Summary (from Goodreads): When beautiful serial killer Gretchen Lowell captured her last victim – the very detective who was trying to hunt her down – she quickly established who was really in control of the investigation. So why, after 10 days of horrifying physical and mental torture, did she release Detective Archie Sheridan on the brink of death and hand herself in?
No one else will ever know what happened between Gretchen and Archie, and even with his tormentor serving life Archie remains both obsessed and driven by a mysterious, terrifying dynamic that was born during his time alone with her. One thing is clear – Archie does not believe he was ever truly freed.
Two years on Archie, shadowed by vulnerable, naive young reporter Susan Ward, must lead a new hunt for the ‘after school killer’, and he knows that one person can help him climb into the mind of this psychopath.
But are there links between these brutal deaths and Gretchen’s own unthinkable past? And will this only give Gretchen an invitation to play puppeteer once more?
My Thoughts: This is the second Chelsea Cain novel I’ve read, the first of which was The Night Season. While this one is definitely better, I wasn’t blown away. Which is fine. Heartsick was suspenseful, full of twists and turns, and kept me guessing. Part of the problem could simply be that I had read Book 4 in the series, so I knew the answer to the big question: Who will get out alive? The suspense is kinda – no, not kinda, definitely – lessened by that knowledge. Still, I did enjoy it. Seeing how it all came together and learning the history of the characters – especially Archie and Susan.
Speaking of, I just love Archie! Despite his problems and his completely messed up mindset, the drugs, etc. … After all he went through – can you really blame the guy?
More on Archie in a minute. Let’s get to Gretchen. WOW. What a psychopath. What I want to know is how she knows so much. Is she really that good at reading people? Her detachment, her joy at having killed so many and ruining so many lives. I want to know her story. What screwed her up so much?
Back to Archie. I really like him a lot. Even with his problems. Even with the drugs and his addiction to Gretchen. He’s completely screwed up – it’s almost like Gretchen wanted him to end up like her – and he knows it. He admits it. I was amazed by how little he hides. I’ve read the fourth book; now I can’t wait to read the second and third books to see how he gets from here to there!
My Rating: 3 stars
Source: My local library.
Read It: Get your own copy HERE.
Challenges: Counts for 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2011, the 2nds Challenge (second book I read by Chelsea Cain), and the Mystery & Suspense Challenge 2011.
FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own.
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I pretty much felt the same as you, I enjoyed this one but didn’t love it. I do want to read the next in the series which I have. That Gretchen, ohmy, sigh.
Marce recently posted..Review – So Close the Hand of Death by J.T. Ellison
I think I’m liking Sweetheart more. (The first three are due at the library on Monday, so I’m scrambling to finish them! LOL)