The Bystander Effect

Mastermind Murderers #2

by Kristin Helling

A psychologist looking for closure after her horrific kidnapping. An untested detective desperately seeking to prove himself. And a killer who could be anyone…

Raine Walsh has escaped the Warden, but the ghosts of her wrongful incarceration still haunt her. While she has her freedom, many of the innocent people she was captive with do not, and as time passes, Raine becomes more and more concerned the Warden will never be found and brought to justice.

Detective Jonah Heely’s first case is a chilling echo of the Kitty Genovese murder from 1964.

Despite the victim being killed near plenty of witnesses, Jonah has no leads. Worse, it's soon clear he's tracking a serial killer, and time is running out for the killer's next victims. Noticing similarities between this string of new murders and Raine's unsolved kidnapping case, and with his job on the line, Jonah turns to Raine for help.

Raine seizes the opportunity to help in order to keep the hunt for the Warden alive. Together, she and Jonah must find the killer before he strikes again. But it's hard to catch a killer who uses the bystander effect to their advantage… and who may be closer to both of them than either could imagine…

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2017

About the author

Kristin Helling writes stories that invite readers into small-town secrets and edge-of-your-seat suspense. She is the author of the Roastwood Hollow Cozy Mystery series, where charming coffee shops, quirky neighbors, and autumn festivals are never too far from a chilling murder. Kristin also writes thrillers and suspense novels, blending heart-pounding twists with deeply human characters who face danger, deception, and dark truths.

A lifelong booklover, Kristin grew up with a passion for storytelling and the idea that even the coziest places can hold the deepest mysteries. When she’s not writing, she owns a coffeehouse/roastery/bakery, co-owns her publishing company Wordwraith Books, is married to a photographer, and is Mama of two.

Her writing reflects her love of community, mystery, and the delicate balance of warmth and danger. Whether you prefer a comforting whodunit by the fire or a thriller that keeps you up all night, Kristin has a story to share.

📚 Series: Roastwood Hollow Cozy Mystery (In Roast Mortem, In Cold Brewed, Roastly Apparitions, with more to come!)

🔎 Genres: Cozy mystery, thrillers, suspense

☕ For fans of: Gilmore Girls, Agatha Christie, and stories that blend charm with chills

Reviews

[Pete · Rating 3 out of 5]

I made the mistake of reading this book before I had read the first in the series, 'The Altruism Effect' and as a result I was extremely confused as there are so many references to the first book. It certainly isn't a stand-alone. Indeed I feel that bringing so much on from the first book is actually detrimental to the second one, I would rather that this book concentrated more on the second set of murders.
If the references to the first book are ignored this is actually quite a good book, the characters are well defined, although I did find the lead character, Raine, rather irritating, one minute she is acting in a very brave manner, then she is completely gutless, I just couldn't understand some of the things she does. The plot is unusual and works well (although it has to be admitted that several 'themes' seem to have been copied from other books).
Unfortunately realism seems to have been sacrificed to the plot, and there are several things which happen, which are just unbelievable, like a cop giving his firearm to a civilian who by her own admission has no idea how to use a gun!
This book has the potential to be very good, but unfortunately it would need an almost complete re-write to achieve that potential.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and voluntarily wrote this honest review based on my own opinions.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bystander Effect is book 2 in the series, but you really must read The Altruism Effect first or you will be totally lost (I know because I tried and realized my error very quickly.) This book is also based on a psychological phenomenon, which I was at least more familiar with than the one in The Altruism Effect. It is well-written and explores the darker side of human nature. I only had 2 small issues with the story: one, I never felt like I really understood what caused the serial killer to become so intent on killing. Granted, there was an episode in his past, but I didn't feel it was enough to explain his urge to kill, but maybe that's just me. The second thing was the detective sending Raine to the killer's house. This is one of my pet peeves, but I run into it all the time. The main character has to be in on the capture of the bad guy, so they are allowed to be places no civilian would ever be allowed in real life. I realize it's poetic license and it's done to more the story forward and include the main character, but it still bugs me. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend it; after The Altruism Effect, of course. I received a free copy of this book from the author at my request. I have voluntarily reviewed it.

[TE · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Bystander Effect is the second book in the Mastermind Murder series. The concept is interesting and I like the main character, Raine. I didn't like this book as much as I liked the first book in the series (The Altruism Effect) though. It had some plot inconsistencies for me (like Vinnie messing with Ben to get back at Jonah for messing in Vinnie's life -- when Jonah didn't even know about Vinnie until after the fact). Some of the conclusions Jonah made also seemed like a leap to me, kind of like they came out of left field. And what was all that with Raine's old professor about? Maybe it's just me but it felt kind of rushed and not as cohesive as it could have been. All that being said, it was still an okay story.

For those who want to know: This one has some violence but it's a clean read.

[LuAnn Rodriquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE BYSTANDER EFFECT by Kristin Helling is the second in a series of interesting books that bring the training and mind-set of a psychologist, Raine, into the focus of the reader. The possible darkness of the human psyche is central to the chain of events and murder or torture and what causes people to commit them has been the theme. All is told with fictional characters from a fictional standpoint and never so dark that I had to quit or take reading breaks. Simply interesting, and a testament to Ms. Helling's ability to write said material that I have read both books in the series. If you like to stretch your mind and better understand the world in all its facets, I highly recommend this author and her books.

I received a free ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review of it.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the Mastermind Murder series, this is an interesting sequel. The main character is great, and the storyline truly interesting. The book will not only hold your interest but it will keep you on the edge of your chair until the end.
Fair warning: this book is not for those with a faint heart.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd in the Mastermind Series and just as much of a page turner. I’m on to the 3rd and can’t wait to see how it plays out. You really do need to read this series in order and it is well worth the read!