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Wicked
Detective Ryan Boone just can’t let this case go. While the mystery behind the robbery and murders in Twisted was uncovered a few months back, there is still a very large loose thread that Boone desperately wishes to tie up. He convinces his superiors to allow him to travel to Ottawa, where he’s uncovered a lead into a conspiracy that hints what happened in Toronto has nation-wide, and horrific, implications.
Former detective Cora Porter has moved to forensics, but when a strange case involving a murder, a runaway, and a case of mistaken identity hits close to home, she squeezes her way into the investigation. It also doesn’t help that a certain visiting detective has caught her eye, and is also willing to work with her on the case.
Their suspect, Blaine Roche, always seems to be one step ahead of Ryan and Cora. What they don’t know is that he’s not just trying to evade arrest, but take down the conspiracy for his own purposes. Given he’s already a wanted man, Blaine is willing to do whatever it takes to get revenge. He has nothing else to lose … or so he thinks. Wicked picks up where Twisted left off, but in a new location and with several new twists.
Former detective Cora Porter has moved to forensics, but when a strange case involving a murder, a runaway, and a case of mistaken identity hits close to home, she squeezes her way into the investigation. It also doesn’t help that a certain visiting detective has caught her eye, and is also willing to work with her on the case.
Their suspect, Blaine Roche, always seems to be one step ahead of Ryan and Cora. What they don’t know is that he’s not just trying to evade arrest, but take down the conspiracy for his own purposes. Given he’s already a wanted man, Blaine is willing to do whatever it takes to get revenge. He has nothing else to lose … or so he thinks. Wicked picks up where Twisted left off, but in a new location and with several new twists.
352 pages, Paperback
Published April 22, 2025
5 people are currently reading
4943 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Giles
4 books187 followersMaggie Giles is an Award-Winning Canadian author who writes suspenseful women's fiction and thrillers. Her debut novel, The Things We Lost, was named a 2023 distinguished favorite in Women's Fiction by the Independent Press Awards. Maggie is a member of the International Thriller Writers and currently works in Marketing. Maggie dove into writing a novel head first despite having aphantasia, a condition where one lacks a visual imagination. She lives in Ontario with her mastiff-mix, Jolene, and spends most of her days enjoying the outdoors, from swimming to hiking to skiing in the winter. She is also the author of the Twisted Truths Series - Twisted and Wicked, as well as the standalone novel The Art of Murder
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 23, 2024
i am incredibly bored. the first book was fine, but this sequel left me wanting more. everything was just so bland, but the writing was cute. so. there's that
thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for a honest review
thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for a honest review
October 12, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Ottawa Canada is the central setting for a police investigation into a murder that is linked to a company that has been using an experimental drug on people with Dissociative Identity Disorder. The chapters are from the perspective of several characters, some of whose roles are clear at the beginning and others, the reader has to wait and see how everything will come together. The short punchy chapters give an atmosphere of desperation that the police feel in trying to locate all the major players and I was hooked on the narrative. There were some interesting twists, even if I sometimes felt I needed a bulletin board with yarn pointing to how all the characters connected.
This was my first read of Maggie Giles and this book isn't out until April 2025. Never am I this early on an ARC but it was the cover that screamed to me on this lazy Saturday morning.
Expected Publication Date 22/04/25
Goodreads Review Date 12/10/24
#Wicked #NetGalley.
Ottawa Canada is the central setting for a police investigation into a murder that is linked to a company that has been using an experimental drug on people with Dissociative Identity Disorder. The chapters are from the perspective of several characters, some of whose roles are clear at the beginning and others, the reader has to wait and see how everything will come together. The short punchy chapters give an atmosphere of desperation that the police feel in trying to locate all the major players and I was hooked on the narrative. There were some interesting twists, even if I sometimes felt I needed a bulletin board with yarn pointing to how all the characters connected.
This was my first read of Maggie Giles and this book isn't out until April 2025. Never am I this early on an ARC but it was the cover that screamed to me on this lazy Saturday morning.
Expected Publication Date 22/04/25
Goodreads Review Date 12/10/24
#Wicked #NetGalley.
April 26, 2025
This is the sequel to Twisted and I do recommend you do not read this one before book 1, you will be lost.
Detective Ryan Boone solved the mystery behind the robbery and murders in Twisted but there are still a lot of questions left unanswered.
Now onto Ottawa where the conspiracy hints that what happened in Toronto has nationwide and horrific implications. Former Detective Cora Porter is now working forensics and she’s got a strange case of murder, a runaway and a case of mistaken identity that links in with Boone’s investigation.
Wicked picks up where Twisted left off! 💊
I loved the cover of this book and I was curious to see what happened after Twisted but I had a hard time getting into the book. There’s a lot going on and after putting the book down it took a minute to get reoriented when I picked it back up.
Once I got into the last half of the book flowed much easier for me. This is a multi POV read and there’s a backstory as to why everyone is involved. The premise of the book was a definite hook for me!
There is room for a third installment but at this time I’m not sure I would dive right in but I would make that determination when/if another is published. As always, I do recommend you make your own decision on whether to read this book or not.
Thank you to the author, Maggie Giles, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I received an epub and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Detective Ryan Boone solved the mystery behind the robbery and murders in Twisted but there are still a lot of questions left unanswered.
Now onto Ottawa where the conspiracy hints that what happened in Toronto has nationwide and horrific implications. Former Detective Cora Porter is now working forensics and she’s got a strange case of murder, a runaway and a case of mistaken identity that links in with Boone’s investigation.
Wicked picks up where Twisted left off! 💊
I loved the cover of this book and I was curious to see what happened after Twisted but I had a hard time getting into the book. There’s a lot going on and after putting the book down it took a minute to get reoriented when I picked it back up.
Once I got into the last half of the book flowed much easier for me. This is a multi POV read and there’s a backstory as to why everyone is involved. The premise of the book was a definite hook for me!
There is room for a third installment but at this time I’m not sure I would dive right in but I would make that determination when/if another is published. As always, I do recommend you make your own decision on whether to read this book or not.
Thank you to the author, Maggie Giles, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I received an epub and am leaving my review voluntarily.
August 23, 2024
thank youuu netgalley snd publisher for the arc
loveeee detective ryan boone so much actually
obsessed with how the writing style is in this one , i don’t know why but it’s somehow even better than the first one. i don’t know if ryan is coming back for another book but he should lowkey
loveeee detective ryan boone so much actually
obsessed with how the writing style is in this one , i don’t know why but it’s somehow even better than the first one. i don’t know if ryan is coming back for another book but he should lowkey
August 27, 2024
I struggled with this book as I had not read the first and didn't realize it was a sequel. It doesn't always matter but I felt this time it did as I was so lost I could tell there were things I SHOULD know and didn't. It's about a new drug, Solydexran that has been approved but apparently is affecting patients differently and landing some in the hospital. There are doctors, conspiracy theories, and prisoners...but that's all I got as I needed the backstory to understand completely.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
April 24, 2025
Much like its prequel, Twisted, Wicked is packed full of characters, twists, and a traumatic storyline. I read Twisted a while back and didn’t remember much when I receive a gifted copy of Wicked. You definitely need the foundation of the first book to get you through this one, as many topics are touched without giving background information. It took me a while to catch up due to the extended time between finishing book one and starting book 2, but I got there.
I enjoyed the plot of Wicked and while the pacing was a little slow to start and fast to end, it was still thoughtfully written. The basis of the book was deep and kept me needing to finish so I’d have all the answers- only to be left with questions in the end. I highly anticipate a 3rd installment to this series and will look forward to reading it!
Thank you NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co for the digital ARC, and thank you Maggie Giles for the physical copy!
I enjoyed the plot of Wicked and while the pacing was a little slow to start and fast to end, it was still thoughtfully written. The basis of the book was deep and kept me needing to finish so I’d have all the answers- only to be left with questions in the end. I highly anticipate a 3rd installment to this series and will look forward to reading it!
Thank you NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co for the digital ARC, and thank you Maggie Giles for the physical copy!
October 4, 2024
2.5 rounded up.
I know some reviewers found this a tough one to read without the first novel, but to me it was easy enough to put together key elements, and paint a picture of the past. My problem came with the mutli-POV structure. I personally had trouble keeping track of who is who, what they want, and why they are motivated to do what they're doing. Getting to know so many people left me unable to connect with any of them.
An interesting concept that would be better if focused and refined.
Definitely some cool twists, but I have been captivated more by others. I will still give the first in the series a go.
Thank you NetGalley and Rising Action publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I know some reviewers found this a tough one to read without the first novel, but to me it was easy enough to put together key elements, and paint a picture of the past. My problem came with the mutli-POV structure. I personally had trouble keeping track of who is who, what they want, and why they are motivated to do what they're doing. Getting to know so many people left me unable to connect with any of them.
An interesting concept that would be better if focused and refined.
Definitely some cool twists, but I have been captivated more by others. I will still give the first in the series a go.
Thank you NetGalley and Rising Action publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2025
This is the second installment in the Twisted Truths series - yes I'm saying series because I am manifesting another book! HeHe!! If you're new to these books, read Twisted first to get the full back story before diving into Wicked.
Another great book by Maggie Giles! I enjoyed the cat and mouse chase, the multiple POVs, as well as the characters. My advice, pay close attention to the characters, perhaps create a character guide to help keep track. There are a lot!
Wicked is a fast paced read with short chapters and a twisty storyline that will have you hooked! I highly recommend picking these books up.
Big thanks to Rising Action Publishing and Maggie Giles for this gifted copy.
Another great book by Maggie Giles! I enjoyed the cat and mouse chase, the multiple POVs, as well as the characters. My advice, pay close attention to the characters, perhaps create a character guide to help keep track. There are a lot!
Wicked is a fast paced read with short chapters and a twisty storyline that will have you hooked! I highly recommend picking these books up.
Big thanks to Rising Action Publishing and Maggie Giles for this gifted copy.
December 8, 2024
I had a hard time finishing this book. The characters and story felt kind of off to me.. and it just felt like it was dragging on. I encourage everyone to read for themselves to determine if a story is for you or not.
October 21, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book. This book does not release until April 2025.
I read this book in one sitting, because I HAD to know what was going on and who was who.
This story is a mystery/thriller concerning robberies and murders, a conspiracy for a drug that should never have been released, a need for revenge, a need for answers, a need for things to end. Detective Boone can’t let this case go. Boone, through another detective, meets Cora. She used to be a detective, but now works in forensics, she is a ‘single’ mother raising her child with her ex-husband who has addiction issues. Despite Cora not being a detective any longer, Boone is willing to work with her to locate his suspect, Blaine Roche. Blaine has been an enigma and Boone believes he is a key to the whole conspiracy.
My one criticism for this book was I didn’t understand the introduction of a romantic relationship between two characters. I thought it was unnecessary. I don’t know if it is a setup for a future story or something, but in this book I could have done without it because I don’t think it added anything to the story.
To some this story will feel unfinished. There seems to be a lot of loose ends which potentially are left for a future book, but still, when you get to the end it’s like real life: these characters go off to do this, those characters are going to do that, these ones are probably going to go on as has already been said and because of that, I think some might feel like it’s open-ended. This wasn’t an issue for me. I enjoyed the ending.
Given the reason for the drug, there are a lot of ‘characters’. I had no problem keeping track, but I think a few people might have issues, or claim to have gotten lost.
I know some readers found this difficult to read because they hadn’t read the first one. I didn’t have an issue with this. I think enough backstory was provided for me to be able to follow along and understand people’s motives.
The short chapters kept the pace moving and the twists and turns kept me turning the pages wanting to get to the bottom of things.
I read this book in one sitting, because I HAD to know what was going on and who was who.
This story is a mystery/thriller concerning robberies and murders, a conspiracy for a drug that should never have been released, a need for revenge, a need for answers, a need for things to end. Detective Boone can’t let this case go. Boone, through another detective, meets Cora. She used to be a detective, but now works in forensics, she is a ‘single’ mother raising her child with her ex-husband who has addiction issues. Despite Cora not being a detective any longer, Boone is willing to work with her to locate his suspect, Blaine Roche. Blaine has been an enigma and Boone believes he is a key to the whole conspiracy.
My one criticism for this book was I didn’t understand the introduction of a romantic relationship between two characters. I thought it was unnecessary. I don’t know if it is a setup for a future story or something, but in this book I could have done without it because I don’t think it added anything to the story.
To some this story will feel unfinished. There seems to be a lot of loose ends which potentially are left for a future book, but still, when you get to the end it’s like real life: these characters go off to do this, those characters are going to do that, these ones are probably going to go on as has already been said and because of that, I think some might feel like it’s open-ended. This wasn’t an issue for me. I enjoyed the ending.
Given the reason for the drug, there are a lot of ‘characters’. I had no problem keeping track, but I think a few people might have issues, or claim to have gotten lost.
I know some readers found this difficult to read because they hadn’t read the first one. I didn’t have an issue with this. I think enough backstory was provided for me to be able to follow along and understand people’s motives.
The short chapters kept the pace moving and the twists and turns kept me turning the pages wanting to get to the bottom of things.
November 24, 2024
Wicked follows Detective Ryan Boone as he travels to Ottawa in hopes of closing one of his recent cases. Cora left being a detective and joined the forensics team so that she could have a more stable life for her daughter, but when Ryan Boone shows up at her precinct for assistance with a very weird case, she can’t help being drawn to both him and the case. With tons of twists & turns, will they be able to solve everything or will they just create more questions??
This was one of those books where I completely missed the part that it was a sequel, and as such, the case Ryan is working on has an extensive background that I knew nothing about. However, even without having read Twisted, I was able to keep up with the story line and not feel totally and completely lost. There was a definitely a moment in the middle where I probably could’ve benefited from both knowing there was a book one and having read said book, but overall I didn’t feel like that gave me a handicap.
The story is told from three different POVs - Cora, Blaine Roche & Noah Baker - which on occasion caused the flow of the story to feel a little disjointed to me but for the most part worked out. Although, I do feel like one of the POVs that could’ve benefited the story would be Ryan’s seeing how he was in the first book but I’m sure the author has her reasons for not doing his POV as well.
Without giving anything away, one of the main aspects of the storyline was Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) which Giles was able to capture quite well. She was able to capture both the struggles of the person afflicted by DID and the struggles of those supporting them without romanticizing the illness.
While there were some parts of the story that were predictable, there were just as many twists that you didn’t see coming. For the most part it was a fast paced story where you found yourself playing the guessing game quite frequently trying to figure out what was going to happen next, while also realizing certain things right away without any guesswork. Overall, 3.5 ⭐️s
Thank you #NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for providing me with an ARC of #Wicked for my honest review
This was one of those books where I completely missed the part that it was a sequel, and as such, the case Ryan is working on has an extensive background that I knew nothing about. However, even without having read Twisted, I was able to keep up with the story line and not feel totally and completely lost. There was a definitely a moment in the middle where I probably could’ve benefited from both knowing there was a book one and having read said book, but overall I didn’t feel like that gave me a handicap.
The story is told from three different POVs - Cora, Blaine Roche & Noah Baker - which on occasion caused the flow of the story to feel a little disjointed to me but for the most part worked out. Although, I do feel like one of the POVs that could’ve benefited the story would be Ryan’s seeing how he was in the first book but I’m sure the author has her reasons for not doing his POV as well.
Without giving anything away, one of the main aspects of the storyline was Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) which Giles was able to capture quite well. She was able to capture both the struggles of the person afflicted by DID and the struggles of those supporting them without romanticizing the illness.
While there were some parts of the story that were predictable, there were just as many twists that you didn’t see coming. For the most part it was a fast paced story where you found yourself playing the guessing game quite frequently trying to figure out what was going to happen next, while also realizing certain things right away without any guesswork. Overall, 3.5 ⭐️s
Thank you #NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for providing me with an ARC of #Wicked for my honest review
October 23, 2025
Wicked by Maggie Giles
Detective Ryan Boone just can’t let this case go. The events from Twisted may have been solved on the surface, but a major loose thread keeps pulling him deeper. When a new lead suggests the Toronto crimes were only a fraction of something far more national — and far more horrifying — Boone convinces his superiors to send him to Ottawa in search of answers.
Meanwhile, former detective Cora Porter has transitioned to forensics… but trouble finds her anyway. A strange case involving a murder, a possible runaway, and mistaken identity hits too close to home — and Cora isn’t someone who stays on the sidelines. Teaming up with a certain visiting detective doesn’t hurt either 👀
Their prime suspect is always one step ahead. What Boone and Cora don’t know is that he’s not only running — he’s hunting. With revenge fueling every move, he’s determined to bring the conspiracy down entirely… no matter the collateral damage.
After finishing Twisted, I needed to jump straight into Wicked. This sequel delivers another gripping investigation that slowly intertwines with the unresolved pieces of book one. Even with a new storyline, the eerie atmosphere and psychological tension never let up. We learn more about certain characters’ motives and trauma, making this feel like the true continuation book one demanded.
📖 “He’d been watching her for two weeks now. Careful to note where she went, who she met, and who kept an eye on her. It was the only way he could keep himself under the radar.”
💫 Psychological, high stakes, mysterious
🌿 Featured at Merveilles & Chuchotements
I’m so excited to feature Wicked by Maggie Giles — a page-turning sequel that keeps you questioning every theory and everyone’s intentions.
Content warnings: mental illness, murder
Detective Ryan Boone just can’t let this case go. The events from Twisted may have been solved on the surface, but a major loose thread keeps pulling him deeper. When a new lead suggests the Toronto crimes were only a fraction of something far more national — and far more horrifying — Boone convinces his superiors to send him to Ottawa in search of answers.
Meanwhile, former detective Cora Porter has transitioned to forensics… but trouble finds her anyway. A strange case involving a murder, a possible runaway, and mistaken identity hits too close to home — and Cora isn’t someone who stays on the sidelines. Teaming up with a certain visiting detective doesn’t hurt either 👀
Their prime suspect is always one step ahead. What Boone and Cora don’t know is that he’s not only running — he’s hunting. With revenge fueling every move, he’s determined to bring the conspiracy down entirely… no matter the collateral damage.
After finishing Twisted, I needed to jump straight into Wicked. This sequel delivers another gripping investigation that slowly intertwines with the unresolved pieces of book one. Even with a new storyline, the eerie atmosphere and psychological tension never let up. We learn more about certain characters’ motives and trauma, making this feel like the true continuation book one demanded.
📖 “He’d been watching her for two weeks now. Careful to note where she went, who she met, and who kept an eye on her. It was the only way he could keep himself under the radar.”
💫 Psychological, high stakes, mysterious
🌿 Featured at Merveilles & Chuchotements
I’m so excited to feature Wicked by Maggie Giles — a page-turning sequel that keeps you questioning every theory and everyone’s intentions.
Content warnings: mental illness, murder
July 21, 2025
ARC Review! Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action for the advanced copy of this read in exchange for my honest review!
I will admit, this book did come out in April. I have been extremely delinquent in my review – I gut stuck on needing to read the first book in the series and put this off! However, I am mad at myself for waiting so long, because if you read my last review, you know how much I enjoyed these books.
Detective Ryan Boone is back with even more details that are making his murder cases blurry. With a doctor in hiding, a new body found, and a chase to find siblings behind a trauma-inducing drug, he has his work cut out for him. Not only that, but he and his counterparts are realizing that the epidemic of alters is more widespread than they could’ve anticipated.
Again, don’t want to give too much away because you should really experience this for yourself, and yes, this is definitely a situation where you need to read book one before book two or else you’ll be completely and utterly lost.
This one wasn’t AS gripping as the first one, but I think that’s because I started to sniff out some pieces of the plot because I knew what happened in book one. There was definitely a greater aspect of romance here, less focus on crimes. Still very good, but not as shockingly incredible as book one.
This is a series I highly, highly recommend reading. Maggie Giles, you’ve made a statement – looking forward to reading more from you in the future!
I will admit, this book did come out in April. I have been extremely delinquent in my review – I gut stuck on needing to read the first book in the series and put this off! However, I am mad at myself for waiting so long, because if you read my last review, you know how much I enjoyed these books.
Detective Ryan Boone is back with even more details that are making his murder cases blurry. With a doctor in hiding, a new body found, and a chase to find siblings behind a trauma-inducing drug, he has his work cut out for him. Not only that, but he and his counterparts are realizing that the epidemic of alters is more widespread than they could’ve anticipated.
Again, don’t want to give too much away because you should really experience this for yourself, and yes, this is definitely a situation where you need to read book one before book two or else you’ll be completely and utterly lost.
This one wasn’t AS gripping as the first one, but I think that’s because I started to sniff out some pieces of the plot because I knew what happened in book one. There was definitely a greater aspect of romance here, less focus on crimes. Still very good, but not as shockingly incredible as book one.
This is a series I highly, highly recommend reading. Maggie Giles, you’ve made a statement – looking forward to reading more from you in the future!
Read
September 21, 2025 Wicked by Maggie Giles is the standalone sequel to Twisted. In this suspenseful thriller, characters from its prequel re-appear as they endeavour to solve an intricately planned conspiracy and related murders. At the heart of this novel is a corrupt pharmaceutical company that is eager to peddle a drug known to trigger schizophrenia, along with other serious side effects. Falsified drug trials and the greed of Big Pharma play out as well-intentioned Detective Boone and his sidekick Cora attempt to unravel a web of secrets, lies and alternate identities. Giles explores several significant themes in this book: the devastating impact of mental illness on relationships; the core of identity, memory and who we are as individuals; the influence of corporate dollars on the health care system and questions surrounding what price is too high to pay for a potential cure to a life-destroying disease. Pulsating with surprises and plot twists, this book is both provocative and polished. Recommended.
May 29, 2024
TWISTED was the first book to tackle the mystery surrounding a new powerful anti-anxiety drug with life-altering side effects and the criminal cover-ups by Big Pharma. Detective Ryan Boone got caught in the case almost by chance, while investigating a minor crime, a simple jewelry heist in Toronto. He was able to connect the robbery to the drug and a series of apparently unrelated murders, but couldn’t tie the many loose ends of the case. In WICKED, book 2 in the series, he convinces his superiors to let him travel to Ottawa to follow a suspect and the thread he believes will undo the tapestry of secrets and lies that still surrounds the “magic pill’, Solydexran.
In fact, Boone has uncovered clues that hint to a nation-wide, bone-chilling conspiracy. While in Ottawa, he unofficially pairs up with former detective, now forensics Cora Porter, who has personal reasons to participate in the investigation despite the disappointment of her former superior (and casual lover). Together, Boone and Porter jump aboard, gripping the handlebar determined to resist sudden turns and ready to change direction at every twist, as long as they can ride the investigation to its conclusion and crumble the “Magic Mountain” of deceit to get to the truth.
In fact, Boone has uncovered clues that hint to a nation-wide, bone-chilling conspiracy. While in Ottawa, he unofficially pairs up with former detective, now forensics Cora Porter, who has personal reasons to participate in the investigation despite the disappointment of her former superior (and casual lover). Together, Boone and Porter jump aboard, gripping the handlebar determined to resist sudden turns and ready to change direction at every twist, as long as they can ride the investigation to its conclusion and crumble the “Magic Mountain” of deceit to get to the truth.
November 28, 2024
Title: Wicked
Series: Twisted Truths Book #2
Author: Maggie Giles
Publisher: Rising Action Publishing Co. /Rising Action
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: April 22, 2025
My Rating: 2. Stars
Pages: 344
This story is the second in the ‘Twisted Truth’ series. First book was Twisted which dealt with the cover-up of a new powerful anti-anxiety drug that turned out to have life-altering side effects. Detective Ryan Boone was active on that case.
Det Boone convinces his superiors to let him travel to Ottawa to follow a suspect connected to the secrets that still surrounds the “magic pill’ - Solydexran.
Have to admit I was drawn to this story by the cover!
You know what they say about covers…
Unfortunately the story was only okay. I did find myself taking notes and thinking I needed to make a Venn diagram showing the connection of the characters
Want to thank NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co. for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 22, 2025.
Series: Twisted Truths Book #2
Author: Maggie Giles
Publisher: Rising Action Publishing Co. /Rising Action
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: April 22, 2025
My Rating: 2. Stars
Pages: 344
This story is the second in the ‘Twisted Truth’ series. First book was Twisted which dealt with the cover-up of a new powerful anti-anxiety drug that turned out to have life-altering side effects. Detective Ryan Boone was active on that case.
Det Boone convinces his superiors to let him travel to Ottawa to follow a suspect connected to the secrets that still surrounds the “magic pill’ - Solydexran.
Have to admit I was drawn to this story by the cover!
You know what they say about covers…
Unfortunately the story was only okay. I did find myself taking notes and thinking I needed to make a Venn diagram showing the connection of the characters
Want to thank NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co. for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 22, 2025.
September 23, 2024
I cannot ethically write a real review for this because there is literally no way I won't spoil it. It was a wild ride, I have a lot of questions, you do not need to read the first book to enjoy this one (although I may seek that one out now), and I am frustrated with the ending. All in all though, a very entertaining read!
"Wicked" by Maggie Giles is a continuation of Detective Ryan Boone’s saga, blending mystery with intricate character dynamics. Boone’s relentless pursuit of justice takes him to Ottawa, where he uncovers a conspiracy with chilling national implications. Meanwhile, former detective Cora Porter’s transition to forensics adds a compelling layer, especially as she navigates both personal and professional challenges.
The narrative is fast-paced and suspenseful, with a well-drawn antagonist in Blaine Roche, whose motivations add depth to the plot. Giles expertly weaves together themes of revenge and redemption, keeping readers on their toes with unexpected twists.
Thank you Maggie Giles, Rising Action Publishing Co., and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
"Wicked" by Maggie Giles is a continuation of Detective Ryan Boone’s saga, blending mystery with intricate character dynamics. Boone’s relentless pursuit of justice takes him to Ottawa, where he uncovers a conspiracy with chilling national implications. Meanwhile, former detective Cora Porter’s transition to forensics adds a compelling layer, especially as she navigates both personal and professional challenges.
The narrative is fast-paced and suspenseful, with a well-drawn antagonist in Blaine Roche, whose motivations add depth to the plot. Giles expertly weaves together themes of revenge and redemption, keeping readers on their toes with unexpected twists.
Thank you Maggie Giles, Rising Action Publishing Co., and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
March 18, 2025
Canadian author Maggie Giles’s Wicked (2025) is the second novel featuring Detective Ryan Boone. Travelling to Ottawa to investigate a murder lead, Detective Boone approaches Cora Porter, a former detective and now forensic team member, to assist, as the case has nationwide implications. Narrated by three different characters, the crime mystery has elements of medical side effects, conspiracy coverup and other twists. It's important to realise this is the second book of the Twisted Truths series and is one of those rare occasions where knowledge of prior events, is critical to fully understanding all the story’s intrigues. Overall, an enjoyable read given the above limitations, making it a three star rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given. With thanks to Rising Action Publishing Company and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes.
October 6, 2024
Wicked is the second installment to the Twisted Truths series. It follows several characters in the same timeline, as they all attempt to unravel the mysteries surrounding the effects of a pharmaceutical drug. What I liked about this book: multiple POVs, Canadian, challenging pharmaceutical companies, and the characters, Cora Porter and Ryan Boone. What I found challenging: the merging character storylines, the telling of dissociative personality disorder, the underdevelopment/unfinished stories of some of the characters, and the lack of a true climax in the book. It is all quite predictable, and perhaps that is to leave the door open for a third book. This was not my favourite novel by Giles. Would I read a third novel in this series? Undecided.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #RisingActionPublishingCo for the ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #RisingActionPublishingCo for the ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
November 5, 2024
Thank you to the author, Rising Action Publishing Co. and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second in a series, and unfortunately I overlooked the publisher's note that this is not a standalone. However, this quickly became apparent due to the innumerable references I did not understand, the cast of well-established characters with no backstory given, and the plot that went through so many contortions just in the 30% I read before giving up, I got dizzy. I am reluctant to rate this as I did not read the first book, and also DNFed. The writing came across as amateurish, with a tinge of ChatGPT and a side of potboiler/soap opera, and I definitely would not read the first to get the background needed for the second.
This is the second in a series, and unfortunately I overlooked the publisher's note that this is not a standalone. However, this quickly became apparent due to the innumerable references I did not understand, the cast of well-established characters with no backstory given, and the plot that went through so many contortions just in the 30% I read before giving up, I got dizzy. I am reluctant to rate this as I did not read the first book, and also DNFed. The writing came across as amateurish, with a tinge of ChatGPT and a side of potboiler/soap opera, and I definitely would not read the first to get the background needed for the second.
September 11, 2024
I didn’t enjoy this one as much as twisted but it was still an amazing book, I loved that we got to meet new characters aswell as an incredible plot twist regarding identity.
‘Sorry, I'm not great at reading social cues and tend to overshare. I sometimes forget that not everyone is used to’ this was so relatable and did make me laugh
If you want to find out the truth of the drug that caused the girls to become murderers then this is the book for you.
Also love that Ryan got a happy ending and if the author ruins that I’ll be so sad for him, he deserves happiness
*full disclosure I was given this book in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley*
‘Sorry, I'm not great at reading social cues and tend to overshare. I sometimes forget that not everyone is used to’ this was so relatable and did make me laugh
If you want to find out the truth of the drug that caused the girls to become murderers then this is the book for you.
Also love that Ryan got a happy ending and if the author ruins that I’ll be so sad for him, he deserves happiness
*full disclosure I was given this book in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2025
I really struggled to finish this book, it’s typically a book I would stop reading before finishing but the first book was great so I pushed on through. I found this quite hard to follow and disjointed and that’s with me having already read the first book in the series (if I hadn’t read the first book I would be completely lost). The writing style was fine, but most of the scenes and characters were lacking detailed descriptions to engage the reader and the dialogue between characters was both boring and cringe. Wouldn’t recommend to others.
Thanks to #NetGalley for giving me an advanced copy of #WickedBook in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to #NetGalley for giving me an advanced copy of #WickedBook in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co for the free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is the second installment in the Twisted Truths series. It picks up and follows several characters in the same timeline as they try to unravel the mysteries surrounding the effects of a pharmaceutical drug.
The story is told from multiple points of view, and there are a lot of characters to keep track of. I did find the story engaging and twisty and the suspense definitely starts to pick up after the half way mark. Its a fast paced, relatable read!
This is the second installment in the Twisted Truths series. It picks up and follows several characters in the same timeline as they try to unravel the mysteries surrounding the effects of a pharmaceutical drug.
The story is told from multiple points of view, and there are a lot of characters to keep track of. I did find the story engaging and twisty and the suspense definitely starts to pick up after the half way mark. Its a fast paced, relatable read!
May 8, 2025
This is book 2 in the series and it fell flat to me compared to the first. The cliffhanger book 1 left us on was answered at the very end of book 2, but still has so much left open that I’m assuming this will be a trilogy.
This story has a LOT of characters. I’d recommend the audiobook for the multiple readers to help distinguish between the characters switching each chapter. Having multiple personalities is a big key to the plot and I often had a hard time staying focused to pick up on all of the details.
If you like a psychological family drama mystery, I’d say you’d enjoy this series!
This story has a LOT of characters. I’d recommend the audiobook for the multiple readers to help distinguish between the characters switching each chapter. Having multiple personalities is a big key to the plot and I often had a hard time staying focused to pick up on all of the details.
If you like a psychological family drama mystery, I’d say you’d enjoy this series!
September 6, 2024
ARC REVIEW:💊🔍🥼💓
I wanted to start with a BIGGG thank you to netgalley/publishing/author for sending me an ARC copy of this book!
This book had me hooked from the very first chapter. Super interesting and suspenseful. There was lots of points in this book that had twists and turns 🤭 This was a very faced paced book that allowed for the reader (me) not to lose interest.
Thank you again for this read (all reviews are a reflection of my opinion).
I wanted to start with a BIGGG thank you to netgalley/publishing/author for sending me an ARC copy of this book!
This book had me hooked from the very first chapter. Super interesting and suspenseful. There was lots of points in this book that had twists and turns 🤭 This was a very faced paced book that allowed for the reader (me) not to lose interest.
Thank you again for this read (all reviews are a reflection of my opinion).
November 5, 2024
This thriller/mystery novel is told from multiple POV with clearly labeled chapters. While this is Book 2 of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone, however I sometimes felt like the number of characters was overwhelming to keep track of as I was reading.
The roles of some of the characters is clear from the beginning and for others the reader has to wait to uncover the truth. The chapters are short and quick to read, so I felt that the pace of the novel really fit with the thriller genre. Some of the twists and turns I didn't guess and it made for a captivate plot.
The roles of some of the characters is clear from the beginning and for others the reader has to wait to uncover the truth. The chapters are short and quick to read, so I felt that the pace of the novel really fit with the thriller genre. Some of the twists and turns I didn't guess and it made for a captivate plot.
May 1, 2025
I enjoyed this book; it felt like good closure from the first book. The story did get confusing with the alters all surfacing. I'm curious to read more and learn more about Boone's next adventure. The premise of Big Pharma lying and producing a dangerous medication was fascinating from a nurse's standpoint. The character relationships were great and well-developed.
Thank you, NetGalley, Rising Action Publishing Co., and Maggie Giles for the ARC.
Thank you, NetGalley, Rising Action Publishing Co., and Maggie Giles for the ARC.
August 18, 2024
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. I am glad that I read the first book in the series before this one. I liked the continuation of the story from the first book, but I actually liked the characters in the second book more. The story is very twisty, and the last third of the book is especially suspenseful. 2.75 stars.
May 19, 2025
I thought the awful narrator of the first book was a fluke. Somehow this is a new narrator but still awful. Not AS bad as the first but why imitate a man's voice if you can only do so by making it abhorrently breathy? So hard to listen to. Again. And this time the story was hard to follow and uninteresting to boot.
September 4, 2024
I enjoyed this book and the characters. I loved the multiple points of view as that really helps to understand every aspect of the plot. I did, however, feel like I was missing something while reading….only to realize afterwards that this was book 2. Im excited to go back and read the first one!
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