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Regan Merritt #2
Don't Open the Door: A Novel
11 hours, 11 minutes
A child is shot while playing video games at home. His mother will stop at nothing to find out who did it—and why.
After their ten-year-old son, Chase, was senselessly murdered, Regan's life unraveled. Her corporate lawyer husband, Grant, blamed the death on Regan’s work as a US marshal. Unable to reconcile their grief, they divorced, and Regan quit her job and moved away.
Now she's back after a voice mail from her former boss Tommy said he had important news to share about Chase’s killing. Regan is stunned to learn Tommy is dead too. When she reaches out to Grant, his panicked reaction raises her suspicions. Then a lawyer with ties to her ex also turns up murdered, and the police make Grant their top suspect.
Unsure of his guilt or innocence, Regan risks everything to find Grant before the police do so she can finally get the answers to all that has haunted her since losing Chase. But the truth is not even close to what she imagines—and now she fears she has no one to trust.
A child is shot while playing video games at home. His mother will stop at nothing to find out who did it—and why.
After their ten-year-old son, Chase, was senselessly murdered, Regan's life unraveled. Her corporate lawyer husband, Grant, blamed the death on Regan’s work as a US marshal. Unable to reconcile their grief, they divorced, and Regan quit her job and moved away.
Now she's back after a voice mail from her former boss Tommy said he had important news to share about Chase’s killing. Regan is stunned to learn Tommy is dead too. When she reaches out to Grant, his panicked reaction raises her suspicions. Then a lawyer with ties to her ex also turns up murdered, and the police make Grant their top suspect.
Unsure of his guilt or innocence, Regan risks everything to find Grant before the police do so she can finally get the answers to all that has haunted her since losing Chase. But the truth is not even close to what she imagines—and now she fears she has no one to trust.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published January 24, 2023
1129 people are currently reading
5118 people want to read
About the author
Allison Brennan
107 books5,209 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Allison Brennan believes that life is too short to be bored, so she had five children and writes three books a year.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 671 reviews
January 24, 2023
Decent second offering in this duology. I'd say you definitely need to read The Sorority Murder first in order to get the background of the main character, because this book takes up where that one left off.
After the murder of her young son Chase and the revelations about its motive afterward, Regan Merritt resigned from the US Marshals and has moved to Flagstaff, Arizona to be closer to her family. When a shocking discovery by her former colleague Tommy leads to his murder, Regan returns to try to figure out what happened in the past and why.
The exciting parts of this book are very exciting and there are many great twists along the way. The plot is intriguing and kept me interested for the most part. There are a lot of convoluted plot threads that take quite a while to get pulled together, and there are many instances where things are explained over and over and over again and I got tired of all of the repetition. If I had to read one more time "Well, you/we/I/they know what happened but there's no actual evidence" I was about ready to scream. There is a lot of over-explaining how things fit together, especially toward the end.
That said, it's a solid conclusion to the case of Regan's son's murder, and I won't mind if Brennan brings her back in the future to solve some crimes.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
After the murder of her young son Chase and the revelations about its motive afterward, Regan Merritt resigned from the US Marshals and has moved to Flagstaff, Arizona to be closer to her family. When a shocking discovery by her former colleague Tommy leads to his murder, Regan returns to try to figure out what happened in the past and why.
The exciting parts of this book are very exciting and there are many great twists along the way. The plot is intriguing and kept me interested for the most part. There are a lot of convoluted plot threads that take quite a while to get pulled together, and there are many instances where things are explained over and over and over again and I got tired of all of the repetition. If I had to read one more time "Well, you/we/I/they know what happened but there's no actual evidence" I was about ready to scream. There is a lot of over-explaining how things fit together, especially toward the end.
That said, it's a solid conclusion to the case of Regan's son's murder, and I won't mind if Brennan brings her back in the future to solve some crimes.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
October 10, 2023
the setup…
When former US Marshal Regan Merritt’s 10-year old son Chase was gunned down in her home in Northern Virginia, it not only destroyed her but also her marriage to attorney Grant Warwick. He blamed her job for what happened to Chase and evidence seemed to support that someone related to one of her cases was responsible. It’s been a year since she quit her job and joined her family in Arizona but now she’s returned to Virginia after Tommy Grainger, her former partner, left her a cryptic voice mail message and moments later was murdered at his front door by a sniper. He was investigating Chase’s shooting and was convinced that he had new information to re-open the case. Regan is determined to to learn what it was he uncovered that not only got him killed but now had her and others in serious peril.
the heart of the story…
In the previous story, we only knew that Chase had died tragically and Regan blamed herself so I was thrilled that we’d finally learn the details of what happened. Tommy’s investigation was “off the books” so no one at the US Marshal’s office had any of the information he was on his way to present. But Regan knew her former partner well and where to probe. As she slowly finds bits and pieces of his investigation, things start to point in interesting and curious directions. I really enjoyed how challenging it all was as Regan was pretty much on her own with limited support from Charlie North, Tommy’s friend and colleague. Her ex-husband Grant is also involved and the more I got to know him, the more I was glad for Regan that she’d walked away from him.
the narration…
There are a lot of characters here and the narrator was skilled at not only providing good voice distinctions but was great at the storytelling. I liked her performance.
the bottom line…
This wasn’t an easy story to keep up with as it was a tangled web of lies, intrigue and corruption. I loved seeing Regan in action even though she no longer had her credentials as a US Marshal but still had the skills, instincts and smarts. It was a tough case and she was up against some pretty powerful people. I enjoyed the story and while I had some of it figured out, there were still interesting revelations I hadn’t anticipated. I’m not sure if we will get more of Regan Merritt or if her story ends here but I certainly hope we get more of this intriguing character and what’s next for her as she explores that herself.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
When former US Marshal Regan Merritt’s 10-year old son Chase was gunned down in her home in Northern Virginia, it not only destroyed her but also her marriage to attorney Grant Warwick. He blamed her job for what happened to Chase and evidence seemed to support that someone related to one of her cases was responsible. It’s been a year since she quit her job and joined her family in Arizona but now she’s returned to Virginia after Tommy Grainger, her former partner, left her a cryptic voice mail message and moments later was murdered at his front door by a sniper. He was investigating Chase’s shooting and was convinced that he had new information to re-open the case. Regan is determined to to learn what it was he uncovered that not only got him killed but now had her and others in serious peril.
the heart of the story…
In the previous story, we only knew that Chase had died tragically and Regan blamed herself so I was thrilled that we’d finally learn the details of what happened. Tommy’s investigation was “off the books” so no one at the US Marshal’s office had any of the information he was on his way to present. But Regan knew her former partner well and where to probe. As she slowly finds bits and pieces of his investigation, things start to point in interesting and curious directions. I really enjoyed how challenging it all was as Regan was pretty much on her own with limited support from Charlie North, Tommy’s friend and colleague. Her ex-husband Grant is also involved and the more I got to know him, the more I was glad for Regan that she’d walked away from him.
the narration…
There are a lot of characters here and the narrator was skilled at not only providing good voice distinctions but was great at the storytelling. I liked her performance.
the bottom line…
This wasn’t an easy story to keep up with as it was a tangled web of lies, intrigue and corruption. I loved seeing Regan in action even though she no longer had her credentials as a US Marshal but still had the skills, instincts and smarts. It was a tough case and she was up against some pretty powerful people. I enjoyed the story and while I had some of it figured out, there were still interesting revelations I hadn’t anticipated. I’m not sure if we will get more of Regan Merritt or if her story ends here but I certainly hope we get more of this intriguing character and what’s next for her as she explores that herself.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
January 21, 2023
To be blunt, I was very disappointed in this book. This is nowhere near the best that Allison Brennan can write. I get that Regan has suffered an unspeakable tragedy for any parent. The hole in her life was slowly healing and, in this book, gets ripped wide open again. The story about how she picks up the investigation left incomplete on the murder of her friend, Tommy, was convoluted and twisty and at times you wondered if all the pieces would come together or if the good guys would win or all be killed.
Former US Marshal Regan Merritt has found peace in the wide-open spaces of her home in Arizona. It is a peace that is destroyed with a phone call from an old friend who has been investigating her son's murder on his own time. Marshal Tommy Grainger has finally answered the question of why her son, Chase, died. The next thing Regan hears is that Tommy has been murdered and there is no trace of anything he was working on.
Going back to Virginia reopens the wound that has been slowly healing, but the murder of Tommy proves to Regan that the death of her son wasn't her fault as her ex-husband, Grant Warwick, had claimed. Determined to find a trail from the scraps of notes left behind, Regan finds the trail leads to her ex and his law firm. Grant is not cooperative, even though Tommy had called and met with him several times in the weeks leading to his death. Knowing that Grant is the key, Regan tracks him down, but Grant is scared and refuses to help her. On her own, Regan puts together a sinister plot that involves some of the most wealthy and powerful people in the nation. But she lacks evidence, and a killer is on her trail.
My thanks to the Publisher and the author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Former US Marshal Regan Merritt has found peace in the wide-open spaces of her home in Arizona. It is a peace that is destroyed with a phone call from an old friend who has been investigating her son's murder on his own time. Marshal Tommy Grainger has finally answered the question of why her son, Chase, died. The next thing Regan hears is that Tommy has been murdered and there is no trace of anything he was working on.
Going back to Virginia reopens the wound that has been slowly healing, but the murder of Tommy proves to Regan that the death of her son wasn't her fault as her ex-husband, Grant Warwick, had claimed. Determined to find a trail from the scraps of notes left behind, Regan finds the trail leads to her ex and his law firm. Grant is not cooperative, even though Tommy had called and met with him several times in the weeks leading to his death. Knowing that Grant is the key, Regan tracks him down, but Grant is scared and refuses to help her. On her own, Regan puts together a sinister plot that involves some of the most wealthy and powerful people in the nation. But she lacks evidence, and a killer is on her trail.
My thanks to the Publisher and the author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
February 1, 2023
This is a well-written, entertaining, fast paced thriller. It has a strong, capable, courageous, and likable female protagonist, murder, mystery, intrigue, suspense, twists and turns and a satisfying conclusion. This is the second entry in Ms. Brennan's outstanding Regan Merritt series, and can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. I am looking forward to reading the next novel in this series with great anticipation. I listened to the audio version of this novel, and the narrator, Ms. Amy McFadden, does an excellent job depicting the characters and their personalities.
October 12, 2023
I have to say, I found this Regan Merritt sequel even more captivating than the first book! It's a whirlwind of intensity, action, and excitement, making it an exhilarating standalone read in its own right.
The story kicks off with Tom Granger, who wears many hats in Regan's life: confidant, one-night stand, mentor, and her closest friend. Tom, a determined and powerful Marshall, is on a relentless quest to solve the murder of Regan's 11-year-old son. When he stumbles upon critical clues, he arranges a meeting to share this vital information with his superiors. However, he never makes it to that meeting. Someone lurking in the shadows, perched in a tree near Tom's house, ruthlessly pulls the trigger and takes his life just moments before Tom can call Regan and leave a voicemail.
Simultaneously, a nurse whose sister was entangled in an armed robbery becomes increasingly distressed when she doesn't hear from Detective Granger. He's the sole person who can protect her cover and place her in a safe house. Left with no other option, she's forced to go on the run.
Regan is utterly devastated when she learns of Tom's death. She finds herself in a maelstrom of distrust, unsure of who she can rely on. It becomes apparent that there is a traitor within the FBI, and this enemy could be lurking among those closest to her. Even her ex-husband, who has betrayed her multiple times, continues to blame her for their son's tragic death.
In a bid to unearth the unsettling truth behind the corporation's involvement, Regan must re-enter the fray and dive headfirst into the case.
This is a brilliantly crafted mystery that will keep you on high alert, eagerly turning the pages to see how the grand enigma unfolds. While we might have to wait for the next book to receive more concrete answers, this installment is an utterly addictive page-turner that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Publishing/Mira for generously providing me with this digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. It was an enthralling read!
The story kicks off with Tom Granger, who wears many hats in Regan's life: confidant, one-night stand, mentor, and her closest friend. Tom, a determined and powerful Marshall, is on a relentless quest to solve the murder of Regan's 11-year-old son. When he stumbles upon critical clues, he arranges a meeting to share this vital information with his superiors. However, he never makes it to that meeting. Someone lurking in the shadows, perched in a tree near Tom's house, ruthlessly pulls the trigger and takes his life just moments before Tom can call Regan and leave a voicemail.
Simultaneously, a nurse whose sister was entangled in an armed robbery becomes increasingly distressed when she doesn't hear from Detective Granger. He's the sole person who can protect her cover and place her in a safe house. Left with no other option, she's forced to go on the run.
Regan is utterly devastated when she learns of Tom's death. She finds herself in a maelstrom of distrust, unsure of who she can rely on. It becomes apparent that there is a traitor within the FBI, and this enemy could be lurking among those closest to her. Even her ex-husband, who has betrayed her multiple times, continues to blame her for their son's tragic death.
In a bid to unearth the unsettling truth behind the corporation's involvement, Regan must re-enter the fray and dive headfirst into the case.
This is a brilliantly crafted mystery that will keep you on high alert, eagerly turning the pages to see how the grand enigma unfolds. While we might have to wait for the next book to receive more concrete answers, this installment is an utterly addictive page-turner that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Publishing/Mira for generously providing me with this digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. It was an enthralling read!
August 20, 2025
Required immense brain power. Oh boy. I did it! This was a conspiracy mystery action packed book and really not what I thought I was getting myself into. Not an entirely bad thing - I did mostly like it - but I’m not a huge fan of conspiracy mysteries but wanted to continue with this series for the main character if nothing else. She’s still awesome, of course. I didn’t find the story entirely satisfying. So much happened but the ending left much to be desired. The action and characters were the best part. Plus, I love Alison’s writing. It was confusing at points but I locked in and am left feeling like I went on a brain work out lol.
April 1, 2023
4¾⭐
…the bullet points
- book #2 in Regan Merritt Series
- mystery suspense thriller
- FBI/US marshalls
- twists & turns that really keep you guessing
In the first book of this series; we know that Regan Merritt has lost her son but the mystery at play doesn’t deal with that. This second book is all about her son and finding out who had her son killed and whether she was the intended victim. And wow, what an interesting and twisty path this takes. I was hooked.
…about the narration
🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️/5
- Amy McFadden -her narration is undoubtedly fantastic…but I personally would’ve liked this to have more narrators for the other POVs.
...the score
➨ 9.27/10 | Opening-9 | Characters-9 | Plot-9.3 | Atmosphere-9.5 | Writing Style-9.3 | Ending-9.5 | Overall Enjoyment- 9.3
…the bullet points
- book #2 in Regan Merritt Series
- mystery suspense thriller
- FBI/US marshalls
- twists & turns that really keep you guessing
In the first book of this series; we know that Regan Merritt has lost her son but the mystery at play doesn’t deal with that. This second book is all about her son and finding out who had her son killed and whether she was the intended victim. And wow, what an interesting and twisty path this takes. I was hooked.
…about the narration
🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️/5
- Amy McFadden -her narration is undoubtedly fantastic…but I personally would’ve liked this to have more narrators for the other POVs.
...the score
➨ 9.27/10 | Opening-9 | Characters-9 | Plot-9.3 | Atmosphere-9.5 | Writing Style-9.3 | Ending-9.5 | Overall Enjoyment- 9.3
January 1, 2023
This is the second installment of the Regan Merritt series and the book that actually appealed to me first before starting the series with the first installment. This is the fifth Allison Brennan book that I’ve read; all 3-4star ratings. I like Brennan’s work; she’s a good writer and storyteller.
The book summary lays out the primary storyline: the investigation in her former partner’s murder that also leads to the investigation into her son’s murder. I like Regan, she’s a bad@$$, female, former, US Marshall and an avenging Momma on a mission. Regan picks up her former partner’s (Tommy) investigation of her son's murder where he left off before being murdered himself. It takes most of the story for her to catch up to what Tommy had already discovered.
In the second half of the story, there are a few scary scenes with Regan, Tommy’s Marshall team as well as a couple of witnesses that landed themselves in witness protection. The last 25% of the book, the story and investigations begin to merge. The last 10% was explosive and intense that had me hanging on until the end. The ending was a cliffhanger to the next installment.
This one was definitely worth waiting for until I read the first installment. This story would not have worked well for me as a standalone. I strongly recommend starting from the beginning to really enjoy all details of this one. Brennan is well known for her trilogies, so I suspect she will wrap up Regan’s story in the next book.
I want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
@NetGalley @HarlequinTradePublishing @Don’tOpentheDoor
The book summary lays out the primary storyline: the investigation in her former partner’s murder that also leads to the investigation into her son’s murder. I like Regan, she’s a bad@$$, female, former, US Marshall and an avenging Momma on a mission. Regan picks up her former partner’s (Tommy) investigation of her son's murder where he left off before being murdered himself. It takes most of the story for her to catch up to what Tommy had already discovered.
In the second half of the story, there are a few scary scenes with Regan, Tommy’s Marshall team as well as a couple of witnesses that landed themselves in witness protection. The last 25% of the book, the story and investigations begin to merge. The last 10% was explosive and intense that had me hanging on until the end. The ending was a cliffhanger to the next installment.
This one was definitely worth waiting for until I read the first installment. This story would not have worked well for me as a standalone. I strongly recommend starting from the beginning to really enjoy all details of this one. Brennan is well known for her trilogies, so I suspect she will wrap up Regan’s story in the next book.
I want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
@NetGalley @HarlequinTradePublishing @Don’tOpentheDoor
December 30, 2023
I will spare you the pain.
Regan and Grant were married and had a son Chase who was killed by a bullet intended for Grant.
Chase liked baseball.
They were Nationals Fans
Regan and Grant got divocrced after Chase died
Regan is cold, non emotional and not a romantic. Grant wants a wife with emotions and feelings.
REgan is a US Marshall.
OKay now read that paragraph 17 times after each sentence that follows. (Literally the reader has to go through these explanations I do not know how many times! I wanted to pull my hair out!)
Woven through the above paragraph the plot centers around Regan must return to DC/VA to figure out who is actually behind the death of her son because her friend Tommy that was investigating the shooting is taken out by a sniper.
Then there is the whole side story of Becca and Lance (I'm sorry but these two characters are straight out of Valley Girl Prep 101)
I think this book is the reason why I avoid police/fbi books, they are boring. I am sorry given me some rich housewives and cheating husbands that kill each other.
I really enjoyed Regan's first book The Sorrority Murders, and I realize now it is because she was not in that book very much......Big Skip For me...By the way, GO BRAVES
Okay now read that paragraph
Regan and Grant were married and had a son Chase who was killed by a bullet intended for Grant.
Chase liked baseball.
They were Nationals Fans
Regan and Grant got divocrced after Chase died
Regan is cold, non emotional and not a romantic. Grant wants a wife with emotions and feelings.
REgan is a US Marshall.
OKay now read that paragraph 17 times after each sentence that follows. (Literally the reader has to go through these explanations I do not know how many times! I wanted to pull my hair out!)
Woven through the above paragraph the plot centers around Regan must return to DC/VA to figure out who is actually behind the death of her son because her friend Tommy that was investigating the shooting is taken out by a sniper.
Then there is the whole side story of Becca and Lance (I'm sorry but these two characters are straight out of Valley Girl Prep 101)
I think this book is the reason why I avoid police/fbi books, they are boring. I am sorry given me some rich housewives and cheating husbands that kill each other.
I really enjoyed Regan's first book The Sorrority Murders, and I realize now it is because she was not in that book very much......Big Skip For me...By the way, GO BRAVES
Okay now read that paragraph
January 27, 2023
4.5 Stars
Regan Merritt quit the Marshal service and left town ten months ago after the murder of her son, Chase, and the subsequent unraveling of her marriage. Her ex, Grant blamed her job for the murder, and the FBI closed the case without satisfying answers. However, her former partner, Tommy, leaves a message that he’s had some breaks in the case and is close to finding out the truth. Then Regan finds out Tommy’s been murdered right after making the call.
Regan heads back to Virginia determined to find justice for Tommy and her son with the help of the US Marshals office at her back. As Tommy’s laptop and phone were stolen in the assault, Regan has to piece together the clues in other ways. She’s surprised to find out Tommy’s been talking to her ex-husband a lot!
I love Allison Brennan’s mysteries, so I was excited to get more Regan Merritt, the star of her newer mystery series. In the last book, The Sorority Murder, when we meet Regan, she’s back in her childhood home in Arizona, grieving her son’s death, and she’s drawn into an old cold case. Her personal crisis wasn’t at the forefront of that story, but it is here. Sometimes it’s a gradual process, getting to know a character, becoming invested in their story and I really feel Don’t Open the Door solidified that for me with Regan. More than just a police procedural mystery, which was compelling on its own, I cared about the personal lives of her characters, too!
As Regan pieces together the clues it’s apparent she’s getting closer to the truth as she faces danger at every turn. I was nervous for her and a few characters while reading! Definitely a page turner!
Don’t Open the Door was a riveting police procedural, with perfectly imperfect, complex characters! The mystery is solved and while still painful for Regan, I feel like she had to get through this to open her up to other possibilities in the future. I’m excited to discover what’s next for Regan Merritt!
A copy was kindly provided by MIRA in exchange for an honest review.
Regan Merritt quit the Marshal service and left town ten months ago after the murder of her son, Chase, and the subsequent unraveling of her marriage. Her ex, Grant blamed her job for the murder, and the FBI closed the case without satisfying answers. However, her former partner, Tommy, leaves a message that he’s had some breaks in the case and is close to finding out the truth. Then Regan finds out Tommy’s been murdered right after making the call.
Regan heads back to Virginia determined to find justice for Tommy and her son with the help of the US Marshals office at her back. As Tommy’s laptop and phone were stolen in the assault, Regan has to piece together the clues in other ways. She’s surprised to find out Tommy’s been talking to her ex-husband a lot!
I love Allison Brennan’s mysteries, so I was excited to get more Regan Merritt, the star of her newer mystery series. In the last book, The Sorority Murder, when we meet Regan, she’s back in her childhood home in Arizona, grieving her son’s death, and she’s drawn into an old cold case. Her personal crisis wasn’t at the forefront of that story, but it is here. Sometimes it’s a gradual process, getting to know a character, becoming invested in their story and I really feel Don’t Open the Door solidified that for me with Regan. More than just a police procedural mystery, which was compelling on its own, I cared about the personal lives of her characters, too!
As Regan pieces together the clues it’s apparent she’s getting closer to the truth as she faces danger at every turn. I was nervous for her and a few characters while reading! Definitely a page turner!
Don’t Open the Door was a riveting police procedural, with perfectly imperfect, complex characters! The mystery is solved and while still painful for Regan, I feel like she had to get through this to open her up to other possibilities in the future. I’m excited to discover what’s next for Regan Merritt!
A copy was kindly provided by MIRA in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2023
I preferred the first of this series only for the plot (I'm just not a super bug fan of corrupt companies, if I'm reading a thriller/mystery I like the motive to be more personal) but Regan as a character is still one of my favorites! Definitely excited to read more of her in the future!
November 21, 2022
Allison Brennan, I adore you...
After reading The Sorority Murders, I knew Brennan and I had just dipped our feet in what would turn out to be a long standing reader/author relationship. When a novel, like The Sorority Murders, can linger in my head long after concluding, I knew I hit the jackpot when it came to uncovering a new favorite author.
As The Sorority Murdersl hit the internet blogging stream, I knew I wasn't wrong when it came to falling head over feet for this unstoppable author.
So, when Don't Open the Door, popped up on Netgalley, I knew I had to have it!
Here we go.....
I'm not a fan of series. We all know that I have the attention span of a gerbil and commitment issues comparable to George Clooney BUT I made an exception when it came to The Regan Merritt, series.
I love Regan Merritt, I was first introduced to Regan in The Sorority Murders, and to see her story continue into this second installment I knew without even beginning that this would be a five star book, and I was not wrong.
So lets just get that part out of the way, Don't Open the Door, is without a doubt, a five star read.
Now, back to the good stuff...
I will first start out by warning you, I doubt you will be able to sleep with the lights off after concluding. I know I sure wont be. The twists just kept on coming. The "jaw dropping" moments happened so often I barely had a chance to pull my jaw off the floor from the one before. The conclusion? There is no way you could even anticipate this ending! This book will gut punch you over and over again.
If you thought The Sorority Murders was good (and it is!!!) you need to run on over to your favorite bookstore and pre-order Don't Open the Door. If you have not read an Allison Brennan, novel ...... what are you waiting for?
After reading The Sorority Murders, I knew Brennan and I had just dipped our feet in what would turn out to be a long standing reader/author relationship. When a novel, like The Sorority Murders, can linger in my head long after concluding, I knew I hit the jackpot when it came to uncovering a new favorite author.
As The Sorority Murdersl hit the internet blogging stream, I knew I wasn't wrong when it came to falling head over feet for this unstoppable author.
So, when Don't Open the Door, popped up on Netgalley, I knew I had to have it!
Here we go.....
I'm not a fan of series. We all know that I have the attention span of a gerbil and commitment issues comparable to George Clooney BUT I made an exception when it came to The Regan Merritt, series.
I love Regan Merritt, I was first introduced to Regan in The Sorority Murders, and to see her story continue into this second installment I knew without even beginning that this would be a five star book, and I was not wrong.
So lets just get that part out of the way, Don't Open the Door, is without a doubt, a five star read.
Now, back to the good stuff...
I will first start out by warning you, I doubt you will be able to sleep with the lights off after concluding. I know I sure wont be. The twists just kept on coming. The "jaw dropping" moments happened so often I barely had a chance to pull my jaw off the floor from the one before. The conclusion? There is no way you could even anticipate this ending! This book will gut punch you over and over again.
If you thought The Sorority Murders was good (and it is!!!) you need to run on over to your favorite bookstore and pre-order Don't Open the Door. If you have not read an Allison Brennan, novel ...... what are you waiting for?
November 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this follow up book with Regan. It was fast and a little bit sad. I’d love to see her get another book.
February 14, 2023
BRAVO Allison BRENNAN !!
I’m so happy you’re back!!
Written in true Brennan style, full tilt and fully fleshed out where you can’t possibly make the final connection.
The beginning was a little confusing but then we hit the ground running. You do not need to read The Sorority Murders first to read this book. They’re two different stories that are best enjoyed separately.
After Quinn & Costa #3 I was very, very tentative to pick up this book. I’m so happy to say that poor reading experience was the only once I’d had, and I’ve read all of AB’s books!
Regan owns up to all her faults & continues to be a strong, kickass badass female lead. I loved seeing her gain more and more strength as she solidified her purpose throughout the book. I couldn’t put this book down!!
I’m so happy you’re back!!
Written in true Brennan style, full tilt and fully fleshed out where you can’t possibly make the final connection.
The beginning was a little confusing but then we hit the ground running. You do not need to read The Sorority Murders first to read this book. They’re two different stories that are best enjoyed separately.
After Quinn & Costa #3 I was very, very tentative to pick up this book. I’m so happy to say that poor reading experience was the only once I’d had, and I’ve read all of AB’s books!
Regan owns up to all her faults & continues to be a strong, kickass badass female lead. I loved seeing her gain more and more strength as she solidified her purpose throughout the book. I couldn’t put this book down!!
January 24, 2023
From the start to the finish this one was jammed packed with crazy things going on, but that is what happens when you have bad people hiding the bad things they are doing. I hated how there were so many people killed as these bad people were hiding their bad deeds. It was nice when at the end everything was out, it felt like Regan finally had some piece of mind as to what happened in her past and now can move forward, like many others.
March 4, 2024
this was ok. I’m happy that Regan (and Grant) were able to finally get justice and closure with their son’s death, but I was expecting more. this one just lacked the amateur sleuth-ness that I found charming in the first book. I missed Lucas. it was just meh
April 3, 2023
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Don’t Open the Door is the second book in Allison Brennan’s Reagan Merritt series. While it can be read as a stand-alone, the background information in book prepares one for the events occurring in book two. In this installment Brennan gives her readers a gripping and suspenseful read with a fitting conclusion.
Former US Marshall, Regan Merritt mourns the loss of her son, Chase, who was murdered ten months ago. The loss of her son coupled with the end of her marriage led to her quitting her job and returning to her roots in Arizona. The change aided in her healing process, however a call from her former partner, Tommy, opened old wounds. She had no plans to return to Virginia, however, news of Tommy's murder changed her perspective. She returns determined to find justice for Tommy and her son, Chase.
Sorority Murder gave readers a brief look in to Reagan's past and it left the reader with several questions regarding said past. Well, Don't Open the Door provided the answers to those questions and more. Reagan is resilient, meticulous, determined and a no nonsense individual. All of which made her good at her job as a US Marshall. She's is not the type of woman to have emotional outbursts, which didn't go down well with her ex. I had an interesting time following her journey of discovering the truth. She is one tough cookie and not a woman to mess with.
Reagan's ex vexed my spirit. Despite the evidence staring him in the face he refused to accept it. His actions only helped to make the situation worse and bringing unnecessary danger to their doorsteps.
The pacing, the twists and the suspenseful scenes pulled me into the story. I like that it kept me guessing with every page turn. There were points in the story which had me feeling scared for one of the witnesses. She was quite smart and I hoped she would survive the danger following her. The investigation followed many paths and it was interesting seeing them all merge into one big conclusion. It made me happy to see Reagan getting the closure she needed despite the pain endured during the journey.
Overall, Don’t Open the Door was a captivating story with engaging characters! I am looking forward to more of what Brennan has to offer.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Former US Marshall, Regan Merritt mourns the loss of her son, Chase, who was murdered ten months ago. The loss of her son coupled with the end of her marriage led to her quitting her job and returning to her roots in Arizona. The change aided in her healing process, however a call from her former partner, Tommy, opened old wounds. She had no plans to return to Virginia, however, news of Tommy's murder changed her perspective. She returns determined to find justice for Tommy and her son, Chase.
Sorority Murder gave readers a brief look in to Reagan's past and it left the reader with several questions regarding said past. Well, Don't Open the Door provided the answers to those questions and more. Reagan is resilient, meticulous, determined and a no nonsense individual. All of which made her good at her job as a US Marshall. She's is not the type of woman to have emotional outbursts, which didn't go down well with her ex. I had an interesting time following her journey of discovering the truth. She is one tough cookie and not a woman to mess with.
Reagan's ex vexed my spirit. Despite the evidence staring him in the face he refused to accept it. His actions only helped to make the situation worse and bringing unnecessary danger to their doorsteps.
The pacing, the twists and the suspenseful scenes pulled me into the story. I like that it kept me guessing with every page turn. There were points in the story which had me feeling scared for one of the witnesses. She was quite smart and I hoped she would survive the danger following her. The investigation followed many paths and it was interesting seeing them all merge into one big conclusion. It made me happy to see Reagan getting the closure she needed despite the pain endured during the journey.
Overall, Don’t Open the Door was a captivating story with engaging characters! I am looking forward to more of what Brennan has to offer.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
January 23, 2023
Don’t Open The Door is the second book in Allison Brennan’s Regan Merritt Series. I have read this as a stand-alone and feel it was not an issue, however I will go back and read The Sorority Murder because I am that intrigued. This is a well written murder mystery and was a pleasure to read. The characters are well developed and relatable. It is filled with secrets, murder, suspense and a ton of mystery. Ms. Brennan will keep you guessing through out and that ending…..well read the book, you will be surprised. I enjoyed the writing style and storytelling abilities of this author!!! She does not disappoint.
Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, Mira and Allison Brennan for this suspenseful story to read and review. The opinions expressed are my own.
#netgalley #harlequintradepublishing. #mira
#dontopenthedoor #allisonbrennan. #arc
#htpinfluencer
Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, Mira and Allison Brennan for this suspenseful story to read and review. The opinions expressed are my own.
#netgalley #harlequintradepublishing. #mira
#dontopenthedoor #allisonbrennan. #arc
#htpinfluencer
March 26, 2023
I did not know this was the second in a duology, and sounds like maybe I should have read the first book ahead of this one for better context. However, once it got going I was ok and able to follow along with the story and enjoyed it very much. I love stories where corruption runs rampant and you don’t know how the good guys will win, and this is one of those stories. Body counts are high and time is running out, and this was quite suspenseful as it got close to the end. I definitely recommend this one but think you should start with the first book, and if it is anything like this one it will be a quick and suspenseful read.
Thank you to NetGalley and MIRA Books for the digital copy to review.
Thank you to NetGalley and MIRA Books for the digital copy to review.
April 29, 2023
More like 3.5 ⭐️ I enjoyed the next chapter of Regan’s journey, and I’ll read the next book in the series!
February 8, 2024
this book gave me whiplash. it was slay however there were too many names and companies involved and got confusing. but overall exhilarating 😋💖
January 28, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for a complimentary copy of this book. It is set to be published January 24, 2023. This is book 2 in the Reagan Merritt series. Reagan’s son is shot and killed one evening. At first, she and her soon-to-be ex-husband believe it was related to her job as a US Marshal. Fast forward 9 months later, she is retired from the Marshals office, divorced, and living in Arizona with her father.
One day, Reagan receives a voicemail from a past co-worker/friend, Tommy, claiming he knows who killed her son and why. Was it really because of her job as a US Marshal, or something deeper and more sinister? Before Reagan can find out from Tommy what he knows, he is murdered. Now, Reagan has to retrace his steps and find out what he knew that got him killed.
I really enjoyed reading this novel. It’s a mystery, suspense, legal thriller all in one!!! I was sad for Reagan and the loss of her son. There was so much going on in this book, I didn’t want to put it down until I found out who the bad guy(s) was/were!!! And I guarantee you won’t either!!!!
One day, Reagan receives a voicemail from a past co-worker/friend, Tommy, claiming he knows who killed her son and why. Was it really because of her job as a US Marshal, or something deeper and more sinister? Before Reagan can find out from Tommy what he knows, he is murdered. Now, Reagan has to retrace his steps and find out what he knew that got him killed.
I really enjoyed reading this novel. It’s a mystery, suspense, legal thriller all in one!!! I was sad for Reagan and the loss of her son. There was so much going on in this book, I didn’t want to put it down until I found out who the bad guy(s) was/were!!! And I guarantee you won’t either!!!!
January 20, 2023
Finished reading: January 18th 2023
"Violent death was cruel to the dead, but even more to the living, the survivors, the grieving. They both felt an overwhelming emptiness."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and MIRA in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
March 7, 2023
DON'T OPEN THE DOOR
Allison Brennan
Regan Merritt was a U. S. Marshall when her son, Chase was murdered. This tragedy really sent her over the edge and ruined her marriage to Grant, her husband. Now as she is trying to pull her life back together she is informed that there might be a new lead.
But by the time she gets back with Tommy, her prior boss, he has also been murdered. Grant is sketchy about the information and doesn't seem right. The police think he is the best suspect and Regan begins the hunt for her ex-husband to find out what is going on.
I wasn't very impressed with this book. I didn't think it had many thrills to it. The plot was twisty and had so many characters and businesses that I was sort of confused about who was who. I just found it convoluted and just a bit busy. In addition, I am sorry to say that I could not connect with Regan. I just didn't like her so that was a major issue with my connection with the book.
2 stars
Happy Reading!
Allison Brennan
Regan Merritt was a U. S. Marshall when her son, Chase was murdered. This tragedy really sent her over the edge and ruined her marriage to Grant, her husband. Now as she is trying to pull her life back together she is informed that there might be a new lead.
But by the time she gets back with Tommy, her prior boss, he has also been murdered. Grant is sketchy about the information and doesn't seem right. The police think he is the best suspect and Regan begins the hunt for her ex-husband to find out what is going on.
I wasn't very impressed with this book. I didn't think it had many thrills to it. The plot was twisty and had so many characters and businesses that I was sort of confused about who was who. I just found it convoluted and just a bit busy. In addition, I am sorry to say that I could not connect with Regan. I just didn't like her so that was a major issue with my connection with the book.
2 stars
Happy Reading!
June 8, 2023
After reading The Sorority Murders, which introduced former US Marshall Reagan Merritt, I looked forward to the sequel, focusing on Reagan's investigation into the previous murder of her young son and now the murder of her former colleague. I really enjoyed this faced-paced twisty story, as Reagan tries to put the pieces together to connect the two crimes, as well as an earlier bank robbery. I love Reagan's character and hope the author plans to continue with the series.
April 7, 2025
A good thriller (I guess that’s the genre?). That said, there’s a lot of characters to keep track of but they were extremely well described and characterized. I agree with others, the exciting parts were exciting and there’s many twists and turns.
* Book #1 would’ve helped me better understand the main character.
* Book #1 would’ve helped me better understand the main character.
February 24, 2023
All of the characters and storyline were obnoxious and annoying - like the author was trying so hard to create drama.
January 21, 2023
*Thank you to NetGalley and Mira for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review.*
“I’m going to find the truth, Charlie. It’s here, somewhere. I’ll find it and I’ll find Tommy’s killer. And learn what really happened the day Chase was murdered––and why.”
After reading The Sorority Murder (Regan Merritt #1), I was so excited to see Allison Brennan’s follow up. The Sorority Murder was campy while still remaining firmly in the classic mystery/thriller genre, and I so enjoyed Regan, the former US Marshall, as an investigator. I loved the dynamic between her and her dad, and all the classic sorority nonsense. However, this follow up did not follow through.
Summary:
After her son is killed because of her role as a US Marshall, Regan Merritt splits with her husband and leaves Washington, DC to move in with her dad in Arizona, where she quickly becomes involved in a local murder case (The Sorority Murder). Now, nearly a year after her son has died, Regan gets the news that her best friend and former partner, Tommy Granger has been killed by a professional sniper. Determined to find justice, Regan immediately makes her way back to DC, joining forces with another friend and partner, Charlie North.
The thing is, Regan knows Tommy’s death wasn’t a one-off; days before his murder she received a voicemail from Tommy claiming he had more information about her son’s murder. Now back where it all happened, Regan becomes convinced that Chase’s death wasn’t related to her job at all, but her ex-husband’s. Grant Warwick is a partner at a law firm in DC, a firm well-known for representing politicians and wealthy men who need their dalliances covered up.
As Regan and Charlie work backwards from Tommy’s research, more and more evidence points towards Franklin Archer, Grant’s partner, and the bank robbery Regan worked right before Chase’s death. Suddenly, the blame that Grant had been placing on Regan for their son’s death seems to point back towards him and his firm, especially his partner. The more Charlie and Regan uncover, the more complicit Archer and Warwick look, but despite their rocky past, Regan is sure her husband wouldn’t be involved in illegal affairs—right?
Regan wants answers, but with every rock she uncovers, the more danger she and her loved ones are in. And as bodies start appearing, Regan knows she needs to move fast, or she might be next.
Thoughts:
When I saw Brennan’s sequel would have Regan confronting her son’s untimely death, I was hooked. Chase’s death hung over Regan throughout The Sorority Murder, and I was interested to see her get closure. Rather than having the intriguing concept of a serial sorority girl murderer, Don’t Open the Door was a stereotypical thriller that could have been written by James Patterson or Michael Connelly. At no point was I on the edge of my seat, anxiously awaiting the big reveal; in fact, even if you paid me a million dollars, I couldn’t tell you what door shouldn’t be opened.
There were so many names and companies to keep track of in this novel that I couldn’t remember who was good and who was bad. Don’t Open the Door felt like I was reading the script for an episode of Law and Order or NCIS—it was cliche after cliche, with predictable villains, testosterone filled car chases, and reveals that surely were meant to be jaw dropping, but instead left me wracking my brain for context.
I was such a big fan of The Sorority Murder; Regan Merritt was a badass, reluctant detective with a cast of mostly women attempting to solve a murder everyone else had written off. In Don’t Open the Door, Regan is consistently surrounded by men with increasingly similar names, convenient technology, and flashbacks meant to evoke sympathy. Brennan’s writing left me unimpressed, and even the formatting of the ARC was lacking, with odd spacing in dialogue and random sentences in a much larger font than the rest of the book.
Overall:
Despite my love for The Sorority Murder, Don’t Open the Door has turned me off of Allison Brennan. I spent the entire book waiting for a door to appear, and not once could I find a situation that warranted the title. Regan was a mostly unlikable main character, the mystery was underwhelming, and the ending was incredibly lackluster.
For fans of James Patterson, Michael Connelly, or Louise Penny, I’m sure this would be a great read. But for those who enjoy a more nuanced mystery/thriller, I would recommend steering clear.
Don’t Open the Door by Allison Brennan (MIRA) will be published January 24, 2023.
“I’m going to find the truth, Charlie. It’s here, somewhere. I’ll find it and I’ll find Tommy’s killer. And learn what really happened the day Chase was murdered––and why.”
After reading The Sorority Murder (Regan Merritt #1), I was so excited to see Allison Brennan’s follow up. The Sorority Murder was campy while still remaining firmly in the classic mystery/thriller genre, and I so enjoyed Regan, the former US Marshall, as an investigator. I loved the dynamic between her and her dad, and all the classic sorority nonsense. However, this follow up did not follow through.
Summary:
After her son is killed because of her role as a US Marshall, Regan Merritt splits with her husband and leaves Washington, DC to move in with her dad in Arizona, where she quickly becomes involved in a local murder case (The Sorority Murder). Now, nearly a year after her son has died, Regan gets the news that her best friend and former partner, Tommy Granger has been killed by a professional sniper. Determined to find justice, Regan immediately makes her way back to DC, joining forces with another friend and partner, Charlie North.
The thing is, Regan knows Tommy’s death wasn’t a one-off; days before his murder she received a voicemail from Tommy claiming he had more information about her son’s murder. Now back where it all happened, Regan becomes convinced that Chase’s death wasn’t related to her job at all, but her ex-husband’s. Grant Warwick is a partner at a law firm in DC, a firm well-known for representing politicians and wealthy men who need their dalliances covered up.
As Regan and Charlie work backwards from Tommy’s research, more and more evidence points towards Franklin Archer, Grant’s partner, and the bank robbery Regan worked right before Chase’s death. Suddenly, the blame that Grant had been placing on Regan for their son’s death seems to point back towards him and his firm, especially his partner. The more Charlie and Regan uncover, the more complicit Archer and Warwick look, but despite their rocky past, Regan is sure her husband wouldn’t be involved in illegal affairs—right?
Regan wants answers, but with every rock she uncovers, the more danger she and her loved ones are in. And as bodies start appearing, Regan knows she needs to move fast, or she might be next.
Thoughts:
When I saw Brennan’s sequel would have Regan confronting her son’s untimely death, I was hooked. Chase’s death hung over Regan throughout The Sorority Murder, and I was interested to see her get closure. Rather than having the intriguing concept of a serial sorority girl murderer, Don’t Open the Door was a stereotypical thriller that could have been written by James Patterson or Michael Connelly. At no point was I on the edge of my seat, anxiously awaiting the big reveal; in fact, even if you paid me a million dollars, I couldn’t tell you what door shouldn’t be opened.
There were so many names and companies to keep track of in this novel that I couldn’t remember who was good and who was bad. Don’t Open the Door felt like I was reading the script for an episode of Law and Order or NCIS—it was cliche after cliche, with predictable villains, testosterone filled car chases, and reveals that surely were meant to be jaw dropping, but instead left me wracking my brain for context.
I was such a big fan of The Sorority Murder; Regan Merritt was a badass, reluctant detective with a cast of mostly women attempting to solve a murder everyone else had written off. In Don’t Open the Door, Regan is consistently surrounded by men with increasingly similar names, convenient technology, and flashbacks meant to evoke sympathy. Brennan’s writing left me unimpressed, and even the formatting of the ARC was lacking, with odd spacing in dialogue and random sentences in a much larger font than the rest of the book.
Overall:
Despite my love for The Sorority Murder, Don’t Open the Door has turned me off of Allison Brennan. I spent the entire book waiting for a door to appear, and not once could I find a situation that warranted the title. Regan was a mostly unlikable main character, the mystery was underwhelming, and the ending was incredibly lackluster.
For fans of James Patterson, Michael Connelly, or Louise Penny, I’m sure this would be a great read. But for those who enjoy a more nuanced mystery/thriller, I would recommend steering clear.
Don’t Open the Door by Allison Brennan (MIRA) will be published January 24, 2023.
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