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Operation #3
Operation Wormwood: The Reckoning
Sgt. Nicholas Myra is back with a vengeance, and he is out for blood. Years of investigating horrific crimes have become too much, and Myra’s PTSD is intense and out of control. He can’t unsee the images that race through his dreams. Now as he investigates the biggest case of his career, he is in a constant state of fight-or-flight.
The hunt continues for a serial killer who is targeting the most heinous of criminals, making them die a slow, painful death. Sgt. Myra partners with Dr. Luke Gillespie in a hunt for a killer targeting criminals who everyone wants dead. On the day of reckoning, everyone is called to account for their actions. Award-winning author Helen C. Escott, a former civilian member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, offers an exciting new voice in crime fiction and conducts a thorough investigation into why evil against the most vulnerable goes unpunished.
Operation Wormwood: The Reckoning is the explosive follow-up to the bestselling crime thriller Operation Wormwood, which was a 2019 Arthur Ellis Awards finalist for Best First Crime Novel.
“Yet another action-packed crime thriller from Helen C. Escott! Not since the Book of Revelation itself has so much theology, intrigue, and suspense been poured into one book.” — Rev. Robert Cooke, Rector, Parish of St. Mark’s Anglican Church, St. John’s
“A reckoning with a vengeance! Operation Wormwood: The Reckoning is a roller coaster ride with many twists and turns. It holds you from the start and forces you to sit until you turn the last page.” — R. A. “Bob” Morgan, Sgt. Ret. Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
The hunt continues for a serial killer who is targeting the most heinous of criminals, making them die a slow, painful death. Sgt. Myra partners with Dr. Luke Gillespie in a hunt for a killer targeting criminals who everyone wants dead. On the day of reckoning, everyone is called to account for their actions. Award-winning author Helen C. Escott, a former civilian member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, offers an exciting new voice in crime fiction and conducts a thorough investigation into why evil against the most vulnerable goes unpunished.
Operation Wormwood: The Reckoning is the explosive follow-up to the bestselling crime thriller Operation Wormwood, which was a 2019 Arthur Ellis Awards finalist for Best First Crime Novel.
“Yet another action-packed crime thriller from Helen C. Escott! Not since the Book of Revelation itself has so much theology, intrigue, and suspense been poured into one book.” — Rev. Robert Cooke, Rector, Parish of St. Mark’s Anglican Church, St. John’s
“A reckoning with a vengeance! Operation Wormwood: The Reckoning is a roller coaster ride with many twists and turns. It holds you from the start and forces you to sit until you turn the last page.” — R. A. “Bob” Morgan, Sgt. Ret. Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
324 pages, Paperback
Published September 2, 2020
7 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Helen C. Escott
12 books153 followersHelen C. Escott is an award-winning Canadian author and playwright whose cinematic storytelling and deep insight into the human condition have earned her a distinguished place among contemporary crime writers.
A former senior communications strategist with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, she brings a rare authenticity and precision to her work—translating decades of real-world experience into gripping narratives that pulse with realism, emotional truth, and suspense.
Her bestselling Operation Series—a six-book collection of crime thrillers—has captivated readers across Canada and beyond. The first book in the series was shortlisted for the Crime Writers of Canada’s Best First Crime Novel Award. The entire series has been optioned for television and lauded for its chillingly current investigations, unpredictable twists, and deeply human characters. The series’ success was further recognized with a Silver Medal for Best Regional Fiction at the 24th Annual Independent Publisher Book Awards and the 2023 Best Atlantic-Published Book Award from the Atlantic Publishers Marketing Association (APMA).
Helen’s writing is distinguished by its cinematic pace, vivid realism, and emotional resonance. Her works reflect not only the complexities of crime and justice but also the moral and psychological landscapes of those who live within them. Drawing upon her years as a Civilian Member of the RCMP, she weaves intricate plots rooted in authenticity and insight. Her career with the RCMP included leading communications for high-profile national operations—such as the force’s response to the September 11th terrorist attacks—and developing regional strategies to combat organized crime and outlaw biker gangs. She also designed and taught a media relations course delivered across Canada, including at the Canadian Police College in Ottawa, and served as a communications strategist at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Her literary and public contributions have been widely recognized. In 2021, she received the Veterans Ombud Commendation Lifetime Contribution Award for her outstanding work with veterans. Among her other honors are the CLB Governor and Commandants' Medallion (2017) for excellence in volunteering and fundraising, the Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers (2019), and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Certificate of Recognition (2022) for her advocacy on behalf of veterans.
Published Works
Crime Thriller Series (Flanker Press):
• Operation Wormwood — A top-five finalist for the 2019 Arthur Ellis Awards for Best First Crime Novel.
• The Reckoning — The powerful conclusion to Operation Wormwood, acclaimed for its dark, ingenious plotting.
• Operation Vanished — Winner of the Silver Medal for Best Regional Fiction at the 24th Annual Independent Publisher Book Awards.
• Operation Trafficked — A lightning-paced and chillingly relevant thriller exploring the global human trafficking network.
• Operation Masonic — A gripping, historically layered mystery set within the secretive world of Freemasonry.
• Operation Betrayed — A haunting exploration of betrayal, justice, and the societal biases that shape investigations.
Standalone Novels:
• We Will Meet Again — A multi-generational story of love, loss, and resilience that spans nearly a century.
• In Search of Adventure: 70 Years of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Newfoundland and Labrador — A comprehensive collection of memoirs and personal stories, named one of the top Atlantic Canadian memoirs.
• I Am Funny Like That — A memoir of humorous essays reflecting on motherhood, marriage, and the lighter side of a writer’s life.
Legacy and Media Presence
A frequent guest on television, radio, and literary panels, Helen C. Escott remains an influential voice in Canadian arts and culture. Her background in broadcasting, coupled with her deep understanding of communications, has made her a sought-after speaker for teaching courses on writing, and w
A former senior communications strategist with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, she brings a rare authenticity and precision to her work—translating decades of real-world experience into gripping narratives that pulse with realism, emotional truth, and suspense.
Her bestselling Operation Series—a six-book collection of crime thrillers—has captivated readers across Canada and beyond. The first book in the series was shortlisted for the Crime Writers of Canada’s Best First Crime Novel Award. The entire series has been optioned for television and lauded for its chillingly current investigations, unpredictable twists, and deeply human characters. The series’ success was further recognized with a Silver Medal for Best Regional Fiction at the 24th Annual Independent Publisher Book Awards and the 2023 Best Atlantic-Published Book Award from the Atlantic Publishers Marketing Association (APMA).
Helen’s writing is distinguished by its cinematic pace, vivid realism, and emotional resonance. Her works reflect not only the complexities of crime and justice but also the moral and psychological landscapes of those who live within them. Drawing upon her years as a Civilian Member of the RCMP, she weaves intricate plots rooted in authenticity and insight. Her career with the RCMP included leading communications for high-profile national operations—such as the force’s response to the September 11th terrorist attacks—and developing regional strategies to combat organized crime and outlaw biker gangs. She also designed and taught a media relations course delivered across Canada, including at the Canadian Police College in Ottawa, and served as a communications strategist at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Her literary and public contributions have been widely recognized. In 2021, she received the Veterans Ombud Commendation Lifetime Contribution Award for her outstanding work with veterans. Among her other honors are the CLB Governor and Commandants' Medallion (2017) for excellence in volunteering and fundraising, the Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers (2019), and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Certificate of Recognition (2022) for her advocacy on behalf of veterans.
Published Works
Crime Thriller Series (Flanker Press):
• Operation Wormwood — A top-five finalist for the 2019 Arthur Ellis Awards for Best First Crime Novel.
• The Reckoning — The powerful conclusion to Operation Wormwood, acclaimed for its dark, ingenious plotting.
• Operation Vanished — Winner of the Silver Medal for Best Regional Fiction at the 24th Annual Independent Publisher Book Awards.
• Operation Trafficked — A lightning-paced and chillingly relevant thriller exploring the global human trafficking network.
• Operation Masonic — A gripping, historically layered mystery set within the secretive world of Freemasonry.
• Operation Betrayed — A haunting exploration of betrayal, justice, and the societal biases that shape investigations.
Standalone Novels:
• We Will Meet Again — A multi-generational story of love, loss, and resilience that spans nearly a century.
• In Search of Adventure: 70 Years of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Newfoundland and Labrador — A comprehensive collection of memoirs and personal stories, named one of the top Atlantic Canadian memoirs.
• I Am Funny Like That — A memoir of humorous essays reflecting on motherhood, marriage, and the lighter side of a writer’s life.
Legacy and Media Presence
A frequent guest on television, radio, and literary panels, Helen C. Escott remains an influential voice in Canadian arts and culture. Her background in broadcasting, coupled with her deep understanding of communications, has made her a sought-after speaker for teaching courses on writing, and w
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 10, 2020
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
This powerful, thought-provoking mystery will have readers pondering moral, religious, spiritual values, and scientific beliefs alongside the characters in the story. This new book is a direct continuation of Helen C. Escott's first novel, Operation Wormwood, and examines the same medical condition and the characters introduced the first book. I feel that reading Operation Wormwood would make this novel more meaningful.
This is a disturbing and gripping read. The disease Wormwood, named after a passage in the Bible, refers to God punishing sinners. A local priest speaks of it as a present means by God to punish pedophiles and protect innocent children. This earns him notice and honour from the Vatican. Wormwood was first noticed in St. John's, Newfoundland and is now infecting 200,000 people across Canada. At the beginning of this book, it has spread into approximately 100 countries. The patients die in extreme pain and from massive blood loss.
The book follows the escalation of the disease. It centres around the police investigation, the medical personnel caring for the hospitalized patients, and the controversy within the Church from the perspectives of the local archbishop, priests and nuns. The main characters from the previous book play a major role. Although the disease is now in many countries worldwide, the story is set in the St. John's location.
It now appears the disease is mutating. One of the patients in the St. John's Hospital is the Minister of Health and another is a former child psychiatrist. They are both believed to belong to a pedophile ring, but their guilt and connection has yet to be proven. Two rapists of adult women now have succumbed to the disease. More startling and puzzling is a young, naive, childlike man, Joseph, who has never abused children but was severely mistreated himself by an adult. He is very ill. The two rapists and Joseph do not fit into the category of child abusers, and their disease is a mystery to everyone. Wormwood has somehow changed.
I cannot describe the ongoing characters from the past book or the new events. To do so might spoil not only Operation Wormwood: Retribution, but details from the previous Wormwood book as well. Some ongoing characters have changed emotionally, devastated with what they have seen, and others have had their spiritual beliefs strengthened or shattered. Doctors and nurses caring for the patients are frustrated with the futility of it all. There is a horrific, very violent physical attack on one of the main characters. How can a non-contagious disease be spreading to other parts of the world? Will the mystery be resolved and will there be any further retribution for sinners? There are heartaches, despair, and new beginnings for some in this suspenseful and compelling story.
This powerful, thought-provoking mystery will have readers pondering moral, religious, spiritual values, and scientific beliefs alongside the characters in the story. This new book is a direct continuation of Helen C. Escott's first novel, Operation Wormwood, and examines the same medical condition and the characters introduced the first book. I feel that reading Operation Wormwood would make this novel more meaningful.
This is a disturbing and gripping read. The disease Wormwood, named after a passage in the Bible, refers to God punishing sinners. A local priest speaks of it as a present means by God to punish pedophiles and protect innocent children. This earns him notice and honour from the Vatican. Wormwood was first noticed in St. John's, Newfoundland and is now infecting 200,000 people across Canada. At the beginning of this book, it has spread into approximately 100 countries. The patients die in extreme pain and from massive blood loss.
The book follows the escalation of the disease. It centres around the police investigation, the medical personnel caring for the hospitalized patients, and the controversy within the Church from the perspectives of the local archbishop, priests and nuns. The main characters from the previous book play a major role. Although the disease is now in many countries worldwide, the story is set in the St. John's location.
It now appears the disease is mutating. One of the patients in the St. John's Hospital is the Minister of Health and another is a former child psychiatrist. They are both believed to belong to a pedophile ring, but their guilt and connection has yet to be proven. Two rapists of adult women now have succumbed to the disease. More startling and puzzling is a young, naive, childlike man, Joseph, who has never abused children but was severely mistreated himself by an adult. He is very ill. The two rapists and Joseph do not fit into the category of child abusers, and their disease is a mystery to everyone. Wormwood has somehow changed.
I cannot describe the ongoing characters from the past book or the new events. To do so might spoil not only Operation Wormwood: Retribution, but details from the previous Wormwood book as well. Some ongoing characters have changed emotionally, devastated with what they have seen, and others have had their spiritual beliefs strengthened or shattered. Doctors and nurses caring for the patients are frustrated with the futility of it all. There is a horrific, very violent physical attack on one of the main characters. How can a non-contagious disease be spreading to other parts of the world? Will the mystery be resolved and will there be any further retribution for sinners? There are heartaches, despair, and new beginnings for some in this suspenseful and compelling story.
December 27, 2021
Picking up the action where the series debut ended, Helen C. Escott delivers another stunning novel. Hitting on some disturbing themes with a medical twist right here in Canada, Escott will have the reader riveted throughout the experience as Operation Wormwood continues to baffle many in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as around the world. While Dr. Luke Gillespie is responsible for a unit treating a number of patients with ‘Wormwood’, a mysterious illness that seems only to target those with a past in pedophilia, he soon discovers that the criteria for sickness has expanded. Sergeant Nicholas Myra of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is feeling the pressure to bring an end to things and capture those responsible for heinous crimes, as well as determine how Wormwood is targeting them, not yet ready to believe this is a plague of God. While both men work mercilessly in their own way, others are lurking in the shadows and continue to cause havoc, creating new and unseen issues. Escott has outdone herself yet again with this piece and continues to bring a unique Canadian perspective.
After a series of mysterious symptoms brought many flocking to seek medical attention, Dr. Luke Gillespie discovered an odd commonality. All those with unstopping bleeding noses, bitter tastes in their mouths, and rapid deterioration have histories as pedophiles. What’s even more baffling is that it is not solely around St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, but rather across Canada and soon in all corners of the world. The hype has turned this into some ‘plague by God’, nicknamed Wormwood from a passage in the Bible. Whatever it is, Dr. Gillespie and his staff are completely baffled.
This extends to Sergeant Nicholas Myra of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, who must stop those who are committing the crimes, while also try to find the root of the illness, which must be trigger by someone or something. Myra’s stress is high and he’s put on leave after a clash with one of his superiors, only to continue working the case from home. Who is leaking list of known offenders and who are only those responsible getting sick?
Myra’s determination has earned him a number of enemies over the years, including those who have been under scrutiny as part of the Wormwood investigation. When someone he values becomes the target of retribution, Myra cannot handle the fallout and chooses to begin his own vendetta, all while trying to keep his team focussed on finding who might be responsible for the poisonings that lead to slow and painful deaths.
After some toxicology reports come back with a clue, it’s possible that there are a list of suspects close at hand, but it will take some great police work and determination not to tip their hands too soon. If it is not God who is bringing Wormwood to those who are vile, could his soldiers on earth be part of the process? If so, how? Myra and Gillespie will have to work together in their own way to find answers as the epidemic spreads, with a larger victim base. A chilling story that never slows throughout. Helen C. Escott knows what she’s doing and can keep the reader engrossed until the final page.
While Helen C. Escott asked me to read her first novel, which happened to be the debut in this series, I readily rushed to get the next one quickly. I could not get enough of the Canadian themes, great writing, and powerful plot twists that emerged throughout. This novel followed suit and kept me wanting to know more as I found myself devouring the story in short order. There is something about her writing that is honest, yet unique, which I soon discovered was partially because she writes based on real people and the experiences they have brought to her. While set in Canada’s easternmost province, the story can resonate for any reader and hold their attention with ease.
The Sergeant Nicholas Myra-Dr. Luke Gillespie dual protagonist role is back and continues to work effectively. These men are respective in their fields and work hard to couture to grips with what is taking place. Myra is riddled with stress and guilt, as well as being married to the job, which cost him his wife. Gillespie struggles with what he sees daily on the ward, baffled as to how targeted the outbreak appears to be. Both work tirelessly for answers, which come piecemeal and opens new doors along the way. Their development is quite different, but will surely prove intriguing to the attentive reader.
While never the most upbeat subject matter, I never said that I was one to flock towards sunny stories. Escott does well with a difficult subject, turning things on their head in the most baffling way. She weaves a tale of depravity and those who seek to rectify it, while added elements of mystery throughout. The narrative flowed really well, keeping the momentum going throughout the piece, while they lot took some interesting turns and left me wondering how things might resolve themselves by the end. With some tense moments and subject matter that left me feeling a tad awkward, Escott delivered and brought some needed resolution to the story she penned as the series debut. I hope others will read both books and come up with some views of their own, as I look for more Escott to whet my appetite for this type of writing.
Kudos, Madam Escott, for another winner. You don’t shy away from the tense parts of society, but deliver a balanced and well-paced story to allow readers to digest it all in stages.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
After a series of mysterious symptoms brought many flocking to seek medical attention, Dr. Luke Gillespie discovered an odd commonality. All those with unstopping bleeding noses, bitter tastes in their mouths, and rapid deterioration have histories as pedophiles. What’s even more baffling is that it is not solely around St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, but rather across Canada and soon in all corners of the world. The hype has turned this into some ‘plague by God’, nicknamed Wormwood from a passage in the Bible. Whatever it is, Dr. Gillespie and his staff are completely baffled.
This extends to Sergeant Nicholas Myra of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, who must stop those who are committing the crimes, while also try to find the root of the illness, which must be trigger by someone or something. Myra’s stress is high and he’s put on leave after a clash with one of his superiors, only to continue working the case from home. Who is leaking list of known offenders and who are only those responsible getting sick?
Myra’s determination has earned him a number of enemies over the years, including those who have been under scrutiny as part of the Wormwood investigation. When someone he values becomes the target of retribution, Myra cannot handle the fallout and chooses to begin his own vendetta, all while trying to keep his team focussed on finding who might be responsible for the poisonings that lead to slow and painful deaths.
After some toxicology reports come back with a clue, it’s possible that there are a list of suspects close at hand, but it will take some great police work and determination not to tip their hands too soon. If it is not God who is bringing Wormwood to those who are vile, could his soldiers on earth be part of the process? If so, how? Myra and Gillespie will have to work together in their own way to find answers as the epidemic spreads, with a larger victim base. A chilling story that never slows throughout. Helen C. Escott knows what she’s doing and can keep the reader engrossed until the final page.
While Helen C. Escott asked me to read her first novel, which happened to be the debut in this series, I readily rushed to get the next one quickly. I could not get enough of the Canadian themes, great writing, and powerful plot twists that emerged throughout. This novel followed suit and kept me wanting to know more as I found myself devouring the story in short order. There is something about her writing that is honest, yet unique, which I soon discovered was partially because she writes based on real people and the experiences they have brought to her. While set in Canada’s easternmost province, the story can resonate for any reader and hold their attention with ease.
The Sergeant Nicholas Myra-Dr. Luke Gillespie dual protagonist role is back and continues to work effectively. These men are respective in their fields and work hard to couture to grips with what is taking place. Myra is riddled with stress and guilt, as well as being married to the job, which cost him his wife. Gillespie struggles with what he sees daily on the ward, baffled as to how targeted the outbreak appears to be. Both work tirelessly for answers, which come piecemeal and opens new doors along the way. Their development is quite different, but will surely prove intriguing to the attentive reader.
While never the most upbeat subject matter, I never said that I was one to flock towards sunny stories. Escott does well with a difficult subject, turning things on their head in the most baffling way. She weaves a tale of depravity and those who seek to rectify it, while added elements of mystery throughout. The narrative flowed really well, keeping the momentum going throughout the piece, while they lot took some interesting turns and left me wondering how things might resolve themselves by the end. With some tense moments and subject matter that left me feeling a tad awkward, Escott delivered and brought some needed resolution to the story she penned as the series debut. I hope others will read both books and come up with some views of their own, as I look for more Escott to whet my appetite for this type of writing.
Kudos, Madam Escott, for another winner. You don’t shy away from the tense parts of society, but deliver a balanced and well-paced story to allow readers to digest it all in stages.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
March 30, 2022
Operation Wormwood: The Reckoning by Canadian author Helen C. Escott was an intense, fast-paced crime thriller. All my unanswered questions from her first book were cleverly answered and wrapped up nicely in this fascinating conclusion to her debut novel Operation Wormwood.
September 20, 2020
The dynamite conclusion to the acclaimed novel “Operation Wormwood”, Helen C. Escott’s “Operation Wormwood: The Reckoning” will have your stomach in knots from start to finish. Escott has crafted an absolute masterpiece in this book. It is at times a very gut-wrenching read – characters are put through the wringer and we follow them as they struggle through some of the most difficult moments, and during the lowest points, of their lives. But it is the mark of a seasoned and talented writer such as Escott, that one is able to stir such strong emotions in their readers.
Murder, mystery, intrigue; not just a thriller. It is a no holds barred rollercoaster that takes you along for the ride and makes no apologies. You will not be able to put it down. I took this book everywhere with me and if I had 5 minutes waiting in the car, I was turning pages as fast as I could. It digs in its claws, and will not let you go. It’s not just a want but a NEED to find out what happens next. I have read a lot of sequels in my time and this ranks very high up there with my favorite conclusions ever.
In her acknowledgements, Escott states that this book is meant to shine a light on the sexual abuse of men, women and children. She says “We have become numb to it. We do not want to hear about it because it is sickening. This is exactly how pedophiles want you to feel, to look away, to not want to hear. That is how they get away with it.” She ends by saying, “Do not be afraid to stand up.” Helen C. Escott is shouting it from the rooftops with “Operation Wormwood” and “The Reckoning.” It is now up to us to carry on the call.
Murder, mystery, intrigue; not just a thriller. It is a no holds barred rollercoaster that takes you along for the ride and makes no apologies. You will not be able to put it down. I took this book everywhere with me and if I had 5 minutes waiting in the car, I was turning pages as fast as I could. It digs in its claws, and will not let you go. It’s not just a want but a NEED to find out what happens next. I have read a lot of sequels in my time and this ranks very high up there with my favorite conclusions ever.
In her acknowledgements, Escott states that this book is meant to shine a light on the sexual abuse of men, women and children. She says “We have become numb to it. We do not want to hear about it because it is sickening. This is exactly how pedophiles want you to feel, to look away, to not want to hear. That is how they get away with it.” She ends by saying, “Do not be afraid to stand up.” Helen C. Escott is shouting it from the rooftops with “Operation Wormwood” and “The Reckoning.” It is now up to us to carry on the call.
November 9, 2020
Another awesome book by this author! Totally enjoyed it!
September 28, 2023
This was exactly what I needed after finishing the first novel: Operation Wormwood. I really felt like I knew the characters, felt an emotional connection, some I just wanted to hug, others made me furious to even read about.. Fantastic addition that we all needed!!!
January 4, 2021
I loved this book! Definitely one of my favourites now. Beautifully written with a fascinating storyline that touches many dark and important topics. I only put it down when I had no choice, I could have read it in one sitting if I didn’t have any other responsibilities. I honestly didn’t know for sure who was responsible for Wormwood until the very end, and even now I think I have even more questions. The only thing that I wish was different about the plot would be the story line with Sgt. Myra getting back together with his ex-wife, I was rooting for him and Agatha to end up together but that’s a minor detail.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2023
This is an excessively well written book. It has intrigue, a few horrifying moments, you will experience rage, anger, anguish, hope, and a couple jaw-dropping moments.
If you are domestic violence survivors, a sexual assault survivor ( as a child or adult), there are moments in the books that may trigger memories, intense rage of emotions, and hope that justice wins.
Keep in mind that this is part 2 or operation wormwood. I read them one after the other instead of the published order.
Edit:
This is part 2 of operation wormwood. I read it right after part 1 instead of reading by publishing date.
The author once again tapped into everything that a reader needs to feel enveloped into the story so that you almost forget you are just reading what the characters are witnessing, experiencing, and struggling through.
There are moments in the book that, if you have been through trauma, it may trigger you, stop and take a break if you need to, but finish the story. Work through what they are discovering, the enormous stress, anguish, rage, feeling helpless, and internal conflict of if you were in Myra position, what choices would you make.. the same or different.
The author has details in scenes that are there for you to pay attention to. Every person is essential in the story.
It is well balanced and emotional, a couple of topics that will have you wondering what you would have done from the perspective of the individual characters.
It also showed that depending on who controls the nararrative:
Police
Politicians
Medical staff
Victims
The abusers
surviving family members
The clergy or
those in the shadows or in the margins of society.
Who you loath, love, wish you could help, those whom you just don't usually pay attention to.
If you are domestic violence survivors, a sexual assault survivor ( as a child or adult), there are moments in the books that may trigger memories, intense rage of emotions, and hope that justice wins.
Keep in mind that this is part 2 or operation wormwood. I read them one after the other instead of the published order.
Edit:
This is part 2 of operation wormwood. I read it right after part 1 instead of reading by publishing date.
The author once again tapped into everything that a reader needs to feel enveloped into the story so that you almost forget you are just reading what the characters are witnessing, experiencing, and struggling through.
There are moments in the book that, if you have been through trauma, it may trigger you, stop and take a break if you need to, but finish the story. Work through what they are discovering, the enormous stress, anguish, rage, feeling helpless, and internal conflict of if you were in Myra position, what choices would you make.. the same or different.
The author has details in scenes that are there for you to pay attention to. Every person is essential in the story.
It is well balanced and emotional, a couple of topics that will have you wondering what you would have done from the perspective of the individual characters.
It also showed that depending on who controls the nararrative:
Police
Politicians
Medical staff
Victims
The abusers
surviving family members
The clergy or
those in the shadows or in the margins of society.
Who you loath, love, wish you could help, those whom you just don't usually pay attention to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2023
Helen, you’ve done it again! I absolutely loved this series. Aaand.. is it finished? Lol
With Helen’s communication background, her obvious dedication to religion, working with the police, and the fact that her husband is a retired police officer, she was the perfect fit to write something like this and she didn’t disappoint.
It was interesting to see her approach in intertwining the church and it’s issues, the police and their thoughts and struggles, and how it all unfolds. It’s shows she has deep knowledge of both topics and is passionate about expressing them and bringing them into these books.
I will leave it at that as to not discuss and spoilers. Helen, you are very talented. Please don't stop and thank you.
With Helen’s communication background, her obvious dedication to religion, working with the police, and the fact that her husband is a retired police officer, she was the perfect fit to write something like this and she didn’t disappoint.
It was interesting to see her approach in intertwining the church and it’s issues, the police and their thoughts and struggles, and how it all unfolds. It’s shows she has deep knowledge of both topics and is passionate about expressing them and bringing them into these books.
I will leave it at that as to not discuss and spoilers. Helen, you are very talented. Please don't stop and thank you.
March 7, 2021
Great follow up to this story! Couldn’t put it down. Found myself connecting to the characters quite easily. I’m happy for Myra’s happy ending but have to admit I was rooting for him & Agatha. The Macy/Maria plot line would’ve worked with Agatha but would probably have been a lot more disturbing as she would’ve recognized his smell immediately & was directly involved with the case.
Either way, 5/5 definitely recommend! Deals with some heavy hitting but very real subjects that nobody likes to talk about. You’ll find yourself rooting for the “killer”
Oh, and the world could use more priests like Father Peter Cooke 💞
Either way, 5/5 definitely recommend! Deals with some heavy hitting but very real subjects that nobody likes to talk about. You’ll find yourself rooting for the “killer”
Oh, and the world could use more priests like Father Peter Cooke 💞
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2022
AS a reader you love being able to pick up a book and have your favorite characters back in front of you. This book doe snot fail. It picks up right where the first book picked up and you see the full circle of this story with twists and turns right up tp the end. It is yet another piece of great work that you can not put down.
I also love how it also ties in characters from the second book that will lead the reader straight in to the forth in this gripping series. There is not a line or chapter that is not needed in this book the writer makes every word count.
A must read.
I also love how it also ties in characters from the second book that will lead the reader straight in to the forth in this gripping series. There is not a line or chapter that is not needed in this book the writer makes every word count.
A must read.
February 16, 2023
JUST finished this book. It did not disappoint. What I like about Operation Wormwood books the most...is the storyline is real. There is no happily ever after, some cases will get closures but like life itself, there are "incompletes"... Helen thank you for these wonderful books. I have Operation Vanished next on my agenda to read, looking forward to many cups of tea, my wood burning stove and Helen to entertain me....
September 22, 2022
Much better than the prequel. It almost seems like it was written by a different person. The book reads well, has a number of plot twists, and keeps you guessing. It’s a page turner. Unfortunately, you have to slog through the first book or this one won’t make a lot of sense.
July 27, 2025
The fast paced conclusion to the original Operation Wormwood. I really love the authors concise writing style that isn’t bogged down with unnecessary prose. Concise and to the point. Highly recommend this author (and for my Regina friends the Regina Public Library now has all 5 of her books).
September 23, 2020
A great conclusion to Operation Wormwood!
January 6, 2021
I loved the book. It brought me back to the place where I grew up. I would give it a fifth star if it wasn't for a few typos I found. Disappointed that the editor didn't pick up on them.
December 5, 2022
Another wow
April 26, 2023
Plague, or not?
October 29, 2024
Excellent series so far!
October 24, 2025
Great read. Interesting
December 9, 2025
Enjoyed more than the 1st!
August 9, 2024
I have read all of the books in this series. Very well written and enjoyed each one immensely. Love to support Canadian authors.
March 23, 2022
Great book. Once I started I couldn’t put it down. Keeps you guessing for sure.
January 5, 2023
Another excellent story from the author, and an intriguing resolution to the crime that began in the first book, Operation Wormwood. I also enjoyed spending time with the same main characters again.
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