When your heart is pounding, and your anxiety is heightened within the span of a short prologue you know you’re in for one intense read. It’s going to be hard to review this without giving away any spoilers, but I am going to try my best. Let me just say, even if you think you know what’s going to happen you will still be surprised by some of the twists contained within this narrative, and I was living for every twist.

This novel combines so many of my fascinations. It’s like the author looked into my psyche and drew out my dark obsessions and molded them into a stunning suspense that was almost physically painful to pull myself away from.

I am not one to give anything away, but I have to say there is one scene in particular that is seriously one of the sickest things I’ve ever read. What’s crazy is it’s not even graphic but the psychological abuse is so vile and grotesque that I still cannot get it out of my head. The imagery is so powerful and everlasting that it sticks with you long after you’ve read it and shows the power and talent behind the author’s words.

While I was reading, I hated tearing myself away. I started reading during a busy time in my life, but if I could have, I would have read this one in one sitting. I was completely absorbed in the story and the rollercoaster of emotions it put me on.

This series is absolutely phenomenal, and this novel knocked it into the stratosphere. It is not for the faint of heart by any means, but if you’re looking for a good psychological thriller with suspense galore then look no further. You will not be disappointed.

“The Garden Girls” is well-written and the characters have such depth. Jessica Patch has a knack for throwing unexpected twists into her books and this was no exception. She also does an incredible job discussing Jesus and redemption without being preachy. I’m sad this series is over and I’m really going to miss these characters!!

Once I saw that The Garden Girls by Jessica R. Patch was set in one of my favorite vacation spots, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, I knew I had to read this book. And I am so glad I did! Jessica R. Patch wove a great story that was engaging, suspenseful, kept you guessing, and the ending did not disappoint. While a mystery/crime novel/psychological thriller is not my normal genre of preference, I am looking forward to reading more of Jessica’s books. I love finding a new author and adding the rest of their books to my TBR pile. (Thank you NetGalley & Harlequin Books for letting me preview this book. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to leave a positive review & all opinions are my own.)

The Garden Girls is an unputdownable thriller that kept me completely absorbed from the chilling, terrifying beginning to the exciting ending. The cleverly constructed plot with strategically placed twists unveils one suspect after another. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, another viable suspect popped up! The darkness and grittiness of the story is tempered by an inspiring faith thread offering hope and redemption. Well-crafted, realistic characters and second chance romance round out the compelling story. This book is inspirational suspense at its finest, and I highly recommend it. Note: Even though there are carryover characters from previous books, whom it was great to reunite with, this one can be read easily as a standalone.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Jessica Patch hit the ball out of the park with this book. The story has excellent characters, wit and humor, mystery and suspense, a touch of romance, and a well thought out plot that will keep you guessing.
I appreciate so much that even though this book holds the darkness of a serial killer, the author does a wonderful job of bringing Christ into the forefront of the story and shows his never-ending goodness.

Patch is a next level author. She is extremely gifted with words and the ability to keep you glued to the pages.

*A big thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Very good and creepy!
The characters are done well, they are like real people and the plot kept me engaged.
I was surprised by the ending, which is great, because if you figure out all the details before the story ends it doesn't have the same effect at the end.
I'd recommend this one.

Title: The Garden Girls
Author: Jessica R Patch

Ch: 30 plus epilogue

Pg: 367

Series: Strange Crimes

Genre: Christian Suspense with a hint of romance

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: love inspired


I loved The Garden Girls. I have to say it might be my favorite of the series. But then I’ve wanted Tiberius Ty’s story since the first book Her Darkest Secret. And it didn’t give me nightmares like A Cry in Dark thought that was because it was in my backyard. But after reading The Garden Girls I’m not going to look at dogwood flowers the same way again.


I’m not going to lie Ty give me Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds vibes. And I loved his friendship with Owen. I love their banter.


Though this one kept me guessing from page one more so than the previous books. I have to say that I didn’t see that twist. Patch knows how to write page turning suspense that’s still faith filled.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I became a fan of author Jessica R. Patch with her last book, A Cry in the Dark. I loved the dynamics between the characters, the intricacies of the case, the fast-moving plot, and the smidge of romance. Patch folds Christianity into her plots, so there are times where characters come across a bit "preachy", and her latest, The Garden Girls, is no exception. It's not quite as in-your-face as in A Cry in the Dark, but it's definitely there, especially at the end. The main character has a very complicated relationship and dark past with religion, though, so at least in this book it makes a bit more sense. I enjoyed the twists and turns in this book, and be prepared for some serious sadness as Patch takes the killer's nefariousness to a whole new level compared to her last book. I gave this book four stars instead of five because I felt like it was missing some of the friendly banter and camaraderie her last book had, but all in all it still reminded me of the show Criminal Minds and is great for all types of murder mystery/thriller/suspense fans.

**Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.**

This hair-raising thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat. As Tiberius, Bexley, and the rest of the Strange Crime Unit (think the BAU in Criminal Minds) race against a cult and a deadly hurricane to find a depraved tattooing serial killer, they discover God’s overwhelming forgiveness, grace, and mercy. “Garden Girls” is a dark, gritty story that needs to be added to your must-read list immediately!

The Garden Girls is a dark, gritty psychological thriller with little flashes of spiritual light throughout. The main characters are complex because they were raised in a cult and then left as teens and went on to become productive adults. The romance between Tiberius and Bexley is very rocky, but there is an HEA for them at the end. I enjoyed the camaraderie of the FBI team. Their banter is a break from the heaviness of the evil. Their loyalty to each other is inspiring. I was shocked by the villain. My mind hadn't even gone there at all. The labyrinthine plot moves quickly. There are some heartbreaking moments, many shocking ones, and a few very sweet and tender ones as well. I would read more from author Jessica R. Patch.

If you are a fan of Criminal Minds, you will LOVE this book, if you aren’t a fan, stay clear. Fair warning.
This book is twisted. The dark side of humanity and a heart rending second chance. A second chance at love, family, and eternal life. These characters were real and gritty. So much emotion and danger from all around. This is my first book in this series and it was great as a stand-alone, but I really want to go back and read those of the other teammates. Whew. This book surely took us through the wringer. Beyond even where I considered it could go. I was completely hoodwinked from the first. It was a phenomenal romantic suspense that put together our faith in God and a Criminal Minds - esque story. I adored it.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This is one wild book! I have loved reading horror stories for many years. There is a creepy serial killer who is proudly adding to his collection. He is self-confidant to an extreme.
FBI agent Tiberius Granger is about to confront a dangerous storm of nature and his life itself as he enters the killer's madness. He could never imagine meeting up with Bex, a former child of the cult that he grew up in.
Bexley Hemmingway's sister has disappeared. She is desperate to find her. She will even take a chance on working with Ty to find her before it's too late.
I received an advanced readers copy of this new book by Jessica Patch from Love Inspired Trade via NetGalley.
This is excellent horror writing in my opinion. I really appreciate that it is done without filthy language and gore. I'm personally pleased with some of the characters being people of faith. The story just grabbed me right away. Patch weaves a plot that gave me the creeps, convinced me of one suspect, then, in a sharp twist directs to another possibility.
I give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars

FBI Agent Tiberius Granger has a new case. And it is more than unsettling. These young ladies are being found posed in front of lighthouses. AND they have tattoos of flowers on their bodies that match their name. The more Ty investigates the more this case takes him into his past. A past he would rather forget.

Now, I am not big on Christian fiction. This is not a genre I enjoy. Doesn’t mean I am not a Christian…don’t come for me! Even though this is classified as Christian fiction, I did not feel like it was over the top in this area, which is a good thing for me!

This story has a cult, one of the creepiest villains, and a large amount of intensity! I read this in one sitting…granted I was trapped on a plane…but y’all! I was so captivated and glued to this book, I barely looked up!

This is part of a series but it is not necessary that you read them in order.

Need a good thriller to give you the creeps…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Get ready for a twisted, psychological thriller! This was one intense ride. If you’re a fan of Lynette Eason or tv shows like Law & Order: SVU or Criminal Minds, definitely give The Garden Girls a try. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time as FBI agent Ty Granger tries to capture a macabre serial killer who poses his victims on the doors of lighthouses tattooed with the flowers matching their names. Beyond the horror of the crimes, the killer seems to be targeting Ty specifically with the notes he leaves on the victims. It’s a race against time as Ty and his team try to locate the killer before a deadly hurricane strikes the coast of North Carolina.

This is my first book by Jessica Patch and definitely won’t be my last! I could hardly turn the pages fast enough as I breezed through this terrifying, suspenseful book. Before Tiberius “Ty” Granger became an FBI agent, he grew up in a perverse religious cult. He managed to escape, but had to leave his girlfriend behind. Believing she was dead, he’s surprised to find Bexley Hemmingway very much alive and with a teenaged son. Bexley’s sister has gone missing and she enlists Ty’s help to find her. As Ty tries to reconnect with his long lost love and teenage son, he has to protect them from a vicious serial killer and find Bexley’s sister before it’s too late.

The mystery kept me guessing. It was particularly disturbing to get the serial killer’s point of view along with his victims. There are multiple suspects which makes it difficult to discern who the killer is. The exciting ending comes down to the wire as the hurricane bears down and Ty is forced to at long last confront the serial killer.

Along with the nail-biting suspense, there’s a hopeful, redemptive faith arc. Ty is understandably leery of religion. Though he’s surrounded by people of faith, he doesn’t want to believe. With the targeting of this particular killer, Ty is forced to confront his past and find real faith.

Highly recommend this gripping Christian romantic suspense, but it may not be for everyone. I encourage checking content warnings if concerned especially if sensitive to abuse, gun violence, and assault. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. 4-4.5 stars!

Jessica R. Patch's writing keeps getting better and better! The Garden Girls is the third book featuring the Strange Crimes team. In the previous two books (Her Darkest Secret and A Cry in the Dark), Tiberius Granger was an equally entertaining yet irritating side character, an FBI agent who specialty is religious aspects of the bizarre crimes the team investigates. A series of disappearances and murders forces Ty to face his past--the cult he was raised in and the woman he loved and lost. Multiple POVs. Mind-blowing plot twists. Murder in a lush, almost paradisal setting. Patch takes all the seemingly random pieces and weaves them into a thriller you'll stay up late reading.

The FBI Strange Crimes Unit certainly has a crazy case in this thriller. Cult life comes front and center as Ty races to prevent more slayings. The team works tirelessly throughout as Ty's childhood comes back to haunt him. A past girlfriend, child and bizarre coincidences all make for a book readers will find difficult to put down. Recommended!

I have been a huge fan of Jessica R. Patch since I read Fatal Reunion. I have read everything that she has released and hound her about. her next release. The Garden Girls has to be hands down my favorite book of hers to date. This is book three in a series that has concentrated on Strange Crimes. If you have not read Her darkest Secret and A cry in the dark, you have been missing out.



This is FBI agent Tiberius Granger's story. He has a lot of demons from his past that he needs to deal with. His humor and sarcasm has hidden the pain and baggage that he carries around. He travels to Outer Banks to investigate crimes where girls are found with tattoos with flowers that match their names. It becomes a race against a hurricane (Literally) to try and connect the dots. One of his former loves is possibly connected.

This story has a lot of grit and intense scenes, however the one thing that shine through is God's Grace. Tiberius uncovers a lot about his former love and lifestyle and there is a lot he has to deal with..... on top of solving these crimes. The story will draw you in within the first few pages. My heart was pounding so hard.

The story is well written. The characters are well developed. The storyline is creepy and spooky. Thank you to the author, publisher and JustRead Publicity Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

This thriller was right up my dark and twisty alley as evil literally oozes from the pages. However, though the subject matter is dark, the ultimate story is hope, lightness and sacrificial love. There is a crazed maniac on the loose in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. He is obsessed with flowers as he finds women with flower names and then makes them his by tattooing flowers all over their body. He is collecting women. When you read what he is doing, just be ready for the chill bumps.

My favorite fictional unit of the FBI, Stranger Crimes Unit, is called to the scene when the killer starts leaving his victims in front of lighthouses with a personal message for Agent Tiberius Granger. Ty is conflicted in life. Now he will be forced to confront his past and the demons from his past life that haunt him even to this day. This gets really personal for him when he meets up with his former love, Bexley Hemingway. His world is rocked when he learns he has a teenage son that he never knew about. Ty's emotions are all over the place. He is feeling pressure from every side on this case. He is still staunchly against hearing about his co-worker's faith. His past has colored his views on faith due to his past life living in a cult started by his father. I wanted to reach into the book and give him a big hug.

As a hurricane is bearing down on them, Ty knows that time is limited to find these missing women and stop this predator. He will have to beat him at his own game. This team is special and their bonds together are special. They need each other. Their unique and different skill sets complete the whole package of justice seekers who find killers and put them behind bars.

I would highly recommend a box of tissues as this book will play with your emotions. Also, prepare for shocks that will feel like you have been involved in an earthquake. I am sad to say goodbye to this group, but they go out on a high note.

Thank you to Harlequin, the author and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a very well written thriller. If you like shows like “Criminal Minds” then you probably will like this book. I liked how the author kept us guessing until the end about you the bad guy was. She gave us good clues but you were never sure who was behind it. I felt like we were with the characters as they tried to solve the case. I liked how even with the horrific things the killer was doing to the victims, the team was still able to keep fighting for answers and were willing to trust in God for guidance. I liked how the Christian aspects of this story were not to pushy but were done in such a way that you could have hope for a positive outcome. I don’t read a lot of thrillers because they creep me out but I have found that Jessica Patch does a great job of giving you just enough creepy without totally freaking you out so you have nightmares. I really enjoyed this story and thought it was well done.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Set on a remote island in the Outer Banks a serial killer is making his home. His killings are cruel and unique. What more do you need to know. This book tells an intricately woven story and the characters are very well developed. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it. Grab it ASAP you won't be disappointed.

Thank you to Netgalley, Jessica Patch & Harlequin for the opportunity to read this ARC.