We are now done with the first quarter of the year! Can you believe how fast 2024 is passing by already? Fortunately, I pulled myself out of a recent slump to read, so here are all the books I've read this month, including my reviews (spoiler-free)!
The Shark (Book 1 of 3) by Mary Burton (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
️The Dollmaker (Book 2 of 3) by Mary Burton (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
The Hangman (Book 3 of 3) by Mary Burton (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
The Shark (Book 1 of 3) by Mary Burton (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Book Summary: A young girl murdered, a bad poker hand, and a past escape
Riley Tatum’s past comes back to haunt her when she shows up at a murder scene. She doesn't want to remember what happened to her but is forced to dive into her memories when FBI agent Clay Bowman, her old flame, digs deep into the case.
The Shark is busy preparing to play his next hand at poker, and Riley must work with Clay to stop him.
My Review: I will never turn down a book from Mary Burton!
There’s something about the way she writes that always sucks me in, and I love thrillers that have to do with murder mysteries! The only thing that took a star off for me was that the ending was predictable, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the story and characters.
Riley and Clay's relationship developed realistically, but it was still so enjoyable to witness! Their grisly demeanors melt around each other, and it makes the risk intense.
️The Dollmaker (Book 2 of 3) by Mary Burton (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Book Summary: 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?
My Review: entertaining and great characters
I loved how this book tied into the first of the series! There isn’t too much for me to say, other than it’s so fun to piece together clues with the characters! I also love how each character has a solid background throughout the book. Again, the ending was pretty predictable, but this series is so addictive, that it’s so hard to put down!
The Hangman (Book 3 of 3) by Mary Burton (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Book Summary: Julia Vargas is a cop through and through. Dedication runs in her bloodline, but the suicide of her father cuts a certain investigation short. The Hangman is the one who got away from her father, and when bodies start showing up again, she's ready to catch the killer this time.
Tobias Novak, a homicide detective with whom Julia shares a steamy history, is determined to help Julia catch the killer, even though deep down he wants something more than a partnership.
Julia is forced to face the rumors her father left behind, the new homicides, and the man who has the power to break down her walls.
My Review: Expertly crafted with a beautiful ending
I thought I’d figure out who the killer was for this one, but that didn’t deter me from enjoying the last book of this series. It was nice to see all the characters from the series working together to solve these cases, and Julia and Novak's relationship development was solid and realistic.
One thing to add is I thought the killer would be much closer to Julia and her past. It felt like they introduced the killer in the book much later, so I was surprised by the choice. In a way, I thought it would be more of a shock for her to find out, especially when so many people close to her were suspicious. Otherwise, the full series was enjoyable, and I LOVED Novak’s persistence and personality.
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