Убийство 2.0

Sanchez & Heron #2

by Jeffery Deaver, Isabella Maldonado, Джефри Дивър

Щастливите младоженци са неговите идеални жертви...

Сватбено тържество в Холивуд Хилс приключва трагично – един от младоженците умира. Макар на пръв поглед да изглежда като нещастен случай, агент Кармен Санчес и нейният партньор – експертът по сигурността Джейк Херън, скоро разбират, че това е третият смъртен случай от поредица сходни „инциденти“ – и че зад тях се крие нещо далеч по-зловещо.

Следите ги отвеждат към сериен убиец, който издига злото на ново ниво. Наречен „Убиецът на младоженци“, той не просто убива – създава зловещо произведение на изкуството от смъртта на жертвите си, съсредоточено върху оцелелите и тяхната болка.

А сега мрачната му обсесия се е насочила към Кармен и Джейк. Решил е, че те са съвършената следваща двойка – да унищожи единия и да се наслаждава на това как другият рухва. Времето изтича, а смъртоносната игра между хищник и плячка вече е започнала.

Заплетен, зловещ и разтърсващ роман, „Убийство 2.0“ е втората книга от криминалната поредица за агент Санчес, нейния партньор Херън и сложните случаи, пред които се изправят.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Fiction, Audiobook

352 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2025

About the author

#1 international bestselling author of over thirty novels and three collections of short stories. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into 25 languages. His first novel featuring Lincoln Rhyme, The Bone Collector, was made into a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. He's received or been shortlisted for a number of awards around the world.

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeffrey Deaver is a prolific writer, but i missed all the Lincoln Rhyme books. This is only my third read of this author. I did read the first of the Sanchez and Heron series and enjoyed it, so was glad to see the second in the series available.

Description:
A wedding reception is coming to a close in the Hollywood Hills when the blissful day is shattered by the death of one of the newlyweds. Though the incident appears to be an accident, Homeland Security Investigations agent Carmen Sanchez and her partner, security expert Jake Heron, discover that the tragedy is the third in a series of similar deaths and conclude something far more sinister is at play.

The two uncover chilling evidence pointing to a serial killer who has taken evil to the next level. Dubbed the Honeymoon Killer, this man isn’t interested in his victims but in creating his own macabre masterpiece from their graves—focused on the survivors and reveling in their grief. And now his dark obsession has turned to Carmen and Jake…

The Honeymoon Killer has decided they are the perfect next target. Take one out and delight as the other crumbles. Time is running out as a deadly game between predator and prey begins.

My Thoughts:
Serial killers seem to have strange motivations to justify their crimes, and this one is no different. He's killing one of a newly wed couple at their wedding (doesn't matter which one) seeming to only want to watch the bereaved spouse falling apart with grief. Just really strange for someone to get off on that. Sanchez and Heron had their work cut out for them with little to go on to get their investigation started. How can you possibly find a muderer who could be anywhere. However, they put together a plan and proceeded. It was interesting to follow this one. The book is fast-paced and full of action. There are some carry-over investigations from the first book, so it would be good if you read it first, but not totally necessary as this one could easily be read as a stand alone.

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer through Netgalley for an advance copy.

[Donne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to catching up with Isabella Maldonado’s and Jeffrey Deaver's newest installment of their collaboration of the Sanchez and Heron series. Carmen Sanchez, a bad@$$ special agent for Homeland Security’s I-squared program, and Jake, a nerdy professor and civilian consultant for the program are again in pursuit of the criminals that pose a threat to the country.

The book summary introduces the primary storyline of the Honeymoon Killer (HK), aka Damon Garr, who Carmen and Jake are investigating and are in pursuit of. What the book summary doesn’t mention is that Carmen and Jake are also working with a local police detective, Frank Tandy. After the team thwarts HR’s attempts at another victim, HK decides to go after the team in an effort to prevent them from thwarting anymore future plans of his. In the process of baiting HK, an attraction starts to develop between Carmen and Jake.

There is also a secondary story of Carmen’s younger sister, Selena, who is looking into their father’s supposed suicide, which the sisters know was a cover-up for their father’s murder. Selena makes some headway at deciphering their father’s “suicide” note to them and discovers it was actually a message to them in hopes of leading them to the killer. None of this is a spoiler since it’s revealed early in the story.

Most of the story flips back and forth between Carmen, Jake, HK and Selena. HK isn’t the run of mill wacko. No, someone who only targets newlyweds on their wedding day, is a whole other kind of wacko. While there are clues throughout the story as to why HK is so deranged, we don’t find out until deep into the second half just how completely nuts this wacko is. The final chapters are really scary and intense for the team and Deaver & Maldonado really keep you hanging until the end.

The continuing character development of Carmen, Jake, Selena and HK was well done. I would have liked to have seen more of the plotline between Reynolds and Williamson. I guess we will see more of that in the next installment. This was another fast-paced, action-packed installment. The storylines were interesting, and the writing well done. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.4 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer and Brilliance Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #Thomas&Mercer #BrillianceAudio #TheGraveArtist

[Valleri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Grave Artist follows Homeland Security Investigations agent Carmen Sanchez and "intrusionist" Jake Heron as they investigate a serial killer known as the "Honeymoon Killer". (In case you're wondering, there are no spiders in this one.😉) The killer in this book targets newlyweds, making the murders appear to be accidents. When Carmen and Jake pursue the killer, he decides to pursue them.

I liked The Grave Artist, but I think I would have loved it had there been a little less going on. The primary storyline was fascinating. The second storyline was interesting, too. There was a bit of a third storyline, as well, about Russia. As someone wrote in their review, Too much "just happens." I agree. And some parts felt a little forced. (I guess there was a fourth storyline, too, with some minor romance.)

Having said that, the last part of the book made me smile. It's nice to have something to look forward to.

Thank you, #ThomasAndMercer, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. The Grave Artist has an expected publication date of September 9, 2025.

#Crime #Mystery #Suspence #StrongFemaleProtagonist

[R L HERSKOWITZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars rounded up to 5 Stars

This book is best read in one or two sittings.
It is complex, filled with action and twists that I didn’t envision.
It was well written (by two authors, yet it seems like one author wrote it) and is a great thriller.

I recommend the Grave Artist.
I can’t wait for a third novel in the series to become available. 🤞🏼😊

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in this thrilling series portrays the unconventional duo of “intrusionist” Jake Heron and law enforcement officer Carmen Sanchez. As members of the newly formed I-squared program (Intrusions Investigations) they tackle unconventional threats to national security, uncovering cases that fall outside traditional investigative limits.

This time, Heron and Sanchez find themselves in pursuit of a very intelligent serial killer known as “Honeymoon Killer”. The murderer targets newlywed couples, killing one partner after the wedding ceremony while making the death look like an accident.

As reader, you already know the killer’s identity and follow the duo and their team as they work to piece together the clues and bring this bad boy to justice.

The story is fast paced, with short chapters that keep the action moving. Packed with intense twists and an unexpected ending, it keeps readers hooked from the start to the end.

While the book includes an overarching storyline from the first installment, it’s not necessary to read the previous book to enjoy this one. However, I personally prefer starting from the beginning to fully appreciate the nuances and interconnected stories.

I'm a fan of the series(including potential romance) and hoping for future books and the continued collaboration between J. Deaver and I. Maldonado. I’m excited to see what new adventures and challenges lie ahead for this duo and how their characters continue to grow and evolve.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.

[A Dreaming Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for providing me with an ALC.

This was an enjoyable fast-paced thriller. I've read Jeffrey Deaver's short story collection "Twisted" before and liked it so I wanted to give this book a try. I liked the way all the separate plotlines came together at the end. One of them felt a bit random and left it a bit open ended (maybe for Book 3?). I was starting to get a bit annoyed by the way he kept mentioning Serial Killing 2.x all the time -- it didn't feel that different from the standard. The theme itself was nice and the way his backstory was revealed was well done. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fast-paced serial killer thriller.

The narrators did a great job with the story. The two narrators were in sync -- no speed/pacing issues between the two. The intonation for the creepy parts especially was done well.

[John Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Grave Artist opens with a jolt: a wedding celebration in the Hollywood Hills ends with the groom’s sudden death, a tragedy that at first looks like a freak accident. Homeland Security agent Carmen Sanchez and security consultant Jake Heron quickly see a pattern—this is the third “accident” tied to newlyweds. What follows is an investigation that pivots from procedural to personal as they track a killer who isn’t merely taking lives but crafting a grotesque “art” out of the grief of survivors. The premise alone sets a sinister mood that lingers long after you put the book down.

Deaver and Maldonado’s collaboration hums with energy. They play to each other’s strengths—Deaver’s gift for clockwork plotting, Maldonado’s knack for character-driven suspense—and it shows in the pacing. Short, propulsive chapters and well-timed reveals keep the investigation sharp, while the creeping dread of the Honeymoon Killer’s obsession adds psychological heft. This isn’t just another serial-killer chase; it’s an exploration of how loss can be manipulated, and that gives the story a nasty edge. The supporting cast occasionally feels functional rather than vivid, but the central cat-and-mouse game is so taut you barely notice.

Carmen and Jake are a large part of why the book works. She’s methodical and fiercely competent; he’s tech-savvy, slightly looser, with instincts that sometimes cut corners. Their professional chemistry feels natural, their private vulnerabilities believable. When the killer turns his gaze toward them, the story tilts from hunt to survival and the tension spikes—suddenly every scene feels like borrowed time. If grief could be framed, this novel builds the frame and then cracks it in half.

If you go audio, the dual narration elevates everything. Aida Reluzco gives Carmen a voice of steel and subtle urgency, while Andre Santana matches her with a grounded, quick-thinking Jake. Their alternating performances make the shifting viewpoints feel immediate, especially as the stakes rise. It’s one of those audiobooks where you can feel the heart rate of the story. In print or audio, The Grave Artist is a darkly inventive thriller—taut, unsettling, and impossible to set aside. It left me checking over my shoulder more than once.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Mystery & Detective / Police Procedural
*Rating* 3.5-4

*Thoughts*

The Grave Artist is the second installment in the co-authors Jeffrey Deaver and Isabella Maldonado Sanchez and Heron series. This story has 4 main characters: Carmen Sanchez, Jake Heron, Selina Sanchez, and the villain of the story. The Grave Artist opens with a shocking tragedy at a wedding reception in the Hollywood Hills, where the death of a newlywed, initially deemed an accident, unravels a sinister pattern. Homeland Security Investigations agent Carmen Sanchez and her partner, private security expert Jake Heron, uncover that this is the third in a series of similar deaths targeting newlyweds.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...

[LindaPf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best-selling authors Jeffrey Deaver and Isabella Maldonado deliver another terrific collaboration with Book 2 of their Carmen Sanchez and Jake Heron series. Sanchez is with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and academic cyber expert Jake is a newly sworn special consultant with DHS. Jake Heron studies ”Intrusions” — analyzes the points where something becomes unwelcome and changes something else. Like bad relationships. Or HOAs.

The duo’s newly (and conditionally) approved project is called I-Squared (Intrusion Investigations) which prioritizes Jake’s expertise. This is really a sequel — it picks up right after the first book “Fatal Intrusions.” That book left off as Jake discovers that Carmen’s father’s suicide was actually a homicide and the cyber-villain who Jake has been pursuing for years (FeAR-15; now DR-one, real name Tristan Kane) successfully escaped (albeit with a wiped out offshore account and under multiple indictments). I would recommend that you read the first installment.

In this thriller, Sanchez and Heron are chasing an international serial killer nicknamed the “Honeymoon Killer” who kills either the groom or bride just after their wedding. The murderer had tried to make the incidents (his MO for the first three: blunt object followed by drowning) look like accidents, but his pattern has been recognized and now he’s adding Carmen and Jake to his hit list. In addition, Carmen’s sister Selina is now bothered by certain aspects of her father’s “supposed” suicide note and wonders if he left them a clue when he was forced to write it.

However, this isn’t a straightforward police procedural because of the multiple plot lines: the HK Killer; the HK Killer’s secret something; political intrigue over the fate of I-squared; a Russian conspiracy obsessed government employee; a female person of interest (with red stripes on the back of her heels); Jake’s own mysterious family situation; plus the first book’s loose ends of Tristan Kane and Selina’s rogue investigation. The action was non-stop but manic. I hope Deaver and Maldonado can better develop the Sanchez/Heron relationship in another installment after wrapping up the plotlines. They’re great characters, but they need a fresh case. Note: the book does end with an opening for another story.

Oh, no spiders in this book. 4.5 stars.

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO. Mouse’s intense blue eyes are featured again, and Jake’s niece also has intense blue eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO But Jake always associates the scent of lavender with Carmen.

Thank you to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for an advanced reader
copy!

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast-paced, unique twist on a serial killer. I liked the main plot with the Honeymoon killer. When the side plots started piling on, they almost seemed to be filler. Why would Heron’s arch nemesis look up this killer and help him out? The motive given seemed weak. And what happened to him? Heron just let him go to hurt more people in order to save the sister? Why was it necessary to have the sister become the damsel in distress? The motive for HK taking her and escalating his killing was plausible but not strongly supported. My biggest complaint with this book is the almost-but-not-yet relationship between Carmen and Jake. Sure they work 24/7, so the only people they know are the people they work with, but women having sex with their co-workers never turns out well for the woman. I don’t buy that all these smart, capable female characters would put their careers at risk for a man. They could scratch that itch elsewhere. I get it’s supposed to be true love, but that won’t pay the rent when the boss has to sack one of the pair for inappropriate conduct. Heron is the unique skill set here, so Carmen would be the one getting the boot.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Sanchez & Heron series features two powerhouse crime-mystery authors at the top of their game. Set in the Hollywood Hills, this high octane tale reveals the presence of a serial murderer known as the Honeymoon Killer. Once Homeland Security agent Sanchez and security expert Heron are brought in to investigate, I was glued to the pages as the killer starts to target them. Stuck in a reading slump? Read this!

[Tien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in this crime series by co-authors, Jeffery Deaver & Isabella Maldonado. After the rocky start to the partnership in book 1, Sanchez & Heron have settled into their roles as team mates. The air is still fraught with some of their differences of opinions and a certain other spark that everyone else notices byt neither is acknowledging but they know each other well and have got each others' backs when it comes to work.

I feel like almost everything leftover from book 1 has come to a conclusion though it was cleverly weaved into this new suspenseful mystery. The banter and the supporting characters lent a vibrant air to this twisted murder investigation. I look forward to what's coming next with this pair and hopefully, their expanding team.

My thanks to Thomas & Mercer for ecopy of book via NetGalley

[Lori Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Grave Artist is a thrilling book about a killer targeting people just married. The killer attacks one of the newly married couple while on their honeymoon or before. That's why the police have given the killer the name Honeymoon Killer. The killer tries to make it look like a terrible accident, but the autopsy shows what really happened. Carmen Sanchez and her partner Jake Heron are given the task of catching the Honeymoon Killer before he can strike again. The Honeymoon Killer has Carmen and Jake in his sights. Will he strike against one of them? When one of the victims hits close to home, Carmen and Jake must hurry to catch him before it's too late. The Grave Artist is now available and if you love a good mystery should be added to your TBR list. I rate The Grave Artist 4 stars with a high recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy of The Grave Artist in exchange for a fair review. #TheGraveArtist

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I think there was enough background if you haven’t read the first one, but I highly recommend starting there. These two are fantastic authors on their own, and this series has been put together seamlessly. Sometimes coauthors don’t mesh well; not the case here.

[✨Gretch✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and easy to follow thriller, and it was a great audiobook with fantastic cast.

I don't read thrillers' as much I used to, but this book reminded me why I love them so much, and why I will keep going back to them every so often now days.

[Karen’s Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Grave Artist is the second book in the Sanchez and Heron series. I had not read the first book but had no issue whatsoever jumping into this one.

In The Grave Artist, special agent Carmen Sanchez and her partner, intrusionist Jake Heron, from the newly formed agency of Homeland Security, I-Squared (Intrusions International), take on a case of a homicide of the groom of a newlywed couple on their wedding night. The homicide is staged to look like an accident, and it’s soon realized that similar “accidents” have also happened in other parts of the world.

The book is a page turner and the action is twisty and non-stop. I will most definitely be picking up the next book in this series and can’t wait to see what the authors come up with next for Carmen and Jake.

*Thanks so much to partners MBC Books and Thomas and Mercer/Amazon Publishing for the beautiful gifted finished copy!*

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not realise that this was the second book in this series, but it did not distract my enjoyment of the book, if anything I will go back and read the first book. The story focuses on young bride and grooms who are targeted by a man known as the Honeymoon Killer. Agent Carmen Sanchez and Jake Heron, a cybersecurity expert are on the hunt to track down this killer before he takes any more lives.

Excellent storytelling from these well renowned authors as the story moves along at a fast pace and has an extremely well-developed plot. There is a lot going on, several reviewers have said too much but the book is full of tension and suspense and the story draws you in from the first page and does not let up until the end and I did not find this to be the case. I thought the pacing was well executed.

I hope there will be further books featuring this dynamic duo of investigators as I really enjoyed the relationship between the two along with the other cast of characters in the book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.

[Сибин Майналовски · Rating 5 out of 5]

Книгата, разбира се, е прекрасна — и Дивър, и Малдонадо много добре знаят как да пишат, — но, за съжаление, Ера все още не са се научили как да издават. Купища печатни грешки (промъри вместо промърмори, навсякъде знак за параграф § вместо амперсанд &, и т.н., не ми се изброяват всичките), прецакани нови редове... а за факта, че сигурно пак ще чакаме години, преди да доживеем до е-книга, няма и да споменавам. За пореден път благодаря на нашите приятели пиратите, че реагираха толкова бързо и пуснаха електронния вариант почти мигновено. Пък белки на 29364823-ия път издателите се усетят и, вместо да мрънкат като Блажо и ТеменуШка по интернетЯ, почнат да издават качествени е-книги, които не струват с 2 лв по-малко от хартиеното издание и не трябва да ги чакаш по двайсет години. Щото читателят почна да се усеща, независимо от цялото заличаване на сивото му вещество с ГГ-та, Карабашлиевци и прочие графоманщина.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second novel in the Carmen Sanchez and Jake Heron Series. This time they are dealing with a serial killer known as The Honeymoon Killer along with an international tech criminal and involves Carmen’s sister Selina. It is an interesting storyline and a fast read.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, and my fiction book review blog.

[Ray Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Complex and Gripping Story

Damon Garr has been waiting for hours for just the right moment. It is almost midnight, and everyone has left. The groom wants one more drink. He leaves his bride to get the drink. Garr picks up a rock the size of a small cantaloupe, moves swiftly after him, and hits him on the head with the rock. He looks around and sees no one. He tosses the rock in the koi pond. He picks him up and takes him to the guardrail overlooking a cliff. He takes out his cell phone. He tosses him over. He hears a thud and, then, a splash. He looks over, and the man is face down. If not dead, he will quickly drown. He takes a few pictures of the beautiful view and switches to selfie mode. He leaves the cell phone as if the groom dropped it as he fell over. With this murder that appears to be accidental, a very complex novel emerges.

This story consists of three threads. The first and foremost thread involves the two investigations by Carmen Sanchez and Jake Heron. The capture of Tristan Kane is the goal of the first investigation. He recently hacked financial services accounts. The second investigation started with Heron’s program, Delcan, which correlated this accidental death of a groom on the wedding night to two similar cases in Italy. Two subtreads narrated by the two antagonists supplement this thread. Last, there is a thread covering the turmoil over the control of the Sanchez and Heron’s organization. This subthread adds an extra layer of difficulty to completing these investigations. The second thread starts with a hacker known to Heron who uncovers on the darknet a contract for a hit on Sanchez’s father, who was thought to have committed suicide. Sanchez’s younger sister wants her to investigate the murder. Since Sanchez can’t, her younger sister does, and is a significant distraction for Sanchez. The last thread is that Heron’s estranged mother tries to contact him. For the novel as a whole, the pace is quick, but the focus often shifts with the start of the new chapter, as many novels in this genre do. The last thread surfaces a little near the beginning, but does not resurface until the end. With subtreads narrated by both antagonists, it would seem challenging to include plot twists, but they are there. As usual with Deaver as an author, the story is loaded with details, and the storyline remains engaging. I was hooked quickly.

There are two B-storyline threads in this novel. The first is between Sanchez and her civilian partner, Horen. There have been embers smoldering between them that did not blaze but grew hotter. The second thread is between Sanchez and her younger sister. Her sister wants Sanchez to investigate the death of their father. There are very solid reasons why she can’t, but her sister will not accept it. She starts her own investigation. Now, Sanchez has to juggle the two investigations and rescue her sister. For the nature of Sanchez’s character, in addition to the two threads, her organization's management is in turmoil. This aspect of the novel enhances my reading of it.

This novel has a few objectionable aspects. There are no intimate scenes. There is some inappropriate language, but it consists of only three words from my dirty work search. As for violence, most of it is described in more edgy as it occurs, it is not near an objectionable level. Lastly, I did not notice any dependence on the previous novels. Readers should be able to read this novel without issues, even if they haven't read the earlier novels in the series.

The only issue I had was that the dual battle between hackers felt over-the-top, but it does allow for a more complex plot. This aspect ties into the aspect of the novel I liked. The dual antagonists added an interesting aspect that made it harder for Sanchez and Heron. My previous experience with this collaboration is just reading the first novel in this series. While each author is on my Must-Read list, this novel was just not quite as good as the first for me. I do recommend reading this novel, and I am looking forward to their next novel, if there is one. As I mentioned above, Heron’s mother’s thread was unresolved by the end of the novel. The next novel could be centered on Heron’s mother. I enjoyed reading this novel and rate it with four stars.

I received the free pre-publication e-book version of this novel from Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley. My review is based solely on my own reading experience. Thank you, Thomas and Mercer, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Grave Artist by Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado (2025)
Sanchez & Heron #2
ix+386-page Kindle Ebook story pages 1-381

Genre: Crime Thriller

Featuring: Praise, Bibliography for Isabella Maldonado, Bibliography for Jeffery Deaver, Dates, June, Long Beach, California; Federal Agents, Serial Killer, Hackers, Los Angeles, California; Los Angeles County, California; Cat and Mouse Trope, Siblings, Police Detectives, Divorcée, Former FBI, Homeland Security, Serial Killers, Cyber Security, Multiple POVs, Investigations, Violence, Authors' Links

Rating as a movie: R for violence

Songs for the soundtrack: "Shall We Gather At The River" by Robert Lowry

Books and Authors mentioned: James Ellroy, Raymond Chandler, Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling, Moby-Dick by Herman Melville, Nineteen Eighty-Four (or 1984) by George Orwell, Dream Story by Arthur Schnitzler [Eyes Wide Shut]

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½🪦👨‍🎨💒

My thoughts: 🔖Page 71 of 386 Chapter 14 - I don't understand why there isn’t a subgenre called Cyber Thrillers or something.

This story was pretty good but it had too many storylines going on at once and it seemed to be too neatly wrapped up at multiple points. So it gets the job done by keeping you busy.

Recommend to others: Sure.

Sanchez & Heron (with Isabella Maldonado)
1. Fatal Intrusion (2024)
2. The Grave Artist (2025)

Memorable Quotes: The first word in the name was the key to its purpose. It derived from Jake’s real profession. Dr. Jacoby Heron was a self-described “intrusionist” who made his living as a penetration tester—hired by government and corporate entities to breach their physical and internet facilities and report back on vulnerabilities. That paid the rent and was fun. More important, to him, was teaching at a small San Francisco college and giving public lectures, warning of the dangers of government and corporate intrusion (he never pen tested for any company he knew was guilty of such practices). Much lecture time was devoted to domestic abuse, which he considered one of the most dangerous and widespread forms of intrusion that existed.

[Megan (mom read sip repeat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @mbc_books @amazonpublishing @brillancepublishing for my gifted copy/ALC!

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: The Grave Artist (Sanchez & Heron 2)
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Jeffery Deaver, Isabella Maldonado
𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀: Aida Reluzco, Andre Santana
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: September 9, 2025

✨ 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 ✨
This is book two in the Sanchez and Heron series, and it dives into a new serial killer case, along with continuing some of the mystery from book one. If you haven’t read book one, this one can still be a good read on its own, but it’s nice to know the background from the first book!

Like the first book, I enjoy the IT references as I used to work in the field. Jake Heron is an intrusionist and professor, and works with Carmen on a newly formed task force that utilizes their unique skill sets to track down criminals. Jake goes outside the box and Carmen, being actual law enforcement, stays within them. It’s fun to see the push and pull of that dynamic!

The serial killer in this story is uniquely dubbed the Honeymoon K♦️ller, as he goes after newly married couples. There is a POV for his side, so you get to see the uglier side of the crimes.

Carmen’s sister also plays a bigger role in this story, as she wants to solve what happened to their father a couple of years prior. It was entertaining to see her be an amateur sleuth!

There was a twist near the end that was surprising. I got vibes where the story leaves off that there could be future stories and cases for Jake and Carmen!

🎧 𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 🎧
Aida Reluzco and Andre Santana did a good job narrating this mystery. Aida sounded like a smart, competent professional that I’d image Carmen would sound like. Andre narrated Jake’s story well, also sounding intelligent. Both were easy to understand and listen to. Andre had additional POVs to narrate with the bad guys, but each chapter nicely says who he is voicing.

✨ 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
♦️ Psychological Thriller
♦️ Police Procedural
♦️ IT Technology References
♦️ Romantic Tension

[Vicki Cooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The two plots of The Grave Artist are suspenseful stories that are unique and hold the reader’s interest. There are very well written twists as the book nears its conclusion. Carmen Sanchez and Dr. Jacoby “Jake” Heron, the protagonists, are well-drawn characters who are likable to the reader as well as to each other. My only problem with the book is that there is just too much of it. Everything but the kitchen sink, if you can appreciate the expression, is thrown in to the storyline.
The Grave Artist is the second book in the Sanchez and Heron series. The book stands alone in content but there are carry over plots from the first book. It is not a who-dun-it as the reader knows the killer’s identity from the start.. The setting is the Hollywood Hill and Malibu.
Sanchez is a Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) which investigates threats to national security. Carmen had previously been an FBI agent in their cybercrimes division. Heron is a private security expert and hacker. He is termed an “intrusionist” and “a penetration tester” who is hired by governments and corporations to find weaknesses and flaws in the buildings or in their internet presence. Jake is a civilian consultant working with Carmen on a pilot program named “I-Squared” (Intrusion Investigations) for the National Security Division of HSI.
Damon Garr, dubbed the “Honeymoon Killer,” aka HK, is targeting newlywed couples, killing one of the spouses almost immediately after the ceremony and making the death appear accidental. The motive for the killings is purely psychological. Garr is a self-described and diagnosed psychopath. He has his personal deviant motivations for his desire to witness the grief and mourning of the sole survivor of a couple who just exchanged their vows. Garr stages the deaths as to appear like works of art, a manifestation of his love of art and unfilled desire to be an artist.
There is a second criminal plot involving Tristan Kane, a hacker who, for a fee, breaks in to systems for terrorists or to steal from the government, companies, or the wealthy. Years earlier, Kane had tricked Jake in to helping him carry out a terrorist hack and there had been six causalities. So there is a history between the two and Carmen and Jake are determined to bring him to justice.
A subplot involves Jake’s mother and her and Jake’s father’s ties to a cult. She reappears in Jake’s life with a note she leaves for him and a law enforcement officer looking for her. The plot goes no further and really only serves as a cliffhanger.
There are numerous characters, one of which I find unnecessary and the other important but not someone I would enjoy being around, let alone as part of my family. Stan Reynolds is second-in-command and is portrayed as angry, unreasonable and revengeful after being passed over as permanent director of DHS. He holds theories about Garr that he adamantly clings to as he disrupts the investigation and puts I-Squared in jeopardy. Stan Williamson, head of the Long Beach Branch of the National Security Division, created I-Squared and is liked and efficient but his efforts are constantly thwarted by Reynolds. The story could have succeeded without Reynolds and his pettiness. Carmen’s younger sister, Selina, is likewise obsessive in her theories about their father’s death, deemed a suicide but determined to be a murder by a contract killer. Clues are uncovered in a note written just moments before his death. Selena always blamed Carmen for not questioning the death as a suicide and now blames her for not taking time from her investigation in to a serial killer to assist her in finding their father’s murderer. She is whiny and immature and puts herself in danger by going after the alleged murderer. The beliefs of both Reynolds and Selina might have been on point regarding both murders but they both speak and act rashly.
Damon’s dead governess plays a creepy role, providing background to his sociopathic behavior with a somewhat long backstory of their life together. There is Declan (Decorder-Encoder Language Based AI network), a bot who retrieves data needed to solve the crimes while providing some humor, and characters nicknamed Aruba and Mouse who add flavor and skills to the team.
There is plenty of acronyms, computer script and terms, art galley and art references, lengthy references to specific video games, and long soliloquy’s by Garr about art, human nature, introspection in to his own history, and more. Tangents to the plots.
A good tale about an international serial killer, a father’s murder, and the resurgence of a criminal. Strong characters in Carmen and Jake, a uniquely innovative program with a bonded team, and a really unexpected twist of a threat that changes course. Just too much clutter. Read it for the basic plots and for the strong, intelligent Carmen Sanchez.
I would like to thank Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advance copy of The Grave Artist. This is my honest review of Jeffery Deaver’s and Isabella Maldonado’s book.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALC 4 stars!

What a fun and unusual take on a serial killer thriller! This book follows a high tech special task force that is in charge of capturing the Honeymoon Killer. This serial killer is unlike others that I’ve read because he calls what he does “serial killing 2.0”. He doesn’t necessarily get enjoyment from the killing (like most other serial killers) he gets enjoyment from the aftermath. The grief of the remaining spouse and family members is what satisfies him and he goes to the victims’ funerals to soak in this sorrow and pain. He sees it as a form of art, hence the title Grave Artist.

This also follows the mysterious “suicide” of one of the detective’s, Carmen Sanchez, father. This cold case is reopened and Carmen and her sister are on the hunt for the truth behind their father’s death.

I enjoyed how these two story lines were written together and the book ended with a conclusion to both. Because there was so much going on and so many characters involved, I found it a little confusing to keep track of everything. However, I believe this book would be a fantastic tv series because of all the different characters and their backstories, as well as the detective work and action.

The narrators were also great!!

I received this book from Netgalley for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lilli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I like to consider myself a Jeffery Deaver fan… I have read many of his books and the storylines always keep me captivated… not wanting to put it down. And I have to say… He and Isabella Maldonado did not disappoint!!

I loved this read considering I have not read the first one in this series. With that said it did not take away from it… if anything it pulled me in and I definitely will go back and read the first one!!!

The storyline is The Honeymoon Killer… but the real story is the chemistry of the characters…

So many twists that kept me at the edge of my seat for sure. In my mind I had it all figured out with my own theories… but no… just when you think you know.. umm nooo!!!

Carmen Sanchez and her sister Celina were truly a big sis/ lil sis duo… However, the duo of Jake Heron and Carmen Sanchez… She’s a tough focused Homeland Security Investigator and he a security expert…

Brilliant narration by Aida Reluzco; Andre Santana
I love the power behind Carmen and Jake… they are not just story characters they are brought to life in an action packed way!!!

I recommend this read thriller, mystery…and action packed!!!

Thank you @NetGalley @Brilliance Publishing/ Brilliance Audio

[Mia 🌸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the series was such a fun, fast read for me. I really like the pairing of Jake Heron — basically an “intrusionist” — with Carmen Sanchez, a law enforcement officer. They’re part of this new I-squared program that takes on weird cases that don’t fit the normal rules, which I think is a cool setup.

This time they’re after the “Honeymoon Killer,” a super smart murderer who targets newlyweds and stages the deaths to look like accidents. As the reader you already know who he is, so it’s more about watching Jake and Carmen piece it all together.

The pacing was great — quick chapters, lots of action, some solid twists and an ending I didn’t expect. I’m definitely a fan of this duo (and I’m low-key rooting for some romance). I really hope Deaver and Maldonado keep going with this series because I’m excited to see what kind of wild cases and growth they’ll throw at these two next.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Grave Artist is the 2nd book in the Heron & Sanchez series. One is a Homeland Security Agent and the other is an "intrusionist" (aka hacker). They are called in to investigate the death of a groom at his reception. At first it appears as an accident, but they quickly realize that isn't the case and that it is connected to two other murders in Italy. They name the suspect the Honeymoon Killer or HK. HK doesn't murder for fun, but to watch the spouses grieve at the funeral. When Heron and Sanchez interrupt his routine and prevent another murder, HK turns his attention on them and causing them grief.

There are a couple of subplots, and I believe that one may carry over from the first book which I haven't read. This book can be read as a stand alone, but I do feel like you may be missing a few things from the first book.

The action is fast paced, it keeps you guessing until the very end, and the twist and turns in the last quarter of the book will leave you in shock and awe. After reading this, I plan to go back and read the first book in the series and hope that they continue to do more. I wouldn't expect anything less from two great authors like these.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

#NetGalley #TheGraveArtist

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4.0 stars. Carmen and Jake are on the hunt for a serial killer. Good plot, tense, and suspenseful with lots of surprises. I alternated between the print and audio versions. I enjoyed the dual narration. A side story involves Carmens sister/Selena, who decides to do a little sleuthing on her own. Fun read, count me in for book 3.

[Lanny · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

wow. there were so many plots happening at the same time in this book, yet somehow they all connected together at the end??? i'm speechless

this book was written so well!!!! i got a bit of a headache from the back and forth between the different povs and plots but it was still really interesting and entertaining!!!

i admit i'm a bit spooked but what's new for me LOL i keep coming back to serial killer books even tho i know i'ma be spooked out after

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

An “intrusionist”, Jake Herron and Carmen Sanchez, Homeland Security/“I Squared, are on the hunt for the Honeymoon Killer, murder, serial killer?, boss, Reynolds’s,-looking for a Russian spy, intrigue, sister helping, remembering fathers suicide?, great storyline and a page turner for sure. Enjoy