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The Other Girl
From the New York Times bestselling author Erica Spindler comes The Other Girl, a chilling new thriller about a ritualistic murder of a college professor that sends a small town cop back into the trauma she thought she’d put behind her.
A horrific crime. One witness—a fifteen year old girl from the wrong side of the tracks, one known for lying and her own brushes with the law.
Is it any surprise no one believed her?
Officer Miranda Rader of the Harmony, Louisiana PD is known for her honesty, integrity, and steady hand in a crisis—but that wasn’t always so. Miranda comes from the town of Jasper, a place about the size of a good spit on a hot day, and her side of the tracks was the wrong one. She’s worked hard to earn the respect of her coworkers and the community.
When Miranda and her partner are called to investigate the murder of one of the town’s most beloved college professors, they’re unprepared for the brutality of the scene. This murder is unlike any they’ve ever investigated, and just when Miranda thinks she’s seen the worst of it, she finds a piece of evidence that chills her to the core: a faded newspaper clipping about that terrible night fifteen years ago. The night she’d buried, along with her past and the girl she’d been back then. Until now that grave had stayed sealed…except for those times, in the deepest part of the night, when the nightmares came: of a crime no one believed happened and the screams of the girl they believed didn’t exist.
Then another man turns up dead, this one a retired cop. Not just any cop—the one who took her statement that night. Two murders, two very different men, two killings that on the surface had nothing in common—except Miranda.
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 22, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 894 reviews
September 5, 2017
4.5 Stars!!
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
I've read quite a few books by Erica Spindler over the years and have really enjoyed them. I thought that "The Other Girl" sounded like it would be another entertaining read. I was right.
Officer Miranda (Randi) Rader is a good cop. She is honest and reliable and she is able to keep her cool in extremely tense situations. This wasn't always the case for Miranda. She was once the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, running wild. After an extremely traumatic experience when she was a teenager, things changed. Miranda was able to put it all behind her, get her life on track. She's now thriving, working for the Hammond Police Department in Louisiana. But sometimes the past has a way of creeping up on you when you least expect it.
A college professor, Richard Stark has been brutally murdered. The professor's father happens to be the president of the same college, and he's putting a lot pressure on the police force to find out who killed his son. Right from the initial investigation, Miranda feels like something is amiss. The attack on the professor was particularly vicious, creating quite a gruesome scene. At first they assume it to be a crime of passion, but Miranda isn't entirely sure.
Miranda and her partner, Jake continue investigating. She's still feeling a bit uneasy, but that's nothing compared to the feeling she gets when she comes across a newspaper clipping directly related to the things that happened to her when she was a teenager. With that things start to unravel very quickly.
On top of the scene and the newspaper clipping sending her back in time emotionally, there is also other evidence that points to Miranda, making her a prime suspect. She is taken off the case. But just when she thinks things can't possibly get any worse....they do.
Is someone setting her up? But who? and why? Could this be connected to what happened all those years before? Everything is not as it seems and not everyone is who they claim to be. Miranda's not sure who she can trust. Will she be able to pick herself up again and prove her innocence? Even if it means she might have to do it on her own?
Erica Spindler does a great job of developing her characters. I loved Miranda. She's a fantastic well-developed character that you can't help but root for. Additionally, there are many great supporting characters. Love them or hate them, I found them all intriguing. The story flows easily between the present and flashbacks that show what exactly happened to Miranda all those years ago. There were some good twists and even though I figured out a few things, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story. I was still intrigued and invested in this story and had to see what was going to happen next.
Suspenseful and entertaining, "The Other Girl" had me flipping pages quickly. I was anxious to see how things were going to play out and I really liked how it all came together in the end. If you're looking for a fast-paced and engrossing read, I highly recommend this novel.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced readers copy of this book for me to read in exchange for my honest review.
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
I've read quite a few books by Erica Spindler over the years and have really enjoyed them. I thought that "The Other Girl" sounded like it would be another entertaining read. I was right.
Officer Miranda (Randi) Rader is a good cop. She is honest and reliable and she is able to keep her cool in extremely tense situations. This wasn't always the case for Miranda. She was once the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, running wild. After an extremely traumatic experience when she was a teenager, things changed. Miranda was able to put it all behind her, get her life on track. She's now thriving, working for the Hammond Police Department in Louisiana. But sometimes the past has a way of creeping up on you when you least expect it.
A college professor, Richard Stark has been brutally murdered. The professor's father happens to be the president of the same college, and he's putting a lot pressure on the police force to find out who killed his son. Right from the initial investigation, Miranda feels like something is amiss. The attack on the professor was particularly vicious, creating quite a gruesome scene. At first they assume it to be a crime of passion, but Miranda isn't entirely sure.
Miranda and her partner, Jake continue investigating. She's still feeling a bit uneasy, but that's nothing compared to the feeling she gets when she comes across a newspaper clipping directly related to the things that happened to her when she was a teenager. With that things start to unravel very quickly.
On top of the scene and the newspaper clipping sending her back in time emotionally, there is also other evidence that points to Miranda, making her a prime suspect. She is taken off the case. But just when she thinks things can't possibly get any worse....they do.
Is someone setting her up? But who? and why? Could this be connected to what happened all those years before? Everything is not as it seems and not everyone is who they claim to be. Miranda's not sure who she can trust. Will she be able to pick herself up again and prove her innocence? Even if it means she might have to do it on her own?
Erica Spindler does a great job of developing her characters. I loved Miranda. She's a fantastic well-developed character that you can't help but root for. Additionally, there are many great supporting characters. Love them or hate them, I found them all intriguing. The story flows easily between the present and flashbacks that show what exactly happened to Miranda all those years ago. There were some good twists and even though I figured out a few things, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story. I was still intrigued and invested in this story and had to see what was going to happen next.
Suspenseful and entertaining, "The Other Girl" had me flipping pages quickly. I was anxious to see how things were going to play out and I really liked how it all came together in the end. If you're looking for a fast-paced and engrossing read, I highly recommend this novel.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced readers copy of this book for me to read in exchange for my honest review.
August 15, 2017
I have no idea why—maybe it’s because Erica Spindler is such an established writer in this genre or that the majority of the reviews I’ve seen have been overwhelming positive—but I expected way more from this story. I certainly wasn’t prepared for the ‘been there, done that’ storyline, an investigation that rested almost entirely on convenience or the one-note cast that inhabited this quasi-thriller.
Every reader is different—what works for me, might not work for you and vice versa. The analytical side of my brain craves a plot that requires the reader to scrutinize everything and everyone in an attempt to uncover the truth. Best case scenario—finding myself in a situation where I can admit I was completely wrong. Let’s be honest though, it’s a tough task coming up with an entirely original storyline that hasn’t been done in some shape or form before or a twist that has the power to knock a reader on their ass. So, in my mind, the caveat is, if the storyline isn’t heavy on the mind games, originality or even unpredictability, a character driven plot with well-developed emotional beings works as an acceptable substitute, in most cases. With this book, I didn’t get either scenario and it definitely marred my enjoyment quite a bit.
There’s no doubt, the story starts off strong. A popular English professor is found bound and bloody with a crucial part of his anatomy hacked off, leaving the detectives to uncover why someone would murder such a well-liked guy and in such a heinous manner. Not to mention, his father is a prominent man in the community, so what gives? Miranda, the lead detective assigned to the case, is touted as smart, but that notion failed to hold weight when I found myself one step ahead of her for the entirety of the story. I mean, who's the experienced investigator here? Mix in a connection to the past, planted evidence and a bland romance and you’ve got the gist of this storyline.
I think it’s a bit of a hard sell, at least it was for this reader, to say these were characters I should care about. There wasn’t much emotionality to the storyline, mostly due to the fact that the author didn’t give the reader any downtime to explore who these people were at their core or even provide much of a backstory for anyone. Instead, the author chose to jump from one dramatic situation or ‘revelation’ to the next, with much of the story being driven by pure convenience. The silliest situation by far being the stoner that just happened to walk by—say what?
Even with my hefty list of dislikes, this is in no way the worst thriller I’ve read this year. In fact, it falls somewhere in the middle; hence my middle-of-the-road 3-star rating. Just to reiterate what I said earlier, everyone has different tastes. So, if you’re looking for an uncomplicated, easy to solve thriller that's light on the character development and just so happens to be a quick read, this is probably the book for you.
*Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Every reader is different—what works for me, might not work for you and vice versa. The analytical side of my brain craves a plot that requires the reader to scrutinize everything and everyone in an attempt to uncover the truth. Best case scenario—finding myself in a situation where I can admit I was completely wrong. Let’s be honest though, it’s a tough task coming up with an entirely original storyline that hasn’t been done in some shape or form before or a twist that has the power to knock a reader on their ass. So, in my mind, the caveat is, if the storyline isn’t heavy on the mind games, originality or even unpredictability, a character driven plot with well-developed emotional beings works as an acceptable substitute, in most cases. With this book, I didn’t get either scenario and it definitely marred my enjoyment quite a bit.
There’s no doubt, the story starts off strong. A popular English professor is found bound and bloody with a crucial part of his anatomy hacked off, leaving the detectives to uncover why someone would murder such a well-liked guy and in such a heinous manner. Not to mention, his father is a prominent man in the community, so what gives? Miranda, the lead detective assigned to the case, is touted as smart, but that notion failed to hold weight when I found myself one step ahead of her for the entirety of the story. I mean, who's the experienced investigator here? Mix in a connection to the past, planted evidence and a bland romance and you’ve got the gist of this storyline.
I think it’s a bit of a hard sell, at least it was for this reader, to say these were characters I should care about. There wasn’t much emotionality to the storyline, mostly due to the fact that the author didn’t give the reader any downtime to explore who these people were at their core or even provide much of a backstory for anyone. Instead, the author chose to jump from one dramatic situation or ‘revelation’ to the next, with much of the story being driven by pure convenience. The silliest situation by far being the stoner that just happened to walk by—say what?
Even with my hefty list of dislikes, this is in no way the worst thriller I’ve read this year. In fact, it falls somewhere in the middle; hence my middle-of-the-road 3-star rating. Just to reiterate what I said earlier, everyone has different tastes. So, if you’re looking for an uncomplicated, easy to solve thriller that's light on the character development and just so happens to be a quick read, this is probably the book for you.
*Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2019
The Other Girl by Erica Spindler is a 2017 St. Martin’s Press publication.
Quick and uncomplicated novel of suspense-
When a popular college professor, who also happens to be the son of a prominent citizen, is found brutally murdered, small town cop Miranda, (Randi), Rader’s hard- earned road to success takes an abrupt turn.
For starters, the case brings back disturbing memories of a harrowing night, years ago, when Randi was abducted, but made a narrow escape. As she and her partner, Jake, begin investigating the murder, they uncover some unsettling information about the victim. But the powers that be aren’t interested in hearing it. As a matter of fact, it looks as if someone is trying to set Randi up- framing her for the murder…. But why?
Back in the 90s, I read my share of books by Erica Spindler. Unfortunately, I lost track of her for a time. But, over the past couple of years I have added a few of her newer books to my reading list. Unfortunately, they always slipped down the list before I had a chance to reacquaint myself with her books.
However, over the Christmas holidays, I decided to take a break from ARCs and chip away at my ridiculous TBR pile. This book has been sitting on my Kindle for close to two years, so I plucked it from the middle of the heap with eager anticipation. It was just the right book, at the right time for me, as it turned out.
The plot isn’t all that deep, and is quite transparent, to boot. But the atmosphere is creepy, and the twists are effective, despite my having guessed whodunit, and why, well in advance.
In some ways the style of this book is a bit nostalgic to me. The format is very similar to all those romantic suspense novels I gobbled up back in the day. The romance is not the prominent thread in the book, but it is a part of the story, so I think it counts as romantic suspense, although I'm sure it was marketed as a psychological thriller.
Despite some imperfections, I enjoyed this book and fervently wish romantic suspense would return to this format again someday. It used to be one of my favorite genres, and I really do miss it!!
3.5 stars
Quick and uncomplicated novel of suspense-
When a popular college professor, who also happens to be the son of a prominent citizen, is found brutally murdered, small town cop Miranda, (Randi), Rader’s hard- earned road to success takes an abrupt turn.
For starters, the case brings back disturbing memories of a harrowing night, years ago, when Randi was abducted, but made a narrow escape. As she and her partner, Jake, begin investigating the murder, they uncover some unsettling information about the victim. But the powers that be aren’t interested in hearing it. As a matter of fact, it looks as if someone is trying to set Randi up- framing her for the murder…. But why?
Back in the 90s, I read my share of books by Erica Spindler. Unfortunately, I lost track of her for a time. But, over the past couple of years I have added a few of her newer books to my reading list. Unfortunately, they always slipped down the list before I had a chance to reacquaint myself with her books.
However, over the Christmas holidays, I decided to take a break from ARCs and chip away at my ridiculous TBR pile. This book has been sitting on my Kindle for close to two years, so I plucked it from the middle of the heap with eager anticipation. It was just the right book, at the right time for me, as it turned out.
The plot isn’t all that deep, and is quite transparent, to boot. But the atmosphere is creepy, and the twists are effective, despite my having guessed whodunit, and why, well in advance.
In some ways the style of this book is a bit nostalgic to me. The format is very similar to all those romantic suspense novels I gobbled up back in the day. The romance is not the prominent thread in the book, but it is a part of the story, so I think it counts as romantic suspense, although I'm sure it was marketed as a psychological thriller.
Despite some imperfections, I enjoyed this book and fervently wish romantic suspense would return to this format again someday. It used to be one of my favorite genres, and I really do miss it!!
3.5 stars
August 4, 2017
This was my first Erica Spindler book and I really did love it. I will definitely be reading more of her books. This one grabbed me straight from the beginning. I found it to be very well plotted and entertaining. It had me turning the pages quickly to see what was coming next. Some of it is fairly obvious but, equally, there are a few good twists and unexpected turns. As much as I could predict the ending, I really enjoyed everything in the book. I just wanted it to keep on going. The characters were well developed, with realistic dialogue. I love Miranda, and her partner Jake. They made this book addicting. You wanted to know about them, and their back story, and how they would fit in this wonderful twisty puzzle of a book!
Miranda is a cop with a past that has turned her life around. A incident in her teen years has came back to haunt her. A savage murder opens up the past. She and her partner Jake have been called to the scene of a gruesome murder. A local college professor has been murdered. His father is very influential in town and wants the case closed, fast, and he doesn't want it to reflect badly on the University. As the investigation goes on, Miranda's prints are found at the crime scene even when she is certain she did not touch anything. But then it hits her that the deceased professor is the one who had abducted her. Things get complicated for her when another body turns up and the only connection the dead men have with each other is Miranda. She is then thrown off the case.
This was so gripping and felt like I was on a roller coaster ride. Even though I was able to guess who the killer was right away, I found the story to be very thrilling. This was a very quick story. I had to find out what was going on and kept me up late at night. I loved every minute of this book. I practically finished this in a day. The next day I only had 30 minutes left in the book. I can't wait to read my next Erica Spindler book. I always love to find a new author who has many books out there to read.
I want to thank Netgalley, the Publisher, and Erica Spindler for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Miranda is a cop with a past that has turned her life around. A incident in her teen years has came back to haunt her. A savage murder opens up the past. She and her partner Jake have been called to the scene of a gruesome murder. A local college professor has been murdered. His father is very influential in town and wants the case closed, fast, and he doesn't want it to reflect badly on the University. As the investigation goes on, Miranda's prints are found at the crime scene even when she is certain she did not touch anything. But then it hits her that the deceased professor is the one who had abducted her. Things get complicated for her when another body turns up and the only connection the dead men have with each other is Miranda. She is then thrown off the case.
This was so gripping and felt like I was on a roller coaster ride. Even though I was able to guess who the killer was right away, I found the story to be very thrilling. This was a very quick story. I had to find out what was going on and kept me up late at night. I loved every minute of this book. I practically finished this in a day. The next day I only had 30 minutes left in the book. I can't wait to read my next Erica Spindler book. I always love to find a new author who has many books out there to read.
I want to thank Netgalley, the Publisher, and Erica Spindler for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2019
14 years earlier… A frightened and troubled Randi.
Can you ever outrun your past?
Randi has established herself as a pathological liar with everyone. Her own family, friends and worse yet the police department. At age 14, little miss Randi is what you’d call a wild child. Coming and going as she pleases, answering to no one. Certainly never listening to her mother.
When she suddenly finds herself bound by tape next to the other girl, she’s understandably frantic! She must get away before her captor returns. But this means leaving the other girl until she can find help. Only no one ever believed her. And the other girl? Well, you can only imagine!
From the ashes, Randi has reinvented herself.
She now goes by Miranda and has worked herself up the ladder becoming a full-fledged detective. Ironically, for the same police force that previously turned their back on her.
When she’s called to investigate a homicide of a local college professor she stumbles across a note that may finally give her answers to her past!
I’ve been a long-time fan of Erica Spindler and this was definitely right up there with some of her best! I was kept in the dark through most of the book pointing my erratic finger at all those who later turned out to be innocent! Well played Ms. Spindler!
A very crafty thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Can you ever outrun your past?
Randi has established herself as a pathological liar with everyone. Her own family, friends and worse yet the police department. At age 14, little miss Randi is what you’d call a wild child. Coming and going as she pleases, answering to no one. Certainly never listening to her mother.
When she suddenly finds herself bound by tape next to the other girl, she’s understandably frantic! She must get away before her captor returns. But this means leaving the other girl until she can find help. Only no one ever believed her. And the other girl? Well, you can only imagine!
From the ashes, Randi has reinvented herself.
She now goes by Miranda and has worked herself up the ladder becoming a full-fledged detective. Ironically, for the same police force that previously turned their back on her.
When she’s called to investigate a homicide of a local college professor she stumbles across a note that may finally give her answers to her past!
I’ve been a long-time fan of Erica Spindler and this was definitely right up there with some of her best! I was kept in the dark through most of the book pointing my erratic finger at all those who later turned out to be innocent! Well played Ms. Spindler!
A very crafty thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
July 2, 2017
4.5 stars (rounded to 4 stars)
My first Erica Spindler book was Justice for Sara. I read it 4 years ago and thought it was great. What took me so long to get back to this author? The answer baffles me. All I know is that as much as I loved that one, this standalone novel is even better!
The story centers around Detective Miranda (Randi) Rader (is that a great name or what??) and her partner Jake Billings. The scene is Louisiana. The crime is a gruesome killing of a local college professor, who happens to be the son of the president of the same college. Miranda and Jake are assigned the case. There are many pretzel-worthy twists to this story, none of which you are going to hear about from me. Just know that my head was spinning from all my mind changes as to how this was going to play out.
There are flashbacks to an event that changed the life of our protagonist when she was 15 years old. These are well done, totally nonintrusive, and do not break the flow of the story. We are introduced to an appropriate number of side characters; some deplorable, some very likeable. There is some romance, but it does not dominate the story. The writing style flows easily; the dialogue is realistic. The character of Miranda is very well done, a strong point of the book. We get a good feel for her motivations and actions. She has issues and no matter how hard she has worked to overcome them, they still come back to haunt her and to some extent control her. I also want to mention how much I liked her relationship with bar owner/bartender Summer. I really connected with Miranda and am sorry this is not the first book of a series. The ending is well done, and an epilogue is included—something that always pleases me (I’m an epilogueaholic).
I was absorbed by this tale and motored through it in a little over 2 days, very fast for me. I am now craving more Erica Spindler. The majority of her books are rated above 4.00, and she does not appear to have lost readers over the years. Good harbingers. I highly recommend The Other Girl to readers looking for a nifty police procedural combined with a big dose of heart.
Thank you Net Galley, St. Martin’s Press, and Ms. Erica Spindler for an advanced copy of this novel. The opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
My first Erica Spindler book was Justice for Sara. I read it 4 years ago and thought it was great. What took me so long to get back to this author? The answer baffles me. All I know is that as much as I loved that one, this standalone novel is even better!
The story centers around Detective Miranda (Randi) Rader (is that a great name or what??) and her partner Jake Billings. The scene is Louisiana. The crime is a gruesome killing of a local college professor, who happens to be the son of the president of the same college. Miranda and Jake are assigned the case. There are many pretzel-worthy twists to this story, none of which you are going to hear about from me. Just know that my head was spinning from all my mind changes as to how this was going to play out.
There are flashbacks to an event that changed the life of our protagonist when she was 15 years old. These are well done, totally nonintrusive, and do not break the flow of the story. We are introduced to an appropriate number of side characters; some deplorable, some very likeable. There is some romance, but it does not dominate the story. The writing style flows easily; the dialogue is realistic. The character of Miranda is very well done, a strong point of the book. We get a good feel for her motivations and actions. She has issues and no matter how hard she has worked to overcome them, they still come back to haunt her and to some extent control her. I also want to mention how much I liked her relationship with bar owner/bartender Summer. I really connected with Miranda and am sorry this is not the first book of a series. The ending is well done, and an epilogue is included—something that always pleases me (I’m an epilogueaholic).
I was absorbed by this tale and motored through it in a little over 2 days, very fast for me. I am now craving more Erica Spindler. The majority of her books are rated above 4.00, and she does not appear to have lost readers over the years. Good harbingers. I highly recommend The Other Girl to readers looking for a nifty police procedural combined with a big dose of heart.
Thank you Net Galley, St. Martin’s Press, and Ms. Erica Spindler for an advanced copy of this novel. The opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
June 18, 2017
4 stars! This was a gripping and addictive page-turner!
This was my first experience reading an Erica Spindler book and it definitely won’t be my last - her writing had me addicted to this novel from the very first chapter. I was completely drawn into the story and hanging on every word to find out what was going to happen next. I really liked the main character, Miranda Rader, a small-town police officer with a past she thought was behind her. The shifting of writing in past and present was done very well – just enough information given within each segment to keep me hungrily reading for more details.
It was refreshing reading such a fast paced, well written thriller after having read some heavier family and historical dramas lately. It’s nice to change it up sometimes and I’m so glad I tried this book out considering it is not my usual genre. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast-paced, police drama.
A big thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Erica Spindler for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was my first experience reading an Erica Spindler book and it definitely won’t be my last - her writing had me addicted to this novel from the very first chapter. I was completely drawn into the story and hanging on every word to find out what was going to happen next. I really liked the main character, Miranda Rader, a small-town police officer with a past she thought was behind her. The shifting of writing in past and present was done very well – just enough information given within each segment to keep me hungrily reading for more details.
It was refreshing reading such a fast paced, well written thriller after having read some heavier family and historical dramas lately. It’s nice to change it up sometimes and I’m so glad I tried this book out considering it is not my usual genre. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast-paced, police drama.
A big thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Erica Spindler for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
August 18, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up to 4! This was my very first time reading an ERICA SPINDLER novel and I must say that I quite enjoyed it! I will definitely be reading more of her books in the future!
THE OTHER GIRL by ERICA SPINDLER was an entertaining, suspenseful, and an engaging whodunit mystery thriller novel that was slightly predictable but clipped along quickly and held my interest right to the satisfying ending.
ERICA SPINDLER delivers an extremely fast-paced and quick read here with well-developed characters that is told between the present and with flashbacks of events from Miranda’s past when she was 15 years old. I really enjoyed the main character Miranda and as the story unfolds I could really feel her frustration and angst as her world was unraveling.
The story is filled with secrets, lies, and corruption that has a few good twists that even has a little bit of romantic suspense that added another layer to this story for me.
In addition to reading this book, I purchased myself a copy of the audiobook and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed TAVIA GILBERT’S performance and thought she delivered the perfect voice for all the characters.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Erica Spindler for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review!!
All of our Traveling Sisters Reviews can be found on our sister blog:
http://twosisterslostinacoulee.com
THE OTHER GIRL by ERICA SPINDLER was an entertaining, suspenseful, and an engaging whodunit mystery thriller novel that was slightly predictable but clipped along quickly and held my interest right to the satisfying ending.
ERICA SPINDLER delivers an extremely fast-paced and quick read here with well-developed characters that is told between the present and with flashbacks of events from Miranda’s past when she was 15 years old. I really enjoyed the main character Miranda and as the story unfolds I could really feel her frustration and angst as her world was unraveling.
The story is filled with secrets, lies, and corruption that has a few good twists that even has a little bit of romantic suspense that added another layer to this story for me.
In addition to reading this book, I purchased myself a copy of the audiobook and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed TAVIA GILBERT’S performance and thought she delivered the perfect voice for all the characters.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Erica Spindler for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review!!
All of our Traveling Sisters Reviews can be found on our sister blog:
http://twosisterslostinacoulee.com
July 19, 2017
I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press, Erica Spindler and NetGalley for an opportunity to read this chilling new thriller.
Can you believe that I have never before read an Erica Spindler novel and man is she prolific. That is great news for me because based on my experience with The Other Girl I will definitely be going back to the well.
Harmony PD Detective Miranda Rader parked behind the two cruisers already at the scene. Their flashing blue lights violated the otherwise still, spring night, bouncing off the trees and surrounding homes, spinning and tilting like a carnival midway on crack.
She closed her eyes and for a moment she was fifteen again. Police lights bouncing off the trees. This knot in the pit of her gut, this sense that nothing was going to be the same, not ever again.
She let out a pent- up breath and flexed her fingers on the steering wheel. Shake it off, Miranda. Focus.
Miranda (Randi) comes from the wrong side of the tracks in the spit sized town of Jasper, Louisiana. She has worked hard to pull herself up and become a respected homicide detective with the Harmony police department, but when her and her partner Jake are called in to investigate the murder of one of the town’s esteemed college professors, not only are they shocked by the brutality of the crime scene but Miranda finds a piece of evidence that takes her back to her fifteen year old self, to a crime that no one truly believed had actually happened and the screams of another girl that no-one believed actually exists.
Whoa, this one grabbed me by the short and curlys almost immediately and even though I was able to identify the perpetrator early on, I never lost interest in the story being told or the fate of Miranda Rader. I kept turning the pages, fast and furious, and became more than a little disgruntled when life and it’s demands on my time, pulled me out of the story. The protagonist and all the supporting characters are well drawn, engage in realistic dialogue and have a solid place in the story, which moves forward at an engaging pace that leaves the reader invested in the outcome. Oh and I love when the author takes the time to construct an epilogue. :)
There are so many thrillers on the market these days with kickass female leads but this one is so well done that it stands apart from the herd. You will not want to miss it.
4.5 fully engaged stars.
Can you believe that I have never before read an Erica Spindler novel and man is she prolific. That is great news for me because based on my experience with The Other Girl I will definitely be going back to the well.
Harmony PD Detective Miranda Rader parked behind the two cruisers already at the scene. Their flashing blue lights violated the otherwise still, spring night, bouncing off the trees and surrounding homes, spinning and tilting like a carnival midway on crack.
She closed her eyes and for a moment she was fifteen again. Police lights bouncing off the trees. This knot in the pit of her gut, this sense that nothing was going to be the same, not ever again.
She let out a pent- up breath and flexed her fingers on the steering wheel. Shake it off, Miranda. Focus.
Miranda (Randi) comes from the wrong side of the tracks in the spit sized town of Jasper, Louisiana. She has worked hard to pull herself up and become a respected homicide detective with the Harmony police department, but when her and her partner Jake are called in to investigate the murder of one of the town’s esteemed college professors, not only are they shocked by the brutality of the crime scene but Miranda finds a piece of evidence that takes her back to her fifteen year old self, to a crime that no one truly believed had actually happened and the screams of another girl that no-one believed actually exists.
Whoa, this one grabbed me by the short and curlys almost immediately and even though I was able to identify the perpetrator early on, I never lost interest in the story being told or the fate of Miranda Rader. I kept turning the pages, fast and furious, and became more than a little disgruntled when life and it’s demands on my time, pulled me out of the story. The protagonist and all the supporting characters are well drawn, engage in realistic dialogue and have a solid place in the story, which moves forward at an engaging pace that leaves the reader invested in the outcome. Oh and I love when the author takes the time to construct an epilogue. :)
There are so many thrillers on the market these days with kickass female leads but this one is so well done that it stands apart from the herd. You will not want to miss it.
4.5 fully engaged stars.
August 4, 2017
3.5 stars
I've not read Erica Spindler before, but she's published quite a few other mysteries. She knows her stuff. This is a fast paced mystery and starts with an interesting premise. The detective on a small town Louisiana police force is a bad girl turned good. A wild child, she turned around after she was abducted in her mid teens. Now, she's investigating a murder. And the murder victim just happens to have a news clipping about her from all those years ago.
Miranda is a realistic, well developed heroine. The book moves along at a fast pace. Not the most unique story ever written and you can see where the plot is going more than once. But it's definitely entertaining. As the book moves on, the coincidences start to pile up, which devalues the book and cost it a 1/2 star off my rating.
My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy of this book.
I've not read Erica Spindler before, but she's published quite a few other mysteries. She knows her stuff. This is a fast paced mystery and starts with an interesting premise. The detective on a small town Louisiana police force is a bad girl turned good. A wild child, she turned around after she was abducted in her mid teens. Now, she's investigating a murder. And the murder victim just happens to have a news clipping about her from all those years ago.
Miranda is a realistic, well developed heroine. The book moves along at a fast pace. Not the most unique story ever written and you can see where the plot is going more than once. But it's definitely entertaining. As the book moves on, the coincidences start to pile up, which devalues the book and cost it a 1/2 star off my rating.
My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy of this book.
November 27, 2017
The formula here is familiar... female detective with a troubled past, hesitant to trust anyone, new things coming to light... but there's just enough here to make it feel fresh and keep your interest. This is a quick read I devoured in a couple of sittings, and I actually thought it could have been longer. The ending felt a little rushed and I wasn't thrilled with part of it, but everything in the book happened pretty quickly. It's a very engaging and fast paced book, filled with mystery, drama, and a bit of romance. Aspects of the story felt topical in our current climate, touching a bit on victim blaming, abuse of power, and exactly why a lot of women who have been assaulted stay silent.
Nothing is usual about the crime scene Miranda Rader has just been called to. It's incredibly gruesome, seemingly a crime of passion, and the victim is a highly respected college professor. Suspecting a spurned lover had a taste for revenge, Miranda digs into his history... but no one has anything bad to say about the man. He was so intelligent, so kind, so professional... there's not a soul around with a single negative comment. The other unusual thing is personal to Miranda: a clipping from a newspaper in the dead man's office. An old article about her. Why would he have that, and why have her fingerprints been found on the scene? She begins to worry someone is setting her up to take the fall, but why?
No one would have thought young Randi, having already gotten in a bit of trouble with the law as a teenager, would one day become a fine police officer. When she was only a child, she had a terrible experience which almost ended up with her being raped and perhaps murdered. But she wasn't the only one. The Other Girl, the girl she left behind and promised to come back for with help, still haunts her. She has no idea what became of the young woman, and no one with any authority believed anything young Randi had to say. She was simply gone by the time Randi made it back, leaving no evidence behind. Though Randi cannot be blamed for anything that happened, she still carries guilt every day.
Another man is soon murdered, and Miranda starts to feel like she might go down for crimes she didn't commit. Her superiors brush off her suggestions, making it difficult to get much done. Her boss seems more worried about making sure the dead man keeps his good name, thanks to his important father. Will she find out who is really responsible for the murders before she ends up behind bars herself?
Pieces of the story with Jake, her partner who has just confessed feelings for her, add some lighter moments. At times they feel a little forced, but they're necessary for a bit of a break in the story. This is a great read to pick up when you want something on the shorter side that still packs a punch.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and St. Martin's Press, thank you! My opinion is honest and unbiased.
Nothing is usual about the crime scene Miranda Rader has just been called to. It's incredibly gruesome, seemingly a crime of passion, and the victim is a highly respected college professor. Suspecting a spurned lover had a taste for revenge, Miranda digs into his history... but no one has anything bad to say about the man. He was so intelligent, so kind, so professional... there's not a soul around with a single negative comment. The other unusual thing is personal to Miranda: a clipping from a newspaper in the dead man's office. An old article about her. Why would he have that, and why have her fingerprints been found on the scene? She begins to worry someone is setting her up to take the fall, but why?
No one would have thought young Randi, having already gotten in a bit of trouble with the law as a teenager, would one day become a fine police officer. When she was only a child, she had a terrible experience which almost ended up with her being raped and perhaps murdered. But she wasn't the only one. The Other Girl, the girl she left behind and promised to come back for with help, still haunts her. She has no idea what became of the young woman, and no one with any authority believed anything young Randi had to say. She was simply gone by the time Randi made it back, leaving no evidence behind. Though Randi cannot be blamed for anything that happened, she still carries guilt every day.
Another man is soon murdered, and Miranda starts to feel like she might go down for crimes she didn't commit. Her superiors brush off her suggestions, making it difficult to get much done. Her boss seems more worried about making sure the dead man keeps his good name, thanks to his important father. Will she find out who is really responsible for the murders before she ends up behind bars herself?
Pieces of the story with Jake, her partner who has just confessed feelings for her, add some lighter moments. At times they feel a little forced, but they're necessary for a bit of a break in the story. This is a great read to pick up when you want something on the shorter side that still packs a punch.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and St. Martin's Press, thank you! My opinion is honest and unbiased.
October 13, 2017
3.5 stars
I squeezed The Other Girl in between my Traveling Sister group reads. It’s a nice short fast-paced read that is easy to fit in if you are short on time.
The story started off with a bang for me and shocked me with a whoa moment that left me gasping right away with the somewhat disturbing scene. Credit to Erica Spindler for that whoa moment. After catching my breath and continuing on with reading I was hooked and intrigued to find out more about our main character Miranda and the other girl.
There is a little romance going on here with this one and normally this non-romantic likes to stay away from that as the eye-rolling begins. This one really surprised me and I enjoyed the relationship in this story. I thought it really added some tension and suspense to the characters and their storyline.
Erica Spindler does a good job with the character development here with Miranda. I really enjoyed following along to see how that developed and how Miranda’s past fit into the present. I did find some parts a bit predictable and some twists surprising.
The Other Girl was an entertaining, suspenseful and an enjoyable read with a satisfying ending. I highly recommend for readers looking for a fast-paced intriguing read with a little romance on the side.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Erica Spindler for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review!!
All of our Traveling Sisters Reviews can be found on our sister blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
I squeezed The Other Girl in between my Traveling Sister group reads. It’s a nice short fast-paced read that is easy to fit in if you are short on time.
The story started off with a bang for me and shocked me with a whoa moment that left me gasping right away with the somewhat disturbing scene. Credit to Erica Spindler for that whoa moment. After catching my breath and continuing on with reading I was hooked and intrigued to find out more about our main character Miranda and the other girl.
There is a little romance going on here with this one and normally this non-romantic likes to stay away from that as the eye-rolling begins. This one really surprised me and I enjoyed the relationship in this story. I thought it really added some tension and suspense to the characters and their storyline.
Erica Spindler does a good job with the character development here with Miranda. I really enjoyed following along to see how that developed and how Miranda’s past fit into the present. I did find some parts a bit predictable and some twists surprising.
The Other Girl was an entertaining, suspenseful and an enjoyable read with a satisfying ending. I highly recommend for readers looking for a fast-paced intriguing read with a little romance on the side.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Erica Spindler for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review!!
All of our Traveling Sisters Reviews can be found on our sister blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
August 18, 2017
This was my first time reading an Erica Spindler book and I have to say I really enjoyed it! I will definitely be reading more of her books very soon!
Miranda Rader is a police officer with the Hammond PD in Louisiana. She is a good cop, known to be honest and trustworthy – but that wasn’t always the case. Miranda had a tough life, she came from the wrong side of the tracks and was known to be wild. She worked really hard to get her life back on track and leave that wild girl behind. Unfortunately, Miranda and her partner are called in to investigate a gruesome murder of a popular college professor. Will her past come back to haunt her? Will Miranda’s honesty and trustworthiness be questioned?
The Other Girl is suspenseful and entertaining with many twists and turns and great characters - everything I was looking for. Even though I did predict the ending, I found this book to be a page turner and I truly enjoyed every minute of it!
* I want to thank NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Erica Spindler for an ARC of this book.
Miranda Rader is a police officer with the Hammond PD in Louisiana. She is a good cop, known to be honest and trustworthy – but that wasn’t always the case. Miranda had a tough life, she came from the wrong side of the tracks and was known to be wild. She worked really hard to get her life back on track and leave that wild girl behind. Unfortunately, Miranda and her partner are called in to investigate a gruesome murder of a popular college professor. Will her past come back to haunt her? Will Miranda’s honesty and trustworthiness be questioned?
The Other Girl is suspenseful and entertaining with many twists and turns and great characters - everything I was looking for. Even though I did predict the ending, I found this book to be a page turner and I truly enjoyed every minute of it!
* I want to thank NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Erica Spindler for an ARC of this book.
March 30, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic ARC of this novel, received in exchange for an honest review
Bestselling author Erica Spindler is back on the scene with her new police crime novel, “The Other Girl”. When teenaged Miranda “Randy” Rader is kidnapped and escapes, everyone believes it to be just another lie told by the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. No matter how hard Randi tries, no one will believe her story and what’s most heartbreaking for Randi is she wasn’t the only one held captive- when Randi escaped she left behind another young girl, and the promise that she would return with help.
Decades later, Miranda is now a police officer, putting criminals behind bars. When a wealthy university professor and son of a prominent and influential man is killed, Miranda and her partner take the case. However as the investigations unfold Miranda makes a startling discovery- all the evidence at the crime scene points to her as the perpetrator.
I am unfamiliar with Spindler’s former work but I can definitely say that she knows how to write a police procedural. This novel has action, suspense, and even a little romance and it plays out like a television crime drama (not a bad thing as they are one of my favourite genres!). Miranda is a brave, misunderstood woman who will quickly build empathy and support from readers. Although there are quite a few supporting characters (various detectives and officers, etc.) each has their own personality and role to fill, making it easy to keep up with the fast-paced storyline.
The novel is written well, and is only slightly predictable. In fact, the end has just the right amount of surprise built it and will leave the reader feeling satisfied. Although the market seems to be inundated lately with police novels with a strong female lead, this novel has enough creativity to stand on its own. It is definitely something fans of the genre should investigate (no pun intended) and I will definitely keep an eye out for Ms. Spindler’s works in the future.
Bestselling author Erica Spindler is back on the scene with her new police crime novel, “The Other Girl”. When teenaged Miranda “Randy” Rader is kidnapped and escapes, everyone believes it to be just another lie told by the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. No matter how hard Randi tries, no one will believe her story and what’s most heartbreaking for Randi is she wasn’t the only one held captive- when Randi escaped she left behind another young girl, and the promise that she would return with help.
Decades later, Miranda is now a police officer, putting criminals behind bars. When a wealthy university professor and son of a prominent and influential man is killed, Miranda and her partner take the case. However as the investigations unfold Miranda makes a startling discovery- all the evidence at the crime scene points to her as the perpetrator.
I am unfamiliar with Spindler’s former work but I can definitely say that she knows how to write a police procedural. This novel has action, suspense, and even a little romance and it plays out like a television crime drama (not a bad thing as they are one of my favourite genres!). Miranda is a brave, misunderstood woman who will quickly build empathy and support from readers. Although there are quite a few supporting characters (various detectives and officers, etc.) each has their own personality and role to fill, making it easy to keep up with the fast-paced storyline.
The novel is written well, and is only slightly predictable. In fact, the end has just the right amount of surprise built it and will leave the reader feeling satisfied. Although the market seems to be inundated lately with police novels with a strong female lead, this novel has enough creativity to stand on its own. It is definitely something fans of the genre should investigate (no pun intended) and I will definitely keep an eye out for Ms. Spindler’s works in the future.
September 18, 2018
I don't really know how I feel about this book. It was a fast read and it kept me entertained
It was also very predictable, I guessed who the killer was about halfway through but I was still interested enough to keep reading. I think I just wanted something more from it, what I don't know but something. Overall it was okay but I wouldn't recommend it.
It was also very predictable, I guessed who the killer was about halfway through but I was still interested enough to keep reading. I think I just wanted something more from it, what I don't know but something. Overall it was okay but I wouldn't recommend it.
September 10, 2017
I was happy as a clam when NetGalley finally approved me for this ARC!
The reviews were fantastic and the blurb was exciting! The beginning pages instantly sucked me in and I thought I was in for a wild ride!
But then this story lost its intensity and sort of deflated in all areas as I read on.
By the end, I felt like this...
◎ Overall, this was an okay read but nothing about this story really stood out for me. I wasn't blown away by the characters, really. Thrilling? Meh. More like underwhelming. My expectations were too high.
*NetGalley ARC provided by St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
The reviews were fantastic and the blurb was exciting! The beginning pages instantly sucked me in and I thought I was in for a wild ride!
But then this story lost its intensity and sort of deflated in all areas as I read on.
By the end, I felt like this...
◎ Overall, this was an okay read but nothing about this story really stood out for me. I wasn't blown away by the characters, really. Thrilling? Meh. More like underwhelming. My expectations were too high.
*NetGalley ARC provided by St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2017
Officer Miranda Rader had been a well-respected cop for the past ten years – since she’d turned her life around after a not-so-good youth. She was good at her job and as honest as they came. But the murder of a college professor in a particularly gruesome and distressing manner was to be the start of opening up Miranda’s past – a past she had tried to put behind her. Fourteen years was a long time, but suddenly it seemed like yesterday…
With evidence turning up at the site of the murder which implicated Miranda; then the cop who had questioned Miranda all those years ago also found murdered – things weren’t looking good for her. Suspended from duty, Miranda must put her emotions aside and question everything – in particular “why was this happening to her”. Would she find the answers? Or would Miranda wind up in jail for murder? She had no idea who she could trust, so she trusted no one.
The Other Girl by Erica Spindler is a twisted, intricate tale of the past and how it can catch up with you in a heartbeat. Of trust, hurt and betrayal – of love and misplaced loyalty. Gripping, intense and chilling, I was totally absorbed in The Other Girl from beginning to end and have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for my digital copy to read and review.
With evidence turning up at the site of the murder which implicated Miranda; then the cop who had questioned Miranda all those years ago also found murdered – things weren’t looking good for her. Suspended from duty, Miranda must put her emotions aside and question everything – in particular “why was this happening to her”. Would she find the answers? Or would Miranda wind up in jail for murder? She had no idea who she could trust, so she trusted no one.
The Other Girl by Erica Spindler is a twisted, intricate tale of the past and how it can catch up with you in a heartbeat. Of trust, hurt and betrayal – of love and misplaced loyalty. Gripping, intense and chilling, I was totally absorbed in The Other Girl from beginning to end and have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for my digital copy to read and review.
August 19, 2017
3+ stars. I like eating candy every now and then, but it always leaves me feeling a bit sick, or hungry for real food, or with a weird chemical taste in my mouth. Reading The Other Girl was a bit like eating candy. I liked it while I read it, but it wasn't particularly nutritious or satisfying in the end. When Randi was 15 years old, she ended up in a "juvie" centre because no one took her cry for help seriously. Now, at age 30, Randi is Miranda and a cop and she ends up caught up in the investigation of a murder that brings her back to what happened when she was 15 years old. I won't say more about the plot to avoid spoilers. I read plenty of mysteries and some psychological thrillers and I've come to think that these can be under appreciated genres. There's lots of room for complex characters and plots that engage with challenging real life issues, so it's not the genre that has me comparing The Other Girl to candy. It's the depth of the story and the quality of the writing. This was an entertaining read, but it felt both a tad too predictable and improbable, including a romance that came out of nowhere. I expect that I will never stop eating candy -- always lured by the promise of something immediately tasty -- but I need lots of nutritious food too. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.
July 28, 2017
Erica Spindler can really spin a tale!
Randi Rader was a reckless teen. They called her wild....a bad girl....and a liar....but was she?
Now, fifteen years later, they call her Detective Miranda Rader....stubborn....headstrong....well-respected and a ten year veteran of the Harmony, Louisiana PD. Her past still haunts her....her family let her down, but she has a job to do....a murder to solve....a violent gruesome act of "hatred and rage" that quickly becomes complicated and threatens not only her job, but close relationships.
THE OTHER GIRL is yet another fast-paced crime-mystery published this year, but Erica Spindler brings to the table a little something extra the others I've read didn't....a bit of romance (with some hot sex) that adds another layer to her already volatile storyline.
Enjoyed it! Great novel for your summer reading pleasure.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2017
!!! OUT NOW - 22nd AUGUST 2017 !!!
This was my first book by Erica Spindler but I have read a plethora of fantastic reviews and high ratings for some of her other novels so I had a pretty good idea from reading those that this would be a book that I would very much enjoy! I couldn't be more correct! I really loved it and I will definitely be seeking out her other books due to this.
I was enthralled from the very beginning which takes an extremely skilled writer to pull off. There were some great twists and turns in the storyline that kept me turning the pages in an effort to come across the answers to this amazing twisty novel. Despite the fact that I did predict a few of the plot twists, it certainly didn't spoil the book for me - I continued to love it as it was highly entertaining and very nicely written and I was always wanting to see what was around the next corner/on the next page!
The characters were well developed which is often my bugbear in other books - where the characters have absolutely no depth to them and we know only basic details about them or where the opposite happens and there is far too much boring information about the individuals in the story. I feel that in order to feel a connection to the characters you need to know a little about them - this is masterfully done here - you want to know about Miranda and Jake, details about them... what their story is and exactly how they fit into this thriller.
The story introduces us to Detective Miranda Rader and her partner Jake Billings who are called in to investigate a gruesome murder of a local college professor based in Louisiana. His father is very influential in the area and is demanding that the case be closed, fast. To follow there are a series of twists and turns which I am not going to reveal here - spoilers really do, in my opinion, spoil the enjoyment of a book. The twists really get you thinking, which I love! You'll not be bored reading this excellent police procedural.
For Miranda, there are flashbacks to an event that changed her life when she was 15 years old. They send her back to relive a trauma that she thought she had left behind her. This savage murder reopens old wounds. Sometimes details like these and the fact that you keep returning to them can sometimes fracture the story but luckily that doesn't happen here. The writing flows extremely well. So, when her fingerprints are found at the crime scene/the scene of the first murder will Miranda be able to cope when she is placed under the microscope? Can she stay strong as her honesty and integrity are in doubt and her motivations questioned? With the trust of her colleagues gone, Miranda must try to trust her instincts and decide what is right - before time runs out!
Thank you to Erica Spindler, St Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. It was my pleasure to share my honest opinion with you.
This was my first book by Erica Spindler but I have read a plethora of fantastic reviews and high ratings for some of her other novels so I had a pretty good idea from reading those that this would be a book that I would very much enjoy! I couldn't be more correct! I really loved it and I will definitely be seeking out her other books due to this.
I was enthralled from the very beginning which takes an extremely skilled writer to pull off. There were some great twists and turns in the storyline that kept me turning the pages in an effort to come across the answers to this amazing twisty novel. Despite the fact that I did predict a few of the plot twists, it certainly didn't spoil the book for me - I continued to love it as it was highly entertaining and very nicely written and I was always wanting to see what was around the next corner/on the next page!
The characters were well developed which is often my bugbear in other books - where the characters have absolutely no depth to them and we know only basic details about them or where the opposite happens and there is far too much boring information about the individuals in the story. I feel that in order to feel a connection to the characters you need to know a little about them - this is masterfully done here - you want to know about Miranda and Jake, details about them... what their story is and exactly how they fit into this thriller.
The story introduces us to Detective Miranda Rader and her partner Jake Billings who are called in to investigate a gruesome murder of a local college professor based in Louisiana. His father is very influential in the area and is demanding that the case be closed, fast. To follow there are a series of twists and turns which I am not going to reveal here - spoilers really do, in my opinion, spoil the enjoyment of a book. The twists really get you thinking, which I love! You'll not be bored reading this excellent police procedural.
For Miranda, there are flashbacks to an event that changed her life when she was 15 years old. They send her back to relive a trauma that she thought she had left behind her. This savage murder reopens old wounds. Sometimes details like these and the fact that you keep returning to them can sometimes fracture the story but luckily that doesn't happen here. The writing flows extremely well. So, when her fingerprints are found at the crime scene/the scene of the first murder will Miranda be able to cope when she is placed under the microscope? Can she stay strong as her honesty and integrity are in doubt and her motivations questioned? With the trust of her colleagues gone, Miranda must try to trust her instincts and decide what is right - before time runs out!
Thank you to Erica Spindler, St Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. It was my pleasure to share my honest opinion with you.
December 29, 2017
4 page-turning 📖 stars to The Other Girl 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
My first book by Erica Spindler, The Other Girl was entertaining and completely enthralling.
Miranda Rader was an intriguing and likeable character. She had a few skeletons in her closet that seemed to haunt her. I read this in just two sittings because what was happening was so gripping and spell-binding. I figured out who the killer was early on, but that did not affect my enjoyment because I doubted myself throughout and was waiting for the rug to be pulled out from under me with all the twists and turns!
Overall, The Other Girl was a fun escape of a read, and I’m delighted to have a new author to love who has quite a backlist for me to dig into!
Thanks to Goodreads’ First Reads, Erica Spindler, and St. Martin’s Press for the copy to review.
My first book by Erica Spindler, The Other Girl was entertaining and completely enthralling.
Miranda Rader was an intriguing and likeable character. She had a few skeletons in her closet that seemed to haunt her. I read this in just two sittings because what was happening was so gripping and spell-binding. I figured out who the killer was early on, but that did not affect my enjoyment because I doubted myself throughout and was waiting for the rug to be pulled out from under me with all the twists and turns!
Overall, The Other Girl was a fun escape of a read, and I’m delighted to have a new author to love who has quite a backlist for me to dig into!
Thanks to Goodreads’ First Reads, Erica Spindler, and St. Martin’s Press for the copy to review.
August 22, 2017
Police Officer Miranda Rader is a respected officer in Hammond, Louisiana. She is known for her work ethic, dedication and professionalism. This was not always the case. When she was younger she spent 6 months in juvenile detention for possession of marijuana. She was known to engage in underage drinking and came from a troublesome family. At the age of 15, she was the victim of a crime and no one seemed to believe her as she was constantly in trouble and was known in her hometown to be a liar.
Miranda has worked very hard to improve herself and to become a respectful member of society. She has become a police officer who is looked up to and respected in society. Although she is not the same girl she once was, she is haunted by the past. She is haunted by a crime that no one believed occurred. What do you do when a crime has been committed against you, when you run for help, when another girl is being held captive and no one believes your story? No one goes to help the other girl. How does this affect your life?
One day Miranda is called to investigate the gruesome murder of a respected professor at a local college. While on the scene she finds a newspaper clipping referring to the heinous crime committed against her and another girl in the past. Just what was the professor doing with a clipping from her past? Who is this man? Does he know who she is and what happened to her? Is this just research for a book he is writing?
Just when she begins to put things together, her fingerprints are found at the scene of the crime. Her work ethic, honesty, integrity and professionalism are questioned. To make matters even worse, another murder occurs - a death which is related to that fateful night years ago. Why does she appear to be the only suspect? Who is the real killer and why does this killer seem to know everything that happened to her all of those years ago?
Miranda is a strong female character who cannot seem to keep from getting into trouble in this book. She continues to defy orders and break police procedures in order to get to the truth. She knows that the college professor is not the "nice" guy everyone believes him to be. She will not stop until she has uncovered the truth about his killer and has exposed the murdered professor to be the predator she knows him to be.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fast paced read with a few twists and turns. There were a couple of times that I wanted to shake the main character as she acted without thinking on numerous occasions. This story jumps back and forth between the current day and when Miranda was a 15 year old girl. As the book progresses, the reader is shown what happened all those years ago. This book is a double "whodunit" as there is a killer in the current day, a predator from the past and also the question remains...what happened to the other girl all of those years ago?
This is a good mystery but not an earth shattering one. I think most readers will have figured out a couple of the plot points. The ending is not a big shocker but it is still an enjoyable one. I figured out a couple of things but even guessing the truth did not prevent me from fully enjoying this book. I found that the past and present story lines really worked in this book.
This was my first Erica Spindler book and it will not be my last.
I received a copy of this book form the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
Miranda has worked very hard to improve herself and to become a respectful member of society. She has become a police officer who is looked up to and respected in society. Although she is not the same girl she once was, she is haunted by the past. She is haunted by a crime that no one believed occurred. What do you do when a crime has been committed against you, when you run for help, when another girl is being held captive and no one believes your story? No one goes to help the other girl. How does this affect your life?
One day Miranda is called to investigate the gruesome murder of a respected professor at a local college. While on the scene she finds a newspaper clipping referring to the heinous crime committed against her and another girl in the past. Just what was the professor doing with a clipping from her past? Who is this man? Does he know who she is and what happened to her? Is this just research for a book he is writing?
Just when she begins to put things together, her fingerprints are found at the scene of the crime. Her work ethic, honesty, integrity and professionalism are questioned. To make matters even worse, another murder occurs - a death which is related to that fateful night years ago. Why does she appear to be the only suspect? Who is the real killer and why does this killer seem to know everything that happened to her all of those years ago?
Miranda is a strong female character who cannot seem to keep from getting into trouble in this book. She continues to defy orders and break police procedures in order to get to the truth. She knows that the college professor is not the "nice" guy everyone believes him to be. She will not stop until she has uncovered the truth about his killer and has exposed the murdered professor to be the predator she knows him to be.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fast paced read with a few twists and turns. There were a couple of times that I wanted to shake the main character as she acted without thinking on numerous occasions. This story jumps back and forth between the current day and when Miranda was a 15 year old girl. As the book progresses, the reader is shown what happened all those years ago. This book is a double "whodunit" as there is a killer in the current day, a predator from the past and also the question remains...what happened to the other girl all of those years ago?
This is a good mystery but not an earth shattering one. I think most readers will have figured out a couple of the plot points. The ending is not a big shocker but it is still an enjoyable one. I figured out a couple of things but even guessing the truth did not prevent me from fully enjoying this book. I found that the past and present story lines really worked in this book.
This was my first Erica Spindler book and it will not be my last.
I received a copy of this book form the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
October 21, 2017
3.5 rounded up
Erica Spindler has written a tense, psychological thriller with The Other Girl. While it is not an edge-of-your-seat suspenseful book, the mind games in this tale are well worth the read.
Miranda "Randi" Rader was a girl with a past - a very bad one - who was given a chance to turn her life around. She did so by becoming a cop, a fine one. When she is called to the scene of a murder, her past suddenly comes back to meet her in full force. Once again she must tell the tales that no one believed - will they believe her this time?
Spindler writes very well. Her stories flow easily and, at barely over 250 pages, I finished this quick read in one sitting. My concern is that her characters often don't have much depth. The reader never feels invested them, therefore, you aren't invested in the outcome of the story. Despite that, it's a fun, enjoyable suspense story and I do recommend it for followers of this genre.
Erica Spindler has written a tense, psychological thriller with The Other Girl. While it is not an edge-of-your-seat suspenseful book, the mind games in this tale are well worth the read.
Miranda "Randi" Rader was a girl with a past - a very bad one - who was given a chance to turn her life around. She did so by becoming a cop, a fine one. When she is called to the scene of a murder, her past suddenly comes back to meet her in full force. Once again she must tell the tales that no one believed - will they believe her this time?
Spindler writes very well. Her stories flow easily and, at barely over 250 pages, I finished this quick read in one sitting. My concern is that her characters often don't have much depth. The reader never feels invested them, therefore, you aren't invested in the outcome of the story. Despite that, it's a fun, enjoyable suspense story and I do recommend it for followers of this genre.
August 2, 2017
Fifteen years ago Randi got into a truck with her brother's friend and immediately regretted it when he made a pass at her. Thinking quick Randi got out of the situation only to find herself in one that was completely worse when a young couple offered her a ride. Randi found herself waking to be tied up with the other girl also being held captive. Randi escaped and promised to bring help but then the law enforcement refused to believe anyone else was in danger since Randi was known as a wild child and always coming up with a story.
Now Randi is known as Officer Miranda Rader of the Harmony, Louisiana police and has moved on from that horrible night fifteen years before but has never forgotten. When called into a new crime scene Miranda finds herself investigating the brutal murder of one of the town’s most beloved college professors. When Miranda's prints turn up at the crime scene however she finds herself back at that place from the past when no one would believe her and needs to do whatever she can to find out what is going on and clear her name.
The Other Girl by Erica Spindler is a thriller read with a bit of romance also mixed into it. The book tells the story in the present while giving flashes back here and there into the past in order to weave a story for the reader building up the connection between events. There were plenty of twists and turns along the way to make the story completely engaging and keep the pages turning.
While some things in the story may come as a bit obvious as events unfold for the reader there are also some that kept me guessing as everything was eventually uncovered. The characters and story in here kept me entertained throughout as the story unfolded and always kept me wondering just what would come next. I'd definitely look for any other reads from this author after finishing this one and would recommend checking this one out.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Now Randi is known as Officer Miranda Rader of the Harmony, Louisiana police and has moved on from that horrible night fifteen years before but has never forgotten. When called into a new crime scene Miranda finds herself investigating the brutal murder of one of the town’s most beloved college professors. When Miranda's prints turn up at the crime scene however she finds herself back at that place from the past when no one would believe her and needs to do whatever she can to find out what is going on and clear her name.
The Other Girl by Erica Spindler is a thriller read with a bit of romance also mixed into it. The book tells the story in the present while giving flashes back here and there into the past in order to weave a story for the reader building up the connection between events. There were plenty of twists and turns along the way to make the story completely engaging and keep the pages turning.
While some things in the story may come as a bit obvious as events unfold for the reader there are also some that kept me guessing as everything was eventually uncovered. The characters and story in here kept me entertained throughout as the story unfolded and always kept me wondering just what would come next. I'd definitely look for any other reads from this author after finishing this one and would recommend checking this one out.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
June 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this latest Erica Spindler novel and found it to have a touch of everything good in a book, suspense, twists, excitement and even a touch of romance.
The novel features Officer Miranda Rader of the Hammond PD in Louisiana who is known for her honesty, integrity, and steady hand in a crisis, but that was not always the case. She has tried hard to change from the young troubled girl and earn respect in her position as an officer.
When Miranda and her partner are called to investigate the murder of one of the town’s most beloved college professors, they’re unprepared for the scene. This murder is unlike any they’ve ever investigated, and just when Miranda thinks she’s seen the worst of it, she finds a piece of evidence that chills her to the core, a faded newspaper clipping about a terrible night from her long-buried past. Then another man turns up dead, this one a retired cop, and not just any cop, Clint Wheeler, the cop who took her statement that night. Two murders, two very different men, two killings that on the surface had nothing in common, except Miranda. 15 years ago.
A very good read that flew by due to the excitement and eagerness to learn the truth.
I would like to thank Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The novel features Officer Miranda Rader of the Hammond PD in Louisiana who is known for her honesty, integrity, and steady hand in a crisis, but that was not always the case. She has tried hard to change from the young troubled girl and earn respect in her position as an officer.
When Miranda and her partner are called to investigate the murder of one of the town’s most beloved college professors, they’re unprepared for the scene. This murder is unlike any they’ve ever investigated, and just when Miranda thinks she’s seen the worst of it, she finds a piece of evidence that chills her to the core, a faded newspaper clipping about a terrible night from her long-buried past. Then another man turns up dead, this one a retired cop, and not just any cop, Clint Wheeler, the cop who took her statement that night. Two murders, two very different men, two killings that on the surface had nothing in common, except Miranda. 15 years ago.
A very good read that flew by due to the excitement and eagerness to learn the truth.
I would like to thank Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2017
This is a book that surprised me, a lot! The Other Girl's cover and blurb intrigued me, but I had never read anything by Erica Spindler before so I wasn't sure the book would suit me. I read a lot of thrillers, and it takes a lot nowadays to really charm me.
However, this book had everything I wanted in a thriller, a compelling story, well-developed characters and an ending that made me question my conviction on whom the killer is. Seriously, I was quite sure for a long time who the killer was, but at the end, did Spindler twist the story so much, and throw in a couple of red herrings that made me question my belief. I won't tell you if I was right or not, but I ended up quite pleased with the resolution.
I can say that this is the kind of book that, despite perhaps not being that surprising still engrossed me from the beginning until the end. I was captivated. I'm so delighted in this book that I need to find me some more Erica Spindler books to read.
So, in the end, I just want to say that The Other Girl is a superb thriller, a page-turner that kept me entertained all the way until the end!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
However, this book had everything I wanted in a thriller, a compelling story, well-developed characters and an ending that made me question my conviction on whom the killer is. Seriously, I was quite sure for a long time who the killer was, but at the end, did Spindler twist the story so much, and throw in a couple of red herrings that made me question my belief. I won't tell you if I was right or not, but I ended up quite pleased with the resolution.
I can say that this is the kind of book that, despite perhaps not being that surprising still engrossed me from the beginning until the end. I was captivated. I'm so delighted in this book that I need to find me some more Erica Spindler books to read.
So, in the end, I just want to say that The Other Girl is a superb thriller, a page-turner that kept me entertained all the way until the end!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
August 6, 2017
Erica Spindler has done it again with another gripping thriller that begs to be read in one sitting!
It all starts when Detective Miranda Rader and her partner Jake Billings are called to the scene of a murder in Harmony, a small college town in Louisiana. The victim is a college professor and son of the College President. His murder was brutal and clearly a crime of passion. A newspaper clipping found at the scene links to an event in Miranda's own past, when she was a troubled 15 year old who ended up serving 6 months in juvenile detention before turning her life around. Why would the murdered man have that news clipping and what does it mean for Miranda? So begins a race against time for Miranda to clear her name, both in the past and the present. Ms Spindler spins a good tale, seamlessly flashing back to the events in Miranda's past and the present day resulting in a fast paced, entertaining read.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher St Martins for a copy to read and review.
It all starts when Detective Miranda Rader and her partner Jake Billings are called to the scene of a murder in Harmony, a small college town in Louisiana. The victim is a college professor and son of the College President. His murder was brutal and clearly a crime of passion. A newspaper clipping found at the scene links to an event in Miranda's own past, when she was a troubled 15 year old who ended up serving 6 months in juvenile detention before turning her life around. Why would the murdered man have that news clipping and what does it mean for Miranda? So begins a race against time for Miranda to clear her name, both in the past and the present. Ms Spindler spins a good tale, seamlessly flashing back to the events in Miranda's past and the present day resulting in a fast paced, entertaining read.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher St Martins for a copy to read and review.
September 21, 2017
3.5 Stars
When Miranda was young, she was so stubborn, headstrong and rebel. Well, she’d grown up in a family that her father was in jail and her brothers were like their father. Also, her mother washed her hands of her when she was fifteen. But now that she is an adult, she built an honorable life for herself and became a detective. A successful one.
So, her recent case is about a murder. An English professor and the university president’s son. He was stabbed several times in the chest. His throat was slit and he was dismembered. But the thing is, Miranda found in his belongings an old newspaper clipping from a summer that involved her. The summer that something happened but nobody believed her because every one thought she was a liar. And the whole thing is like someone want to pin this murder on her! But why?! And how can she protect herself and her life that all this time she tried to build for herself!?!
Well, it was soooo predictable! But the writing was really good in a way that force you read it till the end. And it was an easy read. I like my mystery books be a little complicated and of course unpredictable. Told in Miranda’s POV, 3rd person. The story is stand-alone novel. Overall, I enjoyed it and hope you like it as well!
When Miranda was young, she was so stubborn, headstrong and rebel. Well, she’d grown up in a family that her father was in jail and her brothers were like their father. Also, her mother washed her hands of her when she was fifteen. But now that she is an adult, she built an honorable life for herself and became a detective. A successful one.
So, her recent case is about a murder. An English professor and the university president’s son. He was stabbed several times in the chest. His throat was slit and he was dismembered. But the thing is, Miranda found in his belongings an old newspaper clipping from a summer that involved her. The summer that something happened but nobody believed her because every one thought she was a liar. And the whole thing is like someone want to pin this murder on her! But why?! And how can she protect herself and her life that all this time she tried to build for herself!?!
Well, it was soooo predictable! But the writing was really good in a way that force you read it till the end. And it was an easy read. I like my mystery books be a little complicated and of course unpredictable. Told in Miranda’s POV, 3rd person. The story is stand-alone novel. Overall, I enjoyed it and hope you like it as well!
September 6, 2017
3.5 stars
Quick read that was predictable in many ways but still held my interest.
Everything about this was familiar, from the characters down to the big reveal, which I figured out early on. If you are looking for a book that will challenge you, this isn't it. But the writing is good and the short chapters help move the story along, making for the perfect beach read.
It's been a long time since I've read something by this author and this makes me wonder what I might have missed over the years...
ARC provided by NetGalley
Quick read that was predictable in many ways but still held my interest.
Everything about this was familiar, from the characters down to the big reveal, which I figured out early on. If you are looking for a book that will challenge you, this isn't it. But the writing is good and the short chapters help move the story along, making for the perfect beach read.
It's been a long time since I've read something by this author and this makes me wonder what I might have missed over the years...
ARC provided by NetGalley
August 23, 2017
4.5 I was pulled in right away and this thriller didn’t let go until the end.
Randi is a misguided teen and like some teens she has made a few bad choices and is no stranger to the police. When she is in dire need of their help to rescue a girl that is being held against her will, they don’t believe her and dismiss her story. She has nowhere to turn and is sent to juvie for the pot she had in her pocket.
Fast forward to present day. Randi is now Miranda and a respected police officer in the town where she grew up. Miranda and her partner Jake are called to investigate a murder scene. She follows procedure to a T and is shocked when she is questioned why her prints were found at the scene. One thing after another and it looks like Miranda is being framed for the murder. She doesn’t know the deceased and doesn’t know of anyone that would frame her or does she? The past has a way of catching up and she is at odds with law enforcement from her youth. Suddenly she struggles to prove her innocence.
I like the format of using alternating flashbacks throughout. They fill in the details and give perspective to the investigation.
I thought the ending was exciting and will look for more titles by Erica Spindler.
The Other Girl is my first Erica Spindler novel and I thank the author, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read it.
Randi is a misguided teen and like some teens she has made a few bad choices and is no stranger to the police. When she is in dire need of their help to rescue a girl that is being held against her will, they don’t believe her and dismiss her story. She has nowhere to turn and is sent to juvie for the pot she had in her pocket.
Fast forward to present day. Randi is now Miranda and a respected police officer in the town where she grew up. Miranda and her partner Jake are called to investigate a murder scene. She follows procedure to a T and is shocked when she is questioned why her prints were found at the scene. One thing after another and it looks like Miranda is being framed for the murder. She doesn’t know the deceased and doesn’t know of anyone that would frame her or does she? The past has a way of catching up and she is at odds with law enforcement from her youth. Suddenly she struggles to prove her innocence.
I like the format of using alternating flashbacks throughout. They fill in the details and give perspective to the investigation.
I thought the ending was exciting and will look for more titles by Erica Spindler.
The Other Girl is my first Erica Spindler novel and I thank the author, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read it.
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