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Rachel Ryder #9
Dark Intent
The past comes back to haunt a small town when one murder leads to the discovery of another.
When a troubled young woman, Jenn Berman, goes missing at the summer fair in Hamby, her uncaring family fails to notice. That is, until a loose dog returns home with a bloodied hand. Investigators are led to a developing subdivision where they find the Jenn’s body in a shallow grave.
The town is shocked by the murder, and Detectives Rachel Ryder and Rob Bishop are assigned the case to deliver justice for Jenn. But upon further inspection of the crime scene, a jaw-dropping discovery is another body is found buried deeper in the same grave. The remains belong to Caroline Turner, a young woman who also went missing from the summer fair…almost four decades ago.
The connection between the murders is undeniable. As Rachel and Rob race to narrow down their suspect list and inch closer to the truth, a dangerous threat emerges, putting those they love at risk. Can they expose the killer and uncover the secrets of the past before it's too late?
When a troubled young woman, Jenn Berman, goes missing at the summer fair in Hamby, her uncaring family fails to notice. That is, until a loose dog returns home with a bloodied hand. Investigators are led to a developing subdivision where they find the Jenn’s body in a shallow grave.
The town is shocked by the murder, and Detectives Rachel Ryder and Rob Bishop are assigned the case to deliver justice for Jenn. But upon further inspection of the crime scene, a jaw-dropping discovery is another body is found buried deeper in the same grave. The remains belong to Caroline Turner, a young woman who also went missing from the summer fair…almost four decades ago.
The connection between the murders is undeniable. As Rachel and Rob race to narrow down their suspect list and inch closer to the truth, a dangerous threat emerges, putting those they love at risk. Can they expose the killer and uncover the secrets of the past before it's too late?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2024
913 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
155 books546 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson writes cozy mysteries, thrillers, and paranormal women's fiction featuring strong female leads. Her stories shine through her dialogue, which readers have praised for being realistic and compelling.
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.
Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.
Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
November 25, 2024
4.5 stars
Dark Intent by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson is the ninth in the Detective Rachel Ryder series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Severn River Publishing and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Detective Rachel Ryder left her 15 year career on the Chicago police force, and moved to Hamby Georgia, after the death of her husband Tommy. The people responsible are dead. She still has a friend and father-figure in Chicago, and Lenny remains a true mentor. She has fought both police corruption and the drug cartel since being in Hamby. Her boss is Chief Jimmy Abernathy, and her partner is Rob Bishop, a veteran of over 30 years. Other members of the team are Detectives Justin Michels and Lauren Levy, as well as CSI Nikki and IT Tech Bubba. Rachel's best friend is Savannah, her boss's wife, and Rachel has started dating DEA Agent Kyle Olsen.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Rachel and Rob are called to the site of a shallow grave, where they find the body of Jenn Berman, who had gone missing a few weeks ago. As disturbing as this find is, the fact that another body is buried beneath Jenn's makes matters more alarming.
When it is determined that the second body has been there for about 40 years, the team is perplexed. The remains belong to Caroline Turner who went missing from the local fair almost 4 decades ago. Did a serial killer place both bodies in the exact location that many years apart, or was there a copycat. Is there a connection between Jenn and Caroline?
In the meantime, both Rachel and Rob are getting disturbing text messages that seem to be taunting them. Can they truly be from the killer?
My Opinions:
First, I always enjoy the books, rating them all 3 stars and above, but some are just better than others. This was one of those. The plot was good, and although I had a good idea of the perpetrator as soon as the character was introduced, the story was really good.
I often struggle with Rachel's temper and her perceived superiority. This book brought out the caring side of her personality, and it was much needed. She was still a determined police officer, but she left some of that know-it-all behind. She proved to be real team player.
I continue to love all the supporting cast in this book. Again, I can't say enough about the author's ability to write really good dialogue. The banter between the characters feels so right!
Anyway, this was a very fast and entertaining read...and I may even be caught up!
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
June 28, 2024
Dark Intent is a small town murder mystery that will have you captivated from the start. The story begins with a dog returning home with a human hand, and from there an investigation is opened with your favorite detectives: Rachel and Rob. Upon inspecting the crime scene, they realize they don't have one murder to solve, but two. Now they must find the connection between the two women and bring the killer to justice.
Immediately Carolyn Ridder Aspenson's writing had me hooked. I was transported to this small town and got to know its residents. One thing I loved about the writing was every scene mattered. I wasn't left with a book thinking "Well that could've been shorter". You don't have to read the other books to follow the story which was appreciated. The story was easy to follow and I grew to love the characters. I read this as an ARC in the middle of a reading slump and it was exactly what I needed. Now I have to go back and read the rest of the series! I highly recommend if you're in the mood for a thriller/mystery.
Immediately Carolyn Ridder Aspenson's writing had me hooked. I was transported to this small town and got to know its residents. One thing I loved about the writing was every scene mattered. I wasn't left with a book thinking "Well that could've been shorter". You don't have to read the other books to follow the story which was appreciated. The story was easy to follow and I grew to love the characters. I read this as an ARC in the middle of a reading slump and it was exactly what I needed. Now I have to go back and read the rest of the series! I highly recommend if you're in the mood for a thriller/mystery.
August 17, 2024
This is book nine in this series, but can be read as a standalone. The book covers a complete investigation. There are references to past events, which doesn’t necessarily detract from this overall story, but if you’re a series reading purist and like to read a series from the beginning, you’ll want to start at book one - Damaging Secrets. This is an easy to read straightforward police procedural with an interesting storyline and well developed characters. An entertaining, solid addition to the series.
July 9, 2024
Dark Intent by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson is about two murders in a small town, almost 40 years apart, who both went missing at the summer fair. Detective Ryder and Bishop are assigned to investigate the case and find out how the two are connected. Excited by the premise, especially the summer fair setting and intrigued by the mystery of the bodies buried together, I had high hopes for this murder mystery.
My 2 stars are for the average writing and for being able to finish it. I’m really struggling to find anything I like about this. In the first chapter there were several similar sentences such as:
‘like a scene from a bad horror flick’
‘turned the scene into something out of a macabre play’
‘it was a horror movie cliche come to life’
‘it was a noir painting come to life’
Yes - all in the same chapter, almost all on the same page. This took me out of the story as it was just unbelievable. The descriptions and metaphors were also extremely excessive not to mention cheesy and bland. Honestly looking back, I should have stopped reading after chapter 1 but I wanted to give it a good chance.
If you asked me after finishing this book why the killer did it, I would have a very weak answer. Very underdeveloped plot. Missing things like flashback scenes that would really bring the past to life. The prologue states this was ‘a plan forty years in the making’ and I am just struggling to understand how this was shown at all. Flimsy motive that was just plain boring.
All in all, it just felt like the author was trying too hard to write this a certain way and that came across in the pages. It would have been much more enjoyable stripped back and without all the crazy metaphors every few sentences, this would have allowed the focus to be on the story and character and plot development.
Thank you Severn River Publishing and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My 2 stars are for the average writing and for being able to finish it. I’m really struggling to find anything I like about this. In the first chapter there were several similar sentences such as:
‘like a scene from a bad horror flick’
‘turned the scene into something out of a macabre play’
‘it was a horror movie cliche come to life’
‘it was a noir painting come to life’
Yes - all in the same chapter, almost all on the same page. This took me out of the story as it was just unbelievable. The descriptions and metaphors were also extremely excessive not to mention cheesy and bland. Honestly looking back, I should have stopped reading after chapter 1 but I wanted to give it a good chance.
If you asked me after finishing this book why the killer did it, I would have a very weak answer. Very underdeveloped plot. Missing things like flashback scenes that would really bring the past to life. The prologue states this was ‘a plan forty years in the making’ and I am just struggling to understand how this was shown at all. Flimsy motive that was just plain boring.
All in all, it just felt like the author was trying too hard to write this a certain way and that came across in the pages. It would have been much more enjoyable stripped back and without all the crazy metaphors every few sentences, this would have allowed the focus to be on the story and character and plot development.
Thank you Severn River Publishing and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2024
This is a book that I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC copy from the author (Carolyn Ridder Aspension), her author (Severn Rivers Publishing(, and the fine folks at NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Dark Intent is the ninth book in the Rachel Ryder series, detailing the day-to-day crime-solving abilities of Rachel Ryder and her colleagues in small-town Hamby, GA. and though some of the back story would have been helpful, the book still made sense without having read the earlier titles. This gripping crime thriller takes readers on a suspenseful journey through the small town of Hamby, where the past and present collide in a chilling manner.
The past comes back to haunt a small town when one murder leads to the discovery of another. When a troubled teenager, Jenn Berman, goes missing at the summer fair in Hamby, his uncaring family fails to notice. That is until a loose dog returns home with a bloodied hand. Investigators are led to a developing subdivision where they find Jenn's body in a shallow grave. The town is shocked by the murder, and Detectives Rachel Ryder and Rob Bishop are assigned the case to deliver justice for Jenn. But upon further inspection of the crime scene, a jaw-dropping discovery is another body is found buried deeper in the same grave. The remains belong to Caroline Turner, a teenager who also went missing from the summer fair almost four decades ago. The connection between the murders is undeniable. As Rachel and Rob race to narrow down their suspect list and inch closer to the truth, a dangerous threat emerges, putting those they love at risk.
On a five-star scale, this book is easily worthy of three and three-quarter stars in my opinion, and would easily be enjoyed by aficionados of police procedurals and small-town politics. While I enjoyed the story (this is the first book by this author that I have read, so I could easily see myself going back to read more of her work), I did find some of her descriptions and metaphors to be extremely excessive not to mention cheesy and bland (which kind of pulled me out of the story).
I liked the relationship between Ryder and Bishop. They appear to have a good rapport. The camaraderie between the team is fantastic! When one was down, they all rallied around to be there for each other. The analysis conducted pulled the evidence together. The team never gave up and were definitely determined to find the murderer. The plot was good, though a bit slow at times and this book felt like a slow burn for me.
As with all my literary ramblings, these are just my five cents worth
Dark Intent is the ninth book in the Rachel Ryder series, detailing the day-to-day crime-solving abilities of Rachel Ryder and her colleagues in small-town Hamby, GA. and though some of the back story would have been helpful, the book still made sense without having read the earlier titles. This gripping crime thriller takes readers on a suspenseful journey through the small town of Hamby, where the past and present collide in a chilling manner.
The past comes back to haunt a small town when one murder leads to the discovery of another. When a troubled teenager, Jenn Berman, goes missing at the summer fair in Hamby, his uncaring family fails to notice. That is until a loose dog returns home with a bloodied hand. Investigators are led to a developing subdivision where they find Jenn's body in a shallow grave. The town is shocked by the murder, and Detectives Rachel Ryder and Rob Bishop are assigned the case to deliver justice for Jenn. But upon further inspection of the crime scene, a jaw-dropping discovery is another body is found buried deeper in the same grave. The remains belong to Caroline Turner, a teenager who also went missing from the summer fair almost four decades ago. The connection between the murders is undeniable. As Rachel and Rob race to narrow down their suspect list and inch closer to the truth, a dangerous threat emerges, putting those they love at risk.
On a five-star scale, this book is easily worthy of three and three-quarter stars in my opinion, and would easily be enjoyed by aficionados of police procedurals and small-town politics. While I enjoyed the story (this is the first book by this author that I have read, so I could easily see myself going back to read more of her work), I did find some of her descriptions and metaphors to be extremely excessive not to mention cheesy and bland (which kind of pulled me out of the story).
I liked the relationship between Ryder and Bishop. They appear to have a good rapport. The camaraderie between the team is fantastic! When one was down, they all rallied around to be there for each other. The analysis conducted pulled the evidence together. The team never gave up and were definitely determined to find the murderer. The plot was good, though a bit slow at times and this book felt like a slow burn for me.
As with all my literary ramblings, these are just my five cents worth
July 10, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
.
Dark Intent by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson is the ninth installment in the Rachel Ryder series. This gripping crime thriller takes readers on a suspenseful journey through the small town of Hamby, where the past and present collide in a chilling manner.
The story opens with the disappearance of Jenn Berman at the summer fair. Her family’s indifference is shattered when a dog returns home with a bloodied hand, leading investigators to a gruesome discovery: Jenn’s body in a shallow grave. But the shock doesn’t end there.
Aspenson masterfully weaves a tale of intrigue and danger, keeping us on the edge of our seats. The connection between the two murders is both fascinating and horrifying, and the detectives’ race against time to uncover the truth is filled with unexpected twists and turns.
The author’s writing is tight and engaging, with realistic dialogue that brings the characters to life. The small-town setting adds an extra layer of tension, as secrets long buried threaten to resurface and wreak havoc. Aspenson’s ability to create a palpable sense of dread and urgency is commendable, making this book hard to put down.
However, the story does have its moments of predictability, and some readers might find the resolution too convenient. Despite these minor flaws, Dark Intent is a solid addition to the Rachel Ryder series and a must-read for fans of crime thrillers.
Dark Intent is a captivating read that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Carolyn Ridder Aspenson has once again delivered a thrilling mystery that showcases her talent for crafting suspenseful and emotionally charged narratives. If you’re a fan of detective stories with strong female leads, this book is definitely worth your time.
.
Dark Intent by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson is the ninth installment in the Rachel Ryder series. This gripping crime thriller takes readers on a suspenseful journey through the small town of Hamby, where the past and present collide in a chilling manner.
The story opens with the disappearance of Jenn Berman at the summer fair. Her family’s indifference is shattered when a dog returns home with a bloodied hand, leading investigators to a gruesome discovery: Jenn’s body in a shallow grave. But the shock doesn’t end there.
Aspenson masterfully weaves a tale of intrigue and danger, keeping us on the edge of our seats. The connection between the two murders is both fascinating and horrifying, and the detectives’ race against time to uncover the truth is filled with unexpected twists and turns.
The author’s writing is tight and engaging, with realistic dialogue that brings the characters to life. The small-town setting adds an extra layer of tension, as secrets long buried threaten to resurface and wreak havoc. Aspenson’s ability to create a palpable sense of dread and urgency is commendable, making this book hard to put down.
However, the story does have its moments of predictability, and some readers might find the resolution too convenient. Despite these minor flaws, Dark Intent is a solid addition to the Rachel Ryder series and a must-read for fans of crime thrillers.
Dark Intent is a captivating read that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Carolyn Ridder Aspenson has once again delivered a thrilling mystery that showcases her talent for crafting suspenseful and emotionally charged narratives. If you’re a fan of detective stories with strong female leads, this book is definitely worth your time.
September 25, 2024
Book review for Dark Intent by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
Book summary: The past comes back to haunt a small town when one murder leads to the discovery of another.
When a troubled young woman, Jenn Berman, goes missing at the summer fair in Hamby, her uncaring family fails to notice. That is, until a loose dog returns home with a bloodied hand. Investigators are led to a developing subdivision where they find the unthinkable: Jenn's body in a shallow grave.
The town is shocked by the murder, and Detectives Rachel Ryder and Rob Bishop are assigned the case to deliver justice for Jenn. But upon further inspection of the crime scene, a jaw-dropping discovery is made: another body is found buried deeper in the same grave. The remains belong to Caroline Turner, a young woman who also went missing from the summer fair.almost four decades ago.
The connection between the murders is undeniable. As Rachel and Rob race to narrow down their suspect list and inch closer to the truth, a dangerous threat emerges, putting those they love at risk. Can they expose the killer and uncover the secrets of the past before it's too late?
Book Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
From the first page of Dark Intent, I was immediately hooked. I really enjoyed the team of police that wok d together to solve the murders. They all balance each other out and add uniqueness to the story line. I really enjoyed Bubba(the tech guy)
The suspense had me on the edge of my seat and wanting to more. The storyline development was phenomenal!
This book belongs to a series and is the 9th on in the series. It can be read standalone. It was my first time reading a book from the author and in the series. It has me wanting to start from book 1 to learn more about Ryder and Bishop.
Book summary: The past comes back to haunt a small town when one murder leads to the discovery of another.
When a troubled young woman, Jenn Berman, goes missing at the summer fair in Hamby, her uncaring family fails to notice. That is, until a loose dog returns home with a bloodied hand. Investigators are led to a developing subdivision where they find the unthinkable: Jenn's body in a shallow grave.
The town is shocked by the murder, and Detectives Rachel Ryder and Rob Bishop are assigned the case to deliver justice for Jenn. But upon further inspection of the crime scene, a jaw-dropping discovery is made: another body is found buried deeper in the same grave. The remains belong to Caroline Turner, a young woman who also went missing from the summer fair.almost four decades ago.
The connection between the murders is undeniable. As Rachel and Rob race to narrow down their suspect list and inch closer to the truth, a dangerous threat emerges, putting those they love at risk. Can they expose the killer and uncover the secrets of the past before it's too late?
Book Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
From the first page of Dark Intent, I was immediately hooked. I really enjoyed the team of police that wok d together to solve the murders. They all balance each other out and add uniqueness to the story line. I really enjoyed Bubba(the tech guy)
The suspense had me on the edge of my seat and wanting to more. The storyline development was phenomenal!
This book belongs to a series and is the 9th on in the series. It can be read standalone. It was my first time reading a book from the author and in the series. It has me wanting to start from book 1 to learn more about Ryder and Bishop.
August 20, 2024
Dark Intent by Carolyn Ridder-Aspenson
Rachel Ryder #9
Excellent ~ Couldn’t put it down ~ Can’t wait for the next book!
What I liked:
* That I was engaged from first page till last
* Rachel: widow, detective, team player, determined, dedicated, intelligent, does what it takes, has a bit of a temper, in a relationship with DEA agent Kyle
* Bishop: Detective, Rachel’s work partner, mature, professional, a good balance for Rachel’s personality, in a relationship with Cathy, this case turned personal for him before the end
* The team: Bubba (tech), Nikki (CSI), Michels & Levy (detectives), Jimmy (police chief), Dr. Barron (coroner) – all do their jobs professionally and work together well – loved catching up with them
* The police procedural aspects of the story
* The plot, pacing, writing, twists and turns, and red herrings with all their complexity
* That the present murder case was linked to a serial killer that was prolific
* That the threads of case were tied together by the end of the story and the bad guys caught
* Knowing that there will be another book to look forward to
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about how twisted the killer was and that the person may have gotten off too easily in the end
* Having to wait for the next book in the series.
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn River for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Rachel Ryder #9
Excellent ~ Couldn’t put it down ~ Can’t wait for the next book!
What I liked:
* That I was engaged from first page till last
* Rachel: widow, detective, team player, determined, dedicated, intelligent, does what it takes, has a bit of a temper, in a relationship with DEA agent Kyle
* Bishop: Detective, Rachel’s work partner, mature, professional, a good balance for Rachel’s personality, in a relationship with Cathy, this case turned personal for him before the end
* The team: Bubba (tech), Nikki (CSI), Michels & Levy (detectives), Jimmy (police chief), Dr. Barron (coroner) – all do their jobs professionally and work together well – loved catching up with them
* The police procedural aspects of the story
* The plot, pacing, writing, twists and turns, and red herrings with all their complexity
* That the present murder case was linked to a serial killer that was prolific
* That the threads of case were tied together by the end of the story and the bad guys caught
* Knowing that there will be another book to look forward to
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about how twisted the killer was and that the person may have gotten off too easily in the end
* Having to wait for the next book in the series.
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn River for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
July 8, 2024
A teenager's body is found buried in a shallow grave; and if that weren't enough, a second body is found buried under the first, probably decades earlier. Detectives Rachel Ryder and Rob Bishop set out to identify the victims, find the connection between the two, and bring the killer, or killers, to justice.
This is the ninth book featuring Detective Rachel Ryder, and though some of the back story would have been helpful, the book still made sense without having read the earlier titles.. I was surprised to find that the series lasted this long, though, because some of the descriptions were way 'overcooked' or just plain odd. For example, early in the book, there is this description of the incident room, "The large oval table, a cold island of metal in a sea of uncertainty, stood ready to anchor us through the storm of the investigation." And then this, regarding Detective Bishop, "His face blushed redder than diaper rash." I love intriguing and unexpected use of language, but these two examples don't qualify.
The plot was good, though a bit slow at times. The main characters are mostly believable but I didn't find them captivating. The ending was too abrupt; I kept trying to flip to more pages but there were none. If a book is okay enough that I actually finish it, I feel compelled to give three stars, but two is probably more how I felt.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
This is the ninth book featuring Detective Rachel Ryder, and though some of the back story would have been helpful, the book still made sense without having read the earlier titles.. I was surprised to find that the series lasted this long, though, because some of the descriptions were way 'overcooked' or just plain odd. For example, early in the book, there is this description of the incident room, "The large oval table, a cold island of metal in a sea of uncertainty, stood ready to anchor us through the storm of the investigation." And then this, regarding Detective Bishop, "His face blushed redder than diaper rash." I love intriguing and unexpected use of language, but these two examples don't qualify.
The plot was good, though a bit slow at times. The main characters are mostly believable but I didn't find them captivating. The ending was too abrupt; I kept trying to flip to more pages but there were none. If a book is okay enough that I actually finish it, I feel compelled to give three stars, but two is probably more how I felt.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
July 11, 2024
The past comes back to haunt a small town when one murder leads to the discovery of another in Dark Intent by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson.
When a troubled young woman, Jenn Berman, goes missing at the summer fair in Hamby, her uncaring family fails to notice. That is, until a loose dog returns home with a bloodied hand. Investigators are led to a developing subdivision where they find the unthinkable: Jenn's body in a shallow grave.
Detectives Rachel Ryder and Rob Bishop are assigned the case to deliver justice for Jenn. But upon further inspection of the crime scene, a jaw-dropping discovery is made: another body is found buried deeper in the same grave. The remains belong to Caroline Turner, a young woman who also went missing from the summer fair.
I like the relationship between Ryder and Bishop. They have a good rapport. The plot was good, though a bit slow at times and this book felt a bit like a slow burn for me. I was not riveted to the pages as in other books in this series.
I recommend this series, but I suggest starting with book 1 to get to know and understand the characters and get a better sense of the author's writing style.
This book was just okay for me.
#NetGalley @SvrnRvrPublish
When a troubled young woman, Jenn Berman, goes missing at the summer fair in Hamby, her uncaring family fails to notice. That is, until a loose dog returns home with a bloodied hand. Investigators are led to a developing subdivision where they find the unthinkable: Jenn's body in a shallow grave.
Detectives Rachel Ryder and Rob Bishop are assigned the case to deliver justice for Jenn. But upon further inspection of the crime scene, a jaw-dropping discovery is made: another body is found buried deeper in the same grave. The remains belong to Caroline Turner, a young woman who also went missing from the summer fair.
I like the relationship between Ryder and Bishop. They have a good rapport. The plot was good, though a bit slow at times and this book felt a bit like a slow burn for me. I was not riveted to the pages as in other books in this series.
I recommend this series, but I suggest starting with book 1 to get to know and understand the characters and get a better sense of the author's writing style.
This book was just okay for me.
#NetGalley @SvrnRvrPublish
August 5, 2024
I’d like to thank Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc.
Imagine letting your dog outside and he rewards you by bringing home a human hand. That’s right, a hand. Now you must call the police, answer questions and you guessed it, wrestle your k9 for the appendage. lol Police find the grave which contains not just one, but two bodies. Who are they? How long have they been here? Why would someone want them dead?
Let me first say, the beginning was slow for me. The first half really didn’t keep me hooked like I’d hoped it would. There were just so many characters and I couldn’t keep track of who was who. I held on because I wanted to know who the killer was, like we all do. The second half was fast paced and kept me hooked. So much was happening and everyone was being targeted, I had to keep going. Now I don’t know if it’s just me or it was on purpose but one scene gave away the killer without literally saying it was them. If you’re a thriller/mystery reader I’m sure it stuck out to you as well like ‘now just wait a damn minute..’ 🤔 All that to say, this is a good book and I would definitely recommend.
Imagine letting your dog outside and he rewards you by bringing home a human hand. That’s right, a hand. Now you must call the police, answer questions and you guessed it, wrestle your k9 for the appendage. lol Police find the grave which contains not just one, but two bodies. Who are they? How long have they been here? Why would someone want them dead?
Let me first say, the beginning was slow for me. The first half really didn’t keep me hooked like I’d hoped it would. There were just so many characters and I couldn’t keep track of who was who. I held on because I wanted to know who the killer was, like we all do. The second half was fast paced and kept me hooked. So much was happening and everyone was being targeted, I had to keep going. Now I don’t know if it’s just me or it was on purpose but one scene gave away the killer without literally saying it was them. If you’re a thriller/mystery reader I’m sure it stuck out to you as well like ‘now just wait a damn minute..’ 🤔 All that to say, this is a good book and I would definitely recommend.
August 11, 2024
I received an ARC through "Severn River" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with Rachel and Rob being called to the scene where a body that has been discovered has been buried. Upon arriving at the scene, after the body was recovered and then other items were also found which led to the discovery of a body that was buried underneath earlier. The 1st body was on that was listed missing several months earlier, while the 2nd body was buried around 40 years earlier. The task of identifying the body would be much harder, but they were lucky.
As the two began their inspection, it was learned once the earlier body was identified, that Rob had been familiar with this person since they went to the same school. As more information was uncovered, it was determined that the same killer was responsible. Now the hard work remained to discover a connection. To make matters worse, it seemed the killer was somehow following the ywo as text messages and other events came into play.
As the investigation was drawing to a conclusion, the team had many obstacles to overcome. The confrontation that resulted was not one that you would expect.
To discover who the killer was, what the reason behind the two, what the final confrontation was and how everything else worked out, then you need to read this book. You won't be sorry.
The story begins with Rachel and Rob being called to the scene where a body that has been discovered has been buried. Upon arriving at the scene, after the body was recovered and then other items were also found which led to the discovery of a body that was buried underneath earlier. The 1st body was on that was listed missing several months earlier, while the 2nd body was buried around 40 years earlier. The task of identifying the body would be much harder, but they were lucky.
As the two began their inspection, it was learned once the earlier body was identified, that Rob had been familiar with this person since they went to the same school. As more information was uncovered, it was determined that the same killer was responsible. Now the hard work remained to discover a connection. To make matters worse, it seemed the killer was somehow following the ywo as text messages and other events came into play.
As the investigation was drawing to a conclusion, the team had many obstacles to overcome. The confrontation that resulted was not one that you would expect.
To discover who the killer was, what the reason behind the two, what the final confrontation was and how everything else worked out, then you need to read this book. You won't be sorry.
August 19, 2024
Ryder and Bishop are back and better than ever! If you haven't read the entire series, I highly recommend that you start at the beginning as each book builds the various characters' backstories and personalities. It will help you fall in love with the characters, enjoy hours of mysteries and in general just provide good solid entertainment. I will admit that I never miss a new book in the series and am thrilled that I got my hands on this one! I devoured it in no time at all! The stories are dark, gritty and full of intrigue. The location a new murder victim is found is a very revealing site as a cold case becomes wrapped into the current one. This book was extremely well crafted with a multitude of twists and turns, red herrings and toss in a bit of cat and mouse play between the killer and the detectives for extra intrigue! The characters are realistic and draw you in so you care about their wellbeing, but the mystery is what will have you staying up entirely too late to see what happens next. I am already craving the next book in the series to drop so we can see what mystery will be dumped in the laps of the detectives and their crew!
August 25, 2024
No one reported the young woman missing, no one cared for two weeks until her body was found in a shallow grave. Now, Detectives Rachel Ryder and her partner Rob Bishop have the case and they care. As they stood watching their team work, they are alerted that another body is buried below the first one, but this body has been there for years, maybe decades. As Rachel and Rob begin their investigation, they will have to delve back into the past to determine who the second victim is and if they were ever reported missing. The twisted story continues as the detectives soon receive untraceable texts, taunts from someone who appears to be watching their every move. They soon learn the identification of the second victim as the threats become more personal and physical. When her partner’s career is threatened, the gloves are off as Rachel goes after the killer using every piece of evidence they have compiled to end this reign of terror. A fascinating look into the damaged and uncaring soul who has managed to elude law enforcement for years, but their time is now up! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
September 4, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Severn River Publishing, and Carolyn Ridder Aspenson for the ARC.
This is book #9 in the series and a first read for me from this author. While it can be read as a stand alone, I think it would have been better to start with books 1-8 first. I think there was some story lines and character development that I missed that would have helped to keep the story together.
This book I had a hard time getting through, too many characters, way too much dialogue, weak plot, and confusing and contradictory parts. There was an abundance of flight of ideas coupled with fluff and filler. Too much information that didn’t progress the story. This book could have been 100 pages shorter. To me, the writing was amateurish, it could have passed for a young adult mystery. There was incomplete thoughts and storylines that didn’t really come to completion.
I was originally interested in this book because a body was discovered underneath a body. There was more dialogue between characters than plot development. I was really disappointed in this one. I do not think I’d read any more from this series.
This is book #9 in the series and a first read for me from this author. While it can be read as a stand alone, I think it would have been better to start with books 1-8 first. I think there was some story lines and character development that I missed that would have helped to keep the story together.
This book I had a hard time getting through, too many characters, way too much dialogue, weak plot, and confusing and contradictory parts. There was an abundance of flight of ideas coupled with fluff and filler. Too much information that didn’t progress the story. This book could have been 100 pages shorter. To me, the writing was amateurish, it could have passed for a young adult mystery. There was incomplete thoughts and storylines that didn’t really come to completion.
I was originally interested in this book because a body was discovered underneath a body. There was more dialogue between characters than plot development. I was really disappointed in this one. I do not think I’d read any more from this series.
July 16, 2024
Two young women went missing, 40 years apart, with similar histories but the only apparent relation was they were found in the same shallow grave. It's up to Rachel and her partner, Bishop, along with the rest of the Hamby, Georgia PD to put the pieces together and get justice for these unfortunate women. To add to the confusion the killer is having fun playing games with the investigators, especially challenging detectives Ryder and Bishop as it suddenly becomes personal. This is a fantastic addition to the Rachel Ryder series with all kinds of twists and turns, which makes it hard to put down. In fact, the anticipation was so great to see what happens I found myself wishing I could speed read! The suspense was intense, and I believe this is the best one yet, but then again I always think that with each Rachel Ryder book. Maybe I'll take a speed reading course before the next book comes out! I can't wait to see what's next, a sign of just darn good writing by Ms. Aspenson.
August 24, 2024
Rachel and Rob are back in a dangerous case!
Dark Intent the ninth Rachel Ryder was an excellent addition to the series. While the previous books explored Rachel’s past and personal life, along with the murder cases. This book brought Rob Bishop’s past front and center as he and Rachel work to solve two murder cases separated by 40 years.
I’ve enjoyed each of the previous books, but the addition of Bishop’s early years made this one seem special. Additionally, the various roadblocks that come up as Rachel and Rob work their investigation add an interesting element to the story and bring other members of the team into a more central role at times.
If you have read any of the books in this series, Dark Intent is a must read. If you are new to the Rachel Ryder series this book might work as a stand-alone story, but if you want to get the full enjoyment out of it, reading the previous books is necessary to understand who everyone is and how they all fit into the story.
Dark Intent the ninth Rachel Ryder was an excellent addition to the series. While the previous books explored Rachel’s past and personal life, along with the murder cases. This book brought Rob Bishop’s past front and center as he and Rachel work to solve two murder cases separated by 40 years.
I’ve enjoyed each of the previous books, but the addition of Bishop’s early years made this one seem special. Additionally, the various roadblocks that come up as Rachel and Rob work their investigation add an interesting element to the story and bring other members of the team into a more central role at times.
If you have read any of the books in this series, Dark Intent is a must read. If you are new to the Rachel Ryder series this book might work as a stand-alone story, but if you want to get the full enjoyment out of it, reading the previous books is necessary to understand who everyone is and how they all fit into the story.
August 21, 2024
Dark intent.
By Carolyn Aspenson.
The whole series has been Phenomenal.
This has been my favorite book. In this series so far. Each book has been absolutely Thrilling.
Back in hamby Georgia,
Rachel ryder a detective, Always on the job this time. There's Bodies they've discovered.
This is a tricky case. One girl gone missing recently while another years ago, but the way the Killers doing things is quite a twist.
I simply can't say enough about this series if you haven't read any of them. You absolutely must if you like Thriller books.
These, as I have said, is my favorite books by this author. she writes some books that will just drag you into the night and keep you up Into the wee hours of the morning.
Because her books are so good.
Hamby georgia is the place to be.
Detective ryder is an amazing detective.
By Carolyn Aspenson.
The whole series has been Phenomenal.
This has been my favorite book. In this series so far. Each book has been absolutely Thrilling.
Back in hamby Georgia,
Rachel ryder a detective, Always on the job this time. There's Bodies they've discovered.
This is a tricky case. One girl gone missing recently while another years ago, but the way the Killers doing things is quite a twist.
I simply can't say enough about this series if you haven't read any of them. You absolutely must if you like Thriller books.
These, as I have said, is my favorite books by this author. she writes some books that will just drag you into the night and keep you up Into the wee hours of the morning.
Because her books are so good.
Hamby georgia is the place to be.
Detective ryder is an amazing detective.
July 10, 2024
What is not to like about Rachel Ryder? She is hard-working, committed to the job, sticks to her guns and is as good as they get. During this investigation, so much is happening; especially with Rachel and Rob. This turns personal for them but through it all, they know what is at stake and kept it clean and by the book. The camaraderie between the team is fantastic! When one was down, they all rallied around to be there for each other. The analysis conducted pulled the evidence together. The team never gave up and were determined to find the murderer. This series is outstanding and I highly recommend.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2024
This is book 9 of a series and, I think, it would benefit the reader to read some of the previous books to have a better understanding of all the characters and their interpersonal relationships. This is my first book by this author and I was a little overwhelmed with all the names of police personnel plus their romantic partners. Maybe because of so many different characters, I did not feel a real connection to any of them. The mystery was engaging although I did guess the culprit about half way from some obvious clues. In fact, it surprised me that the team did not figure it out until later. The ending was rather sudden so it did not feel like a proper resolution.
I received a free copy from Netgalley. this is my unbiased review.
I received a free copy from Netgalley. this is my unbiased review.
August 22, 2024
The body of a young missing girl is found in a shallow grave. But what is surprising even more is that underneath her body is another body of what appears to be another young woman that was buried more than forty years ago. How are they connected, if they are...the cases must be related, right? When Ryder and Bishop start digging into the case they start receiving anonymous text messages that seem to be from the killer and they also seem to be one step ahead of the detectives. Can they catch the killer before more bodies are found and find out how this all connects and to who does it connect...
September 5, 2024
Det Rachel Ryder is called to the scene of a dead body found in a shallow grave. As the investigate further, there is a second body from decades earlier buried beneath the first. Are the crimes related -how could they not be but finding the answer is a lengthy process. It helps that Bishop (Rachael's partner) was from that era and knows some of people from High school and can fill in some blanks.
No sooner does that happen than Bishop is accused of sexual harrassment and taken off the case. The perp is playing with Rachael, Bishop and some of the rest of the team, thus slowing down the investigation. It's a bit slow at times but another satisfying ending from Racheal and crew.
No sooner does that happen than Bishop is accused of sexual harrassment and taken off the case. The perp is playing with Rachael, Bishop and some of the rest of the team, thus slowing down the investigation. It's a bit slow at times but another satisfying ending from Racheal and crew.
December 12, 2024
Great story, but it's not like books 1-8
This did not start out as a typical book in the Series. The writing was different (ghost writer, friend trying their luck, AI?). It was full of description, attempts at humor, and didn't sound or feel like the previous 8 books. I was going to stop reading, but didn't - around 30-50% in it shifted. The reason I enjoy Series is because you can depend on the cadence, flow, writing, characters. The story was intriguing, different, and enjoyable. I'll keep reading these because I'm invested in the characters, but that might change if the rest are descriptive like this one!
This did not start out as a typical book in the Series. The writing was different (ghost writer, friend trying their luck, AI?). It was full of description, attempts at humor, and didn't sound or feel like the previous 8 books. I was going to stop reading, but didn't - around 30-50% in it shifted. The reason I enjoy Series is because you can depend on the cadence, flow, writing, characters. The story was intriguing, different, and enjoyable. I'll keep reading these because I'm invested in the characters, but that might change if the rest are descriptive like this one!
August 18, 2024
Thank you to the people at NetGalley and Carolyn Ridder Aspenson for providing me with a ARC copy of Dark Intent.
This is a good small town thriller with a unique plot line that follows two murders. This was my first time reading a book by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson. She did a great job reintroducing characters which was important for a new reader to the Rachel Ryder stories.
Really enjoyed reading this one and the pace at which the story goes. I will definitely be picking up another book in the Rachel Ryder series soon!
This is a good small town thriller with a unique plot line that follows two murders. This was my first time reading a book by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson. She did a great job reintroducing characters which was important for a new reader to the Rachel Ryder stories.
Really enjoyed reading this one and the pace at which the story goes. I will definitely be picking up another book in the Rachel Ryder series soon!
September 5, 2024
Dark Intent (Rachel Ryder Book 9), my twenty-seventh highly enjoyable read from author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson, ninth in her Rachel Ryder Series, the best book in the best series she's written so far. Well-written & enjoyable, 277-pages of a serial killer mystery. “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more in this series & from this author as they're released. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
November 9, 2025
Murder, Cold Case, and Retribution
This is the ninth book in a series of police procedural mysteries. These are clean stories with no foul language, no gore, little violence, and no open-door intimacy. I strongly recommend reading the books in order. In this episode, the team is trying to solve a new murder and a cold case murder while the murderer has them in the crosshairs. The tension never lets up as there are more twists and surprises than you could imagine. The book goes by way too fast.
This is the ninth book in a series of police procedural mysteries. These are clean stories with no foul language, no gore, little violence, and no open-door intimacy. I strongly recommend reading the books in order. In this episode, the team is trying to solve a new murder and a cold case murder while the murderer has them in the crosshairs. The tension never lets up as there are more twists and surprises than you could imagine. The book goes by way too fast.
July 15, 2024
Loved it! The character development was top notch but the plot was a bit predictable. I knew the antagonist almost immediately. But there were some subplots I didn't see coming. Even though this book was part of a series, I appreciate I picked up this book not knowing that and understood enough background to know exactly what was going on and still want to find the rest of the series to backtrack. This was my first read by Aspenson but it most definitely will not bey last!!
August 8, 2024
Rachel and her partner are back with another breathtaking adventure - and this one will leave you at the edge of your seat!
I really enjoyed this book. I have not read any of the other Rachel Ryder books (but will fix that). I fell in love with these characters. They pull together as a team to find out who murdered two young teens, decades apart, and why it was happening.
Get ready to get lost in a book that is the perfect weekend read!
I really enjoyed this book. I have not read any of the other Rachel Ryder books (but will fix that). I fell in love with these characters. They pull together as a team to find out who murdered two young teens, decades apart, and why it was happening.
Get ready to get lost in a book that is the perfect weekend read!
August 23, 2024
Fantastic story
It’s hard to describe how incredibly good this book is. It’s the 9th in the series and just as fresh and great as the first ones. The bodies keep piling up and Ryder & Bishop are having quite the time connecting them all even though they know that they are. Through many twists and turns that span over 40 years, they hope to figure it all out before it’s too late. I highly recommend picking up a copy to see how this all ends.
It’s hard to describe how incredibly good this book is. It’s the 9th in the series and just as fresh and great as the first ones. The bodies keep piling up and Ryder & Bishop are having quite the time connecting them all even though they know that they are. Through many twists and turns that span over 40 years, they hope to figure it all out before it’s too late. I highly recommend picking up a copy to see how this all ends.
June 8, 2025
I enjoy Carolyn Ridder Aspenson’s work, whether it’s one of her cozy mysteries or darker suspenseful thrillers. When a girl goes missing at a fair, the detectives connect it to a case from almost 40 years earlier. Page-turning suspense, plot twists, and expert writing make this one a great read. Highly recommended! I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
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