Flashback to your high school lit classes: do you remember how to diagram a sentence?? If you do, this book is most definitely for you. I felt some of the plots definitely had holes in them and maybe too many side-plots, but overall the vibes of this book is like walking into your favorite lit teacher or professor’s room, excited to get to discuss your new favorite book with them and your classmates.

***Contains SPOILERS*** ...
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Let me start by saying that I really like the concept of a linguist helping the police to solve crimes. But the execution did not work for me. I found this book unfocused, predictable, gimmicky, and poorly written. There are three major plot points: the main character's missing friend, her academic career/relationship with her professor, and the crime she is helping the police to solve. I'd lose at least one of these plot points to give the other plotlines room to breathe, The academic stuff/professor can easily go. I also didn't care for the missing friend plotline -- which, of course, has a connection to the current case! And, of course, she's a flawed character because she's the product of a rape, which, surprise, ends up happening to her too! And of course her partner becomes a love interest by the end. And, of course, the police chief did it! Very trope-y, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but, in this case, it was since it was many tropes rolled into one. The only parts of this story I liked were the linguistic explanations -- I think the character's work with the police should have been the focus. And on that note, I think the quotes should be written out normally under the diagrammed sentences. Additionally, the dialogue and prose felt very clunky, the timing of events in the story felt off, and some of the events felt forced/inauthentic. For example, the first case the police use to test her is about a woman who received threatening text messages. The police put surveillance on her to see if she was being stalked. This would never happen. Police would never do anything about text messages, let alone use their manpower for that. They often can't/won't do anything when a confirmed stalker is threatening a victim! Anyway... I think the idea is there, but this needs some heavy editing,

Maggie Moore, forensic linguist graduate student at Rosedale University in Florida, is fascinated with words. She lives in a run-down house filled with hundreds of books, rides a bike, sports multiple piercings and tattoos and works as a part-time waitress. She is haunted by the disappearance of her childhood friend Lucy. Professor Ditmire, the academic affairs coordinator at Rosedale, offers her a research assistantship, and because of her genius with words, she is also enlisted to help detective Silas Jackson decipher a stalker’s messages. Maggie solves the first case and is enlisted to help with next case- the kidnapping of the mayor’s young daughter. Gradually she develops a rapport with Jackson as he also helps her dig deeper into Lucy’s disappearance. Despite the drugs and drinking, things are going well for Maggie academically; she is shortlisted for a grant on threat assessment. But there is a sudden shift in the plot and things start going downhill for her. Abuse and accusations ensue, and she spirals into addiction. With Jackson’s help, she resumes the investigation which ends with a shocking revelation.

The plot and the protagonist are unique: a tough, nerdy forensic linguist with a genius for deciphering messages by word and sentence diagrams. But there are some bizarre twists and loose ends, and the strong language, abuse, stalkers, and drugs overwhelm the plot. Overall, a fast-paced crime thriller.

Thanks to Harper Perennial and NetGalley for the ARC.

I haven't seen fiction about forensic linguistics before. The story was intriguing and the explanations of linguistics were thorough and understandable.
There were a lot of side characters who weren't fully explored, and the story about the professor didn't seem to fit with the crime solving story.
I would recommend this book to readers who like police procedurals, unique crime solving techniques, or if they are looking for a new series (based on the ening, I assume there will be at least one more book).

I really enjoyed this book! The sentence diagrams, word puzzles, and the whole linguistic slant of the book appealed to my word nerdiness. I did figure it out before the reveal, but that's okay! Also, a plus that it takes place in Central Florida! The ending leaves it open for more, and I certainly hope there is!
Thank you to @NetGalley @HarperPerennial and Stella Sands for the advanced copy!

Firstly, thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins publishing and Stella Sands for a free advanced copy in return for my honest review. Next, I would like to mention some potential trigger warnings for this book (as I didn’t see them all mentioned myself before reading): SA, rape, drug/alcohol abuse, and brief mentions of sexual contact with minors.

Overall, I think the book has strong potential. It has a great premise, and the pacing was just right for me throughout most of it. However, some of the dialogue between characters or certain actions they took did kind of take me out of the story. I also felt like certain storylines were rushed or not developed as well as they could’ve been, which would’ve served to further invest me in both the overall story and characters. Unfortunately, I wasn’t overly attached to anyone in this story. I think that could’ve been remedied if we learned more about the characters in more of a “show, don’t tell” fashion. There were a few times where I felt like I was being overly monologued at, particularly towards the end, when I would’ve much rather had several more chapters to flesh these things out. Lastly, the diagramming of sentences was fascinating to me, but also sometimes confusing. I feel like perhaps the process of how Maggie diagrammed sentences could’ve been explained in further detail, which might’ve helped us readers better understand, especially when it came to the longer sentences.

However, I was never bored during reading and ate the entire thing up in just three days (and really, it could’ve been two). I am interested in hearing more about what may happen with Lucy, and would potentially give a second book a chance. As is, I think this book would be great for someone looking to pick up some “light” reading (in terms of pacing/length, not content), which we could all use sometimes.

Maggie is a college senior who possesses a mental gift with words. During her studies in Forensic Linguistics, she receives an opportunity to help solve a high profile case. They need her skills with handwriting analysis and studying dialect to help profile a suspect.

While this sounds like the perfect opportunity for someone about to finish college, Maggie finds that this case is a little too close for comfort, triggering traumatic memories of her past.

Stella Sands’ upcoming crime/mystery book was well-written and had a good backstory. The characters were well-developed, and it was clear who was narrating and when. The book was shorter at 256 pages, but I enjoyed a quick, fun read. I found myself wishing it was longer, because I enjoyed the story.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and netgalley for the chance to review this ARC of Mindhunter. Crime genre books are typically filled with potentially triggering topics, but I thought the author did a great job of adding these elements in an easy to read way. Mindhunter will be a book I recommend to others who enjoy crime/mystery books.

The idea of linguistic forensics and the description of the book as a thriller was intriguing to me. I recall seeing someone refer to it as similar to the Molly The Maid series and that sold the intrigue to me.

Overall, I thought the story was interesting and the linguistic devices were very original. However, there was something about the repetitive use of these devices that began to feel distracting. After a while, I didn't feel as though it added much to the story or the character development. It was also strange how a book like this handles such heavy subject matters seemingly lightly. There are a few traumatic things that happen in the book - not just to the protagonist but to other characters - and it felt as though they simply hugged it out.

I was hopeful for this, but in the end, I don't think it was the story for me. I do recommend this book if you enjoy fast-paced mystery/thrillers, with unique characters and a bit of light-hearted prose.

The concept of the book, solving crimes by using forensic linguistic analysis, is very intriguing. I think the book has the potential to be good but it falls short. First, the characters very much feel like characters and not people. I couldn't connect to the characters, which made it hard to care for them. Second, the book relies a lot on dialogue. Sometimes what the characters said or their reactions felt cringey and unrealistic. Third, there were a lot of traumatic things that happened in the book and I think it needed to be handled with more care. A lot of it was glossed over and again the character reactions seemed unrealistic and too easy for them to bounce back from such an ordeal. I would remove the whole storyline with Ditmire and focus on developing the crime story more so that it feels realistic.

Didn't enjoy this one as much as I expected. The sentence breakdowns were distracting and the story wasn't interesting enough to keep my attention.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

Forensic Linguistics takes center stage as this tortured genius is tasked with solving a case eerily similar to the disappearance of her childhood best friend many years ago.

Wow, I had so much fun with this book. The linguistic decoding threw my brain for a loop, and I loved seeing into the mind of our protagonist Maggie. The creepy vibes of a small town in the deep south made this book’s atmosphere top notch. I wish this book was longer, with more detailed side characters. It’s a small critique, and I think it’s because of how fun and unique this story is, I’d love to spend more time with it. Totally recommend, especially if you're into true crime from the deep south!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Paperbacks for this ARC.

I was really intrigued by the concept and blurb for this one, but unfortunately the reality of the book never gelled for me. I found the characters oddly flat and the story less interesting than I expected, given the premise and setup. The sentence diagrams were clever at first, but quickly felt like a distracting gimmick rather than essential insight into the character and her mind - although this may in part be the way they present in an ebook format. I just couldn't get into this one...

First, the good: A fast-paced, interesting, easy read. I was a sucker for the word genius gimmick from the jump.

The not-so-good: I feel weird about how lightly certain topics were treated, namely CSA and sexual assault. The latter is eventually reckoned with albeit strangely, while the former gets a reaction that feels disproportionately mild. Our protagonist Maggie (who I do like, don't get me wrong) really embodies the trope of drug-addicted tortured genius downing alcohol at all hours, popping pills like it's her job, etc. which gets old and, again, never really gets dealt with in a substantive way.

Overall: I honestly enjoyed the book as a fast, easy read, but wish more care was taken to treat things like CSA and kidnapping seriously and less like a plot device with ramifications that were able to be tied up neatly with a bow. It leaves off with a hint at a sequel, so fingers crossed these things are improved if that is the case.

Maggie Moore's lifelong fascination with words has led her to study forensic linguistics, forensic stylistics, and other related topics. Due to her ability to analyze writings and determine facts about the author, she's called in to help the police with a stalking case. A woman has been receiving threatening texts. Maggie examines them, then looks at writing samples from the five suspects the police have found, and she is able to eliminate the ones who don't fit the characteristics she has found in the texts. Soon, the perp is identified, and Maggie is lauded for her work. Before long, she's called back in to help in the case of a young girl who's been kidnapped. The kidnapper has been taunting the police with short messages, but as there's nothing as yet to compare these writing samples with, Maggie is stuck. She is also stuck in her private life. She grew up in a run-down area in Florida, with a single mother and a best friend, Lucy. When she was 14, she went to Lucy's house only to find her missing and blood on throughout the house. Despite her best efforts, Maggie was unable to get the police interested in her friend's disappearance. She has never given up on finding out what happened to Lucy. Maggie is close to graduating with her master's degree, and has even started working as a graduate assistant to a professor who asks for her help in re-writing some of his grant proposals and other work. A police officer, Detective Jackson, becomes interested in helping Maggie delve into Lucy's disappearance. Soon Maggie becomes his sidekick, much to Jackson's dismay.

This book had some interesting ideas, especially Maggie's obsession with words and her penchant for diagramming sentences (which I thought went the way of phone booths and VCRs, but maybe not). Many, many sentences are diagrammed throughout the book, although I'm not sure what that's supposed to add to the story. Maggie also has to explain some terms and ideas to people throughout the book that don't really seem to need clarification. The main problem I had with the book was the way people would suddenly behave in bizarre, totally out of character ways out of the blue. They were all at it. One minute they were having a perfectly normal conversation, the next someone would do something random. I guess it moved the story along, but it made for a very jumpy, uneven narrative. It was also hard to see how Maggie was able to function being totally drunk/high at all times yet maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. Many things were left unresolved at the end, so I'm not sure if that was setting up for a sequel. I like words, but not Maggie, so I won't be following up with her.

Rating: 4.5

Words are powerful and telling, they can even help catch a criminal
As a first time reader of this author, I had no idea what to expect. I was blown away by the structure, story and characters.

Where do I begin? Anti-hero Maggie with her tattoos, piercings and penchant towards using foul language, is the perfect hero for the story. Her unique skills put her in a position that others could not simply fill despite how it may appear. She hasn’t totally given up hope given all that has been thrown on her throughout her life. I think Jackson is adorable, and I say that sort of facetiously as he is an imposing figure prone to periods of silence and grunting.

Despite how she may appear, Maggie is quick to hug and comfort those around her. The unique-to-me style in which this book was written and Maggie’s unique talent made this a challenge to read but also a thoroughly engaging read. It is not one of those books that I could read a couple chapters and doze off to sleep to resume another day. It was more of “oh my gosh what did that say?” “How do I do this?” “Where is this going?”

I wasn’t sure how the story would end as things seem to go with addition chaos in Maggie’s life moving her focus. I learned a lot about words, forensics linguistics (didn’t know that was a thing), and a lot of other things. I am appreciative of the author for having introduced me to some elements of the written language that I had not known previously. This book is not for the faint of heart, or those who are uncomfortable with crude language and disturbing crimes against others especially children. They are not done in an overly graphic way but in a manner that serves to provide the motivation behind actions and to move the story forward. There’s lots of room for the reader, to interpret and surmise along the way.

I wish I were brave enough to be my own Annabelle! I do find it, encouraging that it seems the most upstanding guy in the story is a black man that’s not typically the case.

I am curious about some of their other books. It’s an awesome read one that you won’t want to put down. At least I didn’t.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and share my thoughts on the story.
Happy Reading!

Maggie Moore of Cypress Haven, Florida is a graduate student in forensics. Her film professor (?) recommends that she consult with detective Silas Jackson on a cyber stalking case due to her prowess with word analysis and when it goes well it leads to a case involving the kidnapping of the mayor’s daughter. Maggie is also investigating the disappearance of childhood friend Lucy.

There’s a lot going on here, maybe too much. Maggie is an interesting main character. I would have liked to have seen more of her actual work with words, and fewer tangents. Also less of the sentence diagramming, although so can see a wordsmith actually doing it. Overall, good though.

I enjoyed this mystery; the characters were engaging and the plot was good. I think the author overdid the whole drinking -beer- for- breakfast -and -downing -pills -by -the fistful- thing ,though.

I think this was written for me. A nerdy thriller. The idea of solving cases using linguistics is just so enticing. Not to be morbid but I have an unhealthy interest in the zodiac killer. I think Maggie would be able to figure out his real identity pretty effortlessly.

This was the perfect length. Each page and each quote fulfilled a purpose to the overall novel. It was a fast paced, page turner. Started it this morning and sped right through it. There definitely are some plot holes left open. I’m hoping and I suspect there will be a sequel and more case solving for partners Maggie and Jackson in the future.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.

Let's start with the positives! Wordhunter is a fast, easy read that falls somewhere between a cozy mystery and a police procedural. The main protagonist is in graduate school to become a forensic linguist, and she helps the local police department solve open cases. The ending is ambiguous, so one can only assume this book is a pilot to a future series. I haven't read a book with a forensic linguist as the hero, so the author gets points for ingenuity.

Now, the big question - will I read book #2 (if there is one)? Eh. Forensic linguistics is a complex topic; for the most part, the story overestimated the reader's understanding. I love Criminal Minds, CSI, and Law & Order just as much as any other true crime junkie, but there were several parts of the book that soared over my head. And on the rare occasion when the author tried to explain the science behind linguistic analysis, the plot turned into a textbook. It read like a regurgitation of a Google search, and for being such a crucial concept in the plot, I expected more engaging (and educated) explanations.

The main character's job is to analyze written words, but ironically, the writing of this book is pretty amateur. There was a lot of rudimentary dialogue - Maggie said, Jackson said, Maggie said, Jackson said...😴 Characters were barely developed outside of basic descriptions - no one had a clear voice, and I felt zero connection to them.

Some authors can write a story and make the reader feel like an active observer - you feel right there with the characters. Others force the reader into a more passive role, and you feel like you are being talked at. This book fell into the latter category. In addition, several errant plot lines served no purpose to the story and were seemingly added for shock value and filler. For example, a good chunk of the book is spent on a conflict with a professor, but this thread had no significance to the primary plot. It was like a thread floating in the wind.

If Wordhunter was a house, you'd say it had "good bones." It needs more development and a sharp editor, but it has undeniable potential.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for providing the opportunity to read an advanced copy.