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FBI Agent Erin Hastings #1
What You Deserve
When lives are on the line, failure is not an option…
FBI Special Agent Erin Hastings is driven by the pain of her past. Fifteen years ago, she could’ve stopped her twin brother from killing his sixth victim. All she wants now is a second chance at catching a killer.
Riding high after a media blitz over her latest arrest, Erin is plunged back to reality with her first serial killer case—in Erin’s hometown. Reminders of her brother’s murders plague her nightmares. Haunted by the similarities between the two cases, Erin vows she won't make the same rookie mistake again. This time, she’ll stop the murderer before he can claim any more innocent lives.
But the race to catch this ruthless killer grows more desperate as the body count rises. And with every suspect her team clears, Erin’s chances at redemption wither away. All while pressure for an arrest from higher-ups intensifies.
Erin won’t quit until she gets her man. Not when history seeks to repeat itself. With another victim’s life at stake, she’ll risk going rogue before she gives up.
But will she jeopardize her own life, rather than let this killer strike again?
FBI Special Agent Erin Hastings is driven by the pain of her past. Fifteen years ago, she could’ve stopped her twin brother from killing his sixth victim. All she wants now is a second chance at catching a killer.
Riding high after a media blitz over her latest arrest, Erin is plunged back to reality with her first serial killer case—in Erin’s hometown. Reminders of her brother’s murders plague her nightmares. Haunted by the similarities between the two cases, Erin vows she won't make the same rookie mistake again. This time, she’ll stop the murderer before he can claim any more innocent lives.
But the race to catch this ruthless killer grows more desperate as the body count rises. And with every suspect her team clears, Erin’s chances at redemption wither away. All while pressure for an arrest from higher-ups intensifies.
Erin won’t quit until she gets her man. Not when history seeks to repeat itself. With another victim’s life at stake, she’ll risk going rogue before she gives up.
But will she jeopardize her own life, rather than let this killer strike again?
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2021
113 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Alicia Lawson
2 books9 followersAlicia Lawson first delved into the world of serial killers when she watched true crime documentaries with her grandmother. Alicia was so intrigued by how the detectives would solve the case that she would read stacks of crime fiction and as much forensic non-fiction as her worried mother would allow.
Now a full-time writer, she lives in her native California with her husband and two dogs. Returning to her roots, she draws inspiration from real case studies, genre staples, and research for her own stories. Her books feature strong female characters who face their pasts head-on, using their driven nature to dig into the evidence and catch the killer.
Now a full-time writer, she lives in her native California with her husband and two dogs. Returning to her roots, she draws inspiration from real case studies, genre staples, and research for her own stories. Her books feature strong female characters who face their pasts head-on, using their driven nature to dig into the evidence and catch the killer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 10, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
A decent FBI agent book with some areas that are a little unbelievable. Will look out for others in the series.
A decent FBI agent book with some areas that are a little unbelievable. Will look out for others in the series.
October 27, 2021
*Thank you to Relay publishing for sending this book my way in exchange for an honest review!*
If you like fast paced police based crime thrillers, this is your average run-of-the-mill novel and you’ll have a good time. It was very typical of the genre and offered nothing new to me, but was entertaining and had an ending I didn’t predict.
This book was fast paced which was definitely a positive as it kept me pushing through really quickly, but I feel like it did make the story feel a bit stinted. There was no real build up or anticipation for anything, which meant no tension could be achieved. In some of the scenes where heavy conflict or a lot of drama was supposed to be happening, I didn’t feel much because it was very rushed and more dialogue that description focused for the most part. It also doesn’t give you time to really process what you’d just read before you’re moving forward again. Because of this, a lot of scenes were cut short which made them feel pointless.
I don’t know how to feel about the characters here, especially our protagonist. I feel like we didn’t know her much but she did annoy me a lot. Even after being told the same thing several times and the importance of being a team player for the success of the mission and her own safety, she was still so rigid in her ways and made silly decisions. I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake her. I wish we actually got to know Erin properly. She does nothing in this book but work, and we know nothing about her life outside of work which was odd. She had no friends that she spoke to for the entirety of the book (bar one sentence), no love life, and her family relationships were … odd?
For some reason here, she reconciles with her family after 10+ years and the interactions they have make no sense given this massive time difference and how they ended things previously. Also the fact that her brother is a serial killer, their interactions are made even more insane. I just felt like everything was so unnatural and out of character it really took me out of the story because it didn't feel believable or how people would act in these situations in the slightest. The family dynamics bothered me the most out of all of the character interactions. The way they acted and spoke around each other was so off.
She seems to completely forgive and love her brother within a week of knowing him again, to the point where she’s kissing him on the forehead in hospital? I don’t know it was so weird, he’s a MURDERER? You talk about the man you’re trying to catch so differently to the way you speak about your brother yet they’re the same kind of person? It confused me. Also they spend the whole book calling each other ‘my twin’ and it bugged me so much. I hated it.
The writing was pretty amateur but I’ve read a lot of books in the genre and it felt not much out of the ordinary. It was a good first book and the plot was solid, it just needed reworking on the execution I feel. The ending was super fast paced and fun to read, the last 70 pages had me hooked and I couldn't stop until I finished it.
If you like fast paced police based crime thrillers, this is your average run-of-the-mill novel and you’ll have a good time. It was very typical of the genre and offered nothing new to me, but was entertaining and had an ending I didn’t predict.
This book was fast paced which was definitely a positive as it kept me pushing through really quickly, but I feel like it did make the story feel a bit stinted. There was no real build up or anticipation for anything, which meant no tension could be achieved. In some of the scenes where heavy conflict or a lot of drama was supposed to be happening, I didn’t feel much because it was very rushed and more dialogue that description focused for the most part. It also doesn’t give you time to really process what you’d just read before you’re moving forward again. Because of this, a lot of scenes were cut short which made them feel pointless.
I don’t know how to feel about the characters here, especially our protagonist. I feel like we didn’t know her much but she did annoy me a lot. Even after being told the same thing several times and the importance of being a team player for the success of the mission and her own safety, she was still so rigid in her ways and made silly decisions. I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake her. I wish we actually got to know Erin properly. She does nothing in this book but work, and we know nothing about her life outside of work which was odd. She had no friends that she spoke to for the entirety of the book (bar one sentence), no love life, and her family relationships were … odd?
For some reason here, she reconciles with her family after 10+ years and the interactions they have make no sense given this massive time difference and how they ended things previously. Also the fact that her brother is a serial killer, their interactions are made even more insane. I just felt like everything was so unnatural and out of character it really took me out of the story because it didn't feel believable or how people would act in these situations in the slightest. The family dynamics bothered me the most out of all of the character interactions. The way they acted and spoke around each other was so off.
She seems to completely forgive and love her brother within a week of knowing him again, to the point where she’s kissing him on the forehead in hospital? I don’t know it was so weird, he’s a MURDERER? You talk about the man you’re trying to catch so differently to the way you speak about your brother yet they’re the same kind of person? It confused me. Also they spend the whole book calling each other ‘my twin’ and it bugged me so much. I hated it.
The writing was pretty amateur but I’ve read a lot of books in the genre and it felt not much out of the ordinary. It was a good first book and the plot was solid, it just needed reworking on the execution I feel. The ending was super fast paced and fun to read, the last 70 pages had me hooked and I couldn't stop until I finished it.
September 14, 2021
This is an intriguing story with a cast of strong characters. The author does a great job developing the story and painting her scenes. It's an interesting story filled with suspense and mystery and is an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
August 5, 2022
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
What You Deserve by Alicia Lawson is a police procedural thriller about a serial killer. The story revolves arond Erin, an FBI agent whose brothers was a serial killer. Now, there is a new serial killer and there are eerie similarities between the old murders by her brother and the new murders. Can Erin stop the killer before it's too late?
Here is an exciting excerpt from Chapter 1:
"Erin couldn't hide her grin. Finally, she'd been able to announce they'd got their guy. Elation bubbled through her veins, mixing with the adrenaline that always lingered after a successful hunt. Anything was possible - even becoming an FBI team leader was within her grasp now, if she decided that was really what she wanted."
Overall, What You Deserve is a pretty standard police procedural - no more and no less. I've enjoyed books in this genre, such as the Unsub series or the Slayton Thrillers series, so I was expecting to enjoy this one. But maybe because of the predictable nature of police procedures in general, I was rather bored by this one. Nothing - not the characters, not the plot - really grabbed my attention. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of thrillers in general, you can check out this book, which is available now!
What You Deserve by Alicia Lawson is a police procedural thriller about a serial killer. The story revolves arond Erin, an FBI agent whose brothers was a serial killer. Now, there is a new serial killer and there are eerie similarities between the old murders by her brother and the new murders. Can Erin stop the killer before it's too late?
Here is an exciting excerpt from Chapter 1:
"Erin couldn't hide her grin. Finally, she'd been able to announce they'd got their guy. Elation bubbled through her veins, mixing with the adrenaline that always lingered after a successful hunt. Anything was possible - even becoming an FBI team leader was within her grasp now, if she decided that was really what she wanted."
Overall, What You Deserve is a pretty standard police procedural - no more and no less. I've enjoyed books in this genre, such as the Unsub series or the Slayton Thrillers series, so I was expecting to enjoy this one. But maybe because of the predictable nature of police procedures in general, I was rather bored by this one. Nothing - not the characters, not the plot - really grabbed my attention. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of thrillers in general, you can check out this book, which is available now!
September 19, 2021
Fast paced FBI procedural novel which is the first in a new series featuring Agent Erin Hastings. Erin is an FBI agent with a difference. Her twin brother Eric has been in prison for many years accused of killing 6 women. Erin has not seen either him or her father for many years so when she is assigned a serial killer case based in her home town she is slightly nervous.
The new case is difficult and the murderer is elusive although the reader is given the occasional chapter from his point of view.
As Erin tries to solve the case she decides to visit Eric in gaol to see if he has any insights. As her past collides with her present, Erin races against time to stop another woman being killed.
I enjoyed this book- it was a quick and easy read. There were several twists as arrests were made and it successfully kept me guests to who the real killer was.
Erin was a sympathetic character and I’d definitely be keen to see how she develops in further novels something which was set up nicely in the last few pages.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
The new case is difficult and the murderer is elusive although the reader is given the occasional chapter from his point of view.
As Erin tries to solve the case she decides to visit Eric in gaol to see if he has any insights. As her past collides with her present, Erin races against time to stop another woman being killed.
I enjoyed this book- it was a quick and easy read. There were several twists as arrests were made and it successfully kept me guests to who the real killer was.
Erin was a sympathetic character and I’d definitely be keen to see how she develops in further novels something which was set up nicely in the last few pages.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2021
What You Deserve is a story where the past comes biting the present and although it is not the main focus of the book it also describes good and bad managerial skills and team-building examples. Erin spent most of her adult life running from her past and her roots, and when she is forced to go back to the small city from where she comes from to solve a crime, everything she knows is tested. This story got me hooked from the beginning and it was interesting to read how the familial relationship grew at the same time as the crimes were rising. A very good plot, well written, with a stubborn and very strong female character, this was a most interesting and entertaining book to read. Looking forward to reading other books in the series!
I downloaded a free copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
I downloaded a free copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
October 4, 2021
What You Deserve is the first book in the series. Eric and Erin Hastings are twins. Erin is a FBI agent and Eric is in prison for being a serial killer. There is a lot of back story where the past comes biting the present and although it is not the main focus of the book. It is possible that we will see in flashbacks with more detail than what we learn in the first book. A serial killer is discovered in her hometown. Erin spent most of her adult life running from her past and pledged to never go back. Now she has no choice to but to deal with her past while she is tasked to solve the murders. Erin is young but very talented, she often goes rogue, hence the name Hasty Hastings which she has earned.
The story is well written, the characters have depth and generally likeable. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the next book of the series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
The story is well written, the characters have depth and generally likeable. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the next book of the series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
December 28, 2025
A first book with Erin, a special FBI agent in the lead.
Erin’s background and personality have been carefully worked out. I could connect easily with her and as a reader I felt engaged in this story.
Because of the multiple twists and turns, I continued turning pages!
If you like a mystery suspense, with a strong female lead that will have you hooked, then try this one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Erin’s background and personality have been carefully worked out. I could connect easily with her and as a reader I felt engaged in this story.
Because of the multiple twists and turns, I continued turning pages!
If you like a mystery suspense, with a strong female lead that will have you hooked, then try this one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2021
FBI Special Agent Erin Hastings never told the team about her twin brother. He is a serial killer and is in prison. She feels guilty for not stopping him when she found evidence that it was him and two more women were killed. This started her path to being an FBI agent and to hunt down these kinds of people. But she, in my opinion, has a huge chip on her shoulder and likes to be in the spotlight. I personally didn't like the way she treated her team leader in this story. Was she under pressure going back to 'where it all began' for her? Sure, but that is no excuse. I liked the rest of the story just fine. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
September 17, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
September 8, 2021
A good beginning for a new series featuring the FBI's Erin Hastings. The impulsive young agent returns to her home town in California to chase a serial killer. Ironic - as her twin brother was convicted of six murders in that very town. She hasn't been back in 15 years, feeling she should have known and stopped him.
Hastings is a hard character to warm to - a good agent with an instinctive nose for the truth, but with a reckless streak that sees her ignore orders and often follow leads on her own. The clashes with her bosses are frequent. But it's great to see the development of a nuanced character in a lead role.
The case is a difficult one with the brutal murders of women in California and Nevada. There are many suspects with ties to each, but what is the link? Erin and her team struggle to get a handle on the killer and his motivation.
This is a relatively short and easy read. The core story arc is strong with numerous sub plots too. Erin struggles to work as a team player - she knows she is always in the right! I'm looking forward to seeing more of Agent Hastings.
Hastings is a hard character to warm to - a good agent with an instinctive nose for the truth, but with a reckless streak that sees her ignore orders and often follow leads on her own. The clashes with her bosses are frequent. But it's great to see the development of a nuanced character in a lead role.
The case is a difficult one with the brutal murders of women in California and Nevada. There are many suspects with ties to each, but what is the link? Erin and her team struggle to get a handle on the killer and his motivation.
This is a relatively short and easy read. The core story arc is strong with numerous sub plots too. Erin struggles to work as a team player - she knows she is always in the right! I'm looking forward to seeing more of Agent Hastings.
September 12, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Relay Publishing for the arc of this book. What a stunning debut! Even though I didn't always agree with the choices Erin made, she was a great character. (I admit, my rule-following ways made me want more consequences!) I loved her relationship with her twin brother and look forward to reading more about them both. While there were a lot of characters, it was not hard to keep them all straight. The story and writing were both great and made the book easy to keep reading. Reading this book was very enjoyable.
September 13, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Relay Publishing for an advance copy of What You Deserve, the first novel to feature FBI Special Agent Erin Hastings of the Georgia Field Agency.
Erin and her team are sent to Lancaster, California to lead the hunt for a serial killer. Erin left Lancaster fifteen years ago, vowing never to return, after her twin brother was convicted of six murders. Feeling guilty that she didn’t stop his sixth murder when she could Erin is determined to earn redemption by catching this killer.
I found What You Deserve to be a mixed bag, the premise is interesting but the execution lets it down. There is nothing new in the premise, detective with a serial killer relative uses said relative to glean insight into the current case, but the author takes a more realistic approach to the investigating with a series of suspects being hunted and cleared and that’s interesting and likeable.
What I didn’t like about the novel, apart from the author’s annoying penchant for stating the obvious, is, quite bluntly, Erin Hastings and her family history. The reader is asked to believe that her teenage brother killed six women before being caught, implying a maturity Erin doesn’t even have fifteen years later, and having spent these years behind bars he’s now a mellow, sophisticated thinker. I strongly dislike Erin Hastings. Her decision making and impulsivity are at odds with the highly trained FBI agent she is supposed to be and her constant flouting of authority is simply childish. I don’t think it helps that the novel is told mostly from her point of view, giving the reader an up close and personal view of her conviction that she alone can catch the killer, someone whose motivation is voiced in the odd chapter, but without depth or nuance.
Did I forget it’s fiction? Whatever, I found this dislike colouring my attitude to the novel and I struggled to get through it.
Erin and her team are sent to Lancaster, California to lead the hunt for a serial killer. Erin left Lancaster fifteen years ago, vowing never to return, after her twin brother was convicted of six murders. Feeling guilty that she didn’t stop his sixth murder when she could Erin is determined to earn redemption by catching this killer.
I found What You Deserve to be a mixed bag, the premise is interesting but the execution lets it down. There is nothing new in the premise, detective with a serial killer relative uses said relative to glean insight into the current case, but the author takes a more realistic approach to the investigating with a series of suspects being hunted and cleared and that’s interesting and likeable.
What I didn’t like about the novel, apart from the author’s annoying penchant for stating the obvious, is, quite bluntly, Erin Hastings and her family history. The reader is asked to believe that her teenage brother killed six women before being caught, implying a maturity Erin doesn’t even have fifteen years later, and having spent these years behind bars he’s now a mellow, sophisticated thinker. I strongly dislike Erin Hastings. Her decision making and impulsivity are at odds with the highly trained FBI agent she is supposed to be and her constant flouting of authority is simply childish. I don’t think it helps that the novel is told mostly from her point of view, giving the reader an up close and personal view of her conviction that she alone can catch the killer, someone whose motivation is voiced in the odd chapter, but without depth or nuance.
Did I forget it’s fiction? Whatever, I found this dislike colouring my attitude to the novel and I struggled to get through it.
September 12, 2021
The plot sounds very promising and I could not wait to read this book via NetGalley. However, what a disappointment. Another book that is written in simple sentences and a basic vocabulary, and the main character's development (at least in the beginning) is very superficial. Erin does this, Erin does that. So what? Why should a reader care? I could not go past the first paragraphs. Also, Erin is supposed to be above 30 years old but her behavior and thoughts are very immature and rather off putting.
The lack of experience as a writer is seen early in the beginning in the scene where Erin finds out that her twin brother is a serial killer. It is delivered very flat and brought out no emotions in me. Shouldn't a reader be pulled in by now? (the idea itself is quite shocking but intriguing).
It didn't help that I have just finished a murder mystery by Faith Martin and the connection that you feel to the protagonist right from the start and the diversity and the beauty in the use of language are incomparable. Perhaps I should avoid American writers in the future because half of their published work seems to use basic English. What happened to all great American novelists?
I cannot give it more than 1 star simply because anyone who calls themselves a writer should have an ability to use the language to their advantage and show its beauty instead of describing everything plainly as if writing to children or limited intellectual capacity audience.
Thanks NetGalley for a free copy in exchange of the honest opinion.
The lack of experience as a writer is seen early in the beginning in the scene where Erin finds out that her twin brother is a serial killer. It is delivered very flat and brought out no emotions in me. Shouldn't a reader be pulled in by now? (the idea itself is quite shocking but intriguing).
It didn't help that I have just finished a murder mystery by Faith Martin and the connection that you feel to the protagonist right from the start and the diversity and the beauty in the use of language are incomparable. Perhaps I should avoid American writers in the future because half of their published work seems to use basic English. What happened to all great American novelists?
I cannot give it more than 1 star simply because anyone who calls themselves a writer should have an ability to use the language to their advantage and show its beauty instead of describing everything plainly as if writing to children or limited intellectual capacity audience.
Thanks NetGalley for a free copy in exchange of the honest opinion.
January 1, 2022
FBI agent returns to her hometown to seek out a serial killer and confront her past - 3.5 stars
After 15 years, FBI agent Erin Hastings has yet to accept her brother's murder spree. When reporters discover her involvement, a media circus starts up. The reporters' insults and bringing up old news add to the plot mostly as a put-down of sensational journalism.
The area between Los Angelis and Las Vegas provides the backdrop for a killer who wants to be recognized for his accomplishments. Dogged detective work finds possible suspects and goes through several possible predators living on the fringes of society.
Erin's FBI teammates help each other; they are nearly the only people who can maintain an equilibrium in a sea of people who live by following the sensational TV broadcasts. There is a combination of bravery and foolhardy attempts to capture possible felons through the case. Most of the capture scenes lead to injuries and hospital visits.
Erin's situation is exacerbated by visiting her twin brother (he is in a local prison) and trying to get his insights, twisted as they may be, on possible motivations of this particular serial killer. Occasionally, the author presents the serial killer's thinking as he plots a move or drives a car through the desert at high speed.
The adrenaline rush of the chase scenes provides the high points. The repetitive thinking and re-thinking of the situation in "real-time" was too disjoint for my taste.
After 15 years, FBI agent Erin Hastings has yet to accept her brother's murder spree. When reporters discover her involvement, a media circus starts up. The reporters' insults and bringing up old news add to the plot mostly as a put-down of sensational journalism.
The area between Los Angelis and Las Vegas provides the backdrop for a killer who wants to be recognized for his accomplishments. Dogged detective work finds possible suspects and goes through several possible predators living on the fringes of society.
Erin's FBI teammates help each other; they are nearly the only people who can maintain an equilibrium in a sea of people who live by following the sensational TV broadcasts. There is a combination of bravery and foolhardy attempts to capture possible felons through the case. Most of the capture scenes lead to injuries and hospital visits.
Erin's situation is exacerbated by visiting her twin brother (he is in a local prison) and trying to get his insights, twisted as they may be, on possible motivations of this particular serial killer. Occasionally, the author presents the serial killer's thinking as he plots a move or drives a car through the desert at high speed.
The adrenaline rush of the chase scenes provides the high points. The repetitive thinking and re-thinking of the situation in "real-time" was too disjoint for my taste.
September 30, 2025
Honestly I’m not sure how I feel about this book. By chapter 4 I was already about done with Erin, the main character. There is no way she would be an FBI agent. Angry, uncontrollable, a hot head. I’m already tired of her running off half cocked on a wild goose chase, 1000% certain she’s right and no one else could possibly have a clue. And damn if she isn’t a first class, straight up bitch to her brother. I know. I know. He’s a serial killer. I know that when he was arrested/charged/sentenced her whole life changed but damn!
By the middle/end of the book my opinion of Erin had somewhat changed but she still went off book, ignored orders, and generally did whatever she wanted. The FBI doesn’t stand for that kind of crap. I know an FBI agent. Erin wasn’t special in any way. It’s not like she’s the best agent they’ve ever had. She doesn’t have a special talent or a special skill that would make the FBI gloss over her MULTIPLE bad character traits.
I will probably read the next book in the series because I KNOW she’s going to look into her brothers case. He is adamant about only killing 4 people instead of 6 so you know she can’t let that go. Even if her only intent is to prove that he did kill 6 people, she’ll never be able to not look into it.
I did like the rest of the FBI team Erin was a part of.
I’m going to say 3 stars just because of how annoyed I was at the main character but if she can learn from her behaviors, then the rest of the series should be good.
By the middle/end of the book my opinion of Erin had somewhat changed but she still went off book, ignored orders, and generally did whatever she wanted. The FBI doesn’t stand for that kind of crap. I know an FBI agent. Erin wasn’t special in any way. It’s not like she’s the best agent they’ve ever had. She doesn’t have a special talent or a special skill that would make the FBI gloss over her MULTIPLE bad character traits.
I will probably read the next book in the series because I KNOW she’s going to look into her brothers case. He is adamant about only killing 4 people instead of 6 so you know she can’t let that go. Even if her only intent is to prove that he did kill 6 people, she’ll never be able to not look into it.
I did like the rest of the FBI team Erin was a part of.
I’m going to say 3 stars just because of how annoyed I was at the main character but if she can learn from her behaviors, then the rest of the series should be good.
September 27, 2021
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com
2.75 Hearts This is a new series by Alicia Lawson which I have not read before. And to be honest, I am not sure I will read again. I never took a liking to Erin. Actually the opposite. I found myself really disliking her at times. And the story wasn’t any different than many others read for decades.
Erin’s brother killed 6 people, Erin blames herself for at least the sixth murder because she didn’t stop him and now she is going to use her brother to understand the MO of a killer. First: He was a teenager who commited murder. Second: They are twins so they were like 15 years old and she thinks their twin sense could have stopped this? And Third: Really? Because as a FBI Special Agent you have to use your brother for profiling?
This was just not my cup of tea in writing or characters.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
2.75 Hearts This is a new series by Alicia Lawson which I have not read before. And to be honest, I am not sure I will read again. I never took a liking to Erin. Actually the opposite. I found myself really disliking her at times. And the story wasn’t any different than many others read for decades.
Erin’s brother killed 6 people, Erin blames herself for at least the sixth murder because she didn’t stop him and now she is going to use her brother to understand the MO of a killer. First: He was a teenager who commited murder. Second: They are twins so they were like 15 years old and she thinks their twin sense could have stopped this? And Third: Really? Because as a FBI Special Agent you have to use your brother for profiling?
This was just not my cup of tea in writing or characters.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2021
The premise of an FBI Agent whose twin brother who was arrested many years before as a serial killer held a lot of appeal. However, the story itself was lacking and there was quite a bit of repetition. Erin Hastings, also known as Hasty Hastings, is portrayed as an immature agent who acts like she is still in her teens. She believes she knows more than anyone and doesn't like to be criticized or told she is wrong. She jumps to conclusions without any evidence and acts shocked when people don't jump on board with her reasoning. It would have been nice to have been given some background on the brother serial killer aspect beforehand. The bits we were given just glossed over the incident rather than adding anything to the story. Great storyline, but the actual story fell short for me.
October 5, 2021
Special Agent Erin Hastings, AKA Hasty Hastings to her FBI colleagues, had her life changed in her teens when her twin was found guilty of killing several people. She has always felt guilty of not stopping him when she suspected him, costing a woman her life. Now she is back in her hometown, hunting a new serial killer. Her past failure in saving a sixth victim pushes her to take risks, breaking the odd rule, hence her nickname. In Erin’s view, the ends justify the means. What You Deserve is a great first novel in the series with a page-turning plot and nail-biting suspense. This good fast-paced thriller makes me look forward to the next in the novel. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 28, 2021
The plot was fairly interesting, but I really had a problem with several of the FBI characters, particularly Erin, the lead. They seemed extraordinarily petty and unprofessional, and I had trouble believing that the behavior would be allowed to continue.
On a personal note, I was really amused that Erin was from Lancaster, CA and didn't want to go back. I'm from the same area (both Palmdale and Lancaster) and I've always hated going back!
I would be interested in reading a book that's about the backstory of her brother and his crimes as the main plot.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my voluntary honest review.
On a personal note, I was really amused that Erin was from Lancaster, CA and didn't want to go back. I'm from the same area (both Palmdale and Lancaster) and I've always hated going back!
I would be interested in reading a book that's about the backstory of her brother and his crimes as the main plot.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my voluntary honest review.
October 1, 2021
Erin Hastings returns to her home after years planned away. She is forced back to work a case for a killing serials. The news call her after the second Lavender series, begins her twin brother was convicting of serial murders of young women. The case is problems as Erin is conflicted with the case leader and the tech supporter. The investigation of the murders is slow and Erin is often again the others. The story is very good, but the problems are a little less realistic. The actions give incitement to keep me interesting, but not truly realistic.
October 3, 2021
This is a suspenseful thriller that I enjoyed from beginning to end. This is a newer author for me and I look forward to seeing what is next for her. This is a well written story that has characters that not only bring the story to life but brought the twists and turns to new levels. The characters are connectable and really made the story for me. This is a story that I enjoyed how the growth of the plot made me want to read more. This is a fast paced story that is full of action you dont want to miss. I highly recommend this book.
September 10, 2022
I'm a bit wishy washy about this book to be honest. In theory I thought I'd love it but it was all a bit too far fetched for me. I would have assumed conflicts of interest and lack of professionalism would have meant this book went in a different direction thsn it took but yeah, I can't say I was overly keen. It's good, don't get me wrong but it's also frustrating in how unrealistic some of the main characters choices were. As long as you don't overthink it then it's a decent enough book to pass the time but not one I'd be counting down the days to read again
September 19, 2021
This is a sound introduction to FBI Agent Erin Hastings. She's not the easiest character to like - for a supposedly good agent she wants to recklessly do it all herself, not even trusting her team with her thoughts - but overall this is a good story (the writing style definitely improves through the book) and I would read more of this series in future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 29, 2022
WOW, I really love book one and I tried to help Erin Hastings find the serial killer. It hurt me that her twin brother killed four women and was in prison as I know twins are close. I hated that Erin went off half cocked with out thinking about the danger she was in but she only thought of catching her suspect. Book one had me rapidly reading as I followed along with Erin through twists and turns, AND I CAN'T WAIT TO READ BOOK TWO!
May 26, 2024
For a first book in a series the author has set the bar high for themselves.
The story draws you in and keeps you guessing. The main FMC has a past that is still tormenting her but has defined how she can think today, even if sometimes her mind races ahead and gets her into trouble it.
This was a great first book, I can't wait to see where the author takes her characters next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story draws you in and keeps you guessing. The main FMC has a past that is still tormenting her but has defined how she can think today, even if sometimes her mind races ahead and gets her into trouble it.
This was a great first book, I can't wait to see where the author takes her characters next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2025
It started out with the main character and then the other members of the team with descriptive explanation of their role. I had to read a few times to get the characters to stick and when she is talking about her twin brother, I had to really pay attention. I think it is an excellent read and the ending leaves you hoping to dive straight into the next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2025
This was a really good thriller that pulls you right into the action. The book is comprised of different storylines that are all extremely captivating. There is great comradery amongst the characters, and I kept thinking I would like to see where these people go. I am so very happy to know this is the beginning of a series. Definitely one to follow!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 17, 2021
The main character, Erin Hastings, is written as a complex and dynamic individual who is having to keep her personal life from interfering with her job as an FBI agent. The story was intriguing, suspenseful and thrilling. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2022
This is a great start from a new author. I thought everything about this book was well done. The characters are interesting and very real. Erin is stubborn and smart (to the point you need to smack her). The plot was engaging and fast-paced. I was left with questions that I hope will be in a follow up book.
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