Member Reviews
Private Detective Olivia Welles hasn't been to her hometown since her childhood, not since the nightshe died. She has no memory of her life prior to the car crash that killed her best friend and mother. But now, upon a phonecall from Kansas jail, from a survivor of the crash, she finds herself drawn back to her past.
Okay, thrillers are really a hit & miss genre for me. But I picked up this ARC on Netgalley and got drawn in quickly. Admittedly, the introduction of the complete insomnia storyline felt a little forced and clunky at times. But the main story line attached to Bonnie Ray, a fellow survivor of the crash had me invested to it's conclusion. There are times that I had to put reality on hold to keep with the twists and turns of the plot but I think that's to be expected with this genre.
An easy read if you are looking for a distraction (although not thematically an easy read, noting instances of infant death and mental health TW)
3 stars
This was an ARC provided by NetGalley from Publishers Thomas and Mercer.
Wow, i was really blown away, will be recommending this to my mystery girlies. The plot was great, detailed and thoughtout. The book didnt have a dry moment, the pacing, the twist and overall concept were executed very well. I enjoyed this book I finished it in one sitting, something I rarely do. Highly entertaining, i love a mystery novel like this. There were just a few things that prevented a 5 star rating, but overall...excellent!
Thank you NetGalley for this interesting ARC read! The premise of this story was very interesting and it was a very well thought-out mystery. This small town story was engaging and was laced with secrets that were very intriguing as you unravel them. I loved the reference to The Wizard of Oz and actually enjoyed how the situationship between our Main Characters didn't necessarily end up in a romance. I can't give away any more spoilers but I loved how the story had unthinkable plot twists!
This was an ARC from NetGalley. I enjoyed this book. The plot was different and I became invested in the characters. I say solid 3 star
This mystery has a slight paranormal vibe, with a MC that has repeatedly died and come back to life Also, the author does a great job of creating a creepy Kansas town.
It's a well thought out mystery,with interesting characters. I have a feeling that this may be the beginning of a series. I certainly hope so!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this arc.. this is my honest review.
This book is really great!! Kept me guessing all the through. The characters are really well thought out and the plot was amazing. Trying not to have spoilers but the plot twist was good and I wasn't expecting it at all!!
Anne Frasier knocks it outta the park again with this great little mystery thriller set in Kansas. I loved how the situationship developed between Olivia and Will, and the references to Capote and Lee. I truly hope this is the start of a new series, as we need to hear more of Ezra’s story and Dorothy too!
Frasier has another winner!! Engaging tapestry of small town secrets beneath secrets, bias, infidelity, jealousy, and mental illness that moves at a relentless pace. Unique heroine with mysteries and discoveries of her own - intelligent and complex just like the plot. Sensitive treatment of the loss of a beloved dog (been there) and salvation with an unexpected little friend (been there too). Nice resolution to the main plots with a lead to go forward.
What a book! I really liked the development of the characters and the steady reveal of the story like pealing the onion. The murder, the mystery, the mysterious childhood events that slowly get uncovered. The description of Kansas was quite enjoyable. I had no idea that they suffered from the dust storms.
This was completely up my alley and I wish more books like that. In general I am not a big fan of the series but I would love to read another book with Olivia Welles if the calibre was at the same level.
The only thing is that I found Will LaFever as a comic relief to the intense story, but he is such a weakling for a man with still so much growing up to do. Please do not ever consider any romantic relations between those two. It would completely ruin the story for me. If ever, Olivia really deserves someone as strong as her in his own right.
Thanks to Netgalley for introducing me to this author and for a free copy of The Night I Died in exchange of an honest review.
The Night I Died is another good read by Anne Frasier. I liked the book. The characters Anne creates are enjoyable and easy to relate to. The story is about an investigator, Olivia, who returns to her hometown to look into murders involving children. She is contacted by a lifelong friend asking for her help. The friend, Bonnie, is in jail accused of murdering her own children. . Olivia returns to Kansas and the small town where she was raised to begin to explore what happened. She meets a journalist also in town hoping to score a winning story writing about the murders. She has concerns about this man as she doesn’t totally trust who he is. They are both lodging at the same motel and circumstances allow them to form a cooperative relationship as they explore the people in town in hopes of find the truth about the murders. Olivia is also seeking unanswered questions about events in her past that she can’t recall. The storyline is filled with suspense, some surprised twists and turns and unexpected connections.
This was such a fun read! It was fast paced enough that I never felt like I was losing interest but not too much that it was hard to follow. The twist at the end had me SHOOK!
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this before the publication date!
Wow! Just when you think you realized the plot twist Anne Frasier hits you with two or three more in “The Night I Died”.
Private Investigator Olivia Welles heads back home to Kansas to find the truth about Bonnie while trying to remember her own past.
This book not only gives you the perspective of Olivia during her investigation, but it throws in chapters from everyone you meet along the way. A book that truly wraps the story up it won’t leave you guessing because they will tell you themselves why things were the way they were. A fantastic read.
This was my first Anne Frasier novel, and I can now say I’m a fan! The Night I Died was a wild ride with lots of twists. Just when you think all the plot points were just about tied up, something else happens to surprise you.
I enjoyed reading about Olivia & Will’s blooming friendship and seeing Will grow and mature throughout the story. I could definitely see this turning into a series and would love to see what else Olivia and Will could get into, and what comes of some of the other characters, as well.
This was an exciting read, I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys a detective mystery/thriller. I was reminded of the Tracy Crosswhite series as those kept me guessing and on my toes, as well as also starring a strong leading woman as a detective with a target on her back.
I want to thank NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Anne Frasier for the opportunity to read this novel before it was released to the general public.
The set up of the book drew me in. The setting and atmosphere made me feel gritty like I was standing in a field with Kansas winds whipping and secrets swirling around me. I was fond of the relationship between Olivia and Will. I do wish we were given more there. The past trauma and mystery was solid. I did figure out one twist. Kudos to me. I have read most of Anne Frasier's books and continue to look forward to more from her.
I was hooked right from the start in The Night I Died, by Anne Frasier. Private Investigator Olivia Welles has no memory of her childhood prior to the horrendous car crash where she later woke up in the morgue. She underwent many surgeries and she still struggles with her traumatic past. She receives a call from Bonnie Ray, another survivor, asking for her help. Two of Bonnie’s children died under questionable circumstances and she appears guilty of murdering the third. When Olivia returns to Kansas to investigate, she encounters and works along with Will LaFever, a journalist hoping to land his big story. This is a deeply emotional and twisted tale. Olivia learns more about herself than she ever imagined. The characters are clearly defined and well developed, and windy Kansas feels like a character in itself. This is a mysterious and engrossing book!
With thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC. My opinions are my own.
"The Night I Died" by Anne Frasier is a pulse-pounding and suspenseful thriller that delves into the dark and tangled web of a mother's unthinkable crime and the chilling ramifications of a forgotten past. With its gripping narrative and shocking twists, Frasier delivers a novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
The story revolves around Olivia Welles, a private detective who finds herself drawn back to her long-abandoned hometown following a disturbing plea for help from Bonnie Ray, a fellow survivor from the night Olivia was presumed dead. Bonnie is now imprisoned and accused of murdering her own son, casting a chilling pall over the community.
Intrigued by Bonnie's case and driven by her own quest for answers about her mysterious past, Olivia embarks on an investigation that uncovers a dark underbelly of secrets and unearths buried memories. With the help of Will LaFever, a journalist whose motives align with Olivia's, they navigate the treacherous path towards the truth.
Anne Frasier's writing is electrifying, immersing readers in palpable tension and a relentless sense of unease as the plot unfolds. The atmospheric descriptions and skillful pacing create a riveting reading experience, keeping readers engrossed in the sinister events that unfold before them.
Olivia Welles is a compelling protagonist, haunted by her own fragmented memories and navigating a complex journey of self-discovery. Frasier's exploration of her character brings depth and authenticity to the story, as Olivia confronts her own demons while unravelling the chilling truth behind Bonnie's case. The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, adding complexity and layers to the narrative.
The twists and turns in "The Night I Died" are expertly crafted, keeping readers guessing at every turn. Frasier masterfully builds suspense, leading to an explosive climax that takes the story to unexpected heights. Despite adhering to familiar thriller tropes, the execution and strength of the writing make up for any predictability.
In conclusion, "The Night I Died" is an enthralling and spine-chilling thriller that showcases Anne Frasier's knack for delivering gripping narratives. With its atmospheric prose, well-developed characters, and shocking revelations, this novel is a must-read for fans of suspenseful mysteries and pulse-pounding thrillers.
Review Copy
I've been looking forward to a new book by Anne Frasier and THE NIGHT I DIED did not disappoint in the least.
Her books are always different, she doesn't seem to let a series go beyond a trilogy and take place in a different part of the country.
The one thing they do have in common is strong female protagonists. TNID starts out in Venice, California and takes our heroine to the middle of nowhere Kansas where she, a private investigator, finds herself teamed up with a somewhat seamy reporter.
Twists and turns are the rule. The end was fantastic. Once again, I'm looking forward to Anne Frasier's next book! In the meantime, do yourself a favor and add THE NIGHT I DIED to your list of must buys.
I really enjoyed this and it got me out of my week long book slump. The beginning was a bit slow, but then came all the twists and turns. Perfect for the fall!
What a trip, wow! I love good twists in books, and this one did not disappoint. The end shocked me, which is excellent because it wasn't what I was expecting. This is a new to me author, first time reading any of her books, but not the last for sure. Her writing style and character development were fantastic.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
This book was amazing! The big plot twist at the end caught me by surprise. Had to reread to catch all the clues I missed. Glad this was fully focused on the mystery and didn’t force the female lead into a romantic relationship to further the plot.
Thanks to NetGalley I was able to enjoy this book before it’s published.