What do you think?
Rate this book
The Forgotten Files #2
The Dollmaker
Dr. Tessa McGowan had never seen anything quite like it. But the mutilated bodies on her exam table tell a stunningly macabre tale: someone with a twisted mind is kidnapping women and altering their faces to resemble real, life-size dolls. As a forensic pathologist, it’s her job to aid the agent leading the case—even if that agent is her estranged husband.
Twelve years ago an unspeakable tragedy destroyed Dakota Sharp’s world. Haunted by the ghosts of his past, he’s devoted himself to capturing killers. His only regret is that it cost him Tessa. Now, as the Dollmaker case brings them together—and raises his suspicions that he’s crossed paths with this deranged psychopath before—they may just have their second chance. But it seems Dakota’s not the only one who wants to make Tessa his own…
She may be the Dollmaker’s next target, but Tessa has no intention of winding up as another toy on his shelf. Can she and Dakota stop this ghastly killer before his next deadly playdate?
Twelve years ago an unspeakable tragedy destroyed Dakota Sharp’s world. Haunted by the ghosts of his past, he’s devoted himself to capturing killers. His only regret is that it cost him Tessa. Now, as the Dollmaker case brings them together—and raises his suspicions that he’s crossed paths with this deranged psychopath before—they may just have their second chance. But it seems Dakota’s not the only one who wants to make Tessa his own…
She may be the Dollmaker’s next target, but Tessa has no intention of winding up as another toy on his shelf. Can she and Dakota stop this ghastly killer before his next deadly playdate?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2016
3565 people are currently reading
4744 people want to read
About the author
Mary Burton
68 books4,080 followersMary Burton, whose latest novel is THE LIES I TOLD, loves writing suspense, getting to know her characters, keeping up with law enforcement and forensic procedure, morning walks, baking, and tiny dachshunds. She also enjoys hunting down serial killers, which she does in her New York Times and USA Today bestselling novels. Library Journal has compared her work to that of Lisa Jackson and Lisa Gardner, and Fresh Fiction likened her writing to that of James Patterson.
Mary is routinely featured among the top ten writers in Amazon’s Author Rankings for romantic suspense, thriller and mystery. Upon publication, her novels, including NEVER LOOK BACK and BURN YOU TWICE, consistently rank high on the Kindle eBooks Store Bestseller List. Her novels CUT AND RUN and YOU'RE NOT SAFE were nominated for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award for Romantic Suspense.
A Richmond native, Mary is the author of forty-five published novels and five novellas as Mary Burton and as Mary Ellen Taylor.
A member of International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Novelists, Inc., and Romance Writers of America, Mary is known for creating multiple suspense stories connected by characters and/or place.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 655 reviews
December 13, 2023
The Dollmaker
by Mary Burton combines a police procedural, crime thriller, and romantic suspense into a fascinating, shocking, and chilling tale. Dr. Tessa McGowan is a forensic pathologist. She’s married, but separated from Virginia State Police Agent Dakota Sharp. Someone is kidnapping women and altering their faces to resemble dolls. Twelve years ago, a tragedy occurred in Sharp’s world that has caused him to devote himself to capturing killers. His one regret is that it cost him Tessa.
Tessa is reasonable, calm, straightforward, and can easily shrug off anxiety. She has changed in the last eight months and wants to make their marriage work. Sharp has a desire to protect and seek justice. He’s a workaholic who doesn’t project emotions making him seem distant to others. His ability to compartmentalize and detach enables him to do his job well. I felt like Sharp was better defined and had more depth than Tessa in this one, but both were well done. It was also great to catch up with characters from book one including Riley Tatum and Clay Bowman. The character that stands out though, is the unknown antagonist that is being sought in the story.
Mary Burton knows how to write a police procedural with plenty of suspense and thrills that allow readers to experience shocking action scenes from the comfort and safety of their homes. From a heartbreaking prologue to a shocking and chilling second chapter, I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see what would happen next. This is a story of multiple murder cases, one of which is a cold case. The author does a great job of bringing together the past and the present with case files, interviews, and photos.
The author is a great storyteller with gripping scenes and a disturbing story intermixed with a couple trying to decide if they can reconcile and be happy together. The plot moves at a fast pace with twists and turns. The antagonist’s identity was a complete surprise to me. The chemistry between Tessa and Sharp was there, but took a backseat to the crime thriller and police procedural parts of the book. There was a steamy scene or two.
Overall, this tense, suspenseful, and tragic thriller gripped me from the beginning. It was difficult to put down. The author brings strong characters, a great plot, wonderful relationships, and excellent pacing to the novel. Written for those who love crime thrillers and detective stories with a little romance, The Dollmaker is thought-provoking and has an antagonist that is dark and sinister. I’m a fan of the series and looking forward to reading the next book.
Kensington Books, Zebra and Mary Burton provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for December 26, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
----------------------------------------
My 4.44 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Tessa is reasonable, calm, straightforward, and can easily shrug off anxiety. She has changed in the last eight months and wants to make their marriage work. Sharp has a desire to protect and seek justice. He’s a workaholic who doesn’t project emotions making him seem distant to others. His ability to compartmentalize and detach enables him to do his job well. I felt like Sharp was better defined and had more depth than Tessa in this one, but both were well done. It was also great to catch up with characters from book one including Riley Tatum and Clay Bowman. The character that stands out though, is the unknown antagonist that is being sought in the story.
Mary Burton knows how to write a police procedural with plenty of suspense and thrills that allow readers to experience shocking action scenes from the comfort and safety of their homes. From a heartbreaking prologue to a shocking and chilling second chapter, I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see what would happen next. This is a story of multiple murder cases, one of which is a cold case. The author does a great job of bringing together the past and the present with case files, interviews, and photos.
The author is a great storyteller with gripping scenes and a disturbing story intermixed with a couple trying to decide if they can reconcile and be happy together. The plot moves at a fast pace with twists and turns. The antagonist’s identity was a complete surprise to me. The chemistry between Tessa and Sharp was there, but took a backseat to the crime thriller and police procedural parts of the book. There was a steamy scene or two.
Overall, this tense, suspenseful, and tragic thriller gripped me from the beginning. It was difficult to put down. The author brings strong characters, a great plot, wonderful relationships, and excellent pacing to the novel. Written for those who love crime thrillers and detective stories with a little romance, The Dollmaker is thought-provoking and has an antagonist that is dark and sinister. I’m a fan of the series and looking forward to reading the next book.
Kensington Books, Zebra and Mary Burton provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for December 26, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
----------------------------------------
My 4.44 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
September 12, 2020
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
3.5 Stars
For Dr. Tessa McGowan her past starts to twine it's way around her future when a new and bizarre case lands in the medical examiners office. The body of a young woman is found dressed like a doll, with makeup tattooed on her face. And not only is the Detective on the case her husband who she's been separated from for months, but the victim is an old friend of hers, taking Tessa back to her past. As more secrets come out the more Tessa and Dakota realize the killer is someone Tessa knows, and she's his next "perfect creation."
The Dollmaker was an intriguing and suspenseful book that I found myself captivated by from the beginning. I loved how the mystery was slowly built up until the end and had me guessing who the killer was for the majority of the book. I actually didn't guess who it was until the end, right before we were told. I love when a book can surprise me and keep me guessing. It sadly doesn't happen too often that I don't guess the killer, or secret, before it's revealed so I'm always happy when I'm kept in the dark.
The characters were easy to like, and I was rooting for them to reconcile the whole way through their story. I actually wanted more of them and to get more of their backstory. I felt like since they were the main characters we should have known more about them and gotten more of them together. I liked the moments that we did get, but I wish their was more of them.
Overall, if you're looking for a suspenseful story full of twists and turns, then this is the book for you. It's not necessary to read the first book before starting this one and the first characters are only mentioned once or twice.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
3.5 Stars
For Dr. Tessa McGowan her past starts to twine it's way around her future when a new and bizarre case lands in the medical examiners office. The body of a young woman is found dressed like a doll, with makeup tattooed on her face. And not only is the Detective on the case her husband who she's been separated from for months, but the victim is an old friend of hers, taking Tessa back to her past. As more secrets come out the more Tessa and Dakota realize the killer is someone Tessa knows, and she's his next "perfect creation."
The Dollmaker was an intriguing and suspenseful book that I found myself captivated by from the beginning. I loved how the mystery was slowly built up until the end and had me guessing who the killer was for the majority of the book. I actually didn't guess who it was until the end, right before we were told. I love when a book can surprise me and keep me guessing. It sadly doesn't happen too often that I don't guess the killer, or secret, before it's revealed so I'm always happy when I'm kept in the dark.
The characters were easy to like, and I was rooting for them to reconcile the whole way through their story. I actually wanted more of them and to get more of their backstory. I felt like since they were the main characters we should have known more about them and gotten more of them together. I liked the moments that we did get, but I wish their was more of them.
Overall, if you're looking for a suspenseful story full of twists and turns, then this is the book for you. It's not necessary to read the first book before starting this one and the first characters are only mentioned once or twice.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2016
The Doll Maker is part romance (second chance/estranged marriage), part murder mystery and suspense, and I enjoyed each aspect thoroughly!
Dr. Tessa McGowan is back in town after a rift in her marriage made working abroad seem like a good option. But the months away clarified her priorities and Tessa’s back to stay.
Agent Dakota Sharp harbors guilt and anger over the death of his younger sister. Her death was ruled an overdose twelve years back, but his family never accepted the ruling. Dakota feels Tessa deserves better than he’s able to give, but his feelings for her are a hard thing to fight.
Two murders connect the past and present, and the fact the killer may be after Tessa as well, force these two to work together, making it impossible to deny the intense connection they share.
I’ve read a lot of mysteries in the past, and even though I did think of the murderer in passing as a possibility I was surprised by his/her identity in the end. There were plenty of twists that kept me guessing. The Doll Maker was a well plotted mystery with a very creepy edge! I read it late into the night and ended up lying in bed a little spooked envisioning all the sinister possibilities beyond my bedroom door!
A copy was kindly provided by Montlake Romance via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Dr. Tessa McGowan is back in town after a rift in her marriage made working abroad seem like a good option. But the months away clarified her priorities and Tessa’s back to stay.
Agent Dakota Sharp harbors guilt and anger over the death of his younger sister. Her death was ruled an overdose twelve years back, but his family never accepted the ruling. Dakota feels Tessa deserves better than he’s able to give, but his feelings for her are a hard thing to fight.
Two murders connect the past and present, and the fact the killer may be after Tessa as well, force these two to work together, making it impossible to deny the intense connection they share.
I’ve read a lot of mysteries in the past, and even though I did think of the murderer in passing as a possibility I was surprised by his/her identity in the end. There were plenty of twists that kept me guessing. The Doll Maker was a well plotted mystery with a very creepy edge! I read it late into the night and ended up lying in bed a little spooked envisioning all the sinister possibilities beyond my bedroom door!
A copy was kindly provided by Montlake Romance via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2017
Dear Reader,
If you're looking for a suspenseful,deeply compelling 'who-dun-it',then this book merits serious consideration!
Dakota Sharp,a man deeply committed to his work as a police agent in Virginia,is hunting down the man responsible for the death of Diane R,a friend of his estranged wife,Tessa.
Not only was Diane found dead,but her face and body were used as a unique canvas,one on which the artist plied his trade,using his special talents to transform her irrevocably, into his ideal image.
Coupled with this,Dakota comes face to face with his estranged wife,whom he loves dearly,but due to the time consuming nature of his work,plus the fact that he is,by nature, a man that finds it difficult to express his feelings and talk about the inherent difficulties of his job,he is now forced to face his demons and decide if his marriage is worth fighting for.
Faced with yet another woman's body being found in a similar state to that of Diane's, Dakota is still haunted by the apparent overdose of his half sister,Kara,twelve years ago. Abducted and found some four days later,he has never fully reconciled himself to her death and the strange circumstances surrounding it.
Can there be a link connecting the deaths of all these young women? Is the fact that they, along with Tessa,attended the same college a mere coincidence or is there a serial killer in their midst?
Dear Reader,this was a wonderful story,one that I found very intriguing,and one that had me eagerly turning pages to discover who the guilty party was.
I loved how,initially,distinct individuals played their part,only for the common thread that significantly and detrimentally linked them together was revealed. Dakota is a dark,sometimes brooding character,and his relationship difficulties were mired in reality.
I loved this story,its 3-D characters and the fast paced plot that richotted the tension to the nth degree!
Highly recommended!!!
If you're looking for a suspenseful,deeply compelling 'who-dun-it',then this book merits serious consideration!
Dakota Sharp,a man deeply committed to his work as a police agent in Virginia,is hunting down the man responsible for the death of Diane R,a friend of his estranged wife,Tessa.
Not only was Diane found dead,but her face and body were used as a unique canvas,one on which the artist plied his trade,using his special talents to transform her irrevocably, into his ideal image.
Coupled with this,Dakota comes face to face with his estranged wife,whom he loves dearly,but due to the time consuming nature of his work,plus the fact that he is,by nature, a man that finds it difficult to express his feelings and talk about the inherent difficulties of his job,he is now forced to face his demons and decide if his marriage is worth fighting for.
Faced with yet another woman's body being found in a similar state to that of Diane's, Dakota is still haunted by the apparent overdose of his half sister,Kara,twelve years ago. Abducted and found some four days later,he has never fully reconciled himself to her death and the strange circumstances surrounding it.
Can there be a link connecting the deaths of all these young women? Is the fact that they, along with Tessa,attended the same college a mere coincidence or is there a serial killer in their midst?
Dear Reader,this was a wonderful story,one that I found very intriguing,and one that had me eagerly turning pages to discover who the guilty party was.
I loved how,initially,distinct individuals played their part,only for the common thread that significantly and detrimentally linked them together was revealed. Dakota is a dark,sometimes brooding character,and his relationship difficulties were mired in reality.
I loved this story,its 3-D characters and the fast paced plot that richotted the tension to the nth degree!
Highly recommended!!!
December 25, 2023
The Dollmaker by Mary Burton
The Forgotten Files series #2. Thriller with a smidge of romance. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Someone with a twisted mind is kidnapping women and altering their faces to resemble life-sized dolls. As a forensic pathologist, it’s up to Dr Tessa McGowin to help the agent in charge of the investigation. Dakota Sharp is Tessa’s estranged husband and he’s determined to catch this deranged doll killer. He needs to moves fast though as it seems like Tessa is likely to be his next target.
A gruesome sicko, using his tattoo skills to change a woman’s appearance to be the perfect doll for him. There are chapters from the female victim’s (3rd person) perspective that a chilling because we know she’s not going to survive. Dakota and Tessa have to put aside their personal issues and look at her past to figure out who it might be that’s stalking her.
Gripping and intense.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and the publisher.
The Forgotten Files series #2. Thriller with a smidge of romance. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Someone with a twisted mind is kidnapping women and altering their faces to resemble life-sized dolls. As a forensic pathologist, it’s up to Dr Tessa McGowin to help the agent in charge of the investigation. Dakota Sharp is Tessa’s estranged husband and he’s determined to catch this deranged doll killer. He needs to moves fast though as it seems like Tessa is likely to be his next target.
A gruesome sicko, using his tattoo skills to change a woman’s appearance to be the perfect doll for him. There are chapters from the female victim’s (3rd person) perspective that a chilling because we know she’s not going to survive. Dakota and Tessa have to put aside their personal issues and look at her past to figure out who it might be that’s stalking her.
Gripping and intense.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and the publisher.
April 16, 2017
Dr. Tessa McGowan is a forensic pathologist. She can hardly believe what she is looking at. A young woman, completely hairless, and her face totally tattooed to make her look like a doll. Once he's done and he kills them, what he does is unspeakable until he leaves the bodies where they may be found.
Unfortunately, Tessa knows this victim .. they were in college together and another of her friends has gone missing.
Agent Dakota Sharp is investigating. His sister died 12 years ago of a drug overdose. He has never accepted the cause of death ... he has always felt there was something more.
It has nearly cost him his marriage ... to Tessa McGowan. He's not the easiest man in the world to live with, but Tessa wants to try again. Dakota is just not sure .. he let her go once, he's not sure he could do it again.
And even if they can't make the marriage work, he will certainly do everything in his power o protect her. More bodies are falling .. and it looks like the Dollmaker has his eyes set on Tessa to become his next playmate.
I've read the books in this series out of order ... but no problem. Each one is a stand alone. With this author, I have no worries grabbing any new book of hers to come out. I always know it's going to be well-written, highly suspenseful and a balance between the crime and the romance. The characters are memorable and fully developed.
This has been a terrific series for anyone who likes Romantic Suspense. 5 Stars for the book --- 5 Stars for the series.
Unfortunately, Tessa knows this victim .. they were in college together and another of her friends has gone missing.
Agent Dakota Sharp is investigating. His sister died 12 years ago of a drug overdose. He has never accepted the cause of death ... he has always felt there was something more.
It has nearly cost him his marriage ... to Tessa McGowan. He's not the easiest man in the world to live with, but Tessa wants to try again. Dakota is just not sure .. he let her go once, he's not sure he could do it again.
And even if they can't make the marriage work, he will certainly do everything in his power o protect her. More bodies are falling .. and it looks like the Dollmaker has his eyes set on Tessa to become his next playmate.
I've read the books in this series out of order ... but no problem. Each one is a stand alone. With this author, I have no worries grabbing any new book of hers to come out. I always know it's going to be well-written, highly suspenseful and a balance between the crime and the romance. The characters are memorable and fully developed.
This has been a terrific series for anyone who likes Romantic Suspense. 5 Stars for the book --- 5 Stars for the series.
November 27, 2023
I like Mary Burton; she’s a good writer and storyteller. This is the 11th book (two different series and some standalones) of hers that I have read. I’m a huge fan of her Criminal Profiler series and really hope she hasn’t abandoned it and is just busy working on all her other series. I’m typically not a big fan of romantic suspense stories, so many of them are just really bad! However, Burton seems to have mastered just the right formula for them, mixing just the right amount of suspense and romance. Too many of them lean wwwaaayyy too heavily towards the “romance” part (and really poorly too) and fail to provide much suspense. JMHO
Anyway, the book summary lays out the primary and secondary storylines. Most of the story revolves around the primary storyline of the investigation of the Dollmaker killings. The story flips back and forth between Tessa, Dakota and the Dollmaker. Tessa and Dakota’s chapters are sprinkled with the aftereffects of their estranged marriage when Tessa left Dakota and spent almost a year in SE Asia, and the subsequent friction between the two now that she is back in the states. Tessa has taken a job that has her now butting heads with Dakota on the Dollmaker case.
Burton does a really good job of laying the story out, leaving clues along the way. It’s well into the second half, almost to the end (85%) that a major revelation is dropped and I’m pretty sure I know who the killer is but not sure how the story will all fall together. Well, I was sooo wrong!!! Did not see that one coming; this was definitely a solid 4star story. I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #KensingtonBooks #TheDollmaker
Anyway, the book summary lays out the primary and secondary storylines. Most of the story revolves around the primary storyline of the investigation of the Dollmaker killings. The story flips back and forth between Tessa, Dakota and the Dollmaker. Tessa and Dakota’s chapters are sprinkled with the aftereffects of their estranged marriage when Tessa left Dakota and spent almost a year in SE Asia, and the subsequent friction between the two now that she is back in the states. Tessa has taken a job that has her now butting heads with Dakota on the Dollmaker case.
Burton does a really good job of laying the story out, leaving clues along the way. It’s well into the second half, almost to the end (85%) that a major revelation is dropped and I’m pretty sure I know who the killer is but not sure how the story will all fall together. Well, I was sooo wrong!!! Did not see that one coming; this was definitely a solid 4star story. I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #KensingtonBooks #TheDollmaker
January 19, 2018
See all of my reviews at http://ladyjbookishnook.blogspot.com
The library labeled this book as a romance but it sure didn't read like any romance I want to be a part of. Ha! The book cover gives you a clue that it is pretty creepy. It's one of those books that make you think you hear things outside at night. More than once I got up and turned the outside light on to see if anything was there. So if you are jumpy at night, read this one in the daytime. The bad guy is a real creepazoid. It was sort of easy to figure out the identity of the weirdo but you didn't know for sure until the very end. I got it right for once.
The library labeled this book as a romance but it sure didn't read like any romance I want to be a part of. Ha! The book cover gives you a clue that it is pretty creepy. It's one of those books that make you think you hear things outside at night. More than once I got up and turned the outside light on to see if anything was there. So if you are jumpy at night, read this one in the daytime. The bad guy is a real creepazoid. It was sort of easy to figure out the identity of the weirdo but you didn't know for sure until the very end. I got it right for once.
December 6, 2016
THE DOLLMAKER is the second book in The Forgotten Files series, but you can read this one without having read the previous book. I know because I haven't read THE SHARK. However, I do want to read it now after finishing THE DOLLMAKER. I do have some issues with this book, mainly it's very predictable, the whole case, the identity of the first woman, how the Dollmaker chooses them and the identity of the Dollmaker.
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION
November 10, 2016
Tessa McGowan is a forensic pathologist and her latest case has been quite disturbing. Young women are turning up dead made up to look like real life dolls. Working with her estranged husband, Dakota Sharp, the pair team up to track down a killer which they find may have hit a little too close to home for the pair.
The Dollmaker is the second book in the Forgotten Files series by Mary Burton. Each book in the series though could be read as a standalone since they both feature completely different cases with only a bit of carry over with character information.
This particular book starts off when a teen getting talked into making a drug drop off and recognizing the buyer which costs him his life. Then we have the murders of a serial killer which then also ties into a past case close to our main characters. A lot going on throughout the book so as to never have a dull moment and to keep the pages turning.
Overall, another great read from Mary Burton, lots of twists and turns and action all throughout as the characters chase down the killer.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
The Dollmaker is the second book in the Forgotten Files series by Mary Burton. Each book in the series though could be read as a standalone since they both feature completely different cases with only a bit of carry over with character information.
This particular book starts off when a teen getting talked into making a drug drop off and recognizing the buyer which costs him his life. Then we have the murders of a serial killer which then also ties into a past case close to our main characters. A lot going on throughout the book so as to never have a dull moment and to keep the pages turning.
Overall, another great read from Mary Burton, lots of twists and turns and action all throughout as the characters chase down the killer.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
October 22, 2018
Good suspense, weak romance.
I don’t dwell a lot on ‘love/sex/etc’ in thriller – but this one was annoying.
2nd chance, still married and she was the only one, who fought for their marriage.
Decent heroine, she deserved better.
But the suspense is worth reading. Well done!
I don’t dwell a lot on ‘love/sex/etc’ in thriller – but this one was annoying.
2nd chance, still married and she was the only one, who fought for their marriage.
Decent heroine, she deserved better.
But the suspense is worth reading. Well done!
November 25, 2023
Detective Dakota Sharp is investigating the murders of women who were made up to look like dolls. His estranged wife Tessa, a medical examiner helps him investigate the gruesome murders. This was a great book that I didn’t want to put down. It is second in a three book series and can be read by its self. Thanks NetGalley and Kensington Books for this free readers copy!
It will be re-released December 26, 2023.
It will be re-released December 26, 2023.
May 26, 2017
I had the same problems with this as with the first one...
Maybe I'm watching too much Criminal Minds, but sloppy and naive don't work for me...
Maybe I'm watching too much Criminal Minds, but sloppy and naive don't work for me...
April 20, 2024
Review from 2017
I've given this a B+ for both content and narration at AudioGals, so that's 4.5 stars
The Dollmaker is the second book in Mary Burton’s The Forgotten Files series, but it works perfectly well as a standalone. It’s my first time listening to a book by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last, as the mystery is tightly-plotted and suspenseful and the main characters, while perhaps somewhat stereotypical, are nonetheless well-drawn and likeable. The mystery element of the book is very much to the fore, although there is also a second-chance romance between Agent Dakota Sharp of the Virginia State Police and his estranged wife, pathologist Dr. Tessa McGowan, brewing in the background.
While attending the funeral of his step-father, Roger, to whom he wasn’t close, Dakota Sharp is approached by Douglas Knox, the former local police chief who investigated the death of Sharp’s half-sister, Kara, some twelve years ago. The cause of death was an overdose, but Roger was never convinced of that and spent the last decade or so trying to prove she was murdered. Knox now tells Sharp that there may have been more to Kara’s death and offers to send him his case files. Sharp is sceptical, but, to humour the old man, accepts the offer and asks a colleague to look over them, feeling he’s too close to events to do so himself.
Shortly after this, Sharp picks up a couple of seemingly unrelated cases; the stabbing of a teenaged boy, and the murder of a young woman who was found propped up against a tree in a park, dressed and made up to look like a doll. Except it turns out that the make-up is actually tattoos, meaning that whoever murdered her must have held her captive and sedated for quite some time. The pathology team, which includes the newly appointed Tessa McGowan, finds that the cause of death was an overdose – but there is clearly a lot more going on and this is no “simple” murder.
Sharp and Tessa were married a couple of years earlier, but were only together for eight months before Tessa left to work abroad. She didn’t necessarily want to end their marriage, but things weren’t working and a distance was growing between them. Dakota had always been dedicated to his job, but a recent case that bore similarities to his sister’s death had completely consumed him and he became more driven than ever, relegating everything else in his life to a poor second place. Neither he nor Tessa was willing to compromise at that point – but a year out of the country has crystallised things for Tessa, and she has returned, determined to set things right between them and make their marriage work.
Dakota, on the other hand, isn’t sure they should remain married. He doesn’t think he’s good for Tessa; he’s eleven years older than her and a self-confessed workaholic, and while he loves her as much as he ever did, he wonders if she would be happier with someone else. So he’s surprised and a bit defensive when Tessa makes it clear that she’s still in love with him and that she isn’t going to let him just walk away.
I really liked how the author handles the romance here. Dakota has lost sight of what’s really important in life; he’s dedicated and exceptionally good at his job, but clearly there’s an element there of wanting to assuage the guilt he still feels over not having been able to prevent his sister’s death. Tessa has matured a lot in her year away and is now able to understand what drives Dakota and to want to help him, personally as well as professionally. There’s strong chemistry between them, and it’s clear that they’re both now in a position to recognise that they are better together than apart. But the stakes are raised when the investigation into the murdered “doll” starts to indicate that the killer is not selecting random targets and it looks as though Tessa may well be his next intended victim.
I’m not going to spoil the mystery, save to say that the way the author draws together all the different narrative threads is truly masterful. The link between the cases – the stabbing, Kara’s death, the murdered “doll” – all emerge slowly but steadily, and at no time did I ever need to scratch my head over inadequately thought-out plot twists or jumps in logic. There are a few slightly gruesome scenes where we follow the Dollmaker as he works on his creations, but there’s nothing overly graphic, and I’m sure that anyone who regularly listens to romantic suspense novels – or watches CSI on TV! – won’t be unduly shocked.
Christina Traister is a new-to-me narrator, but one who is very experienced, as a quick look at the over 100 titles to her credit at Audible will show. She delivers a very good performance on all counts here; her pacing in both narrative and dialogue is good, she differentiates well and effectively between characters, and her acting choices are spot on. I was particularly impressed with her vocal acting in the scenes involving the Dollmaker – who is almost always uncannily calm and self-possessed, speaking in a quiet, near-monotone that is perfect for someone who is so horribly unhinged – and his terrified victims, where she expertly conveys their fear without going over the top. The Virginia accents Ms. Traister adopts for Dakota and other locals sound authentic to my English ears, although I have to say that the accent, coupled with Dakota’s considered, deliberate manner of speaking does sometimes make him sound like a bit of a cross between Forrest Gump and Eeyore. But as I got into the story and got used to it, I started to find it rather endearing and it didn’t spoil my enjoyment in any way.
The Dollmaker is a fabulous piece of romantic suspense and one I’m recommending without hesitation to fans of the genre. The suspense storyline is gripping and very well executed, and the romance is nicely done, conveying a real sense of two people who are reconnecting at the right time in their lives and that they are going to make a go of things. I really liked the way Ms. Burton linked the different past and present plotlines together, so I’m off to listen to the previous book in the series, The Shark and definitely plan to keep an eye out for future instalments.
I've given this a B+ for both content and narration at AudioGals, so that's 4.5 stars
The Dollmaker is the second book in Mary Burton’s The Forgotten Files series, but it works perfectly well as a standalone. It’s my first time listening to a book by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last, as the mystery is tightly-plotted and suspenseful and the main characters, while perhaps somewhat stereotypical, are nonetheless well-drawn and likeable. The mystery element of the book is very much to the fore, although there is also a second-chance romance between Agent Dakota Sharp of the Virginia State Police and his estranged wife, pathologist Dr. Tessa McGowan, brewing in the background.
While attending the funeral of his step-father, Roger, to whom he wasn’t close, Dakota Sharp is approached by Douglas Knox, the former local police chief who investigated the death of Sharp’s half-sister, Kara, some twelve years ago. The cause of death was an overdose, but Roger was never convinced of that and spent the last decade or so trying to prove she was murdered. Knox now tells Sharp that there may have been more to Kara’s death and offers to send him his case files. Sharp is sceptical, but, to humour the old man, accepts the offer and asks a colleague to look over them, feeling he’s too close to events to do so himself.
Shortly after this, Sharp picks up a couple of seemingly unrelated cases; the stabbing of a teenaged boy, and the murder of a young woman who was found propped up against a tree in a park, dressed and made up to look like a doll. Except it turns out that the make-up is actually tattoos, meaning that whoever murdered her must have held her captive and sedated for quite some time. The pathology team, which includes the newly appointed Tessa McGowan, finds that the cause of death was an overdose – but there is clearly a lot more going on and this is no “simple” murder.
Sharp and Tessa were married a couple of years earlier, but were only together for eight months before Tessa left to work abroad. She didn’t necessarily want to end their marriage, but things weren’t working and a distance was growing between them. Dakota had always been dedicated to his job, but a recent case that bore similarities to his sister’s death had completely consumed him and he became more driven than ever, relegating everything else in his life to a poor second place. Neither he nor Tessa was willing to compromise at that point – but a year out of the country has crystallised things for Tessa, and she has returned, determined to set things right between them and make their marriage work.
Dakota, on the other hand, isn’t sure they should remain married. He doesn’t think he’s good for Tessa; he’s eleven years older than her and a self-confessed workaholic, and while he loves her as much as he ever did, he wonders if she would be happier with someone else. So he’s surprised and a bit defensive when Tessa makes it clear that she’s still in love with him and that she isn’t going to let him just walk away.
I really liked how the author handles the romance here. Dakota has lost sight of what’s really important in life; he’s dedicated and exceptionally good at his job, but clearly there’s an element there of wanting to assuage the guilt he still feels over not having been able to prevent his sister’s death. Tessa has matured a lot in her year away and is now able to understand what drives Dakota and to want to help him, personally as well as professionally. There’s strong chemistry between them, and it’s clear that they’re both now in a position to recognise that they are better together than apart. But the stakes are raised when the investigation into the murdered “doll” starts to indicate that the killer is not selecting random targets and it looks as though Tessa may well be his next intended victim.
I’m not going to spoil the mystery, save to say that the way the author draws together all the different narrative threads is truly masterful. The link between the cases – the stabbing, Kara’s death, the murdered “doll” – all emerge slowly but steadily, and at no time did I ever need to scratch my head over inadequately thought-out plot twists or jumps in logic. There are a few slightly gruesome scenes where we follow the Dollmaker as he works on his creations, but there’s nothing overly graphic, and I’m sure that anyone who regularly listens to romantic suspense novels – or watches CSI on TV! – won’t be unduly shocked.
Christina Traister is a new-to-me narrator, but one who is very experienced, as a quick look at the over 100 titles to her credit at Audible will show. She delivers a very good performance on all counts here; her pacing in both narrative and dialogue is good, she differentiates well and effectively between characters, and her acting choices are spot on. I was particularly impressed with her vocal acting in the scenes involving the Dollmaker – who is almost always uncannily calm and self-possessed, speaking in a quiet, near-monotone that is perfect for someone who is so horribly unhinged – and his terrified victims, where she expertly conveys their fear without going over the top. The Virginia accents Ms. Traister adopts for Dakota and other locals sound authentic to my English ears, although I have to say that the accent, coupled with Dakota’s considered, deliberate manner of speaking does sometimes make him sound like a bit of a cross between Forrest Gump and Eeyore. But as I got into the story and got used to it, I started to find it rather endearing and it didn’t spoil my enjoyment in any way.
The Dollmaker is a fabulous piece of romantic suspense and one I’m recommending without hesitation to fans of the genre. The suspense storyline is gripping and very well executed, and the romance is nicely done, conveying a real sense of two people who are reconnecting at the right time in their lives and that they are going to make a go of things. I really liked the way Ms. Burton linked the different past and present plotlines together, so I’m off to listen to the previous book in the series, The Shark and definitely plan to keep an eye out for future instalments.
November 25, 2016
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
The Forgotten Files series by Mary Burton is Suspense with a dash of Romance. In this book you have a Forgotten File from 12 years ago that comes alive again with two current cases. Second chance romance is my favorite kind, but it takes two people to put the past aside and make a new future and for most of the story is was Tessa giving her all and more and Dakota taking and giving nothing in return. Not fair and balanced at all.
Dakota is all about the job and when he is on a case he is there 100%, 24-7 if needed. It doesn't leave much for a personal life, but Tessa knew that going in. When one case ended and Dakota just didn't return to normal, she took off for an 8 month internship in Vietnam as a forensic pathologist. She did some heavy soul searching and decided that she loved Dakota and would take whatever he was able to give her and be happy.
She returns to Richmond and gets a job in the Medical Examiners office where she has contact with Dakota on a professional basis. Tessa lets Dakota know in no uncertain terms that they are far from done with each other. Then they become involved in a case that has similarities to the death of Dakota's sister 12 years ago. 3 1/2 Stars
The Forgotten Files series by Mary Burton is Suspense with a dash of Romance. In this book you have a Forgotten File from 12 years ago that comes alive again with two current cases. Second chance romance is my favorite kind, but it takes two people to put the past aside and make a new future and for most of the story is was Tessa giving her all and more and Dakota taking and giving nothing in return. Not fair and balanced at all.
Dakota is all about the job and when he is on a case he is there 100%, 24-7 if needed. It doesn't leave much for a personal life, but Tessa knew that going in. When one case ended and Dakota just didn't return to normal, she took off for an 8 month internship in Vietnam as a forensic pathologist. She did some heavy soul searching and decided that she loved Dakota and would take whatever he was able to give her and be happy.
She returns to Richmond and gets a job in the Medical Examiners office where she has contact with Dakota on a professional basis. Tessa lets Dakota know in no uncertain terms that they are far from done with each other. Then they become involved in a case that has similarities to the death of Dakota's sister 12 years ago. 3 1/2 Stars
December 2, 2016
Why is it when I don't like a book I have so much more to say then when I do like a book?
I liked The Doll Maker by Mary Burton and enjoyed reading it. It was a well-paced book with a good plot and characters. The book's description is very accurate - so no need to repeat here. This is book #2 in The Forgotten Files series but can be read as a stand-alone. The setting and some characters are recurring but the plot and the primary characters have their own complete story. This is the kind of series I love to read.
The plot that pulls together both current murders and a 12 year old cold case was good. The cold case was Dakota's (the male MC) half-sister who he adored. Her death really impacted him and has affected his decisions and who he has become. Although there were some easy guesses, I still enjoyed Ms. Burton's writing and the way she pulled the story together.
The relationship of Tessa and Dakota was interesting. 8 months ago Tessa ran from a marriage in crisis and disappeared in an overseas assignment. That Tessa seemed immature, but the Tessa who returns in someone you can get vested in. Dakota doesn't believe the marriage can be saved but Tessa fights for it which I liked. Dakota was really likeable from a professional standpoint as the guy who can get the job done. From a personal standpoint - he needs help. Tessa in now mature enough to realize that and fight for the man beneath the wall he has built around himself.
This is a romantic suspense novel, but for readers who love more romance than suspense they may end up wishing for more romance. I'm on the other end of the spectrum and like more suspense plot than romance - so for me it's a perfect fit.
I like Ms. Burton's writing and The Forgotten File series and will be looking forward to her next novel.
I liked The Doll Maker by Mary Burton and enjoyed reading it. It was a well-paced book with a good plot and characters. The book's description is very accurate - so no need to repeat here. This is book #2 in The Forgotten Files series but can be read as a stand-alone. The setting and some characters are recurring but the plot and the primary characters have their own complete story. This is the kind of series I love to read.
The plot that pulls together both current murders and a 12 year old cold case was good. The cold case was Dakota's (the male MC) half-sister who he adored. Her death really impacted him and has affected his decisions and who he has become. Although there were some easy guesses, I still enjoyed Ms. Burton's writing and the way she pulled the story together.
The relationship of Tessa and Dakota was interesting. 8 months ago Tessa ran from a marriage in crisis and disappeared in an overseas assignment. That Tessa seemed immature, but the Tessa who returns in someone you can get vested in. Dakota doesn't believe the marriage can be saved but Tessa fights for it which I liked. Dakota was really likeable from a professional standpoint as the guy who can get the job done. From a personal standpoint - he needs help. Tessa in now mature enough to realize that and fight for the man beneath the wall he has built around himself.
This is a romantic suspense novel, but for readers who love more romance than suspense they may end up wishing for more romance. I'm on the other end of the spectrum and like more suspense plot than romance - so for me it's a perfect fit.
I like Ms. Burton's writing and The Forgotten File series and will be looking forward to her next novel.
December 28, 2017
RATING: 4 STARS
(I received an ARC from the PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY)
(Review Not on Blog)
Several years ago I read Burton's Senseless series and I liked but found the suspense and romance a bit flat. That didn't stop me from still adding her books to my "want to read" list. While I found the chemistry of the characters flat, Burton does write well. And, damn this series just knocked me off my feet. When I requested the first book, the Shark, I was expecting a good read, but instead I found myself in an awesome romantic suspense. I felt like I was reading Karen Rose or Allison Brennan. After a few pages into The Dollmaker, about a killer dressing and making up his victims up as dolls, I was hooked. I enjoyed the past and chemistry of Dakota and Tessa but it was the killer that had me flipping the pages. If you are looking for a satisfying romantic suspense thriller, read this series (please note it is graphic).
(I received an ARC from the PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY)
(Review Not on Blog)
Several years ago I read Burton's Senseless series and I liked but found the suspense and romance a bit flat. That didn't stop me from still adding her books to my "want to read" list. While I found the chemistry of the characters flat, Burton does write well. And, damn this series just knocked me off my feet. When I requested the first book, the Shark, I was expecting a good read, but instead I found myself in an awesome romantic suspense. I felt like I was reading Karen Rose or Allison Brennan. After a few pages into The Dollmaker, about a killer dressing and making up his victims up as dolls, I was hooked. I enjoyed the past and chemistry of Dakota and Tessa but it was the killer that had me flipping the pages. If you are looking for a satisfying romantic suspense thriller, read this series (please note it is graphic).
December 19, 2016
A gruesome but intriguing and well-crafted story.
December 15, 2018
Another great read by this author! I really enjoyed it!
July 15, 2021
ARC REVIEW
Mary Burton does it again, she creeped me out and had me fall in love. Sadly I missed the release of The Shark the first book in the Forgotten Files series but worry not it was not necessary to read it to read this one.
Firstly the romance aspect of the story was probably the easiest part of the story, Tessa and Dakota have been estranged for about half of their marriage. Tessa was best friends with Dakota's little sister who was murdered in college and it was never solved. Tessa and Dakota didn't met up again until years later and then had a whirlwind romance and quickly got married, but after being married for some time and a very difficult case that hit a little too close to home for police detective Dakota they started having issues. Not knowing what to do Tessa give an ultimatum, and when Dakota doesn't give in she leaves for Vietnam, identifying the soldiers in unmarked graves. But after eight months Tessa realizes what went wrong and is back and wants to start over with Dakota. Dakota is scared that Tessa will just leave again like she did last time. he isn't good about showing his emotions or anything and as much as he loves Tessa he's scared he'll get hurt again.
Now the good part, someone has been kidnapping woman and keeping them until finally kills them and he leaves them in a place they will be easily found but they are tattooed and dressed up to look like dolls. It's sick and twisted in it's own right but Tessa makes the connection that the victims were all connected and that she falls into that connection. With Tessa at risk Dakota steps up and does everything he possible can to protect her. The more they try to find out about The Dollmaker they more they discover that it goes farther back than they think.
Overall, Mary Burton is quickly becoming my go-to author for creepy and intense suspense with a touch of romance. I know I talked a bunch about the romance but I didn't want to spoil to much about the serial killer. This was a great one and I can't wait for more.
Mary Burton does it again, she creeped me out and had me fall in love. Sadly I missed the release of The Shark the first book in the Forgotten Files series but worry not it was not necessary to read it to read this one.
Firstly the romance aspect of the story was probably the easiest part of the story, Tessa and Dakota have been estranged for about half of their marriage. Tessa was best friends with Dakota's little sister who was murdered in college and it was never solved. Tessa and Dakota didn't met up again until years later and then had a whirlwind romance and quickly got married, but after being married for some time and a very difficult case that hit a little too close to home for police detective Dakota they started having issues. Not knowing what to do Tessa give an ultimatum, and when Dakota doesn't give in she leaves for Vietnam, identifying the soldiers in unmarked graves. But after eight months Tessa realizes what went wrong and is back and wants to start over with Dakota. Dakota is scared that Tessa will just leave again like she did last time. he isn't good about showing his emotions or anything and as much as he loves Tessa he's scared he'll get hurt again.
Now the good part, someone has been kidnapping woman and keeping them until finally kills them and he leaves them in a place they will be easily found but they are tattooed and dressed up to look like dolls. It's sick and twisted in it's own right but Tessa makes the connection that the victims were all connected and that she falls into that connection. With Tessa at risk Dakota steps up and does everything he possible can to protect her. The more they try to find out about The Dollmaker they more they discover that it goes farther back than they think.
Overall, Mary Burton is quickly becoming my go-to author for creepy and intense suspense with a touch of romance. I know I talked a bunch about the romance but I didn't want to spoil to much about the serial killer. This was a great one and I can't wait for more.
May 18, 2020
Another compelling book in The Forgotten Files that I could not put down! (Seriously, I read this in three sittings over the course of 12 hours).
Terrance Dillon, a young man with a bright future, finds himself bleeding out in an alley after one bad decision.
A woman wakes to find that her body has been heavily tattooed making her appear to be a living doll.
Former marine Dakota Sharp has devoted his life to capturing killers as an agent with the Virginia State Police after losing his sister a decade ago. His obsession with his cases cost him the love of his life, Tessa, who walked away after 8 months of marriage.
Dr. Tessa McGowan has accepted a position in forensic pathology in her hometown and is determined to win back Dakota after her hasty exit a year ago.
Now the estranged couple are working together in the hunt for The Dollmaker, someone kidnapping women and tattooing their faces to resemble dolls. As the victims are identified, Sharp realizes the killer may have set their sights on Tessa and could be responsible not only for the current active case in the murder of Terrance Dillon but also his sister's tragic death.
The Dollmaker is a fast-paced thriller that kept me flipping through the pages every spare minute I had! The characters are well-developed and the compelling cases come together in a realistic way. A solid creepy suspense novel with a hint of romance.
For more reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com
Terrance Dillon, a young man with a bright future, finds himself bleeding out in an alley after one bad decision.
A woman wakes to find that her body has been heavily tattooed making her appear to be a living doll.
Former marine Dakota Sharp has devoted his life to capturing killers as an agent with the Virginia State Police after losing his sister a decade ago. His obsession with his cases cost him the love of his life, Tessa, who walked away after 8 months of marriage.
Dr. Tessa McGowan has accepted a position in forensic pathology in her hometown and is determined to win back Dakota after her hasty exit a year ago.
Now the estranged couple are working together in the hunt for The Dollmaker, someone kidnapping women and tattooing their faces to resemble dolls. As the victims are identified, Sharp realizes the killer may have set their sights on Tessa and could be responsible not only for the current active case in the murder of Terrance Dillon but also his sister's tragic death.
The Dollmaker is a fast-paced thriller that kept me flipping through the pages every spare minute I had! The characters are well-developed and the compelling cases come together in a realistic way. A solid creepy suspense novel with a hint of romance.
For more reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com
July 1, 2021
It's been a while since i read a Mary Burton novel having read the Shark months ago so i was pleased when i started this book, i have forgotten how easy it was to listen to her books, the way her characters develop along the story and how the villain isn't given up till almost the last few chapters.
Her novels are always full of plots and sides that you expect your head to turn in circles but there are all related, like a nice little spider web that by the time you reach the final arc everything falls into it's place and you have an "OH" moment.
Really and Highly recommend her series and am looking forward to listening to the last book in this series soon.
Her novels are always full of plots and sides that you expect your head to turn in circles but there are all related, like a nice little spider web that by the time you reach the final arc everything falls into it's place and you have an "OH" moment.
Really and Highly recommend her series and am looking forward to listening to the last book in this series soon.
August 5, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of The Dollmaker by Mary Burton.
The Dollmaker, which is the second book of The Forgotten Files Series by Mary Burton, can be read as part of the series or as a stand alone book because I personally did not feel that it has any spoilers or had anything that really dealt with the first book in series except mentioning it briefly a few times in passing as a case they has solved before. I loved this book from the when I started reading the first chapter until I closed the book when I finished it.
Dakota Sharp a Virginia State Police Detective has just caught a new case of a woman who was found dead who was dressed like a doll and her face was tattooed to look like a dolls. To make things interesting his estranged wife, Tessa, a forensic pathologist, has returned from working overseas and has taken a job at the medical officers office and she has made it clear she wants to give their marriage another try. But, things did not work the first time because Dakota shut Tessa out because he was dealing with the guilt of his sisters death that took place when he was in the marines and she disappeared and when she was found it was believed she OD on drugs.
Thing take a turn when the killer known as The Dollmaker is linked to Tessa and Dakota's sister and their group of friends from college and information from a PI who at one time was the police officer investigating Dakota's sister's death tells him that his stepfather had hired him to look into her death and he is no longer sure if her death was an OD or a homicide and that Dakota should look into. By the time Dakota and Tessa figure out what is really going on it just might be too late for Tessa and for them to get things right between them.
The idea of a killer who turns his victims into dolls is creepy to begin with but adding the fact that he is tattooing the makeup on their faces just adds another level of freak to this guy. I loved the fact that Burton kept me guessing who the killer was until almost the end of the book and her twist and turns were exceptional in this book. Some of her best.
I am giving The Dollmaker five out of five stars.
The Dollmaker, which is the second book of The Forgotten Files Series by Mary Burton, can be read as part of the series or as a stand alone book because I personally did not feel that it has any spoilers or had anything that really dealt with the first book in series except mentioning it briefly a few times in passing as a case they has solved before. I loved this book from the when I started reading the first chapter until I closed the book when I finished it.
Dakota Sharp a Virginia State Police Detective has just caught a new case of a woman who was found dead who was dressed like a doll and her face was tattooed to look like a dolls. To make things interesting his estranged wife, Tessa, a forensic pathologist, has returned from working overseas and has taken a job at the medical officers office and she has made it clear she wants to give their marriage another try. But, things did not work the first time because Dakota shut Tessa out because he was dealing with the guilt of his sisters death that took place when he was in the marines and she disappeared and when she was found it was believed she OD on drugs.
Thing take a turn when the killer known as The Dollmaker is linked to Tessa and Dakota's sister and their group of friends from college and information from a PI who at one time was the police officer investigating Dakota's sister's death tells him that his stepfather had hired him to look into her death and he is no longer sure if her death was an OD or a homicide and that Dakota should look into. By the time Dakota and Tessa figure out what is really going on it just might be too late for Tessa and for them to get things right between them.
The idea of a killer who turns his victims into dolls is creepy to begin with but adding the fact that he is tattooing the makeup on their faces just adds another level of freak to this guy. I loved the fact that Burton kept me guessing who the killer was until almost the end of the book and her twist and turns were exceptional in this book. Some of her best.
I am giving The Dollmaker five out of five stars.
November 10, 2016
When Tessa came back she new that it wouldn't be easy but she is determined to save her marriage. Last time she had ran away but she had learned that life is much better with Dakota then without and maybe, just maybe, she can help him get to the bottom of his sister's death. Of course, she might have to catch him between cases as right now all of his energy is being directed to capturing this Dollmaker.
What little girl doesn't play with dolls? This is something that most grow out of though so being turned into a doll once you are an adult can be truly terrifying. I think that it is that 'otherness' that allows dolls and clowns to be objects of terror. I found this book to be particularly chilling especially with the clown scare going on right now as I can see making dolls becoming the next step.
THE DOLLMAKER is actually the second book in the The Forgotten Files series which began with THE SHARK. Readers will get a chance to catch up with both Riley and Clay which I enjoyed. It's not necessary to have read the first book to enjoy THE DOLLMAKER though it does add a bit of depth to the story.
I highly recommend this book to my readers who enjoy a well written romantic suspense that will send shivers down your spine. There is a bit of sex in the book and some violence.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
What little girl doesn't play with dolls? This is something that most grow out of though so being turned into a doll once you are an adult can be truly terrifying. I think that it is that 'otherness' that allows dolls and clowns to be objects of terror. I found this book to be particularly chilling especially with the clown scare going on right now as I can see making dolls becoming the next step.
THE DOLLMAKER is actually the second book in the The Forgotten Files series which began with THE SHARK. Readers will get a chance to catch up with both Riley and Clay which I enjoyed. It's not necessary to have read the first book to enjoy THE DOLLMAKER though it does add a bit of depth to the story.
I highly recommend this book to my readers who enjoy a well written romantic suspense that will send shivers down your spine. There is a bit of sex in the book and some violence.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
December 8, 2016
4.5 stars - I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a thoroughly compelling romantic suspense story. Once again, the creepy serial killer story seems to personally involve one of the investigators - but this time it is Dr. Tessa McGowan at the heart of the story. The killer who alters his victims, turning women into dolls, is a chilling, worthy villain. The plot is more coherent in this story than it was in the first one and I was able to follow clues and piece together the story for myself. But I still loved that I didn’t guess the killer’s identity until just before the reveal.
I really enjoyed the shift of focus from Riley and Clay in the first book to Tessa and Dakota in this second story. Mary Burton crafts fantastic characters and I found myself wonderfully invested in Tessa and Dakota’s failed marriage. I love Burton’s women. Both Tessa and Riley are strong and clever. Their relationships are complicated and both women are passionate about their jobs, families and friendships. These aren’t simple women and they certainly aren’t simpering romantic leads. Tessa is older and accomplished. I loved her maturity and her pragmatic approach to romance.
While I loved the characters in the first book, this time the murder mystery has been equally well crafted. The combination of strong characters and a great story makes for a brilliant read.
This is a thoroughly compelling romantic suspense story. Once again, the creepy serial killer story seems to personally involve one of the investigators - but this time it is Dr. Tessa McGowan at the heart of the story. The killer who alters his victims, turning women into dolls, is a chilling, worthy villain. The plot is more coherent in this story than it was in the first one and I was able to follow clues and piece together the story for myself. But I still loved that I didn’t guess the killer’s identity until just before the reveal.
I really enjoyed the shift of focus from Riley and Clay in the first book to Tessa and Dakota in this second story. Mary Burton crafts fantastic characters and I found myself wonderfully invested in Tessa and Dakota’s failed marriage. I love Burton’s women. Both Tessa and Riley are strong and clever. Their relationships are complicated and both women are passionate about their jobs, families and friendships. These aren’t simple women and they certainly aren’t simpering romantic leads. Tessa is older and accomplished. I loved her maturity and her pragmatic approach to romance.
While I loved the characters in the first book, this time the murder mystery has been equally well crafted. The combination of strong characters and a great story makes for a brilliant read.
November 17, 2016
Mary Burton has quickly become one of my favorite authors. THE DOLLMAKER, the second story in The Forgotten Files, was an excellent fast paced read. I always love a great serial killer story and I’m fascinated by cold cases being solved with new technology. This book weaves both of those elements into a chilling story that will keep you turning the pages while you try and guess the outcome.
Dr. Tessa McGowan is a forensic pathologist who is trying to piece together the evidence trail the serial killer leaves as one woman after another ends up in her morgue. Dakota Sharp, the lead detective and also Tessa’s estranged husband, is on the case in hopes of catching the killer before he takes the life of his next victim.
These two set aside the differences that tore them apart and share in the common goal to stop the killer who is transforming his kills into doll look alikes.
Once the killer realizes Tessa is closing in on the evidence, he makes her his next mark. With the stakes higher than ever, Dakota must anticipate the killer’s next move or Tessa will be the next human doll in the morgue.
I would highly recommend this story to anyone. I can’t wait for the third book to come out!
Dr. Tessa McGowan is a forensic pathologist who is trying to piece together the evidence trail the serial killer leaves as one woman after another ends up in her morgue. Dakota Sharp, the lead detective and also Tessa’s estranged husband, is on the case in hopes of catching the killer before he takes the life of his next victim.
These two set aside the differences that tore them apart and share in the common goal to stop the killer who is transforming his kills into doll look alikes.
Once the killer realizes Tessa is closing in on the evidence, he makes her his next mark. With the stakes higher than ever, Dakota must anticipate the killer’s next move or Tessa will be the next human doll in the morgue.
I would highly recommend this story to anyone. I can’t wait for the third book to come out!
November 21, 2016
This is the first book I have read by Mary Burton. I will be picking up more of her books in the near future.
The Dollmaker is one of the few books I have read that had me guessing who the killer until the reader finds out. The Dollmaker is intriguing, captivating and suspenseful book I have read in a long time. The boo has a slow build pulling the readers right in keeping them hooked.
Dr. Tessa McGowan and Dakota Sharp’s are very like able characters. I would have loved more of a back story to understand them better. They each had a way of making you trust them as Mary Burton told the story. I couldn't put this book down and I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Twist, Turns, suspense that will keep reader reading and wanting more.
Advance Copy from Netgalley
The Dollmaker is one of the few books I have read that had me guessing who the killer until the reader finds out. The Dollmaker is intriguing, captivating and suspenseful book I have read in a long time. The boo has a slow build pulling the readers right in keeping them hooked.
Dr. Tessa McGowan and Dakota Sharp’s are very like able characters. I would have loved more of a back story to understand them better. They each had a way of making you trust them as Mary Burton told the story. I couldn't put this book down and I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Twist, Turns, suspense that will keep reader reading and wanting more.
Advance Copy from Netgalley
November 21, 2017
This one was just "okay". Nothing really stood out about it. Interesting enough that it kept me reading, but a lot of the content was predictable and cliché.
Have to say I didn't really connect with either of the main characters, and didn't feel like they had much of one between them either.
Have to say I didn't really connect with either of the main characters, and didn't feel like they had much of one between them either.
May 12, 2021
Plot: Four stars out of five.
Romance: Two stars out of five.
I'm just going to get this part out of the way because this is my third review in a row where I've had this complaint. I didn't find the character of Dakota Sharp interesting. I liked Tessa as a character, but her relationship with Sharp was dull. I felt like I was being TOLD that they have great chemistry, without being shown it very often.
The things I did like? EVERYTING ELSE. Woo! I knew Mary Burton had the potential of being a good author for me! Fun fact about me, I hate porcelain dolls. This book was a hit for me. I really enjoyed the different POV's and even though I guessed the killer, I'm glad that I did.
Btw, if anyone is wondering, these books can definitely be read as a standalone, but the beginning of this book does tell about Riley's past and her current relationship status from the previous book. Other than that, it could be standalone books.
Romance: Two stars out of five.
I'm just going to get this part out of the way because this is my third review in a row where I've had this complaint. I didn't find the character of Dakota Sharp interesting. I liked Tessa as a character, but her relationship with Sharp was dull. I felt like I was being TOLD that they have great chemistry, without being shown it very often.
The things I did like? EVERYTING ELSE. Woo! I knew Mary Burton had the potential of being a good author for me! Fun fact about me, I hate porcelain dolls. This book was a hit for me. I really enjoyed the different POV's and even though I guessed the killer, I'm glad that I did.
Btw, if anyone is wondering, these books can definitely be read as a standalone, but the beginning of this book does tell about Riley's past and her current relationship status from the previous book. Other than that, it could be standalone books.
October 8, 2025
Oh my goodness!! So good!! Couldnt stop reading!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 655 reviews