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Blue Ridge
What would you do if you were planning to kill your brother—but someone beat you to it?After former Olympic contender turned burn-out horse trainer Cillian Clarke is framed for the murder of his identical twin Christopher, a rising-star Virginia politician, Cillian is forced to go on the lam. But when someone from Christopher’s past emerges and offers Cillian the chance to clear his name, Cillian is plunged headfirst into a sinister conspiracy that not only threatens the sanctity of democracy, but also promises to expose the devastating secret intertwining the brothers forever—the truth behind the death of a woman they both loved.
220 pages, Paperback
Published January 9, 2024
18 people are currently reading
1571 people want to read
About the author
Peter Malone Elliott
1 book20 followersPeter Malone Elliott is a Lefty Award nominated novelist, Leo Award nominated screenwriter, and vastly experienced developmental editor who specializes in working with authors whose books have high film and TV adaptation potential.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 23, 2023
Full review on my blog!
Thank you to the author Peter Malone Elliott, publishers Level Best Books, and Get Red Book Tours, for an advance paperback copy of BLUE RIDGE. Thank you also to NetGalley for an accomanying widget. All views are mine.
My feelings on this book are lukewarm. I loved the concept and storyline; I'm a sucker for both domestic thrillers and warring twins. But the book needs fleshed out; another 50 pages of description would have done this one some good!
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. The descriptions of Virginia are lovely. Tinged with shades of blue, purple, and green, I always say the majestic, rolling landscape of the Blue Ridge is nature's equivalent to the music of Patsy Cline-- an inexplicably perfect cocktail of sumptuous beauty, haunting melancholy, and dark-edged mystery.... Loc.49
2. Like many thrillers with clarity issues, this book has an excellent premise. Part political thriller, part domestic thriller, BLUE RIDGE abounds with tension and intrigue. I wish only that it had not been such a difficult read.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
...
Read the rest on my blog!
4. The action scenes read more like summary: brief, condensed, and vague. Weak transitions. Really hard to get a sense for what's happening. Loc.425
5. The ending is too convoluted for me to follow. Some new characters are introduced at about the 70% mark and I never get a feel for their relevance to the mmc or the plot/stories. I really had to work for this book and the payoff was not great.
Rating: 🐎🐎 referential horses
Recommend? Not really
Finished: Dec 19 '23
Format: Digital copy, Kindle, NetGalley, Paperback arc, Get Red
Read this book if you like:
🏇 horse talk
👨👩👧👦 family stories, family drama
👬🏻 brother stories
🔪 murder mysteries
🚔 crime thrillers
Thank you to the author Peter Malone Elliott, publishers Level Best Books, and Get Red Book Tours, for an advance paperback copy of BLUE RIDGE. Thank you also to NetGalley for an accomanying widget. All views are mine.
My feelings on this book are lukewarm. I loved the concept and storyline; I'm a sucker for both domestic thrillers and warring twins. But the book needs fleshed out; another 50 pages of description would have done this one some good!
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. The descriptions of Virginia are lovely. Tinged with shades of blue, purple, and green, I always say the majestic, rolling landscape of the Blue Ridge is nature's equivalent to the music of Patsy Cline-- an inexplicably perfect cocktail of sumptuous beauty, haunting melancholy, and dark-edged mystery.... Loc.49
2. Like many thrillers with clarity issues, this book has an excellent premise. Part political thriller, part domestic thriller, BLUE RIDGE abounds with tension and intrigue. I wish only that it had not been such a difficult read.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
...
Read the rest on my blog!
4. The action scenes read more like summary: brief, condensed, and vague. Weak transitions. Really hard to get a sense for what's happening. Loc.425
5. The ending is too convoluted for me to follow. Some new characters are introduced at about the 70% mark and I never get a feel for their relevance to the mmc or the plot/stories. I really had to work for this book and the payoff was not great.
Rating: 🐎🐎 referential horses
Recommend? Not really
Finished: Dec 19 '23
Format: Digital copy, Kindle, NetGalley, Paperback arc, Get Red
Read this book if you like:
🏇 horse talk
👨👩👧👦 family stories, family drama
👬🏻 brother stories
🔪 murder mysteries
🚔 crime thrillers
February 9, 2024
Blue Ridge, by Peter Elliott, is a fast read, easily finished in a weekend, and it has a strong and moving story line. I love the setting, a cabin in the mountains. But it is the family drama between twin brothers, Cillian and brother Christopher, who he plans to kill. Early in the story, someone beats him to the draw. The clues still point to Cillian, and now he is a wanted man.
This is a psychological thriller, a duel of male egos, and of course, a woman is in the middle. The writing is clear and fast-paced, and there are twists that the reader never sees coming. What a great beginning from this debut author.
This is a psychological thriller, a duel of male egos, and of course, a woman is in the middle. The writing is clear and fast-paced, and there are twists that the reader never sees coming. What a great beginning from this debut author.
January 16, 2024
Atmospheric page-turner with family drama, political intrigue and suspense.
January 9, 2024
Southern noir meets political conspiracy thriller in Peter Malone Elliott’s debut novel 𝘽𝙡𝙪𝙚 𝙍𝙞𝙙𝙜𝙚 What you will find in 𝘽𝙡𝙪𝙚 𝙍𝙞𝙙𝙜𝙚:
* Family drama
* Twin brothers
* Horses/dog
* Dual POVs
* Tragic love story
* Virginia mountains
What I liked:
The tragic love story was the most interesting part of this story.
What I disliked:
For me, this novel was rather dark, vulgar, and very political. When I read I like to escape and don’t generally want politics in my books.
Trigger Warnings: language, suicide, murder
* Family drama
* Twin brothers
* Horses/dog
* Dual POVs
* Tragic love story
* Virginia mountains
What I liked:
The tragic love story was the most interesting part of this story.
What I disliked:
For me, this novel was rather dark, vulgar, and very political. When I read I like to escape and don’t generally want politics in my books.
Trigger Warnings: language, suicide, murder
November 21, 2023
Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
"…the majestic, rolling landscape of the Blue Ridge is nature’s equivalent to the music of Patsy Cline…"
First, it’s obvious by the author’s writing style that this is going to be unique. A good ole boy, Cillian, his musings—confiding his plot to kill his brother. The bane of his existence.
Interesting to get his side—then flip—and get his brother Christopher’s POV. The immediate impression is one of a narcissist. Christopher is popular; climbed the political ladder now viewing a possible run for governor. Is that even possible?
Cillian and Christopher share a secret, however, one so terrible, so horrendous there can be no reconciliation. Ever.
The author carefully builds his characters; their history. Love. Hate. And Audrey, Christopher’s carefully crafted plot to secure Cillian’s beloved for his own gone irrevocably tragic.
But the death of Christopher happens before Cillian can do it himself. Who? Why? Cillian is so easily framed for his murder. A dupe.
A well-plotted and fast-paced narrative, this storyline just keeps adding intrigue, suspicions, twists and turns. Can there be escape here? Redemption? Any solution?
I held out hope to the end. 4.5 stars
I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through @NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts and I’m looking forward to what this author comes up with in a sophomore novel.
"…the majestic, rolling landscape of the Blue Ridge is nature’s equivalent to the music of Patsy Cline…"
First, it’s obvious by the author’s writing style that this is going to be unique. A good ole boy, Cillian, his musings—confiding his plot to kill his brother. The bane of his existence.
Interesting to get his side—then flip—and get his brother Christopher’s POV. The immediate impression is one of a narcissist. Christopher is popular; climbed the political ladder now viewing a possible run for governor. Is that even possible?
Cillian and Christopher share a secret, however, one so terrible, so horrendous there can be no reconciliation. Ever.
The author carefully builds his characters; their history. Love. Hate. And Audrey, Christopher’s carefully crafted plot to secure Cillian’s beloved for his own gone irrevocably tragic.
But the death of Christopher happens before Cillian can do it himself. Who? Why? Cillian is so easily framed for his murder. A dupe.
A well-plotted and fast-paced narrative, this storyline just keeps adding intrigue, suspicions, twists and turns. Can there be escape here? Redemption? Any solution?
I held out hope to the end. 4.5 stars
I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through @NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts and I’m looking forward to what this author comes up with in a sophomore novel.
December 19, 2023
Blue Ridge by Peter Malone Elliott. Thanks to @getredprbooks for the gifted copy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cillian plans to murder his twin brother, Christopher, but someone got to him first and framed him
A short read, but it packs a lot of punch to it. I didn’t read the synopsis and was not expecting a political thriller, so that was an interesting surprise given the setting. There was also a lot of family drama that really was the backbone of the story. We read a lot about female twin drama, but this is male identical twins who are so different, but also similar in more ways than they know. This was a good debut and I’m looking forward to more from the author.
“He was immortalized as my enemy instead of my blood. Nothing could ever be resolved.”
Blue Ridge comes out 1/9.
Cillian plans to murder his twin brother, Christopher, but someone got to him first and framed him
A short read, but it packs a lot of punch to it. I didn’t read the synopsis and was not expecting a political thriller, so that was an interesting surprise given the setting. There was also a lot of family drama that really was the backbone of the story. We read a lot about female twin drama, but this is male identical twins who are so different, but also similar in more ways than they know. This was a good debut and I’m looking forward to more from the author.
“He was immortalized as my enemy instead of my blood. Nothing could ever be resolved.”
Blue Ridge comes out 1/9.
June 10, 2024
This book isn't what I expected. From one chapter to the next, it wasn't what I expected. I shouldn't have bothered expecting anything at all because it's just too surprising. Even the first line is jarring. "The last time I was there, we were hanging my beloved."
From that moment I was turning pages, trying to figure out what was going on. One surprise after another kept me going. I never was what was coming until the very end. This is a scary book, especially the most plausible parts.
I'm looking forward to Mr. Elliott's next one.
From that moment I was turning pages, trying to figure out what was going on. One surprise after another kept me going. I never was what was coming until the very end. This is a scary book, especially the most plausible parts.
I'm looking forward to Mr. Elliott's next one.
Read
February 17, 2024I picked up this book because I wanted to delight in a book with a lot of Virginia by an author from Virginia who really knows his Virginia, and on that front I had a great time. Was not surprised to see that the author is also a screenwriter — as I was reading I kept thinking it felt like one of those Netflix thriller miniseries.
April 23, 2024
This book was a dud! The characters were one dimensional. The plot was under developed and improbable.
December 11, 2023
This book has an interesting plot, and I like the language and the small anecdotes, but the disposition of the story is hopeless. Jumping between two different person's POV, and then jumping back in time for a large part in the middle of the book is confusing and no good.
February 5, 2024
I enjoyed this family drama filled with suspense, political intrigue and it kept me reading. The scenery about the mountains and dual POV’s make this enjoyable.
Trigger warnings: Suicide
Trigger warnings: Suicide
January 4, 2024
Thank you to Get Red PR, Level Best Books, and author Peter Malone Elliot for my copy of this book for review.
TL;DR - Man goes to kill his brother but ends up needing an alibi for his brother’s murder.
Plot -
Cillian and Christoper are twins, but entirely different. Cillian is a down to earth, horse riding, truck driving cowboy, for lack of a better description. Christopher is a politician, as sleazy as they come. Cillian blames Christopher for the death of Audrey, the love of his life. After much internal struggle, Cillian decides to take revenge and murder Christopher, only to find out someone beat him to it.
Thoughts -
The author did a great job differentiating the two brothers and really making us understand them. With Cillian’s chapters, it felt almost nostalgic, like an old timey TV show there the main character is narrating throughout. With Christopher’s chapters, you just couldn’t like the rich, entitled, slime ball.
There was a lot of hold off on the cause of Audrey’s death, but when we finally find out how she died, it is shocking, appalling and horrifying all at the same time. I struggled fully understanding Cillian’s feelings behind it. He was really stuck on this, “oh Audrey my beloved darling,” throughout the whole book. It was like he was romanticizing a relationship that didn’t exist in real life, the way it did in his memories. It was actually somewhat profound to try to understand how much of it was caused by Cillian’s guilt over his part in her death.
The book evolves into a political thriller when we find out who is pulling the strings behind Christopher’s campaign and who wanted him dead. Personally, I am not a crime/political thriller lover, so this was my least favorite part.
The ending felt fitting, but I am still trying to decide how I feel about it.
Overall, I thought the author did a really great job with the characters and making the story fit together as a whole. I would recommend this to my action/crime/political thriller lovers.
TL;DR - Man goes to kill his brother but ends up needing an alibi for his brother’s murder.
Plot -
Cillian and Christoper are twins, but entirely different. Cillian is a down to earth, horse riding, truck driving cowboy, for lack of a better description. Christopher is a politician, as sleazy as they come. Cillian blames Christopher for the death of Audrey, the love of his life. After much internal struggle, Cillian decides to take revenge and murder Christopher, only to find out someone beat him to it.
Thoughts -
The author did a great job differentiating the two brothers and really making us understand them. With Cillian’s chapters, it felt almost nostalgic, like an old timey TV show there the main character is narrating throughout. With Christopher’s chapters, you just couldn’t like the rich, entitled, slime ball.
There was a lot of hold off on the cause of Audrey’s death, but when we finally find out how she died, it is shocking, appalling and horrifying all at the same time. I struggled fully understanding Cillian’s feelings behind it. He was really stuck on this, “oh Audrey my beloved darling,” throughout the whole book. It was like he was romanticizing a relationship that didn’t exist in real life, the way it did in his memories. It was actually somewhat profound to try to understand how much of it was caused by Cillian’s guilt over his part in her death.
The book evolves into a political thriller when we find out who is pulling the strings behind Christopher’s campaign and who wanted him dead. Personally, I am not a crime/political thriller lover, so this was my least favorite part.
The ending felt fitting, but I am still trying to decide how I feel about it.
Overall, I thought the author did a really great job with the characters and making the story fit together as a whole. I would recommend this to my action/crime/political thriller lovers.
February 11, 2024
This is a captivating family drama/political thriller that draws you in immediately. It's a quick read and I enjoyed the identical twin aspect of the turmoil and mystery. The descriptions of the Blue Ridge Mountains are beautiful and the author's writing style flows through the multiple viewpoints. An engaging read that you won't want to put down.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2023
BLUE RIDGE
is an incredible twisty thriller that’s as shocking as it is compelling. Peter Malone Elliott brings a fresh and exciting new voice to crime fiction that’s sure to wow readers. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
January 16, 2024
A fun political thriller that will show you the love and hate between two brothers. They both loved the same woman. A murder occurs and you will be guessing who committed the murder. A really good read.
January 4, 2024
A fascinating thriller that had unexpected twists and twin brother drama that cut deep. Peter Malone Elliott's debut is a solid start that will keep readers returning for more!
Cillian and Christopher are twin brothers but have never had a close relationship. Cillian is more of a laid-back and soft-spoken guy and Christopher is a political phenom who knows how to charm his way out of any situation. You can tell they have always had a sibling rivalry and have fought to be the better twin brothers, and it even affects their personal lives. Cillian's girlfriend, Audrey, has known both of them for some time. She loves Cillian but can't fight her bond with Christopher. Cillian begs her to cut him out of her life and since that moment, she changed. Audrey reveals a secret that makes it impossible for the brothers to ever reconcile. And yet they both hurt her in a terrible accident.
After Audrey's death, Cillian and Christopher hardly ever see each other. So, it's surprising when Cillian receives an invite to his brother's house. An even bigger surprise is that Cillian plans to kill his brother during this trip to the Blue Ridge mountains. But he never expected someone who beat him to it.
Two deaths and one suspect. Cillian is on the run to stay out of the news. He knew someone framed him, but didn't seek out justice. That is until he receives instructions along with a burner phone. He calls the number and meets up with a woman who vows to clear his name in exchange for help in taking down the people who murdered his brother.
There are many twists and turns and they come fast. I was intrigued and needed to know who dunnit. I think the author's imagery shines in his descriptions of the nature and beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains. The images and scenes were so vivid for me that I could picture it as if I were walking with the character in each scene. I also enjoyed the dual POV, having each brother have a chapter. I look forward to reading more by Peter Malone Elliott!
Cillian and Christopher are twin brothers but have never had a close relationship. Cillian is more of a laid-back and soft-spoken guy and Christopher is a political phenom who knows how to charm his way out of any situation. You can tell they have always had a sibling rivalry and have fought to be the better twin brothers, and it even affects their personal lives. Cillian's girlfriend, Audrey, has known both of them for some time. She loves Cillian but can't fight her bond with Christopher. Cillian begs her to cut him out of her life and since that moment, she changed. Audrey reveals a secret that makes it impossible for the brothers to ever reconcile. And yet they both hurt her in a terrible accident.
After Audrey's death, Cillian and Christopher hardly ever see each other. So, it's surprising when Cillian receives an invite to his brother's house. An even bigger surprise is that Cillian plans to kill his brother during this trip to the Blue Ridge mountains. But he never expected someone who beat him to it.
Two deaths and one suspect. Cillian is on the run to stay out of the news. He knew someone framed him, but didn't seek out justice. That is until he receives instructions along with a burner phone. He calls the number and meets up with a woman who vows to clear his name in exchange for help in taking down the people who murdered his brother.
There are many twists and turns and they come fast. I was intrigued and needed to know who dunnit. I think the author's imagery shines in his descriptions of the nature and beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains. The images and scenes were so vivid for me that I could picture it as if I were walking with the character in each scene. I also enjoyed the dual POV, having each brother have a chapter. I look forward to reading more by Peter Malone Elliott!
January 8, 2024
"Blue Ridge" is an intense thriller exploring the intricate web of deception, betrayal, and familial ties. Cillian Clarke, a former Olympic contender turned disillusioned horse trainer, finds himself at the centre of a harrowing conspiracy. Framed for the murder of his twin brother, Christopher, a rising political figure in Virginia, Cillian is forced to flee and evade the law.
However, amidst the chaos, an unexpected offer arises from someone linked to Christopher's past, giving Cillian a chance to clear his name. As he delves deeper into the machinations behind his brother's murder, Cillian discovers a dark and sinister conspiracy. This conspiracy not only threatens the foundations of democracy but also unravels a devastating secret binding the brothers—the truth surrounding the death of a woman they both loved.
It is a riveting and intricately woven tale of suspense and betrayal. The premise of a man being framed for his twin brother's murder and subsequently diving into a conspiracy fraught with political implications sets the stage for a gripping narrative. The novel intertwines themes of familial bonds, political intrigue, and the repercussions of buried secrets, offering readers a suspenseful and engaging storyline. Elliott's narrative seems poised to explore the complexities of relationships and the lengths one might go to unearth the truth, even at the risk of unravelling deep-seated secrets.
With its elements of conspiracy and the quest for justice, "Blue Ridge" will likely captivate readers seeking a tense and immersive thriller. Elliott's ability to craft a story interwoven with twists, revelations, and high-stakes conflicts promises an enthralling reading experience.
However, amidst the chaos, an unexpected offer arises from someone linked to Christopher's past, giving Cillian a chance to clear his name. As he delves deeper into the machinations behind his brother's murder, Cillian discovers a dark and sinister conspiracy. This conspiracy not only threatens the foundations of democracy but also unravels a devastating secret binding the brothers—the truth surrounding the death of a woman they both loved.
It is a riveting and intricately woven tale of suspense and betrayal. The premise of a man being framed for his twin brother's murder and subsequently diving into a conspiracy fraught with political implications sets the stage for a gripping narrative. The novel intertwines themes of familial bonds, political intrigue, and the repercussions of buried secrets, offering readers a suspenseful and engaging storyline. Elliott's narrative seems poised to explore the complexities of relationships and the lengths one might go to unearth the truth, even at the risk of unravelling deep-seated secrets.
With its elements of conspiracy and the quest for justice, "Blue Ridge" will likely captivate readers seeking a tense and immersive thriller. Elliott's ability to craft a story interwoven with twists, revelations, and high-stakes conflicts promises an enthralling reading experience.
January 8, 2024
𝘽𝙇𝙐𝙀 𝙍𝙄𝘿𝙂𝙀 by Peter Malone Elliot✮⋆˙
What would you do if you were planning to kill your brother but someone beat you to it?
𝘉𝘭𝘶𝘦 𝘙𝘪𝘥𝘨𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘑𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘺 9𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬!
ＢＬＵＲＢ
After former Olympic contender turned burn-out horse trainer Cillian Clarke is framed for the murder of his identical twin Christopher, a rising-star Virginia politician, Cillian is forced to go on the lam.
But when someone from Christopher's past emerges and offers Cillian the chance to clear his name, Cillian is plunged headfirst into a sinister conspiracy that not only threatens the sanctity of democracy, but also promises to 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫-𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝.
T R O P E S
🔪 Set in the Virginia mountains
🔪 Family drama
🔪 Political conspiracy
🔪 Dual first person POVs
🔪 Twin brothers
🔪 Tragic romance
🔪 Shocking twists
R E V I E W
True crime lovers who enjoy a thrilling mystery, this is for you. This is a fast paced thriller with a twisty plot about brothers going against each other. I couldn't believe that this was a debut, the writing is fantastic and I'm looking forward to more crime- fiction from this author. The ending of this book was not what I expected at all, but I think that's what makes a great thriller, expect the unexpected.
4/5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to @pmewriter and @getredpr for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review!
What would you do if you were planning to kill your brother but someone beat you to it?
𝘉𝘭𝘶𝘦 𝘙𝘪𝘥𝘨𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘑𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘺 9𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬!
ＢＬＵＲＢ
After former Olympic contender turned burn-out horse trainer Cillian Clarke is framed for the murder of his identical twin Christopher, a rising-star Virginia politician, Cillian is forced to go on the lam.
But when someone from Christopher's past emerges and offers Cillian the chance to clear his name, Cillian is plunged headfirst into a sinister conspiracy that not only threatens the sanctity of democracy, but also promises to 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫-𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝.
T R O P E S
🔪 Set in the Virginia mountains
🔪 Family drama
🔪 Political conspiracy
🔪 Dual first person POVs
🔪 Twin brothers
🔪 Tragic romance
🔪 Shocking twists
R E V I E W
True crime lovers who enjoy a thrilling mystery, this is for you. This is a fast paced thriller with a twisty plot about brothers going against each other. I couldn't believe that this was a debut, the writing is fantastic and I'm looking forward to more crime- fiction from this author. The ending of this book was not what I expected at all, but I think that's what makes a great thriller, expect the unexpected.
4/5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to @pmewriter and @getredpr for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review!
January 8, 2024
The opening line is a shocker. I had to reread it twice. That statement catapults you into a story you don’t see coming. The imagery alone in the beginning of this book sets the vibe and gives off a very morose aesthetic. You don’t know what to expect and feel an eeriness lurking in what you read. It’s sorrowful with buckets of regret and there’s something deeper and more desolate between the pages.
The MC, Cillian, is a former Olympic equestrian barely holding on and just living life. He’s going through the motions after the death of his wife. Driving back home, headed to Virginia after being summoned by his younger twin brother. The brother he wants to kill. That’s not even the twist in this story. A murder mystery entwined with sinister characters, cover-ups, and just overall sadness too. Two brothers at odds with one another and in the end, the bond of family and love and seeing things righted will win out. That doesn’t mean it may end well. It ends probably as it should play out. You will not love any of these characters, but you will feel sorry for them and ache for them and wished they had made better choices. A fast paced, riveting and haunting murder mystery that will shock you with surprises and leave you feeling melancholy. 4/5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The MC, Cillian, is a former Olympic equestrian barely holding on and just living life. He’s going through the motions after the death of his wife. Driving back home, headed to Virginia after being summoned by his younger twin brother. The brother he wants to kill. That’s not even the twist in this story. A murder mystery entwined with sinister characters, cover-ups, and just overall sadness too. Two brothers at odds with one another and in the end, the bond of family and love and seeing things righted will win out. That doesn’t mean it may end well. It ends probably as it should play out. You will not love any of these characters, but you will feel sorry for them and ache for them and wished they had made better choices. A fast paced, riveting and haunting murder mystery that will shock you with surprises and leave you feeling melancholy. 4/5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 11, 2024
I’m a fan of twin stories and loved that this was brothers, which I haven’t read much of. This was also dark and vengeful - full of murder, cover-ups, and even some political intrigue.
Cillian and Christopher may be identical twins, but they couldn’t be more different. Christopher is a congressman, now throwing his hat in the ring for the governorship of Virginia. Cillian is a horseman in Kentucky. But an incident from their past over the woman they both loved has made them sworn enemies - bonded by a tragic secret.
Cillian blames Christopher for it all, and he plans on killing Christopher. Yet, as he works his plan out while visiting Christopher in their late daddy’s old Blue Ridge home, someone kills Christopher.
When Cillian finds his body, he notices that all the evidence points to him. He has been framed for his twin’s death.
Not only is this a tense domestic drama between these two brothers, but Cillian becomes entangled in a political conspiracy trying to control the election and more. It's a deadly game.
I flew through this one. I enjoyed how the author filled out details about the past as the story went along. The ending didn’t feel quite right, though, to me. But the story moved quickly; I enjoyed the family drama with the action thrown in, and I loved Cillian's dog.
Thank you @getredprbooks and @pmewriter for a gifted book.
Cillian and Christopher may be identical twins, but they couldn’t be more different. Christopher is a congressman, now throwing his hat in the ring for the governorship of Virginia. Cillian is a horseman in Kentucky. But an incident from their past over the woman they both loved has made them sworn enemies - bonded by a tragic secret.
Cillian blames Christopher for it all, and he plans on killing Christopher. Yet, as he works his plan out while visiting Christopher in their late daddy’s old Blue Ridge home, someone kills Christopher.
When Cillian finds his body, he notices that all the evidence points to him. He has been framed for his twin’s death.
Not only is this a tense domestic drama between these two brothers, but Cillian becomes entangled in a political conspiracy trying to control the election and more. It's a deadly game.
I flew through this one. I enjoyed how the author filled out details about the past as the story went along. The ending didn’t feel quite right, though, to me. But the story moved quickly; I enjoyed the family drama with the action thrown in, and I loved Cillian's dog.
Thank you @getredprbooks and @pmewriter for a gifted book.
November 8, 2023
A heartbreaking and heart-stopping murder thriller and family drama. Blue Ridge is deftly told through the dueling POVs of twin brothers, bound forever in their family's tragic past, their rivalry, and their love for the same woman. In this stunning debut novel, author Peter Malone Elliott seamlessly combines soul-searching character development and hauntingly evocative portraits of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains with galloping, on-the-edge-of-your-seat intrigue. A compelling, turn-the-page study of one brother (Cillian)—whose promising equestrian career was abruptly ended by injury while his twin (Christopher) became a rising political star and secret suitor to his beloved Audrey—seeking redemption and answers when he's framed for his brother's bloody murder. With perfectly turned and timed surprises and revelations, Elliott's voice is rich, resonant, and pitch-perfect with each, very different, character. A captivating, often poignant, action-packed first of--hopefully--more treats to come from this gifted young author. Highly recommend!
May 17, 2024
Two stars: it was okay. That's it. I can understand the one-star reviews; this book has a lot of profanity, characters describing their hatred for one another, violence, suicide ideology, political bluster, I'm probably forgetting something "triggering." I understand readers who may have been completely turned off by this book.
I don't understand the four and five-star reviews and the high praise heaped on Blue Ridge. This book could have used some more editing and polish. The praise quotes inside the front cover talk up how twisty and thrilling the book is; no, it wasn't quite there for me. I wasn't surprised by the ending; I found it to be quite cartoonish.
I don't understand the four and five-star reviews and the high praise heaped on Blue Ridge. This book could have used some more editing and polish. The praise quotes inside the front cover talk up how twisty and thrilling the book is; no, it wasn't quite there for me. I wasn't surprised by the ending; I found it to be quite cartoonish.
January 6, 2024
Blue Ridge is the story of twins that hate each other. One is a rising star headed for the Govern's mansion and the other is a former Olympic contender. Cillian Clarke is framed for the murder of his identical twin Christopher; the shocker is Cillian was on his way to kill his brother, but someone beat him to it. Someone from Christopher’s past emerges and offers Cillian the chance to clear his name. But will the truth that binds the brothers together be revealed and take them both down.
I was looking forward to this after reading the description, however I was put off from the first page buy the vulgar language and the hatred they both shared for one another. None of the characters are likeable at all. The descriptions of Virginia were the best part of the book for me.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
I was looking forward to this after reading the description, however I was put off from the first page buy the vulgar language and the hatred they both shared for one another. None of the characters are likeable at all. The descriptions of Virginia were the best part of the book for me.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
February 22, 2024
Thank you @getredprbooks for this opportunity to read and review this edgy book!
When I started this book, my mind brought me back to the Blue Ridge Mountain vacation my husband and I drove through the NC/VA parts—the rolling hills, the views and the fresh air. This book, on the other hand, gave the reader some teasers of the beauty of Blue Ridge and the suspense hidden behind the gorgeous landscapes and scenery of the small town on top of Blue Ridge. The twin brothers, Cillian and Christopher, are the exact same characters with ambitions and passions. What they’re lacking is what got them in trouble. This psycho-thriller is a quick read and offered plenty of twists and turns. In fact, I read this quickly while recovering from sniffles and coughs. It is unputdownable and many elements in this book gave me the impression that the ending would be satisfying. I really liked it!
When I started this book, my mind brought me back to the Blue Ridge Mountain vacation my husband and I drove through the NC/VA parts—the rolling hills, the views and the fresh air. This book, on the other hand, gave the reader some teasers of the beauty of Blue Ridge and the suspense hidden behind the gorgeous landscapes and scenery of the small town on top of Blue Ridge. The twin brothers, Cillian and Christopher, are the exact same characters with ambitions and passions. What they’re lacking is what got them in trouble. This psycho-thriller is a quick read and offered plenty of twists and turns. In fact, I read this quickly while recovering from sniffles and coughs. It is unputdownable and many elements in this book gave me the impression that the ending would be satisfying. I really liked it!
January 6, 2025
A fast-paced thrill ride filled with suspense and jump scares that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Told from a dual POV (from twin brothers who couldn’t be more different), the prose is intelligent yet accessible, and tension jumps from every page. It’s an inside peek into the gruelling, back-stabbing, pocket-lining world of US politics, but, more than that, it’s about families and the bonds that tie them together, and how our secrets, lies, bad decisions and past mistakes can haunt us.
While the ‘mic-drop’ chapter endings will keep you turning pages, Blue Ridge is dripping with southern charm as thick as syrup, and will leave you craving a stack of pancakes long after you finish reading.
An easy 5 stars!
Told from a dual POV (from twin brothers who couldn’t be more different), the prose is intelligent yet accessible, and tension jumps from every page. It’s an inside peek into the gruelling, back-stabbing, pocket-lining world of US politics, but, more than that, it’s about families and the bonds that tie them together, and how our secrets, lies, bad decisions and past mistakes can haunt us.
While the ‘mic-drop’ chapter endings will keep you turning pages, Blue Ridge is dripping with southern charm as thick as syrup, and will leave you craving a stack of pancakes long after you finish reading.
An easy 5 stars!
January 10, 2024
Can we just appreciate how pretty this cover is!? I was drawn in because of that, first off. Second, this is a thriller and I absolutely love them. Cillian Clarke is our main character and is framed for the murder of his identical twin brother. Working with someone from his brother’s past to clear his name, he is forced into something much more complicated. This was an all around great read, Cillian was an interesting character and the plot was full of surprises. For those who want a thriller with a fast paced story, this is for you!
June 15, 2024
Blue Ridge
An excellent story about an regular guy vs big money/big power. Content to live his life with the woman he loves and his dog. The major issue with his life is his twin brother. The big politician and everyone’s favorite. One day the jealous politician crosses the line with his brother which leads to an irreparable rift. When the big shot brother is found murdered, the twin is blamed. With the pressure on, he is forced to find his brother’s killer before they find him.
#GoodreadsGiveaways
An excellent story about an regular guy vs big money/big power. Content to live his life with the woman he loves and his dog. The major issue with his life is his twin brother. The big politician and everyone’s favorite. One day the jealous politician crosses the line with his brother which leads to an irreparable rift. When the big shot brother is found murdered, the twin is blamed. With the pressure on, he is forced to find his brother’s killer before they find him.
#GoodreadsGiveaways
January 12, 2024
This book has many twists and turns, and keeps you interested in what happens next. Even if you think you know who is who, you will still be surprized by all of the revelations made at the end.
While I know this is fiction, it is scary to think people like the Godmother could really exist.
It is hard to believe that two brothers could go from best friends to hate each other enough to want to kill each other.
Thanks goodreads for the opportunity to read this book.
While I know this is fiction, it is scary to think people like the Godmother could really exist.
It is hard to believe that two brothers could go from best friends to hate each other enough to want to kill each other.
Thanks goodreads for the opportunity to read this book.
February 11, 2024
Thank you to GetRed PR for always kindly sharing under the radar books with me so I can support them! Blue Ridge from Peter Malone Elliott is available now and it's a great read for political mystery fans/suspense fans. This was a compelling story, moody and suspenseful, and really sneaks in a powerful, intense in a good way, examination of being genetically identical twins but completely different in every other way. When your greatest enemy is your (now murdered) dead twin...
December 31, 2024
In true Peter Malone Elliott fashion, I was blown away. Stomach clenching one minute, laughing the next, this read is a roller coaster ride of romance, mystery, and bone chilling thrills. Political, but not too (we’ve got enough of that in real life), and issue-driven but subtly so. Had it not been for family obligations, I would have finished it in one day.
Wonderful read by a phenomenal writer!
Wonderful read by a phenomenal writer!
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