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Loving a Killer #1
The Diary
Alternate cover edition can be found here
A HAPPY MARRIAGE. TERRIBLE SECRETS.
Happily married Lexi Woods thought losing a child would be the worst thing that could ever happen to her. She was wrong. It turns out that life has more ugly surprises for her.
When she is finally through the heavy depression of losing her newborn, she finds her husband’s diary. As she reads it, she learns that he’s been unfaithful to her. He’s not at all the man she thought he was. Unfortunately, that’s not the worst part. Not only has the love of her life gone behind her back -- but it also looks like he killed his mistress...
What else could he be hiding?
A HAPPY MARRIAGE. TERRIBLE SECRETS.
Happily married Lexi Woods thought losing a child would be the worst thing that could ever happen to her. She was wrong. It turns out that life has more ugly surprises for her.
When she is finally through the heavy depression of losing her newborn, she finds her husband’s diary. As she reads it, she learns that he’s been unfaithful to her. He’s not at all the man she thought he was. Unfortunately, that’s not the worst part. Not only has the love of her life gone behind her back -- but it also looks like he killed his mistress...
What else could he be hiding?
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2014
813 people are currently reading
860 people want to read
About the author
Julia Derek
101 books115 followersJulia Derek is originally from Sweden and is a trainer by day and writer by night. She's the author of several mystery and thriller books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
May 2, 2017
**** 4.5 "Broken Heart" Stars ****
Cheating husband...not sure
Crazy wife....not sure
Alcoholic wife...not sure
Lying husband...not sure
My head was spinning trying to wrap itself around what the hell was real and not real. But man when you do figure this one out.....WOW WOW WOW!!!
Julia Derek.....SO GOOD and I enjoyed this tale of a marriage with secrets and darkness and so much heartache.
Cheating husband...not sure
Crazy wife....not sure
Alcoholic wife...not sure
Lying husband...not sure
My head was spinning trying to wrap itself around what the hell was real and not real. But man when you do figure this one out.....WOW WOW WOW!!!
Julia Derek.....SO GOOD and I enjoyed this tale of a marriage with secrets and darkness and so much heartache.
April 18, 2015
I enjoyed this book. It was written through Lexi’s first person point-of-view. Her husband, Jason, wanted to become a full-time author. I could relate to the scenes of him sweating bullets over his first draft.
The suspicions of her husband started when Lexi read “I killed her.” in Jason’s diary. But was it his deepest, darkest secrets? Or was it part of his fiction novel? You’ll have to read the story to find out.
I loved that Lexi was proactive in finding out the truth. It made me respect her, as a reader. The author did a wonderful job portraying Lexi and Jason’s pain of losing their baby boy Matthew. I felt very sorry for them.
I wish there would have been more dialogue between the couple, especially when she was hiding her suspicions. When there was conversation in the scenes, it seemed like Jason was toying with her, especially when he claimed everyone has a dark side. I wanted to see that play out more, to give more suspense.
The very last scene gave me chills! The story ended on the perfect cliffhanger.
I RECOMMEND this book to read.
The suspicions of her husband started when Lexi read “I killed her.” in Jason’s diary. But was it his deepest, darkest secrets? Or was it part of his fiction novel? You’ll have to read the story to find out.
I loved that Lexi was proactive in finding out the truth. It made me respect her, as a reader. The author did a wonderful job portraying Lexi and Jason’s pain of losing their baby boy Matthew. I felt very sorry for them.
I wish there would have been more dialogue between the couple, especially when she was hiding her suspicions. When there was conversation in the scenes, it seemed like Jason was toying with her, especially when he claimed everyone has a dark side. I wanted to see that play out more, to give more suspense.
The very last scene gave me chills! The story ended on the perfect cliffhanger.
I RECOMMEND this book to read.
January 20, 2020
Against what I thought was my better judgment, I downloaded The Diary for free because some of the user reviews had promised a surprising twist.
Billed as a “psychological thriller,” I had figured The Diary was another of those steamy romance novels which pass as pornography for women, or alternatively, a book version of those insufferable movies shown on Lifetime. Actually it turned out to be both. The disappointing ending especially belongs on Lifetime.
But up until the ending the suspenseful story was skillfully told by a talented author. Lexi and Jason are an attractive young married couple living on Manhattan’s tony Upper West Side, trying to survive the death of a child. To compound her pain, Lexi finds an entry in Jason’s diary which leads her to believe that he was cheating on her and killed his mistress. The evidence therefore suggests that she was married to an adulterer as well as a murderer. Was she, or was Jason simply jotting notes in his journal for a novel he was writing?
Or perhaps the truth lies elsewhere ...
Billed as a “psychological thriller,” I had figured The Diary was another of those steamy romance novels which pass as pornography for women, or alternatively, a book version of those insufferable movies shown on Lifetime. Actually it turned out to be both. The disappointing ending especially belongs on Lifetime.
But up until the ending the suspenseful story was skillfully told by a talented author. Lexi and Jason are an attractive young married couple living on Manhattan’s tony Upper West Side, trying to survive the death of a child. To compound her pain, Lexi finds an entry in Jason’s diary which leads her to believe that he was cheating on her and killed his mistress. The evidence therefore suggests that she was married to an adulterer as well as a murderer. Was she, or was Jason simply jotting notes in his journal for a novel he was writing?
Or perhaps the truth lies elsewhere ...
December 28, 2018
Aaaaaand this week on a new episode of "Which spouse is the psycho?"......The Diary!!!
I just have one piece of advice: Don't think you know what's going on!!
I just have one piece of advice: Don't think you know what's going on!!
January 25, 2015
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book as I don't usually read books of this type. I decided to give it a try because I really enjoy this author and the other books she's written. I was not disappointed, I absolutely enjoyed this book. It's suspenseful and leaves you wanting to read the next book and find out what happens. I can't wait to see what happens with these characters and where the story goes!
April 22, 2017
Lexi is married to Jason and is very much in love. They lose a child in stillbirth and she goes into a deep depression. She finds his diary and can't help but read it. There are things in there that sh0ck her and then she reads these words I KILLED HER. Oh God she is married to a murderer. What should she do? She wants to turn him in to the police but first she wants to find proof. Good story.
May 23, 2017
I wasn't sure about half way through whether I wanted to finish, but I'm
glad I did. It was really clever and the ending was not what I expected. I would
recommend this book.
glad I did. It was really clever and the ending was not what I expected. I would
recommend this book.
October 30, 2017
I enjoyed the story quite a bit. Definitely shot sideways on me and went a different direction than I was totally expecting. I liked that. I thought the characters were just ok. I did have a hard time connecting with Lexi. I kind of felt sorry for her but I also kind of wanted to smack her and tell her to just grow a pair and ask him what was going on. But that would have made for a very short story I guess.
April 26, 2017
Three sides to every story...
Her side, his side, and the truth. Amazing book! I went from being so mad at the husband while reading Lexi's side of the story, to scratching my head and wondering what was going on when I read Jason's side of the story, and then sat with my jaw dropping while continuing on. Great story and characters!
Her side, his side, and the truth. Amazing book! I went from being so mad at the husband while reading Lexi's side of the story, to scratching my head and wondering what was going on when I read Jason's side of the story, and then sat with my jaw dropping while continuing on. Great story and characters!
April 5, 2017
Always guessing
Great read. Never knowing who the real culprit is until the end. A great love story as well. I recommend The Diary: The Complete Story.
Great read. Never knowing who the real culprit is until the end. A great love story as well. I recommend The Diary: The Complete Story.
April 6, 2017
This was way close to a five star! First I was on one team and then I was on another, almost in the snap of a finger. You will be the same way . . .
May 29, 2017
The Diary:The Complete Story (Loving a Killer)
It has got to be the most unusual book that I have ever read.I thought one way then another.This is a real tear jerker!
It has got to be the most unusual book that I have ever read.I thought one way then another.This is a real tear jerker!
October 28, 2017
Totally wasn't expecting the ending. It was a big surprise.
April 6, 2017
Great psychological thriller
The Diary was a book that was filled with suspense, yet told of a marriage that was loving, even with the traumatic events that took place within.
This author can be highly recommended to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense and mystery genres. Her writing style was the highlight that brought this great book together for me.
The Diary was a book that was filled with suspense, yet told of a marriage that was loving, even with the traumatic events that took place within.
This author can be highly recommended to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense and mystery genres. Her writing style was the highlight that brought this great book together for me.
December 8, 2017
Was this not,perhaps, the writers own ramblings ??? The story seemed to get lost at times....and then the waffling and padding ! No ...I was initially intrigued but then got increasingly more bored !
April 18, 2017
Alexandra Woods, aka Lexi, stumbles upon her husband's diary wherein he writes about his affair with a lady named Celeste - and his three word confession "I killed her".
Torn between guilt about not turning in her husband to the cops and her love for him, Lexi finds it's increasingly difficult to cope; coupled with the fact that she recently had a stillborn (their son Matthew was born dead).
She decides to forget and forgive, but resorts to alcohol to diminish the pain.
However, she finds out that Jason, her husband, has embarked on yet another affair - and this time she vows revenge.
Will Lexi get her revenge or lose herself in the process?
This was a brilliantly crafted story as the plot unfolds in a steady pace. Not once would you imagine that it would end where it did.
Enjoyed this one!
4.5/5 for me.
Torn between guilt about not turning in her husband to the cops and her love for him, Lexi finds it's increasingly difficult to cope; coupled with the fact that she recently had a stillborn (their son Matthew was born dead).
She decides to forget and forgive, but resorts to alcohol to diminish the pain.
However, she finds out that Jason, her husband, has embarked on yet another affair - and this time she vows revenge.
Will Lexi get her revenge or lose herself in the process?
This was a brilliantly crafted story as the plot unfolds in a steady pace. Not once would you imagine that it would end where it did.
Enjoyed this one!
4.5/5 for me.
December 1, 2017
It started out a 5 Star for me. Reading your husband’s diary that says he murdered someone. Pretty intriguing and it was until the story just started getting crazy, unrelatable and then “really?” at the end.
April 19, 2017
Pretty good - kept me interested and has a good twist at the end.
January 20, 2015
Lexi Woods is a happily married woman who seems to have focused her life around starting a family with her husband. The death of the child seems to drive Lexi into a deep depression. Lexi stumbles upon her husband’s diary and begins to read inside. What she finds brings her out of her depression to find out the truth about her husband’s actions. Lexi comes across as a strong woman who is trying to deal with the death of her child and the fact that life might not be as perfect as she hoped it would be.
Jason is Lexi’s husband. Jason always wanted to be a writer and at the beginning of the story seems to be trying to finish his first novel. He comes across as charismatic and head over heels in love with his wife. This is why I wonder what happened to make him cheat or is his diary a mix of real life and plot lines to his book?
The Diary: Loving a Killer by Julia Derek is the first book in a three part series. I enjoyed how the story builds with each chapter. I also enjoy the mystery of not knowing what is going to happen next. The characters are realistic and engaging. While this book is only 69 pages, it gives the reader the feeling of a much longer book. Overall, this was a wonderful book and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
**I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review
Jason is Lexi’s husband. Jason always wanted to be a writer and at the beginning of the story seems to be trying to finish his first novel. He comes across as charismatic and head over heels in love with his wife. This is why I wonder what happened to make him cheat or is his diary a mix of real life and plot lines to his book?
The Diary: Loving a Killer by Julia Derek is the first book in a three part series. I enjoyed how the story builds with each chapter. I also enjoy the mystery of not knowing what is going to happen next. The characters are realistic and engaging. While this book is only 69 pages, it gives the reader the feeling of a much longer book. Overall, this was a wonderful book and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
**I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review
May 19, 2020
Wow...this author really took the time to figure out how to blindside you. The whole book was gripping and suspenseful but the icing on this wonderful cake, is that near the end, it takes you somewhere you NEVER saw coming at all. It actually made the content if what you read prior even better and maybe even a little sad when you realize the struggle Lexi has been fighting with. I can relate to her level of guilt and self hatred even though it was truly an accident. It's a great example of how powerful the human mind is and how far it can go to protect you from the darkest of abysses inside you. I've already downloaded a second book by Julia Derek who has more than impressed me and Bering such an avid reader...I can be a little over critical
June 6, 2015
From the beginning, the main character has somewhat annoyed me. Probably cause of a comment she made where she say something like " I would love him if he was a killer" or "she would stay with him if he did cheat". I understand now that at that point, this character was still at her weakest that is why she felt that she could handled these situations because he stayed with her through everything. Thankfully, she doesn't stay in this state. She starts to question everything, which makes the story become interesting and exciting. Of course, we are left with a twist at the end, BUT i'm actually excited to know what happens in Part 2.
July 1, 2017
What???? 2 Stars
The description likens this book to Girl On The Train. There is absolutely no likeness at all. The description is also very deceiving. I kept reading and waiting to see what would happen and was totally shocked at the ending - and not in a good way. This is not a psychological thriller. This is not a suspenseful book.....well, it is until the end. I don't want to ruin it for anyone that may want to read it. Ugh. Total waste of time. I gave this two stars instead of one because the writing was decent - the story was just....again, UGH.
The description likens this book to Girl On The Train. There is absolutely no likeness at all. The description is also very deceiving. I kept reading and waiting to see what would happen and was totally shocked at the ending - and not in a good way. This is not a psychological thriller. This is not a suspenseful book.....well, it is until the end. I don't want to ruin it for anyone that may want to read it. Ugh. Total waste of time. I gave this two stars instead of one because the writing was decent - the story was just....again, UGH.
June 8, 2015
A can't read fast enough book
This book has it all but left me craving for that next book Another Woman. Every page is exciting you can hardly wait for the next. I love that it has only a few characters and is so easy to follow. It keeps you wondering who you are married to !!
This book has it all but left me craving for that next book Another Woman. Every page is exciting you can hardly wait for the next. I love that it has only a few characters and is so easy to follow. It keeps you wondering who you are married to !!
July 21, 2015
cant wait to see what happens
June 8, 2017
Really good! Loved the plot and didn't really see the ending coming until almost done with the book.
April 13, 2023
Book trigger warnings: stillbirth, depression, suicidal thoughts
Lexi & Jason Woods are coping with the stillbirth of their son. Lexi has spent months battling depression & settings seem to be looking up for the young couple. Until Lexi finds Jason's diary that details his affair. This might just be the blow that pushes Lexi over the edge.
So, lots of questions here. There are huge inconsistencies with Lexi's depression & the treatment of it. It made no sense that her depressive episode was missed by Jason & her family. None at all. I can't really say why without *spoilers* but, trust me, Lexi's depression is not a shock.
The dialog was stilted & didn't flow naturally at all. But that was kind of the writing across the board, so no shock there, either. An edit would definitely help with some of the issues of this book.
Most of the scenes were flat & the details seemed uninspired - except the sex scenes, which, from what I skimmed, appeared to be inspired by the Harlequin romances of the 80s.
Overall, it's just a meh book.
Lexi & Jason Woods are coping with the stillbirth of their son. Lexi has spent months battling depression & settings seem to be looking up for the young couple. Until Lexi finds Jason's diary that details his affair. This might just be the blow that pushes Lexi over the edge.
So, lots of questions here. There are huge inconsistencies with Lexi's depression & the treatment of it. It made no sense that her depressive episode was missed by Jason & her family. None at all. I can't really say why without *spoilers* but, trust me, Lexi's depression is not a shock.
The dialog was stilted & didn't flow naturally at all. But that was kind of the writing across the board, so no shock there, either. An edit would definitely help with some of the issues of this book.
Most of the scenes were flat & the details seemed uninspired - except the sex scenes, which, from what I skimmed, appeared to be inspired by the Harlequin romances of the 80s.
Overall, it's just a meh book.
July 22, 2018
This book was just awful! It isn't the suspenseful thrill ride that it claims to be or that others say it is. Its compared to Girl on the Train and that's totally inaccurate. I don't know how people didn't see the "twist" ending halfway through this book. The main character is annoying and whiny, which makes it impossible to empathize with her. I was initially really intrigued with this book, but less than halfway through I was over the main character and her delusional BS and had already figured it all out. I read it through to the end in hopes it may redeem itself in someway but was again disappointed. Glad it was free, because I would be pissed if I paid for it.
April 19, 2019
The book was good. I must honestly say that I was about ready to stop reading it because I was getting very bored with the back and forth of turning in her husband and not turning him in. Then the supposed affair! But once I got to the 5 years previous part I was putting two and two together and figured it out very quickly. It was an interesting plot, but it took so long until it came together and I had already figured it out many chapters prior.
July 27, 2021
Fascinating
As I read, I was sure I had the story figured out - it was just a matter of waiting for the journey.
Then there would be a turn - and, after a moment, I'd know what the next step would be.
Then another turn - and I'd find it was different....
In short, I was taken by surprise several times - and fascinated all along the way.
Read this in an afternoon - just couldn't put it down
As I read, I was sure I had the story figured out - it was just a matter of waiting for the journey.
Then there would be a turn - and, after a moment, I'd know what the next step would be.
Then another turn - and I'd find it was different....
In short, I was taken by surprise several times - and fascinated all along the way.
Read this in an afternoon - just couldn't put it down
October 6, 2017
Crazy Book
I was enjoying this book until I got to the middle of the book and suddenly everything changed. I thought I was losing my mind. This was the most confusing books I ever read. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone unless you would like to waste your time on a mixed up mess of a book.
I was enjoying this book until I got to the middle of the book and suddenly everything changed. I thought I was losing my mind. This was the most confusing books I ever read. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone unless you would like to waste your time on a mixed up mess of a book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews