to be honest this was an OK book. It wasn't amazing and the main character was quite unlikeable but it was an easy read. it lacked a little depth for my taste.

DNF at 50%

Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me the FMC was extremely unlikeable and her dialogue was hateful and cringe.
At first, I was gripped and was excited to see where this one went. However, the FMCs blatant dislike for white males was a bit off putting for me. Never once could readers forget that she was a marginalized woman of color, being bullied by every white male she comes across. As a woman of color myself, I get what the author was trying to convey, but after a while it just felt forced.
In addition to that, some of her actions to be outlandish and brash.

Not an enjoyable read for me, but maybe I'll give this author another try.

The Murder Club features FBI Agent Susan Parker, who delves into a case involving the murders of several prominent community members linked by a secretive club. As she uncovers layers of conspiracy involving power, wealth, and corruption, the personal stakes rise, threatening her career and life. Sam Baron crafts a taut thriller with a complex protagonist, challenging readers to solve the mystery alongside her as the suspense builds to a shocking conclusion.

While "The Murder Club" is the second book in the FBI Susan Parker series, I had not read the previous book, but it worked as a stand-alone. Now, a third book is scheduled to be released, and I have the first on my TBR. The story was fast-paced and kept me on my toes.

Throughout the book, you follow from the perspective of Susan Parker, who is a compelling character, but throughout the book, there is a lack of overall growth. With it being a thriller, this can be acceptable, but there was little else. Without having read the previous installment in the series, it felt like her husband's death was briefly touched on, and the mystery was there since it was technically unsolved, but we only got a little taste. It would've been excellent for further developing that larger story instead of leaving it to feel like an afterthought.

Parker's team was great. At times, it felt like they were playing a role on CSI or any other crime TV show. But for what it was, it was great. The representation of the characters was also well done.

The structure of the story felt very natural and was well-paced. Ultimately, the concept of having everything happen "in real time" with the story was exciting and intrigued me enough to stay on the lookout for the third book. There was some disjointedness when the perspective shifted from the Clothesline Killer to Susan. Some chapters felt misplaced and would have worked better if the timing had been closely observed. It wasn't enough to bother me while reading; instead, it was just an aspect that I noted.

Overall, I immensely enjoyed The Murder Club by Sam Baron. The concept was interesting and left the reader on a cliffhanger. The twists and turns throughout the story made me gasp and outraged. It's an excellent thriller for anyone looking for something fast-paced with a good storyline and strong character personalities.

**While this book can be read as a standalone. I recommend that you read the first book in the series The Therapy Room first.**
*** I received this as an arc from NetGalley so thank you NetGalley this in no way impacts my opinion or review.***

FBI Agent Susan Parker's leisurely afternoon with her daughter turns into a murder investigation when she's called to the scene of a wealthy man's death. She discovers he was part of a sinister club obsessed with a serial killer known as the 'Clothesline killer', who targets single mothers. As Susan delves deeper, she teams up with a local pizza delivery girl who has been investigating the cases independently. Together, they uncover a chilling trail of clues leading to forgotten victims. As the killer targets another club member, Susan finds herself in his crosshairs, racing against time to stop him before her family becomes his next victims.

Overall rating: 3.8

Rating breakdown:
1. **Plot and Storytelling:** 4/5 While there were moments that didn't fully captivate me, overall, it was engaging, enjoyable, and well crafted.

2. **Characterization:** 3/5 The characters felt believable with their strengths and flaws, but I was disappointed by the lack of growth or development throughout the book.

3. **Writing Style:** 5/5 Sam Baron's writing style impressed me, earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5. The narrative flowed smoothly with a well-planned pace, keeping me entertained throughout. I'll be seeking out more of his work.

4. **Originality:** 3/5 While the story of a police procedural chasing a serial killer had some interesting elements, it didn't feel particularly unique, especially compared to the first book in the series.

5. **Emotional Impact and Resolution:** 4/5 This book kept me engaged and guessing, earning a 4 out of 5. Although the resolution wasn't entirely to my liking, it was satisfying overall, leaving me curious about the next steps in the series.

Would I buy this book? Yes although I did receive it as an arc it is available on KU and I highly recommend that you check it out.

If you enjoyed this book, I recommend checking out "The Therapy Room" by Sam Baron, the first book in this series. If you're looking for a new series, "The Third to Die" by Allison Brennan is a gripping thriller with strong character development, compelling plotting, and a solid police component.

I love me some thrillers - especially based on police or FBI characters. Unfortunately- this is one you can probably skip.

I thought it was pretty interesting at first and really did bring me in fairly quickly - but then the writing somewhat lost me. I did like how it was somewhat based on profiling but it quickly lost that.

I’d say the thing that bothered me the absolute most about the book - is how it literally ends on an insane cliffhanger and then says “order the next book”. Don’t get me wrong I’m ALL for good cliff hangers in series - but this really rubbed me the wrong way..

It also continuously directly mentions a plot line of a previous book - I mean like 20+ times.

Overall rating - 2.5/5

This is ONE OF THE BEST thriller/mystery books I’ve ever read!! I was on my toes from the very beginning, nothing went how I expected it to either! Very amazing, definitely recommend!!

Sam Baron delivered another scintillating crime thriller with THE MURDER CLUB. In my opinion, this author combines great pacing and a writing style that suits this genre to perfection. Just as it was for THE THERAPY ROOM, I was unable to put this one down once I started reading it.

While it is entirely possible to read and enjoy this book as a standalone, I do recommend that you start at the beginning of the series.

In THE MURDER CLUB, it's not local law enforcement - or even the FBI - who discovers that Santa Carina Valley is the hunting ground of a serial killer - it's a group of billionaires! This "murder club" somehow managed to identify and stalk a serial killer by hacking into the killer's camera network. The problem is - well, the killer knows. And now he's coming for them.

What made this book in particular so thrilling to me is that Sam Baron used factual information regarding serial killers to flesh out the methodology of this case, as well as the behavior of the killer. I'm telling you - after the first few chapters, I moved to a chair that was in a corner of the room so my back was to the wall. I also went and checked my shower head. Thoroughly.

I felt this one was would be better than it was, given who it is written by. I also didn't realize this is a part of a series before requesting it as an ARC on Netgalley. I haven't read the first one, but feel I should have before reading this one - not because this one can't be a standalone, but because that's just how I am. The story is pretty fast paced and keeps you on your toes guessing what's going to happen next.. though some of it was predictable. The characters, for the most part, were enjoyable and the plot is pretty neat. This book is very violent, so if that's a trigger for you, steer clear of this one. I did find a handful of grammatical errors and also places where words are missing.

The Murder Club by Sam Baron the second book in the FBI Agent Susan Parker series due to be published April 22nd 2024 by storm publishing.
I have not read the first book but I will be going back to do so as soon as I can. I just love a good FBI series. FBI Agent Susan Parker's fun afternoon go-karting with her daughter is interrupted when she's called to the crime scene of a wealthy local man murdered in his home. As she delves into his life, she discovers the man belonged to an exclusive yet sinister Murder Club obsessed with the mysterious Clothesline killer. The previous victims were all single mothers being investigated for suspected neglect who bore the same chilling hallmark - each was strangled in her bed at night by a masked figure. I was a bit worried after reading a few of the reviews but I brushed them off and dove right in and I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait to read more into this series!

Sadly, this book wasn't for me.
I did like the very investigative vibe the book had and the way it dealt with all of the police and FBI politics, but the case itself wasn't as gripping as I had hoped going into the book. Also, the main character wasn't that relatable or likeable, which didn't help because I didn't find myself rooting for her at all, and the way she handled things as a cop had me scratching my head at times to figure out why she would think that was a smart idea.
What I will say, is that Natalie and Lata were some of the most likeable characters in the book, and if the book had focused on them a bit more I would've liked the book much more.
All in all, I probably won't recommend this book to my friends and audience, but I don't regret reading this book either.

This is book 2 in a series. I enjoyed book one but book two fell a little flat. This series follows FBI agent Susan Parker. She is still reeling from the death of her husband in this book. Since his death is still unsolved I was hoping this book would solve it. The storyline in this book was fast paced. Even though this is book two it could be read as a standalone.

Fun, well as fun as murder can be, and quite an adventure to go on. I enjoyed every minute of it and would recommend anyone branching out from the mainstay names try this author out.

I did not read the first book in this series so the characters were all new to me. Based on this read, it probably would have helped to read the first book in the series.

The Murder Club is a fast-paced crime thriller. A serial killer is on the loose, and FBI agent Susan Parker leads a cast of diverse agents to try and find the suspect known as the “clothesline killer.” This killer is known for brutally strangling single mothers in their own home while their children sleep. What adds to this disgusting criminal is a set of billionaires that for their own sick purpose are tracking and watching live video of the killer committing the murders.

The plot is decent but tends to drag. You also must suspend realism regarding procedures for crime investigations. It was tiring to read umpteen descriptions of Parker as a person of color. Turns out it didn’t matter what her ethnic background was as it had no bearing on the story.

It was engaging, especially the climactic ending. Another sequel is in the works but I’ll pass. I give it 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.


My thanks to NetGalley. The author and publisher for the opportunity to review an advanced digital copy of this book. I attest this review is my own original work.

Once I turned a couple of pages couldn’t put it down.

Susan Parker is down to earth FBI but with a high profile history which follows her around. Finding a millionaire strangled is one thing, but finding eight cases of strangled single mothers, ignored by the local detectives is another. Finding similarities and weaving the strands together brings Susan closer to uncovering the killer and exposing herself and her little family to an audacious killer.

The modus operandi of the killer was slick and meticulously planned. Susan was up against a rich cartel of businessman who didn’t want their hobby of watching and tracking a serial killer do his job, go public. They threw everything at Susan to get her to stop investigating The Millionaires Club, intimidating her and even throwing her into jail. Nothing could stop her.

This was a murder/thriller of the highest quality. The writing was inviting, but matter of fact.

She walked through the cabin, across the gleaming hardwood floor, past the beautiful fireplace and luxury kitchen. The view overlooking the lake was breathtaking until she stepped outside and saw the lifeless body in the chair – a silk scarf wrapped tightly around his throat, his gray eyes wide open.
FBI Agent Susan Parker’s fun afternoon go-karting with her daughter is interrupted when she’s called to the crime scene of a wealthy local man murdered in his home.
As she delves into his life, she discovers the man belonged to an exclusive yet sinister Murder Club obsessed with the mysterious ‘Clothesline killer.’ The previous victims were all single mothers being investigated for suspected neglect who bore the same chilling hallmark – each was strangled in her bed at night by a masked figure.
But the Murder Club aren’t the only ones who have been tracking his every move…
A local pizza delivery girl has been closely following the cases and building her own investigative report. Though dismissed as isolated crimes before, Susan unravels a shocking trail of clues from the girl’s scrapbook that lead to the forgotten women and orphaned children left in the killer’s wake.
Then another member of the club is found dead in his ranch house.
Determined to silence those who get in his way, and with his sights now set on Susan, can she stop him before she and her family fall prey to this elusive killer?
This is a fast-paced story with some good twists and a good plot. The characters were likable and the author had a great writing style. The captivating story was hard to put down until the very end of the book and the bad guy finally got the punishment that he deserved. If you like mysteries about FBI agents, then you will love this book.

Wow! What an amazing rollercoaster of a read this was! Thrilling. Gripping. Transporting. SO deserving of all the superlatives! Just wonderful. Very highly recommend this stunning book and this wonderful author to everyone!

This was a new author & new series for me. The premise was so interesting, but the execution was not good. The main female character was supposed to be the special agent in charge, but she comes off as immature and impulsive. She's very unlikeable. The other characters feel like stereotypes, even down to the way their dialogue was written. In fact, some of that bordered on offensive.

Despite all of the major flaws, I did think the story was intriguing. Hopefully this author finds their voice, or at least gets a better editor, and has more success in the future.

2.5 stars rounded to 3.0 stars

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This book and the FMC were insufferable.
Every other sentence from Sam, the FMC, was about inclusivity and hating men. She also did some dumb things I don’t think real life detectives would do. The story was twisty and violent, which I didn’t mind but really it was the FMC that I didn’t enjoy.

Even better than the first, this one hooks you from the beginning. Susan is a great character. The entire cast of characters are interesting. The mystery is full of suspense. I didn't see the end coming. And it left me wanting the next book. Always a sign of a great series!

Many thanks to the author, Storm Publishing and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
I really wanted to like this book, but some of the content put me off. The main character, Susan Parker, focused too much on being a "marginalized woman of color". She focused too much on hating her Caucasian boss than focusing on her case. A plot should focus on solving crimes, not on hating men or playing the victim. or even being inclusive.
There are many five star reviews, so please read them if you are interested in this book. Not every book is a good match for everyone.