What do you think?
Rate this book
Sami Saxton #2
A Perfect Setup
A moment of weakness…
an afternoon of passion…
a brutal murder hits close to home…
The explosive sequel to A PERFECT HUSBAND.
Sami’s back! And this time it’s personal!
The New York Times, Daily News and New York Post all hailed her a hero!
Samantha Saxton "owned the night," they reported. She was the victor, the quiet champion, the anti-heroine single-handedly destroying the career of a lethal serial killer stalking the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania for six unremitting years. The disappearance of six teenage girls and the horrific details of their deaths received national, frenzied attention and Sami Saxton became the unlikely poster woman in all the coverage.
Sami’s attempt to find a quieter, less hectic life by moving to the cabin her deceased father built years ago in the remote township of Montague, New Jersey didn’t turn out quite the way she expected.
Returning to the City, Sami purchases a spacious, fifth floor, open-airy, glass-walled condominium on the Upper West Side overlooking the Hudson River…another new start!
But, that night continues to haunt her...in her dreams and in her life. The nightmares persist, vivid, ongoing and relentless. Posttraumatic stress syndrome paralyzes her, keeping her prisoner in her newly renovated home. The anxiety and panic attacks intensify and not even prescription painkillers can relieve the anguish.
Then, the unthinkable occurs. A young, female model is found brutally murdered in a midtown hotel. And, Jerry Saxton, Sami’s ex-husband, is taken into custody for the heinous crime.
TRUST NO ONE!
an afternoon of passion…
a brutal murder hits close to home…
The explosive sequel to A PERFECT HUSBAND.
Sami’s back! And this time it’s personal!
The New York Times, Daily News and New York Post all hailed her a hero!
Samantha Saxton "owned the night," they reported. She was the victor, the quiet champion, the anti-heroine single-handedly destroying the career of a lethal serial killer stalking the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania for six unremitting years. The disappearance of six teenage girls and the horrific details of their deaths received national, frenzied attention and Sami Saxton became the unlikely poster woman in all the coverage.
Sami’s attempt to find a quieter, less hectic life by moving to the cabin her deceased father built years ago in the remote township of Montague, New Jersey didn’t turn out quite the way she expected.
Returning to the City, Sami purchases a spacious, fifth floor, open-airy, glass-walled condominium on the Upper West Side overlooking the Hudson River…another new start!
But, that night continues to haunt her...in her dreams and in her life. The nightmares persist, vivid, ongoing and relentless. Posttraumatic stress syndrome paralyzes her, keeping her prisoner in her newly renovated home. The anxiety and panic attacks intensify and not even prescription painkillers can relieve the anguish.
Then, the unthinkable occurs. A young, female model is found brutally murdered in a midtown hotel. And, Jerry Saxton, Sami’s ex-husband, is taken into custody for the heinous crime.
TRUST NO ONE!
179 pages, ebook
First published August 15, 2013
2 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Wickard
12 books264 followersTHE WANTING HOUR
JUNE 1, 2018
It's never too late for an awakening.
JUNE 1, 2018
It's never too late for an awakening.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 1, 2013
A PERFECT SETUP is filled with a perfect mix of suspense, mystery, and neuroses that will have you running for the Chardonnay, Xanax, or your dog all the way up to the last page. Sami Saxton is an excellent protagonist, not causing any of the horrors that befall her, but managing to live through and cope with all of it on top of the PSTD from which she suffers. "Supporting" her is a cast of characters that will make you question all of your current relationships. Author Wickard acts as a skilled puppet master, controlling the action and motivations of the twisted denizens of A PERFECT SETUP, well, perfectly!
I am now officially a member of both the Sami Saxton and Douglas Wickard fan clubs!!
I am now officially a member of both the Sami Saxton and Douglas Wickard fan clubs!!
August 1, 2013
The second Sami Saxton novel by Douglas Wickard takes place some months after the events of "A Perfect Husband" and deals with the harsh consequences of the ordeals Sami went through. The novel does not shrink from confronting the harsh realities of trauma and post traumatic stress disorder. As the author details Sami's struggles with addiction and agoraphobia driven by her desire to find peace and respite from her brutal reality I felt as if the the tortures had been dragged from the darkest corners of my psyche. A profoundly uncomfortable but deeply compelling feeling that is testament to the sheer quality of the penmanship. Wickard has been open in his blogs about his own struggles with alcohol, and anyone who has ever dealt with addiction in any way will recognise the harsh truths unfolded.
It is a positive relief to read a sequel where for once the heroine does not bounce back happy and ready to plunge into the fray. The characterisation feels profoundly human. Drew, Sami's BFF has a bigger role to play in this novel than the last, and there were times I felt close to despising her for her self absorption she felt so real to me. All of the protagonists in this tangled tale kept me engaged, whether they were empathetic, vicious, self centred or simply quiet. Once or twice I felt that a character didn't appear to be drawn as clearly as I would have wished, however as the work progressed it was apparent there was rationale behind even this.
Disrupting Sami's search for equilibrium a parcel containing a manuscript from a university admirer arrives, complete with the rather disturbing admonition to "Remember Me". The plot evolves from the arrival of the manuscript to a chilling tale of obsession and stalking. One scene describing the interior of the apartment occupied by Sami's admirer turned obsessive is destined to remain in my my mind for a very long time, marked as it is by the most mundane of details. The image of crumpled and dirty tissues, that leaves the reader to draw their own gut churning conclusions, is made powerful by what it omits rather than by an excess of detail.
Running alongside this fresh problem for Sami is the arrest of her ex husband for murder. Again the author distinguishes the scene of the crime by the lack of excessive graphic detail and the inclusion of a few key, searing images that ensure the reader's imagination becomes fully involved. The twists and turns that follow detail another story of obsession and vengeance that the reader cannot help but contrast with the parallel plot.
There is a strong sexual subtext that runs throughout the book and at times the reader needs a strong stomach, as Wickard delves into the sordid reality and excitement of affairs, domination, submission, and abuse.
The line between imagination and reality for Sami becomes blurred and uncertain as the novel proceeds apace. Sami, the police and the reader are fully engaged, inevitably drawing conclusions about events that may or may not be correct. I freely admit mine were little more than a third of the way there as the multiple threads come together and the truth begins to emerge.
The final scene of the book had me reading and re-reading it incredulous. It left me wanting more, needing to know. And therein lies, for me, it's brilliance.
All in all a superb piece of writing. Certainly equal to and in my opinion even superior to it's predecessor "A Perfect Husband".
It is a positive relief to read a sequel where for once the heroine does not bounce back happy and ready to plunge into the fray. The characterisation feels profoundly human. Drew, Sami's BFF has a bigger role to play in this novel than the last, and there were times I felt close to despising her for her self absorption she felt so real to me. All of the protagonists in this tangled tale kept me engaged, whether they were empathetic, vicious, self centred or simply quiet. Once or twice I felt that a character didn't appear to be drawn as clearly as I would have wished, however as the work progressed it was apparent there was rationale behind even this.
Disrupting Sami's search for equilibrium a parcel containing a manuscript from a university admirer arrives, complete with the rather disturbing admonition to "Remember Me". The plot evolves from the arrival of the manuscript to a chilling tale of obsession and stalking. One scene describing the interior of the apartment occupied by Sami's admirer turned obsessive is destined to remain in my my mind for a very long time, marked as it is by the most mundane of details. The image of crumpled and dirty tissues, that leaves the reader to draw their own gut churning conclusions, is made powerful by what it omits rather than by an excess of detail.
Running alongside this fresh problem for Sami is the arrest of her ex husband for murder. Again the author distinguishes the scene of the crime by the lack of excessive graphic detail and the inclusion of a few key, searing images that ensure the reader's imagination becomes fully involved. The twists and turns that follow detail another story of obsession and vengeance that the reader cannot help but contrast with the parallel plot.
There is a strong sexual subtext that runs throughout the book and at times the reader needs a strong stomach, as Wickard delves into the sordid reality and excitement of affairs, domination, submission, and abuse.
The line between imagination and reality for Sami becomes blurred and uncertain as the novel proceeds apace. Sami, the police and the reader are fully engaged, inevitably drawing conclusions about events that may or may not be correct. I freely admit mine were little more than a third of the way there as the multiple threads come together and the truth begins to emerge.
The final scene of the book had me reading and re-reading it incredulous. It left me wanting more, needing to know. And therein lies, for me, it's brilliance.
All in all a superb piece of writing. Certainly equal to and in my opinion even superior to it's predecessor "A Perfect Husband".
September 5, 2013
Sami lived through a horrible experience in A Perfect Husband and now in A Perfect Setup she is so stressed and anxious that is takes everything she has to just go outside of her new home. What more does Sami have to go through, will she ever find peace in her life.
Her ex husband Jerry is arrested for the murder of a young woman and of course Sami goes to the rescue to do everything she can to help him. She does not believe that the man she was married to for so long could possibly be capable of murder. Is she right or is he capable of more than she ever thought. He says that he still loves her, which really makes her mad. Why does he wait until he needs her to tell her that. After years of affairs he decides that he has never stopped loving her. I think he is a jerk, but that is just my opinion and Drews, Sami's BFF in the galaxy.
Sami needs therapy so bad to help her get over what she went through at her family cabin and when she finally does get the courage to go see the Dr he helps her in a some ways. But then she sees her BFF and the Dr going into a fancy restaurant and not as friends. Drew is married and Sami has a hard time accepting this. Drew tries to call Sami to explain but Sami has too much going on to deal with her right now and is angry with her to.
She has a wonderful part time helper with the editing of books that Sami does and is doing for a good friend. Evie was sent to her by the author to help out with his book... Or was she??
Sami still has her wonderful dog Blue who is always by her side and without whom Sami would really be lost. Someone is following Sami. She sees him several times but his face is always covered by a hood so she has no idea who it is. Then along comes an old college friend, Karl, who it seems is obsessed with Sami. But he commits suicide, so they thought at first. Then there are pictures of her everywhere in his house. He had sent her a manuscript which she knew from the words written on a post it note attached to the front who it was from. She does not read it, but after all she goes through and after her near death experience and last time of seeing the good Dr she decides that she will read it. What will it say... I guess I have to wait for "ANOTHER" book in this wonderful series to find out the answer to that one. Who is the Dr really. Is he who he says he is or is he another jerk out to hurt Sami?? Left me wondering for sure.
I loved this book just as much as the first one and now if Douglas Wickard does not get the next Sami book out to answer my questions I may have to look him up and hold him hostage until he finishes the 3rd book. lol I want so bad to know what more Sami is going to have to go through. Is she going to be in danger again and if so from who. Will she find love after all she has been through and will she stop drinking with her meds when she knows it is not helping her in any way. Will Drew's marriage stay strong and will she find the happiness that her mother has caused her to doubt she deserves. Got a lot of questions here Doug and want answers like quick please. This was a wonderful book. I loved it from start to finish and now can't wait for the next one. Please don't make me wait as long for it as I did for this one... :) Loved it and the 1st one too. You are a wonderful author with a wonderful gift. Now if I can only get the next book and get some answers to the questions that I want, then I will probably want another book to be written, but will be happy to get some answers to the things that happened in this book that I want to know so bad.
It was a definite 5 star book and well worth the wait to get it... Loved loved loved it.. :)
A good author keeps you wanting more and I definitely want more of the Sami series.. Great read all the way.
Her ex husband Jerry is arrested for the murder of a young woman and of course Sami goes to the rescue to do everything she can to help him. She does not believe that the man she was married to for so long could possibly be capable of murder. Is she right or is he capable of more than she ever thought. He says that he still loves her, which really makes her mad. Why does he wait until he needs her to tell her that. After years of affairs he decides that he has never stopped loving her. I think he is a jerk, but that is just my opinion and Drews, Sami's BFF in the galaxy.
Sami needs therapy so bad to help her get over what she went through at her family cabin and when she finally does get the courage to go see the Dr he helps her in a some ways. But then she sees her BFF and the Dr going into a fancy restaurant and not as friends. Drew is married and Sami has a hard time accepting this. Drew tries to call Sami to explain but Sami has too much going on to deal with her right now and is angry with her to.
She has a wonderful part time helper with the editing of books that Sami does and is doing for a good friend. Evie was sent to her by the author to help out with his book... Or was she??
Sami still has her wonderful dog Blue who is always by her side and without whom Sami would really be lost. Someone is following Sami. She sees him several times but his face is always covered by a hood so she has no idea who it is. Then along comes an old college friend, Karl, who it seems is obsessed with Sami. But he commits suicide, so they thought at first. Then there are pictures of her everywhere in his house. He had sent her a manuscript which she knew from the words written on a post it note attached to the front who it was from. She does not read it, but after all she goes through and after her near death experience and last time of seeing the good Dr she decides that she will read it. What will it say... I guess I have to wait for "ANOTHER" book in this wonderful series to find out the answer to that one. Who is the Dr really. Is he who he says he is or is he another jerk out to hurt Sami?? Left me wondering for sure.
I loved this book just as much as the first one and now if Douglas Wickard does not get the next Sami book out to answer my questions I may have to look him up and hold him hostage until he finishes the 3rd book. lol I want so bad to know what more Sami is going to have to go through. Is she going to be in danger again and if so from who. Will she find love after all she has been through and will she stop drinking with her meds when she knows it is not helping her in any way. Will Drew's marriage stay strong and will she find the happiness that her mother has caused her to doubt she deserves. Got a lot of questions here Doug and want answers like quick please. This was a wonderful book. I loved it from start to finish and now can't wait for the next one. Please don't make me wait as long for it as I did for this one... :) Loved it and the 1st one too. You are a wonderful author with a wonderful gift. Now if I can only get the next book and get some answers to the questions that I want, then I will probably want another book to be written, but will be happy to get some answers to the things that happened in this book that I want to know so bad.
It was a definite 5 star book and well worth the wait to get it... Loved loved loved it.. :)
A good author keeps you wanting more and I definitely want more of the Sami series.. Great read all the way.
August 7, 2013
"A Spine Tingling Crime Thriller"
This is a sequel to "A Perfect Husband." That novel was one of the most suspenseful novels I read last year. I have to say, Author Douglas Wickard has outdone himself in this new Sami Saxton novel. I felt his first novel was very similar to the works of thriller author Jeffery Deaver; but now I think Wickard surpasses Deaver. In this story Sami and her wonderful dog Blue have moved into a new apartment overlooking the Hudson River and Riverside Drive in New York City. From her previous misfortunes she suffers from post traumatic stress syndrome, and even some paranoia. She relies on some medications to help her cope ... leaving the safety of her apartment alone, riding in elevators, and still having terrifying nightmares, which seem to be increasing. She is still being plagued with the notoriety as the Superwoman who killed a serial killer. Now, with a call from her ex-husband, Jerry Saxton, she is thrown into a tornado of new events that are beyond belief. Jerry is telling her he was arrested on the suspicion of murder of Miranda Davies, a simple mid-west girl enjoying life in the Big Apple. Detective "Hutch" Hutchinson and Detective Brenda Stokes have been assigned to the case. They themselves have issues in their personal lives that further spark this novel. This novel is written for mystery fans who like to figure out who-dun-it before reaching the end of the story. I challenge every reader to choose among the varied protagonists in this story. It's like you are sitting down to a 1,000 piece puzzle trying to put it all together. I, myself, played detective, jotting down everything I learned about these characters. I didn't come close to the double-whammy ending ... or you might say the triple surprise ending. It's a complex mystery, but one I couldn't put down, nor can I put it out of my head. As I nearly reached the end, I was so absorbed in the story my heart was pounding with the terror which is thrust upon Sami again. The writing style is unique and decidedly vigorous; the characters are unique, some strange, and all captivating. There are so many plots and twists that you will feel like you are traveling through a maze, wondering who really is the villain ... or villains. I am convinced, that Author Douglas Wickard has a very imaginative mind and will be writing more captivating thrillers. Read this to the end ... it is a mystery which will keep you entranced.
This is a sequel to "A Perfect Husband." That novel was one of the most suspenseful novels I read last year. I have to say, Author Douglas Wickard has outdone himself in this new Sami Saxton novel. I felt his first novel was very similar to the works of thriller author Jeffery Deaver; but now I think Wickard surpasses Deaver. In this story Sami and her wonderful dog Blue have moved into a new apartment overlooking the Hudson River and Riverside Drive in New York City. From her previous misfortunes she suffers from post traumatic stress syndrome, and even some paranoia. She relies on some medications to help her cope ... leaving the safety of her apartment alone, riding in elevators, and still having terrifying nightmares, which seem to be increasing. She is still being plagued with the notoriety as the Superwoman who killed a serial killer. Now, with a call from her ex-husband, Jerry Saxton, she is thrown into a tornado of new events that are beyond belief. Jerry is telling her he was arrested on the suspicion of murder of Miranda Davies, a simple mid-west girl enjoying life in the Big Apple. Detective "Hutch" Hutchinson and Detective Brenda Stokes have been assigned to the case. They themselves have issues in their personal lives that further spark this novel. This novel is written for mystery fans who like to figure out who-dun-it before reaching the end of the story. I challenge every reader to choose among the varied protagonists in this story. It's like you are sitting down to a 1,000 piece puzzle trying to put it all together. I, myself, played detective, jotting down everything I learned about these characters. I didn't come close to the double-whammy ending ... or you might say the triple surprise ending. It's a complex mystery, but one I couldn't put down, nor can I put it out of my head. As I nearly reached the end, I was so absorbed in the story my heart was pounding with the terror which is thrust upon Sami again. The writing style is unique and decidedly vigorous; the characters are unique, some strange, and all captivating. There are so many plots and twists that you will feel like you are traveling through a maze, wondering who really is the villain ... or villains. I am convinced, that Author Douglas Wickard has a very imaginative mind and will be writing more captivating thrillers. Read this to the end ... it is a mystery which will keep you entranced.
August 23, 2013
Unwisely, I read the end of this book while in a hotel room by myself. At night. Douglas Wickard has a gift for creating tension. (In other words, for scaring me.)
His descriptive, heart-pounding sentence structure carries the reader swiftly forward, into darkness, evil, danger and terror, along with the characters. The realistic, natural dialogue makes you care about those characters: Sami or Drew or Hutch could be you. I don’t know how Wickard does it, but he’s a master at switching genders. He writes equally as well in a female voice as he writes about the male psyche.
A Perfect Setup is brutally honest about the after-effects of abuse and he delves into some very dark areas of the human soul. Personally, I love that. It’s challenging, thought provoking, and heartbreaking. Wickard’s prose is thriller style, yet with layers of character and description that propel it into a more intellectual realm. Elevated vocabulary, a deep sense of setting and emotional upheaval, and Douglas Wickard is flirting with a literary novel. Not to mention that A Perfect Setup is a perfect vehicle for a movie.
I almost forgot to talk about the sex scenes…but I’ll let you enjoy those for yourself. Go get it. Now.
His descriptive, heart-pounding sentence structure carries the reader swiftly forward, into darkness, evil, danger and terror, along with the characters. The realistic, natural dialogue makes you care about those characters: Sami or Drew or Hutch could be you. I don’t know how Wickard does it, but he’s a master at switching genders. He writes equally as well in a female voice as he writes about the male psyche.
A Perfect Setup is brutally honest about the after-effects of abuse and he delves into some very dark areas of the human soul. Personally, I love that. It’s challenging, thought provoking, and heartbreaking. Wickard’s prose is thriller style, yet with layers of character and description that propel it into a more intellectual realm. Elevated vocabulary, a deep sense of setting and emotional upheaval, and Douglas Wickard is flirting with a literary novel. Not to mention that A Perfect Setup is a perfect vehicle for a movie.
I almost forgot to talk about the sex scenes…but I’ll let you enjoy those for yourself. Go get it. Now.
August 25, 2013
A Perfect Setup by Douglas Wickard is a perfect sequel to a Perfect Husband as we once again catch up with one of the main protagonists, a paranoid, deeply disturbed, but captivating, Sami Saxton as she tries to put the nightmares of her ordeal at the hands of a serial killer behind her and start a new life in the city. Agoraphobia, addictions and suffering from Post traumatic Stress Disorder, Sami is propelled into a series of dark and dangerous events that will result in nail biting, heart in the mouth moments, put you on a psychological roller coaster of a ride, but leave you wanting more.
We welcome back some of the old and complex characters and are also introduced to new and fascinating ones. But: Who can we trust? Who is what they say they are? Who is friend and who is the foe?
Full of twists and turns, this totally absorbing thriller will keep you guessing, give you spine tingling moments and enthral you to its surprising and unpredictable ending.
A Perfect Setup by Douglas Wickard comes highly recommended. I look forward to more from this talented author.
We welcome back some of the old and complex characters and are also introduced to new and fascinating ones. But: Who can we trust? Who is what they say they are? Who is friend and who is the foe?
Full of twists and turns, this totally absorbing thriller will keep you guessing, give you spine tingling moments and enthral you to its surprising and unpredictable ending.
A Perfect Setup by Douglas Wickard comes highly recommended. I look forward to more from this talented author.
August 19, 2013
Once again this author takes us on a psychological roller coaster ride. The characters are so real that I almost forgot I was living in a differnt life. I became totally absorbed in the plot. We could all learn much from the way this author develops his characters. I've never had an addiction but, having dealt with Agorphobia for years, I could identify with the pain of Sami. I believe that this author's background in dealing with some of the issues described in this book is the reason why it all seemed so real. Some authors write from the head but this author writes from the heart. I can feel the different when I read an author who has been through enough pain that he/she writes from the heart. I would highly recommend this book.
January 9, 2014
Douglas Wickard's, A Perfect Setup, once again brings mystery, murder and mayhem to life in the guise of Sami Saxton, his heroine from A Perfect Husband. And Holy Hannah was I ever pleased with this second effort by Mr. Wickard!
This story was brilliantly `set up' to expose both Sami's struggles to put the past behind her and her determination to forge ahead in the wake of a horrific experience that would leave a lesser person scarred for life.
In A Perfect Setup, we learn just how deeply this character was affected by her experiences in A Perfect Husband, and I applaud Mr. Wickard's talented and tender reveal of how Sami's personality was altered as she relocates in NYC and ensconces herself into the most sterile environment available with her ever-faithful canine, Blue. Throw in the murder of a young woman Sami doesn't even know, with a frantic summons from her ex-husband for good measure, and you now have the recipe for Crazy Noodle Soup complete with a huge helping of how's-she-supposed-to-handle all-this-commotion? Sami already has enough to deal with as she recovers from her post-traumatic stress issues, so when the quite possibly, demented stalker enters the picture, this reader became so empathetic, she absolutely had to finish this book without further ado.
I never read and tell, as I dislike spoiler alerts, so I'll simply say this: Mr. Wickard is my personal, male counterpart of Mary Poppins - his knack for story telling is perfect in every way and I greatly admire how he tidies up every single open ended question as this marvelous thriller reaches its conclusion. Buy it and enjoy every word of A Perfect Setup! You won't be disappointed!
This story was brilliantly `set up' to expose both Sami's struggles to put the past behind her and her determination to forge ahead in the wake of a horrific experience that would leave a lesser person scarred for life.
In A Perfect Setup, we learn just how deeply this character was affected by her experiences in A Perfect Husband, and I applaud Mr. Wickard's talented and tender reveal of how Sami's personality was altered as she relocates in NYC and ensconces herself into the most sterile environment available with her ever-faithful canine, Blue. Throw in the murder of a young woman Sami doesn't even know, with a frantic summons from her ex-husband for good measure, and you now have the recipe for Crazy Noodle Soup complete with a huge helping of how's-she-supposed-to-handle all-this-commotion? Sami already has enough to deal with as she recovers from her post-traumatic stress issues, so when the quite possibly, demented stalker enters the picture, this reader became so empathetic, she absolutely had to finish this book without further ado.
I never read and tell, as I dislike spoiler alerts, so I'll simply say this: Mr. Wickard is my personal, male counterpart of Mary Poppins - his knack for story telling is perfect in every way and I greatly admire how he tidies up every single open ended question as this marvelous thriller reaches its conclusion. Buy it and enjoy every word of A Perfect Setup! You won't be disappointed!
August 15, 2013
Sami moves back to the city and though she is still struggling mentally, she feels her life moving forward. The ordeal in the country was bad and rattled Sami pretty good, but she's a fighter. Now she's got her ex-husband telling her he loves her and some creep following her and watching her. Her best friend is cheating on her husband and her assistant may not be the person she thinks she is. Sami feels like her world is shattering around her when Detective Hutchinson moves in to help right things for awhile. Will life ever be normal again?
This book is raw and emotional. You'll be on the edge of your seat with Sami waiting to see what comes next. The danger, excitement and sensuality makes this a must read!! I found more twists and turns in this book than a black snake and I LOVED every one of them. You'll keep guessing until the end as to who did what when and where. Douglas Wickard is a master storyteller!! If you haven't read his first book, A Perfect Husband, get it, and this one! This is a sequel but stands alone very well. GET BOTH BOOKS TODAY!!
I found no issues with this one.
I gave this one 5+ cheers out of 5 cheers because Sami is a strong, independent woman who kicks butt! ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
This book is raw and emotional. You'll be on the edge of your seat with Sami waiting to see what comes next. The danger, excitement and sensuality makes this a must read!! I found more twists and turns in this book than a black snake and I LOVED every one of them. You'll keep guessing until the end as to who did what when and where. Douglas Wickard is a master storyteller!! If you haven't read his first book, A Perfect Husband, get it, and this one! This is a sequel but stands alone very well. GET BOTH BOOKS TODAY!!
I found no issues with this one.
I gave this one 5+ cheers out of 5 cheers because Sami is a strong, independent woman who kicks butt! ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
November 19, 2013
Once again, Mr. Wickard, sucked me into his story from the beginning and made it difficult to put the book down. This time around, instead of wanting to shout out a warning to his protagonist, Sami Saxton, I desired to give her a hug, and tell her everything would get better. If we could just figure out what the heck is going on.
This time, instead of knowing who the antagonist is, the reader is left wondering who it might be, and why. The likely suspects are given time in the novel to convince the reader their suspicion is correct, to have this belief shift to yet another character.
Mr. Wickard’s writing is vivid. He paints an image in a few words moving the story forward with minimal effort. Unlike some authors whose description of scenes makes this reviewer wish they’d get on with the story, I found myself sitting back and enjoying the taste of the alcohol, or the feeling I was one of the people walking the sidewalk, or enjoyed the view from Sami’s apartment window.
The story’s ends with a satisfying conclusion, but is left wide open for the series to continue. I’ll anxiously wait for the next novel from this author.
This time, instead of knowing who the antagonist is, the reader is left wondering who it might be, and why. The likely suspects are given time in the novel to convince the reader their suspicion is correct, to have this belief shift to yet another character.
Mr. Wickard’s writing is vivid. He paints an image in a few words moving the story forward with minimal effort. Unlike some authors whose description of scenes makes this reviewer wish they’d get on with the story, I found myself sitting back and enjoying the taste of the alcohol, or the feeling I was one of the people walking the sidewalk, or enjoyed the view from Sami’s apartment window.
The story’s ends with a satisfying conclusion, but is left wide open for the series to continue. I’ll anxiously wait for the next novel from this author.
November 30, 2013
I find all the positive reviews of this book mind boggling. This book wasn't a mystery...it was a whole bunch of people sleeping with each other, using crass language, back stabbing, and oh...occasionally trying to figure out who killed a girl. This read more like a bad romance than a mystery.
Sami, the main character, has had a rough time lately. I didn't read the first book, but in this one she comes off as unbalanced, whiney and incapable of taking care of herself (or anyone). Her ex-husband is accused of murder and she tries to help him, though she has waaaaaay too many psychological issues to help anyone.
None of the characters were likable. They all use language that seems crass, forced, over-the-top and juvenile. It seemed like the language was put in for shock effect...it did nothing to aid the story and was a real turn off. There were way too many sex scenes and sexually deviant descriptions that didn't need to be included. And I'm fairly sure that every single character slept with someone during the story.
I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in a mystery.
Sami, the main character, has had a rough time lately. I didn't read the first book, but in this one she comes off as unbalanced, whiney and incapable of taking care of herself (or anyone). Her ex-husband is accused of murder and she tries to help him, though she has waaaaaay too many psychological issues to help anyone.
None of the characters were likable. They all use language that seems crass, forced, over-the-top and juvenile. It seemed like the language was put in for shock effect...it did nothing to aid the story and was a real turn off. There were way too many sex scenes and sexually deviant descriptions that didn't need to be included. And I'm fairly sure that every single character slept with someone during the story.
I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in a mystery.
July 20, 2016
“A Perfect Setup” by Douglas Wickard is a well plotted and cleverly told thriller that contains some dark and raw issues, such as abuse.
Our heroine Sami Saxton is an edgy person due to her own past that still haunts her and which has led her to have therapy. Just as she seems to have established a new and peaceful life for herself her ex-husband comes back into her life, but not so much as a love interest but as murder suspect who appears to have been set up. She tries to help and together with
With changing perspectives Wickard lets us see different viewpoints but we keep guessing until the end who the bad guy is.
Full with amazing psychological depth and gripping suspense, written in realistic prose and dialogue, with excellent insight into Sami’s tormented mind and with excellent detail this is a very recommendable read.
August 15, 2013
Really ??? Seriously ??? I mean how much drama can one person handle? In this next book by Douglas Wickard we find out just how much our heroine Sami Saxton can handle. I really loved this book. The mystery, the suspense and not too mention the ending of the book - all of it just brilliant. Douglas does an awesome job of hooking the reader in and keeping them until the very end. The book has just the right amount of description (not too wordy). The "who did it"kept me on the edge of my seat that I had to read this book in one sitting. I could not put it down. I can not wait to see if there is another book coming from this awesome author. You really, really need to read this book. I give it 5 stars !!!!
March 3, 2014
A Perfect Setup by Douglas Wickard is an engaging story that picks up about a year after the first book ends. Sami went through a rough time but it is nothing compared to what is happening to her now. Still living with the affects of what happened and now receiving one shock after the other she feels she is losing it (Something most of us can relate to at least one time in our lives). A surprising end that hopefully gives us a chance to have a couple of questions answered in a 3rd Sami Saxton book.
September 24, 2013
I cannot recommend this book enough. I read the first Sami Saxton novel, A Perfect Husband, and I was thrilled that Douglas wrote another Sami Saxton novel.
Douglas, thank you!
Sami is not your typical female murder-solving female. She's flawed and she's my friend!
A great Thriller and a fast-paced novel.
Read this book!
I loved this book so much I had Douglas on JUDY The Show. Judytheshow.com
Douglas, thank you!
Sami is not your typical female murder-solving female. She's flawed and she's my friend!
A great Thriller and a fast-paced novel.
Read this book!
I loved this book so much I had Douglas on JUDY The Show. Judytheshow.com
October 3, 2016
Very suspenseful
Well written, The Perfect Setup kept me wanting to pick it back up even when my eyes were too tired to remain open. Will be looking for more by Douglas Wickard.
Well written, The Perfect Setup kept me wanting to pick it back up even when my eyes were too tired to remain open. Will be looking for more by Douglas Wickard.
March 7, 2018
Had to do it!
I've really enjoyed these two books .Wickard is an excellent writer and I have enjoyed both immensely. The way he lays out the story he's telling, you think you've got it figured out only to realize you've been deftly led to another pathway.
I've really enjoyed these two books .Wickard is an excellent writer and I have enjoyed both immensely. The way he lays out the story he's telling, you think you've got it figured out only to realize you've been deftly led to another pathway.
December 12, 2014
Perfectly creepy.
What was supposed to be a light read turned out to be a delightfully intricate mystery, with a plethora of twists and turns along the way. I liked the main character, Sami, with all her neuroses and issues. Her fight to get through her increasingly difficult week was quite involved.
One criticism I do have? Maybe it was too involved? I'm going to re-read it to see. Maybe I just got a bit lost. In any case, it's worth a read, if not two.
What was supposed to be a light read turned out to be a delightfully intricate mystery, with a plethora of twists and turns along the way. I liked the main character, Sami, with all her neuroses and issues. Her fight to get through her increasingly difficult week was quite involved.
One criticism I do have? Maybe it was too involved? I'm going to re-read it to see. Maybe I just got a bit lost. In any case, it's worth a read, if not two.
April 25, 2015
What a Great book....lots of suspense, mystery, and at the end, total surprise as it should be, if the writer is good which Douglas has proven he is. I will continue with the Sami Saxton series..can't wait to see what happen next.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews