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Cady Maddix Mystery #1
Cold Dark Places
Cady Maddix survived a brutal upbringing—emotionally scarred but hardened—with a will for self-preservation. Hunting fugitives has given her life purpose and control. But when the US Deputy Marshal returns home to care for her Alzheimer’s-stricken mother, a new case stirs old memories.
Child killer Samuel Aldeen has broken out of a nearby facility for the criminally insane, and the authorities believe he was aided by accomplices, both inside and out. Enlisted to track him down, Cady follows an unexpected lead. Her name is Eryn Pullman, a young woman recently released from a neighboring psychiatric facility, a mentally fragile survivor of childhood abuse, and Aldeen’s next designated victim.
To save Eryn’s life, Cady must work fast to uncover the unimaginable link between predator and prey—even as it pulls her into the cold dark places of her own past.
Child killer Samuel Aldeen has broken out of a nearby facility for the criminally insane, and the authorities believe he was aided by accomplices, both inside and out. Enlisted to track him down, Cady follows an unexpected lead. Her name is Eryn Pullman, a young woman recently released from a neighboring psychiatric facility, a mentally fragile survivor of childhood abuse, and Aldeen’s next designated victim.
To save Eryn’s life, Cady must work fast to uncover the unimaginable link between predator and prey—even as it pulls her into the cold dark places of her own past.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2018
2939 people are currently reading
4178 people want to read
About the author
Kylie Brant
82 books639 followersThe mother of five children, Kylie Brant claims she began writing to save her sanity. Plotting stories became her method of escape from the reality of constant ball games, chauffeuring kids, and refereeing "minor" disagreements between her perfect offspring.
In 1992 she was elated to get a call from Silhouette offering to buy her second novel. Home with laryngitis at the time, she still managed to croak out agreement, and her career was born. A few months later she went on to sell Rancher's Choice, the first manuscript she’d written.
Kylie is married to her high school sweetheart, and they make their home in Iowa. She insists that all her heroes are based on her husband of 23 years because he possesses that most heroic of make qualities — ironing skills. Those abilities come in handy, as she juggles a full time teaching job with writing and a family.
Doing things the easy way has never held much appeal for this multi award-winning author. She graduated with high honors from the University of Northern Iowa. A graduation photo shows her in cap and gown holding her two sons, one aged 16 months and the other three weeks. She went on to obtain a teaching job working with learning-disabled children while completing her master’s degree at night and during summers.
"There was a time in my life when I could imagine myself as a life-long student," she recalls. "I actually toyed with the idea of pursuing a doctorate. But instead, my life took a spin and I ended up writing romances. I’ve never regretted it!" Her family has since been completed by the birth of another son and a set of twins, a boy and a girl.
Kylie’s books are regularly featured on bestseller lists such as Waldenbooks and B. Dalton Bookseller. With over a million copies of books in print, her novels have been distributed in 20 countries and released in seven languages.
Family and friends are the main focus of Kylie’s life. When she isn’t writing or teaching, she enjoys reading and flower gardening. She loves traveling, preferring beach, ocean, and room service.
In 1992 she was elated to get a call from Silhouette offering to buy her second novel. Home with laryngitis at the time, she still managed to croak out agreement, and her career was born. A few months later she went on to sell Rancher's Choice, the first manuscript she’d written.
Kylie is married to her high school sweetheart, and they make their home in Iowa. She insists that all her heroes are based on her husband of 23 years because he possesses that most heroic of make qualities — ironing skills. Those abilities come in handy, as she juggles a full time teaching job with writing and a family.
Doing things the easy way has never held much appeal for this multi award-winning author. She graduated with high honors from the University of Northern Iowa. A graduation photo shows her in cap and gown holding her two sons, one aged 16 months and the other three weeks. She went on to obtain a teaching job working with learning-disabled children while completing her master’s degree at night and during summers.
"There was a time in my life when I could imagine myself as a life-long student," she recalls. "I actually toyed with the idea of pursuing a doctorate. But instead, my life took a spin and I ended up writing romances. I’ve never regretted it!" Her family has since been completed by the birth of another son and a set of twins, a boy and a girl.
Kylie’s books are regularly featured on bestseller lists such as Waldenbooks and B. Dalton Bookseller. With over a million copies of books in print, her novels have been distributed in 20 countries and released in seven languages.
Family and friends are the main focus of Kylie’s life. When she isn’t writing or teaching, she enjoys reading and flower gardening. She loves traveling, preferring beach, ocean, and room service.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
March 20, 2020
3.5 stars
This is my first introduction to Kylie Brant & the Cady Maddix series no 1 I am not sure if I liked it or not … BUT it had hard nosed characters with a dark past including our main Character Marshall Cady Maddix who had a hard up bringing & her partner Miguel Rodriguez who have a good working relationship when trying to find a serial killer who escaped from a asylum for the criminally insane, they will stop at nothing to get their man.
Meanwhile Eryn Pullman who at the age of nine is charged with murdering her mother who has alzheimers disease she was a gritty dark character who has flaws but likeable she was home schooled & was good at art, but her mother Mary Jane had more phone calls with her teacher & principal than she liked. Eryn ended up in a psychiatric hospital for years until she finally got out, she was gutsy strong & very likable. All in all this was a very enjoyable read
This is my first introduction to Kylie Brant & the Cady Maddix series no 1 I am not sure if I liked it or not … BUT it had hard nosed characters with a dark past including our main Character Marshall Cady Maddix who had a hard up bringing & her partner Miguel Rodriguez who have a good working relationship when trying to find a serial killer who escaped from a asylum for the criminally insane, they will stop at nothing to get their man.
Meanwhile Eryn Pullman who at the age of nine is charged with murdering her mother who has alzheimers disease she was a gritty dark character who has flaws but likeable she was home schooled & was good at art, but her mother Mary Jane had more phone calls with her teacher & principal than she liked. Eryn ended up in a psychiatric hospital for years until she finally got out, she was gutsy strong & very likable. All in all this was a very enjoyable read
January 10, 2019
I received a free e-copy of Cold Dark Places (Cady Maddix Mystery #1) by Kylie Brant from Goodreads for my honest review.
Eryn Pullman, at the age of nine, is locked up for killing her own mother. She spent the last 11 years in a mental institution called Rolling Acres. Now, at the age of twenty-one, she is free. Unfortunately, a lot of people aren't happy that she is out, and they want her locked up again.
There is also, Samuel Aldeen who is a pedophile and killer. Samuel has escaped from prison. Oddly enough, Samuel was being kept only a few miles from where Eryn was. US Deputy Marshal Cady Maddix, is put on the case to find him before he hurts someone else. Cady Maddix had a bad childhood of her own. While going through Samuel's cell they find a MP3 player. On the MP3 player are Eryn's patient notes which Samuel was listening to, but why? What connection does Samuel have with Eryn or is she his next victim?
A dark thrilling read that makes you feel like you are in the middle of nightmare.
Eryn Pullman, at the age of nine, is locked up for killing her own mother. She spent the last 11 years in a mental institution called Rolling Acres. Now, at the age of twenty-one, she is free. Unfortunately, a lot of people aren't happy that she is out, and they want her locked up again.
There is also, Samuel Aldeen who is a pedophile and killer. Samuel has escaped from prison. Oddly enough, Samuel was being kept only a few miles from where Eryn was. US Deputy Marshal Cady Maddix, is put on the case to find him before he hurts someone else. Cady Maddix had a bad childhood of her own. While going through Samuel's cell they find a MP3 player. On the MP3 player are Eryn's patient notes which Samuel was listening to, but why? What connection does Samuel have with Eryn or is she his next victim?
A dark thrilling read that makes you feel like you are in the middle of nightmare.
March 17, 2021
Audio - 5 stars
Story - 4 Stars
Story - 4 Stars
November 18, 2018
There were so many likable characters. Ryder is the sheriff, Eryn the woman that went to a psychiatric hospital for killing her mother at 9 years old. Then there's US Marshal Cady Maddix who also killed a parent as a child. She's looking for a dangerous escaped mental patient. Chasing fugitives seems the perfect job for her. She's like a dog with a bone when she's on the hunt.
July 23, 2019
When she was 9 years old, Eryn Pullman stabbed and killed her mother. She is now 21 and although still mentally fragile, Eryn has been released into her uncle's care.
Samuel Aldeen has escaped from a facility for the criminally insane. Known as a serial child killer, law enforcement feels that he has help in keeping him hidden.
Deputy US Marshall Cady Maddix teams with the local Sheriff, along with the assortment of alphabet soup law enforcement groups in hunting down the serial killer.
An unexpected lead gets them to Eryn ... but what is their connection?
A look into Eryn's childhood and the events of today are seamlessly woven into a well written crime fiction. There are twists and turns leading to an explosive finale. The characters are finely drawn and I really look forward to the next book in this series.
Many thanks to the author / Thomas & Mercer / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 16, 2019
When Samuel Aldeen, a criminally insane child killer with cannibalistic tendencies, escapes from a secure mental health facility, it is up to U.S. Marshal Cady Maddix to bring him back in before he gets his hands on another innocent child. During this time, a young woman, Eryn Pullman is released from Rolling Acres Resort where she was institutionalized for the past eleven years for murdering her mother. Soon, a connection is made between Samuel and Eryn, leading Cady to wonder why Samuel has Eryn in his sights. Racing against time, it is up to Cady to figure out the link they both share before Samuel makes Eryn his next victim.
This may sound kind of crazy, but I LOVE when an author can totally creep me out and Kylie Brant totally wins that award. Cold Dark Places is shocking and disturbing all in the same breath. Not only did Brant create a child killer, she upped the game by throwing in a cannibalistic twist. Whoa! Brant is after my own heart right now! If you think thats not enough, Brant also sheds light on mental illness that at times is quite chilling.
“You afraid of the dark, girlie? “
After reading Cold Dark Places, I just might be a little more afraid of the dark than I ever was! Also, I would hate to be on Kylie Brant’s bad side, eep!
Kyle Brant has created three dimensional characters each with their own distinctive voice. This is one aspect that I really enjoyed about the story. I felt like I could connect with each character and they never did anything off the wall or “out of character.” Although, I do find we just scratched the surface with Cady which will make each part of the series get better and better as we get to know more of cady and her horrible childhood. Also, she has so many similarities with Eryn and at times it is quite eerie seeing how their path to adulthood veered off in different directions. Cady is such a likeable character. She is a hard nose Marshal who is great at her job, but not so great in forming close relationships especially with men. She is doing the best she can for her mother with Alzheimer’s even though Cady hates where her mother is living. Plus, Cady is not very close with the rest of her family. Like Cady, Eryn also has a childhood trauma and has to come to terms with murdering her mother when she was just a child. Now that she is an adult, she is trying to get on with her life while taking care of her mental health which is crucial to her release from the institution. On the other side of the spectrum, Samuel is just pure evil and quite frightening. He definitely shows his dark side enough to make me shiver.
The mystery moves along at a steady pace right from the beginning. I could not help but be totally engrossed in the story and not wanting to put the book down for any reason - even sleep. Who needs sleep anyway! I The story is told from multiple point of views as well as different timelines from past to present. I really felt it pulled me into the story deeper and a lot of scenes were quite emotional and heartbreaking. The story is very detailed and Brant did not hold back and I can see just how well researched certain parts of the story were. There is not one bad thing I can even say about this book. I loved every single minute of the storyline.
If you are a huge fan of dark and creepy mysteries that will suck you right in and never let go, then you definitely should not miss out reading Cold Dark Places by Kylie Brant. Brant is a talented writer and I can not wait for the next installment of Cady Maddix. A Brilliant five star read and another favorite added to my keeper shelf.
This may sound kind of crazy, but I LOVE when an author can totally creep me out and Kylie Brant totally wins that award. Cold Dark Places is shocking and disturbing all in the same breath. Not only did Brant create a child killer, she upped the game by throwing in a cannibalistic twist. Whoa! Brant is after my own heart right now! If you think thats not enough, Brant also sheds light on mental illness that at times is quite chilling.
“You afraid of the dark, girlie? “
After reading Cold Dark Places, I just might be a little more afraid of the dark than I ever was! Also, I would hate to be on Kylie Brant’s bad side, eep!
Kyle Brant has created three dimensional characters each with their own distinctive voice. This is one aspect that I really enjoyed about the story. I felt like I could connect with each character and they never did anything off the wall or “out of character.” Although, I do find we just scratched the surface with Cady which will make each part of the series get better and better as we get to know more of cady and her horrible childhood. Also, she has so many similarities with Eryn and at times it is quite eerie seeing how their path to adulthood veered off in different directions. Cady is such a likeable character. She is a hard nose Marshal who is great at her job, but not so great in forming close relationships especially with men. She is doing the best she can for her mother with Alzheimer’s even though Cady hates where her mother is living. Plus, Cady is not very close with the rest of her family. Like Cady, Eryn also has a childhood trauma and has to come to terms with murdering her mother when she was just a child. Now that she is an adult, she is trying to get on with her life while taking care of her mental health which is crucial to her release from the institution. On the other side of the spectrum, Samuel is just pure evil and quite frightening. He definitely shows his dark side enough to make me shiver.
The mystery moves along at a steady pace right from the beginning. I could not help but be totally engrossed in the story and not wanting to put the book down for any reason - even sleep. Who needs sleep anyway! I The story is told from multiple point of views as well as different timelines from past to present. I really felt it pulled me into the story deeper and a lot of scenes were quite emotional and heartbreaking. The story is very detailed and Brant did not hold back and I can see just how well researched certain parts of the story were. There is not one bad thing I can even say about this book. I loved every single minute of the storyline.
If you are a huge fan of dark and creepy mysteries that will suck you right in and never let go, then you definitely should not miss out reading Cold Dark Places by Kylie Brant. Brant is a talented writer and I can not wait for the next installment of Cady Maddix. A Brilliant five star read and another favorite added to my keeper shelf.
January 4, 2019
What an absolute page turner this was!!!!
This is the first book by Kylie Brant that I have ever read and it definitely will not be my last!
This book is an example of what a good mystery/ thriller novel should read like....it is fast paced, well researched, with a believable and to the point story line and true to life characters.
Cady Maddix is a Deputy US Marshall who becomes part of the law enforcement team assigned the case of tracking down a psychopath Samuel Aldeen, who has escaped a top notch mental facility and who has a penchant for raping children and cannibalism (he eats the kids after he rapes and kills them). What adds to the intrigue is that during their investigation, the team discovers that Aldeen has his sights set on young woman named Eryn Pullman, who herself has just recently being discharged from a psychiatric facility where she was institutionalized for 12 years after being charged with her mother's murder, even though there seems no apparent connection between the two....or is there? Also, the similarity between Eryn's and Cady's past has Cady reliving some painful memories of her own.
This is the first book in the Cady Maddix Mystery series and I look forward to reading more installments. I am also definitely checking out Kylie Brant's previous titles as well.
And Ryder Talbot, the local sheriff who joins Cady in the investigation....the guy is a keeper for sure! 😉😘
Thank you NetGalley, Thomas and Mercer and Kylie Brant for giving me an ARC of this book to read.
This is the first book by Kylie Brant that I have ever read and it definitely will not be my last!
This book is an example of what a good mystery/ thriller novel should read like....it is fast paced, well researched, with a believable and to the point story line and true to life characters.
Cady Maddix is a Deputy US Marshall who becomes part of the law enforcement team assigned the case of tracking down a psychopath Samuel Aldeen, who has escaped a top notch mental facility and who has a penchant for raping children and cannibalism (he eats the kids after he rapes and kills them). What adds to the intrigue is that during their investigation, the team discovers that Aldeen has his sights set on young woman named Eryn Pullman, who herself has just recently being discharged from a psychiatric facility where she was institutionalized for 12 years after being charged with her mother's murder, even though there seems no apparent connection between the two....or is there? Also, the similarity between Eryn's and Cady's past has Cady reliving some painful memories of her own.
This is the first book in the Cady Maddix Mystery series and I look forward to reading more installments. I am also definitely checking out Kylie Brant's previous titles as well.
And Ryder Talbot, the local sheriff who joins Cady in the investigation....the guy is a keeper for sure! 😉😘
Thank you NetGalley, Thomas and Mercer and Kylie Brant for giving me an ARC of this book to read.
December 4, 2018
Eryn, a young girl, is accused of killing her mother due to a mental disorder. Coming back home after being institutionalized for the killing of her mother, Eryn is not welcomed in the town. At the same time a dangerous murderer, Aldeen, escaped from the mental facility nearby. Is there a link between these two events? Nice thriller, it gripped me from the start.
Thank you Netgalley for this copy.
Thank you Netgalley for this copy.
April 6, 2019
1.5 ⭐
Read
December 6, 2018"...traumas were never forgotten. They had a way of hanging around, ready to ambush when you least expected it."
The synopsis provided on this page is a bit misleading. This detective novel focuses on 3 characters whose lives will intersect in a plot that's quite complicated and only barely comes together to make sense toward the end.
Deputy US Marshal Cady Maddix holds her own secrets about something she did as a child so she is messed up emotionally and has trouble with relationships. She has returned to North Carolina to supervise her aunt's care of Hannah, Cady's mother, who has early onset Alzheimer's. She's assigned to track down an escapee from Fristol Forensic Center --Samuel Martin Aldeen -- who has been confined there for the last five years after the kidnap, rape, and cannibalization of children. Fristol is a facility for the criminally insane. The third character is Eryn Pullman, now 21, who has spent 12 years in Rolling Acres Resort, a secure mental health facility, for the murder of her mother. Eryn is transitioning out of their care to her family home and will be living with her uncle, aunt and nephew there. There are other characters including those from various areas of law enforcement as well as acquaintances of Aldeen who helped in his escape and during his time as a fugitive. So a lot of people to keep track of and very convoluted relationships that tie Aldeen to Eryn. NO SPOILERS.
The narrative is quite jumpy going from past to present in Eryn's voice as well as the voices of Cady and Aldeen. I found the story hard to get into and it lagged as details labored to be revealed. I guessed certain truths at the outset and was irritated that it took so long for the convoluted history to come out. The payoff, for me, wasn't worth the slog through. I know this is meant to be the first in a new series but I don't think I'll be reading another as I really didn't care for Cady -- but perhaps I'm just tired of books that feature females that are so emotionally messed up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the e-book ARC to read and review.
The synopsis provided on this page is a bit misleading. This detective novel focuses on 3 characters whose lives will intersect in a plot that's quite complicated and only barely comes together to make sense toward the end.
Deputy US Marshal Cady Maddix holds her own secrets about something she did as a child so she is messed up emotionally and has trouble with relationships. She has returned to North Carolina to supervise her aunt's care of Hannah, Cady's mother, who has early onset Alzheimer's. She's assigned to track down an escapee from Fristol Forensic Center --Samuel Martin Aldeen -- who has been confined there for the last five years after the kidnap, rape, and cannibalization of children. Fristol is a facility for the criminally insane. The third character is Eryn Pullman, now 21, who has spent 12 years in Rolling Acres Resort, a secure mental health facility, for the murder of her mother. Eryn is transitioning out of their care to her family home and will be living with her uncle, aunt and nephew there. There are other characters including those from various areas of law enforcement as well as acquaintances of Aldeen who helped in his escape and during his time as a fugitive. So a lot of people to keep track of and very convoluted relationships that tie Aldeen to Eryn. NO SPOILERS.
The narrative is quite jumpy going from past to present in Eryn's voice as well as the voices of Cady and Aldeen. I found the story hard to get into and it lagged as details labored to be revealed. I guessed certain truths at the outset and was irritated that it took so long for the convoluted history to come out. The payoff, for me, wasn't worth the slog through. I know this is meant to be the first in a new series but I don't think I'll be reading another as I really didn't care for Cady -- but perhaps I'm just tired of books that feature females that are so emotionally messed up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the e-book ARC to read and review.
October 11, 2018
I love when authors give us sick and twisted killers but mixing mental illness with a side of sexual deviancies has to top the list..
Mental illness is shown in all forms through out this book. From schizophrenia to Alzheimer's. This truly made for some fascinating reading.
Cold Dark Places is the first book in a new series featuring US Deputy Marshall Cady Maddix. She didnt have a pleasant childhood which has left emotional scars and the current case she is working on not only has her relating one of the potential victims but its also stirring up unwanted memories.
This was an edge of your seat suspense full of twists and turns, many of which you don't see coming.
Mental illness is shown in all forms through out this book. From schizophrenia to Alzheimer's. This truly made for some fascinating reading.
Cold Dark Places is the first book in a new series featuring US Deputy Marshall Cady Maddix. She didnt have a pleasant childhood which has left emotional scars and the current case she is working on not only has her relating one of the potential victims but its also stirring up unwanted memories.
This was an edge of your seat suspense full of twists and turns, many of which you don't see coming.
December 29, 2018
With all the glowing reviews it's received, I expected to love this book. Unfortunately, I found the story tedious and I just couldn't get into it.
From the start, we jump around from one character to another, and from one timeline to another, with lots of history and backstory and unnecessary (to me) detail. There is just too much going on. We have a psychopathic girl, who is now an adult, and we meet her in both stages of her life. We meet the people in her life, then and now. We meet the cops involved in her case, then and now. We also have a random escaped prisoner and various cops chasing him down. Then we go into the cops' personal lives and get to know them. Rather than build suspense, it all felt disjointed, taking away from the immediacy of what could have been a compelling story.
Lots of readers have loved this book, but it just didn't work for me.
From the start, we jump around from one character to another, and from one timeline to another, with lots of history and backstory and unnecessary (to me) detail. There is just too much going on. We have a psychopathic girl, who is now an adult, and we meet her in both stages of her life. We meet the people in her life, then and now. We meet the cops involved in her case, then and now. We also have a random escaped prisoner and various cops chasing him down. Then we go into the cops' personal lives and get to know them. Rather than build suspense, it all felt disjointed, taking away from the immediacy of what could have been a compelling story.
Lots of readers have loved this book, but it just didn't work for me.
November 23, 2018
2.5
Good premise and characters but a bit long winded. I started to get a bit impatient at the halfway mark. There were too many side stories and too little action. The parallel between Eryn and Cady, their abuse, was over the top. There were too many characters piled on and after I while they got muddled... This had the potential to be an excellent story/intro to a series if it had focused on the main story and given us a few insights to Candy’s character. It tried too hard and took too long - some things could have been held back for the next one...
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Thomas & Mercer for a copy in exchange for a review.
Good premise and characters but a bit long winded. I started to get a bit impatient at the halfway mark. There were too many side stories and too little action. The parallel between Eryn and Cady, their abuse, was over the top. There were too many characters piled on and after I while they got muddled... This had the potential to be an excellent story/intro to a series if it had focused on the main story and given us a few insights to Candy’s character. It tried too hard and took too long - some things could have been held back for the next one...
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Thomas & Mercer for a copy in exchange for a review.
November 18, 2018
Finished reading: November 18th 2018
"People didn't always act the way they should. Not even grown-ups. Sometimes the people who were supposed to protect you from monsters were monsters themselves."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
June 20, 2024
Love Cady and Eryn
I say these two women went through hell as children but they survived and both were heroes. This story was fascinating. A young girl kills her mother and is locked away in an institution and released to her uncle and family and a child serial killer escapes at the same time. They paths converge in a myriad of ways, with shocking revelations. I loved all the characters but I was upset that she left the dog outdoors all day by himself. Lol. Yes she bought the Taj Mahal of dog houses but I hate to hear them being kept outdoors. Crazy right??? But the book was excellent and I really can't wait until the next one!!!
I say these two women went through hell as children but they survived and both were heroes. This story was fascinating. A young girl kills her mother and is locked away in an institution and released to her uncle and family and a child serial killer escapes at the same time. They paths converge in a myriad of ways, with shocking revelations. I loved all the characters but I was upset that she left the dog outdoors all day by himself. Lol. Yes she bought the Taj Mahal of dog houses but I hate to hear them being kept outdoors. Crazy right??? But the book was excellent and I really can't wait until the next one!!!
January 1, 2022
Solid mystery that kept me guessing. Will definitely continue the series.
July 24, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this arc.
WOW! I really enjoyed this read. This is the first book by Kylie Brant that I've read and am excited to explore her past and future books. The book has 2 main story lines that are deftly woven into one, and moves at a great pace between them. The creepy atmosphere of the story was just right for me (nothing too over the top, but definitely creepy).
The characters were well developed and credible from law enforcement to victims (and their families) through the criminals... and the dog, Hero. Only little quibble I had was believing that the County Sheriff was in charge of this multi Federal Agency Task Force. I got over that and enjoyed the ride.
4.5 stars
WOW! I really enjoyed this read. This is the first book by Kylie Brant that I've read and am excited to explore her past and future books. The book has 2 main story lines that are deftly woven into one, and moves at a great pace between them. The creepy atmosphere of the story was just right for me (nothing too over the top, but definitely creepy).
The characters were well developed and credible from law enforcement to victims (and their families) through the criminals... and the dog, Hero. Only little quibble I had was believing that the County Sheriff was in charge of this multi Federal Agency Task Force. I got over that and enjoyed the ride.
4.5 stars
November 13, 2018
Cold Dark Places is a story told from multiple points of view. Eryn has spent many years in a psychiatric facility after committing a horrible crime. She has recently been released and an angry mob of neighbors awaits her arrival as they are not at all pleased to have her back home. Samuel has escaped from a high-security facility for the criminally insane, and if his past is any indication of what he might do now, he needs to be found quickly. Cady is a US Marshall with demons of her own. Still, she is determined to find Samuel and figure out the connection between him and Eryn. We also follow Sheriff Ryder who has his hands full with Samuel's escape and Eryn's release.
This was a page flipper for me as I wanted to know Eryn's backstory, find out if she was somehow involved with Samuel, and of course, I was hoping Cady and Ryder would figure everything out( and clue me in as my guesses were flawed). Lots of twists and turns, plenty of mystery and suspense, and a surprising ending. This is the first book I have read by Kylie Brant and if Cold Dark Places is indicative of her work, all I can say is “more, please”. Great characters, a fast-moving plot and I hope when Cady returns, we get more Ryder too!
I received a DRC from Thomas & Mercer through NetGalley.
This was a page flipper for me as I wanted to know Eryn's backstory, find out if she was somehow involved with Samuel, and of course, I was hoping Cady and Ryder would figure everything out( and clue me in as my guesses were flawed). Lots of twists and turns, plenty of mystery and suspense, and a surprising ending. This is the first book I have read by Kylie Brant and if Cold Dark Places is indicative of her work, all I can say is “more, please”. Great characters, a fast-moving plot and I hope when Cady returns, we get more Ryder too!
I received a DRC from Thomas & Mercer through NetGalley.
November 23, 2018
This is a great start to a new series. The story is captivating even with its flaws.
The book switches to different points of view with each characters. Some authors are able write the perfect amount of information and Knowledge and other skip what is needed as they switch to the next characters. Kylie Brant is stuck in the in between some characters have more dept and growth while others are lacking what is needed to readers to connect with the characters. Readers will feel and understand the author pour her heart into the different characters.
The story is full of suspense and mystery readers will enjoy.
Thank you Netgalley for the advance copy of Kylie Brant Cold Dark places.
The book switches to different points of view with each characters. Some authors are able write the perfect amount of information and Knowledge and other skip what is needed as they switch to the next characters. Kylie Brant is stuck in the in between some characters have more dept and growth while others are lacking what is needed to readers to connect with the characters. Readers will feel and understand the author pour her heart into the different characters.
The story is full of suspense and mystery readers will enjoy.
Thank you Netgalley for the advance copy of Kylie Brant Cold Dark places.
December 8, 2018
Page Turner!
What a page turner! This is the first book that I’ve read by Kylie Brant and it’s definitely not my last. The first book in the Cady Maddix series hooked me from the start. Cady is a US Marshall that is a teaming up with the local sheriff and FBI to catch an escaped convict. Twists and turns had me guessing the whole way. I’m looking forward to more in this series.
What a page turner! This is the first book that I’ve read by Kylie Brant and it’s definitely not my last. The first book in the Cady Maddix series hooked me from the start. Cady is a US Marshall that is a teaming up with the local sheriff and FBI to catch an escaped convict. Twists and turns had me guessing the whole way. I’m looking forward to more in this series.
October 23, 2018
Eryn has been living in a mental health facility for 11 years. She was accused of murdering her Mother when she was 9 years old. She has now been released into the care of her family. Not everyone is happy that Eryn has been released.
Samuel Alden was found guilty but insane for kidnap, rape and the canibalization of 6 children. He manages to escape a nearby mental health facility for the criminally insane. Multiple law enforcement agencies are searching for him but he seems to always be 1 step ahead.
This book is the first in a new series featuring Deputy U. S. Marshall Cady Maddix. Cadys past has an eerie parallel to Eryns.
This book is filled with suspense and lots of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The ending has a surprise. The book has alternating chapters from different characters viewpoints, some that go into the past. I look forward to future books in this series. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
Samuel Alden was found guilty but insane for kidnap, rape and the canibalization of 6 children. He manages to escape a nearby mental health facility for the criminally insane. Multiple law enforcement agencies are searching for him but he seems to always be 1 step ahead.
This book is the first in a new series featuring Deputy U. S. Marshall Cady Maddix. Cadys past has an eerie parallel to Eryns.
This book is filled with suspense and lots of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The ending has a surprise. The book has alternating chapters from different characters viewpoints, some that go into the past. I look forward to future books in this series. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
April 2, 2020
Eryn Pullman, at the age of nine, is locked up for killing her mother. She spent the last 11 years in a mental institution called Rolling Acres. Now, at the age of twenty-one, she is free. People aren't happy that she is out, and they want her locked up again.
Samuel Aldeen who is a pedophile and killer. Samuel has escaped from prison. Samuel was being kept only a few miles from where Eryn was kept.
Cady Maddix, a survivor in every way possible, is now a gritty, steely US Marshall. She is assigned to find an escapee from a hospital for the criminally insane, named Samuel Aldeen. Aldeen is the stuff of your worst nightmares, having a proclivity for both young children and cannibalism.
all roads lead to Eryn Pullman. The story is told from multiple point of views as well as different timelines from past to present. This story has some disturbing parts with children murders and a cannibalism.
This was a well written tale that grosses you out along with engaging you in compelling story line. A mystery that keeps you turning the pages.
Samuel Aldeen who is a pedophile and killer. Samuel has escaped from prison. Samuel was being kept only a few miles from where Eryn was kept.
Cady Maddix, a survivor in every way possible, is now a gritty, steely US Marshall. She is assigned to find an escapee from a hospital for the criminally insane, named Samuel Aldeen. Aldeen is the stuff of your worst nightmares, having a proclivity for both young children and cannibalism.
all roads lead to Eryn Pullman. The story is told from multiple point of views as well as different timelines from past to present. This story has some disturbing parts with children murders and a cannibalism.
This was a well written tale that grosses you out along with engaging you in compelling story line. A mystery that keeps you turning the pages.
February 7, 2020
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐
Two Marshalls, determined to find the truth and one potential victim they will stop at nothing to protect...
PLOT SUMMARY: Cady and Miguel are Marshalls looking into the case of an escaped prisoner. Samuel escaped from a high security asylum, and he certainly had help in order to do so. Who would have helped this villain? And why? And does this escape have anything to do with Eryn, a recently released patient? With confusion chasing them every step of the investigation, can they solve the clues and find the truth, before it’s too late??
PROS: If you are into police procedural dramas, then you will likely enjoy this one!
CONS: Hmmm...I guess in the end I just didn’t get it. I didn’t understand the plot, and I certainly wasn’t invested in what happened to any of the characters. What I loved most about Brant’s earlier novel Pretty Girls Dancing was the emotional connection I had with her characters...that was totally missing in this one. Yes, it’s setting them up for a series, so you can’t reveal everything in the first book...but, I personally would have liked a little more, and if it was revealed, I totally missed anything that explained the ending.
YES or NO: It’s a MAYBE - this one was a bit too procedural and emotionless for my taste.
3 Stars
Two Marshalls, determined to find the truth and one potential victim they will stop at nothing to protect...
PLOT SUMMARY: Cady and Miguel are Marshalls looking into the case of an escaped prisoner. Samuel escaped from a high security asylum, and he certainly had help in order to do so. Who would have helped this villain? And why? And does this escape have anything to do with Eryn, a recently released patient? With confusion chasing them every step of the investigation, can they solve the clues and find the truth, before it’s too late??
PROS: If you are into police procedural dramas, then you will likely enjoy this one!
CONS: Hmmm...I guess in the end I just didn’t get it. I didn’t understand the plot, and I certainly wasn’t invested in what happened to any of the characters. What I loved most about Brant’s earlier novel Pretty Girls Dancing was the emotional connection I had with her characters...that was totally missing in this one. Yes, it’s setting them up for a series, so you can’t reveal everything in the first book...but, I personally would have liked a little more, and if it was revealed, I totally missed anything that explained the ending.
YES or NO: It’s a MAYBE - this one was a bit too procedural and emotionless for my taste.
3 Stars
June 19, 2019
Wow did this book drag on. It took me six weeks to read which is just unheard of. It's too much when you have two women both with traumatic childhood events that led to the death of a parent. Throw in a child killer out on the loose, a zillion flashbacks woven between present events and it's a hot mess. Cady Maddix is not that interesting of a character that I would want to continue reading about her solving crimes.
May 18, 2019
4.5 Stars
I was intrigued by this twisty mystery suspense. The book is written from several character’s point of view, with both current and past recollections. It is the type of book where that kept me riveted until the end. The main protagonist is FBI agent Cady Maddix, a agent with a tragic past. All the characters in this book are completely fleshed out and at some points I wish they weren’t, as in the mind of a child killer is not a good place to be. This book has both sexual abuse and murder in it’s plot, and those maybe triggers to some readers. At some points this book is a cold slap in the face as the violence is palpable. I’m thrilled I picked this book up and the audiobook narrators actually pushed this book to 4.5 stars. They all did a fantastic job in each character’s chapters. This book is a complex tale with complex characters and I am thrilled Cady Maddix will be the main character of these series. I hope Eryn and Ryder both continue in the series, as Cady has a very tangled past that need uncovered. Also I would love to see Eryn’s progress in her new life. I hope for a romance between Ryder and Cady.
A pet peeve, as a dog lover and one who believes in training my dogs, I was not happy with Cady and the dog she adopts. Even a fictional character being a permissive dog owner irks me. Cady letting her dog lunge workers just pissed me off. A well trained dog can guard and be trained.
I was intrigued by this twisty mystery suspense. The book is written from several character’s point of view, with both current and past recollections. It is the type of book where that kept me riveted until the end. The main protagonist is FBI agent Cady Maddix, a agent with a tragic past. All the characters in this book are completely fleshed out and at some points I wish they weren’t, as in the mind of a child killer is not a good place to be. This book has both sexual abuse and murder in it’s plot, and those maybe triggers to some readers. At some points this book is a cold slap in the face as the violence is palpable. I’m thrilled I picked this book up and the audiobook narrators actually pushed this book to 4.5 stars. They all did a fantastic job in each character’s chapters. This book is a complex tale with complex characters and I am thrilled Cady Maddix will be the main character of these series. I hope Eryn and Ryder both continue in the series, as Cady has a very tangled past that need uncovered. Also I would love to see Eryn’s progress in her new life. I hope for a romance between Ryder and Cady.
A pet peeve, as a dog lover and one who believes in training my dogs, I was not happy with Cady and the dog she adopts. Even a fictional character being a permissive dog owner irks me. Cady letting her dog lunge workers just pissed me off. A well trained dog can guard and be trained.
November 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this book from Kylie Brant.. This was the first time I've ever read any of her books.but I can be sure of the fact that this definitely won't be the last. This book jumps from person to person with a change in point of view in every chapter rotating between the 4 main characters in the book, mainly between Erin Pullman, Cady Maddix, Ryder Talbot and some for Samuel Aldeen. The aforementioned 3 characters were very well created and well written but I would have liked some more details and background of Aldeen. In fact with all the characters apart from Erin, there were hints of the background given but not described in much details which in certain situations made the characters a bit difficult to understand. As I stated earlier I personally would have liked a bit more details about Samuel Aldeen's background, his history but that's just me. The lack of it doesn't make the book any poorer. It's a very well written book and had me quite gripped from the beginning. A deserving 4 stars and I won't hesitate in recommending it. A big thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this book from Kylie Brant.. This was the first time I've ever read any of her books.but I can be sure of the fact that this definitely won't be the last. This book jumps from person to person with a change in point of view in every chapter rotating between the 4 main characters in the book, mainly between Erin Pullman, Cady Maddix, Ryder Talbot and some for Samuel Aldeen. The aforementioned 3 characters were very well created and well written but I would have liked some more details and background of Aldeen. In fact with all the characters apart from Erin, there were hints of the background given but not described in much details which in certain situations made the characters a bit difficult to understand. As I stated earlier I personally would have liked a bit more details about Samuel Aldeen's background, his history but that's just me. The lack of it doesn't make the book any poorer. It's a very well written book and had me quite gripped from the beginning. A deserving 4 stars and I won't hesitate in recommending it. A big thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 22, 2018
Cold Dark Places – Kylie Brant
I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an objective review.
Little Eryn Pullman was only a child when her uncle found her beside her mother’s dead body, bloody knife at her side. Placed in an intensive inpatient psych hospital, Eryn grew up known as a murderer, but with no memory of the incident. Now, as a young adult, Eryn is being released into her Uncle’s care, no longer considered a danger to others...but people remember…
Cady Maddix is a Deputy Federal Marshall, who’s returned home to North Carolina to help care for her ailing mother. She’s fresh off the capture of a wanted felon, when she’s awakened from sleep by a phone call. A child molester and murderer has escaped from a nearby prison, and she’s needed for the assembling task force. Cady has her own childhood demons as well.
Ryder Talbot is the County Sheriff for Haywood County, and is also a member of the law enforcement team assembled to track Samuel Aldeen. He and Cady team up as they attempt to catch a killer, who remains in the area, and seems to stay just a step ahead of law enforcement. But what is Aldeen after? And why?
A top-notch mystery novel that’s grabs you on the first page and doesn’t let go! The characters are intriguing, complex and likeable, and Cady is the perfect rough and tough female cop!! I loved this book, and I Can’t wait for more of Cady and Ryder! Grab this book and settle in for a long read! You won't be disappointed!!
I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an objective review.
Little Eryn Pullman was only a child when her uncle found her beside her mother’s dead body, bloody knife at her side. Placed in an intensive inpatient psych hospital, Eryn grew up known as a murderer, but with no memory of the incident. Now, as a young adult, Eryn is being released into her Uncle’s care, no longer considered a danger to others...but people remember…
Cady Maddix is a Deputy Federal Marshall, who’s returned home to North Carolina to help care for her ailing mother. She’s fresh off the capture of a wanted felon, when she’s awakened from sleep by a phone call. A child molester and murderer has escaped from a nearby prison, and she’s needed for the assembling task force. Cady has her own childhood demons as well.
Ryder Talbot is the County Sheriff for Haywood County, and is also a member of the law enforcement team assembled to track Samuel Aldeen. He and Cady team up as they attempt to catch a killer, who remains in the area, and seems to stay just a step ahead of law enforcement. But what is Aldeen after? And why?
A top-notch mystery novel that’s grabs you on the first page and doesn’t let go! The characters are intriguing, complex and likeable, and Cady is the perfect rough and tough female cop!! I loved this book, and I Can’t wait for more of Cady and Ryder! Grab this book and settle in for a long read! You won't be disappointed!!
February 16, 2020
This is the first book in a mystery series by Kylie Brant, an author I had never read even though her bio said she had written 40 novels. Because I enjoyed this novel, its characters and the nicely convoluted mystery, I know I will want to read the second novel in the series. But what of her other work? Maybe I would like them ... but, no. When I looked at her titles I saw much of her writing is romance based - not my jive but I spotted some I’m sure I’d like.
This novel showcases Candy Maddox, a U.S. Marshal, who has faced hardship in her life, but she works devotedly trying to make life safer for other people through law enforcement. She’s not emotionally open, but she cares. We meet a charming 21- year old who has just been released from a psychiatric Centre where she has spent the past 10 years after being accused of killing her mother when she was a child. We are also introduced to a vile man who escapes from prison and is guilty of heinous crimes against children. This novel is filled with some awful crimes, but there is always a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.
This novel showcases Candy Maddox, a U.S. Marshal, who has faced hardship in her life, but she works devotedly trying to make life safer for other people through law enforcement. She’s not emotionally open, but she cares. We meet a charming 21- year old who has just been released from a psychiatric Centre where she has spent the past 10 years after being accused of killing her mother when she was a child. We are also introduced to a vile man who escapes from prison and is guilty of heinous crimes against children. This novel is filled with some awful crimes, but there is always a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.
January 29, 2024
Well written police procedural. It started off well enough, but fell flat around half way through. There were lots of characters and quite often I found myself forgetting who was who, throwing me put of the plot. I found myself not caring about the investigation. A lot of the story is told in flashbacks. I listened to the audio, as well as read this book. Audio was included via KU. The narrators deserve 5 stars, but they couldn't quite save the story for me. I'll read more books by this author though.
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