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Bad Mother
When Sienna Walker is nearly fired from the NYPD, the last thing she expects is a second chance in the one place she vowed never to return to. But she can’t afford to turn down the job offer, even if a painful familial past and a broken engagement hardly make Reno, Nevada, home sweet home.
It’s made even less sweet by Sienna’s first case—a serial killer with a curious fixation on her. Along with his victims, the killer leaves perplexing clues and chilling journal entries addressed to Sienna detailing the murders he claims his mother committed. The case continues to get personal when her ex-fiancé is called out by the killer as well. Whoever’s behind the diabolical murders, Sienna can only be sure of one thing… it’s someone close to home.
As the twisted truth forces Sienna to face her complicated feelings, she learns that no matter how far you run from your past, it always catches up to you in the end.
From New York Times bestselling author Mia Sheridan comes the twisted story of one detective’s pursuit of a serial killer who’s taunting her…and the familiar connection between them that’s haunting her.
It’s made even less sweet by Sienna’s first case—a serial killer with a curious fixation on her. Along with his victims, the killer leaves perplexing clues and chilling journal entries addressed to Sienna detailing the murders he claims his mother committed. The case continues to get personal when her ex-fiancé is called out by the killer as well. Whoever’s behind the diabolical murders, Sienna can only be sure of one thing… it’s someone close to home.
As the twisted truth forces Sienna to face her complicated feelings, she learns that no matter how far you run from your past, it always catches up to you in the end.
From New York Times bestselling author Mia Sheridan comes the twisted story of one detective’s pursuit of a serial killer who’s taunting her…and the familiar connection between them that’s haunting her.
347 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2023
4418 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,790 reviews
January 28, 2023
when it comes to romantic suspense, the main thing i want is an equal balance between both aspects. and while i found this one to be a little lopsided, i still really enjoyed it.
i was immediately hooked by the serial killer competent of the story. the psychology of it all reminded me very much of ‘bates motel’ meets ‘the fall.’ its a really interesting case of childhood trauma, mixed with a game of cat-and-mouse and delivering judgement. and it is very much the primary focus of this book.
and while i loved reading about the investigation, i was dying for more sienna + gavin content. their tragic backstory could fill an entire book alone, so i was really hoping for more than one flashback scene. so i was pretty bummed about not get more of their history or exploring more of their present. if there was a little more romance, this would have definitely gotten 5 stars from me.
but readers looking for a crime/thriller novel that puts you in the mind of killer will have a lot of fun with this one!
thank you for the ARC, montlake!!
↠ 4.5 stars
i was immediately hooked by the serial killer competent of the story. the psychology of it all reminded me very much of ‘bates motel’ meets ‘the fall.’ its a really interesting case of childhood trauma, mixed with a game of cat-and-mouse and delivering judgement. and it is very much the primary focus of this book.
and while i loved reading about the investigation, i was dying for more sienna + gavin content. their tragic backstory could fill an entire book alone, so i was really hoping for more than one flashback scene. so i was pretty bummed about not get more of their history or exploring more of their present. if there was a little more romance, this would have definitely gotten 5 stars from me.
but readers looking for a crime/thriller novel that puts you in the mind of killer will have a lot of fun with this one!
thank you for the ARC, montlake!!
↠ 4.5 stars
December 15, 2022
3.5 stars
I think that Mia Sheridan really found herself in the mystery/thriller genre. In this book the mystery/thriller aspect was way more developed and interesting than the romance. I loved reading the serial killer’s letters. Those were the most interesting thing about the book. The romance was dull for me. The whole book was just enjoyable enough.
Huge Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this copy.
I think that Mia Sheridan really found herself in the mystery/thriller genre. In this book the mystery/thriller aspect was way more developed and interesting than the romance. I loved reading the serial killer’s letters. Those were the most interesting thing about the book. The romance was dull for me. The whole book was just enjoyable enough.
Huge Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this copy.
January 12, 2023
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╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
ღ 🅱🅰🅳 🅼🅾🆃🅷🅴🆁 ღ Is a full length suspenseful thriller by Mia Sheridan. In this you'll meet Sienna Walker & Gavin Decker.
This hooked me and reeled me in from the get go. And held my attention throughout.
A game of cat and mouse, as dead bodies turn up, staged, holding clues, letters left behind by the killer, hidden messages within his letters as the detectives try and unravel each letter.
A race against time before another body turns up. One step forwards, two steps back, nail biting goodness.
A boy, now a man, a killer, one mothers choice having a domino effect. And even though he was a killer my heart bled for him.
Sienna is a detective with the Reno police department whose back on her home turf, a place she'd thought she'd seen the back of. Now she's on a team that's hunting down a killer. Gavin is Sienna's childhood sweetheart both raised in a trailer park, they hadn't seen each other for eleven years, he's an ex high stakes poker player and now top security for a casino.
'𝑺𝒉𝒆'𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅, 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒔 𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒃. 𝑯𝒆'𝒅 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆, 𝒉𝒆'𝒅 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒆.'
It didn't take these two long for their past love to rekindle, I just wish there was a wee bit more, so that I could feel that connection between them, that aspect of the book felt rushed, but I understand that wasn't the focus in this book.
Anything this author writes, I will read and I’m so happy I picked this thrilling suspenseful book up.
March 29, 2023
I believe this is Mia Sheridan’s first foray into the full on thriller genre, and she did such a great job with it! In the past, I’ve enjoyed a variety of stories from her, anywhere from small town emotional love stories to dark, suspenseful romance, so I knew she could handle a more mainstream marketable romantic suspense. Color me pleased by how well this was written! Blend together a little bit of police procedural, a fast paced serial killer thriller, plus a dollop of romance, and you’d have the recipe for Bad Mother! My only gripe is that I wish the romantic elements had been a little more prevalent throughout; this part of the plot felt rushed and subtle than I was hoping for, but all in, it was an enjoyable read. Don’t forget, if you have a kindle unlimited membership, you can read/listen to this one for free!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
April 5, 2023
3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise, the mystery and clues throughout, the flow.
The Not-So-Good: The ending. It ended right after the big suspenseful climax and I was just to accept that half-assed HEA?! Yeah...not my favorite!
The Bad: The connection. The connection to the characters, the connection I felt between them, and my connection to my emotions from reading this were all lackluster.
Overall: This was alright. I really wanted to like it, because I love Ms. Sheridan's works and her overall voice. I think I struggled the most with a lack of connection, and sadly, this is where I think she has always done so well! That expectation might contribute to my lower rating tbh.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Sienna and Gavin's story. Sienna is a new detective for Reno PD when she gets pushed out of the NYPD for sticking to her morals. Reno is where she grew up and when a case leads her to her ex-fiancé, she is not that thrilled. As the case heats up and they see more of one another, they find that they both are connected to the case in some way and that their feelings hadn't gone away like they had thought. There are some suspenseful scenes, some secrets revealed, some mild sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between mostly Sienna and Gavin's POV (with one chapter in a side character's POV)
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the ending. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove: No, but strong feelings are still there when they're reunited.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Gavin. I liked how he cared for the h and his mom, but I don't feel like we got to know him very well.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Sienna. I liked her loyalty and determination to do the right thing, but I also felt like I didn't really get that deep into her character.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Mild. They have a scene, but I felt like was more about the emotional connection rather than the physical
Descriptive sex: Not very, but also not fade to black either
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes, but mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Yes
Separation: Yes, but off page before the story starts
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ended with what I would (reluctantly) call a HEA ending, but I need much more closure on page to feel satisfied
Safety: This one should be either Safe with exception or Not Safe for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise, the mystery and clues throughout, the flow.
The Not-So-Good: The ending. It ended right after the big suspenseful climax and I was just to accept that half-assed HEA?! Yeah...not my favorite!
The Bad: The connection. The connection to the characters, the connection I felt between them, and my connection to my emotions from reading this were all lackluster.
Overall: This was alright. I really wanted to like it, because I love Ms. Sheridan's works and her overall voice. I think I struggled the most with a lack of connection, and sadly, this is where I think she has always done so well! That expectation might contribute to my lower rating tbh.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Sienna and Gavin's story. Sienna is a new detective for Reno PD when she gets pushed out of the NYPD for sticking to her morals. Reno is where she grew up and when a case leads her to her ex-fiancé, she is not that thrilled. As the case heats up and they see more of one another, they find that they both are connected to the case in some way and that their feelings hadn't gone away like they had thought. There are some suspenseful scenes, some secrets revealed, some mild sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between mostly Sienna and Gavin's POV (with one chapter in a side character's POV)
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the ending. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove: No, but strong feelings are still there when they're reunited.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Gavin. I liked how he cared for the h and his mom, but I don't feel like we got to know him very well.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Sienna. I liked her loyalty and determination to do the right thing, but I also felt like I didn't really get that deep into her character.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Mild. They have a scene, but I felt like was more about the emotional connection rather than the physical
Descriptive sex: Not very, but also not fade to black either
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes, but mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Yes
Separation: Yes, but off page before the story starts
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ended with what I would (reluctantly) call a HEA ending, but I need much more closure on page to feel satisfied
Safety: This one should be either Safe with exception or Not Safe for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
April 20, 2023
this did not hit.
the mystery/thriller was entirely too predictable (i immediately knew the killer from the letters), and the romance was halfassed/acting more as the extra/background noise. it might as well have been eliminated altogether. however, maybe the predictability/plot twists is not the point because—ignoring that fact—this is quite an interesting but sad case of what childhood trauma does to certain people.
the romance as a sideplot was okay, but on its own, it was a NO. i mean, this guy LEFT the FMC at the ALTAR without explanation. then 10/more years later... she moves back to town, and they get back together 🙄 he doesnt grovel, doesnt apologize, doesnt even try to find her. what if she never moved back home?? theres just too much history unpacked. i think MS shouldve made this a spontaneous romance (where the MCs dont know each other from the start) instead of a second chance one.
(read as an audiobook)
the mystery/thriller was entirely too predictable (i immediately knew the killer from the letters), and the romance was halfassed/acting more as the extra/background noise. it might as well have been eliminated altogether. however, maybe the predictability/plot twists is not the point because—ignoring that fact—this is quite an interesting but sad case of what childhood trauma does to certain people.
the romance as a sideplot was okay, but on its own, it was a NO. i mean, this guy LEFT the FMC at the ALTAR without explanation. then 10/more years later... she moves back to town, and they get back together 🙄 he doesnt grovel, doesnt apologize, doesnt even try to find her. what if she never moved back home?? theres just too much history unpacked. i think MS shouldve made this a spontaneous romance (where the MCs dont know each other from the start) instead of a second chance one.
(read as an audiobook)
April 1, 2023
Although I have read several of MS books before, this is my first romantic suspense. Of course, she nailed it. Right from the start, the story pulls you in and doesn’t let up. There are a few surprises and few heartbreaking moments.
I switched between the audiobook and the e-book. The female narrator tended to be a little screechy at times.
Highly recommend!
I switched between the audiobook and the e-book. The female narrator tended to be a little screechy at times.
Highly recommend!
February 23, 2023
Mia Sheridan's latest novel is a psychological thriller that is a short, pacy, page-turner. It's a 'story filled with murder and sacrifice, trickery and terror'. Each page reveals more clues to toy with the reader, 'Is a false perception the same as a lie?'
Sienna is a detective recently forced to leave her NYPD job, to accept a role in her hometown of Reno, Nevada. Not only does coming back to Reno force her to face some unresolved emotions, it also lands her smack bang into a homicide. One murder quickly becomes more. Each body leaves a clues as to the serial killer's indentity. But who is the cat and who is the mouse? 'If you control the pieces, if you're the master of every move, you're kind a kind of god'.
I really enjoyed the pace and complexity of this book. Although I had my suspicions regarding some of the characters and their possible involvment, the final reveal was still illuminating. I did feel though that some story lines and characters were not fully addressed and explored - perhaps due to the short book length. Mia Sheridan is one of those rare authors who write easily across a variety of genres. I definitely enjoyed reading this latest thriller.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Sienna is a detective recently forced to leave her NYPD job, to accept a role in her hometown of Reno, Nevada. Not only does coming back to Reno force her to face some unresolved emotions, it also lands her smack bang into a homicide. One murder quickly becomes more. Each body leaves a clues as to the serial killer's indentity. But who is the cat and who is the mouse? 'If you control the pieces, if you're the master of every move, you're kind a kind of god'.
I really enjoyed the pace and complexity of this book. Although I had my suspicions regarding some of the characters and their possible involvment, the final reveal was still illuminating. I did feel though that some story lines and characters were not fully addressed and explored - perhaps due to the short book length. Mia Sheridan is one of those rare authors who write easily across a variety of genres. I definitely enjoyed reading this latest thriller.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 28, 2022
What did I just read.....no...
WHAT DID I JUST READ??
This book constantly kept me guessing. Shock after shock mottled the plot trapping me in amazed bewilderment, add to that the heightened sexual chemistry and you have a tempting n tantalizing read in your hands.
From the author who gave us sensitive, emotional powerhouse stories like Archer's Voice & The Wish Collector and then she writes a total mind-bender psychological thriller like this one. It's CAPTIVATING & ADDICTIVE with HEART-PUMPING Rush of adrenaline, that ups the dosage with every page.
“Think of life as one big game board. If you control the pieces, if you’re a master of every move, you’re a kind of god. If you decide to play, always, always play to win.”
I ran with Detective Sienna Walker who's transplanted from New York to Reno PD for a reason. And has to hit the ground running when a serial killer is terrorizing her old childhood town.
Bodies are popping up in staged bizarre scenes, gruesomely killed and the already short staffed PD is run ragged.
That means Sienna is working overtime, over hard and super stressed. Enough to take outside help from her childhood love, now abandoned- Poker King Gavin Decker.
"The killer. The caretaker. The monster. The victim. A mixture of them all."
Old ghosts coming to haunt, rotten mummies spreading putrid stenches and some deadly secrets unleashed. These all main ingredients keep the intrigue pot boiling for readers to feed from, while they're on a race to turn pages at warp speed.
As usual Mia's craft shines brilliantly, no surprises there. She keeps a tight hold on her plot, inserting well placed twists and jaw dropping revelations.
You HAVE to read when it releases. It comes to a shuddering halt with explosive finale fit for a major blockbuster.
5 stars for the Game Master
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This book constantly kept me guessing. Shock after shock mottled the plot trapping me in amazed bewilderment, add to that the heightened sexual chemistry and you have a tempting n tantalizing read in your hands.
From the author who gave us sensitive, emotional powerhouse stories like Archer's Voice & The Wish Collector and then she writes a total mind-bender psychological thriller like this one. It's CAPTIVATING & ADDICTIVE with HEART-PUMPING Rush of adrenaline, that ups the dosage with every page.
“Think of life as one big game board. If you control the pieces, if you’re a master of every move, you’re a kind of god. If you decide to play, always, always play to win.”
I ran with Detective Sienna Walker who's transplanted from New York to Reno PD for a reason. And has to hit the ground running when a serial killer is terrorizing her old childhood town.
Bodies are popping up in staged bizarre scenes, gruesomely killed and the already short staffed PD is run ragged.
That means Sienna is working overtime, over hard and super stressed. Enough to take outside help from her childhood love, now abandoned- Poker King Gavin Decker.
"The killer. The caretaker. The monster. The victim. A mixture of them all."
Old ghosts coming to haunt, rotten mummies spreading putrid stenches and some deadly secrets unleashed. These all main ingredients keep the intrigue pot boiling for readers to feed from, while they're on a race to turn pages at warp speed.
As usual Mia's craft shines brilliantly, no surprises there. She keeps a tight hold on her plot, inserting well placed twists and jaw dropping revelations.
You HAVE to read when it releases. It comes to a shuddering halt with explosive finale fit for a major blockbuster.
5 stars for the Game Master
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
August 10, 2023
3⭐️
this definitely wasn’t bad, but far from one of my favorites. i really loved to plot development and the actual plot line of the book was good! it kept me invested and i didn’t wanna put it down. HOWEVER, the writing was sooo clunky and all over the place. it was hard to know when topics got split up without warning. i really loved the characters but i definitely didn’t feel the complete connection with any of them. although, i did love the plot twists and turns the book had taken. if you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller with a dash of romance, this might be for you. i’m just not 100% positive it was for me. :)
this definitely wasn’t bad, but far from one of my favorites. i really loved to plot development and the actual plot line of the book was good! it kept me invested and i didn’t wanna put it down. HOWEVER, the writing was sooo clunky and all over the place. it was hard to know when topics got split up without warning. i really loved the characters but i definitely didn’t feel the complete connection with any of them. although, i did love the plot twists and turns the book had taken. if you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller with a dash of romance, this might be for you. i’m just not 100% positive it was for me. :)
March 25, 2023
**ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Mia Sheridan is one of my all-time favorite authors and I eagerly anticipate any new releases. Bad Mother is her latest romantic suspense novel, and it did not disappoint. The story follows Sienna Walker, a detective who is forced to return to her hometown of Reno, Nevada, and her ex-fiancé Gavin Decker, who now works as the head of security for a casino. When Sienna is assigned to a murder case, she and Gavin are thrown together, and their complicated past is brought to the surface.
“I haven’t been living, Sienna, not really,” he breathed between kisses. “Not until now.”
The suspense element in Bad Mother is incredibly well-crafted, and I was completely invested in the outcome of the murder case. While I had an inkling of who the killer might be, the twists and turns of the plot kept me guessing until the very end. Sienna and Gavin's relationship is complicated, and I appreciated how the author slowly revealed their past and allowed them to work through their issues. Their chemistry is palpable, and I was rooting for them to find their way back to each other.
Sheridan's writing is as captivating as ever, and she effortlessly weaves together romance and suspense. The ending of the book is both heartbreaking and hopeful, and I found myself tearing up as I turned the final pages. Overall, Bad Mother is a must-read for fans of romantic suspense, and I can't wait to see what Mia Sheridan has in store for us next.
Mia Sheridan is one of my all-time favorite authors and I eagerly anticipate any new releases. Bad Mother is her latest romantic suspense novel, and it did not disappoint. The story follows Sienna Walker, a detective who is forced to return to her hometown of Reno, Nevada, and her ex-fiancé Gavin Decker, who now works as the head of security for a casino. When Sienna is assigned to a murder case, she and Gavin are thrown together, and their complicated past is brought to the surface.
“I haven’t been living, Sienna, not really,” he breathed between kisses. “Not until now.”
The suspense element in Bad Mother is incredibly well-crafted, and I was completely invested in the outcome of the murder case. While I had an inkling of who the killer might be, the twists and turns of the plot kept me guessing until the very end. Sienna and Gavin's relationship is complicated, and I appreciated how the author slowly revealed their past and allowed them to work through their issues. Their chemistry is palpable, and I was rooting for them to find their way back to each other.
Sheridan's writing is as captivating as ever, and she effortlessly weaves together romance and suspense. The ending of the book is both heartbreaking and hopeful, and I found myself tearing up as I turned the final pages. Overall, Bad Mother is a must-read for fans of romantic suspense, and I can't wait to see what Mia Sheridan has in store for us next.
April 10, 2023
Audio - 4 Stars
Story - 4.5 Stars
Kudos to Mia Sharidan for changing it up and writing a great serial killer thriller.
Story - 4.5 Stars
Kudos to Mia Sharidan for changing it up and writing a great serial killer thriller.
March 19, 2025
Un thriller interesant, al cărui final l-am intuit doar pe jumătate. Mi-a amintit de seria "Fabian Risk" pe alocuri, doar că aici se pune mare accent pe povestea de dragoste dintre protagoniști, ceea ce a mai știrbit din suspans.
În rest, pentru ediția de față, un mare minus la capitolul traducere. Sunt folosite cuvinte/expresii pe care nu le-am mai întâlnit: "a edulcora", "delabrat", "a oblitera", "a pritoci", "a lua un gât de apă". În plus, traducătorul repetă un dezacord, semn că nu îi este cunoscută varianta corectă: adjectivul "nouă-nouță", folosit întotdeauna cu forma greșită de "nou-nouță".
În rest, pentru ediția de față, un mare minus la capitolul traducere. Sunt folosite cuvinte/expresii pe care nu le-am mai întâlnit: "a edulcora", "delabrat", "a oblitera", "a pritoci", "a lua un gât de apă". În plus, traducătorul repetă un dezacord, semn că nu îi este cunoscută varianta corectă: adjectivul "nouă-nouță", folosit întotdeauna cu forma greșită de "nou-nouță".
February 22, 2025
3,5 ✨✨✨
(Audiobook)
(Audiobook)
December 16, 2023
What a crazy emotional rollercoaster. Poor Danny boy 😭
March 26, 2023
✨𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖✨
𝗕𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿
𝗕𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻
𝟯𝟰𝟳 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
𝗣𝘂𝗯: 𝟯/𝟮𝟴/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 - 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗼𝗻!
𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁: Homicide Detective Sienna Walker vowed to never return to Reno, Nevada - the place that holds nothing but bad memories and heartbreak... as well as her ex-fiance, Gavin. But when she's let go from the NYPD, strings are pulled to get her on with the Reno PD. She has to take the job; she can't afford not to.
Shortly after arriving and getting settled in her new job, Sienna gets her first case. A woman is found dead under a bridge with a hand of cards - cards that are somehow connected to her ex-fiance, Gavin. She and her partner Kat work tirelessly to solve the murder and stop the killer, but the killer is intent on taunting Sienna. He has made this very personal, and Sienna is unable to hide from the past she so desperately wanted to escape.
𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: This was a twisty game of cat-and-mouse. Like an onion, layers are revealed throughout the book, and I enjoyed the way the author gave us glimpses of Sienna's past, her tumultuous childhood, and her relationship with Gavin. This is categorized as romantic suspense, but it's much more crime thriller/police procedural than romance -- and I'm not complaining! Mia Sheridan fans looking for her traditional romance novels in this book will not find that here. There is some romance, but it's not the focus.
Overall this was an entertaining, super quick read with short chapters. Fans of Melinda Leigh, Sandra Brown, Karen Rose and Mary Burton will enjoy this one!
This will also be available in audio and ebook via Kindle Unlimited on Tuesday!
Thank you Montlake Publishing for the gifted copy!
𝗕𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿
𝗕𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻
𝟯𝟰𝟳 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
𝗣𝘂𝗯: 𝟯/𝟮𝟴/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 - 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗼𝗻!
𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁: Homicide Detective Sienna Walker vowed to never return to Reno, Nevada - the place that holds nothing but bad memories and heartbreak... as well as her ex-fiance, Gavin. But when she's let go from the NYPD, strings are pulled to get her on with the Reno PD. She has to take the job; she can't afford not to.
Shortly after arriving and getting settled in her new job, Sienna gets her first case. A woman is found dead under a bridge with a hand of cards - cards that are somehow connected to her ex-fiance, Gavin. She and her partner Kat work tirelessly to solve the murder and stop the killer, but the killer is intent on taunting Sienna. He has made this very personal, and Sienna is unable to hide from the past she so desperately wanted to escape.
𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: This was a twisty game of cat-and-mouse. Like an onion, layers are revealed throughout the book, and I enjoyed the way the author gave us glimpses of Sienna's past, her tumultuous childhood, and her relationship with Gavin. This is categorized as romantic suspense, but it's much more crime thriller/police procedural than romance -- and I'm not complaining! Mia Sheridan fans looking for her traditional romance novels in this book will not find that here. There is some romance, but it's not the focus.
Overall this was an entertaining, super quick read with short chapters. Fans of Melinda Leigh, Sandra Brown, Karen Rose and Mary Burton will enjoy this one!
This will also be available in audio and ebook via Kindle Unlimited on Tuesday!
Thank you Montlake Publishing for the gifted copy!
October 6, 2024
4.5⭐️ Jauna izmeklētāja no Ņujorkas iecirkņa aizsūtīta “trimdā” uz dzimto pilsētiņu, kurā aizdomīgas sakritības dēļ sāk uzdarboties maniakāls slepkava. Viņa motīvi nav skaidri, bet pie upuriem atstātās zīmītes iezīmē asinis stindzinošas pagātnes ainas.
Man patika! Pamatīgi savirpināta intriga, sakarīgs atrisinājums, kailsīgs mīlasstāsts un noslēgumā arī nedaudz adrenalīna.
Man patika! Pamatīgi savirpināta intriga, sakarīgs atrisinājums, kailsīgs mīlasstāsts un noslēgumā arī nedaudz adrenalīna.
March 25, 2023
4★
Upon relocating to her hometown, Sienna Walker is assigned to a local murder case that makes her face the past. Though Gavin Decker now knows what was at stake so many years ago, he isn’t afraid to up the ante and make amends for the biggest mistake he made.
In this crime investigative, the narrative unfolds in third person allowing for a shifting point of view in the past and present. As clues continue to amass, the complexity of the killer’s motivations become evident pointing to his own trauma. With Sienna’s dedication and Gavin’s specific expertise, they band together in hopes of catching the killer and also coming full circle.
The pacing of this story was steady with certain chapters punctuating and elevating the tension. For me, those were the most intriguing, along with Gavin and Sienna revealing more about their past. The ending was appropriately bittersweet and the sacrifice strengthened a certain character arc.
Bad Mother is a story about revenge and second chances. This book would appeal to those seeking a crime investigate with a side of romance.
*An ARC was provided for a review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Upon relocating to her hometown, Sienna Walker is assigned to a local murder case that makes her face the past. Though Gavin Decker now knows what was at stake so many years ago, he isn’t afraid to up the ante and make amends for the biggest mistake he made.
“And I wished… I wished I could have figured out a way to have it all without risking any of it.”
In this crime investigative, the narrative unfolds in third person allowing for a shifting point of view in the past and present. As clues continue to amass, the complexity of the killer’s motivations become evident pointing to his own trauma. With Sienna’s dedication and Gavin’s specific expertise, they band together in hopes of catching the killer and also coming full circle.
The pacing of this story was steady with certain chapters punctuating and elevating the tension. For me, those were the most intriguing, along with Gavin and Sienna revealing more about their past. The ending was appropriately bittersweet and the sacrifice strengthened a certain character arc.
Bad Mother is a story about revenge and second chances. This book would appeal to those seeking a crime investigate with a side of romance.
*An ARC was provided for a review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
May 21, 2023
Wowza! This story kept me guessing from the beginning and in the end, it blew me away. This was an amazing, nail-biting suspenseful story with a little romance sprinkled in to satisfy my romance-loving heart. Twists and turns, murders with written clues…oh do dah day.
Sometimes I usually have a good guess at what’s going on, or who the bad person is. But I seriously had no clue in this book until it was revealed. I was completely stumped! I highly recommend this if you love a well-told, whodunnit story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Well done, Ms. Sheridan!
Sometimes I usually have a good guess at what’s going on, or who the bad person is. But I seriously had no clue in this book until it was revealed. I was completely stumped! I highly recommend this if you love a well-told, whodunnit story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Well done, Ms. Sheridan!
February 27, 2023
I really loved this book! I love all of Mia Sheridan's work. She write the most amazing books. This book was so different. It was very well written and had some great characters. I highly recommend this book
March 11, 2023
Genre: Thriller/Suspense
Type: Standalone
POV: Third Person - Dual
Rating:
3.75 Stars
The last place Detective Sienna Walker wanted to be was the hometown she left without looking back. With her career on the line, she had to put her past heartache behind and jumped into work immediately. But her latest case felt eerily personal, especially when Gavin Decker inevitably pulled in.
This story felt slow for me in the first half of the book with more telling than showing. Thankfully it picked up later and I enjoyed it overall. I liked there were a lot of “puzzles” throughout the story, though some felt quite far fetch with how the characters were able to solve.
Sienna and Gavin’s pasts were interesting, and I liked them individually. However, they lacked chemistry as a couple. I was of course, drawn to Danny Boy and felt for him.
Bad Mother is a cat and mouse story of vengeance and redemption. It would appeal to readers looking for a crime thriller with a hint of romance.
🔹✖️🔹. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . 🔹✖️🔹
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
Type: Standalone
POV: Third Person - Dual
Rating:
3.75 StarsThe last place Detective Sienna Walker wanted to be was the hometown she left without looking back. With her career on the line, she had to put her past heartache behind and jumped into work immediately. But her latest case felt eerily personal, especially when Gavin Decker inevitably pulled in.
This story felt slow for me in the first half of the book with more telling than showing. Thankfully it picked up later and I enjoyed it overall. I liked there were a lot of “puzzles” throughout the story, though some felt quite far fetch with how the characters were able to solve.
Sienna and Gavin’s pasts were interesting, and I liked them individually. However, they lacked chemistry as a couple. I was of course, drawn to Danny Boy and felt for him.
Bad Mother is a cat and mouse story of vengeance and redemption. It would appeal to readers looking for a crime thriller with a hint of romance.
🔹✖️🔹. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . 🔹✖️🔹
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
March 28, 2023
4 Stars!
(ARC provided by Montlake)
Sienna Walker loves her job as a homicide detective, but suddenly finds herself at the center of controversy and in a complicated situation that has her leaving New York and going back to her hometown. She’d sworn Reno, Nevada was the last place she’d ever return to, but now she’s taking a position at the Reno Police Department. She’s working a new murder case with her new partner when she crosses paths with her childhood best friend. Gavin Decker broke her heart and she hasn’t seen him in eleven years. Now they are just two strangers who’d once been soulmates. She doesn’t have time for a walk down memory lane. She has a case to solve, and a serial killer to catch. He’s leaving letters and clues for them while playing a twisted game of cat and mouse. Soon everything is feeling more personal as the killer seems to be fixated on her. Will the past she worked so hard to leave behind finally catch up to her?
Bad Mother by Mia Sheridan is a unique, romantic suspense thriller full of mystery, intrigue and a serial killer that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s about destiny, first loves, unexpected connections and second chances. In typical Mia Sheridan fashion, this story will captivate you from start to finish.
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3Kc115n
(ARC provided by Montlake)
Sienna Walker loves her job as a homicide detective, but suddenly finds herself at the center of controversy and in a complicated situation that has her leaving New York and going back to her hometown. She’d sworn Reno, Nevada was the last place she’d ever return to, but now she’s taking a position at the Reno Police Department. She’s working a new murder case with her new partner when she crosses paths with her childhood best friend. Gavin Decker broke her heart and she hasn’t seen him in eleven years. Now they are just two strangers who’d once been soulmates. She doesn’t have time for a walk down memory lane. She has a case to solve, and a serial killer to catch. He’s leaving letters and clues for them while playing a twisted game of cat and mouse. Soon everything is feeling more personal as the killer seems to be fixated on her. Will the past she worked so hard to leave behind finally catch up to her?
Bad Mother by Mia Sheridan is a unique, romantic suspense thriller full of mystery, intrigue and a serial killer that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s about destiny, first loves, unexpected connections and second chances. In typical Mia Sheridan fashion, this story will captivate you from start to finish.
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3Kc115n
April 13, 2024
Bad Mother is dark and disturbing. Again Miss Sheridan proves herself to be amazing mystery suspense romance writer.
I like the plot and the characters. Even though I wish Gavin have more back story.
A good book to read on a very humid weather.
4 stars
I like the plot and the characters. Even though I wish Gavin have more back story.
A good book to read on a very humid weather.
4 stars
March 30, 2023
Wow! This one kept me in its clutches start to finish. Mia Sheridan continues to deliver original, clever, intelligent and creative writing in this tantalizing spine-chiller.
The devil is in the details! It couldn’t be truer or more mind-boggling than in this cat-and-mouse interplay. A psychological puzzler that weaves together the past and present, love, murder and mayhem.
Bold in its execution, “Bad Mother” is an exciting, atmospheric and, at the same time, a dynamic thriller in the noir style. With parallel plotlines it keeps readers questioning how they are all related. An addictive read full of mysteries and hidden secrets that you are dying to unravel.
I hate to even mention this one criticism, but the ending disappointed me – seemed like the writer ran out of steam and wrapped it up but forgot the pretty bow. Even the Epilogue, although uplifting and well done, was still less than fulfilling, leaving me with hanging threads. After such a wild ride, I thought it didn’t quite meet the high standards set by the rest of this sensational page-turner.
Even so, I was totally invested start to finish. A five-star rating well-deserved for the powerful and sustained hold this whodunit had on me throughout.
March 28, 2023
Sienna + Gavin
Sienna got into a bit of trouble as a NYPD detective - that's why they sent her off to a new job in Reno - of all places. Her home town.
She left the trailer park as soon as school was done more than ten years ago.
And now she's back. Back with all those memories about her horrible family life and about the boy that got away - or rather the boy who left her at the altar without a word.
And there might also be a serial killer on the loose - with connections to her?
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO SIENNA + GAVIN?
WILL THERE BE A HEA?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT ☺
══════════════════
Another thrillery mystery romance from Mia. And I loved it!
I could see this all so clearly in my mind - like I was watching a cop show on TV.
We get the adorable second-chance love story part. And we get a mysterious serial killer. Lots of detecting to do. Falling back in love to do.
I really enjoyed this story.
There are those readers who immediately guess or notice the bad guy and what is what. I'm usually not one of those people. And I'm proud to say I was one at least halfway this time. LOL.
I figured out the who really soon but I didn't know how and why and what until much later.
I really loved this book. It was mysterious. Exciting. Romantic. Heartbreaking. Sad. Scary. We had lots of detecting and guessing and riddle-solving to do. I enjoyed reading this. I even cried a bit!
I would so love to watch it on TV - as a movie or a series.
Sienna and the others were all really great and interesting. I wouldn't mind getting a (book) series with these people.
A fun fact you'll notice. The Reno PD seems to be run by lady cops! I loved that. Sienna, her partner Kat and their boss Ingrid. Go Girls!
BAD MOTHER was a mysterious and scary and heartbreaking Reno-Cop-Show-Psycho-Thriller-Serial-Killer-Romantic-Second-Chance-Love-Story thingy?! LOL! GO READ IT!
Tiny little complaint - not really a complaint - just something that bothered me a bit. Or bothers me in Mia's suspensy books. Just like in the last books she again uses the word CRIMINALIST way too many times. Before reading Mia's previous suspense books I had never heard the word. On TV we only get words like CRIME SCENE PEOPLE. CSI. FORENSIC GUYS et cetera. Those might not always be the correct terms for whatever those people's jobs are, but we are used to those words! I googled criminalist and of course it's a real word and a real job. But I just wish that Mia wouldn't use it THIRTY TWO TIMES in one book! Change it up a bit - even if it's not the totally correct job title - just say CRIME SCENE PEOPLE please! 😁
💜
💜
March 9, 2023
4.5 STARS
It's no secret that Mia is one of my favorite authors. I love how versatile she is as I have enjoyed any genre she has tried. Either it is a contemporary romance, a romantic suspense/ thriller, a retelling with historical fiction/romance elements. I just love her writing style and how she's wooing me with her words one book per time.
This book was no exception, as it captured my attention from the get go. Sienna is a detective who returns to the place she grew up and had so many memories, both good ones and bad ones. They're getting a murder case with some notes from the killer and clues he leaves behind for them to find. It's cat and mouse game for him and he's the mastermind behind everything. Add salt on the wound as she gets to meet her childhood friend and ex, Gavin.
I really enjoyed this book and especially whenever they would find a note or they would connect the dots on the serial killer's game. It was definitely fascinating and I loved these moments. I loved how this book once again verified for me that evil is made, not born. I enjoyed getting into this headspace and even though it was a bit predictable to me, it kept me guessing and ultimately for me the biggest win is Mia's writing and how much I enjoy it. It made me feel emotions I didn't expect for everyone responsible for the current situation. And I firmly believe that behind someone's actions there's always a catalyst of events leading up to the reason behind everything.
Sadly this time the romance didn't win me, as I don't particularily like second chance and it felt a bit of like an insta love trope, but at the same time not because there was past between them? Anyway, I definitely enjoyed more the mystery / thriller aspect that was the main focus of the book, so that's what mattered mainly to me.
If you like escape rooms and riddles, you're gonna enjoy this one. I love how until the last moment it kept me on my toes and I definitely appreciated the romantic part of the book, even though it wasn't the main focus of the book. If you like thrillers and romance this is a great combination of both.
It's no secret that Mia is one of my favorite authors. I love how versatile she is as I have enjoyed any genre she has tried. Either it is a contemporary romance, a romantic suspense/ thriller, a retelling with historical fiction/romance elements. I just love her writing style and how she's wooing me with her words one book per time.
This book was no exception, as it captured my attention from the get go. Sienna is a detective who returns to the place she grew up and had so many memories, both good ones and bad ones. They're getting a murder case with some notes from the killer and clues he leaves behind for them to find. It's cat and mouse game for him and he's the mastermind behind everything. Add salt on the wound as she gets to meet her childhood friend and ex, Gavin.
I really enjoyed this book and especially whenever they would find a note or they would connect the dots on the serial killer's game. It was definitely fascinating and I loved these moments. I loved how this book once again verified for me that evil is made, not born. I enjoyed getting into this headspace and even though it was a bit predictable to me, it kept me guessing and ultimately for me the biggest win is Mia's writing and how much I enjoy it. It made me feel emotions I didn't expect for everyone responsible for the current situation. And I firmly believe that behind someone's actions there's always a catalyst of events leading up to the reason behind everything.
Sadly this time the romance didn't win me, as I don't particularily like second chance and it felt a bit of like an insta love trope, but at the same time not because there was past between them? Anyway, I definitely enjoyed more the mystery / thriller aspect that was the main focus of the book, so that's what mattered mainly to me.
If you like escape rooms and riddles, you're gonna enjoy this one. I love how until the last moment it kept me on my toes and I definitely appreciated the romantic part of the book, even though it wasn't the main focus of the book. If you like thrillers and romance this is a great combination of both.
April 28, 2023
Yeah, I'm an outlier here. I have really enjoyed Mia Sheridan's books in the past and this was NOT one of them. The research on the plot was sloppy and if I have to hear the word 'criminalist' again I will combust🤬🌋 . I swear, people have a damn JOB TITLE. Use it!!! Don't just lump all the forensic people into a 'criminalist' category. I have no fucking idea who is who and who you are talking about! I want to know which name belongs to the ME, the lab tech etc. Its lazy.
I have a myriad of other issues with this which basically come down to poor research on police procedural. The MCs were fine though the FMC, despite being supposedly kick ass did a couple of ridiculous typical h things that seemed quite out of character for her profession.
The audio was bad. Like really bad.I chose it because I can listen to Sebastian York read anything.
A.N.Y.T.H.I.N.G.
Sadly he was narrating with Vanessa Johannson who managed to make the FMC sound like a total idiot most of the way through and was so supremely annoying that even my man Sebastian could not save this for me.
Disappointing.
I have a myriad of other issues with this which basically come down to poor research on police procedural. The MCs were fine though the FMC, despite being supposedly kick ass did a couple of ridiculous typical h things that seemed quite out of character for her profession.
The audio was bad. Like really bad.I chose it because I can listen to Sebastian York read anything.
A.N.Y.T.H.I.N.G.
Sadly he was narrating with Vanessa Johannson who managed to make the FMC sound like a total idiot most of the way through and was so supremely annoying that even my man Sebastian could not save this for me.
Disappointing.
October 31, 2022
You know when you see the title and then look at the genre and think how could it ever make sense? But you know it would and then you reach the ending and boom everything clicks but not in way you thought it might..
I have really mixed feelings about this one. The elements of mystery and twists and turns weren’t quite predictable, and I wasn’t put off by the third person Pov so that was good but the romance wasn’t quite explored and I’m really salty about it. Ngl, reading it felt like as if it was a second thought to the author, and was rather inserted for the sake of it. Plus ending wasn’t quite happy happy 😭
Idk the rating, at least right now but, it’s somewhere between 2.75 or 3 stars.
I have really mixed feelings about this one. The elements of mystery and twists and turns weren’t quite predictable, and I wasn’t put off by the third person Pov so that was good but the romance wasn’t quite explored and I’m really salty about it. Ngl, reading it felt like as if it was a second thought to the author, and was rather inserted for the sake of it. Plus ending wasn’t quite happy happy 😭
Idk the rating, at least right now but, it’s somewhere between 2.75 or 3 stars.
April 17, 2023
I was quite impressed with the way everyone figured out the various clues the killer was leaving. I consider myself a pretty good sleuth, but I would have bombed on this case.
The twist was unexpected. I didn’t guess where this was headed until right before it was revealed. I had a lot of guesses, but none of them ended up being true.
Another solid hit from one of my favorite authors.
The twist was unexpected. I didn’t guess where this was headed until right before it was revealed. I had a lot of guesses, but none of them ended up being true.
Another solid hit from one of my favorite authors.
February 23, 2024
Okay book! Good twist!! I had a feeling Gavin was somehow connected to the case.
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