The Lucy Kincaid series was selected as a group read in one of my Goodreads groups and we determined, because of character crossovers, we needed to first read her earlier series in publication order.
Twelve years ago, Miranda Moore escaped from certain death from the clutches of a serial killer known as the Butcher who managed to murder her best friend. He’s still at large and she’s dedicated her life to participating in the searches for the young women captured and killed since her own abduction. She’s also dedicated to helping find him but when the sheriff calls in FBI Special Agent Quinn Peterson to help with the case when another young woman goes missing, things get awkward. She hasn’t seen him in ten years since her quest to join the Agency was upended along with their relationship.
Stories involving serial killers are always unsettling but this one was particularly disturbing as Miranda is a survivor and shared her first-hand experience. The author manages to convey not just the horrific details but the emotional toll throughout the ordeal. The fear was palpable, at times more awful than the acts perpetrated on the victims. My heart raced for the entire last 25% of the story as law enforcement closed in! Miranda’s characterization as both victim and survivor was masterful as no shortcuts seem to have been taken. I’m glad she had an earlier relationship (a really strong one) with Quinn because otherwise their current reunion wouldn’t have been believable. It worked here.
This is a tough story but one I give high marks for its authenticity in story and character design. Miranda’s triumph is the most important element and her journey to that was hard. But, it’s one I’m glad I experienced. Beware, however, as the details of the Butcher’s cruelty are graphic and detailed.
Book Info
- Release Date: January 31, 2006
- Series: Predator Trilogy #2
- Page Numbers: 416
- Publisher: Ballantine Books
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Blue Mood Café 
Lovely review, Jonetta! Thanks for the warning about how dark this one is in parts. Happy Monday!
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Thanks, Jennifer! It’s important that potential readers know what they may have to face in this story.
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Great review, Jonetta! I heard such good things about Allison Brennan’s writing. Might give this one a pass- I try to avoid graphic descriptions of violence-thanks for the warning. Hope you like the Lucy Kincaid series, I’ll be looking forward to your reviews!
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Thanks, Toni! I’m glad you found the warning helpful. I’ve had this on my TBR for years so I’m glad the group read led me here.
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Jonetta-Allison combination is fantastic. I don’t mind dark reads but only on my strong days
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Make sure it’s a very strong day, Shalini!
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Haha, it seems like, these days, all good books need a warning about graphic violence but apart from that, they’re super great to read!
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This is an older title and at the time of original release, the author received criticism for her honest approach in talking about sexual predators. She took away the mystique and didn’t glamorize serial killers. They’re a nasty bunch and aren’t charming. However, some readers aren’t ready for this honesty and beg for warnings. So, out of respect for those feelings, I honor that request.
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Yup still an author/ series I want to read.
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We’re enjoying the series reading, Anne!
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Brilliant review! Might be too hard to stomach for this sweet heart of mine at the moment, though! xx
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Thank you, Meggy! Even I was a little wary about starting this one as we knew it was going to be tough.
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Thanks for the heads-up about graphic content, Jonetta. Always appreciate that from a reviewer. And, as a result, this one might not be for me.
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Understand completely!
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I don’t mind graphic scenes, so I’m definitely intrigued! Fab review. xx
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Thanks, Yvo! I read too many diabolical mysteries involving serial killers to be intimidated anymore😏
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Haha same here! I blame my serial killer thriller addiction. xD
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This sounds like a great read and I definitely appreciate the warning about the graphic scenes.
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It really is a great story, Suzanne!
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Wow, this sounds really intense Jonetta! I’m never sure about books like this … I love books that ride on the edge, but sometimes it ends up being too much. I am intrigued tho – great review dear! 💕
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Thanks, DG! If you like romantic suspense with the balance leaning towards the suspense side, you’ll really enjoy this series, despite the tough stuff. Highly recommend.
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