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Born Bad #3

Intended Victims

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Like father, like daughter.

Poppy never believed she’d be a married woman with a pet pug, but she’s enjoying it…as much as a suburban psychopath can enjoy anything. Of course, feelings are irrelevant. It’s actions that make you a good employee, a good friend, a good wife—her husband would never believe that she’s as numb inside as a dead tooth. And though the fact that she got her serial killer father locked away doesn’t speak well of her as a daughter, she’s content to remain hidden in his shadow.

But when a local murder rocks her town, Poppy finds herself at the center of the investigation. Strangely, the lead detective is the same man who investigated her father, an Alabama sheriff who seems to have taken a job with the state police for the sole purpose of watching her. It doesn’t help when evidence from the local murder scene leads back to Poppy—someone is trying to frame her for a crime she didn’t commit.

But Poppy won’t make that easy—no way is she ending up in prison like her father. And though her dad may have been a murderous psychopath, he was even more adept at manipulation. You don’t kill fifty people and still have the neighbors convinced you’re a great guy unless you’re an excellent faker.

And he taught Poppy well.

She’ll give this town something they’ll never see coming.


Twisted, sharp as a blade, and addictively macabre, Intended Victims doesn’t let up—O’Flynn is a master of the unexpected. The Born Bad series is a guilty pleasure that will keep readers hooked from page one. For fans of Heartsick, Dark Places, and the Mr. Mercedes series.

239 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 10, 2021

27 people are currently reading
71 people want to read

About the author

Meghan O'Flynn

172 books666 followers
With books deemed “visceral, haunting, and fully immersive” (New York Times bestseller, Andra Watkins), Meghan O’Flynn has made her mark on the thriller genre. Meghan is a clinical therapist who draws her character inspiration from her knowledge of the human psyche. She is the bestselling author of gritty crime novels and serial killer thrillers, all of which take readers on the dark, gripping, and unputdownable journey for which Meghan is notorious. Perfect for fans of Dexter, Chelsea Cain, and Gillian Flynn. Learn more at https://meghanoflynn.com!

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
312 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2022
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The master of dedication pages strikes again. This series, much like all her stories, should be read by all. Pure brilliance
12 reviews
April 14, 2022
It sort of started off a little slower and more predictable than the other books in this series, but the end was unexpected.
Profile Image for Bsurette86.
15 reviews
April 6, 2024
This one, almost stopped me from continuing to read the series. But it turned around and gave me a twist I enjoyed. Now on to the next!
Profile Image for Meghan O'Flynn.
Author 172 books666 followers
August 12, 2021
96 reviews3 followers
August 25, 2021
Poppy is back in all her complexity. While her daily life seems balanced, according to the standards set by society, Poppy sees her life turned upside down again. Someone is trying to blame her for a murder she didn't commit, but wishes she had. Who is trying to destroy her life, who is so angry at her? Meghan O'Flynn once again succeeds in drawing us into the twists and turns of Poppy's dark soul. I must admit that I never thought I would like a psychopath, but Poppy has something endearing about her, in addition to a delightful dark humor.

The author transports us with ease from Poppy’s past to her present, which makes us understand where she comes from, what has built the person she is. When we go back to her past as a child, I shudder to see how much of her psychopathic side we already feel at such a young age. Meghan O'Flynn's strength is that she has created a multi-dimensional character that you wouldn't want to antagonize, but has an endearing quality that makes you want to defend her against those who come from her past to ruin her life. I can't wait for the third volume in the series!
Profile Image for Heather Holter.
41 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2021
Just when she thinks her life is near perfect, she is married and about as happy as a psychopath can be, her past comes back to haunt her. Poppy is being framed for murder. Who is responsible? Could it be her evil stepsister she thinks is dead? A fire similar to the one she believes killed the girl makes her wonder. After much persuasion the police finally see she is the victim and not the perpetrator, but who is trying to get her and will she be able to get them first? Poppy thinks so, they don't know who they are messing with!

Merged review:

Just when she thinks her life is near perfect, she is married and about as happy as a psychopath can be, her past comes back to haunt her. Poppy is being framed for murder. Who is responsible? Could it be her evil stepsister she thinks is dead? A fire similar to the one she believes killed the girl makes her wonder. After much persuasion the police finally see she is the victim and not the perpetrator, but who is trying to get her and will she be able to get them first? Poppy thinks so, they don't know who they are messing with!
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,390 reviews48 followers
July 17, 2021
I loved this so much! I have never read anything like this, from this kind of point of view. I love the back and forth from past to present in Poppy's life, and it's always interesting her reasoning out her actions and reactions. Like she has to put in extra effort. I loved book one but this really ramped up the story for sure. There was twist after twist, and an ending I definitely didn't see coming, but after I read it I felt like I should have at least guessed? It speaks to the author that I'm basically rooting for a not totally innocent person here to find happiness. Poppy might not care, but I want the best for her. And I can't wait til book three because I read this too fast.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,275 reviews98 followers
July 22, 2021
Poppy is getting set up for murder. It mimics the murders her own psychopath father had done before she turned him in and sent him to prison. But someone knows way too much of when she was a young girl and is messing with her mind and her personal life. Who is it? There wasn't anyone left to tell the tale except for Poppy and she sure isn't going to tell. A very twisted mind-game story. But can Poppy prove her innocence? After all, she has done things in her past she doesn't want others to know. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
19 reviews
August 11, 2021
Poppy is back! Readers who enjoyed book one of this series will find even more twists, drama, and suspense in book two. Plus a healthy dose of psycopath humor. I really enjoy the unique perspective of these novels and the glimpses of Poppy's past that show you how she became who she is now. Looking forward to the next one!
4,313 reviews21 followers
August 14, 2021
This dark and complex series is filled with drama, intrigue, suspense, a possible frame job, and wonderful main characters. This page-turner will have the reader burning the midnight oil to get the answers they crave. This is entertainment in an enjoyable and engaging book. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Phthon.
2,339 reviews8 followers
August 10, 2021
Wow! This book was just chock full of twists and turns and surprises! I did not see the twist involving Carson or Molly. Those were some serious doozies. I do wonder how much the events in this book will change Poppy and in what way. I really enjoyed reading this twisted tale.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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