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Desert Plains #1
A Killer's Wife
From the bestselling author of The Neon Lawyer comes a gripping thriller about a prosecutor confronted with the darkest part of her past and the worst fears for her future…
Fourteen years ago, prosecutor Jessica Yardley’s husband went to prison for a series of brutal murders. She’s finally created a life with her daughter and is a well-respected attorney. She’s moving on. But when a new rash of homicides has her ex-husband, Eddie, written all over them—the nightmares of her past come back to life.
The FBI asks Jessica to get involved in the hunt for this copycat killer—which means visiting her ex and collaborating with the man who tore her life apart.
As the copycat’s motives become clearer, the new life Jessica created for herself gets darker. She must ask herself who she can trust and if she’s capable of stopping the killer—a man whose every crime is a bloody valentine from a twisted mastermind she’s afraid she may never escape.
Fourteen years ago, prosecutor Jessica Yardley’s husband went to prison for a series of brutal murders. She’s finally created a life with her daughter and is a well-respected attorney. She’s moving on. But when a new rash of homicides has her ex-husband, Eddie, written all over them—the nightmares of her past come back to life.
The FBI asks Jessica to get involved in the hunt for this copycat killer—which means visiting her ex and collaborating with the man who tore her life apart.
As the copycat’s motives become clearer, the new life Jessica created for herself gets darker. She must ask herself who she can trust and if she’s capable of stopping the killer—a man whose every crime is a bloody valentine from a twisted mastermind she’s afraid she may never escape.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2020
17076 people are currently reading
23252 people want to read
About the author
Victor Methos
75 books2,088 followersVictor Methos is the Edgar Award nominated bestselling author of over forty novels. He has been a criminal and civil rights lawyer in the Mountain West, conducting over 100 trials, and produces two books a year with his dog Fraiser by his side.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 2,938 reviews
March 2, 2024
So…you married a serial killer!?💁🏻♀️
Jessica Yardley’s ex-husband is a convicted serial killer. Fortunately, (for the public) he sits on death row. But now the FBI is dealing with another rash of similar murders. They hope Jessica’s ex-husband may have some helpful insight that could help put this newest killer behind bars.
As a state prosecutor and ex-wife of a killer, Jessica is brought on-board to assist in the investigation. Not so easily done. It means facing her ex once again. (So much for putting the past behind you.)
I love a good legal thriller and this one fit the bill perfectly. With plenty of behind the scenes investigation and court room drama!
This was my first read by this author and looking forward to more. In fact, this is just book one of what looks like a very successful series so I’m off to Amazon to purchase the next two.
Jessica Yardley’s ex-husband is a convicted serial killer. Fortunately, (for the public) he sits on death row. But now the FBI is dealing with another rash of similar murders. They hope Jessica’s ex-husband may have some helpful insight that could help put this newest killer behind bars.
As a state prosecutor and ex-wife of a killer, Jessica is brought on-board to assist in the investigation. Not so easily done. It means facing her ex once again. (So much for putting the past behind you.)
I love a good legal thriller and this one fit the bill perfectly. With plenty of behind the scenes investigation and court room drama!
This was my first read by this author and looking forward to more. In fact, this is just book one of what looks like a very successful series so I’m off to Amazon to purchase the next two.
January 1, 2021
Amazing discovery! The author achieved to keep me on the edge of my seat all along.
The first half of the book is about the investigation on two double murders. We also learn to know Jessica Yardley, the ex-wife of a serial-killer, now a really good attorney. I liked this character, except for all her predictable changes of mind.
In the middle of my reading, I started to wonder what the second half of the book could possibly be, and then the story became even more enthralling, turning into a true legal thriller. That second part blew me away and I read it in one sitting, even if there were some elements difficult to believe (how can an allegedly great attorney be so bad?).
I can't wait to read the next book of this new series and see what is going to happen with Jessica's family and friends!
4.5
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the free copy in exchange of an honest review.
The first half of the book is about the investigation on two double murders. We also learn to know Jessica Yardley, the ex-wife of a serial-killer, now a really good attorney. I liked this character, except for all her predictable changes of mind.
In the middle of my reading, I started to wonder what the second half of the book could possibly be, and then the story became even more enthralling, turning into a true legal thriller. That second part blew me away and I read it in one sitting, even if there were some elements difficult to believe (how can an allegedly great attorney be so bad?).
I can't wait to read the next book of this new series and see what is going to happen with Jessica's family and friends!
4.5
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the free copy in exchange of an honest review.
February 14, 2021
A Killer’s Wife
by Victor Methos brings murder, suspense, police investigations, and courtroom drama to a well-written legal thriller mainly set in and around Las Vegas, Nevada. This is the first book in the Desert Plains series and my first book by this author.
Our protagonist, Jessica Yardley, is a federal prosecutor, whose husband went to prison fourteen years ago for multiple murders. When some new homicides appear to be similar to those of her ex-husband, Eddie Cal, the FBI asks for Jessica’s help. What follows is an exciting combination of investigations, family crises, and courtroom battles.
While Jessica is definitely strong in her professional career, her personal life is another matter. This gives some balance and a flaw or two, but somewhat stereotyped. I liked her courage and resilience, and was definitely rooting for a satisfactory ending for the story line. But does it happen?
The secondary characters are not as well-developed. However, for most of them, a reader gains enough understanding of them so that one is able to understand how they will react under the pressures of situations they encounter.
There is some changing of points of view between three individuals. The strongest one was that of Jessica and, in my opinion, the others could have been eliminated to make the story more cohesive. Despite some situations that did not seem realistic in today’s criminal justice system, I became quickly engaged with the novel.
The book was well-written and was paced well and had an appropriate mix of dialogue and narrative. The plot had several twists and turns with a few surprises along the way even after readers find out a lot of the ‘who did what’ part of the way through the book. What an ending! Will you see it coming? Other themes include academic boredom, the line between pushing for a justified conviction and convicting an innocent person, inherited traits, nature versus nurture, relationships, alcoholism, drug abuse, heartbreak, betrayal, and much more.
If you enjoy legal thrillers, then I recommend this series. While there are some things, that seemed over-the-top and somewhat implausible, overall, it is an intense book that pulls the reader into its disturbing storyline. It is certainly thought-provoking. While this does not have a cliffhanger ending, there are threads that can be pulled into the next book in the series. Which one or ones will it be? I can’t wait to find out in the next novel.
I purchased a digital copy of this novel. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Our protagonist, Jessica Yardley, is a federal prosecutor, whose husband went to prison fourteen years ago for multiple murders. When some new homicides appear to be similar to those of her ex-husband, Eddie Cal, the FBI asks for Jessica’s help. What follows is an exciting combination of investigations, family crises, and courtroom battles.
While Jessica is definitely strong in her professional career, her personal life is another matter. This gives some balance and a flaw or two, but somewhat stereotyped. I liked her courage and resilience, and was definitely rooting for a satisfactory ending for the story line. But does it happen?
The secondary characters are not as well-developed. However, for most of them, a reader gains enough understanding of them so that one is able to understand how they will react under the pressures of situations they encounter.
There is some changing of points of view between three individuals. The strongest one was that of Jessica and, in my opinion, the others could have been eliminated to make the story more cohesive. Despite some situations that did not seem realistic in today’s criminal justice system, I became quickly engaged with the novel.
The book was well-written and was paced well and had an appropriate mix of dialogue and narrative. The plot had several twists and turns with a few surprises along the way even after readers find out a lot of the ‘who did what’ part of the way through the book. What an ending! Will you see it coming? Other themes include academic boredom, the line between pushing for a justified conviction and convicting an innocent person, inherited traits, nature versus nurture, relationships, alcoholism, drug abuse, heartbreak, betrayal, and much more.
If you enjoy legal thrillers, then I recommend this series. While there are some things, that seemed over-the-top and somewhat implausible, overall, it is an intense book that pulls the reader into its disturbing storyline. It is certainly thought-provoking. While this does not have a cliffhanger ending, there are threads that can be pulled into the next book in the series. Which one or ones will it be? I can’t wait to find out in the next novel.
I purchased a digital copy of this novel. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
August 9, 2025
This was amazing! Convincing thriller that was a perfect blend of legal elements and police investigation, made even more enticing by the lawyer being the ex-wife of a serial killer. And there was even a pretty unexpected twist in there, that made sense and made me like the characters even more.
February 9, 2023
Let's chat this one up.....
How much deadly creep can be packed into the veins of a human being? To infinity and beyond in the scheme of things.
A Killer's Wife takes us into the aftermath of finding out that your beloved husband is a sicko serial killer of the most demented kind. Eddie Cal, handsome and a talented artist, fooled them all. His parents, his friends, and most of all, his wife Jessica. He's still sitting on Death Row after fourteen years.
But there appears to be a new kid in town. Perhaps a copy cat killer following in the esteemed footsteps of Eddie's old crimes. There are far too many similarities here. So the FBI calls upon Jessica Yardley, former wife of Eddie, to help them sort through all of this. Jessica has left her Eddie days behind her in a cloud of dust after becoming a highly successful prosecuting attorney in Las Vegas. She's also raising their fifteen year old daughter, Tara, on her own. And, mind you, she knows Eddie better than any other soul on Earth.
After visiting the crime scenes and viewing the evidence, Jessica visits Eddie in jail. Our gal has a steel spine. Eddie eludes to knowing something about the way this killer thinks. He cautiously holds back on the info bartering with Jessica that he won't tell her any more until she brings their daughter to visit him. Jessica snaps shut on that conversation. But she's failing the investigation without getting more info. There's got to be another way.
Murder doesn't have a pause button. Another brutal crime is committed. Jessica is frustrated that she's unable to give the FBI the info that it needs. And even in the course of Victor Methos' descriptions of the brilliant Jessica packin' a load of legal intellect, he still places her in situations where she makes the weakest of decisions and carries out the most impulsive actions. She can't get a handle on controlling her mouthy fifteen year old daughter either. But hang on, readers.
Victor Methos has a gift when it comes to the courtoom. If you enjoy the intensity of legal eagles plotting their approach within the Halls of Justice, you'll love this one. Yup, there's a bit of bending here and there to roll out this storyline, but the sonic boom at the end is all worth it. A Killer's Wife is a great beginning to the Desert Plains Series. We'll trade off some of the contrived scenes for the allowance of superb plotting at the end. Methos, ya know just how to keep the fire burning.
How much deadly creep can be packed into the veins of a human being? To infinity and beyond in the scheme of things.
A Killer's Wife takes us into the aftermath of finding out that your beloved husband is a sicko serial killer of the most demented kind. Eddie Cal, handsome and a talented artist, fooled them all. His parents, his friends, and most of all, his wife Jessica. He's still sitting on Death Row after fourteen years.
But there appears to be a new kid in town. Perhaps a copy cat killer following in the esteemed footsteps of Eddie's old crimes. There are far too many similarities here. So the FBI calls upon Jessica Yardley, former wife of Eddie, to help them sort through all of this. Jessica has left her Eddie days behind her in a cloud of dust after becoming a highly successful prosecuting attorney in Las Vegas. She's also raising their fifteen year old daughter, Tara, on her own. And, mind you, she knows Eddie better than any other soul on Earth.
After visiting the crime scenes and viewing the evidence, Jessica visits Eddie in jail. Our gal has a steel spine. Eddie eludes to knowing something about the way this killer thinks. He cautiously holds back on the info bartering with Jessica that he won't tell her any more until she brings their daughter to visit him. Jessica snaps shut on that conversation. But she's failing the investigation without getting more info. There's got to be another way.
Murder doesn't have a pause button. Another brutal crime is committed. Jessica is frustrated that she's unable to give the FBI the info that it needs. And even in the course of Victor Methos' descriptions of the brilliant Jessica packin' a load of legal intellect, he still places her in situations where she makes the weakest of decisions and carries out the most impulsive actions. She can't get a handle on controlling her mouthy fifteen year old daughter either. But hang on, readers.
Victor Methos has a gift when it comes to the courtoom. If you enjoy the intensity of legal eagles plotting their approach within the Halls of Justice, you'll love this one. Yup, there's a bit of bending here and there to roll out this storyline, but the sonic boom at the end is all worth it. A Killer's Wife is a great beginning to the Desert Plains Series. We'll trade off some of the contrived scenes for the allowance of superb plotting at the end. Methos, ya know just how to keep the fire burning.
July 28, 2021
– 3.5 stars
The story started out interesting with the heroine asking her ex-husband in prison for help in solving the case of a new serial killer, who is the copy cat of said ex-husband, and felt flat to me after the halfway mark, when the killer's identity was revealed. After that the story mostly took place in court between the heroine and the killer. Initially, I wanted to round down the 3.5 stars, bc I guessed the killer and thought I had it all figured out. But then I read the last few chapters and I'm ... impressed. Well played.
Also the fact that my brain only seems to be able to ship a couple if it's impossible for them to be together. Why do I ship the heroine with her serial killer ex-husband again?
🥵🥵🥵🥵 why are serial killers so damn charismatic?!
Do I sense a betrayal -(one sided)enemies-to-lovers -second chance here? 👀
The story started out interesting with the heroine asking her ex-husband in prison for help in solving the case of a new serial killer, who is the copy cat of said ex-husband, and felt flat to me after the halfway mark, when the killer's identity was revealed. After that the story mostly took place in court between the heroine and the killer. Initially, I wanted to round down the 3.5 stars, bc I guessed the killer and thought I had it all figured out. But then I read the last few chapters and I'm ... impressed. Well played.
There were sign. All of them after. Hinsight is like that. It tricks your brain into thinking life is predictable. It's not.
Also the fact that my brain only seems to be able to ship a couple if it's impossible for them to be together. Why do I ship the heroine with her serial killer ex-husband again?
"I felt love for you. I felt empathy. I would've given you my life in a second if you asked for it. You can't reduce me to one term and say that's what I am. I'm not psychotic and I'm not dissociative. I did what I did because"–he blinked slowly–"I liked it," he hissed.
🥵🥵🥵🥵 why are serial killers so damn charismatic?!
"You seem< cold," Cal said. "Agent Baldwin, would you please give my wife your jacket?"
"I'm not your wife. Let's just get this over with."
Do I sense a betrayal -(one sided)enemies-to-lovers -second chance here? 👀
March 10, 2020
Victor Methos is back with another captivating thriller that mixes crime and the law, with a dash of serial murder. Jessica Yardley is a US Attorney in Nevada with an interesting past. Once married to a sadistic serial killer, Yardley is trying to distance herself from that past—one about which she had no idea—and raise a teenage daughter on her own. When she is approached by the FBI about a set of murders, she is stunned to see they replicate those of her ex, Eddie Cal. After agreeing to serve as a prosecutor overseeing the investigation, Yardley cannot get it out of her head that someone is trying to lure her back into a state of vulnerability with these gruesome crimes. If that were not all, Yardley’s daughter is brilliant but making all the wrong choices and finds herself mixed-up with the wrong crowd. Juggling both a personal and professional life, Yardley finds the momentum she needs and isolates something that connects the crimes, only to realise she knows the killer. When the accused is brought to court, Jessica Yardley can only watch, told that she is too close to participate in the courtroom. However, this accused is wily and a legal powerhouse, shredding the US Attorney prosecuting at every turn. With a killer set to be freed and double jeopardy sure to take effect, Jessica Yardley will have to do all she can to prevent disaster yet again, no matter whose help she seeks. Methos does it again with a thriller that pulled me in and kept the story strong. Recommended to those who love quick paced legal thrillers, as well as the reader familiar with Victor Methos and his work.
I discovered Victor Methos and his wonderful collection of novels last summer and have not been able to get enough. He mixes the thrill of a legal story with the sharpness of a great set of crimes, finding that healthy balance that keeps the reader wanting to know more. Jessica Yardley takes the protagonist’s seat and does so in fine form. Her wittiness is balanced with a work ethic like no other. She is in it for the long haul, not the praise or adoration. That she has had much placed at her feet in years past is another thing that keeps her going, though she is careful to conceal that as much as possible. Sharp in the courtroom, Jessica hates those who do not take the law seriously or seek to protect the weak and vulnerable, but she is also aware that she cannot save the world. Other gritty characters find themselves in the web of this book, developing their own backstories and complement Jessica’s effectively. I am eager to see how things progress, as this is supposedly the debut of a new series. The story was quite strong and took some wonderful turns that kept me guessing, as the court case seems almost to come apart on numerous occasions. Methos tells the story so effortlessly and left me wanting to know more, while pacing things out so that I am not too sure what to expect next. This is a great legal thriller and those who dislike serial murders may actually be able to put them aside for the great narrative and short chapters that push things along so effectively. I am eager to see what else this series brings, though I realise that I will have to be patient.
Kudos, Mr. Methos, for another great thriller. I am surely keeping an eye out to see what else you have in mind for your fans!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I discovered Victor Methos and his wonderful collection of novels last summer and have not been able to get enough. He mixes the thrill of a legal story with the sharpness of a great set of crimes, finding that healthy balance that keeps the reader wanting to know more. Jessica Yardley takes the protagonist’s seat and does so in fine form. Her wittiness is balanced with a work ethic like no other. She is in it for the long haul, not the praise or adoration. That she has had much placed at her feet in years past is another thing that keeps her going, though she is careful to conceal that as much as possible. Sharp in the courtroom, Jessica hates those who do not take the law seriously or seek to protect the weak and vulnerable, but she is also aware that she cannot save the world. Other gritty characters find themselves in the web of this book, developing their own backstories and complement Jessica’s effectively. I am eager to see how things progress, as this is supposedly the debut of a new series. The story was quite strong and took some wonderful turns that kept me guessing, as the court case seems almost to come apart on numerous occasions. Methos tells the story so effortlessly and left me wanting to know more, while pacing things out so that I am not too sure what to expect next. This is a great legal thriller and those who dislike serial murders may actually be able to put them aside for the great narrative and short chapters that push things along so effectively. I am eager to see what else this series brings, though I realise that I will have to be patient.
Kudos, Mr. Methos, for another great thriller. I am surely keeping an eye out to see what else you have in mind for your fans!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
March 7, 2020
Yes! I needed this!! This book was so good!! I’ve never heard of this author before either so what a surprise! First the characters.. Jess is maybe my favorite female main character EVER, and her daughter is absolutely extraordinary. I loved her! Then there’s her ex husband, the eerily charming serial killer. But that’s really just the beginning..! Going by the description the book could’ve been over about half way through, & I wondered where we could possibly be going.. But honestly imo it only got better! I couldn’t put it down! It’s impossible to say much about the second half without getting into spoilers for the first half, but going in blind was half the fun. I definitely recommend this to my thriller loving friends.. So good!
March 8, 2020
Jessica Yardley was once married to a man who later turned out to be a serial killer. She even had a daughter by him. Now a copycat is reprising his crimes. And Jessica, now a federal prosecutor, is being pulled into the investigation and subsequent trial. Having practiced law for a number of years, I am no great fan of legal thrillers. But this one is a real page-turner. I started it in the morning, and didn't put it down until I finished some hours later. And every time I thought I had it all figured out, a new twist made me think again. I like that in a book. Highly recommended, but not for the squemish.
August 2, 2023
4 ⚖️🤩🤩⚖️🌟🌟🌟🌟s❗️
This was exactly what I was looking for!!!!!
I was so engrossed in the story that I surpassed the few existing flaws.
It had twists, psychological and courtroom drama. Very well written, god paced, intense with a great ending!!
This was exactly what I was looking for!!!!!
I was so engrossed in the story that I surpassed the few existing flaws.
It had twists, psychological and courtroom drama. Very well written, god paced, intense with a great ending!!
February 14, 2020
Do you hear me groaning?
A Killer's Wife starts strong. I was intrigued by the concept of a prosecutor having been married to a serial killer and raising a daughter they had together.
But..
This is yet another book in which the female main character is smart and independent in her work life, but is a puddle of emotional goo and bad choices in her personal life. I mean, really bad choices.
The strained relationship Jessica has with her daughter, which should have been a major point of the story, is odd and never fully examined.
I saw the major twist coming. Kept telling myself, no, that can't be where this is going. And then it did go there. The note I left on my Kindle at this point was, "Seriously?"
Jessica's fellow prosecutor is a total idiot. He's supposed to be, I guess, because it's an open secret within the office. But he's a high-level prosecutor, who somehow manages to keep his job and maintain a great record. I get making a character annoying or whatever, but this guy is barely competent. My note for his character was, "Why is he so stupid?"
The book is being marketed as a thriller. The first half reaches toward that label, while the second half is mostly courtroom drama.
Clearly, I hold no love for this one, though I'm currently in the minority. The story certainly holds appeal if you don't mind implausible plots and stereotypical females.
A Killer's Wife starts strong. I was intrigued by the concept of a prosecutor having been married to a serial killer and raising a daughter they had together.
But..
This is yet another book in which the female main character is smart and independent in her work life, but is a puddle of emotional goo and bad choices in her personal life. I mean, really bad choices.
The strained relationship Jessica has with her daughter, which should have been a major point of the story, is odd and never fully examined.
I saw the major twist coming. Kept telling myself, no, that can't be where this is going. And then it did go there. The note I left on my Kindle at this point was, "Seriously?"
Jessica's fellow prosecutor is a total idiot. He's supposed to be, I guess, because it's an open secret within the office. But he's a high-level prosecutor, who somehow manages to keep his job and maintain a great record. I get making a character annoying or whatever, but this guy is barely competent. My note for his character was, "Why is he so stupid?"
The book is being marketed as a thriller. The first half reaches toward that label, while the second half is mostly courtroom drama.
Clearly, I hold no love for this one, though I'm currently in the minority. The story certainly holds appeal if you don't mind implausible plots and stereotypical females.
June 18, 2023
3.5 rounded up
I thought the first half was rather pedantic in style and this made the pace very ploddy. However, I really enjoyed the second half when much of the action shifted to the courtroom and I liked the ending. I’ll definitely keep going with the series.
A Kindle Unlimited read.
I thought the first half was rather pedantic in style and this made the pace very ploddy. However, I really enjoyed the second half when much of the action shifted to the courtroom and I liked the ending. I’ll definitely keep going with the series.
A Kindle Unlimited read.
March 19, 2020
Didn't know this was going to be series. Can't wait for book number two to come out!!!!
September 8, 2023
5 Stars
January 26, 2024
This is one of those stories where the wife’s ex-husband was a serial killer. There’s plenty of books out there with this trope, right? Well, the one that I found that pulled it off the best was Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine. Loved that one. However, this was still enjoyable.
Jessica Yardley is a successful prosecutor. One who just happens to have an ex-husband as an infamous serial killer. Eddie Cal is currently on death row and is about to be executed.
Jessica is approached by the FBI and needs assistance with a series of new murders that appear to be a copy cat. Someone is killing just like Eddie. Only one person knows these inside and out, Jessica. She has been asked to give Eddie a visit, and see if he knows who’s been committing the crimes.
In order to enjoy this, you’re going to have to be comfortable with a far fetched story. Period. That was okay for me. I mean, this is fiction anyway.
I really enjoyed the second half, when things take place in the courtroom. Legal thrillers fascinate me! If you enjoy a good courtroom thriller, I suggest checking this out.
This had been sitting in my Kindle app for quite a while and decided to give it a go.
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4
Jessica Yardley is a successful prosecutor. One who just happens to have an ex-husband as an infamous serial killer. Eddie Cal is currently on death row and is about to be executed.
Jessica is approached by the FBI and needs assistance with a series of new murders that appear to be a copy cat. Someone is killing just like Eddie. Only one person knows these inside and out, Jessica. She has been asked to give Eddie a visit, and see if he knows who’s been committing the crimes.
In order to enjoy this, you’re going to have to be comfortable with a far fetched story. Period. That was okay for me. I mean, this is fiction anyway.
I really enjoyed the second half, when things take place in the courtroom. Legal thrillers fascinate me! If you enjoy a good courtroom thriller, I suggest checking this out.
This had been sitting in my Kindle app for quite a while and decided to give it a go.
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4
February 18, 2021
Jessica Yardley is a US attorney in Las Vegas and the mother of 15-year old daughter, Tara. FBI Agent Cason Baldwin approaches her for help with two brutal murder cases. Once she sees pictures of the murder scenes, she understands why he’s singled her out. They look identical to others she’s seen before that were committed by the serial killer called the Dark Casanova...and who is her ex-husband Eddie Cal.
I admit that the premise of this story lured me in immediately, hoping it would payoff and it did. Yardley is a smart and talented prosecutor who is also dealing with a difficult teenager at home while juggling a demanding career. Having to revisit her ex’s crimes and meet with him in prison for the first time since he was captured almost sixteen years ago resurrects some painful memories. It isn’t clear if Eddie knows anything about the copycat killer but he’s definitely leveraging the situation for his own agenda.
This turned out to be a more twisted story than even I’d imagined. It also features a fascinating courtroom drama, which was an added treat for me as I love them when they’re done well and it is here. Even though my suspicions about the identity of the copycat killer arose early and were on point, I wasn’t able to predict all of the twists and turns that followed, especially that ending. I’m so glad I’ve already gotten the next book in the series because I most definitely want more. Methos is a new-to-me author and his experience as a former prosecutor shines through, moving the story at a breath neck pace with lots of tension and excitement. I’ll be checking out his earlier books. I also recommend the audio version as the narrator, Brittany Pressley, was great as Jessica Yardley and handled all the rest of the characters, mostly male, extremely well. Her delivery of the story matched the pace, handling transitions and dramatic moments adeptly. She made this a great listening experience.
Posted on Blue Mood Cafe
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
I admit that the premise of this story lured me in immediately, hoping it would payoff and it did. Yardley is a smart and talented prosecutor who is also dealing with a difficult teenager at home while juggling a demanding career. Having to revisit her ex’s crimes and meet with him in prison for the first time since he was captured almost sixteen years ago resurrects some painful memories. It isn’t clear if Eddie knows anything about the copycat killer but he’s definitely leveraging the situation for his own agenda.
This turned out to be a more twisted story than even I’d imagined. It also features a fascinating courtroom drama, which was an added treat for me as I love them when they’re done well and it is here. Even though my suspicions about the identity of the copycat killer arose early and were on point, I wasn’t able to predict all of the twists and turns that followed, especially that ending. I’m so glad I’ve already gotten the next book in the series because I most definitely want more. Methos is a new-to-me author and his experience as a former prosecutor shines through, moving the story at a breath neck pace with lots of tension and excitement. I’ll be checking out his earlier books. I also recommend the audio version as the narrator, Brittany Pressley, was great as Jessica Yardley and handled all the rest of the characters, mostly male, extremely well. Her delivery of the story matched the pace, handling transitions and dramatic moments adeptly. She made this a great listening experience.
Posted on Blue Mood Cafe
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
March 27, 2020
Addictive, suspenseful, and twisty!
In this absorbing first installment in the Desert Plains series, A Killer’s Wife, Methos has written a sharp, sinister thrill ride featuring the resilient and tough prosecutor, Jessica and the dependable FBI Agent, Baldwin as they join forces to hunt a cold, calculating serial killer with a penchant for reenacting the most heinous of crimes.
The writing is taut and intense. The characters are meticulous, persistent, and tormented. And the plot is an engrossing, eerie whodunit full of twists, turns, lies, deception, familial drama, obsession, depravity, violence, and murder.
Overall, A Killer’s Wife is a fast-paced, tortuous, disturbing tale that does an exceptional job of reminding us that evil often lives comfortably amongst us merely concealed behind masks of normality.
Thank you to Amazon Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
In this absorbing first installment in the Desert Plains series, A Killer’s Wife, Methos has written a sharp, sinister thrill ride featuring the resilient and tough prosecutor, Jessica and the dependable FBI Agent, Baldwin as they join forces to hunt a cold, calculating serial killer with a penchant for reenacting the most heinous of crimes.
The writing is taut and intense. The characters are meticulous, persistent, and tormented. And the plot is an engrossing, eerie whodunit full of twists, turns, lies, deception, familial drama, obsession, depravity, violence, and murder.
Overall, A Killer’s Wife is a fast-paced, tortuous, disturbing tale that does an exceptional job of reminding us that evil often lives comfortably amongst us merely concealed behind masks of normality.
Thank you to Amazon Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2024
برای بار دوم: جذابتر از قبل
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عالی، بینظیر، بدون نقص و مبهوت کننده✌
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عالی، بینظیر، بدون نقص و مبهوت کننده✌
February 20, 2020
Let me get what I didn't like so much about this book - which I read as part of Amazon's First Reads program - out of the way up front. Although prosecuting attorney Jessica Yardley is a woman made stronger in large part by her less-then-perfect life choices, those choices don't quite line up with her strengths (put another way, it's hard to believe she's really that clueless when it comes to love). Also straining credulity is another prosecutor in her office - one who becomes charged with a case central to the plot - who inexplicably turns in a blithering idiot performance when it counts most. Finally, although I fervently hoped I would be wrong in my early assessment of another main character, my hunch was spot-on. And rather than make me happy that I was right, what I felt more than anything was disappointment (and, Lord help me, some sympathy for that prosecuting attorney for whom I had little sympathy to begin with).
All that out of the way, I quite happily stuck with this book from beginning to end - actually wishing I weren't so busy with other things that I was unable to read it in a marathon session. And as I do love any story that includes courtroom action and psychological drama, it was a treat to find plenty of both here to keep me turning the pages. As the story begins, Jessica is worried about her precious teenage daughter, Tara, who seems to be so bored with school that she's in danger of losing her way. Tara's father and Jessica's ex-husband, Eddie, is on death row, convicted of being a serial killer (unknown to Jessica when they were married, of course). While she's told Tara about her dad, she's never let the girl visit him in prison (nor has Jessica done so).
Since Eddie's conviction, Jessica met Wesley, a law professor at the University of Nevada who recently moved in with her and Tara. When murders similar to those committed by Eddie suddenly turn up, a copycat killer is suspected; Cason Baldwin, a detective and Jessica's one-time love interest, asks her to go visit Eddie to get his insights as to who the killer might be (and who might be the next victims).
Of course, she balks at going to see her manipulating ex; also of course, she relents. Not surprisingly, Eddie wants to get off death row; but he plays it coy and demands to see Tara before he'll cooperate. Of course, Jessica balks at allowing that to happen; also of course...
Somewhere around the middle of the book, readers learn (for the most part) who did what; after that, it's mostly a matter of revealing the when, how and why - some of which happens at the trial of one of the characters - a trial from which Jessica at first is prohibited from prosecuting because of an obvious conflict of interest. Revealing anything more would spoil the book for others, so all I'll say is it ends with that (to me) unhoped-for twist. All told, this is an intriguing start to a new series (Desert Plains No. 1), and for sure I'll be watching for the next installment.
All that out of the way, I quite happily stuck with this book from beginning to end - actually wishing I weren't so busy with other things that I was unable to read it in a marathon session. And as I do love any story that includes courtroom action and psychological drama, it was a treat to find plenty of both here to keep me turning the pages. As the story begins, Jessica is worried about her precious teenage daughter, Tara, who seems to be so bored with school that she's in danger of losing her way. Tara's father and Jessica's ex-husband, Eddie, is on death row, convicted of being a serial killer (unknown to Jessica when they were married, of course). While she's told Tara about her dad, she's never let the girl visit him in prison (nor has Jessica done so).
Since Eddie's conviction, Jessica met Wesley, a law professor at the University of Nevada who recently moved in with her and Tara. When murders similar to those committed by Eddie suddenly turn up, a copycat killer is suspected; Cason Baldwin, a detective and Jessica's one-time love interest, asks her to go visit Eddie to get his insights as to who the killer might be (and who might be the next victims).
Of course, she balks at going to see her manipulating ex; also of course, she relents. Not surprisingly, Eddie wants to get off death row; but he plays it coy and demands to see Tara before he'll cooperate. Of course, Jessica balks at allowing that to happen; also of course...
Somewhere around the middle of the book, readers learn (for the most part) who did what; after that, it's mostly a matter of revealing the when, how and why - some of which happens at the trial of one of the characters - a trial from which Jessica at first is prohibited from prosecuting because of an obvious conflict of interest. Revealing anything more would spoil the book for others, so all I'll say is it ends with that (to me) unhoped-for twist. All told, this is an intriguing start to a new series (Desert Plains No. 1), and for sure I'll be watching for the next installment.
December 9, 2020
First Sentence: Jordan Russo swung the passenger door open and leapt from the moving car.
Some time ago, I gave up writing negative reviews of books as it was just too frustrating. But now and then, there is a book that really needs to be addressed.
I have read two of Victor Methos' standalone legal mysteries and loved them. In fact, I started to bore people by talking about and recommending them. Therefore, writing this is painful in the extreme.
My first issue was the constant referral of the protagonist by her surname. I recognize there are some professions where that is common, regardless of gender. However, a friend and I, who share the same first name, are the only ones I've known to do this is real life. Even Donna Leon makes the distinction of referring to her character as "Brunetti" when he is at work, and "Guido" when he's at home.
Second, the troubled, incredibly bright teenaged daughter. What kind of mother would hold her child back from being able to realize her full potential? Red flags immediately were raised as to the purpose of this.
Third, when the police, who were comically incompetent, and who had already withheld information from her, came and asked for her help with her serial-killer ex-husband, any sane, reasonable person who had been through such an experience, would have told them to do their own damn jobs and get out. Instead--I know it was the basis for the plot--she agrees. Then, when they tell her not to enter the crime scene, she does the classic TSTL move and enters the crime scene. Jessica, for someone who was supposed to be so incredibly successful prosecutor, was painfully dumb.
Fourth, the too-good-to-be-true boyfriend. Red flags screamed at that.
About one-quarter into the book, there was no question where the plot was going, and it isn't that long of a book. The end was so clearly broadcast that I broke my cardinal rule and went to the end of the book, only to find I was 100%, bang-on correct.
The only parts of the book that were well done and rang true were the courtroom scenes. Due to Methos' experience as a lawyer, the courtroom scenes are interesting, engrossing, and suspenseful on their own merit. Too bad the rest of the book didn't hold up as well.
"A Killer's Wife" was an absolute wall-banger for me. Even more frustrating was that I couldn't actually, physically throw it across the room because it was an e-galley and I wasn't willing to sacrifice my Kindle. I'm not completely giving up on Mr. Methos. I'd be happy to read another of Metho's standalone legal thrillers which, I repeat, I found to be excellent, but I shall stay away from his dysfunctional female protagonists.
A KILLER'S WIFE - NR
Methos, Victor – First of series
Thomas & Mercer – Mar 2020
Some time ago, I gave up writing negative reviews of books as it was just too frustrating. But now and then, there is a book that really needs to be addressed.
I have read two of Victor Methos' standalone legal mysteries and loved them. In fact, I started to bore people by talking about and recommending them. Therefore, writing this is painful in the extreme.
My first issue was the constant referral of the protagonist by her surname. I recognize there are some professions where that is common, regardless of gender. However, a friend and I, who share the same first name, are the only ones I've known to do this is real life. Even Donna Leon makes the distinction of referring to her character as "Brunetti" when he is at work, and "Guido" when he's at home.
Second, the troubled, incredibly bright teenaged daughter. What kind of mother would hold her child back from being able to realize her full potential? Red flags immediately were raised as to the purpose of this.
Third, when the police, who were comically incompetent, and who had already withheld information from her, came and asked for her help with her serial-killer ex-husband, any sane, reasonable person who had been through such an experience, would have told them to do their own damn jobs and get out. Instead--I know it was the basis for the plot--she agrees. Then, when they tell her not to enter the crime scene, she does the classic TSTL move and enters the crime scene. Jessica, for someone who was supposed to be so incredibly successful prosecutor, was painfully dumb.
Fourth, the too-good-to-be-true boyfriend. Red flags screamed at that.
About one-quarter into the book, there was no question where the plot was going, and it isn't that long of a book. The end was so clearly broadcast that I broke my cardinal rule and went to the end of the book, only to find I was 100%, bang-on correct.
The only parts of the book that were well done and rang true were the courtroom scenes. Due to Methos' experience as a lawyer, the courtroom scenes are interesting, engrossing, and suspenseful on their own merit. Too bad the rest of the book didn't hold up as well.
"A Killer's Wife" was an absolute wall-banger for me. Even more frustrating was that I couldn't actually, physically throw it across the room because it was an e-galley and I wasn't willing to sacrifice my Kindle. I'm not completely giving up on Mr. Methos. I'd be happy to read another of Metho's standalone legal thrillers which, I repeat, I found to be excellent, but I shall stay away from his dysfunctional female protagonists.
A KILLER'S WIFE - NR
Methos, Victor – First of series
Thomas & Mercer – Mar 2020
December 24, 2020
I have read Victor Methos other books but this one is something special. It is so carefully crafted that it feels casual; right up until the twists and turns had me shaking my head wondering if I’d fallen asleep and imagined the last 50 pages...and when I got to the ending? I had to go back and read it again; just HAD to.
The protagonist in the book, Jessica Yardley, is an amazing woman that has survived horrors we could truly not imagine. She’s intimately tied to the title of this psychological thriller, courtroom mystery, police procedural. Strong, courageous, a mom of an highly intelligent teenager, lawyer and ex wife of the potential key to this killing spree. Her daughter is the love of her life and the bane of her days; all rolled up together. Their relationship is so very real.
Supporting Yardley is a cast of characters that feel right. There’s just enough development to be interesting and enough left unsaid to leave room for future installments. These folks are perfect for a series.
Methos is a relationship writer. He carefully explores the nuances between Jessica and her serial killer ex husband, her daughter, her live-in-lover and her co-workers, all while the story unfolds around them. It’s an excellent interplay of plotting and characters and a hallmark of his style.
Even tho’ the subject matter is one of multiple murders, the violence in this book is not gratuitous nor is there any sexual content like that. The are 2 very soft expletives in the entire volume easily giving this book a PG rating for subject matter alone.
“A Killer”s Wife” is an extraordinary work of fiction that crosses multiple genres. It will entertain and confound while you cheer for Yardley to become victorious in her efforts 📚
Read less
The protagonist in the book, Jessica Yardley, is an amazing woman that has survived horrors we could truly not imagine. She’s intimately tied to the title of this psychological thriller, courtroom mystery, police procedural. Strong, courageous, a mom of an highly intelligent teenager, lawyer and ex wife of the potential key to this killing spree. Her daughter is the love of her life and the bane of her days; all rolled up together. Their relationship is so very real.
Supporting Yardley is a cast of characters that feel right. There’s just enough development to be interesting and enough left unsaid to leave room for future installments. These folks are perfect for a series.
Methos is a relationship writer. He carefully explores the nuances between Jessica and her serial killer ex husband, her daughter, her live-in-lover and her co-workers, all while the story unfolds around them. It’s an excellent interplay of plotting and characters and a hallmark of his style.
Even tho’ the subject matter is one of multiple murders, the violence in this book is not gratuitous nor is there any sexual content like that. The are 2 very soft expletives in the entire volume easily giving this book a PG rating for subject matter alone.
“A Killer”s Wife” is an extraordinary work of fiction that crosses multiple genres. It will entertain and confound while you cheer for Yardley to become victorious in her efforts 📚
Read less
March 19, 2021
Author, Victor Methos’ psychological drama, "A Killer’s Wife" is set in Las Vegas where Jessica Yardley is a federal prosecutor. Fourteen years ago, her husband, Eddie was imprisoned as a serial killer, his victims subjected to brutality of Kafkaesque proportions. Now, Jessica has a new life with her daughter, Tara and boyfriend, Wesley, a law professor. When a new rash of homicides occurs in Las Vegas, they are almost identical to Eddie’s crimes all those years ago. But how could he have anything to do with them while he is on death row? FBI agent, Cason Baldwin is called in to assist the local police. Could there be a copycat killer? Could Eddie be somehow involved despite his incarceration? As the story unfolds it is a battle of wits between Jessica, Cason and the killer. There is only one person who knows what the killer might do next. Is Jessica prepared to do the unthinkable and ask him to help?
This skilfully crafted legal thriller goes into high gear from page one and the pace doesn’t let up as the plot twists and turns its way to the shocking dénouement. Methos’ characterisation is meticulous. He’ll have the reader believe his characters are real people and certainly they mirror those seen in the newspapers every day. The author, a lawyer himself, not only has a thorough understanding of the American legal system, he writes in a way that the reader unfamiliar with that territory would know precisely what is happening and why. He is also adept at laying bare the criminal mind. There was one aspect of the story that some may find a little implausible but it does not detract from the enjoyment of this excellent thriller. "A Killer’s Wif"e is a riveting and entertaining read.
This skilfully crafted legal thriller goes into high gear from page one and the pace doesn’t let up as the plot twists and turns its way to the shocking dénouement. Methos’ characterisation is meticulous. He’ll have the reader believe his characters are real people and certainly they mirror those seen in the newspapers every day. The author, a lawyer himself, not only has a thorough understanding of the American legal system, he writes in a way that the reader unfamiliar with that territory would know precisely what is happening and why. He is also adept at laying bare the criminal mind. There was one aspect of the story that some may find a little implausible but it does not detract from the enjoyment of this excellent thriller. "A Killer’s Wif"e is a riveting and entertaining read.
December 23, 2025
بعد از مدت ها یه اثر جنایی معمایی خوب خوندم.
واقعا از لحظه به لحظه خودنش لذت بردم.
البته از همون ۵۰ صفخه اول تونستم قاتل رو حدس بزنم! نه به خاطر داستان و ضعف نویسنده نه! حس ام قاتل روحدس زد.
جسیکا یاردلی دادستانی که با دختر ۱۵ ساله ش تارا زندگی می کنه هنوز بعد از سالها درگیر همسر سابقشه.
همسر سابق یاردلی یه قاتل زنجیره ای بود که در زندان منتظر اعدامه.
قاتلی که با خونسردی زوج ها رو مثله می کرد و لذت می برد.
حالا بعد از ۱۵ سال از دستگیری ادی دوباره قتل های سریالی مشابه اون پلیس رو گیج کرده.
و جسیکا هم به عنوان دادستان مجبور به یادآوری ادی پدر تاراس.
عاشق صحنه های دادگاه بودم
عاشق دفاعیه های یاردلی بودم .
و عاشق ادی با هوش زیادش!
دوست داشتم شخصیت پردازی تارا بهتر و بیشتر باشه . و بیشتر بشناسمش.
در کل خیلی خوب بود . و از خوندنش خیلی لذت بردم .
ترجمه: خوب نبود متاسفانه حتی بعضی جاهاش نامفهوم بود .
امتیازم : ۴/۷
پ.ن: دوست دارین صوتی بشه؟
پ.ن۲: قرار بود این کتاب صوتی بشه و چند جلسه هم ضبط شد اما به علت ایرادات ترجمه کار کلا کنسل شد .😔
پ.ن۳: با صدای من این کتاب جذاب رودر فیدیبو و طاقچه و کتابراه بشنوید.
۸۴
واقعا از لحظه به لحظه خودنش لذت بردم.
البته از همون ۵۰ صفخه اول تونستم قاتل رو حدس بزنم! نه به خاطر داستان و ضعف نویسنده نه! حس ام قاتل روحدس زد.
جسیکا یاردلی دادستانی که با دختر ۱۵ ساله ش تارا زندگی می کنه هنوز بعد از سالها درگیر همسر سابقشه.
همسر سابق یاردلی یه قاتل زنجیره ای بود که در زندان منتظر اعدامه.
قاتلی که با خونسردی زوج ها رو مثله می کرد و لذت می برد.
حالا بعد از ۱۵ سال از دستگیری ادی دوباره قتل های سریالی مشابه اون پلیس رو گیج کرده.
و جسیکا هم به عنوان دادستان مجبور به یادآوری ادی پدر تاراس.
عاشق صحنه های دادگاه بودم
عاشق دفاعیه های یاردلی بودم .
و عاشق ادی با هوش زیادش!
دوست داشتم شخصیت پردازی تارا بهتر و بیشتر باشه . و بیشتر بشناسمش.
در کل خیلی خوب بود . و از خوندنش خیلی لذت بردم .
ترجمه: خوب نبود متاسفانه حتی بعضی جاهاش نامفهوم بود .
امتیازم : ۴/۷
پ.ن: دوست دارین صوتی بشه؟
پ.ن۲: قرار بود این کتاب صوتی بشه و چند جلسه هم ضبط شد اما به علت ایرادات ترجمه کار کلا کنسل شد .😔
پ.ن۳: با صدای من این کتاب جذاب رودر فیدیبو و طاقچه و کتابراه بشنوید.
۸۴
May 22, 2020
Love, Love, Loved this book! Did not know what to expect when I started, and I certainly did not expect to be completely enthralled with (quite literally) nonstop twists and turns by a cast of characters who are (ALL) multifaceted and headstrong. Each shined brightly with a riveting, well developed, and unique story to tell.
May 3, 2020
4.5 stars
September 26, 2021
Много рядко давам оценки с две звезди, но тази книга е едно от малките изключения.
Изобщо не покри очакванията ми за трилър, персонажи и история, които имах към нея. Началото на книгата ми беше изключително тромаво.
И по-нататък в сюжета реално нямаше почти никакви изненади и динамика. Още преди да се стигне до разкритието на убиеца, ми беше ясно на какво точно се залага и кой ще се окаже той. И каква изненада би следвало да има, като авторът е разкрил цялата мистерия в книгата още в самото заглавие на творбата (лошо решение).
Отделно книгата изобилства от клишета. Като например бунтуващата се дъщеря тийнейджърка на прокурорката, която бяга от вкъщи и настава една тревога. Това вече е толкова изтъркано и банално, че не знам защо все още продължават да го вкарват тук и там. А и около самата прокурорка има някаква такава неособено добре обоснована драма, като се започне от това как не била оценявана правилно в работната си среда, защото била единствена жена сред прокурорите и се стигне до семейните ѝ драми – с дъщеря и партньори – настоящи и бивши.
Другото, което не ми хареса е, че през цялото време се използваше фамилното име на главната героиня. Някак това не допринесе за изграждане на по-тясна връзка с читателя, а я държеше на една дистанция.
И е добре, когато авторите изградят някакви прилично адекватни психологически профили на персонажите си, да се придържат към тях, а не да ги люшкат от крайност в крайност и да ги карат да си противоречат. Като супер желязната и принципна прокурорка, която е решена да раздава справедливост на всяка цена, ама като става въпрос за дъщеря ѝ, някак същите тези принципи ги забравя и ги потъпква доста лесно. Дъщеря ѝ също. В един момент демонстрира ясна ненавист към майка си, а след това ей така за ден мама става всичко за нея. Мхм… много убедително. Извършителят на престъпленията и той – до един момент е супер уверен и непоклатим, и така удобно се завърта сюжетът, и хоп вече е толкова паникьосан, и��бухлив и неуравновесен, че нещата за изпечената прокурорка се нареждат като в сапунена опера. Мхм… много убедително.
А пък обратът в самия край беше толкова скалъпен, че няма накъде повече. Ако не можеш да измислиш нещо, което в действителност е в състояние да „шашне“ читателя накрая, по-добре не слагай шокиращ обрат. То така или иначе си имаше някакъв що-годе приличен край. А сега… 🥱
Изобщо не покри очакванията ми за трилър, персонажи и история, които имах към нея. Началото на книгата ми беше изключително тромаво.
И по-нататък в сюжета реално нямаше почти никакви изненади и динамика. Още преди да се стигне до разкритието на убиеца, ми беше ясно на какво точно се залага и кой ще се окаже той. И каква изненада би следвало да има, като авторът е разкрил цялата мистерия в книгата още в самото заглавие на творбата (лошо решение).
Отделно книгата изобилства от клишета. Като например бунтуващата се дъщеря тийнейджърка на прокурорката, която бяга от вкъщи и настава една тревога. Това вече е толкова изтъркано и банално, че не знам защо все още продължават да го вкарват тук и там. А и около самата прокурорка има някаква такава неособено добре обоснована драма, като се започне от това как не била оценявана правилно в работната си среда, защото била единствена жена сред прокурорите и се стигне до семейните ѝ драми – с дъщеря и партньори – настоящи и бивши.
Другото, което не ми хареса е, че през цялото време се използваше фамилното име на главната героиня. Някак това не допринесе за изграждане на по-тясна връзка с читателя, а я държеше на една дистанция.
И е добре, когато авторите изградят някакви прилично адекватни психологически профили на персонажите си, да се придържат към тях, а не да ги люшкат от крайност в крайност и да ги карат да си противоречат. Като супер желязната и принципна прокурорка, която е решена да раздава справедливост на всяка цена, ама като става въпрос за дъщеря ѝ, някак същите тези принципи ги забравя и ги потъпква доста лесно. Дъщеря ѝ също. В един момент демонстрира ясна ненавист към майка си, а след това ей така за ден мама става всичко за нея. Мхм… много убедително. Извършителят на престъпленията и той – до един момент е супер уверен и непоклатим, и така удобно се завърта сюжетът, и хоп вече е толкова паникьосан, и��бухлив и неуравновесен, че нещата за изпечената прокурорка се нареждат като в сапунена опера. Мхм… много убедително.
А пък обратът в самия край беше толкова скалъпен, че няма накъде повече. Ако не можеш да измислиш нещо, което в действителност е в състояние да „шашне“ читателя накрая, по-добре не слагай шокиращ обрат. То така или иначе си имаше някакъв що-годе приличен край. А сега… 🥱
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2022
Jeepers Creepers! -- I just finished my first book by Victor Methos, but I can assure you that it won't be my last! In fact, I’ve already added three more of his books to my TBR stash. His character development and plotting is mesmerizing. I was completely spellbound by this all-consuming page-turner. It shook me to my core. For me, the suspense was off-the-charts. I simply couldn’t read fast enough. With the perfect trifecta of characters, emotions and plotting, Methos’s writing is absolutely superb in this keep-you-up-all-night spellbinder.
One serial killer sits on death row, while another killer, who may be a copycat roams the streets as the body count rises. Yardley, a female federal prosecutor has knowledge of both the death row inmate and his conviction now awaiting appeal. With the similarities between both killers, she’s called in to help the FBI – and surprise, surprise! The agent-in-charge is a man she once had a personal relationship. Consequence or sleight of hand? And I’m going to stop here and dodge the possibility for spoilers.
Word of warning: Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. Trust no one. Exploring the human capacity for resilience and trust in the face of heartbreak and betrayal, a rather large cast of characters infiltrates the plot with deceit and lies, anguish and cruelty and, of course, murder(s).
The stakes are high – live or die. Starts with a bang and ends with an explosive and stunning shocker -- one I never guessed in my struggles to solve. Expect the unexpected. For anyone who gorges on captivating characters and chilling suspense, this is a tantalizing treat. It certainly exceeded my expectations far more than I could have expected.
And, although this is a complete standalone with no cliffhanger, a few of these same characters including Yardley will find their place in the next installment in this series. Much to far off, but on February 9, 2021, CRIMSON LAKE ROAD, the second book in Desert Plains series will be released.
One serial killer sits on death row, while another killer, who may be a copycat roams the streets as the body count rises. Yardley, a female federal prosecutor has knowledge of both the death row inmate and his conviction now awaiting appeal. With the similarities between both killers, she’s called in to help the FBI – and surprise, surprise! The agent-in-charge is a man she once had a personal relationship. Consequence or sleight of hand? And I’m going to stop here and dodge the possibility for spoilers.
Word of warning: Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. Trust no one. Exploring the human capacity for resilience and trust in the face of heartbreak and betrayal, a rather large cast of characters infiltrates the plot with deceit and lies, anguish and cruelty and, of course, murder(s).
The stakes are high – live or die. Starts with a bang and ends with an explosive and stunning shocker -- one I never guessed in my struggles to solve. Expect the unexpected. For anyone who gorges on captivating characters and chilling suspense, this is a tantalizing treat. It certainly exceeded my expectations far more than I could have expected.
And, although this is a complete standalone with no cliffhanger, a few of these same characters including Yardley will find their place in the next installment in this series. Much to far off, but on February 9, 2021, CRIMSON LAKE ROAD, the second book in Desert Plains series will be released.
February 11, 2020
A twisty, riveting delight! A Killer's Wife is seductively vivid and an incredibly fun read.
I'm not usually a fan of legal thrillers, but this one was excellent. An FBI procedural-legal courtroom thriller, the story is set in Las Vegas, where federal prosecutor Jessica Yardley is drawn into a bloody case of a copycat serial killer. Intriguingly, the killer is copying Jessica's ex-husband, a serial killer who's now on death row, setting up a story that is a battle of brains between Jessica and the copycat.
Jessica as the main character is incredibly well done. A smart, strong-willed, woman who manages to not let anything get her down. Added to that is the portrayal of her ex-husband, Eddie, a serial killer who, you'd think, would be either absolutely hateful or wooden and stereotypical. And yet Methos manages to write him in such a way that he doesn't end up being just a stereotypical murderer, but a human as well.
If you're a fan of serial killer stories this should definitely be your next read.
I'm not usually a fan of legal thrillers, but this one was excellent. An FBI procedural-legal courtroom thriller, the story is set in Las Vegas, where federal prosecutor Jessica Yardley is drawn into a bloody case of a copycat serial killer. Intriguingly, the killer is copying Jessica's ex-husband, a serial killer who's now on death row, setting up a story that is a battle of brains between Jessica and the copycat.
Jessica as the main character is incredibly well done. A smart, strong-willed, woman who manages to not let anything get her down. Added to that is the portrayal of her ex-husband, Eddie, a serial killer who, you'd think, would be either absolutely hateful or wooden and stereotypical. And yet Methos manages to write him in such a way that he doesn't end up being just a stereotypical murderer, but a human as well.
If you're a fan of serial killer stories this should definitely be your next read.
May 13, 2024
این چه پلاتی بود؟ مغزم سوت کشید😱😱😱
الان دلم خنک شد؟ اره صددرصد
از پایانش راضی بودم؟ صددرصد
با پلات خوشم امد؟ مغزم سووووووووت کشید😱😱😱
شخصیت جسیکا دوست داشتم و حتی ادی هم یه قاتل فوق العاده بود(اسپویل نیست اصلا داستان با این شروع میشه) اما از دخترش خوشم نیومد .... باهوشی که باش چرا خربازی در میاری بچه؟ بیچاره مامانت 😒
اینو چند ساعته خوندم؟ حساب نکردم اما کمتر از ۱۲ ساعت شد😎
برن برا کتاب بعدی😎
الان دلم خنک شد؟ اره صددرصد
از پایانش راضی بودم؟ صددرصد
با پلات خوشم امد؟ مغزم سووووووووت کشید😱😱😱
شخصیت جسیکا دوست داشتم و حتی ادی هم یه قاتل فوق العاده بود(اسپویل نیست اصلا داستان با این شروع میشه) اما از دخترش خوشم نیومد .... باهوشی که باش چرا خربازی در میاری بچه؟ بیچاره مامانت 😒
اینو چند ساعته خوندم؟ حساب نکردم اما کمتر از ۱۲ ساعت شد😎
برن برا کتاب بعدی😎
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