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Rockwell and Decker #1
Watch Her Vanish
The beam from the lighthouse slices through the dawn sky as she runs down the rocky stairway to the beach. She tries to take it all in—the waves crashing against the cliffs, the whip of salt grass in the wind—before finally dragging her eyes down to the innocent girl’s blonde hair, strewn across the bottom step like seaweed…
Returning home to Fog Harbor, California, to be closer to her little sister, Olivia Rockwell is struggling to adjust to life in a town so small she can hardly breathe. That is, until the sound of a scream leads her to the body of a local teacher in the shallows nearby. All the evidence points to Olivia’s most threatening criminal psychology patient, Drake, who is safely locked up behind bars…
Convinced of Drake’s innocence—and desperate to believe in the system that’s keeping her murderer father in prison and away from her sister—Olivia gets to work on her own suspect list. All her life she’s run towards trouble, but this time she’s treading on the toes of Detective Will Decker, whose past mistakes mean this case is his last chance to make amends.
Then a second woman’s body is discovered, strangled while out on an evening jog. The strip of blue material used to choke her implicates Drake once again, forcing Will to admit he needs Olivia’s special talent for understanding the minds of killers. It’s clear more innocent women will die if they don’t get one step ahead of the murders, and Olivia knows she will need her estranged father’s help to get close to Drake.
But when Olivia’s profile leads them to believe Drake could be masterminding murders from within the prison walls, a message written on a scrap of paper found in the latest victim’s car leads them to a terrifying realization: Olivia’s little sister will be next…
Returning home to Fog Harbor, California, to be closer to her little sister, Olivia Rockwell is struggling to adjust to life in a town so small she can hardly breathe. That is, until the sound of a scream leads her to the body of a local teacher in the shallows nearby. All the evidence points to Olivia’s most threatening criminal psychology patient, Drake, who is safely locked up behind bars…
Convinced of Drake’s innocence—and desperate to believe in the system that’s keeping her murderer father in prison and away from her sister—Olivia gets to work on her own suspect list. All her life she’s run towards trouble, but this time she’s treading on the toes of Detective Will Decker, whose past mistakes mean this case is his last chance to make amends.
Then a second woman’s body is discovered, strangled while out on an evening jog. The strip of blue material used to choke her implicates Drake once again, forcing Will to admit he needs Olivia’s special talent for understanding the minds of killers. It’s clear more innocent women will die if they don’t get one step ahead of the murders, and Olivia knows she will need her estranged father’s help to get close to Drake.
But when Olivia’s profile leads them to believe Drake could be masterminding murders from within the prison walls, a message written on a scrap of paper found in the latest victim’s car leads them to a terrifying realization: Olivia’s little sister will be next…
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2020
1746 people are currently reading
4129 people want to read
About the author
Ellery A. Kane
17 books442 followersForensic psychologist by day, novelist by night, Ellery Kane has been writing--professionally and creatively--for as long as she can remember. Just like many of her main characters, Ellery loves to ask why, which is the reason she became a psychologist in the first place. Real life really is stranger than fiction, and Ellery's writing is often inspired by her day job. Evaluating violent criminals and treating trauma victims, she has gained a unique perspective on the past and its indelible influence on the individual. And she's heard her fair share of real life thrillers.
Ellery lives in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, a picturesque setting that provides the backdrop for many of her novels. If you don't find Ellery interviewing murderers behind prison walls or pecking away at her latest novel, she is probably at the gym landing a solid jab-cross to a punching bag; riding bicycles with her special someone; or enjoying a movie the old-fashioned way--at the theater with popcorn and Milk Duds.
Ellery was previously selected as one of ten semifinalists in the MasterClass James Patterson Co-Author Competition and is the author of the Doctors of Darkness, Rockwell and Decker, and Legacy Series, with two standalone thrillers from Bookouture coming in 2022.
If you'd like to receive a notification when new books are released, please sign up for Ellery's newsletter at ellerykane.com. Ellery also signs e-books on authorgraph.com.
Ellery lives in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, a picturesque setting that provides the backdrop for many of her novels. If you don't find Ellery interviewing murderers behind prison walls or pecking away at her latest novel, she is probably at the gym landing a solid jab-cross to a punching bag; riding bicycles with her special someone; or enjoying a movie the old-fashioned way--at the theater with popcorn and Milk Duds.
Ellery was previously selected as one of ten semifinalists in the MasterClass James Patterson Co-Author Competition and is the author of the Doctors of Darkness, Rockwell and Decker, and Legacy Series, with two standalone thrillers from Bookouture coming in 2022.
If you'd like to receive a notification when new books are released, please sign up for Ellery's newsletter at ellerykane.com. Ellery also signs e-books on authorgraph.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
August 21, 2020
WATCH HER VANISH by Ellery A. Kane is a crime thriller and the first book in the new Rockwell and Decker series. It is also the first book that I have read by this author. Olivia Rockwell is the head psychologist at the local prison and one of her most violent patients is implicated in the murder of a missing teacher. How is this possible? He is in prison. Is he guilty? Is someone setting him up as the culprit?
Olivia as well as lead detective, Will Decker, took a while to get to know, but they were definitely characters you could root for. Their motivations and actions seemed believable. The secondary characters were a mix of good and bad. They enhanced the story and the relationships seemed believable. The plot was complex with multiple story lines. The author also did a good job of interspersing some humor. Themes include family, trauma, secrets, violence, murder and much more. While the main story lines are resolved, there are several threads that can be developed in future books in the series.
Overall, this was a fast-paced read that had high stakes and some unusual plot twists. If you are a fan of crime thrillers, then you may want to check this one out. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as well as checking out other books by this author.
Bookouture and Ellery A. Kane provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review and opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Olivia as well as lead detective, Will Decker, took a while to get to know, but they were definitely characters you could root for. Their motivations and actions seemed believable. The secondary characters were a mix of good and bad. They enhanced the story and the relationships seemed believable. The plot was complex with multiple story lines. The author also did a good job of interspersing some humor. Themes include family, trauma, secrets, violence, murder and much more. While the main story lines are resolved, there are several threads that can be developed in future books in the series.
Overall, this was a fast-paced read that had high stakes and some unusual plot twists. If you are a fan of crime thrillers, then you may want to check this one out. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as well as checking out other books by this author.
Bookouture and Ellery A. Kane provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review and opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
February 3, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand it was a very suspenseful psychological thriller and on the other hand I found the main characters had somewhat cliched flaws, as was their love/hate relationship.
Prison psychologist Olivia Rockwell's most dangerous and volatile patient is serial killer Drake Devere. As well as being sinister and totally creepy he is very intelligent and loves to play mind games with her and the other prisoners. He's also written a book about a serial killer in prison who's able to kill women on the outside. When murders of women employed by the prison occur in the local town, Drake becomes the number one suspect, although there is no evidence that he is able to get out of the prison.
While the plot makes for an unusual setting and suspect, I struggled to like the two main characters, Olivia and Detective Will Decker. Both have tortured pasts and trust issues which I found a bit too stereotyptical of this genre. Their love/hate relationship, where they can't stop thinking about each other but then snipe at each other when they meet, also had them acting like teenagers rather than mature adults. In fact none of the characters seemed 'normal' as they all had some sort of issue. The local cop, Graham Bauer, was particularly vile with his possessiveness of Olivia and his sexist comments that no one seemed to jump on. Likewise the prison guard in the psychology unit nicknamed Handsy Hank. So overall, points for a good plot and a creepy suspect but points off for too much cliched angst in the main characters. Unlike some other readers, I also didn't mind the unusual cliff hanger ending signalling a sequel to follow up unfinished business, although my dislike of the characters means that I probably won’t read it. 3.5★
With thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a digital arc to read
Prison psychologist Olivia Rockwell's most dangerous and volatile patient is serial killer Drake Devere. As well as being sinister and totally creepy he is very intelligent and loves to play mind games with her and the other prisoners. He's also written a book about a serial killer in prison who's able to kill women on the outside. When murders of women employed by the prison occur in the local town, Drake becomes the number one suspect, although there is no evidence that he is able to get out of the prison.
While the plot makes for an unusual setting and suspect, I struggled to like the two main characters, Olivia and Detective Will Decker. Both have tortured pasts and trust issues which I found a bit too stereotyptical of this genre. Their love/hate relationship, where they can't stop thinking about each other but then snipe at each other when they meet, also had them acting like teenagers rather than mature adults. In fact none of the characters seemed 'normal' as they all had some sort of issue. The local cop, Graham Bauer, was particularly vile with his possessiveness of Olivia and his sexist comments that no one seemed to jump on. Likewise the prison guard in the psychology unit nicknamed Handsy Hank. So overall, points for a good plot and a creepy suspect but points off for too much cliched angst in the main characters. Unlike some other readers, I also didn't mind the unusual cliff hanger ending signalling a sequel to follow up unfinished business, although my dislike of the characters means that I probably won’t read it. 3.5★
With thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a digital arc to read
September 14, 2021
Well this was a dark sometimes gruesome brutal prose that i thoroughly enjoyed it was a compelling fast paced Plot that once i started i could not put down.
Olivia Rockwell was a chief child psychologist who worked in Crescent Bay State Prison its a tough demanding job where only the hardened criminals are kept, but a series of murders are going on the main suspect Drake DeVere is accused of the crime but DID HE ACTUALLY DO IT?
He is very intelligent & controls people like puppets on a string, Olivia & will Decker come together to find the serial Killer & will stop at nothing to find out the truth.
When Olivia's younger sister goes missing Olivia fears her sister Emily is going to be the next Victim, bike forms in her throat Will this be a happy ending or does Emily meet the same fate.
I know this took me a while to read but this was a creepy somewhat disturbing read about how a Psychologist looks into a psychopaths mind i did love Olivia & will both had baggage to deal with i loved the banter between the two & the love hate relationship between them this was a strong start to a new series & am looking forward to see how Olivia & wills characters develop this is the first in the series already downloaded book 2.
Olivia Rockwell was a chief child psychologist who worked in Crescent Bay State Prison its a tough demanding job where only the hardened criminals are kept, but a series of murders are going on the main suspect Drake DeVere is accused of the crime but DID HE ACTUALLY DO IT?
He is very intelligent & controls people like puppets on a string, Olivia & will Decker come together to find the serial Killer & will stop at nothing to find out the truth.
When Olivia's younger sister goes missing Olivia fears her sister Emily is going to be the next Victim, bike forms in her throat Will this be a happy ending or does Emily meet the same fate.
I know this took me a while to read but this was a creepy somewhat disturbing read about how a Psychologist looks into a psychopaths mind i did love Olivia & will both had baggage to deal with i loved the banter between the two & the love hate relationship between them this was a strong start to a new series & am looking forward to see how Olivia & wills characters develop this is the first in the series already downloaded book 2.
September 12, 2020
I enjoyed this rather unsettling book. Psychologist Olivia Rockwell returned to Fog Harbour, California, two years ago to keep an eye on her much younger sister, Emily. She heads up the Mental Health Unit at the Crescent Bay State Prison (CBSP). Detective Will Decker (Deck) moved to Fog Harbour from the SFPD to reset his career. Both have skeletons in their closets. So when someone starts killing women who work at the prison these two get a bit antsy.
The first to die is Bonnie McMillan who turns up dead virtually at her own memorial service after she has been missing for a few days. She has been strangled. Then the body of Laura Ricci, the CBSP kitchen supervisor is found similarly killed. The very limited evidence points back to the prison and the rumour mill points to Drake Devere. Devere is a serial killer of five women who can nevertheless be quite charming. He has also written a fictional best seller about, unsurprisingly, a serial killer, presumably modelled upon himself. He knew both the dead women. But how can a prisoner in a maximum security facility get out there and kill people?
When yet another female prison worker and Emily’s good friend goes missing the rumour mill goes wild and the names of suspects get bandied around wildly. By this point the tension is as thick as the fog that settles over the aptly named Fog Harbour. Nobody knows who to trust. Deck is working as hard as he can but he is convinced something smells fishy in this whole set-up. Olivia is also determined to find the truth and when Deck won’t go along with her wild schemes she goes rogue.
This book gets more and more unsettling as it races towards an explosive conclusion that I didn’t see coming until it was almost upon me. It could have been a five star read but the early chapters were, not slow but a little hard to follow with information and characters thrown at you rapidly. Once that settled down and I worked what was what and who was who it surpassed my expectations with clever plotting and a diabolical plot. This will appeal to anyone who enjoys a thriller, psychological thriller or mystery story. Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Ellery Kane for my review copy. My opinions are my own. I think there will be at least one sequel are there is at least one loose end.
The first to die is Bonnie McMillan who turns up dead virtually at her own memorial service after she has been missing for a few days. She has been strangled. Then the body of Laura Ricci, the CBSP kitchen supervisor is found similarly killed. The very limited evidence points back to the prison and the rumour mill points to Drake Devere. Devere is a serial killer of five women who can nevertheless be quite charming. He has also written a fictional best seller about, unsurprisingly, a serial killer, presumably modelled upon himself. He knew both the dead women. But how can a prisoner in a maximum security facility get out there and kill people?
When yet another female prison worker and Emily’s good friend goes missing the rumour mill goes wild and the names of suspects get bandied around wildly. By this point the tension is as thick as the fog that settles over the aptly named Fog Harbour. Nobody knows who to trust. Deck is working as hard as he can but he is convinced something smells fishy in this whole set-up. Olivia is also determined to find the truth and when Deck won’t go along with her wild schemes she goes rogue.
This book gets more and more unsettling as it races towards an explosive conclusion that I didn’t see coming until it was almost upon me. It could have been a five star read but the early chapters were, not slow but a little hard to follow with information and characters thrown at you rapidly. Once that settled down and I worked what was what and who was who it surpassed my expectations with clever plotting and a diabolical plot. This will appeal to anyone who enjoys a thriller, psychological thriller or mystery story. Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Ellery Kane for my review copy. My opinions are my own. I think there will be at least one sequel are there is at least one loose end.
August 25, 2020
Watch Her Vanish is the first book in the Decker and Rockwell series. Set in California, Olivia Rockwell, the chief psychologist at Crescent Bay Prison, is forced to work with police detective Will Decker to solve a series of murders. The victims of these murders are all women -- all of them were employees at Crescent Bay Prison.
Somewhat of a "whodunnit" mystery, Watch Her Vanish approaches the classic "whodunnit" from a different angle. The evidence gathered at the crime scenes all lead to the same suspect -- a suspect that is already incarcerated at Crescent Bay Prison. How can that be?
Watch Her Vanish is the first book that I've read from the author, Ellery Kane and I liked it. While I am a fan of mysteries, I am not that fond of cliffhangers, which is how this novel ended. I would have preferred that the crime be solved and new crime be introduced in the following installment, with the same cast of characters.
I rated it 3 stars (liked it.) However, for those readers that enjoy or don't mind cliffhanger endings, this novel will not disappoint.
I received a digital ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Somewhat of a "whodunnit" mystery, Watch Her Vanish approaches the classic "whodunnit" from a different angle. The evidence gathered at the crime scenes all lead to the same suspect -- a suspect that is already incarcerated at Crescent Bay Prison. How can that be?
Watch Her Vanish is the first book that I've read from the author, Ellery Kane and I liked it. While I am a fan of mysteries, I am not that fond of cliffhangers, which is how this novel ended. I would have preferred that the crime be solved and new crime be introduced in the following installment, with the same cast of characters.
I rated it 3 stars (liked it.) However, for those readers that enjoy or don't mind cliffhanger endings, this novel will not disappoint.
I received a digital ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Read
October 13, 2020**Did Not Finish**
As a lover of books, and especially thrillers, it's painful for me to make the decision that a book just isn't for me and give up on it. This one has several of the right ingredients for a good thriller: murders; atmospheric setting; troubled protagonists. But none of those have interested me enough to keep on reading past what I found annoying:
Clumsy writing: as if the author is working too hard to be original: For example: "In the scrutinous glare of his headlights..." That one threw me right out of the story. Is there such a word as 'scrutinous?'
Stereotypical, rigid characters: professionals with troubled pasts they haven't worked through: 'That's the thing about the past. You can hang up, but it always calls back.' The hints about these backstories are befuddling at times. And Rockwell and Decker have one of those annoying love/hate relationships that you know is going to end in bed, so get on with it already!
But the clincher to stop reading came when I read in other reviews that the mystery does not reach a conclusion in this book but carries on to the next in the series...No! Save the cliffhangers for the plot of a TV series, please.
I received an arc from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Sorry it just wasn't my cup of tea.
As a lover of books, and especially thrillers, it's painful for me to make the decision that a book just isn't for me and give up on it. This one has several of the right ingredients for a good thriller: murders; atmospheric setting; troubled protagonists. But none of those have interested me enough to keep on reading past what I found annoying:
Clumsy writing: as if the author is working too hard to be original: For example: "In the scrutinous glare of his headlights..." That one threw me right out of the story. Is there such a word as 'scrutinous?'
Stereotypical, rigid characters: professionals with troubled pasts they haven't worked through: 'That's the thing about the past. You can hang up, but it always calls back.' The hints about these backstories are befuddling at times. And Rockwell and Decker have one of those annoying love/hate relationships that you know is going to end in bed, so get on with it already!
But the clincher to stop reading came when I read in other reviews that the mystery does not reach a conclusion in this book but carries on to the next in the series...No! Save the cliffhangers for the plot of a TV series, please.
I received an arc from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Sorry it just wasn't my cup of tea.
September 4, 2020
Watch Her Vanish by Ellery Kane
1st book in new series and it starts off with a scream! Excellent storyline, characters are well fleshed out and you come to know them and their weaknesses and strengths, this book was a fast read and kept my interest all the way through. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a good mystery that grabs ahold and keeps you reading till the end! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this book and letting me leave my opinion!!
1st book in new series and it starts off with a scream! Excellent storyline, characters are well fleshed out and you come to know them and their weaknesses and strengths, this book was a fast read and kept my interest all the way through. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a good mystery that grabs ahold and keeps you reading till the end! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this book and letting me leave my opinion!!
October 14, 2020
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.This was my first time reading this author, and I am sure it will not be my last. I am always on the lookout for thrillers/mysteries which will keep me guessing and have me on the edge of my seat. Watch Her Vanish, the first book in the Rockwell and Decker series, delivered all that and more.
Criminal Psychologist Olivia Rockwell returned home to Fog Harbour after going through a bitter divorce. She lives with her sister in their family home and works at the Rockwell Maximum Security Prison. Despite being haunted by secrets from her past, she proved to be resilient. While at a vigil for a woman who had gone missing, she heard a scream. She ran towards the sound with no concerns for crime scene protocols and in process angered Detective William Decker who was part of the investigative team.
The author weaved a captivating story filled with suspense, mystery, humour and sexual chemistry. She did an excellent job in her creation of the suspect pool. I had my suspicions as it relates to the perpetrator and I was partially right, but it amazed me to discover who else was involved.
The story featured well-developed characters from the primary to the secondary ones. Will’s partner JB brought humour to the story and had me laughing despite the seriousness of the case.
I didn’t like the route taken as it relates to the attraction between Will and Olivia. The push and pull became tiresome after a while. Hopefully, as the series progress, they will get it right.
The story ended in an unexpected manner. I wouldn’t call it a cliff-hanger, but it’s clear there are a lot of loose ends leaving the reader with several questions.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Watch Her Vanish is a wonderful start to what promises to be an exciting series. Fans of mystery, suspense, and crime thrillers would enjoy this latest offering from Kane.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Criminal Psychologist Olivia Rockwell returned home to Fog Harbour after going through a bitter divorce. She lives with her sister in their family home and works at the Rockwell Maximum Security Prison. Despite being haunted by secrets from her past, she proved to be resilient. While at a vigil for a woman who had gone missing, she heard a scream. She ran towards the sound with no concerns for crime scene protocols and in process angered Detective William Decker who was part of the investigative team.
The author weaved a captivating story filled with suspense, mystery, humour and sexual chemistry. She did an excellent job in her creation of the suspect pool. I had my suspicions as it relates to the perpetrator and I was partially right, but it amazed me to discover who else was involved.
The story featured well-developed characters from the primary to the secondary ones. Will’s partner JB brought humour to the story and had me laughing despite the seriousness of the case.
I didn’t like the route taken as it relates to the attraction between Will and Olivia. The push and pull became tiresome after a while. Hopefully, as the series progress, they will get it right.
The story ended in an unexpected manner. I wouldn’t call it a cliff-hanger, but it’s clear there are a lot of loose ends leaving the reader with several questions.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Watch Her Vanish is a wonderful start to what promises to be an exciting series. Fans of mystery, suspense, and crime thrillers would enjoy this latest offering from Kane.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
October 12, 2020
Rockwell is a prison psychiatrist and Decker is a local detective. Together they work to solve a string of murders surrounding the local prison. Both Rockwell and Decker have a loved one in another prison and both have a lot to lose if they cannot keep their private lives separate from the current case - of course that isn't likely to happen.
I'm not sure why I didn't connect to this particular book, the characters, the plot but I didn't at all. I really didn't care for the prison scenes but usually that isn't something I shy away from. I simply never became emotionally invested enough in any of the characters to care.
I'm not sure why I didn't connect to this particular book, the characters, the plot but I didn't at all. I really didn't care for the prison scenes but usually that isn't something I shy away from. I simply never became emotionally invested enough in any of the characters to care.
July 3, 2021
Bonnie never made it home one night .. and her body was found in the shallows nearby. By all accounts Bonnie was a wonderful woman, married, had great kids. She was a teacher that her students adored. Someone close to her knew she would be driving home alone that night.
And then another woman is found, her tortured body leaning against a redwood tree.
The victims knew each other .. they also knew the killer. More women will die.
Olivia Rockwell, Chief Psychologist at the Crescent Bay Prison, working with Detective Will Decker, they discover that the victims were all employees at the prison.
The manner of the murders are similar to the methods used by one of her prisoners Drake, but he is behind bars. Is he guilty or is it a copycat?
From the very first page, the suspense intensifies and maintains a high level that leads to an unexpected, surprising conclusion. The characters are solidly drawn and I enjoyed how Olivia and Will interact with each other. This is the first of a new series ... looks like it's going to be an exciting one.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 15, 2020
Decker and Rockwell come together to resolve the case, and before more bodies show up.
The murder takes place in Crescent Bay prison. It is not a straightforward job to work in a prison. It puts pressure and; the job needs also need patience and are taxed, on the mind.
Olivia Rockwell is a Stanford graduate and has worked with the FBI. As the coroner, Chet describes her “she is a big deal”. Olivia has created a wall around to protect herself and her sister, Emily. She also works in the same prison. Olivia keeps her childhood and family history a secret. She is a strong woman and is cordial with her fellow employees. Yet, the readers will find her detached.
Det. Decker complemented Olivia. He does not have much company other than his orange tabby cat, Cy. After work, back at home, he talks and shares his thoughts with Cy.
The narrative is set in Fog Harbour city, a small town in California. It has the Crescent Bay prison
which houses the notorious criminals. Handling and being in such a job can be heavy on the psyche.
The author has done excellent research given most of the scenes are written in jail. The author did an admirable job while describing the prison, or people and their feelings. She abreast with the central theme of the book. The readers can enjoy it in her writing.
The ending of the book takes the reader by surprise. The book edged on a few usual cliches, but the author with subtlety avoided them. The pace is apt and becomes the edge of a thriller towards the ending.
Even though Olivia and Decker are portrayed as intelligent people, but, there were times the reader might see them making irrational decisions.
Overall, Watch her Vanish is a good police procedural and its ending suggests the reader will enjoy more of these books. Recommended for crime fiction fans.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for the copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
The murder takes place in Crescent Bay prison. It is not a straightforward job to work in a prison. It puts pressure and; the job needs also need patience and are taxed, on the mind.
Olivia Rockwell is a Stanford graduate and has worked with the FBI. As the coroner, Chet describes her “she is a big deal”. Olivia has created a wall around to protect herself and her sister, Emily. She also works in the same prison. Olivia keeps her childhood and family history a secret. She is a strong woman and is cordial with her fellow employees. Yet, the readers will find her detached.
Det. Decker complemented Olivia. He does not have much company other than his orange tabby cat, Cy. After work, back at home, he talks and shares his thoughts with Cy.
The narrative is set in Fog Harbour city, a small town in California. It has the Crescent Bay prison
which houses the notorious criminals. Handling and being in such a job can be heavy on the psyche.
The author has done excellent research given most of the scenes are written in jail. The author did an admirable job while describing the prison, or people and their feelings. She abreast with the central theme of the book. The readers can enjoy it in her writing.
The ending of the book takes the reader by surprise. The book edged on a few usual cliches, but the author with subtlety avoided them. The pace is apt and becomes the edge of a thriller towards the ending.
Even though Olivia and Decker are portrayed as intelligent people, but, there were times the reader might see them making irrational decisions.
Overall, Watch her Vanish is a good police procedural and its ending suggests the reader will enjoy more of these books. Recommended for crime fiction fans.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for the copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
October 9, 2020
Welcome to Fog Harbor, California, where the primary employer is Rockwell Prison, a maximum security penitentiary.
Criminal Psychologist Olivia Rockwell lives with her sister in their family home and both work at the prison. The two have baggage and secrets, but I liked Olivia and found her to be a strong character.
When a missing woman turns up dead, it shakes the small town. Detective Will Decker and his partner are assigned to work the case. When another body turns up, it looks like they may have a serial killer on their hands.
From the initial back-and-forth banter between Olivia and Will, we witness a spark. The two traded barbs and Will eventually seeks her out for assistance on the case, allowing them to interact more.
This was an interesting case, and the author did a wonderful job of making connections and casting doubt. She wove the characters past and present into the cases while weaving in the prison and its inmates. It was intriguing and kept me guessing.
The tale isn’t overly gruesome or heavy on police procedures, but we gain enough insight to paint a gruesome picture. The profiling was fascinating and showcased the author’s background.
Secondary characters from partners to family members were developed and added to the story. They brought humor, worry, and more. I loved Will’s partner. The man made me laugh and offered light against the dark investigation.
We see a relationship develop between Olivia and Will, one I think will grow over the course of the series. It was a nice side dish to the murder mystery.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Criminal Psychologist Olivia Rockwell lives with her sister in their family home and both work at the prison. The two have baggage and secrets, but I liked Olivia and found her to be a strong character.
When a missing woman turns up dead, it shakes the small town. Detective Will Decker and his partner are assigned to work the case. When another body turns up, it looks like they may have a serial killer on their hands.
From the initial back-and-forth banter between Olivia and Will, we witness a spark. The two traded barbs and Will eventually seeks her out for assistance on the case, allowing them to interact more.
This was an interesting case, and the author did a wonderful job of making connections and casting doubt. She wove the characters past and present into the cases while weaving in the prison and its inmates. It was intriguing and kept me guessing.
The tale isn’t overly gruesome or heavy on police procedures, but we gain enough insight to paint a gruesome picture. The profiling was fascinating and showcased the author’s background.
Secondary characters from partners to family members were developed and added to the story. They brought humor, worry, and more. I loved Will’s partner. The man made me laugh and offered light against the dark investigation.
We see a relationship develop between Olivia and Will, one I think will grow over the course of the series. It was a nice side dish to the murder mystery.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
August 22, 2020
I was a little let down by this one. Parts are so cliched -- the detective is tough, handsome and rugged, with a painful past. He's instantly attracted to the female lead, a beautiful, smart psychologist who has her own painful past, but he also instantly bristles to her. They do the old "love 'em, hate 'em" thing where they both rankle each other and everybody knows they're smitten. She's strong except in his arms. All that.
The main story is that women who work for a prison keep ending up dead, and the main suspects either work in the prison or (for the biggest suspect) are in the prison. It's an atmospheric novel set in a small coastal town surrounded by forest. There's lots of back story for both main characters, and it's kind of annoying in that you don't know what's going on and it's supposed to make you wonder but it just made me feel like I've walked in halfway through a book.
I guessed most of the whodunnit part right from the beginning. I found it very predictable. Another part of the whodunnit annoyed me a lot as a reader, but I won't say what because it's a spoiler. I consider it a sign of pretty bad writing though. I also really get tired of supposedly smart female protagonists doing ridiculously dangerous things and then having to get rescued by the man.
The biggest letdown of all for me is that this ends on a cliffhanger. I knew all along that it was the first in a series but I'm used to detective series that tell one crime per book even if they continue on with the personal story lines. This one ends with the crime part unresolved and you're supposed to stay tuned for book number two to find out what happens next. It is not at all standalone.
For those who like this formula -- beautiful but wounded main characters, a clean love story, lots of wondering about what really happened in their pasts, evil bad guys, cat and mouse games, lots of murder (nothing gory or gratuitous) -- this will deliver well. I liked it, but didn't love it, and was pretty annoyed by several key parts.
I read a digital ARC of this book for review.
The main story is that women who work for a prison keep ending up dead, and the main suspects either work in the prison or (for the biggest suspect) are in the prison. It's an atmospheric novel set in a small coastal town surrounded by forest. There's lots of back story for both main characters, and it's kind of annoying in that you don't know what's going on and it's supposed to make you wonder but it just made me feel like I've walked in halfway through a book.
I guessed most of the whodunnit part right from the beginning. I found it very predictable. Another part of the whodunnit annoyed me a lot as a reader, but I won't say what because it's a spoiler. I consider it a sign of pretty bad writing though. I also really get tired of supposedly smart female protagonists doing ridiculously dangerous things and then having to get rescued by the man.
The biggest letdown of all for me is that this ends on a cliffhanger. I knew all along that it was the first in a series but I'm used to detective series that tell one crime per book even if they continue on with the personal story lines. This one ends with the crime part unresolved and you're supposed to stay tuned for book number two to find out what happens next. It is not at all standalone.
For those who like this formula -- beautiful but wounded main characters, a clean love story, lots of wondering about what really happened in their pasts, evil bad guys, cat and mouse games, lots of murder (nothing gory or gratuitous) -- this will deliver well. I liked it, but didn't love it, and was pretty annoyed by several key parts.
I read a digital ARC of this book for review.
October 10, 2020
Criminal Psychologist Olivia Rockwell has been back home in Fog Harbor, California, since the death of her mother and has been caring for her younger sister. She really is not happy there, but she feels she must stay and make it work. When she hears a scream one night, she immediately reacts and rushes towards the chilling sound, only to see the body of a dead woman.
She approaches the scene, not paying attention to protocol. When Detective Will Decker sees the crime scene disturbed by Olivia he is angry, thinking that his job just has been made more difficult. So the pair start of on rather bad footing.
Olivia, always brilliant, sees right away where the evidence points. However, the suspect in question is behind bars. So how indeed does he come to mind? She has a very difficult job, that of counseling the most violent of prisoners, including a man named Drake, the man to whom the evidence points. Working at the prison is no easy task for Olivia, so despite the rocky start she had with the detective, she begins to search for answers, determined to prove Drake's innocence.
Meanwhile, Olivia has another huge battle on her hands, and this pertains to her family life. Despite the fact that she has cared for her sister since their mothers death, their relationship is on uneven terms. To further complicate Olivia's life, their father, a convicted murderer, is behind bars. Olivia will go the extra mile to keep her father there, and this includes having little or no contact with him.
So, Will Decker has his hands full with the case, and with Olivia butting in, things become quite complicated. What is worse is that the body of another woman is soon found and this hits too close to home for Olivia and her job at the prison, thus bringing her and Will in more contact than either would like.
There is yet another side story that begins to thread everything together regarding the two murders proving that danger is far too close to the lives and safety of others. Whether Olivia and Will manage to work past their differences to stop the killer so that no more young women lose their lives is the question at hand.
This excellent story is layered quite well, especially when it comes to seeing the reach that certain prisoners have even though they are behind bars. The element of danger is high and I was kept on the edge of my seat, especially as I endeavored to try and pinpoint the murderer.
What an excellent first book in what is sure to be a terrific series. I love the fact that Olivia and Will began at odds with one another and I enjoyed watching their progression, especially knowing that there will be future books in this series. Concurrently, there were supporting characters who proved just about as interesting as Olivia and Will, thus making this quite a compelling read. The story, pacing and thrilling conclusion made this book near to impossible to put down.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
She approaches the scene, not paying attention to protocol. When Detective Will Decker sees the crime scene disturbed by Olivia he is angry, thinking that his job just has been made more difficult. So the pair start of on rather bad footing.
Olivia, always brilliant, sees right away where the evidence points. However, the suspect in question is behind bars. So how indeed does he come to mind? She has a very difficult job, that of counseling the most violent of prisoners, including a man named Drake, the man to whom the evidence points. Working at the prison is no easy task for Olivia, so despite the rocky start she had with the detective, she begins to search for answers, determined to prove Drake's innocence.
Meanwhile, Olivia has another huge battle on her hands, and this pertains to her family life. Despite the fact that she has cared for her sister since their mothers death, their relationship is on uneven terms. To further complicate Olivia's life, their father, a convicted murderer, is behind bars. Olivia will go the extra mile to keep her father there, and this includes having little or no contact with him.
So, Will Decker has his hands full with the case, and with Olivia butting in, things become quite complicated. What is worse is that the body of another woman is soon found and this hits too close to home for Olivia and her job at the prison, thus bringing her and Will in more contact than either would like.
There is yet another side story that begins to thread everything together regarding the two murders proving that danger is far too close to the lives and safety of others. Whether Olivia and Will manage to work past their differences to stop the killer so that no more young women lose their lives is the question at hand.
This excellent story is layered quite well, especially when it comes to seeing the reach that certain prisoners have even though they are behind bars. The element of danger is high and I was kept on the edge of my seat, especially as I endeavored to try and pinpoint the murderer.
What an excellent first book in what is sure to be a terrific series. I love the fact that Olivia and Will began at odds with one another and I enjoyed watching their progression, especially knowing that there will be future books in this series. Concurrently, there were supporting characters who proved just about as interesting as Olivia and Will, thus making this quite a compelling read. The story, pacing and thrilling conclusion made this book near to impossible to put down.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
August 30, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Watch Her Vanish, the first novel to feature psychologist Olivia Rockwell and Detective Will Decker, set in Fog Harbour, California.
Olivia is working as a psychologist in the local prison, Crescent City, when one of her workmates disappears. It’s not long before her body is discovered, garrotted with her clothes in disarray. She’s only the first victim and Deck and his partner JB realise they’re are hunting a serial killer and the prime suspect is an inmate.
Watch Her Vanish is very much a mixed bag with some good bits and some inexplicable bits. It is mostly narrated from Olivia and Deck’s points of view, with tension added by the victims’ final minutes before they are stopped by the killer. The killer’s identity is not revealed until the denouement but it’s not too hard to guess although the motive is more elusive. This latter isn’t particularly original but it has some unusual touches.
I found the actual plot quite compelling as there is a lot going on. The victims may or may not be as innocent as they initially seem and there are hints of gang activity and smuggling. Unfortunately these threads are picked up and put down throughout the novel with no real forward momentum and no resolution. There are further complications to this scenario but I don’t want to add spoilers. I found it all incredibly frustrating but this and the cliffhanger ending suggest a roadmap for the sequel. Some readers may like this approach but I know I don’t because I’ll have forgotten most of this book by the time I get round to reading the next one, if I do.
I’m not really sure what to say about the characters. I have no understanding of Olivia’s thought processes and actions. For an educated woman with a doctorate in psychology her decision making is poor and impulsive. I could list various examples but why bother? Deck is a strong manly man, masking his emotions and past. You get the picture.
Watch Her Vanish is interesting in some ways, clichéd in others and disjointed in its outcome.
Olivia is working as a psychologist in the local prison, Crescent City, when one of her workmates disappears. It’s not long before her body is discovered, garrotted with her clothes in disarray. She’s only the first victim and Deck and his partner JB realise they’re are hunting a serial killer and the prime suspect is an inmate.
Watch Her Vanish is very much a mixed bag with some good bits and some inexplicable bits. It is mostly narrated from Olivia and Deck’s points of view, with tension added by the victims’ final minutes before they are stopped by the killer. The killer’s identity is not revealed until the denouement but it’s not too hard to guess although the motive is more elusive. This latter isn’t particularly original but it has some unusual touches.
I found the actual plot quite compelling as there is a lot going on. The victims may or may not be as innocent as they initially seem and there are hints of gang activity and smuggling. Unfortunately these threads are picked up and put down throughout the novel with no real forward momentum and no resolution. There are further complications to this scenario but I don’t want to add spoilers. I found it all incredibly frustrating but this and the cliffhanger ending suggest a roadmap for the sequel. Some readers may like this approach but I know I don’t because I’ll have forgotten most of this book by the time I get round to reading the next one, if I do.
I’m not really sure what to say about the characters. I have no understanding of Olivia’s thought processes and actions. For an educated woman with a doctorate in psychology her decision making is poor and impulsive. I could list various examples but why bother? Deck is a strong manly man, masking his emotions and past. You get the picture.
Watch Her Vanish is interesting in some ways, clichéd in others and disjointed in its outcome.
October 9, 2020
Watch Her Vanish by Ellery A. Kane is the first book in her new Rockwell and Decker series. Prior to this, I read The First Cut which was so good that I gave it a five-star rating, so I was keen to get stuck into this crime thriller. Olivia Rockwell is the lead criminal psychologist at the local prison in her hometown of Fog Harbor, California and one of her most violent patients, Drake Devere is implicated in the murder of a missing teacher. Sure of Devere's innocence in this crime, Olivia and Detective Will Decker get to work, together with JB, Deck's number two and somewhat old-school partner, and they soon realise they are hunting a serial killer when another woman is found, strangled.
Watch Her Vanish was mostly narrated from Olivia and Deck’s viewpoints, with tension added in the victims’ final minutes of life. The plot was well thought-out and compelling, with a lot going on. The characters all had strong personalities and Olivia and Deck made a formidable team. I got a true sense of the main characters and rather liked them. The author's writing was fluent, and I never found myself bored or bogged down with detail. There were many moments of humour that had me smiling and I couldn't put it down as I needed to see what motivated the killer. The main storylines are well wrapped up leaving a few loose strings for development in future books.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
Watch Her Vanish was mostly narrated from Olivia and Deck’s viewpoints, with tension added in the victims’ final minutes of life. The plot was well thought-out and compelling, with a lot going on. The characters all had strong personalities and Olivia and Deck made a formidable team. I got a true sense of the main characters and rather liked them. The author's writing was fluent, and I never found myself bored or bogged down with detail. There were many moments of humour that had me smiling and I couldn't put it down as I needed to see what motivated the killer. The main storylines are well wrapped up leaving a few loose strings for development in future books.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
December 23, 2020
Watch Her Vanish is a great start to the new Rockwell & Decker series. I loved the way the book started, continued & the ending now wishes I have the next one in my library asap. The characters in this book were very intriguing & the plot was really good. For some reason the characters of Rockwell & Decker gave me major "Sara Linton & Will Trent" vibes - the main characters from Karin Slaughter's famous series. From the perspective of a seasoned thriller reader, I found the identity of the killer become quite apparent towards the end but much before the big reveal. I enjoyed reading this book nonetheless. I would have preferred if the relationships between the characters were developed slowly & subtly. It would have made that seem more natural. Instead there is an almost abrupt shift in the way they behave which makes it seem kind of forced & odd. That said, the plot involving the main case, & the interesting characters make for a thrilling read! The book ended with a cliffhanger that is making me keep an eye out for Ellery Kane's next in this fan series.
Thank You, NetGalley, Bookouture & Ellery A. Kane for an arc!
Thank You, NetGalley, Bookouture & Ellery A. Kane for an arc!
November 23, 2020
Watch Her Vanish by Ellery A. Kane is the first in the Rockwell & Decker series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Information:
Olivia Rockwell is a Criminal Psychologist working at Crescent Bay State Prison, in her hometown of Fog Harbor, California. Her father is in another prison, serving a life sentence. Detective Will Decker moved to Fog Harbor after his brother was convicted of shooting a woman, ending up in prison because Will turned him in.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Fog Harbor may have a serial killer on the loose, and women are dying.
All evidence points to Drake Devere, who is serving life without parole for murdering five women. However, since the murders are occurring outside the prison, it seems unlikely that he is sneaking out at night to kill them. But evidence is mounting.
Although Olivia is Drake's psychologist, and she has been convinced of his innocence, she is starting to doubt her own thoughts. When it appears that the Oaktown Boys, a white supremacist motorcycle gang, may be involved, Olivia is nervous. Her father was part of that gang, and although her sister Emily is sure he is reformed, Olivia is not so sure.
Decker and his partner JB seem to disagree as to who the killer is, but at least they are starting to work together better. As they dig deeper, and more women die, it becomes obvious that they are missing a piece or two of the puzzle.
Meanwhile, Decker and Olivia are getting closer than either of them expect.
My Opinions:
This was a really good start to a new series. The plot was good, and there were a lot of suspects.
I liked both the main characters, and it is easy to see that their background and family will continue to torment them in future books. Often in these books we see flawed characters, but in this case it is more their families that are flawed. JB grew on me, but that was about it. I didn't like any of the other characters, including Olivia's sister, who I found very annoying,
Even with 400 pages, it was a fairly fast read, with a number of red herrings that sent the reader in some crazy directions. I did suspect the perpetrator, but was not positive.
Although I'm not a romance reader, I actually didn't mind the budding relationship between the two main characters.
The only real problem I had with the book is that it ended with a cliff-hanger. I think there are better ways for an author to ensure you read their next book wiithout resorting to this tactic.
Anyway, I am looking forward to the next in the series.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
January 23, 2021
Bonnie McMillan vanished, was swallowed up by the earth, gone. “Watch Her Vanish” is told in alternating points of view so readers know get to know the characters, what they say, what they think, and what they do. Events are seen from different perspectives, so readers know what characters do not. Interspersed between the narratives are newspaper reports providing yet another view of the situation. The characters are multifaceted with complicated pasts that are slowly unveiled. There are failed relationships, secrets obstacles to overcome, and the heaviest kind of baggage, the mental kind.
The plot is compelling; the search for the killer intensifies, and the body count increases. The killer is manipulative and systematic. Evidence is uncovered not due to carelessness but as the result of calculated planning. Clues point in one direction, but inconsistencies muddle the investigation and possibly point to the wrong people. Each chapter ends with trauma, surprise, purposeful action, or unanswered question to entice readers to continue reading.
“Watch Her Vanish” is unpredictable with problematical characters who at times give in to impulses for total destruction. It is well organized and compelling. I received a review copy of “Watch Her Vanish” from Ellery A. Kane and Bookouture.
The plot is compelling; the search for the killer intensifies, and the body count increases. The killer is manipulative and systematic. Evidence is uncovered not due to carelessness but as the result of calculated planning. Clues point in one direction, but inconsistencies muddle the investigation and possibly point to the wrong people. Each chapter ends with trauma, surprise, purposeful action, or unanswered question to entice readers to continue reading.
“Watch Her Vanish” is unpredictable with problematical characters who at times give in to impulses for total destruction. It is well organized and compelling. I received a review copy of “Watch Her Vanish” from Ellery A. Kane and Bookouture.
December 18, 2020
This is the first in a new mystery/thriller series featuring psychologist Olivia Rockwell and Detective Will Decker. The setting is Fog Harbor, California, present day.
Women are being murdered and all of them have a connection to Crescent Bay State Prison where Olivia works in the mental health section there. All of the evidence points to an incarcerated serial killer, Drake Devere. Rockwell and Decker end up working together to figure out if Drake is really committing these crimes. NO SPOILERS.
There was a lot going on in this book and sometimes the writing was a little too embellished, if you know what I mean. Lots of descriptive phrases and similes etc. I had a bit of a time trying to develop any affinity for either of the two main characters -- each with a complicated backstory making them both a bit of a psych mess themselves. The whole relationship between Olivia and Deck is textbook cliche romance more reminiscent of young adult love-hate, push-pull dynamics.
I was also annoyed that the reader is left with many unanswered questions and no conclusion to the story so I assume book 2 will pick up where this left off. I'm going to go ahead and read the second one, hoping that I get the answers and become more invested in the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
Women are being murdered and all of them have a connection to Crescent Bay State Prison where Olivia works in the mental health section there. All of the evidence points to an incarcerated serial killer, Drake Devere. Rockwell and Decker end up working together to figure out if Drake is really committing these crimes. NO SPOILERS.
There was a lot going on in this book and sometimes the writing was a little too embellished, if you know what I mean. Lots of descriptive phrases and similes etc. I had a bit of a time trying to develop any affinity for either of the two main characters -- each with a complicated backstory making them both a bit of a psych mess themselves. The whole relationship between Olivia and Deck is textbook cliche romance more reminiscent of young adult love-hate, push-pull dynamics.
I was also annoyed that the reader is left with many unanswered questions and no conclusion to the story so I assume book 2 will pick up where this left off. I'm going to go ahead and read the second one, hoping that I get the answers and become more invested in the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
September 27, 2020
A mysterious murder of one of the workers at the prison opens the narrative. Ms. Kane has developed characters that are both engaging and exasperating. Heap that on a prison system with type A personalities and both officers and inmates jostling for position and control and the plot develops.
Olivia Rockwell is a Doctor of Psychology who strives to rehabilitate these hardened convicts. A mysterious murder of one of the workers at the prison opens the narrative. She and her younger sister Emily are working at the prison and trying to make the prisoners lives better and more productive. Law enforcement and the wardens at times seem to be on the opposite end of this rehabilitation tug-of-war.
Will Decker is a career law enforcement officer who is attracted to Olivia and is charged with finding the killer or killers. The prime suspect is a career criminal who has written a best-selling novel.
Crescent Bay State Prison set in northern California’s north coast is the place where dangerous killers and hardened career criminals reside. The other residences are career prison workers who have been washed out of other California prisons. Add to this the dregs of Bay Area gangs like The Oaktown Boys who wield tremendous influence in all prisons and the plot matures.
I wondered why intelligent and highly trained women would devolve into situations which led them to being at risk. Foggy and cold nights on the northern California coast are not really inviting times to be on the backroads at night.
The twist at the end of the book caught me unprepared. I appreciated the lack of gratuitous hot sex scenes. Rather, this author made the characters more believable by pointing out their insecurities.
This tale isn’t one you can take all at once—at times moving at a rather slow pace. I had a few problems with the protagonist and Detective Decker is a bit cliché. Be aware of the cliffhanger ending. A good pot of coffee or a glass of wine will help. 4 stars – CE Williams
Read my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
Olivia Rockwell is a Doctor of Psychology who strives to rehabilitate these hardened convicts. A mysterious murder of one of the workers at the prison opens the narrative. She and her younger sister Emily are working at the prison and trying to make the prisoners lives better and more productive. Law enforcement and the wardens at times seem to be on the opposite end of this rehabilitation tug-of-war.
Will Decker is a career law enforcement officer who is attracted to Olivia and is charged with finding the killer or killers. The prime suspect is a career criminal who has written a best-selling novel.
Crescent Bay State Prison set in northern California’s north coast is the place where dangerous killers and hardened career criminals reside. The other residences are career prison workers who have been washed out of other California prisons. Add to this the dregs of Bay Area gangs like The Oaktown Boys who wield tremendous influence in all prisons and the plot matures.
I wondered why intelligent and highly trained women would devolve into situations which led them to being at risk. Foggy and cold nights on the northern California coast are not really inviting times to be on the backroads at night.
The twist at the end of the book caught me unprepared. I appreciated the lack of gratuitous hot sex scenes. Rather, this author made the characters more believable by pointing out their insecurities.
This tale isn’t one you can take all at once—at times moving at a rather slow pace. I had a few problems with the protagonist and Detective Decker is a bit cliché. Be aware of the cliffhanger ending. A good pot of coffee or a glass of wine will help. 4 stars – CE Williams
Read my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
September 3, 2020
As a reader, if an author's inability to reel me in to the story from the get-go, I mark it down as a failure.
This novel was uninspiring, dull, and mediocre at best. There wasn't much to say about the characters. No one stood out and the romance aspect between Olivia and Will—I didn't buy it. I wasn't able to see the connection and would have thought they would have worked better as partners than romantic interests.
To add on to that, let's talk about the plot. It just wasn't interesting enough to keep me intrigued and way too easy to determine the person behind the gruesome murders hence the skimming. I'm almost too ashamed to admit how much skimming there was. The storyline was drawn out and quite boring, and it just wasn't a decent whodunnit mystery thriller to me. It's hard to put it into words but there was that something something lacking that could've made this an exponential read.
Sadly with the lack of positives going on with this novel, I am not driven enough to continue with the series.
November 17, 2020
Someone please give me closure!
Watch Her Vanish has so much potential. The writing is engaging, with moments of perfection. Sometimes I’d linger over a sentence for the sheer pleasure of the rhythm and wording.
BUT. Why oh why does there have to be a “but?”
Pacing is slow due to a large amount of repetition, particularly in regards to the main characters’ backstories. Too much of this book is spent dwelling on, expounding upon, worrying about, blaming, shaming, and focusing on Olivia’s and Will’s histories.
I kept reading, though, because I was intrigued enough to care about the outcome. (Okay, I skimmed a little, but still…)
Then, I got to the end of this 400+ page book, and, WHAT? Both the main plot and subplot end on major cliffhangers. Absolutely nothing is resolved. Nothing! Well, the “who” in the whodunit is figured out, but we mostly knew who it was anyway because all arrows pointed there from the beginning. So the “who” is confirmed, which is much different than being resolved, and the cliffhangers scream that we need yet another 400+ pages to do anything about the situation.
So, if you plan to read this book, I recommend waiting for book two first, unless you really love cliffhangers.
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
Watch Her Vanish has so much potential. The writing is engaging, with moments of perfection. Sometimes I’d linger over a sentence for the sheer pleasure of the rhythm and wording.
BUT. Why oh why does there have to be a “but?”
Pacing is slow due to a large amount of repetition, particularly in regards to the main characters’ backstories. Too much of this book is spent dwelling on, expounding upon, worrying about, blaming, shaming, and focusing on Olivia’s and Will’s histories.
I kept reading, though, because I was intrigued enough to care about the outcome. (Okay, I skimmed a little, but still…)
Then, I got to the end of this 400+ page book, and, WHAT? Both the main plot and subplot end on major cliffhangers. Absolutely nothing is resolved. Nothing! Well, the “who” in the whodunit is figured out, but we mostly knew who it was anyway because all arrows pointed there from the beginning. So the “who” is confirmed, which is much different than being resolved, and the cliffhangers scream that we need yet another 400+ pages to do anything about the situation.
So, if you plan to read this book, I recommend waiting for book two first, unless you really love cliffhangers.
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
October 9, 2020
This is a great start to a new series.
Olivia is attending a church service when she hears a scream outside. She goes over to help and sees that a body has been discovered.
The body is of a woman she knows from work as a psychologist at the prison.
Detective Will Decker is next on the scene and it’s clear there’s something between him and Olivia.
It takes a while for the two of them to get used to each other but soon they’re working together to try and find a murderer.
All signs point to the killer being Drake who is currently in prison - but how could he have got out?
Soon someone close to Olivia is in grave danger and they have to pull out all the stops to get there in time.
I really liked the two main characters and look forward to finding out what’s next for them.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Olivia is attending a church service when she hears a scream outside. She goes over to help and sees that a body has been discovered.
The body is of a woman she knows from work as a psychologist at the prison.
Detective Will Decker is next on the scene and it’s clear there’s something between him and Olivia.
It takes a while for the two of them to get used to each other but soon they’re working together to try and find a murderer.
All signs point to the killer being Drake who is currently in prison - but how could he have got out?
Soon someone close to Olivia is in grave danger and they have to pull out all the stops to get there in time.
I really liked the two main characters and look forward to finding out what’s next for them.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
September 29, 2020
If that opening doesn't grab you and make you want to keep reading then I don't know what to tell you because that opening was epic!
This author just keeps getting better with her new book that comes out. I can see so much improvement from her YA trilogy! But enough about that, let's just talk about this fast-paced read, shall we?
Olivia and Deck are our main characters and boy do they both harbor some deep secrets that we get to slowly uncover. We get to watch them try and figure out who is killing women that work at the prison before anyone else gets killed. The book rally speeds up towards the end and makes you feel like the killer is waiting in the shadows.
Overall, I can't complain, this was amazing! Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the chance to read this great book! It's a perfect read for this time of the year!
This author just keeps getting better with her new book that comes out. I can see so much improvement from her YA trilogy! But enough about that, let's just talk about this fast-paced read, shall we?
Olivia and Deck are our main characters and boy do they both harbor some deep secrets that we get to slowly uncover. We get to watch them try and figure out who is killing women that work at the prison before anyone else gets killed. The book rally speeds up towards the end and makes you feel like the killer is waiting in the shadows.
Overall, I can't complain, this was amazing! Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the chance to read this great book! It's a perfect read for this time of the year!
December 12, 2020
Olivia Rockwell was a prison psychologist who had returned home to look after her younger sister, and one of the violent prisoners was accused of the murder of a teacher. It was up to Olivia and Detective Will to get to the truth.
I liked reading the book from a psychologist's input into the mystery. Both Will and Olivia seemed competent, but I was not too fond of their chemistry and weird behavior. At times, I felt that they were like poles of the magnet, repelling each other. All the characters added to the story. Slow to start, the story soon settled down and the subplots added to the intrigue.
Overall, this was fast-paced with some great unexpected twists in an unusual setting.
I liked reading the book from a psychologist's input into the mystery. Both Will and Olivia seemed competent, but I was not too fond of their chemistry and weird behavior. At times, I felt that they were like poles of the magnet, repelling each other. All the characters added to the story. Slow to start, the story soon settled down and the subplots added to the intrigue.
Overall, this was fast-paced with some great unexpected twists in an unusual setting.
April 16, 2025
The descriptions and passages in this book are so thought out it pulls you in. The turn of phrase is so good.
We obviously knew nothing of the main characters, Deck and Olivia, beforehand but we're taken through their back stories really well, you feel you know how their past has moulded their present.
Women who work at the local prison are disappearing and it's a race to find them. I must admit I had worked it out, but that said, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.
I look forward to seeing where Deck and Olivia take us.
We obviously knew nothing of the main characters, Deck and Olivia, beforehand but we're taken through their back stories really well, you feel you know how their past has moulded their present.
Women who work at the local prison are disappearing and it's a race to find them. I must admit I had worked it out, but that said, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.
I look forward to seeing where Deck and Olivia take us.
September 4, 2020
What an outstanding story. Plenty of suspense to keep you going until the end. If this is an example of more to come, it will be difficult to wait for the next one. Don’t miss out once it’s released.
January 5, 2025
3.75
I enjoyed this! I’m really liking the dynamics between the two main characters and the small town vibes, but this was dark so be warned. This was a little slow at times, but that didn’t really brother me. I will be continuing on and not just because the second book is part of my book club.
I enjoyed this! I’m really liking the dynamics between the two main characters and the small town vibes, but this was dark so be warned. This was a little slow at times, but that didn’t really brother me. I will be continuing on and not just because the second book is part of my book club.
March 12, 2023
I couldn't put this book down! Twists and turns, things that make you question what you're reading but you just want to know what happens next, with a little pinch of romance.
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