Book Review: Mark of Guilt by Diane Hester

Read this if you like:
• Murder mysteries
• Campus setting
• MC with psychic powers
This story was utterly captivating! From page one I was sucked into the story. There were so many twist and turns that I didn’t see coming. I loved the mystery element and felt like the pacing was perfect and very well done.

I am huge romance reader and really enjoy it when a book includes a romance. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy the romance in this book. It just didn’t feel authentic or believable.

I couldnt put this book down. It had great pace and I loved the characters. The book was full of twists and turns. It was also full of suspense I couldnt get enough.

Great book that will capture your attention from the get go. You will really get into the story and be invested in what is going on with the characters.

Mark of Guilt, Diane Hester’s second police thriller, is just as gripping as No Good Deed, her first novel. Set in Adelaide, this story focuses on Lindsay Cavanaugh, an honours student at university, who not only has visions showing where several dead bodies can be found but also experiences some of the horrendous things done to them. Homicide squad Detective Garren Macklyn, Mac to his friends, doesn’t know whether to trust Lindsay, believe her far-fetched but accurate revelations about the murders he’s investigating or charge her as an associate to the murderer. He does know he’s developing extremely inconvenient feelings for her. Mac and Lindsay well-rounded and believable characters whom I liked immediately. Their story is a page-turner filled with plot twists and while I did guess the murderer’s identity before the end of the story this in no way detracted from my enjoyment.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Escape Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Some of this story is not believable. No dean or professor would accept an excuse of "I overslept" and be allowed to take the exam. It's college/university for heaven's sake. So I had some ups and downs in the story. I really liked Lindsay but not sure that the romance between the main characters was believable. The story was interesting and since I was just reading it for fun-pretty much can overlook some of the oddness. I did enjoy it. I liked the paranormal aspect and that it is not really a romance. 3.5 stars

This is a fast paced story that had me turning the pages, this is the second book I have read from this author and I am loving her work fabulous characters, settings and stories that you can fall into there are a few edge of your seat moments in this one and trying to work out the bad guy, had me guessing till nearly the very end.

Lindsey Cavenaugh is studying at Adelaide University and is a top student doing everything she can to prove to her parents that she has put the past behind her but when some girls go missing from the campus and Lindsey starts having her “spells” again where she has visions of these girls, her life is upended, she has her best friend and flat mate Shawnwyn there for support and with her encouragement she starts work with one of the teachers in the psychology department.

Detective Garren Macklyn is good at his job but is not impressed with Lindsey he has no confidence in anything but facts no supernatural or ESP for him especially seeing as how his mother is very ill in hospital after listening to one of them, so he pushes Lindsey very hard and is convinced that she knows more than she is saying, he is sure she has something to do with the murders even if she isn’t actually doing them.

This story is so good Lindsey cannot help her visions and not only that but she is injured herself the same way as the victims that no one can explain her mental and physical health are suffering and Mac pushes more, he needs to get to the truth, but they cannot control the pull that grows between them and Mac is constantly re-thinking his reasons for Lindsey and her visions.

Fabulous characters, this book is so well written it really is a page turner and one that I would highly recommend, I loved the story line and the connection between Lindsey and Mac to see their connection grow as Mac does all in his power to keep her safe, this is one that I highly recommend.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.

Lindsay Cavenaugh was nearing the end of four years of study; her graduation would be something she could use to prove to her family that she was normal. But after around ten years since her last vision – or spell as she called it – suddenly they were back again. Young women were going missing from the university campus and when Lindsay was able to tell the police where the first woman’s body was, but not how she knew, she was immediately a suspect. The strangest things were the injuries, bruises and markings on her skin – the same places that the victim had wounds.

Detective Garren Macklyn or Mac as he was known, had no patience for anything supernatural. He simply didn’t believe the hocus pocus was real. His disbelief in Lindsay’s story, his snarky, sarcastic responses had her offside immediately. His views were slightly skewed because of his mother, who was in hospital in a coma, but he just knew Lindsay had some part in the murder, and as more girls disappeared, then Lindsay told the police where to find them, her obvious fragility and distress moved him. But he wouldn’t let it interfere with the case. As danger moved closer to Lindsay and her injuries worsened, it seemed there was no one who could protect her – or the women on the campus…

Mark of Guilt by Aussie author Diane Hester is a fantastic, fast paced and gripping psychological thriller that I couldn’t put down! Mac was an ass! He played his part well, but oh my goodness!! Lindsay and her best friend and roommate, Shaunwyn, were great characters – and then there were the others! I have loved this author’s previous work, but in my opinion, Mark of Guilt could be her best yet! Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

The visions have left Lindsay Cavenaugh alone for the past years, but suddenly they are back. When her “gift” shows her the location of the body of a missing student she attempts to report what she knows while remaining anonymous. When other students tell the police that Lindsay seemed to have information about the missing student, Detective Garren Macklyn is assigned the case. Another student goes missing and he hopes Lindsay may be able to help him find the killer. Gradually he begins to believe in her visions and her physical reactions to the murders. When she becomes one of the missing, will he be able to find her in time? An enjoyable mystery with slight paranormal implications. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

Will he be able to trust before it gets to let for her …

I confess I decided for this thriller because it had a double vibe, a romance and a paranormal side.
To go out of my usual historical romance, I must feel the change of scenes, and here it really did the job.
From the beginning I was gripped by the story, the heroine had been broken by her past experiences and her truth in others much damaged. So hold on, keeping everything inside, never letting someone getting to close. But as her gift reawakens, she must it as running away does not seem to be on agenda as she soon becomes a prime suspect, if not but else guilty by association.
Macklyn the cop is as much in denial than Lindsay. With his mother laying in hospital bed because she listened to some quack and stopped taking her medicine. When he receives an insight for his new case from some fraud, he does not need long to add her to his nonexistent list of suspects. How else could she know where the body could be found.
Even when many clues and his guts tell him the opposite.

As the bodies count increases, what are they do …
Can he leave behind his beliefs she might really be gifted, all the while can she embrace her talent or turn it off forever….
One sure is certain they are in for a long run as their trust issues resurface at every turn, even when the pull between reaches its peak, they are not able to fully acknowledge it.

A wonderful read of two stubborn wounded characters who will have to face their old scars before being able to go forward.
A thrilling read which sucked me into the early hours of the night.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses and behind closed door lovemaking scene.

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Escape Publishing , here is my true and unbiased opinion.

This book was provided to me compliments of #NetGalley for my honest opinion. Suspense filled with refreshing characters. Mark of Guilt is a must read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Escape Publishing for approving my request to review this book.

This is the first Diane Hester’s book that I have read and I was engaged from the beginning. Hester’s clear writing style has the ability to create a story without the use of jargons. Hester has created a storyline that is set in Adelaide which is refreshing to see as we do not come across many stories based in South Australia.

The two main characters Cavenaugh and Macklyn were well developed throughout the story and did bore in any way. Maybe it was the Aussie banter that even when they were arguing, it was quick and easy to process.
I particularly liked the fact that I was guessing until the end about who the killer might be.

Lastly, this will not be the last book I read of Hester’s as this book has clearly left a lasting impression.

The characters in this book are great, they all flow seamlessly as the story takes its twists and turns. I particularly love the connection between Lindsay and the Detective, the questions take many paths as Lindsay sees some of the answers!
I immersed myself in the storyline and found the suspense, romance and touch of surreal to be very believable and will definitely keep the reader wondering and guessing!

Very well written Diane Hester, this book will not be the last of yours that I read! Thanks also to Escape Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was unable to finish this and thus will not be posting a full review. I found the writing and story beyond unbelievable from the first chapter -- everything defied reality and it was such a slog. Thank you for the opportunity.

I’ve always been rather partial to the psychic/skeptical cop pairing romantic mysteries subgenre so I had to request an advanced copy when I saw this one. While it wasn’t as twisty as a traditional thriller, I quite enjoyed getting to know Lindsay as she journeyed from an extreme aversion to her abilities to acceptance and using them to help save others all while juggling college classes and tenuous relationships with friends, family and a certain skeptical police detective who suspected her of involvement with the Campus Killer murders. Mac was sometimes a little over the top with his skepticism while navigating his disbelief in the paranormal and his attraction to Lindsay, and his actions bordered on obsessive cop to stalkerish protector at times. I quite enjoyed this book and would recommend to others who enjoy this subgenre.

An intriguing new thriller/paranormal/urban fantasy/romance from an author I've honestly never heard of before, although I see she's written four other books. The plot is fast paced, the characters well drawn. If I have any quibble, it's that I wanted to smack the cop. Either you believe the psychic or you don't: stop being wishy-washy. Other than that, I enjoyed reading this.

A compeeling story that keeps you up at night reading it, a thriller true to genre, with a perfect blend of romance in it.
I was sucked right in in the story and haven't realised when I've reached the end, that engrosed I was in this story.
Fully recommend it to the fans of the genre!

4 stars

~ I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own ~

Mark of Guilt by Diane Hester is a suspenseful story that you can't stop reading! Lindsay Cavenaugh is six months from graduating and overslept causing her to miss an important English Lit test. As she begs her professor to please let her take the missed exam, he tells her there will be a price to pay if she wants to make up the test. Lindsay is upset and furious. She goes on to the library with Shaunwyn, her roommate and best friend. While she is in the library she spots something shiny on the floor under a table. When she picks up the earring, her hand begins to tingle and soon she is almost in a trance. Lindsay had begun to see a scene involving the missing student, Martha Daniels, play out before her eyes. Oh No, it is happening again. She has not had an experience like this for ten years.
Lindsay thought these glimpses of violence had stopped and she was now normal. It was a secret she had kept from everyone since she left her family and home. Her parents seemed to be ashamed of her for being able to see beyond normal everyday life. Lindsay wanted to graduate and go back to prove to them she was normal.
The next day Detective Garren Macklyn approaches Lindsay to question her about Martha Daniels. Two students who had witnessed her 'spell' in the library the day before had reported to the police that Lindsay had specific information about the missing girl.
This book gets more intriguing as it goes. Lindsay doesn't think she will be believed, and she doesn't want to be committed to a psychiatric hospital. What is she to do as she dreams more of what has happened to the missing student? Soon she is experiencing more than the dreams, she bears the marks of the victims.
I enjoyed the book very much!
Publication Date August 1, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

Mark of Guilt follows the story of several univeriestiy women that have gone missing. The only lead the police have is from Lindsay Cavenaugh. Detective Garren Macklyn does not believe that she has seen the women in her dreams and is convinced she has a part in the murders.
For the first time in a very long time, I can say I loved a book from cover to cover. Diane Hester tells a story with well thought out plot and wording. It seems like most of the books I have read recently are full of fluff, useless verbiage and storylines that don’t fit. I did not get this while reading “Mark of Guilt.” Each chapter in a “Mark of Guilt” is a perfect piece of a puzzle. All the pieces fit with no extra pieces left floating around. I would have liked more on her family. It wasn’t until after I had finished reading it, that I had an aha moment and realized that Hester had quietly slipped the answers to my questions into the story. A perfect example is the family’s move across the country. I will definitely be adding Diane Hester to my reading list and highly recommend “Mark of Guilt.” Thank you Diane Hester, Escape Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.

Having read a synopsis of this book I was intrigued. All the elements that I love are in this book. Suspense, romance and paranormal abilities. Put together in a well-written book with interesting characters, not of the cookie cutter variety. I definitely would recommend this book and hope to be reading more from this author. I received an e-book from NetGalley in return for an unbiased review. Thank you NetGalley!

This is the first of Diane Hester's books that I have read, but it is definitely not going to be the last.

I picked this up late last night and could not put it down. Compelling, thrilling, and well-paced. Mark of Guilt is fantastic, in that neither the suspense or romance felt secondary to the other - both elements blended really well, keeping me guessing right to the final chapter.

4.5/5

I received a copy from Escape Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.