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Empty Coffin #2
Betrayal
In this action-packed thriller sequel to Envy, foreign exchange student Olivia Grant is stabbed to death after a party--and the prime suspect is her best friend. As twins Hayley and Taylor Ryan get pulled into the aftermath of this Amanda Knox-like crime, they realize nothing is what it seems. Could it be betrayal of the ultimate kind?
Betrayal features real-life crime-solving techniques, heart-stopping suspense, plenty of red herrings, hard-hitting ethical questions, and information about the Amanda Knox case that inspired the novel. As the crime unravels, so does the twins' past…and they must face off against a family member who may unexpectedly have carried out the worst betrayal of all.
Betrayal features real-life crime-solving techniques, heart-stopping suspense, plenty of red herrings, hard-hitting ethical questions, and information about the Amanda Knox case that inspired the novel. As the crime unravels, so does the twins' past…and they must face off against a family member who may unexpectedly have carried out the worst betrayal of all.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published September 4, 2012
2443 people are currently reading
2435 people want to read
About the author
Gregg Olsen
116 books7,111 followersThroughout his career, Gregg Olsen has demonstrated an ability to create a detailed narrative that offers readers fascinating insights into the lives of people caught in extraordinary circumstances.
A #1 New York Times bestselling author, Olsen has written ten nonfiction books, ten novels, and contributed a short story to a collection edited by Lee Child.
The award-winning author has been a guest on dozens of national and local television shows, including educational programs for the History Channel, Learning Channel, and Discovery Channel. He has also appeared on Good Morning America, The Early Show, The Today Show, FOX News; CNN, Anderson Cooper 360, MSNBC, Entertainment Tonight, CBS 48 Hours, Oxygen’s Snapped, Court TV’s Crier Live, Inside Edition, Extra, Access Hollywood, and A&E’s Biography.
In addition to television and radio appearances, the award-winning author has been featured in Redbook, USA Today, People, Salon magazine, Seattle Times, Los Angeles Times and the New York Post.
The Deep Dark was named Idaho Book of the Year by the ILA and Starvation Heights was honored by Washington’s Secretary of State for the book’s contribution to Washington state history and culture.
Olsen, a Seattle native, lives in Olalla, Washington with his wife and Suri (a mini dachshund so spoiled she wears a sweater).
A #1 New York Times bestselling author, Olsen has written ten nonfiction books, ten novels, and contributed a short story to a collection edited by Lee Child.
The award-winning author has been a guest on dozens of national and local television shows, including educational programs for the History Channel, Learning Channel, and Discovery Channel. He has also appeared on Good Morning America, The Early Show, The Today Show, FOX News; CNN, Anderson Cooper 360, MSNBC, Entertainment Tonight, CBS 48 Hours, Oxygen’s Snapped, Court TV’s Crier Live, Inside Edition, Extra, Access Hollywood, and A&E’s Biography.
In addition to television and radio appearances, the award-winning author has been featured in Redbook, USA Today, People, Salon magazine, Seattle Times, Los Angeles Times and the New York Post.
The Deep Dark was named Idaho Book of the Year by the ILA and Starvation Heights was honored by Washington’s Secretary of State for the book’s contribution to Washington state history and culture.
Olsen, a Seattle native, lives in Olalla, Washington with his wife and Suri (a mini dachshund so spoiled she wears a sweater).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
January 3, 2021
This is one of those cases where you really need to read Books 1 and 2 in order :-)
I received an ARC of 'Dying to be Her' from NetGalley which is a new re-edited edition of Gregg Olsen's series Empty Coffin.
Book 1 -Beneath Her Skin = Envy (Empty Coffin 1)
Book 2- Dying to be Her = Betrayal (Empty Coffin 2)
I really enjoyed this YA mystery set in the sleepy town of Port Gamble (formerly known as Empty Coffin, hence the name of the series). The protagonists of the series, Hayley and Taylor Ryan, are 16-year-old twins. Not only do they share the mysterious ability to sense when one of them is in trouble, but they also get visions and jumbled letters that once unscrambled help them solve crimes.
This time Hay-Tay are dealing with a gruesome murder of a British exchange student Olivia Grant who was stabbed to death during a Halloween party. The host of the party Brianna Connors and her boyfriend Drew seem to act in a particularly uncallous way and this means that they are immediately accused, judged, and found guilty by the press and social media. Brianna gets the dubious honour of being labeled the Worst Best Friend Ever. Brianna may have the largest and most modern house in the town and two extremely uncaring divorced parents, but can it justify the way she behaves?
There appears to be some evidence that points to Beth Lee, Hayley and Taylor's best friend. As they are trying to figure our what exactly happened to Olivia, the twins re-visit the horrific accident that killed four children landed the twins in a coma when they were just five. They also discover some secrets from their mother's past.
There are plenty of red herrings, twists and turns to keep you turning the pages. While some (most?)characters are totally exaggerated, I realy liked the way the author took pains to show how the sisters are both similar and very different in their character and disposition.
It is difficult not to notice that the book is partly inspired by a true crime story of Amanda Knox, an American exchange student accused of killing her British roommate.
Gregg Olsen's writing is as compelling as always and I am really looking forward to reading the third instalment. While Olivia's murder is solved in this one, there are still more questions than answers in Hayley and Taylor's story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
I received an ARC of 'Dying to be Her' from NetGalley which is a new re-edited edition of Gregg Olsen's series Empty Coffin.
Book 1 -Beneath Her Skin = Envy (Empty Coffin 1)
Book 2- Dying to be Her = Betrayal (Empty Coffin 2)
I really enjoyed this YA mystery set in the sleepy town of Port Gamble (formerly known as Empty Coffin, hence the name of the series). The protagonists of the series, Hayley and Taylor Ryan, are 16-year-old twins. Not only do they share the mysterious ability to sense when one of them is in trouble, but they also get visions and jumbled letters that once unscrambled help them solve crimes.
This time Hay-Tay are dealing with a gruesome murder of a British exchange student Olivia Grant who was stabbed to death during a Halloween party. The host of the party Brianna Connors and her boyfriend Drew seem to act in a particularly uncallous way and this means that they are immediately accused, judged, and found guilty by the press and social media. Brianna gets the dubious honour of being labeled the Worst Best Friend Ever. Brianna may have the largest and most modern house in the town and two extremely uncaring divorced parents, but can it justify the way she behaves?
There appears to be some evidence that points to Beth Lee, Hayley and Taylor's best friend. As they are trying to figure our what exactly happened to Olivia, the twins re-visit the horrific accident that killed four children landed the twins in a coma when they were just five. They also discover some secrets from their mother's past.
There are plenty of red herrings, twists and turns to keep you turning the pages. While some (most?)characters are totally exaggerated, I realy liked the way the author took pains to show how the sisters are both similar and very different in their character and disposition.
It is difficult not to notice that the book is partly inspired by a true crime story of Amanda Knox, an American exchange student accused of killing her British roommate.
Gregg Olsen's writing is as compelling as always and I am really looking forward to reading the third instalment. While Olivia's murder is solved in this one, there are still more questions than answers in Hayley and Taylor's story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
January 28, 2021
This book was previously released as Betrayal (Empty Coffin #2), . It read well as a standalone, Fast paced, easy, fun thriller that I read in one night. If you are looking for one to just chill with for the evening and figure out whodunit. Gregg Olsen can always be counted on for a quick, good time story.
January 24, 2021
The second in the Port Gamble series featuring the twins Haley and Taylor Ryan and their unusual abilities. This time, an exchange student from England is murdered and the girls get to work. To discover the killer, the twins will have to confront a family member with a secret past of betrayal. Well written supernatural tale with enjoyable characters, that captures the world of teenagers and their lives. A pleasing sequel and psychological thriller, that is an entertaining read with a three-and-a-half-star rating. With thanks to NetGalley and the author for a preview copy for review purposes.
April 11, 2021
Gregg Olsen’s second Young Adult novel has been re-released under the name Dying to Be Her.
Olivia Grant is a foreign exchange student who has recently acquired a new friend Brianna Connors. Brianna is throwing a Halloween party from her family's plush home. With her parents away on a cruise the high school students, including Olivia, start on Brianna's father's craft beers, and shortly afterwards, Olivia goes to lie down upstairs, feeling unwell. Falling asleep, she later wakes to find she's being attacked and her injuries are fatal.
Twins Hayley and Taylor Ryan possess psychic abilities and are pulled into the aftermath of the murder as suspicion grows as to who the likely culprit is. With danger lurking, they must learn the truth before time runs out.
With its excellent plot and brisk pacing, I had difficulty putting this book down between chapters. Dying to Be Her was such an absorbing read, and I relished every moment. The story was told from various viewpoints, including those of the Ryan twins, the killer and the police. This riveting, dark story was weighty and Gregg Olsen brilliantly weaves this twisty tale with skill and flair. It delivered heart-stopping suspense, plenty of red herrings, ethical questions, and information about a true crime - the Amanda Knox case - that inspired the novel. As the story unravelled, details from the twins' pasts were laid bare. Set in Port Gamble, Washington and containing enough mystery and intrigue to compel me to read late into the night, this was an immeasurably good read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
Olivia Grant is a foreign exchange student who has recently acquired a new friend Brianna Connors. Brianna is throwing a Halloween party from her family's plush home. With her parents away on a cruise the high school students, including Olivia, start on Brianna's father's craft beers, and shortly afterwards, Olivia goes to lie down upstairs, feeling unwell. Falling asleep, she later wakes to find she's being attacked and her injuries are fatal.
Twins Hayley and Taylor Ryan possess psychic abilities and are pulled into the aftermath of the murder as suspicion grows as to who the likely culprit is. With danger lurking, they must learn the truth before time runs out.
With its excellent plot and brisk pacing, I had difficulty putting this book down between chapters. Dying to Be Her was such an absorbing read, and I relished every moment. The story was told from various viewpoints, including those of the Ryan twins, the killer and the police. This riveting, dark story was weighty and Gregg Olsen brilliantly weaves this twisty tale with skill and flair. It delivered heart-stopping suspense, plenty of red herrings, ethical questions, and information about a true crime - the Amanda Knox case - that inspired the novel. As the story unravelled, details from the twins' pasts were laid bare. Set in Port Gamble, Washington and containing enough mystery and intrigue to compel me to read late into the night, this was an immeasurably good read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
February 13, 2021
Review to follow
January 26, 2021
I read this book before when it was named "Betrayal (Empty Coffin #2), but didn't realize it was the same book that had been rebranded. This is the 2nd in a series but can read as a standalone. This being said, I enjoyed the book both times. This is a young adult book that features high school students based in the tiny town of Port Gamble, WA. I know this area well, which added to my enjoyment on the book. The story starts with the murder of exchange student Olivia, and the rest of the book is spent trying to figure out what happened. There are a few primary characters, namely identical twins Taylor and Hayley, their friend Beth, and "frenemies" who may or may not be involved, including Starla, Brianna, and Drew.
Despite the multitude of characters, the story is easy to follow and it's kind of fun to read about teenage cattiness throughout the book. The mystery around Olivia's murder is a good one and I didn't figure out who it was until later in the book (despite having read the story before!). There are also references to another mystery around a bus crash that happened when these characters were all young children.
Some of the constant reminders about Hayley and Taylor's "twinness" got a little tiresome as the book went on, as well as the descriptions of what Beth was like being told to us rather than shown to us through her actions. These are small nits, though, as the story itself moved along pretty quickly and there was a good deal of action.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and if there is another book in this series, I will read it. I don't read a whole lot of YA but this definitely held my interest, and the familiar location was definitely a selling point. I'd recommend this to those who enjoy mysteries, whether YA or not! Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Despite the multitude of characters, the story is easy to follow and it's kind of fun to read about teenage cattiness throughout the book. The mystery around Olivia's murder is a good one and I didn't figure out who it was until later in the book (despite having read the story before!). There are also references to another mystery around a bus crash that happened when these characters were all young children.
Some of the constant reminders about Hayley and Taylor's "twinness" got a little tiresome as the book went on, as well as the descriptions of what Beth was like being told to us rather than shown to us through her actions. These are small nits, though, as the story itself moved along pretty quickly and there was a good deal of action.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and if there is another book in this series, I will read it. I don't read a whole lot of YA but this definitely held my interest, and the familiar location was definitely a selling point. I'd recommend this to those who enjoy mysteries, whether YA or not! Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2024
Ths was a highly anticipated second title in the series. The audio was high quality and really engaging. Another who done it with physic twins trying to solve it along with dipping ibto their past.
I found this entertaining and the language and interactions .more accurate of the characters and more enjoyable as it was reflective of the age group. The plot itself was quite simple with the twins history thrown in randomly. Still want to hear more about the bus crash. The unveiling of secrets gave a bit more depth but made me want book 3 hope there us one to tie up the twins story. I foubd the would be murderers realistic but unconvincing at tge same time. The plot clearly had inspiration from the true crime of the amanda knox story.
This was a really quick listen for me which left me wanting more. At times yhe twins backstory list me from yhe main plot. Throughtly enjoyable and highly recommended as a quick listen fir anyone who likes a good mystery.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator for tgis lovely 5 star listen.
I found this entertaining and the language and interactions .more accurate of the characters and more enjoyable as it was reflective of the age group. The plot itself was quite simple with the twins history thrown in randomly. Still want to hear more about the bus crash. The unveiling of secrets gave a bit more depth but made me want book 3 hope there us one to tie up the twins story. I foubd the would be murderers realistic but unconvincing at tge same time. The plot clearly had inspiration from the true crime of the amanda knox story.
This was a really quick listen for me which left me wanting more. At times yhe twins backstory list me from yhe main plot. Throughtly enjoyable and highly recommended as a quick listen fir anyone who likes a good mystery.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator for tgis lovely 5 star listen.
September 16, 2012
Review to come!! Loved it!
So I was given an ARC of this book from the author for this blog tour. When I first read Envy, the first book in the Empty Coffin series, I had no idea what to expect. But to say I loved Envy would be an understatement. However, we are not talking about Envy at this time. So Betrayal is the sequel to Envy. I was so excited to get this ARC because I loved Envy and needed to know what happened in the next captivating installment! I was not disappointed! The sequel was just as wonderfully written and descriptive as the first one was.
The thing I love most about Gregg's stories is how they are based on factual events. He takes those real life cases and makes his own story out of them. This book was based on the Amanda Knox case, which I vaguely remember hearing about years ago. If you don't know about it, it's about an exchange student who comes to America and is accused of killing her roommate(Like I said, I don't remember the details so I may have gotten it wrong, but that was my understanding). Anyway, I loved Gregg's story better!
So from the beginning of the book I am literally glued to my book; heart stopping, pulse racing, sweat covering my forehead....I am on the edge of my seat in fear as this story unfolds. Its amazing how descriptive Gregg is. His writing is so alluring and you feel like you're in the scene with the characters. I loved the fact that this book is set in Port Gamble, Washington-just like Envy was. I loved that we got to see most of the same characters, with a few new ones added in. I loved it, this book was amazingly executed and really fufilled my expectations.
I loved the twins, they were my favorite characters in both books so far. I love getting to see them again and getting to know them more and their strange abilities. I like Colton as well. All in all, this book was awesome! The tension was perfect, the writing-flowed easily and kept my attention...the pace was just right. Another awesome book from Gregg! Congrats! I can't wait for Guilty now...need to know more!
So as I was reading both Envy and Betrayal, I pictured Taylor and Haley Ryan as.....Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. I think it's mostly because you don't hear often about 2 twin girls their age, so I automatically had them in my head.
So I was given an ARC of this book from the author for this blog tour. When I first read Envy, the first book in the Empty Coffin series, I had no idea what to expect. But to say I loved Envy would be an understatement. However, we are not talking about Envy at this time. So Betrayal is the sequel to Envy. I was so excited to get this ARC because I loved Envy and needed to know what happened in the next captivating installment! I was not disappointed! The sequel was just as wonderfully written and descriptive as the first one was.
The thing I love most about Gregg's stories is how they are based on factual events. He takes those real life cases and makes his own story out of them. This book was based on the Amanda Knox case, which I vaguely remember hearing about years ago. If you don't know about it, it's about an exchange student who comes to America and is accused of killing her roommate(Like I said, I don't remember the details so I may have gotten it wrong, but that was my understanding). Anyway, I loved Gregg's story better!
So from the beginning of the book I am literally glued to my book; heart stopping, pulse racing, sweat covering my forehead....I am on the edge of my seat in fear as this story unfolds. Its amazing how descriptive Gregg is. His writing is so alluring and you feel like you're in the scene with the characters. I loved the fact that this book is set in Port Gamble, Washington-just like Envy was. I loved that we got to see most of the same characters, with a few new ones added in. I loved it, this book was amazingly executed and really fufilled my expectations.
I loved the twins, they were my favorite characters in both books so far. I love getting to see them again and getting to know them more and their strange abilities. I like Colton as well. All in all, this book was awesome! The tension was perfect, the writing-flowed easily and kept my attention...the pace was just right. Another awesome book from Gregg! Congrats! I can't wait for Guilty now...need to know more!
So as I was reading both Envy and Betrayal, I pictured Taylor and Haley Ryan as.....Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. I think it's mostly because you don't hear often about 2 twin girls their age, so I automatically had them in my head.
February 3, 2021
Dying to Be Her is the second instalment in the young adult Port Gamble Chronicles series, set in Port Gamble (aka Empty Coffin), Washington. Sixteen year old Olivia Grant is a foreign exchange student who has made the trip from London to America having flown from Heathrow to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Her new best friend, Brianna Connors was throwing a no expenses spared Halloween party, while her parents were away on a cruise. She had raided her parents liquor cabinet and virtually everyone from Kingston High was there all dressed up in costume. But after drinking some of Brianna's fathers craft beer, Olivia felt unwell so she ascends the stairs and lies down in Brianna's huge bedroom. But after only drinking one or two 11% beers she wonders if she's been drugged as the room begins spinning and she feels in a state of confusion. Later on, Olivia wakes from sleep and hears someone moving in the bedroom but when she calls out no one responds. Then the shadowy figure starts kneeling on the bed and proceeds to stab her.
They get on top of her holding her down and for Olivia there's no escape. A fight ensues as Olivia is a fighter but she gets hit with something sharp which stops her in her tracks. By now she's bleeding quite a lot and her hands are covered in blood. Her attacker then slashes the knife across her neck before leaving her to die. As twins Hayley and Taylor Ryan get pulled into the aftermath of this Amanda Knox-like crime, they realise nothing is what it seems. Could it be betrayal of the ultimate kind? This is a riveting, compelling and thrilling read with a sinister and disturbing plot and enough action to keep you engrossed throughout. Dying to Be Her features real-life crime-solving techniques, heart-stopping suspense, plenty of red herrings, hard-hitting ethical questions, and information about the Amanda Knox case that inspired the novel. As the crime unravels, so does the twins' past…and they must face off against a family member who may unexpectedly have carried out the worst betrayal of all. An entertaining, captivating and palpably tense read. Highly recommended.
They get on top of her holding her down and for Olivia there's no escape. A fight ensues as Olivia is a fighter but she gets hit with something sharp which stops her in her tracks. By now she's bleeding quite a lot and her hands are covered in blood. Her attacker then slashes the knife across her neck before leaving her to die. As twins Hayley and Taylor Ryan get pulled into the aftermath of this Amanda Knox-like crime, they realise nothing is what it seems. Could it be betrayal of the ultimate kind? This is a riveting, compelling and thrilling read with a sinister and disturbing plot and enough action to keep you engrossed throughout. Dying to Be Her features real-life crime-solving techniques, heart-stopping suspense, plenty of red herrings, hard-hitting ethical questions, and information about the Amanda Knox case that inspired the novel. As the crime unravels, so does the twins' past…and they must face off against a family member who may unexpectedly have carried out the worst betrayal of all. An entertaining, captivating and palpably tense read. Highly recommended.
October 6, 2012
Hayley and Taylor Ryan are twins that share a special supernatural bond. They can tell when an unnatural (murder) or unexpected death has occurred.
An exchange student, Olivia Grant, is stabbed to death at a Halloween Party in the town of Port Gamble. Suspicion toward Drew, Olivia’s boy friend, and Beth, best friend to Hayley and Taylor, immediately grows and to save their friend Hayley and Taylor must discover the murdered before the wrong person is accused.
The story is based loosely on the Amanda Knox case. Even though it is based on an actual murder investigation, the surprising twists and turns in this book keep you transfixed to the story.
Let me just say that I did not read the first book in this series. Betrayal can stand alone. This is an interesting young adult murder mystery with a dash of paranormal on the side. In the end, I found Betrayal an easy, enjoyable and intriguing read.
This ARC copy of Betrayal was given to me by Goodreads First Reads and Sterling Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
An exchange student, Olivia Grant, is stabbed to death at a Halloween Party in the town of Port Gamble. Suspicion toward Drew, Olivia’s boy friend, and Beth, best friend to Hayley and Taylor, immediately grows and to save their friend Hayley and Taylor must discover the murdered before the wrong person is accused.
The story is based loosely on the Amanda Knox case. Even though it is based on an actual murder investigation, the surprising twists and turns in this book keep you transfixed to the story.
Let me just say that I did not read the first book in this series. Betrayal can stand alone. This is an interesting young adult murder mystery with a dash of paranormal on the side. In the end, I found Betrayal an easy, enjoyable and intriguing read.
This ARC copy of Betrayal was given to me by Goodreads First Reads and Sterling Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2025
This is a Young Adult Mystery, and this is the second book in the Empty Coffin series. I have read the first book in this series before picking up this book, and I feel you do need to read the first book in this series before picking up this book. I found it hard to make myself want to pick up this book at times. There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed, but there were parts that drove me totally crazy. Some of the characters acted younger than they were which drove me crazy. Overall, this was just not the book for me and it was just a ok read. I did listen to the audiobook for this book, and I think the narrator did a good job. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
September 18, 2014
This felt like two different books. There were two different stories going on. They somewhat fit together, but the murder story was not very good. In fact, the first part of book was not good at all. I kept going for whatever reason and was somewhat rewarded. The story following the twins, Hayley and Taylor, was interesting. The other characters, especially Brianna, her mother, even Beth Lee, Drew, etc. were less than likeable. I realized the author was basing the behavior on that of Amanda Knox and the role the media can play in a murder investigation, but the whole crime story was not good. I only gave it a three because of the twins and their investigation/findings.
January 31, 2021
I'm hoping with this newly edited series a third book will be announced!
Olivia, an exchange student from London, is brutally murdered in Brianna's bed. During Brianna's amazing Halloween party.
Brianna does yoga in the hallway after giving her statement. Her boyfriend, Drew, watched TV while Brianna determined Olivia was dead. Not the classic responses.
Hayley and Taylor attempt to use their gifts, hoping Olivia will send them a clue. What they are the events leading up to the tragic bus accident killing their friends.
Which mystery is most important to solve?
Great suspense. I love these characters. The transitions are enjoyable, helps move the story forward.
Olivia, an exchange student from London, is brutally murdered in Brianna's bed. During Brianna's amazing Halloween party.
Brianna does yoga in the hallway after giving her statement. Her boyfriend, Drew, watched TV while Brianna determined Olivia was dead. Not the classic responses.
Hayley and Taylor attempt to use their gifts, hoping Olivia will send them a clue. What they are the events leading up to the tragic bus accident killing their friends.
Which mystery is most important to solve?
Great suspense. I love these characters. The transitions are enjoyable, helps move the story forward.
to-read-i-own
June 3, 2012WHEN DID THIS GET A COVER?!?!?!?!? How did I not see this?! ):< Oh well CANT WAIT!(: anddddd totally love the cover(:
February 8, 2021
This is the second instalment of Empty Coffin series featuring Hayley and Taylor Ryan. I've read the fist one too, so it was easier for me to know the characters in the book, but I think that it is not a problem to read this one as a standalone. Since I know Gregg Olson as a true crime writer, every book for Ryan sisters is inspired by one true crime case.
This story is about foreign exchange student from England that was stabbed to death during a Halloween party right in the start of this novel. The host of the party Brianna Connors and her boyfriend Drew seem to act in a unusual way for a teenagers who found dead Olivia. They are immediately accused, judged, and found guilty by the press and social media.
In time of the killing twin sisters Taylor and Hayley are both awakened by the sense that something is very wrong, just like they felt one year earlier when their childhood friend died.
While they are investigating what exactly happened in the present, they start unraveling secrets from their own past. The story is easy to follow and it's bit interesting to read about teenage spitefulness throughout the book.
It kept my attention and had to read it in almost one sitting. I had to guess who was the murderer until the end. I enjoyed reading the book and if there is another instalment in this series, I will read it too.
This story is about foreign exchange student from England that was stabbed to death during a Halloween party right in the start of this novel. The host of the party Brianna Connors and her boyfriend Drew seem to act in a unusual way for a teenagers who found dead Olivia. They are immediately accused, judged, and found guilty by the press and social media.
In time of the killing twin sisters Taylor and Hayley are both awakened by the sense that something is very wrong, just like they felt one year earlier when their childhood friend died.
While they are investigating what exactly happened in the present, they start unraveling secrets from their own past. The story is easy to follow and it's bit interesting to read about teenage spitefulness throughout the book.
It kept my attention and had to read it in almost one sitting. I had to guess who was the murderer until the end. I enjoyed reading the book and if there is another instalment in this series, I will read it too.
February 2, 2021
"I did what no one else would."
I liked this one just a bit more than the first. Even though it's book 2, this one could easily stand alone - although I did like knowing the previous experiences to tie some of the hints and end stuff up. The twins are interesting characters and their abilities, as they discover them, as well as the clues to the mystery are well done and I did find myself wanting to know how it all ended.
The little twist at the end was great, tying everything together.
I liked this one just a bit more than the first. Even though it's book 2, this one could easily stand alone - although I did like knowing the previous experiences to tie some of the hints and end stuff up. The twins are interesting characters and their abilities, as they discover them, as well as the clues to the mystery are well done and I did find myself wanting to know how it all ended.
The little twist at the end was great, tying everything together.
July 27, 2013
Like its predecessor Envy, Betrayal was such an interesting murder mystery and I absolutely loved every minute. Gregg Olsen has a way to weave a mystery that makes it almost impossible to guess the truth. Sure when you read a mystery, you know it's probably not who you think it is, but when the end comes and you learn the truth, the Empty Coffin series will leave you surprised. I know I was!
The twins Hayley and Taylor really are the stars of this novel. Their special abilities to see the future and past are such an asset to solving crimes and when the victims are classmates, it's understandable they would want to use their ability to help. But that's not the start and end of their plot; their family makes for an interesting mystery itself. Their mother is obviously hiding something about her past and the twins are also itching to know what happened to her. Their father writes mysteries and I can't help but wonder if Olsen put a little of himself in that character. We did finally learn more about the twins' mother in Betrayal, but I have a feeling there's a lot more this family that we'll learn about in subsequent novels.
As strange as it sounds, I found the afterword of the novel to be extremely interesting. Olsen seems to be basing the crimes in his Empty Coffin series off real events. In Envy, the plot was loosely based off a real case of bullying. In Betrayal, the plot is loosely based off the story of Amanda Knox. She accused of murdering her roommate while studying-aborad in Italy. I didn't follow that news piece at all, so when Olsen explained the parallels I was quite surprised and intrigued. The fact that the Empty Coffin novels are based off real events makes the books that much more exciting to read. I'm eagerly anticipating the third novel, Guilty, to see what real-life drama will show up in its pages.
The only thing I didn't like in Betrayal was the product placement. For example, instead of simply saying the character sipped from a cup of coffee, it was Starbucks coffee. If a character changed her outfit, we learned she changed out of something from Macy's and into something from L.L.Bean. I could go on and on, but really the brand-name name-dropping got a bit annoying after awhile. Still, I think the plot and action itself made up for it.
Four stars! I loved the mystery in this novel and I think this is a great fall read as Halloween approaches. While you could potentially read Betrayal as a stand-alone, I highly recommend you read the first book in the series, Envy, first since it will give a lot of the background information on the twin's ability and family life. References to Envy are pretty frequent throughout Betrayal. I think it's a little unfortunate these books haven't made more of a splash in the YA world, when I think they're definitely worth reading.
...more YA reviews at pandareads.com
The twins Hayley and Taylor really are the stars of this novel. Their special abilities to see the future and past are such an asset to solving crimes and when the victims are classmates, it's understandable they would want to use their ability to help. But that's not the start and end of their plot; their family makes for an interesting mystery itself. Their mother is obviously hiding something about her past and the twins are also itching to know what happened to her. Their father writes mysteries and I can't help but wonder if Olsen put a little of himself in that character. We did finally learn more about the twins' mother in Betrayal, but I have a feeling there's a lot more this family that we'll learn about in subsequent novels.
As strange as it sounds, I found the afterword of the novel to be extremely interesting. Olsen seems to be basing the crimes in his Empty Coffin series off real events. In Envy, the plot was loosely based off a real case of bullying. In Betrayal, the plot is loosely based off the story of Amanda Knox. She accused of murdering her roommate while studying-aborad in Italy. I didn't follow that news piece at all, so when Olsen explained the parallels I was quite surprised and intrigued. The fact that the Empty Coffin novels are based off real events makes the books that much more exciting to read. I'm eagerly anticipating the third novel, Guilty, to see what real-life drama will show up in its pages.
The only thing I didn't like in Betrayal was the product placement. For example, instead of simply saying the character sipped from a cup of coffee, it was Starbucks coffee. If a character changed her outfit, we learned she changed out of something from Macy's and into something from L.L.Bean. I could go on and on, but really the brand-name name-dropping got a bit annoying after awhile. Still, I think the plot and action itself made up for it.
Four stars! I loved the mystery in this novel and I think this is a great fall read as Halloween approaches. While you could potentially read Betrayal as a stand-alone, I highly recommend you read the first book in the series, Envy, first since it will give a lot of the background information on the twin's ability and family life. References to Envy are pretty frequent throughout Betrayal. I think it's a little unfortunate these books haven't made more of a splash in the YA world, when I think they're definitely worth reading.
...more YA reviews at pandareads.com
September 10, 2012
First off I want to thank the publisher for an ARC of this book. I read the first book right before I got into this one and I have to say I really enjoyed Betrayal more. The new girl Olivia Grant was not such a lucky girl in this story. After her untimely murder the twins Hayley and Taylor go on the journey to find out what happened to her while uncovering so much more in their life and the others in their small town. Murders keeping happening to people the twins know and they can’t figure out what’s going on. Things just seem to be getting weirder, along with their life as well. As they try to uncover what really happened to their mother when she was younger and Olivia you will journey in to so much more in this book!
Betrayal is a GREAT title for this one. Gregg really had me hooked from the first murder. The twist and turns that went on during this story were amazing. I never really knew who did what or how. It mad the story so much more exciting and page turning. Secretes, mistakes, heartache, danger and much more is some of the things going on in this one. I loved the Twins in each story more so in this one because there part is so much bigger. They are great at what they do and I love how they are determined to get answers.
This is a murder mystery you wont want to pass up, you will think you know but really in the end you will be shocked to see maybe you just were not! It’s a dangerous ride you take with each character in this one and you will for sure what to hold on tight because you will not want to put this one down!
Thanks for the great read Gregg and I cant wait for Guilty, I am excited fro more!
Betrayal is a GREAT title for this one. Gregg really had me hooked from the first murder. The twist and turns that went on during this story were amazing. I never really knew who did what or how. It mad the story so much more exciting and page turning. Secretes, mistakes, heartache, danger and much more is some of the things going on in this one. I loved the Twins in each story more so in this one because there part is so much bigger. They are great at what they do and I love how they are determined to get answers.
This is a murder mystery you wont want to pass up, you will think you know but really in the end you will be shocked to see maybe you just were not! It’s a dangerous ride you take with each character in this one and you will for sure what to hold on tight because you will not want to put this one down!
Thanks for the great read Gregg and I cant wait for Guilty, I am excited fro more!
July 6, 2012
A DNF - while the plot was interesting, the writing was getting to me and I gave up after the "banana bread loaf-sized muffin top" jiggling in the "skinny jeans [that] only work if you're actually skinny". The author needs to cut back the adjectives and extraneous descriptive phrases by about 2/3 and beef up the rest of the plot.
Which, as I said, did look interesting: a British exchange student, Olivia, is violently murdered at a Hallowe'en party. The hostess, Bree, is rich, self-involved and overly indulged; and the homestay hostess, Beth, and Olivia had an argument before the party. Or possibly this death had something to do with the death (in a previous book) of Katelyn.
Thanks to the writing style, I'll never know. Perhaps those less bothered by it will enjoy this.
ARC provided by publisher.
Which, as I said, did look interesting: a British exchange student, Olivia, is violently murdered at a Hallowe'en party. The hostess, Bree, is rich, self-involved and overly indulged; and the homestay hostess, Beth, and Olivia had an argument before the party. Or possibly this death had something to do with the death (in a previous book) of Katelyn.
Thanks to the writing style, I'll never know. Perhaps those less bothered by it will enjoy this.
ARC provided by publisher.
July 5, 2012
I won an advance reader’s copy of Betrayal by Gregg Olsen through Goodreads First Reads. Betrayal is the second book in the Empty Coffin series and is geared toward the YA audience.
Fast-paced and interesting, I would have found this novel very hard to put down if I was still in junior high. But I do want to be fair in this review because this is a young adult novel. It is filled with pop culture references that may not be easily recognizable in a few years. Another downside is that if the reader has not read the first Empty Coffin novel, they may be a little confused about references that are made in the second novel.
Other than these few things, I though the book is a perfect beach read. Murder, intrigue, and Twitter; what else could you want?
Fast-paced and interesting, I would have found this novel very hard to put down if I was still in junior high. But I do want to be fair in this review because this is a young adult novel. It is filled with pop culture references that may not be easily recognizable in a few years. Another downside is that if the reader has not read the first Empty Coffin novel, they may be a little confused about references that are made in the second novel.
Other than these few things, I though the book is a perfect beach read. Murder, intrigue, and Twitter; what else could you want?
September 14, 2012
Another hit in the Empty Coffin series! "Betrayal" does not disappoint by delivering realistic characters, and a murder-mystery that keeps you guessing. I'm looking forward to the next one!
A note on Olsen's craft:
Olsen's writing is so vivid that there were times when I had to stop reading the book before going to bed, because the story would continue in my dreams. I think his best asset is in creating these modern and realistic characters. Olsen has been added to my list of favorite authors.
A note on Olsen's craft:
Olsen's writing is so vivid that there were times when I had to stop reading the book before going to bed, because the story would continue in my dreams. I think his best asset is in creating these modern and realistic characters. Olsen has been added to my list of favorite authors.
June 7, 2012
I read an advance reader's copy (ARC) of this book and the story was completely entertaining but the ARC was riddled with typos and other errors which were very distracting. Wait for the finished product. There were also no allusions to or hints about the "empty coffin" as there were in the first novel of The Empty Coffin series and I was a bit disappointed by that. I'm anxious to learn more about the strange goings on in Port Gamble.
February 21, 2015
I found the book completely unrealistic.
Ex. "The body is that of a well-developed, well-nourished, white female who appears the stated age of 17 years. Body height is 68 inches. Body w eight is 105 lbs.."
A 17 year old girl who is roughly 5'6 and weighs 105 should not be described as 'well nourished'.
The dialogue and the characters are ridiculous. The girl who found the body kicked it to see if it would move, and she texts during the police interview.
Waste of time.
Ex. "The body is that of a well-developed, well-nourished, white female who appears the stated age of 17 years. Body height is 68 inches. Body w eight is 105 lbs.."
A 17 year old girl who is roughly 5'6 and weighs 105 should not be described as 'well nourished'.
The dialogue and the characters are ridiculous. The girl who found the body kicked it to see if it would move, and she texts during the police interview.
Waste of time.
July 31, 2024
Celá kniha bola tak suchá a všetko v nej bolo tak očividné, že som len prevracala oči.
Očividne mám po seriály Scream až príliš vysoké očakávania.
Očividne mám po seriály Scream až príliš vysoké očakávania.
did-not-finish
October 6, 2015DNF on page 50. Sorry, I'm just too old for this book. Read the ending though.
October 4, 2023
Did not like the ending!!
January 7, 2024
The narrator and this book had me hooked from the beginning, which is great because that’s how I felt about book 1. This book follow the twins on a journey of family discovery as well as trying to find out who killed the exchange student at the Halloween party. It was strange because while I expected these 2 story lines to have something to do with each other they are really separate. One exposes a family secret and the other exposes the people who were in on the murder and why. While I enjoyed the beginning and was hooked as the stories began to unfold there were some things that just made it feel too long and off course. The ending was satisfying.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for sending me book 1 and 2. It was great to be able to read them back to back. However they would also be great as stand alone as you doing need to read book 1 to understand book 2.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for sending me book 1 and 2. It was great to be able to read them back to back. However they would also be great as stand alone as you doing need to read book 1 to understand book 2.
January 14, 2024
3.5 stars. The second chilling YA murder story in the Port Gamble chronicles. A year on from the dark murder of a teenage girl in the small town, a second teenage girl has been found brutally stabbed at a Halloween party. The teen hostess and her boyfriend act suspiciously calm the following day and then go missing. Psychic teens Hayley and Taylor soon find themselves tied up in the search for truth regarding the murdered Olivia and the missing Brianna. They also find themselves receiving the attention of a creepy texter and possible killer. Another slow reveal auduobook that will keep you hanging on for the big finale. #dyingtobeher #greggolsen #netgalley #ya
February 3, 2021
I liked book 2 more than book 1. The character development was a lot stronger and I really loved the mystery / who-dun-it this time around. This is definitely a book that you can pick up on a lazy Sunday and breeze right through. This one does a nice job of keeping the reader engaged in Haley and Taylor's story and will have you excited to read book 3 in the series to answer some hanging questions.
Reader(s) note - if you are an Olsen fan, please go into this series knowing they are YA books. I was unaware of that before I started since I don't normally read book blurbs and I was definitely craving his normal graphic / gruesome writing style.
Reader(s) note - if you are an Olsen fan, please go into this series knowing they are YA books. I was unaware of that before I started since I don't normally read book blurbs and I was definitely craving his normal graphic / gruesome writing style.
January 15, 2024
Wow! This was an intense listen!
The second book in the series of Port Gamble Chronicles doesn’t disappoint. This series just gets better and better! Several secrets are finally revealed but the danger has definitely increased. Trust no one in Port Gamble! For one of the murders I did quickly pick up several elements to the Amanda Knox so it was interesting to see how this one differed from the real case. Lots of twists and turns.
The narrator, Karen Peakes does a wonderful job portraying a variety of characters with her tones and inflections. She kept me engaged till the very end.
If you’re looking for a mystery thriller, then definitely pick this series up!
A very special thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.
The second book in the series of Port Gamble Chronicles doesn’t disappoint. This series just gets better and better! Several secrets are finally revealed but the danger has definitely increased. Trust no one in Port Gamble! For one of the murders I did quickly pick up several elements to the Amanda Knox so it was interesting to see how this one differed from the real case. Lots of twists and turns.
The narrator, Karen Peakes does a wonderful job portraying a variety of characters with her tones and inflections. She kept me engaged till the very end.
If you’re looking for a mystery thriller, then definitely pick this series up!
A very special thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.
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