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Eriksson #1
Daddy's Little Killer
With a murderous secret and a dark history few but Helen Eriksson know, an uncertain path lies ahead of her. Helen's past, present and future are on a collision course with a sense of morality she wonders if she ever possessed.
Her husband's corpse is barely cold, laid to rest under a shroud of suspicion directed at her by former peers at the FBI. Revenge boils in her veins against the one who shattered her perfect life, or the carefully constructed illusion of such. One thing Helen does not believe is that coincidences happen. So when an opportunity falls into her lap to slip through the web of the FBI investigation into her ex-husband's murder and darken the doorstep of the man she holds responsible for her professional ruin, Helen is hard pressed to resist the lure.
Rather than arriving in Darkwater Bay anonymously, Helen walks with full knowledge into what she understands could be a trap sprung by her nemesis, Danny Datello. But the shield of a police detective's badge can't protect her from what she fears she has become by genetic birthright – a hardened murderer just like the father who shaped her into the woman she has become.
What Helen doesn't count on is investment in anything but her own plot of revenge. To her surprise, the discovery of a body mere hours before her arrival in Darkwater Bay draws her into more than her own conflicted desires, but a corrupt city with its own secrets. Even more shocking is the realization that Helen craves more than Datello's punishment; justice for a dead victim.
Her husband's corpse is barely cold, laid to rest under a shroud of suspicion directed at her by former peers at the FBI. Revenge boils in her veins against the one who shattered her perfect life, or the carefully constructed illusion of such. One thing Helen does not believe is that coincidences happen. So when an opportunity falls into her lap to slip through the web of the FBI investigation into her ex-husband's murder and darken the doorstep of the man she holds responsible for her professional ruin, Helen is hard pressed to resist the lure.
Rather than arriving in Darkwater Bay anonymously, Helen walks with full knowledge into what she understands could be a trap sprung by her nemesis, Danny Datello. But the shield of a police detective's badge can't protect her from what she fears she has become by genetic birthright – a hardened murderer just like the father who shaped her into the woman she has become.
What Helen doesn't count on is investment in anything but her own plot of revenge. To her surprise, the discovery of a body mere hours before her arrival in Darkwater Bay draws her into more than her own conflicted desires, but a corrupt city with its own secrets. Even more shocking is the realization that Helen craves more than Datello's punishment; justice for a dead victim.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2012
106 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
L.S. Sygnet
28 books46 followersSygnet was a mastermind of schoolyard schemes as a child who grew into someone who channeled that inner criminal onto the pages of books. In the real world, the profession is nursing, psychiatric variety.
Devoted to family, friends and dogs in middle age, Sygnet spends most spare time plotting fiction, reading obsessively or playing with her four-legged children – the dogs.
Sygnet is a rabid NBA fan and loves the elliptical when the plot gets elusive. Nothing like endorphins to light the path. When endorphins fail, speed metal usually does the trick. Sygnet can often be found muttering over Pages on the iMac or the iPad, where most of the writing takes place.
Devoted to family, friends and dogs in middle age, Sygnet spends most spare time plotting fiction, reading obsessively or playing with her four-legged children – the dogs.
Sygnet is a rabid NBA fan and loves the elliptical when the plot gets elusive. Nothing like endorphins to light the path. When endorphins fail, speed metal usually does the trick. Sygnet can often be found muttering over Pages on the iMac or the iPad, where most of the writing takes place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 9, 2024
A Whole Lot Going On In Here!
Helen leaves the FBI after the murder of her husband, with a cloud of suspicion hanging over her.
She is given the opportunity to relocate to a place called Darkwater Bay, where she can work in law enforcement, without anyone knowing about her past life.
But, like most popular police procedures, nowadays, she brings her “daddy issues” and other baggage with her.
Fortunately, the book isn’t bogged down with her personal life, and continues to keep one occupied or focused on her finding the solution to her secret investigation. The murderer of her husband.
Lots of adult stuff going on, but thoughtfully, also, a lot of humor. Helps keep the book interesting. 😎
Four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Helen leaves the FBI after the murder of her husband, with a cloud of suspicion hanging over her.
She is given the opportunity to relocate to a place called Darkwater Bay, where she can work in law enforcement, without anyone knowing about her past life.
But, like most popular police procedures, nowadays, she brings her “daddy issues” and other baggage with her.
Fortunately, the book isn’t bogged down with her personal life, and continues to keep one occupied or focused on her finding the solution to her secret investigation. The murderer of her husband.
Lots of adult stuff going on, but thoughtfully, also, a lot of humor. Helps keep the book interesting. 😎
Four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 2, 2014
Wasn't as interesting as I thought it would be. It was too slow and focused more on character development instead of the story. Plot line was also confusing and hard to follow and the ending seemed a little rushed. Personally, it didn't get exciting until the last fifty pages and yet you didn't quite get all the answers you wanted. I don't know if this is how the series was set up but unfortunately I found it to slow to even attempt to read the second book. Oh well, I can't complain because the first book was free.
May 29, 2013
Was completely fascinated by this book and feel that I became a little smarter by reading the things that Helen would say, lol!
I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book other than what I read in the synopsis. I was really happy that I read "Daddy's Little Killer." At first I was having a little bit of time trying to get into the book, I guess b/c I was trying to understand what was going on at first, but as the pages continued to turn and I started to understand the book flowed wonderfully.
This is the first time I have read anything by this author and I am glad to say I really and truly look forward to reading more!! The writing style is exactly what I needed to keep myself challenged and to make it a little more complicated to figure out who the actual killer was. I had my suspensions and didn't fully know the truth till the last parts of the book.
I really enjoy the thrill you get when thrown into the Psychological aspects of a killer's mind. I took Psychology in college, but at the time found it to be just another class that I needed to complete and didn't take the time to really look at it deeply. Now that I am older I wish I had taken a few more classes in it. Very interesting subject and to see how it is used to determine the step of a killer or to understand the mind of a killer.
I also enjoyed the fact that there was not an automatic romance thrown in the book, there are emotions that are building between Helen and Johnny and I like the fact it is taken a slow progression instead of a unrealistic approach like so many books do. I enjoy the fact that the story is based of the suspense of the killer's next move and not the next romantic move that b/w the two characters. Makes a book much more realistic to me.
It looks like there will be a lot more twists within the series that I am starting to wonder if some of the characters that are portrayed as good guys in the book will turn out to not be so good at the end.....ooooohhhh!! Can't wait to see which direction it goes!!
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books for this series. I know they are going to be great!
I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book other than what I read in the synopsis. I was really happy that I read "Daddy's Little Killer." At first I was having a little bit of time trying to get into the book, I guess b/c I was trying to understand what was going on at first, but as the pages continued to turn and I started to understand the book flowed wonderfully.
This is the first time I have read anything by this author and I am glad to say I really and truly look forward to reading more!! The writing style is exactly what I needed to keep myself challenged and to make it a little more complicated to figure out who the actual killer was. I had my suspensions and didn't fully know the truth till the last parts of the book.
I really enjoy the thrill you get when thrown into the Psychological aspects of a killer's mind. I took Psychology in college, but at the time found it to be just another class that I needed to complete and didn't take the time to really look at it deeply. Now that I am older I wish I had taken a few more classes in it. Very interesting subject and to see how it is used to determine the step of a killer or to understand the mind of a killer.
I also enjoyed the fact that there was not an automatic romance thrown in the book, there are emotions that are building between Helen and Johnny and I like the fact it is taken a slow progression instead of a unrealistic approach like so many books do. I enjoy the fact that the story is based of the suspense of the killer's next move and not the next romantic move that b/w the two characters. Makes a book much more realistic to me.
It looks like there will be a lot more twists within the series that I am starting to wonder if some of the characters that are portrayed as good guys in the book will turn out to not be so good at the end.....ooooohhhh!! Can't wait to see which direction it goes!!
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books for this series. I know they are going to be great!
March 15, 2019
Delightful!
I have just read a book that has been filled with suspense and mystery and has twists and turns throughout. A delightful little book.
I have just read a book that has been filled with suspense and mystery and has twists and turns throughout. A delightful little book.
January 15, 2015
I'm so glad I didn't pay anything for this book. It was extremely disappointing and I'm incredibly confused by all of the raving reviews.
I only got about halfway through before I decided to give up. It's really rare that I completely give up on a book, but all the inconsistencies were stressing me out and sucking all of the joy out of reading it.
In lieu of wasting any more time on this book by writing a full review of it, here's my notes on the things that bothered me:
- The writing in the beginning had potential, I really thought I was going to like this book for the first few chapters.
- The author seemed to be more focused on providing borderline purple prose than actually telling the story.
- At some parts, it seems as if entire paragraphs are missing. Action jumps from one thing to the next with no explanation, the scenery changes out of nowhere, new characters are just suddenly there, etc.
- The story was difficult to follow because of the above problem.
- A lot of the dialogue was poorly written. It was difficult to tell who was saying what. On top of that, most of it was pretty unrealistic.
- The punctuation (or lack thereof, in some places) was very bothersome. Mainly, missing commas.
- The characters are very inconsistent in, well... character.
- Once some things actually started happening and the case was being investigated, new discoveries that were not mentioned would just magically appear in conversation as though they were things that had been known from the beginning.
I feel like this author could have some potential, but I don't think I'll be looking into any of their other works.
I only got about halfway through before I decided to give up. It's really rare that I completely give up on a book, but all the inconsistencies were stressing me out and sucking all of the joy out of reading it.
In lieu of wasting any more time on this book by writing a full review of it, here's my notes on the things that bothered me:
- The writing in the beginning had potential, I really thought I was going to like this book for the first few chapters.
- The author seemed to be more focused on providing borderline purple prose than actually telling the story.
- At some parts, it seems as if entire paragraphs are missing. Action jumps from one thing to the next with no explanation, the scenery changes out of nowhere, new characters are just suddenly there, etc.
- The story was difficult to follow because of the above problem.
- A lot of the dialogue was poorly written. It was difficult to tell who was saying what. On top of that, most of it was pretty unrealistic.
- The punctuation (or lack thereof, in some places) was very bothersome. Mainly, missing commas.
- The characters are very inconsistent in, well... character.
- Once some things actually started happening and the case was being investigated, new discoveries that were not mentioned would just magically appear in conversation as though they were things that had been known from the beginning.
I feel like this author could have some potential, but I don't think I'll be looking into any of their other works.
December 12, 2016
I downloaded this free book over 3 years ago because I was intrigued by the title. The cover did nothing to draw my interest and I quickly forgot about this book. However, it came up as our December read for one of the book clubs that I'm in. I went into this thinking I would not like it at all on account of my dislike of the cover.
Surprisingly, it did keep me going and am glad that I read it. Although, I did find it a bit confusing at the beginning trying to figure out who was talking and had to go back several times but that eventually became a non-issue. Once I got past this confusion, I was able to keep up with the story and just when I thought I figured out the culprit, the story quickly put doubt into my head.
In fact, even though I guessed correctly, I didn't feel as if the book was predictable. It was far from predictable and I like it when I guess right. Makes me feel like I am just as smart as the author. :-D
There are 16 books in this series but the I'm not 100% invested in the characters to continue on but you never know. In truth, the story line concluded nicely for me to give me closure. Don't get me wrong, there is a section that tells you there is more to Darkwater Bay and maybe one day I will go back and read the next books. After all, it would be nice to know if Helen Eriksson ever lets her walls down to let Johnny Orion in. One day............
Surprisingly, it did keep me going and am glad that I read it. Although, I did find it a bit confusing at the beginning trying to figure out who was talking and had to go back several times but that eventually became a non-issue. Once I got past this confusion, I was able to keep up with the story and just when I thought I figured out the culprit, the story quickly put doubt into my head.
In fact, even though I guessed correctly, I didn't feel as if the book was predictable. It was far from predictable and I like it when I guess right. Makes me feel like I am just as smart as the author. :-D
There are 16 books in this series but the I'm not 100% invested in the characters to continue on but you never know. In truth, the story line concluded nicely for me to give me closure. Don't get me wrong, there is a section that tells you there is more to Darkwater Bay and maybe one day I will go back and read the next books. After all, it would be nice to know if Helen Eriksson ever lets her walls down to let Johnny Orion in. One day............
June 21, 2015
I did not care for this book - I only finished it because it pains me not to finish one. I found this book to be confusing, to have a lot of characters and to have a lot of unexplained things happening. I also have the second book in this series but do not plan to read it.
Basic plot is the main character is an FBI agent who kills her ex-husband, gets away with murder, and somehow gets hired at a police department and gets involved in solving a murder mystery there. Oh,and has a father in prison who has mob connections.
Basic plot is the main character is an FBI agent who kills her ex-husband, gets away with murder, and somehow gets hired at a police department and gets involved in solving a murder mystery there. Oh,and has a father in prison who has mob connections.
October 15, 2013
The opening of this suggested that was going be something like the Dexter books. However, it did not turn out to be that similar. I basically enjoyed the book although it was kind of slow in places - almost as if the author was busy setting up a series rather than focusing on this installment. I did start the second installment, but gave up part way through.
May 24, 2021
Helen's father is a criminal who is serving prison sentence. Her ex-husband was recently killed due to past ties and FBI is on her back for the investigation and when she has become a suspect in the murder, Helen decides to leave her perfectly built life or she thought so. She gets an opportunity to give some insights for a case of a killer in Darkwater Bay & Helen wanting to leave this place, jumps at the opportunity knowing that it may be a trap set by Danny Datello, the destroyer of her life. What follows her arrival in Darkwater Bay are full of surprises.
This was such a gripping story. It had me on my edges after every single chapter. It was so intriguing that I just couldn't bring myself to put this down. This is a very very unusual plot and each & every twist in the book was unpredictable. When you arrive at a conclusion, bam, another unpredictable plot twist. I am in awe of Helen's capability in putting two & two together. Also, the author had done a very perfect work narrating the characters, which was quite many to remember. But as the story moved forward I didn't have much of a problem with that. Overall, its a gripping fast paced unique thriller.
If you love fast paced thrillers, just go for it.
This was such a gripping story. It had me on my edges after every single chapter. It was so intriguing that I just couldn't bring myself to put this down. This is a very very unusual plot and each & every twist in the book was unpredictable. When you arrive at a conclusion, bam, another unpredictable plot twist. I am in awe of Helen's capability in putting two & two together. Also, the author had done a very perfect work narrating the characters, which was quite many to remember. But as the story moved forward I didn't have much of a problem with that. Overall, its a gripping fast paced unique thriller.
If you love fast paced thrillers, just go for it.
August 15, 2024
Daddy's Little Killer is a dark and twisted dive into the mind of a killer, where the line between justice and obsession is razor-thin. L.S. Sygnet introduces Eriksson, a detective who’s as relentless as she is haunted, in a tale that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go. This isn’t just a whodunit—it’s a how-far-will-you-go-to-stop-it. Perfect for those who like their thrillers with a side of psychological torment.
August 5, 2017
Love this series. The title character stays with you long after you've finished each book. Short read. Usually less than 300 pages.
May 22, 2013
Odd how both of my children share first names with a mob boss and a corrupt former medical examiner. I was completely unaware of this when I began reading. This book and many (maybe all?) of the books in this series were free at B&N.
At any rate, my main problem with this book was that I believe I am just not clever enough to keep straight some intricate plot about conflicting police and corresponding investigational entities, nor remember the who/what/where/etc of their members and/or subsequent antics. I usually read books within a day or two, but I had to put this down to read some fluffy book to recover my ego. (It worked, if you would like to know)
I suppose I could have taken notes; however I read for pleasure and that is simply too much work.
Regardless of my own illiterate shortcomings, overall I did enjoy this book enough to finish it and begin the 2nd.
I am hoping that the frenzied presentation of the main plot of the whole series (corrupt and incestuous police agencies) and the effort to populate the story line with suspicious characters was resolved in this first book, a common sacrifice in a multi-volume story line. But then again, my doubts creep in and I might find that I just not smart enough to keep up with it.
At any rate, my main problem with this book was that I believe I am just not clever enough to keep straight some intricate plot about conflicting police and corresponding investigational entities, nor remember the who/what/where/etc of their members and/or subsequent antics. I usually read books within a day or two, but I had to put this down to read some fluffy book to recover my ego. (It worked, if you would like to know)
I suppose I could have taken notes; however I read for pleasure and that is simply too much work.
Regardless of my own illiterate shortcomings, overall I did enjoy this book enough to finish it and begin the 2nd.
I am hoping that the frenzied presentation of the main plot of the whole series (corrupt and incestuous police agencies) and the effort to populate the story line with suspicious characters was resolved in this first book, a common sacrifice in a multi-volume story line. But then again, my doubts creep in and I might find that I just not smart enough to keep up with it.
March 10, 2013
An awesome books despite the necessary set up. Enough action and caring to counter the angst of the story.
Background: The protagonist is the daughter of an assassin who also kidnapped children. He has been in prison for 19 years and insisted she disassociate herself from him. She has always lived by his rules that include never getting close to anyone, but she once she moves to Darkwather, people keep touching her in ways that she has never allowed. As a retired FBI profiler, she is trying to help the town get cleaned up from its bad reputation.
In the current case, a girl's beheaded body has turned up. The evidence links the crime to a an open case from 15 years earlier.
Background: The protagonist is the daughter of an assassin who also kidnapped children. He has been in prison for 19 years and insisted she disassociate herself from him. She has always lived by his rules that include never getting close to anyone, but she once she moves to Darkwather, people keep touching her in ways that she has never allowed. As a retired FBI profiler, she is trying to help the town get cleaned up from its bad reputation.
In the current case, a girl's beheaded body has turned up. The evidence links the crime to a an open case from 15 years earlier.
April 30, 2014
Generally, I don't write reviews, i let my rating of a book speak for me. However, after stumbling across LS Sygnet and reading all ten books of this series in two days, I'm compelled to write this review. So as not to spoil the series, I'm simply going to say, book one is a lure. It will suck you in from the start, and no amount of housework or lost sleep, or even cooking dinner, will let you put this series down. Be prepared to purchase all ten books before you start. Trust me, you don't want the interference of searching frantically for the next book. Yes, it is just that good. Plot twist. Murder. Dark humor. What's not to love. Just as you think you have it figured out, PLOT TWIST !! It's a must read series. You will be left reeling and wanting more.
August 12, 2013
I have the eBook version of this novel and the editing/reformatting that was done (if any..) really sucked. Instead of a 300 page book with normal paragraph indentations and words on every page I read this 787 page eBook that has double spaces after every period + paragraph as well as two blank pages after each and every chapter. I feel like the author really added way too much info regarding the police station and detective work needed to solve the crimes.. however it might have just seemed that way because of the ridiculous amount of added pages. Anyway, for an independent book that was really cheap, I got what I paid for and for that I am glad!
May 22, 2014
An uncanny novel of death, betrayal, deception and ever other wonderful author's ploy you can think of. I was hooked within 10 pages and actually read it in a day... although things like cooking, bathing, laundry, and other lesser needed items were shoved to the side to do so. This is a wonderful entry into a series that in so many ways is unique to the genre.
Helen Erikkson is someone to watch out for. As main characters go... this one will blow you away!! Highly intelligent, she is able to compartmentalize to a point where little escapes her mental process. You'll love her... but don't touch! She is mine!!!
Helen Erikkson is someone to watch out for. As main characters go... this one will blow you away!! Highly intelligent, she is able to compartmentalize to a point where little escapes her mental process. You'll love her... but don't touch! She is mine!!!
January 1, 2015
I really want to give this book 4 solid stars, but this book is just too...complicated; complicated to the point that it detracts from everything, plots, character development, relationships...every aspect. On the other hand, this has the potential to be a great series, now that (hopefully) the info dump has happened. I like Helen, and HER life is what hooked me at the start. Orion is just delicious, an intelligent hottie that can match Helen. Their verbal sparring was awesome. I got book 2 for free as well, so here goes nothin...
April 13, 2017
I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Some great plot twists and turns and keeps you guessing. I thought I had it figured out but nope, was surprised a few times during the course of reading. It's a good murder, mystery. A lot of crime scene and medical terminology type of jargon referenced throughout. All in all I liked it, had a great 48 Hours/CSI/Cold Case Files type of feel to it which kept me interested. Looking forward to seeing what mayhem comes in the next one.
May 2, 2014
Ok, typos and incorrect grammar in a book DRIVE ME CRAZY. calm down. A good premise, poor execution. I can only assume this is the first of a series but the author needs to move the story along. This was just ridiculous! And get somebody to read your book and drop the extra "to" and use "there" when you mean "there" and not "their" and "here" when you mean "here" not "hear" "It's" and not "Its" when appropriate. aaaaaaaarg! Seriously, a reader notices these things.
February 22, 2018
Somewhat confusing!
It was really hard to keep all the characters straight! I am still confused on who they all were but I did understand the plot!
Merged review:
This has to be one of the most confusing books as far as characters go! I did understand the plot and figured out about midway who the killer was but I still don't have a grasp on all of the characters and their part in the book!
It was really hard to keep all the characters straight! I am still confused on who they all were but I did understand the plot!
Merged review:
This has to be one of the most confusing books as far as characters go! I did understand the plot and figured out about midway who the killer was but I still don't have a grasp on all of the characters and their part in the book!
August 27, 2013
Daddy's Little Killer was a good quick read book. The plot was good however, about the middle of the book figured out who the killer was. I had to finish the book to see how they caught the killer. It wasn't a complete ending, to find out what happens next to the main character will need to read the next book in the series.
December 27, 2014
Wow, I liked this book a lot. The character development is good but I feel like it's just the beginning and more is coming which I love! I really enjoyed the self discovery and reflection of the Doc and her insight and method of solving the crime! I felt like I was on a curvy turn by turn psychological ride that I can't wait to finish but also can't help but want to continue.
August 4, 2019
Two stars
I really wanted to like this book. Storyline was good, writing was good. Too many characters and too many separate plots muddled it all up. I did not care for the main character at all. I skipped through many of the chapters just to get to the end and find out whodunit.....and even that was anticlimactic
I really wanted to like this book. Storyline was good, writing was good. Too many characters and too many separate plots muddled it all up. I did not care for the main character at all. I skipped through many of the chapters just to get to the end and find out whodunit.....and even that was anticlimactic
April 10, 2013
It is a bone chilling thriller murder mystery and one I could not put down. This is a free e-book and wonder why. I read that it was a little slow at the begining but can't wee why because it flowed and left you wanting more. I plan to read all five.
April 1, 2013
Good read if you enjoy crime and police genres. Similar to Patricia Cornwell's Scarpetta series this is the beginning of the Erickson books, that follow the main character, Helen, after she leaves the FBI to work with a local police force.
Read
May 12, 2013It's a good read, but man do I wish editors still did their jobs; this one had quite a few typos and actual spelling/grammar errors. However, the second instalment to the series is even worse in terms of not having been edited, and if it was, the editor should get fired.
July 2, 2013
I liked this read. I just wish that I had read it before reading book 5. This was the beginning of the story for Helen. I liked her a whole lot better in this book than the other one. She was actually more convincing.
Want to read
January 8, 2016#
NC
Own on Nook.
FS: "My feet pounded on the packed earth, its contrast stark to the dense foliage crowding around it."
LS: "Only my ignorance shrouded the depths of what was truly hidden in Darkwater Bay."
NC
Own on Nook.
FS: "My feet pounded on the packed earth, its contrast stark to the dense foliage crowding around it."
LS: "Only my ignorance shrouded the depths of what was truly hidden in Darkwater Bay."
October 31, 2013
Good Read, great characters except for the lead Helen. Her character has got some sweet issues, that just make you want to put the book down!.
It gets better as you go on, but she just so whiney and difficult.
I would recommend this book, keep reading dont stop it gets better!!!
It gets better as you go on, but she just so whiney and difficult.
I would recommend this book, keep reading dont stop it gets better!!!
November 7, 2013
Very well written. This is my new favorite mystery author. My only critique is the explanation of every major term. We can look the stuff up! Johnny is my type of guy... And so is Charlie... And David. Okay, I just like dominant men in uniform.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews