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It Ends with Her
He started the game. She’ll end it.
FBI special agent Clarke Sinclair doesn’t give up easily. She’s spent years tracking serial killer Simon Cross, forced to follow his twisted clues and photographs across the country. Clarke knows that Cross selects only redheaded women and that he doesn’t target another victim until Clarke discovers the previous one.
He’s never broken pattern…until now.
A girl has already gone missing in upstate New York when a second one is kidnapped—a blonde. The killer’s MO has changed, sending Clarke back to the drawing board. The closer she gets to the truth, the deeper she’s drawn into an inescapable trap made just for Clarke. Whatever Cross’s ultimate game is, it ends with her.
FBI special agent Clarke Sinclair doesn’t give up easily. She’s spent years tracking serial killer Simon Cross, forced to follow his twisted clues and photographs across the country. Clarke knows that Cross selects only redheaded women and that he doesn’t target another victim until Clarke discovers the previous one.
He’s never broken pattern…until now.
A girl has already gone missing in upstate New York when a second one is kidnapped—a blonde. The killer’s MO has changed, sending Clarke back to the drawing board. The closer she gets to the truth, the deeper she’s drawn into an inescapable trap made just for Clarke. Whatever Cross’s ultimate game is, it ends with her.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2018
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16710 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,208 reviews
April 1, 2018
At first I was up and down with this book, but then I got into it!
Clarke Sinclair is an FBI Agent with her friend Sam. They have been looking for the serial killer, Simon Cross for some years now.
Now he's back and sending things to Clarke. Will she be able to capture him this time before he kills another girl or girls?
This book has two POV's. One is in the present with Clarke. The second POV is of Simon and his past. It shows how he turned out the way he is; although I think it goes deeper than his foster family. He's a nutter.
I guess I'm just too tired because I didn't see that ending coming when I should have with a ten foot pole, but I digress. Either way, I enjoyed the book!
Happy Reading!
Mel ♥
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
AMAZON: REVIEW
Clarke Sinclair is an FBI Agent with her friend Sam. They have been looking for the serial killer, Simon Cross for some years now.
Now he's back and sending things to Clarke. Will she be able to capture him this time before he kills another girl or girls?
This book has two POV's. One is in the present with Clarke. The second POV is of Simon and his past. It shows how he turned out the way he is; although I think it goes deeper than his foster family. He's a nutter.
I guess I'm just too tired because I didn't see that ending coming when I should have with a ten foot pole, but I digress. Either way, I enjoyed the book!
Happy Reading!
Mel ♥
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
AMAZON: REVIEW
August 8, 2018
I'm going to write this review as I'm reading the book.
13% through -- Wow, this book is slow. I keep trying to sit down and read it, but get bored and find something else to do. I think Clarke is supposed to be interesting, but her story is tedious instead. I'd rather read more about Bess and Adelaide. Status: Not impressed.
27% -- To say the relationship between Sam and Clarke is dysfunctional is the understatement of the year. And it's so uninteresting. Do we really need all these flashbacks of overly dramatic conversations they've had, where Clarke acts like a toddler and Sam enables her? Gah. And for the love of Pete, does he have to call her "kid," 24 times each chapter? Still not impressed.
50% -- Clarke is the poster child for the "hot mess express" train. God, this book is boring. Heading for a 1 star rating at this point. Please let the second half of the book improve.
51% -- Worst FBI agents EVER.
66% -- Please let these boring flashback scenes Clarke keeps having lead SOMEWHERE. Beginning to suspect a possible twist, but if I'm right...it's not a great one. Still at 1 star status. It's taking me days to read this freaking book. Just can't get into it.
75% -- Allow me to reinforce my thoughts...WORST FBI AGENTS EVER.
81% -- Just when you think something exciting might happen....nope. Sorry. Too bad for you. This book makes me tired.
100% -- Hallelujah! It's over! And yep...figured out the twist at about the 60% mark. Meh. All I can really say about this book is that it's choppy, disjointed, has really crappy, uninteresting characters, and bored the crap out of me. Personally, I wouldn't touch this novel with a 10-foot pole, but I'll leave that up to you.
Two thumbs down.
13% through -- Wow, this book is slow. I keep trying to sit down and read it, but get bored and find something else to do. I think Clarke is supposed to be interesting, but her story is tedious instead. I'd rather read more about Bess and Adelaide. Status: Not impressed.
27% -- To say the relationship between Sam and Clarke is dysfunctional is the understatement of the year. And it's so uninteresting. Do we really need all these flashbacks of overly dramatic conversations they've had, where Clarke acts like a toddler and Sam enables her? Gah. And for the love of Pete, does he have to call her "kid," 24 times each chapter? Still not impressed.
50% -- Clarke is the poster child for the "hot mess express" train. God, this book is boring. Heading for a 1 star rating at this point. Please let the second half of the book improve.
51% -- Worst FBI agents EVER.
66% -- Please let these boring flashback scenes Clarke keeps having lead SOMEWHERE. Beginning to suspect a possible twist, but if I'm right...it's not a great one. Still at 1 star status. It's taking me days to read this freaking book. Just can't get into it.
75% -- Allow me to reinforce my thoughts...WORST FBI AGENTS EVER.
81% -- Just when you think something exciting might happen....nope. Sorry. Too bad for you. This book makes me tired.
100% -- Hallelujah! It's over! And yep...figured out the twist at about the 60% mark. Meh. All I can really say about this book is that it's choppy, disjointed, has really crappy, uninteresting characters, and bored the crap out of me. Personally, I wouldn't touch this novel with a 10-foot pole, but I'll leave that up to you.
Two thumbs down.
February 8, 2019
There are three POVs
1) Clarke – the main (and not very likeable character) – whose chapters were long and rambling.
2) Adelaide – a child.
3) Bess – a victim. (These chapters were much more exciting.)
I found the ‘serial killer v FBI / cat and mouse’ plot over-complicated, the relationships unlikely and the whole set- up quite improbable.
1) Clarke – the main (and not very likeable character) – whose chapters were long and rambling.
2) Adelaide – a child.
3) Bess – a victim. (These chapters were much more exciting.)
I found the ‘serial killer v FBI / cat and mouse’ plot over-complicated, the relationships unlikely and the whole set- up quite improbable.
May 12, 2018
It Ends With Her is a really excellent crime/psychological thriller with a serial killer vibe, lifted by it’s main protagonist Clarke, an FBI agent with a mission, whose divisive nature and intriguing background really make this one truly addictive.
The story itself is twisted and clever, a cat and mouse game that Clarke must win – by the time we meet her, it does feel like we are in the end game with horrific murderer Simon Cross – I loved this because there was no whodunnit to worry about, we know whodunnit for sure, it’s never doubted – but can Clarke use her particular skills to actually catch him. Or is he going to get the better of them all..
The writing is wonderful, especially when it comes to depth of character, the mystery here is within them and their reasons and motivations. The yin and yang of Clarke and Simon and their horrific game, both hidden and out in the open, makes for some very edge of the seat reading. The author allows us to know the victims too – so you get very invested – there are subtle twists and turns that work very well and the ending is brilliant.
Overall I really thought this one was great. I very much look forward to more from this author.
Recommended.
The story itself is twisted and clever, a cat and mouse game that Clarke must win – by the time we meet her, it does feel like we are in the end game with horrific murderer Simon Cross – I loved this because there was no whodunnit to worry about, we know whodunnit for sure, it’s never doubted – but can Clarke use her particular skills to actually catch him. Or is he going to get the better of them all..
The writing is wonderful, especially when it comes to depth of character, the mystery here is within them and their reasons and motivations. The yin and yang of Clarke and Simon and their horrific game, both hidden and out in the open, makes for some very edge of the seat reading. The author allows us to know the victims too – so you get very invested – there are subtle twists and turns that work very well and the ending is brilliant.
Overall I really thought this one was great. I very much look forward to more from this author.
Recommended.
August 5, 2018
4.0 Stars— “It Ends With Her” was a Kindle First selection that I thought sounded interesting so I decided to give it a try. I never read Brianna Labuskes before, and I admit to being impressed with her ability to build suspense and to include several plot twists throughout the book. The book is told from the perspective of three different characters: Clarke— the FBI agent whose life mission is to find the serial killer, Simon, before he kills again. Bess— one of Simon’s currently kidnapped victims and Adelaide— Simon’s foster sister who fills in the details about Simon from his childhood. Books in which the killer taunts the authorities by sending them on scavenger hunts are usually interesting to read, and this one is no exception. The book is interesting from the start and all three narrators do a great job of painting the portrait of Simon as the monster serial killer capable of committing the horrific murders. I might have scored the book even higher, but the author makes the huge mistake of lying about the death of one of the characters. Don’t lie in an effort to make the book more suspenseful — it ruins the reader’s enjoyment of trying to figure out the mystery. The fact I still rated it 4 stars tells you how good the book was despite“the lie”.
August 17, 2018
this was mega predictable which is why i can't give it more than three stars, but the writing and characterisation were both very good. good characterisation and psychological insights can be pretty rare in thrillers, so that was a pleasant surprise. ultimately, though, i can't fully enjoy a book if i guess pretty much everything that's going on.
November 20, 2024
3.5 rating
I liked It Ends with Her by Brianna Labuskes but didn't love it. In this crime thriller, FBI special agent Clarke Sinclair is chasing a serial killer. The killer's MO is kidnapping redheaded girls, torturing them, and then leading the FBI on a scavenger hunt to find the girls by giving them cryptic clues. His pattern has been the same...until now.
As the team is scrounging to find his latest victim, another girl goes missing. This time, she has blonde hair. He has never taken two girls at once and never a blonde headed one.
Clarke and her team are forced to go back to the drawing board to find out why his pattern has changed. One thing is for certain, this one feels more dangerous, which has them wondering if the outcome will turn out deadly for them.
______________________________________________
The premise of this story is great, but it is a bit of a slow burn. I can tell that this is one of Labuskes earlier novels. Her writing definitely got better over time. Nevertheless, a solid crime thriller.
I liked It Ends with Her by Brianna Labuskes but didn't love it. In this crime thriller, FBI special agent Clarke Sinclair is chasing a serial killer. The killer's MO is kidnapping redheaded girls, torturing them, and then leading the FBI on a scavenger hunt to find the girls by giving them cryptic clues. His pattern has been the same...until now.
As the team is scrounging to find his latest victim, another girl goes missing. This time, she has blonde hair. He has never taken two girls at once and never a blonde headed one.
Clarke and her team are forced to go back to the drawing board to find out why his pattern has changed. One thing is for certain, this one feels more dangerous, which has them wondering if the outcome will turn out deadly for them.
______________________________________________
The premise of this story is great, but it is a bit of a slow burn. I can tell that this is one of Labuskes earlier novels. Her writing definitely got better over time. Nevertheless, a solid crime thriller.
June 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this psychological thriller. Most of the twists and turns were not giant "aha" moments. They were easy to see coming, but that didn't distract from the great plot and honest gritty characters. I read this entire book in one sitting, so I don't agree that it was slow at all. I was really impressed with the pacing. Having it switch from certain POVs and certain times, really fueled the story instead of confusing it which so many other books do. I highly recommend this one!
May 18, 2018
I got this book as part of an Amazon First Reads deal and was excited to start it. I haven't read a thriller in a while and the blurb sounded good. However, I didn't make it very far into this book before setting it aside.
The protagonist is deeply unlikable, and not in a "if it's a man it's ok but if it's a woman it's unlikable" way. She is a walking cliche... brilliant student who bombed to become a desk jockey alcoholic who also self harms, dragged back into action by an older mentor guy for reasons that aren't really clear, but he's gay, so it's not because they're sleeping together. There's a serial killer who sends her stuff, which she doesn't report because... reasons. Look. She isn't good enough at her job to be too good for her job, but she apparently thinks she is for... some reason. The author also does that incredibly lazy thing of having the protagonist saunter in front of a mirror and describe her reflection. Like what. Why. Why would you even do this. Remember wen I said cliche? This is a cliche book with nothing original in the pages that I read.
I've been trying not to post negative reviews of stuff in general, but i feel a little cheated that I didn't pick a better book. Last month's selection was very good.
The protagonist is deeply unlikable, and not in a "if it's a man it's ok but if it's a woman it's unlikable" way. She is a walking cliche... brilliant student who bombed to become a desk jockey alcoholic who also self harms, dragged back into action by an older mentor guy for reasons that aren't really clear, but he's gay, so it's not because they're sleeping together. There's a serial killer who sends her stuff, which she doesn't report because... reasons. Look. She isn't good enough at her job to be too good for her job, but she apparently thinks she is for... some reason. The author also does that incredibly lazy thing of having the protagonist saunter in front of a mirror and describe her reflection. Like what. Why. Why would you even do this. Remember wen I said cliche? This is a cliche book with nothing original in the pages that I read.
I've been trying not to post negative reviews of stuff in general, but i feel a little cheated that I didn't pick a better book. Last month's selection was very good.
October 23, 2018
Read as a Kindle First pick for April.
Okay, so I had a few issues with this book, particularly in the early stages. Those issues primarily centred around Clarke, the main protagonist. She was clearly a basket case with so many psychological issues I just wanted to shake her...very hard. But more importantly, wouldn't the FBI require psychological evaluations for their agents? I'm pretty sure they would, and equally sure an alcoholic, self-harming basket case with major anger issues would never make the grade. Score one for lack of credibility.
Then we had the flashbacks. The endless, rambling, introverted flashbacks with served only to further highlight Clarke's lack of suitability as an FBI Special Agent. I found them more irritating than informative at the outset.
That said, when the plot started picking up momentum, I began to overlook the negatives and become engrossed in the chase to catch the killer. Not so much a procedural as a thriller, but the plot build was well crafted and the way the story gained pace and built suspense was very good. The actual writing, too, was of a high standard, and although I never grew to love the main characters, I did at least begin to care about them and their situation enough to enjoy the unfolding of the plot. The final twist was not entirely a shock, but it was made to feel plausible due to skilled writing, and the climax was suitably exciting and tragic.
To be honest this book was heading for a three star rating for most of the read, but it managed to just tip me over to a fourth star in the final reckoning due to plot construction and overall story-telling skill. Certainly an author I will be following with interest in the future.
Okay, so I had a few issues with this book, particularly in the early stages. Those issues primarily centred around Clarke, the main protagonist. She was clearly a basket case with so many psychological issues I just wanted to shake her...very hard. But more importantly, wouldn't the FBI require psychological evaluations for their agents? I'm pretty sure they would, and equally sure an alcoholic, self-harming basket case with major anger issues would never make the grade. Score one for lack of credibility.
Then we had the flashbacks. The endless, rambling, introverted flashbacks with served only to further highlight Clarke's lack of suitability as an FBI Special Agent. I found them more irritating than informative at the outset.
That said, when the plot started picking up momentum, I began to overlook the negatives and become engrossed in the chase to catch the killer. Not so much a procedural as a thriller, but the plot build was well crafted and the way the story gained pace and built suspense was very good. The actual writing, too, was of a high standard, and although I never grew to love the main characters, I did at least begin to care about them and their situation enough to enjoy the unfolding of the plot. The final twist was not entirely a shock, but it was made to feel plausible due to skilled writing, and the climax was suitably exciting and tragic.
To be honest this book was heading for a three star rating for most of the read, but it managed to just tip me over to a fourth star in the final reckoning due to plot construction and overall story-telling skill. Certainly an author I will be following with interest in the future.
May 3, 2018
"It Ends with Her" is about two people and their obsession with each other. FBI Special Agent Clarke Sinclair was involved in chasing serial killer Simon Cross with the help of her partner FBI Special Agent Sam Gallagher. However, finding Simon Cross was not as easy as Clarke and Sam thought after he changed his pattern by taking two girls together. The readers of It Ends With Her will continue to follow the twists and turns of FBI Special Agent Clarke Sinclair and FBI Special Agent Sam Gallagher investigation.
"It Ends With Her" is the first book I have read of Brianna Labuskes, and I did enjoy reading this book. I like the way Brianna Labuskes combine two plots throughout It Ends With Her. I did not see the ending of It Ends With Her it differently come out of left field for me. Brianna Labuskes did a great job in portraying her characters. "It Ends With Her" is well written by Brianna Labuskes. Brianna Labuskes engaged me with her characters and the plot from the beginning.
The readers of It Ends With Her will learn about FBI investigations procedures and the way they interact with local law enforcement. Also, It Ends With Her highlights the problems and consequences of sexual abuse and mental illness.
I recommend this book.
"It Ends With Her" is the first book I have read of Brianna Labuskes, and I did enjoy reading this book. I like the way Brianna Labuskes combine two plots throughout It Ends With Her. I did not see the ending of It Ends With Her it differently come out of left field for me. Brianna Labuskes did a great job in portraying her characters. "It Ends With Her" is well written by Brianna Labuskes. Brianna Labuskes engaged me with her characters and the plot from the beginning.
The readers of It Ends With Her will learn about FBI investigations procedures and the way they interact with local law enforcement. Also, It Ends With Her highlights the problems and consequences of sexual abuse and mental illness.
I recommend this book.
April 1, 2018
IT ENDS WITH HER
I usually love thrillers, this book has a lot of action-a scavenger hunt, and a couple of very determined FBI agents. The plot was good, my problem with the book was the characters. Both Sam and Clarke seemed incomplete, and not very likeable. When I love a book, it is because of the characters- this book not so much.
I usually love thrillers, this book has a lot of action-a scavenger hunt, and a couple of very determined FBI agents. The plot was good, my problem with the book was the characters. Both Sam and Clarke seemed incomplete, and not very likeable. When I love a book, it is because of the characters- this book not so much.
June 23, 2018
So good!
It Ends With Her was a really good mystery book. It kept me guessing every little thing. I honestly wanted to figure things out before I read it and I enjoyed every page.
This book follows FBI agent Clarke Sinclair. She is chasing a serial killer and the entire time you are wanting to know how these two are connected. THE ENTIRE TIME GUYS. Or it could just be me. The killer is always steps ahead of her and her team.. well, until the day he isn't. The killer has changed his MO and Clarke is determined to figure out why.
Now Clarke and Sam had a pretty interesting work relationship. I wasn't completely involved in it but some things that happened between the two felt sudden and made me sad - like the ending. Then there was Clarke and Simon - and if I'm being honest, I couldn't tell you who was more messed up in this book.
The ending was a little bit underwhelming and kind of rushed at the same time. I feel like Simon still kind of won in the end of it all. Overall, I did really enjoy the audio book and the mystery that this book gave me. I will definitely look into another book by this author.
It Ends With Her was a really good mystery book. It kept me guessing every little thing. I honestly wanted to figure things out before I read it and I enjoyed every page.
This book follows FBI agent Clarke Sinclair. She is chasing a serial killer and the entire time you are wanting to know how these two are connected. THE ENTIRE TIME GUYS. Or it could just be me. The killer is always steps ahead of her and her team.. well, until the day he isn't. The killer has changed his MO and Clarke is determined to figure out why.
Now Clarke and Sam had a pretty interesting work relationship. I wasn't completely involved in it but some things that happened between the two felt sudden and made me sad - like the ending. Then there was Clarke and Simon - and if I'm being honest, I couldn't tell you who was more messed up in this book.
The ending was a little bit underwhelming and kind of rushed at the same time. I feel like Simon still kind of won in the end of it all. Overall, I did really enjoy the audio book and the mystery that this book gave me. I will definitely look into another book by this author.
August 1, 2018
If there was anything in life that was predictable, it was the rage men felt when women mocked them.
I wanted to start with that quote, I feel it's so powerful, it really got me thinking. The book, among other thing, deals with the topic of domestic abuse. However, at its core, It Ends with Her is about an FBI agent Clarke trying to catch a serial killer who is somewhat obsessed with her. I loved the title, btw, it totally fits.
I'll admit that the beginning was a bit tricky for me. It starts in medias res; they've been trying to catch Simon Cross (the killer) for years now, and we're thrown into the middle of a new case. It took me a while to grasp the relations between characters, I wanted their backstories - why are they the way they are?
But in the second half the story picked up, or rather, I became invested, I wanted them to catch him, I wanted that final confrontation. And- what made the book way better in my opinion was the plot twist towards the end! I did not see that coming, and suddenly everything made sense. It definitely crystallized the whole structure of the novel for me.
Joy warred with fear warred with nostalgia warred with horror. And underneath it all - pulsing and unwanted and confusing - was something that still felt like love.
I also liked the father/daughter relationship between Sam and Clarke. Sam was her fellow FBI agent, mentor of sorts, a father figure and best friend.
I should also emphasize that this was not particularly dark nor explicit in descriptions. Now, that may be a good or a bad thing, depending on what you're looking for. When I'm reading about serial killers, I don't mind a bit of gore, it adds credibility, how am I supposed to take this villain seriously if he doesn't do anything bad, right?
In conclusion, this wasn't anything mind-blowing, but it was entertaining enough.
Final rating: Strong 3.5 stars
April 3, 2018
Unsympathetic Protagonist, Serial Killer Portrayed as Genius
I found myself getting more and more annoyed with the female protagonist, Clarke Sinclair, the longer I read. I found her self destructive and incredibly unsympathetic. I don't know if that's what the author intended but there was nothing I read that made me like her in the least. Her FBI partner, Sam Gallagher, was there to save her from herself. There is a lot we learn about Clarke's motivation as the book proceeds but it did nothing to make her more likeable.
The story is about a serial killer. We meet him at 11 years old and he's already a sadistic manipulator. He is portrayed as a genius who is able to predict people's responses with supernatural ability. His victims are abused or wounded women he can control as he slowly brutalizes them until they are compliant. He has a new victim picked out to take the place of the one he kills.
I chose this as a First Read for April. It was obviously a poor choice for me. I know there are many positive reviews already submitted for this book and I wish the author success with her career. This book was not one I liked.
I found myself getting more and more annoyed with the female protagonist, Clarke Sinclair, the longer I read. I found her self destructive and incredibly unsympathetic. I don't know if that's what the author intended but there was nothing I read that made me like her in the least. Her FBI partner, Sam Gallagher, was there to save her from herself. There is a lot we learn about Clarke's motivation as the book proceeds but it did nothing to make her more likeable.
The story is about a serial killer. We meet him at 11 years old and he's already a sadistic manipulator. He is portrayed as a genius who is able to predict people's responses with supernatural ability. His victims are abused or wounded women he can control as he slowly brutalizes them until they are compliant. He has a new victim picked out to take the place of the one he kills.
I chose this as a First Read for April. It was obviously a poor choice for me. I know there are many positive reviews already submitted for this book and I wish the author success with her career. This book was not one I liked.
April 20, 2018
3.5 Stars!
So the beginning of this book was a bit touch and go for me. I'm okay with the slow revealing plot but I had trouble finding something to hold on to that would carry me forward in the story. The characters were not very appealing to me and at times annoying. Part of the plot was to figure out the connection between Sam and Clarke, and the lack of information and background made it more difficult to connect to them. Too much was kept from the reader which would have helped explain their interactions and seemingly unlikable traits. Once the pace picked up, about half way through, I was glad that I held on and quite enjoyed the game of cat and mouse.
Despite some of the issues I had with the characters, I felt writing was solid and deserving of a second look. I'll be checking out more from this author.
So the beginning of this book was a bit touch and go for me. I'm okay with the slow revealing plot but I had trouble finding something to hold on to that would carry me forward in the story. The characters were not very appealing to me and at times annoying. Part of the plot was to figure out the connection between Sam and Clarke, and the lack of information and background made it more difficult to connect to them. Too much was kept from the reader which would have helped explain their interactions and seemingly unlikable traits. Once the pace picked up, about half way through, I was glad that I held on and quite enjoyed the game of cat and mouse.
Despite some of the issues I had with the characters, I felt writing was solid and deserving of a second look. I'll be checking out more from this author.
June 13, 2018
FBI agent Clarke Sinclair is chasing a serial killer. She and her partner, Sam, are being led around the country on a scavenger hunt of sorts, following cryptic clues the killer leaves for them. It seems they are never quite in time to save the victim, but the latest string of clues is different - he's changed the game and it is personal to Clarke. Clarke must battle her own internal demons and past if she wants to win.
This book was excellent. I didn't particularly like any of the characters, but their story was compelling. The mystery and the revealing of the clues and connections was well done. Considering we knew who the killer was the entire time, I was surprised at how deeply invested I was in finding out how it all fit together. 4.5 stars.
This book was excellent. I didn't particularly like any of the characters, but their story was compelling. The mystery and the revealing of the clues and connections was well done. Considering we knew who the killer was the entire time, I was surprised at how deeply invested I was in finding out how it all fit together. 4.5 stars.
December 23, 2023
Intense Cat-and-Mouse Chase!
“The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially.” —Ernest Hemingway
“It Ends With Her” is a psychological thriller with a tense cat-and-mouse game between a serial killer and an FBI Agent who has been chasing him for years.
If you love books about serial killers, you'll love this one even more with its strong female law enforcement character. Clarke is no ordinary agent. She's smart, tough, and determined to catch Simon, the notorious killer who always manages to slip through her fingers. Simon follows a pattern with every killing, and he loves to taunt Clarke with clues that never lead her close enough to save the victim. But this time, Clarke is more determined than ever.
The book could have been paced a little faster, but the ending was worth the wait. Labuskes is an author you want to check out!
#ItEndsWithHer #BriannaLabuskes #kindleunlimited #thomasandmercer #amazonpublishing #thriller #honestreview #newrelease #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #suspense #mystery #lovetoread #bookworms #lovebooks #lovetoreadbooks #fortheloveofbooks #booknerd #bookreviewer
“The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially.” —Ernest Hemingway
“It Ends With Her” is a psychological thriller with a tense cat-and-mouse game between a serial killer and an FBI Agent who has been chasing him for years.
If you love books about serial killers, you'll love this one even more with its strong female law enforcement character. Clarke is no ordinary agent. She's smart, tough, and determined to catch Simon, the notorious killer who always manages to slip through her fingers. Simon follows a pattern with every killing, and he loves to taunt Clarke with clues that never lead her close enough to save the victim. But this time, Clarke is more determined than ever.
The book could have been paced a little faster, but the ending was worth the wait. Labuskes is an author you want to check out!
#ItEndsWithHer #BriannaLabuskes #kindleunlimited #thomasandmercer #amazonpublishing #thriller #honestreview #newrelease #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #suspense #mystery #lovetoread #bookworms #lovebooks #lovetoreadbooks #fortheloveofbooks #booknerd #bookreviewer
March 15, 2020
‘Three girls were dead, brutally murdered because they happened to have red hair and bad luck.’
‘He was fastidious, bordering on perfect, and far too brilliant to do something as amateur as show up at his victim’s funeral. He’d led them on a countrywide scavenger hunt and hadn’t left a single fingerprint or fleck of DNA behind…’ Simon Cross is a serial killer. Trying to catch him is Special Agent Clarke Sinclair.
So begins another novel with a clever serial killer offering up clues to the FBI. The clues are in the form of Polaroids, notes and packages. You know how it is with these killers that want to be caught because they know what their doing is bad but the urges are such that they cannot stop themselves. Is this one of those books?
The first part of the book was intriguing and damn right creepy. There is the backstory of the killer but also of Clarke. Clarke has certainly had her mental issues. Then there is the relationship between her and her openly gay FBI partner, Sam, which is particularly underwhelming it appears but hang in there.
The over-arching theme is abuse. Abuse by men on women. Boyfriends, husbands and serial killers. It is the power and control some men need to put women down, especially those they are supposed to love. In this day it is so prescient. We know it goes on and has been for years.
After a decent start I felt the book sag in the middle. Then due to work commitments I was only able to read a bit here-and-there and this meant I lost a bit of momentum and it became a chore to finish. I couldn’t really engage with the characters and whatever happened to them it just didn’t resonate unfortunately.
‘He was fastidious, bordering on perfect, and far too brilliant to do something as amateur as show up at his victim’s funeral. He’d led them on a countrywide scavenger hunt and hadn’t left a single fingerprint or fleck of DNA behind…’ Simon Cross is a serial killer. Trying to catch him is Special Agent Clarke Sinclair.
So begins another novel with a clever serial killer offering up clues to the FBI. The clues are in the form of Polaroids, notes and packages. You know how it is with these killers that want to be caught because they know what their doing is bad but the urges are such that they cannot stop themselves. Is this one of those books?
The first part of the book was intriguing and damn right creepy. There is the backstory of the killer but also of Clarke. Clarke has certainly had her mental issues. Then there is the relationship between her and her openly gay FBI partner, Sam, which is particularly underwhelming it appears but hang in there.
The over-arching theme is abuse. Abuse by men on women. Boyfriends, husbands and serial killers. It is the power and control some men need to put women down, especially those they are supposed to love. In this day it is so prescient. We know it goes on and has been for years.
After a decent start I felt the book sag in the middle. Then due to work commitments I was only able to read a bit here-and-there and this meant I lost a bit of momentum and it became a chore to finish. I couldn’t really engage with the characters and whatever happened to them it just didn’t resonate unfortunately.
April 22, 2018
A page turning thriller
I chose this book as my Kindle First selection for April, as there was no other book I was remotely interested in. I'm glad I did.
While this may be Brianna Labuskes first novel, she is clearly an accomplished writer. The descriptions were thorough, sentence structure was good and it was well edited. I flew through the pages pretty quickly and it kept me up at night much later than I had wanted. To me, that is the mark of a great book.
So, why did I give it four stars instead of five? For me, the first quarter of the book dragged. I almost stopped reading at that point, but I've been trying to do a better job sticking with the books I've picked, as most of them improve the deeper you get involved in the story. That is certainly the case with It Ends With Her. My other gripe was the author's overuse of describing the characters' shoulders touching, particularly at the end of the novel. This is really a minor flaw, but was one that stood out to me, as I hate repetition.
All in all, this was a good book and I believe it is worth a read. I look forward to Ms. Labuskes next effort.
I chose this book as my Kindle First selection for April, as there was no other book I was remotely interested in. I'm glad I did.
While this may be Brianna Labuskes first novel, she is clearly an accomplished writer. The descriptions were thorough, sentence structure was good and it was well edited. I flew through the pages pretty quickly and it kept me up at night much later than I had wanted. To me, that is the mark of a great book.
So, why did I give it four stars instead of five? For me, the first quarter of the book dragged. I almost stopped reading at that point, but I've been trying to do a better job sticking with the books I've picked, as most of them improve the deeper you get involved in the story. That is certainly the case with It Ends With Her. My other gripe was the author's overuse of describing the characters' shoulders touching, particularly at the end of the novel. This is really a minor flaw, but was one that stood out to me, as I hate repetition.
All in all, this was a good book and I believe it is worth a read. I look forward to Ms. Labuskes next effort.
August 13, 2021
This is the second book I’ve read from this author and let me say I was not disappointed. This is a story of trauma, psychopathic desire, self destruction and murder.
It is told from various stand points and although I did pick the twist quite early on it didn’t ruin it for me because I was never 100% sure and when I did find out it wasn’t a disappointed it only solidified the creativity I felt the author had shown.
I don’t want to give away spoilers but I will say I had lots of feelings, tension and nail biting moments and this one had me by the heart strings and I am not ashamed to say it brought tears to my eyes in several places.
This is the first book by in this genre by this author and I am looking forward to reading through her catalogue. I highly recommend starting here!!
It is told from various stand points and although I did pick the twist quite early on it didn’t ruin it for me because I was never 100% sure and when I did find out it wasn’t a disappointed it only solidified the creativity I felt the author had shown.
I don’t want to give away spoilers but I will say I had lots of feelings, tension and nail biting moments and this one had me by the heart strings and I am not ashamed to say it brought tears to my eyes in several places.
This is the first book by in this genre by this author and I am looking forward to reading through her catalogue. I highly recommend starting here!!
April 12, 2018
Highly enjoyable if you like twists!
I went into this book hesitantly. At first I thought it was another “bad a$$ female agent” novel, but once you dive into each character, you find each has their own flaws that compliment one another perfectly. A truly great novel highlighting the impact of child abuse, the psyche of the abused, and how it gnaws at them for the rest of their lives. I recommend giving this novel a chance if you want a thriller, mystery and a good puzzle.
I went into this book hesitantly. At first I thought it was another “bad a$$ female agent” novel, but once you dive into each character, you find each has their own flaws that compliment one another perfectly. A truly great novel highlighting the impact of child abuse, the psyche of the abused, and how it gnaws at them for the rest of their lives. I recommend giving this novel a chance if you want a thriller, mystery and a good puzzle.
September 7, 2019
Good story, I’ll be looking at the author’s other books.
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January 5, 2019Romantic Suspense > Serial killers > FBI
This book was frustrating, choppy and disturbing to read. I didn't care about the main character Clarke. She sounded so insecure, depressed and wimpish. She was cutting herself, wallowed in self pity, was self-destructive. I doubt someone like her would last long in this kind of job. Okay, she had really horrible childhood but people who seek help from the FBI want professionals not someone who is danger for herself and others.
It also felt like I was thrown into the middle of the series and had no idea about the backrounds of Clarke and Sam. Why Clarke behaved like this? The back and forth of Clarke's past got boring and distracting. Why would I want to read long descriptions of abuse and nastiness?? I'm also tired by the way some authors use past abuse as an excuse and think its okay to blame everyone and everything else for their miserable life.
Also please don't use male names on female characters. It added more confusion.
This book was frustrating, choppy and disturbing to read. I didn't care about the main character Clarke. She sounded so insecure, depressed and wimpish. She was cutting herself, wallowed in self pity, was self-destructive. I doubt someone like her would last long in this kind of job. Okay, she had really horrible childhood but people who seek help from the FBI want professionals not someone who is danger for herself and others.
It also felt like I was thrown into the middle of the series and had no idea about the backrounds of Clarke and Sam. Why Clarke behaved like this? The back and forth of Clarke's past got boring and distracting. Why would I want to read long descriptions of abuse and nastiness?? I'm also tired by the way some authors use past abuse as an excuse and think its okay to blame everyone and everything else for their miserable life.
Also please don't use male names on female characters. It added more confusion.
June 1, 2018
I wish we could do half stars. This book is 3.5 stars IMO.
Basic plot - FBI agents are hunting a serial killer who likes to play games with his kills. He sends the FBI clues to try and find his next victim before he kills them. But the agents are always a day or so behind in figuring out the clues. The main agents are a woman by the name of Clarke and her older partner Sam, who is more like a mentor/father figure.
Clarke is a troubled young woman with a lot of emotional issues. I never grew to like her as a character and found her to be more of an annoyance. I was indifferent to Sam, but I hated the way he constantly called her "kid". I think this was my main problem with the book. The lead characters were not written in a way that made them likeable. There was clearly effort made to try to make Clarke likeable, hence all of her emotional issues, but it had the opposite effect on me and left me feeling like this person should not be an FBI agent!
Another reviewer mentioned that the chapters titled "Clarke" were the hardest to get into and I completely agree. Keep that in mind when you read the book. The chapters titled Bess and Adelaide are really really good! And these chapters really carry the book. It was almost like two different authors wrote the book. When I started reading I seriously thought that I must have skipped some pages...it seemed disjointed in where the story began. I thought I was not going to like the book and that it was going to be a long read judging by the beginning, but then it got better, much better!
I do recommend the book and if you read it, or have read it, here are some questions I have:
1. Was Simon always bad, a sociopath, or did the Cross' and life circumstances make him that way?
2. Could Adelaide have changed him by loving him in return?
3. What was the deal with Matthew? Never understood his story and what happened to him.
Basic plot - FBI agents are hunting a serial killer who likes to play games with his kills. He sends the FBI clues to try and find his next victim before he kills them. But the agents are always a day or so behind in figuring out the clues. The main agents are a woman by the name of Clarke and her older partner Sam, who is more like a mentor/father figure.
Clarke is a troubled young woman with a lot of emotional issues. I never grew to like her as a character and found her to be more of an annoyance. I was indifferent to Sam, but I hated the way he constantly called her "kid". I think this was my main problem with the book. The lead characters were not written in a way that made them likeable. There was clearly effort made to try to make Clarke likeable, hence all of her emotional issues, but it had the opposite effect on me and left me feeling like this person should not be an FBI agent!
Another reviewer mentioned that the chapters titled "Clarke" were the hardest to get into and I completely agree. Keep that in mind when you read the book. The chapters titled Bess and Adelaide are really really good! And these chapters really carry the book. It was almost like two different authors wrote the book. When I started reading I seriously thought that I must have skipped some pages...it seemed disjointed in where the story began. I thought I was not going to like the book and that it was going to be a long read judging by the beginning, but then it got better, much better!
I do recommend the book and if you read it, or have read it, here are some questions I have:
1. Was Simon always bad, a sociopath, or did the Cross' and life circumstances make him that way?
2. Could Adelaide have changed him by loving him in return?
3. What was the deal with Matthew? Never understood his story and what happened to him.
April 15, 2018
Dark Thriller
I hate when reviewers say that a book is hard to review, but this one is because a review could ruin the plot and the many plot twists.
The book revolves around three characters Bess, Adelaide, and Clark. Clark is a FBI agent who is chasing a serial killer targeting curly redheaded females. The killer happens to be winning the game he is playing with Clark and the F.B.I.. The book is written in three distinct timelines, and switching between the three female characters. All three encounter the serial killer at different stages of his life.
This book is good, but not great. The major relationship is between mentor F.BI. agent Sam and mentee Clark. The relationship is well written one but lacks some of the heart need to propel the book into five star range. This could be said for Adelaide’s relationship with her foster brother too, which is set up well but again we are told not shown why Adelaide adores her foster brother. Now Bess and her new found friend Anna have the most fleshed our relationship and because the author shows the reader why it turns out to be the most riveting.
In the end this is a really good read, and their was plenty that kept me turning the page.
Have fun reading and I read this as a Prime First Read.
I hate when reviewers say that a book is hard to review, but this one is because a review could ruin the plot and the many plot twists.
The book revolves around three characters Bess, Adelaide, and Clark. Clark is a FBI agent who is chasing a serial killer targeting curly redheaded females. The killer happens to be winning the game he is playing with Clark and the F.B.I.. The book is written in three distinct timelines, and switching between the three female characters. All three encounter the serial killer at different stages of his life.
This book is good, but not great. The major relationship is between mentor F.BI. agent Sam and mentee Clark. The relationship is well written one but lacks some of the heart need to propel the book into five star range. This could be said for Adelaide’s relationship with her foster brother too, which is set up well but again we are told not shown why Adelaide adores her foster brother. Now Bess and her new found friend Anna have the most fleshed our relationship and because the author shows the reader why it turns out to be the most riveting.
In the end this is a really good read, and their was plenty that kept me turning the page.
Have fun reading and I read this as a Prime First Read.
April 28, 2018
Hard to describe
This is one of those books that leaves the reader emotionally drained. The characters were real, the story filled with every imaginable emotion, and the action non-stop. The writing is so intense, I became a part of the story, awakening at the end feeling a huge sense of loss. This is a book worth your time.
This is one of those books that leaves the reader emotionally drained. The characters were real, the story filled with every imaginable emotion, and the action non-stop. The writing is so intense, I became a part of the story, awakening at the end feeling a huge sense of loss. This is a book worth your time.
May 29, 2018
3.5 stars
June 18, 2018
“He’d led them on a countrywide scavenger hunt and hadn’t left a single fingerprint or fleck of DNA behind, and they thought he’d make the most basic mistake in the book?
No….
The postcards that promised false hope if only the FBI could solve the clues in time. The relentless countdown that ticked away the seconds until the next deadline. The dead girl as the final prize in a twisted scavenger hunt Clarke had never wanted to play in the first place.”
A reluctant FBI agent takes on a serial killer triggered by red-headed women. Brianna Labuskes offers a story that intrigues the reader. Although, maybe those who read a great many of these novels will guess the surprise ending, it shouldn’t keep away those who enjoy reading a good thriller. Good story. Interesting take on protagonist. I would read more from Labuskes. She’s on my “Follow” list. ---reviewed in Le Coeur de l'Artiste
No….
The postcards that promised false hope if only the FBI could solve the clues in time. The relentless countdown that ticked away the seconds until the next deadline. The dead girl as the final prize in a twisted scavenger hunt Clarke had never wanted to play in the first place.”
A reluctant FBI agent takes on a serial killer triggered by red-headed women. Brianna Labuskes offers a story that intrigues the reader. Although, maybe those who read a great many of these novels will guess the surprise ending, it shouldn’t keep away those who enjoy reading a good thriller. Good story. Interesting take on protagonist. I would read more from Labuskes. She’s on my “Follow” list. ---reviewed in Le Coeur de l'Artiste
October 5, 2021
By the second or third chapter I’d sorted out how this book was going to go and kept reading to see how the author explored that relationship/situation. By 64% I was very bored and by the end I had far less charitable feelings than I did halfway. (I loath confessional monologues).
I think (?) I got this “free” as part of kindle unlimited (I rather hope I didn’t buy this)
no summary, not possible without 'spoiling'
I think (?) I got this “free” as part of kindle unlimited (I rather hope I didn’t buy this)
no summary, not possible without 'spoiling'
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