What do you think?
Rate this book
Severed Echoes
A Colorado crime thriller with more twists and turns than a Rocky Mountains highway
In the small town of Pine Lake, Colorado, Lisa Benoche is dead, and a chance audio recording threatens to turn what looks like a suicide into the first murder investigation the town has seen in many years. As the rookie detective Nick Severs digs into the high-tech motives surrounding her death, he has no idea that a female hacktivist group have already set their sights on him, and that a dark chapter from his own past is about to catch up to him.
In the small town of Pine Lake, Colorado, Lisa Benoche is dead, and a chance audio recording threatens to turn what looks like a suicide into the first murder investigation the town has seen in many years. As the rookie detective Nick Severs digs into the high-tech motives surrounding her death, he has no idea that a female hacktivist group have already set their sights on him, and that a dark chapter from his own past is about to catch up to him.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2022
38 people are currently reading
1570 people want to read
About the author
D.V. Chernov
4 books28 followersD.V. Chernov is an award-winning author of historical and crime fiction. His debut novel Commissar was named Finalist for the prestigious Hemingway International Book Award. D.V. Chernov was born in Omsk, Russia and grew up in the Soviet Union during the final decades of the Cold War before immigrating to the US in 1991. For his crime fiction, Chernov derives inspiration from his 20-year career in the high-tech industry, with his extensive experience lending his thrillers a level of authenticity that is rare in the genre.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 17, 2022
"Please, sir, may I have some more please?" DICKENS, Charles (1812-1870). Oliver Twist.
Less than one hundred pages into this book and I’m so unhappy that this is the first in this series and, AND, was only released in this past July. Picture an unhappy frown as it sinks in that I won’t be just moving on to the next book in the series tomorrow. Okay, I’m being a bit of a drama queen but I’m already waiting years for the next book in The Song of Ice and Fire and it doesn’t help that George R.R. Martin is a Jersey boy, not to this Jersey Girl.
Better move on to just how this story pulled me in from the first chapter. I just love protagonists that are flawed or damaged and maybe even have a few secrets of their own, while they try to solve a crime by digging up other people’s secrets.
Detective Nick Severs is damaged from an incident that goes back to his college days but he can’t seem to remember that night very clearly and this is the basis for much of what happens in this story. He’s working on a case of a suspected murder but a dark recurring nightmare keeps him distracted and sleepless. Plots within plots kept me reading to discover not only the murderer but whether Nick can solve his own mystery.
I enjoyed this story but there is some editing/correcting needed of the grammatical type and I question the ending of his own personal mystery. Seems to me a cop is a cop no matter who’s guilty and the way this was handled seemed wrong to me and out of character for Nick.
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to the author D.V. Chernov.
Less than one hundred pages into this book and I’m so unhappy that this is the first in this series and, AND, was only released in this past July. Picture an unhappy frown as it sinks in that I won’t be just moving on to the next book in the series tomorrow. Okay, I’m being a bit of a drama queen but I’m already waiting years for the next book in The Song of Ice and Fire and it doesn’t help that George R.R. Martin is a Jersey boy, not to this Jersey Girl.
Better move on to just how this story pulled me in from the first chapter. I just love protagonists that are flawed or damaged and maybe even have a few secrets of their own, while they try to solve a crime by digging up other people’s secrets.
Detective Nick Severs is damaged from an incident that goes back to his college days but he can’t seem to remember that night very clearly and this is the basis for much of what happens in this story. He’s working on a case of a suspected murder but a dark recurring nightmare keeps him distracted and sleepless. Plots within plots kept me reading to discover not only the murderer but whether Nick can solve his own mystery.
I enjoyed this story but there is some editing/correcting needed of the grammatical type and I question the ending of his own personal mystery. Seems to me a cop is a cop no matter who’s guilty and the way this was handled seemed wrong to me and out of character for Nick.
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to the author D.V. Chernov.
August 16, 2022
This book is an awesome thriller! It was a perfect summer read.
October 13, 2022
This was an exciting read. I couldn't wait to find out who done it and why. I enjoyed reading this ebook very much.
November 17, 2022
“Severed Echoes” is the first book in a new series by author D.V. Chernov. The book is a twisty and emotional ride through the world of technology and murder; it is a good story and thrilling read.
As the first story in the series, Chernov takes the reader deep into the life of Nick Severs. Nick is a rookie detective who has recently moved to a small town in Colorado from a bigger city and he is looking to prove himself. He quickly finds that this will be very hard to do in such a small town, especially since the death of Lisa Benoche is the first murder the town has seen in many, many years. The story follows the detective’s investigation into the murder, which seems to revolve around one of Nick’s closest friends, and the high-tech company that this man works for. Along the way, the reader finds that Nick is trying to solve this crime while also being stalked by his own cyber hacker who is trying to hurt him because of something from his past.
I enjoyed “Severed Echoes” very much. The plot is very interesting, and the characters are well written and satifying to the reader. Nick Severs is a genuine, flawed character, and it was easy to root for his success. The one problem I had with the story was confusion. There were a few inconsistent moments that created some misunderstandings for this reader, though I was able to quickly work through them. In addition, there are two such intricate and detailed plots going on in this story that at times it just seemed like too much and it creates some confusion as the reader tries to keep up. Although the plots do twine together toward the end in terms of the technological facts and features, it still seems, at times, like it is just too much to deal with for the reader.
That said, even with the complicated plots in the book, it does not take away from the fact that “Severed Echoes” is a good story and I think it will be a very good series. I do look forward to the next installment in the Nick Severs Mystery Series just to see what Detective Severs does next.
As the first story in the series, Chernov takes the reader deep into the life of Nick Severs. Nick is a rookie detective who has recently moved to a small town in Colorado from a bigger city and he is looking to prove himself. He quickly finds that this will be very hard to do in such a small town, especially since the death of Lisa Benoche is the first murder the town has seen in many, many years. The story follows the detective’s investigation into the murder, which seems to revolve around one of Nick’s closest friends, and the high-tech company that this man works for. Along the way, the reader finds that Nick is trying to solve this crime while also being stalked by his own cyber hacker who is trying to hurt him because of something from his past.
I enjoyed “Severed Echoes” very much. The plot is very interesting, and the characters are well written and satifying to the reader. Nick Severs is a genuine, flawed character, and it was easy to root for his success. The one problem I had with the story was confusion. There were a few inconsistent moments that created some misunderstandings for this reader, though I was able to quickly work through them. In addition, there are two such intricate and detailed plots going on in this story that at times it just seemed like too much and it creates some confusion as the reader tries to keep up. Although the plots do twine together toward the end in terms of the technological facts and features, it still seems, at times, like it is just too much to deal with for the reader.
That said, even with the complicated plots in the book, it does not take away from the fact that “Severed Echoes” is a good story and I think it will be a very good series. I do look forward to the next installment in the Nick Severs Mystery Series just to see what Detective Severs does next.
September 11, 2022
My thanks to the publisher and author for the giveaway. I quite enjoyed this novel. Twists and flips throughout. Easy free flowing writing. Would like to read the next.
July 30, 2022
Great Storyline, Needs More Editing
I received this book in a contest.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the characters, and the plot, but did find a number of inconsistencies with ages, spelling, and grammar; it didn't take away from the story but, especially with the ages, created some confusion.
If you like a flawed main character, this book (& continuing series) will be for you. I look forward to Detective Nick Severs solving more crimes and learning more about himself.
I received this book in a contest.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the characters, and the plot, but did find a number of inconsistencies with ages, spelling, and grammar; it didn't take away from the story but, especially with the ages, created some confusion.
If you like a flawed main character, this book (& continuing series) will be for you. I look forward to Detective Nick Severs solving more crimes and learning more about himself.
January 29, 2024
Award-winning author of historical and crime fiction D.V. Chernov is cementing his place in the suspense and mystery niche. Severed Echoes, a Nick Severs Mystery, is earning praise and winning five star reviews. The thrilling mystery will keep readers anxiously turning pages, and the unexpected plot twists and turns will keep everyone guessing until the last page.
Pine Lake is a small town in Colorado and Lisa Benoche’s suicide is not what it seems. The town is about to experience all of the horrors that go with murder, the first one residents have seen in years. Nick Severs is a rookie detective with a dark past. Little does he know that his past is about to find him again.
As Nick digs into the motives surrounding her death, including forays into the world of high-tech, a female hacker group is setting its sights on him. What does this mean for his future as Pine Lake’s first and only detective and will his career suddenly end before it really gets started?
Set against the majestic backup of the Rocky Mountains, Severed Echoes takes a look at high-tech crimes and the price some people are willing to pay. The suspects are not your normal run-of-the-mill shady characters and may have you rooting for their innocence or at the very least identifying with their motives.
In the game room, Nick set the glass down on the edge of the pool table and closed the double doors. “WHAT. THE. FUCK. MIKE?” he shout whispered at startled Mike. “You knew her?” Mike’s face turned ashen. Nick stared him down under the bright LED lights of the game room. “Your prints were on the wine bottle in her fridge.” Mike took a gulp of his bourbon and folded himself onto a bar stool. “It was a one-time thing, Nick. Well…two-time.” Nick kept glaring, letting Mike fill the silence. Mike sighed and wiped his forehead. “Lisa came on as contractor, working on a project for me at Intergenix. Things just happened. You know how it can be at work? A few late nights, tight deadlines.” He searched Nick’s face for any sign of empathy but found none. “It was just two times, and we cut it off. It was mutual. But then, a couple of days later she did not show up for work. I got worried. I tried her phone a few times, but she did not pick up. I did not want to go back to her place, so I pulled her Lexi logs just to make sure there was still activity. There was only one recording for that week. So, I listened to it. I know I shouldn’t have, but I did. It wasn’t the intern – I did it. And that’s all I did. And then I came to you. And the rest is all true, just as I told you. I swear, Nick.”
Severed Echoes is a suspenseful psychological ride. With well-developed characters and a plotline that will keep you guessing, the detective novel is one you’re not going to want to put down.
Pine Lake is a small town in Colorado and Lisa Benoche’s suicide is not what it seems. The town is about to experience all of the horrors that go with murder, the first one residents have seen in years. Nick Severs is a rookie detective with a dark past. Little does he know that his past is about to find him again.
As Nick digs into the motives surrounding her death, including forays into the world of high-tech, a female hacker group is setting its sights on him. What does this mean for his future as Pine Lake’s first and only detective and will his career suddenly end before it really gets started?
Set against the majestic backup of the Rocky Mountains, Severed Echoes takes a look at high-tech crimes and the price some people are willing to pay. The suspects are not your normal run-of-the-mill shady characters and may have you rooting for their innocence or at the very least identifying with their motives.
In the game room, Nick set the glass down on the edge of the pool table and closed the double doors. “WHAT. THE. FUCK. MIKE?” he shout whispered at startled Mike. “You knew her?” Mike’s face turned ashen. Nick stared him down under the bright LED lights of the game room. “Your prints were on the wine bottle in her fridge.” Mike took a gulp of his bourbon and folded himself onto a bar stool. “It was a one-time thing, Nick. Well…two-time.” Nick kept glaring, letting Mike fill the silence. Mike sighed and wiped his forehead. “Lisa came on as contractor, working on a project for me at Intergenix. Things just happened. You know how it can be at work? A few late nights, tight deadlines.” He searched Nick’s face for any sign of empathy but found none. “It was just two times, and we cut it off. It was mutual. But then, a couple of days later she did not show up for work. I got worried. I tried her phone a few times, but she did not pick up. I did not want to go back to her place, so I pulled her Lexi logs just to make sure there was still activity. There was only one recording for that week. So, I listened to it. I know I shouldn’t have, but I did. It wasn’t the intern – I did it. And that’s all I did. And then I came to you. And the rest is all true, just as I told you. I swear, Nick.”
Severed Echoes is a suspenseful psychological ride. With well-developed characters and a plotline that will keep you guessing, the detective novel is one you’re not going to want to put down.
March 30, 2024
In Severed Echoes, author D.V. Chernov weaves a compelling mystery centered around Detective Nick Severs, who stumbles upon a perplexing case. A tip from an old school friend leads Nick to investigate a suspected murder, initially disguised as a suicide. The story gains complexity as Nick's friend's honesty comes into question, and he grapples with a haunting, recurring nightmare.
Chernov skillfully uses sharp, succinct sentences to escalate tension, exemplified in lines like "woman’s startled shriek. Short, sharp, and clear." This narrative style not only builds suspense but also immerses the reader in the role of a detective, encouraging them to piece together the mystery alongside the characters. Parallel to Nick's story is Kat, engaged in a quest for retribution with the aid of the hacktivism group 'f8sabitch'. The connection between their paths remains an intriguing aspect of the plot. The book's opening line, "The boy’s skull cracked, and the sound made Nick open his eyes," sets the tone for the unfolding mystery. From the outset, Chernov captivates readers with questions that can only be answered by delving deeper into the narrative.
Severed Echoes incorporates contemporary themes, including references to COVID, which adds a layer of relatability for modern readers. This novel is a compelling read for those drawn to mysteries, providing a rich blend of suspense, character development, and relevant societal commentary. Chernov's storytelling is engaging, making it a challenging book to put down for anyone captivated by unraveling a good mystery.
Severed Echoes is an intricately crafted narrative that masterfully balances suspense and character-driven storytelling. D.V. Chernov presents a modern mystery that not only engages readers in a complex plot but also resonates with contemporary themes. The book's strength lies in its ability to immerse the reader in the detective's journey, turning each page into a step deeper into its enthralling mystery. Whether you're a long-time fan of the genre or new to mystery novels, this book offers a captivating reading experience, marking D.V. Chernov as a noteworthy voice in mystery fiction.
Chernov skillfully uses sharp, succinct sentences to escalate tension, exemplified in lines like "woman’s startled shriek. Short, sharp, and clear." This narrative style not only builds suspense but also immerses the reader in the role of a detective, encouraging them to piece together the mystery alongside the characters. Parallel to Nick's story is Kat, engaged in a quest for retribution with the aid of the hacktivism group 'f8sabitch'. The connection between their paths remains an intriguing aspect of the plot. The book's opening line, "The boy’s skull cracked, and the sound made Nick open his eyes," sets the tone for the unfolding mystery. From the outset, Chernov captivates readers with questions that can only be answered by delving deeper into the narrative.
Severed Echoes incorporates contemporary themes, including references to COVID, which adds a layer of relatability for modern readers. This novel is a compelling read for those drawn to mysteries, providing a rich blend of suspense, character development, and relevant societal commentary. Chernov's storytelling is engaging, making it a challenging book to put down for anyone captivated by unraveling a good mystery.
Severed Echoes is an intricately crafted narrative that masterfully balances suspense and character-driven storytelling. D.V. Chernov presents a modern mystery that not only engages readers in a complex plot but also resonates with contemporary themes. The book's strength lies in its ability to immerse the reader in the detective's journey, turning each page into a step deeper into its enthralling mystery. Whether you're a long-time fan of the genre or new to mystery novels, this book offers a captivating reading experience, marking D.V. Chernov as a noteworthy voice in mystery fiction.
March 15, 2024
This is a new author to me, and I requested the ARC when it was offered by Hidden Gems. Nick Severs is a new detective in the town of Pine Lake, Colorado, and his friend Mike contacts him with a suspicious recording from a voice assistant similar to Alexa. On the recording it sounds like a young woman in a struggle and possibly being murdered, but when Nick investigates, the body has been left to look like a suicide. This leads Nick through the high-tech world of the victim’s employer, a lucrative AI site looking to go public and creates more questions than answers as he looks at who might have motive to kill this girl.
At this same time, Nick is being haunted by events in his past that have manifested in nightmares every night. He goes to see an old friend who is now a therapist that tries to help him understand what these dreams might mean. These nightmares make solving the murder even more of a challenge because Nick is getting no sleep and it is interfering with his ability to do his job. The story has so many twists and turns as Nick tries to solve the young lady’s murder while trying to untangle the stories from his past that are haunting him.
At this same time, Nick is being haunted by events in his past that have manifested in nightmares every night. He goes to see an old friend who is now a therapist that tries to help him understand what these dreams might mean. These nightmares make solving the murder even more of a challenge because Nick is getting no sleep and it is interfering with his ability to do his job. The story has so many twists and turns as Nick tries to solve the young lady’s murder while trying to untangle the stories from his past that are haunting him.
March 21, 2024
Book 1, the story follows Detective Nick, and occasionally the lead hacktivist Kat, as he has a huge job ahead of him. He needs to prove the suicide case is in fact a murder to gain credibility amongst sceptical colleagues. Little does Nick know that in addition to the investigation, Nick will have to battle his recurring nightmare and a crashing realisation close to home. Nick is a very observant character and provides his insight into the people he meets, making for a personable read. Nick's investigation style is endearing, showing his step-by-step thought process on how the crime may have happened and justifying his theories based on his surroundings and learned information. The story combines both a character- and plot-driven narrative, enveloping work relationships and the secrets uncovered along the way.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.
March 28, 2024
Severed Echoes is an interesting, pacy, twisty murder mystery featuring Nick Severs, a detective from Pine Lake PD, the smallest of small town police departments. Cyber technology is a key feature in the story and the author does an excellent job of making that technology accessible to the average reader. A satisfying read although one or two of the twists were relatively easy to see coming.
The story revolves around two main themes - the legal and illegal collection and use of personal data by big business; and the activities of a group of female cyber vigilantes seeking out male wrong-doers and meting out their own brand of extrajudicial justice. Both are themes which pose some interesting moral and ethical questions.
The story revolves around two main themes - the legal and illegal collection and use of personal data by big business; and the activities of a group of female cyber vigilantes seeking out male wrong-doers and meting out their own brand of extrajudicial justice. Both are themes which pose some interesting moral and ethical questions.
March 6, 2024
This book was crazy good! The blurb really doesn’t do it justice…there’s just so much more to it than you can imagine! The storyline is definitely intriguing; the characters are so well developed—with so many different layers; the plot just blows you away; and how the HEA unfolds is pure psychological drama. You definitely need to add this one to your TBR…you’ll be so glad you did! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and was absolutely mesmerized by it!) ❤️❤️
June 2, 2024
Taut thriller that stays with you long after you turn the last page. The character development is some of the best I've ever read and the storyline entirely plausible in this day and age. The blend of mystery and technology is perfectly expressed. Addition of the way the detective works the case and is philosophical in his management of inner turmoil only adds to the story. I will definitely be seeking more of his books in future.
June 3, 2024
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books for this free ARC. This review is voluntary and unbiased.
I'm really vibing with this genre of AI crimes detective novels. For once the tech talk actually makes sense and really brings up the modern question of "is online privacy actually possible nowadays ?". I really enjoyed this, and Nick is a great main character to follow as he learns to work through his trauma .
I'm really vibing with this genre of AI crimes detective novels. For once the tech talk actually makes sense and really brings up the modern question of "is online privacy actually possible nowadays ?". I really enjoyed this, and Nick is a great main character to follow as he learns to work through his trauma .
February 17, 2024
Nick Severs is a detective in the small town of Pine Lake.
Nick discovers a suicide that is not what it seems, a murder investigation is then launched.
This a griping crime thriller with many twists and turns, that you will not see coming.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Nick discovers a suicide that is not what it seems, a murder investigation is then launched.
This a griping crime thriller with many twists and turns, that you will not see coming.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 17, 2024
Nick Severs is a detective in the small town of Pine Lake.
Nick discovers a suicide that is not what it seems, a murder investigation is then launched.
This a griping crime thriller with many twists and turns, that you will not see coming.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Nick discovers a suicide that is not what it seems, a murder investigation is then launched.
This a griping crime thriller with many twists and turns, that you will not see coming.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 28, 2024
At first it was thought she had killed herself but an audio recording pours doubt on that. He is about to be plunged into the first murder in many years. Can he find the answers? Will his past ruin his future? How will he get on? See how he gets on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
March 9, 2024
I would have liked to have given this story 5 stars, but, the story was very drawn out and became a little wordy and tedious at times.
I liked the story line, Nick's character and the suspense and I will definitely read more from this author.
I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I liked the story line, Nick's character and the suspense and I will definitely read more from this author.
I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
December 1, 2025
Nick gets a case that isn't what it seems. Lisa is dead and it looks like a suicide. Nick isn't convinced it's a suicide. What will he find out? I really enjoyed this book. It's a nice cozy mystery which is what I like. There were some twists that I didn't expect but I did figure out one before it was revealed. I will be putting the next book on my TBR.
October 20, 2023
A brilliant, clever, very well written, current thriller
I loved this clever read. Even a technophobe like me understood the plot. Great new detective and can't wait for the next book 📙
I loved this clever read. Even a technophobe like me understood the plot. Great new detective and can't wait for the next book 📙
April 12, 2025
A fairly good interesting store pretty well told.
Nick Severe has his hands full trying to solve a murder while dealing with a personal loss that has completely changed his life
Nick Severe has his hands full trying to solve a murder while dealing with a personal loss that has completely changed his life
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews