Wow. An amazing book. I could not put this book down. A Divided Mind is a book about Branson, a teenage twin, who has some mental health issues that he and his family are trying to decipher. His mother shows her unconditional love, but she and Branson have a hard time communicating during this period in his life. His twin brother Aaron can tell there is something wrong, but isn’t sure how to help. Branson is having a hard time finding who to talk to about the voices in his head because he doesn’t want people to think he’s crazy. Once he finally finds a friend, Trevor, his family isn’t sure he is the best influence on him. This book shows how important mental health is and how necessary family support is even when you feel like what you’re doing isn’t enough. If you enjoy haunting and exciting books that keep you on the edge of your seat, this is a great book for you.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kayla Octavianohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKayla Octaviano2021-08-31 10:30:572021-08-31 22:34:16A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Kayla Octaviano
“All these rough patches you’re going through right now are all the years you’re going to learn the most about yourself. During the happy times, you don’t learn anything.” For anybody who has read this book, they know just how much this one quote from the daughter of Tara, the mother of the main character of the book, sums it up. At the point in this novel in which this line is said, Tara has reached her wits end, no longer certain on how to help her son Branson, who has been struggling with visual and auditory hallucinations.
In M. Billiter’s A Divided Mind, the reader experiences first hand what it is like to no longer be certain of what is and isn’t reality, helping them experience schizophrenia on a first-hand basis. This is one of the best novels with a focus on mental illness that I have ever read, right up there with J.D. Spero’s Boy on Hold and Boy Released that I read earlier this month. I knew from the moment that I read the description of the novel that I would enjoy this book, and boy was I right! I’m excited to read more from this author, and hope that I find myself reading more books like this by them in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kayla Kearneyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKayla Kearney2021-08-31 04:17:152021-08-31 09:47:22A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Kayla Kearney
Trigger warning of mental illnesses. I can relate to Branson with depression and ptsd. I also relate to Brandon’s mom, Tara because she just wants her child to be better and that’s my dad. I understand Branson not wanting to taint his twin Aaron with Branson’s demons. M. Billiter wrote this book expertly.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Diazhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Diaz2021-08-30 13:14:192021-08-31 09:25:26A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Angela Renee Diaz
Wow, this is an emotional and insightful story looking at mental illness from two perspectives, the person suffering with it and their family. Branson Kovac is a high school senior when he starts hearing voices in his head and then realises that his friend isn’t really there. Scared and confused Branson turns to his mother, Tara for help. Tara is a mother of four, and when one of her twin sons admits to her that he is hearing voices it is the start of her very worrying and harrowing journey into mental illness. This book really took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading it, the storyline focuses on Branson and the people around him as he is diagnosed and treated with a form of schizophrenia. Told from two points of view that of Branson’s and Tara, his mother, this is a raw and honest story of mental illness and how it not only effects the one diagnosed but their family. A very difficult subject has been written about sensitively and honestly by the author. Although at times this was a difficult and upsetting book to read, I felt engaged with the main characters instantly and was completely immersed in their story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2021-08-30 12:45:142021-08-31 09:23:21A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Jennifer Gordon
This was my first read by this author and I was very happy to have found this book. Mystery is always a favorite and this brought it all! Will be reading more as I enjoyed the writing style and story
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lyndsey Fairleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLyndsey Fairley2021-08-30 11:51:142021-08-30 11:51:14Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Lyndsey Fairley
This intense, psychological thriller puts you through the wringer and spits you out with no apologies at the other end. I was so riveted to each page and felt so many emotions after each reveal. The turbulent journey left me breathless and the twists kept me guessing. Even after I finished the book the story kept going through my mind. The author really captured the multifaceted aspects of mental illness. So brilliantly written – a must read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2021-08-30 06:29:392021-08-31 09:10:47A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Rayne East
A friend once told me that the world needs psychopaths, but I’m not sold that the world needed my father. I only know that I did.
Poppy Pratt was a teenager when she watched her father murder her boyfriend. Only a child when she made the call that would put her dad away for the rest of his life. She watched the sheriff lead him off, her father still laughing at the Alabama moon, his arms slick with Shawn’s blood.
Eighteen years later, Poppy is a chiropractor with a thriving practice and a house in the Vermont suburbs. She even goes on the occasional date. So, when a mysterious stranger shows up at her house claiming that her father is stalking him, Poppy blows him off. Her dad is in prison—psychopath or not, he’s no threat. And though this man is writing a book about her dad, she can see no reason for anyone to go after him.
But then Poppy receives an unmarked package, and her carefully constructed world begins to crumble. A severed ear would throw most anyone off their game. The stranger was right—it might not be her dad, but someone is watching, and they’re after Poppy, too. Could it be an angry family member of one of her father’s victims? An obsessed serial killer fan? But even when Poppy’s new author friend is viciously attacked, she can’t call the police. Shawn wasn’t her father’s only victim, and her stalker clearly knows enough to implicate her in her father’s crimes.
It seems she’s destined to go down the same way her father did—with her hands covered in blood. The only question is whether she’ll be the one holding the knife.
Skillful, addictive, and crackling with nerve-fraying tension, Deadly Words is a thrilling joyride straight into hell. And O’Flynn ensures that you’ll never want to leave. If you like Gillian Flynn and Gregg Olsen, you’ll love the Born Bad series.
With books deemed “visceral, haunting, and fully immersive” (New York Times bestseller, Andra Watkins) Meghan O’Flynn has made her mark on the thriller genre. She is the bestselling author of gritty crime novels, including Shadow’s Keep, The Flood, and the Ash Park series, supernatural thrillers including The Jilted, and the Fault Lines short story collection, all of which take readers on the dark, gripping, and unputdownable journey for which Meghan O’Flynn is notorious.Join Meghan’s reader group at www.meghanoflynn.com and get a free short story not available anywhere else. No spam, ever.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Deadly-Words-Apple.jpeg1200751itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2021-08-30 00:04:462021-10-30 04:56:16Deadly Words (Born Bad Book 1) by Meghan O’Flynn
First of all, let me say that this book was so refreshing! I was at the edge of my seat and it was getting so good I did NOT want to put it down! The imagery of the author, the style of writing from the POV of the character, and the way that the story still haunts me after it is over are all breathtaking! I’m looking forward to the rest of this series. I think the best thing about the book is me forgetting the initial synopsis, and simply walking through the story with Branson and his entire family. This is one book that does not disappoint and shines a bright light on the state of mental health in this world.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Phillipshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Phillips2021-08-29 18:31:212021-08-31 08:51:28A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Ashley McMillon
As someone who lives with mental illness everyday I really liked that Billiter had the story in two points of view and then in three. Showing the story from the mother, Tara’s point of view and the son, Branson’s point of view, who actually has the mental illness. Then they throw in Trevor’s point of view which I think adds a lot more dimension to the story! Reading what Branson is going through and how tough it is on his mom really shows that when someone has mental illness they aren’t the only ones that it effects. Even though it might effect them the most it has an effect on everyone they love. As the story goes on it’s interesting to see how Branson’s mental illness develops and how he’s been dealing with it for so long. Also, the ending kind of reminded me of the movie Split, it was just the ending though the rest of the story was all it’s own it even talks about a different mental illness than Split. I think it’s important that more people are aware of mental illnesses, how many there actually are, and how it really effects the person and the people around them. I think this book is perfect for people to kind of know how it might effect peoples lives even though it’s fiction it’s a perfect book to kind of get an idea and kind of a stepping stone if you want to learn more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Natasha Hlinkahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNatasha Hlinka2021-08-29 10:04:592021-08-30 15:29:19A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Natasha Hlinka
This is a MUST read! This author has you hooked before you turn the first page.
The title is understatement of the year, A Divided Mind is a novel that encapsulates you in the world of mental health & denial that has you asking for more, more and more.
Trigger warning: be prepared, this book is a mental and emotional roller coaster that in the end proves how strong family and a mother’s love truly is.
How many “real” friends do you have?
Billiter has the right idea, engrossing us into the mind of a teenage boy named Branson.
Five stars to the detail within the words that transports you into every scene as if you are not reading but watching the book play out live.
A Divided Mind keeps you searching for the answer, wondering did I miss something? It is an OMG driven book that you cannot put down.
This book is what everyone needs in their collection, it highlights real issues perfectly wrapped into the world of fiction.
Bravo!
“The noise was a welcome relief, because for a minute, it shut out the static.”
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Corine Lombardihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCorine Lombardi2021-08-28 23:17:112021-08-30 14:51:20A Divided Mind by M. Billiter – Review by Corine Lombardi
A Divided Mind is a fictional story about a teenage boy facing worsening mental illness and schizophrenia. We also some deep insight into how such a diagnosis affects the loved ones around him, such as his Mother, twin brother, siblings, and girlfriend. I’ve always been intrigued by psychology and this book really took me on an unexpected journey of emotions. Having known people with schizophrenia, I found myself getting very attached to Branson throughout the book. I was really cheering for him and hoping he could still achieve at least part of him dreams of going to college, joining the armed forces, and even just being an average teenage boy. Some parts of this story really broke my heart, but I do feel it was a very realistic representation of what could happen to someone in a similar situation. I can’t stop thinking about the ending and how things end up for Branson. I hope we get a part 2!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brittany Porterhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrittany Porter2021-08-28 21:47:252021-08-30 14:45:36A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Brittany Porter
A Divided Mind by M. Billiter is an interesting fictional story that gives the reader a deeper look into mental illness. I appreciate that the author took this story in a direction that makes us think more about mental illness. As I was reading this story, I could connect with how Branson was feeling and the emotional toll it takes no only on him but also on his family. This book takes us through the family’s emotions and situations in a way that made me feel like I could understand how Branson’s mother was feeling – overwhelmed and not having answers to help your child. I couldn’t put the book down once I started to connect with the characters. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m sure I’ll be reading the second installment.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Betsy Melanohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBetsy Melano2021-08-28 19:59:352021-08-30 14:29:43A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Betsy Melano
This book hit my soul hard. M. Billiter takes you through a lifelike experience of a mother and her son as he battles mental illness.Branson is a teen who feels alone as he navigates his world. He hears noises that eventually turn into voices telling him what to do. Branson has to live his life in high school hiding the voices and appearing “normal” until he no longer can. M. Billiter did not hold back, exposing gritty scenes that no one wants to believe can happen. I thought I understood mental illness before this book, but now I feel my eyes are far more open. I am looking forward to reading book two. Thank you M. for sharing the “not so perfect” side of people!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Nakyshia Legerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNakyshia Leger2021-08-28 16:43:252021-08-30 14:19:34A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Nakyshia Leger
What an amazing peek into the mind of someone with schizoaffective disorder. I loved this book, not only is the topic interesting and unique, but the writing is fantastic, and the character development is sensational. I loved that Billiter gave us this one from various points of view, allowing us to feel the confusion, heartbreak, and personal struggle of a mother parenting four children, including one whose mental health is rapidly changing, but we also get to hear from a teen who is rapidly questioning his own sanity and ability to believe himself and his memories. Watching the two of them come to terms with these developments, and also hearing from the rest of the family and see how their lives and understandings shift is awesome. Extremely well written, frank, and deeply empathetic, I loved this one from start to finish.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erica Shoebridgehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErica Shoebridge2021-08-27 14:48:542021-08-30 00:38:25A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Erica Shoebridge
Wow, this book is definitely worth the read. Branson tells his mom, Tara, that he is hearing voices. The story evolves through raw feelings for his mom as she tries to deal with this. for a fiction story, the author did a lot of research into schizophrenia and depression. I have a child with this awful disease and I recognize these meds. The plot will get you just as you think every thing is fine (remember, this is book 1) . Not all is as it seems. What you perceive may not be. I highly recommend this one. Run over and read book 2 when you finish this one.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2021-08-27 14:48:372021-08-30 00:39:17A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Shelly Kittell
This book, it was a book I truly loved in more ways than one. The book was something more people should know about as well as understand. The book faced the elephant in the room, head on, that is what we call mental illness. The book was by far one of the best that I have ever read, that addresses issues such as this. It was very well written, as well as the emotions of the family! It was a by far amazing read.
The book centers on a family yes. More specifically, a boy that has been diagnosed with Schizophrenia Brandon, the boy whom had been diagnosed, was going through a lot, hearing voices and trying to understand and comprehend what was going on in his mind was not easy. His family took a till on this as well, wanting to help, but at times not knowing what the best approach or the method would be. I found the diagnosis affected all the family members differently. I feel truly that his mother had the greatest burden of all, and she had a lot of guilt and shame inside her heart..
The book was more than realistic to my eyed. I cried a lot reading this, as you truly felt the emotional wave the family was going through. And the acceptance and needing to be strong as a family to get through this hard time, but knowing its not the end, they will get through it, one day at a time. The author very much educated me with their writing on things of schizophrenia I was not aware of, and I found I was able to understand it better and knew more of the mental illness upon reading this boo. The author did amazing at this story and it was one of the most beautiful books I have ever read.
The author did such an wonderful job. The story line, though complex, it really gave everything and more to us as the readers. I am so happy and touched that the author chose to write a book about something most would choose not to. In this growing world, its something more and more people need to be accepting was and talk about. Not just sweep it under a rug. The book is a must read. No questions asked. Its a read that really makes you feel what a family with this diagnosis would be feeling and its realistic in more ways than one. It is heart felt and real with every word on the page! A brilliant book of writing!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorrene Huismanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorrene Huisman2021-08-27 09:12:432021-08-30 00:33:03A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Lorrene Huisman
Hanging Softly In The Night By Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
An enjoyable read, full of complex storylines all woven nicely into one book. Author Maria does an awesome job of keeping up with several things at one time. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys suspense stories.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kimberly Griffithshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKimberly Griffiths2021-08-26 11:11:022021-08-30 00:04:21Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Kimberly Griffiths
A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Allyson Ware
As a psychology major in college, I was obviously immediately interested in reading this novel. Keeping in mind that it is a novel, it has enhanced my original thoughts on mental health: that it is greatly underestimated.
As Branson learns to cope with his intrusive thoughts, his mother believes she has to take matters into her own hands and fix him. She is not a perfect mom by any means, but that’s what makes this story that much more realistic. Dealing with something alone, let alone something that society doesn’t deem “normal” can be incredibly difficult, and Branson has an amazing support system to help him out of that void. Not everyone is so lucky. You won’t be able to put this book down once you learn more about Branson and Tara. I can assure you of that.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Allyson Whttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAllyson W2021-08-24 16:45:172021-08-25 11:33:24A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Allyson Ware
This story is emotional and raw. It also shows what a mother will do to protect her son. No length to too much. The struggle to find friends with a mental illness is real. But when you find out you don’t know if the voice you trust is real, how do you come back from that? This story is so real and happens every day in someone’s world. A lot goes in noticed. Mental illness needs more light shown and this book shined in my opinion.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Colleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Colley2021-08-23 17:59:302021-08-25 09:50:37A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Stephanie Colley
This book was definitely outside of what I normally choose. I’m glad I took a chance on this book! I kept in mind what was prefaced before the book even started and how this story even came to light.
While I wouldn’t necessarily classify it as a traditional thriller, it was definitely psychologically suspenseful at times. The consideration of how Branson’s voices and hallucinations manifested as well as the way his mother handled what was unfolding kept me very invested.
I’ve read a few books that contain characters with mental illness but I found this one to be one that really creates a supportive pull for all involved. I understood the rationale for the father, Ed and his role in the initial PTSD diagnosis but I felt that he was an inconsistent plot point.
I am definitely interested in reading the second book of this series, The Divided Twin.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Trish Annhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTrish Ann2021-08-23 16:30:472021-08-25 09:48:55A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Trish Ann
I have to first say thank you to my friends who introduce me to new authors. Without friends that love to read like I do there would be no new authors in my world. Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra is an incredible writer. Throughout this book I felt like I was in the middle of all of the action. Nick Larson and his partner Victor Sacco are detectives with the homicide unit. Their cases start with a suicide victim and then move on to homicides. Nick, and his infallible intuition, says that all of the cases are connected, even an old case could be part of this mess. Then add into this the love of Nick’s life, Laura and her sister who causes trauma whenever she can and you have to keep reading to see what is going to happen next. Nick, Victor, and Laura are wonderful characters, and all of the supporting characters keep you turning pages with laughter, questions, and so much reality.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Samantha Bassetthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSamantha Bassett2021-08-21 10:11:522021-08-23 11:06:10Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – review by Samantha Bassett
Boy Released is a follow up from Boy on Hold. It is set 10 years after Tyler was charged with murder and has been released. Hen, Marcella and Tyler all struggle daily with what happened and once again a Tyler is confessing to a crime. But did he do it or is it just the thoughts he has? This book deals with mental health issues and really tugged at the heart.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angie Finleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngie Finley2021-08-20 22:13:222021-08-23 10:42:03Boy Released (Boy Series Book 2) by JD Spero – review by Angie Finley
Madeline and her husband Mike own and run the MDPI as well as a party-planning company called Current Events. Madeline and Mike attend an event at the home of Troy and Tara Richardson for their fifth wedding anniversary. After escaping from the party early, the couple gets a call from their former rival in the PI business, Russell Barnett. Russell asks them to take the lead in finding his nephew, Dylan, who has been missing for six days. After a short night of sleep, Madeline receives a phone call from Troy Richardson. His wife, Tara, has disappeared, and he wants them to help him find her.
There are 3 people that need to be found, Dylan and his girlfriend, Paige, and Tara Richardson. Trying to put the puzzle pieces together for both of these cases can really stress a couple out. It is not easy to handle one missing person’s case, but two at the same time is near impossible. Madeline’s curious attitude has her frantically trying to make sense of the disappearance of Dylan and his girlfriend while trying to bring her client’s wife home safely.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Samantha Bassetthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSamantha Bassett2021-08-20 15:50:272021-08-23 10:28:39Houses of Deception (The Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series Book 6) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Samantha Bassett
I give Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra, 5 stars.
This book was incredible. When I first started it, I wasn’t sure I would enjoy it. It kind of seemed like your typical jaded detective murder suspense. But the more I read, the more drawn in I was. There are so many angles with so much happening, and it is all woven together perfectly. I never knew what would happen next and was proved wrong so many times. That is a good thing to me, I love to be surprised in my books. The story is fascinating and relevant, the New York created here is just what you would expect in a crime novel set in modern day New York. It has a gritty feel to it, with lots of jaded people — both in law enforcement and the regular citizens. Yet there is plenty of heart to it. Detective Larson definitely feels — perhaps too much. But he also takes his job quite seriously. This has left him jaded and scarred, but you can see him grow and understand more about himself as the book goes on. I believe the characters are what really make this book. All of his co-workers and friends add so much to the story. I really hope to see more of them in future books. Then there are the people surrounding the tragedies themselves. Every single one is a possible suspect, and each one completely different from the other. The author leaves it wide open ad to what happened and why, letting us come to our own conclusions. For a murder mystery/suspense, that is crucial and it is done so well in this story.
If you are a fan of gritty detective novels, this book is for you. I loved it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erin Wolfhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErin Wolf2021-08-19 22:06:462021-08-22 01:17:52Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Erin Wolf
This book is great! Lots of police and homicide lingo. Very fast pace and enjoyable read. Author really knows how to engage her readers. Very descriptive and intense at times, I love how it gets all of your senses going at once.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ninahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNina2021-08-19 21:28:002021-08-21 10:49:55Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel – Review by Nina Maes
Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra was a very interesting read for me, while police procedurals are not normally my thing I found the synopsis of this pulling me in. Hanging Softly in the Night is so full of tension, drama, mystery, and more that will have any interested reader glued to the edge of their seats. While this is my first read by this author I must say that I will be reading more thanks to her interesting plot, terrific characters, and how fast paced it all comes together. But probably the thing I loved the most is that she put so much effort into making this procedural as real as possible. So if your looking for a great read this weekend then I highly recommend Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Corbinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Corbin2021-08-19 20:14:082021-08-22 01:14:21Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Stephanie Nicole
Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Allyson Ware
Hanging softly in the night… isn’t that the truth. Such a fitting title. Detective Nick Larson has his hands full with random suicides. Suicides by hanging. Are they random though? Detective Larson does not believe so. After his ex-wife’s suicide, these deaths are a constant reminder of that incident, which he unfortunately witnesses himself. Released by the police department’s psychiatrist, he takes on these challenging cases.
Not only will you appreciate Nick for his amazing detective skills, but you are greeted by Laura Howard who you cannot help but feel complete and utter sympathy for. The two are made for each other like biscuits are made for gravy.
Feeling queasy? I guarantee not like Nick at these crime scenes. This novel case has more twists and turns than a good rollercoaster. A crime novel that has you on the edge of your seat as you get closer to the end of the book. You can’t help but read until your eyes hurt. Or until you finish the book. Whichever comes first.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Allyson Whttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAllyson W2021-08-19 18:31:182021-08-22 01:10:29Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Allyson Ware
Nick Larson is a Detective in the Sixteenth Precinct in Manhattan, New York where he is overworked thanks to the flu epidemic ripping its way through the entire PD, because of this, he and his partner Detective Victor Sacco are drowning in cases, some more easily solved than others, but all as harrowing as the other, it is in the midst of their sixteen plus hour days with little sleep that they are handed a case of a suicide, it beings back dark memories for Nick, but he knows that he has to keep the reactions to them under control. As they approach the crime scene, it looks like a typical suicide by hanging, but when they look deeper into the scene, they see that some things appear a little off, the suicide note is badly written with spelling mistakes and the victim looks too peaceful for the choice of method, there are no last minute attempts to live and the chair below them isn’t tipped over. As they continue looking at the crime scene, they notice other things that don’t quite tally, but there is nothing more that they can do for the moment, so they leave the scene and head into the precinct to write up their notes and get a start on the tedious amount of paperwork awaiting them, as well as dealing with another case which was thrust at them after attending the scene.
While the detectives are rushed off their feet, Laura Howard is preparing yet another piece of artwork for her bakery Les Gateaux Riches, she is doing her best to concentrate on this new creation, but her mind keeps wandering to a certain Detective Larson who helped to catch and put behind bars her twin sister whom up until a year ago, she knew nothing about, but who is now trying her best to ruin her life, work, reputation and everything else from behind bars despite having multiple sanctions and restrictions put on her. It is putting a strain on her and not to mention delaying her attempts at romance with Nick, albeit he is as bad as her for dancing around the edges and not fully saying yay or nay.
As the Detective pry deeper into the life of the suicide victim, more questions than answers surface during the interviews they conduct with her friends and others who know her, to all intensive purposes, she was an angel who didn’t put a foot wrong or keep many close relationships with those around her, apart from a select few and as they haven’t much to go on, things slow down and they look into their other cases, but after a gut feeling, Nick decides to look at similar cases in the New York area and this leads him on another trail where he fears that this is more wide reaching than he originally thought, especially when another suicide is called in which has too many similarities to be a coincidence. Will Nick and Victor be able to solve the crime before any more victims appear, or will they lose the race against time to catch the one responsible? This is a thrilling crime novel with a hint of romance to keep things interesting, it will draw you into the life and work of a New York Detective while you try and figure out the culprit along with the Detectives, it will reel you in hook, line and sinker until you reach its conclusion.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2021-08-19 16:46:052021-08-22 01:08:12Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
This is my first book from Author Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra, but will not be my last. This book is full of mystery, with a plot of twists and complexity all wrapped in one. Detective Nick Larson was called to a crime scene that looks “to neat” per Forensic Investigator Tish Ramos. Originally thinking that it was a suicide whom took the victims life. But Tish Ramos has seen this crime before 2 months prior. Will the killer be caught? Definitely read to find out. This is a great book if you like a great murder mystery.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2021-08-19 16:10:282021-08-22 01:07:36Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
This book was such a fantastic read! I wasn’t 100% sure when I first read the synopsis but one, I started it I was hooked from beginning to end. The author’s writing was fantastic, so gripping and engaging – it didn’t change the whole way through the book either. The characters were complex and the story was multi layered – it honestly is one of the best books that I have read this year! I can’t believe I have never read anything from this author previously but that will absolutely change now I cannot wait to get my hands on more of her work! 1 100% recommend this book – it was an amazing read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Matthewshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Matthews2021-08-19 13:03:122021-08-22 01:05:26Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Katie Matthews
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