From the author of the award-winning Truth and Other Lies comes a gripping suspense novel about an ambitious prosecutor on the hunt for her sadistic stalker, only to find herself framed for murder when he turns up dead.
Rachel Matthews is used to stress—from the cutthroat world of the district attorney’s office to her escalating clashes with her teenage daughter. So when a stranger sends a lavish bouquet with a macabre message and leaves a disturbing video on her doorstep, she’s quick to act. Teaming up with an old classmate turned private investigator, she wades through old case files, searching for someone harboring a grudge against her.
But before she has time to pinpoint a suspect, her stalker issues a demand—he wants money, lots of it, or he’ll hurt her daughter. In a dangerous gamble, Rachel agrees to meet her stalker on an isolated beach, only to find herself fleeing from a shocking crime scene. Can she solve the puzzle of who wants to destroy her before she loses her family, her career, and her freedom?
Fans of Scott Turow’s Presumed Innocent will embrace this taut tale of long-simmering revenge right up to its surprising and twisty climax.
In a career that’s included work as a journalist, a psychologist, and the founder of a national art consulting company, Maggie Smith added novelist to her resume with the publication of her debut, Truth and Other Lies, a women’s fiction novel set in Chicago and released in March 2022 by Ten16 Press. It won NIEA’s Juror Grand Prize, the Star Award for Debut Fiction from Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Foreword INDIES Gold Metal for General Fiction, and was selected for the Women’s Book Association Great Group Reads. Her second novel, a psychological suspense called Blindspot, releases in May 2024.
In addition to her writing, Maggie hosts the weekly podcast Hear Us Roar (225+ episodes), blogs monthly for Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and is Managing Editor for Chicago Writer’s Association Write City E-Zine. She resides in Milwaukee WI with her husband and her aging but still adorable sheltie
Rachel Matthews is used to stress—from the cutthroat world of the district attorney’s office to her escalating clashes with her teenage daughter. So when a stranger sends a lavish bouquet with a macabre message and leaves a disturbing video on her doorstep, she’s quick to act. Teaming up with an old classmate turned private investigator, she wades through old case files, searching for someone harboring a grudge against her.
But before she has time to pinpoint a suspect, her stalker issues a demand—he wants money, lots of it, or he’ll hurt her daughter. In a dangerous gamble, Rachel agrees to meet her stalker on an isolated beach, only to find herself fleeing from a shocking crime scene. Can she solve the puzzle of who wants to destroy her before she loses her family, her career, and her freedom?
OHHHEMMMGEEE! When I first read the synopsis for Blindspot, I knew I was going to be in for quite a ride. What I didn’t realize was that it was going to be an edge of your seat, nerve-tingling thriller from beginning to end. From its fast pace and complex plot to a truly dynamite narrator, there wasn’t a thing not to love. And the twists! What can I say? They redirected my sleuthing time and time again. That’s not to say that I didn’t figure out a few little pieces to the puzzle. Even that, though, couldn’t stop my ardent admiration for both the book and Ms. Smith herself.
Speaking of those characters, each of them were thoughtfully constructed and played an important role in a plot that had definite Hitchcockian and Agatha Christie-esque vibes. True-to-life despite a few somewhat melodramatic moments, I connected with Rachel right off the bat. Even her character arc was simply sublime. But the hairpin turns and deftly laid red herrings were what really made this book sing. They turned what could have been a straight forward tale of revenge into one heck of a rollicking good time filled to the brim with foreboding and suspense.
All in all, Maggie Smith utterly knocked this one out of the park. If you loved Kill for Me, Kill for You or just want a propulsive thriller to sink yourself into, this is your book. With a mind-blowing game of cat-and-mouse, short chapters, and a flawlessly played climax, I read this one cover to cover in just a single sitting. After all, it was everything I wanted and more. Addictive, unputdownable, and binge-worthy in the extreme, you simply have to add Bindspot to your TBR now. I guarantee that you won’t regret it in the least. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded).
Thank you to Maggie Smith, Puzzle Box Press, Partners in Crime Tours, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 21, 2024
Trigger warning: threatening phone calls and notes, stalking, blackmail, a fatal shooting, mention of: infidelity, suicide
I chose this book because of all the 4 and 5 star reviews on Goodreads, but I didn't love it as much as most readers did. The prologue drew me right in, but the first 60% of the book was the setup for the murder that later takes place. The main character, Rachel, made some questionable decisions for a well-respected prosecutor, and I just couldn't connect with her. I didn't find the story to be particularly suspenseful, and I pretty much knew where the plot was headed early on. The conclusion seemed contrived and I don't like when diary entries are used as evidence and to tie up loose ends. It was a quick and easy read, but a bit of a disappointment.
Are you looking for a compelling, face paced page turner? Look no further than Blindspot by Maggie Smith. I could not put this down. All of us here at Thriller Book Promotions, The Pulse are loving this book so much.
Rachel Matthew’s is a busy woman. She is an assistant district attorney and a single mother to a headstrong teenage daughter. She doesn’t need anything more to deal with, but somebody is stalking her. Not content to let the police stop them, she launches her own investigations and things get messy.
There are so many surprises and twists in this one, you just want to keep reading to see how it will all end. So clever.
Thanks so much to Puzzle Box Press for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on May 21st.
Rachel Matthews is an Assistant District Attorney who is a single mum to daughter Charley. Generally speaking they have a great mother and daughter relationship but as we all know, teenage years are not easy for either parent or child. Rachel's job is extremely demanding, working long hours and under constant pressure to perform.
Rachel revels in her job but personally she has some issues, she has recently been receiving phone calls and then a video from a person who is not identifying themselves. The voice on the phone sending chilling messages that leave her imagination running wild, and once she receives the video Rachel is becoming very frightened and concerned as to who is doing this and more importantly why? Rachel has received threats before and seems to come with the job, locking up the most dangerous and vile people, but now she also fears for her daughter. Not long after, she then receives a ransom demand of $50,000. The person asks Rachel to meet him in a secluded area on a beach to deliver the cash, she realises she should probably not go there alone, or at least let someone know what she is about to do, but she is under strict instructions and due to the safety of Charley, she follows them exactly as told but when she arrives she is then faced with another dilemma.
If you are a thriller reader I am sure you will enjoy this book. It moves along relatively quickly and the characterization is excellent. .There is a constant feeling of suspence and tension that will have you guessing all the way through, I thought I had it all worked out but I was wrong which is just the kind of book I like, I always enjoy putting my detective cap on and trying to see if I can identify who the culprit is. A very good read, highly recommended.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own
Rachel Matthews is an attorney with a teenage daughter. As a single parent, Charley can be a handful, and it is hard on Rachel because she does not get to spend as much time as she wants and her job is demanding.
Rachel starts getting messages and flowers from an unknown person. The messages are threatening and demand money to keep her daughter safe. She teams up with her investigator friend to solve the mystery. Does one of her past clients have a grudge with her?
Rachel is at the scene of a murder and she is friends with his wife. Is there a connection? Can she find out who the threats are coming from?
This novel is gripping with twist that completely stumped me!
Blindspot is a fast paced thriller that you'll be reading late into the night. I had to finish the book after starting it last night and it's now 2 a.m. Yes, that's the sign of a great book! This book will have you hooked from the start and you'll find yourself racing through it to get the answers you need! What an awesome book by Maggie Smith! I am now a huge fan and will read anything she writes.
Rachel Matthews is a prosecutor in the district attorney's office, is a single mother raising a teenage daughter, and lost the love of her life when she was very young. Rachel has a stalker who is calling her with hateful messages, sending flowers, following her, vandalizing her home, and threatening her and her daughter. She tries to handle things on her own, but when the threats involve her daughter she goes to the police. The police can't help very much, but say they'll look into it. Rachel gets an alarm system for her home and decides to hire a private investigator that her brother has used before.
As Rachel comes into contact with some new "friends" you will be wondering who the stalker is and what they want with Rachel? When the demand for money comes, it was only a matter of time. Pay the money or your daughter will be taken and injured. Should Rachel agree to the terms, report it to the police, let the investigator know? This book is high intensity from beginning to end. I don't often read a book this fast, but I couldn't put this book down. I rate Blindspot 5 stars with my very highest recommendation. Blindspot is now available and should go to the top of your TBR list! Trust me on this! I'd like to thank NetGalley, Maggie Smith, and Puzzle Box Press for an advanced copy of Blindspot in exchange for a fair review. #Blindspot
It seems someone is out to get Rachel, leaving her threatening messages and calling her at odd times. Getting her old PI buddy Max to help her find out who is behind it all eases the load of Rachel, who is busy at work at the district attorney's office. But when Rachel is linked to a crime, thanks to said stalker, she knows she needs to get herself out of this pickle and fast....or it will be her who is in the jail cell.
What a super addictive book this was! Fast paced with short chapters had me flipping through at rapid speed. There were a lot of twists that kept me intrigued and a big reveal that had my jaw dropping. Cleverly written, I think all thriller lovers will enjoy it.
OMGGGG! This book was such a gripping and intense, edge-of-you-seat thriller! I was excited by the blurb, but I had no idea what kind of roller coaster ride I would be in for. Rachel is a district attorney and a single mother to a teenage girl. Rachel is very focused and dedicated to her job. She is a very busy woman that is accomplished and is in the running for a promotion. As if she needs something else to deal with, she finds out that she has a stalker. The police aren't moving as fast and efficiently as she would like them to, so she hires a private investigator, and launches her own investigation. Rachel refuses to let her stalker get the best of her.
From the beginning, the pace of this book is a speeding car. It starts off with an clever prologue, and I was presented with clever writing until the end of the book. On top of brilliant writing, the twists and turns were jaw dropping. Just when I thought I had it figured out, a twist would happen that made me gasp. The characters were well developed, especially Rachel. It was great getting to know her. I was rooting for her the whole way through the book. A brilliant, fast paced and gripping thriller that I definitely recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and Puzzle Box Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book was wild! Maggie, my dear, you are a brilliant writer and now that I've finished this amazing tale, I will go back and read your previous novels.
In Blind Spot, the characters were well written and the storyline made me feel as if I were living right alongside Rachel, Charley and all the other amazing characters. Finding out who the stalker was blew my mind!
Rachel trusts no one; the stalker could be anyone. So she hires a PI and together they work to figure out this mystery.
This is a fast-paced, grab you by the throat and don’t let go, type of read. That first twist before chapter one even begins hints at what lies ahead in this book. What a clever, clever prologue that was.
I loved the legal aspect of this book - the office and all the law lingo added an extra something special to the overall story. I also appreciated Rachel’s character. A feminist at heart, she takes no crap from any man, no matter the power they may hold. She’s simply kickass.
This was an enjoyable read that I’d recommend to any thriller lover. Absolutely love love loved this book! Of all the thrillers, I’m glad this one found its way to me.
This book was good! It had me turning pages and guessing until the very end. This was my 1st book by this author, but I'll definitely be reading more.
Rachel Matthews works as an assistant district attorney and is a single mom to a teenage daughter, so she's used to stress. But when she starts getting strange messages and phone calls, her stress level reaches a whole new level. Her stalker also leaves a bouquet with a disturbing message at her work and an alarming video on her doorstep. She's gone to the police but they haven't been able to turn up anything. So, she decides to hire a private investigator who also happens to be an old classmate. They go over her old case files, but before they can determine a suspect, Rachel receives a demand for $50k, or her daughter will pay the price. Rachel decides to comply and not tell anyone about it. But as she goes to the drop in an isolated location, she witnesses a shocking crime and flees. Can she find out the identity of her stalker and the person who committed the crime before her whole life is destroyed?
This book was gripping, fast-paced, and well-written. It will keep you glued to the pages to see what happens next. There was a whole lot of suspense and twists I didn't see coming. I thought I knew who was behind it all, but my guess was wrong. The plot and the characters were very entertaining. I also enjoyed the setting of Milwaukee, WI. If you're looking for a good cat and mouse thriller, look no further. I highly recommend this one.
If there was only one word I could use to describe this book it would be: ADDICTING!
I had to force myself to put it down last night and then avoided all adult responsibilities today to complete 😬 what a twisty cat and mouse thriller this was! I was at the edge of my seat, suspicious of everyone and couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen. The very first chapter hooked me and never let go. This was such a great read and I flew through it. Highly recommend!
Thank you to the author and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Thank you Puzzle Box Press and Maggie Smith for the gifted copy!
I really enjoyed this book! It had excellent pacing so I never wanted to put it down, and there were so many twists and turns I didn't see coming. First and foremost though the premise was just so interesting - I won't say too much as the synopsis of the book doesn't give away what's so interesting to me about it.
I also love that this book takes place in the Midwest as a Midwest girlie myself. I was also lucky enough to receive a promo package for this book and I can't wait to show off the goodies I got.
Suffice to say I loved this book and will definitely be reading whatever Maggie Smith writes next!
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up! I am so grateful to the author for reaching out to me and offering me an ARC of this book. It is totally up my alley and I found it so entertaining!
This book keeps you guessing the entire time and is really well paced. It’s also a well written, easy read that takes you straight into the world of the story, and you forget you’re even reading.
There were some twists I saw coming ahead, and some I was totally blind sided by! Such a wild plot with a great ending.
I also LOVED that the author included a little behind the scenes look into her writing process in the PR package she sent. I cannot thank her enough for everything!
"Blind Spot" by Maggie Smith is wholly riveting. I rarely ask readers to rearrange their TBR lists, but this book deserves to be moved to the top. That says a lot. Smith expertly balances action, suspense, and character development, making it a must-read.
5.0 *Thank you to Partners in Crime tours for including me on this tour!
Squirm, revenge, doubt everyone…
Assistant District Attorney and single-mother Rachel becomes the target of threats and “oddball incidents.” Her stalker’s actions escalate and Rachel is “toyed with, like a fly.”
This psychological suspense was an addictive read. It was unputdownable and I read it in 1 1/2 days. It is well-developed and delivers the suspense. The author captured my interest and imagination right from the prologue. The foreshadowing started on page 1!
A tale of revenge / retaliation. The cunning, vindictive actions are personal and motivated by rage, anger, jealousy, and an obsessive desire to get justice.
I liked the main character Rachel. There were some dastardly characters, who will remain nameless (to avoid spoilers), included in the plot. The mystery was like a brain teaser that didn’t disappoint, leading to the last act.
A good example about making decisions and possible consequences. Choices made can “create the story of our lives.” Choices that people make will influence their todays and tomorrows.
What lengths would YOU go to, to protect a loved one?
P.S. Fun swag! I especially loved reading the author’s behind the scene note after I finished!
If you're a fan of thriller books like me, then I highly recommend checking this book out. Not only does it have a quick pace that keeps the reader engaged, but the character development is also top-notch. You'll find yourself on the edge of your seat as the story unfolds and the tension builds. Not once did I think I had things figured out at all and that’s a huge win for me.👏🏽
Rachel Matthews is used to stress—from the cutthroat world of the district attorney’s office to her escalating clashes with her teenage daughter. So when a stranger sends a lavish bouquet with a macabre message and leaves a disturbing video on her doorstep, she’s quick to act. Teaming up with an old classmate turned private investigator, she wades through old case files, searching for someone harboring a grudge against her.
But before she has time to pinpoint a suspect, her stalker issues a demand—he wants money, lots of it, or he’ll hurt her daughter. In a dangerous gamble, Rachel agrees to meet her stalker on an isolated beach, only to find herself fleeing from a shocking crime scene. Can she solve the puzzle of who wants to destroy her before she loses her family, her career, and her freedom?
Add this one to your tbr besties, as pub day is May 21, 2024.
Maggie Smith brings up Blindspot- focusing on Rachel Matthews who is faced with the stress of working in the district attorney’s office, raising a teenager alone, oh and a stalker.
We follow Rachel along with her daughter, a man old high- school friend turned P.I., and a high-brow new gal-pal as they try to solve the puzzle before the crimes pile up.
I enjoyed following the clues and seeing where the twists and turns would lead us. There are tons of blind spots and great character development throughout. If you like approaching cases from a lawyers perspective who is also tangled up as a victim- this is a great read.
It’s a slow burn- the beginning requires some investment in what’s to come, but the payoff and delivery come soon enough.
Thank you Maggie Smith, Puzzle Box Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advance copy.
“The killer is sitting in this courtroom, and it’s up to me to prove it.”
Rachel Matthews is a rising star in the district attorney’s office trying to balance her career with caring for her teenage daughter Charley. She suddenly finds herself being harassed by a stalker and turns to an old classmate, who is an private investigator for help. Before they can identify who’d want to torture her this way and why, the stalker winds up dead and Rachel (who flees the scene) is the prime suspect.
This starts out with a bang and grabbed my interest immediately. With short chapters that left me wanting more, it was easy to fly through the pages! As a seasoned thriller fan, I did manage to figure out who was doing what, and why. That being said, despite knowing how things would play out, the level of tension made Blindspot a fast and fun suspenseful read! I would’ve liked more character development as some interpersonal connections seemed tenuous. What rang true for me, was the relationship between Rachel and Charley. Rachel’s fierce love of her daughter was undeniable! This is perfect for thriller fans who enjoy a legal element, buried secrets and a twisted game of cat-and-mouse!
Thank you Maggie Smith for the beautiful gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Scroll down for potential spoiler trigger warnings.
I binged this book, staying up until midnight because I didn't want to put it down. Rachel, an assistant district attorney starts getting creepy calls and notes, and with all the bad guys she's put away over the years, it creates an atmosphere that has you wondering who her stalker is. What makes the situation even more disturbing is that Rachel is a single mother to a sometimes surly teenage daughter named Charley with a strong personality of her own. The suspense is so thick you can cut it with a knife as Rachel works with an old high school friend named Max to find her stalker before he carries through with his threats. I highly recommend this one for fans of psychological suspense.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 This book helped me escape reality during some not so fun times! My favorite thing about books definitely. If you’re looking for an intriguing and engaging game of cat and mouse, Blind Spot’s got you covered! I was getting some Agatha Christie vibes while reading this one and was thrilled to read author’s afterward and have her mention Agatha right away!!!
An overworked single mom and assistant DA! A mysterious and creepy stalker! Family secrets! Old and new friendships! Teen daughter with her issues…
I empathized with Rachel’s passion & commitment to her work. And her desire to find answers on her own - Rachel is no one’s damsel in distress! I fully credit my childhood exposure to Agatha Christie for figuring out the villain early but the story itself and all the pieces being uncovered were enough for me to be in a “but just one more chapter” mode while reading!
Read this if 📚 you love strong, independent MFCs 📚 like a dash of courtroom drama in your thrillers 📚 you enjoy games of cat & mouse trope 📚 you are looking for your next thrilling summer read!
@thrillerbookloversthepulse bookish peeps have lots of love for this one! 🫶
A huge thank you to Puzzle Box Press & @netgalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Blindspot by Maggie Smith. Thanks to the author for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rachel puts the bad people away as a district attorney. But she has to know who they are. Now that she is being stalked, she is determined to figure out who it is before they damage her life or hurt her family.
This story starts fast and doesn’t let up. It’s a very fast paced read that hooks you. As a reader, you really need to find out who is after Rachel and why. The stalking part was pretty terrifying. I loved Rachel’s job and the background of that. It made it even more frustrating when she is in trouble.
“I’d always believed the law was our last, best defense against a chaotic world. Now I knew sometimes the law can’t protect you. Sometimes you have to protect yourself.”
Whenever I read suspense, part of the fun is trying to figure out who did it along the way. From the first page to the last, Blindspot keeps you deliciously dangling—introducing clues and twists to keep you craving more. When you scream “don’t do that!” at the characters, it’s because you’re invested in the world the author has created. What more can you ask of a book? Clear your calendar, and go read it!
I really liked this book! The story flowed easily and there were a couple twists that I did not see coming. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like an easy and fun read over a weekend.
This is a good well-written mystery to read on a few-hours airplanc flight. I liked the twist that revealed the antagonist. (But I mustn't reveal what happened to the antag!) Looking forward to reading Maggie's next, "Truth and Other Lies"
Do you like thrillers? Me too! And this one has it all: strong female lead whose a mom and high powered Assistant DA whose not afraid to take on her stalker to protect her teenage daughter! I loved main character Rachel Matthew’s no nonsense attitude and strength as a single mom being brave! This one has twists and turns and I just could not sleep cause I just needed to read that one more chapter! If you like twisty thrillers and fast paced plot this should be on your radar!
I knew I was in for a great story with a quote from the MC in chapter one as good as this "I witnessed the murder but for reasons I can't reveal I have to keep quiet. Only two people know the whole story and I've sworn them to secrecy."
The Blindspot is addictive and captivating, it lured me in on page 1, grabbed me and never let go.
It lived up to that early hook, and had me engrossed and entertained for the entity of the book. The characters were so well developed. It's a twisty story, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
I so enjoy a good psychological suspense and I enjoyed Blindspot. It certainly kept me engaged and I read it in one day.
Rachel Matthews is one tough cookie. She’s put away her fair share of bad guys and is a strong advocate for women who are victim’s of domestic abuse and violent crime. An assistant district attorney, she’s also ambitious. But soon, she’ll have much more to worry about.
Rachel has an opportunity for a promotion that will take care of her financial woes. No more worrying about how to make ends meet or pay for her daughter’s college tuition. But around the same time she seems to have attracted a stalker. It starts slow but the threats begin to intensify. She’s juggling this along with butting heads with her mercurial daughter, Charley. She has a love you, hate you relationship going on with her mother. And another attorney at work seems to be trying to sabotage her chances at the much coveted promotion. That’s nothing compared to what happens next.
This one had me coming and going. There were some very likable characters, such as Rachel, Charley and Max. Then the ones that pinged my weird character radar like Olivia, Ethan and Zach. Signs pointed to Zach as Rachel’s stalker but I felt the evidence of his guilt was too convenient. When Rachel gets framed for his murder, I had someone else in my sights. But, the author planted a seed and I started to look at someone else as the stalker.
The race was on to get to the end and finally find out if the person I finally believed was behind it all was right. Lo and behold, I was! Whether I guessed right or not, Blindspot kept me entertained and I’d be happy to read anything else Author Maggie Smith has to offer.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
'Blind Spot' held my interest to the very end - I was reading well into the night to find out what happened next. With believable characters that I cared about, it was a non-stop unnerving thriller that kept me guessing. The face-paced tense story had plenty of surprises and it left me wanting more. Maggie Smith is a masterful storyteller. This is a must-read for anyone who loves a good thriller and a memorable female protagonist. Thanks for the opportunity to read this ARC - Vickie Mac, author & reviewer.
This one will keep you guessing right up until the end. The list of who is who and who dunit will keep you glued. Rachel Matthews is a local district attorney who has met a couple who put themselves smack into her life but why, what are they up to. Soon after Rachel begins receiving mystery phone calls and videos of her and her daughter. The game is changing quickly and Rachel must take matters into her own hands but it may be too late because the body count is beginning and she’s the suspect. There are twists you won’t even see coming so hang on.
Thank you # NetGalley #Blindspot #Puzzleboxpress for this ARC.