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When I Watched Her Die
From bestselling author Sonya Bateman comes a shocking psychological thriller.
I was twelve when I watched her die in the woods. No one believed what I saw. Until now.
We finally found her. And now, I get to investigate her murder.
But first, I have to catch a serial killer…
Detective Preston Clarke, recently promoted to the only female detective on her town’s force, has been waiting twenty years to solve a murder that only she believes happened. But when the girl’s body is found, she’s already neck-deep in a more recent, crucial case.
An active serial killer has moved into her town. He’s already claimed one victim, and there will be more.
Preston is determined to handle this on her own, to prove herself, but her boss has other ideas. The department has hired an expert who worked on the serial killer’s original case—and he’s transferring into town to be Preston’s partner.
It’s not the start she wanted for her career. And then, things get worse.
More bodies drop. Preston discovers a shocking connection between the long-dead girl and the present-day killer.
And the killer’s next target might just be her.
Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Jeneva Rose, Karin Slaughter and Anya Mora.
Please note this is a revised edition of Kill Switch.
Readers are completely obsessed with Sonya Bateman’s utterly gripping psych
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wow! Buyer beware, extremely twisted plot. A great read with superb characters. Twists and turns that will leave you dizzy.’ Donna
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Edge of my seat from start to finish!' Tamara
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Wow, simply an amazing thriller, twists you would never expect! If you love a good mystery with twists you never see coming, then this is the book for you! ’Meranda
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I’m literally crying in all the right ways. This book is a complete roller coaster. You think you’ve got it figured out, then the book makes you question it all. . . All I can say is WOW!’ Vanessa
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Beyond amazing. There was some parts I had to stop and re-read because I was like what the h*ll did I just read. This story was beyond good. I loved it.’ Lori
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘WOW. Talk about a twisting, upside down, crazy rollercoaster ride with so many turns . . .I could not put this book down. Read in completely in one evening.’ Ruby
I was twelve when I watched her die in the woods. No one believed what I saw. Until now.
We finally found her. And now, I get to investigate her murder.
But first, I have to catch a serial killer…
Detective Preston Clarke, recently promoted to the only female detective on her town’s force, has been waiting twenty years to solve a murder that only she believes happened. But when the girl’s body is found, she’s already neck-deep in a more recent, crucial case.
An active serial killer has moved into her town. He’s already claimed one victim, and there will be more.
Preston is determined to handle this on her own, to prove herself, but her boss has other ideas. The department has hired an expert who worked on the serial killer’s original case—and he’s transferring into town to be Preston’s partner.
It’s not the start she wanted for her career. And then, things get worse.
More bodies drop. Preston discovers a shocking connection between the long-dead girl and the present-day killer.
And the killer’s next target might just be her.
Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Jeneva Rose, Karin Slaughter and Anya Mora.
Please note this is a revised edition of Kill Switch.
Readers are completely obsessed with Sonya Bateman’s utterly gripping psych
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wow! Buyer beware, extremely twisted plot. A great read with superb characters. Twists and turns that will leave you dizzy.’ Donna
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Edge of my seat from start to finish!' Tamara
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Wow, simply an amazing thriller, twists you would never expect! If you love a good mystery with twists you never see coming, then this is the book for you! ’Meranda
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I’m literally crying in all the right ways. This book is a complete roller coaster. You think you’ve got it figured out, then the book makes you question it all. . . All I can say is WOW!’ Vanessa
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Beyond amazing. There was some parts I had to stop and re-read because I was like what the h*ll did I just read. This story was beyond good. I loved it.’ Lori
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘WOW. Talk about a twisting, upside down, crazy rollercoaster ride with so many turns . . .I could not put this book down. Read in completely in one evening.’ Ruby
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2024
585 people are currently reading
551 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
August 21, 2024
Genuinely so addicting!!! Most well-written thing in the world? No. But I couldn’t put it down! The ending was a little unusual and not what I expected but it is what it is. Overall a fun little mystery novel, although I was expecting more of a thriller than just a murder mystery
September 24, 2024
Great book, tough to put down. Character development is well done, story is fast paced and very twisty! Quite a few mysteries throughout the entire book and all but one were solved and neatly bowed for the reader. I won't mention the one that was not wrapped up, because it would require a spoiler, and if you read the book, you will know exactly what the author skipped that would have created the perfect denouement. Still, a very satisfying read which has me ready to dive into her other books.
August 26, 2024
I loved this book! It was told in two person, and so you feel like you know each one. It really starts with a bang! I really liked Amos and Preston too! It builds up the suspense and you won’t be let down!
August 13, 2024
Loved it. It was awesome!
March 10, 2024
Great book unusal plot with a really different ending.
August 6, 2024
This really was hard to put down.
One of the best mysteries I’ve read in quite some time. In fact, it’s so good I am writing my first review.
It’s a clever story idea that’s developed in a fast-paced compelling manner.
The characters are developed so well that you really do care about them. The author drops leading and misleading clues as masterfully as Hansel and Gretel dropped breadcrumbs.
Hope there’s more to come I like these folks.
One of the best mysteries I’ve read in quite some time. In fact, it’s so good I am writing my first review.
It’s a clever story idea that’s developed in a fast-paced compelling manner.
The characters are developed so well that you really do care about them. The author drops leading and misleading clues as masterfully as Hansel and Gretel dropped breadcrumbs.
Hope there’s more to come I like these folks.
August 7, 2024
Outstanding
You will not want to put down this book until you are almost at the end. Then you will put it down and find things to do so you don't have to finish it. Because then the story will be done. I do not EVER remember having this reaction to a book ( and at 76 I read about 5 a week), it was terrific!
You will not want to put down this book until you are almost at the end. Then you will put it down and find things to do so you don't have to finish it. Because then the story will be done. I do not EVER remember having this reaction to a book ( and at 76 I read about 5 a week), it was terrific!
October 16, 2025
4.25⭐️
To say I don’t normally
Read thrillers/ mystery I throughly enjoyed this
It has you hooked from pg 1 and I was constantly sending guessing myself , I wasn’t expecting that plot twist at the end ! I’ll defitnley be reading more of her books in the future
To say I don’t normally
Read thrillers/ mystery I throughly enjoyed this
It has you hooked from pg 1 and I was constantly sending guessing myself , I wasn’t expecting that plot twist at the end ! I’ll defitnley be reading more of her books in the future
December 2, 2024
I devoured this book. The characters were intriguing and kept my interest. I loved every moment ! Although predictable it was a cozy thriller. Will read more from this author.
August 13, 2025
PG 17
childhood sexual abuse in the foster care system
childhood sexual abuse in the foster care system
August 15, 2024
Review for my own notes. Enjoyed characters and story, but I detest books that do not seem to be a part of a series, but leave the ending unfinished.
What happened to Preston's husband Paul?
Where did the evil twin brother come from / his story?
What happened to Preston's husband Paul?
Where did the evil twin brother come from / his story?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2024
Bad. So hard to get through…. Finished but only because it was part of book club
August 12, 2024
Excellent but left with questions
This book was very well written with excellent characters that I feel still have much more story to tell. Is the author planning a series with these two characters? I would certainly be happy about that. There are questions brought to the readers mind in the book which are never answered. I for one like closure if the book has come to an end. For example, what happened to Preston’s husband, why only four bodies in the fire and not five? Who started the fire and why does August say ‘we.’ I felt like the ‘ending’ was actually a beginning. Perhaps the author has a future planned for these two detectives. I hope so.
This book was very well written with excellent characters that I feel still have much more story to tell. Is the author planning a series with these two characters? I would certainly be happy about that. There are questions brought to the readers mind in the book which are never answered. I for one like closure if the book has come to an end. For example, what happened to Preston’s husband, why only four bodies in the fire and not five? Who started the fire and why does August say ‘we.’ I felt like the ‘ending’ was actually a beginning. Perhaps the author has a future planned for these two detectives. I hope so.
May 10, 2025
So many twists!
Preston is a new detective in her small town. At a young age, she had been a witness to a murder. But, no one believed her. When human remains turns up 20 years later. Now, Detective Preston feels vindicated and determined to find the person she saw all those years ago.
But, there is currently a serial killer brutally murdering women currently. It is her case, and she is nowhere close to solving it. Because of her childhood experience and these other murders, she is determined to solve it. Besides, she needs to prove she deserves this promotion.
Enter a man whose kills are sanctioned by the government. He has a real name, but his aliases are even more common. But a chance encounter has shoved him full tilt into the life of a stranger who is shockingly his doppelganger.
This plot was everything. There are so many twists and shocking discoveries. Great characters, incredible ever changing plot.
Preston is a new detective in her small town. At a young age, she had been a witness to a murder. But, no one believed her. When human remains turns up 20 years later. Now, Detective Preston feels vindicated and determined to find the person she saw all those years ago.
But, there is currently a serial killer brutally murdering women currently. It is her case, and she is nowhere close to solving it. Because of her childhood experience and these other murders, she is determined to solve it. Besides, she needs to prove she deserves this promotion.
Enter a man whose kills are sanctioned by the government. He has a real name, but his aliases are even more common. But a chance encounter has shoved him full tilt into the life of a stranger who is shockingly his doppelganger.
This plot was everything. There are so many twists and shocking discoveries. Great characters, incredible ever changing plot.
January 14, 2025
Good one!
Little slow in parts but overall good. The biggest problem is the editing. Way too many instances of the wrong POV. The chapter will be in first person and slip to second or third person, so you’re rereading the sentence. I knew who the main killer was because it was obvious, thanks to a major clue inside a box, but the rest was a surprise. I do wish there were a few better explanations, about the brother and the husband, which is all I can say without giving spoilers. All in all, a good novel and worth reading.
Little slow in parts but overall good. The biggest problem is the editing. Way too many instances of the wrong POV. The chapter will be in first person and slip to second or third person, so you’re rereading the sentence. I knew who the main killer was because it was obvious, thanks to a major clue inside a box, but the rest was a surprise. I do wish there were a few better explanations, about the brother and the husband, which is all I can say without giving spoilers. All in all, a good novel and worth reading.
August 24, 2024
I found this book to be a little too cliche, rolled my eyes a few too many times.
Annoyed that it would change between first and third person on a few occasions - made it very confusing.
I will say, I did not predict 'whodunnit' so that was a pleasant surprise. Which is always a plus when it comes to a thriller!
Annoyed that it would change between first and third person on a few occasions - made it very confusing.
I will say, I did not predict 'whodunnit' so that was a pleasant surprise. Which is always a plus when it comes to a thriller!
September 13, 2024
Recommend
I enjoyed this book. The reason for four stars is because there were too many places I needed to skim in order to keep the story moving. If you have even an once of patience (which I do not) you will not have the same issue. Good characters, good story. Don't hesitate to give it a try. I've already purchased the next book.
I enjoyed this book. The reason for four stars is because there were too many places I needed to skim in order to keep the story moving. If you have even an once of patience (which I do not) you will not have the same issue. Good characters, good story. Don't hesitate to give it a try. I've already purchased the next book.
November 3, 2024
This plot is full of twists and turns, some predictable, but most not. I enjoyed the writing style and the characterisation. And I liked Preston ... for a change, the female protagonist was allowed to be strong but not hard or full of angst, as so many are. I'll be looking out for more books by Sonya Bateman, as this is the first of her thrillers I've read.
November 24, 2024
This was a really good suspense book! I loved the ending. But I really struggled with the whole missing husband thing. Where did he go? Why didn't we get anything else about him? I was hoping that there'd be a cliffhanger to prove that we will one day know what happened to him.
Other than that I loved it! A great story development and the characters were fantastic!
Other than that I loved it! A great story development and the characters were fantastic!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2024
Finished in 1 day
This book grabbed me from the very beginning and didn't let go. More twists and turns than a winding Vermont country road. Disappointed this wasn't part of a series.
This book grabbed me from the very beginning and didn't let go. More twists and turns than a winding Vermont country road. Disappointed this wasn't part of a series.
August 5, 2024
Highly recommend d
The pace of this book is perfect, the storyline is great and kept me turning pages when I should have been getting sleep. The final chapter was a little shorter then I anticipated but it wrapped up the story just fine. Overall 9/10
The pace of this book is perfect, the storyline is great and kept me turning pages when I should have been getting sleep. The final chapter was a little shorter then I anticipated but it wrapped up the story just fine. Overall 9/10
August 5, 2024
Lots of twists you don't see coming.
A great who done that keeps you guessing. Even when you think you figured it out the author has you second guessing. Lots of interesting characters to like and dislike.
A great who done that keeps you guessing. Even when you think you figured it out the author has you second guessing. Lots of interesting characters to like and dislike.
August 18, 2024
Quick easy read. I’d give this a 3.5 stars, the first 50% of the book wasn’t super captivating, but the last half sure was. It wasn’t as predictable as I was expecting when I picked it up, but there is an evil twin twist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2024
Intereting
This book was certainly a plot that I have never come cross before and I m a more than vid reader of crime thriller. Extremely unique how everyone was who they were. The circumstances were unreal.
This book was certainly a plot that I have never come cross before and I m a more than vid reader of crime thriller. Extremely unique how everyone was who they were. The circumstances were unreal.
September 26, 2024
I really liked this story. From the description it didn't seem nearly as good as it turned out to be. There is someone in the small town who is a murderer, or maybe someone returning to the small town. I loved all the characters in this story.
October 7, 2024
Wizard title
I liked this book from the get go. It kept me thinking all the way through, usually down the wrong street. Liked the different perspectives and really liked the style, not too heavy but with meat in every bite.
I liked this book from the get go. It kept me thinking all the way through, usually down the wrong street. Liked the different perspectives and really liked the style, not too heavy but with meat in every bite.
November 12, 2024
Couldn't put it down
Small town detective Preston gets saddled with big city cop,Donovan, as her partner to solve a murder. But is he who her captain thinks he is. There are so many twists and turns to this thriller I just let thing go to keep reading.
Small town detective Preston gets saddled with big city cop,Donovan, as her partner to solve a murder. But is he who her captain thinks he is. There are so many twists and turns to this thriller I just let thing go to keep reading.
December 13, 2024
Twisted and great read
Enjoyed book 2. Didn't need book one to read #2 as they are independent. 4 stars as about half thru it got a bit boring for me. Then holy moly, it picked back up fast and fierce.
Enjoyed book 2. Didn't need book one to read #2 as they are independent. 4 stars as about half thru it got a bit boring for me. Then holy moly, it picked back up fast and fierce.
January 9, 2025
Great book,the Authers best book I'e read so far,hard to put down cos yu don't want it to end!
The characters are good but more than being a thriller I loved it for it's humour in the character of Amos.
The characters are good but more than being a thriller I loved it for it's humour in the character of Amos.
February 11, 2025
great detective mystery
This book started a little slow, I wasn’t sure about the hitman parts but it quickly picked up and became a real mystery to help solve with interesting main characters
This book started a little slow, I wasn’t sure about the hitman parts but it quickly picked up and became a real mystery to help solve with interesting main characters
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews