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Memories of Murder #1
Hatchet
One determined detective. One thorough medical examiner. And the serial killer that brings them together.
Connecticut State Police Detective Wesley Dawson will stop at nothing until this maniac serial killer is locked up and put away for good. With bodies piling up and his older sister living on the streets, Wes refuses to let anything get in his way. The crimes are gruesome, and nobody is safe with a vicious killer on the loose.
Medical examiner Ali Jenson is the best in the business, but even these cases are too brutal for her. The deaths are beginning to get to her. Ali's strength and courage won't falter; she'll do everything she can to help Wes. But when the killer starts hitting a little too close to home, the stakes are higher than either of them ever imagined.
With time running out, can they take down the killer before it's too late?
Connecticut State Police Detective Wesley Dawson will stop at nothing until this maniac serial killer is locked up and put away for good. With bodies piling up and his older sister living on the streets, Wes refuses to let anything get in his way. The crimes are gruesome, and nobody is safe with a vicious killer on the loose.
Medical examiner Ali Jenson is the best in the business, but even these cases are too brutal for her. The deaths are beginning to get to her. Ali's strength and courage won't falter; she'll do everything she can to help Wes. But when the killer starts hitting a little too close to home, the stakes are higher than either of them ever imagined.
With time running out, can they take down the killer before it's too late?
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2021
251 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 23, 2024
Pretty solid murder mystery
October 4, 2024
Very good but creepy and a bit violent but overall a very good read
September 1, 2022
Connecticut State Police Detective Wesley Dawson is a workaholic who doesn’t rest until a case is solved. He’s found an ally in Medical Examiner Ali Jensen, married to her work and determined not to miss a single thing on anyone. The two are brought together after a senseless, vicious attack on a homeless person. The person’s face was destroyed beyond recognition, given exactly eleven whacks of an axe-like tool, presumable a hatchet. The time of death seems to be placed around 11:00 p.m. Dawson is especially disturbed because his sister lives somewhere on the streets, not wanting to be found. Another murder is committed the exact same way, only this time it was not a homeless person; then another, each with the exact same m.o. and time of death. They have a sadistic serial killer on their hands, and time is running out for them to find the murderer and the weapon before the person strikes again.
I wanted to like this novel so much more than I did. The theme of “chasing a ghost” is obvious in its referral, the slow burn of a budding romance is predictable. Except for the relationship, where the couple engages with each other, the characters and the dialog are very bland, Officer Brown is underrated, and I had the plot figured out very early in the book in spite of the red herring. It does have some sparks of life and promising moments, and you are led to see the why the killer had the psychotic break, the motivation for most of the deaths. Some rewrites throughout would help the story tremendously.
I’d like to thank ARX, E.L. Reed, and ELR Publishing for the ability to read and review this ARC.
I wanted to like this novel so much more than I did. The theme of “chasing a ghost” is obvious in its referral, the slow burn of a budding romance is predictable. Except for the relationship, where the couple engages with each other, the characters and the dialog are very bland, Officer Brown is underrated, and I had the plot figured out very early in the book in spite of the red herring. It does have some sparks of life and promising moments, and you are led to see the why the killer had the psychotic break, the motivation for most of the deaths. Some rewrites throughout would help the story tremendously.
I’d like to thank ARX, E.L. Reed, and ELR Publishing for the ability to read and review this ARC.
August 16, 2022
Sadly enough I did not enjoy this at all. The characters where flat and not very deeply developed except for like one major character trait (and both kinda the same one), the plot was fastpaced as in how time went by but the case was stuck untill like the last 10 pages wich made the ending feel very rushed & the killer was so obvious so fast.. The basic stones to build up towards a plottwist are there but full of holes wich made it even easier to see the pattern and pinpoint the killer.
Alot of the writing was repetitive and the romance between Ali & the detective was fleeting and so fast paced it felt more like pure desire than a growing relationship altho we saw how caring they both were. I think it wasn’t bad but mostly unnecessary in this story. The detective has other motives for being invested in some of the killings but we get zero closure on that part wich left me frustrated.
The chapters from the killers point of view where fun and a nice break every now and then. The difference between writing these chapters in first person compared to the third person of the detective and Ali where also a nice touch.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review, my opinion however is entirely my own.
Alot of the writing was repetitive and the romance between Ali & the detective was fleeting and so fast paced it felt more like pure desire than a growing relationship altho we saw how caring they both were. I think it wasn’t bad but mostly unnecessary in this story. The detective has other motives for being invested in some of the killings but we get zero closure on that part wich left me frustrated.
The chapters from the killers point of view where fun and a nice break every now and then. The difference between writing these chapters in first person compared to the third person of the detective and Ali where also a nice touch.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review, my opinion however is entirely my own.
July 20, 2021
Detective Wesley Dawson is tracking a serial killer. This killer takes a hatchet to the faces of the victims ... eleven whacks .. no more, no less. The crimes are horrific and those who find the bodies will have nightmares years to come.
The first victim is a homeless man ... chosen as random ... he is the killer's guinesa pig. The bodies are piling up and there are no clues, no DNA and there's no connection among the dead.
Medical Ali Jenson is doing all she can to find anything at all to give to Dawson. This case is affecting both of them for different reasons. As the bodies pile up, the killer gets closer to Ali and Wesley ... are they the next intended victims?
This crime fiction is well-written, with twists and turns along the way. Suspense starts on the very first page and maintains a high level until the surprising conclusion. The characters are solidly drawn. Dawson is doing double duty, as his sister is among the homeless and has been for many years. Night after night, Dawson is searching the back streets, the allies, the shadows where the homeless gather. I hope to see more of this developed in the author's next book(s). There's a budding romance in the works, as well. It's fast-paced and hard to put down once started.
Many thanks to the author / BooksGoSocial / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
The first victim is a homeless man ... chosen as random ... he is the killer's guinesa pig. The bodies are piling up and there are no clues, no DNA and there's no connection among the dead.
Medical Ali Jenson is doing all she can to find anything at all to give to Dawson. This case is affecting both of them for different reasons. As the bodies pile up, the killer gets closer to Ali and Wesley ... are they the next intended victims?
This crime fiction is well-written, with twists and turns along the way. Suspense starts on the very first page and maintains a high level until the surprising conclusion. The characters are solidly drawn. Dawson is doing double duty, as his sister is among the homeless and has been for many years. Night after night, Dawson is searching the back streets, the allies, the shadows where the homeless gather. I hope to see more of this developed in the author's next book(s). There's a budding romance in the works, as well. It's fast-paced and hard to put down once started.
Many thanks to the author / BooksGoSocial / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 14, 2025
I had high hopes for Hatchet, but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to my expectations. The story felt incredibly repetitive—wake up, coffee, station, repeat. There wasn’t enough variation to keep me engaged, and after a while, it just became dull.
The only part I actually enjoyed was when the POV was on the killer. The way their headaches and the voices were portrayed added some much-needed tension and intrigue. Those moments stood out and made me want to keep reading. But outside of that, the pacing dragged, and the story lacked excitement.
If the entire book had focused more on the killer's perspective and the eerie elements surrounding them, I think I would have enjoyed it more. But as it is, it just wasn’t for me.
The only part I actually enjoyed was when the POV was on the killer. The way their headaches and the voices were portrayed added some much-needed tension and intrigue. Those moments stood out and made me want to keep reading. But outside of that, the pacing dragged, and the story lacked excitement.
If the entire book had focused more on the killer's perspective and the eerie elements surrounding them, I think I would have enjoyed it more. But as it is, it just wasn’t for me.
January 1, 2025
Last book of the year. Meh…weird focus on the romance. The mystery seemed to be an afterthought. Lizzie Borden sheesh.
March 22, 2025
I say read this!
I do know that Wesley and Ali's romance was getting on my nerves. While they're tiptoeing around their feelings and then going on a date and having sex, the killer is out there knocking people off their personal list. Wake up and go get this person! Now with the killer's identity, I forgot all about Wesley and Ali annoying me until now. They're the reason I won't be continuing this series.
I do know that Wesley and Ali's romance was getting on my nerves. While they're tiptoeing around their feelings and then going on a date and having sex, the killer is out there knocking people off their personal list. Wake up and go get this person! Now with the killer's identity, I forgot all about Wesley and Ali annoying me until now. They're the reason I won't be continuing this series.
July 18, 2021
One big issue I had with this book is something that I sincerely hope was changed before publication and that is the fact that words were hyphenated for absolutely no reason. For example "re-ally" instead of really, or "al-lowing" instead of allowing. This happened often and was quite distracting. But again, as I did receive an ARC of this novel I am hoping that was caught and fixed.
Aside from that - the perspective of the killer was fascinating. I loved how their part in the story was told in the first person, while the other two points of view (Dawson & Ali respectively) were told in the third person. I think this switch allowed us to get into the killer's head as we tried to understand their past and figure out who they were.
However, I really could have done without the romance between Dawson and Ali. Especially when we know next to nothing about them. Sure, little details are dropped here and there, but I never really felt like they developed as characters. So I would have liked to have seen them exploring their friendship and learning more about them as individual people before they started thinking in terms of romance, especially when their romantic thoughts do nothing, in my opinion, to move the plot forward (especially Ari's point of view seemed overly romantic).
While this story did include it's fair share of red herrings, and dubious characters, I never really felt like I was drawn into the world the way I wanted to be. I also felt as though most of it dragged on a fair amount. But I do think this story would appeal to those who enjoy these types of novels.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Aside from that - the perspective of the killer was fascinating. I loved how their part in the story was told in the first person, while the other two points of view (Dawson & Ali respectively) were told in the third person. I think this switch allowed us to get into the killer's head as we tried to understand their past and figure out who they were.
However, I really could have done without the romance between Dawson and Ali. Especially when we know next to nothing about them. Sure, little details are dropped here and there, but I never really felt like they developed as characters. So I would have liked to have seen them exploring their friendship and learning more about them as individual people before they started thinking in terms of romance, especially when their romantic thoughts do nothing, in my opinion, to move the plot forward (especially Ari's point of view seemed overly romantic).
While this story did include it's fair share of red herrings, and dubious characters, I never really felt like I was drawn into the world the way I wanted to be. I also felt as though most of it dragged on a fair amount. But I do think this story would appeal to those who enjoy these types of novels.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
July 6, 2021
This suspense filled thriller will have you on the edge of your seats.The characters are captivating.Detective Wesley Dawson is trying to catch a killer.His attraction to the M.E. is smoking hot but he's fighting the attraction.He has enough on his plate Tracking a killer that leaves no clues except eleven axe makes to the face.Then his nightly hunt for his sister with the homeless .She been gone for years an leaves him a note every couple of months saying she's ok.Will Wesley an Ali the M.E. give into temptation?Ali has never had a man that got her so she couldn't stop thinking of him.Wesley wanted to be with Ali but between the serial killer with no clues an his missing sister ,she decides shell go for it an if he's not interested shell be his friend.There are so many twists an turns to this story you will be riveted until the very last page an leave you begging for more.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes an you can feel their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.
September 6, 2022
3.5* ARC Review – Murder Not in TV Time
I was introduced to this author and book by Hidden Gems and received the ARC from them. The story is a good police procedural with a realistic twist on investigations. The book centers around Detective Wesley Dawson, who is looking into some unusual deaths showing up in the Connecticut town he has been assigned to from the state police. There he collaborates with medical examiner Ali Jenson, who starts working more closely with Wes as the cases begin to pile up. Beyond the cases, they begin a personal relationship which grows as they work together towards solving these murders.
Overall, it was a good murder mystery with realistic aspects of investigating a crime not in TV time. I enjoyed the book but there were features of the story that could have been better developed and flushed out. Lastly the book needed an epilogue, especially if we are expected to want to continue with the series.
I was introduced to this author and book by Hidden Gems and received the ARC from them. The story is a good police procedural with a realistic twist on investigations. The book centers around Detective Wesley Dawson, who is looking into some unusual deaths showing up in the Connecticut town he has been assigned to from the state police. There he collaborates with medical examiner Ali Jenson, who starts working more closely with Wes as the cases begin to pile up. Beyond the cases, they begin a personal relationship which grows as they work together towards solving these murders.
Overall, it was a good murder mystery with realistic aspects of investigating a crime not in TV time. I enjoyed the book but there were features of the story that could have been better developed and flushed out. Lastly the book needed an epilogue, especially if we are expected to want to continue with the series.
February 26, 2025
Detective Wesley Dawson, on loan from the Connecticut State Police, has a serial killer on his hands. With assistance from the Medical Examiner, he races against time to put away a hatchet-wielding murderer before he strikes again.
Some plot elements held great potential, but the characters were one-dimensional, letting down the story. I thought I had missed something, as the villain's identity was too obvious. Alas, as I reached the book's end, I realised that my guess had been correct, and I felt disappointed. Additionally, I side with those who prefer not to have a romance in a thriller, especially when it comes out of nowhere with no build-up. In this case, the fling slowed the story's movement without adding crucial plot points.
This was a gruesome story, not for the faint of heart. Triggers also include rape and domestic violence.
I must give props for the cover, though. The simple graphic of an axe with an unusual font sold me.
Some plot elements held great potential, but the characters were one-dimensional, letting down the story. I thought I had missed something, as the villain's identity was too obvious. Alas, as I reached the book's end, I realised that my guess had been correct, and I felt disappointed. Additionally, I side with those who prefer not to have a romance in a thriller, especially when it comes out of nowhere with no build-up. In this case, the fling slowed the story's movement without adding crucial plot points.
This was a gruesome story, not for the faint of heart. Triggers also include rape and domestic violence.
I must give props for the cover, though. The simple graphic of an axe with an unusual font sold me.
August 31, 2021
What I enjoyed the most in this book were the chapters from the killers pov. They were well written and gave the reader a great insight inside the killer’s head. These parts were obviously a little gorier than the rest, but I don’t have a problem with that and thought that gave the story a little more substance.
Even though I liked Wes and Ali I thought the romance in this book was unnecessary and I didn’t enjoy it. Both were good characters on their own and the story was enough to carry this book, the romance felt out of place and forced.
The ending was very abrupt for me and I thought one or two more chapters would have made a better ending. I can’t go into more details here, I don’t want to spoil anything but if you read it, you’ll know what I mean. I didn’t want to have the case dragged out longer but a little more resolution would have been appreciated.
Even though I liked Wes and Ali I thought the romance in this book was unnecessary and I didn’t enjoy it. Both were good characters on their own and the story was enough to carry this book, the romance felt out of place and forced.
The ending was very abrupt for me and I thought one or two more chapters would have made a better ending. I can’t go into more details here, I don’t want to spoil anything but if you read it, you’ll know what I mean. I didn’t want to have the case dragged out longer but a little more resolution would have been appreciated.
September 15, 2022
Hatchet by E. L. Reed is the first book in the Memories of Murder series. This is a suspenseful serial killer murder mystery with lots of twists and turns. Although I figured out who the killer was early on, I was still captivated by the story and had to know if I was right or not. This is a quick, easy read and the protagonist was very likable. His relationship with Ali the ME is fun and interesting. The murders are vicious and cruel, which makes you wonder what is the reason the murderer is killing in this fashion? This is a thriller that alludes to one of true crime history’s most fascinating and enduring mysteries. Dawson and Ali’s story continues in the 2nd book of this series “Spike”. I’m looking forward to reading it. I received a free copy of this ebook from AuthorXP.
November 17, 2024
Who’s Next &Why
In a dying town, full of abandoned homes on both sides of the tracks, and homeless in the alleys, people are being murdered. Wes, a state police officer is put in charge of solving this crisis. The murders are horrendous. The murder weapon seems to be an ax or hatchet to the head. Horrible!!! Wes finds an ally in the medical examiner, Ali, who helps him along the way. The story line is really good and puzzling. Why these people and who could be next?
There were some sex scenes that could have been shortened. It was great they found each other and were falling in love but we didn’t need to know it all.
As far as the writing goes, it could use some more editing. There are words missing in sentences and grammar needs a look at. But overall it was a good book.
In a dying town, full of abandoned homes on both sides of the tracks, and homeless in the alleys, people are being murdered. Wes, a state police officer is put in charge of solving this crisis. The murders are horrendous. The murder weapon seems to be an ax or hatchet to the head. Horrible!!! Wes finds an ally in the medical examiner, Ali, who helps him along the way. The story line is really good and puzzling. Why these people and who could be next?
There were some sex scenes that could have been shortened. It was great they found each other and were falling in love but we didn’t need to know it all.
As far as the writing goes, it could use some more editing. There are words missing in sentences and grammar needs a look at. But overall it was a good book.
August 16, 2022
I enjoyed reading this suspenseful story. This is a new author for me and the first book in this series. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I enjoyed the author's writing skills that made the story come to life. This is a well written story about what happens when a dectective, a medical exmainer and a serial killer come together. This is a relationship mix that you don't want to miss. A story that is full of action and hard to put down. The twists and turns are like no other and made the story entertaining to read. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.
July 21, 2021
Someone is murdering people with a hatchet, and Detective Wes Dawson is trying to find the killer, while also searching for his sister who lives on the streets and starting a romance with the medical examiner. I didn't really enjoy this that much. The killer was pretty obvious from very early on. I was hoping there would be some twist where it ended up being someone else, but no. Also, I don't really understand what exactly the Lizzie Borden connection was. Was the killer possessed, haunted, what? 2 stars
August 22, 2022
Whoa! I was hooked from the very beginning. I loved the plot. That author’s writing style made it easy to read. I loved Wes and Ali together. Their chemistry was there just not explosive. It was a slow build up. Yes, there were instances where the two different characters spoke on the same line that did cause some confusion. Of course, I figured out who the killer was before the end; however, it didn’t take away my enjoyment of the book. I look forward to reading book 2.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
July 3, 2024
I enjoyed reading Hatchet, E.L. Reed’s fast-moving detective thriller. It grabbed me from the start. Wesley Dawson is a determined detective and his relationship with medical examiner, Ali Jensen, is a bit of a respite from the bloody hatchet murders, although I do wish they each had a more-developed backstory because they were interesting enough that I wanted to know more about them. The chapters told from the murder’s POV were gruesome and disturbing. This book is a good choice for readers who like dark, fast-paced police mysteries.
August 13, 2022
When bodies start piling up Detective Wes tries to piece together what all the victims have in common.
There is a light romance between medical examiner Ali and Wes.
I figured out who the serial killer was but a few times I was second guessing myself. I had to see how the story played out.
A Lizzie Borden remake.
Thank you Hidden Gems and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
There is a light romance between medical examiner Ali and Wes.
I figured out who the serial killer was but a few times I was second guessing myself. I had to see how the story played out.
A Lizzie Borden remake.
Thank you Hidden Gems and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 28, 2022
I really enjoyed this serial killer murder mystery. It was so real/true to life. Well written. Well told. The detective, Wesley and the Medical Examiner, Ali make a wonderful couple. They fight their feelings because they are serious about solving this case. Gruelsome. Puzzling. Wonderful characters. Wonderful plot. Very entertaining.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
September 28, 2024
AT 47% NOTHING WAS BREAKING IN THE CASE, SAME OLD SAME OLD. I AM REALLY BORED READING THIS THE CHARACTERS ARE BORING AND EVEN THE MURDERS WEREN'T HELPING TO SPICE THINGS UP. EVERYONE IS FRUSTRATED (including me) AND STILL NOTHING. THIS BOOK IS SO REPETATIVE EXTREMELY SO THIS COULD HAVE ENDED SOONER BUT IT WAS JUST DRAGGED OUT. I KNEW EARLY ON WHO THE KILLER WAS. WHEN IT FINALLY ENDED IT WAS ANTICLIMATIC AND IT WAS WHO I THOUGHT IT WAS ALL ALONG. SO GLAD ITS OVER, WHAT A WASTE OF MY TIME. ;<
November 9, 2024
Ends too abruptly
This book, the first I've read by the author, continues a trend I've noticed in too many otherwise promising ones. Characters are being developed, plots are thickening, things are moving along. Then, suddenly, it all conveniently falls together in just a few pages and ends. That really is my only beef with this title. I'd like it much better if there were one more chapter, rather than such a sudden lurch of an end.
This book, the first I've read by the author, continues a trend I've noticed in too many otherwise promising ones. Characters are being developed, plots are thickening, things are moving along. Then, suddenly, it all conveniently falls together in just a few pages and ends. That really is my only beef with this title. I'd like it much better if there were one more chapter, rather than such a sudden lurch of an end.
August 14, 2022
A first story for me by this author and she held my attention all the way through. I suspected fairly early who the killer was and I was wondering how Wes and Ali were going to pull it all together.
Some elements of this story I hope are going to come to a conclusion in the next book.
I received a free copy through Hidden Gems for an honest review.
Some elements of this story I hope are going to come to a conclusion in the next book.
I received a free copy through Hidden Gems for an honest review.
September 1, 2022
I LOVED THIS BOOK AS IT KEPT ME ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT! I loved that Detective Dawson kept looking for his sister, who had run away and lost sleep while he tracked a serial killer. Unless he stopped the killer, another person would die, the MO was the same, but the connection to the crimes made no sense.
August 4, 2023
4⭐⭐⭐⭐
-- the story was about a serial killer that on the loose before its too late .
the story was good but some of the story was repetitive and dint like them.
ending was a mishap of random things just probably just to add spice.
+ thankyou netgalley and booksocial for the opportunity.
❤️shaye.reads
-- the story was about a serial killer that on the loose before its too late .
the story was good but some of the story was repetitive and dint like them.
ending was a mishap of random things just probably just to add spice.
+ thankyou netgalley and booksocial for the opportunity.
❤️shaye.reads
February 9, 2025
It's the markings of a good story when they have you siding with the murderer and the police at the same time.
When you want someone to catch a killer but also to allow them to finish what they started, when you realise why they do what they do. Like both the officers and the killer deserve their own slice of happy ending.
When you want someone to catch a killer but also to allow them to finish what they started, when you realise why they do what they do. Like both the officers and the killer deserve their own slice of happy ending.
July 14, 2025
This book sucked. The detective is an idiot. He did nothing to try to solve the mystery and yet was constantly talking about how frustrated he was that he hadn’t solved the case..? Multiple typos also which is infuriating and random awkward romance scenes for no reason. Was so close to DNF. Just bad
August 5, 2021
The story is told from three points of view the murder, the detective, and the medical examiner. The story begins with the murder’s first Gruesome kill. The murders are carried out in a way comparable only to the over 100 year old murders in the Lizzie Borden case. Each victim attacked by 11 blows from a hatchet. Detective Dawson deals with his own personal search throughout the novel for his missing sister who he knows is homeless but living somewhere in the area. His desperation to find her only intensified by the series of gruesome murders currently occurring in the area. The novel also includes a romantic subplot between Detective Dawson and the medical examiner in the case, which I thought was
deftly handled so as not to overpower the thriller plot and turn the novel into a romance, but still add an extra human side to the detective. A serious procedural thriller that draws inspiration from one of true crime history’s most fascinating and enduring mysteries. I could definitely see these characters returning in future mystery stories.
deftly handled so as not to overpower the thriller plot and turn the novel into a romance, but still add an extra human side to the detective. A serious procedural thriller that draws inspiration from one of true crime history’s most fascinating and enduring mysteries. I could definitely see these characters returning in future mystery stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews