Five women, all with similar characteristics and coloring, have been kidnapped, mutilated and brutally murdered. FBI agent Luke Hudson is handling the case of the serial killer labeled "The Woodsman." Luke knows Iris Ballard, his ex-partner, is the only person who can give him an accurate psychological profile of this evil, enigmatic slaughterer.
Iris resigned from the FBI two years ago after witnessing the awful murder of her husband. She now shares her life with her guard dog, booze, pills and nightmares recalling her husband partner, is the only person who can give him an accurate ps psychological profile of this evil, enigmatic slaughterer.
Iris resigned from the FBI two years ago after witnessing the awful murder of her husband. She now shares her life with her guard dog, booze, pills and nightmares recalling her husband's death. She wants nothing to do with Luke or his mysterious case, until he forces her to read the victims' case files, and she learns the horrific details that haven't been made public. She's hooked. Pursuit of this twisted, evil killer brings Iris out of her self-imposed hell, giving her a sense of purpose and a reason to live. It doesn imposed hell, giving her a sense of purpose and a reason to live. It doesn't take Iris long to identify the person she knows is responsible for the carnage. Matching wits with this violent and highly intelligent psychopath will take every ounce of cunning and training Iris possesses as her main suspect does everything he can to manipulate the investigation -- and Iris herself.
When circumstances drastically change, questions arise about the accused's role. Have they identified the right suspect? Iris is positive they have, but other agents are not so sure. They start questioning her abilities as they now have the possibility of multiple suspects to investigate. Will Iris be able to convince Luke she's right be before it is too late?
Jennifer Harlow has written an intensely gripping thriller in BEAUTIFUL MAIDS ALL IN A ROW. The plot hooked me from the beginning, and even though I didn't care for Iris Ballard at the start, it didn't take long for me to appreciate the person she becomes, especially as her backstory is revealed. It's easy to like Luke Hudson, and his faith in Iris is unshakeable. Together they are a formidable team, and they have to be to bring down the wicked monster they are pursuing. Jennifer Harlow provides lots of surprising twists and turns in the masterfully intricate storyline. Just when I thought I had deduced the outcome, another unforeseen element bursts forth. I love when a suspenseful thriller can keep me guessing, so BEAUTIFUL MAIDS ALL IN A ROW is, in my estimation, a top-rate winner.
Dr. Iris Ballardβs glory days are behind her, so when Luke Hud
Hudson, her former FBI partner and onetime lover, asks for hel
help constructing a psychological profile of an elusive ser
serial killer who murders single mothers and dumps their bod
bodies in the woods, Iris turns him away. She just wants to be
be left alone with her infomercials, her German Shepherd, and
and her vodka. That is, until she gets a peek at the case fil
files.
The media has dubbed him βthe Woodsman.β But after Iris lea
learns the sickening details held back from the press, and as
as she sets foot onto the scene of his latest crime, she ass
assembles a portrait of a more complicated, enigmatic, met
meticulous man. Control is his motivation. He thrives on it.
it. Soon he even tries to manipulate the investigation by con
contacting Iris, hoping to rattle the woman he considers an int
intellectual equal.
The game is on. Iris thinks she has a read on her target,
enough to push his buttons, to make him lose control. But
when the Woodsman gains the upper hand, Iris faces the most
painful reckoning of all β with her own violent past.
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