This book, I have had sitting on my kindle for years, and finally scrolling through I got a chance to read it as I am trying this year to make sure I read mainly my older books as joined in a #TackleYourTBR challenge on Instagram. I remember enjoying the first book, but this one was awesome and was such a great read. It not only made it my first 5-star read for 2023 but also my first 5-star read for a while as didn't get a high number of those last year. In Book #2 set 12 years after Book #1 Ryann has been serving 12 years in prison for the murder of 6 people which she committed when she was 15 years old. She has exhausted all her appeals, but now new evidence has come to light that she wasn't evaluated properly and that her prison sentence could be overturned and she is a free woman. With an exemplary record and no trouble, Ryann has managed to convince a lot of people she has changed her tune. Now will be her hardest challenge yet, as she must convince a psychiatrist that she wasn't in her right mind when she did the killings. It all rides on this doctor's report. Can Ryann prove to the outside world she is a changed woman? Has she changed or is it just for appearance's sake? Find out in this riveting sequel to Pretty Wicked - Book #2 Wicked Fallout by Kelly Charron and the main female lead Ryann is one of those villain characters that you can't help but love and in a sick and twisted way, even though you know she will kill again at the drop of a hat - you want her free and out on the streets, not locked behind bars. The author has done a good job of making the readers sympathize and put themselves in Ryann's shoes. If you love YA/NA thrillers and serial killer reads, then Kelly Charron's series needs to be at the top of your 2023 reading lists.

Wicked fallout by Kelly Charron.
Convicted of six murders when she was just fifteen, the notorious Ryann Wilkanson hasn’t been able to act on her darkest, deadliest urges for twelve years. She’s exhausted her appeals and has little hope of ever getting out of prison and back to hunting. Until a media-hungry legal team mounts a campaign to have her immediately released with a commuted sentence. 
Really good read with good characters. Kept me gripped. 4*.

Wicked Fallout is book 2 in the Pretty Wicked series. I did not read book one but I will say book two was intense.
Ryann was only 15 years old when she was arrested for murdering 6 people. She was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. After serving 12 years and for good behavior she is up for parole if a psychiatrist believes she is not going to be a threat to society.
The entire story is of the doctor interviewing Ryann and all the ways it affects the doctor as well as what Ryann is really thinking.
You will not want to put this book down. Many twists and turns that will make you anticipate what will happen next. A must read!

I was quite happy to find out there was going to be more to Ryann’s story, but I definitely wasn’t expecting it to be 12 years later; the 15 year old serial killer, now being 27 and having served 12 years so far of multiple life sentences (if I remember correctly). This whole 2nd installment is told through Ryann’s POV, as well as Nancy, the psychiatrist that has been hired to re-evaluate her, to see if maybe an injustice was done to a mentally unstable teenage girl, who needed help, not jail.

I think a big issue I had with this book was the fact that I felt like the first half was just rehashing the events of PW. I don’t feel like enough happened outside of that and there were times were I was feeling a little bored because I already knew what had happened. I did enjoy watching Nancy’s reaction to the way that Ryann was describing the events and whether or not Nancy was believing her.

The second half of the book definitely had me more gripped. I HAD to know whether Ryann’s sentence was going to be commuted or not – especially with the way our characters were around each other. I enjoyed the way that the drama unfolded in the prison with Ryann and the other inmates and the way that things got more and more heated the closer they got to making a decision about Ryann’s sentencing.

I was quite happy to find out there was going to be more to Ryann’s story, but I definitely wasn’t expecting it to be 12 years later; the 15 year old serial killer, now being 27 and having served 12 years so far of multiple life sentences (if I remember correctly). This whole 2nd installment is told through Ryann’s POV, as well as Nancy, the psychiatrist that has been hired to re-evaluate her, to see if maybe an injustice was done to a mentally unstable teenage girl, who needed help, not jail.

For the most part I was entertained through the entirety of the story, and just couldn’t wait to see how Ryann’s next manipulation was going to end up. Seeing through both Ryann and Nancy’s eyes adds an entertaining level to the story as we see Ryann trying to show her best face to Nancy, while Nancy steadfastly tries to continue to look at Ryann as a sociopathic child killer.

The only parts of the book that dragged for me, was when Nancy would show Ryann the videos of her being interviewed about the murders 12 years ago. Being that I read the 1st book, I didn’t feel like I needed such an in-depth review of all the crimes that took place in the 1st book. I did skim most of those sections.

But overall, I thoroughly enjoyed being in Ryann’s head again, and was thrilled by the impact of the ending! I’ll definitely be reading the next book.

Big thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing a copy of this book to me in exchange for an honest review.

Kelly deserves an award for writing this book. All the research she had to of done. Or else she just watches a lot of crime shows ;)

There may be a few spoilers here and there but I will try to be vague.

Ryann is a murderer. There's no secret about it. She gets off on killing, thinking about killing, watching people get hurt. She craves it. At the end of the first book, Ryann is caught and now pays for her actions behind bars.

But something's come up and she just might have a way out.

Dr. Nancy is a psychiatrist that meets with Ryann, to evaluate if she might be up for an early release. It's not an easy task for Nancy, Ryann was a serial killer after all. She might still be, what if she makes the wrong decision?

I absolutely loved this book. The sick twisted thoughts of Ryann were so interesting. I could see her in my mind so perfectly, in her prison uniform, perfectly manipulating everyone she comes in contact with. Then the homelife of Dr. Nancy was just as intriguing. What's going on with you, Kimmy?

I really hope there will be another book. I need more of Ryann and her psychopathic tendencies!

I do love a serial killer book and this was pretty good. Lucky to get this from Net Galley and will definitely look for this Author again. A few twists and turns and great ending.

This is the followup to a book that came out in 2016, Pretty Wicked. The two books are very different, and it's possible to enjoy this one as a standalone. This book is heavy with backstory, so you never feel like you're in the dark about Ryann and who she is. Her crimes are discussed in gruesome detail. Because I've read the first book, it got a little tedious. They were just going over what I already knew in a slightly different way. It was nice to be reminded about a book I read a year ago (almost exactly, one day off) but it was a bit much and made it drag a bit. Newcomers who haven't started with the first book won't have that problem, as it's all fresh information for them. This story takes place twelve long years after Pretty Wicked. Ryann has been in jail, her mother has been sticking by her as much as she can, her friends and the rest of her family have abandoned her, and those people she killed? Well, they're still dead and always will be. Yet, they left families behind who are horrified over new developments in her case. Ryann may know freedom again.

Ryann is infamous... as a young, female, and beautiful teenage serial killer is bound to be. She killed six people before she was captured by her own police officer father. Tried as an adult at the age of fifteen, she has grown up in prison. She's now twenty seven and nearly half of her life has been spent behind bars. Her only way out is if she's granted clemency, and she's got some hotshot lawyers on her side who are pushing her case back into the spotlight. Could she be reformed?

Dr. Nancy Clafin is the psychiatrist assigned to evaluate Ryann. She was beyond hesitant to take the case, and has some fear of Ryann. She's also made mistakes with patients in the past, and is terrified she'll make the wrong decision and cause someone to get hurt. Not only is she meeting with a serial killer and trying to form a recommendation on whether they should be released back into the public or not, her home life is in shambles and has been for years. Is it possible that Ryann has changed? And if she hasn't... can she convince Nancy that she has?

The ending was perfection, so despite a few niggles I had about the characters and rehashing the story, it earned a 4 from me.

I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Dark Arts Publishing, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.

I didn't read Pretty Wicked, but was able to follow Wicked Fallout pretty well. I was/am a tad disappointed that most of the story is all recap. I didn't care for the characters and the plot starts off a bit slow so it was difficult to become invested in this story and really enjoy it.

It wasn't bad. it is well written and psychological for sure. For me, without the investment/connection in some part of the story it feels lackluster.

This is a fun book. Just know that if you're expecting a serial killer thriller, that's not this book. This is more like the exchanges between Hannibal Lecter and Clarice in Silence of the Lambs. Not much physical happens in the book. Instead, almost all of the interplay is psychological.

Once I realized that, I was able to really enjoy the book - even as I wanted kick a certain psychiatrist now and then.

By far, the most interesting and complete character was Ryann - going into her head was chilling and disturbing.

I didn't like the ending. I felt a bit like I was cheated of my payoff for the book. However, I have hope that another book might be in the works that will finally give me that wham bam payoff I wanted.

Amazing ! I did not get to read the first book in this series but wow this book can be read as a stand alone because many details are covered and you find out what a 15 year old girl did! This book captivated me and didn't let go, I couldn't wait to see what would happen! The ending leaves you dying for more and in utter shock, what will she do now? I cannot wait to read the next chapter in this series !

Wicked Fallout by Kelly Charron is the second book in the Pretty Wicked series. However, this book can be read as a standalone as it contains a lot of the information about the first book. We get to rehash details about Ryann’s crimes mainly through the sessions with her shrink as she revisits each of the crimes that Ryann committed.

The story is narrated through the two POVs. Ryann’s narrations contain information about her imprisonment. We get to learn about her life behind bars and her relation with other inmates. However, for the most part, we learn about her current appeal as her relationship with her shrink takes center-stage in this nail-biting page turner. The other narrator was Nancy. I liked the fact that her story wasn’t just about Ryann. Nancy’s life is in a bit of a mess and this provides a second although minor story-line. Her personal and professional life intersperses and this helps in understanding her interactions with Ryann.

The tension in this book was quite high. At some point, I felt like rushing to the end to see how things work out. Will Ryann get out or will Nancy make a recommendation against her release? As the story progressed, so did the tension as we learn more about Ryann, twelve years after her killing spree. I liked the fact that the characters from the first book are also present in this one. They all play a role in the case. Most don’t want her to get out. Needless to say, this made me even more invested in the case. I just needed to know Ryann’s fate.

Wicked Fallout by Kelly Charron is a brilliant psychological thriller. The villain in this series is different. She was only fifteen when she became a serial killer. Her character is what makes this series so addictive. This book has the perfect ending. The kind that leaves you screaming at the characters. I can’t wait for the next book. I have a feeling that the series will keep getting better. If you enjoy psychological thriller, you really do need to start reading the Pretty Wicked series.

I was drawn to this book with the promise of a psychological thriller with a young female lead character. What I really got left me a little bit lacking.

This is the second book in the 'Wicked' books by Kelly Carron, which follows serial killer Ryann Wilkanson as this time she tries to convince psychologist Nancy that's she's become a reformed character and capable of living back on the outside. It is set 12 years after the conclusion of Pretty Wicked, and most of the book forms a sort of two way battle of wills between Ryann and Nancy. It should be noted that I haven't read the previous instalment of this series, however at no point did I see this as a disadvantage as the author did a great job of recapping everything. This may be an issue for people who have read the previous novel however, as previous events are discussed in great detail, and may feel like a rehashing of old events.

Ryann is an interesting character. She's clearly intelligent, and knows it. She doesn't back down from any challenge made to her, and comes across as cocky and abrasive and deeply unlikeable. I think that was my main issue with the story unfortunately - I didn't like the main character, and because of this I didn't really care. She also made Nancy appear ridiculous at times, and as such I couldn't bring myself to like Nancy either. I also wasn't that interested in her backstory or her family issues, (which resolved themselves rather conveniently very quickly) as I wanted more time with Ryann.

The second half of the novel was definitely more exciting, as the run up to whether Ryann will be released or not is revealed. I liked the tension created in the prison with the other girls, and Ryann's inner monologue really propelled this to an interesting conclusion. Having said that, as previously stated by this point I wasn't as invested in the character as I would have liked, and as such I finished the novel with an anticlimactic feel.

Interesting main character, but unfortunately just not for me.

This was an interesting book. It was different than I thought it would be, since the serial killer wasn't on the loose and being hunted by the police but rather locked up already with a possible chance of release.

I thought the author did a good job of creating a twisted and memorable main character as well as giving the book some meat by adding in a side story for the other important character. There are some strange twists in this novel and it will keep you on your toes. The descriptions of what life is like inside prison are eye-opening and frightening.

For the most part, this book held my attention the entire time. There were a few moments when I wished the prison scenes would have moved along a bit quicker. I understand that the author had to set up the relationship between the main character and the other characters, but some of it felt a bit repetitive at times.

The ending was what ended up landing this book a four star review rather than a five. Whilst I enjoyed the story and was excited to read the ending, I didn't feel it was exciting enough for a book like this. I expected a serious wow and instead got a meh.

Still, this is a compelling novel worth the time to check out.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Wicked Fallout is the second book in the Pretty Wicked series by Kelly Charron. In the first book of the series, Pretty Wicked, readers were introduced to fifteen year old Ryann who on the outside seemed like the perfect teenager, a straight A student, a cheerleader and always followed the rules and listened to her parents. However, Ryann was harboring one huge secret, she’d always been obsessed with serial killers and had the urge building inside her to try to become one herself.

Ryann was no stranger to killing though, she’d actually had killed another young girl a few years before when the girl was very badly injured so instead of getting help Ryann ended her life. Ryann’s taste for blood had grown and since her father was a police officer she’d done her homework and thought she was ready to avoid the police and start her killing spree just like her idols.

Now in Wicked Fallout we pick up with Ryann twelve years after her murderous spree having spent the time locked up in prison. Ryann finds that there’s a small chance that she could possibly be released from prison if she cooperates with a psychological exam. Forensic psychiatrist Nancy Clafin is brought in to do an evaluation of Ryann and has only a few weeks to find if Ryann has truly changed or should spend her life behind bars.

I have to say first and foremost that I decided to give Wicked Fallout 4.5 stars. The only reason I took the half star away was due to starting this one off thinking wow, we’re not going to see Ryann on the loose and running wild? This one could turn out boring after the first book…. Boy can I now say that I was wrong. It didn’t take long at all for Kelly Charron to weave her story and have me completely hooked on finding out just what would happen next in Ryann’s story.

The book changes the point of view between Ryann and Nancy all throughout as they begin their sessions. During this time the reader is taken back and reminded of just what Ryann did within the first book as they evaluate each murder. Getting both sides from the doctor and Ryann was enough that I just didn’t want to put this book down and couldn’t wait to find out if Ryann was going to be let out and begin her murderous spree yet again. Now after two chapters in Ryann’s life I can’t wait to see what the author can come up with next if she continues the series.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

The Pretty Wicked series has another amazing addition thanks to Kelly Charron. All I can say that this book was not like I was expecting. When Forensic Psychologist Nancy meets convicted murderer Ryann it is the beginning of a long solved mystery involving many deaths. Who was Ryann really, can Nancy really determine if she know who Ryann is or is she just playing everyone? Will the quest to find the truth end with Nancy questioning herself again as a psychologist or will she realize the truth wasn't as easy as every thought?
Thank you NetGalley and Kelly Charron

Oh so good!!!! I couldn't put it down!!!! I read this is record time! Edge of my seat ride!!!! Thanks!! I will be buying some copies for the store for sure!!!!!

Wow. I don't even know where to start with this review. I read Pretty Wicked on ARC when it first came out. It was one of those books that even now I can remember pretty vividly. It was original, unique and compelling. As each murder happened and got nastier and graphic the story dragged you in. I remember the ending and thinking, 'There's more to tell still. Please let there be another book'. My wishes were obviously granted as Kelly (Author) wrote Wicked Fallout. The follow up to Pretty Wicked and again (Thank you NetGalley) I got an ARC. Please note, you could get away without reading Pretty Wicked, as much of Wicked Fallout does recap and go over the murders and Ryann's frame of mind. However, to really see what a true genius Ryann is, I recommend reading it first.

So, Ryann is now 27 and Wicked Fallout is set 12 years after the murders and with her in prison serving her sentence. Has Ryann changed? Is she reformed? Well, Dr Nancy Clafin is sent in to evaluate Ryann for her new appeal and see whether she is reformed character and should be released. The story centres around Ryann's life in prison and her visits with Nancy. Plus there is also a side story of Nancy and what's happening in her home life too. You do not know till right near the end whether Ryann is successful with her appeal and leaves prison or not. All the way through you have Nancy analysing Ryann and even her opinion is like a pendulum with whether Ryann should be released. The ending was PERFECT! Kelly has really done us proud with this second book and I do hope that (Again) there is another book. I can't even imagine where Kelly would take us next.

This book is just as good if not better than the first. It dragged me in and even at 92% last night when I started to need matchsticks to hold my eyes open I was extremely reluctant to put this book down. I did though as I wanted to appreciate the ending. So this was read in two sittings, but it was close to one. Although nothing terrible (or too terrible) happens in this book. We still get the graphics of the previous murders. Plus Ryann isn't shy when describing things. Its a very good psychological thriller and there's a suspense element too I feel. I give serious praise which isn't something I often do with my book reviews and want to add this is an unbiased opinion. I would have happily (And probably still will) purchase this book so I've a hard copy when its release. 4.5 stars, this was almost a 5!

Young serial killer (or is she?) versus a demanding, naïve (or is she?) psychologist. A demanding book to read with some uncomfortable, well written murder scenarios. I am not going to spoil the story ending, but still feel I should have read the previous book - 'Pretty Wicked' -first.