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Detective Casey White #2
The Innocent Girls
Tears stream down her face as she feels the cold blade press against her neck. The sweet scent of her daughter’s favorite strawberry pancakes all around, her last thought is for her beautiful girl. Please, please let Lisa have escaped.
When Detective Casey White is called early one morning to a beachside vacation campsite in the Outer Banks, she finds the bodies of Carl and Peggy Pearson side-by-side, their throats cut, and their thirteen-year-old daughter Lisa nowhere to be found. Haunted by memories of her own missing girl, Casey fears this could soon become a triple murder: because without the medication found in the bathroom cabinet, Lisa has just days to live.
As her team struggle to untangle the meaning of the cryptic symbol carved into the victims’ skin, Casey searches the area for signs of Lisa: and is rewarded when she finds her blistered and barefoot, staggering along the highway. The girl barely has breath left to whisper ‘he invited me’ before blacking out.
Days later, another couple is found murdered on a vacation yacht. A different symbol is etched on their bodies, and their teenage daughter is also missing. Casey’s only clue is an unsettling ‘invitation’ found on the girl’s phone, to a secluded building out in the cornfields.
Desperate to uncover who is luring these innocent families to their deaths, and certain forensics have missed something vital, Casey matches up the crime scene photos herself. The symbols combine to form an upcoming date. The killer is taunting them with the timing of the next murder.
Racing to follow the invitation in time, when Casey arrives she is shocked to glimpse not the missing girls from this case, but her own missing daughter…
An absolutely addictive mystery thriller that will have you holding your breath until the shocking final twist. Perfect for fans of Kendra Elliot, Robert Dugoni and Melinda Leigh.
When Detective Casey White is called early one morning to a beachside vacation campsite in the Outer Banks, she finds the bodies of Carl and Peggy Pearson side-by-side, their throats cut, and their thirteen-year-old daughter Lisa nowhere to be found. Haunted by memories of her own missing girl, Casey fears this could soon become a triple murder: because without the medication found in the bathroom cabinet, Lisa has just days to live.
As her team struggle to untangle the meaning of the cryptic symbol carved into the victims’ skin, Casey searches the area for signs of Lisa: and is rewarded when she finds her blistered and barefoot, staggering along the highway. The girl barely has breath left to whisper ‘he invited me’ before blacking out.
Days later, another couple is found murdered on a vacation yacht. A different symbol is etched on their bodies, and their teenage daughter is also missing. Casey’s only clue is an unsettling ‘invitation’ found on the girl’s phone, to a secluded building out in the cornfields.
Desperate to uncover who is luring these innocent families to their deaths, and certain forensics have missed something vital, Casey matches up the crime scene photos herself. The symbols combine to form an upcoming date. The killer is taunting them with the timing of the next murder.
Racing to follow the invitation in time, when Casey arrives she is shocked to glimpse not the missing girls from this case, but her own missing daughter…
An absolutely addictive mystery thriller that will have you holding your breath until the shocking final twist. Perfect for fans of Kendra Elliot, Robert Dugoni and Melinda Leigh.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2020
2599 people are currently reading
1097 people want to read
About the author
B.R. Spangler
51 books302 followersB.R. Spangler is a USA TODAY Bestselling Author of Mysteries and Crime Thrillers.
A resident of Virginia with a wonderful family, including five cats, two birds and a lizard. During the day, the hours are filled with engineering work. Off hours, time is spent writing, editing, and thinking up the next great story.
With too many stories to write, books are split across pen names, writing crime thrillers, science fiction, horrors, paranormal and contemporary fiction.
A resident of Virginia with a wonderful family, including five cats, two birds and a lizard. During the day, the hours are filled with engineering work. Off hours, time is spent writing, editing, and thinking up the next great story.
With too many stories to write, books are split across pen names, writing crime thrillers, science fiction, horrors, paranormal and contemporary fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
September 9, 2020
The Innocent Girls is the second book in the Detective Casey White series by author B.R. Spangler.
When an husband and wife are found murdered in a summer trailer camp, and their daughter is nowhere to be found, Casey White fears the worst, a kidnapping like the one which took her daughter from her fifteen years prior. However, Lisa Pearson hasn’t been kidnapped. Lisa’s first instinct, after escaping the scene of her parents brutal murder, was to go see a preacher in a church she was invited to, the reason she insisted for a vacation to the outer banks.
And, when another murder happens, with a second ritual carving on the belly of the victim, fears of a serial killer or of ritual sacrifices rise in town.
The first book was more action than police procedural, and required some suspension of disbelief, Casey White herself appearing as a loner one woman army, driven by what happened to her daughter.
This time around, however, she has a relationship, and a team. Among it, she’s mentoring two young officers : A prodigy CSI, and an IT tech. The team also works closely with her partner, Jericho, former sheriff and now marine patrol, and with the mayor (whose name is misleading for reasons that will become apparent to the reader - or maybe it’s my French accent playing tricks).
Hence, the book is very different from the first entry in the series. We go from a female Jack Reacher type, to the lead in a police procedural. Detective White is still sometimes reckless, but that will bear less success than before. The book is still mostly written in the first person, from her point of view, but the step back from action allows us to learn a lot more about her, her personality, her motivations. She’s still obsessed by the search for her missing daughter, of course, and surprising twists and turns can be expected on that front, parallel to the main case.
The mystery itself is very gripping, and the writing solid. No threads are left hanging, and no event seems incredible, which is another step up from Where Lost Girls Go. B.R. Spangler hence demonstrates he can changes gears in this series, and I’m curious as to where it will go next. I wouldn’t even mind a return to an action piece, now that we got to know the main character, and her supporting cast, better.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.
When an husband and wife are found murdered in a summer trailer camp, and their daughter is nowhere to be found, Casey White fears the worst, a kidnapping like the one which took her daughter from her fifteen years prior. However, Lisa Pearson hasn’t been kidnapped. Lisa’s first instinct, after escaping the scene of her parents brutal murder, was to go see a preacher in a church she was invited to, the reason she insisted for a vacation to the outer banks.
And, when another murder happens, with a second ritual carving on the belly of the victim, fears of a serial killer or of ritual sacrifices rise in town.
The first book was more action than police procedural, and required some suspension of disbelief, Casey White herself appearing as a loner one woman army, driven by what happened to her daughter.
This time around, however, she has a relationship, and a team. Among it, she’s mentoring two young officers : A prodigy CSI, and an IT tech. The team also works closely with her partner, Jericho, former sheriff and now marine patrol, and with the mayor (whose name is misleading for reasons that will become apparent to the reader - or maybe it’s my French accent playing tricks).
Hence, the book is very different from the first entry in the series. We go from a female Jack Reacher type, to the lead in a police procedural. Detective White is still sometimes reckless, but that will bear less success than before. The book is still mostly written in the first person, from her point of view, but the step back from action allows us to learn a lot more about her, her personality, her motivations. She’s still obsessed by the search for her missing daughter, of course, and surprising twists and turns can be expected on that front, parallel to the main case.
The mystery itself is very gripping, and the writing solid. No threads are left hanging, and no event seems incredible, which is another step up from Where Lost Girls Go. B.R. Spangler hence demonstrates he can changes gears in this series, and I’m curious as to where it will go next. I wouldn’t even mind a return to an action piece, now that we got to know the main character, and her supporting cast, better.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.
September 2, 2020
The Innocent Girls is the second instalment in the Detective Casey White series set in Outer Banks, North Carolina. When the bodies of Carl and Peggy Pearson are discovered in their RV, it is clear that they have been murdered. The bodies have been mutilated with strange symbols having been carved into their skin and when Casey is called in to investigate she realises their 13-year-old daughter Lisa, who had been on the trip to the beautiful Outer Banks with her parents, is missing. To add to the concern she is without her required medication. Then more bodies drop with the same curious symbols inscribed on them and the police realise they have a disturbing serial killer case on their hands. As Casey and her cohorts attempt to find a motive and identify, locate and apprehend the killers or killers, she must try not to let the case overwhelm her especially as her daughter, Hannah, was also kidnapped, but as a toddler, and the intensive search for Lisa opens many old wounds.
This is a compulsive, addictive and fast-paced police procedural with a well-crafted plot and an interesting and engaging cast of characters. It's well written with a plethora of twists, turns and red herrings to throw you off the scent and right from the beginning I was hooked. I feel it is probably better to have read the series opener before this as Casey's past and personal life plays such a substantial role in these books that gaining a better understanding would be preferable to just simply jumping in feet first. The fact that it is primarily told from protagonist Casey's perspective makes it easy to follow with no unnecessary filler or padding, and the identity of the perpetrator is kept hidden until the big reveal where the tension is ratcheted up ready to uncover the mystery behind the brutal killings. A highly entertaining and absorbing police procedural. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
This is a compulsive, addictive and fast-paced police procedural with a well-crafted plot and an interesting and engaging cast of characters. It's well written with a plethora of twists, turns and red herrings to throw you off the scent and right from the beginning I was hooked. I feel it is probably better to have read the series opener before this as Casey's past and personal life plays such a substantial role in these books that gaining a better understanding would be preferable to just simply jumping in feet first. The fact that it is primarily told from protagonist Casey's perspective makes it easy to follow with no unnecessary filler or padding, and the identity of the perpetrator is kept hidden until the big reveal where the tension is ratcheted up ready to uncover the mystery behind the brutal killings. A highly entertaining and absorbing police procedural. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
July 21, 2020
This was a quick read for me. While the story was good and there were quite a few twists at the end, I did not enjoy the book as much as I wanted to. There were times when my attention was distracted and I felt that at times the narration was repetitive.
Having said that, the book ends on an interesting note, and I shall be looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!!
Having said that, the book ends on an interesting note, and I shall be looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!!
July 5, 2021
Another good read in this series. The main characters are likable. This mystery was a little easier guessed but still fun to read. The only thing i don't like about these books is that the synopsis of each isn't accurate. It's odd.
September 6, 2020
My second book by author B. R. Spangler, featuring Detective Casey White, was an engrossing read. A solid police procedural, I liked it more than book 1.
A murdered set of parents with the disappearance of their daughter brought Casey into the investigation. The premise was close to her reality as she too had lost her daughter and spent her free time searching for her. The story took on vibes of serial killing when a second set of parents were found dead. It was race against time with pressure from all sides to solve the murder.
Casey was interesting; she worked hard to solve the cases even when her personal devils gave her nightmares. Like all police procedurals, she got some good help with the forensics. A tinge of romance uplifted her character. I would hope that the author would make good progress into finding her daughter in the next book.
The story was complex and had good some twists. The plot pushed the boundaries of my intrigue with the murdered parents and an invite. I liked how Casey had complete support of her team to bring the case to a close. The writing had a friendly way about it where I got an opportunity to try to get into their heads to solve the murder.
One spiraling breakfast read was this where I was compelled to finish the story before getting up from my couch.
A murdered set of parents with the disappearance of their daughter brought Casey into the investigation. The premise was close to her reality as she too had lost her daughter and spent her free time searching for her. The story took on vibes of serial killing when a second set of parents were found dead. It was race against time with pressure from all sides to solve the murder.
Casey was interesting; she worked hard to solve the cases even when her personal devils gave her nightmares. Like all police procedurals, she got some good help with the forensics. A tinge of romance uplifted her character. I would hope that the author would make good progress into finding her daughter in the next book.
The story was complex and had good some twists. The plot pushed the boundaries of my intrigue with the murdered parents and an invite. I liked how Casey had complete support of her team to bring the case to a close. The writing had a friendly way about it where I got an opportunity to try to get into their heads to solve the murder.
One spiraling breakfast read was this where I was compelled to finish the story before getting up from my couch.
September 7, 2020
Detective Casey White is on the hunt for a killer. There are brutal murders and the victims have strange symbols carved into their skin. This is the second book in this series but reads as a stand alone. I have not read the first book. This was creepy and engaging. A good crime fiction story with a few twist that kept me reading.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
August 1, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of The Innocent Girls, the second novel to feature Detective Casey White of the Outer Banks Sheriff’s Office.
The murdered bodies of Karl and Peggy Pearson are found in their rented RV but there is no sign of their 13 year old daughter, Lisa. Unsure what to think when a symbol is found carved on Peggy’s skin Casey is worried about Lisa who doesn’t have her medication. When more bodies are found with carved symbols the race is on to find a motive and a killer. Casey would like to concentrate on the case but she’s still looking for her daughter, Hannah, who was kidnapped as a toddler.
I enjoyed The Innocent Girls to a point. The plot is interesting with some good twists but the whole Hannah thing is a bit of a drag as it keeps covering much of the same ground without going anywhere. I understand that because much of the novel is told from Casey’s first person point of view it is necessary to concentrate on her thoughts but a bit less of it would have made for a more compelling read as there is no doubt that the author can write an exciting and interesting plot.
I like the plot premise of parents murdered and daughters spared and it is made even more intriguing by their simple comment “he invited me”. I also like the way Casey and her team gradually build the picture to an understandable whole. I found it interesting, tense at times and sad in others.
I like Casey White who is a strong, smart, compassionate woman. She is taken aback by the appearance of her ex-husband, Ronald, just as she’s settling in to a new relationship. I thought her reactions to this very relatable and that includes the ice cream shop debacle where I was cheering her on. You’ll just have to read it yourself to find out the details.
The Innocent Girls is a good read that I can recommend.
The murdered bodies of Karl and Peggy Pearson are found in their rented RV but there is no sign of their 13 year old daughter, Lisa. Unsure what to think when a symbol is found carved on Peggy’s skin Casey is worried about Lisa who doesn’t have her medication. When more bodies are found with carved symbols the race is on to find a motive and a killer. Casey would like to concentrate on the case but she’s still looking for her daughter, Hannah, who was kidnapped as a toddler.
I enjoyed The Innocent Girls to a point. The plot is interesting with some good twists but the whole Hannah thing is a bit of a drag as it keeps covering much of the same ground without going anywhere. I understand that because much of the novel is told from Casey’s first person point of view it is necessary to concentrate on her thoughts but a bit less of it would have made for a more compelling read as there is no doubt that the author can write an exciting and interesting plot.
I like the plot premise of parents murdered and daughters spared and it is made even more intriguing by their simple comment “he invited me”. I also like the way Casey and her team gradually build the picture to an understandable whole. I found it interesting, tense at times and sad in others.
I like Casey White who is a strong, smart, compassionate woman. She is taken aback by the appearance of her ex-husband, Ronald, just as she’s settling in to a new relationship. I thought her reactions to this very relatable and that includes the ice cream shop debacle where I was cheering her on. You’ll just have to read it yourself to find out the details.
The Innocent Girls is a good read that I can recommend.
August 20, 2020
This was the 2nd book in a series and I had not read the first, but it pretty much reads as a standalone (though it took me a bit to figure out the full backstory with Casey's missing daughter). This is a decent mystery, centered on a string of murders happening at RV campsites in the Outer Banks vacation area of North Carolina. Each of the victims had a teenage daughter who seems to have a tie to a cult-like church and Casey and her team are trying to figure it out before more murders occur.
The mystery part of the story was pretty interesting, and there were some surprises there. I did feel like the story focused a little too heavily on Lisa, the daughter of the first victims, in the beginning, who wasn't really key to the rest of the story- this made it drag a little bit to me. There were also a few unanswered questions though for the most part the loose ends were tied up.
The part of the story that I really couldn't get into was the part about Casey's missing daughter- not sure if this is because I didn't get the full story from the first book, but the talk about that felt tedious to me and I wanted to get back to the mystery they were solving instead.
Overall, a pretty decent read, a bit draggy at parts, but held my interest overall. I'd recommend to those who read mysteries and police procedurals. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The mystery part of the story was pretty interesting, and there were some surprises there. I did feel like the story focused a little too heavily on Lisa, the daughter of the first victims, in the beginning, who wasn't really key to the rest of the story- this made it drag a little bit to me. There were also a few unanswered questions though for the most part the loose ends were tied up.
The part of the story that I really couldn't get into was the part about Casey's missing daughter- not sure if this is because I didn't get the full story from the first book, but the talk about that felt tedious to me and I wanted to get back to the mystery they were solving instead.
Overall, a pretty decent read, a bit draggy at parts, but held my interest overall. I'd recommend to those who read mysteries and police procedurals. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2020
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Innocent Girls' by B.R Spangler
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 3rd September 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author. It is the second book in the 'Detective Casey White' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous cover, interesting title & intriguing blurb. It also said in the description that is is 'perfect for fans of Melinda Leigh'. I love Melinda Leigh's books so it will be interesting to see if it lives up to this!! I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 50 chapters which are short to medium in length so ideal to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
THE main protagonist in this book is Detective Casey White where she 'speaks' in first person dialogue . Ialways enjoy reading books written in first person more as it feels like I'm sitting across the table from them while they are telling their story or in the book next to them. We also read about others in different chapters in third person perspective. It is set in the U.S
The way it is written and the fantastic descriptions made me feel like I was right next Casey and going through the events with her.
The storyline is intriguing with the children being spared and invites being sent. There is also the side storyline of Casey trying to find her daughter throughout the book. I felt like I was on a roller-coaster when reading this with there being many ups, some slower parts and twists and turns throughout. Unfortunately I cannot say I was completely surprised by who the perp was and there was a part with Casey and Ronald which was quite cliché and obvious. However, I have read hundreds of crime books so for someone who hasn't read as many this may not be the case. Although I guessed what was going on it didn't spoil the book for me as it was quite a unique storyline with plenty of other unexpected events going on. I would never have guessed a certain someone becoming a victim so definitely bonus points there!!! I loved the history and why things were going on and that was very interesting.
I loved the broad range of characters and the fact that Casey is a strong female lead is definitely a bonus, being female myself I love crime novels with strong women. The characters were all realistic and their parts were 'played' well. I am looking forward to 'meeting' them again and reading more of what becomes of Casey and Jericho.
This book can be read as a standalone but for a better picture where Casey's daughter and Ronald is concerned I would recommend reading the first book prior to this one.
Without giving anything away I was relived about a certain part at the beginning and I'm glad it went that way as stories that involve a certain thing (sorry readers you may know what I'm on about but I don't want to spoil it and the author and people who have read it will understand) tend to put me off the books a bit.
The story was more of a slow burner although at times picking up, much of the action I found really kicked off at about 65% and got much more interesting. I also feel the cover complimented the story really well, this can be a downfall if it doesn't and the cover has no relevance with the book itself.
Overall a very good slow burner that really hits full throttle further in and becomes filled with suspense, action and tension. A unique storyline.
Genres covered include Suspense, Mystery, Romance, Thriller, , Hardboiled, Police procedural, Psychological thriller, Crime fiction and Noir fiction.
I would recommend this book to fans of the above and anyone who enjoys a unique storyline.
358 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is a very good price for this book!!!
Rated 4/5 (I enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheInnocentGirls #BRSpangler #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@BRSpangler @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'The Innocent Girls' by B.R Spangler
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 3rd September 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author. It is the second book in the 'Detective Casey White' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous cover, interesting title & intriguing blurb. It also said in the description that is is 'perfect for fans of Melinda Leigh'. I love Melinda Leigh's books so it will be interesting to see if it lives up to this!! I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 50 chapters which are short to medium in length so ideal to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
THE main protagonist in this book is Detective Casey White where she 'speaks' in first person dialogue . Ialways enjoy reading books written in first person more as it feels like I'm sitting across the table from them while they are telling their story or in the book next to them. We also read about others in different chapters in third person perspective. It is set in the U.S
The way it is written and the fantastic descriptions made me feel like I was right next Casey and going through the events with her.
The storyline is intriguing with the children being spared and invites being sent. There is also the side storyline of Casey trying to find her daughter throughout the book. I felt like I was on a roller-coaster when reading this with there being many ups, some slower parts and twists and turns throughout. Unfortunately I cannot say I was completely surprised by who the perp was and there was a part with Casey and Ronald which was quite cliché and obvious. However, I have read hundreds of crime books so for someone who hasn't read as many this may not be the case. Although I guessed what was going on it didn't spoil the book for me as it was quite a unique storyline with plenty of other unexpected events going on. I would never have guessed a certain someone becoming a victim so definitely bonus points there!!! I loved the history and why things were going on and that was very interesting.
I loved the broad range of characters and the fact that Casey is a strong female lead is definitely a bonus, being female myself I love crime novels with strong women. The characters were all realistic and their parts were 'played' well. I am looking forward to 'meeting' them again and reading more of what becomes of Casey and Jericho.
This book can be read as a standalone but for a better picture where Casey's daughter and Ronald is concerned I would recommend reading the first book prior to this one.
Without giving anything away I was relived about a certain part at the beginning and I'm glad it went that way as stories that involve a certain thing (sorry readers you may know what I'm on about but I don't want to spoil it and the author and people who have read it will understand) tend to put me off the books a bit.
The story was more of a slow burner although at times picking up, much of the action I found really kicked off at about 65% and got much more interesting. I also feel the cover complimented the story really well, this can be a downfall if it doesn't and the cover has no relevance with the book itself.
Overall a very good slow burner that really hits full throttle further in and becomes filled with suspense, action and tension. A unique storyline.
Genres covered include Suspense, Mystery, Romance, Thriller, , Hardboiled, Police procedural, Psychological thriller, Crime fiction and Noir fiction.
I would recommend this book to fans of the above and anyone who enjoys a unique storyline.
358 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is a very good price for this book!!!
Rated 4/5 (I enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheInnocentGirls #BRSpangler #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@BRSpangler @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
August 22, 2020
THE INNOCENT GIRLS is the second in a new series by B. R. Spangler, set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and featuring Detective Casey White. Spangler wastes no time drawing you into the violence of murder as the book opens with the almost immediate murder of two people in an RV who have come to the Outer Banks for vacation along with their young teenage daughter. The reader watches along with the daughter as the murderer kills her parents and then follows her story as she tries to determine her next steps, all in the first chapter.
For the remainder of the book, the pace is at a similar breakneck speed. Detective White, who has now relocated to the Outer Banks and become a member of their police force is called and begins the painstaking work of solving the murder, starting with finding the missing teenager. Detective White’s own daughter was kidnapped years ago and she has been searching for her since. This information is detailed in the first novel in the series and, while not necessary to solve this murder, it is helpful in understanding Detective White, who she is and why she reacts the way she does. In addition, the whereabouts of her daughter are hinted at in the first book and are a minor side-plot for this book as well.
There are some continuing secondary characters, most notably Jerico, the former sheriff. His relationship with Casey was started in the first novel and progresses and deepens in this second in the series. Also making another appearance is the (now) Mayor Ashtole who was the District Attorney being groomed for mayor in the first novel. Spangler does a good job of mentioning enough of their history for a new reader to understand the relationships without rehashing everything that happened in the first book. If a reader prefers reading series, they most likely would prefer to read both these books in the order of publication so they can experience the development of Casey’s relationships with these characters.
As in the first novel, there is a strong element of the story which deals with young teenagers. In this case it is teenagers who have persuaded their parents to vacation at the Outer Banks and who have plans, unknown to their parents, of attending church services created by a preacher they met on-line. The more Casey investigates the murders, the more they seem to be entangled with the travelling preacher and his good friend and director of security.
If you like mysteries and police procedurals that are fast paced and filled with dramatic tension, this may be the series for you. An added bonus is the beautiful area of North Carolina, the Outer Banks, which has a cameo role in the series. It’s not much, but it may be enough to leave you longing for a trip to the beach or remembering the area from past visits. The book is well written, and the characters are three dimensional, both the good guys and the bad ones.
My thanks to Bookouture for allowing me an advance digital read copy of this book. This review reflects my unbiased opinion of the book.
For the remainder of the book, the pace is at a similar breakneck speed. Detective White, who has now relocated to the Outer Banks and become a member of their police force is called and begins the painstaking work of solving the murder, starting with finding the missing teenager. Detective White’s own daughter was kidnapped years ago and she has been searching for her since. This information is detailed in the first novel in the series and, while not necessary to solve this murder, it is helpful in understanding Detective White, who she is and why she reacts the way she does. In addition, the whereabouts of her daughter are hinted at in the first book and are a minor side-plot for this book as well.
There are some continuing secondary characters, most notably Jerico, the former sheriff. His relationship with Casey was started in the first novel and progresses and deepens in this second in the series. Also making another appearance is the (now) Mayor Ashtole who was the District Attorney being groomed for mayor in the first novel. Spangler does a good job of mentioning enough of their history for a new reader to understand the relationships without rehashing everything that happened in the first book. If a reader prefers reading series, they most likely would prefer to read both these books in the order of publication so they can experience the development of Casey’s relationships with these characters.
As in the first novel, there is a strong element of the story which deals with young teenagers. In this case it is teenagers who have persuaded their parents to vacation at the Outer Banks and who have plans, unknown to their parents, of attending church services created by a preacher they met on-line. The more Casey investigates the murders, the more they seem to be entangled with the travelling preacher and his good friend and director of security.
If you like mysteries and police procedurals that are fast paced and filled with dramatic tension, this may be the series for you. An added bonus is the beautiful area of North Carolina, the Outer Banks, which has a cameo role in the series. It’s not much, but it may be enough to leave you longing for a trip to the beach or remembering the area from past visits. The book is well written, and the characters are three dimensional, both the good guys and the bad ones.
My thanks to Bookouture for allowing me an advance digital read copy of this book. This review reflects my unbiased opinion of the book.
September 1, 2020
Another great read from B R Spangler.
The book starts with the horrific murder of Karl and Peggy Pearson whilst in a rented RV, and we witness the murder through the eyes of their daughter.
She manages to escape and makes her way to a church where she has been invited to attend.
She tries to tell them about her parents but they have their own agenda.
Casey discovers the girl back at the RV in need of medical attention.
The killer takes more victims and each time he is carving something into their skin but Casey and the team can’t work out what it means.
As well as the murders, Casey is still on the look out for her missing daughter who she knows is in the area.
This is a gripping crime thriller that had me hooked from the first few pages.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The book starts with the horrific murder of Karl and Peggy Pearson whilst in a rented RV, and we witness the murder through the eyes of their daughter.
She manages to escape and makes her way to a church where she has been invited to attend.
She tries to tell them about her parents but they have their own agenda.
Casey discovers the girl back at the RV in need of medical attention.
The killer takes more victims and each time he is carving something into their skin but Casey and the team can’t work out what it means.
As well as the murders, Casey is still on the look out for her missing daughter who she knows is in the area.
This is a gripping crime thriller that had me hooked from the first few pages.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
September 10, 2020
Although this is the second book in a series, I read it as a standalone and had no difficulty following the plot and characters. In fact, I was drawn into the story from the very beginning and raced to finish it as the tension seemed to ratchet up with each new chapter. Detective Casey White is a strong female protagonist but her vulnerable side is shown also since she has nightmares about the kidnapping of her daughter Hannah as a toddler. When parents are killed with a message carved on the mother and a teen girl missing each time, Casey’s determination to find the girls is understandable. The police procedural part of the story was absolutely engrossing. There is a sub-plot about a weird church in the middle of nowhere, a charismatic pastor who seems evil in many ways, and the mysterious fact that attendees have to be invited in order to attend. The mystery of the invitation was definitely enticing since one girl was found and could only say “he invited me” before she was whisked off to the hospital. Casey’s desperation to find subsequent missing girls is evident and the tension in the plot increases accordingly, making me as the reader enthralled by each new crime, each new detail and each new clue. There were plenty of unexpected twists and a whole gallery of possible suspects, perfect for a mystery/suspense enthusiast like me. The revelation of the killer was a real surprise to me and the final scenes were totally riveting. Fans of thriller/suspense will really enjoy this book. I know for sure that I will look for the next book in the series and Casey White’s next adversary who cannot possibly be a match for her skill and intuition.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
January 25, 2025
Gripping and fast paced
So far I have thoroughly enjoyed the Detective Cast White books, with the characters being loveable and real and the mysteries keeping me guessing
So far I have thoroughly enjoyed the Detective Cast White books, with the characters being loveable and real and the mysteries keeping me guessing
October 12, 2020
This is the second book to feature Detective Casey White who works in the Outer Banks town of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. I'm still trying to figure out how the title relates to the book's plot and characters, so maybe someone can help me with that!
A series of gruesome murders rocks the Outer Banks and all of the victims seem to have childhood ties to the area. Some of those killed even have peculiar marks carved into their bodies and Casey tries to get her team to figure out what those mean -- is it some sort of ritualistic inscription related to the solstice? After a dogged investigation, Casey feels that these deaths have something to do with a nearby traveling church that has exploded in popularity though she can't quite figure out the connection. And do the children of the murdered have anything to do with these crimes? As always, Casey is constantly searching for her own missing daughter, Hannah, who was kidnapped before her eyes many years ago but would be 17 years old soon. Casey and her team are going to be very busy until those responsible are behind bars. NO SPOILERS.
This was fast-paced although it seemed overly long to me. The case was complicated and not particularly riveting although the grisly factor was quite high. Casey's character is rounded out and she makes some important discoveries as she moves into a more permanent relationship with her boyfriend, Jericho Flynn. I enjoyed it and will likely want to continue the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
A series of gruesome murders rocks the Outer Banks and all of the victims seem to have childhood ties to the area. Some of those killed even have peculiar marks carved into their bodies and Casey tries to get her team to figure out what those mean -- is it some sort of ritualistic inscription related to the solstice? After a dogged investigation, Casey feels that these deaths have something to do with a nearby traveling church that has exploded in popularity though she can't quite figure out the connection. And do the children of the murdered have anything to do with these crimes? As always, Casey is constantly searching for her own missing daughter, Hannah, who was kidnapped before her eyes many years ago but would be 17 years old soon. Casey and her team are going to be very busy until those responsible are behind bars. NO SPOILERS.
This was fast-paced although it seemed overly long to me. The case was complicated and not particularly riveting although the grisly factor was quite high. Casey's character is rounded out and she makes some important discoveries as she moves into a more permanent relationship with her boyfriend, Jericho Flynn. I enjoyed it and will likely want to continue the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
March 1, 2024
I liked this story, but I liked the first one much better. This one, the story kind of dragged out for a little bit. I feel like they could have figured out Reynolds a lot earlier, especially since I had pinpointed him as the killer after the first interaction with Casey. It was a nice twist as to why he was killing. I absolutely thought Reynolds was Ethan Hayes, but it turns out Dowd was Ethan Hayes, and Reynolds was his lover. However, all those years ago, Reynolds dad walked into them too and claimed Hayes was raping his son. Even after Reynolds said that wasn't true, Hayes was still convicted. Definitely didn't see that one coming. Now, the saddest part was the death of Daniel Ashtole. I knew it was going to happen eventually since the jurors were dropping left and right, but I still bawled my eyes out. Although his death left an opening for the mayor, I really hope Jericho gets it (I'm sure he will next book). The ending scene had me in tears as well. Hannah finally seems to want to see Casey. I will definitely be continuing on with this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2020
Although this is the second book in the series, I found it does well as a stand-alone but to get the full story on the disappearance of Detective Casey Whites daughter, Hannah I recommend starting with Where Lost Girls Go.
In this one, visitors to the Outer Banks of North Carolina staying in RV parks are being murdered and left with symbols carved into their skin while their teenage daughters are being spared. There's also a religious group, a cult really, that's leased an abandoned church to hold their rock concert like rallies in. When the daughter of the first couple killed is found to have escaped the killer and gone to the church, Casey and company are tasked with finding the connections while also identifying who might also be in the killers sights. Ever present is the continued search for Casey's own missing daughter.
I liked how this one jumps right into the action from the start and building the suspense and intrigue from there. I thought it was well written with an even pace and smart plot. All in all, I found this to be a nice continuation of Casey's story, both personal and professional and recommend this series to all you police procedural/thriller lovers reading this.
Thanks to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC to read, review and enjoy.
In this one, visitors to the Outer Banks of North Carolina staying in RV parks are being murdered and left with symbols carved into their skin while their teenage daughters are being spared. There's also a religious group, a cult really, that's leased an abandoned church to hold their rock concert like rallies in. When the daughter of the first couple killed is found to have escaped the killer and gone to the church, Casey and company are tasked with finding the connections while also identifying who might also be in the killers sights. Ever present is the continued search for Casey's own missing daughter.
I liked how this one jumps right into the action from the start and building the suspense and intrigue from there. I thought it was well written with an even pace and smart plot. All in all, I found this to be a nice continuation of Casey's story, both personal and professional and recommend this series to all you police procedural/thriller lovers reading this.
Thanks to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC to read, review and enjoy.
November 22, 2020
A detective looking for a killer! This is a great book already. This book is part of a series but I have not read any of the other books in the series yet. This is another new author for me, as well. I love finding new authors and I love trying their books to see the style of writing they choose and if it appeals to me. The plot of this book caught my eye and the symbols in the victim's skin was something unique to track. This book had me following along to see what would happen next. Did Detective Casey catch a killer? Another good book for me! I will look into the other books in the series. I did not have any trouble with this book's plot even though it was book 2 and it could be read as a stand alone. *This book was given to me for free at my request from NetGalley and I provided this voluntary review.*
February 27, 2024
Second installment and I did like this mystery murder a bit better. They were brutal!! The plot was really good as well, even if the book was a little too long. I’m so glad Jericho and Casey are doing well- they’ve had their ups and downs but they are working at it. I see a new puppy in the future. She’s finally found her daughter and that was sweet so we shall see how that plays out. I was super sad about the mayor dying so brutally- he was becoming a cool character. She had a great team but one thing I did want to see, and I guess we will probably see it at the next book, is how Tracy reacted to her uncles death. Overall, good book and I’ll continue the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2024
Really enjoying this detective series! Easy reads but keep my full attention and I love cases and character development. Also love that the series is based at the Outer Banks! Good series to start if you like detective books, there are 11 books in the series though so we’ll see if I can get through all of them.
December 12, 2024
3.5 - loving the detective books lately
Fast pace, lots of twists and turns at the end, overall good read
Note to self - avoid the outer banks, North Carolina .. everyone gets snatched or killed (can’t be good for tourism)
Fast pace, lots of twists and turns at the end, overall good read
Note to self - avoid the outer banks, North Carolina .. everyone gets snatched or killed (can’t be good for tourism)
June 23, 2022
Round up to 4.5 stars.
February 21, 2025
3.5 ⭐️’s that took a bit of a step backwards only because it felt very disjointed to the first book but the ending has left me wanting to read the next one!
March 22, 2025
Not as good as the first one, I also don’t like it when books go along the route of religion/cults. BUT I’m invested in the characters and deeper story regarding Hannah.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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May 18, 2024Intriguing plot-line and characters. Kept me turning the pages to find out whodunit. I’ll read some more by this author.
Currently reading
May 1, 2022Bookouture 99
September 4, 2020
When Detective Casey White arrives at the crime scene of murdered Peggy and Carl Pearson, a crowd has already gathered, but there is no sign of their thirteen-year-old daughter, Lisa. This is of huge concern to Casey as Lisa needs her medication and won't live long without it. She spots a symbol carved that has been carved into Peggy's skin and when more bodies are found with etched symbols, Casey begins the race against the clock to establish a motive and find the killer for the murders.
I enjoyed this second book, The Innocent Girls as much as the first one in the series. Casey White is a great detective, being a determined, smart, and compassionate woman, though she carries a lot of emotional baggage. The other characters are also well created and developed, especially Marine Control's trustworthy and amiable Jericho Flynn, although he was less of a central player in this particular story. Nevertheless, Jericho's interactions with Casey were interesting to read about in terms of their relationship and Casey's progress within the Police Department at Outer Banks, North Carolina.
With a frenetic pace there was plenty of action, with certainly no room for tedium or boredom. The plot itself was fascinating and I revelled in the complexity of the investigations, and the way everything was eventually brought together in the surprising denouement. I shall be watching out for the next in the series and I'm immensely keen to see where the talented B.R. Spangler takes Detective Casey White next. A highly entertaining and recommended, absorbing police procedural.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I enjoyed this second book, The Innocent Girls as much as the first one in the series. Casey White is a great detective, being a determined, smart, and compassionate woman, though she carries a lot of emotional baggage. The other characters are also well created and developed, especially Marine Control's trustworthy and amiable Jericho Flynn, although he was less of a central player in this particular story. Nevertheless, Jericho's interactions with Casey were interesting to read about in terms of their relationship and Casey's progress within the Police Department at Outer Banks, North Carolina.
With a frenetic pace there was plenty of action, with certainly no room for tedium or boredom. The plot itself was fascinating and I revelled in the complexity of the investigations, and the way everything was eventually brought together in the surprising denouement. I shall be watching out for the next in the series and I'm immensely keen to see where the talented B.R. Spangler takes Detective Casey White next. A highly entertaining and recommended, absorbing police procedural.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
September 7, 2020
3.5 stars
These days, fictional police detectives seem to be loaded down with a lot of baggage and that’s certainly the case here. Casey’s daughter vanished when she was a small child, a very difficult thing to live with, and now she has to deal with a double murder and missing teen.
This story doesn’t have quite the high-octane tension of most thrillers but there’s a good deal of suspense, particularly because of the problems any resort area police force would have when faced with serious crimes involving vacationers. The usual tactics of interviewing people the victims know back home aren’t as helpful and it’s unlikely that they have had enough time in town to create serious troubles with other people so Casey knows soon enough that the killer(s) are probably strangers. When the teen, Lisa, is found some of the initial pressure is relieved but then another parent is murdered and the daughter goes missing. As leads develop, it seems that a cultish church might have something to do with these crimes but Casey can’t be sure.
There are a few side issues involving Casey’s relationships with the former sheriff, the mayor and her colleagues on the force but she naturally dwells on what happened to her own daughter paralleling, in a way, with the current crimes. A questionable confession takes Casey down ever more twisty paths resulting finally in a diabolical solution.
These days, fictional police detectives seem to be loaded down with a lot of baggage and that’s certainly the case here. Casey’s daughter vanished when she was a small child, a very difficult thing to live with, and now she has to deal with a double murder and missing teen.
This story doesn’t have quite the high-octane tension of most thrillers but there’s a good deal of suspense, particularly because of the problems any resort area police force would have when faced with serious crimes involving vacationers. The usual tactics of interviewing people the victims know back home aren’t as helpful and it’s unlikely that they have had enough time in town to create serious troubles with other people so Casey knows soon enough that the killer(s) are probably strangers. When the teen, Lisa, is found some of the initial pressure is relieved but then another parent is murdered and the daughter goes missing. As leads develop, it seems that a cultish church might have something to do with these crimes but Casey can’t be sure.
There are a few side issues involving Casey’s relationships with the former sheriff, the mayor and her colleagues on the force but she naturally dwells on what happened to her own daughter paralleling, in a way, with the current crimes. A questionable confession takes Casey down ever more twisty paths resulting finally in a diabolical solution.
July 6, 2020
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Casey is still determined to find out what happen to her missing daughter Hannah. As she settle down and having a romance with ex Sheriff Jericho she called to scene of couple who been vicious murder and witness by their daughter she runs to a church that appears to be like a cult.
As Casey and her team investigate one of the bodies shows strange pattern carved on the chest as the teams discuss different theories about the pattern but when a second murder happens with strange patterns they learn another young girl is missing.
As the two cases seems connected it leads Casey and team to this church and this strange preacher but as the dive they start to wonder if there more to this church as they race to find the killer Casey starts to wonder will she ever find the missing pieces that can connect to her own daughter disappears.
This was a roller coaster of emotions full with suspense and intrigue. What great second book to this series.
Casey is still determined to find out what happen to her missing daughter Hannah. As she settle down and having a romance with ex Sheriff Jericho she called to scene of couple who been vicious murder and witness by their daughter she runs to a church that appears to be like a cult.
As Casey and her team investigate one of the bodies shows strange pattern carved on the chest as the teams discuss different theories about the pattern but when a second murder happens with strange patterns they learn another young girl is missing.
As the two cases seems connected it leads Casey and team to this church and this strange preacher but as the dive they start to wonder if there more to this church as they race to find the killer Casey starts to wonder will she ever find the missing pieces that can connect to her own daughter disappears.
This was a roller coaster of emotions full with suspense and intrigue. What great second book to this series.
April 23, 2025
Very similar pace and style to the first book! Plot follows the same format (kind of like a Criminal Minds?) Where the main characters plot continues to run parallel to an open-and-shut case within the duration of this book.
The crime it focused on, again kept you guessing, but was almost so outrageous that it wasn't believable? It was a very intricate series of murders with everything going perfectly and having this huge bow on top for motive that was insane they figured it out and that it all made sense. Some of the ah-ha moments were far fetched that someone would pick up on them in real life, while other times you caught on forever before the characters.
Overall kept me interested and entertained, but I wish the main character's plot would wrap up. I would like to know what happens with her but the books aren't so enticing as to read 7+ to know what happens with her. And the poor small beach town getting terrorized with 7+ individual serial killers/unbelievable crimes? A little wild. Guess an easy read for a detective fix though!
The crime it focused on, again kept you guessing, but was almost so outrageous that it wasn't believable? It was a very intricate series of murders with everything going perfectly and having this huge bow on top for motive that was insane they figured it out and that it all made sense. Some of the ah-ha moments were far fetched that someone would pick up on them in real life, while other times you caught on forever before the characters.
Overall kept me interested and entertained, but I wish the main character's plot would wrap up. I would like to know what happens with her but the books aren't so enticing as to read 7+ to know what happens with her. And the poor small beach town getting terrorized with 7+ individual serial killers/unbelievable crimes? A little wild. Guess an easy read for a detective fix though!
November 1, 2020
A really good read yet again in this series. Even though I didn’t find it as gripping as the first one it still had you gripped and lots of twists and turns along the way. A great ending which I can’t wait to see how it develops in the next book.
Merged review:
A really good read yet again in this series. Even though I didn’t find it as gripping as the first one it still had you gripped and lots of twists and turns along the way. A great ending which I can’t wait to see how it develops in the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
Merged review:
A really good read yet again in this series. Even though I didn’t find it as gripping as the first one it still had you gripped and lots of twists and turns along the way. A great ending which I can’t wait to see how it develops in the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
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