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Angie Pallorino #2
The Lullaby Girl
Detective Angie Pallorino took down a serial killer permanently and, according to her superiors, with excessive force. Benched on a desk assignment for twelve months, Angie struggles to maintain her sense of identity—if she’s not a detective, who is she? Then a decades-old cold case washes ashore, pulling her into an investigation she recognizes as deeply personal.
Angie’s lover and partner, James Maddocks, sees it, too. But spearheading an ongoing probe into a sex-trafficking ring and keeping Angie’s increasing obsession with her case in check is taking its toll. However, as startling connections between the parallel investigations emerge, Maddocks realizes he has more than Angie’s emotional state to worry about.
Driven and desperate to solve her case, Angie goes rogue, risking her relationship, career, and very life in pursuit of answers. She’ll learn that some truths are too painful to bear, and some sacrifices include collateral damage.
But Angie Pallorino won’t let it go. She can’t. It’s not in her blood.
Angie’s lover and partner, James Maddocks, sees it, too. But spearheading an ongoing probe into a sex-trafficking ring and keeping Angie’s increasing obsession with her case in check is taking its toll. However, as startling connections between the parallel investigations emerge, Maddocks realizes he has more than Angie’s emotional state to worry about.
Driven and desperate to solve her case, Angie goes rogue, risking her relationship, career, and very life in pursuit of answers. She’ll learn that some truths are too painful to bear, and some sacrifices include collateral damage.
But Angie Pallorino won’t let it go. She can’t. It’s not in her blood.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2017
3934 people are currently reading
5717 people want to read
About the author
Loreth Anne White
93 books7,190 followersLoreth Anne White is an Amazon Charts, Washington Post, and Bild bestselling author of thrillers, mysteries, and suspense. With over 3 million books sold around the world, she is an ITW thriller award finalist, a three-time RITA finalist, an overall Daphne du Maurier Award winner, Arthur Ellis finalist, and winner of multiple industry awards.
A recovering journalist who has worked in both South Africa and Canada, she now calls Canada home. She resides in the Pacific Northwest, dividing time between Victoria on Vancouver Island, a ski resort in the Coast Mountains, and a rustic lakeside cabin in the Cariboo.
When she’s not writing or dreaming up plots, you will find her on the lakes, in the ocean, or on the trails with her dog where she tries—unsuccessfully—to avoid bears. For more information on her books please visit her website at lorethannewhite.com
Connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Loreth.Anne....
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/Loreth
Or via Instagram: lorethannewhite
Visit her at www.lorethannewhite.com
A recovering journalist who has worked in both South Africa and Canada, she now calls Canada home. She resides in the Pacific Northwest, dividing time between Victoria on Vancouver Island, a ski resort in the Coast Mountains, and a rustic lakeside cabin in the Cariboo.
When she’s not writing or dreaming up plots, you will find her on the lakes, in the ocean, or on the trails with her dog where she tries—unsuccessfully—to avoid bears. For more information on her books please visit her website at lorethannewhite.com
Connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Loreth.Anne....
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/Loreth
Or via Instagram: lorethannewhite
Visit her at www.lorethannewhite.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 670 reviews
October 21, 2017
*4.5 stars*
Let me just say, Loreth Anne White’s level of storytelling is phenomenal. I don’t know how she does it, but each and every time I finish one of her books, I find myself in awe of her writing prowess. Not only does she put her skills to use here with a complex and intricate investigation—it’s plain to see, she's done a ton of research—but she also manages to inject just the right amount of romance. The suspense and the love story counterbalance each other perfectly.
If you haven’t read The Drowned Girls yet—which is a must, by the way—you should probably stop -->here. I wouldn't want to spoil anything.
Detective Angie Pallorino's second go round picks up about two weeks post-Baptist shooting. She’s been relieved of her duties, pending an investigation into her rage-induced misconduct. As she anxiously awaits her fate—potentially losing her identity that's wrapped up in solving cases for the special victims crime unit or even worse, facing criminal charges—she delves into who she is and why she was abandoned in a hospital cradle at the age of four. Recently, in times of stress, she’s been haunted by flashbacks of a little girl in a pink dress and a mysterious woman singing a lullaby; but what does it all mean? Now is her best chance to find out.
The yang to Angie’s impulsive and often reckless yin is James Maddocks—the man that made me swoon as he toted around his 3-legged sidekick, Jack-O. What I adored most though was his self-awareness and caring nature. The very fact that he could table his propensity to be the rescuer, for the sake of Angie's demanding need to take charge and handle things herself, said so much about his character. Maddocks’ patience and unwavering support was everything. If you can't tell, I'm completely smitten with the man.
The various storylines intersect in an interesting way—the level of detail Loreth Anne White pulls off is nothing short of remarkable. There was a part of me that hoped Angie would be rational and do the safe thing, for once—like avoid letting the resentment surrounding Maddocks' involvement in the Baptist follow-up from creeping in or not putting herself in a compromising position with her personal investigation—but come on, it’s Angie we’re talking about here. She’s smart and driven, but she can be a little reckless and rash. Good thing Maddocks has a knack for being there when she needs him most.
“Be there for me, okay? I’m here for you.”
Woo-hoo! Let the countdown begin for book 3! Not only am I dying to see where Maddocks and Angie end up, but I know there’s more to yous, Holgersen. *wink* I’ve gotta say, that baby sling you wore for Jack-O has me convinced yous is one of the good ones, despite being hella secretive.
“Keep thinking about it.” *squee*
*A HUGE thank you to Montlake Romance and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Let me just say, Loreth Anne White’s level of storytelling is phenomenal. I don’t know how she does it, but each and every time I finish one of her books, I find myself in awe of her writing prowess. Not only does she put her skills to use here with a complex and intricate investigation—it’s plain to see, she's done a ton of research—but she also manages to inject just the right amount of romance. The suspense and the love story counterbalance each other perfectly.
If you haven’t read The Drowned Girls yet—which is a must, by the way—you should probably stop -->here. I wouldn't want to spoil anything.
Detective Angie Pallorino's second go round picks up about two weeks post-Baptist shooting. She’s been relieved of her duties, pending an investigation into her rage-induced misconduct. As she anxiously awaits her fate—potentially losing her identity that's wrapped up in solving cases for the special victims crime unit or even worse, facing criminal charges—she delves into who she is and why she was abandoned in a hospital cradle at the age of four. Recently, in times of stress, she’s been haunted by flashbacks of a little girl in a pink dress and a mysterious woman singing a lullaby; but what does it all mean? Now is her best chance to find out.
The yang to Angie’s impulsive and often reckless yin is James Maddocks—the man that made me swoon as he toted around his 3-legged sidekick, Jack-O. What I adored most though was his self-awareness and caring nature. The very fact that he could table his propensity to be the rescuer, for the sake of Angie's demanding need to take charge and handle things herself, said so much about his character. Maddocks’ patience and unwavering support was everything. If you can't tell, I'm completely smitten with the man.
The various storylines intersect in an interesting way—the level of detail Loreth Anne White pulls off is nothing short of remarkable. There was a part of me that hoped Angie would be rational and do the safe thing, for once—like avoid letting the resentment surrounding Maddocks' involvement in the Baptist follow-up from creeping in or not putting herself in a compromising position with her personal investigation—but come on, it’s Angie we’re talking about here. She’s smart and driven, but she can be a little reckless and rash. Good thing Maddocks has a knack for being there when she needs him most.
“Be there for me, okay? I’m here for you.”
Woo-hoo! Let the countdown begin for book 3! Not only am I dying to see where Maddocks and Angie end up, but I know there’s more to yous, Holgersen. *wink* I’ve gotta say, that baby sling you wore for Jack-O has me convinced yous is one of the good ones, despite being hella secretive.
“Keep thinking about it.” *squee*
*A HUGE thank you to Montlake Romance and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2017
This book is a winner! This book is the second book in the Angie Pallorino series. This is such an excellent series. If you haven't put this series on your list yet, I suggest it. It is a great thriller series. I loved The Drowned Girls and this one is just as good. This book starts up where the first book left off. Since she killed the serial killer, The Baptist, Angie is now on disciplinary action and is demoted. She now has an office job for 12 months. She doesn't like her new job at all. She loves being a detective. She has a haunted past with a lot of memories. She takes her anger out on Maddox. A child's foot shows up on shore and it puts her into an investigation that she recognizes as personal. There is a sex trafficking ring and Maddox realizes he has more than Angie's emotional state to worry about. Angie is looking for answers and doesn't give up to solve her case, and almost risks her life.
I just love the author's writing style. It just flowed so well. I thought the first book was darker than this one. I just loved this book. It is so gripping and kept me turning the pages. I just love Angie's character. She just never gives up. She makes a lot of wrong decisions and she is flawed from her past. This book does have some twists and turns which I just loved. This is a fast paced story. There are so many secrets.
I can go on and on about how much I loved this book but I cannot come close to the justice that this book deserves. It's a little dark and a little gritty but a very entertaining read. This series is a must read for serial killer fans. It will keep you up late and it is so hard to put down. I highly recommend this book for Serial Killer fans.
I want to thank Netgalley, Montlake Romance, and the author for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I just love the author's writing style. It just flowed so well. I thought the first book was darker than this one. I just loved this book. It is so gripping and kept me turning the pages. I just love Angie's character. She just never gives up. She makes a lot of wrong decisions and she is flawed from her past. This book does have some twists and turns which I just loved. This is a fast paced story. There are so many secrets.
I can go on and on about how much I loved this book but I cannot come close to the justice that this book deserves. It's a little dark and a little gritty but a very entertaining read. This series is a must read for serial killer fans. It will keep you up late and it is so hard to put down. I highly recommend this book for Serial Killer fans.
I want to thank Netgalley, Montlake Romance, and the author for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2017
In The Lullaby Girl Loreth Anne White creates a haunting atmosphere filled with distorted nursery rhymes and an enchanted forest. This is not a fairy tale--this is the story of Angie Pallorino’s origins.
Do yourself a favor and read The Drowned Girls before picking this book up!
Weeks after the events of The Drowned Girls, Angie Pallorino is on administrative leave. James Maddocks, her former partner and current lover, has taken over her investigation on the barcode girls causing some tension in their relationship.
While Angie can push her feelings for Maddocks temporarily aside, what she can’t let go of is the mystery of her past. She is haunted by visions of a little girl in a pink dress. She keeps hearing snippets of a lullaby, and words from a strange language are playing on repeat in her head. What Angie wants to know the most is how did she become the Angel’s Cradle Child? She launches a full-fledged investigation into her past, which unknowingly puts her in serious danger.
Loreth Anne White brings Angie’s story to life with descriptive detail and vivid imagery. Angie’s voice is particularly strong. She is a likeable, kick-ass character that I am always rooting for. I want to shake her from time to time over some of the decisions she makes, but in the end she seems to come out ok.
This book has it all: action, suspense, a compelling mystery, a little bit of romance, a three-legged dog, and loveable characters!
What I love about this series are the characters, as well as the chemistry between Angie and Maddocks. I am so freakin excited for book 3!! I want more of Angie and Maddocks. I want more of Jack-O, and the enigmatic Holgersen. Most of all, I want another scene with Holgersen walking around with Jack-O in the baby sling =)
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2017
Loreth Anne White has done it again! Each time I finish one of her books.. I become more and more impressed with her beautiful style of writing. I am not a huge fan of romance in my books but Loreth has just the right amount of mystery and romance to her stories!
Let me tell you... all bets off for Pallorino in this one. Let's get something straight she is NOT a victim... that's for damn sure!! ;) BAD ASS Pallorino you are my fav female detective!
The second installment in this series and it's a must that you to read book one. You will miss out on highly important characters/details if you do not! :).
Loreth once again has an exquisite knack for her imperfection of detail, research, and overall suspense to this story. So many twists and turns that connect beautifully with every single character.
Bottom line... you need to get on the Loreth bandwagon and read this series! I am counting down for book 3 and am stoked!
Pallorino and Maddocks..... "Keep thinking about it." <3 <3 <3.
4.5 stars ✨
Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake Romance for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date is 11/14/17.
Let me tell you... all bets off for Pallorino in this one. Let's get something straight she is NOT a victim... that's for damn sure!! ;) BAD ASS Pallorino you are my fav female detective!
The second installment in this series and it's a must that you to read book one. You will miss out on highly important characters/details if you do not! :).
Loreth once again has an exquisite knack for her imperfection of detail, research, and overall suspense to this story. So many twists and turns that connect beautifully with every single character.
Bottom line... you need to get on the Loreth bandwagon and read this series! I am counting down for book 3 and am stoked!
Pallorino and Maddocks..... "Keep thinking about it." <3 <3 <3.
4.5 stars ✨
Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake Romance for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date is 11/14/17.
November 28, 2017
4.5 STARS
Amazing.
QUICK REVIEW:
Enjoyment: 4.5/5
Writing style: 5/5
Storyline: 5/5
Hero: 4.5/5
Heroine: 5/5
Secondary characters: 5/5
Hotness/steam level: 2/5
Romance level: 2.5/5
Angst: 5/5
Darkness level: 4/5
Humor: 1/5
Depth of the book: 5/5
POV: multiple, 3rd person
Triggers:
Amazing.
QUICK REVIEW:
Enjoyment: 4.5/5
Writing style: 5/5
Storyline: 5/5
Hero: 4.5/5
Heroine: 5/5
Secondary characters: 5/5
Hotness/steam level: 2/5
Romance level: 2.5/5
Angst: 5/5
Darkness level: 4/5
Humor: 1/5
Depth of the book: 5/5
POV: multiple, 3rd person
Triggers:
March 9, 2018
4.75 stars
New game. New rules. This was going to be her new life.
Hands down, Angie Pallorino is one of my favorite lead characters! She never played the victim card, even though there were many reasons to wallow in pity and play that hand.
“I am not a victim.” She leaned forward, gaze drilling into his. “Let’s get that one thing straight, Officer Pietrikowski. I’m a survivor. That’s special victims one-oh-one.” She paused, waited for him to blink. “You don’t call them victims to their face. You don’t give them the burden of that label. Then again, you’ve probably never worked sex crimes or with special victims, have you?”
At the 23% mark, this book sent me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions when a certain judgement was finally declared against Angie! Yes, it was a kind declaration and beyond fair based on her actions, but my heart was shredded for her!
Okay, so Angie was hard-headed, ruthless when there was a puzzle to be solved, and she didn’t have that pack mentality. She was imperfect in every way, but I loved her resilience and hunger for truth, love for the hunt, and the way her entire identity was wrapped up in the detective lifestyle. She’s one of those characters whose thoughts I didn’t mind skipping around in and watching as her moods shifted. She didn’t exactly play well with others, but she was a woman working within a male-dominated field and her fellow co-workers were chomping at the bit to see her fail! The antithesis of a female doormat and fully non-compliant from a management standpoint, Angie had some noticeable TSTL moments brought on by impulsivity, but what’s that saying? Go big or go home? Well, Angie didn’t spend much time at home! Her anger issues and rebellious attitude trickled down to affect every part of her life and she did not disappoint in keeping me glued to this book!
Loved
I liked Maddocks in The Drowned Girls, but I loved him in this installment! He didn’t stonewall Angie, even when she unleashed a slew of verbal hits. He didn’t lash out or become combative. Yes, Maddocks made errors in regards to his relationship with Ginny, but he became unselfish after prior experiences taught him to make amends and move forward. While Angie gave him plenty of chances to exit their relationship, he saw something so invaluable within her spirit that made him want to preserve their friendship and fight for her. It was more than just Maddocks needing to save her from herself! Of course he recognized that Angie was in denial about certain things and overwhelmed with the massive roadblocks that life kept throwing her way, but I loved that he loved her fighting spirit instead of being intimidated by her! He knew just when to place his dominance card at the top of the deck and just when to shuffle it down to the bottom.
▣ I also loved that the side characters weren’t depthless nitwits with short-lived singular purposes. No, the side characters (like Dr. Jacob Anders) were colorful and intriguing with highly interesting specialties.
Honorable mention
There were insightful pieces sprinkled in about the nature of the relationship between Angie and her former partner, Hash Hashowsky. Those bits shed more light on what contributed to Angie’s psychotic break which initially manifested itself in The Drowned Girls.
One last thing...
Detective Kjel Holgersen on Master Jack duty?
Absolutely priceless!
▣ Oh, and Leo! Dear! I cannot wait for your downfall so I’m celebrating in advance!
▣ Enjoyed!
*NetGalley ARC generously provided by Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review.
New game. New rules. This was going to be her new life.
Hands down, Angie Pallorino is one of my favorite lead characters! She never played the victim card, even though there were many reasons to wallow in pity and play that hand.
“I am not a victim.” She leaned forward, gaze drilling into his. “Let’s get that one thing straight, Officer Pietrikowski. I’m a survivor. That’s special victims one-oh-one.” She paused, waited for him to blink. “You don’t call them victims to their face. You don’t give them the burden of that label. Then again, you’ve probably never worked sex crimes or with special victims, have you?”
At the 23% mark, this book sent me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions when a certain judgement was finally declared against Angie! Yes, it was a kind declaration and beyond fair based on her actions, but my heart was shredded for her!
Okay, so Angie was hard-headed, ruthless when there was a puzzle to be solved, and she didn’t have that pack mentality. She was imperfect in every way, but I loved her resilience and hunger for truth, love for the hunt, and the way her entire identity was wrapped up in the detective lifestyle. She’s one of those characters whose thoughts I didn’t mind skipping around in and watching as her moods shifted. She didn’t exactly play well with others, but she was a woman working within a male-dominated field and her fellow co-workers were chomping at the bit to see her fail! The antithesis of a female doormat and fully non-compliant from a management standpoint, Angie had some noticeable TSTL moments brought on by impulsivity, but what’s that saying? Go big or go home? Well, Angie didn’t spend much time at home! Her anger issues and rebellious attitude trickled down to affect every part of her life and she did not disappoint in keeping me glued to this book!
Loved
I liked Maddocks in The Drowned Girls, but I loved him in this installment! He didn’t stonewall Angie, even when she unleashed a slew of verbal hits. He didn’t lash out or become combative. Yes, Maddocks made errors in regards to his relationship with Ginny, but he became unselfish after prior experiences taught him to make amends and move forward. While Angie gave him plenty of chances to exit their relationship, he saw something so invaluable within her spirit that made him want to preserve their friendship and fight for her. It was more than just Maddocks needing to save her from herself! Of course he recognized that Angie was in denial about certain things and overwhelmed with the massive roadblocks that life kept throwing her way, but I loved that he loved her fighting spirit instead of being intimidated by her! He knew just when to place his dominance card at the top of the deck and just when to shuffle it down to the bottom.
▣ I also loved that the side characters weren’t depthless nitwits with short-lived singular purposes. No, the side characters (like Dr. Jacob Anders) were colorful and intriguing with highly interesting specialties.
Honorable mention
There were insightful pieces sprinkled in about the nature of the relationship between Angie and her former partner, Hash Hashowsky. Those bits shed more light on what contributed to Angie’s psychotic break which initially manifested itself in The Drowned Girls.
One last thing...
Detective Kjel Holgersen on Master Jack duty?
Absolutely priceless!
▣ Oh, and Leo! Dear! I cannot wait for your downfall so I’m celebrating in advance!
▣ Enjoyed!
*NetGalley ARC generously provided by Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2017
EXCERPT: "It affected us all, you know, finding that bleeding and mute toddler inside. She was a beautiful child - that pale complexion, the long dark-red hair, and that tattered little pink dress with frayed lace." A pause. "We all thought someone would come forward to claim her instantly - that she had to have some family who was missing her. But no one did - not a soul. No mother presented at Saint Peter's with injuries later. The other hospitals in this health-care region reported nothing suspicious either. It was a mystery. An absolute mystery."
"Tell...tell me more about the child," Angie said, her voice husky.
"Her mouth had been slashed open by a sharp weapon - it had sliced through both the upper and lower lips on the left side of her face. She was bleeding copiously from the wound. Blood saturated her dress, the bassinet. She was clutching the Teddy we'd placed inside, like a lifeline. Blood soaked the Teddy as well. She was in shock, grey eyes like saucers. And she made no sound at all. As though she was beyond crying and had perhaps been that way for a long time before."
THE BLURB: Detective Angie Pallorino took down a serial killer permanently and, according to her superiors, with excessive force. Benched on a desk assignment for twelve months, Angie struggles to maintain her sense of identity—if she’s not a detective, who is she? Then a decades-old cold case washes ashore, pulling her into an investigation she recognizes as deeply personal.
Angie’s lover and partner, James Maddocks, sees it, too. But spearheading an ongoing probe into a sex-trafficking ring and keeping Angie’s increasing obsession with her case in check is taking its toll. However, as startling connections between the parallel investigations emerge, Maddocks realizes he has more than Angie’s emotional state to worry about.
Driven and desperate to solve her case, Angie goes rogue, risking her relationship, career, and very life in pursuit of answers. She’ll learn that some truths are too painful to bear, and some sacrifices include collateral damage.
But Angie Pallorino won’t let it go. She can’t. It’s not in her blood.
MY THOUGHTS: The Lullaby Girl by Loreth Anne White is a fast paced, action packed read. The storyline is complex, without being complicated, the writing punchy, the characters interesting. There is romantic content and reasonably explicit sexual content, both of which are handled well and integral to the plot.
This is the second book in a series, the first of which, The Drowned Girls, I have not yet read. I probably should have as there are references to the content of that book throughout The Lullaby Girl. But at no point when I was reading did I feel lost or out of the loop, there was enough explanation of past events given to make everything clear.
The Angie Pallorino series is one I am going to follow with interest, including going back to read the first book. And at the end of The Lullaby Girl, is a teaser for the third book in the series, which has whet my appetite for more.
A good solid ☆☆☆☆ read.
Thank you to Montlake Romance via Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of The Lullaby Girl by Loreth Anne White for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
"Tell...tell me more about the child," Angie said, her voice husky.
"Her mouth had been slashed open by a sharp weapon - it had sliced through both the upper and lower lips on the left side of her face. She was bleeding copiously from the wound. Blood saturated her dress, the bassinet. She was clutching the Teddy we'd placed inside, like a lifeline. Blood soaked the Teddy as well. She was in shock, grey eyes like saucers. And she made no sound at all. As though she was beyond crying and had perhaps been that way for a long time before."
THE BLURB: Detective Angie Pallorino took down a serial killer permanently and, according to her superiors, with excessive force. Benched on a desk assignment for twelve months, Angie struggles to maintain her sense of identity—if she’s not a detective, who is she? Then a decades-old cold case washes ashore, pulling her into an investigation she recognizes as deeply personal.
Angie’s lover and partner, James Maddocks, sees it, too. But spearheading an ongoing probe into a sex-trafficking ring and keeping Angie’s increasing obsession with her case in check is taking its toll. However, as startling connections between the parallel investigations emerge, Maddocks realizes he has more than Angie’s emotional state to worry about.
Driven and desperate to solve her case, Angie goes rogue, risking her relationship, career, and very life in pursuit of answers. She’ll learn that some truths are too painful to bear, and some sacrifices include collateral damage.
But Angie Pallorino won’t let it go. She can’t. It’s not in her blood.
MY THOUGHTS: The Lullaby Girl by Loreth Anne White is a fast paced, action packed read. The storyline is complex, without being complicated, the writing punchy, the characters interesting. There is romantic content and reasonably explicit sexual content, both of which are handled well and integral to the plot.
This is the second book in a series, the first of which, The Drowned Girls, I have not yet read. I probably should have as there are references to the content of that book throughout The Lullaby Girl. But at no point when I was reading did I feel lost or out of the loop, there was enough explanation of past events given to make everything clear.
The Angie Pallorino series is one I am going to follow with interest, including going back to read the first book. And at the end of The Lullaby Girl, is a teaser for the third book in the series, which has whet my appetite for more.
A good solid ☆☆☆☆ read.
Thank you to Montlake Romance via Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of The Lullaby Girl by Loreth Anne White for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
November 20, 2017
Who are you? Where do you come from? Questions most of us have no problem answering. But what happens when you can’t answer, and everything you thought you knew about yourself is totally wrong?
I saw The Lullaby Girls offered on NetGalley and was immediately highly intrigued.
I decided to increase my Mojo for acquiring it for review by reading the first Angie Pallorino book, The Drowning Girls and the earlier romantic suspense books by Loreth Anne White. Two takeaways from this, my Mojo attempts worked, and as much as I enjoyed binge reading the earlier romantic suspense, White has really stepped up her game with the Angie Pallorino series.
The Lullaby Girls directly follows The Drowning Girls. You can read it without reading The Drowning Girls because White nicely catches you up, but why would you want to?
Angie Pallorino is a detective skating on a thin ice. She has taken down a serial killer with what her superiors termed overkill and her career is in the balance. Really, overkill? With a serial killer? Dead is dead.
While Angie is on suspension she decides to pursue the Angel Cradle child case from 1986. In the first chapter Angie interviews a nurse who was there the night a toddler was shoved cut and bleeding into the cradle, amidst a gunfight on the street. The cradle outside a hospital emergency room was designated as a safe haven for abandoned babies. White writes of the abandonment and the subsequent effect the toddler had on the hospital with such grace and sensitivity that I strongly advise having a box of Kleenex within reach.
Pallorino has lost who she is; no longer really Angie Pallorino, having been inserted into a dead baby’s life, no longer a police detective, no longer the tough woman visiting sex clubs for release. She fights to regain an identity, a career and to keep the man who loves her.
James Maddock, her lover and former partner is following an international sex trafficking case that came out of the investigation of a serial killer in The Drowned Girl, a case that by all rights should by Angie’s case. Angie fights against her resentment and her tendency toward self-destruction.
The story is intricate, each piece slotting together until Angie’s case and Maddock’s case intersect.
The pace is measured; the tension slowing building to mid-book to when White lets loose and you can forget the words ‘measured’ and ‘slowly’ as all hell breaks out.
Maddock continues to comfort us with his Herculean efforts to maintain his relationship with Angie while staying true to the requirements of his career.
Angie continues to worry, to impress, and to make us want to shake her and most of all to care about her.
This is an outstanding series. White’s details, descriptions, and dialogue come together to paint a dark twisted world that resides just under the surface of our world.
Today, with great sadness, I will say Tom Petty wrote a song about Angie Pallorino, “I Won’t Back Down.”
This is who she is, and I imagine who she will stay in subsequent books.
Thank you to NetGally for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I saw The Lullaby Girls offered on NetGalley and was immediately highly intrigued.
I decided to increase my Mojo for acquiring it for review by reading the first Angie Pallorino book, The Drowning Girls and the earlier romantic suspense books by Loreth Anne White. Two takeaways from this, my Mojo attempts worked, and as much as I enjoyed binge reading the earlier romantic suspense, White has really stepped up her game with the Angie Pallorino series.
The Lullaby Girls directly follows The Drowning Girls. You can read it without reading The Drowning Girls because White nicely catches you up, but why would you want to?
Angie Pallorino is a detective skating on a thin ice. She has taken down a serial killer with what her superiors termed overkill and her career is in the balance. Really, overkill? With a serial killer? Dead is dead.
While Angie is on suspension she decides to pursue the Angel Cradle child case from 1986. In the first chapter Angie interviews a nurse who was there the night a toddler was shoved cut and bleeding into the cradle, amidst a gunfight on the street. The cradle outside a hospital emergency room was designated as a safe haven for abandoned babies. White writes of the abandonment and the subsequent effect the toddler had on the hospital with such grace and sensitivity that I strongly advise having a box of Kleenex within reach.
Pallorino has lost who she is; no longer really Angie Pallorino, having been inserted into a dead baby’s life, no longer a police detective, no longer the tough woman visiting sex clubs for release. She fights to regain an identity, a career and to keep the man who loves her.
James Maddock, her lover and former partner is following an international sex trafficking case that came out of the investigation of a serial killer in The Drowned Girl, a case that by all rights should by Angie’s case. Angie fights against her resentment and her tendency toward self-destruction.
The story is intricate, each piece slotting together until Angie’s case and Maddock’s case intersect.
The pace is measured; the tension slowing building to mid-book to when White lets loose and you can forget the words ‘measured’ and ‘slowly’ as all hell breaks out.
Maddock continues to comfort us with his Herculean efforts to maintain his relationship with Angie while staying true to the requirements of his career.
Angie continues to worry, to impress, and to make us want to shake her and most of all to care about her.
This is an outstanding series. White’s details, descriptions, and dialogue come together to paint a dark twisted world that resides just under the surface of our world.
Today, with great sadness, I will say Tom Petty wrote a song about Angie Pallorino, “I Won’t Back Down.”
This is who she is, and I imagine who she will stay in subsequent books.
Thank you to NetGally for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 20, 2017
"Sometimes we think we're keeping secrets, but really, those secrets are keeping us."
When I learned that The Lullaby Girl was available through NetGalley I wasted no time and rushed right there and put in my request. I had to wait all weekend for my approval and the anticipation was killing me. I had waited for months to learn what happened in Angie's past and what was going to become of Angie and Maddocks' blossoming relationship, I couldn't stand to wait any longer. When my approval came through I dropped everything and began reading The Lullaby Girl and it certainly did not disappoint.
The Lullaby Girl is definitely not a stand alone, you MUST read the first, The Drowned Girls, in the series as The Lullaby Girl picks up right where The Drowned Girls finishes. When reading this I was reminded of dandelion seeds blowing in the wind, slowing landing in place one at a time, planting its roots, taking shape. That's what this story was like. There is definitely a slow build up this time around. I don't want to go too deep into the storyline for those of you that have not read the first in the series, so what I will focus on is Angie's personal struggle in this novel. We see Angie's world spiraling out of control. I really felt for Angie. I connected with her much more in this novel I think than I did with her in the first because of her career struggles. I too have gone through a similar struggle. You feel a sense of compassion for Angie because what she's really guilty of is being overly passionate and driven. Given some events that have taken place, Sergeant Vedder is given no choice but to terminate Angie leaving her with the last words of "Sometimes I think you want to self-destruct, Detective."
Self-destruct... is that what's become of Angie?
Fractured face
in the mirror,
you are my disgrace...
a sinner...
Angie is tormented, she doesn't know who she is anymore, she's not Angie Pallorino, not really, she's not a cop, she doesn't know who her real family is? Worst of all, she doesn't know if she's worthy of Maddocks' love... or even if she wants it?
Angie is left with no choice, she must move forward, and the only way to do that is to go back to the past, to go back to 1986, to the day she was left in that cradle on Christmas morning.
I know I've mentioned it many times before, but Loreth's descriptive writing is what really sets her apart as an author and writer. Her ability to set a scene is so completely astonishing to me. I am completely taken away when I read her novels. I'm lost... I'm taken there. Something else I've noticed after reading a lot of other novels this year from other authors is how well Loreth narrates a novel. I've never truly appreciated this until now. Loreth is truly a very talented author which is no doubt why she is my favorite author. I would not hesitate to recommend this series and any of Loreth's work to anyone!
I want to thank NetGalley, Montlake Romance, and Loreth Anne White for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel in exchange for my review. It was truly a pleasure! I'm a huge fan!
When I learned that The Lullaby Girl was available through NetGalley I wasted no time and rushed right there and put in my request. I had to wait all weekend for my approval and the anticipation was killing me. I had waited for months to learn what happened in Angie's past and what was going to become of Angie and Maddocks' blossoming relationship, I couldn't stand to wait any longer. When my approval came through I dropped everything and began reading The Lullaby Girl and it certainly did not disappoint.
The Lullaby Girl is definitely not a stand alone, you MUST read the first, The Drowned Girls, in the series as The Lullaby Girl picks up right where The Drowned Girls finishes. When reading this I was reminded of dandelion seeds blowing in the wind, slowing landing in place one at a time, planting its roots, taking shape. That's what this story was like. There is definitely a slow build up this time around. I don't want to go too deep into the storyline for those of you that have not read the first in the series, so what I will focus on is Angie's personal struggle in this novel. We see Angie's world spiraling out of control. I really felt for Angie. I connected with her much more in this novel I think than I did with her in the first because of her career struggles. I too have gone through a similar struggle. You feel a sense of compassion for Angie because what she's really guilty of is being overly passionate and driven. Given some events that have taken place, Sergeant Vedder is given no choice but to terminate Angie leaving her with the last words of "Sometimes I think you want to self-destruct, Detective."
Self-destruct... is that what's become of Angie?
Fractured face
in the mirror,
you are my disgrace...
a sinner...
Angie is tormented, she doesn't know who she is anymore, she's not Angie Pallorino, not really, she's not a cop, she doesn't know who her real family is? Worst of all, she doesn't know if she's worthy of Maddocks' love... or even if she wants it?
Angie is left with no choice, she must move forward, and the only way to do that is to go back to the past, to go back to 1986, to the day she was left in that cradle on Christmas morning.
I know I've mentioned it many times before, but Loreth's descriptive writing is what really sets her apart as an author and writer. Her ability to set a scene is so completely astonishing to me. I am completely taken away when I read her novels. I'm lost... I'm taken there. Something else I've noticed after reading a lot of other novels this year from other authors is how well Loreth narrates a novel. I've never truly appreciated this until now. Loreth is truly a very talented author which is no doubt why she is my favorite author. I would not hesitate to recommend this series and any of Loreth's work to anyone!
I want to thank NetGalley, Montlake Romance, and Loreth Anne White for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel in exchange for my review. It was truly a pleasure! I'm a huge fan!
March 19, 2018
This book picks up close to where the previous one in the series ended. Detective Angie Pallorino must face the repercussions related to her behavior during the Baptist case and her seemingly overkill of the suspect in the end. Meanwhile, her lover Detective Sergeant James Maddocks is investigating the fallout from that case where six young girls were found on the yacht they raided. They’re obviously victims of the sex trade and he’s trying to find out who’s at the head of this sex trafficking operation.
There wasn’t a moment to catch my breath from start to finish. So much was developing from Angie’s search for the truth of her identity and Maddocks’ sex ring investigation that it was mesmerizing. The consequences of her actions were pretty tough and Angie compounds the issue at every turn. Maddocks continues to impress me as a detective and a stalwart, steadying influence for her. It’s a powerful and unpredictable dynamic these two have and, on a strange level, they somehow fit. The suspense was almost palpable, the danger constant and the mystery just kept pulling me forward.
The writing is exceptional, with complexity in plot and characterizations. Again we’re given a strong sense of place in every venue in British Columbia, making me feel as if I was right there. I love this author’s style and her characters, even when I was uncertain if I respected Angie. I’m so looking forward to what’s next for her and others, especially given the dramatic ending.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review)
There wasn’t a moment to catch my breath from start to finish. So much was developing from Angie’s search for the truth of her identity and Maddocks’ sex ring investigation that it was mesmerizing. The consequences of her actions were pretty tough and Angie compounds the issue at every turn. Maddocks continues to impress me as a detective and a stalwart, steadying influence for her. It’s a powerful and unpredictable dynamic these two have and, on a strange level, they somehow fit. The suspense was almost palpable, the danger constant and the mystery just kept pulling me forward.
The writing is exceptional, with complexity in plot and characterizations. Again we’re given a strong sense of place in every venue in British Columbia, making me feel as if I was right there. I love this author’s style and her characters, even when I was uncertain if I respected Angie. I’m so looking forward to what’s next for her and others, especially given the dramatic ending.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review)
June 14, 2018
Angie Pallorino is one tough cop but after taking down a serial killer with "excessive force" in her last case, she has been assigned to a desk job in social relations for 12 months. A mismatch from hell if ever there was one. But at least a 9-5 job gives her time to investigate a cold case involving an abandoned child that may shed light on her own history. Recently she's been getting flashbacks - a little girl in pink, a woman singing lullabies in a foreign language - and knows these are important in unravelling who she was before she was adopted. Angie's partner, Maddocks is still watching her back but is involved in cracking the sex slave ring uncovered in the last book, which has now become an international investigation.
Ms White has meticulously piled on the layers to this suspenseful thriller resulting in an explosive finale. Angie and Maddocks are great characters with a real understanding of each other. By the end of the book Angie is finally able to lay some ghosts to rest and understand her origins, with a resultant softening in her nature already evident. She may not have a job to go back to after defying her boss one too many times, so it will be interesting to see what's next for her in the third book of this series.4.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Montlake Romance for a copy of the book to read and review
Ms White has meticulously piled on the layers to this suspenseful thriller resulting in an explosive finale. Angie and Maddocks are great characters with a real understanding of each other. By the end of the book Angie is finally able to lay some ghosts to rest and understand her origins, with a resultant softening in her nature already evident. She may not have a job to go back to after defying her boss one too many times, so it will be interesting to see what's next for her in the third book of this series.4.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Montlake Romance for a copy of the book to read and review
February 9, 2018
The Lullaby Girl by Loreth Anne White was just so good it gave me chills the book starts off where The Drowning Girls finished Angie is on desk duty for 12 months due to her handling of The Baptist case previously. She should be on the Barcode Girls, but Maddocks has taken it over.
Angie looks into a serial killer who leaves a foot in a shoe, Angie is determined to find the killer but as she digs deeper the case becomes personal as she looks into her own childhood of the girl in the cradle
WHO IS THE GIRL IN THE CRADLE & WHAT CONNECTION HAS IT TO THIS CASE?
As she digs deeper she is taken into the darkness haunted by her own past she is consumed with hate, meanwhile Maddocks is investigating The Barcode girls a sex trafficking ring, he finds a girl willing to help him Sophia Tarasov she talks but is later found with her tongue excised, maddocks is livid, determined to find her killer he is thrown into the dark world of human sex trafficking leading him to the Russian mob.
Meanwhile Angie is consumed with hate & fear as she finds out that she is a twin & the foot could be her sister Mila's so she does not stop looking deeper & deeper into finding Mila & her mother its consuming her, then Maddocks tells her to back off.
I wont go any further as this is a dark complex plot that set my head rolling I love the continuing romance between Maddocks & Angie its not over done, but you just get enough me I want more. I loved the pacing was quick but had to absorb everything that was going on.
This was a 5 + star for me no 10 if I could, have already got the next one on wishlist not released in Australia till June
These series has to be read in order as there is previous case written about in this one, I could go on forever but for those who have not read this series yet do you wont be disappointed.
I am fast becoming a fan of Loreth Anne White her writing style is brilliant & the dark nature of her powerful plots are A 1 she is at the top of her game.
Angie looks into a serial killer who leaves a foot in a shoe, Angie is determined to find the killer but as she digs deeper the case becomes personal as she looks into her own childhood of the girl in the cradle
WHO IS THE GIRL IN THE CRADLE & WHAT CONNECTION HAS IT TO THIS CASE?
As she digs deeper she is taken into the darkness haunted by her own past she is consumed with hate, meanwhile Maddocks is investigating The Barcode girls a sex trafficking ring, he finds a girl willing to help him Sophia Tarasov she talks but is later found with her tongue excised, maddocks is livid, determined to find her killer he is thrown into the dark world of human sex trafficking leading him to the Russian mob.
Meanwhile Angie is consumed with hate & fear as she finds out that she is a twin & the foot could be her sister Mila's so she does not stop looking deeper & deeper into finding Mila & her mother its consuming her, then Maddocks tells her to back off.
I wont go any further as this is a dark complex plot that set my head rolling I love the continuing romance between Maddocks & Angie its not over done, but you just get enough me I want more. I loved the pacing was quick but had to absorb everything that was going on.
This was a 5 + star for me no 10 if I could, have already got the next one on wishlist not released in Australia till June
These series has to be read in order as there is previous case written about in this one, I could go on forever but for those who have not read this series yet do you wont be disappointed.
I am fast becoming a fan of Loreth Anne White her writing style is brilliant & the dark nature of her powerful plots are A 1 she is at the top of her game.
June 8, 2018
Edgy, enthralling, and adrenaline pumping!
The Lullaby Girl is an engrossing, eerie thriller that takes you on a journey into the dark and disturbing criminal underworld and immerses you in all the manipulation, violence, murder, immorality, depravity, wickedness, and pure evil found there.
The writing is skillfully crafted and crisp. The characters are relentless and determined, including the self-destructive, stubborn Angie Pallorino whose greatest struggles involve her inability to conform to authority, her secretive past, and the newly expanding intimacy with Maddocks. And the masterful plot will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish with all its twists, turns, and surprises.
The Lullaby Girl blew me away. It was so much more than I ever expected. It had exceptional pace and great depth in both the character development and storyline and made it very evident and clear that White is an impressive storyteller.
The Lullaby Girl is the second novel in the Angie Pallorino series and even though there are some references to events from the previous book it can certainly be read as a standalone. However, I would have to recommend you start this brilliantly clever, satisfying series from the start by picking up The Drowned Girls, book #1, first.
Thank you to Loreth Anne White for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
The Lullaby Girl is an engrossing, eerie thriller that takes you on a journey into the dark and disturbing criminal underworld and immerses you in all the manipulation, violence, murder, immorality, depravity, wickedness, and pure evil found there.
The writing is skillfully crafted and crisp. The characters are relentless and determined, including the self-destructive, stubborn Angie Pallorino whose greatest struggles involve her inability to conform to authority, her secretive past, and the newly expanding intimacy with Maddocks. And the masterful plot will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish with all its twists, turns, and surprises.
The Lullaby Girl blew me away. It was so much more than I ever expected. It had exceptional pace and great depth in both the character development and storyline and made it very evident and clear that White is an impressive storyteller.
The Lullaby Girl is the second novel in the Angie Pallorino series and even though there are some references to events from the previous book it can certainly be read as a standalone. However, I would have to recommend you start this brilliantly clever, satisfying series from the start by picking up The Drowned Girls, book #1, first.
Thank you to Loreth Anne White for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
November 15, 2017
Once again, if the Prologue doesn't grab you in this 2nd book of the Angie Pallorino series, then I don't know what will.
Suspended from active duty, due to using excessive force in permanently taking down a serial killer, Detective Angie Pallorino must serve her suspension behind a desk for 12 months. That's not going to happen especially when she uncovers shocking secrets relating to her mysterious and painful past.
Angie's lover and partner, Detective James Maddocks is investigating the sex-trafficking ring discovered in the 1st book (The Drowned Girls) which they discover coincides with Angie's investigation.
A unique storyline, complex and captivating characters, dangerous and intense situations, and intriguing twists and turns result in The Lullaby Girl (as well as book one The Drowned Girls) being one of my favourite novels in this genre.
I highly recommend it and look forward to the next novel in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Suspended from active duty, due to using excessive force in permanently taking down a serial killer, Detective Angie Pallorino must serve her suspension behind a desk for 12 months. That's not going to happen especially when she uncovers shocking secrets relating to her mysterious and painful past.
Angie's lover and partner, Detective James Maddocks is investigating the sex-trafficking ring discovered in the 1st book (The Drowned Girls) which they discover coincides with Angie's investigation.
A unique storyline, complex and captivating characters, dangerous and intense situations, and intriguing twists and turns result in The Lullaby Girl (as well as book one The Drowned Girls) being one of my favourite novels in this genre.
I highly recommend it and look forward to the next novel in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
September 27, 2017
Lullaby lyrics sung in a strange tongue haunt Angie. Hypnosis is shining a sliver of memory but her past abandonment in a hospital cradle at age four is a terror that keeps on giving. A police detective position is being ripped from Pallorino due to her over giving of bullets to suspect in prior The Drowned Girls. Rescue of six trafficked young girls who do not speak has Detective James Maddox and Kjel Holgersen scrambling for answers. White has an expert way of telling a story that even if it is two in the morning blurry eyes keep reading. Would have liked a bit more romance between Maddox and Pallorino and uncovering more about Kjel. "A copy of this book was presented by
Montlake Romance and author via NetGalley with no requirement for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."
Montlake Romance and author via NetGalley with no requirement for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."
December 18, 2017
I've given this an A- at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars rounded up
I have been eagerly awaiting the next release in Loreth Anne White’s new Angie Pallorino series ever since I finished the first book, The Drowned Girls. Not only did that book contain an extremely compelling and densely plotted mystery surrounding a serial killer nicknamed ‘The Baptist’ and an international sex-trafficking ring, but it also introduced us to the eponymous heroine, a dedicated, hard-working cop in the Metro Victoria PD sex-crimes unit whose ball-busting, lone-wolf ways have never made her popular with her male colleagues and upon whom the six years she has spent delving into the minds and activities of some seriously sick individuals has started to take its toll. She’s been in something of a downward spiral for the last couple of years and in the grip of what seems to be an ever strengthening self-destructive streak; the death of her partner and of the child they were trying to save some months earlier has thrown her even more off balance, and on top of all that, a complicated family situation had spawned doubts about her origins and caused Angie to start to question everything she has ever known about herself.
The Drowned Girls ended with a mystery solved and a group of bad guys taken down, but with Angie uncertain about her future, both personally and professionally. The story of her search for the truth about her past really gains momentum in The Lullaby Girl, but if you haven’t read the previous book, a lot of what’s happening here is unlikely to make sense; these books need to be read in order, and because I’ll be referring to some plot points from the first book, there are spoilers for it in this review.
Angie is on suspension from duty following her take-down of The Baptist. He had kidnapped and intended to murder the teenaged daughter of Angie’s lover, Detective James Maddocks, and although Angie had saved both their lives by killing Spencer Addams – the man behind the nickname – she has been accused of using excessive force in order to do so, having shot the man eight times over. At the time, Angie had been gripped by a troubling vision of a little girl in a pink dress, a vision that had been haunting her for some time and which she now strongly suspects is related to long-suppressed memories.
While she waits to find out if she still has a career or not, Maddocks is heading up the investigation into the so-called “barcode girls”, six young women who were rescued from a luxury yacht that operated as a floating brothel. The women are all teenagers, of a similar age to Maddocks’ daughter, Ginny; they’re terrified, traumatised and are being cared for in hospital while Maddocks and his team – which includes Angie’s rather odd and enigmatic former partner, Kjel Holgersen – start to piece together the evidence and try to work out exactly where they came from and the route taken by the traffickers.
Angie is, understandably, frustrated and angry at being pulled from the case she had a big hand in blowing wide open and she also can’t help being jealous of the fact that Maddocks is heading up the investigation. She’s also scared at the fact that she just might be falling in love with him; she’s been emotionally closed off for so long that the thought of allowing herself to feel something for him terrifies her. And although she recognises all these things – fear, jealousy, frustration – for what they are, she is in danger of allowing them to get the upper hand and of pushing Maddocks away for good.
While she waits for a decision about her career, Angie starts in earnest on the search for information about her true identity. She believes herself to be the ‘Angel’s Cradle child’ who was left at a local hospital in 1986, aged around four. (An Angel’s Cradle is a way for desperate mothers to leave their unwanted children somewhere safe without fear of being tracked down and identified.) While it was more usual for newborns to be put in such places, this one saved Angie’s life; she was bundled in there by a woman she believes was her mother amid a gun battle in the street which killed a cop and injured a bystander. She meets with one of the nurses who was on duty that night – Christmas Eve 1986 – and then makes contact with the widow of the detective who worked the case of the shootings, who is, miraculously, able to supply Angie with some valuable information and evidence her husband had ‘appropriated’ from his office before, according to protocol back then, it was destroyed.
Unable to believe her luck, Angie engages the services of a high-end, top-quality forensics lab to see if they are able to obtain any DNA evidence using the more sophisticated methods now available, but unfortunately, her relief at having some potential leads is destined not to last long. Having been told she will be on probation for twelve months in a desk job, and that there is no guarantee she will be reinstated to her old position at the end of it, Angie is furious and seriously thinks of quitting. But she realises that if she can stick it out, she will retain access to police databases, labs and contacts that she might be able to make use of in order to help her to find out who she really is and where she came from. But when, on her first day, Angie receives a visit from two officers from the RCMP demanding she turn over everything to them, she faces having the rug pulled out from under her yet again. The officers are investigating the likely murder of a child following the discovery of a dismembered foot encased in a purple trainer which was washed up at the beach near the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. Forensic testing reveals the DNA to be identical to Angie’s – which stuns her. The only possible explanation is that she must have had a twin sister – could she be the little girl in pink of Angie’s memories and visions? Could hers have been the voice urging Angie to “Comeum playum dum grove”?
All this happens within the first few chapters, and Ms. White has set the stage for an enthralling story in which the two different threads – Angie’s search for clues as to her identity and Maddocks’ investigation into the Barcode Girls – are gradually and inexorably woven together to produce a truly gripping and un-putdownable read. Angie isn’t always the easiest character to like, but her need for answers is understandable and literally jumps off the page, so strongly articulated as it is by the author. Angie relentlessly goes her own way, even when warned that she could well be putting her life in danger; it’s not her finest moment, perhaps, but she has reached the stage where she feels so unmoored, so needful of regaining a sense of identity that she is prepared to look death in the face if she must in order to find her true self.
Angie’s romantic relationship with Maddocks takes a bit of a back seat here; their time together is fairly brief, and it’s clear that they’re both struggling to work out exactly what is going on between them. The complications added by their work situation – with Maddocks being on the inside and Angie pushed out – only make things more difficult, forcing Angie to admit that walking away would be the easier option. But is that what she really wants?
The Lullaby Girl is a terrific blend of complex, cleverly-plotted mystery and suspense with a nice dash of romance thrown in for good measure, and I’m sure that if you enjoyed the first book, then you’ll love this one. I can’t wait to see what Loreth Anne White has in store for Angie next.
I have been eagerly awaiting the next release in Loreth Anne White’s new Angie Pallorino series ever since I finished the first book, The Drowned Girls. Not only did that book contain an extremely compelling and densely plotted mystery surrounding a serial killer nicknamed ‘The Baptist’ and an international sex-trafficking ring, but it also introduced us to the eponymous heroine, a dedicated, hard-working cop in the Metro Victoria PD sex-crimes unit whose ball-busting, lone-wolf ways have never made her popular with her male colleagues and upon whom the six years she has spent delving into the minds and activities of some seriously sick individuals has started to take its toll. She’s been in something of a downward spiral for the last couple of years and in the grip of what seems to be an ever strengthening self-destructive streak; the death of her partner and of the child they were trying to save some months earlier has thrown her even more off balance, and on top of all that, a complicated family situation had spawned doubts about her origins and caused Angie to start to question everything she has ever known about herself.
The Drowned Girls ended with a mystery solved and a group of bad guys taken down, but with Angie uncertain about her future, both personally and professionally. The story of her search for the truth about her past really gains momentum in The Lullaby Girl, but if you haven’t read the previous book, a lot of what’s happening here is unlikely to make sense; these books need to be read in order, and because I’ll be referring to some plot points from the first book, there are spoilers for it in this review.
Angie is on suspension from duty following her take-down of The Baptist. He had kidnapped and intended to murder the teenaged daughter of Angie’s lover, Detective James Maddocks, and although Angie had saved both their lives by killing Spencer Addams – the man behind the nickname – she has been accused of using excessive force in order to do so, having shot the man eight times over. At the time, Angie had been gripped by a troubling vision of a little girl in a pink dress, a vision that had been haunting her for some time and which she now strongly suspects is related to long-suppressed memories.
While she waits to find out if she still has a career or not, Maddocks is heading up the investigation into the so-called “barcode girls”, six young women who were rescued from a luxury yacht that operated as a floating brothel. The women are all teenagers, of a similar age to Maddocks’ daughter, Ginny; they’re terrified, traumatised and are being cared for in hospital while Maddocks and his team – which includes Angie’s rather odd and enigmatic former partner, Kjel Holgersen – start to piece together the evidence and try to work out exactly where they came from and the route taken by the traffickers.
Angie is, understandably, frustrated and angry at being pulled from the case she had a big hand in blowing wide open and she also can’t help being jealous of the fact that Maddocks is heading up the investigation. She’s also scared at the fact that she just might be falling in love with him; she’s been emotionally closed off for so long that the thought of allowing herself to feel something for him terrifies her. And although she recognises all these things – fear, jealousy, frustration – for what they are, she is in danger of allowing them to get the upper hand and of pushing Maddocks away for good.
While she waits for a decision about her career, Angie starts in earnest on the search for information about her true identity. She believes herself to be the ‘Angel’s Cradle child’ who was left at a local hospital in 1986, aged around four. (An Angel’s Cradle is a way for desperate mothers to leave their unwanted children somewhere safe without fear of being tracked down and identified.) While it was more usual for newborns to be put in such places, this one saved Angie’s life; she was bundled in there by a woman she believes was her mother amid a gun battle in the street which killed a cop and injured a bystander. She meets with one of the nurses who was on duty that night – Christmas Eve 1986 – and then makes contact with the widow of the detective who worked the case of the shootings, who is, miraculously, able to supply Angie with some valuable information and evidence her husband had ‘appropriated’ from his office before, according to protocol back then, it was destroyed.
Unable to believe her luck, Angie engages the services of a high-end, top-quality forensics lab to see if they are able to obtain any DNA evidence using the more sophisticated methods now available, but unfortunately, her relief at having some potential leads is destined not to last long. Having been told she will be on probation for twelve months in a desk job, and that there is no guarantee she will be reinstated to her old position at the end of it, Angie is furious and seriously thinks of quitting. But she realises that if she can stick it out, she will retain access to police databases, labs and contacts that she might be able to make use of in order to help her to find out who she really is and where she came from. But when, on her first day, Angie receives a visit from two officers from the RCMP demanding she turn over everything to them, she faces having the rug pulled out from under her yet again. The officers are investigating the likely murder of a child following the discovery of a dismembered foot encased in a purple trainer which was washed up at the beach near the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. Forensic testing reveals the DNA to be identical to Angie’s – which stuns her. The only possible explanation is that she must have had a twin sister – could she be the little girl in pink of Angie’s memories and visions? Could hers have been the voice urging Angie to “Comeum playum dum grove”?
All this happens within the first few chapters, and Ms. White has set the stage for an enthralling story in which the two different threads – Angie’s search for clues as to her identity and Maddocks’ investigation into the Barcode Girls – are gradually and inexorably woven together to produce a truly gripping and un-putdownable read. Angie isn’t always the easiest character to like, but her need for answers is understandable and literally jumps off the page, so strongly articulated as it is by the author. Angie relentlessly goes her own way, even when warned that she could well be putting her life in danger; it’s not her finest moment, perhaps, but she has reached the stage where she feels so unmoored, so needful of regaining a sense of identity that she is prepared to look death in the face if she must in order to find her true self.
Angie’s romantic relationship with Maddocks takes a bit of a back seat here; their time together is fairly brief, and it’s clear that they’re both struggling to work out exactly what is going on between them. The complications added by their work situation – with Maddocks being on the inside and Angie pushed out – only make things more difficult, forcing Angie to admit that walking away would be the easier option. But is that what she really wants?
The Lullaby Girl is a terrific blend of complex, cleverly-plotted mystery and suspense with a nice dash of romance thrown in for good measure, and I’m sure that if you enjoyed the first book, then you’ll love this one. I can’t wait to see what Loreth Anne White has in store for Angie next.
November 20, 2017
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
You must read The Drowned Girls first or you will be lost as The Lullaby Girl picks up two weeks after the end of that book. A lot of loose ends left from "The Drowned Girls and the aftermath is messy, to say the least. Loreth Anne White is nothing short of a sensational author. She has it all: mystery, romance and plots that grab you and won't let you go. Her characters are truly unique and don't behave as you would expect in any other romantic-suspense book. This book is about three different cases, or are they really?
Detective Angie Pallorino is on administrative leave and could be faced with criminal charges stemming from the fatal shooting of a serial killer. Fortunately, she dodged that bullet, but she has been placed on a desk assignment for the next twelve months, with mandatory counseling required. Heavy sentence for Angie whose sole purpose in life is her job as a detective. So, she dives deep into her past as "the cradle child" looking for answers and justice. Then, a severed foot that washes up is a link that Angie didn't expect.
Detective James Maddocks, Angie's former partner, current lover, and workaholic whose job has already cost him one marriage, is heading the case that he and Angie broke about a sex-trafficking ring. Trying to control Angie’s obsession with her past is really tough when the two cases have some unexpected connections. He needs to figure out what is going on before Angie is in too deep to dig herself out.
You must read The Drowned Girls first or you will be lost as The Lullaby Girl picks up two weeks after the end of that book. A lot of loose ends left from "The Drowned Girls and the aftermath is messy, to say the least. Loreth Anne White is nothing short of a sensational author. She has it all: mystery, romance and plots that grab you and won't let you go. Her characters are truly unique and don't behave as you would expect in any other romantic-suspense book. This book is about three different cases, or are they really?
Detective Angie Pallorino is on administrative leave and could be faced with criminal charges stemming from the fatal shooting of a serial killer. Fortunately, she dodged that bullet, but she has been placed on a desk assignment for the next twelve months, with mandatory counseling required. Heavy sentence for Angie whose sole purpose in life is her job as a detective. So, she dives deep into her past as "the cradle child" looking for answers and justice. Then, a severed foot that washes up is a link that Angie didn't expect.
Detective James Maddocks, Angie's former partner, current lover, and workaholic whose job has already cost him one marriage, is heading the case that he and Angie broke about a sex-trafficking ring. Trying to control Angie’s obsession with her past is really tough when the two cases have some unexpected connections. He needs to figure out what is going on before Angie is in too deep to dig herself out.
November 13, 2017
***4.5 Fangs ***
Loreth Anne White has become one of my favorite suspense writers. Her stories are always interesting, emotional, dark and the suspense keeps me on my toes.
I was ecstatic when I learned The Drowned Girls was becoming a series. Angie Pallorino is an amazing flawed character that needed more page time.
As we know (if you read the first book) Angie is in trouble at work. Her career as a detective is on the line. When she killed the serial killer known as the Baptist, she used too much force. An overkill, they say. In my opinion, the guy deserved to die and sometimes one bullet is not enough. Anyway, Angie's job is on thin air and a demotion is in the works.
As a reader, I was upset with Angie's demotion and the investigation against her. She catches a killer who was not going to stop and instead of getting a promotion, the opposite happens. Furthermore, her love interest, James Maddox takes over the investigation into the sex slave trafficking ring (which should have been Angie's). Worse, he joins an international task force while Angie's life keeps on spiraling out of control.
Angie Pallorino is not someone who can stay at a desk job. She craves the adrenaline. To keep herself from going crazy, she starts her own investigation into the cold case of the baby left at a church in 1986. However, the closer she comes to the truth, the more dangerous it becomes. Her life is on the line.
I wasn't happy with some of the decisions Angie was taking. Angie's self-destructive behavior didn't seem to have an end. She jeopardized her career, her relationship, and most importantly her life. I wanted to shake her and scream at her more than once. She had a good thing going and she was messing everything up. Her craziness only made me turn the pages faster. I NEEDED TO KNOW!
There was only one situation that made me mad at Maddox but since it's a spoiler, I'll keep it to myself. (but if you want to know, just comment below).
The Lullaby Girl is an excellent suspense novel. It had me in a race to follow Angie's crusade.
I do believe it's important to read The Drowned Girls not only because it's great but because it makes Angie's train wreck behavior more meaningful.
Cliffhanger: No
4.5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Montlake via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
"Sometimes we think we're keeping secrets"
"But really those secrets are keeping us."
Loreth Anne White has become one of my favorite suspense writers. Her stories are always interesting, emotional, dark and the suspense keeps me on my toes.
I was ecstatic when I learned The Drowned Girls was becoming a series. Angie Pallorino is an amazing flawed character that needed more page time.
As we know (if you read the first book) Angie is in trouble at work. Her career as a detective is on the line. When she killed the serial killer known as the Baptist, she used too much force. An overkill, they say. In my opinion, the guy deserved to die and sometimes one bullet is not enough. Anyway, Angie's job is on thin air and a demotion is in the works.
As a reader, I was upset with Angie's demotion and the investigation against her. She catches a killer who was not going to stop and instead of getting a promotion, the opposite happens. Furthermore, her love interest, James Maddox takes over the investigation into the sex slave trafficking ring (which should have been Angie's). Worse, he joins an international task force while Angie's life keeps on spiraling out of control.
Angie Pallorino is not someone who can stay at a desk job. She craves the adrenaline. To keep herself from going crazy, she starts her own investigation into the cold case of the baby left at a church in 1986. However, the closer she comes to the truth, the more dangerous it becomes. Her life is on the line.
I wasn't happy with some of the decisions Angie was taking. Angie's self-destructive behavior didn't seem to have an end. She jeopardized her career, her relationship, and most importantly her life. I wanted to shake her and scream at her more than once. She had a good thing going and she was messing everything up. Her craziness only made me turn the pages faster. I NEEDED TO KNOW!
There was only one situation that made me mad at Maddox but since it's a spoiler, I'll keep it to myself. (but if you want to know, just comment below).
The Lullaby Girl is an excellent suspense novel. It had me in a race to follow Angie's crusade.
I do believe it's important to read The Drowned Girls not only because it's great but because it makes Angie's train wreck behavior more meaningful.
Cliffhanger: No
4.5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Montlake via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
October 12, 2017
WOW!!! What a ride!!!
This book picks up from where the previous one has ended.
Pallorino is under disciplinary action for having killed the Baptist in a raptus of rage. And things don't go well for her...
All during the book I wanted to yell: "Stop harassing her, you idiots!!! What did she do wrong? I would have done worse to that pervert!!! Give her a medal, for God's sake!!!"
And she still have nightmares from her forgotten childhood. But now that nightmares are worse - she's remebering more and more and the things she remembers are awful!
Meanwhile Maddocks continues to follow the investigation about the sex-slave girls they rescued in the previous book. That investigation links into an international one and he gets involved with a task force that forces him to maintain secrets from Pallorino, making their budding relatioship even more difficult.
While suffering her demotion, Pallorina gets involved with an investigation that touches her deeply in a very, very personal level and makes her doubt her identity more and more as she digs deeper and deeper into her past. And when that past collides with her present she almost falter.
Obviously their investigations are linked and the resolution is explosive!
Since this is an ARC, I cannot releav much more than this, but believe me, I was chewing my nails and turning pages to find out what will happen!
Another fantastic, wonderful, scary book! If you liked The Drowned Girls, you'll love this one!!!
I'm so looking forward to the next one!!!
This book picks up from where the previous one has ended.
Pallorino is under disciplinary action for having killed the Baptist in a raptus of rage. And things don't go well for her...
All during the book I wanted to yell: "Stop harassing her, you idiots!!! What did she do wrong? I would have done worse to that pervert!!! Give her a medal, for God's sake!!!"
And she still have nightmares from her forgotten childhood. But now that nightmares are worse - she's remebering more and more and the things she remembers are awful!
Meanwhile Maddocks continues to follow the investigation about the sex-slave girls they rescued in the previous book. That investigation links into an international one and he gets involved with a task force that forces him to maintain secrets from Pallorino, making their budding relatioship even more difficult.
While suffering her demotion, Pallorina gets involved with an investigation that touches her deeply in a very, very personal level and makes her doubt her identity more and more as she digs deeper and deeper into her past. And when that past collides with her present she almost falter.
Obviously their investigations are linked and the resolution is explosive!
Since this is an ARC, I cannot releav much more than this, but believe me, I was chewing my nails and turning pages to find out what will happen!
Another fantastic, wonderful, scary book! If you liked The Drowned Girls, you'll love this one!!!
I'm so looking forward to the next one!!!
November 22, 2017
Some spoilers ahead if you haven’t read the first book.
The Lullaby Girl takes us back to the life of Angie Pallorino, and after the events of the last book her career as a detective is in jeopardy. She’s being accused of excessive force in taking down a serial killer! Really? I sort of thought this was ridiculous, and even if she did fire off a bunch of rounds into him, hello, he was a really bad guy and deserved it! This is important to Angie, but she’s distracted by her own mystery, and getting to the bottom of her identity; what happened the night she was abandoned at the hospital takes precedence. She remembers blood, gun fire, and lullabies sung in Polish.
Maddocks has his own hands full with the bar code girls; girls forced into sex work on the Amanda Rose. All evidence is pointing to organized crime, and Maddocks is trying to find the responsible parties so no other girls will suffer or die. Angie’s past and this current case have some disturbing things in common, and it soon becomes evident that Angie is in danger. The ending wrapped up with some exciting and tense moments and had me on the edge of my seat!
All this is taking place while Maddocks and Angie try to navigate their new relationship. I was afraid Angie was going to get skittish and push Maddocks away for good, but thankfully that wasn’t the case. She did have her moments, but she did think things through and thought of the big picture before ruining things. Maddocks was a prince! I just loved this man! He realizes some of the reason Angie’s in hot water is because she was trying to protect him and his daughter; it touches his heart that she put herself on the line for him like that. He also is pretty understanding that Angie has issues because of her past, and cuts her a lot of slack. I know these two have what it takes for the long term! They just sizzle and spark every time they’re together!
The Angie Pallorino series is captivating and thrilling, with flawed, but likable characters. It’s must for anyone who enjoys a well written police procedural, but truly, the romance is my favorite part, and I hang on every interaction between Angie and Maddocks! I’m anxious to find out where Loreth Anne White takes Angie and Maddocks in the next book, especially with how things turned out here!
A copy was kindly provided by Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at The Readers Den.
The Lullaby Girl takes us back to the life of Angie Pallorino, and after the events of the last book her career as a detective is in jeopardy. She’s being accused of excessive force in taking down a serial killer! Really? I sort of thought this was ridiculous, and even if she did fire off a bunch of rounds into him, hello, he was a really bad guy and deserved it! This is important to Angie, but she’s distracted by her own mystery, and getting to the bottom of her identity; what happened the night she was abandoned at the hospital takes precedence. She remembers blood, gun fire, and lullabies sung in Polish.
Maddocks has his own hands full with the bar code girls; girls forced into sex work on the Amanda Rose. All evidence is pointing to organized crime, and Maddocks is trying to find the responsible parties so no other girls will suffer or die. Angie’s past and this current case have some disturbing things in common, and it soon becomes evident that Angie is in danger. The ending wrapped up with some exciting and tense moments and had me on the edge of my seat!
All this is taking place while Maddocks and Angie try to navigate their new relationship. I was afraid Angie was going to get skittish and push Maddocks away for good, but thankfully that wasn’t the case. She did have her moments, but she did think things through and thought of the big picture before ruining things. Maddocks was a prince! I just loved this man! He realizes some of the reason Angie’s in hot water is because she was trying to protect him and his daughter; it touches his heart that she put herself on the line for him like that. He also is pretty understanding that Angie has issues because of her past, and cuts her a lot of slack. I know these two have what it takes for the long term! They just sizzle and spark every time they’re together!
The Angie Pallorino series is captivating and thrilling, with flawed, but likable characters. It’s must for anyone who enjoys a well written police procedural, but truly, the romance is my favorite part, and I hang on every interaction between Angie and Maddocks! I’m anxious to find out where Loreth Anne White takes Angie and Maddocks in the next book, especially with how things turned out here!
A copy was kindly provided by Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at The Readers Den.
February 22, 2018
I guess I’m the outlier here. It’s an alright story, but the writing... leaves a lot to be desired. I guess that not the reason you read these types of books. But I just got annoyed - the ridiculous (and false) Russian name abbreviations; the contrived love story - these are just tiring. Not sure I’ll continue the series.
October 4, 2017
"Lone-horse, hot-headed Pallorini who doesn't play nice with others is now the sweet smiling face of the MVPD, bridging gaps with the public, helping da boys in blue be social?"
When I closed the book on THE DROWNED GIRLS I resisted picking up the sequel right away. Not only because book one was dark, disturbing and intense and I thought to give myself a break from immersing myself in more of the same. But also because this sequel isn't even out yet and I worried that if it ended on a cliffhanger I'd have even longer to wait for the next. But good news! This one was not the same flavour of dark, just more suspense, and we are cliffhanger free going into book three. Also, it picks up only days after book one. So if you're looking to binge but are on the fence about it, I'm here to tell you : do it.
Not in her wildest dreams had she ever thought that her drive -- her fierce passion for justice in special victim crimes -- might have been shaped and fueled by childhood traumas, a life of abuse that she might have endured before she was found.
We learn a lot about Angie Pallorino in White's series opener. But more than that.. we learn how Angie herself doesn't know who she is. Or where she's come from. The mysteries of her own past, the memories that are now haunting her, how it ties into an investigation that might have cost her job -- and might be wrecking the beginnings of a relationship that threatens to unmoor Angie's carefully crafted life -- are at the center of THE LULLABY GIRL.
"Sometimes we think we're keeping secrets. But really, those secrets are keeping you."
I absolutely loved how Angie's story, her past, was woven into the fabric of a tale that was so much bigger than what it seemed after book one. I also loved how so much of what we assumed in book one was basically debunked. There were so many layers woven through White's first book and it's amazing to see how they've played out as more and more came to light. This story dealt with some of the same themes as the series opener -- human trafficking, women forced into the sex trade -- but twisted up with that were connections to the mob and local biker gangs and their role in what was determined to be a much bigger operation that spanned globally; one that had been in place for years.
Angie's method of coping as the only female among the group was simple -- someone bullied or baited her, she punched hard and straight on the nose before her opponent could sink his teeth into her fragile spots. It worked.
With Angie on probation, working her own case in her own time, she's taking her frustrations out on Maddocks. She risked her job by disobeying an order to save his life and in trade he's now fronting the investigation she spearheaded. And then gets pulled into a huge inter-agency taskforce. Naturally this forces Angie to sabotage her relationship with him, to shut him out, to take her frustrations and rage on him and what is building between them. Angie is not always likeable, often frustrating, but endlessly compelling. She's also very self-aware. She recognizes the devastation left by her actions. She knows he isn't at fault. She has moments where she is very focused and rational. But the closer she gets to uncovering her past, the less she's willing to stop, to pull back, to stay safe and listen.
There was only one way forward now. Ironically, it meant going backward first.
I definitely suspected a cliffhanger with the way this story was unfolding. I thought for sure we'd be left waiting for this particular piece of the Pallorino puzzle to slide into place. But it was so nice to be wrong. While I definitely think I liked book one more, despite the subject matter, this second installment is so critical to tie up certain loose ends and start a new chapter for our leading lady. I really love where this book has left the characters, I love my theory of where Angie will go next (though I'm hoping we don't see too many changes, at least not right away..) and, well.. I can't wait to see what White offers up next.
4 "Crab Mafia? that's a thing? / sure it's a thing. everyone knows / I didn't know that was a thing" stars
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
When I closed the book on THE DROWNED GIRLS I resisted picking up the sequel right away. Not only because book one was dark, disturbing and intense and I thought to give myself a break from immersing myself in more of the same. But also because this sequel isn't even out yet and I worried that if it ended on a cliffhanger I'd have even longer to wait for the next. But good news! This one was not the same flavour of dark, just more suspense, and we are cliffhanger free going into book three. Also, it picks up only days after book one. So if you're looking to binge but are on the fence about it, I'm here to tell you : do it.
Not in her wildest dreams had she ever thought that her drive -- her fierce passion for justice in special victim crimes -- might have been shaped and fueled by childhood traumas, a life of abuse that she might have endured before she was found.
We learn a lot about Angie Pallorino in White's series opener. But more than that.. we learn how Angie herself doesn't know who she is. Or where she's come from. The mysteries of her own past, the memories that are now haunting her, how it ties into an investigation that might have cost her job -- and might be wrecking the beginnings of a relationship that threatens to unmoor Angie's carefully crafted life -- are at the center of THE LULLABY GIRL.
"Sometimes we think we're keeping secrets. But really, those secrets are keeping you."
I absolutely loved how Angie's story, her past, was woven into the fabric of a tale that was so much bigger than what it seemed after book one. I also loved how so much of what we assumed in book one was basically debunked. There were so many layers woven through White's first book and it's amazing to see how they've played out as more and more came to light. This story dealt with some of the same themes as the series opener -- human trafficking, women forced into the sex trade -- but twisted up with that were connections to the mob and local biker gangs and their role in what was determined to be a much bigger operation that spanned globally; one that had been in place for years.
Angie's method of coping as the only female among the group was simple -- someone bullied or baited her, she punched hard and straight on the nose before her opponent could sink his teeth into her fragile spots. It worked.
With Angie on probation, working her own case in her own time, she's taking her frustrations out on Maddocks. She risked her job by disobeying an order to save his life and in trade he's now fronting the investigation she spearheaded. And then gets pulled into a huge inter-agency taskforce. Naturally this forces Angie to sabotage her relationship with him, to shut him out, to take her frustrations and rage on him and what is building between them. Angie is not always likeable, often frustrating, but endlessly compelling. She's also very self-aware. She recognizes the devastation left by her actions. She knows he isn't at fault. She has moments where she is very focused and rational. But the closer she gets to uncovering her past, the less she's willing to stop, to pull back, to stay safe and listen.
There was only one way forward now. Ironically, it meant going backward first.
I definitely suspected a cliffhanger with the way this story was unfolding. I thought for sure we'd be left waiting for this particular piece of the Pallorino puzzle to slide into place. But it was so nice to be wrong. While I definitely think I liked book one more, despite the subject matter, this second installment is so critical to tie up certain loose ends and start a new chapter for our leading lady. I really love where this book has left the characters, I love my theory of where Angie will go next (though I'm hoping we don't see too many changes, at least not right away..) and, well.. I can't wait to see what White offers up next.
4 "Crab Mafia? that's a thing? / sure it's a thing. everyone knows / I didn't know that was a thing" stars
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
February 8, 2018
I have really become a fan of Ms. White over the last couple of years and this new series has quickly become a favorite. The Lullaby Girl was a great follow up to The Drowned Girls.
On one hand, it was very upsetting to see Angie's professional live crumble. This is how she identified herself. On the other hand, I don't like when a lead character can't function in their job and an author lets them remain in the job. Kudos to Ms. White for a difficult development for Angie. It made her character's situation feel so real.
And the rest of the characters don't disappoint either. One of my favorite elements of this series is the depth given to the supporting cast. They feel real and not cookie cutter. The character of Kjel is growing more interesting as this series progresses. My only complaint is not enough Maddocks.
But not only are the characters great, but the story telling is awesome. Ms White wowed me with this plot! What an excellent story that evolves from Angie's past. I could not put my reader down. In fact that's one of the biggest complements that I have for books - I made no notes! Who wants to take time off from reading to make notes. I generally do this when a book disappoints and this book did not disappoint.
I'm looking forward to the next book (The Girl in the Moss) in this series, but June seems a long time away. A huge thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for an opportunity to read and review an ARC!
On one hand, it was very upsetting to see Angie's professional live crumble. This is how she identified herself. On the other hand, I don't like when a lead character can't function in their job and an author lets them remain in the job. Kudos to Ms. White for a difficult development for Angie. It made her character's situation feel so real.
And the rest of the characters don't disappoint either. One of my favorite elements of this series is the depth given to the supporting cast. They feel real and not cookie cutter. The character of Kjel is growing more interesting as this series progresses. My only complaint is not enough Maddocks.
But not only are the characters great, but the story telling is awesome. Ms White wowed me with this plot! What an excellent story that evolves from Angie's past. I could not put my reader down. In fact that's one of the biggest complements that I have for books - I made no notes! Who wants to take time off from reading to make notes. I generally do this when a book disappoints and this book did not disappoint.
I'm looking forward to the next book (The Girl in the Moss) in this series, but June seems a long time away. A huge thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for an opportunity to read and review an ARC!
March 23, 2019
After being accused of using excessive force when taking down a serial killer, Detective Angie Pallorino has been given a desk assignment. Angie hates it, but realizes this gives her time to dig into the mystery of her own past. As her lover Detective Sergeant James Maddocks continues working on the sex-trafficking case that she had once been part of, Angie is suddenly pulled into a new case. A child's shoe has washed up onto a beach. The tiny foot inside is found to be a match to Angie's DNA. Could this help unlock parts of Angie's past that she has forgotten?
This is an excellent follow-up to The Drowned Girls. If you haven't read the first book, read it before you start this one. This book picks up right where the last one ended. Angie is in trouble at work and may even lose her job. Maddocks is worried about her and puts up with her stonewalling and lashing out at him. The story is well-paced. I had a hard time putting it down. Each clue shows us something new. I can't wait to start the next book in the series. My rating: 5 Stars.
This is an excellent follow-up to The Drowned Girls. If you haven't read the first book, read it before you start this one. This book picks up right where the last one ended. Angie is in trouble at work and may even lose her job. Maddocks is worried about her and puts up with her stonewalling and lashing out at him. The story is well-paced. I had a hard time putting it down. Each clue shows us something new. I can't wait to start the next book in the series. My rating: 5 Stars.
May 1, 2018
- "Sometimes, Maddocks thought...it wasn't just bad guys who hurt young girls, it was bureaucracy. Pride. Territorialism."
Very enjoyable second book in the Angie Pallorino series that took some surprising turns. I went into it expecting a bit more of a romance between Angie and Maddocks, and I also expected more focus on Angie's tense relationship with police colleagues and superiors. It does not really focus much on these issues but instead centers the story around Angie's quest to discover the truth behind her very mysterious childhood. I can say though that despite surprising plotting, the book really worked for me, and I was left satisfied on Angie's behalf that by the end of the book her future is promising. If the first book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger regarding Angie's future with the Victoria police force, this book resolves that issue in a surprising but effective way.
One of the central themes of this second book is that bureaucracy in law enforcement is damaging. Victims' search for justice is tossed aside when expedient, officers are thrown under the bus when convenient, and all hands are tied at times as top officials engage in power struggles. This is not by any means an anti-law enforcement book, but it does point out the limitations of bureaucracy in the industry. Angie is a "lone wolf" and cannot change her personality to adapt successfully to an at-times inefficient business. She is constantly butting heads with her superiors about rules and regulations, and Maddocks, as much as he cares for her, is not able to contain her independence as much as he sometimes wishes. After the first book I expected more of a Jane Tennison type of book here, and perhaps if this was going to be a longer series, it would have kept its eye on the struggles of a woman to succeed in this very very patriarchal and bureaucratic world. Much of the story though puts Angie outside this setting and on her own. The demeaning attempt to demote her, take away her weapon, force her back into a uniform, and seat her at a desk lasted all of one and a half chapters (thankfully!). On her own though, she really shines and I'm excited to see where the next book in the series takes her. The book is a nail-biter at times too with great suspense and genuinely frightening villains.
The romance is a little sidelined given the goals of the book to shine a light on what Angie can do independently. However, Maddocks has her back, as is shown in many ways, and if the obstacles a young romance faces seem daunting at times, the book also shows cleverly how Angie and Maddocks resolve their challenges and create a viable future together. I'm looking forward to the third book (final book?) soon.
Very enjoyable second book in the Angie Pallorino series that took some surprising turns. I went into it expecting a bit more of a romance between Angie and Maddocks, and I also expected more focus on Angie's tense relationship with police colleagues and superiors. It does not really focus much on these issues but instead centers the story around Angie's quest to discover the truth behind her very mysterious childhood. I can say though that despite surprising plotting, the book really worked for me, and I was left satisfied on Angie's behalf that by the end of the book her future is promising. If the first book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger regarding Angie's future with the Victoria police force, this book resolves that issue in a surprising but effective way.
One of the central themes of this second book is that bureaucracy in law enforcement is damaging. Victims' search for justice is tossed aside when expedient, officers are thrown under the bus when convenient, and all hands are tied at times as top officials engage in power struggles. This is not by any means an anti-law enforcement book, but it does point out the limitations of bureaucracy in the industry. Angie is a "lone wolf" and cannot change her personality to adapt successfully to an at-times inefficient business. She is constantly butting heads with her superiors about rules and regulations, and Maddocks, as much as he cares for her, is not able to contain her independence as much as he sometimes wishes. After the first book I expected more of a Jane Tennison type of book here, and perhaps if this was going to be a longer series, it would have kept its eye on the struggles of a woman to succeed in this very very patriarchal and bureaucratic world. Much of the story though puts Angie outside this setting and on her own. The demeaning attempt to demote her, take away her weapon, force her back into a uniform, and seat her at a desk lasted all of one and a half chapters (thankfully!). On her own though, she really shines and I'm excited to see where the next book in the series takes her. The book is a nail-biter at times too with great suspense and genuinely frightening villains.
The romance is a little sidelined given the goals of the book to shine a light on what Angie can do independently. However, Maddocks has her back, as is shown in many ways, and if the obstacles a young romance faces seem daunting at times, the book also shows cleverly how Angie and Maddocks resolve their challenges and create a viable future together. I'm looking forward to the third book (final book?) soon.
March 1, 2019
An investigation of human trafficking and sex slavery from the previous book continues in this one. But without Angie, much to my disappointment. She's under investigation for use of excessive force in killing that psycho in the last book. Angie has a quick temper and has anger management issues but I still like her. She has this fierce drive in helping broken women and children.
She also has a powerful need to know about her past. And with the dismembered foot found, she has to go back from the beginning and learn who she really is.
Without knowing, this organized crime and Angie's personal investigation into her past would intersect in the end.
She also has a powerful need to know about her past. And with the dismembered foot found, she has to go back from the beginning and learn who she really is.
Without knowing, this organized crime and Angie's personal investigation into her past would intersect in the end.
September 29, 2017
*4.5 stars*
The Angie Pallorino series is really ramping up with this second book! I could not put it down, and finished it within a few hours. I absolutely think you need the first book before reading this one, however. They are very, very closely tied.
Angie's been placed on disciplinary action, demoted to a social media and school-visits desk, stripped of her weapon. She's supposed to keep her head down for the next twelve months, but when a child's high top sneaker washes ashore with the remains of a foot, she starts investigating anyway. She knows that this is a key to a past she isn't able to remember.
Maddocks is here too, investigating the sex-trafficking ring they discovered in the first book. But this book is really about Angie and the intricate puzzle of who she had once been.
I'm thrilled there's going to be a third book, and hope it has more of Holgerson in it. He's a weird character with quirks galore and a hinted at dark past. I want to know what that past is.
*Thanks to Montlake Romance and Netgalley for an ARC*
The Angie Pallorino series is really ramping up with this second book! I could not put it down, and finished it within a few hours. I absolutely think you need the first book before reading this one, however. They are very, very closely tied.
Angie's been placed on disciplinary action, demoted to a social media and school-visits desk, stripped of her weapon. She's supposed to keep her head down for the next twelve months, but when a child's high top sneaker washes ashore with the remains of a foot, she starts investigating anyway. She knows that this is a key to a past she isn't able to remember.
Maddocks is here too, investigating the sex-trafficking ring they discovered in the first book. But this book is really about Angie and the intricate puzzle of who she had once been.
I'm thrilled there's going to be a third book, and hope it has more of Holgerson in it. He's a weird character with quirks galore and a hinted at dark past. I want to know what that past is.
*Thanks to Montlake Romance and Netgalley for an ARC*
July 30, 2020
4 stars
I'm waffling between a 3.5 and 4 stars I listed to the audio version. Angie and her past come full circle. Lots of suspense and the relationship with Maddox, well...
I have the audio version of the next book, The Girl in the Moss and will be listening soon. Can't wait to find out what happens next with Angie (and Maddox). It sure to be intense and grisly.😜
I'm waffling between a 3.5 and 4 stars I listed to the audio version. Angie and her past come full circle. Lots of suspense and the relationship with Maddox, well...
I have the audio version of the next book, The Girl in the Moss and will be listening soon. Can't wait to find out what happens next with Angie (and Maddox). It sure to be intense and grisly.😜
April 20, 2024
3,5 ✨✨✨
(Audiobook)
(Audiobook)
September 16, 2017
I liked this one quite a bit; it was dark and gritty...and satisfying. A little slow in the beginning, but once I got into the book I couldn't put it down. By the end I was drained emotionally. This is not a standalone story, it picks up the threads from the first book of the series. The sex slave girls have been rescued; but now there are the masterminds of the sex trade in the ruthless Russian mob to find and bring down.
There was also the issue of Angie's unknown/unremembered and painful childhood memories, which are swirling in the corners of her mind. When she chances upon 30 year old police files, she jumps at the opportunity to deepen her investigation. She uncovers some shocking secrets from her past that could be perilous to her life.
Angie's professional life is also in shambles. After shooting ‘The Baptist’ from the first book, she is demoted to desk duty. Her relationship with Maddock is still occasionally tentative, but moving forward. He has been key to alleviating some of the darkness in her.
Kjel still has his secrets and demons, which White is still just beginning to unveil. Maddock has his own international crime investigation going, one which has a horrific tie-in to Angie.
This is some good stuff…I'm liking this series quite a bit. This is not RS; this is a police procedural crime drama, and the content is sordid at times. It hit the right buttons for me, though.
There was also the issue of Angie's unknown/unremembered and painful childhood memories, which are swirling in the corners of her mind. When she chances upon 30 year old police files, she jumps at the opportunity to deepen her investigation. She uncovers some shocking secrets from her past that could be perilous to her life.
Angie's professional life is also in shambles. After shooting ‘The Baptist’ from the first book, she is demoted to desk duty. Her relationship with Maddock is still occasionally tentative, but moving forward. He has been key to alleviating some of the darkness in her.
Kjel still has his secrets and demons, which White is still just beginning to unveil. Maddock has his own international crime investigation going, one which has a horrific tie-in to Angie.
This is some good stuff…I'm liking this series quite a bit. This is not RS; this is a police procedural crime drama, and the content is sordid at times. It hit the right buttons for me, though.
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