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Hush
It's criminal profiler Ivy Dunlap's job to unravel the psyches of the most dangerous men alive. None haunts her dreams more than the killer who took her son's life sixteen years ago, then silently disappeared into the dark. Now an urgent request for help from the Chicago police has reawakened Ivy's greatest nightmare.
The Madonna Murderer has returned to fulfill his calling. This time Ivy understands the killer instinct. She knows what man is capable of. This time she's ready to confront her deepest fear, face-to-face. For the very last time...
The Madonna Murderer has returned to fulfill his calling. This time Ivy understands the killer instinct. She knows what man is capable of. This time she's ready to confront her deepest fear, face-to-face. For the very last time...
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
1638 people are currently reading
3769 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 500 reviews
March 25, 2019
I've not read any of Anne Frasier's books until this one but I will be reading more of her books to be sure!
This was a harrowing, tension filled book that I could not put down. It grabbed my attention from the first sentence and the pace just kept getting faster and faster and faster, all the way until the very last word! I had to keep myself from skipping the last few pages to read the last sentence! Crazy good!
This was a harrowing, tension filled book that I could not put down. It grabbed my attention from the first sentence and the pace just kept getting faster and faster and faster, all the way until the very last word! I had to keep myself from skipping the last few pages to read the last sentence! Crazy good!
January 30, 2024
This is a new author which I discovered and am just devouring her books. They do not disappoint. Thrilling. Tense. Well plotted. Interesting. Exciting.
This one is about a serial killer going after mothers and their newborn babies. Called by the press as the “Madonna Murders.” What is constructed as background of the killer (and profiler) is so terrifying and edgy. What is constructed as the current events are notched up to even higher levels. The ending blew me away. It was good!
This one is about a serial killer going after mothers and their newborn babies. Called by the press as the “Madonna Murders.” What is constructed as background of the killer (and profiler) is so terrifying and edgy. What is constructed as the current events are notched up to even higher levels. The ending blew me away. It was good!
October 10, 2025
Bloody, grim, violent, harrowing, intense, Hush is a solid murder mystery, vaguely reminiscent of The Silence of the Lambs.
A serial killer dubbed the Madonna Murderer is going after single moms and their baby boys. In his twisted mind, he's saving the infants from pain and terror, the kind he suffered at his mother's hands.
This is one of Anne Frasier's earliest novel, and it proved to be a riveting read.
Initially there were too many POVs, sometimes several in the same chapter, which made me a little dizzy. But as the story progressed, we settled into Ivy's and Max's POVs.
Max is the main detective on the case and a single dad to a 16-year-old son, Ethan, whom he adopted.
Ivy is the one who got away. Left for dead, Ivy took on a new identity and fled Chicago for Canada. When the serial killer strikes again following a 16 year silence, Ivy, now a psychologist, is determined to do what she can to stop the Madonna Murderer for good.
My biggest gripe, my only gripe really, is the disappointing non-ending. The entire story we're led to believe that , but this is neither confirmed nor denied. I'm super mad about it.
A serial killer dubbed the Madonna Murderer is going after single moms and their baby boys. In his twisted mind, he's saving the infants from pain and terror, the kind he suffered at his mother's hands.
This is one of Anne Frasier's earliest novel, and it proved to be a riveting read.
Initially there were too many POVs, sometimes several in the same chapter, which made me a little dizzy. But as the story progressed, we settled into Ivy's and Max's POVs.
Max is the main detective on the case and a single dad to a 16-year-old son, Ethan, whom he adopted.
Ivy is the one who got away. Left for dead, Ivy took on a new identity and fled Chicago for Canada. When the serial killer strikes again following a 16 year silence, Ivy, now a psychologist, is determined to do what she can to stop the Madonna Murderer for good.
My biggest gripe, my only gripe really, is the disappointing non-ending. The entire story we're led to believe that , but this is neither confirmed nor denied. I'm super mad about it.
October 4, 2016
**** 4.5 "Dirty Boy" Stars ****
"He killed the mothers out of hatred - but he killed the infants out of love. A sick, twisted love, but love all the same."
This is a horrible tale of what abuse inflicted on a child can make that child's mind break and create a dark monster. A monster that seems almost normal upfront, but behind their dark eyes lays a daemon that has no issues spilling blood of those he thinks are in the wrong.
I am NOT a fan of babies and children being hurt in stories but the author did a really good job of not making this story a gruesome tale where the babies were involved. I give you kuddos for that Miss Anne Frasier.
Hush will leave you sad and engrossed all at once and the story flows nicely to keep you hanging until the very end. What you think you have figured out may not be how things really are. My favorite kind of story telling!!
For me to give a review on this one is very hard, as there are many layers of characters inter-twining and jumping to the past for pack stories.
All I know is that I enjoyed this book and murder/mystery/suspense always leaves me smiling!
"He killed the mothers out of hatred - but he killed the infants out of love. A sick, twisted love, but love all the same."
This is a horrible tale of what abuse inflicted on a child can make that child's mind break and create a dark monster. A monster that seems almost normal upfront, but behind their dark eyes lays a daemon that has no issues spilling blood of those he thinks are in the wrong.
I am NOT a fan of babies and children being hurt in stories but the author did a really good job of not making this story a gruesome tale where the babies were involved. I give you kuddos for that Miss Anne Frasier.
Hush will leave you sad and engrossed all at once and the story flows nicely to keep you hanging until the very end. What you think you have figured out may not be how things really are. My favorite kind of story telling!!
For me to give a review on this one is very hard, as there are many layers of characters inter-twining and jumping to the past for pack stories.
All I know is that I enjoyed this book and murder/mystery/suspense always leaves me smiling!
December 1, 2014
I love serial killers. I love reading about them. I love writing them. I wouldn’t want to meet one, and I don’t glorify them, but there’s something delicious about getting inside the mind of one via a good book.
Anne Frasier released the thriller Hush in 2002 and it went on to become a bestseller alongside many other bestsellers among her 24 books published so far. Frasier writes a serial killer with the best of them, just as creepy and absorbing as Thomas Harris’s Silence of the Lambs and as tense and satisfying in its conclusion as Michael Robotham’s 2012 Say You’re Sorry (named by Stephen King as one of his top three reads of that year.
The Madonna Murders as the press have named the killings is back again after a break of almost two decades. He brutally and mercilessly kills mothers and their babies. And now it seems the killer is back.
Ivy Dunlap, the only survivor of the Madonna killer, her son murdered by the killer, comes back to assist with this new outbreak of killings. She’s now a skilled FBI profiler with a degree in criminal psychology. However, Chief Homicide Detective on the case, Max Irving, is not welcoming. In fact, he doesn’t understand why they need her or whether these fresh murders could really be the Madonna Killer after all these years. Meanwhile, Max is also dealing with his teenage son, Ethan, who has changed in recent months and become distant from his father.
There’s depth to this story and the last hundred pages you can barely turn quick enough. The twists and turns and view into the mind of the killer are intriguing and the characters wonderfully imagined.
This is a story about a particularly horrifying killer; killing babies is a terrible spectacle, even in words. However, Frasier handles this well and with respect. If you love your thrillers dark and absorbing, HUSH has got to be your next read.
Anne Frasier released the thriller Hush in 2002 and it went on to become a bestseller alongside many other bestsellers among her 24 books published so far. Frasier writes a serial killer with the best of them, just as creepy and absorbing as Thomas Harris’s Silence of the Lambs and as tense and satisfying in its conclusion as Michael Robotham’s 2012 Say You’re Sorry (named by Stephen King as one of his top three reads of that year.
The Madonna Murders as the press have named the killings is back again after a break of almost two decades. He brutally and mercilessly kills mothers and their babies. And now it seems the killer is back.
Ivy Dunlap, the only survivor of the Madonna killer, her son murdered by the killer, comes back to assist with this new outbreak of killings. She’s now a skilled FBI profiler with a degree in criminal psychology. However, Chief Homicide Detective on the case, Max Irving, is not welcoming. In fact, he doesn’t understand why they need her or whether these fresh murders could really be the Madonna Killer after all these years. Meanwhile, Max is also dealing with his teenage son, Ethan, who has changed in recent months and become distant from his father.
There’s depth to this story and the last hundred pages you can barely turn quick enough. The twists and turns and view into the mind of the killer are intriguing and the characters wonderfully imagined.
This is a story about a particularly horrifying killer; killing babies is a terrible spectacle, even in words. However, Frasier handles this well and with respect. If you love your thrillers dark and absorbing, HUSH has got to be your next read.
November 23, 2015
I picked this up for 99p on a kindle daily deal-decided to read a sample first though as I often do! As soon as the sample had finished I downloaded the full book and just kept reading! I got goosebumps as I realised I had found another author I had never really heard of but knew that I had to investigate their entire backlog of books asap! It was the same as when I read my first Lisa Gardner novel, who also gives this book a great boost with her comments on the front cover.
Ivy Dunlap lives a quiet life with her cat Jinx, until a phone call drawers her back to Chicago, the scene of a horrific crime that may just be linked to Ivys past. The Madonna Murderer failed to claim Ivy 16 years ago but it looks like he is back in business.
I devoured this book! I loved it so much! The psycho serial killer, who's voice we get to hear far more than usual in this type of suspense was thoroughly chilling. It wasn't a "romantic suspense" but I loved Ivys friendship with Max, and to a lesser extent Abraham, who came across just right-a hard working man trying to balance being father to a teenager and all the drama that comes with that! I thought the end was brilliant-the last page especially, chilled me to the bone. Fabulous!
Off to download more of Anne Frasier now and just hope they live up to Hush!
Ivy Dunlap lives a quiet life with her cat Jinx, until a phone call drawers her back to Chicago, the scene of a horrific crime that may just be linked to Ivys past. The Madonna Murderer failed to claim Ivy 16 years ago but it looks like he is back in business.
I devoured this book! I loved it so much! The psycho serial killer, who's voice we get to hear far more than usual in this type of suspense was thoroughly chilling. It wasn't a "romantic suspense" but I loved Ivys friendship with Max, and to a lesser extent Abraham, who came across just right-a hard working man trying to balance being father to a teenager and all the drama that comes with that! I thought the end was brilliant-the last page especially, chilled me to the bone. Fabulous!
Off to download more of Anne Frasier now and just hope they live up to Hush!
October 16, 2023
Very good
I loved all the twists and turns. Ivy was an incredible heroine. After all she had been through she still found the strength to take her life back. Max was a great guy too. His son Ethan a typical teen age boy but he was feeling lost. He was adopted and he wanted to find his real parents. But Max loved him so much. He just didn't realize it. Such a journey he had to take. Great ending. Wish she had wrote a 2nd book for this. I liked the people dynamics.
I loved all the twists and turns. Ivy was an incredible heroine. After all she had been through she still found the strength to take her life back. Max was a great guy too. His son Ethan a typical teen age boy but he was feeling lost. He was adopted and he wanted to find his real parents. But Max loved him so much. He just didn't realize it. Such a journey he had to take. Great ending. Wish she had wrote a 2nd book for this. I liked the people dynamics.
February 2, 2019
Enjoyed most of this but a few times my reactions pulled me out of the story.
3.5 stars rounded up.
3.5 stars rounded up.
October 27, 2014
HUSH reads like the mainstream popular crime fiction commonly associated with Karin Slaughter, Patricia Cornwell, James Patterson etc. yet it’s enjoyable and gripping from the get-go, largely due to a seriously messed up antagonist whose thirst for murder is as unquenchable as is the limitless lengths he goes to in order to destroy the lives of his victims and their family.
The ‘Madonna Murderer’ murders mothers, punishing them for their sins while claiming to ‘save’ their babies by subjecting them to the same fate.
Criminal Profiler Ivy Dunlap is a sole survivor, having been moved into witness protection and given a new identity; she resurfaces at the request of the police to aide in the hunt to catch the killer some years after surviving the attempt on her life.
It’s an interesting dynamic; to couple a victim with an ongoing investigation and have it work despite the obvious trepidation of both parties involved. I liked the almost covert way Ivy was instilled into the investigation while keeping her true identity secret - you could see how this affected her with much of her action being driven by the constant pressure to maintain this false identity.
HUSH is a crime thriller, one that has all the hallmarks of the popular genre of modern crime fiction; unfortunately that includes some filler content and inconsequential scenes of semi domestic life and two dimensional character building. Despite this, I still enjoyed the book (even though pop crime fiction isn’t my genre of choice).
This review first appeared on my blog: http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
The ‘Madonna Murderer’ murders mothers, punishing them for their sins while claiming to ‘save’ their babies by subjecting them to the same fate.
Criminal Profiler Ivy Dunlap is a sole survivor, having been moved into witness protection and given a new identity; she resurfaces at the request of the police to aide in the hunt to catch the killer some years after surviving the attempt on her life.
It’s an interesting dynamic; to couple a victim with an ongoing investigation and have it work despite the obvious trepidation of both parties involved. I liked the almost covert way Ivy was instilled into the investigation while keeping her true identity secret - you could see how this affected her with much of her action being driven by the constant pressure to maintain this false identity.
HUSH is a crime thriller, one that has all the hallmarks of the popular genre of modern crime fiction; unfortunately that includes some filler content and inconsequential scenes of semi domestic life and two dimensional character building. Despite this, I still enjoyed the book (even though pop crime fiction isn’t my genre of choice).
This review first appeared on my blog: http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
November 5, 2014
I picked this book up on a whim while at the library one afternoon trying to kill time before going home. An hour and a half later, with a little more than half of the book done, I was reluctant to put the book down and go home. By the time I finished the book, an hour had gone by in a blur and I had chills. The book is primarily about two detectives (Ivy and Max) in their hunt for Grant Ruby the Madonna Murderer, a serial killer that goes after unwed mothers and their sons.
Anne Frasier does an amazing job creating her characters, as Ivy and Max each had their own personal struggles that greatly affected how they reacted to situations. Ruby was a very quirky character, and he is present throughout the entirety of the story. She seemed to switch from Ivy and Max's point of view to Ruby's, giving you both perspectives of the hunt at the same time which made the book even more intriguing.
What drives me slightly nuts is this: The witness protection program faked Ivy's death and relocated her...is there a chance that they did the same with her son? The author makes hints at the possibility: Ethan's the right age, Ethan and Ivy look similar, Max adopted Ethan from a woman who wasn't his birth mother and he has no idea who Ethan's birth mother is. It's a possibility that he is her son, and not knowing whether he is or not taunts me for a few minutes after finishing the book every time I read it.
I highly recommend any book by Anne Frasier, as I have thoroughly enjoyed every book of hers I have read. The only downside is that the majority of her books are out of print, so if you're looking for them, the library and amazon are two of the best options.
Anne Frasier does an amazing job creating her characters, as Ivy and Max each had their own personal struggles that greatly affected how they reacted to situations. Ruby was a very quirky character, and he is present throughout the entirety of the story. She seemed to switch from Ivy and Max's point of view to Ruby's, giving you both perspectives of the hunt at the same time which made the book even more intriguing.
What drives me slightly nuts is this: The witness protection program faked Ivy's death and relocated her...is there a chance that they did the same with her son? The author makes hints at the possibility: Ethan's the right age, Ethan and Ivy look similar, Max adopted Ethan from a woman who wasn't his birth mother and he has no idea who Ethan's birth mother is. It's a possibility that he is her son, and not knowing whether he is or not taunts me for a few minutes after finishing the book every time I read it.
I highly recommend any book by Anne Frasier, as I have thoroughly enjoyed every book of hers I have read. The only downside is that the majority of her books are out of print, so if you're looking for them, the library and amazon are two of the best options.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2021
My Review Four Stars****
I discovered a rare talent when I stumbled across THE BODY READER while back. I subsequently read the author's trilogy of books featuring the unforgettable and haunting heroine of Detective Jude Fontaine.
The remarkably versatile Frazier has demonstrated her writing talent across several genres and has also published works under the pseudonym (Theresa Weir). I decided to try a few of her earlier works and chose HUSH and SLEEP TIGHT. HUSH may have been her debut novel (writing as Anne Frasier) in 2002 and then SLEEP TIGHT was subsequently released in 2003. However, it would seem that she has been a novelist since the '80s as Theresa Weir, and has enjoyed considerable professional success. Anyway, let's just say that I intend to read many more of her works, at least in the mystery, psychological suspense, and crime fiction categories.
I read SLEEP TIGHT [2003], a USA TODAY BESTSELLER, this summer. This was Frasier's book following her debut novel (writing as Anne Frazier) HUSH released the prior year in 2002. That said, I wasn't all that impressed by SLEEP TIGHT (2003). I liked Frasier's writing style but in the final analysis I found the novel to be a generally entertaining but forgettable reading experience, certainly not on the same playing field as the Jude Fontaine series of books.
I almost didn't read HUSH [2002] which I had leap-frogged over out of chronological order because I thought the plot of SLEEP TIGHT sounded more intriguing. I am so happy that I DID read it, because it was a complex, tightly knitted thriller with a cast of fully realized well developed characters. This debut novel from Frasier in the genre of police procedural and crime fiction understandably received high praise (USA TODAY BESTSELLER, RITA FINALIST, AND DAPHNE DU MAURIER FINALIST).
I will make no attempt at providing a synopsis of the story line, since there would be the risk of spoilers. Yes, I know that the novel was published 18 years ago. Jeez! That's nearly two decades. However, I suspect that Frasier has garnered a veritable host of new fans following her trilogy featuring Detective Jude Fontaine AKA THE BODY READER. It follows that new readers are focusing on her earlier works in the crime fiction genre (and if they aren't they should be).
I have a tendency to make Kindle Notes about 25 to 33% into the novel. In the case of HUSH, at the 31% mark I wrote "... excellent so far…serial killer dormant for 16 years resurfaces, Dunlap a complex and intriguing lead character (former victim with a new identity--and a forensic psychologist who is a talented criminal profiler). Ivy must work with a pugilistic lead detective (Max) who is ignorant of her real identity and belittles her degree and her skill set. Promises a great read."
The remainder of the novel fulfilled its early promise. The concept of the "Madonna Murderer" was refreshingly original in my opinion. The author devotes a generous amount of the book to sections of third person narrative devoted to the serial killer. She is successful in that the psychopath is fleshed out and as fully realized as the principal protagonists in the story. Recently I offhandedly referred to a serial killer thriller as akin to the real life "Ed Kemper" narrative. However I meant that remark rather loosely or in general (since the killer was murdering surrogate victims for his dominating wife). In the case of Frasier's thriller HUSH, it is very close indeed to the true life serial killer Ed Kemper. Our man even duplicates the decapitation a la Kemper, but from there the author adds a pinch of Dahmer to the recipe. The child abuse that was suffered by the killer in HUSH is sad and really deals an emotional punch to the reader's gut. In certain parts of the narrative I am reminded of the tortured Francis Dollarhyde in the Harris prequel to the iconic SILENCE OF THE LAMBS [RED DRAGON]. Frasier does a masterful job capturing the thought processes and the subsequent irrational loss of control that occurs when a serial killer decompensates and goes off the rails. The reader has a front row seat when the police investigation reveals a cryptic lead to the press that the killer knows there is just no way for it to be known. It is the beginning of a downward spiral for the killer, and a cunning move by the police to release a "Letter" to him from his latest male infant victim hastens his disintegration.
Rachel Hastings (young female cop on the Task Force) does have a "Clarice Starling" kind of encounter with the killer while simply doing a routine canvas of former mental patients with potential links to the field of mathematics. The female lead character Ivy Dunlap also has a "Friday the 13th Pt.2" moment during the climax of the novel. Yeah, I know that is a cryptic comment but readers (who enjoy the horror genre) will know exactly what I mean by that.
I just cannot praise this author enough for the "bang up job" she did in depicting the MADONNA MURDERER. Yes, I could detects "nods" to the real life Kemper, Harris's prequel to SOL (THE RED DRAGON---with the initial film adaptation MANHUNTER and the later THE RED DRAGON following the success of SILENCE OF THE LAMBS). There was even a "call out" to horror film buffs during Ivy's showdown with the MADONNA MURDERER. Frasier deployed a dash here and a pinch there from a large pot of creative stew out there and certainly created a memorable serial killer who "brought the chill".
Finally, I would like to underscore the compelling and at times visceral writing style of this talented multi-faceted author. There is a point in the evolving plot line that finds the strong Detective Max Irving learning that the merciless Madonna Murderer had kidnapped his son. Ivy is at his side and at first she literally though that her partner was about to faint.
"...He let his fist drop away from his face. Bloodshot eyes stared hard at her, as if trying to figure out who she was, and what she was doing there. Then she saw the recognition, saw the detective taking over for the father who couldn’t function. "
Later, Ivy uses her profiling skills to extrapolate the likely whereabouts of the killer and where he has taken Ethan, her partner's teenaged son. It is of course a prerequisite that the Swat Team and air support are at the killer's residence and pulling their hair out. Alone, Ivy finds herself only a few feet away and looking into the eyes of the MADDONNA MURDERER. She is holding a weapon, knows how to use it, and reflects:
" The woman who cried when Jinx killed a rabbit, the woman who took in baby robins that had fallen from their nests, now imagined the way it would feel to pull the trigger, to put a bullet through the center of Grant Ruby’s forehead."
This is an outstanding standalone novel that is superbly executed, and is sure to please the most discriminating fans. Personally, I have purchased all of Frasier's more topical current Ellie Sandburg series, and am thrilled at the prospect of enjoying more from this exceptional author.
I discovered a rare talent when I stumbled across THE BODY READER while back. I subsequently read the author's trilogy of books featuring the unforgettable and haunting heroine of Detective Jude Fontaine.
The remarkably versatile Frazier has demonstrated her writing talent across several genres and has also published works under the pseudonym (Theresa Weir). I decided to try a few of her earlier works and chose HUSH and SLEEP TIGHT. HUSH may have been her debut novel (writing as Anne Frasier) in 2002 and then SLEEP TIGHT was subsequently released in 2003. However, it would seem that she has been a novelist since the '80s as Theresa Weir, and has enjoyed considerable professional success. Anyway, let's just say that I intend to read many more of her works, at least in the mystery, psychological suspense, and crime fiction categories.
I read SLEEP TIGHT [2003], a USA TODAY BESTSELLER, this summer. This was Frasier's book following her debut novel (writing as Anne Frazier) HUSH released the prior year in 2002. That said, I wasn't all that impressed by SLEEP TIGHT (2003). I liked Frasier's writing style but in the final analysis I found the novel to be a generally entertaining but forgettable reading experience, certainly not on the same playing field as the Jude Fontaine series of books.
I almost didn't read HUSH [2002] which I had leap-frogged over out of chronological order because I thought the plot of SLEEP TIGHT sounded more intriguing. I am so happy that I DID read it, because it was a complex, tightly knitted thriller with a cast of fully realized well developed characters. This debut novel from Frasier in the genre of police procedural and crime fiction understandably received high praise (USA TODAY BESTSELLER, RITA FINALIST, AND DAPHNE DU MAURIER FINALIST).
I will make no attempt at providing a synopsis of the story line, since there would be the risk of spoilers. Yes, I know that the novel was published 18 years ago. Jeez! That's nearly two decades. However, I suspect that Frasier has garnered a veritable host of new fans following her trilogy featuring Detective Jude Fontaine AKA THE BODY READER. It follows that new readers are focusing on her earlier works in the crime fiction genre (and if they aren't they should be).
I have a tendency to make Kindle Notes about 25 to 33% into the novel. In the case of HUSH, at the 31% mark I wrote "... excellent so far…serial killer dormant for 16 years resurfaces, Dunlap a complex and intriguing lead character (former victim with a new identity--and a forensic psychologist who is a talented criminal profiler). Ivy must work with a pugilistic lead detective (Max) who is ignorant of her real identity and belittles her degree and her skill set. Promises a great read."
The remainder of the novel fulfilled its early promise. The concept of the "Madonna Murderer" was refreshingly original in my opinion. The author devotes a generous amount of the book to sections of third person narrative devoted to the serial killer. She is successful in that the psychopath is fleshed out and as fully realized as the principal protagonists in the story. Recently I offhandedly referred to a serial killer thriller as akin to the real life "Ed Kemper" narrative. However I meant that remark rather loosely or in general (since the killer was murdering surrogate victims for his dominating wife). In the case of Frasier's thriller HUSH, it is very close indeed to the true life serial killer Ed Kemper. Our man even duplicates the decapitation a la Kemper, but from there the author adds a pinch of Dahmer to the recipe. The child abuse that was suffered by the killer in HUSH is sad and really deals an emotional punch to the reader's gut. In certain parts of the narrative I am reminded of the tortured Francis Dollarhyde in the Harris prequel to the iconic SILENCE OF THE LAMBS [RED DRAGON]. Frasier does a masterful job capturing the thought processes and the subsequent irrational loss of control that occurs when a serial killer decompensates and goes off the rails. The reader has a front row seat when the police investigation reveals a cryptic lead to the press that the killer knows there is just no way for it to be known. It is the beginning of a downward spiral for the killer, and a cunning move by the police to release a "Letter" to him from his latest male infant victim hastens his disintegration.
Rachel Hastings (young female cop on the Task Force) does have a "Clarice Starling" kind of encounter with the killer while simply doing a routine canvas of former mental patients with potential links to the field of mathematics. The female lead character Ivy Dunlap also has a "Friday the 13th Pt.2" moment during the climax of the novel. Yeah, I know that is a cryptic comment but readers (who enjoy the horror genre) will know exactly what I mean by that.
I just cannot praise this author enough for the "bang up job" she did in depicting the MADONNA MURDERER. Yes, I could detects "nods" to the real life Kemper, Harris's prequel to SOL (THE RED DRAGON---with the initial film adaptation MANHUNTER and the later THE RED DRAGON following the success of SILENCE OF THE LAMBS). There was even a "call out" to horror film buffs during Ivy's showdown with the MADONNA MURDERER. Frasier deployed a dash here and a pinch there from a large pot of creative stew out there and certainly created a memorable serial killer who "brought the chill".
Finally, I would like to underscore the compelling and at times visceral writing style of this talented multi-faceted author. There is a point in the evolving plot line that finds the strong Detective Max Irving learning that the merciless Madonna Murderer had kidnapped his son. Ivy is at his side and at first she literally though that her partner was about to faint.
"...He let his fist drop away from his face. Bloodshot eyes stared hard at her, as if trying to figure out who she was, and what she was doing there. Then she saw the recognition, saw the detective taking over for the father who couldn’t function. "
Later, Ivy uses her profiling skills to extrapolate the likely whereabouts of the killer and where he has taken Ethan, her partner's teenaged son. It is of course a prerequisite that the Swat Team and air support are at the killer's residence and pulling their hair out. Alone, Ivy finds herself only a few feet away and looking into the eyes of the MADDONNA MURDERER. She is holding a weapon, knows how to use it, and reflects:
" The woman who cried when Jinx killed a rabbit, the woman who took in baby robins that had fallen from their nests, now imagined the way it would feel to pull the trigger, to put a bullet through the center of Grant Ruby’s forehead."
This is an outstanding standalone novel that is superbly executed, and is sure to please the most discriminating fans. Personally, I have purchased all of Frasier's more topical current Ellie Sandburg series, and am thrilled at the prospect of enjoying more from this exceptional author.
June 9, 2013
Fast moving with good character development. Serial killer with mother-son complex. Some cursing and graphic details, but not out of place. Not well edited as noted several typo's but didn't detract from the story. Couldn't put it down. This is the first book I've read by Anne Frasier and now won't be my last.
October 12, 2018
Second book I read by this author. Will not be my last. Thoroughly enjoyed. So glad to find a new author that hooks me in writer away. 4 stars
September 23, 2014
The mothers weren't virgins, they were whores. Whores! He was the untouched virgin. He was the immaculate birth.
On the streets of Chicago, there is a serial killer amongst us. He preys on every mothers deepest fear - the loss of her child. The Madonna Murder has resurfaced, getting smarter and more cunning with each victim, and its up to Detective Max Irving, along with Criminal Profiler Ivy Dunlap to stop him.
I love the cover for this book, it instantly draws you in. If you enjoy serial killer books you will love this one. The Madonna Murderer, is nicknamed for his urges to slaughter mothers and their sons, and then leave a Madonna dollar store snow globe by their bodies. We get to delve into his mind, and see the disturbing relationship he has with his own mother, and try to unravel the knots in understanding why he is the way he is.
I've never read anything by Anne Fraiser before, but I really enjoyed her writing style. It flows well and is easy to read. The plot is original and is totally absorbing, with twists and turns all the way through. The main characters are well developed and this applies to the minor characters too, you find yourself caring and rooting for them, I particularly liked Regina and wished she could have been explored more.
There is a tense climax reaching the end of the book, with a powerful finish. I know some people are not fond of 'tying thing up' but Fraiser does it in a way that still leaves you guessing and wanting to find out that all important question... what happens next?
All in all, a great little book, that I would highly recommend, four stars!
On the streets of Chicago, there is a serial killer amongst us. He preys on every mothers deepest fear - the loss of her child. The Madonna Murder has resurfaced, getting smarter and more cunning with each victim, and its up to Detective Max Irving, along with Criminal Profiler Ivy Dunlap to stop him.
I love the cover for this book, it instantly draws you in. If you enjoy serial killer books you will love this one. The Madonna Murderer, is nicknamed for his urges to slaughter mothers and their sons, and then leave a Madonna dollar store snow globe by their bodies. We get to delve into his mind, and see the disturbing relationship he has with his own mother, and try to unravel the knots in understanding why he is the way he is.
I've never read anything by Anne Fraiser before, but I really enjoyed her writing style. It flows well and is easy to read. The plot is original and is totally absorbing, with twists and turns all the way through. The main characters are well developed and this applies to the minor characters too, you find yourself caring and rooting for them, I particularly liked Regina and wished she could have been explored more.
There is a tense climax reaching the end of the book, with a powerful finish. I know some people are not fond of 'tying thing up' but Fraiser does it in a way that still leaves you guessing and wanting to find out that all important question... what happens next?
All in all, a great little book, that I would highly recommend, four stars!
November 23, 2018
Hush begins when Ivy is called to be a profiler on a case she knows very well. It started sixteen years ago, and it seems the killer is back again. Ivy knows more about the killer than any else alive, and now she will do whatever she can to stop him.
However, the lead detective on the case doesn't agree with her being there, and she's also having a hard time reliving these nightmares again. But, she will catch this guy no matter what.
This book had a very interesting plot line, and very enjoyable characters as well.
I loved how strong and determined Ivy was, and how she wasn't going to let anyone get in the way.
However, there were a few things about the book that bugged me, like how it ended for one. That was annoying, we didn't really learn what Ivy was going to do or what happened next.
Then there were a few things that felt kind of out of the blue and rushed, but other than that this was a great mystery from different characters point of views, and I really enjoyed the reading the whole thing.
However, the lead detective on the case doesn't agree with her being there, and she's also having a hard time reliving these nightmares again. But, she will catch this guy no matter what.
This book had a very interesting plot line, and very enjoyable characters as well.
I loved how strong and determined Ivy was, and how she wasn't going to let anyone get in the way.
However, there were a few things about the book that bugged me, like how it ended for one. That was annoying, we didn't really learn what Ivy was going to do or what happened next.
Then there were a few things that felt kind of out of the blue and rushed, but other than that this was a great mystery from different characters point of views, and I really enjoyed the reading the whole thing.
July 21, 2016
Ivy Dunlap is a criminal profiler. But the reason she become one was because she was a victim of the Madonna serial killer years before.
Living as Ivy she has tried to forget the past and the killer. But she receives a phone call that will change her life. There has been a murder and they suspect that it is the Madonna serial killer again.
When Abe Sinclair calls Ivy to let her know, he wants her on the case. He knows the secret of Ivy, that she is really Claudia and was a victim that everyone thought was dead. Now Ivy/Claudia has to make up her mind if she will leave and go to Chicago.
Ivy decides that she must go and put a stop to this killer. In doing so, she is partnered with Max Irving, who really doesn't feel like she needs to be there. Will sparks fly between them.
This is a great suspense book that is scary in parts. So lock your doors and get ready for a book to keep you turning those pages!
Living as Ivy she has tried to forget the past and the killer. But she receives a phone call that will change her life. There has been a murder and they suspect that it is the Madonna serial killer again.
When Abe Sinclair calls Ivy to let her know, he wants her on the case. He knows the secret of Ivy, that she is really Claudia and was a victim that everyone thought was dead. Now Ivy/Claudia has to make up her mind if she will leave and go to Chicago.
Ivy decides that she must go and put a stop to this killer. In doing so, she is partnered with Max Irving, who really doesn't feel like she needs to be there. Will sparks fly between them.
This is a great suspense book that is scary in parts. So lock your doors and get ready for a book to keep you turning those pages!
April 23, 2012
I picked this book up for $0.99 for my Kindle on a daily deal, not expecting much. I don't read much mystery/suspense, okay, basically none at all, so maybe that's why I liked this so much, out of the ordinary for me. It was great though! The story line was interesting, the psycho guy was truly completely mad, I read it in 5 days, which is fast for me.
October 16, 2021
There is absolutely nothing special about this book. It is not "intense" or "chilling" as the cover promises, it is mundane, not filled with great thrills and routine in every way I can imagine. I read the entire book, it was easy, but in knowing how many more books I have on my TBR, this was a waste of my time.
October 31, 2021
This is a bad, blandly generic book. The plot is basically a throwaway CSI episode, flat characters that are poor stereotypes and have zero depth. There is nothing interesting about the murders, killer, detectives.
On the positive side, it is a very fast read and requires no brain power to get through.
On the positive side, it is a very fast read and requires no brain power to get through.
June 8, 2014
Bland. The ending began to be fast-paced, but overall this was bland. That's the only word I've been able to come up with that completely describes it for me.
April 13, 2016
Serial killer with mommy issues. Can't go wrong with this kind of book!
August 9, 2018
Where to start......I was hooked from page 1 and couldn't put this down until I got to the end to see how it all turned out!!!! Twisty, gruesome, scary tale......
I couldn't take it to five star status even though it grabbed me & didn't let me go....it also didn't leave me that disturbing, "characters I will never forget" feeling and parts of the story were a bit "outdated"......not surprising since it was written over ten years ago. It was a great "no brainer" read in between some of the more disturbing books I like:))
Ivy Dunlap is a character I loved from the git go! She is a criminal profiler who looks into the psyches of the most insane criminals alive......but the one she can't let go of is the killer who took her son's life sixteen years ago, then disappears. Gone for over a decade - and then for reasons unknown, recent homicides in the city all too alarmingly fit his MO and it looks like he’s back- which is where police detective Max Irving comes in.
Character-wise, I really enjoyed the initial dynamics between Max and Ivy and the nature of their changing relationship as the plot progressed, slowly moving from irritation to grudging respect to something that eventually bordered on friendship. Max and Ivy, as well as the secondary characters felt ‘real’ with their numerous flaws and interesting personality traits. I also found the relationship between Max and his son Ethan, fascinating and since I won't spoil the story you'll have to read it to see how it all ties in to the plot:)
Something that I can definitely say about this book is that it wasn’t predictable and it had some excellent twists and turns. The ending was also not rushed, which is a device I often find in books of this genre which sometimes spoils my overall enjoyment- but this was perfectly paced dénouement-wise and really suited my mood at the time!
After recently reading a few deep, heavy, serial killer thrillers, it was reassuring to find something within the genre that was fast-paced, superbly executed plot-wise, and not overly heavy and held my attention until the very end. I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to recommend ‘Hush’ for readers looking for a creepy serial killer read!!
I couldn't take it to five star status even though it grabbed me & didn't let me go....it also didn't leave me that disturbing, "characters I will never forget" feeling and parts of the story were a bit "outdated"......not surprising since it was written over ten years ago. It was a great "no brainer" read in between some of the more disturbing books I like:))
Ivy Dunlap is a character I loved from the git go! She is a criminal profiler who looks into the psyches of the most insane criminals alive......but the one she can't let go of is the killer who took her son's life sixteen years ago, then disappears. Gone for over a decade - and then for reasons unknown, recent homicides in the city all too alarmingly fit his MO and it looks like he’s back- which is where police detective Max Irving comes in.
Character-wise, I really enjoyed the initial dynamics between Max and Ivy and the nature of their changing relationship as the plot progressed, slowly moving from irritation to grudging respect to something that eventually bordered on friendship. Max and Ivy, as well as the secondary characters felt ‘real’ with their numerous flaws and interesting personality traits. I also found the relationship between Max and his son Ethan, fascinating and since I won't spoil the story you'll have to read it to see how it all ties in to the plot:)
Something that I can definitely say about this book is that it wasn’t predictable and it had some excellent twists and turns. The ending was also not rushed, which is a device I often find in books of this genre which sometimes spoils my overall enjoyment- but this was perfectly paced dénouement-wise and really suited my mood at the time!
After recently reading a few deep, heavy, serial killer thrillers, it was reassuring to find something within the genre that was fast-paced, superbly executed plot-wise, and not overly heavy and held my attention until the very end. I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to recommend ‘Hush’ for readers looking for a creepy serial killer read!!
March 27, 2019
A decent profiler/serial killer crime story that follows all the basic tropes of the genre (for good and ill). Above-average writing where the characters aren't people so much as plot devices that orbit around the killer (and vice versa).
20 years ago the "Madonna Murderer" terrorized Chicago, killing single mothers and their infant sons. Ivy Dunlap was one such victim, but she survived and disappeared. The murders stopped. She starts a new life under a new identity (with the help of a Chicago detective) but also pursues an academic career in profiling serial killers (because who doesn't want to relive trauma?).
Inexplicably, the Madonna Murders start up again 20 years later and Dunlap is called back to Chicago to see if she can help. And off we go a-detectin'. I've never been a huge fan of the serial-killer genre as they are often too contrived or filled with too much shock-value to be much more than torture-porn. "Hush" is more competent than that but it's still very much of a type.
Other than the killer's penchant for murdering infants (think "Hush little baby, don't say a word..."), his motivations are rather boilerplate Freudian/Oedipal. As for our profiler/protagonist, she's less a character than a plot point around which the killer can move (and vice versa). She actually has very little to do in the novel until the last 20 pages or so (and even then, it's still just fulfilling her role as a plot device).
As a detective novel, the book doesn't really gel because Dunlap and her Chicago detective partner never really uncover anything. They have "hunches" about the killer that are utterly arbitrary and only make sense when viewed in light of a preceding chapter from the killer's POV. At one point Dunlap is hypnotized and to relive her own attack and "remembers" a tattoo the killer had. That this recovered memory is coming 20 years after her attack and could be completely incorrect never crosses anybody's mind (because OF COURSE the killer had that tattoo).
As a work of genre fiction, it works. But your enjoyment of it relies on whether you already like the serial-killer genre and are willing to forgive the tropes/clichés/missteps.
20 years ago the "Madonna Murderer" terrorized Chicago, killing single mothers and their infant sons. Ivy Dunlap was one such victim, but she survived and disappeared. The murders stopped. She starts a new life under a new identity (with the help of a Chicago detective) but also pursues an academic career in profiling serial killers (because who doesn't want to relive trauma?).
Inexplicably, the Madonna Murders start up again 20 years later and Dunlap is called back to Chicago to see if she can help. And off we go a-detectin'. I've never been a huge fan of the serial-killer genre as they are often too contrived or filled with too much shock-value to be much more than torture-porn. "Hush" is more competent than that but it's still very much of a type.
Other than the killer's penchant for murdering infants (think "Hush little baby, don't say a word..."), his motivations are rather boilerplate Freudian/Oedipal. As for our profiler/protagonist, she's less a character than a plot point around which the killer can move (and vice versa). She actually has very little to do in the novel until the last 20 pages or so (and even then, it's still just fulfilling her role as a plot device).
As a detective novel, the book doesn't really gel because Dunlap and her Chicago detective partner never really uncover anything. They have "hunches" about the killer that are utterly arbitrary and only make sense when viewed in light of a preceding chapter from the killer's POV. At one point Dunlap is hypnotized and to relive her own attack and "remembers" a tattoo the killer had. That this recovered memory is coming 20 years after her attack and could be completely incorrect never crosses anybody's mind (because OF COURSE the killer had that tattoo).
As a work of genre fiction, it works. But your enjoyment of it relies on whether you already like the serial-killer genre and are willing to forgive the tropes/clichés/missteps.
January 23, 2018
Slow start but well worth the wait. Excellent narration by Emily Beresford (audible review)
So this book started out kind of slow. But I am glad I stuck with it. WOW this serial killer was psychotic times 100. Just sayin.
I really liked the characters and the character development. It was written very well and was easy to follow along. Lots of dialogue throughout the entire book. Interesting developments occurring all the time.
If you like mystery thriller books this is a good one. I don't want to give too much away so I will keep my review short and to the point. This was a good book.
As for the narration, it was excellent. Can't go wrong with Emily Beresford ever! Love her narrations. She does a great job on the male voices and giving everyone their own distinct voice.
So this book started out kind of slow. But I am glad I stuck with it. WOW this serial killer was psychotic times 100. Just sayin.
I really liked the characters and the character development. It was written very well and was easy to follow along. Lots of dialogue throughout the entire book. Interesting developments occurring all the time.
If you like mystery thriller books this is a good one. I don't want to give too much away so I will keep my review short and to the point. This was a good book.
As for the narration, it was excellent. Can't go wrong with Emily Beresford ever! Love her narrations. She does a great job on the male voices and giving everyone their own distinct voice.
March 7, 2024
It had an amazing although slower pace in the beginning, but as I kept reading it felt like it was going slower until the very end where it felt extremely rushed. I enjoyed the plot for this book but I wish the author had paced out the book evenly.
I also did not enjoy the fact it had switched between multiple different characters point of views every chapter and that we were still getting introduced to new characters(not talking about the victims)half way through the book. I feel as though if she stuck with Ivy, Ruby Grant, and Max’s point of view the book would’ve been a bit smoother as well as the chapters would’ve been longer.
I also did not enjoy the fact it had switched between multiple different characters point of views every chapter and that we were still getting introduced to new characters(not talking about the victims)half way through the book. I feel as though if she stuck with Ivy, Ruby Grant, and Max’s point of view the book would’ve been a bit smoother as well as the chapters would’ve been longer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2018
The author offered this book free on her website for signing up for the newsletter. Really, really enjoyed this serial killer book. Am, once again, blown-away by Anne Frasier's ability to write a gory subject in such a way it doesn't disgust and terrify me. Although this one came close to giving me a nightmare as the dream I was having upon waking reminded me a bit of this one. But it could also be I blitzed the Jude Fontaine series and this one in a matter of days and OD'd on the subject.
December 6, 2022
Hush
This book was intriguing. The storyline scared the beejesuzzz out of me. A lil' bit. Not that I would stop reading about the Madonna Murders. I mean, c'mon...!
When you find a writer like Anne Frasier, who has shocking storylines, it makes you want to devour her entire catalogue. And I will. I highly recommend this read for lovers of mysteries and thrillers. Hush leaves chills up/down your spine.. But, don't be scared...lol.
11/6/2022.
This book was intriguing. The storyline scared the beejesuzzz out of me. A lil' bit. Not that I would stop reading about the Madonna Murders. I mean, c'mon...!
When you find a writer like Anne Frasier, who has shocking storylines, it makes you want to devour her entire catalogue. And I will. I highly recommend this read for lovers of mysteries and thrillers. Hush leaves chills up/down your spine.. But, don't be scared...lol.
11/6/2022.
September 18, 2017
This is the second Anne Frasier book that I've read and I've come to think that she really knows her stuff when it comes to writing mystery novels! What I like about her books are that they are more taboo topics that what you're used to reading so I appreciate her uniqueness!
Overall, great, quick-paced read!
Overall, great, quick-paced read!
December 8, 2023
I must have missed something with all of the 5 and 4 star reviews --- this one was OK. The premise was a good one, but I didn't love the writing itself and found myself skipping through the extra narrative that didn't add anything to the plot. On the plus side, this is a pretty quick read.
February 2, 2021
Ivy dunlap. Ruby grant.adonna murders.
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