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Cedar Lake #2
Safekeeping
No one ever thinks they’ll get caught…
Moments before police arrive on the scene of a car accident in rural Montana, Sonia has time to make one phone call. With one word whispered, she sets off an unstoppable chain of events. Once police arrive, she confesses to the brutal murder of her stepsister, Emma.
Afterwards, she’s sentenced to life in prison where she learns the true extent of her stepfather’s ruthless reach. It’s a game of cat and mouse-- a game she has already lost. She only needs to last long enough to keep her secret safe.
Until one day, news of an unidentified man's death confirms her worst fear, and Sonia must get out of prison, at all cost. What did the dead man say, and who heard him say it?
Because everyone is guilty of something…
Moments before police arrive on the scene of a car accident in rural Montana, Sonia has time to make one phone call. With one word whispered, she sets off an unstoppable chain of events. Once police arrive, she confesses to the brutal murder of her stepsister, Emma.
Afterwards, she’s sentenced to life in prison where she learns the true extent of her stepfather’s ruthless reach. It’s a game of cat and mouse-- a game she has already lost. She only needs to last long enough to keep her secret safe.
Until one day, news of an unidentified man's death confirms her worst fear, and Sonia must get out of prison, at all cost. What did the dead man say, and who heard him say it?
Because everyone is guilty of something…
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2021
89 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Eva MacKenzie
6 books125 followersEva Mackenzie writes psychological thrillers and suspense novels about good people who do bad things for complicated reasons. Originally from New York, she now lives somewhere else on the east coast with her husband and children. You can connect with her at Evamackenzie.site or email Evamackenzie.thriller@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 23, 2021
When a woman is involved in a major car accident, the first she says is ... I'm Sophia Rossi and I'm wanted for murder. She is later convicted of killing her stepsister, Emma, the only child of Sophia' stepfather, a powerful, wealthy man.
Even in prison, he is not content because she's still breathing while his daughter is not. Almost on a weekly basis, other inmates target her with beatings, severe beatings. She's been in the clinicl ward more times than she can count. And each time, they get closer to killing her.
Until one day, news of an unidentified man's death confirms her worst fear, and Sonia must get out of prison, at all cost. What did the dead man say, and who heard him say it?
From there the mystery and suspense escalates and maintains a high level of intensity throughout. The story is told from multiple points of view .. both in the past and present. This is well-written with an intriguing plot and a story line filled with characters who are all solidly drawn. There are twists and turns that keep the reader riveted to this thriller. Although this is 2nd in a series, it is easily read as a stand alone. However, I do recommend reading in order.
Many thanks to the author / Craven Ink Press / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Even in prison, he is not content because she's still breathing while his daughter is not. Almost on a weekly basis, other inmates target her with beatings, severe beatings. She's been in the clinicl ward more times than she can count. And each time, they get closer to killing her.
Until one day, news of an unidentified man's death confirms her worst fear, and Sonia must get out of prison, at all cost. What did the dead man say, and who heard him say it?
From there the mystery and suspense escalates and maintains a high level of intensity throughout. The story is told from multiple points of view .. both in the past and present. This is well-written with an intriguing plot and a story line filled with characters who are all solidly drawn. There are twists and turns that keep the reader riveted to this thriller. Although this is 2nd in a series, it is easily read as a stand alone. However, I do recommend reading in order.
Many thanks to the author / Craven Ink Press / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 22, 2021
Moments before police arrive on the scene of a car accident in rural Montana, Sonia has time to make one phone call. With one word whispered, she sets off an unstoppable chain of events. Once police arrive, she confesses to the brutal murder of her stepsister, Emma.
Wow what a book!! Started off fast and continued at that pace all the way through. I read this in a night as I literally could not put it down. I was not confused by any of the POV's, I loved the story and found myself trying to guess all the way through how it would all end. Definitely a story of survival. I was satisfied with the outcome and would highly recommend this book. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Wow what a book!! Started off fast and continued at that pace all the way through. I read this in a night as I literally could not put it down. I was not confused by any of the POV's, I loved the story and found myself trying to guess all the way through how it would all end. Definitely a story of survival. I was satisfied with the outcome and would highly recommend this book. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 28, 2021
What is it about human nature that makes us think we’ll never get caught?
Sonia Rossi is charged with the murder of Emma D’Luca and is serving her 5-year sentence in Flint Hill Corrections. She endures years of living in fear of prison violence only to admit she wasn’t guilty as her release date nears. In her eyes, prison was safer than the outside, where Sonia believes her stepfather is on the hunt to find out her secret. What kind of secret makes people admit guilt in a murder case?
The author explores why humans are driven to do certain things and what lengths we’ll go to protect those we love.
I loved the pace, the tension and the writing style. Mackenzie has taken the premise that we’re all guilty of something and created a suspense thriller novel that will keep you guessing. Mackenzie’s love of twisty, emotionally engrossing tales shines through. However, I did find the flashbacks difficult as they appeared in the middle of text with no warning. I didn’t know going into this book that it was the second in the Cedar Lake series, and I wonder if being previously acquainted with the characters would have decreased my initial frustration.
You’ll enjoy this dark and fast-paced suspense thriller if you keep an eye on the chapter titles and read slowly. At more than a decade of blood, sweat and tears poured into this novel, the author is going to expect you to work for it, too!!!!
Publishes July 20, 2021
I was gifted this advance copy by Eva Mackenzie, Craven Ink Press, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Sonia Rossi is charged with the murder of Emma D’Luca and is serving her 5-year sentence in Flint Hill Corrections. She endures years of living in fear of prison violence only to admit she wasn’t guilty as her release date nears. In her eyes, prison was safer than the outside, where Sonia believes her stepfather is on the hunt to find out her secret. What kind of secret makes people admit guilt in a murder case?
The author explores why humans are driven to do certain things and what lengths we’ll go to protect those we love.
I loved the pace, the tension and the writing style. Mackenzie has taken the premise that we’re all guilty of something and created a suspense thriller novel that will keep you guessing. Mackenzie’s love of twisty, emotionally engrossing tales shines through. However, I did find the flashbacks difficult as they appeared in the middle of text with no warning. I didn’t know going into this book that it was the second in the Cedar Lake series, and I wonder if being previously acquainted with the characters would have decreased my initial frustration.
You’ll enjoy this dark and fast-paced suspense thriller if you keep an eye on the chapter titles and read slowly. At more than a decade of blood, sweat and tears poured into this novel, the author is going to expect you to work for it, too!!!!
Publishes July 20, 2021
I was gifted this advance copy by Eva Mackenzie, Craven Ink Press, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
February 24, 2023
The book opens up to a woman in a major car accident and when the EMTs showed up, she said “My name is Sonia Rossi, and I’m wanted for murder.”
That hooked me immediately! The book is told from multiple POVs and flashes back to the past.
Sonia now in prison after being charged with killing her stepsister, whose father is a sadistic pediphile crime boss. Sonia escapes death and is a regular at the hospital because the Don wants her dead, for killing his only child.
This book was everything a good thriller should be, dark issues, a great plot and twists galore. It kept me flipping pages into the night, as I was trying to put all the pieces together of what really happened and why.
This was the 2nd in the series and even though it was great as a stand-alone, I feel I would have been better prepared if I read the first book.
Highly recommend to all my thriller lovers!
That hooked me immediately! The book is told from multiple POVs and flashes back to the past.
Sonia now in prison after being charged with killing her stepsister, whose father is a sadistic pediphile crime boss. Sonia escapes death and is a regular at the hospital because the Don wants her dead, for killing his only child.
This book was everything a good thriller should be, dark issues, a great plot and twists galore. It kept me flipping pages into the night, as I was trying to put all the pieces together of what really happened and why.
This was the 2nd in the series and even though it was great as a stand-alone, I feel I would have been better prepared if I read the first book.
Highly recommend to all my thriller lovers!
August 4, 2021
I'm so sorry, but this gets the dreaded 'okay' rating.
The truth is, just a few days after reading it, I'd realized I'd already kind of forgotten it. Reading the plot summary did bring it back a bit.
A few points:
* Good Start, but after a while it gets a little tedious.
* Scenes inside the prison were my favorite.
* The Stepfather was kind of...almost comical in his villain attitude.
* The truth behind everything was uninteresting.
So there you have it. Now that I've written this, I may forget the book again. Not bad. Not great. Not memorable.
*ARC via Net Galley
The truth is, just a few days after reading it, I'd realized I'd already kind of forgotten it. Reading the plot summary did bring it back a bit.
A few points:
* Good Start, but after a while it gets a little tedious.
* Scenes inside the prison were my favorite.
* The Stepfather was kind of...almost comical in his villain attitude.
* The truth behind everything was uninteresting.
So there you have it. Now that I've written this, I may forget the book again. Not bad. Not great. Not memorable.
*ARC via Net Galley
June 19, 2021
What I loved:
- The beginning was fast-paced and engaging
- The writing was done well and easy to follow
What I didn't love:
- The middle gets a bit slow for me
- Some characters have similar sounding names so it was hard for me to differentiate who was who at some points
Safekeeping dives right into the action when Sonia is in a car accident. When the ambulance arrives, she confesses to murdering her stepsister. Sonia has now been in prison for the last five years and the murder of someone Sonia knows strikes her moves to find a way out of prison.
There seemed to be a lot of different characters involved and I sometimes found myself wondering who was who at some points. Once I got into the novel more, I was able to follow along better. As much as I wanted to, I couldn't find myself caring enough about what was going to happen to Sonia. I think some of the ignorant choices she made in the novel made me loose some sympathy for her.
Now, the writing was done very well and was very descriptive. I enjoyed the different POVs but got confused at one point when a new POV was thrown in. This novel felt more like a mobster thriller, which I typically don't gravitate to but the execution was done well. The ending was a bit predictable and didn't really have any surprises.
Overall, I'd say that I enjoyed the read, but I didn't love it, nor was it very memorable. I would definitely give it a read and get your own opinion!
- The beginning was fast-paced and engaging
- The writing was done well and easy to follow
What I didn't love:
- The middle gets a bit slow for me
- Some characters have similar sounding names so it was hard for me to differentiate who was who at some points
Safekeeping dives right into the action when Sonia is in a car accident. When the ambulance arrives, she confesses to murdering her stepsister. Sonia has now been in prison for the last five years and the murder of someone Sonia knows strikes her moves to find a way out of prison.
There seemed to be a lot of different characters involved and I sometimes found myself wondering who was who at some points. Once I got into the novel more, I was able to follow along better. As much as I wanted to, I couldn't find myself caring enough about what was going to happen to Sonia. I think some of the ignorant choices she made in the novel made me loose some sympathy for her.
Now, the writing was done very well and was very descriptive. I enjoyed the different POVs but got confused at one point when a new POV was thrown in. This novel felt more like a mobster thriller, which I typically don't gravitate to but the execution was done well. The ending was a bit predictable and didn't really have any surprises.
Overall, I'd say that I enjoyed the read, but I didn't love it, nor was it very memorable. I would definitely give it a read and get your own opinion!
June 18, 2021
Who here loves a good heart racing novel? I know I do ! Safekeeping, is sure to keep you up at night.. The pace is set early on and the writing style easily flows between chapters.
Eva MacKenzie, did an incredible job captivating an audience. I have just become a huge fan!
Sonia has just confessed to the murder of her step-sister, Emma but not before making one phone call......
Sonia is now serving life in prison for the murder of Emma. After being made aware of some of her step fathers revelations, she will stop at nothing to keep her secret safe . After learning of another mans death and what he had said, Sonia knows she needs to get out! What did this man say and who heard him say it?
This is a novel of cat and mouse so be prepared for your anxiety to kick into over drive.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and it is definitely something I would recommend to anyone who loves a fast paced, suspenseful thriller.
Eva MacKenzie, did an incredible job captivating an audience. I have just become a huge fan!
Sonia has just confessed to the murder of her step-sister, Emma but not before making one phone call......
Sonia is now serving life in prison for the murder of Emma. After being made aware of some of her step fathers revelations, she will stop at nothing to keep her secret safe . After learning of another mans death and what he had said, Sonia knows she needs to get out! What did this man say and who heard him say it?
This is a novel of cat and mouse so be prepared for your anxiety to kick into over drive.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and it is definitely something I would recommend to anyone who loves a fast paced, suspenseful thriller.
July 13, 2021
This was a satisfying mystery/crime read with enough to keep me guessing. I did figure out some secrets early on but it wasn't totally predictable. Without giving any spoilers, I felt there were a few pieces of the puzzle that we did not get closure to by the end of the novel.
I received this arc from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I received this arc from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 13, 2021
wow! Wow! A head on crash and she makes a call with the words safekeeping and help arrives and she says I’m wanted for murder. Really? So is Sonia protecting someone?
Now in jail she is targeted numerous times. Will she stay alive? Can she escape? Will all those she loves be targeted too? Is the secret worth her life?
Grab this book for a heart stopping read!
Now in jail she is targeted numerous times. Will she stay alive? Can she escape? Will all those she loves be targeted too? Is the secret worth her life?
Grab this book for a heart stopping read!
July 20, 2021
3.5 stars: I received a complimentary copy of this book from R&R Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Sonia did not just have ONE bad day. No, she had a series of bad years!
Even though the story began with a horrific car wreck, her troubles started long before this disastrous event.
Death surrounded her. Pain was her middle name. Yet, through it all, she never stopped fighting. Heads up: Safekeeping by Eva Mackenzie does contain sensitive topics, but no scenes are graphic. You know what happened, but you are not a witness to the brutal acts. Thank goodness for that!
When approached to read the story, I wasn’t informed this was part of a series, but it sure felt that way. While I enjoyed Safekeeping very much, I couldn’t connect to the key players or their hatred for one another. Example: Jamie and Alex.
After the final page, some things were resolved, but not everything.
We were still left in the dark about what happened to multiple characters—their fates.
Maybe we shall receive clarification in a future novel. I sure hope so.
(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
June 25, 2021
Safekeeping is about Sonia Rossi living in Flint Hill Corrections after confessing to murdering Emma D’Luca. Sonia lied to protect her loved ones from Saul D’Luca thinking prison was a safer place for her.
For five years Sonia remained relatively safe in Flint Hill Corrections. Although She always had this perpetual fear of being murdered by her stepfather’s influence.
Safekeeping is a character driven story with several moving parts. It took some time to acquaint myself with all the characters, but once the story progressed I found it easier and easier to get settled.
This is Eva MacKenzie’s second novel in the Cedar Lakes series. Jamie Kendal returns in Safekeeping as a client hired by Ali’s law firm to assist Sonia’s appeal. Ali, a high-powered criminal defense attorney and old friend of Jamie’s, is assigned Sonia’s appeal case, but she needs help. Eva’s writing style isn’t bad it’s just not the writing voice I was hoping for in this type of thriller. I wanted power with a punch. I wanted chilling revelations that shocked my system. Instead it was okay.
For the most part the dialogue is intriguing. Yet I find myself drifting away with some of the other dialogue. There are two separate story’s tied together, but it wasn’t easy to decipher until later. The story is a bit slow for a suspense. While the idea of a dark dangerous thriller sounded appealing it’s not measuring up to those standards. I like the unpredictability of the storyline.
I grew tired of the same old song and dance of threats about Sonia’s safety in the corrections facility. Then when she requested an appeal I thought finally something new is going to occur to change things up.
The cover is a show stopper. One look at this cover had me stopping in my search. It got me to the next step which was invest my time in reading the synopsis.
For five years Sonia remained relatively safe in Flint Hill Corrections. Although She always had this perpetual fear of being murdered by her stepfather’s influence.
Safekeeping is a character driven story with several moving parts. It took some time to acquaint myself with all the characters, but once the story progressed I found it easier and easier to get settled.
This is Eva MacKenzie’s second novel in the Cedar Lakes series. Jamie Kendal returns in Safekeeping as a client hired by Ali’s law firm to assist Sonia’s appeal. Ali, a high-powered criminal defense attorney and old friend of Jamie’s, is assigned Sonia’s appeal case, but she needs help. Eva’s writing style isn’t bad it’s just not the writing voice I was hoping for in this type of thriller. I wanted power with a punch. I wanted chilling revelations that shocked my system. Instead it was okay.
For the most part the dialogue is intriguing. Yet I find myself drifting away with some of the other dialogue. There are two separate story’s tied together, but it wasn’t easy to decipher until later. The story is a bit slow for a suspense. While the idea of a dark dangerous thriller sounded appealing it’s not measuring up to those standards. I like the unpredictability of the storyline.
I grew tired of the same old song and dance of threats about Sonia’s safety in the corrections facility. Then when she requested an appeal I thought finally something new is going to occur to change things up.
The cover is a show stopper. One look at this cover had me stopping in my search. It got me to the next step which was invest my time in reading the synopsis.
July 22, 2021
How far will we go to protect our secrets, and the ones we love?
Are the choices we make for love ever really justifiable?
In this book we meet Sonia, Jamie and Jenna, each of them sharing with us a dark and somewhat desperate POV as they struggle with doing the right thing - in a world where distinguishing “right” from “wrong” is hopelessly complicated. It slowly becomes clear that each of the female narrators, and Sonia in particular, may or may not be reliable.
- Sonia, a convicted murderer currently serving time at the Flint Hill State Corrections Facility is clearly holding back important details necessary for us to understand her strange and self-destructive behavior.
- Jenna, young and fragile and on the run with a small child, provides us with only the briefest of glimpses into her dark and heartbreaking past.
- Jamie, dealing with her own trauma, (the details of which were introduced in the author’s previous work, which I have not read yet) comes to us initially as perhaps the most conventionally relatable of the main protagonists, in her role as a professional polygraph expert, part of the legal team working with Sonia, and an observer with growing concern for the events she is becoming part of. It quickly becomes clear that Jamie has her own secrets too.
The plot crackles with tension, as the author plays with repeatedly dangling loose ends and hints that build and build yet the puzzle remains impenetrable. Right up to the very end - as the story’s final resolution, satisfying in part only, does not completely eliminate all the outstanding questions, leaving me to assume there will be a follow-on to this story coming.
I enjoyed this story, and found the themes explored darkly fascinating.
A big thank you to the author, and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
Are the choices we make for love ever really justifiable?
In this book we meet Sonia, Jamie and Jenna, each of them sharing with us a dark and somewhat desperate POV as they struggle with doing the right thing - in a world where distinguishing “right” from “wrong” is hopelessly complicated. It slowly becomes clear that each of the female narrators, and Sonia in particular, may or may not be reliable.
- Sonia, a convicted murderer currently serving time at the Flint Hill State Corrections Facility is clearly holding back important details necessary for us to understand her strange and self-destructive behavior.
- Jenna, young and fragile and on the run with a small child, provides us with only the briefest of glimpses into her dark and heartbreaking past.
- Jamie, dealing with her own trauma, (the details of which were introduced in the author’s previous work, which I have not read yet) comes to us initially as perhaps the most conventionally relatable of the main protagonists, in her role as a professional polygraph expert, part of the legal team working with Sonia, and an observer with growing concern for the events she is becoming part of. It quickly becomes clear that Jamie has her own secrets too.
The plot crackles with tension, as the author plays with repeatedly dangling loose ends and hints that build and build yet the puzzle remains impenetrable. Right up to the very end - as the story’s final resolution, satisfying in part only, does not completely eliminate all the outstanding questions, leaving me to assume there will be a follow-on to this story coming.
I enjoyed this story, and found the themes explored darkly fascinating.
A big thank you to the author, and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
June 24, 2021
The Book Maven’s Journal Reviews for Word Connoisseurs
REVIEWER: J.Hunt
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5 Stars
My Sincere Appreciation Goes to NetGalley, Author Eva MacKenzie and Publisher Craven Ink Press for Making Available this Advance Reader Copy for Review
Coming Soon…20 July 2021…in Mysteries & Thrillers
“Safekeeping”
By Eva MacKenzie
“Safekeeping” by Author Eva MacKenzie is a suspenseful mystery-thriller that keeps readers off-kilter from the get-go. It's a little slow-burn at the beginning, sorting and placing all of the characters in their roles. However, soon I couldn't put the book down. I had to know the ending. I was inhaling pages.
A dramatic car crash sets the stage for Sonia, the female protagonist, who upon arrival of State Troopers, confesses to the murder of her stepsister—the only child of a vile and ruthless man.
Silently enduring years of tortuous treatment by other inmates in her corruptly managed prison, Sonia suddenly decides to recant her admission of guilt. Who voluntarily goes to prison, if not guilty? Why silently endure years of physical pain and suffering? Why now? What triggers Sonia’s decision for an appeal?
Although there are dark aspects to this novel, such as prison violence and human trafficking, this is ultimately a story of love and loss; of sacrifice and hope; and of fear and deliverance. It offers explanations on why the human heart drives people to do inexplicable things.
This Title, and others and that I Review, will also be posted on Goodreads, Barnes and Nobel and Amazon. On Goodreads alone, you can access 300+ of my book reviews. (TheBookMavenJoy)
https://www.goodreads.com/joyreadergirl1
REVIEWER: J.Hunt
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5 Stars
My Sincere Appreciation Goes to NetGalley, Author Eva MacKenzie and Publisher Craven Ink Press for Making Available this Advance Reader Copy for Review
Coming Soon…20 July 2021…in Mysteries & Thrillers
“Safekeeping”
By Eva MacKenzie
“Safekeeping” by Author Eva MacKenzie is a suspenseful mystery-thriller that keeps readers off-kilter from the get-go. It's a little slow-burn at the beginning, sorting and placing all of the characters in their roles. However, soon I couldn't put the book down. I had to know the ending. I was inhaling pages.
A dramatic car crash sets the stage for Sonia, the female protagonist, who upon arrival of State Troopers, confesses to the murder of her stepsister—the only child of a vile and ruthless man.
Silently enduring years of tortuous treatment by other inmates in her corruptly managed prison, Sonia suddenly decides to recant her admission of guilt. Who voluntarily goes to prison, if not guilty? Why silently endure years of physical pain and suffering? Why now? What triggers Sonia’s decision for an appeal?
Although there are dark aspects to this novel, such as prison violence and human trafficking, this is ultimately a story of love and loss; of sacrifice and hope; and of fear and deliverance. It offers explanations on why the human heart drives people to do inexplicable things.
This Title, and others and that I Review, will also be posted on Goodreads, Barnes and Nobel and Amazon. On Goodreads alone, you can access 300+ of my book reviews. (TheBookMavenJoy)
https://www.goodreads.com/joyreadergirl1
July 24, 2021
4.5 stars
I want to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review when I signed up for this blog tour.
I have read one other book by this author and just now realized they are part of the same series. The first book Buried in My Past I read in early 2020 you can click the link for that review. Now knowing that this is part of a series I would definitely recommend reading them in order. There was a part of this book that didn't make sense to me until I realized it was part of a series and I refreshed my memory. As for my thoughts on this book I really enjoyed it. Its told from 3 different POVs however Sonia gets the most page time. There was a side story that had to do with Jamie that didn't feel like it fit the story but as I mentioned it makes sense now. Jamie is the repeat character from the first book. Now that I have figured that out I don't feel so conflicted about it. This author did a great job at keeping me on the edge of my seat. Every time something was revealed I was thinking there couldn't possibly be anything left to reveal but I was wrong. For pretty much everything that was revealed I didn't see it coming however there was one aspect that I guessed. I can't really say what it is because of spoilers but even though I guessed that one thing I still really enjoyed the story. I will say that when I read a book I want everything to be wrapped up in the end. I don't want to be left with any questions. There were some things that were implied but not really confirmed so I don't know if what I think happened actually happened and I am not a fan of not knowing. Now that I know it's part of a series I am hoping the author plans to do another book and I will get some answers. As I said I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend giving this series a try. I am giving this 4.5 stars.
I want to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review when I signed up for this blog tour.
I have read one other book by this author and just now realized they are part of the same series. The first book Buried in My Past I read in early 2020 you can click the link for that review. Now knowing that this is part of a series I would definitely recommend reading them in order. There was a part of this book that didn't make sense to me until I realized it was part of a series and I refreshed my memory. As for my thoughts on this book I really enjoyed it. Its told from 3 different POVs however Sonia gets the most page time. There was a side story that had to do with Jamie that didn't feel like it fit the story but as I mentioned it makes sense now. Jamie is the repeat character from the first book. Now that I have figured that out I don't feel so conflicted about it. This author did a great job at keeping me on the edge of my seat. Every time something was revealed I was thinking there couldn't possibly be anything left to reveal but I was wrong. For pretty much everything that was revealed I didn't see it coming however there was one aspect that I guessed. I can't really say what it is because of spoilers but even though I guessed that one thing I still really enjoyed the story. I will say that when I read a book I want everything to be wrapped up in the end. I don't want to be left with any questions. There were some things that were implied but not really confirmed so I don't know if what I think happened actually happened and I am not a fan of not knowing. Now that I know it's part of a series I am hoping the author plans to do another book and I will get some answers. As I said I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend giving this series a try. I am giving this 4.5 stars.
July 18, 2021
This story starts off with a bang or rather a car crash as the protagonist, Sonia Rossi, is hurled into a ditch by an oncoming vehicle. Before the emergency services arrive, and too injured to run, she makes a phone call in which the word “safekeeping” triggers a series of events for the recipient. When the police arrive, she tells them her name … and that she is wanted for murder.
From here on, the story moves to Flint Hill Corrections Centre where Sonia has been incarcerated. We soon learn that her life in there is fraught with danger, and that she is constantly in danger. Assaulted time and again, Sonia tries to keep a low profile but it’s clear there are forces working against her. That force, primarily, being her step-father Saul D’Luca who is out for revenge after she “confessed” to killing his daughter, Emma, her step-sister.
However, when her ex is killed, Sonia knows she has to get out of prison and begins the appeal process with the help of Ali, a high-powered criminal defence attorney. It’s not longer before the warden at Flint Hill shows his true colours in refusing to give Sonia protection, and later in limiting her visitors. But when Sonia’s mum visits and then goes missing, as well as Ali the lawyer, it’s clear someone (Saul) does not want Sonia to be freed or even retried.
As Sonia battles for justice, the story also includes the actions of the person who received her phone call before she was locked up. Making the connections between Sonia, Saul and this third person, Jenna helps to unlock the reason Saul wants to keep Sonia quiet – preferably dead.
The suspense element is strong and there are several secrets to uncover before the story concludes which kept my attention, and despite there being multiple POV characters with their own chapters, the links between them all tie up by the end. For me, there are still a couple of loose ends that I’d like to see resolved – maybe there’ll be another book to do that.
A good and well-paced story with plenty of upsets along the ways that mean you just have to read one more chapter.
From here on, the story moves to Flint Hill Corrections Centre where Sonia has been incarcerated. We soon learn that her life in there is fraught with danger, and that she is constantly in danger. Assaulted time and again, Sonia tries to keep a low profile but it’s clear there are forces working against her. That force, primarily, being her step-father Saul D’Luca who is out for revenge after she “confessed” to killing his daughter, Emma, her step-sister.
However, when her ex is killed, Sonia knows she has to get out of prison and begins the appeal process with the help of Ali, a high-powered criminal defence attorney. It’s not longer before the warden at Flint Hill shows his true colours in refusing to give Sonia protection, and later in limiting her visitors. But when Sonia’s mum visits and then goes missing, as well as Ali the lawyer, it’s clear someone (Saul) does not want Sonia to be freed or even retried.
As Sonia battles for justice, the story also includes the actions of the person who received her phone call before she was locked up. Making the connections between Sonia, Saul and this third person, Jenna helps to unlock the reason Saul wants to keep Sonia quiet – preferably dead.
The suspense element is strong and there are several secrets to uncover before the story concludes which kept my attention, and despite there being multiple POV characters with their own chapters, the links between them all tie up by the end. For me, there are still a couple of loose ends that I’d like to see resolved – maybe there’ll be another book to do that.
A good and well-paced story with plenty of upsets along the ways that mean you just have to read one more chapter.
July 23, 2021
Safekeeping is part murder mystery, part crime thriller that has all the elements of a courtroom drama, minus the courtroom, but with all of the requisite drama.
Told through multiple POV’s, the story centers around Sonia, who’s in jail having confessed to the murder of Saul DeLuca’s daughter; Jamie, a polygraph expert; and Ali, Sonia’s defense attorney. Sonia’s life in prison is rough. Beaten 12 times in 5 years, several occasions until near death, and there’s nothing she can do and nowhere she can go for safety. Saul De Luca’s reach is far, his pockets deep, and he’ll do anything to make Sonia’s life a living hell.
Through the course of the story, it becomes apparent that Sonia isn’t the killer, though why she confessed to it is the million-dollar question that her legal team is now tasked with uncovering. Who really killed Emma DeLuca, and why is an innocent woman willing to endure prison time and beating after beating for a crime she didn’t commit?
Fast-paced and mysterious, Safekeeping slowly unwraps the mystery of Emma DeLuca’s death. This one is definitely a page-turner that you won’t be able to put down. There’s still a few loose ends and some unanswered questions by the end and I’m hoping the author brings us a third book in this series that will fill in the blanks. 3.5 stars.
*Many thanks to R&R Booktours and the author for providing a copy for review.
Told through multiple POV’s, the story centers around Sonia, who’s in jail having confessed to the murder of Saul DeLuca’s daughter; Jamie, a polygraph expert; and Ali, Sonia’s defense attorney. Sonia’s life in prison is rough. Beaten 12 times in 5 years, several occasions until near death, and there’s nothing she can do and nowhere she can go for safety. Saul De Luca’s reach is far, his pockets deep, and he’ll do anything to make Sonia’s life a living hell.
Through the course of the story, it becomes apparent that Sonia isn’t the killer, though why she confessed to it is the million-dollar question that her legal team is now tasked with uncovering. Who really killed Emma DeLuca, and why is an innocent woman willing to endure prison time and beating after beating for a crime she didn’t commit?
Fast-paced and mysterious, Safekeeping slowly unwraps the mystery of Emma DeLuca’s death. This one is definitely a page-turner that you won’t be able to put down. There’s still a few loose ends and some unanswered questions by the end and I’m hoping the author brings us a third book in this series that will fill in the blanks. 3.5 stars.
*Many thanks to R&R Booktours and the author for providing a copy for review.
June 27, 2021
**3.5 stars**This was an entertaining and quick read that I did enjoy. The good: it was fast it was easy and you didn’t really have to think about it you just get sucked in, finish, and then you’re spit right back out. The bad: I found it to be slightly cheesy at times maybe a bit youthful and even though I was entertained I don’t think I’ll ever really think about this one again.
Sonia is in jail for a murder she confessed to. She says she killed Emma who was the daughter of a mobster style man with (quite unrealistic) reach all over the place named Saul. She is treated relentlessly in prison and she deals with it because she has a big secret that she must protect at all costs. But the truth is starting to dangerously unfold and she needs to get out to not only live but protect this one big secret.
It’s a simplistic style mob like story that was fun and engaging. It’s told in multiple POVs which at the beginning was slightly confusing but they all tie together. I did have an issue in the end because it wrapped up quickly and left me with some unanswered questions on what happened to some people. Overall if you’re looking for something easy this was good just not…great.
Thank you Xpresso Book tours and netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Sonia is in jail for a murder she confessed to. She says she killed Emma who was the daughter of a mobster style man with (quite unrealistic) reach all over the place named Saul. She is treated relentlessly in prison and she deals with it because she has a big secret that she must protect at all costs. But the truth is starting to dangerously unfold and she needs to get out to not only live but protect this one big secret.
It’s a simplistic style mob like story that was fun and engaging. It’s told in multiple POVs which at the beginning was slightly confusing but they all tie together. I did have an issue in the end because it wrapped up quickly and left me with some unanswered questions on what happened to some people. Overall if you’re looking for something easy this was good just not…great.
Thank you Xpresso Book tours and netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
July 17, 2021
I had to DNF this one at 30%, I found it hard to read due to its density and over-written descriptions. While the first chapter was a captivating action thrill scene which immediately got my attention, the following chapters seem to focus on an agonizingly dry process of survival and injustice in prison. This side of thrillers isn't really interesting to me, so perhaps it might suit somebody else. In my opinion, the multiple POVs that kept being introduced without much of a stark introduction against other characters made the characters all blend together in my head. Jenni, Jamie, Joey, Ali, Sonia...I couldn't really imagine them, they were just thrust into the scene with thoughts and feelings. Perhaps some more character development with visual context (appearance/role) could have made them stand out, and made it easier to follow along.
Thanks to Netgalley, Craven Ink and Eva MacKenzie for this advanced readers copy, in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley, Craven Ink and Eva MacKenzie for this advanced readers copy, in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2021
My first novel by Eva MacKenzie and I enjoyed it loads.
Told from different characters points of view, this novel is a real twisty ride that will easily capture your attention and keep you hooked until the very last word.
We mainly follow Sonia who is charged with killing her stepsibling Emma. Sonia is a very mixed up character and all becomes clear later in the novel. There is elements to this book that seemed slow in places but it sure picks up the pace really quick.
I really enjoy Eva MacKenzie's descriptive writing and her characters are brilliantly put together. This is actually a second book in a series of novels but I did not read the first novel and I feel that you can read this as a stand alone novel. If you love mysteries with and element of thrills then do read this book, it will not disappoint.
Thanks to NetGalley, Eva MacKenzie and the publisher for allowing me a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Told from different characters points of view, this novel is a real twisty ride that will easily capture your attention and keep you hooked until the very last word.
We mainly follow Sonia who is charged with killing her stepsibling Emma. Sonia is a very mixed up character and all becomes clear later in the novel. There is elements to this book that seemed slow in places but it sure picks up the pace really quick.
I really enjoy Eva MacKenzie's descriptive writing and her characters are brilliantly put together. This is actually a second book in a series of novels but I did not read the first novel and I feel that you can read this as a stand alone novel. If you love mysteries with and element of thrills then do read this book, it will not disappoint.
Thanks to NetGalley, Eva MacKenzie and the publisher for allowing me a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
August 13, 2021
Book 2 in this series and it definitely was everything I’d hoped it would be! Choices we make, secrets kept, and right and wrong are sometimes blurry. As Sonia gets in a horrible car crash her only words are “ Safe keeping” and that she is wanted for murder. Once healed enough to go to prison she fights for her life as she knows there is someone trying to kill her even there. She’s in danger as well as those she loves. A tragedy makes her fight for her freedom and she then meets Jamie. Jamie is back as a polygraph expert now trying to help Sonia. But as the story unfolds and things hit close to home for them both they will be forced to see the truth that’s been kept too long. This was a fast paced read I read in a single sitting. This can be read and enjoyed as a standalone but as a series addict I’d recommend you read both!
July 23, 2021
Safekeeping by Eva Mackenzie starts off with a bang and doesn’t really slow down until the end. The Author takes us on a journey, exploring why humans do what we do, and how far we’ll go to protect our loved ones.
The pacing leads to very compelling tension. It is dark, with quite a few puzzles to solve til the end. The way this is written, it really allows the reader to dive into the story and work through the puzzles on their own.
I have read Eva Mackenzie‘s previous book and I really enjoy her writing style. I think Safekeeping was an excellent novel and I recommend giving it a read!
Thank you to R&R Book Tours for the review copy and opportunity to honestly review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
The pacing leads to very compelling tension. It is dark, with quite a few puzzles to solve til the end. The way this is written, it really allows the reader to dive into the story and work through the puzzles on their own.
I have read Eva Mackenzie‘s previous book and I really enjoy her writing style. I think Safekeeping was an excellent novel and I recommend giving it a read!
Thank you to R&R Book Tours for the review copy and opportunity to honestly review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
June 22, 2021
SAFEKEEPING by Eva MacKenzie is a fast-paced, nonstop, engaging read. The story opens with the main character Sonia running away and getting in to a car accident. When first responders arrive, Sonia confesses to murdering her stepsister. Now in prison for five years, Sonia learns of someone she knows being murdered and begins to find a way out of prison.
Although this is a very fast-paced read it can be hard to follow at times due to the changing points of view. Nonetheless once the reader gets the flow of the writing it becomes much easier to understand. This was an enjoyable and descriptive read.
Although this is a very fast-paced read it can be hard to follow at times due to the changing points of view. Nonetheless once the reader gets the flow of the writing it becomes much easier to understand. This was an enjoyable and descriptive read.
August 6, 2021
Safekeeping is a second installment in the Cedar Lake series, and I would highly suggest reading book one first so you can keep the characters straight. I had read the first book in the series, Buried in My Past shortly after starting this account and loved it, so I was so happy to read Safekeeping.
Safekeeping was incredibly fast-paced from the very beginning, which I really enjoyed since I keep falling into reading slumps. Another factor that I really enjoyed was the multiple POV. More and more lately I really enjoy reading the story from different viewpoints, and these characters were flawed but so enjoyable.
Our main character, Sonia, is in prison for murder but did she do it? She is hiding so much, what is the truth? There is a definite “mobster” feel to this story, and I loved it so much. Sonia is being continually attacked and anyone that is close to her is in danger, but at whose orders?
Mackenzie was able to weave multiple characters and storylines flawlessly in this novel. You will be on the edge of your seat until the very last page with this one!
July 2, 2021
This book was a nail biting thriller I could not put down!
Sonia has minutes to make a phone call after a devastating car accident before the police arrive. This one phone call sets off an unbelievable chain of events!
Sonia confesses to the police that she is responsible for the brutal murder of her sister Emma.
Told from multiple POV’s, this book was an action packed thrill ride I am still talking about! I enjoyed the story of survival and could not predict the ending, which I also enjoyed.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.
Sonia has minutes to make a phone call after a devastating car accident before the police arrive. This one phone call sets off an unbelievable chain of events!
Sonia confesses to the police that she is responsible for the brutal murder of her sister Emma.
Told from multiple POV’s, this book was an action packed thrill ride I am still talking about! I enjoyed the story of survival and could not predict the ending, which I also enjoyed.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.
July 20, 2021
This book was a wild ride. It started off with a bang, as we meet Sonia for the first time. It was definitely an interesting book, but at times the pacing was a little slower than I would have liked. Not only that, but it was interesting trying to piece together exactly what the truth was, and a few of the things along the way made my stomach twist. The descriptions are vivid, and the action is well written. The characters are hit-and-miss for me, and I'm a little conflicted on how I feel about some of them. Definitely a thrilling read.
August 22, 2021
Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. A twisty tension filled read. I was hooked from the start. My first time reading Eva Mackenzie and it won't be my last. Sonia is in prison for murdering her step sister Emma. Sonia is getting bashed frequently and is convinced her step father is behind the beatings and wants her dead to avenge his daughters murder.. A fast paced addictive read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ #evamackenzie #safekeeping #goodreads #netgalley #litsy #thestorygraph #tea_sipping_bookworm #thriller #bookqueen #bookstagram #amazonkindle #kindle
July 6, 2021
This was a really fast-paced thriller, and I hated having to stop for real life. Sonia is a very sympathetic character, and I really connected with her. I had a bit of trouble keeping up at the beginning due to there being more a few converging storylines, but I caught up quickly and the author did a great job tying things back together. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves thrillers.
July 24, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I loved the concept of it and had potential too. But after a while it just got tideous and i didn’t care that much as well.
Sometimes you don’t read for the plot twists or the big reveal, but just to see the extent humans can go in being pure evil. But being a “Dark Suspense” wasn’t that dark to me (of course that is a personal preference thing so I don’t blame the author for it). But it didn’t meet my expectations completely.
I loved the concept of it and had potential too. But after a while it just got tideous and i didn’t care that much as well.
Sometimes you don’t read for the plot twists or the big reveal, but just to see the extent humans can go in being pure evil. But being a “Dark Suspense” wasn’t that dark to me (of course that is a personal preference thing so I don’t blame the author for it). But it didn’t meet my expectations completely.
July 27, 2021
I love books where one action has a crazy chain reaction. This story was so good people always thinking they’ll never get caught. It hooked me since the beginning with car accident because she adamantly admits she’s wanted for murder. She just didn’t have an accident bad things happened to her thru a couple of years making me not want to stop reading.
November 5, 2021
Wow, what a ride! The twists and turns continued throughout the entire book; the unpredictability was perfectly strewn around, right up until the end. Who killed Emma? Will Sonia live to avenge her stepsister? Will Jenna and Mason be found? This is a fantastic thriller, with just the right amount of mystery. Thank you NetGalley for my copy. My comments and opinions are my own.
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