Hear Her Scream

by Dylan H. Jones

He knows where you are.

He knows where you're going.

He's waiting for you.

Seven years ago. Valencia's best friend is brutally murdered and she's the one who finds the body. A man is convicted and is serving time. But there's still so much they don't know about the murder.

Valencia's never been convinced he's guilty and now she's ready to look for the truth. But what she discovers shocks her to her core.

A sick serial killer is sacrificing women.

The method of death chosen by the highest bidder.

Their murders livestreamed.

As Valencia's desire for the truth intensifies, the killer's need to kill is escalating.

He knows Valencia is looking for him . . . and he has her in his sights.

Genres: Fiction

387 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 22, 2024

Reviews

[Leeanne 🥀 The Book Whor3 🥀 · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the synopsis for this book, I thought it was going to be all about a serial killer streaming live murders, with the method of torture/death being decided by the highest online bidder. This was not the case, and was so much more.

Valencia decides to investigate further, after her best friend was brutally murdered, seven years earlier. She is convinced that the man convicted of the murder, is innocent, and attempts to dig for the truth.

We meet several possible suspects, and the story, was a complete guessing game throughout. The author weaves a twisty, psychological thriller, with some great characters, though initially I didn’t really like Valencia but the girl was like a dog with a bone, and was fearless and consistent in her investigation.

This turned out to be a really good, well thought out story, which had me gripped throughout. Highly recommended, and looking forward to reading more from this author.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me this free ARC, which I leave my review voluntarily.

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hear Her Scream is a gritty, dark, twisty and full of suspense read.
It started off a bit slow for me but a third in or so I was fully gripped and just couldn't put it down.
Valencia is a great character. She's flawed, still haunted by events from the past, vulnerable and yet strong and doggedly determined to uncover the truth behind her friend's murder.
I really enjoyed that story. It's well-thought out, fast-paced and with a different take on a serial killer trope. Definitely worth a read.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing me with a copy of that book.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

He knows where you are. He knows where you are going. He's waiting for you.

Seven years ago, Valencia's best friend was brutally murdered, and she's the one who finds the body. A man is convicted and serving time. But there's still so much they don't know about the murder. Valencia's never been convinced he's guilty, and now she's ready to look for the truth. But what she discovers shocks her to the core.

A serial killer of women, kills his victims by the method of the highest bidders choice for their entertainment.

Valencia is not convinced that the man in the prison for her best friend's murder is truly guilty of it. She decides to do her own investigation and is quickly caught in the crosshairs of the real killer who murders his victims that the highest bidder makes. A little different to the usual type of serial killer, but I found it quite en enjoyable read.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #DylanHJones for my ARC of #HearHerScream in exchange for an honest review.

[Teresa Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A serial killer live streaming murders to the highest bidder? Sign me up. The prologue had me hooked and I knew I would have to barrel through this as fast as possible. A stand alone thriller set (mostly) in Northern California. Valencia (although an unlikeable character) is determined to investigate and solve her best friends murder. She has no plan, but she has determination and will pull at every loose thread and shake every tree until she gets her answer. Cyrus Booth, the serial killer, has Valencia in his sights and they keep getting closer to each other. Cyrus knows what he is doing. He is prepared. He follows and learns his victims. Im just saying - be ready for a tumultuous show down!

[OutlawPoet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a mostly fun / sometimes confusing novel.

A couple of the characters read very similarly and it took me a while to tell them apart and I would swear the author has never been in the L.A. Zoo in his life, but the plot itself was engaging and I was definitely curious about the who and the why of everything.

Mostly, I just felt like the book needed tightening and it would have bumped up to four stars.

I’d try the author again.

• ARC via Publisher

P.S. I'm not sure what the 'shocking twist' was.

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is based on an extremely novel concept. A serial killer is targeting women, but the method of their death will be chosen by the highest bidder.

So, according to this remarkably sick system, someone is giving the people (the perverts?) what they want. The idea carries chilling echoes of the "snuff film" era.

Valencia lost her best friend to this murderer seven years ago and, traumatised from that experience, she is not at all convinced that the person convicted for her friend's death is the right man. If not, it means that the killings will continue as long as he is free.

Unfortunately, Valencia's determination to pursue the truth puts her in the killer's crosshairs...

This is a gripping story and the pace is tautly maintained throughout. And on useful concept well delivered, it is what a read for those who like reading serial killer stories as well as those who enjoy nail-biting suspense. It gets 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Kaci (travelswithabook) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hear Her Scream was my first Dylan H. Jones book. The description of it drew me in immediately.

Valencia found her best friend’s brutally murdered body seven years ago. A man was convicted of the crime and is serving his time in jail, but Valencia feels like there is something missing to the story. Her job as a podcast researcher, and hopeful producer, has led her back to the town to try to uncover the truth. She’s able to meet and interview quite a few people along the way, but with each interview, Valencia gets herself closer and closer to danger. While Valencia is digging for evidence, a serial killer is sacrificing women to the highest bidder. As she uncovers more evidence, the killer’s sight turns to her.

I loved the small town full of secrets vibe that Hear Her Scream had. There were some red herrings throughout the book, but I was able to figure out who the killer was pretty quickly, though that did not take away from the book at all. Without giving spoilers, I absolutely loved the role of a key witness and how there was an added mystery surrounding that situation. The ending was great, but I specifically thought the last chapter, eighteen months later, was beautifully done. It was so eerie and left me wanting more.

While it was a completely different take on serial killers than I’ve read before (and it being very disturbing), I wish it was flushed out a bit more. I didn’t fully find myself immersed in the connection of the serial killer’s online killings and Valencia’s best friend’s story. It did succeed in making the story creepier though. I also found it hard to keep all the characters straight, especially in the first half of the book, and thought the timeline was hard to follow at some points.

Even so, this fast-paced, super twisty thriller kept me on the edge of my seat. There were a few slow parts, especially toward the beginning, but once the action started, it didn’t stop.

Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books, and Dylan H. Jones for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good crime/thriller, and this was right up my street. The opening chapters are what I love about this genre, the detail in the scenes, and the setup for the premise of the book.
After the opening chapters, I did find it a bit slow to build, but after I got about halfway through, the pace was great, and I couldn't put it down.

It is dark gritty and full of suspense.

We have a small town full of secrets, We have Valencia, our leading lady who is trying to research her best friends death, and we see how decisions she makes and the information she finds taking her to the situation she ends up in. We have a serial killer who is terrifying! Great ending to the book, and I hope that we may see a follow-on from this one!

If you are looking for a good thriller book, then give this a read

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A woman returns to the city her friend was murdered as a teenager to try to find out what really happened. This book will remind you there are criminals out there that you don’t want to meet. This is a darker book. I love how the story unfolded. The title is perfect for the story and I can’t say more without giving anything away. This is a book you will like if you enjoy dark thrillers with a crime to be solved.

[Uyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

I don’t know why I do this to myself.
I am a chicken.

But I was pulled in by the synopsis and stayed because of the plot.

I enjoyed the book and it left me feeling on edge.
Highly recommend for those who enjoy horror/thriller.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Someone is killing women, with the method being determined by the highest bidder. At the same time, Valencia is working on a podcast seeking out the truth about the murder of her friend some years earlier with the alleged killer behind bars for the crime.

The story took a while for me to get into as I didn't particularly like Valencia to begin with. However as events unfold, I warmed up to her some more. There's several twists here and everyone seems to have some secrets they don't want revealed and I did enjoy the gradual unveiling of the truth at the end.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Note: I received a free copy of this book in the form of an "uncorrected proof copy" from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)

"Hear Her Scream" by Dylan H. Jones
(Specifications: Prologue & 66 chapters)

Characters:
1. Valencia Basco
2. Clyde Domingo
3. Tyee Domingo
4. Jodi Connelly
5. "AliJack"
6. Cyrus Booth
7. Laney Kilmer
8. Grant
9. Memphis Lennon
10.  Kaliska Watchman
11. Elu Watson
12. Todd McNamara
13. "Mentor"
14. Marshall Gaines*
15. Misty Bennett
16. Mannequin Bob
17. Taylor Anderson
18. Chuck Mathers

Settings:
1. Camp Grizzly
2. Coyote Trail Campsite
3. Pinecrest, California
4. Black Pines Casino

This was a read that I throughly enjoyed. As a reader in search of a good thriller/mystery, I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of suspense in this novel.

The novel begins with "Prologue: Exit Strategy." I found it interesting that the story began in the prologue by giving us (readers) immediate perspective of Cyrus Booth, as the plot begins with his kidnapping and murder of a social media influencer known as "AlliJack." You'd think that the typical question of "who did it? Who is the 'bad guy' to be dramatically revealed?" would be spoiled by providing this perspective of his. However, I assure you that there is no need to worry or undermine what is to come; there are endless shocks and twists to be unraveled.

One quote from the prologue worth noting is as follows:

"So, was this genuine fear? Was this what it meant to be hunted, not the hunter? The sensation should have terrified him. Instead, he felt more alive than he had done in years."  This is effective at setting up instances throughout the novel where multiple characters are described with animalistic, predator vs. prey qualities.

Post-Prologue, the plot begins by introducing the protagonist, Valencia Basco. Seven years ago, Valencia Basco was the first person to discover the body of her best friend, Jodi Connelly, the night Jodi was brutally murdered at Camp Grizzly.

At present time, Valencia is to return to her childhood town to face her traumatizing past. A researcher for "Cast Media," Valencia is tasked to seek answers of what happened that night. Mallory Jacobs, Valencia’s boss that exudes power and ability to give Valencia the promotion she's been seeking for years, is reluctant to assign Valencia to this project due to her personal connection to the case. The goal of this project is to conduct interviews with individuals who may be able to speak to the innocence of Clyde Domingo, per the purpose of "The Innocence Project," which would persuade the state to re-open the case. Clyde Domingo was found guilty of the murder and is currently serving out his life sentence at the Solano County Jail, but new evidence suggests this may not be the case. Despite her initial hesitation, Mallory Jacobs gives into Valencia’s persuasion to give her this opportunity.

“I’m familiar with Pinecrest. I spent most of my summers there. I know the people, they’ll remember me, they’ll talk. I can get into the campground without raising suspicions , and I have history with Sheriff Van Doren.” Valencia then reveals that Sheriff Van Doren is the one to find at the clearing Valencia that night, shortly after Valencia found Jodi’s mutilated body.  Valencia had said that the people of this town know her and will talk, but she finds herself proven wrong time after time. The people of her hometown are not only reluctant and/or unwilling to discuss what (if anything) they know to Valencia, but also, she ends up on a wild goose chase for answers-- one that puts herself and others in danger along the way.

I enjoyed the character development, as well. Jones effectively utilizes strong characterization through descriptive diction and imagery in order to evoke empathy within readers. There is complexity within each character-- even the secondary and tertiary characters.

In chapter 13, Tyee explains to Valencia what Kaliska Watchman's name translates to in English: "Coyote Chasing Deer." He continues by thinking aloud, "the name they give us is what we become, right? Like naming a dog Trouble. No point complaining when the mutt turns out to be a pain in the ass."

This is interesting for a few reasons. Tyee suggests here that Kaliska is a Coyote-- a predator. This poses the question: who, then, is the deer (the prey)? It is alluded that those who lost their family land and now have grievances may be the ones done wrong here, therefore the prey. It is left up to interpretation and prompts the readers to question if there may be alternative meanings.

Additionally, there are a few scenes throughout the book where deer are involved.

One is in chapter 40: "Kaliska imagined she saw something ahead ; a flash of brown, a skittish flinch of an animal on the highway." Not only is it odd that Kaliska "imagines" this (what do we think are the implications here?) but she then proceeds to wipe out on her motorcycle. At this point, "a deer, a young buck, still naïve enough to venture out during daylight, looked back at her, its eyes fixed on Kaliska as if making sure she was all right. Before she passed out, the creature sniffed at the air, then scuttled back into the shadows of the forest."

If her name symbolically means "Coyote Chasing Deer," then I wonder what this represents in this scene when the imagination of seeing deer leads her to wipe out and the deer then stop to make sure she is alright.

Regarsing symbolism of names: This, too, had me wonder if there were any other hidden symbols within other character names. "Valencia" was asked about her name in Chapter 1 (and it came up a few other times), and she says it is from her Dad's side, a city in Spain. Symbolically, when I looked up Valencia, it is said to mean "power" or "strength." This stood out to me because the theme of "taking back power" is an important one in this novel. Without spoiling, I would like to note that chapter 58 is an instance where Kaliska "takes back her power" and in chapter 61, Valencia does, as well.

"There’d be time for tears when this was over. If she [redacted as to not spoil] were to make it out alive, she had to keep her shit together, fight with every ounce of will power and intuition she had left." This is the more obvious example showing how she learns to stand up for herself, but there are other subtleties, as well, such as with what she tolerates at work. She went from being scared to ask for even a chance to have a task that would MAYBE lead to a promotion in the beginning (after Laney hypes her up enough to get even the slightest bit of guts to do so, to learning at the end to not settle for anything less than what she deserves, whether it be a job promotion or a healthy, supportive relationship.

In addition to the name meaning for Valencia, I looked into the meaning for Clyde Domingo and Cyrus. I may be making leaps by assuming there is meaning when there may not be, but just for the sake of discussion, I will share.

"Clyde"= "cleaning", and "Domingo"= "Of the Lord."

On the other hand, "Cyrus" can refer to the Persian meaning: "humiliator (of the enemy) or the Greek meaning: "Lord."

This is interesting to me because of how Clyde and Cyrus are compared and contrasted to each other (I'm not quite sure I would consider them foil characters, but perhaps?). It is worth keeping in mind the detail of Cyrus' belonging to the "Den of Rebel Angels," a network amongst the dark web, and how he calls himself "a missionary of sorts" (chapter 17). Cyrus often notes instances where others commit sins, such as "Tex and Leon had failed to practice the simple virtue of humility and would now pay the price" (chapter 36). The basis of this black web group is to target "sinners" and to "restore balance in the world."

When reflecting back on "Alijack" and others alike, Cyrus  scoffs about how the world is filled with a bunch of "fakes." He goes on to vent that:
"The Lord, he was sure, hadn’t predicted Instagram when he proclaimed that, nor any other of those social media channels that celebrated vanity, and made idols out of those God had blessed with beauty. These people —influencers, they called themselves —worshipped themselves above God. They had become their own idols, reveling in self-glorification, amassing followers. But they weren’t true followers —Christ had followers, these were sycophants who imaged that by tagging a heart to a post, the magic would rub off on them" (Chapter 12).

There are other instances where each character seems to learn lessons that lead to development, or readers are simply let on to more information that adds to the dynamics and/or the various twists and turns that we are taken on.

Another note I have is regarding one item that was introduced in chapter 8 to be a bad omen (black corn maiden). I appreciate how Jones used this in chapter 63, as things really come full circle.

Additionally, there is a passage that has multiple implications for later revelations:

"It was inevitable that he would need to face the sins of his past. Only then could he be cleansed, become innocent again in the eyes of God.

Like Lucifer — the most beautiful, purest of all God’s angels, banished from God’s Kingdom — Cyrus Booth had spent his time in the wilderness and now the prodigal son was returning home." (Chapter 4)

First, I find it interesting that Cyrus is discussing his needs to be "cleansed"; I wonder if this has any connection to how the name "Clyde" means "cleansing?" Clyde also says "the prodigal son was returning home." This comes full-circle in chapter 36 when it is said that "it appears a prodigal son has returned," and again in chapter 51 when it is stated "the child has come home" (without spoiling context of these two occurences).

In summary, there are multiple instances in the story where small details later come back with added significance, so keep this in mind to ensure you get the full impact!

As previously stated, I was provided the "uncorrected proof copy" by Netgalley to honestly review. There were a good handful of typo errors, but this is to be expected in an early draft. This novel has a lot of promise already, so I am excited for Mr. Dylan H. Jones, as the final release is sure to THRIVE once it is polished, all said and done!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hear her scream by Dylan H. Jones. It is well written and has some fab twisty twists. A super quick and easy read with very well written characters.

[Diary of a Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

A serial killer is targeting women to kill for the highest bidder. The method of death is determined by the bidder for their entertainment.

Valencia sets out to investigate if her friend's murderer is truly guilty. Working for a podcast as a researcher she is determined to find out the truth. If he isn't guilty, who is?

Her investigation gains her the attention of the real killer!

This was an interesting read, it maintained a fast pace and would definitely suit murder mystery lovers.

[SarahRobins_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks love book tours for this arc!
This wasn’t bad. Though I must admit it was pretty slow and I did find myself willing for it to start getting juicy. The story follows a girl who works for a podcast and she goes back to her hometown to discover more about the murder of her best friend. The story is woven well with a few twists along the way and there were some places where I was dying to know what happened next. But it just lacked something. Not sure what. But still glad I read it!

[D.K. Hundt · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘He called September rich pickings season. Come early fall, the temperature would finally begin cooling from its uncomfortable summer high, and the luxury beach resorts along the Mayan Peninsula would be teeming with wealthy tourists hoping to brown their pale skins to a crisp . . . These folks, safe behind high walls and security gates, held no interest for Cyrus Booth. His tastes skewed toward the younger, less affluent travelers staying at the budget hotels . . . He also preferred travelers who vacationed alone; large groups made him anxious, made it that much harder to isolate his chosen ones from the pack.’

HEAR HER SCREAM – by Dylan H. Jones – Billed as a Thrilling Chiller With A Shocking Twist, I highly agree with the former, the latter, not so much.

Jones does an excellent job of allowing the reader to ride shotgun next to the main character, Valencia, in this twisted tale wherein Vee seeks to learn the truth regarding her best friend Jodi’s brutal murder seven years before.

Recommend!

Thank you, NetGalley and Lume Books (Joffe Books), for providing me with an eBook of HEAR HER SCREAM at the request of an honest review.

[Aurora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Valencia Basco works for a true crime podcast, and she is currently tasked with researching her best friends’ murder. We follow her on her research, which includes going back to where it all happened, inevitably reopening old wounds for everyone involved.

The book starts out quite slow, but picks up pace at around 40-50%. There are quite a few characters, and I found myself having to reread chapters to refresh my memory a couple of times. Some of the characters seemed random or out-of-place at first, but I felt like in the end everything tied together nicely.

I found Valencia to be quite the “morally gray” character. I audibly sighed several times while reading, irritated by her choices and actions. She seemed entitled and self-righteous, and her motivations were often selfish. That is not a wholly negative thing; only reading perfect, fluffy characters that can do no wrong, especially in thrillers, gets boring very quickly. Having an unpredictable main character kept me invested in the story.
I will say I would’ve liked to see her apologize or feel remorse for some of her actions.


It was an enjoyable read, I would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a twist on the regular murder mystery.


Thank you to the author and Joffe Books for the ARC!

[Jirinka (sony08) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valencia is a researcher for a podcast company that specialises in criminal cases where there is a possibility of the wrong person being behind bars for a crime they didn’t commit. Things take on a personal spin when that person is Clyde Domingo – incarcerated for the brutal murder of Jodi – Valencia’s best friend.
Valencia persuades her boss to let her go back to where Jodi was murdered and dig out what she can. And the more she digs, the more she is in danger. She is clearly not wanted there, where there are secrets decades old. Secrets that nobody wants her to know.
This is quite a fast paced, thriller, following couple of timelines. It’s descriptive, twisty and keeps you guessing.

[Lauren Flewett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dylan H Jones is a new author to me and I was drawn to the book by the blurb as I love a good psychological thriller complete with twists.

The book was slow to start but all the information you were given towards the beginning started slotting in to place as you got towards the end of the book.

Some of the characters themselves I was able to form really strong emotional feelings towards and some I was unsure about most of the way through, the sign of good writing in my opinion!

[Krys · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's interesting, both Amazon and Goodreads have different blurbs about what this book is supposed to be about, and yet neither of them are completely true to what the book actually is. Yes, Valencia's best friend was murdered.

But when Valencia first goes to "investigate" she isn't convinced that he's innocent as the one blurb claims. In fact despite her claims that she doesn't feel strongly one way or the other, the reader gets the immediate feeling that she believes the accused man is exactly where he belongs. Until stories start not adding up. There is also the secondary plot that (thankfully) only touches on other women being murdered and those murders being livestreamed, but to be honest? That doesn't really fit with this narrative either other than to explain how the killer has the money that he does. I will say that despite what the blurb lead me to believe, this one was NOT as gory/explicit as I expected it to be.

Looking at the other blurb, the women murdered weren't all "travel bloggers" nor did they share their travel plans on the internet. In fact one of them was a spur of the moment killing, and the "true crime podcast" wasn't Valencia's. She was supposed to be working as a researcher for a bigger company. However, due to the fact that the more people she spoke to, the more questions were raised, Valencia soon becomes something of an amateur detective simultaneously trying to prove the innocence of one man while trying to bring a guilty man's crimes to light.

Through twisting story-lines that intersect in ways I didn't see coming, Valencia finds herself in a life-or-death game of cat and mouse that were sometimes gripping and other times? Mildly annoying. Mainly because Valencia is a hard character to like. She is relentless in her quest for answers, which might have been endearing if it wasn't for the reckless way she went barreling into situations. She also is a borderline (or maybe slightly over that line) alcoholic, always drinking some form of alcohol even as she swears she doesn't have a problem. At one point she was even idiotic enough to leave her drink unattended on the bar in a casino and then acts surprised when she is drugged.

Another issue I had with her if the fact that she also smokes marijuana a lot, which wouldn't be a problem except, when you're playing a game with such high stakes as life and death wouldn't you want to keep your wits about you? There are also times (mainly when Valencia doesn't get hear way or hears something she doesn't like) acts like a petulant child which was a major turn off for a main character who otherwise comes across as a strong woman.

There were numerous missing words, and other grammatical errors in the copy that I read, but due to it being an advanced copy, I am hoping those things were fixed before the final release as otherwise this was an engaging story (even with some very unlikeable characters that I can't mention without giving away spoilers). I would read more from this author.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this that review are 100% my own.

[John Purvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dylan H. Jones (https://www.dylanjonesauthor.com) is the author of 5 novels. Hear Her Scream was released a few days ago. It is the 18th book I have completed reading in 2024.

I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to scenes of violence and mature language, I categorize this novel as R.

Cyrus Booth, though that is not his real name, is living in Mexico. He is stalking another young woman. Booth attempts to kidnap her, but it gets out of hand, resulting in her death. Reluctantly, he heads back to the US. There will be plenty of young women there.

Booth is a member of the Rebel Angels. It is a twisted religious group, decibels of Lucifer. Booth has made a profitable career of abducting then streaming the murder of women. The dark web is populated with many willing to pay thousands for an exclusive front-row seat.

Valencia Basco is 26 and from Southern California. She is scraping by working as a researcher for a True Crime podcast. Seven years earlier, she had discovered the bloody body of her best friend, Jodi Connelly. Both teens had been working at a summer camp. Basco is returning to the area to research the murder for the podcast. While Clyde Domingo was caught, convicted, and is serving time, new evidence suggests he was not the guilty party. The podcast Basco works for thinks a series on the Connelly murder will be popular.

Near the camp area is a casino run by Native American Kalista Watchman. She also leads her tribal council. Duke Van Doren has been the County Sheriff for nearly 25 years. He was there the night Basco found Jodi. His family has been a power within the County for decades. Private Investigator Memphis Lennon is staying at the Coyote Trail Campsite. Basco fears that her boss has hired Lennon to be her babysitter.

Basco connects with many around the area. The more she looks into the murder, the more she feels that Domingo is innocent. And that the Sheriff has known all along. There are many characters in the story. A web of connections ties them all together. Basco wants to prove Domingo’s innocence, but that means the killer is still at large.

I enjoyed the 9.5 hours I spent reading this 383-page mystery. I enjoyed the plot of this mystery, but I had a hard time with the character of Valencia. In most novels, I find myself liking, or at least connecting with the main character. I did not like the Basco character, and that detracted from my enjoyment of the story. I do like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 3.8 (rounded to 4) out of 5.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

[CJ Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hear Her Scream
By Dylan H Jones

He knows where you are.
He knows where you’re going.
He’s waiting for you.

My 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 review 📚

✅ Crime
✅ Serial killer
✅ Psychological thriller
✅ Strong female lead

This is my first book by Dylan H Jones and I really enjoyed it. It contains all my favourite elements - a serial killer, deliciously dark, inventive and oh so clever.

I connected immediately to Valencia, who is desperate to find the real killer, who murdered her friend. She is damaged but fiercely determined and brave.

The serial killer is truly terrifying. His methods and motives are chilling.

I highly recommend this gem of a crime novel. If it ticks all your boxes you will not be disappointed. Just don’t blame me if you have to sleep with the lights on - just for a few days…….

Thank you so much to JOFFE BOOKS Dylan H. Jones and Jill Burkinshaw for my ARC.

The Plot

Seven years ago Valencia’s best friend is brutally murdered and she’s the one who finds the body. A man is convicted and is serving time. But there’s still so much they don’t know about the murder.

Valencia’s never been convinced he’s guilty and now she’s ready to look for the truth. But what she discovers shocks her to her core.

A sick serial killer is sacrificing women. The method of death chosen by the highest bidder.
Their murders livestreamed.

As Valencia’s desire for the truth intensifies, the killer’s need to kill is escalating.

He knows Valencia is looking for him . . . and he has her in his sights.

Hear Her Scream is a fast-moving, terrifying thriller. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Mark Edwards and T. M. Logan.

PRAISE FOR DYLAN H. JONES:

‘What I liked most about this book was the way that Jones effortlessly threaded the different elements of the story into a cohesive tapestry. The twists and turns made me laugh, kept me guessing and had me on the edge of my seat.’ The Crime Warp

‘I can’t wait to read more from this author.’ On the Shelf Reviews

‘This book was amazing . . . I was so transfixed by the story I just couldn’t put it down. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves reading.’ Elva

‘Brilliant, fast paced, edge of the seat read.’ Jean Watson

‘I loved it so much, I didn't want the book to end. I honestly recommend this to you and I will absolutely be looking out for some other gems by Dylan H Jones.’ Martin Rose

‘Seeking a fast paced and engaging thriller? Then this page turner is for you. While reading WHAT FOLLOWS I often imagined it being adapted into a television series. The cinematic scenes and wide cast of characters combine for an easy-to-visualize, engrossing read.’ Cyn Y.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

What lengths will a person go to investigate the truth about their best friend's murder? In Dylan H. Jones’s novel “Hear Her Scream,” protagonist, Valencia Basco is driven to untangle the mysteries of a tragic incident that occurred seven years prior, revealing a legacy of wrongdoing spanning multiple generations. Valencia is a podcast researcher and her boss sends her back to the scene of the crime, leveraging her personal relationship with the murder victim as a way to get close to the story, and to determine the innocence of the man convicted. By conducting interviews, making observations, and reflecting on her own experiences, she starts to reconstruct the sequence of events in an effort to seek justice for her close friend, Jodi, and to exonerate the man wrongly accused.

Set in Tuolumne County, California in the quaint town of Pinecrest, she has arranged to interview many of the individuals who were part of Jodi’s life as a counselor many years ago at Camp Grizzly. As she delves further into her investigation, the layers of injustice spanning generations gradually come to light. Additionally, readers are afforded a glimpse into the operations of Native American-run casinos, shedding light on the intricate negotiations underlined by coercion and blackmail. The dysfunction that permeates this entire community is eventually revealed by one family in particular showcasing the broader societal issues at play.

As the story progresses, Valencia encounters many unusual characters on her journey of discovery: a Christian fanatic, a loving father, an innocent man, a rapist, an adulterer, and a mother faced with the most difficult choice to make. While this story deals with a serial killer's sinister agenda, it is incidental to the real story of Valencia and her personal journey toward redemption, her ability to seek the truth, and her path toward self-discovery. The ending was highly satisfying, particularly the last chapter, knowing that Valencia found her direction. I highly recommend “Hear Her Scream” and I await the next novel by Mr. Jones.

[amanda_coffee_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone has Secrets. There always someone who makes sure they are kept secrets.

I want to start of by saying that I haven’t read anything from this author before. But after reading this ebook. I will be adding more books from this author. Now I love me a good thriller. And even when reading I was trying to figure out who the killer was. This book wasn’t a disappointment. That’s why half through reading this book. I purchased my own ebook copy. The characters and the world the author created amazing. Small town hidden secrets. Police officer making sure those secrets stay hidden where they belong. Young girl coming back to figure out what really happened that night her friend was murdered. I am here for it all. I have to say in the beginning I was confused with the different POV. But continue reading and figured it all out.
Valencia is a strong and determined to young woman. Valencia not giving up on figuring out who killed her friend. And trying to help an innocent man get free. I have to tell it took me a long time to figure out who really was Cyrus Booth. Cyrus is a ghost killing for fun from what I am reading. And making sure nothing leads back to a ghost. So many different turns and turns in this book. That’s why I am glad that I didn’t rush through this book. Or I would have missed something. I highly recommend this dark thriller.
About book.
Seven years ago a young 20 year old girl named Jodi lost her life. A man who everyone said he murdered her. A young reporter/researcher named Valencia trying to figure what she could remember that night. Who was in the shadows when she found her friend dead. Determined to get this mystery / story. Valencia goes back home and to the camp where it all happened. But there are some town folk who don’t want secrets to come to light. So Valencia is blocked in many ways from getting the truth.
I highly recommend this book. I will be adding more books for sure.
Thank you the author and @lovebooktours for the opportunity to read such amazing book.

[Amorina Carlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fast-paced thriller kept me turning pages and needing to know "who dunnit." ... our heroine is investigating her friend's cold case murder. Unfortunately, everyone is convinced the killer has been caught - except for a few supporters. The "killer" has maintained his innocence the whole time. (she) found her friend, and she isn't sure about the guys guilt either. So when the podcast she works for wants to give him a chance a freedom, she jumps at the chance to work on the case.

Podcasting is so very similar to journalism - or what investigative journalism used to be - that I thought it was weird that Valencia emphasized so strongly that she wasn't a journalist. In my books, the difference was minimal.

Valencia was a strong, independent character, but she was borderline reckless in her need to find answers. She was desperate to find answers, but hurt people she cared about in the process. I do think she learned a great deal in the story, which is always great. The author wrote some great characters, and some even more impressive villains.

The killer was easy to sus out early, but there were still secrets and surprises to be had. The author managed to tuck quite a few secrets in a small town where everyone usually knows everyone's business.

There was a clear undercurrent of racism between the First Nations people and the townspeople. The twists and turns throughout the story proved to be deep, serious topics that the author handled very well. And there were some huge surprises throughout. I have to admit, as a Native American descendant, brought up to celebrate my people's culture and heritage, I have some mixed feelings about the use of Native Americans in this story. I don't think white people can't write about minorities, but it gets murky. This might be one of those instances.

Content Warnings: Death, Murder, Torture, Sexual Assault, Suicidal Ideation, Police Corruption, Betrayal, Racism

[Chas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read most of Dylan H. Jones’s books. I enjoy them for their vivid characters and perfectly constructed plots. But, I have to say, HEAR HER SCREAM is his best book yet. It’s a story about a young woman who is compelled to exonerate the accused murderer of her best friend and to find the real killer. The search takes her on a scary, but fascinating, journey through a small, resort area in the Sierra foothills. Along the way, Valencia (the protagonist) meets a host of fascinating characters. Some are feckless survivors, eking out a living in this isolated area. Others have found more dubious ways to survive.

Jones doesn’t wait for the suspense to build. You’re thrown right away into the nail-biting chill of the story. I’m not giving anything away by saying that, unbeknownst to Valencia, one of her first encounters is with a true killer. Is he the one?

My only quibble is that the title is a bit misleading. HEAR HER SCREAM makes the novel sound like a horror story. It’s not. Yes, there is a murder. And there is evil lurking around our protagonist. But this is a story about people, with all their faults, frailties, good and bad intentions. As usual, in Jones’ novels, the reader enjoys a nuanced portrait of a community, while following the procedural aspects of solving a crime.

If you’re a crime fan who loves textured writing, psychologically realistic villains, well-drawn characters, and a thrill-ride of a story, this book is for you.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Hear Her Scream, a stand-alone thriller set mostly in Northern California.

Seven years ago Valencia found her best friend Jodi’s murdered body in the woods at a summer camp. She has no memory of the surrounding events and has decided to use her job at a podcast to investigate and perhaps exonerate the man convicted for the murder.

It took me days to get through Hear Me Scream as it didn’t hold my attention. This is due, I think, to two main reasons, one Valencia is unlikeable, too sure of herself and rude about it and secondly the narrative switches from one point of view to another making for a choppy read and offering so many opportunities to put it down.

The novel follows Valencia as she investigates Jodi’s murder. She doesn’t appear to have a plan, instead she picks at any loose thread she can find and there aren’t many as nobody is talking. She seems to hope that this will unlock her memories of that night and it works as snippets gradually come to light. At the same time serial killer Cyrus Booth, a man who kills to order from the highest bidder, is edging closer to Valencia. There are secrets to be revealed and a violent showdown, but I couldn’t muster up the enthusiasm to get excited.

Hear Her Scream has all the elements of a good thriller, it simply didn’t appeal to me.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seven years ago, Valencia's best friend was brutally murdered in the grounds of a summer camp where they both worked. Seven years later, Valencia is working as a crime podcast researcher when the opportunity to investigate her best friends murder arises.

Valencia jumps at the chance to try and discover what really happened, and if the right man is in prison for the crime. As she investigates, she discovers the corrupt nature of the town, and the more she digs.. the more Valencia's life is at stake.

𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
The opening prologue completely drew me in in, where we meet Cyrus Booth... and his hobby of scouting out single travellers to sell to the highest bidder - their murder determined by what the winning bidder wants Cyrus to do to them.

Everyone in the town that Valencia speaks to seems to have secrets. It's one of my main reasons I love small town thrillers, everyone seems to have something to hide to throw you off.

Valencia was fearless and determined to uncover the truth, and I enjoyed being along with her for the ride. Her determination leads us to lots of new revelations, twists and turns that you don't see coming.

Thank you to Love Books Tours for this copy. This review is voluntary.

[Katie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This chilling thriller follows Valencia's relentless pursuit of truth of her best friends gruesome murder. With a serial killer auctioning deaths to the highest bidder, the stakes couldn't be higher. This was gripping, while being seriously disturbing - the whole premise of the death by highest bidder makes me shudder!
While the story starts slow, I felt it really started to build half way through the story.

I also found all the detail you read at the beginning, finds it way back to being important the further you read.

Jones writes Valencia as a flawed yet compelling character, really emphasizing her determination. At times, I felt frustrated with some of the decisions and actions Valencia took, it was clear she is truly battling some demons since her best friends death. Similar to an actor playing a villain, and you find yourself really feeling anger towards the actual actor - you know they’re a good actor. This is the same with the way Jones writes his characters - you know when they’ve written a good character, when you have such strong emotions towards them!!

The slower pace at the beginning didn’t deter me though, this story delivers a thrilling ride that’s a page turner! If you're a fan of twisted mysteries and nail-biting suspense, this is a must-read!

[Karolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here’s my review for Hear Her Scream by Dylan H Jones

I got into this story straight away, it’s so interesting, two stories in one book - both about murder. The plotting is good and the writing is excellent. Really pulls you into the story with atmospheric writing. Beautiful language is used for describing the writing in the story especially for the murders which can be quite bloody. I found it to be quite a slow read and didn’t seem to be making much headway into the book so allow time to enjoy the book. As I like the author’s writing style and content, I would read more from him.

Blurb :

The highest bidder chooses how they die.
Their murders live streamed.

Cyrus Booth stalks and brutally murders young women.

The women have nothing in common. Except they are all travel bloggers. Sharing their holiday plans online.

Cyrus knows where to find them.

Seven years ago Valencia’s best friend was brutally murdered when they were on holiday.

Valencia can’t remember the hours before she found her best friend’s bloodied body. But now she’s using her true crime podcast to uncover what happened that night in the woods.

Starting by interviewing Cyrus Booth . . .