What do you think?
Rate this book
A Noah & Cole Thriller #2
The Grave Between Us
It was just one moment.
It was just one mistake.
For years, men have been disappearing. A father in North Carolina. A boater in California. A hiker in Arkansas. And more, scattered across the United States. The FBI knows who’s responsible: a serial killer they caught, a man they sent young profiler Cole Kennedy to interrogate. But then the killer escaped, leaving the FBI in chaos and Cole’s psyche in tatters.
Eight years later, Cole’s life has changed. He’s found the man of his dreams, and he’s moved to Iowa to be with Special Agent Noah Downing, leaving the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit and the murderers behind.
Or so he thought.
An attack on the backroads of Iowa shatters the FBI, and in the aftermath, they uncover the signature of the last man they expect: the killer who got away. Now he’s hunting Noah, and the BAU descends on Des Moines, sending Cole back on the psychological chase.
To catch the only man who has ever beaten him, Cole will have to delve inside the killer’s mind. It’s a place he barely survived before, and the deeper he goes, the more horrors await. And though Noah is ordered to back off the investigation, he won’t leave Cole to face this darkness alone.
If Cole has any hope of saving the man he loves, he must unravel the killer’s twisted profile and follow his trail of death… even when it leads him into the marrow of his worst nightmares.
It was just one mistake.
For years, men have been disappearing. A father in North Carolina. A boater in California. A hiker in Arkansas. And more, scattered across the United States. The FBI knows who’s responsible: a serial killer they caught, a man they sent young profiler Cole Kennedy to interrogate. But then the killer escaped, leaving the FBI in chaos and Cole’s psyche in tatters.
Eight years later, Cole’s life has changed. He’s found the man of his dreams, and he’s moved to Iowa to be with Special Agent Noah Downing, leaving the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit and the murderers behind.
Or so he thought.
An attack on the backroads of Iowa shatters the FBI, and in the aftermath, they uncover the signature of the last man they expect: the killer who got away. Now he’s hunting Noah, and the BAU descends on Des Moines, sending Cole back on the psychological chase.
To catch the only man who has ever beaten him, Cole will have to delve inside the killer’s mind. It’s a place he barely survived before, and the deeper he goes, the more horrors await. And though Noah is ordered to back off the investigation, he won’t leave Cole to face this darkness alone.
If Cole has any hope of saving the man he loves, he must unravel the killer’s twisted profile and follow his trail of death… even when it leads him into the marrow of his worst nightmares.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2021
621 people are currently reading
1948 people want to read
About the author
Tal Bauer
27 books5,711 followersTal Bauer writes breathtaking, heartfelt, and often action-packed gay romance novels. His characters are head over heels for each other and fight against all odds for their happy ending. Nothing stands in the way of love. Tal is best known for his romantic suspense novels, including the Executive Office series, The Murder Between Us, The Grave Between Us, The Night of, and his MM sports romance, The Jock.
Website - www.talbauerwrites.com
Amazon Author - http://amazon.com/author/talbauer
Instagram - @TalBauerWrites
Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/f1fd8baec198/talba...
Website - www.talbauerwrites.com
Amazon Author - http://amazon.com/author/talbauer
Instagram - @TalBauerWrites
Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/f1fd8baec198/talba...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 564 reviews
June 5, 2021
Me... the #Talthusiaist getting to read this book early:
Me... reading the prologue:
Me... meeting the serial killer:
Me... experiencing this book in general:
Me... reading the ending:
Ok now for the review:
PS... yes I changed my inspo pics because I didn't like the old ones. These are MUCH better. #Yum
What I loved:
- The Characters:
Cole: The one-of-a-kind profiler who has found his place, his family and the love of his life. Cole can't wait to marry Noah, make it official and spend the rest of his life with him. He had never thought he could have this life, be this content and happy and in love, but Noah changed all that He doesn't have to be the loner anymore, and be so independent. He could lean on someone else for a change and be vulnerable, and he knows that Noah is there no matter what. #HitTheJackpot
Noah: Noah's growth in this book was spectacular. He proves that he is the perfect partner for Cole, that he would be there through thick and thin, be the wall of support when Cole needs it, even when Cole doesn't show it. Noah goes through a lot in the book, but time and time again he steps up and shows his worth, both romantically and professionally. Noah's character arch took this book to another level. #MoreThanMeetsTheEye
Katie: First, how she was portrayed. She wasn't the prefect, poster child. She was a REAL teenager, with teenage angst, teenage whining and teenage drama. It was refreshing to read a teenage character who actually acted like it. Second, and most importantly, her relationship with Cole. it was beautiful and heartwarming. she was as attached to him as he was to her. They were a unit, she missed him and asked after him. He was as much her dad as Noah is and that was a delight to read. #DontBeJealousThatIhaveTwoDads
Ian: We meet Ian, the serial killer, early on. And he is CREEPY with a capital C. Tal has created a psychopath so real that he practically jumps at your from the page. I was literally afraid of his scenes in the book... that's how poignant those scenes where. He was one of the worst types of killers, who had no qualms about who he is. He was proud of what he did, he enjoyed it and got off on it, got off on relieving every murder. He alone took this book to great heights. #EpicCringe
- The Romance:
Cole and Noah are an established couple here, ready for the next stage of their life. I appreciated the fact that there was no internal drama between them. They loved each unconditionally, too much at times. All the "drama" comes from Ian, and what he does and intends to do. But even with a serial killer on the loose, hunting them both, they band together and show how strong they are when they do. #NothingWillComeBetweenUs
- The Plot:
A serial killer from Cole's past comes out of nowhere and it's chaos. This is a person they don't know how to understand, or catch or stop. Catching him the first time was sheer luck, so catching him again proves to be virtually impossible. All of the characters in this book have a part to play, and its the culmination of their talents and hard work that eventually solves the case. #TeamWork
- Angst-o-meter: SOOO MUCH ANGST. #Lordt
- Steam-o-meter: Medium steam. Nevertheless, those couple of scenes were romantic and sexy AF. #GreedyForButtStuff
- The HEA: *dies in swoon* It was Cole and Noah and Katie being a family, loving each other and putting Ian behind them. #Perfect
Honorable Mentions:
The flashbacks that shed light on Cole and Ian's "history" #CreepyAF
Niggles:
Michael ... Cole's old boss: GO AWAY NOONE WANTS YOU. #KeepThePastInThePast
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
Me... reading the prologue:
Me... meeting the serial killer:
Me... experiencing this book in general:
Me... reading the ending:
Ok now for the review:
PS... yes I changed my inspo pics because I didn't like the old ones. These are MUCH better. #Yum
What I loved:
- The Characters:
Cole: The one-of-a-kind profiler who has found his place, his family and the love of his life. Cole can't wait to marry Noah, make it official and spend the rest of his life with him. He had never thought he could have this life, be this content and happy and in love, but Noah changed all that He doesn't have to be the loner anymore, and be so independent. He could lean on someone else for a change and be vulnerable, and he knows that Noah is there no matter what. #HitTheJackpot
Noah: Noah's growth in this book was spectacular. He proves that he is the perfect partner for Cole, that he would be there through thick and thin, be the wall of support when Cole needs it, even when Cole doesn't show it. Noah goes through a lot in the book, but time and time again he steps up and shows his worth, both romantically and professionally. Noah's character arch took this book to another level. #MoreThanMeetsTheEye
Katie: First, how she was portrayed. She wasn't the prefect, poster child. She was a REAL teenager, with teenage angst, teenage whining and teenage drama. It was refreshing to read a teenage character who actually acted like it. Second, and most importantly, her relationship with Cole. it was beautiful and heartwarming. she was as attached to him as he was to her. They were a unit, she missed him and asked after him. He was as much her dad as Noah is and that was a delight to read. #DontBeJealousThatIhaveTwoDads
Ian: We meet Ian, the serial killer, early on. And he is CREEPY with a capital C. Tal has created a psychopath so real that he practically jumps at your from the page. I was literally afraid of his scenes in the book... that's how poignant those scenes where. He was one of the worst types of killers, who had no qualms about who he is. He was proud of what he did, he enjoyed it and got off on it, got off on relieving every murder. He alone took this book to great heights. #EpicCringe
- The Romance:
Cole and Noah are an established couple here, ready for the next stage of their life. I appreciated the fact that there was no internal drama between them. They loved each unconditionally, too much at times. All the "drama" comes from Ian, and what he does and intends to do. But even with a serial killer on the loose, hunting them both, they band together and show how strong they are when they do. #NothingWillComeBetweenUs
- The Plot:
A serial killer from Cole's past comes out of nowhere and it's chaos. This is a person they don't know how to understand, or catch or stop. Catching him the first time was sheer luck, so catching him again proves to be virtually impossible. All of the characters in this book have a part to play, and its the culmination of their talents and hard work that eventually solves the case. #TeamWork
- Angst-o-meter: SOOO MUCH ANGST. #Lordt
- Steam-o-meter: Medium steam. Nevertheless, those couple of scenes were romantic and sexy AF. #GreedyForButtStuff
- The HEA: *dies in swoon* It was Cole and Noah and Katie being a family, loving each other and putting Ian behind them. #Perfect
Honorable Mentions:
The flashbacks that shed light on Cole and Ian's "history" #CreepyAF
Niggles:
Michael ... Cole's old boss: GO AWAY NOONE WANTS YOU. #KeepThePastInThePast
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 5, 2024
The Grave Between Us is book two in the duet, A Noah & Cole Thriller, by Tal Bauer. This is a hard review to write. I don’t even know how to start. This is a five star read. The love story between Cole and Noah is beautifully written, so intense, so complete. Their love just leaps off the pages. But, this book is also dark, very dark. It deals with a serial killer from Cole’s past and the details of his deeds are not skimmed over. It is gruesome, intense and horrible, the things he has done. I often wondered if I was going to be able to make it through. But I did. And the end was beautiful and satisfying.
This book is a continuation of Cole and Noah’s story. It’s been around eight months since these two met, since their story began. Now Cole is living in Des Moines with Noah and his daughter, Katie. They bought a home together and are planning their lives together. They have become a family. But then a case from Cole’s past comes back into his life.
Eight years earlier, when Cole was a new, up and coming FBI profiler, making a name for himself, he was sent to work on a serial killer, Ian Ingram. To try to get information from him. Cole slowly worked on Ian, to build a relationship with him, to get something of what they needed to know. Only Ian escaped. And instead of pursuing him, the FBI covered their tracks, largely ignoring Ian ever existed. Until now, he has resurfaced with a vengeance, and it looks like Noah is who he wants. Cole will do anything and everything to protect the man he loves.
Cole and Noah went through so much in the first book, their happiness was hard won. And now, their lives have once again been plunged into the darkness. Into the mind of a depraved individual who thrives on the pain of others. Cole and Noah have barely begun their lives together. Only now to have the happiness they’ve found threatened.
This book was difficult for me. As I said, the love between these two squeezed my heart. But I can’t deny that I might lie awake tonight thinking about all the horrible things that happened. I want to call this a romantic suspense but I do believe it might be more of a thriller really. So just be warned. And put your seat belts on for a wild ride.
“If he wished for all the sunlight in the world to burn away the shadows, maybe it would come true.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
This book is a continuation of Cole and Noah’s story. It’s been around eight months since these two met, since their story began. Now Cole is living in Des Moines with Noah and his daughter, Katie. They bought a home together and are planning their lives together. They have become a family. But then a case from Cole’s past comes back into his life.
Eight years earlier, when Cole was a new, up and coming FBI profiler, making a name for himself, he was sent to work on a serial killer, Ian Ingram. To try to get information from him. Cole slowly worked on Ian, to build a relationship with him, to get something of what they needed to know. Only Ian escaped. And instead of pursuing him, the FBI covered their tracks, largely ignoring Ian ever existed. Until now, he has resurfaced with a vengeance, and it looks like Noah is who he wants. Cole will do anything and everything to protect the man he loves.
Cole and Noah went through so much in the first book, their happiness was hard won. And now, their lives have once again been plunged into the darkness. Into the mind of a depraved individual who thrives on the pain of others. Cole and Noah have barely begun their lives together. Only now to have the happiness they’ve found threatened.
This book was difficult for me. As I said, the love between these two squeezed my heart. But I can’t deny that I might lie awake tonight thinking about all the horrible things that happened. I want to call this a romantic suspense but I do believe it might be more of a thriller really. So just be warned. And put your seat belts on for a wild ride.
“If he wished for all the sunlight in the world to burn away the shadows, maybe it would come true.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
June 25, 2021
The story has more holes than my favorite pair of socks and if these guys are the best profiler the FBI got, they are doomed. 🙄
June 4, 2021
Tal Bauer is an evil, evil man 😉
Full review tomorrow when I'm more coherent.
I have absolutely no idea where to start with this review.
Basically if you appreciate Tal's unique ability to make a reader both love and hate him with the same passion because of what he puts his characters through, you'll adore this book.
It's a headrush, an adrenalin inspiring, heart-pounding, hand in the mouth, fear-inducing emotional ride that's also full of tenderness, of strength of will, of sheer determination.
The plot's fairly clear from the blurb, there'll be no spoilers here. Let's just say it is about as Tal as you can get in terms of twisted expectations, of false trails, of narratives which present one argument and then produce a completely different conclusion.
It's compelling, it's addictive, it's rage-inducing, it will make you gasp, it will probably turn your stomach at some points, although it's nowhere near as vomit inducing as The Murder Between Us was at times!
You will be on the edge of your seat (or bed in my case) from the moment you pick it up until the moment you finish. There is no respite once the chase begins.
Tal Bauer, you are beyond my words, your ability to craft such complex tales of psychological depth is incredible.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Full review tomorrow when I'm more coherent.
I have absolutely no idea where to start with this review.
Basically if you appreciate Tal's unique ability to make a reader both love and hate him with the same passion because of what he puts his characters through, you'll adore this book.
It's a headrush, an adrenalin inspiring, heart-pounding, hand in the mouth, fear-inducing emotional ride that's also full of tenderness, of strength of will, of sheer determination.
The plot's fairly clear from the blurb, there'll be no spoilers here. Let's just say it is about as Tal as you can get in terms of twisted expectations, of false trails, of narratives which present one argument and then produce a completely different conclusion.
It's compelling, it's addictive, it's rage-inducing, it will make you gasp, it will probably turn your stomach at some points, although it's nowhere near as vomit inducing as The Murder Between Us was at times!
You will be on the edge of your seat (or bed in my case) from the moment you pick it up until the moment you finish. There is no respite once the chase begins.
Tal Bauer, you are beyond my words, your ability to craft such complex tales of psychological depth is incredible.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
June 12, 2021
⭐︎4.75 "holy shit what did I just read, that was a journey of epic proportions" stars!⭐︎
Wow. Wow wow wow.
Just when I think Tal can't wow me anymore, or just can't pull out all the stops anymore, he proves me wrong.
I will definitely say, as someone who loved the first book in this series...this one was even better.
It just...blew my mind. I couldn't put it down unless I absolutely had to - for like, sleep and food and all that important stuff to live....
As disturbing and bone-chilling as this was, and it certainly was that, it was just masterclass writing, in my opinion.
I've always loved Tal, I've always been one of his biggest fans. I feel such an sense of excitement when I see a new book of his is coming out. Because even if it doesn't end up being a perfect 5 star read or even if it has some niggles for me...Tal's book are always so good.
They're so well written, even if I might not agree with a plot device or a direction the story went, or like an MC or a couple doesn't wow me like I hoped it would, etc etc etc....
He just always brings, at the very least, a solid story that is, at the very least technically, written so well.
But there's always one that is just...a masterclass for me. That is above even his other works. This is one of them for me.
And honestly? This was mostly about a deranged, psychopathic serial killer more than anything else. The murders, the mystery, I would say, is front and center.
Part of the reason I gave this masterclass of a book .25 stars off. Just because, greedy motherfucker that I am, craved just a little more of Noah and Cole, just them, together, being in love and enjoying their life together. Just maybe a little more moments here and there throughout that had them together, leaning on each other, giving each other time to breathe, to find comfort in each other.
Now, that certainly did happen, make no mistakes. Even though it felt like the murder mystery was front and center, there was always the presence of their romance, of their love, seeping through everything. Even in the hard moments, the hard times, the love between these two was strong and always present.
So it wasn't too big a deal, but I'm just greedy, and when I love a couple, I want as much of them as I can get. So a few scenes here or there of these two being disgustingly in love would have been nice for me, personally, is all.
But aside from that small, greedy wish I had, this was...amazing. Just...wow. Even when I got frustrated once when the flashbacks took me away from the present - and Noah and Cole - then I read the flashback and got sucked into the flashback. That...doesn't always happen with books that include flashbacks.
You know, Ian, the psychopathic serial killer, almost felt like a third MC, he was such a huge presence in this book too, even when he wasn't on page.
He is....truly monstrous. Tal went no holds barred with this guy. He was highly, highly disturbing. The way he would describe his crimes....the way he would get off on it (yes, that happened...a lot) and how he just loved killing...it made me feel sick at times.
This book isn't for the feint of heart. Think Ted Bundy - who is quoted at the beginning of this - think Jeffery Dahmer, Gary Ridgeway...the worst of the worst. That is Ian Ingram.
And he unfortunately becomes absolutely obsessed with Cole.
I completely blame Michael, his boss at the BAU, more than anything. This guy specifically chose Cole, put him in a psychopaths crosshairs, because he was Ian's "type" (*shudder*) and therefore Michael thought Cole could get the most out of him.
Michael used Cole for his own ends. I don't care if he's trying to put a killer away. There has to be a point where someone like Michael has to ask him "how far can I go before I become just like the monsters I'm hunting?"
Because seriously, near the end he is willing to and saying it to Cole without really any remorse, because to him the ends justify the means.
Never mind that it could end horribly and , because someone like Ian is so unpredictable. Who cares about the well being of a person Michael is supposedly trying to save if the ends justify the means, right? Who cares if , as long as Michael gets the killer.
It just...blew my mind. Thankfully what I put under the spoiler tag doesn't happen and , but still...to go that far....when do you become closer to the monster you're hunting than not?
Thank god Cole got away from that life. It doesn't matter that he was. super smart, good at what he did. He was fairly new to the BAU, Michael used him, and left him to basically be psychologically tortured for months talking to Ian Ingram. And the few times Cole expressed wanting to stop, Michael pushed him not to.
Fuck Michael, honestly. He was the worst. I don't care if he slightly took the stick up his ass out a little near the end. He was still super shitty.
But anyway, moving on.
This was riveting. This was disturbing. I couldn't stop reading. Even when Ian was thinking and doing horrible, horrific things, I couldn't stop reading. The writing was just too good.
And I kept living for Noah and Cole moments. Even when Cole was kinda falling down the abyss and pulling away from Noah at times, because Noah was amazing. He had his fears and doubts, but he never left Cole, he never gave up, he kept fighting for them, even when Cole was in such a dark place.
And I adored Katie. She was just wonderful. Such a perfectly written teenager. She absolutely adored Cole, and she, Cole and Noah became an even stronger family unit. Katie was so sweet and kind and wonderful, but also had her slightly bratty and whiny moments, like a teenager would.
I adored all their family scenes. I adored Noah and Cole's intimate scenes, or even just them being in a scenes together, even if we didn't get as much as I would have liked ;).
The steam is medium, but...when a serial killer is fixated on you and is after you and your loved ones...not a whole lot of time to get some hot sex.
And what we did get was, of course, wonderful. The ending was just 😍 although a full on sex scene would have been an extra cherry on top ;). It was still just...perfect.
I can't praise this book enough. The characters were so complex, even Ian (even though he was a
monster through and through, and never had any goodness in him, there was still depth to him. He wasn't just a cardboard cutout villain. He was....a human monster. Which, to me, is much more terrifying.)
All the stars, all the thumbs up, just brilliant. I HIGHLY recommend this, if you've read the first book. This is worth it.
Be prepared for heavy things, like murder that includes disturbing imagery, and allusions to rape and necrophilia, and all that, though. Trigger warnings for that, so if that's too much for you, skip this. If not, dive right into this.
It's worth it.
Wow. Wow wow wow.
Just when I think Tal can't wow me anymore, or just can't pull out all the stops anymore, he proves me wrong.
I will definitely say, as someone who loved the first book in this series...this one was even better.
It just...blew my mind. I couldn't put it down unless I absolutely had to - for like, sleep and food and all that important stuff to live....
As disturbing and bone-chilling as this was, and it certainly was that, it was just masterclass writing, in my opinion.
I've always loved Tal, I've always been one of his biggest fans. I feel such an sense of excitement when I see a new book of his is coming out. Because even if it doesn't end up being a perfect 5 star read or even if it has some niggles for me...Tal's book are always so good.
They're so well written, even if I might not agree with a plot device or a direction the story went, or like an MC or a couple doesn't wow me like I hoped it would, etc etc etc....
He just always brings, at the very least, a solid story that is, at the very least technically, written so well.
But there's always one that is just...a masterclass for me. That is above even his other works. This is one of them for me.
And honestly? This was mostly about a deranged, psychopathic serial killer more than anything else. The murders, the mystery, I would say, is front and center.
Part of the reason I gave this masterclass of a book .25 stars off. Just because, greedy motherfucker that I am, craved just a little more of Noah and Cole, just them, together, being in love and enjoying their life together. Just maybe a little more moments here and there throughout that had them together, leaning on each other, giving each other time to breathe, to find comfort in each other.
Now, that certainly did happen, make no mistakes. Even though it felt like the murder mystery was front and center, there was always the presence of their romance, of their love, seeping through everything. Even in the hard moments, the hard times, the love between these two was strong and always present.
So it wasn't too big a deal, but I'm just greedy, and when I love a couple, I want as much of them as I can get. So a few scenes here or there of these two being disgustingly in love would have been nice for me, personally, is all.
But aside from that small, greedy wish I had, this was...amazing. Just...wow. Even when I got frustrated once when the flashbacks took me away from the present - and Noah and Cole - then I read the flashback and got sucked into the flashback. That...doesn't always happen with books that include flashbacks.
You know, Ian, the psychopathic serial killer, almost felt like a third MC, he was such a huge presence in this book too, even when he wasn't on page.
He is....truly monstrous. Tal went no holds barred with this guy. He was highly, highly disturbing. The way he would describe his crimes....the way he would get off on it (yes, that happened...a lot) and how he just loved killing...it made me feel sick at times.
This book isn't for the feint of heart. Think Ted Bundy - who is quoted at the beginning of this - think Jeffery Dahmer, Gary Ridgeway...the worst of the worst. That is Ian Ingram.
And he unfortunately becomes absolutely obsessed with Cole.
I completely blame Michael, his boss at the BAU, more than anything. This guy specifically chose Cole, put him in a psychopaths crosshairs, because he was Ian's "type" (*shudder*) and therefore Michael thought Cole could get the most out of him.
Michael used Cole for his own ends. I don't care if he's trying to put a killer away. There has to be a point where someone like Michael has to ask him "how far can I go before I become just like the monsters I'm hunting?"
Because seriously, near the end he is willing to and saying it to Cole without really any remorse, because to him the ends justify the means.
Never mind that it could end horribly and , because someone like Ian is so unpredictable. Who cares about the well being of a person Michael is supposedly trying to save if the ends justify the means, right? Who cares if , as long as Michael gets the killer.
It just...blew my mind. Thankfully what I put under the spoiler tag doesn't happen and , but still...to go that far....when do you become closer to the monster you're hunting than not?
Thank god Cole got away from that life. It doesn't matter that he was. super smart, good at what he did. He was fairly new to the BAU, Michael used him, and left him to basically be psychologically tortured for months talking to Ian Ingram. And the few times Cole expressed wanting to stop, Michael pushed him not to.
Fuck Michael, honestly. He was the worst. I don't care if he slightly took the stick up his ass out a little near the end. He was still super shitty.
But anyway, moving on.
This was riveting. This was disturbing. I couldn't stop reading. Even when Ian was thinking and doing horrible, horrific things, I couldn't stop reading. The writing was just too good.
And I kept living for Noah and Cole moments. Even when Cole was kinda falling down the abyss and pulling away from Noah at times, because Noah was amazing. He had his fears and doubts, but he never left Cole, he never gave up, he kept fighting for them, even when Cole was in such a dark place.
And I adored Katie. She was just wonderful. Such a perfectly written teenager. She absolutely adored Cole, and she, Cole and Noah became an even stronger family unit. Katie was so sweet and kind and wonderful, but also had her slightly bratty and whiny moments, like a teenager would.
I adored all their family scenes. I adored Noah and Cole's intimate scenes, or even just them being in a scenes together, even if we didn't get as much as I would have liked ;).
The steam is medium, but...when a serial killer is fixated on you and is after you and your loved ones...not a whole lot of time to get some hot sex.
And what we did get was, of course, wonderful. The ending was just 😍 although a full on sex scene would have been an extra cherry on top ;). It was still just...perfect.
I can't praise this book enough. The characters were so complex, even Ian (even though he was a
monster through and through, and never had any goodness in him, there was still depth to him. He wasn't just a cardboard cutout villain. He was....a human monster. Which, to me, is much more terrifying.)
All the stars, all the thumbs up, just brilliant. I HIGHLY recommend this, if you've read the first book. This is worth it.
Be prepared for heavy things, like murder that includes disturbing imagery, and allusions to rape and necrophilia, and all that, though. Trigger warnings for that, so if that's too much for you, skip this. If not, dive right into this.
It's worth it.
August 27, 2021
*** I received an eArc from the author in exchange for an honest review.***
I absolutely devoured this thriller. This is the anticipated next installment in the Noah & Cole Series and it did not disappoint. I could not put this story down due to its intense subject matter that deals directly with a serial killer, which is a significant pivot from the first story. I also enjoy the addictive writing style that Tal Bauer has perfected due to his great characterization of his two heroes.
I also enjoyed with this installment the natural progression of Cole and Noah's relationship that is tested in new ways with this new story with a heavy emphasis on Cole's background as a profiler. This was another brilliant story that highlights the strengths of both characters and put me on the edge of my seat multiple times while reading.
I cannot wait for the next installment of this highly addictive series.
I absolutely devoured this thriller. This is the anticipated next installment in the Noah & Cole Series and it did not disappoint. I could not put this story down due to its intense subject matter that deals directly with a serial killer, which is a significant pivot from the first story. I also enjoy the addictive writing style that Tal Bauer has perfected due to his great characterization of his two heroes.
I also enjoyed with this installment the natural progression of Cole and Noah's relationship that is tested in new ways with this new story with a heavy emphasis on Cole's background as a profiler. This was another brilliant story that highlights the strengths of both characters and put me on the edge of my seat multiple times while reading.
I cannot wait for the next installment of this highly addictive series.
July 11, 2024
Brutal, dark, and terrifying, this book had me double-checking my door locks.
Noah and Cole are engaged and in love, but a serial killer obsessed with Cole is on the loose. Cole worries Noah is the killer's next target and blames himself.
The narrative jumps between the past (eight years prior) and present. As a young hot shot profiler, Cole was the main (only) interrogator of a prolific serial killer caught by chance. He was also, unfairly I thought, blamed for the killer's escape.
The torture, rape, and murder of men is described in some detail here, so this book is not for the faint of heart.
Investigation and suspense are at the forefront of this story, but the strong connection Noah and Cole have shines through.
I adored the interactions between Cole and Katie (Noah's teen daughter). I also love Jacob! The big guy is my favorite secondary character in the series.
After much suffering, Noah and Cole get their HEA. I hope the most exciting thing in their future is dancing in a corn field.
There were definite moments of "nope, that didn't happen" I noted but shoved aside. Still 4 stars because this book is fast-paced and readable, but let's be real.
Noah and Cole are engaged and in love, but a serial killer obsessed with Cole is on the loose. Cole worries Noah is the killer's next target and blames himself.
The narrative jumps between the past (eight years prior) and present. As a young hot shot profiler, Cole was the main (only) interrogator of a prolific serial killer caught by chance. He was also, unfairly I thought, blamed for the killer's escape.
The torture, rape, and murder of men is described in some detail here, so this book is not for the faint of heart.
Investigation and suspense are at the forefront of this story, but the strong connection Noah and Cole have shines through.
I adored the interactions between Cole and Katie (Noah's teen daughter). I also love Jacob! The big guy is my favorite secondary character in the series.
After much suffering, Noah and Cole get their HEA. I hope the most exciting thing in their future is dancing in a corn field.
There were definite moments of "nope, that didn't happen" I noted but shoved aside. Still 4 stars because this book is fast-paced and readable, but let's be real.
February 19, 2025
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
“I’m going to love you forever.”
I’m not easily bothered by external stuff (violence, injuries, murder, you name it). At all. Yet this book made me squirm, even the second time reading it. Sure, The Murder Between Us is graphic and suspenseful, but the two books can’t even be compared when it comes to levels of awfulness. Tal Bauer wrote all of it in the most amazing way, and I loved every gut-clenching, tear-stained, squirmy moment. He writes suspense and bad guys *so* well. The psychological aspects of this thriller are just as impactful as the physical trauma and case. That includes Cole’s deteriorating mental health as well as really getting into the mind of the serial killer, through his own POVs, past interrogation and current situations. It’s flippin’ brilliant, and it’s a book (and duology) that I think anyone who feels comfortable doing so should read.
As can be expected, dealing with all of this trauma, past and present, affects a relationship, and Noah and Cole really go through it in this book. You just have to know that they get the most beautiful HEA with their lovely Katie, who is also a fantastic side character, and an emotional teenager through and through.
There’s a lot of good authors in this genre. Some are great too, but I still haven’t found anyone else who does what Tal Bauer manages to do (to me, anyway). These books are special.
And he already lived in a totality of fear, in a paralyzing terror that lasted the eternity between his heartbeats.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Established couple
Serial killer
FBI agents
Dads
Mental health rep
Age gap
Police procedural
Suspense
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Graphic violence
Gun violence
Murder attempt
Necrophilia (on page, from antagonist’s POV)
Rape (on page, from antagonist’s POV)
Graphic murder scenes described
Explicit sexual content
Severely injured side character
Severely injured main character
Deteriorating mental health
Paranoia and anxiety
Gunshot wound
Hospitalized MC
Mentions of suicide (unnamed character, past)
Mentions of abuse of a corpse
Themes of sexual deviancy
Stalking
Home invasion (no one home at the time)
On-page assault and torture of an MC (physical and psychological)
On-page killing
Resuscitation of a main character
Alcohol consumption
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Yes
POV: 3rd person, multi
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 40 and ‘early 30s’ in TMBU
Series: Duet
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 376
Every day, Cole put his face on like a mask. Something inside of him felt like it had dropped into the center of a deep pool, plunging further and further away. He felt like a worried thread coming loose, like part of him was unraveling.
They watched him walk away, slowly sipping their champagne. Cole elbowed Noah, flicking both his eyebrows and then jerking his head toward the hunk in the apron. Noah went redder than Cole had ever seen, fluorescent meltdown magenta, caught checking out another man. Cole giggled and kissed Noah’s temple, his cheek, holding him close, as he whispered, “I love you so much.”
Noah had drawn a heart over his sink in dry-erase marker. Would they ever not be ridiculous about each other? Would this hummingbird heart he had for Noah ever slow down? God, he hoped not. He loved loving Noah.
Noah had a second drink that night after dinner, but he’d also made love to Cole with a fevered intensity that had Cole desperately trying to muffle his groans, his gasps that were practically shouts. Lord, he’d hoped Katie had her earphones in that night.
Love was active. Love was engaged. Love was being there, day in and day out.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
“I’m going to love you forever.”
I’m not easily bothered by external stuff (violence, injuries, murder, you name it). At all. Yet this book made me squirm, even the second time reading it. Sure, The Murder Between Us is graphic and suspenseful, but the two books can’t even be compared when it comes to levels of awfulness. Tal Bauer wrote all of it in the most amazing way, and I loved every gut-clenching, tear-stained, squirmy moment. He writes suspense and bad guys *so* well. The psychological aspects of this thriller are just as impactful as the physical trauma and case. That includes Cole’s deteriorating mental health as well as really getting into the mind of the serial killer, through his own POVs, past interrogation and current situations. It’s flippin’ brilliant, and it’s a book (and duology) that I think anyone who feels comfortable doing so should read.
As can be expected, dealing with all of this trauma, past and present, affects a relationship, and Noah and Cole really go through it in this book. You just have to know that they get the most beautiful HEA with their lovely Katie, who is also a fantastic side character, and an emotional teenager through and through.
There’s a lot of good authors in this genre. Some are great too, but I still haven’t found anyone else who does what Tal Bauer manages to do (to me, anyway). These books are special.
And he already lived in a totality of fear, in a paralyzing terror that lasted the eternity between his heartbeats.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Established couple
Serial killer
FBI agents
Dads
Mental health rep
Age gap
Police procedural
Suspense
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Graphic violence
Gun violence
Murder attempt
Necrophilia (on page, from antagonist’s POV)
Rape (on page, from antagonist’s POV)
Graphic murder scenes described
Explicit sexual content
Severely injured side character
Severely injured main character
Deteriorating mental health
Paranoia and anxiety
Gunshot wound
Hospitalized MC
Mentions of suicide (unnamed character, past)
Mentions of abuse of a corpse
Themes of sexual deviancy
Stalking
Home invasion (no one home at the time)
On-page assault and torture of an MC (physical and psychological)
On-page killing
Resuscitation of a main character
Alcohol consumption
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Yes
POV: 3rd person, multi
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 40 and ‘early 30s’ in TMBU
Series: Duet
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 376
Every day, Cole put his face on like a mask. Something inside of him felt like it had dropped into the center of a deep pool, plunging further and further away. He felt like a worried thread coming loose, like part of him was unraveling.
They watched him walk away, slowly sipping their champagne. Cole elbowed Noah, flicking both his eyebrows and then jerking his head toward the hunk in the apron. Noah went redder than Cole had ever seen, fluorescent meltdown magenta, caught checking out another man. Cole giggled and kissed Noah’s temple, his cheek, holding him close, as he whispered, “I love you so much.”
Noah had drawn a heart over his sink in dry-erase marker. Would they ever not be ridiculous about each other? Would this hummingbird heart he had for Noah ever slow down? God, he hoped not. He loved loving Noah.
Noah had a second drink that night after dinner, but he’d also made love to Cole with a fevered intensity that had Cole desperately trying to muffle his groans, his gasps that were practically shouts. Lord, he’d hoped Katie had her earphones in that night.
Love was active. Love was engaged. Love was being there, day in and day out.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
July 31, 2022
It was sweet and lovely and heartbreakingly horrible, all at the same time. When I say "horrible" I'm referring to Ian, the killer and his methods and sadistic reasoning. In spite of him...I held out hope that life was going to work out for Noah and Cole. I've read lots of "happy after after's", but these two men who had just put so much into their love and their planned future...their lives just had to be allowed to turn out better than "just okay". Of course, I read the second book first... (Those that know me are not at all surprised) ...but even without reading the first book A Murder Between Us, I knew I was a big fan of these two men, and I really, really hope that Tal Bauer is busy giving us more Noah and Cole. The story showed us how sweet and powerful the relationship was between them and how much they wanted to provide love and a home together with, and for, their daughter Katie. The plot was a bit heavy at times, and the vivid descriptions of the killers "kill methods" may be hard for some to read, but in no way is the story unbalanced. It has everything that makes an interesting, real-to-life mystery and suspense, while being filled with love between the main characters, and hope that they share for their family's future. An excellent book and an excellent series by a very talented author.
July 9, 2024
A particularly gruesome but extremely well-written psychological thriller from the talented pen/laptop and mind of Mr Tal Bauer. I shuddered, I cringed, I held my breath and bit my nails...and yes, was on the edge of my seat. I just don't know how these BAU and forensic agents do it; the toll it must take on their own psyche, living with the mind games, the fear and the terror every day of their lives. Do many of them end up swallowing their own bullet?? I would suspect so...after all, there ARE real 'people'/sadistic basket cases out there doing things like this 😳, and here we're talking about fiction but...
Ian Ingram surely was one evil, sick, twisted, disgusting, depraved monster of a motherf***er, and pity please the poor souls who were his unwitting victims.
A terrific piece of very disturbing fiction with the occasional gasp of disbelief. Tal...between Ian Ingram and the Golden Ratio killer from Cole McCade, I think I'm all psycho'd out for 2021. 🤯🤯🤯 More Noah and Cole adventures awaited...with baited breath 😬.
Ian Ingram surely was one evil, sick, twisted, disgusting, depraved monster of a motherf***er, and pity please the poor souls who were his unwitting victims.
A terrific piece of very disturbing fiction with the occasional gasp of disbelief. Tal...between Ian Ingram and the Golden Ratio killer from Cole McCade, I think I'm all psycho'd out for 2021. 🤯🤯🤯 More Noah and Cole adventures awaited...with baited breath 😬.
July 15, 2022
3 Kinda disappointing stars!! As much as I loved the first book, the primary plot in that was still Cole and Noah’s romance, Noah’s angst about coming out etc., the murder mystery was secondary. But this book is trying too hard to be the next “Mindhunter” and that did not make for a pleasant bedtime read. 😳😱 To have the psycho-killer plot so heavily woven around Cole and Noah personally was extremely off-putting and angsty. To top it all, it was medium-steamy and the two FBI agents behaved in the most un-FBI-ish ways 🙈. I can forgive plot holes if the eventual execution is good… but some parts of the plot just made me roll my eyes or skip pages. 🙄🙄
I really wanted to enjoy some action/mystery M/Ms like the Royce and Sawyer series or Curl Up and Dye series by Aimee N Walker; but unfortunately this was not funny enough, not steamy enough and not interesting enough to hold my attention. So why the 3 stars you ask? Well, l did enjoy the first book and I like Cole and Noah as MCs; plus all these issues could be just me and not the book. 🤷♀️🤷♀️
Recommended for fans of action/ suspense novels who are ok with romance being just 15-20% of the story. 👍🏻But if you end up liking this book, I would suggest checking out “Mindhunter” on Netflix; now that’s a show that's disturbing enough to keep you up all night 😱😱
I really wanted to enjoy some action/mystery M/Ms like the Royce and Sawyer series or Curl Up and Dye series by Aimee N Walker; but unfortunately this was not funny enough, not steamy enough and not interesting enough to hold my attention. So why the 3 stars you ask? Well, l did enjoy the first book and I like Cole and Noah as MCs; plus all these issues could be just me and not the book. 🤷♀️🤷♀️
Recommended for fans of action/ suspense novels who are ok with romance being just 15-20% of the story. 👍🏻But if you end up liking this book, I would suggest checking out “Mindhunter” on Netflix; now that’s a show that's disturbing enough to keep you up all night 😱😱
July 3, 2021
4.5 rounded up.
After the first book which kinda disappointed me from this author (some of whose works I LOVE), this one was a lot better.
The suspense and plot was engaging. Best parts was Cole's interactions with Ian, the killer. The rest of it honestly was OK. And the ending was kinda anticlimatic, hence the minus 0.5 stars.
But overall, Tal Bauer has restored my faith in him. :)
After the first book which kinda disappointed me from this author (some of whose works I LOVE), this one was a lot better.
The suspense and plot was engaging. Best parts was Cole's interactions with Ian, the killer. The rest of it honestly was OK. And the ending was kinda anticlimatic, hence the minus 0.5 stars.
But overall, Tal Bauer has restored my faith in him. :)
May 18, 2023
Fun fact, I read the first 40% of his book, and I got so spooked and scared and absolutely terrified, I couldn't continue this book.
I feel like that's also why everytime I pick up a dark book, I go like: hell no.
WHICH HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO ME.
Like, I read fallocast. If that shit traumatized me, I CAN'T BELIEVE A TAL BAUER is second on that list.
Then again, that is what Tal is known for.
But, I'm really glad I got back to picking this book up three weeks later. Every time I opened my reading app, this book glared at me in unread and I swear, the pain of dnfing a Tal Bauer book is worse than all the anxiety and stress this book caused me.
So yeah. Ian terrified the living soul out of me, but man. What a villain. I really appreciate how absolutely blood chilling and terrifying he is. I felt Cole's terror, fear, anxiety and the way his blood turned black. I also felt so terribly bad for Cole. He was such a sunshine in book 1, with dark smudges of his past that was unrevealed here and my god, it is gut wrenching what Cole had to go through throughout this book.
Tal can write the violent scene and still captivate him with his writing. That is a lethal weapon.
And I love Noah and Cole together so much. So sexy, and normal, and cute and romantic and beautiful. I am in awe of the way they draw strength from each other.
When they said their vows in their wedding, I felt the gravity and the truth of their words. I felt the depth of honesty, and just how real vows were.
Initial reaction:
i am officially traumatized.
I feel like that's also why everytime I pick up a dark book, I go like: hell no.
WHICH HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO ME.
Like, I read fallocast. If that shit traumatized me, I CAN'T BELIEVE A TAL BAUER is second on that list.
Then again, that is what Tal is known for.
But, I'm really glad I got back to picking this book up three weeks later. Every time I opened my reading app, this book glared at me in unread and I swear, the pain of dnfing a Tal Bauer book is worse than all the anxiety and stress this book caused me.
So yeah. Ian terrified the living soul out of me, but man. What a villain. I really appreciate how absolutely blood chilling and terrifying he is. I felt Cole's terror, fear, anxiety and the way his blood turned black. I also felt so terribly bad for Cole. He was such a sunshine in book 1, with dark smudges of his past that was unrevealed here and my god, it is gut wrenching what Cole had to go through throughout this book.
“Yes. They became mine when I took them. I had their last moments, their last breaths. I held their lives—and their deaths—in my hands. I was responsible for the most intense moments of their existence.”
“You have no idea the heights you can go to. The intensity you find on the other side of death. There’s a shroud between life and death, and when you pierce that, when you can move back and forth, you open up whole new planes of existence. Of reality.”
Tal can write the violent scene and still captivate him with his writing. That is a lethal weapon.
And I love Noah and Cole together so much. So sexy, and normal, and cute and romantic and beautiful. I am in awe of the way they draw strength from each other.
“You’re not alone. I’m here,” Noah breathed. “I’m always going to be here.”
When they said their vows in their wedding, I felt the gravity and the truth of their words. I felt the depth of honesty, and just how real vows were.
“Silence together isn’t the same as silence alone.”
Love was active. Love was engaged. Love was being there, day in and day out.
He loved Cole in a way Cole had never been loved before. And Cole loved Noah like he had learned a new definition to the word, like there was a layer that went deeper, farther than regular love.
Initial reaction:
i am officially traumatized.
March 24, 2023
Definitely preferred this to the first one, just because I personally find the gore easier to deal with than the suspense that was in the first installment.
I'm always intrigued by profiling criminals but I tend to avoid books like this because I really do give myself nightmares 😂
The ending was really sweet and definitely well deserved. So happy for Jacob also, but it would have been so much better if Michael went off the back of that boat with Ian, what a prick! 😂😂😂
I'm always intrigued by profiling criminals but I tend to avoid books like this because I really do give myself nightmares 😂
The ending was really sweet and definitely well deserved. So happy for Jacob also, but it would have been so much better if Michael went off the back of that boat with Ian, what a prick! 😂😂😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2021
Bloody hell, that was an intense masterpiece. I'm at a loss for words.
August 17, 2025
When an escaped serial killer from Cole’s past case reappears, Cole not only has to fight the abyss in his soul, he also has to do everything to make sure the love of his life won’t end up as the next victim.
This is terrifyingly good. So much better than the first volume. The villain is super scary, and their psychological mind games are so fascinating to follow. I was also satisfied to see the fresh side of both Noah and Cole. And the ending… so sweet and perfect.
This is terrifyingly good. So much better than the first volume. The villain is super scary, and their psychological mind games are so fascinating to follow. I was also satisfied to see the fresh side of both Noah and Cole. And the ending… so sweet and perfect.
June 5, 2021
ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review.
Tal Bauer never ceases to amaze me with his writing. His characters always pull me in whether they are the good ones or even the bad ones, and The Grave Between Us had one of the worst!!
In the The Murder Between Us we meet Noah and Cole. Make sure to read that first before you read The Grave Between Us or you won't get the full picture of what these two have been through up to this point. They went through what I thought was hell and back to get to the point they are at now. If that was hell, then what they go through in this is Dante's Inferno.
Former FBI profiler Cole Kennedy is living the life he never knew he wanted with Noah Downing. A man who changed everything he thought his future looked like with one night in Vegas. Now, living in Iowa with Noah and his daughter just being an FBI agent and going home to them every night is the only thing he wants.
Eight years earlier Cole's life was forever changed when a killer escaped right in front of him. He thought he had put the past behind him, or at least enough to move on and not let the traumatic events that happened forever alter his life.
An attack on the FBI on the backroads in Iowa not only shakes Cole to the core because he might lose the one person, he can't live without but because while investing the attack they find the killer’s signature. A signature that can only belong to one man, the worst of the worst and the man that escaped right under Cole's nose eight years earlier.
Diving back into the case that changed his life years earlier Cole is having to become that same FBI profiler he was. Submerging himself in the mind of a killer not only can change a man but it can positively break him and leave him as a shell of the person he used to be.
Cole knows that if he wants to save Noah from a killer, he will have to do whatever it takes to find the killer even if that means leaving everything behind. Nightmares are constantly keeping him on edge and the past is a haunting place he never wanted to re-visit but in doing so he might finally be able to catch the killer that has the power to take everything away from.
Being back with Noah & Cole is almost like being back with Jack & Ethan from Tal's Executive Office series. It is almost like coming home. We see a whole different side to Cole in this story, a much darker side that shatters your heart and soul from the very first moment you start to read about his past. While book one in Cole and Noah's series was far bloodier this was much more psychological. Getting in the mind of a killer was some of the creepiest and most interesting thing I have ever read about. Too many moments I was left reeling from what the killer enjoyed doing to his victims.
Cole and Noah seriously broke my heart and stole my breath more times than I can count. Reading The Grave Between Us gave me so much more of who they are as FBI Agents, as people and as a couple. Tal Bauer has become my favorite author in such a short time. There is not one book I have read by him that was not a five-star read and this one was no different. Get ready for one helluva ride as you follow Cole as he dives so far into the mind of a killer you will start to wonder where his thoughts end, and the killers begin.
Tal Bauer never ceases to amaze me with his writing. His characters always pull me in whether they are the good ones or even the bad ones, and The Grave Between Us had one of the worst!!
In the The Murder Between Us we meet Noah and Cole. Make sure to read that first before you read The Grave Between Us or you won't get the full picture of what these two have been through up to this point. They went through what I thought was hell and back to get to the point they are at now. If that was hell, then what they go through in this is Dante's Inferno.
Former FBI profiler Cole Kennedy is living the life he never knew he wanted with Noah Downing. A man who changed everything he thought his future looked like with one night in Vegas. Now, living in Iowa with Noah and his daughter just being an FBI agent and going home to them every night is the only thing he wants.
Eight years earlier Cole's life was forever changed when a killer escaped right in front of him. He thought he had put the past behind him, or at least enough to move on and not let the traumatic events that happened forever alter his life.
An attack on the FBI on the backroads in Iowa not only shakes Cole to the core because he might lose the one person, he can't live without but because while investing the attack they find the killer’s signature. A signature that can only belong to one man, the worst of the worst and the man that escaped right under Cole's nose eight years earlier.
Diving back into the case that changed his life years earlier Cole is having to become that same FBI profiler he was. Submerging himself in the mind of a killer not only can change a man but it can positively break him and leave him as a shell of the person he used to be.
Cole knows that if he wants to save Noah from a killer, he will have to do whatever it takes to find the killer even if that means leaving everything behind. Nightmares are constantly keeping him on edge and the past is a haunting place he never wanted to re-visit but in doing so he might finally be able to catch the killer that has the power to take everything away from.
Being back with Noah & Cole is almost like being back with Jack & Ethan from Tal's Executive Office series. It is almost like coming home. We see a whole different side to Cole in this story, a much darker side that shatters your heart and soul from the very first moment you start to read about his past. While book one in Cole and Noah's series was far bloodier this was much more psychological. Getting in the mind of a killer was some of the creepiest and most interesting thing I have ever read about. Too many moments I was left reeling from what the killer enjoyed doing to his victims.
Cole and Noah seriously broke my heart and stole my breath more times than I can count. Reading The Grave Between Us gave me so much more of who they are as FBI Agents, as people and as a couple. Tal Bauer has become my favorite author in such a short time. There is not one book I have read by him that was not a five-star read and this one was no different. Get ready for one helluva ride as you follow Cole as he dives so far into the mind of a killer you will start to wonder where his thoughts end, and the killers begin.
August 12, 2021
The Grave Between Us was a thrill ride of a romance with a ton of nail biting mystery and suspense. These heroes are an amazing team with a unbreakable bond that is both beautiful and awe inspiring. I love these two men and the family they create, and I loved how, they are always stronger together.
This was a definite winner for me. It kept Me on the edge of my seat and I loved every minute of it.
This was a definite winner for me. It kept Me on the edge of my seat and I loved every minute of it.
June 26, 2022
06/25/2022 reread
Wow, this was amazing! The story just sucks you in and gives such a rush! I loved it. Tal Bauer has a wonderful ability to create deep complex characters that I can root for. Cole and Noah are such a perfect match - reading about their daily life is so much fun. Cole and Katie's relationship is so wholesome and precious.
This time we get to see Cole trying to delve into the mind of a madman. From trips to the past to mounting horrors of the present we get to experience firsthand what it takes to stay sane, to not break down and to continue the hunt for the killer. As for the killer himself, I kid you not, the character was so well written and so vivid that one could feel and see inside the monster. He is so depraved, so deranged and so morally corrupt that it's hard to wrap my head around it. I loved it! So suspenseful and intense!
As always the story was well researched, fast paced with moments of tenderness as well as visceral fear that I could almost taste. The ending was so heartfelt and sweet and well deserved. Both Noah and Cole went through hell and came out on the other side more sure of their feelings and of themselves. They are a team to be reckoned with. I hope there will be more Noah and Cole thrillers in the future. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review.
Wow, this was amazing! The story just sucks you in and gives such a rush! I loved it. Tal Bauer has a wonderful ability to create deep complex characters that I can root for. Cole and Noah are such a perfect match - reading about their daily life is so much fun. Cole and Katie's relationship is so wholesome and precious.
This time we get to see Cole trying to delve into the mind of a madman. From trips to the past to mounting horrors of the present we get to experience firsthand what it takes to stay sane, to not break down and to continue the hunt for the killer. As for the killer himself, I kid you not, the character was so well written and so vivid that one could feel and see inside the monster. He is so depraved, so deranged and so morally corrupt that it's hard to wrap my head around it. I loved it! So suspenseful and intense!
As always the story was well researched, fast paced with moments of tenderness as well as visceral fear that I could almost taste. The ending was so heartfelt and sweet and well deserved. Both Noah and Cole went through hell and came out on the other side more sure of their feelings and of themselves. They are a team to be reckoned with. I hope there will be more Noah and Cole thrillers in the future. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review.
May 12, 2025
Cravingyearningscreamingraging. I loved this. I couldn’t put it down.
If there is one thing I love more than a slow burn forbidden romance full of longing and yearning, it is when that relationship matures into a long term messy mature romance full of more longing and yearning.
I love these two. From the moment they met they burnt up the pages. I adored seeing them trying to slip into domestic bliss amongst their internal insecurities.
I loved that Noah was the hero and saved the day.
If there is one thing I love more than a slow burn forbidden romance full of longing and yearning, it is when that relationship matures into a long term messy mature romance full of more longing and yearning.
I love these two. From the moment they met they burnt up the pages. I adored seeing them trying to slip into domestic bliss amongst their internal insecurities.
I loved that Noah was the hero and saved the day.
April 16, 2022
5 +++++++ stars. I hope TB will continue writing about Cole and Noah! The thriller part was riveting!!!! So much better than book 1. And of course Cole and Noah were fucking everything together. 😍😍😍😍
March 15, 2024
Reread 03/24
We get to the 'it was just one mistake' part of the duology. Cole, seasoned agent he is, has ghosts of his past life working cases at BAU, a field crawling with criminals of the serial killer and psychopathy type. One in particular got his atention. And, more dangerously, Cole's gotten his.
Needless to say, Tal Bauer always has my heart in a wrench and my head in a swivel with his stories. The longing, the drama, the dedication to each other, the side characters, UGH!! I can't get enough of it.
SPOILERS AHEAD
You know what's the REAL crime? Less than 3000 ratings?? This book deserves so much more!
First read 04/22
We get to the 'it was just one mistake' part of the duology. Cole, seasoned agent he is, has ghosts of his past life working cases at BAU, a field crawling with criminals of the serial killer and psychopathy type. One in particular got his atention. And, more dangerously, Cole's gotten his.
Needless to say, Tal Bauer always has my heart in a wrench and my head in a swivel with his stories. The longing, the drama, the dedication to each other, the side characters, UGH!! I can't get enough of it.
SPOILERS AHEAD
You know what's the REAL crime? Less than 3000 ratings?? This book deserves so much more!
First read 04/22
July 26, 2021
So this was mortifying but great.
July 27, 2021
La felicidad que tienen en su relacion Noah y Cole se ve oscurecida por la aparicion de uno de los pocos asesinos que Cole no ha podido capturar y que esta obsesionado con el, tambien uno de los mas dificiles casos que ha tenido que enfrentar en su carrera.
Esta es una carrera contra el tiempo, descubrir a las victimas del asesino, descubrir cual es su metodo, su meta, para poder capturarlo antes de que logre destruir lo mas querido en la vida de Cole, Noah.
Sin embargo, la relacion de Noah y Cole se tambalea, porque Cole solo piensa en proteger a Noah y Katie y la presion que siente es tal que hace dudar a Noah como poder ayudarlo a capturar a este asesino sin perder su escencia.
En este libro vemos un poco del pasado de Cole, pero como en el libro anterior el caso fue encontrar quien es el asesino, aqui ya sabemos de antemano quien es el asesino y el asunto es descubrir a cual de los dos quiere Cole o Noah. Ahora, hay poca introspeccion de los personajes, solo quizas se maneja un poco de duda con Noah, pero nada lo suficientemente fuerte como para que sea repetitivo.
Lo que no entendi es que si el personaje de Katie ya tiene 16 anos, porque algunos dialogos pareces de nina pequena, sobre todo algunos arranques de malcriades que aparecen ya casi al final, en este libro el personaje casi sobra, no tiene mayor relevancia casi ninguna de su apariciones y mucho menos algunos de sus dialogos en la trama. Esperaba incluso, que el personaje tuviera algun tipo de rol con el asesino, ademas de solamente ser ignorado, quizas por eso me parecio que la mayoria de las veces estorbaba.
En lo que respecta al personaje de Jacob, esta sobre-estimado, asi como tambien el personaje de Sophie, son grandes adiciones a la serie, y en este caso el autor muestra mucho mas de sus personalidades.
En fin, fue una serie (o bilogia) bastante interesante, entretenida, muy acorde a lo que estoy acostumbrada de este autor, totalmente recomendable.
Esta es una carrera contra el tiempo, descubrir a las victimas del asesino, descubrir cual es su metodo, su meta, para poder capturarlo antes de que logre destruir lo mas querido en la vida de Cole, Noah.
Sin embargo, la relacion de Noah y Cole se tambalea, porque Cole solo piensa en proteger a Noah y Katie y la presion que siente es tal que hace dudar a Noah como poder ayudarlo a capturar a este asesino sin perder su escencia.
En este libro vemos un poco del pasado de Cole, pero como en el libro anterior el caso fue encontrar quien es el asesino, aqui ya sabemos de antemano quien es el asesino y el asunto es descubrir a cual de los dos quiere Cole o Noah. Ahora, hay poca introspeccion de los personajes, solo quizas se maneja un poco de duda con Noah, pero nada lo suficientemente fuerte como para que sea repetitivo.
Lo que no entendi es que si el personaje de Katie ya tiene 16 anos, porque algunos dialogos pareces de nina pequena, sobre todo algunos arranques de malcriades que aparecen ya casi al final, en este libro el personaje casi sobra, no tiene mayor relevancia casi ninguna de su apariciones y mucho menos algunos de sus dialogos en la trama. Esperaba incluso, que el personaje tuviera algun tipo de rol con el asesino, ademas de solamente ser ignorado, quizas por eso me parecio que la mayoria de las veces estorbaba.
En lo que respecta al personaje de Jacob, esta sobre-estimado, asi como tambien el personaje de Sophie, son grandes adiciones a la serie, y en este caso el autor muestra mucho mas de sus personalidades.
En fin, fue una serie (o bilogia) bastante interesante, entretenida, muy acorde a lo que estoy acostumbrada de este autor, totalmente recomendable.
August 4, 2021
I enjoyed the deranged serial killer story and Ian is certainly deranged! Some things were a bit over the top and I didn't like what Cole did at the end of the investigation (you'll know when you get to it and to me it felt like an easy way out to get to the climax of the story), but it definitely kept me reading and I adored the ending.
June 4, 2021
Tal Bauer has once again written my new favorite book.
This is the second book in A Noah & Cole Thriller. The Murder Between Us being the first. Make sure you read them in order.
This novel had me on the edge of my seat from the first (literally the prologue), and it never lets up. Tal does a phenomenal job of of building suspense and keeping the reader constantly engaged. I could not put it down. The way he dives into how a life of solving the most horrific crimes would affect a person and their relationships is very real and eye opening.
Cole's past comes back to haunt his happily ever after. He was perfectly elated with life with Noah. One long past mistake sucks him right back into the madness and terror he thought he'd left behind. Now he has to stop this killer before he takes everything from Cole, including his peace of mind. Cole will stop at nothing to protect Noah and his family.
Noah wants nothing more than to help Cole with his darkness. When road block after road block is thrown in his way, will their love be enough?
Find out by snatching up this wonderfully written 5 star read!
This is the second book in A Noah & Cole Thriller. The Murder Between Us being the first. Make sure you read them in order.
This novel had me on the edge of my seat from the first (literally the prologue), and it never lets up. Tal does a phenomenal job of of building suspense and keeping the reader constantly engaged. I could not put it down. The way he dives into how a life of solving the most horrific crimes would affect a person and their relationships is very real and eye opening.
Cole's past comes back to haunt his happily ever after. He was perfectly elated with life with Noah. One long past mistake sucks him right back into the madness and terror he thought he'd left behind. Now he has to stop this killer before he takes everything from Cole, including his peace of mind. Cole will stop at nothing to protect Noah and his family.
Noah wants nothing more than to help Cole with his darkness. When road block after road block is thrown in his way, will their love be enough?
Find out by snatching up this wonderfully written 5 star read!
June 6, 2021
My initial reaction upon finishing this book would get me banned from reviewing if I put it here unredacted. Something along the lines of "Holy ***. Holy ******* ****."
Tal Bauer's fourth release of 2021 - yes, you read that right, this is Tal's fourth book of the year, all full-length, high-quality reads - is one of the best suspense novels I've ever read. That's coming from a fan of David Baldacci, Greg Iles, John Grisham, et. al.
This follow-up to The Murder Between Us features FBI agent Noah Downing and his fiancé, former FBI profiler Cole Kennedy, building their life together in Iowa. Planning their wedding, dealing with a mostly typical teenage daughter, and in general living out their HEA...but you know with Tal things are never that simple.
The tension begins in the first paragraph and ratchets up bit by bit, much like going up the tallest arch on a huge roller coaster, then plunging down the other side at top speed. Yes, there is a HEA - or more likely a HFN, because it's Tal - but from about 25% until almost the end, it's literary equivalent of being in a runaway Top Fuel dragster with no brakes. You're praying that the chute deploys before you get to the end of the track, but instead you speed right through the shutdown area and skate right through the sand trap.
Fair warning - this book is not for the squeamish or faint of heart. There may be more triggers than in a National Guard Armory. The details are graphic and chilling, but never gratuitously so. Everything has a purpose in Tal's twisted world, and his prose is ON POINT. Example:
"Hunting monsters was noble, yes. But every monster hunt demanded a sacrifice, and the price was always paid in the mind, and sleepless nights, and nightmares that lived inside the bone marrow."
While there are only a few sex scenes, there's no doubt that at its core, The Grave Between Us is a tale of enduring love, and the lengths to which these two men will go for each other and their family.
You probably could read this book without having read The Murder Between Us first, but 1) why would you cheat yourself like that? and 2) there are some references that will make more sense if you've read the first book, which is no hardship, as it's also stellar.
Tal Bauer's fourth release of 2021 - yes, you read that right, this is Tal's fourth book of the year, all full-length, high-quality reads - is one of the best suspense novels I've ever read. That's coming from a fan of David Baldacci, Greg Iles, John Grisham, et. al.
This follow-up to The Murder Between Us features FBI agent Noah Downing and his fiancé, former FBI profiler Cole Kennedy, building their life together in Iowa. Planning their wedding, dealing with a mostly typical teenage daughter, and in general living out their HEA...but you know with Tal things are never that simple.
The tension begins in the first paragraph and ratchets up bit by bit, much like going up the tallest arch on a huge roller coaster, then plunging down the other side at top speed. Yes, there is a HEA - or more likely a HFN, because it's Tal - but from about 25% until almost the end, it's literary equivalent of being in a runaway Top Fuel dragster with no brakes. You're praying that the chute deploys before you get to the end of the track, but instead you speed right through the shutdown area and skate right through the sand trap.
Fair warning - this book is not for the squeamish or faint of heart. There may be more triggers than in a National Guard Armory. The details are graphic and chilling, but never gratuitously so. Everything has a purpose in Tal's twisted world, and his prose is ON POINT. Example:
"Hunting monsters was noble, yes. But every monster hunt demanded a sacrifice, and the price was always paid in the mind, and sleepless nights, and nightmares that lived inside the bone marrow."
While there are only a few sex scenes, there's no doubt that at its core, The Grave Between Us is a tale of enduring love, and the lengths to which these two men will go for each other and their family.
You probably could read this book without having read The Murder Between Us first, but 1) why would you cheat yourself like that? and 2) there are some references that will make more sense if you've read the first book, which is no hardship, as it's also stellar.
June 17, 2021
3.5 stars.
While I'm glad Cole and Noah got a second book, there was something about this that didn't work for me, I can't quite figure out what. I'm obviously in the minority about it and that sucks, because I would've loved to enjoy this. The investigation part of the story was 10/10. It's the rest of the stuff that just, I don't know, felt forced? If that makes sense.
I love Tal Bauer and I'm sad I didn't love this book. But I'm excited for all the other books he writes. There's no question that if he writes it, I'll read it.
While I'm glad Cole and Noah got a second book, there was something about this that didn't work for me, I can't quite figure out what. I'm obviously in the minority about it and that sucks, because I would've loved to enjoy this. The investigation part of the story was 10/10. It's the rest of the stuff that just, I don't know, felt forced? If that makes sense.
I love Tal Bauer and I'm sad I didn't love this book. But I'm excited for all the other books he writes. There's no question that if he writes it, I'll read it.
June 6, 2021
Tal Bauer jest jednym z moich ulubionych pisarzy. Chyba nie ma jego książki, która mi się nie podobała. Tal Bauer po raz kolejny napisał książkę, która całkowicie trafiła w moje gusta. Historia Noaha i Cole'a jest świetnie napisana, już prolog jest zwiastunem tego co nas czeka (jest niesamowity) czyli tego, że znajdziemy się na krawędzi, obgryzając paznokcie. Od początku napięcie rośnie i chce się wiedzieć, co będzie dalej, jak to się skończy. Tal Bauer wie jak budować napięcie w swoich książkach i tak jest i w przypadku tej książki. Ma on niesamowitą zdolność do wciągania czytelnika w swoje historie, to dosłowny rolkoster emocjonalny. Można być pewnym, że doświadczy się w zasadzie wszystkich emocji, przez śmiech, przerażenie, złość ( głównie na autora za to co serwuje swojemu czytelnikowi 😉). Ale to co szczególnie mi się podobało to opisy jak działa umysł seryjnego mordercy, to jest po prostu niesamowite.
Nie będę opisywała fabuły. W skrócie: Noah i Cole budują swoje wspólne życie, co zresztą rozpoczęli w 1 tomie, ale powraca przeszłość Cole'a, który musi powstrzymać zabójcę, aby nie stracić wszystkiego, łącznie z ukochanym. A czy mu się uda?? Trzeba przeczytać by się przekonać.
#ARC otrzymane od autora za bezstronną, uczciwą recenzję.
For me, the book deserves 10 stars.
Tal Bauer has once again written a book that I really enjoyed. But Tal Bauer with his writing manages to charm the reader, although it is not always nice and pleasant.
The book holds you in suspense from the very beginning, and the prologue is excellent!!!! After reading the prologue I already knew I was going to be on edge. Tal Bauer has an uncanny ability to build suspense, to keep the reader in constant anticipation of what will happen next, and he is a master at juggling the emotions of his readers. And so it is in this book. From the beginning the tension builds, and you want to know what will happen next, how it will end.
This book with the descriptions of Noah and Cole's love, the descriptions of how the mind of a serial killer works, is just amazing. I caught myself repeating "it's going to be okay, breathe" over and over again. After reading, my emotions are twisted. Nevertheless, I couldn't tear myself away.
This is the second part of the story of Noah and Cole, who we met in The Murder Between Us (if you haven't read it, you must read it!!). Cole's past has returned, and he must stop the killer. Otherwise, he could lose everything, including his beloved. Will he succeed? You have to read to find out and the book is very good.
#I received an ARC of this book for an unbiased honest review.
Nie będę opisywała fabuły. W skrócie: Noah i Cole budują swoje wspólne życie, co zresztą rozpoczęli w 1 tomie, ale powraca przeszłość Cole'a, który musi powstrzymać zabójcę, aby nie stracić wszystkiego, łącznie z ukochanym. A czy mu się uda?? Trzeba przeczytać by się przekonać.
#ARC otrzymane od autora za bezstronną, uczciwą recenzję.
For me, the book deserves 10 stars.
Tal Bauer has once again written a book that I really enjoyed. But Tal Bauer with his writing manages to charm the reader, although it is not always nice and pleasant.
The book holds you in suspense from the very beginning, and the prologue is excellent!!!! After reading the prologue I already knew I was going to be on edge. Tal Bauer has an uncanny ability to build suspense, to keep the reader in constant anticipation of what will happen next, and he is a master at juggling the emotions of his readers. And so it is in this book. From the beginning the tension builds, and you want to know what will happen next, how it will end.
This book with the descriptions of Noah and Cole's love, the descriptions of how the mind of a serial killer works, is just amazing. I caught myself repeating "it's going to be okay, breathe" over and over again. After reading, my emotions are twisted. Nevertheless, I couldn't tear myself away.
This is the second part of the story of Noah and Cole, who we met in The Murder Between Us (if you haven't read it, you must read it!!). Cole's past has returned, and he must stop the killer. Otherwise, he could lose everything, including his beloved. Will he succeed? You have to read to find out and the book is very good.
#I received an ARC of this book for an unbiased honest review.
June 11, 2021
3.5 rounded down
I definitely enjoyed this one, but it didn't work quite as well for me as the first one. While I actually thought the murder mystery plot was super creepy and interesting, and actually more engaging than the first, the romance aspect didn't really do it for me. Partially because I tend to be less drawn to established relationships, and there just really wasn't sufficient tension here to make me that interested, nor was the heat factor that high. Bauer can, on occasion, get a little bit OTT mushy with me and Noah and Cole's relationship did verge on that for me. And then, when we finally *do* get some tension, in the form of the classic "I'm leaving you for your own good" trope, it was super brief AND never satisfyingly addressed afterwards--I get that Noah's understanding and Cole was traumatized, but Cole kind of pulled a dick move and as a reader I wanted that to be addressed tbh, though I'm sure I'm in the minority there. I also just don't love flashbacks as a story device and there were a lot of them here.
That said, I generally do like the characters, the writing was great, and the mystery aspect was super excellent and definitely saved this one for me.
I definitely enjoyed this one, but it didn't work quite as well for me as the first one. While I actually thought the murder mystery plot was super creepy and interesting, and actually more engaging than the first, the romance aspect didn't really do it for me. Partially because I tend to be less drawn to established relationships, and there just really wasn't sufficient tension here to make me that interested, nor was the heat factor that high. Bauer can, on occasion, get a little bit OTT mushy with me and Noah and Cole's relationship did verge on that for me. And then, when we finally *do* get some tension, in the form of the classic "I'm leaving you for your own good" trope, it was super brief AND never satisfyingly addressed afterwards--I get that Noah's understanding and Cole was traumatized, but Cole kind of pulled a dick move and as a reader I wanted that to be addressed tbh, though I'm sure I'm in the minority there. I also just don't love flashbacks as a story device and there were a lot of them here.
That said, I generally do like the characters, the writing was great, and the mystery aspect was super excellent and definitely saved this one for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 564 reviews