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Zoe Storm #1
The Hanging Dolls
The little girl’s body rests gently against the trunk of an old fir tree, her small hands laid delicately in her lap. From the day she became a Special Agent, Zoe Storm vowed to seek justice for the innocent. And for this little angel, her promise burns brighter than ever.
When the body of young Lily Baker is found in the sprawling woods behind the close-knit town of Harborwood, Washington, Special Agent Zoe Storm and her partner Dr Aiden Wesley rush to the scene. Nearby, three symbolic nooses hang from a branch and Zoe feels certain that it’s a warning that two more lives will be taken.
Witnesses spotted Lily talking to an unknown man, and she was given candy shortly before she disappeared. Then, another girl vanishes from her bed in the middle of the night. The only link between the girls is that they were from broken homes. Did the killer promise them safety?
With time running out, Zoe uncovers a cryptic note with a clue pointing to the name of the next child and an abandoned greenhouse on the outskirts of town. Zoe knows the killer has set a trap for her. But with two lives hanging in the balance, she will do everything to bring her home.
An utterly gripping new crime thriller series that will have you flipping the pages deep unto the night until the final heart-stopping twist. Fans of Mary Stone, Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh will be hooked from start to finish.
When the body of young Lily Baker is found in the sprawling woods behind the close-knit town of Harborwood, Washington, Special Agent Zoe Storm and her partner Dr Aiden Wesley rush to the scene. Nearby, three symbolic nooses hang from a branch and Zoe feels certain that it’s a warning that two more lives will be taken.
Witnesses spotted Lily talking to an unknown man, and she was given candy shortly before she disappeared. Then, another girl vanishes from her bed in the middle of the night. The only link between the girls is that they were from broken homes. Did the killer promise them safety?
With time running out, Zoe uncovers a cryptic note with a clue pointing to the name of the next child and an abandoned greenhouse on the outskirts of town. Zoe knows the killer has set a trap for her. But with two lives hanging in the balance, she will do everything to bring her home.
An utterly gripping new crime thriller series that will have you flipping the pages deep unto the night until the final heart-stopping twist. Fans of Mary Stone, Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh will be hooked from start to finish.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2025
488 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
July 17, 2025
Ruhi Choudhary has a new crime series featuring Special Agent Zoe Storm and her partner Dr Aiden Wesley. This book begins with a shocking scene which instantly grabbed my attention and had me wanting more! After the book's thrilling and shocking beginning, it slows down a little and switches to Zoe as an adult and a special agent. When a body is found, this book kicks back into gear and I was all in doing my best to figure out whodunit along with Zoe and Aiden!
Lily Baker's young body has been found with three symbolic nooses hanging nearby. Witnesses report seeing Lily speaking to an unknown man prior to her disappearance. Another young girl is taken, and the connection is the young victims come from troubled broken homes. Zoe and Aiden throw themselves into their investigations. When Zoe receives a cryptic note, she knows the killer is taunting her which only makes her more motivated.
This is the first book that I have read by Ruhi Choudhary, and I look forward to reading more of her books. I found this book to be well thought out, thrilling, shocking, and gripping. I enjoyed the investigation and never saw the reveal coming! I enjoyed the tension, the dread, and the building suspense.
Gripping, shocking, well thought out, and thrilling! I had both the book and the audiobook which made for a wonderful reading experience!
3.5 stars
Thank you to Bookouture, Bookouture audio, 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 📖
Lily Baker's young body has been found with three symbolic nooses hanging nearby. Witnesses report seeing Lily speaking to an unknown man prior to her disappearance. Another young girl is taken, and the connection is the young victims come from troubled broken homes. Zoe and Aiden throw themselves into their investigations. When Zoe receives a cryptic note, she knows the killer is taunting her which only makes her more motivated.
This is the first book that I have read by Ruhi Choudhary, and I look forward to reading more of her books. I found this book to be well thought out, thrilling, shocking, and gripping. I enjoyed the investigation and never saw the reveal coming! I enjoyed the tension, the dread, and the building suspense.
Gripping, shocking, well thought out, and thrilling! I had both the book and the audiobook which made for a wonderful reading experience!
3.5 stars
Thank you to Bookouture, Bookouture audio, 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 📖
July 18, 2025
Special Agent Zoe Storm was called to the small town of Harborwood, where a six year old girl, Lily Baker, had been abducted. The local police station was small, they had no experience with what had happened, as Harborwood didn't have serious crime. Now they needed the FBI and Zoe was it. Zoe's past was chaotic - and kept secret - and her cheerful demeanor was a front. But that didn't stop her doing her job, one she loved, vowing to seek justice for those who were most vulnerable.
When Lily's body was discovered, the town was shattered. The police, including Zoe, were frustrated as the killer was leaving no clues. They knew there would be two more victims from the three nooses dangling above Lily - they needed to discover the link to save the next. But when Tara was abducted from her bed in the middle of the night, they knew they'd failed...
The Hanging Dolls is the 1st in a new series - Zoe Storm - by Ruhi Choudhary and it's heading toward being a good series. I really enjoy the author's Detective Mackenzie Price series, so I'm keen to continue with this one. Zoe's a little volatile, with Doctor Aiden Wesley, psychologist, partnering her as well as advising the team on various suspects. The Hanging Dolls is a great police procedural/crime novel which I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
When Lily's body was discovered, the town was shattered. The police, including Zoe, were frustrated as the killer was leaving no clues. They knew there would be two more victims from the three nooses dangling above Lily - they needed to discover the link to save the next. But when Tara was abducted from her bed in the middle of the night, they knew they'd failed...
The Hanging Dolls is the 1st in a new series - Zoe Storm - by Ruhi Choudhary and it's heading toward being a good series. I really enjoy the author's Detective Mackenzie Price series, so I'm keen to continue with this one. Zoe's a little volatile, with Doctor Aiden Wesley, psychologist, partnering her as well as advising the team on various suspects. The Hanging Dolls is a great police procedural/crime novel which I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
July 12, 2025
The Hanging Dolls is a grizzly start to a new FBI agent series, we are introduced to agent Zoe when she is a child, then we fast forward to the now, a killer who has murdered one little girl, and is preparing for the next 2. Zoe needs to stop him.
The killer is in the story all along, and the plot was interesting and well thought out. The author does a great distraction job, I had the killer pinned down several times and I was wrong until a point. I would normally really enjoy this, but it felt too obvious, in a look over there type manner. I knew I was being distracted and I didn’t love it.
Maybe this was wrong book wrong time for me. I’m clearly in the minority with my review, but I just did t enjoy it as I expected to, and I didn’t feel invested enough to continue with the series.
Stephanie Cannons narration was enjoyable as usual.
Huge thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
The killer is in the story all along, and the plot was interesting and well thought out. The author does a great distraction job, I had the killer pinned down several times and I was wrong until a point. I would normally really enjoy this, but it felt too obvious, in a look over there type manner. I knew I was being distracted and I didn’t love it.
Maybe this was wrong book wrong time for me. I’m clearly in the minority with my review, but I just did t enjoy it as I expected to, and I didn’t feel invested enough to continue with the series.
Stephanie Cannons narration was enjoyable as usual.
Huge thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
August 10, 2025
Ruhi Choudhary’s The Hanging Dolls hooked me fast. From very early on—a little girl posed against an old fir tree, hands folded like frozen in a silent prayer—I knew this wasn’t going to be one of those thrillers you can dip in and out of. This one demands your attention.
I really liked Special Agent Zoe Storm: sharp, layered, and a little scarred. Her past is messy, and it fuels the way she works—driven, uncompromising, almost reckless at times. Zoe Storm isn’t perfect, but she’s the kind of imperfect you want leading the charge. You feel the weight she carries in every decision. The flashbacks add depth without slowing things down, and her partnership with Dr. Aiden Wesley has just enough tension to make you want more.
The plot moves like it’s on a timer—symbolic nooses in the woods, cryptic notes, a killer targeting children from local homes. Every time you think you’ve spotted the thread, it slips away. And when the twist finally lands, it’s the kind you replay in your head, half-shocked you didn’t see it coming.
I read the audiobook. Stephanie Cannon kept the pacing tight and the mood tense without overplaying it. Her clarity makes the procedural parts easy to follow, and she handles Zoe’s grit well. Her male voices aren’t as distinct, but the overall delivery stays strong—enough to pull you deeper into Harborwood’s shadows instead of pulling you out.
This book isn't just about a race to catch a killer—it’s about the kids who never had a chance, the people who fail them, and the relentless fight to make it right. That’s what sticks with you after the final chapter.
And yes, I’ll be picking up the next book - which is always a good sign that I enjoyed the novel.
I really liked Special Agent Zoe Storm: sharp, layered, and a little scarred. Her past is messy, and it fuels the way she works—driven, uncompromising, almost reckless at times. Zoe Storm isn’t perfect, but she’s the kind of imperfect you want leading the charge. You feel the weight she carries in every decision. The flashbacks add depth without slowing things down, and her partnership with Dr. Aiden Wesley has just enough tension to make you want more.
The plot moves like it’s on a timer—symbolic nooses in the woods, cryptic notes, a killer targeting children from local homes. Every time you think you’ve spotted the thread, it slips away. And when the twist finally lands, it’s the kind you replay in your head, half-shocked you didn’t see it coming.
I read the audiobook. Stephanie Cannon kept the pacing tight and the mood tense without overplaying it. Her clarity makes the procedural parts easy to follow, and she handles Zoe’s grit well. Her male voices aren’t as distinct, but the overall delivery stays strong—enough to pull you deeper into Harborwood’s shadows instead of pulling you out.
This book isn't just about a race to catch a killer—it’s about the kids who never had a chance, the people who fail them, and the relentless fight to make it right. That’s what sticks with you after the final chapter.
And yes, I’ll be picking up the next book - which is always a good sign that I enjoyed the novel.
August 24, 2025
This was a high quality audio first in a new series. . The lead character is interesting and complicated with a intriguing past. The plot is in essence find the missing girls and who is doing it all and why. Full of twists and turns and interesting side characters despite its full gone conclusion this was a quick listen with non linear stories and subplots running into the main story.. It left me holding my breath to find out book 2. I grew to care about zoe and wanted the past to be resolved for her. I loved the way the scenes were described so vividly and the narration felt full of emotion. I would highly recommend this to anyone who lives to get invested in a character and their personal demons alongside an interesting who is the culprit .Thank you netgallery, publisher, author and narrator
July 24, 2025
Special agent Zoe Storm is on the case of a little girl in a tree with signs of more to come. Her and her partner, Dr Wesley gather details and work on profiling who is taking girls from their beds in the night.
This is going to be a series and I absolutely love a good mystery series!! While this wasn’t as jaw dropping as this authors previous thrillers, I really appreciated the character driven story and getting to know agent Storm. This was a solid mystery and told really well. I am excited for the next book!
The narrator did an amazing job, I loved their portrayal of the characters!
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Ruhi Choudhary, and Bookouture Audio for providing this free ALC. This is my honest review. This publishes on Wednesday!
This is going to be a series and I absolutely love a good mystery series!! While this wasn’t as jaw dropping as this authors previous thrillers, I really appreciated the character driven story and getting to know agent Storm. This was a solid mystery and told really well. I am excited for the next book!
The narrator did an amazing job, I loved their portrayal of the characters!
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Ruhi Choudhary, and Bookouture Audio for providing this free ALC. This is my honest review. This publishes on Wednesday!
July 2, 2025
My thoughts:
I always look forward to the start of a new series. I can already say the Zoe Storm series is going to be a favorite series for me.
Zoe is a special agent with the FBI. Her troubled childhood has her vowing to help the innocent. Can she do this without jeopardizing her career?
Zoe is an interesting character for sure!
I could not figure out where the author was taking us…always a good thing to keep me fully engaged.
I have high hopes for this new crime thriller by Ruhi Choudhary.
Thank you NetGalley,Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I always look forward to the start of a new series. I can already say the Zoe Storm series is going to be a favorite series for me.
Zoe is a special agent with the FBI. Her troubled childhood has her vowing to help the innocent. Can she do this without jeopardizing her career?
Zoe is an interesting character for sure!
I could not figure out where the author was taking us…always a good thing to keep me fully engaged.
I have high hopes for this new crime thriller by Ruhi Choudhary.
Thank you NetGalley,Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 27, 2025
I had to say, the main reason I picked this book up was because the main character was called Zoe. I know I said it. I couldn't help myself. And then you get that chilling prologue, and then you are hooked.
I loved my namesake character. She's not named after me. We just had the same name, but from her opening backstory to what we uncover about her throughout the book, about her mum, and then that chilling end. I mean, I need answers now. I'm not gonna get any answers now either, which is really frustrating, because I don't even know when the next book is coming out, but I need some answers.
The main storyline is what we're here for. Although I did love the side storyline of Zoe, the main storyline was just so sad, you know, the three nooses, the girls, the missing girl, and everything between. It is one that, unless you are completely heartless, it will get you. There's no two ways about it. This storyline, whenever it involves children, even if you don't have children, gets you and the fact that these girls are the same age as my daughter, straight away, I'm hooked, I'm also scared, and I just want to hug my child and never let her out of my sight.
I love Zoe as a character. I love her tenacious behaviour. I love the bond that she's creating with Dr Aiden Wesley when we had the behind-the-scenes, sort of discussions that they have, and just seeing their friendship and their relationship grow throughout the book.
Steve was another favourite, but I can't talk about that. He is a great character. Just everything about this book, and being the first series, it just makes you want to carry on with the rest of the series.
I feel like we've got a lot more to unpack with Zoe. There's a lot more we need to know and that we don't know. Who the hell is the Viper, the case itself? I mean, the less you know about the book itself, the better. I mean, one scene I was in the car on the way home, because I bought the audiobook, and I was white knuckling it on my steering wheel. A scene with Zoe and Steve, when they were surrounded by a mob of people. Oh, my God, I was tense. It was just such an emotive and scary scene, you just didn't know what was going to happen next, and that got me.
I'm looking forward to the next one, if I haven't made that clear already. Zoe's a good character, Aiden's a good character, and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more from the pair at them. Brilliant.
I loved my namesake character. She's not named after me. We just had the same name, but from her opening backstory to what we uncover about her throughout the book, about her mum, and then that chilling end. I mean, I need answers now. I'm not gonna get any answers now either, which is really frustrating, because I don't even know when the next book is coming out, but I need some answers.
The main storyline is what we're here for. Although I did love the side storyline of Zoe, the main storyline was just so sad, you know, the three nooses, the girls, the missing girl, and everything between. It is one that, unless you are completely heartless, it will get you. There's no two ways about it. This storyline, whenever it involves children, even if you don't have children, gets you and the fact that these girls are the same age as my daughter, straight away, I'm hooked, I'm also scared, and I just want to hug my child and never let her out of my sight.
I love Zoe as a character. I love her tenacious behaviour. I love the bond that she's creating with Dr Aiden Wesley when we had the behind-the-scenes, sort of discussions that they have, and just seeing their friendship and their relationship grow throughout the book.
Steve was another favourite, but I can't talk about that. He is a great character. Just everything about this book, and being the first series, it just makes you want to carry on with the rest of the series.
I feel like we've got a lot more to unpack with Zoe. There's a lot more we need to know and that we don't know. Who the hell is the Viper, the case itself? I mean, the less you know about the book itself, the better. I mean, one scene I was in the car on the way home, because I bought the audiobook, and I was white knuckling it on my steering wheel. A scene with Zoe and Steve, when they were surrounded by a mob of people. Oh, my God, I was tense. It was just such an emotive and scary scene, you just didn't know what was going to happen next, and that got me.
I'm looking forward to the next one, if I haven't made that clear already. Zoe's a good character, Aiden's a good character, and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more from the pair at them. Brilliant.
August 4, 2025
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Hanging Dolls' by Zoe Stone
This is the sixth book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in Ruhi's brand new 'Zoe Stone' series. I have also read the first five books in Ruhi's epic 'Detective Mackenzie Price' series and would highly recommend that series too!! Which reminds me I need to type this up and go read the sixth book!!!
Yet another absolutely stunning page turner from the extremely talented Ruhi!! Well done Kim on an absolutely gripping and addictive read!! Absolutely loved meeting Zoe Storm and was landed when I realised it was just the first book in a new series from you. This book is extremely well written with beautiful descriptions that completely drew me in. The synopsis and the cover match the storyline perfectly!!
I am going to start my review a bit different to how I normally start them. Do you know when you found THAT AUTHOR, you know THAT ONE, and THAT AUTHOR has written THAT series that you absolutely LOVE with everything you have, from the characters, to the storylines. And you know when THAT author then ENDS, yep ENDS, that series and starts a NEW series. Your heart freezes, you worry, I mean what are you going to do without your favourite characters? Well, ladies and gentleman! Ruhi Choudhary did EXACTLY that. I was addicted to her absolutely fantastic 'Detective Mackenzie Price' series, if you haven't read those then WHY haven't you read them?! Anyway she then decides to take Mackenzie away from me. and I discover she has started a NEW series called 'Zoe Stone', of which this is the first book. Well, I tell myself that's great!! I cannot wait to get into it! However, how the heck am I going to love it as much as the Mackenzie series? Well, there is no chance is there? How can she even match it? Well, Ruhi what sort of magic have you got going brewing? How did you do it?? How on Earth have you created a second series JUST as amazing as your Mackenzie Price with characters that I have already become attached to? You, lady, have some incredible talent and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in this series!! Speaking of which, I am pleased to say that it is already available to preorder on Amazon thankfully. It is called 'Run For Her Life' and it it is going to be published on the 29th October which gives you some time to read this and also get addicted to her Mackenzie series. Congratulations Ruhi on yet ANOTHER absolute addictive masterpiece!!! If you are looking for an addictive new series to sink your teeth into with a storyline filled with crime, tension, suspense, murder, red herrings, twists, turns and so, SO much more then stop wasting your time reading what I have written when you can be reading so much better in this series and book!! Once you have finished this absolute gorgeous book, fallen in love with Ruhi and this series you are in luck as if you LOVED this book then head over to her 'Detective Mackenzie Price' series where you will meet another group of amazing characters and more stunning settings while you are waiting for 'Run For Her Life' to be released. The characters were strong and realistic and I was completely invested in them from beginning to end. Ruhi's emotive descriptions and Stephanie's fantastic narration really do work perfectly together to ensure the characters come to life in front of you and it feels like you are right next to them throughout the book feeling and seeing everything that they are. It is also one of those fantastic books where you question yourself about the characters constantly not knowing whether you believe them or not and still I was shocked by the ending!
This book an absolutely gorgeous, addictive and explosive introduction to what absolutely promises to be another amazing, addictive and EPIC new series! However, I cannot say I am surprised as I have absolutely loved each book I have read by this amazing author. I do not even bother reading the synopsis of Ruhi's books before I start reading as I know I will love it whatever the back says!! I absolutely fell in love with the characters, the storyline and just absolutely everything about this book when I started reading it. Words are not even enough to express how much I love Ruhi's books and how devastated I am to come to the end of each one and have to say Goodbye to these amazing characters. This amazing book has shot to my favourite book of the year and when you read it I am sure you will feel the same. I could go on forever about this amazing book but you just HAVE to read this EPIC page turner yourself!!! The fact that Ruhi truly does care for these amazing characters leaps out of the pages in their incredible character development and her evocative descriptions!! You truly cannot ask for a better book filled with exceptional characters!! The location , characters, descriptions are all just absolutely brilliant with Ruhi's evocative writing skills and Stephanie's amazing narrative bringing absolutely everything and everyone to life right in front of the readers eyes!! This book is fantastically written and had me hooked from the first page until the last! There was so much going on in this book that it doesn't give you a minute to get bored, or able you to put the book down!!! I gave up counting how many times I told myself one more chapter just to HAVE to know what happened next as this happened over and over until I ended up devouring the whole book in one sitting!!!
WARNING ⚠ DO NOT START THIS UNTIL YOU HAVE CLEARED YOUR SCHEDULES AS THIS BOOK IS ADDICTIVE!!!!
Congratulations Ruhi on yet another huge success!!! I cannot wait to get stuck into more of your books and this is exactly why you are on my favourite author list !! Here is to your next guaranteed success 🥂!!
Overall YET AGAIN, another absolutely addictive, heart racing and unputdownable crime thriller by Ruhi and an absolutely explosive start to this new and addictive series that will keep you up all night.
#TheHangingDolls #ZoeStorm #RuhiChoudhary #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous
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Review for 'The Hanging Dolls' by Zoe Stone
This is the sixth book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in Ruhi's brand new 'Zoe Stone' series. I have also read the first five books in Ruhi's epic 'Detective Mackenzie Price' series and would highly recommend that series too!! Which reminds me I need to type this up and go read the sixth book!!!
Yet another absolutely stunning page turner from the extremely talented Ruhi!! Well done Kim on an absolutely gripping and addictive read!! Absolutely loved meeting Zoe Storm and was landed when I realised it was just the first book in a new series from you. This book is extremely well written with beautiful descriptions that completely drew me in. The synopsis and the cover match the storyline perfectly!!
I am going to start my review a bit different to how I normally start them. Do you know when you found THAT AUTHOR, you know THAT ONE, and THAT AUTHOR has written THAT series that you absolutely LOVE with everything you have, from the characters, to the storylines. And you know when THAT author then ENDS, yep ENDS, that series and starts a NEW series. Your heart freezes, you worry, I mean what are you going to do without your favourite characters? Well, ladies and gentleman! Ruhi Choudhary did EXACTLY that. I was addicted to her absolutely fantastic 'Detective Mackenzie Price' series, if you haven't read those then WHY haven't you read them?! Anyway she then decides to take Mackenzie away from me. and I discover she has started a NEW series called 'Zoe Stone', of which this is the first book. Well, I tell myself that's great!! I cannot wait to get into it! However, how the heck am I going to love it as much as the Mackenzie series? Well, there is no chance is there? How can she even match it? Well, Ruhi what sort of magic have you got going brewing? How did you do it?? How on Earth have you created a second series JUST as amazing as your Mackenzie Price with characters that I have already become attached to? You, lady, have some incredible talent and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in this series!! Speaking of which, I am pleased to say that it is already available to preorder on Amazon thankfully. It is called 'Run For Her Life' and it it is going to be published on the 29th October which gives you some time to read this and also get addicted to her Mackenzie series. Congratulations Ruhi on yet ANOTHER absolute addictive masterpiece!!! If you are looking for an addictive new series to sink your teeth into with a storyline filled with crime, tension, suspense, murder, red herrings, twists, turns and so, SO much more then stop wasting your time reading what I have written when you can be reading so much better in this series and book!! Once you have finished this absolute gorgeous book, fallen in love with Ruhi and this series you are in luck as if you LOVED this book then head over to her 'Detective Mackenzie Price' series where you will meet another group of amazing characters and more stunning settings while you are waiting for 'Run For Her Life' to be released. The characters were strong and realistic and I was completely invested in them from beginning to end. Ruhi's emotive descriptions and Stephanie's fantastic narration really do work perfectly together to ensure the characters come to life in front of you and it feels like you are right next to them throughout the book feeling and seeing everything that they are. It is also one of those fantastic books where you question yourself about the characters constantly not knowing whether you believe them or not and still I was shocked by the ending!
This book an absolutely gorgeous, addictive and explosive introduction to what absolutely promises to be another amazing, addictive and EPIC new series! However, I cannot say I am surprised as I have absolutely loved each book I have read by this amazing author. I do not even bother reading the synopsis of Ruhi's books before I start reading as I know I will love it whatever the back says!! I absolutely fell in love with the characters, the storyline and just absolutely everything about this book when I started reading it. Words are not even enough to express how much I love Ruhi's books and how devastated I am to come to the end of each one and have to say Goodbye to these amazing characters. This amazing book has shot to my favourite book of the year and when you read it I am sure you will feel the same. I could go on forever about this amazing book but you just HAVE to read this EPIC page turner yourself!!! The fact that Ruhi truly does care for these amazing characters leaps out of the pages in their incredible character development and her evocative descriptions!! You truly cannot ask for a better book filled with exceptional characters!! The location , characters, descriptions are all just absolutely brilliant with Ruhi's evocative writing skills and Stephanie's amazing narrative bringing absolutely everything and everyone to life right in front of the readers eyes!! This book is fantastically written and had me hooked from the first page until the last! There was so much going on in this book that it doesn't give you a minute to get bored, or able you to put the book down!!! I gave up counting how many times I told myself one more chapter just to HAVE to know what happened next as this happened over and over until I ended up devouring the whole book in one sitting!!!
WARNING ⚠ DO NOT START THIS UNTIL YOU HAVE CLEARED YOUR SCHEDULES AS THIS BOOK IS ADDICTIVE!!!!
Congratulations Ruhi on yet another huge success!!! I cannot wait to get stuck into more of your books and this is exactly why you are on my favourite author list !! Here is to your next guaranteed success 🥂!!
Overall YET AGAIN, another absolutely addictive, heart racing and unputdownable crime thriller by Ruhi and an absolutely explosive start to this new and addictive series that will keep you up all night.
#TheHangingDolls #ZoeStorm #RuhiChoudhary #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous
@RuhiChoudhary @Bookouture @BookoutureAnonymous
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https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/profile/a...
August 4, 2025
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Hanging Dolls' by Zoe Stone
This is the sixth book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in Ruhi's brand new 'Zoe Stone' series. I have also read the first five books in Ruhi's epic 'Detective Mackenzie Price' series and would highly recommend that series too!! Which reminds me I need to type this up and go read the sixth book!!!
Yet another absolutely stunning page turner from the extremely talented Ruhi!! Well done Kim on an absolutely gripping and addictive read!! Absolutely loved meeting Zoe Storm and was landed when I realised it was just the first book in a new series from you. This book is extremely well written with beautiful descriptions that completely drew me in. The synopsis and the cover match the storyline perfectly!!
I am going to start my review a bit different to how I normally start them. Do you know when you found THAT AUTHOR, you know THAT ONE, and THAT AUTHOR has written THAT series that you absolutely LOVE with everything you have, from the characters, to the storylines. And you know when THAT author then ENDS, yep ENDS, that series and starts a NEW series. Your heart freezes, you worry, I mean what are you going to do without your favourite characters? Well, ladies and gentleman! Ruhi Choudhary did EXACTLY that. I was addicted to her absolutely fantastic 'Detective Mackenzie Price' series, if you haven't read those then WHY haven't you read them?! Anyway she then decides to take Mackenzie away from me. and I discover she has started a NEW series called 'Zoe Stone', of which this is the first book. Well, I tell myself that's great!! I cannot wait to get into it! However, how the heck am I going to love it as much as the Mackenzie series? Well, there is no chance is there? How can she even match it? Well, Ruhi what sort of magic have you got going brewing? How did you do it?? How on Earth have you created a second series JUST as amazing as your Mackenzie Price with characters that I have already become attached to? You, lady, have some incredible talent and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in this series!! Speaking of which, I am pleased to say that it is already available to preorder on Amazon thankfully. It is called 'Run For Her Life' and it it is going to be published on the 29th October which gives you some time to read this and also get addicted to her Mackenzie series. Congratulations Ruhi on yet ANOTHER absolute addictive masterpiece!!! If you are looking for an addictive new series to sink your teeth into with a storyline filled with crime, tension, suspense, murder, red herrings, twists, turns and so, SO much more then stop wasting your time reading what I have written when you can be reading so much better in this series and book!! Once you have finished this absolute gorgeous book, fallen in love with Ruhi and this series you are in luck as if you LOVED this book then head over to her 'Detective Mackenzie Price' series where you will meet another group of amazing characters and more stunning settings while you are waiting for 'Run For Her Life' to be released. The characters were strong and realistic and I was completely invested in them from beginning to end. Ruhi's emotive descriptions and Stephanie's fantastic narration really do work perfectly together to ensure the characters come to life in front of you and it feels like you are right next to them throughout the book feeling and seeing everything that they are. It is also one of those fantastic books where you question yourself about the characters constantly not knowing whether you believe them or not and still I was shocked by the ending!
This book an absolutely gorgeous, addictive and explosive introduction to what absolutely promises to be another amazing, addictive and EPIC new series! However, I cannot say I am surprised as I have absolutely loved each book I have read by this amazing author. I do not even bother reading the synopsis of Ruhi's books before I start reading as I know I will love it whatever the back says!! I absolutely fell in love with the characters, the storyline and just absolutely everything about this book when I started reading it. Words are not even enough to express how much I love Ruhi's books and how devastated I am to come to the end of each one and have to say Goodbye to these amazing characters. This amazing book has shot to my favourite book of the year and when you read it I am sure you will feel the same. I could go on forever about this amazing book but you just HAVE to read this EPIC page turner yourself!!! The fact that Ruhi truly does care for these amazing characters leaps out of the pages in their incredible character development and her evocative descriptions!! You truly cannot ask for a better book filled with exceptional characters!! The location , characters, descriptions are all just absolutely brilliant with Ruhi's evocative writing skills and Stephanie's amazing narrative bringing absolutely everything and everyone to life right in front of the readers eyes!! This book is fantastically written and had me hooked from the first page until the last! There was so much going on in this book that it doesn't give you a minute to get bored, or able you to put the book down!!! I gave up counting how many times I told myself one more chapter just to HAVE to know what happened next as this happened over and over until I ended up devouring the whole book in one sitting!!!
WARNING ⚠ DO NOT START THIS UNTIL YOU HAVE CLEARED YOUR SCHEDULES AS THIS BOOK IS ADDICTIVE!!!!
Congratulations Ruhi on yet another huge success!!! I cannot wait to get stuck into more of your books and this is exactly why you are on my favourite author list !! Here is to your next guaranteed success 🥂!!
Overall YET AGAIN, another absolutely addictive, heart racing and unputdownable crime thriller by Ruhi and an absolutely explosive start to this new and addictive series that will keep you up all night.
#TheHangingDolls #ZoeStorm #RuhiChoudhary #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous
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Review for 'The Hanging Dolls' by Zoe Stone
This is the sixth book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in Ruhi's brand new 'Zoe Stone' series. I have also read the first five books in Ruhi's epic 'Detective Mackenzie Price' series and would highly recommend that series too!! Which reminds me I need to type this up and go read the sixth book!!!
Yet another absolutely stunning page turner from the extremely talented Ruhi!! Well done Kim on an absolutely gripping and addictive read!! Absolutely loved meeting Zoe Storm and was landed when I realised it was just the first book in a new series from you. This book is extremely well written with beautiful descriptions that completely drew me in. The synopsis and the cover match the storyline perfectly!!
I am going to start my review a bit different to how I normally start them. Do you know when you found THAT AUTHOR, you know THAT ONE, and THAT AUTHOR has written THAT series that you absolutely LOVE with everything you have, from the characters, to the storylines. And you know when THAT author then ENDS, yep ENDS, that series and starts a NEW series. Your heart freezes, you worry, I mean what are you going to do without your favourite characters? Well, ladies and gentleman! Ruhi Choudhary did EXACTLY that. I was addicted to her absolutely fantastic 'Detective Mackenzie Price' series, if you haven't read those then WHY haven't you read them?! Anyway she then decides to take Mackenzie away from me. and I discover she has started a NEW series called 'Zoe Stone', of which this is the first book. Well, I tell myself that's great!! I cannot wait to get into it! However, how the heck am I going to love it as much as the Mackenzie series? Well, there is no chance is there? How can she even match it? Well, Ruhi what sort of magic have you got going brewing? How did you do it?? How on Earth have you created a second series JUST as amazing as your Mackenzie Price with characters that I have already become attached to? You, lady, have some incredible talent and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in this series!! Speaking of which, I am pleased to say that it is already available to preorder on Amazon thankfully. It is called 'Run For Her Life' and it it is going to be published on the 29th October which gives you some time to read this and also get addicted to her Mackenzie series. Congratulations Ruhi on yet ANOTHER absolute addictive masterpiece!!! If you are looking for an addictive new series to sink your teeth into with a storyline filled with crime, tension, suspense, murder, red herrings, twists, turns and so, SO much more then stop wasting your time reading what I have written when you can be reading so much better in this series and book!! Once you have finished this absolute gorgeous book, fallen in love with Ruhi and this series you are in luck as if you LOVED this book then head over to her 'Detective Mackenzie Price' series where you will meet another group of amazing characters and more stunning settings while you are waiting for 'Run For Her Life' to be released. The characters were strong and realistic and I was completely invested in them from beginning to end. Ruhi's emotive descriptions and Stephanie's fantastic narration really do work perfectly together to ensure the characters come to life in front of you and it feels like you are right next to them throughout the book feeling and seeing everything that they are. It is also one of those fantastic books where you question yourself about the characters constantly not knowing whether you believe them or not and still I was shocked by the ending!
This book an absolutely gorgeous, addictive and explosive introduction to what absolutely promises to be another amazing, addictive and EPIC new series! However, I cannot say I am surprised as I have absolutely loved each book I have read by this amazing author. I do not even bother reading the synopsis of Ruhi's books before I start reading as I know I will love it whatever the back says!! I absolutely fell in love with the characters, the storyline and just absolutely everything about this book when I started reading it. Words are not even enough to express how much I love Ruhi's books and how devastated I am to come to the end of each one and have to say Goodbye to these amazing characters. This amazing book has shot to my favourite book of the year and when you read it I am sure you will feel the same. I could go on forever about this amazing book but you just HAVE to read this EPIC page turner yourself!!! The fact that Ruhi truly does care for these amazing characters leaps out of the pages in their incredible character development and her evocative descriptions!! You truly cannot ask for a better book filled with exceptional characters!! The location , characters, descriptions are all just absolutely brilliant with Ruhi's evocative writing skills and Stephanie's amazing narrative bringing absolutely everything and everyone to life right in front of the readers eyes!! This book is fantastically written and had me hooked from the first page until the last! There was so much going on in this book that it doesn't give you a minute to get bored, or able you to put the book down!!! I gave up counting how many times I told myself one more chapter just to HAVE to know what happened next as this happened over and over until I ended up devouring the whole book in one sitting!!!
WARNING ⚠ DO NOT START THIS UNTIL YOU HAVE CLEARED YOUR SCHEDULES AS THIS BOOK IS ADDICTIVE!!!!
Congratulations Ruhi on yet another huge success!!! I cannot wait to get stuck into more of your books and this is exactly why you are on my favourite author list !! Here is to your next guaranteed success 🥂!!
Overall YET AGAIN, another absolutely addictive, heart racing and unputdownable crime thriller by Ruhi and an absolutely explosive start to this new and addictive series that will keep you up all night.
#TheHangingDolls #ZoeStorm #RuhiChoudhary #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous
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August 4, 2025
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Hanging Dolls' by Zoe Stone
This is the sixth book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in Ruhi's brand new 'Zoe Stone' series. I have also read the first five books in Ruhi's epic 'Detective Mackenzie Price' series and would highly recommend that series too!! Which reminds me I need to type this up and go read the sixth book!!!
Yet another absolutely stunning page turner from the extremely talented Ruhi!! Well done Kim on an absolutely gripping and addictive read!! Absolutely loved meeting Zoe Storm and was landed when I realised it was just the first book in a new series from you. This book is extremely well written with beautiful descriptions that completely drew me in. The synopsis and the cover match the storyline perfectly!!
I am going to start my review a bit different to how I normally start them. Do you know when you found THAT AUTHOR, you know THAT ONE, and THAT AUTHOR has written THAT series that you absolutely LOVE with everything you have, from the characters, to the storylines. And you know when THAT author then ENDS, yep ENDS, that series and starts a NEW series. Your heart freezes, you worry, I mean what are you going to do without your favourite characters? Well, ladies and gentleman! Ruhi Choudhary did EXACTLY that. I was addicted to her absolutely fantastic 'Detective Mackenzie Price' series, if you haven't read those then WHY haven't you read them?! Anyway she then decides to take Mackenzie away from me. and I discover she has started a NEW series called 'Zoe Stone', of which this is the first book. Well, I tell myself that's great!! I cannot wait to get into it! However, how the heck am I going to love it as much as the Mackenzie series? Well, there is no chance is there? How can she even match it? Well, Ruhi what sort of magic have you got going brewing? How did you do it?? How on Earth have you created a second series JUST as amazing as your Mackenzie Price with characters that I have already become attached to? You, lady, have some incredible talent and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in this series!! Speaking of which, I am pleased to say that it is already available to preorder on Amazon thankfully. It is called 'Run For Her Life' and it it is going to be published on the 29th October which gives you some time to read this and also get addicted to her Mackenzie series. Congratulations Ruhi on yet ANOTHER absolute addictive masterpiece!!! If you are looking for an addictive new series to sink your teeth into with a storyline filled with crime, tension, suspense, murder, red herrings, twists, turns and so, SO much more then stop wasting your time reading what I have written when you can be reading so much better in this series and book!! Once you have finished this absolute gorgeous book, fallen in love with Ruhi and this series you are in luck as if you LOVED this book then head over to her 'Detective Mackenzie Price' series where you will meet another group of amazing characters and more stunning settings while you are waiting for 'Run For Her Life' to be released. The characters were strong and realistic and I was completely invested in them from beginning to end. Ruhi's emotive descriptions and Stephanie's fantastic narration really do work perfectly together to ensure the characters come to life in front of you and it feels like you are right next to them throughout the book feeling and seeing everything that they are. It is also one of those fantastic books where you question yourself about the characters constantly not knowing whether you believe them or not and still I was shocked by the ending!
This book an absolutely gorgeous, addictive and explosive introduction to what absolutely promises to be another amazing, addictive and EPIC new series! However, I cannot say I am surprised as I have absolutely loved each book I have read by this amazing author. I do not even bother reading the synopsis of Ruhi's books before I start reading as I know I will love it whatever the back says!! I absolutely fell in love with the characters, the storyline and just absolutely everything about this book when I started reading it. Words are not even enough to express how much I love Ruhi's books and how devastated I am to come to the end of each one and have to say Goodbye to these amazing characters. This amazing book has shot to my favourite book of the year and when you read it I am sure you will feel the same. I could go on forever about this amazing book but you just HAVE to read this EPIC page turner yourself!!! The fact that Ruhi truly does care for these amazing characters leaps out of the pages in their incredible character development and her evocative descriptions!! You truly cannot ask for a better book filled with exceptional characters!! The location , characters, descriptions are all just absolutely brilliant with Ruhi's evocative writing skills and Stephanie's amazing narrative bringing absolutely everything and everyone to life right in front of the readers eyes!! This book is fantastically written and had me hooked from the first page until the last! There was so much going on in this book that it doesn't give you a minute to get bored, or able you to put the book down!!! I gave up counting how many times I told myself one more chapter just to HAVE to know what happened next as this happened over and over until I ended up devouring the whole book in one sitting!!!
WARNING ⚠ DO NOT START THIS UNTIL YOU HAVE CLEARED YOUR SCHEDULES AS THIS BOOK IS ADDICTIVE!!!!
Congratulations Ruhi on yet another huge success!!! I cannot wait to get stuck into more of your books and this is exactly why you are on my favourite author list !! Here is to your next guaranteed success 🥂!!
Overall YET AGAIN, another absolutely addictive, heart racing and unputdownable crime thriller by Ruhi and an absolutely explosive start to this new and addictive series that will keep you up all night.
#TheHangingDolls #ZoeStorm #RuhiChoudhary #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous
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Review for 'The Hanging Dolls' by Zoe Stone
This is the sixth book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in Ruhi's brand new 'Zoe Stone' series. I have also read the first five books in Ruhi's epic 'Detective Mackenzie Price' series and would highly recommend that series too!! Which reminds me I need to type this up and go read the sixth book!!!
Yet another absolutely stunning page turner from the extremely talented Ruhi!! Well done Kim on an absolutely gripping and addictive read!! Absolutely loved meeting Zoe Storm and was landed when I realised it was just the first book in a new series from you. This book is extremely well written with beautiful descriptions that completely drew me in. The synopsis and the cover match the storyline perfectly!!
I am going to start my review a bit different to how I normally start them. Do you know when you found THAT AUTHOR, you know THAT ONE, and THAT AUTHOR has written THAT series that you absolutely LOVE with everything you have, from the characters, to the storylines. And you know when THAT author then ENDS, yep ENDS, that series and starts a NEW series. Your heart freezes, you worry, I mean what are you going to do without your favourite characters? Well, ladies and gentleman! Ruhi Choudhary did EXACTLY that. I was addicted to her absolutely fantastic 'Detective Mackenzie Price' series, if you haven't read those then WHY haven't you read them?! Anyway she then decides to take Mackenzie away from me. and I discover she has started a NEW series called 'Zoe Stone', of which this is the first book. Well, I tell myself that's great!! I cannot wait to get into it! However, how the heck am I going to love it as much as the Mackenzie series? Well, there is no chance is there? How can she even match it? Well, Ruhi what sort of magic have you got going brewing? How did you do it?? How on Earth have you created a second series JUST as amazing as your Mackenzie Price with characters that I have already become attached to? You, lady, have some incredible talent and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in this series!! Speaking of which, I am pleased to say that it is already available to preorder on Amazon thankfully. It is called 'Run For Her Life' and it it is going to be published on the 29th October which gives you some time to read this and also get addicted to her Mackenzie series. Congratulations Ruhi on yet ANOTHER absolute addictive masterpiece!!! If you are looking for an addictive new series to sink your teeth into with a storyline filled with crime, tension, suspense, murder, red herrings, twists, turns and so, SO much more then stop wasting your time reading what I have written when you can be reading so much better in this series and book!! Once you have finished this absolute gorgeous book, fallen in love with Ruhi and this series you are in luck as if you LOVED this book then head over to her 'Detective Mackenzie Price' series where you will meet another group of amazing characters and more stunning settings while you are waiting for 'Run For Her Life' to be released. The characters were strong and realistic and I was completely invested in them from beginning to end. Ruhi's emotive descriptions and Stephanie's fantastic narration really do work perfectly together to ensure the characters come to life in front of you and it feels like you are right next to them throughout the book feeling and seeing everything that they are. It is also one of those fantastic books where you question yourself about the characters constantly not knowing whether you believe them or not and still I was shocked by the ending!
This book an absolutely gorgeous, addictive and explosive introduction to what absolutely promises to be another amazing, addictive and EPIC new series! However, I cannot say I am surprised as I have absolutely loved each book I have read by this amazing author. I do not even bother reading the synopsis of Ruhi's books before I start reading as I know I will love it whatever the back says!! I absolutely fell in love with the characters, the storyline and just absolutely everything about this book when I started reading it. Words are not even enough to express how much I love Ruhi's books and how devastated I am to come to the end of each one and have to say Goodbye to these amazing characters. This amazing book has shot to my favourite book of the year and when you read it I am sure you will feel the same. I could go on forever about this amazing book but you just HAVE to read this EPIC page turner yourself!!! The fact that Ruhi truly does care for these amazing characters leaps out of the pages in their incredible character development and her evocative descriptions!! You truly cannot ask for a better book filled with exceptional characters!! The location , characters, descriptions are all just absolutely brilliant with Ruhi's evocative writing skills and Stephanie's amazing narrative bringing absolutely everything and everyone to life right in front of the readers eyes!! This book is fantastically written and had me hooked from the first page until the last! There was so much going on in this book that it doesn't give you a minute to get bored, or able you to put the book down!!! I gave up counting how many times I told myself one more chapter just to HAVE to know what happened next as this happened over and over until I ended up devouring the whole book in one sitting!!!
WARNING ⚠ DO NOT START THIS UNTIL YOU HAVE CLEARED YOUR SCHEDULES AS THIS BOOK IS ADDICTIVE!!!!
Congratulations Ruhi on yet another huge success!!! I cannot wait to get stuck into more of your books and this is exactly why you are on my favourite author list !! Here is to your next guaranteed success 🥂!!
Overall YET AGAIN, another absolutely addictive, heart racing and unputdownable crime thriller by Ruhi and an absolutely explosive start to this new and addictive series that will keep you up all night.
#TheHangingDolls #ZoeStorm #RuhiChoudhary #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous
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Read
July 18, 2025Title: The Hanging Dolls
Series: Zoe Storm Book #1
Author: Rihi Choudhary
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Stephanie Cannon
Publisher: Bookouture Audio
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: July 30, 2025
My Rating: 3.5 Stars!
Pages: 378
This story is the first book in a new FBI agent series featuring Agent Zoe Storm. Story starts when Zoe was a child and she comes home from school to find mother dead in the bath tub. This situation made her vow she would do something to protect the innocent.
Now Special Agent Storm and her partner psychologist Dr. Aiden Wesley are called to the small town of Harborwood, Washington to assist in finding missing Lily Baker a young child who disappeared from a playground – unfortunately she is later found dead in the woods nearby.
Kidnapped, children who are injured and killed is never a ‘fun’ story. Additionally I a hard time with the foul mouth unlikeable characters.
I was rooting for Zoe and Alden to solve this case.
I read a lot of thrillers so know to suspect everyone. So, I was sort of correct on who was behind the kidnapping ~~ but didn’t have details, wasn’t positive whodunit!
I was curious about Zoe’s background and the flashbacks kept me curious.
When I read my first Ruhi Choudhary novel it wasn’t the Wow I was expecting – but I was sure I would like her.
I am a big fan of thrillers so I hung in there and glad I did as I ended up likening it.
A lot happened in this story ~ I hope to read the next in the Zoe Storm series.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for granting me this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 30, 2025.
Series: Zoe Storm Book #1
Author: Rihi Choudhary
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Stephanie Cannon
Publisher: Bookouture Audio
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: July 30, 2025
My Rating: 3.5 Stars!
Pages: 378
This story is the first book in a new FBI agent series featuring Agent Zoe Storm. Story starts when Zoe was a child and she comes home from school to find mother dead in the bath tub. This situation made her vow she would do something to protect the innocent.
Now Special Agent Storm and her partner psychologist Dr. Aiden Wesley are called to the small town of Harborwood, Washington to assist in finding missing Lily Baker a young child who disappeared from a playground – unfortunately she is later found dead in the woods nearby.
Kidnapped, children who are injured and killed is never a ‘fun’ story. Additionally I a hard time with the foul mouth unlikeable characters.
I was rooting for Zoe and Alden to solve this case.
I read a lot of thrillers so know to suspect everyone. So, I was sort of correct on who was behind the kidnapping ~~ but didn’t have details, wasn’t positive whodunit!
I was curious about Zoe’s background and the flashbacks kept me curious.
When I read my first Ruhi Choudhary novel it wasn’t the Wow I was expecting – but I was sure I would like her.
I am a big fan of thrillers so I hung in there and glad I did as I ended up likening it.
A lot happened in this story ~ I hope to read the next in the Zoe Storm series.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for granting me this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 30, 2025.
July 4, 2025
I have read one book by Choudhary before and thought I would try this.
It didn't disappoint! Zoe is an FBI agent who is moved across to another state to help with a murder investigation. Intertwined with Zoes current case, there are flashbacks into her past and the mystery surrounding what happened to her mother. I liked the way this was written. It's clearly laid out, and there's no confusion between timelines and the stories.
Zoe is a really strong, well-rounded, and fleshed out character, and I felt myself warming to her instantly. I think Choudhary is fast becoming a new favourite author of mine.
The only snag I had was every chapter, or almost, started with a weather description, and it became a bit tedious for me with each chapter.
Moving on. This is a fantastic story. Thoroughly enjoyable and I will definitely be reading the rest of the series!
Thank you Netgally and Bookouture for my advanced copy
It didn't disappoint! Zoe is an FBI agent who is moved across to another state to help with a murder investigation. Intertwined with Zoes current case, there are flashbacks into her past and the mystery surrounding what happened to her mother. I liked the way this was written. It's clearly laid out, and there's no confusion between timelines and the stories.
Zoe is a really strong, well-rounded, and fleshed out character, and I felt myself warming to her instantly. I think Choudhary is fast becoming a new favourite author of mine.
The only snag I had was every chapter, or almost, started with a weather description, and it became a bit tedious for me with each chapter.
Moving on. This is a fantastic story. Thoroughly enjoyable and I will definitely be reading the rest of the series!
Thank you Netgally and Bookouture for my advanced copy
June 22, 2025
The Hanging Dolls — what a gripping title! It instantly caught my attention. The story follows FBI agent Zoe Storm and her partner, Dr. Aiden, as they’re called to a small town to investigate a child abduction. When the child is found in the woods alongside three nooses, the race against time begins.
I really enjoyed the multiple points of view throughout the story. Since this is the start of a new series, it was a great way to get to know the characters better. I also appreciated the subtle flashbacks to Zoe’s childhood and her relationship with her mother. I’m hoping future books delve deeper into Rachel’s past and explain why she was on the run.
The ending completely surprised me! I was convinced a different character was the culprit, so the real reveal was unexpected and refreshing.
This review is entirely my own. A big thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this fantastic book!
I really enjoyed the multiple points of view throughout the story. Since this is the start of a new series, it was a great way to get to know the characters better. I also appreciated the subtle flashbacks to Zoe’s childhood and her relationship with her mother. I’m hoping future books delve deeper into Rachel’s past and explain why she was on the run.
The ending completely surprised me! I was convinced a different character was the culprit, so the real reveal was unexpected and refreshing.
This review is entirely my own. A big thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this fantastic book!
July 18, 2025
I listened to the audiobook, which may have impacted my review with this one.
Scenes jumped fairly frequently- sometimes into the past, sometimes in POV, sometimes just in location/time. These changes were not obvious in the audiobook- I often felt lost and confused.
The timeline also didn't make sense. It made it seem like they were there investigating for weeks or even months. That doesn't make sense to me, but I also don't know.
There were some weird inaccuracies- like an FBI agent is never going to walk into a classroom unannounced and talk to a young student. So many things wrong with that- the school would know ahead of time, the kids would be pulled out, and PARENTS would be involved. There were a few crazy things like that.
All of that together made this one not for me.
I received an advance audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Scenes jumped fairly frequently- sometimes into the past, sometimes in POV, sometimes just in location/time. These changes were not obvious in the audiobook- I often felt lost and confused.
The timeline also didn't make sense. It made it seem like they were there investigating for weeks or even months. That doesn't make sense to me, but I also don't know.
There were some weird inaccuracies- like an FBI agent is never going to walk into a classroom unannounced and talk to a young student. So many things wrong with that- the school would know ahead of time, the kids would be pulled out, and PARENTS would be involved. There were a few crazy things like that.
All of that together made this one not for me.
I received an advance audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2025
I have never read anything by Ruhi Choudhary before but the title of this book grabbed my attention straight away; the cover, not so much but you know the old saying "don't judge a book by its cover."
This is a pretty good introduction to a new series. I find the first book is not usually the best as the scene, characters and back story is being set down and I felt this was the case with this book and it made it a little slow at times. This, along with the multiple strands of the story dealing with the abduction, Zoe's past, flashbacks and misdirection did, for me, make it hard going at times.
The story is told from multiple points of view with flashbacks from Zoe's past which were a story in themselves. The characters are really interesting and I am looking forward to getting to know Zoe some more and I’m definitely looking forward to future instalments exploring her past. The writing style was easy to read, the main story was intriguing and the ending was a bit of a shocker and I love it when that happens.
Overall, whilst it might not have been the best book I have read this year, it has certainly made me look forward to the next in the series if only to get to know what happened to Rachel.
Thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts on this the first in a new series.
This is a pretty good introduction to a new series. I find the first book is not usually the best as the scene, characters and back story is being set down and I felt this was the case with this book and it made it a little slow at times. This, along with the multiple strands of the story dealing with the abduction, Zoe's past, flashbacks and misdirection did, for me, make it hard going at times.
The story is told from multiple points of view with flashbacks from Zoe's past which were a story in themselves. The characters are really interesting and I am looking forward to getting to know Zoe some more and I’m definitely looking forward to future instalments exploring her past. The writing style was easy to read, the main story was intriguing and the ending was a bit of a shocker and I love it when that happens.
Overall, whilst it might not have been the best book I have read this year, it has certainly made me look forward to the next in the series if only to get to know what happened to Rachel.
Thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts on this the first in a new series.
August 1, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
three nooses hanging from a tree
a girls body has been placed under that tree
a message is left in one of the hanging nooses
the message sent has been received theres going to be two more victims unless they can stop the perp
zoe storm is sent by the fbi to help the local police force, she is a milk shake drinking sweet eating fbi agent with talent for solving troubling cases and she may have some insight into this case...
ohhh man this book started off so well and i was hooked from the first page... but there was so much going on.... with zoe's past family history and with to many characters to get your head around i did lose my way a little bit... and i can get behind a sweet eating milk shake drinking fbi agent with a talent for solving crimes if it was made a bit clearer what sort of talent she has... i was a bit mystified.... but her back story sounds interesting with more clues at the end...
hopefully in the next book in this series things will become a bit clearer
three nooses hanging from a tree
a girls body has been placed under that tree
a message is left in one of the hanging nooses
the message sent has been received theres going to be two more victims unless they can stop the perp
zoe storm is sent by the fbi to help the local police force, she is a milk shake drinking sweet eating fbi agent with talent for solving troubling cases and she may have some insight into this case...
ohhh man this book started off so well and i was hooked from the first page... but there was so much going on.... with zoe's past family history and with to many characters to get your head around i did lose my way a little bit... and i can get behind a sweet eating milk shake drinking fbi agent with a talent for solving crimes if it was made a bit clearer what sort of talent she has... i was a bit mystified.... but her back story sounds interesting with more clues at the end...
hopefully in the next book in this series things will become a bit clearer
November 11, 2025
Thank you Bookouture Audio for allowing me to audibly read and review The Hanging Dolls (An absolutely gripping and unputdownable serial killer thriller with a jaw-dropping twist) by Ruhi Choudhary on NetGalley.
Narrated by Stephanie Cannon.
Published: 07/30/25
Stars: 3.5
Disappointing. I found the storytelling choppy. Several times I felt as if there were too many characters and that slowed the story to the point I wanted to throw in the towel. I don't mind working and expect to while characters and storylines are developed. The serial killer aspect intrigued me, and sadly, the writing exhausted me.
The narrator did a good job.
I hope your experience is better than mine. This is book one of a series.
#NetGalleyNovember
Narrated by Stephanie Cannon.
Published: 07/30/25
Stars: 3.5
Disappointing. I found the storytelling choppy. Several times I felt as if there were too many characters and that slowed the story to the point I wanted to throw in the towel. I don't mind working and expect to while characters and storylines are developed. The serial killer aspect intrigued me, and sadly, the writing exhausted me.
The narrator did a good job.
I hope your experience is better than mine. This is book one of a series.
#NetGalleyNovember
July 29, 2025
Zoe Storm is an FBI agent called to assist local law enforcement with the murder of a young girl and subsequent missing of another young girl. Zoe has to help solve this case while it brings up memories and people from her past. Eventually a third girl is missing. Everyone is a suspect in the murder of the little girls and it is a race to try and save the third girl to be abducted.
Multiple POV and stories. There are snippets about Zoe’s early life and the death of her mother Rachel but it doesn’t provide a lot of information. I can see where in follow up books in the series where the mystery of Zoe’s mothers death and who they were running from will slowly be revealed. TW for child murder, child endangerment, and . The Hanging Dolls is well paced and written. A listener can become easily engrossed in the story. The story ended but I was still invested and wanted to keep following Zoe. The narrator was good, listened at 2.5 speed
Thanks to #NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, and the author for an advanced audio copy.
Multiple POV and stories. There are snippets about Zoe’s early life and the death of her mother Rachel but it doesn’t provide a lot of information. I can see where in follow up books in the series where the mystery of Zoe’s mothers death and who they were running from will slowly be revealed. TW for child murder, child endangerment, and . The Hanging Dolls is well paced and written. A listener can become easily engrossed in the story. The story ended but I was still invested and wanted to keep following Zoe. The narrator was good, listened at 2.5 speed
Thanks to #NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, and the author for an advanced audio copy.
July 19, 2025
I had the opportunity to listen to an advanced audio copy of The Hanging Dolls by Ruhi Choudhary, thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley. The story follows Detective Zoe Storm as she investigates the disappearance of two girls, unraveling a dark and layered mystery.
The book started off strong and pulled me in early on, but for me, the pacing slowed down as the story progressed. There were moments where I wished for more action or urgency to keep the momentum going. That said, I did enjoy some of the character development, particularly around Zoe, and appreciated the atmosphere the author created.
Overall, it was an okay read—solid in some areas but fell a little flat for me in others. I’d still be interested in seeing where the series goes next.
The book started off strong and pulled me in early on, but for me, the pacing slowed down as the story progressed. There were moments where I wished for more action or urgency to keep the momentum going. That said, I did enjoy some of the character development, particularly around Zoe, and appreciated the atmosphere the author created.
Overall, it was an okay read—solid in some areas but fell a little flat for me in others. I’d still be interested in seeing where the series goes next.
July 23, 2025
Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC audiobook.
What a great book!!
I will be honest, at first I did not like Zoe, I still don't like some of her mannerisms, but she became more tolerable as the book went on.
This book was so twisty!!
I listened in one day because I literally could not stop!
It was constant action and boy, what a twisted ending.
I look forward to future books in this new series!
The narration was spectacular!
What a great book!!
I will be honest, at first I did not like Zoe, I still don't like some of her mannerisms, but she became more tolerable as the book went on.
This book was so twisty!!
I listened in one day because I literally could not stop!
It was constant action and boy, what a twisted ending.
I look forward to future books in this new series!
The narration was spectacular!
August 1, 2025
This is my first book by Ruhi and it definitely won’t be my last. I love Zoe’s character. There’s so much depth to her. She’s more than just a Special Agent and we get only a taste of her past in this book. Zoe’s mind works in unique ways and she comes to conclusions quicker than some of her coworkers. I love that dynamic in police forces.
I listened to this one primarily on audio and I flew through it in only a day. Stephanie’s portrayal of Zoe really made me connect with her.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copies of this book.
I listened to this one primarily on audio and I flew through it in only a day. Stephanie’s portrayal of Zoe really made me connect with her.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copies of this book.
August 12, 2025
***** I received this audiobook free from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
This was a great book!! Little girls go missing and show up dead. The race is on to find them before it is too late. Gripping, intense holding you to the very end.
This was a great book!! Little girls go missing and show up dead. The race is on to find them before it is too late. Gripping, intense holding you to the very end.
July 30, 2025
This book was ok, just not something that made me want to pick it up and be excited about it. I did finish, but there was nothing “different “ about this plot. Another typical investigation story.
December 4, 2025
A very good read.
July 17, 2025
Overall a good crime thriller and a really intriguing start to a series. I did find this to be a little messy though? SO many different plot points, which I'm fine with, but I didn't feel like it flowed really well? Multiple POVs and def didn't guess the ending! I def think I'll read book 2 as book 1 ends on a bang!
Rating: 3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for an ALC of this audiobook - all opinions are my own!
Rating: 3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for an ALC of this audiobook - all opinions are my own!
August 24, 2025
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I have previously read Ruhi’s series Detective Mackenzie Price which I absolutely adored so I knew I had to read this new series about Special Agent Zoe Storm.Zoe is quite the mystery. She has a lot of childhood trauma and secrets. I feel like we really got to know so much about Zoe throughout the book but I still have so many questions. She is a good agent and will always fight for the innocent. I also really like Dr Aiden Wesley, a psychologist assigned to work with Zoe. I love seeing his thoughts and views on the case. Zoe and Aiden have a past Dr patient relationship that we see snippet flashbacks of. It was very interesting and I think Aiden will be a great long term character alongside Zoe. This case really got to me. I have a young daughter and the thought of her going missing absolutely breaks me so as these young girls were going missing I felt everything their parents felt. All the heartbreak and the worry. Ruhi did an excellent job of making the feelings come alive and off the page. I could feel the whole town's emotions.This is a gripping and addictive police procedural with an ending that will completely surprise you. Perfect for crime thrillers.
Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via netgalley and for letting me take part in this tour.
I have previously read Ruhi’s series Detective Mackenzie Price which I absolutely adored so I knew I had to read this new series about Special Agent Zoe Storm.Zoe is quite the mystery. She has a lot of childhood trauma and secrets. I feel like we really got to know so much about Zoe throughout the book but I still have so many questions. She is a good agent and will always fight for the innocent. I also really like Dr Aiden Wesley, a psychologist assigned to work with Zoe. I love seeing his thoughts and views on the case. Zoe and Aiden have a past Dr patient relationship that we see snippet flashbacks of. It was very interesting and I think Aiden will be a great long term character alongside Zoe. This case really got to me. I have a young daughter and the thought of her going missing absolutely breaks me so as these young girls were going missing I felt everything their parents felt. All the heartbreak and the worry. Ruhi did an excellent job of making the feelings come alive and off the page. I could feel the whole town's emotions.This is a gripping and addictive police procedural with an ending that will completely surprise you. Perfect for crime thrillers.
Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via netgalley and for letting me take part in this tour.
August 17, 2025
Let me start by saying, for this being the first book in a series, I can easily see this becoming a favorite! The prologue hooked me, intrigued me, and pulled me in emotionally. And that ending? WHOA! I immediately had to see when the second book would release.
I read the book and listened to the audiobook - Stephanie Cannon, the narrator, did an excellent job heightening the tension and suspense, maintaining it throughout!
This is the first book I’ve read from the author and I’m so super excited for what she writes next!
If you enjoy FBI based characters and/or police procedurals or are just looking for a good thriller in general, I highly recommend checking out this FIVE STAR read! This was just released July 30th, 2025 and is free to read for Kindle Unlimited members.
Thank you NetGalley, Ruhi Choudhary, Bookouture and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to enjoy this chilling story in exchange for a review.
I read the book and listened to the audiobook - Stephanie Cannon, the narrator, did an excellent job heightening the tension and suspense, maintaining it throughout!
This is the first book I’ve read from the author and I’m so super excited for what she writes next!
If you enjoy FBI based characters and/or police procedurals or are just looking for a good thriller in general, I highly recommend checking out this FIVE STAR read! This was just released July 30th, 2025 and is free to read for Kindle Unlimited members.
Thank you NetGalley, Ruhi Choudhary, Bookouture and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to enjoy this chilling story in exchange for a review.
May 27, 2025
The Hanging Dolls...
The title alone gave me chills, as the word “doll” is often used as a pet name for a young girl, and thrillers in which they are the victims always hit a little harder.
This already offers part of the explanation, but the full meaning behind the title remained a mystery to me. It intrigued me, and I kept reading anxiously to find out what it truly referred to.
A fun bonus is that this is the first book in a new series. It’s always interesting to get to know new characters with their quirks and backgrounds—and after a while, you even start to predict how they'll react in certain situations. They become, in a way, virtual friends with whom you spend quite a bit of time. :)
Zoe has been shaped in part by what she experienced in her youth, and she’s working to find answers that can fill in the gaps. This case immediately brings someone into her life who could possibly help her—but is this person even willing to?
Zoe is allergic to injustice and wants to do everything she can to stand up for the victims. She can, of course, do this through her job as an FBI agent, but since that’s not always possible, she’s found an outlet for it.
Some parents I just don’t understand—and clearly, they don’t understand the consequences of their actions either. Or perhaps they do, but simply don’t care?
To me, this story was heartbreaking, and I read it in complete disbelief. Guilt and money play a major role and both drive the killer to their actions.
When the full meaning of the title finally becomes clear, I found it incredibly moving.
A suspenseful, emotionally charged start to this series, with surprising twists. 5 stars.
Thank you
The title alone gave me chills, as the word “doll” is often used as a pet name for a young girl, and thrillers in which they are the victims always hit a little harder.
This already offers part of the explanation, but the full meaning behind the title remained a mystery to me. It intrigued me, and I kept reading anxiously to find out what it truly referred to.
A fun bonus is that this is the first book in a new series. It’s always interesting to get to know new characters with their quirks and backgrounds—and after a while, you even start to predict how they'll react in certain situations. They become, in a way, virtual friends with whom you spend quite a bit of time. :)
Zoe has been shaped in part by what she experienced in her youth, and she’s working to find answers that can fill in the gaps. This case immediately brings someone into her life who could possibly help her—but is this person even willing to?
Zoe is allergic to injustice and wants to do everything she can to stand up for the victims. She can, of course, do this through her job as an FBI agent, but since that’s not always possible, she’s found an outlet for it.
Some parents I just don’t understand—and clearly, they don’t understand the consequences of their actions either. Or perhaps they do, but simply don’t care?
To me, this story was heartbreaking, and I read it in complete disbelief. Guilt and money play a major role and both drive the killer to their actions.
When the full meaning of the title finally becomes clear, I found it incredibly moving.
A suspenseful, emotionally charged start to this series, with surprising twists. 5 stars.
Thank you
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