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The Myth Maker
Someone is killing women and staging their bodies in strange, evocative scenes in this Greek-mythology-inspired serial killer thriller perfect for fans of Alex Michaelides and Tana French.
Cassidy Cantwell has devoted her life to becoming a detective, never forgetting the cold case that has influenced her entire career: the unsolved murder of her best friend. Cassidy tries to balance her demanding job with her suffocatingly close-knit family and her increasingly clingy boyfriend, but when a strange new murder case comes across her desk, she’s determined to solve it, especially when it turns out the victim was the wife of her college ex-boyfriend.
While Cassidy’s partner, Bryan, works to prove that her ex is their suspect, Cassidy can’t shake the feeling that there’s something more to the case that they’re not seeing. After the medical examiner finds a strange ring among the victim’s personal effects that the husband insists didn’t belong to his wife, Cassidy is struck by similarly odd details from a previous crime scene–details that seem to have an uncanny connection to a Greek myth.
When another body attracts public attention and the FBI joins the hunt, the case gets increasingly complicated–and solving it seems further and further out of reach. With anonymous taunts about her best friend’s death dragging her attention away, Cassidy finds herself pulled in different directions–sacrifice her personal life for the sake of her career or put everything she has into finding years-old answers to a case that haunts her still.
And the killer behind the murders isn’t done yet.
Cassidy Cantwell has devoted her life to becoming a detective, never forgetting the cold case that has influenced her entire career: the unsolved murder of her best friend. Cassidy tries to balance her demanding job with her suffocatingly close-knit family and her increasingly clingy boyfriend, but when a strange new murder case comes across her desk, she’s determined to solve it, especially when it turns out the victim was the wife of her college ex-boyfriend.
While Cassidy’s partner, Bryan, works to prove that her ex is their suspect, Cassidy can’t shake the feeling that there’s something more to the case that they’re not seeing. After the medical examiner finds a strange ring among the victim’s personal effects that the husband insists didn’t belong to his wife, Cassidy is struck by similarly odd details from a previous crime scene–details that seem to have an uncanny connection to a Greek myth.
When another body attracts public attention and the FBI joins the hunt, the case gets increasingly complicated–and solving it seems further and further out of reach. With anonymous taunts about her best friend’s death dragging her attention away, Cassidy finds herself pulled in different directions–sacrifice her personal life for the sake of her career or put everything she has into finding years-old answers to a case that haunts her still.
And the killer behind the murders isn’t done yet.
320 pages, Paperback
Published July 8, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 5, 2025
I am a Greek mythology girl and I get very excited when I see the myths getting integrated in a somewhat unusual genre. So of course I can't resist a thriller where the murder victims are presented as Greek Goddesses. But unfortunately the premise sounds way better than the book turned out to be. It's told from the perspective of Detective Cassidy Cantwell who works the case of the murdered women and tries to catch the killer. I can't say that she was an interesting character, but she was alright, I guess. I don't think that she contributed all too much to the investigation, with all the important information coming from other people. Take the Greek myths for instance. All knowledge about that is given by a random professor, and that is just such an uncreative way of handling the topic that's literally this book's selling point. The case wasn't exactly thrilling either. The investigation consisted almost exclusively of conversations and was a very repetitive procedure: a murder occurs, the professor tells them the related myth (that doesn't even matter in the end), the detectives talk to a bunch of people / suspects, and then another murder occurs so it starts all over again. I never had the feeling that any progress was made or that they got closer to the killer, but at one point they finally talked to the right person, I guess.
I can deal with a boring thriller, but the biggest problem was that this book was incredibly convoluted. There was so much unnecessary stuff in here. There are probably around 40 named characters in this 300-page book, from Cassidy's large family to the whole police department, to the FBI people who also work the case, to the victims who all come with multiple relatives and / or friends. It was too much, and I just gave up keeping track of who everyone is. There's also this cold case from 15 years ago that involved Cassidy's best friend and made her join the police in the first place. But when I tell you that it was mentioned in the prologue and then again in the very last chapter, basically ignoring it throughout the entire book even though there could be new evidence … WHAT WAS THE POINT?! Maybe it's supposed to set up the sequel, but I will not be reading. I am hard to please when it comes to thrillers, but this was just straight up disappointing.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
I can deal with a boring thriller, but the biggest problem was that this book was incredibly convoluted. There was so much unnecessary stuff in here. There are probably around 40 named characters in this 300-page book, from Cassidy's large family to the whole police department, to the FBI people who also work the case, to the victims who all come with multiple relatives and / or friends. It was too much, and I just gave up keeping track of who everyone is. There's also this cold case from 15 years ago that involved Cassidy's best friend and made her join the police in the first place. But when I tell you that it was mentioned in the prologue and then again in the very last chapter, basically ignoring it throughout the entire book even though there could be new evidence … WHAT WAS THE POINT?! Maybe it's supposed to set up the sequel, but I will not be reading. I am hard to please when it comes to thrillers, but this was just straight up disappointing.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2025
Book Review – The Myth Maker: A Novel by Alie Dumas Heidt
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for an arc copy.
Let me tell you, this book had everything I love—crime, murder, mystery, detective work, Greek mythology, and even an academic setting. The minute I read the synopsis, I knew I had to dive in. And from the very first chapter, The Myth Maker absolutely delivered. The murders were not just gruesome and clever—they were inspired by Greek goddesses. Greek goddesses! The level of detail and intelligence behind each crime scene had me grinning like a nerdy maniac. I was hooked. I was in. I was ready to give this book a full five stars.
For the first two-thirds, I devoured every page. It was sharp, dark, and perfectly paced. The clues, the atmosphere, the tension—it all worked. I even started recommending it to friends before I’d finished.
And then… the last mystery happened.
The story took a turn into a trope I absolutely hate: kidnapping. The final “big reveal” fell completely flat for me. It felt like a different book altogether, like the smart, sophisticated narrative I was loving suddenly got replaced with a generic thriller twist. I hate when a book changes tone so drastically in the final act, and unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened here.
Still, I can’t ignore how brilliantly constructed the first part of the novel was. For the originality of the crimes, the rich mythology, and the sharp writing, I’m giving it four stars. But wow—if only that ending had kept up the momentum, this would have easily been a favorite.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for an arc copy.
Let me tell you, this book had everything I love—crime, murder, mystery, detective work, Greek mythology, and even an academic setting. The minute I read the synopsis, I knew I had to dive in. And from the very first chapter, The Myth Maker absolutely delivered. The murders were not just gruesome and clever—they were inspired by Greek goddesses. Greek goddesses! The level of detail and intelligence behind each crime scene had me grinning like a nerdy maniac. I was hooked. I was in. I was ready to give this book a full five stars.
For the first two-thirds, I devoured every page. It was sharp, dark, and perfectly paced. The clues, the atmosphere, the tension—it all worked. I even started recommending it to friends before I’d finished.
And then… the last mystery happened.
The story took a turn into a trope I absolutely hate: kidnapping. The final “big reveal” fell completely flat for me. It felt like a different book altogether, like the smart, sophisticated narrative I was loving suddenly got replaced with a generic thriller twist. I hate when a book changes tone so drastically in the final act, and unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened here.
Still, I can’t ignore how brilliantly constructed the first part of the novel was. For the originality of the crimes, the rich mythology, and the sharp writing, I’m giving it four stars. But wow—if only that ending had kept up the momentum, this would have easily been a favorite.
July 17, 2025
The outlay of this had so much potential but it just fell totally flat.
There were so many characters picked up and then dropped it was hard to keep track of who was who. The amount of witnesses, family members, potential suspects seemed never ending I stated to tune out towards the end.
The murder that started the whole book never got resolved and was left on a cliffhanger. This just all seemed to be a regurgitation of a three episode criminal minds arc from season twenty something that everyone promptly forgets about.
In all the mentioned of getting, asking for, and needing coffee, I am sure the author could have found the word count to resolve the initial crime.
There were so many characters picked up and then dropped it was hard to keep track of who was who. The amount of witnesses, family members, potential suspects seemed never ending I stated to tune out towards the end.
The murder that started the whole book never got resolved and was left on a cliffhanger. This just all seemed to be a regurgitation of a three episode criminal minds arc from season twenty something that everyone promptly forgets about.
In all the mentioned of getting, asking for, and needing coffee, I am sure the author could have found the word count to resolve the initial crime.
October 3, 2025
This book kept me on my toes and kept me intrigued the whole time - but I was so disappointed in the ending. It sounds like there might be a sequel coming out but this book didn’t end on a cliff hanger, it just ended without any warning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2025
*Thank you to Crooked Lane for an arc of the Myth Maker. I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.”
The synopsis of this book caught my interest immediately. A mystery thriller with a serial killer and greek mythology? Too intriguing to pass up. While I worried it would be written in a heavy or gritty way that would make it hard to get into or keep me focused, but it kept my interest pretty steadily throughout.
The way the author put it together as to keep you guessing throughout, while your mind gets caught on clues and hints. The journey through the story is twisty and entertaining while remaining dark from start to finish, and I had an amazing time reading it.
I can’t wait for more from the author in the future.
The synopsis of this book caught my interest immediately. A mystery thriller with a serial killer and greek mythology? Too intriguing to pass up. While I worried it would be written in a heavy or gritty way that would make it hard to get into or keep me focused, but it kept my interest pretty steadily throughout.
The way the author put it together as to keep you guessing throughout, while your mind gets caught on clues and hints. The journey through the story is twisty and entertaining while remaining dark from start to finish, and I had an amazing time reading it.
I can’t wait for more from the author in the future.
January 25, 2025
This felt like a very unique mystery/thriller/serial killer/crime story. This book follows the serial murders of a bunch of women, but these are no ordinary murders, they are all based on Greek gods and goddesses. And I thought that was super interesting.
I also think this cover is really cool. Simple but effective and aesthetically pleasing.
Some parts of this book did feel a bit choppy (the pacing as well as the writing did that).
But overall, this was a pretty decent thriller that I could see many people enjoying (I just wish it was a tad more thriller-y (aka thrilling).
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I also think this cover is really cool. Simple but effective and aesthetically pleasing.
Some parts of this book did feel a bit choppy (the pacing as well as the writing did that).
But overall, this was a pretty decent thriller that I could see many people enjoying (I just wish it was a tad more thriller-y (aka thrilling).
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
July 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this story, a must read for murder mystery lovers! Detective Cantwell is a great character and I loved following her through this journey. This is a fun and interesting take on a classic murder mystery novel. I love a book with multiple POV and this book scratched the itch. Highly recommended!
February 3, 2025
This was a generally enjoyable read. Definitely worth it if you enjoy books like The Silent Patient and The Amber Fury. The whole concept was brilliant; I found myself losing interest in the middle but was recaptivated by the conclusion.
*Thanks to netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for an arc in exchange for an honest review*
**The Myth Maker will be published 8th July 2025**
*Thanks to netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for an arc in exchange for an honest review*
**The Myth Maker will be published 8th July 2025**
July 27, 2025
I couldn't put this down. it ended with a cliff hanger so I am kinda hoping that there will be a second book. smart main character. 4 stars bc the plot was kind of rough in some spots.
October 8, 2025
interesting concept but the characters were a little stereotypical
April 22, 2025
Thank you so much to Alie Dumas Heidt, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for this free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
2.5/5 stars
I was so excited to be able to read and review this story before its publication, as I love anything related to the ancient world/myths as I studied this in college. I also love a good thriller every now and then, so the summary for this novel sounded right up my alley. The Myth Maker follows Detective Cassidy Cantwell as she balances her personal life and issues all while working through a series of Greek Myth inspired serial killings. Haunted by the unsolved murder of her childhood best friend, Cassidy falls deeper and deeper into the mystery as she discovers that there may be more to her friend's case after looking into her current case.
I wanted so very badly to love this story, as it has such an excellent plot summary, but unfortunately in my opinion the execution was simply not up to par. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I do wish that there was more nuance to the themes of this novel.
Plot wise, it did feel as if too much was going on. Sometimes I found it particularly difficult to follow the story, as The Myth Maker contains many different plots besides the main murders--like the main character's love life, family life, and more. So many different characters were introduced, so I did end up forgetting who was who at times, and how they relate to the story. I do wish that Heidt streamlined the plot and cut down the characters to focus on the more important aspects of the story. This would prevent chapters from going on various tangents, as I really loved the main murder plot. It is just too much plot to contain for a measly 320 pages.
The writing itself is pretty standard for a thriller novel, so there is nothing that really stands out. I did find that at times the plot would and writing structure would be somewhat repetitive and predictable. A body would be discovered, Cassidy would investigate, then ask what myth the scene represents, and so on.
The mythological components of the story and the way the main character obtained information about myths in regards to the murders seemed like a cop out, which was a bit upsetting. This is because I really wished Heidt took the time have our main character learn of the myths and background more organically, so those who are unfamiliar with the stories will uncover the information at the same time as Cassidy. Rather than researching for herself, in-universe Cassidy instead goes to a very special professor that basically just tells her what myth corresponds to what murder and why. It is very surface level which was a bit disappointing.
It just seems like something was missing from this book--something that I can't quite name. My attention was easily captured at the beginning, and even more easily lost mid-way through the story. Overall this is fine read for those who who like thrillers (which is usually me), but maybe this particular story was not for me.
2.5/5 stars
I was so excited to be able to read and review this story before its publication, as I love anything related to the ancient world/myths as I studied this in college. I also love a good thriller every now and then, so the summary for this novel sounded right up my alley. The Myth Maker follows Detective Cassidy Cantwell as she balances her personal life and issues all while working through a series of Greek Myth inspired serial killings. Haunted by the unsolved murder of her childhood best friend, Cassidy falls deeper and deeper into the mystery as she discovers that there may be more to her friend's case after looking into her current case.
I wanted so very badly to love this story, as it has such an excellent plot summary, but unfortunately in my opinion the execution was simply not up to par. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I do wish that there was more nuance to the themes of this novel.
Plot wise, it did feel as if too much was going on. Sometimes I found it particularly difficult to follow the story, as The Myth Maker contains many different plots besides the main murders--like the main character's love life, family life, and more. So many different characters were introduced, so I did end up forgetting who was who at times, and how they relate to the story. I do wish that Heidt streamlined the plot and cut down the characters to focus on the more important aspects of the story. This would prevent chapters from going on various tangents, as I really loved the main murder plot. It is just too much plot to contain for a measly 320 pages.
The writing itself is pretty standard for a thriller novel, so there is nothing that really stands out. I did find that at times the plot would and writing structure would be somewhat repetitive and predictable. A body would be discovered, Cassidy would investigate, then ask what myth the scene represents, and so on.
The mythological components of the story and the way the main character obtained information about myths in regards to the murders seemed like a cop out, which was a bit upsetting. This is because I really wished Heidt took the time have our main character learn of the myths and background more organically, so those who are unfamiliar with the stories will uncover the information at the same time as Cassidy. Rather than researching for herself, in-universe Cassidy instead goes to a very special professor that basically just tells her what myth corresponds to what murder and why. It is very surface level which was a bit disappointing.
It just seems like something was missing from this book--something that I can't quite name. My attention was easily captured at the beginning, and even more easily lost mid-way through the story. Overall this is fine read for those who who like thrillers (which is usually me), but maybe this particular story was not for me.
May 29, 2025
A slow paced mystery with murders inspired by Greek goddesses sounded really intriguing to me. While I enjoyed some elements of this novel, The Myth Maker ended up falling short for me. I will be honest that some of it could have been the weird formatting of my e-ARC, which was disjointed. I didn't think that all of the elements of the story meshed as well together with each other. It felt like she was trying to pack as much as she could in this novel without really fleshing out any of the storylines. Heidt is obviously setting up another book to make this a series with the way it ends. I don't know if I'll continue with Cassidy's story. I didn't find myself completely connecting with any of the characters in the novel. I give some grace because this is her debut novel, but I hope in the future her books are more focused in their narration and not going off on so many tangents.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for review consideration.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for review consideration.
April 27, 2025
The premise and characters had me so enthralled through the entire book! I love the strong storytelling that takes the reader on this wild ride. I hope there will be more stories with Detective Cantwell because I want to hang out with her more. She’s so good at using info and instincts to solve the case. A well done mystery thriller!
November 9, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
A chilling debut that fuses Greek mythology with psychological suspense, The Myth Maker by Alie Dumas Heidt is a cerebral thriller that probes grief, obsession, and the stories we tell to survive.
Alie Dumas Heidt’s The Myth Maker is a genre-bending crime novel that dares to ask: what if the gods we worship are the ones we fear most? Set in the rain-soaked corridors of Tacoma, Washington, the story follows detective Cassidy Cantwell as she investigates a string of murders staged to resemble Greek goddesses—each tableau more haunting than the last. But this is a meditation on myth-making itself: how trauma calcifies into legend, how memory distorts truth, and how justice is often a story we invent to make sense of chaos.
Cassidy is a compelling lead—emotionally raw, professionally driven, and haunted by the unsolved murder of her best friend. Heidt crafts her with psychological nuance, balancing her procedural instincts with the emotional weight of personal loss. The novel’s tension hinges not just on the killer’s identity, but on Cassidy’s unraveling: her strained relationship with a clingy boyfriend, her fraught family dynamics, and her uneasy alliance with Bryan, a partner who suspects Cassidy’s ex-boyfriend may be involved.
What sets The Myth Maker apart is its mythological scaffolding. The killer’s staging of victims as Greek goddesses isn’t just aesthetic—it’s symbolic. Each murder scene echoes archetypes of power, vengeance, and femininity, forcing Cassidy (and the reader) to confront uncomfortable truths about gender, legacy, and the stories society tells about women. The academic interludes—Cassidy consulting mythology professors—add intellectual texture without slowing the pace.
Heidt’s prose is taut and evocative, with a cinematic eye for detail. The crime scenes are described with eerie precision, and the emotional beats land with quiet devastation. While the plot occasionally veers into over ambition—national media attention, FBI involvement, anonymous messages—it remains grounded in Cassidy’s personal stakes. The novel’s climax is satisfying and thematically resonant, tying the mythic and the personal into a final revelation that feels earned.
For fans of Alex Michaelides and Tana French, The Myth Maker offers a fresh take on the serial killer thriller: one that’s as much about the stories we inherit as the crimes we solve. It’s a debut that doesn’t just entertain—it interrogates, mythologizes, and lingers.
A chilling debut that fuses Greek mythology with psychological suspense, The Myth Maker by Alie Dumas Heidt is a cerebral thriller that probes grief, obsession, and the stories we tell to survive.
Alie Dumas Heidt’s The Myth Maker is a genre-bending crime novel that dares to ask: what if the gods we worship are the ones we fear most? Set in the rain-soaked corridors of Tacoma, Washington, the story follows detective Cassidy Cantwell as she investigates a string of murders staged to resemble Greek goddesses—each tableau more haunting than the last. But this is a meditation on myth-making itself: how trauma calcifies into legend, how memory distorts truth, and how justice is often a story we invent to make sense of chaos.
Cassidy is a compelling lead—emotionally raw, professionally driven, and haunted by the unsolved murder of her best friend. Heidt crafts her with psychological nuance, balancing her procedural instincts with the emotional weight of personal loss. The novel’s tension hinges not just on the killer’s identity, but on Cassidy’s unraveling: her strained relationship with a clingy boyfriend, her fraught family dynamics, and her uneasy alliance with Bryan, a partner who suspects Cassidy’s ex-boyfriend may be involved.
What sets The Myth Maker apart is its mythological scaffolding. The killer’s staging of victims as Greek goddesses isn’t just aesthetic—it’s symbolic. Each murder scene echoes archetypes of power, vengeance, and femininity, forcing Cassidy (and the reader) to confront uncomfortable truths about gender, legacy, and the stories society tells about women. The academic interludes—Cassidy consulting mythology professors—add intellectual texture without slowing the pace.
Heidt’s prose is taut and evocative, with a cinematic eye for detail. The crime scenes are described with eerie precision, and the emotional beats land with quiet devastation. While the plot occasionally veers into over ambition—national media attention, FBI involvement, anonymous messages—it remains grounded in Cassidy’s personal stakes. The novel’s climax is satisfying and thematically resonant, tying the mythic and the personal into a final revelation that feels earned.
For fans of Alex Michaelides and Tana French, The Myth Maker offers a fresh take on the serial killer thriller: one that’s as much about the stories we inherit as the crimes we solve. It’s a debut that doesn’t just entertain—it interrogates, mythologizes, and lingers.
January 20, 2025
The Myth Maker by Alie Dumas-Heidt Review
Star Rating: 4
For lovers of crime and psychological thrillers, this book will leave you breathless!
The Myth Maker by Alie Dumas-Heidt follows a new detective as she works on the most significant case of her career. This thriller follows Cassidy Cantwell as she works to uncover a serial killer in her city. Amongst the seriousness of the murder, Cassidy deals with challenges that any reader can relate to: family drama. Add that on top of a clingy boyfriend and an unwanted roommate, and Cassidy is already at her wit’s end. We also can't forget that a killer is sending Cassidy notes and trinkets as she gets closer to solving the mystery of who killed her best friend.
Throughout the novel, I loved the author’s ability to keep the reader guessing who could be the next suspect and where and when the next clue would be given to Cassidy. The author’s ability to take the reader on a dark and twisty journey through Greek Mythology and murder kept my attention throughout the book. Dumas-Heidt’s intricate details throughout the story keep me guessing as the story unfolds. Her ability to show each character as their person with their perspectives and lives made her characters so realistic that they jumped off the page. I was unable to put this book down until the very end!
My favorite part of the story is the portrayal of human relationships and how death impacts our relationship with ourselves and the people around us, be it through Cassidy’s reaction to this case or her work on her best friend’s death.
Readers who love psychological thrillers will love this book. It is a great overall read that makes me anticipate the author’s next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.
Star Rating: 4
For lovers of crime and psychological thrillers, this book will leave you breathless!
The Myth Maker by Alie Dumas-Heidt follows a new detective as she works on the most significant case of her career. This thriller follows Cassidy Cantwell as she works to uncover a serial killer in her city. Amongst the seriousness of the murder, Cassidy deals with challenges that any reader can relate to: family drama. Add that on top of a clingy boyfriend and an unwanted roommate, and Cassidy is already at her wit’s end. We also can't forget that a killer is sending Cassidy notes and trinkets as she gets closer to solving the mystery of who killed her best friend.
Throughout the novel, I loved the author’s ability to keep the reader guessing who could be the next suspect and where and when the next clue would be given to Cassidy. The author’s ability to take the reader on a dark and twisty journey through Greek Mythology and murder kept my attention throughout the book. Dumas-Heidt’s intricate details throughout the story keep me guessing as the story unfolds. Her ability to show each character as their person with their perspectives and lives made her characters so realistic that they jumped off the page. I was unable to put this book down until the very end!
My favorite part of the story is the portrayal of human relationships and how death impacts our relationship with ourselves and the people around us, be it through Cassidy’s reaction to this case or her work on her best friend’s death.
Readers who love psychological thrillers will love this book. It is a great overall read that makes me anticipate the author’s next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.
February 4, 2025
As expected from the blurb, I was drawn into a very classic procedural, where the protagonist Cassidy is on the case to solve murders linked to a textbook serial killer, whose inspiration are Greek goddesses. Not only is she hardly sleeping because of the fast recurrence of the murders - and time is of the essence when a kidnapping is next -she is also trying to solve the murder of her best friend who died when she was a teenager, and she is trying to salvage a wobbly relationship.
It isn't surprising that this is a very fast paced thriller with everything going all at once, but it didn't deter from the main storylines: the hunt for the serial and the cold case. And in that respect, this is a true pageturner where you want to know where the story is going. However, there is one serious fault here that made me go for three stars only: the number of characters. There is a handful of policemen, a handful of FBI agents, a second team of FBI (who luckily are lost quite rapidly), then a SWAT team, a whole lot of witnesses and and a bunch of family members - from Cassidy but also families from victims and other characters. I had a hard time trying to distinguish all of them, and eventually I just let go and read on, accepting that I possibly would lose some details of the plot (I didn't).
I would happily read the second installment because yes, it does end with a cliffhanger, and the character of Cassidy is very interesting! But I sincerely hope that would involve a serious cut in the number of characters.
A sincere thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and the author for an ARC.
It isn't surprising that this is a very fast paced thriller with everything going all at once, but it didn't deter from the main storylines: the hunt for the serial and the cold case. And in that respect, this is a true pageturner where you want to know where the story is going. However, there is one serious fault here that made me go for three stars only: the number of characters. There is a handful of policemen, a handful of FBI agents, a second team of FBI (who luckily are lost quite rapidly), then a SWAT team, a whole lot of witnesses and and a bunch of family members - from Cassidy but also families from victims and other characters. I had a hard time trying to distinguish all of them, and eventually I just let go and read on, accepting that I possibly would lose some details of the plot (I didn't).
I would happily read the second installment because yes, it does end with a cliffhanger, and the character of Cassidy is very interesting! But I sincerely hope that would involve a serious cut in the number of characters.
A sincere thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and the author for an ARC.
February 20, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an eARC of The Myth Maker in exchange for my honest review!
This injects me with the suspense I'm looking for, its inclusion of Greek mythology being an especially atmospheric element. The tension builds up at a smooth pace and draws me into the murder scheme that our culprit is rolling out—a scheme that shows us just how much of a fixation this individual has on mythology and how far they'll go to carry it out in real life, brutally stealing people's lives along the way. Then there's the story running underneath the mystery—the story of Cassidy's personal life as she wrestles with grief and guilt over her murdered best friend, as she contends with her boyfriend and the distance that keeps growing between them, as these slices of her world snake their way into her current investigation. I'll admit that as much as these things do grip me, I'm also left feeling like the story arcs aren't interwoven together as fluidly as they could have been. Again, they're all enthralling threads to follow, but they tend to trail around each other fairly separately, and it stops me from becoming as emotionally invested in the book as I want to be compared to other thriller novels that have hit me in the heart with a bigger punch.
Even with a criticism like that, I continue to enjoy what The Myth Maker can dish out, and I'm intrigued by the ending's decision to wrap up on a note that leaves open room for a sequel. If that comes out down the line, I'd definitely pick it up. Overall, I'm officially rating The Myth Maker four out of five stars.
This injects me with the suspense I'm looking for, its inclusion of Greek mythology being an especially atmospheric element. The tension builds up at a smooth pace and draws me into the murder scheme that our culprit is rolling out—a scheme that shows us just how much of a fixation this individual has on mythology and how far they'll go to carry it out in real life, brutally stealing people's lives along the way. Then there's the story running underneath the mystery—the story of Cassidy's personal life as she wrestles with grief and guilt over her murdered best friend, as she contends with her boyfriend and the distance that keeps growing between them, as these slices of her world snake their way into her current investigation. I'll admit that as much as these things do grip me, I'm also left feeling like the story arcs aren't interwoven together as fluidly as they could have been. Again, they're all enthralling threads to follow, but they tend to trail around each other fairly separately, and it stops me from becoming as emotionally invested in the book as I want to be compared to other thriller novels that have hit me in the heart with a bigger punch.
Even with a criticism like that, I continue to enjoy what The Myth Maker can dish out, and I'm intrigued by the ending's decision to wrap up on a note that leaves open room for a sequel. If that comes out down the line, I'd definitely pick it up. Overall, I'm officially rating The Myth Maker four out of five stars.
July 13, 2025
Book Review: The Myth Maker by Alie Dumas Heidt
Rating: 3 Stars
I picked up The Myth Maker because the cover and synopsis really caught my eye—there’s something intriguing about a serial killer thriller woven with Greek mythology. The story follows Cassidy Cantwell, a detective haunted by the unsolved murder of her best friend, who now faces a chilling new case. Women are being killed and their bodies staged in eerie, symbolic ways that seem to echo ancient myths. When Cassidy discovers that one of the victims is tied to her ex-boyfriend, the case becomes deeply personal. Alongside her partner Bryan and with the FBI stepping in, Cassidy races against time while juggling a complicated personal life and cryptic clues linked to Greek legends.
While I admired the ambitious attempt to blend mythology with a contemporary thriller, I found the plot somewhat bloated and felt it didn’t dive as deeply into the mythological aspects as I had hoped. The story had potential for a rich, layered mystery but sometimes got lost in its own complexity. That said, I’m curious to see where the series goes next, especially with the ongoing subplot involving "Jenna," which adds another layer of intrigue.
Overall, The Myth Maker was an engaging read but didn’t quite live up to the hype for me. I’m giving it three stars—not a bad book by any means, but one I think could have been tighter and more focused on its unique angle. Still, I’ll probably pick up the next installment to see how the mysteries unfold.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 3 Stars
I picked up The Myth Maker because the cover and synopsis really caught my eye—there’s something intriguing about a serial killer thriller woven with Greek mythology. The story follows Cassidy Cantwell, a detective haunted by the unsolved murder of her best friend, who now faces a chilling new case. Women are being killed and their bodies staged in eerie, symbolic ways that seem to echo ancient myths. When Cassidy discovers that one of the victims is tied to her ex-boyfriend, the case becomes deeply personal. Alongside her partner Bryan and with the FBI stepping in, Cassidy races against time while juggling a complicated personal life and cryptic clues linked to Greek legends.
While I admired the ambitious attempt to blend mythology with a contemporary thriller, I found the plot somewhat bloated and felt it didn’t dive as deeply into the mythological aspects as I had hoped. The story had potential for a rich, layered mystery but sometimes got lost in its own complexity. That said, I’m curious to see where the series goes next, especially with the ongoing subplot involving "Jenna," which adds another layer of intrigue.
Overall, The Myth Maker was an engaging read but didn’t quite live up to the hype for me. I’m giving it three stars—not a bad book by any means, but one I think could have been tighter and more focused on its unique angle. Still, I’ll probably pick up the next installment to see how the mysteries unfold.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
February 26, 2025
The Myth Maker was a dark and twisty thriller with a very unique premise. This was a thriller following a serial killer, but it wasn’t like any serial killer thriller that I’ve ever read before! The killer in this book is obsessed with Greek Mythology, and stages each of their victims as scenes from greek myths. The killer named every victim after a Greek goddess, and the whole concept was fascinating to me! I thought it was a really clever take on the serial killer trope, and the Greek Mythology aspect was super interesting to learn about.
The main character in this book was Detective Cassidy Cantwell, and we follow her as she tirelessly tries to hunt down the killer, while also dealing with a lot of personal issues of her own. Cassidy was a flawed but loveable character with a sad past, and I found myself loving her and rooting for her the whole time!
This book was action-packed and I was hooked from the first page! My only issue was with the ending. The ending was kind of abrupt, and it left me with lots of questions unanswered, but I’m hoping that might be to leave it open for a second book, which I would love! I would love to read more about Cassidy’s character, so I’m hopeful this could become a series! Overall, this was a really unique serial killer thriller that I throughly enjoyed, although the ending was a bit of a let down.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The main character in this book was Detective Cassidy Cantwell, and we follow her as she tirelessly tries to hunt down the killer, while also dealing with a lot of personal issues of her own. Cassidy was a flawed but loveable character with a sad past, and I found myself loving her and rooting for her the whole time!
This book was action-packed and I was hooked from the first page! My only issue was with the ending. The ending was kind of abrupt, and it left me with lots of questions unanswered, but I’m hoping that might be to leave it open for a second book, which I would love! I would love to read more about Cassidy’s character, so I’m hopeful this could become a series! Overall, this was a really unique serial killer thriller that I throughly enjoyed, although the ending was a bit of a let down.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2025
This sounded so intriguing= murders that are inspired by Greek Mythology.
Detective Cassidy Cantwell becomes involved in a series of murders, where the victims are poised like the characters of greek mythology. She is still haunted by the unsolved murder of her best friend. One of the victims is tied to her ex-boyfriend, so the case becomes personal to her. Cassidy, along with her partner and the FBI, must decipher clues and race to figure out the killer. She is also struggling with personal issues, which adds to the chaotic atmosphere surrounding this story.
I loved the unique idea for the story, but was a bit disappointed. There is so much going on between the overload of characters (family members, FBI people, Police team, etc) that I had a very hard time keeping the people straight, as well as who did what! It also seemed to just skim over the mythology aspect, instead of going deeper. I feel that if the focus had been more on the case, and really used the mythological pieces to drive the investigation, it would have been a much more effective and satisfying read.
Overall, an ok read for me- but I think I will not read the next- I can't remember all those characters!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Detective Cassidy Cantwell becomes involved in a series of murders, where the victims are poised like the characters of greek mythology. She is still haunted by the unsolved murder of her best friend. One of the victims is tied to her ex-boyfriend, so the case becomes personal to her. Cassidy, along with her partner and the FBI, must decipher clues and race to figure out the killer. She is also struggling with personal issues, which adds to the chaotic atmosphere surrounding this story.
I loved the unique idea for the story, but was a bit disappointed. There is so much going on between the overload of characters (family members, FBI people, Police team, etc) that I had a very hard time keeping the people straight, as well as who did what! It also seemed to just skim over the mythology aspect, instead of going deeper. I feel that if the focus had been more on the case, and really used the mythological pieces to drive the investigation, it would have been a much more effective and satisfying read.
Overall, an ok read for me- but I think I will not read the next- I can't remember all those characters!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
April 13, 2025
The premise of The Myth Maker is an intriguing one: we get to join in on the hunt for a serial killer who’s channeling mythology to kill the human side of his victims in order for them to be reborn as goddesses.
Main character, Detective Cassidy Cantwell, is quick to pick up on the killer’s pattern, and she throws herself headlong into the task of finding him and holding him accountable. But catching him means something more to Cantwell. Our passionate, bright, and likable detective is battling trauma of her own. That trauma has caused her to wall herself off from others because of the guilt she feels, and catching the bad guys seems like all she can do to try to atone for her self-imposed sins.
And that tension is, in my opinion, where the story struggles most. Cantwell’s personal loss seems to take over and become the primary story, which pulls readers away from the story of the serial killer, a story that’s far more original and mysterious. While the author tries to link the storylines together, that link right now feels too tenuous and coincidental.
While I like the small moments we are given to enter into the mind of the killer, I want more of them. He needs to be more fleshed out as a character and not just used as a trope or plot device.
The story ends by setting readers up for another installment, and despite its growing pains, I liked this one enough to give the next one a chance.
3.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Main character, Detective Cassidy Cantwell, is quick to pick up on the killer’s pattern, and she throws herself headlong into the task of finding him and holding him accountable. But catching him means something more to Cantwell. Our passionate, bright, and likable detective is battling trauma of her own. That trauma has caused her to wall herself off from others because of the guilt she feels, and catching the bad guys seems like all she can do to try to atone for her self-imposed sins.
And that tension is, in my opinion, where the story struggles most. Cantwell’s personal loss seems to take over and become the primary story, which pulls readers away from the story of the serial killer, a story that’s far more original and mysterious. While the author tries to link the storylines together, that link right now feels too tenuous and coincidental.
While I like the small moments we are given to enter into the mind of the killer, I want more of them. He needs to be more fleshed out as a character and not just used as a trope or plot device.
The story ends by setting readers up for another installment, and despite its growing pains, I liked this one enough to give the next one a chance.
3.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 13, 2025
This is exactly what you'd expect of a detective thriller set in Washington (state), if it was described as such. A brash and young female detective, more than competent at her job, is on the heels of a serial killer who's targeting women for themed murders. With her bro-like partner and a personal trauma/tragedy that fuels her moves in life, she'll ever so gently, sometimes overtly, skirt the law to find the truth. And for all that, it was very predictable.
Just got shot and advised to stay in the hospital for 2 days? Nah. Partner in struggling relationship wants to feel prioritized? He should just get over it. The murders themselves were interesting in theme, but the culprit's motivation was, I dare say, lackluster. However, I suppose the notion of an entitled rich White man going around treating other peoples' lives like objects in a game isn't really a stretch.
The action in the last few chapters definitely had me reading faster, I was in the story, invested. Still, there was a lot of misdirection that got more word space than the final beats with the by-then known culprit.
I wasn't sorely disappointed with anything in this read, but I wasn't super wowed by anything either. 3 stars for me.
Just got shot and advised to stay in the hospital for 2 days? Nah. Partner in struggling relationship wants to feel prioritized? He should just get over it. The murders themselves were interesting in theme, but the culprit's motivation was, I dare say, lackluster. However, I suppose the notion of an entitled rich White man going around treating other peoples' lives like objects in a game isn't really a stretch.
The action in the last few chapters definitely had me reading faster, I was in the story, invested. Still, there was a lot of misdirection that got more word space than the final beats with the by-then known culprit.
I wasn't sorely disappointed with anything in this read, but I wasn't super wowed by anything either. 3 stars for me.
July 8, 2025
I really liked this!
Two things stood out to me when I was reading the blurb for this book: Greek mythology and serial un-alivers. I knew I had to read it based on those two aspects alone! And I was not disappointed.
This book has two separate mysteries going on at the same time: one from the FMC’s teenage years when her best friend was killed, and the other is a current psycho un-aliving women and incorporating Greek goddesses into their killings. The FMC is a fairly new detective, and this is her first big case.
I haven’t read a lot of cop / police procedurals this year (I think the last might have been Head Cases), so I loved jumping into this one. It has some chapters from the killer’s POV, so that added an interesting element, as well. This was a fast and easy read, and kept my interest peaked throughout. I will say I thought the ending was rather abrupt. (I really thought I was missing pages.) But it definitely seems like it’s setting up for a second book. (If not, then I will be really disappointed in the ending, lol.) If a second book is announced, I’ll be hopping on that right away!
𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝑰'𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐:
Lovers of crime fiction or police procedurals, especially with hunting serial Ks.
4.5/5 rounded up
Two things stood out to me when I was reading the blurb for this book: Greek mythology and serial un-alivers. I knew I had to read it based on those two aspects alone! And I was not disappointed.
This book has two separate mysteries going on at the same time: one from the FMC’s teenage years when her best friend was killed, and the other is a current psycho un-aliving women and incorporating Greek goddesses into their killings. The FMC is a fairly new detective, and this is her first big case.
I haven’t read a lot of cop / police procedurals this year (I think the last might have been Head Cases), so I loved jumping into this one. It has some chapters from the killer’s POV, so that added an interesting element, as well. This was a fast and easy read, and kept my interest peaked throughout. I will say I thought the ending was rather abrupt. (I really thought I was missing pages.) But it definitely seems like it’s setting up for a second book. (If not, then I will be really disappointed in the ending, lol.) If a second book is announced, I’ll be hopping on that right away!
𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝑰'𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐:
Lovers of crime fiction or police procedurals, especially with hunting serial Ks.
4.5/5 rounded up
July 6, 2025
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books for this ARC. This was one of my most anticipated reads of July 2025, and it delivered!
Myth Maker weaves together two mysteries unfolding side by side, and both kept me equally hooked. The mythology-inspired crimes added a unique and eerie edge, and I loved how those ancient themes were layered into a modern police procedural.
The dynamic between the detectives was a standout for me: sharp, clever, and filled with the kind of back-and-forth banter that makes you want to keep reading just to see what they’ll say next. The police vibes felt grounded and authentic, which gave the mystery even more weight.
There’s a side plot involving a brother’s best friend that didn’t really add much to the story, but it wasn’t distracting enough to pull me out. The pacing was a bit choppy in places, especially with the timeline jumps, but honestly? I was so invested that I barely noticed. That final reveal? Chef’s kiss.
If you love myth-heavy mysteries with layered storytelling and detective drama, this one deserves a spot on your list.
Myth Maker weaves together two mysteries unfolding side by side, and both kept me equally hooked. The mythology-inspired crimes added a unique and eerie edge, and I loved how those ancient themes were layered into a modern police procedural.
The dynamic between the detectives was a standout for me: sharp, clever, and filled with the kind of back-and-forth banter that makes you want to keep reading just to see what they’ll say next. The police vibes felt grounded and authentic, which gave the mystery even more weight.
There’s a side plot involving a brother’s best friend that didn’t really add much to the story, but it wasn’t distracting enough to pull me out. The pacing was a bit choppy in places, especially with the timeline jumps, but honestly? I was so invested that I barely noticed. That final reveal? Chef’s kiss.
If you love myth-heavy mysteries with layered storytelling and detective drama, this one deserves a spot on your list.
June 16, 2025
Rookie police detective Cassidy Cantwell gets involved in a baffling serial killer case. The killer is staging each of his female victims as goddesses from Greek mythology. Their first victim happens to be married to her college boyfriend.
As the cases pile up and the FBI gets involved, the team begins working almost around the clock which has severe consequences for Cassidy's own relationship with her boyfriend. He's tired of coming in third after her job and the investigation of the murder of her high school best friend some years earlier.
Jenna's murder becomes more than a bunch of notebook filled plastic bins when someone decides to start sending Cassidy mementos from their shared past. But Cassidy doesn't have time to pursue these new leads until the current killer is caught.
This was a fast-paced and engaging thriller with an intriguing main character. My only complaint is that the cover doesn't seem to match the story within the book.
As the cases pile up and the FBI gets involved, the team begins working almost around the clock which has severe consequences for Cassidy's own relationship with her boyfriend. He's tired of coming in third after her job and the investigation of the murder of her high school best friend some years earlier.
Jenna's murder becomes more than a bunch of notebook filled plastic bins when someone decides to start sending Cassidy mementos from their shared past. But Cassidy doesn't have time to pursue these new leads until the current killer is caught.
This was a fast-paced and engaging thriller with an intriguing main character. My only complaint is that the cover doesn't seem to match the story within the book.
July 7, 2025
The Myth Maker, an exhilarating book that has so many twists you will be left dizzy for more!!!
Detective Cassidy Cantwell carries a huge burden. Her best friend Jenna Sutton was killed as a teen, and Cass believes it was her fault. So when dead women start appearing with special offerings around them and possed like goddesses, Cas knows she must figure out who is behind it.
I loved this story so much. I enjoyed the glimpses into Cassidy's not so perfect life with her boyfriend Nicky. Her family dynamics and her twin brother Jamie were fun to read. I really enjoyed how each goddess was represented and all the symbolism around them. The goddesses represented in the story were Eos, Athena, Aphrodite, Circe, Psyche, and Persephone. And the best part was the cliffhanger. Someone is taunting Cassidy about Jenna's murder and she is going to solve it.
Thank you, Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books, for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Detective Cassidy Cantwell carries a huge burden. Her best friend Jenna Sutton was killed as a teen, and Cass believes it was her fault. So when dead women start appearing with special offerings around them and possed like goddesses, Cas knows she must figure out who is behind it.
I loved this story so much. I enjoyed the glimpses into Cassidy's not so perfect life with her boyfriend Nicky. Her family dynamics and her twin brother Jamie were fun to read. I really enjoyed how each goddess was represented and all the symbolism around them. The goddesses represented in the story were Eos, Athena, Aphrodite, Circe, Psyche, and Persephone. And the best part was the cliffhanger. Someone is taunting Cassidy about Jenna's murder and she is going to solve it.
Thank you, Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books, for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
October 6, 2025
I found this book confusing. There was a crime from the past that seemed to be connected to the other crimes that were being investigated and was DEFINITELY connected to the protagonist (who was doing the investigating). But it ends with the protagonist still unaware of who committed the crime. Like others on this page, I concluded that it was possibly a setup for a sequel, but I did indeed feel set up, and I'm not interested in the sequel (if there will be one).
As for the other crimes, the development in the final chapters (and at least one character) were so out of left field ... as I was reading it, I was looking at the last page number so I could tell myself there wasn't that much more to go. But I was disappointed.
That said, I did like the protagonist. Didn't like her boyfriend much. He wasn't presented as very sympathetic and I kept wondering if he was going to figure into the crimes, but he didn't. Maybe in the next one. Who knows.
As for the other crimes, the development in the final chapters (and at least one character) were so out of left field ... as I was reading it, I was looking at the last page number so I could tell myself there wasn't that much more to go. But I was disappointed.
That said, I did like the protagonist. Didn't like her boyfriend much. He wasn't presented as very sympathetic and I kept wondering if he was going to figure into the crimes, but he didn't. Maybe in the next one. Who knows.
February 27, 2025
A gripping blend of suspense, mystery, and mythology, The Myth Maker is a must-read for fans of crime thrillers with a unique twist. Detective Cassidy Cantwell is a compelling protagonist—sharp, determined, and haunted by a past that refuses to let go. The case she’s working on starts as a standard murder investigation but quickly unravels into something far more intricate, with eerie connections to Greek mythology that add an extra layer of intrigue.
The pacing is tight, the twists keep you guessing, and the tension between Cassidy’s personal and professional life adds depth to the story. While some plot points feel a bit familiar, the mythology element gives it a fresh spin. If you love mysteries with strong female leads and unexpected connections, this one is definitely worth a read!
The pacing is tight, the twists keep you guessing, and the tension between Cassidy’s personal and professional life adds depth to the story. While some plot points feel a bit familiar, the mythology element gives it a fresh spin. If you love mysteries with strong female leads and unexpected connections, this one is definitely worth a read!
April 10, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
The concept of this was really solid. I was incredibly excited to get into this book and the premise of murders on the basis of Greek myths really stood out.
The book starts strong, but unfortunately falls prey to the formula of murder, exposition, little bit of searching, then murder again. I found the descriptions really frustrating in that they were very much a ‘show, don’t tell issue’.
I didn’t feel very connected to the lead character either, and she just seemed a little hollow. I will say that the book was, at least, reasonably well paced in terms of the action and approach to the narrative, even if some of the descriptions were just too lengthy.
I feel like this had the potential to be an absolutely rollicking thriller, but it just missed the mark
The concept of this was really solid. I was incredibly excited to get into this book and the premise of murders on the basis of Greek myths really stood out.
The book starts strong, but unfortunately falls prey to the formula of murder, exposition, little bit of searching, then murder again. I found the descriptions really frustrating in that they were very much a ‘show, don’t tell issue’.
I didn’t feel very connected to the lead character either, and she just seemed a little hollow. I will say that the book was, at least, reasonably well paced in terms of the action and approach to the narrative, even if some of the descriptions were just too lengthy.
I feel like this had the potential to be an absolutely rollicking thriller, but it just missed the mark
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