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UNSUB #2
Into the Black Nowhere
Inspired by real-life serial killer Ted Bundy, an exhilarating thriller in which FBI profiler Caitlin Hendrix faces off against a charming, merciless serial killer
In southern Texas, on Saturday nights, women are disappearing. One vanishes from a movie theater. Another is ripped from her car at a stoplight. Another vanishes from her home while checking on her baby. Rookie FBI agent Caitlin Hendrix, newly assigned to the FBI's elite Behavioral Analysis Unit, fears that a serial killer is roaming the dark roads outside Austin.
Caitlin and the FBI's serial crime unit discover the first victim's body in the woods. She's laid out in a bloodstained, white baby-doll nightgown. A second victim in a white nightie lies deeper in the forest's darkness. Both bodies are surrounded by Polaroid photos, stuck in the earth like headstones. Each photo pictures a woman in a white negligee, wrists slashed, suicide-style--posed like Snow White awaiting her prince's kiss.
To track the UNSUB, Caitlin must get inside his mind. How is he selecting these women? Working with a legendary FBI profiler, Caitlin searches for a homology--that elusive point where character and action come together. She profiles a confident, meticulous killer who convinces his victims to lower their guard until he can overpower and take them in plain sight. He then reduces them to objects in a twisted fantasy--dolls for him to possess, control, and ultimately destroy. Caitlin's profile leads the FBI to focus on one man: a charismatic, successful professional who easily gains people's trust. But with only circumstantial evidence linking him to the murders, the police allow him to escape. As Saturday night approaches, Caitlin and the FBI enter a desperate game of cat and mouse, racing to capture the cunning predator before he claims more victims.
In southern Texas, on Saturday nights, women are disappearing. One vanishes from a movie theater. Another is ripped from her car at a stoplight. Another vanishes from her home while checking on her baby. Rookie FBI agent Caitlin Hendrix, newly assigned to the FBI's elite Behavioral Analysis Unit, fears that a serial killer is roaming the dark roads outside Austin.
Caitlin and the FBI's serial crime unit discover the first victim's body in the woods. She's laid out in a bloodstained, white baby-doll nightgown. A second victim in a white nightie lies deeper in the forest's darkness. Both bodies are surrounded by Polaroid photos, stuck in the earth like headstones. Each photo pictures a woman in a white negligee, wrists slashed, suicide-style--posed like Snow White awaiting her prince's kiss.
To track the UNSUB, Caitlin must get inside his mind. How is he selecting these women? Working with a legendary FBI profiler, Caitlin searches for a homology--that elusive point where character and action come together. She profiles a confident, meticulous killer who convinces his victims to lower their guard until he can overpower and take them in plain sight. He then reduces them to objects in a twisted fantasy--dolls for him to possess, control, and ultimately destroy. Caitlin's profile leads the FBI to focus on one man: a charismatic, successful professional who easily gains people's trust. But with only circumstantial evidence linking him to the murders, the police allow him to escape. As Saturday night approaches, Caitlin and the FBI enter a desperate game of cat and mouse, racing to capture the cunning predator before he claims more victims.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2018
701 people are currently reading
7059 people want to read
About the author
Meg Gardiner
35 books2,245 followersMeg Gardiner is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of seventeen thrillers. Shadowheart, her latest novel, is part of the UNSUB series featuring FBI agent Caitlin Hendrix. The Real Book Spy calls it “A mind-trip of a story.” Booklist says, “As always, the writing is exquisite and the story is perfectly crafted.” UNSUB, the first novel in the series, won the 2018 Barry Award for Best Thriller. The Dark Corners of the Night was bought by Amazon Studios for development as an hour-long television drama.
Heat 2 is a prequel/sequel to the film Heat, co-authored with the film’s writer/director, Michael Mann. Booklist’s starred review calls it “Riveting… the fully fleshed human stories support and even transcend the often-breathtaking action.” The Associated Press says, “Slick as a Neil McCauley heist and as intense as a Vincent Hanna chase, ‘Heat 2’ is just dynamite.” It debuted at #1 on the NYT best seller list.
Meg is the author of the Evan Delaney series, the Jo Beckett novels, and several stand alones. China Lake won the 2009 Edgar award for Best Paperback Original. The Nightmare Thief won the 2012 Audie Award for Thriller/Suspense audiobook of the year. Phantom Instinct was one of O, the Oprah magazine's "Best Books of Summer."
Meg was born in Oklahoma and raised in Santa Barbara, California. A graduate of Stanford Law School, she practiced law in Los Angeles and taught writing at the University of California Santa Barbara. She's also a three-time Jeopardy! champion. She lives in Austin, Texas.
Find Meg on Facebook: Facebook.com/MegGardinerBooks Twitter: @MegGardiner1 and Instagram: @Meggardiner1.
Series:
* UNSUB
* Evan Delaney
* Jo Beckett
Heat 2 is a prequel/sequel to the film Heat, co-authored with the film’s writer/director, Michael Mann. Booklist’s starred review calls it “Riveting… the fully fleshed human stories support and even transcend the often-breathtaking action.” The Associated Press says, “Slick as a Neil McCauley heist and as intense as a Vincent Hanna chase, ‘Heat 2’ is just dynamite.” It debuted at #1 on the NYT best seller list.
Meg is the author of the Evan Delaney series, the Jo Beckett novels, and several stand alones. China Lake won the 2009 Edgar award for Best Paperback Original. The Nightmare Thief won the 2012 Audie Award for Thriller/Suspense audiobook of the year. Phantom Instinct was one of O, the Oprah magazine's "Best Books of Summer."
Meg was born in Oklahoma and raised in Santa Barbara, California. A graduate of Stanford Law School, she practiced law in Los Angeles and taught writing at the University of California Santa Barbara. She's also a three-time Jeopardy! champion. She lives in Austin, Texas.
Find Meg on Facebook: Facebook.com/MegGardinerBooks Twitter: @MegGardiner1 and Instagram: @Meggardiner1.
Series:
* UNSUB
* Evan Delaney
* Jo Beckett
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,145 reviews
September 22, 2022
HAPPY PUB DAY!
“We serial killers are your sons, we are your husbands, we are everywhere.”
-Ted Bundy
Obviously serial killer thrillers are hot stuff right now; it’s become near impossible for anyone to get away with the criteria and multiple murders required to be classified as such with technology advancing as it is. This has developed into the best of both worlds- we see the scum getting taken off the streets and our inner curious drama queen gets to experience what used to be a real fear and concern plaguing society in our fiction. I used to wonder how someone like Ted Bundy got so many women to trust him; sure he was good looking and charismatic, but when a killer is on the loose prowling at night and women are urged to exact the utmost caution, how did he manage to STILL deceive so many ladies? Into The Black Nowhere was a fantastic fictional account that helped me understand just how a wolf in sheep’s clothing can fool nearly anyone into believing what they want you to.
Telephone poles flashed by, covered with fluttering flyers. It had now been thirty-nine hours since Shana Kerber was taken. With every hour that passed, the likelihood of finding her alive plunged.
Into The Black Nowhere was actually quite different than Unsub, and that’s not a bad thing. While I did feel the suspense was not as gripping in this novel (we find out fairly early the identity of the killer and he follows a very similar M.O. to the original Ted Bundy), I loved how much the “series” portion of the novel matured. Caitlin and Rainey were a dynamic duo and I would LOVE to see Rainey in future books. She was a strong POC and I feel that mainstream thrillers just do not have enough of these. She was entirely as vital to this story as Caitlin herself, and now that she’s kind of on her own, I like the idea of Caitlin making a deep, platonic connection with another female who gets what she goes through and struggles with on a daily basis.
“Streets are too quiet,” Caitlin said.
“Small town,” Rainey said.
“Fearful town.”
The plot was a little less twisty this go around, but I felt because we knew more here, the action and pacing were brilliant and nerve-wracking. I loved how this felt like a true, FBI thriller and it wasn’t trying to also market as a psychological suspense/mystery. I did miss seeing an abundance of Sean in this book, but I understand why he wasn’t as relevant in this installment and was pleased at how the ending of this book gave a little nod to Unsub and book #3. I am beyond ecstatic to see where Meg Gardiner takes us next and am waiting with bated breath for another showdown with Caitlin and her crew! Hurry up 2019!!! ❤
“I’ll slip into floating darkness. It’ll be like falling through a field of stars, into the black nowhere.”
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy.
“We serial killers are your sons, we are your husbands, we are everywhere.”
-Ted Bundy
Obviously serial killer thrillers are hot stuff right now; it’s become near impossible for anyone to get away with the criteria and multiple murders required to be classified as such with technology advancing as it is. This has developed into the best of both worlds- we see the scum getting taken off the streets and our inner curious drama queen gets to experience what used to be a real fear and concern plaguing society in our fiction. I used to wonder how someone like Ted Bundy got so many women to trust him; sure he was good looking and charismatic, but when a killer is on the loose prowling at night and women are urged to exact the utmost caution, how did he manage to STILL deceive so many ladies? Into The Black Nowhere was a fantastic fictional account that helped me understand just how a wolf in sheep’s clothing can fool nearly anyone into believing what they want you to.
Telephone poles flashed by, covered with fluttering flyers. It had now been thirty-nine hours since Shana Kerber was taken. With every hour that passed, the likelihood of finding her alive plunged.
Into The Black Nowhere was actually quite different than Unsub, and that’s not a bad thing. While I did feel the suspense was not as gripping in this novel (we find out fairly early the identity of the killer and he follows a very similar M.O. to the original Ted Bundy), I loved how much the “series” portion of the novel matured. Caitlin and Rainey were a dynamic duo and I would LOVE to see Rainey in future books. She was a strong POC and I feel that mainstream thrillers just do not have enough of these. She was entirely as vital to this story as Caitlin herself, and now that she’s kind of on her own, I like the idea of Caitlin making a deep, platonic connection with another female who gets what she goes through and struggles with on a daily basis.
“Streets are too quiet,” Caitlin said.
“Small town,” Rainey said.
“Fearful town.”
The plot was a little less twisty this go around, but I felt because we knew more here, the action and pacing were brilliant and nerve-wracking. I loved how this felt like a true, FBI thriller and it wasn’t trying to also market as a psychological suspense/mystery. I did miss seeing an abundance of Sean in this book, but I understand why he wasn’t as relevant in this installment and was pleased at how the ending of this book gave a little nod to Unsub and book #3. I am beyond ecstatic to see where Meg Gardiner takes us next and am waiting with bated breath for another showdown with Caitlin and her crew! Hurry up 2019!!! ❤
“I’ll slip into floating darkness. It’ll be like falling through a field of stars, into the black nowhere.”
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy.
December 18, 2017
Meg Gardiner, Meg Gardiner, Meg Gardiner...you SLAY me! Reading UNSUB a month or two ago just blew me away, and here you are again, with another heart-pounding, completely riveting novel featuring FBI profiler Caitlin Hendrix. What an amazing series this is turning out to be!!
In a little town called Solace, Texas, women are literally disappearing on Saturday nights. One moment they're there—on a concession line at a movie theater, in a mall parking lot, in their car stopped at a railroad crossing, even at home with their baby—and the next second, they're gone. There are no signs of struggle. Did these women go willingly?
Caitlin Hendrix, a rookie FBI agent recently assigned to the agency's Behavioral Analysis Unit, heads to Texas to help determine whether there's a serial killer preying on women in this town just outside Austin. When they find their first bodies, they discover a disturbing, gruesome sight—the women, both blonde, have been meticulously laid out in white, baby-doll nightgowns, with full makeup. Their wrists are slashed and they lay face up, almost like sleeping princesses, and their bodies are surrounded by Polaroid pictures of other victims yet to be found, posed in the same way.
As she and her colleagues try to make sense of just what kind of person would be the mastermind behind such a crime spree, the killer strikes again, outside of Solace, in order to throw the FBI off his trail. But with the help of a tip from a woman who has lived most of her life in fear, they find their man—a handsome, charismatic businessman who can gain a woman's trust in a split second, and isn't afraid to depend on a little subterfuge if necessary. He immediately identifies Caitlin's own demons, and tries to use them against her in an effort to disarm her.
The FBI finds themselves in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse once the killer uses his intellect and charm to make a fool of them. From Wyoming to Oklahoma to the Pacific Northwest, Caitlin and her colleagues try to gain the upper hand on this man before he kills again—and try to figure out just how he's able to get the information and advantages he needs. It's a race that could prove deadly to more than his usual victims, and one which could put Caitlin's mental state at risk as well.
This book, much like the first in this series, had me from page 1 and left me breathless until the very end. Gardiner is so skilled at giving you just enough evidence but leaving you in the same place as the FBI, so you aren't frustrated by knowing more than the crime fighters do. There are some terrific action scenes in this book, worthy of the best thrillers, and Gardiner also pays close attention to character development.
In UNSUB, more attention was paid to Caitlin's relationship with ATF agent Sean Rawlins, and I like the interaction between the two of them. I missed that in this book, although clearly there are some plot points which I guess are setting up the third book in the series. (Plus, Gardiner makes Sean sound seriously sexy, so that's always a welcome distraction from the profiling work, lol!)
This is truly one of the best series I've read in some time, and I will breathlessly await the next book in the series, even though my wait will be a little longer than it was between books 1 and 2! Into the Black Nowhere is just excellent. You can't go wrong with these books!!
NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton provided me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!
See all of my reviews at http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo....
February 25, 2018
4.5 Stars (rounded up).
So darn good! If this book doesn’t scare you, I don’t know what will.
Caitlin Hendrix is back at it. This time, as an FBI Profiler tracking the Saturday Night Killer in Austin, Texas. Women keep disappearing. At first, from public places: the movie theatre, her car and then from home. Imagining it makes shivers run down my spine. Tracking the killer, Caitlin and her team locate several of the victims bodies, in clean, cutesy, white baby doll nightgowns. One is surrounded by Polaroid photographs depicting her death. It’s a scene no person wants to see. This UNSUB is devious, dangerous and slick. He is also brilliant, conceited and cold as all get out and Caitlin and the rest of the Behavioral Analysis Unit have to get inside his mind in order to catch him. All I can say is that I’m glad it was Caitlin’s job and not mine.
“Into the Black Nowhere” by Meg Gardiner is a stellar sequel to UNSUB. While it was more of a cat and mouse game versus a heart pounding thriller, unlike its predecessor, it was quite compelling and spellbinding. Just thinking about this, an UNSUB being anywhere, watching and waiting to strike, well, lets just say Meg Gardiner knows how to make her reader’s skin crawl. Every facet of this book kept me at attention. And the ending? Well, it was completely unexpected and it shook me to my very core.
I read this with Brenda and Kaceey. We tore through it and were gripped till the very end. Thanks for reading this one with me sisters, and Brenda - a huge thank you to you! :)
Published on Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Instagram on 2.25.18.
So darn good! If this book doesn’t scare you, I don’t know what will.
Caitlin Hendrix is back at it. This time, as an FBI Profiler tracking the Saturday Night Killer in Austin, Texas. Women keep disappearing. At first, from public places: the movie theatre, her car and then from home. Imagining it makes shivers run down my spine. Tracking the killer, Caitlin and her team locate several of the victims bodies, in clean, cutesy, white baby doll nightgowns. One is surrounded by Polaroid photographs depicting her death. It’s a scene no person wants to see. This UNSUB is devious, dangerous and slick. He is also brilliant, conceited and cold as all get out and Caitlin and the rest of the Behavioral Analysis Unit have to get inside his mind in order to catch him. All I can say is that I’m glad it was Caitlin’s job and not mine.
“Into the Black Nowhere” by Meg Gardiner is a stellar sequel to UNSUB. While it was more of a cat and mouse game versus a heart pounding thriller, unlike its predecessor, it was quite compelling and spellbinding. Just thinking about this, an UNSUB being anywhere, watching and waiting to strike, well, lets just say Meg Gardiner knows how to make her reader’s skin crawl. Every facet of this book kept me at attention. And the ending? Well, it was completely unexpected and it shook me to my very core.
I read this with Brenda and Kaceey. We tore through it and were gripped till the very end. Thanks for reading this one with me sisters, and Brenda - a huge thank you to you! :)
Published on Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Instagram on 2.25.18.
September 29, 2020
***CRACK***
That is the sound of Meg Gardiner hitting it out of the ball park once again!!!! She has delivered another well-written, edge of your seat, page turning book that gets your heart beating and one's pulse elevated.
FBI profiler Caitlin Hendrix, who we first met in UNSUB, is now facing off against another serial killer. In Southern Texas, women are going missing from various locations. Caitlin and the FBI discover two women's bodies in the woods after receiving a phone call from a woman whose dog has come home carrying a bloody piece of clothing. Both women's bodies have been staged and are wearing white nightgowns surrounded by Polaroid pictures.
To find the serial killer, Caitlin must bet into his mind but by doing so, is she also letting him into her mind as well? After a phone tip, Caitlin believes she has a suspect, but this individual brings her to the attention of another person of interest. A person so arrogant, so intelligent, so cunning, so crafty that Caitlin and the rest of the Behavioral Analysis Unit will have to dedicate every waking hour to trailing and bringing down this killer. But will they be able to stop a man who always seems to be step ahead of them?
This book, just like its predecessor UNSUB, had me at page one and did not let go. Caitlin continues to be a strong female lead who will not stop when it comes to bringing criminals to justice. She is dedicated to her job and in this book, we also see her trying to maintain a long-distance relationship with her boyfriend, Sean, who is also an agent who specializes in bombs and works on the opposite coast.
One thing I really like about Gardiner's books is that her characters are strong yet flawed. She also can present the investigation in an interesting and intelligent manner. Her plots are very well thought out, and the pacing of the story is spot on. Nothing feels rushed nor drawn out in this book. There was never a point, where I felt bored and wished the story would hurry along. Having worked with serial killers, I will say that I am very impressed with her portrayal of them in her books.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I want to know what exactly was going on the night Caitlin called her friend and she was with Sean...hmmmmm...yes, they have history but why didn't she come right out and say, "Sean and I are having drinks" made things a little suspicious. Looking forward to learning who is safe in book 3, more character development, will Caitlin and Sean work a case together in the next book?????? I have no idea, but I can't wait to find out!!!!!!!
**the killer in this book was inspired by Ted Bundy. I wonder who the inspiration will be for her next killer?
Thank you to Penguin Book Dutton and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
That is the sound of Meg Gardiner hitting it out of the ball park once again!!!! She has delivered another well-written, edge of your seat, page turning book that gets your heart beating and one's pulse elevated.
FBI profiler Caitlin Hendrix, who we first met in UNSUB, is now facing off against another serial killer. In Southern Texas, women are going missing from various locations. Caitlin and the FBI discover two women's bodies in the woods after receiving a phone call from a woman whose dog has come home carrying a bloody piece of clothing. Both women's bodies have been staged and are wearing white nightgowns surrounded by Polaroid pictures.
To find the serial killer, Caitlin must bet into his mind but by doing so, is she also letting him into her mind as well? After a phone tip, Caitlin believes she has a suspect, but this individual brings her to the attention of another person of interest. A person so arrogant, so intelligent, so cunning, so crafty that Caitlin and the rest of the Behavioral Analysis Unit will have to dedicate every waking hour to trailing and bringing down this killer. But will they be able to stop a man who always seems to be step ahead of them?
This book, just like its predecessor UNSUB, had me at page one and did not let go. Caitlin continues to be a strong female lead who will not stop when it comes to bringing criminals to justice. She is dedicated to her job and in this book, we also see her trying to maintain a long-distance relationship with her boyfriend, Sean, who is also an agent who specializes in bombs and works on the opposite coast.
One thing I really like about Gardiner's books is that her characters are strong yet flawed. She also can present the investigation in an interesting and intelligent manner. Her plots are very well thought out, and the pacing of the story is spot on. Nothing feels rushed nor drawn out in this book. There was never a point, where I felt bored and wished the story would hurry along. Having worked with serial killers, I will say that I am very impressed with her portrayal of them in her books.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I want to know what exactly was going on the night Caitlin called her friend and she was with Sean...hmmmmm...yes, they have history but why didn't she come right out and say, "Sean and I are having drinks" made things a little suspicious. Looking forward to learning who is safe in book 3, more character development, will Caitlin and Sean work a case together in the next book?????? I have no idea, but I can't wait to find out!!!!!!!
**the killer in this book was inspired by Ted Bundy. I wonder who the inspiration will be for her next killer?
Thank you to Penguin Book Dutton and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
February 28, 2018
Yama Hama, it's fright night!
Let's be clear. I'm from Texas and my boot heel was clickin' on the floor faster than an ol' oil rig pumpin' up black crude. This one's set just outside of Austin. Too close for comfort.....
Meg Gardiner pulls this story away from the curb right out of Chapter One. Young women are disappearing in South Texas, especially on Saturday nights. An exhausted new mother stumbles half-asleep into the hallway in answer to her baby's cries in the middle of the night. But the sounds are not coming from the nursery. She spots the baby in the arms of a dark figure sitting on her couch. Not a good sign......
FBI Agent Caitlin Hendrix has been newly assigned to the Behavioral Analysis Unit with the knowledge that there may well be a serial killer in the Austin area. We met Caitlin back in UNSUB #1. (#2 reads as a standalone.) Caitlin has some notches in her belt from her last go-round. But Caitlin is now learning from one of the best who is a legendary FBI profiler.
"He has a high threshold for physiological arousal. Killing became the act that satisfies it. And once a psychopath finds the prize button, he keeps hitting it."
Caitlin is joined by African American FBI Agent Rainey. Rainey, highly knowledgable and professional, is an excellent pairing with Caitlin. Rainey knows the ropes and has an uncanny sense of the perpetrator. It's my hope that Meg Gardiner will include her in the next one.
Unlike other books about serial killers, we have him in our wide sense of vision almost immediately. It's Caitlin's inner voice that refuses to move on to other suspects. As readers, the "respect" light begins to flash in regard to Caitlin. She's gonna dog this guy 24/7 relentlessly until he slips up. The lowlife character is not just rolled out like the movie credits at the end. Gardiner lets you walk around inside of Caitlin's analytical brain as well as allowing the readers to observe the truly demented behavior of the killer. A killer who walks around town like everyone else with a relationship happening like everyone else. And does Caitlin have the wherewithal to dethrone this killer who has an insatiable appetite for the innocent?
Meg Gardiner has really outdone herself in this one. If you enjoy being locked into a tenacious storyline with loads of creep served in gallon jugs, then this is for you. As Caitlin would say, "Staged by a man who looks like Mr. Ordinary. Somebody who keeps the monster in a mental cage."
Let's be clear. I'm from Texas and my boot heel was clickin' on the floor faster than an ol' oil rig pumpin' up black crude. This one's set just outside of Austin. Too close for comfort.....
Meg Gardiner pulls this story away from the curb right out of Chapter One. Young women are disappearing in South Texas, especially on Saturday nights. An exhausted new mother stumbles half-asleep into the hallway in answer to her baby's cries in the middle of the night. But the sounds are not coming from the nursery. She spots the baby in the arms of a dark figure sitting on her couch. Not a good sign......
FBI Agent Caitlin Hendrix has been newly assigned to the Behavioral Analysis Unit with the knowledge that there may well be a serial killer in the Austin area. We met Caitlin back in UNSUB #1. (#2 reads as a standalone.) Caitlin has some notches in her belt from her last go-round. But Caitlin is now learning from one of the best who is a legendary FBI profiler.
"He has a high threshold for physiological arousal. Killing became the act that satisfies it. And once a psychopath finds the prize button, he keeps hitting it."
Caitlin is joined by African American FBI Agent Rainey. Rainey, highly knowledgable and professional, is an excellent pairing with Caitlin. Rainey knows the ropes and has an uncanny sense of the perpetrator. It's my hope that Meg Gardiner will include her in the next one.
Unlike other books about serial killers, we have him in our wide sense of vision almost immediately. It's Caitlin's inner voice that refuses to move on to other suspects. As readers, the "respect" light begins to flash in regard to Caitlin. She's gonna dog this guy 24/7 relentlessly until he slips up. The lowlife character is not just rolled out like the movie credits at the end. Gardiner lets you walk around inside of Caitlin's analytical brain as well as allowing the readers to observe the truly demented behavior of the killer. A killer who walks around town like everyone else with a relationship happening like everyone else. And does Caitlin have the wherewithal to dethrone this killer who has an insatiable appetite for the innocent?
Meg Gardiner has really outdone herself in this one. If you enjoy being locked into a tenacious storyline with loads of creep served in gallon jugs, then this is for you. As Caitlin would say, "Staged by a man who looks like Mr. Ordinary. Somebody who keeps the monster in a mental cage."
February 2, 2018
Beyonce. Oprah. Meg Gardiner. All three iconic legends, but only one of the three has soooo successfully entertained me to the brick of super fandom. Ladies and gents, it's Ms. Gardiner, bitch.
After I read UNSUB this past fall, I knew that I immediately had to click onto Amazon and pre-order Into the Black Nowhere . I knew it was being released on January 23rd, but I just couldn't wait any longer. I would check Amazon's order menu in hopes that they screwed up and issued me a copy before the publication date. Sadly, no negligent workers were looking out for my mental sanity. January 23rd rings in and I ran down to check the mail and was ecstatic to find this beauty in my pile of mail. I was in the midst of another read, but was (im)patiently waiting to start round 2.
Caitlin Hendrix is back, in Virginia with a whole new clique, and serving you FBI realness. Ms. Hendrix was recruited to join the team after her successful capture of The Prophet in UNSUB and immediately jumps into a new case located in Solace, which is a somewhat neighboring suburb for Austin, TX. Several twenty-something year old women have been declared missing by county police and the FBI is called in due to the pattern and nature of these instances. All the women are physically similar and the disappearances have all happened on a Saturday night. Police and FBI are unsure how to advance, until a body of one of the women shows up—dead.
Meg Gardiner, Meg Gardiner, Meg Gardiner. Sorry, I thought by saying your name three times it might actually give me the opportunity to meet you and thank you for this series. I just simply devoured this book—I can't describe it any other way. Writing, as always, was top-notch for even the most greedy thriller and suspense junkie. Into the Black Nowhere differs from UNSUB and I feel like as an honest reader and reviewer, I have to let you know before you pick up this book. It is not going to have the same format nor plot development as it's predecessor. Sorry, it just isn't as intense as UNSUB, it just isn't. We rarely get to hear any further developments of Caitlin's private life with Sean and when we do, it's irrelevant for the most part. However, we do get an original crime-fiction thriller that hasn't been seen before. Ms. Gardiner's stories are based on real-life serial killers and in this story we are given a fan fiction of the Ted Bundy's hysteria, but we are given more that just a new interpretation of a story we've all heard. We see a cat and mouse game gone awry; we see a new kind of suspense this time—dare I say more realistic? This is the type of read that you want to make sure all doors are closed, shower curtains double checked, and windows locked. Although the two books are vastly different in their story telling, they are also given the same Meg Gardiner UMPH that you are expecting. This series is the Game of Thrones of crime-fiction. Ms. Gardiner gives zero f's about who lives and who dies and that plot twist always makes for the juiciest story. Expect red herrings. Expect to be scared. Expect to pre-order Book 3 whenever we find out more information about it!
After I read UNSUB this past fall, I knew that I immediately had to click onto Amazon and pre-order Into the Black Nowhere . I knew it was being released on January 23rd, but I just couldn't wait any longer. I would check Amazon's order menu in hopes that they screwed up and issued me a copy before the publication date. Sadly, no negligent workers were looking out for my mental sanity. January 23rd rings in and I ran down to check the mail and was ecstatic to find this beauty in my pile of mail. I was in the midst of another read, but was (im)patiently waiting to start round 2.
Caitlin Hendrix is back, in Virginia with a whole new clique, and serving you FBI realness. Ms. Hendrix was recruited to join the team after her successful capture of The Prophet in UNSUB and immediately jumps into a new case located in Solace, which is a somewhat neighboring suburb for Austin, TX. Several twenty-something year old women have been declared missing by county police and the FBI is called in due to the pattern and nature of these instances. All the women are physically similar and the disappearances have all happened on a Saturday night. Police and FBI are unsure how to advance, until a body of one of the women shows up—dead.
Meg Gardiner, Meg Gardiner, Meg Gardiner. Sorry, I thought by saying your name three times it might actually give me the opportunity to meet you and thank you for this series. I just simply devoured this book—I can't describe it any other way. Writing, as always, was top-notch for even the most greedy thriller and suspense junkie. Into the Black Nowhere differs from UNSUB and I feel like as an honest reader and reviewer, I have to let you know before you pick up this book. It is not going to have the same format nor plot development as it's predecessor. Sorry, it just isn't as intense as UNSUB, it just isn't. We rarely get to hear any further developments of Caitlin's private life with Sean and when we do, it's irrelevant for the most part. However, we do get an original crime-fiction thriller that hasn't been seen before. Ms. Gardiner's stories are based on real-life serial killers and in this story we are given a fan fiction of the Ted Bundy's hysteria, but we are given more that just a new interpretation of a story we've all heard. We see a cat and mouse game gone awry; we see a new kind of suspense this time—dare I say more realistic? This is the type of read that you want to make sure all doors are closed, shower curtains double checked, and windows locked. Although the two books are vastly different in their story telling, they are also given the same Meg Gardiner UMPH that you are expecting. This series is the Game of Thrones of crime-fiction. Ms. Gardiner gives zero f's about who lives and who dies and that plot twist always makes for the juiciest story. Expect red herrings. Expect to be scared. Expect to pre-order Book 3 whenever we find out more information about it!
February 25, 2018
I was lost in the sunny, jagged craggy coulee with Susanne and Kaceey reading Into The Black Nowhere feeling very excited to start reading this one. Once we settled in and opened up this book we were lost in the coulee and couldn’t be found till we were done.
Caitlin now an FBI profiler in training is on the case for a killer that turns into a cat and mouse game. The dynamics here between Caitlin and the killer is tense, interesting and engaging. Caitlin in more vulnerable and pushes herself as she goes up against this arrogant and cunning killer.
Meg Gardiner does a fantastic job creating an interesting team here with Caitlin and her colleagues who all work together to bring down this killer and we really loved the dynamics between them as we were cheering them all on in this fascinating cat and mouse game.
Meg Gardiner takes us thundering down a fast-paced road soaring along with Beyonce's “freedom” blaring through the coulee. We could feel that black-blood sensation creeping into our veins under that violet sunset. We soared through this book in mostly one day only stopping to reach for a much-needed coffee till we got to the ending that left us all saying WOW. We highly recommend.
Published January 30, 2018
Thank you, NetGalley, Penguin Group and Meg Gardiner for a copy to read and review.
All of our Traveling Sisters Review can be found on our sister blog:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
Caitlin now an FBI profiler in training is on the case for a killer that turns into a cat and mouse game. The dynamics here between Caitlin and the killer is tense, interesting and engaging. Caitlin in more vulnerable and pushes herself as she goes up against this arrogant and cunning killer.
Meg Gardiner does a fantastic job creating an interesting team here with Caitlin and her colleagues who all work together to bring down this killer and we really loved the dynamics between them as we were cheering them all on in this fascinating cat and mouse game.
Meg Gardiner takes us thundering down a fast-paced road soaring along with Beyonce's “freedom” blaring through the coulee. We could feel that black-blood sensation creeping into our veins under that violet sunset. We soared through this book in mostly one day only stopping to reach for a much-needed coffee till we got to the ending that left us all saying WOW. We highly recommend.
Published January 30, 2018
Thank you, NetGalley, Penguin Group and Meg Gardiner for a copy to read and review.
All of our Traveling Sisters Review can be found on our sister blog:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
April 29, 2018
Set in Texas? Mentioned Torchy's Tacos? Talked about how we homeschool our kids?
This was set in my world.
Except, there was a serial killer in my world, so maybe I shouldn't be so excited about that.
Unless he has a room made of candy, then I'd be willing to overlook a few things...
This is the second book in the series, and so it assumes you know the characters and takes off running with some pretty twisted dude killing women with blonde hair.
Not in this book.
You know how you will read a murder-mystery and there is only one murder, and maybe a second that the cops amazingly prevent or something? This is NOT that kind of mystery. The amount of bloody murder that this serial killer manages to accomplish in this book would almost be impressive, if he were like planting flowers instead of killing. It would be a freaking flower-fest all across the country. Beautiful flowers everywhere.
Everyone loves flowers.
If you liked the first book, you will like this one. I definitely didn't want to put it down. Well, except to lock my door, with my brave dog at my side.
Bad dog! You are supposed to save mommy's wine. Forget the chips!
Another thing that happens in this book is that thing where the whole story seems to get wrapped up way too quickly and you are thinking... huh, that was easy. Then, you check the Kindle and realize you are only 60% finished....
Shit's about to go down.
This was set in my world.
Except, there was a serial killer in my world, so maybe I shouldn't be so excited about that.
Unless he has a room made of candy, then I'd be willing to overlook a few things...
This is the second book in the series, and so it assumes you know the characters and takes off running with some pretty twisted dude killing women with blonde hair.
Not in this book.
You know how you will read a murder-mystery and there is only one murder, and maybe a second that the cops amazingly prevent or something? This is NOT that kind of mystery. The amount of bloody murder that this serial killer manages to accomplish in this book would almost be impressive, if he were like planting flowers instead of killing. It would be a freaking flower-fest all across the country. Beautiful flowers everywhere.
Everyone loves flowers.
If you liked the first book, you will like this one. I definitely didn't want to put it down. Well, except to lock my door, with my brave dog at my side.
Bad dog! You are supposed to save mommy's wine. Forget the chips!
Another thing that happens in this book is that thing where the whole story seems to get wrapped up way too quickly and you are thinking... huh, that was easy. Then, you check the Kindle and realize you are only 60% finished....
Shit's about to go down.
August 30, 2022
Book Blog | Bookstagram
“I’ll slip into floating darkness. It’ll be like falling through a field of stars, into the black nowhere.”
MEG GARDINER PLEASE BE MY FRIEND.
Look, I’m not religious, but over Easter weekend, I decided I worship at the printing press of Meg Gardiner. And her books are my bible.
If you’re interested in my new religion, let me know. Maybe I’ll make some pamphlets.
I’m completely blown away by this instalment in the UNSUB series.
Gardiner pulled pretty heavily from Bundy’s biography for this book, so while someone who isn’t as weird as me might find the plot points super unexpected, I spent a lot of the book going “he’s obviously going to do a jailbreak now… he’s obviously headed for a sorority…”
You get it.
But still, five stars. Fully deserved. Me being weird with serial killer facts won't get in the way.
The literary quality of this novel is outstanding. Gardiner is hands-down my favourite author and for very good reason.
Again, let me know about the new religion thing because my gears are already spinning on some good cult names and pamphlet designs. Maybe robes. Are you guys into robes?
This novel didn't take an expected route - where the killer is revealed at the end of the story and the investigators spend most of the novel trying to solve the crime. The killer here is known to the reader about 35% of the way through, and while that might seem like a rip-off, trust me it’s not. The rest of the novel is twisted up in non-stop action sequences as Caitlin and her FBI team attempt to catch a complete psycho on a path of death and destruction.
This is less a procedural-mystery and more an all-out-action-novel centred around a cunning, charming, sadistic killer.
Honestly, just A+ writing and plotting.
Caitlin’s character development is right where you need it to be after what happened in UNSUB. She’s moving forward, doing what she believes is her calling in life and doing it well – but she hasn’t completely let go of the more traumatic parts of her past and they tend to influence her actions at the tensest moments.
While she’s a badass heroine, she’s also a little bit fucked up and I like that about her. She becomes less superhero and more human, endearing.
Look, it is such a cliché to be like, “this book hooks you from chapter one and doesn’t let go…” and I hate clichés so much, but honestly, this book does that and I want you to know, as much as I hate that phrase in reviews, it’s completely true. When that woman wakes up and her baby is crying and…
…seriously, it's the creepiest opening chapter that I've read in a long time.
This book is exceptionally researched. Gardiner does an expert job of explaining profiling and psychological terms without sounding like a textbook or going over a laymen’s head. But she also brings you into the killer’s thought process and motivations without making the killer’s POV a prominent part of the novel. We are strictly moving along this story, learning just as the profilers are. And I thought was a really refreshing take. I’m not a huge fan of killer POVs because they are never original or emotionally fulfilling. You can tell they were written by non-serial killers, you know?
Like I get it, he had a bad mommy and now all women need to be punished as per almost every serial killer ever, blah blah blah. Die mad about it.
And that epilogue! Too good.
This is a cinematic, action-packed, physically and emotionally satisfying novel that (like, it's almost sexual.) It is an intelligent, enthralling, completely perfect follow-up to its predecessor.
“We serial killers are your sons, we are your husbands, we are everywhere. And there will be more of your children dead tomorrow.” -Ted Bundy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 5 stars
“I’ll slip into floating darkness. It’ll be like falling through a field of stars, into the black nowhere.”
MEG GARDINER PLEASE BE MY FRIEND.
Look, I’m not religious, but over Easter weekend, I decided I worship at the printing press of Meg Gardiner. And her books are my bible.
If you’re interested in my new religion, let me know. Maybe I’ll make some pamphlets.
I’m completely blown away by this instalment in the UNSUB series.
Gardiner pulled pretty heavily from Bundy’s biography for this book, so while someone who isn’t as weird as me might find the plot points super unexpected, I spent a lot of the book going “he’s obviously going to do a jailbreak now… he’s obviously headed for a sorority…”
You get it.
But still, five stars. Fully deserved. Me being weird with serial killer facts won't get in the way.
The literary quality of this novel is outstanding. Gardiner is hands-down my favourite author and for very good reason.
Again, let me know about the new religion thing because my gears are already spinning on some good cult names and pamphlet designs. Maybe robes. Are you guys into robes?
This novel didn't take an expected route - where the killer is revealed at the end of the story and the investigators spend most of the novel trying to solve the crime. The killer here is known to the reader about 35% of the way through, and while that might seem like a rip-off, trust me it’s not. The rest of the novel is twisted up in non-stop action sequences as Caitlin and her FBI team attempt to catch a complete psycho on a path of death and destruction.
This is less a procedural-mystery and more an all-out-action-novel centred around a cunning, charming, sadistic killer.
Honestly, just A+ writing and plotting.
Caitlin’s character development is right where you need it to be after what happened in UNSUB. She’s moving forward, doing what she believes is her calling in life and doing it well – but she hasn’t completely let go of the more traumatic parts of her past and they tend to influence her actions at the tensest moments.
While she’s a badass heroine, she’s also a little bit fucked up and I like that about her. She becomes less superhero and more human, endearing.
Look, it is such a cliché to be like, “this book hooks you from chapter one and doesn’t let go…” and I hate clichés so much, but honestly, this book does that and I want you to know, as much as I hate that phrase in reviews, it’s completely true. When that woman wakes up and her baby is crying and…
…seriously, it's the creepiest opening chapter that I've read in a long time.
This book is exceptionally researched. Gardiner does an expert job of explaining profiling and psychological terms without sounding like a textbook or going over a laymen’s head. But she also brings you into the killer’s thought process and motivations without making the killer’s POV a prominent part of the novel. We are strictly moving along this story, learning just as the profilers are. And I thought was a really refreshing take. I’m not a huge fan of killer POVs because they are never original or emotionally fulfilling. You can tell they were written by non-serial killers, you know?
Like I get it, he had a bad mommy and now all women need to be punished as per almost every serial killer ever, blah blah blah. Die mad about it.
And that epilogue! Too good.
This is a cinematic, action-packed, physically and emotionally satisfying novel that (like, it's almost sexual.) It is an intelligent, enthralling, completely perfect follow-up to its predecessor.
“We serial killers are your sons, we are your husbands, we are everywhere. And there will be more of your children dead tomorrow.” -Ted Bundy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 5 stars
March 7, 2019
A serial killer is plying his trade with impunity, his preferred fare is bouncy blonde cheerleader types. Not to be glib about it, but these blondes are not having more fun. FBI behavioral analyst Caitlin Hendrix has her capable hands full with this latest case, probing inside the mind of a psycho is no picnic, either. And this particular sicko has a following of fanatical groupies mucking up the works. It's a bad business. And a great read.
February 13, 2018
This book is FANTASTIC. It’s the best thriller I’ve read so far this year, I literally could not put it down.. it was THAT GOOD. And I absolutely love the main character Caitlin, she’s extremely smart and doesn’t back down to anyone. Run don’t walk to pick this up. I rated all the stars
January 5, 2018
Women are disappearing in Gideon County, Texas. All five of them abducted late at night on Saturdays over the past six months. FBI Special Agent Caitlin Hendrix works in the Behavioral Analysis Unit. When the BAU is put on the case, Hendrix travels to Solace, TX with two other special agents to investigate the abductions. They might be able to find the last victim alive if they move fast. Hendrix is new to the unit, still in training to hone her profiling skills. She still bears the scars from the case that gained her a job at the BAU -- a serial killer known as The Prophet. An unknown killer is still at large from that case. Hendrix keeps a composite sketch of the suspect above her desk to remind herself that he's still out there. But for now, this case in Texas is more important.
I'm not going to say more about the plot. No spoilers from me!
nto the black nowhere is the second book in the Unsub series. I loved the first book in this series! Unsub was supremely suspenseful, dark and just awesome! This follow-up book is just as good, or even better. I spent yet another late night reading because I had to finish the story. Great characters. Awesome suspense. Royally horrific bad-guys. I don't often give 5 star reviews.....but this book earned full stars. I am most definitely going to be reading more of this series! And.....CBS has purchased the rights to turn it into a television series. I have mixed emotions about this.... On the one hand....YAY! The characters and storylines are awesome and I'd love to watch it on televisions! But on the other hand.....the characters and storylines are awesome....and I'd hate television to screw that up. I don't want another Temperance Brennan/Bones thing going on. Now TV fans will stop me there and say "Hey, the Bones series ran for 12 seasons!'' Yeah, it did.....but the characters and situations bore little resemblance to what Kathy Reichs wrote in her books. They shared a name and an occupation (sort of), but nothing else. Temperance Brennan in the books is a more complex and interesting character than the Sheldon Cooper-like character from the show. And the plots from the books are much better, more realistic. The argument might also be made that Meg Gardiner will be a producer for the show......well, Kathy Reichs was listed as a producer for Bones as well. Sigh. Let's see some grit and some good scripts, CBS! Be true to the books -- they are amazing!
I can't wait for the next book in this series!
I'm not going to say more about the plot. No spoilers from me!
nto the black nowhere is the second book in the Unsub series. I loved the first book in this series! Unsub was supremely suspenseful, dark and just awesome! This follow-up book is just as good, or even better. I spent yet another late night reading because I had to finish the story. Great characters. Awesome suspense. Royally horrific bad-guys. I don't often give 5 star reviews.....but this book earned full stars. I am most definitely going to be reading more of this series! And.....CBS has purchased the rights to turn it into a television series. I have mixed emotions about this.... On the one hand....YAY! The characters and storylines are awesome and I'd love to watch it on televisions! But on the other hand.....the characters and storylines are awesome....and I'd hate television to screw that up. I don't want another Temperance Brennan/Bones thing going on. Now TV fans will stop me there and say "Hey, the Bones series ran for 12 seasons!'' Yeah, it did.....but the characters and situations bore little resemblance to what Kathy Reichs wrote in her books. They shared a name and an occupation (sort of), but nothing else. Temperance Brennan in the books is a more complex and interesting character than the Sheldon Cooper-like character from the show. And the plots from the books are much better, more realistic. The argument might also be made that Meg Gardiner will be a producer for the show......well, Kathy Reichs was listed as a producer for Bones as well. Sigh. Let's see some grit and some good scripts, CBS! Be true to the books -- they are amazing!
I can't wait for the next book in this series!
January 17, 2018
Omggggg I LOVE THE UNSUB SERIES! And, can we say girl power?! I love Caitlin and Rainey! They are bad ass!!! Into the Black Nowhere is book two in the Unsub series and it was AWESOME! I believe you could read it is as standalone but why do that when Unsub 1 was AMAZING!
FBI profiler, Caitlin Hendrix and her FBI team, are requested in Gideon county for their help. Five women have been disappearing on Saturday nights for the last six months. All five women leave with out a trace and even more chilling, they all look alike. Blonde with a “cheerleader body”. They disappear from what seem like safe places: At home, a movie theater, from a car, etc.
Caitlin is new to her FBI team but she is learning quickly how to profile an Unsub. As Caitlin and her team gather up information on the missing girls and the whereabouts they went missing they soon figure out a profile for the Unsub. Now, they just have to find him.
I LOVED getting the perspective of the psychopath. It was chilling and so much fun to read. I like psychopaths (in books) what can I say? The way he leaves the women is terrifying. I loved it.
To be honest, I read this at a slow pace. I knew it was going to be good. I just didn’t want it to end. But, towards the end I was racing! I couldn’t get enough of it!! That ending?!?!?Meg Gardiner is a new author to me, starting with Unsub. I will be on the look out for book 3 or any other series she has to offer.
If you’re thinking of reading Into the Black Nowhere, DO IT! Highly recommend this series. 5 thrilling stars!! Thank you to Dutton for the free copy for an honest review!
FBI profiler, Caitlin Hendrix and her FBI team, are requested in Gideon county for their help. Five women have been disappearing on Saturday nights for the last six months. All five women leave with out a trace and even more chilling, they all look alike. Blonde with a “cheerleader body”. They disappear from what seem like safe places: At home, a movie theater, from a car, etc.
Caitlin is new to her FBI team but she is learning quickly how to profile an Unsub. As Caitlin and her team gather up information on the missing girls and the whereabouts they went missing they soon figure out a profile for the Unsub. Now, they just have to find him.
I LOVED getting the perspective of the psychopath. It was chilling and so much fun to read. I like psychopaths (in books) what can I say? The way he leaves the women is terrifying. I loved it.
To be honest, I read this at a slow pace. I knew it was going to be good. I just didn’t want it to end. But, towards the end I was racing! I couldn’t get enough of it!! That ending?!?!?Meg Gardiner is a new author to me, starting with Unsub. I will be on the look out for book 3 or any other series she has to offer.
If you’re thinking of reading Into the Black Nowhere, DO IT! Highly recommend this series. 5 thrilling stars!! Thank you to Dutton for the free copy for an honest review!
January 23, 2018
UNSUB, which is the first book in this outstanding series made my Best of 2017 list and while I was ecstatic to get my hands on the follow up novel, I was also nervous. When the first book in a series is as fantastic as UNSUB was I can’t help but be worried that the next won’t measure up, but rest assured this one was just as gripping, terrifying and all around amazing! Meg Gardiner is a master and I’ll follow this series as long as she keeps writing it.
I love that Caitlin is a full fledged profiler this time around, this picks up not long after the first book ended and the new FBI agent is raring to go. The case Caitlin and her team are working on is inspired by Ted Bundy and I have to say, it made for some chilling reading. This was once again diligently plotted and achieved brilliantly so I’ll be steering clear of the details that made this so superb. But suffice it to say that the intensity is at an all time high and I think my heart was in my throat for the majority.
I loved learning more about Caitlin as well as being introduced to her new coworkers as they were all very intriguing and I predict they’ll be much to explore as the series continues. Gardiner sets things up absolutely perfectly for the next book and I have no doubt that it’ll be another nail biting, high octane and exciting read.
Into the Black Nowhere in three words: Exhilarating, Incisive and Petrifying
I love that Caitlin is a full fledged profiler this time around, this picks up not long after the first book ended and the new FBI agent is raring to go. The case Caitlin and her team are working on is inspired by Ted Bundy and I have to say, it made for some chilling reading. This was once again diligently plotted and achieved brilliantly so I’ll be steering clear of the details that made this so superb. But suffice it to say that the intensity is at an all time high and I think my heart was in my throat for the majority.
I loved learning more about Caitlin as well as being introduced to her new coworkers as they were all very intriguing and I predict they’ll be much to explore as the series continues. Gardiner sets things up absolutely perfectly for the next book and I have no doubt that it’ll be another nail biting, high octane and exciting read.
Into the Black Nowhere in three words: Exhilarating, Incisive and Petrifying
January 18, 2018
5* Stars!
This book was amazing... well-written, fast-paced, fantastic storyline and characters. I loved every minute reading it! If you enjoy the tv show Criminal Minds you will definitely love this book... has the same vibe to it. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series! Highly recommend!
*I want to thank NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for the ARC!
This book was amazing... well-written, fast-paced, fantastic storyline and characters. I loved every minute reading it! If you enjoy the tv show Criminal Minds you will definitely love this book... has the same vibe to it. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series! Highly recommend!
*I want to thank NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for the ARC!
March 22, 2023
So do you owe a book any loyalty because of its predecessor? I think not. Plus it's only the second book in the Unsub series. I loved the first one but this isn't the true sequel to the first. It's its own story. The true sequel to the first is now out - The Dark Corners of the Night. I still look forward to that one!
With regard to this one there was just something bothering me at all stages of it. At the start it was coming together just to easy. And yeah there were hints of what was coming and I really cannot get into it a lot without spoiling things but the path forward was to easy to predict and that in itself was a problem.
So in the first third of the book the Unsub is captured. He is a suave character who abducts, abuses and kills beautiful women. A topic that is so done to death but can still be done right. But he is captured quickly and just as quickly the book fell apart in my mind. Many of you know that I am probably a little to lax in buying into the premises of some of the books I read but hey they are fiction after all. But here the FBI and the small time locals have the perp lock stock and barrel. Yet on the day of the start of his trial things go very much awry. And it is here that I just couldn't buy the premise of what happened. I won't really get into it as it would spoil things but the killing continues with our killer playing cat and mouse with the FBI. The cat and mouse is overdone and the most secretive parts of it were already guessed by me way ahead of time as my side notes indicate (and they were posted late).
Again, the book is not terrible. The writing is good and the action is pretty good but its hard to explain - there was something just not right about it at all stages and this just occupied my mind as I read and distracted me from the book. I lay that distraction on the author. I think a good editorial team could have helped save this book from being so obvious.
Anyway I will see what happens with the third in the series - the true sequel to the first. I suspect that it will be just fine but so often bringing a story to its conclusion is the hard part isn't it? Its so much easier to keep a story line moving forward versus ending it. I am suspecting that's what will happen with the third (the original storyline ends) and the fourth will be all new again and will determine whether I continue on with the series. If Gardiner becomes rooted in things I definitely will. I rate this book a seven out of ten as there is action and it was intriguing from that point of view. Fast paced but it outpaced its sequencing so to speak...............again I just couldn't really buy into a lot of it.
With regard to this one there was just something bothering me at all stages of it. At the start it was coming together just to easy. And yeah there were hints of what was coming and I really cannot get into it a lot without spoiling things but the path forward was to easy to predict and that in itself was a problem.
So in the first third of the book the Unsub is captured. He is a suave character who abducts, abuses and kills beautiful women. A topic that is so done to death but can still be done right. But he is captured quickly and just as quickly the book fell apart in my mind. Many of you know that I am probably a little to lax in buying into the premises of some of the books I read but hey they are fiction after all. But here the FBI and the small time locals have the perp lock stock and barrel. Yet on the day of the start of his trial things go very much awry. And it is here that I just couldn't buy the premise of what happened. I won't really get into it as it would spoil things but the killing continues with our killer playing cat and mouse with the FBI. The cat and mouse is overdone and the most secretive parts of it were already guessed by me way ahead of time as my side notes indicate (and they were posted late).
Again, the book is not terrible. The writing is good and the action is pretty good but its hard to explain - there was something just not right about it at all stages and this just occupied my mind as I read and distracted me from the book. I lay that distraction on the author. I think a good editorial team could have helped save this book from being so obvious.
Anyway I will see what happens with the third in the series - the true sequel to the first. I suspect that it will be just fine but so often bringing a story to its conclusion is the hard part isn't it? Its so much easier to keep a story line moving forward versus ending it. I am suspecting that's what will happen with the third (the original storyline ends) and the fourth will be all new again and will determine whether I continue on with the series. If Gardiner becomes rooted in things I definitely will. I rate this book a seven out of ten as there is action and it was intriguing from that point of view. Fast paced but it outpaced its sequencing so to speak...............again I just couldn't really buy into a lot of it.
January 23, 2019
Last year, enticed by Larry’s enthusiastic review, I picked up and devoured Meg Gardiner’s first Unsub (stands for Unknown Suspect) novel. I liked it a lot. This book is a strong follow-up with a different feel but just as effective a hook.
Bright and ambitious police detective Caitlin Hendrix has moved across the country to join the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit in Quantico, Virginia. Soon she’s profiling a serial killer who is abducting women in and around Austin, Texas. The victims have seemingly disappeared in mere seconds: from a crowded movie theatre; from a car waiting at a train-crossing; in an underground parking garage.
When some of the bodies turn up, Caitlin and her colleagues discover the killer has a certain signature involving a white negligee and Polaroid pictures. Furthermore, the crimes all seem to happen on a Saturday night, and the press soon dub him “The Saturday Night Killer.”
After Caitlin gets a tip from a terrified caller convinced she knows the killer, she investigates, but that leads nowhere. Reexamining the facts, however, Caitlin comes up with another suspect. She’s sure he’s the guy. But is he? With his movie star good looks and pleasant demeanour, he doesn’t seem like serial killer material, right?
Wrong. The book is inspired by the crimes of the handsome sociopath Ted Bundy, and one of the book’s strongest themes is how looks can be deceiving.
Rather than keep us guessing about the killer’s identity, Gardiner intriguingly lets us know who he is, narrating certain chapters from his twisted perspective until a big Aha! moment. The book really picks up at the halfway mark, becoming a cat and mouse game until the final thrilling pages.
And as with Unsub, there are some nicely fleshed out secondary characters. My favourite is a very helpful techie at the FBI whose enthusiasm for his various discoveries always gives a scene a big boost.
What’s missing from this book is more about Caitlin’s non-police life. Sure, Caitlin’s now in a long distance relationship with her boyfriend, FBI agent Sean Rawlins, and a case that Sean’s working on will likely lead us into Unsub book #3. But even while this book includes a plot point about Caitlin’s history with mental illness, she remains a rather shadowy figure herself.
I said it about Unsub and I’ll say it again here. I like my thriller protagonists to have complex and believable personalities: Amy Dunne, Clarice Starling. Caitlin isn’t quite in their company, but so what. This is still a very entertaining page-turner, and I look forward to reading more books in this series.
Bright and ambitious police detective Caitlin Hendrix has moved across the country to join the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit in Quantico, Virginia. Soon she’s profiling a serial killer who is abducting women in and around Austin, Texas. The victims have seemingly disappeared in mere seconds: from a crowded movie theatre; from a car waiting at a train-crossing; in an underground parking garage.
When some of the bodies turn up, Caitlin and her colleagues discover the killer has a certain signature involving a white negligee and Polaroid pictures. Furthermore, the crimes all seem to happen on a Saturday night, and the press soon dub him “The Saturday Night Killer.”
After Caitlin gets a tip from a terrified caller convinced she knows the killer, she investigates, but that leads nowhere. Reexamining the facts, however, Caitlin comes up with another suspect. She’s sure he’s the guy. But is he? With his movie star good looks and pleasant demeanour, he doesn’t seem like serial killer material, right?
Wrong. The book is inspired by the crimes of the handsome sociopath Ted Bundy, and one of the book’s strongest themes is how looks can be deceiving.
Rather than keep us guessing about the killer’s identity, Gardiner intriguingly lets us know who he is, narrating certain chapters from his twisted perspective until a big Aha! moment. The book really picks up at the halfway mark, becoming a cat and mouse game until the final thrilling pages.
And as with Unsub, there are some nicely fleshed out secondary characters. My favourite is a very helpful techie at the FBI whose enthusiasm for his various discoveries always gives a scene a big boost.
What’s missing from this book is more about Caitlin’s non-police life. Sure, Caitlin’s now in a long distance relationship with her boyfriend, FBI agent Sean Rawlins, and a case that Sean’s working on will likely lead us into Unsub book #3. But even while this book includes a plot point about Caitlin’s history with mental illness, she remains a rather shadowy figure herself.
I said it about Unsub and I’ll say it again here. I like my thriller protagonists to have complex and believable personalities: Amy Dunne, Clarice Starling. Caitlin isn’t quite in their company, but so what. This is still a very entertaining page-turner, and I look forward to reading more books in this series.
March 5, 2024
His wife “… had vanished. She was the fifth”
Newly minted FBI agent, Caitlin Hendrix, on her first assignment with the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit has obviously been tossed into the deep end with no PFD. She’s facing her first Unsub, a savage serial killer who seems to have the ability to grab his victims within sight and sound of dozens of witnesses but to make them disappear more quietly and more completely than David Copperfield’s Statue of Liberty. INTO THE BLACK NOWHERE leaves the proverbial station on a single track, the engine puffing slowly but steadily, checking each clue, gaining traction and steam with each turn of the wheels, inevitably closing in on the suspect, a solid but really quite fascinating and compelling police procedural. Then, just past the halfway point of the novel, the wheels come off, the tracks split into a wild and twisted myriad of possible routes, turns, dead-ends and sidings. INTO THE BLACK NOWHERE has definitely become a high speed, edge-of-the-seat, hang-onto-your-hat suspense thriller.
If you’re a fan of television forensic shows such as CRIMINAL MINDS, or forensic thrillers à la Jeffrey Deaver or Tess Gerritsen, then INTO THE BLACK NOWHERE will be right down your alley. And (no big surprises here), there’s clearly a sequel coming. Definitely recommended.
Paul Weiss
Newly minted FBI agent, Caitlin Hendrix, on her first assignment with the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit has obviously been tossed into the deep end with no PFD. She’s facing her first Unsub, a savage serial killer who seems to have the ability to grab his victims within sight and sound of dozens of witnesses but to make them disappear more quietly and more completely than David Copperfield’s Statue of Liberty. INTO THE BLACK NOWHERE leaves the proverbial station on a single track, the engine puffing slowly but steadily, checking each clue, gaining traction and steam with each turn of the wheels, inevitably closing in on the suspect, a solid but really quite fascinating and compelling police procedural. Then, just past the halfway point of the novel, the wheels come off, the tracks split into a wild and twisted myriad of possible routes, turns, dead-ends and sidings. INTO THE BLACK NOWHERE has definitely become a high speed, edge-of-the-seat, hang-onto-your-hat suspense thriller.
If you’re a fan of television forensic shows such as CRIMINAL MINDS, or forensic thrillers à la Jeffrey Deaver or Tess Gerritsen, then INTO THE BLACK NOWHERE will be right down your alley. And (no big surprises here), there’s clearly a sequel coming. Definitely recommended.
Paul Weiss
February 6, 2018
Meg Gardiner’s second book in the UNSUB series is on par with the first book. Using short, jabbing chapters made the book fast-paced initially, and as the FBI drew closer to the Unsub, the chapters were more extended. Most characters, especially Special Agents Caitlin Hendrix and Brianne Rainey, were well-drawn, but an exception is SAC C. J. Emmerich. He was present and accounted for, but I don’t feel I know him as well. The Unsub was written as charming and friendly, similar to the real-life Ted Bundy.
The book I read previous to this one was a Tony Hill/Carol Jordan book based on profiling by Val McDermid, and it is interesting to me to compare its style with this book with characters in the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit. McDermid uses a long, drawn out narrative to reveal the psychological aspects and the investigation in her story. Gardiner almost punches you right in the face with her story. I think there is more action, more twists, and a faster pace in Gardiner’s books. I have no preference for either style, however; I enjoyed both books.
The book I read previous to this one was a Tony Hill/Carol Jordan book based on profiling by Val McDermid, and it is interesting to me to compare its style with this book with characters in the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit. McDermid uses a long, drawn out narrative to reveal the psychological aspects and the investigation in her story. Gardiner almost punches you right in the face with her story. I think there is more action, more twists, and a faster pace in Gardiner’s books. I have no preference for either style, however; I enjoyed both books.
March 25, 2018
When I read UNSUB earlier this year, it a) gave me nightmares, b) instantly catapulted to my favorites shelf, and c) made me crave more of both Meg Gardiner's writing and Caitlin Hendrix's spunk and intuition. That should give you some small idea of how incredibly excited I was to tackle the second book in the UNSUB series, Into the Black Nowhere.
It did not disappoint.
Meg Gardiner does it again with this equally brilliant and captivating sequel in which Caitlin Hendrix returns, this time as a fresh addition to the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI. The chilling work of a new serial killer brings her team to Solace, Texas, where the unsub is wreaking havoc on a small town by abducting women from increasingly daring locations on Saturday nights. When the bodies begin to turn up in the woods, dressed in white nightgowns and surrounded by Polaroids that suggest even more victims, the race to catch the killer is on and the stakes are higher than ever.
What makes Gardiner's work so terrifying and gripping is its realism. Her attention to detail and clear familiarity with the work of serial killers and investigative processes transported me to the center of the action from the very first page. And the audacity of the abductions will give you goosebumps. Women are vanishing out of thin air in movie theaters, still-running cars in the middle of the road, even their own living rooms - and each clean getaway inspires the killer to grow bolder. Caitlin's team profiles the unsub as someone who appears to be the Everyman - confident and charismatic, a liked figure in his community with a stable home life. He's successful in putting forth a completely normal and believable façade to mask the evil inside of him. He could be your co-worker, your neighbor, your boyfriend.
The action and pacing are just as cinematic as UNSUB. I felt like I was right there in the passenger seat as Caitlin's team raced around the country in a game of cat and mouse with a cold and calculated killer. I felt the same mad scramble to get one step ahead of him, the same heady rush of satisfaction when the clues began to click together. There's only a brief lull in the action in the middle of the novel, and that lull is a deceiving reprieve. The tension quickly ratchets back up stays high all the way through a satisfying and pulse-pounding climax.
I adore Caitlin as a character. She's so headstrong and skilled at what she does, and yet she's wonderfully flawed. Gardiner has done a great job of yet again exposing both her strengths and weaknesses over the course of the novel. There was a larger emphasis placed on her behavioral profiling skills in this novel, and I loved seeing her shine at what breaking down exactly what makes the unsub tick. This time, Caitlin lets the serial killer past her mental walls in order to try to turn it against him, and the fallout fascinated me as she struggled to re-compartmentalize those parts of her past. There are several loose ends with her character at the end of the novel that make me all the more excited to see more of her in the future.
Into the Black Nowhere is such a strong follow-up to UNSUB and shows that Meg Gardiner really, really knows what she's doing when it comes to writing thrillers that are equal parts terrifying, intelligent, and enthralling. I'm loving this series with all of my heart, and I'm eager to see where she draws inspiration from next. The Dark Corners of the Night can't come soon enough.
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It did not disappoint.
Meg Gardiner does it again with this equally brilliant and captivating sequel in which Caitlin Hendrix returns, this time as a fresh addition to the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI. The chilling work of a new serial killer brings her team to Solace, Texas, where the unsub is wreaking havoc on a small town by abducting women from increasingly daring locations on Saturday nights. When the bodies begin to turn up in the woods, dressed in white nightgowns and surrounded by Polaroids that suggest even more victims, the race to catch the killer is on and the stakes are higher than ever.
What makes Gardiner's work so terrifying and gripping is its realism. Her attention to detail and clear familiarity with the work of serial killers and investigative processes transported me to the center of the action from the very first page. And the audacity of the abductions will give you goosebumps. Women are vanishing out of thin air in movie theaters, still-running cars in the middle of the road, even their own living rooms - and each clean getaway inspires the killer to grow bolder. Caitlin's team profiles the unsub as someone who appears to be the Everyman - confident and charismatic, a liked figure in his community with a stable home life. He's successful in putting forth a completely normal and believable façade to mask the evil inside of him. He could be your co-worker, your neighbor, your boyfriend.
The action and pacing are just as cinematic as UNSUB. I felt like I was right there in the passenger seat as Caitlin's team raced around the country in a game of cat and mouse with a cold and calculated killer. I felt the same mad scramble to get one step ahead of him, the same heady rush of satisfaction when the clues began to click together. There's only a brief lull in the action in the middle of the novel, and that lull is a deceiving reprieve. The tension quickly ratchets back up stays high all the way through a satisfying and pulse-pounding climax.
I adore Caitlin as a character. She's so headstrong and skilled at what she does, and yet she's wonderfully flawed. Gardiner has done a great job of yet again exposing both her strengths and weaknesses over the course of the novel. There was a larger emphasis placed on her behavioral profiling skills in this novel, and I loved seeing her shine at what breaking down exactly what makes the unsub tick. This time, Caitlin lets the serial killer past her mental walls in order to try to turn it against him, and the fallout fascinated me as she struggled to re-compartmentalize those parts of her past. There are several loose ends with her character at the end of the novel that make me all the more excited to see more of her in the future.
Into the Black Nowhere is such a strong follow-up to UNSUB and shows that Meg Gardiner really, really knows what she's doing when it comes to writing thrillers that are equal parts terrifying, intelligent, and enthralling. I'm loving this series with all of my heart, and I'm eager to see where she draws inspiration from next. The Dark Corners of the Night can't come soon enough.
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January 30, 2018
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I really enjoyed this book! I was a huge fan of the first book in this series, UNSUB, so I was really excited to read this one. I will admit that I didn't like this book quite as much as the first book in the series but it was a very strong book. I was hooked by this book from the very start and enjoyed it to the very end. This series has quickly made its way onto my must read list.
Caitlin is now working as an FBI profiler. She goes to Texas with a couple of other members of her team to look into a string of abductions. Women are disappearing and residents are starting to be frightened. There are no clues and nobody knows whether the women are dead or alive. Caitlin and the team start working on putting together a profile for the perpetrator.
Most of the book follow Caitlin as she works through the clues to get in the head of the perpetrator. We do get the chance to see things closer to the criminal from time to time as well which worked well in the story. I was a bit surprised by how early in the book the team narrows down the list of suspects and subsequently catches the individual responsible. I had a feeling that there were a few more surprises in store and was excited when things followed that path.
I liked the characters in this book. Caitlin is smart and has great instincts. She really is focused on finding the criminal and puts everything into the job. Sean and Michelle do play a role in this book but it is much smaller. I have to admit that I would have liked to have a little more Sean in this book. I did like seeing Caitlin struggle with being away from people in her life and felt it helped round out her character.
This was a fast moving story. The opening scene was very strong and really set the tone for the story. I did think that the book slowed down just a bit towards the middle but everything picked up quickly and ended with a ton of action. Things don't always go well for the team and there were more than a few surprises along the way. I really liked the fact that as soon as I thought I had something figured out I would soon find that I knew less than I thought.
I would highly recommend this book to fans of mystery thrillers. This is the second book in the UNSUB series but could easily be read as a stand alone since it tells its own story. This is a fast paced story that kept me thinking until the thrilling end. I can't wait to read the next book in this amazing series!
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Penguin Group Viking - Dutton Books via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
This was good. The opening of the book really caught my attention. I did think that things slowed down a bit towards the middle but the story had a really strong finish.
I really enjoyed this book! I was a huge fan of the first book in this series, UNSUB, so I was really excited to read this one. I will admit that I didn't like this book quite as much as the first book in the series but it was a very strong book. I was hooked by this book from the very start and enjoyed it to the very end. This series has quickly made its way onto my must read list.
Caitlin is now working as an FBI profiler. She goes to Texas with a couple of other members of her team to look into a string of abductions. Women are disappearing and residents are starting to be frightened. There are no clues and nobody knows whether the women are dead or alive. Caitlin and the team start working on putting together a profile for the perpetrator.
Most of the book follow Caitlin as she works through the clues to get in the head of the perpetrator. We do get the chance to see things closer to the criminal from time to time as well which worked well in the story. I was a bit surprised by how early in the book the team narrows down the list of suspects and subsequently catches the individual responsible. I had a feeling that there were a few more surprises in store and was excited when things followed that path.
I liked the characters in this book. Caitlin is smart and has great instincts. She really is focused on finding the criminal and puts everything into the job. Sean and Michelle do play a role in this book but it is much smaller. I have to admit that I would have liked to have a little more Sean in this book. I did like seeing Caitlin struggle with being away from people in her life and felt it helped round out her character.
This was a fast moving story. The opening scene was very strong and really set the tone for the story. I did think that the book slowed down just a bit towards the middle but everything picked up quickly and ended with a ton of action. Things don't always go well for the team and there were more than a few surprises along the way. I really liked the fact that as soon as I thought I had something figured out I would soon find that I knew less than I thought.
I would highly recommend this book to fans of mystery thrillers. This is the second book in the UNSUB series but could easily be read as a stand alone since it tells its own story. This is a fast paced story that kept me thinking until the thrilling end. I can't wait to read the next book in this amazing series!
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Penguin Group Viking - Dutton Books via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
This was good. The opening of the book really caught my attention. I did think that things slowed down a bit towards the middle but the story had a really strong finish.
February 1, 2018
For all my reviews, visit my blog at http://ladyjbookishnook.blogspot.com
Fans will enjoy this newest installment, book number two of the UNSUB series. Into the Black Nowhere by Meg Gardiner is a great nail-biting thriller and I enjoyed every minute of it.
My favorite character was Caitlin Hendrix, a member of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit. She is a smart tough agent but is realistic when she shows some weakness also. The killer in this novel was so good at reading and manipulating people that he was able to pick up on Caitlin’s weakness during their interaction.
I found the book was hard to put down especially when you get to the high-paced and intense “chase” of the killer. Throughout the book the killer toyed with the FBI, drawing them to himself for a showdown at the end. And what a showdown it was!
There was no getting bored with this one as the author brilliantly kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. Author Meg Gardiner has written a novel that makes for an edgy and exciting read. If you are a fan of well-written crime thrillers then this is a story you don’t want to miss. I would definitely read more from this author and recommend this novel to anyone who loves a good on-the-edge-of-your-seat thriller. Four out of five stars for Into the Black Nowhere!!!
Thank you Meg Gardiner, Dutton Books, and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy of this book to read.
February 17, 2018
I am really enjoying Gardiner's Unsub series--this is the second. The opening gets central TX right and the Oklahoma scenes are well-done (many thanks to Gardiner for that) instead of stereotypes.
The action moves quickly throughout and the heroine-villain scene at the end is so gripping readers (or at least fellow writers) will appreciate the effort it took Ms. Gardiner to think through and block out/map out the action.
Highly recommended.
The action moves quickly throughout and the heroine-villain scene at the end is so gripping readers (or at least fellow writers) will appreciate the effort it took Ms. Gardiner to think through and block out/map out the action.
Highly recommended.
January 18, 2018
Last year, I was completely obsessed with Unsub, the start of a new series by Meg Gardiner that featured FBI agent Caitlin Hendrix. Heart pounding, dark and visceral, Unsub had me holding on to the edge of my seat and screaming for more. So, of course, I was extremely excited when I found out that the second book in the series, Into the Black Nowhere, would be publishing in January 2018!
Now, without giving away any plot points or information (because I absolutely consider Unsub to be a MUST READ), Unsub left off with quite a few open-ended questions and with a bit of a cliffhanger ending so I was desperate to read the next book. WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN??! I NEEDED ANSWERS! I dove into the book and, I am going to say, Into the Black Nowhere left me feeling a little bit disappointed.
It was absolutely not the writing style; Gardiner’s prose is just as smart and fast paced as I have come to know and love. The book was brilliantly written and filled with witty, smart banter between police, excellent character development and a game of cat and mouse between protagonist and antagonist that kept me turning the pages.
This novel doesn’t really touch on any of the questions I had from the first novel; skimming over the issue, the characters jump right into a new case and move quickly away from the events from the first novel. While I understand that this is an excellent tactic for a sophomore novel in a series (it keeps the readership going and pushes the issues into further novels), I really was looking forward to having some answers!!
Also, notorious serial killer, Ted Bundy, inspires this novel’s antagonist. I am not sure whether or not it was because I knew much more about Ted Bundy than I knew about the Zodiac killer (which is the antagonist that inspired Unsub), but I felt like I wasn’t surprised by anything he did. I knew his MO and I knew the general direction the story would take (I knew he would likely escape police custody, I knew he would likely attack a sorority).
Regardless of this, I really did love the novel for its entertainment value and I will be anxiously awaiting the third novel!
4/5 stars.
Now, without giving away any plot points or information (because I absolutely consider Unsub to be a MUST READ), Unsub left off with quite a few open-ended questions and with a bit of a cliffhanger ending so I was desperate to read the next book. WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN??! I NEEDED ANSWERS! I dove into the book and, I am going to say, Into the Black Nowhere left me feeling a little bit disappointed.
It was absolutely not the writing style; Gardiner’s prose is just as smart and fast paced as I have come to know and love. The book was brilliantly written and filled with witty, smart banter between police, excellent character development and a game of cat and mouse between protagonist and antagonist that kept me turning the pages.
This novel doesn’t really touch on any of the questions I had from the first novel; skimming over the issue, the characters jump right into a new case and move quickly away from the events from the first novel. While I understand that this is an excellent tactic for a sophomore novel in a series (it keeps the readership going and pushes the issues into further novels), I really was looking forward to having some answers!!
Also, notorious serial killer, Ted Bundy, inspires this novel’s antagonist. I am not sure whether or not it was because I knew much more about Ted Bundy than I knew about the Zodiac killer (which is the antagonist that inspired Unsub), but I felt like I wasn’t surprised by anything he did. I knew his MO and I knew the general direction the story would take (I knew he would likely escape police custody, I knew he would likely attack a sorority).
Regardless of this, I really did love the novel for its entertainment value and I will be anxiously awaiting the third novel!
4/5 stars.
April 16, 2018
Another excellent book in the UNSUB series!!
4.5 stars!!
Into the Black Nowhere is the second book in this series and starts off with our main character, Caitlin Hendrix starting at the FBI in the Behavioral Analysis Unit. Caitlin is working with a legendary FBI profiler C.J. Emmerich and ten-year veteran Brianne Rainey on the abductions of women in the Gideon County of Texas.
I enjoyed all the characterization with Emmerich and Rainey. They really added to the overall plot and I hope to see more with these characters in the next book!
I enjoyed the main character of Hendrix more in this book. She seemed more professional and driven to catch the UNSUB. The first book seemed to focus more on her father’s obsession with the Prophet and how it affected her life.
Into the Black Nowhere has none of this and just focuses on the murders, how the FBI is trying to solve the murder cases and showing how agents must deal with such brutality and evil.
I loved the moments between her and the killer when they are engaging in conversation. We find out who the killer is half way in the book, but it does not disappoint. The action and suspense does not let off and the story line is gripping. It’s a hot mess and I could not stop reading this book!
Gardiner knows how to write serial killers well. She bases the killer on real-life serial killer Ted Bundy. I could tell she uses a lot of Bundy’s life in this book from his personality to how he captured and killed women. Being from the Seattle area, I know quite a bit about Bundy and could tell Gardiner did her research!! Well done!
It seemed to me that Gardiner is using real-life killers for inspiration on her books. I like where she is going with the series and can’t wait for the next installment!
If you are looking for a smart and well written crime detective series, check out UNSUB! I don’t think you’ll regret it!
4.5 stars!!
Into the Black Nowhere is the second book in this series and starts off with our main character, Caitlin Hendrix starting at the FBI in the Behavioral Analysis Unit. Caitlin is working with a legendary FBI profiler C.J. Emmerich and ten-year veteran Brianne Rainey on the abductions of women in the Gideon County of Texas.
I enjoyed all the characterization with Emmerich and Rainey. They really added to the overall plot and I hope to see more with these characters in the next book!
I enjoyed the main character of Hendrix more in this book. She seemed more professional and driven to catch the UNSUB. The first book seemed to focus more on her father’s obsession with the Prophet and how it affected her life.
Into the Black Nowhere has none of this and just focuses on the murders, how the FBI is trying to solve the murder cases and showing how agents must deal with such brutality and evil.
I loved the moments between her and the killer when they are engaging in conversation. We find out who the killer is half way in the book, but it does not disappoint. The action and suspense does not let off and the story line is gripping. It’s a hot mess and I could not stop reading this book!
Gardiner knows how to write serial killers well. She bases the killer on real-life serial killer Ted Bundy. I could tell she uses a lot of Bundy’s life in this book from his personality to how he captured and killed women. Being from the Seattle area, I know quite a bit about Bundy and could tell Gardiner did her research!! Well done!
It seemed to me that Gardiner is using real-life killers for inspiration on her books. I like where she is going with the series and can’t wait for the next installment!
If you are looking for a smart and well written crime detective series, check out UNSUB! I don’t think you’ll regret it!
June 9, 2024
4⭐
Genre ~ crime psyhcological thriler
Series ~ Unsub #2
Others in the series ~ #1-4
Setting ~ Virginia & Texas
Publication date ~ January 30, 2019
Est Page Count ~ 352 (63 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 11 hours 53 minutes
Narrator ~ Hillary Huber
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ police procedural, FBI, violence, brutal murders
*I'm gearing up to listen to book #4 soon and realized I never reviewed #1-3 from ages ago. I popped into the library and grabbed all 3 so I could refresh my memory and here's my quick review*
Caitlin is now working for the FBI in the Behavioral Analysis Unit in Virginia. A string of missing women brings the FBI to Texas to investigate.
Not as suspenseful as the last book, but still action packed and fast paced nonetheless. This author has a way of pulling you into the story like you're right along with them investigating. I liked that we get the killer's POV, too. Also, really liked the working relationship between Caitlin and Agent Rainey. Definitely recommend this series.
Series notes:
For sure read UNSUB first as this is a continuation.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ crime psyhcological thriler
Series ~ Unsub #2
Others in the series ~ #1-4
Setting ~ Virginia & Texas
Publication date ~ January 30, 2019
Est Page Count ~ 352 (63 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 11 hours 53 minutes
Narrator ~ Hillary Huber
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ police procedural, FBI, violence, brutal murders
*I'm gearing up to listen to book #4 soon and realized I never reviewed #1-3 from ages ago. I popped into the library and grabbed all 3 so I could refresh my memory and here's my quick review*
Caitlin is now working for the FBI in the Behavioral Analysis Unit in Virginia. A string of missing women brings the FBI to Texas to investigate.
Not as suspenseful as the last book, but still action packed and fast paced nonetheless. This author has a way of pulling you into the story like you're right along with them investigating. I liked that we get the killer's POV, too. Also, really liked the working relationship between Caitlin and Agent Rainey. Definitely recommend this series.
Series notes:
For sure read UNSUB first as this is a continuation.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
August 15, 2018
After the intensity of book one, I expected a lot.. more. INTO THE BLACK NOWHERE failed to match the level of wow I experienced in UNSUB and ultimately was seriously frustrating due to the constant fumbles and flubs of law enforcement. It was an interesting set-up in regards to catching the killer early and then watching everything go to shit in the process, and in fact escalating as a result, but like.. wow. Not the good kind of wow. The so much fail kind of wow.
I'm interested in book three, though, because of where things left off for Caitlin and Sean but this particular mystery/thriller did not thrill.
I'm interested in book three, though, because of where things left off for Caitlin and Sean but this particular mystery/thriller did not thrill.
July 15, 2019
Into The Black Nowhere by Meg Gardiner is the 2nd book in her UNSUB series.
It's excellent!
A serial killer is hunting, controlling and killing women. FBI agent, Caitlin Hendrix must stop him.
Meg Gardiner is proficient with the technical details of FBI profiling and tracking.
She gives us a very compelling female character, a horrifying villain and intense plot twists.
A Must Read!
It's excellent!
A serial killer is hunting, controlling and killing women. FBI agent, Caitlin Hendrix must stop him.
Meg Gardiner is proficient with the technical details of FBI profiling and tracking.
She gives us a very compelling female character, a horrifying villain and intense plot twists.
A Must Read!
March 26, 2018
The follow-up to Unsub hits all the right chords for fast-paced cat-and-mouse thrillers but lacks the same level of character depth and story outside of the hunt-for-a-serial-killer narrative. In Unsub, author Meg Gardiner went to great lengths to establish her series protagonist Caitlin Hendrix, now the new kid on the block in the FBI’s Behavioural Analysis Unit, as a tough, take charge cop with a personal connection to a killer and a family history rich in the violent world of serial killers, due, in large part to her father’s profession. Caitlin’s current-day personal life and relationship with Sean, a bomb expert also made for solid reading in Unsub, adding an interesting and at times complex dynamic to the core plot; all this was missing from Into the Black Nowhere. Anything remotely personal for Caitlin felt forced, while the attempted comradery with fellow agents didn’t ring true, at the end of the book, they still feel cardboard cut-out despite some background filtering through the manhunt.
As for the serial killer angle, the overt use of the macabre is toned down from the previous book allowing the readers mind to run wild which is oftentimes more scary than the explicit depictions of violent murder scenes in print; don’t get me wrong, these were still pretty gruesome just not as inventive as in Unsub.
Whilst a harrowing and deadly character, the serial killer felt run of the mil, the plot element hindered by the revealing of their identity two thirds through the book. That said, there is a nice twist I didn’t see coming.
My rating: 3/5. Into the Black Nowhere is ok but lacks the same impact as Unsub. I’m hoping book 3 recaptures the essence which made Unsub so good to read.
As for the serial killer angle, the overt use of the macabre is toned down from the previous book allowing the readers mind to run wild which is oftentimes more scary than the explicit depictions of violent murder scenes in print; don’t get me wrong, these were still pretty gruesome just not as inventive as in Unsub.
Whilst a harrowing and deadly character, the serial killer felt run of the mil, the plot element hindered by the revealing of their identity two thirds through the book. That said, there is a nice twist I didn’t see coming.
My rating: 3/5. Into the Black Nowhere is ok but lacks the same impact as Unsub. I’m hoping book 3 recaptures the essence which made Unsub so good to read.
November 11, 2021
The second installment of Meg Gardiner's UNSUBseries, INTO THE BLACK NOWHERE, is a blistering read. The pace is fast, and the characters are all super real, flesh-and-blood creations with whom you will enjoy spending time.
Rookie FBI agent Caitlin Hendrix and her team were first introduced in UNSUB, which was a terrific read on its own. INTO THE BLACK NOWHERE kicks things up several notches. Caitlin recently has been named to the elite FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit, a role with which she can fully spread her wings and make quite a name for herself. To do this, she will need to put all of her profiling skills to the ultimate test.
The term “UNSUB” has a few definitions, and the one that best fits this team is “Unknown Subject of a Criminal Investigation.” In this case, Caitlin and her team are after a Saturday night kidnapper and possible killer. The fact that this is the most popular night out of the week merely enhances the huge number of potential suspects.
What the UNSUB team is tasked with doing is putting together a victimology analysis. They need to look at all of the missing women and come up with some type of common trait or traits they shared. This will allow them to chip away at the large number of possible subjects, which is no small task. At the very least, the team must position themselves in the area where the victims were last seen and hope that on another Saturday night they will be near the suspect or suspects in question.
The first victim's body is found in the woods, covered in blood and wearing a white nightgown. An eerie look that one of the investigators notes makes her resemble Snow White. A second victim follows shortly thereafter. The one chilling similarity between the two bodies is that each is surrounded by a number of crumpled old Polaroids. However, this is no time for celebrating. Aside from these photos, they have no forensics, clues or witnesses. The killer is very clever, and until they can complete some sort of a profile on why, who and how he is doing this, they are nowhere.
Fortunately, Caitlin is part of a great team. Her teammate, Agent Rainey, is another determined woman, and they work very well together. She also receives a lot of support from her team leader, Special Agent in Charge Emmerich. I won't reveal the tactics they use to narrow things down to one prime suspect. Trust me, it makes for some great reading and shows that Gardiner really knows her stuff.
All fingers appear to point to a popular and successful realtor named Kyle Detrick.
The book’s most exciting and chilling passages involve their pursuit of Detrick.
As they continue their profile of Detrick, they look for anything that may lead them to where and when he will strike next. One of the most chilling scenes in the novel which sent a chill up my spine as I immediately thought of Ted Bundy, who infamously slaughtered his way through a sorority house during his epic killing spree. Will Caitlin and company be able to stop Detrick before the body count rises, or is the cleverest killer since Hannibal Lecter always going to be several steps ahead of them?
INTO THE BLACK NOWHERE is relentless thriller writing at its finest. It takes the overcrowded serial killer subgenre to new levels, and I cannot wait for more. The back cover indicates that UNSUB will soon be a television series on CBS. I am not sure how I feel about this. I am excited to see it, but think that network television may be far too tame for the sort of unbridled, brutal storytelling these books have produced. This one is sure to scare the dickens out of you and should not be forgotten come awards time this year.
Rookie FBI agent Caitlin Hendrix and her team were first introduced in UNSUB, which was a terrific read on its own. INTO THE BLACK NOWHERE kicks things up several notches. Caitlin recently has been named to the elite FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit, a role with which she can fully spread her wings and make quite a name for herself. To do this, she will need to put all of her profiling skills to the ultimate test.
The term “UNSUB” has a few definitions, and the one that best fits this team is “Unknown Subject of a Criminal Investigation.” In this case, Caitlin and her team are after a Saturday night kidnapper and possible killer. The fact that this is the most popular night out of the week merely enhances the huge number of potential suspects.
What the UNSUB team is tasked with doing is putting together a victimology analysis. They need to look at all of the missing women and come up with some type of common trait or traits they shared. This will allow them to chip away at the large number of possible subjects, which is no small task. At the very least, the team must position themselves in the area where the victims were last seen and hope that on another Saturday night they will be near the suspect or suspects in question.
The first victim's body is found in the woods, covered in blood and wearing a white nightgown. An eerie look that one of the investigators notes makes her resemble Snow White. A second victim follows shortly thereafter. The one chilling similarity between the two bodies is that each is surrounded by a number of crumpled old Polaroids. However, this is no time for celebrating. Aside from these photos, they have no forensics, clues or witnesses. The killer is very clever, and until they can complete some sort of a profile on why, who and how he is doing this, they are nowhere.
Fortunately, Caitlin is part of a great team. Her teammate, Agent Rainey, is another determined woman, and they work very well together. She also receives a lot of support from her team leader, Special Agent in Charge Emmerich. I won't reveal the tactics they use to narrow things down to one prime suspect. Trust me, it makes for some great reading and shows that Gardiner really knows her stuff.
All fingers appear to point to a popular and successful realtor named Kyle Detrick.
The book’s most exciting and chilling passages involve their pursuit of Detrick.
As they continue their profile of Detrick, they look for anything that may lead them to where and when he will strike next. One of the most chilling scenes in the novel which sent a chill up my spine as I immediately thought of Ted Bundy, who infamously slaughtered his way through a sorority house during his epic killing spree. Will Caitlin and company be able to stop Detrick before the body count rises, or is the cleverest killer since Hannibal Lecter always going to be several steps ahead of them?
INTO THE BLACK NOWHERE is relentless thriller writing at its finest. It takes the overcrowded serial killer subgenre to new levels, and I cannot wait for more. The back cover indicates that UNSUB will soon be a television series on CBS. I am not sure how I feel about this. I am excited to see it, but think that network television may be far too tame for the sort of unbridled, brutal storytelling these books have produced. This one is sure to scare the dickens out of you and should not be forgotten come awards time this year.
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