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Detective Jo Fournier #2
Taken to the Grave
When a girl’s body is discovered in a park in the sleepy Massachusetts town of Oakhurst, local detective Jo is shocked to the core. Because the girl is the second innocent victim to turn up dead in three days. And just like the first, a tarot card has been left by the body. The meaning of the card: betrayal.
After uncovering a series of threatening messages targeting the girl, a student at the university, and the first victim, her teacher, Jo thinks she’s locked the killer in her crosshairs. The primary suspect is a volatile ex-military student with an axe to grind for failing grades, and the frightened town is out for his blood. But the next day, a much-loved member of the community is found dead in her home, a tarot card in her mail. There’s no clear motive to link her death to the others, and the message on the card this time is even stranger: domestic bliss.
With a fourth body and card appearing the following day, Jo knows she’s running out of time to crack the code and bring the killer to justice. And the pressure only gets worse with heart-breaking news about Jo’s father forcing her to choose between helping her family heal or the victims’ families get justice. Can Jo find the twisted murderer sending the town into a panic before another life is lost? Or this time, will the dangerous killer find her first?
After uncovering a series of threatening messages targeting the girl, a student at the university, and the first victim, her teacher, Jo thinks she’s locked the killer in her crosshairs. The primary suspect is a volatile ex-military student with an axe to grind for failing grades, and the frightened town is out for his blood. But the next day, a much-loved member of the community is found dead in her home, a tarot card in her mail. There’s no clear motive to link her death to the others, and the message on the card this time is even stranger: domestic bliss.
With a fourth body and card appearing the following day, Jo knows she’s running out of time to crack the code and bring the killer to justice. And the pressure only gets worse with heart-breaking news about Jo’s father forcing her to choose between helping her family heal or the victims’ families get justice. Can Jo find the twisted murderer sending the town into a panic before another life is lost? Or this time, will the dangerous killer find her first?
312 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2019
2344 people are currently reading
2231 people want to read
About the author
M.M. Chouinard
13 books447 followersM.M. Chouinard is the USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Amazon Charts bestselling author behind The Vacation, a standalone psychological thriller, and the Detective Jo Fournier series, featuring The Dancing Girls, Taken to the Grave, Her Daughter's Cry, and The Other Mothers. She loves animals, coffee, amateur genealogy, and anything to do with Halloween or the zombie apocalypse.
M.M. Chouinard's first fiction story was published in her local paper when she was eight, and she fell in love with Agatha Christie novels not long after. While pursuing a Ph.D in psychology and helping to found the first U.S. research university of the new millenium, the stories kept rattling around inside her skull, demanding to come out. For sanity's sake, she released them.
M.M. Chouinard's first fiction story was published in her local paper when she was eight, and she fell in love with Agatha Christie novels not long after. While pursuing a Ph.D in psychology and helping to found the first U.S. research university of the new millenium, the stories kept rattling around inside her skull, demanding to come out. For sanity's sake, she released them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
October 23, 2019
Taken to the Grave by M.M. Chouinard is the second in the Detective Jo Fournier series. However, the mystery reads well as a standalone. In Oakhurst, Massachusetts, at the local college, a professor is viciously murdered in his office. Jo and her partner have just begun the investigation when another body is found on a local hiking trail. All indications are that the murders are related to the college but no one is forthcoming with information about who can be responsible and why. Again, a third body is found, and, like the previous victims, a tarot card has been left in the vicinity of each body. The police have their suspicions about who the perpetrator could be but are having trouble coming up with anything but circumstancial evidence. And then a fourth violent death occurs. When will the violence stop? What could have caused someone to commit so many atrocious murders, all of them connected to the school? Time is running out and then someone else disappears. This is a fascinating police procedural: it holds the reader's attention throughout and does not disappoint. Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2019
Jo Fournier #2
Jo and her partner, Bob are called out to Oakhurst University after the discovery of Professor Michael Wharton's body. The Professor was not a likeable man. Even his wife wasn't that upset to hear of her husbands death. The Professor had been accused of sexual assault by one of his colleagues. A student had lost his financial aid after he failed one of the Professor's classes. The list goes on. So there is a long list of suspects. Just as the investigation gets underway, a other two bodies turn up. Will these bodies somehow be linked to the Professor.?
Jo and Bob are under p6from their boss to get these cases solved. The tension builds with each new death. There are clues and twists to solve. Jo is a smart cookie. She seems to rely on gut instinct to solve this case. The killer leaves a tarot card beside their victim. We are given a few likely suspects, but you know this is too good to be true, to guess correctly that one of them was the killer. I will admit, I was shocked when it was revealed who the killer was. The characters are well rounded and true to life. We get some background information on Jo's family home life.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture and the author M M Chouinard for my ARC in exchange for an honest review .
Jo and her partner, Bob are called out to Oakhurst University after the discovery of Professor Michael Wharton's body. The Professor was not a likeable man. Even his wife wasn't that upset to hear of her husbands death. The Professor had been accused of sexual assault by one of his colleagues. A student had lost his financial aid after he failed one of the Professor's classes. The list goes on. So there is a long list of suspects. Just as the investigation gets underway, a other two bodies turn up. Will these bodies somehow be linked to the Professor.?
Jo and Bob are under p6from their boss to get these cases solved. The tension builds with each new death. There are clues and twists to solve. Jo is a smart cookie. She seems to rely on gut instinct to solve this case. The killer leaves a tarot card beside their victim. We are given a few likely suspects, but you know this is too good to be true, to guess correctly that one of them was the killer. I will admit, I was shocked when it was revealed who the killer was. The characters are well rounded and true to life. We get some background information on Jo's family home life.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture and the author M M Chouinard for my ARC in exchange for an honest review .
August 28, 2019
I really enjoyed Dancing Girls by this writer so I jumped at the chance to read the second installment of this series featuring Detective Jo Fournier. Taken to the Grave did not disappoint and had me turning pages as fast as I could to find out what was going to happen. In this book we learn more about Jo and her family which I really liked. Makes Jo a more rounded character and could connect to her more this time. I look forward to reading book 3.
When a professor is found murdered in his office at Oakhurst University, Jo and her partner Bob are called to the scene. It seems that the victim was not the most liked man on campus, opening this case up to so many potential suspects. While still looking into this murder more bodies start to pile up and they are all connected by the signature tarot card left at the scene. Who wants these people dead and why? All the while Jo is trying to balance her family life with her father ill. But Jo will not give up until the murder is caught.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
When a professor is found murdered in his office at Oakhurst University, Jo and her partner Bob are called to the scene. It seems that the victim was not the most liked man on campus, opening this case up to so many potential suspects. While still looking into this murder more bodies start to pile up and they are all connected by the signature tarot card left at the scene. Who wants these people dead and why? All the while Jo is trying to balance her family life with her father ill. But Jo will not give up until the murder is caught.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
September 2, 2019
When Professor Michael Wharton is Found murdered in his office at a local Oakhurst university, Detective Jo Fournier and her partner are called to campus to investigate his murder. At first it appeared that this professor was an innocent victim, but the more they talk to staff members and people who knew him, it becomes clear that Michael Wharton has made more than a few enemies.
A young colleague accused Wharton of sexual assault, another professor didn’t make tenure due to Wharton’s influence, and a student lost his financial aid after failing one of Wharton’s classes. There doesn’t seem to be a shortage of suspects in this case.
And then in the span of three days, two more victims appear and their deaths appear to be directly related to Wharton’s. If Detective Jo Fournier doesn’t solve the mystery fast, who knows how many lives the secret killer will take...
Taken to the Grave by MM Chouinard is book 2 in the Detective Jo Fournier series. I was excited for the next installment in this crime series, as I really enjoyed book 1. Unfortunately, this one was a bit of a letdown. I didn’t feel propelled to read further into the story and the chapters about Jo’s personal life bored me. I didn’t dislike this book, I just didn’t feel as engaged as I wanted to be. 3/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and MM Chouinard for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A young colleague accused Wharton of sexual assault, another professor didn’t make tenure due to Wharton’s influence, and a student lost his financial aid after failing one of Wharton’s classes. There doesn’t seem to be a shortage of suspects in this case.
And then in the span of three days, two more victims appear and their deaths appear to be directly related to Wharton’s. If Detective Jo Fournier doesn’t solve the mystery fast, who knows how many lives the secret killer will take...
Taken to the Grave by MM Chouinard is book 2 in the Detective Jo Fournier series. I was excited for the next installment in this crime series, as I really enjoyed book 1. Unfortunately, this one was a bit of a letdown. I didn’t feel propelled to read further into the story and the chapters about Jo’s personal life bored me. I didn’t dislike this book, I just didn’t feel as engaged as I wanted to be. 3/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and MM Chouinard for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2019
Taken to the Grave by M.M. Chouinard is the second book in the Detective Jo Fournier series and while I absolutely loved the first book, The Dancing Girls, Chouinard definitely took everything I loved about The Dancing Girls and stepped it up a notch or two with the second installment in the series.
Detective Jo Fournier and her partner are called to a murder on the Oakhurst University campus. The victim, Professor Michael Wharton, isn’t exactly well liked and even his wife doesn’t seem to care he is dead. With a large suspect pool growing faster by the day, it will take a miracle to find the killer amongst the enemies the professor has made. But, when more bodies start showing up Jo will stop at nothing to find the killer responsible.
I really enjoyed reading Taken to the Grave and found myself flipping through the pages right from the beginning. Chouinard has such a way of gripping you right from the first page with her highly addicting prose. Jo Fournier is definitely one of my top female detectives in a series and written so perfectly. While we didn’t delve too deep into her personal life in the first book, Chouinard trickles in more information in when Jo’s father has a health issues. Here is where we see Jo’s vulnerable side and for me, this is when Jo became more of a well rounded character and one I can easily like.
Taken to the Grave is a gripping and intense thriller that is fast paced and will keep you up well into the evening as you search through all of the clues right along with Jo Fournier to find a killer. Another five star read from the talented writer and storyteller, M.M. Chouinard
Detective Jo Fournier and her partner are called to a murder on the Oakhurst University campus. The victim, Professor Michael Wharton, isn’t exactly well liked and even his wife doesn’t seem to care he is dead. With a large suspect pool growing faster by the day, it will take a miracle to find the killer amongst the enemies the professor has made. But, when more bodies start showing up Jo will stop at nothing to find the killer responsible.
I really enjoyed reading Taken to the Grave and found myself flipping through the pages right from the beginning. Chouinard has such a way of gripping you right from the first page with her highly addicting prose. Jo Fournier is definitely one of my top female detectives in a series and written so perfectly. While we didn’t delve too deep into her personal life in the first book, Chouinard trickles in more information in when Jo’s father has a health issues. Here is where we see Jo’s vulnerable side and for me, this is when Jo became more of a well rounded character and one I can easily like.
Taken to the Grave is a gripping and intense thriller that is fast paced and will keep you up well into the evening as you search through all of the clues right along with Jo Fournier to find a killer. Another five star read from the talented writer and storyteller, M.M. Chouinard
August 23, 2019
Taken to the Grave begins with Professor Michael Wharton, killed in his office at Oakhurst University. When detectives Jo Fournier and Bob Arnett arrive at the crime scene, interviews with his colleagues reveal a disturbing pattern, Michael wasn't well-liked and several people outright despise him. Sigh, a detectives worst nightmare when there are so many potential suspects!
As if that isn't enough to keep the police busy, soon the body count starts to rise, and Jo and Bob struggle to understand what the victims have in common before the killer strikes again. We get the sense that university politics can be fraught with danger, but who knew that they could lead to murder.
This is the first book I have read by M.M. Chouinard, and I enjoyed the murder mystery and getting to know the characters( Jo's family, was interesting). I didn't realize this was the second book in a series, so I would have to say it works as a standalone( though I've added the first book, The Dancing Girls to my TBR list).
To add an author to my list, there has to be a compelling plot, characters I care about, and no parts I just skim through to get to the end. Check, check, check! A beach read for me and one that kept me guessing whodunnit and why!
I received a DRC from Bookouture through NetGalley.
As if that isn't enough to keep the police busy, soon the body count starts to rise, and Jo and Bob struggle to understand what the victims have in common before the killer strikes again. We get the sense that university politics can be fraught with danger, but who knew that they could lead to murder.
This is the first book I have read by M.M. Chouinard, and I enjoyed the murder mystery and getting to know the characters( Jo's family, was interesting). I didn't realize this was the second book in a series, so I would have to say it works as a standalone( though I've added the first book, The Dancing Girls to my TBR list).
To add an author to my list, there has to be a compelling plot, characters I care about, and no parts I just skim through to get to the end. Check, check, check! A beach read for me and one that kept me guessing whodunnit and why!
I received a DRC from Bookouture through NetGalley.
October 3, 2019
Detective Jo Fournier and her partner, Detective Bob Arnett, have their team working around the clock when several people on the staff and faculty of Oakhurst University in Massachusetts turn up dead. They know that the cases are related because of the tarot cards found in proximity to the victims. There are several immediate suspects but this spree killing may be related to some sort of vigilantism or is it revenge? NO SPOILERS
This is the second book I've read featuring Jo Fournier and it was every bit as fast-paced and entertaining as the first. I like the writing and the characters as the focus is mainly on the case investigation but we also learn a bit more about Jo's personal life. Jo loves her job and has come a long way back from a tragedy in her past and is good at what she does. The camaraderie on the team is evident and they work well together. The motives and complexity of the murders were explained from the point of view of the killer in various chapters but all is revealed in the conclusion. There were a couple of surprises along the way as well. I'm looking forward to the next installment!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
This is the second book I've read featuring Jo Fournier and it was every bit as fast-paced and entertaining as the first. I like the writing and the characters as the focus is mainly on the case investigation but we also learn a bit more about Jo's personal life. Jo loves her job and has come a long way back from a tragedy in her past and is good at what she does. The camaraderie on the team is evident and they work well together. The motives and complexity of the murders were explained from the point of view of the killer in various chapters but all is revealed in the conclusion. There were a couple of surprises along the way as well. I'm looking forward to the next installment!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
October 2, 2019
Detective Jo Fournier is finding rather strange clues. When she happens upon a dead body, a tarot card was found. This happens again and again, and each card says something a bit different, leaving clues for Jo and her team to figure out.
Before long, there are a total of four victims, all found with different tarot cards. Furthermore, as Jo digs deeper into the murders, she gets news about her father and is torn between the fact that he needs her. What is Jo going to do? No doubt she doesn't want yet another victim, but she has a responsibility towards her father.
In this fast-paced book by M.M. Chouinard, there was no shortage of clues, twists and turns. This is the second book in the Detective Jo Fourier series. This was an intriguing book, especially as the message in the tarot cards was offering sharp clues for Jo.
This is a great series that dealt with both Jo's professional and personal lives. I loved that I was kept guessing until the end. I am looking forward to reading much more in this series, and would love to learn a bit more about Jo and her past.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
Before long, there are a total of four victims, all found with different tarot cards. Furthermore, as Jo digs deeper into the murders, she gets news about her father and is torn between the fact that he needs her. What is Jo going to do? No doubt she doesn't want yet another victim, but she has a responsibility towards her father.
In this fast-paced book by M.M. Chouinard, there was no shortage of clues, twists and turns. This is the second book in the Detective Jo Fourier series. This was an intriguing book, especially as the message in the tarot cards was offering sharp clues for Jo.
This is a great series that dealt with both Jo's professional and personal lives. I loved that I was kept guessing until the end. I am looking forward to reading much more in this series, and would love to learn a bit more about Jo and her past.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
October 6, 2019
An impressive read following M.M. Chouinard's recent début - The Dancing Girls.
Over a timespan of three days there has been two murders linked to Oakhurst University and a Tarot card has been left near to both bodies. As the body count continues to rise, Detective Jo Fournier and her fellow worker, Detective Bob Arnett must sift through all of the evidence and eliminate a number of potential suspects. In addition, Jo’s father faces a health battle that brings Jo and her estranged sister together, but this is not without its own set of issues, with past conflicts being brought to the surface and overflowing.
In this second book of the series, I loved learning more about Jo's background. For me, she makes for a near-perfect main character with her inner strengths and vulnerability. Although not without flaws, she showed empathy with the suspects and the bond she had with her partner was rather entertaining. I thought they made the perfect team and Jo's relentlessness in ensuring justice is served was an admirable quality.
I adored Michelle M. Chouinard’s overall style and the wonderfully thrilling plot in this tale of university politics, sexual harassment and murder. Told from both Jo’s and the killer’s perspectives, the chapters from the killer were grossly disturbing for their lack of emotion. I really appreciated Chouinard's ability to not only draw me into the story immediately, but also keep me enthralled until the very last page. The level of tension that built throughout the story was noteworthy. I also marvelled at the way she made me think I had everything worked out, only to find that I was totally off the mark!
For me, Taken to the Grave has is all - a plot chock full of mystery, suspense with so many twists, as well as family drama, characters that are real and believable and a reveal that blew me away. Michelle M. Chouinard may well become one of my favourite authors and I can’t wait to see what's next in this magnificent series.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Over a timespan of three days there has been two murders linked to Oakhurst University and a Tarot card has been left near to both bodies. As the body count continues to rise, Detective Jo Fournier and her fellow worker, Detective Bob Arnett must sift through all of the evidence and eliminate a number of potential suspects. In addition, Jo’s father faces a health battle that brings Jo and her estranged sister together, but this is not without its own set of issues, with past conflicts being brought to the surface and overflowing.
In this second book of the series, I loved learning more about Jo's background. For me, she makes for a near-perfect main character with her inner strengths and vulnerability. Although not without flaws, she showed empathy with the suspects and the bond she had with her partner was rather entertaining. I thought they made the perfect team and Jo's relentlessness in ensuring justice is served was an admirable quality.
I adored Michelle M. Chouinard’s overall style and the wonderfully thrilling plot in this tale of university politics, sexual harassment and murder. Told from both Jo’s and the killer’s perspectives, the chapters from the killer were grossly disturbing for their lack of emotion. I really appreciated Chouinard's ability to not only draw me into the story immediately, but also keep me enthralled until the very last page. The level of tension that built throughout the story was noteworthy. I also marvelled at the way she made me think I had everything worked out, only to find that I was totally off the mark!
For me, Taken to the Grave has is all - a plot chock full of mystery, suspense with so many twists, as well as family drama, characters that are real and believable and a reveal that blew me away. Michelle M. Chouinard may well become one of my favourite authors and I can’t wait to see what's next in this magnificent series.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
September 18, 2019
I loved the last book by this brilliant author, so when the new book came out in Detective Jo Fournier Series I jumped at the chance to read it. I was not wrong with this book. Taken to the Grave by M.M. Chouinard was just brilliant and I loved it.
The next instalment in Detective Jo Fournier series begins with Professor Michael Wharton, has been murdered in his office at Oakhurst University. Detectives Jo Fournier and Bob Arnett arrive at the crime scene. They interview his work colleagues and students Only to find out that Professor Michael Wharton is not liked by many and even is wife was not shocked or even upset to hear about his murder! There were so many suspects for his murder!
A young girl’s body is discovered in a park in the sleepy Massachusetts town of Oakhurst, This girl is the second innocent victim to turn up dead in three days. Just like the first, a tarot card has been left by the body. The meaning of the card: betrayal.
There's another murder to keep the Detectives on their toes and then the body count starts to rise! Detectives Jo Fournier and Bob Arnett are finding it hard to find things in common with all the victims before the killer strikes again.
Are they going to catch the killer before they strike again?
Is she and her team running out of time?
What is the meaning behind the Tarot cards that are left by the murdered bodies?
When a fourth body is found with a Tarot card close by the following day, Detective Jo Fournier knows she’s running out of time to crack the code and bring the killer to justice. Pressure from this case and her personal life are getting the better of her especially when she finds out her father is forcing her to choose between helping her family heal or the victims’ families get justice.
I loved this Book and had me gripped from the very first few pages.
I highly recommend this book.
Big Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
The next instalment in Detective Jo Fournier series begins with Professor Michael Wharton, has been murdered in his office at Oakhurst University. Detectives Jo Fournier and Bob Arnett arrive at the crime scene. They interview his work colleagues and students Only to find out that Professor Michael Wharton is not liked by many and even is wife was not shocked or even upset to hear about his murder! There were so many suspects for his murder!
A young girl’s body is discovered in a park in the sleepy Massachusetts town of Oakhurst, This girl is the second innocent victim to turn up dead in three days. Just like the first, a tarot card has been left by the body. The meaning of the card: betrayal.
There's another murder to keep the Detectives on their toes and then the body count starts to rise! Detectives Jo Fournier and Bob Arnett are finding it hard to find things in common with all the victims before the killer strikes again.
Are they going to catch the killer before they strike again?
Is she and her team running out of time?
What is the meaning behind the Tarot cards that are left by the murdered bodies?
When a fourth body is found with a Tarot card close by the following day, Detective Jo Fournier knows she’s running out of time to crack the code and bring the killer to justice. Pressure from this case and her personal life are getting the better of her especially when she finds out her father is forcing her to choose between helping her family heal or the victims’ families get justice.
I loved this Book and had me gripped from the very first few pages.
I highly recommend this book.
Big Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
September 18, 2019
A fast paced police procedural featuring Jo as the lead detective investigating the murder of college professor.
My first book by author M. M. Chouinard had me turning the pages at a swift pace. The author wrote a convoluted tale around the murder victim with a flair that had me admiring the prose. I have to admit, I never knew college professors were a wily lot, made me look at my own professors with a suspicious eye. (Nina, are you listening?)
Jo was a complete character with strengths and vulnerability. She was quite empathetic with the suspects which had me looking at her with a newfound respect. Her bond with her partner was fun ad quite entertaining. Her family ties were shown, quite a different dynamic.
No niggles afflicted me. It was a smooth course with an expected reveal at the end. I loved this breakfast read of mine.
My first book by author M. M. Chouinard had me turning the pages at a swift pace. The author wrote a convoluted tale around the murder victim with a flair that had me admiring the prose. I have to admit, I never knew college professors were a wily lot, made me look at my own professors with a suspicious eye. (Nina, are you listening?)
Jo was a complete character with strengths and vulnerability. She was quite empathetic with the suspects which had me looking at her with a newfound respect. Her bond with her partner was fun ad quite entertaining. Her family ties were shown, quite a different dynamic.
No niggles afflicted me. It was a smooth course with an expected reveal at the end. I loved this breakfast read of mine.
September 17, 2019
This is a great series and I loved finding out more about Jo and her family in this book.
Jo and Arnett are called to investigate the murder of a man who has upset several people recently. A tarot card is found at the scene and seems to be the killer’s calling card.
Another two murders take place soon afterwards Jo and Arnett realise the killer has a to do list of people they want to kill.
Jo also gets some bad news about her father and has to juggle the case and getting to see her father.
This book had me gripped throughout as I was intrigued by the killer’s choice of victims and needed to know who the killer was.
This is a great read and I’d like to thank to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Jo and Arnett are called to investigate the murder of a man who has upset several people recently. A tarot card is found at the scene and seems to be the killer’s calling card.
Another two murders take place soon afterwards Jo and Arnett realise the killer has a to do list of people they want to kill.
Jo also gets some bad news about her father and has to juggle the case and getting to see her father.
This book had me gripped throughout as I was intrigued by the killer’s choice of victims and needed to know who the killer was.
This is a great read and I’d like to thank to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
August 20, 2019
This is the second book in this series. I loved loved loved the first book in this series. This book had so many characters that at times I found myself lost. There is a lot about university politics that I was not interested in but over all I enjoyed the book.
September 26, 2020
Content Warning:
Let me start this review with an attempt to be kind; this book was overall well-written. The plot was good. I enjoyed getting to know Jo, even though I jumped in on the second book in the series without realising. I can't claim any expertise with the way police procedure operates, but everything seemed accurate to my basic understanding (which, let's be honest, comes primarily from tv so probably isn't at all accurate.)
There was so much potential here, and moments where I really did enjoy myself. I suspect most crime fiction fans would get at least some enjoyment out of this one.
However, and unfortunately this is a big however, there was just so much in this book that rubbed me the wrong way. All of them are at least mild spoilers, as much as I wish there were a way to explain my frustrations without spoiling the book for those who wish to read it. I'll attempt at the bottom to sum up the issues in a vague manner.
Honestly, this isn't even all the complaints I have about this book, but the others seem so minor in comparison to these that I won't bother trying to articulate them too.
This book's portrayal of sexual assault victims, disabled people, mentally ill people, and lgbt people, is deeply flawed. They exist only to be exploited by the author and by the other characters in the story.
This could have been a good story. But at least for me, it wasn't. It was a frustrating look at how authors still think it's alright to exploit vulnerable minority groups for a good plot twist or murder.
Let me start this review with an attempt to be kind; this book was overall well-written. The plot was good. I enjoyed getting to know Jo, even though I jumped in on the second book in the series without realising. I can't claim any expertise with the way police procedure operates, but everything seemed accurate to my basic understanding (which, let's be honest, comes primarily from tv so probably isn't at all accurate.)
There was so much potential here, and moments where I really did enjoy myself. I suspect most crime fiction fans would get at least some enjoyment out of this one.
However, and unfortunately this is a big however, there was just so much in this book that rubbed me the wrong way. All of them are at least mild spoilers, as much as I wish there were a way to explain my frustrations without spoiling the book for those who wish to read it. I'll attempt at the bottom to sum up the issues in a vague manner.
Honestly, this isn't even all the complaints I have about this book, but the others seem so minor in comparison to these that I won't bother trying to articulate them too.
This book's portrayal of sexual assault victims, disabled people, mentally ill people, and lgbt people, is deeply flawed. They exist only to be exploited by the author and by the other characters in the story.
This could have been a good story. But at least for me, it wasn't. It was a frustrating look at how authors still think it's alright to exploit vulnerable minority groups for a good plot twist or murder.
September 20, 2019
Set in Massachusetts USA, this is a well-paced police procedural , featuring Detective Josette Fournier and her partner Bob Arnett. The second in the series, it reads perfectly as a standalone,with sufficient back story on the main protagonist, cleverly interwoven into the story as a subplot. Jo is a committed, career woman, with a tragic past that makes the job her life. She doesn't have relationships, only occasional lovers, and the reasons for this become clearer as the story progresses. She has a tense relationship with her younger sister that is forced into focus, when their father has health issues. This causes her additional problems, as she is the middle of a murder case.
The noir murder mystery is told from the detective's point of view, and also the antagonist's. Even with this additional view point, because of the numerous suspects, it is difficult to pinpoint the culprit. The police procedural element of the story is authentic. The murders are shocking, but not unduly, there is just enough detail to illustrate how driven the murderer is.
Jo Fournier is a good character, she is complex, and her emotional damage makes her interesting, and easy to empathise. The mystery is well-plotted with lots of suspects, and clues, I did solve part, but not all of the mystery, which engages the reader. The characters are believable and easy to imagine, and I look forward to reading their next case.
I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The noir murder mystery is told from the detective's point of view, and also the antagonist's. Even with this additional view point, because of the numerous suspects, it is difficult to pinpoint the culprit. The police procedural element of the story is authentic. The murders are shocking, but not unduly, there is just enough detail to illustrate how driven the murderer is.
Jo Fournier is a good character, she is complex, and her emotional damage makes her interesting, and easy to empathise. The mystery is well-plotted with lots of suspects, and clues, I did solve part, but not all of the mystery, which engages the reader. The characters are believable and easy to imagine, and I look forward to reading their next case.
I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
September 22, 2019
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Thank you to Bookouture for letting me take part in this tour and for my copy of this book via Netgalley. I enjoyed Dancing Girls so I really wanted to carry on with this series.
It was nice to see more of Jo's personal life in this book. In the first book, we focus more on the crime and the procedural aspects and we saw very little of Jo's personal life. In this book, we learn more about Jo's childhood, past and family. Jo becomes a much more rounded character in this story. We learn why Jo is the way she is. I really felt for her, What happened in her past would affect anyone. It was really heartbreaking. I could see how it was going to play out. I was praying I was wrong but knowing deep down that wasn't going to happen.
The beginning of this book was quite difficult to get into. There were a few too many suspects for me and I found it difficult to keep it all straight., At about 40% the pace does ramp up and I was then hooked. I didn't work out the twist at all, it really took me by surprise.
I'll be interested to see where the next book goes and to follow more of Jo' personal life as the series continues.
It was nice to see more of Jo's personal life in this book. In the first book, we focus more on the crime and the procedural aspects and we saw very little of Jo's personal life. In this book, we learn more about Jo's childhood, past and family. Jo becomes a much more rounded character in this story. We learn why Jo is the way she is. I really felt for her, What happened in her past would affect anyone. It was really heartbreaking. I could see how it was going to play out. I was praying I was wrong but knowing deep down that wasn't going to happen.
The beginning of this book was quite difficult to get into. There were a few too many suspects for me and I found it difficult to keep it all straight., At about 40% the pace does ramp up and I was then hooked. I didn't work out the twist at all, it really took me by surprise.
I'll be interested to see where the next book goes and to follow more of Jo' personal life as the series continues.
September 25, 2019
This is #2 in the Jo Fournier series by M M Chouinard, but can very easily be read as a stand-alone.
Jo is a detective and with her partner, Bill Arnett they are called to a suspicious death at a university. Professor Michael Whorton has been stabbed, a tarot card is found at the scene. They talk to many colleagues and students and find he was not a likeable man, a bully, a philanderer and a sex pest. So many suspects, but one stands out….Greg Crawley. He believes he was victimised by Whorton, his grades deliberately low so he lost his funding, he also has mental health issues.
But, then more bodies are found, all with links to the university and Michael.
Jo is such a likeable character, well developed and her family problems are so relatable …a father diagnosed with cancer and a sister on ‘the fast train to martyrdom’, all the while she is investigating multiple murders.
A tale of university politics, sexual harassment and a disturbing murderer. The chapters from the killer perspective are disturbing for their lack of emotion, so blasé about taking a life, real goosebumpy moments. A fast paced, gripping thriller, with a twisty plot. Totally compelling.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC for free. This is my honest and unbiased review.
Jo is a detective and with her partner, Bill Arnett they are called to a suspicious death at a university. Professor Michael Whorton has been stabbed, a tarot card is found at the scene. They talk to many colleagues and students and find he was not a likeable man, a bully, a philanderer and a sex pest. So many suspects, but one stands out….Greg Crawley. He believes he was victimised by Whorton, his grades deliberately low so he lost his funding, he also has mental health issues.
But, then more bodies are found, all with links to the university and Michael.
Jo is such a likeable character, well developed and her family problems are so relatable …a father diagnosed with cancer and a sister on ‘the fast train to martyrdom’, all the while she is investigating multiple murders.
A tale of university politics, sexual harassment and a disturbing murderer. The chapters from the killer perspective are disturbing for their lack of emotion, so blasé about taking a life, real goosebumpy moments. A fast paced, gripping thriller, with a twisty plot. Totally compelling.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC for free. This is my honest and unbiased review.
October 22, 2019
4.5 Stars
This is the second book in the Detective Jo Fournier series by M.M. Chouinard.
A series of murders at a prestigious university is connected only by a tarot card left at the scene. I totally loved this concept and was on the edge of my seat the entire book. I was trying to put the meaning of the specific card left at the scene and the victim and what that could mean for the plot. Of course, I came away baffled and let Jo and her partner Det. Bob Arnett do all the heavy lifting.
The murdered professor looks less and less like a victim the more we get into the plot. This whole story became more of a mind game as we moved to the conclusion. With all this on Jo’s mind plus she is fighting with her sister and dealing with her father’s cancer diagnosis.
We get a lot more details about the dynamics of Jo’s family which I found fascinating. In book one, the police procedural aspect pretty took the lead. Here we see what Jo has to deal with emotionally and how that effects her police life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to every upcoming book in this series. If you love detective fiction or police procedurals, definitely check out this book. This is a winner in my book!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the second book in the Detective Jo Fournier series by M.M. Chouinard.
A series of murders at a prestigious university is connected only by a tarot card left at the scene. I totally loved this concept and was on the edge of my seat the entire book. I was trying to put the meaning of the specific card left at the scene and the victim and what that could mean for the plot. Of course, I came away baffled and let Jo and her partner Det. Bob Arnett do all the heavy lifting.
The murdered professor looks less and less like a victim the more we get into the plot. This whole story became more of a mind game as we moved to the conclusion. With all this on Jo’s mind plus she is fighting with her sister and dealing with her father’s cancer diagnosis.
We get a lot more details about the dynamics of Jo’s family which I found fascinating. In book one, the police procedural aspect pretty took the lead. Here we see what Jo has to deal with emotionally and how that effects her police life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to every upcoming book in this series. If you love detective fiction or police procedurals, definitely check out this book. This is a winner in my book!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
December 31, 2019
Time to meet up with Jo and it’s always a pleasure following her around.
The author gives us a lot of background information about her main character and it enables you to understand her a lot better. It must weigh heavily on her and it’s something you can never forget. My heart went out to her.
In this second part you feel the police struggle and I did too. 🙂 I could not point my finger in the direction of the culprit. One minute you were like ‘it has to be X’ and a moment later you were convinced it had to be Y or maybe even Z.
The author made your brain doing overtime and kept a few vital pieces of information very well hidden. Once these key elements were found, the lock to the ‘door’, behind which identity of the murder was concealed , sprang open.
Jo not only has to deal with perpetrators but also with personal issues. The murder cases, she has solved, but what has the future in store for her private life? Stay tuned. 🙂
This story is a very good workout for your grey matter. 4 stars.
Thank you, M.M. Chouinard and Bookouture (via Netgalley)
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
The author gives us a lot of background information about her main character and it enables you to understand her a lot better. It must weigh heavily on her and it’s something you can never forget. My heart went out to her.
In this second part you feel the police struggle and I did too. 🙂 I could not point my finger in the direction of the culprit. One minute you were like ‘it has to be X’ and a moment later you were convinced it had to be Y or maybe even Z.
The author made your brain doing overtime and kept a few vital pieces of information very well hidden. Once these key elements were found, the lock to the ‘door’, behind which identity of the murder was concealed , sprang open.
Jo not only has to deal with perpetrators but also with personal issues. The murder cases, she has solved, but what has the future in store for her private life? Stay tuned. 🙂
This story is a very good workout for your grey matter. 4 stars.
Thank you, M.M. Chouinard and Bookouture (via Netgalley)
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
August 24, 2019
This newest book in the Detective Jo Fournier is a mix of mystery, police procedural, and family. Jo and her partner work a serial murder case that seems, at first, to be completely random. However, as she continues the investigation, Jo slowly puts the clues together and traces a twisted plot about revenge within academic circles. It involves job loss, infidelity, and the stealing of intellectual property. Jo's personal life seems to have just as many twists. She has a lover that is all too happy to take care of her every need, but Jo is hesitant to get too close and be dependent on a man. Her father is diagnosed with prostate cancer, so she is also trying to juggle family relationships and responsibilities. A visit with her father reminds Jo of how important her roots and her family are. She is determined to make the most of whatever time she has left with her dad. The story seemed to end too soon. I really want Jo to find happiness and peace. Perhaps the next book will get her closer to that outcome.
September 2, 2019
I was so excited when I got to read this book, the second in the series starring Jo Fournier.
Jo is on the case with her partner Bob. The two of them make a great team but they are really up against it with a lot of dead bodies turning up in a short period of time and their boss putting a heap of pressure on them to arrest someone, anyone! I got a bit annoyed at their boss - they can't conjure up a suspect out of thin air! Anyway....I enjoyed reading about the great working relationship that these two detectives had after so long partnering each other. I also really enjoyed reading the family get-together that Jo attended in New Orleans. The idea that everyone just pitches in and all the work gets done, is something that I love - many hands make light work etc.
There were a few likely suspects here and the tarot card aspect of the case muddied the waters as well, so this was a tricky one to solve indeed. The author did a great job of leading us through the case and to its conclusion, which had a bit of a twist.
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
Jo is on the case with her partner Bob. The two of them make a great team but they are really up against it with a lot of dead bodies turning up in a short period of time and their boss putting a heap of pressure on them to arrest someone, anyone! I got a bit annoyed at their boss - they can't conjure up a suspect out of thin air! Anyway....I enjoyed reading about the great working relationship that these two detectives had after so long partnering each other. I also really enjoyed reading the family get-together that Jo attended in New Orleans. The idea that everyone just pitches in and all the work gets done, is something that I love - many hands make light work etc.
There were a few likely suspects here and the tarot card aspect of the case muddied the waters as well, so this was a tricky one to solve indeed. The author did a great job of leading us through the case and to its conclusion, which had a bit of a twist.
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
December 27, 2019
I liked this book. I have been reading paranormal and fantasy for a long time so it took me a minute to get back into a regular old mystery. It was a little slow to start for me and took some time to build suspense but it got there and once it did I was hooked. I liked the procedural cop vibe of it and enjoyed Jo’s journey with her ailing father and the things she learned about him, his side of the family and in turn herself. It worked well into the story and explained why she is the way she is. I imagine she has a little more self discovery and work to be done. I liked how the story ended totally unexpectedly. I had no clue who the killer was until the end and was completely surprised by it and that is why I love mystery and suspense. I applaud the author for keeping the suspense building and keeping me guessing. Once you were hooked into the story, you stayed hooked. I will definitely read more books from this author and about Jo Fournier!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy to review from Bookouture #Netgalley
I received an Advanced Reader Copy to review from Bookouture #Netgalley
August 8, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Jo and her partner Arnett are call upon when a murder professer is found on campus in Massachusetts town of Oakhurst and it seem the killer left the weapon and tarot card with the victim.
As they investigate they learn he wasn't a well like and then a another murder happen and a young woman name Britney left with a tarot card.
Jo is also dealing with her father health we do get dialouge about the killers and why they are doing this.
This was a easy read I like Jo and I'm looking forward to reading more about this character.
Jo and her partner Arnett are call upon when a murder professer is found on campus in Massachusetts town of Oakhurst and it seem the killer left the weapon and tarot card with the victim.
As they investigate they learn he wasn't a well like and then a another murder happen and a young woman name Britney left with a tarot card.
Jo is also dealing with her father health we do get dialouge about the killers and why they are doing this.
This was a easy read I like Jo and I'm looking forward to reading more about this character.
October 14, 2019
So I finally get to post my review, i almost hit publish a month early
Book 2 of the series and the author jumps right in with a body! Oh I do love a good crime scene, even if there are NO CLUES!! How can there be a body and no clues I hear you say, well I was asking the exact same question!
I really felt for Jo, bodies piling up, pressure from above to find the killer before another victim turns up and then news of her Dad….. how much more can she take?!
I loved the chapters that were from the killer, dark and twisted but page turning all the same, a little peek into the darkness.
This is definitely a series worth grabbing and I can’t wait for the next installment.
Book 2 of the series and the author jumps right in with a body! Oh I do love a good crime scene, even if there are NO CLUES!! How can there be a body and no clues I hear you say, well I was asking the exact same question!
I really felt for Jo, bodies piling up, pressure from above to find the killer before another victim turns up and then news of her Dad….. how much more can she take?!
I loved the chapters that were from the killer, dark and twisted but page turning all the same, a little peek into the darkness.
This is definitely a series worth grabbing and I can’t wait for the next installment.
September 2, 2019
What a ride! The second installment of this series did not disappoint. I love a great police procedural series with a strong female lead, and this one is at the top of my list! The book begins with a bang, and does not let up until the finish. So many twists and turns! It was everything you can want in a book, interesting, great characters, seamless storyline and lots of twists and turns.
I can't wait for the next installment of the series!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of the book.
#netgalley #takentothegrave
I can't wait for the next installment of the series!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of the book.
#netgalley #takentothegrave
August 21, 2019
My head is spinning , I couldn't figure out who was out for revenge !!
My ebook froze as I quickly tried to turn the pages !! Could not put it down !!
I was happy to learn more about Jo Fournier: first in line for the sequel !!!
Don't want to give anything away but don't miss this series or this book !!!
Thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for letting me spend time trying to solve the case along with Jo Fournier.
My ebook froze as I quickly tried to turn the pages !! Could not put it down !!
I was happy to learn more about Jo Fournier: first in line for the sequel !!!
Don't want to give anything away but don't miss this series or this book !!!
Thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for letting me spend time trying to solve the case along with Jo Fournier.
August 28, 2019
MM Chouinard has built this mystery by layers, ratcheting up the tension with each new death. Clues are given, but you won't believe who the killer is in the end. Our detective is pushed in a new direction with each crime, not knowing where the next body will be found. A really good murder mystery in this second book of a series. The author did an excellent job of capturing my attention and holding it until the end.
September 5, 2019
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
O.M.G. - what a great lead character. Jo is smart, savvy, dedicated and flawed.
As a detective she knows not to take evidence at face value - she follows her gut instincts to solve seemingly unconnected events and murders. I DID NOT FIGURE OUT THE TRUE BAD GUY UNTIL THE END.
I will be buying the other books in this series this coming payday!
O.M.G. - what a great lead character. Jo is smart, savvy, dedicated and flawed.
As a detective she knows not to take evidence at face value - she follows her gut instincts to solve seemingly unconnected events and murders. I DID NOT FIGURE OUT THE TRUE BAD GUY UNTIL THE END.
I will be buying the other books in this series this coming payday!
August 30, 2019
This is the second in the series and having really enjoyed the first, I was looking forward to this. It didn't disappoint! It was a multi layered mystery with engaging lead characters. It felt realistic and I enjoyed seeing the investigation unfold. The story never waned and held my interest throughout.
November 5, 2019
I loved this book. Chouinard writes in a snappy engaging style with excellent dialogue. This book had me hooked from the first page. As a of Cajun music lover too, I found the sections on Cajun customs and culture fascinating; I don't think I've read anything like it in any other book. I for one, would definitely love to see more of it. An all round a brilliant read, definite 5 stars from me.
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