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The skeletons in her closet are twitching...

Genius chessmaster and FBI consultant Artemis Blythe swore she'd never return to the misty Cascade Mountains.
Her father—a notorious serial killer, responsible for the deaths of seven women—is now imprisoned, in no small part due to a clue she provided nearly fifteen years ago.

And now her father wants his vengeance.

A new serial killer is hunting the wealthy and the elite in the town of Pinelake. Artemis' father claims he knows the identity of the killer, but he'll only tell daughter dearest. Against her will, she finds herself forced back to her old stomping grounds.
Once known as a child chess prodigy, now the locals only think of her as ‘The Ghostkiller's’ daughter.

In the face of a shamed family name and a brother involved with the Seattle mob, Artemis endeavors to use her tactical genius to solve the baffling case.

Hunting a murderer who strikes without a trace, if she fails, the next skeleton in her closet will be her own.

Over 20% of the documented serial killers in the world have come from a 200-mile radius around Seattle, Washington

292 pages, Paperback

First published July 29, 2022

967 people are currently reading
1164 people want to read

About the author

Georgia Wagner

92 books121 followers
Having worked on projects with New York Times Bestsellers and USA Today bestsellers, Georgia Wagner recently hit #1 bestseller with her newest series. Location and character are two big factors for Georgia, and getting those right allows the story to flow seamlessly onto the page. And flow it does, because Georgia is so prolific a new term is required to describe the rate at which nerve-tingling stories find their way into print.

When not found attached to a laptop, Georgia likes spending time in local arboretums, among the trees and ponds. An avid cultivator of orchids, begonias, and all things floral, Georgia also has a strong penchant for art, paintings, and sculptures. A many-decades-long passion for mystery novels and years of chess tournament experience makes Georgia the perfect person to pen the Artemis Blythe series. That's where it all started, but the drive to craft thrilling mystery tales soon demanded new characters in new locations.

Where will she take us next?

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5 stars
990 (50%)
4 stars
624 (31%)
3 stars
304 (15%)
2 stars
41 (2%)
1 star
20 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
Profile Image for Lynne Biniker.
167 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2022
Artemis, a Grandmaster at the game of chess. She can picture the game in her head. She can visualize how her opponent would play out their moves based on her previous moves. She knows exactly how to out maneuver her opponent. She didn’t realize that her skill at the game of chess could help catch a serial killer by sensing his next move or is it because she is a daughter of a serial killer? Maybe a little of both?

The game of chess brought her back to Pinelake, her home town, hated by the community because of the sins of her convicted father! All she wants to do is win this tournament and get out! But as the last game comes to an end, she is approached by the FBI to help in a case. But there is an ultimatum to this…Artemis’ father has information on the serial killer and will only speak to his daughter. There is no way she is going to visit this sociopath, even if he is her father. But she can’t walk away knowing that someone will be killed every night until the killer is caught!

Book 1 of 5
Profile Image for Meredith.
411 reviews
June 28, 2023
I’m going to go with three stars, but that might be generous. A lot of this book was not at all realistic, but it did make for a quick and mostly entertaining read. When I realized there are nine more in the series, however, I knew immediately that I had no desire to spend that much time with these characters so it’s one and done for me. Be warned, though, if you read it as a standalone, it will be a cliffhanger.

No on second thought- 2 stars. Truly 85% of this book would have never happened lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Carol Woods.
17 reviews
January 10, 2026
Great Intro, good characters

I really liked the way that the characters developed. Artemis is flawed and so is the FBI agent.. the story has its twist and turns and keeps you engaged
247 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2024
She dies tonight

It's a very good book. I found it to be well written, with an interesting plot and believable characters. I look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Allan.
536 reviews9 followers
February 17, 2025
This was a really good book based around Artemis Blythe whose father was a prolific serial killer. His first victim was her sister. Artemis likes quiet, order and being invisible. She has survived her life by playing chess at as high a level as she can. This devotion takes her to number 1 in the State Championship. It is during one of these competitions an FBI agent corners her and days they need her to visit her father to find out who is murdering women where they had lived in Pinelake. Artemis says that she will not do this as it has taken her years to get to where she is mentally and she couldn’t cope. Unfortunately the FBI tell her she has to. She offers them a compromise; if she cannot find the killer herself she will visit her father (of which she has no intention to do). Artemis does her own investigation, first eliminating her brother, but is still shocked about how many people in the area still hate her and the memories she stirs up. Artemis does indeed find the killer herself. This part of the story is very disappointing because the lack of attention this character had been given through the whole book. On the last page, as the killer is caught he tells Artemis that the sister she thought dead is actually alive.

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Profile Image for Judi Haley.
1,349 reviews6 followers
April 20, 2023
I had just finished reading the series and FBI Agent Ella Porter and waiting for the next one in the series, which hopefully will be out soon. Not wanting to give up the great reading you get from this author, I decided to start the other series about Artemis Blythe!

Wow. This is definitely 5 stars. Artemis is a world renowned chess player. Just finishing up with the semi-rounds to hopefully go to the championship!! But, now she has been pulled away from the FBI wanting her to contact her father, the Ghostkiller, who has been in prison for 15 years and sent there by Artemis. Artemis learned at an early age from her older sister, Helen and her father, how to read people and their actions. She also has an eidetic memory, where she can remembered anything that happened in the past.

Now the FBI want her to contact her father as killings are occurring in the same town she is from and her father claims he knows who is doing the killing, but will only tell Artemis. She doesn't want to visit him, so she agrees to help on the case and within 24 hours if she doesn't figure out who is killing these women, she will go talk with her father!

This one is not to be missed!!!
Profile Image for Kristen K.
324 reviews2 followers
February 20, 2024
I liked this book because the main character, Artemis is unusual and intriguing. She is a genius with a photographic memory, but she was also raised by a father who was a mentalist and a serial killer. I will read the sequel because she is interesting. This story brings her back to her hometown, which she left 15 years ago, because a former foster mother is murdered by a serial killer. The FBI wants her to talk to her father in jail because they think he knows something. She refuses, but offers to help them using her special skill set.

I only have two issues with this novel. First, is there are several long passages of description meant to build tension that don’t. They run on two long. I hope an editor intervenes in the future. The second issue is the focus on Artemis being physically weak. This becomes such a big deal at multiple points in the story you would think she was made of Jello. It became annoying, and I hope that characteristic changes as the series carries on or it might be a deal breaker.

Things
Profile Image for Robin Reviewer.
1,008 reviews12 followers
March 5, 2024
Not much to like - read on KU

There wasn't much to enjoy about this. The characters were not likeable. Sure, people can go for a super smart person without social skills, but Artemis was worse than that. Her world revolves around nothing but chess, and that just isn't interesting. You have to have hope that characters will develop relationships with other characters over time, but I just can't see that with Artemis.

We don't spend enough time with her brother to know if he will be a main character of the series. And her young teen crush seems to be a loser as an adult, so he doesn't show much promise. The only other character that is given much page time is Forester. He could become likeable.

If I'm reading about an FBI investigator, I want to read about someone who goes in and kiss a$$. Not someone who has a panic attack every other page over nothing. I don't mind the anxiety disorders. But she didn't seem to be much beyond that.

There weren't many clues to the killer. That part of the story needed a lot of work.

I won't read more by this author.
Profile Image for The Humble Jess.
388 reviews29 followers
March 1, 2023
Didn't and can't finish. I read up to 54% but I can't force myself to go further.

First of all so many things wrong. First, a consultant with the FBI won't usually go in the field. Especially your not trained with a gun. That's just common sense. Second, I'm so confused is Helen dead or disappeared? Cause the book goes back and forth. Third, consultants wouldn't go into an interview room with a suspect. That's also common sense. Fourth, the FBI wouldn't hire someone to be a consultant inside of an interview room in front of a suspect. Gee wiz. Also there's so much of Artemis talking to or thinking to herself. Pages of it. So annoying.

You see what I mean?. There are so many issues here. I can't.. grapple how this has a four star next to it. Did y'all read the book?
This is my FIRST dnf of March. I can't finish it. I have no desire to do so.

Profile Image for Dee Renwick.
15 reviews
November 4, 2023
Good starting point

I have to admit that this felt a bit like a series that gets cancelled at short notice, so there's a final episode where all the loose ends are tied up. I thought I was coming towards the middle but realised that I had read over 70%.
Bit of a whirlwind after that, and the story wraps up, leaving more questions than answers. Luckily, it appears that book 2 starts less than a week after book 1 finishes.
The characters are sketched with potential for growth. The returning bad guy is chilling and the FBI includes a misfit with the potential to bend the rules.
Not a fantastic start but good enough to tempt me into investing more time and reading book 2.
Profile Image for Kayla Smith.
25 reviews
May 18, 2024
Gonna be honest I didn’t think I would be as interested in this series as I am now. This author has me hooked. I love Artemis as a character. She is great at analyzing people and situations. It makes you see things as a chess game. It made it interesting. I didn’t see Mr. Kramer (Mrs. Kramers husband) as the killer. It really surprised me. Like I thought it was gonna be the son or her brother. I thought her brother was more involved than he was. Honestly, he just missed his sister. I love that this series has 14 books in it. I can’t wait to read the rest. I am hoping that Artemis joins the FBI cause she is good at it. I hope she finds her sister and she finally sticks it to her dad cause she is through playing his games.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
665 reviews6 followers
Read
January 7, 2023
Genius

Artemis is a genius, working toward gaining a championship in the regional chess tournament . She lives a quiet , lonely life content with studying and playing the game . She is also the daughter of a serial killer . Then the FBI came into her life to help them find another serial killer from the same town she had lived in when her father was finally caught with her information . Did she want to go tthere? Not really . Unpleasant memories .
I liked the way the author wrote this: deliberate thought process , deliberate pace, a very independent deep thinking young woman . Maybe a typo or two .




3 reviews
January 8, 2023
what a story! enjoy!

Initially i thought this was going to be similar as a recent tv series, but NOT. Artemis goes back to her family town to help the FBI-to assist in trackng a killer of an ‘aunt’. Her family reputation makes her unwelcome in town but she keeps going. During this time she is able to re-connect with her twin brother. This book is well written and rhe suspence factor is just high enough that i did not want to put the book down until the end. I am looking forward to reading more of Artemis’ s adventures. Thank you to authors who are willing to share their stories with us!
Profile Image for Cathy P.
1,788 reviews9 followers
March 11, 2023
She Dies Tonight

Enjoyed the storyline and the characters. I was hooked from the first. Artemis is wicked smart and usually a rule follower. Her father is an infamous serial killer whom she inadvertently turned in when she was twelve. The townsfolk were absolutely terrible to her and her twin brother Tommy. She never wanted to return. I couldn't stand Grant, the lead FBI agent, but loved Forrester. He is kind of a loose cannon.
The author provided summary covers the basics.
The story is told from h POV. No cliffhanger, but there a continuing story arc that isn't done. This main mystery was solved. Definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Theresa Alan.
Author 10 books1,170 followers
April 7, 2024
Parts of this were fun, and I sort of got the idea that since the author was planning many more books, we were supposed to be hooked by the possibility of what could happen in the future rather than the unrealistic happenings in this book. I thought Artemis, a loner, genius chess player, and daughter of a convicted serial killer, was a decent enough character when she gets roped in by the FBI to help solve a string of new killings. Her father, from prison, says he can help the FBI, but will only talk to his daughter. She doesn’t want to talk to him but promises to help them as long as she doesn’t have to see him. However, at the end, she hints she will speak to him, *in the future.*
151 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2025
Fascinating read!

This is a new author for me. I was intrigued from the start. This storyline is uniquely compelling. The characters are interesting. Most assuredly not run of the mill. This book was on a different level for sure. The twists and turns along with the presentation of the unfolding case is thought provoking and attention grabbing. Artemis Blithe the leading character is compelled to seek answers beyond what is visible to the eye. To look beyond the obvious. To question everything and maintain an open mind. This is an awesome book. I will continue reading this series.
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,637 reviews37 followers
August 15, 2022
A surprisingly good mystery thriller with a dash of romance, lots of secrets, crimes, and revenge. Artemis is a peculiar character as well as her twin brother. They are despised for their father's killings in the small beautiful town and many wish them out of there. Each one in their own way fights their fate. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I thank the author for the ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
237 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2023
She Dies Tonight

I picked this book randomly, I want to read something different it's one of the best books I've read in a long time. Twists and turns just when I thought I figured it out it changed. Sorrow, action and family loyalty and I read it in one sitting. Artemis was an exceptional character with a fine mind. Going on to the next book. Thank you Georgia Wagner for such an awesome story !!!
Profile Image for Janet Graham.
2,506 reviews12 followers
December 13, 2024
Serial Killer Thriller
This is the first book in a series and judging by the ending, one should read the books in order. It is not a 'cliffhanger' ending, but the door is open to the next adventure. I usually do not read books that involve serial killers, but this one is not bad. There is no foul language, no gore, minimal blood, and no bedroom scenes. There is lots of tension and suspense, as expected. This story should not give anyone nightmares.
130 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2022
Brilliant

First one of a series and all I can say ,please bring out more . This book is cleverly written and introducing an intriguing character Artemis Blythe. She is highly intelligent and brilliant at reading people also a first class chess player and I am looking forward to more books about her
Profile Image for Angel Ballard.
771 reviews5 followers
August 8, 2022
An incredible journey of strength and courage.
This story is very well written and thought out. The complexity involved for each character leaves the reader fully absorbed in the story as they try to figure out just exactly is happening and why. The twists and turns weave an intricate web. Brilliant work!
137 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2022
Great first book

Found out about this author because of Steve higgs, his new independent publishing company has signed her and I was very impressed on her first book, plenty of plot and great characters you can get involved with. Can't wait for the next one in the series to be released
Profile Image for Lela Preston.
256 reviews21 followers
September 15, 2022
Always a step ahead.

Finding a way to mask your reason for killing makes a very unstable person.Having to come back to the worst nightmare of her Life in the most hated Town was not what Artemis had wanted.Using her mind for chess moves was what she wanted and yet her past cried out to help use her mind to focus on The Who and The Why.
106 reviews
January 2, 2023
A proper page turner

This is the first book I've read by this author and I was not disappointed it's a proper page turner with a good plot that speeds along at a brisk pace that keeps you guessing until the end all the characters are well rounded and interesting especially the lead character . I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Christine Rennie.
2,963 reviews40 followers
January 19, 2023
She Dies Tonight by Georgia Wagner

She Dies Tonight by Georgia Wagner is an American novel about a serial killer, who goes to see a serial killer in prison to get some handy tips.
This is an entertaining police thriller, including local police officers, the FBI and the children of the jailed serial killer.
Recommended.
14 reviews
March 6, 2023
Good mystery, fast paced, with some funny lines, and good characters

I like this book a lot. The banter is good between FBI agent in Artemis. For a genius she’s a little slow to catch on, but did a great job with the clues. I like the plot in the storyline and the pace. I’ll be reading the next one right away.
Profile Image for Tiffany Bumgardner.
Author 2 books3 followers
July 14, 2023
I Enjoyed This

This was an enjoyable book. I like the idea and story line.

I do think some of the characters need better development and there were some confusing bits because we didn’t know the characters enough to establish personalities but it’s a 10 book series so hopefully that’s corrected before I get bored and quit.
Profile Image for Dianne McCartney.
Author 20 books16 followers
November 19, 2023
I don't often read a series, but I will read more by this author. Her compelling characters, especially Artemis, make it impossible not to want to read the others. The twisty path of her story kept me interested. It earned a rare 5 star from me.
Dianne McCartney
Author of Dark Vengeance and others.
Profile Image for Emz.
647 reviews
March 2, 2024
Not the best, but certainly not the worst. I've settled on a three-star rating, as "I liked it." The story did keep me engaged, as I was eager to uncover the culprit. It was undeniably a page-turner in that regard. However, I must admit I failed to anticipate the identity of the perpetrator, which added an element of surprise.
274 reviews6 followers
April 1, 2024
Fairly Good Story, but...

Smart chess player gets drawn into a murder mystery. I liked the insight into a chess player's mind, but the many punctuation errors, along with spelling and word use mistakes, were too distracting, and kept me from getting fulling engaged with the story. Disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews

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