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Book Review of Heartsick (Archie and Gretchen, Bk 1)

Heartsick (Archie and Gretchen, Bk 1)
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Helpful Score: 4


It's an ok book, but I could not warm up to one of the main characters, Sarah Ward, who is a journalist. She gets handed the opportunity to tag along with detective Archie who is investigating the murders of a serial killer, which might or might not have a connection to famous, presently incarcerated, serial killer Gretchen Lowell (200 or more victims!). Gretchen and Archie have a history together: She once kidnapped and tortured him for several days, until she decides to call not only 911 to get help for Archie, but also to turn herself in. Presumably because she fell in love with him. But even in jail she has power over Archie, because she promises - in exchange for weekly visits - to give up the location of the graves of some of her other victims.

Aside from characters acting rather stupidly (especially the above-mentioned Sarah) the characters are well-written. If only the story were a bit more credible and would not have such a stereotypical serial-killer mystery ending! I wanted to quit reading the last 50 pages, because it was so predictable.