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Quinn & Costa #6
See How They Hide
No matter how far you run, some pasts never let you go…
Two people were murdered—at the exact same time, in the same gruesome manner, bodies covered in the same red poppies…but on opposite sides of the country.
With Detective Kara Quinn investigating in Oregon and Special Agent Matt Costa in Virginia, the Mobile Response Team digs deep to uncover more about each victim. What is the link between the two, and why were they targeted?
Yet their search unearths more questions than answers—until they meet Riley Pierce, the only person still alive who might be able to help them find the killers.
Soon, it becomes clear this case is nothing like they’ve seen before as their investigation leads them to the hallowed grounds of Havenwood—an eerily beautiful place rooted in a terrifying past.
As more bodies turn up, all tied to the same community, Kara and Matt are desperate to piece the puzzle together before Havenwood’s leader sacrifices everything to keep her secrets buried.
Two people were murdered—at the exact same time, in the same gruesome manner, bodies covered in the same red poppies…but on opposite sides of the country.
With Detective Kara Quinn investigating in Oregon and Special Agent Matt Costa in Virginia, the Mobile Response Team digs deep to uncover more about each victim. What is the link between the two, and why were they targeted?
Yet their search unearths more questions than answers—until they meet Riley Pierce, the only person still alive who might be able to help them find the killers.
Soon, it becomes clear this case is nothing like they’ve seen before as their investigation leads them to the hallowed grounds of Havenwood—an eerily beautiful place rooted in a terrifying past.
As more bodies turn up, all tied to the same community, Kara and Matt are desperate to piece the puzzle together before Havenwood’s leader sacrifices everything to keep her secrets buried.
399 pages, Hardcover
First published January 7, 2025
724 people are currently reading
1885 people want to read
About the author
Allison Brennan
107 books5,211 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Allison Brennan believes that life is too short to be bored, so she had five children and writes three books a year.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews
January 21, 2025
the setup…
Detective Kara Quinn and the Mobile Response Team are dispatched to a crime scene in Oregon where a female college student is found murdered, her throat cut and red poppies covering her body. At the same time, Special Agent Matt Costa is in Virginia at another crime scene, this time an older man who was murdered exactly the same way and at the exact same time. Not long after, they discover other murders that are tied to these two. It’s mystifying until they find Riley Pierce the roommate of one the victims who holds the key to unlocking secrets that go beyond these murders.
the heart of the story…
The story opens with a murder that the team doesn’t learn about until much later, which added to my tension. It was clear that some sort of organization was behind these killings but nothing prepared me for the senselessness of it all. All roads lead back to a place called Havenwood in the Colorado Rockies, at one time considered a utopian environment until it wasn’t. It presents a formidable challenge to the team as no one knows exactly where it is. Riley is a product of that society and while she escaped, she still has all the fears and mistrusts of the outside world they instilled in her from birth.
the narration…
Suzanne Fortin is the voice of this series and I especially like her voice for Kara as well as her great storytelling. I will always hold out for the audio version.
the bottom line…
The case was tough and I was highly engaged from the outset. But what distinguishes this story is what’s at its core…cults and the mindsets of those who join them. It goes beyond the basics, utilizing the skills of an expert who provides insights that made the participants more relatable, understandable and human. I loved that there also seems to be a deepening of the personal relationship between Kara & Matt, which I was hoping to see. Still loving this series.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Detective Kara Quinn and the Mobile Response Team are dispatched to a crime scene in Oregon where a female college student is found murdered, her throat cut and red poppies covering her body. At the same time, Special Agent Matt Costa is in Virginia at another crime scene, this time an older man who was murdered exactly the same way and at the exact same time. Not long after, they discover other murders that are tied to these two. It’s mystifying until they find Riley Pierce the roommate of one the victims who holds the key to unlocking secrets that go beyond these murders.
the heart of the story…
The story opens with a murder that the team doesn’t learn about until much later, which added to my tension. It was clear that some sort of organization was behind these killings but nothing prepared me for the senselessness of it all. All roads lead back to a place called Havenwood in the Colorado Rockies, at one time considered a utopian environment until it wasn’t. It presents a formidable challenge to the team as no one knows exactly where it is. Riley is a product of that society and while she escaped, she still has all the fears and mistrusts of the outside world they instilled in her from birth.
the narration…
Suzanne Fortin is the voice of this series and I especially like her voice for Kara as well as her great storytelling. I will always hold out for the audio version.
the bottom line…
The case was tough and I was highly engaged from the outset. But what distinguishes this story is what’s at its core…cults and the mindsets of those who join them. It goes beyond the basics, utilizing the skills of an expert who provides insights that made the participants more relatable, understandable and human. I loved that there also seems to be a deepening of the personal relationship between Kara & Matt, which I was hoping to see. Still loving this series.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
January 14, 2025
Allison Brennan belongs in the class of top notch thriller writers.... her characters are just so relatable, there's never a dull moment.
So Kate and Matt are trying to piece together what connects different murders in different states. The killer or killers leave a signature of poppies. When Riley comes into the picture, they get brought into a hidden world of a cult ruled by a terrifying figures with a connection to Riley.
Lives are at stake especially when someone from the team gets taken! It's a race against time to prevent another WACO like tragedy!
THANKS NetGalley and Harlequin. Beyond grateful and humbled for this ARC!!!
SEE HOW THEY HIDE, OUT JANUARY 7TH 2025
SOLID 4.5 STARS!!!!
So Kate and Matt are trying to piece together what connects different murders in different states. The killer or killers leave a signature of poppies. When Riley comes into the picture, they get brought into a hidden world of a cult ruled by a terrifying figures with a connection to Riley.
Lives are at stake especially when someone from the team gets taken! It's a race against time to prevent another WACO like tragedy!
THANKS NetGalley and Harlequin. Beyond grateful and humbled for this ARC!!!
SEE HOW THEY HIDE, OUT JANUARY 7TH 2025
SOLID 4.5 STARS!!!!
January 11, 2025
See How They Hide by Allison Brennan
Quinn & Costa series#6. Police procedural. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Red poppies cover the body. Then a second body is found, killed in the same way, on the opposite side of the country. Detective Kara Quinn in Oregon and Special Agent Matt Costa in Virginia compare notes and try to find the connection. Finding Riley Pierce is pivotal to,the investigation. She knows every victim. She was raised not to trust the police. Can they convince her to tell them everything she knows about Havenwood and who the killer may be?
A secretive cult? Or just a private community you can join, but never leave.
I totally understood trying to save the farm. But things got a bit twisted. Riley is brave. More than once, she succeeded. A woman to have in your corner.
The cop was dispassionate with Riley. I didn’t like that. But it was then explained and made total sense.
Suspenseful and compelling.
Quinn & Costa series#6. Police procedural. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Red poppies cover the body. Then a second body is found, killed in the same way, on the opposite side of the country. Detective Kara Quinn in Oregon and Special Agent Matt Costa in Virginia compare notes and try to find the connection. Finding Riley Pierce is pivotal to,the investigation. She knows every victim. She was raised not to trust the police. Can they convince her to tell them everything she knows about Havenwood and who the killer may be?
A secretive cult? Or just a private community you can join, but never leave.
I totally understood trying to save the farm. But things got a bit twisted. Riley is brave. More than once, she succeeded. A woman to have in your corner.
The cop was dispassionate with Riley. I didn’t like that. But it was then explained and made total sense.
Suspenseful and compelling.
January 7, 2025
I don't think Allison Brennan can write a bad book. She is definitely a must read for me. My only complaint is that there is not enough Kara - Matt together time in this one. While there wasn't much of a mystery, the suspense was a slow burn that just turned up the heat to the dramatic ending. Brennan did extensive research on the pathology of cults, and it shows.
With a body count that would rival Karen Rose, Allison Brennan has the team spread all over the country with no answers, only more dead bodies. Fake identities and living under the radar have kept a group of people alive, but somehow, they have now been discovered and are being murdered, their throats slit, and bodies covered in red poppies. The team is stretched to the limit and the murderers are a step ahead of them.
As Kara Quinn starts to piece together what is happening, she is challenged by the team psychiatrist. I don't like Catherine. As a psychiatrist with a bunch of letters after her name she doesn't like Kara, who was only a lowly Los Angeles police detective. Catherine also doesn't think Kara is good enough for Matt, who once dated Catherine's sister. I doubt Catherine would think any woman would be good enough for Matt. Kara is her own person and makes no excuses for herself or her actions and her instincts are spot on.
Kara has developed a bond with Riley, one of the escapees from a community called Havenwood which is at the center of what is going on. Not quite a cult, but definitely an isolated community in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado that no one is quite sure where it is. Now Kara is being micromanaged by both Catherine and the FBI's second in command at Quantico, Dean Montero, an expert in cults. Kara is well aware of her short comings, in the eyes of the FBI, but no one has her instincts and that counts for a whole lot especially when thing go sideways, and Matt is in danger.
My thanks to the Publisher and the Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
With a body count that would rival Karen Rose, Allison Brennan has the team spread all over the country with no answers, only more dead bodies. Fake identities and living under the radar have kept a group of people alive, but somehow, they have now been discovered and are being murdered, their throats slit, and bodies covered in red poppies. The team is stretched to the limit and the murderers are a step ahead of them.
As Kara Quinn starts to piece together what is happening, she is challenged by the team psychiatrist. I don't like Catherine. As a psychiatrist with a bunch of letters after her name she doesn't like Kara, who was only a lowly Los Angeles police detective. Catherine also doesn't think Kara is good enough for Matt, who once dated Catherine's sister. I doubt Catherine would think any woman would be good enough for Matt. Kara is her own person and makes no excuses for herself or her actions and her instincts are spot on.
Kara has developed a bond with Riley, one of the escapees from a community called Havenwood which is at the center of what is going on. Not quite a cult, but definitely an isolated community in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado that no one is quite sure where it is. Now Kara is being micromanaged by both Catherine and the FBI's second in command at Quantico, Dean Montero, an expert in cults. Kara is well aware of her short comings, in the eyes of the FBI, but no one has her instincts and that counts for a whole lot especially when thing go sideways, and Matt is in danger.
My thanks to the Publisher and the Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
January 9, 2025
So so good! Awesome police procedural with edge of seat ending.
~~~~~~~~
I love this series with Matt and Kara. My chief complaint is that we never get enough alone time with these two and Kara just is such a tough nut to crack. She will not let her barriers down. That comes in handy when she’s working at what she does best, which is solving crimes.
This particular plot was super intriguing. I love the plot of this murder mystery. Twisted people have been emotionally stripped by a cult-type leader and the race to stop the crime spree is edge-of-your-seat action.
When it comes to police procedurals with crime, mystery, and all of the twists, Brennan does it right. You have characters that you love, characters you love to hate (for me, it’s Katherine), and plenty of twists to keep you on your toes.
See How They Hide is fast-paced and loaded with the unexpected. I just have to beg the author to please let Matt and Kara finally get some alone time and give them the relationship they truly deserve. You’re killing us all here. 😬
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/see-how-they...
~~~~~~~~
I love this series with Matt and Kara. My chief complaint is that we never get enough alone time with these two and Kara just is such a tough nut to crack. She will not let her barriers down. That comes in handy when she’s working at what she does best, which is solving crimes.
This particular plot was super intriguing. I love the plot of this murder mystery. Twisted people have been emotionally stripped by a cult-type leader and the race to stop the crime spree is edge-of-your-seat action.
When it comes to police procedurals with crime, mystery, and all of the twists, Brennan does it right. You have characters that you love, characters you love to hate (for me, it’s Katherine), and plenty of twists to keep you on your toes.
See How They Hide is fast-paced and loaded with the unexpected. I just have to beg the author to please let Matt and Kara finally get some alone time and give them the relationship they truly deserve. You’re killing us all here. 😬
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/see-how-they...
January 6, 2025
In See How They Hide, Allison Brennan takes readers into the chilling depths of Havenwood, a community shrouded in mystery and tied to a string of gruesome murders. When two people are killed simultaneously on opposite sides of the country—each staged in identical fashion and surrounded by red poppies—Detective Kara Quinn and Special Agent Matt Costa lead the Mobile Response Team on a harrowing investigation. The search for connections between the victims unravels a web of secrets, with the enigmatic Havenwood at its center.
Despite the intriguing premise and potential for high-stakes suspense, See How They Hide feels like the weakest entry in Brennan’s series. The narrative suffers significantly from the physical separation of Kara and Matt. Their dynamic relationship has always been a cornerstone of the series, and having them work apart for the majority of the book detracts from the story’s cohesion and emotional engagement.
The case itself feels lackluster and uninspired. While Brennan introduces unsettling elements tied to Havenwood, the investigation takes too long to gain traction. The plot doesn’t pick up steam until the last 20% of the book, making much of the reading experience slow and unengaging.
On a more positive note, Catherine’s long-overdue change in attitude toward Kara was a refreshing moment—but coming six books into the series, it felt far too late to make much of an impact.
Ultimately, See How They Hide struggles to deliver the compelling mystery and character dynamics that have made previous instalments in the series so enjoyable. While Brennan’s writing remains polished, the sluggish pacing and multiple location storylines make this book one of the less memorable entries in the series.
Recommendation: Fans of the series may want to read See How They Hide to stay updated on the characters, but it’s unlikely to become a favorite. If you’re new to the series, start with an earlier instalment to experience the full strength of Brennan’s storytelling.
Thank you to MIRA and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Despite the intriguing premise and potential for high-stakes suspense, See How They Hide feels like the weakest entry in Brennan’s series. The narrative suffers significantly from the physical separation of Kara and Matt. Their dynamic relationship has always been a cornerstone of the series, and having them work apart for the majority of the book detracts from the story’s cohesion and emotional engagement.
The case itself feels lackluster and uninspired. While Brennan introduces unsettling elements tied to Havenwood, the investigation takes too long to gain traction. The plot doesn’t pick up steam until the last 20% of the book, making much of the reading experience slow and unengaging.
On a more positive note, Catherine’s long-overdue change in attitude toward Kara was a refreshing moment—but coming six books into the series, it felt far too late to make much of an impact.
Ultimately, See How They Hide struggles to deliver the compelling mystery and character dynamics that have made previous instalments in the series so enjoyable. While Brennan’s writing remains polished, the sluggish pacing and multiple location storylines make this book one of the less memorable entries in the series.
Recommendation: Fans of the series may want to read See How They Hide to stay updated on the characters, but it’s unlikely to become a favorite. If you’re new to the series, start with an earlier instalment to experience the full strength of Brennan’s storytelling.
Thank you to MIRA and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 6, 2025
The sixth installment of the Quinn & Costa series was an intense one and fast paced! The story starts out with two murders on opposite sides of the country, committed in the same puzzling way, happening within hours of each other. Havenwood, a previously unknown community, cult-like in its setup, is at the heart of the investigation. Figuring out its past and location becomes key to stopping their murder spree. Calliope, the leader, was something else! I felt for her daughter, Riley, who becomes a crucial part of the team’s investigation.
I was happy at the personal progress made with Kara and Matt, with Kara finally opening up, which has been a long time coming. Catherine who’s been a thorn in Kara’s side from the beginning, and pretty much a witch, IMO, has finally acknowledged some important things! I haven’t been a fan of Catherine at all, so hopefully this progress will move her into the likeable category in the future.
Love this series, and really anything Allison Brennan writes! I recommend starting with book one.
I voluntarily read a DRC courtesy of MIRA. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
I was happy at the personal progress made with Kara and Matt, with Kara finally opening up, which has been a long time coming. Catherine who’s been a thorn in Kara’s side from the beginning, and pretty much a witch, IMO, has finally acknowledged some important things! I haven’t been a fan of Catherine at all, so hopefully this progress will move her into the likeable category in the future.
Love this series, and really anything Allison Brennan writes! I recommend starting with book one.
I voluntarily read a DRC courtesy of MIRA. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
March 26, 2025
“See How They Hide”, (book #6 of Quinn & Costa series), by Allison Brennan
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good setup and premises.
Looks like the topic of cult is increasing lately, or it was just a coincidence for me.
The story started well, but its development did not deliver what I expected.
I wanted to learn more about the cult. There wasn’t enough details about it, just highlights.
As I mentioned during my reading update, like each of the previous books, this one also seemed to have been written by someone else because there are no similar characteristics (I read the first 5 within the same month).
Here there are too many characters and the narrative was not engaging or entertaining, but the writing was solid were needed (and repetitive in some parts).
I missed the dynamics and interactions between Kara and Matt, but they were investigating similar crimes in different locations, although I did not miss the romance factor.
I doubt that I will keep following this series, unless I’m hit hard with a FOMO.
Hardcover (Mira): 399 pages, 51 chapters
e-book (Kobo): 400 pages (default), 109k words
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good setup and premises.
Looks like the topic of cult is increasing lately, or it was just a coincidence for me.
The story started well, but its development did not deliver what I expected.
I wanted to learn more about the cult. There wasn’t enough details about it, just highlights.
As I mentioned during my reading update, like each of the previous books, this one also seemed to have been written by someone else because there are no similar characteristics (I read the first 5 within the same month).
Here there are too many characters and the narrative was not engaging or entertaining, but the writing was solid were needed (and repetitive in some parts).
I missed the dynamics and interactions between Kara and Matt, but they were investigating similar crimes in different locations, although I did not miss the romance factor.
I doubt that I will keep following this series, unless I’m hit hard with a FOMO.
Hardcover (Mira): 399 pages, 51 chapters
e-book (Kobo): 400 pages (default), 109k words
March 2, 2025
This is a Mystery/Suspense, and this is the 6st book in the Quinn and Costa series. I have not read the other books in this series, but I do think you can read this book as a standalone. I listened to the audiobook for this book, and I liked the narrator. I was pulled into this story, and I did not want to put this book down. I really loved the pacing in this book and all the drama/twists and turns. This is a great read with great characters and a lot of suspense. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
January 21, 2025
This is a fast paced, entertaining, well-written romantic suspense novel. It has a strong and capable female protagonist, murder, mystery, intrigue, teamwork, twists and turns, and a satisfying conclusion. This is the sixth entry in Ms. Brennan's outstanding Quinn & Costa series, and can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator, Ms. Suzanne T. Fortin, does an excellent job voicing the characters.
March 31, 2025
3.5 stars, rounding up to 4.
This may have been a 4 star, but I was missing a lot of information about the relationships of the main characters, which is my fault for jumping in at book 6 honestly.
That being said, the writing and characters were interesting and kept me hooked and the secret cult was fascinating. I wish there had been more about the changes between what life was like under "grandma" and what life was like under " Calliope".
I also loved Brennan's sentiment about utopias: there are a lot of people who want to live that lifestyle, but few rise to the level of cult. Many times we, myself included, think of these people living off the land and think "cult" automatically but Brennan makes sure to draw that distinction with respect. She also included mention of Ruby Ridge and Waco, grounding her fiction in reality.
Fantastic audio as well!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Allison Brennan, and Harlequin Audio for my ARC of this audiobook.
This may have been a 4 star, but I was missing a lot of information about the relationships of the main characters, which is my fault for jumping in at book 6 honestly.
That being said, the writing and characters were interesting and kept me hooked and the secret cult was fascinating. I wish there had been more about the changes between what life was like under "grandma" and what life was like under " Calliope".
I also loved Brennan's sentiment about utopias: there are a lot of people who want to live that lifestyle, but few rise to the level of cult. Many times we, myself included, think of these people living off the land and think "cult" automatically but Brennan makes sure to draw that distinction with respect. She also included mention of Ruby Ridge and Waco, grounding her fiction in reality.
Fantastic audio as well!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Allison Brennan, and Harlequin Audio for my ARC of this audiobook.
January 9, 2025
I picked this book up not even realizing it was books 6 in a series. I think one of the great things about it is that you don’t have to read the books that came before this one to be completely engaged with the stories and characters.
I will plan on going back and reading from the start of the series just so I can see how the develops happened over time though as the FBI team dynamic is what made this book stand out for me. Not to mention Riley who has amazing strength in the face of some severe PTSD.
So no spoilers…..just if you like fbi procedurals with a fun and interesting cast and a truly devilish bad guy/gal you should give this one a read. A solid 4.25/5 stars for me.
I received an ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.
I will plan on going back and reading from the start of the series just so I can see how the develops happened over time though as the FBI team dynamic is what made this book stand out for me. Not to mention Riley who has amazing strength in the face of some severe PTSD.
So no spoilers…..just if you like fbi procedurals with a fun and interesting cast and a truly devilish bad guy/gal you should give this one a read. A solid 4.25/5 stars for me.
I received an ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.
February 13, 2025
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Thriller / Suspense
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
See How They Hide is the Sixth installment in author Allison Brennan's Quinn & Costa series. Detective Kara Quinn, formerly of the LAPD, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Matt Costa, have a mystery on their hands. The FBI Mobile Response Team has been asked to investigate the deaths of two people who were murdered in the exact same way, one in Virginia and another in Oregon, with red poppies covering their bodies. Quinn and her partner, FBI Agent Michael Harris, investigate the murder of Jane Merrifield in Oregon.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Thriller / Suspense
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
See How They Hide is the Sixth installment in author Allison Brennan's Quinn & Costa series. Detective Kara Quinn, formerly of the LAPD, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Matt Costa, have a mystery on their hands. The FBI Mobile Response Team has been asked to investigate the deaths of two people who were murdered in the exact same way, one in Virginia and another in Oregon, with red poppies covering their bodies. Quinn and her partner, FBI Agent Michael Harris, investigate the murder of Jane Merrifield in Oregon.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
January 13, 2025
I have read all of the books in this series and gave all of them 5 stars except this one. It was just not that good. Every few pages there was a different scene with different characters. There was very little interaction between Matt and Kara. There wasn't even a love scene, only a couple of kisses. For most of the book they weren't even in the same state. Hopefully the next book will be better.
December 27, 2024
I loved it! Great mystery! I can't believe that I've been following this author for nearly 20 years. I remember actually going to the library back then and being so excited when I found a new release in her series. The individual team members in this unit are very different from each other but when they join forces and contribute their expertise on the case everything falls together. Jumping into the minds of each agent with each new chapter is intense and riveting. I enjoyed it! ARC netgalley.com
January 4, 2025
The beginning had my attention, and I liked the premise but the middle was kind of boring and drawn out. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series so that may also be a factor in me not loving it. Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy.
April 21, 2025
See How They Hide is book six in the Quinn & Costa series, which I have not read. I read North of Nowhere by Allison Brennan and really liked the book, so when I saw this series was well liked I knew I wanted to give it a try. I'm a big fan of police procedurals and this story involves a Mobile Response Team trying to figure out the connection between two murders that happen on opposite sides of the country at the exact same time, in the exact same manner. I was hooked immediately but admit the story stalled out a bit in the middle before picking up again in the last third of the book. This is the sixth book in a series, of which I have not read the first five books, but I didn't have any problem understanding what was going on with the characters (which there were a lot of ) as Allison gave a lot of information about each so the reader would have full understanding. That being said, I felt the book was too long. There is a community (or a cult) at the heart of the murders and I enjoyed trying to figure out the who, why, and how behind the murders. I can't say that I will read another book in this series as I didn't form a connection with any of the characters, but I see it is a well loved series by those that have read all of the books. I like Allison's writing and will be sure to check out her next stand alone book.
January 10, 2025
This book follows the FBI's mobile response team as it investigates two murders with eerie similarities that were committed on opposite sides of the country.
What I liked: I love the teamwork and camaraderie of the Mobile Response Team, as well as the continued progress in the romantic relationship between Kara and Matt, as well as the working relationship between Kara and Catherine, who have always rubbed each other the wrong way. Brennan is great at exploring complex characters. I also enjoyed the team's investigation into the mysterious, cult-like community of Havenwood. The second half of the book was particularly exciting.
What I disliked: For me, this book was slow at the beginning. It took me longer than usual to immerse myself in the world and become invested in what happened, and I never enjoyed this book as much as I did some of the others in the series.
Overall: This is a good addition to the series. I didn't enjoy it as much as some of the others in the series, but it's still a solid police procedural that explores complex characters and relationships.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
For book recommendations and reviews, follow me on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@whileireadwithka...
What I liked: I love the teamwork and camaraderie of the Mobile Response Team, as well as the continued progress in the romantic relationship between Kara and Matt, as well as the working relationship between Kara and Catherine, who have always rubbed each other the wrong way. Brennan is great at exploring complex characters. I also enjoyed the team's investigation into the mysterious, cult-like community of Havenwood. The second half of the book was particularly exciting.
What I disliked: For me, this book was slow at the beginning. It took me longer than usual to immerse myself in the world and become invested in what happened, and I never enjoyed this book as much as I did some of the others in the series.
Overall: This is a good addition to the series. I didn't enjoy it as much as some of the others in the series, but it's still a solid police procedural that explores complex characters and relationships.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
For book recommendations and reviews, follow me on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@whileireadwithka...
February 11, 2025
I suspect I could just inhale 11-12 books about Quinn & Costa without issue. They are such easy fare, somehow. Action, banter, interesting, new sceneries and scenarios each time.
Even when the story contains something far from a favourite of mine (a cult, that is), Allison Brennan keeps me invested in how everything will work out.
This might not have been my favourite in the series, so far, but it was still good and left me wanting more - of Cara and Matt, of course.
I seldom ship characters, but these two? Yeah. I ship them. Hard.
Even when the story contains something far from a favourite of mine (a cult, that is), Allison Brennan keeps me invested in how everything will work out.
This might not have been my favourite in the series, so far, but it was still good and left me wanting more - of Cara and Matt, of course.
I seldom ship characters, but these two? Yeah. I ship them. Hard.
January 7, 2025
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Quinn & Costa series is a favorite which I highly anticipate reading. The author has a talent for connecting me to the characters and my emotions. The backdrop to the series is Kara's developing relationship with Matt and her incredible skills.
Kara Quinn is incredibly smart and intuitive. She was undercover with LA and had her cover blown. So now she is more permanently with the FBI on the mobile response team with the FBI, although she is not an FBI agent. Matt, who is also her love interest is the team leader. Kara is wary of trusting anyone. I would read these books in order. They are all excellent and let you see both the personal and career developments.
See How They Hide is about members who have escaped from a cult-like community. Years later, the community is finding them and murdering them. The cult leader's daughter has been taught, as all of them, not to trust law enforcement. But she knows the murders are wrong and isn't willing to ignore them. It's interesting because the society is matriarchal.
I really love all the characters and their support for each other. Except Catherine, who always tries to undermine Kara. They have to work together again now. Matt is still friendly with Catherine and her husband but doesn't accept Catherine's negativity about Kara. The pace is thrilling in both action and the smart investigation pursued.
Narration:
The narrator, Suzanne Guterriez Fortin, has been with the whole series. She is Kara in my mind. The female and male voices feel comfortable with the male voices more husky in tone. There are distinct voices for main characters which I recognize. The performance added to my enjoyment bringing more emotions. I listened at usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
COYER December 2025 RAT
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Quinn & Costa series is a favorite which I highly anticipate reading. The author has a talent for connecting me to the characters and my emotions. The backdrop to the series is Kara's developing relationship with Matt and her incredible skills.
Kara Quinn is incredibly smart and intuitive. She was undercover with LA and had her cover blown. So now she is more permanently with the FBI on the mobile response team with the FBI, although she is not an FBI agent. Matt, who is also her love interest is the team leader. Kara is wary of trusting anyone. I would read these books in order. They are all excellent and let you see both the personal and career developments.
See How They Hide is about members who have escaped from a cult-like community. Years later, the community is finding them and murdering them. The cult leader's daughter has been taught, as all of them, not to trust law enforcement. But she knows the murders are wrong and isn't willing to ignore them. It's interesting because the society is matriarchal.
I really love all the characters and their support for each other. Except Catherine, who always tries to undermine Kara. They have to work together again now. Matt is still friendly with Catherine and her husband but doesn't accept Catherine's negativity about Kara. The pace is thrilling in both action and the smart investigation pursued.
Narration:
The narrator, Suzanne Guterriez Fortin, has been with the whole series. She is Kara in my mind. The female and male voices feel comfortable with the male voices more husky in tone. There are distinct voices for main characters which I recognize. The performance added to my enjoyment bringing more emotions. I listened at usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
COYER December 2025 RAT
February 1, 2025
This was a great mystery surrounding multiple deaths of people who don't seem to know each other, but they are murdered the same. There were plenty of heart-pounding moments. I really enjoyed finding out whodunit in this one.
January 7, 2025
This edge-of-your-seat murder mystery exposes the horrific truth behind a seemingly peaceful hidden community.
Kara was on top of her game. She read their witness, Riley, like a familiar, well-known book, and knew just what to ask and when. Even when Catherine tried her best to throw shade her way. Riley had so much stacked against her, but she came through for everyone when they needed her to.
The cult aspect of the story was interesting and disturbing and provided an excellent setting for this thrilling tale. Things started off kind of slow, but the pace picked up as more and more details were revealed. There were some flashbacks to the past through the eyes of Riley and some of the other cult members.
I loved Kara and Matt together and the way their relationship was progressing. They kept things as professional as they could when they were on the job, but their feelings for each other still came through in small but meaningful ways. Matt's trust in Kara was a beautiful thing to behold.
This series keeps amazing me at how the recurring characters get a chance at one point or another to experience serious personal growth in the midst of all the mayhem. I can recommend this book and this series if you like suspense, fast-moving police procedurals, and a bit of romance. It is definitely best to read these books in order.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This review is also on Hooked By That Book.
Kara was on top of her game. She read their witness, Riley, like a familiar, well-known book, and knew just what to ask and when. Even when Catherine tried her best to throw shade her way. Riley had so much stacked against her, but she came through for everyone when they needed her to.
The cult aspect of the story was interesting and disturbing and provided an excellent setting for this thrilling tale. Things started off kind of slow, but the pace picked up as more and more details were revealed. There were some flashbacks to the past through the eyes of Riley and some of the other cult members.
I loved Kara and Matt together and the way their relationship was progressing. They kept things as professional as they could when they were on the job, but their feelings for each other still came through in small but meaningful ways. Matt's trust in Kara was a beautiful thing to behold.
This series keeps amazing me at how the recurring characters get a chance at one point or another to experience serious personal growth in the midst of all the mayhem. I can recommend this book and this series if you like suspense, fast-moving police procedurals, and a bit of romance. It is definitely best to read these books in order.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This review is also on Hooked By That Book.
October 9, 2024
Two people are murdered in the same manner and at the same time, both covered in red poppies, on opposite sides of the country. Detective Kara Quinn is investigating in Oregon and Special Agent Matt Costa is investigating in Virginia. Their teams are both trying to uncover the link between the two cases. The search reveals more questions than answers until they discover Riley Pierce, the only person still alive that may be able to help them find the connection between the two cases. The investigation all leads back to a place called Havenwood. Will Kara, Matt, and the rest of the team be able to piece together all the details of Havenwood and its leader before it’s too late?
Allison Brennan brings us another stunning addition to the Quinn and Costa series. Brennan delivers many twists and turns throughout the story. My jaw dropped a few times at some of the twists. I was completely fascinated by the story of Havenwood as it unfolded throughout the pages of the book. I highly recommend this series to anyone that enjoys suspense and thrillers. I give this one 4/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Allison Brennan brings us another stunning addition to the Quinn and Costa series. Brennan delivers many twists and turns throughout the story. My jaw dropped a few times at some of the twists. I was completely fascinated by the story of Havenwood as it unfolded throughout the pages of the book. I highly recommend this series to anyone that enjoys suspense and thrillers. I give this one 4/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
January 5, 2025
Two people were murdered—at the exact same time, in the same gruesome manner, bodies covered in the same red poppies…but on opposite sides of the country. With Detective Kara Quinn investigating in Oregon and Special Agent Matt Costa in Virginia, the Mobile Response Team digs deep to uncover more about each victim. What is the link between the two, and why were they targeted?
As with all Allison Brennan’s books, this is a bit too long. It doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy her books, I just find them longer than they need to be. And to be honest, I think this is one of my favorites by her.
There are a lot of intriguing aspects in this novel. I enjoyed the cult! This just made the story more dramatic and intense! Then there is Riley. She is a great character. She has had a life full of trauma and discord. She is truly struggling. Kara knows to handle her with kid gloves.
This is book 6 in the Quinn and Costa series. It is not necessary that you read them in order. They are stand alone books.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
As with all Allison Brennan’s books, this is a bit too long. It doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy her books, I just find them longer than they need to be. And to be honest, I think this is one of my favorites by her.
There are a lot of intriguing aspects in this novel. I enjoyed the cult! This just made the story more dramatic and intense! Then there is Riley. She is a great character. She has had a life full of trauma and discord. She is truly struggling. Kara knows to handle her with kid gloves.
This is book 6 in the Quinn and Costa series. It is not necessary that you read them in order. They are stand alone books.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
April 4, 2025
A very confusing and complicated case for Matt, Kara, and Matt’s team. Two people are killed in different parts of the country, at the same time, their throats are cut and their bodies are covered with red poppies. Soon a couple more bodies are found and were killed the same way. The team can find no connection between the victims, other than the victims are living under false identities and can find no birth records for any of them. The team sure has their work cut out for them. When Jane is killed her best friend, Riley, comes home from France, Quinn finds Riley and the team starts putting the pieces of the very weird case together, but even then none of it makes sense. It took awhile for the clues to finally start coming together for me, but when I totally knew what was really happening I was totally impressed with the way Ms Brennan began weaving the whole story together.
December 31, 2024
What I Did Like:
+The book starts with an interesting case, different enough from other things in the genre to keep it fresh and interesting.
+The cast is likeable. They feel real and their interactions are well written. While I haven’t read the rest of the series featuring these characters, I can see why fans would want to!
+You don’t have to read these in order. This one provides plenty of backstory on the characters to fill you in on anything you might not know and the case is contained to this book.
Who Should Read This One:
-Fans of FBI stories featuring agents who work well as a team and mostly follow the rules will like this book or even this series.
My Rating: 3 Stars
For Full Review: https://alltherightreads.com/2024/12/...
+The book starts with an interesting case, different enough from other things in the genre to keep it fresh and interesting.
+The cast is likeable. They feel real and their interactions are well written. While I haven’t read the rest of the series featuring these characters, I can see why fans would want to!
+You don’t have to read these in order. This one provides plenty of backstory on the characters to fill you in on anything you might not know and the case is contained to this book.
Who Should Read This One:
-Fans of FBI stories featuring agents who work well as a team and mostly follow the rules will like this book or even this series.
My Rating: 3 Stars
For Full Review: https://alltherightreads.com/2024/12/...
March 30, 2025
Allison Brennan does it again with another Quinn and Costa thriller. In this book, two murders happen simultaneously, in the same manner on opposite sides of the United States. It appears as though there is no connection but the victims have red poppies surrounding them. After another murder, they start to connect the dots. It seems as though someone is trying to take out a system—all the victims are nice people and keep to themselves; however, they have unique skills that allow a safe haven for people to be rescued from a dangerous system. Their connection is Havenwood, a cult somewhere in the Colorado Rockies that many people are trying to escape. Riley is the one person who can help the FBI but will she be the next victim?
February 10, 2025
See How They Hide is the 6th book in the Quinn & Costa series. This time around, Kara and Matt and the team are hunting the killer of two people with no apparent ties to each other except for how they died. Their hunt takes them to a mysterious place called Havenwood. I have to admit that I didn't love this one as much as I have loved the others in the series. There was a lot less interaction with Kara and Matt. And they are really why I love this series. The mystery wasn't really a mystery because you pretty much know what is going on by the middle of the book. I did like that Kara got closer with her co-workers. Other than that, I don't really have much to say about this one. It's a good addition to the series, but not my favorite.
March 5, 2025
This is book 6 in the Quinn and Costa series. A young college student is found dead in one part of the country and shortly later a man on the opposite side of the country is discovered dead, killed in the same manner. This leads the team to find more bodies killed in the same manner and find a young college student who is connected to all the victims. They were all members of a cult and are being tracked down and killed. The team tries to break through to the college student, Riley, so that she will trust them and lead them to the location of the cult to stop the cult leader from ore murders. A good thriller and looking forward to to book 7.
January 9, 2025
I absolutely love this series! I am sucked in by the first page. I enjoy seeing the characters relationships grow. I was most pleased when my least favorite character had some actual growth and realized they were not being kind. The story is face paced with lots of twists and turns. FBI thriller is how I would classify it. It can be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend you start at book one in the Quinn and Costa series.
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