Starvation Heights by Gregg Olsen

Starvation Heights by Gregg Olsen

Publishing:  January 19, 2023 by Thread Books

(Originally published in 2005)

 

 

Reason I chose to Read this Book: I really enjoy both Olsen’s fiction and non-fiction.  This looked really good, and I have never heard of this woman.

 

 

Starvation Heights by Gregg Olsen is the true story of Dr. Linda Hazzard and her bizarre methods of fasting to promote health (and of course murder).

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Thread Books and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

In the early 1900’s, Dr. Linda Hazzard founded the Hazzard Institute of Natural Therapeutics, a sanitarium in the forests of Olalla Washington, west of Seattle and across the Puget Sound.  Locals called it “Starvation Heights”.

She professed that all diseases, of both body and mind, could be cured through her revolutionary “fasting treatment”.   While “curing” people, Linda Hazzard and her husband Sam, became rich.  Not all of their clients survived, but they often left their money to Linda, and that was okay.  After-all, she can’t promise it will work for everyone.

When British sisters Claire and Dora Williamson became aware of Dr. Hazzard in 1911, they were intrigued.  They often tried revolutionary treatments.  Claire in particular, was enthralled with the idea of fasting.  They willingly accepted the brutal methods employed by this woman.  Unfortunately, one of them died, and the other barely escaped.  The remaining sister took Dr. Hazzard to court.

 

My Opinions:
Well, the story was definitely interesting, definitely gruesome, and definitely a little scary.

Basically it was about a medical mal-practice suit.  “Dr.” Hazzard fed only broth to her patients, brutally smacked their bodies, and gave them really long enemas.  Yet she felt she was doing no harm.  If her patient died, well, she took their money and moved on.

This book looked at two rather naive sisters who fall under the spell of a very greedy woman. But what was truly scary was the support this woman had, from a wide range of individuals.  She won over many people.  Without a doubt, Hazzard’s internal strength and psychological methods made her a force to be reckoned with.  The prospect of being found guilty of killing someone surprised her.

The story was interesting, and although often repetitive, I had no real complaints with the writing.  However, my problem with the book was it’s length.  It was much too long, and often dragged.  I ended up skimming, and couldn’t wait to be done.

Bottom line, it was an interesting topic, which could have been written in a much more condensed manner.  I really enjoy Olsen’s work, so I was a little disappointed in this one, but it certainly won’t stop me from reading more by this talented author.

 

Read: April, 2023

 

About The Author: Gregg Olsen (March 5 1959 – ) is a native of Seattle Washington. He currently lives in rural Washington State with his wife. He is the bestselling author of over 30 books, both fiction and non-fiction. He has appeared on various television and radio shows as well as being featured in a number of magazines. He has won numerous awards.   *** Photo taken from GoodReads

 

Check him out:

• • • • • Website:  http://www.greggolsen.com/
        • Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gregg_Olsen 
        • Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/greggolsen/
        • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreggOlsenAuth

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5491846134

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  These are only my opinions – and it would be a boring world if we all thought the same.  Either way, I’d love to know.

 

 

 

 

I Know Where You Live by Gregg Olsen

 

I Know Where You Live by Gregg Olsen

Publishing:  November 15, 2022 by Thomas & Mercer

 

Reason I chose to Read this Book: I love this author’s writing style, and whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, YA or adult, he tells a good story.

 

Heads Up:  The book is about sexual abuse and incest.

 

I Know Where You Live by Gregg Olsen is a psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Thomas & Mercer and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
When Violet’s grandfather collapses at her wedding, and later dies, she isn’t as heart-broken as some think she should be.  But Papa had abused her body and her trust long ago, and he wasn’t even supposed to be there on her special day.

Lily, Violet’s younger sister, doesn’t really care that her grandfather is dead either.  For what he did to Violet, he deserves to be dead.

Rose, their mother, got good at deflecting, denying, and looking the other way.  Her attitude of forgive and forget didn’t sit well with her daughters.  But in the back of her mind….

Richard, their father, knows nothing about the abuse, and is too busy chasing other women to worry about his wife or kids.

Nana put up with a lot over the years, but defended her husband til the end.

But when the death looks suspicious, the police get involved.

Meanwhile, Violet is starting to understand the support group she attends.  A lot feel that once their abuser is dead, they can finally move on.  She starts to think that may be true.  Maybe she can help others.

 

My Opinions:
This one had me hooked from the beginning.  One of those that I didn’t want to put down. It was a very emotional read – for me anyway.

The topics of this book are dark,  and sensitive, and somewhat disturbing.  This book is about sexual and emotional abuse, about denial, about revenge.  It is also about family.  It’s about a past that never really goes away.  It is about how one event can affect many people for years to come.  Gregg Olsen did a really good job with a very sensitive subject.

The story is told from the perspectives of Violet, Lily and Rose.  They are all dealing with abuse and death in quite different ways. Even though I didn’t particularly like them,  I did feel for them.

The short chapters meant that the pace was fast, but I found the story so compelling that I was turning the pages fast anyway.

 

Read: November, 2022

 

Favorite Quotes from I Know Where You Live:

“I can forgive her for not being the perfect mother. When bad things happened, she had a way of pushing them aside with a distraction meant to make things better. Don’t look here. Look here. When you think happy thoughts, you become happy. The Power of Positive Thinking is her second bible. Norman Vincent Peale is her Pope. What a sack of bullshit.”

“I’d have taken tin snips to his balls,” she said. “Then I’d smoke a cigarette while he bled out.”   Mom gave me a look.   “I hope your sister isn’t smoking.”

“What Papa had done was always there.  Under the surface. In her skin.”

 

About The Author: Gregg Olsen (March 5 1959 – ) is a native of Seattle, and currently lives in rural Washington State with his wife. He is the bestselling author of over 30 books, both fiction and non-fiction. He has appeared on various television and radio shows as well as being featured in a number of magazines. He has won numerous awards.   *** Photo taken from GoodReads

 

Check him out:

• • • • • Website:  http://www.greggolsen.com/
        • Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gregg_Olsen 
        • Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/greggolsen/
        • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreggOlsenAuthor

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5096122391

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  These are only my opinions – and it would be a boring world if we all thought the same.  Either way, I’d love to know.

 

 

 

 

 

Stillwater Island by Gregg Olsen (#4 – Megan Carpenter)

   

Stillwater Island by Gregg Olsen

Publishing: December 4, 2020 by Bookouture

 

Previous Book in the Series: #3 – Silent Ridge

 

Reason I chose to Read this Book: It is just a series installment, but I have been enjoying this one, as the protagonist is quite interesting.

 

Stillwater Island (was originally to be titled Vanishing Point) by Gregg Olsen is the fourth in the Detective Megan Carpenter Tapes series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

Series Background:    (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)

Megan Carpenter is a detective in Port Townsend, Washington.  Her childhood was a nightmare, with a mother who did little but lie, and a father Alex, who was a serial killer.  Her uncle, Michael Rader, was just as bad.  Her brother Hayden, who she tried to protect, joined the Army, and has never forgiven her for what she did.  She is re-living her childhood by listening to tapes made by a therapist, who is the only one who knows her full story. As a detective, she works under her friend and mentor, Sheriff Tony Gray, and now has a young partner Detective Ronnie Marsh.  

 

My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

Marlena wakes to find her asthmatic 4 year old son Bennie laying next to her.  She has no idea where she is, but her thoughts keep going to the news of a few days ago, when the body of a pregnant woman and her two children were found hidden in a barrel.  Marlena is pregnant too.  

Megan and Ronnie are called when Ben Parker reports his wife and son missing.  This case hits a little close to home for her boss, as it is Tony’s niece and nephew who are missing. 

Megan is determined to find them, but she is met with one lie after the next.  Ben Parker does not seem to be the loving husband and father that he tries to portray.  The neighbours report loud fights, there is talk of an affair, and his own father doesn’t trust him.

 

My Opinions: 

 

I really think these books should be read in order.  Although Megan’s background is repeated often (a little too often),  her relationships with others builds slowly throughout the different books.  I feel that reading them in order gives you a better understanding of her current life.

 

This was quite good, but I felt it was a little long.  Olsen can be a little long winded at times, and it was evident in this book.  The case brought back a lot of Megan’s memories of her own life, so it often felt like I was reading two stories.   But overall, both stories were interesting.

 

I really like Megan, and love the banter between her and Ronnie, and her and Tony.  The dialog in the book is often light and “fun”.   Megan’s relationships with her co-workers are becoming closer, and I like the characters around her. 

 

The book showed how a first impression can sometimes create tunnel vision, and if you are stubborn (as is one of Megan’s traits), it can create problems.   The book also delved into families, and how not every family is perfect.  I’m hoping a little honesty between Megan and her brother will surface soon….although I have wished that before.

 

Anyway, the twists were good (although a little predictable), and the overall plot was good.  As always, the writing was straight-forward.

 

I am looking forward to the next in the series!

 

BTW, not sure where the title came from?

Read: December, 2021

 

About The Author: Gregg Olsen (March 5 1959 – ) is a native of Seattle Washington. He currently lives in Washington with his wife and twin daughters. He is the bestselling author of over 20 books, both fiction and non-fiction. He has appeared on various television and radio shows as well as being featured in a number of magazines. He was won numerous awards.

 *** Photo taken from GoodReads

Check him out:

• • Website:  http://www.greggolsen.com/
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gregg_Olsen
  • Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/greggolsen/
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreggOlsenAuthor

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4376570543

  Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  Either way, I’d love to know.      

 

 

 

 

The Hive by Gregg Olsen

The Hive by Gregg Olsen

Publishing: June 8, 2021 by Thomas & Mercer

 

 

Reason I chose to Read this Book: I have enjoyed a number of books by this author.

 

The Hive by Gregg Olsen is a psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Thomas & Mercer, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

Detective Lindsay Jackman just lost her partner.  She is confused and hurt that Alan had committed suicide.  His wife and son feel the same.

But the job doesn’t end just because her partner is dead.

The naked body of Sarah Baker is found at the bottom of a ravine.  Lindsay discovers that she was a young journalist writing an exposé on Marnie Spellman.

Marnie was a charismatic wellness guru in the 90’s and had millions of devoted fans, as well as many detractors who feel that Spellman Farms was really a cult.   Marnie says that when she was a child, a swarm of bees lifted her off the ground until she was flying, and then gently put her down, which provided Marnie with a deep connection to nature.  She built a cosmetic empire, became a healer, and the queen of holistic health and beauty.  She created an intimate circle of five devotees who are called The Hive.  She became their “Queen Bee”.  That was all 20 years ago, but some things haven’t changed.

The women that originally formed The Hive have been keeping a secret for those 20 years.  Although they try not to associate with Marnie any longer, their loyalty is still strong .  Dina is now a rather wealthy washed-up actress; Greta a wealthy hospital administrator; Heather a politician, and Trish is dead.  So is Calista.

Lindsay knows they are covering up something, and is determined that someone is going to give up that secret, but as she digs deeper, it seems the truth continues to get buried.

 

My Opinions:  

This book is basically about a cult run by a rather charismatic and bullying woman.  It is about vanity, greed,  lies, deceit,  and the need to belong.  It is also about murder.

Unfortunately, although the characters had depth, I didn’t really like any of them (creating a difficult reading experience).  It took me a while to figure out the truth about Trish, so that was a great twist, and there were others.   As always with a Gregg Olsen novel,  the plot was really good, and of course the writing was great!

The story is told in different time-lines and  from different points of view.   I am generally a fan of this style of writing, but I think this book may have gone back and forth a little too often.  I did like the way Lindsay investigated, by going  through various newspaper articles and You-Tube videos, as well as reading Marnie’s book.

Although I found it a rather slow read, and the characters unlikable, the story was interesting, and everything came together at the end, although not all were punished appropriately.

I will definitely continue to read Gregg Olsen’s books!

 

Read: May, 2021

 

Favorite Quotes from The Hive:

“The leader of any hive, the one around which everything revolved, was the queen. She was superior to the drones and scouts, which lived only a short time to serve her. There could be no hive without her. There was no future for the planet without her.

“A hive,” she’d written, “is made up of thousands of hexagons, six sides representing the power and strength of nature. She even aligned six categories for each side of the hexagon to amplify her message.  Mind, Body, Spirit, Earth, Water, Sky. Six was the number of members in The Hive.”

 

About The Author: Gregg Olsen (March 5 1959 – ) is a native of Seattle Washington.  He currently lives in Washington with his wife and twin daughters.  He is the bestselling author of over 30 books, both fiction and non-fiction.  He has appeared on various television and radio shows as well as being featured in a number of magazines.  He has won numerous awards.  Check out his website at www.greggolsen.com

*** Photo Credit – taken from GoodReads

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4042532023

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  Either way, I’d love to know.

 

 

 

Silent Ridge by Gregg Olsen (#3 – Megan Carpenter)

Silent Ridge by Gregg Olsen 

Publishing: December 4, 2020 by Bookouture

 

 

Previous Book in the Series: #2 – Water’s Edge

Silent Ridge (originally titled Dark Falls) by Gregg Olsen is the third in the Detective Megan Carpenter Tapes series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

Series Background:    (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)

Megan Carpenter is a detective in Port Townsend, Washington.  Her childhood was a nightmare, with a mother who did little but lie, and a father who was a serial killer.  Her uncle was just as bad.  Her brother Hayden, who she tried to protect, joined the Army, and has never forgiven her for what she did.  She is re-living her childhood by listening to tapes made by a therapist, who is the only one who knows her full story. As a detective, she works under her friend and mentor, Sheriff Tony Gray, and now has a young partner Deputy Ronnie Marsh.

 

My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

The body of Monique Delmont, an advocate for victims of violent crimes,  shocks Megan.  Not the fact that this woman had first helped, then betrayed Megan years ago, but the fact that she has been skinned, and two photo’s of Megan, one when she was 16 years old, are left at the crime scene.  The fact that Megan knew Monique and why, is going to be difficult to conceal.

Megan is almost positive that Monique’s murderer is one of two people.  Her uncle, Michael Rader, has not forgiven Megan for killing his brother, her serial killer father Alex.  The other possibility is someone named “Wallace” who has been sending Megan emails.  Both these people know that Megan is still alive, although she has moved repeatedly, and changed her name.  Only three other people know she is alive, but neither her brother, her therapist, nor her ex-boyfriend are capable of murder.  She assumes.

However, the murder of Monique Delmont definitely has ties to Megan’s past, and it looks like that is where she will have to look in order to find the killer.  It will be difficult to do this without sharing her secrets with her team.  If her secrets get out, she will have to run again.  But if she can kill the perpetrator before she ends up dead herself, perhaps she can move on.


My Opinions: 

I am enjoying this series.  Megan is flawed.  She has had a rough life, and although she has killed, she doesn’t regret the bodies she has left behind.  They deserved what they got.  She is honest with herself, if not with anyone else.

I like the other characters that surround Megan as well.  I wasn’t sure about Ronnie at first, but she grew on me. Olsen has built a great support network around Megan, even though she doesn’t always see it that way.

This book further delved into Megan’s past,  creating a wonderful plot, and lots of suspense.  I liked the way the story was told from both Megan’s and the perpetrator’s perspective, so that the reader was able to see when Megan’s thought process was right, and when it was wrong.

I guess my main problem with the book, is the constant re-capping.  Yes, I understand if you didn’t read the first two books in the series, re-capping is good. There was just a lot of it.

I know that there are 3 more books planned for this series, and I assume one of them will center on Megan’s brother, but I am having problems imagining more books about Megan’s past.  Sooner or later you would think she’d stop lying and move on.

Anyway, I am definitely looking forward to the next book.

Read: November, 2020

Favorite Quotes from Silent Ridge:

“ Ronnie drinks candy coffee. Latte, Frappuccino, whatever. Usually with whipped cream on top. Today she’s living dangerous and it looks like real coffee.”

“Copsey is playing Candy Crush on his iPhone until he sees the sheriff and hurriedly puts it away. If he knew the sheriff like I did, he would have just asked Tony for some tips on the game. Sheriff Gray spends hours in his office playing some game or other.”

 

About The Author: Gregg Olsen (March 5 1959 – ) is a native of Seattle Washington. He currently lives in Washington with his wife and twin daughters. He is the bestselling author of over 20 books, both fiction and non-fiction. He has appeared on various television and radio shows as well as being featured in a number of magazines. He was won numerous awards.

 *** Photo taken from GoodReads

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3647939848

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  Either way, I’d love to know.

 

 

 

Water’s Edge by Gregg Olsen (#2 – Megan Carpenter)

Water’s Edge by Gregg Olsen 

Publishing: May 28, 2020 by Bookouture

 

 

Previous Book in the Series: #1 – Snow Creek

 

Water’s Edge by Gregg Olsen is the second in the Detective Megan Carpenter Tapes series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

Series Background:    (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)

Megan Carpenter is a detective in Port Townsend, Washington.  Her childhood was a nightmare, with a mother who did little but lie.   Her brother Hayden, who she tried to protect,  is in Afghanistan.  He holds her responsible for leaving him without any family.  She feels bad for Hayden, but not for the things she had to do so that they both would survive.  She is re-living her childhood by listening to tapes made by a therapist, who is the only one who knows her full story.

 

My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

The body of a young red-headed woman is found at the base of a cliff in a secluded cove.  By the marks on her wrists, ankles and neck, it is apparent that she has been held captive.  The broken bones show she had been tortured.   The autopsy results show rape, and confirm murder.  

Then they realize that this is not the first woman to die by this killer’s hands, and it probably won’t be the last.

Detective Megan Carpenter has rookie Ronnie Marsh with her, and as much as Megan wants to work alone, it is hard to deny that Ronnie seems to be pretty helpful.

Meanwhile, someone is leaving Megan messages….someone that knows her past, and because of this case, memories from that past are rising to the surface.

 

My Opinions: 

A great addition to the new series by Gregg Olsen.  I love his books (okay, most of them).

Olsen has created a wonderful cast of characters, a number of them seriously flawed, but likable.  With each book we are learning more about Megan and her horrific past, and it is done in such a way that the reader really feels for her, while sometimes being a little shocked and horrified.

The plot was interesting and the suspense intense.  The suspects were many, and although there was a twist, I saw through it.

Can’t wait for the next one….this ended in a bit of a cliff-hanger.

 

Read: May, 2020

 

About The Author: Gregg Olsen (March 5 1959 – ) is a native of Seattle Washington. He currently lives in Washington with his wife and twin daughters. He is the bestselling author of over 20 books, both fiction and non-fiction. He has appeared on various television and radio shows as well as being featured in a number of magazines. He was won numerous awards.

 *** Photo taken from GoodReads

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3295043464

 

 

 

If You Tell by Gregg Olsen

If You Tell by Gregg Olsen

 Publishing:  December 1, 2019 by Thomas & Mercer

 

 

Just a Few Words:  This is a heart-wrenching book, but my thoughts are not so much for the survivors of the tale, but for those that did not make it.

 

If You Tell by Gregg Olsen is the true story of abuse within a family. 

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Thomas & Mercer and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

Three sisters.  They may not live in the same town, but they are close.  They grew up in a small town in Washington.  Past events have created a strong bond between them.  They may have all had different fathers, but that never mattered.  They are full sisters.

They grew up in a house with a sadistic and controlling mother, a father who was seldom seen and who was also under the mother’s control.  Physical and emotional abuse were a daily occurrence.  No one told a neighbour, no one told a teacher, no one told a relative.  No one told anyone else what went on in that house.  Not everyone survived….and still, no one spoke up.

The sisters have survived.  Against all odds.  Nicki is now in her mid-forties, and lives in a million dollar home in Seattle with her husband and children .  Sami is the middle daughter, just turned forty.  She returned to her small coastal hometown to live, and teaches elementary school.  She, too, has children.  Tori, the youngest, is barely in her 30’s and lives in Central Oregon.  They are close.

But those that came to live with them were not so lucky.

 

My Opinions:  

The subject is dark…a sadistic mother, who seems to be able to control all aspects of her children’s lives, her husbands lives, her friends lives.  Her control is so far-reaching that she can somehow get loans that she shouldn’t get, get jobs she isn’t qualified for,  and manipulate anyone she comes in contact with.  This book angered me, and I am sure I will be alone in these thoughts, because my anger is not just at the mother…..it is with the neighbours, teachers, co-workers, because they all had to have noticed something, and looked away.  As well, although the kids were young… Do they not teach children to tell someone when there is a problem at home?  Do they not teach children to go to the teacher, go to the principal, go to the guidance counsellor, a neighbour, a friends mother….  They say you can’t blame the children….yet the older two were in their twenties, with a younger one still at home, before they finally said something.  At some point, they have to take some responsibility for their lack of action.  Everyone does.  In hindsight, everyone feels guilty.  But until society learns to stand up to abuse, things will not change.  Sorry, I am done the rant now, and will continue with the review.

The story was told to reflect the hardship these children went through, and it is evident that this was a horrendous way to live, but they survived.  They survived the torture, the humiliations, the verbal and physical abuse.  Unfortunately, three other people did not survive….partly because no one told. Yes, the family are victims of a brutal mother, but the strangers who ended up living with this mother paid the ultimate price.

I read everything Gregg Olsen writes.  He is an amazing author.   This one, however, did not sit well with me.  The abuse, while horrific, was not the reason.   The book seemed to be drawn out, often repetitive, and yet the ending seemed abrupt.  Perhaps because there was no court case, but it seemed like, okay, non-ending abuse, arrests were made, sentences were handed out,  and that’s it.  What?  Although the book seemed long, I still have questions.  Was the mother’s mental state questioned? What about the father? Are the kids in counselling?  More information on the families of the deceased would have been nice.

This seemed like a long haul to me.  Anyway, I’m actually glad I’m done with this book, and I don’t often say that.  I think I’ll try something a little lighter now.

 

Read: April, 2020

 

Favorite Quotes from If You Tell:

“Anything could be a weapon. The kids knew it. Dave too. A spatula from a kitchen drawer, a fishing pole, an electric cord. Shelly Knotek would employ all of those—and anything else within her grasp—to beat her girls if she perceived they’d done something wrong.”

“She was like a horror-movie slasher. She had the kind of zero-to-sixty speed that went from calm into rage in less than five seconds.”

“Nikki, Sami, and Tori wanted to the world know what their mother had done. It’s a warning to the vulnerable that will cross her path when she’s finally released. All worry that she’ll do it again.”

 

 

About The Author: About the Author:  Gregg Olsen (March 5 1959 – ) is a native of Seattle Washington.  He currently lives in Washington with his wife and twin daughters.  He is the bestselling author of over 30 books, both fiction and non-fiction.  He has appeared on various television and radio shows as well as being featured in a number of magazines.  He was won numerous awards.  Check out his website at www.greggolsen.com

***Photo Taken from GoodReads

 

 I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3283013825

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snow Creek by Gregg Olsen (#1 – Megan Carpenter Tapes)

Snow Creek by Gregg Olsen

Publishing: November 18, 2019 by Bookouture

 

 

Snow Creek by Gregg Olsen is the first in the Detective Megan Carpenter Tapes series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

The people who choose to live above Snow Creek Washington want to live off the grid, for any number of reasons, but bottom line, they seek seclusion.  But things are not always as they seem, and some of the residents keep secrets.

Detective Megan Carpenter travels up into the hills to look for a woman named Ida Watson who is reported missing by her sister.  Her children say that their mom and dad went to do some charity work in Mexico a few weeks ago.  Upon further investigation, it is determined that they never arrived.  When the body of a woman is discovered in a pick-up truck not far from the Watson home, it becomes apparent that there is a murderer on the loose.  Megan will have to sift through many lies before the truth will come out.

In her personal life, Megan is re-living her childhood.  She is listening to the tapes made when she finally saw a therapist for night terrors.  At that time she was known as Rylee.  Only the therapist knows the full story of Megan’s past.

 

My Opinions:

This is going to be another hit series from a very talented author.  I think, as a true crime writer, Gregg Olsen is able to use those experiences to create wonderful crime fiction.

The plot of this book was captivating, and the characters fascinating.

Olsen created a main character that you want to “know”.  She’s intelligent, she’s good at her job, and she’s damaged.  She has a past.  Yes, you want to get to know her.  Olsen gives you enough information to keep you stuck to the pages you turn, and leaves you with a lot of unanswered questions so that you are going to be anticipating the next book…and hope it isn’t far off.

Absolutely loved this book!

Read: November, 2019

 

About The Author: Gregg Olsen (March 5 1959 – ) is a native of Seattle Washington. He currently lives in Washington with his wife and twin daughters. He is the bestselling author of over 20 books, both fiction and non-fiction. He has appeared on various television and radio shows as well as being featured in a number of magazines. He was won numerous awards.

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3023771210

 

 

 

 

Lying Next To Me by Gregg Olsen

Lying Next To Me by Gregg Olsen

 Publishing: May 21, 2019 by Thomas & Mercer

 

 

Lying Next To Me by Gregg Olsen is a psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Thomas & Mercer, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 
My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
It’s Memorial Day weekend, and the three flower-named cabins on Hood Canal are rented.

In one cabin is Teresa Dibley with her two grand-children that she is raising. Her daughter prefers drugs to looking after her children.

In the second cabin are Kristen and Connor Moss. He is slowly working his way into becoming an alcoholic, and she is determined to have a child.

In the third cabin are Adam and Sophie Warner, who are enjoying a mini vacation with their three-year old daughter Aubrey, until the unthinkable happens. While Adam and Aubrey are rowing back to the cottage they rented, he spies his wife fighting with a man near their cabin. The man hits Sophie, slings her over his shoulder and takes off. Adam doesn’t get back to shore in time to see where they went.

As the police start to investigate, a number of troubling things come to light.

One of the police officers is Lee Husemann, an old friend of Adam’s. Adam saved her life many years ago, and Lee is convinced that Adam cannot be the one who abducted his wife. The Adam she knew had no violence in him.  The Adam she knew cannot be the one that everyone is talking about. He can’t be.

 
My Opinions:
This one is hard for me to describe. First, no matter what I say below….I loved it.

At times I actually hated reading it. I hated the turns that the characters took, even while their actions pulled me in. I wanted to like one of them! I couldn’t…because I didn’t trust any of them. The writing was brilliant…it just sucked me in to a story I am not really sure I wanted to read. I kept thinking about Aubrey. With every turn, I was thinking about Aubrey.

This book is full of lies, and affairs, and nothing was as it seemed. It is filled with suspense, and twists and more twists. It is told in multiple points of view, and short chapters, and it’s hard to tell who is telling the truth. Everyone lies, and motives abound….so do suspects.

Gregg Olsen is an amazing author, and I have been reading his books for a long time. I know I have missed a few of them, and when I get a minute, I’ll be delving into those. I would recommend his books sight unseen (or unread).

This one is worth the read. It is a fast read, an easy read, if not always a pleasant read as it knocks you off the edge of your seat.

.

 

Read: May, 2019

 

Favorite Quotes from Lying Next To Me:

“He’s trim and wears a mustache that’s meant to be noticed—a handlebar that looks so waxed that I’m all but certain a wet towel could be hung from its tips.”

“ “‘Facebook’?”  he asks. “Seriously? Now we’re using that piece of self-absorbed crap as an investigative tool? What’s wrong with your generation?” ….“Nothing that we can’t fix once your generation is gone.” I snap this back at him with heat. ”

“But the truth is, I don’t care much for the incessant yapping of any dog, which, I am sure, is owing to the fact that my neighbors have a Chihuahua with the lung capacity of a Saint Bernard.”

“There’s a singular kind of desperation that links all of us who cannot conceive but think of nothing else. I wonder about us. What has made that message play over and over inside our heads? Is it biology? I want it to be that. I want the reason I sit on the toilet, hoping against hope, to be  biological and not some kind of mental disorder.”

 

About the Author:  Gregg Olsen (March 5 1959 – ) is a native of Seattle Washington.  He currently lives in Washington with his wife and twin daughters.  He is the bestselling author of over 25 books, both fiction and non-fiction.  He has appeared on various television and radio shows as well as being featured in a number of magazines.  He was won numerous awards.

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2730918845

 

 

 

 

 

The Weight of Silence by Gregg Olsen (#2 Nicole Foster)

The Weight of Silence by Gregg Olsen

 Publishing: August 14, 2018 by Thomas & Mercer

 

Previous Book in the Series: #1 The Sound of Rain

The Weight of Silence by Gregg Olsen is the 2nd in the Nicole Foster Detective Series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Thomas & Mercer, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Series Background (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books):
Homicide Detective Nicole Foster is far from perfect. Her taste in men is questionable. She has a gambling addiction. Her relationship with her both her father and her sister Stacy has been poor. But she tries.

My Synopsis:
Nicole has been looking after her 7-year old niece Emma, since her sister fled to Mexico, after killing her husband. Emma believes that both her parents are dead. Nicole thinks that is for the best. She has also made sure that her own father is in a better nursing home, using money she got from her sister. She has a new partner, and is working for the police in her home town. She’s trying to keep everything going, a fresh start.

When a baby is discovered dead in the back of a car on the hottest day of the year, memories of another lost child resurface in Nicole’s mind. But she tries to just concentrate on one-year old Ally.  The child’s father is quickly arrested, and further investigation shows what a monster he is. On the other hand, his wife is not much better. These people did not really want Ally, and unfortunately, her death is the result.

Meanwhile, Stacy shows up, and wants to see Emma. Nicole is not going to let that happen. She is going to stop this…whatever it takes.

My Opinions:
Gregg Olsen tackles tough subjects. He never shies away from the horror of a situation, but he treats the subject with respect. This book was no different. The death of a child in a hot car. The feelings of horror and disgust that the detectives who have to investigate this crime felt. The public rallying around the parents. The overall despair. It’s hard on the reader’s emotions…because this type of thing happens in real life, every year, when parents leave their children in a hot car. Tragedy.

It is a book about lies, about deceit, about knowing who to trust.

Yes, this book tells the tale of a horrific crime. It also tells the tale of two sisters, and the lies, deceit, and trust issues surface here as well. The relationship between Nicole and Stacy is one that takes place in many homes, where one sister is manipulative, sly, cunning, always getting her own way, always getting her digs in. Instead of the relationship mellowing over time, this book takes that relationship to the extreme, where that manipulative sister becomes a murderer.

Gregg Olsen is an amazing writer!

 

Read: July 2018

 

About the Author:  Gregg Olsen (March 5 1959 – ) is a native of Seattle Washington.  He currently lives in Washington with his wife and twin daughters.  He is the bestselling author of over 20 books, both fiction and non-fiction.  He has appeared on various television and radio shows as well as being featured in a number of magazines.  He was won numerous awards.