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UNSUB #4
Shadowheart
What happens when two serial killers begin to compete with each other? From #1 New York Times bestselling author Meg Gardiner comes a new high-octane thriller in the acclaimed UNSUB series. FBI Special Agent Caitlin Hendrix faces a case from nightmares. In a Tennessee prison, Efrem Judah Goode draws haunting portraits of women he claims he has killed. Around the country, desperate families of the missing seek answers in his eerie drawings. And on darkened back roads and New York City streets, a new killer poses duct-taped bodies at the sites of Goode's murders. Two serial killers are locked in a twisted rivalry. To stop the brutal slayings, FBI profiler Caitlin Hendrix must unravel the connection between Goode and the Broken Heart Killer. Their warped competition destroys anyone in their path. Caught between a manipulative psychopath and a ruthless UNSUB, Caitlin has to dive into not one, but two dark and twisted minds. She will risk everything, plunging into the depths of their depraved clash to hunt down an unstoppable killer.
333 pages, Hardcover
First published October 3, 2023
229 people are currently reading
6389 people want to read
About the author
Meg Gardiner
35 books2,244 followersMeg Gardiner is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of seventeen thrillers. Shadowheart, her latest novel, is part of the UNSUB series featuring FBI agent Caitlin Hendrix. The Real Book Spy calls it “A mind-trip of a story.” Booklist says, “As always, the writing is exquisite and the story is perfectly crafted.” UNSUB, the first novel in the series, won the 2018 Barry Award for Best Thriller. The Dark Corners of the Night was bought by Amazon Studios for development as an hour-long television drama.
Heat 2 is a prequel/sequel to the film Heat, co-authored with the film’s writer/director, Michael Mann. Booklist’s starred review calls it “Riveting… the fully fleshed human stories support and even transcend the often-breathtaking action.” The Associated Press says, “Slick as a Neil McCauley heist and as intense as a Vincent Hanna chase, ‘Heat 2’ is just dynamite.” It debuted at #1 on the NYT best seller list.
Meg is the author of the Evan Delaney series, the Jo Beckett novels, and several stand alones. China Lake won the 2009 Edgar award for Best Paperback Original. The Nightmare Thief won the 2012 Audie Award for Thriller/Suspense audiobook of the year. Phantom Instinct was one of O, the Oprah magazine's "Best Books of Summer."
Meg was born in Oklahoma and raised in Santa Barbara, California. A graduate of Stanford Law School, she practiced law in Los Angeles and taught writing at the University of California Santa Barbara. She's also a three-time Jeopardy! champion. She lives in Austin, Texas.
Find Meg on Facebook: Facebook.com/MegGardinerBooks Twitter: @MegGardiner1 and Instagram: @Meggardiner1.
Series:
* UNSUB
* Evan Delaney
* Jo Beckett
Heat 2 is a prequel/sequel to the film Heat, co-authored with the film’s writer/director, Michael Mann. Booklist’s starred review calls it “Riveting… the fully fleshed human stories support and even transcend the often-breathtaking action.” The Associated Press says, “Slick as a Neil McCauley heist and as intense as a Vincent Hanna chase, ‘Heat 2’ is just dynamite.” It debuted at #1 on the NYT best seller list.
Meg is the author of the Evan Delaney series, the Jo Beckett novels, and several stand alones. China Lake won the 2009 Edgar award for Best Paperback Original. The Nightmare Thief won the 2012 Audie Award for Thriller/Suspense audiobook of the year. Phantom Instinct was one of O, the Oprah magazine's "Best Books of Summer."
Meg was born in Oklahoma and raised in Santa Barbara, California. A graduate of Stanford Law School, she practiced law in Los Angeles and taught writing at the University of California Santa Barbara. She's also a three-time Jeopardy! champion. She lives in Austin, Texas.
Find Meg on Facebook: Facebook.com/MegGardinerBooks Twitter: @MegGardiner1 and Instagram: @Meggardiner1.
Series:
* UNSUB
* Evan Delaney
* Jo Beckett
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
August 11, 2024
4⭐
Genre ~ crime thriller
Series ~ Unsub #4
Others in the series ~ #1-4
Setting ~ a bunch of different places, but mainly Tennessee & New York
Publication date ~ June 18, 2024
Est Page Count ~ 413 (65 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 11 hours 3 minutes
Narrator ~ Hillary Huber
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ multiple timelines, police procedural, FBI, dead bodies
Caitlin and team are back trying to solve more gruesome murders.
What's better than 1 serial killer? 2! Oh wait, that doesn't sound good at all if it was real life, but it does make for some good, edge of your seat, fast paced fiction reading. Once the plot gets moving, the action is non stop, which I have come to except from this series.
Overall, another suspensefully dark and captivating book in a series that I highly recommend.
Series notes:
For sure read the series in order, so you can get a feel for Caitlin.
Narration notes:
Hillary is a well seasoned narrator that does a great job.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ crime thriller
Series ~ Unsub #4
Others in the series ~ #1-4
Setting ~ a bunch of different places, but mainly Tennessee & New York
Publication date ~ June 18, 2024
Est Page Count ~ 413 (65 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 11 hours 3 minutes
Narrator ~ Hillary Huber
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ multiple timelines, police procedural, FBI, dead bodies
Caitlin and team are back trying to solve more gruesome murders.
What's better than 1 serial killer? 2! Oh wait, that doesn't sound good at all if it was real life, but it does make for some good, edge of your seat, fast paced fiction reading. Once the plot gets moving, the action is non stop, which I have come to except from this series.
Overall, another suspensefully dark and captivating book in a series that I highly recommend.
Series notes:
For sure read the series in order, so you can get a feel for Caitlin.
Narration notes:
Hillary is a well seasoned narrator that does a great job.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
September 5, 2023
Meg Gardiner’s UNSUB series is my favorite series of all time. I said what I said! I fell in love with this series’ dark and unapologetic storytelling—you just never know who Gardiner will axe off and it’s so creepy! I loved every installment of this series and her latest, SHADOWHEART, is no exception.
This time around, FBI Special Agent Caitlin Hendrix, is in New York City, trying to find a copycat killer who is repeating the work on a serial killer who’s been jailed since the late ‘00s. In a Tennessee prison, Efrem Judah Goode has been drawing the victims of his past in response to coming forward with their identities. At the same time, this copycat killer, nicknamed the Broken Heart Killer (you’ll find out why) is killing people in the same locations that Goode left his victims back in 2008. These two serial killers have a twisted relationship somehow and Caitlin needs to find out what it is before more people are murdered.
This book starts a bit slower than the previous Unsub novels, but once you get to about 80ish pages, you’ll be hooked. I am so tired because I read the book in one sitting. After I read the book, I double check the locks and behind the shower curtain before bed because this book seriously creeped me out. SHADOWHEART felt the most like a standalone than its predecessors because we didn’t get much insight into Caitlin’s personal life, so fans of the series may have opinions about that, but I loved it nonetheless. I hope this series continues to thrive because I can’t get enough.
This time around, FBI Special Agent Caitlin Hendrix, is in New York City, trying to find a copycat killer who is repeating the work on a serial killer who’s been jailed since the late ‘00s. In a Tennessee prison, Efrem Judah Goode has been drawing the victims of his past in response to coming forward with their identities. At the same time, this copycat killer, nicknamed the Broken Heart Killer (you’ll find out why) is killing people in the same locations that Goode left his victims back in 2008. These two serial killers have a twisted relationship somehow and Caitlin needs to find out what it is before more people are murdered.
This book starts a bit slower than the previous Unsub novels, but once you get to about 80ish pages, you’ll be hooked. I am so tired because I read the book in one sitting. After I read the book, I double check the locks and behind the shower curtain before bed because this book seriously creeped me out. SHADOWHEART felt the most like a standalone than its predecessors because we didn’t get much insight into Caitlin’s personal life, so fans of the series may have opinions about that, but I loved it nonetheless. I hope this series continues to thrive because I can’t get enough.
November 14, 2024
This series is Fire, I love love love the protagonist and this story did not disappoint. And wow what and end, looking forward to Book 5
Solid 4 stars!!!!
Solid 4 stars!!!!
September 14, 2023
A new UNSUB book...sign me up! I am a big fan of this series, even though it is hard to get in Australia. I purchased the first 3 books in the series and binge read them, very sad when the last one was finished. I was thrilled to see that book 4 was coming out and I was even more excited when I was approved for an early ARC, so thank you so much to Blackstone Publishing.
It was so good to be back in Caitlin's world and the FBI BAU. Give me a book with a serial killer and I am on happy reader. Shadowheart gave me not just one sadistic murderer but multiple. Caitlin and the team are on the hunt for a copycat killer - the original killer is in prison and still denies 3 of the murders he has been put away for.
This is a faced paced, action-packed page turner. I do suggest reading the other 3 books in the series first or you will miss so much. It is dark and fairly messed up. That will make you want to keep reading well into the night like I did. An intense and satisfying read - bring on book 5
It was so good to be back in Caitlin's world and the FBI BAU. Give me a book with a serial killer and I am on happy reader. Shadowheart gave me not just one sadistic murderer but multiple. Caitlin and the team are on the hunt for a copycat killer - the original killer is in prison and still denies 3 of the murders he has been put away for.
This is a faced paced, action-packed page turner. I do suggest reading the other 3 books in the series first or you will miss so much. It is dark and fairly messed up. That will make you want to keep reading well into the night like I did. An intense and satisfying read - bring on book 5
September 18, 2023
Thank you so much to Meg Gardiner and Blackstone Publishing for my copy of this book! I am OBSESSED with the Unsub series and I feel like I’ve been waiting FOREVER for this book to come out! This book was about serial killer Efrem Judah Goode, a man who duct taped and murdered women before he was sent to prison. Now he is drawing haunting portraits of his victims, and a copycat is remaking his work. To stop the killings, Caitlin needs to find the connection between Goode and this new killer.
Thoughts: This book starts slower than the others, but is just as good. The story is complex and interesting and still has the underlying search for the Ghost. There were multiple perspectives in this story, as well as multiple psychopaths. The negative is that the reader gets a lot less of Caitlin than in the past, and a lot more of other characters. I wish she had been more of a focus, as well as a bit more of past storylines.
This book almost felt like a stand alone, and could definitely be read as one. I also didn’t notice a case that this book mimicked, so that was interesting as well. There was a lot of travel time in the book that broke up the fast paced tension, but besides that, this was another amazing hit! 4.5 stars for this wonderful book!
July 25, 2024
3.5 rounded down
Meg Gardiner is a favorite author of mine. I’ve read all her books and waited impatiently for this delayed release of Unsub #4, Shadowheart.
First and foremost- there were so many obvious clues dropped, I guessed most of the twists. NOT all, thankfully! 😅 It took more than 80% of the book to surprise me though.
Second - fucking plot holes. 🕳️ GIANT SINK HOLES that would drop that suburban into the ground in NYC.
Third - speaking of NYC - for a fave author of mine who can write heart-thudding, blood pulsing action, should have spent five minutes on google to search maps and NYC lingo. Gardiner got a lot of it wrong and insulted NY several times. Rude and unnecessary.
Fourth - this book should have been dedicated as Unsub 4. Sean, the ghost and the raid has their place here but it was disjointed and out of place. It’s like sticking a four leaf clover in your Christmas decorations - yeah it’s a holiday decoration, but it doesn’t quite fit.
Fifth - I take umbrage to adoption = abandonment. That’s not always true and the book paints it as if it is. 💯 could be applied to the adopted character but she was a strong kickass young woman.
Now the good parts:
• The action is always written really well. You can imagine it unfolding in your mind.
• Emotional investment in the characters. Normally I’m invested in Caitlin but I was 💯invested in Finch (love love love the name FYI)
• Enough characters and details you can follow but not just a bit too many to fit the puzzle pieces together. This is always important for me. I don’t want to figure out what’s going on before it’s revealed!
• While I kept getting distracted I did plow through the end of the book once it picked up at the end.
The other books are much better and this book could be read as a standalone. It’s not my favorite at all but it’s still WAY better than some of the books I’ve encountered this year !!
3.5 rounded down. The major plot hole just killed me lol
Meg Gardiner is a favorite author of mine. I’ve read all her books and waited impatiently for this delayed release of Unsub #4, Shadowheart.
First and foremost- there were so many obvious clues dropped, I guessed most of the twists. NOT all, thankfully! 😅 It took more than 80% of the book to surprise me though.
Second - fucking plot holes. 🕳️ GIANT SINK HOLES that would drop that suburban into the ground in NYC.
Third - speaking of NYC - for a fave author of mine who can write heart-thudding, blood pulsing action, should have spent five minutes on google to search maps and NYC lingo. Gardiner got a lot of it wrong and insulted NY several times. Rude and unnecessary.
Fourth - this book should have been dedicated as Unsub 4. Sean, the ghost and the raid has their place here but it was disjointed and out of place. It’s like sticking a four leaf clover in your Christmas decorations - yeah it’s a holiday decoration, but it doesn’t quite fit.
Fifth - I take umbrage to adoption = abandonment. That’s not always true and the book paints it as if it is. 💯 could be applied to the adopted character but she was a strong kickass young woman.
Now the good parts:
• The action is always written really well. You can imagine it unfolding in your mind.
• Emotional investment in the characters. Normally I’m invested in Caitlin but I was 💯invested in Finch (love love love the name FYI)
• Enough characters and details you can follow but not just a bit too many to fit the puzzle pieces together. This is always important for me. I don’t want to figure out what’s going on before it’s revealed!
• While I kept getting distracted I did plow through the end of the book once it picked up at the end.
The other books are much better and this book could be read as a standalone. It’s not my favorite at all but it’s still WAY better than some of the books I’ve encountered this year !!
3.5 rounded down. The major plot hole just killed me lol
August 6, 2025
***4.3***
This is the fourth book by the Unsub series. I am really enjoying this series! Can’t wait for the next one.
This story like all the others is dark, creepy and keeps you guessing as to what will happen next!
The character development was excellent. Although very rarely I was confused as to who was who in the beginning but once the story got going, I was totally in.
The last few chapters were heart pounding. Very satisfactory ending which leaves me to think there will be a 5th book.
Great thriller. I hope you will enjoy it as must as I did.
Enjoy 🍷
This is the fourth book by the Unsub series. I am really enjoying this series! Can’t wait for the next one.
This story like all the others is dark, creepy and keeps you guessing as to what will happen next!
The character development was excellent. Although very rarely I was confused as to who was who in the beginning but once the story got going, I was totally in.
The last few chapters were heart pounding. Very satisfactory ending which leaves me to think there will be a 5th book.
Great thriller. I hope you will enjoy it as must as I did.
Enjoy 🍷
October 25, 2023
inally! Finally we got close to the intensity and thrills that book one provided.
After a set of disappointing middle installments in this series, SHADOWHEART brings us back to what initially captivated me by this series. And this was a twisty mystery indeed. This had so many connections, so many layers, that inevitably you are bound to guess a few -- early on, too, or at least I did -- but that in no way prepares you for how intensely this connects and where it all continues to go once you think you've thought it all through. And I really liked that.
What keeps this from a slightly higher rating, however, was one of the book's POVs. I don't think it was the character herself, because I understood the struggle, it was just how she was written; unfortunately, poorly. And as her involvement increases over the course of the story, this made some chapters a bit of a pain. I hope she ends up being a one-off but with how this ended.. who knows.
I definitely thought this would have more to do with the main over-arching mystery of the series based on how book three ended but, in fact, we hardly get any of it. Just bits and pieces of another thread from book two. This does mostly act as a contained thriller with just enough little crumbs to want you to continue to the next -- which I definitely will.
Having said that, this release seems to have been pushed back indefinitely as of the writing of this review, though, so I have no idea what the fate of the series might be. Before reading this one, I might've been indifferent. Now, though? Now I do want more. Dangit.
3.5 stars
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
After a set of disappointing middle installments in this series, SHADOWHEART brings us back to what initially captivated me by this series. And this was a twisty mystery indeed. This had so many connections, so many layers, that inevitably you are bound to guess a few -- early on, too, or at least I did -- but that in no way prepares you for how intensely this connects and where it all continues to go once you think you've thought it all through. And I really liked that.
What keeps this from a slightly higher rating, however, was one of the book's POVs. I don't think it was the character herself, because I understood the struggle, it was just how she was written; unfortunately, poorly. And as her involvement increases over the course of the story, this made some chapters a bit of a pain. I hope she ends up being a one-off but with how this ended.. who knows.
I definitely thought this would have more to do with the main over-arching mystery of the series based on how book three ended but, in fact, we hardly get any of it. Just bits and pieces of another thread from book two. This does mostly act as a contained thriller with just enough little crumbs to want you to continue to the next -- which I definitely will.
Having said that, this release seems to have been pushed back indefinitely as of the writing of this review, though, so I have no idea what the fate of the series might be. Before reading this one, I might've been indifferent. Now, though? Now I do want more. Dangit.
3.5 stars
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
July 6, 2024
My Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ entertained me and kept me interested!!!
Ok, me again… and I am still behind so no synopsis but I would have pretty much just copied the GR page anyway so give that a look-see to see if its up your street.
I have read all 4 books in this series (this one included) and I really liked them, some more than others and this one was a good entertaining read. There is a lot of throw your disbelief into oncoming traffic but anyone who has read this series already knows that.
I do think it tried to get a bit tricky with the duel timeline - which I will say I am a fan of… and I do love a multi-POV as well but I think some of the square pegs into round holes were questionable at times… but I am a fan of this series so I just stop, dropped and rolled right into it as if I was rolling away from a fire. I was able to look the other way but some might not if they don’t particularly like this series - Leigh I am looking at you!!
I was really looking forward to this book NG declined me (RUDE) and so I snapped it up the minute it was on the market… but I wasn’t as in love with it as say the first or second book. I will admit I am a bit over the Ghost storyline.. which kind of went no where in this book. And anyone who knows me knows I am absolutely not a fan of bombings and fire when it comes to serial killer techniques of murder… to me its a bit YAWN but thats just me. So I hope she wraps up that storyline pretty quickly next time.
The killer in this book was a surprise but not as surprising as I was hoping… but Meg did get me with another twist revolving around a few of the other characters, so while I was over here thinking I knew it all she got my arse right around the corner so that was good.
I do like Caitlin but I felt like her character was going in one direction then it was suddenly just a nothing event… so fingers crossed we get a bit more of her and her team working together in the next book.
Overall, if you are fan of the series it was a good but not best edition to it. If you didn’t like the early books then really I wouldn’t bother I cant see how you would enjoy this if you didn’t enjoy Night Stalker… I meant that was just creepy AF!!!
Ok, me again… and I am still behind so no synopsis but I would have pretty much just copied the GR page anyway so give that a look-see to see if its up your street.
I have read all 4 books in this series (this one included) and I really liked them, some more than others and this one was a good entertaining read. There is a lot of throw your disbelief into oncoming traffic but anyone who has read this series already knows that.
I do think it tried to get a bit tricky with the duel timeline - which I will say I am a fan of… and I do love a multi-POV as well but I think some of the square pegs into round holes were questionable at times… but I am a fan of this series so I just stop, dropped and rolled right into it as if I was rolling away from a fire. I was able to look the other way but some might not if they don’t particularly like this series - Leigh I am looking at you!!
I was really looking forward to this book NG declined me (RUDE) and so I snapped it up the minute it was on the market… but I wasn’t as in love with it as say the first or second book. I will admit I am a bit over the Ghost storyline.. which kind of went no where in this book. And anyone who knows me knows I am absolutely not a fan of bombings and fire when it comes to serial killer techniques of murder… to me its a bit YAWN but thats just me. So I hope she wraps up that storyline pretty quickly next time.
The killer in this book was a surprise but not as surprising as I was hoping… but Meg did get me with another twist revolving around a few of the other characters, so while I was over here thinking I knew it all she got my arse right around the corner so that was good.
I do like Caitlin but I felt like her character was going in one direction then it was suddenly just a nothing event… so fingers crossed we get a bit more of her and her team working together in the next book.
Overall, if you are fan of the series it was a good but not best edition to it. If you didn’t like the early books then really I wouldn’t bother I cant see how you would enjoy this if you didn’t enjoy Night Stalker… I meant that was just creepy AF!!!
May 25, 2024
4.5/5
It’s been a long wait between book three and book four of this series but I can say it was definitely worth it. While you could read this as a standalone I don’t recommend it. The first three books are really great and the character development of Caitlin is so good so you would be missing out. This one starts out a little on the slow side but that doesn’t last too long so be patient because it’s worth it in the end. The case itself is fascinating and I had no idea how everything would end up connecting and I definitely didn’t predict it at all. Dueling serial killers is so creepy and the suspense was solid. I do wish we would’ve gotten more of Caitlin’s personal life but being back with her in any capacity was still great. If you like dark thrillers, behavioral analysis type of crime fighting and clever plots this was excellent.
It’s been a long wait between book three and book four of this series but I can say it was definitely worth it. While you could read this as a standalone I don’t recommend it. The first three books are really great and the character development of Caitlin is so good so you would be missing out. This one starts out a little on the slow side but that doesn’t last too long so be patient because it’s worth it in the end. The case itself is fascinating and I had no idea how everything would end up connecting and I definitely didn’t predict it at all. Dueling serial killers is so creepy and the suspense was solid. I do wish we would’ve gotten more of Caitlin’s personal life but being back with her in any capacity was still great. If you like dark thrillers, behavioral analysis type of crime fighting and clever plots this was excellent.
June 20, 2024
*3.5 stars ✨
I was so excited to read a new book in the Unsub series. It’s been 4 years!! With the first three books I gave them 5 stars, they were amazing. This book was a little disappointing. It took me till halfway through the book to actually start liking this. The first half felt different to Meg’s previous books. The writing was…..different and at times felt jarring. I loved the storyline though.
I was so excited to read a new book in the Unsub series. It’s been 4 years!! With the first three books I gave them 5 stars, they were amazing. This book was a little disappointing. It took me till halfway through the book to actually start liking this. The first half felt different to Meg’s previous books. The writing was…..different and at times felt jarring. I loved the storyline though.
September 21, 2023
This was a truly thrilling read.
I loved our Main Character and I was definitely all in on this story about two serial killer rivals. It was seriously creepy!
Highly suspenseful and an absolute page-turner of a read. One of those I didn’t want to put down until the very end.
I definitely want more.
• ARC via Publisher
I loved our Main Character and I was definitely all in on this story about two serial killer rivals. It was seriously creepy!
Highly suspenseful and an absolute page-turner of a read. One of those I didn’t want to put down until the very end.
I definitely want more.
• ARC via Publisher
August 25, 2024
SHADOWHEART: AN UNSUB NOVEL by: Meg Gardiner
Publication: June 18, 2024. By: Blackstone Publishing
Audo Version: 11 hours, 3 minutes
Narrated by: Hilary Huber
This is the 4th novel in the UNSUB series, but can be appreciated and gobbled-up as a standalone. FBI Special Agent Caitlin Henrix reprises her role in this high octane thriller involving two serial killers. In small town Spring River, Tennessee, Deputy Marius Hayes pulls over a suspicious weaving vehicle driven by Efrem Judy Goode. He shockingly notes a woman’s corpse in the backseat. After the arrest, he searches Goode’s motel room, only to find three duct taped corpses in his room. Efrem insists he has nothing to do with these four bodies, however readily admits to a long string of thirteen other murders across the United States. Regardless of his denial, he is convicted of the four new murders and is imprisoned.
While imprisoned the murders continue. Women’s bodies crop up in North Carolina and in New York City. The bodies and their placement directly resemble the kills ascribed to Goode.
Along with the new kills are the presence of graffiti …. a drawing of a “broken heart.” The possibility of a copycat killer, results in FBI profiler Caitlin Hendrix being drawn into the investigation. Her first action is to interview Goode in prison, to hopefully glean relevant information. Caitlin is also approached by an adopted teen, Finch Winter, who’s convinced that her birth mother was murdered by Goode. As the bodies pile up, the urgency to uncover the motivation and connection of “The Ghost” to Goode becomes more paramount.
Meg Gardiner proves to be a masterful storyteller as she weaves together the multiple converging plot lines. Littered with twists, turns and red herrings the intrigue and suspense mercilessly escalates into an exhilarating denouement.
This wonderful thriller is narrated by Hilary Huber, who provides distinct voices for multiple characters with inflections supporting the building fear, suspicion and tension. A virtual masterpiece in the theatre of my mind. Thanks to Blackstone Publishing for providing an Advance Audio version in exchange for an honest review. I honestly cannot wait for the continuation of this marvelous series.
Publication: June 18, 2024. By: Blackstone Publishing
Audo Version: 11 hours, 3 minutes
Narrated by: Hilary Huber
This is the 4th novel in the UNSUB series, but can be appreciated and gobbled-up as a standalone. FBI Special Agent Caitlin Henrix reprises her role in this high octane thriller involving two serial killers. In small town Spring River, Tennessee, Deputy Marius Hayes pulls over a suspicious weaving vehicle driven by Efrem Judy Goode. He shockingly notes a woman’s corpse in the backseat. After the arrest, he searches Goode’s motel room, only to find three duct taped corpses in his room. Efrem insists he has nothing to do with these four bodies, however readily admits to a long string of thirteen other murders across the United States. Regardless of his denial, he is convicted of the four new murders and is imprisoned.
While imprisoned the murders continue. Women’s bodies crop up in North Carolina and in New York City. The bodies and their placement directly resemble the kills ascribed to Goode.
Along with the new kills are the presence of graffiti …. a drawing of a “broken heart.” The possibility of a copycat killer, results in FBI profiler Caitlin Hendrix being drawn into the investigation. Her first action is to interview Goode in prison, to hopefully glean relevant information. Caitlin is also approached by an adopted teen, Finch Winter, who’s convinced that her birth mother was murdered by Goode. As the bodies pile up, the urgency to uncover the motivation and connection of “The Ghost” to Goode becomes more paramount.
Meg Gardiner proves to be a masterful storyteller as she weaves together the multiple converging plot lines. Littered with twists, turns and red herrings the intrigue and suspense mercilessly escalates into an exhilarating denouement.
This wonderful thriller is narrated by Hilary Huber, who provides distinct voices for multiple characters with inflections supporting the building fear, suspicion and tension. A virtual masterpiece in the theatre of my mind. Thanks to Blackstone Publishing for providing an Advance Audio version in exchange for an honest review. I honestly cannot wait for the continuation of this marvelous series.
August 12, 2024
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I found this newest book in the UNSUB series to be incredibly exciting! I have been a fan of this series from the start and was excited to start listening to this book. This is the fourth book in the series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. This story had all the action I hoped to find and a mystery that kept me guessing until the very end.
Caitlin is called in to talk to an inmate, Efrem Judah Goode, who has suddenly started drawing the women that he claims to have killed. As they work to identify the victims of his crimes from years ago, new bodies are being discovered in the same places Goode’s victims were found. Caitlin and the rest of the team need to find out how these serial killers are connected before more people become their prey. To complicate matters, Caitlin is also dealing with a teenager who thinks she may be connected to one of the victims.
Hillary Huber does a wonderful job with the narration of this book. I thought she added just the right amount of emotion to her reading to bring this unique cast of characters to life remarkably well. I have had a lot of luck with this narrator in the past and thought she gave a solid performance with this book. I found her voice to be very pleasant and wanted to listen to the book for hours at a time. I would say that her narration added to my overall enjoyment of this book.
I would recommend this book to others. I had a great time with this thriller which had enough twists and turns to keep me glued to my headphones. This book wasn’t my favorite in the series but it was a solid installment. I can’t wait to read more of this talented author’s work.
I received a review copy of this audiobook from Blackstone Publishing.
I found this newest book in the UNSUB series to be incredibly exciting! I have been a fan of this series from the start and was excited to start listening to this book. This is the fourth book in the series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. This story had all the action I hoped to find and a mystery that kept me guessing until the very end.
Caitlin is called in to talk to an inmate, Efrem Judah Goode, who has suddenly started drawing the women that he claims to have killed. As they work to identify the victims of his crimes from years ago, new bodies are being discovered in the same places Goode’s victims were found. Caitlin and the rest of the team need to find out how these serial killers are connected before more people become their prey. To complicate matters, Caitlin is also dealing with a teenager who thinks she may be connected to one of the victims.
Hillary Huber does a wonderful job with the narration of this book. I thought she added just the right amount of emotion to her reading to bring this unique cast of characters to life remarkably well. I have had a lot of luck with this narrator in the past and thought she gave a solid performance with this book. I found her voice to be very pleasant and wanted to listen to the book for hours at a time. I would say that her narration added to my overall enjoyment of this book.
I would recommend this book to others. I had a great time with this thriller which had enough twists and turns to keep me glued to my headphones. This book wasn’t my favorite in the series but it was a solid installment. I can’t wait to read more of this talented author’s work.
I received a review copy of this audiobook from Blackstone Publishing.
October 15, 2024
"You know where you come from. Now you decide where you're going."
Meg Gardiner always reminds me of her novel Dirty Secrets Club, which I loved immenselly. It's impossible not to have high expectations when starting a new book. Those expectations weren't met in Shadowheart. For a while it was a nice story, the plot was intriguing but then it lost me.
Meg Gardiner always reminds me of her novel Dirty Secrets Club, which I loved immenselly. It's impossible not to have high expectations when starting a new book. Those expectations weren't met in Shadowheart. For a while it was a nice story, the plot was intriguing but then it lost me.
July 30, 2025
It took a minute to really get going, but once it did, it was all gas. Enjoyable enough but far from the best of the series.
3 Passable Stars
3 Passable Stars
October 4, 2025
5⭐️ eats EVERYTIME!!!!! This series is such a delicacy for true crime lovers I stg. It’s told so well, it’s alsoeducational at points, and keeps you hooked the whole way through the book! The series has truly been banger after banger!
November 1, 2024
5 stars. Meg Gardiner has done it again! She’s written another gripping + twisty edition - book #4 - in my favorite series, UNSUB. I could not put it down. Excellent!
July 8, 2024
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BlackstonePublishingAudiobooks for the book #ShadowHeart by #MegGardiner. This book, the fourth installment in the Unsub series, is absolutely phenomenal. Caitlin is after another serial killer, or a copy cat killer-Broken Heart Killer. It’s pack full of chasing, murders and drama and I cannot wait for the next book!
June 5, 2023
A new addition to a successful series that has some excellent ideas and plot structure. Reading an advance version left me with a feeling that some editing is still needed. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
July 6, 2024
**3.5⭐**
After loving the first two books, and liking the third, this one was a little disappointing. It feels different from the others, and it's much slower-paced. The story felt contrived, and I never really got invested in it. Hopefully I have better luck with the next book.
After loving the first two books, and liking the third, this one was a little disappointing. It feels different from the others, and it's much slower-paced. The story felt contrived, and I never really got invested in it. Hopefully I have better luck with the next book.
October 8, 2024
Book 4 in the UNSUB series has a copycat serial killer recreating the killings of a notorious serial killer who is in prison. FBI profiler Caitlin Hendrix interviews Efrem Judah Goode at the prison to see if she can find the connection that will lead police to the killer on the outside. He's not sharing although he does want something from Caitlin.
Love this series and there are some good twists in Shadowheart. The end reveal left me feeling not all the story threads were quite tied together. I'll still be anticipating the next in the series, fingers crossed.
Love this series and there are some good twists in Shadowheart. The end reveal left me feeling not all the story threads were quite tied together. I'll still be anticipating the next in the series, fingers crossed.
September 3, 2025
It wasn’t my favorite of the four but I had a great time and am hype we didn’t get the end of the Ghost storyline because that means there will be MOREEEEE
Incredible 10/10 series, this is a must read for any criminal minds fan!
Incredible 10/10 series, this is a must read for any criminal minds fan!
May 28, 2025
I think this one is tied with being my favorite of the series! Can’t wait for the fifth book!
May 23, 2023
HOLY FREAKING SHEET ON A PAPER!!!!!!! I AM EXCITED FOR THIS, I JUST FINISHED THE THIRD BOOK AND I WILL WAIT FOR THIS SHIT!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAA OCTOBER, PLS COME NOW!!!!!!
August 8, 2025
It pains me to give this book a low rating…. But it just didn’t measure up to the rest of the series! I wasn’t attached to the characters and it felt really convoluted. I think it could work as a movie or something, but it genuinely felt a little long for me 🤷♂️
September 12, 2024
If you prefer watching video reviews, I've posted a full, spoiler-free discussion about my experience with SHADOWHEART on my BookTube Channel!
The following is a brief summary of the transcript taken from the above referenced video review.
In SHADOWHEART, the latest installment of Meg Gardiner’s UNSUB series, FBI profiler Caitlyn Hendrick faces a gripping challenge as two serial killers engage in a deadly competition. The novel, inspired by real-life murderer Samuel Little, follows a chilling cat-and-mouse game between an incarcerated killer and a new copycat that's discovered when bodies begin to surface, mirroring past murders, leaving Caitlyn and the FBI racing against time.
The book's intense pacing, twists, and vivid portrayal of the killers' rivalry deliver a breathless reading experience. Gardiner focuses less on atmospheric dread that is prevalent in the previous books, choosing instead to heighten the intrigue between the murderers, which keeps readers hooked. Gardiner’s ability to shock and engage is on full display, making SHADOWHEART the most thrilling entry in the series so far.
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Amanda L., Sharon, Andrew, Star, Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E. & Mel
The following is a brief summary of the transcript taken from the above referenced video review.
In SHADOWHEART, the latest installment of Meg Gardiner’s UNSUB series, FBI profiler Caitlyn Hendrick faces a gripping challenge as two serial killers engage in a deadly competition. The novel, inspired by real-life murderer Samuel Little, follows a chilling cat-and-mouse game between an incarcerated killer and a new copycat that's discovered when bodies begin to surface, mirroring past murders, leaving Caitlyn and the FBI racing against time.
The book's intense pacing, twists, and vivid portrayal of the killers' rivalry deliver a breathless reading experience. Gardiner focuses less on atmospheric dread that is prevalent in the previous books, choosing instead to heighten the intrigue between the murderers, which keeps readers hooked. Gardiner’s ability to shock and engage is on full display, making SHADOWHEART the most thrilling entry in the series so far.
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Amanda L., Sharon, Andrew, Star, Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E. & Mel
September 5, 2023
While I have a huge love for the Unsub series and will always recommend it, Shadowheart wasn’t what I was expecting.
The last three books were amazing and maybe I went into this with a lot of expectations but realistically, I know not every book will always hit the mark. But I really, really wanted it to 😭.
So what’s my problem? Not any one thing in particular 🤷♀️. This one just felt very different, like it was written by someone else. I missed the personal touches with Caitlin, the plot was all over the place as were time lines and everything felt a tad disjointed. While usually dark, which I love, this book definitely had some of the elements but also managed to feel YA at times. So overall I’m left a bit confused and disappointed but also hopeful for the 5th book. Again, this is just my personal experience and opinion and I’m all for readers to form their own, just because it wasn’t for me doesn’t mean it won’t be for you 😁. 2.5⭐️
The last three books were amazing and maybe I went into this with a lot of expectations but realistically, I know not every book will always hit the mark. But I really, really wanted it to 😭.
So what’s my problem? Not any one thing in particular 🤷♀️. This one just felt very different, like it was written by someone else. I missed the personal touches with Caitlin, the plot was all over the place as were time lines and everything felt a tad disjointed. While usually dark, which I love, this book definitely had some of the elements but also managed to feel YA at times. So overall I’m left a bit confused and disappointed but also hopeful for the 5th book. Again, this is just my personal experience and opinion and I’m all for readers to form their own, just because it wasn’t for me doesn’t mean it won’t be for you 😁. 2.5⭐️
September 3, 2023
This pains me to write.
I absolutely loved the first three UNSUB novels. When I saw this one available on NetGalley, I immediately pushed the request button, crossed my fingers, and waited impatiently. Then I did a whoop of joy when the approval came through.
Unfortunately, this book didn't work for me. The plot felt disjointed and convoluted. I needed emotional depth and connection, which was lacking. Something about the magic of the first three was missing here.
But I still love Caitlin's character, and I have high hopes for book 5. Also, this is just my opinion, which has a market value of exactly zero, so feel free to ignore me.
*Thanks to Blackstone and NetGalley for the eARC!*
I absolutely loved the first three UNSUB novels. When I saw this one available on NetGalley, I immediately pushed the request button, crossed my fingers, and waited impatiently. Then I did a whoop of joy when the approval came through.
Unfortunately, this book didn't work for me. The plot felt disjointed and convoluted. I needed emotional depth and connection, which was lacking. Something about the magic of the first three was missing here.
But I still love Caitlin's character, and I have high hopes for book 5. Also, this is just my opinion, which has a market value of exactly zero, so feel free to ignore me.
*Thanks to Blackstone and NetGalley for the eARC!*
September 30, 2023
While Caitlin’s ATF boyfriend continues to hunt for the bomber who blew up a California hospital in the last installment, Caitlin is conducting a prison interview with a serial killer in max security. He provides her with drawings of women he claims to have killed — victims beyond those he was convicted of killing. Thus begins the hunt to figure out who they are, and how they tie into a recent surge of murders in the same areas the original victims were found.
I’ve been a fan of this series since the very first installment, but I have to say this one didn’t quite deliver. It started out slow, which wasn’t helped by dialogue that was a little stilted in places, as well as some unnecessary tangents, like Caitlin’s coworker’s kids soccer game, and Caitlin schlepping between Quantico, Tennessee and New York. What further hurt this installment was the pacing and how the two plots were threaded together, so when one found a rhythm, the reader was awkwardly bounced into the other.
The end does pick up, though, and there are some surprises, with a promising new lead in the Prophet investigation sure to be the focus of the next installment, so I’m looking forward to that. 2.5 stars
Blackstone Publishing via NetGalley kindly provided me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve been a fan of this series since the very first installment, but I have to say this one didn’t quite deliver. It started out slow, which wasn’t helped by dialogue that was a little stilted in places, as well as some unnecessary tangents, like Caitlin’s coworker’s kids soccer game, and Caitlin schlepping between Quantico, Tennessee and New York. What further hurt this installment was the pacing and how the two plots were threaded together, so when one found a rhythm, the reader was awkwardly bounced into the other.
The end does pick up, though, and there are some surprises, with a promising new lead in the Prophet investigation sure to be the focus of the next installment, so I’m looking forward to that. 2.5 stars
Blackstone Publishing via NetGalley kindly provided me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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