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Saving Grace
An ambitious reporter seeks a window into an obsessed killer’s mind—and is forced to take a hard look in the mirror, in this dark psychological thriller.
It starts when a Cornwall fisherman finds a body in the ocean. The blood of the victim has washed away, but the angry message etched deep into the victim’s back is crystal clear: Grace—Number 1.
It’s the kind of story that could make local reporter Jennifer Mack’s career—if she can keep her hypercompetitive colleague, Hayley, from undermining her at every turn.
When the next body turns up far away in London, another carved message makes the link unmistakable—a serial killer is on the loose.
Then, Jennifer receives a package from the killer. As she begins to communicate directly and publicly with a murderer-at-large, it appears she’s been chosen to write the headline story.
But as lines between right and wrong start to blur, Jennifer is forced to come face-to-face with her own inner darkness . . .
It starts when a Cornwall fisherman finds a body in the ocean. The blood of the victim has washed away, but the angry message etched deep into the victim’s back is crystal clear: Grace—Number 1.
It’s the kind of story that could make local reporter Jennifer Mack’s career—if she can keep her hypercompetitive colleague, Hayley, from undermining her at every turn.
When the next body turns up far away in London, another carved message makes the link unmistakable—a serial killer is on the loose.
Then, Jennifer receives a package from the killer. As she begins to communicate directly and publicly with a murderer-at-large, it appears she’s been chosen to write the headline story.
But as lines between right and wrong start to blur, Jennifer is forced to come face-to-face with her own inner darkness . . .
322 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2023
11 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Cristina Slough
8 books178 followersCristina Slough is a fiction writer.
Her latest novel Saving Grace will be released on 1st March 2023.
Her latest novel Saving Grace will be released on 1st March 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
July 18, 2023
What a fantastic dark and twisty thriller! Whew, I was not prepared for this one at all. Slough did a great job of hooking me and keeping me hooked the entire way through. The story is mainly told through Jennifer’s point of view and the killer’s point of view. However, Slough does not give away ANY clues as to the killer’s identity until she wants you to know their identity. I thought one particular character was suspicious, but that character wasn’t the killer. This is a fast paced, must read thriller. I cannot recommend it enough. Also, it’s on KU for those that have that. So hurry and go get this book now. You will not be disappointed!
July 21, 2023
Fantastic Plot
As usual the first thing I look at is the cover photo. It is very pretty and eye-catching. It is a dark twisty thriller full of action and adventure. Haha to be honest I was feeling so energetic while reading it. I finished reading it in one sitting.
The author has really captivating writing skills. Whoever reads it will stay engaged throughout the book. You will not feel bored at all. The story has been told through the POV of investigating journalist Jennifer Mack and the killer. There is suspense and adventure from the very first chapter.
I will definitely recommend this book to everyone. I really had a good time reading it. Grab your copy today guys.
As usual the first thing I look at is the cover photo. It is very pretty and eye-catching. It is a dark twisty thriller full of action and adventure. Haha to be honest I was feeling so energetic while reading it. I finished reading it in one sitting.
The author has really captivating writing skills. Whoever reads it will stay engaged throughout the book. You will not feel bored at all. The story has been told through the POV of investigating journalist Jennifer Mack and the killer. There is suspense and adventure from the very first chapter.
I will definitely recommend this book to everyone. I really had a good time reading it. Grab your copy today guys.
March 6, 2023
Thank you Bloodhound book for the kindle copy in exchange for a honeat review.1. Investigating journalist Jennifer Mack is trying to make her name. A young girl is found murdered in the ocean at Cornwall. She has the words Grace number 1 scratched into her back. Then a second body is found in London with the message Grace number 2 it becomes clear there is a serial killer on the loose. The girls all look similar and are called Grace. A brilliantly wtitten thriller that had me gripped from page 1.
June 19, 2023
I liked that there were two POVs in this novel. The murderer and the journalist chasing the story of the murder. Jennifer is a journalist for The Cornwall Times and is very keen to make her mark. Although she is unable to report on the discovery of the first body, she does get an interview with the victim’s family. Jennifer has her own demons and challenges, which makes her character flawed but likeable. The murderer clearly has an agenda, and the second murder shows the police have a serial killer on their hands. An interesting premise and is a gripping read.
July 10, 2023
In this dark psychological thriller, an ambitious reporter seeks a glimpse into a depraved killer’s mind, but along the way, she is forced to take a long hard look in the mirror and examine a few home truths.
The initial fisherman finding a body in the ocean is such a simple plot opener. The fact that the victim's blood has washed away, but the angry message etched deep into the victim’s back is crystal clear: Grace—Number 1, is not.
When another body turns up, but this time in London, another carved message makes the link unmistakable.
When more victims are found, it is without doubt: a serial killer is on the loose, and they’re clearly troubled.
This is the sort of story that could make or break local reporter Jennifer Mack’s career. Murder isn’t a topic they’re used to covering; serious crime just does not happen in sleepy Cornwall.
Not only does Jennifer have to work outside her normal scope of practice, she has to keep her ultra-competitive colleague, Hayley, from undermining her at every turn. Oh, and battle her alcohol dependency (the cliched alcoholic hack rises once more) and a potential burgeoning romance. It’s impossible not to root for Jennifer, though; the need to succeed and make her journalistic dreams come true comes off in waves.
Swivelling rapidly between our two unreliable narrators - Ms Mack at the local rag and our killer - the story moves at a rate of knots.
Both characters narrate in the first person giving us great insight into their points of view. We feel every emotion with them, however sick and twisted they are. Our killer, in particular, is drenched in pure, white-hot rage - the world owes them something to recompense the traumatic start in life they’ve had.
I tore through this book, but unfortunately, I figured out the big plot twists early on, which was irritating but not dreadful as the skilled writing kept my interest regardless.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for involving me in the Saving Grace book tour. I’ll be looking to read more from this author in the future. 3.5⭐️
The initial fisherman finding a body in the ocean is such a simple plot opener. The fact that the victim's blood has washed away, but the angry message etched deep into the victim’s back is crystal clear: Grace—Number 1, is not.
When another body turns up, but this time in London, another carved message makes the link unmistakable.
When more victims are found, it is without doubt: a serial killer is on the loose, and they’re clearly troubled.
This is the sort of story that could make or break local reporter Jennifer Mack’s career. Murder isn’t a topic they’re used to covering; serious crime just does not happen in sleepy Cornwall.
Not only does Jennifer have to work outside her normal scope of practice, she has to keep her ultra-competitive colleague, Hayley, from undermining her at every turn. Oh, and battle her alcohol dependency (the cliched alcoholic hack rises once more) and a potential burgeoning romance. It’s impossible not to root for Jennifer, though; the need to succeed and make her journalistic dreams come true comes off in waves.
Swivelling rapidly between our two unreliable narrators - Ms Mack at the local rag and our killer - the story moves at a rate of knots.
Both characters narrate in the first person giving us great insight into their points of view. We feel every emotion with them, however sick and twisted they are. Our killer, in particular, is drenched in pure, white-hot rage - the world owes them something to recompense the traumatic start in life they’ve had.
I tore through this book, but unfortunately, I figured out the big plot twists early on, which was irritating but not dreadful as the skilled writing kept my interest regardless.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for involving me in the Saving Grace book tour. I’ll be looking to read more from this author in the future. 3.5⭐️
February 16, 2023
I was given an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Saving Grace follows Jennifer Mack, a journalist trying to make it big. Jennifer is covering the Grace Murders and takes an unconventional approach to finding the serial killer. The book also follows the serial killer through the murders.
When I first started reading this book, it was a little difficult to follow who was who making it hard to get into. However about halfway through the book, things took a twisty turn and I couldn’t put it down!
Saving Grace follows Jennifer Mack, a journalist trying to make it big. Jennifer is covering the Grace Murders and takes an unconventional approach to finding the serial killer. The book also follows the serial killer through the murders.
When I first started reading this book, it was a little difficult to follow who was who making it hard to get into. However about halfway through the book, things took a twisty turn and I couldn’t put it down!
February 20, 2023
Thank you to bloodhound books for the ARC in exchange for a review
I found this book hard to get into as it kept flipping from various characters/ timeline and was quite slow to start with, however once I got about halfway through I got used to the writing style and really got hooked into the stories.
Unfortunately I didn’t warm to any of the characters,
Jennifer seemed really “flat” whereas the Grace killer was a typical sociopath.
I guessed part of the plot early on.
However I will still be looking into this authors other books to see if any appeal to me.
I found this book hard to get into as it kept flipping from various characters/ timeline and was quite slow to start with, however once I got about halfway through I got used to the writing style and really got hooked into the stories.
Unfortunately I didn’t warm to any of the characters,
Jennifer seemed really “flat” whereas the Grace killer was a typical sociopath.
I guessed part of the plot early on.
However I will still be looking into this authors other books to see if any appeal to me.
March 6, 2023
Saving grace by Cristina Slough.
It starts when a Cornwall fisherman finds a body in the ocean. The blood of the victim has washed away, but the angry message etched deep into the victim’s back is crystal clear: Grace—Number 1.
A brilliant read. Twisty and gripping. Loved Hayley. 5*.
It starts when a Cornwall fisherman finds a body in the ocean. The blood of the victim has washed away, but the angry message etched deep into the victim’s back is crystal clear: Grace—Number 1.
A brilliant read. Twisty and gripping. Loved Hayley. 5*.
July 19, 2023
This edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller offers an eerie sneak peek into the mind of the sociopathic killer, leaving everyone involved racing to save Grace.
With a list of content warnings a mile long, this book is not for the faint of heart. Books, movies, and shows like this seem to be getting ever more popular. Ones that offer insight into the killers’ point of view. Criminal Minds ran for sixteen years and then came back darker than ever as soon as streaming only was an option. Clearly, our society has a dark obsession with figuring out what makes psychopaths, sociopaths, and serial killers tick. And Cristina Slough is happy to deliver her depiction of one of these troubled minds.
Offering unique twists that make the story amazing, the author takes us deep – extremely deep – down the rabbit hole with the killer. An extra layer is added as the main character journalist is also digging deep into the criminal’s mind as well in an attempt to find them. I appreciated some of the flipping of various stereotypes within this book and some representational elements that I won’t go into because I don’t like spoilers. Jennifer was a complex, somewhat unreliable narrator. And obviously, the killer was an unreliable narrator. It was interesting to see the story unfold through the eyes of two such narrators and to see some similarities in their stories.
One interesting point always at least alluded to in stories like this is the idea that we could all be one bad thing away from being killers ourselves. Maybe that accounts for the utter fascination we all have with crime stories. The author does an excellent job of blurring the lines between friend and foe, misdirecting us, and making friends and enemies indistinguishable right up until the end. I figured out one big twist early on, but honestly, I felt I needed to look over my shoulder constantly while reading the book, which I devoured very quickly needing to find out what was going to happen.
I appreciate the author, the publisher, and Love Books Tours for including me on this tour. I look forward to reading more by the author.
Who’s It For
This book is for mature audiences only. It is very graphic in many ways. If you enjoy psychological crime thrillers, this is a great book for you. This book was incredibly twisty, fast-paced, and full of action. It is not appropriate for young or sensitive readers.
Content Warning: Graphic Violence and Death, Relationship Violence, Sexual Assault (including Child Rape), Drug Abuse, Alcoholism, Murder, Self-Harm, Body Mutilation, Divorce, Child Abuse, Parent Death, Kidnapping
With a list of content warnings a mile long, this book is not for the faint of heart. Books, movies, and shows like this seem to be getting ever more popular. Ones that offer insight into the killers’ point of view. Criminal Minds ran for sixteen years and then came back darker than ever as soon as streaming only was an option. Clearly, our society has a dark obsession with figuring out what makes psychopaths, sociopaths, and serial killers tick. And Cristina Slough is happy to deliver her depiction of one of these troubled minds.
Offering unique twists that make the story amazing, the author takes us deep – extremely deep – down the rabbit hole with the killer. An extra layer is added as the main character journalist is also digging deep into the criminal’s mind as well in an attempt to find them. I appreciated some of the flipping of various stereotypes within this book and some representational elements that I won’t go into because I don’t like spoilers. Jennifer was a complex, somewhat unreliable narrator. And obviously, the killer was an unreliable narrator. It was interesting to see the story unfold through the eyes of two such narrators and to see some similarities in their stories.
One interesting point always at least alluded to in stories like this is the idea that we could all be one bad thing away from being killers ourselves. Maybe that accounts for the utter fascination we all have with crime stories. The author does an excellent job of blurring the lines between friend and foe, misdirecting us, and making friends and enemies indistinguishable right up until the end. I figured out one big twist early on, but honestly, I felt I needed to look over my shoulder constantly while reading the book, which I devoured very quickly needing to find out what was going to happen.
I appreciate the author, the publisher, and Love Books Tours for including me on this tour. I look forward to reading more by the author.
Who’s It For
This book is for mature audiences only. It is very graphic in many ways. If you enjoy psychological crime thrillers, this is a great book for you. This book was incredibly twisty, fast-paced, and full of action. It is not appropriate for young or sensitive readers.
Content Warning: Graphic Violence and Death, Relationship Violence, Sexual Assault (including Child Rape), Drug Abuse, Alcoholism, Murder, Self-Harm, Body Mutilation, Divorce, Child Abuse, Parent Death, Kidnapping
July 12, 2023
Jennifer Mack wants to be a journalist but the only job she could get was for The Cornwall Chronicle. The first hint that anything might be amiss is when a fisherman finds a young woman’s body in the sea and on her back is marked ‘GRACE NUMBER 1’. Unfortunately, the police had no clues to go on. Then a body was found in a video shop in London that had all the hallmarks of the body found in Cornwall. Jennifer Mack went to London to see Lilith Grain to ask for her co-operation on the London murder. There was then another body found in Cornwall. As Cornwall Police had not worked a big murder case, it was decided to bring Lilith down to oversee things. Lilith informed Jennifer that she was coming to Cornwall and that they could work together. All Jennifer needed to do was keep her name on the byline and keep her colleague Hayley away from it. Hayley was speaking to the bosses about Jennifer and saying that she wasn’t up to the job.
Lilith arranges to meet Jennifer and Jennifer makes the mistake of having an alcoholic drink, then having too many so forgetting the night but waking up the next morning with a raging hangover. In St George’s Park, in the public toilets that Saturday morning a woman’s body was discovered in the Gent’s. Whilst Jennifer was in the park asking questions of the person who discovered the body, she receives a call from Olivia at the office telling her a package has arrived for her and she needs to get back to the office straight away bringing Lilith Grain with her. When Jennifer arrives back at the office, she can’t believe her eyes and nor can the PC with her. He gets straight onto the phone to Lilith Grain and tells her she is needed at the office, it is something she will want to see.
Who was the dead woman in the toilets? Is she connected to the Grace Murders? What was in the package?
This was an amazing read which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I read it in one sitting, I was hooked that much. This book was written in a ‘now’ and ‘then’ format which is a type of book I enjoy reading as it seems to give more background story somehow. Also, it was in a diary format as well, so the chapters were named ie ‘Then’, ‘Jenny Mack’, etc. This helped to explain the complex story which was written extremely well by the author along with the pleasingly descriptive prose. A book definitely worth reading. An author to keep an eye on possibly.
Lilith arranges to meet Jennifer and Jennifer makes the mistake of having an alcoholic drink, then having too many so forgetting the night but waking up the next morning with a raging hangover. In St George’s Park, in the public toilets that Saturday morning a woman’s body was discovered in the Gent’s. Whilst Jennifer was in the park asking questions of the person who discovered the body, she receives a call from Olivia at the office telling her a package has arrived for her and she needs to get back to the office straight away bringing Lilith Grain with her. When Jennifer arrives back at the office, she can’t believe her eyes and nor can the PC with her. He gets straight onto the phone to Lilith Grain and tells her she is needed at the office, it is something she will want to see.
Who was the dead woman in the toilets? Is she connected to the Grace Murders? What was in the package?
This was an amazing read which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I read it in one sitting, I was hooked that much. This book was written in a ‘now’ and ‘then’ format which is a type of book I enjoy reading as it seems to give more background story somehow. Also, it was in a diary format as well, so the chapters were named ie ‘Then’, ‘Jenny Mack’, etc. This helped to explain the complex story which was written extremely well by the author along with the pleasingly descriptive prose. A book definitely worth reading. An author to keep an eye on possibly.
March 6, 2023
When i get a chance to read a book by a new author I jump at the chance so when Saving Grace
by Cristina Slough came available I did just that especially as it starts in beautiful Cornwall. What a brilliant dark psychological thriller this was. This book was so good and it had lots of twists and turns throughout. I am looking forward reading more books by Cristina Slough in the future.
When an ambitious reporter, Jennifer Mack seeks a window into an obsessed killer’s mind, they're forced to take a hard look in the mirror, and try to find a story to write to make it big.
A Cornish fisherman finds a body in the ocean. The blood of the victim has been washed away by the sea, but there's an angry message etched deep into the victim’s back is crystal clear: "Grace—Number 1."
What does this message mean "Grace - Number 1"?
Jennifer then receives a package from the killer. She begins to communicate directly and publicly with a murderer at large, it appears she’s been chosen to write the headline story that will make her name!
But, at what cost!
As lines between right and wrong start to blur, Jennifer is forced to come face to face with her own inner darkness . . .and has to deal with it!
Will she survive and make her name as a reporter?
I highly recommend this book I really enjoyed it
Big Thank you to bloodhound books for the ARC in exchange for a review
by Cristina Slough came available I did just that especially as it starts in beautiful Cornwall. What a brilliant dark psychological thriller this was. This book was so good and it had lots of twists and turns throughout. I am looking forward reading more books by Cristina Slough in the future.
When an ambitious reporter, Jennifer Mack seeks a window into an obsessed killer’s mind, they're forced to take a hard look in the mirror, and try to find a story to write to make it big.
A Cornish fisherman finds a body in the ocean. The blood of the victim has been washed away by the sea, but there's an angry message etched deep into the victim’s back is crystal clear: "Grace—Number 1."
What does this message mean "Grace - Number 1"?
Jennifer then receives a package from the killer. She begins to communicate directly and publicly with a murderer at large, it appears she’s been chosen to write the headline story that will make her name!
But, at what cost!
As lines between right and wrong start to blur, Jennifer is forced to come face to face with her own inner darkness . . .and has to deal with it!
Will she survive and make her name as a reporter?
I highly recommend this book I really enjoyed it
Big Thank you to bloodhound books for the ARC in exchange for a review
March 1, 2023
ou stay on the phone for a while. A hard lump that I cannot swallow forms in my throat like a piece of coal. I've been replaced. It's painful to watch you for this long, but now that I've finally found you, I don't want to let you go What would you do if you saw me?
Run?
Scream?
Hide? But you're already doing that. We've been playing this game of hide- and-seek for a while now. I came close to finding you before, but you always changed tactics, my clever girl.
📖Just from reading the book synopsis, I was interested in the story. It kept me gripped to it and I was "forced" to read further to see what would happen next. It is a story about a very ambitious reporter that is researching a murder of a fisherman, but later when the body of her competitive colleague shows up killed with the same way, she knows that there is a serial killer on the loose. When she got a special "gift" from the killer, she is aware that she is chosen by him.
It is a bit confusing at the beginning but it wasn't hard when you get into the story. It is full of twists and turns that kept me guessing through the story. It is the first book that I am reading by this author and it wont be my last for sure.
Run?
Scream?
Hide? But you're already doing that. We've been playing this game of hide- and-seek for a while now. I came close to finding you before, but you always changed tactics, my clever girl.
📖Just from reading the book synopsis, I was interested in the story. It kept me gripped to it and I was "forced" to read further to see what would happen next. It is a story about a very ambitious reporter that is researching a murder of a fisherman, but later when the body of her competitive colleague shows up killed with the same way, she knows that there is a serial killer on the loose. When she got a special "gift" from the killer, she is aware that she is chosen by him.
It is a bit confusing at the beginning but it wasn't hard when you get into the story. It is full of twists and turns that kept me guessing through the story. It is the first book that I am reading by this author and it wont be my last for sure.
July 31, 2023
This is another cleverly written thriller that kept me reading even when I should have been putting it down to sleep/cleaning/do some work. I know that some people don't like the switching between characters each chapter but I really liked that, it kept giving me little clues as to who the killer was without ever letting me get a vaguely correct guess. Jennifer isn't an overly likeable MC, she constantly acts like working at the home town newspaper is beneath her rather than being thankful she actually has a job in the career she wanted, it may not be in at a big-name paper but at least she's a journalist.
All the characters are really well-written and you defiantly connect with some really well and there are others that just remind you of people you've met (Hayley for one), it's just another indicator of a cleverly written book!
The cover (you know I'm a cover magpie) is pretty and intrigues you to pick the book up and see what's inside, it doesn't give a lot away.
I have to say I haven't read anything by Cristina Slough before but I will definitely be picking up more of her books in the future.
All the characters are really well-written and you defiantly connect with some really well and there are others that just remind you of people you've met (Hayley for one), it's just another indicator of a cleverly written book!
The cover (you know I'm a cover magpie) is pretty and intrigues you to pick the book up and see what's inside, it doesn't give a lot away.
I have to say I haven't read anything by Cristina Slough before but I will definitely be picking up more of her books in the future.
February 16, 2023
Fortunate enough to be given ARC through bloodhound books and here’s my review.
Saving Grace was my first book written by this author and to say I struggled at the start is an understatement! The book seemed to flip flop from one character to another and I wasn’t always clear who or which character I was reading at certain points but I stuck with it hoping that eventually it would all pull together.
So glad I did stick with it the book revolves around Jennifer Mack a journalist stuck back in her Cornish hometown whilst trying to get that break. She becomes involved in a local murder story after being given the exclusive interview with the grieving families mother and this eventually takes her to london with a haunch of a serial killer targeting Graces.
The story does come together and was well
Worth the tough going start to keep focused as there are twists turns and at the end a thoroughly good read.
Saving Grace was my first book written by this author and to say I struggled at the start is an understatement! The book seemed to flip flop from one character to another and I wasn’t always clear who or which character I was reading at certain points but I stuck with it hoping that eventually it would all pull together.
So glad I did stick with it the book revolves around Jennifer Mack a journalist stuck back in her Cornish hometown whilst trying to get that break. She becomes involved in a local murder story after being given the exclusive interview with the grieving families mother and this eventually takes her to london with a haunch of a serial killer targeting Graces.
The story does come together and was well
Worth the tough going start to keep focused as there are twists turns and at the end a thoroughly good read.
February 17, 2023
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for this eARC.
This is my first read by this author and I began reading not quite knowing what to expect. The story is told through the perspectives of Jennifer a newspaper reporter and the killer.
I thought the book was quite hard to get into initially as it took time to familiarise myself with the characters, who was telling the story and I found the time lines hard to get used to at first. Once I became used to the characters and the authors writing I began to enjoy the book more, and found this to be a good read full of suspense and intrigue, and I thought the pacing was perfect. Although I wasn't keen on the characters in the book, the way the author told the story definitely piqued my interest and held my attention all the way through. I enjoyed the separate story threads here that went off in surprising directions, and I liked that the author tied up all loose ends nicely at the end. Overall a good read that I enjoyed.
3.5 stars
This is my first read by this author and I began reading not quite knowing what to expect. The story is told through the perspectives of Jennifer a newspaper reporter and the killer.
I thought the book was quite hard to get into initially as it took time to familiarise myself with the characters, who was telling the story and I found the time lines hard to get used to at first. Once I became used to the characters and the authors writing I began to enjoy the book more, and found this to be a good read full of suspense and intrigue, and I thought the pacing was perfect. Although I wasn't keen on the characters in the book, the way the author told the story definitely piqued my interest and held my attention all the way through. I enjoyed the separate story threads here that went off in surprising directions, and I liked that the author tied up all loose ends nicely at the end. Overall a good read that I enjoyed.
3.5 stars
July 5, 2023
Wow! This was a serious page-turner. Exciting, twisted, full of turns of events and utterly mind-blowing.
There are two narrators – Jennifer Mack is an ambitious journalist, who has returned to her home town in Cornwall to write for the local rag. At least that’s how she sees it. Below her. What is there to write about in this sleepy, tourist-driven county? Until a body turns up in the sea. And there’s a message carved dep into the girl’s back – Grace Number 1. When a second body turns up miles away in an abandoned video store in London with Grace Number 2 etched into the flesh, Jennifer knows she’s on to something. This could be the making of her career, and the story is hers. Apart from her nemesis, Hayley, who is trying to undermine her at every opportunity and steal the story from under her nose.
Our second narrator is the killer. It’s written from the first person point of view. We feel every hateful, twisted emotion. This is someone who is filled with rage and wants revenge, on everyone and everything. And there are some very dark thoughts going on in their head.
Jennifer, at this point, decides to communicate directly with the killer, using the newspaper to do it. Until she receives a gruesome package from the killer (no it’s not Gwyneth Paltrow’s head or a boiled bunny), and is now as scared as she is excited. So was I.
This was so good. I wanted to bunk off work and keep reading. There’s nothing like trying to get inside the head of a serial killer in the dead of night. And I’m not just talking about Jennifer.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of the #SavingGraceTour
There are two narrators – Jennifer Mack is an ambitious journalist, who has returned to her home town in Cornwall to write for the local rag. At least that’s how she sees it. Below her. What is there to write about in this sleepy, tourist-driven county? Until a body turns up in the sea. And there’s a message carved dep into the girl’s back – Grace Number 1. When a second body turns up miles away in an abandoned video store in London with Grace Number 2 etched into the flesh, Jennifer knows she’s on to something. This could be the making of her career, and the story is hers. Apart from her nemesis, Hayley, who is trying to undermine her at every opportunity and steal the story from under her nose.
Our second narrator is the killer. It’s written from the first person point of view. We feel every hateful, twisted emotion. This is someone who is filled with rage and wants revenge, on everyone and everything. And there are some very dark thoughts going on in their head.
Jennifer, at this point, decides to communicate directly with the killer, using the newspaper to do it. Until she receives a gruesome package from the killer (no it’s not Gwyneth Paltrow’s head or a boiled bunny), and is now as scared as she is excited. So was I.
This was so good. I wanted to bunk off work and keep reading. There’s nothing like trying to get inside the head of a serial killer in the dead of night. And I’m not just talking about Jennifer.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of the #SavingGraceTour
July 4, 2023
Wow. Just wow. This is a really accomplished and original novel, which not only entertains and thrills, but invites – no, demands – us to look inwards at the darkness which lives under our skin.
As such, #SavingGrace is just as much about the reader as it is about the characters whose stories we follow within the novel. Are we all just degrees away from killers, ourselves? And how many bad choices and wrong turns in our lives could transform us from someone who has passing moments of rage, to an individual who acts upon those urges?
I rarely give five star reviews; there’s normally something which rankles a little, a storyline which I feel could be tighter, characterisation which could have been more compelling. But Saving Grace is so well written, so strong, so absorbingly plotted, so bitingly addictive, that I have no hesitation in recommending this stunning psychological thriller at the highest level. Five stars it is!
As such, #SavingGrace is just as much about the reader as it is about the characters whose stories we follow within the novel. Are we all just degrees away from killers, ourselves? And how many bad choices and wrong turns in our lives could transform us from someone who has passing moments of rage, to an individual who acts upon those urges?
I rarely give five star reviews; there’s normally something which rankles a little, a storyline which I feel could be tighter, characterisation which could have been more compelling. But Saving Grace is so well written, so strong, so absorbingly plotted, so bitingly addictive, that I have no hesitation in recommending this stunning psychological thriller at the highest level. Five stars it is!
July 14, 2023
I LOVED THIS BOOK.
You will all know by now that murders and thrillers are my jam - in fiction obvs I'm not some psychotic axe murderer 🤓🤓 so this was right up my street and oh boy did it deliver. It was dark and mysterious and twisted and I was absolutely here for it.
It is well written with a compelling storyline and well developed characters. I loved that we got 2 points of view, that of Jennifer and that of the killer. I have only read a few books where the reader gets a pov from the killer and have really liked that aspect and this book does that really well. I loved how dark and twisted he was and it really made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up whenever I was reading his parts.
This is a real page turner which left me on the edge of my seat and breathless at times. So so so good
You will all know by now that murders and thrillers are my jam - in fiction obvs I'm not some psychotic axe murderer 🤓🤓 so this was right up my street and oh boy did it deliver. It was dark and mysterious and twisted and I was absolutely here for it.
It is well written with a compelling storyline and well developed characters. I loved that we got 2 points of view, that of Jennifer and that of the killer. I have only read a few books where the reader gets a pov from the killer and have really liked that aspect and this book does that really well. I loved how dark and twisted he was and it really made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up whenever I was reading his parts.
This is a real page turner which left me on the edge of my seat and breathless at times. So so so good
July 20, 2023
Another new author to me and another great psychological thriller to dive into.
Jennifer is an ambitious reporter and is desperately trying to set herself above the competition.
When a local murder catches her attention, she knows this could be the story to make her.
Jennifer was not the most likable character for me, but I think this changed over the course of the story and as we learned more about her and her flaws.
I love thrillers that allow us to see into the mind of the killer. This builds up the tension and I always find the killer chapters set the tone and atmosphere for the story.
Told from 2 pov's, allowed the story to unfold steadily, giving us just enough information to form a theory - before snatching this away and throwing us a twist.
This was really well written, tense and gripping and full of twists.
I was left guessing which had me unable to put this down and racing through to find out what happened
Jennifer is an ambitious reporter and is desperately trying to set herself above the competition.
When a local murder catches her attention, she knows this could be the story to make her.
Jennifer was not the most likable character for me, but I think this changed over the course of the story and as we learned more about her and her flaws.
I love thrillers that allow us to see into the mind of the killer. This builds up the tension and I always find the killer chapters set the tone and atmosphere for the story.
Told from 2 pov's, allowed the story to unfold steadily, giving us just enough information to form a theory - before snatching this away and throwing us a twist.
This was really well written, tense and gripping and full of twists.
I was left guessing which had me unable to put this down and racing through to find out what happened
February 15, 2023
This was given to me as an advanced copy by the publisher in return for an honest review. This is my own opinion and I receive no reward for reviewing.
This book started very slowly, as the story is told from several different character perspectives and it jumped around the characters making it very difficult to follow but once I worked out the characters it became easier to read. I wish the author had thought a bit more about the reader and given us a longer insight into each story as this would have made the book more gripping, but it's worth sticking with it through the difficult pages as in the end it was a good book.
This book started very slowly, as the story is told from several different character perspectives and it jumped around the characters making it very difficult to follow but once I worked out the characters it became easier to read. I wish the author had thought a bit more about the reader and given us a longer insight into each story as this would have made the book more gripping, but it's worth sticking with it through the difficult pages as in the end it was a good book.
February 25, 2023
Jennifer Mack is a small town investigative journalist on the scent of a career changing story: the body of a young woman with a sinister message carved into her back has been washed ashore, and the killer hints that this won’t be the only body to be found.
The story begins slowly, flipping back and forth between perspectives and at times becoming confusing. At times I found it difficult to track whose story I was reading, which meant I did lose focus, and there were a couple of loose threads in the conclusion that I felt could have been tidied up. I did, however, persevere and whilst I didn’t love it, I did find it an enjoyable quick read.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books and the author for providing me with an ARC in return for this review.
The story begins slowly, flipping back and forth between perspectives and at times becoming confusing. At times I found it difficult to track whose story I was reading, which meant I did lose focus, and there were a couple of loose threads in the conclusion that I felt could have been tidied up. I did, however, persevere and whilst I didn’t love it, I did find it an enjoyable quick read.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books and the author for providing me with an ARC in return for this review.
March 1, 2023
Told in dual points of view, those of Jennifer the reporter and the second one, the killer, the story follows the murder investigation of "Grace No.1" and subsequents Grace 2 and 3.
It took me a long while to get my bearings on the book, it was very confusing up until almost the half point of the book, and was able to figure out pretty early in the book who the killer is, although there are twists and turns in the story that makes the book interesting it felt a little flat for me.
Even though the writing is good and the premise is promising I wish the author would have made the plot a little less convoluted, without giving so much background and information on secondary characters, like the characters that find the victims bodies.
All in all an enjoyable book to read.
It took me a long while to get my bearings on the book, it was very confusing up until almost the half point of the book, and was able to figure out pretty early in the book who the killer is, although there are twists and turns in the story that makes the book interesting it felt a little flat for me.
Even though the writing is good and the premise is promising I wish the author would have made the plot a little less convoluted, without giving so much background and information on secondary characters, like the characters that find the victims bodies.
All in all an enjoyable book to read.
March 1, 2023
Saving Grace is about an ambitious newspaper reporter Jennifer Mack and her search for an unknown serial killer who is killing girls called Grace.
The story starts off by leading you in slowly as it is setting the scene with a lot of background detail about the two main characters but it is worth persevering with because it is well written with lots of twists and turns and full of suspense and intrigue. It is told from two perspectives, that of Jennifer in the present day, and the unknown character (the killer) in the past. It flips from one character to another with both of them having flaws. There are lots of interwoven threads and the author held my attention all the way through tying up all loose ends nicely at the end.
I found Saving Grace to be an enjoyable read that keeps you guessing all the way with a story that comes together well in the end. It is a really good psychological thriller and I highly recommend it!
The story starts off by leading you in slowly as it is setting the scene with a lot of background detail about the two main characters but it is worth persevering with because it is well written with lots of twists and turns and full of suspense and intrigue. It is told from two perspectives, that of Jennifer in the present day, and the unknown character (the killer) in the past. It flips from one character to another with both of them having flaws. There are lots of interwoven threads and the author held my attention all the way through tying up all loose ends nicely at the end.
I found Saving Grace to be an enjoyable read that keeps you guessing all the way with a story that comes together well in the end. It is a really good psychological thriller and I highly recommend it!
July 18, 2023
This was definitely my type of psychological thriller that keeps you in your toes. It was well written with dual point of view from the journalist, Jennifer, and from the serial killer. The serial killer has a hidden agenda and after the second body is found with the same carving everyone knows more are coming. All the victims name are the same.
Jennifer characters is likable and with flaws which makes you root for her success even more and is interesting when the serial killer starts communicating with her.
Overall, this was good dark thriller well written with dual POVs. It definitely grabbed my attention immediately. The only thing was that I was able to guess the plot twist.
Thank you to love books tour and the author for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Jennifer characters is likable and with flaws which makes you root for her success even more and is interesting when the serial killer starts communicating with her.
Overall, this was good dark thriller well written with dual POVs. It definitely grabbed my attention immediately. The only thing was that I was able to guess the plot twist.
Thank you to love books tour and the author for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2023
This was quite slow to begin with, with the story being told from 2 perspectives, a young journalist Jennifer Mack and the killer themselves.
The first part of the book is really setting the scene with a lot of background both for Jennifer and for the killer and I was wondering how long it would take to get there to the cruz of the story. Then things took off and the tension ramped up. There were several unexpected twists thrown in too that were very welcome and the different threads came together nicely in the end. The patience was worth it in the end.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advance copy of this, and this is my honest review.
The first part of the book is really setting the scene with a lot of background both for Jennifer and for the killer and I was wondering how long it would take to get there to the cruz of the story. Then things took off and the tension ramped up. There were several unexpected twists thrown in too that were very welcome and the different threads came together nicely in the end. The patience was worth it in the end.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advance copy of this, and this is my honest review.
February 28, 2023
This was a really good read, it took me a bit of time to get into the book but definitely worth the perseverance, as the scene is set for the book.
The book is told from two perspectives. The killer is on the loose and killing people with blonde hair and named Grace, flashbacks take us through the killer’s life from his mother’s death and what happened to him and who he has killed. The Journalist Jennifer Mack she is looking for her big break, after she moved back home to Cornwall to where she grew up.
The book moves between the two characters, and we build a picture of there lives, a lot of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. A very enjoyable read.
The book is told from two perspectives. The killer is on the loose and killing people with blonde hair and named Grace, flashbacks take us through the killer’s life from his mother’s death and what happened to him and who he has killed. The Journalist Jennifer Mack she is looking for her big break, after she moved back home to Cornwall to where she grew up.
The book moves between the two characters, and we build a picture of there lives, a lot of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. A very enjoyable read.
March 1, 2023
I enjoyed reading this suspenseful story. This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites by her yet. This is a story where your own inner darkness comes to the surface and right and wrong become blurred. A story you don't want to miss. I enjoyed how the author used details to bring life to her story. The characters are relateable and add so much to the story. This is a fast paced story that is not only engaging but hard to put down. It has twists and turns that had me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. A well written story that I highly recommend.
March 1, 2023
Omg! I picked this book up, and it didn't leave my hand until my youngest was 'almost starving'!
A psychological thriller told from dual perspectives, one bring the 'Grace killer' and the other Jennife, a journalist who feels getting the scoop on said killer will be the one to boost her career into the stratosphere.
A thriller that builds slowly. The tension slowly grows until the story flies with plenty of twists and turns. Don't let the slow burn get you doubting this book, please! I promise you will regret not finishing this well written psychological thriller that oozes suspense.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the gifted ARC.
A psychological thriller told from dual perspectives, one bring the 'Grace killer' and the other Jennife, a journalist who feels getting the scoop on said killer will be the one to boost her career into the stratosphere.
A thriller that builds slowly. The tension slowly grows until the story flies with plenty of twists and turns. Don't let the slow burn get you doubting this book, please! I promise you will regret not finishing this well written psychological thriller that oozes suspense.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the gifted ARC.
March 9, 2023
I don't read serial killer thrillers, as I have read the stories of all the real serial killers on true crime library and they do not hold any facination for me any more. I read the real serial killers, because I wanted to konw what the underlying factors that led them to a crime spree. I realized, that there were rarely any significant underlying factors and these people were really born evil (like Dhamer). I started reading Saving Grace, from a lack of another intersting new thrillers being released on Kindle. However, this book did give me the creeps and kept me engaged. It is well written and highly recommended. And I am going to reading my tame domestic crime thrillers.
July 13, 2023
4.5 stars.
This was such a dark and twisted psychological thriller, it had me hooked right from the start.
The story is told from the POV of journalist Jennifer Mack in the present time and ‘then’ from the killer. I love hearing from the killers POV and getting in their head, trying to figure them out.
This killer was one very twisted individual. The story had me on the edge of my seat numerous times I needed to know what was going to happen next.
I did think I had figured it out but I wasn’t right at all. 🤣
Definitely recommend this one if you love a dark thriller you can binge read.
Thank you to Love Book Tours and the author for having me on the tour and for my gifted ebook.
This was such a dark and twisted psychological thriller, it had me hooked right from the start.
The story is told from the POV of journalist Jennifer Mack in the present time and ‘then’ from the killer. I love hearing from the killers POV and getting in their head, trying to figure them out.
This killer was one very twisted individual. The story had me on the edge of my seat numerous times I needed to know what was going to happen next.
I did think I had figured it out but I wasn’t right at all. 🤣
Definitely recommend this one if you love a dark thriller you can binge read.
Thank you to Love Book Tours and the author for having me on the tour and for my gifted ebook.
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