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Dr. Samantha Owens #3
When Shadows Fall
Book #3 from the series: Sam Owens
🎧Run Time = 11 hours and 9 minutes
“Fans of forensic mysteries, such as those by Patricia Cornwell, should immediately add this series to their A-lists” (Booklist). A letter from a dead man sends pathologist Samantha Owens into a cold case that someone is determined to keep closed… Lisa Gardner promises: “shocking suspense, compelling characters, and fascinating forensic details” await in this “exceptional” thriller (Publishers Weekly starred review).
Forensic pathologist Dr. Samantha Owens thought life was finally returning to normal after she suffered a terrible personal loss. Settling into her new job at Georgetown University, the illusion is shattered when she receives a disturbing letter from a dead man imploring her to solve his murder. There's only one catch. Timothy Savage's death was so obviously the suicide of a demented individual that the case has been closed.
When Sam learns Savage left a will requesting she autopsy his body, she feels compelled to look into the case. Sam's own postmortem discovers clear signs that Savage was indeed murdered. And she finds DNA from a kidnapped child whose remains were recovered years earlier. The investigation takes Sam into the shadows of a 20-year-old mystery that must be solved to determine what really happened to Timothy Savage. Nothing about the case makes sense but it is clear someone is unwilling to let anyone, especially Samantha Owens, discover the truth.
🎧Run Time = 11 hours and 9 minutes
Dear Dr. Owens,
If you are reading this letter, I am dead and I would be most grateful if you could solve my murder…
“Fans of forensic mysteries, such as those by Patricia Cornwell, should immediately add this series to their A-lists” (Booklist). A letter from a dead man sends pathologist Samantha Owens into a cold case that someone is determined to keep closed… Lisa Gardner promises: “shocking suspense, compelling characters, and fascinating forensic details” await in this “exceptional” thriller (Publishers Weekly starred review).
Forensic pathologist Dr. Samantha Owens thought life was finally returning to normal after she suffered a terrible personal loss. Settling into her new job at Georgetown University, the illusion is shattered when she receives a disturbing letter from a dead man imploring her to solve his murder. There's only one catch. Timothy Savage's death was so obviously the suicide of a demented individual that the case has been closed.
When Sam learns Savage left a will requesting she autopsy his body, she feels compelled to look into the case. Sam's own postmortem discovers clear signs that Savage was indeed murdered. And she finds DNA from a kidnapped child whose remains were recovered years earlier. The investigation takes Sam into the shadows of a 20-year-old mystery that must be solved to determine what really happened to Timothy Savage. Nothing about the case makes sense but it is clear someone is unwilling to let anyone, especially Samantha Owens, discover the truth.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
About the author
J.T. Ellison
84 books7,303 followersJ.T. Ellison is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 30 novels, and the EMMY® award winning co-host of the literary TV show A WORD ON WORDS. She also writes fantasy under the pen name Joss Walker.
With millions of books in print, her work has won critical acclaim and prestigious awards They have also been optioned for television, and published in 28 countries.
J.T. lives in Nashville with her husband and twin kittens, one of whom is a ghost, where she is hard at work on her next novel.
With millions of books in print, her work has won critical acclaim and prestigious awards They have also been optioned for television, and published in 28 countries.
J.T. lives in Nashville with her husband and twin kittens, one of whom is a ghost, where she is hard at work on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
December 13, 2013
Wow, what a great read. I absolutely, thoroughly enjoyed this 3rd book in J.T. Elliot's "Dr. Samantha Owens, ME" series.
Sam and Xander's relationship is as strong as ever - a blip now and then to make them human. John Baldwin (from the Lt. Taylor Jackson series) makes more than an appearance for good reason. Detective Darren Fletcher plays a large role in this book and maybe finally finds stability in his personal life via Special Agent Jordan Blake (wink, wink).
The story line is strong and well researched - from the first page to the last, you remain captivated. J.T. Elliot has done a superb job of bringing all points of the story together, leaving no stone unturned. The basic premise of the story is based on a cult with a very dangerous woman leading the charge and her equally evil and dangerous male companion. Some very interesting basics for this particular cult - sorry, no spoilers here!
Sam is one of my favourite characters in a series (and how could you not love Xander and his loyal dog "Thor").
I give this book 5 stars and 2 thumbs up and highly recommend this book.
Sam and Xander's relationship is as strong as ever - a blip now and then to make them human. John Baldwin (from the Lt. Taylor Jackson series) makes more than an appearance for good reason. Detective Darren Fletcher plays a large role in this book and maybe finally finds stability in his personal life via Special Agent Jordan Blake (wink, wink).
The story line is strong and well researched - from the first page to the last, you remain captivated. J.T. Elliot has done a superb job of bringing all points of the story together, leaving no stone unturned. The basic premise of the story is based on a cult with a very dangerous woman leading the charge and her equally evil and dangerous male companion. Some very interesting basics for this particular cult - sorry, no spoilers here!
Sam is one of my favourite characters in a series (and how could you not love Xander and his loyal dog "Thor").
I give this book 5 stars and 2 thumbs up and highly recommend this book.
January 15, 2014
This is a thriller that took me into the twisted heart of darkness. Just when it felt like I was starting to get things figured out, more questions arose. I liked it, and it was a fast-paced read, even though it was a bit disturbing at times. I will be tracking down the first two books in the series.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur magazine in the March 2014 issue: http://affairedecoeur.com.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur magazine in the March 2014 issue: http://affairedecoeur.com.
January 31, 2014
I won a copy of "When Shadows Fall" by J.T. Ellison through the Goodreads Giveaways Contest. This is a fast-paced murder mystery that keeps the reader gripped to the story to see what will happen next. As the main protagonist, Dr. Samantha Owens, is a forensic pathologist, the reader is exposed to the fascinating process followed in her field.
Sam had left Nashville, to get away from the loneliness after the passing of her husband and her twins, following the flood in Nashville. She was now working in D.C., running the new forensic pathology department at Georgetown as a college professor. Her previous experience as a medical examiner in the law enforcement field in Nashville, had provided more stimuli.
Dr. Sam Owens receives a disturbing letter from a dead stranger imploring her to investigate his murder. With a request to autopsy his body and a list of beneficiaries in his will to track down Sam, her boyfriend Xander Whitefield , FBI agent John Baldwin and D.C. Homicide Detective Darren Fletcher begin to unravel clues that link a kidnapping, a serial killer and a cult to Timothy Savage's unexplained death. But is this real or a hoax? Savage's death had been deemed a suicide, but why would he kill himself and send a letter to Sam claiming to be murdered? And more important, why was Sam chosen?
In this crime thriller, the author reveals clues on a need to know basis, thereby increasing the suspense level. The plot twists and turns and the reader is kept guessing who the killer is, and more important...who to trust! The characters are well-developed, and very believable. This novel has it all; murder mystery, crime scene analysis, forensic testing, data analysis, FBI profiling, and a plot based on motive and opportunity.
I really enjoyed reading this novel, and didn't want it to end. A very talented author.
Sam had left Nashville, to get away from the loneliness after the passing of her husband and her twins, following the flood in Nashville. She was now working in D.C., running the new forensic pathology department at Georgetown as a college professor. Her previous experience as a medical examiner in the law enforcement field in Nashville, had provided more stimuli.
Dr. Sam Owens receives a disturbing letter from a dead stranger imploring her to investigate his murder. With a request to autopsy his body and a list of beneficiaries in his will to track down Sam, her boyfriend Xander Whitefield , FBI agent John Baldwin and D.C. Homicide Detective Darren Fletcher begin to unravel clues that link a kidnapping, a serial killer and a cult to Timothy Savage's unexplained death. But is this real or a hoax? Savage's death had been deemed a suicide, but why would he kill himself and send a letter to Sam claiming to be murdered? And more important, why was Sam chosen?
In this crime thriller, the author reveals clues on a need to know basis, thereby increasing the suspense level. The plot twists and turns and the reader is kept guessing who the killer is, and more important...who to trust! The characters are well-developed, and very believable. This novel has it all; murder mystery, crime scene analysis, forensic testing, data analysis, FBI profiling, and a plot based on motive and opportunity.
I really enjoyed reading this novel, and didn't want it to end. A very talented author.
November 15, 2020
4.5 stars. Continuing on with my reading of this series...
Dr Samantha Owens is now head of forensic pathology department at Georgetown University Medical School. She receives a letter from Tom Savage, someone she doesn't know. It's one of those, "if you are reading this, I'm dead" letters. The man's attorney shows up and says Tom wanted Sam to do his autopsy. That night, the attorney is garroted. Now, just wait until you read about who Tom Savage really was.
This is an unusual case in many aspects, starting with a suicide death by nasty chemical agent, the strange note, an autopsy request made while a person is till alive and on and on. The twists keep happening throughout the book.
The books in this series keep getting better and better. I'm rounding this one up to a 5 because I believe it's the best one yet. I couldn't ask for a better mystery.
Dr Samantha Owens is now head of forensic pathology department at Georgetown University Medical School. She receives a letter from Tom Savage, someone she doesn't know. It's one of those, "if you are reading this, I'm dead" letters. The man's attorney shows up and says Tom wanted Sam to do his autopsy. That night, the attorney is garroted. Now, just wait until you read about who Tom Savage really was.
This is an unusual case in many aspects, starting with a suicide death by nasty chemical agent, the strange note, an autopsy request made while a person is till alive and on and on. The twists keep happening throughout the book.
The books in this series keep getting better and better. I'm rounding this one up to a 5 because I believe it's the best one yet. I couldn't ask for a better mystery.
February 26, 2014
Absolutely, wow!
This is an amazingly complicated and nuanced story. You think you know what's going on only to realize that things aren't what you thought they were. The story begins when Sam receives a letter from a man who claims that he has been murdered and asks Sam to find out who killed him. From that moment on, the reader is falling down the rabbit hole and into a fascinating, dangerous, and deeply conspiratorial story. Loved it!
This is an amazingly complicated and nuanced story. You think you know what's going on only to realize that things aren't what you thought they were. The story begins when Sam receives a letter from a man who claims that he has been murdered and asks Sam to find out who killed him. From that moment on, the reader is falling down the rabbit hole and into a fascinating, dangerous, and deeply conspiratorial story. Loved it!
January 28, 2023
I love JT Ellison, and with her new book being published this week I wanted to get a JT fix since my library doesn't have her latest and greatest. So I randomly selected this one from the pile of unread JT books.
While the book was good enough and I enjoyed the writing. I do wish I had started with # 1 (I didn't realize it was a series until I was already invested in finishing it out). So I missed out on some of the character development and backstory I think.
I don't enjoy cult books so I found myself having to plow through it....the suspense and mystery kept me wanting to know what happened. I liked Dr Sam and will read the rest of her series, hopefully they don't involve cults....
While the book was good enough and I enjoyed the writing. I do wish I had started with # 1 (I didn't realize it was a series until I was already invested in finishing it out). So I missed out on some of the character development and backstory I think.
I don't enjoy cult books so I found myself having to plow through it....the suspense and mystery kept me wanting to know what happened. I liked Dr Sam and will read the rest of her series, hopefully they don't involve cults....
August 3, 2019
This is my first J.T. Ellison novel and it won't be my last! Wow! Ellison creates a sympathetic female medical examiner who isn't like any other I've ever read. She's savvy, conflicted, and has a tragic history. A complex character who is smart and brave and believable. The entire story was a ride of ups and downs and twists and turns I tried to anticipate, but couldn't. Not completely. The story is as complex as the characters with interwoven plot lines that blend into an amazing whole. Secondary characters are just as interesting. Can't wait to read another Sam Owens novel!
February 27, 2015
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Sam Owens receives a letter from a man who is dead - murdered. The letter asks Sam to investigate his demise. Our lovely protagonist doesn't know this man from a hole in the ground, but despite herhalfhearted attempts to dismiss the letter and move on with her life, she's sucked into a dark mystery of missing children, a religious cult and black market illegal adoptions.
There's a lot going on. And damn, you know I love a cult theme!
This is entertaining and action-packed, but at times I felt a little lost in the narrative details. Not as lost as another reviewer, who thought the book was about Nazis. He gave it five stars anyhow.
This was a mostly enjoyable read, even though I got lost a couple of times. I really like where Ellison is taking Sam and her new life in Washington. And the Epilogue was a nice touch - just creepy and cliffhanger-ish enough to spike your adrenaline one last time.
Xander just needs to freaking cool it with the sexist shit.
⭐⭐⭐½ | 3.5 stars rounded up
Sam Owens receives a letter from a man who is dead - murdered. The letter asks Sam to investigate his demise. Our lovely protagonist doesn't know this man from a hole in the ground, but despite her
There's a lot going on. And damn, you know I love a cult theme!
This is entertaining and action-packed, but at times I felt a little lost in the narrative details. Not as lost as another reviewer, who thought the book was about Nazis. He gave it five stars anyhow.
This was a mostly enjoyable read, even though I got lost a couple of times. I really like where Ellison is taking Sam and her new life in Washington. And the Epilogue was a nice touch - just creepy and cliffhanger-ish enough to spike your adrenaline one last time.
Xander just needs to freaking cool it with the sexist shit.
⭐⭐⭐½ | 3.5 stars rounded up
January 30, 2015
Weird plot. The writer throws a lot of characters into the book and it was confusing keeping them all straight. This is the third in a series about Dr. Sam Owens so maybe these should be read in order?
Read
April 25, 2018This is book 3 of the Samantha Owens series. Sam has now switched to teaching forensics. She receives a disturbing letter from a dead man imploring her to solve his murder but all signs point to suicide. When Sam learns Savage left a will requesting she autopsy his body, she feels compelled to look into the case. Sam's own postmortem discovers clear signs that Savage was indeed murdered. And she finds DNA from a kidnapped child whose remains were recovered years earlier. The investigation takes Sam into the shadows of a twenty-year-old mystery that must be solved to determine what really happened to Timothy Savage. Nothing about the case makes sense, but it is clear someone is unwilling to let anyone, especially Samantha Owens, discover the truth.
This fast moving thriller kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. The characters were well-developed and the plot was well paced. J.T. Ellison has a knack of keeping you riveted and wanting more. Lots of twists and turns make you change your mind about what is going on. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I would highly recommend this series to those who like suspenseful thrillers.
This fast moving thriller kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. The characters were well-developed and the plot was well paced. J.T. Ellison has a knack of keeping you riveted and wanting more. Lots of twists and turns make you change your mind about what is going on. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I would highly recommend this series to those who like suspenseful thrillers.
December 7, 2019
So hard to get into. Then it got super weird. Not my favorite by any means. JT still has an amazing writing style.
August 21, 2017
I read this in one sitting (chronic insomnia) and loved every page. Twisting and turning every which way that keeps you hooked until the absolute last full stop.
May 22, 2018
***Spoilers***
This book was okay. First of all, this book was discussed in my mystery book club but the opening scenes told it wasn't a mystery, it was a romance. It did later get more into the mystery, but there was way too much romance for me. I did like how the mystery person was revealed, but everything else was just confusing. Halfway through, there were so many people introduced it was just too much confusion. Not only was it the people she was meeting in the new state, but also people from cases they had dealt with 10 years before that we as readers know nothing about so they had to tell us their story and what happened to them. It was too confusing. I didn't like how the author didn't trust us as the reader to figure things out on our own, such as when a person was being protective, or when a person acted annoyed, the author not only described their actions but then told us they were annoyed. Also, some areas were too theatrical, like when describing the detective and saying ~he was honest to a point, damn the man~. (I don't think the comment was he was honest, but the author did say, "damn the man") Cut the theatrics. Also, I think, that when a Doctor travels to another state to work on a case I can understand that she may have a detective-friend go with her for some reason, but her boyfriend Xander had to show up too, come on. I think the boyfriend was not only too much showing up in another state (I wasn't convinced) but he was just too fast. If you have read her other books you know that Samantha Owens is a Dr. and her husband and 2 kids died horribly. She met Xander in book 1 A Deeper Darkness, but after dating only 3 months they are living together. I just wish this relationship had been more believable. We all wanted this relationship to happen, but it was too rushed.
This book was okay. First of all, this book was discussed in my mystery book club but the opening scenes told it wasn't a mystery, it was a romance. It did later get more into the mystery, but there was way too much romance for me. I did like how the mystery person was revealed, but everything else was just confusing. Halfway through, there were so many people introduced it was just too much confusion. Not only was it the people she was meeting in the new state, but also people from cases they had dealt with 10 years before that we as readers know nothing about so they had to tell us their story and what happened to them. It was too confusing. I didn't like how the author didn't trust us as the reader to figure things out on our own, such as when a person was being protective, or when a person acted annoyed, the author not only described their actions but then told us they were annoyed. Also, some areas were too theatrical, like when describing the detective and saying ~he was honest to a point, damn the man~. (I don't think the comment was he was honest, but the author did say, "damn the man") Cut the theatrics. Also, I think, that when a Doctor travels to another state to work on a case I can understand that she may have a detective-friend go with her for some reason, but her boyfriend Xander had to show up too, come on. I think the boyfriend was not only too much showing up in another state (I wasn't convinced) but he was just too fast. If you have read her other books you know that Samantha Owens is a Dr. and her husband and 2 kids died horribly. She met Xander in book 1 A Deeper Darkness, but after dating only 3 months they are living together. I just wish this relationship had been more believable. We all wanted this relationship to happen, but it was too rushed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2014
My View:
The opening letter to Dr Owens sets the scene for a wonderfully plotted, intense and at times brutal journey directed by the deceased from the grave as he attempts to seek some sort of belated redemption for past sins. This is a great police and forensic procedural and I can see a great future for Dr Samantha Owens in future novels by this author. I think she will rival Tempe Brennan in her quest for truth on behalf of the dead.
This is the third book in the series yet despite not having read any of the others I was able to successfully negotiate the back story and immerse myself in this novel. The characters were mostly endearing excepting the villains who were manipulated and violent and self-centred. I think that the development of the villains in the piece was exceptional – not often in crime fiction do we get such a great understanding of the evilness within the narrative. The character Timothy Savage is complicated walks a slippery trapeze between good and compromised. He clearly shows that we are all capable of bad judgements and mistakes; some mistakes having huge costs.
In all a fast paced enjoyable read that leaves me seeking previous work by this author.
The opening letter to Dr Owens sets the scene for a wonderfully plotted, intense and at times brutal journey directed by the deceased from the grave as he attempts to seek some sort of belated redemption for past sins. This is a great police and forensic procedural and I can see a great future for Dr Samantha Owens in future novels by this author. I think she will rival Tempe Brennan in her quest for truth on behalf of the dead.
This is the third book in the series yet despite not having read any of the others I was able to successfully negotiate the back story and immerse myself in this novel. The characters were mostly endearing excepting the villains who were manipulated and violent and self-centred. I think that the development of the villains in the piece was exceptional – not often in crime fiction do we get such a great understanding of the evilness within the narrative. The character Timothy Savage is complicated walks a slippery trapeze between good and compromised. He clearly shows that we are all capable of bad judgements and mistakes; some mistakes having huge costs.
In all a fast paced enjoyable read that leaves me seeking previous work by this author.
June 8, 2014
I have to say that When Shadows Fall is by far the best book in this series. I really felt like I found my niche with all of the characters. They were not just characters from a series but friends. The connection was the strongest it has been. Sam and Xander are a great couple together. I hope that one day they do get married. It would be nice to see Sam have her happy ending again with a family.
This story was darker and twisted. There were about three storylines taking place in this book but all of them were intriguing. I was trying to figure out the connection with them all prior to the reveal but couldn't. Just as I would start to figure out an answer, Mrs. Ellison would put a new twist in and blow me for a loop. This book is a one sit read. I can't wait to read the next book and see what Mrs. Ellison has up her sleeves. Strap yourself in for a thrill ride with When Shadows Fall!
This story was darker and twisted. There were about three storylines taking place in this book but all of them were intriguing. I was trying to figure out the connection with them all prior to the reveal but couldn't. Just as I would start to figure out an answer, Mrs. Ellison would put a new twist in and blow me for a loop. This book is a one sit read. I can't wait to read the next book and see what Mrs. Ellison has up her sleeves. Strap yourself in for a thrill ride with When Shadows Fall!
January 20, 2014
This just might be my favorite book in the Samantha Owens series so far. There was a lot going on in this book. Not only were there a lot of new characters, but a lot of our known characters from the series, stepped up and played more major roles. Also, the plot had a lot going on with it, but the author did a superb job keeping the storyline flowing. In the beginning, Samantha receives a letter asking for help that starts the whole story off, and the story just shoots out from there and doesn't stop. There were some twists and turns, not major surprises but a very well written mystery. I can't wait for the next one!
March 8, 2014
I love the way that Sam is evolving. It has taken her leaving her comfort zone of Nashville and moving to begin to find herself again. It is nice to see her finding friends and possibly love again. I like that she is human and the things she has gone through are shaping her life--as they do with us all. Her job has been the one thing that she could count on and it is as much a part of her as her heart and brain is. Her professionalism has Timothy Savage seeking her help to solve his murder. And thereupon the ride begins. You will not be able to put this one down
September 11, 2019
Maybe because this is #3 of a series, or maybe... I have no idea, but I really did not like this book much. It was confusing with the long list of characters and another long list of missing people and so on ans so on that I lost interest. I also did not like the main characters too much. For some reason they grated on me. No, I have no real explanation for that. I just did not care too much about anyone.
October 11, 2014
Another exciting, edge of my seat read from the amazing JT Ellison! How does she do it? So many threads, expertly woven together, but keeping you guessing the whole time. Wow! Please write some more soon.
February 9, 2025
This book was dull as dishwater. I got about 3/4 read, then gave up and just went to last few chapters. There were TOO MANY characters, and they just kept introducing MORE. Too confusing to keep straight. By the time I got to the end, I forgot what the premise of this book was about anyway! Dumb.
June 25, 2014
It just wasn't my cup of tea.
November 23, 2014
My first JT Ellison book and I really enjoyed it. Deals with exposing a cult and loaded with twists and turns and plenty of action. Would definitely recommend.
July 31, 2017
A man named June and a woman named Curtis.
Read
November 1, 2018Miniseries: A Samantha Owens Novel
January 9, 2019
I think I am getting tired of Dr. Owens and need a break from this series. This effort just seemed over-reaching. Samantha's character getting to be a cliche. Not my favorite.
July 12, 2022
I couldn’t get into this slow moving book.
March 1, 2025
A very enjoyable thriller that obviously is part of a series that I didn't know about. Good as a standalone. Will be looking up the previous stories very soon.
May 3, 2016
Never ending - like a cheap version of a Kay Scarpetta book
August 1, 2016
Very good ready to get the next book in the series
September 7, 2026
Check out more book reviews at Lit and Literary.
When I requested the ARC for this book on Netgalley, I didn't know then that this is the third book in the Dr. Samantha Owens series, so I really had no inkling what was in store for me when I started reading it.
The blurb and initial premise of the story was simple enough, and it promised a whodunnit mystery within its pages, but what I did not expect was the clusterfuck of interrelated crimes spanning decades, and multiple victims of abduction and serial killing. Like, wow, the twists just keep happening left and right, and there were characters who felt suspicious enough, which added an element of unpredictability to the story.
This book is more than just a murder mystery thriller, and it kept me on my toes in guessing who did what, and what's the relationship between the little girl who was abducted decades ago to the recent abduction of another little girl who resembled the first one.
I love that Dr. Samantha Owens is not just a highly intelligent forensic pathologist, but also a very flawed and multi-faceted character. I also love that Xander is a survivalist who can kill people with his bare hands but don't, and the glimpses of his caveman-side provided an emotional layer to their relationship.
It was also interesting to read about the inner workings of a fanatical cult, and how they are able to control their flock to do the bidding of their leader. I definitely got incensed when I read about the rapes that were permitted in the name of religion, and how the mostly preyed on women and children.
I highly recommend this book to those who like reading mystery suspense thrillers with strong FMCs and complex plots.
When I requested the ARC for this book on Netgalley, I didn't know then that this is the third book in the Dr. Samantha Owens series, so I really had no inkling what was in store for me when I started reading it.
The blurb and initial premise of the story was simple enough, and it promised a whodunnit mystery within its pages, but what I did not expect was the clusterfuck of interrelated crimes spanning decades, and multiple victims of abduction and serial killing. Like, wow, the twists just keep happening left and right, and there were characters who felt suspicious enough, which added an element of unpredictability to the story.
This book is more than just a murder mystery thriller, and it kept me on my toes in guessing who did what, and what's the relationship between the little girl who was abducted decades ago to the recent abduction of another little girl who resembled the first one.
I love that Dr. Samantha Owens is not just a highly intelligent forensic pathologist, but also a very flawed and multi-faceted character. I also love that Xander is a survivalist who can kill people with his bare hands but don't, and the glimpses of his caveman-side provided an emotional layer to their relationship.
It was also interesting to read about the inner workings of a fanatical cult, and how they are able to control their flock to do the bidding of their leader. I definitely got incensed when I read about the rapes that were permitted in the name of religion, and how the mostly preyed on women and children.
I highly recommend this book to those who like reading mystery suspense thrillers with strong FMCs and complex plots.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews