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Gone to Ground
Amaryllis, Mississippi is a scrappy little town of strong backbone and southern hospitality. A brick-paved Main Street, a park, and a legendary ghost in the local cemetery are all part of its heritage. Everybody knows everybody in Amaryllis, and gossip wafts on the breeze. Its people are friendly, its families tight. On the surface Amaryllis seems much like the flower for which it's named--bright and fragrant. But the Amaryllis flower is poison.
In the past three years five unsolved murders have occurred within the town. All the victims were women, and all were killed in similar fashion in their own homes. And just two nights ago--a sixth murder.
Clearly a killer lives among the good citizens of Amaryllis. And now three terrified women are sure they know who he is--someone they love. None is aware of the others' suspicions. And each must make the heartrending choice to bring the killer down. But each woman suspects a different man.
In the past three years five unsolved murders have occurred within the town. All the victims were women, and all were killed in similar fashion in their own homes. And just two nights ago--a sixth murder.
Clearly a killer lives among the good citizens of Amaryllis. And now three terrified women are sure they know who he is--someone they love. None is aware of the others' suspicions. And each must make the heartrending choice to bring the killer down. But each woman suspects a different man.
555 pages, Hardcover
First published January 26, 2012
93 people are currently reading
894 people want to read
About the author
Brandilyn Collins
62 books632 followersBrandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®--fast-paced, character-driven suspense with myriad twists and an interwoven thread of faith.
Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is a sought-after teacher and speaker at writers' conferences.
Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is a sought-after teacher and speaker at writers' conferences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
June 11, 2022
Gone to ground was everything I need from a suspenseful novel/thriller. Intruiging characters to follow that sound unique and don't blend together, edge on the seat feeling and being shocked when the murderer is rivaled even though it seemed obviously after knowing.
April 8, 2012
A serial killer is afoot in a sleepy Southern town. Sounds like my cup of tea, right? Wrong.
There were a couple bothersome factors with Gone to Ground:
1)Unless you are William Faulkner, don't pepper every sentence with attempts at regional dialect. Used sparingly, it adds to the atmosphere, but when you hit your readers over the head with it, it diminishes everything else.
2)Simple plot- I had the killer pegged before page 20.
There were a couple bothersome factors with Gone to Ground:
1)Unless you are William Faulkner, don't pepper every sentence with attempts at regional dialect. Used sparingly, it adds to the atmosphere, but when you hit your readers over the head with it, it diminishes everything else.
2)Simple plot- I had the killer pegged before page 20.
February 8, 2015
Whoo, I'd a given this here book a hearty five stars if it hadn't a been full a this dern country dialect. It was a movin story I liked a mighty lot, but I simply can't stand readin page afta page a this Southern accent.
November 24, 2018
I love when I cannot figure out who did it. In one chapter I was sure the clues pointed to one person, then evidence would be exposed pointing to another possibility in the next chapter.
Amaryllis, Mississippi has a serial killer. Every 6 months he kills a woman with a kitchen knife and puts the body in their closet.
This latest murder has three different women claiming they know who did it. Cherrie Mae finds evidence in the mayor's desk drawer while cleaning. Tully is sure her abusive husband did it, and Deena sees her brother in a bloody uniform. When one of them is arrested, all three women come together to tell their suspicions and try to prove who really did it.
Meanwhile, Trent Williams, a friend of Deena's and a Pulitzer winning reporter, has been writing about the murders for years and trying to dig up all the clues as well, making the police department look inept.
LOVED:
This was an audiobook read by Rebecca Gallagher who couldn’t have been any better! Her ability to sound like different people was amazing. She could play a man, a sixty-two year old black woman or a nineteen year old young white woman, and all with perfect southern accents. Loved it.
Like I said above, loved how hard it was to figure out which of the three men were the murderer. Cherrie Mae was a kick. I’d like her as a friend, but not as a maid if she goes snooping like she did. 😁
SATISFIED WITH
The faith content was fairly generic. The women praying, and one woman calling out to Jesus when she thought she was in big trouble. Church was mentioned and a pastor was involved in a minor part.
DIDN'T LOVE: (Strictly the audio version...no criticism about the writing or book content)
I was confused while listening to this audiobook because I thought there was a glitch. It’s not explained that what we're hearing at the beginning of each "part", (which starts out exactly the same way as the prolog each time), is that this was an excerpt from the reporter's articles. It wasn’t until the third "part" I realized that the glitch I'd been fast forwarding through was actually article excerpts containing pertinent information from the reporter's point of view. You’d have to open the chapters in the audio index to see the label “Excerpt", which a listener doesn’t normally do — we just listen.
Ah well, once I figured it out I was happy to listen to it.
Good book. Loved finding out who done it.
Amaryllis, Mississippi has a serial killer. Every 6 months he kills a woman with a kitchen knife and puts the body in their closet.
This latest murder has three different women claiming they know who did it. Cherrie Mae finds evidence in the mayor's desk drawer while cleaning. Tully is sure her abusive husband did it, and Deena sees her brother in a bloody uniform. When one of them is arrested, all three women come together to tell their suspicions and try to prove who really did it.
Meanwhile, Trent Williams, a friend of Deena's and a Pulitzer winning reporter, has been writing about the murders for years and trying to dig up all the clues as well, making the police department look inept.
LOVED:
This was an audiobook read by Rebecca Gallagher who couldn’t have been any better! Her ability to sound like different people was amazing. She could play a man, a sixty-two year old black woman or a nineteen year old young white woman, and all with perfect southern accents. Loved it.
Like I said above, loved how hard it was to figure out which of the three men were the murderer. Cherrie Mae was a kick. I’d like her as a friend, but not as a maid if she goes snooping like she did. 😁
SATISFIED WITH
The faith content was fairly generic. The women praying, and one woman calling out to Jesus when she thought she was in big trouble. Church was mentioned and a pastor was involved in a minor part.
DIDN'T LOVE: (Strictly the audio version...no criticism about the writing or book content)
I was confused while listening to this audiobook because I thought there was a glitch. It’s not explained that what we're hearing at the beginning of each "part", (which starts out exactly the same way as the prolog each time), is that this was an excerpt from the reporter's articles. It wasn’t until the third "part" I realized that the glitch I'd been fast forwarding through was actually article excerpts containing pertinent information from the reporter's point of view. You’d have to open the chapters in the audio index to see the label “Excerpt", which a listener doesn’t normally do — we just listen.
Ah well, once I figured it out I was happy to listen to it.
Good book. Loved finding out who done it.
January 21, 2012
Who is the Closet Killer? The charming town of Amaryllis has been haunted by 6 murders in a 3 year period, with all 6 horrible crimes committed the same way. The serial killer is at large and the town living in fear.Three different woman, Cherrie Mae, Tully, and Deena, have different suspects in mind - and each are convinced that they are right. As the women become connected through a series of seemingly random events that put them on the path of the killer, they face the greatest danger they could imagine.
Gone to Ground is a fantastic thriller, filled with twists and turns and an ending I truly didn't see coming till the last chapters. The story absolutely flew by with it's fast pace, and is expertly unveiled through the different points of view of the three main characters Cherrie Mae, Tully, and Deena. Cherrie Mae was definitely my favourite character, and I wish I could meet her in future works with her spunk, no-nonsense attitude, and intimate ways with God. My heart broke for the other two as themes of betrayal and affairs and spousal abuse emerged, but I was also able to cheer at the triumphant ending - at least for the 3 women anyway! The mystery is concluded in a most excellent matter, leaving the reader with a sense of justice being served.
If you have never had the chance to read a book by Brandilyn Collins, you are missing out! I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher via netgalley for the purposes of this unbiased review.
Jeremy
Gone to Ground is a fantastic thriller, filled with twists and turns and an ending I truly didn't see coming till the last chapters. The story absolutely flew by with it's fast pace, and is expertly unveiled through the different points of view of the three main characters Cherrie Mae, Tully, and Deena. Cherrie Mae was definitely my favourite character, and I wish I could meet her in future works with her spunk, no-nonsense attitude, and intimate ways with God. My heart broke for the other two as themes of betrayal and affairs and spousal abuse emerged, but I was also able to cheer at the triumphant ending - at least for the 3 women anyway! The mystery is concluded in a most excellent matter, leaving the reader with a sense of justice being served.
If you have never had the chance to read a book by Brandilyn Collins, you are missing out! I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher via netgalley for the purposes of this unbiased review.
Jeremy
March 21, 2012
Really, really good. The story is told from three different points of views, from three different, terrified ladies who each has a different suspect for the same horrible crimes committed in the span of three years within the small community of Amaryllis. And each women suspects someone who is very close to her. Like these three ladies, you will be certain from the beginning about the identity of the killer, and you will constantly change your mind, and go back to start, and then think it over and realize that no, the killer is this other guy, but then, wait a second, no, no, no, it's the third guy, and you will second guess yourself every step of the way. Which makes for a really good reading experience; entertaining and exciting.
The lead characters' voices are very well written and defined. The story is nicely told, with enough action, mystery and anticipation. It's not perfect, though. You will know, just know in the nick of time who the murderer really is; you will guess it, and you will instantly know why this person did it, but it doesn't take away from the experience. And I think the novel should have ended before it did. The last chapter was unnecessary; just adding one or two paragraphs once everything was resolved would have been enough.
But it still is a very good mystery with great twists and turns. Keep in mind that, yes, there is a serial killer on the loose, but this story is not gruesome or horrifying. The crimes are not too detailed, so it's not unpleasant or offensive.
4 1/2 stars.
*I received a copy of this book from B&H Publishing Group through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
The lead characters' voices are very well written and defined. The story is nicely told, with enough action, mystery and anticipation. It's not perfect, though. You will know, just know in the nick of time who the murderer really is; you will guess it, and you will instantly know why this person did it, but it doesn't take away from the experience. And I think the novel should have ended before it did. The last chapter was unnecessary; just adding one or two paragraphs once everything was resolved would have been enough.
But it still is a very good mystery with great twists and turns. Keep in mind that, yes, there is a serial killer on the loose, but this story is not gruesome or horrifying. The crimes are not too detailed, so it's not unpleasant or offensive.
4 1/2 stars.
*I received a copy of this book from B&H Publishing Group through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
July 19, 2012
***From the Queen of Seatbelt Suspense*** "Gone to Ground"
Award-winning author, Brandilyn Collins, delivers another intriguing cat-and-mouse mystery in “Gone to Ground,” this time set in the small town of Amaryllis, Mississippi, where three remarkable women are caught in a web of suspicion and fear.
This once sleepy, southern town is now tense with fear due to five unsolved murders over the past three years by an unknown, elusive serial killer. The victims, all women, span a wide age range. The killer is dubbed the “Closet Killer” because the women’s bodies are found stuffed inside closets of homes they’re murdered in.
Just when townspeople’s fears begin to diminish the killer strikes again, using the same methods and procedures except for one thing, this young woman was pregnant where the other victims were not. The killer had changed his victimology and no one could guess why.
The story begins with easygoing Cherrie Mae, a black cleaning woman who vacuums and dusts the living room of the mayor’s home. He demands perfection and she leaves the room spotless before she carries her “fold-up stool” into the mayor’s home office.
The mayor’s missus has gone to Piggly Wiggly for groceries, which leaves Cherri Mae alone to do what she does best—not just clean—explore. Some might call it snooping, however she reasoned…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/7hg54oo
Award-winning author, Brandilyn Collins, delivers another intriguing cat-and-mouse mystery in “Gone to Ground,” this time set in the small town of Amaryllis, Mississippi, where three remarkable women are caught in a web of suspicion and fear.
This once sleepy, southern town is now tense with fear due to five unsolved murders over the past three years by an unknown, elusive serial killer. The victims, all women, span a wide age range. The killer is dubbed the “Closet Killer” because the women’s bodies are found stuffed inside closets of homes they’re murdered in.
Just when townspeople’s fears begin to diminish the killer strikes again, using the same methods and procedures except for one thing, this young woman was pregnant where the other victims were not. The killer had changed his victimology and no one could guess why.
The story begins with easygoing Cherrie Mae, a black cleaning woman who vacuums and dusts the living room of the mayor’s home. He demands perfection and she leaves the room spotless before she carries her “fold-up stool” into the mayor’s home office.
The mayor’s missus has gone to Piggly Wiggly for groceries, which leaves Cherri Mae alone to do what she does best—not just clean—explore. Some might call it snooping, however she reasoned…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/7hg54oo
April 30, 2012
Title: Gone to Ground
Author: Brandilyn Collins
ISBN: 9781433671630
Publisher: B&H Books
Cherrie Mae is an about to find out some shocking and disturbing news about the Mayor of a small town. While cleaning the Mayor’s study she finds a file containing some graphic pictures that will send chills down her spine and fear in the hearts of anyone living in Amaryllis a small town in Mississippi. Written from the point of view of three specific characters, each telling her own version of what they think happened to six women brutally murdered and stuffed inside their own closet after the killer was done with them, this is one story that will haunt you for quite some time. Two white women and one black housekeeper will tell the story in their own way in their own distinct dialect. One serial killer is going around killing women and each of these women thinks she knows whom the murderer might be. One thinks its her own husband, another her brother and the third a prominent man. Just who this diabolical killer is remains to be seen. But, first we need to read further and unfold some basic facts.
Deena is a hairdresser and presents her own take on the events as her brother arrives at her home covered in blood. Angered easily and not extremely bright, she fears he just have killed victim number 6 Erika Hollinger. Tully is married to Michael who had an affair with Erika and the events described in her own words might lead the reader to think he is the guilty party. Finally, just what did Cherrie Mae find in the Mayor’s house that might point the finger at him? Five women stabbed to death with a knife in their neck and stuffed in their bedroom closets. A definite MO of this killer as the sixth if found. Then the author goes back to Cherrie Mae who has to decide what she is going to do next. All three women having some item of memento of that night when Erika as killed. Cherrie touched her ring; Tully two cotton swabs stained in blood and Deena a uniform. Who was the ghost that guarded the cemetery and greeted the mourners? Gone to Ground seen above the stones. Eerie and bone chilling to say the least.
One relentless reporter named Trent Williams will do anything to find out what really happened in this town Gone To Ground and turned upside down. Writing the article, getting the Pulitzer for it and questioning the three women he hoped to get something to not only help the police but for his paper too.
The women get together and learn from each other that all three men have a motive to have murdered this last victim. Together they try to figure out who the real killer is. Imagine that this killer lives among the people in this small town and is one of their friends hiding in very plain sight. Cherrie Mae’s children want her to come live with them. Tully is stuck in a definite rut with Mike and Deena could run away from it all with Trent. Throughout the novel the author shares Trent’s upfront and up close thoughts about the murders, the history of the town, the cemetery’s resident ghost and the people who live there including the Chief of Police. Arresting Deena’s brother on circumstantial evidence insights her and draws action from not only Deena to defend Stevie but Trent too. But, why won’t they ask for help from the State Police? What are they hiding or afraid of?
When all of the pieces come into place Cherrie, Deena and Tully are going together and discuss the case and what they all know. Gathered together they shared information that would send a chain of events in motion to hopefully catch a killer. One woman will do everything to defend her brother while another is afraid of the wrath and abuse of her husband and one woman named Cherrie will not give up until the right person is caught. Remember the Amaryllis is a flower, which is poisonous almost like what goes on in this town. The end result you won’t figure out and who the killer was well that is quite interesting. The Mayor is confronted by Cherrie Mae his wife thinks she betrayed them and the whole town finds out the unbelievable truth about a killer that was hiding right in plain sight. Gone to Ground is a mystery thriller that will not only keep you guessing until the last page is turned but will let you know what happens when on author creates three tough women who won’t stop until justice is served. This is a must read.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
Author: Brandilyn Collins
ISBN: 9781433671630
Publisher: B&H Books
Cherrie Mae is an about to find out some shocking and disturbing news about the Mayor of a small town. While cleaning the Mayor’s study she finds a file containing some graphic pictures that will send chills down her spine and fear in the hearts of anyone living in Amaryllis a small town in Mississippi. Written from the point of view of three specific characters, each telling her own version of what they think happened to six women brutally murdered and stuffed inside their own closet after the killer was done with them, this is one story that will haunt you for quite some time. Two white women and one black housekeeper will tell the story in their own way in their own distinct dialect. One serial killer is going around killing women and each of these women thinks she knows whom the murderer might be. One thinks its her own husband, another her brother and the third a prominent man. Just who this diabolical killer is remains to be seen. But, first we need to read further and unfold some basic facts.
Deena is a hairdresser and presents her own take on the events as her brother arrives at her home covered in blood. Angered easily and not extremely bright, she fears he just have killed victim number 6 Erika Hollinger. Tully is married to Michael who had an affair with Erika and the events described in her own words might lead the reader to think he is the guilty party. Finally, just what did Cherrie Mae find in the Mayor’s house that might point the finger at him? Five women stabbed to death with a knife in their neck and stuffed in their bedroom closets. A definite MO of this killer as the sixth if found. Then the author goes back to Cherrie Mae who has to decide what she is going to do next. All three women having some item of memento of that night when Erika as killed. Cherrie touched her ring; Tully two cotton swabs stained in blood and Deena a uniform. Who was the ghost that guarded the cemetery and greeted the mourners? Gone to Ground seen above the stones. Eerie and bone chilling to say the least.
One relentless reporter named Trent Williams will do anything to find out what really happened in this town Gone To Ground and turned upside down. Writing the article, getting the Pulitzer for it and questioning the three women he hoped to get something to not only help the police but for his paper too.
The women get together and learn from each other that all three men have a motive to have murdered this last victim. Together they try to figure out who the real killer is. Imagine that this killer lives among the people in this small town and is one of their friends hiding in very plain sight. Cherrie Mae’s children want her to come live with them. Tully is stuck in a definite rut with Mike and Deena could run away from it all with Trent. Throughout the novel the author shares Trent’s upfront and up close thoughts about the murders, the history of the town, the cemetery’s resident ghost and the people who live there including the Chief of Police. Arresting Deena’s brother on circumstantial evidence insights her and draws action from not only Deena to defend Stevie but Trent too. But, why won’t they ask for help from the State Police? What are they hiding or afraid of?
When all of the pieces come into place Cherrie, Deena and Tully are going together and discuss the case and what they all know. Gathered together they shared information that would send a chain of events in motion to hopefully catch a killer. One woman will do everything to defend her brother while another is afraid of the wrath and abuse of her husband and one woman named Cherrie will not give up until the right person is caught. Remember the Amaryllis is a flower, which is poisonous almost like what goes on in this town. The end result you won’t figure out and who the killer was well that is quite interesting. The Mayor is confronted by Cherrie Mae his wife thinks she betrayed them and the whole town finds out the unbelievable truth about a killer that was hiding right in plain sight. Gone to Ground is a mystery thriller that will not only keep you guessing until the last page is turned but will let you know what happens when on author creates three tough women who won’t stop until justice is served. This is a must read.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
December 19, 2011
Brandilyn Collins is one of my favorite authors. I haven’t read any of her books that I haven’t loved. She is an excellent suspense author.
In Gone to Ground it tells of a story of a killer who has killed six women.
This book is about three women who believe they know who the murder is. One woman believes it is her brother, another believe it is her husband and the last one believes it is her employer. Each one has evidence and they work together to try to get the real murder caught.
I love to try and guess who the murderer is, but didn’t do it this time. Gone to Ground is full of twists and turns and you won’t know what is going to happen next.
I was very interested and couldn’t put down this book. Another winner for Brandilyn Collins and a winner for anyone who reads it.
I loved that these three women worked together to find out who was the murder. They could have kept all of the information to themselves and let the other one take the blame.
This is a five-star book for sure. You will love this book and it will keep you reading late into the night. Highly recommended.
Thank you to the author for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
In Gone to Ground it tells of a story of a killer who has killed six women.
This book is about three women who believe they know who the murder is. One woman believes it is her brother, another believe it is her husband and the last one believes it is her employer. Each one has evidence and they work together to try to get the real murder caught.
I love to try and guess who the murderer is, but didn’t do it this time. Gone to Ground is full of twists and turns and you won’t know what is going to happen next.
I was very interested and couldn’t put down this book. Another winner for Brandilyn Collins and a winner for anyone who reads it.
I loved that these three women worked together to find out who was the murder. They could have kept all of the information to themselves and let the other one take the blame.
This is a five-star book for sure. You will love this book and it will keep you reading late into the night. Highly recommended.
Thank you to the author for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
May 19, 2012
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I'm quite familiar with Brandilyn Collins' books (I think I've read every suspense book she's published so far) and she is one of my favorite authors! Gone to Ground might just be my favorite of hers to date! I absolutely loved it!!
The way the chapters were set up was great! They were written in first person, but the POV went back-and-forth between Cherrie Mae, Tully, and Deena. Also, every once in a while, there was an excerpt from The Jackson Bugle.
Gone to Ground was a great mystery - it kept me guessing! It wasn't until the last moment that I guessed who "The Closet Killer" was and even then there were some twists left.
I can only think of one thing I didn't like in Gone to Ground - how it portrayed God talking to Cherrie Mae. Other than that, I completely loved this book and it is one of my favorite books now.
If you are looking for a great mystery novel, you should definitely try Gone to Ground. I think you'll have a hard time guessing what happens. :)
*I received this book for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
I'm quite familiar with Brandilyn Collins' books (I think I've read every suspense book she's published so far) and she is one of my favorite authors! Gone to Ground might just be my favorite of hers to date! I absolutely loved it!!
The way the chapters were set up was great! They were written in first person, but the POV went back-and-forth between Cherrie Mae, Tully, and Deena. Also, every once in a while, there was an excerpt from The Jackson Bugle.
Gone to Ground was a great mystery - it kept me guessing! It wasn't until the last moment that I guessed who "The Closet Killer" was and even then there were some twists left.
I can only think of one thing I didn't like in Gone to Ground - how it portrayed God talking to Cherrie Mae. Other than that, I completely loved this book and it is one of my favorite books now.
If you are looking for a great mystery novel, you should definitely try Gone to Ground. I think you'll have a hard time guessing what happens. :)
*I received this book for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
November 17, 2011
In the small town of Amaryllis, a serial killer is on the loose. In the last three years, five elderly women have been murdered in the exact same way. When a sixth woman is murdered, authorities believe it is the work of the serial killer although the woman murdered doesn't fit the profile of the previous victims. Is it the work of the same man, or is there a second killer threatening the peace of the quaint town?
This is Brandilyn Collins' best book! Although the book is a murder mystery, the entire story is told from the point of view of three women, who are quite different but similar in one way...they each believe they know who the murderer is. Working together, they begin to piece together the pieces, and I enjoyed the storyline of normal women stepping up and figuring things out instead of having the investigators do all the work.
As always in a Collins' novel, there is a lot of action, and while I suspected who the killer was, I still enjoyed the ride finding him. Even more than the mystery, I enjoyed seeing the character growth in the three narrators. This book is a must-read for Christian suspense fans!
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is Brandilyn Collins' best book! Although the book is a murder mystery, the entire story is told from the point of view of three women, who are quite different but similar in one way...they each believe they know who the murderer is. Working together, they begin to piece together the pieces, and I enjoyed the storyline of normal women stepping up and figuring things out instead of having the investigators do all the work.
As always in a Collins' novel, there is a lot of action, and while I suspected who the killer was, I still enjoyed the ride finding him. Even more than the mystery, I enjoyed seeing the character growth in the three narrators. This book is a must-read for Christian suspense fans!
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 20, 2011
A group of three desperate women end up working together as amateur detectives to solve the serial killings in their small town. During the process, they form an unlikely bond and work through various personal struggles. The suspense of a killer on the loose is balanced out with the development of their heartwarming friendship, as these three gals get to know each other while putting together the facts of this case.
The story switches back and forth between the three points-of-view of the women, with intermittent portions of a Pulitzer-prize-winning news article about the murders in between. Because the story only spans a few days, the transitions between voices is seamless and I never felt confused. Each woman's section is written in her own vernacular, which adds to the feeling of being right there, watching this all go down, listening to each of them tell me how it happened.
In true mystery form, certain well-placed clues threw me off track in my guesses as to the identity of the killer. I was pretty sure I knew several times, but still came out surprised by most of the ending. I enjoyed this book, which, apart from a few gory details about the murders, I'd classify as a light read.
The story switches back and forth between the three points-of-view of the women, with intermittent portions of a Pulitzer-prize-winning news article about the murders in between. Because the story only spans a few days, the transitions between voices is seamless and I never felt confused. Each woman's section is written in her own vernacular, which adds to the feeling of being right there, watching this all go down, listening to each of them tell me how it happened.
In true mystery form, certain well-placed clues threw me off track in my guesses as to the identity of the killer. I was pretty sure I knew several times, but still came out surprised by most of the ending. I enjoyed this book, which, apart from a few gory details about the murders, I'd classify as a light read.
December 7, 2018
I enjoyed the story. It's written from 3-4 different people so each chapter is by another character. Amaryllis is a little town but a serial killer is on the loose. In the past 3 years 5 unsolved murders have occurred and then another murder occurs. The women are terrified. Three women all think they know who the killer is, but they are 3 different people. Finally they come together and work to figure out who the real killer is. Will they figure out who it is before it's too late? The ending is a surprise. Several twists and turns in this story.
June 9, 2013
I love a good mystery with several suspects, and Brandilyn nailed it with this book. The story was very good, but having it told in three different voices (because of the main characters) was both helpful and distracting. Fortunately I was raised in the South so I was able to understand what the women were saying, but I cringed every time one of the women said "doh" (for door). All I could picture was Homer Simpson. I would still recommend the book to anyone who enjoys figuring out "whodunnit".
June 11, 2022
I liked it - it was quick and interesting - got me with the ending - while I did assume the killer of the Erika was not the serial killer, I did not figure out who the killer was until she told us. Personal summary/spoiler in comments. I especially liked the beginning where the three narrators all confess to knowing the serial killer - great start.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2012
Another terrific read from Brandilyn Collins. All of her books stay on my keeper shelf, as will this one. A Mississippi town with secrets and three ladies who each believe they know who the killer is. I loved the twists and turns in this book. What delightful characters, too.
July 6, 2016
This was my first book by this author and it will not be the last. It was a very suspenseful story and I was guessing about the killer right up until the killer was revealed. What an interesting story line where three women are sure they know the killer and they each suspect a different person.
May 15, 2012
Wow, this was an intense book. Really great read.
June 7, 2018
A real page-turning who-done-it has you in its grp from the very beginning to the end.
Three women believe they have proof to the identity of a serial killer. One thinks it's her husband. Another is sure it’s her brother. Another one still is certain it’s her employer.
Is it possible that all of them are right that there has been some collusion between the three men? Or is it the case that only one of the men is guilty? Or could it be that none of the men are guilty despite the evidence against them?
I was so impressed with the development of the plot, and it subsequent unexpected conclusion, that as soon as I finished it, I read it again more carefully now that I knew what to look for. The breadcrumbs allowing me to find the true evidence of the case were all there.
I also got a kick at discovering some similarity between the hairdresser character and my own. Over the years my hairdresser has confided in me problems in her relationship with her partner. According to her, she spends all day either talking or listening to her clients, so that when she gets home she’s all talked out and listened out. All she wants is peace and quiet. Her partner, on the other hands, working in comparative isolation, when back home is ready for bonding when she can barely stop herself from screaming ‘I vant to be alone!’
An easy and rewarding way of spending an hour or two of leisure time, and I’m looking forward to discovering some more of this author’s books in my local library.
Three women believe they have proof to the identity of a serial killer. One thinks it's her husband. Another is sure it’s her brother. Another one still is certain it’s her employer.
Is it possible that all of them are right that there has been some collusion between the three men? Or is it the case that only one of the men is guilty? Or could it be that none of the men are guilty despite the evidence against them?
I was so impressed with the development of the plot, and it subsequent unexpected conclusion, that as soon as I finished it, I read it again more carefully now that I knew what to look for. The breadcrumbs allowing me to find the true evidence of the case were all there.
I also got a kick at discovering some similarity between the hairdresser character and my own. Over the years my hairdresser has confided in me problems in her relationship with her partner. According to her, she spends all day either talking or listening to her clients, so that when she gets home she’s all talked out and listened out. All she wants is peace and quiet. Her partner, on the other hands, working in comparative isolation, when back home is ready for bonding when she can barely stop herself from screaming ‘I vant to be alone!’
An easy and rewarding way of spending an hour or two of leisure time, and I’m looking forward to discovering some more of this author’s books in my local library.
December 20, 2021
If you're looking for your next page turner, then look no further than Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins! She's already known for her spine-tingling suspenseful reads, and this one was no exception. I loved that this book had a Southern setting, and while several other readers didn't care for the regional dialect that was sprinkled throughout, I found it charming since everyone that lives where I do speaks that way (including me sometimes).
I thought for sure I knew who the killer was, but was completely surprised to be wrong! This book didn't have just one killer, but two, so while I was busy trying to solve one murder, I also had to consider if it was the same killer for 5 other serial killings that had happened in this quiet Mississippi town.
The book also navigates between 3 different narrators, and each lady had a different perspective on who she thought was guilty. My favorite was probably Cherrie Mae due to her no-nonsense attitude with the sheriff. Once she was ready to share her theory about who was responsible, there was no stopping it from pouring out of her mouth at the police station. She was not leaving until the Chief heard everything!
I have loved everything I've ever read from this author, and this book was no exception. It was a quick standalone read that I did not want to put down.
4.5 Stars
I thought for sure I knew who the killer was, but was completely surprised to be wrong! This book didn't have just one killer, but two, so while I was busy trying to solve one murder, I also had to consider if it was the same killer for 5 other serial killings that had happened in this quiet Mississippi town.
The book also navigates between 3 different narrators, and each lady had a different perspective on who she thought was guilty. My favorite was probably Cherrie Mae due to her no-nonsense attitude with the sheriff. Once she was ready to share her theory about who was responsible, there was no stopping it from pouring out of her mouth at the police station. She was not leaving until the Chief heard everything!
I have loved everything I've ever read from this author, and this book was no exception. It was a quick standalone read that I did not want to put down.
4.5 Stars
September 22, 2020
This has been my favorite Brandilyn Collins book yet - and I have liked all of her books! This story kept me on my toes listening to all three women’s stories and trying to figure out which woman’s “man” was the murderer.
This is a story of a town with a dark secret - a town with a history of not just one unsolved murder but several and they were all women. All of the victims have been linked together because every victim had been found dead in a closet which gave the killer the nickname, “the closet murderer” and he was still on the loose. When three women suspect a man they are close to is the killer after a brand new crime takes place - they come together to try and solve the murders!
I didn’t guess the killer until right before “it” was revealed. This is a bit creepy but a good mystery!
This is a story of a town with a dark secret - a town with a history of not just one unsolved murder but several and they were all women. All of the victims have been linked together because every victim had been found dead in a closet which gave the killer the nickname, “the closet murderer” and he was still on the loose. When three women suspect a man they are close to is the killer after a brand new crime takes place - they come together to try and solve the murders!
I didn’t guess the killer until right before “it” was revealed. This is a bit creepy but a good mystery!
September 20, 2017
Pros: This was a fantastic mystery novel! I liked that there were three main characters, who suspected that three different men were the infamous "Closet Killer."
There are so many twists and turns, that really made me think There is a huge plot twist that I did not see coming. This mystery was definitely well though out by the writer.
Cons: This claimed to be a Christian mystery. There were only subtle Christian themes, which is not a bad thing. Just be aware that this is not a typical Christian book. It also had pretty graphic descriptions of the murders. I would not recommend this if you get grossed out easily.
My rating : 4 out of 5 stars.
There are so many twists and turns, that really made me think There is a huge plot twist that I did not see coming. This mystery was definitely well though out by the writer.
Cons: This claimed to be a Christian mystery. There were only subtle Christian themes, which is not a bad thing. Just be aware that this is not a typical Christian book. It also had pretty graphic descriptions of the murders. I would not recommend this if you get grossed out easily.
My rating : 4 out of 5 stars.
August 20, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The book is written from the view point of three different women. This approach could be confusing, but Ms. Collins does a great job keeping the voices separate while keeping the story clear. There were several plot twists which kept the story interesting and unpredictable. The full story, once revealed, was a surprise. There are some sticky subjects addressed in the book. They feel natural and are treated well without feeling like the author is trying to teach; they become part of the story instead of disrupting it. Good suspense, believable characters, plot twists, and learning to trust God in all things....fantastic combination!
July 13, 2018
This is a great book by Brandilyn Collins that was hard to put down, because you wanted to know what is going to happen next. Once you start reading you will find that each chapter has a different woman character (Maximum of 3 characters) that the chapter uses as a first person leading that chapter of what that woman is experiencing. This threw me off at first, but then I discovered that the chapters were not matching up. Then I saw that each chapter was a different first person witness of what was going on. I recommend this book for everybody including teens.
April 30, 2022
Such a good mystery unfolded in this book! It was a unique telling with the different point of views and I liked how it wasn’t about the serial killer in gruesome detail but instead about the people dealing with the unknown in their small town and how each piece of the puzzle was uncovered in unexpected ways. I did figure out the culprit right before he was revealed but the author was still able to keep some surprises till the end! I couldn’t put it down! Well done!!
September 2, 2017
In a small town where every one knows each other there have been five women murdered and now a sixth women has been found murdered. Each have been stabbed and found in the bedroom closet creating the "Closet Killings". Three women think they know who the killer is, except they each suspect a different person. Keeps you in suspense to the final chapter.
November 5, 2017
This was a fun, Southern, murder-mystery that kept me entertained on my work commute for a couple of weeks. I wouldn't usually describe serial-killer mysteries as "fun" or "entertaining," but Collins managed to pull it off here. The twist at the end, while not altogether unexpected, was still fairly satisfying, and the woman who did the voices for the audiobook was great.
Read
October 5, 2019It's been a while since I read this book. After recently finishing Brandilyn Collins books "Double Blind" and "Over the Edge," I know I need to go back and re-read it. The way she wrote different chapters in one of three distinct first-person points of view was seamless. I've yet to read another book like it. I highly recommend discovering this book again. I know I'm going to!
September 8, 2021
This one was a quick easy read with a twist near the end. I wasn't sure I was going to like the story being told from 3 different POV, but it ended up ok. Each of the ladies was distinctive enough I could keep straight who the narrator was in each chapter. This was my first book by BC and I would read her again.
July 25, 2017
A very good read.
It took me a bit to get into the story, but it was a page turner after just a few pages. It was an interesting way to introduce you to the characters. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good mystery. Really liked the surprise ending.
It took me a bit to get into the story, but it was a page turner after just a few pages. It was an interesting way to introduce you to the characters. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good mystery. Really liked the surprise ending.
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