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The Tortured
A small town girl from Canada is here looking to have a good time in St. Louis for the weekend with her best friend. Unbeknownst to her, a serial killer has other twisted plans in store. Local Detectives are investigating the 6th death linked to the Archway Killer when they learn another kidnapping has arisen. Can our detectives rescue the 7th victim in time? Can number seven hold out days and days of Torture in hopes of being rescued? Or will our Killer claim another victim? Only time will tell.
148 pages, Paperback
Published June 7, 2023
32 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 3, 2025
This book is mostly Smut. The book is short, the ending somewhat predictable and anticlimactic for sure- I do get that they are leaving it open for more books to be added to the series. Normally I think trigger warnings are lame, however this is kind of a messed up book so I definitely recommend you pay attention to that. Overall I’m not impressed with this book.
June 23, 2023
This book has Criminal Minds vibe. There are many twists and turns. Definitely check your triggers. This a five star read.
December 27, 2023
3.8 ★
While I WAS NOT expecting that twist, I was disappointed that this unfortunately fell a little flat for me. I look forward to the sequel and intend to check that out once released (with that cliffhanger please say there is a sequel 🤞🏻😅), but I was hoping for more action. More suspense. I hope in the sequel that the characters will be fleshed out a little more.
This is definitely a good read and I do recommend for anyone that enjoys a good crime thriller!!
While I WAS NOT expecting that twist, I was disappointed that this unfortunately fell a little flat for me. I look forward to the sequel and intend to check that out once released (with that cliffhanger please say there is a sequel 🤞🏻😅), but I was hoping for more action. More suspense. I hope in the sequel that the characters will be fleshed out a little more.
This is definitely a good read and I do recommend for anyone that enjoys a good crime thriller!!
May 26, 2025
Damn🫢 while reading this book, I felt like I was in one of the Criminal Minds episodes. It was quite scary and intriguing 😳 However, I figured out the killer pretty quickly, and even though the authors tried to dismiss it, I still held on to my speculations, and I was correct 🤪
The only thing that truly bugged me was the dialogs between the detectives, they felt very fake and cringey in moments😬
Overall, the book was really good 👍🏻✨️
The only thing that truly bugged me was the dialogs between the detectives, they felt very fake and cringey in moments😬
Overall, the book was really good 👍🏻✨️
January 28, 2024
I inhaled this book in a day. Seriously could not put it down. I was on the edge of my seat during this entire head twisting psychological thriller of a ride. I'm at a loss for words.
April 12, 2025
Let's normalize putting the POV we're reading from.
April 11, 2024
WARNING: This review is extremely honest and may come across mean or harsh. Please do not read if you're easily offended.
This book is a perfect example of how anyone can pay to self-publish nonesense, but that doesn't make them an author. I briefly knew these 2 people who "wrote" this "book" from booktok lives- neither of them could barely string a written sentence together, but decided they would try to write a book because everyone else was. On a couple of different occasions, I watched them struggle with ideas and literacy (yes, literacy). They had to get multiple people to help and pretty much rewrite everything they wrote because it was so juvenile and bad.
I came across the finished product just recently and decided to read it for shits and giggles. It was exactly how I remembered it- like 2 barely literate teenagers took a pen to paper and called it a book. The writing is extremely immature and bad when it comes to structure, continuity, and editing, there is no character development, the ending is predictable, it was creepy- and not in a good way, but in a predator wrote it kinda way, and it was overall... barely readable.
I don't often tell people not to read a book, but this time, I have to say, do not waste your time or money.
And before you decide that I'm being mean and feel bad for the people who wrote this (which wasn't actually Dr j and ash- it was all of the people they had editing every single sentence), just know that these two people are not good humans. One is a chronic adulterer, and the other should be investigated by CPS for child abuse and neglect.
I said what I said.
This book is a perfect example of how anyone can pay to self-publish nonesense, but that doesn't make them an author. I briefly knew these 2 people who "wrote" this "book" from booktok lives- neither of them could barely string a written sentence together, but decided they would try to write a book because everyone else was. On a couple of different occasions, I watched them struggle with ideas and literacy (yes, literacy). They had to get multiple people to help and pretty much rewrite everything they wrote because it was so juvenile and bad.
I came across the finished product just recently and decided to read it for shits and giggles. It was exactly how I remembered it- like 2 barely literate teenagers took a pen to paper and called it a book. The writing is extremely immature and bad when it comes to structure, continuity, and editing, there is no character development, the ending is predictable, it was creepy- and not in a good way, but in a predator wrote it kinda way, and it was overall... barely readable.
I don't often tell people not to read a book, but this time, I have to say, do not waste your time or money.
And before you decide that I'm being mean and feel bad for the people who wrote this (which wasn't actually Dr j and ash- it was all of the people they had editing every single sentence), just know that these two people are not good humans. One is a chronic adulterer, and the other should be investigated by CPS for child abuse and neglect.
I said what I said.
February 13, 2024
I dive into my books without reading a blurb and I won’t read your trigger warning list.
This book had me guessing and tripping over myself.
I’m trying to be in the thriller era but I found the book that has done me in! I was like yess now where is book 2 because I’m not done
I’m not giving yall nothing in this review go pick up the book!
This book had me guessing and tripping over myself.
I’m trying to be in the thriller era but I found the book that has done me in! I was like yess now where is book 2 because I’m not done
I’m not giving yall nothing in this review go pick up the book!
July 14, 2023
I'm reluctant to even call this a book, but for the sake of this review I will. This book was hands down 100% the worst "book" I've ever read. It was like someone with no clue what their doing or any talent for writing, sat down with a piece of paper and pen and wrote a bunch of barely legible sentences and then paid money to self publish it and call it a book. I'm pretty sure my 10 year old can write better.
Absolutely horrible plot, story and character development, editing, dialogue and sex scenes. The writing is immature and messy.
And the worst part is, the book is so bad that the co-author "Ash", is pretending to be a reader and writing 5 star reviews under her full name Ashley Santiago.
Do not waste your money or time on this farce. Just because you wrote some words on a page and then pay to publish it, doesn't make you a real author.
Absolutely horrible plot, story and character development, editing, dialogue and sex scenes. The writing is immature and messy.
And the worst part is, the book is so bad that the co-author "Ash", is pretending to be a reader and writing 5 star reviews under her full name Ashley Santiago.
Do not waste your money or time on this farce. Just because you wrote some words on a page and then pay to publish it, doesn't make you a real author.
December 28, 2024
Would not recommend
First I didn't realize this was a smut read, but decided to follow through. I normally hate romance but enjoy mystery and psychological thrillers.
Holy crap was that a big mistake.
The writing was terrible, first of all. Grammatical and punctuation mistakes were on almost every page. The story went nowhere, characters are forgettable, and there's no real decelopment. It was written as if a couple of 13-year-olds got together on AI chats and asked it to write a cringe romance on a Friday afternoon and published it Saturday morning. The twists were extremely predictable. I'm not sure where all of these 5 star reviews are coming from, but do not waste your time. I would have rather spent the 2 hours it took to read it at work.
First I didn't realize this was a smut read, but decided to follow through. I normally hate romance but enjoy mystery and psychological thrillers.
Holy crap was that a big mistake.
The writing was terrible, first of all. Grammatical and punctuation mistakes were on almost every page. The story went nowhere, characters are forgettable, and there's no real decelopment. It was written as if a couple of 13-year-olds got together on AI chats and asked it to write a cringe romance on a Friday afternoon and published it Saturday morning. The twists were extremely predictable. I'm not sure where all of these 5 star reviews are coming from, but do not waste your time. I would have rather spent the 2 hours it took to read it at work.
January 7, 2024
* 1.5 - 2 Stars *
This book was just okay. Nothing special.
You can certainly tell that multiple people wrote it because there is a large disconnect and collision of writing styles throughout.
I almost didn't make it beyond the beginning because the writing is very juvenile and needed more work.
At the end of the book it is mentioned that the authors were tired of reading books with transparent endings and wanted to write something where you couldn't guess what was going to happen. In attempting to write something conspicuous, the authors managed to write a story where you can guess the ending from the beginning. Overall, this book wasn't complete and needed a lot more work before being published.
This book was just okay. Nothing special.
You can certainly tell that multiple people wrote it because there is a large disconnect and collision of writing styles throughout.
I almost didn't make it beyond the beginning because the writing is very juvenile and needed more work.
At the end of the book it is mentioned that the authors were tired of reading books with transparent endings and wanted to write something where you couldn't guess what was going to happen. In attempting to write something conspicuous, the authors managed to write a story where you can guess the ending from the beginning. Overall, this book wasn't complete and needed a lot more work before being published.
April 5, 2024
I'm writing this at 1:45 am.... Holy hell, what did I just read... The Rollar coaster of emotions is an understatement.... I was told about this book from a friend of mine Sammi and I was like, why not? I like twist stuff, let's go...
With that being side first and for most check you tiggers cause this one matters...
I was expecting some of the stuff that I read, but no, not all of it...
This book is amazing... DJ and Ash, yall knocked it out of the park, and the damn ending, wtf didn't see that coming... I need more!
With that being side first and for most check you tiggers cause this one matters...
I was expecting some of the stuff that I read, but no, not all of it...
This book is amazing... DJ and Ash, yall knocked it out of the park, and the damn ending, wtf didn't see that coming... I need more!
June 8, 2025
I was left disappointed reading this. It's really predictable in who the shadow is, but there was this one thing at the very end that made me say oh that's new. The writing was hard to get through, personally I hate when a characters are referred to both their first and last name. It gets confusing, stick with one or the other. I get that this has an open ending for more books but I can't say I really look forward to know what happens next & probably won't follow the series.
December 27, 2023
Let me start with I am a dark romance reader. This is not that and yet still I devoured this book. I loved the twist and turns that this book took. I tried to play along to figure out the ending. Which leaves you with lots of questions. So I will absolutely be picking up the next book.
Highly recommend!
Happy Reading Ya'll <3
Highly recommend!
Happy Reading Ya'll <3
January 1, 2024
There is just something about a good mystery. I really enjoyed the formatting of this book and having the POV’s in a way that didn’t immediately say who did it. I will be watching these two authors to check out anything else they put out.
August 23, 2024
This book gave me vibes of the crime shows I absolutely love. And the fact it's one you can't easily guess who is actually The shadow is an absolute bonus. [I hate when I can tell the ending before the actual ending] definitely recommend checking the TW page. Can I get book 2 already 👀🤭
October 22, 2023
WOW
Enjoyed this read. Definitely kept me on my toes! Kept turning the pages, needed to know who done it! Looking forward to book 2!
Please check trigger warnings!
Enjoyed this read. Definitely kept me on my toes! Kept turning the pages, needed to know who done it! Looking forward to book 2!
Please check trigger warnings!
January 14, 2024
Wasn't expecting that ending, I had my suspicions at first but this certainly didn't end the way I thought it would.
Can't wait for book 2!
Can't wait for book 2!
September 13, 2024
Man, this book threw me for a loop. It was VERY dark, but it sucked me in. Great job.
January 22, 2025
Fantastic
So disturbing yet so addicting to keep reading. Wow what a nice twist. I loved how the Authors wants back and forth between all the characters perspectives.
So disturbing yet so addicting to keep reading. Wow what a nice twist. I loved how the Authors wants back and forth between all the characters perspectives.
January 23, 2025
3.75 stars.
Reminds me of criminal minds. It’s an easy and quick read that is shallow, and full of plot holes. However, despite its plot holes and predictable ending, i still enjoyed the read.
Reminds me of criminal minds. It’s an easy and quick read that is shallow, and full of plot holes. However, despite its plot holes and predictable ending, i still enjoyed the read.
March 16, 2025
I enjoyed this book. It was an easy, quick read. It gave the twists and turns and made you second guess who the killer was.
October 25, 2024
Dark and twisty
Loved the dark depraved and twisty!leaves me wanting me another book! What is next? Who is next? Will there be more 👀
Loved the dark depraved and twisty!leaves me wanting me another book! What is next? Who is next? Will there be more 👀
November 7, 2024
This is NOT a romance and is massive TW! Be kind to yourself and remember your mental health matters.
THIS is how you write a “oh shit I’ve been kidnapped/Stockholm” book. There was no glorifying of behavior or pretending it’s a romance when it’s a trauma response. This also felt like a very dark episode of Criminal Minds and SVU which are 2 of my favorite shows. The writing kept me captivated and anxiously waiting for what was going to happen on the next page.
Huge thank you to Dr J and Ash for connecting with me and sharing this work but sharing it with warnings and kindness in mind.
THIS is how you write a “oh shit I’ve been kidnapped/Stockholm” book. There was no glorifying of behavior or pretending it’s a romance when it’s a trauma response. This also felt like a very dark episode of Criminal Minds and SVU which are 2 of my favorite shows. The writing kept me captivated and anxiously waiting for what was going to happen on the next page.
Huge thank you to Dr J and Ash for connecting with me and sharing this work but sharing it with warnings and kindness in mind.
July 15, 2023
Twisted and entertaining
This book will definitely keep you on your toes. This is a suspense, thriller, who done it? The twists in the book will keep you guessing. I very much enjoyed this read, definitely a must read.
Dr J and Ash, created an amazing story! Top Favorite read!
This book will definitely keep you on your toes. This is a suspense, thriller, who done it? The twists in the book will keep you guessing. I very much enjoyed this read, definitely a must read.
Dr J and Ash, created an amazing story! Top Favorite read!
January 1, 2024
I had the absolute pleasure of meeting the Authors Dr J and Ash at the Sinful Signings Book Event in September of this year. And they were absolutely amazing! I had a great time chatting with them and hearing all about their book, The Tortured. It immediately sounded like something I’d love so of course I bought myself a copy. But I didn’t read it right away. I’m a huge Horror/Thriller/Suspense lover and wanted to have a short story with those qualities to read on the best day of the year…Halloween!
So today I dove into it. And The Tortured did not disappoint! It was a great read and I throughly enjoyed it! While I mostly read romance/dark romance this is not that. (I’m mentioning this because my followers know me for reviewing romance/dark romance books and I don’t want to mislead them into thinking this is a dark romance) This is dark thriller and I loved it! It was definitely a page turner and I loved all the twists! Especially the end!!! I love when I can’t figure out a book and what’s going to happen.
I loved the many different point of views! We got to be in the minds of all the main characters even the killer and that was awesome! And I loved that it brought the book world with book events and authors into the storyline! Tying it into the plot! That was really a great touch to have us readers connect to the story! I also really liked how brave and strong Brittany was. She really tried to use her mind to think and strategize through her predicament. And the cockiness of our bad guy was chiefs kiss! Loved it! I can’t wait for Book 2! I need to know where this goes!
🚨CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!!!🚨
Graphic Non-Con Sexual Torture detailed!
Thank you so much Dr J and Ash for the autographed copy and all the fun stickers and toy that came with it! 😉💋
So today I dove into it. And The Tortured did not disappoint! It was a great read and I throughly enjoyed it! While I mostly read romance/dark romance this is not that. (I’m mentioning this because my followers know me for reviewing romance/dark romance books and I don’t want to mislead them into thinking this is a dark romance) This is dark thriller and I loved it! It was definitely a page turner and I loved all the twists! Especially the end!!! I love when I can’t figure out a book and what’s going to happen.
I loved the many different point of views! We got to be in the minds of all the main characters even the killer and that was awesome! And I loved that it brought the book world with book events and authors into the storyline! Tying it into the plot! That was really a great touch to have us readers connect to the story! I also really liked how brave and strong Brittany was. She really tried to use her mind to think and strategize through her predicament. And the cockiness of our bad guy was chiefs kiss! Loved it! I can’t wait for Book 2! I need to know where this goes!
🚨CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!!!🚨
Graphic Non-Con Sexual Torture detailed!
Thank you so much Dr J and Ash for the autographed copy and all the fun stickers and toy that came with it! 😉💋
December 31, 2025
This had spice and torture
Check your trigger warnings before reading,
This was a fun read but for me 3/4 the way through and the book went flat so that's why I've rated it a 3
Check your trigger warnings before reading,
This was a fun read but for me 3/4 the way through and the book went flat so that's why I've rated it a 3
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews