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Switched in Death
Detective Seth Banning searches for one of the most heinous serial killers of all time. Seth is desperate to find the sadistic murderer who takes his female victims two at a time, and switches their heads. Elaina von Hagan is on the run from the drug trafficking father she has exposed. As she and Seth begin a relationship, she becomes a target for the serial killer's deranged ritual. The stakes have never been higher for Seth as Elaina is taken, and the stage is set for a gruesome showdown between good and evil.
322 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2012
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132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 9, 2013
I don’t normally read thrillers, however I’ve read a couple lately and really enjoyed them. I might have to start reading more. This is not a short book and yet I finished it within two days. THAT is how much it keeps you glued to the pages.
Now I need to be careful with what I say here, because the book is full of twists and turns, very few of them are predictable and I would hate to ruin anything for future readers. The characters are likeable and believable. The character Seth is great, well created and three dimensional, but then, so are all the characters.
As people who know me well already know, I’m a lover of horror and anything that gives you the creeps or send shivers down your spine etc. Well this one definitely gave me the creeps. Not scary creeps but more the fact that what happens in this book, does happen in real life. To know there are people out there committing these atrocities is rather worrying. But the way in which... (need to be careful here) everything happens (I’m telling you nothing) its genius and well thought out. Definitely worthy of the five star rating. For something to give ME the creeps... well, that doesn’t happen often so I’m more than impressed.
I will certainly be reading (and hopefully review.. hint! lol) Sherry Foleys books in the future.
Now I need to be careful with what I say here, because the book is full of twists and turns, very few of them are predictable and I would hate to ruin anything for future readers. The characters are likeable and believable. The character Seth is great, well created and three dimensional, but then, so are all the characters.
As people who know me well already know, I’m a lover of horror and anything that gives you the creeps or send shivers down your spine etc. Well this one definitely gave me the creeps. Not scary creeps but more the fact that what happens in this book, does happen in real life. To know there are people out there committing these atrocities is rather worrying. But the way in which... (need to be careful here) everything happens (I’m telling you nothing) its genius and well thought out. Definitely worthy of the five star rating. For something to give ME the creeps... well, that doesn’t happen often so I’m more than impressed.
I will certainly be reading (and hopefully review.. hint! lol) Sherry Foleys books in the future.
April 29, 2012
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...
Secret pasts, serial killers, and a blossoming relationship share center stage in this spine tingling suspense book. Readers, beware. This book may have you up all night, checking your doors and jumping at the slightest sound!
The hero is Seth. He's a cop, working a case that follows the killings of a possible serial killer. He seems to have his share of heartache and a past that he can't escape. He makes for a great leading male role. I was drawn to him, and respected his character.
We're introduced to the hero, Laney. She's also got a shady past, like she's running from something. She's smart, stubborn and sweet. The attraction between Laney and Seth sizzle from first contact, and I loved following along as their romance unfolded. So many things stood in this couple's way....
The suspense is intense! Readers get a glimpse into the killer's point of view, and wow, what a sick and twisted mindset this author created for the villain. As I read on, more and more clues were given, but the ending and revealing I never would have guessed in a million years! This book is filled with top notch intrigue. As usual with my reading, I read it late at night and yes, I was jumpy at sounds. My pulse quickened a few times with some scenes and I was left with a satisfied feeling after the last page was read. Ms. Foley sure knows the craft of writing a romantic suspense, and I'm interested to read what else this author has to offer. The story is well written, although there are a few spots with editing errors, such as a name put in there that wasn't the character's name in the scene. Other than that, I enjoyed the book and couldn't put it down!
If you like serial killer romantic suspense, love a good thrill, then Switched in Death is waiting for you. Try it, if you dare, and allow yourself to be sucked into this thrill ride of a novel.
Secret pasts, serial killers, and a blossoming relationship share center stage in this spine tingling suspense book. Readers, beware. This book may have you up all night, checking your doors and jumping at the slightest sound!
The hero is Seth. He's a cop, working a case that follows the killings of a possible serial killer. He seems to have his share of heartache and a past that he can't escape. He makes for a great leading male role. I was drawn to him, and respected his character.
We're introduced to the hero, Laney. She's also got a shady past, like she's running from something. She's smart, stubborn and sweet. The attraction between Laney and Seth sizzle from first contact, and I loved following along as their romance unfolded. So many things stood in this couple's way....
The suspense is intense! Readers get a glimpse into the killer's point of view, and wow, what a sick and twisted mindset this author created for the villain. As I read on, more and more clues were given, but the ending and revealing I never would have guessed in a million years! This book is filled with top notch intrigue. As usual with my reading, I read it late at night and yes, I was jumpy at sounds. My pulse quickened a few times with some scenes and I was left with a satisfied feeling after the last page was read. Ms. Foley sure knows the craft of writing a romantic suspense, and I'm interested to read what else this author has to offer. The story is well written, although there are a few spots with editing errors, such as a name put in there that wasn't the character's name in the scene. Other than that, I enjoyed the book and couldn't put it down!
If you like serial killer romantic suspense, love a good thrill, then Switched in Death is waiting for you. Try it, if you dare, and allow yourself to be sucked into this thrill ride of a novel.
December 29, 2012
Switched In Death has so much going on, it's hard to believe Foley got it all in around 300 pages. The premise of the book is completely original, the plot keeps you turning the pages and the fully realized characters have depth and substance.
Foley tackles a variety of themes and literary challenges that make this novel much more than a typical thriller. We see her adeptly moving through topics of gender identification, body dysmorphic disorder and dissociative identity disorder while braiding together multiple plot threads and giving us direct insight into a host of distinct characters. Not to mention that she does this while maneuvering between the genres of thriller and romance.
Foley takes risks with character point of view that most writers could not handle. We are in the minds of multiple characters that not only bridge perspective, but the gulf of the sexes. And, in one case, BOTH sexes! Foley accomplishes this challenge seamlessly. We know the fears, goals, motives and internal struggles of each major character told in a solid, district voice. Even more uniquely, we are allowed to roam around the brain of the killer, making the antagonist of the story a three-dimensional entity we come to understand, not some distant villain whose only goal is to die at the end.
I'm a dude, so my experience in the romance genre is limited, but Foley had me completely engaged with the two main characters' budding romance. Against a backdrop of carnage and terror, I found myself cheering them on as they tried to deal with the internal and external issues that were keeping them apart.
Switched In Death is a great, entertaining, completely original work that will bring you in and not let you go until the final page is turned. I will never look at duct tape the same way again.
Foley tackles a variety of themes and literary challenges that make this novel much more than a typical thriller. We see her adeptly moving through topics of gender identification, body dysmorphic disorder and dissociative identity disorder while braiding together multiple plot threads and giving us direct insight into a host of distinct characters. Not to mention that she does this while maneuvering between the genres of thriller and romance.
Foley takes risks with character point of view that most writers could not handle. We are in the minds of multiple characters that not only bridge perspective, but the gulf of the sexes. And, in one case, BOTH sexes! Foley accomplishes this challenge seamlessly. We know the fears, goals, motives and internal struggles of each major character told in a solid, district voice. Even more uniquely, we are allowed to roam around the brain of the killer, making the antagonist of the story a three-dimensional entity we come to understand, not some distant villain whose only goal is to die at the end.
I'm a dude, so my experience in the romance genre is limited, but Foley had me completely engaged with the two main characters' budding romance. Against a backdrop of carnage and terror, I found myself cheering them on as they tried to deal with the internal and external issues that were keeping them apart.
Switched In Death is a great, entertaining, completely original work that will bring you in and not let you go until the final page is turned. I will never look at duct tape the same way again.
December 9, 2013
Seth Banning, lead homicide detective for the Kansas City police, is tracking down a nasty serial killer who is switching the heads and bodies of his women victims and Seth’s old girlfriend is one of his first victims. Elaina “Laney” von Hagen has just discovered her father, head of a major pharmaceutical company, is also running a major illegal drug operation and seeks to hide out from him in one of her best friend’s rental homes, which happens to be next door to Seth Banning’s home. A budding relationship between them flickers and flares between the growing sexual and comforting attraction they feel for each other and the protective insecurities each of them has for their respective secrets and past. But Elaina’s family and an escalating serial killer is about to bring danger to their doorsteps. For mystery suspense fans, patience will be required as the investigation of the serial murders becomes the B story to the up and down romance tale of Seth and Elaina, but once the relationship starts to reach a crescendo, Sherry Foley starts bringing in the pieces to build the suspense and thrills. Many will see where the twists are going, but it doesn’t mean one cannot enjoy the ride.
August 14, 2012
This book was a fast read. It takes place in and around Kansas City. It is always nice to read a book set in a place you are famliar with.
I enjoyed the main characters in the story very much. The plot has many twists and turns that keeps the story moving right along.
I found it odd that I sympathized with the villian in this book. I will certainly never be able to see pink duct tape without remembering this book for a good long time.
Sherry Foley is not only a good author, she is also a very nice person who was gracious enough to come to our neighborhood bookclub and discuss her book with us.
I enjoyed the main characters in the story very much. The plot has many twists and turns that keeps the story moving right along.
I found it odd that I sympathized with the villian in this book. I will certainly never be able to see pink duct tape without remembering this book for a good long time.
Sherry Foley is not only a good author, she is also a very nice person who was gracious enough to come to our neighborhood bookclub and discuss her book with us.
June 1, 2012
Fun twists and turns in
. A serial killer is on the loose, swapping the heads and bodies of the victims. In the middle of trying to solve this gruesome crime, homicide detective, Seth, falls for his new neighbor, Laney, who has secrets of her own. I would highly recommend. Loved it.
. A serial killer is on the loose, swapping the heads and bodies of the victims. In the middle of trying to solve this gruesome crime, homicide detective, Seth, falls for his new neighbor, Laney, who has secrets of her own. I would highly recommend. Loved it.
July 1, 2012
It is rare for me to enthuse about new authors but with Sherry Foley I need to make an exception. It has been sometime since I read a thriller and though Sherry is a little of my beaten track I am truly happy I made the detour as it proved to be a real page turner. The characters are engaging, the plot very well structured and not at all predictable. This is an author who will quickly make her mark on this genre of writing and I for one will not hesitate to read her next book.
January 25, 2013
A Thrilling Thriller for sure. I enjoyed this book because it has great twists and believable characters. That is a scary to realize in places. The Kansas City locale was a nice touch. I am ready to read more of Sherry Foley's writing and I am moving on the her next book, A Captive Heart!
September 8, 2013
Ordered yesterday & anxiously awaiting arrival!
March 15, 2012
Read this book quickly as i couldn't wait to see what happened. Loved the characters and cared what happened to them.
September 14, 2014
I am not going to tell you what this book is about as many other reviewers have. What I will tell you is this book had a lot of potential. I believe the author will be good in time and I have every intention of checking back in on her and reading something else of hers but not until she has a few more books under her belt. I was excited to read this book as it is a local author but was a bit bummed when the characters fell flat. They jumped into situations quickly and made ridiculous choices at times without enough background. I also found the editing (or lack of) to be a bit annoying. There were some grammatical errors as well as some just flat out discrepancies that I found to be distracting. At one point the main protagonist's terrible father was talking into the phone on the console of his Cadillac only moments before wheeling that slick Lexus into a parking spot. I suppose it COULD have been a Lexus with a Caddy dash...he was rich afterall. In another spot the main protagonist, Laney was actually called Lindsey and so on.
The book had a lot going on it as far as stories go, which I did like. However, it seemed as if the author just let some of them go without much thought to how they were wrapped up. As mentioned before, a great story idea but I would have liked to have seen so much more done with it. I found this book to be a very quick and easy read. The chapters are very short so if that is a plus for you (it is for me sometimes!) you will definitely enjoy that.
The book had a lot going on it as far as stories go, which I did like. However, it seemed as if the author just let some of them go without much thought to how they were wrapped up. As mentioned before, a great story idea but I would have liked to have seen so much more done with it. I found this book to be a very quick and easy read. The chapters are very short so if that is a plus for you (it is for me sometimes!) you will definitely enjoy that.
October 24, 2014
Did I read a different book? Sorry, but I don't get the many 4 and 5 stars this book received from a lot of other readers. I only got half-way thru when I had to stop.
Yes, the premise is good, but what's not is the execution of it. First off, right away the reader is able to figure out who the serial killer is. It's so obvious. Secondly, for a person who quickly leaves home, borrows a friend's car and home in another state, changes her name, and tries to hide from her father, she reveals all to her neighbour who's a cop, a person who she has only known for a week. So much for hiding. I mean come on. Is she that desperate for sex that she reveals all? And I love how Laney boasts to Seth (the cop) how she has an MBA, has helped others start their businesses, and could run her grandfather's as well. Who she trying to convince she can do the job? Give me a break! In the end, there is no mystery, no sexual chemistry, let alone any thrills or chills to be had.
Yes, the premise is good, but what's not is the execution of it. First off, right away the reader is able to figure out who the serial killer is. It's so obvious. Secondly, for a person who quickly leaves home, borrows a friend's car and home in another state, changes her name, and tries to hide from her father, she reveals all to her neighbour who's a cop, a person who she has only known for a week. So much for hiding. I mean come on. Is she that desperate for sex that she reveals all? And I love how Laney boasts to Seth (the cop) how she has an MBA, has helped others start their businesses, and could run her grandfather's as well. Who she trying to convince she can do the job? Give me a break! In the end, there is no mystery, no sexual chemistry, let alone any thrills or chills to be had.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2014
Ms. Foley draws you and you want to keep turning the pages. Her vivid imagination as she brings you into the mind of her sick and twisted villain has you jumping at strange noises and reading with the lights on.
The characters are believable, each one with their own set of baggage they are dealing with. As they struggle through a budding relationship, Seth and Laney manage to find their way. I don’t want to give much of the story away.
The suspense was written to keep you guessing. The writing flowed from one page to the next. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. While feeling satisfied at the end of the book, I was still left with wanting to read more. Can’t wait to read another piece of her work.
Nicely done Ms. Foley.
The characters are believable, each one with their own set of baggage they are dealing with. As they struggle through a budding relationship, Seth and Laney manage to find their way. I don’t want to give much of the story away.
The suspense was written to keep you guessing. The writing flowed from one page to the next. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. While feeling satisfied at the end of the book, I was still left with wanting to read more. Can’t wait to read another piece of her work.
Nicely done Ms. Foley.
July 17, 2012
Not very experienced author.
Must not have had pleasant pregnancy. Too negative about one of the characters that had a pregnant wife. Had a character in the beginning that wasn't mentioned later in the book.
Just not an interesting book. Certainly not a novel.
Must not have had pleasant pregnancy. Too negative about one of the characters that had a pregnant wife. Had a character in the beginning that wasn't mentioned later in the book.
Just not an interesting book. Certainly not a novel.
February 18, 2016
Not my typical read, but setting aside the predictable romantic angle, this "romantic-suspense" has a stong, interesting plot and some great one-liners.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews