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anie_star's review
4.0
Man, this book is something else. :)I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I loved all of the twists and turns, and that ending, OMG!
Special Agent Fiona Kelly was a victim of a serial killer when she was just a kid. She manages to escape, but her sister wasn't so lucky. Since then she dedicate her life to finding him. Every part of her life is affected and it's a big reason why her marriage was destroyed.
Now there is a new murder with the killer calling card. She is determined to find him before he gets what he really wants, her.
It's such a thrilling, suspenseful story, I couldn't stop reading, I had to know what happened next, it's so so good!
received from Netgalley, all thoughts and opinions are my own
Special Agent Fiona Kelly was a victim of a serial killer when she was just a kid. She manages to escape, but her sister wasn't so lucky. Since then she dedicate her life to finding him. Every part of her life is affected and it's a big reason why her marriage was destroyed.
Now there is a new murder with the killer calling card. She is determined to find him before he gets what he really wants, her.
It's such a thrilling, suspenseful story, I couldn't stop reading, I had to know what happened next, it's so so good!
received from Netgalley, all thoughts and opinions are my own
midlife_reader's review against another edition
5.0
This book was non-stop! It kept me turning pages as fast as I could and guessing right up to the very end. This is the best suspense novel I’ve read in quite a while. I can’t wait for more from this new line of books!
tnruvalcaba's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
parklandmom's review against another edition
5.0
Read via Scribd audiobook. Bought the Kindle book. 4.5 stars!! The narrator does a fantastic job, too.
This was my first book by this author but definitely not my last! This has all kinds of suspense, realistic characters with flaws and strengths, etc. I like how the book illustrates sacrifice back to Christ. I enjoyed the characters so much. I hope there will be a sequel!
This was my first book by this author but definitely not my last! This has all kinds of suspense, realistic characters with flaws and strengths, etc. I like how the book illustrates sacrifice back to Christ. I enjoyed the characters so much. I hope there will be a sequel!
amber_thiessen's review against another edition
5.0
The Nursery Rhyme Killer kidnapped her and her sister, but she escaped. Now living with the sole goal of bringing him to justice, Fiona's obsession broke her marriage and directs her life, especially when he returns. Working with her ex-husband again to find him before it's too late, old feelings return and complicate life on the team.
As a new believer, we watch Asa work on changing his life for the glory of God and how this prompts Fiona to look for answers to her own heart's deepest questions. I enjoyed the characters and the mystery, it was uncertain until the very end, but I did find the conclusion rushed and some of the tragedy rushed over.
If you enjoy suspense with Christian themes, add this to your to-read list.
As a new believer, we watch Asa work on changing his life for the glory of God and how this prompts Fiona to look for answers to her own heart's deepest questions. I enjoyed the characters and the mystery, it was uncertain until the very end, but I did find the conclusion rushed and some of the tragedy rushed over.
If you enjoy suspense with Christian themes, add this to your to-read list.
viktoria_rosalynn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
lynnuwatson's review against another edition
5.0
Edge of your seat, but warning: do not read at bedtime. Powerful story of shining light in the darkeness and bringing hope. An interesting cast of characters keep you guessing the identity of the Nursery Rhyme Killer. But I’m saying no more, because spoilers.
litwithleigh's review against another edition
2.0
Thank you HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada) and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
THE PLOT
FBI special agent Fiona Kelly escaped a serial killer two decades ago, and now he's back and coming for her.
MY OPINION
I was very excited to read this as the synopsis was everything I liked: serial killer, victim had escaped, face off between killer and victim. The prologue set the tone for what I thought would be a good book. And from there it tumbled downhill. Despite a riveting storyline, I found myself speed-reading through this just so it would end. Tbh, if it wasn't a NetGalley book, I would've DNF-ed. But alas, I slogged my way to the end.
So, why didn't this work? TOO. MANY. MFN. DETAILS. Lord have mercy. I knew I was in for it when FBI agent Asa Kodiak arrived on the scene of the rhyme murder and the author legit described every single movement from Asa's car to the crime scene. Literally wrote about him showing his badge and ducking under the police tape. Was this necessary????? No. Once again, closed captions/trying to hit a word minimum on an essay vibes.
Anyways. I was too overwhelmed and annoyed by the unnecessary details, I failed to get into what could've been an interesting story.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: great synopsis—you got me ass there
Cons: Dreadful overly detailed writing resulting in snail-like pace
THE PLOT
FBI special agent Fiona Kelly escaped a serial killer two decades ago, and now he's back and coming for her.
MY OPINION
I was very excited to read this as the synopsis was everything I liked: serial killer, victim had escaped, face off between killer and victim. The prologue set the tone for what I thought would be a good book. And from there it tumbled downhill. Despite a riveting storyline, I found myself speed-reading through this just so it would end. Tbh, if it wasn't a NetGalley book, I would've DNF-ed. But alas, I slogged my way to the end.
So, why didn't this work? TOO. MANY. MFN. DETAILS. Lord have mercy. I knew I was in for it when FBI agent Asa Kodiak arrived on the scene of the rhyme murder and the author legit described every single movement from Asa's car to the crime scene. Literally wrote about him showing his badge and ducking under the police tape. Was this necessary????? No. Once again, closed captions/trying to hit a word minimum on an essay vibes.
Anyways. I was too overwhelmed and annoyed by the unnecessary details, I failed to get into what could've been an interesting story.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: great synopsis—you got me ass there
Cons: Dreadful overly detailed writing resulting in snail-like pace
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review
3.0
Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch is a Christian romantic suspense novel. The Nursery Rhyme Killer has been on the loose for over seventeen years. Only one victim has survived. FBI Special Agent Fiona Kelly escaped the killer’s clutches, but her sister and her friends were not so lucky. Fiona tried to move forward with her life, but her determination to catch the Nursery Rhyme Killer ended her marriage. The serial killer is back, and he wants Fiona drawn back into his web. Fiona’s ex-husband, FBI Special Agent Asa Kodiak is in charge of the new case. He must find a way to put aside his feelings so they can work together to catch this killer once and for all. The Nursery Rhyme Killer is watching them, and he has no intension of getting caught. He will use whatever weapons at his disposable to evade his captors and catch his prey: Fiona. When I read the blurb for Her Darkest Secret, I knew I had to get this book. I love dark suspenseful crime novels. The prologue was great and had me itching to read the complete story. Jessica R. Patch writes detailed descriptions. I felt that she provided too much information (driving to scene, getting out of car, closing door, walking up to crime scene, showing badge, ducking under crime scene tape, etc.). This amount of detail slows down the pacing of the story. The mystery was interesting. It was twisty and creepy. I enjoyed following the clues to see if I could identify the guilty party before the suspenseful reveal. There are some interesting and complex characters. We learn something surprising about one of them near the end. It had me wanting to know more about this person (will have to wait for A Cry in the Dark). The characters emotions were palpable and could be felt by the reader. I did feel that the romance element overshadowed the mystery at times. Christianity was woven into the story. It was subtle, but it was evident. I liked reading about Christian FBI agents. We get to see how the light ultimately triumphs over the evil darkness. The importance of faith and the power of prayer. Her Darkest Secret is a story about regret, faith, love, evil, hope, secrets, and redemption. Her Darkest Secret is a twisty romantic suspense with a crazed killer, a steadfast FBI agent, a fractured romance, baffling feelings, curious clues, and an unremitting manhunt.