All the Natural Beauties: A gripping serial killer thriller

CJ O'Hara #1

by John Deal

She’s starting over… he’s ready to finish them all.

Detective CJ O’Hara is drowning in guilt over the death of her family and her killing of a suspect in the line of duty. So, when she’s unfairly denied a well-deserved promotion after ten years of devoted service in Boston, she answers the Charleston Police Department’s desperate call for help. Her first assignment… stop the serial killer known as The Lowcountry Killer.

As the city’s first female detective, CJ’s move to a new department becomes more complex as the body count rises and the FBI intervenes, adding to local prejudice and her own demons. The situation worsens when mounting evidence points to her handsome new partner. Does his charming Southern way of life hide a sinister secret?

Uncertain they’re pinning the string of brutal murders on the right man, CJ’s instincts are pushed to their limits — and working alone may have deadly consequences.

A gripping psychological thriller with an unexpected ending, All the Natural Beauties is a must-read for crime fiction and mystery fans. Don’t miss the first book in the CJ O’Hara Crime Thrillers series!

Genres: Thriller

Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2021

About the author

John is an author of crime and mystery thrillers and a reader of many genres. His debut novel, All the Natural Beauties, introduces Detective CJ O’Hara, and he continues to follow her and other relatable characters in the CJ O’Hara Crime Thrillers series.

John grew up near Nashville, Tennessee, and now lives in the California Bay Area. His love for the South Carolina Lowcountry stems from the time he spent living in a beach house outside Charleston. This portion of his life inspires his writing and many of his characters. Besides books, he loves spending time with his family, especially his two grandkids, and going to the mountains, the beach, and fishing in Alaska.

You’ll enjoy John’s books if you like thrillers filled with mystery and suspense. His fast-paced plots twist and turn, and he’ll surprise you . . . his antagonists will make you keep your lights on as you wander through the beautiful and historic Lowcountry.

Reviews

[David Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still reading this book; but it is a gripping psychological thriller set in a southern coastal city. The protagonist is a very relatable, likeable character. the dialogue and plot lines keep you on the edge of your seat. I cannot wait to see is he or is he not.....? great work author, looking forward to your other books in this series

[Mama That Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the characters and their relationships in this story. I’ll have to read the rest of the series when I have the time!

[Chazzie Chaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually read this book in less than a day. I loved it! It is engaging from the first page and really fast-paced. Can’t wait to read the other two books in the series. John Deal, you have a fan in me!!

[Bobbie Barker Ulmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read this year...I highly recommend it.
This is first book of 3.

[Carol Gulliford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gripping thriller, full of twists and turns. The writing flowed beautifully and kept me hooked from the first page. CJ is a determined, strong female character who is perfect for a series and I can't wait to see what happens to her next.

[C.A. Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you ready for an intriguing journey through the historic streets of Charleston, South Carolina? Get ready because "All the Natural Beauties" by John Deal offers a suspenseful storyline with a Southern influence!

CJ O’Hara, our feisty and brilliant detective, arrives in Charleston with emotional baggage and a relentless pursuit of justice. Her first case? Tracking down an active serial killer. CJ O’Hara is a detective you'd want by your side during challenging times.

John Deal masterfully crafts unexpected turns throughout the story. Just when you think you’ve unraveled the mystery, he deftly pulls the rug out from under you. Prepare for heart-pounding suspense and revelations that will leave you breathless, along with late nights and loss of sleep, lol.

Deal’s vivid descriptions transport readers to the heart of Charleston. The Southern charm, the sultry air, and the haunting beauty of the city become integral to the story. You’ll feel the humidity, taste the sweet tea, and sense the secrets lurking in the Spanish moss.

“All the Natural Beauties” marks the beginning of the CJ O’Hara Crime Thrillers series. If you relish suspense, mystery, and a touch of Southern allure, this book is a must-read. Buckle up—it’s a journey you won’t forget.

As you turn the last page, the anticipation builds. What awaits CJ O’Hara in her next adventure? Dive into the rest of the series and discover the hidden depths of Charleston’s shadows.

[Gloria Youngbauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! Reading the very last sentence of the last chapter was a total shock! Ouloud I kept saying, no! NO! No! A total surprise ending. I'm so looking forward to the next book!

[Denise Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read! This was a new author to me, and I’m so happy I got a chance to read this book! CJ, a policewoman struggling with her emotions after having to shoot a man to save her partner, takes a job in another state to track down a serial killer who is killing women one by one. This was a race against time, trying to save more women. I loved the plot, the complex characters, and the astonishing twist!

[Ghost in the Stacks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow this killer went on a spree….a girl a week seems a bit much, but that is probably why they caught him within a few months. I don’t think a killer would kill that close together, just makes it easier and more of an urgency for the cops to find you,
Overall a good story and I enjoyed the characters, will be checking out the next book in the series.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent fast-paced, action-packed crime thriller with an engaging case. I enjoyed getting into the head of the serial killer. A great start to a series, I look forward to book 2. The author writing is well written, and the characters are relatable.
I felt that I was on the case with the detective.

[Dana Duplantis · Rating 5 out of 5]

psychological Thriller

CJ O’Hara, a police officer is trying to build her life after a tragedy . She works for the Boston Police for 10 years and after she was denied a promotion she went work for the Charleston Police Department with a little help from her uncle Harry. Her first assignment is to stop a serial killer. As the counts go up CJ is fighting hard to find the killer. When evidences points to her partner she has to do something. Who is the killer, her partner or someone else? A psychological thriller that was hard to put down.

[Belinda Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a crazed, killer in Charleston. Consumed by guilt over the deaths of her parents and sister, Detective CJ O'Hara moves from Boston to Charleston to be close to her uncle Harry and becomes the lead detective on the serial killer case. The killer stalks and viciously murders certain young women in the Charleston area, leaves a distinctive pattern which links all the murders together. CJ is attracted to her detective partner Ben but keeps her feelings to herself. She enjoys meeting Ben's dad and is taken on a tour of Charleston on his boat. The murders continue and Cj is crushed when someone she is trying to protect is killed and she has to arrest someone she knows. Determined to uncover the answers she is looking for; she becomes a target herself. It comes down to a life and death situation for CJ. There is a shocking twist. If you like a good thriller then this book has everything mystery, suspense, thrills, twists and will keep you captivated from the beginning to the end. Beautiful description of Charleston as well. The first book in the CJ O'Hara crime thrillers and I highly recommend.

[Lisa Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This deserves a 10 star review! Totally in love with the characters and thrilled to know that they continue on in the series. This was so very well written with not one minute of down time spent on over explanations or back ground fillers. For all those readers looking for a strong female lead character, CJ O'Hara is for you. Down to earth, tough, and extremely likeable. The story flowed from first to last page. Really thought I had it figured out but was proven wrong at the end. It keeps the suspense up to the last minute.

[Reanne Panzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the easiest 5 star read I’ve ever had! From the characters, plot, writing style, MPOVs, everything was just absolute perfection! I found myself at the edge of my seat and wanting more! I loved the point of view from the Serial Killer and getting into his head! This book was a wild ride from start to finish!

[Patricia Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Goodreads giveaway for this page turner thriller/mystery. Great storyline cj was a great character to follow. It was interesting to hear the perspective of the killer. An interesting turn to be the twin brother. I enjoy it and highly recommend this book.

[J Car · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out this author! 👍interesting read, full of twists & turns! Couldn’t put it down! A must read

[Patricia Mccammon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a series. Keeps your interest all the way with a surprise ending

[Jolene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and it’s also the first in a series. I was hooked from the beginning. A serial killer on the loose, a detective determined to crack the case. It’s a fantastic crime thriller that keeps the reader engaged throughout with high intensity scenes and a MC that you instantly favor. Definitely recommend to fans of thrillers, suspense, and crime lovers, and will be adding the rest of the series to my reading list.

[Mandy K · Rating 4 out of 5]

All The Natural Beauties (audio: Book 1 of series)4⭐️

Detective CJ O’Hara takes the lead on a serial killer case in Charleston after transferring from Boston. The killer has a specific victim pattern but remains invisible and impossible to catch.

This reminded me of Criminal Minds. I absolutely loved the character of CJ O’Hara and I look forward to reading more books in the series. It felt a little repetitive with the killings happening often and following the same patterns, but it added to the suspense, wondering how many lives would be lost before he was caught.

The narrator was a FABULOUS choice! She felt 100% CJ to me and the other character voices were also good and unique to them.

Thank you to author John Deal for gifting me with the first 3 audiobooks of the CJ O’Hara series.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this literally in one day. Stayed up late to finish it. Thought I had the ending figured out, but was of course wrong. Fast, fun and enjoyable read. My only critique… who goes apartment shopping when there is a serial killer loose?!?! And food- they eat a lot of food… Made me hungry. 🤣

[Phyllis Bernstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engrossing Psychological thriller. Most of the story I was at the edge of my seat! Loved the settings of Charleston and Boston and the main character was so relatable. I recommend this read and look forward to reading more of John Deal’s books

[Robert Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mystery you won’t want to put down!

All The Natural Beauties has all the qualities of an excellent mystery novel any reader would want to see. Dogged and smart MC, plenty of well rounded characters in her circle, a cunning villain, and most importantly enough intrigue and twists to make you not want to put the story down!

I enjoyed the interweaving storylines between the villain and our newly arrived detective CJ O’Hara. CJ and her close team of confidants are good people that are easy to root for. The villain on the other hand, is too smart for his own good and a ruthless killer. Deal does a great job keeping the intensity up and exploring characters on both sides of the case.

I had to read the last few chapters in rapid succession. With every turn in the case I felt the pressure building up and couldn’t put it down without knowing how it ended! With a good set up for the sequel at the end, this is a thrilling read that any mystery lover would enjoy.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a cop who tried to rebuild her life after a tragedy, The story had all the elements of a gripping crime thriller, including a fast-paced plot, intriguing characters, and a mystery that keeps you guessing. CJ's battle against local prejudice and her own personal demons adds another layer of depth to the story, making it more engaging and relatable.
Overall, All the Natural Beauties is a very promising debut novel in the CJ O'Hara Crime Thrillers series. The book kept me on the edge of my seats until the very end with its unexpected twists and turns. If you enjoy crime thrillers that combine suspense, mystery, and a touch of personal drama, then this book may be worth checking out.

I give it a 5 star

[Shend · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the Natural Beauties (CJ O’Hara #1) by John Deal

Rating: 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

All the Natural Beauties is a fast-paced, gripping thriller that had me on the edge of my seat. CJ O’Hara is a strong, intelligent female lead who drives the story with sharp instincts and fierce determination.

This book is packed with twists and turns and kept me guessing right until the very end. I loved the characters and the setting, both of which added layers of tension and realism. At times chilling, at other times suspenseful and heart-pounding, it’s the kind of story that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.

A great start to the CJ O’Hara series—can’t wait to follow her next case!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a tough-as-nails detective, and the scenic backdrop of the South Carolina Lowcountry intertwined, this suspense thriller had me hooked from the beginning. I got the "who dunnit" feeling throughout, and the surprise twists in the storyline kept me coming back for more. I love a good murder mystery and look forward to the next book by this author.

[Donald Ledoux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the plot, continuous suspense, and surprise ending! Got chills while reading the final 3 chapters! So descriptive you felt like you were in the room and on scene with CJ and the whole detective team. The Lowcountry is one of my favorite places to visit. I enjoyed remembering my favorite locations as they were described in such detail while envisioning CJ tracking down the killer! All the Natural Beauties is a great fast paced read and i cant wait for CJ's next case!

[Jean Smith]

I am not a fan of mystery novels but was given this book as a Christmas gift. The plot quickly opened and I couldn't put the book down. I was afraid the killer was going after CJ at some point but it was a real nail biter as to whether she was going to be able to get away. John Deal did a great job for a first novel and I will look forward to reading his second "chiller."

[Jacqueline Ranne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept my attention the whole time! I didn’t take a break from it. Anyone who likes true crime will like this book! The voice of the cops and the killer are alive and well written with personality. Couldn’t put it down can’t wait to read his next book with detective C.J.

[Nancy White · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read. The story moved along nicely and had a wealth of surprises.

[Amy Kaiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable book! The characters were well written and the plot kept me reading to the very end - I finished this in 2 days. Can’t wait to read more from this author!