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A Holt Foundation Story #2
Dark Harvest
Becky Kincaid ventures out in the middle of a snowstorm to buy a car seat for her unborn baby and never makes it home. When a second pregnant woman disappears, Marissa Rooney and the team at the Holt Foundation fear a sinister motive lurks behind the crimes.
Lead investigator Seth Crawford desperately searches for the thread that binds the two cases together, knowing that if he fails, another woman will soon be gone. While Seth hunts for clues, a madman has Marissa in his sights and she carries a secret that could tear her whole world apart.
Can Seth stop the killer before he reaps his...dark harvest?
Lead investigator Seth Crawford desperately searches for the thread that binds the two cases together, knowing that if he fails, another woman will soon be gone. While Seth hunts for clues, a madman has Marissa in his sights and she carries a secret that could tear her whole world apart.
Can Seth stop the killer before he reaps his...dark harvest?
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2017
169 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
About the author
Chris Patchell
22 books275 followers Chris Patchell is an award-winning USA Today Bestselling Author who started writing to curb the homicidal urges she experienced during her Seattle commute. She writes gripping suspense thrillers set in the Pacific Northwest, including bestsellers Deadly Lies, In the Dark, and her most recent collection of small-town crime thrillers, the Lacey James Series. Her writing has won several awards, including a Next Generation Indie Book Award, several Readers’ Favorite Awards, a BookFest Award, an IndieReader Discovery Award, and a Pacific Northwest Literary Award.
When she’s not writing, you can find Chris reading, hanging out with her family, watching football, and struggling to keep up with her workout regime, all while shushing her incessantly yapping Yorkies. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two kids.
Connect with Chris through her author newsletter: https://www.chrispatchell.com/newslet...
When she’s not writing, you can find Chris reading, hanging out with her family, watching football, and struggling to keep up with her workout regime, all while shushing her incessantly yapping Yorkies. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two kids.
Connect with Chris through her author newsletter: https://www.chrispatchell.com/newslet...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
July 2, 2017
Author Chris Patchell’s Holt Foundation series continues with this new offering, “Dark Harvest.” For those readers new to this series, don’t worry. While there are a few references to the first story, this book functions as a standalone. Additionally, the small bites of info concerning book one are not detailed enough to prevent anyone from going back to the “In the Dark.”
Ms. Patchell not only continues, but has managed to improve upon the character studies of her cast. Readers gain deep insights on Marissa and Seth (key figures in the Holt Foundation), and are also provided detailed descriptions of the not-so-good folks. Even some of her minor characters allow us access into their psyches. The result is an interesting book that propels readers through the pages, catching us with the intricacies of motivations and revealing the mess people can make of their lives when they don’t exactly understand what is behind the actions and words of others. In this area, the author deserves six stars.
There are medical aspects included in this plot. Ms. Patchell is not an author who jumps into a story without completing the proper research to back up her tales, and though I didn’t research everything she wrote about, what I already knew and understood made sense with the background she used for her plot. I also felt the great majority of the police procedural aspects were credible. The author’s choice of how her characters respond may have pushed the bounds of reality here and there, but in this type of book there is going to be action and as long as the actions fit the character traits, I am good with it. In other words, nothing unbelievable happened and anything that did occur was conceivable, based on individual motivations.
Normally, I will highlight items that jar and break my concentration or make an indication of something that bothered me so much I want to include it in the review. When I finished “Dark Harvest,” I was surprised to find I had not highlighted one word, an indication of how easily one can get wrapped up in this book. This is a thriller that builds until a fast-paced climax, one that is hard to put down until the last page. Five stars.
Ms. Patchell not only continues, but has managed to improve upon the character studies of her cast. Readers gain deep insights on Marissa and Seth (key figures in the Holt Foundation), and are also provided detailed descriptions of the not-so-good folks. Even some of her minor characters allow us access into their psyches. The result is an interesting book that propels readers through the pages, catching us with the intricacies of motivations and revealing the mess people can make of their lives when they don’t exactly understand what is behind the actions and words of others. In this area, the author deserves six stars.
There are medical aspects included in this plot. Ms. Patchell is not an author who jumps into a story without completing the proper research to back up her tales, and though I didn’t research everything she wrote about, what I already knew and understood made sense with the background she used for her plot. I also felt the great majority of the police procedural aspects were credible. The author’s choice of how her characters respond may have pushed the bounds of reality here and there, but in this type of book there is going to be action and as long as the actions fit the character traits, I am good with it. In other words, nothing unbelievable happened and anything that did occur was conceivable, based on individual motivations.
Normally, I will highlight items that jar and break my concentration or make an indication of something that bothered me so much I want to include it in the review. When I finished “Dark Harvest,” I was surprised to find I had not highlighted one word, an indication of how easily one can get wrapped up in this book. This is a thriller that builds until a fast-paced climax, one that is hard to put down until the last page. Five stars.
May 28, 2017
Teenage pregnancies, missing women, illegal adoptions and theft of stem cells for unregulated medical procedures. This book has it all!
This book had me hooked from the beginning and I couldn't stop turning the pages to see what happened next. I never read the first in this series but will definitely be going to check it out. The characters have been well established through the first one but there's enough new backstory that I didn't feel like I'd missed out anything except possibly a really good story.
There's really good pacing as ex-detective Seth Crawford tried to find two missing teenage girls before anything happens to them and their babies. It raises questions and thinking points on pregnancies wanted and unwanted without getting political. The same with stem cell research...lots of things to think about without taking sides...well apart from harvesting it from kidnapped girls is probably a bit wrong!
I really enjoyed this book. Big thumbs up.
Free ARC from netgalley
This book had me hooked from the beginning and I couldn't stop turning the pages to see what happened next. I never read the first in this series but will definitely be going to check it out. The characters have been well established through the first one but there's enough new backstory that I didn't feel like I'd missed out anything except possibly a really good story.
There's really good pacing as ex-detective Seth Crawford tried to find two missing teenage girls before anything happens to them and their babies. It raises questions and thinking points on pregnancies wanted and unwanted without getting political. The same with stem cell research...lots of things to think about without taking sides...well apart from harvesting it from kidnapped girls is probably a bit wrong!
I really enjoyed this book. Big thumbs up.
Free ARC from netgalley
September 21, 2021
Well the good news is that although part of a series it can be read as a stand a lone. I'm wiping my brow at this point. I always tend to come late to that party.
I'll admit I couldn't put this down. It made me turn the page. I couldn't stop myself. It took me a while to read but honestly a part from lack of sleep I really enjoyed it.
Its a thriller based a round pregnancy, stem cells and all that medical stuff. It keeps you interested. And keeps you guessing.
It's intense, it's emotional and it's great. Did I say great already. Opps better start thinking of alternative words.
Anyway, In my opinion you should give this a go. It's a GREAT read.
I'll admit I couldn't put this down. It made me turn the page. I couldn't stop myself. It took me a while to read but honestly a part from lack of sleep I really enjoyed it.
Its a thriller based a round pregnancy, stem cells and all that medical stuff. It keeps you interested. And keeps you guessing.
It's intense, it's emotional and it's great. Did I say great already. Opps better start thinking of alternative words.
Anyway, In my opinion you should give this a go. It's a GREAT read.
August 17, 2017
Dark Harvest is an appropriate title for this bone chilling thriller. Think about it…
As soon as I opened the book, I felt sad for Becky and what’s about to happen to her. I’m not sure exactly what it will be, but I know it won’t be good. And I was right. It was worse than bad.
Marissa and Seth hooked up after rescuing Brooke, her daughter from a kidnapper in Book I, Into The Dark. It is not necessary to read Into The Dark first, but if this is your first foray into Chris Patchell’s work, why not?
Brooke and Marissa’s story picks up from Book I, but I will leave that for you to discover for yourself.
Seth & Brooke are flawed, damaged, carrying sad terrible baggage, doing the best they can as they struggle to bring their lives into some kind of balance. You don’t know what you would do in their situation until you walk a mile in their shoes, so don’t judge them too harshly.
Seth and Marissa work at the Holt Foundation, helping victims of crime when the police seem to be unable or unwilling to follow it through to the end.
Now, they are teaming up to investigate the disappearance of a very pregnant Becky. Of course, they’ll look at her boyfriend first. He’s got problems and secrets and I aim to learn them too.
We have a narcissistic self serving doctor…bury him under the jail.
Tory, is so damaged, desperate. I don’t know how to feel about her sometimes. Why do women fall into these love traps?
Human trafficking is terrible all by itself, but this goes to another extreme. And harvesting, I can see that escalating in a horrific manner as those with selfish agendas so easily cast others aside for their own agenda.
I love these dark and horrible suspense novels that have my emotions raging and running the gamut. Frustration, anger, sadness, empathy…The more I read, the more I can’t wait until the villains are discovered and whatever happens to them can never be enough.
On page 214 and…
I don’t want to go on, yet I can hardly wait. A race to the finish because nothing is going to stop me from knowing how this will end. I know good, bad, and horrible, terrifying things are coming. How it will play out, I don’t know and it’s the journey, as much as the end, that keeps me going. I am amazed how Chris Patchell, and all the other authors who write such fabulous novels, are able to weave a story together, adding this mystery, that horror, culminating in a tale that grab me from beginning to end.
Political and ethical questions come to mind, but that’s the great thing about fiction. It gets you thinking, questioning, pushing the envelope, because all things are possible.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Dark Harvest by Chris Patchell.
To see more visit fundinmental
As soon as I opened the book, I felt sad for Becky and what’s about to happen to her. I’m not sure exactly what it will be, but I know it won’t be good. And I was right. It was worse than bad.
Marissa and Seth hooked up after rescuing Brooke, her daughter from a kidnapper in Book I, Into The Dark. It is not necessary to read Into The Dark first, but if this is your first foray into Chris Patchell’s work, why not?
Brooke and Marissa’s story picks up from Book I, but I will leave that for you to discover for yourself.
Seth & Brooke are flawed, damaged, carrying sad terrible baggage, doing the best they can as they struggle to bring their lives into some kind of balance. You don’t know what you would do in their situation until you walk a mile in their shoes, so don’t judge them too harshly.
Seth and Marissa work at the Holt Foundation, helping victims of crime when the police seem to be unable or unwilling to follow it through to the end.
Now, they are teaming up to investigate the disappearance of a very pregnant Becky. Of course, they’ll look at her boyfriend first. He’s got problems and secrets and I aim to learn them too.
We have a narcissistic self serving doctor…bury him under the jail.
Tory, is so damaged, desperate. I don’t know how to feel about her sometimes. Why do women fall into these love traps?
Human trafficking is terrible all by itself, but this goes to another extreme. And harvesting, I can see that escalating in a horrific manner as those with selfish agendas so easily cast others aside for their own agenda.
I love these dark and horrible suspense novels that have my emotions raging and running the gamut. Frustration, anger, sadness, empathy…The more I read, the more I can’t wait until the villains are discovered and whatever happens to them can never be enough.
On page 214 and…
I don’t want to go on, yet I can hardly wait. A race to the finish because nothing is going to stop me from knowing how this will end. I know good, bad, and horrible, terrifying things are coming. How it will play out, I don’t know and it’s the journey, as much as the end, that keeps me going. I am amazed how Chris Patchell, and all the other authors who write such fabulous novels, are able to weave a story together, adding this mystery, that horror, culminating in a tale that grab me from beginning to end.
Political and ethical questions come to mind, but that’s the great thing about fiction. It gets you thinking, questioning, pushing the envelope, because all things are possible.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Dark Harvest by Chris Patchell.
To see more visit fundinmental
June 15, 2017
If I had to come up with one word to describe this book, I think I'd go with 'intense'. This is the kind of story that reaches out and grabs hold of you, twisting your emotions until you gasp.
The content takes on unplanned pregnancies, economic struggles of young mothers, and the psychological aftermath of abuse. Put that together with a riveting mystery, sprinkle in a touch of madness, and you have a story that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
Chris Patchell weaves a riveting crime story, but my favorite aspect is the depth and humanity she gives all of her characters. Heroes have flaws and bad guys (and girls) almost always have some good in them. Patchell perfectly captures the complexity of human nature.
Somehow I missed book 1 in this series, and I had no problem at all understanding the characters or their relationships here. This reads well as a stand-alone.
*I received an advance copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.*
The content takes on unplanned pregnancies, economic struggles of young mothers, and the psychological aftermath of abuse. Put that together with a riveting mystery, sprinkle in a touch of madness, and you have a story that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
Chris Patchell weaves a riveting crime story, but my favorite aspect is the depth and humanity she gives all of her characters. Heroes have flaws and bad guys (and girls) almost always have some good in them. Patchell perfectly captures the complexity of human nature.
Somehow I missed book 1 in this series, and I had no problem at all understanding the characters or their relationships here. This reads well as a stand-alone.
*I received an advance copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.*
August 11, 2017
When a pregnant college girl goes missing, the Hold Foundation steps in to investigate her disappearance. Former cop Seth is now an investigator at the foundation. He is also dating Marissa, the mother of Brooke, the girl he rescued in the first book. When another pregnant girl is kidnapped, Seth begins to suspect that an illegal adoption ring is at work. But the truth turns out to be even more sinister. While Seth and Marissa struggle to cope with personal issues and work problems, the kidnapper becomes more and more unstable. Will they be able to stop him before anyone gets hurt?
The events of this book take place two months after the previous book. While it is not strictly necessary to read the first book before reading this one, I suggest you do. The story is told from seven different points-of-view, but mainly those of Seth and Marissa. The kidnapper's identity is revealed to the reader from the outset; using this technique, the author creates sympathy for him by showing us his childhood, vulnerabilities, and relationships.
Once again, there are a number of editing errors, and everyone is still pursing their lips. Jesse, the bartender from the previous book, appears again, working at two different bars, causing Seth to ask, "Was Jesse Morgan the only bartender in town?" I think he might have read my review of the previous book, where I said, "it seems that Jesse Morgan is the only bartender in Seattle."
A riveting suspense novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Warnings: coarse language, sexual references, sex scene, graphic violence.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (11 August): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
The events of this book take place two months after the previous book. While it is not strictly necessary to read the first book before reading this one, I suggest you do. The story is told from seven different points-of-view, but mainly those of Seth and Marissa. The kidnapper's identity is revealed to the reader from the outset; using this technique, the author creates sympathy for him by showing us his childhood, vulnerabilities, and relationships.
Once again, there are a number of editing errors, and everyone is still pursing their lips. Jesse, the bartender from the previous book, appears again, working at two different bars, causing Seth to ask, "Was Jesse Morgan the only bartender in town?" I think he might have read my review of the previous book, where I said, "it seems that Jesse Morgan is the only bartender in Seattle."
A riveting suspense novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Warnings: coarse language, sexual references, sex scene, graphic violence.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (11 August): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
July 29, 2017
This novel starts out with lots of action that keeps the plot moving. Later in the book, however, the plot does bog down. We read of the past experiences of a couple of the characters and their thoughts. Those sections did not move the plot along but did give us a deeper insight into the women. The action ramps up again towards the end of the book for an exciting finish.
The author uses the universal viewpoint so we have the experiences and thoughts of many characters. The narrative jumps back in time on occasion as the viewpoint changes. I don't like that style of writing and found it distracting.
Patchell has given readers a journey into the darker side of humanity. We delve into illegal adoptions and other aspects of what can be harvested from pregnant women. There was information about degenerative brain diseases included that I found very interesting.
There is lots of crude and vulgar language, as well as casual sex that was a little too descriptive for my taste.
There is a parallel plot line dealing with the daughter of one of the main characters. She had been previously kidnapped and recovered. Her experiences of stress in this novel take up quite a bit of the narrative. Because of that, I would highly suggest that the first novel in this series be read before this one.
I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a character driven novel of suspense centering on an investigative team facing those attempting to reap a dark harvest.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The author uses the universal viewpoint so we have the experiences and thoughts of many characters. The narrative jumps back in time on occasion as the viewpoint changes. I don't like that style of writing and found it distracting.
Patchell has given readers a journey into the darker side of humanity. We delve into illegal adoptions and other aspects of what can be harvested from pregnant women. There was information about degenerative brain diseases included that I found very interesting.
There is lots of crude and vulgar language, as well as casual sex that was a little too descriptive for my taste.
There is a parallel plot line dealing with the daughter of one of the main characters. She had been previously kidnapped and recovered. Her experiences of stress in this novel take up quite a bit of the narrative. Because of that, I would highly suggest that the first novel in this series be read before this one.
I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a character driven novel of suspense centering on an investigative team facing those attempting to reap a dark harvest.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
July 27, 2017
Marissa, Seth, and the Holt Foundation are back in this gripping novel. When Rebecca Kincaid disappears the foundation is on the hunt once again. Rebecca is pregnant and comes up missing after a trip to get a new car seat for her unborn baby. She is taken by a madman, an ex-surgeon with a debilitating brain disease, that has been using pregnant women for research to help cure him. When other pregnant women, Marissa included, are taken the hunt is on, with little time on the clock.
I absolutely loved the first book in this series and the ending to the first one leads right into this one. This book was just as well written as the first and was an on the edge of your seat read from the very first page. This book is very fast paced. It's easy to get sucked into books like this. The writing, the storyline, the amazing characters, honestly everything about this book was awesome.
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I absolutely loved the first book in this series and the ending to the first one leads right into this one. This book was just as well written as the first and was an on the edge of your seat read from the very first page. This book is very fast paced. It's easy to get sucked into books like this. The writing, the storyline, the amazing characters, honestly everything about this book was awesome.
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June 27, 2017
Dark Harvest by Chris Patchell, is a must read. The characters are believable and due to that fact... an enjoyable novel. This book is the 2nd book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone novel.
This novel is an intense read which involves an abduction, murder, mental illness, etc.
Add this book to your TBR list. You will not be disappointed.
I received a digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was received.
This novel is an intense read which involves an abduction, murder, mental illness, etc.
Add this book to your TBR list. You will not be disappointed.
I received a digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was received.
June 19, 2017
Dark harvest by Chris Patchell. A young pregnant girl goes missing. She's the second woman to disappear. Marissa Rooney and her team at the holt foundation fear a sinister motive lurkes behind the crimes. Lead investigator Seth Crawford, desperately searches for the thread that binds the two cases together, knowing that if he fails, another woman will soon be gone. A fantastic read with brilliant characters. I really didn't like the bad guys. I wanted them caught. I hope there is more to come. 5* . Netgalley and kindle press.
May 30, 2017
It was a dark and stormy night.... :-) No, really, the book starts with "A sharp pain jabbed Rebecca Kincaid's side, and she sucked in a breath". At that moment the reader wants to know more; what is happening to her? Is she OK?
After a great opening line, my next love is books that immerse the reader into the environment from the very beginning. This book did just that! The descriptive writing about the weather throughout the book gave this story a very noir feeling. A dark story with cold, dark weather.
The book opens with a very pregnant young woman buying a car seat late on a snowy Seattle, WA night. She leaves the store and disappears without a trace. Then another pregnant woman disappears. Can The Holt Foundation help the families find their loved ones? Are they related?
The sub-plot was interesting, too. Single mom, Marissa, is dealing with a daughter who has been through severe trauma. Seth is an ex-cop who is dealing with trauma and loss of his own. Their romance ups and downs are very human and easy to relate to. Nothing fairytale-ish or unbelievable there. Thank you, Chris Patchell! The back stories of trauma and loss must have been what the first Holt Foundation book was about, but I did not feel I was missing anything by not having read it.
Although Stem Cell reasearch can be a very complicated subject, Patchell doesn't bog the story down with boring details. We are given just enough to understand why Dr. Xander Wilcox is doing what he does. It may not be ethical, but he has powerful personal reasons (in his own failing mind) for doing what he sees as necessary. What's a little kidnapping, black market baby adoptions, and murder in the Grand Scheme of doing breakthrough work on dementia treatment, anyways?
The last third of the book was fast paced and kept me rivited well into the wee hours of the night until I turned the last page. There was even an "OhMiGod" moment involving Henry that I didn't see coming! I love it when that happens.
A powerful read that I found hard to put down. A solid 4.5 stars. The only reason I didn't give it 5-stars was almost every character was given blue eyes: Nathan's were "in a handsome face", Henry's are bright, Marissa's are clear, Dr. Xander's are arctic and empty one moment and intense another while his mother's had been cold, Jesse's are covered by his bangs. Just a little thing, really, but if something jars me out of a reading trance I take notice of what it was.
I received a free ARC from Netgalley and Kindle Press in exchange for my honest review.
After a great opening line, my next love is books that immerse the reader into the environment from the very beginning. This book did just that! The descriptive writing about the weather throughout the book gave this story a very noir feeling. A dark story with cold, dark weather.
The book opens with a very pregnant young woman buying a car seat late on a snowy Seattle, WA night. She leaves the store and disappears without a trace. Then another pregnant woman disappears. Can The Holt Foundation help the families find their loved ones? Are they related?
The sub-plot was interesting, too. Single mom, Marissa, is dealing with a daughter who has been through severe trauma. Seth is an ex-cop who is dealing with trauma and loss of his own. Their romance ups and downs are very human and easy to relate to. Nothing fairytale-ish or unbelievable there. Thank you, Chris Patchell! The back stories of trauma and loss must have been what the first Holt Foundation book was about, but I did not feel I was missing anything by not having read it.
Although Stem Cell reasearch can be a very complicated subject, Patchell doesn't bog the story down with boring details. We are given just enough to understand why Dr. Xander Wilcox is doing what he does. It may not be ethical, but he has powerful personal reasons (in his own failing mind) for doing what he sees as necessary. What's a little kidnapping, black market baby adoptions, and murder in the Grand Scheme of doing breakthrough work on dementia treatment, anyways?
The last third of the book was fast paced and kept me rivited well into the wee hours of the night until I turned the last page. There was even an "OhMiGod" moment involving Henry that I didn't see coming! I love it when that happens.
A powerful read that I found hard to put down. A solid 4.5 stars. The only reason I didn't give it 5-stars was almost every character was given blue eyes: Nathan's were "in a handsome face", Henry's are bright, Marissa's are clear, Dr. Xander's are arctic and empty one moment and intense another while his mother's had been cold, Jesse's are covered by his bangs. Just a little thing, really, but if something jars me out of a reading trance I take notice of what it was.
I received a free ARC from Netgalley and Kindle Press in exchange for my honest review.
May 24, 2017
A page turner, truly a suspense novel! A great first for author Chris Patchell. Based in Seattle, the Holt Foundation investigates the disappearances of two pregnant young women. If that isn't 'dark' enough, the reader learns quickly the true 'harvest'.
The main protagonist are Marissa Rooney and her ex-cop boyfriend, Seth Crawford. They are employed by the Foundation to work with the Seattle PD in solving these cases. The antagonist, Dr. Xander Wilcox, is evil to the core!
The story is well written and leaves the reader wanting more. Definitely looking forward to the next case from The Holt Foundation.
The main protagonist are Marissa Rooney and her ex-cop boyfriend, Seth Crawford. They are employed by the Foundation to work with the Seattle PD in solving these cases. The antagonist, Dr. Xander Wilcox, is evil to the core!
The story is well written and leaves the reader wanting more. Definitely looking forward to the next case from The Holt Foundation.
January 24, 2018
The beginning of this audio will give you the chills over how easy it is for one woman to disappear without a trace, it is just way too easy when evil come to call it will leave you spellbound. This is a story about hope, needs, wants, love, the unknown, sorrow, pain and death when one man wants answers to questions he needs to survive and overcome issues he has. It is a chilling, thrilling, heart stopping read that will hold you spellbound on the edge leaving you with your heart in your throat wanting to pull these poor women out of the pages giving them back the life they once had. Will one pregnant woman be enough or will he need more, what does he need them for and what about their unborn babies. Come take the journey like no other get inside a man’s head that demands answers at any cost along with the people at the Holt Foundation as they struggle to keep it open after the founder died. These people give their heart and soul to victims they do not know in hopes of finding them and bring them home alive.
With this audio you have to narrators that are very talented with wonderful character voices that gives true emotions. You can hear the pain, sorrow, fear and the unknown. They each more or less take a chapter, their voices go well together blending into a delightful narration that pulls you in and holds you spellbound. With double narrators in most audios there are issues here you will not find any. There are no background noises, no volume changes as they go from one narrator to the other, there is no place where the volume is higher or lower than the ones before. It really sounds like they were in the same room side beside throughout the audio. What they deliver are delightful character voices that fit the characters with true emotions from a chuckle, laugh or tears. You have no trouble knowing who is talking or what they are feeling. Both male and female voices are great women with power to women who are uncertain along with strong males that are alpha to the more dearing softer males. Emotions are played against each other giving you a highly entertaining listen. I had no trouble picturing the scenes as they unfolded. Some of these pictures will stay in my mind for a long time to come. Their performance is outstanding and it was a pleasure being able to listen to them work together bring a very exciting thrilling audio. I can’t wait to listen to more of their work.
The author spins a tale that makes you turn the pages and keep you spellbound. Between the plot and the narration I could not put this audio down. From what I have read the author brings back past characters from her first book weaving into this story so it blends well. It makes you want to pick up the first book to find out what Marissa and her daughter has already lived through. This is a standalone you do not need to read the first one but it would be nice to know what these two went through. You never feel lost you always know what is happening and have a good knowledge of their past. There was nothing that I didn’t like about this story it has it all a little romance, danger, thrills, chills, excitement, overcoming your past, living for your future, and deaths so very sad so real that your heart almost stops. It is a story inside a story, true it is based on the foundation and the missing women but is also based on one ex cop him dealing with losing his wife and walking away from the police force overcoming the man he turned into be and turning a page to become a better man. You get to see his fight for survival starting over finding out what he lost might not be as much as he is about to lose. A women and her daughter that has been to hell and back fighting just to put one foot in front of the other as they find some common ground they both can live with. Marissa daughter who is still deal with the past that will haunt her to her dying day (if you have read the first book you will know what I am talking about). Then you get to know the women who come up missing what they are feeling, their needs and wants. They deserve so much more but get so little from those around them. You get to know the abductor and the women who help him. What all she has had to deal with and why she does what she has done. I doubt you can read/listen to this and not be touched deeply. It is truly a wonderful, thrilling, chilling read you won’t be able to put down. I loved this so much I have picked it as one of my favorite read for 2018. This author just blow me way.
With this audio you have to narrators that are very talented with wonderful character voices that gives true emotions. You can hear the pain, sorrow, fear and the unknown. They each more or less take a chapter, their voices go well together blending into a delightful narration that pulls you in and holds you spellbound. With double narrators in most audios there are issues here you will not find any. There are no background noises, no volume changes as they go from one narrator to the other, there is no place where the volume is higher or lower than the ones before. It really sounds like they were in the same room side beside throughout the audio. What they deliver are delightful character voices that fit the characters with true emotions from a chuckle, laugh or tears. You have no trouble knowing who is talking or what they are feeling. Both male and female voices are great women with power to women who are uncertain along with strong males that are alpha to the more dearing softer males. Emotions are played against each other giving you a highly entertaining listen. I had no trouble picturing the scenes as they unfolded. Some of these pictures will stay in my mind for a long time to come. Their performance is outstanding and it was a pleasure being able to listen to them work together bring a very exciting thrilling audio. I can’t wait to listen to more of their work.
The author spins a tale that makes you turn the pages and keep you spellbound. Between the plot and the narration I could not put this audio down. From what I have read the author brings back past characters from her first book weaving into this story so it blends well. It makes you want to pick up the first book to find out what Marissa and her daughter has already lived through. This is a standalone you do not need to read the first one but it would be nice to know what these two went through. You never feel lost you always know what is happening and have a good knowledge of their past. There was nothing that I didn’t like about this story it has it all a little romance, danger, thrills, chills, excitement, overcoming your past, living for your future, and deaths so very sad so real that your heart almost stops. It is a story inside a story, true it is based on the foundation and the missing women but is also based on one ex cop him dealing with losing his wife and walking away from the police force overcoming the man he turned into be and turning a page to become a better man. You get to see his fight for survival starting over finding out what he lost might not be as much as he is about to lose. A women and her daughter that has been to hell and back fighting just to put one foot in front of the other as they find some common ground they both can live with. Marissa daughter who is still deal with the past that will haunt her to her dying day (if you have read the first book you will know what I am talking about). Then you get to know the women who come up missing what they are feeling, their needs and wants. They deserve so much more but get so little from those around them. You get to know the abductor and the women who help him. What all she has had to deal with and why she does what she has done. I doubt you can read/listen to this and not be touched deeply. It is truly a wonderful, thrilling, chilling read you won’t be able to put down. I loved this so much I have picked it as one of my favorite read for 2018. This author just blow me way.
June 13, 2018
Note: Dark Harvest is Book 2 in the series and works best if read after Book 1 simply because you get so much character development that carries over from one book to the next.
I really liked that Brooke, who suffered a brutal kidnapping in Book 1, isn’t all sunshine and roses. She is still walking the hard, dark path to recovery. Marissa, her mom, struggles with how best to help her but she’s doing her best. Brooke’s younger sister, Kelley, puts in a few appearances but we see far less of her than in Book 1 and I missed her. Seth continues to be my favorite character. He’s doing his best to navigate these choppy waters with Marissa and her family, along with his work and memories of his dead wife.
Marissa was hard to root for in this book. She’s really self-centered and I think the author intended for us to see that. However, I don’t see Marissa becoming aware of her flaw and then taking action to better herself. She’s really wrapped up on Seth. He wants to give them all a bit of space to allow Brooke the time to heal and Marissa the time and energy to help Brooke. However, Marissa takes this as rejection. Ugh! Why, Marissa? Why? I wanted to give her a little reality check. I can see why she has a long history of failed relationships.
I also have to mention Marissa in one more thing. This is a MINOR SPOILER. Marissa has failed to take her birth control pill religiously and guess what happens? Yep. This really pissed me off about Marissa. She’s a career woman in her 30s who has basically raised her daughters on her own after becoming unexpectedly pregnant at 16. She’s been down this road before and apparently didn’t learn her lesson. The pill doesn’t work 100% of the time but when you negligently forget to take the pill daily, you’re borrowing trouble.
OK, so let’s talk about the mystery because that’s what really kept me in this book. Someone has been targeting pregnant women but no bodies have turned up. Pretty early on we get to know something about the kidnappers so the majority of the book is a cat and mouse game between the cops and the Holt Foundation and the bad guys. The motivations of the kidnappers were layered and deeper than I initially expected. I really liked that about this mystery. Tori, oh Tori! I wanted things to come out better for you even as I knew you had to pay for what you did. Xander Wilcox, I wonder if you were always so arrogant? Definitely interesting ‘bad guys’.
Seth struggles on several levels in this book. Henry, the computer genius at the Holt Foundation, doesn’t mind breaking laws to get data (phone records, arrest records, utility info, etc.). Seth has retained his cop sense of right and wrong and is mightily uncomfortable about Henry’s activities. However Nathan Holt isn’t interested in pushing Henry to follow the letter of the law. After all, the Holt Foundation is about finding victims before it’s too late. Seth is also struggling to both respect the needs of Marissa’s family as a whole and be supportive to Marissa as his girlfriend. Then he realizes that he hasn’t fully dealt with the death of his wife Holly. He’s a complicated guy and I really enjoyed watching him overcome one hurdle after another.
The ending had a few surprises. Henry! Oh, my! I also like that Seth has wrapped up some of the lose threads of his life. I would have liked further character growth for Marissa because she is a twit in this book. 4/5 stars.
The Narration: Lisa Stathoplos and Corey Gagne did a really good job with this book. I really like Gagne as Seth and Stathoplos has a perfect voice for Marissa. She also does a great job with the voices for Kelley and Brooke making all 3 ladies distinct but still sound related. I especially liked the aggravated, arrogant voice for Xander. 5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Chris Patchell. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
I really liked that Brooke, who suffered a brutal kidnapping in Book 1, isn’t all sunshine and roses. She is still walking the hard, dark path to recovery. Marissa, her mom, struggles with how best to help her but she’s doing her best. Brooke’s younger sister, Kelley, puts in a few appearances but we see far less of her than in Book 1 and I missed her. Seth continues to be my favorite character. He’s doing his best to navigate these choppy waters with Marissa and her family, along with his work and memories of his dead wife.
Marissa was hard to root for in this book. She’s really self-centered and I think the author intended for us to see that. However, I don’t see Marissa becoming aware of her flaw and then taking action to better herself. She’s really wrapped up on Seth. He wants to give them all a bit of space to allow Brooke the time to heal and Marissa the time and energy to help Brooke. However, Marissa takes this as rejection. Ugh! Why, Marissa? Why? I wanted to give her a little reality check. I can see why she has a long history of failed relationships.
I also have to mention Marissa in one more thing. This is a MINOR SPOILER. Marissa has failed to take her birth control pill religiously and guess what happens? Yep. This really pissed me off about Marissa. She’s a career woman in her 30s who has basically raised her daughters on her own after becoming unexpectedly pregnant at 16. She’s been down this road before and apparently didn’t learn her lesson. The pill doesn’t work 100% of the time but when you negligently forget to take the pill daily, you’re borrowing trouble.
OK, so let’s talk about the mystery because that’s what really kept me in this book. Someone has been targeting pregnant women but no bodies have turned up. Pretty early on we get to know something about the kidnappers so the majority of the book is a cat and mouse game between the cops and the Holt Foundation and the bad guys. The motivations of the kidnappers were layered and deeper than I initially expected. I really liked that about this mystery. Tori, oh Tori! I wanted things to come out better for you even as I knew you had to pay for what you did. Xander Wilcox, I wonder if you were always so arrogant? Definitely interesting ‘bad guys’.
Seth struggles on several levels in this book. Henry, the computer genius at the Holt Foundation, doesn’t mind breaking laws to get data (phone records, arrest records, utility info, etc.). Seth has retained his cop sense of right and wrong and is mightily uncomfortable about Henry’s activities. However Nathan Holt isn’t interested in pushing Henry to follow the letter of the law. After all, the Holt Foundation is about finding victims before it’s too late. Seth is also struggling to both respect the needs of Marissa’s family as a whole and be supportive to Marissa as his girlfriend. Then he realizes that he hasn’t fully dealt with the death of his wife Holly. He’s a complicated guy and I really enjoyed watching him overcome one hurdle after another.
The ending had a few surprises. Henry! Oh, my! I also like that Seth has wrapped up some of the lose threads of his life. I would have liked further character growth for Marissa because she is a twit in this book. 4/5 stars.
The Narration: Lisa Stathoplos and Corey Gagne did a really good job with this book. I really like Gagne as Seth and Stathoplos has a perfect voice for Marissa. She also does a great job with the voices for Kelley and Brooke making all 3 ladies distinct but still sound related. I especially liked the aggravated, arrogant voice for Xander. 5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Chris Patchell. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
July 7, 2017
Rebecca Kincaid is single, pregnant and struggling to make ends meet. A simple trip to purchase a baby seat for her unborn child ends in her abduction. Seth is an ex police officer scarred mentally and physically by his past now working for the Holt Foundation.
Marissa Rooney also works for the Holt Foundation is single, pregnant and seemingly unsupported by the father. She already has two daughters Kelly and Brooke from a previous relationship. Brooke is the traumatised survivor of her own kidnapping. Each day she struggles to cope with issues relating to that period in her life.
Seth and Marissa began a relationship when they were both single and part of the investigative team assigned to find Brooke. Each struggles with demons from the past and accepting their feelings for each other. Being assembled to search for Rebecca seems to exacerbate their current problems. They both fear repeating previous relationship mistakes. When Marissa goes missing Seth may realise too late how much he loves her and accept they should be together.
Henry is a colleague and part of the same team from Holt. He is known as being a bit of a maverick as he doesnt always follow the rules in his quest to uncover the truth.
The team discovers women; unmarried, single and expecting are the victims of someone with a devious plan and a desperate need. Their greatest challenge will be to catch the killer before another body is found including one of their own.
Henry’s character particularly appealed to me as he wasnt a follow the rules type of guy. I was stunned when I read what happened to him. By that stage I felt I knew him and he also reminded me of someone I am close to.
At times I felt like knocking Seth and Marissa’s heads together to make them wake up to each other and accept/recognise their feelings.
This is the second book in the Holt Foundation series and the first I have read. Initially the storyline had a familiar feel to it but that soon changed when I realised this wasnt going to be the standard type of thriller. I really enjoyed how the story unpacked and the twists that went with it. Prepare to grip the end of your seat at least once before the last page. I know I did!
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy a good mystery and/or thriller.
A copy of the digital version of the proof edition was kindly provided by the publisher via Netgalley and this review is solely mine
Marissa Rooney also works for the Holt Foundation is single, pregnant and seemingly unsupported by the father. She already has two daughters Kelly and Brooke from a previous relationship. Brooke is the traumatised survivor of her own kidnapping. Each day she struggles to cope with issues relating to that period in her life.
Seth and Marissa began a relationship when they were both single and part of the investigative team assigned to find Brooke. Each struggles with demons from the past and accepting their feelings for each other. Being assembled to search for Rebecca seems to exacerbate their current problems. They both fear repeating previous relationship mistakes. When Marissa goes missing Seth may realise too late how much he loves her and accept they should be together.
Henry is a colleague and part of the same team from Holt. He is known as being a bit of a maverick as he doesnt always follow the rules in his quest to uncover the truth.
The team discovers women; unmarried, single and expecting are the victims of someone with a devious plan and a desperate need. Their greatest challenge will be to catch the killer before another body is found including one of their own.
Henry’s character particularly appealed to me as he wasnt a follow the rules type of guy. I was stunned when I read what happened to him. By that stage I felt I knew him and he also reminded me of someone I am close to.
At times I felt like knocking Seth and Marissa’s heads together to make them wake up to each other and accept/recognise their feelings.
This is the second book in the Holt Foundation series and the first I have read. Initially the storyline had a familiar feel to it but that soon changed when I realised this wasnt going to be the standard type of thriller. I really enjoyed how the story unpacked and the twists that went with it. Prepare to grip the end of your seat at least once before the last page. I know I did!
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy a good mystery and/or thriller.
A copy of the digital version of the proof edition was kindly provided by the publisher via Netgalley and this review is solely mine
February 9, 2018
Dark Harvest is the 2nd book in Chris Patchell's Holt Foundation Stories series. The Holt Foundation is a group helping victims and families of people who have been affected by violent crimes. The foundations founder Elizabeth Holt was a victim of a violent crime in her college. Just before her death she created the foundation. Which all comes to light in "In The Dark" book one of the series. You should really read book 1 to get all the backstory to the developments in this book. This book can be read as a stand alone. There are parts that would make more since in you read book 1 though.
In this book Marissa and her daughters are still coming to terms with Brooke's kidnapping and the aftermath. But the Holt Foundation also have a new case. Young pregnant women are disappearing. A mid 40's Doctor with early onset Alzheimer's is doing stem cell experiments to cure himself and also selling off the babies of the pregnant moms to fund himself. He is taking the babies by c section of the young women he kidnaps and letting the mother's die. When young and pregnant Becky Kincaid comes up missing from the local baby store the team takes on the case. When Marissa finds out she is pregnant with Seth's Child she goes to a local Women's Clinic to help decide her options. This Women's Clinic is where the mystery starts to unfold.
This is not just a mystery but also a romance with some real life stuff thrown in. Marissa and Seth are still exploring their new relationship, but Seth is still carrying a lot of baggage and is still hung up on his dead wife and her death. He also is trying to decide whether to go back to being a cop or staying at the foundation. Brooke is dealing with the PTSD from her kidnapping and not doing a very good job of it. Marissa is in the middle of Brooke and Seth and their problems, but she discovers she has a problem of her own. A Baby!
The audiobook is dual narrated by Lisa Stathoplos, Corey Gagne as was book 1. Both of these narrators do a wonderful job with the book. They bring the story and the emotions from the pages to life extremely well. I like they they each have their own chapters.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
In this book Marissa and her daughters are still coming to terms with Brooke's kidnapping and the aftermath. But the Holt Foundation also have a new case. Young pregnant women are disappearing. A mid 40's Doctor with early onset Alzheimer's is doing stem cell experiments to cure himself and also selling off the babies of the pregnant moms to fund himself. He is taking the babies by c section of the young women he kidnaps and letting the mother's die. When young and pregnant Becky Kincaid comes up missing from the local baby store the team takes on the case. When Marissa finds out she is pregnant with Seth's Child she goes to a local Women's Clinic to help decide her options. This Women's Clinic is where the mystery starts to unfold.
This is not just a mystery but also a romance with some real life stuff thrown in. Marissa and Seth are still exploring their new relationship, but Seth is still carrying a lot of baggage and is still hung up on his dead wife and her death. He also is trying to decide whether to go back to being a cop or staying at the foundation. Brooke is dealing with the PTSD from her kidnapping and not doing a very good job of it. Marissa is in the middle of Brooke and Seth and their problems, but she discovers she has a problem of her own. A Baby!
The audiobook is dual narrated by Lisa Stathoplos, Corey Gagne as was book 1. Both of these narrators do a wonderful job with the book. They bring the story and the emotions from the pages to life extremely well. I like they they each have their own chapters.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
February 20, 2018
Dark Harvest (A Holt Foundation Story Book 2) by Chris Patchell Dark Harvest is the 2nd book in Chris Patchell's Holt Foundation Stories series. The Holt Foundation is a group helping victims and families of people who have been affected by violent crimes. The foundations founder Elizabeth Holt was a victim of a violent crime in her college. Just before her death she created the foundation. Which all comes to light in "In The Dark" book one of the series. You should really read book 1 to get all the backstory to the developments in this book. This book can be read as a stand alone. There are parts that would make more since in you read book 1 though.
In this book Marissa and her daughters are still coming to terms with Brooke's kidnapping and the aftermath. But the Holt Foundation also have a new case. Young pregnant women are disappearing. A mid 40's Doctor with early onset Alzheimer's is doing stem cell experiments to cure himself and also selling off the babies of the pregnant moms to fund himself. He is taking the babies by c section of the young women he kidnaps and letting the mother's die. When young and pregnant Becky Kincaid comes up missing from the local baby store the team takes on the case. When Marissa finds out she is pregnant with Seth's Child she goes to a local Women's Clinic to help decide her options. This Women's Clinic is where the mystery starts to unfold.
This is not just a mystery but also a romance with some real life stuff thrown in. Marissa and Seth are still exploring their new relationship, but Seth is still carrying a lot of baggage and is still hung up on his dead wife and her death. He also is trying to decide whether to go back to being a cop or staying at the foundation. Brooke is dealing with the PTSD from her kidnapping and not doing a very good job of it. Marissa is in the middle of Brooke and Seth and their problems, but she discovers she has a problem of her own. A Baby!
The audiobook is dual narrated by Lisa Stathoplos, Corey Gagne as was book 1. Both of these narrators do a wonderful job with the book. They bring the story and the emotions from the pages to life extremely well. I like they they each have their own chapters.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
In this book Marissa and her daughters are still coming to terms with Brooke's kidnapping and the aftermath. But the Holt Foundation also have a new case. Young pregnant women are disappearing. A mid 40's Doctor with early onset Alzheimer's is doing stem cell experiments to cure himself and also selling off the babies of the pregnant moms to fund himself. He is taking the babies by c section of the young women he kidnaps and letting the mother's die. When young and pregnant Becky Kincaid comes up missing from the local baby store the team takes on the case. When Marissa finds out she is pregnant with Seth's Child she goes to a local Women's Clinic to help decide her options. This Women's Clinic is where the mystery starts to unfold.
This is not just a mystery but also a romance with some real life stuff thrown in. Marissa and Seth are still exploring their new relationship, but Seth is still carrying a lot of baggage and is still hung up on his dead wife and her death. He also is trying to decide whether to go back to being a cop or staying at the foundation. Brooke is dealing with the PTSD from her kidnapping and not doing a very good job of it. Marissa is in the middle of Brooke and Seth and their problems, but she discovers she has a problem of her own. A Baby!
The audiobook is dual narrated by Lisa Stathoplos, Corey Gagne as was book 1. Both of these narrators do a wonderful job with the book. They bring the story and the emotions from the pages to life extremely well. I like they they each have their own chapters.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
August 1, 2017
Wow, how does she do it? How does Chris Patchell write such thrilling, action packed, fun, but very heartfelt stories every time? I love medical thrillers (Robin Cook was one of my favorite authors). I really had no idea that this was a medical thriller so this was a great surprise. You're wondering - how did you not know? Did you not read the blurb? Well, no I didn't - I just saw Chris' name and eagerly grabbed the book knowing it was going to be great! She has not steered me wrong yet!
Great character development. In the last book In The Dark I said that I didn't care for and couldn't relate to Marissa Rooney. I did like her better in this one. She was smart, sensitive, reassuring - she was very unsure of herself and had a lot going on with her daughter but she didn't give up. I think she was trying a little too hard with Seth, like she was pushing him into what he wasn't ready for. But it felt real. I do know people who are like that. She desperately wanted the relationship to work. I also liked Seth - Mr. tough guy, get things done - but ever the cop, even when he's not.
The one character I really fell for was Henry! He was techy, smart, funny, a no holds barred kind of guy. When he got something in his head, saw something that needed to be done and he did it, sometimes without thinking about the consequences. And unfortunately... there were consequences.
Once again this great action suspense thriller reaches into your heart, and once again I was in tears! I actually gasped out loud and covered my mouth and didn't want to know what was going to happen. Chris has a way of doing that to you - making you fall in love and then ripping out your heart LOL, not nice Chris!
Chris Patchell is a "go-to" author for me and once you read one of her books she will be for you too!
This can be read as a stand alone, but really you will want to read the first one Into the Dark (and her other book Deadly Lies) just because they are so darn good!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours - Thank You!
Great character development. In the last book In The Dark I said that I didn't care for and couldn't relate to Marissa Rooney. I did like her better in this one. She was smart, sensitive, reassuring - she was very unsure of herself and had a lot going on with her daughter but she didn't give up. I think she was trying a little too hard with Seth, like she was pushing him into what he wasn't ready for. But it felt real. I do know people who are like that. She desperately wanted the relationship to work. I also liked Seth - Mr. tough guy, get things done - but ever the cop, even when he's not.
The one character I really fell for was Henry! He was techy, smart, funny, a no holds barred kind of guy. When he got something in his head, saw something that needed to be done and he did it, sometimes without thinking about the consequences. And unfortunately... there were consequences.
Once again this great action suspense thriller reaches into your heart, and once again I was in tears! I actually gasped out loud and covered my mouth and didn't want to know what was going to happen. Chris has a way of doing that to you - making you fall in love and then ripping out your heart LOL, not nice Chris!
Chris Patchell is a "go-to" author for me and once you read one of her books she will be for you too!
This can be read as a stand alone, but really you will want to read the first one Into the Dark (and her other book Deadly Lies) just because they are so darn good!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours - Thank You!
July 13, 2017
3.5 STARS
Ok, before I write the review, I feel compelled to point out two glaring typos in the book (Kindle locations 1074 and 2279). A heroine is someone who the reader is rooting for in the story. Heroin is a drug. THESE TWO WORDS DO NOT MEAN THE SAME THING! This is not the first author I've read who has confused the two, but it makes me crazy! Now that it's off my chest, on to the review.
While this book could be read as a standalone, there are quite a few references to what happened in the first book.
Marissa and Seth (who, frankly, are both messes in this book) are now working full time for the Holt foundation. Seth is feeling uneasy about the "liberties" that are being taken in the investigations. It wouldn't fly in the police station, and Seth is having trouble letting his cop side go. Marissa is overwhelmed with her new job (she seems way under qualified) and all the home stress with her daughter Brooke trying to rebuild her life after her ordeal in the first book. On top of that Marissa and Seth are trying to build a relationship, and it doesn't seem to work very well. Seth seems like he's not over his late wife, Marissa seems like she can't be without a man. I honestly wanted them to take a break from each other. Too much, too soon, especially considering the way they started their relationship.
The story is pretty dark. Missing pregnant teens, babies for sale, illegal stem cell research...it was fascinating stuff and the story moved along quickly. The last 20% of the book was a little over the top (Marissa's life is in jeopardy again!?!), and Seth's actions didn't seem like that of a former police officer, but it was action packed and I was turning the pages as quickly as I could read.
I hope there's more to come in this series. Though they are frustrating, I've grown to care about the characters, and want to spend more time with them.
Ok, before I write the review, I feel compelled to point out two glaring typos in the book (Kindle locations 1074 and 2279). A heroine is someone who the reader is rooting for in the story. Heroin is a drug. THESE TWO WORDS DO NOT MEAN THE SAME THING! This is not the first author I've read who has confused the two, but it makes me crazy! Now that it's off my chest, on to the review.
While this book could be read as a standalone, there are quite a few references to what happened in the first book.
Marissa and Seth (who, frankly, are both messes in this book) are now working full time for the Holt foundation. Seth is feeling uneasy about the "liberties" that are being taken in the investigations. It wouldn't fly in the police station, and Seth is having trouble letting his cop side go. Marissa is overwhelmed with her new job (she seems way under qualified) and all the home stress with her daughter Brooke trying to rebuild her life after her ordeal in the first book. On top of that Marissa and Seth are trying to build a relationship, and it doesn't seem to work very well. Seth seems like he's not over his late wife, Marissa seems like she can't be without a man. I honestly wanted them to take a break from each other. Too much, too soon, especially considering the way they started their relationship.
The story is pretty dark. Missing pregnant teens, babies for sale, illegal stem cell research...it was fascinating stuff and the story moved along quickly. The last 20% of the book was a little over the top (Marissa's life is in jeopardy again!?!), and Seth's actions didn't seem like that of a former police officer, but it was action packed and I was turning the pages as quickly as I could read.
I hope there's more to come in this series. Though they are frustrating, I've grown to care about the characters, and want to spend more time with them.
May 31, 2017
A chilling suspense with a touch of romance that's a must read! Dark Harvest is the second book in A Holt Foundation Story series. With the unique storyline, complex characters, mystery, intense situations, danger, intriguing twists and so much more, this emotional roller-coaster of a story will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. A fantastic book, and great addition to this exciting new series.
While the foundation is struggling to get started, with new management and employees, there are pregnant women who are going missing and there's no time to waste. Trying to help hold the foundation together, as well as their relationship and her daughters, Marissa and Seth are doing all they can to figure out what's happening to the missing women, before it's too late. While the police are focused on the baby's daddy from the first woman, Seth insists that there's more going on, especially when the second woman goes missing, but he's struggling to figure out what.
Will Seth and Marissa be able to make it through the circumstances trying to keep them apart? Will they all be able to keep the foundation running, or will it crumble before it ever gets off the ground? Will their team figure out what is truly going on? How many people will get hurt before the truth is finally known? You'll have to read it to find out!
I strongly recommend this book, series, and author. Although each can be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend starting with book #1. You'll not only get to read a fantastic story, but learn more about the woman who started the foundation, how everyone got involved, and so much more. You won't be disappointed.
I have voluntarily reviewed this arc provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
While the foundation is struggling to get started, with new management and employees, there are pregnant women who are going missing and there's no time to waste. Trying to help hold the foundation together, as well as their relationship and her daughters, Marissa and Seth are doing all they can to figure out what's happening to the missing women, before it's too late. While the police are focused on the baby's daddy from the first woman, Seth insists that there's more going on, especially when the second woman goes missing, but he's struggling to figure out what.
Will Seth and Marissa be able to make it through the circumstances trying to keep them apart? Will they all be able to keep the foundation running, or will it crumble before it ever gets off the ground? Will their team figure out what is truly going on? How many people will get hurt before the truth is finally known? You'll have to read it to find out!
I strongly recommend this book, series, and author. Although each can be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend starting with book #1. You'll not only get to read a fantastic story, but learn more about the woman who started the foundation, how everyone got involved, and so much more. You won't be disappointed.
I have voluntarily reviewed this arc provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
February 25, 2018
Marissa is facing new challenges at the Holt Foundation after Elizabeth's death. And not only this: Brooke is having a break down after what happened to her in book 1, her relationship with Seth is becoming complicated, and they have a new case in which a pregnant woman has disappeared. Time presses because the delivery time is just two weeks ahead.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series, so I was looking to this one. The style is very similar to the previous book: lots of action, interesting characters, a great plot with good subplots. It has all the ingredients to make of this an amazing book.
I enjoyed how Marissa and Seth's relationship evolved, and how that subplot was woven with the main story. I didn't like the fact that they got involved in the previous book, but I understand that this makes it more interesting for this one and future books.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, but somehow I found it a bit more predicable than the first one, without any real twist, and this is why I give it only 4 stars. Nevertheless, the way Patchell's style traps you makes this worth listening.
About the narration, I have similar feelings to the ones about the first book. Lisa Stathoplos delivered a top notch narration, with an ample voice range and excellent character's interpretations. Corey Gagne was also very good, regarding voices and interpretations, but there were several noticeable audio edits, not enough to be distracting, but sadly unworthy of a 5 star review.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Chris Patchell. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series, so I was looking to this one. The style is very similar to the previous book: lots of action, interesting characters, a great plot with good subplots. It has all the ingredients to make of this an amazing book.
I enjoyed how Marissa and Seth's relationship evolved, and how that subplot was woven with the main story. I didn't like the fact that they got involved in the previous book, but I understand that this makes it more interesting for this one and future books.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, but somehow I found it a bit more predicable than the first one, without any real twist, and this is why I give it only 4 stars. Nevertheless, the way Patchell's style traps you makes this worth listening.
About the narration, I have similar feelings to the ones about the first book. Lisa Stathoplos delivered a top notch narration, with an ample voice range and excellent character's interpretations. Corey Gagne was also very good, regarding voices and interpretations, but there were several noticeable audio edits, not enough to be distracting, but sadly unworthy of a 5 star review.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Chris Patchell. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
June 7, 2017
Dark Harvest took me through a whirlwind of emotions. The storyline itself is incredibly captivating with a heartfelt and satisfying message. It felt as if there was always something new happening in every chapter, the pacing and flow added onto the storyline in such a way that only made it easier to get engulfed into the whole story. Dark Harvest has such a rich character development throughout the storyline, for both Seth and Marissa, that needed to happen and it did in the most terrifying of ways.
From the very beginning, you'll notice that there is a switch of perspectives every couple of chapters. At times this can be overwhelming in some stories, or even unnecessary, but it was done so seamlessly and effortlessly that the multiple perspectives only add onto the suspense, rather than taking away from it which was great. We're able to view each character through a different lens throughout the whole story, even to the point that we're able to view how the surrounding characters perceive them along with how they perceive themselves and the situation at hand.
Dark Harvest is one of those stories that really get you thinking, and shine on different aspects of life that many people shy away from. You get a deep connection with all of the characters, even the unlikeable ones, and I think Chris Patchell did a really great job at creating that connection and suspense. I would definitely recommend it as a must-read!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review.
From the very beginning, you'll notice that there is a switch of perspectives every couple of chapters. At times this can be overwhelming in some stories, or even unnecessary, but it was done so seamlessly and effortlessly that the multiple perspectives only add onto the suspense, rather than taking away from it which was great. We're able to view each character through a different lens throughout the whole story, even to the point that we're able to view how the surrounding characters perceive them along with how they perceive themselves and the situation at hand.
Dark Harvest is one of those stories that really get you thinking, and shine on different aspects of life that many people shy away from. You get a deep connection with all of the characters, even the unlikeable ones, and I think Chris Patchell did a really great job at creating that connection and suspense. I would definitely recommend it as a must-read!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review.
June 24, 2017
Kindle Press and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Dark Harvest. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.
Marissa Rooney and Seth Crawford have to work hard to keep their personal and professional lives separate, as the couple work together for the Holt Foundation. Helping victims of crimes and their families is the main focus of the foundation which, incidentally, had helped Marissa to recover her kidnapped daughter. When pregnant 18 year old Rebecca Kincaid goes missing, the Holt Foundation finds themselves investigating and trying to assist the police as they race against time. When a second pregnant woman goes missing, will the team be able to figure out the link between the two women and help to get them safely home?
Without spoiling the book, all I can say is that the premise was good, but there were too many holes in the actual story. There are a few moments where readers must suspend belief, especially when a particular character is able to do things that someone in their condition should not be able to accomplish. With too many side plots, the main focus of the book gets lost. I wish that the author had chosen to stick with one plot line, as it would make the kidnapping of pregnant women more compelling. I did like the book, as it was certainly a fast read, but I would give it only an average rating.
Marissa Rooney and Seth Crawford have to work hard to keep their personal and professional lives separate, as the couple work together for the Holt Foundation. Helping victims of crimes and their families is the main focus of the foundation which, incidentally, had helped Marissa to recover her kidnapped daughter. When pregnant 18 year old Rebecca Kincaid goes missing, the Holt Foundation finds themselves investigating and trying to assist the police as they race against time. When a second pregnant woman goes missing, will the team be able to figure out the link between the two women and help to get them safely home?
Without spoiling the book, all I can say is that the premise was good, but there were too many holes in the actual story. There are a few moments where readers must suspend belief, especially when a particular character is able to do things that someone in their condition should not be able to accomplish. With too many side plots, the main focus of the book gets lost. I wish that the author had chosen to stick with one plot line, as it would make the kidnapping of pregnant women more compelling. I did like the book, as it was certainly a fast read, but I would give it only an average rating.
October 31, 2017
I was lucky enough to win this book on Goodreads and be able to read this exceptional thriller by Chris Patchell. It was the second book in the Holt Foundation series and although I did not read the first book I was fully able to follow and understand it to it's gripping conclusion. This book involved a foundation created to help people deal with crimes and to search for crime victims. Marissa is the mom from book 1 whose daughter Brooke had been kidnapped and she was able to recover her daughter thru the work of the Holy Foundation. In this book Marissa along with Seth, the hero from book one, are searching for a missing pregnant teen who disappeared while shopping for a car seat for her baby about to be born. A short time later another teen goes missing making their search more frantic. The search for these girls puts both Marissa and Seth in danger and this book comes to a thrilling and explosive ending that will keep you turning pages and reading long into the night. Filled with constant action and some heartbreak this book is a real winner. Can't wait for the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book to all readers who enjoy suspense, intrigue and a dynamic ending.
July 31, 2017
Dark Harvest provides everything you could ever want in a story. This psychological thriller and mystery contains in depth scene descriptions, as well as incredible character development. Unlike a lot of novel's Dark Harvest provides nuanced details of every character through first person point of view. I think it is incredible that Patchell was able to create unique backstories to every character that was introduced. Although a tricky task, she was able to accomplish this without leaving me feeling bored and ready to move on. All of the characters played an intricate role in the plot and story development. Although this falls into the thriller genre, there was an adequate amount of romance that kept my need for love and lust peaked. This novel contained a lot of scientific and medical information and Patchell hit the nail on the head with accuracy; you can tell that she definitely did her research. I really couldn't put this novel down and I will definitely be purchasing the first installment from this series, In The Dark. I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a captivating page turner that will keep you up at night.
August 16, 2017
This was the first book I have ready from this Author and I am going to say it definitely won't be my last as it was a very good read!
I will start by saying that, since it's the second book in the series, I am pretty sure I missed a lot from book one. So at some point I will probably go back and read it so I can fully understand this story.
Most crime novels I read have periods of, like, dull chatter or explanations that can get boring and make the book seem very slow. This one, however, was not like that. It constantly held my attention which was definitely a relief.
The writing was absolutely amazing, the details perfect, and it was a steady pace read. I loved being able to get to know the characters and dive into this story head first. The only complaint I had was that you basically knew who did it before the characters do. It doesn't take away from the story at all, just kind of takes the surprise aspect out of it.
All in all, still a very good read and I will definitely be getting more books from this author.
I will start by saying that, since it's the second book in the series, I am pretty sure I missed a lot from book one. So at some point I will probably go back and read it so I can fully understand this story.
Most crime novels I read have periods of, like, dull chatter or explanations that can get boring and make the book seem very slow. This one, however, was not like that. It constantly held my attention which was definitely a relief.
The writing was absolutely amazing, the details perfect, and it was a steady pace read. I loved being able to get to know the characters and dive into this story head first. The only complaint I had was that you basically knew who did it before the characters do. It doesn't take away from the story at all, just kind of takes the surprise aspect out of it.
All in all, still a very good read and I will definitely be getting more books from this author.
June 19, 2017
After reading IN THE DARK not to long ago and then reading DARK HARVEST, I felt that this book flowed so smoothly from the first book, there weren't any gaps or confusions, I just kept reading uninterrupted. Patchell's writing has excelled exponentially, I'm looking forward to reading more from Patchell, she truly writes like a true author!! Even though the story is "dark" it was written with passion, flare, and pure enthusiasm and no detail was left out. There were parts in the book that just kept me on edge waiting to see what was going to happen next, the anticipation of some of the scenes were gripping in so many ways. I LOVED IT! I could go on and on, but trust me....read IN THE DARK & DARK HARVEST!
March 4, 2018
Another exciting, suspenseful read by Patchell
After reading IN THE DARK by Chris Patchell, which was a good read, I felt the need to read another book by this author. Although I felt both books were slow starting, perhaps it was my impatience to get to the exciting parts, I find the style of this author's writing compelling. The slow building of characters and plot intermingled with their complex lives demands the reader to continue on as the intricate plot gets more exciting. Patchell layers the information received in locating missing women as if you were the detective looking at the infinite pieces of a puzzle trying to make them all go together to create a true picture.
After reading IN THE DARK by Chris Patchell, which was a good read, I felt the need to read another book by this author. Although I felt both books were slow starting, perhaps it was my impatience to get to the exciting parts, I find the style of this author's writing compelling. The slow building of characters and plot intermingled with their complex lives demands the reader to continue on as the intricate plot gets more exciting. Patchell layers the information received in locating missing women as if you were the detective looking at the infinite pieces of a puzzle trying to make them all go together to create a true picture.
October 15, 2024
Kindle Unlimited
In Dark Harvest, #3 of the Holt Foundation series, we do most of our interaction with Detective Seth Crawford in a Northwestern US crime drama that has very young, very pregnant girls being abducted just before their delivery date, never to be seen again. The babies come to light in crowded places, but the moms are gone forever. Seth has his work cut out for him - finding the perpetrators, protecting other young mothers-to-be, seeking those missing moms, but until he can discover the purpose behind the abductions all those things are impossible, lost in the dark. And Marissa is in trouble again. Of course.
Reviewed on October 15, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review at Kobo.
In Dark Harvest, #3 of the Holt Foundation series, we do most of our interaction with Detective Seth Crawford in a Northwestern US crime drama that has very young, very pregnant girls being abducted just before their delivery date, never to be seen again. The babies come to light in crowded places, but the moms are gone forever. Seth has his work cut out for him - finding the perpetrators, protecting other young mothers-to-be, seeking those missing moms, but until he can discover the purpose behind the abductions all those things are impossible, lost in the dark. And Marissa is in trouble again. Of course.
Reviewed on October 15, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review at Kobo.
August 16, 2017
This book picks up shortly after IN THE DARK ends, but can easily be read as a stand alone--although I would strongly suggest reading both.
When a pregnant girl disappears, The Holt Foundation begins an investigation. When a second pregnant girl is taken, they suspect a black market adoption ring. What they eventually discover is even darker and more upsetting.
The main characters, Seth and Marissa, are still dealing with the repercussions of her daughter Brooke's kidnapping (the topic of book #1), as well as other issues in their relationship, while at the same time having to work together to try to find the missing girls and prevent others from being taken.
There is a lot going on throughout the book, and the suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat, anxious to know what will happen next.
Considering what we learn in this book, will be interested to see what happens in the next one!
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
When a pregnant girl disappears, The Holt Foundation begins an investigation. When a second pregnant girl is taken, they suspect a black market adoption ring. What they eventually discover is even darker and more upsetting.
The main characters, Seth and Marissa, are still dealing with the repercussions of her daughter Brooke's kidnapping (the topic of book #1), as well as other issues in their relationship, while at the same time having to work together to try to find the missing girls and prevent others from being taken.
There is a lot going on throughout the book, and the suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat, anxious to know what will happen next.
Considering what we learn in this book, will be interested to see what happens in the next one!
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
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