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Conceptus
Laura Drummond was brutally attacked and left for dead when she was just 14 years old. Now, twenty-four years later, she’s a homicide detective for the Columbus, Ohio, police department. Laura spends her days working her case files and her nights at a bar called Griff’s. Laura’s not only a cop, and she’s a badass. Tough as nails, a military veteran, a martial artist, a runner, but when it comes to relationships, she prefers casual sex to commitment, until she meets a beautiful real estate agent named Sharon who might just change everything.
Laura and Sharon's budding romance is interrupted when a young college co-ed is murdered, and the m.o. matches the assault Laura suffered as a teen. Shortly after that, a second victim is killed in the same way. It’s clear to Laura that there is a serial killer on the loose in Columbus. Laura has to use all of her skills to uncover the truth.
As Laura investigates, she finds almost incomprehensible connections to her past. Will she be able to confront what happened to her to catch a killer?
Conceptus is the first book in the Laura Drummond Mystery series with richly drawn characters and fast-paced action.
Laura and Sharon's budding romance is interrupted when a young college co-ed is murdered, and the m.o. matches the assault Laura suffered as a teen. Shortly after that, a second victim is killed in the same way. It’s clear to Laura that there is a serial killer on the loose in Columbus. Laura has to use all of her skills to uncover the truth.
As Laura investigates, she finds almost incomprehensible connections to her past. Will she be able to confront what happened to her to catch a killer?
Conceptus is the first book in the Laura Drummond Mystery series with richly drawn characters and fast-paced action.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2021
7 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 10, 2023
Conceptus is a well-executed, fast paced police procedural thriller with some wonderful twists and turns. Delicate moments such as sexual assault and graphic murder are handled adeptly, and the pace never drops. In fact, I felt this could have been a little longer in places, which is always a good sign. Brian's experience as a screenwriter is obvious from his lean style, pacing and clear, concise dialogue. His plot twists never feel cheap and he does a great job of keeping the reader guessing, and switching gears just when it starts to feel comfortable. Despite some minor POV inconsistencies and a few occasions where I was left wanting a little more description, this was a solid five star read for me and I am really looking forward to the next one in the series, and also seeing how Laura's character will develop over a longer arc.
October 25, 2022
This quick read has all the ingredients for fans of detective psychological thrillers. It speaks of Laura’s rape at the age of 14 and her subsequent same-sex encounters while she tries to repair the wounds on her soul that hear more slowly than the many on her body. Although its language is simple, the story is rich with action and unexpected twists as she investigates new cases that present puzzling connections to her past. I intend to read more novels by this author.
May 2, 2022
Detective Laura Drummond grew up in a conservative and religious family, so life was tough for her. However, life became more unbearable when she had a near-death experience as a teenager. This would traumatize her into her adulthood and seem like an unerasable scar. At a point, I felt it couldn’t get any worse. In addition, there seemed to be a glimmer of love and hope in Laura’s life. However, the unexpected reared its head. It now seemed like her life was being dangled in front of her on a tiny thread. Will Laura be able to cope or survive?
I finished this book in just three sittings. The few times I left this book, I looked forward to reading it again. Honestly, it was that gripping! The storyline was unique; I do not think I have read any book like this before. In addition, the suspense, twists, and turns are just perfect, enough to make you keep swiping your screen until the next mystery unfolds. The story was not easily predictable, and I loved every bit of it. An occurrence got me screaming “damn!” because I never expected it. Overall, I loved the way this book made me feel.
Being a book of just about 204 pages, I loved how concise the book was. The author showed that you do not need a painfully long book before readers can appreciate it. Although there could be room for a sequel, I did not feel unsatisfied.
I loved the choice of words by the author, as it made it easy for me to flow along with the book. In fact, I found some conversations between characters poetic, especially those between Sharon and Laura.
A reader may have complaints about a book, no matter how perfect it is. Hence, giving room for improvements. My only complaint about the book is that I found a few errors. This does not mean that the book was not professionally edited, because it was. Any other complaint would be me trying so hard to discredit the author. Since that would not be me, I am rating Conceptus: a Laura Drummond Mystery by Brian Herskowitz five out of five stars.
There were explicit scenes in this book, and they had to do with killings and rapes. Furthermore, there were profanities spread all over the book. While these did not bother me, if they trigger you, this is merely a head up.
October 31, 2021
There are two types of books I really enjoy. One is the long, serious and wholesome saga like A Song of Ice and Fire, something I'd only read when I have a huge chunk of time and in the right, calm mind to sit down and enjoy it like taking a bubble bath. It is an amazing feeling, but as you can see it doesn't happen that often.
Another is the smooth, fast-paced, easy-to-digest fictions that I can pick up during lunch break without feeling overwhelmed by the words. CONCEPTUS is one of this kind, its language is simple but not cheesy, clear and concise; its tone is objective but not distant, the pace fast but not haste. It almost reads like a report of a precise heart surgery.
I think the clarity comes from Brian's experience as a veteran screenwriter and as a methodical teacher. It's hard to imagine anyone would dislike such style; even if you prefer flowery language, you won't necessarily look down upon the simple writing. The Old Man and the Sea does it.
Something else that appeals to me is the vivid description of actions throughout the chapters, which isn't common in any writing medium. Actions are reserved for screen, as most of us assume; however, Brian's study of martial arts really brings lights to the actions. The feeling of fist punching guts, the sound of impact, the decision of Laura Drummond in split seconds... It is sheer joy.
You will enjoy it!
Another is the smooth, fast-paced, easy-to-digest fictions that I can pick up during lunch break without feeling overwhelmed by the words. CONCEPTUS is one of this kind, its language is simple but not cheesy, clear and concise; its tone is objective but not distant, the pace fast but not haste. It almost reads like a report of a precise heart surgery.
I think the clarity comes from Brian's experience as a veteran screenwriter and as a methodical teacher. It's hard to imagine anyone would dislike such style; even if you prefer flowery language, you won't necessarily look down upon the simple writing. The Old Man and the Sea does it.
Something else that appeals to me is the vivid description of actions throughout the chapters, which isn't common in any writing medium. Actions are reserved for screen, as most of us assume; however, Brian's study of martial arts really brings lights to the actions. The feeling of fist punching guts, the sound of impact, the decision of Laura Drummond in split seconds... It is sheer joy.
You will enjoy it!
October 21, 2021
I really liked the non-stop action in this book. Could hardly put it down and Laura is definitely her own person. She is believably tough and good hearted.
Laura is homicide detective and a badass woman, who tries her best to forget her pas and her trauma, but when a college girl is murdered she notices that the m.o. matches the assault Laura suffered as a teen.
From the opening chapter which scorches the pages even if you're reading it on a Kindle to the heart-stopping ending that you could see coming in theory but not in the way author Brian Herskowitz develops it, this is one exciting, over-the-top ride that you won't soon forget.
The storytelling and attention to detail is unparalleled. Be prepared to read from start to finish in one go because this one is impossible to put down.
Laura is homicide detective and a badass woman, who tries her best to forget her pas and her trauma, but when a college girl is murdered she notices that the m.o. matches the assault Laura suffered as a teen.
From the opening chapter which scorches the pages even if you're reading it on a Kindle to the heart-stopping ending that you could see coming in theory but not in the way author Brian Herskowitz develops it, this is one exciting, over-the-top ride that you won't soon forget.
The storytelling and attention to detail is unparalleled. Be prepared to read from start to finish in one go because this one is impossible to put down.
October 27, 2021
Imagine re-living the worst day of your life over and over again.
Meet Laura Drummond, homicide detective. "Is it the man who attacked all those years ago, is it?"
This is a taut crime story with fascinating characters that will keep you turning the pages until . . .
Meet Laura Drummond, homicide detective. "Is it the man who attacked all those years ago, is it?"
This is a taut crime story with fascinating characters that will keep you turning the pages until . . .
June 17, 2022
Spoilers: Brian Herskowitz's psychological thriller, Conceptus, is the kind of thriller that I love. A suspenseful plot with genuine surprises and twists. A terrifying villain who uses their brilliance to lure unsuspecting victims to their prey and play with the authorities as they try to catch them. A tortured protagonist with problems of their own that are connected to the case forcing them to confront their own past.
Laura Drummond has a nightmare of a memory. While in high school, she was raped, attacked at knifepoint, and left for dead. She eventually recovered but the emotional scars still remain as well as some physical scars to remind her of that dreadful time.
In adulthood, Laura is a detective in the police force moving up from violence and sex crimes to investigating homicides. Right now, she investigates the assault and murder of Cindy Musgrave. Laura realizes that there is something painfully familiar about this case. In fact the method that Cindy's attacker used and the wounds on her body are very similar to what was done to Laura. Laura's attacker was never caught or identified. Could he still be around and active, waiting decades to find his next victim?
There are so many great things about this book. First, is Laura herself. She is someone who has turned her personal pain into a calling to help others so they don't suffer the way that she did.
Despite this painful memory of the rape and near death hanging over her head, Laura rebuilt her life as an adult. Besides solving crimes, she has an active but detached personal life. A lesbian, she has had many affairs but she is considering finding someone with whom to settle down, particularly the attractive and understanding Sharon. Many times, Sharon becomes close to Laura and the detective tells her various things about her past that she hasn't told anyone like about her rape, estrangement from her parents, and the grisly aftermath of the assault. It left a lot of damage to her psyche and one can imagine how difficult it is for her to open up to someone. It's a genuinely loving moment when she does as the weight of many years is lifted from her.
Part of the way Laura covers her past is to become desensitized to the violence around her. She dryly considers her work, "Another day. Another senseless murder." This jaded desensitization is a mask that comes crashing down when Laura investigates Cindy's rape and murder. This familiar crime echoes into her past. She realizes that she can't ignore or detach what's in front of her. She has to confront what happened to her during the rape and everything afterwards.
The plot is filled with very suspenseful chilling moments particularly when the point of view enters the rapist/murderer's mind. He trails his intended target like a hunter catching his prey. He is methodical and ice cold in his pursuits seeing them not as women but small animals to be hunted and destroyed. He studies their every move, where they live, work, study, and the best times when they are alone. It's enough to make a Reader paranoid, especially if they are a single woman.
There is some Freudian explanation in the murderer that thankfully doesn't absolve him. It just explains where he came from and why he did what he did.
Conceptus also has some juicy twists and reveals that I dare not share. They are genuine surprises and perfectly cap off this genuine thriller of a book.
Laura Drummond has a nightmare of a memory. While in high school, she was raped, attacked at knifepoint, and left for dead. She eventually recovered but the emotional scars still remain as well as some physical scars to remind her of that dreadful time.
In adulthood, Laura is a detective in the police force moving up from violence and sex crimes to investigating homicides. Right now, she investigates the assault and murder of Cindy Musgrave. Laura realizes that there is something painfully familiar about this case. In fact the method that Cindy's attacker used and the wounds on her body are very similar to what was done to Laura. Laura's attacker was never caught or identified. Could he still be around and active, waiting decades to find his next victim?
There are so many great things about this book. First, is Laura herself. She is someone who has turned her personal pain into a calling to help others so they don't suffer the way that she did.
Despite this painful memory of the rape and near death hanging over her head, Laura rebuilt her life as an adult. Besides solving crimes, she has an active but detached personal life. A lesbian, she has had many affairs but she is considering finding someone with whom to settle down, particularly the attractive and understanding Sharon. Many times, Sharon becomes close to Laura and the detective tells her various things about her past that she hasn't told anyone like about her rape, estrangement from her parents, and the grisly aftermath of the assault. It left a lot of damage to her psyche and one can imagine how difficult it is for her to open up to someone. It's a genuinely loving moment when she does as the weight of many years is lifted from her.
Part of the way Laura covers her past is to become desensitized to the violence around her. She dryly considers her work, "Another day. Another senseless murder." This jaded desensitization is a mask that comes crashing down when Laura investigates Cindy's rape and murder. This familiar crime echoes into her past. She realizes that she can't ignore or detach what's in front of her. She has to confront what happened to her during the rape and everything afterwards.
The plot is filled with very suspenseful chilling moments particularly when the point of view enters the rapist/murderer's mind. He trails his intended target like a hunter catching his prey. He is methodical and ice cold in his pursuits seeing them not as women but small animals to be hunted and destroyed. He studies their every move, where they live, work, study, and the best times when they are alone. It's enough to make a Reader paranoid, especially if they are a single woman.
There is some Freudian explanation in the murderer that thankfully doesn't absolve him. It just explains where he came from and why he did what he did.
Conceptus also has some juicy twists and reveals that I dare not share. They are genuine surprises and perfectly cap off this genuine thriller of a book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2021
A riveting police procedural with complex characters and a compelling storyline.
When Detective Laura Drummond was 14 years old, she was attacked by a man in a mask, raped, stabbed six times, and left for dead as she walked home from her first high school dance. Afterward, she was kept in a coma in the hospital for almost a year. Still, Laura eventually awoke, going on to finish school, join the Marines, becoming a successful homicide detective for the Columbus Police Department. However, her adult successes did not erase the impact her tragic childhood had on her.
Laura kept her past a closely-held secret, avoiding commitment and shared confidences with any and all, preferring casual one-night hookups in her private life; her best and only friend, Detective Tom Browning, her on-the-job partner.But her latest case looks horrifically similar to what happened to her all those years ago. Only this time, the victim is not so lucky to survive. Laura can’t help wondering if HE is back.
Conceptus, the new mystery by Brian Herskowitz, introduces readers to Detective Laura Drummond, a homicide investigator with a tragic past. The horrific murder of a young co-ed has the detective’s long-suppressed past rearing up to stare her right in her face and make her question what really happened when she was a young, naïve 14-year-old. The author creates a complex, multilayered figure in Drummond (or “Law” as she often called), and as the story unfolds, we see how she became the person she is today. Supporting characters, in particular work partner Detective Tom Browning and potential love interest Sharon, round out the exciting story and smooth out some of Laura’s rough edges.This complex female character is a damaged loner. She has kept herself from getting too involved with anyone up to this point in her life. Her best friend is her partner at work. She’s been keeping her past buried and living a very solitary existence since leaving her childhood home. There is casual sex in the story, but a wonderful love story is also developing. Laura’s reactions to Sharon and Sharon’s reactions to becoming involved with a homicide detective made for a fascinating subplot.
Reading what happened to Laura is not for the faint of heart; it is brutal. It kicks off a riveting plot that involves rape, abuse, bad parents, adoption, the Catholic Church, and kept me reading far into the night; it was that compelling a tale. As the police investigation proceeds, the plot twists and turns and takes the reader places they won’t see coming. I even appreciate that the setting is in Columbus, Ohio, and not L.A., Chicago, or New York City.For me, Conceptus felt like a great beginning for a new mystery series, though there is no mention of a subsequent book. This may be very wishful thinking, but I hope to read more about Laura, Sharon, and Tom Browning. I recommend Conceptus to mystery readers looking for a harrowing and complex murder mystery story, those who enjoy a grittier police procedural, or LGBTQ+ main characters.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.
April 4, 2022
If you’re in the market for a fast-paced thrill of a read with twists and turns aplenty, then you really need look no further than Conceptus, the first instalment in the Laura Drummond mysteries series. Exciting, dramatic and gripping right from the first page to the last, Brian Herskowitz has presented us with the perfect opportunity to get completely lost and absorbed in this fantastic novel, at least for a few hours! Books have always been the most perfect form of escapism to me, and if you too are looking for something to take your mind of the current state of the world then Conceptus really does deserve a place at the top of your TBR list.
I won’t go too much into the plot here, as this is such an addicting read that you’re sure to devour it in one sitting, and I find that mysteries are best enjoyed when going in a little blind as to the plot. While I often find within crime/mystery fiction that the plot is front and centre at the expense of the characters, who can sometimes feel too flat or one-dimensional to real care and become attached to while reading, that is certainly not the case here. From our protagonist Laura, a strong and independent character that you cannot help but root for, to the supporting cast, all feel so true and well-realised and, as such, I was completely invested in the story. I really, truly cared about what they were going through, and for me this is what sets Conceptus apart from a lot of the novels within the genre that I’ve previously read, a testament to Herskowitz’ excellent writing.
The pacing was spot on, packed full of twists and turns with a mystery that had me turning the pages desperate for more, and when paired with the effortlessly readable writing style you’re sure to be just as hooked as I was. As with most crime/mystery novels there is an element of violence here, but it was so well handled by the author and never felt too much or as if it was thrown in for added shock or drama. I really appreciated this, and thought the balance between keeping the reader gripped without the novel becoming excessively dark or difficult to read was perfectly maintained throughout.
I’m already looking forward to the next instalment in the series, and can’t recommend this fun and fast-paced mystery highly enough – fantastic!
I won’t go too much into the plot here, as this is such an addicting read that you’re sure to devour it in one sitting, and I find that mysteries are best enjoyed when going in a little blind as to the plot. While I often find within crime/mystery fiction that the plot is front and centre at the expense of the characters, who can sometimes feel too flat or one-dimensional to real care and become attached to while reading, that is certainly not the case here. From our protagonist Laura, a strong and independent character that you cannot help but root for, to the supporting cast, all feel so true and well-realised and, as such, I was completely invested in the story. I really, truly cared about what they were going through, and for me this is what sets Conceptus apart from a lot of the novels within the genre that I’ve previously read, a testament to Herskowitz’ excellent writing.
The pacing was spot on, packed full of twists and turns with a mystery that had me turning the pages desperate for more, and when paired with the effortlessly readable writing style you’re sure to be just as hooked as I was. As with most crime/mystery novels there is an element of violence here, but it was so well handled by the author and never felt too much or as if it was thrown in for added shock or drama. I really appreciated this, and thought the balance between keeping the reader gripped without the novel becoming excessively dark or difficult to read was perfectly maintained throughout.
I’m already looking forward to the next instalment in the series, and can’t recommend this fun and fast-paced mystery highly enough – fantastic!
March 25, 2022
3.5 stars
I would like to thank the author for sending me an e-copy of this book!
Our story follows Laura Drummond, a detective who is dedicated to her work in the Columbus police department. Laura has a troubled past. When she was fourteen years old, coming home from the prom, she was brutally assaulted by a stranger in the night. Now, twenty-four years later, she chooses to spend her free time drinking at Griff's and sleeping with the women she meets there. This is her routine, until she meets Sharon. As hard as she tries to avoid it at first, Sharon soon becomes an important part of Laura's life.
However, when a brutal murder occurs in town, Laura can't help but notice some similarities with the traumatizing event in her past. Laura and Sharon's romance is put on hold while Laura tries to uncover the mystery of this copycat killer. Meanwhile, she finds some striking connections to her past life that she wasn't expecting.
This book was extremely entertaining and had me hooked. The story was engaging and Laura and Sharon's romance was so sweet. I didn't love some of then dialogue; it felt a bit inauthentic and pulled me out of the story every once a while. However, it did not take me out so much that I couldn't enjoy the novella as a whole. This book is short with short chapters, so I never felt bored. I would recommend this to anyone who loves crime novels and mystery. The romance was quite enjoyable as well.
There is some brief graphic violence and there are mildly graphic depictions of sexual assault. Sexual assault is also plainly talked about often in the book. This is important to note before going into it.
Overall, I had a very fun time reading this book, and the twists and turns took me on a journey; I never truly saw what was coming.
I would like to thank the author for sending me an e-copy of this book!
Our story follows Laura Drummond, a detective who is dedicated to her work in the Columbus police department. Laura has a troubled past. When she was fourteen years old, coming home from the prom, she was brutally assaulted by a stranger in the night. Now, twenty-four years later, she chooses to spend her free time drinking at Griff's and sleeping with the women she meets there. This is her routine, until she meets Sharon. As hard as she tries to avoid it at first, Sharon soon becomes an important part of Laura's life.
However, when a brutal murder occurs in town, Laura can't help but notice some similarities with the traumatizing event in her past. Laura and Sharon's romance is put on hold while Laura tries to uncover the mystery of this copycat killer. Meanwhile, she finds some striking connections to her past life that she wasn't expecting.
This book was extremely entertaining and had me hooked. The story was engaging and Laura and Sharon's romance was so sweet. I didn't love some of then dialogue; it felt a bit inauthentic and pulled me out of the story every once a while. However, it did not take me out so much that I couldn't enjoy the novella as a whole. This book is short with short chapters, so I never felt bored. I would recommend this to anyone who loves crime novels and mystery. The romance was quite enjoyable as well.
There is some brief graphic violence and there are mildly graphic depictions of sexual assault. Sexual assault is also plainly talked about often in the book. This is important to note before going into it.
Overall, I had a very fun time reading this book, and the twists and turns took me on a journey; I never truly saw what was coming.
May 29, 2022
Note: The author provided this book in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis:
At the age of fourteen, Laura Drummond is attacked on the way home from a dance and left for dead. Fast forward, she is a homicide detective for the Columbus Police Department. A tough-as-nails marine veteran, athlete, and martial artist, she is a force to be reconned within the concrete jungle of Columbus, Ohio. Feeling her work is her life, her relationships tend to be casual. But everything changes when she meets Sharon, a beautiful real estate agent.
The murder of a young college coed disrupts their budding romance. More disturbing still, the modus operandi matches the assault Laura suffered all those years ago. Then a second victim is discovered, murdered the same way. As Laura pursues the serial killer, she finds more connections to her past and shatters more lies that her parents told her.
Review:
Brian Herskowitz has riveting crime drama. We meet Laura Drummond, a police detective who lived through a brutal assault that required putting her in a medically induced coma. To say she was never the same would be an understatement. She has difficulty forming relationships, both because of her past and her career. However, when Sharon comes into her life, she finds someone she can start connecting with. When called to the scene of a murdered coed, the attack is eerily similar to her own attack. As Laura follows the clues, she uncovers a trail of lies and deception. More frightening is her realization that she is the key to the whole mystery.
Brian Herskowitz has an excellent flair for detail that isn’t overwhelming, creating a tale that is a fast-paced, absorbing read. The character of Laura Drummond balances a badass nature with a vulnerable woman in a way that is believable.
Synopsis:
At the age of fourteen, Laura Drummond is attacked on the way home from a dance and left for dead. Fast forward, she is a homicide detective for the Columbus Police Department. A tough-as-nails marine veteran, athlete, and martial artist, she is a force to be reconned within the concrete jungle of Columbus, Ohio. Feeling her work is her life, her relationships tend to be casual. But everything changes when she meets Sharon, a beautiful real estate agent.
The murder of a young college coed disrupts their budding romance. More disturbing still, the modus operandi matches the assault Laura suffered all those years ago. Then a second victim is discovered, murdered the same way. As Laura pursues the serial killer, she finds more connections to her past and shatters more lies that her parents told her.
Review:
Brian Herskowitz has riveting crime drama. We meet Laura Drummond, a police detective who lived through a brutal assault that required putting her in a medically induced coma. To say she was never the same would be an understatement. She has difficulty forming relationships, both because of her past and her career. However, when Sharon comes into her life, she finds someone she can start connecting with. When called to the scene of a murdered coed, the attack is eerily similar to her own attack. As Laura follows the clues, she uncovers a trail of lies and deception. More frightening is her realization that she is the key to the whole mystery.
Brian Herskowitz has an excellent flair for detail that isn’t overwhelming, creating a tale that is a fast-paced, absorbing read. The character of Laura Drummond balances a badass nature with a vulnerable woman in a way that is believable.
May 8, 2022
In Conceptus, Brian Herskowitz told a fast-paced and gripping story about Laura Drummond, who was raped at the age of fourteen, particularly during her high school days. Fast-forward to years later, she built a career as a homicide detective, and a proficient one at that. Subsequently, she was faced with a difficult case that needed to be solved. Will she successfully uncover the secrets that lie within?
Truth be told, this novel was a short read, written with a simple flow of words. Yet, it turned out to be sophisticated. Moving on, I was awe-struck by the author's intense incorporation of unexpected and mind-blowing twists. It is also worthwhile to note that whilst the author painted the protagonist, Laura, as a strong female character, he did not go overboard with it. Hence, it was realistic enough to still strike the impression that she is a human who is in touch with her emotional side. This is contrary to what you get with certain authors who paint their supposed tough female characters as demigods. In the case of this book, however, the narrative was logical and easy to digest.
Reading the detailed story regarding Laura's rape was heart-wrenching. This speaks volumes about what victims of sexual abuse face — how damaging the experience is and how difficult it is to recover from such trauma. Furthermore, it reemphasized the well-known statement that "rape is never the victim's fault."
Overall, Conceptus will be appreciated by readers who love reading narratives such as crime or investigative fiction, stories that have strong female characters, or ones that feature the LGBTQ community in a good light. As such, I recommend it to them.
Truth be told, this novel was a short read, written with a simple flow of words. Yet, it turned out to be sophisticated. Moving on, I was awe-struck by the author's intense incorporation of unexpected and mind-blowing twists. It is also worthwhile to note that whilst the author painted the protagonist, Laura, as a strong female character, he did not go overboard with it. Hence, it was realistic enough to still strike the impression that she is a human who is in touch with her emotional side. This is contrary to what you get with certain authors who paint their supposed tough female characters as demigods. In the case of this book, however, the narrative was logical and easy to digest.
Reading the detailed story regarding Laura's rape was heart-wrenching. This speaks volumes about what victims of sexual abuse face — how damaging the experience is and how difficult it is to recover from such trauma. Furthermore, it reemphasized the well-known statement that "rape is never the victim's fault."
Overall, Conceptus will be appreciated by readers who love reading narratives such as crime or investigative fiction, stories that have strong female characters, or ones that feature the LGBTQ community in a good light. As such, I recommend it to them.
October 19, 2022
As I write this review of Conceptus, I have a sneaky suspicion that Brian Herskowitz, a screenwriter and film producer, is at this very minute writing his screenplay geared to Netflix for this page-turning psychological police procedural thriller. Whew, that was a mouthful, but this will make a terrific detective series.
Conceptus grabs you like a criminal from behind, from the prologue of a young girl’s rape and near murder and doesn’t let go until the last page. There is an epilogue, which is a foreshadowing of the next book to come in the series. Yes, there will be more.
Laura Drummond is a martial arts master and a kick-ass police detective working in the homicide division of the Columbus, Ohio, PD. She carries severe scars both inside her heart and on the outside of her body. Laura suffers from nightmares from the night that changed her life forever. She deals with her demons by indulging in one-night stands with willing female partners. A little alcohol, a lot of sex, nothing that seriously threatens her carefully constructed life, nothing that even begins to break the walls of armor erected around her heart. Those protective layers fortified by a cool indifference keep anyone from getting too close. But that’s about to change when she meets Sharon.
Besides finding a love interest she can’t ignore, a series of murders are about to shred her world, and the more she investigates, the more danger she will find herself. She doesn’t know her place in the unfolding story, but she’s about to find out, and it might cost her everything.
November 13, 2022
Step this way for a gritty police- procedure-em-up which packs a heavy emotional punch! There are so many crime novels out there it can be daunting to find a sure-fire winner, but Conceptus comes across like an immediate classic.
The plot sees plucky military vet Laura Drummond, the sort of homicide detective who doesn’t like to lose pitted against a nasty serial killer – so far so standard – but as the investigation proceeds she uncovers the secrets behind her own long-buried trauma of a brutal attack she faced when she was young.
Drummond channels her horrific past into her role as detective in Columbus, Ohio – and she’s the sort who will spend every working hour on her case files. But she likes to spend her downtime in a bar called Griff’s.
Without much time for meaningful relationships, her world is rocked when she meets Sharon – could romance finally be coming into her dangerous life?
Herskowitz builds the suspense and makes Laura a character you want to see succeed – but if this new killer is linked to her past trauma the stakes are going to be high.
The tale cracks along at a fast pace and isn’t so long that you won’t want to tear through it to the grizzly conclusion. I heard it’s being worked into a screenplay and I can see this working really well in that format too.
Conceptus is the first book in the Laura Drummond Mystery series and I’ll be keen to see what comes next from Mr Herskowitz!
Crime fans – do not deny yourself the pleasure of this exciting thrill ride!!
November 4, 2021
A very short, yet gripping read. Herskowitz shows his versatility by balancing fast-paced and thrilling action scenes with slow, emotional scenes. Conceptus, despite its intense moments and unlikely twists, keeps itself grounded and believable throughout. Whether its banter among police officers, fighting, or romance, every scene feels genuine well-researched, as if Herskowitz has experienced it himself. His versatility in life experience is just as obvious as his versatility in storytelling.
Despite being short, Conceptus manages to flesh out its main characters well enough for the reader to invest and feel for them. The antagonist remains a mystery right up until the 11th hour, with subtly-hinted twists to keep the reader on their toes. Their introduction, buildup, and moves taken are all done in an ominous way without feeling over-the-top. Unexpectedly, the readers slightly creep into our antagonist's mindset while his identity and motivations remain secret until the end of the book.
We get to follow our protagonist's mind every step of the way and get to enter their headspace. This makes the readers feel just as excited, confused, shocked, and fulfilled whenever the protagonist is. Unlike many other books, the supporting cast, especially the love interest, felt relevant and fleshed out despite our protagonist doing all the work to solve the case.
Overall, this book is a quick, smooth, and fulfilling read for anyone interest in detective and mystery stories.
Despite being short, Conceptus manages to flesh out its main characters well enough for the reader to invest and feel for them. The antagonist remains a mystery right up until the 11th hour, with subtly-hinted twists to keep the reader on their toes. Their introduction, buildup, and moves taken are all done in an ominous way without feeling over-the-top. Unexpectedly, the readers slightly creep into our antagonist's mindset while his identity and motivations remain secret until the end of the book.
We get to follow our protagonist's mind every step of the way and get to enter their headspace. This makes the readers feel just as excited, confused, shocked, and fulfilled whenever the protagonist is. Unlike many other books, the supporting cast, especially the love interest, felt relevant and fleshed out despite our protagonist doing all the work to solve the case.
Overall, this book is a quick, smooth, and fulfilling read for anyone interest in detective and mystery stories.
April 8, 2022
This book ticks all the boxes for me, I love that it launches you straight into the action and I could not put it down from those very first few pages.
The main character is excellent, and I was able to connect well with her, as although she is brave and tough, she is also realistic, believable and not without flaws. Her history being tied into the plot and personal experiences reflecting on the events makes this feel personal and adds to the danger elements. She really is a character that as a reader you want to get behind.
I loved the style of writing; The events play out so well in your mind you feel that you have been sucked into the pages with the characters. The dialogue flows nicely and the events feel authentic.
I liked that there are story threads that run alongside the plot. Along with the fast pace and twists and turns the relationship and its development between Laura and Sharon is another added interest that keeps you reading.
Although I had not read the previous books in the series, I really didn’t feel like I had missed out on anything or lacked information. The characters were well rounded and felt familiar for me to pick up the story and this book serves really well as a standalone novel.
All in all, this was an excellent, fast paced thriller. Being introduced to the characters has really made me want to read the rest of the series, as if I enjoy them even half as much as this it will be a real treat!
The main character is excellent, and I was able to connect well with her, as although she is brave and tough, she is also realistic, believable and not without flaws. Her history being tied into the plot and personal experiences reflecting on the events makes this feel personal and adds to the danger elements. She really is a character that as a reader you want to get behind.
I loved the style of writing; The events play out so well in your mind you feel that you have been sucked into the pages with the characters. The dialogue flows nicely and the events feel authentic.
I liked that there are story threads that run alongside the plot. Along with the fast pace and twists and turns the relationship and its development between Laura and Sharon is another added interest that keeps you reading.
Although I had not read the previous books in the series, I really didn’t feel like I had missed out on anything or lacked information. The characters were well rounded and felt familiar for me to pick up the story and this book serves really well as a standalone novel.
All in all, this was an excellent, fast paced thriller. Being introduced to the characters has really made me want to read the rest of the series, as if I enjoy them even half as much as this it will be a real treat!
February 17, 2022
"...In a strange twist, sources close to the investigation have said that the arresting officer may be the biological mother of the three men."
An interesting, fast-paced story about a girl Laura, who is a detective and solves cases to get hold of the criminals. It's not just the detective job that she does, there is a lot more to her character, which makes her quite versatile and unique from the other detectives I have ever read. Also, we have a crisp detailing of the characters along with the main protagonist like Sharon.
The way the plot moves is the best thing of all, not even for a second I feel bored and read it in a go. All the scenes are quite picturesque and it seems as if one is actually seeing it happen. So, yes that's the best thing along with the narration and storytelling of the author. Also, I want to throw some light on the protagonist as she is not the ideal one, she is different, badass, bold and courageous, not because she wanted to be, but that was how is found it better to survive with a not so good past. The themes like rape, mental health, relationship, past are all quite relevant from the book.
This book is recommended to all lovers of fast-paced books.
An interesting, fast-paced story about a girl Laura, who is a detective and solves cases to get hold of the criminals. It's not just the detective job that she does, there is a lot more to her character, which makes her quite versatile and unique from the other detectives I have ever read. Also, we have a crisp detailing of the characters along with the main protagonist like Sharon.
The way the plot moves is the best thing of all, not even for a second I feel bored and read it in a go. All the scenes are quite picturesque and it seems as if one is actually seeing it happen. So, yes that's the best thing along with the narration and storytelling of the author. Also, I want to throw some light on the protagonist as she is not the ideal one, she is different, badass, bold and courageous, not because she wanted to be, but that was how is found it better to survive with a not so good past. The themes like rape, mental health, relationship, past are all quite relevant from the book.
This book is recommended to all lovers of fast-paced books.
May 18, 2022
Conceptus by Brian Herskowitz is an electrifying start to A Laura Drummond Mystery series. A recurring nightmare, a hellish ordeal from her past, keeps Laura awake at night and makes her terrible at relationships. Even though her work as a homicide detective is a distraction most of the days, her present case has triggered something inside of her. The stab wounds and a slash across the belly, resembling a C section, found on the victims' bodies hit too close to home. Her intuition screams at her that these attacks are personal, somehow. The brutality of the assaults, coupled with her sixth sense, made it crucial that she catch the killer sooner than later. However, the psychopath was not leaving any breadcrumbs for them to follow. Meanwhile, the number of dead bodies is increasing with every passing day.
For full review, please click here.
It was hard not to be jaded when you worked homicide. Laura had seen things that were sickening, depraved, cruel. The worst of the worst people can do to each other, but this girl had touched a nerve. This case rattled her. - An excerpt from Conceptus by Brian Herskowitz
For full review, please click here.
July 4, 2022
Laura had been running for a long time. It didn't matter how hard she ran or where to, the nightmares followed. Her nightmares kept her on the path, never wavering until they brought her full circle. Now what would she do?
This is a powerful book. Yet another look at how a split second can change your life in so many ways. The meat part of the book is fantastic. It really is a page turner. The characters are fleshed out and engaging. It will have you looking over your shoulder for awhile. This one also shows us how once again religion is molded to fit what you want it to be. I think you'll like this one.
I found a few issues inside the bigger issue. The bigger issue is the lead in story to start the book with doesn't need to be there. There are many other ways to bring the information into the meat of the book. The smaller issues have to do with perception more than they are misleading information. It's an easy fix.
I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because of the above issues. The author provided a copy of the book but I chose to review it.
This is a powerful book. Yet another look at how a split second can change your life in so many ways. The meat part of the book is fantastic. It really is a page turner. The characters are fleshed out and engaging. It will have you looking over your shoulder for awhile. This one also shows us how once again religion is molded to fit what you want it to be. I think you'll like this one.
I found a few issues inside the bigger issue. The bigger issue is the lead in story to start the book with doesn't need to be there. There are many other ways to bring the information into the meat of the book. The smaller issues have to do with perception more than they are misleading information. It's an easy fix.
I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because of the above issues. The author provided a copy of the book but I chose to review it.
April 25, 2023
This book was impossible to put down! I began it yesterday and finished it this morning because I wanted to see how the tale progressed. This novel is full with twists and turns that will keep you interested the entire time. Excellent writing. Laura Drummond is a badass, and I can't wait to learn more about her in the upcoming series. This book is incredibly affecting, and I believe it would resonate with readers who have buried a prior trauma only to have it resurface later in life. The plot is suspenseful, but it also has romantic elements. I will strongly recommend this book to my reader friends, particularly those who enjoy a good mystery. Well done, Brian!
July 21, 2022
Conceptus is a read for any mystery admirer and highly recommended by me. If you like books with the unexpected, don’t sleep on this one.
Check out my full review here:
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Check out my full review here:
https://klbradleyreviews.wordpress.co...
February 13, 2023
I enjoyed it
Interesting read The main character was very interesting After I found out a food story was kind of sad I love mysteries and I love to know what's gonna happen on the next book
Interesting read The main character was very interesting After I found out a food story was kind of sad I love mysteries and I love to know what's gonna happen on the next book
November 1, 2023
Waiting for the Sequel!
Good mystery, waiting for second book in series. Hopefully, the author plans to continue the series. Twist at the end.
Good mystery, waiting for second book in series. Hopefully, the author plans to continue the series. Twist at the end.
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