The Grave Artist

Sanchez & Heron #2

by Jeffery Deaver, Isabella Maldonado

Perfect couples are his perfect victims. Now he’s hunting those hunting him in a riveting thriller by New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Isabella Maldonado.

A wedding reception is coming to a close in the Hollywood Hills when the blissful day is shattered by the death of one of the newlyweds. Though the incident appears to be an accident, Homeland Security Investigations agent Carmen Sanchez and her partner, security expert Jake Heron, discover that the tragedy is the third in a series of similar deaths and conclude something far more sinister is at play.

The two uncover chilling evidence pointing to a serial killer who has taken evil to the next level. Dubbed the Honeymoon Killer, this man isn’t interested in his victims but in creating his own macabre masterpiece from their graves—focused on the survivors and reveling in their grief. And now his dark obsession has turned to Carmen and Jake…

The Honeymoon Killer has decided they are the perfect next target. Take one out and delight as the other crumbles. Time is running out as a deadly game between predator and prey begins.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Fiction, Audiobook

396 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 9, 2025

About the author

#1 international bestselling author of over thirty novels and three collections of short stories. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into 25 languages. His first novel featuring Lincoln Rhyme, The Bone Collector, was made into a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. He's received or been shortlisted for a number of awards around the world.

Reviews

[Bruce Hatton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A serial killer is targetting newlyweds but, each time, only killing one of the recently espoused. He has already struck twice in Italy, but his latest victim is in Hollywood.
This is the second of the co-written series featuring Homeland Security agent Carmen Sanchez and security expert Jake Heron. It soon becomes obvious the killer isn't concerned about his specific victims but revelling in the grief at their funerals. Once he realises Carmen and Jake are on his trail, he's determined one of them will become his next victim.
In many ways this is a typical Jeffery Deaver novel with almost non-stop action, multiple plot twists and a cast of somewhat over the top characters. Isabella Maldonado's two decades as a police captain certainly lends an air of authenticity to the procedural aspects of the novel.
In all, a very enjoyable read but not one to be taken too seriously.

[Donne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to catching up with Isabella Maldonado’s and Jeffrey Deaver's newest installment of their collaboration of the Sanchez and Heron series. Carmen Sanchez, a bad@$$ special agent for Homeland Security’s I-squared program, and Jake, a nerdy professor and civilian consultant for the program are again in pursuit of the criminals that pose a threat to the country.

The book summary introduces the primary storyline of the Honeymoon Killer (HK), aka Damon Garr, who Carmen and Jake are investigating and are in pursuit of. What the book summary doesn’t mention is that Carmen and Jake are also working with a local police detective, Frank Tandy. After the team thwarts HR’s attempts at another victim, HK decides to go after the team in an effort to prevent them from thwarting anymore future plans of his. In the process of baiting HK, an attraction starts to develop between Carmen and Jake.

There is also a secondary story of Carmen’s younger sister, Selena, who is looking into their father’s supposed suicide, which the sisters know was a cover-up for their father’s murder. Selena makes some headway at deciphering their father’s “suicide” note to them and discovers it was actually a message to them in hopes of leading them to the killer. None of this is a spoiler since it’s revealed early in the story.

Most of the story flips back and forth between Carmen, Jake, HK and Selena. HK isn’t the run of mill wacko. No, someone who only targets newlyweds on their wedding day, is a whole other kind of wacko. While there are clues throughout the story as to why HK is so deranged, we don’t find out until deep into the second half just how completely nuts this wacko is. The final chapters are really scary and intense for the team and Deaver & Maldonado really keep you hanging until the end.

The continuing character development of Carmen, Jake, Selena and HK was well done. I would have liked to have seen more of the plotline between Reynolds and Williamson. I guess we will see more of that in the next installment. This was another fast-paced, action-packed installment. The storylines were interesting, and the writing well done. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.4 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer and Brilliance Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #Thomas&Mercer #BrillianceAudio #TheGraveArtist

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeffrey Deaver is a prolific writer, but i missed all the Lincoln Rhyme books. This is only my third read of this author. I did read the first of the Sanchez and Heron series and enjoyed it, so was glad to see the second in the series available.

Description:
A wedding reception is coming to a close in the Hollywood Hills when the blissful day is shattered by the death of one of the newlyweds. Though the incident appears to be an accident, Homeland Security Investigations agent Carmen Sanchez and her partner, security expert Jake Heron, discover that the tragedy is the third in a series of similar deaths and conclude something far more sinister is at play.

The two uncover chilling evidence pointing to a serial killer who has taken evil to the next level. Dubbed the Honeymoon Killer, this man isn’t interested in his victims but in creating his own macabre masterpiece from their graves—focused on the survivors and reveling in their grief. And now his dark obsession has turned to Carmen and Jake…

The Honeymoon Killer has decided they are the perfect next target. Take one out and delight as the other crumbles. Time is running out as a deadly game between predator and prey begins.

My Thoughts:
Serial killers seem to have strange motivations to justify their crimes, and this one is no different. He's killing one of a newly wed couple at their wedding (doesn't matter which one) seeming to only want to watch the bereaved spouse falling apart with grief. Just really strange for someone to get off on that. Sanchez and Heron had their work cut out for them with little to go on to get their investigation started. How can you possibly find a muderer who could be anywhere. However, they put together a plan and proceeded. It was interesting to follow this one. The book is fast-paced and full of action. There are some carry-over investigations from the first book, so it would be good if you read it first, but not totally necessary as this one could easily be read as a stand alone.

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer through Netgalley for an advance copy.

[Valleri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Grave Artist follows Homeland Security Investigations agent Carmen Sanchez and "intrusionist" Jake Heron as they investigate a serial killer known as the "Honeymoon Killer". (In case you're wondering, there are no spiders in this one.😉) The killer in this book targets newlyweds, making the murders appear to be accidents. When Carmen and Jake pursue the killer, he decides to pursue them.

I liked The Grave Artist, but I think I would have loved it had there been a little less going on. The primary storyline was fascinating. The second storyline was interesting, too. There was a bit of a third storyline, as well, about Russia. As someone wrote in their review, Too much "just happens." I agree. And some parts felt a little forced. (I guess there was a fourth storyline, too, with some minor romance.)

Having said that, the last part of the book made me smile. It's nice to have something to look forward to.

Thank you, #ThomasAndMercer, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. The Grave Artist has an expected publication date of September 9, 2025.

#Crime #Mystery #Suspence #StrongFemaleProtagonist

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in this thrilling series portrays the unconventional duo of “intrusionist” Jake Heron and law enforcement officer Carmen Sanchez. As members of the newly formed I-squared program (Intrusions Investigations) they tackle unconventional threats to national security, uncovering cases that fall outside traditional investigative limits.

This time, Heron and Sanchez find themselves in pursuit of a very intelligent serial killer known as “Honeymoon Killer”. The murderer targets newlywed couples, killing one partner after the wedding ceremony while making the death look like an accident.

As reader, you already know the killer’s identity and follow the duo and their team as they work to piece together the clues and bring this bad boy to justice.

The story is fast paced, with short chapters that keep the action moving. Packed with intense twists and an unexpected ending, it keeps readers hooked from the start to the end.

While the book includes an overarching storyline from the first installment, it’s not necessary to read the previous book to enjoy this one. However, I personally prefer starting from the beginning to fully appreciate the nuances and interconnected stories.

I'm a fan of the series(including potential romance) and hoping for future books and the continued collaboration between J. Deaver and I. Maldonado. I’m excited to see what new adventures and challenges lie ahead for this duo and how their characters continue to grow and evolve.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.

[R L HERSKOWITZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars rounded up to 5 Stars

This book is best read in one or two sittings.
It is complex, filled with action and twists that I didn’t envision.
It was well written (by two authors, yet it seems like one author wrote it) and is a great thriller.

I recommend the Grave Artist.
I can’t wait for a third novel in the series to become available. 🤞🏼😊

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A longtime fan of Jeffrey Deaver’s work, I was eager to read the debut novel in this series, in which he collaborates with Isabella Maldonado. When a newlywed couple has their most important day torn apart by a death, it appears to have been an accident. However, after Carmen Sanchez and Jake Heron look into things, accident soon turns to murder. A killer is on the loose and there is no time to waste. Deaver and Maldonado deliver another great thriller with this piece.

When a beautiful wedding in the Hollywood Hills comes to a tragic end after one of the newlyweds is killed, Homeland Security Agent Carmen Sanchez and her partner, security guru Jake Heron, begin working the angles. What looks to be an accident is soon deemed otherwise when other cases with similar motives come to the surface. This is a serial killer less concerned about the victims and more focused on the survivors and their grief, in some form of sick art. As the case progressed, Sanchez and Heron become the next focus of the killer. Kill one and watch the reaction of the other. Agent Sanchez must also juggle pain from her father’s suicide three years earlier. Alongside her sister, Selena, they have often felt there was more to the story than the authorities determined. While they tackle this case they feel has been wrongly determined, there is still an active case to work. Racing for answers, the case kicks into high gear. A gripping follow-up thriller that is sure to impress those who love the genre.

Deaver’s work through various series have been highly entertaining for me. His collaboration with Isabella Maldonado me impressed once more. Great narrative foundations keep the reader attentive as things spin in numerous directions. Short chapters ensure calculated tension throughout the novel. This is a series that has me curious and eager to see how it progresses.

Great contrasts between Carmen Sanchez and Jake Heron continue, permitting the protagonists to flourish. Their varied backstories contrast and developments helped strengthen their partnership. They work well together, but also beg to remain independent. Strong supporting characters deliver a tense and well-paced story, I am eager to see where things are headed and how the authors intend on making it even better.

Plot points fuel the basis of the story. What appears easy to decipher turns everything on its head. The reader soon falls into something well worth their time. There are great ideas emanating from the killer’s plans annd the reader is soon pulled into the middle of it. This provides surprises for all to enjoy and the story pushes on. The authors know how to impress and I am eager to see what the next novel will bring.

Kudos, Mr. Deaver and Madam Maldonado, for delivering when it is needed most.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[A Dreaming Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for providing me with an ALC.

This was an enjoyable fast-paced thriller. I've read Jeffrey Deaver's short story collection "Twisted" before and liked it so I wanted to give this book a try. I liked the way all the separate plotlines came together at the end. One of them felt a bit random and left it a bit open ended (maybe for Book 3?). I was starting to get a bit annoyed by the way he kept mentioning Serial Killing 2.x all the time -- it didn't feel that different from the standard. The theme itself was nice and the way his backstory was revealed was well done. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fast-paced serial killer thriller.

The narrators did a great job with the story. The two narrators were in sync -- no speed/pacing issues between the two. The intonation for the creepy parts especially was done well.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy for Book 2

Jeffery Deaver is a good writer. Imagintive, mysterious, and action packed this second in the series of two detectives, and a serial killer.

[John (LHBC) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Grave Artist opens with a jolt: a wedding celebration in the Hollywood Hills ends with the groom’s sudden death, a tragedy that at first looks like a freak accident. Homeland Security agent Carmen Sanchez and security consultant Jake Heron quickly see a pattern—this is the third “accident” tied to newlyweds. What follows is an investigation that pivots from procedural to personal as they track a killer who isn’t merely taking lives but crafting a grotesque “art” out of the grief of survivors. The premise alone sets a sinister mood that lingers long after you put the book down.

Deaver and Maldonado’s collaboration hums with energy. They play to each other’s strengths—Deaver’s gift for clockwork plotting, Maldonado’s knack for character-driven suspense—and it shows in the pacing. Short, propulsive chapters and well-timed reveals keep the investigation sharp, while the creeping dread of the Honeymoon Killer’s obsession adds psychological heft. This isn’t just another serial-killer chase; it’s an exploration of how loss can be manipulated, and that gives the story a nasty edge. The supporting cast occasionally feels functional rather than vivid, but the central cat-and-mouse game is so taut you barely notice.

Carmen and Jake are a large part of why the book works. She’s methodical and fiercely competent; he’s tech-savvy, slightly looser, with instincts that sometimes cut corners. Their professional chemistry feels natural, their private vulnerabilities believable. When the killer turns his gaze toward them, the story tilts from hunt to survival and the tension spikes—suddenly every scene feels like borrowed time. If grief could be framed, this novel builds the frame and then cracks it in half.

If you go audio, the dual narration elevates everything. Aida Reluzco gives Carmen a voice of steel and subtle urgency, while Andre Santana matches her with a grounded, quick-thinking Jake. Their alternating performances make the shifting viewpoints feel immediate, especially as the stakes rise. It’s one of those audiobooks where you can feel the heart rate of the story. In print or audio, The Grave Artist is a darkly inventive thriller—taut, unsettling, and impossible to set aside. It left me checking over my shoulder more than once.

[Jan Brychta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super kniha Umělec 2 díl že série Sanchez a Herron

[Reni · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ (rounded down)

Това е първата книга, която чета и от двамата автори, макар да знам, че и Джефри Дивър, и Изабела Малдонадо са добре познати имена в света на криминалните трилъри. Понеже книгата е писана в съавторство, не мога да кажа кой точно какво е писал и какъв е индивидуалният им стил, но като цяло историята вървеше много гладко - с кратки глави и бърза динамика - леко и приятно четене 📚✨

В началото обаче ми беше… малко хаотично 😅 Книгата следи няколко сюжетни линии, които първоначално ми се струваха напълно несвързани. Освен това започваме директно с глава от гледната точка на убиеца, което веднага поставя книгата и в категорията съспенс. Имаш чувството, че знаеш твърде много, но все още нищо не ти е ясно 👀

Колкото повече напредвах, толкова повече нещата започнаха да си идват на мястото - и трябва да призная, че бях приятно впечатлена как към края всички сюжетни линии се преплетоха и най-накрая всичко придоби смисъл 🧩 Не останаха отворени сюжетни дупки… дали запълването им беше напълно логично е съвсем друг въпрос, хаха 😄

Когато започнах книгата изобщо не осъзнах, че това е част 2 от поредица 😅😅 Това обаче не ми попречи по никакъв начин. Героите бяха добре представени и достатъчно ясно изградени, за да се ориентирам без проблем.

Историята следи няколко основни линии:
🔪 убиеца на младоженци и неговите “творения“
💻 случая с киберпрестъпника Тристан
🕵️‍♀️ главните ни герои Кармен Санчес и Джейк Херън, които водят разследванията
👭 и сестрата на Кармен - Селина, която се опитва да разбере истината около убийството на баща им, Роберто

Много ми хареса и вплитането на римска и гръцка митология - придаде допълнителен цвят и дълбочина на историята, с лек вайб тип Дан Браун и “Шифърът на Леонардо“ 🏛️🔍

✨ Най-любимата ми част без съмнение беше профилирането на убиеца. Това винаги ми е слабост - психологията зад действията му, мотивите, начинът му на мислене, планирането… просто обожавам такива елементи 🧠❤️

Впечатли ме и начинът, по който бяха интегрирани ИИ системи в разследванията - как изкуственият интелект подпомага търсения, сравнения и анализи. Много актуално и интересно представено 🤖

Макар книгата да включва доста второстепенни герои, всеки от тях имаше смисъл и роля - никой не ми се стори излишен, което винаги е плюс.

Като цяло аз съм голям фен на такъв тип книги - криминални трилъри, разследвания, детективи, инспектори, ФБР, ЦРУ… you name it, i (probably) love it😄

Оценявам книгата с 3.5⭐️. Четях с интерес, стилът беше лек и приятен, мотивите на убиеца - интригуващи, а психологическата гледна точка - много добре представена. Хареса ми и детайлното планиране на “ударите“.

Това, което не ми допадна, е че всичко се случваше прекалено лесно. Хората сякаш си “изпяваха“ всичко твърде бързо, достъпът до системи винаги беше безпроблемен (да, знам, Джейк Херън е елитен хакер, но все пак…). Нямаше почти никакви реални затруднения в разследването - всяка улика водеше директно до следващата, без препъвания, което ми се стори малко нереалистично. А и сюжетът с “той е руски шпионин“… не се ли изтърка вече? 🙄

НО! Финалът компенсира доста - и по-конкретно сцената, в която адвокатът целува Фишър по двете бузи… който е чел книгата, знае 😉 Беше много добре измислено и написано.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Mystery & Detective / Police Procedural
*Rating* 3.5-4

*Thoughts*

The Grave Artist is the second installment in the co-authors Jeffrey Deaver and Isabella Maldonado Sanchez and Heron series. This story has 4 main characters: Carmen Sanchez, Jake Heron, Selina Sanchez, and the villain of the story. The Grave Artist opens with a shocking tragedy at a wedding reception in the Hollywood Hills, where the death of a newlywed, initially deemed an accident, unravels a sinister pattern. Homeland Security Investigations agent Carmen Sanchez and her partner, private security expert Jake Heron, uncover that this is the third in a series of similar deaths targeting newlyweds.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...

[ЙОАНА МАНДЖУКОВА · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Убийство 2.0" - Джефри Дивър и Изабела Малдонадо
Първата книга зададе посоката и ни запознава с главните герои. Тук вече е създаден новия отдел и Санчес и Херън, заедно с Маус, Диклан и Грейнджър разследват първия си случай. Естествено, има замесени и други герои от първата книга. Паралелно с разследването на серийния убиец, който убива младоженци в деня на сватбата им, върви и борбата на двамата, едни от най-добрите в света, хакери - Херън и дългогодишния му враг. Също така, сестрата на Санчес започва самостоятелно разследване на смъртта на баща им.
Романът е също толкова интересен, колкото и първия, а действието и напрежението не спират до последната страница!
Препоръчвам да прочетете първо предната книга, защото са свързани и последователни.
Заслужени 5 ⭐️

[LindaPf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best-selling authors Jeffrey Deaver and Isabella Maldonado deliver another terrific collaboration with Book 2 of their Carmen Sanchez and Jake Heron series. Sanchez is with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and academic cyber expert Jake is a newly sworn special consultant with DHS. Jake Heron studies ”Intrusions” — analyzes the points where something becomes unwelcome and changes something else. Like bad relationships. Or HOAs.

The duo’s newly (and conditionally) approved project is called I-Squared (Intrusion Investigations) which prioritizes Jake’s expertise. This is really a sequel — it picks up right after the first book “Fatal Intrusions.” That book left off as Jake discovers that Carmen’s father’s suicide was actually a homicide and the cyber-villain who Jake has been pursuing for years (FeAR-15; now DR-one, real name Tristan Kane) successfully escaped (albeit with a wiped out offshore account and under multiple indictments). I would recommend that you read the first installment.

In this thriller, Sanchez and Heron are chasing an international serial killer nicknamed the “Honeymoon Killer” who kills either the groom or bride just after their wedding. The murderer had tried to make the incidents (his MO for the first three: blunt object followed by drowning) look like accidents, but his pattern has been recognized and now he’s adding Carmen and Jake to his hit list. In addition, Carmen’s sister Selina is now bothered by certain aspects of her father’s “supposed” suicide note and wonders if he left them a clue when he was forced to write it.

However, this isn’t a straightforward police procedural because of the multiple plot lines: the HK Killer; the HK Killer’s secret something; political intrigue over the fate of I-squared; a Russian conspiracy obsessed government employee; a female person of interest (with red stripes on the back of her heels); Jake’s own mysterious family situation; plus the first book’s loose ends of Tristan Kane and Selina’s rogue investigation. The action was non-stop but manic. I hope Deaver and Maldonado can better develop the Sanchez/Heron relationship in another installment after wrapping up the plotlines. They’re great characters, but they need a fresh case. Note: the book does end with an opening for another story.

Oh, no spiders in this book. 4.5 stars.

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO. Mouse’s intense blue eyes are featured again, and Jake’s niece also has intense blue eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO But Jake always associates the scent of lavender with Carmen.

Thank you to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for an advanced reader
copy!

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast-paced, unique twist on a serial killer. I liked the main plot with the Honeymoon killer. When the side plots started piling on, they almost seemed to be filler. Why would Heron’s arch nemesis look up this killer and help him out? The motive given seemed weak. And what happened to him? Heron just let him go to hurt more people in order to save the sister? Why was it necessary to have the sister become the damsel in distress? The motive for HK taking her and escalating his killing was plausible but not strongly supported. My biggest complaint with this book is the almost-but-not-yet relationship between Carmen and Jake. Sure they work 24/7, so the only people they know are the people they work with, but women having sex with their co-workers never turns out well for the woman. I don’t buy that all these smart, capable female characters would put their careers at risk for a man. They could scratch that itch elsewhere. I get it’s supposed to be true love, but that won’t pay the rent when the boss has to sack one of the pair for inappropriate conduct. Heron is the unique skill set here, so Carmen would be the one getting the boot.

[Сибин Майналовски · Rating 5 out of 5]

Книгата, разбира се, е прекрасна — и Дивър, и Малдонадо много добре знаят как да пишат, — но, за съжаление, Ера все още не са се научили как да издават. Купища печатни грешки (промъри вместо промърмори, навсякъде знак за параграф § вместо амперсанд &, и т.н., не ми се изброяват всичките), прецакани нови редове... а за факта, че сигурно пак ще чакаме години, преди да доживеем до е-книга, няма и да споменавам. За пореден път благодаря на нашите приятели пиратите, че реагираха толкова бързо и пуснаха електронния вариант почти мигновено. Пък белки на 29364823-ия път издателите се усетят и, вместо да мрънкат като Блажо и ТеменуШка по интернетЯ, почнат да издават качествени е-книги, които не струват с 2 лв по-малко от хартиеното издание и не трябва да ги чакаш по двайсет години. Щото читателят почна да се усеща, независимо от цялото заличаване на сивото му вещество с ГГ-та, Карабашлиевци и прочие графоманщина.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Sanchez & Heron series features two powerhouse crime-mystery authors at the top of their game. Set in the Hollywood Hills, this high octane tale reveals the presence of a serial murderer known as the Honeymoon Killer. Once Homeland Security agent Sanchez and security expert Heron are brought in to investigate, I was glued to the pages as the killer starts to target them. Stuck in a reading slump? Read this!

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was moderately impressed with Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado’s “Fatal Intrusion” and eagerly anticipated a follow-up. I wasn’t disappointed. In "The Grave Artist," the dynamic remains the same, Carmen Sanchez, a tough Homeland Security agent, teams up with Professor Jake Heron, a brilliant yet quirky private security expert. Sanchez plays by the book, while Heron treats rules as mere suggestions, but somehow they make it work and save the day. This time, there are parallel investigations, an official hunt for a serial killer targeting newlyweds, and an unofficial probe by Carmen’s sister, Selena, into their father’s murder. With Deaver’s signature non-stop action, countless plot twists, and a cast of characters you grow to care about, the pages fly by. On a side note, the duo reminds me a lot of James Patterson and Howard Roughan’s “Instinct” series, featuring Professor Dylan Reinhart and no-nonsense NYPD Detective Elizabeth Needham. Great stuff!

[Tien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in this crime series by co-authors, Jeffery Deaver & Isabella Maldonado. After the rocky start to the partnership in book 1, Sanchez & Heron have settled into their roles as team mates. The air is still fraught with some of their differences of opinions and a certain other spark that everyone else notices byt neither is acknowledging but they know each other well and have got each others' backs when it comes to work.

I feel like almost everything leftover from book 1 has come to a conclusion though it was cleverly weaved into this new suspenseful mystery. The banter and the supporting characters lent a vibrant air to this twisted murder investigation. I look forward to what's coming next with this pair and hopefully, their expanding team.

My thanks to Thomas & Mercer for ecopy of book via NetGalley

[Lori Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Grave Artist is a thrilling book about a killer targeting people just married. The killer attacks one of the newly married couple while on their honeymoon or before. That's why the police have given the killer the name Honeymoon Killer. The killer tries to make it look like a terrible accident, but the autopsy shows what really happened. Carmen Sanchez and her partner Jake Heron are given the task of catching the Honeymoon Killer before he can strike again. The Honeymoon Killer has Carmen and Jake in his sights. Will he strike against one of them? When one of the victims hits close to home, Carmen and Jake must hurry to catch him before it's too late. The Grave Artist is now available and if you love a good mystery should be added to your TBR list. I rate The Grave Artist 4 stars with a high recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy of The Grave Artist in exchange for a fair review. #TheGraveArtist

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I think there was enough background if you haven’t read the first one, but I highly recommend starting there. These two are fantastic authors on their own, and this series has been put together seamlessly. Sometimes coauthors don’t mesh well; not the case here.

[Diana Simeonova · Rating 3 out of 5]

В началото не се разбрахме много с тази книга, заради многото сюжетни линии и някак си не можах да свикна със стила на писане на двамата автори. В последствие книгата стана интересна и ми допадна.

[✨Gretch✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and easy to follow thriller, and it was a great audiobook with fantastic cast.

I don't read thrillers' as much I used to, but this book reminded me why I love them so much, and why I will keep going back to them every so often now days.

[Martine Edier · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent read but the story was not as interesting as the one in the first book. There are too many storylines and I lost interest going back and forth between them : the serial killer, Selina looking for the man who murdered her dad, the search for Jake’s nemesis…

[Alan (on cat-sitting hiatus) Teder · Rating 2 out of 5]

More of the Same
A review of the Thomas & Mercer eBook (September 9, 2025) released simultaneously with the Thomas & Mercer hardcover/paperback & the Brilliance Audio audiobook.

This carries on with some of the same story lines as the first in the series Fatal Intrusion: A Novel (2024) but with a different serial killer as the main antagonist. Somehow the first one had a more interesting angle with the introduction of the fish-out-of-water "intrusionist" Heron being partnered with a more standard police proceduralist Sanchez.

The unrealistic scenarios pile up even further with this one esp. with Sanchez' younger sister put into a damsel in distress mode. Heron's hacker rival is still in the game. The tiresome incompetent bureaucratic superior in the chain of command stereotype is brought in as well. Author Deaver's standard surprise twists are brought into play as the true identities of various players are revealed. The ending implies that at least one further adventure is yet to come.

I read the first one via Prime First Reads. Surprisingly for a new 2025 release this one was on Kindle Unlimited. It doesn't seem a good sign for a series if they regularly have to give the books away (even if there is a fee for Kindle Unlimited in general).

It is of course a fast-paced thriller with short punchy chapters that propel you to keep reading, so a good vacation/beach type read. Just completely improbable with too many stereotypical characters.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not realise that this was the second book in this series, but it did not distract my enjoyment of the book, if anything I will go back and read the first book. The story focuses on young bride and grooms who are targeted by a man known as the Honeymoon Killer. Agent Carmen Sanchez and Jake Heron, a cybersecurity expert are on the hunt to track down this killer before he takes any more lives.

Excellent storytelling from these well renowned authors as the story moves along at a fast pace and has an extremely well-developed plot. There is a lot going on, several reviewers have said too much but the book is full of tension and suspense and the story draws you in from the first page and does not let up until the end and I did not find this to be the case. I thought the pacing was well executed.

I hope there will be further books featuring this dynamic duo of investigators as I really enjoyed the relationship between the two along with the other cast of characters in the book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second novel in the Carmen Sanchez and Jake Heron Series. This time they are dealing with a serial killer known as The Honeymoon Killer along with an international tech criminal and involves Carmen’s sister Selina. It is an interesting storyline and a fast read.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, and my fiction book review blog.

[Rajesh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A potentially good book, brought down because of its innumerable coincidences, a loss of pace in the middle part and an annoying kid sister called Selina!

[Nicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh no! I was looking forward to this and I was a bit disappointed. I love Jeffrey Deaver books and I had high hopes for Sanchez & Heron as I immediately invested in them from the start of book one - and all their side characters, except perhaps Declan who I could see myself becoming irritated by. But I was all set to get stuck into their first real case as a team. And that's where it begins to go off the rails - I squared? Really? Can you imagine a couple of world worn cops saying, "Hey what department do they work for - I squared, oh really" No one would call it that, if it really was called that it would end up as i2. This makes me fear the reason for calling it this was that it would look cool on a title sequence of a TV series. Ok, book one - young psychopath happens to fall into the path of an older mentor who nurtures their tendancies to create a serial killer. Book 2 a different young psychopath falls into the path of a different older nurturing mentor creating serial killer 2 (who happens to call himself serial killer 2.0 ). Book 1, a clever hacker interferes with the investigation, now I could just about go with the idea that the hacker decides to get revenge by messing up further investigations, ok I'll buy that one. Book 1, the killer inadvertently targets the sister of a cop which is the beginning of their own demise, book 2, we've upped the stakes they've accidentally killed a junior politician involved in a Russian spy plot ( yes, honestly, Russian spies). In book 1, the killer is romantically involved with a beautiful woman who accepts his killer ways, book 2, no way - the killer becomes romantically involved with another beautiful woman who isn't too worried about his killer ways. Book one began to suggest that Jake had some family conspiracy hidden in his past, ok I'm willing to go along with that, book 2, it turns out Sanchez's dad's death is a conspiracy - what, no, seriously? They both have family estrangements and conspiracies? Things liked in book 1: all the characters even the awful superior who was fun to hate, they all seemed fully real from the off and I was ready for them to be more involved in the plot and have more interaction with the main characters, there was a little of that but I'd have enjoyed more. I also enjoyed that there were no easy fixes, Sanchez wouldn't hand Jake her gun to shoot baddies on the motorway because it wouldn't have been allowed, they followed protocol which made it harder and more frustrating. Jake did little sneaky bits that weren't entirely allowed, but it was ok because it wasn't sanctioned, in the second book we had all kinds of happy coincidences, witnesses all helpfully knew exactly who they were looking for and they'd just seen them moments ago, all knew where they were headed and were happy to give directions. All the dots joined, all the hunches panned out, all very conveniently and slightly unsatisfyingly. In the first book I quite liked discovering that Carmen & Jake hadn't had a previous romantic relationship and so their relationship was a bit will they won't they and that was was ok because I was hoping on balance that they wouldn't be, in this book it was much more that they would be which was disappointing, much less tension, much less opportunities for other characters etc. Also, the sister already got involved with her policeman in book one so, that feels like a repetition now, as well, and we discover that little sis is only 20 years old so that relationship now feels unbalanced and slightly iffy. Good things; it's well written as always, interesting ideas, it's pacey you want to read on, it isn't too hard to digest so it's relaxing and entertaining, not too long. Will I read the next one? Yes, because I really like the characters but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't become some kind of cut and paste insert bad guy here, type of TV series format because that will make me a bit sad. Carmen, Jake and the team ( I refuse to say i squared) have huge potential and I want more of their interactions and how Jake's specialist skills allow them to find these points of entry the intrusions make, that was our hook, please Mr Deaver & Ms Maldonado can you keep that concept alive, intrigue us, make us rush off to check our locks, I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed. 🤞🤞