Scan barcode
rewwer157's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
stsylvester666's review against another edition
5.0
Probably one of the best thrillers I’ve read in a LONG time. I loved the twists and turns (and it doesn’t hurt that it’s based where I live). This book was enthralling and sickening all at once.
katiescho741's review against another edition
3.0
I don't usually read Crime Fiction, but I was drawn to this one when I learnt it had a twisted female serial killer who seemed to have this detective under her thumb. Gretchen is a brilliant character and I liked that she seemed to commit violence because she liked it. Detective Archie is the other side of her coin and he was interesting because of how super broken he was. I liked that it started with the moment Archie found out that Gretchen was the killer.
Unfortunately, their story is the side plot of a pretty weak main story about the "After School Killer". I enjoyed the main story chapters well enough but as the book went on I realised I was waiting to get back to Gretchen and Archie and when she did to him for 10 days. I felt that things were teased but never quite revealed properly - like his ex-wife says something like "Everytime he was with me and the kids he looked like he wanted to tear his eyes out", and I was waiting for the Nineteen Eighty Four-style mental torture scene to explain this but it never came. Don't get me wrong, the things that were described were grim as fuck, but it felt like the author was holding back in order to keep it mainstream Crime Fiction.
Perhaps the sequels will expain more of their time together but I wish there'd been more of it in Heartsick. It was a quick and easy read though, and worth a look if you want a female serial killer.
Unfortunately, their story is the side plot of a pretty weak main story about the "After School Killer". I enjoyed the main story chapters well enough but as the book went on I realised I was waiting to get back to Gretchen and Archie and when she did to him for 10 days. I felt that things were teased but never quite revealed properly - like his ex-wife says something like "Everytime he was with me and the kids he looked like he wanted to tear his eyes out", and I was waiting for the Nineteen Eighty Four-style mental torture scene to explain this but it never came. Don't get me wrong, the things that were described were grim as fuck, but it felt like the author was holding back in order to keep it mainstream Crime Fiction.
Perhaps the sequels will expain more of their time together but I wish there'd been more of it in Heartsick. It was a quick and easy read though, and worth a look if you want a female serial killer.
chelsnovot's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jmrkls1's review against another edition
3.0
Suspense/mystery--some pretty intense parts that creeped me out a bit. Very quick beach read.
mila_goodreads's review against another edition
5.0
Couldn't stop reading until finishing the book in just one evening. That's how interesting it was. Really liked all of the books from Gretchen and Archie series. One of my favorite authors and top of my list of books I've enjoyed reading.
aapayne's review against another edition
5.0
WOW. What a great debut novel!!! Thank you Rose Larson for the recommendation!!
ani_kol's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
the1a's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
leilah_21's review against another edition
5.0
Heartsick by Chelsea Cain is like a dark chocolate truffle with a surprise ghost pepper filling—disturbingly good but not for the faint of heart. The plot follows Detective Archie Sheridan, who, after spending ten days being tortured by the infamous serial killer Gretchen Lowell, inexplicably finds himself drawn to her like a moth to a very dangerous flame.
Our hero, Archie, is back in action trying to catch another killer, but let’s be honest, his real problem is his bizarre fascination with the woman who almost ended him. It’s like watching a train wreck where you can’t help but be intrigued by the carnage. Gretchen’s gruesome murders are detailed with such vividness that you’ll be questioning your own sanity for enjoying it.
The book does an excellent job of making you feel like a voyeur peeking into a particularly twisted episode of Criminal Minds. Archie’s dynamic with Gretchen is unsettling, yet you can’t help but be fascinated by their messed-up relationship. Who knew Stockholm syndrome could be so riveting?
Meanwhile, Archie’s trying to solve another case, but let's be real—his true crime-solving skill is trying to untangle his own weird feelings for Gretchen while dodging her deadly charm. It’s the kind of story that makes you appreciate your boring, murder-free life.
If you’re up for a thriller that’s equal parts gruesome and gripping, Heartsick will keep you on the edge of your seat (or make you want to hide under the covers). It’s a wild ride through the dark alleys of human obsession, served with a side of “what did I just read?” A solid one-time read that’s as disturbing as it is compelling.
Our hero, Archie, is back in action trying to catch another killer, but let’s be honest, his real problem is his bizarre fascination with the woman who almost ended him. It’s like watching a train wreck where you can’t help but be intrigued by the carnage. Gretchen’s gruesome murders are detailed with such vividness that you’ll be questioning your own sanity for enjoying it.
The book does an excellent job of making you feel like a voyeur peeking into a particularly twisted episode of Criminal Minds. Archie’s dynamic with Gretchen is unsettling, yet you can’t help but be fascinated by their messed-up relationship. Who knew Stockholm syndrome could be so riveting?
Meanwhile, Archie’s trying to solve another case, but let's be real—his true crime-solving skill is trying to untangle his own weird feelings for Gretchen while dodging her deadly charm. It’s the kind of story that makes you appreciate your boring, murder-free life.
If you’re up for a thriller that’s equal parts gruesome and gripping, Heartsick will keep you on the edge of your seat (or make you want to hide under the covers). It’s a wild ride through the dark alleys of human obsession, served with a side of “what did I just read?” A solid one-time read that’s as disturbing as it is compelling.