No Going Back

Sawyer Brooks #3

by T.R. Ragan

The biggest story of a crime reporter’s career could be her last as fury, vengeance, and justice collide in this breathtaking thriller by New York Times bestselling author T.R. Ragan.

Some call it murder. Others, karma. The female vigilantes dubbed The Black Wigs call it justice. The victims? Sexual predators who never paid for their sins. For three months, The Black Wigs byline has belonged to Sawyer Brooks, a crime reporter still struggling with her own demons. But for Sawyer, there’s suddenly more to the story than just catching the dark web avengers.

Copycat vigilantes are cornering the unchecked abusers of Sacramento and uploading the men’s abject fear to social media. The trending insanity isn’t making Sawyer’s job any easier. Neither is a new murder—another predator, but one who doesn’t fit so neatly into The Black Wigs’ agenda. Something even more sinister is at play.

As she follows every lead, someone with the answer is following her, determined to bring Sawyer to her knees. Because soon enough, for both Sawyer and a killer, the truth she’s been looking for will be a punishing revelation.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Audiobook, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Crime

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 4, 2021

About the author

T.R. Ragan (Theresa Ragan) is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling mystery and thriller author.

Readers interested in signing up for a monthly newsletter or getting their name in a TR RAGAN book should check out her website at www.trragan.com

Facebook • Twitter • Instagram: @trraganauthor

LIZZY GARDNER SERIES
Abducted
Dead Weight
A Dark Mind
Obsessed
Almost Dead
Evil Never Dies

FAITH MCMANN TRILOGY
Furious
Outrage
Wrath

JESSIE COLE SERIES
Her Last Day
Deadly Recall
Deranged - 10/18
Buried Deep - 4/19

Reviews

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Sawyer Brooks series and, although it is not stated, I have a feeling it will be the last as some of the story lines through the three books came to a conclusion. T.R. Ragan is not prone to writing very long series either, I have read most of her books. I think, too, that this was the best in the series.

Sawyer Brooks is a journalist following a story about the Black Wigs - a group of vigilante women meting out ‘justice’ to men who have abused them in the past and gotten away scot free. So far they have injured one man who is now in prison for the crimes he committed. Another man is missing, presumed dead and a third died of a heart attack, maybe brought on by his fear. The women didn’t plan on killing anybody, they just wanted their tormentors to know what it felt like to be at someone else’s mercy and afraid for their lives. Of course the thing with many plans is that things don’t alway go according to plan. And the Black Wigs have inspired other women to take their own retribution!

At the same time there is another spate of vigilante killings that seems different and it appears there is only one woman involved. Could it be a copycat? Sawyer seems torn, although what the women are doing is wrong she is also painfully cognisant that the men are all violent offenders and probably did deserve what happened to them. Her own childhood was marred by neglect and abuse so she really doesn’t want to paint the women as simply evil.

This time she is to work with an older journalist, Lexie, with whom Sawyer has not got the best relationship. But as they work together, Lexie opens up one day and Sawyer learns that Lexie’s background is also quite fractured and the two develop an understanding. Sawyer also engages the help of her sister Aria but whenever she gets a brainwave Sawyer is still prone to rushing off headlong into potential danger and at one point she comes face to face with two different killers.

Harper, Sawyer’s other sister has demons of her own to exorcise and is on a mysterious mission that she is not yet willing to share. This book flowed well with relatable characters and an intriguing story line. I will be very keen to see what the author comes up with next. She always seems to feature strong, slightly damaged, women with compelling stories. Thanks to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and T.R. Ragan for the free ARC. my opinions are my own.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Going Back by T.R. Ragan is the third instalment in the Sawyer Brooks series but reads very well on its own. Sawyer is a crime reporter working on an investigation into suspected vigilantes. Five women have formed a group with the eventual intent to seek vengeance on sexual predators who have ruined their lives. The public knows them as The Black Wigs. Sawyer must identify each woman and establish who harmed them. Then a copycat starts on a rampage of their own, confusing the police and the press. Sawyer is madly chasing leads while trying to prevent more crimes while the police are resenting her interference. This is a cautionary tale about revenge and its effect. You be the judge and the jury. This is a well-executed thriller: the suspense is intense and the characters are believable yet flawed. This is a strong series and I look forward to the next instalment. Highly recommended. Thank you to Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sawyer Brooks is an investigative reporter who has been working a story about a group of vigilantes. The media has dubbed them "The Black Wigs" because the women wear chin-length wigs to hide their identity. They want revenge against the men who abused, molested, and raped them in the past; but were never brought to justice. Sawyer, along with a fellow reporter, are hot on the trail when they begin to think there may be a copycat vigilante working their own agenda.

This is the last book in the Sawyer Brooks series. Since we have been following these vigilantes since the first book, it was a good wrap-up to the series. I thought Sawyer did some dumb things in this book, like interview several would-be rapists without back up. I also didn't care for the resolution to the story. My rating: 3 Stars.

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Going Back is the third in a series about Sawyer Brooks, a young journalist in Sacramento, California, who has survived serious abuse in childhood, by an author who is new to me. It was recommended by a GR friend, and while I normally don’t like reading series out of order, I didn’t have time to read the other two first if I was going to get it reviewed on time, so decided to take a chance, because I liked the sound of the female vigilante plotline. As it turns out, you get all the relevant backstory so I had no problem reading this as a stand-alone, and haven’t decided yet whether to go back and read the first two, the TBR being how it is...

A group of women, dubbed The Black Wigs by the media, have been capturing male predators to teach them a lesson, and posting their exploits online, gathering a huge following and inspiring copycat followers. Initially they let their victims go, but now men are dying. Sawyer Brooks wants to pursue the story, unaware that her older sister is one of the vigilantes, and is forced to work with a difficult senior colleague. Suspecting that someone is using the Wigs to cover their own murderous agenda, Sawyer enlists the help of her other sister Aria, but what she discovers will put them all in danger.

This was a well paced engagingly written thriller, although there was rather too much use of coincidence for my liking, and the plot was a bit too predictable. I’m not a big fan of journalists as protagonists, and the way Sawyer kept visiting potential rapists and killers alone and armed only with pepper spray, did not endear her to me, and neither did her attitude towards the police and disregard for the law. It’s quite short for a thriller which meant the characters were not well fleshed out, although perhaps this happened more in the earlier books. While cases of rape and historic abuse are referred to, they are not described, which was a relief, and most of the violence is inflicted on men who deserved it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review. No Going Back is published on May 4th.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic book in this series.. looking forward to seeing what happens with Sawyer and her family next

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sawyer Brooks, crime reporter, is on the trail of The Black Wigs ... a group of 5 women wearing black wigs and blood red lipstick lash out wit fury and vengeance at men who had committed crimes against these woman ... but were never charged, or found guilty. The Black Wigs call it justice ....

Whatever you want to call it ... murder ... karma ... the whole idea of making them pay is catching on. There are copycat vigilantes capturing men, forcing them to admit what they've done and then put the videos on social media and into the hands of cops.

The Black Wigs have never killed a man .. until recently and that's after the men are tortured. But Sawyer believes the latest two murders belong to a copycat ... but how is she going to prove it? And who are the The Black Wigs?

Book 3 of this trilogy is jam packed with action, a cleverly written plot, twists and turns that lead to a surprising unexpected conclusion. The murders are brutal .. The characters are finely drawn. This is not a stand-alone read. The books need to be read in order to see how the characters and their agenda change over time. Excellent reading!

Many thanks to the author / Thomas & Mercer / Amazon Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3.5 stars. The opening chapter shows the murder of a man by injection in the foot by someone he calls Cockroach.

Crime reporter Sawyer Brooks has been covering a story of five female vigilantes who wear black wigs and are targeting sexual predators who were never held accountable for their deeds. The women call themselves Bug, Cleo, Psycho, Lily, and Malice. Sawyer wonders if the latest murder is a copycat.

This story is very heavy handed on sexual abuse and revenge. There's a lot of characters to keep up with. I liked the book better as it went along. I liked the twists and the scenes from the animal shelter best.

I think I would have liked Sawyer better if I had read the first two books in this series but none of the libraries around here carry this author. I'm thankful to Goodreads for winning a Kindle copy of this one.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Uncorrected Proof

Sexual predators who have evaded justice are the targets of a vigilante group known as The Black Wigs, so named for the chin-length black wigs each member of the group wears. Investigative journalist Sawyer Brooks, working for the “Sacramento Independent,” is writing their story. But as she learns more about the group, she makes an unexpected discovery.

But it seems that there are copycat vigilantes . . . and men are dying. But these cases don’t match the agenda of The Black Wigs. Who or what is responsible for the murders? And who is following the reporter . . . and why?

This story, the third in the series, works well as a stand-alone as it raises questions about revenge and justice. Well-drawn characters populate this tense, action-filled narrative and the suspense keeps building in this difficult-to-set-aside book where the unfolding story raises new questions as it twists and turns on its way to a satisfying denouement.

Highly recommended

I received a free copy of this eBook from Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley
#NoGoingBack #NetGalley

[J.A. Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third installment of the Sawyer Brooks series is terrific. Sawyer works as a crime reporter for the Sacramento newspaper and has been closely following the “Black Wigs” female vigilantes in the Sacramento area. That group of women has vowed revenge on the rapists and abusers in their lives. Unfortunately, there seem to be copycat vigilantes who are carrying the idea of revenge too far, and Psycho, Cleo, Lily, and Malice have no connection to the copycats.

What does this mean for their future? Will Sawyer’s world spin out of control? She leaves no stone unturned racing around following leads to find the truth even if it means putting herself in danger. This is an action packed, well written book full of twists and turns. It’s one of those reads where you root even more for the determined hero.

[Caitlyn Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in a series about crime reporter Sawyer Brooks, and I have to state up front that I haven’t read the other two, so I don’t have all her background. However, I don’t think I lost too much by stepping in here; it’s made clear that Sawyer and her sisters were victims of ghastly abuse by their parents, and Sawyer’s story following the Black Wigs, a group of female vigilantes targeting men who got away with awful crimes against women - or were punished too lightly in the Black Wigs’ opinion - obviously exposes where Sawyer’s sympathies lie. Now there’s a copycat killer on the scene and although the police are still convinced it’s the work of the Black Wigs, Sawyer’s sure things aren’t right. She starts following the threads of the new cases as well, in concert with another senior reporter, but is shocked when the trail leads back a lot closer to home than she could have ever imagined.

It’s revealed to the reader pretty early on who the Black Wigs are, so we’re just along for the ride as Sawyer figures things out. The copycat is a new killer with a different trajectory, however, and it’s not until late in the book when it’s revealed that one of the potential targets is on the radar of more than one vigilante… which shouldn’t be a surprise, since people who do terrible things are obviously capable of them and therefore more likely to repeat, especially if they aren’t caught and punished the first time around.

Sawyer’s choices in the crunch, while legally way over the line, were entirely understandable because of her need to protect her family, and I can honestly say I’d probably have done exactly the same thing.

Some terrible and triggering things happen to women, and children, in this book, and it’s entirely understandable that many of them would want to seek the justice they have been denied. It seems evident that something has to change, that justice has to start actually being done, lest vigilantism does indeed begin to take over, but this book doesn’t have the answers for exactly how, and it makes for uncomfortable reading.

There are definitely some moral conundrums to sit with here - I know where I fall on the topic, but it’s very much an individual thing. A few things were skimmed over a bit too lightly for my liking, but I suspect they may have been given more weight in earlier books and I’ve missed out on that backstory. I wanted more of Sawyer’s personality in particular, though, and in a series with her as the central character, it was a notable omission. Overall, a good read even if not a comfortable one, but needed a bit more character work to flesh it out. I’ll give it four stars.

Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.

[Monnie]

As a longtime and now mostly retired journalist, I can't say I relate well to Sawyer Brooks, an up-and-coming investigative reporter at the Sacramento Independent. Physically and mentally scarred from years of abuse - like her sisters Harper and Aria - she's lugging around baggage that tends to get in the way of her job (which, while I sympathize with what she's gone through, shouldn't be the case in the real world). But hey - this is fiction, so it is what it is.

This one, the third in the series, puts the sisters' mixed-up emotions to the test. Sawyer is working on a story about a female vigilante group dubbed the Black Wigs, whose mission is to avenge the men who abused them (unlike readers, with no idea how what she finds may impact her own life). Now there's a new murder in town which appears to be a similar conquest, but there are differences that make Sawyer suspect there's something else afoot. A copycat, perhaps?

The police don't believe Sawyer, nor do they want her help - which of course just makes her even more determined to get to the truth. She also runs afoul, at least in the beginning, of a co-worker who has years of experience and wants the Black Wigs story for herself. They end up, as my late mother would say, holding hands to keep from fighting - reluctantly joining forces to split the glory. Meantime, murders keep piling up as Sawyer tries to figure out where her relationship with a co-worker is going (if anywhere), her sister Harper seems to go off the rails despite having a loving husband, a couple of kids and another on the way and sister Aria, always a loner, surprises herself by letting go of some baggage that has kept her from forming meaningful relationships.

There's no shortage of action right up to the ending - I was always on the alert to see whose lights got knocked out next, how and by whom. The ending itself wasn't exactly satisfying to me (I'm not much of an "end justifies the means" kind of person). But in the context of this story, and the complexities of these characters, it probably was the only way to go. It also raised the possibility of a new direction for the series - I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for providing me with a pre-release copy to read and review.

[Laurie Tell · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I want to thank the author, the publisher and #netgalley for the ARC. This is the third book in this series and I loved the previous two, so I was very excited to receive this.

This book did not disappoint. I was drawn into the characters and the story and my real disappointment was when it ended. I love stories about vigilante justice - I kind of live vicariously and maybe indulge in a little fantasy of my own (I know I am not alone in this... ) In this book, the vigilante justice leads to murder - are the Black Widows going too far, or is there a copycat?

You do not have to have read the first two books in the series before reading this one, but you should. It's a great series and it will make this book even better. I really enjoyed how we got to know more about Sawyer and her relationship it gave this more much more dimension.

Read it now and thank me later for the recommendation.

[Salome G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another great entry in the Sawyer Brooks series. I wish I had better comments than that, but if you've already read the first two, then you know the quality to expect.

Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for providing this review copy.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the Third book in this series,Sawyer Brooks is a journalist,on a story of a crew called the black wigs who are on the warpath to torture there abusers from there past.other murders start are they involved or was it a copycat.A great read,and a great author.really enjoy her books.

[AC · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Going Back is the third, and final(?) book in the Sawyer Brooks series. I've read one of the two preceding books - while this does work as a standalone, readers would do better to read one or both of the books that came before this one, if only to understand the emergence of The Black Wigs and how their actions have change over time.

The Black Wigs is a group of female vigilantes, meting out justice to (male) sexual predators. Previously, they only worked to embarrass such men, but here, in this book, things have taken a decidedly more macabre turn, and the group is engaging in outright torture and murder. While their reasons for doing so make sense, in the context of the world they inhabit in their heads in this book, it isn't an easy task to take a life. However, at least one of the women in the group is psychopath who sticks to their plans without deviation, and it's a bit disturbing that the other women, who express some hesitance in the case of one man who did indeed turn himself around and do good things to atone for his previous behavior, do next to nothing to stop his victim from killing him. There's a lack of humanity floating in the pool at some points here, and there should probably be a trigger/content warning somewhere before the book begins.

This book identifies all of the members of the group, and we get chapters from the viewpoint of several of them - their day to day lives, their failing marriages, their thinking on the nature of the crimes they are committing, and how they're planning the next snatch and kill. There are also a few chapters from the viewpoint of the victims - but not victims of The Black Wigs. This time, there's a copycat engaging in their own level of justice, and impersonating The Black Wigs. As the story goes along, it becomes clear that one of the targets is in the crosshairs of both the copycat and the actual group.

Sawyer Brooks, last found being completely unaware that one of her sisters is in The Black Wigs, is now investigating the group, following leads wherever they can be found. She's also convinced that some of the murders are not being done by the group, but by a copycat. Her sister Aria, also somehow unaware that their sister is part of The Black Wigs, assists Sawyer when she can.

Teaming up with Sawyer on the journalistic investigation is Lexi, a stunningly beautiful (of course) hard nosed reporter who has about as much use for Sawyer and Sawyer does for her - not much. Their differing styles are drawn very well, and each has their own strengths and weaknesses. The scenes where they are together are very well done, from the simmering resentment of Sawyer and the initial dismissal of her by Lexi to their eventual is not friendliness, at least respect for each others methods.

The ending comes together as both the police and Sawyer race to get to the final victim before the copycat and/or The Black Wigs do, and various loose ends are tied down.

There are a couple of false notes rung here and there (especially in one particular item in the finale, which I won't go into for spoiler reasons) but these do not detract from the story and are not sufficient or jolting enough to take the reader out of the story.

A solid four out of five. Hopefully, this is not the last we see of Sawyer Brooks.

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the review copy.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continue to enjoy this series and the Sawyer Brooks character. She is badass and finally (slight spike territory), she is moving on to a new job (by the end of the novel) which was expected and I have to say, a pleasant development.

Continually I am surprised that there are people in the world who fit the description of the people (read: assholes) who live in these stories. I know there are and I just can’t believe that it happens and continues to happen. Why can’t we all just get along and be happy and respect one another? I know it’s not as easy as saying that, but I do wonder, and authors like Ragan and characters like Sawyer help to think through these idea and try and come to some realization of how to fix it. Is violence the way? As a pacifist, I’d say no, but there are always exceptions to that, I suppose. Regardless, let’s figure out how we can be good to one another. Period.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Going Back by T.R. Ragan is the third book in the Sawyer Brooks series and is the best one yet!. Sawyer works as an investigative crime reporter for the Sacramento Independent and has been closely following the “Black Wigs” vigilantes in the Sacramento area. This group of women has vowed to get even with the rapists and abusers in their lives. Some of the narrative in the story is the communication and actions of The Crew. Now there seem to be copycat vigilantes who are carrying the idea of revenge too far.
Psycho, Cleo, Lily, and Malice have no connection to the copycats. What does this mean for the future of the ‘The Crew’? Harper/Malice wants to stop, she is expecting a baby and her late hours have caused problems with Nate. Harper is Sawyer’s sister. Wow, will Sawyer find out that Harper is one of the crew of the Black Wigs?
Sawyer and her sisters had a horribly abusive childhood. Sawyer has tried to make a normal life for herself. She is dating Derek and trying to learn to trust. There is more content about Harper and Aria in this book and it added to the feeling of unity between sisters and reflects Sawyers feeling, “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for my sisters.”? Sweet Aria has finally become attracted to a man who brings a dog into the shelter. Is she being too trusting, too soon?
I won't post spoilers, but once you start reading you will want to continue non-stop until the ending!
Publication Date: May 4, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Elizabeth Lanaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: No Going Back by T.R. Ragan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is another great series!!! This book definitely did not disappoint. There was so much going on, I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book! This book continues to talk about rape and sexual abuse and how it affects the victims. I enjoyed having a different type of thriller to read instead of just another murder mystery. Ragan does a great job and I can’t wait to see what comes next!!

#bookworm #bookaddict #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #nogoingback #trragan #thriller #crime #murder #thrillerbooks #thrillerbooksaddict #bookreader #booklover #booknerd #bookreviewer #currentlyreading #readingtime #readersofinsta #goodreads #goodreadschallenge2021 #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #bibliophile #bookstagramcommunity @trraganauthor

[James Schoen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me preface this review by saying T.R. Ragan has been one of my favorite authors for some time now. I have thoroughly enjoyed her books and always look forward to anything new she might publish. Having said that, the Sawyer Brooks series is my least favorite. It held my interest, but not like her other novels. The characters in the story seemed less interesting and intriguing than the characters in her earlier works. The plot was engaging, albeit not in a way that had me hurriedly turning pages to find out what was happening. It annoyed me how Sawyer Brooks was constantly putting herself and others in danger by her thoughtlessness. Confronting a witness without thinking of protection or letting anyone know where she was. I gave the book three stars, probably because of her previous works that I liked very much.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book astonishing book

a vigilante group taking out perps who had raped and assaulted them...whats not to like about this book

the black wigs, that is the name given to them nobody knows their identities but so far men were turning up dead...they had previous been arrested no charges ever stuck but the victims of their crimes had their own life time to suffer and it was time for a little bit of payback

an interesting storyline that i thoroughly enjoyed with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing for a while...

cant wait to see how sawyers next adventures pan out...looking forward to that next book

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The black wigs are at it again, serving justice to those who seem to escape it at every turn. Sawyer Brooks has been on the story from the beginning but she realizes that there is more going on with these women than just being vigilantes. Meanwhile copy cats are popping up all over the place and it's getting harder to keep it all seperated. When someone is killed and the death doesn't fit into the black wigs modus operandi in anyway Sawyer knows something evil is happening. She is resolute in her journey to find answers but there is someone out there determined to stop her before she finds out to much. Follow along to see if Sawyer can find the truth she seeks or if a killer will get to her first.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exciting series this has been, not sure if this is a trilogy or not, but book 3 wrapped up the story in a very satisfying ending.
The series was about three sisters who all were physically, mentally, and sexually abused as children. The story is about how they each have tried to move on from all the trauma they had endured in their youth. It’s not so easy to try and bury your past, as each sister has found out. Sawyer is the youngest and has been working, successfully, as a crime reporter for a Sacramento newspaper. Aria, the middle sister, loves her job working at an animal shelter. Harper, the oldest, is married and has two children and another on the way.
All seem content with their lives, but each is still carrying the emotional scars of their past. But how can they ever really live a ‘normal’ life until they are truly able to put the past behind them.
As I said, there is a very satisfying ending to this book, and I found myself smiling and cheering the sisters on.
T. R. Ragan is an excellent writer and truly draws you in to the lives of the sisters.

[chloe - crimewithchlo · Rating 4 out of 5]

i started this series on a whim a couple months ago (i actually think this was the last book so… trilogy) and i was hooked right away! the 3 sisters were my fave, they were all so badass in their own ways. hints of backstory & alternating POV’s was a plus! definitely going to check out more books by T.R. Ragan! i believe this series is available on kindle unlimited for all you kindle readers!

a huge thank you to netgalley for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 

Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The Sawyer Brooks series is about three sisters.  The youngest sister, Sawyer, is a crime reporter or investigative journalist.     We get all of their points of view but primarily Sawyer.  All three of them were sexually abused as children and have serious issues.   I would read this series in order as the overall story is told over the three books.

The three sisters are trying to deal with their past issues.   Sawyer has various crimes she is investigating and writing stories.  Harper is trying to get perpetrators to understand how their victims feel.  Aria is helping Sawyer with her research.  All of them are in considerable danger and it doesn't quite feel realistic.  The police seem oblivious and ignore evidence Sawyer brings to them.

Sawyer does an amazing job with her investigations and finding the truth.  Harper really has trouble and falls apart.  Aria makes some great progress.  They are not stupid, but they take too many chances which is horrifying.

I'm trying to give you the gist without spoiling the story or repeating what I said in the last 2 reviews.  I've enjoyed the series.  No Going Back could be the end of the series or it might continue with a new story arc.  I'd be interested to read more about how the sisters go forward, but I am satisfied with the ending here.

Narration:
I enjoyed listening to Jennica Damon again.  She is settled into my mind as these characters, now. This is a very female set of main characters so it is appropriate to have a female narrator.  The voices felt appropriate for males and females with slightly distinct voices for each character.  I really enjoyed her performance.  I was able to listen comfortably at my usual 1.5x speed.

Listen to a clip:https://soundcloud.com/brilliance-aud...

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Sawyer Brooks series and I think that it can be read as a standalone, but it is better to have the backstory provided in the other two books. Sawyer is a strong female protagonist but has definitely been damaged by events in her past. In this book, she is a crime reporter and her career has led her to reports about a group of female vigilantes seeking justice against sexual predators who escaped justice. Calling themselves “The Black Wigs” this group of women are striking indiscriminately, leaving a wake of their brand of justice for Sawyer to investigate. The plot becomes more intriguing when copycats spring up all over the area, women all in black wigs and all seeking justice. It was hard for Sawyer and her cohort Lexie to distinguish between the copycats and the original group. With a theme of revenge vs. justice, this book was fast-paced with plenty of action and some gory scenes, too. I enjoyed watching Sawyer unravel the mystery because she had the help of her sister Aria who did research and her own intuition that was usually spot on. Some of the scenes seemed repetitive; thus my four-star rating. Sawyer’s woeful tale seems to conclude in this book, with a lot of strings tying things all up in a nice bow. Sawyer is a heroine to some, a villain to others and a kick-butt reporter for everyone. I especially liked the characters, even Harper, Sawyer’s very secretive and totally wrecked sister. The character development unfolds slowly, but the plot clips along at a fast pace. All in all, this was an enjoyable book, making me wonder what would happen if the justice system did totally fail us.
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.”

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Going Back by T.R. Ragan is a highly recommended thriller and the third book in the Sawyer Brooks series.

Sawyer has been covering the female vigilantes dubbed The Black Wigs, but now it appears that there are copycats out there dispensing their own extreme and fatal justice to sexual predators and capturing their fear to share on social media. The police think that these copycat vigilantes are related to The Black Wigs group of women, The Crew, and their actions, but Sawyer is positive it is a new person and she sets out to uncover who is behind the crimes. Her investigation leads her to nefarious bullying by a group at a Sacramento children’s home and a gang rape at a fraternity party.

It was very enjoyable to return to Sawyer Brooks and her investigative journalism, setting aside the dark, disturbing content that leads to her investigations. Admittedly, I liked the second book a little more than this third installment in the series, but it still featured a compelling plot and returning readers, like me, will be invested in the novel. The first two thirds of the novel was gripping and much better than the ending in No Going Back. Since I felt book two, Out of Her Mind, did not have a resolution to one of the story lines, I was hoping for that this time around. There is more forward movement in character development and resolution of many of the story lines. It seems that the series may be continuing in a new direction and I'd be interested to see where it goes.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
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[D.S. Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Sawyer read through news headlines, dismayed to see just last night a group of teenaged girls in the nearby town of Rocklin had decided to teach a boy a lesson.'

The black wigs have inadvertently created, copycats not just in the sense of killers but also those searching for justice. Sawyer begins looking into the copycat killer as she is still investigating and writing about the black wigs.

'I told your sister I was going to kill you if you showed up, and I meant it. If you want answers, talk to Malice.

As Sawyer and Aria get to close their lives tip in the balance. Full of twists and hidden connections. This book brings the trilogy to a beautiful close.

'Never in a million years would Sawyer have thought she would fall in love with a man. But she had. Proving that anything was possible.'

5*

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eye for a eye makes the world blind.

Sawyer Brooks investigative reporter is on the hunt for the Black Wigs. A vigilantes made of women that never received justice. They are part of the #metoo movement that is bringing justice their own way. Brooks has lived the life of injustice along with her sisters so the Black Wigs interest her in more ways than one. She knows the bullied become the bullies. The Black Wigs bring out copy cat vigilantes and they both hit very close to home.

Brooks is an easy person to like. She is a fighter, she is loyal, and she will get her story. She gets the whole story. I personally don't agree with any vigilante movement but it is the fight for justice that pulls you. The underdog. The woman who fights for everything she has no matter the odds. The family, to let it go and to finally move on. To find happiness and peace. The Black Wigs are women that have been hurt by the system and the men who used them. I liked how every angle was looked at. The men who did not see what they had done wrong and the men who did.

Ragan has put two plots together that combine into one magnificently and with ease. Always a favorite.

A special thank you to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journalist Sawyer Brooks has been following the trail of the Black Wigs for a while but things are beginning to change and not in a good way. Some cases don't seem to be following the patterns originally set, social media is flooded with copycat videos, and even her young niece has begun to hero-worship them.

When a fellow journalist begins working alongside her more clues come to light but Sawyer realises she is more invested in solving rather than reporting what is happening. With things moving quickly Sawyer finds herself in more danger than ever and the resulting revelations could shatter the future of everyone she cares about.

This is the third book in this series and it never lets up on the heart pounding action for a minute. Seen from the points of view of all three of the Brooks sisters the almost Columbo-esque nature of this book only heightens the tension as Sawyer gets closer to the truth. There are some pivotal moments in this well written, tautly executed storyline which will necessitate change and I can't wait to see what happens next.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is an excellent fast-moving and enjoyable read.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to be honest, when I see T.R. Ragan - auto buy. This one is no exception. I was curious how this was going to play out. I can get behind the ending, after all, family right? It truly shows not everything is black and white. Non stop gut wrenching action. Every couple of pages the author let me catch my breath. Suspense, terror, rage and fear all right there. I do have to say the detective can go suck a lemon, wait, maybe he already did. Love the twists thrown in and the ending, well done. This technically could be read as a stand alone, but to truly appreciate the terror , the rage, the fear see the growth or the collapse I recommend reading the previous books in this series. Make sure you have someone around to give you a hug. Thank you Thomas and Mercer for allowing NetGalley to share this book with me. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.