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Normal, Alabama #2
Scorched Grounds
From bestselling author Debbie Herbert comes a chilling, fast-paced story about family tragedy and confronting what terrifies us most.
In the eighteen years since her father went to prison for killing her mother and brother, Della Stallings has battled a crippling phobia. Her fear only grows when her father’s released. She still believes he killed her family, but the police don’t have enough evidence to arrest him again.
When new grisly murders occur—each bearing the telltale signs that seem to implicate her father—Della begins to wonder if the real murderer is still out there. Could her father have been framed?
To find the truth, Della must face her greatest fears and doubts—not only to find justice for her family but to ensure her own survival.
In the eighteen years since her father went to prison for killing her mother and brother, Della Stallings has battled a crippling phobia. Her fear only grows when her father’s released. She still believes he killed her family, but the police don’t have enough evidence to arrest him again.
When new grisly murders occur—each bearing the telltale signs that seem to implicate her father—Della begins to wonder if the real murderer is still out there. Could her father have been framed?
To find the truth, Della must face her greatest fears and doubts—not only to find justice for her family but to ensure her own survival.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2020
1054 people are currently reading
1882 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Herbert
76 books682 followersDebbie Herbert, a USA Today and Publisher's Weekly bestselling writer, pens Psychological Suspense, romantic suspense and paranormal romance novels. She’s always been fascinated by magic, romance and Gothic stories.
Married and living in Alabama, she roots for the Crimson Tide football team. When not working on her upcoming books, Debbie enjoys recumbent bicycling and jet skiing with her husband.
2017 RITA® Finalist for Paranormal Romance in the national contest sponsored by the Romance Writers of America® Debbie has a degree in English (Berry College, GA) and a master’s in Library Studies (University of Alabama).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
February 8, 2020
Scorched Grounds is the second book by Debbie Herbert in the Normal, Alabama series. For those wondering, yes there is a Normal Alabama. It’s an…. unusual place and one I don’t care to drive through again. The series is set in the same location but with totally different characters so join us as we get to know the people from Normal.
Della Stallings’ father went to prison for murdering her mother and brother. Della was the sole survivor of this tragedy, one that has left her with a debilitating phobia. She has worked her entire life to cope with this phobia, including working only the night shift. But now, her father is being released from prison on a technicality and murders begin happening almost immediately. Della has no idea if it is her father who is killing people or, worse, he is being framed by someone else – someone very close to Della.
From the cover, alone, you can tell that this story is very dark. The characters are not very likable. The places are dreary and, some, in ruins. Despite that, you get the sense that Della is trying desperately to rise above this, not to be pulled down by the horror that is her life. There is, however, someone who is determined not to allow that to happen. From Della’s father, to her very bizarre psychologist, to her gosh-awful aunt and uncle, there are so many suspects, a myriad of twists and turns and chilling acts of terror to ensure you are captivated from start to finish.
Herbert does an amazing job at creating an atmospheric thriller that is a perfect example of southern noir. I loved it and hope you will too!
Della Stallings’ father went to prison for murdering her mother and brother. Della was the sole survivor of this tragedy, one that has left her with a debilitating phobia. She has worked her entire life to cope with this phobia, including working only the night shift. But now, her father is being released from prison on a technicality and murders begin happening almost immediately. Della has no idea if it is her father who is killing people or, worse, he is being framed by someone else – someone very close to Della.
From the cover, alone, you can tell that this story is very dark. The characters are not very likable. The places are dreary and, some, in ruins. Despite that, you get the sense that Della is trying desperately to rise above this, not to be pulled down by the horror that is her life. There is, however, someone who is determined not to allow that to happen. From Della’s father, to her very bizarre psychologist, to her gosh-awful aunt and uncle, there are so many suspects, a myriad of twists and turns and chilling acts of terror to ensure you are captivated from start to finish.
Herbert does an amazing job at creating an atmospheric thriller that is a perfect example of southern noir. I loved it and hope you will too!
January 28, 2020
Della Stallings has an almost insuperable phobia. Her father went to prison 18 years ago for killing her mother and brother. He's now been released and her fear is growing by leaps and bounds. She still believes he is guilty of murder and now that he has been released on a technicality, similar murders are occurring that seem to implicate him.
Has her father resumed his killing ... or is he being framed?
To find the truth, Della must face her greatest fears and doubts—not only to find justice for her family but to ensure her own survival.
This is billed as a Gothic Thriller, although this can cover any number of genres or combined genres. Usually there is an element of horror ... but I did not find that in this story. What I found was a well written crime fiction, that grabbed me from the very first chapters to the surprising unpredictable ending. The characters were deftly defined, and most were likeable.
Many thanks to the author / Thomas & Mercer / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 7, 2020
What a stunner this is! Scorched Grounds by Debbie Herbert is a southern gothic thriller of devastating family drama that will have you on the edge of your seat. Della Stallings was eight when her father was sent to prison for setting the fire that killed her mother and brother. Eighteen years later, she has grown into a frightened and traumatized loner. Her fears worsen when her father is released from prison on insufficient evidence, and then more gruesome murders occur that seem to implicate him.
But is he really guilty, or has he been framed? Della is a wonderful character who fights her fears and starts looking for answers, both to find out the truth and to survive. I love this author. Her portrayal of small town southern life is vivid, and her language and descriptions are haunting. This is the second book of the Normal, Alabama series, and I can’t wait for the next! Five stars!
But is he really guilty, or has he been framed? Della is a wonderful character who fights her fears and starts looking for answers, both to find out the truth and to survive. I love this author. Her portrayal of small town southern life is vivid, and her language and descriptions are haunting. This is the second book of the Normal, Alabama series, and I can’t wait for the next! Five stars!
January 21, 2020
This was my first book by this author. I think she is one to watch. The book was about a woman Della whose father was arrested 18 years ago for murdering her mother and brother. In the beginning of the book her father is released from prison and she is not happy about it because she believes he did it. Then soon after he is released a woman is found murdered. Della thinks it can't be a coincidence and she begins her own investigation to determine whether her father killed her family or not.
I found this book to be a fast read because it kept me guessing thru every twist and turn. I think the author has much potential and this was an enjoyable read.
Thank you so much to Thomas and Mercer and also #NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
I found this book to be a fast read because it kept me guessing thru every twist and turn. I think the author has much potential and this was an enjoyable read.
Thank you so much to Thomas and Mercer and also #NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
February 29, 2020
The second book in the Normal, Alabama series. Della lives a quiet life in Normal, working the night shift at the hospital. Her father is in prison for the murder of her mother and brother, but he is being released on a technicality. Della believes him to be guilty. When another woman is killed, Della questions if her father is a killer or someone else is behind the deaths.
An atmospheric thriller. Vivid setting. Interesting characters. Gripping story.
An atmospheric thriller. Vivid setting. Interesting characters. Gripping story.
January 22, 2020
In Scorched Grounds, it's now eighteen years after Della's father went to prison for murdering Della's mother and brother when Della was just a young child. Della was narrowly able to escape. As an adult, she continues to deal with trauma symptoms from that horrible event, including a serious phobia. When her father is released on a technicality, he returns to town and claims he was framed. When murders begin again and evidence suggests her father may be involved, Della begins investigating.
Della is a complex character and the depiction of her ongoing trauma symptoms seemed well done. The book moved at a nice pace and the author pulled together the story lines well at the end, answering questions and concerns I'd had throughout the book.
Content Warnings: SPOILER cross dressing (I think that was what was being depicted here though it involved only makeup) that seemed concerningly stereotypical with the character ultimately being depicted as crazy and dangerous; graphic depictions of blood, injuries and murder; physical and verbal abuse END SPOILER
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own. #ScorchedGrounds #mystery
Della is a complex character and the depiction of her ongoing trauma symptoms seemed well done. The book moved at a nice pace and the author pulled together the story lines well at the end, answering questions and concerns I'd had throughout the book.
Content Warnings: SPOILER cross dressing (I think that was what was being depicted here though it involved only makeup) that seemed concerningly stereotypical with the character ultimately being depicted as crazy and dangerous; graphic depictions of blood, injuries and murder; physical and verbal abuse END SPOILER
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own. #ScorchedGrounds #mystery
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2021
What a stunner this is! Scorched Grounds by Debbie Herbert is a southern gothic thriller of devastating family drama that will have you on the edge of your seat. Della Stallings was eight when her father was sent to prison for setting the fire that killed her mother and brother. Eighteen years later, she has grown into a frightened and traumatized loner. Her fears worsen when her father is released from prison on insufficient evidence, and then more gruesome murders occur that seem to implicate him. But is he really guilty, or has he been framed? Della is a wonderful character who fights her fears and starts looking for answers, both to find out the truth and to survive. I love this author. Her portrayal of small town southern life is vivid, and her language and descriptions are haunting. This is the second book of the Normal, Alabama series, and I can’t wait for the next! Five stars!
November 26, 2019
I was lucky to get an arc from this book by the author Debbie Herbert. I have really love this book.
Srorched Grounds is a chilling triller about a family tragedy. Della was only 8 when her mother and brother were killed. She barely herself escape the killer. Her father was the main suspect and was in prison for 18 years before being released. Which only worsen her phobia. She still believe that her father is responsible for the murder of her family but the police don't have enough proof to keep him in jail.
When new murders occured in town, some evidence seems to point toward her father. But she begins to wonder if her dad might have being frame and that the real killer still out there.
Della will have to face her fears if she want to survive.
Srorched Grounds is a chilling triller about a family tragedy. Della was only 8 when her mother and brother were killed. She barely herself escape the killer. Her father was the main suspect and was in prison for 18 years before being released. Which only worsen her phobia. She still believe that her father is responsible for the murder of her family but the police don't have enough proof to keep him in jail.
When new murders occured in town, some evidence seems to point toward her father. But she begins to wonder if her dad might have being frame and that the real killer still out there.
Della will have to face her fears if she want to survive.
February 4, 2020
I did not care for this one at all. It felt a million miles away from the book Cold Waters was. Scorched Grounds was well it just sucked and was so simplistic like a child was writing the story.There was no real twist or plot and what was there was so obvious. The whole story was obvious !! I rolled my eyes and laughed out loud more times than I should have been considering this is supposed to be a "thriller"
January 1, 2020
The intrigue in the second book of the Normal, Alabama series is immediate, as the prologue is dramatically unsettling. As I continued reading, my attention never lessened as Debbie Herbert kept the conspiracies mounting along with my desire to uncover the facts. Uncertainties about a prior incident continue to haunt one woman throughout SCORCHED GROUNDS, and when current circumstances could perhaps be tied to what occurred many years ago, she makes it her mission to expose the truth. I have always enjoyed the compelling way in which Ms. Herbert draws me into her storylines, as plots are very inventive while the fictional characters have distinctive personalities yet are still convincing.
A tragic event when Della Stallings was only eight left her traumatized, and sadly having her father accused of murdering her mother and young brother resulted in several personal issues that she has not overcome as an adult. One dilemma is she would rather not associate with other people, and working a night shift at the Normal Community Hospital gives her enough money to live on while avoiding most interaction with anyone. After her father unexpectedly gets out of prison, she becomes even more anxious with new worries. When a number of deadly occurrences take place that are unexplained and seem to be connected to her father, Della realizes the time has come for her to get much needed answers to questions about the past, as her own safety might also be in jeopardy.
Cleverly hidden clues kept me constantly changing my guesses as to who was behind the growing number of killings. Debbie Herbert certainly makes her suspenseful story continuously captivating, as each new piece of information only fueled my curiosity to learn more. Della is definitely a fascinating individual, as she has lived through a terrible ordeal. Her life at present is not ideal, but she is coping and striving for something better in the future. But when her father comes back to Normal, she begins looking for answers to the doubts that plague her. What she unearths is often shocking, and I was frequently just as surprised as Della. Many scenes are intensely depicted with vivid details, and each situation kept me fully engrossed. SCORCHED GROUNDS has imaginative happenings and a cast of noteworthy characters.
I voluntarily reviewed the book, and all comments are my honest opinion
A tragic event when Della Stallings was only eight left her traumatized, and sadly having her father accused of murdering her mother and young brother resulted in several personal issues that she has not overcome as an adult. One dilemma is she would rather not associate with other people, and working a night shift at the Normal Community Hospital gives her enough money to live on while avoiding most interaction with anyone. After her father unexpectedly gets out of prison, she becomes even more anxious with new worries. When a number of deadly occurrences take place that are unexplained and seem to be connected to her father, Della realizes the time has come for her to get much needed answers to questions about the past, as her own safety might also be in jeopardy.
Cleverly hidden clues kept me constantly changing my guesses as to who was behind the growing number of killings. Debbie Herbert certainly makes her suspenseful story continuously captivating, as each new piece of information only fueled my curiosity to learn more. Della is definitely a fascinating individual, as she has lived through a terrible ordeal. Her life at present is not ideal, but she is coping and striving for something better in the future. But when her father comes back to Normal, she begins looking for answers to the doubts that plague her. What she unearths is often shocking, and I was frequently just as surprised as Della. Many scenes are intensely depicted with vivid details, and each situation kept me fully engrossed. SCORCHED GROUNDS has imaginative happenings and a cast of noteworthy characters.
I voluntarily reviewed the book, and all comments are my honest opinion
February 28, 2020
In my younger years, I loved reading books by Victoria Holt, Phyllis Whitney and others who wrote in the Gothic romance genre. I am happy to have found a similar author in Debbie Herbert.
Della Stallings is traumatized at the age of 8 when her mother and younger brother, Jimmy, are brutally stabbed and the killer chases her through the woods. When her father is convicted of the heinous crime, Della goes to live with her Aunt Sylvie. Fast forward 20 years and Della's father, Hunter, is released from death row because of infractions committed by a former policeman.
Della has issues (who wouldn't!) and lives and works in solitude in order to avoid the stares of the people of Norman, Alabama. Under the care of a psychiatrist, Dr. Pennington, she tries to overcome her fear of the color red, also known as chromophobia. She soon finds herself becoming attracted to a policeman, Nathan Wilkes, who happens to be a classmate from high school.
The author does a great job in developing the story and the chapters are written from several of the characters POV. As the story unfolds, Della begins to wonder if her father was guilty of her mother's murder or maybe even worse crimes. Is her father the serial killer loose in Normal, killing women who are patients at the hospital where she works? Or, is there another monster causing these crimes?
At first, Della seems to be a cringing mental case, but toward the end of the book, she redeems herself in spectacular fashion in a fight for her life. All of the loose ends are finally woven together in a very satisfactory manner and I found myself racing to reach the conclusion.
The narrators did a great job and added a lot to my enjoyment of the story. I look forward to many more hours of entertainment by Ms. Herbert and hope that she continues to write books in this series.
December 23, 2019
Scorched Grounds by author Debbie Herbert keeps the reader turning the pages without taking a break! Scorched Grounds is the second in the Normal. AL series and the suspense before the end of the book had me almost on the edge of my seat. Della Stallings is trying hard to live a somewhat normal life after witnessing the horrendous murder of her mother and younger brother. Her father was convicted of the murders and sent to prison. It is eighteen years later and Della has found out her father is being released. She wants nothing to do with him.but his scheming draws her into his new drama. A new murder occurs the week after he comes back to Normal, and Della must consider the possibility that he may have killed again. She begins a friendship with Det. Nathan Whitt.as the investigation into the recent murders heats up against her father.
Della has to fight for her life before all of the answers are uncovered along with more bodies!
Publication Date: January 28, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Della has to fight for her life before all of the answers are uncovered along with more bodies!
Publication Date: January 28, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 2, 2020
"The word that immediately comes to mind while reading SCORCHED GROUNDS by Debbie Herbert is I-N-T-E-N-S-E. Not the usual run of the mill white knuckle stuff, but the kind of heart-stopping intensity that only comes along every great once in a while. My jaw still aches from being in a state of perpetual drop throughout the entirety of the book. I highly recommend this compelling read!"
January 3, 2020
Wow, what a wonderful, intriguing book!
After losing her mother and brother, having to deal with her fathers release from prison is just too much to bear.
When similar crimes begin happening, all fingers point to the father as the culprit, but is he really guilty?
I had guessed it totally wrong! I kept trying to figure it out, but I was so wrong!
I was left absolutely speechless at the reveal. I will have to keep my eye out for other books by this author.
After losing her mother and brother, having to deal with her fathers release from prison is just too much to bear.
When similar crimes begin happening, all fingers point to the father as the culprit, but is he really guilty?
I had guessed it totally wrong! I kept trying to figure it out, but I was so wrong!
I was left absolutely speechless at the reveal. I will have to keep my eye out for other books by this author.
January 15, 2024
Twisted
I thought I had the killer pegged after the first 4 chapters. I was so wrong! This one has some great twists and turns. When you read a book and then audibly say out loud, "Are you kidding me? And what the hell" you know it's great!
I thought I had the killer pegged after the first 4 chapters. I was so wrong! This one has some great twists and turns. When you read a book and then audibly say out loud, "Are you kidding me? And what the hell" you know it's great!
December 31, 2019
Debbie Herbert kept me guessing until the big reveal and them some. The tension was high and the detail was superb. My only complaint was that there were a lot of mentions of Della's friendship with Libbie that weren't backed up anywhere. I think the story would have been just as strong without them.
December 16, 2019
Mystery and suspense in a story and has you hanging on every word. At no point was I bored. The author makes you really think about what's going on and who the killer really is. Is it Della's father or could it be someone else but does that make sense? So many questions and you need to read until the end to find out the truth and then some. If you like mystery then it's a definite must read and if you're not sure it's a definite must read!
January 28, 2020
Debbie Herbert has done it again. From page one, you are drawn into the story. The book has everything you could want; excitement, mystery, emotion, & suspense. This is book two in a series, but the characters are not the same from Cold Waters. As with the first story, the characters come alive through the author's writing, and you feel like you've known them forever. The story not only entertains you, but makes you think. I was a tad confused about Libby. I think that relationship needed to be expanded on a bit. This book is indeed a page turner. And the ending... I actually could not predict it, which was a nice surprise.
I enjoy reading Debbie's books, and I look forward to each & every new one. She has never disappointed. I did receive this book as an advanced copy, and I chose to review the book under no obligation. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must catch up on sleep, because I couldn't put this down! #ramblingboho
I enjoy reading Debbie's books, and I look forward to each & every new one. She has never disappointed. I did receive this book as an advanced copy, and I chose to review the book under no obligation. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must catch up on sleep, because I couldn't put this down! #ramblingboho
January 15, 2020
This book is entertaining, action packed and thoroughly enjoyable. The chemistry between the characters is wonderful. I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
November 26, 2019
This was a very crafty story. I just love this author. She was able to weave mystery and suspense in and out of the lives of so many in the town of Normal, Alabama. I have to say, I didn’t see this ending this way. I sort of wondered about who the killer was but I never suspected the part of someone else. Shoot, I want to talk about it but it would spoil it. Goes to show you that some people aren’t always who you think they are. It kept me turning pages way into the night. I liked even better than the first one.
June 26, 2022
Della Stallings is shocked when her father is released from prison eighteen years after he was convicted of murdering her mother and brother. He claims his innocence but Della is sure he is the one who did it. That is until new murders occur and even though the evidence seems to implicate her father, Della begins to wonder if he was framed. Della is determined to face her fears and finally find the truth! A fast paced thriller!
February 2, 2020
4.5 Stars
I think SCORCHED GROUNDS is a taut and suspenseful thriller and I enjoyed it even better than the previous story COLD WATERS. Years ago, Della's mother and little brother were murdered presumably by her father and he is now being released from prison. And now she has to come to grips with the fact that many people in her hometown are starting to believe him. She works the night shift at the local hospital and begins to feel as if she is being watched. Then another murder occurs implicating her father. The story is dark and eerie and there are plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing. This is a top-notch thriller.
I received a review copy thru NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
I think SCORCHED GROUNDS is a taut and suspenseful thriller and I enjoyed it even better than the previous story COLD WATERS. Years ago, Della's mother and little brother were murdered presumably by her father and he is now being released from prison. And now she has to come to grips with the fact that many people in her hometown are starting to believe him. She works the night shift at the local hospital and begins to feel as if she is being watched. Then another murder occurs implicating her father. The story is dark and eerie and there are plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing. This is a top-notch thriller.
I received a review copy thru NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 2, 2021
SCORCHED GROUNDS [2020] (Normal, Alabama Book 2) By Debbie Herbert
My Review Three Stars***
I read the author’s first Alabama book (COLD WATERS) last year and really liked it a lot. It was a quick read in large part because of its readability and the setting of a small town in Alabama delivered on the promise of a gothic, Old South atmosphere. I found the author’s down to earth writing style with its everyday language and slang expressions to be refreshing. The author did employ “time jumps” and also alternated chapters using the first person POV with not only the main character but also several other key characters. In my opinion, these plot devices worked quite effectively to gradually leech out pertinent information that was integral to the mystery. That said, I was left scratching my head at the conclusion of this second Alabama book SCORCHED GROUNDS.
The author’s technique of using the first person POV with her main protagonist Della and several other key characters in the novel, including the villain, just didn’t work for me this time around. There was only one time jump, and Della’s first-person narration and the POVs of the other key players were clearly identified by the chapter titles. This sequel to the first Alabama book was similarly a quick read, but I didn’t feel the atmospherics to the same degree, and the author’s same writing style using common, everyday language punctuated by slang expressions with occasional profanity just didn’t feel refreshing to me anymore. In fact, though the chapters alternated among the main character of Della Stallings, her psychiatrist, a detective and the killer, the first person POV’s all read the same to me. Perhaps in an audio book, a narrator could employ different tonal qualities to render the story more interesting.
The plot sounded promising at the outset. The prologue introduced an 8-year-old Della who was upstairs in her bedroom when she heard the screams of her mother and 4-year-old brother being slashed to death by a masked assailant. Young Della then saw their butchered bodies amidst an ocean of blood before she was chased through the woods by their killer. Her home was set ablaze in an act of arson to destroy potential forensics and is burned to its brick foundation. Her father is convicted of their horrific slaughter and sentenced to death row. Fast-forward 18 years and her father is released from prison due to police corruption and failure of the prosecution to be provided with exculpatory evidence during discovery. Della was taken in by her maternal aunt after the violent deaths of her mom and little brother and still resides in the sanctuary of her aunt’s home. Della is closed herself off to other people and to the world around her in general. Nearly two decades after the tragedy she remains emotionally stunted and in essence completely controlled by her phobia that was born the night of the murders. Della works nights at the hospital where she inputs data into the computer system and effectively avoids contact with other people and her surroundings. Her father’s release from prison and his re-entry into the town and its population upsets Della’s already precariously balanced apple cart.
I wasn’t able to warm up to the main character of Della, and one of the big reasons was her constant “waffling” between convictions that her father was guilty, maybe not guilty, or not guilty at all (except for being a swindler, opportunist, bad father, and philanderer). There was also the unsympathetic aspect of the book’s heroine being weak, a prisoner of her phobia and fears, and barely functioning as an adult still dependent on her aunt after nearly twenty years.
The plot is given a shot in the arm when there is a fresh homicide to occur coupled with the gruesome discovery of the skeletal remains of long-dead young female victims in the area of the new murder scene near Hatchet Lake. The violence and the killings continue while the reclusive Della starts behaving more like an investigative journalist than an emotionally paralyzed basket case experiencing panic attacks at a red light due to her phobic fear of the color red.
I guessed the murderer early on, albeit there were a number of clever plot twists and turns at the conclusion that I did not foresee at all. A serial killer fixated on phobias in and of itself isn’t original (FEAR ITSELF by Jonathan Nasaw and THE NIGHT BIRD by Freeman come to mind). Herbert did freshen up the concept with a different backdrop and unique phobia. Della’s meeting up with the villain at the end of the tale was hardly a surprise, but my criticism here was that the actual nature of her predicament was implausible at say the least, certainly to include the elaborate staging engineered by the killer, but perhaps especially her “never in a million years” fantastical escape from the bad guy.
Still really liked the first novel in the Alabama books, and I plan to read Herbert’s NOT ONE OF US in the not-so-distant future.
COLD WATERS (NORMAL, ALABAMA BOOK 1) MUCH BETTER THAN THIS SECOND INSTALLMENT
My Review Three Stars***
I read the author’s first Alabama book (COLD WATERS) last year and really liked it a lot. It was a quick read in large part because of its readability and the setting of a small town in Alabama delivered on the promise of a gothic, Old South atmosphere. I found the author’s down to earth writing style with its everyday language and slang expressions to be refreshing. The author did employ “time jumps” and also alternated chapters using the first person POV with not only the main character but also several other key characters. In my opinion, these plot devices worked quite effectively to gradually leech out pertinent information that was integral to the mystery. That said, I was left scratching my head at the conclusion of this second Alabama book SCORCHED GROUNDS.
The author’s technique of using the first person POV with her main protagonist Della and several other key characters in the novel, including the villain, just didn’t work for me this time around. There was only one time jump, and Della’s first-person narration and the POVs of the other key players were clearly identified by the chapter titles. This sequel to the first Alabama book was similarly a quick read, but I didn’t feel the atmospherics to the same degree, and the author’s same writing style using common, everyday language punctuated by slang expressions with occasional profanity just didn’t feel refreshing to me anymore. In fact, though the chapters alternated among the main character of Della Stallings, her psychiatrist, a detective and the killer, the first person POV’s all read the same to me. Perhaps in an audio book, a narrator could employ different tonal qualities to render the story more interesting.
The plot sounded promising at the outset. The prologue introduced an 8-year-old Della who was upstairs in her bedroom when she heard the screams of her mother and 4-year-old brother being slashed to death by a masked assailant. Young Della then saw their butchered bodies amidst an ocean of blood before she was chased through the woods by their killer. Her home was set ablaze in an act of arson to destroy potential forensics and is burned to its brick foundation. Her father is convicted of their horrific slaughter and sentenced to death row. Fast-forward 18 years and her father is released from prison due to police corruption and failure of the prosecution to be provided with exculpatory evidence during discovery. Della was taken in by her maternal aunt after the violent deaths of her mom and little brother and still resides in the sanctuary of her aunt’s home. Della is closed herself off to other people and to the world around her in general. Nearly two decades after the tragedy she remains emotionally stunted and in essence completely controlled by her phobia that was born the night of the murders. Della works nights at the hospital where she inputs data into the computer system and effectively avoids contact with other people and her surroundings. Her father’s release from prison and his re-entry into the town and its population upsets Della’s already precariously balanced apple cart.
I wasn’t able to warm up to the main character of Della, and one of the big reasons was her constant “waffling” between convictions that her father was guilty, maybe not guilty, or not guilty at all (except for being a swindler, opportunist, bad father, and philanderer). There was also the unsympathetic aspect of the book’s heroine being weak, a prisoner of her phobia and fears, and barely functioning as an adult still dependent on her aunt after nearly twenty years.
The plot is given a shot in the arm when there is a fresh homicide to occur coupled with the gruesome discovery of the skeletal remains of long-dead young female victims in the area of the new murder scene near Hatchet Lake. The violence and the killings continue while the reclusive Della starts behaving more like an investigative journalist than an emotionally paralyzed basket case experiencing panic attacks at a red light due to her phobic fear of the color red.
I guessed the murderer early on, albeit there were a number of clever plot twists and turns at the conclusion that I did not foresee at all. A serial killer fixated on phobias in and of itself isn’t original (FEAR ITSELF by Jonathan Nasaw and THE NIGHT BIRD by Freeman come to mind). Herbert did freshen up the concept with a different backdrop and unique phobia. Della’s meeting up with the villain at the end of the tale was hardly a surprise, but my criticism here was that the actual nature of her predicament was implausible at say the least, certainly to include the elaborate staging engineered by the killer, but perhaps especially her “never in a million years” fantastical escape from the bad guy.
Still really liked the first novel in the Alabama books, and I plan to read Herbert’s NOT ONE OF US in the not-so-distant future.
COLD WATERS (NORMAL, ALABAMA BOOK 1) MUCH BETTER THAN THIS SECOND INSTALLMENT
February 8, 2020
When Della Stallings was just a girl, both her mother and brother were killed by a masked man. 18 years later, her father’s conviction is overturned and he returns to their hometown of Normal, Alabama. Della has spent these last years suffering from a crippling phobia, one that has her working overnights in the same hospital her mother worked at before her death. That phobia is one that I’ve never heard of before, chromaphobia, the fear of a color. In Della’s case, that color’s red. The color she saw everywhere when she saw her mother and younger brother’s bodies lying on the floor, before she ran for her life.
But, now with the discovery of multiple women’s bodies in and near the lake, plus the current suspicious deaths that have been occurring, her father is once again a suspect. When she discovers a shocking secret, she flees the only comfort she’s known, but even then, she’s not safe from the phobia she’s tried to ignore for the past few years. Back in therapy with the head of the department, Della is determined to get her phobia under control and take control of her life.
Little does she know, she’s now the focus of the serial killer. One bent on correcting the fears of the women he’s focused on, even if it kills them.
I’ll admit, I didn’t figure out the killer. I was completely surprised, which is unusual to me. I usually figure out the killer early on, but this time I didn’t. It was interesting about reading about a phobia that has you afraid of a red light, a straight up panic attack inducing fear. I have the usual, snakes, heights, and a more rare one of fish in water, I can’t go swimming in rivers, lakes, oceans, etc. But I can’t imagine a fear of a particular color. I totally get her fear, it’s the color that haunts her nightmares, the color of the blood that was everywhere the night her brother and mother were brutally murdered at the hands of the unknown killer. The person she escaped from out her second story window. The killer she, and everyone else in town spent 18 years thinking was her own father.
This is the second book in the Normal, Alabama series, but I didn’t know that until I went to write this review. I haven’t read the first book, but I know I’m going to be one clicking that one.
With Ms. Herbert’s flair for storytelling, a cast of interesting characters, and a plot that’s to die for, you can’t go wrong with Scorched Grounds. It’s a definite must read for fans of mysteries/thrillers.
**I was provided with an ARC of this story by Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
But, now with the discovery of multiple women’s bodies in and near the lake, plus the current suspicious deaths that have been occurring, her father is once again a suspect. When she discovers a shocking secret, she flees the only comfort she’s known, but even then, she’s not safe from the phobia she’s tried to ignore for the past few years. Back in therapy with the head of the department, Della is determined to get her phobia under control and take control of her life.
Little does she know, she’s now the focus of the serial killer. One bent on correcting the fears of the women he’s focused on, even if it kills them.
I’ll admit, I didn’t figure out the killer. I was completely surprised, which is unusual to me. I usually figure out the killer early on, but this time I didn’t. It was interesting about reading about a phobia that has you afraid of a red light, a straight up panic attack inducing fear. I have the usual, snakes, heights, and a more rare one of fish in water, I can’t go swimming in rivers, lakes, oceans, etc. But I can’t imagine a fear of a particular color. I totally get her fear, it’s the color that haunts her nightmares, the color of the blood that was everywhere the night her brother and mother were brutally murdered at the hands of the unknown killer. The person she escaped from out her second story window. The killer she, and everyone else in town spent 18 years thinking was her own father.
This is the second book in the Normal, Alabama series, but I didn’t know that until I went to write this review. I haven’t read the first book, but I know I’m going to be one clicking that one.
With Ms. Herbert’s flair for storytelling, a cast of interesting characters, and a plot that’s to die for, you can’t go wrong with Scorched Grounds. It’s a definite must read for fans of mysteries/thrillers.
**I was provided with an ARC of this story by Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
May 4, 2021
Better and More Intriguing than Book 1
There is nothing "normal" about Normal, Alabama, as Debbie Herbert creates another twisted psychological tale of murder and the horrific devastation on surviving victims.
How does a child recover from witnessing the brutal murders of her mother and younger brother by a masked intruder and then living through her father's conviction for the double homicide?
Della Stallings is the focus of this heartwrenching story, as told through Della's eyes and the eyes of other major characters, in a sequential but rotating format of accounts. The tense storytelling raises suspicions and conflicting questions about major characters caught up with the town drama and rumors brewing in the small-town community, while also dealing with Della's father's sudden and unexpected release from prison based upon a recanted witness statement critical to her father's conviction. Was he really framed, still guilty but now free, or hiding in his own guilt? Nothing seems right anymore.
Della struggles with the repercussions of her own past, while also now forced to deal with her own resentment and unforgiving feelings against her errant father amid his claims of being wrongly convicted. Who can Della trust, believe?
Adding depth to the complex plotline is Della's own challenges from the trauma and its long-term effects on her psyche and self-esteem, while suffering from persistent and debilitating symptoms of her childhood tragedy.
Suspenseful with several thrilling and chilling chapters, this intense read propels readers to succeeding chapters seeking answers to an ever-growing list of questions and possible suspects. Yikes!
I took three sessions, separated by other reads, to complete this book because I wanted time to explore the plot options and reflect upon Della's pressing dilemmas with seemingly no acceptable solutions. I was not disappointed with the well-written storyline or ending, and I hope the author continues this series for another installment or two, pressing the limits of Normal, Alabama to create engaging psychological tales.
Audible's narration supplement was helpful and dramatically entertaining, except in a few places where character voices were not always consistent. Generally helpful despite some annoying mischaracterizations.
There is nothing "normal" about Normal, Alabama, as Debbie Herbert creates another twisted psychological tale of murder and the horrific devastation on surviving victims.
How does a child recover from witnessing the brutal murders of her mother and younger brother by a masked intruder and then living through her father's conviction for the double homicide?
Della Stallings is the focus of this heartwrenching story, as told through Della's eyes and the eyes of other major characters, in a sequential but rotating format of accounts. The tense storytelling raises suspicions and conflicting questions about major characters caught up with the town drama and rumors brewing in the small-town community, while also dealing with Della's father's sudden and unexpected release from prison based upon a recanted witness statement critical to her father's conviction. Was he really framed, still guilty but now free, or hiding in his own guilt? Nothing seems right anymore.
Della struggles with the repercussions of her own past, while also now forced to deal with her own resentment and unforgiving feelings against her errant father amid his claims of being wrongly convicted. Who can Della trust, believe?
Adding depth to the complex plotline is Della's own challenges from the trauma and its long-term effects on her psyche and self-esteem, while suffering from persistent and debilitating symptoms of her childhood tragedy.
Suspenseful with several thrilling and chilling chapters, this intense read propels readers to succeeding chapters seeking answers to an ever-growing list of questions and possible suspects. Yikes!
I took three sessions, separated by other reads, to complete this book because I wanted time to explore the plot options and reflect upon Della's pressing dilemmas with seemingly no acceptable solutions. I was not disappointed with the well-written storyline or ending, and I hope the author continues this series for another installment or two, pressing the limits of Normal, Alabama to create engaging psychological tales.
Audible's narration supplement was helpful and dramatically entertaining, except in a few places where character voices were not always consistent. Generally helpful despite some annoying mischaracterizations.
August 23, 2020
Della Stallings narrowly avoided becoming a victim of the slaughter that claimed her mother and younger brother - however, she did witness the gruesome crime, and since then her life has been far from “normal,” despite growing up in Normal, Alabama. Her father was convicted and sent to death row. But thanks to a technicality, he’s now a free man, despite Della’s belief that police got the right man. Now, she’s got to face her demons if she’s going to finally get justice for her family and begin to live her life fully. Meanwhile, as if that wasn’t enough excitement for one small town, a savage killer stalks the streets of Normal after a long absence and unleashes a panic amongst its residents.
This is the second book of Herbert’s set in Normal, but it has no connection plot-wise to the first.
Della is a really fascinating character because she seems so secure and stable on the surface, but just slow, she’s still (rightly so!) struggling with the scars of her past. For example, she struggles with a rare phobia that affects almost every aspect of her life. She avoids almost all social interaction with people. It’s really interesting to see her journey throughout the book as she struggles to work through these issues and start to break through.
There’s also two mysteries to solve which are semi-intertwined: who killed Della’s family/was it really her dad, and who is killing young women now by torturing them with their deepest phobias? Della is wrapped up in both investigations and both are really interesting questions, which I was totally invested in trying to solve. I did not figure it out by the big reveal, by the way. There’s a couple of good red herrings that are thrown in there to keep things interesting and thy definitely distracted me in a way that kept me from getting the picture just right.
Overall, this was a really good mystery, with a great atmosphere - it takes place a lot n abandoned hospital hallways! - and some nice twists that will keep you guessing. I am looking forward to more in this series and more from this author!
This is the second book of Herbert’s set in Normal, but it has no connection plot-wise to the first.
Della is a really fascinating character because she seems so secure and stable on the surface, but just slow, she’s still (rightly so!) struggling with the scars of her past. For example, she struggles with a rare phobia that affects almost every aspect of her life. She avoids almost all social interaction with people. It’s really interesting to see her journey throughout the book as she struggles to work through these issues and start to break through.
There’s also two mysteries to solve which are semi-intertwined: who killed Della’s family/was it really her dad, and who is killing young women now by torturing them with their deepest phobias? Della is wrapped up in both investigations and both are really interesting questions, which I was totally invested in trying to solve. I did not figure it out by the big reveal, by the way. There’s a couple of good red herrings that are thrown in there to keep things interesting and thy definitely distracted me in a way that kept me from getting the picture just right.
Overall, this was a really good mystery, with a great atmosphere - it takes place a lot n abandoned hospital hallways! - and some nice twists that will keep you guessing. I am looking forward to more in this series and more from this author!
June 23, 2020
I'd read the first novel in this series and enjoyed the twists and turns. I had hopes for more of that with this book but was disappointed.
Della is 26 and one of the narrators. The novel stems mostly from her story of when she was eight and witnessed the murders of her mother and brother. She was able to escape from the killer but not before she developed a rare phobia of the color red. Her dad went to prison for the murders but he has been recently released. And then someone else is murdered.
Della could have been a great character. She studied martial arts so that she could never be a victim, but then her phobia causes her to lose any sense of action. She thinks her dad is guilty of killing her mom and brother but then isn't so sure. Every interaction with him is stilted and doesn't come across very well. She thinks her uncle is rigid and unfriendly until she has one conversation with him and realizes he's not such a bad guy. The detective helps her out during one of her phobic episodes and suddenly he's the only person she trusts. She supposed to be semi-reclusive, but when she learns of the other murder, her first instinct is to go to the crime scene. It just doesn't make sense. Other narrators are given voice: Dr. Pennington, The Corrector, Detective Whitt.
And the reveal of who the murderer was was not that surprising but then also not very well fore-shadowed or given any real substance in relation to Della. Could have been way better.
***SPOILER***
Why in the world would the author have made Ira and Knox's backstory so much like Vic and Hunter's? Both raised by terrible grandmothers and one brother from each pair saying they would have been better off in foster care? That parallel that ended not having to do anything with the outcome of the story made me think that she had forgotten that she had already given that backstory to Vic and Hunter when she wrote it for Ira and Knox.
Della is 26 and one of the narrators. The novel stems mostly from her story of when she was eight and witnessed the murders of her mother and brother. She was able to escape from the killer but not before she developed a rare phobia of the color red. Her dad went to prison for the murders but he has been recently released. And then someone else is murdered.
Della could have been a great character. She studied martial arts so that she could never be a victim, but then her phobia causes her to lose any sense of action. She thinks her dad is guilty of killing her mom and brother but then isn't so sure. Every interaction with him is stilted and doesn't come across very well. She thinks her uncle is rigid and unfriendly until she has one conversation with him and realizes he's not such a bad guy. The detective helps her out during one of her phobic episodes and suddenly he's the only person she trusts. She supposed to be semi-reclusive, but when she learns of the other murder, her first instinct is to go to the crime scene. It just doesn't make sense. Other narrators are given voice: Dr. Pennington, The Corrector, Detective Whitt.
And the reveal of who the murderer was was not that surprising but then also not very well fore-shadowed or given any real substance in relation to Della. Could have been way better.
***SPOILER***
Why in the world would the author have made Ira and Knox's backstory so much like Vic and Hunter's? Both raised by terrible grandmothers and one brother from each pair saying they would have been better off in foster care? That parallel that ended not having to do anything with the outcome of the story made me think that she had forgotten that she had already given that backstory to Vic and Hunter when she wrote it for Ira and Knox.
February 11, 2020
Description
From bestselling author Debbie Herbert comes a chilling, fast-paced story about family tragedy and confronting what terrifies us most. In the eighteen years since her father went to prison for killing her mother and brother, Della Stallings has battled a crippling phobia. Her fear only grows when her father’s released. She still believes he killed her family, but the police don’t have enough evidence to arrest him again. When new grisly murders occur—each bearing the telltale signs that seem to implicate her father—Della begins to wonder if the real murderer is still out there. Could her father have been framed? To find the truth, Della must face her greatest fears and doubts—not only to find justice for her family but to ensure her own survival.
My Review
The 2nd installment in the Normal, Alabama series - "Scorched Grounds" is a dark psychological thriller novel that grabs you from the start and does not let go until the very end. Debbie Herbert does a great job in setting up the story-line. From the onset you know trouble is brewing when shouts are heard. and then screams - and then silence.
Della's father is charged with the murder of her mother and brother. Eighteen years later his sentence is overturned and he returns to Normal, Alabama. But things get complicated when multiple women are found dead and her father is once again considered a suspect.
Is Della's father the killer or is there someone more menacing than you can imagine ready to silence anyone who gets in the way?
This ARC was provided in exchange for my honest opinion and I definitely give this a 5 Star!!
From bestselling author Debbie Herbert comes a chilling, fast-paced story about family tragedy and confronting what terrifies us most. In the eighteen years since her father went to prison for killing her mother and brother, Della Stallings has battled a crippling phobia. Her fear only grows when her father’s released. She still believes he killed her family, but the police don’t have enough evidence to arrest him again. When new grisly murders occur—each bearing the telltale signs that seem to implicate her father—Della begins to wonder if the real murderer is still out there. Could her father have been framed? To find the truth, Della must face her greatest fears and doubts—not only to find justice for her family but to ensure her own survival.
My Review
The 2nd installment in the Normal, Alabama series - "Scorched Grounds" is a dark psychological thriller novel that grabs you from the start and does not let go until the very end. Debbie Herbert does a great job in setting up the story-line. From the onset you know trouble is brewing when shouts are heard. and then screams - and then silence.
Della's father is charged with the murder of her mother and brother. Eighteen years later his sentence is overturned and he returns to Normal, Alabama. But things get complicated when multiple women are found dead and her father is once again considered a suspect.
Is Della's father the killer or is there someone more menacing than you can imagine ready to silence anyone who gets in the way?
This ARC was provided in exchange for my honest opinion and I definitely give this a 5 Star!!
January 4, 2020
Scorched Grounds by Debbie Herbert is the second in her Normal, AL series.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Note: this review contains spoilers!
I have to admit when I first started reading this book I didn’t like the main character, Della, very much. She just wasn’t very likable. But as I got to know her story, I learned that she made herself that way to protect herself. Anyone who as a child witnesses their mother and brother being stabbed to death is allowed to protect themselves.
The question is who killed them? Was it her father Hunter out for the insurance money? Someone else? But who? A dirty cop framed Hunter, but that doesn’t mean he was innocent.
As we delve into the story, there are more questions than answers. Who killed the other people and left bells, bells that belonged to Della’s mother, with their bodies? Will Della be able to overcome her fear of the color red in order to save her own life and others? Will the real killer be found? How many more are going to die?
This was one time when I regretted reading an e-book rather than a hardcopy. I was so shocked at one point I wanted to slam the book shut but you can’t do that with an e-book so I turned it off instead!
The characters were great, the story line fascinating, the action would grab you just as you thought things were slowing down. A truly great read!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Note: this review contains spoilers!
I have to admit when I first started reading this book I didn’t like the main character, Della, very much. She just wasn’t very likable. But as I got to know her story, I learned that she made herself that way to protect herself. Anyone who as a child witnesses their mother and brother being stabbed to death is allowed to protect themselves.
The question is who killed them? Was it her father Hunter out for the insurance money? Someone else? But who? A dirty cop framed Hunter, but that doesn’t mean he was innocent.
As we delve into the story, there are more questions than answers. Who killed the other people and left bells, bells that belonged to Della’s mother, with their bodies? Will Della be able to overcome her fear of the color red in order to save her own life and others? Will the real killer be found? How many more are going to die?
This was one time when I regretted reading an e-book rather than a hardcopy. I was so shocked at one point I wanted to slam the book shut but you can’t do that with an e-book so I turned it off instead!
The characters were great, the story line fascinating, the action would grab you just as you thought things were slowing down. A truly great read!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2020
This was first published on my blog " Lecture toute une Aventure"
This book was a certainly very intense read....it put me on edge and with the winds blowing outside it could have been perfect in a halloween night really gripping, dark , twisted....an excellent thriller. While this is part of a series set in the same city this is a real stand alone i didn't know there was another book but nothing felt like missing it's a complete independent story.
The author uses different point of views to tell us what is happening and they blend together perfectly to create a very dark and stressful ambiance to have the reader on edge, fearing for Della and unable to have the feeling he knows who the culprit is as many twists and the different point have view have you doubting yourself after every chapter.
It's really a great read but for me the ending wasn't satisfactory enough...i can't tell you a lot more if i don't want to spoil it but justice wasn't complete in my opinion but otherwise it's a great really great thriller.
This book was a certainly very intense read....it put me on edge and with the winds blowing outside it could have been perfect in a halloween night really gripping, dark , twisted....an excellent thriller. While this is part of a series set in the same city this is a real stand alone i didn't know there was another book but nothing felt like missing it's a complete independent story.
The author uses different point of views to tell us what is happening and they blend together perfectly to create a very dark and stressful ambiance to have the reader on edge, fearing for Della and unable to have the feeling he knows who the culprit is as many twists and the different point have view have you doubting yourself after every chapter.
It's really a great read but for me the ending wasn't satisfactory enough...i can't tell you a lot more if i don't want to spoil it but justice wasn't complete in my opinion but otherwise it's a great really great thriller.
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