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The Bits & Pieces Series #1
Bits & Pieces
A chance encounter with a stranger traps Tessa within the mind of a madman.
Tessa was born with a gift. Through a simple touch she picks up pieces of others. A “flash” of color devours her—the only indication that she’s gained something new from another person. Red equals pain; purple, a talent; yellow, a premonition; orange, a painful memory; and blue, a pleasant one. Each flash blurs the lines between her inherent traits and those she’s acquired from others. Whenever she gains bits of something new, she loses more pieces of herself.
While assisting in search efforts for a local missing college student, Tessa is paralyzed by a flash that rips through her like a lightning bolt, slicing apart her soul. A blinding light takes away her vision. A buzzing louder than any noise she’s ever heard overwhelms her, penetrates her mind. As the bolt works its way through her body, images and feelings from someone else take over. Women’s dead eyes stare at her as her hands encircle their throats. Their screams consume her mind. Memories of the brutal murders of five women invade her.
Will she be able to find the killer and help save the next victim? Can she do so without completely losing herself?
BITS & PIECES is a fast-paced, riveting psychological suspense with supernatural elements that leaves the reader guessing until the end.
**Trigger Warning**
This book contains some violence, including that of a sexual nature.
Tessa was born with a gift. Through a simple touch she picks up pieces of others. A “flash” of color devours her—the only indication that she’s gained something new from another person. Red equals pain; purple, a talent; yellow, a premonition; orange, a painful memory; and blue, a pleasant one. Each flash blurs the lines between her inherent traits and those she’s acquired from others. Whenever she gains bits of something new, she loses more pieces of herself.
While assisting in search efforts for a local missing college student, Tessa is paralyzed by a flash that rips through her like a lightning bolt, slicing apart her soul. A blinding light takes away her vision. A buzzing louder than any noise she’s ever heard overwhelms her, penetrates her mind. As the bolt works its way through her body, images and feelings from someone else take over. Women’s dead eyes stare at her as her hands encircle their throats. Their screams consume her mind. Memories of the brutal murders of five women invade her.
Will she be able to find the killer and help save the next victim? Can she do so without completely losing herself?
BITS & PIECES is a fast-paced, riveting psychological suspense with supernatural elements that leaves the reader guessing until the end.
**Trigger Warning**
This book contains some violence, including that of a sexual nature.
Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
February 26, 2020
This was a genre bending book with thriller, crime, mystery, suspense and paranormal flavors with a dash of romance. It was well plotted, paced and written. The idea is quite unique and unlike anything I've read before. There is a twist near the end that I didn't see coming. *MIND BLOWN.* Many times I felt sad for the main character and I'm interested to see if she'll pop up in any of Hosmer's other books (hint, hint, wink.)
July 5, 2021
This book! OMG THIS BOOK!
First of all. Let me say that you FOR SURE need to check your trigger warnings. Not much affects me, but even I had to put this book down a few times and step away for a while before I could continue. From the synopsis, you know there's a killer on the loose, but this book goes into gruesome detail about what happens to the victims, so prepare yourself for that.
This was one of the most intense thrillers that I've read in a while. I enjoyed every bit of this book. The paranormal aspect with the gifts that Tessa has made it all that much cooler. I originally thought I had already guessed the entire plot of the book about 7 chapters in. And then it changed, and I tried to guess it again. And finally it came down to the last two and I realized I had no clue what was going on and was blindsided by the huge revelation.
This was a page turner and just so well written! I highly recommend it if you love thrillers or even true crime. There were a few moments where I didn't necessarily believe that what the MC was doing is something that a 31 year old would have done, but other than that, this book was flawless. Such a great read and looking forward to the sequel!
First of all. Let me say that you FOR SURE need to check your trigger warnings. Not much affects me, but even I had to put this book down a few times and step away for a while before I could continue. From the synopsis, you know there's a killer on the loose, but this book goes into gruesome detail about what happens to the victims, so prepare yourself for that.
This was one of the most intense thrillers that I've read in a while. I enjoyed every bit of this book. The paranormal aspect with the gifts that Tessa has made it all that much cooler. I originally thought I had already guessed the entire plot of the book about 7 chapters in. And then it changed, and I tried to guess it again. And finally it came down to the last two and I realized I had no clue what was going on and was blindsided by the huge revelation.
This was a page turner and just so well written! I highly recommend it if you love thrillers or even true crime. There were a few moments where I didn't necessarily believe that what the MC was doing is something that a 31 year old would have done, but other than that, this book was flawless. Such a great read and looking forward to the sequel!
March 11, 2020
So Let’s Tackle The Narration First..
Diane Box-Worman captured Tessa’s emotions from manic moments, new experiences, to her cold-blooded fear. I appreciated that her voice was that of an adult female, and not someone trying to sound like an adult female. All of her female voices were unique. Sometimes Tessa’s voice became shrill and almost sounded like her brother, who so help me sounded like Gilbert Gottfried. It was awful. Thankfully, most of the POV is that of Tessa.
However, there were sound or quality issues. It could have been a production or narration issue. Words would be softer or louder, fade in and fade out. At first I thought it was me. After playing the audio on three different devices, I confirmed it was the audiobook recording.
I ending up having to slow down or speed up the audio as the narrator herself slowed down or sped up. It may have been because the character herself was becoming more manic but it didn’t follow a pattern.
Ok, Are You Still With Me?
Having said all that about the audiobook, I still gave Bits & Pieces four and half cups of coffee. Even if the audio drove me insane, the story kept me listening. I lost a night’s sleep. Yep, the story was that good. The story itself kept me on edge and I would try this author again.
Tessa has a gift or a curse. When she touches someone, not always, but sometimes she gains something from them. Sometimes it’s a memory, other times it’s pain or an addiction. Slowly, as she amasses these bits and pieces, she loses more and more of herself. Does she like Chinese food, or did she pick that up? She can speak fluent French, and can describe in intimate detail people and places she has never been. Lives she has never lived.
Only this time the blinding light overwhelms her and the memories and thoughts show her victims’ memories and the thoughts of a killer that might just consume her.
The twists, unexpected turns, and the hunt to save Tessa and find the killer were absolutely addictive. The suspect list had me biting my nails, and those who aided her only enhanced the tale, and ultimately blew my mind.
If you like psychological suspense with supernatural elements, then you need to read this or listen to it. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Diane Box-Worman captured Tessa’s emotions from manic moments, new experiences, to her cold-blooded fear. I appreciated that her voice was that of an adult female, and not someone trying to sound like an adult female. All of her female voices were unique. Sometimes Tessa’s voice became shrill and almost sounded like her brother, who so help me sounded like Gilbert Gottfried. It was awful. Thankfully, most of the POV is that of Tessa.
However, there were sound or quality issues. It could have been a production or narration issue. Words would be softer or louder, fade in and fade out. At first I thought it was me. After playing the audio on three different devices, I confirmed it was the audiobook recording.
I ending up having to slow down or speed up the audio as the narrator herself slowed down or sped up. It may have been because the character herself was becoming more manic but it didn’t follow a pattern.
Ok, Are You Still With Me?
Having said all that about the audiobook, I still gave Bits & Pieces four and half cups of coffee. Even if the audio drove me insane, the story kept me listening. I lost a night’s sleep. Yep, the story was that good. The story itself kept me on edge and I would try this author again.
Tessa has a gift or a curse. When she touches someone, not always, but sometimes she gains something from them. Sometimes it’s a memory, other times it’s pain or an addiction. Slowly, as she amasses these bits and pieces, she loses more and more of herself. Does she like Chinese food, or did she pick that up? She can speak fluent French, and can describe in intimate detail people and places she has never been. Lives she has never lived.
Only this time the blinding light overwhelms her and the memories and thoughts show her victims’ memories and the thoughts of a killer that might just consume her.
The twists, unexpected turns, and the hunt to save Tessa and find the killer were absolutely addictive. The suspect list had me biting my nails, and those who aided her only enhanced the tale, and ultimately blew my mind.
If you like psychological suspense with supernatural elements, then you need to read this or listen to it. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
April 28, 2022
A wonderfully crafted thriller with a killer (pun intended) premise. I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys shows like Criminal Minds. Strong cast of characters and a twist I didn’t see coming.
Please mind the trigger warnings! There are definitely some disturbing scenes (some of which I admittedly found myself skipping).
Please mind the trigger warnings! There are definitely some disturbing scenes (some of which I admittedly found myself skipping).
January 7, 2022
Bits & Pieces by Dawn Hosmer is an intense paranormal thriller reminiscent of the early works of Dean Koontz, who happens to be one of my favorite authors. There is a battle of good and evil at stake, and a hero gifted with a power that at times feels like a curse. That said, this book does include the darkest aspects of the genre, so if you are sensitive to rape, molestation, and graphic violence, this book will not be for you. If you’re comfortable examining the macabre, analyzing the perverse nature of evil, you will find Bits & Pieces a highly captivating read.
The first aspect of the tale that drew me in was the main character, Tess. All her life she’s felt herself slipping away because of a supernatural ability to gain traits and memories from others in a process she calls a flash. Unfortunately, those who should’ve loved and supported her most have failed her, trying to medicate or lock away that which they cannot understand. One can’t help but root for her, hoping that she’ll find herself again. Even in her darkest moments, Tess remains a sympathetic character because you feel her confusion and pain and desperation acutely.
Following Tess on this thrilling journey is a wild ride of ups and downs. With twists and turns and sudden drops, the story had me hooked from the onset, and the momentum never let up. There is always something at stake, and as a reader, I felt it intensely – almost like I was getting flashes from Tess. By the end, I knew I had experienced an amazing ride, and I can’t wait to hop onto Ms. Hosmer’s next one.
The first aspect of the tale that drew me in was the main character, Tess. All her life she’s felt herself slipping away because of a supernatural ability to gain traits and memories from others in a process she calls a flash. Unfortunately, those who should’ve loved and supported her most have failed her, trying to medicate or lock away that which they cannot understand. One can’t help but root for her, hoping that she’ll find herself again. Even in her darkest moments, Tess remains a sympathetic character because you feel her confusion and pain and desperation acutely.
Following Tess on this thrilling journey is a wild ride of ups and downs. With twists and turns and sudden drops, the story had me hooked from the onset, and the momentum never let up. There is always something at stake, and as a reader, I felt it intensely – almost like I was getting flashes from Tess. By the end, I knew I had experienced an amazing ride, and I can’t wait to hop onto Ms. Hosmer’s next one.
September 3, 2021
Imagine living with the fear of touching people, because in doing so you’ll lose bits & pieces of yourself…
Tessa has know she has this “ability” since she was a child. Touching people send flashes through her: red, yellow, purple and blue. Each color represents something different: pain, happiness, the future or even some kind of skill.
After a young woman goes missing (after several have turned up dead) Tessa joins a search party. While there she comes into contact with several people, hence several flashes. One in particular troubles her, she’s been in contact with the killer.
Will she be able to find the killer and prevent him from taking another life?
I absolutely enjoyed this psychological suspense and highly recommended!! Seeing the topics covered in this book, I do suggest you check for TW.
Tessa has know she has this “ability” since she was a child. Touching people send flashes through her: red, yellow, purple and blue. Each color represents something different: pain, happiness, the future or even some kind of skill.
After a young woman goes missing (after several have turned up dead) Tessa joins a search party. While there she comes into contact with several people, hence several flashes. One in particular troubles her, she’s been in contact with the killer.
Will she be able to find the killer and prevent him from taking another life?
I absolutely enjoyed this psychological suspense and highly recommended!! Seeing the topics covered in this book, I do suggest you check for TW.
October 4, 2019
An absolutely brilliant thriller with wonderful pacing. I could hardly put it down.
It's up on one of my bookshelves now, resting between King and Koontz.
It's up on one of my bookshelves now, resting between King and Koontz.
January 6, 2022
I first read Bits & Pieces a few years ago. I swear I left a review, but apparently not. So now that I've read it again with my book club, all these feelings are new and fresh.
First of all, Bits & Pieces had me hooked from the start. I love the premise of the flashes and each color flash having a different meaning. It's a totally unique take and although I definitely feel for Tessa as she loses more and more of herself to these flashes, her story was an intense read that had me eager for more.
I'd hate to give anything away, so I'll just say that this is a thrilling read. I'd highly recommend it to all fans of crime stories with a heavy dose of paranormal. I do warn, however, that it's not light. There's detailed descriptions of both rape and murder so be warned about that. A few times I had to take a break from reading because it's a lot to digest all at once. That said, I truly was hooked and was eager to see what would happen to Tessa. There's also a fantastic twist at the end (which I did remember from the first time I read it).
Overall, this is a great book and although it's not my usual genre, I enjoyed it. I'll definitely be picking up the sequel (which I have not read before) and I look forward to more of the incredible writing Dawn Hosmer has to offer!!
First of all, Bits & Pieces had me hooked from the start. I love the premise of the flashes and each color flash having a different meaning. It's a totally unique take and although I definitely feel for Tessa as she loses more and more of herself to these flashes, her story was an intense read that had me eager for more.
I'd hate to give anything away, so I'll just say that this is a thrilling read. I'd highly recommend it to all fans of crime stories with a heavy dose of paranormal. I do warn, however, that it's not light. There's detailed descriptions of both rape and murder so be warned about that. A few times I had to take a break from reading because it's a lot to digest all at once. That said, I truly was hooked and was eager to see what would happen to Tessa. There's also a fantastic twist at the end (which I did remember from the first time I read it).
Overall, this is a great book and although it's not my usual genre, I enjoyed it. I'll definitely be picking up the sequel (which I have not read before) and I look forward to more of the incredible writing Dawn Hosmer has to offer!!
October 24, 2018
Beautiful and haunting, Bits and Pieces is a cleverly written psychological thriller that pulls you in on the first few pages and doesn't let go.
Tessa is doing what most of us are - trying to cope with the world around her. Except, there's one difference. She is cursed with a gift. One touch of another and she gains a piece of them, whether it's flashes of the future, crippling pain, or the ability to speak French. These pieces threaten her sanity, leaving her to wonder which parts of her are the real Tessa.
Just when things are looking up (there might even be a handsome new love interest!), Tessa is gripped by terrifying murders seen through the eyes of a killer. Driven by the killer's unrelenting urge to commit unspeakable acts of violence, her only hope is to find the killer before she becomes a murderer herself.
Bits and Pieces is a riveting, edge of the seat thriller layered with complex themes. Isolation, depression, suspense, mystery--the author manages to create a unique balance of action and emotion. It'll leave you questioning until the end. I won't give any spoilers but expect to be blindsided by a shocking twist. Highly recommend!
Thank you Ant Colony Press for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Tessa is doing what most of us are - trying to cope with the world around her. Except, there's one difference. She is cursed with a gift. One touch of another and she gains a piece of them, whether it's flashes of the future, crippling pain, or the ability to speak French. These pieces threaten her sanity, leaving her to wonder which parts of her are the real Tessa.
Just when things are looking up (there might even be a handsome new love interest!), Tessa is gripped by terrifying murders seen through the eyes of a killer. Driven by the killer's unrelenting urge to commit unspeakable acts of violence, her only hope is to find the killer before she becomes a murderer herself.
Bits and Pieces is a riveting, edge of the seat thriller layered with complex themes. Isolation, depression, suspense, mystery--the author manages to create a unique balance of action and emotion. It'll leave you questioning until the end. I won't give any spoilers but expect to be blindsided by a shocking twist. Highly recommend!
Thank you Ant Colony Press for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
July 28, 2022
Audiobook review:
Bits and Pieces is a thriller that will captivate any audience!
Featuring Tessa, a woman with a unique ability to take something from someone when she touches them, whether it’s a talent, a memory, or an addiction, Tessa no longer knows who she is, and this struggle becomes much more intense when she accidentally touches a serial killer.
Desperate to regain some part of herself, Tessa tries to find the murderer while resisting the urge to hurt people herself. Focusing on themes of self-doubt, insecurities, and fear, Bits and Pieces is a relatable read, even though Tessa’s ability is very unique.
I adored this story. I’ve never read anything quite like it! Tessa is a unique and likable heroine, and her struggle between finding herself and letting others in was something I feel that a lot of us can understand.
Filled with twists and turns that I never saw coming, Bits and Pieces is reminiscing of an M. Night Shyamalan film. The ending caught me entirely by surprise! I never saw it coming!
Although I didn’t love the narrator for the Audible version of this book, I will definitely be reading more by this author very soon!
Bits and Pieces is a thriller that will captivate any audience!
Featuring Tessa, a woman with a unique ability to take something from someone when she touches them, whether it’s a talent, a memory, or an addiction, Tessa no longer knows who she is, and this struggle becomes much more intense when she accidentally touches a serial killer.
Desperate to regain some part of herself, Tessa tries to find the murderer while resisting the urge to hurt people herself. Focusing on themes of self-doubt, insecurities, and fear, Bits and Pieces is a relatable read, even though Tessa’s ability is very unique.
I adored this story. I’ve never read anything quite like it! Tessa is a unique and likable heroine, and her struggle between finding herself and letting others in was something I feel that a lot of us can understand.
Filled with twists and turns that I never saw coming, Bits and Pieces is reminiscing of an M. Night Shyamalan film. The ending caught me entirely by surprise! I never saw it coming!
Although I didn’t love the narrator for the Audible version of this book, I will definitely be reading more by this author very soon!
January 3, 2019
Tessa should be in the prime of her life. But it's not much of a life. When she touches other people, she often receives colored flashes from them--bits of their history, pieces of their future, even their talents transferred to her. Her entire identity has slowly changed through the years as others' experiences have become part of her. As much as she can get away with it, she avoids people.
Tessa's therapist, however, wants her to develop a social life. So Tessa goes to a symphony, where she meets Jonah, a handsome professor. Their budding romance makes her feel almost normal--until her flashes connect her to a serial killer, throwing her entire life into frightening chaos.
Bits & Pieces grabbed my attention from the first page. I stayed up late multiple nights reading it and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers. It'll surprise you in the best ways.
Tessa's therapist, however, wants her to develop a social life. So Tessa goes to a symphony, where she meets Jonah, a handsome professor. Their budding romance makes her feel almost normal--until her flashes connect her to a serial killer, throwing her entire life into frightening chaos.
Bits & Pieces grabbed my attention from the first page. I stayed up late multiple nights reading it and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers. It'll surprise you in the best ways.
January 16, 2019
Dawn Hosmer's writing will keep you on the edge of your seat. From the first chapter, I was hooked. Tessa, the main character, has her inner demons, and her ability to keep them at bay is not always successful. Luckily she is surrounded by people she can trust, or so she thought. I won't say any more on that count because I don't want to spoil it! Dawn's word choices are just as vivid and distinct as her characters. The dialogue is convincing, and each character has their own ways of communicating that clearly set them apart from each other. I found myself rooting for Tessa to a degree I'm not used to when I read fiction. I was completely engrossed in the plot. A highly sophisticated premier novel from an author whose career I am eager to follow.
January 8, 2019
Where on earth do I start?
Tessa has a special gift that allows her to inherit parts of the people she touches. Except, its not really a gift. Its more of a curse because she inherits memories, habits, preferences - all good and bad! But nothing could prepare her for the battle for her mind when she is jostled in a crowd and comes into contact with a serial killer.
This book absolutely stunned me. The premise is mind blowing. The way the story is told is just incredible. Readers of Paula Hawkins and James Patterson are going to love Dawn Hosmer. I cannot recommend this book enough. Its one that absolutely MUST be on your kindle or your shelf.
Tessa has a special gift that allows her to inherit parts of the people she touches. Except, its not really a gift. Its more of a curse because she inherits memories, habits, preferences - all good and bad! But nothing could prepare her for the battle for her mind when she is jostled in a crowd and comes into contact with a serial killer.
This book absolutely stunned me. The premise is mind blowing. The way the story is told is just incredible. Readers of Paula Hawkins and James Patterson are going to love Dawn Hosmer. I cannot recommend this book enough. Its one that absolutely MUST be on your kindle or your shelf.
June 10, 2021
Written so well. Creative. Intriguing. Kept me turning the pages. Couldn’t put it down!
July 19, 2019
Okay, whoa. It's not for nothing that everyone in the #WritingCommunity on Twitter is talking about this, and I'm so glad I finally got round to reading this. Well done, Dawn! I'm impressed.
I didn't know much about this before diving into it, I was sold by the beautiful cover and everyone else raving about it. What I knew was that there was some person who received flashes of color when they got close to other people, so they had some kind of ability. And I wasn't far off! From the official blurb:
Tessa was born with a gift. Through a simple touch she picks up pieces of others. A “flash” of color devours her—the only indication that she’s gained something new from another person. Red equals pain; purple, a talent; yellow, a premonition; orange, a painful memory; and blue, a pleasant one. Each flash blurs the lines between her inherent traits and those she’s acquired from others. Whenever she gains bits of something new, she loses more pieces of herself.
As you can probably guess, Tessa struggles with this gift. She avoids interacting with other people, she distances herself from her family, she goes to therapy. It's hard to make a life for yourself and know who you are, when half of it is stuff you've picked up from others. And it gets especially hard when you can't remember which is which.
I was hooked from the beginning. The plot is intriguing and Hosmer's writing is captivating. It's beautiful and playful, but also so incredibly real and brutal (damn, Dawn!) I usually struggle with reading 1st person for a little while, like for every book that has it, I have to adapt for a few chapters, but that wasn't the case here at all. I was hooked immediately. For a little while, I was worried the book was going to be a bit slow. I felt like maybe we were getting a bit too far into the book without getting into the story, but I was still turning page after page, so it wasn't that it was boring! And I think maybe I found only like one typo, which is very impressive.
For a while I thought I had figured it all out, then I thought I'd be disappointed, and then I was just utterly impressed. This book is so superb, I think I actually had a stunned "Oh my God"-look on my face while I read certain parts. It's incredible. Definitely one of the best books I've read all year, I can't recommend it enough.
I didn't know much about this before diving into it, I was sold by the beautiful cover and everyone else raving about it. What I knew was that there was some person who received flashes of color when they got close to other people, so they had some kind of ability. And I wasn't far off! From the official blurb:
Tessa was born with a gift. Through a simple touch she picks up pieces of others. A “flash” of color devours her—the only indication that she’s gained something new from another person. Red equals pain; purple, a talent; yellow, a premonition; orange, a painful memory; and blue, a pleasant one. Each flash blurs the lines between her inherent traits and those she’s acquired from others. Whenever she gains bits of something new, she loses more pieces of herself.
As you can probably guess, Tessa struggles with this gift. She avoids interacting with other people, she distances herself from her family, she goes to therapy. It's hard to make a life for yourself and know who you are, when half of it is stuff you've picked up from others. And it gets especially hard when you can't remember which is which.
I was hooked from the beginning. The plot is intriguing and Hosmer's writing is captivating. It's beautiful and playful, but also so incredibly real and brutal (damn, Dawn!) I usually struggle with reading 1st person for a little while, like for every book that has it, I have to adapt for a few chapters, but that wasn't the case here at all. I was hooked immediately. For a little while, I was worried the book was going to be a bit slow. I felt like maybe we were getting a bit too far into the book without getting into the story, but I was still turning page after page, so it wasn't that it was boring! And I think maybe I found only like one typo, which is very impressive.
For a while I thought I had figured it all out, then I thought I'd be disappointed, and then I was just utterly impressed. This book is so superb, I think I actually had a stunned "Oh my God"-look on my face while I read certain parts. It's incredible. Definitely one of the best books I've read all year, I can't recommend it enough.
November 2, 2020
Bits & Pieces straddles genres and expectations while delivering a fast-paced, direct story straight from the protagonist's mouth. As gritty and graphic as a horror novel, with the poignancy of a ghost story and the sentimentality of a romance. Dawn Hosmer's work defies boundaries and dares the reader to believe in more than what they see.
June 22, 2021
I gave this book a 4.75 ⭐ rounded up. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star is because I predicted part of the ending.
I loved this book! The characters were very interesting, and the plot moved along pretty quickly. The idea that someone could absorb certain character traits and memories through touch is super unique.
When Tessa bumps into someone in a crowd, she sees a flash unlike any other. Soon you are seeing the memories of a killer through the main characters eyes. Then, it's a race against time to find out who's memories she is seeing before it's too late.
I read this book in one day, I couldn't put it down. I laughed, and cried and felt SO anxious. Psychological thriller at it's finest. 👏🏻Bravo
I loved this book! The characters were very interesting, and the plot moved along pretty quickly. The idea that someone could absorb certain character traits and memories through touch is super unique.
When Tessa bumps into someone in a crowd, she sees a flash unlike any other. Soon you are seeing the memories of a killer through the main characters eyes. Then, it's a race against time to find out who's memories she is seeing before it's too late.
I read this book in one day, I couldn't put it down. I laughed, and cried and felt SO anxious. Psychological thriller at it's finest. 👏🏻Bravo
January 12, 2022
All the content warnings. Just, all of them. There is a lot of intense in this book, so be prepared for that going in.
That said, Bits & Pieces is so good. I'm not normally a thriller person--it's just not my genre--but I was thoroughly engrossed with this one from beginning to end. I suspect the spec fic aspect of it helped keep me, a long-time fantasy reader, engaged.
Hosmer does an excellent job through the reader red herrings and some major curve-balls as the book progresses. If you think you know what's going on... I promise you don't. There were a few things that were really unexpected towards the end that just hit in a really powerful way. I literally sobbed.
I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, but I think I'm going to need a month to decompress first.
That said, Bits & Pieces is so good. I'm not normally a thriller person--it's just not my genre--but I was thoroughly engrossed with this one from beginning to end. I suspect the spec fic aspect of it helped keep me, a long-time fantasy reader, engaged.
Hosmer does an excellent job through the reader red herrings and some major curve-balls as the book progresses. If you think you know what's going on... I promise you don't. There were a few things that were really unexpected towards the end that just hit in a really powerful way. I literally sobbed.
I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, but I think I'm going to need a month to decompress first.
January 6, 2022
Great Story--Check Trigger Warnings
This book is well-written, a crazy emotional and mental journey that will certainly sit with me for a while. It just needs a little copyediting, but that didn't take away from the story. I am curious to see where the next book goes.
Contains:
-Rape and molestation
-Violence and murder
-Trauma
This book is well-written, a crazy emotional and mental journey that will certainly sit with me for a while. It just needs a little copyediting, but that didn't take away from the story. I am curious to see where the next book goes.
Contains:
-Rape and molestation
-Violence and murder
-Trauma
October 24, 2018
What if your whole life was an assemblage of the experiences and memories of others intertwined with your own, and so tightly bound that the difference between the two borders on indistinguishable? This thought provoking conundrum lies at the core of Dawn Hosmer’s debut novel, Bits and Pieces. The result is a twisty story that takes you to unexpected places and keeps you guessing until the end.
The protagonist, Tessa, is different than her peers—all of them. A simple touch can deliver a life-altering flash. Some are pleasant, some are painful, some are glimpses at the future and some are downright horrific. But they all become a piece of her.
The heart of this story is about finding things, finding one’s self with a condition that so completely inhibits that, finding love with the inherent factors of her condition that make that so improbable, finding a place in a world with a condition that by its very nature isolates Tessa, and finding a serial killer--a terrifying endeavor for a normal person, much less one with Tessa’s heightened capabilities.
Get ready to experience a wild ride and with some very unique aspects that make it terrifically original. I have never read anything quite like this book. I found myself drawn into Tessa’s character, her plight, and rooting for her against all odds. The author’s narrative invites you into the story, which makes the story all that more powerful. There were definitely some very clever “whoa” moments that I didn’t see coming.
This story has some powerfully graphic and disturbing scenes that take you into the mind of a sadistic sexual predator/serial killer, but they all serve the narrative well by adding to the suspense and urgency of Tessa's mission.
The story will surprise you in spots and shock you in others, and I found myself pouring through the pages to find out how it would end and who was responsible for the murders in the small college town. It did not disappoint. I would highly recommend this book. It’s a very entertaining read, with an edge of your seat quality to it at pivotal points. I will be keeping an eye out for more works from this promising new author in the future.
I would like to thank Ant Colony Press for providing me with an Advance Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The protagonist, Tessa, is different than her peers—all of them. A simple touch can deliver a life-altering flash. Some are pleasant, some are painful, some are glimpses at the future and some are downright horrific. But they all become a piece of her.
The heart of this story is about finding things, finding one’s self with a condition that so completely inhibits that, finding love with the inherent factors of her condition that make that so improbable, finding a place in a world with a condition that by its very nature isolates Tessa, and finding a serial killer--a terrifying endeavor for a normal person, much less one with Tessa’s heightened capabilities.
Get ready to experience a wild ride and with some very unique aspects that make it terrifically original. I have never read anything quite like this book. I found myself drawn into Tessa’s character, her plight, and rooting for her against all odds. The author’s narrative invites you into the story, which makes the story all that more powerful. There were definitely some very clever “whoa” moments that I didn’t see coming.
This story has some powerfully graphic and disturbing scenes that take you into the mind of a sadistic sexual predator/serial killer, but they all serve the narrative well by adding to the suspense and urgency of Tessa's mission.
The story will surprise you in spots and shock you in others, and I found myself pouring through the pages to find out how it would end and who was responsible for the murders in the small college town. It did not disappoint. I would highly recommend this book. It’s a very entertaining read, with an edge of your seat quality to it at pivotal points. I will be keeping an eye out for more works from this promising new author in the future.
I would like to thank Ant Colony Press for providing me with an Advance Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2022
Wow!!! I am truly left blown away by this book! What a true definition of Psychological thriller! This book had me at the edge of my seat with every page. Please read with care and check T.W! I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to start the sequel!
October 19, 2018
Bits & Pieces by Dawn Hosmer is a fast-paced psychological suspense thriller with a unique storyline. The protagonist, Tessa, is able to see people's positive and negative experiences simply by touching them. Tessa is an emotional mess due to the fact that she's able to picture the horrors of people's lives. One of her chance encounters places her deep into the psyche of a serial killer in which she feels as though she's committed these heinous crimes. This plot-driven story was hard to put down. The underlying theme is how society treats people who are suffering from mental illness and emotional instability. The inpatient treatment scenes were both interesting and informative. I recommend this book to anyone who reads psychological thrillers. Thank you, Ant Colony Press for giving me an advanced copy of this book for review.
Trigger warning: Violence, rape, and graphic language.
Trigger warning: Violence, rape, and graphic language.
June 3, 2019
Bits & Pieces is *so well done.* Its greatest beauty is in the details.
Interesting story, very suspenseful, makes you uncomfortable, and keeps you reading, wondering, and awake!
Wonderful details pulled together for an unexpected conclusion that made me feel like I needed to read the whole thing over again just to see all of the lovely, even stitches I noticed but didn't acknowledge because they were sewn in so masterfully.
Interesting story, very suspenseful, makes you uncomfortable, and keeps you reading, wondering, and awake!
Wonderful details pulled together for an unexpected conclusion that made me feel like I needed to read the whole thing over again just to see all of the lovely, even stitches I noticed but didn't acknowledge because they were sewn in so masterfully.
February 16, 2020
*I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review*
This is the first book I have ever read from this author.
I want to start with the cover. An absolutely stunning cover with the multitude of colors covering this dark palate.
This will go down as the hardest hitting book emotionally that I have ever read. This is truly a thriller with a few horror aspects to it. It was amazing watching Tessa on her journey getting different flashes of colors popping up as she sees red, purple, yellow, orange, and blue depending on the person she comes in contact with.
I loved the supernatural elements that came in this book. This book had me on the edge of my seat in awe as I followed along.
Dawn's writing is simply impeccable. The way she portrayed the story in such a raw, yet tasteful manner making you wonder what is going to happen next.
This book is inspired by actual events that occurred, and being someone that loves ID channel I had a blast following this story told in a fictional world, yet felt as real as the events that actually happened.
I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a hard hitting thriller that has you begging for more!!!!!!!
My rating: 📕📕📕📕📕 (5 stars)
**TRIGGER Warning: This book contains moments of sexual abuse, so if that is something you are squeamish about, please read with caution.**
This is the first book I have ever read from this author.
I want to start with the cover. An absolutely stunning cover with the multitude of colors covering this dark palate.
This will go down as the hardest hitting book emotionally that I have ever read. This is truly a thriller with a few horror aspects to it. It was amazing watching Tessa on her journey getting different flashes of colors popping up as she sees red, purple, yellow, orange, and blue depending on the person she comes in contact with.
I loved the supernatural elements that came in this book. This book had me on the edge of my seat in awe as I followed along.
Dawn's writing is simply impeccable. The way she portrayed the story in such a raw, yet tasteful manner making you wonder what is going to happen next.
This book is inspired by actual events that occurred, and being someone that loves ID channel I had a blast following this story told in a fictional world, yet felt as real as the events that actually happened.
I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a hard hitting thriller that has you begging for more!!!!!!!
My rating: 📕📕📕📕📕 (5 stars)
**TRIGGER Warning: This book contains moments of sexual abuse, so if that is something you are squeamish about, please read with caution.**
November 24, 2019
Color helps to express light. Not the physical phenomenon, but the only light that really exists, that in the artists brain—Henri Matisse
Our human fascination not only with light, but with color, makes sense at least for those of us who can see. We live in a world centered around vision and the ability to see. At the same time, it is amazing to consider that what we can see with the human eye is only a tiny silver of the full electromagnetic spectrum. The portion that makes up visible light is from 4x10^14 through 8x10^14 Hz (or approx. 380-740 nanometers who to prefer to look at it in wavelengths). It can be broken down into 7 basic waves:
• Radio
• Micro
• Infrared
• Visible
• Ultraviolet
• Xray
• Gamma
The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts—Marcus Aurelius
Dawn’s book is a fast-paced thriller about Tessa, a young woman with a gift—or a curse, depending on perspective. When she touches someone, she at times absorbs a piece of them in the form of color. Each color has a different meaning. She might take on a memory, emotion, personality trait or talent from the person she touches. In the meantime, she loses a fragment of herself in the process. After so many years, she no longer knows how much of her psyche is herself and how much belongs to people she has contacted along the way.
Estranged from her wealthy family, she lives in the small college town of Chandlersville. Multiple women have gone missing/turned up murdered. Tessa inadvertently touches the murderer in a crowd during a search for the most recent missing girls. In an instant, she takes on the murderer’s desires and proclivities. Now Tessa must find the killer before she loses herself completely
I’ve always been a fast reader, and when I get really into a book, I can polish one off in a couple of hours. I decided to bring Dawn Hosmer’s thriller, Bits and Pieces as a book to read on the plane. I think I set a new record. I started it as the plane pushed back from the gate. I finished it 20 minutes before landing, putting me at about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Yep, I got pretty into it. The downside is that there were some pretty disturbing/triggering scenes. When I get to those in something I am reading or writing, I like to get up and pace. Kind of hard to do on an airplane at 30 K feet with a drink cart in the aisle. I am sure the guy seated next to me thought I was nuts as did most of the flight attendants.
Art is to console those who have been broken by life—Vincent Van Gogh
Dawn uses first person point of view in Bits and Pieces. From a personal perspective I feel this can be difficult to pull off. I have read many books where the author attempts to write in first person only to botch it by telling me things the character couldn’t know unless they were psychic or by dropping out of first person. Dawn pulls it off seamlessly. She embeds the reader fully into the mind of Tess. In the process she creates a relatable and believable young woman who is struggling with not only this strange gift she has been given, but her place in society. She sees herself as a freak, who doesn’t dare touch someone for fear of losing a piece of herself (she almost reminds me of Rogue from the X-Men).
One of the fascinating aspects of Dawn’s book is Tessa’s use of art to deal with her gift and with the struggles it brings. It is well documented that art is a therapeutic tool. I know for myself, my writing is a means of expressing things I cannot say out loud.
Tessa paints the things that she “sees” at the urging of her therapist. As she devolves into the mind of the killer, she paints the women he has killed in great detail. This was one of the most disturbing yet exquisite parts to read. I would love for Dawn to hold a painting themed night based on this scene where we could get together and everyone paint what we think these pictures should look like. (Maybe this is something we can suggest to Gestalt Media, Dawn?)
Dawn also pulls off some unique twists at the end that will have the reader saying, “wait, what?” But when they re-read, they will realize the foreshadowing and clues were there all along. At the risk of spoilers, I will refrain from delving too deep. I will say I had the feeling that something was off with the character in question. I just thought it was going to go in a slightly different direction.
The one character I didn’t like was actually the love interest, Jonas. I felt at times his reactions were incongruent to the scenes. That being said it might be due to the plot line/suspense Dawn was trying to keep going in the story.
Overall, this was a fantastic story that had me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to see where Dawn takes us next with her writing.
Our human fascination not only with light, but with color, makes sense at least for those of us who can see. We live in a world centered around vision and the ability to see. At the same time, it is amazing to consider that what we can see with the human eye is only a tiny silver of the full electromagnetic spectrum. The portion that makes up visible light is from 4x10^14 through 8x10^14 Hz (or approx. 380-740 nanometers who to prefer to look at it in wavelengths). It can be broken down into 7 basic waves:
• Radio
• Micro
• Infrared
• Visible
• Ultraviolet
• Xray
• Gamma
The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts—Marcus Aurelius
Dawn’s book is a fast-paced thriller about Tessa, a young woman with a gift—or a curse, depending on perspective. When she touches someone, she at times absorbs a piece of them in the form of color. Each color has a different meaning. She might take on a memory, emotion, personality trait or talent from the person she touches. In the meantime, she loses a fragment of herself in the process. After so many years, she no longer knows how much of her psyche is herself and how much belongs to people she has contacted along the way.
Estranged from her wealthy family, she lives in the small college town of Chandlersville. Multiple women have gone missing/turned up murdered. Tessa inadvertently touches the murderer in a crowd during a search for the most recent missing girls. In an instant, she takes on the murderer’s desires and proclivities. Now Tessa must find the killer before she loses herself completely
I’ve always been a fast reader, and when I get really into a book, I can polish one off in a couple of hours. I decided to bring Dawn Hosmer’s thriller, Bits and Pieces as a book to read on the plane. I think I set a new record. I started it as the plane pushed back from the gate. I finished it 20 minutes before landing, putting me at about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Yep, I got pretty into it. The downside is that there were some pretty disturbing/triggering scenes. When I get to those in something I am reading or writing, I like to get up and pace. Kind of hard to do on an airplane at 30 K feet with a drink cart in the aisle. I am sure the guy seated next to me thought I was nuts as did most of the flight attendants.
Art is to console those who have been broken by life—Vincent Van Gogh
Dawn uses first person point of view in Bits and Pieces. From a personal perspective I feel this can be difficult to pull off. I have read many books where the author attempts to write in first person only to botch it by telling me things the character couldn’t know unless they were psychic or by dropping out of first person. Dawn pulls it off seamlessly. She embeds the reader fully into the mind of Tess. In the process she creates a relatable and believable young woman who is struggling with not only this strange gift she has been given, but her place in society. She sees herself as a freak, who doesn’t dare touch someone for fear of losing a piece of herself (she almost reminds me of Rogue from the X-Men).
One of the fascinating aspects of Dawn’s book is Tessa’s use of art to deal with her gift and with the struggles it brings. It is well documented that art is a therapeutic tool. I know for myself, my writing is a means of expressing things I cannot say out loud.
Tessa paints the things that she “sees” at the urging of her therapist. As she devolves into the mind of the killer, she paints the women he has killed in great detail. This was one of the most disturbing yet exquisite parts to read. I would love for Dawn to hold a painting themed night based on this scene where we could get together and everyone paint what we think these pictures should look like. (Maybe this is something we can suggest to Gestalt Media, Dawn?)
Dawn also pulls off some unique twists at the end that will have the reader saying, “wait, what?” But when they re-read, they will realize the foreshadowing and clues were there all along. At the risk of spoilers, I will refrain from delving too deep. I will say I had the feeling that something was off with the character in question. I just thought it was going to go in a slightly different direction.
The one character I didn’t like was actually the love interest, Jonas. I felt at times his reactions were incongruent to the scenes. That being said it might be due to the plot line/suspense Dawn was trying to keep going in the story.
Overall, this was a fantastic story that had me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to see where Dawn takes us next with her writing.
July 17, 2019
While Dawn Hosmer’s novel can be read as simply a psychological thriller and murder mystery, there was something else my brain was trying to learn. Finally, the answer revealed itself and it was ultimately so simple: the empathic human is, indeed, made up of bits and pieces.
Loss. Love. Fear. Not only ours, but those of the people around us. Our human brains are collectors of colours, noises, aromas, facts and emotions. Imagine, for example, that moment when you first touch a lover — that bolt of chemistry, baffling your senses. Or when you cry in sympathy, heart breaking, for a friend who has endured a terrible loss.
We quite naturally jumble these sensations together, and create ourselves.
Hosmer takes such a basic truth and dramatically illustrates its meaning through the experiences of her main character, blessed and doomed to be profoundly changed just by the touch of another. A flash of colour in her mind, a buzz of noise in her ears tells her she will be altered . . . but how? Even as a child, these events bombard her, causing consternation — and worse — among family members.
Effortlessly, she finds she can speak French. Disappointingly, she develops a craving for nicotine. Horrifically, she enters the mind of a killer she cannot see.
In one of the book’s most gut-wrenching scenes, Tessa paints her pain and fear in vivid hues onto canvas after canvas, in an intense, devastating scene of madness, depression and desperation. But she is stronger than she thinks and finds a new way to go on, to pursue the man haunting her and hunting the young women of the college town she has chosen as her home.
It’s a fascinating exercise to apply Hosmer’s unique idea to one’s own life, even if it is less colourful and dramatic. Should one not be in a reflective mood, Bits & Pieces also works marvelously as a fast-paced read with a satisfying twist at the end.
*While I did not find the violence gratuitous, some may encounter triggers.
Loss. Love. Fear. Not only ours, but those of the people around us. Our human brains are collectors of colours, noises, aromas, facts and emotions. Imagine, for example, that moment when you first touch a lover — that bolt of chemistry, baffling your senses. Or when you cry in sympathy, heart breaking, for a friend who has endured a terrible loss.
We quite naturally jumble these sensations together, and create ourselves.
Hosmer takes such a basic truth and dramatically illustrates its meaning through the experiences of her main character, blessed and doomed to be profoundly changed just by the touch of another. A flash of colour in her mind, a buzz of noise in her ears tells her she will be altered . . . but how? Even as a child, these events bombard her, causing consternation — and worse — among family members.
Effortlessly, she finds she can speak French. Disappointingly, she develops a craving for nicotine. Horrifically, she enters the mind of a killer she cannot see.
In one of the book’s most gut-wrenching scenes, Tessa paints her pain and fear in vivid hues onto canvas after canvas, in an intense, devastating scene of madness, depression and desperation. But she is stronger than she thinks and finds a new way to go on, to pursue the man haunting her and hunting the young women of the college town she has chosen as her home.
It’s a fascinating exercise to apply Hosmer’s unique idea to one’s own life, even if it is less colourful and dramatic. Should one not be in a reflective mood, Bits & Pieces also works marvelously as a fast-paced read with a satisfying twist at the end.
*While I did not find the violence gratuitous, some may encounter triggers.
July 14, 2019
I loved this book for so many reasons. First off, the writing is lovely. The voice is perfect to tell the story. From the very first page, I was in it, and I couldn't wait to see what was coming next. I found myself often thinking of the book in between reading times. I also really enjoyed the characters. They are well laid out and defined. They all felt like people I could have met myself. I absolutely love the support the main character received. Overall, the people in this book are good people, and that was very nice to read.
I don't want to say too much because I don't want to spoil anything, and I'm bad at accidentally dropping spoilers, but I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a gripping daily read.
I don't want to say too much because I don't want to spoil anything, and I'm bad at accidentally dropping spoilers, but I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a gripping daily read.
January 6, 2022
This book thoroughly hooked me. I thought about it when I wasn't reading, ran through possibilities. It was visceral and tense and so imaginative. It was also extremely intense, and I would heavily caution anyone who is sensitive to reading graphic violence or rape. While it's not surprising for the genre, it's definitely something to be wary of. That said, I really enjoyed this book, and have already purchased the sequel.
5/5 stars ⭐
5/5 stars ⭐
February 25, 2019
After finishing Bits & Pieces I have to say, it's a phenomenal read. I'm a very picky reader and it's real hard for me to get swept up in a story. It's filled with suspense & mystery that kept the pages turning. I finished the book in 12 hours. If you like thrillers this book is for you! "I'm looking forward to reading more books from Dawn Hosmer.
June 7, 2021
4.5 stars. The whole concept of this book is brilliant! I love the mix of supernatural in mystery thrillers. I truly enjoyed this book. The characters were in depth and well written. Excellent book!
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