Member Reviews
thank you netgalley for the e-arc. i enjoyed where the story ended up and the pace was quick enough to keep engaged. i think i would have liked this more if i read the previous books in the series first.
Two victims, separated by thousands of miles, share a chilling connection. The methods and signatures of their murders bear a striking resemblance, hinting at an unlikely but possible link between these heinous crimes. As Detective Kara Quinn and Special Agent Matt Costa embark on an intense search for the perpetrator, they soon discover that this may not be a solitary act but a coordinated effort involving multiple individuals.
Kara, while primarily focused on the case they are investigating, can’t help but reflect on the depth of Matt’s understanding of her. By the same token, Matt can’t help but think of how fortunate he is to have Kara in his life, both professionally and personally. But again, the focus is on the case and the fact that they are both doing their best to try to prevent any further murders from happening.
Then there is something that is really strange as the case takes a different direction. There is a community called Havenwood, which in all essence is part of a small group of people that could essentially be called a cult. So how do these murders and Havenwood connect? And why they try to figure this out, Cara and Matt try to help innocent victims that are part of this unusual community. Thankfully, they meet Riley Pierce, and she has a link to Havenwood that might help them to break the case.
Allison Brennan’s latest book in her captivating series is a thrilling read. With its numerous twists and unexpected turns, the story keeps you engaged from beginning to end, leading to a riveting and satisfying conclusion.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Very well written psychological thriller! I enjoyed the juxtaposition of the main characters different approaches to the case as well. I don’t know if I’ll be continuing the series overall, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Definitely recommend giving it a read if you like murder mysteries that keep the tension high to the very last page!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my review!
Thank you netgalley and the publishers for the ARC of this book. This is one of my most anticipated reads of the new year. The book was filled with character development and plot development that I love. The book had elements of suspense that kept the story flowing and I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
I have been a big fan of other Allison Brennan Quinn and Costa books but from early on I had a feeling that this case covered a topic I am not really a fan of. I did read on to find out if I was right, and ... I was. Other than that, I do enjoy the vibe of these procedurals and will be happy to read other books in the series!
Since this is more a "me" issue I am bumping my rating up!
𐙚 Cult Intrigue
𐙚 Partners in Danger
𐙚 Psychological Thriller
See How They Hide by Allison Brennan is another installment in the Quinn & Costa Thriller series. FBI agents Kara Quinn and Matt Costa investigate two eerily identical murders across the country, uncovering ties to a dangerous cult and a key witness, Riley Pierce, whose survival holds the case together. This was a high-stakes suspense that showcased Kara’s daring risk-taking against Matt’s steady, by-the-book approach. This book is perfect for fans of psychological thrillers and crime procedurals.
Rating: ✰✰✰ /5
Thank you for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. ・❥・
I am a huge fan of the Quinn and Costa series and this latest edition does not disappoint! Ms. Brennan always keeps me guessing and it is impossible to put the book down once I pick it up. Hence, I try to start at the beginning of a weekend or I may have to call in sick to work just to finish it!
I have read several books by Allison Brennan, one of them being a Kara Quinn and Matt Costa book. Allison Brennan is slowly becoming one of my go-to authors, I enjoy these characters a lot!
Years ago, I read my first Allison Brennan book, I think it was one of her first. After that book, she moved to my auto-buy list with her unique voice and strong suspense stories. The seven sins series was a personal favorite. Since then, some of the books have faltered and I lost interest a bit. However, this book reminded me of why I enjoyed Allison’s book in the first place.
The characters were complex but flawed. Kara and Matt compliment each other with her being the risk taker and him being more by the book. That makes them stronger both as feds and as a couple. I like how Riley was able to see more and show it in her picture of the pair. Kara also does an amazing job of connecting with Riley because she was honest with her and not afraid to show who she really was with her flaws.
The mystery was super with suspense and intrigue and a complex puzzle to follow. From the first murder to the cult, the action did not let up. We followed the feds as they uncovered clues in tie the “random” murders together. The flashbacks, while sparse, helped with understanding the motivations of the cult members and helped me see where everything went wrong. Again, let me jump to Riley’s sketch of how she drew the woman in charge of the cult both beautiful and ugly. I think that centered the whole story at least for Riley. She loved her previous home but saw the ugly underneath and in the end her vision would come to pass.
The ending was fitting and Riley’s part in it spectacular. I couldn’t help but wish Cal, her first love, would have come back to help her but in the end Riley learning to stand tall on her own feet was a satisfying conclusion. Before I finish, I hope this series continues but continues with the same amazing story we were brought in this book. There is one small with this book, it will be hard to find a good one to follow for my next read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Intriguing Crime Drives Solid Series Continuation. This is one of those FBI tales where the crime at hand really drives this particular story, even as Brennan expertly weaves the relationships between her team forward even throughout the investigation. Showing each teammate at their best - but also showing that they are not superhuman by any stretch of the imagination - this particular story is at its best when its villains are at their creepiest.
And yes, the crime at hand is particularly creepy on its face... which Brennan then spins into its own breathtaking and heart rending sub plot.
I wouldn't *start* reading the series here, mostly due to the relationships between the teammates, but the crime itself isn't tied to any prior tales, so it also isn't a "you absolutely cannot start reading the series with this book". So whether you're new to this series intrigued by its premise and *want* to start here or whether you're a long time fan of it, you're going to have a good time with this book. Just be warned that there *are* situations that will make some uncomfortable here. Read the book anyway, and hopefully make such situations a touch easier from having dealt with them in the safety of fiction.
Very much recommended.
Detective Kara Quinn in Oregon and FBI Special Agent Matt Costa in Virginia have a mystery on their hands- two people murdered in the same way and covered with rose petals. It turns out the two are linked by Havenwood, a mysterious and, as it turns out, dark place. While the mystery is good this likely will be most appreciated by those who have been following along in the series as there isn't much backstory given and there are a lot of characters, not only on the Mobile Response Team but also associated with Havenwood. Thanks to the publisher for the ArC. No spoilers from me.
New book with favorite characters - Yes!
Family cult - Yes!
Nothing sweeter than the combining two favorites into one book to make an afternoon of nothing getting done but reading! I love how the author does such a good job of balancing the thriller aspects of the story along with continued character development and growth. The multiple murder plot was well thought out and unique and added a great sense of confusion to the story. Piecing all the puzzle parts together showed what a strong team the MRT is and how well they work together. There were also a few new characters I would love to see pop up in future stories.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
The Mobile Response Team is back, and they hit the ground running from the first pages of this new case. Two bodies have been found covered in poppies, but they’re found I’m different states. The investigation leads Matt, Kara, and team to a cult-like commune, and their one witness who got out may have to go back in to save everyone. This latest installment to Quinn and Costa series is definitely not a standalone, the case is so fast paced that there’s no room for character development. The team is who they are and when they’re in danger, the love that readers have built up for them throughout the series causes the anxiety. As always, Brennan offers multiple perspectives, including the cult members and the witness, so readers get a well-rounded view of the story. This is a must read for series regulars, but it’s not recommended as a first foray into these characters. Start from the beginning and work your way to this one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The latest case for the Mobile Response Team with Detective Kara Quinn and Special Agent Matt Costa is a 2 coast baffling murder mystery stretching from Virginia to Oregon. Individuals are being murdered and their bodies covered with red poppies. It’s a difficult case and only one person, Riley Pierce, might be able to provide them with possible answers. But not only is Riley’s life in danger, so are members of the team with answers in short supply. What is this strange community of Havenwood and its cult leader that’s drawing them to a hopeful resolution and end to senseless deaths. As always the author's characters are fascinating, from the team members, to Rileywith her background, to the cult members willing to commit murder to silence individuals. Once again Brennan offers a great mystery and suspense story and the 6th book of the Quinn and Costa series is a definite A+. Thank you NetGalley and Harlquin Trade for this ARC.
I almost always enjoy a cult story. This was no exception. I really appreciated how this one gave a lot of context and backstory to the cult instead of leaving it to the reader to conjure something up as most books do. I loved the backstory, flashbacks, and how the author tied everything together. That being said, it is definitely a slower paced novel. It took me quite a while to get into it. I was invested in Kara and Riley, but the other POVs seemed mostly forgettable.
See How They Hide
by Allison Brennan
Pub Date: Jan 7, 2025
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
No matter how far you run, some pasts never let you go…
Two people were murdered—at the exact same time, in the same gruesome manner, bodies covered in the same red poppies…but on opposite sides of the country.
With Detective Kara Quinn investigating in Oregon and Special Agent Matt Costa in Virginia, the Mobile Response Team digs deep to uncover more about each victim. What is the link between the two, and why were they targeted?
Yet their search unearths more questions than answers—until they meet Riley Pierce, the only person still alive who might be able to help them find the killers.
Allison Brennan brings us another stunning addition to the Quinn and Costa series. Brennan delivers many twists and turns throughout the story. My jaw dropped a few times at some of the twists. I was completely fascinated by the story of Havenwood as it unfolded throughout the pages of the book. I highly recommend this series to anyone that enjoys suspense and thrillers. I give this one 4/5 stars.
Number 6 in this series shows that this series is not slowing down and continues to be incredibly exciting! Five stars for this thriller that was not what I expected.
The Mobile Response Team is back and investigating two deaths that happened many states apart, but seem to be connected.
The case in this story is very intense. The team finds a witness - Riley Pierce - and they slowly begin to unravel a story with many twists at every turn. It leads them to a place called Havenwood, and it holds many secrets.
I love the Quinn and Costa series! Every character is featured here, and I truly enjoy spending time with them. Detective Kara Quinn and Special Agent Matt Costa are two of my favorites! This story was intense at times, with a terrific ending. The team continues to grow together, and I’m looking forward to more. This installment was fast-paced and so well plotted that the pages practically turned themselves.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and MIRA Books for the opportunity to read this one! I am so hooked on this series, and now I have to wait for more. This one releases on January 7th, 2025. This gives you plenty of time to catch up on this series. I highly recommend it!
Murders are happening across the country. The crime scenes are alike so they appear to be connected, but how. If the authorities can figure out how the victims are tied together they may be able to stop more deaths. It doesn’t take long to figure out who is ordering the murders but finding that person is a real challenge. Full of suspense and betrayal this book will catch your interest and keep you engaged until the end. Altho this book is part of a series it could easily be read as a stand alone. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
#SeeHowTheyHide #NetGalley
Wowsome!!!
See How They Hide, the sixth book in the Quinn & Costa series by Allison Brennan, is a captivating thriller that blends mystery, suspense, and chilling twists. This time, FBI Agent Matt Costa and Detective Kara Quinn are faced with a perplexing case: two people murdered in identical, ritualistic fashion, yet separated by thousands of miles. With one murder in Oregon and the other in Virginia, the team is quickly drawn into a complex investigation that leads them to a mysterious community with a dark history—Havenwood.
Likes:
1 Complex Dual Investigation: The bi-coastal investigation adds tension and urgency, with each character facing unique challenges on their respective sides. This narrative device keeps the story dynamic and emphasizes the eerie connections between the murders.
2 Strong Protagonists: Brennan continues to develop Kara Quinn and Matt Costa as well-rounded, believable characters. Their distinct personalities and individual approaches to solving cases add layers to the plot, and their chemistry keeps readers invested.
Dislikes :- ( negligible )
1 Secondary Characters: While Kara and Matt are well-developed, some of the secondary characters, especially those connected to Havenwood, could have benefited from more backstory. This would have added to the overall impact of the mystery and made certain revelations more compelling.
Overall :- See How They Hide is an intense and atmospheric thriller that will satisfy fans of the series and newcomers alike. Allison Brennan expertly crafts a mystery that spans states and weaves together haunting themes of community secrets and the persistence of the past.
Go for it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for giving me an advance copy.
So to start I really enjoyed the 3 other Quinn and Costa books that I have read so far and I really enjoyed the Regan Merritt series as well. The premise for this one was really interesting and I thought the manner of death for all the victims was interesting as well. I personally don’t enjoy when I know who the antagonist is from the start of the book and I can’t help getting frustrated at the team of Quinn & Costa when they aren’t figuring it out fast enough for me since I already know so there isn’t any suspense. I like to figure out who the killers are with the investigators. I do enjoy her writing and I can’t wait to read the next one.
Thanks to Mira and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.