The Unknown Beloved tells the story of Michael Malone, undercover copper tracking a gruesome serial killer in Cleveland during the Great Depression, and Dani Flanagan, the woman who can read people's losses through their clothing. While Michael is tracking the Butcher, he stays with Dani and her two aunts, a woman whose path he crossed years before when her parents were killed in a murder-suicide. As the two grow closer, he eventually allows her to help him with the investigation because of her own compassion for the dead and work in the morgue next door.

The good:
I love Amy Harmon's lyrical prose and storytelling. She brings Michael especially to life in this novel and even though some of the dialogue may seem trite, I really enjoyed his character and his perspective on the romance with Dina. It was beautiful, and the characters were the strength of the story. I also enjoyed the era of the story, 1923 Cleveland, which is a time that not many novels talk about.

The bad:
Sometimes the dialogue felt a bit cliche, and I personally don't care for the paranormal or the gruesome. I felt that the mystery left a lot of holes. Much of it was predictable and there weren't many twists. There were also some things that I felt could have been wrapped up more clearly, such as what truly happened to Dani's parents. Harmon's strength is not mystery/thriller/paranormal, and that was obvious here. The romance/historical aspect was strong, however.

First I'd like to say thank you to NetGalley, Amy Harmon, and Lake Union Publishing for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I believe I say this every time I read an Amy Harmon book but it is the first thing that comes to mind when I finish one of her books. Amy Harmon is a masterful storyteller! She never disappoints!

This book had everything! Amazing character development, story line, romance, mystery and closure AND an amazing Author's note. The Author's note made the story that much more amazing to me. I'm grateful that she included all of that at the end. This is definitely a story that I will think back on often and wonder how the characters are doing now. Crossing my fingers for a sequel to this one!

Well, I was going to try to persevere all the way to the end and then came this line (from ARC): "He spent the next minute gulping the wine of her mouth, sipping and suckling, pouring himself another and another" and I'm done. Eyeroll.

So, DNF @42%.

I absolutely loved Harmon's last book - The Song Book of Benny Lament - and promptly pre-ordered two copies after reading the ARC, one for me and one for my Little Free Library. I've recommended it many times. The Unknown Beloved is a miss for me for several reasons besides the "gulping wine" make-out session. It's kind of an odd story that combines a gruesome series of crimes along with a developing relationship between a middle-aged detective and a psychic girl 15 years his junior. The detective Malone had previously encountered Dani years before when her parents had died in a tragic manner. The setting of 1920s Chicago is really interesting, especially with Eliot Ness and gang violence and undercover work thrown in. You do get a good sense of life as a poor immigrant family who is doing whatever they can to make ends meet. I think the story could work, but it felt disconnected to me, with a lot of mundane conversations and daily life in between the crime solving and romance. I just couldn't feel the tension building between them at all to make their romance believable. I think readers are supposed to find Dani sweet and interesting but to me she was either bland or absolutely childish. Malone is lonely and still grieving losses from his past which makes him not particularly engaging. This would have worked better for me either as a historical mystery OR as a historical romance, but not as both.

The Unknown Beloved is a phenomenally written, genre-busting book from Amy Harmon. As cliche as it sounds, I absolutely could not put this one down and devoured it in a day.

This book catches your heart from the prologue and doesn't let go. It's dark at times, the serial killer content isn't easy to read and the heaviness of the setting, time period and character's back stories all have some weight, but there is so much beauty and empathy in the story as well. The reader gets to fall in love with these incredible characters. Dani is a force as the leading lady, I completely adored Michael Malone and the aunts steal every single scene they're in.

For me, the absolute best part of reading historical fiction is getting immersed in a story and when it is over, finding out what was historically accurate and what was fiction. I loved reading the author's note and learning more about the inspiration behind the story and how she kept true to the victim elements.

This unique story is worth the read. I found it suspenseful, romantic and so, SO moving.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy and the opportunity to share my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved the relationship between Malone and Dani. Parts of the story did seem rushed. I look forward to reading more of the. Author’s books.

**Review will be published on Instagram/Goodreads/Blog April 16th, 2022**

ALL THE STARS.

I am forever attached to Harmon and her writing magnificence. The beauty and portrayal of the nuances of every aspect of her stories is immersing and impossible to turn away from. The moment this dropped onto my kindle I read it was quickly as I could as once again, I have nothing but good things to say.

AH THE ROMANCE. If you love a good age gap romance, this one is for you. I looooved the way that Dani and Michael came together. Through learning about each other’s backgrounds, to the slow forced proximity of their situations. And at last to the clashing of their souls has love took them under. It was everything subtly beautiful I love in a romance. I constantly needed more of them because each interaction pulled at my heart and while I loved Dani and Michael separately, I also loved the way they stood together.

The gritty murder mystery throughout was definitely hard to read in the dark at times. A bit gruesome and will keep you on your toes. I constantly was waiting for the other foot to drop and for the those final throw down scenes to ramp up my heartrate. Don’t worry, IT HAPPEEND. I liked the conclusions that were brought through to the end to tie up things for a book (even with the author’s note at the end explaining creative differences for the sake of the story).

This review is already a lot longer than my usual because I can’t STOP. I loved everything about this story. Amy Harmon writes historical romances like no other.

Overall audience notes:
- Historical Fiction Romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: med/high blood and gore
- Trigger/Content Warnings: kidnapping, gruesome depictions of murder, dismembering, gun violence, murder/suicide

Amy Harmon has written another incredible book. I honestly tried to make this one last as long as I could, because of how good it was, but I still finished it in 2 days. These characters were so real, I could have touched them. And I love how much of the real history of these events that Amy used in her writing. Her imagination and writing gave redemption and life to some tragic killings. I don't want to say too much more, because I think it was a gift to get to experience this book without knowing much going into it. But I will say that usually I can't handle much violence, and I think Amy handled things sensitively and well. I never would have guessed I'd be so engrossed in a book featuring a serial killer. But the real stars of the show were the depth she gave to Michael and Dani.

The Unknown Beloved by Amy Harmon is a gorgeous historical novel that perfectly blends romance and suspense. Dani and Malone are both incredible characters on their own, but my heart ached as I flew through the pages, wanting them to be together. Dani especially is a character I won't every forget. Highly recommend!

I have read and loved several of Amy's books so I was so excited to get my hands on an e-ARC of this book. This story is a different take on historical fiction and transports the reader back in time. There is intrigue as well as some romance. What really makes this book shine is the quality of the writing and the storytelling and most of all the well developed characters. Several of these characters jumped off the page. Fans of Amy will love this book as will pretty much anyone who picks it up!

This book was a struggle for me. In some areas, especially the detailed horror each victim went through, it felt fast and engaging. But then it dragged in other parts and I struggled to connect with the characters. I got about half way through before I realized that I just didn’t care how it ended, so I skipped ahead to read the wrap up and consider it a DNF.

I appreciate you allowing me to read this book and I wish the author well. This book was just not for me.

The Unknown Beloved was so different than just about anything I’ve ever read. A historical fiction mystery but with Amy Harmon’s beautiful heart. It actually amazes me that she can write such vastly different genres with such beauty.

The Unknown Beloved follows Dani Flanagan and Michael Malone, who’s paths first crosssed when ten year old Dani’s parents are found dead and Michael Malone, a young patrolman assigned to the case. Malone believes there is more to the case, but is told to keep quiet. Dani is sent away to live with her aunts. 15 years later their paths cross again when Malone is sent to Chicago to investigate a series of murders. Malone is drawn to Dani, and it doesn’t take long for him to realize that she can help him solve the case. The two face the darkness that draws them together and race to find the killer before it’s too late.

I absolutely loved these characters. I loved the tired, jaded Malone and the innocent and compassionate and Dani. This was such a beautifully crafted slow burn romance. These two were so different but they complimented each other so well. I loved watching them fall in love in spite of Malone’s reservations.

The mystery and suspense did not disappoint. I was on the edge of my seat during certain parts, and smiling ear to ear during others. My favorite part of the novel hands down is Dani she is such a light in the darkness of the events in this novel, and I absolutely love the role she played in solving the mystery.
Dani and Malone make such an amazing team, i can’t help but wonder what other adventures they might have in the future

As usual and as I say every single time I try and review one of Amy’s books….it is impossible to review perfection, nothing I say will do the story justice so to sum it up simply… I loved this book and I can not recommend it enough!

I would read anything from Amy Harmon; her upcoming novel, or her shopping list. She is one of the most amazing story waivers around. Her beautiful writing paired with her wonderful plots bring me back to her whenever she releases her next book. The Unknown Beloved is Ms. Harmon's next hit, the story she tells kept me intrigued and wanting more. I loved her characters and the beautiful story the told. I would defiantly recommend this novel to anyone. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

5+ Stars
This is one hell of a gripping, dramatic story and like all Amy Harmon's books, it is extremely well written and researched. I was immediately drawn into the story from the first page, it was fascinating and I wanted to know where the story would go from there. It was a really compelling read.

The era is the 1930's, and the story is largely based on factual people and events, with some additional fictional characters and happenings to add the romance element to the tale. Eliot Ness, Michael Malone and others were involved in the search for the Cleveland "Butcher", I was intrigued by this aspect of the story and found myself researching more about both Ness and Malone. Although the story is graphic in its detail of the murders at times, these are all factual accounts too and added greatly to the drama of the story.

Dani Flanigan is fictional and I really liked her, right from the beginning. She is special and her gifts make her a bit cautious about people's r4eactions to her. She is hardworking and loyal and so determined. Michael Flannigan is the young patrolman who takes the ten year old Dani to Cleveland, following the murder of her parents. They meet again fifteen years later and I loved watching their relationship blossom and develop, despite all the setbacks.

Michael Flannigan is a wonderful character, I really liked him. He is totally committed to his job, steadfast and resolved but so kind to Dani. I loved seeing him slowly soften under her tenacity and learn how to laugh and love.

This book had me holding my breath at the end and I wasn't quite sure where it would go. Despite the gruesome content at times, something I wouldn't usually read, I loved this book, it had it all. This is another example of Amy Harmon's brilliant writing, bringing the past to life in fiction. She is. an amazing writer and I highly recommend this story.

I believe Amy Harmon can write anything. Her stories take you on a fabulous journey and their depths know no bounds. The Unknown Beloved is history, romance, and suspense all tangled up in story I couldn’t put down. Michael Malone and Dani Flanagan are characters with deep, rich layers that I adored. There really are no words to convey just how much I enjoyed this story.

Amy Harmon novels never fail! This book was such a unique story with glimpses of a true historical crime. This book has a dark tone but it doesn’t take away from the romance. I loved the setting and romance between the main characters. For sure a 5 star read! Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the ARC!

“The Unknown Beloved” is another masterpiece written by Amy Harmon who uses real historical events to lay the whole foundation of an intriguing narrative, full of mystery and romance. ❤️

Coming April 19, 2022.

4/5 ⭐️

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🇧🇷 Tudo começa em 1923 quando os pais de Dani Flanagan, uma menina de dez anos, são assassinados em Chicago. Michael Malone é um dos policiais que participam da investigação do crime e, diante da situação, é o responsável em prestar assistência à pequena Dani naquele momento.

O tempo passa e, quinze anos depois, Malone é encarregado de ajudar seu amigo Eliot Ness na investigação de uma série de assassinatos cometidos em Cleveland, onde o serial killer ficou conhecido no mundo real como Assassino do Tronco.

Com praticamente tudo planejado, Malone viaja para Cleveland e, pela segunda vez, seu caminho se cruza com o de Dani.

The Unknown Beloved é mais uma obra-prima de Amy Harmon que usa acontecimentos históricos verídicos para criar todo o alicerce de uma narrativa intrigante, cheia de mistério e romance.

O livro será lançado nos EUA em abril deste ano.

Avaliação: 4/5 ⭐️

THE UNKNOWN BELOVED by Amy Harmon

A stunning 5 star read. As always. Amy Harmon never seems to fail me - each and every book she releases drives my esteem for her work further and further into my heart.
The Unknown Beloved is yet another layer of proof that Amy can write any story from any genre and still wow the reader. This book is chalk full of her phenomenal writing ability and the exploration of beloved characters and is also beautifully laced with respectful handling of the historical facts. This novel doesn't seem to fit neatly into one single category with so many complex elements. Romance, historical fiction, supernatural/magical realism and true crime are all respectfully woven into this stunning piece. But the one area that I went into this read pondering how it would play out is the True Crime element. In my experiance, True Crime can be a really difficult genre to read and to tell. There remains such a delicate balance of staying within the perimeters of fact and still capturing interest within the story telling and creative liberties. But Amy absolutely manages to breathe renewed life into the story of real-life Michael Malone and Eliot Ness (and the messy experiences therein) with grace and respect, as well as beautiful world building and character shaping. So many poignant, hard truths lay nestled in this novel surrounding love, pain, pleasure, horror, basic human wants/needs and psychological disorders. So well done.

Thank you Netgalley for a chance to read this novel before the release date in exchange for my honest review.

This one was a huge surprise. Totally engrossing and hugely enjoyable.

Hard to pigeon hole it into a genre, its a sort of a thriller/romance/fiction/supernatural/historical fiction novel set in the 20s and 30s in the States and features real life characters(Eliot Ness of The Untouchable)but in a fictional story.

I went into this one blind(it was a recommendation from a Goodreads reader)and was all the better for it.

The backdrop of the story is based on a real life serial killer and involves one of Eliot Nesses sidekicks Michael Malone and his relationship with a woman called Dani Flanagan who, 15 years earlier had been a child of 10 when he rescued her from her home where both her parents had been murdered.

This one is beautifully written with likeable well rounded characters and drifts from thriller to romance to the supernatural with ease. I was engrossed with this one, finding it totally original and immensely readable. Its a multilayered story that asks many questions about the human condition.

If you are looking for something a little different then I would highly recommend The Unknown Beloved.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.

I've been reading books by Amy Harmon for quite a while now and let me tell you, I've never read anything of hers like this before.

This is based loosely on the lives of historical figures Eliot Ness, Michael Malone, and the serial killer that plagued Cleveland in the 30's known as the Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run.

I'm a big fan of mystery/thriller books so it's no surprise I enjoyed this book a lot. The way the story came together with Dani and her special gift, along with Malone and Ness was brilliant. I was kept on my toes guessing and waiting and wondering how it was all going to go down.

My only complaint is that I've always considered Amy Harmon to be a mostly "clean read" author with some language and no graphic sex and I feel like this one was enough to make me a little uncomfortable. More swearing than her others, using the Lord's name in vain quite often, and even the sexual content was more on page than in the past books I've read. As a reader, those things are a turn off for me. Probably the majority of people who read this won't be bothered by it but some might be.

I really did enjoy the storyline of this book a great deal and if you can overlook the items mentioned above it is a fantastic read.

Things to know about content: condition of the victim's bodies given in some detail, language including Lord's name in vain but no f words, and sexual content including kissing and non descriptive sex.

Oh, this book had me gripped right from the beginning! I love all of Amy Harmon’s books and this one was fantastic!

Chicago, 1930s: 9 year old Dani Flanagan sneaks out of her parents house to peek at some kittens around the corner, only to return home to tragedy. Michael Malone, a cop new to the force, arrives on scene and is tasked with helping place Dani in the care of two aunts in Cleveland. Michael is caught off guard by Dani’s unique capabilities and thinks of her often during his career as a copper.
15 years later, Michael takes a case in Cleveland working with his friend Eliot Ness, whose just taken a job as safety commissioner in a time when the Butcher is carving up bodies and leaving bits all over Cleveland.
Michael needs a place to stay while working the case, and whaddya know, ends up boarding in the home of a familiar face. Watching Dani’s unique role in helping Michael and Eliot name the Butcher was so fascinating to me. I absolutely loved Dani’s character and he overwhelming goodness in the face of so many tragedies.

5 stars!!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Lake Union, for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.