Deadly Mimic

by Heather Long

What would you risk to uncover the truth—your career, your safety… or your heart?

If it bleeds, it leads. And right now, the city is bleeding.

As the face of the evening news, I’ve built my career exposing corruption and dragging truth into the light. When a string of meticulously staged murders begins to dominate the headlines, I do what I’ve always done—I report. I analyze. I connect the dots no one else wants to see.

I’m the one who gives him a name.

The Auditor.

Because he doesn’t just kill—he leaves behind records, ledgers, and proof. He believes he’s delivering justice. And once I say his name on air, he knows I see him.

Worse—he knows I’m listening.

The FBI certainly is.

Agent Elliot Brewster is assigned to protect me—and to silence me. He believes the killer is one of my viewers, responding to my broadcasts in real time. His solution is simple: pull me off air and lock me in a safe house before I provoke another body.

But silence doesn’t stop a man like this.

It invites him closer.

As the murders escalate and the time between bodies collapses, it becomes terrifyingly clear the Auditor isn’t just watching me—he’s answering me. And when someone from my inner circle is brutally taken, the message is unmistakable:

This is no longer just a story.

It’s a conversation.

Trapped between a killer who wants my attention and an FBI agent whose control—and restraint—are unraveling, I’m forced into a dangerous truth:

The only way this ends…is if I finish it.

Even if it costs me everything.

Because when accountability becomes obsession, the truth isn’t the most dangerous thing anymore.

*Please note: This novel is Book One of a duet and ends on a cliffhanger. It is a psychological thriller with strong romantic elements, containing violence, murder, obsession, and explicit content intended for mature readers. The author encourages readers to review the foreword for important context and content guidance. Recommended for readers who enjoy crime-driven thrillers, dark romantic tension, and morally complex relationships.

Genres: Dark

370 pages, Paperback

Published February 26, 2026

About the author

I love books. Not just a little bit, but a lot. Books were my best friends when I was growing up. Books didn’t care if I was new to a town or to a class. They were always there, my trustiest of companions. Until they turned on me and said I had to write them.

I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.

After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.

Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.

Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.

One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.

I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!

Reviews

[The_Book_Brat · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Romance
*Suspense/Thriller
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Serial unaliver
*Journalist FMC
*FBI case
*Potential Love Interest/s
*Super Slow Burn
*Book 1 / 2
Drastically different
This is different to Heather’s previous books in terms of the bulk of the content - it’s very much focused on the thriller element of the serial unaliver case and the suspense around his connection with our FMC. However there are some elements of her typical intense chemistry with slooooow burn fire between characters (although it’s not clear who that romance will be with in this one which is an interesting dynamic 🤔)
Mallory is a strong FMC she knows her own mind and is driven to deliver the story, she can come across a tad callous but it’s all in the name of the story. There are snapshot chapters from the Villain which bring a lot of questions and you can see how he’s intrigued by her 😳 then there’s Flint and Brewster to very opposing personalities adding to the drama and romantic suspense.
The only thing I found with this book was the language was quite convoluted at times, almost overly poetic discussions (particularly between Brewster and Mallory) making it difficult to understand the point they were trying to make, which kind of threw me out of a reading flow with it.
I would still read the next one though as the story was gripping enough 🙂

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of tension. Mallory is a driven, intelligent, and hard-working woman. She is a reporter who discovers a pattern in decades of murder victims and names the killer The Auditor on air. She theorizes that he sees his killings as justice. The Auditor becomes obsessed with her because she understands and is listening to his message. He admires her intelligence. As she continues to report on her story, a conversation opens up between her and the killer.

Once she names him, Mallory becomes the center of everyone's attention. Not only are her viewers watching, but her network thinks they can use her to increase their ratings, her friends/coworkers want to keep her safe, and she has become the FBI's biggest break in the case. Everyone has their own opinions and motivations to try and control her and her actions. Mallory has no interest in being controlled, but she will try to make reasonable compromises with her network and law enforcement in order to keep herself safe and help catch a murderer.

Mallory has to navigate the conversation between her and The Auditor very carefully. Her message has to be clear, and she is constantly trying to think several steps ahead. Waiting for a reaction from The Auditor creates a lot of nervous tension through the entire book. There is also romantic tension between Mallory and the FBI agent in charge of her safety, Brewster, and her co-worker Flint. A relationship between her and Brewster would be a mistake and could complicate the case, but trapped together in a safe house, their chemistry is difficult to escape. Mallory and Flint have been coworkers and friends for a long time. They have kept their relationship mainly professional to not complicate their jobs. Brewster coming into the picture may cause enough jealousy for Flint to want their relationship to change. Despite her personal life, Mallory is determined to control her story and her conversation with The Auditor, and he is just as determined to make sure no one gets between them.

[Naty's Naughty Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I had no idea what to expect going into this book as it was different in Heather's words. A dark romance vibes duet with pretty much no romance until book 2. It was AMAZING!!!! It had Clarice Sterlings and James Patterson vibes but in a distinct Heather Long way.

Mallory is an important news reporter for a major network. She's spent years cultivating her image and earning her top spot in investigative journalism. She is the one that discovers a common thread in the Auditors murders that link various deaths to him catching the attention of the FBI

The Auditor as Mallory dubs him is a serial killer who takes lives to balance things as he exposes people's white collar crimes by leaving audits, so to speak, along side their dead bodies. He is judge, jury and executioner.

Brewster is the FBI agent assigned to protect Mallory. He's seasoned, smart, professional and detached, until he isn't.

This story had the wheels turning from the first chapter. I couldn't devour this fast enough and that ending had me screaming into the void and racking my brain. I can't wait for answers in book 2 of this thrilling duet. Highly recommend.

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was different to what I expected from the author, but I did really enjoy the suspense and increasing tension.
Some of the writing felt a little overly poetic at times, and I'd have to re-read a sentence to figure out the meaning...but in a way it all added to the plot and characters.
It's not a heavily romantic plot, but the author made that clear from the start, but there is the chemistry there building and I'm interested to see where this goes for book two!

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 Deadly Mimic by Heather Long
Genre: Psychological thriller with dark romantic tension
Vibes: serial killer mind games, investigative journalism, FBI protection detail, obsession, cliffhanger chaos

What happens when a reporter names a serial killer on live television and he starts answering back?

Mallory has built her reputation exposing corruption and chasing the truth no matter the cost. When she uncovers a disturbing pattern linking decades of murders, she does what she does best and reports it.

And she gives the killer a name.

The Auditor.

What makes this story so intense:

🧠 A brilliant investigative journalist who refuses to be controlled
🩸 A serial killer who believes his murders are acts of justice
📺 A chilling game of communication played through the news
🕵️ FBI protection that quickly turns complicated
🔥 Slow building romantic tension that raises the stakes

Mallory is the kind of FMC you instantly respect. She is intelligent, determined, and completely unwilling to let anyone silence her story. Once she names the killer on air, everything changes. Her network sees ratings. The FBI sees their best lead. The killer sees someone who finally understands him.

And that is where the real tension begins.

The Auditor does not just watch the news. He responds to it.

Every broadcast becomes part of a dangerous conversation between hunter and hunted, with Mallory trying to stay several steps ahead while knowing every word could provoke another body.

There is also a strong undercurrent of romantic tension between Mallory and the FBI agent assigned to protect her, Brewster, as well as her longtime coworker Flint. With the three of them trapped in a safe house and the pressure of the investigation mounting, emotions and loyalties start to blur.

The entire book feels like a psychological chess match.

If you love thrillers with investigative journalism, serial killer psychology, and dark romantic tension simmering under the surface, this one will absolutely hook you.

Just be prepared.

This is book one of a duet and that ending will have you screaming into the void.

#HeatherLong #DeadlyMimic #PsychologicalThriller #DarkRomanticSuspense #ThrillerReads

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

If it bleeds, it leads. Mallory McBride is the face of news in Chicago. She has built her career exposing corruption and covering the hard stories. She's the one who connected a string of murders to uncover and name a prolific serial killer. The Auditor. A killer, but also a record keeper. He is silencing those cheating the system and leaving the proof along with the body count. Now he knows she's listening; she understands. It's a conversation. That's when the FBI steps in to protect her, to silence her. But silence isn't the answer.

This is a deliberate, slow-burning thriller. The characters are career-driven, determined, and intense. There are no warm and fuzzy moments, but plenty of tension. This is not my favorite book by the author, but I did appreciate it and will eagerly continue with the series. I found it indulgently wordy and would have enjoyed it more had it been pared down. I get it, the phrases independently carried weight (they hit harder than expected), but strung together, they weighed down the internal and external dialogue instead of building up the tension. This was problematic mostly between Mallory and Brewster, her FBI Handler and it lessened my enjoyment of the two. I preferred Deadline Daddy Flint. I did enjoy the intelligence of the characters, that each is excellent at their job, and the fact that they each represented a differing view. While their focus is all on the same story, their approaches are vastly different and often opposing. You have the Auditor, the actual murderer, Mallory, the Reporter trying to break the story, Brewster, the FBI Agent trying to break the case and find the murderer, and Flint, the Editor trying to balance network concerns with his need to keep Mallory safe. Add in the competitiveness between Brewster and Flint over Mallory, and tensions are high. This book is like a game board with pieces in precise places, each playing their own game. We know the rules, but we don't have all of the players or pieces, do we?

[Booksbystarlightandshadows · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love seeing an author try something different and was looking forward to Heather Long's take on a thriller. I enjoyed the premise and the first few chapters however it stalled a little for me as although I am a dialogue fiend, I found some of the conversations a bit hard to navigate at times (particularly between Brewster and Mallory). The various mentions about narrative, control and how phrases land became a little jumbled for me and having to re-read a few exchanges threw off my engagement a little. However I think if I was listening to this in audio it would have clicked more for me as it reminded me a lot of a rapid West Wing style back and forth which I always enjoy.

I was on the fence about Mallory and Brewster but I really liked The Auditor and Flint and found myself keen to see for more of them and their POVs. The chemistry between Flint and Mallory felt so much more palpable compared to Brewster (although I did appreciate the coffee making and he had my favourite line about running on caffeine, adrenaline and spite). I'm interested to continue into part two as it feels like the action is about to kick up a gear after Mallory spent so much time in the safe house (and I want to know whose finger that was!). I'm super intrigued to find out it The Auditor is someone we already know too...

My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read

[Vix · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ arc review

this is a switch from heather’s romances and i am not complaining!

i enjoyed this story a lot because i was just as curious as mallory about the auditor and i loved how they had their own language, how she got him but most importantly how he got her and was a step ahead of everyone else.

mallory is a tough fmc for me to enjoy at first because she is stubborn, arrogant and only thinks about herself and the story she needs reporting — which i get, bc she is a journalist first and foremost, but in her vulnerable (if we can call it that) and her more down to earth moments, i was able to appreciate her. i’m hoping to like her better in the sequel lol not gonna lie

brewster and carter are their own brand of difficult as well but i can appreciate that because if i want to punch them or just kill them, it means the writing was good… brewster is harder to like than carter but i know i’ll get there eventually.

the auditor’s chapters were my favorite part of the book though… i love seeing how his brain works, how confident he is with things, how he demands everyone to just listen to him and how, by the end of the book, you start to question yourself if he really is all that bad or just simply misunderstood

i think besides the characters having personalities that kinda chafed me, the other thing that makes me give this a 4 is that the writing felt too poetic or “complex” at times… like the characters were almost speaking in a code that i wasnt privy to so it left me kinda confused 😃

[Michelle Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just kept me hooked from the beginning.

It didn't feel like there was much going on but there was. Oh there very much was.

There was a lot that was being said. But there was a lot that was being unsaid. It was dark and gritty and just tense. So much tension. Not just in the air. But the chemistry between Mallory and Agent Brewster. And also Mallory and Flint Carter. Holy ish. I need a cold shower and my AC on just reading any kind of scene between Mallory and Flint. *fans self*.

This was a Lifetime Movie Network kind of movie. And I don't mean that in the Hallmark type actors with a cellphone camera type movie. This is the movie that would be found on streaming only with nothing heavily redacted. If you know what I mean. Like I said earlier; dark, gritty, suspenseful. It wasn't only showing. It was telling. It was feeling. You know what this is? This is a Criminal Minds episode. But sadly there's no Dr Spencer Reid or Penelope Garcia here to help us.

What I also loved about this was that it also featured POVs from The Auditor. This was definitely a welcome change as we see that he isn't arrogant. He is confident and secure but perhaps there's more to him than these random kills. It cannot be random for no reason. And Mallory is that liaison between the general public and him. I don't think he is demanding attention. I think he's wanting to be heard. And that is something completely different.

And I will wait here impatiently for book 2.

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story centers on Mallory McBride, a high-profile investigative journalist who has built her reputation on exposing corruption and chasing the truth, no matter the cost. When she uncovers a pattern linking a series of murders and publicly names the killer “The Auditor,” she doesn’t just break a story, she starts a dialogue. What follows is less a traditional investigation and more a calculated, psychological exchange between a reporter and a killer who believes she truly understands him.

The premise is sharp and compelling. The Auditor operates with a chilling sense of purpose, targeting those he believes are exploiting the system and leaving behind meticulous “records” of their crimes. When Mallory recognizes the pattern and gives him a name, she becomes the focus of his attention. From that point on, the tension is constant, built on anticipation rather than action.

The slow burn pacing feels deliberate, with a strong emphasis on internal conflict, strategy, and character dynamics. There are no soft or comforting moments here, just a steady undercurrent of pressure as every player moves carefully across the board. Mallory, the Auditor, FBI agent Brewster, and editor Flint all approach the same situation from completely different angles, and that contrast is one of the book’s strongest elements. It feels like a chess match where everyone understands the rules, but not all the pieces are visible.

Mallory herself is a complex protagonist. She is driven, sharp, and deeply committed to her work, sometimes to the point of being difficult to connect with. Her need for control and her willingness to push boundaries can make her frustrating, but those traits also feel true to who she is. As the story unfolds, glimpses of vulnerability begin to surface, adding more dimension to her character.

The dynamic between Mallory and The Auditor is easily the most gripping part of the book. Their interactions carry an unsettling sense of mutual recognition, as if they are speaking a language no one else fully understands. His perspective, in particular, is fascinating. Confident, methodical, and disturbingly rational, he challenges both the characters and the reader to question where the line between justice and monstrosity really lies.

The supporting cast adds another layer of tension. Brewster, the FBI agent assigned to protect Mallory, brings a controlled, methodical presence that occasionally cracks under pressure. Flint, her editor, offers a contrasting perspective shaped by experience and caution, as well as a personal connection that complicates things further. The push and pull between these three creates both professional and emotional friction, with hints of romantic tension that feel intentionally restrained at this stage.

That said, the writing style does feel...complicated, at times. While there are moments where the language is striking and impactful, it can also become overly heady. The dialogue and inner monologues feel weighed down by complexity, particularly in scenes between Mallory and Brewster. I felt like a needed a decoder, though I think this would have been great on audio for me.

Even so, the atmosphere is consistently engaging. The story leans heavily into psychological suspense, with a cat-and-mouse dynamic that keeps you trying to stay one step ahead. There is a constant sense of unease as Mallory attempts to control the narrative while knowing the killer is just as determined to control her.

By the end, the story leaves more questions than answers in the best way. It builds momentum toward a conclusion that feels abrupt but intentional, clearly setting the stage for what comes next.

Overall, this is a tense, character-driven thriller that prioritizes psychology over action. It may feel slower and more introspective than expected, and the writing can occasionally be a bit heavy, but the core concept and character dynamics make it an engaging and memorable read. I am definitely curious to see where the next installment takes these characters and this unsettling game.

[Daphnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What just happened?!?

This book was a great mix of cat and mouse, psychological thriller and a sliver of Criminal Minds. Mallory is a reporter - one that reminds you of Anderson Cooper: reports the truth without bias, jumps into danger to get what she needs and intelligent in navigating said dangerous waters. But she's a bit of a control freak, can't let it go and wants to always have the upper hand. Then there's Flint, the news director. Smart, was a Mallory before but life has taught him to be more cautious, that there's more than just a story to life. In love with Mallory? Not a 100% certain but he's protective and despite going toe to toe with Flint Mallory values his opinion.

At the beginning of this story we realize that Mallory has broken a story about a serial killer who is masquerading under vigilante justice, dubbed The Auditor. They also happen to be obsessed with the reporter and they invite Mallory to join the game. This brings in Brewster of the FBI, control is his first, middle and last name but this is his case, one he's been working on for years.

All of this is ripe for anxiety inducing interactions and trying to guess who The Auditor might be. We get twists, surprises that hurt and that ending makes you scream WHAT?!?

If you enjoy thrillers with nuances I highly recommend this book but beware it ends on a cliffhanger.

[Marie-Hélène · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reads like your favourite psychological thriller. The pacing is unhurried, at some points even slow, with an unshakeable sense of urgency and packed with action at the same time. If I knew these people in real life, I’d be terrified of them. The mind games, the constant psychological plays and assessments, would never let me get a breath in. It follows you into your dreams. Nevertheless, this makes it all the more desirable to read as it grabs you by the throat and pulls you along.

The interpersonal dynamics are so interesting as you don’t know for sure what to make of them. Mallory and Flint have that ‘will they won’t they’ coworker chemistry, whereas with Brewster it’s more of a forced proximity chemistry - but both are undeniable. The Auditor/Unsub/whatever you want to call him, is a wonderful opponent, incredibly smart and well-paced. All four main characters have a begrudging respect for each other as well, something that doesn’t necessarily make all that much sense but it works really well. This story is a psychological chess match and oh lord, do I know nothing about chess - but on the other hand, I cannot help but immerse myself. Book two cannot come fast enough!

[jamies_bookreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve been this excited or personally obsessed with a story from Heather Long as much as this one. And that is a strong statement- considering I’ve read at least 35 books by this author.

Not only do these characters have chemistry and banter that I absolutely love- they have this intellect that I find attractive as he!l.

Mallory (FMC) - news anchor and mastermind behind discovering the link in the kills. Flint (news director) - boss to Mallory and wants to protect her, support her, and even admires her. Agent Elliot Brewster - wants to use her to catch the killer, loves her intelligence, admires her work ethic and finds her IDC- sassy attitude attractive.

The Killer - loves her eyes on him, hates the others taking her away from his view, and really doesn’t want her attention off him. (I’m obsessed with him😈)

Lines get blurred - things get said - but in the end trying not to die while solving this mystery is Mallory’s biggest challenge.

Wow - does this book keep you on the edge of your seat. The end has me dying for the next book. I’m so hooked & I need answers.

Tropes:
😍Slow-Burn
😮‍💨Banter/Chemistry
🔎Thriller / Mystery
👀Stalker
👩‍❤️‍👨Forced Proximity
🫆FBI
📺News reporter

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is vastly different from anything else Heather has ever written! This is a very plot heavy, story/world building book,slow-burning thriller. It is very  Criminal Minds like, with hints of dark romance.  Book 1 is  very much all about setting the scene, and introducing us to the characters.

Mallory McBride is the face of the news, She has built her career covering the hard stories.  She is the one who discovers a common thread in the  murders that link various deaths to a serial killer. She ends up giving the serial killer his name, THE AUDITOR, and catching his attention, as well as the attention of the FBI!

The male characters are  Brewster of the FBI, who is doing his best to protect Mallory, Flint, the news director who has always been there for her. And of course the Auditor who has his own obsession with Mallory.

I cannot wait to see where Heather leads us in book 2, and im excited to see when everything heats up, and how all of the characters come together!

[Kelsey Coussou Buckman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t really read too many of Heathers books, but her vibes have always bee great so I decided to join her team.

_yay to me for joining in time for this release_

Before going in, know this does lean more heavily on the thriller side of “romantic thriller”.

Our lovely little MFC decided to name the serial killer she discovered, The Auditor. Which obviously brings attention towards her. Insert FBI agent and coworker—will they or won’t they complicate things and relationships? I love that she went more thriller here because it really works your brain and you start asking yourself more questions about what’s happening with everyone and different scenarios that could happen.

Maybe Heather has a thriller pen name she hasn’t let us know and this is her toe dip into letting us in on her secret life 🧐

I’m such a hater to cliffhangers but will still torture myself with them for books that I really want to dive in and read ASAP.

[JJ Cornette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather Long did a fantastic job setting up the tension in this dark thriller. Our FMC is Mallory, a news journalist who puts together the pieces of a serial killer she named as The Auditor. Enter in FBI, Brewster and her new producer, Flint and you get two guys who want to protect her. Mallory is a strong, smart and will not be silenced. The verbal sparring between these characters is top tier! Throughout the story Heather keeps you on your toes with guessing what directions these characters are going in. Flint just wants to protect Mallory, Brewster's motivation to catch The Auditor, but also protect is also showcased, and Mallory desires to not be kept out of the conversation. She wants to have the dialogue with The Auditor. And The Auditor, well you'll see. This is part 1 of a duet and the answers are still coming. I can't wait to find out what happens next!

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Heather's romances, the Untouchable series will forever have my heart, but I was super intrigued to stumble across this tension filled psychological thriller as it is such a drastic change from what I have come to expect from her.

Overall, I'm not much of a thriller girly, but again, I enjoy Heather's work, so figured I would give it a whirl. The premise definitely has me intriged, but lost momentum as the story progressed and I found my attention drifting. The pacing is a tad too slow, which didn't help, but I am intrigued to see how this plays out in book 2.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- crime driven psychological thriller
- journalist + FBI agent + serial killer/stalker
(TBD on who the actual love interest is lol)
- morally complex
- forced proximity
- tension filled slow burn

[Courtney Hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

🎤 Deadly Mimic by Heather Long 🎤

Holy sh*t balls this book changed me… I am a huge fan of anything Heather does so I knew I’d enjoy this book but I didn’t realise how much I would absolutely devour and love it so much. This book reminded me of Talk to Me (my favourite book by Heather) and I think it’s my new obsession.

This book is fast paced in writing style and sometimes you will sit and wonder what is even happening, it’s thought provoking and really immersive once you get into it. This book is not a light easy read and throughout the whole thing I was constantly thinking of theories and trying to piece things together (100% failed).

This book was very low spice and you don’t really know who our FMC Mallory will end up with (I hope them all cause why choose is superior) but I can’t wait for part 2 of this duet purely to find out what happens next.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book totally blind, so I had no idea what to expect from it. I was intrigued by the title and am a big fan of Heather's work, so I couldn't wait to dive in and see what Deadly Mimic was all about. This was definitely different from books I normally read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The romance was definitely not the main focus, but I didn't mind that at all. I loved the suspense throughout.

I loved Mallory, she's tough and has a take no crap attitude that I really identified with. Her strong desire to excel in her career immediately stuck out to me as a driving force in her character.

I really enjoyed the dynamic of all the different POVs, and found it really interesting getting to read The Auditor's chapters. The was a fun read that and I can't wait to see where this story goes in book two.

[Victoria (nocturnalintimacy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited 2.5 stars

The problem that I had with this is that the first half of the book, the threat wasn't tangible. Everyone is talking about ephemeral issues like energies shifting and power dynamics, and that's all great, but without an underlying understanding of the details of why that's important....it just felt like I was reading an interaction about two competing aerosol sprays. They held no substance for me. I wanted to know what the killer had done. I wanted to know the time and research that the main character had put into her investigation to make it come to life. None of those things are addressed, they're just stated as things that happened. Backstory not worth mentioning.

The second half of the book is a little more interesting because we get peaks into what's happening. That story is interesting. That story is a thriller that I want to read.

[Kimberly Garner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me state, i had to take breaks because this book was pretty intense. I love Heather's writing, and I knew, just knew this was going to me stellar. Already in most of her books she injects some sort of suspense. This just took it up a notch...or 12. The characters are smartly written. the plot is intense, and I feel like this is very plot heavy. I love it, I was entranced by this book, and I love me some true crime.
We have to wait for the second book to get to the bottom of this, and I cannot wait for what I am sure will be a wild ride. The book is told in a first person pov, which I love and I really appreciate becuase you can get into the characters mind. "the Auditor" is scary as all get out, not even going to lie. Also, please someone get this made into a movie. Kthanks.

[Shauni · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant read

This is no light hearted read, and the author does what she does best, giving us a storyline that grips your attention and refuses to let go, characters that are likeable for so many different reasons & a plot that will keep your mind racing with the mystery of it all. So many different ways this story could go, and yet out of everything I imagined after reading the blurb, it was so much better. It’s a phenomenal read and I am desperate for the next book. I love how fierce and strong Mallory is, she’s amazing and I can’t wait to find out how her story unfolds. I’ve got a feeling that these characters will live rent free in my mind for a long while. It’s phenomenal and is definitely one of the best books I’ve read in a really long time.

[Katarzyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️

This was a rather enjoyable read! We follow Mallory, a news reporter covering the case of an unsub. After linking the unsub‘s victims on air, which captured the attention of the unsub, Mallory is placed under FBI protection. The FBI agent assigned to Mallory, Agent Brewster, moves her to a safe house and takes her off the air, but Mallory is a force to be reckoned with and doesn’t go down without a fight. I’m not going to go into more detail regarding the plot to avoid any spoilers. The plot in this one was tense and fast-paced. The integration of criminal psychology was well executed. The slow burn was burning. Overall, I would highly recommend checking this book out. Please note that this one ends on a brutal cliffhanger!

*Please check TWs if needed.*

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! What a story...This is not Heather Long's usual genre, but I like it! A thriller/serial killer/murder story that also follows (I believe) why chose. Our top notch/star reporter Mallory is VERY good at what she does- reporting the news, but more importantly, finding the pattern. The Auditor- her news story, her nemesis- is very methodical, deliberate, and now, having a dialog with her alone. Flint- her "boss", steady work partner, friend, protector...and Brewster- FBI agent- steady, confident, more than competent and beyond attracted to Mallory- her mind, her tenacity, her focus ....A fabulous story- trying to get inside the mind of a killer, see the pattern and the ruse, keep her safe, keep her....Fabulous first half of a sensational story. Kudos Heather. Keep it up!

[Meg Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book is just what I have been craving. It's really hard to find thrillers and suspense with romance. And I've been on a bit of a kick trying to find them. So this really hit the sweet spot for me. I love how Heather can write in different genres and totally supirse toy but also not because she's a fantastic reader and has a very distinctive voice. And it just meshes very well.

I think for me I need to mix it up a bit with my reading so again it's going to come on a better time. Perfect read to get me sucked in. I love the suspense, the characters were well written, Great level intensity. I'm super excited for the second half of this duet. I also love that I said duet I feel like it'll be the perfect amount to tell this story.

Definitely highly recommend.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deadly Mimic is a very intense story, You have a murderer that is showing how people were getting away with crimes, but he was also judge, jury and executioner. When a beautiful news caster shows the truth as she sees it and must report it that way, the auditor is listening and approving and then the FBI gets involve. You never know what way this story is going to go. The FBI is trying to keep her alive and catch the auditor. Its a grip the edge of your seat mystery. A who done it that keeps you guessing. Then you have the news caster and the men who care about her, different as they come. This is book 1 of 2 so this one ended on a cliff hanger and I can't wait for the 2nd book. If you need an mystery and romance this is one to read.

[Tanya Sandra James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely pulled me in and had my brain working overtime trying to piece everything together—and failing. It’s fast-paced, intense, and not a light read at all, but that’s what made it so addictive. The mystery keeps shifting, leaving you constantly questioning what’s really going on.
Mallory is a standout—strong, stubborn, and not someone who can be controlled. I loved her from the start. The chemistry with the guys is there, but it’s not clear where things are heading (and I’m definitely hoping for a why choose).
The suspense is what really shines—so many questions, not nearly enough answers, and a constant sense of intrigue. That ending completely threw me, and now I need the next book ASAP.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for a very tense, wild ride! To say you never knew what will happen next, or by whom, is an understatement. I loved it! Be warned, though, it is a book one and ends on a huge cliffhanger. I’m going to go find the author and follow her around until she releases book 2, I swear!

Deadly Mimic is very intense. We are introduced to the main characters, of the moment, and they are as different and deep as it gets. Mallory McBryan is the heroine and she is strong, and stubborn, and fights for her work. And it is ALLLLLLLLL about her work! The men around her are varied in their personalities but without then, there wouldn’t be a story. Can’t wait for book 2! I have to find out what happens next.

[Jemma Newby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh What have I just read. I haven't read a book like this in what feels like forever. It is filled with plenty of suspense and omg moments. Mallory is just so captivating and strong , I just love her. I am keeping everything crossed this book will be a why choose , I am so intrigued by all the guys and I just want Mallory to have them all , why would she pick just one. This book was such an incredible read that I devoured it in one sitting. I am sat here with all sorts of theories running through my mind. Only thing I can say now is , when's the next book out. Five Huge Stars that I wish I could rate more.

[Nichole White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love this author and I was so excited by the premise of this book.
I will say going into reading this that there really wasn't much romance or emotion for me. it was more psychological and felt like it was building up for something big in the next book. it does end on a cliffhanger and there is spice in the book. you dont actually know if it will it up mf, menage or why choose. the book made me think and usually un thrillers I have some understanding of who a killer is or why but in this one I am stumped. I am very curious to see how the story turns out in the 2nd book.
make sure you go into this knowing it isn't her typical romance novel.