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The Mayhem Series #2
Blessed Mayhem
2017 Winner of Readers' Choice Award in Mystery/Thriller, hosted by Rosie's Book Reviews!!
A chance encounter …a deadly predicament …a lethal decision.
The infamous Mr. Mayhem is not your average serial killer. Reminiscent of the beloved Hannibal Lecter, minus his thirst for flesh—because eating humans is just plain rude—Mr. Mayhem storms on the scene with style, grace, elegance, and a zest for life unlike any other. Impeccable manners also help. He may commit murder, but there’s no reason to be impolite about it.
Accompanied by his loyal crow companions, Poe, Allan, and Edgar, his crimes strike fear in the hearts and minds of folks across Massachusetts’ North Shore. When Shawnee Daniels—cat burglar extraordinaire and forensic hacker for the police—meets Mayhem in the dark, she piques his curiosity. Sadly for her, she leaves behind an item best left undiscovered. Or is it serendipity by design?
Color him curious, but he yearns to examine the psychology behind her life choices, tough girl routine, witty banter, and unique double-life. In a different time and place they may even become friends. But unfortunately, their predicament defines the risk.
The stakes are too high to stop now.
For reasons authorities cannot fathom, these seemingly unrelated murders will go down in history as the most impressive killing regime of all time. His coup de grace, if you will. Even if it means permanently erasing Ms. Daniels from the equation. All the pieces are there if the authorities look hard enough. The question is, will they? The only new wrinkle is Shawnee Daniels, and she may be his toughest opponent yet …if she’s clever enough to play the game.
A chance encounter …a deadly predicament …a lethal decision.
The infamous Mr. Mayhem is not your average serial killer. Reminiscent of the beloved Hannibal Lecter, minus his thirst for flesh—because eating humans is just plain rude—Mr. Mayhem storms on the scene with style, grace, elegance, and a zest for life unlike any other. Impeccable manners also help. He may commit murder, but there’s no reason to be impolite about it.
Accompanied by his loyal crow companions, Poe, Allan, and Edgar, his crimes strike fear in the hearts and minds of folks across Massachusetts’ North Shore. When Shawnee Daniels—cat burglar extraordinaire and forensic hacker for the police—meets Mayhem in the dark, she piques his curiosity. Sadly for her, she leaves behind an item best left undiscovered. Or is it serendipity by design?
Color him curious, but he yearns to examine the psychology behind her life choices, tough girl routine, witty banter, and unique double-life. In a different time and place they may even become friends. But unfortunately, their predicament defines the risk.
The stakes are too high to stop now.
For reasons authorities cannot fathom, these seemingly unrelated murders will go down in history as the most impressive killing regime of all time. His coup de grace, if you will. Even if it means permanently erasing Ms. Daniels from the equation. All the pieces are there if the authorities look hard enough. The question is, will they? The only new wrinkle is Shawnee Daniels, and she may be his toughest opponent yet …if she’s clever enough to play the game.
ebook
First published August 9, 2017
5 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Sue Coletta
32 books146 followersSue Coletta is an award-winning crime writer and an active member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. Feedspot and Expertido.org named her Murder Blog as “Best 100 Crime Blogs on the Net.” She also blogs at the Kill Zone (Writer's Digest "101 Best Websites for Writers") and Writers Helping Writers.
Sue lives with her husband in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire and writes two psychological thriller series, the Mayhem Series and Grafton County Series, and true crime/narrative nonfiction.
When Sue's not writing, she teaches a virtual course about serial killers for EdAdvance in CT and a condensed version for her fellow Sisters In Crime. She's appeared on the Emmy award-winning true crime series, Storm of Suspicion, and three episodes of A Time to Kill on Investigation Discovery (airs: summer, 2023).
Learn more about Sue and her books at: https://suecoletta.com
Sue lives with her husband in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire and writes two psychological thriller series, the Mayhem Series and Grafton County Series, and true crime/narrative nonfiction.
When Sue's not writing, she teaches a virtual course about serial killers for EdAdvance in CT and a condensed version for her fellow Sisters In Crime. She's appeared on the Emmy award-winning true crime series, Storm of Suspicion, and three episodes of A Time to Kill on Investigation Discovery (airs: summer, 2023).
Learn more about Sue and her books at: https://suecoletta.com
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 14, 2019
The cat burglar and the serial killer collided in a most unexpected way. HE took it as a challenge…and with Shawnee, it certainly will be. He is looking forward to breaking her will, but Shawnee bends for no one.. Sparks fly whenever she is around and I love the snarky dialogue. She is a risk taker. She’s not a cop, but she works for them, running their cyber crime unit. If you get on her bad side, she would just as soon kick your ass as look at you.
Sue Coletta has taken a different route with Mr Mayhem and Shawnee Daniels. I love it! I find it very refreshing and challenging, and exciting, because I don’t know where she’s going to take me.
And…What’s up with the crows? That is a whole ‘nother issue.
Shawnee walks through a nightmare, at times the past and present merging together, making it hard for her to pull herself back from the brink of insanity. She guards her secrets closely, but sooner or later she is going to have to explain Maggie…and Jessup.
She tries more than Levaughn’s patience with her antics. He works as a detective for the police department. He knows about her burglaring, but thought she had given it up. I think she is hooked on the adrenaline high, and a safe, normal life won’t work for her.
She’s like an M&M, hard on the outside, soft on the inside. Her love for Berkley, her sleeping pill is his purr. Her motto, she’d face Lucifer himself to save a child. And she can’t say no to Levaughn, needing him to hold her, love her, when life becomes unbearable.
I can see Mr Mayhem’s resemblance to Hannibal Lector. I can see Shawnee’s resemblance to Clarice. I love that Sue Coletta took Blessed Mayhem so far out there, I had to reign myself in after the last page was read.
I don’t know if it is just me, but I wanted to be ‘shown’ more. Shawnee is so hard on the outside, I wanted to be ‘shown’ more of her love for Levaughn, her best friend and lover. I also wanted to be ‘shown’ more of the badass side and the evil that befalls her in her battle with Mr Mayhem. I wanted to get lost inside their heads. Maybe I just wasn’t ready for the story to end. If I did half stars, I would rate this 4.5, but seeing I don’t, I round up…5 Stars it is.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Blessed Mayhem by Sue Coletta.
See more at fundinmental
Sue Coletta has taken a different route with Mr Mayhem and Shawnee Daniels. I love it! I find it very refreshing and challenging, and exciting, because I don’t know where she’s going to take me.
And…What’s up with the crows? That is a whole ‘nother issue.
Shawnee walks through a nightmare, at times the past and present merging together, making it hard for her to pull herself back from the brink of insanity. She guards her secrets closely, but sooner or later she is going to have to explain Maggie…and Jessup.
She tries more than Levaughn’s patience with her antics. He works as a detective for the police department. He knows about her burglaring, but thought she had given it up. I think she is hooked on the adrenaline high, and a safe, normal life won’t work for her.
She’s like an M&M, hard on the outside, soft on the inside. Her love for Berkley, her sleeping pill is his purr. Her motto, she’d face Lucifer himself to save a child. And she can’t say no to Levaughn, needing him to hold her, love her, when life becomes unbearable.
I can see Mr Mayhem’s resemblance to Hannibal Lector. I can see Shawnee’s resemblance to Clarice. I love that Sue Coletta took Blessed Mayhem so far out there, I had to reign myself in after the last page was read.
I don’t know if it is just me, but I wanted to be ‘shown’ more. Shawnee is so hard on the outside, I wanted to be ‘shown’ more of her love for Levaughn, her best friend and lover. I also wanted to be ‘shown’ more of the badass side and the evil that befalls her in her battle with Mr Mayhem. I wanted to get lost inside their heads. Maybe I just wasn’t ready for the story to end. If I did half stars, I would rate this 4.5, but seeing I don’t, I round up…5 Stars it is.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Blessed Mayhem by Sue Coletta.
See more at fundinmental
April 22, 2018
This is the second book in the Mayhem series. It’s a stand alone book. You do not have to have read the first book to understand this one.
This is an unique story. Shawnee Daniels works in cyber crimes by day, cat burglar by night. Shawnee has had a hard life and has a lot of baggage as a result. Shawnee accidentally crosses paths with a cereal killer. This serial killer is an amazing and different type of character. All these things together make for a page turner. One of those rare books you will want to stay up all
Night and take a sick day.
This is an unique story. Shawnee Daniels works in cyber crimes by day, cat burglar by night. Shawnee has had a hard life and has a lot of baggage as a result. Shawnee accidentally crosses paths with a cereal killer. This serial killer is an amazing and different type of character. All these things together make for a page turner. One of those rare books you will want to stay up all
Night and take a sick day.
August 28, 2017
Read one of Sue Coletta’s stories, and you’ll want to read all of them. Read Wings of Mayhem and/or Hacked, and there’s no way you’ll want to miss Blessed Mayhem.
This series picks up with Shawnee Daniels, current forensic hacker and former cat burglar, reverting to her old ways. That’s bad in and of itself, considering she not only works for the police, she’s dating a detective. What makes matters worse is she gets caught—by a serial killer in the middle of a… let’s call it a project. Thus begins a pulse-pounding game of cat-and-mouse. Or maybe I should say cat-and-bird. The way the author incorporates crows and ravens into this story is nothing short of inspired.
Coletta has a fabulous ability to craft believable characters who do extraordinarily memorable things. Our heroine (or is she an anti-heroine?) has a complex past that we learn more about in this novel, a past that not only impacts all her present-day relationships but also inspires a rather bold decision on her part. Her love interest is sexy and stalwart, the perfect complement to the heroine and her less-than-pure actions. Her best friend is a quirky delight. And the villain is deliciously complex. I haven’t been this enthralled by an antagonist since Hannibal Lecter.
The plot is fast-paced, the settings exquisitely described. I love everything I read by this author, but this may have been my favorite work of hers so far. If you like heart-hammering suspense, you don’t want to miss this.
This series picks up with Shawnee Daniels, current forensic hacker and former cat burglar, reverting to her old ways. That’s bad in and of itself, considering she not only works for the police, she’s dating a detective. What makes matters worse is she gets caught—by a serial killer in the middle of a… let’s call it a project. Thus begins a pulse-pounding game of cat-and-mouse. Or maybe I should say cat-and-bird. The way the author incorporates crows and ravens into this story is nothing short of inspired.
Coletta has a fabulous ability to craft believable characters who do extraordinarily memorable things. Our heroine (or is she an anti-heroine?) has a complex past that we learn more about in this novel, a past that not only impacts all her present-day relationships but also inspires a rather bold decision on her part. Her love interest is sexy and stalwart, the perfect complement to the heroine and her less-than-pure actions. Her best friend is a quirky delight. And the villain is deliciously complex. I haven’t been this enthralled by an antagonist since Hannibal Lecter.
The plot is fast-paced, the settings exquisitely described. I love everything I read by this author, but this may have been my favorite work of hers so far. If you like heart-hammering suspense, you don’t want to miss this.
August 17, 2017
Blessed Mayhem by Sue Coletta (Crossroad Press, August 9, 2017) is the second book in this author’s Mayhem series, featuring cat-burglar/computer hacker Shawnee Daniels.
I’ve been watching Coletta develop her unique style of storytelling and complicated characters during the past several years, and I’ve become a devoted fan of her fiction. Like any experienced crime writer she begins with a murder. Then she places her protagonist in jeopardy and heaps on the complications. Shawnee is caught, again and again, between a rock and a hard place. Although she’s incredibly resourceful, you just know one of these days she’ll get into trouble she can’t talk or fight her way out of.
Or the people closest to her will be killed, and it will be her fault for placing them in jeopardy.
Nadine, Shawnee’s BFF and roommate, tries to be helpful but usually manages to make things worse. I’ve never known a real librarian to be so clueless. She’s like a cross between Lou Costello and Stan Laurel. If Coletta wants to highlight the differences between the two friends, she’s certainly succeeded. Shawnee has a wisecracking mouth on her that won’t quit. She swears like a sailor and kicks ass. Nadine, on the other hand, won’t even say “shit.” She’ll say “ship” instead. They’re as different as night and day.
Coletta also gives Shawnee Daniels a unique first-person voice while using third-person POV to define Levaughn and Mr. Mayhem. Nadine is such a nay-sayer, she doesn’t deserve a voice.
As in her previous novels, Coletta obviously does lots of research and passes along what she’s learned. Blessed Mayhem includes factual information about crows, crime scene procedures, and the meaning of BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion), plus a few choice tidbits about computer hacking.
And kudos to Coletta for heightening the suspense. Just when Shawnee is hip-deep in alligators, she tosses a poison snake—maybe not literally, but close enough for government work—into the pond.
I look forward to the next book in the Mayhem series.
I’ve been watching Coletta develop her unique style of storytelling and complicated characters during the past several years, and I’ve become a devoted fan of her fiction. Like any experienced crime writer she begins with a murder. Then she places her protagonist in jeopardy and heaps on the complications. Shawnee is caught, again and again, between a rock and a hard place. Although she’s incredibly resourceful, you just know one of these days she’ll get into trouble she can’t talk or fight her way out of.
Or the people closest to her will be killed, and it will be her fault for placing them in jeopardy.
Nadine, Shawnee’s BFF and roommate, tries to be helpful but usually manages to make things worse. I’ve never known a real librarian to be so clueless. She’s like a cross between Lou Costello and Stan Laurel. If Coletta wants to highlight the differences between the two friends, she’s certainly succeeded. Shawnee has a wisecracking mouth on her that won’t quit. She swears like a sailor and kicks ass. Nadine, on the other hand, won’t even say “shit.” She’ll say “ship” instead. They’re as different as night and day.
Coletta also gives Shawnee Daniels a unique first-person voice while using third-person POV to define Levaughn and Mr. Mayhem. Nadine is such a nay-sayer, she doesn’t deserve a voice.
As in her previous novels, Coletta obviously does lots of research and passes along what she’s learned. Blessed Mayhem includes factual information about crows, crime scene procedures, and the meaning of BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion), plus a few choice tidbits about computer hacking.
And kudos to Coletta for heightening the suspense. Just when Shawnee is hip-deep in alligators, she tosses a poison snake—maybe not literally, but close enough for government work—into the pond.
I look forward to the next book in the Mayhem series.
September 23, 2017
I started reading Sue's books on the recommendation of a friend and she fast became one of my favourite authors. Blessed Mayhem is just another example of her amazing talent as a writer. Her character Shawnee is so refreshing, with a talent for investigating mysteries to her ability as a cat burglar. Mr Mayhem has a sophistication as a serial killer that you can't help but like him but also find yourself appalled at his actions as he terrifies you with his calculated murderous ways. Sue just gets better and better with each book she writes. Once you start reading one of her books whether its Blessed, Wings, Marred or Cleaved, you will be hooked and finding it impossible to put it down. You will make the time to read these books and that means well into the night because you just have to know what happens. Good job Sue and I'm looking forward to the next chapter.
August 9, 2017
Wow!! Sue Coletta just gets better with each book. This author sucks me in with her stories and doesn't let go until the last page. Shawnee was a fantastic character to revisit and learn more about. I love her attitude and her character. This book was fast paced with lots of action and more twists in the story and I loved every page of it. The secondary characters are just as endearing and well developed. I hope to read more books about Shawnee in the future and have definitely added this author to my must read list. I received an ARC of this book from the author and am gladly giving my honest and voluntary review.
August 16, 2017
Wow! The first thought that comes to my mind at the end of this book. I loved this book. Sue does a great job with her characters and the plot. I loved the detailed information about crows in this book as well. I found this book to be a gripping story and I wanted to read it in one sitting, but unfortunately, life and work got in the way. I hated to put it down and go to bed at night. Sue’s characters are so well written that I can find someone that I know who might be just like them and it makes them that much more real. I love the friendship between Nadine and Shawnee, the fact that they are different personalities makes their friendship so much more entertaining. I love that Sue added some Boston dialect in the book too.
Great story, and characters. I love Sue’s books and I have only just started reading her work, but will be filling my library with her books as soon as I can. This is a 5-star book in my opinion. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story telling talent Sue!
Great story, and characters. I love Sue’s books and I have only just started reading her work, but will be filling my library with her books as soon as I can. This is a 5-star book in my opinion. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story telling talent Sue!
August 9, 2017
I’m a fan of Sue Coletta’s writing, but her Mayhem series is my favorite, the character of Shawnee Daniels unique and unforgettable. As a computer hacker, Shawnee is a modern-day Robin Hood with street creed. Although she works for the police department she isn’t above moonlighting as a cat burglar, a side job that invariably leads to trouble.
This time around she crosses paths with Mr. Mayhem, a chilling serial killer who is equally genteel and sadistic. Not your garden-variety killer, Mayhem is cultured, intelligent, and able to communicate with several crows he has trained to do his bidding. The crows (especially Poe) are an ingenious touch, making this brilliantly-imagined character intoxicating and unique.
One of my favorite sections of the novel is when Mayhem and Shawnee briefly set aside their differences to save a young girl. Those scenes have “movie” written all over them, and I have no doubt that Coletta’s work will one day see such accolades. She’s a definitely a star in her genre and a talent to watch. I eagerly look forward to the next Shawnee adventure.
This time around she crosses paths with Mr. Mayhem, a chilling serial killer who is equally genteel and sadistic. Not your garden-variety killer, Mayhem is cultured, intelligent, and able to communicate with several crows he has trained to do his bidding. The crows (especially Poe) are an ingenious touch, making this brilliantly-imagined character intoxicating and unique.
One of my favorite sections of the novel is when Mayhem and Shawnee briefly set aside their differences to save a young girl. Those scenes have “movie” written all over them, and I have no doubt that Coletta’s work will one day see such accolades. She’s a definitely a star in her genre and a talent to watch. I eagerly look forward to the next Shawnee adventure.
August 12, 2017
A riveting thrill ride that doesn't ask "who" the killer is but "why?". Mr. Mayhem is an interesting character who, if he wasn't a serial killer, would be a likable person. This made reading this book unsettling for me (which is the whole purpose for reading a thriller) but also thoroughly kept my interest. Shawnee is outstanding as she works to unravel the motives of Mr. M and at the same time protect those she loves.
FYI make sure you leave a light on.
FYI make sure you leave a light on.
December 14, 2017
This series just keeps getting better! I love Shawnee! She is not your typical heroine, and she is perfect for what she does. This story is fast paced, full of action and twists you will not see coming! Can't wait for the next one!!
September 25, 2017
I had heard so much about this book going in, that I was excited to start it, and wow, I'm glad I did!
This book has so many twists and turns it kept me guessing the whole way through. Filled with snarky characters and a killer that gets a thrill out of turning his victims into masterpieces, and you have one thrilling ride!
Shawnee Daniels is a memorable heroine; part-time cat burglar, full-time police computer techie, she is all attitude, strong, brave, and maybe a little bit naive.
Mr. Mayhem; talk about a complex character! Ms. Coletta does a stupendous job of drawing the reader into the chilling mind of a serial killer with a twisted sense of humor and an imaginative way of murdering his victims. Oh yeah, he trains crows to do his bidding, as well!
This book will stay with you long after it's finished, a highly recommended read.
I give Blessed Mayhem 5 lovely kisses
First posted on It's All About the Romance
This book has so many twists and turns it kept me guessing the whole way through. Filled with snarky characters and a killer that gets a thrill out of turning his victims into masterpieces, and you have one thrilling ride!
Shawnee Daniels is a memorable heroine; part-time cat burglar, full-time police computer techie, she is all attitude, strong, brave, and maybe a little bit naive.
Mr. Mayhem; talk about a complex character! Ms. Coletta does a stupendous job of drawing the reader into the chilling mind of a serial killer with a twisted sense of humor and an imaginative way of murdering his victims. Oh yeah, he trains crows to do his bidding, as well!
This book will stay with you long after it's finished, a highly recommended read.
I give Blessed Mayhem 5 lovely kisses
First posted on It's All About the Romance
August 25, 2017
This is the second book in the Mayhem Series, starring the inimitable Shawnee Daniels in another brilliant crime thriller set in Massachusetts, USA.
Shawnee is an unlikely hero, with a heart of gold and a vocabulary to shame the devil. She encounters a serial killer during one of her rare nightly forays as a burglar, triggering both his interest and his fascination.
What follows is an unusual relationship between them. Fast and witty, the dialogue between them will make your head spin. Mr Mayhem, as Shawnee calls the killer, is a remarkable man. Intelligent, elegant, with a wicked sense of humour. Totally, unlike any serial killer I have ever read about, and the perfect foil for the smart and quick witted Shawnee Daniels, occasional burglar and computer specialist for the Police Department.
You are not supposed to like serial killers, but you will love this one, especially the relationship between him and Shawnee. There are so many good things in this story, from the hilarious antics of Mayhem’s three pet crows, to the detailed description of the intricate world of computer hacking.
This book has it all, fast action and twisting plots that will literally keep you gasping for air as the tension grips you by the throat.
The ending was intriguing, but slightly disappointing. This only made me want to read the next in the series!
Shawnee is an unlikely hero, with a heart of gold and a vocabulary to shame the devil. She encounters a serial killer during one of her rare nightly forays as a burglar, triggering both his interest and his fascination.
What follows is an unusual relationship between them. Fast and witty, the dialogue between them will make your head spin. Mr Mayhem, as Shawnee calls the killer, is a remarkable man. Intelligent, elegant, with a wicked sense of humour. Totally, unlike any serial killer I have ever read about, and the perfect foil for the smart and quick witted Shawnee Daniels, occasional burglar and computer specialist for the Police Department.
You are not supposed to like serial killers, but you will love this one, especially the relationship between him and Shawnee. There are so many good things in this story, from the hilarious antics of Mayhem’s three pet crows, to the detailed description of the intricate world of computer hacking.
This book has it all, fast action and twisting plots that will literally keep you gasping for air as the tension grips you by the throat.
The ending was intriguing, but slightly disappointing. This only made me want to read the next in the series!
August 23, 2017
Awesome story and writer. I loved this book and I am looking forward to reading more of the series.
March 25, 2023
I absolutely love this book. Shawnee finds herself meeting the formidable Mr. Mayhem and his murder of crows. Thus begins a dance that could have life altering implications. Shawnee is such a great character, but is it ok to pull for the bad guy? This book had me doing just that. An unputdownable thriller that you should definitely read with the lights on!
August 11, 2017
Phenomenal, Electrifying and Spectacular Read!!!
Cat burglar versus a serial killer brings the reader
into a horrifying, intriguing, bone chilling world of
terror.
Shawnee Daniels is computer specialist/hacker for
the police department. She had been a cat burglar
at night but refrained from this for months. But
tonight, she found a man who needs to be avenged,
so the cat burglar in her has resurfaced.
Only Shawnee finds herself in the wrong place at
the wrong time!!!!
After breaking into the house, she discovers
another intruder present. He is in the process of
murdering the woman of the house.
Shawnee realizes that she has come face to face
with the recent serial killer that keeps invading
capture leaving no clues to be followed.
Now she is in deep trouble as the serial killer
calling himself, Mr Mayhem also has a flock of
trained crows to attack and follow those that get
near him. Will Shawnee be able to escape his
reach?? Will she be able to keep the ones she
cares about safe from Mr Mayhem?
The story contains harsh reality. The plot has
many surprising twist and turns plus subplots. It
also address child endangerment and Children's
Services child placement.
The characters are creatively and artfully drawn.
Each character is a distinctive person. Each one
influences whether the consequences involving the
others will be evil or good.
A highly recommended, compulsive page turner.
This is a story will stay with you long after you finish
reading.
I volunteered to read Blessed Mayhem. Thanks to
the author for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.
Cat burglar versus a serial killer brings the reader
into a horrifying, intriguing, bone chilling world of
terror.
Shawnee Daniels is computer specialist/hacker for
the police department. She had been a cat burglar
at night but refrained from this for months. But
tonight, she found a man who needs to be avenged,
so the cat burglar in her has resurfaced.
Only Shawnee finds herself in the wrong place at
the wrong time!!!!
After breaking into the house, she discovers
another intruder present. He is in the process of
murdering the woman of the house.
Shawnee realizes that she has come face to face
with the recent serial killer that keeps invading
capture leaving no clues to be followed.
Now she is in deep trouble as the serial killer
calling himself, Mr Mayhem also has a flock of
trained crows to attack and follow those that get
near him. Will Shawnee be able to escape his
reach?? Will she be able to keep the ones she
cares about safe from Mr Mayhem?
The story contains harsh reality. The plot has
many surprising twist and turns plus subplots. It
also address child endangerment and Children's
Services child placement.
The characters are creatively and artfully drawn.
Each character is a distinctive person. Each one
influences whether the consequences involving the
others will be evil or good.
A highly recommended, compulsive page turner.
This is a story will stay with you long after you finish
reading.
I volunteered to read Blessed Mayhem. Thanks to
the author for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.
August 16, 2019
I didn’t realize I was starting with book 2 of the series, but it didn’t matter since the book read perfectly well as a stand-alone. The main (first-person) character Shawnee works for the police department. She’s one tough woman, often snarky and defensive, but gifted with a soft heart too. She also has few qualms about taking things into her own hands and breaking the law.
When she breaks into the home of a sleazy rich guy, she comes into contact with Mr. Mayhem, a serial killer who meticulously stages his victims according to a bizarre plan. Mayhem finds Shawnee challenging and intriguing, and he repeatedly manipulates their relationship, though she does her best to keep him on his toes. The tension and suspense kept me flipping pages, and there are plenty of twists.
I enjoyed Shawnee as a character, but what I liked best about the book was Mr. Mayhem. He’s not a 2-dimensional villain – far from it. His murders are hideous, and yet… there are times when he’s very sympathetic. This character has a number of (third-person) chapters in his POV, so the reader gets an opportunity to see inside his head.
The pace is speedy, descriptions well done, and dialog is excellent. Recommended to readers who enjoy a thrill.
When she breaks into the home of a sleazy rich guy, she comes into contact with Mr. Mayhem, a serial killer who meticulously stages his victims according to a bizarre plan. Mayhem finds Shawnee challenging and intriguing, and he repeatedly manipulates their relationship, though she does her best to keep him on his toes. The tension and suspense kept me flipping pages, and there are plenty of twists.
I enjoyed Shawnee as a character, but what I liked best about the book was Mr. Mayhem. He’s not a 2-dimensional villain – far from it. His murders are hideous, and yet… there are times when he’s very sympathetic. This character has a number of (third-person) chapters in his POV, so the reader gets an opportunity to see inside his head.
The pace is speedy, descriptions well done, and dialog is excellent. Recommended to readers who enjoy a thrill.
May 25, 2023
This was the second book in the Mayhem series.
Shawnee just don’t learn lessons well!
I love this series and have a hate/love relationship with it’s characters lol.
Shawnee is a tough gal with a gooey center. She has lots of trauma in her past and it’s hard for her to trust, even when the person has shown her she can trust them.
Nadine, her best friend, I can’t get a good read on. She seems ditzy at times and immature. She is definitely not someone Shawnee would associate with if they didn’t have a past together. I’m waiting to see if her character gets more depth to her. As of now she may be my least favorite one… that’s including the serial killer.
Levaughn, Shawnee’s boyfriend, is a detective that obviously loves her. He was a straight arrow before getting involved with her. Now he finds himself covering up for her constantly. Something will probably break sooner or later if she doesn’t get her act together.
Mr. Mayhem & his crows are probably my favorite characters in this book… yes he is a serial killer. He reminds me of a Hannibal Lecture… only Mr. M doesn’t eat his victims. The same wit is there. You feel bad for likening him… but here I am.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book. This has been an action packed series.
Shawnee just don’t learn lessons well!
I love this series and have a hate/love relationship with it’s characters lol.
Shawnee is a tough gal with a gooey center. She has lots of trauma in her past and it’s hard for her to trust, even when the person has shown her she can trust them.
Nadine, her best friend, I can’t get a good read on. She seems ditzy at times and immature. She is definitely not someone Shawnee would associate with if they didn’t have a past together. I’m waiting to see if her character gets more depth to her. As of now she may be my least favorite one… that’s including the serial killer.
Levaughn, Shawnee’s boyfriend, is a detective that obviously loves her. He was a straight arrow before getting involved with her. Now he finds himself covering up for her constantly. Something will probably break sooner or later if she doesn’t get her act together.
Mr. Mayhem & his crows are probably my favorite characters in this book… yes he is a serial killer. He reminds me of a Hannibal Lecture… only Mr. M doesn’t eat his victims. The same wit is there. You feel bad for likening him… but here I am.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book. This has been an action packed series.
August 25, 2023
Even better than the first in the Mayhem series. Cat burglar Shawnee Daniels once again gets on the wrong side of a serial killer, putting herself at risk of severe injury—if not death. The excursion into the training of crows to be accessories of antagonist, "Mr. Mayhem," offers an entertaining if unusual addition to the storyline. This Mr. Mayhem has nothing to do with the villain in the first book in the series but rivals his predecessor in display of victims. That’s, of course, where the series takes its name.
The same friends and family appear in this story, Shawnee's boyfriend—police officer Levaughn Samuels and her roommate Nadine. Lots of conflict and rising tension involving both protagonist Shawnee Daniels and those people mentioned above.
If you like serious crime fiction on the violent side but with great character development, this is for you. I'll be moving on to Silent Mayhem, book three in the series, sometime soon.
The same friends and family appear in this story, Shawnee's boyfriend—police officer Levaughn Samuels and her roommate Nadine. Lots of conflict and rising tension involving both protagonist Shawnee Daniels and those people mentioned above.
If you like serious crime fiction on the violent side but with great character development, this is for you. I'll be moving on to Silent Mayhem, book three in the series, sometime soon.
December 7, 2023
I have read and loved a couple of the newer Mayhem stories and now I’m going back to the beginning to watch it all unfold. Even knowing what happens down the road, this story still had me on the edge of my seat because I had no idea how relationships progressed. Shawnee works for the police department and is dating a detective, but in secret, she is a Robinhood-type cat burglar. This gets her into trouble when she runs across a body and the killer, Mr. Mayhem. Now, Shawnee is forced to confront her past and try to stay alive. It is strange to root for a burglar and serial killer, but I couldn’t help it because they had so much depth and layers that I understood them. Although there are brutal deaths, humor is mixed in perfectly balancing that out. My favorite characters, besides Shawnee and Mr. Mayhem, are the Crows, especially Poe. I am on to book three even more curious and can highly recommend “Blessed Mayhem.”
March 12, 2022
Mystery and intrigue. Trust? You decide.
Blessed Mayhem is the first book in the Mayhem series I have read. I was mesmerized by Poe, the raven, and his abilities. I guess it must be said one must not underestimate the intellectual abilities of a bird, especially this species. You certainly don't want one to imprint a negative view of yourself. I had empathy for Shawnee when those around her thought she was going over the edge. The tunnel scene had me holding my breath. Mr. Mayhem is one sly dude and I don't know yet if I trust him. Maybe the next novel will seal the deal. I enjoyed this book immensely.
Blessed Mayhem is the first book in the Mayhem series I have read. I was mesmerized by Poe, the raven, and his abilities. I guess it must be said one must not underestimate the intellectual abilities of a bird, especially this species. You certainly don't want one to imprint a negative view of yourself. I had empathy for Shawnee when those around her thought she was going over the edge. The tunnel scene had me holding my breath. Mr. Mayhem is one sly dude and I don't know yet if I trust him. Maybe the next novel will seal the deal. I enjoyed this book immensely.
April 5, 2021
Finished reading Blessed Mayhem, book 2 in the Mayhem series. WOW! Great story and I LOVED Mr. Mayhem, one of the coolest bad guys I've discovered in thrillers, a serial killer with another life as a museum curator, husband, father, grandfather, deep love for children and crows, care taker of a wife suffering ALS. Why does he kill, simply for the thrill of the hunt and the game? Can't wait to read Silent Mayhem, book 3 in the series!
September 4, 2020
In Book 2 of the series, we catch up with street-smart and snarky Shawnee Daniel's, PD hacker analyst extraordinaire, and former cat burglar. Ok, well, old habits die hard. Meet Mr. Mayhem, a serial killer -with morals? When the two accidentally cross paths, Shawn's world is sent spiraling into Mayhem, literally!
This series is definitely worth the read!
This series is definitely worth the read!
December 20, 2022
Book 2 in The Mayhem series.
Shawnee Daniels, police department digital forensics expert, cat burglar turned sleuth chances upon Mr Mayhem, a well spoken, impeccably dressed serial killer, who kills women for fun.
Blessed Mayhem is a riveting, fast paced, suspense thriller. The evil in the story is palpable. Shawnee’s peril touchable.
Beautifully written and well worth 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Shawnee Daniels, police department digital forensics expert, cat burglar turned sleuth chances upon Mr Mayhem, a well spoken, impeccably dressed serial killer, who kills women for fun.
Blessed Mayhem is a riveting, fast paced, suspense thriller. The evil in the story is palpable. Shawnee’s peril touchable.
Beautifully written and well worth 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 9, 2023
So good. If you like murder mystery and halilours characters this series is definitely a must read
December 17, 2023
The elements in this story should work, but unfortunately I found the behaviour of the protagonist bizarre and the overall story line disconnected and unconvincing.
January 23, 2019
Blessed Mayhem is the second book in Coletta’s The Mayhem series and it is just as compelling as the first. Though each of the books in this series is a stand-alone read, where is the fun in that?! Why stop at one when you can join Shawnee Daniels on all her ‘catty’ adventures and see how she evades serial killers and talks her way out of way too many jams? Her snarky comments and inter-dialogue are entertaining enough on their own, but adding in the banter with her best friend, detective boyfriend and the charismatic yet disturbing serial killer Mr. Mayhem, there is definitely more fun and excitement to be had.
Join Shawnee on her next pulse-pounding adventure when she returns to her old ways and ends up in more trouble than she bargained for when she interrupts a serial killer at work. She becomes a fascinating temptation impossible to resist for Mr. Mayhem and with the help of his family of crows draws her into his game. In this intense installment will Shawnee become the hunter or the prey?
Coletta’s books are always entertaining and hold my interest. She has a unique writing still that is all her own and the research and development of her stories and characters are enjoyable and fascinating and always include extra twists that add a new level of intrigue to her writing. I look forward to the next book in the series.
And if you enjoy this series, check out Hacked – a crossover novella with Susan Stoker’s Special Forces World where Shawnee and her boyfriend, Detective Samuels, take on another serial killer with a unique style for committing murder and also Fractured Lives – a crossover novella with Elle James’s Brotherhood Protectors World where Shawnee and Samuels join forces with retired SEAL Brandon Rayne (aka Boomer) to sort out the mysterious disappearances of couples from a popular tourist destination, with Boomer’s fiancée as the latest to disappear.
If you fancy reading the series in order, you would want to read: 1) Wings of Mayhem, 2) Hacked, 3) Blessed Mayhem, 4) Fractured Lives
Happy reading to all!
Join Shawnee on her next pulse-pounding adventure when she returns to her old ways and ends up in more trouble than she bargained for when she interrupts a serial killer at work. She becomes a fascinating temptation impossible to resist for Mr. Mayhem and with the help of his family of crows draws her into his game. In this intense installment will Shawnee become the hunter or the prey?
Coletta’s books are always entertaining and hold my interest. She has a unique writing still that is all her own and the research and development of her stories and characters are enjoyable and fascinating and always include extra twists that add a new level of intrigue to her writing. I look forward to the next book in the series.
And if you enjoy this series, check out Hacked – a crossover novella with Susan Stoker’s Special Forces World where Shawnee and her boyfriend, Detective Samuels, take on another serial killer with a unique style for committing murder and also Fractured Lives – a crossover novella with Elle James’s Brotherhood Protectors World where Shawnee and Samuels join forces with retired SEAL Brandon Rayne (aka Boomer) to sort out the mysterious disappearances of couples from a popular tourist destination, with Boomer’s fiancée as the latest to disappear.
If you fancy reading the series in order, you would want to read: 1) Wings of Mayhem, 2) Hacked, 3) Blessed Mayhem, 4) Fractured Lives
Happy reading to all!
February 6, 2018
If you love a good suspense thriller this is a must read. Thanks Ms Coletta
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