The descriptive prose is enriched by interesting dialogues. One of the things that I enjoyed in the story is the sense of loyalty in John’s group. Spot Thru the Hart is suspenseful and filled with moments that take readers by surprise and the unpredictability of the plot is one of the main ingredients that make the story unique. This is a story for readers who love strong characters and intense conflict. There are twists aplenty and it is hard to guess where the story leads.
Recommend this book:
 by Valerie J. Brooks. Angeline Porter's sister Sophie dies by her own hand. Knowing Sophie had to be forced into killing herself, Angeline resolves to punish those wh...){kind=link}
Revenge in 3 Parts
Angeline Porter Series Book 1
Valerie J. Brooks
2020 Honorable Mention
290 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
When her sister commits suicide, a criminal lawyer seeks retribution for her untimely death in the intriguing psychological thriller Revenge In 3 Parts (Angeline Porter Series Book 1) by Valerie J. Brooks. Angeline Porter's sister Sophie dies by her own hand. Knowing Sophie had to be forced into killing herself, Angeline resolves to punish those who caused her death. As a criminal lawyer, Angeline has contacts on the other side of the law that can help her. Believing Sophie's French boyfriend is the person behind her death, Angeline purchases a new identity and flies to France to kill him. However, when she meets him, she is thrown by his charming personality. Despite her misgivings, Angeline carries out her plan and poisons him. When she returns from her mission, she discovers Sophie was entangled in a scam worth a million dollars, and the man Angeline murdered was innocent. Knowing Sophie died needlessly, Angeline's quest for vengeance has just begun.
Revenge In 3 Parts (Angeline Porter Series Book 1) by Valerie J. Brooks is a fascinating psychological thriller filled with drama and suspense. It is a convoluted story, with complex characters and an intricate plot. Told in the first person, the intense plot contains the necessary aspects of mystery, drama, crime, and questionable ethics that make a substantial thriller. The combination of the elements creates a fascinating storyline that will intrigue fans of thrillers and suspense novels who relish a psychological edge. However, with intimate scenes and strong language, it is more suitable for a mature reader.
When her sister commits suicide, a criminal lawyer seeks retribution for her untimely death in the intriguing psychological thriller Revenge In 3 Parts (Angeline Porter Series Book 1) by Valerie J. Brooks. Angeline Porter's sister Sophie dies by her own hand. Knowing Sophie had to be forced into killing herself, Angeline resolves to punish those who caused her death. As a criminal lawyer, Angeline has contacts on the other side of the law that can help her. Believing Sophie's French boyfriend is the person behind her death, Angeline purchases a new identity and flies to France to kill him. However, when she meets him, she is thrown by his charming personality. Despite her misgivings, Angeline carries out her plan and poisons him. When she returns from her mission, she discovers Sophie was entangled in a scam worth a million dollars, and the man Angeline murdered was innocent. Knowing Sophie died needlessly, Angeline's quest for vengeance has just begun.
Revenge In 3 Parts (Angeline Porter Series Book 1) by Valerie J. Brooks is a fascinating psychological thriller filled with drama and suspense. It is a convoluted story, with complex characters and an intricate plot. Told in the first person, the intense plot contains the necessary aspects of mystery, drama, crime, and questionable ethics that make a substantial thriller. The combination of the elements creates a fascinating storyline that will intrigue fans of thrillers and suspense novels who relish a psychological edge. However, with intimate scenes and strong language, it is more suitable for a mature reader.
Recommend this book:
The Diary of a Serial Killer's Daughter
A Chilling Dark Thriller
L.A. Detwiler
2020 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
The Diary of a Serial Killer's Daughter by L. A. Detwiler is 'a chilling dark thriller.' Ruby Marlowe lost her mother when she was two and lives with her father, who made sure she had everything. He has a secret, though, a deep dark secret in his garage – the one place that Ruby is not allowed to go. Except she does sneak in occasionally, mesmerized by all the red. She doesn’t understand what’s going on at the time but, as she gets older, she develops obsessive tendencies, and one of those leads her to investigate the death of her mother. She realizes that her serial killer daddy may have even more secrets and, as he begins to up his game, those secrets get harder to stay hidden. Ruby has a choice – betray her father and walk a different path in life or join him on his path. Which will she choose?
The Diary of a Serial Killer’s Daughter by L. A. Detwiler is a seriously creepy story. It is written as a diary by the daughter of a serial killer although she didn’t know it at the time and, written in the language you would expect a young girl to use, it raised the hairs on the back of my neck. This story is so well-written that you will not put it down. You have to know the way it ends and you have to read this creepy, chilling story to get there. This is an incredibly dark story, not for the faint-hearted, that’s for sure. The two main characters are very well developed in a unique tale that I couldn’t put down. It’s unpredictable, twisting horror that will chill you to the core. If you want something addictive and dark to read, this is the book for you.
The Diary of a Serial Killer's Daughter by L. A. Detwiler is 'a chilling dark thriller.' Ruby Marlowe lost her mother when she was two and lives with her father, who made sure she had everything. He has a secret, though, a deep dark secret in his garage – the one place that Ruby is not allowed to go. Except she does sneak in occasionally, mesmerized by all the red. She doesn’t understand what’s going on at the time but, as she gets older, she develops obsessive tendencies, and one of those leads her to investigate the death of her mother. She realizes that her serial killer daddy may have even more secrets and, as he begins to up his game, those secrets get harder to stay hidden. Ruby has a choice – betray her father and walk a different path in life or join him on his path. Which will she choose?
The Diary of a Serial Killer’s Daughter by L. A. Detwiler is a seriously creepy story. It is written as a diary by the daughter of a serial killer although she didn’t know it at the time and, written in the language you would expect a young girl to use, it raised the hairs on the back of my neck. This story is so well-written that you will not put it down. You have to know the way it ends and you have to read this creepy, chilling story to get there. This is an incredibly dark story, not for the faint-hearted, that’s for sure. The two main characters are very well developed in a unique tale that I couldn’t put down. It’s unpredictable, twisting horror that will chill you to the core. If you want something addictive and dark to read, this is the book for you.
Recommend this book:
Sea Scope
Debbie De Louise
2020 Silver Medal
279 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
Reviewed by Maria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
Sea Scope by Debbie De Louise is a psychological thriller set largely in the scenic Cape Bretton in South Carolina. Sarah and her brother Glen Brewster grew up in Sea Scope, an inn owned by the family and managed by their father. Their lives were never the same again when they discovered a body in the lighthouse nearby. Soon thereafter, the family moved away and the inn was closed by their Aunt Julie. Twenty years later, Sarah is now an unhappily married woman with a string of family tragedies behind her. Needing an escape, she accepts an invitation from her aunt to visit Sea Scope, and her past comes back to haunt her.
Debbie De Louise's Sea Scope unravels in Long Island but it soon brings its readers to a lighthouse in Cape Bretton where a young man was believed to have committed suicide twenty years ago. The story has two main plots that are woven together beautifully and it all revolves around Sarah Collins. A young woman on the brink of divorce, or so she thinks, her decision to go back to her childhood home of Sea Scope sets off a psychological thriller that demands the reader's full attention. And as Sarah's past and present lives collide, a shocking family secret is revealed that will explain her father's unexpected death. There is, however, the present be dealt with and it also presents a challenge. Entertaining and mysterious, Sea Scope is a novel that is hard to close without reading its last page.
Sea Scope by Debbie De Louise is a psychological thriller set largely in the scenic Cape Bretton in South Carolina. Sarah and her brother Glen Brewster grew up in Sea Scope, an inn owned by the family and managed by their father. Their lives were never the same again when they discovered a body in the lighthouse nearby. Soon thereafter, the family moved away and the inn was closed by their Aunt Julie. Twenty years later, Sarah is now an unhappily married woman with a string of family tragedies behind her. Needing an escape, she accepts an invitation from her aunt to visit Sea Scope, and her past comes back to haunt her.
Debbie De Louise's Sea Scope unravels in Long Island but it soon brings its readers to a lighthouse in Cape Bretton where a young man was believed to have committed suicide twenty years ago. The story has two main plots that are woven together beautifully and it all revolves around Sarah Collins. A young woman on the brink of divorce, or so she thinks, her decision to go back to her childhood home of Sea Scope sets off a psychological thriller that demands the reader's full attention. And as Sarah's past and present lives collide, a shocking family secret is revealed that will explain her father's unexpected death. There is, however, the present be dealt with and it also presents a challenge. Entertaining and mysterious, Sea Scope is a novel that is hard to close without reading its last page.
Recommend this book:
Lying with the Devil
Lana Lindemann
2020 Gold Medal
110 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Lying with the Devil by Lana Lindemann is a psychological thriller. Mary is nothing special. A student who doesn’t know what she wants out of life until everything changes. Kidnapped by a serial killer, Mary expects to die but, instead, she is kept chained in the killer’s apartment. And so begins the abuse and the games. Mary slowly loses hope that she will ever be found as the killer plays his games and appears to start falling in love with her. Two detectives, Carl and Steven, along with Mary’s brother Kole are searching for her but the killer leaves scant clues behind. As Stockholm Syndrome begins to set in, is there any chance for Mary? And if Kole does find her, will she ever be the same person again?
Lying with the Devil by Lana Lindeman is a cracking read, a real page-turner that will have you hanging on to the very end. The language and style of writing match the era it was set in perfectly, the 1980s, and with a unique plot, this story is packed with action. The tension builds nicely throughout the plot, with plenty of twists and turns along the way, and the ending is well worth waiting for. The characters are excellent, well developed and relatable, especially Mary, and you will be on the edge of your seat to see what happens to her. Be prepared for a rollercoaster ride of emotions in a story that will leave you wanting more from this author. Ms. Lindemann is clearly a talented writer with a great future ahead of her and I look forward to reading more.
Lying with the Devil by Lana Lindemann is a psychological thriller. Mary is nothing special. A student who doesn’t know what she wants out of life until everything changes. Kidnapped by a serial killer, Mary expects to die but, instead, she is kept chained in the killer’s apartment. And so begins the abuse and the games. Mary slowly loses hope that she will ever be found as the killer plays his games and appears to start falling in love with her. Two detectives, Carl and Steven, along with Mary’s brother Kole are searching for her but the killer leaves scant clues behind. As Stockholm Syndrome begins to set in, is there any chance for Mary? And if Kole does find her, will she ever be the same person again?
Lying with the Devil by Lana Lindeman is a cracking read, a real page-turner that will have you hanging on to the very end. The language and style of writing match the era it was set in perfectly, the 1980s, and with a unique plot, this story is packed with action. The tension builds nicely throughout the plot, with plenty of twists and turns along the way, and the ending is well worth waiting for. The characters are excellent, well developed and relatable, especially Mary, and you will be on the edge of your seat to see what happens to her. Be prepared for a rollercoaster ride of emotions in a story that will leave you wanting more from this author. Ms. Lindemann is clearly a talented writer with a great future ahead of her and I look forward to reading more.
Recommend this book:
All The Broken People
Amy Rivers
2019 Finalist
312 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
All the Broken People by Amy Rivers is a suspenseful story that explores the brokenness in the characters, which are poignant and deeply human. Alice Bennett has finally let the pain of her past go, forgetting her abusive childhood and rebuilding her life around the perfect gentleman. But it is as if pain can’t leave her alone as her past catches up with her and this threatens her marriage. Alice decides to travel to north Georgia to take care of her mother-in-law, injured in a bad fall. But things aren’t what they seem, for her mother-in-law’s fall wasn’t an accident. Alice is thrust into a family with deadly secrets and a world where everyone seems to be hurting deeply. Can she survive the threats and attacks from an unknown enemy and can she reconcile with her husband’s past?
You know a good writer from their ability to offer important background information that deepens character and plot without taking the reader’s attention from the present moment, and Amy Rivers is good at that. She combines streams of consciousness with succinct commentaries to add flesh to the story. Right off the bat, she offers: “Over the years, Will and Alice’s visits to his hometown had been infrequent, and each time she felt like she was entering an alien world. Having grown up in a city in the dusty Southwest, Alice was taken with the Southern landscape, the friendly people and especially the kudzu.” All the Broken People is filled with realism, a riveting story with rich characters, delightful prose, and a setting that unfolds vividly in the mind of the reader. The story is emotionally rich and psychologically engaging.
All the Broken People by Amy Rivers is a suspenseful story that explores the brokenness in the characters, which are poignant and deeply human. Alice Bennett has finally let the pain of her past go, forgetting her abusive childhood and rebuilding her life around the perfect gentleman. But it is as if pain can’t leave her alone as her past catches up with her and this threatens her marriage. Alice decides to travel to north Georgia to take care of her mother-in-law, injured in a bad fall. But things aren’t what they seem, for her mother-in-law’s fall wasn’t an accident. Alice is thrust into a family with deadly secrets and a world where everyone seems to be hurting deeply. Can she survive the threats and attacks from an unknown enemy and can she reconcile with her husband’s past?
You know a good writer from their ability to offer important background information that deepens character and plot without taking the reader’s attention from the present moment, and Amy Rivers is good at that. She combines streams of consciousness with succinct commentaries to add flesh to the story. Right off the bat, she offers: “Over the years, Will and Alice’s visits to his hometown had been infrequent, and each time she felt like she was entering an alien world. Having grown up in a city in the dusty Southwest, Alice was taken with the Southern landscape, the friendly people and especially the kudzu.” All the Broken People is filled with realism, a riveting story with rich characters, delightful prose, and a setting that unfolds vividly in the mind of the reader. The story is emotionally rich and psychologically engaging.
Recommend this book:
The Girl in Red
A Chilling Psychological Thriller
John Nicholl
2019 Honorable Mention
202 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
The Girl in Red: A Chilling Psychological Thriller by John Nicholl is a novel with strong psychological underpinnings, a novel that explores the depths of an abusive relationship and what it takes to make difficult choices. Kathy finds herself in a fix, for what began as a beautiful relationship with Police Inspector Michael Conner quickly turns into mental slavery. Conner’s behavior suddenly changes after their wedding and he becomes a control freak. Life becomes unbearable for her and when she tries to run off, Conner convinces everyone that she is mentally ill. But her twin sister Anna thinks differently and she knows her sister needs her help. The two sisters execute a plan to end Kathy’s suffering, but will they succeed against a man as ruthless and as controlling as Conner?
John Nicholl hasn’t only plotted this novel expertly but has written it in a masterly manner. It is engrossing, psychologically exciting and with characters that are hard to ignore. Kathy Conner is the perfect example of what many women experience in abusive relationships. And her policeman husband is very manipulative. Kathy has reported the abuses, but the husband convinces his superiors that she is mentally unstable. It is interesting to follow her through the mental torture and to see her find a great ally in her sister. The emotional level of the novel is excellent. The prose is exciting and the conflict so well managed that it escalates at a great pace, without letting readers lose interest in either the characters or the storyline. The Girl in Red: A Chilling Psychological Thriller is a fantastic read with gorgeous characters.
The Girl in Red: A Chilling Psychological Thriller by John Nicholl is a novel with strong psychological underpinnings, a novel that explores the depths of an abusive relationship and what it takes to make difficult choices. Kathy finds herself in a fix, for what began as a beautiful relationship with Police Inspector Michael Conner quickly turns into mental slavery. Conner’s behavior suddenly changes after their wedding and he becomes a control freak. Life becomes unbearable for her and when she tries to run off, Conner convinces everyone that she is mentally ill. But her twin sister Anna thinks differently and she knows her sister needs her help. The two sisters execute a plan to end Kathy’s suffering, but will they succeed against a man as ruthless and as controlling as Conner?
John Nicholl hasn’t only plotted this novel expertly but has written it in a masterly manner. It is engrossing, psychologically exciting and with characters that are hard to ignore. Kathy Conner is the perfect example of what many women experience in abusive relationships. And her policeman husband is very manipulative. Kathy has reported the abuses, but the husband convinces his superiors that she is mentally unstable. It is interesting to follow her through the mental torture and to see her find a great ally in her sister. The emotional level of the novel is excellent. The prose is exciting and the conflict so well managed that it escalates at a great pace, without letting readers lose interest in either the characters or the storyline. The Girl in Red: A Chilling Psychological Thriller is a fantastic read with gorgeous characters.
Recommend this book:
Why She Lied
A Riveting Psychological Thriller Based On A True Story
Julie Coons
2019 Bronze Medal
183 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Why She Lied is a work of thriller fiction penned by Julie Coons, described as ‘A Riveting Psychological Thriller Based On A True Story.’ In a story fictionalized and dramatized from real events, we follow central character Julie as she experiences first-hand trauma that stays with her a lifetime. Finding out that her boyfriend is guilty of molestation, Julie aborts their unborn child rather than have the child exposed to a monster. Five years later, her now ex-boyfriend is a wanted man for exploits in trafficking, and Julie is sucked back into his world when she gets involved in an investigation to bring him down.
Part memoir, part fictionalized thriller read, this true story has its ups and down, but ultimately delivers an important message and a harrowing account of what its author went through during this turbulent time in her life. The writing is direct and often autobiographical, personalized to Julie’s experiences as a central character, though some of the other characters she meets are built up in a more fictionalized style. What really succeeds is the unique insight which she is given into the world of human trafficking, as well as the heartfelt emotional turmoil that she goes through when recovering from the abortion, and considering her own past as a survivor of child abuse in the past. As an author, Julie Coons is a relatable figure who readers with similar experiences can lean on. As a novel, Why She Lied presents the contemporary issue of human trafficking with a personalized viewpoint.
Why She Lied is a work of thriller fiction penned by Julie Coons, described as ‘A Riveting Psychological Thriller Based On A True Story.’ In a story fictionalized and dramatized from real events, we follow central character Julie as she experiences first-hand trauma that stays with her a lifetime. Finding out that her boyfriend is guilty of molestation, Julie aborts their unborn child rather than have the child exposed to a monster. Five years later, her now ex-boyfriend is a wanted man for exploits in trafficking, and Julie is sucked back into his world when she gets involved in an investigation to bring him down.
Part memoir, part fictionalized thriller read, this true story has its ups and down, but ultimately delivers an important message and a harrowing account of what its author went through during this turbulent time in her life. The writing is direct and often autobiographical, personalized to Julie’s experiences as a central character, though some of the other characters she meets are built up in a more fictionalized style. What really succeeds is the unique insight which she is given into the world of human trafficking, as well as the heartfelt emotional turmoil that she goes through when recovering from the abortion, and considering her own past as a survivor of child abuse in the past. As an author, Julie Coons is a relatable figure who readers with similar experiences can lean on. As a novel, Why She Lied presents the contemporary issue of human trafficking with a personalized viewpoint.
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