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Dead Don't Lie
You can run from the past…but you can never truly hide�
Detective Evelyn Davis delves deep into the minds of monsters for a living. She's the best psychological profiler in the Seattle P.D., with a talent that comes from heartbreaking experience. When Evelyn was just eighteen, she received word of her family's murder in the form of a horrifying video. Fifteen years later, tracking down other psychopaths is the only thing that brings her some peace.
But now two local families have been wiped out. Though the chilling crime scenes suggest murder-suicides, Evelyn believes a serial killer is at work. So does Special Agent Marcus Moretti, whose easy charm and fiercely protective instincts are breaking down all her defenses. Evelyn needs to put aside her emotional attachment to find the madman stalking her city—but with each discovery, this case becomes more personal. She's starting to suspect the killer wants her—and he is edging closer with every step, ready to make Evelyn pay a devastating price�.
Detective Evelyn Davis delves deep into the minds of monsters for a living. She's the best psychological profiler in the Seattle P.D., with a talent that comes from heartbreaking experience. When Evelyn was just eighteen, she received word of her family's murder in the form of a horrifying video. Fifteen years later, tracking down other psychopaths is the only thing that brings her some peace.
But now two local families have been wiped out. Though the chilling crime scenes suggest murder-suicides, Evelyn believes a serial killer is at work. So does Special Agent Marcus Moretti, whose easy charm and fiercely protective instincts are breaking down all her defenses. Evelyn needs to put aside her emotional attachment to find the madman stalking her city—but with each discovery, this case becomes more personal. She's starting to suspect the killer wants her—and he is edging closer with every step, ready to make Evelyn pay a devastating price�.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
2 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
L.R. Nicolello
2Ìýbooks19ÌýfollowersL. R. Nicolello has been obsessed with all things suspense and justice related for as long she can remember. When other girls her age were watching the latest chick flick, she was watching Top Gun, dreaming of flying fast. Growing up, if a fighter jet flew over while she was driving, her sister would pray they wouldn’t crash—still happens, actually.ÌýShe thinks a man in uniform is swoon-worthy and her husband likes to tease her about it, especially whenever they are near a military base. Growing up, her parents instilled in her and her sister that women can be strong without losing their femininity, and she takes that to heart with every character that comes to life.
She lives in blue-sky Texas with her husband and daughter, but travels—a lot. When she’s not writing, she watches and re-watches her favorite television shows, exercises or reads anything she can get her hands on.
, her debut novel, is out September 2014, followed by the next book in her series,Ìý, released January 2015.ÌýShe isÌýcurrentlyÌýworking on her next novelÌýand isÌýrepresented by Jill Marsal of MarsaLyon Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 11, 2019
4 Stars
Man, this book is brutal. Absolutely gut-wrenching.
And okay, the writing needs a bit of polishing. And the story is a bit unbelievable. And the tone of first part doesn't match the tone of the second half. And the killer's motive is ridiculous. And I absolutely hated what the author did with some of the characters. It's called manipulation.
Okay, I better stop now before I change the rating...
Because, do I really care?
No.
I wasn't bored for even a second. I fell in love with all of the characters. The heroine is kick-ass. The hero is perfect. The author's ability to engage the reader and evoke emotions is incredible.
It was enough for me.
Man, this book is brutal. Absolutely gut-wrenching.
And okay, the writing needs a bit of polishing. And the story is a bit unbelievable. And the tone of first part doesn't match the tone of the second half. And the killer's motive is ridiculous. And I absolutely hated what the author did with some of the characters. It's called manipulation.
Okay, I better stop now before I change the rating...
Because, do I really care?
No.
I wasn't bored for even a second. I fell in love with all of the characters. The heroine is kick-ass. The hero is perfect. The author's ability to engage the reader and evoke emotions is incredible.
It was enough for me.
April 16, 2024
If you enjoy romantic suspense police procedurals, then this novel was written for you. Nicolello brings action, murder, police investigations, and more to this suspenseful debut novel. Detective Evelyn Davis is the best psychological profiler in the Seattle police department. Fifteen years after a devastating family tragedy, tracking down killers if the only thing that brings her peace. When two local families are wiped out, Evelyn believes a serial killer is at work. Brought in as a consultant by the mayor, FBI Special Agent Marcus Moretti agrees.
Evelyn is courageous, strong, and has a keen sense of seeking justice. She also has the highest closure rate of any detective in the department. Marcus is charming, supportive, and protective. The other characters have a variety of depths.
I’m on the high end of ratings for this one, but it resonated with me emotionally. The story is disturbing at times and depicts the effects murder can have on family and friends. The plot had a devastating twist that I did not see coming.
Overall, this novel was compelling, heart-breaking, and drew on my emotions. The ending action scene is intense and memorable. This was a powerful page-turner for me.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was January 1, 2014.
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My 4.58 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
Evelyn is courageous, strong, and has a keen sense of seeking justice. She also has the highest closure rate of any detective in the department. Marcus is charming, supportive, and protective. The other characters have a variety of depths.
I’m on the high end of ratings for this one, but it resonated with me emotionally. The story is disturbing at times and depicts the effects murder can have on family and friends. The plot had a devastating twist that I did not see coming.
Overall, this novel was compelling, heart-breaking, and drew on my emotions. The ending action scene is intense and memorable. This was a powerful page-turner for me.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was January 1, 2014.
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My 4.58 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
March 25, 2015
A pretty good read and a surprisingly engaging one from L.R. Nicolello about a model-turned-detective when her dream on the catwalks of Milan falls apart 15 years ago. With her family murdered, all Evelyn has in her life is her partner and her partner's family to lean on, and her cases to work for as she fights for justice and closure for them. The strange family-slayings however, soon start again and she has every reason to believe, along with FBI Special Agent Marcus Moretti, that this time, she's in the killer's crosshairs.
The suspense and the unusual nature of the crimes certainly drew me in and accounted for a very sleepless night (not from nightmares but because I wanted to get through the books) and I definitely liked how Evelyn coped (or at least tried) with the hellish time in between the family slayings. She's strong, likeable and yet vulnerable, although her catwalk past seems to conveniently give her a beauty that seems out of place in the gritty world of law enforcement; in fact, I immediately thought of Castle's Kate Beckett the further in I got into the book. Her growing relationship with Marcus Moretti thankfully lacked juvenile exploits and the maturity of writing lent them both credibility and believability. The only issue I had was the motive for murder, that seemed rather far-fetched after all the buildup, but it was enough to keep me reading until the last page.
The suspense and the unusual nature of the crimes certainly drew me in and accounted for a very sleepless night (not from nightmares but because I wanted to get through the books) and I definitely liked how Evelyn coped (or at least tried) with the hellish time in between the family slayings. She's strong, likeable and yet vulnerable, although her catwalk past seems to conveniently give her a beauty that seems out of place in the gritty world of law enforcement; in fact, I immediately thought of Castle's Kate Beckett the further in I got into the book. Her growing relationship with Marcus Moretti thankfully lacked juvenile exploits and the maturity of writing lent them both credibility and believability. The only issue I had was the motive for murder, that seemed rather far-fetched after all the buildup, but it was enough to keep me reading until the last page.
March 13, 2015
WOW! Fantastic book. This book grabbed you from the first chapter and didn't let go til the very end. You laughed, you cried, and you sat on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what happened next. I highly recommend this book.
September 8, 2014
What an amazing story of pain, loss, courage and an evil that goes beyond monstrous!!!!
A chance request for “Dead Don’t Lie� by L.R. Nicolello via Netgalley, took me on a ride of anguish for the loss of loved ones, courage and grit to overcome a past and channel fears to help victims, and a patient love that gave unconditional support and strength through despair and havoc as a demon wages a war on innocent families.
Detective Evelyn Davis, beats the nightmares and pain of losing her family to a monster fifteen years ago, and becomes a much sought after psychological profiler with the Seattle PD. Her partner Ryan and his family are her adopted family from the time she pairs with him, and she loves them to death and would take a bullet without a second thought.
A murderer is on the rampage killing families with a rage that defies sanity and Evelyn and Ryan are brought into the case as lead detectives to catch the murderer. Special Agent Marcus Moretti comes into the picture, as he wants Evelyn to be a part of his special ops team in the FBI. He falls for Evelyn’s courage and passion for justice and her drive to give the families of tragedies the closure that she never got.
The murderer gets too close to her and her family and she realizes that this could be connected with the murder of her family fifteen years ago.
L.R. Nicolello does a fabulous job writing Evelyn as the strong, smart and courageous woman who breathes justice with a passion. Evelyn is one of the most admirable women I’ve come across and she stole my heart. Marcus is an amazingly sensitive agent tuned into Evelyn and her fears. His support and encouragement of Evelyn when she hits rock bottom was so endearing and his protective instincts and fierce love for her makes Marcus one of the most genuine guys I’ve read.
Even though Marcus and Evelyn get their HEA, but the path to the end was one of an emotional roller coaster ride. I’ve never cried so much reading a section of the story when Evelyn finds herself become the guardian of a child. And the epilogue was one of the sweetest and the best ending to a couple who deserve nothing but happiness.
This is one of the best romantic suspense thrillers I’ve read in a while and I am in awe of Evelyn and Marcus � a wonderful couple so easy to fall in love with, to cry with and laugh with.
A chance request for “Dead Don’t Lie� by L.R. Nicolello via Netgalley, took me on a ride of anguish for the loss of loved ones, courage and grit to overcome a past and channel fears to help victims, and a patient love that gave unconditional support and strength through despair and havoc as a demon wages a war on innocent families.
Detective Evelyn Davis, beats the nightmares and pain of losing her family to a monster fifteen years ago, and becomes a much sought after psychological profiler with the Seattle PD. Her partner Ryan and his family are her adopted family from the time she pairs with him, and she loves them to death and would take a bullet without a second thought.
A murderer is on the rampage killing families with a rage that defies sanity and Evelyn and Ryan are brought into the case as lead detectives to catch the murderer. Special Agent Marcus Moretti comes into the picture, as he wants Evelyn to be a part of his special ops team in the FBI. He falls for Evelyn’s courage and passion for justice and her drive to give the families of tragedies the closure that she never got.
The murderer gets too close to her and her family and she realizes that this could be connected with the murder of her family fifteen years ago.
L.R. Nicolello does a fabulous job writing Evelyn as the strong, smart and courageous woman who breathes justice with a passion. Evelyn is one of the most admirable women I’ve come across and she stole my heart. Marcus is an amazingly sensitive agent tuned into Evelyn and her fears. His support and encouragement of Evelyn when she hits rock bottom was so endearing and his protective instincts and fierce love for her makes Marcus one of the most genuine guys I’ve read.
Even though Marcus and Evelyn get their HEA, but the path to the end was one of an emotional roller coaster ride. I’ve never cried so much reading a section of the story when Evelyn finds herself become the guardian of a child. And the epilogue was one of the sweetest and the best ending to a couple who deserve nothing but happiness.
This is one of the best romantic suspense thrillers I’ve read in a while and I am in awe of Evelyn and Marcus � a wonderful couple so easy to fall in love with, to cry with and laugh with.
December 30, 2014
Finished ~ Dead Don't Lie by L.R. Nicolello
Completed 8/18/14
4.5 of 5 stars
230 page Kindle book
I received this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
Evelyn is a detective who has risen as a star within the ranks. She's really able to understand murderer's and it comes from her own tragedy. When she was 18, her parents and sister were killed. Now, a series of deaths are occurring and she, her partner and an FBI agent sent to help are scrambling to try to figure out what is going on.
I LOVED this book. It was FANTASTIC. It should be a 5 star book, but it's not, for one reason which I can only share in a spoiler.
Beyond this one glaring issue for me, the characters were great, the storyline was great, and the action was constant. There was even a "holy shit" moment that I didn't see coming and still can't believe it happened. I really really enjoyed this book, I just wish that there was one major change to it, but even without it, it was still a strong book and I'd be interested in reading more about Evelyn, if it were to be a series.
A definite good book for suspense/thriller lovers. While you might have the same issue that I did, the rest of the book really is good enough to make up for it.
Completed 8/18/14
4.5 of 5 stars
230 page Kindle book
I received this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
Evelyn is a detective who has risen as a star within the ranks. She's really able to understand murderer's and it comes from her own tragedy. When she was 18, her parents and sister were killed. Now, a series of deaths are occurring and she, her partner and an FBI agent sent to help are scrambling to try to figure out what is going on.
I LOVED this book. It was FANTASTIC. It should be a 5 star book, but it's not, for one reason which I can only share in a spoiler.
Beyond this one glaring issue for me, the characters were great, the storyline was great, and the action was constant. There was even a "holy shit" moment that I didn't see coming and still can't believe it happened. I really really enjoyed this book, I just wish that there was one major change to it, but even without it, it was still a strong book and I'd be interested in reading more about Evelyn, if it were to be a series.
A definite good book for suspense/thriller lovers. While you might have the same issue that I did, the rest of the book really is good enough to make up for it.
September 1, 2018
I really tried to like and finish this book but I just couldn't force myself to do it. Evelyn was so annoying that I don't have words to describe how much I hated her. She was allegedly a bad ass detective but everything that she did was get angry with everyone and start crying and blush (Did I ever mentioned how much I hate when that happens?). And Marcus was meh at best. At worst he was insignificant. Since the first time we have his POV he kept on mumbling about how beautiful and perfect and beautiful Evelyn was. Did I said beautiful? Yeah, that's the feeling. I was bored out of my mind throughout the book. I couldn't keep my attention on it to save my life. And that's on my opinion the worst possible feeling I could have when I'm reading a book. I finally reached the point of no return (A.K.A: the middle of the book) when I just couldn't do it anymore. I was so angry that I throwed the book out of the window and it fell on the pool. Needless to say is unsavable now. Thank God for that.
August 31, 2014
I’ve always been fascinated by the criminal profilers on TV, Criminal Minds being a favorite of mine. So when I read the blurb on this book, it was a no brainer that I was going to read it. It was a very fast-paced psychological thriller that hooked me from the start and did not let up until the very end. I find it hard to believe that this is the author’s first book but was excited to see that there is another book coming out in the Dead Don’t Lie series in January of 2015, Dead No More.
I read this entire book from start to finish in one sitting as I just couldn’t bear to stop. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and I often found myself clutching my Kindle so tight my fingers cramped. It reminded me of driving on ice. I hold on to the steering wheel so tight and feel like I don’t blink as I’m afraid I’ll miss something that could be life threatening. Needless to say, I’d much rather read a thriller than drive on ice any day.
I read this entire book from start to finish in one sitting as I just couldn’t bear to stop. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and I often found myself clutching my Kindle so tight my fingers cramped. It reminded me of driving on ice. I hold on to the steering wheel so tight and feel like I don’t blink as I’m afraid I’ll miss something that could be life threatening. Needless to say, I’d much rather read a thriller than drive on ice any day.
December 23, 2014
I knew as soon as I read the jacket that this was my kind of story. I was hooked from the first few pages. Once I started I could not put the book down. I read it in less than a day.
You are drawn in immediately and the further into the book the more your heart will race, rushing against time as the characters were, seeking the answers and wanting to catch up with the killer and place a perfectly aimed shot into his heart.
I find it hard to believe that this is her first novel. It flowed, kept you in suspense, made your heart ache for the evil that happened and astonished that through it all Evelyn persevered. I want more! I am going to find it extremely hard to wait until January for the next book to be released!
You are drawn in immediately and the further into the book the more your heart will race, rushing against time as the characters were, seeking the answers and wanting to catch up with the killer and place a perfectly aimed shot into his heart.
I find it hard to believe that this is her first novel. It flowed, kept you in suspense, made your heart ache for the evil that happened and astonished that through it all Evelyn persevered. I want more! I am going to find it extremely hard to wait until January for the next book to be released!
September 6, 2014
I absolutely loved this book. Finally something different! When I saw one of my favorite authors Jennifer Armentrout one clicked, I knew she wouldn't steer me wrong. This book was like all my favorite crime shows rolled into one. I felt like it was very much how a Criminal Minds episode would go, mixed in with some romance. And I'm pretty sure I cried like a baby at some parts. This poor woman, so much grief and tragedy in her life! One shining spot in her life is Marcus. I really liked her. He was awesome.
I really hope this series continues because I ate this book up and I want more!
I really hope this series continues because I ate this book up and I want more!
September 19, 2014
I started reading this book around 10pm the first night and had to force myself to put it down around 2am. That's how this story ensnared me. It was a quicksand trap taking me into the world of a kick-ass woman with an unbelievable story and an amazing will to survive. The romance was just right- not too mushy and just enough to get the blood moving. The danger was so palpable, I was checking blind corners for a bit. And the characters were so real, I feel like my best friends have left me, at least until the next one comes out!
September 11, 2014
I'm so very happy that I listened to one of my favorite authors, J. T. Ellison, when she suggested this was a great book to read! It was suspenseful, chilling, emotional - it kept me riveted throughout the whole book! I gasped, the tears rolled down my face, and at one point in my reading I was so involved in the story that when my son walked into the room I jumped out of my chair and gave a shriek!
September 3, 2014
LR does not disappointment with her first published book!!!!! I did not want to put this book down. I tend to take awhile to read a book but not this one....I didn't want to go to sleep without knowing what was going on with Evelyn and her crew. I'm so excited to read Dead Know More...December seems like forever away.
February 19, 2024
An exceptional début novel from L.R. Nicolello, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The storyline is thrilling, the characters engaging, I even shed tears at one point. This book was so hard to put down as I didn't want to miss what happens next. Can't wait for the next release in this series, this is an author worth following
October 26, 2014
This book certainly isn't for the faint of heart. It's romantic suspense, but very dark and intense. It might have started out a bit slowly, but boy did the action pick up in the second half. A good read for those who like romantic suspense and don't mind some intense emotions. I'll be looking out for more books from this author.
September 15, 2014
Excellent Debut. What an emotional roller coaster ride. It really did feel as if being on the top of a roller coaster ride front seat and then one heck of a ride started. Wow is all I could say. I just loved this book and I am looking forward to the next one.
September 14, 2014
I Loved this book and I couldn't put it down... so I read it all in one sitting and now, most of my day is gone :P And it wasn't even fantasy! go figure, thank you amazon for this suggestion, I loved it.
September 10, 2014
Loved this book!!!!!
September 20, 2014
so excited to find a new series and author.
enjoyed the book very much.
enjoyed the book very much.
December 3, 2014
thought this book was amazing look for review on my blog at
September 4, 2014
Great debut...will look forward to more from this author
December 4, 2021
I tried to like it, but by 50% I started skimming through it and by the last few chapters my head started to ache and I just wanted it to end.
Her experience was brutal but it needs major editing for me to like it. This is a romantic suspense in a sense that there’s a murderer they’re trying to catch, but there’s actually no police procedural in the story. When she got the letters, she didn’t even put it in an evidence bag, just shoved it in her bag and gave it to her partner.
She’s not even really a profiler. The story is more about telling how good she is, what she went through, how strong she is blah blah blah. There was no suspense as it was sadly predictable, even with what happened with Ryan.
I’m just sad that this was the book that completed my reading challenge this year, I wanted to finish it with a 5-star book but unfortunately, it was the opposite.
Her experience was brutal but it needs major editing for me to like it. This is a romantic suspense in a sense that there’s a murderer they’re trying to catch, but there’s actually no police procedural in the story. When she got the letters, she didn’t even put it in an evidence bag, just shoved it in her bag and gave it to her partner.
She’s not even really a profiler. The story is more about telling how good she is, what she went through, how strong she is blah blah blah. There was no suspense as it was sadly predictable, even with what happened with Ryan.
I’m just sad that this was the book that completed my reading challenge this year, I wanted to finish it with a 5-star book but unfortunately, it was the opposite.
September 9, 2021
Fast read. Detective Evelyn Davis had been a model, starting on a fantastic career, just 18, when her family is brutally murdered. changing her name and her future she becomes a police officer, becoming a profiler. She and her partner find they are on cases similar to her families murder. Someone is targeting her, but who and why? Heartbreaking in many ways, and who is this Special Agent that has been forced upon her case, will he be a help or hindrance, or will he save her life? Have to read to find out.
March 24, 2023
I enjoyed the book, although there was a lot of gruesome stuff in it. Those, faint of heart, should skip this one.
January 19, 2025
Pure policier die even dreigt te verdwalen in de romantiek maar daarna de weegschaal weer laten overslaan naar het spannende boek
January 18, 2015
Suspenseful crime thriller with a romance�
At the age of eighteen, the gorgeous Evelyn Davis was starting out on a promising career as a fashion model in Milan, Italy when she receives a taunting video from a serial killer showing her family’s murder. Her life changed irrevocably in that moment. Her personal tragedy drove her to study and become one of the best psychological profilers for the police. She can never bring her family back but she can help to stop psychopaths from destroying other families. Fifteen years later as a detective in the Seattle PD she runs across what looks like family suicide murders strikingly similar to her own history. She believes that a serial killer is at work and has to prove it and track the perpetrator down. But this case is different from the start and as it becomes more personal at every turn she wonders if she’s the catalyst.
Marcus Moretti is an FBI agent assisting the Seattle PD but he has an agenda. The FBI has tried to recruit Evelyn for a special task force which she has repeatedly turned down. Working with her Marcus hopes to get an insight into the woman and find a way to bring her back to the bureau. What he didn’t expect was the reality of the woman herself and how she would come to rock his world. She is strong, intelligent, empathic and gorgeous as well as closed off and private. He has to earn her trust to find out what makes the woman tick and once he does his agenda no longer matters, she does.
Evelyn is a woman with great internal strength to have survived such a tragedy and work in the field she does. Marcus makes her want more out of life than the sole focus she’s known. She is attracted to him in ways that she hasn’t been before. They are a good complement to each other but the romance is overshadowed by the darker story line. Their relationship grows slowly but it was appropriate for this couple and I enjoyed watching it flourish in between events. Evelyn needed to feel life again and Marcus is the one to help her.
There are multiple points of view which I always like in a book including that of the serial killer who is unknown to our protagonists though his presence is always close. We never know the domino effect of the decisions we make in our lives. An opportunity for one can be a traumatic loss for another and taking that opportunity could cost you more than you are willing to lose and might even come back to haunt you. After fifteen years of wondering Evelyn will learn the truth of this.
I found this book to be an excellent crime thriller that kept my attention with the addition of a romance. There are gruesome details accounted to us at times so readers beware. There is much emotion, pain and loss and lots of suspense. The villain is truly evil and sadistic. The ending was heart wrenching but the epilogue left you feeling good about the future.
There were two things in the storyline that I still think about after the read, things that really bothered me but they also made quite an impression and the results that ensued were not surprising. One was a question of police procedure which I found not credible and the other was behavior of the heroine that didn’t quite mesh with the woman I had found her to be but that could be because she was under a tremendous amount of duress. Do not read further if you dislike spoilers.
At the age of eighteen, the gorgeous Evelyn Davis was starting out on a promising career as a fashion model in Milan, Italy when she receives a taunting video from a serial killer showing her family’s murder. Her life changed irrevocably in that moment. Her personal tragedy drove her to study and become one of the best psychological profilers for the police. She can never bring her family back but she can help to stop psychopaths from destroying other families. Fifteen years later as a detective in the Seattle PD she runs across what looks like family suicide murders strikingly similar to her own history. She believes that a serial killer is at work and has to prove it and track the perpetrator down. But this case is different from the start and as it becomes more personal at every turn she wonders if she’s the catalyst.
Marcus Moretti is an FBI agent assisting the Seattle PD but he has an agenda. The FBI has tried to recruit Evelyn for a special task force which she has repeatedly turned down. Working with her Marcus hopes to get an insight into the woman and find a way to bring her back to the bureau. What he didn’t expect was the reality of the woman herself and how she would come to rock his world. She is strong, intelligent, empathic and gorgeous as well as closed off and private. He has to earn her trust to find out what makes the woman tick and once he does his agenda no longer matters, she does.
Evelyn is a woman with great internal strength to have survived such a tragedy and work in the field she does. Marcus makes her want more out of life than the sole focus she’s known. She is attracted to him in ways that she hasn’t been before. They are a good complement to each other but the romance is overshadowed by the darker story line. Their relationship grows slowly but it was appropriate for this couple and I enjoyed watching it flourish in between events. Evelyn needed to feel life again and Marcus is the one to help her.
There are multiple points of view which I always like in a book including that of the serial killer who is unknown to our protagonists though his presence is always close. We never know the domino effect of the decisions we make in our lives. An opportunity for one can be a traumatic loss for another and taking that opportunity could cost you more than you are willing to lose and might even come back to haunt you. After fifteen years of wondering Evelyn will learn the truth of this.
I found this book to be an excellent crime thriller that kept my attention with the addition of a romance. There are gruesome details accounted to us at times so readers beware. There is much emotion, pain and loss and lots of suspense. The villain is truly evil and sadistic. The ending was heart wrenching but the epilogue left you feeling good about the future.
There were two things in the storyline that I still think about after the read, things that really bothered me but they also made quite an impression and the results that ensued were not surprising. One was a question of police procedure which I found not credible and the other was behavior of the heroine that didn’t quite mesh with the woman I had found her to be but that could be because she was under a tremendous amount of duress. Do not read further if you dislike spoilers.
February 25, 2017
3-3.5 stars
This book started off really strong and it gets you holding onto the pages. But as a storyline overall, the motive and fixation the killer had on Evelyn was a bit far fetched. Lots of aspects made it a good suspense novel but there were a few loopholes that weren't covered.
15 years go, Evelyn was living her dreams of becoming a model in Milan at the young age of 18. Then one night, her life came crashing down and she lost everything, including her entire family when she watched their murders played out while she was thousands of miles away... completely helpless. Now Evelyn has become one of the top detectives at her department, gaining justice for victims and their families. A string of cases have surfaced that resembled her own family tragedy have cropped up and Evelyn and her partner, Ryan must track the killer, along with the help of Special Agent Marcus Morelli.
The writing: for a first novel, I thought it was well written. Although the events felt like they each fit into their little slots too neatly. Each action led to consequences that were quite predictable. I was kind of upset that even though these characters are top detectives and FBI agents, they didn't make the connections or act in a way that was plausible.
There's a bit of an emotional roller coaster that occurred. The suspense was well done, I didn't have a clue who the killer actually was even though you get a few of his viewpoints. There was one moment of stupidity on the heroine's part but that kind of goes hand in hand with the fitting into the slots I mentioned earlier. As for the romance, the development was slow and sweet, the characters seem to internalize their feelings quite a bit. The secondary characters were interesting and I'm actually intrigued by Marcus's family and his siblings and their abilities.
This book started off really strong and it gets you holding onto the pages. But as a storyline overall, the motive and fixation the killer had on Evelyn was a bit far fetched. Lots of aspects made it a good suspense novel but there were a few loopholes that weren't covered.
15 years go, Evelyn was living her dreams of becoming a model in Milan at the young age of 18. Then one night, her life came crashing down and she lost everything, including her entire family when she watched their murders played out while she was thousands of miles away... completely helpless. Now Evelyn has become one of the top detectives at her department, gaining justice for victims and their families. A string of cases have surfaced that resembled her own family tragedy have cropped up and Evelyn and her partner, Ryan must track the killer, along with the help of Special Agent Marcus Morelli.
The writing: for a first novel, I thought it was well written. Although the events felt like they each fit into their little slots too neatly. Each action led to consequences that were quite predictable. I was kind of upset that even though these characters are top detectives and FBI agents, they didn't make the connections or act in a way that was plausible.
There's a bit of an emotional roller coaster that occurred. The suspense was well done, I didn't have a clue who the killer actually was even though you get a few of his viewpoints. There was one moment of stupidity on the heroine's part but that kind of goes hand in hand with the fitting into the slots I mentioned earlier. As for the romance, the development was slow and sweet, the characters seem to internalize their feelings quite a bit. The secondary characters were interesting and I'm actually intrigued by Marcus's family and his siblings and their abilities.
December 29, 2014
Wow!!! This book totally took me by surprise! I requested the opportunity to read this book on Net Galley primarily because I was drawn to the striking cover. I had never heard of this author and really was just hoping it wouldn't be sappy. As soon as I started reading, I knew sappy was not going to be a part of the picture. I was drawn in immediately to a story that was definitely not for the squeamish or the faint of heart. My expectation had been an everyday average romantic suspense, but this was nowhere near that. Written in a style that reminded me of a couple of my favorite authors, Mary Burton and Beverly Barton, this was darkly psychological, totally sadistic, frighteningly and heartbreakingly realistic, and yet deeply emotional and sexy at times. It has been a while since a book has really grabbed my attention and had me excited and raving. I am so thrilled to have found this new author and can't wait to read the next book in this series. I scoped the author out on Amazon and found book two scheduled to release in January. It didn't even have a description to let me know whether it will feature the same main characters or shift to cover someone else, but I can promise you I will be reading it regardless. I could totally go on and on about the plot of this story and give a full on play by play synopsis, but I really feel like it would detract from the emotional impact of the story and spoil it. Hopefully you will take me at my word and just read it for yourself:-)
Net Galley provided me a copy of this novel for honest review. Honest is the key word. I truly loved this book!
Net Galley provided me a copy of this novel for honest review. Honest is the key word. I truly loved this book!
February 4, 2015
Good idea but too much fluff
My main issue with this book is the dialogue. I don't think cops, especially male cops, sit around and have discussions like portrayed in this book. Everyone is in touch with feelings and willing and able to spend a paragraph detailing them. It is totally not believable. For instance, when they are about to raid a house but stop to discuss why a certain detective is there. Or when the Captain of the squad has to have an emotional moment as they are all rushing out of the room. This is the main reason I won't be reading any more of this series.
There are several times during the book that the beauty of the main character is mentioned. We learn in the beginning that she is a model. Her partner and then her lover tell her separately not to worry "her pretty little head." It's overkill on the topic, we get it.
As a combination of the above, the author goes to great lengths to show how strong and tough the female lead is in a male-dominated profession. Yet she has no problem with her partner calling her "sweet cheeks" and the aforementioned "pretty little head" remarks. I understand that her partner and she are more like brother/sister, but I wouldn't want my brother calling me sweet cheeks. There are other contradictory moments with this character in the book.
It also seems that the characters react verbally to things they wouldn't know to react. For example, a person on the telephone will say something in response to a description or non-verbal reaction of someone on the other end of the phone. In other words there are inconsistencies in the writing.
My main issue with this book is the dialogue. I don't think cops, especially male cops, sit around and have discussions like portrayed in this book. Everyone is in touch with feelings and willing and able to spend a paragraph detailing them. It is totally not believable. For instance, when they are about to raid a house but stop to discuss why a certain detective is there. Or when the Captain of the squad has to have an emotional moment as they are all rushing out of the room. This is the main reason I won't be reading any more of this series.
There are several times during the book that the beauty of the main character is mentioned. We learn in the beginning that she is a model. Her partner and then her lover tell her separately not to worry "her pretty little head." It's overkill on the topic, we get it.
As a combination of the above, the author goes to great lengths to show how strong and tough the female lead is in a male-dominated profession. Yet she has no problem with her partner calling her "sweet cheeks" and the aforementioned "pretty little head" remarks. I understand that her partner and she are more like brother/sister, but I wouldn't want my brother calling me sweet cheeks. There are other contradictory moments with this character in the book.
It also seems that the characters react verbally to things they wouldn't know to react. For example, a person on the telephone will say something in response to a description or non-verbal reaction of someone on the other end of the phone. In other words there are inconsistencies in the writing.
September 7, 2014
I initially requested Dead don't Lie as the synopsis sounded like this would be a great read. However, when I began reading I wasn't too impressed. I found myself getting distracted too easily, but I was determined to carry on reading. There was something about the whole mystery of the investigations that I needed to find out more about.
Approximately halfway throughÌýDead don't LieÌýI found myself suddenly drawn into the story, the investigation tookÌýon a whole new meaning and got even more personal. All of a sudden, the author had upped the ante and without knowing when or how, I found myself emotionally attached to the protagonist, and I needed to see this story to the end.
The last few chapters were tense and nail biting scenes, I had no idea what would happen or how it would all end. It's gruesome, bloody, but makes for a great read. The ending was a happy one for me, especially after all of the heartache and tears I cried beforehand.
Dead don't LieÌýas a whole was an average read. The beginning was too slow for me, I would have preferred a bit more action, the ending of this book made up for the slow start, and I am glad I did continue reading, it also made this a slightly better read and rating than I was planning on giving it.
Approximately halfway throughÌýDead don't LieÌýI found myself suddenly drawn into the story, the investigation tookÌýon a whole new meaning and got even more personal. All of a sudden, the author had upped the ante and without knowing when or how, I found myself emotionally attached to the protagonist, and I needed to see this story to the end.
The last few chapters were tense and nail biting scenes, I had no idea what would happen or how it would all end. It's gruesome, bloody, but makes for a great read. The ending was a happy one for me, especially after all of the heartache and tears I cried beforehand.
Dead don't LieÌýas a whole was an average read. The beginning was too slow for me, I would have preferred a bit more action, the ending of this book made up for the slow start, and I am glad I did continue reading, it also made this a slightly better read and rating than I was planning on giving it.
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