The description of this book was quite different from what the story was actually about. The idea is similar but I expected to read a tale of creepy red rooms on the dark web. That was in this book but barely touched upon. This story, while different, was actually something better, involving an investigative journalist bringing up a towns unwanted past involving a murder and trying to discover if the person in jail for the crime is actually guilty or not. While I enjoyed this book a lot, my only complaint was that there was a lot of casual drug use by most of the characters. I'm guessing that some people wouldn't mind that, but it just put me off a bit.
Many thanks to NetGallry, Joffee Books, and Dylan H. Jones for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my opinions.

He knows where you are.

He knows where you're going.

He's waiting for you.

Seven years ago. Valencia's best friend is brutally murdered and she's the one who finds the body. A man is convicted and is serving time. But there's still so much they don't know about the murder.

Valencia's never been convinced he's guilty and now she's ready to look for the truth. But what she discovers shocks her to her core.

A sick serial killer is sacrificing women.

The method of death chosen by the highest bidder.

Their murders livestreamed.

As Valencia's desire for the truth intensifies, the killer's need to kill is escalating.

He knows Valencia is looking for him . . . and he has her in his sights.

You will not be able to put this book down once you start it. It was that good. Will recommend to others.

While I feel the read got off to a slow start, I'm glad that I didn't put it down right away and stuck with it because the pace did pick up and the storyline fleshed out better throughout the rest of the book. A gritty, suspenseful and a different take on serial killers than I have normally read, HEAR HER SCREAM features a killer who live streams his murders to the highest bidder, plenty of adults abusing their positions as pillars of a small town community, a man serving time for a crime he didn't commit and a woman who is seeking the truth about the night that her best friend was murdered and all these pieces come together to make this a twisty and thrilling read.

‘He called September rich pickings season. Come early fall, the temperature would finally begin cooling from its uncomfortable summer high, and the luxury beach resorts along the Mayan Peninsula would be teeming with wealthy tourists hoping to brown their pale skins to a crisp . . . These folks, safe behind high walls and security gates, held no interest for Cyrus Booth. His tastes skewed toward the younger, less affluent travelers staying at the budget hotels . . . He also preferred travelers who vacationed alone; large groups made him anxious, made it that much harder to isolate his chosen ones from the pack.’

HEAR HER SCREAM – by Dylan H. Jones – Billed as a Thrilling Chiller With A Shocking Twist, I highly agree with the former, the latter, not so much.

Jones does an excellent job of allowing the reader to ride shotgun next to the main character, Valencia, in this twisted tale wherein Vee seeks to learn the truth regarding her best friend Jodi’s brutal murder seven years before.

Highly Recommend!

Thank you, NetGalley and Lume Books (Joffe Books), for providing me with an eBook of HEAR HER SCREAM at the request of an honest review.

Valencia is a researcher for a podcast company that specialises in criminal cases where there is a possibility of the wrong person being behind bars for a crime they didn’t commit. Things take on a personal spin when that person is Clyde Domingo – incarcerated for the brutal murder of Jodi – Valencia’s best friend.
Valencia persuades her boss to let her go back to where Jodi was murdered and dig out what she can. And the more she digs, the more she is in danger. She is clearly not wanted there, where there are secrets decades old. Secrets that nobody wants her to know.
This is quite a fast paced, thriller, following couple of timelines. It’s descriptive, twisty and keeps you guessing.

This book was a mystery thriller without the mystery or the thrill.

It could’ve been a mystery if we didn’t know who the killer was from the start. It could’ve been a thriller if there were actually thrilling scenes before the final couple chapters.

I would’ve enjoyed this book far more

The pace was slow.

The main character felt one dimensional. She’s investigating this murder of her friend, but we barely get to see what she’s actually thinking.

The only truly interesting character was the murderer. I wish the entire book had been written from his perspective, because I only found myself excited to turn the page during his few chapters.

This reminds me a little of a very disgusting and disturbing episode of Supernatural, where Jared is captured and the demon who captured him is auctioning off parts to the highest bidder. I believe there was an episode of SVU that worked similarly to this story. In any case, Hear her Scream is a fresh take on this horrifically frightening thought of being killed based upon the whims and wishes of the highest bidder and through a live stream. It's especially psychologically horrifying to consider that other people are watching you be murdered and not only not doing anything to stop it, but also actively participating in your murder....Chills.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't was to see what the author comes up with next.

I let a friend's daughter pick me a book to readfrom my NetGalley TBR and she picked thus , so glad she did , it has everything in it I needed,
Serial killer ✅️
True crime podcast ✅️
Murder ✅️
The black web ✅️,
Need I say more.

Who really killed Jodi Connelly? After years of running from her past, Valencia decides she wants to take the lead on telling Jodi’s story for the podcast she works for. Small town corruption, a determined friend and a troubled past all come together in Hear Her Scream. Dylan H. Jones did a great job using words to play out a movie in my head as I read the book.

If I were rating this book on story as well as mistakes I would have given it a one star.
This book had the most errors in writing than probably any other book I’ve read on Netgalley.

Now, having said that, this story was a decent story and kept my interest. There were times when the story felt slow and I had trouble picking it back up but if I just stayed with it , it would get interesting again.

Wasn’t a favorite of mine but I would try this author again.

Here Her Scream was a good story, I did enjoy the suspense it stirred. It wasn’t quite the read for me - but I do think other fast paced thriller fans will enjoy it.

"Hear Her Scream" by Dylan H. Jones presents a chilling mystery set against the backdrop of a small Welsh village, where secrets lurk behind every corner and danger lies in wait beneath the surface. Jones skillfully crafts a narrative that is rich in atmosphere and suspense, drawing readers into a web of intrigue that unfolds with each turn of the page.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its evocative setting and sense of place. Jones brings the village of Llanfairfawr to life with vivid descriptions and a keen eye for detail, immersing readers in its eerie charm and hidden dangers. The rugged landscape and close-knit community provide a compelling backdrop for the unfolding mystery, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

Moreover, "Hear Her Scream" offers an intriguing cast of characters, each with their own motives and secrets. Jones deftly navigates the tangled relationships and rivalries that exist within the village, creating a sense of tension and suspicion that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The protagonist's journey of discovery is compelling, as she navigates the treacherous waters of small-town politics and uncovers the dark truths hidden beneath the surface.

However, while "Hear Her Scream" excels in creating a tense and atmospheric mystery, some readers may find the pacing to be slow at times. The novel's leisurely buildup may test the patience of readers seeking a more fast-paced or action-packed read. Additionally, the resolution of the mystery may feel somewhat anticlimactic, with certain plot threads left unresolved or unexplored.

Furthermore, the novel's reliance on familiar tropes and conventions of the mystery genre may limit its appeal for readers seeking a more original or innovative story. While "Hear Her Scream" offers plenty of twists and turns, some readers may find themselves longing for a more unique or unexpected narrative.

In conclusion, "Hear Her Scream" by Dylan H. Jones is a compelling mystery that offers a richly atmospheric setting and a cast of intriguing characters. While the novel's slow pacing and familiar tropes may detract from its overall impact for some readers, it remains an engaging read that will appeal to fans of the genre. Overall, "Hear Her Scream" is a solid addition to the canon of Welsh mystery fiction, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the dark heart of a small village and the secrets that lie within.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

Thank you to Netgalley and Joffe Books for this ARC of ‘Hear Her Scream’ by Dylan H. Jones.

Wow this was amazing! Had me hooked from start to finish. I thought the story was well thought out and definitely want to read more from this author.

4.5⭐️

I don’t know why I do this to myself.
I am a chicken.

But I was pulled in by the synopsis and stayed because of the plot.

I enjoyed the book and it left me feeling on edge.
Highly recommend for those who enjoy horror/thriller.

Dylan H. Jones (https://www.dylanjonesauthor.com) is the author of 5 novels. Hear Her Scream was released a few days ago. It is the 18th book I have completed reading in 2024.

Due to scenes of violence and mature language, I categorize this novel as R.

Cyrus Booth, though that is not his real name, is living in Mexico. He is stalking another young woman. Booth attempts to kidnap her, but it gets out of hand, resulting in her death. Reluctantly, he heads back to the US. There will be plenty of young women there.

Booth is a member of the Rebel Angels. It is a twisted religious group, decibels of Lucifer. Booth has made a profitable career of abducting then streaming the murder of women. The dark web is populated with many willing to pay thousands for an exclusive front-row seat.

Valencia Basco is 26 and from Southern California. She is scraping by working as a researcher for a True Crime podcast. Seven years earlier, she had discovered the bloody body of her best friend, Jodi Connelly. Both teens had been working at a summer camp. Basco is returning to the area to research the murder for the podcast. While Clyde Domingo was caught, convicted, and is serving time, new evidence suggests he was not the guilty party. The podcast Basco works for thinks a series on the Connelly murder will be popular.

Near the camp area is a casino run by Native American Kalista Watchman. She also leads her tribal council. Duke Van Doren has been the County Sheriff for nearly 25 years. He was there the night Basco found Jodi. His family has been a power within the County for decades. Private Investigator Memphis Lennon is staying at the Coyote Trail Campsite. Basco fears that her boss has hired Lennon to be her babysitter.

Basco connects with many around the area. The more she looks into the murder, the more she feels that Domingo is innocent. And that the Sheriff has known all along. There are many characters in the story. A web of connections ties them all together. Basco wants to prove Domingo’s innocence, but that means the killer is still at large.

I enjoyed the 9.5 hours I spent reading this 383-page mystery. I enjoyed the plot of this mystery, but I had a hard time with the character of Valencia. In most novels, I find myself liking, or at least connecting with the main character. I did not like the Basco character, and that detracted from my enjoyment of the story. I do like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 3.8 (rounded to 4) out of 5.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).

Years ago while Valencia and her friend Jodi were at a camp retreat, Valencia witnesses her friend Jodi’s murder but can’t remember who or what exactly happened that night. Now, years later, Valencia is working as a Pod Cast developer interested in freeing the man who is in prison for her friend’s murder. Meanwhile a serial killer is on the lose live streaming while murdering women for money and revenge and has his eye on Valencia.

It's interesting, both Amazon and Goodreads have different blurbs about what this book is supposed to be about, and yet neither of them are completely true to what the book actually is. Yes, Valencia's best friend was murdered.

But when Valencia first goes to "investigate" she isn't convinced that he's innocent as the one blurb claims. In fact despite her claims that she doesn't feel strongly one way or the other, the reader gets the immediate feeling that she believes the accused man is exactly where he belongs. Until stories start not adding up. There is also the secondary plot that (thankfully) only touches on other women being murdered and those murders being livestreamed, but to be honest? That doesn't really fit with this narrative either other than to explain how the killer has the money that he does. I will say that despite what the blurb lead me to believe, this one was NOT as gory/explicit as I expected it to be.

Looking at the other blurb, the women murdered weren't all "travel bloggers" nor did they share their travel plans on the internet. In fact one of them was a spur of the moment killing, and the "true crime podcast" wasn't Valencia's. She was supposed to be working as a researcher for a bigger company. However, due to the fact that the more people she spoke to, the more questions were raised, Valencia soon becomes something of an amateur detective simultaneously trying to prove the innocence of one man while trying to bring a guilty man's crimes to light.

Through twisting story-lines that intersect in ways I didn't see coming, Valencia finds herself in a life-or-death game of cat and mouse that were sometimes gripping and other times? Mildly annoying. Mainly because Valencia is a hard character to like. She is relentless in her quest for answers, which might have been endearing if it wasn't for the reckless way she went barreling into situations. She also is a borderline (or maybe slightly over that line) alcoholic, always drinking some form of alcohol even as she swears she doesn't have a problem. At one point she was even idiotic enough to leave her drink unattended on the bar in a casino and then acts surprised when she is drugged.

Another issue I had with her if the fact that she also smokes marijuana a lot, which wouldn't be a problem except, when you're playing a game with such high stakes as life and death wouldn't you want to keep your wits about you? There are also times (mainly when Valencia doesn't get hear way or hears something she doesn't like) acts like a petulant child which was a major turn off for a main character who otherwise comes across as a strong woman.

There were numerous missing words, and other grammatical errors in the copy that I read, but due to it being an advanced copy, I am hoping those things were fixed before the final release as otherwise this was an engaging story (even with some very unlikeable characters that I can't mention without giving away spoilers). I would read more from this author.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this that review are 100% my own.

A serial killer live streaming murders to the highest bidder? Sign me up. The prologue had me hooked and I knew I would have to barrel through this as fast as possible. A stand alone thriller set (mostly) in Northern California. Valencia (although an unlikeable character) is determined to investigate and solve her best friends murder. She has no plan, but she has determination and will pull at every loose thread and shake every tree until she gets her answer. Cyrus Booth, the serial killer, has Valencia in his sights and they keep getting closer to each other. Cyrus knows what he is doing. He is prepared. He follows and learns his victims. Im just saying - be ready for a tumultuous show down!

After reading the synopsis for this book, I thought it was going to be all about a serial killer streaming live murders, with the method of torture/death being decided by the highest online bidder. This was not the case, and was so much more.

Valencia decides to investigate further, after her best friend was brutally murdered, seven years earlier. She is convinced that the man convicted of the murder, is innocent, and attempts to dig for the truth.

We meet several possible suspects, and the story, was a complete guessing game throughout. The author weaves a twisty, psychological thriller, with some great characters, though initially I didn’t really like Valencia but the girl was like a dog with a bone, and was fearless and consistent in her investigation.

This turned out to be a really good, well thought out story, which had me gripped throughout. Highly recommended, and looking forward to reading more from this author.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me this free ARC, which I leave my review voluntarily.

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Hear Her Scream, a stand-alone thriller set mostly in Northern California.

Seven years ago Valencia found her best friend Jodi’s murdered body in the woods at a summer camp. She has no memory of the surrounding events and has decided to use her job at a podcast to investigate and perhaps exonerate the man convicted for the murder.

It took me days to get through Hear Me Scream as it didn’t hold my attention. This is due, I think, to two main reasons, one Valencia is unlikeable, too sure of herself and rude about it and secondly the narrative switches from one point of view to another making for a choppy read and offering so many opportunities to put it down.

The novel follows Valencia as she investigates Jodi’s murder. She doesn’t appear to have a plan, instead she picks at any loose thread she can find and there aren’t many as nobody is talking. She seems to hope that this will unlock her memories of that night and it works as snippets gradually come to light. At the same time serial killer Cyrus Booth, a man who kills to order from the highest bidder, is edging closer to Valencia. There are secrets to be revealed and a violent showdown, but I couldn’t muster up the enthusiasm to get excited.

Hear Her Scream has all the elements of a good thriller, it simply didn’t appeal to me.