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Blindspot: A Psychological Suspense
From the author of the award-winning Truth and Other Lies comes a gripping suspense novel about an ambitious prosecutor on the hunt for her sadistic stalker, only to find herself framed for murder when he turns up dead.
Rachel Matthews is used to stress—from the cutthroat world of the district attorney’s office to her escalating clashes with her teenage daughter. So when a stranger sends a lavish bouquet with a macabre message and leaves a disturbing video on her doorstep, she’s quick to act. Teaming up with an old classmate turned private investigator, she wades through old case files, searching for someone harboring a grudge against her.
But before she has time to pinpoint a suspect, her stalker issues a demand—he wants money, lots of it, or he’ll hurt her daughter. In a dangerous gamble, Rachel agrees to meet her stalker on an isolated beach, only to find herself fleeing from a shocking crime scene. Can she solve the puzzle of who wants to destroy her before she loses her family, her career, and her freedom?
Fans of Scott Turow’s Presumed Innocent will embrace this taut tale of long-simmering revenge right up to its surprising and twisty climax.
Rachel Matthews is used to stress—from the cutthroat world of the district attorney’s office to her escalating clashes with her teenage daughter. So when a stranger sends a lavish bouquet with a macabre message and leaves a disturbing video on her doorstep, she’s quick to act. Teaming up with an old classmate turned private investigator, she wades through old case files, searching for someone harboring a grudge against her.
But before she has time to pinpoint a suspect, her stalker issues a demand—he wants money, lots of it, or he’ll hurt her daughter. In a dangerous gamble, Rachel agrees to meet her stalker on an isolated beach, only to find herself fleeing from a shocking crime scene. Can she solve the puzzle of who wants to destroy her before she loses her family, her career, and her freedom?
Fans of Scott Turow’s Presumed Innocent will embrace this taut tale of long-simmering revenge right up to its surprising and twisty climax.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 21, 2024
About the author
Maggie Smith
2 books211 followersIn a career that’s included work as a journalist, a psychologist, and the founder of a national art consulting company, Maggie Smith added novelist to her resume with the publication of her debut, Truth and Other Lies, a women’s fiction novel set in Chicago and released in March 2022 by Ten16 Press. It won NIEA’s Juror Grand Prize, the Star Award for Debut Fiction from Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Foreword INDIES Gold Metal for General Fiction, and was selected for the Women’s Book Association Great Group Reads. Her second novel, a psychological suspense called Blindspot, releases in May 2024.
In addition to her writing, Maggie hosts the weekly podcast Hear Us Roar (225+ episodes), blogs monthly for Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and is Managing Editor for Chicago Writer’s Association Write City E-Zine. She resides in Milwaukee WI with her husband and her aging but still adorable sheltie
In addition to her writing, Maggie hosts the weekly podcast Hear Us Roar (225+ episodes), blogs monthly for Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and is Managing Editor for Chicago Writer’s Association Write City E-Zine. She resides in Milwaukee WI with her husband and her aging but still adorable sheltie
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 15, 2024
Rachel Matthews is used to stress—from the cutthroat world of the district attorney’s office to her escalating clashes with her teenage daughter. So when a stranger sends a lavish bouquet with a macabre message and leaves a disturbing video on her doorstep, she’s quick to act. Teaming up with an old classmate turned private investigator, she wades through old case files, searching for someone harboring a grudge against her.
But before she has time to pinpoint a suspect, her stalker issues a demand—he wants money, lots of it, or he’ll hurt her daughter. In a dangerous gamble, Rachel agrees to meet her stalker on an isolated beach, only to find herself fleeing from a shocking crime scene. Can she solve the puzzle of who wants to destroy her before she loses her family, her career, and her freedom?
OHHHEMMMGEEE! When I first read the synopsis for Blindspot, I knew I was going to be in for quite a ride. What I didn’t realize was that it was going to be an edge of your seat, nerve-tingling thriller from beginning to end. From its fast pace and complex plot to a truly dynamite narrator, there wasn’t a thing not to love. And the twists! What can I say? They redirected my sleuthing time and time again. That’s not to say that I didn’t figure out a few little pieces to the puzzle. Even that, though, couldn’t stop my ardent admiration for both the book and Ms. Smith herself.
Speaking of those characters, each of them were thoughtfully constructed and played an important role in a plot that had definite Hitchcockian and Agatha Christie-esque vibes. True-to-life despite a few somewhat melodramatic moments, I connected with Rachel right off the bat. Even her character arc was simply sublime. But the hairpin turns and deftly laid red herrings were what really made this book sing. They turned what could have been a straight forward tale of revenge into one heck of a rollicking good time filled to the brim with foreboding and suspense.
All in all, Maggie Smith utterly knocked this one out of the park. If you loved Kill for Me, Kill for You or just want a propulsive thriller to sink yourself into, this is your book. With a mind-blowing game of cat-and-mouse, short chapters, and a flawlessly played climax, I read this one cover to cover in just a single sitting. After all, it was everything I wanted and more. Addictive, unputdownable, and binge-worthy in the extreme, you simply have to add Bindspot to your TBR now. I guarantee that you won’t regret it in the least. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded).
Thank you to Maggie Smith, Puzzle Box Press, Partners in Crime Tours, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 21, 2024
Trigger warning: threatening phone calls and notes, stalking, blackmail, a fatal shooting, mention of: infidelity, suicide
But before she has time to pinpoint a suspect, her stalker issues a demand—he wants money, lots of it, or he’ll hurt her daughter. In a dangerous gamble, Rachel agrees to meet her stalker on an isolated beach, only to find herself fleeing from a shocking crime scene. Can she solve the puzzle of who wants to destroy her before she loses her family, her career, and her freedom?
OHHHEMMMGEEE! When I first read the synopsis for Blindspot, I knew I was going to be in for quite a ride. What I didn’t realize was that it was going to be an edge of your seat, nerve-tingling thriller from beginning to end. From its fast pace and complex plot to a truly dynamite narrator, there wasn’t a thing not to love. And the twists! What can I say? They redirected my sleuthing time and time again. That’s not to say that I didn’t figure out a few little pieces to the puzzle. Even that, though, couldn’t stop my ardent admiration for both the book and Ms. Smith herself.
Speaking of those characters, each of them were thoughtfully constructed and played an important role in a plot that had definite Hitchcockian and Agatha Christie-esque vibes. True-to-life despite a few somewhat melodramatic moments, I connected with Rachel right off the bat. Even her character arc was simply sublime. But the hairpin turns and deftly laid red herrings were what really made this book sing. They turned what could have been a straight forward tale of revenge into one heck of a rollicking good time filled to the brim with foreboding and suspense.
All in all, Maggie Smith utterly knocked this one out of the park. If you loved Kill for Me, Kill for You or just want a propulsive thriller to sink yourself into, this is your book. With a mind-blowing game of cat-and-mouse, short chapters, and a flawlessly played climax, I read this one cover to cover in just a single sitting. After all, it was everything I wanted and more. Addictive, unputdownable, and binge-worthy in the extreme, you simply have to add Bindspot to your TBR now. I guarantee that you won’t regret it in the least. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded).
Thank you to Maggie Smith, Puzzle Box Press, Partners in Crime Tours, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 21, 2024
Trigger warning: threatening phone calls and notes, stalking, blackmail, a fatal shooting, mention of: infidelity, suicide
April 20, 2024
Are you looking for a compelling, face paced page turner? Look no further than Blindspot by Maggie Smith. I could not put this down. All of us here at Thriller Book Promotions, The Pulse are loving this book so much.
Rachel Matthew’s is a busy woman. She is an assistant district attorney and a single mother to a headstrong teenage daughter. She doesn’t need anything more to deal with, but somebody is stalking her. Not content to let the police stop them, she launches her own investigations and things get messy.
There are so many surprises and twists in this one, you just want to keep reading to see how it will all end. So clever.
Thanks so much to Puzzle Box Press for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on May 21st.
Rachel Matthew’s is a busy woman. She is an assistant district attorney and a single mother to a headstrong teenage daughter. She doesn’t need anything more to deal with, but somebody is stalking her. Not content to let the police stop them, she launches her own investigations and things get messy.
There are so many surprises and twists in this one, you just want to keep reading to see how it will all end. So clever.
Thanks so much to Puzzle Box Press for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on May 21st.
March 26, 2024
Rachel Matthews is an Assistant District Attorney who is a single mum to daughter Charley. Generally speaking they have a great mother and daughter relationship but as we all know, teenage years are not easy for either parent or child. Rachel's job is extremely demanding, working long hours and under constant pressure to perform.
Rachel revels in her job but personally she has some issues, she has recently been receiving phone calls and then a video from a person who is not identifying themselves. The voice on the phone sending chilling messages that leave her imagination running wild, and once she receives the video Rachel is becoming very frightened and concerned as to who is doing this and more importantly why? Rachel has received threats before and seems to come with the job, locking up the most dangerous and vile people, but now she also fears for her daughter. Not long after, she then receives a ransom demand of $50,000. The person asks Rachel to meet him in a secluded area on a beach to deliver the cash, she realises she should probably not go there alone, or at least let someone know what she is about to do, but she is under strict instructions and due to the safety of Charley, she follows them exactly as told but when she arrives she is then faced with another dilemma.
If you are a thriller reader I am sure you will enjoy this book. It moves along relatively quickly and the characterization is excellent. .There is a constant feeling of suspence and tension that will have you guessing all the way through, I thought I had it all worked out but I was wrong which is just the kind of book I like, I always enjoy putting my detective cap on and trying to see if I can identify who the culprit is. A very good read, highly recommended.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own
Rachel revels in her job but personally she has some issues, she has recently been receiving phone calls and then a video from a person who is not identifying themselves. The voice on the phone sending chilling messages that leave her imagination running wild, and once she receives the video Rachel is becoming very frightened and concerned as to who is doing this and more importantly why? Rachel has received threats before and seems to come with the job, locking up the most dangerous and vile people, but now she also fears for her daughter. Not long after, she then receives a ransom demand of $50,000. The person asks Rachel to meet him in a secluded area on a beach to deliver the cash, she realises she should probably not go there alone, or at least let someone know what she is about to do, but she is under strict instructions and due to the safety of Charley, she follows them exactly as told but when she arrives she is then faced with another dilemma.
If you are a thriller reader I am sure you will enjoy this book. It moves along relatively quickly and the characterization is excellent. .There is a constant feeling of suspence and tension that will have you guessing all the way through, I thought I had it all worked out but I was wrong which is just the kind of book I like, I always enjoy putting my detective cap on and trying to see if I can identify who the culprit is. A very good read, highly recommended.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own
April 15, 2024
Blindspot
Rachel Matthews is an attorney with a teenage daughter. As a single parent, Charley can be a handful, and it is hard on Rachel because she does not get to spend as much time as she wants and her job is demanding.
Rachel starts getting messages and flowers from an unknown person. The messages are threatening and demand money to keep her daughter safe. She teams up with her investigator friend to solve the mystery. Does one of her past clients have a grudge with her?
Rachel is at the scene of a murder and she is friends with his wife. Is there a connection? Can she find out who the threats are coming from?
This novel is gripping with twist that completely stumped me!
Rachel Matthews is an attorney with a teenage daughter. As a single parent, Charley can be a handful, and it is hard on Rachel because she does not get to spend as much time as she wants and her job is demanding.
Rachel starts getting messages and flowers from an unknown person. The messages are threatening and demand money to keep her daughter safe. She teams up with her investigator friend to solve the mystery. Does one of her past clients have a grudge with her?
Rachel is at the scene of a murder and she is friends with his wife. Is there a connection? Can she find out who the threats are coming from?
This novel is gripping with twist that completely stumped me!
April 9, 2024
It seems someone is out to get Rachel, leaving her threatening messages and calling her at odd times. Getting her old PI buddy Max to help her find out who is behind it all eases the load of Rachel, who is busy at work at the district attorney's office. But when Rachel is linked to a crime, thanks to said stalker, she knows she needs to get herself out of this pickle and fast....or it will be her who is in the jail cell.
What a super addictive book this was! Fast paced with short chapters had me flipping through at rapid speed. There were a lot of twists that kept me intrigued and a big reveal that had my jaw dropping. Cleverly written, I think all thriller lovers will enjoy it.
What a super addictive book this was! Fast paced with short chapters had me flipping through at rapid speed. There were a lot of twists that kept me intrigued and a big reveal that had my jaw dropping. Cleverly written, I think all thriller lovers will enjoy it.
April 23, 2024
I binged this book, staying up until midnight because I didn't want to put it down. Rachel, an assistant district attorney starts getting creepy calls and notes, and with all the bad guys she's put away over the years, it creates an atmosphere that has you wondering who her stalker is. What makes the situation even more disturbing is that Rachel is a single mother to a sometimes surly teenage daughter named Charley with a strong personality of her own. The suspense is so thick you can cut it with a knife as Rachel works with an old high school friend named Max to find her stalker before he carries through with his threats. I highly recommend this one for fans of psychological suspense.
April 16, 2024
Someone is stalking DA Rachel Matthews.
Rachel trusts no one; the stalker could be anyone. So she hires a PI and together they work to figure out this mystery.
This is a fast-paced, grab you by the throat and don’t let go, type of read. That first twist before chapter one even begins hints at what lies ahead in this book. What a clever, clever prologue that was.
I loved the legal aspect of this book - the office and all the law lingo added an extra something special to the overall story. I also appreciated Rachel’s character. A feminist at heart, she takes no crap from any man, no matter the power they may hold. She’s simply kickass.
This was an enjoyable read that I’d recommend to any thriller lover. Absolutely love love loved this book! Of all the thrillers, I’m glad this one found its way to me.
Most memorable: “you look like a flamingo” LOL 😆
Rachel trusts no one; the stalker could be anyone. So she hires a PI and together they work to figure out this mystery.
This is a fast-paced, grab you by the throat and don’t let go, type of read. That first twist before chapter one even begins hints at what lies ahead in this book. What a clever, clever prologue that was.
I loved the legal aspect of this book - the office and all the law lingo added an extra something special to the overall story. I also appreciated Rachel’s character. A feminist at heart, she takes no crap from any man, no matter the power they may hold. She’s simply kickass.
This was an enjoyable read that I’d recommend to any thriller lover. Absolutely love love loved this book! Of all the thrillers, I’m glad this one found its way to me.
Most memorable: “you look like a flamingo” LOL 😆
April 4, 2024
If there was only one word I could use to describe this book it would be: ADDICTING!
I had to force myself to put it down last night and then avoided all adult responsibilities today to complete 😬 what a twisty cat and mouse thriller this was! I was at the edge of my seat, suspicious of everyone and couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen. The very first chapter hooked me and never let go. This was such a great read and I flew through it. Highly recommend!
Thank you to the author and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for the opportunity to read this ARC!
I had to force myself to put it down last night and then avoided all adult responsibilities today to complete 😬 what a twisty cat and mouse thriller this was! I was at the edge of my seat, suspicious of everyone and couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen. The very first chapter hooked me and never let go. This was such a great read and I flew through it. Highly recommend!
Thank you to the author and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for the opportunity to read this ARC!
March 25, 2024
Thank you Puzzle Box Press and Maggie Smith for the gifted copy!
I really enjoyed this book! It had excellent pacing so I never wanted to put it down, and there were so many twists and turns I didn't see coming. First and foremost though the premise was just so interesting - I won't say too much as the synopsis of the book doesn't give away what's so interesting to me about it.
I also love that this book takes place in the Midwest as a Midwest girlie myself. I was also lucky enough to receive a promo package for this book and I can't wait to show off the goodies I got.
Suffice to say I loved this book and will definitely be reading whatever Maggie Smith writes next!
Pub date: May 21
I really enjoyed this book! It had excellent pacing so I never wanted to put it down, and there were so many twists and turns I didn't see coming. First and foremost though the premise was just so interesting - I won't say too much as the synopsis of the book doesn't give away what's so interesting to me about it.
I also love that this book takes place in the Midwest as a Midwest girlie myself. I was also lucky enough to receive a promo package for this book and I can't wait to show off the goodies I got.
Suffice to say I loved this book and will definitely be reading whatever Maggie Smith writes next!
Pub date: May 21
May 15, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up! I am so grateful to the author for reaching out to me and offering me an ARC of this book. It is totally up my alley and I found it so entertaining!
This book keeps you guessing the entire time and is really well paced. It’s also a well written, easy read that takes you straight into the world of the story, and you forget you’re even reading.
There were some twists I saw coming ahead, and some I was totally blind sided by! Such a wild plot with a great ending.
I also LOVED that the author included a little behind the scenes look into her writing process in the PR package she sent. I cannot thank her enough for everything!
I really loved this one! I highly recommend!
This book keeps you guessing the entire time and is really well paced. It’s also a well written, easy read that takes you straight into the world of the story, and you forget you’re even reading.
There were some twists I saw coming ahead, and some I was totally blind sided by! Such a wild plot with a great ending.
I also LOVED that the author included a little behind the scenes look into her writing process in the PR package she sent. I cannot thank her enough for everything!
I really loved this one! I highly recommend!
Read
April 10, 2024“The killer is sitting in this courtroom, and it’s up to me to prove it.”
Rachel Matthews is a rising star in the district attorney’s office trying to balance her career with caring for her teenage daughter Charley. She suddenly finds herself being harassed by a stalker and turns to an old classmate, who is an private investigator for help. Before they can identify who’d want to torture her this way and why, the stalker winds up dead and Rachel (who flees the scene) is the prime suspect.
This starts out with a bang and grabbed my interest immediately. With short chapters that left me wanting more, it was easy to fly through the pages! As a seasoned thriller fan, I did manage to figure out who was doing what, and why. That being said, despite knowing how things would play out, the level of tension made Blindspot a fast and fun suspenseful read! I would’ve liked more character development as some interpersonal connections seemed tenuous. What rang true for me, was the relationship between Rachel and Charley. Rachel’s fierce love of her daughter was undeniable! This is perfect for thriller fans who enjoy a legal element, buried secrets and a twisted game of cat-and-mouse!
Thank you Maggie Smith for the beautiful gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Scroll down for potential spoiler trigger warnings.
⚠️Trigger Warnings: harassment, stalking, gun violence, death, mention of infidelity, suicide attempt, suicide
Rachel Matthews is a rising star in the district attorney’s office trying to balance her career with caring for her teenage daughter Charley. She suddenly finds herself being harassed by a stalker and turns to an old classmate, who is an private investigator for help. Before they can identify who’d want to torture her this way and why, the stalker winds up dead and Rachel (who flees the scene) is the prime suspect.
This starts out with a bang and grabbed my interest immediately. With short chapters that left me wanting more, it was easy to fly through the pages! As a seasoned thriller fan, I did manage to figure out who was doing what, and why. That being said, despite knowing how things would play out, the level of tension made Blindspot a fast and fun suspenseful read! I would’ve liked more character development as some interpersonal connections seemed tenuous. What rang true for me, was the relationship between Rachel and Charley. Rachel’s fierce love of her daughter was undeniable! This is perfect for thriller fans who enjoy a legal element, buried secrets and a twisted game of cat-and-mouse!
Thank you Maggie Smith for the beautiful gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Scroll down for potential spoiler trigger warnings.
⚠️Trigger Warnings: harassment, stalking, gun violence, death, mention of infidelity, suicide attempt, suicide
April 5, 2024
Title- Blind Spot by
Rating-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you're a fan of thriller books like me, then I highly recommend checking this book out. Not only does it have a quick pace that keeps the reader engaged, but the character development is also top-notch. You'll find yourself on the edge of your seat as the story unfolds and the tension builds. Not once did I think I had things figured out at all and that’s a huge win for me.👏🏽
Rachel Matthews is used to stress—from the cutthroat world of the district attorney’s office to her escalating clashes with her teenage daughter. So when a stranger sends a lavish bouquet with a macabre message and leaves a disturbing video on her doorstep, she’s quick to act. Teaming up with an old classmate turned private investigator, she wades through old case files, searching for someone harboring a grudge against her.
But before she has time to pinpoint a suspect, her stalker issues a demand—he wants money, lots of it, or he’ll hurt her daughter. In a dangerous gamble, Rachel agrees to meet her stalker on an isolated beach, only to find herself fleeing from a shocking crime scene. Can she solve the puzzle of who wants to destroy her before she loses her family, her career, and her freedom?
Add this one to your tbr besties, as pub day is May 21, 2024.
Rating-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you're a fan of thriller books like me, then I highly recommend checking this book out. Not only does it have a quick pace that keeps the reader engaged, but the character development is also top-notch. You'll find yourself on the edge of your seat as the story unfolds and the tension builds. Not once did I think I had things figured out at all and that’s a huge win for me.👏🏽
Rachel Matthews is used to stress—from the cutthroat world of the district attorney’s office to her escalating clashes with her teenage daughter. So when a stranger sends a lavish bouquet with a macabre message and leaves a disturbing video on her doorstep, she’s quick to act. Teaming up with an old classmate turned private investigator, she wades through old case files, searching for someone harboring a grudge against her.
But before she has time to pinpoint a suspect, her stalker issues a demand—he wants money, lots of it, or he’ll hurt her daughter. In a dangerous gamble, Rachel agrees to meet her stalker on an isolated beach, only to find herself fleeing from a shocking crime scene. Can she solve the puzzle of who wants to destroy her before she loses her family, her career, and her freedom?
Add this one to your tbr besties, as pub day is May 21, 2024.
April 4, 2024
Maggie Smith brings up Blindspot- focusing on Rachel Matthews who is faced with the stress of working in the district attorney’s office, raising a teenager alone, oh and a stalker.
We follow Rachel along with her daughter, a man old high- school friend turned P.I., and a high-brow new gal-pal as they try to solve the puzzle before the crimes pile up.
I enjoyed following the clues and seeing where the twists and turns would lead us. There are tons of blind spots and great character development throughout. If you like approaching cases from a lawyers perspective who is also tangled up as a victim- this is a great read.
It’s a slow burn- the beginning requires some investment in what’s to come, but the payoff and delivery come soon enough.
Thank you Maggie Smith, Puzzle Box Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advance copy.
We follow Rachel along with her daughter, a man old high- school friend turned P.I., and a high-brow new gal-pal as they try to solve the puzzle before the crimes pile up.
I enjoyed following the clues and seeing where the twists and turns would lead us. There are tons of blind spots and great character development throughout. If you like approaching cases from a lawyers perspective who is also tangled up as a victim- this is a great read.
It’s a slow burn- the beginning requires some investment in what’s to come, but the payoff and delivery come soon enough.
Thank you Maggie Smith, Puzzle Box Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advance copy.
April 7, 2024
'Blind Spot' held my interest to the very end - I was reading well into the night to find out what happened next. With believable characters that I cared about, it was a non-stop unnerving thriller that kept me guessing. The face-paced tense story had plenty of surprises and it left me wanting more. Maggie Smith is a masterful storyteller. This is a must-read for anyone who loves a good thriller and a memorable female protagonist. Thanks for the opportunity to read this ARC - Vickie Mac, author & reviewer.
March 23, 2024
"Blind Spot" by Maggie Smith is a heart-pounding thriller that kept mes on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Rachel Matthews, a determined prosecutor, finds herself entangled in a sinister game orchestrated by a sadistic stalker. As the stakes rise and the threats become increasingly personal, Rachel must navigate through a maze of danger to protect her family, her career, and her freedom. You feel her worry and concern as she navigates each page you read.
The skillful storytelling is evident throughout the novel, as it expertly weaves together suspense, mystery, and emotion. The protagonist, Rachel, is a compelling character whose strength and vulnerability make her easy to root for. As she races against time to uncover the truth, readers are drawn deeper into a web of deception and betrayal.
The plot twists and turns with each chapter, kept me guessing until the very end. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Smith throws another curveball that left me reeling. and saying to myself, Nope I didn't guess that. The pacing is relentless, ensuring that there is never a dull moment in this gripping tale.
While "Blind Spot" is undoubtedly a page-turner, it also delves into deeper themes such as revenge, resilience, and the lengths we will go to protect the ones we love. Smith's exploration of these themes adds depth to the story, making it more than just a standard thriller.
Overall, "Blind Spot" is a captivating read that will satisfy fans of suspenseful thrillers. With its complex characters, intricate plot, and unexpected twists, it's a book that will keep you guessing until the very end. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a thrilling ride from beginning to end.
The skillful storytelling is evident throughout the novel, as it expertly weaves together suspense, mystery, and emotion. The protagonist, Rachel, is a compelling character whose strength and vulnerability make her easy to root for. As she races against time to uncover the truth, readers are drawn deeper into a web of deception and betrayal.
The plot twists and turns with each chapter, kept me guessing until the very end. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Smith throws another curveball that left me reeling. and saying to myself, Nope I didn't guess that. The pacing is relentless, ensuring that there is never a dull moment in this gripping tale.
While "Blind Spot" is undoubtedly a page-turner, it also delves into deeper themes such as revenge, resilience, and the lengths we will go to protect the ones we love. Smith's exploration of these themes adds depth to the story, making it more than just a standard thriller.
Overall, "Blind Spot" is a captivating read that will satisfy fans of suspenseful thrillers. With its complex characters, intricate plot, and unexpected twists, it's a book that will keep you guessing until the very end. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a thrilling ride from beginning to end.
March 24, 2024
Book Review
Blindspot
By Maggie Smith
Pub Date: May 21, 2024
Goodreads blurb: Rachel Matthews is used to stress—from the cutthroat world of the district attorney’s office to her escalating clashes with her teenage daughter. So when a stranger sends a lavish bouquet with a macabre message and leaves a disturbing video on her doorstep, she’s quick to act. Teaming up with an old classmate turned private investigator, she wades through old case files, searching for someone harboring a grudge against her.
But before she has time to pinpoint a suspect, her stalker issues a demand—he wants money, lots of it, or he’ll hurt her daughter. In a dangerous gamble, Rachel agrees to meet her stalker on an isolated beach, only to find herself fleeing from a shocking crime scene. Can she solve the puzzle of who wants to destroy her before she loses her family, her career, and her freedom?
My thoughts: I loved the character of Rachel. A strong FMC, working as an ADA, single mom with a teenage daughter who always wonders about who her dad is. The family drama combined with the suspense/thriller had me hooked. Every time I thought I knew who the stalker was something else would happen and it would lead me to think it was someone else. The same happened when there was a killer. I really liked the full circle this book goes through with all the characters involved and I won’t say anymore about it because I don’t want to give anything away. I read this book in two days. Maggie Smith is a new to me author, and she is now one of my auto buy authors when I want to read a suspenseful thriller. Maggie Smith is a brilliant storyteller who keeps you guessing, and you will not know who the criminals are until the very end.
Blindspot
By Maggie Smith
Pub Date: May 21, 2024
Goodreads blurb: Rachel Matthews is used to stress—from the cutthroat world of the district attorney’s office to her escalating clashes with her teenage daughter. So when a stranger sends a lavish bouquet with a macabre message and leaves a disturbing video on her doorstep, she’s quick to act. Teaming up with an old classmate turned private investigator, she wades through old case files, searching for someone harboring a grudge against her.
But before she has time to pinpoint a suspect, her stalker issues a demand—he wants money, lots of it, or he’ll hurt her daughter. In a dangerous gamble, Rachel agrees to meet her stalker on an isolated beach, only to find herself fleeing from a shocking crime scene. Can she solve the puzzle of who wants to destroy her before she loses her family, her career, and her freedom?
My thoughts: I loved the character of Rachel. A strong FMC, working as an ADA, single mom with a teenage daughter who always wonders about who her dad is. The family drama combined with the suspense/thriller had me hooked. Every time I thought I knew who the stalker was something else would happen and it would lead me to think it was someone else. The same happened when there was a killer. I really liked the full circle this book goes through with all the characters involved and I won’t say anymore about it because I don’t want to give anything away. I read this book in two days. Maggie Smith is a new to me author, and she is now one of my auto buy authors when I want to read a suspenseful thriller. Maggie Smith is a brilliant storyteller who keeps you guessing, and you will not know who the criminals are until the very end.
April 19, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
In the realm of psychological thrillers, Maggie Smith's "Blindspot" emerges as a compelling narrative that ensnares the reader with its intricate plot and relentless suspense. The novel follows Rachel Matthews, an Assistant District Attorney whose life spirals into chaos when she becomes the target of a sadistic stalker. With her teenage daughter's safety at stake, Rachel must navigate a treacherous path to unmask her tormentor—a journey that forces her to confront her past and question the very fabric of her reality.
Smith's prose is sharp and evocative, painting a vivid portrait of a woman on the brink. The character of Rachel is masterfully crafted, a blend of resilience and vulnerability that resonates deeply with the reader. As a single mother and a professional in a cutthroat environment, her struggles are palpable and her determination, inspiring.
The narrative is a labyrinth of twists and turns, each chapter peeling back layers of deception and revealing the dark undercurrents of human nature. Smith's exploration of themes such as trust, revenge, and the pursuit of justice adds a rich depth to the story, elevating it beyond a mere thriller.
"Blindspot" is a heart-pounding race against time that will leave readers breathless and haunted long after the final page. With complex characters and a plot that defies predictability, Maggie Smith has crafted a tale that is a puzzle and a stark reflection of the dangers that lurk in the shadows of our lives.
In conclusion, "Blindspot" is a must-read for fans of the psychological thrillers.
One can only hope to see more of her work in the future, as undoubtedly her more exciting tales with which to capture our hearts and our imagination.
In the realm of psychological thrillers, Maggie Smith's "Blindspot" emerges as a compelling narrative that ensnares the reader with its intricate plot and relentless suspense. The novel follows Rachel Matthews, an Assistant District Attorney whose life spirals into chaos when she becomes the target of a sadistic stalker. With her teenage daughter's safety at stake, Rachel must navigate a treacherous path to unmask her tormentor—a journey that forces her to confront her past and question the very fabric of her reality.
Smith's prose is sharp and evocative, painting a vivid portrait of a woman on the brink. The character of Rachel is masterfully crafted, a blend of resilience and vulnerability that resonates deeply with the reader. As a single mother and a professional in a cutthroat environment, her struggles are palpable and her determination, inspiring.
The narrative is a labyrinth of twists and turns, each chapter peeling back layers of deception and revealing the dark undercurrents of human nature. Smith's exploration of themes such as trust, revenge, and the pursuit of justice adds a rich depth to the story, elevating it beyond a mere thriller.
"Blindspot" is a heart-pounding race against time that will leave readers breathless and haunted long after the final page. With complex characters and a plot that defies predictability, Maggie Smith has crafted a tale that is a puzzle and a stark reflection of the dangers that lurk in the shadows of our lives.
In conclusion, "Blindspot" is a must-read for fans of the psychological thrillers.
One can only hope to see more of her work in the future, as undoubtedly her more exciting tales with which to capture our hearts and our imagination.
May 4, 2024
Rachel Matthews is a single mother of 17-year-old daughter Charley and an ambitious Assistant District Attorney in Milwaukee. We learn from the onset that Rachel has been arrested for murder. The events leading up to this accusation begins. While attending a banquet, Rachel meets Liv and Zach Reid, a wealthy couple. New to the area, Rachel invites Liv to her book club and the women become friends. Rachel suspects that Liv might be in an abusive relationship. As Rachel works hard at her job and is being considered for a promotion, she starts to receive a series of threats from someone who is stalking her. She asks a former classmate, who is a Private Investigator, to help her figure out who is behind these creepy messages as they get more and more threatening. Rachel has great instincts in her job and hopes she can put her skills to work to save herself and her daughter.
Author Maggie Smith has created a wonderfully addictive thriller with her second novel Blindspot, where the suspense is kept at a consistently high level. Rachel is an appealing and realistic character. What working mother doesn't feel torn when a successful and enjoyable job is often at odds with being there for your child? And to have the safety of that child in jeopardy possibly because of your job - what could be worse? I fully enjoyed this bingeable book filled with creative twists.
Many thanks to the author and Puzzle Box Press for the opportunity to read this book in advance.
Rated 4.5 stars.
Review to be posted on MicheleReader.com.
Author Maggie Smith has created a wonderfully addictive thriller with her second novel Blindspot, where the suspense is kept at a consistently high level. Rachel is an appealing and realistic character. What working mother doesn't feel torn when a successful and enjoyable job is often at odds with being there for your child? And to have the safety of that child in jeopardy possibly because of your job - what could be worse? I fully enjoyed this bingeable book filled with creative twists.
Many thanks to the author and Puzzle Box Press for the opportunity to read this book in advance.
Rated 4.5 stars.
Review to be posted on MicheleReader.com.
March 27, 2024
𝘽𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙩 𝙗𝙮 𝙈𝙖𝙜𝙜𝙞𝙚 𝙎𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙝
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5
❗️I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily❗️
I thought I absolutely figured out who it was, I was wrong! This book did such a great job leading me one way, then blowing my mind in the end. This took a bit for me to get going, but once it did, I was hooked. Highly recommend.
𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐑𝐁:
An ambitious district attorney. An enemy she can’t see. A daughter at risk.
From the author of the award-winning Truth and Other Lies comes a gripping suspense novel about an ambitious prosecutor on the hunt for her sadistic stalker, only to find herself framed for murder when he turns up dead.
Rachel Matthews is used to stress—from the cutthroat world of the district attorney’s office to her escalating clashes with her teenage daughter. So when a stranger sends a lavish bouquet with a macabre message and leaves a disturbing video on her doorstep, she’s quick to act. Teaming up with an old classmate turned private investigator, she wades through old case files, searching for someone harboring a grudge against her.
But before she has time to pinpoint a suspect, her stalker issues a demand—he wants money, lots of it, or he’ll hurt her daughter. In a dangerous gamble, Rachel agrees to meet her stalker on an isolated beach, only to find herself fleeing from a shocking crime scene. Can she solve the puzzle of who wants to destroy her before she loses her family, her career, and her freedom?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5
❗️I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily❗️
I thought I absolutely figured out who it was, I was wrong! This book did such a great job leading me one way, then blowing my mind in the end. This took a bit for me to get going, but once it did, I was hooked. Highly recommend.
𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐑𝐁:
An ambitious district attorney. An enemy she can’t see. A daughter at risk.
From the author of the award-winning Truth and Other Lies comes a gripping suspense novel about an ambitious prosecutor on the hunt for her sadistic stalker, only to find herself framed for murder when he turns up dead.
Rachel Matthews is used to stress—from the cutthroat world of the district attorney’s office to her escalating clashes with her teenage daughter. So when a stranger sends a lavish bouquet with a macabre message and leaves a disturbing video on her doorstep, she’s quick to act. Teaming up with an old classmate turned private investigator, she wades through old case files, searching for someone harboring a grudge against her.
But before she has time to pinpoint a suspect, her stalker issues a demand—he wants money, lots of it, or he’ll hurt her daughter. In a dangerous gamble, Rachel agrees to meet her stalker on an isolated beach, only to find herself fleeing from a shocking crime scene. Can she solve the puzzle of who wants to destroy her before she loses her family, her career, and her freedom?
May 2, 2024
Blindspot is the first book that I have read by Maggie Smith. I can guarantee you it WILL NOT be my last. This book drew me in within the first few pages and I lost all sense of time while reading.
Rachel is a career driven mom. She works in the district attorney's office and if that is not stressful enough, she has a teenage daughter, Charley. She is used to working hard as a single mom, so when someone appears to be stalking and targeting her and her daughter, she will not stop until they do. She is used to receiving threats with her job, but these threats are personal. Phone calls and videos from the unknown person who says: $50K or I will hurt your daughter.
Rachel teams up with an old classmate, turned private investigator, Max. When the stalker wants her to meet on a secluded beach alone, she arrives and finds a crime scene. Can Rachel and Max find out who is responsible for all of the threats before Rachel loses her freedom? Will Charley be caught in the crossfire and become collateral damage.
This book is full of twists and turns and heart pounding action. The characters are well developed and the story is well written. Thank you to the author, publisher and Partners in Crime Book tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
Rachel is a career driven mom. She works in the district attorney's office and if that is not stressful enough, she has a teenage daughter, Charley. She is used to working hard as a single mom, so when someone appears to be stalking and targeting her and her daughter, she will not stop until they do. She is used to receiving threats with her job, but these threats are personal. Phone calls and videos from the unknown person who says: $50K or I will hurt your daughter.
Rachel teams up with an old classmate, turned private investigator, Max. When the stalker wants her to meet on a secluded beach alone, she arrives and finds a crime scene. Can Rachel and Max find out who is responsible for all of the threats before Rachel loses her freedom? Will Charley be caught in the crossfire and become collateral damage.
This book is full of twists and turns and heart pounding action. The characters are well developed and the story is well written. Thank you to the author, publisher and Partners in Crime Book tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
May 12, 2024
This psychological thriller starts out with an opening scene that is captivating. Being arrested for a murder you know you did not commit is a nightmare that can only be cleared by finding the real murderer. That flashback at the beginning of the book made me very curious as to how Rachel came to be so accused. That drove the plot, understanding various relationships as the novel moves to the murder and the aftermath.
The mystery included several suspects and many red herrings. Smith did a good job of creating several characters as potential villains. There were a couple of twists at the end. One I did not see coming at all while the other I suspected from hints woven into the narrative.
Along with that driving murder mystery plot aspect is Rachel's own life. She juggles the pressure of career climbing with the responsibility as a single parent of raising her teenage daughter. There was a good balance of those three elements in the novel.
This is a good novel for readers who like a challenging plot construction as Rachel works to uncover who has gone to such lengths to frame her for murder. A well plotted mystery with a good bit of suspense near the end, I recommend this entertaining book.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The mystery included several suspects and many red herrings. Smith did a good job of creating several characters as potential villains. There were a couple of twists at the end. One I did not see coming at all while the other I suspected from hints woven into the narrative.
Along with that driving murder mystery plot aspect is Rachel's own life. She juggles the pressure of career climbing with the responsibility as a single parent of raising her teenage daughter. There was a good balance of those three elements in the novel.
This is a good novel for readers who like a challenging plot construction as Rachel works to uncover who has gone to such lengths to frame her for murder. A well plotted mystery with a good bit of suspense near the end, I recommend this entertaining book.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
March 28, 2024
If you like a twisty mystery with a thrilling edge, you will love Maggie Smith’s latest novel, Blind Spot. The murder mystery keeps readers on their toes throughout starting with the deliciously wicked opening. Imagine spending your entire career putting bad people in jail and suddenly the tables turn and you are the accused. The characters in this novel have depth. They represent flawed and complicated individuals that readers will recognize, if not identify with. Page turner is an overused phrase, but in the case of Blind Spot, it is very hard to put the book down to do anything as trivial as making dinner or going to sleep. It is a fast read because of the pacing and the excellent writing characteristic of Smith’s storytelling. I would easily compare this to Scott Turow’s Presumed Innocent. However, there are very few courtroom scenes. It’s far more a psychological suspense novel than a courtroom drama. I was lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC (advance reader copy) and this is my honest review. The book releases May 21st, but you can pre-order your digital or paperback copy now from Amazon. I’ve heard through the grapevine that an audio version will be released, as well. Five stars.
April 14, 2024
A huge thank you to @maggiesmithwrites for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of Blindspot. As a reviewer with the team @thrillerbookloversthepulse this book will keep you guessing until the very end! Get ready for a thrill ride!
Rachel is a District Attorney with her star on the rise. A devoted single mother, she manages both her career and motherhood with the occasional teenage battle. When she attends an after work event, she meets a new friend Olivia and her off putting husband Zach. She can’t put her finger on what bothers her about this marriage, but she knows Zach cannot be trusted. Shortly after their meeting, Rachel begins to receive threatening phone calls, which quickly escalate to vandalism and a break-in. Then, out of the blue, Rachel runs into an old high school friend, Max, who is also a private investigator. Working together, they attempt to find out who is Rachel’s stalker. But when Zach is suddenly shot dead and Rachel is accused of the crime, it will take Rachel to look deep in her past to unravel the truth.
This was one of those books I couldn’t put down and couldn’t wait to see how it ended. I definitely recommend adding the Blindspot to your TBR.
Rachel is a District Attorney with her star on the rise. A devoted single mother, she manages both her career and motherhood with the occasional teenage battle. When she attends an after work event, she meets a new friend Olivia and her off putting husband Zach. She can’t put her finger on what bothers her about this marriage, but she knows Zach cannot be trusted. Shortly after their meeting, Rachel begins to receive threatening phone calls, which quickly escalate to vandalism and a break-in. Then, out of the blue, Rachel runs into an old high school friend, Max, who is also a private investigator. Working together, they attempt to find out who is Rachel’s stalker. But when Zach is suddenly shot dead and Rachel is accused of the crime, it will take Rachel to look deep in her past to unravel the truth.
This was one of those books I couldn’t put down and couldn’t wait to see how it ended. I definitely recommend adding the Blindspot to your TBR.
May 7, 2024
Ooooh this was a good one!! With a plot twist on the first page and me holding my breath within the first two chapters, I was hooked fast and couldn’t put it down!! This book holds lots of mystery, suspense, and secrets – so I can’t actually say much without giving things away, but I will say that I’m so glad I read this thrilling book!
Rachel is a hard working single mom that I instantly loved. Even though I found myself getting frustrated sometimes with how she handled things both with her daughter at home and her mysterious stalker at large, it didn’t make me love her character any less! To me, that is a sign of great writing and character development. Rachel and her daughter’s flaws made them relatable and lovable. I felt their struggle and rooted for them the whole time.
We occasionally got to peek into memories from Rachel’s past, giving us a nice blend of characters, from old relationships to current family dynamics, and new characters that we were introduced to along the way. I wanted to trust everyone in her circle while simultaneously suspecting literally everyone on every page! I searched for clues and came up with my own crazy theories, hoping I was on to something!
Highly recommend if you like strong female lead characters and intricately weaved suspense!
Rachel is a hard working single mom that I instantly loved. Even though I found myself getting frustrated sometimes with how she handled things both with her daughter at home and her mysterious stalker at large, it didn’t make me love her character any less! To me, that is a sign of great writing and character development. Rachel and her daughter’s flaws made them relatable and lovable. I felt their struggle and rooted for them the whole time.
We occasionally got to peek into memories from Rachel’s past, giving us a nice blend of characters, from old relationships to current family dynamics, and new characters that we were introduced to along the way. I wanted to trust everyone in her circle while simultaneously suspecting literally everyone on every page! I searched for clues and came up with my own crazy theories, hoping I was on to something!
Highly recommend if you like strong female lead characters and intricately weaved suspense!
May 11, 2024
"We all have blind spots. It's hard for us to see the truth about those we love. It's only when someone shines a light on what's really going on behind the maks that any of us can see clearly."
Special thanks to @thrillerbookloversthepulse @maggiesmithwrites @puzzleboxpress @netgalley for the #gifted eARC & PR box.
➡️ swipe for synopsis 👉🏼
MY REVIEW:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Now yall KNOW I love a good legal thriller and this one did NOT disappoint! This one had me guessing til the very end! The writing had me so entranced, I couldn't pull myself away from this book.
Who knew being an assistant district attorney in Wisconsin, of all places, (whoot whoot loved reading a book from my home state) would be so dangerous?! You don't know who's making a love connection, who's doing something on the DL, and who is just down right evil....
This just shows how blood isn't always thicken than water and you never know who you can trust.
Make sure to grab this one ASAP!
PUB DATE:
May 21, 2024
QOTD ❓️⁉️❓️ Have you ever done a 23&me type DNA test?
AOTD - no, I've actually never thought about doing one.
.
.
.
#thrillerbooklovers #thepulse #pulsepoint #mysteryandthrills #thrilleraddict #thrillerlover #legalthriller #maggiesmith #blindspot
.
Special thanks to @thrillerbookloversthepulse @maggiesmithwrites @puzzleboxpress @netgalley for the #gifted eARC & PR box.
➡️ swipe for synopsis 👉🏼
MY REVIEW:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Now yall KNOW I love a good legal thriller and this one did NOT disappoint! This one had me guessing til the very end! The writing had me so entranced, I couldn't pull myself away from this book.
Who knew being an assistant district attorney in Wisconsin, of all places, (whoot whoot loved reading a book from my home state) would be so dangerous?! You don't know who's making a love connection, who's doing something on the DL, and who is just down right evil....
This just shows how blood isn't always thicken than water and you never know who you can trust.
Make sure to grab this one ASAP!
PUB DATE:
May 21, 2024
QOTD ❓️⁉️❓️ Have you ever done a 23&me type DNA test?
AOTD - no, I've actually never thought about doing one.
.
.
.
#thrillerbooklovers #thepulse #pulsepoint #mysteryandthrills #thrilleraddict #thrillerlover #legalthriller #maggiesmith #blindspot
.
May 15, 2024
Rachel has everything she wanted going for her. She has accomplished the career she always wanted with potential for a promotion in the near future, her daughter will be off to college soon and she is happy being single. So when odd things start happening and she realizes she has a stalker on her hands, with all the cases she has tried that suspect list is a mile long. As this stalker gets more brazen, Rachel starts to feel the affects. Her daughter is even more of a handful than a normal teenager, she is slipping with minor things at work, and no matter what she does, the stalker is always a step ahead. With the help of an officer she knows, and an old high school friend turned PI, Rachel knows it will only be a matter of time before they figure out who it is. She has the suspect list narrowed down, but when she finds herself front and center to a murder and then the cuffs are slapped on her wrists she knows she only has a matter of time to find out who is doing all of this and why? This was a great thriller of a read and I might be a bit biased with it being based in my home state. Loved this one! Looking forward to more from her. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel.
March 13, 2024
Rachel Matthews is relatable as a single mom who’s sacrificed a lot to succeed in her career as a prosecutor for the district attorney’s office. Now, at only thirty-nine, she’s in the running for the ultimate promotion — to Deputy District Attorney.
But someone has it out for her. It starts subtly, but she’s being followed. Then they send flowers with nasty messages, photos of her and her now teenage daughter, Charley. Is it possible that someone from Rachel's past is involved, perhaps a criminal she prosecuted? Is her stalker's motivation even more sinister?
Rachel is spooked and starts making poor decisions — not revealing all of what’s happening to those around her.
Who is stalking her, and worse, is going to frame her for murder?
A fast read, Blindspot keeps you turning pages while hitting on important messages around the prevalence of stalking and the impotence of the law until it’s far too late.
Like the best thrillers, Blindspot had a twist I didn’t see coming. With relatable characters and realistic courtroom settings, this is a crime thriller you don’t want to miss.
But someone has it out for her. It starts subtly, but she’s being followed. Then they send flowers with nasty messages, photos of her and her now teenage daughter, Charley. Is it possible that someone from Rachel's past is involved, perhaps a criminal she prosecuted? Is her stalker's motivation even more sinister?
Rachel is spooked and starts making poor decisions — not revealing all of what’s happening to those around her.
Who is stalking her, and worse, is going to frame her for murder?
A fast read, Blindspot keeps you turning pages while hitting on important messages around the prevalence of stalking and the impotence of the law until it’s far too late.
Like the best thrillers, Blindspot had a twist I didn’t see coming. With relatable characters and realistic courtroom settings, this is a crime thriller you don’t want to miss.
April 9, 2024
Thanks to the publisher for allowing me access to an advanced review copy. Blind Spot is, simply put, fun mystery. Smith is exceptionally good at crafting a compelling protagonist we like and care about within the first pages. There are times the heroine acts in illogical ways as she manages a demanding career, single parenthood, and a stalker intent on destroying her. We’ve all made some odd decisions while juggling just the first two of those challenges, so mixing in elements of true danger and mother-bear protection instincts would only serve to add to the mind-bending circumstances and subsequent reactions.
Smith is masterful when it comes to red herrings. You may guess at the identity of the killer, but you might as well take a stab at guessing which playing card will be dealt next. Smith leaves open the plausibility that it could be literally anyone mentioned in the pages before the big reveal, and the answer, when it finally comes, offers a satisfying “ah-ha” moment.
This is well-played, enjoyable psychological cat-and-mouse. I’m following this author now, and I look forward to seeing what she crafts next.
Smith is masterful when it comes to red herrings. You may guess at the identity of the killer, but you might as well take a stab at guessing which playing card will be dealt next. Smith leaves open the plausibility that it could be literally anyone mentioned in the pages before the big reveal, and the answer, when it finally comes, offers a satisfying “ah-ha” moment.
This is well-played, enjoyable psychological cat-and-mouse. I’m following this author now, and I look forward to seeing what she crafts next.
April 15, 2024
4.25 STARS
Rachel has a lot in her life…a high-powered job as an attorney, a teenage daughter and close-knit family, and someone in the shadows, seemingly watching her every move…
This book grabbed a hold of me in the opening two pages and never let go! The author created a superbly authentic FMC, whose life on the surface appears assured and successful, yet is not without its share of secrets. Just as she receives news of a possible promotion to Deputy DA, things start a fast-paced downward spiral, leaving her carefully crafted life balanced on a dangerous precipice. Phone calls, a video, even evidence of intrusion into her home…she must solve the mystery of whom is working so hard to take her down.
It wasn’t until the last quarter of the story that I finally deduced what may be at hand, and my reaction was, “Oh, that’s so good!” Yet, before the final page, I was gobsmacked by another thrilling twist, the plot squarely hitting hard in my own blind spot!!
Thank you to @maggiesmithwrites for the opportunity to read this book! I enjoyed spending some time in your written world!
Rachel has a lot in her life…a high-powered job as an attorney, a teenage daughter and close-knit family, and someone in the shadows, seemingly watching her every move…
This book grabbed a hold of me in the opening two pages and never let go! The author created a superbly authentic FMC, whose life on the surface appears assured and successful, yet is not without its share of secrets. Just as she receives news of a possible promotion to Deputy DA, things start a fast-paced downward spiral, leaving her carefully crafted life balanced on a dangerous precipice. Phone calls, a video, even evidence of intrusion into her home…she must solve the mystery of whom is working so hard to take her down.
It wasn’t until the last quarter of the story that I finally deduced what may be at hand, and my reaction was, “Oh, that’s so good!” Yet, before the final page, I was gobsmacked by another thrilling twist, the plot squarely hitting hard in my own blind spot!!
Thank you to @maggiesmithwrites for the opportunity to read this book! I enjoyed spending some time in your written world!
April 11, 2024
*Paperback
I was lucky enough to get a signed copy of this one in advance of its release.
This was a fun ride & the story flowed well.
I definitely had some characters pegged early on but it was fun seeing everything play out. I love when I catch a vibe about a character and it’s spot on.
I liked that the MC, Rachel Matthews was such a strong female lead. I loved that her daughter Charley was the same way.
I felt like shaking Rachel for not being more forthcoming with her big secret early on. Not saying what she did was right but it wasn’t as bad as Rachel made it out to be either. Gotta love a flawed character being overly dramatic with the sharing of information.
I liked how everything came together at the end. The circumstances surrounding the original secret (that lead to all of the turmoil) wasn’t as terrible as it seemed.
I don’t agree with doing the type of thing that Rachel did however I also know that people have their reasons and sometimes it does make sense and seems just.
Not everything is black & white….gray is such a fun color when it comes to fiction…
I was lucky enough to get a signed copy of this one in advance of its release.
This was a fun ride & the story flowed well.
I definitely had some characters pegged early on but it was fun seeing everything play out. I love when I catch a vibe about a character and it’s spot on.
I liked that the MC, Rachel Matthews was such a strong female lead. I loved that her daughter Charley was the same way.
I felt like shaking Rachel for not being more forthcoming with her big secret early on. Not saying what she did was right but it wasn’t as bad as Rachel made it out to be either. Gotta love a flawed character being overly dramatic with the sharing of information.
I liked how everything came together at the end. The circumstances surrounding the original secret (that lead to all of the turmoil) wasn’t as terrible as it seemed.
I don’t agree with doing the type of thing that Rachel did however I also know that people have their reasons and sometimes it does make sense and seems just.
Not everything is black & white….gray is such a fun color when it comes to fiction…
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews