Heartless crimes by Michael Hambling.
Detective Sophie Allen Book 13.
I did like the cover of this book. I did enjoy this book. I am enjoying this series. I did like the short chapters. I read in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. Twisty and gripping. I did enjoy this book. I do hope there is more to come. Recommend.

The Compound is a story that explores the horrifying theme of human trafficking, a practice which very much persists into the present day.

The story telling is atmospheric, yet does not always maintain an even pace. As a result, there is a sense of suspense, but it is not always effectively sustained throughout.

This book may be a good starting point for those who are relatively new to the issue, but it felt as though it promised more than was ultimately delivered.

Thanks Netgalley for the free ARC! So, unfortunately, I lost interest almost immediately with this story. I tried to give it a fair shot to leave a thoughtful review, but I just found the storyline tacky and couldn’t continue. I have read this author before and was impressed, so I do recommend this author but not this book.

Overall a decent thriller. Atmospheric and suspenseful. A lot of red herrings and kept me on the edge of my seat

Robin Mahle delivers a chilling and unrelenting thriller with The Compound, a story that dives into the harrowing world of human trafficking. This novel grips readers with its intense subject matter and keeps them on edge with its masterful twists and turns, ensuring that neither they nor the protagonist can fully trust anyone.

Mahle’s writing shines in its ability to tackle a dark and disturbing topic with both sensitivity and gripping detail. The narrative exposes the grim realities of human trafficking without becoming exploitative, balancing suspense with moments of emotional resonance. This balance is crucial, allowing the reader to stay immersed in the story while reflecting on the broader implications of its themes.

The constant air of suspicion is one of the book’s strongest elements. Mahle’s talent for crafting unpredictable plotlines ensures that the story remains unpredictable, with loyalties shifting and danger lurking around every corner. This uncertainty mirrors the protagonist’s plight, deepening the reader’s connection to their journey.

Mahle’s pacing is relentless, pulling the reader through a labyrinth of deception and peril. The main character’s struggles to determine who to trust add to the intensity, creating a deeply immersive experience. The stakes feel real and immediate, making this a thriller that lingers long after the final page.

Verdict: The Compound is a gripping and deeply unsettling thriller that masterfully explores the horrors of human trafficking. Robin Mahle’s sharp writing and unpredictable plotting make this a must-read for fans of dark, thought-provoking suspense.

*The Compound* by Robin Mahle promised a thrilling, suspense-filled plot, but unfortunately, it didn’t deliver on that front. While the premise had a lot of potential, the execution left much to be desired.

The pacing was slow and lacked the tension one might expect from a psychological thriller. Instead of gradually building suspense, the story felt flat and predictable. The characters didn’t feel fleshed out enough, and their motivations often seemed unclear or underdeveloped, making it hard to connect with them or care about the stakes.

The twist, which should have been the story’s big payoff, fell flat. It didn’t feel surprising or earned, and the resolution came across as somewhat contrived. While the writing was competent, it didn’t elevate the story to the level of suspense I was hoping for.

Overall, *The Compound* just didn’t live up to the hype. It might appeal to readers looking for a more straightforward, less intense read, but for those craving real thrills, it’s likely to feel lackluster.

The Compound by Robin Mahle is the second book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed the way she writes. This book was a fast-paced creepy psychological thriller, full of twists and turns throughout with some good red herrings, that will have you turning your pages to your kindle quickly to find out what happens next.

I found this book a very good read and entertaining I highly recommend this book especially the way it started and I highly recommend it,

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC.

Twenty years after escaping a horrific event that left her family dead in a fire and her brother brutally killed, a woman returns to her small Iowa hometown to confront her haunted past. As she delves into the memories of that terrifying night and the man who vowed revenge, she realizes her return may be her biggest mistake yet. Secrets long buried resurface, and danger looms as she faces the echoes of her family's tragedy.
This book was an engaging read with an intriguing storyline that kept me hooked. While the beginning felt a bit slow, the pacing improved as the narrative progressed, drawing me deeper into the mystery. The author skillfully included multiple red herrings, keeping me guessing about the true culprit and motives until the very end.
What truly stood out was the final twist, which was entirely unexpected and elevated the overall reading experience. The suspense built steadily, with well-placed clues and misdirections that kept me on edge. While some sections could have been tighter, the payoff was well worth the wait.

Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this eCopy to review

I recently finished reading The Compound by Robin Mahle, and it was quite an intense experience. The story follows a woman who, twenty years after escaping a horrific event involving a dangerous cult, returns to her hometown. The memories of that night come rushing back as she faces unresolved trauma and new threats.

The plot kicks off with a gripping scene where Kylie is fleeing from a burning house, leaving behind her family who are trapped inside. The terror of that night has haunted her ever since. Now, as she returns to the place where it all happened, Kylie finds herself entangled in a web of suspense and danger once again.

The Compound delivers a decent thriller experience with a shocking final twist.

The Compound by Robin Mahle is a suspenseful thriller following a woman 20 years after she escapes from a cult who reluctantly returns close to home for a location movie filming.
The job pays well, and it’s her chance to move up in the industry. No one knows who she really is except for her Aunt who took her in at 13 yrs old and her Aunt didn’t want her to return to that horrible place.
It’s been 20 years, she can handle being just outside where her entire family was brutally murdered for a few weeks. Right? Everyone from that time was either in jail or died so she has nothing to fear going back for a short time for a job. Little does she know that she hasn’t escaped the cult completely after all this time and strange things happen after she returns.

Is she going mad?
Is there a copycat killer?
Or
Did someone from her past survive that horrific night, know who she is, and want revenge?

-Multiple POV
-Cult survivor
-Hidden Identity
-Small town
-PTSD
-Copycat Murders
-Flashbacks
-Family Massacre
-Trust no one
-Haunting past

This book kept me guessing, and the culprit was a surprise as well as the ending. It was a quick read and overall I did enjoy it.

Netgalley and the publisher Joffe Books gave me an ARC of this book before its release in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so tense, it pulled me in right away, the danger and suspense was so gripping and the twists surprised me.

The Compound by Robin Mahle is a mystery/thriller about a young woman who survived, when the rest of her family perished.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Joffe Books, and the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

  
My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
New Hope Compound was Kylie's home twenty years ago, when her family was murdered.  No one knows she survived.  Her Aunt Grace came and got her, raising her, and keeping her safe.

But Kylie is back in that Iowa town.  She and her boyfriend Jesse are working together on a new film.  He doesn't know about her past, and she doesn't know how to tell him.  As the Lead Production Assistant for the film, she worked her butt off to get this job, and can't jeopardize anything now. She just didn't realize how hard it would be to be back here.  When one of the team is murdered, her nightmare becomes reality.  Someone knows who she is.

Dale Coleman is a local who got hired to help builds sets,  and Kylie is suspicious of him from the start.

Detective Doug Burns recognizes the crime.  Twenty years ago Lucas Shaw was killed in an almost identical way.
 

My Opinions:
This book grabbed me from the first page.  The plot was interesting, and the characters had depth.  I found the pace fast, and the action intense.

 The book is told from multiple perspectives, and different time-lines.  While it could have been confusing since the time-lines were not chronological, it actually flowed very well.

There were a number of twists, a really surprising one at the end.  The end, however, did feel a little rushed.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will watch for more stand-alones from this author.

From the author of her bestselling popular cop procedurals and crime thrillers, Robin Mahle (favorite author) is back following The Man in My Attic and The Chef (part of the Secrets & Suspense Standalone series) with THE COMPOUND.

The past collides with the present in this spine-chilling, terrifying thriller with a jaw-dropping twist and an unstoppable heroine! A film set meets a sinister cult where nothing is as it appears, keeping you on the edge of your seat with every turn of the page.

About...

Kylie, the lead production assistant on her first big-budget movie, is faced with a daunting challenge. The film is set in the small Iowa town she once escaped, a town that holds her tragic past—the past she thought she had left behind.

Now, returning to the scene of the horrific crime. A dangerous cult from twenty years earlier where her family was murdered in front of her eyes. A fire had shut down the compound and its controlling leader.

At thirteen, Kylie barely escaped a dangerous cult, a cult that everyone believed had claimed her life. Her aunt took her to California, where she was raised under a new identity and name. A name that even her boyfriend and colleagues do not associate with her past.

Soon, sinister things begin occurring, and people start turning up dead. Whom can she trust? She must try to protect others from harm and tell Jesse (the cameraman) and her partner the truth.

Is someone back from her past, from New Hope, the dangerous cult with the controlling leader, Lucas? But he is dead. Who is watching out for her?

Is a follower or someone from the past back for revenge or to control her? Have they discovered her true identity and are back to make sure she dies this time, or is it a more sinister evil plan? Was this a setup to get her back here? Who is controlling the narrative?

She escaped once; however, someone from the past is back, and unfortunately, her colleagues are caught up in the crossfires.

Her worst nightmares are coming true. Yet, Kylie is a tough survivor, determined to find out the identity of the serial killer before they find her, where no one is as they appear. The sins of her family have come back to haunt her in ways she cannot imagine, but she is not giving up. She is resilient. She never dreamed of the events that would unfold.

My thoughts...

From the Iowa cornfields to the farmlands, the film set, the strong characters, the past cult, and the multi-layered story from past to present, Robin Mahle captivates you in this haunting, edge-of-your-seat, atmospheric, and creepy thriller that will send shivers down your spine!

Sometimes, our darkest secrets are the hardest ones to leave behind. Twist follows the twist, and nothing is as it seems.

Set against a ticking clock, this haunting and atmospheric thriller pits a ruthless cult from the past against once a daughter, now a woman who will do anything to keep herself safe and those she loves.

A dark, chilling, atmospheric thriller infused with mysterious and flawed characters. The past and present collide in this taut and unpredictable psychological thriller. (combining crime, detective, cop procedural, small rural town, and coming of age). Loved Kylie, Jesse, and Dale.

I have been a huge fan of the author since her Detective Rebecca Ellis series and anxiously await the next in the series. Whether a series or standalone, Mahle masterfully juggles twisty plots, multiple timelines, characters, and storylines for a highly entertaining read. You will enjoy the detectives and FBI agent, the strong main character, and the wicked twist at the end. I also enjoyed how she used the film business as part of the story, which was intriguing.

If you enjoy books about cults and how easily people can manipulate and brainwash others into joining a cult, and sometimes, the victims don’t even realize it. Whether it’s a story about brainwashing, religious movements, or how innocent children can be caught up in their family's decisions or lifestyles, you will enjoy it.

For fans of the movie Waco, its siege, a 51-day standoff between Branch Davidians and federal agents that ended in 1993 when the religious group’s compound near Waco, Texas, was destroyed in a fire. Nearly 80 people were killed.

Recs...

For fans of the author and those who enjoy cult stories, JP Pomare (In the Clearing), Emma Cline (The Girls), Laura McHugh (What's Done in Darkness), Ashley Winstead (The Last Housewife), Heather Gudenkauf (The Overnight Guest-Iowa- The best!), Willow Rose (Find My Girl), and Freida McFadden.

Get this one on your holiday thriller list.

Thanks to Joffe Books and Netgalley for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Dec 10, 2024
Dec 2024 Must-Read Books
Dec Newsletter

I will say this was a thrilling story. Add in a crazy cult with a disaster ending in fire and blood and a survivor on the run, hiding from any other cultists and of course it is going to be exciting. Though if I had been Kylie I would never gone back to the area where it all happened. Kylie actually seems to be fairly well adjusted and I kind of admired her (notwithstanding the stupidness of going back) cause she had a good job, a normal life, and a sweet boyfriend.

Yes, there are secrets, people ending up being murdered, and someone who is going to do anything to get back at Kylie for what happened all those years ago. The build up was nicely tense and I ended up being unsure of who, even if it was Kylie herself. Thought the ending was a big gross, I kinda liked the twist and how it shows that Kylie is strong and that the cult will not bring her down, even if it may kill her.

So, I did keep reading to find out what happened and I liked most of the book.

Oh I really was expecting so much from this book and I am afraid it did disappoint me a little. Although at times thrilling and a bit scary it didn't keep me invested and interested. I enjoyed the storyline and concept but it dragged at bit at time. Having said that the ending was quite good so all in all I would give it 3 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Well whoever described this book as a thriller and said it contained “breathtaking suspense and nail biting tension” did not read the same book I did. This was flat and monotone and not at all thrilling. I was buddy reading it with some others so I forced myself to finish, but had I not been I don’t know if I would have bothered.
Kylie is working as a production assistant on a movie set that has being shot in Iowa. Kylie doesn’t want to back there, because that’s where so many of her past traumatic memories are from, and no one knows about her past, as she even went so far as to change her name so they wouldn’t find out. But being there brings it all to her memory, especially after one of the other workers on set gets murdered. She has flashbacks and everything she sees is a trigger for her. Sounds like it should be fab, right? Nope. It was written in such a simplistic way that was hard to read and the plot was never fully developed. And the ending was a flop.
I hate leaving reviews like this, but I can’t honestly recommend this one. Maybe others will like it-perhaps I’m jaded and expect more-but this was not my cup of tea.
Thanks to Joffe Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

This book wasn't for me but I did post a Spotlight for other that might like it!

https://fkrants.blogspot.com/2024/12/the-compound-spotlight.html
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7001869470

A decent book with some interesting characters and ideas. I found the plot a bit too predictable amd the writing style somewhat simple for this type of book, which I would expect to be a bit more sophisticated.

This book was great! Every chapter made me want to continue to the next, it was so hard to put down. I can't wait for this to come out so I can have my friends read it too!

Too predictable and it reads like a dull version of every other thriller out there. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the free eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.