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Valkyrie Smith #1
Should Be Dead
Description:
Valkyrie Smith should be dead. None of the killer’s other victims have survived. Yet somehow, after spending two long nights trapped at the bottom of a dry well with a broken back, Valkyrie miraculously came through. She lost everything that night: her husband, her son, her dreams. Lying at the bottom of that well, staring up at a tiny circle of sky and waiting for the killer to find her and finish the job at any moment, Val lost one more thing: She lost her fear.
The doctors told her she might never walk again, but Val refused to give up. After years of rehabilitation and relentless determination, Valkyrie regained her mobility. She didn't stop there. Valkyrie went on to take training in self defense and firearms, and developed a strategy to track down the killer. She dedicated her life to bringing him to justice. She walked away from her past forever, and began moving from to town to town in search of the man who had slaughtered her family.
Now, after a series of missed opportunities, Valkyrie finally has her chance. An anonymous phone call informs her that the man she has been hunting has surfaced again in Sequoia County, a rural California landscape of redwood forests, vineyards, and isolated coastlines. Valkyrie knows it could be a trap. She doesn’t care. Armed with her skills, her intellect, and her determination, Valkyrie heads straight into the heart of danger. She thinks she’s prepared for anything. She’s wrong.
221 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2015
496 people are currently reading
1296 people want to read
About the author
Jeramy Gates
14 books47 followersJeramy Gates is the author of numerous Amazon lists bestsellers in the categories of Mystery, Thriller, Science Fiction and Fantasy (as Jamie Sedgwick). Jeramy spent his childhood on a ranch in the Montana Rockies, but now lives among the grapevines and redwood groves of northern California with his wife and three children. When traveling, you may encounter Jeramy with his family and their three dingoes, camping in their fifth wheel trailer.
For more info, visit www.jeramygates.com
For more info, visit www.jeramygates.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 2, 2016
This was a fantastic book. I couldn't read fast enough. I want more now! I went to immediately get the second book in the series and found out it's not available yet and I have to wait!! Arghhh!
Oh well, I got another one of this author's books to read in the meantime. I know it will be just as page-turning as this one, since he's an outstanding writer.
Oh well, I got another one of this author's books to read in the meantime. I know it will be just as page-turning as this one, since he's an outstanding writer.
May 27, 2020
Full review: https://girlswithguns.org/should-be-d...
Despite the odd name, which is really the kind only given to heroines in thrillers like this, I liked Smith. She’s a little older than most of the genre, is intensely focused and owns one of the most kick-ass cars I’ve ever read about. It’s a restored, heavily-customized 1934 Packard, which had been her husband’s pride and joy, and now resembles something Q Branch would hand to 007, after a stern warning to pay attention. There’s little or no romance to be found here: while she beds Riley, it’s a one-night stand, born mostly out of sympathy, and causes more problems than it solves. Her independence from “official” authority gives her more flexibility; she’s better able to respond as things develop, and has no hesitation about putting herself in danger in pursuit of her targets.
The negatives I found here were mostly plot-based. Impersonating a federal agent is one thing – using your own name to do so, an unusual and highly-recognizable one at that? More seriously, the whole “anonymous” tips element bugged the hell out of me. As well as being lazy writing, it’s obvious Valkyrie is being manipulated into doing someone’s work for them. Fortunately, it’s not a major aspect here, save for the beginning and end. I have to say, I wasn’t particularly surprised by the “twist” in the latter, since it seemed obvious to me that Odin was not who Valkyrie hoped or expected. It flows instead into something pointing towards the second volume.
Despite the odd name, which is really the kind only given to heroines in thrillers like this, I liked Smith. She’s a little older than most of the genre, is intensely focused and owns one of the most kick-ass cars I’ve ever read about. It’s a restored, heavily-customized 1934 Packard, which had been her husband’s pride and joy, and now resembles something Q Branch would hand to 007, after a stern warning to pay attention. There’s little or no romance to be found here: while she beds Riley, it’s a one-night stand, born mostly out of sympathy, and causes more problems than it solves. Her independence from “official” authority gives her more flexibility; she’s better able to respond as things develop, and has no hesitation about putting herself in danger in pursuit of her targets.
The negatives I found here were mostly plot-based. Impersonating a federal agent is one thing – using your own name to do so, an unusual and highly-recognizable one at that? More seriously, the whole “anonymous” tips element bugged the hell out of me. As well as being lazy writing, it’s obvious Valkyrie is being manipulated into doing someone’s work for them. Fortunately, it’s not a major aspect here, save for the beginning and end. I have to say, I wasn’t particularly surprised by the “twist” in the latter, since it seemed obvious to me that Odin was not who Valkyrie hoped or expected. It flows instead into something pointing towards the second volume.
December 15, 2018
Quite enjoyable
This author really drags you into Valkyrie's world of revenge and hidden agendas. I was hoping the whole book that her true identity wouldn't come into question. Was a really good read
This author really drags you into Valkyrie's world of revenge and hidden agendas. I was hoping the whole book that her true identity wouldn't come into question. Was a really good read
April 6, 2019
Reading this requires a suspension of reality
This story has many problems, but the plot gallops along at a heady pace and helps you suspend your disbelief. I could list the absurdities inherent in the plot, but that would require that I give spoilers that would inhibit your pleasure. The tale itself was interesting to the point where I am almost interested in reading volume 2. But I think not.
This story has many problems, but the plot gallops along at a heady pace and helps you suspend your disbelief. I could list the absurdities inherent in the plot, but that would require that I give spoilers that would inhibit your pleasure. The tale itself was interesting to the point where I am almost interested in reading volume 2. But I think not.
June 22, 2016
I was super impressed with this thriller. Enough that I looked on Amazon to see what other books Jeramy Gates had written about Valkyrie Smith, because I'll definitely be reading them in the future.
Valkyrie's family is killed by a serial killer who goes by "The Collector" or "Odin". She only escaped because she fell to the bottom of their well, where she remained for two days plotting her revenge and trying to stay alive.
Fast forward five years to when this book takes place. Valkyrie has connected with a hacker named Matt, and the two of them spend almost all of their time tracking down the serial killer who ruined Valkyrie's life. She drives a tricked out Packard, the last thing her late husband was working on, with some upgrades from Matt. She stumbles across a new murder case that establishes Odin has paired up with another serial killer, Loki, and is ruining lives across this small community. She of course tries to stop them and capture them before they hurt anyone else.
This as definitely a page turner, and I feel very lucky to have won my copy from a Goodreads giveaway.
Valkyrie's family is killed by a serial killer who goes by "The Collector" or "Odin". She only escaped because she fell to the bottom of their well, where she remained for two days plotting her revenge and trying to stay alive.
Fast forward five years to when this book takes place. Valkyrie has connected with a hacker named Matt, and the two of them spend almost all of their time tracking down the serial killer who ruined Valkyrie's life. She drives a tricked out Packard, the last thing her late husband was working on, with some upgrades from Matt. She stumbles across a new murder case that establishes Odin has paired up with another serial killer, Loki, and is ruining lives across this small community. She of course tries to stop them and capture them before they hurt anyone else.
This as definitely a page turner, and I feel very lucky to have won my copy from a Goodreads giveaway.
July 21, 2016
Makes you want more of this character.
What an interesting protagonist! I haven't read anything quite like this before and it was very, very compelling. Cannot wait for the next Valkyrie Smith story.....she's quite addictive. Read it. You won't regret it.
What an interesting protagonist! I haven't read anything quite like this before and it was very, very compelling. Cannot wait for the next Valkyrie Smith story.....she's quite addictive. Read it. You won't regret it.
September 15, 2017
Just okay. Ended with a cliffy which I hate; So there is no resolution. Read a lot like a criminal minds episode, without the humor.
October 4, 2024
got through this book over the course of 2 lectures, was alright, has 2 of the dumbest serial killers ever in it
August 23, 2017
Val is on a hunt for the killer of her husband and son. He almost took her life too after raping her, leaving her for dead in a well where she suffered severe injuries..But she is a woman that won't give up. After two years of therapy, she is going after the "Collector". The FBI have written the case off, but with help from a computer savy friend, and an awesome car, she heads out.
When she hears of a case in a small town that is like the "Collector", with her cache of "ID" cards, she impersonates an FBI agent to help out..She finds the case has all the markings of him, so she is on the case. With the help from Matt (her computer savy friend), and Riley (the owner of the local newspaper), she is on the trail. She can pick up clues that the local police are missing, but will it leave her and Riley's life in danger.
What a fantastic book. I can only hope the 2nd chapter of her story is out so I can go grab it. I will definitely be reading more from this author!
When she hears of a case in a small town that is like the "Collector", with her cache of "ID" cards, she impersonates an FBI agent to help out..She finds the case has all the markings of him, so she is on the case. With the help from Matt (her computer savy friend), and Riley (the owner of the local newspaper), she is on the trail. She can pick up clues that the local police are missing, but will it leave her and Riley's life in danger.
What a fantastic book. I can only hope the 2nd chapter of her story is out so I can go grab it. I will definitely be reading more from this author!
May 8, 2018
So, it took me a whole nine days to get through this. That's ... a long time for a short book. All in all I really can't recommend it for anything but free bundles or if you need something propped up.
The only reason I finished this is spite and disbelief that something with this little substance was published.
It has the common basics for a crime novel. A mysterious woman protagonist, a serial killer which whom she has beef and a small town in which the whole thing plays out.
What it also has is inconsistent characterisation of the protagonist (hot, cold, sexy) and basically no other characterisation of anyone else - except maybe of the nominal coitus partner she picks up and 'makes a man out of' by sleeping with him and turning him from geeky doormat to strong-minded male who finally sets boundaries with his female co-worker who - gasp, shock, horror - sees him interact with the protagonist and is instantly jealous and digs up all her secrets.
The only reason I finished this is spite and disbelief that something with this little substance was published.
It has the common basics for a crime novel. A mysterious woman protagonist, a serial killer which whom she has beef and a small town in which the whole thing plays out.
What it also has is inconsistent characterisation of the protagonist (hot, cold, sexy) and basically no other characterisation of anyone else - except maybe of the nominal coitus partner she picks up and 'makes a man out of' by sleeping with him and turning him from geeky doormat to strong-minded male who finally sets boundaries with his female co-worker who - gasp, shock, horror - sees him interact with the protagonist and is instantly jealous and digs up all her secrets.
March 23, 2019
Very good book. Liked the characters and the story was very strong. Violent people doing violent things to very innocent people. Makes you nervous about living in the country. The book moves very quickly and smoothly from one crime scene to another and keeps you hanging on waiting for the bad guys to get what they deserve. Val is a very strong woman who survived a horrible event in her life and lost all she loved. This event made her strong and determined to catch the man responsible.
You know who the killers are but the chase for them is pretty intense and Val runs headlong into the battle to stop the killing. I will most likely read again at a slower pace so as to catch a few things I might have missed first time around.
You know who the killers are but the chase for them is pretty intense and Val runs headlong into the battle to stop the killing. I will most likely read again at a slower pace so as to catch a few things I might have missed first time around.
February 24, 2021
My first book by this author and won’t be my last.
Wow....Just Wow......this book was awesome, a real page turner. It had me totally hooked from the start.
I loved Val, what a woman. She survived a horrible, horrendous ordeal that changed her life completely and was a whole lot stronger because of it.
I loved all the characters in the book especially Riley. He was such a soft hearted sweetheart. His life changed completely for the better just by meeting Val.
There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, a lot of questions still to be answered but at least the other two books in this series are already released.
I have already downloaded the other 2 books in this series.
Wow....Just Wow......this book was awesome, a real page turner. It had me totally hooked from the start.
I loved Val, what a woman. She survived a horrible, horrendous ordeal that changed her life completely and was a whole lot stronger because of it.
I loved all the characters in the book especially Riley. He was such a soft hearted sweetheart. His life changed completely for the better just by meeting Val.
There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, a lot of questions still to be answered but at least the other two books in this series are already released.
I have already downloaded the other 2 books in this series.
February 26, 2024
When a young family is found murdered, there are eerie similaries to other crimes, some from decades earlier. Valkyrie Smith is determined to find the killer and put him away. But soon, there is evidence that there is more than one killer, and they might actually be working together. When do serial killers work together?
As the crimes continue, Valkyrie must maintain her cover, and do her best to stay out of the path of the killer herself.
Good read!
As the crimes continue, Valkyrie must maintain her cover, and do her best to stay out of the path of the killer herself.
Good read!
March 30, 2019
Uncanny
How can A story literally fly off A page and yet this one does. It paints pictures with words I could hardly believe what was happening. I must continue with this series and once you start reading this Author you will be hooked from page one. If you see what's coming next it would greatly surprise me. I will continue to read as I've found another Author I Love!
How can A story literally fly off A page and yet this one does. It paints pictures with words I could hardly believe what was happening. I must continue with this series and once you start reading this Author you will be hooked from page one. If you see what's coming next it would greatly surprise me. I will continue to read as I've found another Author I Love!
April 9, 2019
I believe this is Jeramy's first book and it's a good, fast paced story. I really liked Valkyrie as a strong, female character and look forward to more books with her (cliffhanger!). Some of the story is a bit hard to believe but it's fiction and I tore through it. One caveat....there are some pretty gruesome scenes, so be prepared.
May 1, 2019
Should be Dead
Although This story managed to keep my interest to the end, it felt like the author was a novice. “Valkyrie narrowed her eyebrows” How do you do that? It wasn’t a very good read.
Although This story managed to keep my interest to the end, it felt like the author was a novice. “Valkyrie narrowed her eyebrows” How do you do that? It wasn’t a very good read.
May 12, 2019
Should Be Dead
I am not sure if I have ever read any other books by this author,but I want to tell you be sure and read this.I will be watching for more books he writes in the future
I am not sure if I have ever read any other books by this author,but I want to tell you be sure and read this.I will be watching for more books he writes in the future
June 7, 2019
Was okay
It didn't keep my attention. I found myself saying yeah yeah get on with it and started skipping ahead. Was never on the edge of my seat wondering what happens next. It was rather predictable.
It didn't keep my attention. I found myself saying yeah yeah get on with it and started skipping ahead. Was never on the edge of my seat wondering what happens next. It was rather predictable.
September 12, 2019
A tough, cocky woman vigilante out to find the monster who killed her family,and left her for dead.
A quick read. Interesting heroine with a specialized car. I enjoyed this book. I may read other materials from this author.
A quick read. Interesting heroine with a specialized car. I enjoyed this book. I may read other materials from this author.
October 6, 2020
A quick read and will read Book 2 in the Valkyrie Smith series (but not immediately; need to read something less gruesome). Liked the "good-guy" characters and her restored Packard - an especially nice touch.
June 28, 2021
Wow what a ride.
Grabbed and wouldn't let go. Great action, great characters, and a very good story line. I am definitely interested in the next book. Her "love" interest was interesting 🤔 hmm what is going to happen, and her car? I want pictures dang it!
Grabbed and wouldn't let go. Great action, great characters, and a very good story line. I am definitely interested in the next book. Her "love" interest was interesting 🤔 hmm what is going to happen, and her car? I want pictures dang it!
December 22, 2023
I originally gave 4 stars, but after finishing the second and starting the third in the series I came back to give 5 stars. I love that there are so many strong female characters in this series, and while there are parts that are a bit unbelievable, it’s still a good read that you will not want to put down.
August 21, 2017
very good
September 27, 2017
Well written story involving serial killers and a victim looking for revenge
January 7, 2021
Fun quick read!
I will continue series. Writer keeps you engaged with characters. A little brutal in some parts which reminds me of American Horror Story.
I will continue series. Writer keeps you engaged with characters. A little brutal in some parts which reminds me of American Horror Story.
June 4, 2021
She’s the kind of woman I admire. Taking the bulls by the horns and getting the job done.
August 5, 2024
Page Turner!
Absolutely loved this book! Valkyrie is an intriguing main character.. The story is fast paced and keeps you turning pages until reaching the end.
Absolutely loved this book! Valkyrie is an intriguing main character.. The story is fast paced and keeps you turning pages until reaching the end.
October 12, 2024
Should be dead
Like the story but it was all predictable. No twists in the to the story. It does continue to the next book
Like the story but it was all predictable. No twists in the to the story. It does continue to the next book
October 19, 2025
Good book
I liked the endless suspense and how it ended. Always ready for the next adventure. Keeps you guessing and wondering what will happen next
I liked the endless suspense and how it ended. Always ready for the next adventure. Keeps you guessing and wondering what will happen next
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews