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Sawyer Brooks #2
Out of Her Mind
Crime reporter Sawyer Brooks still grieves for the family she and her two sisters never had. Raised in a house of horrors, they continue to fight through the trauma—releasing their rage by seeking justice for those who are just as vulnerable as they were.
When a little girl’s bones are unearthed in Sacramento’s Land Park and twelve-year-old Riley Addison disappears, solving these cases becomes an obsession for Sawyer—one that puts her job at risk. Yet she can’t turn back, and the deeper Sawyer’s investigation goes, the darker it gets. A psychopath is on the loose and has been trolling Sacramento for years—hiding in plain sight behind a motherly facade.
The more Sawyer persists, the closer she gets to a disturbing place reminiscent of her own terrorized childhood. With time running out, Sawyer will risk anything to save Riley from the dark. But the killer will do anything to keep her there.
When a little girl’s bones are unearthed in Sacramento’s Land Park and twelve-year-old Riley Addison disappears, solving these cases becomes an obsession for Sawyer—one that puts her job at risk. Yet she can’t turn back, and the deeper Sawyer’s investigation goes, the darker it gets. A psychopath is on the loose and has been trolling Sacramento for years—hiding in plain sight behind a motherly facade.
The more Sawyer persists, the closer she gets to a disturbing place reminiscent of her own terrorized childhood. With time running out, Sawyer will risk anything to save Riley from the dark. But the killer will do anything to keep her there.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2020
2027 people are currently reading
2684 people want to read
About the author
T.R. Ragan
25 books2,072 followersT.R. Ragan (Theresa Ragan) is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling mystery and thriller author.
Readers interested in signing up for a monthly newsletter or getting their name in a TR RAGAN book should check out her website at www.trragan.com
Facebook • Twitter • Instagram: @trraganauthor
LIZZY GARDNER SERIES
Abducted
Dead Weight
A Dark Mind
Obsessed
Almost Dead
Evil Never Dies
FAITH MCMANN TRILOGY
Furious
Outrage
Wrath
JESSIE COLE SERIES
Her Last Day
Deadly Recall
Deranged - 10/18
Buried Deep - 4/19
Readers interested in signing up for a monthly newsletter or getting their name in a TR RAGAN book should check out her website at www.trragan.com
Facebook • Twitter • Instagram: @trraganauthor
LIZZY GARDNER SERIES
Abducted
Dead Weight
A Dark Mind
Obsessed
Almost Dead
Evil Never Dies
FAITH MCMANN TRILOGY
Furious
Outrage
Wrath
JESSIE COLE SERIES
Her Last Day
Deadly Recall
Deranged - 10/18
Buried Deep - 4/19
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews
October 5, 2020
In this second book of the series Sawyer Brooks, 27 year old investigative reporter with the Sacramento Independent paper, is on the trail,of a missing child. The child was reported missing just after the bones of another child have been discovered in a park. Sawyer can smell a story here and dives straight in. She learns that about 5 young girls, all aged 10-12 years old have gone missing in the Sacramento area in the last five years.
As in the first book, the female vigilante group which call themselves The Crew is still getting payback on some of the men that have abused them in the past. But now Sawyer’s boss wants her to write about the group, which the paper is calling the Black Wigs because of their disguises. While Sawyer is chasing leads on missing girls, The Crew (or Black Wigs) have abducted another man and, as before, things are not going to plan. Neither is Sawyer’s quest to find missing girl, Riley Addison, before her time runs out as it inevitably will. But after adding 2 and 2 to get 5 Sawyer has lost her chance to get the police interested in her theories. So when she finally thinks she’s on the right track she has to go it alone. The two stories run in a kind of parallel to get two dramatic endings.
While I enjoyed this book and will be keen to see how Sawyer and her two sisters get on in the future, I didn’t think this book added anything that the first book didn’t have. I think it was a bit formulaic in that regard. Nevertheless Ragan writes strong female characters really well and I Iike that her chief protagonists are not police officers and that they have all battled adversity to get where they are. This will appeal to all mystery and thriller fans who enjoy a strong female lead. Thanks to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and T.R. Ragan for the review copy. My opinions are my own.
As in the first book, the female vigilante group which call themselves The Crew is still getting payback on some of the men that have abused them in the past. But now Sawyer’s boss wants her to write about the group, which the paper is calling the Black Wigs because of their disguises. While Sawyer is chasing leads on missing girls, The Crew (or Black Wigs) have abducted another man and, as before, things are not going to plan. Neither is Sawyer’s quest to find missing girl, Riley Addison, before her time runs out as it inevitably will. But after adding 2 and 2 to get 5 Sawyer has lost her chance to get the police interested in her theories. So when she finally thinks she’s on the right track she has to go it alone. The two stories run in a kind of parallel to get two dramatic endings.
While I enjoyed this book and will be keen to see how Sawyer and her two sisters get on in the future, I didn’t think this book added anything that the first book didn’t have. I think it was a bit formulaic in that regard. Nevertheless Ragan writes strong female characters really well and I Iike that her chief protagonists are not police officers and that they have all battled adversity to get where they are. This will appeal to all mystery and thriller fans who enjoy a strong female lead. Thanks to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and T.R. Ragan for the review copy. My opinions are my own.
March 1, 2023
When investigative reporter Sawyer Brooks learns that a child's bones were found buried in a local park, she starts looking into the story. The same day, twelve-year-old Riley Addison disappears while walking to her bus stop. Worried citizens and local police are searching everywhere; but have found no sign of her. As Sawyer tries to find any information that will lead to Riley, she discovers that there may have been a psychopath picking off young girls for the last several years.
This is the second book in the Sawyer Brooks series. I thought this story was much better than the previous book in the series. Along with Sawyer's investigation into Riley Addison and other missing girls, she is also hearing rumors about a possible female vigilante group in the area. "The Crew" consists of five women who were raped and/or molested several years ago. Now they have banded together to get pay-back against the men who wronged them.
I enjoyed Riley's story, especially getting her point-of-view while being held against her will. The sections about the vigilante group were interesting; but these women make elaborate plans that they can't seem to carry out properly. Something always goes wrong.
I listened to the audiobook. The narrator, Jennica Damon, did a fine job. My rating: 4 Stars.
This is the second book in the Sawyer Brooks series. I thought this story was much better than the previous book in the series. Along with Sawyer's investigation into Riley Addison and other missing girls, she is also hearing rumors about a possible female vigilante group in the area. "The Crew" consists of five women who were raped and/or molested several years ago. Now they have banded together to get pay-back against the men who wronged them.
I enjoyed Riley's story, especially getting her point-of-view while being held against her will. The sections about the vigilante group were interesting; but these women make elaborate plans that they can't seem to carry out properly. Something always goes wrong.
I listened to the audiobook. The narrator, Jennica Damon, did a fine job. My rating: 4 Stars.
October 15, 2020
I cannot get enough of T R Ragan books, they are so addictive . This is the second book in the Sawyer Brooks series and after the dark read that was the first book, Don't Make a Sound, try and keep me away. If you like fast, twisty and clever reads here is the author for you!
Sawyer Brooks is an investigative journalist in Sacramento who lived her own horror story. Still coming to terms with the family secrets that came to light in the first book, Sawyer is trying to get back to a normal sort of life. She is still untrusting and hesitant to get close to anybody - but wouldn't you be with what she has been through? She is a tough character and doesn't let things go easily. When she learns that a young girl has been kidnapped on her way to school she starts looking into it. What she is finds is that a pattern is emerging and this person needs to be stopped. At the same time, the Black Wig crew are dealing out their own form of revenge on those that have wronged them.
Out of Her Mind was not quite as dark as the first book but it is till not for those with a weak stomach! I love that about her books.
Thanks so much to Thomas and Mercer and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
Sawyer Brooks is an investigative journalist in Sacramento who lived her own horror story. Still coming to terms with the family secrets that came to light in the first book, Sawyer is trying to get back to a normal sort of life. She is still untrusting and hesitant to get close to anybody - but wouldn't you be with what she has been through? She is a tough character and doesn't let things go easily. When she learns that a young girl has been kidnapped on her way to school she starts looking into it. What she is finds is that a pattern is emerging and this person needs to be stopped. At the same time, the Black Wig crew are dealing out their own form of revenge on those that have wronged them.
Out of Her Mind was not quite as dark as the first book but it is till not for those with a weak stomach! I love that about her books.
Thanks so much to Thomas and Mercer and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
November 10, 2020
Sawyer Brooks is a crime reporter ... and when a little girl's bones are found and another 12-year-old girl disappears, solving these cases become an obsession. And now, with the help of her sister, she has a list of missing girls ...all 10-12 years old, all blonde. A psychopath has been snatching little girls for years.
The more she investigates, the closer she gets to the memories of her own childhood. And while Sawyer will do anything to save the latest missing child ... the abductor will do whatever it takes to keep her.
This is second in a series, and can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading these in order. In the first book you will meet The Crew ....There's Malice and then there's Lily, Bug. Cleo and Psycho. Years of abuse, mental, physical, sexual brought them together. Their only goal is reaching out and touching the people who are at the root of their nightmares. But not all plans turn out the way they wanted.
This author is in my top 10 favorite list ... and she never disappoints. Intricately woven plots... deftly drawn characters ... and she handles the hard issues with a delicate hand. This is a true page-turner with lots of action. Sawyer is a terrific character ...always striving to be 'normal' even with all the issues she has with her past.
Many thanks to the author / Thomas & Mercer / Amazon Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
The more she investigates, the closer she gets to the memories of her own childhood. And while Sawyer will do anything to save the latest missing child ... the abductor will do whatever it takes to keep her.
This is second in a series, and can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading these in order. In the first book you will meet The Crew ....There's Malice and then there's Lily, Bug. Cleo and Psycho. Years of abuse, mental, physical, sexual brought them together. Their only goal is reaching out and touching the people who are at the root of their nightmares. But not all plans turn out the way they wanted.
This author is in my top 10 favorite list ... and she never disappoints. Intricately woven plots... deftly drawn characters ... and she handles the hard issues with a delicate hand. This is a true page-turner with lots of action. Sawyer is a terrific character ...always striving to be 'normal' even with all the issues she has with her past.
Many thanks to the author / Thomas & Mercer / Amazon Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 20, 2021
This is book two in this series,Another fantastic read.I must admit I preferred the main character Sawyer to be a detective rather than a crime reporter as there is detective but doesn't solve the crime.Bones have been found of young victim and a young girl goes missing.Sawyer on the case and finds more children are missing in the past,are they connected in any way.Sawyer and her sisters have a terrible past which haunts them.my favourite is the crew who got together they are out for revenge.fantastic author love reading her books looking forward to reading book three.
November 18, 2020
T.R. Ragan has officially become my new favorite crime fiction author - I just cannot stop reading her books!
Out of Her Mind is the second book in the Sawyer Brooks series. If you haven't read the first one, Don't Make a Sound then stop - drop everything - and go read it right now. It's fantastic. Sawyer Brooks is a crime beat reporter with a amazingly sordid past. Her past, and that of her sisters, is what drives Brooks to investigate a story without stopping until she discovers the truth. I honestly wish we still had crime reporters like this. The world needs them! When a child's bones are found and another child goes missing, Brooks begins searching for similarities. With the help of her sister, Aria, they soon discover a string of missing children. Could this be the work of seriel kidnapper/murder? Brooks certainly thinks so.
There is a seperate sub-plot that runs along with this primary one revolving around The Black Wig women. I won't divulge much about this group but I find their story just as fascinating as Sawyer Brooks.
This series, like others that Ragan writes, is a well done piece of crime fiction. The characters - all of them - are well written and fully fleshed out for the reader. You see their weaknesses as well as their strengths and, beginning in this second book, you also begin to see their growth past their pain and their insecurities. I highly recommend Out of Her Mind as well as the remainder of the series.
Out of Her Mind is the second book in the Sawyer Brooks series. If you haven't read the first one, Don't Make a Sound then stop - drop everything - and go read it right now. It's fantastic. Sawyer Brooks is a crime beat reporter with a amazingly sordid past. Her past, and that of her sisters, is what drives Brooks to investigate a story without stopping until she discovers the truth. I honestly wish we still had crime reporters like this. The world needs them! When a child's bones are found and another child goes missing, Brooks begins searching for similarities. With the help of her sister, Aria, they soon discover a string of missing children. Could this be the work of seriel kidnapper/murder? Brooks certainly thinks so.
There is a seperate sub-plot that runs along with this primary one revolving around The Black Wig women. I won't divulge much about this group but I find their story just as fascinating as Sawyer Brooks.
This series, like others that Ragan writes, is a well done piece of crime fiction. The characters - all of them - are well written and fully fleshed out for the reader. You see their weaknesses as well as their strengths and, beginning in this second book, you also begin to see their growth past their pain and their insecurities. I highly recommend Out of Her Mind as well as the remainder of the series.
July 8, 2020
After the dark and disturbing revelations and deaths from the first book, investigative reporter Sawyer Brooks throws herself into a missing young girls case. Her dogged determination ends up uncovering other young girls who have gone missing and ends up linking them to the current case.
The female vigilantes are still exacting their revenge against the men who hurt them. In this book we are starting to see cracks forming within the group as some are questioning if what they are doing is the right thing. I am seeing this is going to be a devastating blow when their identities are finally revealed.
The subject matter this time around wasn't as dark as the first book, which part of me was grateful for as that was some tough stuff, but it still had a sick and twisted kidnapper.
Sawyer (along with her sisters) need some major therapy. Her trust and intimacy issues are sabotaging her personal relationship. Hopefully that's worked on in future books.
The female vigilantes are still exacting their revenge against the men who hurt them. In this book we are starting to see cracks forming within the group as some are questioning if what they are doing is the right thing. I am seeing this is going to be a devastating blow when their identities are finally revealed.
The subject matter this time around wasn't as dark as the first book, which part of me was grateful for as that was some tough stuff, but it still had a sick and twisted kidnapper.
Sawyer (along with her sisters) need some major therapy. Her trust and intimacy issues are sabotaging her personal relationship. Hopefully that's worked on in future books.
September 26, 2020
One thing is inescapable: All three of the Brooks sisters - Sawyer, Harper and Aria - are about as emotionally screwed up as any three characters possibly can be. The "star" of the trio, Sawyer, is perhaps doing the best job of recovering from the almost unbelievable abuse heaped upon them as youngsters - she's a fairly successful crime reporter with the Sacramento Independent. As with the first book in the series, Don't Make a Sound, she's trying her best to come up with solid, interesting stories and gain the respect of her boss and co-workers.
There are two story lines at work here, the first of which is the disappearance of 12-year-old Riley Addison and near concurrent discovery of the skeletal remains of another female child. The second is the work of "The Crew," a support group of five seriously abused women whose sole purpose is vengeance. Sawyer has been following up on the second with little progress, but quickly, she turns her investigative reporter's eye toward the first. Fairly early on, her search reveals that a psychopathic serial kidnapper may have been at work for years.
Chapters that switch among perspectives of the various characters (including at least one from The Crew that is, for reasons I won't reveal, quite relevant to Sawyer) keep things moving along quickly amid plenty of action (some of which doesn't make for very pleasant reading, but it's impactful). This time, Sawyer enlists help from sister Aria; at first, I was skeptical, but by the end I'd warmed up to the idea and hope they'll continue to team up in future books.
Are things wrapped up in a neat package and tied with a bow in the end? Well, yes and no - leaving fodder for the next installment that, I promise, I'll be watching for. Till then, many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this one. Good job once again!
There are two story lines at work here, the first of which is the disappearance of 12-year-old Riley Addison and near concurrent discovery of the skeletal remains of another female child. The second is the work of "The Crew," a support group of five seriously abused women whose sole purpose is vengeance. Sawyer has been following up on the second with little progress, but quickly, she turns her investigative reporter's eye toward the first. Fairly early on, her search reveals that a psychopathic serial kidnapper may have been at work for years.
Chapters that switch among perspectives of the various characters (including at least one from The Crew that is, for reasons I won't reveal, quite relevant to Sawyer) keep things moving along quickly amid plenty of action (some of which doesn't make for very pleasant reading, but it's impactful). This time, Sawyer enlists help from sister Aria; at first, I was skeptical, but by the end I'd warmed up to the idea and hope they'll continue to team up in future books.
Are things wrapped up in a neat package and tied with a bow in the end? Well, yes and no - leaving fodder for the next installment that, I promise, I'll be watching for. Till then, many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this one. Good job once again!
January 19, 2021
Sawyer Brooks is an advocate for missing children. Working on two stories for the paper she works for, she can easily take the stories personally. When she investigates the disappearance of 5 girls and one that is current, she begins to pinpoint similarities and the dots begin to connect. The other story unbeknownst to her, hits close to home. The case is known as the Black Wig. A vigilante group that has targeted known sex abusers that have not received justice. These two stories cross each other and actually give fuel to the other.
The narration is in several characters- Sawyer and how she chases down leads. She is systematic in her approach which it makes it easy for the reader to grasp. The current young girl Riley who was abducted. How she keeps a clear mind with escape on the forefront. You cheer for her and for her bravery and vulnerability. And one of the Black Wig vigilante who is close to Sawyer. This group of women seek revenge but in doing so damage important relationships. The satisfaction of revenge seems beyond their grasp.
Out of Her Mind is the head games that happen when trauma takes place and the victim becomes perpetrator. I always enjoy how this author goes in-depth with her characters.
A special thank you to Thomas and Mercer and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
The narration is in several characters- Sawyer and how she chases down leads. She is systematic in her approach which it makes it easy for the reader to grasp. The current young girl Riley who was abducted. How she keeps a clear mind with escape on the forefront. You cheer for her and for her bravery and vulnerability. And one of the Black Wig vigilante who is close to Sawyer. This group of women seek revenge but in doing so damage important relationships. The satisfaction of revenge seems beyond their grasp.
Out of Her Mind is the head games that happen when trauma takes place and the victim becomes perpetrator. I always enjoy how this author goes in-depth with her characters.
A special thank you to Thomas and Mercer and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
November 29, 2020
"It had taken months to work up the courage to begin yet another search for the perfect child to fill the gaping hole in her heart after losing Molly."
This was a brilliant second chapter to the Sawyer Brooks series!
What I loved most about the first one was the darkness of it, unfortunately this one wasn't quite as dark.
However, it was still a fantastic story. With several gripping storylines.
“Because of the bones,” Sawyer said as the thought struck. “She wasn’t counting on anyone finding the bones.”
With young girls going missing and other previous sex offenders being killed, Sawyer has her work cut out for her.
Not only is she a brilliant journalist but she also can't let things go.
If her gut is telling her something she sees it through.
"The stabbing pain in her gut told her it might be too late to save anyone at all."
This was a brilliant second chapter to the Sawyer Brooks series!
What I loved most about the first one was the darkness of it, unfortunately this one wasn't quite as dark.
However, it was still a fantastic story. With several gripping storylines.
“Because of the bones,” Sawyer said as the thought struck. “She wasn’t counting on anyone finding the bones.”
With young girls going missing and other previous sex offenders being killed, Sawyer has her work cut out for her.
Not only is she a brilliant journalist but she also can't let things go.
If her gut is telling her something she sees it through.
"The stabbing pain in her gut told her it might be too late to save anyone at all."
July 30, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of Out of Her Mind, the second novel to feature Sacramento based investigative reporter Sawyer Brooks.
Sawyer becomes obsessed with the disappearance of of 12 year old Riley Addison, especially when the bones of a young girl are discovered at the same time. In her mind she links the two events and, on further investigation, several more.
Out of Her Mind will appeal to many readers but it’s not really my kind of novel. I found it didn’t really hold my attention until the final chapters where all the action and excitement take place. This could be because I have not read the preceding novel, but I doubt it as its conclusion and Sawyer’s past history are adequately recapped here. I think it’s due to the shifting voices and perspectives where everything is laid out so there’s no mystery, apart from Riley’s location, to be solved. The perspective changes between Sawyer’s investigation, Riley’s experience and a subplot about the Black Wig Crew, a posse of female vigilantes. This is obviously an ongoing thread which will be resolved, I assume, in a future novel as it is totally superfluous to this novel. No resolution, no real forward momentum it is just there and making a bad point about abused women getting their revenge and self empowering. Please, it’s glorifying a plight I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
I enjoyed the Jessie Cole novels but this is not a series I want to read more of.
Sawyer becomes obsessed with the disappearance of of 12 year old Riley Addison, especially when the bones of a young girl are discovered at the same time. In her mind she links the two events and, on further investigation, several more.
Out of Her Mind will appeal to many readers but it’s not really my kind of novel. I found it didn’t really hold my attention until the final chapters where all the action and excitement take place. This could be because I have not read the preceding novel, but I doubt it as its conclusion and Sawyer’s past history are adequately recapped here. I think it’s due to the shifting voices and perspectives where everything is laid out so there’s no mystery, apart from Riley’s location, to be solved. The perspective changes between Sawyer’s investigation, Riley’s experience and a subplot about the Black Wig Crew, a posse of female vigilantes. This is obviously an ongoing thread which will be resolved, I assume, in a future novel as it is totally superfluous to this novel. No resolution, no real forward momentum it is just there and making a bad point about abused women getting their revenge and self empowering. Please, it’s glorifying a plight I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
I enjoyed the Jessie Cole novels but this is not a series I want to read more of.
November 14, 2020
The story begins with Riley being abducted (shades of Ted Bundy) by a woman who's looking to replace her daughter. Riley's smart and clever, and her chapters felt very urgent as she tries to find a way out of her predicament.
Sawyer is investigating the abduction story, and fortunately she's like a dog with a bone because the police don't seem to be doing that much on their end. The lack of good police work is the only gripe I have with the book, they should be a least as competent as a twentysomething crime reporter.
Sawyer is coming to terms with everything that happened with her parents in the last book, but it's causing problems in her personal life (what little personal life she has) and she's forced to do some reflecting.
The vigilante group seems to be ramping up in intensity and fraying at the seams simultaneously. And as in the last book, I'm conflicted about their actions. This is the part of the story I'm most anxious to see resolved in the final book.
Sawyer is investigating the abduction story, and fortunately she's like a dog with a bone because the police don't seem to be doing that much on their end. The lack of good police work is the only gripe I have with the book, they should be a least as competent as a twentysomething crime reporter.
Sawyer is coming to terms with everything that happened with her parents in the last book, but it's causing problems in her personal life (what little personal life she has) and she's forced to do some reflecting.
The vigilante group seems to be ramping up in intensity and fraying at the seams simultaneously. And as in the last book, I'm conflicted about their actions. This is the part of the story I'm most anxious to see resolved in the final book.
June 23, 2020
The second installment in the Sawyer Brooks series is just as riveting as the first. Sawyer is determined to find a missing girl. What she unravels is shocking. All while dealing with her horrifying past. T.R. Ragan has created yet another must read series!
*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
September 22, 2021
Another quick, easy and captivating read by Ragan! Book one was good, book two was even better! I could not put this one down!
Out of Her Mind, book two of the Sawyer Brooks trilogy, was a fast-paced, enthralling thriller that will make you think twice about helping people!
Recovering from the shock of her family's secrets, Sawyer has been striving hard to move on with her life and to be more normal. She has become closer with her sisters, adventured back to dating and is trying to make a name for herself in investigative reporting. When young Riley Addison goes missing after piano practice, Sawyer jumps right in to gather information for her story.
Shortly after the abduction, human remains of a child are found unearthed in a park and Sawyer finds herself on the brink of a whirlwind hunt for young, missing girls. Her sister, Aria, having more free time on her hands, has volunteered to help Sawyer with the case. With the help of Aria and Paige, the girl that got away, Sawyer learns that a woman is behind these abductions. Her name is Bubbles. And she just wants her daughter, Molly, back. Bubbles is completely cray cray! When the identity of this mad woman has been discovered, all hell breaks loose!
And of course, let me not forget to mention "The Crew". Five vigilante women who have joined forces to punish their attackers for their sins. They have recently been dubbed "The Black Wigs" by the media, all of them wearing the same style of wigs and face masks to disguise their identities. Three out of five of these women have already received justice. There's only two more to go....
Happy reading!
Out of Her Mind, book two of the Sawyer Brooks trilogy, was a fast-paced, enthralling thriller that will make you think twice about helping people!
Recovering from the shock of her family's secrets, Sawyer has been striving hard to move on with her life and to be more normal. She has become closer with her sisters, adventured back to dating and is trying to make a name for herself in investigative reporting. When young Riley Addison goes missing after piano practice, Sawyer jumps right in to gather information for her story.
Shortly after the abduction, human remains of a child are found unearthed in a park and Sawyer finds herself on the brink of a whirlwind hunt for young, missing girls. Her sister, Aria, having more free time on her hands, has volunteered to help Sawyer with the case. With the help of Aria and Paige, the girl that got away, Sawyer learns that a woman is behind these abductions. Her name is Bubbles. And she just wants her daughter, Molly, back. Bubbles is completely cray cray! When the identity of this mad woman has been discovered, all hell breaks loose!
And of course, let me not forget to mention "The Crew". Five vigilante women who have joined forces to punish their attackers for their sins. They have recently been dubbed "The Black Wigs" by the media, all of them wearing the same style of wigs and face masks to disguise their identities. Three out of five of these women have already received justice. There's only two more to go....
Happy reading!
August 5, 2023
After reading the first two books in this series, I’m Amazon priming the 3rd as we speak. I enjoyed every bit of this book . This was my first thriller series and it was a great introduction to thrillers! Sawyer Brooks is a badass and doesn’t take no for an answer .
5 stars-worth it!
5 stars-worth it!
January 27, 2023
Just finished this one.. and i did like it no doubt but definitely not my favorite of her works.
June 10, 2021
Second book in the series and Sawyer and her sisters are trying to move on from the fallout of their parents story in book one. Sawyer is investigating missing girls, and Aria is helping, meanwhile Harper is helping the Black Wigs with their vigilante mission and falling deeper into trouble.
Quick and interesting read. TR Ragan always writes strong, interesting female characters and these are no exception. I help my breath as Sawyer worked things out against the odds. I look forward to seeing how things pan out in the next tale when Sawyer starts her next investigation involving the Black Wigs!
Quick and interesting read. TR Ragan always writes strong, interesting female characters and these are no exception. I help my breath as Sawyer worked things out against the odds. I look forward to seeing how things pan out in the next tale when Sawyer starts her next investigation involving the Black Wigs!
July 12, 2020
This is book 2 of the Sawyer Brook’s series by T.R. Ragan. I LOVE this book more than book 1. There’s more intensity and intrigue in this one. As a mother some aspects of the story were difficult to digest been that there’s children adduction in it. Ragan develop a very real plot. It’s a story that it’s happening right now all over the US and could happened to anyone. I was on edge the whole time I read this book which I consider to be a most for any good thriller book. The investigation and relationship between sister is stronger in Out of Her Mind. The Black Wigs are more deep on their revenges. Situations get more complicated for them. I really love Ragan writing and her development of this characters. Looking forward to the next book.
June 22, 2020
Out of Her Mind by T.R. Ragan is the second thrilling book in the Sawyer Brooks series. Sawyer follows her hunches and clues to find a kidnapper. Sawyer had a horribly abusive childhood and has tried to make a normal life for herself. She still has issues, but along with her sisters, Harper and Aria, she is slowly making a difference in her quality of life after the sexual abuse she suffered as a child.
Sawyer works as an investigative crime reporter for the Sacramento Independent and has become focused on finding answers and clues to several missing girls from her area over the past years. When Riley Addison goes missing after her music lesson, Sawyer is convinced there is something sinister happening.
It appears there is a female vigilante group in the Sacramento area! Women wearing what appears to be black wigs have been captured on video at a couple of scenes relating to violence against men accused of committing sexual crimes. Oh-Oh! the "Black Wigs" may include someone we know close to Sawyer. The crew members have vowed to get even with the rapists and abusers in their lives. Psycho, Cleo, Lily, and Bug are working together to get justice. How far will they go?
Sawyer works hard to search every clue to find Riley Addison before it is too late. I won't post spoilers, but the treatment of little Riley by her kidnapper is heartbreaking. Once you start reading you will want to continue non-stop until the ending!
Publication Date: November 10, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Sawyer works as an investigative crime reporter for the Sacramento Independent and has become focused on finding answers and clues to several missing girls from her area over the past years. When Riley Addison goes missing after her music lesson, Sawyer is convinced there is something sinister happening.
It appears there is a female vigilante group in the Sacramento area! Women wearing what appears to be black wigs have been captured on video at a couple of scenes relating to violence against men accused of committing sexual crimes. Oh-Oh! the "Black Wigs" may include someone we know close to Sawyer. The crew members have vowed to get even with the rapists and abusers in their lives. Psycho, Cleo, Lily, and Bug are working together to get justice. How far will they go?
Sawyer works hard to search every clue to find Riley Addison before it is too late. I won't post spoilers, but the treatment of little Riley by her kidnapper is heartbreaking. Once you start reading you will want to continue non-stop until the ending!
Publication Date: November 10, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 30, 2020
This is book 2 of the Sawyer Brook’s series by T.R. Ragan. I LOVE this book more than book 1. There’s more intensity and intrigue in this one. As a mother some aspects of the story were difficult to digest been that there’s children adduction in it. Ragan develop a very real plot. It’s a story that it’s happening right now all over the US and could happened to anyone. I was on edge the whole time I read this book which I consider to be a most for any good thriller book. The investigation and relationship between sister is stronger in Out of Her Mind. The Black Wigs are more deep on their revenges. Situations get more complicated for them. I really love Ragan writing and her development of this characters. Looking forward to the next book.
November 10, 2020
This is the second book about Sawyer Brooks.
Sawyer, her sisters and The Crew is back for a second round and it’s even better than the first. She’s a investment reporter and when she gets her hooks into a story there is no letting go. Ms. Ragan is the queen of crazy and dark.
The Crew or the Black Wigs as the Press has dubbed them is a female vigilante group out for justice. Unfortunately there are not very good at it and things go wrong from the start. This installment was not as dark as the first book but the evil is still just as crazy.
Sawyer, her sisters and The Crew is back for a second round and it’s even better than the first. She’s a investment reporter and when she gets her hooks into a story there is no letting go. Ms. Ragan is the queen of crazy and dark.
The Crew or the Black Wigs as the Press has dubbed them is a female vigilante group out for justice. Unfortunately there are not very good at it and things go wrong from the start. This installment was not as dark as the first book but the evil is still just as crazy.
November 4, 2020
Out of Her Mind was the second book in the series, for me this was a really slow read and at times I really thought about not finishing the book. Having said that the last third of the book did pick up and got more interesting. This is one of my favorite genres, but this sadly wasn't one that could keep my interest from start to finish. I always suggest others read a book for themself and make their own opinion.
I received a ARC from NetGalley and the publisher Thomas & Mercer and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review, all opinions expressed here are my own.
I received a ARC from NetGalley and the publisher Thomas & Mercer and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review, all opinions expressed here are my own.
September 13, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer books for the early opportunity to read this book. After reading the first book in the series and loving it, I was thrilled to be allowed to read the second book ahead of it’s November release. The story pulled me in quickly and I had a difficult time putting it down. This is the second book in the Sawyer Brooks series. Like the first book, the story centers around Sawyer and her sisters. The author writes about the drive Sawyer and Aria have to find a missing girl. Sawyer believes the disappearance of other missing girls in the area over the last 5-7 years may be related so she interviews the one victim that got away from a kidnapper during the initial attempt. Armed with additional information, Sawyer knows she can find the missing girl. Her other sister, Hannah, is struggling with her own trauma and it is impacting her family. Though some of the material related to abuse and trauma is difficult to contemplate, I really enjoyed the story and cannot wait to read the third book to see how it ends. Highly recommended for readers who love mysteries. I would add, like the first book, this book should have trigger warnings for victims of violence.
April 4, 2022
I’ve read several of T. R. Ragans books, I like her writing style and how she completely draws you into her characters. This book is book 2 in the Sawyer Brooks series. Sawyer has just been promoted to Investigative Crime Reporter at the Sacramento Independent. Sawyer and her two sisters grew up in a home with very abusive parents. What they were put through is horrible and unimaginable. All three carry a lot of emotional baggage and have nightmares from all that was done to them.
When Sawyer is first promoted she is assigned to a story of a young girls bones that have just been discovered and at the same time a 12 year old girl has gone missing. Sawyers instinct tells her that the cases are connected. Research shows Sawyer that multiple girls have disappeared in the last five years, in and around Sacramento. Are the cases all connected? Sawyer believes so.
I was shocked to read how many children disappear every year in this country, some are found, but many are never found.
There is another story going on in this book that involves a group of vigilante women seeking revenge on their rapists.
Ms Ragan has written an excellent, timely book.
When Sawyer is first promoted she is assigned to a story of a young girls bones that have just been discovered and at the same time a 12 year old girl has gone missing. Sawyers instinct tells her that the cases are connected. Research shows Sawyer that multiple girls have disappeared in the last five years, in and around Sacramento. Are the cases all connected? Sawyer believes so.
I was shocked to read how many children disappear every year in this country, some are found, but many are never found.
There is another story going on in this book that involves a group of vigilante women seeking revenge on their rapists.
Ms Ragan has written an excellent, timely book.
December 1, 2020
In this second book of the series crime reporter Sawyer Brooks takes on the story of the bones of a little girl who was found in a local park. At the same time she is looking into a case of a twelve year old missing girl named Riley. She becomes obsessed over both cases and figuring out what happened to each girl. The more she digs the murkier things seem to become. Memories of her own sordid childhood stand at the forefront as she prays that the missing girl isn't going through something similar. She soon learns of more missing girls and wonders if all the cases are related in some way. Sawyer knows that she isn't going to give up no matter what she has to do. The police think she's a joke and don't seem to see what she does when she looks at all the puzzle pieces. Can she save Riley before she meets a horrible end? Will she be able to figure out what happened to the girl whose bones were found in the park? Dive in, this was an exciting read that had me on edge until the end!
December 1, 2020
In this second book of the series crime reporter Sawyer Brooks takes on the story of the bones of a little girl who was found in a local park. At the same time she is looking into a case of a twelve year old missing girl named Riley. She becomes obsessed over both cases and figuring out what happened to each girl. The more she digs the murkier things seem to become. Memories of her own sordid childhood stand at the forefront as she prays that the missing girl isn't going through something similar. She soon learns of more missing girls and wonders if all the cases are related in some way. Sawyer knows that she isn't going to give up no matter what she has to do. The police think she's a joke and don't seem to see what she does when she looks at all the puzzle pieces. Can she save Riley before she meets a horrible end? Will she be able to figure out what happened to the girl whose bones were found in the park? Dive in, this was an exciting read that had me on edge until the end!
January 4, 2022
I enjoyed this thriller much like I enjoyed the first in this series, but this installment lacked in some areas in my opinion.
I wanted more of the central case. I found this to have too many perspectives and storylines, each given equal weight, which I think was a mistake.
The case at the core of the story is compelling, and best told through the perspective of Sawyer and her detective work as a investigative journalist. But we spent too much time from the perspective of the victim, which doesn't really move us anywhere in the story. I loved seeing Sawyer and Aria team up and wanted more of that.
And while I love the concept of the Black Wigs, the execution (lol) feels sloppy, and ends up being too emotional and too much of a slog. I truly did not care about Harper's marital problems, and what started off as a cool concept has withered into a plot line that brings the entire story down.
I'll finish this series out for sure, but I'm hoping the third one picks up again.
I wanted more of the central case. I found this to have too many perspectives and storylines, each given equal weight, which I think was a mistake.
The case at the core of the story is compelling, and best told through the perspective of Sawyer and her detective work as a investigative journalist. But we spent too much time from the perspective of the victim, which doesn't really move us anywhere in the story. I loved seeing Sawyer and Aria team up and wanted more of that.
And while I love the concept of the Black Wigs, the execution (lol) feels sloppy, and ends up being too emotional and too much of a slog. I truly did not care about Harper's marital problems, and what started off as a cool concept has withered into a plot line that brings the entire story down.
I'll finish this series out for sure, but I'm hoping the third one picks up again.
September 17, 2020
This is the second book to feature Sawyer Brooks, following Don't Make a Sound, which I have not read. While I found this did not completely torpedo my ability to follow this second book without having read the first, I think it would have been quite helpful to have read that first book, especially to understand Sawyer's personal issues and the Black Wig ladies. It was a bit confusing to suddenly jump into the head of one of the latter group.
Here, we have Sawyer looking into the disappearance of a young girl after her music lesson at the home of her piano teacher. While the authorities are treating it as a generic disappearance, Sawyer digs around and finds connections to other disappearances. When the bones of a small child are unearthed, the stake get even higher, and it's then a race against time for Sawyer to find the missing girl, with the help of her editor and sister.
I filed this under thriller instead of mystery, because there is no mystery here: we know who took the girl, because the perpetrator gets their own turn in the spotlight, with several chapters from their viewpoint. The only mystery involved here is whether Sawyer and crew will find the girl before she, too, winds up in a shallow grave.
When the narrative suddenly broke into the viewpoint of one of the Black Wigs women, it was a little jarring and a tad confusing. Again, this may be due to me not having read the first book. We also get several scenes of what those women are doing to men who have harmed them. It wasn't until the third time that I realized one of the women was Sawyer's other sister (not the one helping her find the missing girl).
The story was enjoyable enough - there isn't anything hidden from the reader, so what Sawyer knows, we know, and that's a plus for me, as I don't like withheld evidence that prevents readers from connecting the dots to find the ad guy (or in this case, potentially find the missing girl).
I gave this 3.5 stars out of five, and rounded it up to 4, as there were no glaring plot holes. Although there were some scenes that didn't quite ring true, those involved the Black Wig crew and not the main character.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the review copy.
Here, we have Sawyer looking into the disappearance of a young girl after her music lesson at the home of her piano teacher. While the authorities are treating it as a generic disappearance, Sawyer digs around and finds connections to other disappearances. When the bones of a small child are unearthed, the stake get even higher, and it's then a race against time for Sawyer to find the missing girl, with the help of her editor and sister.
I filed this under thriller instead of mystery, because there is no mystery here: we know who took the girl, because the perpetrator gets their own turn in the spotlight, with several chapters from their viewpoint. The only mystery involved here is whether Sawyer and crew will find the girl before she, too, winds up in a shallow grave.
When the narrative suddenly broke into the viewpoint of one of the Black Wigs women, it was a little jarring and a tad confusing. Again, this may be due to me not having read the first book. We also get several scenes of what those women are doing to men who have harmed them. It wasn't until the third time that I realized one of the women was Sawyer's other sister (not the one helping her find the missing girl).
The story was enjoyable enough - there isn't anything hidden from the reader, so what Sawyer knows, we know, and that's a plus for me, as I don't like withheld evidence that prevents readers from connecting the dots to find the ad guy (or in this case, potentially find the missing girl).
I gave this 3.5 stars out of five, and rounded it up to 4, as there were no glaring plot holes. Although there were some scenes that didn't quite ring true, those involved the Black Wig crew and not the main character.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the review copy.
January 18, 2021
I couldn't wait after the first book and had to read the #2 book in the series, but must now wait for #3!! I only have good things to say about this book...it pulled me in, just like the first one, and I think it was much easier to settle into this one after just reading the first one. It was comforting to know the background of the main characters, like I knew them.
The only reason it takes me longer to read a book now is because of the pandemic; you'd think I'd read more but I pickup/dropoff my two youngest granddaughers 5 days a week for distance learning for school. I'm pretty busy all the time in spite of the lockdown!! And that's a good thing.
I really like the author's writing, storytelling...she's good, really good...I'm eager to know how #3 will go since it concerns the Black Wigs...oh dear...
The only reason it takes me longer to read a book now is because of the pandemic; you'd think I'd read more but I pickup/dropoff my two youngest granddaughers 5 days a week for distance learning for school. I'm pretty busy all the time in spite of the lockdown!! And that's a good thing.
I really like the author's writing, storytelling...she's good, really good...I'm eager to know how #3 will go since it concerns the Black Wigs...oh dear...
November 3, 2020
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Out of Her Mind by T.R Ragan that I read and reviewed.
This was the second Sawyer Brooks book and it picked up where the first one left off. Sawyer is trying to save the world by writing about crime and the Black Wigs are trying to make the men that ruined their lives pay. It is very interesting how the so much is going on in these books and how these peoples lives are intertwined so deeply yet they don’t know it yet and it will be very fun to see how Ragan handles this part of the series because it could be devastating for Sawyer.
As for this story it was very well written and it had a lot to keep the reader engaged.
I am giving Out of Her Mind five out of five stars!
This was the second Sawyer Brooks book and it picked up where the first one left off. Sawyer is trying to save the world by writing about crime and the Black Wigs are trying to make the men that ruined their lives pay. It is very interesting how the so much is going on in these books and how these peoples lives are intertwined so deeply yet they don’t know it yet and it will be very fun to see how Ragan handles this part of the series because it could be devastating for Sawyer.
As for this story it was very well written and it had a lot to keep the reader engaged.
I am giving Out of Her Mind five out of five stars!
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