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And Still, She Wept
New York Detective Frank Reilly is a man with a mission. After having lost his wife to cancer, he is drawn back from the brink of an emotional abyss by the murder of a young girl who looks just like her. With nothing else to assuage his grief, he throws himself into the case with every ounce of passion still left inside him. But with little evidence to go on, his case quickly grows cold. When another victim is killed in exactly the same manner over five hundred miles away, Reilly realizes that there may be a serial killer at work. Going against the advice of his superiors, he flies to North Carolina to continue his hunt for the sadistic murderer. Reilly knows that his only hope of success is to convince the Sheriff of Camden County that both crimes are connected. To his relief, Claire Stiles immediately recognizes the undeniable similarities between both cases. Fueled by the furious and unrelenting desire to find the killer, they work together day and night. Unexpectedly however, they find themselves growing closer in the process. In order to understand what tenuous link binds the victims together, Claire and Reilly leave no stone unturned in their desperate search for the killer. But when yet another girl is abducted, Claire and Reilly must put their own lives on the line in order to stop the madman, before it's too late.
564 pages, Paperback
First published January 27, 2011
122 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 26, 2012
This book had potential, but the author got too wrapped up in providing unnecessary details. For instance, in one part of the book, I did not need to know what side of the plane and seat # a character was sitting in. Really?? I found myself skipping ahead pages just to finish the book as it was getting quite painful to read. The author could have trimmed about 200+ pages off the book. I would not recommend this read.
July 15, 2013
First off, WAY TOO LONG! Author felt the need to express every thoughts from every character, up to the mid section of the book, i had to skip through pages after pages of unnecessary writing trying to explain the logic and emotions of every actions and scene. Its disturbing and annoying. This book would be good if its fast-paced and shorten by a quarter of page count.
one good twist was the whole jackson disguised as saunter the old man. Though, was spoilt by the naggy endless explanation of how it happened.
Took me forever to finish, nearly gave up...
one good twist was the whole jackson disguised as saunter the old man. Though, was spoilt by the naggy endless explanation of how it happened.
Took me forever to finish, nearly gave up...
July 28, 2014
This author has a really good creative mind; the plot of this novel is very imaginative, well-organized and well-developed. A good editor could have made this novel into a best-seller, but..... as it is, OMG! ....this is the most laborious writing I have ever read. Every noun has at least two modifiers, many of them phrases; every verb is also lavishly modified. ("In New York, the cooler fall weather usually didn't even begin to knock a chink off the oppressive armor of summer until the end of the month at the earliest. Now, the hellish seasonal heat still had its sweaty grip firmly clutched around the innards of the city." "....barely played a tiny, miniscule role" ) The extremely detailed description is exhausting. One has to search to find the action hidden in all the flowery language and frequently-misplaced modifiers; and once the action is found, it often doesn't even make sense. Can a porcelain sink be "stooped"? What does "Eventual justice was the only acceptable excuse" mean? Excuse for what? "..was able to play right through and still stick to wallowing in his own personal suffering right along at the same time..." Huh? And just BTW: Past participles need helping verbs. Birds "sang" sweetly (not "sung"). Y'all is the contraction of the words "you and all" - the apostrophe goes where the letters have been left out. "Ya'll" makes no sense. "Its" means "something belonging to it; "it's" means "it is"; "its'" has no meaning. An "aroma" is a PLEASANT scent or smell - the smell of the processing chemicals in the morgue can hardly be called an aroma. As far as punctuation goes - apparently the author just filled a shaker full of commas and semicolons and just sprinkled each page randomly.
Although there is a good plot hidden among all this verbiage, the extremely inept style of the writing made it impossible for me to enjoy it.
Although there is a good plot hidden among all this verbiage, the extremely inept style of the writing made it impossible for me to enjoy it.
February 16, 2013
I picked this book up a few months ago when it was being offered for free and I just happened to see it on a free ebook list, the cover is what grabbed me. The simple blue knot just made me have to have this book. I am so very glad that I got it!! This novel is absolutely amazing. I started crying from the prologue and numerous other times through out this book.
The character development is so well written that you get the feeling that you actually know the characters. Weather it be the good guys or the bad I developed an emotional attachment to them all.
As I read and followed the investigation it was so easy to get pulled in. And you not only have the main story of the police trying to catch the human monster that is killing the young girls in their town but you have the live of the hero and heroin that lives within the pages and makes these fictional characters feel real in your mind.
Riley is a tough New York cop who has turned to the bottle to drown his emotions after the loss of his life when a young girl is murdered and found, he has no clue that this case will not only pull him out of the sorrow of the life that he now knows but will give him something to once again live for.
Claire is a tough no nonsense small town sheriff who has always worked to prove that she can handle herself and care for her family with out the need for help from anyone. Her daughter is all she needs but she has also let one man close since the death of her husband, a death she don't care to share with anyone. John, Claire's boyfriend is a happy down to earth teacher. One of the most easy going men she has ever known. But when faced with something besides the monster who is killing young beautiful girls. Claire has to come to terms with the fact that no matter how much she wants too can she love John as much as he does her or where do they go from here.
Jackson has always been a confused and rather unhappy child. His mother is young and never wanted him, not ever. But as he grows into a man he is full of rage and unhappiness and must do anything within his power to feel that his mother is proud of him and loves him. He must no matter what take care of her and keep her happy. What this man does is beyond all reason and lets you know that he is broken beyond repair.
I believe this is a top notch serial killer fiction and anyone who enjoys a good investigation, a sense of justice or if you just like to get lost in a good romantic suspense this book can give you all of that plus a little more.
The character development is so well written that you get the feeling that you actually know the characters. Weather it be the good guys or the bad I developed an emotional attachment to them all.
As I read and followed the investigation it was so easy to get pulled in. And you not only have the main story of the police trying to catch the human monster that is killing the young girls in their town but you have the live of the hero and heroin that lives within the pages and makes these fictional characters feel real in your mind.
Riley is a tough New York cop who has turned to the bottle to drown his emotions after the loss of his life when a young girl is murdered and found, he has no clue that this case will not only pull him out of the sorrow of the life that he now knows but will give him something to once again live for.
Claire is a tough no nonsense small town sheriff who has always worked to prove that she can handle herself and care for her family with out the need for help from anyone. Her daughter is all she needs but she has also let one man close since the death of her husband, a death she don't care to share with anyone. John, Claire's boyfriend is a happy down to earth teacher. One of the most easy going men she has ever known. But when faced with something besides the monster who is killing young beautiful girls. Claire has to come to terms with the fact that no matter how much she wants too can she love John as much as he does her or where do they go from here.
Jackson has always been a confused and rather unhappy child. His mother is young and never wanted him, not ever. But as he grows into a man he is full of rage and unhappiness and must do anything within his power to feel that his mother is proud of him and loves him. He must no matter what take care of her and keep her happy. What this man does is beyond all reason and lets you know that he is broken beyond repair.
I believe this is a top notch serial killer fiction and anyone who enjoys a good investigation, a sense of justice or if you just like to get lost in a good romantic suspense this book can give you all of that plus a little more.
April 15, 2012
This novel is beautifully written. From the beginning, it is apparent the author loves language and works to craft the most accurate description possible.
The reader comes to more than just care about the characters inhabiting this book. They become so incredibly real that after finishing it the characters stay with you.
It is obvious the author has done an incredible amount of research for this book. Her descriptions of forensic techniques and autopsies are impeccable.
This can be an intense book and sections may be rushed through for the squeamish. The majority of the book is to be savored for the author's rich use of language.
The reader comes to more than just care about the characters inhabiting this book. They become so incredibly real that after finishing it the characters stay with you.
It is obvious the author has done an incredible amount of research for this book. Her descriptions of forensic techniques and autopsies are impeccable.
This can be an intense book and sections may be rushed through for the squeamish. The majority of the book is to be savored for the author's rich use of language.
April 21, 2013
Claire's small town law enforcement gets a batch or excitement no one is ready for. Someone is killing young girls for seemingly no reason. Enter Reilly, a detective from NY who is sent to assist due to the fact that the monster may have also committed a similar crime in his area. Feds become involved and hot pursuit begins. Claire, the amazingly strong heroine has had her share of dealing with violence and brutality from men. She strives to remain a strong mother and girlfriend all the while "sticking to her guns" and pursuing what she feels is right even though she does not want to hurt anyone in her wake. Great story development and character development. Reilly & Claire realization they are kindered souls who hope to stop the monsters brutal attacks and learn that they can't live without each other along the way. The monster's tale is brutal an emotionally depraved due to his ill-fostered childhood and upbringing, but there is no sense of pity at his folly, for it is so twisted it isn't a wonder what occurs.
July 8, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The author writes so beautifully, so descriptively that it was easy to be drawn into the story and really care about the characters...to feel like you know them; understand them. I am looking forward to reading T.C.'s next book "The Job" very soon. She is an just such an excellent writer; very talented, and I am sure I will enjoy the new book just as much as this one! This is one of the best books I have read so far this year! I highly recommend it! It is quite intense, so perhaps I will read something a bit more "fluffy" before pouring myself into her next book.
July 28, 2012
There's a good story in this book, but it's a bit bogged down with background detail for me. I think that can be an issue with many self-published books, they lack the pruning which a publisher would give it.
May 6, 2019
First piece I have read by this author. I was blown away! T.C. Barnes knows how to tell a tale. I am pretty speechless, but, since this is a review...
And Still She Wept is a beautiful tale of madness (insanity), anger beyond belief, turning into unrelenting rage. A story told time and again, with a different twist. A plot that focuses on not just the pain, suffering, loss and grief, but, strength, compassion, acceptance, forgiveness, redemption and above all else, love.
This work is written with such detail, you almost feel like you can see it as it all unfolds. It sucks you in. Makes you fall in love with some of the characters, and despise others, even good ones. It makes you almost feel sorry for the wrong ones.
It is a piece written about strength built from deep, dark secrets, and with such gut wrenching emotion, it almost makes you wonder if the author isn't just a brilliant weaver of words, but might have some first hand experience!
Thanks for making me laugh, cry, fear, hope and root for good prevailing over evil, for the last 3 days! I believe you may be one of my newest favorite authors. For sure I need this title in hard copy for my read again shelves...
And Still She Wept is a beautiful tale of madness (insanity), anger beyond belief, turning into unrelenting rage. A story told time and again, with a different twist. A plot that focuses on not just the pain, suffering, loss and grief, but, strength, compassion, acceptance, forgiveness, redemption and above all else, love.
This work is written with such detail, you almost feel like you can see it as it all unfolds. It sucks you in. Makes you fall in love with some of the characters, and despise others, even good ones. It makes you almost feel sorry for the wrong ones.
It is a piece written about strength built from deep, dark secrets, and with such gut wrenching emotion, it almost makes you wonder if the author isn't just a brilliant weaver of words, but might have some first hand experience!
Thanks for making me laugh, cry, fear, hope and root for good prevailing over evil, for the last 3 days! I believe you may be one of my newest favorite authors. For sure I need this title in hard copy for my read again shelves...
May 18, 2022
Hypnotic reading.
juarezeva931@gmail.com
I couldn't put it down! I even neglected some of my household duties to keep on reading.... I spent many long nights past by bedtime reading.
juarezeva931@gmail.com
I couldn't put it down! I even neglected some of my household duties to keep on reading.... I spent many long nights past by bedtime reading.
August 31, 2019
Overall, th book was good with. Great plot. My only complain is that the book wa too long and had pages upon pages of useless details. Book didnt start picking up untill 3 quarters through.
June 28, 2023
Needs editing
It would be better if it was half as long. Too much unneeded exposition and explanation of things that don't matter.
It would be better if it was half as long. Too much unneeded exposition and explanation of things that don't matter.
April 23, 2014
Firstly, I love the cover of this book. I downloaded it an age ago in November 2012 and I'm wondering if I missed an update because it has a LOT of mistakes and they were getting more plentiful as I read. It's rare I invest myself into over 200 pages before packing it in but it was getting more and more mistakes and sloppier the further I progressed till I had had enough.
I was enjoying the story and really liked Reilly and Jane. Though it got extremely tiresome in Claire's investigation. We had to practically go through what she and her team did in every laborious step whereas I'd wondered at the start at how fast we glossed over Reilly's whole investigation !! There were some funny lines in it as well, usually courtesy of Reilly.
There were too many apostrophe errors, especially adding them where they aren't needed then dropping them where they were ! This line missed something-"No, this was much different" and this one too was poor English-"...really didn't come into contact with Richard too terribly much"...then breaks was used in place of brakes and 1pm when it was supposed to be 1am. Then the word clinkle which I'd never heard of and wasn't listed in a dictionary. For was used instead of force, there were lost speechmarks, hallelujah was spelt as halleluhia, beatific as beautific, rote as route, borne as born....I packed it in at 38%.
A real pity as I was interested to learn what happened but it was wearing me down.
I was enjoying the story and really liked Reilly and Jane. Though it got extremely tiresome in Claire's investigation. We had to practically go through what she and her team did in every laborious step whereas I'd wondered at the start at how fast we glossed over Reilly's whole investigation !! There were some funny lines in it as well, usually courtesy of Reilly.
There were too many apostrophe errors, especially adding them where they aren't needed then dropping them where they were ! This line missed something-"No, this was much different" and this one too was poor English-"...really didn't come into contact with Richard too terribly much"...then breaks was used in place of brakes and 1pm when it was supposed to be 1am. Then the word clinkle which I'd never heard of and wasn't listed in a dictionary. For was used instead of force, there were lost speechmarks, hallelujah was spelt as halleluhia, beatific as beautific, rote as route, borne as born....I packed it in at 38%.
A real pity as I was interested to learn what happened but it was wearing me down.
June 11, 2022
I really, really liked this book for several reasons. The main characters were well developed and complex. The murderer was a very interesting character with lots of development as far as his background history and motive. There was also some interesting information about autopsies. The book kept me guessing right until the very end as I wanted not only to find out about the solution to the murder mystery but also to find out about the two detectives and their private lives.
May 23, 2013
Has anyone out there read the highlighted text in chspter 29 it really freaked me out. Its as if someone is talking to you privately. On looking back I think its a note to self written by the author that was missed in the editing and appears in my ebook version. As for the book I agree with other's that its way too long and I skipped through the unnecessary waffle. Good story though but because of the waffle I am not compelled to read another book from this author.
November 17, 2013
A really compelling plot and likeable characters but this book needed some serious editing. The author is overly verbose through the entire book as well as repetitive. Accents on the action are lost as we have to wade through too many statements telling us things we don't need to know and can already guess.
I would read another book from this author as long as the total reading time on my kindle doesn't exceed 24 hours!
I would read another book from this author as long as the total reading time on my kindle doesn't exceed 24 hours!
September 15, 2013
Very captivating. I found some parts explaining Claire's life and living conditions somewhat lengthy without contributing to the plot. However the developing relationship between her and Reilly was a nice sideline for the story. A pageturner!
December 4, 2015
Good romantic crime thriller
Good crime story, well paced. A good bit of the story is the romantic theme between the detectives, but if you like romantic fiction and crime stories, you'll like it.
Good crime story, well paced. A good bit of the story is the romantic theme between the detectives, but if you like romantic fiction and crime stories, you'll like it.
December 13, 2015
This book was entirely too long. The author provided excessive and unnecessary detail on everything. The story was good and the characters were interesting, but I was skipping pages where thoughts were just rambling on and on.
April 24, 2014
This was a gripping story and one that had me turning the pages quickly. Kept me guessing until the end.
March 25, 2013
Way too long, but it was OK.
April 5, 2013
Book is slightly too long bits good story
June 2, 2013
A really good crime story and a very substantial book. You are drawn into each scenario and almost feel like you are there. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
May 28, 2013
Enjoyed it, great page turner
July 31, 2013
very good book ...loved it
September 14, 2013
I thought that the book was excellent. I found it difficult to put down.
February 7, 2014
An interesting, involved book. At times it dragged, but overall it was engrossing. Lots of twists and turns. Great characters. Disturbing at times.
November 18, 2015
Great story but too long! An editor could have made some major cuts and made it into a great book
November 8, 2015
Thriller
I would highly recommend this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat. The story never let up. It is amazing
I would highly recommend this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat. The story never let up. It is amazing
May 26, 2013
I really enjoyed this one...suspenseful!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews