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Max Revere #3
Poisonous
Teen-aged Internet bully Ivy Lake fell off a cliff and few people cared ... except her mentally-challenged eighteen-year-old step-brother, Tommy. He loved her in spite of her cruelty. He's distraught and doesn't understand why his blended family is falling apart. After a year, the police still have no answers: Ivy could have jumped, could have been pushed, or it could have been an accident. With too many suspects and not enough evidence, the investigation has grown cold.
Tommy thinks that if someone can figure out what happened to his step-sister, everything will go back to normal, so he writes to investigative reporter Maxine Revere. This isn’t the type of case Max normally takes on, but the heartbreak and simple honesty in Tommy's letter pulls her in. She travels to Corte Madera, California, with her assistant David Kane and is at first pleased that the police are cooperative. But the more Max learns about Tommy and his dysfunctional family, the more she thinks she’s taken on an impossible task: this may be the one case she can’t solve.
If Ivy was murdered, it was exceptionally well-planned and that kind of killer could be hiding in plain sight ... planning the next act of violence. Max believes the truth is always better than lies, that the truth is the only thing that matters to gain justice for victims and their families. But for the first time, she wonders if this time, the truth will kill.
Tommy thinks that if someone can figure out what happened to his step-sister, everything will go back to normal, so he writes to investigative reporter Maxine Revere. This isn’t the type of case Max normally takes on, but the heartbreak and simple honesty in Tommy's letter pulls her in. She travels to Corte Madera, California, with her assistant David Kane and is at first pleased that the police are cooperative. But the more Max learns about Tommy and his dysfunctional family, the more she thinks she’s taken on an impossible task: this may be the one case she can’t solve.
If Ivy was murdered, it was exceptionally well-planned and that kind of killer could be hiding in plain sight ... planning the next act of violence. Max believes the truth is always better than lies, that the truth is the only thing that matters to gain justice for victims and their families. But for the first time, she wonders if this time, the truth will kill.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2016
470 people are currently reading
2348 people want to read
About the author
Allison Brennan
114 books5,344 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Allison Brennan believes that life is too short to be bored, so she had five children and writes three books a year.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
October 17, 2021
Investigative reporter Maxine (Max) Revere receives a heartfelt letter from Tommy Wallace, the stepbrother of Ivy Lake who died when she fell from a cliff fourteen months ago. The investigation is still open and it hasn’t been definitively decided if she committed suicide or was murdered. But Tommy’s stepmother is accusing him of killing Ivy and has barred him from her home and from seeing his half sister, even though there’s no evidence to support her assertion. Max accepts the case and soon finds that Ivy was a viscous social media bully like no other and finding her killer may be impossible given that her list of potential enemies was long.
What a tough story. It didn’t take me long to care more about clearing dear Tommy’s name than finding out who killed Ivy. She ranks as one of the most unsympathetic victims I’ve encountered in fiction, which is hard to admit given she was only sixteen years old at the time of her death. The Lake-Wallace “blended” family was a toxic mix created by ill-behaving adults. It’s a cautionary tale of what can happen when adults use their children as weapons once a marriage dissolves. It’s also contrasted by how her assistant David Kane and her boyfriend Nick Santini manage their relationships with the exes, always putting the interests of their children first even when they’re being treated unfairly.
It was almost impossible to deduce who killed Ivy until it was close to being revealed. Max learns some lessons herself, forcing her to reflect on her own past and how it has shaped her attitudes and levels of tolerance. She has some tough moments that I found painful on her behalf. I continue to listen to this series and the narrator has completely captured the essence of Max, her high notes and those lower ones when her inner child emerges. Her overall performance is stellar, which includes storytelling, pacing and character distinctions. Even though the subject matter was difficult, its relevancy made it a must read, especially as Max continues to evolve with each story.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
What a tough story. It didn’t take me long to care more about clearing dear Tommy’s name than finding out who killed Ivy. She ranks as one of the most unsympathetic victims I’ve encountered in fiction, which is hard to admit given she was only sixteen years old at the time of her death. The Lake-Wallace “blended” family was a toxic mix created by ill-behaving adults. It’s a cautionary tale of what can happen when adults use their children as weapons once a marriage dissolves. It’s also contrasted by how her assistant David Kane and her boyfriend Nick Santini manage their relationships with the exes, always putting the interests of their children first even when they’re being treated unfairly.
It was almost impossible to deduce who killed Ivy until it was close to being revealed. Max learns some lessons herself, forcing her to reflect on her own past and how it has shaped her attitudes and levels of tolerance. She has some tough moments that I found painful on her behalf. I continue to listen to this series and the narrator has completely captured the essence of Max, her high notes and those lower ones when her inner child emerges. Her overall performance is stellar, which includes storytelling, pacing and character distinctions. Even though the subject matter was difficult, its relevancy made it a must read, especially as Max continues to evolve with each story.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
July 14, 2016
I couldn't stop listening to this addictive mystery! Allison Brennan is fast becoming one of my favorite mystery/romantic suspense writers! Like the other Max Revere novels this is a crime procedural with Max cleverly interviewing the players, and methodically piecing together the evidence to get the truth.
Teenager Ivy Lake fell of a cliff to her death one year ago. She was not a nice girl and hardly a sympathetic victim. Her cyber-bullying was unbelievably cruel and played a big part in another girl's suicide, but her unsolved murder casts doubt on her mentally challenged stepbrother, causing an even bigger rife between this fractured family. Their plight captures Max's attention and she decides to try to find Ivy's killer.
Cyber-bullying, mean girls, and how divorce impacts children was very much at the heart of this story. I can't tell you how much I couldn't stand Paula and Bill Wallace! Two utterly selfish people! I guess they'll have a lifetime to consider their consequences.
I was so sad for Max by the end of this, and super disappointed with Nick. I wonder if they'll last. I certainly couldn't be with someone who refused to talk about his trials and problems. Max has shared her very personal history, and feelings and he can't reciprocate?
I was also upset over Max bearing the brunt of Brittany's wrath against David, and David just taking it. I know he doesn't want to rock the boat, but it just seems over the top. David needs to go back to court over his custody arrangement of Emma. Emma is thirteen and should have more say with the court with where she wants to go now, anyhow.
I wouldn't blame Max for keeping both Nick and David more at arm's length in the future. Or cutting Nick off completely. Marco seems to care about Max more than Nick does at this point, IMO. There's going to have to be some major change and groveling from Nick for me to even consider him a worthy romantic interest for Max in the future.
I hope I don't have to wait too long for the next installment, because I'm dying to know how this all works out.
Teenager Ivy Lake fell of a cliff to her death one year ago. She was not a nice girl and hardly a sympathetic victim. Her cyber-bullying was unbelievably cruel and played a big part in another girl's suicide, but her unsolved murder casts doubt on her mentally challenged stepbrother, causing an even bigger rife between this fractured family. Their plight captures Max's attention and she decides to try to find Ivy's killer.
Cyber-bullying, mean girls, and how divorce impacts children was very much at the heart of this story. I can't tell you how much I couldn't stand Paula and Bill Wallace! Two utterly selfish people! I guess they'll have a lifetime to consider their consequences.
I was so sad for Max by the end of this, and super disappointed with Nick. I wonder if they'll last. I certainly couldn't be with someone who refused to talk about his trials and problems. Max has shared her very personal history, and feelings and he can't reciprocate?
I was also upset over Max bearing the brunt of Brittany's wrath against David, and David just taking it. I know he doesn't want to rock the boat, but it just seems over the top. David needs to go back to court over his custody arrangement of Emma. Emma is thirteen and should have more say with the court with where she wants to go now, anyhow.
I wouldn't blame Max for keeping both Nick and David more at arm's length in the future. Or cutting Nick off completely. Marco seems to care about Max more than Nick does at this point, IMO. There's going to have to be some major change and groveling from Nick for me to even consider him a worthy romantic interest for Max in the future.
I hope I don't have to wait too long for the next installment, because I'm dying to know how this all works out.
May 17, 2016
Poisonous by Allison Brennan is a 2016 Minotaur publication.
This is a complex crime novel, very compelling, emotional, sad, and quite disturbing on many levels. The characters are complicated, but interesting, with heavy concerns weighing on their minds, which certainly gave me plenty to think about. The pacing is just a little slow at times, and the family drama occasionally took precedence over the investigation, but the threads all come together in the end, with a dramatic showdown that will hopefully be a wake-up call for those involved.
This is a solid crime novel worth checking out, even if you have not been following the series. This story will appeal to anyone who enjoys mysteries or suspense thrillers.
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read the review in full, click this link: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
This is a complex crime novel, very compelling, emotional, sad, and quite disturbing on many levels. The characters are complicated, but interesting, with heavy concerns weighing on their minds, which certainly gave me plenty to think about. The pacing is just a little slow at times, and the family drama occasionally took precedence over the investigation, but the threads all come together in the end, with a dramatic showdown that will hopefully be a wake-up call for those involved.
This is a solid crime novel worth checking out, even if you have not been following the series. This story will appeal to anyone who enjoys mysteries or suspense thrillers.
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read the review in full, click this link: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
March 25, 2017
This was my first Max Revere novel and although it is a stand alone there are numerous references to what I assume happened in the first two novels.
This book really focuses on troubled families and in many ways I found it depressing. We get to see what the results of cheating, leaving your old family for a new family, being disagreeable with an ex, pretending everything is OK, failure to communicate, ignoring your children...and more can create. Max, David, Nick and the key families in this book all show the negative aspects of blended families with just a little of the positives.
The plot of who killed Ivy was good, if a little predictable and a lot boring. (I won't provide a description of the plot as the book's own description is good.) Since you have Max researching the murder the first part of the book is mainly interviews which is talking, no action. The second part picks up and the ending was good, if sad. I have to say this book left me depressed and unfulfilled.
As this was my first impressions of Max, David (Max's assistant) and Nick (Max's love interest) - well they weren't necessarily characters that drew me and made me want to get to know them. I liked how Max could look back on her own childhood and empathize with some of the teenagers she was interviewing. There wasn't any further development of Max and Nick - seemed more like a "let's add this into the book so there is some reference to sex". I didn't like Nick who was really poorly developed in this book, David had some appeal and Max is an interesting character, but I can't say I want to read more about her. In fact, I probably won't be looking to read more Max Revere books.
This book really focuses on troubled families and in many ways I found it depressing. We get to see what the results of cheating, leaving your old family for a new family, being disagreeable with an ex, pretending everything is OK, failure to communicate, ignoring your children...and more can create. Max, David, Nick and the key families in this book all show the negative aspects of blended families with just a little of the positives.
The plot of who killed Ivy was good, if a little predictable and a lot boring. (I won't provide a description of the plot as the book's own description is good.) Since you have Max researching the murder the first part of the book is mainly interviews which is talking, no action. The second part picks up and the ending was good, if sad. I have to say this book left me depressed and unfulfilled.
As this was my first impressions of Max, David (Max's assistant) and Nick (Max's love interest) - well they weren't necessarily characters that drew me and made me want to get to know them. I liked how Max could look back on her own childhood and empathize with some of the teenagers she was interviewing. There wasn't any further development of Max and Nick - seemed more like a "let's add this into the book so there is some reference to sex". I didn't like Nick who was really poorly developed in this book, David had some appeal and Max is an interesting character, but I can't say I want to read more about her. In fact, I probably won't be looking to read more Max Revere books.
November 3, 2021
Eighteen-year-old Ivy Lake was found dead at the bottom of a cliff a little over a year ago. Police believe she may have been pushed from the cliff, but the case has gone cold with no real leads. Investigative Reporter Maxine Revere received a letter from Ivy's stepbrother, Tommy Wallace. Tommy is asking Maxine to find Ivy's killer. Tommy's mother blames him for Ivy's death. She will not allow him contact with his stepsiblings and it is tearing Tommy apart. Max agrees to take a look at the case. Ivy could have accidentally fallen off the cliff. She could have jumped. Or did someone push her?
Ivy Lake is a very unsympathetic victim. She was a sixteen-year-old bully, who posted embarrassing information about classmates on social media. Her cyber-bullying of Heather Brock lead to Heather's suicide. She has a score of enemies who were all potential suspects in this book. I didn't care if Max solved her murder. I just wanted Max to clear Tommy of the crime. Tommy is mentally challenged and there is no real evidence against him. Ivy's mother, Paula Lake Wallace, wants nothing to do with Tommy and forbids him to come to their house to see his stepbrother and half-sister.
There is a lot going on in this book...cyber-bullying, blended families, selfish parents. The story kept me interested, though we didn't have enough information to solve the crime until the end of the book. Along with this mystery, Max is also dealing with the two men in her life, boyfriend Nick and best friend David, both shutting her out while they deal with child visitation issues with their exes. I fear this will cause a big problem in her relationship with each of these men in the future. My rating: 4 Stars.
Ivy Lake is a very unsympathetic victim. She was a sixteen-year-old bully, who posted embarrassing information about classmates on social media. Her cyber-bullying of Heather Brock lead to Heather's suicide. She has a score of enemies who were all potential suspects in this book. I didn't care if Max solved her murder. I just wanted Max to clear Tommy of the crime. Tommy is mentally challenged and there is no real evidence against him. Ivy's mother, Paula Lake Wallace, wants nothing to do with Tommy and forbids him to come to their house to see his stepbrother and half-sister.
There is a lot going on in this book...cyber-bullying, blended families, selfish parents. The story kept me interested, though we didn't have enough information to solve the crime until the end of the book. Along with this mystery, Max is also dealing with the two men in her life, boyfriend Nick and best friend David, both shutting her out while they deal with child visitation issues with their exes. I fear this will cause a big problem in her relationship with each of these men in the future. My rating: 4 Stars.
October 15, 2021
I recently read another book whose focus was on how bad divorce is for the children, so I wasn't enthralled with this plot. You will get no argument from me that divorce is hell for the kids. It is. I'm just not comfortable with using it as the catalyst for murder.
Teen Ivy Lake has died. Was it an accident, was it suicide or was it murder? The fact she was a bully and used social media as her club has everyone taking sides. Ivy's family is a blended one and one of her step-brothers has been made to feel the brunt of her death. What Max finds makes her wonder if this was a case better off left alone.
3 1/2-Stars
Teen Ivy Lake has died. Was it an accident, was it suicide or was it murder? The fact she was a bully and used social media as her club has everyone taking sides. Ivy's family is a blended one and one of her step-brothers has been made to feel the brunt of her death. What Max finds makes her wonder if this was a case better off left alone.
3 1/2-Stars
August 12, 2018
My least favorite so far in this series. It just seemed to take forever and had so much boring, unnecessary filler. None of the characters Max and David encountered were very likeable and by the time the mystery was solved I really didn't care who was responsible.
I also prefer when the story involves more of Max's personal life and her interactions with the people in her life. It softens the character of Max and makes this reader like her more; otherwise her abrasive personality can get annoying by the end of a 400+ page book.
Another book that suffers from being too long without enough action to keep me engaged. Hopefully, book four won't suffer from the same.
I also prefer when the story involves more of Max's personal life and her interactions with the people in her life. It softens the character of Max and makes this reader like her more; otherwise her abrasive personality can get annoying by the end of a 400+ page book.
Another book that suffers from being too long without enough action to keep me engaged. Hopefully, book four won't suffer from the same.
November 13, 2021
A teen bully is murdered and no one seems to care. No one except her mentally-challenged step-brother Tommy. The murder has torn his family apart and he doesn’t understand why. When Max receives a letter from him asking for help, she can’t say no.
This book made me sad. Tommy is an amazing character that made my heart ache. He was so innocent and loving. I wanted Max to solve the murder as much as she did just for Tommy’s sake. The family turmoil was heartbreaking. Austin’s mom was horrible. It’s sad to think that there are really moms out there like that.
I found the mystery in this story quite interesting. I really did not know who the murderer was. I had a suspicion, but it was incorrect. I never thought it was who it was.
Max is still trying to get passed her kidnapping and all the mental manipulation that occurred. I feel like it’s affecting her relationship with Nick and I don’t like it. Her and Nick are good together. Max also needs to stop asking Nick about what is going on with his ex-wife. There may be very good reason he’s not telling her and she may not really want to know what it is.
This book made me sad. Tommy is an amazing character that made my heart ache. He was so innocent and loving. I wanted Max to solve the murder as much as she did just for Tommy’s sake. The family turmoil was heartbreaking. Austin’s mom was horrible. It’s sad to think that there are really moms out there like that.
I found the mystery in this story quite interesting. I really did not know who the murderer was. I had a suspicion, but it was incorrect. I never thought it was who it was.
Max is still trying to get passed her kidnapping and all the mental manipulation that occurred. I feel like it’s affecting her relationship with Nick and I don’t like it. Her and Nick are good together. Max also needs to stop asking Nick about what is going on with his ex-wife. There may be very good reason he’s not telling her and she may not really want to know what it is.
March 29, 2016
Wow, this book has some serious plot twists going on and a huge list of suspects. The story was a good one about cyber bullying and there was a lot of it going on. The murder victim actually thought it was making her popular when people "liked" her bullying posts. That in of itself is pretty scary. There were several characters that really touched me and I felt for them because I felt they were way too young to have to deal with stuff like this. It was just sad.
I do have to say there were several things that grated on me. Max doesn't have many friends and her boyfriend won't talk about the issues with his ex. Well, go out and make friends or shut up. His ex sounds like a "B" and what's it your business. You've never been married or raised kids. Once or twice bringing up these issues okay, but the author went a little overboard for me.
Okay, that's done with. Other than those issues, I really enjoyed the book and am now just finishing it and writing my review in the wee hours of the morning. So yes, I could not put it down. I wasn't even close to knowing who the suspect was. I knew a lot of people who it was not, but that did not help me a bit in being able to shut the book, turn off the light and go to bed. Ugh! Ha!
So huge thanks to St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this very entertaining book which I could not put down.
I do have to say there were several things that grated on me. Max doesn't have many friends and her boyfriend won't talk about the issues with his ex. Well, go out and make friends or shut up. His ex sounds like a "B" and what's it your business. You've never been married or raised kids. Once or twice bringing up these issues okay, but the author went a little overboard for me.
Okay, that's done with. Other than those issues, I really enjoyed the book and am now just finishing it and writing my review in the wee hours of the morning. So yes, I could not put it down. I wasn't even close to knowing who the suspect was. I knew a lot of people who it was not, but that did not help me a bit in being able to shut the book, turn off the light and go to bed. Ugh! Ha!
So huge thanks to St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this very entertaining book which I could not put down.
February 4, 2018
I really like the character Max but they story feels so drawn out with a pretty unsatisfying ending. I really had hoped to love this one but it was just okay...
I will continue the series because I really think the MC has a lot of potential.
Decent Read!
I will continue the series because I really think the MC has a lot of potential.
Decent Read!
May 17, 2016
Poisonous is book three in the Max Revere series. Each one can be read as stand alone book, but it doesn't hurt to start from the beginning to understand Max a bit more. This time around, Max has received a letter from Tommy who has asked her to find who killed his step-sister Ivy. It's not the normal kind of case Max would take, but something about Tommy's letter hits her in the heart and she can't resist.
The thing I love about this series is the characters. I love getting to know more about Max with each book. I really sympathized with her over her feelings of not fitting into any family. I also totally thought she was right regarding David and Nick over their custody situation. I lost a bit of respect for Nick when he wouldn't share with Max. I really felt bad for her. Tommy has to be just about the sweetest character that I have read in a while. He is mentally delayed but so sincere and honest that you can't help but root for him. He just about broke my heart in every scene he was in. I loved Max's interactions with Tommy, it made me like her that much more.
The mystery was really good and solid. I was definitely kept guessing until the end. I had my suspicions. In the end, I was wrong, but that made me love the book all the more. I definitely recommend this one as well as the others in the series. I can't wait to see what Max gets into next!
The thing I love about this series is the characters. I love getting to know more about Max with each book. I really sympathized with her over her feelings of not fitting into any family. I also totally thought she was right regarding David and Nick over their custody situation. I lost a bit of respect for Nick when he wouldn't share with Max. I really felt bad for her. Tommy has to be just about the sweetest character that I have read in a while. He is mentally delayed but so sincere and honest that you can't help but root for him. He just about broke my heart in every scene he was in. I loved Max's interactions with Tommy, it made me like her that much more.
The mystery was really good and solid. I was definitely kept guessing until the end. I had my suspicions. In the end, I was wrong, but that made me love the book all the more. I definitely recommend this one as well as the others in the series. I can't wait to see what Max gets into next!
May 13, 2016
This had SO many things I thought could be improved upon. Example: the food. Nick makes lasagna when visiting. Lasagna. He should have made tri tip fajitas. Nothing sexier than a man frying up some tri tip and bell peppers.
Also - not enough description of the scenery! I don't read these books to solve any murders! I read them to remember the smell of the San Joaquin dirt that the state is famous for - for the state-protected poppies... A description of which is better - Ghirardelli or Hershey - for a glimpse of Alcatraz while driving about....
Very little of that is here... So sad... No mention of pier 39 or Boudin sourdough bread bowls filled with clam chowder - and the number of times wine is consumed without mentioning the field where the grapes were grown - sacrilege! With a hired driver, Max never enjoys the opportunity of taking a wrong turn and driving down Lombard street by mistake - every time Max is in a car, she forgets to look out her window!
Also - not enough description of the scenery! I don't read these books to solve any murders! I read them to remember the smell of the San Joaquin dirt that the state is famous for - for the state-protected poppies... A description of which is better - Ghirardelli or Hershey - for a glimpse of Alcatraz while driving about....
Very little of that is here... So sad... No mention of pier 39 or Boudin sourdough bread bowls filled with clam chowder - and the number of times wine is consumed without mentioning the field where the grapes were grown - sacrilege! With a hired driver, Max never enjoys the opportunity of taking a wrong turn and driving down Lombard street by mistake - every time Max is in a car, she forgets to look out her window!
April 3, 2016
It has been a long while since I have read anything by this author. I found that this book focused a lot also on Max's relationship with her lover, Nick. Also her partner, David was experiencing family issues as well. Which I found that these issues were some what distracting from the story. Plus, it was a downer to read about these issues as it showed that both Max and David could be weak. However relationship issues aside, I found that this story started out slow for me. For the first half of the story in fact, there was just a lot of talking. The second half did make up some for the first half of the story. It read much faster and I was intrigued. No real surprises here on how the events would play out. Yet, there was enough good things that I did like about this book that I will go and read some more books by this author again.
October 3, 2016
I am not sure I have ever read a book where I cared so little about most of the characters. It felt like they were so messed up!
December 5, 2018
While I wasn't as involved with the crime part of this book as I was in the previous book I did enjoy this book quite a bit.
The Good: I liked Max's interactions with the kids in this book. She showed immense compassion when talking with them and treated Tommy, an 18 year old with special needs, with respect. I'm not sure if she would have been as compassionate if this was the case we read about in the first book. In the first book she was colder...almost impersonal. She also did whatever it took to get to the truth regardless of who might get hurt. In the second book she had to take a hard look at who she was as a person and made some discoveries she didn't like. In this book she is still struggling with her discoveries she made of herself in the previous book. This has made her a better character. She isn't as "in your face" and even though she is still a very strong woman she doesn't plow over people or jump into verbal confrontations immediately, as she would have in the first book.
The investigation was interesting and completely relevant to the time with social media such a huge impact on our youth. I liked seeing, once again, Max's methodology and her legwork when it came to investigating the cold case.
The Bad: While I like that Max's character is growing I don't think she made as much of a forward movement as she could have. She is having a hard time not opinionating about Nick's and David's ex's. She's not understanding even though the women, mother's of their children, are complete witches there is a large amount of finesse and towing the line in making sure those women do not cut the men completely out of their kid's lives. Max's personality is to just blast the women, hire a better lawyer, take what is owed you. Stop playing nice. The men don't want that stress on their kids because those women would make the kids miserable by not letting them see their dads, talking bad about their dads in front of them, etc. I'm not sure if Max has the capability to learn these things. She has no intention of becoming a mother and I'm not sure is she is maternal at all even with the compassion she showed the boys.
Also, there was some things that were repeated throughout the book. I was a little annoyed with this but didn't notice it happening in the other books so I'm hoping it's just a one off. Oh and if you're more interested in the romance aspect of Rom/Susp this book has very little in the way of romance. Nick does make an appearance a couple times in the book but the majority of the book is about the investigation. There isn't a lot of suspense build up either. There is some at the end but like I said it's mostly about the investigation.
In a Nutshell: I'm enjoying these books more than I thought I would after reading that first book. Even though I only rated this 3.5 I'm looking forward to the next book a lot.
The Good: I liked Max's interactions with the kids in this book. She showed immense compassion when talking with them and treated Tommy, an 18 year old with special needs, with respect. I'm not sure if she would have been as compassionate if this was the case we read about in the first book. In the first book she was colder...almost impersonal. She also did whatever it took to get to the truth regardless of who might get hurt. In the second book she had to take a hard look at who she was as a person and made some discoveries she didn't like. In this book she is still struggling with her discoveries she made of herself in the previous book. This has made her a better character. She isn't as "in your face" and even though she is still a very strong woman she doesn't plow over people or jump into verbal confrontations immediately, as she would have in the first book.
The investigation was interesting and completely relevant to the time with social media such a huge impact on our youth. I liked seeing, once again, Max's methodology and her legwork when it came to investigating the cold case.
The Bad: While I like that Max's character is growing I don't think she made as much of a forward movement as she could have. She is having a hard time not opinionating about Nick's and David's ex's. She's not understanding even though the women, mother's of their children, are complete witches there is a large amount of finesse and towing the line in making sure those women do not cut the men completely out of their kid's lives. Max's personality is to just blast the women, hire a better lawyer, take what is owed you. Stop playing nice. The men don't want that stress on their kids because those women would make the kids miserable by not letting them see their dads, talking bad about their dads in front of them, etc. I'm not sure if Max has the capability to learn these things. She has no intention of becoming a mother and I'm not sure is she is maternal at all even with the compassion she showed the boys.
Also, there was some things that were repeated throughout the book. I was a little annoyed with this but didn't notice it happening in the other books so I'm hoping it's just a one off. Oh and if you're more interested in the romance aspect of Rom/Susp this book has very little in the way of romance. Nick does make an appearance a couple times in the book but the majority of the book is about the investigation. There isn't a lot of suspense build up either. There is some at the end but like I said it's mostly about the investigation.
In a Nutshell: I'm enjoying these books more than I thought I would after reading that first book. Even though I only rated this 3.5 I'm looking forward to the next book a lot.
August 14, 2017
O.M.G.
Okay it's no secret that I love Allison Brennan.
It's really no secret that I love Maxine Revere.
So obviously, I loved Poisonous, it's actually my favorite in the series so far.
Poisonous revolved around internet drama, but not the bippity, boppity, teen bullshit that most people think of.
I mean yes, all of the characters were kids, but it was so much more than that. The story starts over 14 months ago, at least that's when cyberbully Ivy Lake was pronounced dead. It actually started much earlier than that. As a way to gain popularity, Ivy started a gossip blog that was all "true". It ruined many friendships and showed many people's true colors, Ivy included. The amount of attention her blog, Instagram, and Twitter got fueled her ego and gave her a sense of self-worth. A few months before Ivy died, Heather Brock committed suicide when Ivy leaked a pornographic video of Heather and her boyfriend. But for some reason, Ivy targeted one person at time, sometimes more, but continuously posted nasty and malicious things online so that people would know her name.
Well, stepbrother Tommy was no longer allowed in the house because Ivy's mother thought he killed her. She thought he was strike again and target his younger half sister. But Tommy wasn't like that, he was a little kid in a grown man's body, a gentle giant, if you will. (Honestly, pictured Tommy as a modern day Lenny from Of Mice and Men).
When Tommy penned a letter with help from Austin and Emma, it grabbed Maxine's attention and she knew she had to investigate.
Accident?
Murder?
Suicide?
Max knew who to call and who needed to be on her side for the case, but she never expected it to end the way it did. Not only did she begin to understand the amount of hostility this family had towards each other and will probably continue to have forever.
This book is messy, energetic, intense, and amazing.
I loved every second of it and if you like investigative thrillers, you will too.
Keep in mind this is Book 3 in the Maxine Revere series but I have also reviewed books one and two as well. Feel free to check them out. :)
Notorious
Compulsion
Also exciting news, SHATTERED is the next book in the series, which just came out and is a crossover novel between Maxine Revere and Lucy Kincaid!
All reviews pertaining to Maxine Revere, including this one, are posted on my blog A Reader's Diary!
Okay it's no secret that I love Allison Brennan.
It's really no secret that I love Maxine Revere.
So obviously, I loved Poisonous, it's actually my favorite in the series so far.
Poisonous revolved around internet drama, but not the bippity, boppity, teen bullshit that most people think of.
I mean yes, all of the characters were kids, but it was so much more than that. The story starts over 14 months ago, at least that's when cyberbully Ivy Lake was pronounced dead. It actually started much earlier than that. As a way to gain popularity, Ivy started a gossip blog that was all "true". It ruined many friendships and showed many people's true colors, Ivy included. The amount of attention her blog, Instagram, and Twitter got fueled her ego and gave her a sense of self-worth. A few months before Ivy died, Heather Brock committed suicide when Ivy leaked a pornographic video of Heather and her boyfriend. But for some reason, Ivy targeted one person at time, sometimes more, but continuously posted nasty and malicious things online so that people would know her name.
Well, stepbrother Tommy was no longer allowed in the house because Ivy's mother thought he killed her. She thought he was strike again and target his younger half sister. But Tommy wasn't like that, he was a little kid in a grown man's body, a gentle giant, if you will. (Honestly, pictured Tommy as a modern day Lenny from Of Mice and Men).
When Tommy penned a letter with help from Austin and Emma, it grabbed Maxine's attention and she knew she had to investigate.
Accident?
Murder?
Suicide?
Max knew who to call and who needed to be on her side for the case, but she never expected it to end the way it did. Not only did she begin to understand the amount of hostility this family had towards each other and will probably continue to have forever.
This book is messy, energetic, intense, and amazing.
I loved every second of it and if you like investigative thrillers, you will too.
Keep in mind this is Book 3 in the Maxine Revere series but I have also reviewed books one and two as well. Feel free to check them out. :)
Notorious
Compulsion
Also exciting news, SHATTERED is the next book in the series, which just came out and is a crossover novel between Maxine Revere and Lucy Kincaid!
All reviews pertaining to Maxine Revere, including this one, are posted on my blog A Reader's Diary!
July 1, 2020
Max is a journalist Who solves cold cases with determination and a sense of righting the wrongs done to those she feels are not necessarily guilty. In this novel she helps some young people who are confronting families torn apart by divorce and the murder of one of the siblings. Max decides to take on the case and with her usual vigour starts to dig into things right away. She is portrayed as tough and ethical but for some reason I find her self righteousness a bit confusing. She is sometimes as guilty of intrusive behavior and a misguided sense of justice as the people she pursues. She’s meant to be a difficult character, but one that is ultimately likable. I found her egotistical, fretful of being alone and yet very difficult in personal relationships, and a wee bit of a bully when she sees fit so I had a few problems linking with her likable side.
February 25, 2022
Fantastic, I love the Character of Max but I really enjoyed this book. The rest of the characters seem to have grown.
August 15, 2018
Another great installment of the Max Revere series. Althouh a bit slower paced than previous books, you still had no clue of who were good and bad until the end. I was taken completely by surprise when it became clear in the end. A good story which gave insight in how events of your past shape yourself and how you often compensate for this without even knowing.
May 8, 2016
A well-written suspense thriller, chillingly real in today's Cyber-world. The characters were vivid, as was the storyline, and I was compelled to keep reading as I began putting together the pieces. A strong showing from a talented author!
January 7, 2022
I think this is definitely my favorite in the Max Revere series. I love a good mystery/crime book, and the Max Revere books are one of my favorites of the genre.
The characters in this one really got to me. It had kids, and I just really felt for them. Austin and Tommy were both so precious, and I got so protective over them. I know it's fiction, but I still really hope that family gets counseling and really steps up for the kids. I always love how many different perspectives are in these books, and during this one, I especially loved having Austin and Tommy's POV.
I also really loved the social media and cyberbullying aspect of this book. The murder victim wasn't likeable at all, and nobody really cared that she was dead. It made for a great 'whodunit' because there were just so many suspects. (I had three possible suspects, and one of them was correct. One of my favorite things about murder mystery books is guessing the murderer!)
This book is not only 5 stars, but it's a favorite too because the characters really got to me. I am going to reread this one.
~Tommy and Austin~
The characters in this one really got to me. It had kids, and I just really felt for them. Austin and Tommy were both so precious, and I got so protective over them. I know it's fiction, but I still really hope that family gets counseling and really steps up for the kids. I always love how many different perspectives are in these books, and during this one, I especially loved having Austin and Tommy's POV.
I also really loved the social media and cyberbullying aspect of this book. The murder victim wasn't likeable at all, and nobody really cared that she was dead. It made for a great 'whodunit' because there were just so many suspects. (I had three possible suspects, and one of them was correct. One of my favorite things about murder mystery books is guessing the murderer!)
This book is not only 5 stars, but it's a favorite too because the characters really got to me. I am going to reread this one.
~Tommy and Austin~
December 18, 2023
Max is back to investigative work and I liked that a lot better than the previous book. This case had tension and upsetting subjects to have loads of feelings about.
I liked that we got to see a more humane, soft side of Max this time. I also liked that I got to know David better. Plus, Tommy and Austin (and Emma) made the book quite good. However, I felt like Nick was something of an after-thought in this particular book.
I don't appreciate the tension the author forces into the story between these two. It makes me as frustrated as Max must feel when Nick's not talking to her - for whatever reason!
Will I keep listening? Yep!
I liked that we got to see a more humane, soft side of Max this time. I also liked that I got to know David better. Plus, Tommy and Austin (and Emma) made the book quite good. However, I felt like Nick was something of an after-thought in this particular book.
I don't appreciate the tension the author forces into the story between these two. It makes me as frustrated as Max must feel when Nick's not talking to her - for whatever reason!
Will I keep listening? Yep!
Read
August 22, 2017I love Max Revere as a character! I love the fact that she marches to her own drum and doesn't take no for an answer! I love that she feels so strongly about the people in her cases that she will not stop until she has an answer, which makes for excellent reading if you ask me!
This was definitely different than your ordinary mystery. It wasn't your average who dun it and I liked that? It kept me guessing until the end.
You can't go wrong with Allison Brennan or with the Maxine Revere series!
This was definitely different than your ordinary mystery. It wasn't your average who dun it and I liked that? It kept me guessing until the end.
You can't go wrong with Allison Brennan or with the Maxine Revere series!
May 14, 2025
Throughout the series we have seen Max storm against injustice, rage against cheats and liars .. a one woman wrecking ball as she says. In 'Poisonous' we see a tenderness that scares her and confuses her causing her to doubt herself and push against those most dear to her. A small and subtle change is occuring making this series even better as it goes.
November 19, 2021
Oh wow I had forgot I finished this awhile back lol. It was great, I love this author and was really into this story! A long book but well worth it, damn good story and my hats off to the author on this one! Happy Reading Folks!
March 30, 2022
After book 2 I enjoyed seeing Max change, biting her tongue and listening to those around her, and learning about relationships.
The effects of cyber bullying, relationship breakdowns, toxic relationship. I found Max's grandmothers words about social media bang on.
The effects of cyber bullying, relationship breakdowns, toxic relationship. I found Max's grandmothers words about social media bang on.
November 17, 2023
Max is back working a case in David’s hometown involving a murdered teen with a history of bad behavior online. Her relationship with Nick is on rocky ground.
November 26, 2017
I love Max Revere...her tough exterior - and her searching for the truth. That is what keeps drawing me to Allison Brennan's stories about her...If you love a good mystery - with heart...and alot of unknowns, please check out this series.
August 7, 2017
The Max Revere series is incredible. This book is emotional and suspenseful. All of Ms. Brennan's books are always so smart, so well-researched and complex. I never read one of her books and not feel that the author must have spent an enormous amount of time researching her subject and I appreciate that effort that makes the story intelligent and realistic. This book shows an evolution of the main character that is heart-wrenching and I can't wait to see how it continues to evolve. A collection of Allison Brennan's books are all I would need on a desert island to be happy...as long as I kept getting the new ones. I'm anxiously awaiting the Lucy/Max book!!!
February 18, 2018
I haven't read a mystery thriller for a while and this is my first read by this author. This book was extremely disappointing. the book follows a mysterious death of a teenager cyber bully. I didn't connect with the main character and journalist Maxene Revere. She was too much of a bully herself. The book could have been half the length, the middle just seemed to drag out with boring dialogue. The writer also repeats memory scenes multiple times which is not necessary. The only real thriller action was in the last couple of chapters. I will not be continuing with this author.
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