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Born Bad #2
Deadly Words
“Brilliant, dark, and impossible to put down. O'Flynn masterfully crafts a twisted tale of buried secrets in Deadly Words. Poppy is unforgettable—unlike any character you've read before. This is storytelling at its finest, and will sit with you long after you've turned the final page.”
~Bestselling author Emerald O’Brien
A friend once told me that the world needs psychopaths, but I’m not sold that the world needed my father. I only know that I did.
Poppy Pratt was a teenager when she watched her father murder her boyfriend. Only a child when she made the call that would put her dad away for the rest of his life. She watched the sheriff lead him off, her father still laughing at the Alabama moon, his arms slick with Shawn’s blood.
Eighteen years later, Poppy is a chiropractor with a thriving practice and a house in the Vermont suburbs. She even goes on the occasional date. So, when a mysterious stranger shows up at her house claiming that her father is stalking him, Poppy blows him off. Her dad is in prison—psychopath or not, he’s no threat. And though this man is writing a book about her dad, she can see no reason for anyone to go after him.
But then Poppy receives an unmarked package, and her carefully constructed world begins to crumble. A severed ear would throw most anyone off their game. The stranger was right—it might not be her dad, but someone is watching, and they’re after Poppy, too. Could it be an angry family member of one of her father’s victims? An obsessed serial killer fan? But even when Poppy’s new author friend is viciously attacked, she can’t call the police. Shawn wasn’t her father’s only victim, and her stalker clearly knows enough to implicate her in her father’s crimes.
It seems she’s destined to go down the same way her father did—with her hands covered in blood. The only question is whether she’ll be the one holding the knife.
Skillful, addictive, and crackling with nerve-fraying tension, Deadly Words is a thrilling joyride straight into hell. And O’Flynn ensures that you’ll never want to leave. If you like Gillian Flynn and Gregg Olsen, you’ll love the Born Bad series.
~Bestselling author Emerald O’Brien
A friend once told me that the world needs psychopaths, but I’m not sold that the world needed my father. I only know that I did.
Poppy Pratt was a teenager when she watched her father murder her boyfriend. Only a child when she made the call that would put her dad away for the rest of his life. She watched the sheriff lead him off, her father still laughing at the Alabama moon, his arms slick with Shawn’s blood.
Eighteen years later, Poppy is a chiropractor with a thriving practice and a house in the Vermont suburbs. She even goes on the occasional date. So, when a mysterious stranger shows up at her house claiming that her father is stalking him, Poppy blows him off. Her dad is in prison—psychopath or not, he’s no threat. And though this man is writing a book about her dad, she can see no reason for anyone to go after him.
But then Poppy receives an unmarked package, and her carefully constructed world begins to crumble. A severed ear would throw most anyone off their game. The stranger was right—it might not be her dad, but someone is watching, and they’re after Poppy, too. Could it be an angry family member of one of her father’s victims? An obsessed serial killer fan? But even when Poppy’s new author friend is viciously attacked, she can’t call the police. Shawn wasn’t her father’s only victim, and her stalker clearly knows enough to implicate her in her father’s crimes.
It seems she’s destined to go down the same way her father did—with her hands covered in blood. The only question is whether she’ll be the one holding the knife.
Skillful, addictive, and crackling with nerve-fraying tension, Deadly Words is a thrilling joyride straight into hell. And O’Flynn ensures that you’ll never want to leave. If you like Gillian Flynn and Gregg Olsen, you’ll love the Born Bad series.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2021
642 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Meghan O'Flynn
171 books666 followersWith books deemed “visceral, haunting, and fully immersive” (New York Times bestseller, Andra Watkins), Meghan O’Flynn has made her mark on the thriller genre. Meghan is a clinical therapist who draws her character inspiration from her knowledge of the human psyche. She is the bestselling author of gritty crime novels and serial killer thrillers, all of which take readers on the dark, gripping, and unputdownable journey for which Meghan is notorious. Perfect for fans of Dexter, Chelsea Cain, and Gillian Flynn. Learn more at https://meghanoflynn.com!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
September 6, 2021
5 Stars
Deadly Words is the start of the brilliant new series ‘Born Bad’ by Meghan O’Flynn. It is a fantastic thriller full of intensity, gripping developments, secrets, twisted details, mystery, drama, layers, a skin crawling creepy vibe, and much more. The story definitely had me in its grip the whole way through, I couldn’t put it down until I had read every raw, gritty, and intriguing detail… There were times I was on the edge of my seat, just about ready to jump out of my skin, but I had to find out what lay over the next page, I just had to know what happened, loving every unpredictable moment of it…. It has Meghan O’Flynn’s signature unpredictable twists and clever touches stamped all over it and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in the next book.
Bring on Book #2!!!.
Thank you, Meghan O’Flynn!
Deadly Words is the start of the brilliant new series ‘Born Bad’ by Meghan O’Flynn. It is a fantastic thriller full of intensity, gripping developments, secrets, twisted details, mystery, drama, layers, a skin crawling creepy vibe, and much more. The story definitely had me in its grip the whole way through, I couldn’t put it down until I had read every raw, gritty, and intriguing detail… There were times I was on the edge of my seat, just about ready to jump out of my skin, but I had to find out what lay over the next page, I just had to know what happened, loving every unpredictable moment of it…. It has Meghan O’Flynn’s signature unpredictable twists and clever touches stamped all over it and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in the next book.
Bring on Book #2!!!.
Thank you, Meghan O’Flynn!
June 28, 2021
Poppy Pratt worked hard to overcome the violence she had witnessed at the hands of her father. She even moved and is now a chiropractor with a thriving practice and a nice house. She goes out on a date from time to time. Then her whole world is rocked when a stranger tells her that her father is following him! Her dad is in prison, never to get out in his lifetime. But things go from bad to worse in Poppy's world. Can she keep the secrets she knows safe and hidden deep in her mind? Does someone else know? A very good thriller story. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
September 14, 2021
This book was incredible. I wish it was longer! Poppy was a fun character to get to know… I’m looking forward to reading the next books, I really hope she carries through!
July 27, 2021
Warning… while this is a good read, it is very edgy and sexually explicit.
September 17, 2021
Deadly Words by Meghan O'Flynn was a fast paced read, full of twists and turns. It is book 1 in the Born Bad series, and leaves me excited to read book 2. It is in a format that switches between Poppy as a child, living with her father Steven Pratt and Poppy as an adult, a doctor in the chiropractic field. This format allows the element of surprise at several points throughout the book. As a child, Poppy and her father were very close, and he fostered a love of fairies and building them homes, and had a series of relationships that ended abruptly. You can feel how much Poppy looks up to and adores Steven, and envision his wide shoulders and glittering eyes - you can almost hear his booming laugh and understand the depth of love this little girl had for her father. It also allows you a glimpse into the life she led both before and after she made a phone call that changed both of their lives forever.
As an adult, a chiropractor within a practice, you get a taste of being a woman in a male run business as well as meet one of Poppy's only friends - her coworker, Monique. Monique adds a sense of humanity and warmth that you don't find in most of the other characters of this book and makes you want to know her. Her love of bright colors and sense of camaraderie with Poppy put a smile on your face - and at the same time, you also get to see inside Poppy's head while she is interacting with her fellow chiropractors, therapist, Monique and more. I love the first person, internal conversations she has with herself while mid conversation with others - it makes so many parts personally relatable, even if her thoughts are different than mine.
Poppy feels comfortable in her routine until a stranger, author and journalist Carson Price, shows up into her very private life, asking questions she isn't comfortable answering beyond the information he has already dug up with his sources. There is a draw between the 2 of them that Poppy is unfamiliar with and cannot explain, but doesn't want to run from. Carson drops a bomb very early on, making Poppy question his sanity - but it brings them closer, trying to solve the mystery he insists is happening and draws Poppy in further.
This book is very fast paced, and keeps you reading to find answers to the questions it keeps introducing, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the Born Bad series. Will Poppy be able to help Carson solve the mystery he brings? Will she figure out the truth about Molly? What connections will she make, what memories will she have that prove to be clues to their past?
As an adult, a chiropractor within a practice, you get a taste of being a woman in a male run business as well as meet one of Poppy's only friends - her coworker, Monique. Monique adds a sense of humanity and warmth that you don't find in most of the other characters of this book and makes you want to know her. Her love of bright colors and sense of camaraderie with Poppy put a smile on your face - and at the same time, you also get to see inside Poppy's head while she is interacting with her fellow chiropractors, therapist, Monique and more. I love the first person, internal conversations she has with herself while mid conversation with others - it makes so many parts personally relatable, even if her thoughts are different than mine.
Poppy feels comfortable in her routine until a stranger, author and journalist Carson Price, shows up into her very private life, asking questions she isn't comfortable answering beyond the information he has already dug up with his sources. There is a draw between the 2 of them that Poppy is unfamiliar with and cannot explain, but doesn't want to run from. Carson drops a bomb very early on, making Poppy question his sanity - but it brings them closer, trying to solve the mystery he insists is happening and draws Poppy in further.
This book is very fast paced, and keeps you reading to find answers to the questions it keeps introducing, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the Born Bad series. Will Poppy be able to help Carson solve the mystery he brings? Will she figure out the truth about Molly? What connections will she make, what memories will she have that prove to be clues to their past?
March 1, 2025
Deadly Words, the second book in the Born Bad series, by Meghan O'Flynn, is a dark and suspenseful thriller that grabbed me from the very first page and didn't let go.
The story follows Poppy Pratt, a woman whose life has been haunted by the brutal murder of her boyfriend by her father, a man who has spent the last 18 years in jail for the crime. Despite the tragic past, Poppy has built a relatively quiet life for herself as a chiropractor in Vermont. But when a mysterious stranger claims her father is stalking him, Poppy dismisses it as nonsense. After all, her father is locked away, and the idea that someone is targeting her seems far-fetched.
However, things quickly take a chilling turn when Poppy receives an unmarked package containing a severed ear. Suddenly, her world is turned upside down. The stranger might have been right—someone is out there, and they are targeting her. As the mystery unfolds, Poppy is forced to confront her father's dark legacy while dealing with threats from a dangerous stalker who seems to know more about her than she does.
O'Flynn masterfully builds tension throughout the novel, weaving a complex web of deceit, danger, and psychological torment. The pacing is absolutely spot on, and the story's twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. Poppy is a compelling protagonist, caught between the past and the present, struggling with guilt and fear while trying to protect herself from the ever-looming threat. The narrative skillfully explores themes of trauma, guilt, and the long-lasting impact of violence, as Poppy finds herself slowly unravelling her father's dark legacy and its impact on her.
What sets Deadly Words apart is O'Flynn’s ability to blend psychological suspense with classic thriller elements. The mystery surrounding Poppy’s stalker and the constant feeling of dread and paranoia makes this book difficult to put down. The author's vivid descriptions and well-paced plot ensure that every chapter heightens the tension.
Again, a brilliant thriller, and I can't wait to start book 3!
5/5⭐️
The story follows Poppy Pratt, a woman whose life has been haunted by the brutal murder of her boyfriend by her father, a man who has spent the last 18 years in jail for the crime. Despite the tragic past, Poppy has built a relatively quiet life for herself as a chiropractor in Vermont. But when a mysterious stranger claims her father is stalking him, Poppy dismisses it as nonsense. After all, her father is locked away, and the idea that someone is targeting her seems far-fetched.
However, things quickly take a chilling turn when Poppy receives an unmarked package containing a severed ear. Suddenly, her world is turned upside down. The stranger might have been right—someone is out there, and they are targeting her. As the mystery unfolds, Poppy is forced to confront her father's dark legacy while dealing with threats from a dangerous stalker who seems to know more about her than she does.
O'Flynn masterfully builds tension throughout the novel, weaving a complex web of deceit, danger, and psychological torment. The pacing is absolutely spot on, and the story's twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. Poppy is a compelling protagonist, caught between the past and the present, struggling with guilt and fear while trying to protect herself from the ever-looming threat. The narrative skillfully explores themes of trauma, guilt, and the long-lasting impact of violence, as Poppy finds herself slowly unravelling her father's dark legacy and its impact on her.
What sets Deadly Words apart is O'Flynn’s ability to blend psychological suspense with classic thriller elements. The mystery surrounding Poppy’s stalker and the constant feeling of dread and paranoia makes this book difficult to put down. The author's vivid descriptions and well-paced plot ensure that every chapter heightens the tension.
Again, a brilliant thriller, and I can't wait to start book 3!
5/5⭐️
September 13, 2021
I loved this gripping and addictive psychological crime thriller, which is a great start to a new series by the author. Told from the point of view of Poppy Pratt, the daughter of a psychopath we really get to understand this character and get into her mind, thanks to the wonderfully written descriptive narrative. Poppy’s father murdered her boyfriend Shawn in front of her when she was a teenager and it was Poppy who called the Sheriff and helped put him away for life. Eighteen years later and Poppy is a successful chiropractor who has done well for herself, living in suburban New Hampshire.
When a stranger who is writing a book about her father claims that her father is stalking him Poppy blows him off, after all he’s in prison. Then Poppy receives a package, a severed ear, and Poppy realises that someone, if not her father is also watching her. Soon her world which she built is falling apart and the secrets which Poppy has kept start to be discovered. Her stalker knows that Shawn was not her father’s only victim and has evidence to implicate Poppy in those crimes. Poppy’s lifelong fears that she is like her father start to come true, but will she end up with blood on her hands too.
I was hooked from page one and literally could not put this book down. The storyline was very dark and twisted with plenty of twists and turns in the plot that kept me guessing. I could feel the suspense and tension building with each chapter making this a real page turner. Poppy is a very complex character who the author managed to bring to life and make the reader feel empathy for. An enjoyable and engaging read which I definitely recommend and I look forward to the next book in the ‘Born Bad’ series.
When a stranger who is writing a book about her father claims that her father is stalking him Poppy blows him off, after all he’s in prison. Then Poppy receives a package, a severed ear, and Poppy realises that someone, if not her father is also watching her. Soon her world which she built is falling apart and the secrets which Poppy has kept start to be discovered. Her stalker knows that Shawn was not her father’s only victim and has evidence to implicate Poppy in those crimes. Poppy’s lifelong fears that she is like her father start to come true, but will she end up with blood on her hands too.
I was hooked from page one and literally could not put this book down. The storyline was very dark and twisted with plenty of twists and turns in the plot that kept me guessing. I could feel the suspense and tension building with each chapter making this a real page turner. Poppy is a very complex character who the author managed to bring to life and make the reader feel empathy for. An enjoyable and engaging read which I definitely recommend and I look forward to the next book in the ‘Born Bad’ series.
August 12, 2021
DID YOU ENJOY DEADLY WORDS? There's plenty more Poppy to keep you reading in the Born Bad series!
THE BORN BAD SERIES
DEADLY WORDS: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/deadly-...
INTENDED VICTIMS: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/intende...
HIDDEN WOUNDS: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/hidden-...
BORN BAD: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/born-bad/
THE ASH PARK SERIES
SALVATION: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/salvati...
FAMISHED: meghanoflynn.com/book/famished-an-ash...
CONVICTION: meghanoflynn.com/book/conviction-an-a...
REPRESSED: meghanoflynn.com/book/repressed-an-as...
HIDDEN: meghanoflynn.com/book/hidden-an-ash-p...
REDEMPTION: meghanoflynn.com/book/redemption-an-a...
RECALL: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/recall-...
IMPOSTER: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/imposte...
COMPOSED: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/compose...
WITNESS: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/witness...
SAVAGE: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/savage-...
STAND-ALONE THRILLERS
THE JILTED: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/the-jil...
SHADOW'S KEEP: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/the-sha...
THE FLOOD: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/the-flood/
SHORT STORY COLLECTIONS
AFTERTASTE: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/afterta...
LISTENERS: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/listene...
PEOPLE LIKE US: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/people-...
DON’T MISS ANOTHER RELEASE!
SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER: subscribe.meghanoflynn.com
THE BORN BAD SERIES
DEADLY WORDS: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/deadly-...
INTENDED VICTIMS: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/intende...
HIDDEN WOUNDS: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/hidden-...
BORN BAD: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/born-bad/
THE ASH PARK SERIES
SALVATION: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/salvati...
FAMISHED: meghanoflynn.com/book/famished-an-ash...
CONVICTION: meghanoflynn.com/book/conviction-an-a...
REPRESSED: meghanoflynn.com/book/repressed-an-as...
HIDDEN: meghanoflynn.com/book/hidden-an-ash-p...
REDEMPTION: meghanoflynn.com/book/redemption-an-a...
RECALL: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/recall-...
IMPOSTER: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/imposte...
COMPOSED: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/compose...
WITNESS: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/witness...
SAVAGE: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/savage-...
STAND-ALONE THRILLERS
THE JILTED: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/the-jil...
SHADOW'S KEEP: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/the-sha...
THE FLOOD: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/the-flood/
SHORT STORY COLLECTIONS
AFTERTASTE: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/afterta...
LISTENERS: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/listene...
PEOPLE LIKE US: https://meghanoflynn.com/book/people-...
DON’T MISS ANOTHER RELEASE!
SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER: subscribe.meghanoflynn.com
September 12, 2021
Deadly Words : a Born Bad Novel
Meghan O’Flynn
4 out of 5 stars
Meghan O’Flynn is an author I’ve read and enjoyed in the past so once I saw Deadly Words I knew I needed to read it. Overall, it did not disappoint. I had a little trouble getting into the book at first, I felt a little lost and as if the storyline was slow to pick up. Despite this, the writing was strong and I could already tell I was invested in Poppy as a character. While the book often felt long, it never got to the point where I found myself bored or disinterested. I feel like Meghan O’Flynn had a unique approach to unraveling plot twists and that
kept me engaged. There were several times I read a line that
really stuck out, whether it was description or metaphor it really
showcased the authors talent on many occasions. I’m addition to the author’s unique writing style I liked Poppy’s sense of humor and really hoped that she would see that while some people do bad things, they aren’t always bad and she too deserves good things. I liked Carsen immediately and was happy to see he played such a big role in the storyline. Even though the book was centered on the daughter of a serial killer, i enjoyed the complexities of the characters and the theme of the story itself, even though people are evil, we still have our version of them and our reasons we love. I am happy that this is the start of a new to
me series and I really look forward to reading more in the future.
Meghan O’Flynn
4 out of 5 stars
Meghan O’Flynn is an author I’ve read and enjoyed in the past so once I saw Deadly Words I knew I needed to read it. Overall, it did not disappoint. I had a little trouble getting into the book at first, I felt a little lost and as if the storyline was slow to pick up. Despite this, the writing was strong and I could already tell I was invested in Poppy as a character. While the book often felt long, it never got to the point where I found myself bored or disinterested. I feel like Meghan O’Flynn had a unique approach to unraveling plot twists and that
kept me engaged. There were several times I read a line that
really stuck out, whether it was description or metaphor it really
showcased the authors talent on many occasions. I’m addition to the author’s unique writing style I liked Poppy’s sense of humor and really hoped that she would see that while some people do bad things, they aren’t always bad and she too deserves good things. I liked Carsen immediately and was happy to see he played such a big role in the storyline. Even though the book was centered on the daughter of a serial killer, i enjoyed the complexities of the characters and the theme of the story itself, even though people are evil, we still have our version of them and our reasons we love. I am happy that this is the start of a new to
me series and I really look forward to reading more in the future.
September 14, 2021
Deadly Words was a fantastic read!
Poppy Pratt is just a normal person, right? I mean, so what if she turned her dad in for killing her boyfriend? So what if the police think he’s murdered more people, specifically women? There’s no proof he committed those other crimes, and if you ask anyone, they’ll say that her dad was a great guy. One mistake. He made one mistake to protect his daughter.
Fast forward to Poppy as an adult. She’s moved from her hometown, where that terrible experience happened. Now she’s a doctor, she’s getting help, and she’s doing her best to move on. Until someone writing a book about her dad shows up in her driveway. He claims he’s being stalked and thinks it’s her father.
Soon Poppy finds that the way of life she’s created is falling to pieces. Growing up with a psychopath as a father, she recognizes that whoever is now stalking her, is also a psychopath. Now she’s got to find out who it is and how to stop him before it comes out that she knows more about her father’s crimes than she’s shared.
Meghan O’Flynn has weaved a tale of suspense and surprises for her readers that keeps them on the edge of their seats. This first book in the Born Bad series makes you wonder, do our parents actions have such a strong hold on us and what are the odds there are two psychopaths in the same car?
This is a must read and I can’t wait to start the next one in the series!
Poppy Pratt is just a normal person, right? I mean, so what if she turned her dad in for killing her boyfriend? So what if the police think he’s murdered more people, specifically women? There’s no proof he committed those other crimes, and if you ask anyone, they’ll say that her dad was a great guy. One mistake. He made one mistake to protect his daughter.
Fast forward to Poppy as an adult. She’s moved from her hometown, where that terrible experience happened. Now she’s a doctor, she’s getting help, and she’s doing her best to move on. Until someone writing a book about her dad shows up in her driveway. He claims he’s being stalked and thinks it’s her father.
Soon Poppy finds that the way of life she’s created is falling to pieces. Growing up with a psychopath as a father, she recognizes that whoever is now stalking her, is also a psychopath. Now she’s got to find out who it is and how to stop him before it comes out that she knows more about her father’s crimes than she’s shared.
Meghan O’Flynn has weaved a tale of suspense and surprises for her readers that keeps them on the edge of their seats. This first book in the Born Bad series makes you wonder, do our parents actions have such a strong hold on us and what are the odds there are two psychopaths in the same car?
This is a must read and I can’t wait to start the next one in the series!
September 11, 2021
This is the first book in the Born Bad series and wow what a start. I loved it. This book is very dark and I love how the author gets into the mind of our lead character Poppy. She is able to give us an insight into the mind of someone who grew up with her father who was a psychopath. How has his action affected her? And she constantly worries about the question that plagues many criminal psychologists. Are psychopaths born evil? And if they are does Poppy have the same tendencies as her father? Is she a bad person?
With her father in jail for the murder of Poppy's boyfriend and Poppy now an adult she is trying to move on with her life and recover from her past. However all this could be destroyed when a stranger who is writing a book about her dad turns up and says someone is watching him and he thinks it's her dad.
Will Poppy believe him or will she think he is as paranoid as she is?
We are the dragged through a story full of twists and turns as we try to find out who is lurking in the shadows and we learn more secrets that Poppy has kept hidden all her life.
The reader will be throughly gripped and this book will get your mind thinking over the same question. Are people born evil?
With her father in jail for the murder of Poppy's boyfriend and Poppy now an adult she is trying to move on with her life and recover from her past. However all this could be destroyed when a stranger who is writing a book about her dad turns up and says someone is watching him and he thinks it's her dad.
Will Poppy believe him or will she think he is as paranoid as she is?
We are the dragged through a story full of twists and turns as we try to find out who is lurking in the shadows and we learn more secrets that Poppy has kept hidden all her life.
The reader will be throughly gripped and this book will get your mind thinking over the same question. Are people born evil?
September 12, 2021
5 Stars
Deadly Words (Born Bad Book 1) by Meghan O’Flynn
Deadly Words is the first book in the Born Bad Series by Meghan O’Flynn and Holy Cow what an intense read. Whew . I was hooked from the first page and was on the edge of my seat throughout the story . I never hesitate to pick up anything by this author and I’m pretty sure this is going to the top of my favorites list. The twists and turns had me turning the pages till the end. This is one of those stories that will stay with you long after you’re finished. I’ve been trying to come up with the best words to describe it for hours and nothing comes close. This author does a phenomenal job at creating these stories that grab ahold of you and don’t let you go. I closed my eyes several times while reading and could picture very vividly what she was describing. This is a fantastic thriller about Poppy. Her had is in prison for the rest of his life. Poppy is now grown and living her best life as a Chiropractor that is until things start happening. A stranger shows up on her door step claiming he’s being stalked. Who is it? Someone is watching her but who can it be and what do they want? I highly recommend reading this to find out what happens next. I already can’t wait for the next book to come out.
Deadly Words (Born Bad Book 1) by Meghan O’Flynn
Deadly Words is the first book in the Born Bad Series by Meghan O’Flynn and Holy Cow what an intense read. Whew . I was hooked from the first page and was on the edge of my seat throughout the story . I never hesitate to pick up anything by this author and I’m pretty sure this is going to the top of my favorites list. The twists and turns had me turning the pages till the end. This is one of those stories that will stay with you long after you’re finished. I’ve been trying to come up with the best words to describe it for hours and nothing comes close. This author does a phenomenal job at creating these stories that grab ahold of you and don’t let you go. I closed my eyes several times while reading and could picture very vividly what she was describing. This is a fantastic thriller about Poppy. Her had is in prison for the rest of his life. Poppy is now grown and living her best life as a Chiropractor that is until things start happening. A stranger shows up on her door step claiming he’s being stalked. Who is it? Someone is watching her but who can it be and what do they want? I highly recommend reading this to find out what happens next. I already can’t wait for the next book to come out.
September 10, 2021
Deadly Words (Born Bad Book 1) by Meghan O’Flynn
4 out of 5 Stars
Poppy Pratt has lived two lives, one with her father and one since. Poppy thought that she left all of her father’s world behind but it might be catching up with her now. As the daughter of a serial killer, Poppy lived a peculiar life. All of that stopped when her father went to jail. Poppy moved on to live a semi-normal life.
Carson Price is an investigative reporter trying to get more than the usual story on Poppy’s father. The only problem is that he has stirred up more trouble than he realizes when he approaches Poppy with the story that her father is stalking Carson from jail. Poppy knows it is not true but can she get pulled into Carson’s world of trouble? Could that same person be stalking Poppy?
Meghan O’Flynn writes Poppy likes she lives in Poppy’s head. The memories, the emotions, the desire, the way Poppy sees the world. It is all so unique. Throw in the suspense and a few twists along the way and I am along for the ride! Will Poppy find her happy ending or is this just the beginning of a bigger adventure for her and Carson? Only Meghan O’Flynn knows!!
4 out of 5 Stars
Poppy Pratt has lived two lives, one with her father and one since. Poppy thought that she left all of her father’s world behind but it might be catching up with her now. As the daughter of a serial killer, Poppy lived a peculiar life. All of that stopped when her father went to jail. Poppy moved on to live a semi-normal life.
Carson Price is an investigative reporter trying to get more than the usual story on Poppy’s father. The only problem is that he has stirred up more trouble than he realizes when he approaches Poppy with the story that her father is stalking Carson from jail. Poppy knows it is not true but can she get pulled into Carson’s world of trouble? Could that same person be stalking Poppy?
Meghan O’Flynn writes Poppy likes she lives in Poppy’s head. The memories, the emotions, the desire, the way Poppy sees the world. It is all so unique. Throw in the suspense and a few twists along the way and I am along for the ride! Will Poppy find her happy ending or is this just the beginning of a bigger adventure for her and Carson? Only Meghan O’Flynn knows!!
September 14, 2021
This was a new author to me but after reading the description I was intrigued. I am glad to say that this book did not disappoint at all.
We start off following Poppy which was a little confusing since there were flashbacks to Poppy as a child and some of the atrocities she had to experience. From there it is easy to make assumptions about Poppy especially after being the one to turn her father in. As she goes through this rollercoaster of life, we discover that she is at war within herself for loving her father and yet being the one to turn him in after he killed Shawn. Enter Carson who is writing a book about her dad and has acquired a stalker, that unbeknownst to him has been around for a while. Yet he is not the only one in the stalker’s sight, Poppy is too, and it almost seems like a game of cat and mouse to figure out who this person is. Is it a victim’s family member that her father murdered? What happens when the game finally comes to a head? Who will come out on top? I cannot recommend this book enough, and will do so to every book club I am apart of and every avid reader I come across I just loved this book and am excited to read Ms. O’Flynn’s other books!
We start off following Poppy which was a little confusing since there were flashbacks to Poppy as a child and some of the atrocities she had to experience. From there it is easy to make assumptions about Poppy especially after being the one to turn her father in. As she goes through this rollercoaster of life, we discover that she is at war within herself for loving her father and yet being the one to turn him in after he killed Shawn. Enter Carson who is writing a book about her dad and has acquired a stalker, that unbeknownst to him has been around for a while. Yet he is not the only one in the stalker’s sight, Poppy is too, and it almost seems like a game of cat and mouse to figure out who this person is. Is it a victim’s family member that her father murdered? What happens when the game finally comes to a head? Who will come out on top? I cannot recommend this book enough, and will do so to every book club I am apart of and every avid reader I come across I just loved this book and am excited to read Ms. O’Flynn’s other books!
September 12, 2021
This is the start of an amazing series!! This book was well thought, original, and completely unpredictable. Drama, mystery, suspense, and multiple twists and turns that kept me guessing each step of the way.
Poppy's father is in prison for murdering her boyfriend when she was younger, and also upon the belief he was a serial killer. Now a young woman who has left that part of her life, and has her own Chiropractic practice she works to lead a normal life. When Carson who is an investigative reporter confronts her in the belief her father is stalking him due to the story her writing about him things become strange for them both. It becomes a race for answers as to who is making them a target and why.
The story is in Poppy's POV jumping from past to present. Poppy herself was hard to predict. She was neither naïve or clueless about a lot of things, and it makes you wonder if she was more like her father than we know. I look forward to book 2, and I encourage that you pick up book 1!
Poppy's father is in prison for murdering her boyfriend when she was younger, and also upon the belief he was a serial killer. Now a young woman who has left that part of her life, and has her own Chiropractic practice she works to lead a normal life. When Carson who is an investigative reporter confronts her in the belief her father is stalking him due to the story her writing about him things become strange for them both. It becomes a race for answers as to who is making them a target and why.
The story is in Poppy's POV jumping from past to present. Poppy herself was hard to predict. She was neither naïve or clueless about a lot of things, and it makes you wonder if she was more like her father than we know. I look forward to book 2, and I encourage that you pick up book 1!
August 27, 2025
The first book to this series was good enough to make me read the second one, but this one fell short. Idk about anyone else but it’s never a good sign when 75% of the book is spent describing a basic ass color or scene. I felt like the thoughts and dialogue of the main character were extremely repetitive and not as creative as they could’ve been. I had thought up at least 3 plot twists the book could’ve ended with as I was reading, and was sorely disappointed when there was no plot twist at all. It felt as if the author spent more time worrying about her descriptive language than the actual plot of the book, in turn creating an extremely predictable read. The premise of the series is incredibly interesting if done right, but of course it wasn’t done right. I’ve read more engaging thrillers through fanfictions on wattpad circa 2014. Seems to me like those who gave 4 or 5 stars are new to the thriller genre (no hate tho). This is as in depth as I can get without spoilers but rest assured I will not be reading the third book.
July 2, 2021
What a smashing start to this new series by Meghan O'Flynn! Poppy was raised by a psychopath and now that she's an adult, the past comes back to haunt her. From the very beginning, the tone is set. With Meghan, you can expect anything and she delivers again. She plunges us into Poppy's head and soul and it's not a very reassuring place to be. She can only be troubled by what she experienced as a child. Are her actions the result of this or is she a psychopath, like her father? Who is pursuing her and for what purpose?
The tension only increases from chapter to chapter. I have to admit I had chills and trouble sleeping because my imagination was in overdrive. Meghan ties the story together so well that I didn't know who to trust or which direction she would go. This first book in a new series will not leave anyone indifferent. I'm already looking forward to reading the next books.
The tension only increases from chapter to chapter. I have to admit I had chills and trouble sleeping because my imagination was in overdrive. Meghan ties the story together so well that I didn't know who to trust or which direction she would go. This first book in a new series will not leave anyone indifferent. I'm already looking forward to reading the next books.
September 10, 2021
Deadly Words (Born Bad Book 1) by Meghan O’Flynn. Do not read this while in bed by yourself! This book was amazing and had me turning the pages way into the night. Its the story of Poppy Pratt whose Father is a serial killer. He's now in jail for murdering her boyfriend. Once her father goes to jail she moves on with her life. She goes to college and becomes a Chiropractor with a house and all the perks of being a normal person. One day a stranger ends up on her doorstep to tell her that her father is stalking him from prison. His name is Carson Price and he is an investigative journalist and he seems to bring trouble wherever he goes. Does Poppy believe him and get pulled into his mess? Poppy's past may come back to haunt her if she does. Meghan O'Flynn is one of my favorite authors and this book is amazing!
September 13, 2021
I was intrigued when I read the summary of Deadly Words by Meghan O’Flynn, that I knew I had to check it out. Well written with great character development, however I struggled to get through it. It definitely wasn’t for me, but I don’t want that to be a deterrent for someone else.
Meghan O’Flynn created an interesting world for main character Poppy. Poppy a genius in her own right turn her father in to the police for murder when she was a child. Now someone is stalking her and writer Carson Price with all things starting to point at a link to her past, specifically her father.
It is her father’s doing?
Is it a hallucination?
Is it Poppy herself?
Just because this book wasn’t for me, if you like a book where the main character has a mysterious past that is now coming back to haunt and take over her future. Check it out! It could end up being your new favorite book!
Meghan O’Flynn created an interesting world for main character Poppy. Poppy a genius in her own right turn her father in to the police for murder when she was a child. Now someone is stalking her and writer Carson Price with all things starting to point at a link to her past, specifically her father.
It is her father’s doing?
Is it a hallucination?
Is it Poppy herself?
Just because this book wasn’t for me, if you like a book where the main character has a mysterious past that is now coming back to haunt and take over her future. Check it out! It could end up being your new favorite book!
February 10, 2025
Poppy then and now is enthralling
Poppy is a young genius who is raised by a single parent tells her story as both a child and adult in this tale of a psychopathic murderer who loves to kill.
I learned more than I expected about psychopaths in general so that I opened my eyes to how dangerous ignorance can be.
This is a story told through the eyes of a young girl who survives watching her own father kill her only boyfriend. She loves her father but turns him in to be convicted of the crime.
An enthralling story that makes me wonder about the author. Through another writer we may get a glimpse into the why of this book. It is hard to imagine the real mental capacity of serial murderers but through this book we are given clues.
It makes one think. It is hard to believe. Be warned that if you fear blood, do not read!
Poppy is a young genius who is raised by a single parent tells her story as both a child and adult in this tale of a psychopathic murderer who loves to kill.
I learned more than I expected about psychopaths in general so that I opened my eyes to how dangerous ignorance can be.
This is a story told through the eyes of a young girl who survives watching her own father kill her only boyfriend. She loves her father but turns him in to be convicted of the crime.
An enthralling story that makes me wonder about the author. Through another writer we may get a glimpse into the why of this book. It is hard to imagine the real mental capacity of serial murderers but through this book we are given clues.
It makes one think. It is hard to believe. Be warned that if you fear blood, do not read!
June 11, 2021
Poppy's mind is a wild place to be. Her dad was a psychopath, and did very bad things. And now that someone is bothering her, we get to see her very unique perspective and how she handles past and present situations. The author did a great job at slowly revealing things, doing more showing than telling, making me want more.
I like how creepy this was, and I like the shock factor. The biggest one for me was after a dream she had. Plus, I don't think I've ever read a story from this kind of point of view before. I could stay inside her head all day, and you never know what she's gonna do. It's not generally the same as you or I would do, or the same type of reaction. I'm super excited that there's going to be a whole series of Born Bad, because I need a whole lot more of this.
I like how creepy this was, and I like the shock factor. The biggest one for me was after a dream she had. Plus, I don't think I've ever read a story from this kind of point of view before. I could stay inside her head all day, and you never know what she's gonna do. It's not generally the same as you or I would do, or the same type of reaction. I'm super excited that there's going to be a whole series of Born Bad, because I need a whole lot more of this.
September 4, 2021
This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites. This is the first book in a new series and what a great start it is. This is a well written story about Poppy whose father is in prison for killing her boyfriend. When a stranger shows up at her door, her world starts to come down. Someone is watching her but who? Will she be the one to go down with blood on her hands? I loved her character and what she brought to the story. I found this story to be fast paced and full of action. The twists and turns had me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see who was lurking in the shadows. I can’t wait to see what the next book brings for Poppy. I highly recommend this book and this author.
September 11, 2021
What a twisted ride! This is the first book I’ve read by Meghan O’Flynn but it certainly won’t be my last! In Deadly Words, you get a look inside Poppy’s mind and man is it a dark place to be! As the daughter or a serial killer, Poppy often finds herself in predicaments where she questions if her actions are her own or if she was just born that way. We get a look into the upbringing of Poppy and events that led to who she is today. There were quite a few “WTF?!” and “No way!!” moments in the book for me. O’Flynn has created a character and story so enthralling that you don’t want to stop reading and are disappointed when the book ends. Luckily there are more books in this series and I can’t wait to follow Poppy’s journey!
September 12, 2021
Deadly Words (Born Bad #1) by Meghan O’Flynn
5-stars
Another truly incredible read by the talented Meghan O’Flynn!!! I had really high expectations for this book as I’ve loved everything I’ve read by this author and this one did not disappoint! It’s dark, twisted, haunting, graphic, intriguing and very entertaining.
This author writes with a great amount of detail which makes it easy to picture everything playing out, which really adds to the reading experience. I really loved all the unexpected little snippets into the main characters life, they truly kept me on my toes and wanting to find out everything about her!
I would highly recommend this author and this book to anyone looking for their next thriller read! I cannot wait to continue with this series with book 2!
5-stars
Another truly incredible read by the talented Meghan O’Flynn!!! I had really high expectations for this book as I’ve loved everything I’ve read by this author and this one did not disappoint! It’s dark, twisted, haunting, graphic, intriguing and very entertaining.
This author writes with a great amount of detail which makes it easy to picture everything playing out, which really adds to the reading experience. I really loved all the unexpected little snippets into the main characters life, they truly kept me on my toes and wanting to find out everything about her!
I would highly recommend this author and this book to anyone looking for their next thriller read! I cannot wait to continue with this series with book 2!
September 14, 2021
This is the first book that I have ready by Meghan O’Flynn and I am so happy that I did! I think that I have found a new favorite and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. There were some twists that I did not see coming! And I found myself completely lost in this suspenseful story and could not put this down! I absolutely love how the author writes in the perspective of the main character taking you on this journey back and forth from past to present timelines.
Poppy’s father is in prison for murder. On top of everything, he is believed to be a serial killer. She moves on after he is imprisoned, only to find herself pulled right back into another murderous plot. Can she find the answers can she so longingly deserves and needs?
Poppy’s father is in prison for murder. On top of everything, he is believed to be a serial killer. She moves on after he is imprisoned, only to find herself pulled right back into another murderous plot. Can she find the answers can she so longingly deserves and needs?
September 25, 2021
Reading this book was a slow start for me, but as I read and things started to come together more and more. I found myself wanting to know even more. O’Flynn is an amazing story teller and makes you feel like you are right there watching events as they unfold. Poppy is a character that knows she is unlike your everyday person but after everything she goes through she mostly holds herself together and becomes a normal part of society… you think…. The ending leaves me with that bit of happily ever after And I’m glad she got her happy ending… but I have so many questions that were left unanswered! This is the first book of the born bad series and I know I’m going to be reading the rest of the series ton get my questions answered!
July 4, 2021
Poppy has tried to move past her father's crimes by starting a new life thinking no one really knows her connection to her serial killer father. She is a successful chiropractor who mostly keeps to herself. But she has secrets of her own. She discovers she is being watched. But by who? Someone thinks they can get to her but do they know what she is capable of? Her own therapist has no idea about her secret life after dark. The person out for revenge has ideas, but can poppy take him out before she meets a terrible fate? With the help of her new writer friend who is being followed by the same mystery person, she just might have what it takes.
February 8, 2025
In this book we have to face the fact that people are flawed, and be willing to stare some of those flaws in the face. Poppy is an interesting study of nature vs. nurture. In her case both are against her. The first part of the book reveals an adult Poppy, but the reveal happens slowly. The author draws out the ambiguity that was so well done in the first book. When things get ugly, the reader has become too invested to look away.
Just one note about license taken by the author - Poppy’s dad would be serving his time in Alabama, probably Atmore. Having him in an out-of-state prison strikes a false note.
Just one note about license taken by the author - Poppy’s dad would be serving his time in Alabama, probably Atmore. Having him in an out-of-state prison strikes a false note.
July 2, 2021
Poppy Pratt is a smart, funny, tough woman with a seriously dark and twisted childhood. Maybe she's moved past it, or maybe not so much. Maybe she doesn't even want to, because Poppy has some pretty serious secrets in her adult life, too. As the story goes on and more of Poppy's behavior and thoughts are revealed, I found myself thinking maybe I shouldn't like and cheer for her, but I still was. Being inside Poppy's mind is a trip that will leave you both shocked and wanting to know more. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 12, 2021
This author can write some horrific stories and this one is no exception. We step into the life of a psychotic who is living a normal-ish life. This is written in the past and present and told by his daughter. Both tenses were weaved in to make the stony blend and give us tidbits at a time.
My biggest issue is there were many avenues that were alluded to that just didn't feel closed at the end of the book. It could be my fault..I might have missed a lot. Its an okay book with twists and turns but not the thrill ride I expected.
My biggest issue is there were many avenues that were alluded to that just didn't feel closed at the end of the book. It could be my fault..I might have missed a lot. Its an okay book with twists and turns but not the thrill ride I expected.
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