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Elise Sandburg #3
Pretty Dead
A serial killer stalks the streets of Savannah...
Homicide detective Elise Sandburg and her partner, profiler David Gould, are all too familiar with the terrible costs of chasing evil. Despite their wounded psyches, the detectives delve into the deranged killer’s twisted mind, determined to unravel the clues in the taunts he leaves behind.
A city gripped by fear...
When his daughter becomes the killer’s next victim, a grief-stricken mayor comes down hard on the police, demanding that they catch the psychopath—now. Feeling the pressure, department officials enlist the aid of an FBI profiler who has unresolved business with David.
A cunning and elusive madman...
In a heart-pounding race to stop the next homicide, the detectives uncover their own role in the madman’s deadly game. Will they outsmart the killer before another horrific murder takes place in their beautiful city? Or have Elise and David finally met their match?
Homicide detective Elise Sandburg and her partner, profiler David Gould, are all too familiar with the terrible costs of chasing evil. Despite their wounded psyches, the detectives delve into the deranged killer’s twisted mind, determined to unravel the clues in the taunts he leaves behind.
A city gripped by fear...
When his daughter becomes the killer’s next victim, a grief-stricken mayor comes down hard on the police, demanding that they catch the psychopath—now. Feeling the pressure, department officials enlist the aid of an FBI profiler who has unresolved business with David.
A cunning and elusive madman...
In a heart-pounding race to stop the next homicide, the detectives uncover their own role in the madman’s deadly game. Will they outsmart the killer before another horrific murder takes place in their beautiful city? Or have Elise and David finally met their match?
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2015
1793 people are currently reading
4181 people want to read
About the author
Anne Frasier
37 books2,273 followersAnne Frasier is the New York Times, #1 Amazon Charts, and USA Today bestselling author of the Detective Jude Fontaine Mysteries, the Elise Sandburg series, and the Inland Empire novels. With more than a million copies sold, her award-winning books span the genres of suspense, mystery, thriller, romantic suspense, paranormal, and memoir. The Body Reader received the 2017 Thriller Award for Best Original Paperback Novel from International Thriller Writers. Other honors include a RITA for Romantic Suspense and a Daphne du Maurier Award for Paranormal Romantic Mystery/Suspense. Her thrillers have hit the USA Today bestseller list and have been featured in Mystery Guild, the Literary Guild, and Book of the Month. Her memoir, The Orchard, was an O, The Oprah Magazine Fall Pick; a One Book, One Community read; and one of the Librarians’ Best Books of 2011. Visit her website at www.annefrasier.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 419 reviews
June 28, 2020
Pretty Dead
Elise Sandburg, Book 3
By: Anne Frasier
Narrated by: Natalie Ross
I am not much for serial killer books but I do like this series. I enjoy the characters, even if the female lead is not a big bad a$$. She is competent and yet flawed enough to be human. The plot is good and has twists, the world building is strong, and the narrator makes the book pop!
Elise Sandburg, Book 3
By: Anne Frasier
Narrated by: Natalie Ross
I am not much for serial killer books but I do like this series. I enjoy the characters, even if the female lead is not a big bad a$$. She is competent and yet flawed enough to be human. The plot is good and has twists, the world building is strong, and the narrator makes the book pop!
July 31, 2015
Homicide Detective Elise Sandburg and her partner, former FBI profiler David Gould, are no strangers to serial killers. This is the 3rd in the series and each human monster seems to be worse than the last.
This one seems to want to play games with the detectives, bringing them closer and closer to an explosive end.
This is okay as a stand-alone, although, as usual, I highly recommend starting with the first. This book introduces a couple of new characters ... one is Elise's father with whom she's been estranged for many years. The other is a new FBI profiler who David has blamed for the death of his son.
The book, as all are in this series, is extremely well-written. There are lots of 'clues' to confuse everyone... truly a 'puzzle' to solve. Elise is a very strong woman, at least on the outside. She does have personal issues with trust and commitment. David is dealing with his own demons, mainly that of still dealing with his son's death. He has a 'thing' for Elise, but she just isn't interested.. or is she?
I had read the first in this series quite a while back, so I'm looking forward to re-reading the first and second in the series ... yes, I thought it was that good!
Many thanks to NetGalley / Amazon Publishing / Thomas & Mercer / and the author for the privilege of reading in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
4.5 Stars
This one seems to want to play games with the detectives, bringing them closer and closer to an explosive end.
This is okay as a stand-alone, although, as usual, I highly recommend starting with the first. This book introduces a couple of new characters ... one is Elise's father with whom she's been estranged for many years. The other is a new FBI profiler who David has blamed for the death of his son.
The book, as all are in this series, is extremely well-written. There are lots of 'clues' to confuse everyone... truly a 'puzzle' to solve. Elise is a very strong woman, at least on the outside. She does have personal issues with trust and commitment. David is dealing with his own demons, mainly that of still dealing with his son's death. He has a 'thing' for Elise, but she just isn't interested.. or is she?
I had read the first in this series quite a while back, so I'm looking forward to re-reading the first and second in the series ... yes, I thought it was that good!
Many thanks to NetGalley / Amazon Publishing / Thomas & Mercer / and the author for the privilege of reading in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
4.5 Stars
August 27, 2015
This is a good addition to the serial killer series, but not as good as the first.
Now, I have to back track to the second book as my library does not have it. :(
Now, I have to back track to the second book as my library does not have it. :(
November 30, 2018
This was such a great, easy and creative series. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this series.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this series.
August 19, 2021
2 1/2 stars
I don't know what happened.
I did love the first two books, but this one? Although the case and the development of the secondary characters were interesting, I don't understand the turn the author chose to give the main characters, especially Elise, who went from being riveting and badass to self-centered, disloyal, and annoying. I always enjoy human, flawed characters but I couldn't connect con the MC anymore.
I don't know what happened.
I did love the first two books, but this one? Although the case and the development of the secondary characters were interesting, I don't understand the turn the author chose to give the main characters, especially Elise, who went from being riveting and badass to self-centered, disloyal, and annoying. I always enjoy human, flawed characters but I couldn't connect con the MC anymore.
September 2, 2015
A special thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Anne Frasier delivers the third in the gritty and edgy (Elise Sandburg Series) crime thriller, PRETTY DEAD. Taking readers to the mysterious southern Savannah, Georgia— a dynamic duo, with a past of their own--Homicide detective Elise Sandburg and partner/profiler, David Gould.
Savannah had a reputation for being weird. The city embraced it, with ghost tours and the ongoing stigma attached to Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. However, it was a city of historic beauty and culture. A little of good and evil. “Beneath beauty lie many dark deeds.”
A deranged, psycho-evil, and twisted serial killer is out there, and these two are determined to track him down, no matter the dangers or obstacles. Will he outsmart this team? Have they met their match?
As the book opens, we meet a serial killer, hooked on death. The more he kills, the more he wanted to do so. Addiction to the quest for pleasure. The high. He needed variety so as not to be bored. Since he is sick of snow in Philadelphia, he is looking for warmer weather—Savannah seems like a good choice, so he makes his plan.
Elise Sandburg had been made head detective of Savannah Police Department and he was looking at a photo of her taken in a cemetery behind the police department. She was attractive and the man beside of her, David Gould—a handsome man. His favorite type – twenty-something, dark-haired males-younger versions of Gould. He likes to do them and then kill them. Since he was an opportunistic killer, in order to play against type, he sometimes went for females. Of course, they were not his drug of choice.
What comes first, the killer or the kill?
He devoured profiler books and he knew how to avoid the stereotypes. So with each move, he became a different person, a different profile. He was going to Savannah, Georgia.
Six month earlier David and Elise bonded over injuries and suffered at the hands of the monster the press called “The Organ Thief. Now they are stuck with Jay Thomas Paul, early forties an over enthusiastic reporter, for the New York Times. He shadows their every move. He seems to always be listening and watching.
At first the victims appear to be women involved in illegal activity. Prostitutes or drug deals gone bad, or so the mayor believes, so he can say the beautiful southern town is safe. Caroline, the mayor's daughter becomes a victim and is murdered. The pressure is on to find the killer.
Then there is her Elsie’s estranged father, Jackson Sweet who is called in to consult with the investigation, and an FBI profiler-- Vic Lamont who David blames for his son’s death. His dead ex-wife and Lamont—it had been two years since he lived in the darkness. In the past he turned to prescription drugs, alcohol, and sex with strangers. So now both Elsie and David both to re-live their past, now a major part of the present.
All the while there is tension between Elsie and Jackson, and her thirteen year old daughter, Audrey who wants to see her grandfather. Then another key player winds up murdered and suspicions mount-- no one can be trusted---some need protection, and loyalties are strong. Now David is a prime suspect.
A game of cat and mouse, puzzle patterns, with a serial killer trying to become the person he plays, while enjoying outsmarting David Gould. Now Audrey may be in danger. Will they discover the identity of the killer, before it is too late?
A lot of elements going on and the author keeps a fast pace, with heart- pounding intensity. Strong emotions and tensions mount between two key characters and people from their past. From crazy clues to crossword puzzles—crossing many genres: a mix of dark humor, wit, psycho, suspense, paranormal, and a delicious crime thriller.
Ending with a shocker, looking forward to the next in the series to see what comes next for this fun cast of characters.
Let me start off by saying, PRETTY DEAD hooked me from the first page to the last. Not sure why this author has not been on my radar; since this was my first book by Frasier; however, thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for introducing me to this fine crime thriller author and gripping series.
This situation is about to change—A new fan! I could not get to Audible fast enough to purchase PLAY DEAD (#1) AND STAY DEAD (#2). What an intriguing series – cannot wait to hear the back story of these flawed and complex characters!
In addition, to the PRETTY DEAD ARC I happened to be traveling-- could not wait to get back to reading, purchasing the audio to keep abreast, while driving. Loved the narrator Natalie Ross, with a suspenseful performance, and a wide range of voices.
At times, with the mention of the Georgia FBI, I felt like I was into Karin Slaughter’s world, one of my southern favorites; and strongly reminded of J. Carson Black, another one of my favorites. Being a Georgian for years, love Savannah and always find the town intriguing and mysterious—especially when you have such engaging characters as in this series. (love Strata Luna)
Hats off to the designer, a stickler for covers, marketing, and branding – encouraging you to read all the books in the series. It worked!
JDCMustReadBooks
Anne Frasier delivers the third in the gritty and edgy (Elise Sandburg Series) crime thriller, PRETTY DEAD. Taking readers to the mysterious southern Savannah, Georgia— a dynamic duo, with a past of their own--Homicide detective Elise Sandburg and partner/profiler, David Gould.
Savannah had a reputation for being weird. The city embraced it, with ghost tours and the ongoing stigma attached to Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. However, it was a city of historic beauty and culture. A little of good and evil. “Beneath beauty lie many dark deeds.”
A deranged, psycho-evil, and twisted serial killer is out there, and these two are determined to track him down, no matter the dangers or obstacles. Will he outsmart this team? Have they met their match?
As the book opens, we meet a serial killer, hooked on death. The more he kills, the more he wanted to do so. Addiction to the quest for pleasure. The high. He needed variety so as not to be bored. Since he is sick of snow in Philadelphia, he is looking for warmer weather—Savannah seems like a good choice, so he makes his plan.
Elise Sandburg had been made head detective of Savannah Police Department and he was looking at a photo of her taken in a cemetery behind the police department. She was attractive and the man beside of her, David Gould—a handsome man. His favorite type – twenty-something, dark-haired males-younger versions of Gould. He likes to do them and then kill them. Since he was an opportunistic killer, in order to play against type, he sometimes went for females. Of course, they were not his drug of choice.
What comes first, the killer or the kill?
He devoured profiler books and he knew how to avoid the stereotypes. So with each move, he became a different person, a different profile. He was going to Savannah, Georgia.
Six month earlier David and Elise bonded over injuries and suffered at the hands of the monster the press called “The Organ Thief. Now they are stuck with Jay Thomas Paul, early forties an over enthusiastic reporter, for the New York Times. He shadows their every move. He seems to always be listening and watching.
At first the victims appear to be women involved in illegal activity. Prostitutes or drug deals gone bad, or so the mayor believes, so he can say the beautiful southern town is safe. Caroline, the mayor's daughter becomes a victim and is murdered. The pressure is on to find the killer.
Then there is her Elsie’s estranged father, Jackson Sweet who is called in to consult with the investigation, and an FBI profiler-- Vic Lamont who David blames for his son’s death. His dead ex-wife and Lamont—it had been two years since he lived in the darkness. In the past he turned to prescription drugs, alcohol, and sex with strangers. So now both Elsie and David both to re-live their past, now a major part of the present.
All the while there is tension between Elsie and Jackson, and her thirteen year old daughter, Audrey who wants to see her grandfather. Then another key player winds up murdered and suspicions mount-- no one can be trusted---some need protection, and loyalties are strong. Now David is a prime suspect.
A game of cat and mouse, puzzle patterns, with a serial killer trying to become the person he plays, while enjoying outsmarting David Gould. Now Audrey may be in danger. Will they discover the identity of the killer, before it is too late?
A lot of elements going on and the author keeps a fast pace, with heart- pounding intensity. Strong emotions and tensions mount between two key characters and people from their past. From crazy clues to crossword puzzles—crossing many genres: a mix of dark humor, wit, psycho, suspense, paranormal, and a delicious crime thriller.
Ending with a shocker, looking forward to the next in the series to see what comes next for this fun cast of characters.
Let me start off by saying, PRETTY DEAD hooked me from the first page to the last. Not sure why this author has not been on my radar; since this was my first book by Frasier; however, thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for introducing me to this fine crime thriller author and gripping series.
This situation is about to change—A new fan! I could not get to Audible fast enough to purchase PLAY DEAD (#1) AND STAY DEAD (#2). What an intriguing series – cannot wait to hear the back story of these flawed and complex characters!
In addition, to the PRETTY DEAD ARC I happened to be traveling-- could not wait to get back to reading, purchasing the audio to keep abreast, while driving. Loved the narrator Natalie Ross, with a suspenseful performance, and a wide range of voices.
At times, with the mention of the Georgia FBI, I felt like I was into Karin Slaughter’s world, one of my southern favorites; and strongly reminded of J. Carson Black, another one of my favorites. Being a Georgian for years, love Savannah and always find the town intriguing and mysterious—especially when you have such engaging characters as in this series. (love Strata Luna)
Hats off to the designer, a stickler for covers, marketing, and branding – encouraging you to read all the books in the series. It worked!
JDCMustReadBooks
January 21, 2025
Even a relatively not-that-great novel in this series cannot be rated less than 4/5. This was extremely fast-paced; the story was interesting; the action just needed a background score and the characters, as always, tug at my heartstrings.
What i disliked about this novel was the obvious reveal and the weird inter-personal dynamics in the initial parts of this book.
Time for the final part.
What i disliked about this novel was the obvious reveal and the weird inter-personal dynamics in the initial parts of this book.
Time for the final part.
August 23, 2015
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Anne Frasier, Amazon Publishing, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this book, which allows me to provide you with this review.
Without having read Frasier's previous two novels in the series, I hoped to jump into the mix with little cause for concern. While not completely lost, I found myself wishing I had brushed up on my Elise Sandburg beforehand. Sandburg is working as the Head of Homicide in the quaint city of Savannah. After two recent murders of prostitutes, Sandburg and former FBI profiler David Gould begin investigating the early stages of a spree.Tailed by a reporter from New York, they must continue their work but remain on edge in this Castle-esque spin on police work. A serial killer on the loose, obscure Latin words on victims, and no concrete clues force Sandburg to grasp at any straw she can. When the mayor's daughter becomes the latest victim, something has to change, as tensions run high. Two major decisions by the Chief of Police add new actors to the case, irritants for both Gould and Sandburg. After another murder points at a suspect within the force, the killer seems apparent and the manhunt begins. Sandburg and Gould must work together to piece the puzzle together, using the most unlikely of weapons, the newspaper itself. With the killer's eye set on another victim, close to Sandburg, the race is on to catch the Savannah Killer, or face the ultimate demise. A well-paced novel that seemingly moves the characters forward and keeps the reader turning pages to see how it all plays out.
An author cannot write subsequent novels in a series and spend all their time rehashing past experiences or cases, as they will lose those who have invested time in reading up to this point. However, I find that the best way to snag new readers is to lure them in with just enough breadcrumbs to want to read what has happened, while not ruining any past plots. While I was parachuted into this reading experience, I felt as though I had an improper context of the Sandburg-Gould past relationship tensions, as well as Jackson Sweet's role in the larger picture. Frasier mentions it all, at length, but perhaps too much so and yet leaves wide holes open. My curiosity was piqued, only to have it rained on when I learned major arcs that likely became key aspects of the plots in the past two books. Add to that, with a focus solely on this book, the flow of the book was decent, though perhaps too much happened to too many people in one single novel. Issues for Sandburg (Sweet) and Gould (Lamont) arrived simultaneously and left the reader juggle the pasts these characters share, the serial killer plot, and some of the dangling threads tossed into the mix just to highlight that the characters have backstories. Add to that, while there was a build-up in action, the killer was, even for me, too obvious from the start. There needs to be some question, some query, unless the author seeks to play parallel storylines from the get-go; have the police chase the killer in certain chapters and the killer do their work in their own chapters, allowing for the hunt from A to Z. Frasier has a good handle on the craft and without having read the past two novels, I cannot comment on this being an anomaly or par for the course, but it was somewhat troubling. However, the ideas are there and delivery is strong, with good room for growth.
Kudos, Madam Frasier for this novel. While I can be a little harsh, I do hope you garner more fans and advance the series in effective ways over the next while.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Without having read Frasier's previous two novels in the series, I hoped to jump into the mix with little cause for concern. While not completely lost, I found myself wishing I had brushed up on my Elise Sandburg beforehand. Sandburg is working as the Head of Homicide in the quaint city of Savannah. After two recent murders of prostitutes, Sandburg and former FBI profiler David Gould begin investigating the early stages of a spree.Tailed by a reporter from New York, they must continue their work but remain on edge in this Castle-esque spin on police work. A serial killer on the loose, obscure Latin words on victims, and no concrete clues force Sandburg to grasp at any straw she can. When the mayor's daughter becomes the latest victim, something has to change, as tensions run high. Two major decisions by the Chief of Police add new actors to the case, irritants for both Gould and Sandburg. After another murder points at a suspect within the force, the killer seems apparent and the manhunt begins. Sandburg and Gould must work together to piece the puzzle together, using the most unlikely of weapons, the newspaper itself. With the killer's eye set on another victim, close to Sandburg, the race is on to catch the Savannah Killer, or face the ultimate demise. A well-paced novel that seemingly moves the characters forward and keeps the reader turning pages to see how it all plays out.
An author cannot write subsequent novels in a series and spend all their time rehashing past experiences or cases, as they will lose those who have invested time in reading up to this point. However, I find that the best way to snag new readers is to lure them in with just enough breadcrumbs to want to read what has happened, while not ruining any past plots. While I was parachuted into this reading experience, I felt as though I had an improper context of the Sandburg-Gould past relationship tensions, as well as Jackson Sweet's role in the larger picture. Frasier mentions it all, at length, but perhaps too much so and yet leaves wide holes open. My curiosity was piqued, only to have it rained on when I learned major arcs that likely became key aspects of the plots in the past two books. Add to that, with a focus solely on this book, the flow of the book was decent, though perhaps too much happened to too many people in one single novel. Issues for Sandburg (Sweet) and Gould (Lamont) arrived simultaneously and left the reader juggle the pasts these characters share, the serial killer plot, and some of the dangling threads tossed into the mix just to highlight that the characters have backstories. Add to that, while there was a build-up in action, the killer was, even for me, too obvious from the start. There needs to be some question, some query, unless the author seeks to play parallel storylines from the get-go; have the police chase the killer in certain chapters and the killer do their work in their own chapters, allowing for the hunt from A to Z. Frasier has a good handle on the craft and without having read the past two novels, I cannot comment on this being an anomaly or par for the course, but it was somewhat troubling. However, the ideas are there and delivery is strong, with good room for growth.
Kudos, Madam Frasier for this novel. While I can be a little harsh, I do hope you garner more fans and advance the series in effective ways over the next while.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
February 1, 2019
Feel like I'm being generous with 3 stars. From the very beginning I felt like the bad guy was obvious and I really didn't like much that went on. I like the writing style and the potential but not so much how the characters acted. Elise and her negativity gets on my nerves, she never has David's back and I don't get his attraction to her or his sex with Coretta. And there was definitely an ugh moment in the office - male victim in the lines of #metoo that was totally brushed over.
August 23, 2021
Another basic but enjoyable read.
The 'good guys' prevail, the bad guys end up dead (pretty sure they're supposed to go to jail, but so far they just all end up dead).
The lines are continuing to get blurred for the 'good guys' as they slowly tread closer and closer to the edge of being bad guys with badges, all for 'a good cause' of course. 🙄
Still enjoying riding along on this journey. See where it takes us. I wonder who will be the bad guy first?
The 'good guys' prevail, the bad guys end up dead (pretty sure they're supposed to go to jail, but so far they just all end up dead).
The lines are continuing to get blurred for the 'good guys' as they slowly tread closer and closer to the edge of being bad guys with badges, all for 'a good cause' of course. 🙄
Still enjoying riding along on this journey. See where it takes us. I wonder who will be the bad guy first?
July 29, 2017
I really enjoyed book one of this series, and then.... WTF happened?
It takes place in the "real world", but the author decided to give up on any ideas of reality?
It's just all so ridiculous. And what's being done the characters...a tragedy.
It takes place in the "real world", but the author decided to give up on any ideas of reality?
It's just all so ridiculous. And what's being done the characters...a tragedy.
February 13, 2021
I have mixed emotions about this book. Even though it was somewhat predictable, I loved the mystery aspect and the setting. Sadly, the personal side annoyed me immensely. Three books into the series, and characters were back sliding in relationships and personal growth. I might try book 4 later on, but for now, I need a break.
January 29, 2016
So, this one is a little weird because the reader knows right from the beginning who the bad guy is. Then it seemed like throughout the novel, the author was trying to trick us into thinking we were wrong. But, like, we already know. Anyway, the book wrapped things up nicely and I couldn't put it down, however, I had some HUGE problems with this book. As follows...
No way would a reporter be assigned to "shadow" homicide detectives especially in the middle of a huge serial killer case and right after what Elise went through!
No way would Elise be allowed under ANY circumstances to go under cover as a hooker after what she has been through recently and because she is quasi famous in the city. Even the hookers could obvi know her face - Duh!
Why is Elise suddenly really angry with her father? In the first 2 books, she expresses a lot of curiosity about him. Strata Luna gives her the glasses and she appreciates it. When she was a teen she embraced her heritage and learned the root work (her father's calling). Even during her first surprise meeting with him in book 2, Elise is skeptical and distrustful. Maybe a bit resentful, but not hateful. Then this 3rd book comes around and suddenly she is completely against him in every way. There is a scene where she screams at him and berates him in the street! This hatred seemed to come from nowhere and does not fit with the rest of the books.
I guess I still recommend the series, but I am disappointed by some of the large plot moving choices the author made.
No way would a reporter be assigned to "shadow" homicide detectives especially in the middle of a huge serial killer case and right after what Elise went through!
No way would Elise be allowed under ANY circumstances to go under cover as a hooker after what she has been through recently and because she is quasi famous in the city. Even the hookers could obvi know her face - Duh!
Why is Elise suddenly really angry with her father? In the first 2 books, she expresses a lot of curiosity about him. Strata Luna gives her the glasses and she appreciates it. When she was a teen she embraced her heritage and learned the root work (her father's calling). Even during her first surprise meeting with him in book 2, Elise is skeptical and distrustful. Maybe a bit resentful, but not hateful. Then this 3rd book comes around and suddenly she is completely against him in every way. There is a scene where she screams at him and berates him in the street! This hatred seemed to come from nowhere and does not fit with the rest of the books.
I guess I still recommend the series, but I am disappointed by some of the large plot moving choices the author made.
January 31, 2018
3.5 stars. I like the Elise Sandburg and David Gould partnership and am enjoying this wild and crazy ride these 2 characters are on. This is book 3 in the series, and these quick reads always captivate me and keep me reading up into the wee hours of the morning.
***SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT*** However, I did NOT like how quickly Elise started doubting David. I got whiplash from her rapid descent along that false trail. One minute he is her partner and potential love interest, and the next minute she is putting handcuffs on him. I didn't think her actions were believable...AT ALL.
In a police partnership, wouldn't it be critical to have one another's back and believe in each other? Yes, you can have moments of doubt, and maybe you experience some anxiety as you wait to see what comes next. But you don't turn on your partner and assume their guilt. You rise to the occasion and defend them, and you stand by your partner and see them through it. The partnership can't work otherwise. It isn't really a partnership if you can toss it aside at the first sign of trouble. How many times does David have to SHOW her that he is a good guy before she stops jumping the gun and believing him capable of the most heinous crimes? I found her actions disloyal and highly annoying. She might not have your back, David, but I do...
***SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT*** However, I did NOT like how quickly Elise started doubting David. I got whiplash from her rapid descent along that false trail. One minute he is her partner and potential love interest, and the next minute she is putting handcuffs on him. I didn't think her actions were believable...AT ALL.
In a police partnership, wouldn't it be critical to have one another's back and believe in each other? Yes, you can have moments of doubt, and maybe you experience some anxiety as you wait to see what comes next. But you don't turn on your partner and assume their guilt. You rise to the occasion and defend them, and you stand by your partner and see them through it. The partnership can't work otherwise. It isn't really a partnership if you can toss it aside at the first sign of trouble. How many times does David have to SHOW her that he is a good guy before she stops jumping the gun and believing him capable of the most heinous crimes? I found her actions disloyal and highly annoying. She might not have your back, David, but I do...
August 19, 2015
Elise Sandburg and her partner David Gould are forced to allow a New York Times reporter to shadow them in their day to day affairs to write a story about them. He is under contract and they are forced to allow him to do so but sometimes they forget he is there and sometimes he is in the way but as the serial killer they are tracking kills more women and shows no signs of letting up he becomes more a part of the investigation than they ha bargained for when he is abducted and escapes the killer. They are baffled as to this killer's motives but it almost seems as if he is taunting them. As Elise is forced to acknowledge the father who abandoned her as a child she begrudgingly lets him into her life and as more and more bodies are piling up clues are starting to point to her partner and against her better judgement she begins to fear he may be the killer after all. This is the 3rd book in the Elise Sandburg & her partner David Gould and it was just as riveting as the first two in the series. You can read this as a stand alone novel and still enjoy it but I read book number two first and I was hooked. Great Read!! Fast Paced!!
September 17, 2016
"Daily, the city took her breath away. Different times, different views, different lighting. But always an appreciation of the brick sidewalks edged with wrought iron and draped in pink blooms. The steeples and palm trees against the bluest sky and the whitest clouds. Fountains and street musicians and ships docked in the harbor. All of those things filled her heart and made her glad she hadn’t left..."
Thr 3rd and last in the Elise Sandburg series set in Savannah Georgia. Another great psychological crime thriller written in true Anne Frasier style. I loved the interaction and complex relationships in this book. I fell in love with David Gould all over again and found myself cheering for Jackson Sweet, the conjurer and estranged father of Elise. This series took advantage of the eerie and eccentric aura of Savannah perfectly. A great read.
Thr 3rd and last in the Elise Sandburg series set in Savannah Georgia. Another great psychological crime thriller written in true Anne Frasier style. I loved the interaction and complex relationships in this book. I fell in love with David Gould all over again and found myself cheering for Jackson Sweet, the conjurer and estranged father of Elise. This series took advantage of the eerie and eccentric aura of Savannah perfectly. A great read.
March 27, 2016
I enjoyed this book much more than the second book, though there were still parts of this that seemed forced and contrived to me. The relationship between David and his boss, the reactions of individual people, the changes in characters that we saw.
Overall though, I did like the story, even though we all knew who the killer was from the very beginning, and were irritated with the FBI.
Oh well, I might enjoy reading about David and Elise's futures, but only if the books were free with kindle unlimited, or rented at the library.
Overall though, I did like the story, even though we all knew who the killer was from the very beginning, and were irritated with the FBI.
Oh well, I might enjoy reading about David and Elise's futures, but only if the books were free with kindle unlimited, or rented at the library.
November 23, 2016
Good story - Elise has a lot going on - , a serial killer on the loose, her father back from the dead, a partner that seems to be a bit "unglued". and a boss who is jealous of her, Elise is also coming to grips with being kidnapped and tortured
There is a crossword puzzle theme that runs through the story
There is a crossword puzzle theme that runs through the story
September 4, 2016
Two-haiku review:
Serial killer
Hookers being killed, no clues
Then someone else dies
Action-packed thriller
I've really liked this series
Very good author
Serial killer
Hookers being killed, no clues
Then someone else dies
Action-packed thriller
I've really liked this series
Very good author
May 19, 2017
I keep reading this series even though the stories aren't that memorable. I'll forget what this one is about in a couple weeks. But I do enjoy listening to this series on audible, so I'll keep going!
July 14, 2017
I found this book to be,another,Anne Frasier hit. I have been following the series, although it could be read as a stand alone book. I love the,characters and the realism she gives them . David, and Elise are both flawed. They make a great team, and could be a couple, but they are both carrying deep hurts, from the past, and stay protected behind those emotional walls. The serial killer, was no surprise, and David would have got him earlier, if he had more self-confidence. The author played a good devils advocate though,by throwing other sanerios.at us, to make us second guess our pick, as murderer, even David himself. I thought the end was wrong. This team had pulled off one of the greatest, and most dangerous feats in police history. Most of the bad decisions came from the mayor, or the acting chief of police, and the dimwit from the FBI,who was way off, in his profile. I thought the,last five chapters flew by, as did most of the book, and then surprise. Politics suck, when good officers cannot do their job, because of an election coming up. It left me disappointed, after such a great read.
February 7, 2019
This Elise Sandburg series continues to surprise me. I've enjoyed the first three novels and look forward to the fourth. Kind of bummed there aren't more out there. The books are quick reads but very entertaining. The backgrounds of the characters are all messed up but you find something you care about in each one.
Give this series a shot if you need something new to read.
Give this series a shot if you need something new to read.
July 31, 2022
The story has a lot of twists and turns, but as expected, the police finally identify the perp. I don't know how Anne Frasier writes so intimately about Savanah, while living in Minneapolis and Wisconsin, and even though I know nothing of Savanah, her background to this and other stories seems realistic. Her stories are always interesting.
November 10, 2022
ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴡᴀs ʀᴇᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴅᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴍᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴡᴀs ᴛᴏʟᴅ ɪ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪᴛ ᴀs ᴀ sᴛᴀɴᴅ ᴀʟᴏɴᴇ ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜsᴇ ɪ ʜᴀᴅɴ’ᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ғɪʀsᴛ ᴛᴡᴏ. ᴀᴘᴀʀᴛ ғʀᴏᴍ ʜᴜɴᴛɪɴɢ ᴀ ᴋɪʟʟᴇʀ, ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ɪs ɪɴᴛᴇʀᴛᴡɪɴᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ ʟᴏᴛ ᴏғ ɪɴᴛᴇʀᴘᴇʀsᴏɴᴀʟ ᴅʀᴀᴍᴀ. ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴅᴏᴇs ᴀ ɢʀᴇᴀᴛ ᴊᴏʙ ᴏғ ᴇxᴘʟᴀɪɴɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴀᴄᴋ sᴛᴏʀɪᴇs ʙʀɪᴇғʟʏ (ғᴏʀ ᴛʜᴏsᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴅɪᴅɴ’ᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪᴛ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ʙᴏᴏᴋs) , ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ғɪɴᴅ ᴍʏsᴇʟғ ɴᴏᴛ ᴄᴀʀɪɴɢ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴏsᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏʟɪɴᴇs ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜsᴇ ɪ ʜᴀᴅɴ’ᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ʙᴏᴏᴋs. ɪ ʜᴏɴᴇsᴛʟʏ ᴊᴜsᴛ ᴡᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ʜᴜɴᴛɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ᴋɪʟʟᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ʟᴇss ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ/ғᴀᴍɪʟʏ ᴅʀᴀᴍᴀ/ ᴡᴏʀᴋ ᴅʀᴀᴍᴀ ʜɪsᴛᴏʀʏ. ᴀʟᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜ, ɪ ᴅɪᴅ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋ - ɪᴛ ᴡᴀsɴ’ᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ‘ᴄᴀɴᴛ ᴘᴜᴛ ᴅᴏᴡɴ ᴛʜʀɪʟʟᴇʀ’ ɪ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛ ɪᴛ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʙᴇ. ᴀs sᴏᴏɴ ᴀs ᴛʜᴇ ᴋɪʟʟᴇʀ ᴡᴀs ɪɴᴛʀᴏᴅᴜᴄᴇᴅ- ɪ ᴋɴᴇᴡ ɪᴛ ᴡᴀs ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴ. ɪ ғᴇʟᴛ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ᴡᴀs ᴏɴᴇ ʟɪɴᴇ ɪɴ ᴀɴ ᴇᴀʀʟʏ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀᴛ sᴄʀᴇᴀᴍᴇᴅ “ɪᴛ’s ᴍᴇ! ɪ’ᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴋɪʟʟᴇʀ!” ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴅɪʀᴇᴄᴛʟʏ sᴀʏɪɴɢ ɪᴛ. ɪғ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʜᴀᴅɴ’ᴛ ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴᴇᴅ, ᴍʏ sᴜsᴘɪᴄɪᴏɴs ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴡᴀᴠᴇʀᴇᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜᴏᴜᴛ. ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏ ᴘᴏʟɪᴄᴇ ᴘʀᴏᴄᴇᴅᴜʀᴀʟs, ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴘʀᴏʙᴀʙʟʏ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏ ᴛʜɪs sᴇʀɪᴇs, ʙᴜᴛ ᴡᴀsɴ’ᴛ ᴍʏ ғᴀᴠᴏʀɪᴛᴇ.
July 23, 2020
Love this series of books!
I’m hooked on the Elise Sandburg books. I hope the Author keeps it going for a long time. It has been a while since I have enjoyed a book series. I would highly recommend this book to my fellow Crime readers. On to the next!
I’m hooked on the Elise Sandburg books. I hope the Author keeps it going for a long time. It has been a while since I have enjoyed a book series. I would highly recommend this book to my fellow Crime readers. On to the next!
April 18, 2022
There’s something about reading a book that takes place in the city you live that makes it so much better … except maybe when it’s about a serial killer on the loose. Anne Frasier truly never misses. This book was full of suspense and plot twists and I can’t wait to read the rest of this series.
October 20, 2017
Wow. That was incredible. I never thought anyone could give Karin Slaughter a run for her money, but this came damn close. Fantastic complex characters & a nail-biting, heart-pounding pace.
June 23, 2019
4 Stars - Definitely a thrilling ending! The killer's identity was pretty obvious, but Frasier did a good job throwing some red herrings.
September 27, 2021
At first in this book there was an energy with Elise that sat badly with me, but that dissipated as the book continued and I ended up enjoying the read. Curious about what's coming next.
August 11, 2021
PRETTY DEAD [2015] By Anne Frasier
My Review Four Stars****
I didn’t start reading Frasier’s series featuring new character Homicide Detective Elise Sandburg until this year. All four installments were purchased after I became an instant fan of Anne Frasier with THE BODY READER.
The setting for her Elise Sandburg books follows the exploits of Savannah Homicide Detective Sandburg and partner David Gould amidst the atmospheric streets and backdrop of the Gothic mystique of the Old South. The underlying ambience of these haunting surroundings envelop each of the story lines in a colorful yet chilling cocoon. Savannah’s dark heritage and its pervasive local Gullah culture of voodoo and magic is as much a character in the plot lines as are the Homicide Detectives and the colorful yet dark and scary human characters who populate the novels.
In the debut novel [PLAY DEAD] the author did a splendid job with character development of her main protagonists. I liked the female lead character of Elise and her evolving back story as I moved through the pages of the story line. I could understand why an orphaned child with such a strong rumored link to the local culture of voodoo and magic would gravitate toward her purported heritage. This would be especially true for a teenager growing up in a foster home with parents who accepted her only because of a sense of duty or philanthropy. Elise’s current life as a divorced mother with a teenager who understandably prefers the comfort, perks, and stability of a home with dad and step-mom only tended to humanize Sandberg to an even greater extent. I liked her, and she emerged as a strong, competent, intuitive, yet imminently sensitive hero.
Sandberg is skillfully molded by the author into an intriguing figure who is marvelously mysterious and yet working quietly within Savannah’s police department as a dedicated Homicide Detective. Rumors swirl about the fact that she was abandoned as an infant in a cemetery, perhaps even deposited atop the tombstone of a voodoo priestess. Elise’s eyes are unique and arresting in that they contain an array of splinters and stars reflecting all colors. It would not escape the imagination of any native of the streets of Savannah to realize the sum of all colors results in pitch black. This characteristic is consistent with the rumors that Elise was the illegitimate daughter of an infamous Savannah root doctor (conjurer, witch doctor) named Jackson Sweet.
The co-main character of Elise’s newly assigned partner from FBI’s Cleveland, Ohio Office (David Gould) was deftly crafted into a believable and vulnerable character by the talented author. Sandberg initially mistakes his emotional detachment for a lazy and undesirable partner to carry his part of the burden of her assigned homicide cases in the department. Rather quickly the reader finds that his backstory is so dreadful that it rivals a good man and father’s worst nightmare. I was briefly reminded of Ann Rule’s SMALL SACRIFICES. David gradually emerges as a sensitive, caring, and perhaps even over protective side kick.
There was a gritty realism to the rivalry between Northerner (“Yankee”) David Gould inserting himself into the world of the superstitious Southern homicide cops. It ultimately shaped up to reflect that he and Sandberg were both “outsiders” but for different reasons. They made a terrific team and the scenes and dialogue between them were outstanding.
Conversely, I was underwhelmed by the main plot line. It was a decent story which did feature a chilling MO, but I felt that the author’s talent for spinning an atmospheric narrative and impressive character development overshadowed the murders and investigation in the introductory novel. If I am honest, I had expected another BODY READER and that was unrealistic on my part.
I subsequently read Book 2 (STAY DEAD) a few months later, in May of this year. This was a confusing book any way you look at it. It has Elise kidnapped by a serial murderer named Travis Tremain (dubbed by the media “The Organ Thief”). The abduction itself occurs in the time frame between PLAY DEAD and the beginning of Book 2 (STAY DEAD). Elise reflects on the captivity and her torture but only intermittently. In other words, the narrative is in the present tense, but the entire “chapter” of Elise’s kidnapping, rape, torture, and ultimate escape from Travis Tremain (“The Organ Thief”) is in the past. This (plot mechanism?) is inherently confusing. As a reader, I prefer a linear plot line, and even well delineated “time jumps” between past and present in the narrative largely annoy me particularly when not carried out smoothly enough as to not interrupt the momentum of the storyline.
Elise repeatedly hurts David with her words and actions. She seems oblivious to his feelings and ignorant of the fact that words are weapons that can wound. She became less likeable for this reader as the book progressed, even borderline callous. Elise takes David's feelings for her totally for granted. Sandburg continues to be self-absorbed all the time, but even worse, she clearly viewed all of David's actions through a lens of how her own feelings or well-being would be effected---and not what cause and effect the action would have on David.
This second book of the series was a “misfire” from Frasier. It doesn’t work on many levels despite its admittedly colorful cast of characters and its theme of the “dead” returning to life. The worst-case scenario for me was not so much my disappointment in this particular story and the complex manner it was doled out, but rather the inescapable fact that I had started to really dislike the main character of Elise. I was “on the fence” about the remaining installments.
BUT I really AM a fan of Frasier’s and I had loved the debut novel of her INLAND EMPIRE book series [FIND ME], just bought the sequel released this year [TELL ME]. I made a spontaneous decision to read the two remaining installments of the Elise Sandburg books back-to-back] before I read her new book. I’d already concluded that the books were not in the same league with her Jude Fontaine series.
I finished Elise Sandburg Book 3 a few nights ago [PRETTY DEAD]. A mere 25% into the novel and I was sure that it would be my favorite of the three books thus far. The storyline was proceeding in a linear timeline using third person POV while alternating the perspectives (serial killer, Elise, Gould, etc.). It was easy to get into at the start of the book, and the story line maintained a steady momentum proving to be both an enjoyable and also a quick read.
Elise has been made head of the Savannah PD at the start of this third installment. Sandburg’s body remains permanently “inked” and scarred by the twisted Tremain, but more significantly she is suppressing full blown PTSD and is incapable of moving past the physical torture and sexual predation at his hands. There is also the unsettling lack of closure due to the inability of the police to recover the remains of the madman dubbed “The Organ Thief”. Elise blames Gould, at least in part, for her ordeal. I would have to re-read the previous installment to get a handle on that conclusion, since it completely eludes me. Sandburg performed ill-advised acts in the last book that a rookie cop would never have even considered alone acted upon.
The author introduces our highly intelligent and prolific serial killer right out of the gate, skillfully using third person narrative but with the POV of the murderer. The reader readily grasps that he is a seasoned thrill killer who changes MO, victimology, and physical locations to disorient and confuse the authorities. He has been successfully killing with gay abandon (pun sort of intended) and the reader suspects that there is at least a chance that his escalation and feeling of omnipotence may prove to be his undoing. The serial killer (yep, a bona fide “serial killer” this time around) considers himself a gifted imitator, actor, and essentially a “chameleon”. Unlike the memorable film TAKING LIVES (based loosely on the book of the same name by Michael Pye (1999), this “chameleon” doesn’t kill a man and then assume his identity. No, rather, he imagines a persona and then strives to “become” that character, replete with new name, physical mannerisms, perfected emotional reactions to various stimuli, and essentially “morph” into a person who is capable of inserting himself into a new state, city, and community. That’s an intriguing concept to be sure. Nightingale [real name] decides on you guessed it the city of Savannah for his newest killing ground. This is in part due to his eluding Gould when David was an FBI profiler tracking the elusive Puget Sound Killer. I’m not a “crossword puzzle person” myself (but my spouse is), and it is actually quite intriguing the part that the Daily Crossword plays in this psychological thriller/police procedural.
No spoilers here. However, I will disclose that Elise and David’s careers with the Savannah PD do not end on a high note. The reader learns the truth of the saying “Old doors close, new doors open”. I liked this installment because it was fast and fun. Jackson Sweet played a significant role, which I enjoyed, and Audrey was front and center at a critical time. Strata Luna may not be as black and cold as she portends to be. The one takeaway that was a big fat negative was that I disliked Sandburg even more than the prior two novels. I was relieved that I wasn’t the only reader who wondered where the Elise from the first book had disappeared to, since the character has been despicable during the last two installments. I did guess the killer immediately, but the author did manage to inject a couple of misdirects that had me “second-guessing” myself. The title “PRETTY” DEAD is another bit of the author’s clever word play on “dead” and its ordinary connotations. In this case there are at least two direct references to the status of being dead. In the first case Elise ponders the realization that she might have eventually been led to the belief that Tremain was “truly” dead but for the rash of new murders. Tremain was the “Organ Thief”, a serial murderer for profit, who abducted and tortured Sandburg in the prior novel “TRULY DEAD”. In the second instance, Elise is asked whether the Savannah killer is in fact dead, and after contemplating the body at her feet she answers that the he looks “pretty dead”. Her response echoes the title of the book and “PRETTY” dead is good enough in this case.
My Review Four Stars****
I didn’t start reading Frasier’s series featuring new character Homicide Detective Elise Sandburg until this year. All four installments were purchased after I became an instant fan of Anne Frasier with THE BODY READER.
The setting for her Elise Sandburg books follows the exploits of Savannah Homicide Detective Sandburg and partner David Gould amidst the atmospheric streets and backdrop of the Gothic mystique of the Old South. The underlying ambience of these haunting surroundings envelop each of the story lines in a colorful yet chilling cocoon. Savannah’s dark heritage and its pervasive local Gullah culture of voodoo and magic is as much a character in the plot lines as are the Homicide Detectives and the colorful yet dark and scary human characters who populate the novels.
In the debut novel [PLAY DEAD] the author did a splendid job with character development of her main protagonists. I liked the female lead character of Elise and her evolving back story as I moved through the pages of the story line. I could understand why an orphaned child with such a strong rumored link to the local culture of voodoo and magic would gravitate toward her purported heritage. This would be especially true for a teenager growing up in a foster home with parents who accepted her only because of a sense of duty or philanthropy. Elise’s current life as a divorced mother with a teenager who understandably prefers the comfort, perks, and stability of a home with dad and step-mom only tended to humanize Sandberg to an even greater extent. I liked her, and she emerged as a strong, competent, intuitive, yet imminently sensitive hero.
Sandberg is skillfully molded by the author into an intriguing figure who is marvelously mysterious and yet working quietly within Savannah’s police department as a dedicated Homicide Detective. Rumors swirl about the fact that she was abandoned as an infant in a cemetery, perhaps even deposited atop the tombstone of a voodoo priestess. Elise’s eyes are unique and arresting in that they contain an array of splinters and stars reflecting all colors. It would not escape the imagination of any native of the streets of Savannah to realize the sum of all colors results in pitch black. This characteristic is consistent with the rumors that Elise was the illegitimate daughter of an infamous Savannah root doctor (conjurer, witch doctor) named Jackson Sweet.
The co-main character of Elise’s newly assigned partner from FBI’s Cleveland, Ohio Office (David Gould) was deftly crafted into a believable and vulnerable character by the talented author. Sandberg initially mistakes his emotional detachment for a lazy and undesirable partner to carry his part of the burden of her assigned homicide cases in the department. Rather quickly the reader finds that his backstory is so dreadful that it rivals a good man and father’s worst nightmare. I was briefly reminded of Ann Rule’s SMALL SACRIFICES. David gradually emerges as a sensitive, caring, and perhaps even over protective side kick.
There was a gritty realism to the rivalry between Northerner (“Yankee”) David Gould inserting himself into the world of the superstitious Southern homicide cops. It ultimately shaped up to reflect that he and Sandberg were both “outsiders” but for different reasons. They made a terrific team and the scenes and dialogue between them were outstanding.
Conversely, I was underwhelmed by the main plot line. It was a decent story which did feature a chilling MO, but I felt that the author’s talent for spinning an atmospheric narrative and impressive character development overshadowed the murders and investigation in the introductory novel. If I am honest, I had expected another BODY READER and that was unrealistic on my part.
I subsequently read Book 2 (STAY DEAD) a few months later, in May of this year. This was a confusing book any way you look at it. It has Elise kidnapped by a serial murderer named Travis Tremain (dubbed by the media “The Organ Thief”). The abduction itself occurs in the time frame between PLAY DEAD and the beginning of Book 2 (STAY DEAD). Elise reflects on the captivity and her torture but only intermittently. In other words, the narrative is in the present tense, but the entire “chapter” of Elise’s kidnapping, rape, torture, and ultimate escape from Travis Tremain (“The Organ Thief”) is in the past. This (plot mechanism?) is inherently confusing. As a reader, I prefer a linear plot line, and even well delineated “time jumps” between past and present in the narrative largely annoy me particularly when not carried out smoothly enough as to not interrupt the momentum of the storyline.
Elise repeatedly hurts David with her words and actions. She seems oblivious to his feelings and ignorant of the fact that words are weapons that can wound. She became less likeable for this reader as the book progressed, even borderline callous. Elise takes David's feelings for her totally for granted. Sandburg continues to be self-absorbed all the time, but even worse, she clearly viewed all of David's actions through a lens of how her own feelings or well-being would be effected---and not what cause and effect the action would have on David.
This second book of the series was a “misfire” from Frasier. It doesn’t work on many levels despite its admittedly colorful cast of characters and its theme of the “dead” returning to life. The worst-case scenario for me was not so much my disappointment in this particular story and the complex manner it was doled out, but rather the inescapable fact that I had started to really dislike the main character of Elise. I was “on the fence” about the remaining installments.
BUT I really AM a fan of Frasier’s and I had loved the debut novel of her INLAND EMPIRE book series [FIND ME], just bought the sequel released this year [TELL ME]. I made a spontaneous decision to read the two remaining installments of the Elise Sandburg books back-to-back] before I read her new book. I’d already concluded that the books were not in the same league with her Jude Fontaine series.
I finished Elise Sandburg Book 3 a few nights ago [PRETTY DEAD]. A mere 25% into the novel and I was sure that it would be my favorite of the three books thus far. The storyline was proceeding in a linear timeline using third person POV while alternating the perspectives (serial killer, Elise, Gould, etc.). It was easy to get into at the start of the book, and the story line maintained a steady momentum proving to be both an enjoyable and also a quick read.
Elise has been made head of the Savannah PD at the start of this third installment. Sandburg’s body remains permanently “inked” and scarred by the twisted Tremain, but more significantly she is suppressing full blown PTSD and is incapable of moving past the physical torture and sexual predation at his hands. There is also the unsettling lack of closure due to the inability of the police to recover the remains of the madman dubbed “The Organ Thief”. Elise blames Gould, at least in part, for her ordeal. I would have to re-read the previous installment to get a handle on that conclusion, since it completely eludes me. Sandburg performed ill-advised acts in the last book that a rookie cop would never have even considered alone acted upon.
The author introduces our highly intelligent and prolific serial killer right out of the gate, skillfully using third person narrative but with the POV of the murderer. The reader readily grasps that he is a seasoned thrill killer who changes MO, victimology, and physical locations to disorient and confuse the authorities. He has been successfully killing with gay abandon (pun sort of intended) and the reader suspects that there is at least a chance that his escalation and feeling of omnipotence may prove to be his undoing. The serial killer (yep, a bona fide “serial killer” this time around) considers himself a gifted imitator, actor, and essentially a “chameleon”. Unlike the memorable film TAKING LIVES (based loosely on the book of the same name by Michael Pye (1999), this “chameleon” doesn’t kill a man and then assume his identity. No, rather, he imagines a persona and then strives to “become” that character, replete with new name, physical mannerisms, perfected emotional reactions to various stimuli, and essentially “morph” into a person who is capable of inserting himself into a new state, city, and community. That’s an intriguing concept to be sure. Nightingale [real name] decides on you guessed it the city of Savannah for his newest killing ground. This is in part due to his eluding Gould when David was an FBI profiler tracking the elusive Puget Sound Killer. I’m not a “crossword puzzle person” myself (but my spouse is), and it is actually quite intriguing the part that the Daily Crossword plays in this psychological thriller/police procedural.
No spoilers here. However, I will disclose that Elise and David’s careers with the Savannah PD do not end on a high note. The reader learns the truth of the saying “Old doors close, new doors open”. I liked this installment because it was fast and fun. Jackson Sweet played a significant role, which I enjoyed, and Audrey was front and center at a critical time. Strata Luna may not be as black and cold as she portends to be. The one takeaway that was a big fat negative was that I disliked Sandburg even more than the prior two novels. I was relieved that I wasn’t the only reader who wondered where the Elise from the first book had disappeared to, since the character has been despicable during the last two installments. I did guess the killer immediately, but the author did manage to inject a couple of misdirects that had me “second-guessing” myself. The title “PRETTY” DEAD is another bit of the author’s clever word play on “dead” and its ordinary connotations. In this case there are at least two direct references to the status of being dead. In the first case Elise ponders the realization that she might have eventually been led to the belief that Tremain was “truly” dead but for the rash of new murders. Tremain was the “Organ Thief”, a serial murderer for profit, who abducted and tortured Sandburg in the prior novel “TRULY DEAD”. In the second instance, Elise is asked whether the Savannah killer is in fact dead, and after contemplating the body at her feet she answers that the he looks “pretty dead”. Her response echoes the title of the book and “PRETTY” dead is good enough in this case.
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