A Murderer's Heart

by Julie Elizabeth Powell

Anne Blake, psychiatrist, is good at her job and believes that even the most sick at heart can be cured...or at least saved enough that they can lead a better life. But maybe she's wrong? Maybe within a murderer's heart, evil lurks and nothing can be done except to save yourself?

A Murderer's Heart is also available as an audiobook from Audible or Amazon.

Genres: Mystery, Murder Mystery, Fiction, Ebooks

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2010

About the author

Hello everyone. If you haven't guessed by now I have a passion for words and have numerous books published in a variety of genres and lengths, in addition to short story anthologies with other authors in the Mind's Eye Series.

Several of my stories are also included within several box sets with Paper Gold Publishing.

Audiobooks are also available at Audible.

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I cannot ignore my dreams, so many of them, with names and places and ideas that spark my imagination and compel me to write; to create stories, whether fantasy or horror, or mystery or psychological thriller or murder or even humour and adventure. So, my garden is sown, flourishing, with all manner of growth, and still the dreams come.


Julie Elizabeth Powell, my soul lingering within my imagination; maybe you’ll join me?

Reviews

[Petra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A murderer's heart is a short but entertaining story about a female psychiatrist who becomes involved in a murder mystery surrounding her and her friends/patients. Well plotted and not predictable, I didn't work out who the villain was until the author made it obvious in the last few chapters. I particularly enjoyed the little romantic twist at the end, which I hadn't seen coming at all. This was a very clean (no profanity, no graphic violence, no sex) novel that was easy to read, or in my case easy to listen to.

The female narrator portrayed the male characters very well but I initially had problems with the female voices, which I found very high-pitched. I got used to it though.

I was provided the audiobook at no charge by the narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was already a fan of Julie Elizabeth Powell's writing before reading this book, and I just knew I would love it. Julie is a very versatile writer, with a compulsive and easy to read style. Her past books have been fantasy, children's, and non-fiction. 'A Murderer's Heart' is her first murder mystery. It's excellent!
Dr. Anne Blake is a psychiatrist who is good at her job. She has a firm belief that all mentally ill people can be cured, or saved so that they can lead a better life. She is involved in her own practice as well as helping at the Tadmore Psychiatric Hospital and she has lately become involved in a project 'Back Into the World' to try to raise money to help the mentally ill to be cared for so they can return to their lives in the community. Her busy life means that she has very little time for her friends or for a relationship.
When Dr. Blake meets Peter Armstrong, the son of a woman who needs psychiatric help, her world begins to change. A mysterious murderer is on the prowl and there seems to be a link to the Tadmore hospital.
After hearing that her close friend, Jenny, may be in danger, Anne resolves to do all she can to keep her safe from the killer.
In a dramatic and entertaining story, the author does a great job in putting across the idea that sometimes things are not as they seem and we don't always see what is in front of our own eyes. Dr. Blake is forced to face the limitations of her own knowledge and power.
A must read for anyone who enjoys a good murder/mystery.
I loved the way the tale progressed, with all the unexpected twists and turns. It kept me hooked from the start and the ending was delightful.
It's a quick, compulsive read. Highly recommended. I would also recommend all of Julie's other titles.

[Trish R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad it was a short story..

This was an ok read for me. The dialogue was a little childish at times and you really didn’t know what anyone really looked like. The author could have given more description on that. But it was a good mystery, for the most part. I couldn’t guess who the killer was, and then I was shocked when we did find out. So there was that. And each time the killer killed another victim I couldn’t figure out the connection of the two until Inspector Meakin brought it to my attention. Even with the connection realized I still couldn’t figure out who the killer was, and I liked that.

I also like the secondary characters: Barbara, Jenny, David, Sam, Peter and Meakin.

There was nothing romantic about that so if that’s what you’re looking for, keep looking. Also, I don’t remember one swearword in this book.

As to the narrator: She was terrible. Melanie Fraser did read with emotion when it seemed to suit her, so only occasionally. Her women’s voices were fine, except for the MC, Anne. She sounded like a silly teenager. Her men’s voices were awful. At no time did a man sound like a man. So, until she can sound a little manlier I will not be listening to her. I have no idea how she got 14 four and five star reviews. To each his/her own, I guess. If you like your men sounding like a woman then this book is for you.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Murderer's Heart (Julie Elizabeth Powell)
Suspense/Murder/Mystery

Anne Blake, a psychiatrist loves her job. She believes everyone can be cured. If not cured , helped enough to lead a normal life. Soon she finds out she may be wrong. People are being murdered, and somehow Anne seems to be a link. To add to the puzzle Jenny , a close friend of Anne, seems to be in danger as well. Is there a connection to Jenny and the murderer, and how does Anne fit into this?

Fast paced page turning all night read. I really enjoyed this mystery, enough suspense to keep me saying...just one more chapter then off to bed. I intend to read more Books by Julie Elizabeth Powell.....my toughest choice...which one to read next!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Murderer's Heart by Julie Elizabeth Powell Anne Blake and her colleague, Frank Miller, run a psychiatric practice. They spend their days listening to people spin out their woes and do their best to help them where they can. Anne’s secretary, Sam, is a true gem, anticipating her needs with well timed coffee. However, nothing can ease Anne’s mind as some of her patients start turning up dead.
This was a fun modern murder mystery that had me guessing up to the end. Peter Armstrong burst into Anne’s life seeking professional help for his mother, who has yet again tried to commit suicide. However, Peter wants to handle things quietly, so after a brief home visit, Anne recommends that she check into Tadmore Psychiatric Hospital. All looks like it will go well for all parties involved. That is, until Mrs. Armstrong ends up dead at home. So of course the police have to chat with Anne, as one of the last people to see her alive. Also, she had Sam follow her to the Armstrong home in a separate vehicle in case things got dramatic. Then there was Peter himself. So many suspects!
Nearly all of the story is told through Anne’s eyes, though we do get a tiny bit from Peter’s point of view concerning his mom. Then there are flashes from the killer sprinkled throughout the book. These are written in such a way that you don’t know the gender of the killer. For the most part, these are written quite cleverly. However, there were one or two scenes where the author fell back on using the pronoun ‘it’ which felt clunky.
Anne does get to have a little downtime in this book. She has some friends, David & Jenny who have a set twins, that she visits often. Then there is her friend Barbara who she has been friends with for ages but lately hasn’t had time to catch up with. Throughout the story, these side characters add depth to Anne’s character. Also, Sam is a potential romantic interest who happens to be gay. Ah, Anne’s complicated life!
All around, it was a delightful mystery. The deaths are described in brief giving you the exact means of death but without being gory about it. Anne is at the nexus of this storm and she was an enjoyable character to connect with. I did find Jenny’s character to be a bit dramatic, but she is also described as the nervous sort. She was a minor character so just when I was starting to get tired of her silliness, we moved on. The suspects were plentiful and I was guessing all the way through. When the real killer emerged at the end, I was totally, and pleasantly, surprised.
I received a copy of this audiobook at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Narration:  Melanie Fraser was an interesting pick for this audiobook. She made everyone sound swarmy. It was odd to hear throughout the book. Now there were certain times when swarmy was definitely the right inflection (fund-raising party, certain egocentric characters) but to have the inflection turned on for most of the book took a little getting used to. In general, once I got use to swarminess, I liked her voice for Anne – which was steady and thoughtful. Her male voices blended together for me, though the male characters were often separated by scenes or the dialogue made it easy to keep them straight.

[Susanna Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author opens the story with a haunting scene;

In the next chapter In the author's words;

The son, Mister Peter Armstrong found her that way on Saturday morning. Mister Armstrong said he had recently spoken to you about his mother going into Tadmore Psychiatric Hospital. Is that true, Doctor Blake?”
Dr. Annie Blake is overwhelmed with the inspector's interrogation, pondering various theories about stalkers and serial killers, and is concern for her friend Jenny who is in danger.

Meanwhile Sam is acting strange, waiting for Doctor Blake to leave her office to make phone call before accompanying her to visit the grieving son Peter Armstrong at his home. In their session Peter affected by the loss and new freedom of not taking care of his ailing mother anymore decides to sell the house and leave to start over in a new place.

Sam, the administrative assistant to Dr. Blake seems over protective of Dr. Annie Blake or is it something more wicked?

In the author's words'

“You have to die, you betrayed me like the rest. I loved you so much but you never saw who I was. How could you listen to others and not me? I was the one who loved you most. Sam could never love you like I have"

This is a paragraph in this author book about a serial killer on the loose and he or she is sneaking into houses and slicing their victims deep in the death spot and watches them gasps for their last breath.

This is a murder mystery plot with a serial killer(s), a psychiatrist, Doctor Annie Blake, Sam an administrative assistant. Who declares he was not attracted to his employer, yet seems to be her hero in all events.

The shrink and her two best friends, Jenny a mom of twins and David her husband are also mixed up in this case and Barbara the psychiatric nurse then there is Dr. Frank Miller and the inspector all these characters are entangled into solving the case and find the missing link before another innocent victim was murdered.

The suspense of the story is intense and the incidents are haunting. This reader was telling self don't forget about the patients in this puzzle, somehow they all are connected in this complex mystery.
Pondering who was killing innocent victims and what was the connection?

The plot becomes interesting as the mom of the twins, Jenny fears she is being stalked and her babies disappear and other exciting twists. Close acquaintances and strangers are turning up dead and there is the inspector trying to connect the missing link to it all. And the characters who do discover the truth who the killer is about to spill the beans to the law officers and they too end up in strange and deadly circumstances.

In all Ms. Powell is able to write in various genres and pleased her reader with her insight into human psychology at the same time entertained her readers.

Highly recommended this and other works she has written and more coming in the near future.

[Kshitij · Rating 5 out of 5]

A witty, well polished psychological drama…

Plot: Anne, a psychologist, working in Tadmore hospital finds herself being in the center of grisly murders taking place around the town. She tries to unveil the identity of the murderer but couldn’t see a shocking disclosure creeping towards her.

Strengths: Nice Plot and a well thought story.
Not many loose ends.
Keep readers off the hook by not letting go the suspense till the very last. You can only guess but can’t be sure of the murderer hence it is very difficult to leave the book in between.
Very well written. The book has an amazing flow.
It’s not so graphic but pretty descriptive, which works for this book. Because the whole idea was to build a concrete story and show what lies in murderer’s heart rather than relying on gratuitous violence to disturb readers.
Since, there’s handful of characters and you know killer has to be among them, so the reader instinctively joins the protagonist to solve the mystery.

Weak spots: The character of Anne, I felt, was a bit neurotic at times. For a psychologist, she was quite timid and way too emotional.
The murder scenes, for which the author has dedicated different chapters, were somewhat vague. At times it was not clear who’s killing who.
Not violent, profane or disturbing- which my kind of readers do expect from a psychological thriller.
I correctly guessed the killer halfway. (May be it’s not a negative and maybe I’m just too smart:)

Final Words: I chose to read Murderer’s heart solely on the title of the book. It does justice to the title, and I think author managed to develop a sound murder mystery, which is not easy to do anymore. Go for it and you won’t be disappointed.

My rating: 4.5/5

[Shoshana Hathaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid, competent book, with some extremely good writing, verging, sometimes on excellent. The author has a finely honed sense of place, and her descriptions are brief but vivid. Her use of language is impeccable.

Although her characters come across to me as somewhat generic, there are touches of personality that do individualize them, at least to a degree. For the most part, I did find her female characters almost saccharine, and that overly developed sweetness wasn’t always appropriate. However, none of her characters was either uninteresting or entirely unbelievable.

Her mystery is very nicely constructed, and though I had narrowed the suspects down to 2, it wasn’t until almost the end of the book that I figured out who the murderer was. Again, the author fell a little short in my estimation of her villain’s motivation, it was almost stereotypical of such criminals, but again, it was well thought out and well presented. For me, this author is of interest because I sense a potential in her writing, and think that, when she fully comes into her voice, she will become a very strong voice indeed in the mystery field. She has the makings of a stellar mystery writer, and I want to be around when she breaks through and creates something brilliant, which I firmly believe she will.

The narration was extremely professional and competent in all respects, and, despite the fairly large number of very similar female characters, she was able to give them unique voicing, by making excellent use of inflection, pacing of speech, and expression.

I give both book and author 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book in exchange for this unbiased review, courtesy of AudioBookBlast dot com.

[Charlotte Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

We meet Anne, who is a psychiatrist who has her own practice but also works at Tadmore Hospital twice a week. She never turns away a patient, she sympathizes with them. She is also wanting to do research into killers, and people who have multiple personalities and other illnesses.

We meet Sam, who is Anne's secretary and good friend, he has instincts about patients and always tries help them when he knows Anne is busy.

We meet Barbara, who is a nurse at Tadmore Hospital, she listens to the patients when doctors are not there. She is a good friend of Anne's.

We meet Jenny, who is a stay at home mum with her twins but also writes for a column and works in a gallery once in a while. She does not feel safe anymore after having her twins.

This story is about murder what has been happening for last eighteen months.

How does it all connect to Tadmore Hospital? Who is Jenny's stalker?

This story made you feel for the characters. You couldn't help gasp, cry and laugh with them.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes this kind of story.

[Teressa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Great Mystery That Will Keep You Guessing"

I really enjoyed listening to "A Murderer's Heart." This was a nicely written murder mystery that kept me guessing the whole time. I had my suspicions but it was a good edge of my seat thrill ride along the way. The characters were terrific, the world-building was good. Every ingredient was added to make this a great murder mystery including and especially the narrator who made everything entirely cohesive.

Melanie Fraser is an absolute delight to listen to no matter what she does and this is no exception. She did a fabulous job reading this audiobook. She's a versatile voice actor who takes a good story right over the top to a great story. She had spot on voice inflections displaying Anne's feelings and emotions. This was an enjoyable listen with excellent fusion between author/narrator.

This audiobook was received in exchange for an honest review.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main character in Julie Elizabeth Powell’s first murder mystery is Dr Anne Blake. She is a psychiatrist, who is dedicated to her work. She cares for her patients, colleagues and friends wholeheartedly and worries that she is neglecting her friends as she becomes more deeply involved with her work. She is horrified to be told that she is the link in a series of murders, not worrying about her own safety, but that of those she knows.
This well constructed story moves at a fast pace and I found it to be a compelling and entertaining read. It was refreshing to come across a murder mystery that was not full of blood and gore, but was certainly not short on intrigue and suspense.
I thoroughly enjoyed Julie Elizabeth Powell’s foray into murder - in fact, I wished the book had been longer!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope I do this book justice. It has taken me a long time to write this. I don't give away ANYTHING in my reviews, because I don't like to read ones that do.

A Murders's Heart....

Great Characters,

Anne is a psychiatrist who really listens to her patients, and likes to think she can help them all. She never met a patient she wouldn't help.

Sam is Anne's assistant/right hand man...who may have a secret or two.

Barbara is one of Anne's Best Friends and also a Nurse at Tadmore Psychiatric Hospital.

Jenny, Anne's other Best Friend. She's really got it all, but she is a bit on the skiddish side, for good reason.

Throw in a few psychiatric patients, stalker, killer, and you will enjoy this book.

It was nice to read something that the killer wasn't obvious after the first murder.

I have found a new author to add to my list.... Enjoy reading, I did.

[Fiona Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Anne Blake is a psychiatrist who believes that even the worst people in society can be cured - psychopaths, schizophrenics, those with multiple personality disorder. She wants to prove that these people have an illness which can be cured, to a certain extent. That they too have been victims in the past and should be helped, not persecuted more.

Dr Blake gets drawn in to a murder investigation as several people she has associated with are murdered.

What, or who, is the common link?

This story is told in such a way that I only guessed the 'punchline' just before the author wanted me to. I normally guess a lot sooner, but this was written so well that I didn't see it coming.

A great murder mystery story, well worth reading. I would love to read more stories of the same genre from this author as it is so well written.

[Darcia Helle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intriguing look at the best and the worst in people, and how we often don’t know those close to us as well as we think. Anne, the main character, likes to see the best in everyone. She is good at her job because she truly cares about her patients. But her positive outlook also gives her a bit of a blind spot that could get her into trouble.

The story moves quickly, with a few great twists. There is no strong language or graphic violence in this one. It's a crime novel without the gore, appropriate for all readers.

[T.W. Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always astounded at how a writer can create the smoke and mirrors needed to offer up a good mystery. I spent the entire time changing my mind as to who the killer would be...and naturally I was wrong in the end.

This is such a fun story to spend an afternoon with and whittle away a few hours. I suggest a cup of your favorite warm beverage and a couch. If it is raining outside, so much the better.

[Luzmaria Morneault-welton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a great whodunit. It kept you guessing til the very peak of it all. As usual with Julie Elizabeth Powell's books, the story was a complex one with great characters. The characters were well thought out and the story flowed nicely. The more books I read from Julie Elizabeth Powell it amazes me that she's not a household name. She is an amazing writer. Another great read. I highly recommend it.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **

This was a super interesting mystery...and I had a feeling from like ch 5 that the killer was a woman...I never suspected who though till it was revealed....Anne is a psychiatrist and an overall good person...people around her are being killed and one of her good friends is being stalked...very spooky life stuff...it all ties together nicely at the end..and was an excellent listen start to finish!

[Georgiann Hennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Blake is a Psychiatrist who loves her job. She is dedicated to her work and believes everyone can be cured. But she finds she maybe wrong when she is notified she might be the link in a series of murders. This story is fast paced and well constructed. I found it to be an entertaining compelling read. Full of suspense and intrigue. Now my hardest choice is which of her books to read next.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great of course, I wrote it! However, this is a break from my usual kind of writing - murder instead of fantasy. Needed a change so now I can get back to the last in the children's fantasy adventure.

Hope you enjoy it.

[Tammie Tackett · Rating 1 out of 5]

I listen to it but I didn't like it after it got to chapter 8

[Lori Henrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good story. It was unusual in the fact there wasn't much focus on the killer. What I mean by that is that there wasn't much from the killer's point of view.

[Susan Keefe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story!

I reviewed this book as an audiobook and had ever read or listened to Julie Elizabeth Powell’s books before.

I have to say firstly that the narrator, Melanie Fraser, has a wonderfully warm voice and an impressive voice range both male and female.

Dr Anne Blake is a psychiatrist with her own practice and she also helps out at the Tadmore Psychiatric Hospital as well. Unmarried, yet fulfilled in a job she loves, Anne is a kind and thoughtful person, helping everyone she can, both professionally and personally. She is lucky to have a fantastic Personal Assistant, Sam, who seems in tune with her and keeps her professional world in order.

Naturally, when she discovers that a good friend thinks she may be in danger Anne does all she can to help and support her. However, it soon becomes apparent that events are taking a much more sinister turn, there is a killer at large…

As the plot thickens this story evolves wonderfully, with plenty of twists and turns and a surprising ending.

[Rabid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick, entertaining read that has suspense, mystery, a bit of romance and some great twists in it. Anne, a female psychologist becomes embroiled in a murder mystery that seems to be somehow linked to her. The story is well written, nicely constructed and the author managed to keep the villain a secret until near the end. The female narrator of the audiobook did a great job of both the male and the female voices, making the characters easily distinguishable. This is an enjoyable murder mystery that well worth the read. I received this audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Anica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book. It was interesting and kept me guessing about who the real murderer was. I loved it that I was wrong at the end, but I think it's a little bit rushed in the end. They get together right after she gets out of the hospital... I know they were friends, but it looks rushed to me, like it had to be that they are together at the end. The ending could just be left opened to thinking. But that's just me... Otherwise, liked the book and the story.

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anne, a psychiatrist, is suddenly stressed by terrible events affecting her friends and colleagues. But what is the link ?

[Heather Osborne · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book was a fast read, I found something lacking that would give it an extra ompf. I couldn't really relate to any of the characters, and from about the middle of the book onward, it felt rushed. I would have liked to see more build-up to the end reveal of the murderer. I could see how this might appeal to some, as it was a quick read and I found almost no spelling or grammatical errors, but the plot left me feeling wanting.