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Elise Sandburg #4
Truly Dead
In award-winning author Anne Frasier’s riveting thriller Truly Dead, homicide detective Elise Sandburg returns to Savannah with her partner, profiler David Gould, to track a killer who seems eerily familiar.
When a demolition crew uncovers several bodies inside the walls of a house where serial killer Frank J. Remy once lived, the discovery sends shock waves through the Savannah Police Department. All of the bodies were hidden before Remy’s imprisonment and subsequent death thirty-six years earlier—except for one belonging to a missing child.
Homicide partners Elise Sandburg and David Gould were the Savannah PD’s dream team, solving uncrackable crimes and catching killers. But their last case resulted in their termination from the squad, until the coroner calls them back to consult, unofficially, on a body found in the wall of a house once occupied by Remy, a killer Elise’s own father sent to jail—a killer who died in prison. The MO seems uncomfortably similar to that of a serial killer wreaking havoc in Florida.
Does Elise have a copycat on her hands? Is Remy’s influence reaching from beyond the grave? Or is Elise making connections where there are none? When her father warns her to back off the case, Elise’s shadowy family history threatens to swallow her once again. But whatever force is at work, she won’t rest until the killing stops.
Now at odds with everyone she cares about and forced to acknowledge her worsening emotional state, Elise struggles to protect the people she loves as the body count rises.
When a demolition crew uncovers several bodies inside the walls of a house where serial killer Frank J. Remy once lived, the discovery sends shock waves through the Savannah Police Department. All of the bodies were hidden before Remy’s imprisonment and subsequent death thirty-six years earlier—except for one belonging to a missing child.
Homicide partners Elise Sandburg and David Gould were the Savannah PD’s dream team, solving uncrackable crimes and catching killers. But their last case resulted in their termination from the squad, until the coroner calls them back to consult, unofficially, on a body found in the wall of a house once occupied by Remy, a killer Elise’s own father sent to jail—a killer who died in prison. The MO seems uncomfortably similar to that of a serial killer wreaking havoc in Florida.
Does Elise have a copycat on her hands? Is Remy’s influence reaching from beyond the grave? Or is Elise making connections where there are none? When her father warns her to back off the case, Elise’s shadowy family history threatens to swallow her once again. But whatever force is at work, she won’t rest until the killing stops.
Now at odds with everyone she cares about and forced to acknowledge her worsening emotional state, Elise struggles to protect the people she loves as the body count rises.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2017
1592 people are currently reading
1331 people want to read
About the author
Anne Frasier
37 books2,273 followersAnne Frasier is the New York Times, #1 Amazon Charts, and USA Today bestselling author of the Detective Jude Fontaine Mysteries, the Elise Sandburg series, and the Inland Empire novels. With more than a million copies sold, her award-winning books span the genres of suspense, mystery, thriller, romantic suspense, paranormal, and memoir. The Body Reader received the 2017 Thriller Award for Best Original Paperback Novel from International Thriller Writers. Other honors include a RITA for Romantic Suspense and a Daphne du Maurier Award for Paranormal Romantic Mystery/Suspense. Her thrillers have hit the USA Today bestseller list and have been featured in Mystery Guild, the Literary Guild, and Book of the Month. Her memoir, The Orchard, was an O, The Oprah Magazine Fall Pick; a One Book, One Community read; and one of the Librarians’ Best Books of 2011. Visit her website at www.annefrasier.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
November 3, 2017
I wonder sometimes what is wrong with me. I'm not nineteen reading romantic suspense anymore, yet I still get caught up in stupid will they/won't they scenarios. I truly believe the Elise Sandburg books are supposed to be police procedurals first. Frasier’s books do have exciting stories. But then I get caught up in this other crap. Which at my advanced age, I still love. So this is on me.
When we last left them, Elise Sandburg and David Gould had been fired from the Savannah, GA police dept. However after a very successful solve in a Chicago case as private detectives, they are called back to Savannah by ME and good friend John Curry to consult on a tragic case of murdered children. After a satisfying shooting at a cemetery-which I should be ashamed of myself for characterizing as such-Elise and David are back on the job, for at least awhile. Cemetery shooting, murdered children, then the story really goes dark. I had a pit in my stomach through most of the book. Thank goodness it was rainy so I convinced myself I didn't really need to go out and I read it in one sitting. Yep, it’s that good.
Elise is still messed up from her kidnapping, severely so. Sometimes she doesn't seem to know what is real or not. David hasn’t quite given up on her, but is considering other options in getting on with his life. He is still a bit of a man-ho. Elise still has severe daddy issues, but there is light at the end of that tunnel. And we have the comfort of the 'usual suspects' from Savannah returning.
This could be read as a standalone, but heck, why deprive yourself of the other three Elise Sandburg stories?
Quibble time. Murdered children almost disappeared from the story. The aforementioned will they/won't they. A bit more detail here and there.
Exciting story, characters to care about, and great setting; check, check, and check.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange of a fair and honest review. And a big thank you to the masked hero who first posted this was available for review on NetGalley. I was on it, babee.
When we last left them, Elise Sandburg and David Gould had been fired from the Savannah, GA police dept. However after a very successful solve in a Chicago case as private detectives, they are called back to Savannah by ME and good friend John Curry to consult on a tragic case of murdered children. After a satisfying shooting at a cemetery-which I should be ashamed of myself for characterizing as such-Elise and David are back on the job, for at least awhile. Cemetery shooting, murdered children, then the story really goes dark. I had a pit in my stomach through most of the book. Thank goodness it was rainy so I convinced myself I didn't really need to go out and I read it in one sitting. Yep, it’s that good.
Elise is still messed up from her kidnapping, severely so. Sometimes she doesn't seem to know what is real or not. David hasn’t quite given up on her, but is considering other options in getting on with his life. He is still a bit of a man-ho. Elise still has severe daddy issues, but there is light at the end of that tunnel. And we have the comfort of the 'usual suspects' from Savannah returning.
This could be read as a standalone, but heck, why deprive yourself of the other three Elise Sandburg stories?
Quibble time. Murdered children almost disappeared from the story. The aforementioned will they/won't they. A bit more detail here and there.
Exciting story, characters to care about, and great setting; check, check, and check.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange of a fair and honest review. And a big thank you to the masked hero who first posted this was available for review on NetGalley. I was on it, babee.
February 11, 2020
Another book becomes victim the continuing saga of me picking up books with zero context that just happen to end up being installments in a series of books. Every time this happens I end up feeling lukewarm about the book and this was no different. I think most of the times books from a series can't really stand alone. This one doesn't do that bad of a job on it's own, it's usually easier with mystery books and this was an okay mystery book. Didn't really stand out much and I wasn't really enamored with any of the characters. I did request this on netgalley forever ago and thought I would get around to reading it so.
June 29, 2020
Truly Dead
By: Anne Frasier
Narrated by: Natalie Ross
This brings back past cases so read in order for full effect! Great tension, emotions, characters, and plot. Ended tidy like an end to a series.(?) If so, it was a terrific one! This author knows how to get your heart pumping!
The narrator did a wonderful job with the voices in this book and the whole series. She made the book come alive!
By: Anne Frasier
Narrated by: Natalie Ross
This brings back past cases so read in order for full effect! Great tension, emotions, characters, and plot. Ended tidy like an end to a series.(?) If so, it was a terrific one! This author knows how to get your heart pumping!
The narrator did a wonderful job with the voices in this book and the whole series. She made the book come alive!
June 12, 2017
Although 4th in this series, this one does well as a stand alone. However, I do recommend starting at the beginning. There are numerous little gems in these books that guarantee you will understand the adventures and the growth of these characters.
Homicide Detectives Elise Sandburg and David Gould no longer work for the Savannah police department. In the middle of setting up a Private Investigator business, they are called back to consult unofficially.
Children's bodies were found stuffed into walls when a demolition team was tearing down a house. The house is where Frank Remy once lived .... and the bodies were placed there 36 years ago.. before Remy was jailed and subsequently died. It also happens that Elise's father was the man who made sure Remy went to prison.
BOOK BLURB: Does Elise have a copycat on her hands? Is Remy’s influence reaching from beyond the grave? Or is Elise making connections where there are none? When her father warns her to back off the case, Elise’s shadowy family history threatens to swallow her once again. But whatever force is at work, she won’t rest until the killing stops.
This is a terrific series. Plenty of action, lots of bodies falling, and solid characters who seem to grow and mature with each book. Elise and David are both damaged in different ways. They each would like to be in a relationship, other than professional, but their scars, the ones inside and outside, seem to prevent that from happening.
This is a well-written crime novel and my hope is that there will be many more.
Homicide Detectives Elise Sandburg and David Gould no longer work for the Savannah police department. In the middle of setting up a Private Investigator business, they are called back to consult unofficially.
Children's bodies were found stuffed into walls when a demolition team was tearing down a house. The house is where Frank Remy once lived .... and the bodies were placed there 36 years ago.. before Remy was jailed and subsequently died. It also happens that Elise's father was the man who made sure Remy went to prison.
BOOK BLURB: Does Elise have a copycat on her hands? Is Remy’s influence reaching from beyond the grave? Or is Elise making connections where there are none? When her father warns her to back off the case, Elise’s shadowy family history threatens to swallow her once again. But whatever force is at work, she won’t rest until the killing stops.
This is a terrific series. Plenty of action, lots of bodies falling, and solid characters who seem to grow and mature with each book. Elise and David are both damaged in different ways. They each would like to be in a relationship, other than professional, but their scars, the ones inside and outside, seem to prevent that from happening.
This is a well-written crime novel and my hope is that there will be many more.
May 14, 2017
3.5 stars
If you’re keeping score, you know the last book ended with Det. Elisa Sandburg & partner David Gould leaving the Savannah PD under a cloud. They decided to say goodbye to all the bureaucratic/political crap & open their own agency.
But before they can hang out their shingle, Elise gets a call from Savannah ME Dr. John Casper. A body has been found stuffed in the wall of an old house undergoing demolition. The address is well known to Savannah residents. It was once owned by Frank Remy, a prolific serial killer who was eventually caught by Elise’s father Jackson Sweet. He died in prison years ago but this body is eerily similar to some recent homicides in Florida. Casper is unhappy with Elise’s replacement & asks her to come back & have an “unofficial” look-see.
Elise & David are a sight for sore eyes for old colleagues who are suffering under Victor Lamont, the man who took her job. They need to determine if Remy had a partner or if this is the work of a copycat. First up is the exhumation of Remy’s grave. And oooh lawdy, no one could have predicted just how many ways THAT would go wrong.
This is a fast paced thriller with a plot that zigs then zags as some ugly secrets from the past provide clues for the present investigation. Elise’s relationship with her long estranged father is shaky at the best of times & she believes he knows more than he’s telling, especially as the body count continues to rise.
Elise still struggles with PTSD as a result of her run-ins with psycho Atticus Tremain (previous books). She’s been able to keep it under wraps but the combination of being back in Savannah plus changes to her personal life bring it roaring back to life. Weird stuff is happening around her & her sometimes erratic behaviour has colleagues questioning her stability. Meanwhile, David begins to wonder if it’s time for him to move on alone. He’s always loved Elise but with no sign she’s ready for a relationship, just how long is a guy supposed to wait?
There’s a huge back story to this series so I really wouldn’t recommend this as a stand alone. The large cast have intricate ties & many references would go over the head of a first time reader. Among the returning characters is Elise’s friend (and Jackson’s lover) Strata Luna who adds her spooky mysticism to the atmospheric old south setting.
Some of the scenes are fairly graphic but entirely in keeping with what fans expect from several of the characters. A little suspension of disbelief is required & that’s what prevented me from giving this a higher rating. Elise’s fragile state, personal tragedies & what she endures made it hard for me to believe she could function as a person, let alone a detective. But hey, this is fiction & if you’re a fan of romantic suspense/drama there is plenty here to keep you reading into the wee hours.
If you’re keeping score, you know the last book ended with Det. Elisa Sandburg & partner David Gould leaving the Savannah PD under a cloud. They decided to say goodbye to all the bureaucratic/political crap & open their own agency.
But before they can hang out their shingle, Elise gets a call from Savannah ME Dr. John Casper. A body has been found stuffed in the wall of an old house undergoing demolition. The address is well known to Savannah residents. It was once owned by Frank Remy, a prolific serial killer who was eventually caught by Elise’s father Jackson Sweet. He died in prison years ago but this body is eerily similar to some recent homicides in Florida. Casper is unhappy with Elise’s replacement & asks her to come back & have an “unofficial” look-see.
Elise & David are a sight for sore eyes for old colleagues who are suffering under Victor Lamont, the man who took her job. They need to determine if Remy had a partner or if this is the work of a copycat. First up is the exhumation of Remy’s grave. And oooh lawdy, no one could have predicted just how many ways THAT would go wrong.
This is a fast paced thriller with a plot that zigs then zags as some ugly secrets from the past provide clues for the present investigation. Elise’s relationship with her long estranged father is shaky at the best of times & she believes he knows more than he’s telling, especially as the body count continues to rise.
Elise still struggles with PTSD as a result of her run-ins with psycho Atticus Tremain (previous books). She’s been able to keep it under wraps but the combination of being back in Savannah plus changes to her personal life bring it roaring back to life. Weird stuff is happening around her & her sometimes erratic behaviour has colleagues questioning her stability. Meanwhile, David begins to wonder if it’s time for him to move on alone. He’s always loved Elise but with no sign she’s ready for a relationship, just how long is a guy supposed to wait?
There’s a huge back story to this series so I really wouldn’t recommend this as a stand alone. The large cast have intricate ties & many references would go over the head of a first time reader. Among the returning characters is Elise’s friend (and Jackson’s lover) Strata Luna who adds her spooky mysticism to the atmospheric old south setting.
Some of the scenes are fairly graphic but entirely in keeping with what fans expect from several of the characters. A little suspension of disbelief is required & that’s what prevented me from giving this a higher rating. Elise’s fragile state, personal tragedies & what she endures made it hard for me to believe she could function as a person, let alone a detective. But hey, this is fiction & if you’re a fan of romantic suspense/drama there is plenty here to keep you reading into the wee hours.
May 18, 2017
I received a copy of Truly Dead from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Truly Dead is the fourth book in Anne Frasier’s Elise Sandburg series. A few months back, I read the first book, Play Dead, and mostly enjoyed it but didn’t return to the series. I came across Truly Dead on Netgalley and decided to give the series another try. I know a little bit about the characters and setting from reading the series opener but I was quite lost about events and character relationships so I would not recommend reading this one as a standalone.
In the first few pages, we learn that Elise Sandburg and her partner, David Gould, were recently fired from the Savannah Police Department. For the last month, they have been working as private detectives, just having solved a serial killer case in Chicago, giving them a sort of celebrity status. As they finish up that case, they get a call from the Savannah medical examiner (and also their good friend), John Casper, about a body found in the walls of a house that belonged to a serial killer named Frank Remy - a case with ties to Elise’s father. They agree to return to Savannah in an unofficial capacity. The one body quickly becomes several - all but one body was placed in the house before Remy was arrested. Remy died in prison so how can this last body be explained?
As the Savannah PD’s investigation begins, one of the first steps is to exhume Remy’s body. What happens at the cemetery during the exhumation leads to Elise and David getting their old jobs back, even if only temporarily. They are now officially investigating the case which will lead them into some dark and heartbreaking territory. Elise’s father, a man she doesn’t exactly have the best relationship with, asks her to step away from the case and get out of town, something Elise has no intention of doing. Once the investigation kicks off, the pace quickens and continues that way until the end.
At times, I feel that Elise’s issues and her relationship (or lack of a relationship) with David take center stage over the actual murders they are investigating. I’m not big on my detectives having an excessive amount of baggage and Elise has a truck load. I found it a distraction when trying to follow the mystery. Events in previous books have made her a victim and it clings to Elise like a black cloud. I’m not big on the need to have female leads victimized so this is a mark against the series for me.
I’ve read a few other books by Frasier and they’ve all been solid reads, entertaining and fast-paced. In this case, it feels like it’s more about Elise’s personal drama than detective work. David has some issues of his own, mainly waiting to be in a real relationship with Elise, but even he is overshadowed by Elise. I like Frasier’s writing and would read more works by her but I don’t think I’ll be continuing with this series. There’s just a little too much “drama” for me.
Truly Dead is the fourth book in Anne Frasier’s Elise Sandburg series. A few months back, I read the first book, Play Dead, and mostly enjoyed it but didn’t return to the series. I came across Truly Dead on Netgalley and decided to give the series another try. I know a little bit about the characters and setting from reading the series opener but I was quite lost about events and character relationships so I would not recommend reading this one as a standalone.
In the first few pages, we learn that Elise Sandburg and her partner, David Gould, were recently fired from the Savannah Police Department. For the last month, they have been working as private detectives, just having solved a serial killer case in Chicago, giving them a sort of celebrity status. As they finish up that case, they get a call from the Savannah medical examiner (and also their good friend), John Casper, about a body found in the walls of a house that belonged to a serial killer named Frank Remy - a case with ties to Elise’s father. They agree to return to Savannah in an unofficial capacity. The one body quickly becomes several - all but one body was placed in the house before Remy was arrested. Remy died in prison so how can this last body be explained?
As the Savannah PD’s investigation begins, one of the first steps is to exhume Remy’s body. What happens at the cemetery during the exhumation leads to Elise and David getting their old jobs back, even if only temporarily. They are now officially investigating the case which will lead them into some dark and heartbreaking territory. Elise’s father, a man she doesn’t exactly have the best relationship with, asks her to step away from the case and get out of town, something Elise has no intention of doing. Once the investigation kicks off, the pace quickens and continues that way until the end.
At times, I feel that Elise’s issues and her relationship (or lack of a relationship) with David take center stage over the actual murders they are investigating. I’m not big on my detectives having an excessive amount of baggage and Elise has a truck load. I found it a distraction when trying to follow the mystery. Events in previous books have made her a victim and it clings to Elise like a black cloud. I’m not big on the need to have female leads victimized so this is a mark against the series for me.
I’ve read a few other books by Frasier and they’ve all been solid reads, entertaining and fast-paced. In this case, it feels like it’s more about Elise’s personal drama than detective work. David has some issues of his own, mainly waiting to be in a real relationship with Elise, but even he is overshadowed by Elise. I like Frasier’s writing and would read more works by her but I don’t think I’ll be continuing with this series. There’s just a little too much “drama” for me.
November 30, 2018
This was such a great, easy and creative series. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this series.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this series.
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May 31, 2017I waited a year to read the fourth book in this series. I was lucky enough to be given a review copy from Anne Frasier and Netgalley and devoured this book in 2 days. The book is officially out now and available on kindle unlimited!
I will admit, the beginning through me off. I felt like I forgot something, so I went back and read some reviews of the 3rd book. I had read the first three, one after the other, so it took me a second to reorient myself.
I'm terrible at writing reviews, but I love the characters in this book. I love the touch of paranormal, the Savannah setting, the character descriptions, everything. I can picture myself inside the story, getting to know the characters. I love that Elise and David have flaws. Sometimes books have those to perfect characters that you can't relate to.
This series is a must read. There is enough character development to get attached, thrill and suspense to keep you reading all in one sitting. I recommend starting with book 1 if you haven't read them yet. Totally worth the read!
I will admit, the beginning through me off. I felt like I forgot something, so I went back and read some reviews of the 3rd book. I had read the first three, one after the other, so it took me a second to reorient myself.
I'm terrible at writing reviews, but I love the characters in this book. I love the touch of paranormal, the Savannah setting, the character descriptions, everything. I can picture myself inside the story, getting to know the characters. I love that Elise and David have flaws. Sometimes books have those to perfect characters that you can't relate to.
This series is a must read. There is enough character development to get attached, thrill and suspense to keep you reading all in one sitting. I recommend starting with book 1 if you haven't read them yet. Totally worth the read!
August 21, 2021
5 solid stars! The best book in the series. RTC
January 23, 2025
Sadly this came as a disappointment. The plot kinda fell. In an attempt to include easter eggs and callbacks, the entire book seemed sluggish. Moreover, they were hinting towards a massive reveal that never came.
Giving it 3 stars, nevertheless, coz by now I'm emotionally attached to Elise and David.
PS. For the 100th time, WTF FRASIER STOP TORTURING POOR ELISE!
Giving it 3 stars, nevertheless, coz by now I'm emotionally attached to Elise and David.
PS. For the 100th time, WTF FRASIER STOP TORTURING POOR ELISE!
July 16, 2017
Book four finds David and Elise in Chicago finishing a case. They fly back to Savannah to be called in by the coroner. A house being dismantled, and the walls are filled with deceased children. The man who could have done this, with the same MO was killed in prison years ago. That soon becomes the next question. This is the fourth book in the series. The murder mystery soon becomes more about revenge, than anything. Threats made on Elise, then people who work with them are killed, and hurt. There is a creep factor not just in the killings, but by one of the killers. I knew who it was at once, but was not thrilled to find out I was right. I liked how selfless, and smart Elise is. I worry about her PTSD from her experience from another book, in the series. David loves her, but she is scared of her scars mentally, and physically. The book is fast paced, and Sweet, and all the usual characters are in it. There is another child kidnapped, but you never hear any details that are gory. I don't like a book that preys on children . This is really more about past reckoning. The ending with evil, versus Elise was scary, but brilliant on her part. The last chapter gives you hope for the future, even though so many lives are broken. I cannot wait to read the next one. David will always struggle with his past, and suffer the loss of a loved one, but I think if Elise could actually really invest herself in him, it would help them both. They could go slow, since he seems more than eager to do that, and is so caring. A great read, but the back, and forth do I love him/her is getting tiring. That is why the four stars. Plus I believe she is growing where her father, Sweet is concerned. He seems to be making better decisions as well. There is still so much to tie up, that I hope it continues. I would say this book is evil, and drama , in one.
March 5, 2018
David LOVED Elise, he had for a long time, but he screwed someone else? I was so disappointed in that I can’t tell you. Then when Elise called in the beginning of the 3rd or 4 session with the girl he told her she wasn’t interrupting anything to come on over since it was so important that she talk to him about the case BUT she told him she was downstairs in his complexes parking lot so she’d be right up. David had to hurry and get dressed and hid the girl in his shower, with a large towel to wrap around her in case she got cold, to wait for him. What? And why the author thought it was necessary to tell the reader I have no idea but the girl with David was a black girl. And Strata Luna, who was Sweet’s girlfriend, and also Elise’s father, was also black. Why point that out? I don’t get it. Anyway, because of David and the OW and Elise being so unhappy all the time I won’t read any more of this series.
And, I’m kinda glad I read this 4th book first because I have a feeling John and Mara were in other books and if they had been and I would have taken a liking to them and then what happened happened I would have been really pissed off over it.
AND this was a little too depressing for me. I mean, Elise NEVER had a happy moment. She was either snarky or nasty or mean. I can certainly understand that when she had been held captive and tortured and raped for 3 days but I think the author could have had a little less happen to her and at least given her one happy moment. I felt sorry for David for caring about her the way he did because as far as I was concerned she was really worthless in the loving and happiness department. I couldn’t like her at all.
I will say that the 2 killers in this book were really something but they weren't enough.
There was no sex in this book, it was all just implied, and the F-bomb was used 5 times.
As to the narration: Again Natalie Ross pretty much ruined the book with her men’s voices and her accents. Strata Luna and Sweet both sounded like they were from New Orleans and they were both voodoo doctors or priest and priestess. With Strata Luna I could see it because she did cast spells but Sweet was an international assassin and had just come back after being gone all of Elise’s life. Needless to say, the male voices were bad!
And, I’m kinda glad I read this 4th book first because I have a feeling John and Mara were in other books and if they had been and I would have taken a liking to them and then what happened happened I would have been really pissed off over it.
AND this was a little too depressing for me. I mean, Elise NEVER had a happy moment. She was either snarky or nasty or mean. I can certainly understand that when she had been held captive and tortured and raped for 3 days but I think the author could have had a little less happen to her and at least given her one happy moment. I felt sorry for David for caring about her the way he did because as far as I was concerned she was really worthless in the loving and happiness department. I couldn’t like her at all.
I will say that the 2 killers in this book were really something but they weren't enough.
There was no sex in this book, it was all just implied, and the F-bomb was used 5 times.
As to the narration: Again Natalie Ross pretty much ruined the book with her men’s voices and her accents. Strata Luna and Sweet both sounded like they were from New Orleans and they were both voodoo doctors or priest and priestess. With Strata Luna I could see it because she did cast spells but Sweet was an international assassin and had just come back after being gone all of Elise’s life. Needless to say, the male voices were bad!
August 4, 2017
Elise and David return to Savannah to consult on a case. Many bodies were found in the walls of a house that used to belong to a serial killer. This discovery caused many secrets to be uncovered especially involving Elise's father.
I haven't read books 1-3 but I didn't feel lost. I really enjoyed this book it was pretty fast paced with lots of action that kept my interest. The characters were complex and I liked learning more about them. I definitely plan to read the previous books. I recommend this book to lovers of crime fiction.
I received this book from netgalley for an honest review.
I haven't read books 1-3 but I didn't feel lost. I really enjoyed this book it was pretty fast paced with lots of action that kept my interest. The characters were complex and I liked learning more about them. I definitely plan to read the previous books. I recommend this book to lovers of crime fiction.
I received this book from netgalley for an honest review.
January 13, 2023
Story 4.25 stars. Narration 5 stars
This series never disappoints, nor does this author. Having said that, I read the first two years and years ago and then didn’t go back. No idea why because I do love the series. Then about a third of the way through this (or less)I realized I had not read book 3 and this was book 4. I didn’t really have a problem because of that.
Elyse and David are back in Savannah and reinstated as detectives. Elyse’s father is staying at her house. He’s really strange, but is an ex cop. People start getting killed around him and Elyse. People they care about. Her father thinks it’s someone he sent to prison years ago and I think he’s supposed to be dead. A child killer. Things get really crazy at times with people getting murdered, getting horribly injured, kidnappings and a drugged detective. I’m going to leave it at that.
It was an exciting read with lots of suspenseful moments. Life and death moments as well. I liked it and now I need to go back and read book 3. I’ll wait awhile so I can forget things I learned in this book about that one. Recommended to adult suspense and mystery readers. Adult due to violence mainly.
This series never disappoints, nor does this author. Having said that, I read the first two years and years ago and then didn’t go back. No idea why because I do love the series. Then about a third of the way through this (or less)I realized I had not read book 3 and this was book 4. I didn’t really have a problem because of that.
Elyse and David are back in Savannah and reinstated as detectives. Elyse’s father is staying at her house. He’s really strange, but is an ex cop. People start getting killed around him and Elyse. People they care about. Her father thinks it’s someone he sent to prison years ago and I think he’s supposed to be dead. A child killer. Things get really crazy at times with people getting murdered, getting horribly injured, kidnappings and a drugged detective. I’m going to leave it at that.
It was an exciting read with lots of suspenseful moments. Life and death moments as well. I liked it and now I need to go back and read book 3. I’ll wait awhile so I can forget things I learned in this book about that one. Recommended to adult suspense and mystery readers. Adult due to violence mainly.
July 7, 2017
Elise and David return to Savannah after being fired and working a freelance PI case in Chicago. The body of a child has been found in the walls of a house once owned by prolific serial killer Frank Remy, mimicking his m.o. There is a connection between Remy and Elise's father, Jackson Sweet. Remy died in prison years ago. Elise and David must determine if Remy had a partner or is this a copy cat. Exhuming Remy's body leads to more questions, and Elise believes Jackson knows more than he is telling her. Audrey's father attempts to gain custody and to Elise's dismay, David strikes a friendship with Jackson Sweet, which along with her PTSD as a result of her trauma at the hands of Atticus Tremain and David's ex-wife's situation push her and David to the brink.
Once again, Frasier produces a gripping story that can be graphic at times as well heart-wrenchingly emotional. Nice ending for David as well! I am hoping this series continues on for quite a while.
Once again, Frasier produces a gripping story that can be graphic at times as well heart-wrenchingly emotional. Nice ending for David as well! I am hoping this series continues on for quite a while.
April 7, 2025
If this is the final book in the series then I find it disappointing. Some major things felt glossed over. And I would have liked a more satisfactory ending. I'm sad because the first book was such an excellent spooky read and I became attached to these characters.
August 23, 2018
Elise became progressively more unlikable as this series goes on. She's whiny and mad all of the time and extremely self-righteous. I can't remember why I ever wanted to hang out with her. Her lack of personality does nothing to stop every man around her from hitting on her, though, because apparently she is good looking, and men are shallow. Yeah, kinda done with this series. It's too bad. I loved the first one in this series.
April 26, 2017
Anne Frasier is one of my favorite authors, and this is one of my favorite series. Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read it early. Praying that this isn't the end of Elise and David, but if it is it did not disappoint. I love the Savannah setting of these books. An emotional roller coaster of a book. I could not put it down.
February 2, 2019
There continues to be good writing, great potential and yet I couldn't stay vested in the characters or the plot. There were a lot of points wrapped up for the series which was good. But Elise continues to irritate me and I can see David 80 years old and still waiting for her to come around.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2017
Elise and David were fired from the Savannah police department in the last book. This book begins with them solving a case in Chicago - and then getting a message from Savannah that they need to return.
Almost all of the characters carry some type of emotional baggage - especially Elise. Elise carries the scars of a traumatic torture inflicted on her by a psychotic killer named Tremain(past book). She refuses intimacy with anyone because her body is so disfigured from the trauma. David wants a relationship with Elise but keeps his distance because Elise's past trauma
They are also dealing with a past murderer in this book - one that is linked to Elise's dad - Sweet.
The characters are fascinating and well developed - with human flaws. The story is fast paced and exciting
Almost all of the characters carry some type of emotional baggage - especially Elise. Elise carries the scars of a traumatic torture inflicted on her by a psychotic killer named Tremain(past book). She refuses intimacy with anyone because her body is so disfigured from the trauma. David wants a relationship with Elise but keeps his distance because Elise's past trauma
They are also dealing with a past murderer in this book - one that is linked to Elise's dad - Sweet.
The characters are fascinating and well developed - with human flaws. The story is fast paced and exciting
May 27, 2017
If you have never read any of the Anne Frazier Dead series do not start with number 4! You will be lost many times throughout the book.
The relationship between the two leads Elise and David take center spot in the story and the murder investigation or the mystery takes second place if not third. Elise has so much baggage the store gets weighed down to the point of losing the enjoyment of the mystery.
The story has a huge cast of characters that at times feels almost impossible to follow as well as the backstory many readers have been looking forward too.
Readers will need to suspend their belief of what they know about Police work, human nature as well as the romance between the main leads.
Thank you Netgalley for the Advance Copy
October 4, 2021
While I'm still enjoying this series I have a fear that this is heading down the path of "just watch the main character get beaten up EVERY SINGLE TIME" lane and I'm not sure how many more books I can do that through. That said, these are fast reads and have some fun to them, so I'm not fully out yet.
June 1, 2017
Elise & David are back in Savannah and back in the thick of things again. This series gets better and better with each book. I didn't want to put it down. Fans of Karin Slaughter and TR Ragan will enjoy this series!
July 1, 2017
My favorite book from the series so far. With one of the scariest villians I've ever read. Very fast-paced and there was a twist but the ending felt rushed. I wanted more explanation for what was happening but it was all over too quickly. Other than that, I really enjoyed it.
September 1, 2020
I enjoyed the conclusion to this series. There’s the promise of a possible relationship between the two main characters but nothing is written in stone. Elise, like all great characters, seems to have an amazing ability to step in things. A series worth reading.
June 1, 2017
Best one yet!
August 3, 2019
So loving this series. The southern setting and the dark tone of Savannah plus the 'will they, won't they' between Elise and David. Really fun!
Happy Reading!!
Happy Reading!!
February 11, 2021
Long awaited finale
Not disappoint but not exhilarating either. Story unfolds with unexpected turns of events, the ending is a bit abrupt but all in all not a disappointing finish.
Not disappoint but not exhilarating either. Story unfolds with unexpected turns of events, the ending is a bit abrupt but all in all not a disappointing finish.
August 27, 2022
Two people come back to life and the truly die while Elise and David continue their southern antics. There's always another predicament.
May 20, 2023
Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!
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