Member Reviews

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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#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.

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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.

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I am a huge fan of Allison Brennan and this latest book does not disappoint. Two people were murdered—at the exact same time, in the same gruesome manner, covered in 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 the link between the two, and why were they targeted.

Their search uncovers more questions than answers until they meet Riley Pierce, the only person still alive who might be able to help them find the killers. They soon discover that the victims are all connected by Havenwood, a community run by a demented leader and killer.

Once Havenwood is located, then the agents must try to take it over with the least ammount of loss of life possible and while not endangering themselves. I love this series and these characters.

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See How They Hide is a very intense, atmospheric thriller. In true Allison Brennan style, there is mystery, murder, family drama, government politics, and romance. The characters are finely developed and become very familiar as the story moves forward. Easily read as a standalone or as part of the ongoing Quinn and Costa series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.

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This story took some time to get in to.

I’m not one who generally likes “cult” stories so the starting of this book was a bit difficult for me to keep reading.

About 30% into the book things shifted and I started
enjoying the story. I love Kara because she’s a tough chick who fights for what she believes in. And I love Matt and Kara’s story.
Even the secondary characters are awesome and will grab ya with their story.

This is book 5 in the Kara Quinn & Matt Costa series.

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See How they Hide is the sixth in the Costa & Quinn FBI series. I have previously read four in the series and enjoyed all. This one is by far the best .
Multiple murders occur in different parts of the country at the same time All by the same means and with red poppies at the scene. Follow the twists in the search for the killers. The story will peak your interest and keep you reading for hours.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin books for the opportunity to read this entertaining book.

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The FBI Mobile Response Team is tasked with investigating identical murders on opposite sides of the country. Can Kara and Matt persuade the one person who knows who’s behind the killings to help them before the body count rises?

Allison Brennan delivers another skillfully crafted thriller with See How They Hide, book #6 in the Quinn & Costa series. She does an excellent job of bringing the story to life with complex characters and a storyline that captivates you from start to finish. I didn’t want to put it down!

The only minor (and I mean very minor) drawback for me was that there were a lot of names to keep straight outside of the regular cast of characters. But I’m one of those people who will forget your name the instant you tell me it, so it’s probably more of a me problem. It didn’t detract from the story in any way. I just had to use a little extra brainpower to remember who was who.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Two people are murdered in the same manner and at the same time, both covered in red poppies, on opposite sides of the country. Detective Kara Quinn is investigating in Oregon and Special Agent Matt Costa is investigating in Virginia. Their teams are both trying to uncover the link between the two cases. The search reveals more questions than answers until they discover Riley Pierce, the only person still alive that may be able to help them find the connection between the two cases. The investigation all leads back to a place called Havenwood. Will Kara, Matt, and the rest of the team be able to piece together all the details of Havenwood and its leader before it’s too late?

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.

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Wow what a page turner! Kara and Matt and the Team are having to deal with several murders across the country that appear to be connected and they have to figure out how.

AS always, Allison Brennan characters are complex with people you love and love to hate. You can't help but feel like you're there right in the middle of the investigation.

The ending is what really got me, as a fan of the Quinn and Costa series. I was blown away and happy to see how they have all grown and developed throughout the series.

Keep them coming.

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Wonderfully suspenseful! I enjoyed the storyline, characters and the fact that the story kept me stumped until the end. Allison Brennan never fails me, when I want a good Thriller!!

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