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Sarah King Mysteries #1
Blood Dahlia
A COPYCAT OF THE MOST FAMOUS MURDER IN HISTORY... A serial murderer nicknamed the Blood Dahlia has been terrorizing the quiet suburbs of Pennsylvania. Brutally mutilating his victims in the fashion of the most famous murder in Hollywood, the killer leaves no trace behind. The FBI's elite Behavioral Science Unit, the section responsible for the study and investigation of serial murder, has little evidence to go on. Believing the killer to be beyond their reach, the agents in the BSU decide they must simply wait for the killer to make a mistake… until they meet Sarah King. Sarah, a mysterious outcast of the Pennsylvania Amish community, claims she has a unique she can speak to the dead. And the victims of the Blood Dahlia are calling out to her. When the FBI enlists her help, special agent Giovanni Adami is skeptical of her abilities, but begins falling for the young woman. His feelings for her are clouded with his distrust of psychic phenomena, but as the Blood Dahlia grows in his barbarism, he knows the FBI has little choice but to explore every avenue available. Whether or not Sarah can speak with the dead ultimately doesn't concern Giovanni. He is interested in results, and when Sarah begins providing some, he must question everything he knows about the world and his place in it. She is either the cleverest fraud he has ever met, or a true psychic with an unexplainable gift. But when the Blood Dahlia takes an interest in Sarah personally, it will take every ounce of strength she has to survive. And as she prepares for him to come for her, she realizes that not everyone is what they seem…
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2014
443 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Victor Methos
75 books2,094 followersVictor Methos is the Edgar Award nominated bestselling author of over forty novels. He has been a criminal and civil rights lawyer in the Mountain West, conducting over 100 trials, and produces two books a year with his dog Fraiser by his side.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
May 14, 2017
This book has a fascinating concept. what if there was a copy cat of the Black Dahlia murder in Pennsylvania, or ever better what if there were 2 ten years apart.
For those who don't know the Black Dahlia was a woman who was brutally murdered in Los Angeles in 1947. You can read about here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Da... Her killer was never caught.
This is a book about a serial torturer / murderer so if you are squeamish or can't read about violence against women, you should walk away.
The book begins ten years in the past and reveals that the first copycat is operating in the Lancaster area. He is caught by a clever sheriff and a psychic Amish girl. I read this book because it was set in PA. The author needs to do more research on PA, the Amish and our colleges. We have sheriffs in PA but they have different jobs than in this book, The Amish do speak differently but not like Hillbillies; and I guarantee there isn't a single Amish child in North America named Star. They are a strict religious sect not Hippies. In the story the baddie is a college professor at Penn State. Penn State is located in State College, PA [I never said we were the best at place names, we have Blue Ball & Intercourse, too] The book is set in Philadelphia. Penn State doesn't have an undergraduate campus or even a class room in Philadelphia. There is an Ambler campus, a Brandywine Campus, an Abington Campus and a graduate school at the Navy Yard. I was very confused trying to figure out how the baddie was getting from Penn State to Philly - a distance of 193 miles - easily.
Anyway 10 years later the psychic Amish child is now a bar tender in Philly and the FBI tracks her down to help with the case. There is more crazy driving around. Like from Quantico to Philly (useless fact Quantico is closer to Philly than State College.) I couldn't figure out where anyone lived... and time goes all timey whimey (H/T to the Doctor). Things happen in a time frame that is impossible. Then FBI see obvious clues and ignore them.
This is one of those stories where you know who the killer is and you have to wait for the good guys and girls to catch up. And everybody blames the psychic. At the end one of the agents suggests that she join the FBI. She a Amish girl who was working as a bartender. The FBI requires a college degree and she never went to high school.
This is the first of two books and I am going to read the second book.
For those who don't know the Black Dahlia was a woman who was brutally murdered in Los Angeles in 1947. You can read about here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Da... Her killer was never caught.
This is a book about a serial torturer / murderer so if you are squeamish or can't read about violence against women, you should walk away.
The book begins ten years in the past and reveals that the first copycat is operating in the Lancaster area. He is caught by a clever sheriff and a psychic Amish girl. I read this book because it was set in PA. The author needs to do more research on PA, the Amish and our colleges. We have sheriffs in PA but they have different jobs than in this book, The Amish do speak differently but not like Hillbillies; and I guarantee there isn't a single Amish child in North America named Star. They are a strict religious sect not Hippies. In the story the baddie is a college professor at Penn State. Penn State is located in State College, PA [I never said we were the best at place names, we have Blue Ball & Intercourse, too] The book is set in Philadelphia. Penn State doesn't have an undergraduate campus or even a class room in Philadelphia. There is an Ambler campus, a Brandywine Campus, an Abington Campus and a graduate school at the Navy Yard. I was very confused trying to figure out how the baddie was getting from Penn State to Philly - a distance of 193 miles - easily.
Anyway 10 years later the psychic Amish child is now a bar tender in Philly and the FBI tracks her down to help with the case. There is more crazy driving around. Like from Quantico to Philly (useless fact Quantico is closer to Philly than State College.) I couldn't figure out where anyone lived... and time goes all timey whimey (H/T to the Doctor). Things happen in a time frame that is impossible. Then FBI see obvious clues and ignore them.
This is one of those stories where you know who the killer is and you have to wait for the good guys and girls to catch up. And everybody blames the psychic. At the end one of the agents suggests that she join the FBI. She a Amish girl who was working as a bartender. The FBI requires a college degree and she never went to high school.
This is the first of two books and I am going to read the second book.
December 21, 2015
Apparently I have been very ignorant of the fact that the Black Dahlia was real - that is some fucked up shit right there, I hope the fucker is sizzling in hell forevermore.
This was a great read!
This was a great read!
December 11, 2021
I am very confused about the rave reviews. Didn't bother with the last few chapters. Sad as this had such a great concept and I really thought it was going to be a great book.
September 2, 2020
I have become an avid Victor Methos fan, and I really enjoy the stories that involve Sarah King. Mr. Methos.... when will you write another???
Great story and the serial killer was a well developed character. I think I read this book in a day and a half! Couldn't put it down!
Great story and the serial killer was a well developed character. I think I read this book in a day and a half! Couldn't put it down!
September 21, 2016
Good story, but lose the "F" bombs. So many authors think that by adding the four letter words people will enjoy reading it. I'm sixty five years old and I read a lot of books (I mean a lot) and I get so tired of reading all the curse words, frankly I tend to not to read that authors books again. Also I'm on a limited budget so being able to read the free books are wonderful, so please do more free books... Thank you for your book.
Yes I would recommend your book to my friends.
Please continue to write more interesting books, and tell all authors you may know to lose the curse words.
Yes I would recommend your book to my friends.
Please continue to write more interesting books, and tell all authors you may know to lose the curse words.
March 17, 2017
if he writes a 2nd Sarah king, I'd read it. this was pretty good. interesting characters, a shocking twist or two. Oddly, I re-read this exactly 3 years after my first reading. Still a strange, creepy, horrific tale.
March 12, 2016
Blood Dahlia
This book was a fun read but the author wrote in a stilted style. Sarah, the heroine, has a short backstory. The author's voice is unclear. Philadelphia is an okay setting. I would recommend this book to a novice mystery/horror enthusiast.
This book was a fun read but the author wrote in a stilted style. Sarah, the heroine, has a short backstory. The author's voice is unclear. Philadelphia is an okay setting. I would recommend this book to a novice mystery/horror enthusiast.
December 31, 2017
Great Thriller
I LOVE this author. I have never read anything bad. I was so excited to find this series. Sarah is great addition to his books. If you love crime thrillers, you won't be disappointed.
I LOVE this author. I have never read anything bad. I was so excited to find this series. Sarah is great addition to his books. If you love crime thrillers, you won't be disappointed.
April 15, 2020
Great Book
Again Methos does not let anyone down, this book was a great read from beginning to end. I couldn’t put it down and ready to read number 2. Keep up the good work my man!!!
Again Methos does not let anyone down, this book was a great read from beginning to end. I couldn’t put it down and ready to read number 2. Keep up the good work my man!!!
January 29, 2015
3.5 to 4 stars
Solid fast paced thriller.
Solid fast paced thriller.
October 2, 2016
Thriller
Really enjoyed this book! Good mix of suspense and crime drama. A reluctant psychic helps FBI agents . I'm ready for the next book. Can't wait to read more.
Really enjoyed this book! Good mix of suspense and crime drama. A reluctant psychic helps FBI agents . I'm ready for the next book. Can't wait to read more.
January 26, 2024
Reading Quest
Embarking on a year-long quest to explore books beyond my usual preferences, I delved into Victor Methos' "Blood Dahlia" from Kindle Unlimited as part of my 2024 reading journey. The promise of an intriguing plot and the lure of a Pennsylvania setting initially drew me in, but the novel, unfortunately, fell short of my expectations, warranting a three-star rating.
The narrative unfolds a decade in the past, introducing a copycat killer in the Lancaster area, pursued by an astute sheriff and an unlikely duo consisting of a psychic Amish girl. While the storyline had potential, the author's portrayal of Pennsylvania, the Amish, and local institutions lacked accuracy. The Amish speak differently, but not in a manner resembling Hillbillies, and their children are certainly not named after celestial bodies like "Star." Additionally, the misrepresentation of Penn State's locations and the logistical implausibility of the antagonist commuting from State College to Philadelphia, a distance of 193 miles, left me perplexed.
Fast-forwarding ten years, the once-psychic Amish child is now a bartender in Philadelphia, sought after by the FBI to assist in a new case. The narrative loses its footing with erratic timelines, confusing geographical movements, and overlooked clues. Despite knowing the identity of the killer early on, the plot drags as the characters catch up, with undue blame directed at the psychic protagonist. The suggestion of her joining the FBI, despite lacking a formal education, stretches credulity.
Despite its flaws, "Blood Dahlia" sets the stage for a sequel, prompting my decision to continue with the second book. However, readers should be cautious, as the book contains explicit and disturbing content related to serial torture and murder. Those sensitive to violence against women may find certain aspects of the narrative challenging to navigate.
Embarking on a year-long quest to explore books beyond my usual preferences, I delved into Victor Methos' "Blood Dahlia" from Kindle Unlimited as part of my 2024 reading journey. The promise of an intriguing plot and the lure of a Pennsylvania setting initially drew me in, but the novel, unfortunately, fell short of my expectations, warranting a three-star rating.
The narrative unfolds a decade in the past, introducing a copycat killer in the Lancaster area, pursued by an astute sheriff and an unlikely duo consisting of a psychic Amish girl. While the storyline had potential, the author's portrayal of Pennsylvania, the Amish, and local institutions lacked accuracy. The Amish speak differently, but not in a manner resembling Hillbillies, and their children are certainly not named after celestial bodies like "Star." Additionally, the misrepresentation of Penn State's locations and the logistical implausibility of the antagonist commuting from State College to Philadelphia, a distance of 193 miles, left me perplexed.
Fast-forwarding ten years, the once-psychic Amish child is now a bartender in Philadelphia, sought after by the FBI to assist in a new case. The narrative loses its footing with erratic timelines, confusing geographical movements, and overlooked clues. Despite knowing the identity of the killer early on, the plot drags as the characters catch up, with undue blame directed at the psychic protagonist. The suggestion of her joining the FBI, despite lacking a formal education, stretches credulity.
Despite its flaws, "Blood Dahlia" sets the stage for a sequel, prompting my decision to continue with the second book. However, readers should be cautious, as the book contains explicit and disturbing content related to serial torture and murder. Those sensitive to violence against women may find certain aspects of the narrative challenging to navigate.
February 22, 2021
No regrets in reading this book. I gave it 4 stars cause I really wish there was more intensity to the story and heart pounding moments because then I would have given it 5 stars. But I did enjoy the pace of the story and that the writer didn't waste time with unnecessary filler info that didn't help move the story along. Any detail or back story info mentioned is there to help the reader to understand why a character has certain character traits or mindset. Although some things were a bit simplistic. And I was left with a couple of things unanswered.
Most of the time when I start a book I read about 5 chapters or 7 tops on the first day but this time I read 10 because the story moved so fast and didn't drag. On the second day I read 18 chapters, again a first for me. That's how much I was engrossed in the story. I took a couple of days off reading but once I was back in I just couldn't stop. I became invested not only in seeing how the killer is caught but to see how Arnold, Giovani, and Sarah's characters all develop together. I was invested in them as a team.
I've read many psychic related mysteries/thrillers before and not all are very good but I will say this book was one of the better ones. I look forward in continuing to see what murder investigation Sarah King gets pulled into in the second book, Murder 42.
Most of the time when I start a book I read about 5 chapters or 7 tops on the first day but this time I read 10 because the story moved so fast and didn't drag. On the second day I read 18 chapters, again a first for me. That's how much I was engrossed in the story. I took a couple of days off reading but once I was back in I just couldn't stop. I became invested not only in seeing how the killer is caught but to see how Arnold, Giovani, and Sarah's characters all develop together. I was invested in them as a team.
I've read many psychic related mysteries/thrillers before and not all are very good but I will say this book was one of the better ones. I look forward in continuing to see what murder investigation Sarah King gets pulled into in the second book, Murder 42.
December 13, 2018
So this was a decent 2.5 star story. Terrible narration by Mackenzie Leigh Barmen. (audible review)
I liked the premise and the story line. Sarah being able to talk to dead people or see peoples past and/or present was interesting.
The story line was good enough, it did get a bit much since Sarah's character seemed to be somewhat callous at certain times. It wasn't a fantastic book and it wasn't boring. Just decent.
I think part of my problem was the narration, it was not good. Mackenzie Leigh Barmen did NOT even try to do a male voice or give anyone their own distinct voice at all. She basically read it in all in one voice. So that was a downer and since I was just listening I had to make sure I was listening for who was talking. A good narrator will do several voices in stories so you can keep track of who's who. Not this girl. Nope.
So I would say to read the book and not listen to it. Those 5 star performance ratings are baffling to me.
I liked the premise and the story line. Sarah being able to talk to dead people or see peoples past and/or present was interesting.
The story line was good enough, it did get a bit much since Sarah's character seemed to be somewhat callous at certain times. It wasn't a fantastic book and it wasn't boring. Just decent.
I think part of my problem was the narration, it was not good. Mackenzie Leigh Barmen did NOT even try to do a male voice or give anyone their own distinct voice at all. She basically read it in all in one voice. So that was a downer and since I was just listening I had to make sure I was listening for who was talking. A good narrator will do several voices in stories so you can keep track of who's who. Not this girl. Nope.
So I would say to read the book and not listen to it. Those 5 star performance ratings are baffling to me.
October 10, 2017
Oddly normal
I passed over this book several times because I am "close minded" and don't really like my crime fiction to err on the side of overly fictional, if that makes any sense? Maybe it's because I am so tired but when she broke into her "psychic-ness" it didn't make me uncomfortable. It wasn't so outlandish that I just couldn't read anymore. It was oddly normal. I could actually see something like that happening. I appreciate the fact she didn't have to endure too much scrutiny and that it focused purely on catching the killer. Good and quick read!
I passed over this book several times because I am "close minded" and don't really like my crime fiction to err on the side of overly fictional, if that makes any sense? Maybe it's because I am so tired but when she broke into her "psychic-ness" it didn't make me uncomfortable. It wasn't so outlandish that I just couldn't read anymore. It was oddly normal. I could actually see something like that happening. I appreciate the fact she didn't have to endure too much scrutiny and that it focused purely on catching the killer. Good and quick read!
April 9, 2018
"Psychic Power Helps FBI"
In Pennsylvania, a serial killer, dubbed Blood Dahlia, has been brutally murdering and mutilating his victims. The killer seems to be always out of reach. However, Sarah King believes she can help the investigators. She can speak to the dead and the victims are all calling out to her. FBI Agent Giovanni Adami will help her. This is a thriller beyond belief. The story is gripping and spine-tingling. Now I'm going forward to the second book in this outstanding series.
In Pennsylvania, a serial killer, dubbed Blood Dahlia, has been brutally murdering and mutilating his victims. The killer seems to be always out of reach. However, Sarah King believes she can help the investigators. She can speak to the dead and the victims are all calling out to her. FBI Agent Giovanni Adami will help her. This is a thriller beyond belief. The story is gripping and spine-tingling. Now I'm going forward to the second book in this outstanding series.
April 26, 2020
Really intriguing
possible spoilers:
At first I was skeptical of a psychic FBI mystery but I was wrong. It hooked me and I couldn’t put it down. I love how Sarah was a mess. She’s a little slutty, a little bit of a drunk and no real direction. I enjoyed watching her make choices to make her a person she knew could help others. Yes there were some parts where you had to “just go with it”, but overall this was an excellent read.
possible spoilers:
At first I was skeptical of a psychic FBI mystery but I was wrong. It hooked me and I couldn’t put it down. I love how Sarah was a mess. She’s a little slutty, a little bit of a drunk and no real direction. I enjoyed watching her make choices to make her a person she knew could help others. Yes there were some parts where you had to “just go with it”, but overall this was an excellent read.
January 16, 2021
Wierd,wonderful. Those are the first words that came to mind when I started to think about something to say about this unusual book.
Well defined characters? How do you describe a person who sees and talks to dead people for "real". Well this is Sarah,an uneducated young Amish girl ,who was cast out of the Amish community ,mainly because after revelations,they were afraid of her gifts. How this girl with all her problems ends up working for the FBI is a story you have to read.
Well defined characters? How do you describe a person who sees and talks to dead people for "real". Well this is Sarah,an uneducated young Amish girl ,who was cast out of the Amish community ,mainly because after revelations,they were afraid of her gifts. How this girl with all her problems ends up working for the FBI is a story you have to read.
February 16, 2020
Wow! Just Wow!
What an awesome read! I have read more paranormal,psychic books that could fill up a small library but none have put me on the edge of my seat and left me there like this one! Fantastic story. Love the good guys, hate the bad this writer made me feel like I was with them every step of the way! 5+++++
What an awesome read! I have read more paranormal,psychic books that could fill up a small library but none have put me on the edge of my seat and left me there like this one! Fantastic story. Love the good guys, hate the bad this writer made me feel like I was with them every step of the way! 5+++++
March 16, 2020
Wow! Another gripping book!
I loved Sarah Kong's character. I have always found the Amish interesting and to read about it in a novel was exciting. The book is like a different version of Silence of the Lambs. Giovanni and Arnold were interesting characters, as well as Daniel. I am going to read every book in this series and suggest you do also. Certainly a 5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 book!
I loved Sarah Kong's character. I have always found the Amish interesting and to read about it in a novel was exciting. The book is like a different version of Silence of the Lambs. Giovanni and Arnold were interesting characters, as well as Daniel. I am going to read every book in this series and suggest you do also. Certainly a 5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 book!
November 26, 2020
Wow, so scary what can be right in front of you.
I am from South Central Pennsylvania, lived in Hershey and Harrisburg and 30 minutes from Lancaster in York, then moved to Philadelphia where I currently reside so it was very exciting to read a book that had so much familiarity to it and I am a nurse.
I am from South Central Pennsylvania, lived in Hershey and Harrisburg and 30 minutes from Lancaster in York, then moved to Philadelphia where I currently reside so it was very exciting to read a book that had so much familiarity to it and I am a nurse.
December 19, 2021
Brilliant.
This book makes me believe that there are people with the ability to see people in the spirit world.
I needed to get to the end to make sure she killed the sadistic murderer before any more deaths happened.
If you like suspense and Gore this book is for you. You also need a good imagination.
This book makes me believe that there are people with the ability to see people in the spirit world.
I needed to get to the end to make sure she killed the sadistic murderer before any more deaths happened.
If you like suspense and Gore this book is for you. You also need a good imagination.
January 3, 2022
I can finally relax.
I got this book because of the author. I love Victor Methos writings, but this was so different from all the other books I've read by him that I had to check back to make sure that Method was the author. This was no court room legal mystery for sure. I visualized everything and was totally drained of emotion by the end. Terrific read.
I got this book because of the author. I love Victor Methos writings, but this was so different from all the other books I've read by him that I had to check back to make sure that Method was the author. This was no court room legal mystery for sure. I visualized everything and was totally drained of emotion by the end. Terrific read.
July 1, 2018
Gripping
This book kept me wanting to turn the page and find out what happens next. The end was a bit rushed. But overall an interesting read. Downloaded book 2 in the series looking forward to reading that as well.
This book kept me wanting to turn the page and find out what happens next. The end was a bit rushed. But overall an interesting read. Downloaded book 2 in the series looking forward to reading that as well.
December 19, 2018
Intriguing story but not a masterpiece. If Methos had let the story steep a bit, like a tea bag, then polished the draft a time or three, it could have been a masterpiece. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story.
March 11, 2020
Sorry not nearly as well thought out of as interesting as the John Stanton series
The book has an interesting premise. But it wasn't as well written as most of the Stanton books. It seemed a bit sloppy at times too! Sorry but I am being honest.
The book has an interesting premise. But it wasn't as well written as most of the Stanton books. It seemed a bit sloppy at times too! Sorry but I am being honest.
May 30, 2020
A real nail biter
Couldn't put the book down. It kept you on the edge of your seat guessing what was going to happen next. Intriguing from start to finish. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Couldn't put the book down. It kept you on the edge of your seat guessing what was going to happen next. Intriguing from start to finish. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
August 31, 2020
This was a good read. I like this author, very straightforward in his writing, which I like. Interesting story line, a bit graphic here and there but necessary to explain the extent of the killings. Sorry about one of the main characters towards the end. Hope to read book 2 in this series.
September 21, 2020
Breath Sucking Terror
Well written with interesting characters both main and secondary to the story. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I recommend without hesitation.
Well written with interesting characters both main and secondary to the story. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I recommend without hesitation.
September 23, 2020
Absolutely wonderful author
This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and I’m blown away by his talent as a writer! Move over John Sanford and James Patterson. This author is not for the faint of heart, but I recommend his books 1000%.
This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and I’m blown away by his talent as a writer! Move over John Sanford and James Patterson. This author is not for the faint of heart, but I recommend his books 1000%.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews