Sweetheart: A Thriller

Written by Chelsea Cain

Narrated by Carolyn McCormick

Gretchen Lowell, the world's most beautiful serial killer, has escaped from prison in Chelsea Cain's next unpredictable, edge-of-your-seat thriller, Sweetheart.

With Heartsick, Chelsea Cain took the crime world by storm, introducing two of the most compelling characters in decades: serial killer Gretchen Lowell and her obsessed pursuer Portland Detective Archie Sheridan. The book spent four weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and garnered rave reviews around the world. But the riveting story of Archie and Gretchen was left unfinished, and now Chelsea Cain picks up the tale again.

When the body of a young woman is discovered in Portland's Forest Park, Archie is reminded of the last time they found a body there, more than a decade ago: it turned out to be the Beauty Killer's first victim, and Archie's first case. This body can't be one of Gretchen's—she's in prison—but after help from reporter Susan Ward uncovers the dead woman's identity, it turns into another big case. Trouble is, Archie can't focus on the new investigation because the Beauty Killer case has exploded: Gretchen Lowell has escaped from prison.

Archie hadn't seen her in two months; he'd moved back in with his family and sworn off visiting her. Though it should feel like progress, he actually feels worse. The news of her escape spreads like wildfire, but secretly, he's relieved. He knows he's the only one who can catch her, and in fact, he has a plan to get out from under her thumb once and for all.

Chelsea Cain has topped her own bestselling debut thriller with this unpredictable, edge-of-your-seat story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: Sep 2, 2008
• ISBN: 9781427205049

Chelsea Cain

Chelsea Cain is the author of the New York Times bestselling Archie Sheridan/Gretchen Lowell thrillers Heartsick, Sweetheart, Evil at Heart, The Night Season, Kill You Twice, and Let Me Go. Her Portland-based thrillers have been published in twenty-four languages, recommended on the Today show, appeared in episodes of HBO’s True Blood and ABC’s Castle, and included in NPR’s list of the top 100 thrillers ever written. According to Booklist, “Popular entertainment just doesn’t get much better than this.” Visit her online at ChelseaCain.com.

Reviews for Sweetheart

[theanalogdivide · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

It's clear that the effort to turn this into a long-haul series doesn't suit this particular story one bit. This sequel squanders a lot of the promise of the first novel by treating the story as an afterthought to the soap-operatic entanglements of its characters.

[deltaqueen50 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sweetheart by Chelsea Cain is the second book in her series featuring Portland, Oregon Police Detective Archie Sheridan and convicted serial killer Gretchen Lowell, known as the Beauty Killer. This book starts out with Gretchen behind bars and Archie trying, not very successfully, to put his life back together, he’s given up visiting her, but remains obsessed. Hooked on pain pills, he is a shell of the man he once was. Newspaper reporter Susan Ward who was also a key player in the Beauty Killer case appears to have been more successful at getting on with her life, although she appears to still think about Archie a little too often.The body of a woman is discovered in a local park and as the police search the area, human remains from two more people are discovered. These bodies all appear to be connected to a story that Susan is working on that involves a well respected Senator. Things change suddenly when Gretchen escapes and is on the loose, the police focus shifts to the serial killer and Archie knows he is the only one who can capture her.I enjoyed this sequel and will definitely be on the lookout for the next book in this series. I don’t read books about serial killers looking for total accuracy but I must admit I have difficulty believing that Archie would be allowed to continue on the police force in his condition. I have nothing against “flawed” characters, but I am sure his friends and family would have intervened before it got to the point that it did.As serial killers go, Gretchen Lowell is pretty compelling and it’s a nice twist to have a female monster. All in all, a well written, quick, escapist read.

[nomadreader_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed Heart Sick so much, I wanted to read Sweetheart next. As a duo, the novels work well together. They feel less like a series and more like two parts of the same novel. I confess, I did not enjoy the mystery and storyline of Sweetheart as much, but I did enjoy the characters more. Cain has created mesmerizing portraits of human imperfection. The third book in the series, Evil at Heart, is set to be published in September. I will be eager to read it, and I trust it will be a good story. My one hope is that Chelsea Cain recognizes the limits of these characters; at a certain point, the continuation of this story may become preposterous. Until then, I'll be tuning in.

[honoliipali · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Yes, this book was not as good as the first but that would be asking for so much. Heartsick was simply amazing and Sweetheart does a very credible job as a sequel. So much so for me, that I already have the third and fourth books in the series.Many authors take it upon themselves to use every adverb and adjective in their vocabulary in an effort to create an environment for the reader. Ms. Cain is able to create that environment by keeping up the action and interest in the storyline while not overstating the details.I must disagree with other reviewers that feel the series has become a love story. To believe that is to completely miss the type of sordid relationship between Archie and Gretchen.I continue to really enjoy the characters/ Ms Cain has created a intensely interesting characters. The setting is wonderful Portland Oregon (less the blind liberalism) which is as beautiful and interesting as described in the books.

[librarymeg · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Once again, Chelsea Cain has presented an intense and furious page-turner. Gretchen Lowell is just as creepy and frightening, and her relationship with Archie still makes my skin crawl. There's a lot more action in the sequel than in the original book, and the ending is a bit of a cliff-hanger, leaving me desperate for the next installment! Thriller fans who enjoy a good, twisted serial killer will have absolutely nothing to complain about here!

[meags222_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book is the 2nd book following the lives of a detective and an imprisoned psychopath. The detective was once the victim of the psychopath and now she has escaped from jail. I enjoyed the first book and this book was quite interesting as well. It took me a little while to get into it. The detective in the book is addicted to drugs and self-destructive. At times I must admit that I really couldn't sympathize with the detective regardless of what he had been through. Even with all the support around him, Archie (the detective) still can't seem to open up to help of any kind. I found the dynamic of the relationships in this novel so bizarre. Even though Archie is brought to the brink of death he still has sexual fantasies about his killer and goes as far as wanting to visit his torturer. I wouldn't say this is a classic that will be around forever and I don't think it will win any awards. This being said, it was a good read to keep you in suspence.

[cauterize · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the second book by Chelsea Cain about Archie, a police detective, and Gretchen, a totally uncompromising female serial killer. It sort of loosely follows the plot of Silence of the Lambs/Manhunter. Gretchen was apparently captured in the previous book and Archie has been visiting her in jail to get help with his latest case and also to get the burial places of the 200 people Gretchen killed. The difference is the sick, twisted relationship the two have. Where Clarisse (sp?) was fearful of Hannibal but was using him to further her career, Archie is a seasoned detective who is afraid of his own obsession with Gretchen. For in the first book, when Gretchen was free, she kidnapped Archie and tortured him for 10 days. And there is the delight of the book. The flashbacks of when Archie was hunting Gretchen and her torturing him are GRUESOME. Love it. Gretchen likes to kill, she's smart and she has no redeeming qualities. No wishy-washy girl who has empathy because, you know, women are born with it. No, Gretchen is badass. Archie is trying to pick up his life in this book, but it's hard with Gretchen on his mind. This book is great balancing out the twistedness of Gretchen who embraces it, with Archie who fears his own twisted yearnings for Gretchen.

[novelbookworm_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

She’s baaack…Gretchen Lowell, the beautiful serial killer introduced to us in Chelsea Cain’s first novel; returns in her second, Sweetheart. Gretchen has escaped from prison; Archie Sheridan is still a terrible mess from his first encounter with her and of course, that weird obsessive connection they have still exists. Sweetheart isn’t quite as gruesome and graphic as Cain’s first novel. There are certain plot devices that work better if we just go with them; Gretchen drives a Jag, with the comment tossed off, that she “had some money set aside”. Hmm…oookay…not sure exactly how a gorgeous serial killer who’s been in prison and just escaped can access funds and go buy a Jag without anyone noticing. But, the author has done a fine job of setting up Gretchen’s ability to manipulate men and get them to do her bidding, so we can assume the same here. Anyway, a woman like Gretchen Lowell would not ever be seen driving a Ford. The plot device at the end, which allowed Archie’s partner and a journalist to locate him, also seemed a little contrived. I was a bit doubtful that a cop would leave such an obscure clue for his partner, and then be so certain that it would be solved. Again, Cain does a tricky two-step around this problem by showing us Archie’s motivation for discovery being delayed. Fancy footwork maybe, but I bought it!I’m mildly ambivalent about the ending as well. Would I have liked a different ending? Maybe. It might have seemed more logical for the end to be what it was leading to, not what it was. Do I completely understand the ending we’re given? Absolutely. If I had conceived of this terrifically scary, gorgeous, creepy, insane/sane Hannibal Lecter-ish woman, I’d want to keep her around for a few more books as well. I’m hoping Chelsea Cain is hard at work on book three. I feel like we’re just starting to know her characters and I really want to see where the author is planning on taking them. And maybe someday, a “prequel”?

[mazda502001 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This series is just so good. This is another serial killer thriller but oh, what a serial killer. The characters in this series are just so engrossing. Gretchen has to be a female Hannibal Lecter.Back Cover Blurb:Investigative journalist Susan Ward is about to print the story of her career - but the day before her story is published, the senator she is about to expose is killed in a car crash.Detective Archie Sheridan is trying to rebuild a life with his family. And when a mysterious child leads him to two bodies in Forest Park, Archie must focus his attention on the case. But he remains haunted by thoughts of the beautiful, ruthless serial killer Gretchen Lowell, now safely locked up in prison.But then the unthinkable happens: Gretchen escapes. The only thing this gorgeous psychopath cares about is Archie - and with her on the loose, everyone he loves has become a target.....

[kassilem · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The first book was better, thrill-wise. There was also less gruesome and more graphic sex. More swearing too but that didn't bother me as much as it might have bothered someone else. What made this book less appealing than the first one for me was that in the first book it was a torture fest and now it's a love story. Why does Archie fantasize about his torturer? It doesn't make sense to me. Maybe there's some psychological effects to having someone have that much power over you? I don't know, it seems odd. It’s still a story that made me want to turn the pages.

[sensitivemuse · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Well, I thought the book had really great parts, where it was thrilling and parts where there were quite a few surprises uncovered, but the book just didn't really live up to the first one. I thought the first one was much more engaging and had a very complete, full plot. Sweetheart though, I'm not sure what to say about it. The plot just seemed to stagnate and it seemed to pick up a little towards the end but it just didn't have the same fast thrilling ride like the other one.Gretchen still hasn't changed, she's still the same psychotic "Hannibal Lecter" we all have come to know since Heartsick. Although, there's just something about her that I can't seem quite to understand and grasp. True, she's a villain but I've read other ones that would easily take the "Crown of Evil" away in a heartbeat. Perhaps it's because there's not much information about her yet, I'm not sure. She just feels so "wooden" but it's as if the author has tried a little too hard to make her a villain and instead the result is a stagnant villain with a dysfunctional relationship with Archie and it's puzzling. There's no feeling from her, no "flesh" to her I guess, she seems entirely two dimensional. I don't know what to say about Archie. I don't understand what he's trying to do with Gretchen. On the other hand, it seems he wants to be with her but knows it's wrong but does it anyway yet somehow "covers" it up by trying to recapture her (at least, in my opinion it sure looks that way). It's this rather strange chemistry between these two that I don't quite get and it seems to put a bit of a damper on the book.The case with the Senator and the underage teen was interesting, but it just seemed so out of place with the main Gretchen/Archie plot that it looked like it was meant as a page filler for the novel. Thankfully though, the chapters were short so it felt as if you could read through the book quickly and easily. Don't get me wrong, the book wasn't so bad. However I thought it could be so much better. The thrilling action bits were good and nearly redeemed the book but it just wasn't enough. I'm really hoping the third one after this will do the job and not be a giant snowball going downhill. The ending was really good and was left in a cliffhanger, but I really hope this relationship/obsession between Archie and Gretchen does somewhat come to a closure, it's just too dysfunctional for me. overall, I'm not sure what to say. It was good, yet in so many ways it could have been better. It's a fast read with short chapters so it can be easily breezed through. It's a "must read" though, if you want to get through the Gretchen Lowell series.

[nancyf_794956 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Sweetheart is the second novel in a series featuring detective Archie Sheridan and serial killer Gretchen Lowell. Gretchen is a beautiful, but deadly, psychopath who Archie is powerless to resist. She fascinates and repels him at the same time.Archie is drawn back into her web when she escapes from prison and he forms a plan to catch her and end her influence over him once and for all. Unfortunately, things don’t quite work out as he planned.In spite of the blood and gore, I would recommend this fast-paced read if you’re looking for something quick that doesn’t require a lot of concentration. I did find the ending to be a tad unbelievable.

[bigorangemichael_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Chelsea Cain's follow-up to her "Heartsick" reunites readers with Susan Ward, Archie Sheridan and serial killer Gretchen Lowell for a fast-paced story that works better if you just switch off your disbelief and just go with the story.Picking up a few months after the end of "Heartsick," Archie has stopped visiting Gretchen, but remains obsessed with her. He's in the midst of trying to solve a case involving a body in a local park. Susan is hot on the trail of a story involving a local Senator who had an affair with the-then fourteen year old family babysitter. Just as her story is about to hit print, the Senator is killed along with a fellow journalist and her source has disappeared. Freed of the need to introduce us to the world and characters of Archie and Susan, "Sweetheart" is able to dive into the story and never let up. The twists and turns come at a fast pace, keeping the pages turning. Eventually, all roads lead back to Gretchen Lowell and Archie's strange obsession with her. Cain provides a few more clues about the nature of their relationship and delves into what makes Archie tick.The interesting thing about "Sweetheart" is that it's a story full of anti-heroes. Lowell is a killer, but she's a compelling and fascinating one. Archie is driven to self-destruction and is so absorbed in his own issues he can't or won't change to save himself or his family. And then there's Susan, who is secretly in love with Archie and trying to pursue the big story, despite who it may hurt or the consequences. These are real people, drawn well and while we shouldn't like any of them, we still find ourselves intrigued by them. Cain does a great job of allowing their motivations to be understood and while we may not always agree, their actions make sense based on clues provided early in the story.And Cain does know how to tell a great story. I'll admit I wasn't as thrilled with "Sweetheart" as many others were, but this one had me hooked from the first page. A sequence in the middle of the book when Gretchen escapes and is potentially holding Archie's children at school had me breathlessly turning pages, wondering what twist would happen next. Like I said, the story does require some huge leaps from the reader, especially as things progress toward the novel's conclusion. But if you're willing to suspend your disbelief at the door, you'll find a suspenseful ride.

[s9i9r9 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Number two in the series and it doesn't disappoint. Gretchen and the gang is back and this time Gretchen is walking among us. Archie is trying to pick up his life after Gretchen shattered it. Archie is filled with guilt and a self loathing that he isn't able to share. Archie struggles to reclaim his life with his family but the constant physical and emotional scares from his time with Gretchen lingers. Gretchen's depravity knows no bounds here. She knows how to twist and turn leaving you with a pleasurable sting. But Archie has a plan and is determined not to fail. Susan the most lovable reporter who sticks her nose and pen into everything. Henry, Archie's partner who knows a secret to big to share. Archie's wife, Debbie, who desperately wants her husband back pre-Gretchen and Susan's mother, Bliss all add a colorful rainbow to Sweetheart. You won't be disappointed with Sweetheart. It's a fabulous quick read with lots of scandal.

[cherylk_44 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sweetheart is Mrs. Cain's second novel to her debut, Heartsick. Heartsick is where readers were first introduced to the highly volatile and psychological relationship between Detective Archie Sheridan and notorious "Beauty Killer" Gretchen Lowell. It has been a couple of years now, since the day Archie became one of Gretchen's victims. It will never matter how much time pass as Archie will always think about Gretchen. Susan Ward, a reporter for the Herald has a big story about to make headlines. It involves Senator Castle and a fourteen year old babysitter. Before the story can release, Senator Castle ends up dead. As if that was bad enough, a body is discovered in the park...the same park where Gretchen's first victim was left. Archie appears on the scene. He starts having flash backs to his time in captivity as Gretchen's victim. It has been two months since, Archie last paid a visit to Gretchen in prison. Archie receives a phone call, that Gretchen has escaped prison. Archie knows he is the only one that can bring Gretchen in again. It will be like old times as Archie chases after Gretchen. I guess you could say I have become obsessed myself with Archie and Gretchen's relationship. It is so sick and wrong but oh so good. The way Gretchen toys with Archie is so entertaining, that I found I can't tear myself away, once I start reading. I think I even set a new record by reading this book in only an hour and a half. I do have to admit though that I did think Heartsick was a little better. It was because in the first book, the story mainly focused on Archie and Gretchen; whereas in this latest story there were more characters playing parts. For me it is all about Archie and Gretchen's relationship. I am anxiously awaiting the next book.

[copperpenni · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed reading this book even though I wasn't buying the premise of the relationship of the main characters. I wasn't able to either like or hate a character, which is something I want to do when I'm reading a book. I did read it before realizing that it was a sequel to a previous book.

[bookappeal · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Just as creepy as Heartsick and Archie is even more interesting in the sequel. Susan's character is better developed in this story, too. The ending could have been better.

[bhowell_35 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a taut and gruesome thriller and an easy read. The notion of a female serial killer may not be very realistic but the obsessive relationship between her and Portland detective Archie Sheridan is terrifying. She is a female Hannibal Lector and he is a broken man. Highly entertaining.

[dannn_2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I found the story to be so implausible, but continued to read it and enjoyed the book overall.

[groundedforlife · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

2nd in a series and while it's not as great as the first one it's still very good. And I suppose my thoughts are based on the fact that the "Hero" is being dragged down a path that will lead to destruction and you as the reader know this and it made me want to scream at him to stop and wise up. So a good job of Ms. Cain to get me so frustrated at the character. Read the first one "Heartsick" and then this one and your in for a very scary but fun time. Take note however it's very violent so be warned!

[bookmarque · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

My notes while reading this book - lowest kind of pandering...oh let’s put children in danger, that’s original. No hint yet of why Gretchen is in the least way attractive. All we have is the super villain, again trying to compete with Lecter (let’s have her escape…yeah, no one’s done that before!), but without the necessary charm or intellect. Animal instinct is not that interesting in a serial killer. Archie has made no progress and shows no remorse or regret. Why do people like this jackass?Now the review -It’s so aggravating when an author does not develop her characters and just relies on sensationalism and shock value. In her first novel, Heartsick, Cain gave us some sketches of a couple of main characters; a brutal and utterly inhuman serial killer and a cop who was inexplicably and destructively drawn to her. All facts she TOLD us, but did not SHOW. Writing 101 FAIL. Supposedly Gretchen Lowell has some inescapable attraction that draws men in like flies, even men who know better and should be repulsed, revolted and want to kill her. I didn’t see it. It must be her flawless looks and if so, we need a picture. Better yet, a video. Other than that Cain didn’t imbue Gretchen with anything remotely attractive and it was lame. To make this in any way believable, I need to know why Archie self-destructs over her. She didn’t deliver.I also have no clue as to why Debbie and Henry (and now Susan come to think of it) are so devoted to him. Archie seems like all asshole all the time to me. What the hell does everyone see in him? Without this it falls apart for me. I don’t buy the long-suffering, devoted (but EX) wife bit. No sane woman would do this (hey, maybe that’s it, Archie is ONLY attracted to crazy women, the crazier the better. Wifey not psychotic? Damn, better find me a woman who is!) Cain needed to give us some of Archie’s life before his ruination at Gretchen’s hands instead of plunging us right into the story of his destruction. She also needed to show Henry and Archie acting like normal partners and not rescuer and victim. Judging only on what I know about Archie now, I would never have stuck with him if I were Henry. He doesn’t act like a partner. He only takes, he never gives. Archie is a black hole for everyone around him and makes no effort to change this back to his former allegedly saint-like self. OMG my eyes hurt from rolling.So that leaves us with plot. All fine and good to begin with but that ending was atrocious and completely stupid. Archie hatching some inane and needlessly vague plot all hinging on exceptional luck and timing. The cell phone thing. The stashing of handcuffs in a house we had no inkling of in any of Archie’s thoughts or plans. Not telling his devoted watchdog, Henry. Leaving obscure clues for a woman he barely knows (Susan). The fire and the overdose. Gah. It was all too much, too fast and with no precedent for this behavior. Archie is an addle-brained, drug-addicted shell of a human. I didn’t buy the idea that he could even conceive of a con job like this one. And then Henry doesn’t shoot the bitch? Fuck me running. So out of character it made me laugh out loud at its stupidity.The mere fact that I remained interested enough to continue warranted its 2 stars, other than that it’s a wreck.

[gretchenlg · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Admirable follow-up to Heartsick. More is revealed about the relationship between Gretchen and Archie, but surrounding characters are even more compelling, especially reporter Susan and her mother Bliss, and Archie's protector and friend, Henry.

[marcejewels · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

From my blogThis is the book that got my attention but I wanted to start from the beginning. The first was good but I enjoyed this one more. I prefer a stand alone but what makes a great series is the characters, and this series has two amazing ones. Gretchen, the strong manipulative female serial killer and Archie, the Detective. They are the foundation characters but the supporting characters are just as engaging, especially the journalist Susan.The unique spin which for some would be unbelievable but for me took it to another level of being speechless and brilliant. Archie and Gretchen are obsessed with each other in every unhealthy possibility there is. Archie pretended to live, thinking these made others around him happy but others knew he was slowly killing himself as he wasn't able to feed his addition with more time with Gretchen. In order to get the names of Gretchen's victims she only wanted Archie to meet with her, this was agreed as an Identification project but didn't realise the stress and power this gave Gretchen over him. When they took this away from him Archie became preoccupied in a dangerous way on how to catch Gretchen again. Simply idiotic, his ex wife whom he lives with should find a way to kill them both.This is a sick and twisted gory thriller. I love that the serial killer is female, takes it to another level of feminine psychosis manipulation, it is brilliant. Here is a quote from Gretchen talking to Archie."I think about that," Gretchen said dreamily. "Having my hands inside you.. You were so warm and sticky. I can still smell you, your blood. Do you remember?"Sick and twisted, no doubt, but she is also beautiful, in a get what she wants powerful way.The journalist, Susan, who also has a crush on Archie is one step ahead of the police without realising she is putting herself in danger. Archie is investigating a political crime and I enjoyed how this was traced through the Gretchen story and came together in the end, very anti climatic. I was not impressed with the Gretchen part of the ending but the political part was great.

[readingrat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In this follow up book to Heartsick, the relationship between Gretchen Lowell and Archie Sheridan has evolved from predator/victim into a bizarre mutual destructive obsession for both. This adds a unique psychological angle to the story of Archie's pursuit of Gretchen and conversely Gretchen's pursuit of Archie, which ultimately makes this book extremely hard to put down.

[susegordon · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sweetheart is book #2 in the series of Archie the cop and Gretchen Lowell the Beauty Killer... Gretchen escapes and Archie "sacrifices" himself in an attempt to capture her. During all of this Parker the crime reporter and the Senator go over the bridge and into the river, was it suicide or was it murder, and Molly's body has been found...

[miyurose_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I think that Chelsea Cain has really explored an area that is rarely seen in suspense fiction… What happens to the victims? What happens to those who have been attacked, tortured, nearly killed? How do they cope? Is it possible to live your life like nothing happened? When this book begins, you think that maybe Archie has started down a new path… He’s taking fewer pills, he hasn’t seen Gretchen in months, he’s moved back in with his ex-wife and kids… But then Gretchen sings her siren song, and once again Archie can’t help but to come running. I think in this book, more than in Heartsick, you learn a little more about who Archie really is, and of the true nature of the relationship between he and Gretchen.There are no “heroes” in this book, but there is a lot of obsession. Archie is obsessed with Gretchen, who is in turn obsessed with him. Henry is obsessed with keeping Archie away from Gretchen. Susan is obsessed with the chase for a story, and not a little obsessed with herself. Everyone has their own personal motives, and these motives push the story along. But in the end they manage to work together to bring about what may not exactly be a happy ending, but is at least some closure.I think the Senator Cassell (sic) mystery gets a little buried under all of the Archie & Gretchen stuff, but it still has an interesting ending. A third book in this series is due next September, and I can’t wait!

[acorley84 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Just as with Heartsick, I thought this book was phenomenal! I didn't think it was possible to be any more twisted than the first book, however, the author has really found her niche in psychological thrillers!

I think that Chelsea Cain has superb writing abilities and is very thorough and descriptive with her story line, but not so much so that the story drags along and becomes too in depth. She knows how to draw a reader in and keep them interested from the first page to the last.

This books helps you get a little more insight into the lives of Archie Sheriden and Gretchen Lowell and maybe helps you better understand the twisted reasons behind the whole story.

Once I started reading this, I couldn't stop, if I had to stop, I couldn't wait to be able to start reading it again! I also can't wait to move right along to the third book in this series as book one and two have both been off the charts!

I listened to the audio version of this book and I thought that the narrator, Carolyn McCormick did a wonderful job of conveying the story. Too often, I find myself turned off of a book simply because I didn't care for the narrator of the story, however, that was not even close to the case with this book. It was a wonderful and quick easy listen!

I can't wait to pick up the 3rd book in this series!

[danajean_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I continue to love this series. Serial killer Gretchen Lowell is behind bars and will only talk to Detective Archie Sheridan, the only victim she has allowed to live, revealing locations of bodies from her past atrocities. Archie has a troubled and totally inappropriate relationship with this killer, and he continues his own torture by taking drugs, keeping his family at arm's length and staying obsessed with Gretchen.Archie is trying to continue on with his life and career, investigating the deaths of people dumped in a park who end up being part of a story that Susan Ward, newspaper reporter, is writing about a prominent politician, when Gretchen Lowell breaks out of jail.The weaving of the stories could have been a little smoother, but Ms Cain continues to deliver suspenseful situations and somewhat believable characters. I had to suspend disbelief just a little that Archie was still working as a detective and not put on a medical leave for his very fragile and vulnerable state.Can't wait for the next one.

[bkladyatl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A great followup to the first book. Although I have been tired of the serial killer books of late, this one was exciting and kept up the suspense. The characters are well drawn and although Archie's relationship with Gretchen is cringeworthy, I still found myself liking Archie.

[sylvie7fox_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was a thriller in search of a plot. Murder, mayhem, and suspense - just no plot.