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Komorebi Serial Killers #3
The Dollmaster
THE TRIAL OF A MONSTER. THE TESTIMONY OF SURVIVORS. THE GAME ISN’T OVER.
Angel Evanston never wanted to relive this nightmare. She has spent years running—from the past, the media, herself, and the weight of her brother’s death.
Edward Alfred Stanhope, the man the world calls The Dollmaster, is finally facing justice. Cameras roll. The public watches, hungry for a verdict.
The prosecution calls him a sadistic manipulator, a predator who turned his victims into living dolls. The defense weaves another tale, the tale of a fractured mind too broken to be truly responsible.
But Alfred isn’t just sitting in that courtroom. He is orchestrating. This isn’t just a legal battle. It's his final masterpiece. Every witness is a move. Every testimony, a trap.
Until the moment that changes everything.
The world thinks they understand the depths of his evil. They have seen the headlines. Followed the case. Heard the stories.
They have no idea.
A relentless psychological thriller that will keep you questioning everything until the final, brutal twist.
Angel Evanston never wanted to relive this nightmare. She has spent years running—from the past, the media, herself, and the weight of her brother’s death.
Edward Alfred Stanhope, the man the world calls The Dollmaster, is finally facing justice. Cameras roll. The public watches, hungry for a verdict.
The prosecution calls him a sadistic manipulator, a predator who turned his victims into living dolls. The defense weaves another tale, the tale of a fractured mind too broken to be truly responsible.
But Alfred isn’t just sitting in that courtroom. He is orchestrating. This isn’t just a legal battle. It's his final masterpiece. Every witness is a move. Every testimony, a trap.
Until the moment that changes everything.
The world thinks they understand the depths of his evil. They have seen the headlines. Followed the case. Heard the stories.
They have no idea.
A relentless psychological thriller that will keep you questioning everything until the final, brutal twist.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2025
79 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
Sara Ennis
38 books297 followersTime for an updated 'bio.'!
Things about me:
• I lived in 19 houses before I was 20 years old, and my family was not in the military.
• I started an animal/human welfare nonprofit that continues to operate and keep families together.
• For 8 years I owned a buy one, give one pet food brand that supported rescues & shelters across the country.
• Unsurprisingly, I have a thing for ‘special’ animals like my dog Chance, who was paralyzed in the back end, and my canine child Charlie, who was born blind. No animals will ever be hurt or killed in my books. (People are totally fair game.)
• Even though I’m not a tech bro, I lived in my warehouse for a year (not as cool as it sounds, btw).
• Before I ran away from home in LA and moved to Iowa, I worked with celebs.
• I used to have severe social phobia; now I’m a big-mouthed, opinionated beast.
Things about me:
• I lived in 19 houses before I was 20 years old, and my family was not in the military.
• I started an animal/human welfare nonprofit that continues to operate and keep families together.
• For 8 years I owned a buy one, give one pet food brand that supported rescues & shelters across the country.
• Unsurprisingly, I have a thing for ‘special’ animals like my dog Chance, who was paralyzed in the back end, and my canine child Charlie, who was born blind. No animals will ever be hurt or killed in my books. (People are totally fair game.)
• Even though I’m not a tech bro, I lived in my warehouse for a year (not as cool as it sounds, btw).
• Before I ran away from home in LA and moved to Iowa, I worked with celebs.
• I used to have severe social phobia; now I’m a big-mouthed, opinionated beast.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 1, 2025
I think this book needs to be read third when you read the series. Was it the best book - no - but did I still read it fast - yes!!
March 18, 2025
My Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rounded up from 3.5 I am being generous but I like this series!!
This is a bit weird, it seems to be a sequel to book 2 from this 4 book series. The 3rd book takes place some time after this is set and I don’t actually recall a mention to the way this ended in book 3 but it has been some time since I read the series.
It is essentially the trial of the monster that captured his “dolls” for a devastating tortuous game of dollhouse. Angel and Olivia are the two eldest of the survivors and this follows Angel and her tormentor Alfred at the trial.
Now my caveat to my rating is that I am invested in this series, so I saw this was available on KU and immediately abandoned everything else to read it. I really like Sara Ennis and I haven’t been a super fan of her work outside this series so I wanted to see if she still got me and she does. But I feel like its only this series that sucks me in…
It is not as dark as her first three books… and I know its a sequel so its not intended that way… its about the trial and the justice. Make no mistake though Sara is here to play… she will make you mad with how it ends 🤣 and that is just her in these books. These are never intended for happiness… and its not to say it wont eventually come but you gotta work for it. You might think whyyy does Angel have to suffer… but I say to you why not… its fiction and without it the story would be bland AF.
This is the tamest of the four books but I don’t think this is worth reading unless you have read at least book 1 and 2 I mean it makes no sense to me but you might be wild so go for it… if you do pick up books 1 and 2 though be warned about TWs… its not for the faint of heart.
This is going to be a fairly short review because while I liked it, and the writing was classic Sara Ennis so I enjoyed that thoroughly there will be people who don’t like it based on the same reasons. And I would suggest that if you read any of this series and hated it don’t read this. Its more of the same characters (which is what drew me in) and some recapping of the crimes and trial for said crimes.
I did really like that courtroom scenes they were pretty unhinged actually… and some of you will say omg Angel is so annoying… yeah you’re right. But she was never written any other way… shes a survivor, shes got PTSD and she was already a brat before all that. AND shes still a kid in this so let’s face it no matter how much we love them.. kids are annoying.
Overall, if you are a fan of this series read it its worth it if you aren’t then don’t. My recommendation is not starting at this book that is just wild to me but if you love to throw caution to the wind and especially love going Karly stuff you I’m doing it.. then rock on!!!
This is a bit weird, it seems to be a sequel to book 2 from this 4 book series. The 3rd book takes place some time after this is set and I don’t actually recall a mention to the way this ended in book 3 but it has been some time since I read the series.
It is essentially the trial of the monster that captured his “dolls” for a devastating tortuous game of dollhouse. Angel and Olivia are the two eldest of the survivors and this follows Angel and her tormentor Alfred at the trial.
Now my caveat to my rating is that I am invested in this series, so I saw this was available on KU and immediately abandoned everything else to read it. I really like Sara Ennis and I haven’t been a super fan of her work outside this series so I wanted to see if she still got me and she does. But I feel like its only this series that sucks me in…
It is not as dark as her first three books… and I know its a sequel so its not intended that way… its about the trial and the justice. Make no mistake though Sara is here to play… she will make you mad with how it ends 🤣 and that is just her in these books. These are never intended for happiness… and its not to say it wont eventually come but you gotta work for it. You might think whyyy does Angel have to suffer… but I say to you why not… its fiction and without it the story would be bland AF.
This is the tamest of the four books but I don’t think this is worth reading unless you have read at least book 1 and 2 I mean it makes no sense to me but you might be wild so go for it… if you do pick up books 1 and 2 though be warned about TWs… its not for the faint of heart.
This is going to be a fairly short review because while I liked it, and the writing was classic Sara Ennis so I enjoyed that thoroughly there will be people who don’t like it based on the same reasons. And I would suggest that if you read any of this series and hated it don’t read this. Its more of the same characters (which is what drew me in) and some recapping of the crimes and trial for said crimes.
I did really like that courtroom scenes they were pretty unhinged actually… and some of you will say omg Angel is so annoying… yeah you’re right. But she was never written any other way… shes a survivor, shes got PTSD and she was already a brat before all that. AND shes still a kid in this so let’s face it no matter how much we love them.. kids are annoying.
Overall, if you are a fan of this series read it its worth it if you aren’t then don’t. My recommendation is not starting at this book that is just wild to me but if you love to throw caution to the wind and especially love going Karly stuff you I’m doing it.. then rock on!!!
January 14, 2026
I enjoy this series but this one wasn’t as good as the other ones I read and the ending pissed me off. Will continue these books anyways because I do enjoy them. And Angel is such an interesting character.
January 7, 2026
I only trudged through this book to see what was happening with Angel. This was a disappointing follow up to The Dollhouse and The Hunted.
March 24, 2025
"The Dollmaster" by Sara Ennis is the fourth captivating instalment in The Dollhouse series. Each book in the series has been a thrilling, twisted journey, and "The Dollmaster" is no exception. If you haven't started this gripping series, I highly recommend beginning with the first book, "The Dollhouse," where you'll meet the mastermind behind the sinister Dollhouse and the brave survivors who faced unimaginable horrors. The second book, "The Hunted: Sin of the Father," follows Angel and her partner as they rescue victims from a psychopathic detective. The third book, set in the supposed safe haven of Komorebi, sees Angel and Olivia facing new deadly threats as more lives are at stake.
Now, onto my review of "The Dollmaster." This book is driven by the voices of two key characters: the Dollmaster, Edward Alfred Stanhope, and Angel, a survivor of the Dollhouse. Sara Ennis skillfully crafts Alfred’s devilish mind, portraying him as a puppet master who manipulates and controls everyone in the courtroom, leading to an unexpected and thrilling conclusion. Angel’s character embodies strength and determination, having endured unimaginable horrors. Her ability to confront and fight the monster—Edward Alfred Stanhope—is nothing short of inspiring, as she stands up to him with immense courage.
"The Dollmaster" is a heart-pounding read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The duality of the series, with its contrasting perspectives and complex characters, adds depth and intrigue to the storyline. If you haven't yet delved into The Dollhouse series, I highly recommend starting from the beginning to fully appreciate the development of these multifaceted characters and the gripping storylines that Sara Ennis has masterfully woven together
Now, onto my review of "The Dollmaster." This book is driven by the voices of two key characters: the Dollmaster, Edward Alfred Stanhope, and Angel, a survivor of the Dollhouse. Sara Ennis skillfully crafts Alfred’s devilish mind, portraying him as a puppet master who manipulates and controls everyone in the courtroom, leading to an unexpected and thrilling conclusion. Angel’s character embodies strength and determination, having endured unimaginable horrors. Her ability to confront and fight the monster—Edward Alfred Stanhope—is nothing short of inspiring, as she stands up to him with immense courage.
"The Dollmaster" is a heart-pounding read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The duality of the series, with its contrasting perspectives and complex characters, adds depth and intrigue to the storyline. If you haven't yet delved into The Dollhouse series, I highly recommend starting from the beginning to fully appreciate the development of these multifaceted characters and the gripping storylines that Sara Ennis has masterfully woven together
May 17, 2025
Revisiting the events that occurred in the dollhouse gave me goosebumps. I don’t think I’ll forget these characters and now they are back together again . The thing that makes this such a fascinating read is Alfred. Could you imagine if someone like this was roaming around .. absolutely frightening…
March 2, 2025
The Dollmaster: A sequel to The Dollhouse
Back in 2021 I read The Dollhouse, a debut thriller, the kind of book which makes me keep on reading every new thriller Sara Ennis writes. The Dollhouse is a great book, psychologically dark, twisted and a little bit crazy, I’m talking about The Butterfly Garden or The Favorite Girl level dark and crazy.
The Dollhouse was the first book in the Duality series. The Dollmaster pits one of the survivors from The Dollhouse against one of the perpetrators in a courtroom battle of wills. Think of it as the sequel to The Dollhouse.
It’s really good, it’s suitably dark and twisted and bought all of that Dollhouse magic back for me. This is the one that Dollhouse fans have been waiting for.
In her various thrillers Ennis has created an ever-expanding shared world with characters from The Dollhouse, don’t worry about all those other books for now. Read The Dollhouse and then The Dollmaster for the pure essence and then try some of the others.
Some authors lead you by the hand and point out the signposts so you can see exactly where the story’s going, Sara Ennis scatters some breadcrumbs through the dark and scary forest to give you a chance to make it out the other side.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Sara Ennis and Good Girl Charlie
Back in 2021 I read The Dollhouse, a debut thriller, the kind of book which makes me keep on reading every new thriller Sara Ennis writes. The Dollhouse is a great book, psychologically dark, twisted and a little bit crazy, I’m talking about The Butterfly Garden or The Favorite Girl level dark and crazy.
The Dollhouse was the first book in the Duality series. The Dollmaster pits one of the survivors from The Dollhouse against one of the perpetrators in a courtroom battle of wills. Think of it as the sequel to The Dollhouse.
It’s really good, it’s suitably dark and twisted and bought all of that Dollhouse magic back for me. This is the one that Dollhouse fans have been waiting for.
In her various thrillers Ennis has created an ever-expanding shared world with characters from The Dollhouse, don’t worry about all those other books for now. Read The Dollhouse and then The Dollmaster for the pure essence and then try some of the others.
Some authors lead you by the hand and point out the signposts so you can see exactly where the story’s going, Sara Ennis scatters some breadcrumbs through the dark and scary forest to give you a chance to make it out the other side.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Sara Ennis and Good Girl Charlie
March 4, 2025
Although this can be read on it's own, to fully understand the story, it would be best to read the entire Duality Series.
I experienced anger, shock and disbelief whilst reading this. It astounds me how so-called professionals can be so easily manipulated. Monetary gain means more than integrity.
The Dollmaster is typical of the writings by Sara Ennis. Edge of seat drama with plot twists that leave you wanting more.
Angel is the character I connect with the most. What Alfred put her through was horrendous. I was so proud of her when she decided to attend the trial, knowing how hard that was going to be for her. CB is a blessing. She is Angel's "Warrior Queen". A person who instinctively seems to know what Angel is thinking and feeling.
If you enjoy books that explore the "why" of a person's actions and the complexity of a survivor's emotions, then Sara Ennis is the author for you.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of The Dollmaster through BookFunnel and have chosen to leave a review.
I experienced anger, shock and disbelief whilst reading this. It astounds me how so-called professionals can be so easily manipulated. Monetary gain means more than integrity.
The Dollmaster is typical of the writings by Sara Ennis. Edge of seat drama with plot twists that leave you wanting more.
Angel is the character I connect with the most. What Alfred put her through was horrendous. I was so proud of her when she decided to attend the trial, knowing how hard that was going to be for her. CB is a blessing. She is Angel's "Warrior Queen". A person who instinctively seems to know what Angel is thinking and feeling.
If you enjoy books that explore the "why" of a person's actions and the complexity of a survivor's emotions, then Sara Ennis is the author for you.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of The Dollmaster through BookFunnel and have chosen to leave a review.
March 13, 2025
The plot didn’t seem to advance the story line very much. The previous book included so much, ending with the children getting free. So the sequel including only the trial left more to be desired. I feel like the trial could have been a bullet point to a bigger story.
I enjoyed the dual point of views. And how the author always make sure the victims voices are heard.
I may go back and re-read this book later. Sara Ennis is a favorite of mine. Somehow the last 5 out of 7 books I have read have included DID/spirit absorption. I go in blind so the fact I’ve managed so many books in a row on the same topic is actually quite impressive. However, I’m also pretty burn out.
I enjoyed the dual point of views. And how the author always make sure the victims voices are heard.
I may go back and re-read this book later. Sara Ennis is a favorite of mine. Somehow the last 5 out of 7 books I have read have included DID/spirit absorption. I go in blind so the fact I’ve managed so many books in a row on the same topic is actually quite impressive. However, I’m also pretty burn out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2025
Just finished The Dollmaster by Sara Ennis, and I am completely wrecked in the BEST way possible. This book had me locked in from the first page—but those final chapters? I was screaming. Pacing the room. Heart racing. Fully unhinged.
It’s dark, disturbing, brilliant—and part of the Duality series (start with The Dollhouse if you haven’t already!). The way Sara Ennis builds tension and drops those jaw-dropping twists? MASTERFUL. I could not put it down.
At this point, I’ll read anything she writes. Grocery list? I’m in. She has a fan for life.
If you’re into psychological thrillers that crawl under your skin and explode at the end—The Dollmaster is your next obsession.
It’s dark, disturbing, brilliant—and part of the Duality series (start with The Dollhouse if you haven’t already!). The way Sara Ennis builds tension and drops those jaw-dropping twists? MASTERFUL. I could not put it down.
At this point, I’ll read anything she writes. Grocery list? I’m in. She has a fan for life.
If you’re into psychological thrillers that crawl under your skin and explode at the end—The Dollmaster is your next obsession.
April 7, 2025
I’m still scratching my head on this one as to who Alfred Edward Stanhope actually was. They say he was Alfred and Edward would pop up but at the end it is vice versa. Confusing. Anyway, Alfred is on trial for what took place in the Dollhouse. angel at first doesn’t want to go but ultimately does trying to bring Alfred down psychologically. It was a good book but I was really hoping that Angel would have brought him down or the ending was more dramatic. Anyway the end leaves a potential opening for another book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2025
I read this one really fast as I was hooked reading about how the trial plays out. I didn’t have any expectations as I thought okay it will be a quick read more of an fyi for what happened in the trial, I did NOT expect the unexpected which was what it gave.
The ending infuriated me but I also liked it because it was totally unexpected. What do you mean this is only the beginning!? But anyway no spoilers on this one.
I have loved this series and I will definitely be reading ‘The Mercy: Angel of Death’
The ending infuriated me but I also liked it because it was totally unexpected. What do you mean this is only the beginning!? But anyway no spoilers on this one.
I have loved this series and I will definitely be reading ‘The Mercy: Angel of Death’
March 4, 2025
😍😍😍This is the outstanding sequel to The Dollhouse by Sara Ennis.
Angel is running from the past, but it’s time for the trial of The Dollmaster. Will justice prevail or is The Dollmaster orchestrating everything still?
This had me turning the pages so fast, I could not wait to find out what would happen!
Sara Ennis I’m ready for the next one! 😊
If you haven’t read The Duality series, it’s definitely a must read for thriller fans!
Released date March 5, 2025
Angel is running from the past, but it’s time for the trial of The Dollmaster. Will justice prevail or is The Dollmaster orchestrating everything still?
This had me turning the pages so fast, I could not wait to find out what would happen!
Sara Ennis I’m ready for the next one! 😊
If you haven’t read The Duality series, it’s definitely a must read for thriller fans!
Released date March 5, 2025
March 7, 2025
I was so excited to read this book, and it did not disappoint. I didn't want it to end! This book is a sequel to the dollhouse, and I would definitely recommend starting with that one because it's excellent. The story followed the court case of Alfred and was told mostly in the viewpoints of Alfred and Angel as the case unfolds. I would highly recommend this and all Sara Ennis thrillers.
March 9, 2025
What a satisfying sequel to the Dollhouse this was! It kept me hooked from the first page, it was awesome to get a look into Alfred’s psyche! I couldn’t tell at first if it was all a show and made up or if Alfred really does have DID so that kept me on tenter hooks.
The Ending….in the words of Oliver Twist….Please “Sara” I want some more…haha
Bravo. Great book.
The Ending….in the words of Oliver Twist….Please “Sara” I want some more…haha
Bravo. Great book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2025
Sara Ennis is the indie author I believe in the most. Her books are absolutely amazing. She has kept this series going and maintained five stars throughout.
This one was brilliant going back and forth with the POV of our alleged serial killer and survivor.
Absolutely my favorite court room thriller to date.
Keep up the amazing work Sara.
This one was brilliant going back and forth with the POV of our alleged serial killer and survivor.
Absolutely my favorite court room thriller to date.
Keep up the amazing work Sara.
March 7, 2025
Book 4 of the Duality series did not disappoint! There were plenty of twists and turns, and the ending I didn’t want but the one that I needed. A little bit of Angel and CB live in me. Can’t wait for my next read by Sara Ennis.
March 19, 2025
If you love Dateline and court room drama, you will eat this up!
Following up The Dollhouse, we get to see what happens within the infamous Dollmaster’s trial and how it impacts the survivors.
However, truths come out no one was prepared for. Shocking revelations that will have your jaw dropping!
And a plot twist that opens doors for possibly more to come!
I highly recommend this whole series starting with The Dollhouse! 🙌
Following up The Dollhouse, we get to see what happens within the infamous Dollmaster’s trial and how it impacts the survivors.
However, truths come out no one was prepared for. Shocking revelations that will have your jaw dropping!
And a plot twist that opens doors for possibly more to come!
I highly recommend this whole series starting with The Dollhouse! 🙌
July 30, 2025
“The Dollmaster” by Sara Ennis is book 3 in The Komorebi Serial Killer Series, and it’s just as suspenseful and addictive as the first two! The pacing is spot on, the tension builds with every chapter, and the character development is excellent. That ending left me shook—I need book 4 ASAP!
January 18, 2026
I read this as the third book in the Duality series and it is SO good! Every time I read Alfred’s pov, I felt dread and anxiety. You can tell he is planning something big and when it happens…wow! Great book!
March 8, 2025
Loved this!
June 15, 2025
I love most of the books in this series, but this one was too slow and boring. It was mostly court proceedings and I just couldn't wait for it to end.
August 31, 2025
Brings focus back to angel and book one, more about DID
September 20, 2025
Definitely read all three books so good finished all 3 in a week fantastic
November 28, 2025
the inconsistencies about plot and timelines are really getting to me but here i am, persevering, despite the series absolutely not needing this book at all
January 2, 2026
This was good. Book three in the series was the trial
Of the main character in the last two books. Lots of surprises and of course I’ll be reading book 4.
Of the main character in the last two books. Lots of surprises and of course I’ll be reading book 4.
January 9, 2026
This man is sick and twisted. Gonna read the next book to make sure he gets what is coming to him.... this cannot be how it ends.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews