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Found Object
A journalist begins to question everything she knows about her mother’s murder in a startling novel of suspense by the New York Times bestselling author of The Body Reader.
Culpable in an exposé gone tragically wrong, investigative journalist Jupiter Bellarose takes her boss’s advice: head back to her hometown for a fluff piece and get her world in balance. But in Savannah, the past is waiting.
Twenty years ago Jupiter’s mother, actress and celebrated beauty Marie Nova, was murdered, leaving many in her wake: Jupiter’s father, who has erased memories of his wife’s murder with alcohol. The matriarch of the cosmetics company who helped make Marie a star—and who takes every opportunity to reopen old wounds. Then there’s the fragile cop with blood on his hands, and the killer whose confession no longer seems convincing.
With so many lingering questions, Jupiter must revisit the grisly event that has influenced every decision in her life. Maybe her homecoming will bring closure.
Or maybe the worst is yet to come.
Culpable in an exposé gone tragically wrong, investigative journalist Jupiter Bellarose takes her boss’s advice: head back to her hometown for a fluff piece and get her world in balance. But in Savannah, the past is waiting.
Twenty years ago Jupiter’s mother, actress and celebrated beauty Marie Nova, was murdered, leaving many in her wake: Jupiter’s father, who has erased memories of his wife’s murder with alcohol. The matriarch of the cosmetics company who helped make Marie a star—and who takes every opportunity to reopen old wounds. Then there’s the fragile cop with blood on his hands, and the killer whose confession no longer seems convincing.
With so many lingering questions, Jupiter must revisit the grisly event that has influenced every decision in her life. Maybe her homecoming will bring closure.
Or maybe the worst is yet to come.
Audio CD
First published October 18, 2022
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About the author
Anne Frasier
36 books2,262 followersAnne Frasier is the New York Times, #1 Amazon Charts, and USA Today bestselling author of the Detective Jude Fontaine Mysteries, the Elise Sandburg series, and the Inland Empire novels. With more than a million copies sold, her award-winning books span the genres of suspense, mystery, thriller, romantic suspense, paranormal, and memoir. The Body Reader received the 2017 Thriller Award for Best Original Paperback Novel from International Thriller Writers. Other honors include a RITA for Romantic Suspense and a Daphne du Maurier Award for Paranormal Romantic Mystery/Suspense. Her thrillers have hit the USA Today bestseller list and have been featured in Mystery Guild, the Literary Guild, and Book of the Month. Her memoir, The Orchard, was an O, The Oprah Magazine Fall Pick; a One Book, One Community read; and one of the Librarians’ Best Books of 2011. Visit her website at www.annefrasier.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews
September 23, 2024
**3.5-stars rounded up**
Jupiter Bellarose is an investigative journalist whose last project ended in tragedy. She feels responsible for the way things turned out and struggles to move past it.
She spends time in a mental health hospital during her recovery and upon her release, her boss, Bennett, suggests that she take a break from her life in Minneapolis. He further suggests that perhaps it would be a good time to go home to Savannah, visit her father and work on an easy story.
Jupiter has avoided Savannah for a long time. As a place, it holds a lot of dark memories for her. Her mother, Marie Nova, a world-famous actress was actually murdered there when Jupiter was a teenager.
Jupiter, unfortunately, along with her father, stumbled upon the very gruesome crime scene, including her mother's decapitated head, shortly after the police did. It was a scene that continues to haunt her.
It's a real testament to how shaken up she was by the last assignment that she actually agrees to go back. Her new project is a fluff piece regarding the Lumet family and their cosmetics empire, Luminescent.
Jupiter's mother was once the face of Luminescent cosmetics, so Jupiter already has a bit of knowledge, including first-hand experiences, with the family. She can get this done.
In Savannah, Jupiter is hit in the face with her past. The sudden overflow of memories makes her curious. Some things about that tragic night long ago don't add up.
Jupiter begins to do what she does best, she digs and she digs, coming ever closer to the answers she seeks. Will she be able to find the truth, or will she be taken out before she can? There's only one way to find out...
Found Object definitely surprised me with its ability to draw me in. I wasn't sure if I would end up liking this or not, truth be told, but oh my word, once I started, I couldn't put it down.
Some aspects of it were a bit ridiculous, but I didn't even care. I was so intrigued by the horrifying story of Jupiter's mother. I had to know what the truth was.
Jupiter was a great main character. She was well fleshed out and I felt like over the course of the story, I really came to understand her. She had a complicated history and her personality definitely matched that.
There were also some great side characters, Ian, a local police officer, and Poppy, his sweet and smart little niece, definitely stick out in my mind.
For me, the mystery was fun. I love the examination of long ago cases and this one didn't disappoint.
Additionally, I liked watching Jupiter go about her investigation. Being an investigative reporter, it made sense that she would be as resourceful as she was. Having Ian as a friend during her time in Savannah definitely helped as well.
This concluded in a place that definitely left it open for a continuation of Jupiter and Ian's story. I would absolutely, one hundred percent, no doubt in my mind pick up a second book if one were published.
No pressure, Anne Frasier, but when can I get it?
Thank you so much to the publisher, Thomas Mercer, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I truly had fun with this story.
Jupiter Bellarose is an investigative journalist whose last project ended in tragedy. She feels responsible for the way things turned out and struggles to move past it.
She spends time in a mental health hospital during her recovery and upon her release, her boss, Bennett, suggests that she take a break from her life in Minneapolis. He further suggests that perhaps it would be a good time to go home to Savannah, visit her father and work on an easy story.
Jupiter has avoided Savannah for a long time. As a place, it holds a lot of dark memories for her. Her mother, Marie Nova, a world-famous actress was actually murdered there when Jupiter was a teenager.
Jupiter, unfortunately, along with her father, stumbled upon the very gruesome crime scene, including her mother's decapitated head, shortly after the police did. It was a scene that continues to haunt her.
It's a real testament to how shaken up she was by the last assignment that she actually agrees to go back. Her new project is a fluff piece regarding the Lumet family and their cosmetics empire, Luminescent.
Jupiter's mother was once the face of Luminescent cosmetics, so Jupiter already has a bit of knowledge, including first-hand experiences, with the family. She can get this done.
In Savannah, Jupiter is hit in the face with her past. The sudden overflow of memories makes her curious. Some things about that tragic night long ago don't add up.
Jupiter begins to do what she does best, she digs and she digs, coming ever closer to the answers she seeks. Will she be able to find the truth, or will she be taken out before she can? There's only one way to find out...
Found Object definitely surprised me with its ability to draw me in. I wasn't sure if I would end up liking this or not, truth be told, but oh my word, once I started, I couldn't put it down.
Some aspects of it were a bit ridiculous, but I didn't even care. I was so intrigued by the horrifying story of Jupiter's mother. I had to know what the truth was.
Jupiter was a great main character. She was well fleshed out and I felt like over the course of the story, I really came to understand her. She had a complicated history and her personality definitely matched that.
There were also some great side characters, Ian, a local police officer, and Poppy, his sweet and smart little niece, definitely stick out in my mind.
For me, the mystery was fun. I love the examination of long ago cases and this one didn't disappoint.
Additionally, I liked watching Jupiter go about her investigation. Being an investigative reporter, it made sense that she would be as resourceful as she was. Having Ian as a friend during her time in Savannah definitely helped as well.
This concluded in a place that definitely left it open for a continuation of Jupiter and Ian's story. I would absolutely, one hundred percent, no doubt in my mind pick up a second book if one were published.
No pressure, Anne Frasier, but when can I get it?
Thank you so much to the publisher, Thomas Mercer, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I truly had fun with this story.
June 21, 2022
I loved it......I hated it......I'm not so sure.
Found Object is guaranteed to tie you up in knots. Anne Frasier introduces us to Jupiter Bellarose who is being released from a mental health facility in a Minneapolis hospital. Jupiter's voice echoes throughout this novel. She's confused and on the down-swing on prescription drugs. Depression rides shotgun with her at all times. And what grabbed me at first with this character were no truer words ever spoken: "I often wanted to kick my own ass."
Jupiter is an investigative journalist who went undercover recently to out a highly attractive art forger. Said art forger stole Jupiter's heart along with the good names of famous artists. From Minneapolis Jupiter is headed to Savannah, Georgia to cover a story on a renowned cosmetics empire. Her mother, Marie, a famous actress, was the face of Luminescent for many years. Jupiter will interview the Lumet family who have faced many tragedies during the years.
Tragedy is something that Jupiter can readily relate to. Her mother was murdered when Jupiter was sixteen. She and her father found Marie's brutalized body in the backyard. And the horror of it has never left her. To return to Savannah will be an unsettling experience for the already shaken Jupiter. And encountering her father, Max, will also stir up horrendous memories. Did Max have something to do with Marie's death?
Seriously speaking, Found Object found me so willing in the beginning chapters. I was locked in for the ride. Jupiter felt so real and so vulnerable. And as the story unfolded, I felt myself midway being distanced because of the cosmetics avenue. It was like Jupiter was forced to strap a fancy saddle on a tired old mule. This mule just slowed to a stumble. Jupiter couldn't breathe without being in danger again and again and again.
The perk came with the characters of Ian Griffin, Savannah police officer, and his young niece, Poppy. Poppy being Poppy: "But I'm not supposed to hold my thoughts in." There was innocence and humor onboard. Found Object was filled with peaks and valleys throughout. I just feel that the main vein of this storyline could have been worked differently. And don't get me started on the ending. But it does appear that Frasier will be eyeing Jupiter for another installment after this. Heaven help me.......you know I'll be reaching for it.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to Anne Frasier for the opportunity.
Found Object is guaranteed to tie you up in knots. Anne Frasier introduces us to Jupiter Bellarose who is being released from a mental health facility in a Minneapolis hospital. Jupiter's voice echoes throughout this novel. She's confused and on the down-swing on prescription drugs. Depression rides shotgun with her at all times. And what grabbed me at first with this character were no truer words ever spoken: "I often wanted to kick my own ass."
Jupiter is an investigative journalist who went undercover recently to out a highly attractive art forger. Said art forger stole Jupiter's heart along with the good names of famous artists. From Minneapolis Jupiter is headed to Savannah, Georgia to cover a story on a renowned cosmetics empire. Her mother, Marie, a famous actress, was the face of Luminescent for many years. Jupiter will interview the Lumet family who have faced many tragedies during the years.
Tragedy is something that Jupiter can readily relate to. Her mother was murdered when Jupiter was sixteen. She and her father found Marie's brutalized body in the backyard. And the horror of it has never left her. To return to Savannah will be an unsettling experience for the already shaken Jupiter. And encountering her father, Max, will also stir up horrendous memories. Did Max have something to do with Marie's death?
Seriously speaking, Found Object found me so willing in the beginning chapters. I was locked in for the ride. Jupiter felt so real and so vulnerable. And as the story unfolded, I felt myself midway being distanced because of the cosmetics avenue. It was like Jupiter was forced to strap a fancy saddle on a tired old mule. This mule just slowed to a stumble. Jupiter couldn't breathe without being in danger again and again and again.
The perk came with the characters of Ian Griffin, Savannah police officer, and his young niece, Poppy. Poppy being Poppy: "But I'm not supposed to hold my thoughts in." There was innocence and humor onboard. Found Object was filled with peaks and valleys throughout. I just feel that the main vein of this storyline could have been worked differently. And don't get me started on the ending. But it does appear that Frasier will be eyeing Jupiter for another installment after this. Heaven help me.......you know I'll be reaching for it.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to Anne Frasier for the opportunity.
October 20, 2022
2.5 Stars
One Liner: Great premise but failed to keep me interested
Jupiter’s mother, Marie Nova, a celebrated TV actress, was murdered twenty years ago. Jupiter has moved on and built a life for herself as an investigative journalist. When her latest expose affects her, Jupiter is sent back to Savannah to write a piece about a cosmetic company’s 100th-year celebrations.
However, the trip back home makes Jupiter question everything in the past and her life. As she starts to dig into the details of her mother’s death, Jupiter is left with more questions and unconvincing details. The killer’s confession doesn’t seem right, and there are too many gaps in the details.
Can Jupiter get to the bottom of the case and find the closure she desperately needs to have a normal life?
The story comes from Jupiter’s first-person POV and another character’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
The premise intrigued me, and the page count was right in my zone. The beginning was good, too, despite the slow pacing. However, I lost interest even before I touched the halfway mark.
Jupiter was a cool character, willing to acknowledge her vulnerabilities and smart enough to connect the dots (though she does make a few mistakes). However, the first-person narration didn’t move me. It couldn’t feel involved in the story.
A few scenes were unbelievable and pretty much unrealistic (at least to me). Also, there wasn’t much backstory to justify the scenes.
Poppy was an adorable character and my favorite in the book. The others were left unexplored almost throughout. Even Jupiter doesn’t have much depth once you realize how things stand.
I knew about the excessive twists towards the end (thanks to other reviews) and was prepared for them. Yet, I found them a little too much. The whole of it somehow felt melodramatic, though things easily work Jupiter one way or another.
To summarize, Found Object didn’t appeal to me as much as I thought it would (and this is when I already went with low expectations). I enjoy thrillers of most kinds, but I just couldn’t make myself care about this one.
Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #FoundObject
One Liner: Great premise but failed to keep me interested
Jupiter’s mother, Marie Nova, a celebrated TV actress, was murdered twenty years ago. Jupiter has moved on and built a life for herself as an investigative journalist. When her latest expose affects her, Jupiter is sent back to Savannah to write a piece about a cosmetic company’s 100th-year celebrations.
However, the trip back home makes Jupiter question everything in the past and her life. As she starts to dig into the details of her mother’s death, Jupiter is left with more questions and unconvincing details. The killer’s confession doesn’t seem right, and there are too many gaps in the details.
Can Jupiter get to the bottom of the case and find the closure she desperately needs to have a normal life?
The story comes from Jupiter’s first-person POV and another character’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
The premise intrigued me, and the page count was right in my zone. The beginning was good, too, despite the slow pacing. However, I lost interest even before I touched the halfway mark.
Jupiter was a cool character, willing to acknowledge her vulnerabilities and smart enough to connect the dots (though she does make a few mistakes). However, the first-person narration didn’t move me. It couldn’t feel involved in the story.
A few scenes were unbelievable and pretty much unrealistic (at least to me). Also, there wasn’t much backstory to justify the scenes.
Poppy was an adorable character and my favorite in the book. The others were left unexplored almost throughout. Even Jupiter doesn’t have much depth once you realize how things stand.
I knew about the excessive twists towards the end (thanks to other reviews) and was prepared for them. Yet, I found them a little too much. The whole of it somehow felt melodramatic, though things easily work Jupiter one way or another.
To summarize, Found Object didn’t appeal to me as much as I thought it would (and this is when I already went with low expectations). I enjoy thrillers of most kinds, but I just couldn’t make myself care about this one.
Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #FoundObject
October 21, 2022
Keeping this review crisp because that’s just how the book was. Great storyline and writing, and just the right length for a good mystery. I went into this with low expectations but was pleasantly surprised with the experience.
However, I had an issue with the series of climaxes that were hurled at me. See, I’m okay with twists that are thrown near a climax to change the whole dialogue and scene, and the reader goes like - ‘Wait, whatttt? So they’re not the killer’? Yes, I’m okay with my world going upside down but just how many times is cool enough to change the ending is questionable. This story had multiple twists right at the end of the story which naturally paved the way to multiple endings, meaning to say - there was climax 1, then the writer dropped another twist and climax 2, but that wasn't enough, so there came another major twist and along came climax 3 and so on. So that’s where I lost my comfort and the attachment I had so strongly felt with the story till then. Since I’ve only read an ARC, I’m hoping that the climax would be updated to make it more fun and acceptable.
Overall, a short, enjoyable read!
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: October 18th, 2022.
3.75/5🌟(rounding up).
TW: Murder, Death of a parent, Suicide, Death of a lover, Depression, Grief, and references to divorce.
However, I had an issue with the series of climaxes that were hurled at me. See, I’m okay with twists that are thrown near a climax to change the whole dialogue and scene, and the reader goes like - ‘Wait, whatttt? So they’re not the killer’? Yes, I’m okay with my world going upside down but just how many times is cool enough to change the ending is questionable. This story had multiple twists right at the end of the story which naturally paved the way to multiple endings, meaning to say - there was climax 1, then the writer dropped another twist and climax 2, but that wasn't enough, so there came another major twist and along came climax 3 and so on. So that’s where I lost my comfort and the attachment I had so strongly felt with the story till then. Since I’ve only read an ARC, I’m hoping that the climax would be updated to make it more fun and acceptable.
Overall, a short, enjoyable read!
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: October 18th, 2022.
3.75/5🌟(rounding up).
TW: Murder, Death of a parent, Suicide, Death of a lover, Depression, Grief, and references to divorce.
October 2, 2022
In all honesty, the book’s description was better than the book itself. Granted, it started out with a bang, but then like sparkling water, the fizz ran out leaving not much to marvel at.
I liked the characters as they were diverse and I could get a feel for their personalities. There wasn’t a character that I didn’t like in this novel.
As far as the plot, well it didn’t quite make much sense to me. The motives of the antagonists were sketchy at best. And I didn’t quite understand how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together. Everything seemed somehow disconnected.
Perhaps this isn’t one of Frazier’s best works so I’ll keep an open mind about her furture novels. So for me, Found Object was an okay two stars.
I received a digital ARC from Thomas & Mercer through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
I liked the characters as they were diverse and I could get a feel for their personalities. There wasn’t a character that I didn’t like in this novel.
As far as the plot, well it didn’t quite make much sense to me. The motives of the antagonists were sketchy at best. And I didn’t quite understand how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together. Everything seemed somehow disconnected.
Perhaps this isn’t one of Frazier’s best works so I’ll keep an open mind about her furture novels. So for me, Found Object was an okay two stars.
I received a digital ARC from Thomas & Mercer through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
September 11, 2025
I flew through this one, even though I didn't much like the protagonist, Jupiter.
I was fascinated by the other characters, particularly by Marie Nova, Jupiter's glamorous mother. I also really liked Ian, the police officer, and his young niece, Poppy.
The immersive Savannah, Georgia setting was one of the best things about the book.
I don't think Jupiter's complicated relationship with Salvador added much to the story. There was already so much going on.
The ending had one twist (and perp) too many. It devolved into melodrama.
Also, the lack of communication (20 years of avoidance and suspicion!) between Jupiter and her father was maddening.
I was fascinated by the other characters, particularly by Marie Nova, Jupiter's glamorous mother. I also really liked Ian, the police officer, and his young niece, Poppy.
The immersive Savannah, Georgia setting was one of the best things about the book.
I don't think Jupiter's complicated relationship with Salvador added much to the story. There was already so much going on.
The ending had one twist (and perp) too many. It devolved into melodrama.
Also, the lack of communication (20 years of avoidance and suspicion!) between Jupiter and her father was maddening.
April 23, 2023
DNF@40%
Another random selection from the sales rack at Audible, and another wasted few dollars. The premise of this one was really interesting to me, but the narrative and the style and the storytelling and everything else about it BUT the premise (including the unreliable female narrator who started the story in the freaking psych ward trope - SERIOUSLY), made it a pretty unbearable experience to try to get through.
I enjoyed the flashbacks, and really wanted to know what happened to the main character's mother, but UGH, Jupiter (yes, that is the character's actual name) was freaking unbearable, especially when it came to the ENTIRE Salvatore plotline, which made me want to gouge out my eardrums with a rusty nail.
And to add to that the both of the readers for this audiobook were not great, but the MALE audiobook reader made me start actively looking for that rusty nail... I knew it was over.
Still... the mystery was enticing, and I probably could have hung with the print or ebook to find out what happened, but the audiobook was a hard NOPE from me once the male reader entered the chat, and as none of my libraries offered this book for a free 2nd try, we parted ways.
Another random selection from the sales rack at Audible, and another wasted few dollars. The premise of this one was really interesting to me, but the narrative and the style and the storytelling and everything else about it BUT the premise (including the unreliable female narrator who started the story in the freaking psych ward trope - SERIOUSLY), made it a pretty unbearable experience to try to get through.
I enjoyed the flashbacks, and really wanted to know what happened to the main character's mother, but UGH, Jupiter (yes, that is the character's actual name) was freaking unbearable, especially when it came to the ENTIRE Salvatore plotline, which made me want to gouge out my eardrums with a rusty nail.
And to add to that the both of the readers for this audiobook were not great, but the MALE audiobook reader made me start actively looking for that rusty nail... I knew it was over.
Still... the mystery was enticing, and I probably could have hung with the print or ebook to find out what happened, but the audiobook was a hard NOPE from me once the male reader entered the chat, and as none of my libraries offered this book for a free 2nd try, we parted ways.
September 28, 2022
I have read quite a few stories by this author and loved them. I'm not sure if this one was just situational but it's definitely a case of it's me and not you, dear story.
I just didn't feel the draw to this one like I'd hoped. I found the beginning slow with her story of her old job and her old flame. I kept forgetting what her job was because she just seemed to have unlimited money resource when I wasn't thinking any on-line news company would throw that kind of money around for a journalist. I did find the mystery surrounding her mother interesting and I liked that we got the conclusion for that, even if it was in a round about way and then all at once.
If you've read this author or this one sounds good, give it a try. This one just wasn't for me.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
I just didn't feel the draw to this one like I'd hoped. I found the beginning slow with her story of her old job and her old flame. I kept forgetting what her job was because she just seemed to have unlimited money resource when I wasn't thinking any on-line news company would throw that kind of money around for a journalist. I did find the mystery surrounding her mother interesting and I liked that we got the conclusion for that, even if it was in a round about way and then all at once.
If you've read this author or this one sounds good, give it a try. This one just wasn't for me.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
January 11, 2023
4 Stars
Well, now, this is a fun one. I rated this thriller, four stars!
Jupiter, an investigative reporter living in Minnesota, has just finished a gut wrenching story where she actually got emotionally involved with the person who she exposed. It was not easy for her and her boss thought she needed a little break. Her boss decided to assign her kind of a fluff piece, a story on a very prominent family in her hometown of Savannah. Off she goes to Savannah to confront her very complicated childhood. Not exactly a relaxing fluff piece.
Jupiters childhood is so jacked up! Her mother was a famous actress and was very brutally, murdered and found the next morning by Jupiter and her father. Her father, who was completely grief stricken, sent her to live with her aunt in Minnesota, which, Jupiter took as a major rejection.
I should also add that Jupiter never really felt convinced that the person who was prosecuted for her mother’s murder was actually guilty. It just didn’t feel right. She had always harbored suspicions that it was done by somebody else, she even doubted her own father.
Jupiter decides that while she is in Savannah, she is going to investigate her mother’s murder, in addition to doing the fluff piece on the very wealthy family. And wow! Things get even more complicated than they ever had been. The things she discovers...
WHAT I LOVED
There was a lot to love about this book. I loved Jupiter as a character. I love the Savannah setting. I really love her, super complicated relationship was with her mother and her father both. Her mom was a phenomenonal character she definitely put the “fun” in dysfunctional! The plot was very twisty. I suspected almost everyone at one point or another.
WHAT I DIDN’T LOVE
They’re actually may have been a couple too many twists in this story. I do like a good twisty thriller but, this one was maybe a little too meandering here and there. Maybe one too many red herrings?
OVERALL
I enjoyed reading this book. I think all of my Goodreads friends who love a good thriller would enjoy this book.
Well, now, this is a fun one. I rated this thriller, four stars!
Jupiter, an investigative reporter living in Minnesota, has just finished a gut wrenching story where she actually got emotionally involved with the person who she exposed. It was not easy for her and her boss thought she needed a little break. Her boss decided to assign her kind of a fluff piece, a story on a very prominent family in her hometown of Savannah. Off she goes to Savannah to confront her very complicated childhood. Not exactly a relaxing fluff piece.
Jupiters childhood is so jacked up! Her mother was a famous actress and was very brutally, murdered and found the next morning by Jupiter and her father. Her father, who was completely grief stricken, sent her to live with her aunt in Minnesota, which, Jupiter took as a major rejection.
I should also add that Jupiter never really felt convinced that the person who was prosecuted for her mother’s murder was actually guilty. It just didn’t feel right. She had always harbored suspicions that it was done by somebody else, she even doubted her own father.
Jupiter decides that while she is in Savannah, she is going to investigate her mother’s murder, in addition to doing the fluff piece on the very wealthy family. And wow! Things get even more complicated than they ever had been. The things she discovers...
WHAT I LOVED
There was a lot to love about this book. I loved Jupiter as a character. I love the Savannah setting. I really love her, super complicated relationship was with her mother and her father both. Her mom was a phenomenonal character she definitely put the “fun” in dysfunctional! The plot was very twisty. I suspected almost everyone at one point or another.
WHAT I DIDN’T LOVE
They’re actually may have been a couple too many twists in this story. I do like a good twisty thriller but, this one was maybe a little too meandering here and there. Maybe one too many red herrings?
OVERALL
I enjoyed reading this book. I think all of my Goodreads friends who love a good thriller would enjoy this book.
December 2, 2022
I've been anxious to try this author for a while now, and this novel has convinced me to read more of her work. The writing flowed smoothly and the characters were vividly drawn.
While the novel began in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the bulk of the story was set in Savannah, Georgia.
The protagonist, Jupiter Bellarose, was a unique and memorable character. Born to two actors, her childhood was a volatile one... until, at age sixteen her beautiful mother was brutally murdered. This event caused her world to upend. She was sent to live with an aunt in Minnesota. Now, thirty-six years old, she is a successful investigative journalist.
After an exposé gone terribly wrong, she has now returned to her hometown to write a piece on the centenary anniversary of a renowned cosmetic company. The very same company that her mother was the figurehead for. Her 'fluff piece' turns gravely serious.
Many themes are portrayed in this crime thriller. Family secrets, culpability, unscrupulous business practices, the lengths narcissistic folk will go to fight aging, but most of all it explores the fragility and unreliability of human memory.
Recommended to crime fiction lovers who appreciate strong but flawed protagonists.
While the novel began in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the bulk of the story was set in Savannah, Georgia.
The protagonist, Jupiter Bellarose, was a unique and memorable character. Born to two actors, her childhood was a volatile one... until, at age sixteen her beautiful mother was brutally murdered. This event caused her world to upend. She was sent to live with an aunt in Minnesota. Now, thirty-six years old, she is a successful investigative journalist.
After an exposé gone terribly wrong, she has now returned to her hometown to write a piece on the centenary anniversary of a renowned cosmetic company. The very same company that her mother was the figurehead for. Her 'fluff piece' turns gravely serious.
Many themes are portrayed in this crime thriller. Family secrets, culpability, unscrupulous business practices, the lengths narcissistic folk will go to fight aging, but most of all it explores the fragility and unreliability of human memory.
Recommended to crime fiction lovers who appreciate strong but flawed protagonists.
Read
July 13, 2022I really hate to mark this thriller as DNF. The main protagonist, and much of what surrounded her, gave off a depressing vibe. What I read of the story itself had one too many highs and lows. I did like the setting in Savannah, GA, with its Old South aura. I know from experience, it is a wonderful city to visit especially in the cooler months.
Anne Frasier aka Theresa Weir is an author I have been following for a very long time. I have read just about all of her older CRs along with some of her earlier, dark thrillers so I am sad to say I didn’t finish this story.
Anne Frasier aka Theresa Weir is an author I have been following for a very long time. I have read just about all of her older CRs along with some of her earlier, dark thrillers so I am sad to say I didn’t finish this story.
October 27, 2022
Found Object Finds Much More About Her Family’s History
The novel opens with Jupiter Bellarose being released from jail. She signs the release form, ‘Found Object’. Through her reminiscing she recalls the story on how she received that name. She then reminisces about the Saturday morning when her father drove with her to where her mother lived. There were many police cars and yellow tape. Her mother is a star of a TV show and Jupiter believes that it is just a shoot for that show. She is critical of the props, especially the ones that represented her dismembered mother. She went into the house looking for her mother. She comes out holding hands with a police officer and a terrible memory. The story starts from here.
The main storyline consists of three threads. The first thread defines Jupiter as an aggressive undercover investigative reporter. That thread sets up the two other very related threads. First was a fluff piece on Lumets cosmetics product family that her boss assigned to her to recover from her undercover story. The Lumets lived outside of Savanah, GA, and Jupiter’s mother was their company’s face before her death. That and an incident as she drove into Savanah lead to a very her desire to find out who killed her mother, the second thread. My interest was captured as Jupiter’s mother was a very colorful character. Jupiter uses the interviews with the Lumets matron who Jupiter knew when her mother took her to the Lumets estate. These interviews were intermingled with flashbacks to when her mother was alive. While captivating by themselves, some facts are revealed that indicated that everything is not as it seems, and dark secrets are just below the surface. Tension is maintained as Jupiter’s mother’s chauffeur is in prison and Jupiter does not believe that he murdered her mother. Then, mortal danger for Jupiter takes over that increase the tension level. My imagination was firmly captured and did not wain throughout the novel.
The B-storyline for this novel is extraordinarily rich. The reason is that Jupiter is delving into the history of the Lumets family and business history of which her mother and Jupiter herself was a significantly part. The estrangement between Jupiter and her father provides an interesting insight into their family dynamics. This is one of the best B-storylines in a novel that I have read.
For the issues that turn off some readers, first there are not any intimate scenes. Second, vulgar words are just a few with rude and impious language just a little more. There is some violence but the worse is described in the less edgy after the fact. This appears to be a standalone novel or at worse, the first novel in the series, so there are not any dependences on previous novels.
The aspects that I liked the most were the twists and turns in the main storyline that became literary grenades that turned my understanding upside-down as the novel approached the end. The other reason was the richness of the B-storyline as explained above. Upon much thought, I could not find anything that I disliked in the novel. I have read four of the author’s previous novels. She is solidly in my Will-Read author rating and edging up to the Must-Read rating. I am eagerly looking forward to reading further books/series by the author. I rate this novel with five stars.
I received a free e-book version of this novel through NetGalley from Thomas & Mercer. My review is based only on my own reading experience of this book. I wish to thank Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
The novel opens with Jupiter Bellarose being released from jail. She signs the release form, ‘Found Object’. Through her reminiscing she recalls the story on how she received that name. She then reminisces about the Saturday morning when her father drove with her to where her mother lived. There were many police cars and yellow tape. Her mother is a star of a TV show and Jupiter believes that it is just a shoot for that show. She is critical of the props, especially the ones that represented her dismembered mother. She went into the house looking for her mother. She comes out holding hands with a police officer and a terrible memory. The story starts from here.
The main storyline consists of three threads. The first thread defines Jupiter as an aggressive undercover investigative reporter. That thread sets up the two other very related threads. First was a fluff piece on Lumets cosmetics product family that her boss assigned to her to recover from her undercover story. The Lumets lived outside of Savanah, GA, and Jupiter’s mother was their company’s face before her death. That and an incident as she drove into Savanah lead to a very her desire to find out who killed her mother, the second thread. My interest was captured as Jupiter’s mother was a very colorful character. Jupiter uses the interviews with the Lumets matron who Jupiter knew when her mother took her to the Lumets estate. These interviews were intermingled with flashbacks to when her mother was alive. While captivating by themselves, some facts are revealed that indicated that everything is not as it seems, and dark secrets are just below the surface. Tension is maintained as Jupiter’s mother’s chauffeur is in prison and Jupiter does not believe that he murdered her mother. Then, mortal danger for Jupiter takes over that increase the tension level. My imagination was firmly captured and did not wain throughout the novel.
The B-storyline for this novel is extraordinarily rich. The reason is that Jupiter is delving into the history of the Lumets family and business history of which her mother and Jupiter herself was a significantly part. The estrangement between Jupiter and her father provides an interesting insight into their family dynamics. This is one of the best B-storylines in a novel that I have read.
For the issues that turn off some readers, first there are not any intimate scenes. Second, vulgar words are just a few with rude and impious language just a little more. There is some violence but the worse is described in the less edgy after the fact. This appears to be a standalone novel or at worse, the first novel in the series, so there are not any dependences on previous novels.
The aspects that I liked the most were the twists and turns in the main storyline that became literary grenades that turned my understanding upside-down as the novel approached the end. The other reason was the richness of the B-storyline as explained above. Upon much thought, I could not find anything that I disliked in the novel. I have read four of the author’s previous novels. She is solidly in my Will-Read author rating and edging up to the Must-Read rating. I am eagerly looking forward to reading further books/series by the author. I rate this novel with five stars.
I received a free e-book version of this novel through NetGalley from Thomas & Mercer. My review is based only on my own reading experience of this book. I wish to thank Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
July 1, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this E-ARC.
Review:
I LOVED this book! The character development, the plot, the story building- everything was perfect👌🏻
If you’ve read any of Agatha Christie’s books, you know the feeling when you think this is the end, the murder is solved and then, out of nowhere, new clues come to light. You now look at the story from a totally different perspective. That is precisely what I felt as I was reading this book. The story was never short of surprises, and the author kept springing them up at every turn. Reading about Marie Nova’s character, an acclaimed actress many knew about but never actually knew in person, was another aspect of the story that I really enjoyed. Overall, the author has done a remarkable job in weaving the entire story together, and I must say it is one of the BEST books I’ve read this year! I can’t wait for it to be out in the world for everyone to read!!
Review:
I LOVED this book! The character development, the plot, the story building- everything was perfect👌🏻
If you’ve read any of Agatha Christie’s books, you know the feeling when you think this is the end, the murder is solved and then, out of nowhere, new clues come to light. You now look at the story from a totally different perspective. That is precisely what I felt as I was reading this book. The story was never short of surprises, and the author kept springing them up at every turn. Reading about Marie Nova’s character, an acclaimed actress many knew about but never actually knew in person, was another aspect of the story that I really enjoyed. Overall, the author has done a remarkable job in weaving the entire story together, and I must say it is one of the BEST books I’ve read this year! I can’t wait for it to be out in the world for everyone to read!!
January 8, 2023
Her Inland series is outstanding and got me hooked. Unfortunately this book was a chore to finish. A few twists at the end reminds me of Jeffrey Seaver’s patent trademark.
October 21, 2023
FOUND OBJECT was an excellent thriller with an intriguing and vulnerable main character. Jupiter Bellarose is an investigative journalist who was hospitalized for depression after an undercover assignment went wrong. She never expected to fall in love with the subject of her investigation nor to watch him commit suicide by walking into the ocean and swimming away.
Jupiter's editor offers her a puff piece about a cosmetics company turning 100 to get her back into journalism. But doing the story will take her back to Savannah which was the site of her life's greatest tragedy. When Jupiter was sixteen, her mother television star Marie Nova was murdered and dismembered. A man was convicted of the crime but Jupiter still has questions and isn't convinced that he was guilty.
Detective Ian Griffin whose first day on the job was marred by discovering the dismembered body of Marie Nova also still has questions. He and Jupiter get together to investigate and, somehow, Marie finds her two investigations coming together.
Marie Nova was the face of Lumet, the cosmetics company Jupiter is supposed to be writing about. As Jupiter uncovers things the company doesn't want the public to know like radioactive face cream and face creams with human fat as a part of the formula, she also learns more about her mother's death.
Jupiter has always feared that her father who was estranged from her mother finally snapped and murdered her. And she learns that he has always feared that Jupiter had a sleepwalking session and murdered her mother since he was sent a recording of his car at the scene of the crime and knows he wasn't the one driving it.
This was an engaging and twisty thriller about a woman nearly drowning in guilt about a case gone wrong who is also determined to finally find out the truth about her mother's death. The narrators did an excellent job with the story.
Jupiter's editor offers her a puff piece about a cosmetics company turning 100 to get her back into journalism. But doing the story will take her back to Savannah which was the site of her life's greatest tragedy. When Jupiter was sixteen, her mother television star Marie Nova was murdered and dismembered. A man was convicted of the crime but Jupiter still has questions and isn't convinced that he was guilty.
Detective Ian Griffin whose first day on the job was marred by discovering the dismembered body of Marie Nova also still has questions. He and Jupiter get together to investigate and, somehow, Marie finds her two investigations coming together.
Marie Nova was the face of Lumet, the cosmetics company Jupiter is supposed to be writing about. As Jupiter uncovers things the company doesn't want the public to know like radioactive face cream and face creams with human fat as a part of the formula, she also learns more about her mother's death.
Jupiter has always feared that her father who was estranged from her mother finally snapped and murdered her. And she learns that he has always feared that Jupiter had a sleepwalking session and murdered her mother since he was sent a recording of his car at the scene of the crime and knows he wasn't the one driving it.
This was an engaging and twisty thriller about a woman nearly drowning in guilt about a case gone wrong who is also determined to finally find out the truth about her mother's death. The narrators did an excellent job with the story.
November 27, 2022
Anne Frasier is an auto read author for me! Loved the start to a new series. Juniper sure has a lot going on. We meet her as she is getting out of a mental facility after she caused her boyfriend to commit suicide. Being a journalist her boss gives her a new job writing a story about a cosmetic company in her hometown of Savanah. By the way, her mother was murdered there many years ago. So now she's on the search for answers and maybe a new partner. Thank you Amazon Publishing for the book to read and review.
February 17, 2025
This was good until it lost my interest about halfway through. I felt like it just wasn’t going anywhere at that point.
November 18, 2022
Thank you, Goodreads Giveaways, and to the author; Anne Frasier.
#GOODREADSGIVEAWAYS!
#WINNER!
#GOODREADSGIVEAWAYS!
#WINNER!
January 31, 2023
I liked the overall idea of the story but found that there was almost too much going on.
The storyline mainly focusing on Jupiter's mother's murder and her trauma from that and her career of going undercover and falling for a deviant who committed suicide once her story she had on him broke from her boss (which was also her ex husband..)
Going back to her hometown there was the whole escapade of the makeup company her mother was the face for that not only had radioactive ingredients but was rumored to be using human fat as an ingredient.
As the story progresses the murderer goes from one person to another and doesn't entirely make sense other than the son of the makeup company and a young fan wanting to kill the movie star (Jupiters mother) in the most horrific way possible. Not only beheading her but complete dismemberment... a lot of the story didn't line up and make sense and then you throw poor Ian in the mix. A police officer with a fainting disorder that ends up falling for Jupiter. Ian was really the only character I liked.
The scene where it all came to a head at the mansion was a bit far-fetched and seemed almost anticlimatic even though there was a chase scene and a hellicopter crashing... and then the story looped back to the son and then he tries to drown Jupiter and admitted to being in on murdering her mother...?
To top it all off at the end the deviant that "commited suicide" that Jupiter was SO IN LOVE WITH texts her and you find out he's not really dead and she decides to get with Ian??
Help it make sense because it didn't really for me... LOL
I gave it 3 stars because I was very invested in how it was all going to wrap up and the writing was good. The story line just had way too many moving parts for me to be completely invested.
The storyline mainly focusing on Jupiter's mother's murder and her trauma from that and her career of going undercover and falling for a deviant who committed suicide once her story she had on him broke from her boss (which was also her ex husband..)
Going back to her hometown there was the whole escapade of the makeup company her mother was the face for that not only had radioactive ingredients but was rumored to be using human fat as an ingredient.
As the story progresses the murderer goes from one person to another and doesn't entirely make sense other than the son of the makeup company and a young fan wanting to kill the movie star (Jupiters mother) in the most horrific way possible. Not only beheading her but complete dismemberment... a lot of the story didn't line up and make sense and then you throw poor Ian in the mix. A police officer with a fainting disorder that ends up falling for Jupiter. Ian was really the only character I liked.
The scene where it all came to a head at the mansion was a bit far-fetched and seemed almost anticlimatic even though there was a chase scene and a hellicopter crashing... and then the story looped back to the son and then he tries to drown Jupiter and admitted to being in on murdering her mother...?
To top it all off at the end the deviant that "commited suicide" that Jupiter was SO IN LOVE WITH texts her and you find out he's not really dead and she decides to get with Ian??
Help it make sense because it didn't really for me... LOL
I gave it 3 stars because I was very invested in how it was all going to wrap up and the writing was good. The story line just had way too many moving parts for me to be completely invested.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley, Anne Fraiser and Thomas & Mercer publishers for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review of this book.
First let me say I am a fan of Anne Fraiser. Her multidimensional characters and the way she pieces and unfolds a story are what I live for. This story was multileveled and kept me hooked from the beginning.
Meet Jupiter, investigative journalist, daughter of a Hollywood starlet and "Found Object." This story begins with us learning that Jupiter just wrote a spectacular article exposing an art fraud but it came at a great personal loss to her.
As she tries to pick up the pieces of her life, her editor suggests she return to her home town to write a piece on a 100 year old company. It just so happens that said company is the brand her now deceased mother used to be the spokeswoman for. Her beloved mother who was brutally murdered after a launch party at the very mansion Jupiter must arrive at to conduct her interview.
The past catches up with Jupiter in flashbacks and long ago persons from the past. As each tiny fragment returns she begins to wonder if her memories are the truth of what happened that night so long ago. Who really killed her mother? Is it connected to the company she is expected to write a glowing article about? The investigator in her rears it's head and we take a journey with Jupiter as she unravels her past.
This book was a wild ride that kept me engaged the entire time. It left me wanting to continue Jupiter's saga. I'm hoping for a second novel with Jupiter to see where she goes. I'd recommend this book to other fans of Anne Fraiser's works and lovers of domestic thrillers.
First let me say I am a fan of Anne Fraiser. Her multidimensional characters and the way she pieces and unfolds a story are what I live for. This story was multileveled and kept me hooked from the beginning.
Meet Jupiter, investigative journalist, daughter of a Hollywood starlet and "Found Object." This story begins with us learning that Jupiter just wrote a spectacular article exposing an art fraud but it came at a great personal loss to her.
As she tries to pick up the pieces of her life, her editor suggests she return to her home town to write a piece on a 100 year old company. It just so happens that said company is the brand her now deceased mother used to be the spokeswoman for. Her beloved mother who was brutally murdered after a launch party at the very mansion Jupiter must arrive at to conduct her interview.
The past catches up with Jupiter in flashbacks and long ago persons from the past. As each tiny fragment returns she begins to wonder if her memories are the truth of what happened that night so long ago. Who really killed her mother? Is it connected to the company she is expected to write a glowing article about? The investigator in her rears it's head and we take a journey with Jupiter as she unravels her past.
This book was a wild ride that kept me engaged the entire time. It left me wanting to continue Jupiter's saga. I'm hoping for a second novel with Jupiter to see where she goes. I'd recommend this book to other fans of Anne Fraiser's works and lovers of domestic thrillers.
October 25, 2022
When I read this was set in Savannah, I felt a tiny pang of disappointment that it wasn't another Elise Sandburg novel, but my disappointment didn't last long. The ending left room for a series, I would definitely buy another book about Jupiter.
Jupiter's mother was killed (in a horrifically gruesome way) when she was a teenager, and it's pretty much shaped her life. She's at a personal/professional crossroads and she reluctantly returns to Savannah to do a story on the cosmetic company Luminescent where her mother was the "face".
The story about Luminescent was anything but a "fluff piece" as it got weirder the more Jupiter dug. That was a good story all on its own, but throw in the digging Jupiter was doing on her mother's murder and it got a bit crazy.
There were several times I thought the story had ended, but wait! There's more! It was a wild ride, and I'm hoping for more Jupiter.
Jupiter's mother was killed (in a horrifically gruesome way) when she was a teenager, and it's pretty much shaped her life. She's at a personal/professional crossroads and she reluctantly returns to Savannah to do a story on the cosmetic company Luminescent where her mother was the "face".
The story about Luminescent was anything but a "fluff piece" as it got weirder the more Jupiter dug. That was a good story all on its own, but throw in the digging Jupiter was doing on her mother's murder and it got a bit crazy.
There were several times I thought the story had ended, but wait! There's more! It was a wild ride, and I'm hoping for more Jupiter.
October 29, 2022
This was a 3.5 rounded up. The last quarter of the book was absolutely fire even if there was one too many twists at the end. However I knocked off at least one star for just how long it took to get to any sort of action or reveal. Not to mention there is a whole back story regarding some undercover work which really isn’t necessary to the main plot at all.
Found Object follows Jupiter who is the daughter of an actress, Marie Novo, famous both on screen as well as for her violent murder. Jupiter is now an investigative journalist and is back home looking into a famous beauty company but her mother’s murder still bothers her and she can’t resist investigating it while she’s back.
The last bit is action packed and there is sometimes too much going on but I could not flip the pages fast enough. I still am confused as to the motive of the murder which makes me wonder if the last twist was done just for shock value but I still thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Found Object follows Jupiter who is the daughter of an actress, Marie Novo, famous both on screen as well as for her violent murder. Jupiter is now an investigative journalist and is back home looking into a famous beauty company but her mother’s murder still bothers her and she can’t resist investigating it while she’s back.
The last bit is action packed and there is sometimes too much going on but I could not flip the pages fast enough. I still am confused as to the motive of the murder which makes me wonder if the last twist was done just for shock value but I still thoroughly enjoyed this one.
November 10, 2022
The past catches up with a young investigative journalist when returning to her old hometown, revisiting the memories of her mother’s brutal murder, in this intriguing mystery by Anne Frasier.
Jupiter Bellarose suffers the same consequences as many of her fictional protagonist counterparts when she is forced to face her childhood demons and return to her old hometown. Perhaps Jupiter has a more compelling reason than most to stay away, seeing that she was the one who first stumbled across the horrific crime scene, seeing her own mother Marie Nova decapitated in their home’s front yard. Who would ever want to revisit those memories? But after her last disastrous assignment, Jupiter needs a break, and visiting her father seems like a good idea at the time. Of course, as soon as she arrives, old memories come crashing down on her, facing her to confront her demons. Now an adult used to investigate and analyse clues, Jupiter realises that some things regarding her mother’s death don’t add up. And she starts asking questions …
FOUND OBJECTS drew me in straight away and I was thoroughly intrigued by the horrific mystery surrounding Marie Nova’s murder. I also really liked Jupiter as a main protagonist. With the right balance of past trauma and the inquisitive mind of an investigative journalist, her motivation for getting answers seemed genuine and she was well fleshed out to be believable and sympathetic. Having witnessed her mother’s murder gave Jupiter a vulnerable side that made me root for her the whole way, and I was as eager to get answers as she was.
As with many small-town mysteries, everyone seemed to be hiding something, including Jupiter’s father. Flashbacks to the past gave some background regarding Marie Nova, whose character was just as intriguing as that of her daughter. This was my first book by the author, and I enjoyed her writing style, especially her characterisations of the whole cast, making it impossible not to get emotionally involved. Perhaps there were a few too many plot twists towards the end, stretching credibility, but overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and it kept me interested.
FOUND OBJECTS will appeal to readers who enjoy small-town mysteries driven by scarred protagonists whose past is about to come crashing down on them. There are lots of secrets and lies and plenty of plot twists. If you are able to suspend disbelief a little bit, then I can thoroughly recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
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Jupiter Bellarose suffers the same consequences as many of her fictional protagonist counterparts when she is forced to face her childhood demons and return to her old hometown. Perhaps Jupiter has a more compelling reason than most to stay away, seeing that she was the one who first stumbled across the horrific crime scene, seeing her own mother Marie Nova decapitated in their home’s front yard. Who would ever want to revisit those memories? But after her last disastrous assignment, Jupiter needs a break, and visiting her father seems like a good idea at the time. Of course, as soon as she arrives, old memories come crashing down on her, facing her to confront her demons. Now an adult used to investigate and analyse clues, Jupiter realises that some things regarding her mother’s death don’t add up. And she starts asking questions …
FOUND OBJECTS drew me in straight away and I was thoroughly intrigued by the horrific mystery surrounding Marie Nova’s murder. I also really liked Jupiter as a main protagonist. With the right balance of past trauma and the inquisitive mind of an investigative journalist, her motivation for getting answers seemed genuine and she was well fleshed out to be believable and sympathetic. Having witnessed her mother’s murder gave Jupiter a vulnerable side that made me root for her the whole way, and I was as eager to get answers as she was.
As with many small-town mysteries, everyone seemed to be hiding something, including Jupiter’s father. Flashbacks to the past gave some background regarding Marie Nova, whose character was just as intriguing as that of her daughter. This was my first book by the author, and I enjoyed her writing style, especially her characterisations of the whole cast, making it impossible not to get emotionally involved. Perhaps there were a few too many plot twists towards the end, stretching credibility, but overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and it kept me interested.
FOUND OBJECTS will appeal to readers who enjoy small-town mysteries driven by scarred protagonists whose past is about to come crashing down on them. There are lots of secrets and lies and plenty of plot twists. If you are able to suspend disbelief a little bit, then I can thoroughly recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
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October 24, 2022
Do a lighter assignment, your boss says. Go back to your hometown, your boss says. Spend some time with your dad, your boss says. You’ve just gotten finished with a tough undercover investigation where I broke your story at the wrong time, your boss says. You should take it kind of easy because you’re grieving right now, your boss says.
Well, it turns out that Jupiter, our main character, either just doesn’t know what it means to take it easy, or is just one of those people that needs to keep busy so she doesn’t dwell on her own thoughts too much (Who, me? Why do you guys think I read all day long!), because when Jupiter does indeed go back to her hometown to try and do a lighter assignment and maybe spend a little time with her dad, she ends up opening old wounds and old memories surrounding her mother’s murder.
This book is about 75% great and about 25% average. The majority of that great 75% is due to the absolutely stunning narrative prose, the intelligent and intuitive writing style, the stunning dialogue between characters, and the intensely personal and emotional inner musings of Jupiter. The characterizations and their development are also part of that, as is the research, world building, and the storyline.
The 25% average comes from the slightly melodramatic plot and the overabundance of plot twists. I felt like the author could have gotten the same effect from us readers with a less serpentine path.
No matter how you look at it, the book was entertaining and page-turning, and a lovely read just for the writing alone. Definitely something for any thriller reader’s TBR.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for granting me access to this title in exchange for a fair and honest review.
File Under: Psychological Thriller/Suspense Thriller/Crime Fiction/Crime Thriller/Mystery
Well, it turns out that Jupiter, our main character, either just doesn’t know what it means to take it easy, or is just one of those people that needs to keep busy so she doesn’t dwell on her own thoughts too much (Who, me? Why do you guys think I read all day long!), because when Jupiter does indeed go back to her hometown to try and do a lighter assignment and maybe spend a little time with her dad, she ends up opening old wounds and old memories surrounding her mother’s murder.
This book is about 75% great and about 25% average. The majority of that great 75% is due to the absolutely stunning narrative prose, the intelligent and intuitive writing style, the stunning dialogue between characters, and the intensely personal and emotional inner musings of Jupiter. The characterizations and their development are also part of that, as is the research, world building, and the storyline.
The 25% average comes from the slightly melodramatic plot and the overabundance of plot twists. I felt like the author could have gotten the same effect from us readers with a less serpentine path.
No matter how you look at it, the book was entertaining and page-turning, and a lovely read just for the writing alone. Definitely something for any thriller reader’s TBR.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for granting me access to this title in exchange for a fair and honest review.
File Under: Psychological Thriller/Suspense Thriller/Crime Fiction/Crime Thriller/Mystery
September 12, 2022
I struggled with how to rate this. The premise was strong and the story had me hooked. I was invested in Jupiter's journey and that part of the book worked. What was problematic is the past 20% was a lot. I think it could have been fleshed out better so it didn't feel overwhelming like it did. Not her best book but a worthwhile read.
July 12, 2023
This book was so good! A unique southern mystery wrapped around some fascinating characters. Unexpected twists along this emotional ride. I am a fan of Anne Frasier and she hasn't let me down yet. My favorite is still FIND ME but this one is right up there. As always, very well written.
April 5, 2023
For an investigative journalist, she wasn't very intuitive. Constantly putting herself in danger, one situation right after another. When stupidity comes into play, I lose interest.
October 17, 2022
Found Object is an atmospheric stand-alone suspense thriller set in Savannah, Georgia, about a journalist recovering from a breakdown, who returns to her home town to discover the truth about her mother’s murder twenty years earlier. I’ve enjoyed the Elise Sandburg and Inland Empire series by this author, so was keen to read this, then put off my some rather lukewarm early reviews. Thankfully, this exceeded my expectations - it’s a clever twisty mystery with a heroine who grew on me as the story progressed.
After a disastrous undercover investigation went horribly wrong, leading to the death of her lover, Jupiter Bellarosa’s editor sends her home to do a story about legendary cosmetics company Luminescent. Her mother, a famous movie star, was the face of the brand until she was killed in her home, leaving Jupiter to be raised by her aunt when her father fell apart. Meeting up with the police officer who was first on the scene that fateful day, Jupiter learns just how much of the past is a lie.
I’m generally not a fan of journalists as main characters in fiction, with their “anything goes in pursuit of the story” ethos and Jupiter certainly starts out badly, feeling sorry for herself after her actions caused a tragedy, but her wit and willingness to face her demons made her interesting at least, and her courage and compassion soon had me invested in her story. There’s a whole host of creepy suspects here, and I defy anyone to guess who the killer turns out to be. There are some sweet support characters too - fainting goat Ian and his adorable niece Poppy. The plot does get rather far-fetched, but I liked how it turned out, and that things are left just open enough for a sequel. Recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily. Found Object is published on October 18th.
After a disastrous undercover investigation went horribly wrong, leading to the death of her lover, Jupiter Bellarosa’s editor sends her home to do a story about legendary cosmetics company Luminescent. Her mother, a famous movie star, was the face of the brand until she was killed in her home, leaving Jupiter to be raised by her aunt when her father fell apart. Meeting up with the police officer who was first on the scene that fateful day, Jupiter learns just how much of the past is a lie.
I’m generally not a fan of journalists as main characters in fiction, with their “anything goes in pursuit of the story” ethos and Jupiter certainly starts out badly, feeling sorry for herself after her actions caused a tragedy, but her wit and willingness to face her demons made her interesting at least, and her courage and compassion soon had me invested in her story. There’s a whole host of creepy suspects here, and I defy anyone to guess who the killer turns out to be. There are some sweet support characters too - fainting goat Ian and his adorable niece Poppy. The plot does get rather far-fetched, but I liked how it turned out, and that things are left just open enough for a sequel. Recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily. Found Object is published on October 18th.
August 6, 2022
Found Object is about investigative journalist Jupiter Bellarose. She currently lives in Minnesota and has just finished a major expose piece that has left her mental health in jeopardy. She already was struggling because as a teenager, her mom, a famous actress, was murdered and dismembered. Jupiter and her dad came upon the crime scene when they were going to visit her mother.
Needing to take a break, Jupiter decides to go back to Savannah, GA where she grew up and where her mom was murdered. She has a chance encounter with the police officer who was the first on scene at her mom’s murder. They decide to start looking into what happened to her mom even though somebody was already convicted.
This book was just OK for me. I have read the author’s previous books and thoroughly enjoyed them. Something seemed to be missing in the story. I felt like I was missing some key details from Jupiters past. The story overall was good but there were some detours that were kind of out of left field. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Needing to take a break, Jupiter decides to go back to Savannah, GA where she grew up and where her mom was murdered. She has a chance encounter with the police officer who was the first on scene at her mom’s murder. They decide to start looking into what happened to her mom even though somebody was already convicted.
This book was just OK for me. I have read the author’s previous books and thoroughly enjoyed them. Something seemed to be missing in the story. I felt like I was missing some key details from Jupiters past. The story overall was good but there were some detours that were kind of out of left field. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
August 16, 2022
Culpable in an exposé gone tragically wrong, investigative journalist Jupiter Bellarose takes her boss’s advice: head back to her hometown for a fluff piece and get her world in balance. But in Savannah, the past is waiting.
Twenty years ago Jupiter’s mother, actress and celebrated beauty Marie Nova, was murdered, leaving many in her wake: Jupiter’s father, who has erased memories of his wife’s murder with alcohol. The matriarch of the cosmetics company who helped make Marie a star and who takes every opportunity to reopen old wounds. Then there’s the fragile cop with blood on his hands, and the killer whose confession no longer seems convincing.
With so many lingering questions, Jupiter must revisit the grisly event that has influenced every decision in her life. Maybe her homecoming will bring closure.
Or maybe the worst is yet to come.
Totally gripping really enjoyed this book totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer
I just reviewed Found Object by Anne Frasier. #FoundObject #NetGalley
Twenty years ago Jupiter’s mother, actress and celebrated beauty Marie Nova, was murdered, leaving many in her wake: Jupiter’s father, who has erased memories of his wife’s murder with alcohol. The matriarch of the cosmetics company who helped make Marie a star and who takes every opportunity to reopen old wounds. Then there’s the fragile cop with blood on his hands, and the killer whose confession no longer seems convincing.
With so many lingering questions, Jupiter must revisit the grisly event that has influenced every decision in her life. Maybe her homecoming will bring closure.
Or maybe the worst is yet to come.
Totally gripping really enjoyed this book totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer
I just reviewed Found Object by Anne Frasier. #FoundObject #NetGalley
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