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Komorebi Serial Killers #5
Little Doves
THIS CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE, OR AS PART OF THE KOMOREBI SERIAL KILLER SERIES
Hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil – or pay the consequences.
Twenty years ago, Stasia King’s 14-year-old sister was abducted, raped and viciously murdered. Now, on the anniversary of her disappearance, another young girl has gone missing, from the same exclusive country club. The cases can’t possibly be connected since the murderer has been dead nearly twenty years – or can they? Is it coincidence or something more sinister?
Nick Winston is in town to investigate the girl’s disappearance, but he’s drawn to a second case that’s grabbing global attention: Someone calling themselves The Surgeon is attacking pillars of the community men in very specific ways. The Surgeon isn’t hiding in the shadows; they record the attacks and post them on social media, with an invitation to watch as the assaults become more violent, and more final. They’re sending a message, and demanding justice with a cryptic tagline: #stopsabine.
Is The Surgeon a vigilante, or a brutal killer?
Hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil – or pay the consequences.
Twenty years ago, Stasia King’s 14-year-old sister was abducted, raped and viciously murdered. Now, on the anniversary of her disappearance, another young girl has gone missing, from the same exclusive country club. The cases can’t possibly be connected since the murderer has been dead nearly twenty years – or can they? Is it coincidence or something more sinister?
Nick Winston is in town to investigate the girl’s disappearance, but he’s drawn to a second case that’s grabbing global attention: Someone calling themselves The Surgeon is attacking pillars of the community men in very specific ways. The Surgeon isn’t hiding in the shadows; they record the attacks and post them on social media, with an invitation to watch as the assaults become more violent, and more final. They’re sending a message, and demanding justice with a cryptic tagline: #stopsabine.
Is The Surgeon a vigilante, or a brutal killer?
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2023
508 people are currently reading
2891 people want to read
About the author
Sara Ennis
31 books288 followersTime for an updated 'bio.'!
Things about me:
• I lived in 19 houses before I was 20 years old, and my family was not in the military.
• I started an animal/human welfare nonprofit that continues to operate and keep families together.
• For 8 years I owned a buy one, give one pet food brand that supported rescues & shelters across the country.
• Unsurprisingly, I have a thing for ‘special’ animals like my dog Chance, who was paralyzed in the back end, and my canine child Charlie, who was born blind. No animals will ever be hurt or killed in my books. (People are totally fair game.)
• Even though I’m not a tech bro, I lived in my warehouse for a year (not as cool as it sounds, btw).
• Before I ran away from home in LA and moved to Iowa, I worked with celebs.
• I used to have severe social phobia; now I’m a big-mouthed, opinionated beast.
Things about me:
• I lived in 19 houses before I was 20 years old, and my family was not in the military.
• I started an animal/human welfare nonprofit that continues to operate and keep families together.
• For 8 years I owned a buy one, give one pet food brand that supported rescues & shelters across the country.
• Unsurprisingly, I have a thing for ‘special’ animals like my dog Chance, who was paralyzed in the back end, and my canine child Charlie, who was born blind. No animals will ever be hurt or killed in my books. (People are totally fair game.)
• Even though I’m not a tech bro, I lived in my warehouse for a year (not as cool as it sounds, btw).
• Before I ran away from home in LA and moved to Iowa, I worked with celebs.
• I used to have severe social phobia; now I’m a big-mouthed, opinionated beast.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
December 15, 2022
My Rating System: 4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rounded down to 4 ticked almost all the boxes LOVED IT!!!
Twenty years ago, Natasha King was abducted, tortured and killed. It destroyed her family and her sister Anastasia (Stasia) has never gotten over it. Now another girl has gone missing in similar circumstances from the same country club that Natasha went missing from all those years ago - the similarities are too close to ignore.
Meanwhile, a maniac calling themselves The Surgeon is on the loose maiming seemingly innocent men in very specific ways. The Surgeon doesn’t do their deeds in private the attacks are recorded and uploaded to social media with an invite to watch bigger and more violent attacks that are on the way.
Are the cases linked and what does the message The Surgeon is sending mean #stopsabine!!!
I am not gonna lie… I was excited for this one. I am on Sara Ennis’s mailing list and got an email that this was coming out and I was pumped!!! She sent out the prologue as a teaser but I did not read it because I didn’t want to ruin anything for myself. I waited as IMPATIENTLY as a person can wait for this to come onto NetGalley or Book Sirens - as soon as it hit Book Sirens I pounced on it like a cat on a mouse!!!!
First up the writing… it is excellent exactly how I enjoy a book. Short sharp sentences, not too long chapters and it was structured very similarly to book 2 and 3 in the Dollhouse series (book 1 had a different set up). I really loved it. There was HEAPS going on too… so many different POVs and Timeline changes I LOVE IT!!! But if you are not a fan of this style this may not be for you. I found it excellent - the prologue was AMAZING!!! Had me hook line and sinker and I was so glad I didn’t read it before I got the book I would have been twice as impatient.
The different POVs were not confusing at all they are easily labelled, easy to read and the timelines are dated and when something is a news story, or text or similar it is italicised which is pretty simple to follow. But I am a person who loves this style so - depends on your style if you will gel with this or not.
I also loved the dark humour thrown in and the inner monologue of each of the POVs even The Surgeon we get to read their interactions but also their thoughts throughout the interactions I really liked that and it reminded me a lot of the Dollhouse novels and was something I found to be a really nice touch.
ANNNNND I thought this was a standalone novel not connected to the Dollhouse series but there is a bit of crossover with some of the characters or nods to the organisation and it fit really well. I really liked that and also liked that the main character from that series didn’t swoop in and take over this book but was just there and we got a little glimpse it was awesome!!!
I really enjoyed the story - at one stage I was thinking to myself hang on what happened to X storyline has that just been forgotten now… but the author expertly looped back around and tied it all in so I was like Ohhhh I get you now!!! Nice touch I loved that. The characters were likeable except the ones you were meant to hate and they were despicable and you can just imagine them in your minds eye perfectly. I couldn’t hate The Surgeon at all - if you read it you will understand. A moral dilemma that hopefully none of us has to ever experience in real life but not gonna lie I am Team Surgeon!!! (Not a spoiler cause you might not agree hahaha)
The crimes themselves are a little graphic (not the worst I have read but still) so check your trigger warnings picking this one up. There is some pretty gut wrenching stuff going on. I also picked up on a few of the clues but wasn’t 100% sure who The Surgeon was and in the end some of my suspicions were correct but I absolutely didn’t get it spot on - it was a lovely little pictured that unfolded nicely. Very well done on the reveal!!!
For me the only reason I marked this down half a star was there was a lot of repetition of the why’s and how’s of the outcome of this one. It tied up quite neatly and thats fine but I felt like I read and re-read the why a few times but overall that did not make me hate it at all. I devoured it as quickly as possible and now I am back to impatiently waiting for Sara’s next novel… silly me 😂
Overall if asked would I recommend it ABSOLUTELY but like I said if the style of multiple POV annoys you this one might not be for you, and check your TW but otherwise go for it!!! Request away this is in fact on both NetGalley and Book Sirens!!
I want to thank Good Girl Charlie, Book Sirens and Sara Ennis for an advanced copy of this novel for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily with honesty!
Twenty years ago, Natasha King was abducted, tortured and killed. It destroyed her family and her sister Anastasia (Stasia) has never gotten over it. Now another girl has gone missing in similar circumstances from the same country club that Natasha went missing from all those years ago - the similarities are too close to ignore.
Meanwhile, a maniac calling themselves The Surgeon is on the loose maiming seemingly innocent men in very specific ways. The Surgeon doesn’t do their deeds in private the attacks are recorded and uploaded to social media with an invite to watch bigger and more violent attacks that are on the way.
Are the cases linked and what does the message The Surgeon is sending mean #stopsabine!!!
I am not gonna lie… I was excited for this one. I am on Sara Ennis’s mailing list and got an email that this was coming out and I was pumped!!! She sent out the prologue as a teaser but I did not read it because I didn’t want to ruin anything for myself. I waited as IMPATIENTLY as a person can wait for this to come onto NetGalley or Book Sirens - as soon as it hit Book Sirens I pounced on it like a cat on a mouse!!!!
First up the writing… it is excellent exactly how I enjoy a book. Short sharp sentences, not too long chapters and it was structured very similarly to book 2 and 3 in the Dollhouse series (book 1 had a different set up). I really loved it. There was HEAPS going on too… so many different POVs and Timeline changes I LOVE IT!!! But if you are not a fan of this style this may not be for you. I found it excellent - the prologue was AMAZING!!! Had me hook line and sinker and I was so glad I didn’t read it before I got the book I would have been twice as impatient.
The different POVs were not confusing at all they are easily labelled, easy to read and the timelines are dated and when something is a news story, or text or similar it is italicised which is pretty simple to follow. But I am a person who loves this style so - depends on your style if you will gel with this or not.
I also loved the dark humour thrown in and the inner monologue of each of the POVs even The Surgeon we get to read their interactions but also their thoughts throughout the interactions I really liked that and it reminded me a lot of the Dollhouse novels and was something I found to be a really nice touch.
ANNNNND I thought this was a standalone novel not connected to the Dollhouse series but there is a bit of crossover with some of the characters or nods to the organisation and it fit really well. I really liked that and also liked that the main character from that series didn’t swoop in and take over this book but was just there and we got a little glimpse it was awesome!!!
I really enjoyed the story - at one stage I was thinking to myself hang on what happened to X storyline has that just been forgotten now… but the author expertly looped back around and tied it all in so I was like Ohhhh I get you now!!! Nice touch I loved that. The characters were likeable except the ones you were meant to hate and they were despicable and you can just imagine them in your minds eye perfectly. I couldn’t hate The Surgeon at all - if you read it you will understand. A moral dilemma that hopefully none of us has to ever experience in real life but not gonna lie I am Team Surgeon!!! (Not a spoiler cause you might not agree hahaha)
The crimes themselves are a little graphic (not the worst I have read but still) so check your trigger warnings picking this one up. There is some pretty gut wrenching stuff going on. I also picked up on a few of the clues but wasn’t 100% sure who The Surgeon was and in the end some of my suspicions were correct but I absolutely didn’t get it spot on - it was a lovely little pictured that unfolded nicely. Very well done on the reveal!!!
For me the only reason I marked this down half a star was there was a lot of repetition of the why’s and how’s of the outcome of this one. It tied up quite neatly and thats fine but I felt like I read and re-read the why a few times but overall that did not make me hate it at all. I devoured it as quickly as possible and now I am back to impatiently waiting for Sara’s next novel… silly me 😂
Overall if asked would I recommend it ABSOLUTELY but like I said if the style of multiple POV annoys you this one might not be for you, and check your TW but otherwise go for it!!! Request away this is in fact on both NetGalley and Book Sirens!!
I want to thank Good Girl Charlie, Book Sirens and Sara Ennis for an advanced copy of this novel for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily with honesty!
January 7, 2023
Do not be fooled by the sweet name and the dove on the cover - this is one dark and messed up book. Sara Ennis has given us another book to devour, and much to think about with this subject matter.
Little Doves is a standalone novel; however, it is still set in the same world as the Duality trilogy. If you have read those books, you will see some familiar faces. If you haven't read them - why not? This is a dark and gruesome story of missing kids over 2 decades. It shows how the family deal with their missing loved ones. When a girl goes missing in similar circumstances and location to one from 20 years ago, questions start to be asked. The man who killed 20 years ago is now dead.
There is alot happening in this book and really hard to say too much without spoilers. As we learn the stories of the various characters, we can start to put the pieces together. However, I did not pick that ending and I was shocked when I read it. So good!
Thanks to Sara Ennis for sending me an advanced copy to read. Little Doves is published on January 10th and will be available on Kindle Unlimited. Highly recommend if you are a fan of dark and messy!
Little Doves is a standalone novel; however, it is still set in the same world as the Duality trilogy. If you have read those books, you will see some familiar faces. If you haven't read them - why not? This is a dark and gruesome story of missing kids over 2 decades. It shows how the family deal with their missing loved ones. When a girl goes missing in similar circumstances and location to one from 20 years ago, questions start to be asked. The man who killed 20 years ago is now dead.
There is alot happening in this book and really hard to say too much without spoilers. As we learn the stories of the various characters, we can start to put the pieces together. However, I did not pick that ending and I was shocked when I read it. So good!
Thanks to Sara Ennis for sending me an advanced copy to read. Little Doves is published on January 10th and will be available on Kindle Unlimited. Highly recommend if you are a fan of dark and messy!
February 13, 2024
This is a really good Thriller. Quite a few characters to keep track of, but they all come together at the end.
If you are triggered by sexual abuse, especially of children and teenagers, this book isn’t for you.
So, when you are done reading this you may have a different view of vigilante revenge, I know I’m still pondering it.
If you are triggered by sexual abuse, especially of children and teenagers, this book isn’t for you.
So, when you are done reading this you may have a different view of vigilante revenge, I know I’m still pondering it.
August 8, 2025
Whoa, this is dark. Nothing could've prepared me for this. Even the first chapter gave me the shivers. Oh, there is evil in this world.
A deeply disturbing theme of abduction, sexual abuse, torture, and human trafficking. This is completely graphic, and I do not recommend this to those easily perturbed. The violence in this book is so realistic that it's as if I am in the front row of a movie theater. "Vile" is such an understatement.
The twist at the end is satisfying. Every bad guy deserved what happened to them; one guy in particular made my blood boil, and I wished his demise was prolonged and more painful.
Overall, this is a joyride of emotions. Please tread lightly.
A deeply disturbing theme of abduction, sexual abuse, torture, and human trafficking. This is completely graphic, and I do not recommend this to those easily perturbed. The violence in this book is so realistic that it's as if I am in the front row of a movie theater. "Vile" is such an understatement.
The twist at the end is satisfying. Every bad guy deserved what happened to them; one guy in particular made my blood boil, and I wished his demise was prolonged and more painful.
Overall, this is a joyride of emotions. Please tread lightly.
December 20, 2022
"Is my phone buzzing, or are the dog farts strong enough to wake me?"
I don't think that will ever be replaced as my favorite line from a book.
(Although I did love the reference to Fort Irwin being hell) IYKYK
I read this before it was done and again as a finished book in print. And I absolutely loved it!! Sara Ennis goes where few authors are willing to with the darkness. But she doesn't just throw randomness out overloading the reader with random shocks.
Her stories make sense and raise awareness to the horrible things that go on in the world around us.
This is a stand alone but you do see tie ins of characters from previous books/her trilogy. No real spoilers reading this one first.
If you like DARK stories of vigilante justice this is for you.
If you require trigger warnings it's not. This book IS GRAPHIC.
Please don't decrease your rating simply because of how disturbing it is, you've been warned. ☠️
Thank you @saraenniswrites for my #giftedcopy
Pub date: January 10, 2013
I don't think that will ever be replaced as my favorite line from a book.
(Although I did love the reference to Fort Irwin being hell) IYKYK
I read this before it was done and again as a finished book in print. And I absolutely loved it!! Sara Ennis goes where few authors are willing to with the darkness. But she doesn't just throw randomness out overloading the reader with random shocks.
Her stories make sense and raise awareness to the horrible things that go on in the world around us.
This is a stand alone but you do see tie ins of characters from previous books/her trilogy. No real spoilers reading this one first.
If you like DARK stories of vigilante justice this is for you.
If you require trigger warnings it's not. This book IS GRAPHIC.
Please don't decrease your rating simply because of how disturbing it is, you've been warned. ☠️
Thank you @saraenniswrites for my #giftedcopy
Pub date: January 10, 2013
December 30, 2024
4.5⭐️ such a hard read but this is something that sadly actually goes on in the world. What a great story and great way to spread awareness
December 20, 2022
Annndd just like that @saraenniswrites does it again. Thank you for letting be one of the first to have a physical copy of this!! If you have read a book by Sara, you know they are EXTREMELY dark. They are intense, descriptive and very disturbing. For me, the darker and the more disturbing the better but, I do like to throw that out there. If you are squeamish this is probably not for you.
This may be my favorite of Sara’s work. The characters are so rich, descriptive and full of life. I really enjoyed that older characters we have come to know from The Dollhouse series were reintroduced. If you haven’t read that (Check it out) but, this is a standalone. The revenge, the motives and the reasoning’s behind everything are so perfectly laid out. The pacing is done extremely well and will leave you guessing until the end. I had no idea where this was going and I loved that!
There are several POVs in the story that help propel it along and keep you flipping. I thought the premise behind the Roman story of Sabine being woven into the fibers of this crime incredibly unique and interesting. I will say I googled all about it after. This was another incredible story and you will not be disappointed. I am obsessed with you Sara!!!!
This may be my favorite of Sara’s work. The characters are so rich, descriptive and full of life. I really enjoyed that older characters we have come to know from The Dollhouse series were reintroduced. If you haven’t read that (Check it out) but, this is a standalone. The revenge, the motives and the reasoning’s behind everything are so perfectly laid out. The pacing is done extremely well and will leave you guessing until the end. I had no idea where this was going and I loved that!
There are several POVs in the story that help propel it along and keep you flipping. I thought the premise behind the Roman story of Sabine being woven into the fibers of this crime incredibly unique and interesting. I will say I googled all about it after. This was another incredible story and you will not be disappointed. I am obsessed with you Sara!!!!
February 17, 2023
Don’t be fooled by this pleasant cover. This book is anything but. It is signature Sara dark, I would expect nothing less from her! And I freaking love it! Two girls go missing, 20 years apart, from the same small town. Are they related? The convicted killer of girl one was put away and died a year later in prison….did they catch the wrong guy? And who is the Surgeon, going around mutilating men and uploading it to social media?
This one has lots of characters. At first, it was hard for me to keep them all straight, but I eventually fell into a groove and got them down. I loved that some of the characters from The Dollhouse series made an appearance in this novel! (PS If you haven’t read that series yet, what are you waiting for?!) Sara’s ideas were woven together so seamlessly, and after reading one of her books I always ask….how the hell did you come up with that?!
This one has lots of characters. At first, it was hard for me to keep them all straight, but I eventually fell into a groove and got them down. I loved that some of the characters from The Dollhouse series made an appearance in this novel! (PS If you haven’t read that series yet, what are you waiting for?!) Sara’s ideas were woven together so seamlessly, and after reading one of her books I always ask….how the hell did you come up with that?!
December 14, 2022
This is one of the most brutal books I have ever read. It delves into the darkest parts of kidnappings and the realistically horrendous acts that ensue. Beware because this was a tough one to get through that dares to go places that many authors won't. It's an eye opener that burrows into you. That aside, this was such a well written, unputdownable novel. That is the first and only time I will use that word but I honestly can't think of any other way to put it. Certain characters you will despise, others you will be rooting for until your head hurts. Either way, this is one will stay with you for a long, long time.Five Stars.
Thank you Netgalley and Good Girl Charlie LLC for this disturbing but amazing ARC.
Thank you Netgalley and Good Girl Charlie LLC for this disturbing but amazing ARC.
January 18, 2023
Okay, I’m doing something I’ve never done before. I am stopped at 50 pages short of the end of the book. At the halfway point I had figured out part of the end and it was just confirmed that my first assumption was correct. Now I’ll finished the rest of the book and I’ll see if my other assumption is right or wrong. Stay turned.
Twenty years after the disappearance of a young girl, seemingly, it has happened yet again. About the same age and in the same place a fourteen year old vanishes and the chase is on to find who has taken her before she ends up like the first girl, raped, tortured, dead.
This was a very difficult read for me. Perhaps I identified some of the events with my own childhood nightmares or maybe it was a long ago kidnapping murder in the newspapers I don’t’ really remember but I was, to put it bluntly, creeped out and tempted to put the book down repeatly. If you can deal with explicit descriptions than read this book that will pull you in and force you to read until the end. The book was a good read if a very distressing one.
Well I was right and I wasn’t, well I was 40% right anyway. You all will just have to read this very graphic and disturbing story for yourselves.
Twenty years after the disappearance of a young girl, seemingly, it has happened yet again. About the same age and in the same place a fourteen year old vanishes and the chase is on to find who has taken her before she ends up like the first girl, raped, tortured, dead.
This was a very difficult read for me. Perhaps I identified some of the events with my own childhood nightmares or maybe it was a long ago kidnapping murder in the newspapers I don’t’ really remember but I was, to put it bluntly, creeped out and tempted to put the book down repeatly. If you can deal with explicit descriptions than read this book that will pull you in and force you to read until the end. The book was a good read if a very distressing one.
Well I was right and I wasn’t, well I was 40% right anyway. You all will just have to read this very graphic and disturbing story for yourselves.
December 25, 2022
Yet another AMAZING story from Sara Ennis! While the first story in this series (The Doll House) is still my favorite, this one was a very close second. I devoured this book and stayed up way past my bedtime trying to finish in one day. I love all the different view points of the various characters and how they slowly came together for the big reveal at the end. SO GOOD!!!!
December 28, 2022
When a copycat killer murders a girl twenty years later, the police are stumped as they have already caught the first murderer. At the same time, "The Surgeon" is on the loose, picking up men, butchering them and then posting to social media, sometimes conducting the procedures live for all to watch. Are the two cases related?
I was thrilled to see Sara Ennis has a new book. I devoured her dark, twisted Dollhouse series and expected this new book to follow the same tangent. I wasn't wrong. This book was gruesome and disturbing but also unputdownable. Told through multiple POV's, I loved seeing how the story came together at the end however I do feel one aspect of the ending was a bit unrealistic. If you enjoy dark thrillers and are open to anything goes thrillers (so many trigger warnings here), you'll like this one.
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was thrilled to see Sara Ennis has a new book. I devoured her dark, twisted Dollhouse series and expected this new book to follow the same tangent. I wasn't wrong. This book was gruesome and disturbing but also unputdownable. Told through multiple POV's, I loved seeing how the story came together at the end however I do feel one aspect of the ending was a bit unrealistic. If you enjoy dark thrillers and are open to anything goes thrillers (so many trigger warnings here), you'll like this one.
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 24, 2022
Twenty years ago, Stasia King’s sister was abducted, tortured and killed. Oddly enough another girl has gone missing and from the same location. They were both at The Madalena, an exclusive golf and country club on the outskirts of Washington, DC. The killer strikes again? No, it can’t be, because the murderer has been dead nearly twenty years? Maybe a copycat killer, but why after so many years?
Stranger still, at the same time, someone calling themselves The Surgeon is maiming seemingly innocent men in very specific ways. The Surgeon is quite bold as he records his attacks and posts them on social media, with an invitation to watch. The assaults become more violent, and more final. They’re sending a message and demanding justice with a cryptic hashtag: #stopsabine
This is a rough book to read, it’s brutal. It dives into the darkest parts of kidnappings and the realistically horrendous acts on human beings. This author took horror to another level.
Still, this is a well written, page turning, stay up late at night, novel.
This one will burrow into your mind fora long, long time.
Highly recommend!
Thank you Netgalley and Good Girl Charlie LLC.
Stranger still, at the same time, someone calling themselves The Surgeon is maiming seemingly innocent men in very specific ways. The Surgeon is quite bold as he records his attacks and posts them on social media, with an invitation to watch. The assaults become more violent, and more final. They’re sending a message and demanding justice with a cryptic hashtag: #stopsabine
This is a rough book to read, it’s brutal. It dives into the darkest parts of kidnappings and the realistically horrendous acts on human beings. This author took horror to another level.
Still, this is a well written, page turning, stay up late at night, novel.
This one will burrow into your mind fora long, long time.
Highly recommend!
Thank you Netgalley and Good Girl Charlie LLC.
May 6, 2023
Absolutely Riveting!
I am a Sara Ennis fan. I've read her previous two books so I know she's a brilliant writer who knows how to put together a top notch thriller and Little Doves was no exception.
Ennis deals with some extremely dark subject matter here and using an overused term, it's not for the faint of heart.
But For psychological thriller fans like me who do enjoy dark and twisted stories with compelling characters Little Doves is the perfect read!
I am a Sara Ennis fan. I've read her previous two books so I know she's a brilliant writer who knows how to put together a top notch thriller and Little Doves was no exception.
Ennis deals with some extremely dark subject matter here and using an overused term, it's not for the faint of heart.
But For psychological thriller fans like me who do enjoy dark and twisted stories with compelling characters Little Doves is the perfect read!
January 1, 2023
Review of Advance Reader’s Copy eBook
It’s been twenty years since that day, the day Natasha King was abducted, tortured, and murdered. Twenty years of grief for her sister, Anastasia, and her mother, Olena.
Now Elspeth Bridges has vanished . . . from the parking lot of The Madalena golf and country club. Just like Natasha.
But the murderer, long dead, cannot be responsible for Elspeth’s disappearance. And, although there are similarities between Elspeth’s disappearance and Natasha’s abduction, it isn’t possible for there to be a connection between the two cases . . . is it?
It’s a five-and-one-half hour trip from Manhattan to Fredericksburg, and Doctor Anastasia King makes it at least four times a year. But tonight her thoughts are with the missing girl.
As the investigation ramps up, a macabre series of videos pops up on social media. Someone called the Surgeon is assaulting men, recording the attack, and posting the videos. As the assaults become more violent and, inevitably, deadly, the number of viewers soars. Just what does the #stopsabine hashtag mean? And what does it have to do with Elspeth’s disappearance?
=========
Disturbing. Horrific. Gritty. Brutal. Horrendous. Graphic. “Little Doves” is all that . . . and more. Despite the compelling storyline, it is difficult to read. It is incomprehensible that anyone could do such despicable things to another human being, especially to a child.
That said, there is much to appreciate in the telling of this grisly tale. There are some unexpected twists that may surprise the reader; somehow, despite being completely cringe-worthy, it is difficult to set this book aside before turning the final page. The emotions of the family members ring true; the author respectfully addresses the impact of the crime on the families.
Told from multiple points of view, the story moves between past and present, slowly revealing the truth. It’s dark, it hurts, it’s likely to bring tears to the eyes of the reader. But may it serve as a warning to watch over the children until the day comes that there are no longer monsters hiding in the shadows waiting to grab them.
Highly recommended.
I received a free advance review copy of this book through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It’s been twenty years since that day, the day Natasha King was abducted, tortured, and murdered. Twenty years of grief for her sister, Anastasia, and her mother, Olena.
Now Elspeth Bridges has vanished . . . from the parking lot of The Madalena golf and country club. Just like Natasha.
But the murderer, long dead, cannot be responsible for Elspeth’s disappearance. And, although there are similarities between Elspeth’s disappearance and Natasha’s abduction, it isn’t possible for there to be a connection between the two cases . . . is it?
It’s a five-and-one-half hour trip from Manhattan to Fredericksburg, and Doctor Anastasia King makes it at least four times a year. But tonight her thoughts are with the missing girl.
As the investigation ramps up, a macabre series of videos pops up on social media. Someone called the Surgeon is assaulting men, recording the attack, and posting the videos. As the assaults become more violent and, inevitably, deadly, the number of viewers soars. Just what does the #stopsabine hashtag mean? And what does it have to do with Elspeth’s disappearance?
=========
Disturbing. Horrific. Gritty. Brutal. Horrendous. Graphic. “Little Doves” is all that . . . and more. Despite the compelling storyline, it is difficult to read. It is incomprehensible that anyone could do such despicable things to another human being, especially to a child.
That said, there is much to appreciate in the telling of this grisly tale. There are some unexpected twists that may surprise the reader; somehow, despite being completely cringe-worthy, it is difficult to set this book aside before turning the final page. The emotions of the family members ring true; the author respectfully addresses the impact of the crime on the families.
Told from multiple points of view, the story moves between past and present, slowly revealing the truth. It’s dark, it hurts, it’s likely to bring tears to the eyes of the reader. But may it serve as a warning to watch over the children until the day comes that there are no longer monsters hiding in the shadows waiting to grab them.
Highly recommended.
I received a free advance review copy of this book through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 5, 2023
I gotta start with saying that every new book by Sara Ennis is even better than the last. Little Doves is an outstanding addition to her growing body of work, and it’s sure to satisfy thriller fans everywhere (always check content warnings before you read, if you have any triggers).
Although this is a stand-alone, there’s still a connecting bridge to the Duality Trilogy- namely, Nick. Not only am I thrilled, in a totally geeky way, to know all of Ennis' books exist within the same universe, I think most readers will appreciate having that link and being able to somewhat keep up to date with Angel and the Komorebi team.
The short chapters don’t waste any time. Everything Ennis gives us readers is deliberate and important to the bigger picture of the story. Even still, the writing is immersive and emotive (that prologue was a searing stab to the gut and the heart right off the bat). That all combines to make Little Doves both a compulsive and propulsive read.
As always, Ennis manages to guide readers through some mind-warpingly horrific scenarios without sensationalising the violence and depravity or overwhelming the reader so much that they lose sight of the story’s purpose.
The revelation (I prefer ‘reveal’ to ‘plot twist’ here) of The Surgeon was impressive, and I absolutely loved how all that was put together. To me, The Surgeon’s plan felt as taut, as meticulously planned and executed, as the book itself.
On a more personal note, I also loved how Ennis used Homer Williams to make some points about the harsh realities of life for many veterans and their families. Homer’s story absolutely broke my heart; and while Homer may not have gotten the ending he deserved, I was beyond satisfied by the conclusion that his children were given. Xander’s last chapter was perfect.
I’m looking forward to more dark and twisted thrillers from Sara!
I received an ARC, and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Although this is a stand-alone, there’s still a connecting bridge to the Duality Trilogy- namely, Nick. Not only am I thrilled, in a totally geeky way, to know all of Ennis' books exist within the same universe, I think most readers will appreciate having that link and being able to somewhat keep up to date with Angel and the Komorebi team.
The short chapters don’t waste any time. Everything Ennis gives us readers is deliberate and important to the bigger picture of the story. Even still, the writing is immersive and emotive (that prologue was a searing stab to the gut and the heart right off the bat). That all combines to make Little Doves both a compulsive and propulsive read.
As always, Ennis manages to guide readers through some mind-warpingly horrific scenarios without sensationalising the violence and depravity or overwhelming the reader so much that they lose sight of the story’s purpose.
The revelation (I prefer ‘reveal’ to ‘plot twist’ here) of The Surgeon was impressive, and I absolutely loved how all that was put together. To me, The Surgeon’s plan felt as taut, as meticulously planned and executed, as the book itself.
On a more personal note, I also loved how Ennis used Homer Williams to make some points about the harsh realities of life for many veterans and their families. Homer’s story absolutely broke my heart; and while Homer may not have gotten the ending he deserved, I was beyond satisfied by the conclusion that his children were given. Xander’s last chapter was perfect.
I’m looking forward to more dark and twisted thrillers from Sara!
I received an ARC, and am leaving my review voluntarily.
January 10, 2023
In 2002 a young girl went missing. Soon her body was found, severely tortured. Stasia had to go through life without her sister. Flash forward to 2022 Stasia is on the phone with her mom and her mom tells her another young girl is missing. Things only get crazier when someone known as, The Surgeon, pops up and.. (well you have to read it to know).
Sara does it again! This book was DARK. She does well at navigating such hard topics, and there are many in this book. One thing I really enjoy about her writing is the multiple POVs. I love seeing all the different sides of characters. It helps bring the story together. I was so excited when I read Nick's name. He's one of my favorite characters from her other books! (If you haven't read them, what are you doing?) This book I really liked Ava's character.
I enjoyed the book. It was fast paced and the short chapters make you want to keep going. You just need to know more of the story. I called one of the twists early on, second guessed myself a few times...but even still I was invested in the book. It kept my attention for sure! There are many TW in this, so if you need message me for them!
Thank you to Sara Ennis for the opportunity to read another one of your books! I can't wait to see what you come up with next.
Sara does it again! This book was DARK. She does well at navigating such hard topics, and there are many in this book. One thing I really enjoy about her writing is the multiple POVs. I love seeing all the different sides of characters. It helps bring the story together. I was so excited when I read Nick's name. He's one of my favorite characters from her other books! (If you haven't read them, what are you doing?) This book I really liked Ava's character.
I enjoyed the book. It was fast paced and the short chapters make you want to keep going. You just need to know more of the story. I called one of the twists early on, second guessed myself a few times...but even still I was invested in the book. It kept my attention for sure! There are many TW in this, so if you need message me for them!
Thank you to Sara Ennis for the opportunity to read another one of your books! I can't wait to see what you come up with next.
January 11, 2023
Sara never fails with her dark and twisted stories and I am there, front row seat, waiting to take it all in! As I’ve mentioned before in reviews for Sara's books, the content is sick and disturbing but you know when you just can’t take your eyes away from something like that.... this is like that!
Twenty years ago, a girl was abducted at the location of The Magdalena, an exclusive golf and country club. She was later found tortured and killed. The murderer did jail time and has since died. Now it’s happening all over again, another girl has gone missing at the same location. Surely the cases can’t be connected?
Meanwhile, “The Surgeon” is out there, not at all hiding in shadows but in fact presenting themselves in the spotlight on social media with recorded attacks of men they have captured and incapacitated! Things liven up when an invitation is sent out to watch a live video and the attacks more violent. The Surgeon is sending a message with a cryptic hashtag: #stopsabine. The Surgeon wants to be heard. They want justice!
I loved the short chapters that kept you wanting more, the multiple POVs and the tie ins of characters from The Dollhouse duality series! Another brilliant nail biting read here!
Thank you Booksirens and Sara Ennis for the advanced review copy.
Twenty years ago, a girl was abducted at the location of The Magdalena, an exclusive golf and country club. She was later found tortured and killed. The murderer did jail time and has since died. Now it’s happening all over again, another girl has gone missing at the same location. Surely the cases can’t be connected?
Meanwhile, “The Surgeon” is out there, not at all hiding in shadows but in fact presenting themselves in the spotlight on social media with recorded attacks of men they have captured and incapacitated! Things liven up when an invitation is sent out to watch a live video and the attacks more violent. The Surgeon is sending a message with a cryptic hashtag: #stopsabine. The Surgeon wants to be heard. They want justice!
I loved the short chapters that kept you wanting more, the multiple POVs and the tie ins of characters from The Dollhouse duality series! Another brilliant nail biting read here!
Thank you Booksirens and Sara Ennis for the advanced review copy.
December 26, 2022
Ever since her debut The Dollhouse, Sara Ennis has been a thriller writer to watch.
Little Doves is a standalone thriller set in the same creative universe, there are some recurring characters, and past events are mentioned briefly. It reads perfectly as a standalone, but if you haven't read the Duality trilogy beginning with The Dollhouse you are missing out on some thrilling books.
Little Doves follows the disappearance of Elspeth, a young girl, which has echoes of a hideous crime from twenty years ago. The perpetrator died in In jail. The search for Elspeth is one strand.
There's also a dangerous viligante on the loose, who targets allegedly corrupt individuals, surgically mutilates them and shares the videos of the torture all over the internet.
It's a dark and disturbing book, with a long list of trigger warnings, but it's written in a deeply sensitive manner, giving voices to the victims and their families, delving into their loss, grief and fears. It is never gratuitous and the lasting impact of crime on the survivors is at the forefront.
The plot is involved and complex, there's a lot going on. It's told from multiple viewpoints but it is very smoothly handled. It never gets confusing and all the questions get answered.
This is a very mature, sensitive and expertly written thriller.
Sure to delight Sara Ennis's fans, readers of Karen Slaughter or Gregg Olsen will love it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Good Girl Charlie LLC
Little Doves is a standalone thriller set in the same creative universe, there are some recurring characters, and past events are mentioned briefly. It reads perfectly as a standalone, but if you haven't read the Duality trilogy beginning with The Dollhouse you are missing out on some thrilling books.
Little Doves follows the disappearance of Elspeth, a young girl, which has echoes of a hideous crime from twenty years ago. The perpetrator died in In jail. The search for Elspeth is one strand.
There's also a dangerous viligante on the loose, who targets allegedly corrupt individuals, surgically mutilates them and shares the videos of the torture all over the internet.
It's a dark and disturbing book, with a long list of trigger warnings, but it's written in a deeply sensitive manner, giving voices to the victims and their families, delving into their loss, grief and fears. It is never gratuitous and the lasting impact of crime on the survivors is at the forefront.
The plot is involved and complex, there's a lot going on. It's told from multiple viewpoints but it is very smoothly handled. It never gets confusing and all the questions get answered.
This is a very mature, sensitive and expertly written thriller.
Sure to delight Sara Ennis's fans, readers of Karen Slaughter or Gregg Olsen will love it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Good Girl Charlie LLC
December 23, 2022
4.5-4.75⭐️ which I’ve rounded up
Gore score 4/5
This is a standalone vigilante thriller.
Stasia an ER doctor is marking the 20th anniversary of her sister Natasha’s murder following her abduction. When she FaceTimes her mom she learns that a young girl, the daughter of her mom’s friend has gone missing. A girl from the same place, same age, on the anniversary and known to the mother of the original girl, too many similarities for a coincidence surely.
There are multiple points of view Stasia, Ava,Xander, the surgeon, Nick( from The Dollhouse) I really like that there a slight cross over with some of the characters from previous books, it gives a sense of comfort and familiarity.
This is a dark gritty gory book in places, it’s not for the squeamish.
It kept my interest throughout, with so much going on. It’s got a good pace.
My favourite character is Xander, I have a soft spot for Nick too, although they all have good depth to their characters.
Stasis’s mom is a special woman, and I admire her tremendously.
I highly recommend this if you like to hang out on the grittier side of the gore score. If you like cosy murder mysteries, this one isn’t for you.
Gore score 4/5
This is a standalone vigilante thriller.
Stasia an ER doctor is marking the 20th anniversary of her sister Natasha’s murder following her abduction. When she FaceTimes her mom she learns that a young girl, the daughter of her mom’s friend has gone missing. A girl from the same place, same age, on the anniversary and known to the mother of the original girl, too many similarities for a coincidence surely.
There are multiple points of view Stasia, Ava,Xander, the surgeon, Nick( from The Dollhouse) I really like that there a slight cross over with some of the characters from previous books, it gives a sense of comfort and familiarity.
This is a dark gritty gory book in places, it’s not for the squeamish.
It kept my interest throughout, with so much going on. It’s got a good pace.
My favourite character is Xander, I have a soft spot for Nick too, although they all have good depth to their characters.
Stasis’s mom is a special woman, and I admire her tremendously.
I highly recommend this if you like to hang out on the grittier side of the gore score. If you like cosy murder mysteries, this one isn’t for you.
December 19, 2022
4.5 stars.
If you're looking for a dark thriller with a satisfying ending, Sara Ennis never disappoints! *chef's kiss*
This is a standalone novel, although there are some characters and some mentions of characters from the Duality/Dollhouse trilogy. (If it was a TV series I would say it's a "spin-off" from the original trilogy, but I'm not sure how that translates into books.)
I'm not in love with the cover, and for awhile I couldn't decide why - I think it's the hand. If the hand wasn't there I think it would be better. Also I was left with one tiny unanswered question, but in the spirit of being vague to avoid spoilers, the only thing I'll say is "Where did they all go afterwards?"
A huge thank you to Sara Ennis, BookSirens, NetGalley, and Good Girl Charlie LLC for the e-ARC of this awesome book, being released January 10, 2023!
If you're looking for a dark thriller with a satisfying ending, Sara Ennis never disappoints! *chef's kiss*
This is a standalone novel, although there are some characters and some mentions of characters from the Duality/Dollhouse trilogy. (If it was a TV series I would say it's a "spin-off" from the original trilogy, but I'm not sure how that translates into books.)
I'm not in love with the cover, and for awhile I couldn't decide why - I think it's the hand. If the hand wasn't there I think it would be better. Also I was left with one tiny unanswered question, but in the spirit of being vague to avoid spoilers, the only thing I'll say is "Where did they all go afterwards?"
A huge thank you to Sara Ennis, BookSirens, NetGalley, and Good Girl Charlie LLC for the e-ARC of this awesome book, being released January 10, 2023!
December 26, 2022
Sara Ennis has done it again! As with her prior novels, Little Doves managed to utterly horrify and entertain me in the best ways possible. 🖤
From the very start of the nail biting prologue, I was totally immersed in the storyline and getting to know the main characters. I also really loved the inclusion of a few characters from The Duality series (which I will quickly plug again as my FAVORITE thriller series of all time and if you haven’t read it - you still have time to do so before the New Year 😏)!
This may be one of the most dark and gory books I have read in a while, with plenty of suspense and thrill thrown into the mix, too. Add this one to your TBR list right away, or better yet, go ahead and pre-order it ASAP!
From the very start of the nail biting prologue, I was totally immersed in the storyline and getting to know the main characters. I also really loved the inclusion of a few characters from The Duality series (which I will quickly plug again as my FAVORITE thriller series of all time and if you haven’t read it - you still have time to do so before the New Year 😏)!
This may be one of the most dark and gory books I have read in a while, with plenty of suspense and thrill thrown into the mix, too. Add this one to your TBR list right away, or better yet, go ahead and pre-order it ASAP!
December 22, 2022
Many thanks to Book Sirens for this ARC
So my first Sara Ennis book -dark, disturbing and graphic in places which may not be for everyone. Told from multiple points of view and ebbing backwards and forwards which was done particularly well. Underlying tension throughout the book kept this flowing nicely and hard to put down, with an ending I didn’t see coming
This hard hitting , compelling brilliantly written book has just rocketed into my top 10 reads of the year. Incoming for the new year will definitely be the Dollshouse
So my first Sara Ennis book -dark, disturbing and graphic in places which may not be for everyone. Told from multiple points of view and ebbing backwards and forwards which was done particularly well. Underlying tension throughout the book kept this flowing nicely and hard to put down, with an ending I didn’t see coming
This hard hitting , compelling brilliantly written book has just rocketed into my top 10 reads of the year. Incoming for the new year will definitely be the Dollshouse
March 18, 2024
What a strange and sad book. Not one likeable character, disjointed and completely unbelievable plot lines, nary a single clue as to who the main protagonist is 😏 lots of female degradation which I abhor and a generally unsatisfying read 📖
January 31, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and Good Girl Charlie LLC for providing me with the ARC!
I was excited to get this ARC because I’d been looking for something more fast-paced and gory. Unfortunately, this wasn’t exactly it. The description pulled me in as well as the concept of it. For me, the book was very slow and repetitive. It didn’t really pick up until the last 20%, but about halfway through, I’d predicted what was going to happen, so the ending fell completely flat. I think the main reason why I found it so boring was because of the multiple POVs and how they were used. For example, it goes from The Surgeon’s POV, where they explain how they pick their victims and why, but after that, we get Nick’s POV, where he’s trying to figure out how The Surgeon picks their victims and why. This makes the entire book very frustrating as it could easily have half the amount of chapters and POV switches. I think the multi-POV also makes it harder to get to know the characters enough for them to be likable - I didn’t really feel attached to any characters until the last 20%.
Out of all the perspectives, I enjoyed The Surgeon’s the most, but wish it was a bit more mysterious and didn’t flat-out state their motive and what their plans were. I liked Nick’s character, but feel like he doesn’t really do much in the end.
Overall, it didn’t exactly live up to what I expected.
I was excited to get this ARC because I’d been looking for something more fast-paced and gory. Unfortunately, this wasn’t exactly it. The description pulled me in as well as the concept of it. For me, the book was very slow and repetitive. It didn’t really pick up until the last 20%, but about halfway through, I’d predicted what was going to happen, so the ending fell completely flat. I think the main reason why I found it so boring was because of the multiple POVs and how they were used. For example, it goes from The Surgeon’s POV, where they explain how they pick their victims and why, but after that, we get Nick’s POV, where he’s trying to figure out how The Surgeon picks their victims and why. This makes the entire book very frustrating as it could easily have half the amount of chapters and POV switches. I think the multi-POV also makes it harder to get to know the characters enough for them to be likable - I didn’t really feel attached to any characters until the last 20%.
Out of all the perspectives, I enjoyed The Surgeon’s the most, but wish it was a bit more mysterious and didn’t flat-out state their motive and what their plans were. I liked Nick’s character, but feel like he doesn’t really do much in the end.
Overall, it didn’t exactly live up to what I expected.
December 18, 2022
So, I’ve never read Sara Ennis, prior to “Little Doves.” I know, shame on me I’ve been missing out, right? Right.
The story begins 20 years ago when a young girl was abducted, tortured, and then killed. This, of course, destroyed her family, hitting her sister, Anastasia, so hard she has never gotten over the case. Now, another young girl has been abducted from the exact same Country Club, and the cases are so closely similar it’s hard to ignore.
Meanwhile, another depraved individual named The Surgeon, is running around and broadcasting very inventive and gruesome murders of supposedly innocent men?
So, naturally one wonders what does it all mean and are the cases linked? I will say the prologue was enough to get my reading engine started! Wow!
The story is told with multiple POV’s. Now, it takes a talent to keep this clear and concise and not lose the reader to boredom or frustration, and I will say, Sara does an excellent job. I found the chapters short, effective, and there was nothing obtuse about the descriptions, dialogues or writing. If you may, there is a bit of sick and dark humor in the book! Especially with the Surgeon’s inner dialogue.
The ending was not overdone, it wrapped up nicely, without bows and pretty paper.
I struggled between three or four stars to be honest. Only, because, the content is hard, graphic, and disturbing. I’ve been reading a long time, and I’ve read it all, but this book made me wince. The author does not sugar coat anything, which I can appreciate, but maybe I’m getting soft in my old age! But it was brutal.
Nevertheless, I will definitely add Sara Ennis to my TBR list for future books.
So, I’ve never read Sara Ennis, prior to “Little Doves.” I know, shame on me I’ve been missing out, right? Right.
The story begins 20 years ago when a young girl was abducted, tortured, and then killed. This, of course, destroyed her family, hitting her sister, Anastasia, so hard she has never gotten over the case. Now, another young girl has been abducted from the exact same Country Club, and the cases are so closely similar it’s hard to ignore.
Meanwhile, another depraved individual named The Surgeon, is running around and broadcasting very inventive and gruesome murders of supposedly innocent men?
So, naturally one wonders what does it all mean and are the cases linked? I will say the prologue was enough to get my reading engine started! Wow!
The story is told with multiple POV’s. Now, it takes a talent to keep this clear and concise and not lose the reader to boredom or frustration, and I will say, Sara does an excellent job. I found the chapters short, effective, and there was nothing obtuse about the descriptions, dialogues or writing. If you may, there is a bit of sick and dark humor in the book! Especially with the Surgeon’s inner dialogue.
The ending was not overdone, it wrapped up nicely, without bows and pretty paper.
I struggled between three or four stars to be honest. Only, because, the content is hard, graphic, and disturbing. I’ve been reading a long time, and I’ve read it all, but this book made me wince. The author does not sugar coat anything, which I can appreciate, but maybe I’m getting soft in my old age! But it was brutal.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Book Sirens.
The story begins 20 years ago when a young girl was abducted, tortured, and then killed. This, of course, destroyed her family, hitting her sister, Anastasia, so hard she has never gotten over the case. Now, another young girl has been abducted from the exact same Country Club, and the cases are so closely similar it’s hard to ignore.
Meanwhile, another depraved individual named The Surgeon, is running around and broadcasting very inventive and gruesome murders of supposedly innocent men?
So, naturally one wonders what does it all mean and are the cases linked? I will say the prologue was enough to get my reading engine started! Wow!
The story is told with multiple POV’s. Now, it takes a talent to keep this clear and concise and not lose the reader to boredom or frustration, and I will say, Sara does an excellent job. I found the chapters short, effective, and there was nothing obtuse about the descriptions, dialogues or writing. If you may, there is a bit of sick and dark humor in the book! Especially with the Surgeon’s inner dialogue.
The ending was not overdone, it wrapped up nicely, without bows and pretty paper.
I struggled between three or four stars to be honest. Only, because, the content is hard, graphic, and disturbing. I’ve been reading a long time, and I’ve read it all, but this book made me wince. The author does not sugar coat anything, which I can appreciate, but maybe I’m getting soft in my old age! But it was brutal.
Nevertheless, I will definitely add Sara Ennis to my TBR list for future books.
So, I’ve never read Sara Ennis, prior to “Little Doves.” I know, shame on me I’ve been missing out, right? Right.
The story begins 20 years ago when a young girl was abducted, tortured, and then killed. This, of course, destroyed her family, hitting her sister, Anastasia, so hard she has never gotten over the case. Now, another young girl has been abducted from the exact same Country Club, and the cases are so closely similar it’s hard to ignore.
Meanwhile, another depraved individual named The Surgeon, is running around and broadcasting very inventive and gruesome murders of supposedly innocent men?
So, naturally one wonders what does it all mean and are the cases linked? I will say the prologue was enough to get my reading engine started! Wow!
The story is told with multiple POV’s. Now, it takes a talent to keep this clear and concise and not lose the reader to boredom or frustration, and I will say, Sara does an excellent job. I found the chapters short, effective, and there was nothing obtuse about the descriptions, dialogues or writing. If you may, there is a bit of sick and dark humor in the book! Especially with the Surgeon’s inner dialogue.
The ending was not overdone, it wrapped up nicely, without bows and pretty paper.
I struggled between three or four stars to be honest. Only, because, the content is hard, graphic, and disturbing. I’ve been reading a long time, and I’ve read it all, but this book made me wince. The author does not sugar coat anything, which I can appreciate, but maybe I’m getting soft in my old age! But it was brutal.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Book Sirens.
January 9, 2023
Holy poo on a stick!
First book of the year and it didn't disappoint. Sara Ennis going for the jugular again, as usual, blowing my mind completely. This book was equal parts gripping, riveting and kept you stuck to the edge of your seat, so tense there was no possible way you'd unclench until it was done. If it was up to me, I'd have finished it in one sitting. Be that as it may, it was the best thing I've read since The Dollhouse (by this very author!)
I already figured the whole thing out halfway through, or rather had my suspicions, because I'm familiar with Ennis's ability to provide her readers with whiplash for all the twists and turns, but even though I already figured out the bulk of the mystery by 70% of the book, that satisfaction of guessing right was so rewarding.
I was never bored reading and truly believe that if you aren't doing psychological thriller like Sara Ennis does it, then you aren't doing it right. Moreso, if you don't know who Sara Ennis is, you best make yourself acquainted because you have not lived.
The content is gory and disturbing but it's well worth it because it's a brilliant story with a brilliant premise. Hat's off to everyone involved and especially to Ennis, who once again, hit a home run. Thank you Booksirens for this brilliant first read of 2023. I can only hope for more like it in the days that follow.
First book of the year and it didn't disappoint. Sara Ennis going for the jugular again, as usual, blowing my mind completely. This book was equal parts gripping, riveting and kept you stuck to the edge of your seat, so tense there was no possible way you'd unclench until it was done. If it was up to me, I'd have finished it in one sitting. Be that as it may, it was the best thing I've read since The Dollhouse (by this very author!)
I already figured the whole thing out halfway through, or rather had my suspicions, because I'm familiar with Ennis's ability to provide her readers with whiplash for all the twists and turns, but even though I already figured out the bulk of the mystery by 70% of the book, that satisfaction of guessing right was so rewarding.
I was never bored reading and truly believe that if you aren't doing psychological thriller like Sara Ennis does it, then you aren't doing it right. Moreso, if you don't know who Sara Ennis is, you best make yourself acquainted because you have not lived.
The content is gory and disturbing but it's well worth it because it's a brilliant story with a brilliant premise. Hat's off to everyone involved and especially to Ennis, who once again, hit a home run. Thank you Booksirens for this brilliant first read of 2023. I can only hope for more like it in the days that follow.
January 8, 2023
A tale of kidnapping, murder, and misplaced justice.
Little Doves is a thriller that touches on so many issues with the world / child kidnapping and murder, miscarriage of justice, the Dark Web. The author does a wonderful job of keeping mystery alive by switching both timelines and character points of view.
I enjoyed the different characters and how their worlds and timelines intertwined. The characters for the most part were well fleshed out and realistic.
I enjoyed the mystery behind the Surgeon’s identity to be masterful. I had my suspicions towards the end, but even then I was happy to see all the pieces of the puzzle put together.
A few of the twists in this novel were a bit obvious to me, I love my true crime stories, but they were still well written.
I greatly enjoyed this psychological thriller and following along with the investigation as it progressed.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel for free from the author and BookSirens. I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Little Doves is a thriller that touches on so many issues with the world / child kidnapping and murder, miscarriage of justice, the Dark Web. The author does a wonderful job of keeping mystery alive by switching both timelines and character points of view.
I enjoyed the different characters and how their worlds and timelines intertwined. The characters for the most part were well fleshed out and realistic.
I enjoyed the mystery behind the Surgeon’s identity to be masterful. I had my suspicions towards the end, but even then I was happy to see all the pieces of the puzzle put together.
A few of the twists in this novel were a bit obvious to me, I love my true crime stories, but they were still well written.
I greatly enjoyed this psychological thriller and following along with the investigation as it progressed.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel for free from the author and BookSirens. I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
March 12, 2025
Little Doves by Sara Ennis is a tense, fast-paced thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Stasia King is haunted by the memory of her sister’s abduction and murder twenty years ago. When another girl goes missing from the same location, Stasia finds herself pulled back into the dark past, wondering if the two cases are connected despite the killer being dead.
The dual plotlines—Stasia’s search for answers and the chilling actions of "The Surgeon," a figure maiming innocent men and posting the attacks online—are woven together masterfully. Ennis’ exploration of justice, revenge, and trauma creates a powerful emotional undertone throughout the book. The suspense builds with every chapter, especially with the disturbing social media aspect of The Surgeon’s crimes.
While the pacing is strong and the plot compelling, some of the characters could have been more fleshed out. Still, the twists and dark atmosphere make Little Doves a solid thriller. If you enjoy intense mysteries with complex motivations, this book is a must-read!
The dual plotlines—Stasia’s search for answers and the chilling actions of "The Surgeon," a figure maiming innocent men and posting the attacks online—are woven together masterfully. Ennis’ exploration of justice, revenge, and trauma creates a powerful emotional undertone throughout the book. The suspense builds with every chapter, especially with the disturbing social media aspect of The Surgeon’s crimes.
While the pacing is strong and the plot compelling, some of the characters could have been more fleshed out. Still, the twists and dark atmosphere make Little Doves a solid thriller. If you enjoy intense mysteries with complex motivations, this book is a must-read!
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