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Frankie Sheehan #2
The Killer in Me
A deadly past refuses to stay buried in Olivia Kiernan’s masterful new novel
Death is no stranger to Detective Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan, but she isn’t the only one from her small, coastal suburb to be intimately acquainted with it. Years ago, teenager Seán Hennessey shocked the tight-knit community when he was convicted of the brutal murder of his parents and attempted slaying of his sister, though he always maintained his innocence. Now, Seán is finally being released from prison—but when his newfound freedom coincides with the discovery of two bodies, the alleged connection between the cases only serves to pull Frankie further from answers even as it draws her closer to her town’s hidden darkness. With a television documentary revisiting Seán’s sentence pushing the public’s sympathies into conflict on a weekly basis, a rabid media pressuring the police like never before, and a rising body count, Frankie will need all of her resources if she is not only to catch a killer, but put to rest what really happened all those years ago.
A dark, irresistible cocktail of secrets, murder, and family, Olivia Kiernan’s latest is an impossible-to-put-down triumph.
Death is no stranger to Detective Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan, but she isn’t the only one from her small, coastal suburb to be intimately acquainted with it. Years ago, teenager Seán Hennessey shocked the tight-knit community when he was convicted of the brutal murder of his parents and attempted slaying of his sister, though he always maintained his innocence. Now, Seán is finally being released from prison—but when his newfound freedom coincides with the discovery of two bodies, the alleged connection between the cases only serves to pull Frankie further from answers even as it draws her closer to her town’s hidden darkness. With a television documentary revisiting Seán’s sentence pushing the public’s sympathies into conflict on a weekly basis, a rabid media pressuring the police like never before, and a rising body count, Frankie will need all of her resources if she is not only to catch a killer, but put to rest what really happened all those years ago.
A dark, irresistible cocktail of secrets, murder, and family, Olivia Kiernan’s latest is an impossible-to-put-down triumph.
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2019
147 people are currently reading
3653 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Kiernan
16 books312 followersOlivia Kiernan is a writer of crime thrillers and suspense fiction. She holds an MA in Creative Writing. In the past, her work has been longlisted for the Bath and Fish Short Story Awards, the Bath Children’s Novel Award and shortlisted for the BBC Writersroom. She is author of THE END OF US, a thriller published in 2023. She has also written four novels in the critically acclaimed Detective Frankie Sheehan series. Recently, LA based Freedom Films and actor/producer Victoria Smurfit have optioned the series for TV. Kiernan’s fourth novel, The Murder Box, was released in 2021 and sees Detective Frankie Sheehan receive a murder mystery game only to discover that the fictional victim at the game’s centre bears a striking resemblance to a missing woman. On release, the Irish Independent said of The Murder Box: “A clever, original story is augmented by Kiernan’s masterful writing, credible characters, and a smashing finale”. The Daily Mail said, “The plot crackles from first page to last, and the tension never lifts until the darkest of twists brings it to a superb conclusion.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
April 20, 2019
A gritty police procedural with a complex mystery. It reads like an episode of CSI, complete with all the details of the investigation.
This is #2 in this series featuring the detective Frankie Sheehan. She is such an authentic character and one tough cookie.
Well-written with a nice pace. Would recommend to fans of police/crime mysteries.
Thanks to Dutton Pub. for my review copy. Out in April 2019
This is #2 in this series featuring the detective Frankie Sheehan. She is such an authentic character and one tough cookie.
Well-written with a nice pace. Would recommend to fans of police/crime mysteries.
Thanks to Dutton Pub. for my review copy. Out in April 2019
March 21, 2019
Frankie Sheehan #2
Years ago, teenager Sean Hennessey shocked at the tight-knit community when he was convicted of the brutal murder of his parents and attempted slaying of his sister, though he always maintained his innocence. Now Sean is being released from prison - but when his newfound freedom coincides with the discovery of two bodies, the alleged connection between the cases only serves to pull Frankie further from the answer seven as it draws her closer to her towns hidden darkness.
Frankie's sister-in-law runs a charity for victims of justice asks Frankie if she will review Sean Hennessey's conviction. He has just finished a seventeen year stretch. During her meeting with him she is called away to a murder scene where two bodies have been found. As the investigation progresses, more bodies turn up and we eventually find out how these bodies link up to each other. I felt the storyline was a bit confusing at times and some of the characters were not very likeable. I think if I had read the first book in this series, I might have had some background knowledge on Frankie. Overall, it was quite an enjoyable read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Quercus Books and the author Olivia Kiernan for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Years ago, teenager Sean Hennessey shocked at the tight-knit community when he was convicted of the brutal murder of his parents and attempted slaying of his sister, though he always maintained his innocence. Now Sean is being released from prison - but when his newfound freedom coincides with the discovery of two bodies, the alleged connection between the cases only serves to pull Frankie further from the answer seven as it draws her closer to her towns hidden darkness.
Frankie's sister-in-law runs a charity for victims of justice asks Frankie if she will review Sean Hennessey's conviction. He has just finished a seventeen year stretch. During her meeting with him she is called away to a murder scene where two bodies have been found. As the investigation progresses, more bodies turn up and we eventually find out how these bodies link up to each other. I felt the storyline was a bit confusing at times and some of the characters were not very likeable. I think if I had read the first book in this series, I might have had some background knowledge on Frankie. Overall, it was quite an enjoyable read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Quercus Books and the author Olivia Kiernan for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2019
I read book one in this series last year and while I liked it, I wasn't completely sold... but this happens sometimes as the first in a series is usually a mish mosh of getting to know the characters and a feel for the writing. It did keep me curious enough to want to continue and I'm so glad that I did.
Frankie is a strong character and I love her tenacity and love for her job. This fast paced police procedural keeps you on your toes and guessing... did he? Didn't he? Frankie's so suspect (see what I did there...) about whether this man who claims to be innocent actually IS. She really doesn't want to look into it and is absolutely skeptical but then the more information that becomes available the more she begins to question everything.
Kiernan does a fantastic job giving each character their own voice and there were quite a few, but you never got lost on what was happening in the scenes. I love stories that deal with the innocent til proven guilty/guilty until proven innocent. It's all too often that people get wrongly convicted.
A series I will definitely continue.
Frankie is a strong character and I love her tenacity and love for her job. This fast paced police procedural keeps you on your toes and guessing... did he? Didn't he? Frankie's so suspect (see what I did there...) about whether this man who claims to be innocent actually IS. She really doesn't want to look into it and is absolutely skeptical but then the more information that becomes available the more she begins to question everything.
Kiernan does a fantastic job giving each character their own voice and there were quite a few, but you never got lost on what was happening in the scenes. I love stories that deal with the innocent til proven guilty/guilty until proven innocent. It's all too often that people get wrongly convicted.
A series I will definitely continue.
July 5, 2020
Another good police procedural / mystery! I have to admit that police procedural aren't my favorite type of mysteries, but I did enjoy this one. It was fast-paced and well written.
3.5 rounded down
3.5 rounded down
March 19, 2019
TWO CASES - 5 MURDERS - SEVENTEEN YEARS - ONE KILLER?
Thank you Dutton books for this solid four stars ARC - ‘The Killer In Me’
Synopsis: Frankie Sheehan is the detective chief superintendent of the Dublin murder force. She’s been asked to review a newly released convicted murderer’s case by her sister-in-law who is fighting for an appeal. While reviewing Sean Hennessey’s case, three murders occur and they bare a strange resemblance to the murders in which Mr. Hennessey was accused of. Did he have something to do with it? Is he being framed? What Sheehan uncovers will shock you.
This was a fun, fast-paced detective read! It’s a classic who-done-it plot line but weaving in two cases. Kiernan did a good job building out the cases individually before merging them together, which I appreciated.
Character development is super important to me and you definitely have your core “team,” which reminded me of CSI where each character has a role in uncovering pieces of the puzzle. There’s a lot of camaraderie between Frankie, Baz, Clancy, and Helen. I really loved how organic their individual personas were - even down to how they all spoke and their mannerisms.
As for the cases themselves, they were intriguing. There’s a nice blend between “facts” and “dialogue”. I’m not a fan of crime stories that only rely on one of those avenues to depict the plot. I also appreciated that there wasn’t any fluff! PRAISES. Everything pertaining to the case was valid and pertinent.
I would definitely read the first Sheehan novel, as well as any installments that come after this. Overall, it was great and I could see this become a TV series.
I docked this book a star because I do think there were quite too many characters introduced, which made keeping everyone’s name and role straight a bit difficult for such a quick read. Also, TRIGGER WARNING - there is some animal cruelty.
Thank you Dutton books for this solid four stars ARC - ‘The Killer In Me’
Synopsis: Frankie Sheehan is the detective chief superintendent of the Dublin murder force. She’s been asked to review a newly released convicted murderer’s case by her sister-in-law who is fighting for an appeal. While reviewing Sean Hennessey’s case, three murders occur and they bare a strange resemblance to the murders in which Mr. Hennessey was accused of. Did he have something to do with it? Is he being framed? What Sheehan uncovers will shock you.
This was a fun, fast-paced detective read! It’s a classic who-done-it plot line but weaving in two cases. Kiernan did a good job building out the cases individually before merging them together, which I appreciated.
Character development is super important to me and you definitely have your core “team,” which reminded me of CSI where each character has a role in uncovering pieces of the puzzle. There’s a lot of camaraderie between Frankie, Baz, Clancy, and Helen. I really loved how organic their individual personas were - even down to how they all spoke and their mannerisms.
As for the cases themselves, they were intriguing. There’s a nice blend between “facts” and “dialogue”. I’m not a fan of crime stories that only rely on one of those avenues to depict the plot. I also appreciated that there wasn’t any fluff! PRAISES. Everything pertaining to the case was valid and pertinent.
I would definitely read the first Sheehan novel, as well as any installments that come after this. Overall, it was great and I could see this become a TV series.
I docked this book a star because I do think there were quite too many characters introduced, which made keeping everyone’s name and role straight a bit difficult for such a quick read. Also, TRIGGER WARNING - there is some animal cruelty.
March 26, 2019
Every time I've read a thriller recently I've been left with the thought 'do I actually like thrillers or am I just reading these out of habit.' Well, it turns out I do still like them! I just wish they were all on Olivia Kiernan's level - her Frankie Sheehan series is shaping up to be one of my favorites... which is odd as I really dislike police procedurals most of the time. So more power to Kiernan for being able to hook me on a formula that I'm not wild about.
And while I enjoyed Kiernan's debut, Too Close to Breathe, I think its sequel The Killer in Me is superior in just about every way. More intricate plotting, more sophisticated writing, and more of that 'can't put it down' factor. So while it's always fun to go into a sequel being familiar with the characters, you could easily read The Killer in Me as a standalone. There are five murders at the heart of this novel, though two took place 17 years ago, as Seán Hennessey has just been released from prison where he served a sentence for murdering his parents, though he continues to profess his innocence. But when a series of eerily similar murders begins to occur, naturally Seán is the number one suspect. It's a great premise, and Kiernan manages to expertly balance her various subplots so that it's difficult to predict exactly what it's all building up to.
Incidentally, I did have the exact same complaint about The Killer in Me as I did about Too Close to Breathe, which is that Frankie tends to make leaps the size of the Grand Canyon while doing a psychological profile on the killer(s), which invariably turn out to be accurate. So that's a bit annoying, but you can't have everything. All things considered, I think Olivia Kiernan is a brilliant new voice in the Irish crime genre, and if you like your thrillers on the dark and psychologically distressing side, you won't want to miss this series.
Thanks so much to Dutton for the advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
And while I enjoyed Kiernan's debut, Too Close to Breathe, I think its sequel The Killer in Me is superior in just about every way. More intricate plotting, more sophisticated writing, and more of that 'can't put it down' factor. So while it's always fun to go into a sequel being familiar with the characters, you could easily read The Killer in Me as a standalone. There are five murders at the heart of this novel, though two took place 17 years ago, as Seán Hennessey has just been released from prison where he served a sentence for murdering his parents, though he continues to profess his innocence. But when a series of eerily similar murders begins to occur, naturally Seán is the number one suspect. It's a great premise, and Kiernan manages to expertly balance her various subplots so that it's difficult to predict exactly what it's all building up to.
Incidentally, I did have the exact same complaint about The Killer in Me as I did about Too Close to Breathe, which is that Frankie tends to make leaps the size of the Grand Canyon while doing a psychological profile on the killer(s), which invariably turn out to be accurate. So that's a bit annoying, but you can't have everything. All things considered, I think Olivia Kiernan is a brilliant new voice in the Irish crime genre, and if you like your thrillers on the dark and psychologically distressing side, you won't want to miss this series.
Thanks so much to Dutton for the advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2019
I was a fan of “Too Close to Breathe” so very much looked forward to entering the world of Frankie Sheehan again.
The Killer In Me has that same atmospheric sense to it that Olivia Kiernan brought to her debut, beautifully written and totally immersive. The characters and the places pop and this case is complex and layered.
The procedural elements are authentic and well drawn, Frankie’s profiling background once again brings added oomph to the plot and it’s a considered page turner with lots of intricate detail that adds to the feeling of it.
Slowly but surely heading towards a cliff’s edge conclusion, The Killer In Me is clever and involving and I look forward to many more Frankie Sheehan adventures.
Recommended.
The Killer In Me has that same atmospheric sense to it that Olivia Kiernan brought to her debut, beautifully written and totally immersive. The characters and the places pop and this case is complex and layered.
The procedural elements are authentic and well drawn, Frankie’s profiling background once again brings added oomph to the plot and it’s a considered page turner with lots of intricate detail that adds to the feeling of it.
Slowly but surely heading towards a cliff’s edge conclusion, The Killer In Me is clever and involving and I look forward to many more Frankie Sheehan adventures.
Recommended.
March 31, 2019
The Killer in Me by Olivia Kiernan is the second book to feature Detective Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan. Although I have read the first book in the series I believe this book can be read as a stand alone story. It is told from the point of view of Frankie, who is all about work and her family. She doesn't seem to have anything else in her life and we know very little about her. I would like to see more about her as a person in the next book. It is easier to like or dislike a character with a bit more insight into them personally. In saying that I really enjoyed this book, with its many layers and characters that all tie in together. The ending was very clever and not completely obvious.
We have 2 stories running side by side in this book. Frankie is called to the scene in a church in Clontarf where 2 bodies lay dead. It is a gruesome scene with very little clues to point to the killer. More bodies start to appear and it seems that the victims are linked, but who wanted them dead. We also have Sean Hennessey who was convicted of killing his family 17 years ago. With the help of the media he is claiming he is innocent. As Frankie looks further into it there are other possible suspects and there seems to be police errors in the initial investigation. Frankie's boss is keen for this to go away without tainting the department.
Thanks to Quercus Books and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
We have 2 stories running side by side in this book. Frankie is called to the scene in a church in Clontarf where 2 bodies lay dead. It is a gruesome scene with very little clues to point to the killer. More bodies start to appear and it seems that the victims are linked, but who wanted them dead. We also have Sean Hennessey who was convicted of killing his family 17 years ago. With the help of the media he is claiming he is innocent. As Frankie looks further into it there are other possible suspects and there seems to be police errors in the initial investigation. Frankie's boss is keen for this to go away without tainting the department.
Thanks to Quercus Books and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
May 17, 2019
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
DCS Profiler Frankie Sheehan is rather nonplussed when she is asked by a convicted murderer, Séan Hennessey, to prove that he was innocent of the murder of his parents and attempted slaying of his sister. He has been released from prison, but he declares his innocence and hopes that Frankie will help him.
Frankie really doesn’t want to help, but she agrees and at the same time she is busily trying to solve other recent murders. She discovers an apparent connection between her current case and Séan’s past. Will Frankie be able to deal with everything going on, which includes the media’s attention?
It does not help matters that Frankie does not trust Séan. As she discovers that things go far deeper than she could’ve imagined, which include a lot of secrets, she really has her hands full. As a profiler, running into murder is part of her job, but sometimes it becomes overwhelming as we see in this story as it is told from her point of view.
This exciting story kept my attention from page one and I simply could not put it down. Although this is the second book in the Frankie Sheehan series, it can be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank Olivia Kiernan, Dutton and First To Read for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
DCS Profiler Frankie Sheehan is rather nonplussed when she is asked by a convicted murderer, Séan Hennessey, to prove that he was innocent of the murder of his parents and attempted slaying of his sister. He has been released from prison, but he declares his innocence and hopes that Frankie will help him.
Frankie really doesn’t want to help, but she agrees and at the same time she is busily trying to solve other recent murders. She discovers an apparent connection between her current case and Séan’s past. Will Frankie be able to deal with everything going on, which includes the media’s attention?
It does not help matters that Frankie does not trust Séan. As she discovers that things go far deeper than she could’ve imagined, which include a lot of secrets, she really has her hands full. As a profiler, running into murder is part of her job, but sometimes it becomes overwhelming as we see in this story as it is told from her point of view.
This exciting story kept my attention from page one and I simply could not put it down. Although this is the second book in the Frankie Sheehan series, it can be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank Olivia Kiernan, Dutton and First To Read for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 15, 2019
The Killer in Me by Olivia Kiernan is her second novel and book two in her Frankie Sheehan series. Though second in a series, this crime thriller reads well as a standalone.
Detective Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan is called upon to review the case of Sean Hennessy, who served fifteen years in prison for the murder of his parents and the attempted murder of his sister. Detective Sheehan soon finds herself investigating new murders that may be linked to Hennessy’s prior crimes.
Kiernan’s writing is clear and concise. The characters are fully-fleshed. The backstory is properly presented. The plot is well-executed with appropriate twists. The Killer in Me rates 5 out of 5 stars, and I highly recommend it to fans of crime thrillers and police procedurals.
I was given the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book as part of Penguin's First to Read program. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Detective Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan is called upon to review the case of Sean Hennessy, who served fifteen years in prison for the murder of his parents and the attempted murder of his sister. Detective Sheehan soon finds herself investigating new murders that may be linked to Hennessy’s prior crimes.
Kiernan’s writing is clear and concise. The characters are fully-fleshed. The backstory is properly presented. The plot is well-executed with appropriate twists. The Killer in Me rates 5 out of 5 stars, and I highly recommend it to fans of crime thrillers and police procedurals.
I was given the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book as part of Penguin's First to Read program. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
June 8, 2019
The Killer in Me is the perfect blend of crime fiction, captivating narrative, and modern.
The documentary aspect brings a certain relevance that makes the novel feel current, and yet the historical crime that weaves with the ongoing case has a sense of days past. Truly a fantastic crime thriller!
In some ways this feels like it could have gone the police procedural route, but truly it didn’t. I actually think the European writers capture crime fiction better than the US do for my tastes, because the detectives feel like people, and there is less of the drama about being a detective in their books.
Frankie Sheehan is a fascinating detective for a crime thriller. We learn quite a bit about her life in it’s current state, but not too much about her past. I loved this. Frankie felt like a person who happened to be an excellent detective. I loved the connections with her family—Frankie felt like someone I’d be friends with.
The novel centers around two main cases. The first is an old case. A man, Sean, was put away for murdering his parents and attempting to murder his sister. He was under 18 at the time, and he is now out.
A documentary covering the potential wrongful conviction and the errors of the police department pepper the novel. I loved the first person interviews with Sean from the documentary. It was hard not to feel for Sean. He had a solid alibi that fell through, and once he became the prime suspect, the police discounted everyone else.
Then we also have the murders of two people found in a church. And coincidentally they occur not long after Sean’s release, making Sean the prime suspect. The police do not want his conviction overturned. It would be costly for them, both financially as well as in terms of their credibility. And though this is the central case, it doesn’t overshadow Sean’s case. Frankie finds herself linked to both, as the lead detective on the two murders, but also a consultant on the case for justice for Sean being led by her own sister.
The ending to this one was so perfect—I was shocked! I won’t say more, but I think readers will be beyond satisfied with the last sequence of this book. I loved the atmospheric feel to the story. The old pub that has been redone, but lost a bit of the hometown feel. The dark streets. The local church. All of the settings felt very vivid to me. Truly, a novel that fans of Tana French and Gytha Lodge will love!
Thank you to Dutton Books for my copy. Opinions are my own.
The documentary aspect brings a certain relevance that makes the novel feel current, and yet the historical crime that weaves with the ongoing case has a sense of days past. Truly a fantastic crime thriller!
In some ways this feels like it could have gone the police procedural route, but truly it didn’t. I actually think the European writers capture crime fiction better than the US do for my tastes, because the detectives feel like people, and there is less of the drama about being a detective in their books.
Frankie Sheehan is a fascinating detective for a crime thriller. We learn quite a bit about her life in it’s current state, but not too much about her past. I loved this. Frankie felt like a person who happened to be an excellent detective. I loved the connections with her family—Frankie felt like someone I’d be friends with.
The novel centers around two main cases. The first is an old case. A man, Sean, was put away for murdering his parents and attempting to murder his sister. He was under 18 at the time, and he is now out.
A documentary covering the potential wrongful conviction and the errors of the police department pepper the novel. I loved the first person interviews with Sean from the documentary. It was hard not to feel for Sean. He had a solid alibi that fell through, and once he became the prime suspect, the police discounted everyone else.
Then we also have the murders of two people found in a church. And coincidentally they occur not long after Sean’s release, making Sean the prime suspect. The police do not want his conviction overturned. It would be costly for them, both financially as well as in terms of their credibility. And though this is the central case, it doesn’t overshadow Sean’s case. Frankie finds herself linked to both, as the lead detective on the two murders, but also a consultant on the case for justice for Sean being led by her own sister.
The ending to this one was so perfect—I was shocked! I won’t say more, but I think readers will be beyond satisfied with the last sequence of this book. I loved the atmospheric feel to the story. The old pub that has been redone, but lost a bit of the hometown feel. The dark streets. The local church. All of the settings felt very vivid to me. Truly, a novel that fans of Tana French and Gytha Lodge will love!
Thank you to Dutton Books for my copy. Opinions are my own.
March 17, 2019
The Killer In Me is Kiernan’s second novel in her Frankie Sheehan series, a Dublin-based police procedural. Except for the accents though the novel could have taken place most anywhere.
Beginning with a pair of gruesome murders in a church, it is a high-paced exciting novel that explores the frustrations and intensity of a murder investigation. The story weaves the murder investigation with a take about re-opening an old murder now that the killer has served his time. A documentary about that old murder scene causes doubt about investigative techniques and whether even an eyewitness at the scene can be trusted to faithfully transcribe the truth.
There’s a starkness to the writing that echoes the subject matter as well as the dark skies and the waves breaking on the seawalls. This is one you’re not going to want to put down till you get to the end.
Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.
Beginning with a pair of gruesome murders in a church, it is a high-paced exciting novel that explores the frustrations and intensity of a murder investigation. The story weaves the murder investigation with a take about re-opening an old murder now that the killer has served his time. A documentary about that old murder scene causes doubt about investigative techniques and whether even an eyewitness at the scene can be trusted to faithfully transcribe the truth.
There’s a starkness to the writing that echoes the subject matter as well as the dark skies and the waves breaking on the seawalls. This is one you’re not going to want to put down till you get to the end.
Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.
May 9, 2019
There is an old case involved here which may have involved a miscarriage of justice. Frankie is asked for her opinion. And then there are fresh crimes which seem to link to the old case. Can things be that simple and who is the murderer after next?
I've read and enjoyed some Tana French books so this appealed to me. I quickly found it an easy read. The characters came to life well enough. I liked Frankie and her sidekick Baz. The crimes were interesting with a good back story. Seeing this is the second book in the series I didn't feel I missed out on anything by not having read the first one. However I will probably try and read it in the future.
I'd happily recommend this to anyone who likes a decent crime read. For me it is at least as good as the better Tana French books and better than some of them.
I've read and enjoyed some Tana French books so this appealed to me. I quickly found it an easy read. The characters came to life well enough. I liked Frankie and her sidekick Baz. The crimes were interesting with a good back story. Seeing this is the second book in the series I didn't feel I missed out on anything by not having read the first one. However I will probably try and read it in the future.
I'd happily recommend this to anyone who likes a decent crime read. For me it is at least as good as the better Tana French books and better than some of them.
April 21, 2019
This was a fascinating police procedural that had me gritting my teeth, squirming in my seat and repeatedly saying “oh shit” at the end. I’m hoping there are many more in this series bc the character evolution is really going somewhere.
April 3, 2019
The Killer in Me is the second novel to feature Dublin based Detective Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan of An Garda Síochána’s Bureau for Serious Crime, and having enjoyed Ms Kiernan's debut novel I was excited to see what book two would bring; as it turns out this is even better. The writing flows beautifully from one page to the next, the plot is so, so gripping and twisty, and the topics explored thought-provoking. Instead of using the same exhausted tropes the author goes in her own direction, which makes this an original, intriguing and intensely thrilling novel. I was on the edge of my seat after the few chapters and steadfastly remained there until the conclusion.
Sheehan is a nose-to-the-grindstone type of protagonist who stubbornly investigates two cases during this novel. The first is a possible miscarriage of justice linked to Sean Hennessy, a convicted murderer who had already served out his sentence of 17 years; the second follows Frankie and crew as they investigate two bodies found in a local church. Although I admire Sheehan she is a bit of an enigma and the only thing I truly really know is that she's a workaholic. I'm hoping in future books we will learn more about her.
Overall, this is a taut, pacey, cleverly plotted and multilayered thriller. There is also a dark, tense atmosphere much like there was in book one and a strong feeling of authenticity throughout with realistic details that keep you completely immersed.
Many thanks to riverrun for an ARC.
Sheehan is a nose-to-the-grindstone type of protagonist who stubbornly investigates two cases during this novel. The first is a possible miscarriage of justice linked to Sean Hennessy, a convicted murderer who had already served out his sentence of 17 years; the second follows Frankie and crew as they investigate two bodies found in a local church. Although I admire Sheehan she is a bit of an enigma and the only thing I truly really know is that she's a workaholic. I'm hoping in future books we will learn more about her.
Overall, this is a taut, pacey, cleverly plotted and multilayered thriller. There is also a dark, tense atmosphere much like there was in book one and a strong feeling of authenticity throughout with realistic details that keep you completely immersed.
Many thanks to riverrun for an ARC.
January 18, 2020
Klappentext:
In einer Kirche werden zwei Leichen gefunden, ein Mann und eine Frau, brutal ermordet. Der Mann trägt das Priestergewand, doch er ist nicht der Mörder. Detective Frankie Sheehan muss den Mörder finden. Angst geht um, denn vor Kurzem ist der Doppelmörder Sean Hennessy aus dem Gefängnis entlassen worden. Er wurde vor fünfzehn Jahren für den Mord an seinen Eltern und den Mordversuch an seiner Schwester verurteilt. Nun ist er frei und will seine Unschuld beweisen. Doch plötzlich geschieht ein weiterer Mord. Der Tote war Journalist und hatte damals über den Hennessy-Fall berichtet. Ist Sean Hennessy wirklich unschuldig? Was ist damals tatsächlich passiert? Und wer ist der Mörder, der Dublin nun in Angst versetzt?
Meine Meinung:
Aus der Ich-Perspektive schauen wir Frankie Sheehan zu, wie sie versucht, in einem gut aufgebauten Lügengeflecht die Wahrheit heraus zu filtern. Die Tatorte werden genauestens untersucht, Sheehan versucht das Geschehen vor ihrem geistigen Auge ablaufen zu lassen. Es werden Personen aus dem Umfeld der Getöteten vernommen und schnell kristallisieren sich Verdächtige heraus. Doch die Spuren führen immer wieder ins Leere. Olivia Kiernan beschreibt die Ermittlungsarbeit, die Tatorte sowie die Umgebung und Atmosphäre sehr akribisch und detailreich, der Fortschritt der Untersuchung wird haarklein widergegeben. So hat man als Leser immer alles im Überblick. Doch die Lösung des Falles ist nicht so einfach. Parallelen zu den Morden aus der Vergangenheit werden deutlich. Sie gerät unter Druck, zumal auch polizeipolitische Erwägungen der Vorgesetzten ihr im Weg stehen. So muss sie sich näher mit dem Hennessy-Fall beschäftigen als ihr lieb ist und auch die Familie wird involviert. Dadurch kommen sehr schnell Zweifel hoch, ob Sean tatsächlich der Mörder war oder nicht. Hier spielt Olivia Kiernan geschickt mit uns Lesern. Ist Sean der Mörder und hat er was mit den aktuellen Fällen zu tun oder ist alles ganz anders? Das wird gekonnt dargestellt und umgesetzt. Dazwischen kommen immer wieder Szenen aus dem geplanten Dokumentarfilm über Hennessy vor, in denen man Rück- und Einblicke in Sean Hennessy´s Vergangenheit erhält und erfährt, welchem Schicksal er ausgesetzt war.
Die Protagonistin mit einem aus meiner Sicht männlichen Vornamen hat mich persönlich überzeugt. Auch ihr Partner Baz hat mir gefallen. Andere in der Ermittlergruppe blieben mir ein wenig zu blass. Vielleicht wird das in weiteren Büchern besser. Es handelt sich hier übrigens um den zweiten Fall um Frankie Sheehan.
Die Lösung des Falles hat mich doch positiv überrascht und ist auch nachvollziehbar. Was mir persönlich aber leider sehr gefehlt hat, war der überhaupt nicht vorhandene Spannungsbogen. Bis auf einige Schlussszenen gibt es aus meiner Sicht keine spannenden Aspekte. Für mich muss ein Krimi zumindest an einigen Stellen auch spannend sein. Das war hier leider nicht der Fall. Das ist schade, weil der Plot eigentlich interessant und die Ermittlungsarbeit gut dargestellt ist.
Fazit:
Wer einen spannenden Kriminalroman sucht, der sollte hier nicht zugreifen. Wer gute und solide Ermittlungsarbeit sowie Irland mag, der ist hier richtig. Wegen der guten Schreibweise, aber der fehlenden Spannung, gebe ich dem Buch immer noch gute 3 Sterne.
In einer Kirche werden zwei Leichen gefunden, ein Mann und eine Frau, brutal ermordet. Der Mann trägt das Priestergewand, doch er ist nicht der Mörder. Detective Frankie Sheehan muss den Mörder finden. Angst geht um, denn vor Kurzem ist der Doppelmörder Sean Hennessy aus dem Gefängnis entlassen worden. Er wurde vor fünfzehn Jahren für den Mord an seinen Eltern und den Mordversuch an seiner Schwester verurteilt. Nun ist er frei und will seine Unschuld beweisen. Doch plötzlich geschieht ein weiterer Mord. Der Tote war Journalist und hatte damals über den Hennessy-Fall berichtet. Ist Sean Hennessy wirklich unschuldig? Was ist damals tatsächlich passiert? Und wer ist der Mörder, der Dublin nun in Angst versetzt?
Meine Meinung:
Aus der Ich-Perspektive schauen wir Frankie Sheehan zu, wie sie versucht, in einem gut aufgebauten Lügengeflecht die Wahrheit heraus zu filtern. Die Tatorte werden genauestens untersucht, Sheehan versucht das Geschehen vor ihrem geistigen Auge ablaufen zu lassen. Es werden Personen aus dem Umfeld der Getöteten vernommen und schnell kristallisieren sich Verdächtige heraus. Doch die Spuren führen immer wieder ins Leere. Olivia Kiernan beschreibt die Ermittlungsarbeit, die Tatorte sowie die Umgebung und Atmosphäre sehr akribisch und detailreich, der Fortschritt der Untersuchung wird haarklein widergegeben. So hat man als Leser immer alles im Überblick. Doch die Lösung des Falles ist nicht so einfach. Parallelen zu den Morden aus der Vergangenheit werden deutlich. Sie gerät unter Druck, zumal auch polizeipolitische Erwägungen der Vorgesetzten ihr im Weg stehen. So muss sie sich näher mit dem Hennessy-Fall beschäftigen als ihr lieb ist und auch die Familie wird involviert. Dadurch kommen sehr schnell Zweifel hoch, ob Sean tatsächlich der Mörder war oder nicht. Hier spielt Olivia Kiernan geschickt mit uns Lesern. Ist Sean der Mörder und hat er was mit den aktuellen Fällen zu tun oder ist alles ganz anders? Das wird gekonnt dargestellt und umgesetzt. Dazwischen kommen immer wieder Szenen aus dem geplanten Dokumentarfilm über Hennessy vor, in denen man Rück- und Einblicke in Sean Hennessy´s Vergangenheit erhält und erfährt, welchem Schicksal er ausgesetzt war.
Die Protagonistin mit einem aus meiner Sicht männlichen Vornamen hat mich persönlich überzeugt. Auch ihr Partner Baz hat mir gefallen. Andere in der Ermittlergruppe blieben mir ein wenig zu blass. Vielleicht wird das in weiteren Büchern besser. Es handelt sich hier übrigens um den zweiten Fall um Frankie Sheehan.
Die Lösung des Falles hat mich doch positiv überrascht und ist auch nachvollziehbar. Was mir persönlich aber leider sehr gefehlt hat, war der überhaupt nicht vorhandene Spannungsbogen. Bis auf einige Schlussszenen gibt es aus meiner Sicht keine spannenden Aspekte. Für mich muss ein Krimi zumindest an einigen Stellen auch spannend sein. Das war hier leider nicht der Fall. Das ist schade, weil der Plot eigentlich interessant und die Ermittlungsarbeit gut dargestellt ist.
Fazit:
Wer einen spannenden Kriminalroman sucht, der sollte hier nicht zugreifen. Wer gute und solide Ermittlungsarbeit sowie Irland mag, der ist hier richtig. Wegen der guten Schreibweise, aber der fehlenden Spannung, gebe ich dem Buch immer noch gute 3 Sterne.
February 13, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Quercus Books for an advance copy of The Killer in Me, the second novel to feature Detective Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan of An Garda Síochána’s Bureau for Serious Crime, based in Dublin.
Frankie’s sister-in-law who runs a legal charity for the victims of miscarriages of justice asks her to review the conviction of Seán Hennessy who has just finished a 17 year sentence for murdering his parents. She is in the middle of a meeting with him when she is called away to a murder scene where two bodies have been found in the local church. Soon the pressure is on to resolve both cases to the satisfaction of the Commissioner.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Killer in Me which has a good plot with plenty of twists and turns. It held my attention throughout although, even after re-reading the final chapters, I’m still a bit confused about some of the detail but that’s probably due to my inability to keep up rather than any shortcomings of the author as the journey through the novel is exciting and thought provoking. Frankie narrates the novel from her first person perspective which has its good and bad points. Good in that the reader can follow her thought processes and feel the investigation but bad in that she sometimes slips into the past and other characters’s thoughts which can be a bit unnerving when these thoughts just suddenly appear, as they require an adjustment. Interspersed into her narrative are segments from interviews with Seán Hennessy where he discusses his time in prison. They are interesting and provide food for thought but they interrupt the flow of the investigation which has a plot good enough to hold the reader without them, being clever, fast moving and curiosity inducing.
It might sound strange given the first person narrative but I never really felt that I got to know Frankie Sheehan. She makes the point that her mother doesn’t like to hug and emotionally she’s much the same - it’s all about work for her. She spends time with her family but there is no mention of friends, apart from her wingman Baz, or a social life.
The Killer in Me is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Frankie’s sister-in-law who runs a legal charity for the victims of miscarriages of justice asks her to review the conviction of Seán Hennessy who has just finished a 17 year sentence for murdering his parents. She is in the middle of a meeting with him when she is called away to a murder scene where two bodies have been found in the local church. Soon the pressure is on to resolve both cases to the satisfaction of the Commissioner.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Killer in Me which has a good plot with plenty of twists and turns. It held my attention throughout although, even after re-reading the final chapters, I’m still a bit confused about some of the detail but that’s probably due to my inability to keep up rather than any shortcomings of the author as the journey through the novel is exciting and thought provoking. Frankie narrates the novel from her first person perspective which has its good and bad points. Good in that the reader can follow her thought processes and feel the investigation but bad in that she sometimes slips into the past and other characters’s thoughts which can be a bit unnerving when these thoughts just suddenly appear, as they require an adjustment. Interspersed into her narrative are segments from interviews with Seán Hennessy where he discusses his time in prison. They are interesting and provide food for thought but they interrupt the flow of the investigation which has a plot good enough to hold the reader without them, being clever, fast moving and curiosity inducing.
It might sound strange given the first person narrative but I never really felt that I got to know Frankie Sheehan. She makes the point that her mother doesn’t like to hug and emotionally she’s much the same - it’s all about work for her. She spends time with her family but there is no mention of friends, apart from her wingman Baz, or a social life.
The Killer in Me is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
March 31, 2019
I received an ARC from the Dutton Books in exchange for an honest review.
The Killer in Me (Frankie Sheehan #2) by Olivia Kiernan is an excellent followup novel to Too Close to Breathe. She set the bar incredibly high in book one and the sequel doesn't disappoint. It was great to be back in Detective Sheehan's incredibly atmospheric world. I have been thoroughly sucked into this series! Kiernan's writing is complex and engrossing. The detailed world of Dublin, Ireland that her characters inhabit comes across more as a close-knit community, rather than a big city which is what I associate novels featuring a police procedural element. Either way, she creates a vivid portrait of the city. Just like with book one, the sequel also features a to-die-for mystery and fascinating characters. It's a suspenseful, gritty page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Overall, Kiernan's psychological mystery thriller series is a must-read for fans of the genre. If you enjoy the work of Gillian Flynn, I have a feeling you'll enjoy Olivia Kiernan's style. I'm looking forward to more of her work in the future and hopefully many more Frankie Sheehan novels as well. Thanks again for this opportunity, Dutton!
The Killer in Me (Frankie Sheehan #2) by Olivia Kiernan is an excellent followup novel to Too Close to Breathe. She set the bar incredibly high in book one and the sequel doesn't disappoint. It was great to be back in Detective Sheehan's incredibly atmospheric world. I have been thoroughly sucked into this series! Kiernan's writing is complex and engrossing. The detailed world of Dublin, Ireland that her characters inhabit comes across more as a close-knit community, rather than a big city which is what I associate novels featuring a police procedural element. Either way, she creates a vivid portrait of the city. Just like with book one, the sequel also features a to-die-for mystery and fascinating characters. It's a suspenseful, gritty page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Overall, Kiernan's psychological mystery thriller series is a must-read for fans of the genre. If you enjoy the work of Gillian Flynn, I have a feeling you'll enjoy Olivia Kiernan's style. I'm looking forward to more of her work in the future and hopefully many more Frankie Sheehan novels as well. Thanks again for this opportunity, Dutton!
March 13, 2019
The Killer in me by Olivia Kiernan is the second in the Frankie Sheehan series. I didn’t realise this when I requested it. But you can still read it as a standalone. Set in Dublin Ireland DI Frankie Sheehan is investigating husband and wife and left for dead in the local church. As the investigation goes ahead more bodies show up and we learn how these bodies link with each other. The story goes from past and present including DI Sheehan personal experiences.
I thought this was and Ok book. I did think this was and interesting read but for me I couldn’t relate to any of the characters, they weren’t very likeable. I also found the story a bit clinical. I would have liked more friendly banter and interactions with Frankie and her team.
Thank you NetGalley and Quercus books for a copy of this book
I thought this was and Ok book. I did think this was and interesting read but for me I couldn’t relate to any of the characters, they weren’t very likeable. I also found the story a bit clinical. I would have liked more friendly banter and interactions with Frankie and her team.
Thank you NetGalley and Quercus books for a copy of this book
April 16, 2019
3.75 Thank you to Penguin's First to Read and Dutton publishing for allowing me to read and review this ARC. Published on April 2, 2019.
This is book two in the Frankie Sheehan Detective series. It follows Too Close to Breathe, the first in the crime thriller series, which published in 2017.
"Weapon" "Victim" "Killer" "Justice" Those four words were the clues.
Those four words were the clues that Chief Detective Frankie Sheehan and her partner Baz were given by the murderer. Three dead bodies - staged. Where is the link to the Sean Hennessy murders of 17 years ago? Is there a link? Was Sean really the murderer then, or was a 15-year-old boy framed for the murders of his family? Who has the information? Who was involved?
This novel reads well. Many clues are uncovered, some that are not realized as clues at the time. There is some animal cruelty written in the novel that may be relevant, or not, depending on how you read the story. Overall, this is a good mystery, written well enough to keep you turning pages, dropping clues along the way while continuing to grow the back story in reference to the Irish Guardia and Chief Detective Frankie Sheehan.
This is book two in the Frankie Sheehan Detective series. It follows Too Close to Breathe, the first in the crime thriller series, which published in 2017.
"Weapon" "Victim" "Killer" "Justice" Those four words were the clues.
Those four words were the clues that Chief Detective Frankie Sheehan and her partner Baz were given by the murderer. Three dead bodies - staged. Where is the link to the Sean Hennessy murders of 17 years ago? Is there a link? Was Sean really the murderer then, or was a 15-year-old boy framed for the murders of his family? Who has the information? Who was involved?
This novel reads well. Many clues are uncovered, some that are not realized as clues at the time. There is some animal cruelty written in the novel that may be relevant, or not, depending on how you read the story. Overall, this is a good mystery, written well enough to keep you turning pages, dropping clues along the way while continuing to grow the back story in reference to the Irish Guardia and Chief Detective Frankie Sheehan.
April 2, 2019
Seventeen years ago, the town of Clontarf was rocked to its very core when fifteen year old Seán Hennessy was convicted of the murder of his parents and attempted murder of his then ten year old sister. Seán always maintained his innocence and now he’s finally been released, he’s set on clearing his name once and for all. But his return to Clontarf sets off another spate of murders. Coincidence or not? Detective Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan will need to keep her wits about her to figure out the truth.
One of the first things to pull you into this story is the amazing atmosphere Olivia Kiernan creates. This small seaside town on the coast of Ireland isn’t exactly a glamorous holiday destination. It rains a lot. It’s windy. Often you look up and only see dark and grey skies. But these elements all add to the doom and gloom of a complicated murder investigation and this here investigation is certainly complicated.
The Killer in Me is full of complex and multi-layered characters. Few come across as trustworthy and my keen detective eye (ha!) zeroed in on a suspect relatively soon. But just like Frankie and her team, I wasn’t prepared for all the twists, turns and dead ends and ultimately I had to admit defeat, not seeing who the culprit was or why it seemed to be connected to the past.
I had some misgivings about Frankie when I was first introduced to her in Too Close to Breathe but in this instalment, she completely won me over! It may seem a tad harsh to say but I almost felt as if she had some kind of personality transplant but I loved her. She always keeps an open mind and isn’t afraid to admit to herself when she’s wrong about something. Her profiling background remains incredibly fascinating, the way she “sees” things play out in front of her eyes really drew me in. I had no problems whatsoever getting behind her this time around.
A lot about this story is about perceptions, which in turn makes it rather thought-provoking. The Killer in Me is gripping, immersive and utterly addictive. Oozing atmosphere throughout and with a touch of true crime about it, it had me absolutely hooked from start to finish. If you’re into crime fiction, I’d definitely recommend this one and I’m ridiculously excited to see where Olivia Kiernan takes this series next!
One of the first things to pull you into this story is the amazing atmosphere Olivia Kiernan creates. This small seaside town on the coast of Ireland isn’t exactly a glamorous holiday destination. It rains a lot. It’s windy. Often you look up and only see dark and grey skies. But these elements all add to the doom and gloom of a complicated murder investigation and this here investigation is certainly complicated.
The Killer in Me is full of complex and multi-layered characters. Few come across as trustworthy and my keen detective eye (ha!) zeroed in on a suspect relatively soon. But just like Frankie and her team, I wasn’t prepared for all the twists, turns and dead ends and ultimately I had to admit defeat, not seeing who the culprit was or why it seemed to be connected to the past.
I had some misgivings about Frankie when I was first introduced to her in Too Close to Breathe but in this instalment, she completely won me over! It may seem a tad harsh to say but I almost felt as if she had some kind of personality transplant but I loved her. She always keeps an open mind and isn’t afraid to admit to herself when she’s wrong about something. Her profiling background remains incredibly fascinating, the way she “sees” things play out in front of her eyes really drew me in. I had no problems whatsoever getting behind her this time around.
A lot about this story is about perceptions, which in turn makes it rather thought-provoking. The Killer in Me is gripping, immersive and utterly addictive. Oozing atmosphere throughout and with a touch of true crime about it, it had me absolutely hooked from start to finish. If you’re into crime fiction, I’d definitely recommend this one and I’m ridiculously excited to see where Olivia Kiernan takes this series next!
April 7, 2019
More than a little shamefaced I admit that this was my first Olivia Kiernan read… She and her first novel in the Frankie Sheehan series, Too Close To Breathe, were somewhere on my radar, but somehow I never got around to actually reading it. Well let me tell you, it is very high on my TBR list now! So you needn’t worry if you haven’t read book 1 in the series, I didn’t feel like I missed anything in terms of Frankie’s past or anything, but since chances are that you, like me, will want to read Too Close To Breathe when you’ve read The Killer In Me, you might as well read them in the correct order! So go ahead and treat yourself to an atmospheric thriller or two!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Frankie is an awesome main character. She’s a profiler, a kick-ass detective, a woman who is passionate about her job.
The story kicks off with a gruesome dual murder that Frankie and her team need to solve, and in the meantime Frankie is asked by her sister-in-law to look into a murder case from 17 years ago. While the present-day case is an interesting one, it was the old case that absolutely fascinated me. It made me think of the Netflix documentary Making a Murderer, because I felt the same things reading about Seán Hennessey as I did when watching the Steven Avery / Brendan Dassey case in Making a Murderer: what is the truth, will we ever know if he did do it, was an innocent teenager sent to prison for crimes he didn’t commit? Because 17 years ago, Seán was convicted for murdering his parents and for causing grievous bodily harm to his little sister. And now he’s out and working on a documentary that’s supposed to prove his innocence. Cue Frankie, who doesn’t know what to believe. Though loyal to her colleagues, she has an innate sense of justice and I felt so much admiration for her drive to get to the bottom of what happened that day 17 years ago, while also trying to figure out who’s responsible for all the current murder and mayhem.
This was such an atmospheric read that drew me in right from the start and didn’t let me go until the final page. I feel that the Irish novels that I’ve read have this in common: they are often a bit dark, a bit raw, and this one was no different. I got some of the same vibes I tend to get from Tana French, but delivered in another style, one that (dare I say it) suits me better. A very entertaining read, not all that twisty, but rather steadily building up to a finale that came as quite a shock! Kudos to whomever figures it out, ’cause this humble blogger sure didn’t!
Highly recommended.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Frankie is an awesome main character. She’s a profiler, a kick-ass detective, a woman who is passionate about her job.
The story kicks off with a gruesome dual murder that Frankie and her team need to solve, and in the meantime Frankie is asked by her sister-in-law to look into a murder case from 17 years ago. While the present-day case is an interesting one, it was the old case that absolutely fascinated me. It made me think of the Netflix documentary Making a Murderer, because I felt the same things reading about Seán Hennessey as I did when watching the Steven Avery / Brendan Dassey case in Making a Murderer: what is the truth, will we ever know if he did do it, was an innocent teenager sent to prison for crimes he didn’t commit? Because 17 years ago, Seán was convicted for murdering his parents and for causing grievous bodily harm to his little sister. And now he’s out and working on a documentary that’s supposed to prove his innocence. Cue Frankie, who doesn’t know what to believe. Though loyal to her colleagues, she has an innate sense of justice and I felt so much admiration for her drive to get to the bottom of what happened that day 17 years ago, while also trying to figure out who’s responsible for all the current murder and mayhem.
This was such an atmospheric read that drew me in right from the start and didn’t let me go until the final page. I feel that the Irish novels that I’ve read have this in common: they are often a bit dark, a bit raw, and this one was no different. I got some of the same vibes I tend to get from Tana French, but delivered in another style, one that (dare I say it) suits me better. A very entertaining read, not all that twisty, but rather steadily building up to a finale that came as quite a shock! Kudos to whomever figures it out, ’cause this humble blogger sure didn’t!
Highly recommended.
Want to read
April 4, 2019I received this ARC book from Netgalley for honest Review.
What a great thrill and suspense it was to read. What a great psychological thrill! This novel had everything in it. The thrill, the suspense, the psychological, romance and the twist is crazy. This novel will keep you thinking and guessing. When you think you right, well let me just say that you might be wrong. This had me all over the place. My heart beating so fast! I couldn't believe what I was reading. If had me in shock. Every page, every chapter was a page turner. I couldn't believe my eyes what I was reading. I highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. It will surprise you in every way.
The storyline was very good!
The theme and setting was well put together. The characters was well put together in the story.
This story will have in a rollercoaster with all the spooky and secrets. Was so well put in the story.
Everything all in one book.
It was just perfect!
I highly recommend everybody get this and read it.
What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. What a Rollercoaster! The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled so in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel would have you guess and thinking all the way to the end. What a great thrill and suspense. I love a great suspense that would have me think and guessing. This novel did just that to me. To the point that am wrong. When the ending comes am on shock. I wouldn't of never believe or guess. Like OMG!
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!
Can't wait for her next book.
#thekillerinme
What a great thrill and suspense it was to read. What a great psychological thrill! This novel had everything in it. The thrill, the suspense, the psychological, romance and the twist is crazy. This novel will keep you thinking and guessing. When you think you right, well let me just say that you might be wrong. This had me all over the place. My heart beating so fast! I couldn't believe what I was reading. If had me in shock. Every page, every chapter was a page turner. I couldn't believe my eyes what I was reading. I highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. It will surprise you in every way.
The storyline was very good!
The theme and setting was well put together. The characters was well put together in the story.
This story will have in a rollercoaster with all the spooky and secrets. Was so well put in the story.
Everything all in one book.
It was just perfect!
I highly recommend everybody get this and read it.
What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. What a Rollercoaster! The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled so in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel would have you guess and thinking all the way to the end. What a great thrill and suspense. I love a great suspense that would have me think and guessing. This novel did just that to me. To the point that am wrong. When the ending comes am on shock. I wouldn't of never believe or guess. Like OMG!
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!
Can't wait for her next book.
#thekillerinme
April 6, 2019
I like to read a wide range of books, especially those like this one - an extremely intriguing mystery/thriller. The Killer In Me is so much more than that, though. It also delves into some emotive and thought-provoking subjects, particularly of mental health issues, dysfunctional families and domestic violence and deep-rooted resentments set against the backdrop of a small, close-knit town.
I loved that Olivia Kiernan has created a very strong, but flawed female protagonist in Frankie, with the absence of a significant other or a love interest hovering on the periphery.
The plot is very cleverly written, as is the pacing and there are clues, hints and red herrings dropped to identify the perpetrator. I allowed myself to be carried along with the story as Frankie unpicked the different threads of all of the murders.
This is not a novel filled with dramatic and sensational twists but it requires skill to write a realistic story with many threads such as this, whilst managing to create something so compelling and noteworthy. I am now a new fan of Olivia Kiernan and DCS Frankie Sheehan!
[Thanks to #NetGalley, Quercus Books and the author, Olivia Kiernan, for my free ARC of #TheKillerInMe in exchange for an honest review.]
I loved that Olivia Kiernan has created a very strong, but flawed female protagonist in Frankie, with the absence of a significant other or a love interest hovering on the periphery.
The plot is very cleverly written, as is the pacing and there are clues, hints and red herrings dropped to identify the perpetrator. I allowed myself to be carried along with the story as Frankie unpicked the different threads of all of the murders.
This is not a novel filled with dramatic and sensational twists but it requires skill to write a realistic story with many threads such as this, whilst managing to create something so compelling and noteworthy. I am now a new fan of Olivia Kiernan and DCS Frankie Sheehan!
[Thanks to #NetGalley, Quercus Books and the author, Olivia Kiernan, for my free ARC of #TheKillerInMe in exchange for an honest review.]
January 14, 2020
As Detective Superintendent Frankie Sheehan meets with convicted killer Sean Hennessy who says he is innocent, two bodies are discovered in a church. The husband has been strangled, then refrigerated for several days. The wife had her throat cut at the scene and both bodies have been staged. Figure out that message.
Sean Hennessy was released from prison 4 months ago after serving 15 years for murdering his parents and attempting to kill his 10 year old sister. Frankie's sister-in-law is trying to prove Sean's innocence and asks Frankie to review the evidence.
The book is a serious crime procedural. It's second in a series and there are references to scars from a previous case. Frankie doesn't seem to have much of a personal life. I had no trouble following this story but I had a feeling I missed some background information that would have made me feel more of a connection to Frankie. I understand the author was making a point with the animal scene but I didn't like it.
Sean Hennessy was released from prison 4 months ago after serving 15 years for murdering his parents and attempting to kill his 10 year old sister. Frankie's sister-in-law is trying to prove Sean's innocence and asks Frankie to review the evidence.
The book is a serious crime procedural. It's second in a series and there are references to scars from a previous case. Frankie doesn't seem to have much of a personal life. I had no trouble following this story but I had a feeling I missed some background information that would have made me feel more of a connection to Frankie. I understand the author was making a point with the animal scene but I didn't like it.
February 8, 2024
The second book I have read by this author & follows on with the next case for DCS Frankie Sheehan, a tenacious & intriguing main character but who is also compelling. It shows the gritty side of Dublin, that is menacing & frightening, but draws you in with great characters & gripping police procedure. A real page turner, everything you need in an excellent thriller.
April 23, 2019
I actually found this story line to be very dull. From the very beginning of this book you just can't get a feel for the characters. Yes, there is a murder but you feel no emotion. There is no fear, sadness, nothing. I felt like the author spent more time trying to describe mundane details that were pointless to the story or the case they were trying to solve. I didn't find this book to be a page turner at all, the only reason pages were turning was because I was looking forward to it being done. I'm very surprised this book has such a high rating because I personally did not like this book.
February 3, 2019
Enjoyable enough.
Some good characters and no feeling of having missed a lot in book one.
An crime that I couldn't guess who or why for quite some time.
Nicely tied up at the end.
I just don't think it's one that will stick with me.
12 hours after reading I'm already wondering at the plot details.
Some good characters and no feeling of having missed a lot in book one.
An crime that I couldn't guess who or why for quite some time.
Nicely tied up at the end.
I just don't think it's one that will stick with me.
12 hours after reading I'm already wondering at the plot details.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2019
I received this ARC book from Netgalley for honest Review.
What a great thrill and suspense it was to read. What a great psychological thrill! This novel had everything in it. The thrill, the suspense, the psychological, romance and the twist is crazy. This novel will keep you thinking and guessing. When you think you right, well let me just say that you might be wrong. This had me all over the place. My heart beating so fast! I couldn't believe what I was reading. If had me in shock. Every page, every chapter was a page turner. I couldn't believe my eyes what I was reading. I highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. It will surprise you in every way.
The storyline was very good!
The theme and setting was well put together. The characters was well put together in the story.
This story will have in a rollercoaster with all the spooky and secrets. Was so well put in the story.
Everything all in one book.
It was just perfect!
I highly recommend everybody get this and read it.
What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. What a Rollercoaster! The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled so in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel would have you guess and thinking all the way to the end. What a great thrill and suspense. I love a great suspense that would have me think and guessing. This novel did just that to me. To the point that am wrong. When the ending comes am on shock. I wouldn't of never believe or guess. Like OMG!
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!
Can't wait for her next book.
#thekillerinme
What a great thrill and suspense it was to read. What a great psychological thrill! This novel had everything in it. The thrill, the suspense, the psychological, romance and the twist is crazy. This novel will keep you thinking and guessing. When you think you right, well let me just say that you might be wrong. This had me all over the place. My heart beating so fast! I couldn't believe what I was reading. If had me in shock. Every page, every chapter was a page turner. I couldn't believe my eyes what I was reading. I highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. It will surprise you in every way.
The storyline was very good!
The theme and setting was well put together. The characters was well put together in the story.
This story will have in a rollercoaster with all the spooky and secrets. Was so well put in the story.
Everything all in one book.
It was just perfect!
I highly recommend everybody get this and read it.
What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. What a Rollercoaster! The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled so in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel would have you guess and thinking all the way to the end. What a great thrill and suspense. I love a great suspense that would have me think and guessing. This novel did just that to me. To the point that am wrong. When the ending comes am on shock. I wouldn't of never believe or guess. Like OMG!
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!
Can't wait for her next book.
#thekillerinme
November 19, 2020
Un double meurtre a lieu dans la petite station balnéaire de Clontarf, près de Dublin : un couple est retrouvé dans l’église, sauvagement assassiné. Cet évènement coïncide étrangement avec la sortie de prison de Sean Hennessy, condamné dix-sept ans plus tôt pour le meurtre de ses parents alors qu’il était encore adolescent. Sean a toujours clamé son innocence et souhaite défendre sa version des faits dans un documentaire télévisé préparé par Tanya West, qui n’est autre que la belle-soeur de Frankie Sheehan, l’inspectrice en charge de l’affaire.
Frankie Sheehan est un personnage avec qui on se familiarise très vite, l’auteure nous entraine avec conviction dans une enquête menée à la première personne : le lecteur suit donc de très près l’évolution des investigations et les déductions des policiers, d’autant plus que Frankie Sheehan tente de se mettre à la place du tueur, s’imprègne de ses faits et gestes pour mieux le flairer, le pister. Très vite, elle comprend que les deux affaires sont liées en dépit des dix-sept années qui les séparent, et qu’il faudra faire toute la lumière sur les premiers meurtres avant d’ éclairer les seconds.
Ce roman se lie très rapidement, nous tient en haleine du début à la fin : je suis restée scotchée à ces chapitres courts, savamment dosés en action et réflexion pour ne jamais lasser. J’ai adoré être au plus proche de l’enquête grâce à cet emploi de la première personne. Peu de description, l’auteure va droit au but: nous découvrons une Irlande de misère, loin des clichés touristiques.
Un récit bien ficelé, pas inoubliable, mais suffisamment intrigant et addictif pour passer un bon moment de lecture. Je remercie Net Galley et Les Editions Hugo Poche pour cette découverte.
Frankie Sheehan est un personnage avec qui on se familiarise très vite, l’auteure nous entraine avec conviction dans une enquête menée à la première personne : le lecteur suit donc de très près l’évolution des investigations et les déductions des policiers, d’autant plus que Frankie Sheehan tente de se mettre à la place du tueur, s’imprègne de ses faits et gestes pour mieux le flairer, le pister. Très vite, elle comprend que les deux affaires sont liées en dépit des dix-sept années qui les séparent, et qu’il faudra faire toute la lumière sur les premiers meurtres avant d’ éclairer les seconds.
Ce roman se lie très rapidement, nous tient en haleine du début à la fin : je suis restée scotchée à ces chapitres courts, savamment dosés en action et réflexion pour ne jamais lasser. J’ai adoré être au plus proche de l’enquête grâce à cet emploi de la première personne. Peu de description, l’auteure va droit au but: nous découvrons une Irlande de misère, loin des clichés touristiques.
Un récit bien ficelé, pas inoubliable, mais suffisamment intrigant et addictif pour passer un bon moment de lecture. Je remercie Net Galley et Les Editions Hugo Poche pour cette découverte.
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