Think criminal minds when you're starting this series. This is the third book focuses on Special Agent Tiberius Granger and his past growing up in a cult. A serial killer is targeting him, and using his first love as bait. As the SCU team unpacks the mind of a murder they try to make connections to discover who it could be. I was guessing until the end.

What I appreciate about the author's writing is the character's journey toward the gospel. His colleagues are honest about their faith, but when crisis blows up he sees how God has been at work all along.

This was a nail biter. It wasn't my favourite in this series, I had a harder time connecting with Ty and Bexley's characters and relationship, but it was still worth the read.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review.

I love Jessica Patch’s books! I couldn’t wait to read Garden Girls and find out more about Ty that I was introduced to in Her Darkest Secret and A Cry in the Dark. The story starts out fast and only keeps it up. There are twists and suspense throughout. I thought I had the story figured out but was off on my prediction. I especially loved the twist at the end (but I’m not giving it away). Thrillers are so much fun to read and this is one of the best!

The Garden Girls gave me a huge range of feelings and emotions. It gave me chills and left me eagerly turning pages while being sad to have it end. I have read the first 2 books in the series and have enjoyed well written characters, descriptions beyond what I could picture in my mind, growth in people and relationships (not just romantic) and in this book the amazing illustration of Christ’s love for us no matter who we are or what we’ve done is unmistakable. I’m thank for the opportunity to have read an ARC of this book and am looking forward to reading it again soon as well as what Jessica writes in the future.

his is a page turning story to the end. lot of twist and turns. bexleyis looking for her sister that has gone missing, ty works for the fbi and they come to the town he grew up in and ran away from. they are hunting for the person or persons responsible for leavening women in front of lighthouses with tattoos the team looks for the person responsible and he is also helping bex look for her sister . as the story unfolds the phycological aspects are more developed and you cannot stop reading . this is a well written story i was given a copy of the book by netgalley but this is an honest review.

Excellent book ! Tiberius is back in his hometown looking for a serial killer that locks women in cages and tortures them. He finds out one of his sisters is now missing and is on the search to find her. What she taken by the same serial killer ? How is this killer tied to his past? Lots of twists and turns.

An addictive thrill ride from the first page! This five star suspense held me captive and on the edge of my seat. Masterfully written the story captivated my attention while keeping me guessing until the last page. Complex and smoothly executed with artistic flare the mystery has an edge to it that kept me glued to the pages. Twists, turns, and surprises are inked into the pages as the suspense thickens and the plot takes shape. I couldn’t resist the pull of this book and was not prepared for all the petals to land where they did. The perfect atmosphere was created for this sordid story. Entwined in the darkness the author writes a blooming tale of redemption and sacrifice. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking a high stakes game of cat and mouse full of intrigue and shrouded in mystery.

Heart Pounding, Creepy and Eerily Mesmerizing!

This psychological thriller will have you up all night! First off it could be made into a movie or your favorite BAU show. I am an avid Criminal Minds junkie and this was so much more! It will keep you up all night reading and jumping at the slightest noise. Your heart will race! This is a standalone book but we have seen many of the team in Her Darkest Secret and A Cry in the Dark.

The main focus in The Garden Girls is on Ty… Tiberius Granger. Ty is one complicated, quirky guy. He will make you laugh and he has many hang ups… don’t we all! You will go through so many feelings as this story unfolds. Nothing has prepared you for this wild ride!

I cannot wait for another book like The Garden Girls, A Cry in the Dark or Her Darkest Secret. Jessica R Patch is definitely in my top 5 authors! You can also check out her Love Inspired Suspense books that give you a taste of her writing not quite as intense as these other three books but definitely worth the read!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the Author and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

"On a remote Outer Banks island, a serial killer collects his prized specimens. And to stop him, an FBI agent must confront his own twisted past.

FBI agent Tiberius Granger has seen his share of darkness. But a new case sets him on edge. It’s not just the macabre way both victims—found posed in front of lighthouses—are tattooed with flowers that match their names. There’s also the unsettling connection to the woman Ty once loved and to the shadowy cult they both risked everything to escape. "

Releases April 2024

All I can say is wow! Tracking down a serial killer who has been several steps ahead the whole time, racing against a hurricane coming. The story is a thrilling journey which includes second chances, friendships, and of course secrets. The Garden Girls is the third book in the Strange Crimes Unit. Jessica R. Patch has done an outstanding job creating these characters and an unforgettable villain.

I received this book for free from the publisher and Net Galley but all thoughts and opinions are my own

In "The Garden Girls," Jessica R. Patch weaves an intricate narrative that deftly balances intense drama with profound thematic elements. The book's pacing is commendable, moving the story forward with precision and maintaining engagement without unnecessary detours.

Central to the plot are Ty and Bexley, characters deeply impacted by their past involvement in a cult. This backstory adds layers to their development, especially in Ty's struggles with faith and trust in God. Patch successfully portrays these internal conflicts with authenticity, making the characters' emotions resonate with the reader.

The central crime of the story is chillingly unique, lending the narrative a dark and intense edge. This element, combined with the strong gospel message towards the conclusion, sets the book apart, straddling the line between Christian fiction and the broader psychological thriller genre.

Violet Rainwater, returning from "A Cry in the Dark," remains a standout character, not so much for her growth in this story but for her distinctive personality. Her snarky demeanor adds a much-appreciated lightness to the dynamics within the Strange Crimes Unit, making her a memorable and favored character in the ensemble.

The setting plays a crucial role, with the impending hurricane on the Outer Banks amplifying the sense of urgency. This natural element interplays seamlessly with the plot, escalating the tension to a climactic resolution that is both satisfying and thought-provoking.

Overall, "The Garden Girls" is a compelling read, blending psychological intrigue, well-crafted characters, and a thoughtfully integrated faith element. Patch's narrative skillfully navigates complex themes, making this book a notable addition to the genre of psychological thrillers with a Christian perspective.

I received this book from the publisher through the NetGalley review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Oh wow!! What an awesome read!!! I couldn't put it down and I can't say enough about it!!! Tiberius and Bexley, along with the FBI Strange Crimes Unit, race to catch a heartless killer who is seeking revenge against Ty by killing women with a flower in their names. Time is not on their side as they navigate a major hurricane, not to mention Ty and Bexley's past together. This story is intriguing and intense, to say the least, with a few surprises!! So well written that I felt as if I were right there with them! My favorite thing is that inspire of, and in the midst of the bad things happening, that faith, trust, hope, friendship, and love are still found - and that's what makes this the PERFECT READ!!! Jessica Patch has outdone herself again!!! ...You want to read this book!!!