Kill You Twice

Archie Sheridan & Gretchen Lowell #5

by Chelsea Cain

KILL YOU TWICE
Chelsea Cain
Nothing makes Portland detective Archie Sheridan happier than knowing that Beauty Killer Gretchen Lowell is locked away in a psych ward. Archie can finally heal from the near-fatal physical and emotional wounds she's inflicted on him and start moving on with his life. Or can he? His latest case, involving a man who was mutilated and murdered in a public park in broad daylight, bears the stamp of an expert killer…and before long, Archie gets a message from Gretchen, who makes him an offer he can't refuse.
Gretchen claims to have inside knowledge about the grisly Mount Tabor Park murder―and Archie can't risk losing his only lead in the case. At least, that's what he tells himself after he agrees to visit Gretchen…But the ties between Archie and Gretchen have always been stronger, deeper, and more complex than he's willing to admit, even to himself. What game is Gretchen playing this time? And even more frightening, what long-hidden secrets from her past have been dredged up that someone would kill to protect?

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Horror

368 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 7, 2012

About the author

Chelsea Cain is the New York Times bestselling author of the Archie Sheridan/Gretchen Lowell thrillers Heartsick, Sweetheart, Evil at Heart, The Night Season, Kill You Twice, and Let Me Go. Her next book One Kick (August, 2014) will be the first in her Kick Lannigan thriller series. Her book Heartsick was named one of the best 100 thrillers ever written by NPR, and Heartsick and Sweetheart were named among Stephen King's Top Ten Books of the Year. Her books have been featured on HBO's True Blood and on ABC's Castle. Cain lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and daughter.

Reviews

[Mary Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Archie Sheridan and Gretchen Lowell Series. I think this is the best one out of the series so far!

Gretchen claims over 200 murder victims, but how could she have killed Jake Kelly, the philanthropist who volunteered at the Life Works Center for Young Women? Yet the corpse, bashed, skinned, hanged from a tree on Mount Tabor and decorated with a lily, certainly seems like more of her handiwork. So does the body of PR flak Gabby Meester, taken from her car and set afire at the foot of a Portland landmark with another lily. Of course, it’s no trouble to prove an alibi when you’re drugged to the gills and incarcerated in the Oregon State Mental Hospital. Although he swears that he’s not going to see his murderous ex-lover again, Archie’s lured back into contact with her when Gretchen’s interview with Susan Ward, the newspaper reporter whose life Archie saved, concludes its grueling description of Gretchen’s very first murder, the slaughter 16 years ago of James Beaton, with an urgent plea Susan passes on to Archie: “Children are going to die....You have to find the flash drive.” Could one of those children be Pearl Clinton, who’d been staying at the Life Works Center before she disappeared? How much of what Gretchen says can be trusted? And just how many serial killers are lurking in the hills of Oregon?

This one is my favorite story in the series. It was a Crazy violent plot. Nonstop excitement and a story full of twists, you can't come close to figure this one out. Gretchen and Archie have a strange relationship. He is definitely entangled in her web. He is abhorred by her violence but attracted to her beauty. I already have the sixth book loaded to read, and can't wait to read it, the last in the series.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Five books down.

One to go!

After 5 books we finally learned a little bit about Gretchen's background and I think Chelsea Cain is for some reason trying to soften Gretchen up. Which is unnecessary because the reason most of us readers love her is because she's a pure and unapologetic psychopath.

I think its a testament to how excellent a writer Chelsea Cain is that I'm still all in on the series. I love to read series but I also usually lose interest at around book 4 or if its a tv series I usually stop watching them in the 3rd season. I'm a fickle person with a short attention span. So its high praise for me to be dreading the end of this series because I don't want it to end. I would read 20 more books in this series, that's just how good it is. This book series is smartly written, fast paced, very disturbing, and believe it or not funny.

Now I'm on to the last(?) book in this series Let Me Go.

Hooked On Books Read-A-Thon.

[Al *the semi serial series skipper* · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know people seem to enjoy the series as it goes on but I just don't get it. Gretchen has killed over two hundred people,she's been put in prison, escaped put back in prison and since I have not read the past few books I'm going to hazard a guess and assume she escaped again because this time she is in a mental facility. Every time she escapes she kills someone, at what time do they say enough is enough. How can I skip two books and the same thing that happened in the first two is the same thing that they let happen in this one, at this point I think every character is insane.

Don't even get me started on Susan, she is the dumbest of the dumb. Archie I have come to realize has Identified with his abuser so he gets a pass but Susan is just plain old stupid. She does stupid shit every waking hour and then questions why things keep happening to her. It's because you are stupid,stupid.

I was planning on reading the last one but I can guess what's going to happen already so I don't think they is any need.

[✨Susan✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of the usual suspect are back in this 5Th book in the series, which is one series you should definitely start at the beginning. Gretchen is in an insane asylum and Archie is now tracking a serial killer who is leaving her heart signature at the murder scenes. I really liked this addition because we learn about Gretchens past. Archie is finally getting a grip on himself around her and is actually getting a type of revenge. Twists and turns made this a great read. I had a slight problem with the very very end but as always, great writing, great narration.

[Wendy Darling · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's amazing how Chelsea Cain manages to create new stories that connect more dots to her previous novels, in a way that doesn't feel forced. This one was really good (and less far-fetched than the last one), with some genuine thrills and some glimpses of complexity in Gretchen's past.

We really need to stop seeing Susan bumble into the climax of each book and making a bad situation worse, though. And Archie...Archie's self-destructive thing is getting old. It's been 5 years, you know? Time for a little progress.

Love this series, though. Gretchen Lowell is one sick little puppy.

[*TANYA* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm on a HUGE book high from this one!! I don't think I've ever been on such a "high" from a book before. I'm speechless from this book it's brilliant. I finally got Gretchen's background. I doubted Archie's sense of duty for a moment. My emotions and feelings were all over the place with this one. I don't know how the author tied everything in from previous books to this one but it was amazing how everything just came together. The best book of the series so far. Freaking amazing book!!

[Erin (from Long Island, NY) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man! I didn’t think she could surpass the first 1 or 2, but I think this may be the best of the series so far! & now there’s only 1 left..😔 I’m excited but feel that feeling in my stomach. I hope all my “people” end up well..
(The audiobook was GREAT! They’ve all been good but I think with this 1 hearing them really added something to this story.)

[Lisa Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

another fantastic read by Chelsea Cain!!

This book was, again, outstanding! Cain tells a tale that leaves you guessing right to the very end. When you hit that last page, you will shake the book, looking for those pages you're sure are there because its just too soon for the book to be over.

Archie, Susan, Gretchen... I'm totally hanging out with these guys!

[Beverly Duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series. So glad Gretchen is back and damaged so we think. Started off a little slow then halfway through it kicked into gear. I couldn’t put it down. Ready for the next book.

[The Girl with the Sagittarius Tattoo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a return to the Archie and Gretchen show, but the killer was a bit of a letdown.

Gretchen's in lockup in the State Psych Unit. Her face is a lil puffy and she slurs her speech these days, but her mind's as sharp as ever. Especially her recollection. A spate of ritualistic murders brings to mind one of her old proteges, one named Ryan Motley. Who is this guy, and why is he leaving bodies at a high elevation? The answer may disappoint you.

Susan the reporter has become quite the MC - I would not have predicted that from her debut way back in Heartsick. I find her disgusting. Chelsea Cain regularly mentions her body odor, dirty feet, fingernails chewed to the bloody quick, and marginal hygiene habits. Is that supposed to be funny? Or - *shudder* - relatable? The idea that Leo, the druglord's sexy millionaire attorney, wants her badly is beyond ridiculous, but the "sexual tension" between her and Archie is non-existent and forcing it into the storyline is weird and gross. Grosser than Archie and Gretchen, which is saying something.

Only one more to go... on to Let Me Go for the big finale.

[Moira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn that was good! It got a little wobbly in the middle, and I didn't like the Climactic Showdown, but then there was a twist! and another twist! and another and another! and like the last 10% of the book is like a fucking corkscrew, it was great. Not anywhere as near as great as the first or second books were, better than the third (I just really didn't like Evil at Heart) and a huge, huge return to form after the horrible Night Season. Thank fucking God, it would break my heart (haha) if this series tanked. Well done, well done. Fan-fucking-tastic.



....God I gotta stop reading these thrillers in the middle of the fucking night, the last 3-4 chapters just about killed me. Phew.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Portland author Chelsea Cain continues to plumb the darker pits of the Rose City with "Kill You Twice," her fifth book in this bloody series. For the fourth, "The Night Season," detective Archie Sheridan took a rare opportunity to pursue another serial killer besides the gorgeous psychiatrist/slasher Gretchen Lowell (then safely in police custody), but Cain refuses to stray too far from Lowell and her sadistic hold over Sheridan.

While "The Night Season" saw Portland inundadted with a near-Biblical flood, "Kill You Twice" finds Portland baking under a heat wave. (One of the little secrets we Portlanders like to keep from Californians - it's actually hot and sunny here in the summer.) Detective Sheridan continues to try to put his fractured life in order, but Gretchen Lowell won't allow it. Using her unique ability to manipulate events - even while drugged out of her gourd in the same mental hospital where they filmed "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" - Lowell puts Archie and quasi-intrepid reporter Susan Ward on the trail of another serial killer.

The twist is, Gretchen Lowell now claims that she hasn't killed everyone she's been blamed for. True, she has admittedly killed scores of others in various horrifying ways, but she's a stickler for the details. And there is the prospect that Gretchen Lowell, serial killer par excellence, is worried for the safety of someone else out in the real world. Someone she actually cares about.

"Kill You Twice" allows the reader to delve deeper into the Gretchen Lowell legend - where she comes from, who her family was, etc. Lowell remains a Hannibal Lecter knock-off - she even uses Lecter's patented "Quid pro quo" line - but she is a fascinating character with a rich story to tell.

And Archie Sheridan is a great choice of protagonist - noble but flawed, long-suffering but re-emerging into humanity, and perpetually one step behind Gretchen. Sheridan's intimate circle grows a bit in this book, and in unexpected ways. This is a treat for the guy whose fixation on Lowell is flat-out unhealthy.

Once again, we don't have a perfect thriller here. But what we have is a bloody, gory, demented detective novel that goes into some of the darkest corners of the human psyche. And who doesn't love that?

[Linda Crook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like always, Chelsea Cain pulled me right in. The hand job in chapter four certainly caught my attention, and there was reference to a murder in Bellingham (Yay, local town makes good!), but it's Gretchen who makes this a page turner. She is so diabolically manipulative, with so many layers of subtlety, it's impossible to know her real motives. It's impossible to imagine what she might be setting into motion.

I was only able to put down "Kill You Twice" to go to bed last night because it got too scary to be reading it that late, with the dark all around.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband worked at a psychiatric hospital for convicted felons, so I find it highly implausible whenever Gretchen escapes. I don't know about Oregon, but it would never happen in New York. With that being said, I still very much enjoy reading Chelsea Cain's Archie Sheridan series. This book went fast; I just couldn't stop reading. Susan and Henry are wonderful characters, and Archie keeps getting stronger and stronger.

[Anne (Booklady) Molinarolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Kill You Twice by Chelsea CainChelsea Cain is a roller-coaster read. The action is fast with many twists and turns. And Cain never stops the ride until the very last word.

The Beauty Killer, Gretchen Lowell is all tucked in at a pysch hospital and Archie finally has a chance to heal. The new neighbor may contribute to his well being too, that is if he'll let her. But Rachel may be not what she claims to be. In fact, no one, but Archie, Susan, Henry, and Claire, is whom the readers believe to be.

A body is found hanging in a park by a bicyclist. The man has been skinned. Another body is found a couple of days later on a neon sign burnt beyond recognition. A new serial killer is preying upon Portland, OR. Archie, Henry, and Claire must find the killer before he strikes again. A potential witness to the 1st crime disappears. Gretchen's confession to Susan Ward about the Beauty Killer's first killing leads Archie down a trail he least expected. Could these murders and Gretchen's first victim be connected? Is Ryan Motley real?

Sweet as sugar
Hard as Ice
Hurt me Once
I'll Kill You Twice

Readers will be pleased that Archie has grown somewhat of spine in Kill You Twice. I loved the scene when he and Henry visit Gretchen in the hospital. I was snickering, and Good Lord Susan, what were you thinking? Must read Let Me Go and see.

[Barry who enjoys well-written thrillers, mysteries , & espionage & loathes romance, horror & supernat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kill You Twice is the fifth in the series following the serial killer, Gretchen Lowell, known as the Beauty Killer, because, not surprisingly, of her great beauty and Detective Archie Sheridan, her pursuer and love interest.

Cain, as is her habit, starts off with a horrifyingly brutal murder followed by another which have some of the earmarks of a Beauty Killer killing. But she is safely institutionalized under extremely secure circumstances including heavy duty meds, leather constraints and locked doors. Archie believes that Gretchen holds the key to solving these murders and, aided by his buddies, Susan the reporter and Henry the fellow cop, he seeks to prove that.

As is typical of Cain's books, the characters are very vividly created and just barely believable. If she had gone an inch further in creating them, they would be silly but they are not. The result is a set of people on the edge of one thing of another who are interesting, compelling, occasionally likeable and often, pretty creepy.

The book is really well plotted with a series of twists that are surprising, fun and fill in blanks created in previous books in the series. Although Cain does a decent job with the backstory, I would strongly recommend reading these books in sequence. It had been quite a long time since I had read the last and, from time to time, I had trouble connecting the dots. Nonetheless, this was quite a well written and fun book to read if you like graphic descriptions of grizzly murders and the pursuit of mind games, in the extreme.

The End

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, the long anticipated Origins of Gretchen Lowell… Kill You Twice unveils a glimpse at Gretchen’s past. Don’t expect every revelation about her to be divulged, but a few layers of the serial killer onion have been peeled back.

Imprisoned in a mental hospital, she reveals to old pal Detective Archie Sheridan that she has some insight into a new wave of serial killings in Portland. Of course, she successfully messes with Archie’s head, but she also displays a rare vulnerability that she struggles to conceal. I don’t want to give away too much of the plot, because it’s a fast ride with plenty of twists and even more gore.

Previously, I had said that Evil at Heart was the best book in the series, but I think this surpasses it. Cain has developed her characters and refined her writing, making it even more psychologically intriguing and nail-bitingly tense.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via the Amazon Vine program.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not due to be published until mid-summer 2012 but can't wait, can't wait, can't wait...

And it definitely lived up to Cain's reputation as a top-notch suspense/thriller author. The fifth in the Sheridan/Lowell serial killer series is the best yet and Cain's continuing character development is superb along with the plot and settings (takes place in the area where I live). If you haven't read these, please start with the first book, HEARTSICK. For a "stand-alone", with Gretchen on the periphery of the plot, try THE NIGHT SEASON. I will warn you that these are gruesome and at times stomach-churning, and the latest is probably the most graphic yet with chills galore--but I loved every minute. Superb.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars--I liked the book. What is it about this version of Portland (it has to be an alternative reality--one full of supernatural villains and unrelenting cops) that's so gripping? Not sure, but on to book 6!

[Best Crime Books & More · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started Chelsea Cain’s Archie Sheridan books at book 3 (entitled Evil at Heart) and have slowly caught up. I was really looking forward to this latest release which is now the fifth in the series. Archie Sheridan is a character that I am now all too familiar with. He is a Detective who worked on the Beauty Killer Task Force which meant tracking down and catching Gretchen Lowell. For those of you that haven’t read the series, you may need to start at the beginning to get a real idea of how the relationship between Gretchen and Archie has developed. Having said that you could probably gain enough insight to pick up and read the book anyway.

In this latest book Archie is called to a murder scene where a corpse is found in Mount Tabor Park. Before long, he receives a call from the mental hospital where Gretchen Lowell is held, informing him that she has information on the current murder. Archie has to find out whether Gretchen really does have the information, or whether she just wants to get close to him. As usual with a Cain book it takes next to no time to get absorbed by the storyline. One thing that she certainly manages to do is turn your stomach a little bit!

As with the other books in the series, we get to see other characters, only this time in more detail. We see a lot more of Henry (Archie’s partner) as well as Susan (a freelance reporter who has an unusual relationship with Henry), and Susan’s mother Bliss. I actually loved the fact that they were all more involved in this book and found that there were a lot more threads to the story that you need to follow.

The actual crime element of the story was done in true Cain style, with more stomach churning moments than I care to remember, however they certainly make it a lot more authentic that’s for sure! There were a few plot twists which I enjoyed, however I have that nagging sensation going on in my head. As much as I loved this book, how much more of Gretchen Lowell can I take? If I’m being 100% honest I’m really not that sure. I’m sincerely hoping that book 6 in this series is just as gripping as this one, but that it also features the demise of Gretchen as I think I might otherwise get tired of her. The one thing I am sure about is that if this series is overdone it would be awful because Chelsea Cain is an absolutely awesome writer. Fingers crossed that in the next book we see the demise of Gretchen, and the opener for another sick and twisted serial killer! (never thought I’d put that in a sentence!)

[nidah05 (SleepDreamWrite) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was looking for something to read, this appeared as a suggestion. It sounded interesting and so I begun reading the series from the beginning and really liked it.

And from there, I started liking the characters, the story, the fast paced and wondered how the mystery was going to be solved at the end.

Also as to who I imagine for Archie and Gretchen. Not sure exactly but Sean Bean comes to mind and Katie McGrath. I don't know that's just me. Just who I thought of while reading the books.

Yeah, I think I say or if I haven't already said it by now, is this is my new favorite series. Sure with some series, you read a certain number of books in a series and start to get bored.

With the Gretchen and Archie series, I think I was getting like that with book 4 but then once I got back into it, I was thinking what's wrong with me, I love this series.

About time we got some backstory or hints to Gretchen. Oh yeah, this one had the Beauty Killer this time. Where last book not so much but its goo to take a break from that and having the next book getting back to the usual cat and mouse game Gretchen and Archie can't seem to stop playing.

This was going to be a 4.5 but then near the end it changed to 5. Though I think that's what I been doing with first couple of books. Well, the ones with Gretchen anyway.

Creepy but haunting cover there. The book that got me interested in the series and looking forward to the next book.

[Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

So after two disappointing installments, Ms. Cain manages to get back to what she does best, her characters and their relationships.

After reading book four, I was seriously considering giving up. In my opinion, in both books three and four she failed to develop her supporting cast and further develop interesting subplots, something that needed to happen. After all, the relationship between Archie and Gretchen can only take this series so far. Luckily, in book five that is exactly what she does.

Loved the relationship between Susan and Leo the hand-job scene was superb. Loved the appearance of Rachel who presents all kinds of possibilities Archie's relationship with her (purely sexual) also further complicates and layers Archie's character. Also think the progression of Claire and Henry's relationship presents lots of interesting options for book six. And the little tease at the end with Susan and Archie...brilliant.(Of course, book six has already been written, so I'm anxious to see if she managed to follow this up.)

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the ridiculousness of the fourth installment (The Night Season) of the Archie Sheridan/Gretchen Lowell series, I admit to feeling a great deal of trepidation before beginning this fifth volume. But Cain has returned to what works in the series - namely investigating the Silence of the Lambs-esque relationship between the two title characters. While the plot isn’t difficult to predict, Cain manages to throw in a few surprises. And while the ending may stretch the limits of plausibility a bit, it will definitely leave you anxious for the sixth book. What a cliffhanger!

Some of Gretchen’s backstory is filled in here, though it seems like readers will have to look to future volumes for the rest of it - only one chapter is closed here. It’s a fast and fun read and MUCH stronger than the previous book in the series.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chelsea Cain pulls off dark, creepy, damaged, and psycho really well. She strongly nails those vibes in her books, including this one. I liked this book. Archie is trying to make progress, even though I haven't seen much change. But just the fact he wants to move on and loathes his weaknesses creates great tension. I like the other characters too because they are vital in the story and they don't feel like they were placed in there to cover a hole. They feel like they are an integral part of the story. They play nicely off of each other.

The one thing though that makes this 4 stars and not 3, is the writing. She has such an easy, casual style. I love that it doesn't seem forced. I also enjoy her humor. It offsets the violence.

[Tami Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just. I. Am. Speechless. Chelsea Cain is some sort of twisted sick genius. I will admit, mid-story I was confused and a bit upset that I was lost in the details. But there there's a method to her madness. The nutcase that is Gretchen Lowell is on FULL display in this one. Whew. I need to pick up something happy and pleasant after this. My my my. Looking forward to book 6!!! Hands down my favorite of the series. Whew.

This narrator deserves an Emmy for the acting and a Grammy for the voice. She was just as twisted as Gretchen. Great. Job.

Could have done without the Patrick convos. I felt they took away from the cadence of the story and didn't add much.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This edition to The Archie Sheridan & Grechen Lowell series has to be the most twisted story yet! Cain tied in so many things from her previous books that had me going "OH MY GOD!" I was shocked multiple times with this one and the book kept me guessing.

[Josh · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s not you, it’s me. The forth book in the Archie/Gretchen saga failed to connect with me in any meaningful way. Unlike the previous entries in the series, Archie felt flat and Gretchen had a Hannibal Lector vibe which didn’t gel with the character I’d come to enjoy previously. The plot was just ‘ok’. It’s a shame really as this is a very good crime fiction series.

[Nathan Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gretchen Lowell is a psychopath serial killer and I love her….what can I say 🤪

[Katie(babs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never been a big fan my mystery thrillers, but I’m beyond addicted to Chelsea Cain’s Archie Sheridan and Gretchen Lowell series. Chelsea publishes one book a year for this series and each and every time I get my hands on the latest book, it feels like it’s my birthday. The latest, Kill You Twice is the fifth book in this very addicting and at times disturbing series. The main protagonist, Portland detective, Archie Sheridan is still trying to get over his torture by the hands of Gretchen Lowell, a beautiful serial killer who he also had a sexual affair with. Archie’s life has been destroyed thanks to Gretchen who is obsessed with him. He’s the only man she ever loved, even though she mutilated him and tortured him for days. Archie survived, and through great willpower on his part, he’s living each day as it comes. He’s actually in a good place although he can’t sleep well at night, but at least he’s off his medication and has his work. Gretchen has been locked away and now she’s on heavy medication and is losing her looks and can’t see Archie, which is her own personal torture.

Kill You Twice begins a few months after the deadly flood that almost destroyed parts of Portland. Former newspaper reporter Susan Ward is living with her eccentric mother and she’s barely making ends meet. She’s involved with Leo Reynolds, a handsome and rich business man who may or may not be involved in shady dealings because his father is in the mob. Susan misses the interaction she used to have with Archie and he’s always on his mind. But then there is another murder that Archie is investigating and one Susan wants to help out on, not only for her chance to write about the crime and gain recognition and money, but to be with Archie. And as the evidence piles up, he figures out that Gretchen is involved again in some way. Now he has to see her and interact with her, which is what she wants. She has a way of sneaking into Archie’s psyche and mind because no matter what he does, they’ll always be connected. But there’s hope Archie is getting over Gretchen because he has a new woman in his life, a younger, attractive woman who has moved into his building and wants to help give him peace of mind. Archie takes it, although he's wary because of everything that has happened with Gretchen and how the crimes he tries to solve, including this one does a number on his mental state because Gretchen again could be the one responsible for the killer’s actions.

Kill You Twice is one tension filled book with so many twists and turns you won’t see coming. Chelsea is a master at writing on the edge of your seat action and she gives such depth to her characters, even that of Gretchen who I can’t get enough of. Their relationship is beyond messed up but keeps you riveted. Their interactions and almost cat and mouse game isn’t stale and as fresh as the first book. You want Archie to get better and he is, but there’s always Gretchen lurking around, more than willing to make him suffer and claim him as her own. Gretchen is Archie’s ultimate demon he must destroy, but it looks like he’s not ready to yet.

I have a soft spot for Susan who I want to smack because she does stupid things just because she can. She’s like a cat with nine lives and it looks like the only one who can keep her on the straight and narrow is Archie. Poor Susan is so far gone over Archie but nothing can come of it because they are so wrong for one another. I see Archie as more of a big brother figure for Susan and I hope in the future books their friendship will continue to grow. Susan is very protective of Archie and she won’t let anyone hurt him again. I really do think when the final showdown occurs between Gretchen and Archie, Susan will be the one to take out Gretchen.

The final chapters of Kill You Twice had me gasping for breath due to some shocks I would have never expected. Chelsea is an author who keeps the reader on their toes and she has done that and then some with Kill You Twice. If you’re not reading this series and you’re a big fan of thriller and police procedurals, you need to read this book, or rather the entire series. Immerse yourself with Archie Sheridan and Gretchen Lowell. Both these characters will grab hold of you by the throat and won’t let go.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Det. Archie Sheridan is still recovering from his last encounter with serial killer Gretchen Lowell.

As the story begins, Archie is at Mount Tabor Park. His unit are examining the body of Jack Kelly who was murdered, tied by his wrists to a tree and appeared to have been skinned from the neck down.

Archie's men are concerned about Archie and he admits to still being weak. He was almost killed by Gretchen who is now at Oregon State Mental Hospital. Then Archie gets a call grom Gretchen's shrink. She asks for Archie's help because a killer is after her child.

When Archie refuses to believ Gretchen's message, she gets Archie's friend, reporter, Susan Ward, to see her. She gives Susan an exclusive interview on tape where she admits to a murder in her past. In return, she asks Susan to tell Archie that she needs to see him.

Another body is found. This time it is a woman whose body has been burned. While Archie and his unit investigate these murders, there is something in Gretchen's message about having an associate in her killings and that it could be the same person responsible for the two murders he's now investigating.

The author writes an interesting story. The plot is a cat and mouse game in trying to find the killer before the killer can reach the next victim. The characters are correctly portrayed and the author gives the reader informatin about Gretchen's past which helps to understand her.

Chelsea Cain is a superb entertainer. I thought the conclusion was somewhat predictable but overall the story was clever and engrossing.