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Dominique St. Clair #1
Grave Games
An FBI profiler on leave. A detective haunted by their shared past.
After a serial killer who hunts men ravages her college town, psychology student Dominique St. Clair becomes an FBI profiler. Twelve years later, she returns to the town to confront her dark past when the Black Widow Killer resurfaces to terrorize the peaceful seaside community. Now Dom must help a local detective uncover the killer before she claims her next victim.
After a serial killer who hunts men ravages her college town, psychology student Dominique St. Clair becomes an FBI profiler. Twelve years later, she returns to the town to confront her dark past when the Black Widow Killer resurfaces to terrorize the peaceful seaside community. Now Dom must help a local detective uncover the killer before she claims her next victim.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2020
1416 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
About the author
Skylar Finn
58 books69 followersSkylar Finn grew up in a refinery town just outside of Houston, Texas. She has lived in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Colorado, and most recently Florida. She writes on the road on planes, trains, and buses. When she's not writing, she is out looking for the next adventure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
March 26, 2020
"That was the thing about people. No matter how hard you tried to keep them out, they always seemed to find a way in".
Grave Games:by Skylar Finn
Grave Games, by Skylar Finn, was a wild nail biter of a book. This is one that is about exactly what it says it is about..no bait and switch. It is a good book too.
So the plot revolves around two women, trying to track down a Serial killer who targets men on a dating App. The killer had traumatized a college bu killing three males there and these women, Dominique and Carmen, had been students there and found one of the bodies.
Years have passed and one of the girls is now a Police Officer, the other a Criminal Profiling specialist at the BAU. The killer has resurfaced. This time, the women are determined to get the killer.
This is a well written. moody, melancholy story that was quite good and makes for easy and fast reading. I was completely WRONG in whom I thought the killer was (my theory made no sense anyway). Grave Games was also very unexpectedly touching.
Mystery fans will like this one.
Grave Games:by Skylar Finn
Grave Games, by Skylar Finn, was a wild nail biter of a book. This is one that is about exactly what it says it is about..no bait and switch. It is a good book too.
So the plot revolves around two women, trying to track down a Serial killer who targets men on a dating App. The killer had traumatized a college bu killing three males there and these women, Dominique and Carmen, had been students there and found one of the bodies.
Years have passed and one of the girls is now a Police Officer, the other a Criminal Profiling specialist at the BAU. The killer has resurfaced. This time, the women are determined to get the killer.
This is a well written. moody, melancholy story that was quite good and makes for easy and fast reading. I was completely WRONG in whom I thought the killer was (my theory made no sense anyway). Grave Games was also very unexpectedly touching.
Mystery fans will like this one.
March 8, 2020
Could not put this book down. After a serial killer who hunts men ravages her college town, psychology student Dominique St. Clair becomes an FBI Profiler. Twelve years later, she returns to the town to confront her dark past when the Black Widow Killer resurfaces.
October 9, 2020
Lot's of women and the guys are all getting killed.
This book slowly sucked me in. It did not have a lot of action, but lots of men got killed. The main character is a young woman who is drawn into being an FBI profiler by her college professor. There are a few men killed on her college campus. Then nothing.
It jumps ahead about 12 years or so, she is an FBI profiler, her best friend is a cop, and it looks like that same serial killer is back. They try to unravel what is going on and it almost gets them both killed.
It felt different that 80% into the book you get a few chapters that develop the serial killer and explain many of the murders. I guess that works, but I was getting worried that the ending would be disappointing.
Lots of things came together with an action scene in the ending. It was very good, the author weaved a great story...I just feel the ending was a little flat, but okay. With that said it was still a very good book.
Review by Mike Slavin author of award-winning Kill Crime (action-packed thriller on Amazon to buy or KU. As of this writing 93% 5 and 4-star reviews on Amazon with 320+ reviews)
This book slowly sucked me in. It did not have a lot of action, but lots of men got killed. The main character is a young woman who is drawn into being an FBI profiler by her college professor. There are a few men killed on her college campus. Then nothing.
It jumps ahead about 12 years or so, she is an FBI profiler, her best friend is a cop, and it looks like that same serial killer is back. They try to unravel what is going on and it almost gets them both killed.
It felt different that 80% into the book you get a few chapters that develop the serial killer and explain many of the murders. I guess that works, but I was getting worried that the ending would be disappointing.
Lots of things came together with an action scene in the ending. It was very good, the author weaved a great story...I just feel the ending was a little flat, but okay. With that said it was still a very good book.
Review by Mike Slavin author of award-winning Kill Crime (action-packed thriller on Amazon to buy or KU. As of this writing 93% 5 and 4-star reviews on Amazon with 320+ reviews)
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August 25, 2020
Grim and excellent mystery
There are two women in the story and both of them are trying to find a serial killer who had been killing people when the two women had been in university. Now, many years later the killer strikes again and the women are trying to find the killer before it is too late.
The story was grim and the plot was excellent. The multi-layered plot was enjoyable and it was almost impossible to guess the killer.
Enjoyed it.
There are two women in the story and both of them are trying to find a serial killer who had been killing people when the two women had been in university. Now, many years later the killer strikes again and the women are trying to find the killer before it is too late.
The story was grim and the plot was excellent. The multi-layered plot was enjoyable and it was almost impossible to guess the killer.
Enjoyed it.
August 29, 2020
An intense psychological thriller that shows us in so much detail the scary depths that can be empowering the mind of the person next to you. Read this, enjoy this, and consider just how skewered the minds of the citizens around you can be.
April 3, 2020
To stumble across a book when your not looking is a great feeling-to stumble across a new author that blows you away is euphoria. This is a well written read, no romance simple gruesome murder that keeps you on your toes.
March 7, 2020
Runaway Girls by Skylar Finn is a wonderfu story that I have read and the name has been changed to Grave Games: A Riveting Mystery (A Dominique St. Clair Mystery Book 1) after I got this stoy. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new series that I have loved reading and can not wait to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about suspense, mysteries and thrillers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2021
An absolutely fantastic read that I didn't want to end! It's rare to read a book that's so enthralling from the first page to the last. Super writing, seriously high end and very polished. The story flowed well and the characters were well-written and interesting. I'm thrilled this is a series! I connected with the protagonist and I look forward to seeing what Dominique St. Clair gets up to in the next couple of books.
I highly recommend this crime thriller/mystery! I'm now a huge fan of this author and can't wait to check out all their books!
I highly recommend this crime thriller/mystery! I'm now a huge fan of this author and can't wait to check out all their books!
September 1, 2020
"Stylish and engaging"
I've never read anything by this writer before and I'm kicking myself.
I've never read anything by this writer before and I'm kicking myself.
September 3, 2020
Wonderful read!
I couldn't put my tablet down, a real page turner. I now have a new author to look forward to read.
I couldn't put my tablet down, a real page turner. I now have a new author to look forward to read.
August 27, 2020
Against everything I know about writing mechanics, I give the book five stars. It is probably a one star to some readers, but I fall on my sword. The author made stupid mistakes like misplaced homophones (I hope that is word being used these days for words that sound alike but have different spellings and meanings. If not, I have made the stupid mistake.). Historical fiction and history are my favorite genre, but I like a good thriller in between favorite reads. Initially, I held no hope for this book. Initial reactions are sometimes wrong. The ending of this book blew me away. The story is about a female serial killer. Finding her before she killed the two main characters was a daunting task for the two main characters. I was pleased that the author wrapped up the book's action making sense of what made the killer kill. To pique your interest further, I would not want to have been Dom or Carmen, or even friends of theirs.
Thank you, Miss Finn, for a good read.
Thank you, Miss Finn, for a good read.
October 6, 2025
A chance remark from a criminology professor starts psychology student Dominique St. Clair on a life path she never considered, FBI profiler. Her college town is ravaged by a serial killer who hunts men, and St Clair is drawn into the investigation when two deaths cut too close to home. Twelve years later, when the killer returns to terrorize that college town, Dom uses her profiling skills to help a local detective uncover the killer before they claim their next victim.
This was a dark, gritty, intense, compelling read. It bubbled to the top of my TBR pile, and I thought, what the heck, give it a go. I was immediately hooked, caught by the plotting, pacing, character building, and author’s writing style. I liked the storyline, the relationships between the characters, and the character development. This book held my interest all the way through, and the ending was a surprise. I will read more in this series.
This was a dark, gritty, intense, compelling read. It bubbled to the top of my TBR pile, and I thought, what the heck, give it a go. I was immediately hooked, caught by the plotting, pacing, character building, and author’s writing style. I liked the storyline, the relationships between the characters, and the character development. This book held my interest all the way through, and the ending was a surprise. I will read more in this series.
March 7, 2020
An FBI profiler on leave. A detective haunted by their shared past.
After a serial killer who hunts men ravages her college town, psychology student Dominique St. Clair becomes an FBI profiler. Twelve years later, she returns to the town to confront her dark past when the Black Widow Killer resurfaces to terrorize the peaceful seaside community. Now Dom must help a local detective uncover the killer before she claims her next victim.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After a serial killer who hunts men ravages her college town, psychology student Dominique St. Clair becomes an FBI profiler. Twelve years later, she returns to the town to confront her dark past when the Black Widow Killer resurfaces to terrorize the peaceful seaside community. Now Dom must help a local detective uncover the killer before she claims her next victim.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2020
Dominque St Claire is settling into College..Her last year and she is finishing up in a psychology. She actually has a crush on her professor, who recognizes that Dom should go into the field of being an FBI profiler. The professor, Colin is a highly recognized psychologist, who the local police come to when they have a murder case as he can give them a profile on the killer.
Now a killer is terrorizing the campus and Colin asks Dom to help him on the profile of the killer. Dom is finding out that this will be what she really wants to do, join the FBI.
This case will haunt Dom for years, as the serial killer is become known as the Black Widow killer.
I really enjoyed this book, lots of suspense, action and just a great read!
Now a killer is terrorizing the campus and Colin asks Dom to help him on the profile of the killer. Dom is finding out that this will be what she really wants to do, join the FBI.
This case will haunt Dom for years, as the serial killer is become known as the Black Widow killer.
I really enjoyed this book, lots of suspense, action and just a great read!
January 18, 2021
I truly loved this book. I got sucked in right away. When Dom's professor tells her to go into profiling because she has the talent, but she isn't so sure.
Then her best friend's boyfriend is murdered, and they find the body. Traumatized beyond belief these two girls try to make sense of the crime, and Dom can't get the painting in the door out off her head. Her professor challenged her to profile the killer, and she realized that she did have a talent for profiling, but could she make people believe her profile before it's too late?
Taking place 12 years later with lots of plot twists, Dom has to chase down the killer from 12 years ago when they resurface, this time she's a profiler with the FBI.
Then her best friend's boyfriend is murdered, and they find the body. Traumatized beyond belief these two girls try to make sense of the crime, and Dom can't get the painting in the door out off her head. Her professor challenged her to profile the killer, and she realized that she did have a talent for profiling, but could she make people believe her profile before it's too late?
Taking place 12 years later with lots of plot twists, Dom has to chase down the killer from 12 years ago when they resurface, this time she's a profiler with the FBI.
March 2, 2021
Engaging
From the beginning until the end, I was immersed in the story. The characters were alive and real. I found myself longing for the meaningful friendship that the main characters shared. In a way, I think this is the aspect of the story that will reside in me. There is gore; however, the way it is written, it's not the type that will lead you to the restroom feeling ill. I've read numerous books in this genre, and I do say that this is a winner. A good story that did not seem exhausted as if it had been retold before. I was able to figure out who the killer was before the reveal, but I've learned enough not to trust myself entirely until the end of the story. I do recommend this book, in my humble opinion.
From the beginning until the end, I was immersed in the story. The characters were alive and real. I found myself longing for the meaningful friendship that the main characters shared. In a way, I think this is the aspect of the story that will reside in me. There is gore; however, the way it is written, it's not the type that will lead you to the restroom feeling ill. I've read numerous books in this genre, and I do say that this is a winner. A good story that did not seem exhausted as if it had been retold before. I was able to figure out who the killer was before the reveal, but I've learned enough not to trust myself entirely until the end of the story. I do recommend this book, in my humble opinion.
March 12, 2020
FBI
Dominique and Carmen are best friends who are now in college. Everything is going as usual until a guy that Cameren knows is murdered.
Dominique had plans of opening her own business helping others, until her professor got her hooked on becoming a FBI Profilerer. The Professor had her start profiling the work of what the called the Black Widow Killer.
Cameron was always getting drunk and wanting to party all the time. But when her friend was murdered, and after she had time to heal she decided she wanted to be a cop. To serve and protect.
I've given you enough without giving put any spoilers, but I will say the is an awesome book!
Dominique and Carmen are best friends who are now in college. Everything is going as usual until a guy that Cameren knows is murdered.
Dominique had plans of opening her own business helping others, until her professor got her hooked on becoming a FBI Profilerer. The Professor had her start profiling the work of what the called the Black Widow Killer.
Cameron was always getting drunk and wanting to party all the time. But when her friend was murdered, and after she had time to heal she decided she wanted to be a cop. To serve and protect.
I've given you enough without giving put any spoilers, but I will say the is an awesome book!
March 24, 2020
What a totally enjoyable and riveting Mystery! I've enjoyed a few other books by author Skylar Finn, and found GRAVE GAMES all I expected. The premise is creatively imagined, and well-founded in both the plotting and in historical precedents. The reader's hook took my breath away; and the explication through the characters (and their evolution/devolution) of the effects of Traumq+a, of PTSD, of blanketing, inescapable, childhood abuse; as well as of criminal profiling and occasions on which law enforcement overlooks unexpected or unplanned possibilities due to tunnel vision [it never happened before, so it can't be happening now] I found superbly engrossing.
June 4, 2020
The FBI Profiler and the Cop
FBI Profiler Dominique St. Clair returns home to clean out her grandmother's house after her death. A place she never planned to return to. Twelve years earlier, while still in college,there has been three murders: two male students and one male teacher. She and her roommate and best friend, Carmen, had found the first body. The day she returns, she finds out. from Carmen that there has been another murder, with the same MO as the cases before, and she is needed to help with a profile. Dominique and Carmen must try to find the person responsible and put an end to these murders. You will not want to put this book down!
FBI Profiler Dominique St. Clair returns home to clean out her grandmother's house after her death. A place she never planned to return to. Twelve years earlier, while still in college,there has been three murders: two male students and one male teacher. She and her roommate and best friend, Carmen, had found the first body. The day she returns, she finds out. from Carmen that there has been another murder, with the same MO as the cases before, and she is needed to help with a profile. Dominique and Carmen must try to find the person responsible and put an end to these murders. You will not want to put this book down!
November 7, 2020
Understanding the Human Mind
Profiling is both an art and a science, and Skylar Finn has given us insights into what a profiler does and how one thinks. Without overly graphic details about murders committed, the story still pulls one into the mind and actions of a serial killer, as well as the profiler. The story helps the reader to begin to understand the science and background needed in profiling, but Finn gives the reader the info in small bites, and is never patronizing. This was a well written story on a subject of which I had little previous knowledge, but that I look forward to pursuing through Finn’s books in the series.
Profiling is both an art and a science, and Skylar Finn has given us insights into what a profiler does and how one thinks. Without overly graphic details about murders committed, the story still pulls one into the mind and actions of a serial killer, as well as the profiler. The story helps the reader to begin to understand the science and background needed in profiling, but Finn gives the reader the info in small bites, and is never patronizing. This was a well written story on a subject of which I had little previous knowledge, but that I look forward to pursuing through Finn’s books in the series.
April 19, 2020
Suspenseful
I liked this although Dom’s character seemed rather cold and robotic. Carmen’s character lacked life a little, too. I think that the professor who was supposed to be collaborating with the police on forensic cases was a bit naive. It was hard to believe that he was easily manipulated. Overall, it was a good suspenseful story but there were quite a few noticeable grammar and word choice mistakes that should have been caught by the editor. It was a little sloppy. It was likable though.
I liked this although Dom’s character seemed rather cold and robotic. Carmen’s character lacked life a little, too. I think that the professor who was supposed to be collaborating with the police on forensic cases was a bit naive. It was hard to believe that he was easily manipulated. Overall, it was a good suspenseful story but there were quite a few noticeable grammar and word choice mistakes that should have been caught by the editor. It was a little sloppy. It was likable though.
September 1, 2020
Serial killer who can stop for years?
This story is a roller coaster ride of thrills as you hunt for the serial murderer who has the control to kill at seemingly random then disappear for years before she comes active again. Hold on to the edge of your seat as you hunt among the college co-eds for the woman with enough hatred and anger at men to kill them for her own reasons. Flirt too much, your dead, think you can profile a killer, your next. Don't miss this exciting murder mystery.
This story is a roller coaster ride of thrills as you hunt for the serial murderer who has the control to kill at seemingly random then disappear for years before she comes active again. Hold on to the edge of your seat as you hunt among the college co-eds for the woman with enough hatred and anger at men to kill them for her own reasons. Flirt too much, your dead, think you can profile a killer, your next. Don't miss this exciting murder mystery.
September 6, 2020
Dominique and Carmen are best friends since they were little girls. They're in college when the murders begin on campus and shape their lives and careers forever. This is a scary, thriller, a true Black Widow killer story, like no other. Dom is now an FBI profiler, while Carmen is a detective still living in their home town, when a killer from their past resurfaces. The killer has them both in their sights and seems always to be one step ahead. Victims are men they know, just like in the past. Definitely one that will keep you awake at night!
September 8, 2020
A Promising New Heroine
The tale begins in college, Carmen and Dominique, childhood friends and roommates are drawn into a series of murders that strike close to home. First Carmen’s boyfriend and lastly Dom’s favorite professor. Don has returned home to help clear out her Nana’s estate. While she’s home the murders start up again, the same style as the original 3. Carmen is now a police detective and Dom is an FBI agent working with the BAU. Good story, interesting characters.
The tale begins in college, Carmen and Dominique, childhood friends and roommates are drawn into a series of murders that strike close to home. First Carmen’s boyfriend and lastly Dom’s favorite professor. Don has returned home to help clear out her Nana’s estate. While she’s home the murders start up again, the same style as the original 3. Carmen is now a police detective and Dom is an FBI agent working with the BAU. Good story, interesting characters.
September 27, 2020
This was a great book from beginning to end. In most books, the "bad guy" becomes apparent pretty quickly, but this one took me by surprise.
The characters tend to be someone you would like to meet or have as friends. I don't want to say much about plot (don't want to give anything away) but I would highly recommend this novel...it was one of those you hated to end.
I'm glad there are two more books in this series. I just purchased the second and third books and am hoping more stories will be coming starring Dominique St. Clair!
The characters tend to be someone you would like to meet or have as friends. I don't want to say much about plot (don't want to give anything away) but I would highly recommend this novel...it was one of those you hated to end.
I'm glad there are two more books in this series. I just purchased the second and third books and am hoping more stories will be coming starring Dominique St. Clair!
October 22, 2020
I enjoyed this book about Dominique a student in college. Her one professor chose her to be a understudy of his. He was teaching her how to learn to be a profiler . This book gives lots of things about being a profiler. She loved her studies. She also got a crush on him Professor Detweiler. School students started dying one after another . Dom thought it was a woman killer not a man. Then the Professor was murdered. Their body parts were cut apart and their heart taken out their chest. Dom was determined to find this murder if its the last thing she does.
August 27, 2020
Unusual storyline!
I usually read about serial killers or psychological thrillers. That's my favorite. This time I read about a female serial killer. It was a great story. This is my first book by this author but won't be my last.
The characters very well developed and believable. The dialogue flowed smoothly and freely. The editing was clean. I recommend this book to any adult because some of the descriptions of the murders were graphic.
I usually read about serial killers or psychological thrillers. That's my favorite. This time I read about a female serial killer. It was a great story. This is my first book by this author but won't be my last.
The characters very well developed and believable. The dialogue flowed smoothly and freely. The editing was clean. I recommend this book to any adult because some of the descriptions of the murders were graphic.
December 5, 2020
Really almost a four. I will look for more books by this author. The necessary details were covered but not gratuitous. It was not a who-done-it because we were given no reason to think it was someone from the inside. The plot was more directed to just following the clues until the perp was found. The book shows how we can take the horrible things that happen (that's life) and turn them around to show our strength.
October 12, 2023
Interesting story line. Two longtime friends and college roommates stumble upon a murder. The story is told from one of these women, looking back on something from the past.
The dialogue sometimes seemed like it was reciting a textbook, especially when talking about profiling and serial killers. There were times when things repeated themselves and other times when editing seemed missing.
The dialogue sometimes seemed like it was reciting a textbook, especially when talking about profiling and serial killers. There were times when things repeated themselves and other times when editing seemed missing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews