Gone To Ground by Brandilyn Collins
Mystery Thriller Fiction
March 1, 2012
B&H Publishing
Reviewed by Tori
Favorite Quote: “Neither man nor angel can discern hypocrisy, the only evil that walks invisible, except to God alone.” -John Milton
The small sleepy little town of Amaryllis, Mississippi is being terrorized by a serial killer dubbed The Closet Killer. Five murders, all older women, killed in the dead of the night with no clues. Everyone is convinced the killer lives among them and that the police aren’t doing enough to find him. When a sixth murder occurs, three woman all believe they know who the killer is. Tully, Cherrie Mae, and Denna each have evidence pointing to someone they know and they must decide how far they are willing to go to protect them…even if it means letting an innocent man take the fall.
Gone To Ground is a dark southern suspense thriller wrapped in small town prejudices and dark secrets that some would kill to keep hidden. A convoluted plot line, further enhanced by the multiple sub stories, leads us down a winding twisting road as we try to figure out who the killer is. A smooth pace keeps you firmly grounded in Amaryllis while lush descriptions of both the town and it’s residents holds your attention. Humorous interludes forestalls an monotony and lagging in the story. Told in the first person by three protagonists; Ms. Collin has a strong voice that translates well through her characters. These are people you know and can relate to. Ms. Collins presents us with three women, all in different stages of life. Similar to the three fates, these woman hold the key to the murders and the town’s survival in their hands.
Tully, a young newly married woman, has finally married the man she has loved for a lifetime. Soon to give birth, it’s only after the honeymoon ends does the shine of her marriage fall away to reveal a tarnished life of abuse. Deena, the town hairdresser, was married to the hometown hero only to discover pain and embarrassment from his wandering eye. Cherrie Mae, a firm fixture in the town, is blessed with uncanny common sense and a forceful will. Though they know one another, it’s only as passing acquaintances. Each holds tight to their secret, not knowing who to trust. It’s only a chance meeting between the three of them do they discover that their agendas are similar and they begin to pool their thoughts and resources if only to prove themselves wrong.
As you follow these three woman into the heart of the mystery, you find yourself becoming heavily invested in their lives. My heart broke and cheered with each new revelation. Ms. Collins does well with keeping you in the dark as to what really happened and I was shocked when the true events unfolded. What I really loved about the story is how Ms. Collins hides the villain in plain sight. She kept me firmly in the dark till the end.
Ms. Collins’ Gone To Ground is a wonderful suspense thriller that I recommend to all readers who enjoy the thrill of a good southern fried mystery.
Overall Rating: B+
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I read thrillers a lot, so I am happy to read one of yours review on book in this genre. I came to conclusion lately that Old South is America’s Sweden- all the serial killers are there. :) Seriously, some of the best thrillers I read are located in these states. I guess it has something to do with the rich scenery. Even, Jack Reacher will be kicking a$$ in Mississippi in new book that comes out in march.
This is great review, Tori! I ordered it…March will leave me homeless with all the great releases… ::sigh::
LOL Well of course all the good serial killers are here. I mean, craziness is used as decoration in the South. :) I don’t read it as much as I use to but hoping to remedy that.
I’ve read a few Brandilyn Collins books. I thought they were pretty good, but I haven’t read any in a few years, maybe I’ll have to check this one out, thanks for the heads up :)
-Kate the Book Buff
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This is my first book by her but I plan on reading her back list. I enjoyed her “voice” in here.
Oh you had me at “dark southern suspense thriller”. Sounds good!!
I enjoyed it. A nice break from the romance genre.
Great review Tori. I used to read books like this back in the day…sounds so good!
Great review Tori, but I am not sure this one is for me. Though I do like that it has older heroines.
Sounds like a good one. I do love a good thriller and the three women sound like they add an interesting aspect to the plot.
De laatste roddels over trouwen.
Haven’t read a good murder mystery in awhile. Perfect book for cruising the Caribbean.
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