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Steve Williams #5
Crystal Illusions
Assistant D.A. Carolyn Hastings has an uncanny knack for putting away criminals. With one of the best prosecution records in recent history, her future as Manhattan’s next District Attorney looks certain. But her sixth sense for winning cases threatens to work against her when she starts seeing a string of murders through the eyes of the killer.
With suspects piling up as fast as bodies, and the motives of those closest to her questionable, Carolyn doesn’t know who to trust. When the FBI assigns Special Agent Steve Williams to the case, Carolyn discloses her deepest fear - that the man she loves may be the one responsible for the city’s latest crime spree.
The only thing Steve knows for sure is Carolyn has an inexplicable psychic connection with the killer, and all the victims have one thing in common…a striking resemblance to Carolyn Hastings.
And he knows it’s only a matter of time before this psychopath knocks on her door.
With suspects piling up as fast as bodies, and the motives of those closest to her questionable, Carolyn doesn’t know who to trust. When the FBI assigns Special Agent Steve Williams to the case, Carolyn discloses her deepest fear - that the man she loves may be the one responsible for the city’s latest crime spree.
The only thing Steve knows for sure is Carolyn has an inexplicable psychic connection with the killer, and all the victims have one thing in common…a striking resemblance to Carolyn Hastings.
And he knows it’s only a matter of time before this psychopath knocks on her door.
397 pages, Paperback
First published March 10, 2012
4 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
J.E. Taylor
166 books186 followersJ.E. Taylor is an award winning, USA Today Bestselling author, a publisher, an editor, a mother, a wife, a business analyst, and a Supernatural fangirl, not necessarily in that order. She first sat down to seriously write in February of 2007 after her daughter asked:
“Mom, if you could do anything, what would you do?”
From that moment on, she hasn’t looked back.
In addition to being co-owner of Novel Concept Publishing (www.novelconceptpublishing), Ms. Taylor also moonlights as a Senior Editor of Allegory (www.allegoryezine.com), an online venue for Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror.
She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and during the summer months enjoys her weekends on the shore in southern Maine.
Visit her at www.jetaylor75.com
“Mom, if you could do anything, what would you do?”
From that moment on, she hasn’t looked back.
In addition to being co-owner of Novel Concept Publishing (www.novelconceptpublishing), Ms. Taylor also moonlights as a Senior Editor of Allegory (www.allegoryezine.com), an online venue for Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror.
She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and during the summer months enjoys her weekends on the shore in southern Maine.
Visit her at www.jetaylor75.com
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 20, 2013
Carolyn Hastings is the Assistant District Attorney in New York City. She works hard and helps solves cases regarding child abuse cases. She has never lost a case and take pride in her work. She also has physic abilities were she has visions and can read people's minds. Everything is normal until she starts seeing visions of a murder taking place from the killers point of view. She keeps seeing these visions with every murder that occurs when she realizes that the murder is finding woman that look exactly like her and be someone she knows. Carolyn already has trust issues and now she has to whittle through all the people she knows to see which one is coming after. With help from FBI Special Agent Steve Williams, who has some special physic abilities as well they search out those close to her to see who is out to get Carolyn.
This is my first Steve Williams book. I usually never start a book that is far along in a series I like to start from the beginning and work my way through. I read other reviews and it worked out ok to be able to start with this book. The story is told mostly from Carolyn's point of view so it is almost like a stand-alone story. I would have liked a little bit more of the back story on Steve Williams and I am definitely going to read the rest of this series. I loved this story and it was very intriguing. I couldn't put this book down and was left guessing the killer all the way up until it was revealed. The author kept making good cases for every suspect. Very entertaining.
I give this book 4 stars.
This is my first Steve Williams book. I usually never start a book that is far along in a series I like to start from the beginning and work my way through. I read other reviews and it worked out ok to be able to start with this book. The story is told mostly from Carolyn's point of view so it is almost like a stand-alone story. I would have liked a little bit more of the back story on Steve Williams and I am definitely going to read the rest of this series. I loved this story and it was very intriguing. I couldn't put this book down and was left guessing the killer all the way up until it was revealed. The author kept making good cases for every suspect. Very entertaining.
I give this book 4 stars.
March 16, 2013
This is the first book I have read by this author but I can certainly say that it will not be the last!! I do read alot of who-done-its and this one is right at the top of my list of favorites now. I could not put it down. I even found myself sitting at my desk at work thinking about the characters and wishing I could pick my book up and keep reading. I spent the entire book moving people on and off the "subject" list in my head. I was never really sure right up to the end, which in my opinion is the way a book like this should be! I can honestly say that up until the last few chapters, the actual criminal never crossed my mind as a suspect. I would also have to say that while I was trying to figure out the mystery, I also felt that the characters were well developed and well written. I found myself wanting to be the main character, to be able to be there with her 2 leading men...lol. The author did a super job of integrating a relationship aspect into this book as well, not just the crime drama portion. I felt that I got to know the characters and develop a feeling toward them, both good and bad, depending on the character. Overall, I was very happy to have had this book choosen for our book club and look forward to reading more of this author
October 19, 2013
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
A better mystery than a romance.
I found the relationship between Crystal and her boyfriend to be more dysfunctional than romantic. He ran so hot and cold, and was so volatile that I was rooting for them to break-up and for a new love interest to be introduced - not a good sign!
But, if I ignored the potential romance label, then this was a serviceable mystery. I wanted to find out who the killer was, and I was intrigued by the psychic elements (though I felt a little behind the
curve on them, possibly because this was my first book in the series!).
The only other issue I had was that the writing felt flat - particularly the dialogue, I think. I wasn't able to really connect to the story, to become as engrossed in it as I *wanted* to, which made this an okay read rather than a good one.
See my complete review at: To Each Their Own Reviews
A better mystery than a romance.
I found the relationship between Crystal and her boyfriend to be more dysfunctional than romantic. He ran so hot and cold, and was so volatile that I was rooting for them to break-up and for a new love interest to be introduced - not a good sign!
But, if I ignored the potential romance label, then this was a serviceable mystery. I wanted to find out who the killer was, and I was intrigued by the psychic elements (though I felt a little behind the
curve on them, possibly because this was my first book in the series!).
The only other issue I had was that the writing felt flat - particularly the dialogue, I think. I wasn't able to really connect to the story, to become as engrossed in it as I *wanted* to, which made this an okay read rather than a good one.
See my complete review at: To Each Their Own Reviews
March 25, 2013
I love paranormal and I love mysteries, so when you put those two genres together, you had me at hello. Carolyn is an Assistant District Attorney who is having visions about a serial killer, unfortunately it looks like the killer has his eye on her. Special Agent Steve Williams is the one that can protect her, while trying to catch the killer. Steve has his own special abilities and he will need them to catch this monster before he gets to Carolyn. It seems that everyone she knows is under suspicion, and for good reason. As soon as you think you know, you find out you are wrong. I love that, I can usually guess the killer/ending by the middle of the book at the latest. This book kept me guessing throughout. Well written with awesome characters and a great story line, you don't want to miss this book. It has mystery, suspense, lies, betrayal, violence, romance and a cool supernatural twist. Definitely a to be watched author.
April 15, 2013
This is my first venture into the mind of Special Agent Steve Williams (the MC of JE Taylor’s books) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Having read this one, I know I want to go back and start from the beginning!
Crystal Illusions is an easy, flowing read, moving seamlessly from scene to scene almost like the movie playing in your mind. In fact, this would make a great movie and hopefully someone takes note of that!
This is the story of Carolyn, the assistant DA who begins having visions of a serial killer. Nightmarish, but it gets far worse when she sees herself through the killer’s eyes. She is the target, and Agent Williams is the only one who can protect her. Williams is a very special man, you see, with gifts that they will need to stop more women being murdered, to stop Carlyon herself dying in a horrific way. Under scrutiny is Randy, her boyfriend, Jason, her assistant, Jim, her boss…and it gets complicated, twists that keeps the reader reading!
Enjoyable indeed.
Crystal Illusions is an easy, flowing read, moving seamlessly from scene to scene almost like the movie playing in your mind. In fact, this would make a great movie and hopefully someone takes note of that!
This is the story of Carolyn, the assistant DA who begins having visions of a serial killer. Nightmarish, but it gets far worse when she sees herself through the killer’s eyes. She is the target, and Agent Williams is the only one who can protect her. Williams is a very special man, you see, with gifts that they will need to stop more women being murdered, to stop Carlyon herself dying in a horrific way. Under scrutiny is Randy, her boyfriend, Jason, her assistant, Jim, her boss…and it gets complicated, twists that keeps the reader reading!
Enjoyable indeed.
March 24, 2013
Crystal Illusions was my first J E Taylor book, but certainly not my last. I want to know more about Special Agent Steve Williams.
Carolyn Hastings is having visions of murders through the killer’s eyes. This is bad enough but because she’s the assistant DA, her career and her sanity are at risk. And she starts seeing herself in her visions. Agent Williams is assigned to the case and his special abilities may be the only things that can save her.
Part way through the book, I thought I knew “whodunit”, and then something else was mentioned and I was convinced I knew who the killer was. I was convinced I was right up until the end – and then WHAM! I was caught off-guard by the real killer. Not even who I was expecting. Good job, J.E.!
(The author provided a complimentary copy, in return for my fair and impartial review.)
Carolyn Hastings is having visions of murders through the killer’s eyes. This is bad enough but because she’s the assistant DA, her career and her sanity are at risk. And she starts seeing herself in her visions. Agent Williams is assigned to the case and his special abilities may be the only things that can save her.
Part way through the book, I thought I knew “whodunit”, and then something else was mentioned and I was convinced I knew who the killer was. I was convinced I was right up until the end – and then WHAM! I was caught off-guard by the real killer. Not even who I was expecting. Good job, J.E.!
(The author provided a complimentary copy, in return for my fair and impartial review.)
November 15, 2013
If you're looking for a good book with some mystery,murder, romance and paranormal happenings then this book is for you.J.E. Taylor takes you on a journey of intrigue and madness.Throughout the book I kept trying to figure out who the culprit was and was thwarted at every turn.J.E.Taylor is an amazing crime writer being able to showcase brilliantly the deranged mind of a killer.And for those of us who thrive on the paranormal this was an epic feast.This is the first book I have read of her's and it will not be the last.
April 25, 2013
I was a part of a book club that had the pleasure of reading this book. I read it not realizing that it was part of a series. Having not knowing, I was a little confused at times, but enjoyed this book very much. I loved the twists and turns and the fact that I really didn't know "who did it" until it was clearly spelled out. Very well written to keep me wondering. Overall, it was a great read and I plan to read the whole series!
November 14, 2013
Oh my god I was a late reviewer as I didn't know if I would like it by looking at the authors other works. But I read this book since it was at NetGallery and I loved it. I am very good at predicting books they are always easy. Not this one I bounced around oh the who and why. I was biting my nails and laughter at a lot of smart comments. And let just say this is not my erotica I am use to reading but tried I and let just say the last page sealed my love for her work.
December 23, 2022
Keep the same title
I have read all of this series. I am waiting ANF watching for the beginning of a new series. Ideally enjoyed this series. I did not them in any order. I enjoyed every book. Now I've collected all of them I will be reading them again in order. Is there another series? I will be looking other books you have written. Thank you.
I have read all of this series. I am waiting ANF watching for the beginning of a new series. Ideally enjoyed this series. I did not them in any order. I enjoyed every book. Now I've collected all of them I will be reading them again in order. Is there another series? I will be looking other books you have written. Thank you.
May 14, 2012
5*****Stars
Reviewed By: Linda Tonis
Member of the Paranormal Romance Review Team
http://www.paranormalromanceguild.com...
I was asked to review this book and it is my first book by J.E. Taylor, but not my last. I am so happy I found this author and especially this book. It has it all. Move over Agatha Christie there's a new sheriff in town, and she is great.
Carolyn Hastings is an Assistant District Attorney in New York City. She is known for taking cases that involve children, especially those who are being abused physically and sexually. Besides her talent as a DA with a record of winning, she also reads what is in peoples' minds and has visions. Unfortunately, the visions she is having lately are horrendous. She is witnessing the murder of women through a killer's eyes. There is a serial killer loose and the news media has named him the Scarlet Psychopath. Long before the police let it be known that the killer is leaving a lipstick kiss on the dead women's foreheads, Carolyn had already seen it in her visions and nightmares.
The murders are vicious, the women are cut up, and throats slashed in some cases limbs cut off. All of this witnessed in detail by Carolyn. All of the victims appear to be specifically picked by the killer, the looks are the same and it becomes apparent to Carolyn's boyfriend, Randy, that she is a perfect match to all the dead women. Could she be next? Is it possible that if she confesses what she is seeing that she could be a suspect? Then Carolyn starts to suspect her boyfriend, he leaves unexpectedly at night, comes home dirty or covered in what appears to be blood. Is it possible?
I especially loved the fact that the author lets you see into the mind of the killer. When he goes for the kill you are privy to his thoughts and can feel his torment and anger at the victim. The characters in the book are fascinating but who is the killer? Jim, the District Attorney appears to have some skeletons in his closet. Could it be him? Trent another Assistant District Attorney in Carolyn's office comes off as a womanizer. Is he the one? Or is it Randy Carolyn's boyfriend? So many suspects.
Special Agent Steve Williams enters the scene and he has talents that are absolutely unbelievable. He is such a fascinating character, and I am sorry that I didn't read the books prior to this and learn more about him. Steve is a man who catches serial killers with abilities that border on supernatural.
I am writing this review at 5 AM because I could not put the book down until it was finished. This has to be one of the best mysteries I have ever read. It was so hard to figure out the killer, and I didn't. WOW this was a great book and I look forward to more of Steve Williams.
Reviewed By: Linda Tonis
Member of the Paranormal Romance Review Team
http://www.paranormalromanceguild.com...
I was asked to review this book and it is my first book by J.E. Taylor, but not my last. I am so happy I found this author and especially this book. It has it all. Move over Agatha Christie there's a new sheriff in town, and she is great.
Carolyn Hastings is an Assistant District Attorney in New York City. She is known for taking cases that involve children, especially those who are being abused physically and sexually. Besides her talent as a DA with a record of winning, she also reads what is in peoples' minds and has visions. Unfortunately, the visions she is having lately are horrendous. She is witnessing the murder of women through a killer's eyes. There is a serial killer loose and the news media has named him the Scarlet Psychopath. Long before the police let it be known that the killer is leaving a lipstick kiss on the dead women's foreheads, Carolyn had already seen it in her visions and nightmares.
The murders are vicious, the women are cut up, and throats slashed in some cases limbs cut off. All of this witnessed in detail by Carolyn. All of the victims appear to be specifically picked by the killer, the looks are the same and it becomes apparent to Carolyn's boyfriend, Randy, that she is a perfect match to all the dead women. Could she be next? Is it possible that if she confesses what she is seeing that she could be a suspect? Then Carolyn starts to suspect her boyfriend, he leaves unexpectedly at night, comes home dirty or covered in what appears to be blood. Is it possible?
I especially loved the fact that the author lets you see into the mind of the killer. When he goes for the kill you are privy to his thoughts and can feel his torment and anger at the victim. The characters in the book are fascinating but who is the killer? Jim, the District Attorney appears to have some skeletons in his closet. Could it be him? Trent another Assistant District Attorney in Carolyn's office comes off as a womanizer. Is he the one? Or is it Randy Carolyn's boyfriend? So many suspects.
Special Agent Steve Williams enters the scene and he has talents that are absolutely unbelievable. He is such a fascinating character, and I am sorry that I didn't read the books prior to this and learn more about him. Steve is a man who catches serial killers with abilities that border on supernatural.
I am writing this review at 5 AM because I could not put the book down until it was finished. This has to be one of the best mysteries I have ever read. It was so hard to figure out the killer, and I didn't. WOW this was a great book and I look forward to more of Steve Williams.
October 11, 2012
Awful book....Just awful. Awful Series. Don't subject yourself to this unless you have a high tolerance level.The assortment of cursing and descriptions are unnecessary. The first line was like this but I don't think written as nicely. :/
"She woke erect from sweat. It was just a dream."
Protagonist sits in bed, covered in sweat just thinking. Don't start books with a dream or getting ready in the morning! She puts on her cornflower blue suit and chooses a pink blouse, thinks for thirty minutes. Than she goes on down stairs describes her bowl of cereal and orange and a news-line is screaming at her. Very abrupt and melodramatic. Didn't like it , at all.
In some of the series there were crude words to describe unnecessary "items". I read the whole series and I will speak of the whole series as one. I found Steve's Character to be a rocky "wet dream" so to speak. He was unnecessarily inflated a cliche "hard ass."
Oh perfect manly Steve, the image of a perfect hard ass man. Get a seeping blood wound caused from the strike of a 9 mm, oh just tape it up! Drink a shot of Absoulut and slink off. He'll be fine, the wound will just disappear in the next chapter. Steve Williams , he's so cool and 'sexy". It was like he was born under the day of the week titled "sexy."
The grammar was terrible, the novel was seething with run ons as long as my legs ;) Which happens to be very very long haha. Plus, the plot lacked in several places. This is a self published book and not to sound like a meanie, I can sort of see why. The first page was cliche and terribly written.
All in all, it's very unnecessarily. And no.. I am not ranting, I love books. I love novels, I wanted to like it but the layout turned me off, it was not done very standard. Notice my use of the word unnecessary.
I found the whole series melodramatic with awful grammar and several typings. The layout of the dialogue was unreadable, dialogue had different margins like they were just dropped on to the page and decided to stay there for a while. Just bad...Just bad. I don't see how this book can have four of five stars, ever.
"She woke erect from sweat. It was just a dream."
Protagonist sits in bed, covered in sweat just thinking. Don't start books with a dream or getting ready in the morning! She puts on her cornflower blue suit and chooses a pink blouse, thinks for thirty minutes. Than she goes on down stairs describes her bowl of cereal and orange and a news-line is screaming at her. Very abrupt and melodramatic. Didn't like it , at all.
In some of the series there were crude words to describe unnecessary "items". I read the whole series and I will speak of the whole series as one. I found Steve's Character to be a rocky "wet dream" so to speak. He was unnecessarily inflated a cliche "hard ass."
Oh perfect manly Steve, the image of a perfect hard ass man. Get a seeping blood wound caused from the strike of a 9 mm, oh just tape it up! Drink a shot of Absoulut and slink off. He'll be fine, the wound will just disappear in the next chapter. Steve Williams , he's so cool and 'sexy". It was like he was born under the day of the week titled "sexy."
The grammar was terrible, the novel was seething with run ons as long as my legs ;) Which happens to be very very long haha. Plus, the plot lacked in several places. This is a self published book and not to sound like a meanie, I can sort of see why. The first page was cliche and terribly written.
All in all, it's very unnecessarily. And no.. I am not ranting, I love books. I love novels, I wanted to like it but the layout turned me off, it was not done very standard. Notice my use of the word unnecessary.
I found the whole series melodramatic with awful grammar and several typings. The layout of the dialogue was unreadable, dialogue had different margins like they were just dropped on to the page and decided to stay there for a while. Just bad...Just bad. I don't see how this book can have four of five stars, ever.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews