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An Innocent Heart

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HIS MIND WAS SCREAMING, I DIDN'T DO THIS! I'M INNOCENT! BUT THE WORDS WOULDN'T COME OUT.

In the near future, Texas legislates that death row inmates have the right to choose to donate their organs after the state executes them.

Unaware they are recipients of one such donor, Jake and Libby find themselves haunted by an identical, recurring, horrific nightmare.

They meet at for the first time at a heart/lung transplant support group, and when Jake shares his dreams, this leads Libby to suspect they might have the same donor. Jake, ever the skeptic, doesn’t believe her ... until a supernatural force compels him to reconsider.

The pair then embark on a journey to solve their shared nightmare’s mystery and bring a murderer to justice.

221 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 15, 2023

5 people are currently reading
32 people want to read

About the author

Vikki Mount

3 books15 followers

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5 stars
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22 (20%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
Profile Image for Mehmet Çalışkan.
Author 8 books112 followers
October 28, 2025
Vikki Mount’s An Innocent Heart is a novel that masterfully blends supernatural suspense and mystery. The story follows two main characters, Jake and Libby, whose lives are transformed by the organ donation of a death row inmate, and through shared nightmares, they are drawn into a suspenseful tale of supernatural intrigue. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys thrillers and mysteries with a touch of the supernatural.
Profile Image for Richard Ferguson.
Author 11 books81 followers
July 31, 2025
An Innocent Heart by Vikki Mount is an interesting paranormal crime thriller with an intriguing twist. An innocent man is executed, and his revenge takes the form of a series of unusual circumstances leading to an unusual series of events. The two main characters, Libby and Jake, are well drawn, if not somewhat stereotypical. The writing is fine, and the plot moves along as a crime thriller should. The reader is caught up in how the real murderer is revealed, and, of course, the ending is as a crime thriller should be. For those who like crime genre mixed with paranormal genre, this book is for you.
1 review
November 19, 2023
I loved every page

Such a well written book … the characters came alive for me .. I found I couldn’t put it down … well with a read
Profile Image for RK Byers.
Author 8 books67 followers
June 27, 2024
Haunting

I’m already one who believe that all DNA has memory so it wasn’t a supernatural stretch for me to imagine that the donor recipients from Jon’s body parts could in some way(s) receive messages from them. the twist was at the end when Jon could actually deliver a warning. this was a very well crafted story with a sinister and well-defined villain and to think that at least part of the motivation here was to prove the fallibility of the criminal justice system when it comes to death row cases is like understanding that Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was written in part to detail the importance of antebellum Atlanta. Libby and Jake were cute too. they indeed had more in common than shared organs.
Profile Image for Nicholas.
1 review
December 19, 2023
It's been ages since I could find a simple book to read that I couldn't put down! I can recommend this book to anyone that likes a good old fashioned light thriller! It's not over the top dramatic, gratuitously violent or lagging in anyway. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Author 4 books1 follower
June 28, 2024
This is a gripping tale of justice, redemption, and the complexities of human connection. At its heart is Detective Jake Masters, who unravels the intricacies of a murder case that turns his world upside down. The narrative begins with Jon's wrongful imprisonment for a crime he didn't commit, setting the stage for a riveting exploration of resilience and justice.

The novel navigates the aftermath of Jon's unjust incarceration without divulging spoilers, prompting readers, specifically myself, to reflect on the consequences of succumbing to immediate external pressures like being coerced by a ruthless robber. Jake's relentless pursuit of truth and justice unfolds against a backdrop of personal and professional challenges, adding layers of suspense and emotional depth to the storyline.

One of the novel's most compelling aspects is its exploration of the connections between individuals, particularly through the lens of organ donation. Without giving away plot details, the novel explores how recipients of organs from the same donor can develop uncanny connections, blending medical science with elements of surrealism. This thematic thread underscores the novel's exploration of interconnected human experiences and the profound impact of generosity, even in unexpected ways.

The characters including Jake, Jon, and supporting figures like Goosy and Libby, are portrayed with depth and authenticity. Their relationships, marked by loyalty, conflict, and camaraderie, provide a rich backdrop against which the central mystery unfolds. The dynamic between Jake and his twin sister, Goosy, adds a layer of familial complexity and humor that enhances the narrative's emotional resonance. While the novel does occasionally lean on "telling" rather than "showing," this can be seen as a stylistic choice that contributes to its easy reading and one being able to finish the book in one sitting especially if you're short on time.

This masterfully crafted novel blends suspenseful storytelling with profound themes of justice and human connection. Through its compelling characters and thought-provoking plot twists, the book challenges readers to contemplate the power of personal integrity and the enduring bonds that shape our lives. With its engaging narrative and poignant exploration of ethical dilemmas, this novel is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of redemption.
Profile Image for Jessica Jesinghaus.
Author 10 books184 followers
August 20, 2025
A supernatural tale with real heart

What a delightful read! I love stories with a paranormal flare, and An Innocent Heart delivers this in spades.

We meet Libby & Jake, two strangers who were recipients of life saving organ transplants courtesy of a death row inmate. But six months after their operations both are plagued with terrifying nightmares. They seem to be memories but, disturbingly, they’re not their own. It’s a scary concept. But the real horror of this story comes from their death row donor Jonathan: he spent nearly 20 years on death row for a crime he didn’t commit.

As Jake and Libby work together to decode their dreams and exonerate their organ donor, a sweet relationship blooms.

The story delivers on so many levels: suspense, family dynamics / drama, romance, and the paranormal. It has a little something for everyone and is a quick, easy read. The ending came upon me rather abruptly, and left me feeling like there should’ve been just a little bit more. Everything ties up nicely, it just felt a little rushed in the final pages.
Profile Image for Desi Stowe.
Author 5 books64 followers
June 4, 2024
Good book!

This book was a fun read, following an atypical storyline that draws you in. The characters are realistic and relatable. Recommended!
Profile Image for Linda M..
Author 3 books2 followers
July 25, 2024
I was captivated from the very first pages and found it impossible to put this book down. I finished this engaging and suspenseful novel in a single day. The author skillfully intertwines the story of an innocent man on death row with the lives of two recent organ transplant recipients and their developing romance, all while unraveling the mystery of who committed the murder. Vikki Mount excels in character development, making this a thoroughly compelling read. Get this wonderful book now!
Author 1 book6 followers
April 14, 2024
Engaging Read!

The concept of receiving organ transplants from a death row inmate and experiencing shared nightmares is both intriguing and chilling. The characters, Jake and Libby, are relatable and their quest to uncover the truth behind their nightmares keeps you hooked until the very end.

The author does a great job of combining mystery with supernatural elements, creating an atmosphere that’s both eerie and suspenseful.
1 review1 follower
January 8, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. I was hooked from the start and could not put it down. The story kept moving with no dull moments. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read another book by Vikki Mount.
Profile Image for Steve Exeter.
Author 13 books35 followers
October 2, 2025
I went into ‘An Innocent Heart’ with curiosity and came out pleasantly surprised. It is one of those rare books that manages to juggle several genres without losing its balance.

The set-up is bold. In a version of Texas not too far removed from reality, death-row inmates can sign over their organs after execution. Jake and Libby, two strangers with second chances at life, discover they are linked not just by surgery but by shared nightmares. The catch is that these dreams belong to someone else entirely, and they hint at a story of injustice that refuses to stay buried.

What starts as an eerie coincidence quickly becomes a supernatural mystery and a race to uncover the truth. Along the way, the bond between Jake and Libby develops into something tender, giving the darker elements of the plot a human counterweight. I found myself just as invested in their relationship as in the question of what really happened to their donor.

At just over two hundred pages, the novel moves at a brisk pace. The writing is clean and accessible, and while the ending comes a little sooner than I would have liked, it still leaves you with plenty to think about. Themes of justice, identity, and the strange persistence of memory run through the story in a way that feels both thought-provoking and entertaining.

This is not a conventional thriller, nor is it a straightforward romance. It is something in between, and that is exactly what makes it stand out. If you enjoy fiction that is willing to take risks with genre, ‘An Innocent Heart’ is well worth picking up.
Profile Image for John Thomas.
Author 4 books127 followers
June 24, 2025
I recently read An Innocent Heart: A Supernatural Mystery Thriller by Vikki Mount, drawn in by its eerie premise: in Texas, death row inmates can donate organs, and recipients Jake and Libby inherit more than a heart and lungs—they’re haunted by shared, terrifying nightmares. The mix of supernatural unease and paranormal intrigue kept me engaged, though not fully captivated.
Mount’s writing is generally compelling, blending Jake’s skepticism with Libby’s intuition as they uncover their donor’s sinister past. The idea of a murderer’s memories lingering in organ recipients is original and unsettling, but the pacing falters with excessive backstory and descriptive details. Jake’s shift from skeptic to believer feels genuine, and the Texas backdrop adds flavor, though the author’s unfamiliarity with the state shows. The supernatural elements are subtle and creepy, complementing the thriller’s investigative heart.
Fans praise its intensity, per reviews, but the slow start and minor plot holes cost it half a star for me. Still, it’s a thought-provoking read for those seeking a fresh genre twist.
158 reviews2 followers
May 28, 2024
A thriller you won't put down, cross my heart...

Scientists have long pondered the possibility of cellular memory, causing personality changes after a heart transplant. But without proof, that theory is only conjectual speculation. But what if it was true? Using the dreams of the recipients of donated organs as the base of the plot, the main character, a police detective, is drawn into an investigation of a twenty year old murder. After an additional twist that I won't divulge (don't want to give too much away), he reopens the case of a young man sentenced to die for a crime he did not commit. By combining modern police techniques and metaphysics, the author takes the transfer of intercardiacical neurological transfer one step further, and twists what could be just another murder mystery into an outstanding novel, filled with suspense and just a hint of romance  
Profile Image for Pj.
76 reviews3 followers
July 13, 2024
spooky thriller!

Some proper bodyshock horror! I love the idea of a connection between someone who has been executed and the person who receives their organs. row inmate and experiencing shared nightmares is both intriguing and chilling. I read this in one sitting last night - which should tell you everything you need to know!

The supernatural elements here are handled in an appropriately creepy way and I enjoyed following the efforts of the protagonists to unwind the mystery. Will be looking out for more from this author!
Profile Image for Sheila Fowler.
Author 47 books544 followers
October 22, 2025
This was a thrilling story from start to finish.
My heart (pun I know) was aching for Jon from the first page to the very last. There are so many favorite parts of this story so I'll start from the beginning. Having this story take place in a distant future was brilliant. But it still felt like this could happen today. The way that every character was connected helped to keep the story flowing. Jake and Libby had a connection before they even got to know each other. A wonderful twist was how Libby got her heart (I won't spoil it for you). And Jake, sweet Jake, was my favorite character (besides Jon) in this book. His willing determination to prove Jon's innocence takes many unexpected and almost catastrophic turns.
Vikki Mount is an author I'm so glad I found. Her writing is witty and her characters feel so real. I can't wait to dive into another of her incredible books.
Profile Image for Susan Nickson.
Author 15 books8 followers
June 6, 2024
Full of surprises.

Allow Vikki to introduce her characters, then hold on! The pacing of this story keeps you engaged to the very last page. You’ll find likeable characters in real-life conundrums with life-or-death consequences. Full of twists and turns, it keep you guessing. You may not see the next twist coming. I didn’t.

Within these pages are elements of medical phenomena, cops-and-robbers terror, romance, and family values taken to the extreme. Well-researched, this book explores a ‘what if’ scenario on point in today’s culture. Layered within that is a supernatural element—a kind spirit, but a determined one.

Pick up Vikki’s An Innocent Heart for a trip through a minefield of choices. You won’t be able to put it down.
Profile Image for Jane Gundogan.
Author 11 books33 followers
June 13, 2024
loved this

An Innocent Heart was an absolute cracker of a read! Such a great premise. The characters Libby and Jake are well-developed, and their journey together and separately was compelling and relatable. The author skillfully weaves together themes of innocence, betrayal, and redemption. And a little spoiler… libbys father ruining their date was hilarious in my mind. It’s definitely 5 stars from me.
Profile Image for Khurram Elahi.
Author 2 books13 followers
October 7, 2024
Intense

This is a gripping tale that mixed supernatural elements with a chilling mystery. Multi genre with a variety of topics covered. The novel follows a carefully constructed narrative that unravels, balancing suspense with character development. Seemed an eerie atmosphere, thriller style, where each event builds tension, leading the characters deeper into their unsettling circumstances.

The fear and the unknown is down, using vivid imagery to evoke a sense of dread. The writing is sharp and concise, making the twists and turns all the more impactful. The connection between the characters and their mysterious dreams is thoughtfully shown, adding depth to the supernatural elements, while the emotional stakes make the story feel immediate and personal.

This is a well-crafted mystery thriller with bits of romance too, that keeps you hooked, especially with its unexpected revelations and the psychological undercurrents that run through the narrative.
24 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2024
A compelling read!!!

Mount does an excellent job of showing a pressing social issue through an engaging, romantic, heartbreaking thriller! The storyline is full of twists and turns with multiple points of view that keep you guessing.

Weaving a vivid story, Mount manages to keep the reader on the edge of their seat all while offering a heartbreaking look at the sometimes misplaced injustice of our legal system.

I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for romance, thriller, and mystery!
2 reviews
October 24, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of Jake and Libby and the unexpected (and somewhat terrifying) effects of the "donations" they received. Well written and compelling, and I finished it in one sitting. I am now compelled to check out the rest of Vikki Mount's works. Cheers!
Profile Image for ReadingIsFun.
47 reviews10 followers
February 11, 2025
A haunting, poignant, and creepy suspense novel that resonated with me. It was a real page-turner that was very realistic, heartbreaking, edgy, and captivating. I was haunted by it and couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this story.
Profile Image for D.David Croot.
492 reviews6 followers
May 25, 2024
a superb blending of genres

a superb blending of genres from a thoughtful and splendidly written death row morality tale to a supernatural twist around the middle mark!
You won’t put it down
Do yourself a favour and get downloading now

With a little luck she might just sell the movie rights
122 reviews4 followers
June 3, 2024
Great Mystery Thriller!

“An Innocent Heart” is it well written, intriguing, engaging read. I really enjoyed that this sorry had a little bit of everything in it, including mystery, supernatural, thriller, Romance and history. From the first page, I what is drawn to these characters and how all of the different pieces to the story came together. Very enjoyable read! Great job!
Profile Image for Shay Taggert.
Author 6 books
July 17, 2024
A wonderful story of an unusual bond

In the story of "An Innocent Heart" two people meet through fate and their journey for understanding. Through a shared need to solve the mystery, they discover a crime and set out to make it right. It is a touching and uplifting story while suspenseful and intense. A story about finding friendship and love in unexpected places.

Vikki Mount’s writing is engaging, with a focus on character development and emotional depth. It flows smoothly, making it an easy and enjoyable read. The characters' experiences and emotions are portrayed authentically, making them relatable to readers. It's a great read for people who enjoy emotional and character-driven romance novels.
Profile Image for S.A.McClelland S.A.McClelland.
Author 7 books9 followers
May 26, 2024
A twisting read

I loved this supernatural thriller. With great characters in Jake and Libby who think they have the same donor, it's an unputdownable story. An interesting concept with death row inmates being able to donate organs leads to a thrilling tale. I really don't want to spoil it but if you enjoy supernatural stories or thrillers you'll love this blend between the two.
Profile Image for Nirmalya Sarkar.
101 reviews4 followers
May 9, 2024
Very adventurous and thrilling !!

This book is a thrilling supernatural mystery that masterfully blends suspense with the eerie. The novel follows a protagonist delving into a series of unexplained events and dark secrets. Vikki Mount creates a gripping atmosphere and well-crafted characters, driving the story with twists and a unique blend of mystery and supernatural elements. Clear and engaging, her writing ensures that readers are hooked from start to finish, making this a must-read for fans of both genres.
Profile Image for S.S. Saywack.
Author 9 books35 followers
June 23, 2024
A supernatural thriller where Jake and Lobby are haunted by the same nightmare. When they investigate it leads them to dark secrets about their past and the cause of their dreams. No spoilers, here, but it’s a lovely idea driving the book, a need to find out something about what really happened many years ago. The narrative has a lot of backstory, and a lot of telling, to begin with, and there are several changes of time to deal with, but once you are past those, the story is compelling and there is a need to discover what will happen in the end.
2 reviews
Read
May 20, 2024
a binge worthy story

This book make you want to keep turning the pages and binge it as quickly as possible. Such a great page turn!
Profile Image for R.F. Whong.
Author 13 books78 followers
May 5, 2024
A good read

The book addresses a grave topic. From what I’ve learned, quite a few developing countries have the practice of executing criminals to forcibly harvest their organs for donation.

The characters are well developed. I found myself cheering for them as they work to uncover the mystery.

All in all, a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews

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