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Maggie O'Dell #11
Stranded
New York Times bestselling author Alex Kava returns with another action-packed thriller featuring special agent Maggie O'Dell, who is on the hunt for a "truck stop" serial killer.
Tired travelers and weary truckers have stopped at rest areas on the nation's highways for decades to refuel, grab a bite, and maybe get some shut-eye, but one man's rest stop is another's hunting ground. For decades the defenseless, the weary, and the stranded have disappeared along the highways and byways, vanishing without a trace, but these seemingly unconnected incidents are no coincidence, and a madman stalks the freeways.
When FBI special agent Maggie O'Dell and her partner, Tully, discover the remains of a young woman in a highway ditch, the one clue left behind is a map that will send Maggie and Tully on a frantic hunt crisscrossing the country to stop a madman before he kills again.
As the body count rises and Maggie races against the clock to unmask the monster who's terrorizing the nation's highways, she turns to a former foe for help since he seems to know just what the killer's next move will be. As she gets closer to finding the killer, it becomes eerily clear that Maggie is the ultimate target.
Tired travelers and weary truckers have stopped at rest areas on the nation's highways for decades to refuel, grab a bite, and maybe get some shut-eye, but one man's rest stop is another's hunting ground. For decades the defenseless, the weary, and the stranded have disappeared along the highways and byways, vanishing without a trace, but these seemingly unconnected incidents are no coincidence, and a madman stalks the freeways.
When FBI special agent Maggie O'Dell and her partner, Tully, discover the remains of a young woman in a highway ditch, the one clue left behind is a map that will send Maggie and Tully on a frantic hunt crisscrossing the country to stop a madman before he kills again.
As the body count rises and Maggie races against the clock to unmask the monster who's terrorizing the nation's highways, she turns to a former foe for help since he seems to know just what the killer's next move will be. As she gets closer to finding the killer, it becomes eerily clear that Maggie is the ultimate target.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 4, 2013
329 people are currently reading
2716 people want to read
About the author
Alex Kava
67 books2,574 followersALEX KAVA IS A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR of the critically acclaimed Maggie O’Dell series and a new series featuring former Marine, Ryder Creed and his K9 dogs. Her stand-alone novel, One False Move, was the 2006 One Book One Nebraska. Published in over thirty countries, Kava’s novels have made the bestseller lists in the UK, Australia, Germany, Japan, Italy and Poland. Her novel Stranded was awarded both a Florida Book Award and the Nebraska Book Award. She is a member of the Nebraska Writers Guild and International Thriller Writers. Kava divides her time between Omaha, Nebraska and Pensacola, Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 467 reviews
December 18, 2016
This story continues where the last book ended with FBI agents Maggie O'Dell and R. J. Tully in pursuit of a vicious serial killer preying on truck stops and highway rest areas. It seems as if the killer is taunting them as he provides clues that lead directly to one of his dumping grounds.
While I enjoyed the story, I was still plagued by the same issues I've always had throughout the series. Maggie's relationship issues don't make sense and she's again falling into serious attraction with a new character, Ryder Creek. He runs a cadaver dog training business and assists during the investigation. At least she seems healthier both emotionally and physically.
The pace was excellent, the story fascinating and the mystery intriguing. I liked that Tully had a more expansive role here, along with Gwen Patterson. The ending, however, was a bit abrupt for me with still too many loose ends dangling, especially as this is the last book in the series (though Maggie continues in the spinoff). I'm signing off here and won't be continuing into the new one as the character development and story conclusions are big misses for me.
While I enjoyed the story, I was still plagued by the same issues I've always had throughout the series. Maggie's relationship issues don't make sense and she's again falling into serious attraction with a new character, Ryder Creek. He runs a cadaver dog training business and assists during the investigation. At least she seems healthier both emotionally and physically.
The pace was excellent, the story fascinating and the mystery intriguing. I liked that Tully had a more expansive role here, along with Gwen Patterson. The ending, however, was a bit abrupt for me with still too many loose ends dangling, especially as this is the last book in the series (though Maggie continues in the spinoff). I'm signing off here and won't be continuing into the new one as the character development and story conclusions are big misses for me.
December 3, 2016
People set out on a car journey but never arrive at their destination. It has been happening for years, and any investigations hit dead ends.Alex Kava’s Stranded, the 11th in her Maggie O’Dell series featuring FBI profiler, Maggie O'Dell.
The story picks up where Fireproof ended, with the discovery of a body near Maggie's home which had been burnt down.
Maggie and her partner, R.J. Tully are investigating several disappearances of people from truck stops on the US interstate highways.
When an imprisoned arsonist gives an accurate location of where bodies are buried, the two travel across the country in search of the sadistic and brutal serial killer.
I love the return of Ryder Creed and his cadaver dog, Grace and learning about search dogs and procedures.
The relationship between Benjamin Platt and Maggie seems to be coming to some kind of hiatus...here we see the chemistry and attraction between her and Ryder Creed and I am looking forward how that relationship is going to move.
“Being alone could sometimes feel terribly empty...”The tension and pacing never lets up and again, the author does a stellar job in keeping you guessing until almost the very end.
This has been a really good series so far and hopefully we will be reading more about Maggie O'Dell in the future.
Nice quote:
".....legend that says when you can't sleep it's because you're awake in someone else's dream."
December 5, 2016
This was probably the best book out of the whole series. Read as a stand alone it is good. It is well paced, interesting and Maggie never does anything silly. There is some unnecessary romantic stuff since every new guy just has to fall head over heels for Maggie - even the criminals lust after her - but it was peripheral and did not affect the story.
As a part of a series - book eleven no less - it has some hiccups. What happened to Maggie's head aches? They appeared to be serious in the last book and now have disappeared with no explanation. How come Tully has developed a whole different character? All of a sudden he is decisive and in charge and practically unrecognisable. These changes are improvements of course but I feel as though I have left a book out.
Still, I enjoyed that one and can now happily put the series to bed and move on.
As a part of a series - book eleven no less - it has some hiccups. What happened to Maggie's head aches? They appeared to be serious in the last book and now have disappeared with no explanation. How come Tully has developed a whole different character? All of a sudden he is decisive and in charge and practically unrecognisable. These changes are improvements of course but I feel as though I have left a book out.
Still, I enjoyed that one and can now happily put the series to bed and move on.
April 4, 2018
FBI Agents Maggie O'Dell and R.J. Tully are called to Iowa where a body has been uncovered on a construction site. They are part of the FBI Highway Serial Killer Initiative, working to find the dumping grounds of serial killers thought to be traveling the nation's interstate highways. The uncovered body, found in a trash bag, gives them some new leads in the case. As O'Dell and Tully delve into the investigation, they are called to Kansas to look at another possible dump site. They contact Ryder Creed, a trainer of K-9 rescue dogs. His dog discovers six locations that contain body parts. Maggie feels that the serial killer is close, maybe even watching them. Little does she know that she is the ultimate target.
This is the last book in Alex Kava's Maggie O'Dell series and probably the best of the bunch. The mystery is interesting, the story has some suspenseful moments, and the identity of the killer was actually a surprise. Kava brings back Tully and Gwen to help out. They've been much under used in the last few books. She also introduces Ryder Creed, a guy who is driven to find his sister who disappeared 15 years ago. Of course, Maggie and Ryder are striking sparks off of each other as soon as they meet. But, I wouldn't put too much stock in that given Maggie's track record with men. My rating: 4 Stars.
This is the last book in Alex Kava's Maggie O'Dell series and probably the best of the bunch. The mystery is interesting, the story has some suspenseful moments, and the identity of the killer was actually a surprise. Kava brings back Tully and Gwen to help out. They've been much under used in the last few books. She also introduces Ryder Creed, a guy who is driven to find his sister who disappeared 15 years ago. Of course, Maggie and Ryder are striking sparks off of each other as soon as they meet. But, I wouldn't put too much stock in that given Maggie's track record with men. My rating: 4 Stars.
August 23, 2017
This might be the best book in the series!
After Fireproof ended on a cliffhanger so high, I couldn't resist picking up the next - and last - book in the Maggie O'Dell series.
Stranded is "on the edge of your seat"; engaging; and so quick to get through you'll blink and it's over.
Kava out did herself with this one.
I loved every second of this nerve gripping Thriller.
I wasn't planning on reading the Ryder Creed Series; but after this informal introduction to him, I can't help but want to know more.
After Fireproof ended on a cliffhanger so high, I couldn't resist picking up the next - and last - book in the Maggie O'Dell series.
Stranded is "on the edge of your seat"; engaging; and so quick to get through you'll blink and it's over.
Kava out did herself with this one.
I loved every second of this nerve gripping Thriller.
I wasn't planning on reading the Ryder Creed Series; but after this informal introduction to him, I can't help but want to know more.
December 14, 2013
My kind of book! This one picks up where "Fireproof" left off. Maggie O'Dell and R.J. Tully are being sent across the country in search of a serial killer - rather twisted and violent killer who leaves clues for Maggie to follow - some of the clues are quite nasty by the way.
Finding out who the "main" guy is, was quite a challenge - I loved every minute of it. Still lots of room for the continuing saga of Maggie O'Dell - a new character introduced, maybe even one that "fits Maggie's profile"!
2 thumbs up and 5 stars for this book. Hmmm, now what do I read - so many books!
Finding out who the "main" guy is, was quite a challenge - I loved every minute of it. Still lots of room for the continuing saga of Maggie O'Dell - a new character introduced, maybe even one that "fits Maggie's profile"!
2 thumbs up and 5 stars for this book. Hmmm, now what do I read - so many books!
May 4, 2016
Loved this 11th book in her Maggie O'Dell series!
May 10, 2014
Stranded – No Place to Hide
I don’t know how I have done it but I would love to know how I have missed Alex Kava’s Maggie O’Dell thrillers but better late than never. Stranded is a fast paced page turner of a thriller with plenty of twists and turns and working out who is the protagonist leaves you in suspense until the end. This book really is for fans of the TV show Criminal Minds and the FBI’s Behavioural Analysis Unit at Quantico. Stranded is also proof that Alex Kava is at the top of her game, understands the genre and delivers a thriller with a punch. Now all I have to do is get my hands on her previous work!
Anyone that has driven around America and gone either state or interstate will know how great the interstate roads are and sometimes what a god send it is to see the truck rest stops. As an Englishman I love driving their interstates as they are straight and easy to work out where you going even later at night as long as you stay in the speed limits which are low compared to the UK and Europe. Those truck stops to a traveller are an oasis in the desert if you are a trucker or covering long distances.
Maggie O’Dell has been tasked to a serial killer investigation team based out of Quantico searching for someone who is killing people at the rest stops along the interstate. Not only content with killing them he happily slices and dices the victims probably for pleasure. O’Dell and her partner Tully are sent along to investigate the latest body dump which turns out to be part of an old farmstead but they have been guided their by a prisoner called Otis. The killer had also left a mad of the I-95 in Maggie’s burnt out house and there is nothing worse really than a killer taunting the FBI as they will always come through in the end, or in O’Dell’s case will they?
Tully warns O’Dell as the body count rises that this seems to be a game to the killer and that she seems to be the ultimate prize to her or him especially after CNN had profiled her. She recognises that this danger is part of her job and tries not to let this worry her. It is a fast paced game of hide and seek with her either as the prize or the victorious. You can feel O’Dell’s weariness but dogged determination in that she will not give up and try not to be too predictable for the killer.
Special Agent Maggie O’Dell is a brilliant investigator and she delivers in Stranded a strong determined woman who is not afraid of anything other than her own personal feelings. Kava has created a brilliant character who shows that women are just as dogged just as determined and just as inquisitive as their male counterparts who will stop at nothing to get the job done. The intensity grows throughout the book as the pace gathers and you feel a need to finish so you can see who and how the characters develop and who wins in the end.
In Stranded Alex Kava proves that women are taking hold of the crime thriller genre and making it their own and improving it with every book published.
I don’t know how I have done it but I would love to know how I have missed Alex Kava’s Maggie O’Dell thrillers but better late than never. Stranded is a fast paced page turner of a thriller with plenty of twists and turns and working out who is the protagonist leaves you in suspense until the end. This book really is for fans of the TV show Criminal Minds and the FBI’s Behavioural Analysis Unit at Quantico. Stranded is also proof that Alex Kava is at the top of her game, understands the genre and delivers a thriller with a punch. Now all I have to do is get my hands on her previous work!
Anyone that has driven around America and gone either state or interstate will know how great the interstate roads are and sometimes what a god send it is to see the truck rest stops. As an Englishman I love driving their interstates as they are straight and easy to work out where you going even later at night as long as you stay in the speed limits which are low compared to the UK and Europe. Those truck stops to a traveller are an oasis in the desert if you are a trucker or covering long distances.
Maggie O’Dell has been tasked to a serial killer investigation team based out of Quantico searching for someone who is killing people at the rest stops along the interstate. Not only content with killing them he happily slices and dices the victims probably for pleasure. O’Dell and her partner Tully are sent along to investigate the latest body dump which turns out to be part of an old farmstead but they have been guided their by a prisoner called Otis. The killer had also left a mad of the I-95 in Maggie’s burnt out house and there is nothing worse really than a killer taunting the FBI as they will always come through in the end, or in O’Dell’s case will they?
Tully warns O’Dell as the body count rises that this seems to be a game to the killer and that she seems to be the ultimate prize to her or him especially after CNN had profiled her. She recognises that this danger is part of her job and tries not to let this worry her. It is a fast paced game of hide and seek with her either as the prize or the victorious. You can feel O’Dell’s weariness but dogged determination in that she will not give up and try not to be too predictable for the killer.
Special Agent Maggie O’Dell is a brilliant investigator and she delivers in Stranded a strong determined woman who is not afraid of anything other than her own personal feelings. Kava has created a brilliant character who shows that women are just as dogged just as determined and just as inquisitive as their male counterparts who will stop at nothing to get the job done. The intensity grows throughout the book as the pace gathers and you feel a need to finish so you can see who and how the characters develop and who wins in the end.
In Stranded Alex Kava proves that women are taking hold of the crime thriller genre and making it their own and improving it with every book published.
January 6, 2020
Fab final Maggie instalment.
I am a bit gutted that this is the last in the series - I have started the Ryder Creed series and I am just not getting on with it as well as with this one... yet (fingers crossed it gets better).
This story focuses on Maggie and Tully's serial killer case that was touched upon in the previous book. A killer is targeting his victims at rest stops along the highway and has developed a fascination with Maggie. (A lot of killers seem to like her?!)
Although this was a good read, and a worthy instalment in the series, I was a bit disappointed that this was the one that we leave Maggie on. There are so many unanswered questions and new threads of story that are just left unfinished.
I imagine some of this will be developed as a side line in the Creed books, but I'm truly hoping Alex Kava continues with Maggie when she's done with Ryder.
Overall, this was a sound read, the writing was the same high quality as usual, and the story was interesting and suspenseful. I would recommend this to Kava fans and thriller fans.
www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
I am a bit gutted that this is the last in the series - I have started the Ryder Creed series and I am just not getting on with it as well as with this one... yet (fingers crossed it gets better).
This story focuses on Maggie and Tully's serial killer case that was touched upon in the previous book. A killer is targeting his victims at rest stops along the highway and has developed a fascination with Maggie. (A lot of killers seem to like her?!)
Although this was a good read, and a worthy instalment in the series, I was a bit disappointed that this was the one that we leave Maggie on. There are so many unanswered questions and new threads of story that are just left unfinished.
I imagine some of this will be developed as a side line in the Creed books, but I'm truly hoping Alex Kava continues with Maggie when she's done with Ryder.
Overall, this was a sound read, the writing was the same high quality as usual, and the story was interesting and suspenseful. I would recommend this to Kava fans and thriller fans.
www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
July 1, 2017
I think this gets 2 stars by virtue of the fact it's better than the number of 1 star stinkers I've suffered through lately! Boring, predictable and lazy.
The Maggie O'Dell series was great for the first five or six books, but since "Black Friday" they've been decidedly lackluster ("Hotwire" was downright awful), and this offering doesn't buck the trend. Even going in with low expectations it still failed to deliver anything worthwhile. Ostensibly, it's about Maggie tracking a serial killer who hunts his targets at truck stops and rest stops. He has left Maggie a map to locate his burial ground, because he's obsessed with her and considers her to be a "challenge". Whatever. Actually, 70% of the book is just Maggie and partner R.J. organising for Ryder Creed to bring his cadaver sniffing dogs to the scene and uncover dead bodies. It's all very dull - the last thing you want a serial killer thriller to be!
Alex Kava, if previous books are anything to go by, is far more interested in conspiracy theories than behavioural profiling or serial killers, and it shows. Was this as boring to write as it was to read? By the looks of things, this is the last official entry in the Maggie O'Dell series. I believe she is a part of the current Ryder Creed series, but I won't be around for those. Kava is a crap writer and now that I can cross this series off my list, I won't bother reading her again!
The Maggie O'Dell series was great for the first five or six books, but since "Black Friday" they've been decidedly lackluster ("Hotwire" was downright awful), and this offering doesn't buck the trend. Even going in with low expectations it still failed to deliver anything worthwhile. Ostensibly, it's about Maggie tracking a serial killer who hunts his targets at truck stops and rest stops. He has left Maggie a map to locate his burial ground, because he's obsessed with her and considers her to be a "challenge". Whatever. Actually, 70% of the book is just Maggie and partner R.J. organising for Ryder Creed to bring his cadaver sniffing dogs to the scene and uncover dead bodies. It's all very dull - the last thing you want a serial killer thriller to be!
Alex Kava, if previous books are anything to go by, is far more interested in conspiracy theories than behavioural profiling or serial killers, and it shows. Was this as boring to write as it was to read? By the looks of things, this is the last official entry in the Maggie O'Dell series. I believe she is a part of the current Ryder Creed series, but I won't be around for those. Kava is a crap writer and now that I can cross this series off my list, I won't bother reading her again!
August 12, 2013
After the cliffhanger-ish ending of the tenth volume in the Maggie O’Dell series, not to mention the amount of time spent in Fireproof setting up this plot, this eleventh book certainly holds a lot of potential to be even great. Unfortunately, it falls a bit short of reaching that promise. It opens just a month after the conclusion of Fireproof, but somehow it feels like a lot more time has passed. It’s missing some continuity between the two books (for example, the last book features persistent headaches of Maggie’s - leftovers from the events of the ninth book, Hotwire - which have miraculously disappeared here). Even more strange, the lilacs (my favorite flower!) in Iowa are blooming - in March!! In the Chicagoland area, at least, that never happens that early in the year! But, perhaps most disappointing of all is the ease in which the killer is identifiable.
Kaval also provides yet another romantic possibility for her heroine. Creed, a dog trainer and owner of a successful independent team of dogs used for searching for people (both alive and dead) as well as drugs, certainly seems like a bit of catch (though he, of course, has some baggage), but it will be interesting to see if he too joins the growing cast of characters. There are some more hints of personal life changes ahead for Maggie, but otherwise no set up for the twelfth volume in the series. More and more, dogs play a role in these mysteries - which I think is just wonderful! And though this one didn’t live up to my expectation, I am still looking forward to the continuation of the series.
Kaval also provides yet another romantic possibility for her heroine. Creed, a dog trainer and owner of a successful independent team of dogs used for searching for people (both alive and dead) as well as drugs, certainly seems like a bit of catch (though he, of course, has some baggage), but it will be interesting to see if he too joins the growing cast of characters. There are some more hints of personal life changes ahead for Maggie, but otherwise no set up for the twelfth volume in the series. More and more, dogs play a role in these mysteries - which I think is just wonderful! And though this one didn’t live up to my expectation, I am still looking forward to the continuation of the series.
September 28, 2013
Loved this Maggie O'Dell outing. It may be my favorite so far.
February 16, 2022
Read in Dutch
🗺️🛣️ The story 🛣️🗺️
Maggie O’Dell and Tully are after a serial killer who seems to target people who visit truck stops. Their hunt however doesn’t go as planned, when the killer shows interest in Maggie.
I didn’t realize that this wasn’t the first book in the series, so I was surprised when I realized it was actually the last book. Starting with the last book in a series, that’s totally logical right?I know I’m stupid Even though I had no clue who all of the characters were, I didn’t feel like I was necessarily missing out on things. Sure, there was some background that might’ve been good to know, but I feel like it isn’t necessary to have read the other books to understand this one.
So that aside, let’s talk about this book. I really enjoyed the changing point of views in this book. I can’t say that I really liked Gwen, but besides her, the other main POV’s were great. Especially Noah’s chapters, since it added to the creepiness and mystery of the story. Although I still don’t exactly know what happened with him and Ethan, there were things implied that were… Well, ew. I also loved that we got some chapters from the killer’s POV! Really creepy, but that’s what I’m here for. I must admit that I immediately recognized the killer – and knew who the killer in the end would be. This honestly isn’t a surprise, because I pretty much always know who’s done itI blame my Agatha Christie obsession when I was young, so this didn’t make the story less fun to me. The ending was a bit too open for me; I wanted some people to get together and stuff to be resolved, I don’t really understand why but then just leave it there? Confusing.
The descriptions of the murders and such were detailed, but I didn’t really mind it. Just be aware of it if you decide to pick up these books.
🗺️🛣️ The characters 🛣️🗺️
I’m just going to discuss them all in one go this time around. First of all, we have Maggie. I want to say that I feel like she doesn’t have that much depth, but that’s probably just because I haven’t read the other books in this series. I was rooting for her and Creed so hard, I loved Creed and his dogs, so cool. I especially loved Grace; she was so darn cool. I heard that there’s a spin-off for him, so I might go read that next. I definitely thought I’m definitely hoping for steamy scenes between him and Maggie in the spin-off, not gonna lie. Gwen was really mweh to me, probably because I don’t know her backstory. She was just very overdramatic in my opinion – again, probably because I didn’t know exactly why she was overreacting so much. I’m also confused about her relationship with Tully, since we literally didn’t get even one scene with the two of them? Again, probably solvable by reading the other books. Tully seemed promising, I definitely thought there was something between him and Maggie lol! So yeah, I liked the characters, and I’m sure I’ll like them even more if I read the other books.
🗺️🛣️ Overall conclusion 🛣️🗺️
Although I wasn’t too happy with the ‘open’ ending, I did like the suspense and mystery in the book. The murders were disgusting – but in a good way, if that makes sense? – and I was excited to learn more about the killer. I wasn’t surprised with who the killer turned out to be, but it was fun to read nonetheless! Maybe do start with the first book in the series if you’re planning on reading this, because it seems like that might solve all my issues ;)
Fight or flight. Good or evil. Rarely was life that black and white. Most people learned to live in the gray areas.
🗺️🛣️ The story 🛣️🗺️
Maggie O’Dell and Tully are after a serial killer who seems to target people who visit truck stops. Their hunt however doesn’t go as planned, when the killer shows interest in Maggie.
I didn’t realize that this wasn’t the first book in the series, so I was surprised when I realized it was actually the last book. Starting with the last book in a series, that’s totally logical right?
So that aside, let’s talk about this book. I really enjoyed the changing point of views in this book. I can’t say that I really liked Gwen, but besides her, the other main POV’s were great. Especially Noah’s chapters, since it added to the creepiness and mystery of the story. Although I still don’t exactly know what happened with him and Ethan, there were things implied that were… Well, ew. I also loved that we got some chapters from the killer’s POV! Really creepy, but that’s what I’m here for. I must admit that I immediately recognized the killer – and knew who the killer in the end would be. This honestly isn’t a surprise, because I pretty much always know who’s done it
The descriptions of the murders and such were detailed, but I didn’t really mind it. Just be aware of it if you decide to pick up these books.
🗺️🛣️ The characters 🛣️🗺️
I’m just going to discuss them all in one go this time around. First of all, we have Maggie. I want to say that I feel like she doesn’t have that much depth, but that’s probably just because I haven’t read the other books in this series. I was rooting for her and Creed so hard, I loved Creed and his dogs, so cool. I especially loved Grace; she was so darn cool. I heard that there’s a spin-off for him, so I might go read that next. I definitely thought I’m definitely hoping for steamy scenes between him and Maggie in the spin-off, not gonna lie. Gwen was really mweh to me, probably because I don’t know her backstory. She was just very overdramatic in my opinion – again, probably because I didn’t know exactly why she was overreacting so much. I’m also confused about her relationship with Tully, since we literally didn’t get even one scene with the two of them? Again, probably solvable by reading the other books. Tully seemed promising, I definitely thought there was something between him and Maggie lol! So yeah, I liked the characters, and I’m sure I’ll like them even more if I read the other books.
🗺️🛣️ Overall conclusion 🛣️🗺️
Although I wasn’t too happy with the ‘open’ ending, I did like the suspense and mystery in the book. The murders were disgusting – but in a good way, if that makes sense? – and I was excited to learn more about the killer. I wasn’t surprised with who the killer turned out to be, but it was fun to read nonetheless! Maybe do start with the first book in the series if you’re planning on reading this, because it seems like that might solve all my issues ;)
January 9, 2014
I have always had a distrust for rest areas especially when I'm alone, therefore I don't stop at many at all. Now, after this book, I will never again stop at a rest area. The sheer fact that there is a real Highway Task Force with the F.B.I. investigating all the missing persons across the United States from the road is freaky enough. ViCAP is a great thing and yet disturbing when all crimes are uploaded from the states... that some might cross over and actually be linked. Alex wove an awesome story of another madman leaving clues for Maggie O'Dell and with multiple gruesome details. I'm quite interested in seeing more of Ryder, her new character, and his pooches with maybe a live rescue mission rather than cadavers. With each book in this series, Alex makes the reader bond with all her characters as their lives continually change. They feel real and connected to the surroundings, even the local police. I raced through the pages with my heart beat rapidly thumping, especially toward the end. I do know I was extremely worried about Grace when the accident happened and then Bolo with the guns and knives. I love animals so...... A must read series! If one hasn't read a story about Maggie O'Dell and her co-horts, rush out today and get the first book A Perfect Evil
May 11, 2014
I was looking for a good escapist crime fiction to read on a long flight. I had a number of books on my iPad, but I always need a paperback nearby in case my battery ran too low. Well, I found such a book with "Stranded". It was a tale of a serial killer that uses the Interstate highway rest stops as a place to procure victims. The detective is Maggie O'Dell and this is the 11th book in this particular series.
The fact is that I found the story very well paced and such a page turner that now I have to find another book because I haven't even made it to the airport yet.
I tend to prefer the male POV and hard-boiled noir style of Hammett and Chandler, and this was an interesting look at a genre that is certainly getting quite popular. The detective story is becoming increasingly populated with smart empowered women. The weakest areas of this book were the short lapses into what I would call "Nora Roberts" moments. References to the six-pack abs of the male 'hero' seemed distracting, but then again, we (men) always had the long-legged femme fatale descriptions to entice us, so I guess it's all comes out even.
I would recommend this to anyone seeking an engrossing read about Alpha female detectives.
The fact is that I found the story very well paced and such a page turner that now I have to find another book because I haven't even made it to the airport yet.
I tend to prefer the male POV and hard-boiled noir style of Hammett and Chandler, and this was an interesting look at a genre that is certainly getting quite popular. The detective story is becoming increasingly populated with smart empowered women. The weakest areas of this book were the short lapses into what I would call "Nora Roberts" moments. References to the six-pack abs of the male 'hero' seemed distracting, but then again, we (men) always had the long-legged femme fatale descriptions to entice us, so I guess it's all comes out even.
I would recommend this to anyone seeking an engrossing read about Alpha female detectives.
October 23, 2013
Another great book in the series. I liked the little bit of romance towards the end, there's not usually any romance in these books. I also found the background information on the dog cadaver search & rescue team very interesting. Can't wait for the next one!
August 17, 2016
Another action packed adventure for profiler Maggie O'Dell. She is after the interstate killer. Couldn't put this one down.
May 18, 2020
I really enjoyed this book in the series. Decent story plot, had me wanting to know more. Bringing in Ryder Creed was a good way to introduce him to the audience and I ended up liking him.
January 19, 2025
Wow! That was intense! I need a minute to calm my nerves!
October 30, 2015
The interstate highways of America's heartland have become killing and dumping fields in, "Stranded", by Alex Kava. The eleventh book in the Maggie O'Dell series finds O'Dell and her partner RJ Tully on the trail of a monster. Manhattan, Kansas Ethan Ames, and Noah Waters are returning home from college when they come across a motorist who needs help. Motorist begging to use a cell phone touches off a brutal killing and a horror filled night for the two kids. Noah ends up naked and dumped at a hospital. Ethan is now missing without a trace, and Noah has an idea of the savagery of the night. Meanwhile two bodies turn up along a highway in Sioux City, Iowa. FBI Profiler O'Dell and partner arrive on scene to take the case. The FBI's "Highway Serial Killing Initiative" has been turning bodies up for months. They estimate up to 200 may be victims of this highway killer. At near by house and farm that's been vacant for ten years the horror seems to have grown. The FBI calls in a canine cadaver dog to search property. Up from Florida arrives Ryder Creed and his star dog Grace. After several hours Grace has turned up quite a few bodies buried within this property. It's when O'Dell realizes her killer is stalking and taunting her the body count grows incredibly. With the help of serial arsonist Otis P. Dodd who is serving a 25 year sentence the first real break happens. Otis has met the killer a year ago. "Jack" spent many an hour bragging to Otis of his exploits. Before long Otis cons FBI to allow him to go out to one of Jack's new dumping fieldsand the body count keeps rising. Overall a pretty good story. I read the 420 pages in just a couple of sittings. I'm glad book reads very fast. The pace of the plot does not slow down throughout book. The usual cast of characters are here from the other O'Dell novels (Except Nick Morrelli). Dr Gwen Patterson and Tully are still an item. Patterson however has many personal issues that distract her from this case. Some of the come and go characters were not really defined very well. We get a glimpse of Otis but then the door is shut in our face. For that long of a read the characters should have had more depth. It seems in this series the books are too inconsistent. This was one of the more lively ones to read, just as others were just average at best. The Maggie O'Dell character is really so hollow. She's no life set up in any of these books. Just when you think a little romance will get into plot it's yanked away quickly. We know very little of her life story except what she goes through in these cases. She needs some emotions injected to make her more believable. I'm giving this O'Dell outing three stars out of a possible five stars. It was better than a bunch of the others. Of the eleven in series I've now read nine. For me that's gonna be a wrap even if a number twelve comes out. Check out the series. For the most part as a whole it's better than average.
May 2, 2016
I didn't expect this one to pick up from Storm Season-One Storm, 3 Novellas, although I did think when reading that book it was odd that the killer wasn't caught. The authors must have had a deal that Kava would finish things up with a full length book.
This whole book was a cat and mouse game, one where Maggie and Tully were always one step behind the killer. I hated that he kept getting one over on them. That was really important towards the end when he managed to single them out for the final confrontation.
Having already read the Ryder Creed books I liked his introduction in this book, although he's a bit more of a mess here.
This whole book was a cat and mouse game, one where Maggie and Tully were always one step behind the killer. I hated that he kept getting one over on them. That was really important towards the end when he managed to single them out for the final confrontation.
Having already read the Ryder Creed books I liked his introduction in this book, although he's a bit more of a mess here.
October 10, 2018
I have a rule: that I try never to read Serial Killer crap. (unless maybe it's a Dean Koontz book). But I was at the library and desperate for some long haul time wasters. So...
A serial killer is murdering people at Rest Areas around the U.S.. (I was actually driving around rest areas in Washington, Idaho, Utah while listening to this --- almost made it fun).
FBI guy and girl are gathering clues. Mostly boring.
It either needed way more humor (amongst serial killers?) or way more romance. Or some knockdown fights in Roadside bars. There just wasn't enough to make up for the blood and gore and chatter. The clues were boring and I didn't really care who died in the end.
A serial killer is murdering people at Rest Areas around the U.S.. (I was actually driving around rest areas in Washington, Idaho, Utah while listening to this --- almost made it fun).
FBI guy and girl are gathering clues. Mostly boring.
It either needed way more humor (amongst serial killers?) or way more romance. Or some knockdown fights in Roadside bars. There just wasn't enough to make up for the blood and gore and chatter. The clues were boring and I didn't really care who died in the end.
December 22, 2016
This was a classic Alex Kava novel of the Maggie O'Dell series! Loved this book! As always, Alex Kava, draws you into the story and wraps the story with the characters around you. Very intense, page turner, nail biting story of a serial killer on the loose and taking victims along the interstate highways.
The story sticks with you long after you put down the book and it gives you pause of being extra careful while driving the interstates that criss-cross the country as no one truly knows who lurks just out of sight or who might be watching. Giving this book a five star read.
The story sticks with you long after you put down the book and it gives you pause of being extra careful while driving the interstates that criss-cross the country as no one truly knows who lurks just out of sight or who might be watching. Giving this book a five star read.
February 3, 2015
I really loved this book. She added some warming characters and they had roles that haven't been used in her books before. The dogs added a bit of validity to the story. I just hope in the next book her path crosses Creed's again.
December 16, 2014
This was an excellent book, I couldn't hardly put it down because I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I would highly recommend this book to any one who want's an excellent read. I look forward to reading more of this author's work
April 19, 2024
Alweer het 11e deel in de Maggie O'Dell serie waarin alle oude bekenden weer terugkomen. Dit keer gaat Maggie samen met haar partner R.J. Tully op zoek naar een seriemoordenaar die zijn slachtoffers zoekt op parkeerplaatsen langs de snelweg. Af en toe grijpt dit deel terug naar gebeurtenissen uit deel 10 (Vuurzee) en omdat het al een tijdje geleden was dat ik die had gelezen, vond ik dat jammer. Het is goed te lezen zonder dat je deel 10 kent, maar het maakt dingen wel meer duidelijk als je dat wel hebt gedaan.
Het plot zit goed in elkaar en er zijn meer dan genoeg wendingen om het interessant te houden. Je blijft doorlezen en ook nu zat er voldoende spanning in. Leuk ook dat er steeds meer honden in het verhaal gaan voorkomen. Gewoon een lekkere thriller om tussendoor te lezen!
Het plot zit goed in elkaar en er zijn meer dan genoeg wendingen om het interessant te houden. Je blijft doorlezen en ook nu zat er voldoende spanning in. Leuk ook dat er steeds meer honden in het verhaal gaan voorkomen. Gewoon een lekkere thriller om tussendoor te lezen!
August 1, 2017
I didn't particularly enjoy Fireproof so I've been slow to read this one but I wish I'd got to it sooner as it is a real page turner. In a follow on from Fireproof Maggie and RJ are hunting for the suspected serial killer they uncovered in Fireproof. I don't think you have to have read Fireproof as Stranded works well as a stand alone with enough back story to keep you informed. Stranded won't win any literary prizes but it will keep you turning the pages as it is well plotted and written. It is hard for me to judge characterisation as I have read all Ms Kava's books and am very familiar with their histories but it is good to see them moving forward and developing.
April 6, 2024
I have read several books by Alex Kava including her series books. I love her main characters and I’m happy I got to visit them again. Originally, one of my patients recommended her and I binge read them for awhile. But several years has gone by and I’m happy to be back in the Alex Kava fan club. Stranded involved my favorite detective and her partner, her best friend, a cute tracker with great dogs, and a sadistic serial killer that leaves maps and clues!!! What could be better than that? ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
March 30, 2019
One of the better Kava novels thus far. This story involved all my favorite characters including two dogs (the real stars of the story). Well written and riveting story makes a great combination for a suspense novel. This one did offer a bit too much graphic violence but I guess it is a murder mystery after all...
May 7, 2025
Having read all of the Ryder Creed books, I realized this book from the Maggie O’Dell series is when Maggie and Ryder first meet. I really enjoy Alex Kavas writing talent, her characters, humans and dogs, are all fantastic and each book has an exciting plot. In this book we get to see two of Creeds dogs, Grace and Bolo, in action.
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