In the heart of New York City, Detective Jessica Fairling, a psychopath, has always relied on her razor-sharp intellect to solve the city's most gruesome murders. But when she's called to a new crime scene, something unprecedented happens—Jessica begins to feel emotions for the first time. Amidst this bewildering shift, she's paired with an irresistibly handsome new partner. As she grapples with her uncharted personal feelings, the investigation continues to intensify. The deeper Jessica digs into the victims' lives, the more she realizes she has an inexplicable connection to them. With her new partner by her side, she sets out to uncover the truth. As the body count rises and things turn personal, Jessica must push herself to the brink to catch the killer before it's too late. Packed with unexpected twists and relentless suspense, "Decoding Jessica" will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
Amber De Torfino is a thriller author with a deep love for true crime and mystery.
Her passion for storytelling began at a young age, fueled by an insatiable curiosity and a love of books that kept her up late into the night. Now, she crafts gripping, edge-of-your-seat thrillers that keep readers turning pages long past bedtime. When she’s not writing, Amber can be found indulging in copious amounts of coffee, buried in a book, or helping aspiring authors navigate the world of writing, editing, and publishing. She also has a love for all things spooky, dark, and the unexplained.
Amber lives in North Carolina with her incredibly supportive husband, Jon, and their mischievous black cat, Sammy, who serves as both a writing companion and a chaotic muse.
Decoding Jessica had me on the edge of my seat the whole read. Not your typical thriller book where you kind of know what’s going to happen next… this book had me shocked at every turn. I cannot wait to read what comes next!
I can't wait to read some more about Jessica! I loved this book. From the murder mystery to the romance to the twists, it's just fantastic. It was such a fun book that was reminiscent of shows/ books like the Dexter series.
I really am hopeful that in book 2, we will gain some more knowledge about who Jessica really is and all the history there. I won't say much else because I dare not spoil anything. But yeah... more origin story would be such a treat!
I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
Great one! This reads fast; if it were not for life, I would have devoured it within a day or two.
Decoding Jessica reads exactly like a TV show. Even though it was relatively short in page count, it read as if I had known Jessica for way longer, and the chemistry between all characters was solid.
Action packed in every chapter, thrillerish and with a side or romance, the book follows detective Jessica Fairling as she investigates a recent string of murders that seem to be connected, and her wonderful new partner, professor Cole, who has a few secrets of his own too. I was NOT expecting the way the plot did but obviously in a good way! Super original, never seen before, groundbreaking. I can't wait to see where the author takes us.
Cole was so real; he was dreamy, but in a real-life way, you know? Just like Jessica, I am willing to do anything for him too.
Thank you to the author for sending me an arc of this book. This book has a very promising premise and for me it was 4.5 stars. I love thrillers and mystery solving books and this felt like I was watching a CSI episode which I love. All I’m wanting to know now is when is the next book coming!! And as long as Jessica and Cole are okay I will continue with this story until the end ✨
“Because, Jess, you’ve helped me to understand that in order to fight the monsters, you have to become a monster yourself.”
My Thoughts: Amber! Girlfriend, I need book 2, I need it yesterday! Jessica is such a great FMC and I am dying for stuff to start happening with Cole! The overall storyline is so compelling and I cannot wait to see where the story goes. Please, pretty please, can I have book 2 now?
"If she's the abyss, then I'll be damned if I don't want to step inside and never see the light of day again."
"I keep holding it until I can feel nothing but that cold dark place inside me, begging me to climb inside, and make a home."
Detective Jessica Fairling is a psychopath, using her sharp wit to catch the worst of worst. When a new murder appears, something strange happens. She begins to feel. In the midst of all this, she gets a new partner. A professor in forensic psychology, and he's smoking hot. Is the psychopath crushing on the professor? As they work together to solve this case, Jessica becomes aware that she's connected to all of it. She sets out to uncover the truth - but will both of them walk away unscathed?
Vibes - vibing Jessica - psychopath Cole - hot
Tell me why I didn't know that this was part of a duet?!??! I've been BAMBOOZLED A cliffhanger???? On a MONDAY?? I demand book two of this duet immediately, or I want compensation. I WANNA KNOW NOW
‼️Out everywhere October 1st‼️
Thank you, Amber, for this ARC! Thoughts and opinions are my own.
It’s a solid 5star for me but JFC I NEED A MINUTE TO PROCESS.
Buy the book. Ruin your life.
I’ll be back with a cohesive review when I haven’t just spent a solid 9 hours thinking I had the whole damn thing figured out when I did not, in fact, have it figured out.
I was hooked from the very first few pages. The author masterfully creates an eerie feeling that lingers throughout the book, giving the sense that the atmosphere is brimming with secrets. Every chapter builds on the suspense with subtle foreshadowing, making you anticipate what’s to come without revealing too much too soon.
What stood out to me the most was the author’s attention to detail. The small, seemingly insignificant moments or descriptions often play a bigger role as the story unfolds, adding layers to the plot that kept me fully engaged. If you love books that keep you on edge and make you feel like there’s always more beneath the surface, this one is a must-read.
Thank you for the author Amber for offering me this book as an ARC in exchange of an honest review
Thank you to the author for providing me with an arc of this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a gorgeously written book! The atmosphere created by Amber De Torfino is just immaculate and sucks you in from page one. Think Criminal Minds, Dexter, and a splash of Longlegs all mixed together to create the perfect concoction that is Decoding Jessica.
First of all, the introduction we get to Detective Fairling is impeccable! What a way to establish background and start us out running. As the book progresses you only come to love and care for her more. It’s impossible to not love our sweet little psychopath, Jessica Fairling.
Make sure you get your copy on October 1st!!
Tropes I Loved: 🖤Crime/Thriller 🖤Mental health 🖤Criminals Minds/Dexter vibes 🖤COFFEE 🖤MCs love Chinese takeout
Man do I love a good thriller!! Decoding Jessica is the first book in the Jessica Fairling novels. She is a NYC detective who is excellent at her job due to a very chilling reason - she is a psychopath. She feels no emotions and has used this to her advantage when hunting and catching the city's worst kind of criminals. But things start to change when she gets assigned a new partner... Suddenly, unfamiliar feelings start to surface and Jessica struggles with the unexpected revelation. Jessica and her partner are in a race against time, grappling with moral dilemmas and psychological mind games. This story is dark, twisted and gritty. It will make you suspicious, give you the creeps and you probably don't want to read it in the dark. If you're looking for a thriller that's unlike any other you've read, you'll want to check out Decoding Jessica!
Oh man, this book had me since the beginning, I’m giving it a 4.5/5 only because I wanted more of a twist at the end. However, that’s just my taste and nothing to do with the actual writing. This was super easy to read and I couldn’t put it down.
The first twist had me going and wanting more after. 😍 I loved Jessica and her perspective throughout the book. I also loved Cole and how he was a supportive character throughout the book. Can’t wait for the next book, I need more. 😂
Holy heck this one was good love a book with a morally grey lead, and for it to be the FMC and the men in her life loving her anyway and backing her Yes so much yes
But to leave us in such a cliffhanger……killing me here I need to know what happens next.
I was lucky enough to be given an ARC of this book and I’m so grateful for it, this book was such a fun ride. It’s a thriller with a touch of romance and I flew through this book, it’s super fun and fast paced read and you just want to know what’s going to happen. You follow two detectives Jessica and Cole and their journey to find a killer (without giving too much away she wants to find the killer for her own personal reasons) . Jessica is a badass female who wants to find answers and meets her unlikely partner along the way (Cole) the two banter a lot but you can see just how much they care for each other based on some of the small gestures you see in the book. This is the first thriller book I’ve read where there is a romance aspect to it and I truly loved the crossover. Usually side characters get overlooked but Sherri became my favorite pretty quick! Ambers made some fun characters you can’t help but love! This does end on a cliffhanger and I’m itching to find out what happens next!
Let me tell you, this book had me hooked from page one. An absolute page turner that keeps you guessing. If you think you know what’s going to happen next, trust me when I tell you that you absolutely do not have any idea! This book was exceptionally well written.
The FMC Jessica, you know right off the bat is a little different and in the best ways. The changes she experiences throughout the book is an amazing thing to read. The banter between the FMC and the MMC (Cole) is bar none. Decoding Jessica will keep you guessing until the very end and then….it’s left on a cliffhanger! Can’t wait for the next book!!
This book is absolutely amazing! Thank you so much to Amber for allowing me the privilege to ARC read and congratulations on your first book debut!
The storyline had me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. The character development was *chefs kiss*. The representation of mental health was perfectly written. Absolutely addicting! I am so excited for the next book!
This book was an absolute page-turner! The writing was exceptional—suspenseful, thrilling, and utterly captivating. Just when I thought I had figured out what was about to happen, the narrative would take an unexpected turn, keeping me fully engaged throughout. It was easy to immerse myself in this story, and I highly recommend it. Now, go ahead and enjoy it with a cup of coffee!
✨Arc review✨ I very rarely give 5 star reviews, because I usually make them my personality. Let me tell you, I was so engulfed in this book that I didn’t put it down till the very end!
Jessica is a psychopath Cole is a hottie partner The banter Banting
Tracking down a killer for what reasons?
Ambers debute novel was fabulous! I highly recommend giving this a read. Especially if you love a good thriller 🖤
Wow again leaving me wondering when is the next. It was a nice different read from al the fantasy and romans/ cozy stories i read the last few weeks. Love this one. It is like really physiological but also like how to solve murder. I really recommend this book. I loved how you get sucked in and it never lets you go.
When I tell you I LOVED it i mean it. I devoured this book. I read it in less than 24 hours because it was so good. Ambemedodnt give me a good enough warning for what I was in for with that cliffy man. It was a big fall🤣 I seriously cannot wait for book 2, this might be my favorite thriller of the year (and that's saying a lot because I'm a BIG Frieda girlie).
Super privileged to be an ARC reader for Decoding Jessica. I did get quite behind because of chronic sickness but what a ride!!! Watching Jessica evolve from beginning to end was amazing and I can’t wait to get more of this story!!!
"I vow that we will be the ones who put an end to this. The darkness and I, together, we will end this."
Rating: 5/5
WOW. First, I would like to congratulate Amber on her debut novel! I went into this book with high expectations and it did not disappoint!!!! I was drawn in from the first line. This book helped me realize that we all contain darkness and it is okay to unleash it. The right people will love you regardless of that darkness. This story will have the reader formulating theories from the beginning and leaving you on the edge of their seat the entire time. It ends on a MAJOR cliffhanger and has me dying to know what happens with Jessica and Cole's story.
This book is about a NYPD detective, Jessica Fairling, who also happens to be a psychopath. She is currently the lead detective in a string of serial killer cases. When the body count keeps rising, they bring in a forsenic psychology professor, Cole Bellemy, to consult on the case. They tension between Jessica and Cole, is absolutely palpable. Together, they start to dig into this case and they learn that this is much deeper and more sophisticated than they thought. What started out as a complex case, turns into a deadly cat and mouse game.
I received a copy from ARC and this is an honest review.
This was a good read and enjoyed it! I felt that this book can resonate with anyone who has a sense of darkness and trying to discovery themselves, especially if you feel that you are fighting with monsters (or better yet, trying to figure out if you are a monster). I definitely think the storyline is unique and we get to see the main character (Jessica) develop. The author did a wonderful job with writing this book. I can’t wait to read the next book!
I devoured this book. A psychopath detective trying to solve a series of grizzly murders that become personal, a new partner, and a web of intrigue all come together for a page turning thriller.
The author's love of coffee is clear, and makes the main character all the more endearing. I also really enjoyed how feelings are described and processed (this may sound weird, but when you start reading, it will make sense).
Although there are a few details of the story that don't strike me as realistic, I'm still all in for Book 2!
First off I would like to congratulate Amber on her first book release ! And to say thank you , for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader!
Okay - This book kept me on my toes. Jessica ( FMC ) at the beginning is almost awkward because of her” condition .” Which the book starts right out with a punch letting you know Jessica is different. Jessica is trying to navigate life with her condition , even though she has been this way since a child , she still struggles with things, especially now that her sister has been added to a list of murder victims. But things start to change for her , when she starts learning the truth about her childhood and learning how to navigate her new “ normal “ without her sister , she meets a very handsome and intelligent man Cole. Needless to say Jessica is willing to do anything , even if it means death , to do what she does best to get revenge for the people she manages to love. Amber did a wonderful job, the writing was exceptional. I also felt that I could relate to this book because I too struggle with mental health and finding out who you are while you navigate life with different struggles can be very challenging.
This book had me guessing till the very last page and then found out it’s a cliffhanger 🤣 !!! Definitely waiting for a part two !!!!
First thank you to Amber the author allowing me to ARC read for her!
Decoding Jessica was very well written. I was hooked right away. The FMC and her love for coffee made me love her that much more. I love thrillers and this one will definitely be one of my favorites.
Having the true crime, Criminal Minds/Dexter vibes as well as, slow burn and some mental health aspects makes you just want to know more of what is happening next.
I love the patience the MMC gives to Detective Fairling. Never having a partner Detective Fairling was not convinced she needed a partner. She learns to actually appreciate having him around. Her being a psychopath herself and what she’s going through just makes you fall in love with her!
Jessica, the FMC, is a detective in NYC (also, a psychopath). She's badass; she's strong, independent, and goes until she completes what she sets out to do. She's unexpectedly paired with Cole on a case.
Those two characters are perfect together, and the banter was great. Watching Jessica work through all these new emotions was heartbreaking, but so worth it. Cole was always there for her, regardless of her psychopathic nature and what's she's dealing with. I loved that she finally had another person to love and care for her, apart from her sister.
The coffee, takeout, the meticulous details, the twists and thrills, ugh, you need to read this. I didn't see some of the stuff coming, which made me so happy.
Book ends on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to read book two!
AMBER DE TORFINO!!! I NEED MORE!!!! That cliffhanger is pure torture!
I am struggling to find the words for this review because I need the next part NOW!
I absolutely love the way this book was written. I don’t want to include spoilers, but the character development, the unconditional sister love, the TWISTS AND TURNS! I was not prepared for any of it. This gave me Dexter, Criminal Minds, and Orphan Black vibes. I was sucked in from the Blurb to the very end. If I had the time I would have read it in one sitting.
Definitely add it to your TBR list because it’s a must!