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Throw Away Girls: The Jaycee Wilder Series, Book 1
The killer lives a normal life during the day, while hunting the Throw Away Girls at night, punishing them for their dark urges. He leaves messages behind in his victims' blood, his explanation for enacting such brutal, twisted justice upon the unworthy. He watches the media coverage. He knows the wily reporter is chasing him. As Jaycee follows her gut, and the evidence, she forces him to act. But when a killer is clever and cunning, he can infiltrate anywhere. Jaycee must utilize all her skills to expose him before he gets to her first.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2016
5 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Vaughn
6 books39 followersJennifer is an award-winning TV News Anchor and Author. She has interviewed every president, and presidential candidate since 1999, assisting in internationally televised presidential debates alongside CNN, ABC NEWS, and Fox News. Jennifer and her team have been recognized with an Edward R. Murrow Award for outstanding coverage and earned multiple Associated Press, and NH Association of Broadcasters commendations. Jennifer's debut novel, Last Flight Out was featured in the Swag Bag at the Daytime Emmy Awards in 2013, with all proceeds directed to NH cancer charities. Throw Away Girls, Book 1 in the Jaycee Wilder Series was followed by Legacy Girls, Book 2. Echo Valley released in the summer of 2017. Her latest book, Shadow Kid, is a Readers' Favorite Bronze Medal winner for Outstanding Writing. Her 2022 release, Made In Hollywood, is an Amazon Hot New Release.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
July 11, 2016
He calls them the throw-away-girls. The women all visit sex clubs. They do not deserve to live. He dispatches them with a great deal of pain. He always leaves a message written in their blood. And he watches the media coverage.
Jaycee Wilder is an investigative reporter who thinks there is a serial killer loose in her community. The cops are only saying 3 women have been murdered, all in the same part of town, but they have no proof that only one individual is involved.
Jaycee is determined to get justice for these women. But it becomes much more dangerous when the killer contacts her. It’s going to take everything she has to expose him before he kills her. And he may be a lot closer than she knows.
This is a great beginning to what is sure to be a suspenseful series with some great characters. Jaycee is willful, stubborn, and prone to get right in the middle of things with no thought to her own safety. It’s follow the story at all costs. Her boyfriend, Van, is a sometime actor, sometime bartender. Ben is her best friend and photographer who goes on every story with her. Detective James Barton is new to the area and now heading up the investigation. He’s had his fair share of bad luck and is trying to get back to what he once was.
This is a fast-paced well-written book. I look forward to more of Jaycee’s adventures.
Many thanks to the author / Waldorf Publishing / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Jaycee Wilder is an investigative reporter who thinks there is a serial killer loose in her community. The cops are only saying 3 women have been murdered, all in the same part of town, but they have no proof that only one individual is involved.
Jaycee is determined to get justice for these women. But it becomes much more dangerous when the killer contacts her. It’s going to take everything she has to expose him before he kills her. And he may be a lot closer than she knows.
This is a great beginning to what is sure to be a suspenseful series with some great characters. Jaycee is willful, stubborn, and prone to get right in the middle of things with no thought to her own safety. It’s follow the story at all costs. Her boyfriend, Van, is a sometime actor, sometime bartender. Ben is her best friend and photographer who goes on every story with her. Detective James Barton is new to the area and now heading up the investigation. He’s had his fair share of bad luck and is trying to get back to what he once was.
This is a fast-paced well-written book. I look forward to more of Jaycee’s adventures.
Many thanks to the author / Waldorf Publishing / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
July 15, 2016
A special thank you to Waldorf Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Nice Cover!
Jennifer Vaughn introduces THROW AWAY GIRLS her first in the gritty psychological suspense mystery: Jaycee Wilder Series -an ambitious LA news reporter finds herself in the middle of a brutal crime investigation, and at the hands of a dangerous psycho serial killer. A monster who throws away girls like the garbage, and uses their blood to leave a message.
ThrowAway: “A thing intended or destined to be discarded after brief use or appeal.”
Jaycee Wilder is a smart and tenacious television news reporter in Los Angeles and currently dating Van. Van slings drinks at a West Hollywood nightclub several nights a week only until he became the next Bradley Cooper.
She works with her news director, Clare and partner, Ben. Jaycee believed that in order to give proper coverage to a murder victim, she needed to get to know her. Something every reporter did on the weekends. She meets up with Detective James Barton LAPD Homicide—leading the charge to find Zoe’s killer. (an interesting character). They would work together to find the psychopath. .
This would make the third murder in six months. Three women butchered, no-holds-barred, stranger-on-stranger sex shops. The latest is a woman, Zoe is in her mid-twenties.
Fantasy adult nightclubs in Los Angeles. Two other women, Sarah and Mackenzie, were also murdered in locations near or along Hollywood Boulevard. He is making them bleed. A gory slaughter that implied murder over mishap, and she was intrigued.
Jaycee and Van talk about scenarios at home, since he occasionally gets bit parts on TV shows. Ever since a stint on Criminal Minds, Van had Jaycee believing that in order to give purpose he convinced himself a hard-edged crime sleuth. This time the story was for real.
These girls were not slutty skanks. Zoe was a well-liked educator and a beloved daughter. Sarah a waitress, and Mackenzie a single mom raising four- year-old twins. Each young woman had a loving supportive family that had professed shock upon hearing the details of their deaths.
These girls had ventured into dark caverns where pleasure and pain intertwined with one’s own exploitation. In a cold place that invited the darkest parts of a person’s soul out to play. Jaycee is dying for an interview with the family to discuss their double life, to help determine their connection with the killer.
Each time the killer strikes he uses his victims blood to leave a message, “Throw Away Girl.”
We hear from the unidentified killer who appreciates the full color spectrum of a woman’s beauty. He loves women. But sometimes he had to kill them. Only some of them. The bad ones.
As Barton, Jaycee, and the team get closer to determining the killer's identity, Jaycee is in danger. Will she be the psychopath’s next victim after she receives a message from the killer to back off? What does he have in mind for her, since she does not fit the profile?
Detective James Barton, a little rough around the edges, was a one- time hero cop. Now a survivor in his own right. Of course, Barton was not accustomed to a pretty and smart reporter providing key points of a murder investigation to him.
As most sociopaths, they disguise themselves as an everyday person. Mysterious and evil, a Jekyll and Hyde. However, what dark abuse lurks in their past to turn them into twisted brutal killers? Will they stop him before he kills again?
Chilling and suspenseful with a calculating villain at the center of a well-crafted plot, flawed characters, and sharp dialogue to keep readers guessing. Dark and twisty, as the intrigue unfolds, tension mounts in this outstanding start to Vaughn’s new series. Her expertise shines in this gripping novel; and what a delicious cliffhanger, keeping readers salivating for the next installment.
Vaughn, a TV news anchor for WMUR in Manchester, New Hampshire, puts her experience to splendid use, to enhance the story, with authentic insider investigative detailed reporting; keeping the suspense and intensity high.
By employing her keen skills, she maneuvers between characters smoothly, and crafts a wild labyrinth of exciting twists, turns, and surprises. Readers who crave mystery, and dark twisty psychological crime suspense will be impressed by the first installment, of her new exciting series!
For fans of Sandra Brown, JT Ellison, Mary Burton, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Lis Wiehl, and Karin Slaughter.
JDCMustReadBooks
Jennifer Vaughn introduces THROW AWAY GIRLS her first in the gritty psychological suspense mystery: Jaycee Wilder Series -an ambitious LA news reporter finds herself in the middle of a brutal crime investigation, and at the hands of a dangerous psycho serial killer. A monster who throws away girls like the garbage, and uses their blood to leave a message.
ThrowAway: “A thing intended or destined to be discarded after brief use or appeal.”
Jaycee Wilder is a smart and tenacious television news reporter in Los Angeles and currently dating Van. Van slings drinks at a West Hollywood nightclub several nights a week only until he became the next Bradley Cooper.
She works with her news director, Clare and partner, Ben. Jaycee believed that in order to give proper coverage to a murder victim, she needed to get to know her. Something every reporter did on the weekends. She meets up with Detective James Barton LAPD Homicide—leading the charge to find Zoe’s killer. (an interesting character). They would work together to find the psychopath. .
This would make the third murder in six months. Three women butchered, no-holds-barred, stranger-on-stranger sex shops. The latest is a woman, Zoe is in her mid-twenties.
Fantasy adult nightclubs in Los Angeles. Two other women, Sarah and Mackenzie, were also murdered in locations near or along Hollywood Boulevard. He is making them bleed. A gory slaughter that implied murder over mishap, and she was intrigued.
Jaycee and Van talk about scenarios at home, since he occasionally gets bit parts on TV shows. Ever since a stint on Criminal Minds, Van had Jaycee believing that in order to give purpose he convinced himself a hard-edged crime sleuth. This time the story was for real.
These girls were not slutty skanks. Zoe was a well-liked educator and a beloved daughter. Sarah a waitress, and Mackenzie a single mom raising four- year-old twins. Each young woman had a loving supportive family that had professed shock upon hearing the details of their deaths.
These girls had ventured into dark caverns where pleasure and pain intertwined with one’s own exploitation. In a cold place that invited the darkest parts of a person’s soul out to play. Jaycee is dying for an interview with the family to discuss their double life, to help determine their connection with the killer.
Each time the killer strikes he uses his victims blood to leave a message, “Throw Away Girl.”
We hear from the unidentified killer who appreciates the full color spectrum of a woman’s beauty. He loves women. But sometimes he had to kill them. Only some of them. The bad ones.
As Barton, Jaycee, and the team get closer to determining the killer's identity, Jaycee is in danger. Will she be the psychopath’s next victim after she receives a message from the killer to back off? What does he have in mind for her, since she does not fit the profile?
Detective James Barton, a little rough around the edges, was a one- time hero cop. Now a survivor in his own right. Of course, Barton was not accustomed to a pretty and smart reporter providing key points of a murder investigation to him.
As most sociopaths, they disguise themselves as an everyday person. Mysterious and evil, a Jekyll and Hyde. However, what dark abuse lurks in their past to turn them into twisted brutal killers? Will they stop him before he kills again?
Chilling and suspenseful with a calculating villain at the center of a well-crafted plot, flawed characters, and sharp dialogue to keep readers guessing. Dark and twisty, as the intrigue unfolds, tension mounts in this outstanding start to Vaughn’s new series. Her expertise shines in this gripping novel; and what a delicious cliffhanger, keeping readers salivating for the next installment.
Vaughn, a TV news anchor for WMUR in Manchester, New Hampshire, puts her experience to splendid use, to enhance the story, with authentic insider investigative detailed reporting; keeping the suspense and intensity high.
By employing her keen skills, she maneuvers between characters smoothly, and crafts a wild labyrinth of exciting twists, turns, and surprises. Readers who crave mystery, and dark twisty psychological crime suspense will be impressed by the first installment, of her new exciting series!
For fans of Sandra Brown, JT Ellison, Mary Burton, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Lis Wiehl, and Karin Slaughter.
JDCMustReadBooks
August 3, 2016
About: Throw Away Girls is a suspense/thriller/fiction novel written by Jennifer Vaughn. This is book 1 in The Jaycee Wilder series. This book was published on 7/2/2016 by Waldorf Publishing, 348 pages. This book focuses on a crime spree, a killer on the loose, and a reporter working with a police to find the killer and showcase it on the news. The author is an evening anchor herself and won multiple awards, just like Jaycee Wilder, the main character in this book.
My Experience: I started reading Throw Away Girls on 7/20/16 and finished it on 8/2/16 at 1AM. This book does have the suspense and thriller tone to the narrative and actions. I held my breath and grit my teeth when I read it. The crimes are detailed and there are detailed point of views from different characters in this book. I always like when the author does that, letting me know personally, how each character feels at a given situation. The explicit content is not for someone with a weak heart to read, unless you read/watch 48 hours mystery shows and read the crime news then you will be able to handle this book. I have read many 48 hours mystery episodes so I am not unfamiliar with the events in this book. It’s well written and engaging. Jaycee is a tough girl, focus on her job, and a little beyond. I like Van, when he makes references to CSI Miami shows. Ben, a character like many real life individuals I have read about on the news. Barton and Zander, interesting fellows. One thing that cause me to give one star less is Jaycee. She’s not as smart or clever as intended. When she becomes the target and started getting paranoid of her surroundings and start looking for the killer, she should have dig into everyone she suspects. If she’s smart and check the background of her sources, like she did with Barton, she would have check out other people too. She thought of the resemblance, but dismissed it. I think this part could be done differently. I understand friends are set aside immediately, but so many facts presents itself before it happened. Somehow she lets her guard down at that moment. The ending is ok. I think it could have been better if Barton was more involved. He can’t be responsible for the same occurrence this time around like it happened to him before, because he’s nowhere involved. Overall, it’s still a good read and maybe the second book will be an improvement.
Pro: cringe worthy, fast paced, CSI, reporters, crime, brave, dedication,
Con: the revealing could be better and the main character need to keep her intellect consistent throughout the book, not just beginning and ending
I rate it 4 stars!
*Disclaimer: A special thanks to Waldorf Publishing, The Author, and NetGalley for providing this ebook for review. I assure you my opinions are honest.
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com
My Experience: I started reading Throw Away Girls on 7/20/16 and finished it on 8/2/16 at 1AM. This book does have the suspense and thriller tone to the narrative and actions. I held my breath and grit my teeth when I read it. The crimes are detailed and there are detailed point of views from different characters in this book. I always like when the author does that, letting me know personally, how each character feels at a given situation. The explicit content is not for someone with a weak heart to read, unless you read/watch 48 hours mystery shows and read the crime news then you will be able to handle this book. I have read many 48 hours mystery episodes so I am not unfamiliar with the events in this book. It’s well written and engaging. Jaycee is a tough girl, focus on her job, and a little beyond. I like Van, when he makes references to CSI Miami shows. Ben, a character like many real life individuals I have read about on the news. Barton and Zander, interesting fellows. One thing that cause me to give one star less is Jaycee. She’s not as smart or clever as intended. When she becomes the target and started getting paranoid of her surroundings and start looking for the killer, she should have dig into everyone she suspects. If she’s smart and check the background of her sources, like she did with Barton, she would have check out other people too. She thought of the resemblance, but dismissed it. I think this part could be done differently. I understand friends are set aside immediately, but so many facts presents itself before it happened. Somehow she lets her guard down at that moment. The ending is ok. I think it could have been better if Barton was more involved. He can’t be responsible for the same occurrence this time around like it happened to him before, because he’s nowhere involved. Overall, it’s still a good read and maybe the second book will be an improvement.
Pro: cringe worthy, fast paced, CSI, reporters, crime, brave, dedication,
Con: the revealing could be better and the main character need to keep her intellect consistent throughout the book, not just beginning and ending
I rate it 4 stars!
*Disclaimer: A special thanks to Waldorf Publishing, The Author, and NetGalley for providing this ebook for review. I assure you my opinions are honest.
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com
July 2, 2016
"Never judge a book by it's cover"? I'm glad I did this time, because the beautiful cover is what attracted me to this book. It's a dirty, gritty ride that actually made me cringe a couple of times. Very well written and suspenseful. I'm thrilled that this is a start to a series.
Jaycee is a beautiful, accomplished reporter. With a handsome actor/bartender boyfriend and a great job, she seems to have it all. Smarts, good looks, a killer instinct, and talent. Sometimes that attracts unwanted attention, especially when it's televised... Three women have been found murdered at underground sex clubs in LA. Binding them all together is a message written in blood, which has been kept from most of the press: Throwaway girls. She forms an emotional attachment to the story, determined to bring the killer to justice for the young lives he's taken before he takes more. She's helped along the way by her boyfriend, her best friend and co-worker, and a cop who feeds her information. James Barton is that cop, a man struggling with his addiction to alcohol and subsequent divorce after an on the job tragedy. She becomes obsessed with finding the monster who stalks and kills these "throwaway girls", causing concern for her safety from her friends and some unwanted attention from the murderer himself.
I really enjoyed this one and loved the characters for the most part. Smart and tough Jaycee is impressive, but how she often switched from being very judgemental over someone's looks, finances, or sexual preferences to angry when someone else expresses the same sentiments put me off a bit and seemed inconsistent. I understand that it was perhaps meant to be part of her character development, but to go back and forth a few times seemed odd. I'm still really looking forward to what happens next with this exciting series.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Waldorf Publishing for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Jaycee is a beautiful, accomplished reporter. With a handsome actor/bartender boyfriend and a great job, she seems to have it all. Smarts, good looks, a killer instinct, and talent. Sometimes that attracts unwanted attention, especially when it's televised... Three women have been found murdered at underground sex clubs in LA. Binding them all together is a message written in blood, which has been kept from most of the press: Throwaway girls. She forms an emotional attachment to the story, determined to bring the killer to justice for the young lives he's taken before he takes more. She's helped along the way by her boyfriend, her best friend and co-worker, and a cop who feeds her information. James Barton is that cop, a man struggling with his addiction to alcohol and subsequent divorce after an on the job tragedy. She becomes obsessed with finding the monster who stalks and kills these "throwaway girls", causing concern for her safety from her friends and some unwanted attention from the murderer himself.
I really enjoyed this one and loved the characters for the most part. Smart and tough Jaycee is impressive, but how she often switched from being very judgemental over someone's looks, finances, or sexual preferences to angry when someone else expresses the same sentiments put me off a bit and seemed inconsistent. I understand that it was perhaps meant to be part of her character development, but to go back and forth a few times seemed odd. I'm still really looking forward to what happens next with this exciting series.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Waldorf Publishing for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 16, 2016
Throw Away Girls is the first book in Jaycee Wilder Series by Jennifer Vaughn. Jaycee is pretty, smart, determined ,strong ambitious TV reporter . She gets emotionally involved in a case and is trying to find a killer who is targeting women at underground sex clubs. The killer considers them as “Throw away girls” and writes a message at the crime scene in their blood.
Jaycee along with her boyfriend Van, her news director, Clare and partner, Ben is determined to solve the mystery. During the course of her investigation she comes across cop James Barton who is struggling with his addiction to alcohol and divorce after a tragedy on the job. Jaycee plays the part of an amateur sleuth but will she become one of the victim of the serial killer when it becomes obvious that he is leaving a personal message for her .
Throw Away Girls is a good mystery and thriller even though plot is predictable and I could guess who the killer was half way through the book. It is a fast paced book and I really like the protagonist and am looking forward to read more from this series
Many thanks to the publisher & NetGalley for this advance reader copy in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
Jaycee along with her boyfriend Van, her news director, Clare and partner, Ben is determined to solve the mystery. During the course of her investigation she comes across cop James Barton who is struggling with his addiction to alcohol and divorce after a tragedy on the job. Jaycee plays the part of an amateur sleuth but will she become one of the victim of the serial killer when it becomes obvious that he is leaving a personal message for her .
Throw Away Girls is a good mystery and thriller even though plot is predictable and I could guess who the killer was half way through the book. It is a fast paced book and I really like the protagonist and am looking forward to read more from this series
Many thanks to the publisher & NetGalley for this advance reader copy in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
June 24, 2016
What an amazing story! I felt like a cat being led by a string. I just couldn't stop myself from following and couldn't put the book down. Jaycee is a reporter that actually feels empathy for the people behind the stories on which she reports. Barton is the cop who's seen better days but is trying to get a fresh start. Jaycee is a bit harsh with her boyfriend Van and initially takes him for granted. Life, however, has a way of opening up your eyes. I kind of guessed who the killer was because the author peppers the book with hints. I was hoping I was wrong. Still had me at the edge of my seat. Can't wait for book two!
March 9, 2017
Hard-charging, insightful, and ambitious, Jaycee Wilder wants to take her TV news career to the next level. The Los Angeles reporter is hungry for the big story. When dead girls begin to pile up at seedy nightclubs that cater to whimsical, fetish-seeking strangers, Jaycee suspects a serial killer is at work. She aligns herself with an east coast cop trying to resurrect himself- and his once stellar career- from a drunken skid. The killer lives a normal life during the day, while hunting the Throw Away Girls at night, punishing them for their dark urges. He leaves messages behind in his victims' blood, his explanation for enacting such brutal, twisted justice upon the unworthy. He watches the media coverage. He knows the wily reporter is chasing him. As Jaycee follows her gut, and the evidence, she forces him to act. But when a killer is clever and cunning, he can infiltrate anywhere. Jaycee must utilize all her skills to expose him before he gets to her first
my rating: 4 stars
what did I think of it:
first off I want to say that while I liked it I didn't love it, it took me a while to get in to the story , and I think the reason was I just didn't like the main character at first but the more I read of the story I being to actually like her, one of the things I did like about this story was the author's writing , because once I did finally get pulled in to story I just couldn't stop reading it, I do have to that I did in fact love the other characters a hole lot more then Jaycee but like I said at first I just couldn't like her, but by the end of the story she some how become one of my favorite characters , I think why that happened was because of how strong she was to help the girls and their families find justices for them , with that said I would like to say thinks to Netgalley for give me a change at find a new author to check out.
my rating: 4 stars
what did I think of it:
first off I want to say that while I liked it I didn't love it, it took me a while to get in to the story , and I think the reason was I just didn't like the main character at first but the more I read of the story I being to actually like her, one of the things I did like about this story was the author's writing , because once I did finally get pulled in to story I just couldn't stop reading it, I do have to that I did in fact love the other characters a hole lot more then Jaycee but like I said at first I just couldn't like her, but by the end of the story she some how become one of my favorite characters , I think why that happened was because of how strong she was to help the girls and their families find justices for them , with that said I would like to say thinks to Netgalley for give me a change at find a new author to check out.
June 22, 2016
Jennifer Vaughn is a gifted writer. She weaves an intense tale of mystery and suspense, with intriguing twists and turns that easily captivates the reader's attention from the taut beginning to the story's dramatic conclusion. The author really has a way with words…and nerve-wracking scenes!
Compelling and frightening, Throw Away Girls immediately pulls you in, and really never let's go of you. The book just flows from one exciting scene to another, as we watch the suspense and events unfold.
Jennifer Vaughn’s novel is startling and disturbing in nature, a thrilling ride to very dark places - "L.A.’s underground sex playgrounds...” where "Strangers lived out fantasies with nameless partners who didn’t give a s*** about overdue mortgage payments...” A world where "Real life stuff never mattered...” , where "It was all about the anonymity, the pleasure, and yes, the pain.”
From the very beginning, the very first page, the author ropes you in with a gruesome murder. The murders the bad guy commits, while gruesome and horrible, are ideal for those who like crime in books. I kept turning pages, scared of what I'd find but compelled to look. Trust me, it'll keep you reading all the way up to its shattering end.
Throw Away Girls is the story of a twisted mind and his terrifying obsession with "cleansing.” He "visualized himself a biblical figure on a mission of purity, enacting his own justice on those who represented worthlessness and debauchery.”
The lead character in Throw Away Girls -Jaycee or Jay Jay as friends call her - will make it appeal to a broader audience. She’s a strong character with a distinctive voice. A pretty young TV reporter, smart, determined and with a keen eye for details is caught in the web of a serial killer’s sick fantasies and murder planning. You just can’t help cheering for Jaycee’s courage and stubbornness in unraveling the murderer, not to mention the situations she gets into because of this!
Jaycee plays a dangerous hunt game trying to help savvy Barton detective, but her opponent is as smart and cunning as she is. She wants to show people that Zoe Statler, much like the other two sex club victims, Sarah and Mackenzie, "wasn’t just some slutty skank.” The suspense builds in a crescendo tempo, and the clever plot just kept me sitting on the edge of my seat.
The identity of the bad guy will come as no surprise to most crime novel fans, but it's a fun ride getting there. "He had an objective and a duty to clean up the garbage, he began his duty to extinguish lives that were not worthy.... It was always an exciting time, to anticipate what came next, the new faces he would see, the experiences he would have. It was thrilling to know his messages would be analyzed and his story written. Long after he was gone, he hoped others would be inspired by his good work here in Los Angeles and elsewhere.”
All in all, Throw Away Girls is not a book for faint-hearted people because of the serial murders and brutality. But, look around you - neither can be real life. It is a suspenseful and sad book. Sad, because in our crazy times, the story could be true. Not light reading by any means, I found myself fascinated and horrified by some of the revelations of this book.
There are also strong secondary characters- detective Barton, Van and Jay’s boss, Clare, who complement the main character.
Especially detective Barton, who has to fight the "demons”of his past and find the power to apprehend the psychopath and prevent him in hurting the courageous reporter. Van, Jay’s Hollywood actor friend is a wise adding. He helps loosen the dark sense of the story with his remarks. He always compares Jay’s sleuthing activity with famous TV series he acted in or watched.
The author has woven a crime story sprinkled with a slight fragrance of light romance, Jaycee and Van’s, all in a very expert manner so that the reader does not lose the thread and each moment wishes to know what would happen next.
The test of a good story is wondering what the characters are doing after you've read the last page and that's what I have been doing since I finished this book!
Compelling and frightening, Throw Away Girls immediately pulls you in, and really never let's go of you. The book just flows from one exciting scene to another, as we watch the suspense and events unfold.
Jennifer Vaughn’s novel is startling and disturbing in nature, a thrilling ride to very dark places - "L.A.’s underground sex playgrounds...” where "Strangers lived out fantasies with nameless partners who didn’t give a s*** about overdue mortgage payments...” A world where "Real life stuff never mattered...” , where "It was all about the anonymity, the pleasure, and yes, the pain.”
From the very beginning, the very first page, the author ropes you in with a gruesome murder. The murders the bad guy commits, while gruesome and horrible, are ideal for those who like crime in books. I kept turning pages, scared of what I'd find but compelled to look. Trust me, it'll keep you reading all the way up to its shattering end.
Throw Away Girls is the story of a twisted mind and his terrifying obsession with "cleansing.” He "visualized himself a biblical figure on a mission of purity, enacting his own justice on those who represented worthlessness and debauchery.”
The lead character in Throw Away Girls -Jaycee or Jay Jay as friends call her - will make it appeal to a broader audience. She’s a strong character with a distinctive voice. A pretty young TV reporter, smart, determined and with a keen eye for details is caught in the web of a serial killer’s sick fantasies and murder planning. You just can’t help cheering for Jaycee’s courage and stubbornness in unraveling the murderer, not to mention the situations she gets into because of this!
Jaycee plays a dangerous hunt game trying to help savvy Barton detective, but her opponent is as smart and cunning as she is. She wants to show people that Zoe Statler, much like the other two sex club victims, Sarah and Mackenzie, "wasn’t just some slutty skank.” The suspense builds in a crescendo tempo, and the clever plot just kept me sitting on the edge of my seat.
The identity of the bad guy will come as no surprise to most crime novel fans, but it's a fun ride getting there. "He had an objective and a duty to clean up the garbage, he began his duty to extinguish lives that were not worthy.... It was always an exciting time, to anticipate what came next, the new faces he would see, the experiences he would have. It was thrilling to know his messages would be analyzed and his story written. Long after he was gone, he hoped others would be inspired by his good work here in Los Angeles and elsewhere.”
All in all, Throw Away Girls is not a book for faint-hearted people because of the serial murders and brutality. But, look around you - neither can be real life. It is a suspenseful and sad book. Sad, because in our crazy times, the story could be true. Not light reading by any means, I found myself fascinated and horrified by some of the revelations of this book.
There are also strong secondary characters- detective Barton, Van and Jay’s boss, Clare, who complement the main character.
Especially detective Barton, who has to fight the "demons”of his past and find the power to apprehend the psychopath and prevent him in hurting the courageous reporter. Van, Jay’s Hollywood actor friend is a wise adding. He helps loosen the dark sense of the story with his remarks. He always compares Jay’s sleuthing activity with famous TV series he acted in or watched.
The author has woven a crime story sprinkled with a slight fragrance of light romance, Jaycee and Van’s, all in a very expert manner so that the reader does not lose the thread and each moment wishes to know what would happen next.
The test of a good story is wondering what the characters are doing after you've read the last page and that's what I have been doing since I finished this book!
July 4, 2017
This is a book I requested back in February from Netgalley that I haven't bothered to read yet so I thought I would give it a chance. It's the first book in a series and overall I would say I enjoyed it. I have to say the story did a good job of pulling me in from the start. It starts right away with a murder scene. So you know what when down and how it happened but you just don't know who the murder is. So I really enjoyed that. I feel stories sometimes take too long to give you the details so sometimes knowing from the beginning and trying to piece it from there is an enjoyable experience.
I have to say I actually really liked the main character. It just so happens that there are have been similar murders happening and Jaycee, the main character, finds herself very upset over what happened to these girls. She wants to get justice for them. She knows at the end of the day they are just normal girls and they don't deserve to be brushed off. So she gets sucked in. She is dying to find the truth about what happened even if it might kill her. I loved her determination. She was so hardworking and wasn't afraid to put herself in dangerous situations. I do have to say at times I wanted to be like Jaycee don't do that you're putting yourself in danger.
I do have to say the writing was okay for me. It wasn't amazing but overall the author got the story across in an enjoyable way so I didn't mind it as much. There were just times that I would kinda skim over what I was reading but I was focused majority of the time I read. I think part of that had to do with the one scene were I felt like it pointed out who the killer was very obviously. I mean it took me a little while to realize because I did have some guesses but there was the one scene were I was like oh okay that's our killer. I feel that's part of why I didn't end up giving it more than three stars. I read this story a lot when I was tired but I still caught on and ended up figuring it out. I feel like it ended up being way to obvious and I didn't like that.
I do have to say that the way things ended has me curious. I most likely will be checking out the next book because I am a fan of Jaycee. I thought she was very well done and enjoyable character. I would like to say where she goes from here. I am glad to see it comes out in July.
*Thank you Netgalley for giving me a free copy of this book to review for my honest opinion.*
I have to say I actually really liked the main character. It just so happens that there are have been similar murders happening and Jaycee, the main character, finds herself very upset over what happened to these girls. She wants to get justice for them. She knows at the end of the day they are just normal girls and they don't deserve to be brushed off. So she gets sucked in. She is dying to find the truth about what happened even if it might kill her. I loved her determination. She was so hardworking and wasn't afraid to put herself in dangerous situations. I do have to say at times I wanted to be like Jaycee don't do that you're putting yourself in danger.
I do have to say the writing was okay for me. It wasn't amazing but overall the author got the story across in an enjoyable way so I didn't mind it as much. There were just times that I would kinda skim over what I was reading but I was focused majority of the time I read. I think part of that had to do with the one scene were I felt like it pointed out who the killer was very obviously. I mean it took me a little while to realize because I did have some guesses but there was the one scene were I was like oh okay that's our killer. I feel that's part of why I didn't end up giving it more than three stars. I read this story a lot when I was tired but I still caught on and ended up figuring it out. I feel like it ended up being way to obvious and I didn't like that.
I do have to say that the way things ended has me curious. I most likely will be checking out the next book because I am a fan of Jaycee. I thought she was very well done and enjoyable character. I would like to say where she goes from here. I am glad to see it comes out in July.
*Thank you Netgalley for giving me a free copy of this book to review for my honest opinion.*
April 14, 2017
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
Jekyll and Hyde comes out to play...
The old saying that says keep your friends close but your enemies closer depicts this book under current very well.
The author wrote a thought provoking enriched with endearment book that captured the heart and soul and the age old question comes to light again. What is permissible for a man is unspeakable for a woman and the prejudice surrounding that cliche could be clearly seen through out the plot.
With a steady pace you are pulled into the live of Jaycee Wilder, a Hollywood TV presenter that goes the extra mile to help those that society has shun as whores. This feisty blond does detective work of her own when she realized that there was more at play what the police wanted the public to believe.
In the process she learned who was her friends and her enemies alike, who she can trust till the bitter end and who to avoid.
It is a story of human tragedy, overcoming the inner pain of their own demons and winning the odds no matter how cruel another person could become.
A book a can recommend to all crime thriller fans with the flair for the dramatic.
Jekyll and Hyde comes out to play...
The old saying that says keep your friends close but your enemies closer depicts this book under current very well.
The author wrote a thought provoking enriched with endearment book that captured the heart and soul and the age old question comes to light again. What is permissible for a man is unspeakable for a woman and the prejudice surrounding that cliche could be clearly seen through out the plot.
With a steady pace you are pulled into the live of Jaycee Wilder, a Hollywood TV presenter that goes the extra mile to help those that society has shun as whores. This feisty blond does detective work of her own when she realized that there was more at play what the police wanted the public to believe.
In the process she learned who was her friends and her enemies alike, who she can trust till the bitter end and who to avoid.
It is a story of human tragedy, overcoming the inner pain of their own demons and winning the odds no matter how cruel another person could become.
A book a can recommend to all crime thriller fans with the flair for the dramatic.
July 17, 2016
I love a good murder/investigation story, especially one with a woman at the center of it. However, I struggled with major aspects of Throw Away Girls and it just didn’t live up to my hopes.
The first issue for me was the character development. Jaycee was not a likable protagonist – I wasn’t really rooting for her and I found her very off-putting at times. I also found the detective to be a fairly superficial character with a poorly thought out back story, and felt like he contributed very little to the overall story.
The other major issue I had was the language. The slang and pop culture references felt way overdone, like their purpose was to show cultural relevance rather than deepen the world of the story. I am not opposed to cursing or crude language but the way swearing was utilized in this book just did not feel natural.
The first issue for me was the character development. Jaycee was not a likable protagonist – I wasn’t really rooting for her and I found her very off-putting at times. I also found the detective to be a fairly superficial character with a poorly thought out back story, and felt like he contributed very little to the overall story.
The other major issue I had was the language. The slang and pop culture references felt way overdone, like their purpose was to show cultural relevance rather than deepen the world of the story. I am not opposed to cursing or crude language but the way swearing was utilized in this book just did not feel natural.
February 6, 2017
Such a great book! Pulled me in from the first pages and kept going. I couldn't put it down towards the end.
February 23, 2017
What a ride! Thanks for writing this nailbiter. I was SHOCKED so masterfully was this written. Can not wait to read book 2.
July 26, 2017
This one those reviews that is kinda hard for me to write without giving away lot, so I will kinda skim over some things. Throw Away Girls is giving to us the reader from a reports POV. It was a little different having this from the reporters point of view rather then from someone within the law enforcement side of the investigation, but I thought it was it was interesting to see if from this side though.
Now on to the plot itself, there has been a few murders of young girls that has caught the attention of a news reporter, Jaycee Wilder, who makes it her mission to expose this killer at any costs. But this is one methodical and completely frightening killer and things get even scarier as Jaycee becomes more involved in the investigation.
Jaycee is a determined young woman who puts everything she has into her work and I have to say that I admire for her that. She takes these womens murders very hard and personal, and does everything she can. She is just amazing. There are a lot of other characters that were really good too, and helped her a lot too of which I enjoyed as well.
The crimes scenes are detailed and graphic but it gives you a perfect image of the horror these women went through. But I will say it is not for the faint of heart that’s for sure. It’s a gritty and gruesome and the story moves along you’re given little clues and it keeps you turning the pages. Definitely an enthralling read and I will be on the look out for the next book. I certainly think fans of suspense and thrillers and especially those who like a good murder mystery will enjoy this one.
Now on to the plot itself, there has been a few murders of young girls that has caught the attention of a news reporter, Jaycee Wilder, who makes it her mission to expose this killer at any costs. But this is one methodical and completely frightening killer and things get even scarier as Jaycee becomes more involved in the investigation.
Jaycee is a determined young woman who puts everything she has into her work and I have to say that I admire for her that. She takes these womens murders very hard and personal, and does everything she can. She is just amazing. There are a lot of other characters that were really good too, and helped her a lot too of which I enjoyed as well.
The crimes scenes are detailed and graphic but it gives you a perfect image of the horror these women went through. But I will say it is not for the faint of heart that’s for sure. It’s a gritty and gruesome and the story moves along you’re given little clues and it keeps you turning the pages. Definitely an enthralling read and I will be on the look out for the next book. I certainly think fans of suspense and thrillers and especially those who like a good murder mystery will enjoy this one.
July 4, 2016
This mystery/thriller promises serial killers, bloodhound journalists, and tragic promiscuous women. How exciting, how scandalous! The book delivers to a point, but it doesn’t really live up to my expectations.
Before I rant about this book, I do want to mention Throw Away Girls has some awesome characters and moments that kept me going till the end. I’ve made a list.
1. Grouchy detective
James Barton is a recovering alcoholic with a laudable past. He maimed his hand in an attempt to save a little girl held hostage by her maniac father. Barton is not a useless cop usually seen in killer thrillers. He tries to protect Jaycee and makes several contributions to the plot. Way to go, detective.
2. Intense fight scenes
The first chapter we’re thrown headfirst into a killer/victim fight scene, where a schoolteacher Zoe is trying to escape her killer. The descriptions are realistic, breathtaking, and doesn’t try to give us a blow-by-blow of the action like so many failed fight scenes. I liked this aspect of the book.
3. LA description
I enjoyed the descriptions of LA, and I can envision the gritty, chaotic downtown in its nighttime glories.
Now, here are some reasons I didn't like this book:
1. Insipid protagonist
2. Predictable plot
3. Possible giant plot hole in the story (?)
Problem No. 1: Boring Main Characters
Jaycee Wilder is a beautiful, ambitious, and intelligent TV reporter hoping to make a difference. When she hears about girls being murdered and thrown away like garbage, she is heartbroken and consumed with finding their killer.
How I hate this character.
I don’t like it when authors create the precious, gorgeous, altruistic character and pretend they’re just human. They’re not. Jaycee is the perfect example of a perfect character. She is blond, lovely, feminine, and here’s one I particularly hate: she doesn’t get fat. Not only is she physically an exemplar, she cares for the victims, she cries for them, and she will risk her life to avenge their deaths.
Maybe her only flaw is being harsh and abusive towards her also gorgeous actor boyfriend Van, but that’s probably a “flaw” tagged onto the character to balance out her beauty and somehow make her “strong”. BTW, being abusive doesn’t make you strong or cute even if you’re a female; abusive relationships just aren’t funny and shouldn’t be treated in a light way. Jaycee, for example, bosses her boyfriend around, drags him to dangerous places, and implies he doesn’t match her for intelligence. Fortunately (for him), she has a change of heart by the end of the book and is completely, irrevocably in love with him.
The serial killer is also, unfortunately, a complete cliché. Physically and sexually abused by his parents, he sets out to eradicate all females unworthy to have offspring, like those who enjoy BDSM, for starters. He calls them Throw Away Girls and writes this with the victims’ blood on the wall of his crime scene. While this may sound exciting, it’s an overused excuse for serial killing women. I would like to see books using motives other than childhood trauma and mama-complex.
Problem No. 2: Predictable Plot
I knew who the serial killer was before I was halfway into the book. And I didn’t read that many serial killer thrillers, not that many. It’s really simple, once you eliminate all the other suspects there’s only one that “you’ll never see coming.”
Problem No. 3: Plot hole?
I don’t know about this. I remember this scene from the book where Jaycee is valiantly tailing the serial killer in a dirty nightclub, and he turns around and she’s like “I’m staring into the eyes of a killer” or something. If the plot goes the way it goes, shouldn’t she recognize the killer, like instantly? That’s like in superhero movies where the hero dons a mask and NOBODY recognizes him.
So, that's my opinion of the book. If you enjoy thrillers about serial killer and TV reporters, Throw Away Girls is the book for you.
Before I rant about this book, I do want to mention Throw Away Girls has some awesome characters and moments that kept me going till the end. I’ve made a list.
1. Grouchy detective
James Barton is a recovering alcoholic with a laudable past. He maimed his hand in an attempt to save a little girl held hostage by her maniac father. Barton is not a useless cop usually seen in killer thrillers. He tries to protect Jaycee and makes several contributions to the plot. Way to go, detective.
2. Intense fight scenes
The first chapter we’re thrown headfirst into a killer/victim fight scene, where a schoolteacher Zoe is trying to escape her killer. The descriptions are realistic, breathtaking, and doesn’t try to give us a blow-by-blow of the action like so many failed fight scenes. I liked this aspect of the book.
3. LA description
I enjoyed the descriptions of LA, and I can envision the gritty, chaotic downtown in its nighttime glories.
Now, here are some reasons I didn't like this book:
1. Insipid protagonist
2. Predictable plot
3. Possible giant plot hole in the story (?)
Problem No. 1: Boring Main Characters
Jaycee Wilder is a beautiful, ambitious, and intelligent TV reporter hoping to make a difference. When she hears about girls being murdered and thrown away like garbage, she is heartbroken and consumed with finding their killer.
How I hate this character.
I don’t like it when authors create the precious, gorgeous, altruistic character and pretend they’re just human. They’re not. Jaycee is the perfect example of a perfect character. She is blond, lovely, feminine, and here’s one I particularly hate: she doesn’t get fat. Not only is she physically an exemplar, she cares for the victims, she cries for them, and she will risk her life to avenge their deaths.
Maybe her only flaw is being harsh and abusive towards her also gorgeous actor boyfriend Van, but that’s probably a “flaw” tagged onto the character to balance out her beauty and somehow make her “strong”. BTW, being abusive doesn’t make you strong or cute even if you’re a female; abusive relationships just aren’t funny and shouldn’t be treated in a light way. Jaycee, for example, bosses her boyfriend around, drags him to dangerous places, and implies he doesn’t match her for intelligence. Fortunately (for him), she has a change of heart by the end of the book and is completely, irrevocably in love with him.
The serial killer is also, unfortunately, a complete cliché. Physically and sexually abused by his parents, he sets out to eradicate all females unworthy to have offspring, like those who enjoy BDSM, for starters. He calls them Throw Away Girls and writes this with the victims’ blood on the wall of his crime scene. While this may sound exciting, it’s an overused excuse for serial killing women. I would like to see books using motives other than childhood trauma and mama-complex.
Problem No. 2: Predictable Plot
I knew who the serial killer was before I was halfway into the book. And I didn’t read that many serial killer thrillers, not that many. It’s really simple, once you eliminate all the other suspects there’s only one that “you’ll never see coming.”
Problem No. 3: Plot hole?
I don’t know about this. I remember this scene from the book where Jaycee is valiantly tailing the serial killer in a dirty nightclub, and he turns around and she’s like “I’m staring into the eyes of a killer” or something. If the plot goes the way it goes, shouldn’t she recognize the killer, like instantly? That’s like in superhero movies where the hero dons a mask and NOBODY recognizes him.
So, that's my opinion of the book. If you enjoy thrillers about serial killer and TV reporters, Throw Away Girls is the book for you.
July 30, 2016
The story concept for this book intrigued me, and it had great early reviews, so I requested a review copy from Amazon Vine. Unfortunately, the story execution just did not work for me.
My problems began right at the start, with the point of view/narrating characters. There is no consistency here at all, and I found it jarring. This isn't the rare omniscient book, where we are privy to all of the characters' thoughts, all of the time. But this also isn't the traditional focused narration, where we remain within a specific character's point of view for a scene or chapter, before making a clear switch. For the most part, we are in one character's head, mostly Jaycee's, though also occasionally the police detective. Yet suddenly, mid paragraph, we'll switch to a random character's POV long enough to make some point about what he or she is thinking. This seems to be partly a matter of convenience and largely a lack of writing discipline. I'm surprised this wasn't addressed during editing.
Then there are the characters, who are all major stereotypes. Jaycee is the flawed hero, who pursues her story regardless of personal cost because she feels she must catch the killer. Van, her boyfriend, is a clueless pretty boy, who puts up with Jaycee's abusive treatment for reasons unknown. Ben is the happy-go-lucky gay friend. Barton, the police detective, is the broken alcoholic cop who is seeking salvation by solving the case.
The plot uses fetishism more for shock value than realism, placing us in underground fetish clubs that are more about aggression than pleasure. These clubs seemed designed specifically for psychopaths.
The killer's identity is not a surprise at all if you're paying attention.
Finally, too much of what went on required me to suspend rational belief. For example, Barton sends Jaycee out with a tip on a witness to interview, before he himself interviews that person. He didn't even suggest they go together, nor did he ask for an immediate followup on the conversation. It's implausible to me that a police detective in charge of a major serial killer case would suggest a TV reporter go interview a person of interest. Perhaps that does happen all the time, but it sounds far-fetched.
I'm always uncomfortable giving negative critique to a book. I know how much work the author put into writing this, but it just didn't work for me.
My problems began right at the start, with the point of view/narrating characters. There is no consistency here at all, and I found it jarring. This isn't the rare omniscient book, where we are privy to all of the characters' thoughts, all of the time. But this also isn't the traditional focused narration, where we remain within a specific character's point of view for a scene or chapter, before making a clear switch. For the most part, we are in one character's head, mostly Jaycee's, though also occasionally the police detective. Yet suddenly, mid paragraph, we'll switch to a random character's POV long enough to make some point about what he or she is thinking. This seems to be partly a matter of convenience and largely a lack of writing discipline. I'm surprised this wasn't addressed during editing.
Then there are the characters, who are all major stereotypes. Jaycee is the flawed hero, who pursues her story regardless of personal cost because she feels she must catch the killer. Van, her boyfriend, is a clueless pretty boy, who puts up with Jaycee's abusive treatment for reasons unknown. Ben is the happy-go-lucky gay friend. Barton, the police detective, is the broken alcoholic cop who is seeking salvation by solving the case.
The plot uses fetishism more for shock value than realism, placing us in underground fetish clubs that are more about aggression than pleasure. These clubs seemed designed specifically for psychopaths.
The killer's identity is not a surprise at all if you're paying attention.
Finally, too much of what went on required me to suspend rational belief. For example, Barton sends Jaycee out with a tip on a witness to interview, before he himself interviews that person. He didn't even suggest they go together, nor did he ask for an immediate followup on the conversation. It's implausible to me that a police detective in charge of a major serial killer case would suggest a TV reporter go interview a person of interest. Perhaps that does happen all the time, but it sounds far-fetched.
I'm always uncomfortable giving negative critique to a book. I know how much work the author put into writing this, but it just didn't work for me.
July 17, 2016
‘Girls like you don’t matter.’
Jaycee Wilder is a television reporter in Los Angeles. She’s ambitious, keen to catch a big story, keen to improve her career prospects. Her chance comes after three women are murdered over a six-month period along Hollywood Boulevarde. Detective James Barton, a policeman with his own demons, is investigating the cases and approaches Jaycee. As a consequence, Jaycee finds herself well placed for an exclusive story. But the murdered women are linked with sex clubs, which makes it difficult to determine who the clients are and what evidence might be relevant.
It opens with a murder in progress, signalling that this is not a light read. It’s after this murder that Jaycee becomes involved, remembering the other two cases and thinking that a serial killer may be involved. She’s concerned that the victims will be written off as having got what they deserved and wants to see justice for these women. Jaycee becomes personally involved in the investigation, and involves her boyfriend Van as well as her photographer Ben. And as Jaycee becomes involved, seeking to find the killer, she puts herself at risk. Who is the killer? Can he be stopped before another woman is murdered?
The story moves between characters: Jaycee, James Barton, and the killer each contribute points of view at different stages. This works to both maintain the suspense as well as to give more depth to each character. Ms Vaughn has written a fast moving crime thriller with a powerful female protagonist. I enjoyed reading, this novel, and while I didn’t always agree with Jaycee’s choices, they certainly kept me turning the pages.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Waldorf Publishing for providing me with a free electronic copy
of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Jaycee Wilder is a television reporter in Los Angeles. She’s ambitious, keen to catch a big story, keen to improve her career prospects. Her chance comes after three women are murdered over a six-month period along Hollywood Boulevarde. Detective James Barton, a policeman with his own demons, is investigating the cases and approaches Jaycee. As a consequence, Jaycee finds herself well placed for an exclusive story. But the murdered women are linked with sex clubs, which makes it difficult to determine who the clients are and what evidence might be relevant.
It opens with a murder in progress, signalling that this is not a light read. It’s after this murder that Jaycee becomes involved, remembering the other two cases and thinking that a serial killer may be involved. She’s concerned that the victims will be written off as having got what they deserved and wants to see justice for these women. Jaycee becomes personally involved in the investigation, and involves her boyfriend Van as well as her photographer Ben. And as Jaycee becomes involved, seeking to find the killer, she puts herself at risk. Who is the killer? Can he be stopped before another woman is murdered?
The story moves between characters: Jaycee, James Barton, and the killer each contribute points of view at different stages. This works to both maintain the suspense as well as to give more depth to each character. Ms Vaughn has written a fast moving crime thriller with a powerful female protagonist. I enjoyed reading, this novel, and while I didn’t always agree with Jaycee’s choices, they certainly kept me turning the pages.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Waldorf Publishing for providing me with a free electronic copy
of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
July 23, 2016
“The only thing splats of your blood will do is confirm you are one sick bitch to wind up at a place like this.”
In the beginning chapter of Throw Away Girls, you get a sense this will not be a usual thriller. In Throw Away Girls, Jaycee Wilder is an investigative reporter looking to get involved in more in depth stories to further her career. A story about women being murdered in sex clubs grabs her attention and quickly becomes an obsessive quest to locate the killer, despite the risks. Thrown together with Barton, a detective who recently transferred from Boston, they work to catch a sadistic killer who has a message to send about these Throw Away Girls.
I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars. The premise was intriguing as a fan of thrillers. I was a fan of the characters of Jaycee Wilder and Barton as they both had troubled lives and were empathetic to the victims of these crimes.
For a debut novel, this was a good start to a new series. The writing, at times, appeared underdeveloped but still delivered an interesting novel. It will be interesting to see if the author can further develop the characters in future books. The ending of the book was surprising but not suspenseful enough to not want to read ahead to find out who the killer was about 60% into the book.
Overall, a good start to this new author.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
In the beginning chapter of Throw Away Girls, you get a sense this will not be a usual thriller. In Throw Away Girls, Jaycee Wilder is an investigative reporter looking to get involved in more in depth stories to further her career. A story about women being murdered in sex clubs grabs her attention and quickly becomes an obsessive quest to locate the killer, despite the risks. Thrown together with Barton, a detective who recently transferred from Boston, they work to catch a sadistic killer who has a message to send about these Throw Away Girls.
I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars. The premise was intriguing as a fan of thrillers. I was a fan of the characters of Jaycee Wilder and Barton as they both had troubled lives and were empathetic to the victims of these crimes.
For a debut novel, this was a good start to a new series. The writing, at times, appeared underdeveloped but still delivered an interesting novel. It will be interesting to see if the author can further develop the characters in future books. The ending of the book was surprising but not suspenseful enough to not want to read ahead to find out who the killer was about 60% into the book.
Overall, a good start to this new author.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
June 25, 2016
"This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review”
Just look at that beautiful cover!!
I knew it was going to be a great story from the first page , not many books have such a Kick-ass start .
I mainly enjoyed this book because of Jaycee's strong character , and the killer kept me anticipating his next move, i would love to read more about him and see what he is planning to do next. Because I'm a big fan of killers driven by their horrible pasts :
"He had an objective and a duty to clean up the garbage, to prevent another child from being born to the lowest levels of humans not fit to raise a goat.
He took the women, the breaders of life . He threw them away before they could torment another innocent being."
I liked how the author managed to make the police reports/encounters interesting, in most stories they come across as a bit boring , but not in this one, so good job!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery /thriller story
Especially those who love villains with troubled pasts .
Just look at that beautiful cover!!
I knew it was going to be a great story from the first page , not many books have such a Kick-ass start .
I mainly enjoyed this book because of Jaycee's strong character , and the killer kept me anticipating his next move, i would love to read more about him and see what he is planning to do next. Because I'm a big fan of killers driven by their horrible pasts :
"He had an objective and a duty to clean up the garbage, to prevent another child from being born to the lowest levels of humans not fit to raise a goat.
He took the women, the breaders of life . He threw them away before they could torment another innocent being."
I liked how the author managed to make the police reports/encounters interesting, in most stories they come across as a bit boring , but not in this one, so good job!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery /thriller story
Especially those who love villains with troubled pasts .
July 5, 2016
Book: Throw Away Girls
Author: Jennifer Vaughn
Publication Date: 7/2/2016
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars
REVIEW
New to me author.
Throw Away Girls yep that is what they are considered to some but not to this feisty, and very strong at heart reporter. Jaycee is a reporter who is very pretty and that is just what our serial killer likes. Jaycee is determined to catch this psycho with the help of one down and out cop. This was a very intense, gritty mystery I wanted to solve and read this book in two sittings.
I recommend it to those who like a bit of mystery with thrills that leave you glued to the book.
I was gifted a copy of this book for my honest review.
Throw Away Girls
Author: Jennifer Vaughn
Publication Date: 7/2/2016
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars
REVIEW
New to me author.
Throw Away Girls yep that is what they are considered to some but not to this feisty, and very strong at heart reporter. Jaycee is a reporter who is very pretty and that is just what our serial killer likes. Jaycee is determined to catch this psycho with the help of one down and out cop. This was a very intense, gritty mystery I wanted to solve and read this book in two sittings.
I recommend it to those who like a bit of mystery with thrills that leave you glued to the book.
I was gifted a copy of this book for my honest review.
Throw Away Girls
June 30, 2016
I received this ARC for an honest review
This book starts off with a Bang. It was like watching an Intense Thriller. The author really has a way with word, pulls you in, and really never let's go of you. The book just flows from one exciting scene to another, as we watch the suspense and events unfold.
The characters are well developed and you can easily relate to them. From a very Stubborn Reporter to a Serial Killer with a twisted mind – well all serial killers have twisted minds. All the characters was well thought out and are pieces of a puzzle to resolve the crime.
Throw away girls are not for those faint hearted. The scenes are brutal and suspenseful. This book is so close to what happens in the world out there, but definitely a good read. I will recommend this book to any reader.
This book starts off with a Bang. It was like watching an Intense Thriller. The author really has a way with word, pulls you in, and really never let's go of you. The book just flows from one exciting scene to another, as we watch the suspense and events unfold.
The characters are well developed and you can easily relate to them. From a very Stubborn Reporter to a Serial Killer with a twisted mind – well all serial killers have twisted minds. All the characters was well thought out and are pieces of a puzzle to resolve the crime.
Throw away girls are not for those faint hearted. The scenes are brutal and suspenseful. This book is so close to what happens in the world out there, but definitely a good read. I will recommend this book to any reader.
November 17, 2016
I love this book mainly because it has a strong female as the lead character. I would love to see more novels featuring Jaycee, as I became attached to her while reading the book. I was worried about her throughout the book, and I’m glad things worked out for her. Okay, the book. I liked it! I like how everything played out. I didn’t guess the killer’s identity until close to the end, which was awesome! I hate when it’s blatant, but the author still tries to keep it hidden. As I said, I really got attached to the main character and I cheered for her throughout the whole book, trying to figure out how she was going to get out of each sticky situation. I highly recommend this book to other mystery/thriller lovers.
July 23, 2016
For my full review, go to my blog: http://murderisdelicious.blogspot.com...
Jennifer Vaughn has written quite a page-turner, although she starts getting really heavy-handed towards the middle and makes it fairly obvious who the killer is. Honestly, when I got to that point, I still wasn't sure whether or not I liked the story, but I felt invested enough to continue.
Jennifer Vaughn has written quite a page-turner, although she starts getting really heavy-handed towards the middle and makes it fairly obvious who the killer is. Honestly, when I got to that point, I still wasn't sure whether or not I liked the story, but I felt invested enough to continue.
September 20, 2016
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is a very gritty and interesting thriller. There were some moments I had to close my eyes for a moment to get over the overly gross scenes. There were two issues I had with this book. I had trouble liking Jaycee. She is a character that is kind of all over the place. I also didn't understand why she would be with someone like Van. I also didn't like the ending. The book is well-written.
July 27, 2016
This was definitely a creepy one at times. If you like serial killer thrillers and mysteries, or a gripping suspense novel then this is for you. But if that's not your thing, this might not be the thing to read.
I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2017
THROW AWAY GIRLS is highly addictive, suspenseful and frightening! If you love serial killer thrillers then this book is for you. This is the first book in the new Jaycee Wilder Series and Jennifer Vaughn draws from her first hand experience as a television news anchor to brilliantly craft Jaycee’s character as a tenacious and sharp newscaster in LA. Jaycee is such a likeable character adored by her hot, actor boyfriend Van and news team colleagues. She forges a trusting relationship with Detective Barton who feeds her inside information about the killings. Jaycee’s compassion and empathy for the throw away girls and their families really make her shine as a human being.
The book is told mostly from Jaycee’s point of view but I so appreciated hearing from the victim’s perspective. I also love a strong, competent female lead. Vaughn’s writing is easy to digest, engaging and page turning.
Vaughn nailed the plot – it’s dark, cringe-worthy and gory and stands up every bit to well read authors of this genre. I was sucked into the story from the get-go with a brutal murder scene in process – so creepy but so good! I wish the killer reveal came later in the story but Vaughn kept the suspense tight right up to the end. I can’t wait to pick up the newest installment, Legacy Girls.
Thank you to Waldorf Publishing and Netgalley for providing me this ARC in exchange for my own review.
The book is told mostly from Jaycee’s point of view but I so appreciated hearing from the victim’s perspective. I also love a strong, competent female lead. Vaughn’s writing is easy to digest, engaging and page turning.
Vaughn nailed the plot – it’s dark, cringe-worthy and gory and stands up every bit to well read authors of this genre. I was sucked into the story from the get-go with a brutal murder scene in process – so creepy but so good! I wish the killer reveal came later in the story but Vaughn kept the suspense tight right up to the end. I can’t wait to pick up the newest installment, Legacy Girls.
Thank you to Waldorf Publishing and Netgalley for providing me this ARC in exchange for my own review.
August 17, 2017
*Special thanks to Netgalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review*
"Throw Away Girls," by Jennifer Vaughn, is a fast-paced murder mystery thriller.
Jaycee Wilder is one of L.A.'s top reporters, so when the gory remains of battered women begin to show up along Hollywood Boulevard's seedy nightclubs, she goes into high gear to investigate the possibility of a serial killer and his "Throw Away Girls."
These women seek pleasure in dark rooms, plenty of leather and numerous partners, but Jaycee doesn't condemn them the way society does - she sees who they were outside their salacious personas - teachers, mothers, sisters, daughters.
They deserved more than a grisly death at the hands of a madman.
Working to uncover the identity of the killer, Jaycee's world is consumed by blood, lust and justice. Will she reveal the murderer's true identity or will he reach her first?
"Throw Away Girls" is the perfect start to the two-book Jaycee Wilder series, set to be released through Waldorf Publishing. Vaughn pulls her readers into a world of reporting, criminal investigating and unhinged psychological warfare. If you're looking for a great read that'll get your adrenaline going, "Throw Away Girls" is the book for you!
"Throw Away Girls," by Jennifer Vaughn, is a fast-paced murder mystery thriller.
Jaycee Wilder is one of L.A.'s top reporters, so when the gory remains of battered women begin to show up along Hollywood Boulevard's seedy nightclubs, she goes into high gear to investigate the possibility of a serial killer and his "Throw Away Girls."
These women seek pleasure in dark rooms, plenty of leather and numerous partners, but Jaycee doesn't condemn them the way society does - she sees who they were outside their salacious personas - teachers, mothers, sisters, daughters.
They deserved more than a grisly death at the hands of a madman.
Working to uncover the identity of the killer, Jaycee's world is consumed by blood, lust and justice. Will she reveal the murderer's true identity or will he reach her first?
"Throw Away Girls" is the perfect start to the two-book Jaycee Wilder series, set to be released through Waldorf Publishing. Vaughn pulls her readers into a world of reporting, criminal investigating and unhinged psychological warfare. If you're looking for a great read that'll get your adrenaline going, "Throw Away Girls" is the book for you!
January 31, 2017
Marketed as the first book in a new mystery series, I eagerly picked this one up - I just love to have a new series to follow! Unfortunately, the writing style is… well, clichéd at times. And also just… over the top with lines like “there was no need to be so bitchy, but distress blanketed her heart like a smoldering fire.” On the other side, the stereotypical southern California shallowness also shines through with lines like “she lumbered out of the chair and hobbled on two thick ankles” (though not to worry, later in the same section, the same woman is described as “her heart was as deep as her ass was wide”.). It’s downright laughable, ridiculous and I admit that I had fun reading it for these eye-rolling moments alone. It’s fun to hate it, to be honest. Also, at less than fifty pages in, I correctly guessed the killer – so the plot is hardly surprising, either. The perspective hops around heads unexpectedly and in general the book just feels… unprofessional. It does move along quickly – which is probably the only reason why I bothered to finish it. And while this is open for a sequel, I certainly won’t be picking this one up!
October 21, 2016
I'm posting a review after receiving an ARC from NetGalley.
I absolutely loved this first book of the new series by Jennifer Vaughn! Jaycee Wilder, an investigative reporter living in LA, is a great new kick-ass heroine.
When Jaycee starts investigating the horrific and violent deaths of three women, all found in different "sex and bondage" clubs across LA, she believes there is a serial killer at work. She feels a personal connection to the victims, whose killer leaves notes at the scenes in their blood, saying "Throw Away Girl".
She throws herself into the case, and working with a new to LA detective with a difficult past, her best friend and cameraman, and her boyfriend Van, she tries to get to the bottom of who is murdering these women.
Of course it wouldn't be a good thriller without a few twists and turns, and this book certainly has them! Jaycee is real and relatable and I enjoyed every page... so much that I read it in less than a day!
This is the beginning of what I can see is going to be a great series, and I can't wait to read the next one!!
I absolutely loved this first book of the new series by Jennifer Vaughn! Jaycee Wilder, an investigative reporter living in LA, is a great new kick-ass heroine.
When Jaycee starts investigating the horrific and violent deaths of three women, all found in different "sex and bondage" clubs across LA, she believes there is a serial killer at work. She feels a personal connection to the victims, whose killer leaves notes at the scenes in their blood, saying "Throw Away Girl".
She throws herself into the case, and working with a new to LA detective with a difficult past, her best friend and cameraman, and her boyfriend Van, she tries to get to the bottom of who is murdering these women.
Of course it wouldn't be a good thriller without a few twists and turns, and this book certainly has them! Jaycee is real and relatable and I enjoyed every page... so much that I read it in less than a day!
This is the beginning of what I can see is going to be a great series, and I can't wait to read the next one!!
November 15, 2016
Throw Away Girls by Jennifer Vaughn is the first book in the Jaycee Wilder series but can be read as a standalone. This is a gritty, riveting mystery that will definitely keep the pages turning.
Jaycee Wilder is a news reporter with a TV station in Los Angeles. There has been three murders of young women in a seedy area of town. Each time the murderer leaves a message: 'Throw Away Girls'. Jaycee becomes very involved in this story.....too involved and it clouds her judgement at times. Thankfully her photographer is also her best friend and helps to look out for her.
Jaycee is a great reporter putting her all into her stories. I really don't want to give away anymore just you must read this book. You will be blown away with all the action and particularly the ending. Definitley deserves all five stars. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
Jaycee Wilder is a news reporter with a TV station in Los Angeles. There has been three murders of young women in a seedy area of town. Each time the murderer leaves a message: 'Throw Away Girls'. Jaycee becomes very involved in this story.....too involved and it clouds her judgement at times. Thankfully her photographer is also her best friend and helps to look out for her.
Jaycee is a great reporter putting her all into her stories. I really don't want to give away anymore just you must read this book. You will be blown away with all the action and particularly the ending. Definitley deserves all five stars. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
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