Secrets never stay hidden in the lowcountry, and for Detective Andy Winslow, those secrets are about to get deadly.
Fifteen years ago, Charleston, South Carolina was home to one of the deadliest serial killers in American history. The Carolina Reaper took out twelve people, and he just so happened to be Andy Winslow's identical twin brother.
Now, murders are starting up again, and those murders look eerily similar to ones that shook the now Detective Andy Winslow's world all those years ago. After being called back home to help untangle whop the copycat killer might be, Andy is thrust back into the world he left behind, including making things right with the girl he left behind, and coming face to face with his imprisoned monster of a brother.
Things get deadlier than ever as Andy gets closer to the killer's identity, and when he finds out the shocking truth, he might learn that coming back home was the biggest mistake he ever made.
I always love myself a good detective story. And this one was definitely interesting. It has a bit of a slow start but picks up quickly. The beginning is really there to understand Andy which is very important as the story plays out. Since this is a quick story, all the clues unfolded as it became clearer who was causing the deaths. It wasn't misleading or trying to throw in clues to throw you off. I really liked that.
Andy was a tough one to connect with. But once you do, you click. I really enjoyed his character and learning more about him. Coming back to his hometown that changed his life forever... definitely wasn't easy. His character really developed the longer he was there and I enjoyed the ending so much! I'm glad it went that way instead of the other (sorry, no spoilers here!)
Overall, Carolina Reaper by Mark Stone was good! It was a fast paced thriller where the clues unfolded as the story develop. There was no misleading of clues (purposefully) and the unmasking was right alongside the detective. I enjoyed Andy's development and thought he was well written. The ending was so well done and I thought really spoke to the growing of Andy's character.
The narration was done so well! I honestly finished this in one day because it was so easy to get lost in. Eric did a great job in bringing this story to life.
A good twisty, emotional thriller without SC accents 4 stars overall, 4 stars story, 4 stars narration
If you are looking for authentic South Carolina accents or accurate Charleston geography, you’re not going to find it in this book. I am from SC, and I had been excited to listen to a thriller set in my home state. However, I was disappointed because the narrator makes everyone sound like they are from Oklahoma, and the author clearly does not know Charleston. There are no beaches in Charleston; the adjacent beaches are in different towns. No middle class farmer could afford to live on a beach in SC. Andy’s cousin Oyster’s farmhouse should have been placed on the banks of the Stono River near Charleston, not in the city. After I got over my disappointment, I listened to the book purely for how well the thriller was written, and it was pretty good.
This thriller is written in first person perspective of the main character, Detective Andy Winslow. The story is rather angsty because Andy is still dealing with the mental and emotional trauma of what happened when he was 16 years old, and being in Charleston is bringing it all back up. The plot is pretty good and is more believable than I expected from reading the book blurb. I really enjoyed the slowly revealed secrets and the dramatic twists. It was pretty fast-paced, although when Andy described all his emotions in the midst of the action, he did slow down some of the action scenes. Also, the timeline has some errors. The murders happened when Andy was 16, and now he is 36, so the murders didn’t happen 15 years ago.
Aside from inaccurate accents, the narrator Eric Fox did a fantastic job. His warm, gravelly, masculine voice was music to my ears. He really brought the text to life and perfectly brought forth all of Andy’s turbulent emotions. He is very good at women’s voices. I really enjoyed his voice, and I will look for his other work.
I requested and received a free audio copy via the publisher, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review. #TheFlockVIPReviewTeam #NorthernLakeAudio
Andy and I had somewhat opposite living situations. I grew up and spent most of my life in NJ (20 minutes outside NYC) and moved to South Carolina a few years ago. However, I don't live by the beach; I'm near The Queen City (Charlotte), and I'm not a huge fan. But ANYWAY, what I am a big fan of is this book.
I wasn't sure if I was going to get into this book when I first started listening. I'm not exactly sure why. But thank God, I was totally, 100% wrong; it ended up being an amazing book. The narrator did an excellent job with the southern accents. I loved the fact that they speak slowly in the south, so I was able to speed up the narration and get the book done fairly quickly.
This book was a real page-turner, keeping me on the edge of my seat with its suspenseful plot. There were times I couldn't bear to put it down, eager to discover what's next. The gripping narrative and unexpected twists made it an absolute must-read. I am also excited to see that there are more books in this series. I really hope they make it to Audible soon! (And The Flock lol). I would love to read this entire series. I can't wait to see what happens!!!
I really enjoyed this 1st book of the series, just wish the next one was out as I wanted to continue reading about Detective Andy Winslow.
Andy left Charleston, SC fifteen years ago. He has a twin brother, Ethan. Ethan is one of the most notorious serial killers known as the Carolina Reaper. Everyone in Charleston and other places, have heard the story. Andy had to turn his brother in for being the serial killer, as he had kidnapped the girl he loved and was going to kill her. Andy saved her, but in doing so, had to kill his father who wanted to kill her to cover up for Ethan.
After all the years, Andy is back in Charleston from being in New York. They have asked for his help, as there are killings going on now, that replicate what his brother was doing..But, it can't be Ethan, as he is still in prison.
Going back home, Andy must face his fears. Seeing the woman he loved after all these years and facing his brother for the first time. Great book, with some twiest and turns you won't see.
I loved the narration of Eric Fox, who brought out the characters, action and plot. Perfect
Andy has a twin brother, Ethan. Ethan is a notorious serial killer known as the Carolina Reaper. It was Andy who turned his brother in for being the serial killer, after Ethan had kidnapped a girl he loved and, also having to kill his father who wanted to kill her to cover up for Ethan. Andy is back in Charleston from being in New York. Having being The police have asked for his help, as copy car killings going are happening. Ethan as he is still in prison. Andy must face his fears. lost love and his brother.
OMg! Another outstanding story from this author! He is fast becoming a favorite! The story is tricky to say the least! Its a crime thriller and it doesn’t skimp on the crime or the thrill! I really thought I had figured out what was going to happen but ….NOPE! Numerous times I was surprised and shocked at what was happening. I highly recommend this author and this one!
I listened to this one on audio. Eric Fox is the narrator. He does an excellent job! This is the beginning of a new series and I loved all the new characters. The writing is well done and moves the story along at a good pace! Plus it kept me guessing! I can’t wait for more in this series!
Title: Carolina Reaper Author: Mark Stone Format: Audio Narrator: Eric Fox Genre: Suspense/Thriller Standalone: yes Part of a Series: Lowcountry Crimes book 1 POV: Andy Steam Level: None 5/5
Growing up mystery, suspense, thrillers and whodunits were my jam. As a result, I’m rarely surprised at who the perpetrator is, picking up on the red herrings and usually knowing pretty quickly. Not so with this book. It kept me guessing until the end. This story was interesting, unique and kept me engaged and guessing. I look forward to reading more of this series.
I received this audiobook for free from Pink Flamingo Productions. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Wow 2 brothers, identical twins in fact who are completely opposite. One is a serial Killer and the other a detective. This story tries to connect past murders with current murders even though the past killer is locked up. I really enjoyed this story and would have loved a bit more action to keep me on the edge. I would definitely recommend this book it is a first for me with the author and narrator who was really good. Sisters Spotlight 💕 #northernlakeauidio
Who says you can’t go home? Isn’t that the dilemma most face at some moment in their life? Is going back the correct thing to do…that’s what this great read is all about! Started reading it and kept going until finished (had to put it down 5 times to feed spouse and take care of short chores so I could finish. Thank fully it was a football day, so a few snacks and drinks kept him occupied so I could finish!)
Is there a copy cat serial killer? The one known as the Carolina Reaper is in prison. Who would do that. And why is this person going after Everyone that was close to Andy? This is a murder mystery with twists and turns that kept me guessing. A brilliant story narrated by Eric Fox. He gave all the emotions of despair, loss, bewilderment, confusion to this story. very well done #PFP production #the flock
Detective Andy Winslow returns to the low country after a copy cat serial killer starts up after 15 years. The original murderer is locked away and not only shares DNA with Andy but a face. This was a quick intriguing listen and I tried to solve the crime as we went along. This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed the twists and mystery!
I've read a few of Stone's "Lucky John" books and enjoyed them. I wasn't sure I was going to like this book as it has a lot more description than I prefer to read. Boy, was I wrong! The words flowed, the story gripped, and the characters were ones you'd want to know in real life. I've never thought about members of a serial killer's family before so that was an eye-opener. Highly recommend this series (already on #2)!
Mark Stone so beautifully created scenes I was sure I was back walking in Charleston. The story is almost too real. It felt so real I couldn't stop reading until I knew everything!