Say You're Sorry by Karen Rose

Say You're Sorry (Sacramento, #1)

by Karen Rose

A serial killer terrorizing the women of Sacramento meets his match in this pulse-pounding novel from New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose.

There is a serial killer on the loose, preying on vulnerable women. The only identifiable mark the killer leaves are letters—sometimes one, sometimes two—all carved into the torsos of his victims.  Together they spell “Sydney.” 

When he grabs Daisy Dawson, he believes he has found his next victim. But despite her small stature, she fights back with an expertise that quickly frees her. Before fleeing the scene, Daisy also manages to grab what proves to be crucial evidence: a necklace from around the killer’s neck. 

The necklace is more than a trivial item—it is a link to a cold case that Special Agent Gideon Reynolds has been tracking for seventeen years. With Daisy’s help, Gideon finally has the opportunity to get closer to the truth than ever before. 

But they might not get the chance, as the serial killer has a new target: Gideon and Daisy.

Reviewed by thebookdisciple on

4 of 5 stars

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Say You're Sorry spins off from Rose's Baltimore series; the heroine is the sister of Taylor from Monster in the Closet. Daisy is attacked by an unknown assailant but in the scuffle she manages to get some evidence that startles FBI agent Gideon Reynolds. This event kicks off a series of hide and seek between a serial killer and Daisy, the one who got away.

I love several things about this book:

  1.   Gideon grew up in a cult. I find those backstories fascinating!

  2.   I love the way Rose layers her story. Written in 3rd person, the reader is given the story in sequential order with time/date stamps. You are constantly aware of what is going on with ALL the characters at any given time. You have a clear idea of when an event occurs in relation to other events. For someone like me who needs visuals, this timeline set up is divine.

  3.   Daisy is a recovering addict. Not many authors write stories that feature a recovering addict. Daisy has many imperfections-her childhood lead her to the destructive path of alcoholism and she is working every day to stay clean.

  4.   I love getting in the mind of the killer. Its super disturbing and creepy, but it makes the experience of reading feel immersive! I have a weird fascination with true crime, so my addiction to romantic suspense with serial killers is just part of my love for true crime! Rose does a good job of making the killer a developed character in the story. You get his backstory and his motivations. Rose doesn't do this to make you feel anything for him, but so you can get a sense of how he got to this place. Giving the killer a fleshed out story keeps them from being a static, stereotype of 'evil'.


The story does get a bit gory at times and might not be everyone's cup of tea. However, you can always skim the really gory parts because the story is that good!! The relationship between Gideon and Daisy is wonderful and I loved seeing it build amongst the backdrop of a killer on the hunt. Say You're Sorry is a LONG read, but every page is worth it.

 

  •   POV: 3rd

  •   Tears: no

  •   Trope: FBI, dysfunctional family

  •   Triggers: Gideon's cult experiences might be difficult for some readers; also, as I mentioned, the killer is pretty gory in his actions

  •   Series/Standalone: stand alone

  •   Cliffhanger: no

  •   HEA: yes





other romantic suspense authors like Toni Anderson, Laura Griffin, Brenda Novak, Christie Craig...then you will probably like Say You're Sorry!

 


Say You're Sorry




 

See full review on The Book Disciple

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 11 February, 2019: Finished reading
  • 11 February, 2019: Reviewed