Kill You Twice: An Archie Sheridan / Gretchen Lowell Novel

Written by Chelsea Cain

Narrated by Christina Delaine

Nothing makes Portland detective Archie Sheridan happier than knowing that Gretchen Lowell—the serial killer whose stunning beauty is belied by the gruesome murders she's committed—is locked away in a psych ward. Archie can finally heal from the near-fatal physical and emotional wounds she's inflicted on him and start moving on with his life.

To this end, Archie throws himself into the latest case to come across his desk: A cyclist has discovered a corpse in Mount Tabor Park on the eastern side of Portland. The man was gagged, skinned, and found hanging by his wrists from a tree. It's the work of a killer bold and clever enough to torture his victim for hours on a sunny summer morning in a big public park and yet leave no trace.

And then Archie gets a message he can't ignore—Gretchen claims to have inside knowledge about this grisly murder. Archie finally agrees to visit Gretchen, because he can't risk losing his only lead in the case. At least, that's what he tells himself . . . but the ties between Archie and Gretchen have always been stronger, deeper, and more complex than he's willing to admit, even to himself. What game is she playing this time? And even more frightening, what long-hidden secrets from Gretchen's past have been dredged up that someone would kill to protect?

At once terrifying and magnetic, "Beauty Killer" Gretchen Lowell returns with a vengeance in Kill You Twice, Chelsea Cain's latest razor-sharp psychological thriller.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: Aug 7, 2012
• ISBN: 9781427221919

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 Kill You Twice

[kwskultety · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

These books keep getting better and better!! Excellent plots, massively interesting characters, and of course, Gretchen. Keep writing, Chelsea!!

[jonesli · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

You would think that five book into this series, the sick twisted relationship between Archie and Gretchen would become tiresome. It's not!Archie seems to be moving on with his life, recovering from his physical and emotional torture at the hands of his favorite serial killer Gretchen Lowell.Little does he know that his latest case, that of a man gagged and skinned ala Gretchen's style is connected to her past. When Gretchen contacts Archie and claims to have knowledge about the killer, Archie goes to see her in order to help his case. The plot was well developed as we are given a little more background about Gretchen's early life, and Susan, bless her heart, is as entertaining as usual. Susan does something interesting towards the end, which I should have seen coming, but it surprised me just the same.I found this book to be a good installment in the series, although there are some details that I won't reveal here, that just didn't ring true. I suppose part of it was setting the platform for book #6, which of course I can't wait to read.

[knittingmomof3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Kill You Twice by Chelsea Cain is another fast-paced thriller from the Archie Sheridan and Gretchen Lowell series. When a gruesome murder scene is discovered in a park in east Portland, detective Sheridan is left with few leads, at least until the infamous serial killer, Gretchen Lowell, who has been imprisoned in a psych hospital, makes contact with him. The connections between Archie and Gretchen are many, as readers will have come to know from the previous novels in this series, and Cain has masterfully re-ignited the psychological conflict between them. The plot, which eventually unveils important links between Gretchen’s past and the murder Archie is so desperate to solve, will keep readers’ attention through to the end while offering a few new glimpses into the psyche of this notorious serial killer. First-time Cain readers should consider beginning with the first in the series as the back story is important, but for those having read the previous novels, this one is perhaps the most thrilling and graphic of the series.Disclaimer: I received a copy of Kill You Twice through the Amazon VINE Program, for review.

[honoliipali · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ms. Cain slipped a tiny bit in my ratings of her last few books. She is back to the 5.0 star level with Kill You Twice. I have rated her five books at an average of 4.5 stars so, yes, I enjoy her books.In this installment of the the Archie/Gretchen/Susan series, we are treated to not one, but two, serial killer stories. Two because Gretchen is back in all her glory. Ms. Cain continues the lively writing style and maintains the high level of activity in this thriller.I truly enjoy the humor, twists and turns, and clever writing. The story lines are developed to be as entertaining as books about gory serial killers can be. The characters and their relationships will draw you in and grab you. Like me, you will be impatiently waiting for the next book.

[kassilem · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Well these aren't phenomenal books but they are entertaining. There was a few times while I read this book where I thought it could have been done better, but I'm not really complaining because I did read this book in a day and a half, and it only took that long because of my busy schedule. I think the psychology behind Archie and Gretchen is interesting, even if I don't understand it all the time. But you don't have to understand everything about something for it to matter, especially human emotions. This is one of those times. There is one more book left. I'm looking forward to it. I believe it is the culmination of the series as a last book. And with Gretchen loose again I'm sure it will be interesting.

[stahl2ricco · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Well, the gang is all back, that is, everyone who survived the first four books! I know I've written this before, but I love, love, LOVE the Gretchen Lowell character! This book picks up three months after the last, as Portland cleans up from the big ol' flood. The story has lots of twists and turns, action, and suspense and it reads just like the first three of the series, which I loved (#4 was a big disappointment for me)! I really liked that we got to learn more about Gretchen's background and I also enjoy that we have so much more to know! I can't wait for #6!!!

[adonisguilfoyle · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I am officially addicted, but there's only one book left in the series! I don't even mind Gretchen now, even if her frequent Houdini-like escape acts from maximum security facilities are getting a bit tired. Giving her a bit of a backstory, albeit one from a soap opera, possibly helped. The final chapter was still ridiculous, though, however much the reader suspends their disbelief.After the respite of the previous instalment, Gretchen is back - and she's not alone. Someone is copying her trademark psycho-killings and giving her a bad rep in the process. Through the ever-gullible Susan, Gretchen wants Archie to find her copycat and stop him - but of course there's more to her madness. While Archie, Susan, Henry and Claire puzzle out the connection between the recent murders and Gretchen's confession to her first ever killing, Pearl, the teenager who tasered Archie in - another book, can't remember which, is back and in danger. Susan and her mother take her under their wing, which is always dangerous. I love Susan, but the woman is a liability! Another wonderfully fast-paced investigation with the screwed-up detective, his bright-haired associate and the ever-cliched serial killer leading them both a merry dance. I already have the next book lined up!

[jjaylynny · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Author of grisly Beauty Killer series, set in Portland, with another installment. Chelsea Cain writes with more assurance with every new book. This is kind of the origin chapter, and it's effective, though it kind of loses steam near the end. How long can this story be sustained? Don't know, but it's a pretty fun ride.

[petrichor8 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

stayed up way to late reading it, because I couldn't put it down.

[carol420 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Archie Sheridan has been living a Gretchen Lowell free life while she is locked in a mental institution. For years after she tortured him, almost killed him, and then saved him, Archie's life has revolved around her and been basically ruined as a result. Now, he no longer pops Vicodin like they were candy and has begun to move on and heal emotionally away from her manipulation. He throws himself into solving a new case involving a serial killer who tortures the victims and leaves them in very public places, leaving no traces behind. With a string of victims with no real leads, Archie can no longer ignore Gretchen when she says she knows something about the current killings. Although he's treading carefully, she can be very manipulative and dangerous even drugged up and restrained in a mental institution. Can she actually help in the case or does she just aim to destroy Archie again? Will Archie find the killer before they kill again?

Those who are familiar with Cain's modus operandi will not be shocked to discover that these deaths are somehow linked to Lowell. The story is somewhat disjointed and artificial. Several of the characters, including the killer Archie is seeking, remain ciphers. Gretchen is, as usual, smarmy and manipulative; Archie becomes involved in an unlikely romantic relationship; and Susan lives uneasily with her mother, Bliss, who is even more flighty than her kooky daughter. The author inserts a teenage runaway from a previous book, Pearl Clinton, into the mix; her life is endangered through no fault of her own. Everything comes together in a series of violent confrontations and surprising revelations. Chelsea Cane may be straining to keep her series alive even though it just may have run its course.

[christineellei · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Serial killer Gretchen Lowell is finally locked away, drugged into a near stupor, in a psychiatric ward. This gives Detective Archie Sheridan some breathing space to do some healing of his own. His latest case is baffling as the killer is confident enough to apprehend, torture and kill someone in a public park in broad daylight. Baffling that is until he gets a message from Gretchen saying she has some inside information about the murder. Inside information might be an understatement.

Although Gretchen is still very much a part of this book, not being the central character allows the reader to find out more about some of the peripheral characters. Some interesting sidebar stories come out in this instalment of the series … some are resolved in this book … but, in my opinion, another larger one, is not. Guess that’s the trap of a series, I will have to read the next one.

[y2ash · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I believe this was the answer to fans in regards to the lack of serial killer extraordinaire Gretchen Lowell because, Kill You Twice, was chock full of Gretchen. I hate Gretchen. She is a Mary Sue and if I have to hear "darling" followed by something stupid, I might cry. I also think Cain undermined Archie's new-found independence that was established in the last book, The Night Season, by hooking him up with not only Gretchen but his new, weird, and pushy neighbor Rachel and Susan.

Susan. When is Chelsea Cain going to kill that useless character off? Imagine the appendix starting to with equilibrium of your body, this is how Susan and equally useless mother, Bliss, work. They are annoying and in this novel a death is DIRECTLY connected to Susan's utter stupidity.

I also don't like that Claire and Henry got together and are with child. I don't like them as a couple.

Kill You Twice gives you more of Gretchen's backstory: mostly where she was for about two weeks when she was about 16 or so and her first apprentice. His name is Colin Beatty but is going by Ryan Motley. He is going nuts, his killing elevating from children to adults. Why? To get Gretchen's attention so she could kill him in the end. I guess.

Oh, Gretchen also had a daughter named Pearl, a character from The Night Season, which came out of nowhere.

I was highly disappointed in Kill You Twice. It could have killed me once and I would have appreciated.

[jsamaha-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I expected to love this book. If you've followed my reviews then you know I love Chelsea Cain and have thoroughly enjoyed the first four books in the Gretchen Lowell series, so it reasoned that I would love this fifth installment. But, I didn't.

This book seemed different then the other four. Cain's writing seemed more contrived. Like she was writing this installment more for her publisher rather than herself or her readers. The first four books read like complete novels to me but this one had so many side plots/conflicts that weren't resolved that I feel like I only read a partial novel (this is how its been for me with the last two books form Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse series, too). I know that we will find it all out in the next book or two (like what is up with Archie's new neighbor or will Patrick play a larger role in the story later) but I just don't like when an author/publisher uses one novel to completely set up the next in the series. I feel like I'm reading only half the story. Kind of like the author wrote a huge novel and then the publisher (or author) said "hey, we could make more money if we cut this book in half and sell it as part one and part two".

The main storyline could have been great. Cain had a great killer in this one but for me all of the side stories took away from the main storyline leaving him not as well developed a character as he could have been.

I am definitely still a Chelsea Cain fan and will for sure read her next novel (I just probably won't be in such a rush that pay full-price lol). Read this book if you are a fan of Chelsea's and let me know what you think. Am I just being stingy with my stars? If you aren't a fan of Chelsea's and haven't read any of her novels yet, then I really do recommend that you pick up the book in the series, Heartsick.

[therinknite-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

[Cross-posted to Knite Writes]I thought this installment was a great source of development of…just about everything. Gretchen and Archie’s relationship. Gretchen’s backstory. Susan and Leo. There was a lot going on this novel, and I think Cain did a good job bringing everything together in the end. She managed to introduce a whole new family of characters that were every bit as complex as the ones she’s been developing since book one, and their collective persona and dynamics were fascinating. I appreciate that Cain tries her best to maintain the series as both a “crime of the week” serial and a continual story arc that explores Gretchen/Archie.Cain stepped up with this one and managed to tie up a ton of loose ends that have been bothering me for some time. The odd focus on Pearl in book three. Gretchen’s identity seemingly popping up out of nowhere at age nineteen. Cain seems to have a long list of mysteries she’s working to cleverly and gradually resolve as she simultaneously introduces new and exciting content to the series. Her tactics in this installment maintained a good balance of old conflict resolution and new conflict introduction. Not bad. Not bad at all.

[katebond-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Yes. So, so good.

BUT: I would like to have a conversation about how hair dye works w/ Chelsea Cain. You don't have to re-bleach your hair between shades of Manic Panic--that shit rinses right out on its own after a couple of weeks. Also, If Gretchen dyed her hair red a couple of months ago, it would not be blonde again already. Red hair dye is notoriously difficult to cover over without the help of a professional, and since she went to prison with it dyed, it shouldn't be blonde again yet. Also, if her hair is naturally brown, what is she doing to keep it a gorgeous blonde color in prison?

[thehistorychic · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Read from June 16 to 19, 2013Listened for Fun (Library Book)Overall Rating: 5.00Story Rating: 5.00Character Rating: 5.00Audio: 4.50 (not part of the overall rating)First Thought When Finished: Holy twisty turny ......Story Thoughts: Oh my! I thought that Gretchen couldn't get any more manipulative and boy was I wrong. If you are a fan of the series then you are going to have flashes of the first book dancing through your head. Kill You Twice was absolutely on par with Heartsick. In fact, I think it was even better. This is the kind of serial killer twisty manipulation that gets the heart pumping and the mind working over time. In other words, the story was totally made of win.Character Thoughts: Plain and simple: Gretchen was more Gretchen, Archie was more Archie, and Susan is finally starting to hold her own with these two. The characters were amazing in Kill You Twice! It was a perfect mix of trepidation, smartness, manipulation, and "OMG" character moments.Audio Thoughts Narrated By Christina Delaine / Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins I think Christina does a great job with this series on audio. She only has done books 4 and 5 but she is a good fit emotionally with these characters. She brings them to life with great pacing and nuances. I will be sticking with this on audio if she continues to narrate.Final Thoughts: Kill You Twice is the best in the series so far and I can't wait for the next one!

[winterlillies · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Chelsea Cain once again delivers! Kill You Twice is the fifth installment in the Sheridan/Lowell serial killer series and honestly I do believe this is the best of the series. If you haven’t read the books start with Heartsick as this really isn’t a stand alone. For that you’d have to read The Night Season (book 4).Archie Sheridan, detective for the Portland, Oregon police department, is back and this time he has another murder to solve. When a body is found gagged, skinned and tied to a tree he knows this isn’t an ordinary killer he’s looking for. So when Gretchen Lowell, the “Beauty Killer,” calls him with information regarding the latest murder, Archie has to begin to distinguish what the truth is and it leaves us all a little bit shocked. Cain isn’t for the faint of heart and if readers thought book 3, Evil at Heart, was gruesome, Kill You Twice will have you wincing and wishing you hadn’t eaten that burrito before you began to read. Book 5 is perhaps the goriest of the series, however; it’s part of the plot as well as that of the psychopaths Archie has to deal with.Cain isn’t one of those authors who feeds you character information right off the back. She makes you dig for it and in many ways we become the detectives. Just like Archie we readers aren’t sure what to make of Gretchen and her past. Should we believe what comes out her mouth? Most importantly does Archie believe it? I won’t go into many details regarding the book for fear of spoilers, but you can read the book blurb here. Kill You Twice is well plotted with fully developed characters. The original gang is back including our favorite snoop / journalist Susan Ward and her hippie mother, Bliss. Cain does introduce a new character where Henry (Archie’s partner) states, “Susan’s going to hate her,” and it begs the question of who is this mysterious neighbor of Archie’s? Is she one of Gretchen’s pawns and if so where does that leave us with Archie? One of the complaints I keep hearing about with regards to Gretchen is that this can’t be the only serial killer Archie has to deal with. Again I refer readers to Gretchen’s use of apprentices and remember she’s been attributed to many more murders than she took credit for (part of her cat chases mouse routine). It will be interesting to see how Cain develops her series outside Gretchen Lowell, however; I truly believe you can’t have Archie without Gretchen. One of the most important scenes in Kill You Twice is between Susan and Archie and he admits “he’s still not over her.” Readers of the series will know what he is referring to (book 3: Evil at Heart and his grand confession) and in many ways we begin to understand his torture. This is man who was cut open and left with horrible scars on his chest and for the rest of his life he’ll never be free of Gretchen. Cain leaves us always wanting more, but also asking the question: How much more torture (emotionally and physically) can Archie handle?

[starrreina · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

How do you kill someone twice? Intriguing indeed. The title captured my attention, but the contents within had me racing to the finish.Archie Sheridan is plagued with horrors from the past, tortured by his recollection of what ex-lover and serial killer Gretchen Lowell did to him. He is lucky to be alive. But it’s not over with Lowell, not by a long shot. Lowell may be locked up in an insane asylum, but it doesn’t make her any less of a threat as Sheridan races to find out if there is a copycat mimicking Lowell or a new serial killer all of his or her own.Meanwhile ex-journalist and friend of Sheridan, Susan Ward, becomes entwined in Sheridan’s present case and their mutual history with Lowell. Ward tries to protect a teenager who both she and Sheridan dealt with in the past. It’s all—at least most of it—tied in with Lowell. But how? It’s a question Susan and Sheridan both want an answer to.I haven’t read the previous books in the series and frankly, this was a bit of a hindrance. In my opinion, the characters’ interaction and affiliation with each other could have been explained a bit more for the reader such as myself who jumped in the middle. But it didn’t stop me from enjoying the story. On the contrary. Now I want to go back and read all I missed before this book.Reviewed by Starr Gardinier Reina, author of “One Major Mistake”

[twink_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Chelsea Cain writes thrillers with a twist. Her latest book Kill You Twice is the fifth book in the Archie Sehridan/Gretchen Lowell series. No, they're not a pair of detectives. Rather, Archie is a Portland detective and Gretchen...Well Gretchen is a serial killer with no fixed address. Except she does now - she's securly locked away in a psych ward.Archie and Gretchen have a complicated relationship. He's the one who put her away, but he still finds himself attracted to her despite the fact that Gretchen, also known as the Beauty Killer, nearly killed him.A fresh set of killings in Portland look like they might be the work of Gretchen. But they can't be - she is locked away. Is it a copycat? An apprentice? Gretchen claims to have information - but only if Archie comes himself. If he does, their intricate game of cat and mouse will resume.Devoted fans of this series will be thrilled to find that some of Gretchen's past is finally revealed. Favourite (for me) characters such as reporter Susan are included - again with some unexpected revelations. Archie - well Archie is just as enigmatic, dogged and determined as ever. But his judgement is always clouded when it comes to Gretchen.I chose to listen Kill You Twice and actually think I'll listen to future books in this series. The reader was Christina Delaine and she was excellent. She had a nice, low gravelly voice for Archie. Her voice for Gretchen was sexy and scary at the same time. And Susan - Delaine has come up with a slightly squeaky voice that really does conjure up the image I had in mind. Delaine is a truly expressive reader. And very easy to listen to.The plot is quite devious and the story moved along really well. I enjoy the cat and mouse game between Archie and Gretchen. And I think there's more to come!Fair warning to gentle readers/listeners - this series may not be for you. Cain writes graphic, gory thrillers. In her own words "But I guess that I shouldn't be surprised to find myself writing thrillers. It does bring together many of my interests: forensic pathology, medicine, damaged heroes, dead pets, Nancy Drew, TV cops shows, my home of Portland, Oregon, and having an excuse to be alone in a room for long periods."

[bookappeal · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Can you love a psychological thriller about a serial killer? Apparently, some of us can. Returning to a style more like her first three Archie Sheridan/Gretchen Lowell novels, Chelsea Cain once again spins a tale that is twisted, violent, and gory but impossible to put down for long due to its unrelenting tension and patiently dropped insights into the origin of a serial killer. Beautiful Gretchen Lowell is still locked up but she finds a way (doesn't she always?) to get under Detective Archie Sheridan's skin. Does Gretchen actually know something about a recent string of murders or is she stringing Archie along for her own purposes? When you're dealing with Gretchen and Archie, it's bound to be a bit of both. Fans of the series will not be disappointed.

[auntmarge64 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Superior but very bloody suspense. This series MUST be read in order, starting with "Heartsick", one of the most chilling suspense novels I've come across. Each book is at least 4 stars, with this entry being one of the better sequels.

[candyh_64 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story is another thriller by Chelsea Cain. The reader and fans of Chelsea Cain are captivated by the twists and turns that develop in the pages of this story. Just about the time the reader thinks they have the story figured out there is another twist to keep the reader turning to the next page. I have read all the books in the Archie Sheridan/Gretchen Lowell series and am ready for the next one! I highly recommend this book and the others in the series.

[ridgewaygirl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I've enjoyed the Chelsea Cain series about serial killer Gretchen Lowell and the detective in charge of catching her and who was tortured by her, Archie Sheridan, so far. Usually, I dislike books where the serial killer comes across as a super-human, Hannibal Lechter-type creature (ordinary serial killers are fine, of course), but Cain takes that tired set-up and makes it work. For one thing, she writes with a lightly humorous touch that keeps the inevitable angst and suffering from drowning the story. Her characters, even the powerful serial killer, are so well described, as to make each one familiar. And she does so with that old chestnut of showing, not telling, so the physical appearances are less important than the personalities and those personalities are never one note, even for the secondary and tertiary characters. But the series is not at all character driven. No, each book is an adrenaline rushed race to the finish line, packed with action that all shouldn't work but somehow does. I mean, none of it should work. Cain stretches believability with unlikely escapes and odd murder methods, but she's able to drag the reader along with no apparent effort on her part. The fifth book in the series opens with a gruesome murder and from the first chapter leaves very little breathing room. Gretchen wants to talk to Archie about the new series of murders, but he's trying for mental health and is staying well away. So Gretchen gets Susan, a now unemployed journalist, to visit her instead, suggesting that she knows who the murderer is and providing clues and red herrings to string Archie and his task force along. It was an altogether satisfying read, although it must be noted that Cain doesn't pull any punches and her books are not for the squeamish.

[beamis12 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If I say I loved this book does that mean that I am a dark and gritty person, well I hope not, I'm sure my husband and children hope not and to be honest I skimmed some of the most graphic parts. When you read Chelsea Cain that is what you expect, a twisted relationship, graphic violence and a dark and gritty plot and goodness but she does it so well.

[lsh63 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

You would think that five book into this series, the sick twisted relationship between Archie and Gretchen would become tiresome. It's not!Archie seems to be moving on with his life, recovering from his physical and emotional torture at the hands of his favorite serial killer Gretchen Lowell.Little does he know that his latest case, that of a man gagged and skinned ala Gretchen's style is connected to her past. When Gretchen contacts Archie and claims to have knowledge about the killer, Archie goes to see her in order to help his case. The plot was well developed as we are given a little more background about Gretchen's early life, and Susan, bless her heart, is as entertaining as usual. Susan does something interesting towards the end, which I should have seen coming, but it surprised me just the same.I found this book to be a good installment in the series, although there are some details that I won't reveal here, that just didn't ring true. I suppose part of it was setting the platform for book #6, which of course I can't wait to read.

[nomadreader_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The basics: When a grisly murder happens in Portland, incarcerated Gretchen Lowell claims to have inside information on the killer. Does she really? Or is she simply playing mind games with Archie Sheridan again?My thoughts: After The Night Season, which was a departure for the series, I was curious where Cain would take this newest novel. Those who thought there wasn't enough Gretchen in it will likely be thrilled with her return to co-star in Kill You Twice. The move was mostly successful, but the first half of this novel suffered from too much set up. It was filled with Cain's characteristic grisly details, but the plot struck me as loose and familiar: Archie struggles with normalcy, mysterious woman who looks like Gretchen moves into his building, Gretchen wants Archie to visit her, and people are brutally murdered--can it possibly be Gretchen? It's hard to fault Cain for doing what works, but I feared she really was running out of new takes on these characters and the series was fizzling.About the midpoint of the book, however, the payoff started to emerge, and I was hooked. Kill You Twice built slowly, but the second half was a fascinating and thrilling ride that leaves no doubt this series is still going strong.Favorite passage: “Do people not do this here?” she asked. “Go around and meet the neighbors? I’m from San Diego, so if this is weird, tell me, so I don’t continue to make a total idiot of myself.”“Do people do it in San Diego?” Archie asked.“No,” Rachel said. “But I thought Portland was friendlier.”“We are,” Archie said. “But we’re also socially awkward. I think they cancel each other out.”The verdict: Kill You Twice reinvigorates the series and returns to the tension between Archie and Gretchen. A satisfying second half made up for a slow first half, but ultimately this novel feels more like a transition novel than a stand alone. Even though I just finished this one, I'm already eager to read the next one, so get writing Chelsea Cain.

[titania86_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Archie Sheridan has been living a Gretchen Lowell free life while she is locked in a mental institution. For years after she tortured him, almost killed him, and then saved him, Archie's life has revolved around her and been basically ruined as a result. Now, he no longer pops Vicodin like they were candy and has begun to move on and heal emotionally away from her manipulation. He throws himself into solving a new case involving a serial killer who tortures the victims and leaves them in very public places, leaving no traces behind. With a string of victims with no real leads, Archie can no longer ignore Gretchen when she says she knows something about the current killings. Although he's treading carefully, she can be very manipulative and dangerous even drugged up and restrained in a mental institution. Can she actually help in the case or does she just aim to destroy Archie again? Will Archie find the killer before he/she kills again?Ever since Heartsick, the first book in the series, I have found Gretchen Lowell to be one of the most magnetic and interesting antagonists in literature and one of the only fictional female serial killers. Each book uncovered a little more about her, mostly in the context of her relationship with Archie. The fourth book in the series, The Night Season, had only the barest mention of her character. I understood that Gretchen isn't the whole series and maybe Chelsea Cain wanted to move away from her and make Archie stand alone. I couldn't help but be a tiny bit disappointed. It is so nice to have Gretchen back in a way we have never seen her. Kill You Twice delves into part of her origin story. Not her childhood or her biological family, but her inception as a serial killer in her teenage years, the start of the Beauty Killer. In the present, she has lost her infamous beauty and remains incapacitated by medication, which is pure torture for her as it takes away the some of her essential tools of manipulation. Seemingly desperate and less possessed of her mental faculties, Gretchen can still has that magnetic personality that both draws in and repels the reader. Like Archie, I have a love/hate relationship with Gretchen. I love her deeply twisted mind and her glee for what she does, but I also want her to be punished for what she has done. It allows me to understand her hold over Archie and his even more complex feelings about her. The conclusion leaves the story open to peel away more layers of the the mystery that is Gretchen.The other characters are engaging and interesting in their own ways. Archie is much different than his Gretchen-obsessed self. He has completely cut her out of his life at this point and has started to form and maintain much more healthy relationships with people. Even when he eventually interacts with her, he holds his own much better, not allowing himself to be manipulated by her despite his conflicted feelings. Susan Ward of the ever changing hair is an awesome character as well with a spunky attitude and killer fashion sense. She pieces together some essential aspects of the case despite Archie's reluctance to involve her in another dangerous case. The new serial killer is brutal and interesting, bringing a religious dimension to the murders.I absolutely love this entire series. I think this book is actually a teensy bit better than Heartsick, my previous favorite and the first book. I love all the characters and enjoy seeing them develop throughout each installment. I can't wait for the next book in the series and what the future holds of Gretchen and Archie.

[mikedraper · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Det. Archie Sheridan is still recovering from his last encounter with serial killer Gretchen Losell.As the story begins, he and his men are at Mount Tabor Park in Portland. They are examining the body of Jack Kelly who was murdered, tied by his wrists to a tree and appered to have been skinned from the neck down.Archie's men are concerned about his health and he admits to being weak. He was almost killed by Gretchen who is now at Oregon State Mental Hospital. Even now, he gets a call relayed by her shrink. She asks for Archie's help because there is a killer at large who is after her child.When Archie refuses to believe Gretchen's message, she contacts reporter, Susan Ward. She goes tot he hospital and Gretchen gives her an exclusive interview on tape where she admits to murdering someone in her past. In return, she asks Susan to tell Archie that she needs to see him.Another body is found. This time it's a woman and her body has been burned. While Archie and his unit investigate these murders, there is something in Gretchen's message about having an associate in her killings. Then she admits that the man went renegade. She thinks he had something to do with the case Archie is working on.The author knows how to write an interesting story. The cat and mouse game is played out with the goal of stopping the killer before the next victim meets their fate. The characters are correctly portrayed and the author gives more information about Gretchen's background which helps readers better to understand her.Chelsea Cain is a superb entertainer. I thought the conclusion was somewhat predictable but overall the story was clever and engrossing.