Reading, Willing & Able: REVIEW: Where the Blame Lies by Mia Sheridan

Monday, 16 September 2019

REVIEW: Where the Blame Lies by Mia Sheridan

Where the Blame Lies by Mia Sheridan

Abducted.
Terrorized.
Imprisoned.

At nineteen-years-old, college student Josie Stratton was kidnapped by a madman and held shackled for ten months in an abandoned warehouse before she finally escaped her hellish prison.

Eight years later, when the body of a young woman is found chained in the basement of a vacant house, Cincinnati Police Detective Zach Copeland is instantly reminded of the crime committed against Josie Stratton. Zach was just a rookie on the perimeter of that case, but he’s never forgotten the traumatized woman with the haunted eyes.

As more information emerges, the crimes take on an even more sinister similarity. But Josie’s attacker died by suicide. Does the city have a copycat on its hands? A killer who picked up where the original perpetrator left off? Or are they facing something far more insidious?

Josie has spent the last eight years attempting to get her life back on track, but now there’s a very real chance she could be the unknown suspect’s next target. As Zach vows to keep her safe, and Josie finds herself responding to him in a way she hasn’t responded to any man in almost a decade, the investigation takes on an even more complex edge of danger.

As past and present collide, Josie and Zach are thrust toward a shocking and chilling truth. A revelation that threatens not only Josie’s life, but everything she’s been fighting so desperately to reclaim.

Caroline's Review

✮✮✮✮✮

Top Read 2019

Oh. My. GOD!! This was a brilliant, brilliant read!!!

"This man is not just here to protect my safety, he's on my side."

Eight years ago, Josie Stratton survived the most traumatic and horrific of experiences. She's now living in relative anonymity and trying to repair the old B&B she inherited. However, her bland existence is about to be shaken up when Zach Copeland turns up at her doorstep.

"Something about her pulled at him. Strongly. It was almost a physical sensation."

Eight years ago, Zach was the rookie cop who watched over Josie in the hospital. He's never forgotten her or her broken-but-still fierce warrior aura. When a copycat killer appears to have surfaced, mimicking aspects of Josie's imprisonment, he finally gets to meet Josie face to face, again. And is unprepared for the frisson between them.

This story was freakin' amazing! It was creepy and suspenseful, yet amidst the darkness and horror, something beautiful began to blossom. The plot was really clever and kept me guessing right until the denouement! I was so convinced I had the right culprit but OH MY GOD! I was so wrong!!

"She was so beautiful, and an arrow of possession quivered through him, a deep throb of need that weakened his knees and took him off balance."

Zach captured my heart. He was so tender and sweet with Josie, so protective and thoughtful. I loved how well he understood her. Josie herself was such an incredibly strong character. I couldn't help but admire her resourcefulness and tenacity in the face of her situation. Her courage left my mouth hanging open. The two of them together really made my heart thump. They were so right for each other. They had taut chemistry and simmering passion, and I loved Josie's bravery in taking the first step.

Such a fantastic novel and definitely a Top Read 2019 for me!!