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Olivia Welles #2
The Day I Died
Detective Olivia Welles is at it again. Dying, that is.
Detective Olivia Welles vanished into the shadows, faking her own death to shield the ones she loves. But now the clock is ticking and the danger she thought she'd escaped has come roaring back. Forced out of hiding, Olivia must confront her past, outsmart relentless enemies, and risk it all in a pulse-pounding race to save everything—and everyone—that matters. Hold on tight for this high-stakes, nonstop thrill ride!
Anne Frasier's terrific new cat-and-mouse thriller delivers a twisted, back-and-forth game between a sociopathic villain and a broken heroine barely clinging to her sanity as she tries to save the people she loves.
Detective Olivia Welles vanished into the shadows, faking her own death to shield the ones she loves. But now the clock is ticking and the danger she thought she'd escaped has come roaring back. Forced out of hiding, Olivia must confront her past, outsmart relentless enemies, and risk it all in a pulse-pounding race to save everything—and everyone—that matters. Hold on tight for this high-stakes, nonstop thrill ride!
Anne Frasier's terrific new cat-and-mouse thriller delivers a twisted, back-and-forth game between a sociopathic villain and a broken heroine barely clinging to her sanity as she tries to save the people she loves.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2024
491 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Anne Frasier
37 books2,287 followersAnne Frasier is the New York Times, #1 Amazon Charts, and USA Today bestselling author of the Detective Jude Fontaine Mysteries, the Elise Sandburg series, and the Inland Empire novels. With more than a million copies sold, her award-winning books span the genres of suspense, mystery, thriller, romantic suspense, paranormal, and memoir. The Body Reader received the 2017 Thriller Award for Best Original Paperback Novel from International Thriller Writers. Other honors include a RITA for Romantic Suspense and a Daphne du Maurier Award for Paranormal Romantic Mystery/Suspense. Her thrillers have hit the USA Today bestseller list and have been featured in Mystery Guild, the Literary Guild, and Book of the Month. Her memoir, The Orchard, was an O, The Oprah Magazine Fall Pick; a One Book, One Community read; and one of the Librarians’ Best Books of 2011. Visit her website at www.annefrasier.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 19, 2024
I’m surprised people enjoyed this as much as they did. I usually enjoy Anne Frasier, but this wasn’t my cup of tea. It’s been a year since I read the first book (which I enjoyed), so I was confused for way longer than I’d like to admit. It just was not coming back to me. Also, I couldn’t get past that sometimes Father Love was referred to as Alastair and other times as Alasdair. Just sloppy editing.
January 28, 2025
Literally the same problem I had with part 1. For a change, I was unable to connect with the protagonists that, usually, Anne Frasier perfects in every way.
The story was also lackluster and read more like a Rambo movie than a thriller novel.
Sadly, even Dorothy didn't have a big enough role in the novel.
Giving 3 stars just out of my love for Anne Frasier and posterity (I've finished a major chunk of her bibliography in the past month, so pardon my bias)
The story was also lackluster and read more like a Rambo movie than a thriller novel.
Sadly, even Dorothy didn't have a big enough role in the novel.
Giving 3 stars just out of my love for Anne Frasier and posterity (I've finished a major chunk of her bibliography in the past month, so pardon my bias)
February 9, 2025
This book was so bad lol
February 24, 2025
I am a fan of Anne Frasier's writing. This book was even better than the first. This was a fast paced, trust no one, non-stop roller coaster ride. Such fun!
January 19, 2025
I've really enjoyed this author since discovering her books a few years ago. But the last two books of hers that I've read, which are the two books in this series, started to get on my nerves. And this second book actually made me angry enough to essentially DNF.
In the end I decided to skip the last half and go straight to the ending to see if it was worth finishing. I am so glad I did that! I would have been very angry if I'd continued to slog through the whole book. It would have way not been worth the time.
There were so many plot holes I lost count. But by far the one that really set me off was the evil genius trope who seems to have unlimited resources, millions of slavish followers even though all he does is torture and kill them, and an unending array of stupid law enforcement loopholes that allow him to continue to hurt many people without repercussion. I really hate that seemingly all powerful bad guy schtick!
Jeepers! Where do these people get the time and money to just be bad guys all the time? Don't they every have to go to work and support themselves? The impractical nature of the story just bugs me to death.
Most evil people, say, take Ted Bundy for example, may think they are geniuses. But up close it becomes obvious they are anything but. In fact, they're transparent and a bit stupid.
It's not the writing. I always enjoy Anne Frasier's writing. Her characters are easy to empathize with and she can write an action sequence a well as anyone in the biz. She's a really good writer.
But it feels like she's trying to make the plot in each successive book a bit more outrageous than the the previous book. All her books have been a bit "out there" plot-wise. But the two books in this series have gone off the rails, IMHO. This one especially. I just couldn't stomach it anymore and I'm relieved I did not force myself to finish it. That would have really made me angry!
***SPOILER ALERT***
Some notes on a few of the plot holes :
- woman in the desert - the plot switch from innocent person to former me member of evil cult
- virtual reality "program" for special forces taking secret compounds that is essentially of Star Trek level capability
- evil villain with weapons of mass destruction and millions of followers
- Barrels of sarin gas, cyanide for mass poisoning - missiles, etc.
- but only one woman to oppose him all by herself
- while the villain is supported by millions of slavish followers - even after he tortures them and kills their loved ones?
In the end I decided to skip the last half and go straight to the ending to see if it was worth finishing. I am so glad I did that! I would have been very angry if I'd continued to slog through the whole book. It would have way not been worth the time.
There were so many plot holes I lost count. But by far the one that really set me off was the evil genius trope who seems to have unlimited resources, millions of slavish followers even though all he does is torture and kill them, and an unending array of stupid law enforcement loopholes that allow him to continue to hurt many people without repercussion. I really hate that seemingly all powerful bad guy schtick!
Jeepers! Where do these people get the time and money to just be bad guys all the time? Don't they every have to go to work and support themselves? The impractical nature of the story just bugs me to death.
Most evil people, say, take Ted Bundy for example, may think they are geniuses. But up close it becomes obvious they are anything but. In fact, they're transparent and a bit stupid.
It's not the writing. I always enjoy Anne Frasier's writing. Her characters are easy to empathize with and she can write an action sequence a well as anyone in the biz. She's a really good writer.
But it feels like she's trying to make the plot in each successive book a bit more outrageous than the the previous book. All her books have been a bit "out there" plot-wise. But the two books in this series have gone off the rails, IMHO. This one especially. I just couldn't stomach it anymore and I'm relieved I did not force myself to finish it. That would have really made me angry!
***SPOILER ALERT***
Some notes on a few of the plot holes :
- woman in the desert - the plot switch from innocent person to former me member of evil cult
- virtual reality "program" for special forces taking secret compounds that is essentially of Star Trek level capability
- evil villain with weapons of mass destruction and millions of followers
- Barrels of sarin gas, cyanide for mass poisoning - missiles, etc.
- but only one woman to oppose him all by herself
- while the villain is supported by millions of slavish followers - even after he tortures them and kills their loved ones?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2025
Two and a half years after ‘The Night I Died’. Olivia is now working in a bar in the middle of nowhere, thinking she will stay there until her husband and daughter need her. This would be the same husband and daughter who think she has died.
Enter Alasdair “Father Love” Smith, a cult leader so unnervingly charismatic that it’s easy to understand how he amassed followers by the millions. He’s not just a villain in the traditional sense; he’s a reminder that manipulation stems from magnetism. When he targets Olivia, blaming her for the carnage at his compound, which took his wife and children, the stakes take on a sinister tone.
Frasier doesn’t throw her punches early. Instead, she plants quiet, seemingly unremarkable details that bloom into pivotal revelations. Those moments where the mundane becomes meaningful, hit with precision. You’re suddenly questioning everything -- who to trust, what’s real, whether Olivia herself is telling the whole story, and whether she can make it to the end.
But even as the plot becomes more demanding, what stood out most was the novel’s soul. At its core, this is a character-driven story. Horrific things happen, but it’s the people who carry you through. Olivia’s complexity and her fractured strength are compelling. Calliope might be too witty for a three-year-old, but her sass adds the emotional break you need. Will and Finn, each vying for Olivia, offer emotional tension grounded in sincerity. And Griffin... dear sweet Griffin, will quietly break your heart.
Frasier also slips in something unexpected: insight into the anatomy of cults. Not a deep dive, but just enough to make you pause. To wonder. To realize how charisma and planted ideas can shape and warp followers.
I often wonder why more readers aren’t talking about Anne Frasier. Her stories thread together suspense, nuance, and the kind of emotion that lingers. She has a devoted fan base, but her name deserves more recognition on the thriller aisle.
Enter Alasdair “Father Love” Smith, a cult leader so unnervingly charismatic that it’s easy to understand how he amassed followers by the millions. He’s not just a villain in the traditional sense; he’s a reminder that manipulation stems from magnetism. When he targets Olivia, blaming her for the carnage at his compound, which took his wife and children, the stakes take on a sinister tone.
Frasier doesn’t throw her punches early. Instead, she plants quiet, seemingly unremarkable details that bloom into pivotal revelations. Those moments where the mundane becomes meaningful, hit with precision. You’re suddenly questioning everything -- who to trust, what’s real, whether Olivia herself is telling the whole story, and whether she can make it to the end.
But even as the plot becomes more demanding, what stood out most was the novel’s soul. At its core, this is a character-driven story. Horrific things happen, but it’s the people who carry you through. Olivia’s complexity and her fractured strength are compelling. Calliope might be too witty for a three-year-old, but her sass adds the emotional break you need. Will and Finn, each vying for Olivia, offer emotional tension grounded in sincerity. And Griffin... dear sweet Griffin, will quietly break your heart.
Frasier also slips in something unexpected: insight into the anatomy of cults. Not a deep dive, but just enough to make you pause. To wonder. To realize how charisma and planted ideas can shape and warp followers.
I often wonder why more readers aren’t talking about Anne Frasier. Her stories thread together suspense, nuance, and the kind of emotion that lingers. She has a devoted fan base, but her name deserves more recognition on the thriller aisle.
October 13, 2024
I’m a big fan of Anne Frasier, the one of the best / least talked authors I’ve read.
The Day I Died is Book 2 is the Detective Olivia Welles series, and while Book 1 The Night I Died wasn’t a personal favourite of mine I’ve seen Anne Frasier build the characters up through a series.
The Day I Died dramatically builds up Olivia Welles, at the start she’s living anonymously, officially declared dead to protect those she cares about. She’s alert for danger knowing people will come looking, and will find her eventually.
Add in a cult leader of evil genius Bond villain proportions…
Olivia is on the run, trying to reach those she wants to protect, while trying to stay anonymous. It’s a twisting cat and mouse chase, and really quite unusual.
I enjoyed it, and I’m looking forward to Olivia’s next adventure.
Thanks to Netgalley and Belfry Press
The Day I Died is Book 2 is the Detective Olivia Welles series, and while Book 1 The Night I Died wasn’t a personal favourite of mine I’ve seen Anne Frasier build the characters up through a series.
The Day I Died dramatically builds up Olivia Welles, at the start she’s living anonymously, officially declared dead to protect those she cares about. She’s alert for danger knowing people will come looking, and will find her eventually.
Add in a cult leader of evil genius Bond villain proportions…
Olivia is on the run, trying to reach those she wants to protect, while trying to stay anonymous. It’s a twisting cat and mouse chase, and really quite unusual.
I enjoyed it, and I’m looking forward to Olivia’s next adventure.
Thanks to Netgalley and Belfry Press
November 1, 2024
This one starts with a bang, and it remains fast moving the whole way through. Olivia had a bit of peace after Kansas, but had to fake her death and be put into witness protection to protect her loved ones. It doesn't take long for Olivia to be found out, and then the chase begins.
There's lots of action, twists and double-crossing...all of it made for an entertaining ride. I loved Will's character, and I appreciated that he brought a bit of comic relief into a book that could be pretty dark at times.
I'd definitely read another book with these characters, but I'd also love another Elise Sandburg novel!
There's lots of action, twists and double-crossing...all of it made for an entertaining ride. I loved Will's character, and I appreciated that he brought a bit of comic relief into a book that could be pretty dark at times.
I'd definitely read another book with these characters, but I'd also love another Elise Sandburg novel!
March 9, 2025
Well…
I’m usually VERY generous with reviews and I’ve never ever given a 1 star review until now. The book as a whole was so disappointing, but the worst part was being completely lost from the beginning and all the way until the end. I read the first book less than a year ago and could barely grasp wtf was going on throughout this one. This book is way more of an “action packed big time explosion” type of read than psych thriller, and not in a good way. I almost DNF’ed it so many times but decided to stick through to the end..not worth it.
I’m usually VERY generous with reviews and I’ve never ever given a 1 star review until now. The book as a whole was so disappointing, but the worst part was being completely lost from the beginning and all the way until the end. I read the first book less than a year ago and could barely grasp wtf was going on throughout this one. This book is way more of an “action packed big time explosion” type of read than psych thriller, and not in a good way. I almost DNF’ed it so many times but decided to stick through to the end..not worth it.
October 10, 2024
Olivia has died once again. Her life now is a lot different than it was. Now she’s trying to save her husband and child. I really enjoy these characters. But I have to say I was really confused when I first started this book. A lot had happened to Olivia and it took a while to catch on. This was action packed start to finish. Looking forward to more!
*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
October 19, 2024
Olivia and Will are back! The sequel to The Night I died, this one takes place 2 years after the events in the Night. Definitely suggest reading it first so you know what's going on. This was a quick and action packed read! I enjoyed the pace and truly enjoy these characters! Especially little Calliope! Thank you Anne for the galley 🖤
November 3, 2024
Couldn't put it down
What a compelling book! I read it in less than two days. I loved the characters. And the plot just kept me reading way past my bedtime. I don't want to introduce any spoilers, so I'll just say just about everything about this book surprised me as the plot unfolded. It was a great Halloween read. That villain was really creepy.
What a compelling book! I read it in less than two days. I loved the characters. And the plot just kept me reading way past my bedtime. I don't want to introduce any spoilers, so I'll just say just about everything about this book surprised me as the plot unfolded. It was a great Halloween read. That villain was really creepy.
November 7, 2024
Olivia is dead again
This time she staged her own death to protect the ones she loved - her 3 year old adopted daughter Calliope, her dog Dorothy, and her husband in name only Will.
It is too bad that the ones she was trying to,protect the, from have found out that she is not dead and have found her…
This time she staged her own death to protect the ones she loved - her 3 year old adopted daughter Calliope, her dog Dorothy, and her husband in name only Will.
It is too bad that the ones she was trying to,protect the, from have found out that she is not dead and have found her…
November 23, 2024
Exciting, daring, a page turner.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I'd like how the character's profiles made you feel for the characters. I hadn't read the first book.
But I definitely will read as my next read.
I can't wait to see the next book. They have already started a story life for the detective series.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I'd like how the character's profiles made you feel for the characters. I hadn't read the first book.
But I definitely will read as my next read.
I can't wait to see the next book. They have already started a story life for the detective series.
December 29, 2024
Excellent read.I have read several books by Anne Frasier and each one is amazing and so different. Small plot twists that catch you off guard. As soon as I think I know what’s going to happen, (hah) something totally different comes out of it. I will continue to look for and read more books by Ms Frasier.
October 30, 2024
Another great page turner
I couldn't put this down, and when I had to, I kept going back any little minute I had to keep reading. The ending surprised me I hope to see more of this story. Highly recommend!
I couldn't put this down, and when I had to, I kept going back any little minute I had to keep reading. The ending surprised me I hope to see more of this story. Highly recommend!
November 3, 2024
Imaginative premise
At least I hope it is just the imagination of the author. Actually the premise is kind of a scary one. Mix cults, traitors and AI and that is not a world I would wish for. Yet you never know.
At least I hope it is just the imagination of the author. Actually the premise is kind of a scary one. Mix cults, traitors and AI and that is not a world I would wish for. Yet you never know.
November 4, 2024
Bizarre and brilliant
This was a wild ride. Part The Following and it reads like an Andrew Mayne Jessica Blackwood book. Olivia is such a quirky and satisfying character. I can't wait for the next one.
This was a wild ride. Part The Following and it reads like an Andrew Mayne Jessica Blackwood book. Olivia is such a quirky and satisfying character. I can't wait for the next one.
November 9, 2024
a quick read
Story sped forward quite handily.
Double cross, triple cross, all’s well that ends well?
Somehow the two books feel thin, competently executed, but not particularly meaty.
Story sped forward quite handily.
Double cross, triple cross, all’s well that ends well?
Somehow the two books feel thin, competently executed, but not particularly meaty.
November 12, 2024
interesting storyline, packed with adventure
This was a pretty interesting story. Much adventure and suspense. I enjoyed following the twists always worried about who was actually good or bad. It was kind of creepy how far evil can reach.
This was a pretty interesting story. Much adventure and suspense. I enjoyed following the twists always worried about who was actually good or bad. It was kind of creepy how far evil can reach.
December 27, 2024
Olivia is back!!!
I was so excited to see this book. I devoured it. All that she left behind is back. Can she escape without dying again? Will has Calliope and of course Dorothy and is grieving Olivia. I do not want to give much away.
I was so excited to see this book. I devoured it. All that she left behind is back. Can she escape without dying again? Will has Calliope and of course Dorothy and is grieving Olivia. I do not want to give much away.
May 22, 2025
Disappointing
From the get go, this story was fragmented and forced. I love Anna but this story is nothing like the first. Then the ending was pandering and rushed. Don't waste your money on this one
From the get go, this story was fragmented and forced. I love Anna but this story is nothing like the first. Then the ending was pandering and rushed. Don't waste your money on this one
August 16, 2025
Ok I LOVED this but it needed to be double in length. I needed wayyyyy more. Like without going into spoilers- we just got going and then I realized I had like 50 pages left. Definitely could have done sooo much more. But it was great!
November 16, 2024
Readers say this stands alone, but you really should read her first book, The Night I Died, first to understand the back story. Very compelling and suspenseful. Great characters.
December 5, 2024
Recommended for fans of mysteries and thrillers.
December 6, 2024
Interesting concept, but I found the author’s syntax a bit strange. I am not convinced I will read the sequel.
January 16, 2025
The storyline wasn't bad, per se, but was laid out in such a way that I kept questioning my memory of the first book. I actually went back and skimmed the previous book several times to make sure I hadn't misremembered. It mostly came together, but lacked a cohesiveness that makes for a good atory.
January 26, 2025
Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!
January 30, 2025
next stand alone in series, insta connection, this author just has the something special
dnf
February 6, 202520 minutes in and I can't care less with so many details about the children. And talking about death Iike it's a competition—who dies the most. Not my cup of tea, I guess.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews