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The Serial Killer Chronicles #1
Fatal Flowers
If You Love Michael Connelly, Lee Child, Robert Crais - it's time you met Detective Patrick Meredith. Smart, tough, scary good. From #1 bestselling author Enes Smith, originally released by Putnam. Not for the faint of heart. "Fatal Flowers will make The Silence of the Lambs seem almost tame." - Ann Rule He followed her from the airport He held her captive Then he set her free Ellie Hartley knew she was lucky to be alive. She alone witnessed a killer's private world of madness and murder. She alone escaped a fate too terrible to imagine . . . But why? Why would he let her tell the police (enter Detective Patrick Meredith, now F.B.I.) every horrible thing she saw? Why would he taunt her, then let her go? Because he's not finished with her yet. Or her baby daughter. He's sending her flowers to prove it. FATAL FLOWERS A novel of suspense - excerpt from the back cover of the original, published by Berkley Publishing Group. WHO WILL LIKE Fans of John Sandford, Michael Connelly, Robert Crais, and anyone who likes riveting suspense.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 1992
251 people are currently reading
1173 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
March 8, 2015
Enes Smith is a great story teller
First book I've read by Enes Smith but won't be the last. Kept my attention. Finished the book in two sittings.
First book I've read by Enes Smith but won't be the last. Kept my attention. Finished the book in two sittings.
July 20, 2015
Oh my gosh - this man is a master of suspense. He appears to break unwritten rules of crime/suspense fiction, but to terrific effect. For me what other people have called "spoilers" are an incredibly effective way of ratcheting up the tension. Certain phrases, which would be mundane in the hands of other writers, convey a sense of fear and apprehension. I believe this writer could make the words "He made a cup of coffee" sound menacing. There was a lot I didn't really understand, but again, it helped to describe the twisted thinking of a mentally disturbed (a mild phrase to describe this man) killer, to whom, all that he was doing was perfectly logical. Meredith on the other hand took actions which were anything but logical, but then again, he was playing catch up for most of the time.
This book took longer than usual to read, for the very good reason that I knew I couldn't read it in bed, or at any time in the evening if I wanted to have any chance of getting a decent night's sleep. Additionally there were times when I had to put it down and catch my breath because the tension was rising. A reader generally knows that the hero will survive but that isn't something which can be taken for granted. Mr Smith had made it clear from very early on that not all the good guys would still be there at the end of the book. Although we knew who wouldn't be, the reader could only know for certain who would be there, by getting to the end.
The author's powerful descriptions draw the reader into the situations the characters are facing; in this story, I could almost feel the rain and the wind as I climbed the hill through the trees with Ellie and Meredith. I was in a tunnel with some of the characters, glancing nervously at the roof, wondering if it was going to come down on top of us.
I was astonished to find that this was Enes Smith's debut novel, it is so well written and plotted that I would have thought him a seasoned writer by this point. I have enjoyed all that I have read by this author, including Cold River Rising (Cold River Series, Book 1) and Cold River Resurrection (Cold River Series, Book 2) although none of them have been easy reads. He just takes the reader and plays with our emotions, taking us to highs and lows and all points in between. I would recommend this book, but - you will be taken on a journey which may not be easy - much like Ellie in fact.
This book took longer than usual to read, for the very good reason that I knew I couldn't read it in bed, or at any time in the evening if I wanted to have any chance of getting a decent night's sleep. Additionally there were times when I had to put it down and catch my breath because the tension was rising. A reader generally knows that the hero will survive but that isn't something which can be taken for granted. Mr Smith had made it clear from very early on that not all the good guys would still be there at the end of the book. Although we knew who wouldn't be, the reader could only know for certain who would be there, by getting to the end.
The author's powerful descriptions draw the reader into the situations the characters are facing; in this story, I could almost feel the rain and the wind as I climbed the hill through the trees with Ellie and Meredith. I was in a tunnel with some of the characters, glancing nervously at the roof, wondering if it was going to come down on top of us.
I was astonished to find that this was Enes Smith's debut novel, it is so well written and plotted that I would have thought him a seasoned writer by this point. I have enjoyed all that I have read by this author, including Cold River Rising (Cold River Series, Book 1) and Cold River Resurrection (Cold River Series, Book 2) although none of them have been easy reads. He just takes the reader and plays with our emotions, taking us to highs and lows and all points in between. I would recommend this book, but - you will be taken on a journey which may not be easy - much like Ellie in fact.
September 9, 2014
The author pulled me into the story on the first page. The writing mechanics were fine, and the book never lost its readability. What it lost was credibility after Meredith, a coordinator between state, local and federal criminal investigations, became physically and mentally involved with a victim. Meredith's Rubicon movement made him a weaker character and cost the book one star. The book was about a psycho who for years had been killing women, mutilating their bodies, taking them to a remote mountain top in Oregon, and arranging their remains in a circle. Ellie and her daughter were to be his final hoorah. Thereafter, the world would give the killer the recognition he deserved. Stupidity displayed by several characters and natural disasters resulting from the el nino weather patterns worked in the madman's favor for the mountaintop showdown. Who lived? Who died? Read this entertaining thriller for some unexpected answers.
Thank you, Mr. Smith, for a good read.
Thank you, Mr. Smith, for a good read.
September 12, 2014
sometimes there's just one thing about a book that annoys the hell out of me and makes the entire reading experience bad. this book would be an average to above average serial killer mystery story. pretty good plot. not bad characters that you actually care about. and some pretty good edge of your seat action. what ruined the book for me was the over-use of a literary device. i'd call it foreshadowing, but it's far more heavy handed than that. the author actually tells you the fate of characters long before things happen to them. this wouldn't be a terrible thing if if happened just once maybe to push the plot along, but it happens repeatedly. it's like getting spoilers thrown at you over and over again. in case you can't tell, i HATE the author's use of that trick, and because of it, i won't ever read this author again. too bad.
September 7, 2014
THIS IS THE SECOND BOOK IN A ROW I'VE READ WHERE THE CHARACTERS ARE JUST TOO DUMB TO BELIEVE. I CAN'T BELIEVE THE STUPID SH*T THEY DID. LIKE RUNNING TOWARD TROUBLE INSTEAD OF AWAY FROM IT. YEAH, PUT YOURSELF IN HARMS WAY. WHY? I HATE WATCHING A MOVIE OR READING A BOOK WHERE THE PEOPLE KEEP MAKING PISS-POOR DECISIONS, THAT CAN MAKE ME STOP WATCHING/READING IN A HEARTBEAT. IT WAS A BIT OVERLY DESCRIPTIVE ON STUFF YOU REALLY DID'NT NEED OR WANT TO KNOW. I WISH HE HAD DESCRIBED THE MURDER SCENE AND THE ENDING, ALONG WITH OTHER PARTS MORE. THE KILLER WAS NOT VERY FRIGHTENING OR SCARY (if he was why did he go un-noticed so long) ENOUGH TO ME, HE USED SOME OF TED BUNDY'S OLD TRICKS, WOMEN FALL FOR IT EVERYTIME. GEEZ! ;\
July 30, 2009
I met this author in a grocery store grand opening after a remodel in Oregon. He was a very interesting person. He lives in Madras, Oregon and was the first white sheriff on the cold water indian reservation in that area of Oregon. So far the book has drawn me in... wonderful! Can't wait to read his other books. There are some "love scenes" towards the end, but are in very good taste and didn't bother me to read.
September 9, 2014
Chilling
Good, scary book. Fatal Flowers will keep you reading even during the frightening sections. I'm now going to read another book written by Enes Smith--Cold River Rising.
Good, scary book. Fatal Flowers will keep you reading even during the frightening sections. I'm now going to read another book written by Enes Smith--Cold River Rising.
November 26, 2014
Did not meet expectations
Writing went from good to poor through out the book. Not the thriller it was made out to be.
I won't read book 2.
Writing went from good to poor through out the book. Not the thriller it was made out to be.
I won't read book 2.
January 16, 2015
Clever Killer
Difficult to put this book down. This demented killer gets away with a lot before finally stopped. Glad the good guys overcome.
Difficult to put this book down. This demented killer gets away with a lot before finally stopped. Glad the good guys overcome.
August 29, 2018
Loved this book, scary, and something happening every turn of the page.
Patrick Meredith is an ex-cop who is not associated with the Federal Violent Crime team. He is called to Phoenix to investigate a case of missing women. It seems that they are involved in a minor accident, their car is left at the scene, and the women is missing.
The latest victim is Ellie. A hard working single mom who is on the way home to her daughter, Stacy.She lives in a nice neighborhood, with a live-in nanny. But, just a mile from her home, her car is hit in the back, she gets out to see what happened and is taken. But, after days, the killer lets her go?But, why? She got away, but not before injurying herself and making it into town. The killer let her go, to let the police know where some of the bodies were..When they investigate, they do find some of the victims, but not all.
In visiting Ellie and getting her story, Patrick Meredith, soon is falling in love with her. He is a divorced man, who later adopted a son. His career as a cop is over because of a knee injury. But, he is able to investigate cases and be involved.
This killer is scary and at times you might want to turn the lights on, if you have them off. I think it would make a great movie..Great action scenes. Love the ending!
Patrick Meredith is an ex-cop who is not associated with the Federal Violent Crime team. He is called to Phoenix to investigate a case of missing women. It seems that they are involved in a minor accident, their car is left at the scene, and the women is missing.
The latest victim is Ellie. A hard working single mom who is on the way home to her daughter, Stacy.She lives in a nice neighborhood, with a live-in nanny. But, just a mile from her home, her car is hit in the back, she gets out to see what happened and is taken. But, after days, the killer lets her go?But, why? She got away, but not before injurying herself and making it into town. The killer let her go, to let the police know where some of the bodies were..When they investigate, they do find some of the victims, but not all.
In visiting Ellie and getting her story, Patrick Meredith, soon is falling in love with her. He is a divorced man, who later adopted a son. His career as a cop is over because of a knee injury. But, he is able to investigate cases and be involved.
This killer is scary and at times you might want to turn the lights on, if you have them off. I think it would make a great movie..Great action scenes. Love the ending!
December 12, 2025
‘Fatal Flowers’ is a moderately engaging crime-thriller centered on Thomas Brunson, a deranged loner who collects what he calls his “lovelies” atop one of Oregon’s mist-shrouded mountains. The novel traces the parallel trajectories of Ellie, an airport worker at Phoenix International, and Patrick Meredith, a federal agent whose paths end up converging. After Ellie is kidnapped by Brunson in the staged aftermath of a car “accident” and later released, Brunson initiates a sadistic game of seek-and-destroy—both for his own gratification and to further torment his newest victim. As Ellie and Meredith are drawn together in the wake of the attack, a fragile romance begins to develop against the backdrop of Brunson’s escalating violence and both of their somewhat shattered family lives.
The writing is one of the elements that holds back Enes Smith’s otherwise intriguing premise, relying too heavily on telegraphed future references and narrative detours that add little to character or plot. These stylistic choices drain tension from scenes that should feel more urgent, and the dialogue often slips into flat exposition rather than genuine character development. Still, the core concept and pacing keep the story moving well-enough, and readers drawn to atmospheric thrillers may find sufficient interest in ‘Fatal Flowers’ to stay engaged despite the rather uneven execution.
The writing is one of the elements that holds back Enes Smith’s otherwise intriguing premise, relying too heavily on telegraphed future references and narrative detours that add little to character or plot. These stylistic choices drain tension from scenes that should feel more urgent, and the dialogue often slips into flat exposition rather than genuine character development. Still, the core concept and pacing keep the story moving well-enough, and readers drawn to atmospheric thrillers may find sufficient interest in ‘Fatal Flowers’ to stay engaged despite the rather uneven execution.
December 13, 2018
The fatal error I made...
...was letting this book sit in my library unread for so long.
At over 200 pages, it is a worthy read. Short chapters, usually a sign of a staccato and disjointed story, actually increase the feel of "urgency" to the narrative. The author's voice in the book provides clear direction to the reader.... "Look over here, pay attention."
I slightly disagree with the comparison to Tom Harris' works only because Enes Smith brings a different kind of authenticity to his characters. Smith does not seem compelled to damage his characters so that they connect. Rather his characters are products of everyday life....well, except our villain.
Highly recommended
...was letting this book sit in my library unread for so long.
At over 200 pages, it is a worthy read. Short chapters, usually a sign of a staccato and disjointed story, actually increase the feel of "urgency" to the narrative. The author's voice in the book provides clear direction to the reader.... "Look over here, pay attention."
I slightly disagree with the comparison to Tom Harris' works only because Enes Smith brings a different kind of authenticity to his characters. Smith does not seem compelled to damage his characters so that they connect. Rather his characters are products of everyday life....well, except our villain.
Highly recommended
September 29, 2017
A Page Turner. Serial Killer Collecting Pretty Girls
The poor abused boy of a prostitute who fought off
Mommy’s boyfriends and turns into a serial killer. Not
The same old story this time. This guy has a different
Idea of payback for who did him wrong and Ellie and her daughter Stacey just so happen to get in his sight.
There are lots of Flashbacks to his childhood memories and what fuels his fire for revenge. The author does an excellent job of keeping the plot flowing even if there are probably a few too many characters in the cast than necessary. It’s hard to keep up with so many people. Book is well written and I look forward to reading more from this series.
The poor abused boy of a prostitute who fought off
Mommy’s boyfriends and turns into a serial killer. Not
The same old story this time. This guy has a different
Idea of payback for who did him wrong and Ellie and her daughter Stacey just so happen to get in his sight.
There are lots of Flashbacks to his childhood memories and what fuels his fire for revenge. The author does an excellent job of keeping the plot flowing even if there are probably a few too many characters in the cast than necessary. It’s hard to keep up with so many people. Book is well written and I look forward to reading more from this series.
November 6, 2017
A good psychological thriller in all but it had stuff that stood out far beyond the norm.
Our hero was upstaged. I loved that. The hero in question was not even disgruntled, he was thankful and that is not something I come across often. People who is only human and does not manage the impossible against all odds at all times was a refreshing twist in a genre that, in my case, is one I have read often.
Our hero was upstaged. I loved that. The hero in question was not even disgruntled, he was thankful and that is not something I come across often. People who is only human and does not manage the impossible against all odds at all times was a refreshing twist in a genre that, in my case, is one I have read often.
August 1, 2017
A Page Turner
I really liked this book. Psychological thrillers are my favorite and I like to read about damaged persons like this killer probably because my background is in psychiatric social work. This author does an excellent job of developing characters that you care about and would like to meet again.
I really liked this book. Psychological thrillers are my favorite and I like to read about damaged persons like this killer probably because my background is in psychiatric social work. This author does an excellent job of developing characters that you care about and would like to meet again.
April 22, 2018
No rest for the wicked or anyone else
Overall, this is a tense and frightening drama well constructed and written with obvious experience. I also like a little love interest to break up the bloodletting. I have to admit, though, that between his bad leg and bad decisions he made, he isn't the strong savvy lawman I would think the 'hero' needed to be. Worth reading.
Overall, this is a tense and frightening drama well constructed and written with obvious experience. I also like a little love interest to break up the bloodletting. I have to admit, though, that between his bad leg and bad decisions he made, he isn't the strong savvy lawman I would think the 'hero' needed to be. Worth reading.
April 24, 2018
I thought this book was excellent. The plot kept you interested from the get go. Some crime novels seem to lose their way but this book definitely is not one of them. Found myself really feeling for the characters which again is not always easy in a book.
The knowledge of this author with regards to detail is second to none.
The knowledge of this author with regards to detail is second to none.
April 26, 2018
Fatal Flowers is NOT For Bedtime Reading!
Be ready to not put this book down. The author was a real life detective and drags you right into a serial murderer at his very worst. Lock the doors. Put your ear plugs in so you don't jump every time there's a squeak in your house. Don't plan on doing anything til you finish reading this book.
Be ready to not put this book down. The author was a real life detective and drags you right into a serial murderer at his very worst. Lock the doors. Put your ear plugs in so you don't jump every time there's a squeak in your house. Don't plan on doing anything til you finish reading this book.
April 18, 2020
This was a thrilling read from start to finish. There were just enough turns to keep it interesting without making it complicated. The characters were well developed for the story and the killer. Well the killer was absolutely terrifying. If you like true crime and are in for a quite thrill, I would recommend this read.
February 22, 2021
A must read for fans of serial killers. Featured characters are Ellie, a pretty young woman with a four year old daughter, Meredith, a detective, and the deranged serial killer. This is one of the rare stories that I didn't want to put down. The warped serial killer has a preference for lovely young women to add to his collection. At least parts of them.
December 24, 2016
What a mystery twist and turns gruesome sometimes hard to follow as storyline changes within same paragraph but would like to know why he picked his victims but I guess when people are crazy there is no explaining.
March 19, 2019
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
March 31, 2019
Good book
You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourselves and I really enjoyed reading this novel very much so. Shelley Ma
You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourselves and I really enjoyed reading this novel very much so. Shelley Ma
July 6, 2020
Not a big fan of these types of suspense, but I can't fault the author for his work.
November 9, 2020
A pretty good debut police procedural published in 1992 - the suspense at the end in remote Oregon is definitely from the pre-mobile phone era. Good characters and a fearsome serial killer.
August 6, 2021
What a page turner, as good as any of the Lisa Jackson I've read. Likable characters, well not 1. Scary, heartpounding, sweet, brings all emotions to the surface. Can't wait to read the next one.
October 12, 2021
An exciting plot and great characters.
August 17, 2022
This was a chilling story only marred by the length. It bogged down for long stretches that did not help the story. The main characters are likeable and easy to root for.
October 16, 2016
Good story and the author had some nice literary tricks to build suspense.
However, I wasn't surprised as much as I'd like to be.
However, I wasn't surprised as much as I'd like to be.
February 23, 2017
This was a great book. The 2 main characters were both strong and independent souls yet very compassionate. The fear and maternal instincts felt very real to me. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. My only complaint with this book is the unnecessary graphic sexual situations. I realize sex sells, but if I wanted to read a porn book, I would have gotten a porn book. Most books I've read lately lace a love/sex thread into the story line. Why? It adds nothing to the plot. If you MUST, couldn't you just say..."they retired to the bedroom..."???
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews