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Pen Pals and Serial Killers #5
Innocent
I'm as innocent as a newborn baby. I swear. I didn't kill those men. They threw me in a mental hospital to cover up the real killer's crimes. I have no idea why, but I have theories. Let me tell you my story so you can decide if I'm guilty or innocent.
50 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2019
176 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Jo Michaels
90 books273 followersJo Michaels loves writing novels that make readers gasp in horror, surprise, and disbelief. While her browser search history has probably landed her on a list somewhere, she still dives into every plot with gusto, hoping "the man" will realize she's a writer and not a psychopath about to go on a rampage. Her favorite pastimes are reading, watching Investigation Discovery, and helping other authors realize their true potential through mentoring. She's penned the award-winning Pen Pals and Serial Killers series and the best-selling educational book for children, Writing Prompts for Kids, which has rocketed the kids that use it into several awards of their own.
Most of Jo's books feature the places she's lived: Louisiana, Tennessee, and Georgia. That's given her a special amount of insight to what makes those locations tick. Her works are immersive and twisty, and she wouldn't want it any other way.
Most of Jo's books feature the places she's lived: Louisiana, Tennessee, and Georgia. That's given her a special amount of insight to what makes those locations tick. Her works are immersive and twisty, and she wouldn't want it any other way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 26, 2019
First off if you want a super quick read, then Innocent is the book for you as it is not only fast-paced but also a short story. It is also one of those books that leave you thinking A) WTF did I just read and B) Wait a minute, I'm confused did she do it or not? I still have no idea whether she was set up to take the fall and is innocent or whether she is guilty and had like a massive dissociative identity disorder crisis. The book starts with the main female lead witnessing what she saw was a murder across the road from her house. She goes to talk to an officer about what she observes, and as the night goes on, the bodies start piling up. I have to admit if you are like me reader, you will be left with more unanswered questions than answered ones once you turn the last page. If you love murder and crime, then it is worth reading, but if you are one who loves plot structure and a straight forward tale, then Innocent is not the book for you. This here is what I would call a chaos story.
April 2, 2019
Okay then...
That was... Odd.
I must admit, I don't really get it.
I just couldn't wrap my head around it. It's too confusing, it makes no sense.. I am as baffled as the protagonist is!
Is she innocent? I don't bloody well know.
I'm left with more questions than I started with.
That was... Odd.
I must admit, I don't really get it.
I just couldn't wrap my head around it. It's too confusing, it makes no sense.. I am as baffled as the protagonist is!
Is she innocent? I don't bloody well know.
I'm left with more questions than I started with.
July 13, 2019
Innocent is the title of a short story by Jo Michaels. Just under the title is this line: Pen Pals and Serial Killers – Story Five. If you like this story, you have more good reading to look forward to. For this story, there is an introductory part in which the narrator promises the reader a cookie or maybe two if, after reading the story, the reader is convinced the narrator is innocent. The story is short, and there are reader rewards based on judgments made. The story is not quite your grade-school activity book. No one used words like these in grade school when I went to school, but times change.
With only forty-five pages to work with, Jo Michaels had to get through a build-up, central conflict, and resolution quickly. The build-up was excellent, the conflict was promising, and I missed the point of the resolution. I left the story going, “Yeah, but why?”
Readers will not know the first name of the narrator and main character. We must accept “Miss LeBrague,” Never mind that she has five kids somewhere; she is “Miss.” Despite her complaints of complete innocence and at the risk of losing cookies, LeBrague is not entirely innocent. She is at least guilty of being a Peeping Tom. Occasional sexual high jinx of neighbors may have been nothing more than guilty pleasures had it not been for the murder she says she witnessed. The police believe she did it.
If LeBrague did it, why would she have called the police? She believes the question supports her innocence. What is notable in this story is that the cops SEEM to have approached several killings with a preconceived determination that LeBrague is guilty. How will the innocent LeBrague get out of it? Listening to her story makes it seem obvious she is innocent.
There is one determining sentence in the story that almost solves the mystery, but I had to go back and read the paragraphs a second time to make sure. I won’t reveal the place (a spoiler). My conclusion? I will read more by this author because despite the confusion I felt with this short story, I found the writing style refreshing. I read the story on a break between two inconveniently scheduled appointments, and the story improved my mood immensely. I rated this at four Amazon stars. The price was free (USD 0.00) on Amazon. It fulfills the vital task of motivating a reader (me) to read more novels by Jo Michaels.
With only forty-five pages to work with, Jo Michaels had to get through a build-up, central conflict, and resolution quickly. The build-up was excellent, the conflict was promising, and I missed the point of the resolution. I left the story going, “Yeah, but why?”
Readers will not know the first name of the narrator and main character. We must accept “Miss LeBrague,” Never mind that she has five kids somewhere; she is “Miss.” Despite her complaints of complete innocence and at the risk of losing cookies, LeBrague is not entirely innocent. She is at least guilty of being a Peeping Tom. Occasional sexual high jinx of neighbors may have been nothing more than guilty pleasures had it not been for the murder she says she witnessed. The police believe she did it.
If LeBrague did it, why would she have called the police? She believes the question supports her innocence. What is notable in this story is that the cops SEEM to have approached several killings with a preconceived determination that LeBrague is guilty. How will the innocent LeBrague get out of it? Listening to her story makes it seem obvious she is innocent.
There is one determining sentence in the story that almost solves the mystery, but I had to go back and read the paragraphs a second time to make sure. I won’t reveal the place (a spoiler). My conclusion? I will read more by this author because despite the confusion I felt with this short story, I found the writing style refreshing. I read the story on a break between two inconveniently scheduled appointments, and the story improved my mood immensely. I rated this at four Amazon stars. The price was free (USD 0.00) on Amazon. It fulfills the vital task of motivating a reader (me) to read more novels by Jo Michaels.
April 2, 2019
As if I expected anything less, Jo Michaels has written another gripping novella. Innocent is told from the point of view of a woman who is trying to prove her innocence in a warped reality.
I loved the main character’s thoughts. She was a but sarcastic and frantic, and it made question her innocence and guilt with every page.
The story is fast-paced and Jo Michaels creates this sense of tension and confusion which puts the reader right into the story. I found myself questioning what was real and what wasn’t.
I highly suggest checking this quick read out. It’s a rollercoaster and it will leaving you wondering what was real and what wasn’t. This is definitely one of my favorite reads of 2019.
*I received a copy of this book for a blog tour with Lady Amber's Reviews & PR. All opinions are my own. *
I loved the main character’s thoughts. She was a but sarcastic and frantic, and it made question her innocence and guilt with every page.
The story is fast-paced and Jo Michaels creates this sense of tension and confusion which puts the reader right into the story. I found myself questioning what was real and what wasn’t.
I highly suggest checking this quick read out. It’s a rollercoaster and it will leaving you wondering what was real and what wasn’t. This is definitely one of my favorite reads of 2019.
*I received a copy of this book for a blog tour with Lady Amber's Reviews & PR. All opinions are my own. *
March 14, 2019
So I’ve read the first book in this series, Emancipation so when I saw this book come up I jumped at the chance to read it.
I loved Emancipation, it was gripping, full of twists and turns I didn’t see coming and this story was no different.
Thought this book is the 5th in the series, you don’t have to read the others to understand it.
This was a super quick read and I wish there was more to the story because it had me gripped from page 1. I couldn’t put it down, I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next.
Jo Michaels weaves a fascinating story, full of detail and suspense.
I’m definitely going to go back and read the other books in this series!!
I loved Emancipation, it was gripping, full of twists and turns I didn’t see coming and this story was no different.
Thought this book is the 5th in the series, you don’t have to read the others to understand it.
This was a super quick read and I wish there was more to the story because it had me gripped from page 1. I couldn’t put it down, I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next.
Jo Michaels weaves a fascinating story, full of detail and suspense.
I’m definitely going to go back and read the other books in this series!!
March 31, 2019
Cookie for you
A psychological thriller where the narrator is trying to prove her innocence in what becomes a warped reality. Clever, embedded with doubt, and set at a frantic pace.
A psychological thriller where the narrator is trying to prove her innocence in what becomes a warped reality. Clever, embedded with doubt, and set at a frantic pace.
January 2, 2020
Innocent
Wow! I got this in another author's promotion in exchange of an honest review. Fast paced, scary, and a mind twister. Loved it!
Wow! I got this in another author's promotion in exchange of an honest review. Fast paced, scary, and a mind twister. Loved it!
March 19, 2019
The story was over too quickly. I needed more! Guess that’s why it’s called a short story. Jo Michael is a genius when it comes to the Pen Pal and Serial Killers series. Her sick and twisted mind is phenomenal. Can’t wait for the next book of the series.
March 22, 2019
First book I have read by this author. Interesting gripping twists and turns suspense. Normal night at home she is peeping at her neighbors across the way. She witnessed something. She calls the police but No one can come.She has to go to the officer. Things escalate from there. This book was interesting the ending left me hanging . I was hoping for so much more. Still an interesting little mystery.
March 22, 2019
Would like to have a continuation
Three and one half stars (due to the abrupt ending). I chose this short story via Amazon Kindle. The cover and most of all synopsis intrigued me. I still think I know who the murderer is, but I'll leave that for you decide on your I own. Good book, but has potential to be even better.
Three and one half stars (due to the abrupt ending). I chose this short story via Amazon Kindle. The cover and most of all synopsis intrigued me. I still think I know who the murderer is, but I'll leave that for you decide on your I own. Good book, but has potential to be even better.
July 21, 2019
It had my head reeling between innocent and guilty. I sure hope there is a sequel to explain the sequence of events.
July 23, 2019
A great and fast paced read
December 25, 2020
Short, sweet, and to the point. Can you read this story and determine if our character is innocent or guilty? It is a short story that will have you scratching your head, wondering if she did the crime or did someone pin it on her, or is an actual serial killer is running around. I still don't know if she did the crime. We start off with her witnessing a crime and ending up in a straight jacket. I do like a story to have a beginning, middle, and a conclusion, and this one did not as I was still wondering if she did it or was she crazy?
December 15, 2019
Loved it
Great short story, loved the ending. I don't usually read the short stories but it was really very good. Now I'm looking up more of them.
Great short story, loved the ending. I don't usually read the short stories but it was really very good. Now I'm looking up more of them.
March 28, 2019
Dang, creepy good!
Jo Michaels is excellent at pulling me in one direction and then, boom, something completely unseen happens. This is a tremendous example for anyone who hasn’t read the Pen pals and Serial Killers series!
Jo Michaels is excellent at pulling me in one direction and then, boom, something completely unseen happens. This is a tremendous example for anyone who hasn’t read the Pen pals and Serial Killers series!
March 29, 2019
This book was fun! The mystery and snark. I loved every bit of it. Thriller fans you won’t be disappointed.
March 10, 2019
What an intense hour! That's all it took to read this, if even that long. So gripping! I could not put it down. While it is book 5, you really don't have to read anything prior to enjoy this.
August 4, 2019
For a short story it sure has a lot of twists and turns in the plot. With that said, there is the unwavering question put forth in the blurb and it's up to the reader to determine how they feel. There is no cut and dried answer. There are no clues beyond supposition, unless you believe the obvious. Which, if you're a Holmes fan, "When all else fails, the obvious is the truth" is how he used to put it, or some variation of. Read it, then you decide what the truth is. Very entertaining short story.
October 24, 2019
Good storyline,good plot! Things that make you go hmm
Really liked the story! I was convinced of one thing and was wrong! The ending was a definite surprise! Just wish it lasted longer!
Really liked the story! I was convinced of one thing and was wrong! The ending was a definite surprise! Just wish it lasted longer!
August 18, 2019
Who ME???
I don't really do short stories, by the time I get into them they are over. But this one I really enjoyed. The story had a steady flow and it wrapped up nicely. Nice job Michael!!
I don't really do short stories, by the time I get into them they are over. But this one I really enjoyed. The story had a steady flow and it wrapped up nicely. Nice job Michael!!
January 31, 2020
This is a quick read. It is thrilling, fast paced and a little baffling. I mean WTF! I have read all the Pen Pals and Serial Killers books. This one was slightly confusing, until the end. I got it. All these books are an intersting ride that's for sure. I can't wait to get more of them.
January 22, 2020
Short story.
Interesting reading. I will probably read the next story. I do hope it is a longer read. I would recommend this story to those who like to read short stories.
Interesting reading. I will probably read the next story. I do hope it is a longer read. I would recommend this story to those who like to read short stories.
April 4, 2019
What a fun way to get a taste of an author's writing style.
Michaels is a new author for me (obviously) and Innocent was offered as a free short story, so I figured why not?
I found I really enjoyed the narrative, the writing style and the little twists.
I will be seeking more from this author.
Before you jump in know this is a short story - The kind that gets the reader fully engaged, sets up all kinds of questions then even with a closing leaves you asking yourself Huh? Who? And a bit upset you don't have all the answers.
That being said the fact you were engaged and want more is a positive point to the authors ability to write. Just a thought
Michaels is a new author for me (obviously) and Innocent was offered as a free short story, so I figured why not?
I found I really enjoyed the narrative, the writing style and the little twists.
I will be seeking more from this author.
Before you jump in know this is a short story - The kind that gets the reader fully engaged, sets up all kinds of questions then even with a closing leaves you asking yourself Huh? Who? And a bit upset you don't have all the answers.
That being said the fact you were engaged and want more is a positive point to the authors ability to write. Just a thought
December 29, 2024
None of this made any sense. It's either she is sane, but there would've been evidence of the phone calls, otherwise how else would she end up at the detectives house? Or she is insane and the ending doesn't match. But if the ending is real, wouldn't it look suspicious since she was "safe" in a room.
March 27, 2019
I received a free copy to review, but when I saw it was also free on Amazon, I picked up another copy just because I wanted to support the author.
I didn't realize this was a short story going into reading, so I was definitely in for a shock.
At first, I really liked the character's wit and banter with the reader. As time went on, though, it became annoying and almost like a mechanism to be able to jump around too much in the story. While the premise was quite interesting, I was often confused by how the story was unfolding or why the main character was acting or not acting in a certain way.
I definitely would give the author another chance and might check out something else they've written. This, however, was not to my overall liking.
I didn't realize this was a short story going into reading, so I was definitely in for a shock.
At first, I really liked the character's wit and banter with the reader. As time went on, though, it became annoying and almost like a mechanism to be able to jump around too much in the story. While the premise was quite interesting, I was often confused by how the story was unfolding or why the main character was acting or not acting in a certain way.
I definitely would give the author another chance and might check out something else they've written. This, however, was not to my overall liking.
September 4, 2020
This lady is so ill that she attributes her killing spree as carried out by some man and that she is a witness to his crimes. In her paranoid state she thinks her ex-husband, neighbors, police, attorney, and mental health facility employees are all in a conspiracy to falsely accuse and murder her. Or, I noticed that the police address her as "Miss LeBrague" so I am wondering if maybe she doesn't even have an ex-husband and children. There is the possibility that none of this ever occurred and she is totally out of touch with reality, never experiencing anything but a fantasy life. I can't decide, can you?
August 30, 2020
This short story was awesome, but why leave me hanging? Is she guilty or innocent? I think she is innocent and the ex husband is the killer.
June 26, 2023
Quick and easy read, but not to my taste.
In terms of a short story, this is a quick and easy read. The introduction to the story definitely makes you want to speed through to find out how the narrator ended up where they did.
However, I found this hugely predictable and not a very credible story. Which might be to some peoples taste, just not to mine.
I think I'll give this authors novels a go, though, as I'm definitely captivated by her writing. I just think short stories are down to personal taste and for me a story like this needs a bit more.
In terms of a short story, this is a quick and easy read. The introduction to the story definitely makes you want to speed through to find out how the narrator ended up where they did.
However, I found this hugely predictable and not a very credible story. Which might be to some peoples taste, just not to mine.
I think I'll give this authors novels a go, though, as I'm definitely captivated by her writing. I just think short stories are down to personal taste and for me a story like this needs a bit more.
July 6, 2023
A story about an individual framed for murder, the reader must determine if they're innocent or guilty.
This intrigued me because I enjoy unreliable narrator stories, but I was disappointed. The main character is hard to like and hard to follow, the story was just entirely too predictable and boring, and the ending just left too many questions for my liking. Simply none of it felt believable and because I felt nothing for the MC, I just didn't care whether she was innocent or guilty.
This intrigued me because I enjoy unreliable narrator stories, but I was disappointed. The main character is hard to like and hard to follow, the story was just entirely too predictable and boring, and the ending just left too many questions for my liking. Simply none of it felt believable and because I felt nothing for the MC, I just didn't care whether she was innocent or guilty.
Read
June 3, 2019This is a leader into the Pen Pals and Serial Killers series--a series of stand-alone novels with crossover characters. It's meant to make you ask yourself: Did she do it or not? And leave you a little confused at the end. If you'd like to check out the whole series so far, go here:
https://www.writejomichaels.com/ppsk
https://www.writejomichaels.com/ppsk
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews