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Nowhere To Hide
EPPIE WINNER~BEST THRILLER Val at "You Gotta Read" Reviews has given Nowhere to Hide by Joan Hall Hovey their highest rating, You Gotta Read! You Gotta Read - Our highest rating - very few books will earn this award. Val says, "This is one heck of an exciting, edge of your seat read! Nowhere to Hide had EVERYTHING you could want in a suspenseful thriller. The character development in this book is unreal. I was actually holding my breath long before the ending. Ms. Hovey has done an incredible job of getting into the mind of a serial killer. If you haven't gotten this book yet, I highly suggest you do. You will not be disappointed as this is one of the best thrillers I have read yet." Raised in an atmosphere of violence and unpredictability, Ellen and Gail Morgan have banded together, survivors of a booze-fertilized battleground, forming a fierce united front against an often cold and uncaring world. When their parents are killed in a car crash, Ellen becomes the mother figure for Gail. When fifteen years later Gail is brutally raped and murdered in her shabby New York basement apartment, practically on the eve of her big breakthrough as a singer, Ellen is inconsolable. Rage at her younger sister's murder has nearly consumed her. So when her work as a psychologist wins her an appearance on the evening news, Ellen seizes the moment. Staring straight into the camera, she challenges the killer to come out of "Why don't you come after me? I'll be waiting for you." Phone calls flood the station, but all leads go nowhere. The police investigation seems doomed to failure. Then it a note, written in red ink, slipped under the windshield wipers of her car, 'YOU'RE IT.' Ellen has stirred the monster in his lair … and the hunter has become the hunted! "If you are looking for the suspense thriller of the year-look no further…you will find it in Nowhere To Hide..."Jewel Dartt Midnight Scribe Reviews
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First published January 1, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 15, 2022
Ellen's sister, who has just been signed for her first record deal, has been killed. More bodies are found and they then know it's a serial killer, Ellen though devastated is also very angry so she goes to a local news station and talks directly to the killer, on-air, daring him to try and get her. I enjoyed the book and it was a fun read. The ending was intense and fast. However, it's not a book I'll remember long. It is just your standard three star thriller.
November 10, 2019
A fun easy quick read if you’re looking for an action packed mystery thriller.
October 6, 2010
As Christmas approaches, Ellen Harris looks forward to seeing her sister for the holidays. Gail is the only family that Ellen has left, and she couldn’t be prouder of her sister, who perches on the edge of music stardom. Unfortunately, sudden tragedy strikes when Gail is brutally murdered in her apartment after a performance.
At first, Ellen falls to pieces and plunges into deep depression—but then anger sets in. Determined to find her sister’s killer, she heads to New York and begins to question anyone who might know something about her sister’s death. What she doesn’t know is that she’s looking in the wrong place; the killer is a little closer to home than she imagines.
Ellen’s friend Myra hasn’t had an easy life, but now she’s settled down with a wonderful man and started a family. Lately, though, her nightmares have become more intense, and she feels as if she should remember something that happened long ago at the Evansdale Home for wayward girls—a place steeped in scandal. It nags at her until she’s certain that she needs to remember before someone else dies.
In Nowhere to Hide, the suspense builds and builds, until you’ll be acutely aware that something explosive is about to happen—and author Joan Hall Hovey doesn’t disappoint. Not even the chocolate cake sitting on my kitchen counter could tempt me away from this gripping novel. I spent most of the night reading it because I couldn’t put it down, and then I spent the next day yawning because I didn’t get much sleep. Oh, but the riveting story was well worth it.
Once again, Ms. Hovey brings readers a plot that’s filled with chilling thrills and nail-biting trepidation. Many moments in the story are especially creepy—like when Ellen rents the apartment where her sister was murdered. On one hand, you’ll wonder why on Earth she’d do that, yet it somehow feels right. Whatever the case, Ms. Hovey makes it work.
With believable and memorable characters and an insightful look inside a psychotic killer’s mind, Nowhere to Hide is one of the best thrillers I’ve read since reading Ms. Hovey’s last book. You don’t want to miss this one.
This review first appeared at NightsandWeekends.com: http://www.nightsandweekends.com/arti...
At first, Ellen falls to pieces and plunges into deep depression—but then anger sets in. Determined to find her sister’s killer, she heads to New York and begins to question anyone who might know something about her sister’s death. What she doesn’t know is that she’s looking in the wrong place; the killer is a little closer to home than she imagines.
Ellen’s friend Myra hasn’t had an easy life, but now she’s settled down with a wonderful man and started a family. Lately, though, her nightmares have become more intense, and she feels as if she should remember something that happened long ago at the Evansdale Home for wayward girls—a place steeped in scandal. It nags at her until she’s certain that she needs to remember before someone else dies.
In Nowhere to Hide, the suspense builds and builds, until you’ll be acutely aware that something explosive is about to happen—and author Joan Hall Hovey doesn’t disappoint. Not even the chocolate cake sitting on my kitchen counter could tempt me away from this gripping novel. I spent most of the night reading it because I couldn’t put it down, and then I spent the next day yawning because I didn’t get much sleep. Oh, but the riveting story was well worth it.
Once again, Ms. Hovey brings readers a plot that’s filled with chilling thrills and nail-biting trepidation. Many moments in the story are especially creepy—like when Ellen rents the apartment where her sister was murdered. On one hand, you’ll wonder why on Earth she’d do that, yet it somehow feels right. Whatever the case, Ms. Hovey makes it work.
With believable and memorable characters and an insightful look inside a psychotic killer’s mind, Nowhere to Hide is one of the best thrillers I’ve read since reading Ms. Hovey’s last book. You don’t want to miss this one.
This review first appeared at NightsandWeekends.com: http://www.nightsandweekends.com/arti...
December 10, 2018
This book is about Ellen and her sister about to have a wonderful Christmas together for the first time in a long time. Gail has been trying to make it as a singer, and she's just now starting to get famous. And Ellen has been through so much in her life, she lost her parents when she was young, and then her husband died as well. They both think things are looking up for them until suddenly Ellen goes to the airport to pick up her sister, and Gail isn't there. She finds out her sister was brutally murdered.
Now Ellen feels that she doesn't have anything left. So she takes on the challenge of finding the killer herself, and even trying to challenge him herself.
Along the way she meets one of the cops on the case Mike, who she starts to have a romantic interest in as well. This book is filled with tons and tons of suspense filled moments. I was on the edge of my seat during the whole book pretty much.
The only bad thing I can say about this book was I felt it was a little slow getting started, and I really hated the fact that we never really found exactly why the killer did the things he did. I mean to some extent we did, but I kinda wanted the full scoop. Otherwise this book was extremely good if your looking for some major suspense.
Now Ellen feels that she doesn't have anything left. So she takes on the challenge of finding the killer herself, and even trying to challenge him herself.
Along the way she meets one of the cops on the case Mike, who she starts to have a romantic interest in as well. This book is filled with tons and tons of suspense filled moments. I was on the edge of my seat during the whole book pretty much.
The only bad thing I can say about this book was I felt it was a little slow getting started, and I really hated the fact that we never really found exactly why the killer did the things he did. I mean to some extent we did, but I kinda wanted the full scoop. Otherwise this book was extremely good if your looking for some major suspense.
December 1, 2010
As I sit here and write this review, all I can say is WOW! This is one heck of an exciting, edge of your seat read! Nowhere to Hide had EVERYTHING you could want in a suspenseful thriller. The character development in this book is unreal. Each character complemented the other perfectly and the plot line was exquisitely written. I was actually holding my breath long before the ending. My mind kept trying to figure out which direction the plot might go. Ms. Hovey has done an incredible job of getting into the mind of a serial killer. The descriptions of the serial killer and the twisted way his mind worked kept me turning the pages as fast as I possibly could. This book was 156 pages jam packed with action, adventure and every emotion imaginable to man. If you haven't gotten this book yet, I highly suggest you do. You will not be disappointed as this is one of the best thrillers I have read yet.
August 27, 2012
A thrilling read, for sure, complete with knots in stomach, heart in throat! But the good guys win in the end! (not a spoiler! lol). Very intense. The only thing that really bugged me is that the main character does some really stupid shit. For reasons that make themselves apparent early on the reader is supposed to understand or forgive her stupidities, but I found it difficult to do so.
March 29, 2013
Was a good thriller. slow moving at times because too much unneeded info given...
August 12, 2023
Nowhere to Hide.....
Another dark and twisted thriller from the fabulous mind of Joan Hall Hovey.
When Ellen's sister is Murdered, she sets out on a one-woman mission to track down her killer........only to end up part of his sadistic game......can Ellen turn the tables and bring him to justice before it's too late?
Nowhere to Hide will grab you from the first page, and keep you hooked until the very last word. I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to my next Joan Hall Hovey read.
Five Stars.
Another dark and twisted thriller from the fabulous mind of Joan Hall Hovey.
When Ellen's sister is Murdered, she sets out on a one-woman mission to track down her killer........only to end up part of his sadistic game......can Ellen turn the tables and bring him to justice before it's too late?
Nowhere to Hide will grab you from the first page, and keep you hooked until the very last word. I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to my next Joan Hall Hovey read.
Five Stars.
October 8, 2018
I read this book when it first came out in paperbook, and it was scary, thrilling, sometimes a bit too wordy (that's why the 4 stars instead of 5)but it would have made a good movie as well, so long as the screen play writer stuck to the author's story that is.
I got the Kindle Edition when it was offered for free, have no idea where my paperback got off to, but re-reading it, it was still just as scary & thrilling as the first time.
I got the Kindle Edition when it was offered for free, have no idea where my paperback got off to, but re-reading it, it was still just as scary & thrilling as the first time.
October 3, 2019
Intense, exciting.
This is a very good book. I rated it 4 stars because there are few perfect books. I found this to be an exciting and intense book racing against time to save a life. Her characters were interesting and well written. Will be looking forward to reading more of Joan Hall Hovey's books.
This is a very good book. I rated it 4 stars because there are few perfect books. I found this to be an exciting and intense book racing against time to save a life. Her characters were interesting and well written. Will be looking forward to reading more of Joan Hall Hovey's books.
May 10, 2019
Very exciting. Enjoyed every bit of this book. But I really wonder, what really happened to Allan? Though the auther did give bits and pieces, but what really made him be who he was? Was his mother's love life really that traumatic?
April 11, 2020
Ellen is looking forward to spending Christmas with her sister Gail. Gail's murder before arriving has Ellen challenging the murderer to come for her. Police try to protect her but she won't allow it. Fast read, edge of your seat book. I rate this a 4.8.
May 16, 2020
Page Turner
The beginning was kind of slow for my taste, but once you get to the 3rd chapter it is hard to put down. It is well written and has great twists and turns within the plot.
The beginning was kind of slow for my taste, but once you get to the 3rd chapter it is hard to put down. It is well written and has great twists and turns within the plot.
September 9, 2023
Very good
I really liked this book it kept me up even when I was exhausted. I wanted to find out what was going to happen next! Sad, suspenseful, funny all the emotions all in one! Would recommend!
I really liked this book it kept me up even when I was exhausted. I wanted to find out what was going to happen next! Sad, suspenseful, funny all the emotions all in one! Would recommend!
October 10, 2018
Action packed!
A beautifully written and well presented novel! The premise is fascinating and the writing is all it should be to tell the story well. Not to be missed.
A beautifully written and well presented novel! The premise is fascinating and the writing is all it should be to tell the story well. Not to be missed.
Want to read
March 17, 2019Synopsis: when her sister is raped and murdered in her shabby New York apartment; Gail, the older one, is enraged. She challenges the killer.
April 8, 2019
Good Suspense
A real page turner. Didn’t reveal too much to soon. Elle was a strong character but not unrealistic. Would recommend as a good read.
A real page turner. Didn’t reveal too much to soon. Elle was a strong character but not unrealistic. Would recommend as a good read.
October 28, 2020
Very formulaic; if you love this formula, you'll probably enjoy the book. Personally, it's not the kind of story I enjoy.
August 23, 2024
Fantastic read!
March 8, 2014
I really loved this book! I would recommend it!
Pros:
Great characters! I loved basically all the characters which sucked because a few of them got killed. I especially loved Mike. And Myra.
Great plot. Good twists and tight turns!
I did not get lost in this story. It was written in good order, it traveled in time well and I didn't get confused about who was who or where they were. Everything was tight and neat including a small group of characters that made the story come to life.
This story was extremely subtle, although it dealt heavily with rape and even some incest, the theme of sexual crimes didn't hang over the story. I am very sensitive to these subjects and although it was a recurring element of the story, it was not graphic or overpowering. I will not read a book that I feel deals with the topic of rape in a aggressive or pushy way. The author did a good job of making this important in the story but not beating us with it.
There were a few editing spats. But that did not slow me down, that's why its a pro for the story and not a con. The editing issues, did not annoy me and make me want to throw my Kindle at the wall! lol. Yes, I have been that furious at a lack of editing before. But I would never hurt my dear Kindle. :)
The connections to the characters were great. Most characters were connected to one another some how and as the author unfolded the pages and gave us pieces of the knowledge, we were able to start guessing and then ascertain the connections, confirming our suspicions or seeing the truth. This is the greatest way to keep a reader engaged and the author has the technique down!
LOVE THE ENDING! Well, the ending after the ending. That retrospective look. I will not give it away, but I was sooooooo glad that the author was good enough to let us know that little tad bit of info. It brought some things together for me. Don't skip to the last page, though, to see why I'm so jazzed about that part ;) read the whole book.
The author brought out all my emotions! I was furious with the killers insanity, thinking people were mocking him when in fact women were genuinely attracted to him. I was sad at the deaths. I was scared of the danger the killer presented. I was annoyed at the oblivion, how the killer could be right there and no one know! I was happy when people woke up and saw the truth and when people were saved. I'm very angry with one scene in particular and that is the scene with Ellen and Debby, when Debby called to give the name of the killer. I understand her debilitating fear, of course, and I empathize with her, but I wanted nothing more than for them to have that talk. This is all a part of crafting the story though, and it worked to keep me involved in the story.
Cons:
I HATED the first ending. Deus ex machine: How the killer came to his end... I was not happy. I wanted to see him gunned down in the streets by Mike, or Ellen, or ANYBODY!!! lol. When he darted for the burning building I got furious. I don't like how he took the easy way out, at all. I also feel that the author didn't give me all that I needed to understand that action. Usually we would get right into the killers head and we would know why he did everything. This was an unwelcome shock and I really wish the author would have made this more complex. Maybe if he ran in the building to escape the police or anything else, but him just doing it of his own free will, no one chasing him or pressuring him into it, expect for him being discovered by Myra. That was not enough for me. Made me very upset.
Maybe I was confused and the author had addressed this but... I'm still not 100% sure how the killer became so deranged. I know kinda the situation with his mother, but what else? I know the aunt was evil, but there were no details about her abuse to him, if there was any at all. I was looking for more.
All and All:
This book is AMAZING. The few cons I did have did not lower my love for this book. I would still recommend this book, 100%. I want more. Is there a sequel? :)
Pros:
Great characters! I loved basically all the characters which sucked because a few of them got killed. I especially loved Mike. And Myra.
Great plot. Good twists and tight turns!
I did not get lost in this story. It was written in good order, it traveled in time well and I didn't get confused about who was who or where they were. Everything was tight and neat including a small group of characters that made the story come to life.
This story was extremely subtle, although it dealt heavily with rape and even some incest, the theme of sexual crimes didn't hang over the story. I am very sensitive to these subjects and although it was a recurring element of the story, it was not graphic or overpowering. I will not read a book that I feel deals with the topic of rape in a aggressive or pushy way. The author did a good job of making this important in the story but not beating us with it.
There were a few editing spats. But that did not slow me down, that's why its a pro for the story and not a con. The editing issues, did not annoy me and make me want to throw my Kindle at the wall! lol. Yes, I have been that furious at a lack of editing before. But I would never hurt my dear Kindle. :)
The connections to the characters were great. Most characters were connected to one another some how and as the author unfolded the pages and gave us pieces of the knowledge, we were able to start guessing and then ascertain the connections, confirming our suspicions or seeing the truth. This is the greatest way to keep a reader engaged and the author has the technique down!
LOVE THE ENDING! Well, the ending after the ending. That retrospective look. I will not give it away, but I was sooooooo glad that the author was good enough to let us know that little tad bit of info. It brought some things together for me. Don't skip to the last page, though, to see why I'm so jazzed about that part ;) read the whole book.
The author brought out all my emotions! I was furious with the killers insanity, thinking people were mocking him when in fact women were genuinely attracted to him. I was sad at the deaths. I was scared of the danger the killer presented. I was annoyed at the oblivion, how the killer could be right there and no one know! I was happy when people woke up and saw the truth and when people were saved. I'm very angry with one scene in particular and that is the scene with Ellen and Debby, when Debby called to give the name of the killer. I understand her debilitating fear, of course, and I empathize with her, but I wanted nothing more than for them to have that talk. This is all a part of crafting the story though, and it worked to keep me involved in the story.
Cons:
I HATED the first ending. Deus ex machine: How the killer came to his end... I was not happy. I wanted to see him gunned down in the streets by Mike, or Ellen, or ANYBODY!!! lol. When he darted for the burning building I got furious. I don't like how he took the easy way out, at all. I also feel that the author didn't give me all that I needed to understand that action. Usually we would get right into the killers head and we would know why he did everything. This was an unwelcome shock and I really wish the author would have made this more complex. Maybe if he ran in the building to escape the police or anything else, but him just doing it of his own free will, no one chasing him or pressuring him into it, expect for him being discovered by Myra. That was not enough for me. Made me very upset.
Maybe I was confused and the author had addressed this but... I'm still not 100% sure how the killer became so deranged. I know kinda the situation with his mother, but what else? I know the aunt was evil, but there were no details about her abuse to him, if there was any at all. I was looking for more.
All and All:
This book is AMAZING. The few cons I did have did not lower my love for this book. I would still recommend this book, 100%. I want more. Is there a sequel? :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2013
First I would like to thank the author Joan Hall Hovey for giving me this book for review. Ellen and her younger sister Gail have survived alcoholic parents and Gail is on the verge of her singing career taking off. They are getting ready to spend Christmas together when on the eve of Gail's flight home she is brutally raped and murdered. Ellen has lost everyone, their parents, her husband who died young of a heart attack and now her sister. She is so distraught she goes on TV for an interview and challenges the killer to come after her. The psychopath takes up the gauntlet and leaves a note on her car telling her she is it. This book kept me hooked to find out what would happen next, I really enjoyed the suspense. The main characters were well written. Ellen is very strong, and also one tracked minded to the point of taking a chance with her life to get her sisters killer to come after her. Her best friend Myra has been through her own trauma in her childhood and wanted to help her friend, but Ellen wouldn't let her. There is also a little romance in the book.
November 9, 2012
This was suspenseful and, at times, frightening. The antagonist was a sociopath/psychopath who murdered women because of events from his childhood. The protagonist is a female psychologist, whose younger sister, an upcoming blues singer, was one of his victims. She attempts to locate him and cause his arrest. She also sends out teasers to him via television interviews. The Police are, naturally, involved and trying procedurally to locate and capture him. There is a loose connection between the victims and an ending that is not unexpected.
August 8, 2012
This is my second by this Canadian author and I'm pleased to say it hasn't as many errors as the previous one had !! Two sisters had managed to survive alcoholic parents and looked out for each other only for the younger one to be killed by a serial killer. Her elder sister discusses it on a TV show and then asks the killer to "come after me, I'll be waiting for you". A little foolhardy but one way to get his attention, I suppose.
So I'd recommend you read her books. I've enjoyed both I've read and will keep an eye out for others.
So I'd recommend you read her books. I've enjoyed both I've read and will keep an eye out for others.
January 6, 2013
This was a good story. Joan Hall Hovey has woven a tale that pulls you in and keeps you reading. Ellen's sister is brutally murdered. Devastated, Ellen finds herself alone and unsure how to deal with it. When the police can't give her answers and don't seem to be getting anywhere, Ellen throws out a challenge to the killer. He takes the bait. It keeps you guessing when he's going to strike, where and how. It kept me turning the pages. A book worth reading. I will be reading more by this author.
March 21, 2014
The characters were well developed and believable. For the most part, they were likeable people. Small-town folks that could be your neighbors. Just normal, everyday people, some with more baggage than others, some more dysfunctional than others, but all interesting, believable, and very readable. I especially adored Myra and Carl.
The locations were easily visualized and imagined, both NYC and Maine.
The locations were easily visualized and imagined, both NYC and Maine.
June 25, 2015
Ellen Harris is just making it big as a singer. She and her older sister, Gail, plan to spend Christmas together. After Ellen doesn't show at the airport, Gail discovers Ellen has been murdered. The police have no leads so Gail decided to take matters into her own hands. On live TV, she calls out the killer telling him to come get her. This was very suspenseful, although at times a little slow paced.
October 2, 2013
The reviews for this stated "Couldn't put it down" "Total page turner" "Amazing".
I found none of these things, story was good, bit slow and predictable in places. It was easy to put down and I actually went days without reading any of it. I did finish the book but I am in no hurry to read another book by this author.
I found none of these things, story was good, bit slow and predictable in places. It was easy to put down and I actually went days without reading any of it. I did finish the book but I am in no hurry to read another book by this author.
April 15, 2012
Definitely worth he read o er our spring vacation. It took me all of three days. It was thrilling and made me think about who these characters were and how they fit together. Hovey didn't make it easy to figure out what would unfold next and to me, makes all the difference in the experience.
August 21, 2012
It was an okay book. Nothing spectacular. I found myself reading Billy Rays lines in his tone, and even though I was not really into it I just had to finish reading to see what really happened to the old man across the street
April 4, 2015
Hard to put down...
Wow! What a great read. Kept your interest the entire story. Took some few hours to read despite three hundred and some odd pages. Just couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book to everyone who likes good suspense and nail biting stories!
Wow! What a great read. Kept your interest the entire story. Took some few hours to read despite three hundred and some odd pages. Just couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book to everyone who likes good suspense and nail biting stories!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews