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Detective Alana Mack #1
The Puppet Maker
The scrap of paper looked as if it had been torn from a diary. The words written in faint pencil. The letters rounded, almost childlike. "Please look after her. Her life and mine depend on you not trying to find me."
When Detective Alana Mack arrives at Clonabee police station, in a small Irish seaside town on the outskirts of Dublin, she doesn't expect to find a distressed two-year-old girl sobbing on the floor. Abandoned in a local supermarket, the child tells them her name is Casey. All Alana and her team have to go on is a crumpled note begging for someone to look after the little girl. This mother doesn't want to be found.
Still recovering from a terrible accident that has left Alana navigating a new life as a wheelchair user, Alana finds herself suddenly responsible for Casey while trying to track down the missing mother and solve another missing person's case… a retired newsagent who has seemingly vanished from his home. Forced to ask her ex-husband and child psychiatrist Colm for help, through Forensic Art Therapy, Alana discovers that whatever darkness lies behind the black windows in Casey's crayon drawing, the little girl was terrified of the house she lived in.
Then a bag of human remains is found in a bin, and a chilling link is made – the DNA matches Casey's. Alana and her team must find the body and make the connection with the missing newsagent fast if she is to prevent another life from being taken. But with someone in her department leaking confidential details of the investigation to the media, can Alana set aside her emotional involvement in this case and find Casey’s mother and the killer before it's too late?
Heart-pounding and totally addictive, The Puppet Maker is the first in the Detective Alana Mack series that will have fans of Ann Cleeves, Angela Marsons and LJ Ross racing through the pages late into the night.
When Detective Alana Mack arrives at Clonabee police station, in a small Irish seaside town on the outskirts of Dublin, she doesn't expect to find a distressed two-year-old girl sobbing on the floor. Abandoned in a local supermarket, the child tells them her name is Casey. All Alana and her team have to go on is a crumpled note begging for someone to look after the little girl. This mother doesn't want to be found.
Still recovering from a terrible accident that has left Alana navigating a new life as a wheelchair user, Alana finds herself suddenly responsible for Casey while trying to track down the missing mother and solve another missing person's case… a retired newsagent who has seemingly vanished from his home. Forced to ask her ex-husband and child psychiatrist Colm for help, through Forensic Art Therapy, Alana discovers that whatever darkness lies behind the black windows in Casey's crayon drawing, the little girl was terrified of the house she lived in.
Then a bag of human remains is found in a bin, and a chilling link is made – the DNA matches Casey's. Alana and her team must find the body and make the connection with the missing newsagent fast if she is to prevent another life from being taken. But with someone in her department leaking confidential details of the investigation to the media, can Alana set aside her emotional involvement in this case and find Casey’s mother and the killer before it's too late?
Heart-pounding and totally addictive, The Puppet Maker is the first in the Detective Alana Mack series that will have fans of Ann Cleeves, Angela Marsons and LJ Ross racing through the pages late into the night.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2023
153 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Jenny O'Brien
28 books143 followersHi and thanks for stopping by.
I took up writing about twenty years ago when I first came up with a plot for a book, and I haven't stopped since. When I’m not writing, I’m ferrying around 3 teenagers or working as a nurse. I’m also an all-year-round sea swimmer.
I write what I love to read, which is romance and thrillers.
My next release, out February, 2026, is The Resistance Knitting Club, a World War 2 historical novel set in Guernsey, the UK and France. I am currently working on my third WW2 novel.
If you like my writing please get in touch - my social media links are below (I’m rarely on Goodreads so it’s best not to drop me a message here). I also have a newsletter, which you can sign up to via my website.
Jenny O
Facebook: Jenny O'Brien Guernsey Writer
Twitter: scribblerjb
Instagram: scribblerjb
I took up writing about twenty years ago when I first came up with a plot for a book, and I haven't stopped since. When I’m not writing, I’m ferrying around 3 teenagers or working as a nurse. I’m also an all-year-round sea swimmer.
I write what I love to read, which is romance and thrillers.
My next release, out February, 2026, is The Resistance Knitting Club, a World War 2 historical novel set in Guernsey, the UK and France. I am currently working on my third WW2 novel.
If you like my writing please get in touch - my social media links are below (I’m rarely on Goodreads so it’s best not to drop me a message here). I also have a newsletter, which you can sign up to via my website.
Jenny O
Facebook: Jenny O'Brien Guernsey Writer
Twitter: scribblerjb
Instagram: scribblerjb
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
October 11, 2023
Detective Alana Mack (Alan to her friends) was still recovering from the shattering injury which left her in a wheelchair for the rest of her life, and learning to delegate more, as her ability to be on the front line had lessened immensely. Paddy, her partner, was learning to tread the fine line in caring for Alan, but not mollycoddling her. It was the discovery of a distraught abandoned child, approximately two years old, who said her name was Casey and she wanted her Mammy, that set the small Clonabee police station on high alert. At the same time Casey was brought to the station, two homeless men fronted up with a bag which contained human remains, plus there was a report of a missing man, who had seemingly vanished from his home the night before. Suddenly from no cases to several - were they linked? - Alan and her team were inundated with work.
The discovery of the note in Casey's clothes led them to keep details quiet, as it was obvious that both Casey and her mother were in danger. When another man went missing, the race was on; the clock was ticking. Could Alan and her team find the killer before more deaths? Would they be able to find Casey's mother before it was too late? And who was the mole in the department who was leaking to the media?
The Puppet Maker is the 1st in the Detective Alana Mack series by Jenny O'Brien and it was fast paced, action packed, and brutal! I thoroughly enjoyed Alan's character and her determination to ignore her disability as best she could. Set in Ireland near Dublin - a place I'd love to visit - the story was narrated both by Alan, and Casey's mother. I'm looking forward to #2 in the series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
The discovery of the note in Casey's clothes led them to keep details quiet, as it was obvious that both Casey and her mother were in danger. When another man went missing, the race was on; the clock was ticking. Could Alan and her team find the killer before more deaths? Would they be able to find Casey's mother before it was too late? And who was the mole in the department who was leaking to the media?
The Puppet Maker is the 1st in the Detective Alana Mack series by Jenny O'Brien and it was fast paced, action packed, and brutal! I thoroughly enjoyed Alan's character and her determination to ignore her disability as best she could. Set in Ireland near Dublin - a place I'd love to visit - the story was narrated both by Alan, and Casey's mother. I'm looking forward to #2 in the series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2023
Happy Publication Day
3.7 Stars
One Liner: A good start to a new series
A two-year-old Casey is abandoned in the supermarket with a slip of note in her pocket to not find her family. A retired newspaper journalist has disappeared from his home without a trace. Someone found human organs in a trash bin.
Detective Alana Mack is already overworking overtime. Her recent transfer to the Clonabee police station seemed like a good move to restart her life in a wheelchair. However, she’s dealing with fewer resources, excess pressure, and a misogynistic chief. Finding little Casey howling her lungs out adds to her list of concerns, but Alana cannot help but want to safeguard the child at all costs.
Are the crimes independent, or is there a connecting factor the police are yet to see? With Alana still struggling to come to terms with her current situation, is she strong enough to control her emotions and do what needs to be done?
The story comes in the third-person POV of multiple characters.
My Thoughts:
This is a slow-burn mystery and a police procedural (not a thriller) set in a fictional seaside Irish town. The setting stays true to the dark theme of the genre and deals more with social issues like poverty, etc., rather than focusing on the beauty of the location (of course, there are a couple of references to sunrises and sunsets).
Alana Mack is a disabled police officer bound to her wheelchair after an accident/ incident in her recent past. So, we get the narrative of someone who had to get used to this new way of life. This works well to present the internal conflict.
While Alana is confident, capable, and efficient, it does take time to warm up to her. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she has to be tough and relentless. However, this sometimes doesn’t show her in good light. She is also dealing with past trauma (we get a lot of references but not enough details in this book).
The side characters, Paddy, Rusty, Tatty, etc., are well-etched and manage to make an impression within the set limitations. As the series progresses, we are likely to see better character development for the recurring characters.
Despite the specific mention of Alana’s ex-husband in the blurb, he has only a minor role in the plot. I like this as it retains the focus on the case (Alana has enough internal thoughts to mention this guy multiple times. I don’t need more at this stage).
The cases have enough twists to keep the reader engaged. There isn’t a lot to guess, though. With multiple narratives in parallel, we get enough snippets to connect the dots to a good extent. There are some triggers and graphic content, so proceed with caution.
However, this is a slow burn. I expected the book to have a steady pace after the initial setup, but it continued to be slow throughout. Also, there isn’t enough tension in the investigation. They seem to be doing their thing while the usual useless chief tries to boss around. The police station doesn’t have the personality it should (maybe it’ll get better in the next books).
Also, I could do without so many POV jumps at random. Reading a chapter or half from a side character’s POV is confusing. This should be better structured to prevent confusion.
Alana goes by Alan, which seems odd throughout. Why would you need a man’s name if you want to exert yourself as a capable policewoman? The author’s note provides the reason, but I prefer a logical explanation rooted in the MC’s backstory. Let’s see.
Today, I got to know that this has been corrected in the final version. Alana continues to be Alana. I appreciate the author and publishers taking readers' feedback seriously and implementing it.
I know it’s unfair to compare characters, but I do love Eve Dallas (from In Death Series). Alana doesn’t have to be Eve but should have a distinct personality. We’ll see how it goes. I like this enough to read book two.
To summarize, The Puppet Maker is a decent police procedural dealing with dark themes and a dangerous killer. It does the job of creating an interest in the series.
Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #ThePuppetMaker
***
TW:
3.7 Stars
One Liner: A good start to a new series
A two-year-old Casey is abandoned in the supermarket with a slip of note in her pocket to not find her family. A retired newspaper journalist has disappeared from his home without a trace. Someone found human organs in a trash bin.
Detective Alana Mack is already overworking overtime. Her recent transfer to the Clonabee police station seemed like a good move to restart her life in a wheelchair. However, she’s dealing with fewer resources, excess pressure, and a misogynistic chief. Finding little Casey howling her lungs out adds to her list of concerns, but Alana cannot help but want to safeguard the child at all costs.
Are the crimes independent, or is there a connecting factor the police are yet to see? With Alana still struggling to come to terms with her current situation, is she strong enough to control her emotions and do what needs to be done?
The story comes in the third-person POV of multiple characters.
My Thoughts:
This is a slow-burn mystery and a police procedural (not a thriller) set in a fictional seaside Irish town. The setting stays true to the dark theme of the genre and deals more with social issues like poverty, etc., rather than focusing on the beauty of the location (of course, there are a couple of references to sunrises and sunsets).
Alana Mack is a disabled police officer bound to her wheelchair after an accident/ incident in her recent past. So, we get the narrative of someone who had to get used to this new way of life. This works well to present the internal conflict.
While Alana is confident, capable, and efficient, it does take time to warm up to her. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she has to be tough and relentless. However, this sometimes doesn’t show her in good light. She is also dealing with past trauma (we get a lot of references but not enough details in this book).
The side characters, Paddy, Rusty, Tatty, etc., are well-etched and manage to make an impression within the set limitations. As the series progresses, we are likely to see better character development for the recurring characters.
Despite the specific mention of Alana’s ex-husband in the blurb, he has only a minor role in the plot. I like this as it retains the focus on the case (Alana has enough internal thoughts to mention this guy multiple times. I don’t need more at this stage).
The cases have enough twists to keep the reader engaged. There isn’t a lot to guess, though. With multiple narratives in parallel, we get enough snippets to connect the dots to a good extent. There are some triggers and graphic content, so proceed with caution.
However, this is a slow burn. I expected the book to have a steady pace after the initial setup, but it continued to be slow throughout. Also, there isn’t enough tension in the investigation. They seem to be doing their thing while the usual useless chief tries to boss around. The police station doesn’t have the personality it should (maybe it’ll get better in the next books).
Also, I could do without so many POV jumps at random. Reading a chapter or half from a side character’s POV is confusing. This should be better structured to prevent confusion.
Today, I got to know that this has been corrected in the final version. Alana continues to be Alana. I appreciate the author and publishers taking readers' feedback seriously and implementing it.
I know it’s unfair to compare characters, but I do love Eve Dallas (from In Death Series). Alana doesn’t have to be Eve but should have a distinct personality. We’ll see how it goes. I like this enough to read book two.
To summarize, The Puppet Maker is a decent police procedural dealing with dark themes and a dangerous killer. It does the job of creating an interest in the series.
Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #ThePuppetMaker
***
TW:
August 22, 2023
Top marks for originality!
This is the first of three books in a new detective series set in Clonabee, Ireland and featuring a disabled detective, Alana ‘Alan’ Mack.
I loved:
✔️underrepresented protagonist as police detective (divorced, wheelchair user, tenacious)
✔️unique cast of characters; plentiful but unique voices
✔️setting (Dublin environs)
✔️intense hook at beginning
✔️progression of complex plot and characters
✔️well-done police procedural with multiple cases
✔️great pacing
✔️great title and connection to Alana’s ex-husband’s career
Things I struggled with:
✔️Alana’s name shorted to Alan
✔️graphic detail
✔️abuse
✔️suspension of disbelief
✔️keeping on top of timeline cues
There’s no doubt this will be a great series!
I was gifted this copy by Storm Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This is the first of three books in a new detective series set in Clonabee, Ireland and featuring a disabled detective, Alana ‘Alan’ Mack.
I loved:
✔️underrepresented protagonist as police detective (divorced, wheelchair user, tenacious)
✔️unique cast of characters; plentiful but unique voices
✔️setting (Dublin environs)
✔️intense hook at beginning
✔️progression of complex plot and characters
✔️well-done police procedural with multiple cases
✔️great pacing
✔️great title and connection to Alana’s ex-husband’s career
Things I struggled with:
✔️Alana’s name shorted to Alan
✔️graphic detail
✔️abuse
✔️suspension of disbelief
✔️keeping on top of timeline cues
There’s no doubt this will be a great series!
I was gifted this copy by Storm Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
September 21, 2024
This one failed to grip me, labelled as a crime thriller it read more as a detective whodunit never landing shocking twists or turns. Where this one fell flat for me was the connection with Alana, our main detective, I loved the construction of the main character being a female detective who is also wheelchair bound demonstrating how being able-bodied isn’t the main characteristic of good policing, rather it is intellectual and problem solving skills. However, the shortness of this novel also hindered it as most of the storyline felt rushed, missing more crucial plot descriptions and added character dialogue. In particular, the lead up to finding and then entering the serial killers house, lacking the much needed thrill and dramatic effect, as well as the lacklustre reveal of who was the ‘rat’ in the police department.
September 15, 2023
Two missing men, one bag of organs and a little girl left at a supermarket with a note not to try to find her parents. The Puppet Maker is a crime mystery set in Ireland, with Alan Mack as the lead character, heading up her team of detectives trying to solve this tricky case.
I loved the fact it was a lead female (although it did take me a while to get used to Alan being a her). I especially liked the fact she was disabled - very inclusive. I don’t think I’ve read a book with a disabled main character before. The prejudices she felt from her superior were believable, but whilst I was rooting for her, she didn’t grow on me quite as much as I’d hoped. At the start, she had a wonderful relationship with the little girl, but her warmth seemed to fade quickly after that.
Unfortunately, this book was a little slow for me. It didn’t have enough twists for my liking and I didn’t bond with any of the characters enough.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy.
I loved the fact it was a lead female (although it did take me a while to get used to Alan being a her). I especially liked the fact she was disabled - very inclusive. I don’t think I’ve read a book with a disabled main character before. The prejudices she felt from her superior were believable, but whilst I was rooting for her, she didn’t grow on me quite as much as I’d hoped. At the start, she had a wonderful relationship with the little girl, but her warmth seemed to fade quickly after that.
Unfortunately, this book was a little slow for me. It didn’t have enough twists for my liking and I didn’t bond with any of the characters enough.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy.
October 17, 2023
I'm very fond of Jenny O'Brien's writing so when I saw she had not only a new book, but the start of a new series - well, I just had to get in there!
Alana Mack expects the unexpected in her job as a detective, but even she is taken aback when she arrives at the Police Station in Clonabee, a small seaside town near Dublin, to find a two year old screaming the place down. The child, Casey, has been abandoned in a supermarket with a note asking the finder to take care of her and not to look for her mother. She doesn't want to be found. Alana is newly confined to a wheelchair following an accident and is still coming to terms with the restrictions that puts upon her, but she feels an affinity with the little girl and finds herself being responsible for her while working her cases. Reluctantly, Alana contacts her ex-husband for help . . .
Wow - just wow. This author has never failed to amaze me but I think this is her best novel yet. It drew me in from the first and kept me focused until the very last. Very cleverly written with plenty going on providing me with a thudding heart and some stomach churning moments. I know I'm going to follow this series; such a cracking start! Loved everything about this one and, of course, am happy to give it all five brightly sparkling stars and my highest recommendation.
Alana Mack expects the unexpected in her job as a detective, but even she is taken aback when she arrives at the Police Station in Clonabee, a small seaside town near Dublin, to find a two year old screaming the place down. The child, Casey, has been abandoned in a supermarket with a note asking the finder to take care of her and not to look for her mother. She doesn't want to be found. Alana is newly confined to a wheelchair following an accident and is still coming to terms with the restrictions that puts upon her, but she feels an affinity with the little girl and finds herself being responsible for her while working her cases. Reluctantly, Alana contacts her ex-husband for help . . .
Wow - just wow. This author has never failed to amaze me but I think this is her best novel yet. It drew me in from the first and kept me focused until the very last. Very cleverly written with plenty going on providing me with a thudding heart and some stomach churning moments. I know I'm going to follow this series; such a cracking start! Loved everything about this one and, of course, am happy to give it all five brightly sparkling stars and my highest recommendation.
July 30, 2023
we have waited a while. For a new book from this author and new series there two characters who we love from her last series in it to, but this book was worth the wait. A little girl is left in a supermarket. And two men find human meat in a Bin. While looking for something to eat and it is up to detective Alan Mack and paddy to find the mother and the killer Alan has her own problems to contend with her ex-husband. can they find the killer before any more turn up so gripping a brilliant read from a talented writer
Merged review:
we have waited a while. For a new book from this author and new series there two characters who we love from her last series in it to, but this book was worth the wait. A little girl is left in a supermarket. And two men find human meat in a Bin. While looking for something to eat and it is up to detective Alan Mack and paddy to find the mother and the killer Alan has her own problems to contend with her ex-husband. can they find the killer before any more turn up so gripping a brilliant read from a talented writer
Merged review:
we have waited a while. For a new book from this author and new series there two characters who we love from her last series in it to, but this book was worth the wait. A little girl is left in a supermarket. And two men find human meat in a Bin. While looking for something to eat and it is up to detective Alan Mack and paddy to find the mother and the killer Alan has her own problems to contend with her ex-husband. can they find the killer before any more turn up so gripping a brilliant read from a talented writer
April 3, 2024
The Puppet Maker is the first in the series featuring detective Alana Mack. And it sure is a great start. The story is engaging, fast paced and gritty.
Alana is a great character. Seeing how she copes with her disability, doesn't let it stop her from doing the job she loves, she's brilliantly written. She's strong and fierce, great lead.
I really enjoyed that book and can't wait for another case for Alana Mack.
Alana is a great character. Seeing how she copes with her disability, doesn't let it stop her from doing the job she loves, she's brilliantly written. She's strong and fierce, great lead.
I really enjoyed that book and can't wait for another case for Alana Mack.
July 23, 2023
Addictive mystery crime thriller,
Meet Disabled detective Alana Mack (Alan) in this cracking new series set in Clonabee Ireland.
Abandoned screaming little girl in a supermarket, with a moth eaten rabbit, a bag of shopping and a note, Please look after her, her life and mine depend on you, not trying to find me.
From the word go and I started reading I knew I would love Alan Mack, a determine woman learning new skills, since losing the use of her legs and with a broken marriage behind her.
Alan with this child Casey, who wants her mummy and Alan sets to work with some Harabo sweeties why would her mother abandon her? the CCTV at the supermarket needs checking, and Casey won't leave her side, then we have the case of floating body parts with a DNA match to Casey, a missing mother it's go go go for the team.
This is a very good start to a new series for readers to love chapter after chapter as we get to know all these new characters and a big surprise of old ones blended in for a perfect end, that fans of recent books by this author will make you smile.
Looking forward now to many more to come.
Meet Disabled detective Alana Mack (Alan) in this cracking new series set in Clonabee Ireland.
Abandoned screaming little girl in a supermarket, with a moth eaten rabbit, a bag of shopping and a note, Please look after her, her life and mine depend on you, not trying to find me.
From the word go and I started reading I knew I would love Alan Mack, a determine woman learning new skills, since losing the use of her legs and with a broken marriage behind her.
Alan with this child Casey, who wants her mummy and Alan sets to work with some Harabo sweeties why would her mother abandon her? the CCTV at the supermarket needs checking, and Casey won't leave her side, then we have the case of floating body parts with a DNA match to Casey, a missing mother it's go go go for the team.
This is a very good start to a new series for readers to love chapter after chapter as we get to know all these new characters and a big surprise of old ones blended in for a perfect end, that fans of recent books by this author will make you smile.
Looking forward now to many more to come.
August 25, 2024
Highly recommend this multi-layered novel!
Characters, plot, setting - they all work. Gore and horror underpin the events that unfold but they are tempered by a genuine insight from those investigating.
I definitely feel that this series is going to get better and better as it develops.
Characters, plot, setting - they all work. Gore and horror underpin the events that unfold but they are tempered by a genuine insight from those investigating.
I definitely feel that this series is going to get better and better as it develops.
March 20, 2024
The Puppet Maker is the first book in a new Crime Thriller series by Jenny O'Brien. Detective Alana Mack has returned to work after an accident took the use of her legs and she is now in a wheelchair. When she arrives at Clonabee police station, she finds a two year old sobbing on the floor. She was abandoned at the local supermarket with a note asking for someone to look after her little girl. The child's name is Casey, but that is all she knows. Alana now has two cases to work. She needs to find Casey's mother, and she has been tasked with finding a man missing from his home. She takes Casey to see her ex-husband, a therapist who works with art therapy, to find out that Casey is terrified of going back home. When a bag of human remains is found in a dumpster, the DNA matches Casey. Can they find her mom before she ends up dead. With someone leaking information to the media, this case is now being solved in the public eye. Can Alana do her job and find the missing man and Casey's mom alive?
The Puppet Maker is set in the small Irish seaside town of Clonabee on the outskirts of Dublin. Alana, aka Alan, is working with Paddy, her new partner. She is supposed to delegate more as she has some limitations to her frontline work, but Paddy is babying her and she is getting extremely frustrated. Her team work well together, although there are some bad judgement calls made. This was a fast paced story, with few clues. As they begin to put things together and figure out what might be going on, it could be too late for Casey's mom and the newsman. The story has two POVs, Alana's and Casey's mom. Some of her story is difficult to read or listen to. I really like that Alana's character, while in a wheelchair and with some limitations, she is still an excellent copper and team leader. I am looking forward to the next book in this trilogy.
The Puppet Maker is set in the small Irish seaside town of Clonabee on the outskirts of Dublin. Alana, aka Alan, is working with Paddy, her new partner. She is supposed to delegate more as she has some limitations to her frontline work, but Paddy is babying her and she is getting extremely frustrated. Her team work well together, although there are some bad judgement calls made. This was a fast paced story, with few clues. As they begin to put things together and figure out what might be going on, it could be too late for Casey's mom and the newsman. The story has two POVs, Alana's and Casey's mom. Some of her story is difficult to read or listen to. I really like that Alana's character, while in a wheelchair and with some limitations, she is still an excellent copper and team leader. I am looking forward to the next book in this trilogy.
March 14, 2025
I just flew right through this book, so easy to track the story and a gripping read. Characters were all well developed and I can’t wait to read the next one
August 2, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A gripping, suspenseful thriller story set in Dublin, “The Puppet Maker”, by Jenny O’Brien (Storm Publishing), features an unusual leading detective and a cast of characters that will grow on you as the narrative progresses
I liked the complexity of the plot and how the different plotlines gradually tied together and characters that initially seemed unrelated later interconnected.
Alana Mack is an interesting leading character; it’s great that she’s a woman in a man’s world, disabled, and that there’s no great drama or fuss about it. She’s strong, determined and brave.
All the characters, relationships and interaction grew more compelling as the story went on. I was particularly curious about a potential romance between Alan and Billy, and amazed with William’s dramatic baptism by fire.
The story is hard and gruesome, a cruel portrayal of domestic abuse and violence and how violence perpetuates itself through generations.
I liked the depiction of Dublin and its outskirts and how the scenery and the weather and climate conditions are important elements of the story.
Some details seemed too unprofessional or rash to be believable: wouldn’t examine carefully the child be an immediate task? Although explained, William’s decision to advance alone seemed amateurish, even puerile.
Even if I liked that the heroine is a wheelchair user and adjusted to her new reality, I felt sometimes the disability’s portrayal was a bit superficial.
A gripping, suspenseful thriller story set in Dublin, “The Puppet Maker”, by Jenny O’Brien (Storm Publishing), features an unusual leading detective and a cast of characters that will grow on you as the narrative progresses
I liked the complexity of the plot and how the different plotlines gradually tied together and characters that initially seemed unrelated later interconnected.
Alana Mack is an interesting leading character; it’s great that she’s a woman in a man’s world, disabled, and that there’s no great drama or fuss about it. She’s strong, determined and brave.
All the characters, relationships and interaction grew more compelling as the story went on. I was particularly curious about a potential romance between Alan and Billy, and amazed with William’s dramatic baptism by fire.
The story is hard and gruesome, a cruel portrayal of domestic abuse and violence and how violence perpetuates itself through generations.
I liked the depiction of Dublin and its outskirts and how the scenery and the weather and climate conditions are important elements of the story.
Some details seemed too unprofessional or rash to be believable: wouldn’t examine carefully the child be an immediate task? Although explained, William’s decision to advance alone seemed amateurish, even puerile.
Even if I liked that the heroine is a wheelchair user and adjusted to her new reality, I felt sometimes the disability’s portrayal was a bit superficial.
July 24, 2023
This was a great start to a new series featuring Alana (Alan) Mack, the lead detective. I love her character as a recently divorced detective, still doing her job after an accident left her dependent on a wheelchair.
The National Bureau of Investigation was a busy place when Casey, a toddler, was brought in. She was found in an abandoned carriage in the supermarket crying her little eyes out. She was in possession of a note asking that the finder please care for the child but not to look for her parents as it would be too dangerous for both the parent and the child. At the same time, two men down on their luck found a suspicious bag in a dumpster and brought it to the station. Also, a man is missing and his disappearance is suspicious. Are these crimes connected? Can Alan and her team put the pieces together?
Thoroughly enjoyable from the start. Can’t wait for the next book in the series. Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is due to hit the shelves on October 17, 2023.
The National Bureau of Investigation was a busy place when Casey, a toddler, was brought in. She was found in an abandoned carriage in the supermarket crying her little eyes out. She was in possession of a note asking that the finder please care for the child but not to look for her parents as it would be too dangerous for both the parent and the child. At the same time, two men down on their luck found a suspicious bag in a dumpster and brought it to the station. Also, a man is missing and his disappearance is suspicious. Are these crimes connected? Can Alan and her team put the pieces together?
Thoroughly enjoyable from the start. Can’t wait for the next book in the series. Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is due to hit the shelves on October 17, 2023.
October 16, 2023
The Puppet Maker by Jenny O’Brien is the start of a new series, set in Ireland. The main character is Detective Alana (known as Alan) Mack who is disabled. Alan’s partner is Paddy. Two homeless men have retrieved some meat from a garbage bin, but one of them is dubious as to its origins and they head to the Police Station. At the same time, a toddler is found abandoned in a supermarket with a note in her pocket. I find Jenny has a great way with words and paints a very vivid picture to set the scene. I have taken to the characters already and can’t wait to see how they all develop, particularly William Slattery, a complex character. And it’s not only the main characters but also the incidental characters who grabbed my interest. Alan’s boss is a real piece of work and makes life very unpleasant for her, but she handles this well. Jenny O’Brien speaks with authority on Alan's disability as she has been a nurse for 40 years and 30 of them in a specialist rehab unit. I am really looking forward to reading more in this series.
July 22, 2023
This was a brilliant start to a new series made all the stronger for the main characters backstory that could have been a book plot in its own right, it has a very established feel to it. As well as a strong cast of police characters including a difficult boss and a struggling new team member there’s a fantastically woven storyline that links what at first appears to be three individual crimes but horrifyingly they have a very disturbing connection. I loved the different voices telling this as it was great to see the impact on a victim as well as from the police perspective and it definitely helped with understanding why someone would abandon their child. The perpetrator was disturbed and his crimes gruesome. This is a series I’ll definitely be interested in continuing, looking forward to book two. 9/10
October 17, 2023
A brilliant plot full of suspense and intrigue and with the right amount of gore to entertain but not put me off my tea.
The story starts with the heart wrenching toddler being purposefully abandoned by its mother in a supermarket, but all is not what it seems and thought and care has gone into the essentials that have been bought and left with her and the note…
As with the best stories, the secrets of the main characters start to unfurl all of which are gritty and tragic which culminates in the makings of a serial killer and plentiful victims.
I liked the police characters and the way they were developed as individuals in their own right, each with their own backstories and trials. It was a well paced and very enjoyable and entertaining read and I’d definitely recommend. I look forward to reading more by this author.
The story starts with the heart wrenching toddler being purposefully abandoned by its mother in a supermarket, but all is not what it seems and thought and care has gone into the essentials that have been bought and left with her and the note…
As with the best stories, the secrets of the main characters start to unfurl all of which are gritty and tragic which culminates in the makings of a serial killer and plentiful victims.
I liked the police characters and the way they were developed as individuals in their own right, each with their own backstories and trials. It was a well paced and very enjoyable and entertaining read and I’d definitely recommend. I look forward to reading more by this author.
October 10, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for access to this Arc in exchange for my honest review.
I was a little confused at first, specially since one of the female POV had a male name. I kept trying to keep up. I enjoyed the other POV more, feeling sad for her. At the end, it all came together and I'm so happy with the ending !
I was a little confused at first, specially since one of the female POV had a male name. I kept trying to keep up. I enjoyed the other POV more, feeling sad for her. At the end, it all came together and I'm so happy with the ending !
October 18, 2023
The Puppet Maker by Jenny O'Brien
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
The scrap of paper looked as if it had been torn from a diary. The words written in faint pencil. The letters rounded, almost childlike. "Please look after her. Her life and mine depend on you not trying to find me."
When Detective Alana Mack arrives at Clonabee police station, in a small Irish seaside town on the outskirts of Dublin, she doesn't expect to find a distressed two-year-old girl sobbing on the floor. Abandoned in a local supermarket, the child tells them her name is Casey. All Alana and her team have to go on is a crumpled note begging for someone to look after the little girl. This mother doesn't want to be found.
Still recovering from a terrible accident that has left Alana navigating a new life as a wheelchair user, Alana finds herself suddenly responsible for Casey while trying to track down the missing mother and solve another missing person's case… a retired newsagent who has seemingly vanished from his home. Forced to ask her ex-husband and child psychiatrist Colm for help, through Forensic Art Therapy, Alana discovers that whatever darkness lies behind the black windows in Casey's crayon drawing, the little girl was terrified of the house she lived in.
My Opinion
I took part in the cover reveal for this book and knew that I had to read it. I read the majority of this in one sitting, there was just so much going on that I was hooked. This is the first book in a new series featuring a disabled detective, for me this was a new concept.
This is the first book I have read by Jenny O'Brien but with such a great book I am sure that it will not be my last. We follow Alana and her team as they try to solve various cases - is there a possibility that they could be connected? This is a great, quick read, that would make for an easy weekend escape.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
The scrap of paper looked as if it had been torn from a diary. The words written in faint pencil. The letters rounded, almost childlike. "Please look after her. Her life and mine depend on you not trying to find me."
When Detective Alana Mack arrives at Clonabee police station, in a small Irish seaside town on the outskirts of Dublin, she doesn't expect to find a distressed two-year-old girl sobbing on the floor. Abandoned in a local supermarket, the child tells them her name is Casey. All Alana and her team have to go on is a crumpled note begging for someone to look after the little girl. This mother doesn't want to be found.
Still recovering from a terrible accident that has left Alana navigating a new life as a wheelchair user, Alana finds herself suddenly responsible for Casey while trying to track down the missing mother and solve another missing person's case… a retired newsagent who has seemingly vanished from his home. Forced to ask her ex-husband and child psychiatrist Colm for help, through Forensic Art Therapy, Alana discovers that whatever darkness lies behind the black windows in Casey's crayon drawing, the little girl was terrified of the house she lived in.
My Opinion
I took part in the cover reveal for this book and knew that I had to read it. I read the majority of this in one sitting, there was just so much going on that I was hooked. This is the first book in a new series featuring a disabled detective, for me this was a new concept.
This is the first book I have read by Jenny O'Brien but with such a great book I am sure that it will not be my last. We follow Alana and her team as they try to solve various cases - is there a possibility that they could be connected? This is a great, quick read, that would make for an easy weekend escape.
Rating 4/5
December 28, 2023
A crime thriller set in Dublin(my home town) should have been right up my street but although this book was ok I just didn’t connect with it.
Two missing men, bags of human organs found in a public bin and an abandoned child at a supermarket set the scene for The Puppet Maker.
Our main character is Detective Alana Mack, a recently wheelchair bound and divorced woman, her back story is hinted at but never really explained.
The story really draws you in with some fascinating story lines as openers but it doesn’t live up to its initial promise.
The book drags quite a lot, reading a lot longer than it’s page count, the characters I never really bonded with which didn’t help and it did feel a bit repetitive.
I wanted to empathize with Alana more and root for her but, after initial promise, her character wasn’t all that interesting or well written. I do with we were given her full back story.
Anyway it wasn’t a bad book just not that great a one. I think 3 stars is a fair assessment.
Two missing men, bags of human organs found in a public bin and an abandoned child at a supermarket set the scene for The Puppet Maker.
Our main character is Detective Alana Mack, a recently wheelchair bound and divorced woman, her back story is hinted at but never really explained.
The story really draws you in with some fascinating story lines as openers but it doesn’t live up to its initial promise.
The book drags quite a lot, reading a lot longer than it’s page count, the characters I never really bonded with which didn’t help and it did feel a bit repetitive.
I wanted to empathize with Alana more and root for her but, after initial promise, her character wasn’t all that interesting or well written. I do with we were given her full back story.
Anyway it wasn’t a bad book just not that great a one. I think 3 stars is a fair assessment.
December 21, 2023
Following the gruesome discovery of discarded body parts, Alana Mack and her team set out to uncover the perpetrator of a series of chilling crimes.
I’m full of praise for this gripping new series from Jenny O’Brien. At its heart is a brilliant new detective, Alana Mack, who is both likeable and empathetic, but also knows how to fight her corner. She is definitely someone I’ll enjoy reading more about in the next book in the series. I’m also keen to learn how William gets on as part of the team.
This was a fast-paced and thoroughly enjoyable ‘whydunnit’. The dual point of view provided insights into the killer’s motives, as well as the police investigation. All of the characters were cleverly drawn, and the team dynamics between the detectives provided several lighter moments.
An excellent start to this series. Looking forward to reading the next one.
I’m full of praise for this gripping new series from Jenny O’Brien. At its heart is a brilliant new detective, Alana Mack, who is both likeable and empathetic, but also knows how to fight her corner. She is definitely someone I’ll enjoy reading more about in the next book in the series. I’m also keen to learn how William gets on as part of the team.
This was a fast-paced and thoroughly enjoyable ‘whydunnit’. The dual point of view provided insights into the killer’s motives, as well as the police investigation. All of the characters were cleverly drawn, and the team dynamics between the detectives provided several lighter moments.
An excellent start to this series. Looking forward to reading the next one.
October 15, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy of this book.
This is the first book I've read from Jenny and I really enjoyed it. I'm delighted that it is the start of a new series. I think that with the main character having a physical disability after an accident, it is so relevant and portrays a different demographic of society not often focused on in books. Alana Mack is a great character and is quite ballsy but has learned to pick her battles! I love that it is set in Dublin as I could picture Moore Street in the city. I look forward to reading more from this series. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is the first book I've read from Jenny and I really enjoyed it. I'm delighted that it is the start of a new series. I think that with the main character having a physical disability after an accident, it is so relevant and portrays a different demographic of society not often focused on in books. Alana Mack is a great character and is quite ballsy but has learned to pick her battles! I love that it is set in Dublin as I could picture Moore Street in the city. I look forward to reading more from this series. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 25, 2024
So bit rushed at the end, but I liked it covered off using different aspects of the department to solve the crime. Such as using efits psychology and investigation. Also knew who was the leak so was glad I guessed right.
August 7, 2023
Detective Alana (Alan) Mack works with her team out of Clonabee, a coastal suburb of Dublin. A hardworking, conscientious woman, Alan has a lot to contend with, both professionally and personally. Her nemesis is her boss, Ray ‘Ox’ Reilly, who makes no secret of his discrimination against both her gender and/or her disability. When the team struggles to find the reason for and the whereabouts of a missing local man, the boss’s anger is barely contained. Add into the mix an abandoned child, plus another missing man and the DS is fit to explode. Asking for additional help, Alan is given William Slattery, a fairly new Guard, whose father just happens to be the newspaper owner, Billy Slattery. When headlines start to appear in Slattery’s papers, disclosing details only her team know, Alan is concerned that her new team member could be to blame. Needless to say the DS is absolutely furious, and takes his anger out on Alan.
This is a tense, intriguing read with some gruesome passages. The storyline includes office politics as well as solving cases. The book is a quick read, and interesting, though a tangled denouement with William and his arrival at The Lodge. Although the first book in a new series, there are several references made that need more background. Perhaps these will slowly be uncovered in future books.
The one point I thought odd was shortening Alana to Alan, though I do appreciate that this was done as a dedication, as per the acknowledgments. For a strong willed character who comes across as a proud, professional woman, this doesn’t seem to be something she would do. Again, perhaps this will be explained in future books.
A good start to a new detective series.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm.
This is a tense, intriguing read with some gruesome passages. The storyline includes office politics as well as solving cases. The book is a quick read, and interesting, though a tangled denouement with William and his arrival at The Lodge. Although the first book in a new series, there are several references made that need more background. Perhaps these will slowly be uncovered in future books.
The one point I thought odd was shortening Alana to Alan, though I do appreciate that this was done as a dedication, as per the acknowledgments. For a strong willed character who comes across as a proud, professional woman, this doesn’t seem to be something she would do. Again, perhaps this will be explained in future books.
A good start to a new detective series.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm.
January 13, 2024
I picked this up not realising I'd previously read it, as I went through the book different parts become very familiar and i realised I'd previously read it. I continued as a lot of the story I'd forgotten. I have to say i enjoyed it just as much 2nd time round and it refreshed me ready to read the next books.
A brand new author for me and the start of a new series. Always a win.
Love starting a new series, learning about the characters and their lives.
A very well written storyline that keeps you on your toes, it keeps you guessing.
Some good characters that I can see Will grow over times. For the start of a series this is good and I will certainly be watching out for more from this author.
A brand new author for me and the start of a new series. Always a win.
Love starting a new series, learning about the characters and their lives.
A very well written storyline that keeps you on your toes, it keeps you guessing.
Some good characters that I can see Will grow over times. For the start of a series this is good and I will certainly be watching out for more from this author.
August 10, 2023
I usually really like Jenny O'Brien books, but I wasn't sure about this one. The main characters were hard to feel any empathy with, but that may just be because it was the first in a new series so hopefully the characters will develop over time. I found some parts of the story confusing as it jumped around a lot especially towards the end. I will look out for more as the series grows as I am sure it will improve, so don't be put off if it the first Jenny O'Brien book you have read!
I reviewed an ARC copy of the book.
I reviewed an ARC copy of the book.
October 17, 2023
Tense, pacey, with an addictive plot and interesting characters but a bit too gruesome for me I had to skip some passages. Don’t let that put you off, it’s a great read and I tend to be a bit squeamish. Detective Alana Mack is a fascinating character and Jenny’s excellent portrayal of a strong woman with a disability fed smoothly into the story. A good police procedural and the first in what I’m sure will prove to be a very popular detective series.
October 26, 2023
Plot
The Puppet Maker has a lot of dark and difficult themes. That shouldn’t come as a surprise in a narrative whose synopsis involves body parts. There’s a lot more to it than that, however. Poverty, abuse, illness and disability also have their place this book. It colours what could be a beautiful setting (and I’m sure it is when painted in a more natural light) into a city with an underbelly… and that’s perfect for this type of book. It’s gritty and highlights the less savoury side of life - something we are perhaps too keen to look away and ignore otherwise.
The plot unravels at a perfect pace to keep us readers on our toes and guessing what could possibly come next. Every chapter has a purpose, from setting the scene to sharing pivotal information. Overall, I enjoyed the balance in establishing the setting and characters with the action within. I enjoy both aspects, so taking time to make the most of both appealed to me as a reader. Characters I enjoyed the representation in our protagonist Alana. It isn’t very often we find ourselves with a detective with a disability. Alana’s disability is physical and the book does a fantastic job of illustrating difficulties wheelchair users suffer… even down to being able to perform such basic and mundane tasks by themselves. Taking the time to explore such detail within this complex narrative adds to the overall setting and makes for an immersive experience.
That said, Alana isn’t defined by her disability either. She is a complex character with a strength of spirit even before you consider her recent history. Alana has suffered more misery than the loss of her legs. It’s abundantly clear to us readers that this has a profound effect on her, but she’s doesn’t let it drag her down into the darkest depths either. Alana is just one character amongst a complex cast. Whilst she unravels the mystery of a young girl and a missing parent, there are lots of other characters that add to this interesting narrative. Casey’s mother is also a really exciting character to read the perspective of. Could you imagine leaving your daughter in a supermarket in the hopes that someone will take her in and care for her? A lot of people might consider that unthinkable, but believe me, she has her reasons and those come to light as the book unfolds. Narrative Style The Puppet Maker is multi perspective, which really worked for me. This writing style is my preference, and with this type of book and narrative it works really well to unveil plot twists and secrets to the reader in a timely fashion and maintain suspense until all the pieces come together. The chapters are a great length. Each voice has plenty of page-time to explore their own stories within the wider narrative. At the same time, they are concise enough to get the message across and have us compulsively reading the next chapter for a further revelation. This balance, in my opinion, was perfect for the genre and subject of the book! Each character and perspective has a distinct voice and narrative style, so we know whose perspective we are reading at any given time. With a decent number of characters to pull off, this is well managed throughout. Summary The Puppet Maker is a compulsive page-turner with an intricate and twisty plot line to keep readers engaged. It’s a wonder I managed to put the book down from time to time and actually function as an adult. Well, I suppose that’s a matter of opinion, eh?
The plot unravels at a perfect pace to keep us readers on our toes and guessing what could possibly come next. Every chapter has a purpose, from setting the scene to sharing pivotal information. Overall, I enjoyed the balance in establishing the setting and characters with the action within. I enjoy both aspects, so taking time to make the most of both appealed to me as a reader. Characters I enjoyed the representation in our protagonist Alana. It isn’t very often we find ourselves with a detective with a disability. Alana’s disability is physical and the book does a fantastic job of illustrating difficulties wheelchair users suffer… even down to being able to perform such basic and mundane tasks by themselves. Taking the time to explore such detail within this complex narrative adds to the overall setting and makes for an immersive experience.
That said, Alana isn’t defined by her disability either. She is a complex character with a strength of spirit even before you consider her recent history. Alana has suffered more misery than the loss of her legs. It’s abundantly clear to us readers that this has a profound effect on her, but she’s doesn’t let it drag her down into the darkest depths either. Alana is just one character amongst a complex cast. Whilst she unravels the mystery of a young girl and a missing parent, there are lots of other characters that add to this interesting narrative. Casey’s mother is also a really exciting character to read the perspective of. Could you imagine leaving your daughter in a supermarket in the hopes that someone will take her in and care for her? A lot of people might consider that unthinkable, but believe me, she has her reasons and those come to light as the book unfolds. Narrative Style The Puppet Maker is multi perspective, which really worked for me. This writing style is my preference, and with this type of book and narrative it works really well to unveil plot twists and secrets to the reader in a timely fashion and maintain suspense until all the pieces come together. The chapters are a great length. Each voice has plenty of page-time to explore their own stories within the wider narrative. At the same time, they are concise enough to get the message across and have us compulsively reading the next chapter for a further revelation. This balance, in my opinion, was perfect for the genre and subject of the book! Each character and perspective has a distinct voice and narrative style, so we know whose perspective we are reading at any given time. With a decent number of characters to pull off, this is well managed throughout. Summary The Puppet Maker is a compulsive page-turner with an intricate and twisty plot line to keep readers engaged. It’s a wonder I managed to put the book down from time to time and actually function as an adult. Well, I suppose that’s a matter of opinion, eh?
October 10, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an advance copy of The Puppet Maker, the first novel to feature DI Alana “Alan” Mack of An Garda Síochána, Based in the outskirts of Dublin.
Alan is called down to reception to deal with a screaming toddler. The girl tells her that her name is Casey and she was abandoned in the local supermarket with a note asking for Casey to be looked after and not to look for her mother. Atlantic the same time a homeless man arrives with a bag of human offal. Investigation of the body parts reveals a familial DNA link to Casey. All this while investigating the disappearance of a retired newsagent.
I like the idea of The Puppet Maker, but I didn’t find that the execution matched the premise. The novel is told from various points of view and while it isn’t confusing it doesn’t allow for an immersive read as the reader is constantly adjusting to a different voice. It makes the read feel choppy and disjointed.
I feel that the balance of the novel is out of synch, but that might be due to my taste in reading. I like a police procedural where the emphasis is on the investigation, which I thought this would be, but while there is plenty about the investigation it doesn’t feel particularly structured or organised and it gets lost sometimes in the other narratives. I didn’t find the main secondary narrative very credible (can’t say why without spoilers) so I didn’t have much interest in it, especially when it got a bit repetitive.
I don’t know what to think about Alan Mack. She is in a wheelchair with no explanation as to why, save it was an accident. I think it is great that she gives the disabled a voice and that she highlights the petty inconveniences that the able bodied never think about. It’s eye opening. Disability is not, however, the main thing about her. She is a tough, experienced detective with a smart mind and a supportive attitude, mostly. I enjoyed her set-tos with her misogynistic and ableist boss, Ox Reilly as he’s a horror and she normally wins.
The Puppet Maker feels cluttered to me, but my taste is not everyone’s. It’s a solid read.
Alan is called down to reception to deal with a screaming toddler. The girl tells her that her name is Casey and she was abandoned in the local supermarket with a note asking for Casey to be looked after and not to look for her mother. Atlantic the same time a homeless man arrives with a bag of human offal. Investigation of the body parts reveals a familial DNA link to Casey. All this while investigating the disappearance of a retired newsagent.
I like the idea of The Puppet Maker, but I didn’t find that the execution matched the premise. The novel is told from various points of view and while it isn’t confusing it doesn’t allow for an immersive read as the reader is constantly adjusting to a different voice. It makes the read feel choppy and disjointed.
I feel that the balance of the novel is out of synch, but that might be due to my taste in reading. I like a police procedural where the emphasis is on the investigation, which I thought this would be, but while there is plenty about the investigation it doesn’t feel particularly structured or organised and it gets lost sometimes in the other narratives. I didn’t find the main secondary narrative very credible (can’t say why without spoilers) so I didn’t have much interest in it, especially when it got a bit repetitive.
I don’t know what to think about Alan Mack. She is in a wheelchair with no explanation as to why, save it was an accident. I think it is great that she gives the disabled a voice and that she highlights the petty inconveniences that the able bodied never think about. It’s eye opening. Disability is not, however, the main thing about her. She is a tough, experienced detective with a smart mind and a supportive attitude, mostly. I enjoyed her set-tos with her misogynistic and ableist boss, Ox Reilly as he’s a horror and she normally wins.
The Puppet Maker feels cluttered to me, but my taste is not everyone’s. It’s a solid read.
October 19, 2023
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
The Puppet Maker is so, so good. Like, the kind of reading experience where you don’t want to put the book down because you have to find out what happens next, kind of good. There are mysteries that reveal the culprit over time, and then there are mysteries that have already allowed you into the culprit’s world, fearful of what they might do, or who will be the next target. That’s the type of story the author has created here, and it worked wonderfully.
There are different viewpoints provided that help to round out the plot, and I think it helped tremendously. The story is told primarily from Alana’s perspective–or Alan, as she’s best known by–but she can only relay her side of things, particularly when it pertains to the police and all they are attempting to do to save possible victims from death, or in this case, a fate even worse than death. I loved the connect-the-dot moments that tie in the little girl Casey with the human remains, and the victims and why they’ve been targeted.
The pacing within the pages is perfection. Nothing was sped up or slowed down in such a way that would make me feel bogged down by plot points or events that delineate from the story. I felt like I was watching some sort of real-life crime scene investigation unfold in front of me, like I was one of Alan’s team members, trying to solve a mystery. At one point, we discover that there is a mole who has been working behind-the-scenes, leaking crucial information to media outlets, and when the mole is finally revealed, I was pretty shocked by that. The way Alan handles that situation was amazing and more than justified.
I also wasn’t sure if in the end, Casey would be reunited with her mother. That sort of resolution could have swung either way, but the discovery of that felt like it was the right call. With how quickly Casey seems to attach herself to Alan, I really didn’t know how things would go, but I’m glad it went down the way it did. It looks as though this is the first book I’ve read by author Jenny O’Brien, which is a complete shock to me. I plan on changing that. The Puppet Maker is a definite five-star page turner!
The Puppet Maker is so, so good. Like, the kind of reading experience where you don’t want to put the book down because you have to find out what happens next, kind of good. There are mysteries that reveal the culprit over time, and then there are mysteries that have already allowed you into the culprit’s world, fearful of what they might do, or who will be the next target. That’s the type of story the author has created here, and it worked wonderfully.
There are different viewpoints provided that help to round out the plot, and I think it helped tremendously. The story is told primarily from Alana’s perspective–or Alan, as she’s best known by–but she can only relay her side of things, particularly when it pertains to the police and all they are attempting to do to save possible victims from death, or in this case, a fate even worse than death. I loved the connect-the-dot moments that tie in the little girl Casey with the human remains, and the victims and why they’ve been targeted.
The pacing within the pages is perfection. Nothing was sped up or slowed down in such a way that would make me feel bogged down by plot points or events that delineate from the story. I felt like I was watching some sort of real-life crime scene investigation unfold in front of me, like I was one of Alan’s team members, trying to solve a mystery. At one point, we discover that there is a mole who has been working behind-the-scenes, leaking crucial information to media outlets, and when the mole is finally revealed, I was pretty shocked by that. The way Alan handles that situation was amazing and more than justified.
I also wasn’t sure if in the end, Casey would be reunited with her mother. That sort of resolution could have swung either way, but the discovery of that felt like it was the right call. With how quickly Casey seems to attach herself to Alan, I really didn’t know how things would go, but I’m glad it went down the way it did. It looks as though this is the first book I’ve read by author Jenny O’Brien, which is a complete shock to me. I plan on changing that. The Puppet Maker is a definite five-star page turner!
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