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Dreams and Reality #2
Elysium Dreams
He skins his victims alive, taking pleasure from their pain.
In the cold, dark nights of Alaska, a hunter is stalking his prey. Once found, he takes them into the woods and skins them alive, prolonging the experience as much as he can, but the satisfaction always wanes.
Aislinn Cain and the Serial Crimes Tracking Unit have just finished up another case when they get the call. Now they are packing their bags and heading for Alaska in March. The team must overcome the hostile locals and harsh climate to catch a killer before he steals the life of another woman.
In the cold, dark nights of Alaska, a hunter is stalking his prey. Once found, he takes them into the woods and skins them alive, prolonging the experience as much as he can, but the satisfaction always wanes.
Aislinn Cain and the Serial Crimes Tracking Unit have just finished up another case when they get the call. Now they are packing their bags and heading for Alaska in March. The team must overcome the hostile locals and harsh climate to catch a killer before he steals the life of another woman.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 2013
762 people are currently reading
1226 people want to read
About the author
Hadena James
45 books246 followersHadena James began writing at the age of eight. As a teenager, she had several short stories published in literary magazines. She completed writing her first novel at the age of 17.
Hadena graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in European History with minors in German and Russian studies. She has always wanted to be a writer so she also took several classes in creative writing.
Hadena’s primary literary genre is action/thriller. She currently writes two series, both use action/thriller. “The Brenna Strachan Series” uses fantasy and the “Dreams & Reality Series” uses murder mystery as its secondary genre. She continues to explore and expand her writing and hopes to soon produce a comedic action/thriller.
When she isn’t busy writing or running her business, Hadena enjoys playing in a steel-tip dart league. She also loves to travel throughout North America and Europe. Her favorite cities are Chicago, Illinois and Berlin, Germany. She is an avid reader, reading everything from the classics like Jane Austen to modern writers like Terry Pratchett. One of her all-time favorite books is “Good Omens” by Neil Gaimen and Terry Pratchett. She writes all of her books while listening to music and the bands tend to get “honorable mentions” within the pages.
Hadena graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in European History with minors in German and Russian studies. She has always wanted to be a writer so she also took several classes in creative writing.
Hadena’s primary literary genre is action/thriller. She currently writes two series, both use action/thriller. “The Brenna Strachan Series” uses fantasy and the “Dreams & Reality Series” uses murder mystery as its secondary genre. She continues to explore and expand her writing and hopes to soon produce a comedic action/thriller.
When she isn’t busy writing or running her business, Hadena enjoys playing in a steel-tip dart league. She also loves to travel throughout North America and Europe. Her favorite cities are Chicago, Illinois and Berlin, Germany. She is an avid reader, reading everything from the classics like Jane Austen to modern writers like Terry Pratchett. One of her all-time favorite books is “Good Omens” by Neil Gaimen and Terry Pratchett. She writes all of her books while listening to music and the bands tend to get “honorable mentions” within the pages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
May 10, 2021
** REREAD MAY 2021 **
I've amended my rating from 5 stars to 4 stars. I think I got a bit overenthusiastic. Still a thrilling read.
Another amazing STCU novel featuring the more than slightly creepy Aislinn Cain & her dysfunctional teammates.
These books are excitingly fast paced & gripping.
Even though the novels are quite dark at times you can't help but be a little in awe of the characters abilities to hunt down the worst of the worst.
Highly recommended read!!
I've amended my rating from 5 stars to 4 stars. I think I got a bit overenthusiastic. Still a thrilling read.
Another amazing STCU novel featuring the more than slightly creepy Aislinn Cain & her dysfunctional teammates.
These books are excitingly fast paced & gripping.
Even though the novels are quite dark at times you can't help but be a little in awe of the characters abilities to hunt down the worst of the worst.
Highly recommended read!!
March 11, 2017
This was a real blast. Totally gripping and addictive, I just had to finish it in one day. Be warned though, there are a couple of pretty yucky scenes.
The Serial Crimes Tracking Unit of the US Marshalls (SCTU) is called in to help catch a sadistic killer in Alaska when his body count goes off the charts. The SCTU is made up of a bunch of otherwise misfits who seem to have found a niche. They all have dark episodes in their pasts. Particularly our heroine Aislinn (ACE) Cain. She is a sociopath turned serial killer hunter, uniquely qualified for the role as she has escaped the clutches of a serial killer on several occasions.
Bodies are turning up with alarming regularity but unfortunately the clues are not. They think the killer may be starting to fixate on Ace as the pace accelerates and he starts to spree kill. But in targeting Ace, the killer has bitten off more than he can chew. There could have been a tad more mystery because we learn (or at least can guess) who the killer is well before the SCTU cottons on but this is more than compensated for by the sheer nail-biting tension of the whole thing.
I started at book 2 because I couldn't get the first as an e-book - SAD! But I'm certainly going to get as many of the others as I can.
The Serial Crimes Tracking Unit of the US Marshalls (SCTU) is called in to help catch a sadistic killer in Alaska when his body count goes off the charts. The SCTU is made up of a bunch of otherwise misfits who seem to have found a niche. They all have dark episodes in their pasts. Particularly our heroine Aislinn (ACE) Cain. She is a sociopath turned serial killer hunter, uniquely qualified for the role as she has escaped the clutches of a serial killer on several occasions.
Bodies are turning up with alarming regularity but unfortunately the clues are not. They think the killer may be starting to fixate on Ace as the pace accelerates and he starts to spree kill. But in targeting Ace, the killer has bitten off more than he can chew. There could have been a tad more mystery because we learn (or at least can guess) who the killer is well before the SCTU cottons on but this is more than compensated for by the sheer nail-biting tension of the whole thing.
I started at book 2 because I couldn't get the first as an e-book - SAD! But I'm certainly going to get as many of the others as I can.
June 19, 2017
I must say I enjoyed this one as much as the first and found myself getting swept along through the snowy Alaskan mountains and learning far more than I really need to about how to skin a person, including those more tricky areas. I do love Aislinn Cain as a lead character, her cutting observations and blunt statements, however disturing and graphic, are a refreshing change from the usual hard shelled but soft underneath types that you often get as the leads in crime thrillers. I'm still finding myself recognising many of my own traits and mannerisms in her too, which, given that she is a sociopath, is a little concerning (on one hand anyway, on the other I'm not so bothered). I think I need to move on to the next in the series now.
January 23, 2019
I really liked the story and the characters. At this time I’m continuing to read the rest of the series which I don’t do very often. The only reason I didn’t rate it higher is I find the sentences are a bit short making the reading feel choppy at times. The author may be doing this on purpose as the book is first person narrative but I haven’t read any of her other books so can’t say for sure.
June 15, 2019
Ridiculous character, ridiculous writing
It is not a dream. It is girl’s immature imagination. It is insulting to people who are pubic servants, FBI or Marshal. Why a group of men flirt with a needy, moody, sick and high maintenance female killer as marshal is anyone’s guess. A man of 300 pound of U.S. Marshal walks as light as a fly is not believe able. Author must be from another planet of different reality.
It is not a dream. It is girl’s immature imagination. It is insulting to people who are pubic servants, FBI or Marshal. Why a group of men flirt with a needy, moody, sick and high maintenance female killer as marshal is anyone’s guess. A man of 300 pound of U.S. Marshal walks as light as a fly is not believe able. Author must be from another planet of different reality.
August 3, 2015
Better than the last one
The previous book was very poorly edited and written with choppy sentences. While this book still has some of the same problem s, it does show improvement and the characters and plot are excellent. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!
The previous book was very poorly edited and written with choppy sentences. While this book still has some of the same problem s, it does show improvement and the characters and plot are excellent. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!
October 4, 2020
A good serial killer read getting in the mood for Halloween! 🎃
Ace is a special agent working alongside the FBI to catch serial killers, she is able to think like them, intercept their next move, she is sociopath and has her own darkness to cope with.
This is the second in the series and it was really enjoyable, I’d recommend! ☠️
Ace is a special agent working alongside the FBI to catch serial killers, she is able to think like them, intercept their next move, she is sociopath and has her own darkness to cope with.
This is the second in the series and it was really enjoyable, I’d recommend! ☠️
June 6, 2018
Love this series !
July 24, 2013
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.
A twisted serial killer and a sociopath turned US Marshall, along with her team of misfits, all take center stage in Elysium Dreams, the second book in the Dreams & Reality series by author Hadena James. Continuing the world building she began in Tortured Dreams, Ms. James gives us further insight into Aislinn and the US Marshalls Serial Crimes Unit as they continue to bond and capture the worst offenders known to man – serial killers. Giving us insight into both Aislinn’s and the killer’s point of view, Ms. James ramped up the psychological and physical action in this installment in her series.
Barely home two days from the last case assigned to the Serial Crimes Unit, Aislinn Cain and the rest of her team, find themselves headed to Alaska to capture a serial killer skinning his victims. Not a fan of the cold, she’s already suffered from hypothermia once, and a little tired and cranky, Aislinn is annoyed to discover the only reason they’ve even been summoned to help with the investigation is due to a nosy reporter more interested in catching “a big break” than in helping to the catch a killer. While she may be a sociopath, Aislinn values all living things and has little to no tolerance for “monsters”.
As Aislinn and her team begin their investigation, it soon becomes apparent their serial killer has a working knowledge of police investigative techniques and forensics. As the team works together to solve the case, we get to know Aislinn’s sidekicks even better. While Dr. Lukas McMichael is still a big part of the team, and still keeps a very keen eye on Aislinn and what she’s going through, this book focuses more on Dr. Xavier Reece, his peculiarities and his growing relationship with Aislinn. While they are not romantically linked in any way, they do tease each other a lot and we discover that Dr. Reece is in love with Aislinn’s cousin and best friend, Nyleena Clachan, who we do see some of in this book.
Ms. James also lets us see former FBI Liaison Gabriel Hendricks in his new role as the supervisor of the Serial Crimes Unit. I’m really beginning to like him as a character on his own and the interactions between him and Aislinn provided some of the comic relief this story needed. Though to be frank, Aislinn does that for me on her own, she really makes me laugh and if she was real, I’d definitely want to be a part of her posse.
Will Aislinn and the team catch the serial killer before his body count hits triple digits? Will Aislinn manage to come out of this case alive and unharmed? You’ll have to read Elysium Dreams to find out. I loved it, have already re-read it several times, and I’m already jonesing for Mercurial Dreams, the next book in the series. As an added tease, Ms. James does provide the first couple of pages of Mercurial Dreams at the end of Elysium Dreams. If you haven’t started reading this series yet – I really don’t know what you’re waiting for.
A twisted serial killer and a sociopath turned US Marshall, along with her team of misfits, all take center stage in Elysium Dreams, the second book in the Dreams & Reality series by author Hadena James. Continuing the world building she began in Tortured Dreams, Ms. James gives us further insight into Aislinn and the US Marshalls Serial Crimes Unit as they continue to bond and capture the worst offenders known to man – serial killers. Giving us insight into both Aislinn’s and the killer’s point of view, Ms. James ramped up the psychological and physical action in this installment in her series.
Barely home two days from the last case assigned to the Serial Crimes Unit, Aislinn Cain and the rest of her team, find themselves headed to Alaska to capture a serial killer skinning his victims. Not a fan of the cold, she’s already suffered from hypothermia once, and a little tired and cranky, Aislinn is annoyed to discover the only reason they’ve even been summoned to help with the investigation is due to a nosy reporter more interested in catching “a big break” than in helping to the catch a killer. While she may be a sociopath, Aislinn values all living things and has little to no tolerance for “monsters”.
As Aislinn and her team begin their investigation, it soon becomes apparent their serial killer has a working knowledge of police investigative techniques and forensics. As the team works together to solve the case, we get to know Aislinn’s sidekicks even better. While Dr. Lukas McMichael is still a big part of the team, and still keeps a very keen eye on Aislinn and what she’s going through, this book focuses more on Dr. Xavier Reece, his peculiarities and his growing relationship with Aislinn. While they are not romantically linked in any way, they do tease each other a lot and we discover that Dr. Reece is in love with Aislinn’s cousin and best friend, Nyleena Clachan, who we do see some of in this book.
Ms. James also lets us see former FBI Liaison Gabriel Hendricks in his new role as the supervisor of the Serial Crimes Unit. I’m really beginning to like him as a character on his own and the interactions between him and Aislinn provided some of the comic relief this story needed. Though to be frank, Aislinn does that for me on her own, she really makes me laugh and if she was real, I’d definitely want to be a part of her posse.
Will Aislinn and the team catch the serial killer before his body count hits triple digits? Will Aislinn manage to come out of this case alive and unharmed? You’ll have to read Elysium Dreams to find out. I loved it, have already re-read it several times, and I’m already jonesing for Mercurial Dreams, the next book in the series. As an added tease, Ms. James does provide the first couple of pages of Mercurial Dreams at the end of Elysium Dreams. If you haven’t started reading this series yet – I really don’t know what you’re waiting for.
March 9, 2016
Aislinn Cain is not your typical protagonist. For one, she has a personality disorder usually associated with serial killers; she's a sociopath. Maybe that's what makes her so good at catching them. Aislinn is now several months into her job as a member of the Serial Crimes Tracking Unit with the US Marshals. This time, the team travels to Anchorage, Alaska, to hunt down "The Flesh Hunter", a serial killer who skins his victims alive and leaves behind a signature of a bow and arrow made out of the victim's skin. Aislinn is a magnet for serial killers and this one already has his eye on her. Will she get out of this one alive?
Although this is a complete story, I suggest you read the first book (Tortured Dreams - it's FREE) in order to get to know the characters, as they are not introduced well in this book. There is mention of Aislinn's stalker and her propensity to attract serial killers, but what we learn in the first book is not re-hashed here. While the editing of this book is better than that of the first book, there are some character inconsistencies with first book: we are now told that Lucas has a photographic memory, but this was not mentioned before; he also has a major phobia of rats in the first book but barely bats an eyelid when he encounters one this time; Aislinn's debilitating migraines are a major part of this book but aren't even mentioned in the previous book.
The story is told mainly from Aislinn's point-of-view, interspersed with chapters from the killer's point-of-view (these chapters have names as opposed to numbers). While the identity of the killer is revealed in the second of these chapters, the author manages to maintain the suspense, as we still need to figure out how the SCTU will unmask him. We also get an interesting insight into the killer's motivations.
Chilling and suspenseful.
Warnings: graphic violence, coarse language, sex scenes.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post: https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
Although this is a complete story, I suggest you read the first book (Tortured Dreams - it's FREE) in order to get to know the characters, as they are not introduced well in this book. There is mention of Aislinn's stalker and her propensity to attract serial killers, but what we learn in the first book is not re-hashed here. While the editing of this book is better than that of the first book, there are some character inconsistencies with first book: we are now told that Lucas has a photographic memory, but this was not mentioned before; he also has a major phobia of rats in the first book but barely bats an eyelid when he encounters one this time; Aislinn's debilitating migraines are a major part of this book but aren't even mentioned in the previous book.
The story is told mainly from Aislinn's point-of-view, interspersed with chapters from the killer's point-of-view (these chapters have names as opposed to numbers). While the identity of the killer is revealed in the second of these chapters, the author manages to maintain the suspense, as we still need to figure out how the SCTU will unmask him. We also get an interesting insight into the killer's motivations.
Chilling and suspenseful.
Warnings: graphic violence, coarse language, sex scenes.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post: https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
July 29, 2016
by Hadena JamesIn the cold, dark nights of Alaska, a hunter is stalking his prey. Once found, he takes them into the woods and skins them alive, prolonging the experience as much as he can, but the satisfaction always wanes.
Aislinn Cain and the Serial Crimes Unit head for the north to find this brutal and cruel killer. The climate is harsh, the locals are hostile, and each day the unsub moves closer to claiming his next trophy - Aislinn
challenges:
Around The Year in 52 books:23. The next book in a series you are reading: its (Dreams & Reality Series Book 2)
#TBRTakedown 4.0
2. Sequel
what did I think:
5 stars
just couldn't wait to pick this one up, had to know what happened next, now I want the next book in this series, loved once again how I got pulled into the story , loved the characters. loved how this one takes place in Alaska.loved everything about it.
July 24, 2013
Once again, Hadena James has managed to suck me in. Despite the skeevies over the way this particular serial killer does in his victims, I was hooked by the slightly-irregular U.S. Marshall Aislinn Cain and crew. Edge-of-my-seat nailbitery ensued, and I set about ignoring pretty much all my responsibilities until I hit the last page. This is not a book to pick up casually, with the every intention of putting it back down again to attend to your daily life. You won’t be able to do it. So make sure your Kindle is charged, and settle in with nukable leftovers, because you won’t be stopping to cook. It truly is THAT good.
July 27, 2014
The 2nd book in Ms James dream series is even better than the first! You don't have to read the first one before this one, but I guarantee you that after you read this, you will not want to wait to read the entire series! I can hardly wait to read the next one! The suspense in this book will keep you page turning until you finish! Ace and her team of misfits track down some of the most vile and dark serial killers that you will want to keep the light on while you are reading this! Ms James is a brilliant writer. She puts you right in the action! Do NOT miss this series!
July 4, 2024
This could have been a good book, 4 stars or more but for one thing Aislinn Cain. I don't believe I've ever read a book with a more loathsome main character,
Working in the serial killers task force is the last thing this woman should be doing,
In the real world she would be in prison. The FBI and the Marshalls could never afford her LIABILITY to their organizations. She would never be allowed to work after beating people up, destroying property etc etc etc.
Working in the serial killers task force is the last thing this woman should be doing,
In the real world she would be in prison. The FBI and the Marshalls could never afford her LIABILITY to their organizations. She would never be allowed to work after beating people up, destroying property etc etc etc.
July 18, 2020
this special marshals unit seeks a prolific and gruesome serial killer in the wilds of Alaska. once more aislinn survives several encounters with various psychopaths. Last read in 2015. Re-read july, 2020. Still good.
October 18, 2016
didn't enjoy this second part of the series any where near as much as the first. the characters no longer had substance and the whole read had the feel of just going through the motions. I can't see me picking up the third one
July 30, 2020
I love this series.
Good stories, great characters.
Good stories, great characters.
August 7, 2023
It’s serial killer time in Anchorage, Alaska. 41 women have been found hanging, with their skin removed. Can US Marshal Aislinn Cain of the Serial Crimes Tracking Unit help bring this serial killer to justice?
WOW! This is one big thrilling ride. Not only do we have the story from Aislinn’s perspective but also chapters from the serial killer’s point of view. This book is gory in places but that is the nature of the beast. What I most enjoyed was all the psychology that was explored. The differences between bias and profiling. How humans do things naturally that can point detectives in the right direction. For example…
“Think about it,” Michael looked confused. “Humans are creatures of habit. We stop at the same gas stations, get coffee from the same coffee shops, etc. Everything we do is part of a routine. Even the most varied individuals still create patterns. If I were to analyze your debit and credit card usages…”.
And…
“We unconsciously use our dominant hand for almost everything, unless we can’t. Then we become conscious of our lack of ability to use it and use the opposing hand with more difficulty.”
“I eat left-handed, but I’m right-handed”
“You eat with a knife and fork, knife in your dominant hand. Unless you don’t have one, without a knife, you eat with your right hand.”
But this book is not just a catch the serial killer saga, it has lots of personality as it explores the backgrounds and character of each member of the Serial Crimes Tracking Unit. This team is a group of misfits who really work well together, taking Aislinn’s Anti-Social Personality Disorder in their stride!
I enjoyed reading Elysium Dreams and consider it a GOOD 4 stars read that has tonnes of attitude.
WOW! This is one big thrilling ride. Not only do we have the story from Aislinn’s perspective but also chapters from the serial killer’s point of view. This book is gory in places but that is the nature of the beast. What I most enjoyed was all the psychology that was explored. The differences between bias and profiling. How humans do things naturally that can point detectives in the right direction. For example…
“Think about it,” Michael looked confused. “Humans are creatures of habit. We stop at the same gas stations, get coffee from the same coffee shops, etc. Everything we do is part of a routine. Even the most varied individuals still create patterns. If I were to analyze your debit and credit card usages…”.
And…
“We unconsciously use our dominant hand for almost everything, unless we can’t. Then we become conscious of our lack of ability to use it and use the opposing hand with more difficulty.”
“I eat left-handed, but I’m right-handed”
“You eat with a knife and fork, knife in your dominant hand. Unless you don’t have one, without a knife, you eat with your right hand.”
But this book is not just a catch the serial killer saga, it has lots of personality as it explores the backgrounds and character of each member of the Serial Crimes Tracking Unit. This team is a group of misfits who really work well together, taking Aislinn’s Anti-Social Personality Disorder in their stride!
I enjoyed reading Elysium Dreams and consider it a GOOD 4 stars read that has tonnes of attitude.
February 9, 2018
Well-driven thriller that could use edits
If you look past several formatting issues, this is a fast-paced, well-driven thriller about a U.S. Marshall who is as much a sociopath as some of the serial killers she hunts. I'm not sure I buy into the migraines and sociopathic episodes the main character, "Ace" or Aislain Cane, has. Medically, these two issues aren't related, so I'll assume they are used to make the character "intriguing" and a force to be reckoned with. As for the constant coddling by her all-male team, a sociopath would not require, appreciate, or desire the level of attention they pile on her. She'd be prone to dismissing their attempts, but that isn't the case; she resigns herself to their control which is unlikely in a true sociopath who must control all situations. The author has done a nice job of creating a gruesome crime spree in this story, which should grab fans of police procedural drama thrillers and keep them engaged in the story from beginning to end. There was little mystery as to who the "killer" would turn out to be, but it worked in this case. A use of first-person (Marshall Cain) to third-person narrative was distracting at times. Overall, the story was entertaining and enjoyable to read.
If you look past several formatting issues, this is a fast-paced, well-driven thriller about a U.S. Marshall who is as much a sociopath as some of the serial killers she hunts. I'm not sure I buy into the migraines and sociopathic episodes the main character, "Ace" or Aislain Cane, has. Medically, these two issues aren't related, so I'll assume they are used to make the character "intriguing" and a force to be reckoned with. As for the constant coddling by her all-male team, a sociopath would not require, appreciate, or desire the level of attention they pile on her. She'd be prone to dismissing their attempts, but that isn't the case; she resigns herself to their control which is unlikely in a true sociopath who must control all situations. The author has done a nice job of creating a gruesome crime spree in this story, which should grab fans of police procedural drama thrillers and keep them engaged in the story from beginning to end. There was little mystery as to who the "killer" would turn out to be, but it worked in this case. A use of first-person (Marshall Cain) to third-person narrative was distracting at times. Overall, the story was entertaining and enjoyable to read.
February 5, 2018
I grew very fond of Aislinn and her merry band of crazies in the first book, so I eagerly read this one. I think I liked the plot of the first better, as it felt more cohesive to me. The "Elysium" aspect of this was touched on at the beginning and again at the end, but I didn't feel like it was as solid a theme as Torture was in the first book.
Also, I struggled a little with what I felt was the bait and switch of , because that just seemed like....should I say it?....overkill. On the other hand, the false trails that the author left had me second-guessing myself on who the killer was, even when there were chapters from the killer's point of view that clearly established who he was. That's some impressive sleight of hand.
So far I haven't seen a lot of the "dreams" part of the series, but I know there are lots of books left and I intend to read each and every one of them, so I'm sure I'll get there.
Also, I struggled a little with what I felt was the bait and switch of , because that just seemed like....should I say it?....overkill. On the other hand, the false trails that the author left had me second-guessing myself on who the killer was, even when there were chapters from the killer's point of view that clearly established who he was. That's some impressive sleight of hand.
So far I haven't seen a lot of the "dreams" part of the series, but I know there are lots of books left and I intend to read each and every one of them, so I'm sure I'll get there.
June 14, 2020
There is a serial killer that has killed 40 women so far, he sedates his victims just long enough to get them into the Alaskan wilderness where he then hangs them upside down and waits for them to awaken only to skin them alive. He leaves them hang for someone to discover, once he learns that ones discovered then he finds his next victim.
The FBI calls in the Serial Special Forces US Marshalls team, who are trained in these types of crimes.The team is headed up by Ace who has her own psyche issues and because of this she has a very high pain tolerance which she will need later in the story when they start getting a little to close for comfort for the killer.
As a reader you know from the beginning who the killer is so you get to watch the cat and mouse game as the Special Forces Team gathers clues and moves in on their suspect..
The crime scenes were very descriptive with lots of bloody, gorey detail which was a bit over the top for me, at times I had to skim over those details, but otherwise this was a good read for me.
The FBI calls in the Serial Special Forces US Marshalls team, who are trained in these types of crimes.The team is headed up by Ace who has her own psyche issues and because of this she has a very high pain tolerance which she will need later in the story when they start getting a little to close for comfort for the killer.
As a reader you know from the beginning who the killer is so you get to watch the cat and mouse game as the Special Forces Team gathers clues and moves in on their suspect..
The crime scenes were very descriptive with lots of bloody, gorey detail which was a bit over the top for me, at times I had to skim over those details, but otherwise this was a good read for me.
Read
December 20, 2019I can so sympathize with Aislinn for her loathing of the Alaska cold in this book. I couldn't handle that kind of cold, and would be just as miserable and cranky as her there. The gang are chasing a serial killer in Alaska, and someone is leaving dead bodies in Aislinn's wake making it look like they are her kills. So not only are they chasing one, but another is following her it seems. I like how the "bad guy" was presented, so we know but the gang doesn't. Sometimes things move a little fast, like Aislinn is almost told where to go or where to be. We are supposed to believe this is her instinct and the instincts of her team, which sometimes works and sometimes comes together a little too neatly. But I'm ok with it, as I said in the book #1 review I love the series regardless of the typos and timeline issues. I can read it again and again and put a resolution together for myself that goes along with the story. And I dig that.
March 25, 2018
Very good second book in this series
I have enjoyed the story and the case in this book. Very detailed with a dark twist. This time the team have to go to Alaska, to find a killer with another twisted mind, quite gruesome. I found this part better than the first one. But there is still something missing, sure the storyline is flawless and connected very well into the plot. But I wished there is a bit more detail about the team what they do in private a bit more personal information, the characters are all fantastic but it seems that no-one has a private life.....even the killer has his own chapters and see his emotions, what is he thinks, why no one else? But still a good book that you should read, very interesting indeed.
I have enjoyed the story and the case in this book. Very detailed with a dark twist. This time the team have to go to Alaska, to find a killer with another twisted mind, quite gruesome. I found this part better than the first one. But there is still something missing, sure the storyline is flawless and connected very well into the plot. But I wished there is a bit more detail about the team what they do in private a bit more personal information, the characters are all fantastic but it seems that no-one has a private life.....even the killer has his own chapters and see his emotions, what is he thinks, why no one else? But still a good book that you should read, very interesting indeed.
December 15, 2021
Ngl i read this because the summary caught my attention. I mean right off the bat, this book screams serial killer. The thing that makes elysium dreams different is we know who is the killer from the start. At first, i kinda want to drop it. I thought it would be no fun since we know who’s who. But i’ve never been more wrong, i thank my past self for reading it till the end. Because knowing who’s the killer from the start actually makes you more agitated. It felt like the killer is actually toying with you. I also love all the characters in this book. I would totally recommend this if you like thriller
March 6, 2017
This is my second book in this series and I am enjoying these books. While the descriptions of the victims leaves little to the imagination the possibility of these serial killers is what makes the books so good.
This time the team has to head to Alaska where the serial killer is skinning the victims and leaving them suspended in a tree out in the woods. The story of the team continues to grow and our heroine is still a loved and sought after target of the serial killer.
This was a great weekend read for me and I look forward to picking up the next one in the series.
This time the team has to head to Alaska where the serial killer is skinning the victims and leaving them suspended in a tree out in the woods. The story of the team continues to grow and our heroine is still a loved and sought after target of the serial killer.
This was a great weekend read for me and I look forward to picking up the next one in the series.
July 31, 2025
Once again in this second in the series......Graphic! Grusome! Not for FAINT of heart!!
I cannot believe that these 2 books have been written by a young woman!!! Omg, the killer in this second book made the first books antagonist look like kitty food! Whoa, the scenes of graphic skinnings of human will take you right back to that first time you ever watched good ol' Leatherface and his clan of crazy family members torment Sally and her wheelchair bound brother; Franklin! I loved this and cannot wait to start book 3!
Get ready.....this is a 'Killer'! No pun intended.
5 Skins
I cannot believe that these 2 books have been written by a young woman!!! Omg, the killer in this second book made the first books antagonist look like kitty food! Whoa, the scenes of graphic skinnings of human will take you right back to that first time you ever watched good ol' Leatherface and his clan of crazy family members torment Sally and her wheelchair bound brother; Franklin! I loved this and cannot wait to start book 3!
Get ready.....this is a 'Killer'! No pun intended.
5 Skins
February 18, 2018
Good detail, but found to hard to believe this crack team wouldn't get onto the serial killer sooner. Plus, I totally got lost in the timeline for the last few killings. The 'personalities' of the team were great...I sort of sensed they weren't untouched, shall we say, by their work, and I found it fascinating to view death, etc, from their perspective, which would make all/any further stories very attractive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2020
Another fun one in this series. Books 1 & 2 were free on Amazon, so I picked them both up to try. I enjoyed the first one so much, I jumped immediately into the 2nd. It took about a day to finish and it was an entertaining journey.
A very easy to read book with plenty of action, a little science/history and lots of serial killer fun.
This is a great book for a lazy afternoon or a flight - we still fly don't we?
Style and pace reminds me a lot of the Jack Reacher books.
A very easy to read book with plenty of action, a little science/history and lots of serial killer fun.
This is a great book for a lazy afternoon or a flight - we still fly don't we?
Style and pace reminds me a lot of the Jack Reacher books.
November 12, 2020
I definitely enjoyed this one even more than the first. Having already established a rich background for all the main characters, primarily Cain, the story was able to simply play itself out. And it was great. Again the premise of this series, sociopath catching serial killers, is unique and entertaining, and the "how" and "why" each serial killer kills is attention grabbing. You become entrenched in the story. Can't wait to pick up the next one.
February 3, 2018
Strange but satisfying
If your are squeamish, this book is not for you. At first, I was slow to warm up to the characters, but the sideways view of criminal justice was engaging enough to hook me into the story. So if you are looking for a very different take on procedural mysterys, this book is perfect.
If your are squeamish, this book is not for you. At first, I was slow to warm up to the characters, but the sideways view of criminal justice was engaging enough to hook me into the story. So if you are looking for a very different take on procedural mysterys, this book is perfect.
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