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Emerald City #3
Viable Hostage
Malorie’s best friend is missing, but no one seems concerned about the wayward medical student's mysterious disappearance—until another student's partial remains wash ashore a Seattle beach...
When Malorie witnesses her best friend and roommate leave a campus bar with a mystery date driving a silver Mercedes, she suspects foul play, especially when Lani fails to return home the next day. Both women, med students in their final year at Elliott Bay University, have a lot riding on the line, but due to Lani’s wild past, no one in her family is worried. When Malorie’s fears for her roommate deepen, she turns to her Uncle Wade, a Sergeant at Seattle Homicide.
Within 48 hours after Lani goes missing, the partial remains of a brutally murdered young woman wash up on Alki Beach, and a human hand is found in a crab pot off Bainbridge Island. When one of the bodies is identified as a pregnant, fourth-year medical student, Wade believes there’s a connection with Lani’s disappearance. And, that they might be looking for a serial killer.
Malorie suspects Lani’s kidnapper is someone they know, possibly even one of their professors at the university, a prominent Seattle anesthesiologist whose wife is the president of EBU. But when Detective Blake Stephenson discovers evidence that links another suspect to the professor’s Mercedes, he and Wade must act fast to attempt a wild rescue in the middle of Puget Sound.
When Malorie witnesses her best friend and roommate leave a campus bar with a mystery date driving a silver Mercedes, she suspects foul play, especially when Lani fails to return home the next day. Both women, med students in their final year at Elliott Bay University, have a lot riding on the line, but due to Lani’s wild past, no one in her family is worried. When Malorie’s fears for her roommate deepen, she turns to her Uncle Wade, a Sergeant at Seattle Homicide.
Within 48 hours after Lani goes missing, the partial remains of a brutally murdered young woman wash up on Alki Beach, and a human hand is found in a crab pot off Bainbridge Island. When one of the bodies is identified as a pregnant, fourth-year medical student, Wade believes there’s a connection with Lani’s disappearance. And, that they might be looking for a serial killer.
Malorie suspects Lani’s kidnapper is someone they know, possibly even one of their professors at the university, a prominent Seattle anesthesiologist whose wife is the president of EBU. But when Detective Blake Stephenson discovers evidence that links another suspect to the professor’s Mercedes, he and Wade must act fast to attempt a wild rescue in the middle of Puget Sound.
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First published September 1, 2019
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About the author
Audrey J. Cole
19 books1,314 followersAudrey J. Cole is a USA TODAY bestselling thriller author. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children. Before writing full time, she worked as a neonatal intensive care nurse for eleven years. She’s also a pilot's daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
May 12, 2022
A missing roommate and the partial remains of a brutally murdered young woman washing up on Alki Beach - what do they have in common? Both woman were medical students and both were pregnant.
Viable Hostage by Audrey J. Cole, is a captivating medical thriller with an uncanny knack of realism built in the story. Secrets exposed, surprising twists, an an ending I didn’t see coming.
Narrators Marcio Catalano and Veronica Pace do a superb job of narration and voices, and are in perfect sync with each other.
If you haven’t read this author before, check out her books! Highly recommended!
Viable Hostage by Audrey J. Cole, is a captivating medical thriller with an uncanny knack of realism built in the story. Secrets exposed, surprising twists, an an ending I didn’t see coming.
Narrators Marcio Catalano and Veronica Pace do a superb job of narration and voices, and are in perfect sync with each other.
If you haven’t read this author before, check out her books! Highly recommended!
December 4, 2019
This book was such an incredible, suspenseful, engaging, entertaining, realistic crime thriller read!!!
This book is full of lies, secrets, betrayal, obsession, blackmail, and of course… Murder!!!
This is one of the top books I’ve read and reviewed this year!!!
This is the second book I’ve read from the very talented writer, Audrey J. Cole. About two years ago I read, reviewed, and blogged about her book, “The Recipient,” which is Book One in the Emerald City Book Series and I absolutely loved it!! So, I was thrilled to get the chance to read her latest work, “Viable Hostage,” which is Book Four of the same book series.
I am a huge mystery book fan and my favorite thing about Audrey’s book’s is that she ALWAYS keeps me on the edge of my seat guessing whodunit and she is one of the few authors who actually surprises me on the killer!!! I am really, really good at guessing the killer in books, TV shows, movies, games, etc. – but Audrey can definitely beat me and shock me with her endings – and that takes skill!!!
This book is about Malorie and her best friend Lani. Malorie and Lani go out to a campus bar, Harry’s, Malorie steps away to use the restroom, and when she returns Lani is nowhere to be found. Malorie calls Lani to find out where she went, and when she answers she tells her a guy she is secretly dating is picking her up out front and not to worry or wait up. Malorie runs outside the bar and sees a silver Mercedes quickly driving off and Lani’s cell phone on the ground. Feeling annoyed about being ditched and uneasy about the circumstances Malorie decides to just head home for the night.
Unfortunately, when Lani doesn’t return home or show up for her mom’s big award event the next day, Malorie is very concerned something bad has happened to her friend. However, she seems to be the only one worried. Lani’s parents seem less bothered and figure it’s Lani just being Lani as she has a history of just disappearing for days and not letting anyone know. Heck – just six months ago she missed her brother’s college graduation because she was too drunk and too stoned. She had been gone for multiple days and her parents had even filed a police report. But not this time, if Lani was going to continue to be inconsiderate and irresponsible, they were not going to waste their time worrying about her when she was probably off doing her own thing. Malorie tries to insist that Lani had changed, she was no longer drinking or partying, she was attending her classes, and actually being accountable and turning her life around. But, Lani’s parents weren’t buying it.
Malorie decides to reach out to her Uncle Wade, a Sergeant at Seattle Police in the Homicide Department. He agrees to help her file a missing person’s report and put her in touch with the Missing Person’s Team. Unfortunately, the detectives also see that this isn’t the first time Lani has gone missing and that last time she was just out partying. With nothing to contradict Lani’s repeat behavior and that she hasn’t been missing that long the police don’t seem to take the case that seriously. It isn’t until body parts wash up on the beach that match that of a missing 4th year med student who also attended the same university as Lani, was in the same med program, has a striking physical resemblance, and a similar missing person’s report that the police began to see a pattern and start to think Lani may have been abducted by the same person that killed the victim on the beach. Could Lani have been taken by a serial killer? Or is Lani back to her old ways and just out having a good time? No spoilers here!! But you definitely will want to read this book and find out what happens!!
There is so much going on in this book!! This book has so many different layers with several plot points that are well executed and structurally sound!! I thoroughly enjoyed pulling back each layer and seeing where it took me… I thought this book was going to be a straight-forward serial killer book, but it also had deeper, intricate, complex, and elaborate story lines as well.
Audrey’s writing only continues to improve, grow, and expand with each book! I know she will be an author I will continue to read over the years!
So many exciting, intriguing, suspenseful, and thrilling moments in this book!!! I literally couldn't turn the pages fast enough!!!
I really enjoyed reading this book and could not wait to solve the case and find out who the killer was!!
I really enjoyed all the main characters (the bad and the good), Malorie, her Uncle Sergeant Wade, her Best Friend Lani, Detectives: Stephenson, Adams, Richards, Dr. Delaney, Luke Paulson, and Lani’s family. I liked that Malorie was smart, sweet, persistent, kind, determined, caring, tenacious, and stubborn. I remember Wade from book one, so it was great catching back up with him. Book one was a bit emotional for him, so it was nice seeing him in a good place, happily married, and about to be a dad. He was strong-willed, relentless, benevolent, understanding, and sympathetic. I liked Lani, and I totally felt for her. We’ve all done things and then had a hard time coming back from that not being judged or labeled for them. People can change. I was so sad when her parents dismissed any thought of foul play or danger and just chalked it up to her partying. It would be heartbreaking if my family didn’t take my being missing seriously. I also really liked the detectives and was impressed with their professionalism and legal accuracy. Also, I was very interested in Detective Tess Richards. Throughout the book it hinted about her brother being murdered and his killer going to trial soon. I was curious if this case had already been part of the book series or was going to be featured in an upcoming book. Regardless, I really liked the character as she seemed very smart, tough, compassionate, caring, and also a bit stubborn.
I think the author did a fantastic job on her character development as these characters were so real and personal on many levels!
This book has quite a bit of medical jargon as the main characters are 4th year med students and the killer is thought to have had medical training as well. Thankfully the author doesn’t totally overwhelm the reader by dumping long medical terminology passages, but she presents it in an easy to understand and comprehend manner, while not sugar-coating or dumbing it down.
I love the in-depth amount of research the author did while constructing this book. It is clear she is very familiar and well-versed in the medical and criminal procedural practices. The author provided so much detail and such vivid descriptions it made the scenes easy to picture. These particulars were so well-described they felt both realistic and authentic.
This book has exceptional mystery crime solving structure with enough clues and excitement to keep you guessing, but still practical and realistic.
I also enjoyed the style of writing and that there were several, but short chapters. It really helped keep the story on point, provide smooth scene transitions, and allow for the overall story line to flow.
This book had a very satisfying and an extremely realistic ending. I was pleased with the author’s take and her decision to end it the way she did.
This book has a creative story line with well executed plot points, excellent mystery thriller structured scenarios, fantastic writing style with detailed scenes, relatable characters, is fast paced, and keeps you fully engaged and entertained.
There were a few predictable scenes. However, there are still many unexpected twists and turns and misdirection’s that you won’t see coming!
This book is book four in the Emerald City Thriller Book Series. It can be read as a standalone. However, there seems to be character and story line overlaps.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it! I think all thriller, mystery, suspense readers will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
This book is full of lies, secrets, betrayal, obsession, blackmail, and of course… Murder!!!
This is one of the top books I’ve read and reviewed this year!!!
This is the second book I’ve read from the very talented writer, Audrey J. Cole. About two years ago I read, reviewed, and blogged about her book, “The Recipient,” which is Book One in the Emerald City Book Series and I absolutely loved it!! So, I was thrilled to get the chance to read her latest work, “Viable Hostage,” which is Book Four of the same book series.
I am a huge mystery book fan and my favorite thing about Audrey’s book’s is that she ALWAYS keeps me on the edge of my seat guessing whodunit and she is one of the few authors who actually surprises me on the killer!!! I am really, really good at guessing the killer in books, TV shows, movies, games, etc. – but Audrey can definitely beat me and shock me with her endings – and that takes skill!!!
This book is about Malorie and her best friend Lani. Malorie and Lani go out to a campus bar, Harry’s, Malorie steps away to use the restroom, and when she returns Lani is nowhere to be found. Malorie calls Lani to find out where she went, and when she answers she tells her a guy she is secretly dating is picking her up out front and not to worry or wait up. Malorie runs outside the bar and sees a silver Mercedes quickly driving off and Lani’s cell phone on the ground. Feeling annoyed about being ditched and uneasy about the circumstances Malorie decides to just head home for the night.
Unfortunately, when Lani doesn’t return home or show up for her mom’s big award event the next day, Malorie is very concerned something bad has happened to her friend. However, she seems to be the only one worried. Lani’s parents seem less bothered and figure it’s Lani just being Lani as she has a history of just disappearing for days and not letting anyone know. Heck – just six months ago she missed her brother’s college graduation because she was too drunk and too stoned. She had been gone for multiple days and her parents had even filed a police report. But not this time, if Lani was going to continue to be inconsiderate and irresponsible, they were not going to waste their time worrying about her when she was probably off doing her own thing. Malorie tries to insist that Lani had changed, she was no longer drinking or partying, she was attending her classes, and actually being accountable and turning her life around. But, Lani’s parents weren’t buying it.
Malorie decides to reach out to her Uncle Wade, a Sergeant at Seattle Police in the Homicide Department. He agrees to help her file a missing person’s report and put her in touch with the Missing Person’s Team. Unfortunately, the detectives also see that this isn’t the first time Lani has gone missing and that last time she was just out partying. With nothing to contradict Lani’s repeat behavior and that she hasn’t been missing that long the police don’t seem to take the case that seriously. It isn’t until body parts wash up on the beach that match that of a missing 4th year med student who also attended the same university as Lani, was in the same med program, has a striking physical resemblance, and a similar missing person’s report that the police began to see a pattern and start to think Lani may have been abducted by the same person that killed the victim on the beach. Could Lani have been taken by a serial killer? Or is Lani back to her old ways and just out having a good time? No spoilers here!! But you definitely will want to read this book and find out what happens!!
There is so much going on in this book!! This book has so many different layers with several plot points that are well executed and structurally sound!! I thoroughly enjoyed pulling back each layer and seeing where it took me… I thought this book was going to be a straight-forward serial killer book, but it also had deeper, intricate, complex, and elaborate story lines as well.
Audrey’s writing only continues to improve, grow, and expand with each book! I know she will be an author I will continue to read over the years!
So many exciting, intriguing, suspenseful, and thrilling moments in this book!!! I literally couldn't turn the pages fast enough!!!
I really enjoyed reading this book and could not wait to solve the case and find out who the killer was!!
I really enjoyed all the main characters (the bad and the good), Malorie, her Uncle Sergeant Wade, her Best Friend Lani, Detectives: Stephenson, Adams, Richards, Dr. Delaney, Luke Paulson, and Lani’s family. I liked that Malorie was smart, sweet, persistent, kind, determined, caring, tenacious, and stubborn. I remember Wade from book one, so it was great catching back up with him. Book one was a bit emotional for him, so it was nice seeing him in a good place, happily married, and about to be a dad. He was strong-willed, relentless, benevolent, understanding, and sympathetic. I liked Lani, and I totally felt for her. We’ve all done things and then had a hard time coming back from that not being judged or labeled for them. People can change. I was so sad when her parents dismissed any thought of foul play or danger and just chalked it up to her partying. It would be heartbreaking if my family didn’t take my being missing seriously. I also really liked the detectives and was impressed with their professionalism and legal accuracy. Also, I was very interested in Detective Tess Richards. Throughout the book it hinted about her brother being murdered and his killer going to trial soon. I was curious if this case had already been part of the book series or was going to be featured in an upcoming book. Regardless, I really liked the character as she seemed very smart, tough, compassionate, caring, and also a bit stubborn.
I think the author did a fantastic job on her character development as these characters were so real and personal on many levels!
This book has quite a bit of medical jargon as the main characters are 4th year med students and the killer is thought to have had medical training as well. Thankfully the author doesn’t totally overwhelm the reader by dumping long medical terminology passages, but she presents it in an easy to understand and comprehend manner, while not sugar-coating or dumbing it down.
I love the in-depth amount of research the author did while constructing this book. It is clear she is very familiar and well-versed in the medical and criminal procedural practices. The author provided so much detail and such vivid descriptions it made the scenes easy to picture. These particulars were so well-described they felt both realistic and authentic.
This book has exceptional mystery crime solving structure with enough clues and excitement to keep you guessing, but still practical and realistic.
I also enjoyed the style of writing and that there were several, but short chapters. It really helped keep the story on point, provide smooth scene transitions, and allow for the overall story line to flow.
This book had a very satisfying and an extremely realistic ending. I was pleased with the author’s take and her decision to end it the way she did.
This book has a creative story line with well executed plot points, excellent mystery thriller structured scenarios, fantastic writing style with detailed scenes, relatable characters, is fast paced, and keeps you fully engaged and entertained.
There were a few predictable scenes. However, there are still many unexpected twists and turns and misdirection’s that you won’t see coming!
This book is book four in the Emerald City Thriller Book Series. It can be read as a standalone. However, there seems to be character and story line overlaps.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it! I think all thriller, mystery, suspense readers will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
October 29, 2019
Malorie and her best friend and roommate Lani are med students at Elliott Bay University. One night they decide to go out to a bar on campus Malorie goes to the bathroom and when she returns Lani is gone. Malorie texts Lani and finds that she is outside waiting on a ride, Malorie is like you are leaving without telling me? Lani explains to her why she is leaving and not to wait up on her that she will be home the next day.
Malorie goes outside hoping to catch Lani before she leaves but Lani is nowhere to be seen but she does see a car leaving the parking lot and assumes that was the ride Lani was talking about.
When Lani doesn’t show up the next day like she said Malorie is the only one who seems to be concerned. Malorie with the help of her uncle who works at the police department goes with her when she decides to file a missing person’s report. No one believes that Lani is missing until the body of a woman washes up on shore a few days later. Further investigations show that Lani is not the only woman attending Elliott Bay University that is missing.
Once I picked up Viable Hostage I couldn’t put it down. It grabbed my attention from the first page and never let go. The suspense alone had me hooked not to mention all the twists and the secrets that it held onto right until the very end. It kept me guessing the whole way through. I would begin to think that I had it all figured out but then another twists was slammed in my face and I was right back to guessing. I love books that like feeding you little tidbits at a time just enough to keep you wanting to know more.
I believe I have read all the books in the Emerald City Thriller and I must say that I have loved each and every one of them. Each book just gets better and better. I fell in love with all the characters and their stories and can’t wait for the next book in the Emerald City Thriller series.
I highly recommend Viable Hostage to all thriller, mystery and suspense fans.
Malorie goes outside hoping to catch Lani before she leaves but Lani is nowhere to be seen but she does see a car leaving the parking lot and assumes that was the ride Lani was talking about.
When Lani doesn’t show up the next day like she said Malorie is the only one who seems to be concerned. Malorie with the help of her uncle who works at the police department goes with her when she decides to file a missing person’s report. No one believes that Lani is missing until the body of a woman washes up on shore a few days later. Further investigations show that Lani is not the only woman attending Elliott Bay University that is missing.
Once I picked up Viable Hostage I couldn’t put it down. It grabbed my attention from the first page and never let go. The suspense alone had me hooked not to mention all the twists and the secrets that it held onto right until the very end. It kept me guessing the whole way through. I would begin to think that I had it all figured out but then another twists was slammed in my face and I was right back to guessing. I love books that like feeding you little tidbits at a time just enough to keep you wanting to know more.
I believe I have read all the books in the Emerald City Thriller and I must say that I have loved each and every one of them. Each book just gets better and better. I fell in love with all the characters and their stories and can’t wait for the next book in the Emerald City Thriller series.
I highly recommend Viable Hostage to all thriller, mystery and suspense fans.
August 25, 2020
Excellent and riveting mystery
Lani and Malorie’s story was told amazingly well. The mystery went in a perfect suspenseful mood. Added on top of it, every chapter threw up excellent surprises, more secrets about the characters, which never let us guess the end result. The characters were all etched so well that their dialogues seemed perfectly natural.
Enjoyed it throughly.
Lani and Malorie’s story was told amazingly well. The mystery went in a perfect suspenseful mood. Added on top of it, every chapter threw up excellent surprises, more secrets about the characters, which never let us guess the end result. The characters were all etched so well that their dialogues seemed perfectly natural.
Enjoyed it throughly.
April 6, 2023
This is the 4th book in the Emerald City series. I thought the subject line was very interesting. It’s about pregnant girls who go missing. The protagonist is the best friend of one of the missing girls, and she is determined to find her lost friend. There’s also a subplot with a devious doctor. The reveals for this book are chilling! The author (I’ve loved all of her books) is also a registered nurse so her detailed medical knowledge really adds to the storyline. She is also from the NW United States, and her descriptions of Seattle and the surrounding areas make you fill like you are immersed in the plot. As an NFL fan, I also enjoy her inclusion of the Seattle Seahawks (Go Jags!)
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August 24, 2020🎁FREE on Amazon today (8/24/2020)! 🎁
June 6, 2021
I enjoyed this suspenseful novel set in Seattle. It revolves around missing pregnant women. Members of the Seattle Police Department, known from previous novels in this series, get involved when one of the missing women is the roommate of a sergeant's niece.
This novel centers on the medical community. Young women involved are medical students at Elliott Bay University. One suspect is an anesthesiologist and professor at the university.
Cole has woven interesting medical information into the exciting plot. We are taken in to watch heart surgery, for example. I had no idea the anesthesiologist stops the patient's heart long enough for the surgeon's to work. There are ethical issues also included, such as whether it is ever right to sacrifice the life of a person to possibly save the lives of many others.
I am enjoying this Emerald City series. The characters are well drawn. There is plenty of action and suspense. I appreciate the introduction of ethical issues. I'll be looking for the next in the series.
This novel centers on the medical community. Young women involved are medical students at Elliott Bay University. One suspect is an anesthesiologist and professor at the university.
Cole has woven interesting medical information into the exciting plot. We are taken in to watch heart surgery, for example. I had no idea the anesthesiologist stops the patient's heart long enough for the surgeon's to work. There are ethical issues also included, such as whether it is ever right to sacrifice the life of a person to possibly save the lives of many others.
I am enjoying this Emerald City series. The characters are well drawn. There is plenty of action and suspense. I appreciate the introduction of ethical issues. I'll be looking for the next in the series.
November 7, 2019
What an explosive and exciting read!
Audrey J. Cole writes a hugely engrossing and entertaining novel that deals with some serious issues in this gripping thriller full of hidden truths, menace, deceit, suspense and lies.
Lani and Malorie are medical students in their final year at Elliott Bay University. When Lani leaves a campus bar with a mystery date Malorie suspects foul play, especially when Lani fails to return home the next day. Malorie’s fears for her best friend deepen, so she turns to her Uncle Wade for help, a Sergeant at Seattle Homicide.
Forty-elght hours later, the partial remains of a brutally murdered young woman wash up on Alki Beach and a human hand is found in a crab pot off Bainbridge Island. When one of the bodies is identified as a pregnant, fourth-year medical student, Wade believes there’s a connection with Lani’s disappearance. Is a serial killer at large?
Audrey J. Cole delivers an unrestrained and exuberant story of drama in this toxic concoction of murder, action, evil and corruption. The characters created by the author were fascinating in themselves and the pacing was perfect for the story. With an effortlessly transitioning plot-line, the suspense just built and built as the story progressed, right up until the exciting and mesmerising conclusion. I just had to keep turning those pages and I didn’t guess the identity of the perpetrator in this fantastic thriller.
Viable Hostage is a taut, compelling and cracking story and a book that I revelled in all the way through. It brought no disappointments and everything was beautifully wrapped up in the fabulous and immensely satisfying finale. A riveting tale of menace, hostility, evil, unscrupulousness and violence, I would love to read more from this gifted story-teller and I heartily recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Great Escapes Book Tours at my request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Audrey J. Cole writes a hugely engrossing and entertaining novel that deals with some serious issues in this gripping thriller full of hidden truths, menace, deceit, suspense and lies.
Lani and Malorie are medical students in their final year at Elliott Bay University. When Lani leaves a campus bar with a mystery date Malorie suspects foul play, especially when Lani fails to return home the next day. Malorie’s fears for her best friend deepen, so she turns to her Uncle Wade for help, a Sergeant at Seattle Homicide.
Forty-elght hours later, the partial remains of a brutally murdered young woman wash up on Alki Beach and a human hand is found in a crab pot off Bainbridge Island. When one of the bodies is identified as a pregnant, fourth-year medical student, Wade believes there’s a connection with Lani’s disappearance. Is a serial killer at large?
Audrey J. Cole delivers an unrestrained and exuberant story of drama in this toxic concoction of murder, action, evil and corruption. The characters created by the author were fascinating in themselves and the pacing was perfect for the story. With an effortlessly transitioning plot-line, the suspense just built and built as the story progressed, right up until the exciting and mesmerising conclusion. I just had to keep turning those pages and I didn’t guess the identity of the perpetrator in this fantastic thriller.
Viable Hostage is a taut, compelling and cracking story and a book that I revelled in all the way through. It brought no disappointments and everything was beautifully wrapped up in the fabulous and immensely satisfying finale. A riveting tale of menace, hostility, evil, unscrupulousness and violence, I would love to read more from this gifted story-teller and I heartily recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Great Escapes Book Tours at my request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
October 13, 2020
This is a 4.5* I'm rounding up to 5 as it was great aside from some nitpicky mistakes that shouldn't have crept through into the finished article, in my opinion. I enjoy this series and I like her characters and writing style. I caught on in the end whodunnit' but only when she'd given us enough clues that I'd need to be a total idiot not to figure it out. Trust me, I rarely get these right !!
I wasn't keen on young Malorie at all. To me she was a bloody flake most of the time. To never realise what was going on with her best friend (and housemate) she'd have to be pretty dopey !! I figured it out long before she fell in. She turned up for exams late or slept through them, didn't recall if she'd left lights on or not.....god help the poor people under the knife if she succeeds on becoming a surgeon !!
She does do that horrid American writing where authors write "gotten" as opposed to got, writing as they speak instead of the correct written English. She also got a lot of apostrophes misplaced, though at other times gets them spot on, so seems to know the difference. Perhaps her proofreader doesn't ! I'd no idea what top ramen was so had to google it and it's a brand name so needed capitalising.
A REALLY irritating thing for me was constantly referring to Tess's brother's murder. We didn't need to keep being reminded and at first I forgot he'd been murdered cos' she kept referring to "her brother's upcoming murder trial" which, to me means he's the one in the dock. It needs to be "her brother's murderer's upcoming murder trial" to make sense. It was written about twice like this so is pretty confusing till I remembered.
Then at one point Malorie was on public transport-(the author made a point of mentioning this), she went to see her uncle at work and THEN he walks her to her car !!! Tut, tut....
A line near the end made me sob and it was an interesting tale so one I recommend. It does suddenly end at 82% in, though.
I wasn't keen on young Malorie at all. To me she was a bloody flake most of the time. To never realise what was going on with her best friend (and housemate) she'd have to be pretty dopey !! I figured it out long before she fell in. She turned up for exams late or slept through them, didn't recall if she'd left lights on or not.....god help the poor people under the knife if she succeeds on becoming a surgeon !!
She does do that horrid American writing where authors write "gotten" as opposed to got, writing as they speak instead of the correct written English. She also got a lot of apostrophes misplaced, though at other times gets them spot on, so seems to know the difference. Perhaps her proofreader doesn't ! I'd no idea what top ramen was so had to google it and it's a brand name so needed capitalising.
A REALLY irritating thing for me was constantly referring to Tess's brother's murder. We didn't need to keep being reminded and at first I forgot he'd been murdered cos' she kept referring to "her brother's upcoming murder trial" which, to me means he's the one in the dock. It needs to be "her brother's murderer's upcoming murder trial" to make sense. It was written about twice like this so is pretty confusing till I remembered.
Then at one point Malorie was on public transport-(the author made a point of mentioning this), she went to see her uncle at work and THEN he walks her to her car !!! Tut, tut....
A line near the end made me sob and it was an interesting tale so one I recommend. It does suddenly end at 82% in, though.
November 25, 2022
Another great thriller! The more you read Audrey J Cole's work, the more you fall in love with her stories and writing! As always, a captivating and thrilling ride. The medical side to the story just adds another layer of suspense. Who wants to be handcuffed to a bed and be used in a science experiment?
April 24, 2023
4.5. A murder mystery with heaps of red herrings and twists - book 4 in the Emerald City thrillers. Kept me guessing throughout. Written in the third person from several points of view. Read this series in order too, as this book has minor spoilers from previous stories. Detectives and side characters from those books make appearances.
February 15, 2026
2.75/5. A decent medical whodunnit that is predictable about halfway through. Very straightforward writing that’s borderline stiff but gets the story told. It’s not bad by any means, just very basic.
December 9, 2019
I received a copy of this audiobook from AudioBoom in return for an honest review.
Short but interesting premise. Good job by narrator.
Short but interesting premise. Good job by narrator.
December 19, 2022
Great read
Light read yet heavy storyline. Read in one sitting. Right when it looks like a good stop, nope another twisi.
Definitely.
Light read yet heavy storyline. Read in one sitting. Right when it looks like a good stop, nope another twisi.
Definitely.
November 17, 2021
OMG! Gruesome and heartless as sociopaths are known to be well portrayed. Not my favorite but still lots of action and suspense.
September 1, 2020
A rather frightening, realistic crime story about a serial killer with a twist, he targets women who are about five months pregnant. It's hard to understand the reason for his objective, but then we seldom understand the misguided reasoning underneath the terrors brought by the ghastly people we read about.
This is a gripping story that you will find hard to put down, once you begin to read. One of those where you want no delay in determining the resolution of the mystery.
This is a gripping story that you will find hard to put down, once you begin to read. One of those where you want no delay in determining the resolution of the mystery.
August 31, 2020
An extremely good mystery. The author has written this in such a way that you are glued to every page. It's tense, with twists that keep your interest. I love that we learned each character personally. I have definitely found a new author ( not an easy task). I'm excited to see what else she has written. This was just that good!
January 26, 2020
Viable Hostage: Emerald City Thriller was a great read by Audrey J. Cole. Malorie is witness to her best friend leaving a campus bar with someone driving a silver Mercedes. She suspects that something is wrong with the situation, especially after Lani doesn't return home. They are both busy med students and Malorie knows that something is amiss in Lani's disappearance even though her family doesn't believe anything is wrong. Lani's past as a wild child is making it so that her family doesn't seem too worried. Malorie goes to her Uncle Wade who is a sergeant at Seattle Homicide because she knows something is wrong. A young woman's remains wash up on a beach, they find out that there is a connection to Lani's disappearance when the woman washed up turns out to be a med student as well. I enjoyed reading Malorie's story and can't wait to read more by Audrey J. Cole.
January 15, 2021
Great book
This was a good book, but not for someone with a weak stomach. It's very graphic. Little hints were dropped along the way, so you had an idea who the killer was. Evil is not very pretty.
This was a good book, but not for someone with a weak stomach. It's very graphic. Little hints were dropped along the way, so you had an idea who the killer was. Evil is not very pretty.
July 23, 2023
Title: Viable Hostage
Author: Audrey J. Cole
Series: Emerald City #4
Narrators: Marcio Catalano and Veronica Pace
Publisher: Findaway Voice
Genre: Thriller
Pub Date: April 1, 2021
My Rating: 3.7 Rounded up
Pages: 248
Malorie and her best friend Lani are both medical students and are out for the evening at ‘Harry’s, campus handout, Malorie steps away to use the restroom, and when she returns Lani is nowhere to be found. Lani called and says a guy she met recently wants to meet up. Needless to say Malorie isn’t pleased with Lani leaving her at the bar.
However when Lani does show up the next day or for a dinner where her mother’s is being honored - Malorie is worried. However Lani’s parents believe Lani is probably sleeping off a handover.
Malorie continues to be worried and calls her Uncle Wade, a Sergeant at Seattle Police in the Homicide Department. He agrees to help her file a missing person’s report and put her in touch with the Missing Person’s Team. Unfortunately, these detectives see that this isn’t the first time Lani has gone missing and that last time she was just out partying. So doesn’t take this all that seriously until body parts wash up on the beach that match that of a missing 4th year med student who also attended the same university as Lani,
This is fourth in the Emerald City Series. I remember Sergeant Wade McKinnon for The Recipient which was first in this series.
Might Lani may have been abducted by the same person that killed the victim on the beach. Or is Lani back to her old ways and just out having a good time?
I like Malorie and Uncle Wade and the story held my interest.
I read a lot of thriller so was pleased that my ‘Arm Chair Detective Skills’ had me on top of ‘whodunit it.
I love this author! This is my seventh Audrey J. Cole I loved Only One Lie which earned 5 stars from stingy star me!
Additionally the narrators both did a great job performing the characters!
Her more recent thrillers have me guess until the very end ~ nevertheless, I still liked this one!
The narrators both did a great performance of the characters. Making this enjoyable to listen to!
BTW: Ms. Cole's Bookcovers are always great!!!
Author: Audrey J. Cole
Series: Emerald City #4
Narrators: Marcio Catalano and Veronica Pace
Publisher: Findaway Voice
Genre: Thriller
Pub Date: April 1, 2021
My Rating: 3.7 Rounded up
Pages: 248
Malorie and her best friend Lani are both medical students and are out for the evening at ‘Harry’s, campus handout, Malorie steps away to use the restroom, and when she returns Lani is nowhere to be found. Lani called and says a guy she met recently wants to meet up. Needless to say Malorie isn’t pleased with Lani leaving her at the bar.
However when Lani does show up the next day or for a dinner where her mother’s is being honored - Malorie is worried. However Lani’s parents believe Lani is probably sleeping off a handover.
Malorie continues to be worried and calls her Uncle Wade, a Sergeant at Seattle Police in the Homicide Department. He agrees to help her file a missing person’s report and put her in touch with the Missing Person’s Team. Unfortunately, these detectives see that this isn’t the first time Lani has gone missing and that last time she was just out partying. So doesn’t take this all that seriously until body parts wash up on the beach that match that of a missing 4th year med student who also attended the same university as Lani,
This is fourth in the Emerald City Series. I remember Sergeant Wade McKinnon for The Recipient which was first in this series.
Might Lani may have been abducted by the same person that killed the victim on the beach. Or is Lani back to her old ways and just out having a good time?
I like Malorie and Uncle Wade and the story held my interest.
I read a lot of thriller so was pleased that my ‘Arm Chair Detective Skills’ had me on top of ‘whodunit it.
I love this author! This is my seventh Audrey J. Cole I loved Only One Lie which earned 5 stars from stingy star me!
Additionally the narrators both did a great job performing the characters!
Her more recent thrillers have me guess until the very end ~ nevertheless, I still liked this one!
The narrators both did a great performance of the characters. Making this enjoyable to listen to!
BTW: Ms. Cole's Bookcovers are always great!!!
June 6, 2025
Malorie’s best friend is missing, but no one is worried because of Lani’s wild past. Once another missing med student’s body parts wash up on a Seattle beach, the cops finally start listening to Malorie, but is it too late?
This is book 4 in the Emerald City series, and I’m really enjoying them all! I especially liked the medical components of this one, although one has to suspend an extra…large amount of disbelief regarding certain aspects of the type of nursing I used to do, and I’ll just leave it at that. 😵💫😂. I sometimes start a series and get real tired of it a few books in, but this series is unique in that the main characters/plots are all very different from each other; it’s the cops who are the same throughout, but not even all the cops. Wade was the main character in the first book, but books 2 and 3 mainly had Adams and Stephenson as the cops, and Wade is back for book 4. So it helps keep things fresh and interesting! They are all set in Seattle, which is also new and fun. This is another fast paced story that I read quickly and enjoyed. I recommend this author! One more to go in the series.
4.25⭐️
This is book 4 in the Emerald City series, and I’m really enjoying them all! I especially liked the medical components of this one, although one has to suspend an extra…large amount of disbelief regarding certain aspects of the type of nursing I used to do, and I’ll just leave it at that. 😵💫😂. I sometimes start a series and get real tired of it a few books in, but this series is unique in that the main characters/plots are all very different from each other; it’s the cops who are the same throughout, but not even all the cops. Wade was the main character in the first book, but books 2 and 3 mainly had Adams and Stephenson as the cops, and Wade is back for book 4. So it helps keep things fresh and interesting! They are all set in Seattle, which is also new and fun. This is another fast paced story that I read quickly and enjoyed. I recommend this author! One more to go in the series.
4.25⭐️
October 8, 2020
📚"𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄"📚
"Thriller Thursday"
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝑉𝑖𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝐻𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐴𝑢𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑦 𝐶𝑜𝑙𝑒
𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐟 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬: 237
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝑃𝑠𝑦𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑇ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 11/28/2019
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 📕📕📕📕🔖(4.5 stars)
•
This is the fourth book in the emerald City Thriller series. Every book in this series can be read as a standalone. Thank you Audrey for the gifted copy.
•
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: In this book med student Malorie's best friend Lani goes missing after leaving a campus bar. No one is worried until another medical student's partial remains wash ashore a Seattle Beach.
I thought this book was fascinating. In my eyes this was a fast paced book that had me on the edge of my seat as everything unfolded. Audrey has a way of luring you in from the start, making you feel as if you are one of the characters in the story along for the ride. For only being 237 pages, this book packed a punch. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone wanting a great Thriller under 300 pages!!!!
"Thriller Thursday"
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝑉𝑖𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝐻𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐴𝑢𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑦 𝐶𝑜𝑙𝑒
𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐟 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬: 237
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝑃𝑠𝑦𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑇ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 11/28/2019
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 📕📕📕📕🔖(4.5 stars)
•
This is the fourth book in the emerald City Thriller series. Every book in this series can be read as a standalone. Thank you Audrey for the gifted copy.
•
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: In this book med student Malorie's best friend Lani goes missing after leaving a campus bar. No one is worried until another medical student's partial remains wash ashore a Seattle Beach.
I thought this book was fascinating. In my eyes this was a fast paced book that had me on the edge of my seat as everything unfolded. Audrey has a way of luring you in from the start, making you feel as if you are one of the characters in the story along for the ride. For only being 237 pages, this book packed a punch. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone wanting a great Thriller under 300 pages!!!!
April 8, 2023
The start with the yacht setting wasn’t that great…until we get to the part about the dismembered corpse in a body bag.
In the next few chapters, we learn about the night a college girl goes missing from a night club and her friend seems to be the only one concerned about it. Malorie’s instincts about Lani being in trouble were correct as she was being held hostage somewhere, completely tied down to a bed. It becomes a mystery of who took Lani and Malorie was taking the steps to try to figure it out.
The case gets more interesting when the first body washes up, one fitting a similar description as Lani. Could both girls have been pregnant? What could someone do with the fetal infants? Could one of the med-school professors be a serial rapist and killer? Will they find this evil doctor before it’s too late?
Compelling to read! Truly makes you wonder who was behind all this.
In the next few chapters, we learn about the night a college girl goes missing from a night club and her friend seems to be the only one concerned about it. Malorie’s instincts about Lani being in trouble were correct as she was being held hostage somewhere, completely tied down to a bed. It becomes a mystery of who took Lani and Malorie was taking the steps to try to figure it out.
The case gets more interesting when the first body washes up, one fitting a similar description as Lani. Could both girls have been pregnant? What could someone do with the fetal infants? Could one of the med-school professors be a serial rapist and killer? Will they find this evil doctor before it’s too late?
Compelling to read! Truly makes you wonder who was behind all this.
April 17, 2024
Really good story excellent narration
I Really enjoyed this one, part medical thriller, part police procedural with a little amateur sleuthing thrown into the mix. The story is strong with great characters, although the lead female is a bit whiney, some nice twists and turns and an excellent climax. The two narrators compliment each other and the story and are easy to listen too. Highly recommended. I received a complimentary copy of the audio book and am leaving a honest voluntary review.
I Really enjoyed this one, part medical thriller, part police procedural with a little amateur sleuthing thrown into the mix. The story is strong with great characters, although the lead female is a bit whiney, some nice twists and turns and an excellent climax. The two narrators compliment each other and the story and are easy to listen too. Highly recommended. I received a complimentary copy of the audio book and am leaving a honest voluntary review.
December 11, 2020
At first I didn't know if I wanted to read this book as someone had written that the reader gets into the mind of a serial killer. I had read a book like that before, and I didn't like being THERE! I decided to give this book a few more pages and I'm glad I did. It's a good read. ***1/2 . What I really liked about this book was that the author placed the police force in a very good light! It's about time! They do the job for us and offer their lives for us! 👏
November 27, 2022
Still making my way through Audrey J. Cole's works and still enjoying them. I'm grateful that she advertised on FB and that the ad convinced me to give her a try. I never cease to be impressed by her knowledge of different things, like the medical knowledge in "Viable Hostage. For instance, someone is kidnapping expectant mothers for the purpose of removing their unborn babies and managing to keep them alive outside the womb.
September 8, 2020
A bit disturbing, but the guy was a psychopath. I don’t quite know if all the thing the psycho was doing is possible, but it was a good yarn, very suspenseful. A few red herrings. And a couple from hell! Why so many med students were taken by the hotties in their class is a bit of a mystery. Too much studying and tension, I guess.
October 24, 2020
Loved these Audrey J Cole novels. She carries the characters from book to book but they can be stand alone reads. Her writing style is very real. Feelings perpetrated by characters are real as well as language. She drags you in to each story.
How to see many more books by her in the future.
How to see many more books by her in the future.
November 29, 2021
This is the fourth book in the Emerald City Thriller series. Malorie's story is suspenseful, filled with mystery, danger, and twists and turns. The storyline is intricate, and captivating. Impossible to stop listening. Marcio Catalano and Veronica Pace did an amazing job with the narration. I enjoyed it! Looking forward to listening to Fatal Deception, the next book in the series.
March 8, 2022
Good book
Good storyline, engaging characters. Kindly predictable. Would have loved more action. There is so much more to the story than was written. Should have delved more into detectives background explaining his alcoholism more, his partners death. Will definitely read another of this author's work.but
Good storyline, engaging characters. Kindly predictable. Would have loved more action. There is so much more to the story than was written. Should have delved more into detectives background explaining his alcoholism more, his partners death. Will definitely read another of this author's work.but
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