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Fool Her Once
Some killers are born. Others are made.
As a rookie tabloid reporter, Jenna Sinclair outed Denny Dennison, the illegitimate son of a serial killer. Running from the fallout, Jenna escapes the city and hides behind her marriage and motherhood. Now, decades later, betrayed by her husband and resented by her teenage daughter, Jenna decides to resurrect her career.
When her former lover is brutally assaulted, Jenna fears that Denny has inherited his father’s psychopath gene and is out for revenge. When no one believes her, she must track him down before he harms his next target, her daughter.
From New York City to the remote North Fork of Long Island and the murky waters surrounding it, Jenna rushes to uncover a terrible truth. Will her relentless investigation save or destroy her family?
As a rookie tabloid reporter, Jenna Sinclair outed Denny Dennison, the illegitimate son of a serial killer. Running from the fallout, Jenna escapes the city and hides behind her marriage and motherhood. Now, decades later, betrayed by her husband and resented by her teenage daughter, Jenna decides to resurrect her career.
When her former lover is brutally assaulted, Jenna fears that Denny has inherited his father’s psychopath gene and is out for revenge. When no one believes her, she must track him down before he harms his next target, her daughter.
From New York City to the remote North Fork of Long Island and the murky waters surrounding it, Jenna rushes to uncover a terrible truth. Will her relentless investigation save or destroy her family?
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2022
3 people are currently reading
5987 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Elm
3 books151 followersAuthor of three crime thrillers, Scandal (1996) Delusion (1997). Her third thriller, Fool Her Once was released on March 1, 2022.
In between writing fiction, she has worked as a journalist on newspapers in UK and in New York; on magazines including as the news editor of STAR tabloid magazine, and in TV News where she wrote and researched for WNYW-TV's Emmy award-winning documentary, Irish Eyes.
She was also a producer on Fox-TV's "A Current Affair."
She attended law school in 2002, and worked as a judicial law clerk for a New York appellate judge for more than seven years.
She divides her time between New York and Palm Beach where she plays tennis and golf in her spare time.
You can read more about her at "http://www.joannaelm.com/about."
In between writing fiction, she has worked as a journalist on newspapers in UK and in New York; on magazines including as the news editor of STAR tabloid magazine, and in TV News where she wrote and researched for WNYW-TV's Emmy award-winning documentary, Irish Eyes.
She was also a producer on Fox-TV's "A Current Affair."
She attended law school in 2002, and worked as a judicial law clerk for a New York appellate judge for more than seven years.
She divides her time between New York and Palm Beach where she plays tennis and golf in her spare time.
You can read more about her at "http://www.joannaelm.com/about."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
May 23, 2023
Expert writing drives your brain into thinking yhis is your standard generic crime thriller but this is so much more.. There ate many teists and turns with a deep question interwoven throughtout the story. The pace pf the story at times was a little too much of a slow burn for me. So worth sticking with it.The main character is well written . The timeline skipping backward radomly without clear reason in places was annoying. The ending was a good payoff. A god solid 4
March 8, 2023
Fool Her Once is an average suspense novel, not exactly the "thriller" it was purported to be.
This novel was weirdly constructed, where we basically knew from the first page who the bad guy was, and spent the rest of the novel waiting for the unlikeable and fairly naïve Jenna to figure it all out. I can't say I enjoyed getting to know any of the characters, but none of them were really given much depth anyway, so surface knowledge worked out as a win-win.
I guess the biggest issue for me is just how important it is that there might actually be a serial killer gene. In genetics, there might be propensities handed down, but having a genetic predisposition does not mean an individual will develop the disease. Everyone in this book was overly obsessed with this potential, but it was much ado about nothing.
I am more than over the "what if?" obsessing, and very glad the book is finished so I don't have to hear any more about the possibility of a serial killer gene.
This novel was weirdly constructed, where we basically knew from the first page who the bad guy was, and spent the rest of the novel waiting for the unlikeable and fairly naïve Jenna to figure it all out. I can't say I enjoyed getting to know any of the characters, but none of them were really given much depth anyway, so surface knowledge worked out as a win-win.
I guess the biggest issue for me is just how important it is that there might actually be a serial killer gene. In genetics, there might be propensities handed down, but having a genetic predisposition does not mean an individual will develop the disease. Everyone in this book was overly obsessed with this potential, but it was much ado about nothing.
I am more than over the "what if?" obsessing, and very glad the book is finished so I don't have to hear any more about the possibility of a serial killer gene.
December 12, 2021
Joanna Elm's FOOL HER ONCE is an expertly crafted crime thriller that grabs the reader from the start and doesn't let go. Jenna Sinclair, an investigative journalist whose marriage is in tatters, finds herself being sucked into a perilous situation because of a serial killer story she wrote decades prior. For years, she has been able to bury her guilt over what happened in the wake of the story's publication. But now, when someone she loves is brutally assaulted, she realizes that her past is making its way into her present.
Joanna Elm masterfully unwinds the plot, letting readers in on the truth gradually until they realize the mortal danger that Jenna faces, even before Jenna herself comprehends the shocking truth. Fans of crime thrillers will love FOOL HER ONCE. I look forward to more Joanna Elm novels!
Joanna Elm masterfully unwinds the plot, letting readers in on the truth gradually until they realize the mortal danger that Jenna faces, even before Jenna herself comprehends the shocking truth. Fans of crime thrillers will love FOOL HER ONCE. I look forward to more Joanna Elm novels!
March 17, 2023
I love the great cover for Fool Her Once and it fits the story. The dark and eerie cover fits the description of the characters inside. It seems they all have secrets they want kept.
Jenna Sinclair’s life is a convoluted mess. Jenna bounces between two men. She does have a knack for tracking people down and now that her past seems to be knocking at her door, she will have to find the answers for herself.
When Ryan is attacked outside her building, she believes that Denny Dennison’s son has come to make her pay for outing him and ruining his life. But, Jenna and Ryan had recently done an expose on restaurants, so the list of suspects is long. I do believe Joanna Elm threw a red herring my way, diverting me from a line of questioning that may have revealed the true villain before she gave me the answer.
She had outed a serial killer’s son, and now she thinks he has come back for revenge. Can killer genes be inherited, making someone evil? Can the children of serial killers become serial killers themselves? Bad genes, bad seeds?
She is married to Zack and has a daughter by him. Dollie sides with her father, but with an absentee mother, always at work in the city, that makes sense.
My thoughts were right and wrong at the same time. How wonderful for the story. What a great twist. I know the truth, but Jenna does not and does her own research, leaving no stone unturned. As the truth unfolds, I can’t help but smile. I love when I don’t have all the answers for myself and need some assistance from the author.
As I am nearing the end, my feelings for Jenna change. I am thinking she is an idiot. I can’t explain more, but I felt I gave her too much credit, believing she was clever, would find the answers and make the right choice.
Then, Jenna and Joanna Elm redeemed themselves in a big way. I guess we humans see what we want to see, trying to make the best of a bad situation. I wonder what you would think?
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Fool Her Once by Joanna Elm.
Jenna Sinclair’s life is a convoluted mess. Jenna bounces between two men. She does have a knack for tracking people down and now that her past seems to be knocking at her door, she will have to find the answers for herself.
When Ryan is attacked outside her building, she believes that Denny Dennison’s son has come to make her pay for outing him and ruining his life. But, Jenna and Ryan had recently done an expose on restaurants, so the list of suspects is long. I do believe Joanna Elm threw a red herring my way, diverting me from a line of questioning that may have revealed the true villain before she gave me the answer.
She had outed a serial killer’s son, and now she thinks he has come back for revenge. Can killer genes be inherited, making someone evil? Can the children of serial killers become serial killers themselves? Bad genes, bad seeds?
She is married to Zack and has a daughter by him. Dollie sides with her father, but with an absentee mother, always at work in the city, that makes sense.
My thoughts were right and wrong at the same time. How wonderful for the story. What a great twist. I know the truth, but Jenna does not and does her own research, leaving no stone unturned. As the truth unfolds, I can’t help but smile. I love when I don’t have all the answers for myself and need some assistance from the author.
As I am nearing the end, my feelings for Jenna change. I am thinking she is an idiot. I can’t explain more, but I felt I gave her too much credit, believing she was clever, would find the answers and make the right choice.
Then, Jenna and Joanna Elm redeemed themselves in a big way. I guess we humans see what we want to see, trying to make the best of a bad situation. I wonder what you would think?
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Fool Her Once by Joanna Elm.
March 5, 2022
Thank you Edelweiss for the copy of Fool Her Once, by Joanna Elm. I really liked the storyline asking if serial killer genes are inherited, and how the relatives of people convicted of crimes are treated. I thought the book was really slow in the beginning, and then, at about 40% it kicked in and got really interesting and the whole story started to unfold. It might have been too late, but the events in the start of the book finally began to make sense. The characters were defined well, but I never connected to any of them. If you're willing to wade through the slow beginning, this is a good book for you.
February 5, 2022
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Edelweiss, Publicity team. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Wow. I really enjoyed Fool Her Once. All along, I thought I had ideas and knew what would happen and kind of kept waiting for it and then no, it was something else. These characters were all flawed and sometimes not very likeable. If you don't like cheating, you won't like it here.
Jenna is the main character. She is smart and works hard at her craft, figuring things out many reporters would not spend the time to develop. However, there are some ethical issues for her and she is caught between her ethics and the public frenzy her story brings. She worries how it plays out for those in the story. She leaves that work and moves on to writing which is less sensational.
Jenna, personally believes she is in love with her editor, Ryan and is living with him. But he is not ready to settle down, so when she goes out of town for a story and meets someone more interested in her, she ends up marrying him, Zack, and having a daughter. Because she travels so much for work, and their personalities, Zack becomes a bit closer to the daughter. Now, twenty years later, things are falling apart in their relationship, and Jenna goes back to the city and to Ryan, who claims he is also having marital troubles.
Everything goes badly, as Ryan has sex with her and then leaves to go pick up his wife at the airport. Jenna is miffed and yes Ryan seems to be playing with her again, but then he gets beaten, possibly mugged. Jenna ends up researching their present and past for enemies, as she doesn't think it's an ordinary mugging, which leads to many unsettling discoveries. Hang on for a wild and bumpy ride because it's a thriller.
Mostly we get Jenna's point of view, and while she is smart, she is a bit selfish and pampered. She's always been hurt by Ryan not loving her as much as she loved him. We also get Zack's point of view. Zack has really worked hard and made a good life for them. While it hasn't been easy, he has had patience and really made it easy for Jenna to travel, keep her apartment in the city and really whatever she wants. Now their relationship is breaking down and both of them are unhappy. I won't say more, leaving you to twist through events, as I highly recommend this read.
Excerpt:
Review copy was received from Edelweiss, Publicity team. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Wow. I really enjoyed Fool Her Once. All along, I thought I had ideas and knew what would happen and kind of kept waiting for it and then no, it was something else. These characters were all flawed and sometimes not very likeable. If you don't like cheating, you won't like it here.
Jenna is the main character. She is smart and works hard at her craft, figuring things out many reporters would not spend the time to develop. However, there are some ethical issues for her and she is caught between her ethics and the public frenzy her story brings. She worries how it plays out for those in the story. She leaves that work and moves on to writing which is less sensational.
Jenna, personally believes she is in love with her editor, Ryan and is living with him. But he is not ready to settle down, so when she goes out of town for a story and meets someone more interested in her, she ends up marrying him, Zack, and having a daughter. Because she travels so much for work, and their personalities, Zack becomes a bit closer to the daughter. Now, twenty years later, things are falling apart in their relationship, and Jenna goes back to the city and to Ryan, who claims he is also having marital troubles.
Everything goes badly, as Ryan has sex with her and then leaves to go pick up his wife at the airport. Jenna is miffed and yes Ryan seems to be playing with her again, but then he gets beaten, possibly mugged. Jenna ends up researching their present and past for enemies, as she doesn't think it's an ordinary mugging, which leads to many unsettling discoveries. Hang on for a wild and bumpy ride because it's a thriller.
Mostly we get Jenna's point of view, and while she is smart, she is a bit selfish and pampered. She's always been hurt by Ryan not loving her as much as she loved him. We also get Zack's point of view. Zack has really worked hard and made a good life for them. While it hasn't been easy, he has had patience and really made it easy for Jenna to travel, keep her apartment in the city and really whatever she wants. Now their relationship is breaking down and both of them are unhappy. I won't say more, leaving you to twist through events, as I highly recommend this read.
Excerpt:
Chapter Four
Week One: Friday Morning
The buzzing of the intercom startled Jenna as she waited for the Bialetti to stop gurgling. Her head felt heavy, but her Fitbit told her she’d gotten almost six hours’ sleep since Ryan had left the apartment. She moved the moka pot off the flames and walked into the hallway to the intercom.
It was Oscar, the day doorman. “Miss Sinclair, police here to see you. Coming up now.”
She sat down abruptly on the narrow hallway bench. Dollie. Something had happened to Dollie. She felt ice cold as she opened the door to wait for the elevator to discharge the cops, who turned out to be plainclothes detectives. She tried to recall what someone—probably Lola, her best friend who knew all about law enforcement—had once told her about cops always going in threes, not twos, to inform next of kin when there was a fatality. Was that still true? Maybe they’d downsized because of budget cuts. Or maybe the “three” rule did not apply in New York City.
Her heart was pounding, thudding against her chest, the blood roaring in her ears, as she beckoned them into the apartment. She barely heard as the taller, younger one said: “Miss Sinclair, we’re sorry to disturb you, but we’re wondering if you could answer some questions about yesterday evening? We’re looking into an incident involving Mr. Ryan McAllister.”
It took her more than a moment to refocus, and for the pounding of her heart to slow a little. They weren’t here about Dollie.
“Incident?” She repeated the word, frowning.
They looked at each other. The taller, younger one was black with a shaved head and soft brown eyes. He introduced himself as Detective Jim Martins. His partner was older and shorter, with thinning hair. His face was slicked with perspiration, as if he’d walked up the three flights to her apartment rather than taking the elevator. Jenna immediately forgot his name.
Martins took a notebook out of his hip pocket but didn’t look at it when he replied: “Mr. McAllister was found in the street, early this morning.”
“What do you mean ‘found’?” Her voice rose shrilly. “Is he dead?”
“No.”
“Where was he found?” Jenna’s heart was pounding again even as the memory from just a few hours ago flashed through her mind.
They had strolled back from Neary’s; had stopped on the corner of her street while Ryan fished around for a loose bill to hand over to the homeless guy who hung out there.
She’d linked her arm through his as they walked into her building and to the elevator. They’d barely crossed the threshold into her apartment when Ryan had nudged her back against the door and brought his mouth to her lips, working down to the hollow of her throat, his fingers tugging at the straps of her cami. All thoughts of waiting, doing the right thing had evaporated in a millisecond. Instead, she had responded, clinging to him, thrilling to the thought that he wanted her.
They had moved as one into the living room, onto the couch, then down onto the hand-knotted wool Jaipur rug, Ryan pushing down her jeans and panties and flinging them over the couch.
“No. Wait.” Jenna had sat up abruptly. “I can’t.”
--
The detective’s reply jolted her back into the conversation. “Just a couple of hundred yards down the street from this building. You had dinner with him last night.”
Jenna focused on Martins. He didn’t sound as if he was asking. “Did Ryan tell you that?” She paused and repeated her first question. “What do you mean ‘found’?” Jenna wished she could take a long gulp of espresso to get her brain working again.
“Let us ask the questions, Miss Sinclair, okay? We’re just trying to figure out what happened.”
Jenna didn’t like the abrupt change in tone, and suddenly the detective’s eyes didn’t look so soft either. Did he think she’d done something wrong? She realized she sounded a little defensive. That was stupid.
There was nothing to hide.
“Yes, we had dinner,” she said.
The other detective nodded, and she followed his gaze across the floor into the living area to where her white jeans lay crumpled under the chair. “We’re just trying to establish a timeline,” he said. “We’d appreciate it if you could help us out. Give us some idea of what time he left here?”
“I don’t remember when he left.”
“He couldn’t help us with the timing either.”
Not hard to believe. The events of the night were wrapped in a mist floating around her head, but she remembered Ryan guiding her to the bed, sliding in beside her and holding her. “We don’t have to rush,” he’d said. “We don’t have to do anything tonight. It’s okay. We have all the time in the world.”
“We don’t know how long he was lying in the street,” Martins mentioned casually. “He couldn’t tell the paramedics what happened.”
“Oh my God.” The words came out as a whisper. The image of Ryan swaying drunkenly flashed before her eyes. “What happened? Did he fall? Did he pass out?”
“We don’t know exactly.”
“Is he injured?”
“We don’t know the full extent of his injuries. They’re checking him out now. He’s at Lenox Hill Hospital.”
Jenna had the feeling they weren’t telling her everything. Why would detectives be investigating someone falling down drunk in the street?
Had he been hit by a car?
“Miss Sinclair? Can you give us an approximate time when you last saw him?”
She nodded quickly. “Sure, I’ll try.” She knew they could get a time from Nando, the night doorman, and she didn’t want to appear uncooperative. “We had dinner at Neary’s, round the corner,” she said. “We came back here for a nightcap. We were discussing some writing projects I’m working on. I just finished one for his magazine.”
“His magazine?”
Jenna nodded. “He’s the publisher of CityMagazine. He bought the exposé I just wrote on restaurants in the Hamptons. We planned on working on some others together . . . I mean there were a couple of projects we discussed. We were talking, we lost track of time.” She knew she was babbling. God only knew why she felt so guilty. She and Ryan had done nothing wrong. “It was probably around three.” She paused. “I’m sorry. Yes, around three, maybe three thirty. That’s when I saw him out.”
“Did you part on friendly terms?”
Jenna stared at Martins. Had they already spoken to Nando? Had he told them he’d seen Jenna following Ryan down the street?
Just before leaving, Ryan had told her Teddi was returning, flying into La Guardia, and he had to go home, shower and change before picking her up. Jenna had been furious as she listened to the elevator carry Ryan down to the lobby.
She’d grabbed a T-shirt and sweatpants and headed for the stairs, arriving in the lobby in time to see Ryan walking out of the building, a little unsteady on his feet. She’d let him get to the corner before calling after him to stop.
“Miss Sinclair, did you have a fight?” Martins persisted.
“God, no!” Jenna’s reply burst from her lips. No, Nando could not have seen her push Ryan. She was surely already out of the doorman’s line of vision when she’d caught up with him.
“Okay.” The detective gave her a curt nod and handed her his business card. “If you remember anything else, please call me.” His partner opened the front door out into the hallway.
“You said he’s at Lenox Hill?“
Martins looked over her shoulder and appeared to be staring at something in her living room. She hoped it was not at her discarded white jeans. “Yes. Lenox Hill.” He nodded. “His wife is probably with him by now.” He paused in the open doorway. “They have Mr. McAllister in the ICU,” he added as he followed his partner to the front door.
The intensive care unit? It had to be serious.
“Did you say ICU?” She aimed the question at their backs, but the door had already closed.
Jenna returned to the kitchen. She was so parched it was making her dizzy. She stood at the faucet, cold water running into the sink as she cupped her hands and swigged from them, not caring that half of it was landing on the kitchen floor.
She poured herself a double espresso, carried the mug into the living room and sank into an armchair, looking around for her cell phone. Her eyes flickered round the room, noticing the mess the way the detectives would have seen it from the hallway. Through the door into the bedroom, she saw the empty glasses, the empty bottle of Jameson’s on the nightstand. Blood rose to her face, she felt hot and cold and then hot again as she caught sight of her scrunched-up, bright white panties hanging off the middle shelf of her bookcase, where Ryan had tossed them.
She took a couple of deep breaths. The cops probably thought they had the whole picture: cheating husband, wife returning from a trip, girlfriend gets jealous, doesn’t want to let him go. They’d questioned her as if they thought she was the one who’d hurt him badly enough to put him into intensive care in the hospital.
She closed her eyes and tried to recall exactly what had happened when she’d finally caught up with Ryan.
February 19, 2022
Some killers are born. Others are made.
As a rookie tabloid reporter, Jenna Sinclair made a tragic mistake when she outed Denny Dennison, the illegitimate son of an executed serial killer. So she hid behind her marriage and motherhood. Now, decades later, betrayed by her husband and resented by her teenage daughter, Jenna decides to resurrect her career—and returns to the city she loves.
When her former lover is brutally assaulted outside Jenna’s NYC apartment building, Jenna suspects that Denny has inherited his father’s psychopath gene and is out for revenge. She knows she must track him down before he can harm his next target, her daughter.
Meanwhile, her estranged husband, Zack, fears that her investigative reporting skills will unearth his own devastating secret he’d kept buried in the past.
From New York City to the remote North Fork of Long Island and the murky waters surrounding it, Jenna rushes to uncover the terrible truth about a psychopath and realizes her own investigation may save or destroy her family.
Genre: Thriller (Domestic)
Published by: CamCat Books
Publication Date: March 1st 2022
Number of Pages: 416
ISBN: 0744304938 (ISBN13: 9780744304930)
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads | BookShop.org | CamCat Books
My Review
Fool her once
☕☕☕☕☕
This book i totally enjoyed From the beginning to the end. The author has written a wonderful story that keeps the reader guessing. Focused on things that happened in the past. This is my kinda Book. I will definitely be reading more by this author.
I personally like books that are on different time lines..
As a rookie tabloid reporter, Jenna Sinclair made a tragic mistake when she outed Denny Dennison, the illegitimate son of an executed serial killer. So she hid behind her marriage and motherhood. Now, decades later, betrayed by her husband and resented by her teenage daughter, Jenna decides to resurrect her career—and returns to the city she loves.
When her former lover is brutally assaulted outside Jenna’s NYC apartment building, Jenna suspects that Denny has inherited his father’s psychopath gene and is out for revenge. She knows she must track him down before he can harm his next target, her daughter.
Meanwhile, her estranged husband, Zack, fears that her investigative reporting skills will unearth his own devastating secret he’d kept buried in the past.
From New York City to the remote North Fork of Long Island and the murky waters surrounding it, Jenna rushes to uncover the terrible truth about a psychopath and realizes her own investigation may save or destroy her family.
Genre: Thriller (Domestic)
Published by: CamCat Books
Publication Date: March 1st 2022
Number of Pages: 416
ISBN: 0744304938 (ISBN13: 9780744304930)
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads | BookShop.org | CamCat Books
My Review
Fool her once
☕☕☕☕☕
This book i totally enjoyed From the beginning to the end. The author has written a wonderful story that keeps the reader guessing. Focused on things that happened in the past. This is my kinda Book. I will definitely be reading more by this author.
I personally like books that are on different time lines..
March 9, 2023
I received an advance review book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Joanna Elm and iRead Book Tours. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.
Fool Her Once is my first book by Joanna Elm and won’t be my last. This book is a bit of a slow burn but once it gets going, the reader is sucked in and the book is unputdownable. Action packed and filled with intrigue, mystery, suspense, and one red herring after another you don’t want to miss this one. The premise of this book caught my attention immediately. In this book, we meet Jenna Sinclair (a tabloid rookie) who made a huge mistake when she outted Denny Dennison (the illegitimate son of an executed serial killer).
At the time she hid behind her marriage and motherhood. Now, decades later, betrayed by her husband and resented by her teenage daughter she decides to resurrect her career and returns to NYC. When her former lover is brutally assaulted outside her apartment, she’s certain Denny has inherited his father’s psychopath gene and is out for revenge. Meanwhile, her estranged husband, Zack fears her investigation will unearth the devastating secret he’s keeping.
Overall, this book is well written with an eclectic cast of characters who I enjoyed getting to know through out the book. The descriptions are vivid which had me completely immersed in the story. The plot is realistic and I could see this happening today. I look forward to reading more from this author!
Fool Her Once is my first book by Joanna Elm and won’t be my last. This book is a bit of a slow burn but once it gets going, the reader is sucked in and the book is unputdownable. Action packed and filled with intrigue, mystery, suspense, and one red herring after another you don’t want to miss this one. The premise of this book caught my attention immediately. In this book, we meet Jenna Sinclair (a tabloid rookie) who made a huge mistake when she outted Denny Dennison (the illegitimate son of an executed serial killer).
At the time she hid behind her marriage and motherhood. Now, decades later, betrayed by her husband and resented by her teenage daughter she decides to resurrect her career and returns to NYC. When her former lover is brutally assaulted outside her apartment, she’s certain Denny has inherited his father’s psychopath gene and is out for revenge. Meanwhile, her estranged husband, Zack fears her investigation will unearth the devastating secret he’s keeping.
Overall, this book is well written with an eclectic cast of characters who I enjoyed getting to know through out the book. The descriptions are vivid which had me completely immersed in the story. The plot is realistic and I could see this happening today. I look forward to reading more from this author!
February 7, 2022
In Fool Her Once, author Joanna Elm weaves a riveting thriller that easily draws the reader in with its suspenseful storyline set in NYC and the North Fork of Long Island, that follows investigative journalist Jenna Sinclair as she embarks on an investigation to uncover the truth when her painful past resurfaces, and she is determined to protect her family.
Twenty-one years ago, in the summer of 1998, Jenna Sinclair was a reporter working at The Sun, a weekly tabloid in NYC. She wrote an article on a serial killer who had been executed in 1978, and news editor Ryan McAllister tweaked the article and sensationalized it by exposing the woman who was pregnant with his unborn son at the time of his execution. Jenna felt guilty for causing the woman and her son so much trauma from the article that she quit her job and moved from NYC to the North Fork of Long Island to restart her life.
Fast-forward to June 2019, Jenna is in the process of reviving her reporting career, and has recently wrote an expose on the Hamptons restaurants farm-to-table fraud. Jenna meets up with ex-lover and editor Ryan Mc Allister in NYC, but when he is brutally assaulted outside her apartment late at night, Jenna can't help but become worried and wonders if Denny Dennison, the son of the serial killer has found her, and is seeking revenge for destoying his life. Jenna is determined to uncover the truth, but with danger around the corner, can she save her family, or will her investigation destroy them?
Fool Her Once is a riveting multi-layered tale told in the third person perspective with alternating timelines set in the present with flashbacks to the past. The author does a phenomenal job of delving into the slow-building and tension filled storyline interwoven with a dysfunctional family dynamic, flashbacks to the past, and a tangled web of secrets, lies, and betrayals. It has enough intriguing and suspenseful twists and turns that leaves the reader with no other option than to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next. The reader will be kept in suspense and guessing as Jenna's investigation uncovers the devastating truth as she puts the puzzle pieces together, and the suprising truth is revealed. The author provides the reader with one heck of a thriller, it just doesn't get any better than that!
Fool Her Once is an intense thriller that is a must read!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
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Twenty-one years ago, in the summer of 1998, Jenna Sinclair was a reporter working at The Sun, a weekly tabloid in NYC. She wrote an article on a serial killer who had been executed in 1978, and news editor Ryan McAllister tweaked the article and sensationalized it by exposing the woman who was pregnant with his unborn son at the time of his execution. Jenna felt guilty for causing the woman and her son so much trauma from the article that she quit her job and moved from NYC to the North Fork of Long Island to restart her life.
Fast-forward to June 2019, Jenna is in the process of reviving her reporting career, and has recently wrote an expose on the Hamptons restaurants farm-to-table fraud. Jenna meets up with ex-lover and editor Ryan Mc Allister in NYC, but when he is brutally assaulted outside her apartment late at night, Jenna can't help but become worried and wonders if Denny Dennison, the son of the serial killer has found her, and is seeking revenge for destoying his life. Jenna is determined to uncover the truth, but with danger around the corner, can she save her family, or will her investigation destroy them?
Fool Her Once is a riveting multi-layered tale told in the third person perspective with alternating timelines set in the present with flashbacks to the past. The author does a phenomenal job of delving into the slow-building and tension filled storyline interwoven with a dysfunctional family dynamic, flashbacks to the past, and a tangled web of secrets, lies, and betrayals. It has enough intriguing and suspenseful twists and turns that leaves the reader with no other option than to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next. The reader will be kept in suspense and guessing as Jenna's investigation uncovers the devastating truth as she puts the puzzle pieces together, and the suprising truth is revealed. The author provides the reader with one heck of a thriller, it just doesn't get any better than that!
Fool Her Once is an intense thriller that is a must read!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
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March 20, 2022
One of the books I most looked forward to reading this year and it didn’t disappoint!! Joanna Elm has crafted a real gem here – one that will remind you of the joy in reading.
From the tense slow-burn beginning, through that jaw-dropping twist in the middle (seriously still picking mine up off the floor), right until the terrifying conclusion, Joanna demonstrates her firm grasp on the art of writing and never fails to entertain. It may be light on action, but this is something the genre demands. True psychological thrillers toy with your mind to keep you turning those pages, and Fool Her Once certainly does that.
Do yourself a favour, and give this talented author a try.
5 stars.
From the tense slow-burn beginning, through that jaw-dropping twist in the middle (seriously still picking mine up off the floor), right until the terrifying conclusion, Joanna demonstrates her firm grasp on the art of writing and never fails to entertain. It may be light on action, but this is something the genre demands. True psychological thrillers toy with your mind to keep you turning those pages, and Fool Her Once certainly does that.
Do yourself a favour, and give this talented author a try.
5 stars.
June 1, 2023
Thank you Netgalley for the audio copy in exchange for a honest review. Reporter Jenna started her career with a story about a serial killer. Her marriage is going through a rough patch and her daughter is going off the rails. Then Jenna finds out the serial killer has a son and fears he is seeking his revenge on her. A thrilling ride full of twists and turns.
July 3, 2023
FOOL HER ONCE is the story of Jenna and her investigative capabilities. She put them to use when she was younger, but events spiralled out of her control. Upset by the result, she left her job and concentrated her abilities elsewhere. Fast forward to the present, and it looks like her past is coming back to haunt her.
Told from the perspectives of Jenna and Zach, it is immediately apparent that things aren't what Jenna thought they were. The whole story unravels slowly, with teasers and titbits there to keep your interest.
I thoroughly enjoyed her investigation even as I was shouting at her to connect the dots! I do wish more reasons had been given about the relationship with her daughter. There seemed to be no reason for it - unless I missed something - and Zach was stirring the pot.
A great read, Fool Her Once is a Domestic Thriller sure to keep you enthralled.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 21, 2022
Told from the perspectives of Jenna and Zach, it is immediately apparent that things aren't what Jenna thought they were. The whole story unravels slowly, with teasers and titbits there to keep your interest.
I thoroughly enjoyed her investigation even as I was shouting at her to connect the dots! I do wish more reasons had been given about the relationship with her daughter. There seemed to be no reason for it - unless I missed something - and Zach was stirring the pot.
A great read, Fool Her Once is a Domestic Thriller sure to keep you enthralled.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 21, 2022
Read
February 21, 2022I was fortunate to receive an advance review copy of Fool Her Once from the publisher.
I am an avid reader but not much of a fan when it comes to mysteries or psychological thrillers. Joanna Elm changed that for me when I read Fool Her Once, a story so well told that I was immediately drawn into the web of lies and many twists and turns of this well-constructed plot.
Her characters came to life on the pages as they challenged my perceptions and toyed with my emotions.
It was a wonderful journey from beginning to end.
P.S. Would love a sequel!
I am an avid reader but not much of a fan when it comes to mysteries or psychological thrillers. Joanna Elm changed that for me when I read Fool Her Once, a story so well told that I was immediately drawn into the web of lies and many twists and turns of this well-constructed plot.
Her characters came to life on the pages as they challenged my perceptions and toyed with my emotions.
It was a wonderful journey from beginning to end.
P.S. Would love a sequel!
February 25, 2022
I’m trying to figure out the best way to begin this review.
- Okay, the characters were continually drawing me back to the story.
- It was a book that was hard to put down.
- With the chapters being so short, I was always trying to justify just one more chapter.
That about sums it up. This is a book that grabbed me quickly and kept me turning pages. Oh, and I guess I could mention that the dialog completely fits this rather unusual cast of characters.
As I read a book that is exciting and really clicking for me, I always start to worry. Why? What if the ending ruins an otherwise wonderful book?
So I held my breath as I neared the end of Fool Her Once. After reading the last sentence, I slowly shut the book and thought, Huh . . . so that’s it? But I couldn’t let it go, I kept thinking about the story.
While it may not have been the ending I was dreaming of. It worked perfectly. Some very good thoughts were expertly woven into this story. Yet I’m not going to point them out in my review since it might have a chance of spoiling the book for you. And if you’re like me, I want to discover as I read. In fact, rarely do I do more than glance at a synopsis. So I won’t go into what I took from the story. But if you, like me, are tempted to end the book with, huh, think about what might have led up to the conclusion. It’s powerful.
Though there were several characters involved, it was easy to follow this domestic, psychological story. In fact, the more I read the more invested I became in knowing each character’s history. I needed answers.
Concerns
Recently I read that a reviewer didn’t like a particular book because all of the characters were dislikable. I had never really considered that when reading or reviewing books . . . until this book, that is.
This was based more on character actions and reactions to events. But like most psychological, twisty, stories of lies and deceit, this does have a rather dark feel to it. So, if that type of story bothers you, and if unlikeable characters are a problem, it might be something to bear in mind.
For those who are constantly searching for the bad guy and wanting to solve the mystery, this may be a bit of a letdown. So you may guess some of it, though I decided it was more about the story content and the domino effect that actions can start.
Final Thoughts
Fool Her Once has characters who are unique and full of secrets. It’s those secrets that made this a book I had trouble putting down. But it was more than just entertaining, it left me with several meaningful things to mull over and digest.
This story will no doubt cause you to consider things on a deeper level.
I received a gifted copy, but I’m providing my own opinion for this review.
- Okay, the characters were continually drawing me back to the story.
- It was a book that was hard to put down.
- With the chapters being so short, I was always trying to justify just one more chapter.
That about sums it up. This is a book that grabbed me quickly and kept me turning pages. Oh, and I guess I could mention that the dialog completely fits this rather unusual cast of characters.
As I read a book that is exciting and really clicking for me, I always start to worry. Why? What if the ending ruins an otherwise wonderful book?
So I held my breath as I neared the end of Fool Her Once. After reading the last sentence, I slowly shut the book and thought, Huh . . . so that’s it? But I couldn’t let it go, I kept thinking about the story.
While it may not have been the ending I was dreaming of. It worked perfectly. Some very good thoughts were expertly woven into this story. Yet I’m not going to point them out in my review since it might have a chance of spoiling the book for you. And if you’re like me, I want to discover as I read. In fact, rarely do I do more than glance at a synopsis. So I won’t go into what I took from the story. But if you, like me, are tempted to end the book with, huh, think about what might have led up to the conclusion. It’s powerful.
Though there were several characters involved, it was easy to follow this domestic, psychological story. In fact, the more I read the more invested I became in knowing each character’s history. I needed answers.
Concerns
Recently I read that a reviewer didn’t like a particular book because all of the characters were dislikable. I had never really considered that when reading or reviewing books . . . until this book, that is.
This was based more on character actions and reactions to events. But like most psychological, twisty, stories of lies and deceit, this does have a rather dark feel to it. So, if that type of story bothers you, and if unlikeable characters are a problem, it might be something to bear in mind.
For those who are constantly searching for the bad guy and wanting to solve the mystery, this may be a bit of a letdown. So you may guess some of it, though I decided it was more about the story content and the domino effect that actions can start.
Final Thoughts
Fool Her Once has characters who are unique and full of secrets. It’s those secrets that made this a book I had trouble putting down. But it was more than just entertaining, it left me with several meaningful things to mull over and digest.
This story will no doubt cause you to consider things on a deeper level.
I received a gifted copy, but I’m providing my own opinion for this review.
February 15, 2022
Fool Her Once
No Spoilers
I’ve been dipping my toes into the Psychological Thriller genre lately (I’m usually just a spy thriller kind of girl) and I can’t help but notice the difference in how each genre is handled (for the most part).
Spy thrillers wrap up their plot and leave you hanging for more – because they are usually an ongoing series. They are exciting, fast-paced, with edge-of-your-seat action and the plot of that book gets wrapped up, but there’s a tiny thread left hanging that leaves you waiting and wanting that next book.
Psychological Thrillers however are dark and broody books, that still keep you on the edge of your seat with your palms sweating, but the book gets wrapped up in a nice tidy little ending. Or maybe not so tidy sometimes. However, they can leave you with an almost unfulfilled and dark ending (think Gone Girl when Protagonist- Nick Dunne ends back up with Antagonist Amy Dunne because she’s pregnant with his baby- even after all she has put him through!) And Fool Her Once is no different.
In Fool Her Once, Joanna Elm weaves a twisty web of lies, deceit, and quite a few surprises. The opening chapter is so intense it grabs you immediately. Jenna, the protagonist is strong and smart but laced with flaws, flaws that are apparent because of her past and her present. But it is the past that comes back to haunt her in a way no one would ever imagine. The shocking twist will leave you aghast.
Elm has done a wonderful job of developing her characters, so much so, that you almost feel sorry for the antagonist as he tries to seek redemption in creating a new life, but can’t escape his horrible past either! The plot is full of many misdirections, lies, and deceit, and even when you think you’ve figured it out, you find out you haven’t!
I loved the many different locations, from the streets of New York City to the North Fork of Long Island, and Elm does such a great job of describing things that you feel that you are right there in them. Even down to sipping on a Pinot Grigio at Sundays.
Once Jenna uncovers the terrible truth from her past, she spirals into a frenzy of how to save herself, her family, and her sanity.
A must-read to add to your list, coming out on March 1, 2022!
I received an ARC from the publisher.
No Spoilers
I’ve been dipping my toes into the Psychological Thriller genre lately (I’m usually just a spy thriller kind of girl) and I can’t help but notice the difference in how each genre is handled (for the most part).
Spy thrillers wrap up their plot and leave you hanging for more – because they are usually an ongoing series. They are exciting, fast-paced, with edge-of-your-seat action and the plot of that book gets wrapped up, but there’s a tiny thread left hanging that leaves you waiting and wanting that next book.
Psychological Thrillers however are dark and broody books, that still keep you on the edge of your seat with your palms sweating, but the book gets wrapped up in a nice tidy little ending. Or maybe not so tidy sometimes. However, they can leave you with an almost unfulfilled and dark ending (think Gone Girl when Protagonist- Nick Dunne ends back up with Antagonist Amy Dunne because she’s pregnant with his baby- even after all she has put him through!) And Fool Her Once is no different.
In Fool Her Once, Joanna Elm weaves a twisty web of lies, deceit, and quite a few surprises. The opening chapter is so intense it grabs you immediately. Jenna, the protagonist is strong and smart but laced with flaws, flaws that are apparent because of her past and her present. But it is the past that comes back to haunt her in a way no one would ever imagine. The shocking twist will leave you aghast.
Elm has done a wonderful job of developing her characters, so much so, that you almost feel sorry for the antagonist as he tries to seek redemption in creating a new life, but can’t escape his horrible past either! The plot is full of many misdirections, lies, and deceit, and even when you think you’ve figured it out, you find out you haven’t!
I loved the many different locations, from the streets of New York City to the North Fork of Long Island, and Elm does such a great job of describing things that you feel that you are right there in them. Even down to sipping on a Pinot Grigio at Sundays.
Once Jenna uncovers the terrible truth from her past, she spirals into a frenzy of how to save herself, her family, and her sanity.
A must-read to add to your list, coming out on March 1, 2022!
I received an ARC from the publisher.
March 22, 2022
Holy cow! This book had me at me from the start and I couldn't put it down until the very intense and shocking ending. I'd heard great things about this thriller from Edelweiss's editor's picks webinar and it certainly didn't disappoint this reader.
Jenna Sinclair's tragic mistake as a rookie tabloid writer destroyed a family by revealing the evil parentage of a young man and it's coming back to bite her in her ass. There is someone out to get her 20+ years later and she is determined to save her daughter from a killer intent on revenge. What she finds is nothing she could imagine in a million years.
Jenna is so unlikeable to me. She's selfish and quick to judge other people. It's despicable that she keeps calling the man whose life she destroyed the "spawn" of a notorious serial killer. She is also a bad judge of character when it comes to men in her life. She's so obsessed with Ryan, her self-centered and egotistical boss, and former lover, who dumps her for a trust-fund baby, and now she's found out her devoted and trusted husband, Zack, has been having an affair with his intern. Jenna is smart at what she does when it comes to researching a lead and finding the truth. She does that and more when tying up loose ends on a misdeed that she wants to make right. Only what she finds is the mind-blowing and sad result of a chain of events she set in motion so many years ago. Secrets are revealed and danger is right around the corner. A fitting quote for this story is by Sir Walter Scott: "O, what a tangled web we weave; when first we practice to deceive!"
The main theme of this story asks whether there is such a thing as a psychopathic gene, or whether the idea is but a self-fulfilling prophecy. Think of the heartbreak and fear it would cause. It's chilling.
It's hard to go into detail about this story without giving the plot away so I recommend you cuddle up with a hot cup of tea or coffee and be prepared for heartbreaking realizations and chilling twists and turns that will leave you breathless.
Thank you to Ms. Elm for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Jenna Sinclair's tragic mistake as a rookie tabloid writer destroyed a family by revealing the evil parentage of a young man and it's coming back to bite her in her ass. There is someone out to get her 20+ years later and she is determined to save her daughter from a killer intent on revenge. What she finds is nothing she could imagine in a million years.
Jenna is so unlikeable to me. She's selfish and quick to judge other people. It's despicable that she keeps calling the man whose life she destroyed the "spawn" of a notorious serial killer. She is also a bad judge of character when it comes to men in her life. She's so obsessed with Ryan, her self-centered and egotistical boss, and former lover, who dumps her for a trust-fund baby, and now she's found out her devoted and trusted husband, Zack, has been having an affair with his intern. Jenna is smart at what she does when it comes to researching a lead and finding the truth. She does that and more when tying up loose ends on a misdeed that she wants to make right. Only what she finds is the mind-blowing and sad result of a chain of events she set in motion so many years ago. Secrets are revealed and danger is right around the corner. A fitting quote for this story is by Sir Walter Scott: "O, what a tangled web we weave; when first we practice to deceive!"
The main theme of this story asks whether there is such a thing as a psychopathic gene, or whether the idea is but a self-fulfilling prophecy. Think of the heartbreak and fear it would cause. It's chilling.
It's hard to go into detail about this story without giving the plot away so I recommend you cuddle up with a hot cup of tea or coffee and be prepared for heartbreaking realizations and chilling twists and turns that will leave you breathless.
Thank you to Ms. Elm for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
May 20, 2022
This was a really exciting book from word one. The only reason it took me so long to read it was because for the past five weeks, I have been bottle feeding an orphaned kitten and have gotten very little sleep. However, I really enjoyed this book quite a lot. It was nice to see a reporter who cared more about her actions then the headlines that she created. Now, did that possibly lead to a bigger mess on her part? Well now, that is completely up to you to judge that.
There is plenty of romance, thrills, chills, and close calls in this book. Not a moment of boredom because you're always contemplating what could possibly happen next. I could actually see this as a really great movie or tv show if it were done right. Lots of intrigue and heart stopping coincidences to keep the momentum going.
And that ending! Wow! I really didn't see it turning out that way. Jenna, is for the most part, a pretty classy intelligent and career focused woman. She is one of those kinds of people that you can look at and see that her brain is always running. She is always trying to figure things out. So, for her to be shocked about something puts that much more emphasis on it. Because, if she can't figure it out, how could anyone else have?
I severely disliked Ryan from the beginning. He is that type of person that immediately makes you think of oily. He has a slippery point of view where he feels that he can just bypass life's little issues anytime he wants. He has no moral code.
Zach on the other hand, I didn't completely trust or distrust. There was just something about him that I wasn't sure of the whole time. It was either he is the closest person to being perfect in his and Jenna's relationship or he was just really that good of an actor. I'll let you decide that for yourselves.
I most definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants the thrill of going for the ride of your life.
There is plenty of romance, thrills, chills, and close calls in this book. Not a moment of boredom because you're always contemplating what could possibly happen next. I could actually see this as a really great movie or tv show if it were done right. Lots of intrigue and heart stopping coincidences to keep the momentum going.
And that ending! Wow! I really didn't see it turning out that way. Jenna, is for the most part, a pretty classy intelligent and career focused woman. She is one of those kinds of people that you can look at and see that her brain is always running. She is always trying to figure things out. So, for her to be shocked about something puts that much more emphasis on it. Because, if she can't figure it out, how could anyone else have?
I severely disliked Ryan from the beginning. He is that type of person that immediately makes you think of oily. He has a slippery point of view where he feels that he can just bypass life's little issues anytime he wants. He has no moral code.
Zach on the other hand, I didn't completely trust or distrust. There was just something about him that I wasn't sure of the whole time. It was either he is the closest person to being perfect in his and Jenna's relationship or he was just really that good of an actor. I'll let you decide that for yourselves.
I most definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants the thrill of going for the ride of your life.
February 28, 2022
Do you think being being a serial killer is predetermined by your DNA or is it nature or nurture? Can the urges be hidden and never erupt, or will they eventually show a person’s real disposition?
Protagonist Jenna made a horrible mistake in her first case as rookie reporter by revealing that Denny Dennison was an illegitimate son of a serial killer. Because of this she leaves reporting and hides behind being a wife and a mother. How or can we keep our pasts hidden? Do they always come back to haunt and hurt us in some way? We all know that one lie leads to another lie, and another lie and….. but as the lies unravel, sometimes we realize the people we love the most are the biggest liars and hold the most deepest secrets. Sometimes our pasts become our present when we least expect it. How did Jenna, Denny, her husband and her daughter all play into this when an ex lover of hers from her past s brutally assaulted?
This is the first book I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. In my opinion, it is well constructed with exploding tensions, tragic pasts, and deceiving persons. A plot that will keep a reader on their toes throughout the entire book….grabbing you from the beginning and keeping you engrossed until the very end. The author did a great job writing to entice your mind to form a conclusion as to what would happen next and then when you think you know, a twist in psychological mind warfare erupts. As a suspense thriller, this book is captivating and complex with the many different suspense sun plots that make it as good as it is. I would absolutely recommend this book if you like to read with your mind being held captive!
Many thanks to #partnersincrimevbt and the author, #joannaelm for an ARC copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Protagonist Jenna made a horrible mistake in her first case as rookie reporter by revealing that Denny Dennison was an illegitimate son of a serial killer. Because of this she leaves reporting and hides behind being a wife and a mother. How or can we keep our pasts hidden? Do they always come back to haunt and hurt us in some way? We all know that one lie leads to another lie, and another lie and….. but as the lies unravel, sometimes we realize the people we love the most are the biggest liars and hold the most deepest secrets. Sometimes our pasts become our present when we least expect it. How did Jenna, Denny, her husband and her daughter all play into this when an ex lover of hers from her past s brutally assaulted?
This is the first book I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. In my opinion, it is well constructed with exploding tensions, tragic pasts, and deceiving persons. A plot that will keep a reader on their toes throughout the entire book….grabbing you from the beginning and keeping you engrossed until the very end. The author did a great job writing to entice your mind to form a conclusion as to what would happen next and then when you think you know, a twist in psychological mind warfare erupts. As a suspense thriller, this book is captivating and complex with the many different suspense sun plots that make it as good as it is. I would absolutely recommend this book if you like to read with your mind being held captive!
Many thanks to #partnersincrimevbt and the author, #joannaelm for an ARC copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 22, 2023
Fool Her Once Brings Readers a Well-Done Psychological Thriller. While Fool Her Once is long and not action-packed in a traditional sense, it is a well-paced novel that builds through twists and turns and character revelations that create a very well-balanced psychological thriller. This book is the first novel that I have read from Joanna Elm, but I love her writing style and the realistic elements she adds to her characters and her scenes. The storyline has some predictability--but still holds enough twists to keep readers engaged from beginning to end.
Elm Brings a Novel with Flawed Characters, Secrets, and Psychological Drama. None of Elm's characters are perfect. Each one has issues, flaws, and secrets. The novel offers some realistic elements of human nature for readers to consider as the book progresses. As Jenna investigates and the author's story reveals pieces of the past, readers put together the mystery at hand. I didn't find any of the characters endearing--but I loved how their stories connected and built to create this thriller.
Would I Recommend Fool Her Once by Joanna Elm? I love thrillers that keep me guessing and engaged while feeling realistic. The author creates a psychological thriller that pulls pieces of her characters' pasts in reasonable yet not wholly predictable ways. If you enjoy thrillers rooted in human nature and drama--this is a well-done novel that should be on your reading list. I didn't love the characters of this novel--but I did love the author's writing style and story/character development. I will definitely watch for more thrillers from Joanna Elm!
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
Elm Brings a Novel with Flawed Characters, Secrets, and Psychological Drama. None of Elm's characters are perfect. Each one has issues, flaws, and secrets. The novel offers some realistic elements of human nature for readers to consider as the book progresses. As Jenna investigates and the author's story reveals pieces of the past, readers put together the mystery at hand. I didn't find any of the characters endearing--but I loved how their stories connected and built to create this thriller.
Would I Recommend Fool Her Once by Joanna Elm? I love thrillers that keep me guessing and engaged while feeling realistic. The author creates a psychological thriller that pulls pieces of her characters' pasts in reasonable yet not wholly predictable ways. If you enjoy thrillers rooted in human nature and drama--this is a well-done novel that should be on your reading list. I didn't love the characters of this novel--but I did love the author's writing style and story/character development. I will definitely watch for more thrillers from Joanna Elm!
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
February 21, 2022
Joanna Elm will grip you from the first few pages into this domestic thriller that checkmarks every aspect of the genre. Secrets, disturbances, and tension all plague the pages as we unfold Jenna's story.
For me, I typically want to like a hero/heroine -- EXCEPT in a domestic thriller. Jenna fulfills exactly what I'm looking for. A character I can have a love/hate relationship with throughout the book. Because let's face it. It's that aspect that truly adds to the idea of this being a "domestic" thriller versus a general thriller. Jenna isn't overly likable to me. She's good at her job, but her sense of entitlement, air of arrogance, and cattish attitude were not very becoming for her as someone I could see myself liking in the real world. But all of these rolled together made her an excellent reporter/investigator.
The timeline jumps from past to present, letting you slowly build the tension of how the events of the present came to unfold. At times, it was a chill that would settle in as I read. I thoroughly enjoyed that! This twisty novel will have you questioning if you can decipher truth and lies for personal relationships as well as the idea behind killers being made or born with the affliction.
Never having been to the area, I often felt like I could have been at some point and time. The scenery is felt -- not just words on a page. If you want a book to immerse yourself in and come out not being the same, this is it!
I received an ARC for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
For me, I typically want to like a hero/heroine -- EXCEPT in a domestic thriller. Jenna fulfills exactly what I'm looking for. A character I can have a love/hate relationship with throughout the book. Because let's face it. It's that aspect that truly adds to the idea of this being a "domestic" thriller versus a general thriller. Jenna isn't overly likable to me. She's good at her job, but her sense of entitlement, air of arrogance, and cattish attitude were not very becoming for her as someone I could see myself liking in the real world. But all of these rolled together made her an excellent reporter/investigator.
The timeline jumps from past to present, letting you slowly build the tension of how the events of the present came to unfold. At times, it was a chill that would settle in as I read. I thoroughly enjoyed that! This twisty novel will have you questioning if you can decipher truth and lies for personal relationships as well as the idea behind killers being made or born with the affliction.
Never having been to the area, I often felt like I could have been at some point and time. The scenery is felt -- not just words on a page. If you want a book to immerse yourself in and come out not being the same, this is it!
I received an ARC for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
February 21, 2023
Fool Her Once follows Jenna who, as a rookie tabloid reporter, made a tragic mistake when she outed the illegitimate son of an executed serial killer. Decades later she suspects that he has inherited his father’s psychopath gene and is out for revenge after her former lover is brutally assaulted outside her NYC apartment building.
This story grabbed me from the start and I couldn’t put it down. The twists and turns were excellent and they keep you guessing all the way through. You have a flawed protagonist you can’t help but root for and a complex antagonist with a tragic past. It is a gripping story with lots of tension and an enjoyable plot and storyline. It is well- written with strong supporting characters and a nice twisty ending. There are many issues explored in this novel and the characters are well developed and believable. It is a stunning thriller!
Fool Her Once is a riveting multi-layered tale told in the third person perspective with alternating timelines set in the present with flashbacks to the past. It has a slow building and tension filled storyline interwoven with a dysfunctional family dynamic, flashbacks to the past, and a tangled web of secrets, lies and betrayal.
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it, especially if you enjoy a really good thriller.
This story grabbed me from the start and I couldn’t put it down. The twists and turns were excellent and they keep you guessing all the way through. You have a flawed protagonist you can’t help but root for and a complex antagonist with a tragic past. It is a gripping story with lots of tension and an enjoyable plot and storyline. It is well- written with strong supporting characters and a nice twisty ending. There are many issues explored in this novel and the characters are well developed and believable. It is a stunning thriller!
Fool Her Once is a riveting multi-layered tale told in the third person perspective with alternating timelines set in the present with flashbacks to the past. It has a slow building and tension filled storyline interwoven with a dysfunctional family dynamic, flashbacks to the past, and a tangled web of secrets, lies and betrayal.
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it, especially if you enjoy a really good thriller.
March 16, 2023
This story takes place in the present, with flashbacks to twenty years ago when, as a rookie reporter, Jenna gets the scoop of a lifetime and, despite her misgivings, runs with it, causing turmoil and damage to so many. Now, with one relationship ended and another on shaky ground, she returns to her shelved career, not knowing that by coming out of the shadows, a predator stirs. One with vengeance on their mind.
I was pulled in at the beginning and was intrigued by a premise that was addressed by this story. But, things moved a bit slowly. I was expecting more action and thrills. I did get some of that later. Along with an intriguing glimpse into the motivations of some of the characters and a big secret. I rather enjoyed this one and would like to try more books by Joanna Elm. I imagine she has some more interesting ideas that would have me asking questions, just like Fool Her Once did. By the way, the title really fits this book.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
I was pulled in at the beginning and was intrigued by a premise that was addressed by this story. But, things moved a bit slowly. I was expecting more action and thrills. I did get some of that later. Along with an intriguing glimpse into the motivations of some of the characters and a big secret. I rather enjoyed this one and would like to try more books by Joanna Elm. I imagine she has some more interesting ideas that would have me asking questions, just like Fool Her Once did. By the way, the title really fits this book.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
February 21, 2023
Fool Her Once is the first book I have read by the talented author, Joanna Elm. After reading this one, it will not be the last book I read by her. I thought it was a pretty good book to read. It was full of thrills, mystery, action, danger and suspense. There were a few twists and turns that I could not have predicted and had me gripping the edge of my seat. I was instantly immersed in Jenna’s story and was entertained by taking this roller coaster ride with her. There were a few scenes that did had me scratching my head but was quickly able to figure out what was going on. Even though it is over five hundred pages long, it was easy to read in a short time. I wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen to Jenna and how it would all conclude for her in the end. Overall, I thought it was a great book to read. One that is most definitely worth reading and not to be missed.
Fool Her Once will be getting four and a half stars from me. I believe readers and fans of thrillers and suspense filled genre of books will want to pick this one up. I am interested in reading more books by Joanna Elm in the future.
I received a copy of Fool Her Once from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Fool Her Once will be getting four and a half stars from me. I believe readers and fans of thrillers and suspense filled genre of books will want to pick this one up. I am interested in reading more books by Joanna Elm in the future.
I received a copy of Fool Her Once from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
March 20, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and CamCat Books, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks for accepting my request to audibly read Fool Her Once.
Narrated by Rachel Fulginiti
Published: 03/01/22
First, I absolutely don't want to forget the narrator. I thought she was fantastic from start to finish.
The book was okay. It wasn't great and it wasn't horrible. As a seasoned voracious reader, the storyline was not new. The names and places were different. I had the story pegged by 30%. I continued on because I was reading for NetGalley.
Go for it if the genre of mysteries and thrillers excites you. If you are looking for a debut gem, I would suggest passing.
Narrated by Rachel Fulginiti
Published: 03/01/22
First, I absolutely don't want to forget the narrator. I thought she was fantastic from start to finish.
The book was okay. It wasn't great and it wasn't horrible. As a seasoned voracious reader, the storyline was not new. The names and places were different. I had the story pegged by 30%. I continued on because I was reading for NetGalley.
Go for it if the genre of mysteries and thrillers excites you. If you are looking for a debut gem, I would suggest passing.
February 23, 2023
Fool Her Once is a skillfully and cleverly written crime thriller that had my eyes and mind glued to the pages. Jenna is a rookie tabloid reporter when she outs Denny Dennison the illegitimate son of a serial killer. Now decades later is Denny out to get revenge? I could not relate to any of the characters and I found Jenna to be rather naive and annoying however the plot was so engaging and cleverly crafted that I found myself gripping the pages for more. The chapters expertly go from past to present and the ending was not one I was expecting at all but I truly loved it and it all made sense.
A first rate crime thriller that I recommend all crime lover's read.
A first rate crime thriller that I recommend all crime lover's read.
March 8, 2023
Fool her Once - Joanne Elm
Many thanks to Netgalley and ComCat publishing for providing an eARC of this novel.
First, a bit about myself so you can judge if this review and the associated novel are a good match for you. I read 10-12 novels a week, a large percentage of these are psychological thrillers.
I am so excited about this novel and the author who wrote it! Without exception, there is not a thing I would change about this story, it is brilliantly written, and the pages (and time) fly by almost too quickly while under this talented author's spell.
Everything you are looking for in a top-notch thriller is there: a captivating storyline, awesome dialogue,
I am reviewing the audiobook version of this novel, and the narrator does an excellent job ratcheting up the tension as the plot advances.
Until next time, make sure you KNOW those who are closest to you..
Many thanks to Netgalley and ComCat publishing for providing an eARC of this novel.
First, a bit about myself so you can judge if this review and the associated novel are a good match for you. I read 10-12 novels a week, a large percentage of these are psychological thrillers.
I am so excited about this novel and the author who wrote it! Without exception, there is not a thing I would change about this story, it is brilliantly written, and the pages (and time) fly by almost too quickly while under this talented author's spell.
Everything you are looking for in a top-notch thriller is there: a captivating storyline, awesome dialogue,
I am reviewing the audiobook version of this novel, and the narrator does an excellent job ratcheting up the tension as the plot advances.
Until next time, make sure you KNOW those who are closest to you..
March 21, 2023
✨️ALC Review✨️
Fool Her Once
by Joanna Elm
Narrated by Rachel Fulginiti
Thank you @netgalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook!
Former investigative reporter Jenna Sinclair is convinced that the man she exposed as a serial killer's illegitimate son is stalking her family. Determined to find him, her persistance leads to a devastating end.
Gripping from the start, this book is filled with murder, mayhem, infidelity, and secrets. The shock value dims a bit with the "big twist" happening in the middle of the book, but it was overall an enjoyable novel. The narration was fantastic.
I would rate this a solid 3.5/5☆
Rounding up to 4
Fool Her Once
by Joanna Elm
Narrated by Rachel Fulginiti
Thank you @netgalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook!
Former investigative reporter Jenna Sinclair is convinced that the man she exposed as a serial killer's illegitimate son is stalking her family. Determined to find him, her persistance leads to a devastating end.
Gripping from the start, this book is filled with murder, mayhem, infidelity, and secrets. The shock value dims a bit with the "big twist" happening in the middle of the book, but it was overall an enjoyable novel. The narration was fantastic.
I would rate this a solid 3.5/5☆
Rounding up to 4
March 1, 2022
Nurture or nature?
Years ago Jenna Sinclair wrote about an illegitimate son of a serial killer but details were released that she had promised the mother would not be released and it ended up ruining the young man's life. Because of that Jenna left investigative journalism, got married and carried on with life.
Now she thinks her old life is coming back to haunt her as she's having marriage problems and deadly occurrences are happening around her.
This was a very twisty psychological thriller that I enjoyed that totally surprised me on more than one occasion. It was a fun read and I recommend it. The characters aren't real warm and fuzzy but that's not something I have to have in a thriller.
I received this book from CamCat Books through Edelweiss in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
Years ago Jenna Sinclair wrote about an illegitimate son of a serial killer but details were released that she had promised the mother would not be released and it ended up ruining the young man's life. Because of that Jenna left investigative journalism, got married and carried on with life.
Now she thinks her old life is coming back to haunt her as she's having marriage problems and deadly occurrences are happening around her.
This was a very twisty psychological thriller that I enjoyed that totally surprised me on more than one occasion. It was a fun read and I recommend it. The characters aren't real warm and fuzzy but that's not something I have to have in a thriller.
I received this book from CamCat Books through Edelweiss in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
March 26, 2022
I live on Long Island and loved that aspect of this "Book Fool Her Once"! I started reading and then could not put it down. I found the character's totally believable and well developed. The research of the area was amazing, I felt like I was there. I do enjoy reading mysteries and found this one full of many surprising twists and turns. I enjoyed this book enough that I am going to look up and read Joanna's two other books. I shared my copy with many friends and also my husband and daughter.. Both avid readers and they too could not put it down. Bravo Joanna and look forward to your next book.
March 9, 2023
This cover grabbed my attention….I loved the slow burn of this thriller and that it was based in NYC! This book alternates between the present and flashbacks of past to bring everything full circle. I love that Jenna exposes the son of a serial killer….omg can you imagine!!! Thrown in some family drama….what more could you ask for!!!
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