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My mother was the Madison Ridge Killer … and I helped her.
At nine, I was given a new start—a new life. My adoptive parents did everything they could to help me forget my past, and for a while, they succeeded.
But I was never normal. I never truly forgot all I saw or did.
Now, twenty years later, I work in the billing department for a small city newspaper. And like decades before, not that far away, another serial killer is on the loose. I can still see her. I can still hear my mother coaxing me to slide the bright red lipstick over her beautiful victims' lips.
But this isn’t her and I’m determined to figure out who it is. I may work behind the scenes at the Rockford Times, but I’m about to get thrown right in the middle of the biggest story our city has ever seen.
My name is Anna Monroe and I’m full of secrets.
They say you’re not your past. I’m not so sure they’re right.
CAUTION: THIS BOOK EXCEEDS THE DARK GENRE AND IS CLASSIFIED AS PITCH BLACK. Contains disturbing language, graphic violence, adult content. **
At nine, I was given a new start—a new life. My adoptive parents did everything they could to help me forget my past, and for a while, they succeeded.
But I was never normal. I never truly forgot all I saw or did.
Now, twenty years later, I work in the billing department for a small city newspaper. And like decades before, not that far away, another serial killer is on the loose. I can still see her. I can still hear my mother coaxing me to slide the bright red lipstick over her beautiful victims' lips.
But this isn’t her and I’m determined to figure out who it is. I may work behind the scenes at the Rockford Times, but I’m about to get thrown right in the middle of the biggest story our city has ever seen.
My name is Anna Monroe and I’m full of secrets.
They say you’re not your past. I’m not so sure they’re right.
CAUTION: THIS BOOK EXCEEDS THE DARK GENRE AND IS CLASSIFIED AS PITCH BLACK. Contains disturbing language, graphic violence, adult content. **
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2016
About the author
A.A. Dark
44 books1,860 followersA. A. Dark is an International Bestselling Author and Goodreads Choice Award Finalist in Horror. She is the founder of Mad Girl Publishing and the creator of the Pitch Black brand, now known as the 3 Tiers of Darkness—a signature content warning system that guides readers through the emotional and psychological depth of her work.
Before you step inside, look for which box is checked.
PITCH BLACK ⌧
STATIC WHITE ⌧
OBLIVION ⌧
Each tier reflects the level of darkness within.
Full descriptions of the tiers can be found at the madgirlpublishing website.
These books aren’t for everyone. Proceed with caution.
Before you step inside, look for which box is checked.
PITCH BLACK ⌧
STATIC WHITE ⌧
OBLIVION ⌧
Each tier reflects the level of darkness within.
Full descriptions of the tiers can be found at the madgirlpublishing website.
These books aren’t for everyone. Proceed with caution.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
January 9, 2023
Mad Girl sets the tone for the crossover. It’s Anna's story, the daughter of a serial killer, yet more than the daughter, she helped her mother. A bible thumper then adopted her. Who made her repent for her sins. To say I couldn’t stand her adoptive mother is an understatement.
Mad Girl is dark with some romance elements. Oh, my dark scale, it’s black that has some pitch-black moments.
As much as Anna tried to be a good girl. She still has the darkness in her. She was waiting for it to be released. I cried for her, and then I called for Braden. Let’s not forget the times I was outraged
In the end, I was left with a book hangover, and I was on edge for most of the book. This is what I want for my dark romance reads. It’s a must-read.
✨
Mad Girl is dark with some romance elements. Oh, my dark scale, it’s black that has some pitch-black moments.
As much as Anna tried to be a good girl. She still has the darkness in her. She was waiting for it to be released. I cried for her, and then I called for Braden. Let’s not forget the times I was outraged
In the end, I was left with a book hangover, and I was on edge for most of the book. This is what I want for my dark romance reads. It’s a must-read.
✨
June 30, 2017
Oh dear lawd, this is a dark, twisted read. Phew. I'm traumatised.
December 28, 2016
4 "fucked up murderous " stars
What a pulsating, crazed up, fucked up ride that only Alaska can pull through...
Still reeling from the "crazed up" events!!!
A. A. Dark brings us another horror shockingly striking thriller with terrific detailed descriptions that will make your skin crawl from unease and some strange thrill unless you're not into that kind of thing – scary, gore, horrid notion of what the dark psyche of a human mind is capable of- you should stay away.
This story is a portrayal of a horrific childhood of Annalise Fowler/Anna Monroe, a daughter of Rebecca Anne Fowler who did grossome crimes of murdering women and being called the Madison Ridge Killer, while she made he little kid not only watch but participate in these killings, until her mother was caught and Annalise taken away into a foster care, actually placed into a God worshiping Monroe family.
Fast forward, now the mirage looking back at her from the mirror is Anna Monroe, by name, but she's the spiting image of her mother's, the name she's not allowed to mention. And yet again, the other personality is still there...
Annalise Fowler was always there, lurking, waiting to come out.
I was two people. A woman of purity, who tried to walk in God's light, and a God, herself, who basked in the blood of her victims. Where one was safe, the other was who I felt I truly was.
And now, the vile urges want to surfice again, brought back by the sudden killings happening again around town. The same grossome crimes that her mother commited and she "helped" (while her mother wanted to punish the women, as a reminder of the physical resemblance to the one woman her husband left her for), these killings now, are based on a resemblance of her mother's face, therefore, Anna/Annalise's.
Detective Braden Casey, in charge of the investigation, gets emotionally involved with Anna, not knowing of her past and when her truth comes out...he's left with a cruel torment within...the struggle to fight the feelings he developed for Anna, and the dread of doubts that Annalise's persona would take over...
I was a man who loved a killer. I was good and bad. Deep inside, i knew that. People killed for love. People loved to kill.
But when Anna is kidnapped, tortured, raped and violated and then been declared dead with the „arranged“ evidence set up by the killer, her past will come to the full spotlight, when all the pieces of puzzle come together and the identity of the killer comes as a recollection to her from the shadows of her past.
Now, it's a fight against sanity, against the illusions of good and bad inside the dark corner of her mind. She's neither now, neither Anna nor Annalise, she's a Mad Girl and she has to survive this horror, to come back to the illusion of normalcy, illusion of the future...cause we all walk that thin line of illusion, after all.
I have to be honest when I say that i had a mixed complexed notion lingering on my mind after i have finished reading. That's why I didn't write my review right away. I was uterly confused. I wasn't able to clear out the colliding thoughts I was struggling with...so I'm gonna settle with a divided sides that perplexed me in this story – the thriller/crime drama part is fantastic, it's creepy, suspensful, challenging and dark, it's all that a good thriller is supposed to be to pull you in, grips you firmly and shakes you to the core, shocks you and scares you, then spits you out like an old chewing gum (yeah, don't laugh!) and all you can say after that is „bloody hell“.
And then, there's the other part of the story that, in my opinion, should have been more „developed“ – the emotional connection between the characters. It's the side of the charater's portrayal that, unfortunately was not palpable enough for me, to begin with, I didn't feel it, I do think that it should have been more emphasized cause it's the bond that the anti-heroine needed to hold on to, in order to achieve the resemblance of sane notion of normalcy and to linger on to something more believable than the madness of the imposing doom of her past and the chaos of two personalities crushing in on her.
However, i still find it amazing and totally in awe notion that Ms Dark has such a wide span of darkness to share *wink* lol
THANK. YOU. Alaska aka A. A. Dark for my ARC!!!!
October 20, 2019
Durante mi vida como lectora he leido muchos libros diferentes, algunos me han hecho llorar, otros me han provocado un odio profundo, e incluso algunos me han enamorado inmensamente, pero ninguna de las historias que he leido me ha enfermado hasta el punto de sentir nauseas durante horas como me ocurrio con esta novela, literalmente me revolvio el estomago hasta tal punto que me quito el hambre.
Bad Girl es una lectura que me dejo muy revuelta, sinceramente no se que sentir respecto a ella, lo que si tengo claro es que los sucesos que se narran entre sus paginas son horribles, opresivos, repugnantes y que lejos de dejarme satisfecha me dejo con unas emociones muy oscuras y deprimentes.
Pasar las paginas de esta novela fue una autentica tortura, no debido a que sea densa de leer, puesto que si hay algo positivo sobre Bad Girl es que es ligera de leer, mi lucha por atravesar los capitulos fue porque las descripciones son verdaderamente duras, enfermas y desoladoras.
Otro problema que tuve con la historia de Anna y Braden es que me fue imposible conectar con sus personajes, estoy acostumbrada a encontrar protagonistas con una etica dudosa pero es que una cosa es leer sobre unos personajes no del todo buenos y otra leer aberracion tras aberracion cometida por un autentico psicopata, ademas tampoco me convencio como la autora intenta justificar la naturaleza malvada de Anna al apoyarse en su infancia poco convencional, en mi opinion no hay justificacion posible para los " errores " de Anna, y aunque nadie merece vivir una situacion como la que ella tiene que atravesar, una parte pequeña de mi piensa que un poco si que se merece lo que tiene que vivir, pero quizas mi pensamiento sea ese ya que ella me desagrado enormemente.
Otro defecto que le capte a la lectura fue la parte romantica, personalmente pienso que hace agua por todas partes, ya desde el inicio me parecio innecesaria y llevada de una forma demasiado incoherente e inverosimil, sobretodo porque su relacion se da de la noche a la mañana y cuando se produce el primer desacuerdo, el cual es muy muy grave deciden tratarlo y " resolverlo " de una manera muy ilogica.
Aun y con toda esas divagaciones no puedo mentir y decir que Bad Girl no me entretuvo, puesto que pese a que lo que narra es simplemente horroroso, tiene algo que te engancha y no te suelta hasta que llegas al final, definitivamente este libro lleva la maldad a un extremo muy lejano, tanto que ya preveo tener pesadillas en las proximas noches.
En un principio pense en dejar descansar este genero y continuar con la siguiente parte en otro momento en el que no estuviera tan incomoda, pero Never Far me llamo mucho la atencion y ya lo empece, claramente mi parte masoquista es mas fuerte que mi parte racional.
En definitiva, Bad Girl no es una novela sencilla de leer, es tenebrosa y dolorosa pero tambien engancha mucho, eso si, no se lo recomiendo a todo el mundo, ya que incluso yo que estoy acostumbrada a leer este genero, me tomo por sorpresa lo brutal que es la historia.
3 Estrellas!
September 11, 2017
Branden was useless. Give me a capable fucking hero who accepts his Mad girl. He have might accepted her as his soul mate, but who cares if he doesn't have he back.
Anna and her split personality Annalise made the book. Her bi sexuality added a taboo aspect. Her rape made the horror a reality. And her virginity status because of her Christian values added the cherry on the top to such a complex, fleshed out woman.
But seriously what was that ending. I felt robbed of a climax. However, very very thrilling and dark.
Anna and her split personality Annalise made the book. Her bi sexuality added a taboo aspect. Her rape made the horror a reality. And her virginity status because of her Christian values added the cherry on the top to such a complex, fleshed out woman.
But seriously what was that ending. I felt robbed of a climax. However, very very thrilling and dark.
February 11, 2017
More reviews at Li'l Kit’s Reviews.
Writing: ★★★★★
Story: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Overall rating: 4.3
Anna Monroe is the daughter of Rebecca Anne Fowler, the Madison Ridge Killer, who murdered 12 women... with the help of Anna when she was a child. Anna "was raised on blood and torture. Slicing up their painted faces and perfect bodies"..., in short, she had one fucked up childhood.
A.A. Dark , (a.k.a. Alaska Angelini) is an automatic buy for me. Her books twist me up and make me want to hide under my bed with a blanket over my head. Her stories come to life and play out in my head like a living nightmare. Her characters are so believable that I make sure to double lock my doors at night.
And this book is no different in the adrenalin fueled fear-junky mind of mine. There were times in this book, I had to literally turn away from my Kindle, shocked by what I was reading and fear of what was to come, and hoping for it to grab me all at the same time.
There isn't much I can tell you here about the characters without spoiling a second of this book. If you like dark erotica with a very large splash of horror, then this is a total must read for you.
Writing: ★★★★★
Story: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Overall rating: 4.3
Anna Monroe is the daughter of Rebecca Anne Fowler, the Madison Ridge Killer, who murdered 12 women... with the help of Anna when she was a child. Anna "was raised on blood and torture. Slicing up their painted faces and perfect bodies"..., in short, she had one fucked up childhood.
A.A. Dark , (a.k.a. Alaska Angelini) is an automatic buy for me. Her books twist me up and make me want to hide under my bed with a blanket over my head. Her stories come to life and play out in my head like a living nightmare. Her characters are so believable that I make sure to double lock my doors at night.
And this book is no different in the adrenalin fueled fear-junky mind of mine. There were times in this book, I had to literally turn away from my Kindle, shocked by what I was reading and fear of what was to come, and hoping for it to grab me all at the same time.
There isn't much I can tell you here about the characters without spoiling a second of this book. If you like dark erotica with a very large splash of horror, then this is a total must read for you.
'nuff said?
June 24, 2021
*****WARNING 5 FUCKED UP STARS*****
Have you ever watched something and thought "this shit is so fucked up...why am i watching this?" That is what reading Mad Girl is like. A.A. Dark delivers, as usual, a roller coaster ride of emotions, love, heartache, rage, arousal, and power. A.A. has this way of writing that transports you into the book. I could feel what Anna was feeling, see what she was seeing and her thoughts became my own. My heart raced, I thought I was going to vomit and I wanted to slam my Kindle down and run for the hills! I fell in love, with a man and a monster. I wanted to cover myself in blood, bask in the feeling of power it gave and then cuddle up with my stuffie in the corner.
This book is best left going into blind...so without giving anything away, here are a few teaser quotes for your pleasure. If you don't pick up a copy of Mad Girl for yourself, I promise it will be one of your greatest mistakes.
Amazing work A.A. it will be hard for a book to beat this in 2017...unless it is Mad Girl pt 2! <3
"I was two people: A woman of purity, who tried to walk in God's light; and a God, herself, who basked in the blood of her victims."
"I was the man who loved a killer. I was good and bad. Deep inside, I knew that. Would Anna and I ever stand a chance again? Was there redemption for a forced murderer or would she strike, again, on her own?"
"I told her I loved her, and fuck, I did. Her beauty and brutality was right out of a wet dream...I thought she had consumed me before, but now she never left my thoughts."
Have you ever watched something and thought "this shit is so fucked up...why am i watching this?" That is what reading Mad Girl is like. A.A. Dark delivers, as usual, a roller coaster ride of emotions, love, heartache, rage, arousal, and power. A.A. has this way of writing that transports you into the book. I could feel what Anna was feeling, see what she was seeing and her thoughts became my own. My heart raced, I thought I was going to vomit and I wanted to slam my Kindle down and run for the hills! I fell in love, with a man and a monster. I wanted to cover myself in blood, bask in the feeling of power it gave and then cuddle up with my stuffie in the corner.
This book is best left going into blind...so without giving anything away, here are a few teaser quotes for your pleasure. If you don't pick up a copy of Mad Girl for yourself, I promise it will be one of your greatest mistakes.
Amazing work A.A. it will be hard for a book to beat this in 2017...unless it is Mad Girl pt 2! <3
"I was two people: A woman of purity, who tried to walk in God's light; and a God, herself, who basked in the blood of her victims."
"I was the man who loved a killer. I was good and bad. Deep inside, I knew that. Would Anna and I ever stand a chance again? Was there redemption for a forced murderer or would she strike, again, on her own?"
"I told her I loved her, and fuck, I did. Her beauty and brutality was right out of a wet dream...I thought she had consumed me before, but now she never left my thoughts."
December 30, 2016
This story proves without a doubt....love is MUTE! Poor Braeden. Dude found his soul mate and she is....well.....she's different.
Anna endures unspeakable horror as a child. Those horrors have warped her mind. How can one live through what she has and not be affected? As an adult there is some control, some restraint. Anna meets Braeden and BOOM that uninvited pesky karma shows up and wreak havoc! That control and restraint? Gone! Woooooosa! The mind can only endure so much, ya know?!
This story is pitch black and is intended for mature audiences. There's a crazed, psychotic, serial killer on the loose. I can pretty much guarantee anyone who is in the vicinity of a serial killer isn't around for ice cream or HEA! So yeah use good judgement if you are sensitive. MG is a phenomenal tale of KARMA with a side order of FML! And it's gonna mess you up!
Five stars!
Anna endures unspeakable horror as a child. Those horrors have warped her mind. How can one live through what she has and not be affected? As an adult there is some control, some restraint. Anna meets Braeden and BOOM that uninvited pesky karma shows up and wreak havoc! That control and restraint? Gone! Woooooosa! The mind can only endure so much, ya know?!
This story is pitch black and is intended for mature audiences. There's a crazed, psychotic, serial killer on the loose. I can pretty much guarantee anyone who is in the vicinity of a serial killer isn't around for ice cream or HEA! So yeah use good judgement if you are sensitive. MG is a phenomenal tale of KARMA with a side order of FML! And it's gonna mess you up!
Five stars!
February 6, 2017
A gripping read from start to finish, an intriguing insight into the dark recesses of the mind.
"I was teetering on the ledge of good and evil and the devil definitely gave me a better selection."
Mad Girl introduces a woman who battles the dark needs of her past. It's a thin line between victim and villain. A twisted web of dark needs. The subject matter shouldn't be taken lightly, please proceed with caution. The story is a trip into madness, yet holds a spark of romance, and the want of some redemption. I felt like I was hanging off a cliff, I'd gather my strength to climb, but then the wind would make me wobble with uncertainty. Equally gruesome and intriguing. I can't wait to see which side will prevail.
"I was teetering on the ledge of good and evil and the devil definitely gave me a better selection."
Mad Girl introduces a woman who battles the dark needs of her past. It's a thin line between victim and villain. A twisted web of dark needs. The subject matter shouldn't be taken lightly, please proceed with caution. The story is a trip into madness, yet holds a spark of romance, and the want of some redemption. I felt like I was hanging off a cliff, I'd gather my strength to climb, but then the wind would make me wobble with uncertainty. Equally gruesome and intriguing. I can't wait to see which side will prevail.
December 18, 2016
Its an all out quarrel between Anna Monroe and Annalise Fowler. They're both same person , different facets. Her mother made her into a monster and then No one just fed that monster. What a mad talent Alaska is . The vehemence of violence in the story stunned my mind. It's gory, gross, Bloody and grisly. So prepare to be head bricked!!
It's actually a battle between two monsters and Anna is caught in between. NO ONE and Annalise, let's see who'll win. The writing is very vivid and detailed. Plot is slick like blood covered floor, characters completely Black and White. No Grey area here !!!
I'm gonna be following The Bloody Adventures Of The Nancy Drew Killer for sure !!
It's actually a battle between two monsters and Anna is caught in between. NO ONE and Annalise, let's see who'll win. The writing is very vivid and detailed. Plot is slick like blood covered floor, characters completely Black and White. No Grey area here !!!
I'm gonna be following The Bloody Adventures Of The Nancy Drew Killer for sure !!
May 8, 2026
✨ALC REVIEW✨
Tropes:
🔪Detective x Suspect
🩸Forced Proximity
🔪Forbidden Love
🩸Obsessive Stalker
🔪Anti-Hero
🩸First Love
Rating: ♡5⭐️♡5🎧♡5🌶️♡
🎧💜Branden Davis-Butler: Ma'am... this is my first encounter with you and I am flabbergasted! You truly and definitely played the "Mad Girl" well! The maniacal laugh that reverberated in my ears was bone chilling! The inner struggle that Annalise is displayed raw and I am here for it! I look forward to hearing more from you!
🎧🖤Sean Masters: As always a delight sir.... But also... I think this is the darkest I have heard you go. I have listened to quite a few of the books you have narrated and... woo wee... No one is definitely someone that will stick with me for some time.... The switch between the 2 characters was flawless. Always and forever a fan.
📚💛A.A. Dark: I now see why your name might be "dark." That was some OBLIVION (Level 3)! I look at tropes and triggers a menu. I got into books blindly. I will have to say this one is not for the faint of heart! (I am okay by the way) This was the first of many to come for me from you! I think I just may have found one of my new favorite Dark Psychological Erotic Horror.
Tropes:
🔪Detective x Suspect
🩸Forced Proximity
🔪Forbidden Love
🩸Obsessive Stalker
🔪Anti-Hero
🩸First Love
Rating: ♡5⭐️♡5🎧♡5🌶️♡
🎧💜Branden Davis-Butler: Ma'am... this is my first encounter with you and I am flabbergasted! You truly and definitely played the "Mad Girl" well! The maniacal laugh that reverberated in my ears was bone chilling! The inner struggle that Annalise is displayed raw and I am here for it! I look forward to hearing more from you!
🎧🖤Sean Masters: As always a delight sir.... But also... I think this is the darkest I have heard you go. I have listened to quite a few of the books you have narrated and... woo wee... No one is definitely someone that will stick with me for some time.... The switch between the 2 characters was flawless. Always and forever a fan.
📚💛A.A. Dark: I now see why your name might be "dark." That was some OBLIVION (Level 3)! I look at tropes and triggers a menu. I got into books blindly. I will have to say this one is not for the faint of heart! (I am okay by the way) This was the first of many to come for me from you! I think I just may have found one of my new favorite Dark Psychological Erotic Horror.
May 8, 2026
This one was intense and completely unhinged, but I was hooked into it! This is the second book in The Chronicles of Anna Monroe, and this is Anna's story.
I listened to this one on audio and it was duet narration by Branden Davis-Butler and Sean Masters, and they did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. The emotions and the crazy were all done so well and just really brought the story up a level!
Anna's story is a bit wild. So much religious control, abuse, and her multiple personalities (Anna and Annalise) was so wild. Her childhood? Far from anything normal. I guess we can't expect normal when her mother was a serial killer...
This one is fast paced, intense, dark, and very character driven. There are some tough themes in here so please make sure you check your triggers. This is NOT a romance, but there are some romance components. I cannot wait for the next one! Huge thank you to A.A. Dark and Dark Star Romance for the gifted copy to listen to.
I listened to this one on audio and it was duet narration by Branden Davis-Butler and Sean Masters, and they did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. The emotions and the crazy were all done so well and just really brought the story up a level!
Anna's story is a bit wild. So much religious control, abuse, and her multiple personalities (Anna and Annalise) was so wild. Her childhood? Far from anything normal. I guess we can't expect normal when her mother was a serial killer...
This one is fast paced, intense, dark, and very character driven. There are some tough themes in here so please make sure you check your triggers. This is NOT a romance, but there are some romance components. I cannot wait for the next one! Huge thank you to A.A. Dark and Dark Star Romance for the gifted copy to listen to.
January 2, 2017
Title: Mad Girl
Author: A.A. Dark
Series: The Chronicles of Anna Monroe #1
Genre: horror/suspense
Themes: law enforcement, revenge, serial killer
Heat: 2/5
Rating: 4/5
Although written by A.A. Dark, this isn't as horror-oriented as 24690. It follows a much more thoughtful, suspenseful and psychological pathway, whilst still containing the detailed blood, gore and rape which keeps it firmly within the horror genre.
A.A. Dark is on my must-read author list. Her imagination is twisted, her stories full of intrigue and no-holds-barred descriptions. Having said that, the only reason I could not rate this a five star book was simply due to there being too much telling, not enough showing - the same problem I have had with the author's other work. It leaves these thrilling events pretty confusing, and sometimes skips out entire passages of time.
Similarly, I could have done with a little more development, a slower pace so I could really bring myself to care about Anna.
Despite these flaws, this book maintained my interest from the first page to the last page, to the extent where I ended up pulling an all-nighter just to finish it off. Highly recommended if you're into the psychological/horror genre, and don't mind some graphic and disturbing situations.
A strong start to a series with a hell of a lot of potential. I'll be keeping an eye out for the sequel.
Author: A.A. Dark
Series: The Chronicles of Anna Monroe #1
Genre: horror/suspense
Themes: law enforcement, revenge, serial killer
Heat: 2/5
Rating: 4/5
Murder was who I was. It was what I had been raised on and the temptation was one I was going to fail without choice.
Although written by A.A. Dark, this isn't as horror-oriented as 24690. It follows a much more thoughtful, suspenseful and psychological pathway, whilst still containing the detailed blood, gore and rape which keeps it firmly within the horror genre.
Her beauty and brutality was right out of a wet dream.
A.A. Dark is on my must-read author list. Her imagination is twisted, her stories full of intrigue and no-holds-barred descriptions. Having said that, the only reason I could not rate this a five star book was simply due to there being too much telling, not enough showing - the same problem I have had with the author's other work. It leaves these thrilling events pretty confusing, and sometimes skips out entire passages of time.
Similarly, I could have done with a little more development, a slower pace so I could really bring myself to care about Anna.
I was the man who loved a killer. I was good and bad.
Despite these flaws, this book maintained my interest from the first page to the last page, to the extent where I ended up pulling an all-nighter just to finish it off. Highly recommended if you're into the psychological/horror genre, and don't mind some graphic and disturbing situations.
A strong start to a series with a hell of a lot of potential. I'll be keeping an eye out for the sequel.
October 29, 2017
Mad Girl by A. A. Dark combines suspense, psychological, murder, mystery, slasher- you name it, Mad Girl has it. You really feel for Anna Monroe/Annalise Fowler. Ms. Dark creates a character who, while deeply scarred and monstrously conditioned by her mother's manipulations, still makes you want her to overcome and somehow make it in the end despite her flaws. Anna is tortured by her mother's sins and struggles with who she has been trying to be and who she feels she is, inside.
Anna finds her other half in Detective Braden Casey who, though a police detective, also has a complicated past, fueling his own flaws. The deep passion that they feel for each other is needed to carry the psychological weight of the story. Their relationship moves the plot and is used by No One as a weapon that brings Annalise to the forefront. Ms. Dark's writing is descriptive and well-written. You really get to know the characters and I enjoyed that about her work, even when there were moments I was filled with anxiety.
Overall, If you like thrillers, blood and madness, Mad Girl by A. A. Dark is the book for you. Just maybe don't read it right before bedtime.
(I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book I received from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.)
Anna finds her other half in Detective Braden Casey who, though a police detective, also has a complicated past, fueling his own flaws. The deep passion that they feel for each other is needed to carry the psychological weight of the story. Their relationship moves the plot and is used by No One as a weapon that brings Annalise to the forefront. Ms. Dark's writing is descriptive and well-written. You really get to know the characters and I enjoyed that about her work, even when there were moments I was filled with anxiety.
Overall, If you like thrillers, blood and madness, Mad Girl by A. A. Dark is the book for you. Just maybe don't read it right before bedtime.
(I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book I received from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.)
February 7, 2017
Well Hello Darkness!! Just a warning, this book is totally Black and White… No Grey matters here… You will be drawn in with zero questions asked about what is happening!!! The details are there, bloody and gory with nothing left out. An absolute page turner that leaves you wanting more when you finish.
Although this is a standalone, it is part of a series. You could stop after reading this BUT…why would you want to do that!
Anna Monroe, her life started out on a murderous path. Trained to do what her mother expected her to do. Putting her lipstick on and acting out horrendous acts led by her mother. Once she was older, she was adopted and changed her name to Anna Monroe. Turning to Prayer, going to Church, leading the good Christian life that her adoptive parents required in order to “change” Anna.
Detective Braden Casey has found his true love. Someone who doesn’t care about the long hours he works, being late for dinner, missing out on Church service… There is a Serial Killer case he is working on when he meets Anna. But when he meets Anna, he is more driven after seeing her the first time, to solve this case.
The ride we go on with this story is Thrilling!! I definitely need the next book ASAP to find out more!!! I need more!!! Want More!!!
Although this is a standalone, it is part of a series. You could stop after reading this BUT…why would you want to do that!
Anna Monroe, her life started out on a murderous path. Trained to do what her mother expected her to do. Putting her lipstick on and acting out horrendous acts led by her mother. Once she was older, she was adopted and changed her name to Anna Monroe. Turning to Prayer, going to Church, leading the good Christian life that her adoptive parents required in order to “change” Anna.
Detective Braden Casey has found his true love. Someone who doesn’t care about the long hours he works, being late for dinner, missing out on Church service… There is a Serial Killer case he is working on when he meets Anna. But when he meets Anna, he is more driven after seeing her the first time, to solve this case.
The ride we go on with this story is Thrilling!! I definitely need the next book ASAP to find out more!!! I need more!!! Want More!!!
June 7, 2017
4 stars for the h. I just loved her. Crazy, but so so... dark, unique. Lol I think Dark's books are affecting me😂
May 10, 2026
Thank you to DarkStar Romance for this ALC….
Mad Girl on audio was the literary equivalent of walking through a neon-lit crime scene at 2 a.m. with your heartbeat acting as the soundtrack. 🩸🎧
Anna Monroe is the kind of FMC who crawls under your skin and stays there. Broken, sharp-edged, intelligent, and deeply haunted, her narration felt like unraveling a bloodstained diary one page at a time. The psychological tension in this story was unreal. Every chapter dangled another secret like a flickering lightbulb in a basement you absolutely should not enter.
And the AUDIOBOOK? Phenomenal. The duet narration by Branden Davis-Butler and Sean Masters elevated the entire experience into something cinematic and consuming. Their performances gave the story this gritty, pulse-pounding atmosphere that made it impossible to pause. I genuinely felt like I was listening to a true crime documentary narrated straight from the edge of someone’s sanity.
The dark themes, serial killer elements, twisted memories, and constant sense of danger created this delicious storm cloud of suspense that kept me hooked from start to finish. I kept thinking I had the mystery figured out… and this book just smiled politely before pulling the rug out from under me. 🔪
If you love:
🖤 dark psychological thrillers
🖤 morally gray characters
🖤 serial killer mysteries
🖤 haunting FMCs
🖤 addictive audiobook performances
🖤 stories that leave you staring at the ceiling afterward
…then Mad Girl deserves a spot at the top of your TBR immediately. Absolute five star obsession.
Mad Girl on audio was the literary equivalent of walking through a neon-lit crime scene at 2 a.m. with your heartbeat acting as the soundtrack. 🩸🎧
Anna Monroe is the kind of FMC who crawls under your skin and stays there. Broken, sharp-edged, intelligent, and deeply haunted, her narration felt like unraveling a bloodstained diary one page at a time. The psychological tension in this story was unreal. Every chapter dangled another secret like a flickering lightbulb in a basement you absolutely should not enter.
And the AUDIOBOOK? Phenomenal. The duet narration by Branden Davis-Butler and Sean Masters elevated the entire experience into something cinematic and consuming. Their performances gave the story this gritty, pulse-pounding atmosphere that made it impossible to pause. I genuinely felt like I was listening to a true crime documentary narrated straight from the edge of someone’s sanity.
The dark themes, serial killer elements, twisted memories, and constant sense of danger created this delicious storm cloud of suspense that kept me hooked from start to finish. I kept thinking I had the mystery figured out… and this book just smiled politely before pulling the rug out from under me. 🔪
If you love:
🖤 dark psychological thrillers
🖤 morally gray characters
🖤 serial killer mysteries
🖤 haunting FMCs
🖤 addictive audiobook performances
🖤 stories that leave you staring at the ceiling afterward
…then Mad Girl deserves a spot at the top of your TBR immediately. Absolute five star obsession.
May 10, 2026
Mad Girl by A.A. Dark
Format: Audiobook
Narrators: Branden Davis-Butler and Sean Masters
Non-Spoiler Review:
Once again, AA Dark has left me topsy-turvy. The way this story started out was NOT how I expected it to end. This seems to be her MO, so I shouldn’t be surprised, but yet here we are. Imagine that a serial killer is hunting someone that looks exactly like you, your detective boyfriend is hunting the ghost of said killer, and you’re hiding your past and who you really are.
Performed in duet by Branden Davis-Butler and Sean Masters. It’s no surprise that Sean gave an incredible performance… and with a slight Irish accent. Branden however was a new-to-me narrator and I’m pleased, as she delivered a great performance, transforming from character to character. Both voice actors left me with whiplash and wondering what just happened… iykyk
Mad Girl is a dark, psychological thriller with a maddening twist of obsession while tiptoeing the line of pitch black. Read the trigger warnings because this is full of gore, violence and parts that will make you curl your toes in an uncomfortable way. This is not a romance book and talks heavily on religion, vengeance and mental health. That ending had me wanting to throw my headphones because WHY?!!! and honestly, it was a massive detour from where we started… but I’m starting to see, AA loves to keep us on our toes.
“Apple or Peach…” 😈
Thank you, Dark Star Romance, for the ALC.
Format: Audiobook
Narrators: Branden Davis-Butler and Sean Masters
Non-Spoiler Review:
Once again, AA Dark has left me topsy-turvy. The way this story started out was NOT how I expected it to end. This seems to be her MO, so I shouldn’t be surprised, but yet here we are. Imagine that a serial killer is hunting someone that looks exactly like you, your detective boyfriend is hunting the ghost of said killer, and you’re hiding your past and who you really are.
Performed in duet by Branden Davis-Butler and Sean Masters. It’s no surprise that Sean gave an incredible performance… and with a slight Irish accent. Branden however was a new-to-me narrator and I’m pleased, as she delivered a great performance, transforming from character to character. Both voice actors left me with whiplash and wondering what just happened… iykyk
Mad Girl is a dark, psychological thriller with a maddening twist of obsession while tiptoeing the line of pitch black. Read the trigger warnings because this is full of gore, violence and parts that will make you curl your toes in an uncomfortable way. This is not a romance book and talks heavily on religion, vengeance and mental health. That ending had me wanting to throw my headphones because WHY?!!! and honestly, it was a massive detour from where we started… but I’m starting to see, AA loves to keep us on our toes.
“Apple or Peach…” 😈
Thank you, Dark Star Romance, for the ALC.
January 28, 2025
AA Dark you have done it once again. You have managed to absolutely shock me with your writing. I swear to god (no pun intended lmao) that I had my mouth open for the majority of the book. Like literal shock. I had so many theories and none of them were right, shock horror! I seriously don’t think I’ve ever read such gripping horror / thriller series! from the first page you know you’re gonna get dragged in to a world that you’re never gonna wanna leave.
Anna was a sweet, Christian girl who would never hurt a fly.. or would she? Annalise on the other hand? Bat shit fkn crazy. This book had me going through some fucking wild emotions. Sad, shocked, scared, shouting all the S’s lmao. I would DEFINITELY check TW’s cos there’s a lotttttt of fucked up shit that happens, like literally gross af most of the time. But if you wanna read a book / series that is going to grip you and never left go, read anything by this woman. WOW.
4.5/5
Anna was a sweet, Christian girl who would never hurt a fly.. or would she? Annalise on the other hand? Bat shit fkn crazy. This book had me going through some fucking wild emotions. Sad, shocked, scared, shouting all the S’s lmao. I would DEFINITELY check TW’s cos there’s a lotttttt of fucked up shit that happens, like literally gross af most of the time. But if you wanna read a book / series that is going to grip you and never left go, read anything by this woman. WOW.
4.5/5
May 10, 2026
Mad Girl by A.A. Dark is an intense, unhinged ride that kept me hooked from start to finish! This is the second book in the Chronicles of Boston Marks and Anna Monroe, and it’s Anna’s origin story. If you’re planning to read book three, I highly recommend checking out the first book along with this one, even though they can be read as stand-alone.
Anna’s journey is both gripping and heartbreaking. Growing up with a mother who was a serial killer, Anna unknowingly assisted her until she was nine. After being adopted into a strict religious family, she is thrown headfirst into the hands of a serial killer. The abuse, torture, and trauma she endures will shape her into the person she becomes in the future.
I listened to this as an ALC from Dark Star Romance, and the duet narration by Branden Davis-Butler and Sean Masters brought the characters to life in a way that was truly captivating. Branden’s portrayal of Anna was especially masterful. Just be sure to check the trigger warnings this is a fast-paced dark read that packs a punch!
Anna’s journey is both gripping and heartbreaking. Growing up with a mother who was a serial killer, Anna unknowingly assisted her until she was nine. After being adopted into a strict religious family, she is thrown headfirst into the hands of a serial killer. The abuse, torture, and trauma she endures will shape her into the person she becomes in the future.
I listened to this as an ALC from Dark Star Romance, and the duet narration by Branden Davis-Butler and Sean Masters brought the characters to life in a way that was truly captivating. Branden’s portrayal of Anna was especially masterful. Just be sure to check the trigger warnings this is a fast-paced dark read that packs a punch!
May 11, 2026
Well....! Listen, I blind read nearly everything and books like this are the reason why because I had no clue what was happening, where this was going and I was baffled so many times by how this was playing out. The way you'd expect? NOPE! Ha! I could eat up so much more of this story!!!
This is most definitely pitch black, erotic horror so check those triggers before diving in as some of this stuff is on page graphic scenes that may really impact others. I realllly loved the narration of the audiobook, Sean and Branden were exceptional and recently, I've had my first time with these ladies and now I need to do not only an AA Dark deep dive, but Branden Davis-Butler, too!
This is most definitely pitch black, erotic horror so check those triggers before diving in as some of this stuff is on page graphic scenes that may really impact others. I realllly loved the narration of the audiobook, Sean and Branden were exceptional and recently, I've had my first time with these ladies and now I need to do not only an AA Dark deep dive, but Branden Davis-Butler, too!
February 10, 2017
Read this in one sitting. That hasn't happened in a long while. As I have just finished, my brain is literally hurting trying to sort out the horrors contained within this crazy tale. What a wild ride this one was! Gruesome is an understatement. I'm going to have to let this soak in for a while.
If you are not familiar with dark genre books, then do not attempt to jump in the pool with this one! Stay out of the water, my friends; it's murky, actually bloody!
I'm rambling. My brain is fried. Wow. I mean, just wow. If you're a fan of the darkness, then by all means, dive in and enjoy the swim.
Now, my body says sleep, but my brain says "good luck turning me off after reading this!"
My dark monster has been sated. Thank you A.A.
If you are not familiar with dark genre books, then do not attempt to jump in the pool with this one! Stay out of the water, my friends; it's murky, actually bloody!
I'm rambling. My brain is fried. Wow. I mean, just wow. If you're a fan of the darkness, then by all means, dive in and enjoy the swim.
Now, my body says sleep, but my brain says "good luck turning me off after reading this!"
My dark monster has been sated. Thank you A.A.
December 17, 2016
This had me at the prologue.
Anna has a dark past. Her mother a killer. But now she's grown up and another serial killer on the loose.
I don't even know what I was expecting but omg once in I was hooked and needed answers. Especially from the letters the killer wrote.
AA Dark has done it again totally pulled me into this story and holding my kindle for dear life. At times I had no idea what to expect. Now adding another fave to my 2016 list.
Five addicting stars.
Anna has a dark past. Her mother a killer. But now she's grown up and another serial killer on the loose.
I don't even know what I was expecting but omg once in I was hooked and needed answers. Especially from the letters the killer wrote.
AA Dark has done it again totally pulled me into this story and holding my kindle for dear life. At times I had no idea what to expect. Now adding another fave to my 2016 list.
Five addicting stars.
December 27, 2016
I just finished my ARC of Mad Girl! Wow! A.A. Dark did it again. I was sucked into the darkness within the first chapter. When she said this book was going to be dark she was not joking. If your a fan of dark reads then this should be at the top of your must read list. Alaska did an outstanding job creating a complex character in Anna that I couldn't get enough of. There were parts of this book that my heart broke for her and Braden both.
February 10, 2017
I just love it. I like how the author narrated the story alternating between the three main characters' point of view. And there was a revelation in the last part of the book about a character who is mentioned at the start. That was a shocking bomb because I never for any moment gave much thought to that character. And I would love to read more of them because I want to know how their lives turn out to be after Book 1.
January 1, 2017
Another 5 star read, another jaw dropper and another "what the hell"! Dark, twisted, brutal... No One is a sick f**k!
February 2, 2017
Sick sick sick, and creepy, and oh so dark. I shudder, but it must have been good because I'm looking for part two.
August 1, 2022
Infinite++++ Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book simply blew me away. Man I really don't know whom to love and adore and respect and admire more Brandon or Annalise.
I won't lie, when I started the book I didn't have high hopes, like 3 chapters in , I get to see a girl who is nearly in her 30s and still a virgin, who is shy and is the literally the book definition of proper good Christian girl. It's not a bad thing, but I have always loved my fmcs spicier and saucy, full of sass and all. I am so happy that I continued to read this amazing masterpiece.
Anna just became of one my top 5 most favourite fmc, and Brandon, one of my top 5 mc. Both these people have faced horror and trauma. They continued facing horror throughout the book, I literally rejoiced when the captor was killed. His killing was beautifully done by the author.
My heart breaks for Roman 💔😢, and holy shit that last puzzle piece was something completely unexpected, because honestly his name never even came up in my mind when I thought who the other person on the phone was😱😱 !!!!
Mixed feelings regarding Luicelle and Janeke. Luicelle for some reason reminded me of those orthodox Karen😅
I just wish that these Casey and Anna get their deserved happily ever after. Their love, no matter how much twisted it is, is something I definitely cherished throughout the book. This was a dark read but not too dark for me, since I have read alot of pitch dark books. Loved this masterpiece
A brilliant and amazing read 😍😍
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This book simply blew me away. Man I really don't know whom to love and adore and respect and admire more Brandon or Annalise.
I won't lie, when I started the book I didn't have high hopes, like 3 chapters in , I get to see a girl who is nearly in her 30s and still a virgin, who is shy and is the literally the book definition of proper good Christian girl. It's not a bad thing, but I have always loved my fmcs spicier and saucy, full of sass and all. I am so happy that I continued to read this amazing masterpiece.
Anna just became of one my top 5 most favourite fmc, and Brandon, one of my top 5 mc. Both these people have faced horror and trauma. They continued facing horror throughout the book, I literally rejoiced when the captor was killed. His killing was beautifully done by the author.
My heart breaks for Roman 💔😢, and holy shit that last puzzle piece was something completely unexpected, because honestly his name never even came up in my mind when I thought who the other person on the phone was😱😱 !!!!
Mixed feelings regarding Luicelle and Janeke. Luicelle for some reason reminded me of those orthodox Karen😅
I just wish that these Casey and Anna get their deserved happily ever after. Their love, no matter how much twisted it is, is something I definitely cherished throughout the book. This was a dark read but not too dark for me, since I have read alot of pitch dark books. Loved this masterpiece
A brilliant and amazing read 😍😍
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
September 29, 2020
What an incredible book! Dark as dark, intense, wicked and so exciting! I was intrigued from the very beginning and the story held my attention the whole way through until the end.
Anna and Annalise are one and the same, the way she describes herself is perhaps the best way to describe her. “I was two people: a woman of purity, who tried to walk in God’s light; and a God herself, who basked in the blood of her victims.” This sums her up well although I think she was more. Gradually we get to know more and more about her character and believe me there is a lot.
Detective Braden Casey was a likeable character and even when he didn’t quite do as I’d wished, 😆, I still understood. His character’s story took me by surprise a bit too, I love it when it does that.
The serial killer is a twisted individual and one who was very cleverly created. I loved the twists and turns in the story, so unpredictable that you are literally on the edge of your seat waiting for the next one. As much as this is true the truly poignant moments had me shedding more than one tear, my throat closed with the huge lump from the emotive scenes and incredible power behind them. Absolutely brilliant writing.
I have found a new author who can write dark stories so well, I am not going to miss her future releases, that’s for sure.
May 12, 2026
I received Mad Girl as an ALC for review. The story is very dark, but very good. Check the trigger warnings before diving in.
I read Never Far first and very much enjoyed it. I was waiting for Boston to appear in Mad Girl, but he never did. The narrators were so good, they both pulled me into the story with them. I loved the slight Irish accent Sean Masters gave to Braeden. Branden Davis-Butler did an amazing job flipping between Anna and Annalise. Very much impressed by both.
The story follows a detective searching for a serial killer, not realizing until it’s too late that his new gf is who the killer is really after. There are some incredibly brutal torture and mutilation scenes. If this had been a movie, I wouldn’t have been able to continue, but I would have been forever wondering how it ends. Luckily, this isn’t a movie and it isn’t actually over. The way the “ending” leaves on a to be continued note didn’t bother me. It was done well, and in a way that if someone didn’t want to continue the story, it could easily end there, which is something I do appreciate.
I read Never Far first and very much enjoyed it. I was waiting for Boston to appear in Mad Girl, but he never did. The narrators were so good, they both pulled me into the story with them. I loved the slight Irish accent Sean Masters gave to Braeden. Branden Davis-Butler did an amazing job flipping between Anna and Annalise. Very much impressed by both.
The story follows a detective searching for a serial killer, not realizing until it’s too late that his new gf is who the killer is really after. There are some incredibly brutal torture and mutilation scenes. If this had been a movie, I wouldn’t have been able to continue, but I would have been forever wondering how it ends. Luckily, this isn’t a movie and it isn’t actually over. The way the “ending” leaves on a to be continued note didn’t bother me. It was done well, and in a way that if someone didn’t want to continue the story, it could easily end there, which is something I do appreciate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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