Helpful Score: 3
Loved this and can't wait for the sequel! Had the right blend of mystery, romance, suspense, and paranormal activity. Charlotte Stone's lucky escape from a serial killer as a teen led her to a career that puts her inside the mind of the most heinous murderers. When the murders start again, the FBI enlists her help both as a professional and a witness. An unlikely companion in the form of a ghost doesn't make her job any easier. When the media outs her identity, she goes from being part of the FBI team to a target.
Helpful Score: 1
Dr. Charlotte "Charlie" Stone witnesses a murder in her friends house as a teenager that chills her to the bone, and she sees who the killer is. A night she will never forget. 15 years later she has grown up and become an expert in criminal pathology, trying to learn how serial killers tick.
Doing her research in a prison she is seated across from a man that lured women by his looks and when alone he murdered them, seven total. She is going through her routine when she is interrupted by FBI agents that need to speak with her.
In her office they tell her that either the same person that killed her friend 15 years ago or a copycat is back at it again and they need her assistance. She reluctantly takes the job offer.
She is followed by a "ghostly" spirit that has attached himself to her. He was a former inmate. Throughout the novel they have this love hate relationship, which is rather unbelievable but written very well. He seems to appear during only the most inappropirate times and seems even rather helpful yet dangerous all the at the same time.
While on the job with the FBI agents she is outed on national television about being the sole survior that saw the killer 15 years ago (the media called the murderer the board walk killer). If it is the original killer 15 years ago he now knows what she looks like as an adult and will most likely try hunting her down as well.
The book takes you on all kinds of twists and turns, it had me saying out loud, "oh I didn't see that coming." There were even moments of laugh out loud funny parts. I stayed up until 2 a.m. because I just didn't want to stop reading. It took a total of two and a half days to read. As long as you're not anti ghosts and have a hard time believing in their existence or can set it aside for some fun fiction this should be a worth while read otherwise you may get bored really quick.
Doing her research in a prison she is seated across from a man that lured women by his looks and when alone he murdered them, seven total. She is going through her routine when she is interrupted by FBI agents that need to speak with her.
In her office they tell her that either the same person that killed her friend 15 years ago or a copycat is back at it again and they need her assistance. She reluctantly takes the job offer.
She is followed by a "ghostly" spirit that has attached himself to her. He was a former inmate. Throughout the novel they have this love hate relationship, which is rather unbelievable but written very well. He seems to appear during only the most inappropirate times and seems even rather helpful yet dangerous all the at the same time.
While on the job with the FBI agents she is outed on national television about being the sole survior that saw the killer 15 years ago (the media called the murderer the board walk killer). If it is the original killer 15 years ago he now knows what she looks like as an adult and will most likely try hunting her down as well.
The book takes you on all kinds of twists and turns, it had me saying out loud, "oh I didn't see that coming." There were even moments of laugh out loud funny parts. I stayed up until 2 a.m. because I just didn't want to stop reading. It took a total of two and a half days to read. As long as you're not anti ghosts and have a hard time believing in their existence or can set it aside for some fun fiction this should be a worth while read otherwise you may get bored really quick.
Loved it! It has the right amount of intrigue, humor, and suspense.
I've read other books by this author but was alittle disappointed in this book. If you are interested in reading about a relationship between a criminal pathologist & a ghost then you'll enjoy this story. Some of the details were unrealistic IMO. I do like reading stories about ghosts but this one just didn't do it for me. Maybe next time since there will be a book 2:)
Beverly C. (seroiusreader) -
I LOVED this book! I was surprised with the whole ghost element but I still really enjoyed it. I can't wait for the second book!
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Dr. Charlotte Stone (Charlie) is an expert on serial killers. Since she became the sole survivor of an extreme tragedy 15 years ago she has made the psychology of those that kill her lifes work. She doesnt advertise her past and pretty much lives a solitary existence and keeps a few big secrets.
When the FBI asks her to help catch a serial killer, she reluctantly agrees even though it pushes her to face a lot of her traumatizing past. She has a lot of insights into this new case and her FBI partners arent sure where or how she is getting her information but her information is the only lead they have.
I really loved every single thing about this book. From page one you are hooked and it keeps you engaged throughout. Its a little dark but not enough to make it a bleak or depressing tale. The mystery kept me turning the pages and the characters kept me needing to know more. While there is some steam and chemical attraction happening within the pages, I wouldnt say that the romance aspect is at the forefront. Its more of a dessert, rather than the main course. But when the dessert is served, its delicious.
I didnt expect any paranormal elements to the book, so when they popped up I was pleasantly surprised. It really added to the intrigue and it really fit well within the story. Sometimes paranormal things are placed in books and they dont mesh well and I find myself wondering why, or what the author was thinking. This isnt one of those times. It fit seamlessly with the story and really added a lot of flavor to the book.
I have read some of Karen Robards historical romances before and enjoyed them but this book is by far my favorite book by her. It had everything I love in stories and left me wanting to read more. I dont know how I am supposed to wait for the next book in this series. I want to know more about Michael and Charlie. I think this is going to be an amazing series. I am really very excited about it. This is one of those books you want your friends to read, but youre not quite sure if youre willing to part with your copy! :)
Cherise Everhard, August 2012
Dr. Charlotte Stone (Charlie) is an expert on serial killers. Since she became the sole survivor of an extreme tragedy 15 years ago she has made the psychology of those that kill her lifes work. She doesnt advertise her past and pretty much lives a solitary existence and keeps a few big secrets.
When the FBI asks her to help catch a serial killer, she reluctantly agrees even though it pushes her to face a lot of her traumatizing past. She has a lot of insights into this new case and her FBI partners arent sure where or how she is getting her information but her information is the only lead they have.
I really loved every single thing about this book. From page one you are hooked and it keeps you engaged throughout. Its a little dark but not enough to make it a bleak or depressing tale. The mystery kept me turning the pages and the characters kept me needing to know more. While there is some steam and chemical attraction happening within the pages, I wouldnt say that the romance aspect is at the forefront. Its more of a dessert, rather than the main course. But when the dessert is served, its delicious.
I didnt expect any paranormal elements to the book, so when they popped up I was pleasantly surprised. It really added to the intrigue and it really fit well within the story. Sometimes paranormal things are placed in books and they dont mesh well and I find myself wondering why, or what the author was thinking. This isnt one of those times. It fit seamlessly with the story and really added a lot of flavor to the book.
I have read some of Karen Robards historical romances before and enjoyed them but this book is by far my favorite book by her. It had everything I love in stories and left me wanting to read more. I dont know how I am supposed to wait for the next book in this series. I want to know more about Michael and Charlie. I think this is going to be an amazing series. I am really very excited about it. This is one of those books you want your friends to read, but youre not quite sure if youre willing to part with your copy! :)
Cherise Everhard, August 2012
Very good. Love Karen Robards.
