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Detective Annalisa Vega #1
Jäädavalt lahkunud
Chicagot mitu aastat hirmul hoidnud sarimõrvar tappis seitse naist, saatis pärast iga mõrva kohalikele ajalehtedele tapetule adresseeritud hirmuäratava armastuskirja ja sai hüüdnime Murtud Südamega Tapja. Siis kadus ta kahekümneks aastaks jäljetult ning paljud jäid uskuma, et ta on jäädavalt lahkunud.
Vaid Grace Harper, päeval toidupoe juhataja, öösel harrastusdetektiiv, usub, et tapja liigub endiselt vaba mehena ringi samades linnaosades, kus aastate eest jahti pidas, ja selleks, et teda tabada, tuleb välja selgitada, kuidas mõrtsukas oma ohvreid valis.
Uurija Annalisa Vega on kaotanud Murtud Südamega Tapja käe läbi lähedase inimese. Nüüd on ta mõrvapaigal, kus teda tabab hirmutav déjà vu: Grace Harper lebab kinniseotuna surnult põrandal, ümbritsetuna vihjetest kunagistele koletutele mõrvadele, mida Chicago mõrvaosakond pole suutnud lahendada. Annalisal on võimalus tõde jalule seada, kuid kõigepealt tuleb tal välja selgitada, mida Grace teadis – kuidas ära tunda mõrvar, kes seisab otse sinu ees. Ta peab minema tagasi minevikku, heitma pilgu pimedatesse nurkadesse, mille olemasolu endale kunagi tunnistanud pole, ja teada saama, et hoolimata kõigest, mis mõrvar on juba hävitanud, on veel palju kaotada.
Vaid Grace Harper, päeval toidupoe juhataja, öösel harrastusdetektiiv, usub, et tapja liigub endiselt vaba mehena ringi samades linnaosades, kus aastate eest jahti pidas, ja selleks, et teda tabada, tuleb välja selgitada, kuidas mõrtsukas oma ohvreid valis.
Uurija Annalisa Vega on kaotanud Murtud Südamega Tapja käe läbi lähedase inimese. Nüüd on ta mõrvapaigal, kus teda tabab hirmutav déjà vu: Grace Harper lebab kinniseotuna surnult põrandal, ümbritsetuna vihjetest kunagistele koletutele mõrvadele, mida Chicago mõrvaosakond pole suutnud lahendada. Annalisal on võimalus tõde jalule seada, kuid kõigepealt tuleb tal välja selgitada, mida Grace teadis – kuidas ära tunda mõrvar, kes seisab otse sinu ees. Ta peab minema tagasi minevikku, heitma pilgu pimedatesse nurkadesse, mille olemasolu endale kunagi tunnistanud pole, ja teada saama, et hoolimata kõigest, mis mõrvar on juba hävitanud, on veel palju kaotada.
306 pages, Paperback
First published August 10, 2021
241 people are currently reading
18316 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Schaffhausen
12 books1,216 followersJoanna Schaffhausen wields a mean scalpel, skills she developed in her years studying neuroscience. She has a doctorate in psychology, which reflects her long-standing interest in the brain―how it develops and the many ways it can go wrong. Previously, she worked as a scientific editor in the field of drug development. Prior to that, she was an editorial producer for ABC News, writing for programs such as World News Tonight, Good Morning America, and 20/20. She lives in the Boston area with her husband, daughter, and an obstreperous basset hound.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 915 reviews
July 23, 2023
Gone for Good (Detective Annalisa Vega #1) by Joanna Schaffhausen
I'm hooked on Joanna Schaffhausen's Ellery Hathaway series (four books and counting) so I was happy to see that the author is beginning another series. Gone for Good is the first book featuring Detective Annalisa Vega, which also features her two long ago exes, coming back into her life. Anna's ex husband has been assigned as her partner at work. Anna's teenage boyfriend/best friend comes back into her life when the serial killer, who killed his mother and five other women, starts killing again after a twenty year hiatus. Now the serial killer seems to be targeting Anna, the lead detective investigating the recent seventh victim of The Lovelorn Killer.
The killer stalks his victims, loves attention, and loves to bait law enforcement. He's been known to leave threats to keep people silent and he will adapt if his intended victim is out of reach. He's drawn the attention of amateur crime sleuths and he seems to be able to infiltrate the arena of cops, without being noticed. The sixth victim was Anna's beloved neighbor and mother of her teenage boyfriend. Just like her father, also a cop, in some ways Anna is way too close to this series of crimes to be able to see things clearly. With the killer now taunting her, calling her, and trying to draw her into his snare, Anna is going to willingly walk into his trap. The story builds tension, with storms being a precursor to killings, and with the killer seeming to be all knowing and all powerful. Now I'm looking forward to the second book in this series.
Pub Aug 10, 2021
Thank you to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
I'm hooked on Joanna Schaffhausen's Ellery Hathaway series (four books and counting) so I was happy to see that the author is beginning another series. Gone for Good is the first book featuring Detective Annalisa Vega, which also features her two long ago exes, coming back into her life. Anna's ex husband has been assigned as her partner at work. Anna's teenage boyfriend/best friend comes back into her life when the serial killer, who killed his mother and five other women, starts killing again after a twenty year hiatus. Now the serial killer seems to be targeting Anna, the lead detective investigating the recent seventh victim of The Lovelorn Killer.
The killer stalks his victims, loves attention, and loves to bait law enforcement. He's been known to leave threats to keep people silent and he will adapt if his intended victim is out of reach. He's drawn the attention of amateur crime sleuths and he seems to be able to infiltrate the arena of cops, without being noticed. The sixth victim was Anna's beloved neighbor and mother of her teenage boyfriend. Just like her father, also a cop, in some ways Anna is way too close to this series of crimes to be able to see things clearly. With the killer now taunting her, calling her, and trying to draw her into his snare, Anna is going to willingly walk into his trap. The story builds tension, with storms being a precursor to killings, and with the killer seeming to be all knowing and all powerful. Now I'm looking forward to the second book in this series.
Pub Aug 10, 2021
Thank you to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
May 27, 2021
This book helped get me out of a major reading rut!
Gone for Good is a procedural/mystery/thriller about a detective who becomes the target of a serial killer.
This is book #1 in the Detective Annalisa Vega series, and I cannot wait to read book #2.
Chicago PD Detective Annalisa Vega's life implodes when a serial killer emerges from hiding. 20 years ago, the “Lovelorn Killer” tormented women in Chicago. His or her actions directly impacted Annalisa’s family and her first love. Flash forward to the present, and the “Lovelorn Killer” who had been silent for years, begins killing again. Annalisa, determined to stop the killer, finds herself in danger as the killer is determined to make her his next victim.
The narrative is split between Annalisa’s point of view and the diary of one of the victims. I enjoyed both of their stories for very different reasons that I am too lazy to explain. The strength of this book lies in the characters, especially Annalisa, who is a strong, likable lead.
The mystery surrounding the killer’s identity is less intriguing. I guessed the killer’s identity early on, but red herrings had me second-guessing. I was not bothered by the lack of mystery surrounding the killer, since I was wrapped up in the family and personal dynamics of Annalisa’s life. There were some flaws, but they in no way took away from my enjoyment of the book.
I thought things were going to wrap up nice and neatly; however, the ending complicates Annalisa’s future in many, many different ways. Overall, I enjoyed the straightforward characters and mystery, and I look forward to seeing how the events of book #1 play out in book #2.
I received an Arc of Gone for Good from MacMillan in exchange for an honest review.
Gone for Good is a procedural/mystery/thriller about a detective who becomes the target of a serial killer.
This is book #1 in the Detective Annalisa Vega series, and I cannot wait to read book #2.
Chicago PD Detective Annalisa Vega's life implodes when a serial killer emerges from hiding. 20 years ago, the “Lovelorn Killer” tormented women in Chicago. His or her actions directly impacted Annalisa’s family and her first love. Flash forward to the present, and the “Lovelorn Killer” who had been silent for years, begins killing again. Annalisa, determined to stop the killer, finds herself in danger as the killer is determined to make her his next victim.
The narrative is split between Annalisa’s point of view and the diary of one of the victims. I enjoyed both of their stories for very different reasons that I am too lazy to explain. The strength of this book lies in the characters, especially Annalisa, who is a strong, likable lead.
The mystery surrounding the killer’s identity is less intriguing. I guessed the killer’s identity early on, but red herrings had me second-guessing. I was not bothered by the lack of mystery surrounding the killer, since I was wrapped up in the family and personal dynamics of Annalisa’s life. There were some flaws, but they in no way took away from my enjoyment of the book.
I thought things were going to wrap up nice and neatly; however, the ending complicates Annalisa’s future in many, many different ways. Overall, I enjoyed the straightforward characters and mystery, and I look forward to seeing how the events of book #1 play out in book #2.
I received an Arc of Gone for Good from MacMillan in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2022
Well, we have a brand new kickass, though, smart, bold, resilient new detective in thriller universe! Let’s welcome detective Annalisa Vega with open arms! Such an amazing character for intriguing, brand new crime thriller addiction!
Let’s dig more to give juicy details about the story line: Annalisa is saved by the phone when she is squirming in her seat to find a reason to end her date night immediately. Luckily she gets a call about new murder case!
Grace Harper; a grocery store manager is dead. But she’s not only a store manager she’s also a part of amateur sleuth group focusing on cold cases named “Grave Diggers” and from the beginning we understand that she was so close to catch Lovelorn Killer with her impressive investigation skills. Now she’s dead just like the same way Lovelorn killer killed his victims. This means he is back after 20 years.
Annalisa is already connected with this case via some of the victims who was close to her family. Now she needs to catch him and she is adamant to do whatever it takes to put him behind the bars to stop him hurt more innocent lives. She also needs to give closure to her own family and friends who have been affected deeply by the brutal killings.
The pacing of the book, action packed, riveting progression made me excited and read it one sit.
I also enjoyed the love triangle of detective with his ex and partner Nick and charming Colin. Both of them are adorable but I think I support team Nick! I think we’ll see Annalisa’s choice at the upcoming books of the series!
Overall: this is promising, mind spinning, fast, intense, unputdownable start for amazing new series! I’m looking forward to read more books of detective Vega!
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ Minotaur Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Let’s dig more to give juicy details about the story line: Annalisa is saved by the phone when she is squirming in her seat to find a reason to end her date night immediately. Luckily she gets a call about new murder case!
Grace Harper; a grocery store manager is dead. But she’s not only a store manager she’s also a part of amateur sleuth group focusing on cold cases named “Grave Diggers” and from the beginning we understand that she was so close to catch Lovelorn Killer with her impressive investigation skills. Now she’s dead just like the same way Lovelorn killer killed his victims. This means he is back after 20 years.
Annalisa is already connected with this case via some of the victims who was close to her family. Now she needs to catch him and she is adamant to do whatever it takes to put him behind the bars to stop him hurt more innocent lives. She also needs to give closure to her own family and friends who have been affected deeply by the brutal killings.
The pacing of the book, action packed, riveting progression made me excited and read it one sit.
I also enjoyed the love triangle of detective with his ex and partner Nick and charming Colin. Both of them are adorable but I think I support team Nick! I think we’ll see Annalisa’s choice at the upcoming books of the series!
Overall: this is promising, mind spinning, fast, intense, unputdownable start for amazing new series! I’m looking forward to read more books of detective Vega!
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ Minotaur Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
May 12, 2022
I’m not sure what it says about me that I’m reviewing a book about a serial killer called the Lovelorn Killer on Valentine’s Day, but it’ll give me an excuse to go cheer myself up with chocolate afterwards so … here we go.
Annalisa Vega was 17 years old when her neighbor, Katie Duffy, the mother of her boyfriend, Collin, and wife of her cop dad’s partner became the 7th victim of The Lovelorn Killer, a serial killer who courted the attention of the media by writing love letters to his victims after their deaths. After going dormant for 20 years, he suddenly reappears with a new victim, Grace Hopper, a member of an online amateur sleuthing club called The Grave Diggers, who started re-examining his cold case.
When Annalisa, who is now the newest detective on her squad, and Detective Nick Carelli, who just happens to be her ex-husband, get partnered to solve the case that no law enforcement agency from local cops to the FBI have been able to for 20 years, it gets the attention of The Lovelorn Killer and becomes an increasingly dangerous cat-and-mouse game, with Annalisa becoming the Lovelorn Killer’s newest “mouse” to play with.
I loved this story. Annalisa is a great character, with a nice combination of hard and soft personality qualities to keep her balanced. There were twists, turns, red herrings, misdirects, and constant suspense as the Lovelorn Killer gets closer and bolder in his efforts. There’s even a big reveal AFTER the main big reveal that added an interesting avenue to explore in later books. There’s a little bit of romance, but not in a distracting way, with the big three characters: Annalisa, Nick and Collin forming a potential love triangle that will be a lot of fun to watch as the series continues.
A couple things in the final stretch of the book that knocked this down from a sure 5-star to a 4-star read is that I was able to predict who the killer was pretty early, and I felt the reveal went just a wee bit silly in its execution, including one potential plot hole that confused me, but was later clarified by Ms. Schaffhausen herself. I also had hoped for a happier ending than I got, but seeing as this is the first book in a new series, I think it makes sense not to wrap things up in a neat, happy bow.
Do I wish the ending had been more of a surprise? Yes. Am I disappointed? Only the teeny tiniest bit. I was all in for this book, and I can’t wait to see what Joanna Schaffhausen thinks up next for Detective Vega!
★★★★ ½ (rounded down to 4)
Thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books and author Joanna Schaffhausen for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This book will be published August 10, 2021.
Annalisa Vega was 17 years old when her neighbor, Katie Duffy, the mother of her boyfriend, Collin, and wife of her cop dad’s partner became the 7th victim of The Lovelorn Killer, a serial killer who courted the attention of the media by writing love letters to his victims after their deaths. After going dormant for 20 years, he suddenly reappears with a new victim, Grace Hopper, a member of an online amateur sleuthing club called The Grave Diggers, who started re-examining his cold case.
When Annalisa, who is now the newest detective on her squad, and Detective Nick Carelli, who just happens to be her ex-husband, get partnered to solve the case that no law enforcement agency from local cops to the FBI have been able to for 20 years, it gets the attention of The Lovelorn Killer and becomes an increasingly dangerous cat-and-mouse game, with Annalisa becoming the Lovelorn Killer’s newest “mouse” to play with.
I loved this story. Annalisa is a great character, with a nice combination of hard and soft personality qualities to keep her balanced. There were twists, turns, red herrings, misdirects, and constant suspense as the Lovelorn Killer gets closer and bolder in his efforts. There’s even a big reveal AFTER the main big reveal that added an interesting avenue to explore in later books. There’s a little bit of romance, but not in a distracting way, with the big three characters: Annalisa, Nick and Collin forming a potential love triangle that will be a lot of fun to watch as the series continues.
A couple things in the final stretch of the book that knocked this down from a sure 5-star to a 4-star read is that I was able to predict who the killer was pretty early, and I felt the reveal went just a wee bit silly in its execution, including one potential plot hole that confused me, but was later clarified by Ms. Schaffhausen herself. I also had hoped for a happier ending than I got, but seeing as this is the first book in a new series, I think it makes sense not to wrap things up in a neat, happy bow.
Do I wish the ending had been more of a surprise? Yes. Am I disappointed? Only the teeny tiniest bit. I was all in for this book, and I can’t wait to see what Joanna Schaffhausen thinks up next for Detective Vega!
★★★★ ½ (rounded down to 4)
Thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books and author Joanna Schaffhausen for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This book will be published August 10, 2021.
March 19, 2022
I have been meaning to read something by Joanna Schaffhausen for quite some time, so when I saw that she was beginning a NEW mystery series, it seemed like the perfect time to start, since I MUST read a series in order, and often don’t want to have to catch up on the SEVERAL installments that I have missed!
This series opens with Grace Harper who is a grocery store manager by day, and an ACTIVE member of “The Gravediggers” an amateur, online sleuthing group, at night.
Her current obsession is “The Lovelorn Killer” dubbed as such because after killing his Victims, in BTK fashion, he pens a “love letter” to each of the women, which he sends to a local newspaper.
He stopped killing twenty years ago, after #7, and the case has gone cold. But, Grace thinks she has spotted a link missed by the original investigators. And, she has kept meticulous notes, in a file labeled as GRACE NOTES.
Detective Annalisa Vega was just a teenager, when the last victim was found but she knows the case well as she was dating the final victim’s son, Colin, at the time of the murder.
And, now she has been called to the scene of a murder which is very reminiscent to those of the Lovelorn Killer-and partnered up with her ex husband, Nick.
The victim? Grace Harper.
The investigation was balanced nicely with the personal dynamics of Annalisa’s two exes, and the meddling from the members of “The Grave Diggers”. In addition, I liked how just enough details were given to enlighten us on the depravity of our killer-without getting too graphic!
Although I correctly guessed the killer about 3/4 of the way through-it didn’t detract from my enjoyment because that means that I am getting an ending I can believe-not one that comes out of left field.
Although I don’t generally gravitate towards police procedurals, or series, for that matter-this is one that I may have to continue following!
Thank You to Minotaur books for providing a gifted ARC via NetGalley! It was my pleasure to provide a candid review!
NOW AVAILABLE!!
This series opens with Grace Harper who is a grocery store manager by day, and an ACTIVE member of “The Gravediggers” an amateur, online sleuthing group, at night.
Her current obsession is “The Lovelorn Killer” dubbed as such because after killing his Victims, in BTK fashion, he pens a “love letter” to each of the women, which he sends to a local newspaper.
He stopped killing twenty years ago, after #7, and the case has gone cold. But, Grace thinks she has spotted a link missed by the original investigators. And, she has kept meticulous notes, in a file labeled as GRACE NOTES.
Detective Annalisa Vega was just a teenager, when the last victim was found but she knows the case well as she was dating the final victim’s son, Colin, at the time of the murder.
And, now she has been called to the scene of a murder which is very reminiscent to those of the Lovelorn Killer-and partnered up with her ex husband, Nick.
The victim? Grace Harper.
The investigation was balanced nicely with the personal dynamics of Annalisa’s two exes, and the meddling from the members of “The Grave Diggers”. In addition, I liked how just enough details were given to enlighten us on the depravity of our killer-without getting too graphic!
Although I correctly guessed the killer about 3/4 of the way through-it didn’t detract from my enjoyment because that means that I am getting an ending I can believe-not one that comes out of left field.
Although I don’t generally gravitate towards police procedurals, or series, for that matter-this is one that I may have to continue following!
Thank You to Minotaur books for providing a gifted ARC via NetGalley! It was my pleasure to provide a candid review!
NOW AVAILABLE!!
August 10, 2021
***HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY***
This is my first novel by Ms. Schaffhausen and from all of the rave reviews I couldn’t wait to start it.
I think one of this author’s greatest strengths lies with her characters. Whether you like a certain character or not, you will appreciate how well developed they are. You will get to know them well, the person they present to others and the secrets they hold.
I loved that the story took place in Chicago, Illinois, my neighboring big city and state. It’s always so much fun to be able to envision the characters in the places that I’ve been, along this city’s wonderful lakefront and numerous large parks !
This was a bit of a slow starter for me so it took me to 40% before I felt really invested in the story. There was a build up of the characters, their past relationships, etc. There was, of course, a lot of information that the reader needed to know about this current case.
Twenty years ago when these characters were in the early teens, three of them were great friends. Anna was the only girl in a family with four brothers. She got to know Nick through her brothers and they got along well. These two also hung out with Colin Duffy, whom Anna later dated. The three spent many childhood and teen summers together and it was only when tragedy struck that their friendship ended. Katie Duffy, Colin’s mother, was brutally murdered when Colin was 17. His father died not that long after and as soon as he could, Colin left the city never to return.
This killer was dubbed The Lovelorn Killer because he wrote love letters to his victims which he sent to the newspapers. He loved the attention. But after he killed Katie, victim #7, he never sent a letter. Everyone hoped he was dead or in prison somewhere.
Annalisa Vega is the newest detective in her squad. She gets partnered with her ex-husband Nick and though a little awkward at first, when it comes to their “cop” instincts they are a lot the same. Anna is a strong female protagonist that is easy to root for!! Her father, Pops, is a difficult one to figure out, there are many sides to his personality.
When the story starts to roll, Anna gets assigned to a murder, which turns out to look a lot like the work of The Lovelorn Killer. I will leave you to discover how he killed his victims, it’s not for the squeamish, but the author never dwells on the details, she wants us fully invested in catching this psycho!!!
They both desperately want to find this killer who forever changed all of their lives. In spite of their failed marriage they still care about each other. They also want to avenge the death of Ms. Duffy whom they all loved and maybe reunite with Colin whom they haven’t seen in decades.
This new victim is Grace Harper, whom they discover belongs to a group called “The Gravediggers”, an online group of amateur sleuths who work on cold cases. They have had some luck in the past. Grace is a very active member of the group and does a lot on her own.
The case Grace was currently working on was that of Katie Duffy, since the case was never really closed. Had Grace discovered some new clues in the case? Could this be the reason that “The Lovelorn Killer” has resurfaced???
Or is this just a copycat killer because IT HAS BEEN 20 YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I enjoyed the way the characters' lives were balanced not only during the case but I also liked the bits about their personal life. It was not over the top and entirely believable.
One big reveal was a bit predictable but the final twist I didn’t see coming for miles and miles!!
If you like character driven mysteries you will enjoy this new novel which is set to publish on August 10, 2021.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss.
This is my first novel by Ms. Schaffhausen and from all of the rave reviews I couldn’t wait to start it.
I think one of this author’s greatest strengths lies with her characters. Whether you like a certain character or not, you will appreciate how well developed they are. You will get to know them well, the person they present to others and the secrets they hold.
I loved that the story took place in Chicago, Illinois, my neighboring big city and state. It’s always so much fun to be able to envision the characters in the places that I’ve been, along this city’s wonderful lakefront and numerous large parks !
This was a bit of a slow starter for me so it took me to 40% before I felt really invested in the story. There was a build up of the characters, their past relationships, etc. There was, of course, a lot of information that the reader needed to know about this current case.
Twenty years ago when these characters were in the early teens, three of them were great friends. Anna was the only girl in a family with four brothers. She got to know Nick through her brothers and they got along well. These two also hung out with Colin Duffy, whom Anna later dated. The three spent many childhood and teen summers together and it was only when tragedy struck that their friendship ended. Katie Duffy, Colin’s mother, was brutally murdered when Colin was 17. His father died not that long after and as soon as he could, Colin left the city never to return.
This killer was dubbed The Lovelorn Killer because he wrote love letters to his victims which he sent to the newspapers. He loved the attention. But after he killed Katie, victim #7, he never sent a letter. Everyone hoped he was dead or in prison somewhere.
Annalisa Vega is the newest detective in her squad. She gets partnered with her ex-husband Nick and though a little awkward at first, when it comes to their “cop” instincts they are a lot the same. Anna is a strong female protagonist that is easy to root for!! Her father, Pops, is a difficult one to figure out, there are many sides to his personality.
When the story starts to roll, Anna gets assigned to a murder, which turns out to look a lot like the work of The Lovelorn Killer. I will leave you to discover how he killed his victims, it’s not for the squeamish, but the author never dwells on the details, she wants us fully invested in catching this psycho!!!
They both desperately want to find this killer who forever changed all of their lives. In spite of their failed marriage they still care about each other. They also want to avenge the death of Ms. Duffy whom they all loved and maybe reunite with Colin whom they haven’t seen in decades.
This new victim is Grace Harper, whom they discover belongs to a group called “The Gravediggers”, an online group of amateur sleuths who work on cold cases. They have had some luck in the past. Grace is a very active member of the group and does a lot on her own.
The case Grace was currently working on was that of Katie Duffy, since the case was never really closed. Had Grace discovered some new clues in the case? Could this be the reason that “The Lovelorn Killer” has resurfaced???
Or is this just a copycat killer because IT HAS BEEN 20 YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I enjoyed the way the characters' lives were balanced not only during the case but I also liked the bits about their personal life. It was not over the top and entirely believable.
One big reveal was a bit predictable but the final twist I didn’t see coming for miles and miles!!
If you like character driven mysteries you will enjoy this new novel which is set to publish on August 10, 2021.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss.
October 17, 2021
4.5⭐
I thought I have enough police detective series to read and don't need anymore, WRONG. My oh my, I'm thoroughly impressed with this one.
Det. Annalisa Vega (love her name) is called to a crime scene. The victim, Grace was tortured and murdered in the same manner as seven others by the Lovelorn Killer. Grace belongs to an amateur sleuth group called The Grave Diggers that digs up unsolved cases.
The author laid a good basis for Vega, along with her support group - family, fellow detectives and love interests. I enjoyed the mystery and heart-pounding tension especially when close to capturing the killer. When I finally get a breather, I was hit with another surprise!
I thought I have enough police detective series to read and don't need anymore, WRONG. My oh my, I'm thoroughly impressed with this one.
Det. Annalisa Vega (love her name) is called to a crime scene. The victim, Grace was tortured and murdered in the same manner as seven others by the Lovelorn Killer. Grace belongs to an amateur sleuth group called The Grave Diggers that digs up unsolved cases.
The author laid a good basis for Vega, along with her support group - family, fellow detectives and love interests. I enjoyed the mystery and heart-pounding tension especially when close to capturing the killer. When I finally get a breather, I was hit with another surprise!
August 24, 2022
3.5 rounded down
Writing: 4/5 | Plot: fell apart in the second half/5 | Ending: everything AND the kitchen sink/5
SYNOPSIS
Detective Annalisa Vega is called to the scene of a gruesome, ritualistic murder that matches the Lovelorn's MO. Only problem is Lovelorn has been MIA for 20 years. What is it about this particular victim that brought him out of hiding? And will Vega finally get answers from her teenage sweetheart who dipped after his mom was murdered?
MY OPINION
Ight guys... This was SOLID – as solid as my husband's six pack (yes, that's a brag) – until the 50% point. From there on, Detective Vega went FULL Detective Dumbass and her weird ass love triangle made me wanna rip the book in half incredible hulk style. STILL, I'm giving this 3 stars based on the humor (new phone, who dis got a chuckle from me) and the writing quality. Also random q – is this author religious? I noticed some religion talk in this from the MC.
Ok so in the first half, the banter between Vega and her ex husband Nick was solid and the premise was juicy couture. At least the pace stayed Michael Phelps throughout. At no point did this book drag on or go in circles; something was always popping off. The short chapters also helped.
The real downfall were the characters. I am TIREDTTTT of grown ass characters pining after some bf from 15-20 years ago. If you're still holding onto frantic no-foreplay sex on a twin sized bed... you're missing out. As Elsa said... LET IT GOOOO LET IT GOOOOOOOO!!!! Vega's obsession with Colin and general tearfulness was so grating. Detect some reality pls.
Then we have Grace. I'm always fascinated by books that focus on online armchair detectives... they're kinda like cults. Grace was a lil too up her own ass for me. Rip tho.
There was a fair share of red herrings but the big twisty twist was straight out of a Brooklyn 99 episode. I'm not kidding lmao. As soon as X happened I was like oh so Y is the killer. It's not a common twisty twist either so... interesting. I'll leave it at that.
AND LASTLYYYY we have the ending. Schaffhausen (say that 10x as fast as you can) literally crammed 5 diff books into 20 pages lmao. She said ya'll getting everything ANDDDD the kitchen sink. It was doing entirely too much. But will I read #2? You betcha.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: well-written, fast-paced with short chapters, juicy premise, funny at times
Cons: the last half was a masterclass on shitty police work, Vega's obsession with Colin was hella annoying
Writing: 4/5 | Plot: fell apart in the second half/5 | Ending: everything AND the kitchen sink/5
SYNOPSIS
Detective Annalisa Vega is called to the scene of a gruesome, ritualistic murder that matches the Lovelorn's MO. Only problem is Lovelorn has been MIA for 20 years. What is it about this particular victim that brought him out of hiding? And will Vega finally get answers from her teenage sweetheart who dipped after his mom was murdered?
MY OPINION
Ight guys... This was SOLID – as solid as my husband's six pack (yes, that's a brag) – until the 50% point. From there on, Detective Vega went FULL Detective Dumbass and her weird ass love triangle made me wanna rip the book in half incredible hulk style. STILL, I'm giving this 3 stars based on the humor (new phone, who dis got a chuckle from me) and the writing quality. Also random q – is this author religious? I noticed some religion talk in this from the MC.
Ok so in the first half, the banter between Vega and her ex husband Nick was solid and the premise was juicy couture. At least the pace stayed Michael Phelps throughout. At no point did this book drag on or go in circles; something was always popping off. The short chapters also helped.
The real downfall were the characters. I am TIREDTTTT of grown ass characters pining after some bf from 15-20 years ago. If you're still holding onto frantic no-foreplay sex on a twin sized bed... you're missing out. As Elsa said... LET IT GOOOO LET IT GOOOOOOOO!!!! Vega's obsession with Colin and general tearfulness was so grating. Detect some reality pls.
Then we have Grace. I'm always fascinated by books that focus on online armchair detectives... they're kinda like cults. Grace was a lil too up her own ass for me. Rip tho.
There was a fair share of red herrings but the big twisty twist was straight out of a Brooklyn 99 episode. I'm not kidding lmao. As soon as X happened I was like oh so Y is the killer. It's not a common twisty twist either so... interesting. I'll leave it at that.
AND LASTLYYYY we have the ending. Schaffhausen (say that 10x as fast as you can) literally crammed 5 diff books into 20 pages lmao. She said ya'll getting everything ANDDDD the kitchen sink. It was doing entirely too much. But will I read #2? You betcha.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: well-written, fast-paced with short chapters, juicy premise, funny at times
Cons: the last half was a masterclass on shitty police work, Vega's obsession with Colin was hella annoying
August 22, 2021
3.75*
Could the most maniacal murderer known as the Lovelorn Killer be gone for good? It would appear so. After all, it’s been 20 years since his last victim.
Grace Harper is found dead and bound in an intricate manner that absolutely mirrored the method the lovelorn killer used as his trademark. Grace was a member of a group dedicated to researching cold cases in an attempt to find justice after the police have all but filed the case away. And the case Grace and her team were investigating? It was in fact, that of the lovelorn killer. Was her method of death a coincidence? Or has he returned to stop the investigation dead in its tracks?
This is book one of a new series featuring Detective Annalisa Vega. A determined, driven, and no-nonsense detective that finds herself working alongside her ex-husband! #awkward!😬
Joanna Schaffhausen caught my attention with her Ellery Hathaway series which I absolutely love! And though I didn’t quite warm up to Annalisa as much as I did to Ellery, I’m still all-in for anything Ms. Schaffhausen writes!
A buddy read with Susanne.
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books.
Could the most maniacal murderer known as the Lovelorn Killer be gone for good? It would appear so. After all, it’s been 20 years since his last victim.
Grace Harper is found dead and bound in an intricate manner that absolutely mirrored the method the lovelorn killer used as his trademark. Grace was a member of a group dedicated to researching cold cases in an attempt to find justice after the police have all but filed the case away. And the case Grace and her team were investigating? It was in fact, that of the lovelorn killer. Was her method of death a coincidence? Or has he returned to stop the investigation dead in its tracks?
This is book one of a new series featuring Detective Annalisa Vega. A determined, driven, and no-nonsense detective that finds herself working alongside her ex-husband! #awkward!😬
Joanna Schaffhausen caught my attention with her Ellery Hathaway series which I absolutely love! And though I didn’t quite warm up to Annalisa as much as I did to Ellery, I’m still all-in for anything Ms. Schaffhausen writes!
A buddy read with Susanne.
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books.
June 30, 2022
Lately, I’ve found I’m more drawn to police procedurals than psychological thrillers. So, I was happy to get in on the ground floor, so to speak, of this new series about a Chicago detective.
You know it’s not a good blind date, when you’re happy to get a call about a dead body. And so it begins for Detective Annalisa Vega. In a weird coincidence, Annalisa has been partnered with her ex-husband to investigate the murder of a member of the “Grave Diggers”, an amateur cold case investigation group. The woman was working on the Lovelorn Killer, who trussed up and murdered 7 women 20 years ago without being caught. Then he stopped. Now, this woman’s murder replicates what the LK did to his prior victims.
I liked Annalisa and found her background and personality compelling. It was a nice twist to have her work with her ex, even if I can’t see that ever happening in real life. We learn quite a bit about her family and it adds to the depth of the story.
The style works well, going back and forth between Annalisa’s investigations and the journal entries of the latest victim.
While the ending wasn’t a total surprise, there were a few twists I never saw coming. There was one part of the ending that didn’t hold together. I’ll be curious to see where Schaffhausen goes with book #2.
My thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advance copy of this book.
You know it’s not a good blind date, when you’re happy to get a call about a dead body. And so it begins for Detective Annalisa Vega. In a weird coincidence, Annalisa has been partnered with her ex-husband to investigate the murder of a member of the “Grave Diggers”, an amateur cold case investigation group. The woman was working on the Lovelorn Killer, who trussed up and murdered 7 women 20 years ago without being caught. Then he stopped. Now, this woman’s murder replicates what the LK did to his prior victims.
I liked Annalisa and found her background and personality compelling. It was a nice twist to have her work with her ex, even if I can’t see that ever happening in real life. We learn quite a bit about her family and it adds to the depth of the story.
The style works well, going back and forth between Annalisa’s investigations and the journal entries of the latest victim.
While the ending wasn’t a total surprise, there were a few twists I never saw coming. There was one part of the ending that didn’t hold together. I’ll be curious to see where Schaffhausen goes with book #2.
My thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advance copy of this book.
August 8, 2021
The Lovelorn killer is back- just as evil as ever. His M.O. is to stalk, ritually bind and strangle women. For some reason, he disappeared and has been gone for twenty years - leading detectives to question if he was arrested on another offense, passed away, or was still out there biding his time. Now that he is back, Detective Annalisa Vega has caught his attention. Annalisa is one of the newest members of the squad, where her ex-husband Nick works, and they soon become partners investigating the Lovelorn Killer's recent murder. Not only was Annalisa's father one of the detectives working the Lovelorn Killer's case twenty years ago, but Annalisa lost a close family friend and neighbor, Katie Duffy to him twenty years ago. The woman was like a second mother to Annalisa and the mother of her boyfriend, Colin.
Lovelorn is a clever, diabolical and sadistic killer who always seems to be a step ahead of the police. He enjoys toying with law enforcement and writes letters to his victims. He has even left nooses in the homes of members of the Gravediggers - an online group of amateur sleuths who investigate cold cases. Most of their activity takes place online but a core group of then get together in person to discuss cases of interest. Grace Harper, a member of the group, has her theories about the Lovelorn killer and quickly becomes one of his latest victims.
Annalisa is a likeable character who, while investigating this case, must juggle working with her ex-husband, Nick, while becoming reacquainted with Colin after he returns to town when she informs him that his mother's killer may be back in action. Being introduced to her family members provides a fuller picture of Annalisa's life, motivation and allows readers to view her as a fully-fledged character.
The story goes back and forth between Annalisa and Nick's investigation and Grace's notes. This was a nice touch and provides more information about all involved and theories about the killer. As the killer begins to taunt and stalk, Annalisa, the tension mounts. I enjoy police procedurals and trying to figure out the identity of the killer. We are given a clue and then I knew exactly who the killer was. I kept wondering when Annalisa would figure it out!
What a terrific start to a gripping new series!!! This was a very well-done police procedural with engaging characters. It started slowly and kept picking up momentum until the heart pounding conclusion. We are left with a little snippet in the end, which has me excited to read the next in the series!
Gripping. riveting and oh so good!!!!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Lovelorn is a clever, diabolical and sadistic killer who always seems to be a step ahead of the police. He enjoys toying with law enforcement and writes letters to his victims. He has even left nooses in the homes of members of the Gravediggers - an online group of amateur sleuths who investigate cold cases. Most of their activity takes place online but a core group of then get together in person to discuss cases of interest. Grace Harper, a member of the group, has her theories about the Lovelorn killer and quickly becomes one of his latest victims.
Annalisa is a likeable character who, while investigating this case, must juggle working with her ex-husband, Nick, while becoming reacquainted with Colin after he returns to town when she informs him that his mother's killer may be back in action. Being introduced to her family members provides a fuller picture of Annalisa's life, motivation and allows readers to view her as a fully-fledged character.
The story goes back and forth between Annalisa and Nick's investigation and Grace's notes. This was a nice touch and provides more information about all involved and theories about the killer. As the killer begins to taunt and stalk, Annalisa, the tension mounts. I enjoy police procedurals and trying to figure out the identity of the killer. We are given a clue and then I knew exactly who the killer was. I kept wondering when Annalisa would figure it out!
What a terrific start to a gripping new series!!! This was a very well-done police procedural with engaging characters. It started slowly and kept picking up momentum until the heart pounding conclusion. We are left with a little snippet in the end, which has me excited to read the next in the series!
Gripping. riveting and oh so good!!!!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
December 16, 2023
This is a Mystery/Thriller, and this is the first book in the Detective Annalisa Vega Series. The book took a little bit to get going, but Once the book got going it pulled me in. I loved the suspense in this book, and the twists and turns in this book was so good. I did not see the big twist coming before it was reveal. There is so many twists and turns in this book it is a wild and great ride. I love the mystery in this book. I love the characters in this book, and I cannot wait until the next book because I have to find out how Detective Annalisa is doing after everything in this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Minotaur Books) or author (Joanna Schaffhausen) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
August 16, 2021
Engaging mystery!
This is the first book I've read by this author and it definitely won't be the last. This is an exciting police procedural thriller that kept me intrigued from the beginning to the end. There are quite a few twists--some I saw coming and some I didn't, but that didn't drag me away from the intense plot.
Annalisa Vega followed in her father's footsteps to become a cop after her brothers took different career paths. In this tale, she's called to the scene of a crime that bears remarkable resemblance to a series of serial murders committed by a killer only known as The Lovelorn Killer. The last murder was twenty years previous, and the woman killed in that case was Annalisa's neighbor and her teenage boyfriend's mother. Now it seems the murderer is back after the long hiatus and has chosen a member of an amateur sleuth group looking into the Lovelorn Killer's crimes as his next victim. Now his sights seem to be set on Annalisa, can she figure out who is doing this before it is too late?
I had some suspicions early on as to the identity of the killer, but I set them aside as the mystery progressed and didn't think too much about it, but they did turn out to be correct. I loved the angle of the amateur sleuth group investigating cold cases because this is actually a big thing in real life and many cases do get solved because they put so much manpower into the investigation (side note, the Golden State Killer case got solved because Michelle McNamara and a bunch of citizen detectives doggedly searched for an answer)
There are lots of surprises here, and not just with the main case that Annalisa is investigating. Also throwing a wrench into the narrative are the inclusion of her ex-husband as her investigation partner and her ex-boyfriend who she has never quite gotten over. So a messy love triangle to explore in further books in the series. I look forward to seeing where the author takes the characters after the events in this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
This is the first book I've read by this author and it definitely won't be the last. This is an exciting police procedural thriller that kept me intrigued from the beginning to the end. There are quite a few twists--some I saw coming and some I didn't, but that didn't drag me away from the intense plot.
Annalisa Vega followed in her father's footsteps to become a cop after her brothers took different career paths. In this tale, she's called to the scene of a crime that bears remarkable resemblance to a series of serial murders committed by a killer only known as The Lovelorn Killer. The last murder was twenty years previous, and the woman killed in that case was Annalisa's neighbor and her teenage boyfriend's mother. Now it seems the murderer is back after the long hiatus and has chosen a member of an amateur sleuth group looking into the Lovelorn Killer's crimes as his next victim. Now his sights seem to be set on Annalisa, can she figure out who is doing this before it is too late?
I had some suspicions early on as to the identity of the killer, but I set them aside as the mystery progressed and didn't think too much about it, but they did turn out to be correct. I loved the angle of the amateur sleuth group investigating cold cases because this is actually a big thing in real life and many cases do get solved because they put so much manpower into the investigation (side note, the Golden State Killer case got solved because Michelle McNamara and a bunch of citizen detectives doggedly searched for an answer)
There are lots of surprises here, and not just with the main case that Annalisa is investigating. Also throwing a wrench into the narrative are the inclusion of her ex-husband as her investigation partner and her ex-boyfriend who she has never quite gotten over. So a messy love triangle to explore in further books in the series. I look forward to seeing where the author takes the characters after the events in this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
September 22, 2021
If I wrote you a love letter, would you write back?
More like a one way correspondence here. Said love letter would be sent to the Chicago newspapers after a brutal murder. Victims of The Lovelorn Killer (Kind of hokey I know. But more on that later.) are not putting pen to paper any time soon.
It's been twenty years since Chicagoland was hit with the murders of these seven women. It was a time when women were fearful of taking to the streets alone. But, remarkably, no one has heard or has been a victim of The Lovelorn Killer in all that time. Did he die? Was he imprisoned for an unrelatable crime?
Sometimes curiosity overwhelms the cat. This cat being Grace Harper who is a mild-mannered grocery store manager by day and a particular sleuth by night. She belongs to an amateur detective group online that rummages around cold cases left to the wayside by the police. Her group does have some successes, but they've hit brick walls as well. Grace is determined to shake out the dust on The Lovelorn Killer. But poking the air out of this Valentine balloon will get you way more than a mere pop of air.......
Back to that wonky name of Lovelorn Killer. I was hesitant to pick this one up thinking that it would be like something from an Archie comic book in the 1950's. Not until I met the likes of Detective Annalisa Vega of the Chicago PD. Vega is a force to be reckoned with. Her father, Pops, is a retired police officer and she is currently working with her exhusband, Nick, on a recent murder. Joanna Schaffhausen, you have created quite the character here. Vega is sharply analytical and totally immerges herself into her work. She personally knew one of the victims of ol' Lovelorn and it has lit an inferno inside of her.
Gone for Good is wonderfully written. I've always put out an APB about getting in on the ground floor of a new series that has so much potential. Gone for Good has a well-crafted main character and it's set in the City of Broad Shoulders where happenings happen day and night. Can't wait to see where Schaffhausen takes Vega next. And keep an eye out for any stray love letters......
More like a one way correspondence here. Said love letter would be sent to the Chicago newspapers after a brutal murder. Victims of The Lovelorn Killer (Kind of hokey I know. But more on that later.) are not putting pen to paper any time soon.
It's been twenty years since Chicagoland was hit with the murders of these seven women. It was a time when women were fearful of taking to the streets alone. But, remarkably, no one has heard or has been a victim of The Lovelorn Killer in all that time. Did he die? Was he imprisoned for an unrelatable crime?
Sometimes curiosity overwhelms the cat. This cat being Grace Harper who is a mild-mannered grocery store manager by day and a particular sleuth by night. She belongs to an amateur detective group online that rummages around cold cases left to the wayside by the police. Her group does have some successes, but they've hit brick walls as well. Grace is determined to shake out the dust on The Lovelorn Killer. But poking the air out of this Valentine balloon will get you way more than a mere pop of air.......
Back to that wonky name of Lovelorn Killer. I was hesitant to pick this one up thinking that it would be like something from an Archie comic book in the 1950's. Not until I met the likes of Detective Annalisa Vega of the Chicago PD. Vega is a force to be reckoned with. Her father, Pops, is a retired police officer and she is currently working with her exhusband, Nick, on a recent murder. Joanna Schaffhausen, you have created quite the character here. Vega is sharply analytical and totally immerges herself into her work. She personally knew one of the victims of ol' Lovelorn and it has lit an inferno inside of her.
Gone for Good is wonderfully written. I've always put out an APB about getting in on the ground floor of a new series that has so much potential. Gone for Good has a well-crafted main character and it's set in the City of Broad Shoulders where happenings happen day and night. Can't wait to see where Schaffhausen takes Vega next. And keep an eye out for any stray love letters......
January 11, 2022
Gone for Good is an enjoyable thriller and I want more Annalisa Vega!
Detective Annalisa Vega is following in her father's footsteps. She is a cop just like him.
When the book begins, she has been assigned a new partner who turns out to be her ex-husband Nick Carelli. Their marriage didn't work but Annalisa knows she can't complain and she will have to work with him. She doesn't have a lot of time to process anything before she is called to the scene of a murder.
The victim is Grace Hopper. Grace, on her personal time, was part of an online group, The Grave Diggers, who review cold cases and try to find clues the police missed. Her latest interest was the Lovelorn Killer. Grace is murdered just like one of his victims. Annalisa realizes this and she knows it could mean that after twenty years, the person who killed her neighbor, Katie who was the mother of her boyfriend Collin, is back. She knows she must contact Collin who disappeared from her life after his mother's murder.
Everyone wants to know why, is the Lovelorn Killer back? Why did he stop for twenty years? Is this the work of a copycat? Annalisa doesn't believe that it is. She feels confident it's him! He is taunting her with phone calls and is following her. She could be his the next victim.....
I love Annalisa's character. She was strong and was ready to make the hard decisions. I also liked that despite Nick being her ex, they work well together. I liked Nick and I also like Collin who comes back because his mother's killer is back. I'm not sure which guy I will pick for Annalisa.
I guess we should see what happens to them on the next installment which I won't miss!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Minotaur Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Detective Annalisa Vega is following in her father's footsteps. She is a cop just like him.
When the book begins, she has been assigned a new partner who turns out to be her ex-husband Nick Carelli. Their marriage didn't work but Annalisa knows she can't complain and she will have to work with him. She doesn't have a lot of time to process anything before she is called to the scene of a murder.
The victim is Grace Hopper. Grace, on her personal time, was part of an online group, The Grave Diggers, who review cold cases and try to find clues the police missed. Her latest interest was the Lovelorn Killer. Grace is murdered just like one of his victims. Annalisa realizes this and she knows it could mean that after twenty years, the person who killed her neighbor, Katie who was the mother of her boyfriend Collin, is back. She knows she must contact Collin who disappeared from her life after his mother's murder.
Everyone wants to know why, is the Lovelorn Killer back? Why did he stop for twenty years? Is this the work of a copycat? Annalisa doesn't believe that it is. She feels confident it's him! He is taunting her with phone calls and is following her. She could be his the next victim.....
I love Annalisa's character. She was strong and was ready to make the hard decisions. I also liked that despite Nick being her ex, they work well together. I liked Nick and I also like Collin who comes back because his mother's killer is back. I'm not sure which guy I will pick for Annalisa.
I guess we should see what happens to them on the next installment which I won't miss!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Minotaur Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
September 18, 2021
⏰ 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫: Annalisa Vega is a legacy cop, and that legacy includes finding The Lovelorn Killer, the same serial killer her father hunted 20 years ago. Now, the killer has gone after Grace, an avid member of an online amateur sleuth group, and Vega has drawn Lovelorn’s attention in her pursuit to uncover what it was that Grace knew and why that resulted in her death…
💡𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: Don’t let the length of time it took me to read this book throw you off. I started a new teaching job and this was the perfect respite (killers? Murder? Uh yes!). I’m thrilled to see that Vega will return as this is a planned series. The writing was by-the-book mystery fun: twists, turns, surprises. A dash here and there of suspense. That pinch of intrigue. Lovely recipe!
Vegas is intensely likeable - she’s independent, feisty, and no sign of a damsel-in-distress trope here (if you’re like me and sick of THAT hot mess). She makes smart decisions and is quick on her feet - a detective I look forward to spending more time with.
𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆𝗠𝗮𝗴𝘀.𝗰𝗼𝗺 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.
📚𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Mystery/Police Mystery/ Serial killer
😍𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨: straight-up mystery lovers will be happy with this one
🙅♀️ 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨: can’t think of any groups that should avoid this.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my advanced copy in exchange for my always-honest review and for being patient with this over-worked teacher.
💡𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: Don’t let the length of time it took me to read this book throw you off. I started a new teaching job and this was the perfect respite (killers? Murder? Uh yes!). I’m thrilled to see that Vega will return as this is a planned series. The writing was by-the-book mystery fun: twists, turns, surprises. A dash here and there of suspense. That pinch of intrigue. Lovely recipe!
Vegas is intensely likeable - she’s independent, feisty, and no sign of a damsel-in-distress trope here (if you’re like me and sick of THAT hot mess). She makes smart decisions and is quick on her feet - a detective I look forward to spending more time with.
𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆𝗠𝗮𝗴𝘀.𝗰𝗼𝗺 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.
📚𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Mystery/Police Mystery/ Serial killer
😍𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨: straight-up mystery lovers will be happy with this one
🙅♀️ 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨: can’t think of any groups that should avoid this.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my advanced copy in exchange for my always-honest review and for being patient with this over-worked teacher.
October 7, 2022
3.5 stars
The Lovelorn Killer had stalked Chicago twenty years ago, leaving behind the bodies of women who were intricately bound and choked to death.
The killer then wrote letters to the newspapers, telling the victims how much he loved them and how sorry he was to have murdered them.
Detective George Vega was a cop on the Lovelorn Killer case, but was shunted aside when his friend and neighbor Katie Duffy - wife of a fellow cop - became a victim. The Vega and Duffy families were good friends and George couldn't let it go, dabbling at the edges of the case and roaming the streets looking for the murderer.
The police didn't catch the killer but the murders stopped, the theory being the perp was in prison or dead.
It's now two decades later and the Lovelorn Killer appears to be back. A grocery store manager named Grace Harper is found bound and choked to death, just like the original victims.
This time Detective George Vega's daughter, Detective Annalisa Vega, gets the case - and she's determined to solve it for her father, the dead women, and the Duffy family.
Katie Duffy's murder twenty years ago tore up both the Duffy and Vega clans, and Annalisa's boyfriend - Colin Duffy - left town and didn't come back.
The Lovelorn Killer's new victim, Grace Harper, belonged to an online detective club called the Grave Diggers. The club had been looking into the Lovelorn Killer, and Grace had tacked up pictures of all seven victims, along with a map showing the locations of the crimes, a police artist's sketch of the possible suspect, and other information she'd unearthed.
Grace also left behind a journal with entries about her detective work, and excerpts from the diary are interspersed through the story.
As Annalisa reads Grace's observations, she suspects the killer may have targeted Grace because the amateur sleuth was getting close to identifying him.
Annalisa is joined in the investigation by her cheating ex-husband Detective Nick Carelli.
In addition, Annalisa's old boyfriend Colin Duffy - who's become a photojournalist - returns to Chicago to help the police.
Annalisa's situation gets even more complicated when the Lovelorn Killer starts to phone her, and seems almost jealous of the other men in her life.
A cat and mouse game develops between Annalisa and the perp, which leads to more attacks and additional deaths. This ends in an exciting climax, where Annalisa does something EXTREMELY foolish. (I don't like when authors resort to this trope.)
Additional characters add interest to the story, including the people in Annalisa and Colin's families; the amateur sleuths in the Grave Diggers club; Annalisa's neighbors; Annalisa's boss and colleagues in the police department; and more.
This is the debut novel of Joanna Schaffhausen's new series, and I look forward to the next Annalisa Vega book (despite my quibble mentioned above).
Thanks to Netgalley, Joanna Schaffhausen, and Minotaur Books for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
January 9, 2022
When the author of one of my top four series, Joanna Schaffhausen decided to start a new series, I read the ARC with great trepidation. When I quickly realized this new series would be terrific I felt a great whoosh of relief. The series starts with Gone for Good and features Det. Annalisa Vega.
Chicago PD homicide detective Annalisa Vega escapes a boring blind date when she is called to the scene of a murdered woman, trussed and strangled. Immediately Vega is forced back to the summer of her first boyfriend and maybe her forever love. The summer 20 years ago when the Lovelorn Killer chose a neighbor she dearly loved and admired to be his seventh victim; the summer her neighborhood, her life and her family changed forever. The summer still causing personal repercussions.
The newest victim, Grace Harper belongs to an amateur internet group called the Grave Diggers who are investigating the long ago crimes of the Lovelorn Killer. Seven women, murdered and tortured as Grace is murdered and tortured. Then he stopped.
Grace might be the eighth victim. Is the Lovelorn Killer starting up again, angry that some amateur group has the gall to investigate him? Is he answering the Grace’s call out and challenge?
Gone for Good is partially a look at how a group of amateurs use the internet to indulge their fascination with solving cold cases. The Grave Diggers are a mix of a genuine wish to help and a “I’m smarter than the cops” attitude.
The Grave Diggers, especially Grace, seemed to be heading in a new direction. Annalisa and her new detective partner, ex-husband Nick Carelli, follow Grace’s investigation with information from the Grave Diggers and Grace's murder room devoted to the Lovelorn Killer and his seven victims. They are willing to give a chance to this new metric of crime solving.
Schaffhausen has written a wholly original story combining old fashioned police work with the presence of amateurs who might actually bring new insight into an old case.
Annalisa is a strong woman who deals with the fear of losing a parent, accepts the reappearance of her first love and then her ex-husband, and recognizes the pressure of solving a media magnet murder. Annalisa also has to look back and realize her childhood and neighborhood was not as idyllic as she remembers, even before it all comes crashing down.
The other characters are significant; no one is one sided or dull. Even the dead woman, Grace Harper-ummm-comes alive through her journals and musings which the reader is privy to, though Annalisa does not get to read them until the end.
Schaffhausen is a crisp writer, nothing wasted. I loved Annalisa’s long ago reminisces of neighborhood fall parties and Sunday afternoon barbeques as much as the excitement of the current investigation.
The ending is so fabulously twisted. It falls as an anvil with us as the roadrunner. But it’s all there, nothing comes from left field, in fact the reader knows more than the detectives. Mostly.
Gone for Good is a not- to- be- missed beginning to a new series. One that will stay with you.
My thanks to NetGalley for an ARC for review purposes.
Chicago PD homicide detective Annalisa Vega escapes a boring blind date when she is called to the scene of a murdered woman, trussed and strangled. Immediately Vega is forced back to the summer of her first boyfriend and maybe her forever love. The summer 20 years ago when the Lovelorn Killer chose a neighbor she dearly loved and admired to be his seventh victim; the summer her neighborhood, her life and her family changed forever. The summer still causing personal repercussions.
The newest victim, Grace Harper belongs to an amateur internet group called the Grave Diggers who are investigating the long ago crimes of the Lovelorn Killer. Seven women, murdered and tortured as Grace is murdered and tortured. Then he stopped.
Grace might be the eighth victim. Is the Lovelorn Killer starting up again, angry that some amateur group has the gall to investigate him? Is he answering the Grace’s call out and challenge?
Gone for Good is partially a look at how a group of amateurs use the internet to indulge their fascination with solving cold cases. The Grave Diggers are a mix of a genuine wish to help and a “I’m smarter than the cops” attitude.
The Grave Diggers, especially Grace, seemed to be heading in a new direction. Annalisa and her new detective partner, ex-husband Nick Carelli, follow Grace’s investigation with information from the Grave Diggers and Grace's murder room devoted to the Lovelorn Killer and his seven victims. They are willing to give a chance to this new metric of crime solving.
Schaffhausen has written a wholly original story combining old fashioned police work with the presence of amateurs who might actually bring new insight into an old case.
Annalisa is a strong woman who deals with the fear of losing a parent, accepts the reappearance of her first love and then her ex-husband, and recognizes the pressure of solving a media magnet murder. Annalisa also has to look back and realize her childhood and neighborhood was not as idyllic as she remembers, even before it all comes crashing down.
The other characters are significant; no one is one sided or dull. Even the dead woman, Grace Harper-ummm-comes alive through her journals and musings which the reader is privy to, though Annalisa does not get to read them until the end.
Schaffhausen is a crisp writer, nothing wasted. I loved Annalisa’s long ago reminisces of neighborhood fall parties and Sunday afternoon barbeques as much as the excitement of the current investigation.
The ending is so fabulously twisted. It falls as an anvil with us as the roadrunner. But it’s all there, nothing comes from left field, in fact the reader knows more than the detectives. Mostly.
Gone for Good is a not- to- be- missed beginning to a new series. One that will stay with you.
My thanks to NetGalley for an ARC for review purposes.
August 9, 2021
3.5 stars
I'm going to keep this relatively (for me) short. The main reason is this ended up being a simple mismatch between reader & book.
To be clear, this is a case of "it's not you, it's me". If you've read her other series, you already know this author has all the skills necessary to create compelling stories full of characters that live & breathe on the page. Annalisa Vega is no exception.
It all comes down to personal preference. I'm a fan of straight up procedurals & this falls more in the category of romantic suspense. There's a great, twisty murder mystery mixed with plenty of family drama & I very much enjoyed these plot lines. But a large portion of the story revolves around the MC's romantic entanglements & for a hardcore (and obviously heartless 😉) crime addict, it was frustrating to be pulled away from the main event to watch the will-they-or-won't-they dance. Nothing wrong with that, it's just not what keeps me turning the pages.
Because of the way this ends, I will check out the next instalment as there's a chance it may suit me better. In the meantime, please proceed immediately to all the glowing reviews you'll find on here & give those a read. I am definitely an outlier & this could end up being your new favourite.
I'm going to keep this relatively (for me) short. The main reason is this ended up being a simple mismatch between reader & book.
To be clear, this is a case of "it's not you, it's me". If you've read her other series, you already know this author has all the skills necessary to create compelling stories full of characters that live & breathe on the page. Annalisa Vega is no exception.
It all comes down to personal preference. I'm a fan of straight up procedurals & this falls more in the category of romantic suspense. There's a great, twisty murder mystery mixed with plenty of family drama & I very much enjoyed these plot lines. But a large portion of the story revolves around the MC's romantic entanglements & for a hardcore (and obviously heartless 😉) crime addict, it was frustrating to be pulled away from the main event to watch the will-they-or-won't-they dance. Nothing wrong with that, it's just not what keeps me turning the pages.
Because of the way this ends, I will check out the next instalment as there's a chance it may suit me better. In the meantime, please proceed immediately to all the glowing reviews you'll find on here & give those a read. I am definitely an outlier & this could end up being your new favourite.
April 2, 2021
I’m a new fan of Joanna Schaffhausen and her epic detective writing skills. Gone for Good was the first in this series and it is an engaging dynamic read. The drama unfolds with believable characters, such as Detective Annalisa who is a by product of her detective father. She pulls apart evidence of a serial killer from a cold case 20 years ago. She was only 17 years old but remembers well how parents watched their children closer and going out alone was unthinkable if you were a female incase the Lovelorn Killer strikes again. One of the women killed was her boyfriend Colin’s mom leaving that family so distraught over the unsolved case, Colin decided to leave it all behind, as well as Anna.
An online amateur sleuth group pegged “Gravediggers” challenges the serial to come out of hiding. Their taunting brings more than they bargained when he strikes down one of the group members, Grace, leaving her in the same horrendous pose as the 7 women he killed. She was close to solving the case and had gathered a wealth of information of his pathetic scheme which was stolen at the scene.
The Lovelorn Killer stalks and baits his prey then leaves love letters to boast of his claims. The frustration, fear and exhausted attempts of the locals to pinpoint leaves you wondering throughout if it is someone hiding in plain sight maybe a bar monger during happy hour, the next door neighbor or even a family member.
I began to make educated guesswork, but that twist left me analyzing every tidbit of information with the outstanding hunt for a killer.
Thank you St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC for my honest review.
Good job, Joanna, for bringing it all together smoothly, yet challenging for this reader.
An online amateur sleuth group pegged “Gravediggers” challenges the serial to come out of hiding. Their taunting brings more than they bargained when he strikes down one of the group members, Grace, leaving her in the same horrendous pose as the 7 women he killed. She was close to solving the case and had gathered a wealth of information of his pathetic scheme which was stolen at the scene.
The Lovelorn Killer stalks and baits his prey then leaves love letters to boast of his claims. The frustration, fear and exhausted attempts of the locals to pinpoint leaves you wondering throughout if it is someone hiding in plain sight maybe a bar monger during happy hour, the next door neighbor or even a family member.
I began to make educated guesswork, but that twist left me analyzing every tidbit of information with the outstanding hunt for a killer.
Thank you St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC for my honest review.
Good job, Joanna, for bringing it all together smoothly, yet challenging for this reader.
August 13, 2021
4 new detective series stars
I have been interested in this author for some time and I know she has a great series going with Ellery Hathaway. This one features a new detective, so I thought this might just be a good way to get a sense of her writing. Quick answer, yes, I will definitely read more by this author! I will start with future books in this series and then I will start the Ellery series someday . . . .
The detective in this one is Annalisa Vega and she has followed in her father’s career footsteps. Now she is on the hunt for The Lovelorn Killer who murdered seven women back when her father was active in the police force. The Lovelorn Killer went silent for twenty years, so police aren’t sure if it’s a copycat or if the same killer is back with this latest murder. Many hoped he was gone for good as his murders were gruesome, tying up his victims and writing intimate letters about them and sending them to the newspaper.
Alternating throughout the book are journal entries from Grace Harper, she’s an amateur sleuth with the Gravediggers, an online group of folks trying to solve cold cases. Grace has a new angle and she thinks she’s close to identifying the killer.
Annalisa has personal ties to the case and perhaps she’s a bit too close to be objective? Her ex-husband is her partner in this one and she reunites with her first childhood boyfriend too.
Soon the killer is stalking Annalisa and I was so scared for her, she seemed fearless and this killer is no joke! I liked her character and I look forward to reading future books with her at the center. There was a final twist that I did not see coming and an action packed conclusion.
This one made for a great buddy read with Marilyn, Jayme, and Mary Beth.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the copy to read.
I have been interested in this author for some time and I know she has a great series going with Ellery Hathaway. This one features a new detective, so I thought this might just be a good way to get a sense of her writing. Quick answer, yes, I will definitely read more by this author! I will start with future books in this series and then I will start the Ellery series someday . . . .
The detective in this one is Annalisa Vega and she has followed in her father’s career footsteps. Now she is on the hunt for The Lovelorn Killer who murdered seven women back when her father was active in the police force. The Lovelorn Killer went silent for twenty years, so police aren’t sure if it’s a copycat or if the same killer is back with this latest murder. Many hoped he was gone for good as his murders were gruesome, tying up his victims and writing intimate letters about them and sending them to the newspaper.
Alternating throughout the book are journal entries from Grace Harper, she’s an amateur sleuth with the Gravediggers, an online group of folks trying to solve cold cases. Grace has a new angle and she thinks she’s close to identifying the killer.
Annalisa has personal ties to the case and perhaps she’s a bit too close to be objective? Her ex-husband is her partner in this one and she reunites with her first childhood boyfriend too.
Soon the killer is stalking Annalisa and I was so scared for her, she seemed fearless and this killer is no joke! I liked her character and I look forward to reading future books with her at the center. There was a final twist that I did not see coming and an action packed conclusion.
This one made for a great buddy read with Marilyn, Jayme, and Mary Beth.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the copy to read.
August 23, 2021
Review posted to blog: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Taut, Tense, and Terrifying!
A serial killer re-emerges after 20 years. Now it’s up to Detective Annalisa Vega and her partner (and ex-husband) Nick to find and stop him.
Unfortunately for Annalisa, she has a direct connection to the Lovelorn Killer - as his last victim was someone very important to her.
Now, the Lovelorn Killer has taken another, someone who was investigating him. Grace Harper, an amateur sleuth, and her snooping is what got her killed.
Catching this killer will be no easy feat and much to Vega’s chagrin, will force her to go head to head with the monster itself.
Though I did guess a few plot points, I enjoyed Gone for Good nonetheless. A well-done mystery suspense from an author whose novels I have come to enjoy. While I didn’t like this one quite as much as her Ellery Hathaway series, I quite liked it and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
3.62 Stars
A buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to Minotaur Books via NetGalley.
Published on Goodreads and Twitter.
Taut, Tense, and Terrifying!
A serial killer re-emerges after 20 years. Now it’s up to Detective Annalisa Vega and her partner (and ex-husband) Nick to find and stop him.
Unfortunately for Annalisa, she has a direct connection to the Lovelorn Killer - as his last victim was someone very important to her.
Now, the Lovelorn Killer has taken another, someone who was investigating him. Grace Harper, an amateur sleuth, and her snooping is what got her killed.
Catching this killer will be no easy feat and much to Vega’s chagrin, will force her to go head to head with the monster itself.
Though I did guess a few plot points, I enjoyed Gone for Good nonetheless. A well-done mystery suspense from an author whose novels I have come to enjoy. While I didn’t like this one quite as much as her Ellery Hathaway series, I quite liked it and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
3.62 Stars
A buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to Minotaur Books via NetGalley.
Published on Goodreads and Twitter.
July 31, 2021
Being a fan of Joanna Schaffhausen’s Ellery Hathaway series it was a no brainer that I needed to pick up this new series. Gone for Good is the first book in this new thrilling mystery and it felt a lot like picking up the first book in the Ellery Hathaway series so I think fans will be pleased and new readers can get in on the ground floor of this one if they missed out on the other.
Detective Annalisa Vega gets the call to a disturbing homicide scene when she’s told to use her lights and sirens and wonders why, the victim can’t be any deader when she arrives. What Annalisa walks in on though immediately brings back her childhood. A victim is laid out in much the same fashion as Annalise’s childhood friend’s mother.
The victim, Grace Harper, had joined a group that was made up of regular folks who were obsessed with cold cases and solving those crimes the police had failed to solve. Grace had taken on looking into The Lovelorn Killer who had disappeared off the map after taking his seventh victim, the mother of Annalise’s friend. So as Annalise gets paired up with her ex-husband she also has her long ago crush back in her life as she begins to hunt the killer her father couldn’t put behind bars.
Joanna Schaffhausen has certainly found her niche when it comes to writing about gritty and determined female detectives. While Annalisa Vega is somewhat different from Ellery Hathaway she is also somewhat the same and it felt like returning to something I’ve read before while also getting to know new characters if that makes any sense. I did like that this opener jumped right into the hunt for a serial killer and how it all worked out in the end but I was also curious as to what form this will take to continue. I’m sure when it does it will quickly jump to being a favorite just as the Ellery Hathaway began at four stars and has only gone up each read since.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Detective Annalisa Vega gets the call to a disturbing homicide scene when she’s told to use her lights and sirens and wonders why, the victim can’t be any deader when she arrives. What Annalisa walks in on though immediately brings back her childhood. A victim is laid out in much the same fashion as Annalise’s childhood friend’s mother.
The victim, Grace Harper, had joined a group that was made up of regular folks who were obsessed with cold cases and solving those crimes the police had failed to solve. Grace had taken on looking into The Lovelorn Killer who had disappeared off the map after taking his seventh victim, the mother of Annalise’s friend. So as Annalise gets paired up with her ex-husband she also has her long ago crush back in her life as she begins to hunt the killer her father couldn’t put behind bars.
Joanna Schaffhausen has certainly found her niche when it comes to writing about gritty and determined female detectives. While Annalisa Vega is somewhat different from Ellery Hathaway she is also somewhat the same and it felt like returning to something I’ve read before while also getting to know new characters if that makes any sense. I did like that this opener jumped right into the hunt for a serial killer and how it all worked out in the end but I was also curious as to what form this will take to continue. I’m sure when it does it will quickly jump to being a favorite just as the Ellery Hathaway began at four stars and has only gone up each read since.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
August 27, 2021
What An Impressive New Detective Mystery!
Detective Annalisa Vega is called to the scene of a brutal crime scene of an innocent woman who lived alone and worked as a clerk at her local grocery store. The first thing Annalisa notices is the crime has all the earmarks of a serial killer known as the "Lovelorn Killer" whose last murder was twenty years ago when he destroyed many lives including viciously killing Anna's boyfriend's (Colin) mother. A copycat killer or the real "Lovelorn Killer" striking out again, that is what the new investigation must discover and solve this time because too many women needlessly lost their lives and all other women were left living in fear for many years believing that he would be back and come after them. Why now after two decades? Anna will have to be extra cautious on this case because it seems this crazed killer has his sights on her this time and will not let up until he finally gets what he truly desires.
This story was just too good. The storytelling, the writing and the characters were deliciously dark and creative where I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The author was able to put a spin on this book that kept it fresh and very interesting from start til finish. I was hooked and just wanted more and more and the writer gave it to me. So, I thought I had the ending figured out but "No I Did Not". Wow! What a rollercoaster of twists and turns in the last 30/40 % of the story. Stellar Writing! I can't wait until the second book comes out next year and I highly recommend this book if you enjoy detective/mystery/thrillers or you just want to read a dark mystery. Please, don't miss out on this novel!
I want to thank the publisher " St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books" for the opportunity to read this wonderful story and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this book a rating of 4 1/2 DARK AND DISTURBING ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌠 STARS!!
Detective Annalisa Vega is called to the scene of a brutal crime scene of an innocent woman who lived alone and worked as a clerk at her local grocery store. The first thing Annalisa notices is the crime has all the earmarks of a serial killer known as the "Lovelorn Killer" whose last murder was twenty years ago when he destroyed many lives including viciously killing Anna's boyfriend's (Colin) mother. A copycat killer or the real "Lovelorn Killer" striking out again, that is what the new investigation must discover and solve this time because too many women needlessly lost their lives and all other women were left living in fear for many years believing that he would be back and come after them. Why now after two decades? Anna will have to be extra cautious on this case because it seems this crazed killer has his sights on her this time and will not let up until he finally gets what he truly desires.
This story was just too good. The storytelling, the writing and the characters were deliciously dark and creative where I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The author was able to put a spin on this book that kept it fresh and very interesting from start til finish. I was hooked and just wanted more and more and the writer gave it to me. So, I thought I had the ending figured out but "No I Did Not". Wow! What a rollercoaster of twists and turns in the last 30/40 % of the story. Stellar Writing! I can't wait until the second book comes out next year and I highly recommend this book if you enjoy detective/mystery/thrillers or you just want to read a dark mystery. Please, don't miss out on this novel!
I want to thank the publisher " St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books" for the opportunity to read this wonderful story and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this book a rating of 4 1/2 DARK AND DISTURBING ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌠 STARS!!
July 6, 2021
This is the first in a series featuring detective Annalisa Vega—I’ll be looking forward to future books in this collection.
Twenty years ago, a man dubbed the Lovelorn Killer because he sent love letters addressed to his victims to newspapers, murdered seven women after binding and choking them. He appears to be back or a copycat is back because true crime aficionado Grace Harper is found dead after being ritualistically bound and choked. When she wasn’t working at her job at the supermarket, she was investigating the cold case crimes of the Lovelorn Killer. Her office abounds with photos pertinent to the case, and she’s part of an online group of amateur sleuths who try to solve crimes.
The ending was initially good—I didn’t see it coming, but it was about as happy of an ending as you can get when lots of murdered people are left in the wake of a mad man. Then the ending had more twists that I didn’t foresee but left me a little bummed out. Still, I enjoyed it and will look for more by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES AUGUST 10, 2021.
Twenty years ago, a man dubbed the Lovelorn Killer because he sent love letters addressed to his victims to newspapers, murdered seven women after binding and choking them. He appears to be back or a copycat is back because true crime aficionado Grace Harper is found dead after being ritualistically bound and choked. When she wasn’t working at her job at the supermarket, she was investigating the cold case crimes of the Lovelorn Killer. Her office abounds with photos pertinent to the case, and she’s part of an online group of amateur sleuths who try to solve crimes.
The ending was initially good—I didn’t see it coming, but it was about as happy of an ending as you can get when lots of murdered people are left in the wake of a mad man. Then the ending had more twists that I didn’t foresee but left me a little bummed out. Still, I enjoyed it and will look for more by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES AUGUST 10, 2021.
August 7, 2021
Detective Annalisa Vega is called to the scene of a gruesome murder - one that brings back memories of the unsolved murder of her childhood friend's mother twenty plus years ago. The Lovelorn Killer was responsible for the brutal murder of several women back then, but afterwards disappeared without a trace. The dead woman bound in ropes tells Det. Vega that the killer's back after a twenty year hiatus? Why? Is this Annalisa's opportunity to finally get justice for the victims' loved ones, healing some old wounds? Can she do so without becoming his next victim?
Grace Harper is the killer's latest victim. By day, she was a grocery store clerk. By night, she was a member of an amateur sleuth group known as The Grave Diggers. Grace was obsessed with the Lovelorn Killer and by all reports, may have been getting close to discovering his identity - something the police have never been able to do - before he killed her. In order to investigate the crime, Det. Vega will have to dig deeper into the group's activities and her own disturbing childhood and follow the leads from there. It isn't long before she starts rattling some skeletons of her own and begins being taunted by the killer. With the help of her partner Nick who's also her ex-husband and a teenage love interest, Colin, who's mother was murdered by the killer, Annalisa refuses to be intimidated into abandoning the case. Will it get her killed?
Gone For Good is an intense, fast-paced, action-packed thriller that kept me turning pages from beginning to end. Det. Annalisa Vega is a strong, bold, smart heroine who refuses to back down when threatened. The story unfolds through alternating chapters of present and victim Grace Harper's journal entries which are electrifying. The tension elevates until culminating in an explosive climax. I will say I figured out the killer's identity prior to the reveal, but the story is so well crafted that being pretty sure of his identity in no way lessened my reading pleasure as I read most of this one in one sitting. Highly recommended to fans of mystery, suspense and thrillers.
*Special thanks to Minotaur Books for an arc of this book. #minotaurinfluencers
Review posted at: Cross My Heart Reviews
Grace Harper is the killer's latest victim. By day, she was a grocery store clerk. By night, she was a member of an amateur sleuth group known as The Grave Diggers. Grace was obsessed with the Lovelorn Killer and by all reports, may have been getting close to discovering his identity - something the police have never been able to do - before he killed her. In order to investigate the crime, Det. Vega will have to dig deeper into the group's activities and her own disturbing childhood and follow the leads from there. It isn't long before she starts rattling some skeletons of her own and begins being taunted by the killer. With the help of her partner Nick who's also her ex-husband and a teenage love interest, Colin, who's mother was murdered by the killer, Annalisa refuses to be intimidated into abandoning the case. Will it get her killed?
Gone For Good is an intense, fast-paced, action-packed thriller that kept me turning pages from beginning to end. Det. Annalisa Vega is a strong, bold, smart heroine who refuses to back down when threatened. The story unfolds through alternating chapters of present and victim Grace Harper's journal entries which are electrifying. The tension elevates until culminating in an explosive climax. I will say I figured out the killer's identity prior to the reveal, but the story is so well crafted that being pretty sure of his identity in no way lessened my reading pleasure as I read most of this one in one sitting. Highly recommended to fans of mystery, suspense and thrillers.
*Special thanks to Minotaur Books for an arc of this book. #minotaurinfluencers
Review posted at: Cross My Heart Reviews
September 21, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
A new series by Joanna Schaffhausen is hard to resist and so I compulsively clicked "yes, please."
Chicago's Detective Annalisa Vega finds herself trying to solve a present-day murder that may have connections to a cold case worked by her now-retired father. Working with her ex-husband, encountering her teenage love and dealing with family drama, Annalisa must also deal with family secrets long buried.
This is is just the type of detective-led thriller I like. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I really liked the characters. I will certainly be returning for book #2!
Publication Date 10/08/21
Goodreads review published 15/09/21
A new series by Joanna Schaffhausen is hard to resist and so I compulsively clicked "yes, please."
Chicago's Detective Annalisa Vega finds herself trying to solve a present-day murder that may have connections to a cold case worked by her now-retired father. Working with her ex-husband, encountering her teenage love and dealing with family drama, Annalisa must also deal with family secrets long buried.
This is is just the type of detective-led thriller I like. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I really liked the characters. I will certainly be returning for book #2!
Publication Date 10/08/21
Goodreads review published 15/09/21
July 6, 2022
‘If you expected the devil to show its horns you would never notice him falling into step beside you.’ - Joanna Schaffhausen, Gone for Good
Really enjoyed!
Full review to come.
Really enjoyed!
Full review to come.
April 12, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐+ Stars ~ My favorite “nice surprise” 2021 read!
I only read one other novel by Joanna Schaffhausen Every Waking Hour and I really liked it and have been looking forward to reading another one of her stories.
This is a new series featuring Detective Annalisa Vega.
Prologue starts with “Grace Notes” Entry #441
Harper is a grocery store manager but also an amateur sleuth and a member of a group named “The Grave Diggers”. Members of this group are ordinary people interested in ‘cold cases’ ~ crimes that haven’t been solved. They discuss clue online and in Grace’s situation seem to be constantly looking for new leads.
She has followed a serial killer called “The Lovelorn Killer’ (named that as after his kills, he sends a ‘love letter’ to the newspaper written to the woman he just murdered).
However, he seemed to mysteriously stop his killing spree twenty years ago; after killing seven women over a period of a few years. Detective Vega was a teen when the last victim was found. She remembers that case as she was dating Colin Duffy, the son of the last victim.
Present Day: Detective Annalisa Vega and Nick Carelli her charismatic ex-husband have been called to investigate a murder that seems to be a copycat of the “Lovelorn Killer”. The victim is ….. Grace.
Chris and Molly “The Grave Diggers” members are determining to find the killer and are doing some meddling with the investigation. However, Anna finds that some of the work Grace has done is very helpful. In one of Grace’s notes she states
He likes to torture his victims, but he is not content to let it end there. He sends letters to the media to frighten everyone! He thrived in everyone’s fear!
Yikes! Now the killer has set his sights on Anna!
This was a Wow! read for me.
My guilty pleasure is reading in the evening with a glass of wine. I was totally into this story, looked at the clock and thought okay another hour of reading and another glass of wine! This was such a page turned, I finish the book looked down and saw I still had a ½ glass of wine left. Trust me that doesn’t usually happen!!
I am a big psychological thriller fan, love the twists and turns. This story had far more twist and turns than I expected.
I can hardly wait for Joanna Schaffhausen Detective Annalisa Vega Book #2.
In the meantime, I will work on my
Team Colin or
Team Nick banners!!
BTW: I laughed out loud when Anna described Nick’s second day of not sleeping as not his usual “rolled out of bed sexy look but now more of “homeless person” look!
Want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press ~ Minotaur for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for professional review purposes.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for August 10, 2021
I only read one other novel by Joanna Schaffhausen Every Waking Hour and I really liked it and have been looking forward to reading another one of her stories.
This is a new series featuring Detective Annalisa Vega.
Prologue starts with “Grace Notes” Entry #441
Harper is a grocery store manager but also an amateur sleuth and a member of a group named “The Grave Diggers”. Members of this group are ordinary people interested in ‘cold cases’ ~ crimes that haven’t been solved. They discuss clue online and in Grace’s situation seem to be constantly looking for new leads.
She has followed a serial killer called “The Lovelorn Killer’ (named that as after his kills, he sends a ‘love letter’ to the newspaper written to the woman he just murdered).
However, he seemed to mysteriously stop his killing spree twenty years ago; after killing seven women over a period of a few years. Detective Vega was a teen when the last victim was found. She remembers that case as she was dating Colin Duffy, the son of the last victim.
Present Day: Detective Annalisa Vega and Nick Carelli her charismatic ex-husband have been called to investigate a murder that seems to be a copycat of the “Lovelorn Killer”. The victim is ….. Grace.
Chris and Molly “The Grave Diggers” members are determining to find the killer and are doing some meddling with the investigation. However, Anna finds that some of the work Grace has done is very helpful. In one of Grace’s notes she states
He likes to torture his victims, but he is not content to let it end there. He sends letters to the media to frighten everyone! He thrived in everyone’s fear!
Yikes! Now the killer has set his sights on Anna!
This was a Wow! read for me.
My guilty pleasure is reading in the evening with a glass of wine. I was totally into this story, looked at the clock and thought okay another hour of reading and another glass of wine! This was such a page turned, I finish the book looked down and saw I still had a ½ glass of wine left. Trust me that doesn’t usually happen!!
I am a big psychological thriller fan, love the twists and turns. This story had far more twist and turns than I expected.
I can hardly wait for Joanna Schaffhausen Detective Annalisa Vega Book #2.
In the meantime, I will work on my
Team Colin or
Team Nick banners!!
BTW: I laughed out loud when Anna described Nick’s second day of not sleeping as not his usual “rolled out of bed sexy look but now more of “homeless person” look!
Want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press ~ Minotaur for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for professional review purposes.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for August 10, 2021
February 19, 2022
So happy to have finally read this. The start of another fantastic detective series and I flew through it
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