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The Button Collector
When Chicago journalist Jessica Knight is linked to a string of odd murders happening across the country, her life takes a turn for the worse.
She is left wondering why her relatives are the ones dropping like flies under the signature mark of a serial killer . . . why she can't stop thinking about Michael Bradley, the appealing detective assigned to protect her . . . and most of all, why, despite being the Button Collector's prime target, she's still alive at all. One thing she knows for the killer is always watching. As the line between truth and deception begins to blur, Jessica crumbles under the dense web of lies she's trying to keep straight--especially once the police start questioning more than just her sanity. With pressure mounting, Jessica must navigate being under the watchful eye of the police--and the killer--while risking it all in a dangerous game to make up for the mistakes of her past.
Her days are numbered...one way or the other.
She is left wondering why her relatives are the ones dropping like flies under the signature mark of a serial killer . . . why she can't stop thinking about Michael Bradley, the appealing detective assigned to protect her . . . and most of all, why, despite being the Button Collector's prime target, she's still alive at all. One thing she knows for the killer is always watching. As the line between truth and deception begins to blur, Jessica crumbles under the dense web of lies she's trying to keep straight--especially once the police start questioning more than just her sanity. With pressure mounting, Jessica must navigate being under the watchful eye of the police--and the killer--while risking it all in a dangerous game to make up for the mistakes of her past.
Her days are numbered...one way or the other.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2024
About the author
M.M. Cochran
2 books1,183 followersM. M. Cochran is an award-winning investigative journalist and bestselling author of her debut novel Between the Ocean and the Stars, a young adult mystery romance. She also authored The Button Collector, a psychological thriller. While she likes the idea of her biography saying something like “she enjoys the outdoors and being in nature,” Cochran can realistically be found fitting author stereotypes such as curling up in her blanket, reading a book, and drinking a cup of coffee.
Cochran lives with her husband in Franklin, TN, as a full-time newspaper journalist.
Keep up with her on Instagram @m.m.cochran_writer
Cochran lives with her husband in Franklin, TN, as a full-time newspaper journalist.
Keep up with her on Instagram @m.m.cochran_writer
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 22, 2024
jessica honey put the wine down
April 22, 2025
3.5 ⭐
I don't get to read a lot of main characters who are terrible and I still find myself wanting to read about them. With the mystery, light romance, and bittersweet ending, this would make a great early 2000's movie
I don't get to read a lot of main characters who are terrible and I still find myself wanting to read about them. With the mystery, light romance, and bittersweet ending, this would make a great early 2000's movie
September 20, 2024
I love a good thriller, so when I saw the awesome cover for The button collector by M M Cochran, I was sucked right in. It doesn’t take long for me to become engrossed in the story.
Chicago journalist, Jessica Knight is being stalked and her relatives are being picked off, one after another. She feels she is constantly under watch by the killer. How long before her number comes up?
She hops from bed to bed, using and being used. I don’t have a lot of respect for her, but that doesn’t mean she deserves to be murdered,
They call HIM the The Button Collector because when he kills, he leaves one button sewing the victim’s mouth shut and takes one as a trophy.
I was reading, just cruising along, when BAM, the killer hits me in the face. I never saw it coming and it was a doozy. That alone makes the book worth reading.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
Chicago journalist, Jessica Knight is being stalked and her relatives are being picked off, one after another. She feels she is constantly under watch by the killer. How long before her number comes up?
She hops from bed to bed, using and being used. I don’t have a lot of respect for her, but that doesn’t mean she deserves to be murdered,
They call HIM the The Button Collector because when he kills, he leaves one button sewing the victim’s mouth shut and takes one as a trophy.
I was reading, just cruising along, when BAM, the killer hits me in the face. I never saw it coming and it was a doozy. That alone makes the book worth reading.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
May 21, 2026
But it!
I saw this book recommendation on a FB page and I'm soo glad I bought it! I usually stick to smutt but this book has an amazing plot. I didn't get the ending I wanted but 10/10 recommend to anyone looking for a murder mystery vibe.
I saw this book recommendation on a FB page and I'm soo glad I bought it! I usually stick to smutt but this book has an amazing plot. I didn't get the ending I wanted but 10/10 recommend to anyone looking for a murder mystery vibe.
October 3, 2024
I can't help but despise the protagonist, which speaks to how well the character is written, how well the execution has been done.
I was thrilled during the first 50 pages, eagerly anticipating the revelation of the killer and the unfolding investigation. However, the protagonist completely ruined the experience. I have never understood why, in murder mysteries, the lead character always has to be both naive and arrogant. They lack depth, show no real pride, and yet everything revolves around them. That said, this one did feel different. Most protagonists in these stories have redeeming qualities, but Jessica Knight was utterly insufferable. I genuinely wished she would meet a worse fate. The author clearly tried to make her endearing as a product of circumstance, but the mystery only highlighted her naivety, arrogance, superficiality, and victim mentality. All the characters in this story are loathsome, honestly. I should stop now, or I might end up being the next Button Collector for her.
The story is set in the cold, murder-filled streets of Chicago, where crimes seem unrelated at first. However, as crime journalist Jessica Knight starts her investigation, she can’t help but connect it all to herself. Soon, the focus of the murders shifts, and Jessica becomes the center of attention for both the Chicago police and the notorious Button Collector. The Button Collector, infamous for killing his victims and taking a button from their clothes while placing another one in their mouths, has now marked Jessica as his next target. Will the police be able to protect her, or will she become his final victim?
The writing is flawless, and most of the characters are well-developed—except for the protagonist, who is completely erratic. I loved the plot at first, but it quickly turned into an unbearable mess, mainly because of the protagonist. It’s a decent story, but not one I’d ever want to read again.
I was thrilled during the first 50 pages, eagerly anticipating the revelation of the killer and the unfolding investigation. However, the protagonist completely ruined the experience. I have never understood why, in murder mysteries, the lead character always has to be both naive and arrogant. They lack depth, show no real pride, and yet everything revolves around them. That said, this one did feel different. Most protagonists in these stories have redeeming qualities, but Jessica Knight was utterly insufferable. I genuinely wished she would meet a worse fate. The author clearly tried to make her endearing as a product of circumstance, but the mystery only highlighted her naivety, arrogance, superficiality, and victim mentality. All the characters in this story are loathsome, honestly. I should stop now, or I might end up being the next Button Collector for her.
The story is set in the cold, murder-filled streets of Chicago, where crimes seem unrelated at first. However, as crime journalist Jessica Knight starts her investigation, she can’t help but connect it all to herself. Soon, the focus of the murders shifts, and Jessica becomes the center of attention for both the Chicago police and the notorious Button Collector. The Button Collector, infamous for killing his victims and taking a button from their clothes while placing another one in their mouths, has now marked Jessica as his next target. Will the police be able to protect her, or will she become his final victim?
The writing is flawless, and most of the characters are well-developed—except for the protagonist, who is completely erratic. I loved the plot at first, but it quickly turned into an unbearable mess, mainly because of the protagonist. It’s a decent story, but not one I’d ever want to read again.
September 24, 2025
My head is spinning.
What a masterful conclusion to our culprit. I had multiple theories, takes, and ideas for the conclusion, and I only had a little bit right, but the whole blaring motive wrong. The whodunit was superb! 👏 I was kicking myself for not putting it together!
The ending of Jessica’s story has me internally contemplating if I am a raging idealist.
Our main character lives a life of darkness. Jessica’s story feels like a cautionary tale. The state of her life is reflected in the cold, seedy blackness of the alley where she almost dies. If I were Jessica, having lived her life, made her mistakes, would I feel anything but swelling guilt and a wish for death at the end? She carries a stain as scarlet as the wine she drinks in droves. Yet I want redemption for her. She’s done little to earn it, but maybe I’ve seen too many theater productions on redemption. Maybe I have felt redemption personally. And maybe I think no person is beyond finding the light. Can people like Jessica change? In ending up back where she started, with John, she receives familiar comfort but no safety, affection but no love. “A life of hell...” It hurts all the more because you see Jessica experience part of a better life when she’s with Michael Bradley. Seeds of a life, maybe deep down, she longs for. I have my own feelings about Bradley; he’s a bit of that protective angel of light with something a little off about him at the same time...Ultimately, he leaves, Jessica is wishful but moves on to a life of little change and being swallowed by guilt. I think we can say she gets the end that she deserves, but maybe the whole point in life is that we have to deal with the hellish consequences of our actions, yet in tandem with that, can’t we also learn and change from them? To become better, step by step? With great difficulty, I have to believe, some can. I can't help but hope Jessica could.
What a masterful conclusion to our culprit. I had multiple theories, takes, and ideas for the conclusion, and I only had a little bit right, but the whole blaring motive wrong. The whodunit was superb! 👏 I was kicking myself for not putting it together!
The ending of Jessica’s story has me internally contemplating if I am a raging idealist.
Our main character lives a life of darkness. Jessica’s story feels like a cautionary tale. The state of her life is reflected in the cold, seedy blackness of the alley where she almost dies. If I were Jessica, having lived her life, made her mistakes, would I feel anything but swelling guilt and a wish for death at the end? She carries a stain as scarlet as the wine she drinks in droves. Yet I want redemption for her. She’s done little to earn it, but maybe I’ve seen too many theater productions on redemption. Maybe I have felt redemption personally. And maybe I think no person is beyond finding the light. Can people like Jessica change? In ending up back where she started, with John, she receives familiar comfort but no safety, affection but no love. “A life of hell...” It hurts all the more because you see Jessica experience part of a better life when she’s with Michael Bradley. Seeds of a life, maybe deep down, she longs for. I have my own feelings about Bradley; he’s a bit of that protective angel of light with something a little off about him at the same time...Ultimately, he leaves, Jessica is wishful but moves on to a life of little change and being swallowed by guilt. I think we can say she gets the end that she deserves, but maybe the whole point in life is that we have to deal with the hellish consequences of our actions, yet in tandem with that, can’t we also learn and change from them? To become better, step by step? With great difficulty, I have to believe, some can. I can't help but hope Jessica could.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2025
I’ve been in such a reading slump, this took me longer than usual to finish.
The Button Collector is a thriller based on a serial killer who leaves their trademark of sewing a button onto the victims lips - turns out all victims come from the same family line. The FMC Jessica Knight, is a journalist who has been dealt a difficult hand in life and uses her body and alcohol as escapism. She writes investigative articles for the local press - following The Button Collector. It’s revealed in the story she is related to the victims and in order to keep her safe she’s put under police protection. The story takes several twists and turns keeping you on your toes about who the killer might be. Jessica’s life choices end up being the root of the murders, and cause for the target on her back. The revealing of the murderer was truly well done, was NOT expecting that at all. The final chapters flew by, I was so hoping for an HEA with Detective Bradley lol but honestly not all stories need HEA’s to be good.
First book by this Author, great story and development.
The Button Collector is a thriller based on a serial killer who leaves their trademark of sewing a button onto the victims lips - turns out all victims come from the same family line. The FMC Jessica Knight, is a journalist who has been dealt a difficult hand in life and uses her body and alcohol as escapism. She writes investigative articles for the local press - following The Button Collector. It’s revealed in the story she is related to the victims and in order to keep her safe she’s put under police protection. The story takes several twists and turns keeping you on your toes about who the killer might be. Jessica’s life choices end up being the root of the murders, and cause for the target on her back. The revealing of the murderer was truly well done, was NOT expecting that at all. The final chapters flew by, I was so hoping for an HEA with Detective Bradley lol but honestly not all stories need HEA’s to be good.
First book by this Author, great story and development.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2025
This book completely blew me away. From the first chapter, I was hooked — it’s dark, emotional, and full of twists that kept me guessing until the very end. M.M. Cochran did an incredible job mixing mystery, suspense, and emotion in a way that felt so real and unsettling at the same time.
Jessica’s story broke my heart. You can feel her fear, confusion, and strength all at once as she’s caught in something much bigger than herself. The whole button concept is creepy but brilliant — it gives the story this eerie, unforgettable edge that makes it stand out from other thrillers I’ve read.
The pacing, the atmosphere, the character depth — everything just worked. I could literally feel the tension building, and by the time I reached the ending, I had chills.
M.M. Cochran is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. The Button Collector is haunting, emotional, and completely gripping. If you love thrillers that make you think, feel, and maybe even sleep with the light on, read this one.
Jessica’s story broke my heart. You can feel her fear, confusion, and strength all at once as she’s caught in something much bigger than herself. The whole button concept is creepy but brilliant — it gives the story this eerie, unforgettable edge that makes it stand out from other thrillers I’ve read.
The pacing, the atmosphere, the character depth — everything just worked. I could literally feel the tension building, and by the time I reached the ending, I had chills.
M.M. Cochran is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. The Button Collector is haunting, emotional, and completely gripping. If you love thrillers that make you think, feel, and maybe even sleep with the light on, read this one.
September 13, 2024
4.5⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and IngramElliott for an advanced copy of The Button Collector.
Jessica is a journalist living in Chicago and she is given the task of writing a story on a murderer nicknamed The Button Collector. The Button Collector has been murdering victims in the same way in different states with the most recent murder taking place in Chicago and the victims are related to one another. Jessica is very hesitant to write this story because lately she feels like she is being watched and she has a secret, all the victims are her distant relatives so she feels like she is the killers next target.
This book was so good! I could not put it down and I did not see the killer’s identity at all!
Jessica is a journalist living in Chicago and she is given the task of writing a story on a murderer nicknamed The Button Collector. The Button Collector has been murdering victims in the same way in different states with the most recent murder taking place in Chicago and the victims are related to one another. Jessica is very hesitant to write this story because lately she feels like she is being watched and she has a secret, all the victims are her distant relatives so she feels like she is the killers next target.
This book was so good! I could not put it down and I did not see the killer’s identity at all!
April 16, 2026
The Button Collector keeps you engaged, captivated, and hooked throughout the whole mystery. All throughout the story, I kept wracking my brain trying to figure out who the killer was. There were moments where the author would use specific language to suggest that the killer was someone, when it was just her messing with my mind the whole time! That type of skilled display in writing is one of the main reasons why I respect M. M. Cochran as an author so much. There are definitely likable and not so likable characters that keep you on the edge of your seat with their decision making. Anyone who loves thrillers HAS to read this book!!
April 15, 2026
Good story! I enjoyed Bradley and Jessica's relationship. It kind of reminded me of Crescent City when Hunt is watching over Bryce in her apartment. I didn't guess the ending and I liked it wasn't predictable. There were a few typos I caught throughout the book and some words that seemed like they were stilted, used incorrectly, or used in an archaic manner. Ex. "Swifts" I promise I don't look for errors but I used to be an English teacher so they stand out to me.
May 27, 2026
This book was SO gripping! I couldn’t put it down. It was full of twists & turns, including the ultimate plot twist that I never saw coming (and usually I’m great at guessing the plot). The author is insanely talented, has a way of wording things that pulls you all the way in and spits you out the other side having to process what you just read. Highly, highly recommend for anyone who loves thrillers and a good mystery! 👏🏻
June 28, 2026
I knew who the killer was by chapter 8 and kept reading to see if I was right and it really was that obvious. That wasn’t the worst part though. The way the author writes about the main character makes me think she hates women. The ending felt rushed and unfinished. There were plot holes. The killer was supposed to be incredibly smart but the way they express themselves reminds me of an angry teenager ranting in their journal.
July 13, 2026
I had a hard time deciding how I wanted to rate this book. It was a page turner and I wanted to find out what happened next but also I absolutely could not stand the main character, Jessica. She was insufferable and unlikable. Finding out who the Button Collector was, was definitely a twist and surprise to me but the very ending of the book was so sad and depressing and not how I wanted it to end. Overall, I’d rate it a 3.5 ⭐️
September 22, 2024
This had me guessing who the Button collector was. I didnt guess right. I was blown away by who it was. Definitely a great book with intrigue and murder.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
October 11, 2024
I liked the blurb, and I enjoy unravelling mysteries, so when this came up to read and review, I was in. Keep in mind this is my first time reading a psychological thriller. And also my first time reviewing one. So bear with me since my genre of choice is romance and mysteries.
Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-coL
Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-coL
May 13, 2026
Just finished this book today and the ending left me in shock.. I truly believe that I am usually able to guess what will happen at the end of the book, but I was way off. I also have to say that the main character is not very likable in the way you get attached to her, so I was even more surprised in not being able to put the book down.
July 14, 2026
This book hooked me from the first chapter!
I was on the edge of my seat, following Jessica's attempts to stay alive and stay sane. Sometimes, I cheered for her. Sometimes, I wanted to scream at her for being stupid. But, I was always rooting for her.
Thriller isn't my typical genre, but I really enjoyed this one!
I was on the edge of my seat, following Jessica's attempts to stay alive and stay sane. Sometimes, I cheered for her. Sometimes, I wanted to scream at her for being stupid. But, I was always rooting for her.
Thriller isn't my typical genre, but I really enjoyed this one!
July 24, 2026
I ran across this author on TikTok and decided to purchase both of her books, this is the first one I picked up.
I really enjoyed this. I spent the entire book cycling through every character trying to figure out who the Button Collector was and when it was revealed I was shocked. I love a thriller that throws me for a loop!
Well written and fast paced, definitely recommend!
I really enjoyed this. I spent the entire book cycling through every character trying to figure out who the Button Collector was and when it was revealed I was shocked. I love a thriller that throws me for a loop!
Well written and fast paced, definitely recommend!
July 26, 2026
I won't put too much. But the ending made me happy and upset at the same time. I feel like Jessica could've made a better decision for herself at the end on who she should've ended up with.
But as far as the thrill goes?? I guessed 2 people throughout the book and NEVER did I think who it actually was. Well done Cochran. I can't wait to see what else that brilliant brain comes up with.
But as far as the thrill goes?? I guessed 2 people throughout the book and NEVER did I think who it actually was. Well done Cochran. I can't wait to see what else that brilliant brain comes up with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2026
Few books can keep my interest with a main character who is less than likeable at times but this one managed to do so. The deep dive into a dark and embattled psyche struggling with how to balance her own guilt with her simultaneous victimization is engaging and draws the reader in. Extra points for an unpredictable ending and not taking the easy route to the “happily ever after” wrap-up.
October 4, 2025
This book definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat. The writing of this book is phenomenal and really keeps you glued to it wanting more. This writer definitely knows how to please her audience with such a great book.
March 14, 2026
The button collector is definitely a favorite of mine. I was shocked to find out who the killer really was. I think a lot of people who read the book felt that way. It was a good read and kept me entertained.
May 21, 2026
10/10! Love love love this book! It’s very very hard to put it down once you have started it! I read it in 3 days! It was soooo good! A little sad at the ending, but overall, I absolutely loved it! And her writing is just, “chefs kiss🤌🏻”
June 11, 2026
Brought this as a book to read while sitting on the beach, and couldn’t put it down!! Unfortunately/fortunately I finished it in two days so i’m in need of a new book to finish out beach week, but it was so worth it. Amazing writing, amazing characters, amazing twist, so so worth the read!!
April 23, 2025
This was a good thriller/mystery. There were surprises along the way and you will not guess the ending. I recommend!
March 31, 2026
very well written, couldn’t stop reading until i knew who the button killer was! will definitely be checking out her other book!!
April 12, 2026
I enjoyed this book. It was fast-paced and addicting. It had me guessing until the end. There were some grammatical errors, but still a good book!
April 21, 2026
wow!
Great read! The twist literally had my jaw on the floor. Can't wait to see more from this author in the future!
Great read! The twist literally had my jaw on the floor. Can't wait to see more from this author in the future!
June 18, 2026
Definitely a bit more sexually driven than I was expecting and would’ve liked honestly. But this book had me hooked!! What a wild ride.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews