What do you think?
Rate this book
Tell Me When It Hurts
Archer Loh, Ivy League grad and Olympic rider, has been carefully groomed to be a government assassin but, at the moment of decision, she instead chooses law school, her college sweetheart, and a quiet life in Connecticut, leaving her violent apprenticeship behind as her own little secret.
When her only child is murdered and the killer goes free on a technicality, Archer ditches family, career, friends and horses to find justice. Brushing up on her lethal skills, and aided by a shadowy and well-heeled vigilante group, she tries to find meaning in her pain and a reason to keep taking another breath by implementing private retribution.
At her lowest ebb, Connor McCall, Harvard-educated financial baron turned Wyoming sheep rancher, stumbles into her life, bringing with him his own demons. And everything changes.
When her only child is murdered and the killer goes free on a technicality, Archer ditches family, career, friends and horses to find justice. Brushing up on her lethal skills, and aided by a shadowy and well-heeled vigilante group, she tries to find meaning in her pain and a reason to keep taking another breath by implementing private retribution.
At her lowest ebb, Connor McCall, Harvard-educated financial baron turned Wyoming sheep rancher, stumbles into her life, bringing with him his own demons. And everything changes.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
64 people are currently reading
1008 people want to read
About the author
Christine M. Whitehead
3 books108 followersI’m a New England and Jersey Girl, a graduate of Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, and a divorce lawyer in Hartford, Connecticut. Tell Me When It Hurts was my first novel and The Rage of Plum Blossoms was my second. My latest is Hemingway's Daughter and I am excited to have readers enjoy and comment on it. Hemingway had 3 sons but always wanted a daughter. The book is about Finn's yearning to be a trial lawyer, and her hope to fall in love despite her belief that the family has a love curse on it,, and her dream to impact her father's writing--all of which feel impossible .
Alll three books can be read literally as good stories but the general theme of all is how we struggle to regain purchase when so much is pressing us every day to slip and when life turns on us and hope seems gone. All of the books are above all about choices and and second chances.
I spend my spare time with my dogs, my horses, and my significant other on a farm in rural CT. Please visit me at my website www.christinewhitehead.com and my blog www.theblogalsorises.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 4, 2013
Romance and suspense is most always a good mixture for me. Add in a twist on different and this one completely satisfied. I give high praise to new-to-me-author Christine Whitehead. This author has done her job well.
Within a unique and character-driven plot, Whitehead has crafted the epitome of well-drawn and intriguing adults who have experienced, struggled, and lived through tragic and trying times. Archer Loh and Connor McCall are characters that arouse interest, captivate, and mesmerize readers.
The blurb may have led some to believe that this might be an action-packed female assassin’s story of revenge, but it is not. Archer Loh is a mother whose only child was murdered. She reacts by withdrawing from the world at large and survives in a way that most of us would never imagine. Connor McCall’s story is not as permanently damaged but he, too, struggles with a decision he made that left him with an empty hole in his heart.
When McCall, a Harvard business graduate who walked away from the Big Apple to raise sheep in Wyoming, invades Archer’s territory, their meeting is a bit frigid and tense. Slowly, through a mutual respect and love for horses, they establish a friendship that slowly progresses into something much more meaningful. Each will find love and understanding – one will accept that life goes on even when a piece of us will always be missing and the other will find the missing piece of his heart thought lost so long ago.
A compelling story that won’t disappoint. The writer effectively provides an emotionally moving, powerful, and well-flowing story. Without reservation, I highly recommend.
Within a unique and character-driven plot, Whitehead has crafted the epitome of well-drawn and intriguing adults who have experienced, struggled, and lived through tragic and trying times. Archer Loh and Connor McCall are characters that arouse interest, captivate, and mesmerize readers.
The blurb may have led some to believe that this might be an action-packed female assassin’s story of revenge, but it is not. Archer Loh is a mother whose only child was murdered. She reacts by withdrawing from the world at large and survives in a way that most of us would never imagine. Connor McCall’s story is not as permanently damaged but he, too, struggles with a decision he made that left him with an empty hole in his heart.
When McCall, a Harvard business graduate who walked away from the Big Apple to raise sheep in Wyoming, invades Archer’s territory, their meeting is a bit frigid and tense. Slowly, through a mutual respect and love for horses, they establish a friendship that slowly progresses into something much more meaningful. Each will find love and understanding – one will accept that life goes on even when a piece of us will always be missing and the other will find the missing piece of his heart thought lost so long ago.
A compelling story that won’t disappoint. The writer effectively provides an emotionally moving, powerful, and well-flowing story. Without reservation, I highly recommend.
November 14, 2025
Personal story about this book…
In 2010 I was 13 years old and still obsessed with horses. My mom saw an advertisement for an author who was on tour for her new book “Tell Me When it Hurts” and she was coming to our local library. I saw that the book cover had a horse on it so I enthusiastically agreed to go! Mrs.Whitehead talked about her book and was kind enough to sign the copy my mom and I bought. On the inside cover she said “Please tell me what you think”. After my mom read it she said I needed to be a tad older to read it (I had yet to go on my D.C trip, which you could see her hesitation if you read the book). More than 15 years later I am visiting my mom and am trying to find something to read and I find this book again. When I tell you I was enthralled I mean I didn’t want to stop reading! So, Mrs. whitehead if you’re reading this I want to tell you that my honest opinion of your book was that it was absolutely worth the wait and I can’t wait to read your other ones!!
In 2010 I was 13 years old and still obsessed with horses. My mom saw an advertisement for an author who was on tour for her new book “Tell Me When it Hurts” and she was coming to our local library. I saw that the book cover had a horse on it so I enthusiastically agreed to go! Mrs.Whitehead talked about her book and was kind enough to sign the copy my mom and I bought. On the inside cover she said “Please tell me what you think”. After my mom read it she said I needed to be a tad older to read it (I had yet to go on my D.C trip, which you could see her hesitation if you read the book). More than 15 years later I am visiting my mom and am trying to find something to read and I find this book again. When I tell you I was enthralled I mean I didn’t want to stop reading! So, Mrs. whitehead if you’re reading this I want to tell you that my honest opinion of your book was that it was absolutely worth the wait and I can’t wait to read your other ones!!
May 3, 2015
I'm a fairly dedicated Fantasy and Sci-Fi reader, but I was in the mood for something a little more down to earth so I picked up Tell Me When It Hurts. Granted, I was expecting a little more The Long Kiss Goodnight or La Femme Nikita than The Horse Whisperer, but it was still a sweet story. I teared up more than once, rooted for the characters and was pleased with the ending.
Archer was mired in guilt and in constant emotional turmoil. She was a little horrible, but who could blame her? Not me. Conner was...oh, Conner was just marvellous. He was one of the best characters I've come across lately. I loved him. He sooo deserved to be happy. There were also a whole host of small-time side characters who all had an important role to play and you couldn't help but like them.
The above sentence, with the movie/book references in it, would fit nicely into the Tell Me When It Hurts. There are a lot of them in the book. It's a game the characters play, and by extension so does the reader. It was kind of fun and I suspect that there were even more than I was able to catch.
The book did drag a bit in the middle. It wasn't that nothing happened, in fact a few small but important things occurred. It was just that for a little while there it became a string of mundane occurrences, christmas shopping, getting the mail, walking the dogs, etc. I know that this was sort of the point. The characters were falling into a life together, but I'm used to a bit more action and was relieved when things picked back up.
The book would definitely appeal to fans of Nicholas Evans more than those of Robert Ludlam, but I recommend it for anyone who likes a story about the resilience of the human spirit and overcoming personal tragedy.
Archer was mired in guilt and in constant emotional turmoil. She was a little horrible, but who could blame her? Not me. Conner was...oh, Conner was just marvellous. He was one of the best characters I've come across lately. I loved him. He sooo deserved to be happy. There were also a whole host of small-time side characters who all had an important role to play and you couldn't help but like them.
The above sentence, with the movie/book references in it, would fit nicely into the Tell Me When It Hurts. There are a lot of them in the book. It's a game the characters play, and by extension so does the reader. It was kind of fun and I suspect that there were even more than I was able to catch.
The book did drag a bit in the middle. It wasn't that nothing happened, in fact a few small but important things occurred. It was just that for a little while there it became a string of mundane occurrences, christmas shopping, getting the mail, walking the dogs, etc. I know that this was sort of the point. The characters were falling into a life together, but I'm used to a bit more action and was relieved when things picked back up.
The book would definitely appeal to fans of Nicholas Evans more than those of Robert Ludlam, but I recommend it for anyone who likes a story about the resilience of the human spirit and overcoming personal tragedy.
June 23, 2012
I received this book from a trusted friend. She assured me it was one of THE BEST books she had read in recent memory. I was skeptical however as I make it a rule to only read non fiction. Why, you may ask? Because there is so much lousy fiction out there!
Not the case with this book at all! In fact, once I picked it up I only put it down to sleep one night. The book was so compelling I finished it in two sittings. Ms. Whitehead does not waste time with exhaustive detail like some fiction writers that turned me off the genre. Instead she deftly develops characters that you wish you knew, people you would gladly sit down to lunch, tea or dinner with to get to know them better, to hear them tell their own stories. Her method off establishing place is clean and effective. And the way she develops the emotional thread of the story is subtle but powerful. Before I knew it I was wiping tears off my cheeks in several sections. I have not been as moved by a book in years and years. In fact, I cannot recall any book that held my attention so closely, nor moved me so much.
Ms. Whitehead is a break though writer and I am sure I am not the only one who can't wait to read what she writes next!
Now if only I could give this GREAT read 10 stars!
Not the case with this book at all! In fact, once I picked it up I only put it down to sleep one night. The book was so compelling I finished it in two sittings. Ms. Whitehead does not waste time with exhaustive detail like some fiction writers that turned me off the genre. Instead she deftly develops characters that you wish you knew, people you would gladly sit down to lunch, tea or dinner with to get to know them better, to hear them tell their own stories. Her method off establishing place is clean and effective. And the way she develops the emotional thread of the story is subtle but powerful. Before I knew it I was wiping tears off my cheeks in several sections. I have not been as moved by a book in years and years. In fact, I cannot recall any book that held my attention so closely, nor moved me so much.
Ms. Whitehead is a break though writer and I am sure I am not the only one who can't wait to read what she writes next!
Now if only I could give this GREAT read 10 stars!
June 18, 2012
I loved the story. I like stories that start with the tragedy and then slowly try to build the lives back to where they should have been and this story does just that - that's probably a big part of where the comparison to The Horse Whisperer comes from. Archer struggles to find a reason and a will to live after her daughter died and I loved going on her journey with her. Every part of it seems real and Connor's reluctance to push her into who he wants makes him a really great match for her.
I loved both Archer and Connor. Archer, at her lowest in life, is a character that I just want to hold and tell that everything will get better. Connor, who’s kind of drifting through life, doesn’t get a lot of characterization – most of the book is told from Archer’s perspective – but we see his loyalty and love for both his ranch and for Archer. I also really liked the secondary characters, especially the character of Peter. At first he comes across as a kind of bastard, but he really does have a heart. I love him.
I loved both Archer and Connor. Archer, at her lowest in life, is a character that I just want to hold and tell that everything will get better. Connor, who’s kind of drifting through life, doesn’t get a lot of characterization – most of the book is told from Archer’s perspective – but we see his loyalty and love for both his ranch and for Archer. I also really liked the secondary characters, especially the character of Peter. At first he comes across as a kind of bastard, but he really does have a heart. I love him.
September 16, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed, their problems real, were they going to get together? I also learned a lot about horse grooming, good dogs, even better food. It's not often that a book will touch your heart, and this one did. Very satisfying. I'll definitely read this author again.
June 23, 2012
If you grabbed "Tell Me When It Hurts" you might want to move it up. I loved it. Not Romantic Suspence so to speak. More of a good old love story. I LOVED it! I would read it over and over. Like your favorite go to movie.
November 4, 2012
Tell Me When it hurts is a great book; I could hardly put it down! The characters really wrap you up in their lives, and you spend much of the book being just as frustrated with the main character's emotions as she is herself. I highly recommend this book!
September 14, 2016
Kids, dogs, horses, mountains, cowboys and romance: What's not to love? Christine Whitehead's novel, Tell Me When It Hurts, has them all, and more besides. But, even if it didn't, the author's smooth, articulate, empathetic story-telling would keep readers glued to the page.
Ms. Archer Loh is an assassin, and a very successful one. She has been living in seclusion for six years, since the murder of her 12-year-old daughter. Archer leaves her mountain cabin for a few days at a time to trot the globe, killing bad guys with her sniper rifle. But when a Wyoming cowboy camps in the forest adjoining her property, Archer's world spins in a whole new direction.
Connor McCall has secrets of his own, and he, too, has separated from the world, to run a sheep ranch near a tiny western town. He introduces himself to his reclusive neighbor, but Archer sends him packing with a snarl. They might have gone their separate ways and lived solitarily ever after, but circumstances conspire against them, linking them together and eventually forcing them to choose between a bright new life and the dark old one.
While the title may sound painful, the story is generally pleasant and sometimes joyful, even though the characters must, necessarily, embrace the pain of the past before they can move into a better future. If they can do it, that is.
Caveat: If you're one of those readers (ahem, guys, you know who you are) who doesn't want to read about or talk about emotions, this is not for you. This story is all heart, and it will lift and lower your warm-fuzzy levels again and again.
There is no offensive language or explicit sex, but there are adult issues, a fairly gruesome child murder, and descriptions of abhorrent criminal acts previously performed by some of Archer's victims. Pre-teen readers, wait a couple of years before diving into this one.
Everybody else, go for it. Tell Me When It Hurts is original, well-crafted, moving, and entertaining.
Ms. Archer Loh is an assassin, and a very successful one. She has been living in seclusion for six years, since the murder of her 12-year-old daughter. Archer leaves her mountain cabin for a few days at a time to trot the globe, killing bad guys with her sniper rifle. But when a Wyoming cowboy camps in the forest adjoining her property, Archer's world spins in a whole new direction.
Connor McCall has secrets of his own, and he, too, has separated from the world, to run a sheep ranch near a tiny western town. He introduces himself to his reclusive neighbor, but Archer sends him packing with a snarl. They might have gone their separate ways and lived solitarily ever after, but circumstances conspire against them, linking them together and eventually forcing them to choose between a bright new life and the dark old one.
While the title may sound painful, the story is generally pleasant and sometimes joyful, even though the characters must, necessarily, embrace the pain of the past before they can move into a better future. If they can do it, that is.
Caveat: If you're one of those readers (ahem, guys, you know who you are) who doesn't want to read about or talk about emotions, this is not for you. This story is all heart, and it will lift and lower your warm-fuzzy levels again and again.
There is no offensive language or explicit sex, but there are adult issues, a fairly gruesome child murder, and descriptions of abhorrent criminal acts previously performed by some of Archer's victims. Pre-teen readers, wait a couple of years before diving into this one.
Everybody else, go for it. Tell Me When It Hurts is original, well-crafted, moving, and entertaining.
January 7, 2014
It's been a couple years since I've read the book, so you'll have to forgive me for not remembering character names.
That being said, I DO remember what a poignant story is held between the covers of this book.
I adore the protagonist. I love how her back story is woven so carefully into her present day life. I love what a strong character and woman she is, and quite frankly, she's quite the role model as well.
Her dance with alcoholism, while not the driving force of the book, is deeply moving as she uses it for a coping mechanism for a tragedy that I won't give away.
The romance element is secondary to her growth as a character, but is still interesting, plausible and hopeful.
There is a scene in her cabin that brought me to tears.
Enmeshed in the drama of her unfolding life is some gripping intrigue, so those looking for some action/adventure will not be disappointed.
Those wanting a heartfelt drama will not be disappointed.
Those wanting a tender romance will not be disappointed.
This was, hands down, one of the best books I've ever read.
That being said, I DO remember what a poignant story is held between the covers of this book.
I adore the protagonist. I love how her back story is woven so carefully into her present day life. I love what a strong character and woman she is, and quite frankly, she's quite the role model as well.
Her dance with alcoholism, while not the driving force of the book, is deeply moving as she uses it for a coping mechanism for a tragedy that I won't give away.
The romance element is secondary to her growth as a character, but is still interesting, plausible and hopeful.
There is a scene in her cabin that brought me to tears.
Enmeshed in the drama of her unfolding life is some gripping intrigue, so those looking for some action/adventure will not be disappointed.
Those wanting a heartfelt drama will not be disappointed.
Those wanting a tender romance will not be disappointed.
This was, hands down, one of the best books I've ever read.
September 19, 2012
This book I got free off kindle. I thought it was going to be an action book because the main character was described as a trained snipper. That is what led me to this story but it was much deeper than that. This women was a mother and her daughter was killed. She blamed herself because she felt she should have done a better job in protecting her. As a parent I could feel her pain, she also had to deal with the leagal system letting her down. Her being a lawyer could not get over that part either. So, you as the reader are pulled in to this character and can she pull herself back into the living. This is the story that got me. Being a parent I felt her pain I have daughters and the writer got me. I had to find out. I did not care about the snipper part anymore.the characters were thought out and the writing was very good. I really enjoyed this book.
August 5, 2013
I absolutely loved this book!
The author drew you in and slowly built the characters.
Archer is caught in the past due to the loss of her daughter and trying to just get through each day. She is existing, waiting until she dies. Connor comes into her life and tries to get her to understand that life is for the living and the only true way to honor her daughter is to Live Life not exist.
I love that as Connor learns about Archer and her life we feel like we are right there beside them.
The story also was a nice change as far as romance stories go that for once the guy is the sensitive one and the woman is the hard,tough person that is at a loss. The author focused on the characters and building them more than relying on a lot of intense drama/suspense to hold your attention.
A great read!
I will be reading more books by this author.
The author drew you in and slowly built the characters.
Archer is caught in the past due to the loss of her daughter and trying to just get through each day. She is existing, waiting until she dies. Connor comes into her life and tries to get her to understand that life is for the living and the only true way to honor her daughter is to Live Life not exist.
I love that as Connor learns about Archer and her life we feel like we are right there beside them.
The story also was a nice change as far as romance stories go that for once the guy is the sensitive one and the woman is the hard,tough person that is at a loss. The author focused on the characters and building them more than relying on a lot of intense drama/suspense to hold your attention.
A great read!
I will be reading more books by this author.
October 20, 2015
I was most impressed how the author took the violent loss of Archer's child and showed her pain and how she worked through the pain. "No parent should live longer than their child," was a comment at a memorial service I attended. The child’s mother made the comment and it is one that has stayed with me for years. The author understood what this comment meant.
As Archer said, Conner was sweet; he was also intelligent, patient and able to help Archer on her journey to recovery from her loss. This made a great story plot. I recommend Tell Me When It Hurts so you can enjoy the depth of the characters in this moving story
As Archer said, Conner was sweet; he was also intelligent, patient and able to help Archer on her journey to recovery from her loss. This made a great story plot. I recommend Tell Me When It Hurts so you can enjoy the depth of the characters in this moving story
November 16, 2013
When her life falls apart, after her daughter dies, Archer wants to have nothing of the world and finds retreat in an isolated cabin, rejecting any relationship with the outer world, feeling that she has to grieve her loss. Soon her 'peace' is disrupted when a neighbor, Connor, sets up a tent in a vacant lot. He also has some issues to solve. Soon they become friends, despite all the barriers she has set up. They embark on the same journey trying to make sense of their lives. Horses help her open up and take a new chance at life. An free flowing story you don't want to leave until the last very page.
June 18, 2015
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this novel. Archer is a great protagonist, and she is easy to root for. She has experienced the worst kind of tragedy, but she believes she is coping well. All of what Archer believes about her life and what she deserves changes when Connor McCall comes along, and he makes her question everything.
Whitehead's writing style is spot on and readable, and her characters seem like everyday people. Readers will find it easy to relate to the characters and the material.
Definitely give this book a try!
My full review can be found here: http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/view...
I loved this novel. Archer is a great protagonist, and she is easy to root for. She has experienced the worst kind of tragedy, but she believes she is coping well. All of what Archer believes about her life and what she deserves changes when Connor McCall comes along, and he makes her question everything.
Whitehead's writing style is spot on and readable, and her characters seem like everyday people. Readers will find it easy to relate to the characters and the material.
Definitely give this book a try!
My full review can be found here: http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/view...
February 8, 2013
I was somewhat surprised when I discovered this was not the thriller I thought it to be. Then I got caught up into the characters and story and didn't want to put it down. Archer, the heroine, is an Attorney, mother of a murdered child, loner and much more. She is also a trained assassin (a sniper) and a vigilante. McCall, a Harvard educated businessman who is now a sheep rancher. The two of them meet "cute" and establish a sort of friendship and progress from there. The plot is well done and the characters are well developed. It made for good reading.
September 11, 2016
I won this book through Goodreads giveaways- thanks Christine Whitehead! This book was awesome- I couldn't put it down!! This is the definition of thriller/romance. Archers job is super thrilling- you could write an entire series of what Archer does alone and it would be a great thriller series in itself! I am a sucker for romance book and so to add the thriller component was icing on the cake. The author has a talent for writing in a way that touches every reader and she had a knack for dramatic writing. I didn't want this book to end! I am hoping a sequel is released in the future :) !
September 20, 2012
Terrific book has it all. A well-written story plot including two characters who have much in common, loss of only daughters, each. Also, they have a respect and love for horses.
I read it in two evenings, and if it hadn't been for work, it would have been completed in one night. Again, GREAT 'read'. Loved the cover of the book; didn't care as much for the title and am thankful that THAT didn't put me off reading this one.
I read it in two evenings, and if it hadn't been for work, it would have been completed in one night. Again, GREAT 'read'. Loved the cover of the book; didn't care as much for the title and am thankful that THAT didn't put me off reading this one.
October 2, 2012
I did enjoy this novel a lot. Not your typical female assassin, as in the sort Angelina Jolie would play, but a character you can relate to and empathise with. Archer Loh tries her best to make some sense out of her grief but loses herself in the process. She has the chance to find herself again and gain some sort of peace when a hunky ranch man appears on the scene. However, she feels undeserving of a life after her young daughter is raped and murdered. Not as grim as it sounds
January 17, 2015
I've averaged four books a week for 42 years. The most poignant of those books were Love Story and Tell Me When It Hurts, this book more so. Poignancy is only one facet of all of the interesting things occurring in this story. My only regret is I can only rate it five stars. You will not be sorry if you decide to pick it up and read it.
July 17, 2014
Not unexpected
Not unexpected
I enjoyed this author's writing style. Characters were developed. I thought I knew what would happen in the end but there was always a little bit of doubt...enough to keep me interested. I'd definitely be interested in more from this author.
Not unexpected
I enjoyed this author's writing style. Characters were developed. I thought I knew what would happen in the end but there was always a little bit of doubt...enough to keep me interested. I'd definitely be interested in more from this author.
May 27, 2012
Really enjoyed this one.
June 2, 2012
This is a romance/thriller -- and it's fun.
September 18, 2012
I really enjoyed this book - when I cry reading book then you know it's a GREAT book!
April 22, 2013
Really enjoyed this book.
August 30, 2014
wow. assassin gives up her living to be in love with her sheepherder lover. great story, sad and inspirational. makes you want to get up and try something new.
September 8, 2014
Good
this is about how one woman learns to live after the brutal murder and sexual assault of her young daughter.
this is about how one woman learns to live after the brutal murder and sexual assault of her young daughter.
November 29, 2012
Great plot and story line. Easy read. Enjoyable.
March 24, 2023
Can't decide.
Nice well thought out plot. A lot of emotional, painful topics that are becoming more prevalent in our society with ups and downs in life. Can't decide is this was a tripping tale or a romance: either way I felt it was a book worth reading.
Nice well thought out plot. A lot of emotional, painful topics that are becoming more prevalent in our society with ups and downs in life. Can't decide is this was a tripping tale or a romance: either way I felt it was a book worth reading.
January 24, 2024
This is an engaging dramatic story that spans both romance and thriller. The characters are well drawn and the details about horses and ranching are engrossing. The plot is based on the violent murder of a child, which may be triggering for some readers, yet the themes of healing from loss are particularly well drawn with psychological authenticity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews