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Detective Jude Fontaine Mysteries #3
The Body Keeper
The Thriller Award–winning series continues as Detective Jude Fontaine finds a decades-old connection to missing children that will freeze her blood. A boy’s frozen body is found trapped in the ice of a Minneapolis lake. The horrifying discovery leads Detective Jude Fontaine and her partner, Uriah Ashby, to more bodies in the ice, all of twelve-year-old boys missing for twenty years. Then, in one of the worst blizzards the city has ever seen, a four-year-old is abandoned on Jude’s doorstep. The child can’t tell them where he’s from, who his parents are, or how he got there. He doesn’t even know his name. But in his unspoken language, Jude reads something horrifying―a connection to the dead boys. Now a four-year-old with no name may be the only key to a twenty-year-old, very cold case.
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2019
3159 people are currently reading
3581 people want to read
About the author
Anne Frasier
37 books2,274 followersAnne Frasier is the New York Times, #1 Amazon Charts, and USA Today bestselling author of the Detective Jude Fontaine Mysteries, the Elise Sandburg series, and the Inland Empire novels. With more than a million copies sold, her award-winning books span the genres of suspense, mystery, thriller, romantic suspense, paranormal, and memoir. The Body Reader received the 2017 Thriller Award for Best Original Paperback Novel from International Thriller Writers. Other honors include a RITA for Romantic Suspense and a Daphne du Maurier Award for Paranormal Romantic Mystery/Suspense. Her thrillers have hit the USA Today bestseller list and have been featured in Mystery Guild, the Literary Guild, and Book of the Month. Her memoir, The Orchard, was an O, The Oprah Magazine Fall Pick; a One Book, One Community read; and one of the Librarians’ Best Books of 2011. Visit her website at www.annefrasier.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 718 reviews
June 13, 2019
Gee, I enjoyed this thriller, it kept me up long into the night. It's the third installment of Anne Frasier's Detective Jude Fontaine series, though it does read okay as a standalone. It would probably be beneficial to have read the earlier books, but not really necessary.
We have Detective Jude Fontaine, a damaged woman who holds her emotions close. In this novel she's investigating a case of the body of a child found in a frozen lake in midwinter Minnesota, with another boy found soon after. It soon becomes apparent that the boys have been dead for some twenty years. But where have they been? And why are they being found now? More perplexing to Jude is the young child she finds freezing on her doorstep when she comes home one night. Who is this boy? And why has he been abandoned on her doorstep?
Lots of questions that need answering, a complex case for Jude, and it all leads to a smashing finale with a satisfying conclusion. I found The Body Keeper to be a fantastic novel that I recommend to all lovers of crime fiction. I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for other books in this series.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We have Detective Jude Fontaine, a damaged woman who holds her emotions close. In this novel she's investigating a case of the body of a child found in a frozen lake in midwinter Minnesota, with another boy found soon after. It soon becomes apparent that the boys have been dead for some twenty years. But where have they been? And why are they being found now? More perplexing to Jude is the young child she finds freezing on her doorstep when she comes home one night. Who is this boy? And why has he been abandoned on her doorstep?
Lots of questions that need answering, a complex case for Jude, and it all leads to a smashing finale with a satisfying conclusion. I found The Body Keeper to be a fantastic novel that I recommend to all lovers of crime fiction. I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for other books in this series.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2019
I have never read Anne Frasier before, and after reading this, in what appears to be the final part of her Detective Jude Fontaine trilogy, set in Minneapolis, Minnesota, I can understand why the author has such a huge and loyal group of readers. The writing is so good, and so atmospheric, her rich descriptions of the endless snow, bitterly icy winds, and frozen winters experienced the residents made me feel as if I was right there, in the deadly wintery conditions. Jude is a woman with a heartbreaking history of being abducted and tortured, cursed with a father that was nothing short of the worst of horror nightmares, it is unsurprising that she finds it hard to trust and shies away from any human contact. Her strongest relationship is with her cop partner, Detective Uriah Ashby, the two have a relationship that displays their deep understanding of each other, with their ability to communicate with each other that so often needs no words. Jude is gifted with the quality of being an empath, she can tune into the heart of what is going on within a person, and often the dead too.
The frozen body of a child is found beneath the ice of a Minnesota lake, and so the most disturbing of investigations opens for Jude and Uriah that take in events from over 20 years ago as it turns out there are more bodies of young boys, all with similar features of being blond and blue eyed. An older woman abandons a vulnerable 4 year old boy in desperately freezing conditions on Jude's doorstep. The boy appears to have no name other than boy, is filthy, obviously neglected, with marks on his body that hint at terrible abuse, and clearly has no experience of socialising with others at all. Despite all this, he is a cute and remarkably sweet child that pulls on Jude's heart strings. Weather conditions prohibit any quick intervention by Child Protection Services, forcing Jude to connect with the child, and Elliot in her apartment building helps to look after him. In a story of the misery and darkness of child human trafficking, Jude finds Uriah has been keeping secrets from her, and there are connections from the dark deeds of the past and the entry of the young boy in her life, which puts her and him in danger as she tries to ensure his safety.
This introduction to this series can be read reasonably well as a standalone as Frasier provides enough information of previous events and characters. Frasier's complex characterisation of Jude, burdened with a past that would be sufficient to break anyone, is done with remarkable skill, and this extends to other people that inhabit this brilliant piece of disturbing and unsettling crime fiction, such as Uriah and Elliot. I loved reading this so much for so many reasons, such as the atmospheric setting and challenging weather conditions, and for Jude and the others who felt so real to me throughout. The award winning Frasier has certainly made an indelible impression on me with this book, and in the overcrowded crime fiction genre, that is saying something. Many thanks to Thomas and Mercer for an ARC.
The frozen body of a child is found beneath the ice of a Minnesota lake, and so the most disturbing of investigations opens for Jude and Uriah that take in events from over 20 years ago as it turns out there are more bodies of young boys, all with similar features of being blond and blue eyed. An older woman abandons a vulnerable 4 year old boy in desperately freezing conditions on Jude's doorstep. The boy appears to have no name other than boy, is filthy, obviously neglected, with marks on his body that hint at terrible abuse, and clearly has no experience of socialising with others at all. Despite all this, he is a cute and remarkably sweet child that pulls on Jude's heart strings. Weather conditions prohibit any quick intervention by Child Protection Services, forcing Jude to connect with the child, and Elliot in her apartment building helps to look after him. In a story of the misery and darkness of child human trafficking, Jude finds Uriah has been keeping secrets from her, and there are connections from the dark deeds of the past and the entry of the young boy in her life, which puts her and him in danger as she tries to ensure his safety.
This introduction to this series can be read reasonably well as a standalone as Frasier provides enough information of previous events and characters. Frasier's complex characterisation of Jude, burdened with a past that would be sufficient to break anyone, is done with remarkable skill, and this extends to other people that inhabit this brilliant piece of disturbing and unsettling crime fiction, such as Uriah and Elliot. I loved reading this so much for so many reasons, such as the atmospheric setting and challenging weather conditions, and for Jude and the others who felt so real to me throughout. The award winning Frasier has certainly made an indelible impression on me with this book, and in the overcrowded crime fiction genre, that is saying something. Many thanks to Thomas and Mercer for an ARC.
December 16, 2023
This is a Mystery, and this is the third book in the Detective Jude Fontaine series. I think the book was boring at the first part of the book, but the ending was good. I guess most of what happening before author told readers. I won kindle edition of this book from a goodreads giveaway, but this review is 100% my own honest opinion.
August 13, 2019
Intense, atmospheric, excellent, disturbing... just a few adjectives that kept popping in my mind while reading this book!
My thanks to Netgally, the publisher Thomas and Mercer and author Anne Frasier for providing me with an e-Arc of the book.
My thanks to Netgally, the publisher Thomas and Mercer and author Anne Frasier for providing me with an e-Arc of the book.
June 29, 2020
The Body Keeper
Detective Jude Fontaine Mysteries, Book 3
By: Anne Frasier
Narrated by: Emily Sutton-Smith
This was pretty good except it was about child traffic ring. 😶 A rough subject. The author is great about setting the scene and making the reader/listener feel like you are there. Lots of suspense, and great world building. Terrific narration.
Detective Jude Fontaine Mysteries, Book 3
By: Anne Frasier
Narrated by: Emily Sutton-Smith
This was pretty good except it was about child traffic ring. 😶 A rough subject. The author is great about setting the scene and making the reader/listener feel like you are there. Lots of suspense, and great world building. Terrific narration.
June 14, 2019
Gripping Suspense And Non-Stop Action!I
A frozen body is discovered beneath the ice in a lake while people are ice skating oblivious to the horror that has happened in their town and soon every person will be on edge in Minneapolis during this brutal and unmerciful winter. Jude Fontaine and Uriah Ashby are the detectives assigned to the case of a frozen body found under the ice that may have been dead for at least twenty years and unbeknownst to them this will be the first of many murders that will be linked together in an unspeakable tragedy of events that will also have the two detectives in a fight for their own lives.
It had been snowing all day and turned into dangerous blizzard conditions, while on that same night a small four-year old child is found outside an apartment building almost frozen to death creating another mysterious puzzle which will involve Jude in a complex and emotional journey that she does not want to travel on.
What a terrific action-packed thriller! Strong characterization and gripping tension. I didn't realize this was book three in a series but it was a wonderful stand-alone story and I will certainly read Anne Frasier's other Jude Fontaine books. Hopefully there will be more books to come because Jude is a riveting character and would like to see how she grows and develops in her personal life and her career.
I want to thank Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this very engaging novel!
I highly recommend for any detective or mystery, thriller readers who enjoy non-stop action and great writing. I have given this given this book 5 Exceptional 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars
A frozen body is discovered beneath the ice in a lake while people are ice skating oblivious to the horror that has happened in their town and soon every person will be on edge in Minneapolis during this brutal and unmerciful winter. Jude Fontaine and Uriah Ashby are the detectives assigned to the case of a frozen body found under the ice that may have been dead for at least twenty years and unbeknownst to them this will be the first of many murders that will be linked together in an unspeakable tragedy of events that will also have the two detectives in a fight for their own lives.
It had been snowing all day and turned into dangerous blizzard conditions, while on that same night a small four-year old child is found outside an apartment building almost frozen to death creating another mysterious puzzle which will involve Jude in a complex and emotional journey that she does not want to travel on.
What a terrific action-packed thriller! Strong characterization and gripping tension. I didn't realize this was book three in a series but it was a wonderful stand-alone story and I will certainly read Anne Frasier's other Jude Fontaine books. Hopefully there will be more books to come because Jude is a riveting character and would like to see how she grows and develops in her personal life and her career.
I want to thank Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this very engaging novel!
I highly recommend for any detective or mystery, thriller readers who enjoy non-stop action and great writing. I have given this given this book 5 Exceptional 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars
June 3, 2019
I discovered this series through ads on my Kindle and devoured the first book describing Anne’s harrowing ordeal. The series is available through Kindle Unlimited and on Audible. This was the strongest novel to date and perhaps the darkest as we delve into child trafficking when the frozen bodies of children appear in the lake and a young boy is left on a doorstep
A blizzard, and discoveries regarding family gave us more insight into this strong, broken, compassionate police detective. We witness first hand growth, acceptance and trust as Detective Jude Fontaine is put to the test. I was completely pulled into the story as Jude fought to find justice for these lost souls and devoured this in a single evening.
There are triggers so be warned. It was hard knowing what these children experienced emotionally, physically and sexually. The story isn’t graphic, and we aren’t present when stronger elements of abuse occur but it broke my heart nonetheless and Fraiser painted a clear enough picture. Child Trafficking is a relevant issues and Fraiser tackled it well.
I am hoping we see more cases with Detective Jude Fontaine. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
A blizzard, and discoveries regarding family gave us more insight into this strong, broken, compassionate police detective. We witness first hand growth, acceptance and trust as Detective Jude Fontaine is put to the test. I was completely pulled into the story as Jude fought to find justice for these lost souls and devoured this in a single evening.
There are triggers so be warned. It was hard knowing what these children experienced emotionally, physically and sexually. The story isn’t graphic, and we aren’t present when stronger elements of abuse occur but it broke my heart nonetheless and Fraiser painted a clear enough picture. Child Trafficking is a relevant issues and Fraiser tackled it well.
I am hoping we see more cases with Detective Jude Fontaine. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
May 11, 2019
This book was incredibly addictive. The moment I read the blurb, I was immediately intrigued.
I was hesitant at first, though since I hadn't read the first two books in the series. That proved no problem, however, as the author still managed to make me still feel connected to Jude, Uriah and Elliot.
I liked the writing style of the book, which was fairly straightforward yet descriptive. The author does a fantastic job at building suspense, and the story was well crafted and fast paced.
My only concern was that there was no major twist to the story which is usually my favorite part in mystery novels. Still, a very enjoyable read.
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was hesitant at first, though since I hadn't read the first two books in the series. That proved no problem, however, as the author still managed to make me still feel connected to Jude, Uriah and Elliot.
I liked the writing style of the book, which was fairly straightforward yet descriptive. The author does a fantastic job at building suspense, and the story was well crafted and fast paced.
My only concern was that there was no major twist to the story which is usually my favorite part in mystery novels. Still, a very enjoyable read.
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2019
Gripping Suspense And Non-Stop Action!I
A frozen body is discovered beneath the ice in a lake while people are ice skating oblivious to the horror that has happened in their town and soon every person will be on edge in Minneapolis during this brutal and unmerciful winter.
Jude Fontaine and Uriah Ashby are the detectives assigned to the case of a frozen body found under the ice that may have been dead for at least twenty years and unbeknownst to them this will be the first of many murders that will be linked together in an unspeakable tragedy of events that will also have the two detectives in a fight for their own lives.
It had been snowing all day and turned into dangerous blizzard conditions, while on that same night a small four-year old child is found outside an apartment building almost frozen to death creating another mysterious puzzle which will involve Jude in a complex and emotional journey that she does not want to travel on.
What a terrific action-packed thriller! Strong characterization and gripping tension. I didn't realize this was book three in a series but it was a wonderful stand-alone story and I will certainly read Anne Frasier's other Jude Fontaine books. Hopefully there will be more books to come because Jude is a riveting character and would like to see how she grows and develops in her personal life and her career.
I want to thank Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this very engaging novel!
I highly recommend for any detective or mystery, thriller readers who enjoy non-stop action and great writing.
I have given this given this book 5 Exceptional 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
A frozen body is discovered beneath the ice in a lake while people are ice skating oblivious to the horror that has happened in their town and soon every person will be on edge in Minneapolis during this brutal and unmerciful winter.
Jude Fontaine and Uriah Ashby are the detectives assigned to the case of a frozen body found under the ice that may have been dead for at least twenty years and unbeknownst to them this will be the first of many murders that will be linked together in an unspeakable tragedy of events that will also have the two detectives in a fight for their own lives.
It had been snowing all day and turned into dangerous blizzard conditions, while on that same night a small four-year old child is found outside an apartment building almost frozen to death creating another mysterious puzzle which will involve Jude in a complex and emotional journey that she does not want to travel on.
What a terrific action-packed thriller! Strong characterization and gripping tension. I didn't realize this was book three in a series but it was a wonderful stand-alone story and I will certainly read Anne Frasier's other Jude Fontaine books. Hopefully there will be more books to come because Jude is a riveting character and would like to see how she grows and develops in her personal life and her career.
I want to thank Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this very engaging novel!
I highly recommend for any detective or mystery, thriller readers who enjoy non-stop action and great writing.
I have given this given this book 5 Exceptional 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
![Profile Image for julia ☆ [owls reads].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1636739475i%2F5520447._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
October 20, 2019
#1 The Body Reader: ★★★★★
#2 The Body Counter: ★★★☆☆
*
3 stars.
*
The Body Keeper was a quick read, but nothing all that mind-blowing or engaging. The plot wasn't as well developed and kind of just went from one point to another in a straightforward manner without much being added to it. The main reveal was also really predictable and I was able to guess it from the very beginning, so that took some of the enjoyment out of the story.
The characters were still pretty complex and Jude's POV continued to be great. Uriah also got some character development moments! He was not featured as much, but the bits we saw of him showed he's changed quite a bit since the beginning of the series. They also both had an overall hopeful tone to their chapters that wasn't present before and that was lovely to get from them.
There were some important plot points there were touched on, like Eliot's entire situation with Jude, but that was still mostly brushed off? Nothing was addressed in depth and I found that the lack of development on that part bothered me quite a bit. It was a big revelation that didn't seem to get as much attention as it deserved. So, quick read but a lukewarm one.
#2 The Body Counter: ★★★☆☆
*
3 stars.
*
The Body Keeper was a quick read, but nothing all that mind-blowing or engaging. The plot wasn't as well developed and kind of just went from one point to another in a straightforward manner without much being added to it. The main reveal was also really predictable and I was able to guess it from the very beginning, so that took some of the enjoyment out of the story.
The characters were still pretty complex and Jude's POV continued to be great. Uriah also got some character development moments! He was not featured as much, but the bits we saw of him showed he's changed quite a bit since the beginning of the series. They also both had an overall hopeful tone to their chapters that wasn't present before and that was lovely to get from them.
There were some important plot points there were touched on, like Eliot's entire situation with Jude, but that was still mostly brushed off? Nothing was addressed in depth and I found that the lack of development on that part bothered me quite a bit. It was a big revelation that didn't seem to get as much attention as it deserved. So, quick read but a lukewarm one.
June 8, 2019
3.5⭐
June 26, 2019
One fabulous read!
Though The Body Keeper could be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend starting from the first book in the series. Part of what I loved so much about this book and series, is the development of the MCs over the entirety of the series. While the crimes themselves and the resulting plots were highly imaginative and required the reader to suspend reality a bit, the character development and their interactions with each other did not. In fact, they were completely realistic, as the author took her time in revealing them and their growth over the series and contrasted nicely with the fast pace and gruesome nature of the crimes.
Both Jude and Uriah have suffered tragedies. Jude, especially, has physically survived the unimaginable. Her mental survival is a bit more questionable and reading about her struggle to cope and find peace in her new reality was fascinating to read. The Body Keeper brings them both out the other side and while each is irrevocably changed, we are also given hope for their happiness and some sense of normalcy for them both.
Closing this book was like saying goodbye to beloved friends, so bitter sweet. I'm ecstatic that I stumbled upon this series and met these characters but knowing this is the last of their story, makes me a bit sad.
Though The Body Keeper could be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend starting from the first book in the series. Part of what I loved so much about this book and series, is the development of the MCs over the entirety of the series. While the crimes themselves and the resulting plots were highly imaginative and required the reader to suspend reality a bit, the character development and their interactions with each other did not. In fact, they were completely realistic, as the author took her time in revealing them and their growth over the series and contrasted nicely with the fast pace and gruesome nature of the crimes.
Both Jude and Uriah have suffered tragedies. Jude, especially, has physically survived the unimaginable. Her mental survival is a bit more questionable and reading about her struggle to cope and find peace in her new reality was fascinating to read. The Body Keeper brings them both out the other side and while each is irrevocably changed, we are also given hope for their happiness and some sense of normalcy for them both.
Closing this book was like saying goodbye to beloved friends, so bitter sweet. I'm ecstatic that I stumbled upon this series and met these characters but knowing this is the last of their story, makes me a bit sad.
August 6, 2019
Best one of the series so far
June 5, 2019
I've been a fan of this series since the first book and wanted to read this book the minute it came out. It's a great addition to this series!
A young boys body has been found frozen in a lake by ice skaters that know Jude and then shortly after a young boy is left outside of Jude's apartment building. Jude is pulled into both cases. We get glimpses into people connected to the case and it was really hard to put the book down. Uriah's situation added a nice layer to their character development. I read this one late into the night until it was difficult to keep my eyes open.
I would definitely love to read more in this series.
Thanks to Net Galley for an ARC.
A young boys body has been found frozen in a lake by ice skaters that know Jude and then shortly after a young boy is left outside of Jude's apartment building. Jude is pulled into both cases. We get glimpses into people connected to the case and it was really hard to put the book down. Uriah's situation added a nice layer to their character development. I read this one late into the night until it was difficult to keep my eyes open.
I would definitely love to read more in this series.
Thanks to Net Galley for an ARC.
June 11, 2019
How disappointing this book was, so much so I'll never read another in this series. The number of coincidences throughout the book are so unbelievable it ruins the story; and they begin within the first few pages. Along with that unbelievable storyline, there is the problem of the author adding so much filler to the story it gets very boring. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
April 25, 2019
This could be my favorite Frasier to date. I love how descriptive and lyrical her books always are. The Body Keeper takes place in the deep of winter in Minnesota, so you are made to feel smack dab in the midst of it. Freezing cold, snow and frozen rain. Loved how the innocence of a child softens Jude up just a bit. The suspense drew me in and it was hard to stop reading. Human Trafficking is so scary but yet so fascinating and loved the twists and turns that led to the finale of the book. Thank you NetGalley and Anne for the ARC.
August 3, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Body Keeper is the third book in the Jude Fontaine mystery series by Anne Frasier. Released 4th June by Amazon on their Thomas & Mercer imprint, it's 300 pages and available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.
This is a thriller/suspense procedural based around a flawed and fragile female detective with a horrific past. This is the third book in the series, but there's enough backstory given that it could be read as a standalone. I recommend the previous two books in the series for the strength of the writing and for the richness of the multi-book background. According to the author's website blurb, this is to be the last book in the series. I hope she reconsiders, or starts a cognate series. These are good books.
Worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. This title, and the rest of the series, is available in the KU subscription.
The author is exceptionally adept at plotting and characterization, but really shines in her control of dramatic tension. I can't think of very many authors who have better control over tension driven plot mechanisms. She's a very adept writer, especially in the technical aspects of her writing. Ms. Frasier has a very cinematic style of writing and I could easily see this (possibly toned down in the violence depictions) as a movie franchise.
I recommend the series enthusiastically to devotees of procedural thrillers. Fair warning, the language and depictions are rough. The violence and brooding threat of violence are pervasive, so for readers who prefer 'cozy/light' mysteries, it could be a bit much. This would also make a perfect book club selection and there are even sample questions included at the end of the book to facilitate discussion.
Five stars for the series and five stars for this entry. Checking back over my recent review threads, it seldom happens that I find a series this consistently outstanding.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Body Keeper is the third book in the Jude Fontaine mystery series by Anne Frasier. Released 4th June by Amazon on their Thomas & Mercer imprint, it's 300 pages and available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.
This is a thriller/suspense procedural based around a flawed and fragile female detective with a horrific past. This is the third book in the series, but there's enough backstory given that it could be read as a standalone. I recommend the previous two books in the series for the strength of the writing and for the richness of the multi-book background. According to the author's website blurb, this is to be the last book in the series. I hope she reconsiders, or starts a cognate series. These are good books.
Worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. This title, and the rest of the series, is available in the KU subscription.
The author is exceptionally adept at plotting and characterization, but really shines in her control of dramatic tension. I can't think of very many authors who have better control over tension driven plot mechanisms. She's a very adept writer, especially in the technical aspects of her writing. Ms. Frasier has a very cinematic style of writing and I could easily see this (possibly toned down in the violence depictions) as a movie franchise.
I recommend the series enthusiastically to devotees of procedural thrillers. Fair warning, the language and depictions are rough. The violence and brooding threat of violence are pervasive, so for readers who prefer 'cozy/light' mysteries, it could be a bit much. This would also make a perfect book club selection and there are even sample questions included at the end of the book to facilitate discussion.
Five stars for the series and five stars for this entry. Checking back over my recent review threads, it seldom happens that I find a series this consistently outstanding.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
February 19, 2023
Happy to discover Frasier’s trio of books through my “Psychological Thrillers” reading group recently. These books are excellent mysteries—great suspense—plenty of puzzles within puzzles.
They also feature a protagonist who is a trauma survivor, and I truly loved her voice and point of view. The crimes are horrific. The setting is its own kind of frozen hell (sorry, Minnesota, but I ain’t gonna live near you!), and the tension will wrap you tight as the temperatures drop and the blood drips and the big bad villain’s deeds continue to get cut from ice through each book.
Trigger warning for victims of child abuse (the whole list). I found it cathartic. Highly recommend.
File Under: Predators are Often People in Positions of Power (alliteration notwithstanding)
They also feature a protagonist who is a trauma survivor, and I truly loved her voice and point of view. The crimes are horrific. The setting is its own kind of frozen hell (sorry, Minnesota, but I ain’t gonna live near you!), and the tension will wrap you tight as the temperatures drop and the blood drips and the big bad villain’s deeds continue to get cut from ice through each book.
Trigger warning for victims of child abuse (the whole list). I found it cathartic. Highly recommend.
File Under: Predators are Often People in Positions of Power (alliteration notwithstanding)
September 25, 2025
Intricately weaving together several plot lines, The Body Keeper is a fast-moving, intense finale to a wickedly good series.
The suspense/mystery angle revolves around child trafficking, which is always a difficult, heartbreaking subject.
Minnesota winter becomes a secondary character; the bitter cold, freezing temps, persistent whiteouts are minutely described. I love winter, but maybe not enough to move to Minnesota.
One thread was left hanging:
I wish there were more books in this series, because it feels unfinished to me. However, this third installment was published in 2019, so I don't think that's going to happen.
The suspense/mystery angle revolves around child trafficking, which is always a difficult, heartbreaking subject.
Minnesota winter becomes a secondary character; the bitter cold, freezing temps, persistent whiteouts are minutely described. I love winter, but maybe not enough to move to Minnesota.
One thread was left hanging:
I wish there were more books in this series, because it feels unfinished to me. However, this third installment was published in 2019, so I don't think that's going to happen.
August 20, 2020
I didn’t want the series to end, after living Jude and Uriah’s experiences with them I became quite invested in their well being. These stories are not for the weak of heart as they are very graphic and quite real in the telling. I know they are both in a good place now!
July 24, 2019
Kind of disappointed with this one. It wasn't really a mystery as each time something happened or a new character was introduced you were given a chapter or two that flat out told you how they were connected to the crime. The story was mostly watching Jude and Uriah play catch up since the reader already knew who the bad guys were and what their motivations were. Even the one or two little twists were ruined by the fact that you were told just about everything outright. The character development was a little interesting and I'm curious to see where the series goes but the next one really needs to add more mystery than this one. Also if Jude and Uriah end up in any kind of romantic or physical relationship I think I'll just be done with this series.
April 23, 2019
This a dark, dark story, brimming with evil and malevolent characters. As I read this book I found my inner warrior rise up to help Jude Fontaine find these sinister, murderous creatures. This book is not for the faint of heart, but a well written thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. Plus there is enough twists and turns and some surprising revelations for Jude as she transverses intersecting evil paths to answers about her own destiny.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
May 26, 2019
A page turner!
Excellent writing from one of my favorite authors.
This third installment in the D. Jude Fontaine Mysteries covers a spine-chilling topic, with an intricate plot and some unexpected twists that makes it more compelling and sensitive.
This is the kind of story that will stay with you for a long time.
Note: I received an ARC for review purposes and an honest and unbiased opinion.
Excellent writing from one of my favorite authors.
This third installment in the D. Jude Fontaine Mysteries covers a spine-chilling topic, with an intricate plot and some unexpected twists that makes it more compelling and sensitive.
This is the kind of story that will stay with you for a long time.
Note: I received an ARC for review purposes and an honest and unbiased opinion.
May 31, 2021
Me gusta mucho la dupla de Jude y Uriah, disfrute la historia y su desenlace; el tema que aborda, tráfico de personas, es dolorosamente actual en mi México así que es un tema sentido para mi.
I really like the duo of Jude and Uriah, I enjoyed the story and its outcome; the issue it addresses, human trafficking, is painfully current in my Mexico, so it is a heartfelt issue for me.
I really like the duo of Jude and Uriah, I enjoyed the story and its outcome; the issue it addresses, human trafficking, is painfully current in my Mexico, so it is a heartfelt issue for me.
December 19, 2023
Had a hard time connecting with the main characters through out the series. Maybe it's because they had no friends.
January 28, 2022
I read the entire trilogy in the past 2 weeks and it was well worth it. The author's ability to develop the characters, the plot, the storyline surprises, the surrounding descriptions were rich, evoking great emotion and commitment to the characters. I loved this series. The damaged characters were real, believable, sad, and also hopeful. The fight against evil is imperfect, has human collateral damage, and also a binding burden to the the characters. They use this not to live happily ever after, but to heal themselves and allow themselves to become vulnerable again. That is how we beat evil.
September 25, 2019
I love this series. I want more. The heroine has survived so much and still is so strong and awesome. This story she finds a little boy that has been abandoned and while she is afraid still of relationships and personal contact she loves him. Just like roof car. She also learns the truth about Eliot downstairs and she is coming slowly back to life. I love Uriah her Partner and hope that someday they end up together.
This story is about human trafficking and is very sad. Bodies are showing up in the ice and they are all young boys and they have been missing for twenty years. How can they still be so young? What happened? This was a very twisty story and when all the twists came together it was simply amazing. Horrible topic of course but the book was outstanding. There was a part about a young man who had been kidnapped as a child raised by pedophiles and abused but when he sees a woman on TV that he remembers he goes looking to unlock the secrets of his past and it really really upset me. It was tragic and I wish it would have turned out differently. At the heart of all this is an evil, evil woman and I hated her so much. I got very frustrated at parts and actually yelled at the characters in the story. It got to me and I mean really really got to me. So sad and horrifying. I still loved the novel and I am not going to spoil it. It is not for the faint of heart so be prepared for triggers. Child abuse, pedophilia, rape, torture and evil live in this novel. Good does eventually win but at what cost. It was brutal. Just be warned.
This story is about human trafficking and is very sad. Bodies are showing up in the ice and they are all young boys and they have been missing for twenty years. How can they still be so young? What happened? This was a very twisty story and when all the twists came together it was simply amazing. Horrible topic of course but the book was outstanding. There was a part about a young man who had been kidnapped as a child raised by pedophiles and abused but when he sees a woman on TV that he remembers he goes looking to unlock the secrets of his past and it really really upset me. It was tragic and I wish it would have turned out differently. At the heart of all this is an evil, evil woman and I hated her so much. I got very frustrated at parts and actually yelled at the characters in the story. It got to me and I mean really really got to me. So sad and horrifying. I still loved the novel and I am not going to spoil it. It is not for the faint of heart so be prepared for triggers. Child abuse, pedophilia, rape, torture and evil live in this novel. Good does eventually win but at what cost. It was brutal. Just be warned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2019
I'm sad to say I didn't enjoy this book as much as the other ones.
I felt that there were a little to many coincidences and connections going on that really bogged down the story.
However, I still really enjoy Jude and Uriah's growth, struggles and connections- but the murder mystery of it all wasn't as compelling.
Spoiler review:
I felt that there were a little to many coincidences and connections going on that really bogged down the story.
However, I still really enjoy Jude and Uriah's growth, struggles and connections- but the murder mystery of it all wasn't as compelling.
Spoiler review:
October 5, 2019
Dead bodies are found in a frozen lake, but the bodies are about 20 years old. No one could figure out how they got there. Then a child with no name appeared on Jude's doorstep. Jude and Uriah had to figure out what was going on.
The case they were working on was very dark. It was about human trafficking, which is an important but often forgotten about issue. Most people think of human trafficking as something that happens in other countries by people who don't lead normal lives. This happened in America by people who on the surface of things were completely ordinary and unremarkable.
This didn't grab me in the same way as the previous two books in the series. Jude and Uriah didn't spend as much time together as they have before although I still love their interesting bond. I'm warming up to Elliott but still don't trust him or like him. Jude made considerable personal growth. Another revelation about her family was revealed that will change the course of things.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me this in exchange for an honest review!
The case they were working on was very dark. It was about human trafficking, which is an important but often forgotten about issue. Most people think of human trafficking as something that happens in other countries by people who don't lead normal lives. This happened in America by people who on the surface of things were completely ordinary and unremarkable.
This didn't grab me in the same way as the previous two books in the series. Jude and Uriah didn't spend as much time together as they have before although I still love their interesting bond. I'm warming up to Elliott but still don't trust him or like him. Jude made considerable personal growth. Another revelation about her family was revealed that will change the course of things.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me this in exchange for an honest review!
April 24, 2019
What an intriguing story. From frozen bodies of young boys being discovered in a lake, to a young abused child being left on Police detective Jude Fontaine doorstep in the middle of a blizzard. The author leads you along on a quite a journey as to what the connection is between them and the shocking yet not so shocking connection it has to Jude's past.
Jude is still broken in certain ways but has certainly come along way from the kidnapped, abused and tortured woman who managed to survive and escape her captor in the first book of the series. She has always been a kickass woman determined to not let the horror of her past define her but still closed off emotionally from almost everyone but her partner.
So many things/people in this book come full circle. I loved the ending that just made you exhale a deep breath and go yes that is how it should be. Great series..
Jude is still broken in certain ways but has certainly come along way from the kidnapped, abused and tortured woman who managed to survive and escape her captor in the first book of the series. She has always been a kickass woman determined to not let the horror of her past define her but still closed off emotionally from almost everyone but her partner.
So many things/people in this book come full circle. I loved the ending that just made you exhale a deep breath and go yes that is how it should be. Great series..
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