A woman haunted by her past. A killer who won't let her forget.
Faith Day's condition curses her to recall her mother’s fiery murder like it was yesterday. And when the forensic photographer’s convicted stepbrother is somehow cleared 12 years later and released from prison, Faith wonders if he'll put an end to her tortured memories. But after a string of eerily familiar fires tear through her small town, Faith starts to question every detail of her traumatic past.
Luke Justice won't rest until he catches a notorious serial killer masking his murders in arson. Following a trail of deadly blazes to Faith's doorstep, the FBI agent senses she holds the key to the case. But if he can't convince her to open up, Luke fears he'll miss his best chance to put a psychopath behind bars.
As Faith fights the resurgence of dark emotions, an arsonist begins leaving personal totems in her home. Determined to stay alive, she taps into the only weapon she has against the vicious the echoes of her childhood nightmare.
Can Faith help Luke unmask the true killer before they both go up in flames?
Death is in the Details is a chilling standalone thriller novel. If you like small-town mysteries, psychological thrillers, and spine-tingling twists, then you'll love Heather Sunseri's latest page-turning tale.
Heather Sunseri was raised on a tiny farm in the smallest of towns in thoroughbred horse country near Lexington, Kentucky. After high school, she attended Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, and later graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in accounting. Always torn between a passion for fantasy and a mind for the rational, it only made sense to combine her career in accounting with a novel-writing dream.
Heather now lives in a different small town on the other side of Lexington with her two children, and her husband, Mike, the biggest Oregon Duck fan in the universe. When she’s not writing or working as a CPA, she spends her time tormenting her daughter’s cat, Olivia, and loving on her son’s Golden Retriever, Jenny. MINDSPEAK is her first published novel.
Ahhhhhhhhhh!!! I REALLY enjoyed this book but now that's it's done I am not sure how to process it all. Faith is a great example of a broken character. The thing with deeply flawed and scarred characters is they are unlikable at times. That's not a bad thing because it makes them real. I felt she grew on me and I understood her better as the story unfolded. Luke, on the other hand, is perfect. There's no other way to describe him. The thrilling suspense was definitely there. The story was well done and an emotional roller coaster. I figured a big part of it out earlier than I would have liked but there were enough twists to keep me reading and wanting more. The end caught me off guard. I'm still not sure what I think but I have a feeling I will be thinking about it for a while. It was a great read and I 100% recommend it. I have followed Heather Sunseri since Mindspeak and she never disappoints.
Death in the Details by Heather Sunseri is the first book in the Payne’s Creek stand alone series.
Faith Day is a forensic photographer, which appealed to me greatly because I love photography. Adds a little something extra to some of my favorite reading genre. She is no stranger to death by fire. Her mother died in a fire and she recalls every single detail with 100% clarity, due to hyperthymesia.
Faith lives in the small town of Payne’s Creek and after 12 years since her mother’s death, the fires in town, it is brought back in vivid detail. Faith has a forensic science degree and her uncle is the Fire Chief, Sam Reid. Her brother Finch is the town vet.
Fire Chief Sam Reid depends on her. She is the best help has has until he can hire a new detective. She sees things others miss.
Faith lives in an Airstream with her guardian cat, that acts more like a dog than a feline. Someone had been in her house, had lit a fire in her firepit. After ten years in prison for the murder of their parents, her step brother had been released due to a technicality. Could he have found her? And…what if it isn’t him?
I love the way Luke Justice describes her, “…when you walk through a room, people watch you. When you exit a room, people whisper. And when you exit a building, people sigh with relief.”
As bodies fall, fires, burn, she’s at the center of it. The pieces come together as she and Luke struggle to figure out what is really going on. Things are not as they appear on the surface and….
I loved the story…and the ending. WOW. It took me a while to figure it out, because there are more suspects than meet the eye. Is it her step brother? Is it him…or him…or…The bigger mystery, who is setting all the fires, is solved and a romance is blooming, but there is more to tell…and I hope to be there. I love when an author can hook me from the beginning and keep the pace at a high level, making it hard to put down.
Read this as part of a readathon to "unstuff" your kindle. Scrolled to the bottom of my library and grabbed this. I got it in a SYKD a while back so had no memory of what it was about.
And I was pleasantly surprised! Guessed whodunit early on but it was fun to see it all play out. And the little cliffhanger has me adding book 2 to my TBR.
DNF at 30%. After slogging through the first third of this “thriller,” I give up. I absolutely can’t stand any of the characters and find their behaviour completely implausible and just plain odd. The mystery component just didn’t engage me, and I am yet to see any hint of suspense. Though I hate giving up on books, this one made he feel both bored and a little repulsed.
This is the first book that I have read from Heather. I am hooked. I read what this one was about and wanted more. Getting into the book you know right from the start it is going to be intense and interesting. And that is exactly what this book is. Full of suspense, mystery, shocking twists and turns you never seen coming and a very mind blowing ending. Everything I want in a great book. Heather has gained a fan with this one. Faith is haunted every day by her past. But now more so than just her memory remembering her. She works with the police department taking pictures at crime scenes and lately there appear to be a lot of fires going on in her town. Special Agent Luke Justice comes into town to investigate these fires and opens up even more things for her when he reopens her mother's case. But what makes this even more interesting is the one person put away for her mother's death is let free and is proven to be innocent but is he so innocent? This book had me on the edge of my seat at every turn. It gripped me from the very first fire to the very last word on the very last page. I literally wanted to throw my kindle across the room at the end of this book. I was shocked to find out who the person was that was doing the fires. Heather wrote such an amazing book you have no idea who the person is. Great storyline amazing characters. I absolutely loved the chemistry between Luke and Faith. This is a 10 star book. It was freaking amazing and I highly recommend it. There better be more because I have to know what happens to Faith after reading that ending. I cannot be left hanging like that. Get to one clicking this one I guarantee you will not regret it.
I hate leaving just the one star but this is so farfetched that it's ridiculous. To think a woman wakes up in her home and there are lit candles surrounding her that SHE didn't light, and she looks outside to see a bloke has lit a fire outside in her garden and she just heads off to work, like it's a normal day, is just bonkers !! It started with great promise with a terrific first line and also has a lovely cover but sadly goes downhill after that. We're to believe she walks into a police station and the guys there are talking about her and just carry on, and she has nothing to say to them, then the FBI chap brought onto the case is called Special Agent Justice.......for real ?? I recall the actress Marilu Henner explaining the condition she has on TV before and it's fascinating and it's the one also featured here-hyperthymesia. It's really interesting and would've been a great background to the story if it was used better. I don't like when authors write as people talk....as with, "...you're the best I got to bounce theories off of" but when I packed it in at only 9% I hadn't happened upon any errors, which is good going.
I have read all of Heather Sunseri's books - and I have to say this one is my favorite. I immediately fell in love with Faith. I loved her grit, humor, and oh gosh just everything else! I thought the characters were very well thought out, and this book had me guessing up until the moment we found out what really happened. I had a guess about half way through, and I was wrong - I LOVED THAT, as looking back over the book, all the hints were there, and I love not guessing the murderer correctly in a book as it means the author did a good job. I loved Luke and Faith's relationship and thought it was well done. Really just an A+ of a book!
Excellent thriller! Faith is a crime scene photographer. But her unique memory creates a huge problem for her. As a child, her parents were killed and their house was burned down. Faith was herself badly burnt when she had tried to save her parents. Her step-brother Eli was suspected for the acts and he is even convicted of the same. However, fourteen years later proof emerges that Eli was not the culprit. The story goes on about how Faith finds the real killer. The twists and turns in the story were unpredictable and the suspense in the book was maintained very well. Thrilling read.
Heather truly outdid herself this time. It was the perfect blend of suspense, sexual tension, mystery, with amazing character dimension. The setting and world she draws is so layered it pulls you in very quickly.
The emotional dynamics are relatable and realistic, and I was nearly blindsided by the outcome. This was by far my favourite book by Heather.i am looking forward to another just like this.
This started out fairly good and then I was pretty disappointed to find out I had guessed who did it. Then...I was pleasantly surprised to find out there was more to the story that I hadn’t figured out. But...then...within the last two sentences...it went too far. It went from being ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to ⭐️⭐️⭐️ to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ back you ⭐️⭐️⭐️. Disappointed and honestly surprised by the overall rating of this one.
As always, Heather Sunseri gave my brain quite a workout. I was suspicious of every character. I examined every detail, every word written. The story was told perfectly. I loved everything about the book. I couldn’t get enough, couldn’t read fast enough. Definitely something worthwhile to read.
In "Death is in the Details," Sunseri crafts a gripping suspense thriller that keeps readers turning pages late into the night. The story follows Faith Day, a forensic photographer who cannot escape the memories of witnessing her mother's brutal murder years earlier. Faith's past collides with her present in frightening ways when the man convicted of the crime is inexplicably released from prison.
Soon, a series of arson fires break out in Faith's small town that eerily echoes her mother's killing. As the arsonist leaves personal totems in Faith's own home, it becomes apparent she is intrinsically tied to the new murders. FBI agent Luke Justice is hot on the trail of this serial killer who uses fire to cover up other crimes. Luke senses that Faith holds vital clues to the cracking of the case, given the parallels to her past trauma. However, Faith's harrowing memories have left deep emotional scars, making her reluctant to reopen the old wounds.
The book's strength lies in the complex characterization of Faith and Luke. Both are haunted by the elements of their past, which humanizes them and makes their growing partnership throughout the investigation entirely believable and compelling. The arson investigation is expertly plotted with many clever twists surprising the reader. Red herrings and potential suspects abound, so the final reveal of the murderer's identity lands with a satisfying shock.
For fans of suspense writers like Lisa Gardner and Laura Griffin, Sunseri delivers a page-turner full of psychological tension and just enough romance simmering under the surface between the two lead characters. Faith's childhood trauma makes her realistic and very sympathetic, even as her memories may be the only thing that can stop this diabolical criminal before more bodies pile up. I highly recommend this book!
farfetched and unbelievable, the ending really detracts from what is a pretty standard mystery/thriller novel. it’s nothing outstanding, but it was pleasant, had some tepid romance, was bingeable and seemingly considered until we reached the last 40 or so pages. and the last ten are just laughable in absurdity and the events happened wayy too fast.
Faith Day can remember every day of her life, this condition is called Hyperthymesia. Unfortunately having this condition can also bring those details back to you so you can never forget them and that is what Faith would love to do. When she was a teenager, her mother and stepfather were killed and the house set on fire. When Faith arrived and tried to go into the house to save them, she was burned badly. She recovered but will have the scars all of life. Her brother was not home that day, but her stepbrother Eli was.
The police are convinced that Eli is the one that did these murders and was sentenced to prison. But after only serving part of his sentenced, evidence was uncovered to prove his innocence and he is released..But now that he is out of prison, there is another family that have been killed and their house set on fire just like Faith's. Is it a coincidence that this started happening once Eli has been released?
Faith is a self-employed forensic photographer and she has the ability of help the local police department solve cases. Now when an FBI agent, Luke Justice comes to their town investigating the latest arson case, Faith has to face her worse memories..Was Eli really innocent? What really happened that night and why is someone stalking her and trying to kill her?
I hope there is a follow up to this book as it did the solve age old case and finally give them the killer, but it leaves you wondering what happens next to Faith!
An entertaining mystery thriller but in the end a bit forgettable. I had no emotional connection to the characters or the story itself. I was reading only to figure out the mystery and that part was good, well plotted with some surprising twists. But without an emotional connection, there is no staying power.
I have read other books by this author that I enjoyed far more and I will continue to read her work.
Faith's life has been nothing short of tragic. She has managed to keep herself together and secure a job as a contract crime scene photographer. Years after that terrible night and she still is subject of town gossip. It doesn't help that He is released from prison. Someone is seeking justice on behalf of victims. Someone is watching her. Is everything as it seems? Is the convicted really guilty? Is her memory right? Why is this all happening? This is not your typical suspense or thriller story. It is twisted and throws you for a few loops along the way. I love the characters and how easy it was to get caught up in it. There is a bit of romance but not a typical HEA either. Fantastic read.
This psychological thriller is a dark and gripping small-town mystery that will keep you turning the pages. The story follows Faith Day, who suffers from hyperthymesia—a condition that allows her to vividly recall details as if they happened just yesterday. She is haunted by a traumatic event: the murder of her mother and stepfather, in which she nearly perished in the same fire.
As new fires and murders begin to surface, her stepbrother, who was convicted of the original killings, is released from prison. Throughout the narrative, we witness Faith's resilience and her developing romance with FBI agent Luke Justice. Determined to survive, she relies on her unique ability to confront the vicious murderer using the only weapon at her disposal: the echoes of her childhood nightmares.
My brain is spinning. And that ending? It just not fair to leave us like that. This is psychological thriller at it’s finest. The story bent my mind in so many different directions, I feel like it was turned into an origami crane. Faith is a fascinating lead character. She has perfect recall, but she’s still human. Still prone to mistakes and misconceptions just like the rest of us. Still able to be manipulated by the people around her. I want to know more. About Faith, her family, Luke, even the strange community that makes up Paynes Creek. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
The detail is this is a twist tale. Faith Day has a rare trait that allows her to remember every detail of every day of her life. As a forensic photographer this serves her well but remembering that her step brother killed her mom and his dad and then torched the house almost cripples her with grief at times. Now that her step brother has been released there is a sudden rash of murders/arson happening and someone is stalking Faith. Maybe's Faith's memory of what happened all those years ago isn't as accurate as she thinks. Little by little the clues are not pointing to the obvious suspect – Faith has no idea that her life is about to be turned upside down.
Heather Sunseri has done it again! I love her writing style, the characters she creates and the adventures she takes us on. I love Faith & Luke. The sexual tension drips from the pages! Twists & turns; love, loyalty and betrayal that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Anxious to reach the end of the story and then hoping the next installment comes next week!!
Another spellbinding mystery from one of my favorite authors. The best part of all her stories is the blend of romance (and hot tension) and the mystery and suspense. I like that I can not guess the ending of the books before they happen (usually I can) and if I do see something coming it's just before it happens and I am OK with it happening. This book had a compelling story, characters I enjoyed and was fast paced enough that it kept me up late two nights in a row!
Death is in the Details is a page turner with twists you won't see coming.
I really enjoy it when I think one character is guilty and then the story completely goes another way!
Heather Sunseri is excellent in being able to keep the suspense going even to the last page. It's a very raw, emotional story, but it is one hell of a thriller.
I try to review every book of fiction that I read and received a copy of this book from the author. Excellent work, this.
thoroughly enjoyed this book. had me hooked. because Faith was depicted as a broken character, with deep flaws, it did make he unlikeable often. felt like the story line was a bit unbelievable. and when they started to introduce more information it was very easy to see where it was heading, felt like the twists could’ve been executed a bit better
Spellbinding! Heather has done it again!!! Looking for a new series? Look no further!! You have found it. Just when you think you know who done it; bam! you’re wrong!! I only put it down because I had to! At the end you will keep frantically turning pages looking for more!
Another great psychological thriller story from the mind of Heather Sunseri.
A family torn apart, details remembered, a threat in the air. For Faith Day, everything she believes and knows will be in question, including whom to trust.
I enjoyed following the breadcrumbs of clues to unmask the killer. This was a story that sucked me in til the end.