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Jessie Cole #3
Deranged
Family man or deranged killer? It’s for fearless PI Jessie Cole to find out. At any cost.
Ever since a car accident left reporter Ben Morrison with amnesia, he’s been trying to rebuild a future as he puts together the pieces of his past. With the help of PI Jessie Cole, he’s getting closer. But few who remember Ben’s troubled childhood want to talk. And those who do—including his father, imprisoned for a shocking crime—are stirring disturbing memories given up for dead.
Then Jessie is sidetracked by a surveillance request from a suspicious husband. An ordinary case, until the cheating wife and lover are found murdered. They bear the trademark wounds of an elusive serial killer who’s now leading Jessie down a chilling path—one that’s about to put a dangerous twist in the search for Ben’s identity.
To discover the truth, Jessie must put more at risk than she ever feared. Because there are more secrets to Ben’s past, than she—or even Ben—ever imagined.
Ever since a car accident left reporter Ben Morrison with amnesia, he’s been trying to rebuild a future as he puts together the pieces of his past. With the help of PI Jessie Cole, he’s getting closer. But few who remember Ben’s troubled childhood want to talk. And those who do—including his father, imprisoned for a shocking crime—are stirring disturbing memories given up for dead.
Then Jessie is sidetracked by a surveillance request from a suspicious husband. An ordinary case, until the cheating wife and lover are found murdered. They bear the trademark wounds of an elusive serial killer who’s now leading Jessie down a chilling path—one that’s about to put a dangerous twist in the search for Ben’s identity.
To discover the truth, Jessie must put more at risk than she ever feared. Because there are more secrets to Ben’s past, than she—or even Ben—ever imagined.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2018
3598 people are currently reading
1729 people want to read
About the author
T.R. Ragan
25 books2,071 followersT.R. Ragan (Theresa Ragan) is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling mystery and thriller author.
Readers interested in signing up for a monthly newsletter or getting their name in a TR RAGAN book should check out her website at www.trragan.com
Facebook • Twitter • Instagram: @trraganauthor
LIZZY GARDNER SERIES
Abducted
Dead Weight
A Dark Mind
Obsessed
Almost Dead
Evil Never Dies
FAITH MCMANN TRILOGY
Furious
Outrage
Wrath
JESSIE COLE SERIES
Her Last Day
Deadly Recall
Deranged - 10/18
Buried Deep - 4/19
Readers interested in signing up for a monthly newsletter or getting their name in a TR RAGAN book should check out her website at www.trragan.com
Facebook • Twitter • Instagram: @trraganauthor
LIZZY GARDNER SERIES
Abducted
Dead Weight
A Dark Mind
Obsessed
Almost Dead
Evil Never Dies
FAITH MCMANN TRILOGY
Furious
Outrage
Wrath
JESSIE COLE SERIES
Her Last Day
Deadly Recall
Deranged - 10/18
Buried Deep - 4/19
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
November 5, 2018
T.R. Ragan is back with her third installment in the Jessie Cole series.
Building on the characters from previous books, Cole is still helping car accident/amnesia victim reclaim his past. The son of a convicted murderer, Ben Morrison desperately is seeking to know more about the tragic night when his girlfriend was murdered by his father. As bits and pieces of his memories begin to resurface, he is more confused than ever about the role he may have played in her death. Cole also has been hired to follow a cheating wife but when she is found stabbed to death, the evidence suggests that she is another victim of the killer who is on the loose. How do all of the murders tie together and what do they have to do with Morrison? Cole wants to know, but knowing may cost her own life or the lives of those she dearly loves.
Deranged is solidly written murder mystery/thriller. It will keep you interested and reading to the end. It's actually a very quick read, lots of dialogue makes it so. Because it is the third in the series, there are multiple throwbacks to past events and characters, things that I should have known but didn't because this was my first book. Some books in a series work fine as a stand alone, you get enough information woven into the back story that you don't notice that you've not read the previous books. Deranged is not one of those books. I suggest that you go back and read the first two Jessie Cole books if you are interested in this one. Conversely, there are enough spoilers in this one that you should not read it before the others.
If you are a fan of Ragan and this series then I'm certain that you will enjoy Deranged.
*I received an egalley from #Netgalley and #Thomas&Mercer in exchange for this review.
Building on the characters from previous books, Cole is still helping car accident/amnesia victim reclaim his past. The son of a convicted murderer, Ben Morrison desperately is seeking to know more about the tragic night when his girlfriend was murdered by his father. As bits and pieces of his memories begin to resurface, he is more confused than ever about the role he may have played in her death. Cole also has been hired to follow a cheating wife but when she is found stabbed to death, the evidence suggests that she is another victim of the killer who is on the loose. How do all of the murders tie together and what do they have to do with Morrison? Cole wants to know, but knowing may cost her own life or the lives of those she dearly loves.
Deranged is solidly written murder mystery/thriller. It will keep you interested and reading to the end. It's actually a very quick read, lots of dialogue makes it so. Because it is the third in the series, there are multiple throwbacks to past events and characters, things that I should have known but didn't because this was my first book. Some books in a series work fine as a stand alone, you get enough information woven into the back story that you don't notice that you've not read the previous books. Deranged is not one of those books. I suggest that you go back and read the first two Jessie Cole books if you are interested in this one. Conversely, there are enough spoilers in this one that you should not read it before the others.
If you are a fan of Ragan and this series then I'm certain that you will enjoy Deranged.
*I received an egalley from #Netgalley and #Thomas&Mercer in exchange for this review.
May 3, 2021
This is the 3rd Jessie Cole book in a series and it is as gripping as the first two.
Jessie, a PI, is still assisting her friend, journalist Ben, discover the truth about this past. Ben, who after an accident has lost all his prior memory, is having flashbacks that are violent and he wants to know if he has killed someone when he was younger. He has since rediscovered his sister, who is terrified of him, and found that he has a father serving a life sentence for murder.
Jessie in the meantime appears to have someone stalking her. Is it one of her clients or someone associated with Ben's past?
The story is violent and covers a lot of disturbing topics, child abuse, rape and torture. However, like other books by this author, they are very well written.
Looking forward to book 4.
Jessie, a PI, is still assisting her friend, journalist Ben, discover the truth about this past. Ben, who after an accident has lost all his prior memory, is having flashbacks that are violent and he wants to know if he has killed someone when he was younger. He has since rediscovered his sister, who is terrified of him, and found that he has a father serving a life sentence for murder.
Jessie in the meantime appears to have someone stalking her. Is it one of her clients or someone associated with Ben's past?
The story is violent and covers a lot of disturbing topics, child abuse, rape and torture. However, like other books by this author, they are very well written.
Looking forward to book 4.
September 21, 2018
This is Book 3 of 4 in Jessie Cole (4 Book Series). I highly recommend starting with the very first book. This book 'can' be read as is, but there are a lot of details that will not be here.
PI Jessie Cole is helping her friend, Ben Morrison who was an investigative reporter. An accident left him with amnesia ... he remembers nothing of the past before that accident.
While Jesse tries to help, Ben is having what he thinks are flashbacks ... and they scare him beyond belief. No one who remembers Ben is willing to talk to him about his past .. not even his own sister. And those who do—including his father, imprisoned for a shocking crime—are stirring disturbing memories given up for dead.
Jessie has also been hired by a suspicious husband, Easton West. Normally she doesn't do 'cheater' cases, but her assistant took on the job in her absence. But things really turn deadly when the wife and her lover are found murdered. . They bear the trademark wounds of an elusive serial killer who’s now leading Jessie down a chilling path—one that’s about to put a dangerous twist in the search for Ben’s identity.
There are more secrets to be uncovered .. putting them all at risk. Highly suspenseful, this well written novel keeps the reader riveted to the fast-paced action. Bodies drop and they all have one thing in common .. but it takes a Homicide Detective's new partner to figure it out.
I love the personal relationships that take place behind the scenes. Jessie's niece, who she is raising, has become a teenager, with all that entails. Jessie and her off-and-on again boyfriend, a detective, seem to be moving their relationship a little further. Ben is an engaging character ... hard to picture him as a killer .. but is he? And Zoe .. one of my favorites. She's Jessie's assistant ... a schizophrenic on meds to keep the voices as bay ... someone who's trying to be normal. She's funny .. and has a knack for being in the investigation business.
This has been a terrific series and I look forward to the finale .... BURIED DEEP.
Many thanks to the author / Thomas & Mercer / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
5 stars for the series!
October 6, 2018
Book 3 in the Jessie Cole series and my favourite so far! Jessie, her family and friends are always getting involved in something dangerous and complicated. We learn so much more about the characters in this book while the hunt down the killer, and try to stay alive.
Jessie is still trying to find out who the real Ben is. Since the car accident the reporter has no memory of his past. His father is in prising for murder and claims to be innocent and that Ben is the real killer. While looking into this she is also working an infidelity case that turns to murder. It is all happening.
Thanks to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
Jessie is still trying to find out who the real Ben is. Since the car accident the reporter has no memory of his past. His father is in prising for murder and claims to be innocent and that Ben is the real killer. While looking into this she is also working an infidelity case that turns to murder. It is all happening.
Thanks to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
December 6, 2024
This is an excellent series – strong characters and good plots. This is the third book in the series with one more to go.
The central characters continue to be Jessie (a private detective) and Ben (a reporter who cannot recall much of his earlier life after an accident). There are many aspects of Ben’s life which are yet to be known and Jessie continues to speak to people who knew him. Ben’s dad who is in prison, claims he is paying the price for his son’s actions. Ben has other challenges – he has taken up a quarrel with his daughter Abigail’s sports teacher, claiming he can sense his intentions are not right. Zee, who is schizophrenic, and was introduced in the last book continues to work with Jessie.
Lavinia Shaw, who worked at a strip club, is killed by a man in the barn of an old couple. The case is assigned to Colin, who dates Jessie on and off. Easton Scott is a man who suspects his wife Diane of infidelity and wants Jessie to investigate. While she does not typically take such cases, she relents as the money will help. Diane and Luke Young, a man who had come to meet her, are murdered shortly thereafter.
The plot is good and the procedural work is solid. As two strong characters, facing many challenges, Jessie and Ben form a great team. The story has some surprises without getting muddled in any lame twists. I was a little irritated that Ben's story is still unresolved, but it has made progress steadily since Book 1.
If crime fiction interests you, this is a very good series.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
The central characters continue to be Jessie (a private detective) and Ben (a reporter who cannot recall much of his earlier life after an accident). There are many aspects of Ben’s life which are yet to be known and Jessie continues to speak to people who knew him. Ben’s dad who is in prison, claims he is paying the price for his son’s actions. Ben has other challenges – he has taken up a quarrel with his daughter Abigail’s sports teacher, claiming he can sense his intentions are not right. Zee, who is schizophrenic, and was introduced in the last book continues to work with Jessie.
Lavinia Shaw, who worked at a strip club, is killed by a man in the barn of an old couple. The case is assigned to Colin, who dates Jessie on and off. Easton Scott is a man who suspects his wife Diane of infidelity and wants Jessie to investigate. While she does not typically take such cases, she relents as the money will help. Diane and Luke Young, a man who had come to meet her, are murdered shortly thereafter.
The plot is good and the procedural work is solid. As two strong characters, facing many challenges, Jessie and Ben form a great team. The story has some surprises without getting muddled in any lame twists. I was a little irritated that Ben's story is still unresolved, but it has made progress steadily since Book 1.
If crime fiction interests you, this is a very good series.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
January 29, 2019
The third instalment of this fantastic series looking forward to the next book,jessie and zee on another case a husband suspects his wife having an affair.colin on a murder case.ben my favourite character as has a memory loss, and his family his dad a convicted murderer, and he said hes innocent and his son Ben committed the murder of his girlfriend but did he.jessie helping to solve it.fantastic writing all her books are 5 star ratings.and looking forward to reading many more of her books.highly recommend this series.
November 4, 2018
Jessie Cole is a private investigator working in Sacramento who is barely making ends meet. You can't help but feel her anxieties about her predicament. She's raising her niece, Oliva who is turning 16 and wants to have more responsibility but Jessie isn't ready to let her face the evils that await young girls.
Jessie's good friend, Ben Morrison was in a bad car wreck that caused him to have a special type of amnesia where he's blanked out his childhood memories. he's a brilliant crime reporter and they have worked on cases before. Jessie is committed to helping him recall his past because he's having these awful flashbacks and acting out in strange ways. He's afraid that he's a danger to his family, because of some these strong emotions he's suffering from so he's moved out of the family home.
Colin Grayson is Jessie's boyfriend who happens to be a homicide detective with the Sacramento PD, who is chasing down what they now have determined to be a serial killer.
This is the third book in this series, so I found myself getting a bit lost regarding the past, it's a great read but I think I would have liked to have started from the beginning so I would have been more familiar with the major characters.
It didn't take away from the storyline and characters of this book, I still enjoyed it and I wasn't completely lost. I will be going back to read the other two that's for sure. I see she's got one to be released next year called
Jessie's good friend, Ben Morrison was in a bad car wreck that caused him to have a special type of amnesia where he's blanked out his childhood memories. he's a brilliant crime reporter and they have worked on cases before. Jessie is committed to helping him recall his past because he's having these awful flashbacks and acting out in strange ways. He's afraid that he's a danger to his family, because of some these strong emotions he's suffering from so he's moved out of the family home.
Colin Grayson is Jessie's boyfriend who happens to be a homicide detective with the Sacramento PD, who is chasing down what they now have determined to be a serial killer.
This is the third book in this series, so I found myself getting a bit lost regarding the past, it's a great read but I think I would have liked to have started from the beginning so I would have been more familiar with the major characters.
It didn't take away from the storyline and characters of this book, I still enjoyed it and I wasn't completely lost. I will be going back to read the other two that's for sure. I see she's got one to be released next year called
September 24, 2018
This is the third in the series featuring Jessie Cole, a private investigator in Sacramento, California. It's a good one, but I do strongly suggest reading the other two first. In large part, that's because all the recurring characters have storied (and very troubled) pasts; with so many in the mix here, it helps, I'm sure, if readers already have a leg up on what's happened in the past. I read the first, and I have no doubt I'd have enjoyed this one more if I'd had the second under my belt as well.
At the epicenter here is Jessie's friend Ben Morrison, who is an investigative reporter with a past he can't remember, courtesy of an auto accident. But while Jessie believes in him, plenty of other folks from his past claim he's got a mean, sadistic streak that he's trying to hide. That includes Ben's father, who's in jail for murder (in fact, he insists Ben is "deranged"). Other early-on characters include Jessie's teenage niece Olivia, who lives with her aunt; Jessie's assistant Zee Gatley, who needs meds to control her schizophrenia but is nonetheless colorful and fun; and Colin Grayson, a local homicide detective with whom Jessie has an on-again, off-again romantic relationship.
To kick off the action, a young woman turns up dead in a barn; just as that investigation gets underway, Zee agrees to take on the case of a man who's looking to prove his wife is having an affair (Jessie eschews domestic cases, but Zee wins this battle, in large part because the firm can use the hefty retainer). Meantime, Jessie is trying to uneath Ben's real backstory; she sees him as a friend, but could it be that he really does have a history of violence? Speaking of violence, I must mention that while it doesn't bother me, there's some super-salty language and [brief] descriptions of lewd sexual acts here that might be offputting for those who may be sensitive about such things.
Other murders follow, leading to the suspicion that a serial killer may be at work. Throw in the coach of an athletic team on which Ben's daughter plays; Ben thinks he's up to no good, putting him at odds with his wife and daughter, both of whom think he practically walks on water. Ben's father, Lou, threatens his psychological counselor at Folsom Prison in an effort to get out of jail free. Chapters shift from the perspectives of several characters (plus from that of the killer, whoever he or she may be). While I'm not a huge fan of this technique, it's done well enough that I have no complaint at all.
But the big question is, do any of these goings-on relate to Ben's past and the person he really is? If so, how? Those questions get answered for the most part, with plenty of fodder left for the next book (said to hit the presses early in 2019). Overall, this is an enjoyable, fast-paced read - and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to review an advance copy.
At the epicenter here is Jessie's friend Ben Morrison, who is an investigative reporter with a past he can't remember, courtesy of an auto accident. But while Jessie believes in him, plenty of other folks from his past claim he's got a mean, sadistic streak that he's trying to hide. That includes Ben's father, who's in jail for murder (in fact, he insists Ben is "deranged"). Other early-on characters include Jessie's teenage niece Olivia, who lives with her aunt; Jessie's assistant Zee Gatley, who needs meds to control her schizophrenia but is nonetheless colorful and fun; and Colin Grayson, a local homicide detective with whom Jessie has an on-again, off-again romantic relationship.
To kick off the action, a young woman turns up dead in a barn; just as that investigation gets underway, Zee agrees to take on the case of a man who's looking to prove his wife is having an affair (Jessie eschews domestic cases, but Zee wins this battle, in large part because the firm can use the hefty retainer). Meantime, Jessie is trying to uneath Ben's real backstory; she sees him as a friend, but could it be that he really does have a history of violence? Speaking of violence, I must mention that while it doesn't bother me, there's some super-salty language and [brief] descriptions of lewd sexual acts here that might be offputting for those who may be sensitive about such things.
Other murders follow, leading to the suspicion that a serial killer may be at work. Throw in the coach of an athletic team on which Ben's daughter plays; Ben thinks he's up to no good, putting him at odds with his wife and daughter, both of whom think he practically walks on water. Ben's father, Lou, threatens his psychological counselor at Folsom Prison in an effort to get out of jail free. Chapters shift from the perspectives of several characters (plus from that of the killer, whoever he or she may be). While I'm not a huge fan of this technique, it's done well enough that I have no complaint at all.
But the big question is, do any of these goings-on relate to Ben's past and the person he really is? If so, how? Those questions get answered for the most part, with plenty of fodder left for the next book (said to hit the presses early in 2019). Overall, this is an enjoyable, fast-paced read - and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to review an advance copy.
February 24, 2019
Out of all the T.R. Ragan series I've read thus far, this one is by far my favorite.
I think for me, what really sets this one apart from her others is the level of character development given. I think Ragan has given quite a bit of depth to these characters, especially Ben Morrison. Which of course this installment is all about. Ben has been struggling to learn about his past, and with this one we get quite the glimpse into who Ben was and how he became to be the man he is today. And while Ben is a changed man, he continues to evolve with each new development which only adds to my point of the depth given to the character development.
Ragan also gives you multiple storylines that intersect with this series, and I'm always interested to see how it comes together. When I think I have found all the missing pieces, there's always something I seemed to have overlooked or never quite put together.
I've very interested to see how Ragan will finish the series. There's so much that I think we all want answered; is there a way to possibly fit it all in one book? Let's hope!
I want to thank NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and T.R. Ragan for allowing me the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my review.
I think for me, what really sets this one apart from her others is the level of character development given. I think Ragan has given quite a bit of depth to these characters, especially Ben Morrison. Which of course this installment is all about. Ben has been struggling to learn about his past, and with this one we get quite the glimpse into who Ben was and how he became to be the man he is today. And while Ben is a changed man, he continues to evolve with each new development which only adds to my point of the depth given to the character development.
Ragan also gives you multiple storylines that intersect with this series, and I'm always interested to see how it comes together. When I think I have found all the missing pieces, there's always something I seemed to have overlooked or never quite put together.
I've very interested to see how Ragan will finish the series. There's so much that I think we all want answered; is there a way to possibly fit it all in one book? Let's hope!
I want to thank NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and T.R. Ragan for allowing me the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my review.
October 1, 2018
Lots going on in this Jessie Cole crime drama. Started out a bit slow but may have been because this is the first in the series that I have read. Jessie is a detective with ties to the police and interesting friends with amnesia. Serial killer on the loose and it is a race to catch him. Ragan typed these events together nicely. I had not figured this one out. "A copy of this book was provided by Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."
February 3, 2019
4.5 Stars!
Deranged was a phenomenal read featuring a fantastic storyline that sheds some light on a character’s mysterious past.
For the last ten years, reporter Ben Morrison has attempted to piece together his past after a car accident left him with amnesia. After Ben hits in a wall in his search, he turns to his friend PI Jessie Cole for help. Upon agreeing to help Ben with his search, Jessie is sidetracked by a client requesting surveillance on his wife whom he believes is cheating. When the client’s wife and her lover are found murdered with evidence linking an elusive serial killer, Jessie is pulled into the deranged killer’s game which is twisting ever closer to Ben’s forgotten past.
The characters in this series are all so fantastic and I love how well the author interconnects everyone’s stories. Jessie continues to be a complete badass while still having vulnerable moments making her very relatable. Ben is back and still focused on learning more about his past and how it’s affecting who he is now. Jessie’s niece Olivia is wonderful and I loved how resourceful she is. Olivia’s dog Higgins continues to be adorable and I’m always happy to see him. Colin, Jessie’s homicide detective boyfriend returns with a new rookie partner who isn’t as dumb as he was originally made out to be. Zee, Jessie’s kickass assistant returns and provides some great insight into the cases. Ben’s family make numerous appearances and I was happy with the way things turned out in their storyline.
This book provides a lot of answers about Ben’s past and I’m interested to see where things will go from here with the information we now know about him. What was interesting about this book was that Jessie wasn’t as directly involved in the murder investigations like she was in previous books. This time around she stuck more to trying to figure out Ben’s past and we instead got chapters from Colin’s point of view showing him and his partner working the murders. I found this to be a good choice and I liked getting to see Colin’s side of things and how they’d overlap with Jessie or Ben’s points of view. Ultimately I did end up guessing the killer’s identity early on but the build up to the final reveal was well done and I liked how the story wrapped up.
Deranged is definitely my favorite book in the Jessie Cole series thus far and I’m excited to see what future installments hold.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Deranged was a phenomenal read featuring a fantastic storyline that sheds some light on a character’s mysterious past.
For the last ten years, reporter Ben Morrison has attempted to piece together his past after a car accident left him with amnesia. After Ben hits in a wall in his search, he turns to his friend PI Jessie Cole for help. Upon agreeing to help Ben with his search, Jessie is sidetracked by a client requesting surveillance on his wife whom he believes is cheating. When the client’s wife and her lover are found murdered with evidence linking an elusive serial killer, Jessie is pulled into the deranged killer’s game which is twisting ever closer to Ben’s forgotten past.
The characters in this series are all so fantastic and I love how well the author interconnects everyone’s stories. Jessie continues to be a complete badass while still having vulnerable moments making her very relatable. Ben is back and still focused on learning more about his past and how it’s affecting who he is now. Jessie’s niece Olivia is wonderful and I loved how resourceful she is. Olivia’s dog Higgins continues to be adorable and I’m always happy to see him. Colin, Jessie’s homicide detective boyfriend returns with a new rookie partner who isn’t as dumb as he was originally made out to be. Zee, Jessie’s kickass assistant returns and provides some great insight into the cases. Ben’s family make numerous appearances and I was happy with the way things turned out in their storyline.
This book provides a lot of answers about Ben’s past and I’m interested to see where things will go from here with the information we now know about him. What was interesting about this book was that Jessie wasn’t as directly involved in the murder investigations like she was in previous books. This time around she stuck more to trying to figure out Ben’s past and we instead got chapters from Colin’s point of view showing him and his partner working the murders. I found this to be a good choice and I liked getting to see Colin’s side of things and how they’d overlap with Jessie or Ben’s points of view. Ultimately I did end up guessing the killer’s identity early on but the build up to the final reveal was well done and I liked how the story wrapped up.
Deranged is definitely my favorite book in the Jessie Cole series thus far and I’m excited to see what future installments hold.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
August 7, 2024
4 Stars!!
This instalment was mainly focused on learning more of Ben's past, there was other cases thrown in and they were good but they were not as focused on. I am really enjoying this series, each book is jammed packed full of intrigue, mystery and suspense.
I have an idea of where this is going but who knows, I could be way off.
This instalment was mainly focused on learning more of Ben's past, there was other cases thrown in and they were good but they were not as focused on. I am really enjoying this series, each book is jammed packed full of intrigue, mystery and suspense.
I have an idea of where this is going but who knows, I could be way off.
January 15, 2019
Just as predictable as the last. But the story was good enough to carry me through. No real mystery about who done it.
I was grateful when Collin wasn’t drawn in as the love interest. Until the end of the book, there was the author dangling carrots again.
I’m not sure why the characters exchanged words of love. From my perspective, they spent maybe five minutes together so far in series.
Enough about that, I’m so Team Ben, if she makes him into a psychopath, I will revolt.
Narrator is awesome.
I was grateful when Collin wasn’t drawn in as the love interest. Until the end of the book, there was the author dangling carrots again.
I’m not sure why the characters exchanged words of love. From my perspective, they spent maybe five minutes together so far in series.
Enough about that, I’m so Team Ben, if she makes him into a psychopath, I will revolt.
Narrator is awesome.
November 27, 2020
I usually don’t continue on with a series if I’ve rated 3 stars consistently but I’ve been super busy the last couple weeks and these books were perfect due to decreased brain power 😂 I probably would’ve rated 3.5 but we can’t on GR
These books do have a few things going for them:
1. They’re available on Kindle Unlimited and therefore free for me.
2. They’re on the shorter side...I listened to all of them at 1.5x = listening time approximately 5 hrs each.
3. Supporting characters! The MC is fine, a little vanilla for my taste. She’s raising her dead sister’s daughter & I like her a lot; her assistant has schizophrenia and she’s the best!; her friend/partner has amnesia and may or may not be a serial killer...he can’t remember 🤣
These books do have a few things going for them:
1. They’re available on Kindle Unlimited and therefore free for me.
2. They’re on the shorter side...I listened to all of them at 1.5x = listening time approximately 5 hrs each.
3. Supporting characters! The MC is fine, a little vanilla for my taste. She’s raising her dead sister’s daughter & I like her a lot; her assistant has schizophrenia and she’s the best!; her friend/partner has amnesia and may or may not be a serial killer...he can’t remember 🤣
October 26, 2020
I cannot get over how good these are!
From the first to the last page i'm on the edge of my seat.
Each one of these books has so many overlapping storylines!
Incredible writing and characters.
"He put the paper clip away and counted the number of lines on his arm. Sunny was number seventeen."
Each antagonist is crazily well thought out and each one more diabolical than the last.
From the first to the last page i'm on the edge of my seat.
Each one of these books has so many overlapping storylines!
Incredible writing and characters.
"He put the paper clip away and counted the number of lines on his arm. Sunny was number seventeen."
Each antagonist is crazily well thought out and each one more diabolical than the last.
May 28, 2019
We learn more into Ben's past here in the third installment in the Jessie Cole series. Jessie and Ben search for answers into Ben's past and some dark secrets start to come out. We see a very different Ben from the one I have gotten to know. I started to become very concerned about who Ben really is. I was rooting for him not to be the deranged one in this story and I was turning the pages as fast as I could right to the end. I am looking forward to diving into the next installment to this series.
I received a copy from the publisher on NetGalley.
I received a copy from the publisher on NetGalley.
November 23, 2018
I enjoyed this one a lot more than book#2. The mystery felt more like book #1. We made progress on finding out more about Ben's history and Colin had more page time. Jessie's niece Olivia and assistant Zee continue to add appeal as recurring characters.
October 31, 2018
WOW! I love these Jessie Cole books. I got this yesterday when it came out and I highly enjoyed every word of it. And, still, you’re left wondering about who and what Ben really is. The amnesia part of him is very exciting. I like to think he’s not a killer and it will be proved eventually. If you read the other two books you know exactly what I’m talking about. If you haven’t read this series you’re missing out.
This was all about a serial killer that started killing people who had testified against anyone that was sent to prison, and then changed his victims that just fed his need to kill, and then back to his original victims, or their families.
There are some great characters in this series besides the “stars” of the book. Zee is fantastic, she’s a schizophrenic who has Lucy, Marion and Francis in her head BUT this book they were pretty quiet. She works for Jessie’s Private Investigation Company. And I adore Olivia, Jessie’s 15 year old niece, and I like that she’s portrayed as a nice sweet kid and not a complete jerk. And I like Colin, Jessie’s love interest. He’s a detective so they don’t get to see one another too much but he does have a large part of the book, whether it’s in the squad-room or on the phone with Jessie. And Detective Ren, who I was skeptical about in the beginning but he turned out to be pretty cool.
No real romance in this and the F-bomb was used 37 times.
As to the narration: HEY, Lady D? It’s Kate Rudd! Need I say more? LOL.. A fantastic narrator. The voices are great and her emotions are awesome.
This is a FREE READ AND FREE LISTEN. Jump on it.
November 9, 2018
Deranged is the 3rd book in the Jessie Cole series. I loved the first 2 book so I was excited to have the opportunity to read this one. I definitely recommend reading the previous books before reading this one.
This book was well-written but I felt it was missing a wow factor that the 2 previous books had. This was a quick read with a lot going on in it. I look forward to reading the next one in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for giving me a copy of T.R. Ragan's "Deranged" in exchange of an honest review.
This book was well-written but I felt it was missing a wow factor that the 2 previous books had. This was a quick read with a lot going on in it. I look forward to reading the next one in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for giving me a copy of T.R. Ragan's "Deranged" in exchange of an honest review.
May 8, 2019
This is by far my favorite in the series :D
Book 3 in the Jessie Cole series. Could be read as a standalone but highly recommend to read the first two books before picking this one.
The main plot of the books revolves around the life of Private investigator JESSIE COLE and Crime Reporter BEN MORRISON. With the help of each other they solve the crimes and also tries to figure out what happened in the past by which there is a strange connection between them.
There are few other important characters also - Detective COLLIN G, Jessie's Asst.ZEE ,her niece OLIVIA who makes the story more interesting.
Book 3 in the Jessie Cole series. Could be read as a standalone but highly recommend to read the first two books before picking this one.
The main plot of the books revolves around the life of Private investigator JESSIE COLE and Crime Reporter BEN MORRISON. With the help of each other they solve the crimes and also tries to figure out what happened in the past by which there is a strange connection between them.
There are few other important characters also - Detective COLLIN G, Jessie's Asst.ZEE ,her niece OLIVIA who makes the story more interesting.
October 10, 2018
The 3rd installment in the Jessie Cole series is just as thrilling as the ones before. And even better! Colin is after a serial killer. Jessie is trying to keep the agency afloat and takes an infidelity case. All while searching into Ben’s background. As we get answers to his past, we get more questions. And we get to meet his father! So much going on that I couldn’t put Deranged down. I’m really hooked with this series. So ready for the next one!
*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
October 2, 2018
Deranged
by T. R. Ragan
This is the third book of Jessie Cole Series. Even though this book was so well written and gives you details of the past events to make sure you catch up without feeling like you are wasting time re reading details; I highly recommend reading the first two so you don’t miss out anything because trust me every bit of information is essential to enjoy this fast pase triller. You will be constantly guessing who is who and what is coming next.
Here we continue Jessie Cole’s journey to help Ben Morrison find out more about his life before the accident that gave him amnesia. He keeps getting flashbacks of gruesome events and he still afraid he might cause any harm to his own family. While they keep investigating more about his past a new killer is menacing the city and they are all in the path of this serial killer. We will see more of Olivia( Jessie’s niece), Zee ( Jessie’s assistant) and Colin Grayson( FBI agent and Jessie’s boyfriend).
The only reason this wasn’t a 5 stars was the fact that I was expecting more answers in regards of Ben’s story. I guess T. R. wanted to keep us wanting more for next book. It totally work on me because I cannot wait to read the next installment on this series.
*** I voluntarily read and review an ARC of this book provided by Netgalley.
by T. R. Ragan
This is the third book of Jessie Cole Series. Even though this book was so well written and gives you details of the past events to make sure you catch up without feeling like you are wasting time re reading details; I highly recommend reading the first two so you don’t miss out anything because trust me every bit of information is essential to enjoy this fast pase triller. You will be constantly guessing who is who and what is coming next.
Here we continue Jessie Cole’s journey to help Ben Morrison find out more about his life before the accident that gave him amnesia. He keeps getting flashbacks of gruesome events and he still afraid he might cause any harm to his own family. While they keep investigating more about his past a new killer is menacing the city and they are all in the path of this serial killer. We will see more of Olivia( Jessie’s niece), Zee ( Jessie’s assistant) and Colin Grayson( FBI agent and Jessie’s boyfriend).
The only reason this wasn’t a 5 stars was the fact that I was expecting more answers in regards of Ben’s story. I guess T. R. wanted to keep us wanting more for next book. It totally work on me because I cannot wait to read the next installment on this series.
*** I voluntarily read and review an ARC of this book provided by Netgalley.
November 27, 2018
This was a good book in the series. Excellent narration (audible review)
Not my favorite of the series but still good. I really enjoy these characters and the character development.
The story line and plot was good, a few questions are answered and there are a couple twists and turns. There is a lot of great dialogue throughout the entire book. The story flowed very well and was easy to follow along. Especially if you have read the first two books in the series, which I recommend.
As for the narration, it was fantastic. I am a big Kate Rudd fan! She does a great job on all her voices, especially the male voices. Everyone gets their own distinct voice and her reading voice is great. She reads with emotion as called for.
This was a free read free listen with my KU subscription. Excellent deal!
Not my favorite of the series but still good. I really enjoy these characters and the character development.
The story line and plot was good, a few questions are answered and there are a couple twists and turns. There is a lot of great dialogue throughout the entire book. The story flowed very well and was easy to follow along. Especially if you have read the first two books in the series, which I recommend.
As for the narration, it was fantastic. I am a big Kate Rudd fan! She does a great job on all her voices, especially the male voices. Everyone gets their own distinct voice and her reading voice is great. She reads with emotion as called for.
This was a free read free listen with my KU subscription. Excellent deal!
October 28, 2018
Deranged by T.R. Ragan is the highly recommended third book featuring private investigator Jessie Cole.
Jessie has been trying to help crime reporter Ben Morrison investigate his past. After an accident left him with amnesia, he can't remember who he was before the accident, but from what he does know, he had a troubled childhood. His father is in prison and his sister wants nothing to do with him. He has also been having troubling memories or are they flashbacks of him acting violently. Compounding Ben's emotional turmoil, he has temporarily left his family because he does not trust his daughter's soccer coach. Jessie and her assistant Zee have been trying to help Ben, when they also take on a domestic surveillance case from a man who wants his wife watched.
The action moves quickly in the story and a serial killer on the loose adds a great deal of trepidation since you know he will obviously be continuing his crimes. Jessie's boyfriend Colin Grayson, a local homicide detective, is on the cases along with a rookie he is mentoring. Jessie's niece, Olivia, 15, is also adding some stress to Jessie's life because she is starting to take on babysitting and dog walking jobs in an attempt to earn money for her own car someday.
The chapters alternate between the various characters point-of-view - including Jessie, Ben, Colin, the killer, as well as others. You can follow along along with the different perspectives and discoveries as they happen through the eyes of the characters involved. Ultimately, this will allow you to put the pieces together and figure out some of the answers before the end. Many readers will figure out who the killer is, but the real point is cheering on the characters as they uncover clues.
The writing is good and the cases and characters are an interesting mix. I did notice a few instances of repeated phrases ("sooner rather than later" being one) that occurred a bit too close together in the text so the repetition was obvious. Setting that aside, however, the fast paced action and discoveries moved the novel along quickly to a satisfying conclusion. This was my first book in the series and I didn't feel I missed much by not reading the first two.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Thomas & Mercer.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2018/1...
Jessie has been trying to help crime reporter Ben Morrison investigate his past. After an accident left him with amnesia, he can't remember who he was before the accident, but from what he does know, he had a troubled childhood. His father is in prison and his sister wants nothing to do with him. He has also been having troubling memories or are they flashbacks of him acting violently. Compounding Ben's emotional turmoil, he has temporarily left his family because he does not trust his daughter's soccer coach. Jessie and her assistant Zee have been trying to help Ben, when they also take on a domestic surveillance case from a man who wants his wife watched.
The action moves quickly in the story and a serial killer on the loose adds a great deal of trepidation since you know he will obviously be continuing his crimes. Jessie's boyfriend Colin Grayson, a local homicide detective, is on the cases along with a rookie he is mentoring. Jessie's niece, Olivia, 15, is also adding some stress to Jessie's life because she is starting to take on babysitting and dog walking jobs in an attempt to earn money for her own car someday.
The chapters alternate between the various characters point-of-view - including Jessie, Ben, Colin, the killer, as well as others. You can follow along along with the different perspectives and discoveries as they happen through the eyes of the characters involved. Ultimately, this will allow you to put the pieces together and figure out some of the answers before the end. Many readers will figure out who the killer is, but the real point is cheering on the characters as they uncover clues.
The writing is good and the cases and characters are an interesting mix. I did notice a few instances of repeated phrases ("sooner rather than later" being one) that occurred a bit too close together in the text so the repetition was obvious. Setting that aside, however, the fast paced action and discoveries moved the novel along quickly to a satisfying conclusion. This was my first book in the series and I didn't feel I missed much by not reading the first two.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Thomas & Mercer.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2018/1...
November 1, 2018
Ever since an accident left him with retrograde amnesia, Ben Morrison has worked to rebuild his life and to put together the pieces of his past. Private investigator Jessie Cole is helping him, but the people who remember Ben’s troubled childhood are reluctant to talk to either of them. And the few who will discuss Ben’s early years have disturbing things to say.
A husband requesting surveillance of his wife sidetracks Jessie’s investigation. But her vigil comes to an abrupt end when tragedy strikes and a young detective draws a connection with other murder cases. Without warning, in her search for the truth, everything Jessie values is suddenly at risk.
Strong character development, an intriguing plot, and unexpected twists keep the tension mounting as the disparate plotlines come together in an exciting denouement. Readers new to the series will find enough information to enjoy the story as a standalone, but checking out the two previous books will provide some enriching background for the narrative.
Astute readers may identify the murderer before the reveal late in the story, but the unfolding story surrounding the deranged killer will keep the pages turning. The only unfortunate thing about this book is the excessive, unnecessary use of offensive and coarse language. It is a blight in the otherwise wonderful telling of the tale.
Recommended.
I received an advance copy of this e-book from Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley.
#Deranged #NetGalley
A husband requesting surveillance of his wife sidetracks Jessie’s investigation. But her vigil comes to an abrupt end when tragedy strikes and a young detective draws a connection with other murder cases. Without warning, in her search for the truth, everything Jessie values is suddenly at risk.
Strong character development, an intriguing plot, and unexpected twists keep the tension mounting as the disparate plotlines come together in an exciting denouement. Readers new to the series will find enough information to enjoy the story as a standalone, but checking out the two previous books will provide some enriching background for the narrative.
Astute readers may identify the murderer before the reveal late in the story, but the unfolding story surrounding the deranged killer will keep the pages turning. The only unfortunate thing about this book is the excessive, unnecessary use of offensive and coarse language. It is a blight in the otherwise wonderful telling of the tale.
Recommended.
I received an advance copy of this e-book from Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley.
#Deranged #NetGalley
October 30, 2018
Jessie Cole is a PI in Sacramento. She has several cases going. One of them is Ben, a friend who has amnesia from an accident. Bens Father is in prison for murder, but has always said his son actually committed the crime. Ben has been having visions and he is not sure if they are memories or a result of things he has seen in his career as a crime reporter. Ben asks Jessie to help him dig into his past.
This is part of the Jessie Cole series. I haven’t read the previous books but I had no trouble following the story. I was conflicted about Ben. Is he a good guy or not. The book has chapters that are told from each characters viewpoint, you have to pay attention. There were some things from Bens past that weren’t resolved so maybe that will be another book in the series. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
This is part of the Jessie Cole series. I haven’t read the previous books but I had no trouble following the story. I was conflicted about Ben. Is he a good guy or not. The book has chapters that are told from each characters viewpoint, you have to pay attention. There were some things from Bens past that weren’t resolved so maybe that will be another book in the series. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
January 10, 2019
This mystery/thriller will keep you turning the pages. I couldn't put it down until I knew for certain who the killer was. The ongoing search of the mysterious past of Ben, the crime reporter, the hunt for a serial killer and the kidnapping of Jessie's niece keep Collin involved with the team's investigations. And we can never forget the ever quirky Zoe. Well written plot and superb ending. Highly recommend.
October 10, 2018
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Deranged by T.R. Ragan that I read and reviewed.
I did not think it was possible but the Jessie Cole series just keeps getting better. This third book in the series had Jessie and Ben looking for more answers about Ben’s past.
I loved how as they got closer to some answers door got closed and more things happened to throw road blocks in their way. I can’t decide if Ben is a good guy or a bad guy and it is driving me crazy. I can’t wait to see where Ragan is going to take this series next.
This book was packed full of action and suspense and it also had our favorite charters in it from the series. Needless to say, Deranged gets five out of five stars.
I did not think it was possible but the Jessie Cole series just keeps getting better. This third book in the series had Jessie and Ben looking for more answers about Ben’s past.
I loved how as they got closer to some answers door got closed and more things happened to throw road blocks in their way. I can’t decide if Ben is a good guy or a bad guy and it is driving me crazy. I can’t wait to see where Ragan is going to take this series next.
This book was packed full of action and suspense and it also had our favorite charters in it from the series. Needless to say, Deranged gets five out of five stars.
September 26, 2018
Great series! Deranged is Book 3 in the series and I highly recommend reading the first two books to learn about the characters as I feel you will be a little lost otherwise..
Jessie Cole, Zee, Ben, I love their characters and looking forward to the next in this series. Zee is my personal favorite!
Ben had an accident that left him with amnesia with no memory of his past life.... He starts to have violent flashbacks that scare him and make him wonder what kind of person he used to be. Others from his past claim he's not the nice guy he now portrays himself to be. Ben's father, who is in jail for murder insists that Ben was the actual killer and should be the one in jail.
Some questions are answered and others I feel are left for the next in the series. Overall, this was an enjoyable fast paced read although I do admit this was not my favorite out of the 3. I'm hoping for a strong come back with the next in this series and a satisfying ending. I do overall love this series and these characters and can't wait to see what the author comes up with next!
A huge thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me an advanced copy of this book
Jessie Cole, Zee, Ben, I love their characters and looking forward to the next in this series. Zee is my personal favorite!
Ben had an accident that left him with amnesia with no memory of his past life.... He starts to have violent flashbacks that scare him and make him wonder what kind of person he used to be. Others from his past claim he's not the nice guy he now portrays himself to be. Ben's father, who is in jail for murder insists that Ben was the actual killer and should be the one in jail.
Some questions are answered and others I feel are left for the next in the series. Overall, this was an enjoyable fast paced read although I do admit this was not my favorite out of the 3. I'm hoping for a strong come back with the next in this series and a satisfying ending. I do overall love this series and these characters and can't wait to see what the author comes up with next!
A huge thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me an advanced copy of this book
November 6, 2018
Suspenseful BUT....
I truly love the Jessie Cole books and their characters, but I felt left hanging by this latest book Deranged. It wasn’t as taunt of a thriller as I expect from Ragan. The ending left me with more questions than I had at the beginning of the book. The motivation of the killer doesn’t line up with the characters plot lines. As I thought there were a disconnect as to motive especially in the very first murder. Argh this is hard to explain without giving the plot away. But know that not everything to me made sense as I am a very detailed oriented reader and some details just range false.
Plus Ben’s past is just as murky as it was in book one. Then Ben in these books is a hero, but if his dark past is true, how do I continue to adore him. I worry about his future.
Then there was the strangeness of Clarksville, and nothing in that town seems on the up and up.
See more questions than I had at the start of the book.
One last closing remark, is that I would kill for more Colin and Jessie time, they work well together and they need more page time.
This was a really good read and listen via kindle unlimited.
I truly love the Jessie Cole books and their characters, but I felt left hanging by this latest book Deranged. It wasn’t as taunt of a thriller as I expect from Ragan. The ending left me with more questions than I had at the beginning of the book. The motivation of the killer doesn’t line up with the characters plot lines. As I thought there were a disconnect as to motive especially in the very first murder. Argh this is hard to explain without giving the plot away. But know that not everything to me made sense as I am a very detailed oriented reader and some details just range false.
Plus Ben’s past is just as murky as it was in book one. Then Ben in these books is a hero, but if his dark past is true, how do I continue to adore him. I worry about his future.
Then there was the strangeness of Clarksville, and nothing in that town seems on the up and up.
See more questions than I had at the start of the book.
One last closing remark, is that I would kill for more Colin and Jessie time, they work well together and they need more page time.
This was a really good read and listen via kindle unlimited.
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