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Agent Tori Hunter #3
The Hidden Girl
The lights of her parents’ cabin just visible through the woods, the girl carefully curls up amongst the reeds, her knees pulled tight to her chest. Terrified, the only sound she makes is the pounding of her heart, but she hears the stranger searching… if she keeps silent, will she be safe?
When Agent Tori Hunter is urgently called to the murder scene of Dan and Heidi Newman, she finds their throats slit, and Dan tied up: forced to watch his wife lose her life. Tori’s first thought is for their seventeen-year-old daughter Cara who is nowhere to be found. Will this popular young girl be the next victim?
A broken bracelet is the one clue left at the scene, but the team are running in circles until Tori finally tracks down Cara hiding in the woods. Sobbing, the devastated girl says all she remembers is a flash of a man’s face as she was chased through the forest…
Desperate to find the monster behind this crime, Tori pieces together the broken chain: and it leads her to an elderly lady living alone nearby. When the woman won’t speak to police, Tori senses that although it means breaking all the rules, introducing Cara will show this lonely soul what’s at stake. And once inside her house, Cara gasps when she sees a framed photo on display. It’s the man who chased her…
But then another local couple is murdered in their isolated home, another husband forced to watch his worst nightmare unfold. As more couples lose their lives, can Tori keep Cara, her one witness, safe from this vicious killer? And can she track him down before more innocent families are torn apart?
An absolutely addictive and mind-blowing crime thriller that will have you glued to the pages through each and every twist, until the final shocking conclusion. Fans of Kendra Elliot, Robert Dugoni and Lisa Jackson won’t be able to put this down.
When Agent Tori Hunter is urgently called to the murder scene of Dan and Heidi Newman, she finds their throats slit, and Dan tied up: forced to watch his wife lose her life. Tori’s first thought is for their seventeen-year-old daughter Cara who is nowhere to be found. Will this popular young girl be the next victim?
A broken bracelet is the one clue left at the scene, but the team are running in circles until Tori finally tracks down Cara hiding in the woods. Sobbing, the devastated girl says all she remembers is a flash of a man’s face as she was chased through the forest…
Desperate to find the monster behind this crime, Tori pieces together the broken chain: and it leads her to an elderly lady living alone nearby. When the woman won’t speak to police, Tori senses that although it means breaking all the rules, introducing Cara will show this lonely soul what’s at stake. And once inside her house, Cara gasps when she sees a framed photo on display. It’s the man who chased her…
But then another local couple is murdered in their isolated home, another husband forced to watch his worst nightmare unfold. As more couples lose their lives, can Tori keep Cara, her one witness, safe from this vicious killer? And can she track him down before more innocent families are torn apart?
An absolutely addictive and mind-blowing crime thriller that will have you glued to the pages through each and every twist, until the final shocking conclusion. Fans of Kendra Elliot, Robert Dugoni and Lisa Jackson won’t be able to put this down.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2021
2896 people are currently reading
1268 people want to read
About the author
Roger Stelljes
44 books780 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the McRyan Mystery Series and the Tori Hunter - Manchester Bay Mystery Series. The two crime series with over 3+ million downloads and 200,000+ reviews and ratings. Get the heart-stopping, action-packed thrillers that fans of John Sandford, Lee Child, Michael Connelly, James Patterson and Karin Slaughter will be hooked on by one of the best new authors in crime fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
December 23, 2021
My thanks to Roger Stelljes, Bookoutre and Netgalley.
This is the third book in this series, and if I ever thought that I'd still be around for this third act? Blow me down with a feather!
I love this series. But...this third in the series wasn't so great. The mystery and intrigue was all there, but the romantic shit! I never like a man stating an ultimatum. That's much what this ending felt like.
I like Tori because she's strong and vulnerable. In the end, after only a one year relationship, he wants a commitment. Of course he'll get it! It's a book. I still call foul!
This is the third book in this series, and if I ever thought that I'd still be around for this third act? Blow me down with a feather!
I love this series. But...this third in the series wasn't so great. The mystery and intrigue was all there, but the romantic shit! I never like a man stating an ultimatum. That's much what this ending felt like.
I like Tori because she's strong and vulnerable. In the end, after only a one year relationship, he wants a commitment. Of course he'll get it! It's a book. I still call foul!
January 20, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed book one in this series (somehow missed book two 🤷🏻♀️) and the same can be said for this one. It's shaping up to be a solid series. Decent writing. Full of action. Intriguing and likable characters. There really isn't a mystery aspect in this book. You pretty much know who is doing the killing and why from pretty early on. I also found this one to be more graphic than book one (as far as I remember). There are also several instances of rape that could be triggering to some. Really, the only issue I had with this book is the relationship drama between Tori and Will. So much of it isn't necessary and just drags the story down (example the sex scene). I also wasn't a fan of the ending and what pretty much guarantees more relationship drama in the next book. 😒 All in all though, I liked it a lot and look forward to seeing what is up next for these characters!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
I enjoyed book one in this series (somehow missed book two 🤷🏻♀️) and the same can be said for this one. It's shaping up to be a solid series. Decent writing. Full of action. Intriguing and likable characters. There really isn't a mystery aspect in this book. You pretty much know who is doing the killing and why from pretty early on. I also found this one to be more graphic than book one (as far as I remember). There are also several instances of rape that could be triggering to some. Really, the only issue I had with this book is the relationship drama between Tori and Will. So much of it isn't necessary and just drags the story down (example the sex scene). I also wasn't a fan of the ending and what pretty much guarantees more relationship drama in the next book. 😒 All in all though, I liked it a lot and look forward to seeing what is up next for these characters!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
October 4, 2021
This book takes you by the eyeballs and sucks you in. Immediate action - there is no build; there is no pause.
Two men stun and tie-up Dan and Heidi, torture and kill. Dan's daughter, Cara, rushes home already past curfew. She finds her dead parents - and the killers. After hiding the woods for hours, Cara finally returns to her home and calls the police.
Tori and Braddock are called to the horrifying scene; Tori using her own victim experience to calm and sooth Cara, pulling vital details.
As they begin the investigation into the Newman's lives, this scene rings vaguely familiar. And then another gruesome death.
Buried secrets are brought to light - questioning the integrity of not only the now Sheriff Cal, but also Tori's father.
Great fast moving plot, some slow sections. Great characters, good twists and lots of oh moments.
Two men stun and tie-up Dan and Heidi, torture and kill. Dan's daughter, Cara, rushes home already past curfew. She finds her dead parents - and the killers. After hiding the woods for hours, Cara finally returns to her home and calls the police.
Tori and Braddock are called to the horrifying scene; Tori using her own victim experience to calm and sooth Cara, pulling vital details.
As they begin the investigation into the Newman's lives, this scene rings vaguely familiar. And then another gruesome death.
Buried secrets are brought to light - questioning the integrity of not only the now Sheriff Cal, but also Tori's father.
Great fast moving plot, some slow sections. Great characters, good twists and lots of oh moments.
October 6, 2021
Blog tour: https://lianareads.home.blog/
The third instalment in the series, The hidden girl brings a new suspenseful story in the life of Tori and Braddock.
It all starts with a bang and a quite descriptive scene when the murders are taking place and the Cara, the daughter of the murdered couple, is arriving at her parents’ house in the exact moment when she is witnessing the horrific tragedy. Luckily she escapes and after hours hidden away deep into the woods, she called the police and the investigation starts.
There are many moments when I stopped and reread parts of the story as the scenes were really captivating and I wanted to make sure that what I’m reading I actually read! (if that makes sense) As the twists and turns come to life bit by bit, the story moves on and what I really enjoyed was to actually having the murderer’s voice in some chapters. It really made everything flow more smoothly and putting the pieces together quickly.
Another must read story!
4.5 stars
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy.
The third instalment in the series, The hidden girl brings a new suspenseful story in the life of Tori and Braddock.
It all starts with a bang and a quite descriptive scene when the murders are taking place and the Cara, the daughter of the murdered couple, is arriving at her parents’ house in the exact moment when she is witnessing the horrific tragedy. Luckily she escapes and after hours hidden away deep into the woods, she called the police and the investigation starts.
There are many moments when I stopped and reread parts of the story as the scenes were really captivating and I wanted to make sure that what I’m reading I actually read! (if that makes sense) As the twists and turns come to life bit by bit, the story moves on and what I really enjoyed was to actually having the murderer’s voice in some chapters. It really made everything flow more smoothly and putting the pieces together quickly.
Another must read story!
4.5 stars
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy.
March 2, 2025
Another fast paced one by this author, really enjoying these.
October 3, 2021
3.5 stars
This is a great read but is a bit of a slow burner.
It starts off with a gruesome double murder and their daughter stumbles across the killers, but manages to escape.
The story then takes a slow turn as we learn about a case 24 years ago and it’s clear some secrets have been hidden over the years.
The ending does picks up the pace though with a nail biting final few chapters.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
This is a great read but is a bit of a slow burner.
It starts off with a gruesome double murder and their daughter stumbles across the killers, but manages to escape.
The story then takes a slow turn as we learn about a case 24 years ago and it’s clear some secrets have been hidden over the years.
The ending does picks up the pace though with a nail biting final few chapters.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
March 10, 2023
OUTSTANDING!
This series is so dang good. Plot, characters that literally leap off the pages, great dialogue.
This book was another absolute edge of your seat ride. I can’t wait for more. Tori & Braddock are a dynamic duo.
This series is so dang good. Plot, characters that literally leap off the pages, great dialogue.
This book was another absolute edge of your seat ride. I can’t wait for more. Tori & Braddock are a dynamic duo.
December 6, 2021
3.5 stars
The Hidden Girl by Roger is the third in the FBI Agent Tori Hunter series, although how much work she does for the FBI is debatable.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
FBI Agent Tori Hunter finally solved the murder of her twin sister, and she has now returned to her home-town in northern Minnesota. She is dating Chief Detective Will Braddock, who works for the Shepard County Sheriff's Department, and reports to Sheriff Cal Lund. Cal is an old friend and mentor of Tori's from a time when her father was Sheriff. She has recently left the FBI, is now teaching a criminology course at the local university, and assisting the police department when needed.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
When Tori and Will see the murder scene of a couple killed in their remote home, something seems familiar, and so it should. 24 years ago, her father and Cal investigated an almost identical crime scene, and the convicted killer is still in jail. So why are there so many similarities? A husband killed after watching his wife being raped. Both scenes had the men tied to a column in their home, and then murdered. Both women were raped, murdered, and placed in the shower, with the water running to destroy evidence.
The only witness to the current murders is the couples 17 year old daughter, Cara. When she arrived home unexpectedly, she saw two men, but she managed to hide. Unfortunately, the men were wearing masks, so identification was going to be difficult.
When another couple is murdered, things are definitely looking like there is a connection to the case from 24 years ago. That case is going to cause some major headaches for everyone concerned.
My Opinions:
I definitely enjoyed this book better than the last one in the series. I still think that the books are drawn out more than they should be. There is too much "other" information being provided. ie all the repeated back-ground information on Tori, on Will, on Tori's father. I guess that means you don't really have to read the first two books in this series. As well, the relationship between Tori and Will seems over-played. Although I am getting used to romance angles in a mystery series, this one seems like a little much, so I find myself skimming over their interactions. Just get on with solving the case!
However, as slow moving as this was, by about 50%, things picked up. Although there are no surprises or twists, the plot was still good. Eventually, there was a lot of action, but that was near the end. Everything was laid out for the reader, so there was no guessing, and almost everything was tied up very well.
Overall, it was good....still not great, but improving!
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
The Hidden Girl by Roger is the third in the FBI Agent Tori Hunter series, although how much work she does for the FBI is debatable.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
FBI Agent Tori Hunter finally solved the murder of her twin sister, and she has now returned to her home-town in northern Minnesota. She is dating Chief Detective Will Braddock, who works for the Shepard County Sheriff's Department, and reports to Sheriff Cal Lund. Cal is an old friend and mentor of Tori's from a time when her father was Sheriff. She has recently left the FBI, is now teaching a criminology course at the local university, and assisting the police department when needed.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
When Tori and Will see the murder scene of a couple killed in their remote home, something seems familiar, and so it should. 24 years ago, her father and Cal investigated an almost identical crime scene, and the convicted killer is still in jail. So why are there so many similarities? A husband killed after watching his wife being raped. Both scenes had the men tied to a column in their home, and then murdered. Both women were raped, murdered, and placed in the shower, with the water running to destroy evidence.
The only witness to the current murders is the couples 17 year old daughter, Cara. When she arrived home unexpectedly, she saw two men, but she managed to hide. Unfortunately, the men were wearing masks, so identification was going to be difficult.
When another couple is murdered, things are definitely looking like there is a connection to the case from 24 years ago. That case is going to cause some major headaches for everyone concerned.
My Opinions:
I definitely enjoyed this book better than the last one in the series. I still think that the books are drawn out more than they should be. There is too much "other" information being provided. ie all the repeated back-ground information on Tori, on Will, on Tori's father. I guess that means you don't really have to read the first two books in this series. As well, the relationship between Tori and Will seems over-played. Although I am getting used to romance angles in a mystery series, this one seems like a little much, so I find myself skimming over their interactions. Just get on with solving the case!
However, as slow moving as this was, by about 50%, things picked up. Although there are no surprises or twists, the plot was still good. Eventually, there was a lot of action, but that was near the end. Everything was laid out for the reader, so there was no guessing, and almost everything was tied up very well.
Overall, it was good....still not great, but improving!
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
October 9, 2021
The Hidden Girl by Roger Stelljes is the third instalment in the former FBI Special Agent Tori Hunter series, set in Manchester Bay, Minnesota.
Tori returned to her hometown of Manchester Bay after resigning from her job working for the FBI. She is in a relationship with Shepherd County Chief of Detectives Will Braddock and has had therapy to help her work through some personal issues. When teenager Cara returns home after a night out she finds her father and stepmother murdered in their home. The perpetrators are still there so she flees into the woods to escape them. She can’t identify them and tells Tori that she can only see in her mind the flash of a man's face.
With its excellent plot and zippy pacing, I had difficulty putting this book down between chapters. The Hidden Girl was such a compelling read, and I relished every moment. Special Agent Tori Hunter is really well-drawn, super-confident, with a huge personality. This was a riveting, dark tale and Roger Stelljes certainly has an ability to pull the wool over the reader's eyes, cleverly concealing clues and facts until precisely the right moment. An absolutely cracking piece of crime fiction, chillingly and brilliantly delivered, it had enough intensity, action, twists and emotion to keep me reading late into the night. As the story barrelled towards the grand finale I didn't see what was around the corner. Highly recommended without any doubt.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
Tori returned to her hometown of Manchester Bay after resigning from her job working for the FBI. She is in a relationship with Shepherd County Chief of Detectives Will Braddock and has had therapy to help her work through some personal issues. When teenager Cara returns home after a night out she finds her father and stepmother murdered in their home. The perpetrators are still there so she flees into the woods to escape them. She can’t identify them and tells Tori that she can only see in her mind the flash of a man's face.
With its excellent plot and zippy pacing, I had difficulty putting this book down between chapters. The Hidden Girl was such a compelling read, and I relished every moment. Special Agent Tori Hunter is really well-drawn, super-confident, with a huge personality. This was a riveting, dark tale and Roger Stelljes certainly has an ability to pull the wool over the reader's eyes, cleverly concealing clues and facts until precisely the right moment. An absolutely cracking piece of crime fiction, chillingly and brilliantly delivered, it had enough intensity, action, twists and emotion to keep me reading late into the night. As the story barrelled towards the grand finale I didn't see what was around the corner. Highly recommended without any doubt.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
September 22, 2021
First off like always I want to say a huge thank you to the publisher Bookouture , the author Tori Stelljes, and to NetGalley for the invite to join this blog tour as well as letting me read and review it. This is a series that I'm enjoying so much that I can't believe how much ,and so far I've only read books 2 and 3 but I'm hooked , and yes I still need to read book 1 which I have and I know that I'm reading the series some what out of order but that's me and its something I tend to do ,plus I'm not having any trouble following along with the story.There just something about these types of thrillers that I love to read especially when they take place in a small town and everyone seems to know everyone . It has everything in that i like , lies, murder, secrets,drama, a bit of romance ( but that doesn't take away from the story), and the characters just play off from one other . Another thing I loved was how you get to more backstory of Tori's past as a teenager and how that plays into what's going on, and it makes you ask yourself some really hard questions about what is right and wrong,and would you do it as well if you had to make the same judgment call. and the more you reading the more you also start to ask yourself do you really know anyone like you think you do, and other question it makes you ask is if these cases are linked and if so how. Its a story that brings to life that there is always going to be hard choices to make and wither those choices are right or wrong but at the time they maybe the only ones you can make or have to make.
September 16, 2021
This book starts with a terrifying scenario…a couple returning from a night out are attacked. The wife is raped before being strangled, her husband forced to watch until his throat is slit. During the clean-up their daughter returns home, having broken her curfew, and when she disturbs the killers she runs for her life. Though she survives, the scars will not go away.
The detective sent to investigate this, Tori, is meant to be familiar to us. I haven’t read the others in the series, so while I appreciated the backstory details and this worked as a stand-alone I think it may have been more impactful if you’d read the first two books.
What Tori cannot shake is the feeling that this murder is reminiscent of another…one much closer to home. As the body count increases, it becomes harder to ignore those links. However, this new investigation brings to light details of past events and forces those alive to deal with the fallout.
It’s a book that rarely takes its foot off the floor. From start to finish there’s always something going on that you cannot wait to see of its relevance. There’s plenty of emotional focus on Tori and her partner, which I imagine would have more bearing if you’ve been there from the start.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy in advance of publication in exchange for my honest thoughts.
The detective sent to investigate this, Tori, is meant to be familiar to us. I haven’t read the others in the series, so while I appreciated the backstory details and this worked as a stand-alone I think it may have been more impactful if you’d read the first two books.
What Tori cannot shake is the feeling that this murder is reminiscent of another…one much closer to home. As the body count increases, it becomes harder to ignore those links. However, this new investigation brings to light details of past events and forces those alive to deal with the fallout.
It’s a book that rarely takes its foot off the floor. From start to finish there’s always something going on that you cannot wait to see of its relevance. There’s plenty of emotional focus on Tori and her partner, which I imagine would have more bearing if you’ve been there from the start.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy in advance of publication in exchange for my honest thoughts.
October 12, 2021
A tense, high-octane, action-packed, procedural thriller that was in equal parts gruesome and gripping.
When Agent Tori Hunter and Chief Detective Braddock are called to the crime scene of a brutal double homicide, it invokes memories of a similar crime from twenty-four years ago when Tori's father, Jim was the Sheriff. With the only witness unable to provide any solid identification and the culprit for the original crime having died while in prison, Tori, Braddock and their team are in a race against time to catch the killers as the body count rises.
I love a good cop procedural drama, be it on TV or in a book. And 'The Hidden Girl, with its excellent protagonists and chilling storyline with a nail-biting climax was simply superb. The narrative flits between the past and the present, tying the two crimes together. While the suspense factor was high, the gory description of the murders may seem disturbing to those who have a weak stomach for violence (yours truly, for example). While the killer is eventually caught, the story did end on a cliffhanger for Tori and Braddock's relationship. Can't wait for the next book to read more on that.
Overall, a totally engrossing crime thriller. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
When Agent Tori Hunter and Chief Detective Braddock are called to the crime scene of a brutal double homicide, it invokes memories of a similar crime from twenty-four years ago when Tori's father, Jim was the Sheriff. With the only witness unable to provide any solid identification and the culprit for the original crime having died while in prison, Tori, Braddock and their team are in a race against time to catch the killers as the body count rises.
I love a good cop procedural drama, be it on TV or in a book. And 'The Hidden Girl, with its excellent protagonists and chilling storyline with a nail-biting climax was simply superb. The narrative flits between the past and the present, tying the two crimes together. While the suspense factor was high, the gory description of the murders may seem disturbing to those who have a weak stomach for violence (yours truly, for example). While the killer is eventually caught, the story did end on a cliffhanger for Tori and Braddock's relationship. Can't wait for the next book to read more on that.
Overall, a totally engrossing crime thriller. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Hidden Girl' by Roger Stelljes .
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Roger Stelljes, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 7th October 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is the third book in the 'Agent Tori Hunter' series but can be read as a standalone.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of Kendra Elliot, Robert Dugoni and Lisa Jackson won’t be able to put this down' I am a fan of Kendra Elliot so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 30 chapters. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Minnesota, USA 🇺🇸.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Agent Tori Hunter. The benefits of third person perspective with are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Hidden Girl' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Roger discusses/includes rape, murder and mention of cancer.
Wow!! OMG!!! Roger where have you been all. My life??? What an absolutely riveting, non stop action packed crime thriller!!! I was absolutely hooked from the first page to the last!!! This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that absorbs the reader into the storyline. The cover, title and synopsis suit the plot perfectly.
Although this is the third book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader. This was an explosive introduction to the series for me and I cannot wait to get my hands on the previous books on the series as well as any new releases. It sucks the reader straight into the action. I also enjoyed the great chapter titles that are quotes from that chapter and give the reader an insight into what happens in it. The storyline is filled with suspense, crime, romance, murder, secrets, family and lies and filled with tension which left me on the edge of my seat biting my nails with my heart pounding throughout. It is very fast paced and absolutely action packedI absolutely loved the fact that we got to see what was going on through the peeps perspective which I found quite unique as although you may get one chapter from the perps POV not often you get to see what they are doing throughout the storyline. Also congratulations on an absolutely fantastic book and if this book is anything to go by then an absolutely fantastically explosive series!!!
It is set over/includes multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but strangely I find it important that I like the pathologist too. In this case the pathologist was Doctor Galen Renfrow and I am pleased to say that I really liked him and his personality. I am pleased to say that I really liked and became invested in Tori, Will, Steak and Eggs (absolutely loved that nickname!!) and the majority of the team. There was an excellent team dynamic and they all worked well together which is nice to see them each with their own unique and strong personalities. I liked Tori's kick butt attitude and that she doesn't take any crud. Tori went through a loss herself and yet didn't play the victim card and uses it to her advantage to connect with characters to help the case. I'm looking forward to getting to know her better from the previous books. Will seems to be a sweet guy and it will be interesting to see how his and Tori's relationship develops or if it will even survive with that ending.
Congratulations Roger on a fantastic read and welcome to my favourite crime author list!!! I am looking forward to reading your previous and future successes and here's to your next 🥂!!
Overall a page turning and addictive explosive crime thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat throughout!!
Genres covered in this book include Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Romance Novel, Psychological Thriller, Hardboiled, Noir Fiction, Police Procedural and Crime Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Angela Marsons, CL Taylor, Carol Wyer, Kendra Elliott, Karin Slaughter, PJ Tracy and anyone looking for an explosive new series to sink their teeth into!!!
396 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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Review for 'The Hidden Girl' by Roger Stelljes .
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Roger Stelljes, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 7th October 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is the third book in the 'Agent Tori Hunter' series but can be read as a standalone.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of Kendra Elliot, Robert Dugoni and Lisa Jackson won’t be able to put this down' I am a fan of Kendra Elliot so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 30 chapters. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Minnesota, USA 🇺🇸.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Agent Tori Hunter. The benefits of third person perspective with are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Hidden Girl' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Roger discusses/includes rape, murder and mention of cancer.
Wow!! OMG!!! Roger where have you been all. My life??? What an absolutely riveting, non stop action packed crime thriller!!! I was absolutely hooked from the first page to the last!!! This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that absorbs the reader into the storyline. The cover, title and synopsis suit the plot perfectly.
Although this is the third book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader. This was an explosive introduction to the series for me and I cannot wait to get my hands on the previous books on the series as well as any new releases. It sucks the reader straight into the action. I also enjoyed the great chapter titles that are quotes from that chapter and give the reader an insight into what happens in it. The storyline is filled with suspense, crime, romance, murder, secrets, family and lies and filled with tension which left me on the edge of my seat biting my nails with my heart pounding throughout. It is very fast paced and absolutely action packedI absolutely loved the fact that we got to see what was going on through the peeps perspective which I found quite unique as although you may get one chapter from the perps POV not often you get to see what they are doing throughout the storyline. Also congratulations on an absolutely fantastic book and if this book is anything to go by then an absolutely fantastically explosive series!!!
It is set over/includes multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but strangely I find it important that I like the pathologist too. In this case the pathologist was Doctor Galen Renfrow and I am pleased to say that I really liked him and his personality. I am pleased to say that I really liked and became invested in Tori, Will, Steak and Eggs (absolutely loved that nickname!!) and the majority of the team. There was an excellent team dynamic and they all worked well together which is nice to see them each with their own unique and strong personalities. I liked Tori's kick butt attitude and that she doesn't take any crud. Tori went through a loss herself and yet didn't play the victim card and uses it to her advantage to connect with characters to help the case. I'm looking forward to getting to know her better from the previous books. Will seems to be a sweet guy and it will be interesting to see how his and Tori's relationship develops or if it will even survive with that ending.
Congratulations Roger on a fantastic read and welcome to my favourite crime author list!!! I am looking forward to reading your previous and future successes and here's to your next 🥂!!
Overall a page turning and addictive explosive crime thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat throughout!!
Genres covered in this book include Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Romance Novel, Psychological Thriller, Hardboiled, Noir Fiction, Police Procedural and Crime Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Angela Marsons, CL Taylor, Carol Wyer, Kendra Elliott, Karin Slaughter, PJ Tracy and anyone looking for an explosive new series to sink their teeth into!!!
396 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheHiddenGirl #Bookouture #RogerStelljes #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@RogerStelljes @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
October 7, 2021
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley, too,
For my copy of this book, this is my honest review:
This story is a chilling crime thriller
Involving revenge, torture and a serial killer.
The first such crime was twenty-four years ago
And the perpetrator is now dying in jail, so
Who are the killers involved after all this time?
Can they be brought to justice and pay for their crime?
Agent Tori Hunter and Will Braddock lead the investigation
Whilst also exploring their close, very personal relation.
There are secrets and facts from the earlier crime
That will impinge on what has happened this time.
With team members Steak and Egg along, too,
Let's hope together they'll be a successful in all they do!
This is another brilliant, dramatic, action-packed plot
A totally engrossing, a page-turner, I enjoyed a lot.
The characters, relationships and plot is so great,
Making it so easy to them all to relate.
I have no hesitation at all to highly recommend to you
This book and series if you enjoy crime thrillers, too!
For my copy of this book, this is my honest review:
This story is a chilling crime thriller
Involving revenge, torture and a serial killer.
The first such crime was twenty-four years ago
And the perpetrator is now dying in jail, so
Who are the killers involved after all this time?
Can they be brought to justice and pay for their crime?
Agent Tori Hunter and Will Braddock lead the investigation
Whilst also exploring their close, very personal relation.
There are secrets and facts from the earlier crime
That will impinge on what has happened this time.
With team members Steak and Egg along, too,
Let's hope together they'll be a successful in all they do!
This is another brilliant, dramatic, action-packed plot
A totally engrossing, a page-turner, I enjoyed a lot.
The characters, relationships and plot is so great,
Making it so easy to them all to relate.
I have no hesitation at all to highly recommend to you
This book and series if you enjoy crime thrillers, too!
October 7, 2021
This is another great book in this wonderful series!
Tori, Will and the rest of the team don’t really get a lot a time to take a breath. They are hardly leaving one crime scene when they are already called in for a new one. It’s obvious these case are connected, but why are there some things that differ too? Do they have the stamp of the same culprit as a case investigated in the past? Or even to more than one?
When they dig deeper into the case, they find some things out they are seriously thrown by. It’s very devastating and Tori is deeply hurt and shocked…
Life as she knew it, people as she knew them… Nothing seems the same anymore.
Her life started in Manchester Bay. She left and came back. She thought she found happiness, but she feels like she does not belong anymore.
And then the author decides to torture the readers LOL. I do hope you write very fast and finish book 4 very soon, because I need to know… badly. 🙂
I loved it. It was full of suspense and action. Great, greater, greatest. 5 stars
Thank you, Roger Stelljes and Bookouture
Tori, Will and the rest of the team don’t really get a lot a time to take a breath. They are hardly leaving one crime scene when they are already called in for a new one. It’s obvious these case are connected, but why are there some things that differ too? Do they have the stamp of the same culprit as a case investigated in the past? Or even to more than one?
When they dig deeper into the case, they find some things out they are seriously thrown by. It’s very devastating and Tori is deeply hurt and shocked…
Life as she knew it, people as she knew them… Nothing seems the same anymore.
Her life started in Manchester Bay. She left and came back. She thought she found happiness, but she feels like she does not belong anymore.
And then the author decides to torture the readers LOL. I do hope you write very fast and finish book 4 very soon, because I need to know… badly. 🙂
I loved it. It was full of suspense and action. Great, greater, greatest. 5 stars
Thank you, Roger Stelljes and Bookouture
October 14, 2021
WOW! Mr Stelljes certainly knows how to start a book off with a gripping bang!! Thrown straight into the deep end (let’s hope you can all swim).
I’ve jumped into this series with book 3, did I feel that I was missing parts from previous books? No, there is just enough information on those parts that filled in the gaps, didnt leave me with questions and wishing I’d started from the beginning.
I flew through this book, I was totally immersed in the events unfolding before my eyes, gripped by the action, pace and characters….. there is also an in depth gore factor (which I love!)
A fabulous read, it also ends on a bit of a cliffhanger so be warned, you will be stalking the author for info on book 4!!
I’ve jumped into this series with book 3, did I feel that I was missing parts from previous books? No, there is just enough information on those parts that filled in the gaps, didnt leave me with questions and wishing I’d started from the beginning.
I flew through this book, I was totally immersed in the events unfolding before my eyes, gripped by the action, pace and characters….. there is also an in depth gore factor (which I love!)
A fabulous read, it also ends on a bit of a cliffhanger so be warned, you will be stalking the author for info on book 4!!
August 28, 2021
Third book in the Tori Hunter series and it does not disappoint. Full review closer to release. You don’t need to read the others in the series but it is beneficial to understand the back story and what drives Tori to do the things she does.
The ending … oh my heart, I need book 4!
The ending … oh my heart, I need book 4!
May 28, 2022
Two-haiku review:
Married couple killed
In the same way as old case
But killer's in jail
Exciting story
Interesting characters
And real bad bad guy
Married couple killed
In the same way as old case
But killer's in jail
Exciting story
Interesting characters
And real bad bad guy
August 3, 2024
FYI disturbing content. But another great thriller in the Tori Hunter series.
January 9, 2025
Best in the series so far.
May 29, 2025
Freaking cliffhanger…
August 19, 2025
truthfully my attention span is so fried any book over 200 pages is a real struggle but this had me hooked
July 26, 2023
bro the ending made me mad why tf arent they just being a happy couple and getting married, this “are you serious about this, me an quinn?” OFC THE FUCK SHE IS NOW GET MARRIED ALREADY AND LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER.
the actual story was okay ig his stuff is a bit far fetched for me tho
the actual story was okay ig his stuff is a bit far fetched for me tho
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2021
This was the first book in this series for me and I’m excited to read more! I’m going back to start from the beginning while I wait for the next installment. An interesting case, dynamic characters, and a robust plot kept me frantically turning pages. I loved the main character, a fierce female detective. I’m thrilled to find a new series to follow along with. My thanks to the publisher for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review!
October 11, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Hidden Girl' by Roger Stelljes .
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Roger Stelljes, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 7th October 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is the third book in the 'Agent Tori Hunter' series but can be read as a standalone.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of Kendra Elliot, Robert Dugoni and Lisa Jackson won’t be able to put this down' I am a fan of Kendra Elliot so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 30 chapters. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Minnesota, USA 🇺🇸.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Agent Tori Hunter. The benefits of third person perspective with are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Hidden Girl' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Roger discusses/includes rape, murder and mention of cancer.
Wow!! OMG!!! Roger where have you been all. My life??? What an absolutely riveting, non stop action packed crime thriller!!! I was absolutely hooked from the first page to the last!!! This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that absorbs the reader into the storyline. The cover, title and synopsis suit the plot perfectly.
Although this is the third book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader. This was an explosive introduction to the series for me and I cannot wait to get my hands on the previous books on the series as well as any new releases. It sucks the reader straight into the action. I also enjoyed the great chapter titles that are quotes from that chapter and give the reader an insight into what happens in it. The storyline is filled with suspense, crime, romance, murder, secrets, family and lies and filled with tension which left me on the edge of my seat biting my nails with my heart pounding throughout. It is very fast paced and absolutely action packedI absolutely loved the fact that we got to see what was going on through the peeps perspective which I found quite unique as although you may get one chapter from the perps POV not often you get to see what they are doing throughout the storyline. Also congratulations on an absolutely fantastic book and if this book is anything to go by then an absolutely fantastically explosive series!!!
It is set over/includes multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but strangely I find it important that I like the pathologist too. In this case the pathologist was Doctor Galen Renfrow and I am pleased to say that I really liked him and his personality. I am pleased to say that I really liked and became invested in Tori, Will, Steak and Eggs (absolutely loved that nickname!!) and the majority of the team. There was an excellent team dynamic and they all worked well together which is nice to see them each with their own unique and strong personalities. I liked Tori's kick butt attitude and that she doesn't take any crud. Tori went through a loss herself and yet didn't play the victim card and uses it to her advantage to connect with characters to help the case. I'm looking forward to getting to know her better from the previous books. Will seems to be a sweet guy and it will be interesting to see how his and Tori's relationship develops or if it will even survive with that ending.
Congratulations Roger on a fantastic read and welcome to my favourite crime author list!!! I am looking forward to reading your previous and future successes and here's to your next 🥂!!
Overall a page turning and addictive explosive crime thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat throughout!!
Genres covered in this book include Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Romance Novel, Psychological Thriller, Hardboiled, Noir Fiction, Police Procedural and Crime Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Angela Marsons, CL Taylor, Carol Wyer, Kendra Elliott, Karin Slaughter, PJ Tracy and anyone looking for an explosive new series to sink their teeth into!!!
396 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheHiddenGirl #Bookouture #RogerStelljes #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@RogerStelljes @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'The Hidden Girl' by Roger Stelljes .
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Roger Stelljes, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 7th October 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is the third book in the 'Agent Tori Hunter' series but can be read as a standalone.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of Kendra Elliot, Robert Dugoni and Lisa Jackson won’t be able to put this down' I am a fan of Kendra Elliot so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 30 chapters. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Minnesota, USA 🇺🇸.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Agent Tori Hunter. The benefits of third person perspective with are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Hidden Girl' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Roger discusses/includes rape, murder and mention of cancer.
Wow!! OMG!!! Roger where have you been all. My life??? What an absolutely riveting, non stop action packed crime thriller!!! I was absolutely hooked from the first page to the last!!! This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that absorbs the reader into the storyline. The cover, title and synopsis suit the plot perfectly.
Although this is the third book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader. This was an explosive introduction to the series for me and I cannot wait to get my hands on the previous books on the series as well as any new releases. It sucks the reader straight into the action. I also enjoyed the great chapter titles that are quotes from that chapter and give the reader an insight into what happens in it. The storyline is filled with suspense, crime, romance, murder, secrets, family and lies and filled with tension which left me on the edge of my seat biting my nails with my heart pounding throughout. It is very fast paced and absolutely action packedI absolutely loved the fact that we got to see what was going on through the peeps perspective which I found quite unique as although you may get one chapter from the perps POV not often you get to see what they are doing throughout the storyline. Also congratulations on an absolutely fantastic book and if this book is anything to go by then an absolutely fantastically explosive series!!!
It is set over/includes multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but strangely I find it important that I like the pathologist too. In this case the pathologist was Doctor Galen Renfrow and I am pleased to say that I really liked him and his personality. I am pleased to say that I really liked and became invested in Tori, Will, Steak and Eggs (absolutely loved that nickname!!) and the majority of the team. There was an excellent team dynamic and they all worked well together which is nice to see them each with their own unique and strong personalities. I liked Tori's kick butt attitude and that she doesn't take any crud. Tori went through a loss herself and yet didn't play the victim card and uses it to her advantage to connect with characters to help the case. I'm looking forward to getting to know her better from the previous books. Will seems to be a sweet guy and it will be interesting to see how his and Tori's relationship develops or if it will even survive with that ending.
Congratulations Roger on a fantastic read and welcome to my favourite crime author list!!! I am looking forward to reading your previous and future successes and here's to your next 🥂!!
Overall a page turning and addictive explosive crime thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat throughout!!
Genres covered in this book include Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Romance Novel, Psychological Thriller, Hardboiled, Noir Fiction, Police Procedural and Crime Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Angela Marsons, CL Taylor, Carol Wyer, Kendra Elliott, Karin Slaughter, PJ Tracy and anyone looking for an explosive new series to sink their teeth into!!!
396 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheHiddenGirl #Bookouture #RogerStelljes #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@RogerStelljes @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
September 16, 2021
Agent Tori Hunter is back with another case!
In a cabin situated through the woods, a couple, Dan and Heidi Newman were found brutally murdered--Dan's throat was slit and he was forced to watch his wife getting murdered. The only survivor was Dan's teenage daughter, Cara who fled the scene and was chased by the two men--one big, one small. When Agent Tori was asked to investigate the crime scene, she found this very similar to another murder case that took place twenty four years ago, with her own father as the lead investigator. The problem was the one who was responsible for those murders is safely locked in jail, Then another family gets murdered and Tori must find the killers before it is too late.
From the first chapter to the end, I was literally hooked into this book! The Tori Hunter series gets better and better and I was not disappointed with this book. I stayed up all night, waiting to find out who the killer is and there were so much unexpected twists and turns, with the thriller being fast paced, which makes a plus sign in the book!. I couldn't simply put this book down ! I felt like I am watching some action packed movie that had kept me at the edge of my seat. Not only that--I felt like I was in a roller coaster ride with this book! Couldn't wait to read more books from this series and very much looking forward to it!
I also like the personal touch in the book--the relationship between Tori and Braddock, which I will always root for them besides the excitement of catching the killer. There were many suspects that I couldn't even predict who is the actual killer--normally, I would suspect who would be the killer. But in this case, it was totally unexpected. And the other thing--there's so much suspense in this book that will leave you hooked.
Overall, this was a twisted, thrilling ride, that will keep you hooked from the beginning to the end!
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
In a cabin situated through the woods, a couple, Dan and Heidi Newman were found brutally murdered--Dan's throat was slit and he was forced to watch his wife getting murdered. The only survivor was Dan's teenage daughter, Cara who fled the scene and was chased by the two men--one big, one small. When Agent Tori was asked to investigate the crime scene, she found this very similar to another murder case that took place twenty four years ago, with her own father as the lead investigator. The problem was the one who was responsible for those murders is safely locked in jail, Then another family gets murdered and Tori must find the killers before it is too late.
From the first chapter to the end, I was literally hooked into this book! The Tori Hunter series gets better and better and I was not disappointed with this book. I stayed up all night, waiting to find out who the killer is and there were so much unexpected twists and turns, with the thriller being fast paced, which makes a plus sign in the book!. I couldn't simply put this book down ! I felt like I am watching some action packed movie that had kept me at the edge of my seat. Not only that--I felt like I was in a roller coaster ride with this book! Couldn't wait to read more books from this series and very much looking forward to it!
I also like the personal touch in the book--the relationship between Tori and Braddock, which I will always root for them besides the excitement of catching the killer. There were many suspects that I couldn't even predict who is the actual killer--normally, I would suspect who would be the killer. But in this case, it was totally unexpected. And the other thing--there's so much suspense in this book that will leave you hooked.
Overall, this was a twisted, thrilling ride, that will keep you hooked from the beginning to the end!
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
August 29, 2021
I love this series!! From page one this kept me on the edge of my seat.. When a couple is brutally murdered Braddock with the help of Tori are called in.. The only witness is the daughter of the murdered guy who walked in on the murderers cleaning up.. She manages to escape and call the police.. Tori is really good at dealing with young girls from her own experiences and from the work she used to do with the FBI..
Tori and Braddock make a great invesitgative team, and a great couple. They work so well together its like a well oiled machine.. When Tori gets the details of the murder it starts ringing a few bells... With the help of Cal she is able to connect the dots to a case her father worked 24 years ago.. One that is eerily similiar to the crime scene they are working.. However that case was solved and the killer is serving life.. They are positve that they got the right guy for the first case.. so did he have help? How is the past case connected to this one? This takes them into a deep dive into the past.. and sheds some not so great light on Toris father and her mentor/ honorary uncle Cal.. This causes a whole new set of problems between her and Braddock. I mean they'll be okay.. right? Couples fight all the time.. and these two are definitely ment to be.. If only Tori could get out of her own way.. sigh... Well Its a good thing they can still work well together even if they arent in 100% in sync at home.. Because they are going to need to both be working this case to have any hope of putting all the pieces together..
Roger Stellijes did a great job of dropping hints about who the killer /killers were. It was action packed from the first chapter, and was non stop until the very end.. and while the case was wrapped up.. that ending definitely left me wanting more.. like right now.. I can't wait to see what the next book/case is going to have in store for one of my favorite couples..
Tori and Braddock make a great invesitgative team, and a great couple. They work so well together its like a well oiled machine.. When Tori gets the details of the murder it starts ringing a few bells... With the help of Cal she is able to connect the dots to a case her father worked 24 years ago.. One that is eerily similiar to the crime scene they are working.. However that case was solved and the killer is serving life.. They are positve that they got the right guy for the first case.. so did he have help? How is the past case connected to this one? This takes them into a deep dive into the past.. and sheds some not so great light on Toris father and her mentor/ honorary uncle Cal.. This causes a whole new set of problems between her and Braddock. I mean they'll be okay.. right? Couples fight all the time.. and these two are definitely ment to be.. If only Tori could get out of her own way.. sigh... Well Its a good thing they can still work well together even if they arent in 100% in sync at home.. Because they are going to need to both be working this case to have any hope of putting all the pieces together..
Roger Stellijes did a great job of dropping hints about who the killer /killers were. It was action packed from the first chapter, and was non stop until the very end.. and while the case was wrapped up.. that ending definitely left me wanting more.. like right now.. I can't wait to see what the next book/case is going to have in store for one of my favorite couples..
October 2, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of The Hidden Girl, the third novel to feature former FBI agent Tori Hunter turned consultant for the Manchester Bay, Minnesota’s Sheriff’s Office.
When teenager Cara returns home after a night out she finds her father and stepmother murdered in their home and the perpetrators still there. Fleeing to the neighbouring woods she manages to escape them. She can’t identify them but they don’t know that so her life is still in danger. Tori is asked to assist the investigation.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Hidden Girl, which tells a compelling tale of the past casting a long shadow into the present. I will say that the blurb is fairly misleading as it makes no mention of an old case with a remarkable resemblance to the present day murder that ties everything together and is central to the novel.
The novel is told principally from Tori’s point of view but the killers and their actions get a fair amount of time. This is enough to explain some of their actions but not enough to give the motive or their game plan away. It works well as it whets the reader’s appetite for more and an explanation and I liked that the small reveals from both sides give the reader a broader understanding of what is going on. The timeline is mostly present day but slips back twenty four years to explain some of the reasoning on the old case from time to time. I’m not sure that works so well, but, on the other hand, it adds an extra dimension.
The plot premise, once the motive becomes apparent, requires a certain suspension of disbelief but that doesn’t stop it being an absorbing read with a complicated but easily understandable plot, the requisite and imaginative action scenes and a certain amount of emotional tension. It ticks all the boxes.
The Hidden Girl is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
When teenager Cara returns home after a night out she finds her father and stepmother murdered in their home and the perpetrators still there. Fleeing to the neighbouring woods she manages to escape them. She can’t identify them but they don’t know that so her life is still in danger. Tori is asked to assist the investigation.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Hidden Girl, which tells a compelling tale of the past casting a long shadow into the present. I will say that the blurb is fairly misleading as it makes no mention of an old case with a remarkable resemblance to the present day murder that ties everything together and is central to the novel.
The novel is told principally from Tori’s point of view but the killers and their actions get a fair amount of time. This is enough to explain some of their actions but not enough to give the motive or their game plan away. It works well as it whets the reader’s appetite for more and an explanation and I liked that the small reveals from both sides give the reader a broader understanding of what is going on. The timeline is mostly present day but slips back twenty four years to explain some of the reasoning on the old case from time to time. I’m not sure that works so well, but, on the other hand, it adds an extra dimension.
The plot premise, once the motive becomes apparent, requires a certain suspension of disbelief but that doesn’t stop it being an absorbing read with a complicated but easily understandable plot, the requisite and imaginative action scenes and a certain amount of emotional tension. It ticks all the boxes.
The Hidden Girl is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
September 5, 2021
The Hidden Girl is on par with the first two installments of the series, The Winter Girls and Silence Girls. Mr. Stelljes’ character Tori Hunter, not to be confused with Torii Hunter (The Twins great), is a top notch character that gains a little more depth with each novel. The Hidden Girl centers around a gruesome murder of a couple at their remote house in the north woods. Tori is called in to consult on the murders by her boyfriend and lead detective Braddock. This murder has many similarities with a murder over two decades old that happened when Tori’s dad, Big Jim Hunter, was sheriff. The murderer of those murders is in the clear as he is currently dying of cancer in prison. As Tori and Braddock investigate more they find the murder might be connected to old murders after all and a secret no one thought would come to light.
I thought this book was well written with enough mystery and intrigue to keep you on your toes and invested. The character of Tori Hunter keeps growing and you see more sides of her in each novel. The rest of the cast, Braddock, Cal, Steak, and Eggs, are solid and add to your enjoyment. The setting of Northern Minnesota is tough to beat with the numerous lakes and full woods. Mr. Stelljes knows how to weave it all together just right. This book is an easy read that I didn’t want to put down.
The book ended with a bit of a cliffhanger in Tori’s life (sorry no hints), so there is mostly likely going to be another novel. That is great news for all of us readers. If your a fan of spine tingling fiction in a beautiful north woods setting this is a must read. You won’t be disappointed. Thank you to Roger Stelljes, Bookoutre, and Net Gallery for an advance copy for an honest review.
I thought this book was well written with enough mystery and intrigue to keep you on your toes and invested. The character of Tori Hunter keeps growing and you see more sides of her in each novel. The rest of the cast, Braddock, Cal, Steak, and Eggs, are solid and add to your enjoyment. The setting of Northern Minnesota is tough to beat with the numerous lakes and full woods. Mr. Stelljes knows how to weave it all together just right. This book is an easy read that I didn’t want to put down.
The book ended with a bit of a cliffhanger in Tori’s life (sorry no hints), so there is mostly likely going to be another novel. That is great news for all of us readers. If your a fan of spine tingling fiction in a beautiful north woods setting this is a must read. You won’t be disappointed. Thank you to Roger Stelljes, Bookoutre, and Net Gallery for an advance copy for an honest review.
December 14, 2021
Tori and Will are called to the scene of a double homicide. A man and his wife have been murdered in their isolated house in the woods. Their daughter, Cara, got home just as the murderers were leaving. She is the lone witness helping the detectives to solve the case. The case takes a complex turn when its linked to a double homicide that occurred 24 years ago. The killer in this murder was arrested. This leaves the detectives wondering whether there is a copy cat killer, is the right person in jail or is the jailed murderer pulling strings behind bars?
I like Tori and Will. I’ve never been a fan of romance but this is one relationship that I like and I am rooting for. I like how the two relate and the fact that their relationship doesn’t hinder their work as detectives in any way.
This was a very rough case. The nature of the crimes was quite shocking. The rate of escalation was fast and terrifying. Even more chilling is the fact that the villain(s) was also a narrator so readers had a front row seat to their dark, twisted minds.
This wasn’t a case where you can guess the identity of the villain. Yes, we had chapters narrated by the unsub. However, nicknames were used making it hard to guess the identity of the narrator. In addition, it was so hard to guess the motives or the links to the old case. Basically, I had no suspects at all and couldn’t guess what was going on and why, until the detectives did. This made it a very captivating read for me.
Masterfully written, well-crafted characters and a solid, gripping storyline certainly made this a great read. I look forward to the next installment in the series.
I like Tori and Will. I’ve never been a fan of romance but this is one relationship that I like and I am rooting for. I like how the two relate and the fact that their relationship doesn’t hinder their work as detectives in any way.
This was a very rough case. The nature of the crimes was quite shocking. The rate of escalation was fast and terrifying. Even more chilling is the fact that the villain(s) was also a narrator so readers had a front row seat to their dark, twisted minds.
This wasn’t a case where you can guess the identity of the villain. Yes, we had chapters narrated by the unsub. However, nicknames were used making it hard to guess the identity of the narrator. In addition, it was so hard to guess the motives or the links to the old case. Basically, I had no suspects at all and couldn’t guess what was going on and why, until the detectives did. This made it a very captivating read for me.
Masterfully written, well-crafted characters and a solid, gripping storyline certainly made this a great read. I look forward to the next installment in the series.
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