The Dollmaker

Written by Mary Burton

Narrated by Christina Traister

Dr. Tessa McGowan had never seen anything quite like it. But the mutilated bodies on her exam table tell a stunningly macabre tale: someone with a twisted mind is kidnapping women and altering their faces to resemble real, life-size dolls. As a forensic pathologist, it’s her job to aid the agent leading the case—even if that agent is her estranged husband.

Twelve years ago an unspeakable tragedy destroyed Dakota Sharp’s world. Haunted by the ghosts of his past, he’s devoted himself to capturing killers. His only regret is that it cost him Tessa. Now, as the Dollmaker case brings them together—and raises his suspicions that he’s crossed paths with this deranged psychopath before—they may just have their second chance. But it seems Dakota’s not the only one who wants to make Tessa his own…

She may be the Dollmaker’s next target, but Tessa has no intention of winding up as another toy on his shelf. Can she and Dakota stop this ghastly killer before his next deadly playdate?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Nov 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781531836986

Mary Burton

Mary has been writing historical romance novels for several years. She sold her first book, a Harlequin Historical novel, A Bride for McCain in January, 1999, and saw it published the following year in March. Her second book, The Colorado Bride, was a June, 2001, Harlequin Historical novel. Mary is also the author of The Insider's Guide to Direct Marketing (1995 by Zwieg White Associates), a marketing manual geared toward architectural/engineering firms. She has worked as a freelance writer and written (or ghostwritten) dozens of articles for publications including The RWR, Virginia Review, and Innsbrook Today. A 1983 graduate of Hollins University, Mary was the marketing director for a 100-person civil engineering firm before deciding to write full time. She is based in Richmond, Virginia, where she lives with her husband and two children.

Reviews for The Dollmaker

[libstaff2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This novel is the second book in a crime thriller series and the author definitely delivers another solid mystery. The book can be read as a stand-alone, but the characters are so interesting and cover a range of personalities, quirks and flaws that I strongly suggest reading the previous one first. I like that the author continues to incorporate different types of victims and their loved ones, but especially that some characters not only survive but overcome their demons. Lots of surprises too. I look forward to reason the next one and I'll be reading some of her other series now as well. Net Galley Feedback

[RichardKevinWilson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When this popped up as a recommendation...I thought; that looks kinda creepy. I started to listen to it, and from the opening chapter I was enthralled and curious. The author Mary Burton had me right there. Once the victims and the bodies started to appear as 'dolls'? like the title suggests, I thought now this is a creepy, and very disturbing crime thriller. Not really what I would call HORROR but the crimes were quite horrific in manner. Highly recommended.
Now off to listen to another of this author's works.

4.5 ????

[Kay McGibbon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great romantic suspense...broody Agent Sharpe working diligently to get the perp who is killing women, and making them up like dolls. Meanwhile, his estranged wife, and pathologist, Dr. Tessa McGowan, is helping with the case and getting under his skin. However, the Doll maker, may be after Tessa as his next victim. Will Sharpe be fast enough to save the woman that he loves? Great mic of romance and suspense...you’ll next guess whodunnit!

[Kathryn Mathias · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Terrific thriller. Some love scenes - but they didn't take up too much storyline, like some romantic suspense books do. Believable characters. Covers a long timeline and multiple characters developed.

[cherylk_44 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It has been a while since I have read anything from this author. This was a choice. The last couple of books I read from this author had lost its luster for me. Yet, this book sounded like the perfect time to read something from Mary Burton. Although, this is the second book in the Forgotten Files, it can be read as a stand alone novel. Instantly, I connected with the story and the characters. Again, I was not familiar with Tessa and Dakota's relationship but I found them to be very professional. Tessa is a strong woman. I liked that she said it how it was with Dakota but did not fall all over herself in sorrow either. I felt for Dakota. The tragic event from his past really has shaped him into the man he is today. The killer had a good presence in this story. The fact that the identity of the killer was kept secret until the end was nice. However, what I enjoyed the most was that the author was not trying to feed me with false information to lead me down a wrong path until the big reveal. Due to this fact, I probably should have seen the killer's identity coming but I did not. I am once again a fan of Mary Burton's. I plan to check out the prior book in this series and can't wait to read the third book as well.