"I don't cry over the suffering but over the fact it's only a matter of time before I succumb and rise when he demands I bloom. Before I arc my arms over my head and dance like all the other garden girls."

FBI agent Tiberius Granger had a horrible childhood, so unfortunately, he is used to seeing the grimy side of life. Yet nothing prepares him for his latest case. A serial killer is targeting women in an extremely evil manner. He knows time is running out to save at least some of the lives of the garden girls. Is he willing to revisit the past to solve the crimes?

I would classify this book as a romantic thriller. The type of book that is not recommended reading in an isolated setting. But from the beginning, there were so many twists and turns and parts that I did not see coming. The author definitely knows how to write about terrifying circumstances. Because some of the featured FBI agents have faith that provides hope for the storyline plus their ability to add humor to tough situations also helps lighten the heavier themes.

But this read is not for younger teenage readers or the faint of heart. Several of the details made me squeamish. In fact, I contemplated not finishing the book because parts really bothered me. But having read several of Jessica's books before, I thought that there would be a redemption factor. And that was thankfully the case again. While this is not technically a series, the characters do overlap between her other books, "Her Darkest Secret" and "A Cry in the Dark."

Rating the book was really challenging for me. Parts of the book are almost graphic especially for a "love inspired" book. Yet Jessica really knows how to write brilliant suspense. Ultimately, I decided on a 4.5 rating, rounded up to 5.

I did read an advanced copy of this book. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.

Jessica Patch is a master at creating chilling, atmospheric suspense with an underlying redemptive, spiritual message. I believe this book is her best yet because it made me feel deeply and think about the different ways evil manifests itself. I could not put the book down, but at the same time I was thinking about how frightening the villain was. Don’t read this book alone at night! I appreciated that the villain was portrayed as charming and handsome, like Satan, who masquerades as an angel of light. Most villains are depicted as ugly, dirty, and scary in appearance, but that is not always the case.
I was stunned and saddened by some of the twists in the story, but I also understand why certain events had to occur. One of the biggest takeaways from this story for me was how people can be fooled so easily by cults, their leaders, and their followers. It’s absolutely heartbreaking how easily people can be manipulated and deceived.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading suspense, especially the kind that makes you think. I can’t wait to read the author’s next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book for the author and publisher. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

4.50 Stars

In her suspense books, Jessica R. Patch excels at writing dark and creepy villains. But even more important, she shows how light shines int and exposes those dark places. The Garden Girls might have one of the most disturbing villains I’ve read yet.

When women are found with flowers that match their names tattooed over their bodies, the Strange Crimes Unit is called to North Carolina—the same state where Tiberius (Ty) escape a cult. This case has a connection to Ty’s past, and it seems the killer may have a personal vendetta against him.

This book was intense and took me through a roller coaster of emotions—horror at what the killer was doing to the girls, frustration with both Bexley and Ty at times, heartbreak at the losses (both for the characters and for me as a reader), moments of joy, and the right touch of levity when the tension was getting too intense. And if you love plot twists, The Garden Girls gives you plenty.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

The FBI: Strange Crimes Unit series is one that can really rip your heart out and pull your emotions all over the place! At least that has been my experience. I’m not saying that in a bad way at all. In fact, this series is one of my top thriller or suspense series ever. The author takes very difficult and even gruesome situations, some characters who are believers and some who are not, throws in law enforcement procedural drama, some light romance threaded throughout, and sets up chilling mysteries to solve, all while showing the difference of things of the world vs the things that point us toward God. The Garden Girls got hold of me and wouldn’t let go.

I ended up figuring out who the big villain was in this story, although the author did not at all make that an easy discovery. I was thrilled that I actually guessed it! However, that being said, the author dropped in so many twists and turns and surprises, that I actually ended up shocked over and over again at some other events and reveals in the book. So, she really did actually surprise me multiple times as things wound toward their conclusion at the end. And, truly, I’m kind of gutted by this book. Emotionally wrecked! But in an intrigued way. These characters meant a lot to me. I listened to this story over a couple of days and kept thinking of these characters as real people, even though I knew they were fictitious. I was deeply concerned about the Ty’s salvation and worried about how the relationship would develop between him and the son he never knew existed.

I ended up listening to the audio book version of this story, as I have with the other books in the series. I was, once again, very impressed with the narration. I enjoyed listening to it immensely.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook, and then decided to listen to it in audio format. All opinions are my own.

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!