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With These Hands
We betray the ones we love through our own selfish desires.
Joni Chaskey’s father is a serial killer. Her life has always been shadowed by his sickening crimes. The guilt is overbearing, and at times leaves her on a road to self destruction.
Under the impression that her father gave up the names of all his victims, Joni is shocked when police connect a recently discovered body to him. Special Agent Cyrus Kenner with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation asks for her help when he gets no cooperation from Lyle with the woman’s identification. Hurt by his lies, Joni is desperate for the truth. How many more victims are there? Compelled to right the wrongs, Joni trusts the wrong people and is left to wonder how much she is willing to sacrifice to pay for her father’s sins.
For whom can a daughter of a serial killer truly trust?
Joni Chaskey’s father is a serial killer. Her life has always been shadowed by his sickening crimes. The guilt is overbearing, and at times leaves her on a road to self destruction.
Under the impression that her father gave up the names of all his victims, Joni is shocked when police connect a recently discovered body to him. Special Agent Cyrus Kenner with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation asks for her help when he gets no cooperation from Lyle with the woman’s identification. Hurt by his lies, Joni is desperate for the truth. How many more victims are there? Compelled to right the wrongs, Joni trusts the wrong people and is left to wonder how much she is willing to sacrifice to pay for her father’s sins.
For whom can a daughter of a serial killer truly trust?
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2014
7 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 27, 2014
With These Hands is a very impressive debut novel by Kristy Roland. Fair warning to all--this is not for the faint of heart. The book is divided into 3 parts. The first part goes back in time and introduces us to serial killer Lyle Chaskey, his relationship with his family, especially his young daughter Joni, and his horrific crimes. I like my thrillers on the dark side; Ms. Roland delivers right off the bat with her intense descriptions of Chaskey's attacks on women. This is one bad ass SOB. The second part of the book picks up with an older Joni, now in her 20s, tying to reconcile her fate as a daughter of a despised serial killer still alive in the prison system. In the third part of the novel, the action picks up as the relationship between Joni and her father comes to a head.
I liked several things about With These Hands. The character development is top-notch, especially of the daughter Joni, who is a very conflicted individual. Ms. Roland also gets into the mind of Lyle; this is fascinating, chilling stuff. There is a reasonable number of supporting characters who are easy to keep straight; most play significant roles in the plot. There are multiple surprises/twists and turns that come up periodically all the way through to the last page. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just say after I finished the last page of the book, I sat there and thanked God that I was not albatrossed with a serial killer father. I also want to mention the chapters are short and Ms. Roland writes concisely making for a fast read. I enjoyed the involvement of the two dogs in the story.
What didn't I like? There were several typos, but that issue doesn't really bother me. There were a few spots in the story that dragged a bit. Initially, there were not too many likable characters except for Joni, but as the story evolved, so did a number of these folks in a positive way.
I recommend this tale to all mystery/thriller fans who like their stories dark. I very much enjoyed this novel and plan to read whatever Ms. Roland publishes next. I hope it is not long in coming.
I liked several things about With These Hands. The character development is top-notch, especially of the daughter Joni, who is a very conflicted individual. Ms. Roland also gets into the mind of Lyle; this is fascinating, chilling stuff. There is a reasonable number of supporting characters who are easy to keep straight; most play significant roles in the plot. There are multiple surprises/twists and turns that come up periodically all the way through to the last page. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just say after I finished the last page of the book, I sat there and thanked God that I was not albatrossed with a serial killer father. I also want to mention the chapters are short and Ms. Roland writes concisely making for a fast read. I enjoyed the involvement of the two dogs in the story.
What didn't I like? There were several typos, but that issue doesn't really bother me. There were a few spots in the story that dragged a bit. Initially, there were not too many likable characters except for Joni, but as the story evolved, so did a number of these folks in a positive way.
I recommend this tale to all mystery/thriller fans who like their stories dark. I very much enjoyed this novel and plan to read whatever Ms. Roland publishes next. I hope it is not long in coming.
April 28, 2023
Wow, what a dark and twisted story. Read this as a friend recommended. A story of a serial killer, who’s daughter learns of all of her fathers many lies when (now in jail) new body’s are discovered and connected to her father. Story about abuse, rape, murder etc and twists along the way. Over 4 stars for sure.
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March 14, 2020The second time I've read this book, loved it first time a few years ago and loved it again. Great story, kept me on edge and wondering what's going to happen next
February 13, 2022
Awesome book
Unlike any book I've ever read! It's worth thr read. I would have loved to hear how Jonie faired in the end
Unlike any book I've ever read! It's worth thr read. I would have loved to hear how Jonie faired in the end
February 11, 2014
Amazing thriller that keeps you needing to know what's next! The characters are interesting; yet not always what they seem. The storyline immerses you in this world of a serial killer and his daughter. The first part takes you into the life of a monster and his twisted mind. The second part into the world if a daughter trying to live a normal life in the horrific shadow of her fathers crime. Part three is when the two worlds collide. "With These hands" is a book that has twists and turns with puzzle pieces that keep coming. I could not put this book down and can't wait to read from Kristy Roland!
February 9, 2014
Great story. Gripping page turner. Loved the character development. Such an interesting and unique story. I was invested from page one! I can't wait to read more from this author!
May 11, 2014
What an interesting twist on the murder mystery! I really enjoyed the development and once it got going, I couldn't put it down. Great read!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews