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Freeing Nicole: A twisty whodunit
A student with special needs dies while on stage during a high school performance. Was it an accident? Or was it murder?
After months of practice, the students in the special needs class finally get to perform their play, then disaster strikes. A student is stabbed to death, leaving everyone shocked and frightened.
Nicole Morgan was closer to the tragedy than anyone and watched the whole thing. It’s the second violent death she’s witnessed in less than a year. Seeing how withdrawn and distant her daughter has become, Nicole’s mother seeks guidance and support, but might be placing her trust in the wrong people. If Nicole knows who’s responsible, she’s likely to suffer the same fate as her classmate.
As detectives, Gardner and Powers investigate the accident, they quickly learn disturbing details about the school and its occupants. Secrets that threaten to tear the small town apart.
Can Nicole be saved? Or will she become the latest victim?
After months of practice, the students in the special needs class finally get to perform their play, then disaster strikes. A student is stabbed to death, leaving everyone shocked and frightened.
Nicole Morgan was closer to the tragedy than anyone and watched the whole thing. It’s the second violent death she’s witnessed in less than a year. Seeing how withdrawn and distant her daughter has become, Nicole’s mother seeks guidance and support, but might be placing her trust in the wrong people. If Nicole knows who’s responsible, she’s likely to suffer the same fate as her classmate.
As detectives, Gardner and Powers investigate the accident, they quickly learn disturbing details about the school and its occupants. Secrets that threaten to tear the small town apart.
Can Nicole be saved? Or will she become the latest victim?
- GenresThriller
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2025
136 people are currently reading
538 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
September 23, 2025
This one was deep & DJ Maughan always manages to grip me from the start! When a student dies in a school play in a “supposed accident ”, everyone is wondering about the circumstances surrounding this event. As if this wasn’t heartbreaking enough, this story dove so much deeper as Sherry & Nicole completely captured my heart. As soon as I felt I had it figured out, there were more layers to unfold!
I enjoyed the dual POVs from Sherry & Detective Hank. It was good to hear the story from their individual perspectives. This wasn’t simply a classic “whodunnit” this was also a “who done what” as a good bit of this story, we are truly unsure what (or if) a crime has even been committed! There was so much character development in this story & it was truly a well written, well paced and enjoyable read! I would recommend this one for anyone! No matter your preferred genre.
I enjoyed the dual POVs from Sherry & Detective Hank. It was good to hear the story from their individual perspectives. This wasn’t simply a classic “whodunnit” this was also a “who done what” as a good bit of this story, we are truly unsure what (or if) a crime has even been committed! There was so much character development in this story & it was truly a well written, well paced and enjoyable read! I would recommend this one for anyone! No matter your preferred genre.
September 23, 2025
This book will take you on a twisty adventure full of ups, downs and all arounds!
Such a well written story that had me on the edge of my seat more than once. And I did not see those reveals coming at all!!
Full of mystery, suspense and characters you can’t help but fall for! Nicole is such a cutie and after learning she is based on the authors real life sister, it made me love her even more. I won’t lie, I might have teared up a little at the Epilogue.
Definitely a five star for me!!
Such a well written story that had me on the edge of my seat more than once. And I did not see those reveals coming at all!!
Full of mystery, suspense and characters you can’t help but fall for! Nicole is such a cutie and after learning she is based on the authors real life sister, it made me love her even more. I won’t lie, I might have teared up a little at the Epilogue.
Definitely a five star for me!!
September 15, 2025
Let me just pick my jaw up off the floor before I continue. If you're a fan of twists, turns, and whodunnits, you need to get your hands on this baby when it is released on 10/1 (or 1/10 for my non-US friends). Maughan has done it again and struck gold with a story that feels tragic, funny, and deeply personal all at the same time.
A local high school's special education class is putting on a production of the Phantom of the Opera. All the students have roles and the stage is perfectly set. However, during a performance something goes horribly, terribly wrong. Blood pools. A body drops. A web of lies and secrets is all that is left.
Enter Detective Joyce Powers and Detective Hank Gardener (previously introduced to us in the amazing novel, Idaho Fall). If anyone can unravel the lies and find the truth, they can. It won't be easy. Everyone has dark secrets and nothing is ever as it seems. As the detectives scramble to solve the tragedy, it's very clear things will never be the same again in this small town.
This book had me in a chokehold from the first page and I was absolutely thrilled to see my favorite detectives back again. As they worked through the clues, I felt like I was part of the team and helping to uncover the truth behind it all.
Absolutely recommend this book to everyone!
A local high school's special education class is putting on a production of the Phantom of the Opera. All the students have roles and the stage is perfectly set. However, during a performance something goes horribly, terribly wrong. Blood pools. A body drops. A web of lies and secrets is all that is left.
Enter Detective Joyce Powers and Detective Hank Gardener (previously introduced to us in the amazing novel, Idaho Fall). If anyone can unravel the lies and find the truth, they can. It won't be easy. Everyone has dark secrets and nothing is ever as it seems. As the detectives scramble to solve the tragedy, it's very clear things will never be the same again in this small town.
This book had me in a chokehold from the first page and I was absolutely thrilled to see my favorite detectives back again. As they worked through the clues, I felt like I was part of the team and helping to uncover the truth behind it all.
Absolutely recommend this book to everyone!
September 14, 2025
When a special needs HS class is performing a play, one of the actors is fatally stabbed when a prop sword is swapped for a real one. The students, parents, and teachers are in shock. Detectives Hank and Joyce are investigating, and when Nicole (who was on stage at the time) goes missing, they fear she may have known more than she let on…
This is the second book about Detectives Hank and Joyce, after “Idaho Fall”, and the third book I have read and enjoyed from author D.J. Maughan. This is another fast paced story, from the opening chapters involving the murder, all the way to the final pages. This is a unique story, and told in alternating POVs between Hank and Sherry (Nicole’s mother), I enjoyed them both. Even though I did guess the villain, I still enjoyed this quick read. The author’s note at the end telling the story of his older sister Nicole, whom he based this character on, was very heartwarming and sweet. Fans of Freida McFadden and Kiersten Modglin should give D.J. Maughan a try. You won’t be disappointed!
4.25⭐️
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions are my own. "Freeing Nicole" releases on October 1, 2025.
This is the second book about Detectives Hank and Joyce, after “Idaho Fall”, and the third book I have read and enjoyed from author D.J. Maughan. This is another fast paced story, from the opening chapters involving the murder, all the way to the final pages. This is a unique story, and told in alternating POVs between Hank and Sherry (Nicole’s mother), I enjoyed them both. Even though I did guess the villain, I still enjoyed this quick read. The author’s note at the end telling the story of his older sister Nicole, whom he based this character on, was very heartwarming and sweet. Fans of Freida McFadden and Kiersten Modglin should give D.J. Maughan a try. You won’t be disappointed!
4.25⭐️
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions are my own. "Freeing Nicole" releases on October 1, 2025.
September 26, 2025
WOW WOW WOW. Where do I begin to review this book?
I am lucky enough to be a part of the ARC for this book and couldn't wait to dig out and explore the world of Joyce and Hank in more detail after getting a taste of their amazing partnership in 'Idaho Falls'.
I have read a lot of twisty whodunnit type stories and like to think I have a knack for figuring them out but D.J. always manages to surprise me with more twists and turns that you can anticipate and 'Freeing Nicole' is no exception.
As a parent of a child with additional needs myself, the care and love shown by the author is heartwarming and you can just tell throughout there is a personal connection here (no spoiler but make sure you read the authors notes at the end).
Joyce and Hank are an incredible literary partnership and their relationship develops much further in this story and you get to start to understand them and why they are the way the way, really drawing me in as a reader and left me wanting more and more (and a strange craving for a coke and some rock tunes...)
If you like stories that are easy to read but engaging, that make you think instead of doing the thinking for you, that you want to read 'just one more chapter' before trying to switch off and go to sleep then this is the book (and in fact the author) for you.
D.J. another fantastic job... now let's get book number 3 of Joyce and Hank out soon please...
I am lucky enough to be a part of the ARC for this book and couldn't wait to dig out and explore the world of Joyce and Hank in more detail after getting a taste of their amazing partnership in 'Idaho Falls'.
I have read a lot of twisty whodunnit type stories and like to think I have a knack for figuring them out but D.J. always manages to surprise me with more twists and turns that you can anticipate and 'Freeing Nicole' is no exception.
As a parent of a child with additional needs myself, the care and love shown by the author is heartwarming and you can just tell throughout there is a personal connection here (no spoiler but make sure you read the authors notes at the end).
Joyce and Hank are an incredible literary partnership and their relationship develops much further in this story and you get to start to understand them and why they are the way the way, really drawing me in as a reader and left me wanting more and more (and a strange craving for a coke and some rock tunes...)
If you like stories that are easy to read but engaging, that make you think instead of doing the thinking for you, that you want to read 'just one more chapter' before trying to switch off and go to sleep then this is the book (and in fact the author) for you.
D.J. another fantastic job... now let's get book number 3 of Joyce and Hank out soon please...
September 29, 2025
“Freeing Nicole” by D.J. Maughan is an emotional, twisty whodunit that hooked me from the start and never let go. The slow reveal of Nicole’s secret amped up the suspense, and once it hit, I couldn’t stop reading. The dual perspectives of Sherry and Hank worked well, though I found myself more deeply attached to Sherry (and even Joyce) than to Hank. Sherry’s storyline was emotional and relatable—I cried more than once. Knowing the author shared part of their own story only deepened the impact—you can feel the love and care woven into the narrative.
“Freeing Nicole” is exactly what it claims to be: a twisty whodunit, layered with emotional depth, lovable characters, and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the end.
“Freeing Nicole” is exactly what it claims to be: a twisty whodunit, layered with emotional depth, lovable characters, and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the end.
September 16, 2025
Freeing Nicole by D.J. Maughan
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow!!!! Another outstanding novel from this author. This story has twists, mystery, emotions and intensity!
I was hooked from the first page through the last page. My heart was pounding the entire read!
A special needs class in high school is putting on a play of The Phantom of the Opera. During this play a tragic accident occurs. A question comes up, which everyone is taking sides, if it was an accident or an intensional malicious act.
Detectives Joyce and Hank, who have an entertaining partnership, are on the case and won’t stop until they have solid answers. Nicole, a student who was also in the play, has a secret, but she hasn’t shared what it is. Does she have information or is her secret inconsequential?
I was lucky to get an arc of this book and I’m thrilled to keep reading more from D.J. Maughan. He’s easily one of my top favorite authors and a must read for me! I stayed up way too late, unable to put this book down! The story is very well written and flows so easily. I loved the different POV in the story. It made the read extra exciting to me.
**This book comes out October 1st and you won’t want to miss this! Also, make sure to read the author note at the end. Tears will be shed! **
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow!!!! Another outstanding novel from this author. This story has twists, mystery, emotions and intensity!
I was hooked from the first page through the last page. My heart was pounding the entire read!
A special needs class in high school is putting on a play of The Phantom of the Opera. During this play a tragic accident occurs. A question comes up, which everyone is taking sides, if it was an accident or an intensional malicious act.
Detectives Joyce and Hank, who have an entertaining partnership, are on the case and won’t stop until they have solid answers. Nicole, a student who was also in the play, has a secret, but she hasn’t shared what it is. Does she have information or is her secret inconsequential?
I was lucky to get an arc of this book and I’m thrilled to keep reading more from D.J. Maughan. He’s easily one of my top favorite authors and a must read for me! I stayed up way too late, unable to put this book down! The story is very well written and flows so easily. I loved the different POV in the story. It made the read extra exciting to me.
**This book comes out October 1st and you won’t want to miss this! Also, make sure to read the author note at the end. Tears will be shed! **
September 17, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
For my Idaho Fall fans, get ready because the detectives are back!
This time, they investigate the murder of a special need kid in high school. The special need classmates were performing the Phantom of the Opera when an accident happened and one of the kid, Shawn, killed Roy.
Nicole being so close to them in the play witnessed everything. The sad part was that it was the second death she saw in six months. Her mom, Sherry, tries to be there for her as much as she can but Nicole is closed off to her mom.
Joyce soon realized the Shawn did not realized what had happened.. but yet, he was still behind bars.
Determined to find what really happened and who was behind it, Joyce and Hank investigate all the little clues they come across.
Everyone could be the killer. And they’re all so secretive.
This fast pace, twisty, suspenseful but emotional was exceptional. Side note that Nicole in the book is based off D.J.’s real sister Nicole. There’s a short afterwords about the real at the end of the book.
100% recommend!
Freeing Nicole will be available on October first.
Thank you D.J. for the ARC!
For my Idaho Fall fans, get ready because the detectives are back!
This time, they investigate the murder of a special need kid in high school. The special need classmates were performing the Phantom of the Opera when an accident happened and one of the kid, Shawn, killed Roy.
Nicole being so close to them in the play witnessed everything. The sad part was that it was the second death she saw in six months. Her mom, Sherry, tries to be there for her as much as she can but Nicole is closed off to her mom.
Joyce soon realized the Shawn did not realized what had happened.. but yet, he was still behind bars.
Determined to find what really happened and who was behind it, Joyce and Hank investigate all the little clues they come across.
Everyone could be the killer. And they’re all so secretive.
This fast pace, twisty, suspenseful but emotional was exceptional. Side note that Nicole in the book is based off D.J.’s real sister Nicole. There’s a short afterwords about the real at the end of the book.
100% recommend!
Freeing Nicole will be available on October first.
Thank you D.J. for the ARC!
September 14, 2025
I just wrapped up my ARC of Freeing Nicole by D.J. Maughan, and it was such a great read! Hank and Joyce are back at it again, teaming up to solve another gripping mystery in the small town of Idaho Falls. I really enjoyed how the author included more POVs beyond just the detectives—it gave such a fresh perspective and let me see the story unfold from different angles. It kept me hooked from start to finish!
September 23, 2025
Freeing Nicole by D.J. Maughan was SO AMAZING!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - honestly 6 stars for me!
I got the opportunity to receive an ARC of Freeing Nicole and read it so fast, I COULD NOT put it down!!! I really loved the different characters and how they developed throughout the story. Freeing Nicole is set back in Idaho Falls with Detectives Joyce Powers and Hank Gardner investigating a murder. Unfortunately, Nicole Morgan, a special needs student, witnessed this murder happen right in front of her. Even more unfortunate, this isn’t the first time this has happened to her. When someone gets nervous that Nicole will start revealing some secret things she’s seen, she goes missing. FREEING NICOLE is on Hank and Joyce’s agenda and they need to act very quickly. Read Freeing Nicole to find out if it’s too late!
You can preorder on Amazon and it will be released on September 29th! It will be available on Kindle Unlimited upon release date.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - honestly 6 stars for me!
I got the opportunity to receive an ARC of Freeing Nicole and read it so fast, I COULD NOT put it down!!! I really loved the different characters and how they developed throughout the story. Freeing Nicole is set back in Idaho Falls with Detectives Joyce Powers and Hank Gardner investigating a murder. Unfortunately, Nicole Morgan, a special needs student, witnessed this murder happen right in front of her. Even more unfortunate, this isn’t the first time this has happened to her. When someone gets nervous that Nicole will start revealing some secret things she’s seen, she goes missing. FREEING NICOLE is on Hank and Joyce’s agenda and they need to act very quickly. Read Freeing Nicole to find out if it’s too late!
You can preorder on Amazon and it will be released on September 29th! It will be available on Kindle Unlimited upon release date.
September 25, 2025
This was an amazing 5 star rating for me!
DJ Maugham did an amazing job writing another “can’t put it down thrillers.”
The detectives are on the case looking for the real culprit in an onstage murder that isn’t as simple as it appears. The twists and turns in this one left me shocked. I did not see that coming! Such a pull on your heartstrings story. It has it all.
DJ Maugham did an amazing job writing another “can’t put it down thrillers.”
The detectives are on the case looking for the real culprit in an onstage murder that isn’t as simple as it appears. The twists and turns in this one left me shocked. I did not see that coming! Such a pull on your heartstrings story. It has it all.
September 7, 2025
I was honored to be an ARC reader for this book. I was so excited to read it and it did not disappoint. This was such a great read. It hooks you in from the first page and keeps you hooked until the end. During a play put on by the special needs class, tragedy occurs. Was it intentional or an accident? Nicole has secrets and there are some that will do anything to find out what they are. The fantastic Hank and Joyce are back in this book. They make such a great team and I enjoy them so much! I love how all the characters are so believable that they become real. All the twists in this book make it impossible to put down and the ending blew me away. I loved Nicole and the real life connection she has to the book. Thank you D. J. Maughan for sharing her with us!
This book is definitely a book not to miss. The release date is October 1st! Believe me, you WANT to read this book! More than 5��️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is definitely a book not to miss. The release date is October 1st! Believe me, you WANT to read this book! More than 5��️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 9, 2025
This book was hard to put down! If you've read Idaho Fall, Hank and Joyce are back again in this twisty whodunit! I loved their relationship in Idaho Fall and they did not disappoint in Freeing Nicole. The rest of the characters are well written as well and I especially liked that Nicole was based on the author's sister in real life. The plot was unique, fast paced and left me wanting to read "just one more chapter" every night. There were a few times that I thought I figured it out, but I was wrong. Even when I thought I had it figured out the book kept me guessing. Highly recommend! If you didn't read Idaho Fall, I recommend that as well, but it is not necessary to read before this one.
I was offered this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was offered this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2025
D.J. Maughan did it again. Another great book. Definitely a must read along with his other books. I absolutely love Joyce and Hank. Just how many cokes do they owe each other? The character Nicole was based on the authors sister. He wrote a chapter at the end talking about his sister. (It’s totally going to make you cry)or at least it made me cry. What a heartwarming tribute to his sister. This book is going to make you want to read it to the end without stopping. As soon as you think you know whodunit , think again.
September 21, 2025
WOW! Just wow! I wish I could’ve read this faster but I’m sad that it’s over at the same time. My heart was pounding, my jaw dropped several times, and I felt like I couldn’t breathe through the last half. The twist blew my mind!
I love the POV from Detective Gardner. The banter between him and Detective Powers cracks me up, and it was great to have the laughs through a book that kept me on the edge of my seat and caused SO many emotions.
I fell in love with Nicole. Her kindness and innocence warmed and melted my heart. ❤️
DJ - I am so SO sorry for your loss. Losing one of my siblings would destroy me. I cried reading the acknowledgment and I feel like she would be proud of you!
I love the POV from Detective Gardner. The banter between him and Detective Powers cracks me up, and it was great to have the laughs through a book that kept me on the edge of my seat and caused SO many emotions.
I fell in love with Nicole. Her kindness and innocence warmed and melted my heart. ❤️
DJ - I am so SO sorry for your loss. Losing one of my siblings would destroy me. I cried reading the acknowledgment and I feel like she would be proud of you!
September 6, 2025
From the very first page, this mystery hooked me. The pacing was flawless—never too slow, never too hurried—with each chapter dropping just the right amount of intrigue to keep me guessing. The nuanced clues throughout had me second‑guessing every assumption, and the irony of presumption made the unraveling even more satisfying.
The writing is clear and engaging, and each chapter added a fresh layer of momentum. The characters felt alive on the page, complex and relatable, and I loved how their interactions added both depth and levity. The banter between Hank and Joyce—especially their playful song challenges—was an absolute delight, balancing suspense with warmth.
This was the perfect blend of mystery, emotion, and character‑driven storytelling. It had heart, wit, and twists that kept me turning pages late into the night. If you’re searching for a story that makes you think while pulling you in with addictive flow, *Freeing Nicole* delivers in spades.
The writing is clear and engaging, and each chapter added a fresh layer of momentum. The characters felt alive on the page, complex and relatable, and I loved how their interactions added both depth and levity. The banter between Hank and Joyce—especially their playful song challenges—was an absolute delight, balancing suspense with warmth.
This was the perfect blend of mystery, emotion, and character‑driven storytelling. It had heart, wit, and twists that kept me turning pages late into the night. If you’re searching for a story that makes you think while pulling you in with addictive flow, *Freeing Nicole* delivers in spades.
September 17, 2025
I am lucky enough to be on the ARC team for this author, and his books just keep getting better. I absolutely loved this book. It was twisty and entertaining, it had emotion, and the real life blip about Nicole at the end was such a nice touch. If you have read Idaho Fall and know Hank and Joyce, it will enhance this book so much, but its also great all on its own. Its a small town murder mystery with a twist and I highly reccomend it.
September 18, 2025
I enjoyed this book. It was refreshing to read a book that includes differently-abled persons who are fleshed out as characters instead of just token players in a story. The special needs students in the story were treated with dignity and respect and were portrayed as being deeply loved and valued by their families. The reveal of the villains and the motive was surprising to me, as I had guessed differently. I thought I had solved the crime by following the clues, and was delighted to find out that I was wrong. The author had successfully managed to mislead me, while still leaving valid clues to the actual solution.
September 18, 2025
Freeing Nicole by D.J. Maughan is being released on October 1st.
Thank you, D.J. Maughan, for allowing me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for your lovely book inspired by your sister.
I highly recommend adding Freeing Nicole to your TBR if you enjoy reading thrillers!
Thank you, D.J. Maughan, for allowing me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for your lovely book inspired by your sister.
I highly recommend adding Freeing Nicole to your TBR if you enjoy reading thrillers!
September 10, 2025
I truly enjoyed this story..I liked Nicole and her classmates. They are some smart kids. I hope Detective Garner and Detective Powers will be in future books. I never did figure out who killed Ron until the very end. This story was well written and I loved the fact that the character Nicole was based on a real person. I highly recommend this book.
September 22, 2025
Freeing Nicole is an original thriller, I’ve not read one like it. A student is murdered during a high school play, performed by the special needs class. Was it on purpose? Was it an accident? Why? There is definitely more to the case than meets the eye. I enjoyed the entire novel, it was paced well, didn’t contain unnecessary fluff or filler, and all of the characters were relatable and likable. I will continue to read D.J’s books as they are released.
Freeing Nicole releases early next month, and will be available on kindle for $3.99
Freeing Nicole releases early next month, and will be available on kindle for $3.99
September 27, 2025
Freeing Nicole is a gripping and emotionally powerful read. From the very first chapter, it draws you in with its tense atmosphere and keeps you turning the pages.
Nicole is a wonderfully written character—complex, vulnerable, but also resilient in ways that make you root for her. The supporting cast adds depth and realism, and the relationships feel authentic. The pacing is spot-on too: there’s always enough suspense and mystery to keep you engaged, while still allowing space for the emotional moments to land.
What stood out most to me is how the story balances a thrilling mystery with deeper themes of trauma, silence, and finding courage. It’s not just about solving a puzzle—it’s about healing and strength, which gives the book real heart.
D.J. Maughan has a writing style that is both accessible and vivid, making the story easy to follow while still layered with meaning. This is the kind of book that stays with you after you’ve finished it.
Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys character-driven mysteries that carry both suspense and emotional weight!! One I won't soon forget!!
Nicole is a wonderfully written character—complex, vulnerable, but also resilient in ways that make you root for her. The supporting cast adds depth and realism, and the relationships feel authentic. The pacing is spot-on too: there’s always enough suspense and mystery to keep you engaged, while still allowing space for the emotional moments to land.
What stood out most to me is how the story balances a thrilling mystery with deeper themes of trauma, silence, and finding courage. It’s not just about solving a puzzle—it’s about healing and strength, which gives the book real heart.
D.J. Maughan has a writing style that is both accessible and vivid, making the story easy to follow while still layered with meaning. This is the kind of book that stays with you after you’ve finished it.
Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys character-driven mysteries that carry both suspense and emotional weight!! One I won't soon forget!!
August 16, 2025
What a ride! Author D.J Maughan has done it again!!! Freeing Nicole is a gripping whodunit that pulls you in with its chilling premise and keeps you hooked with nonstop twists. Just when you think you know the truth, another layer is peeled back. The mystery is sharp, the characters are raw and real, and the ending left me stunned. the Povs were well done and the characters...chef's kiss. the truth about Nicole and the author's personal connection made this book an amazing read. fast-paced, clif hangers, all kept me reading "just one more chapter " late into the night.
if you haven't read Author D.J. Maughan, don't skip out!!!!
if you haven't read Author D.J. Maughan, don't skip out!!!!
October 3, 2025
Wow! I totally loved this book! As a retired special education teacher, I was hooked immediately! The book was well written, and the characters were well developed. It was full of surprises. I highly recommend!! I received a free copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only. I would have loved this book even if I had had to pay for it!
September 7, 2025
DJ never disappoints with his books and Freeing Nicole is no exception. Following the detectives from Idaho Fall, this is about solving the case of who killed a special needs student during a school play. What could the motive possibly be?!
I won't give away much, but I will say I love this book more knowing he wrote the character Nicole for his sister Nicole. Definitely read through to the very end to hear about her and what real details are used in the story.
If you want a book that makes you keep turning the pages (I read it in half a day), question a handful of characters that could be the villain, and add quite a few tender moments in, this is your book!
I won't give away much, but I will say I love this book more knowing he wrote the character Nicole for his sister Nicole. Definitely read through to the very end to hear about her and what real details are used in the story.
If you want a book that makes you keep turning the pages (I read it in half a day), question a handful of characters that could be the villain, and add quite a few tender moments in, this is your book!
September 23, 2025
WOW. I really don’t even know what more to say then that! Definitly a MUST READ. I loved Hank and Joyce in this book just as much as I did in Idaho Fall.
This story had so many twists and turns, I kept thinking I knew who it was going to be and in the end, I was so surprised at who it ended up being. Didn’t see the end coming either! Like WHAT!?
Also, I love that D.J added an explination about how he used his sister as inspiration for the character Nicole. Absolutely loved this book!
This story had so many twists and turns, I kept thinking I knew who it was going to be and in the end, I was so surprised at who it ended up being. Didn’t see the end coming either! Like WHAT!?
Also, I love that D.J added an explination about how he used his sister as inspiration for the character Nicole. Absolutely loved this book!
September 29, 2025
I was given an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book. It was a very unique story from a different angle that I have not heard of before. It kept me super engaged and I super curious as to “who done it?” I felt like so many people were suspects and I needed to know who switched out the sword and killed Roy.
There are several story lines that you follow throughout the book. Nicole and her mom and the detectives who are trying to solve the case and switching pov between Sherry and Hank.
It is a story that will keep you interested. I love this author and I believe in him. He is writing great books and I can’t wait for the next one. Run to the checkout and get your copy!
I enjoyed this book. It was a very unique story from a different angle that I have not heard of before. It kept me super engaged and I super curious as to “who done it?” I felt like so many people were suspects and I needed to know who switched out the sword and killed Roy.
There are several story lines that you follow throughout the book. Nicole and her mom and the detectives who are trying to solve the case and switching pov between Sherry and Hank.
It is a story that will keep you interested. I love this author and I believe in him. He is writing great books and I can’t wait for the next one. Run to the checkout and get your copy!
September 24, 2025
I liked Idaho Falls by this author and gave it 4 stars. This book is better.
It took me a while to warm to the alternating points of view. I quickly warmed up to the main setting of a special needs high school class. Nicole Morgan was an interesting character. The author's note at the end about her being partially based on his older sister Nicole was heartwarming.
The detectives Hank Gardner (a young, huge black man) and Joyce Powers (a short white woman close to retirement) are an odd couple physically, but a good team. I read a short story provided by the author that showed their first meeting.
The story is well written with some twists, danger, and mystery. The free short story and the author's note about his sister Nicole make me want to give 5.5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
It took me a while to warm to the alternating points of view. I quickly warmed up to the main setting of a special needs high school class. Nicole Morgan was an interesting character. The author's note at the end about her being partially based on his older sister Nicole was heartwarming.
The detectives Hank Gardner (a young, huge black man) and Joyce Powers (a short white woman close to retirement) are an odd couple physically, but a good team. I read a short story provided by the author that showed their first meeting.
The story is well written with some twists, danger, and mystery. The free short story and the author's note about his sister Nicole make me want to give 5.5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 24, 2025
After reading Idaho Fall (which is amazing btw - 5 stars) I couldn't wait for D.J.’s next novel featuring the hilarious and loveable detectives, Hank Gardener and Joyce Edwards. I just loved the dynamic between those two! But I got so much more than I bargained for with Freeing Nicole. It is crystal clear that Maughan has poured his heart and soul into this novel. The reader is able to feel that they are actually there in the story with these incredible other-abled children. I absolutely loved the delightful Nicole with her musical and creative abilities! After reading the Afterword it was apparent to me why this story reads so true and heartfelt.
Freeing Nicole is so much more than just a twisty whodunit. It is a beautiful, emotional and lyrical narrative that tells the story of an incredible girl dealing with unimaginable trials in her own unique way. I wholeheartedly recommend putting this book at the top of your TBR. I promise you will be so glad you did!
Freeing Nicole is so much more than just a twisty whodunit. It is a beautiful, emotional and lyrical narrative that tells the story of an incredible girl dealing with unimaginable trials in her own unique way. I wholeheartedly recommend putting this book at the top of your TBR. I promise you will be so glad you did!
September 22, 2025
CLEAR YOUR CALENDAR! YOU WILL NOT WANT TO PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!
Freeing Nicole by DJ Maughan is a fast-paced, standalone story. There are several characters, but I was never confused, which is a statement about the author‘s excellent writing! My two favorite Detectives, Gardner and Powers, (from his previous book Idaho Fall) are back on the case. After parents and students witness a death during the high school play, the detectives investigate if this was a tragic accident or murder. During the investigation, it is discovered that students know some secrets. Are the secrets connected to the death? Clear your calendar for the day because you will want to get to the bottom of this fast-paced story.
Freeing Nicole by DJ Maughan is a fast-paced, standalone story. There are several characters, but I was never confused, which is a statement about the author‘s excellent writing! My two favorite Detectives, Gardner and Powers, (from his previous book Idaho Fall) are back on the case. After parents and students witness a death during the high school play, the detectives investigate if this was a tragic accident or murder. During the investigation, it is discovered that students know some secrets. Are the secrets connected to the death? Clear your calendar for the day because you will want to get to the bottom of this fast-paced story.
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