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What Lies Beneath The Flowerbed
Gray Knight has a garden that even Martha Stewart would envy. That’s because she uses the most organic fertilizer she can find. Who knew the corpse of a human body could produce the most beautiful flowers in all of Kansas?
Gray is not your typical serial killer. Not by a long shot. She’s unorthodox in her approach and her victims are hand-picked based on one common thread—they have all brutally abused women. Abused herself, Gray makes it her mission, with the help of her friends Andi and Jaz, to remove as many criminals as possible, leaving not a single trace of evidence behind. At least that’s what she believes. See, Gray is a bit obsessive. Everything she does is methodical and precise. She’s cautious. She’s paranoid. But then again, she has a good reason to be.
Jett Roman is a homicide detective, and for all Gray knows, Jett is the Grim Reaper who has come to lay her to rest. Are the foreign emotions Jett’s making Gray feel true or just smoke and mirrors? Only time will tell if her suspicions are as dead on as the cold bodies under the flowers.
**What Lies Beneath The Flowerbed is strictly in the female characters POV. The male characters POV will be portrayed in its own book at a later date.**
Gray is not your typical serial killer. Not by a long shot. She’s unorthodox in her approach and her victims are hand-picked based on one common thread—they have all brutally abused women. Abused herself, Gray makes it her mission, with the help of her friends Andi and Jaz, to remove as many criminals as possible, leaving not a single trace of evidence behind. At least that’s what she believes. See, Gray is a bit obsessive. Everything she does is methodical and precise. She’s cautious. She’s paranoid. But then again, she has a good reason to be.
Jett Roman is a homicide detective, and for all Gray knows, Jett is the Grim Reaper who has come to lay her to rest. Are the foreign emotions Jett’s making Gray feel true or just smoke and mirrors? Only time will tell if her suspicions are as dead on as the cold bodies under the flowers.
**What Lies Beneath The Flowerbed is strictly in the female characters POV. The male characters POV will be portrayed in its own book at a later date.**
- GenresSuspense
440 pages, ebook
Published February 1, 2017
About the author
D.M. Thornton
11 books222 followersD. M. Thornton, originally from San Diego, CA, lives in Overland Park, Kansas with her three kids and her husband. She is a creative soul who has an unhealthy addiction to old fashioned chocolate glazed doughnuts and enjoys quizzing her kids on music. She plays piano and the ukulele, and can be found singing and dancing at any given moment just to embarrass her children.
After fourteen years of being a nail technician, she traded in her nail polish and took a chance on an old childhood dream of becoming a writer. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and on Twitter. To check out her other various romance novels and to see what is coming up in the world of make-believe, visit D.M. Thornton at http://www.dmthornton.com.
Come...join me on Facebook, Down and Dirty- D.M. Thornton's reader group, and let's talk about books!
After fourteen years of being a nail technician, she traded in her nail polish and took a chance on an old childhood dream of becoming a writer. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and on Twitter. To check out her other various romance novels and to see what is coming up in the world of make-believe, visit D.M. Thornton at http://www.dmthornton.com.
Come...join me on Facebook, Down and Dirty- D.M. Thornton's reader group, and let's talk about books!
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 28, 2017
So I am a huge fan of DM Thornton. She is my absolute favorite romance author. This book wasn't my favorite though.
This book has the same flawless writing and pacing I have always loved. The characters and interactions felt off to me though. I just never really liked the characters much. Normally I am sobbing, laughing and smiling along with Thornton's characters not this time though. The ladies were great but just not my personality. I loved the steamy scenes, those are always perfect. I loved the pacing, and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I like that this book introduced a darker aspect to Thornton's writing. I would love to see more thrillers by her!
Overall, I didn't love the characters and interactions but I did love the writing, plot and darker aspect to this novel. I would recommend this but keep in mind that this book is not for those of the faint of heart.
This book has the same flawless writing and pacing I have always loved. The characters and interactions felt off to me though. I just never really liked the characters much. Normally I am sobbing, laughing and smiling along with Thornton's characters not this time though. The ladies were great but just not my personality. I loved the steamy scenes, those are always perfect. I loved the pacing, and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I like that this book introduced a darker aspect to Thornton's writing. I would love to see more thrillers by her!
Overall, I didn't love the characters and interactions but I did love the writing, plot and darker aspect to this novel. I would recommend this but keep in mind that this book is not for those of the faint of heart.
December 31, 2016
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
First, I have to say that the description is rather misleading. When I read it, I thought the book was going to be a sort of thriller with a serial killer trying to escape a cops.
At the very beginning of the book though there is a warning about strong language and sex scenes as I was like, fine, I'm not fourteen, so whatever, still it didn't prepare me for this.
The main story line is more about three girls trying for sex and orgasm than about a serial killer.
I have the hardest time connecting with a main character that would only think about sex most of the time but having three of them was a bit excessive.
Don't get me wrong, the start of the book was awesome, the girls have to do what they do for the kill, but then when they meet three friends that are exactly their matches and there are more pages about sexual encounters than actually plot or killing, or serial killer machination or trying to escape the cops, the author almost lost me. I mean I'm not really much into love at first sight but three at the same time...duh. Because most of everything in the book goes in three.
The thing is, the sex scenes are pretty well written even though for some reasons they had to be rough and with full language all over. But the thoughts of the characters, especially Gray gets really repetitive.
What annoyed me the most was that there were a lot of parts that didn't add up, like what are they doing with the cars when they clean up? Because that's not mention anywhere. Bodies disappear but nobody is digging the garden of the killer, seriously that would be the first place anyone with a brain would start to look. Little things like that really get on my nerves.
At time it went with weeks passing without a kill when they are supposed to do it weekly and we never even see Gray do any research about the kills, it's just like she is going to kill the guy, tell you why, and do the kill, lets go back to sex mode. We don't see much of the aftermath or the cops investigation either.
I guess this book works as erotica or porn but as a thriller, not so much.
First, I have to say that the description is rather misleading. When I read it, I thought the book was going to be a sort of thriller with a serial killer trying to escape a cops.
At the very beginning of the book though there is a warning about strong language and sex scenes as I was like, fine, I'm not fourteen, so whatever, still it didn't prepare me for this.
The main story line is more about three girls trying for sex and orgasm than about a serial killer.
I have the hardest time connecting with a main character that would only think about sex most of the time but having three of them was a bit excessive.
Don't get me wrong, the start of the book was awesome, the girls have to do what they do for the kill, but then when they meet three friends that are exactly their matches and there are more pages about sexual encounters than actually plot or killing, or serial killer machination or trying to escape the cops, the author almost lost me. I mean I'm not really much into love at first sight but three at the same time...duh. Because most of everything in the book goes in three.
The thing is, the sex scenes are pretty well written even though for some reasons they had to be rough and with full language all over. But the thoughts of the characters, especially Gray gets really repetitive.
What annoyed me the most was that there were a lot of parts that didn't add up, like what are they doing with the cars when they clean up? Because that's not mention anywhere. Bodies disappear but nobody is digging the garden of the killer, seriously that would be the first place anyone with a brain would start to look. Little things like that really get on my nerves.
At time it went with weeks passing without a kill when they are supposed to do it weekly and we never even see Gray do any research about the kills, it's just like she is going to kill the guy, tell you why, and do the kill, lets go back to sex mode. We don't see much of the aftermath or the cops investigation either.
I guess this book works as erotica or porn but as a thriller, not so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2017
Gray Knight is a typical school teacher by day, but by night she's a serial killer. Along for the ride are her two ride or die best friends Jaz and Andi. Each has their own reason for going along with the killer plan, but the main one being they're just helping take out the bad seeds one kill at a time. They pick their boy toy victims for a reason, they are all rapists or abusers of some kind. After the girls have their fun with them they end up buried in Gray's flower garden, which is spectacular by the way. Gray knows she's won't get caught because she's methodical, precise, and clean just as any person suffering from OCD would be, but when police detective Jett Roman starts coming around Gray things start going awry. Is it true love or does Jett have ulterior motives that could alter Gray's life forever?
At the beginning of this book there is a warning of what's to come, and to not continue if you're squeamish or prudish, among other things. I am neither of these things, but others should definetly take heed because this book is filled with gore, sex, and more. I was actually surprised at how much I enjoyed this book! D. M. Thornton has filled these pages with believable characters that all have valid reasons for their demeanors. One thing I didn't enjoy in this book were the slang words thrown in (like "redonkulous") they always took me right out of the book because I had to roll my eyes. I don't know if they were to remind us that Gray works around teens or what...but they just felt out of place from her. I also felt like Gray was smart enough to figure things out a little sooner, but I guess she was distracted. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars and look forward to seeing the next book from the male's perspectives!
At the beginning of this book there is a warning of what's to come, and to not continue if you're squeamish or prudish, among other things. I am neither of these things, but others should definetly take heed because this book is filled with gore, sex, and more. I was actually surprised at how much I enjoyed this book! D. M. Thornton has filled these pages with believable characters that all have valid reasons for their demeanors. One thing I didn't enjoy in this book were the slang words thrown in (like "redonkulous") they always took me right out of the book because I had to roll my eyes. I don't know if they were to remind us that Gray works around teens or what...but they just felt out of place from her. I also felt like Gray was smart enough to figure things out a little sooner, but I guess she was distracted. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars and look forward to seeing the next book from the male's perspectives!
January 23, 2017
I've read everything that D.M. Thornton has written, everything. So I can honestly say this book is like nothing that she has ever written before. This book is dark, sexy and a little disturbing, in a good way. These are three women that you would not want to mess with, ever.
The idea of a book from the POV of a serial killer was exciting to me. It was very Dexter-ish, if Dexter was three women that were downright deadly. This is a not a book for everyone with it graphic sex scenes and gory killing scenes. I can handle foul language and vulgarity but there was a few scenes that made me need to take a break for a few minutes. These ladies make locker room talk seem like a conversation you would have at church with your pastor.
Gray was crazy but that's obvious, I mean she kills people for crying out loud. She has some deep rooted issues that would make a therapist need a therapist. Andi was just as crazy if not a little more. I really don't know which one of them was worst when it came to riding the crazy train. Jaz wasn't as crazy as them she really just needed to get laid and she did, and then some. I admired their friendship, though.
I'm not talking about the men in this book because I see that they get their own book soon. So I'll wait to discuss my opinion when I see their POV's. A part of me wished this book focused more on the killings and less on the sex but Thornton knows how to write a damn good sex scene.
I really enjoyed reading this crazy book and I hope people give it a chance.
The idea of a book from the POV of a serial killer was exciting to me. It was very Dexter-ish, if Dexter was three women that were downright deadly. This is a not a book for everyone with it graphic sex scenes and gory killing scenes. I can handle foul language and vulgarity but there was a few scenes that made me need to take a break for a few minutes. These ladies make locker room talk seem like a conversation you would have at church with your pastor.
Gray was crazy but that's obvious, I mean she kills people for crying out loud. She has some deep rooted issues that would make a therapist need a therapist. Andi was just as crazy if not a little more. I really don't know which one of them was worst when it came to riding the crazy train. Jaz wasn't as crazy as them she really just needed to get laid and she did, and then some. I admired their friendship, though.
I'm not talking about the men in this book because I see that they get their own book soon. So I'll wait to discuss my opinion when I see their POV's. A part of me wished this book focused more on the killings and less on the sex but Thornton knows how to write a damn good sex scene.
I really enjoyed reading this crazy book and I hope people give it a chance.
September 2, 2018
This is the first book of D.M. Thornton’s that I have read. I will say that it was nothing short of a wild ride. It is definitely not for the faint of heart or for anybody easily offended by violence or sexual situations. That being said... I thought it was really good.
The story is very reminiscent of the HBO show “Dexter” but with a female protagonist. Gray Knight, the mild mannered school teacher by day turns into a cold blooded killer by night. Her best friends, Andi and Jaz, help with the capture and torture. The girls only target men who have escaped the judicial system and will continue to rape and murder if they are not stopped. However, their motives are not completely altruistic, which will be explained as the story unfolds.
The plot and cast of characters are enjoyable. When three equally interesting men are introduced into the story, things really begin to heat up. Friendship and the possibility of love play an important role in this story. A story that has an ending you will never see coming.
“I received this book from Booksprout. I voluntarily read this book and this is my honest review.”
The story is very reminiscent of the HBO show “Dexter” but with a female protagonist. Gray Knight, the mild mannered school teacher by day turns into a cold blooded killer by night. Her best friends, Andi and Jaz, help with the capture and torture. The girls only target men who have escaped the judicial system and will continue to rape and murder if they are not stopped. However, their motives are not completely altruistic, which will be explained as the story unfolds.
The plot and cast of characters are enjoyable. When three equally interesting men are introduced into the story, things really begin to heat up. Friendship and the possibility of love play an important role in this story. A story that has an ending you will never see coming.
“I received this book from Booksprout. I voluntarily read this book and this is my honest review.”
September 10, 2018
Wow such a amazing book.
It's a book about gray knight and her friends Andrea and Jasmine who are getting rid of men who have done bad things in their life and then hiding their bodies in Greys garden at her house.
Gray is a grade school teacher.
Gray and her friends start relationship with some cops and the cops have no idea what they are upto. Will the cops work it out?
Such a amazing story, you don't know what will happen next and there are some steamy scenes and people fall in love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's a book about gray knight and her friends Andrea and Jasmine who are getting rid of men who have done bad things in their life and then hiding their bodies in Greys garden at her house.
Gray is a grade school teacher.
Gray and her friends start relationship with some cops and the cops have no idea what they are upto. Will the cops work it out?
Such a amazing story, you don't know what will happen next and there are some steamy scenes and people fall in love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2018
This is a well written dark thriller with three women who come together and create their own justice system. The author fills the story with very descriptive scenes .. both sexual and violent killing scenes and is told in the women's POV. She also brings in some heavy topics such as drug addiction and sexual abuse. This is definitely not a lite read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
September 2, 2018
This book is not for the faint of heart. It does have some graphic scenes. Gray is a school teacher by day, but turns into killer at night. Along with her friends, Andi and Jaz. They only go after men who hurt women and get away with it. They take justice into their own hands and make them pay for their crimes! I don’t want to give away too much of the story, but it is very good!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2018
I wasn't prepared for the wild ride this book took me on. Yes, I read the blurb and thought I knew what to expect, but I was still surprised at the graphic detail which made me cringe and yet pulled me into the story at the same time. The author wrote a very intriguing book which I will admit will stay with me for a long time to come. Everything I felt - the horror, the fascination, the mind-numbing drama, the amazing characters - were well worth the time it took me to read this book.
September 5, 2018
She has the most wonderful flowers growing in her garden as she uses the best compost. Human bodies. She is a serial.killer but she has only one type of victim men who beat their wives as she was once at the hands of a brute. Will she even get caught? What will happen to her? Follow her story
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 17, 2020
Intense and Compelling and More Than I Can Handle
Made it to 8 percent and gotta tap out. I love the premise, I love what I read so far, but I'm not one of those readers that can skim over sections and I couldn't get through the first butcher scene. I'm disappointed because I'm curious about how the characters develop and where the story goes. Alas.
Made it to 8 percent and gotta tap out. I love the premise, I love what I read so far, but I'm not one of those readers that can skim over sections and I couldn't get through the first butcher scene. I'm disappointed because I'm curious about how the characters develop and where the story goes. Alas.
September 3, 2018
This is a dark thriller about a women named grey that is actually a school teacher but she is also a serial killer that kills men with help by 2 friends def not a light read but very interesting!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2018
Dark, demented and totally sick. Great book. Lots of us think like this but would never put it into action. Three women who band together to create their own sense of justice. Crazy wild
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 3, 2018
This was my first book by this Author and I can’t wait to get my hands on more of their work. I loved this book and how it was written and you would never think it would end the way it did. Great job!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 6, 2018
A highly enjoyable read full of humor and drama. A well written plot that held my interest all the way through.
September 7, 2018
The book is a good dark thriller graphic storyline that is intriguing. The characters are interesting and well developed. I did like reading this book.
January 10, 2017
The idea of a serial killer torturing and murdering abusive men and burying them under a flowerbed was a unique and interesting one, but the plot doesn't live up to it unfortunately. I wish there were more intense scenes like some of her more challenging kills, and when she was trying to play it cool when the cops were on her case. It felt like the premise had a lot of potential but the author decided to focus it more on romance and unnecessary explicit scenes than the actual cop - killer chase.
Also, I didn't like the ending at all, I mean it was different than I expected, but I still wish it wasn't focused so much on romance
I liked the girls' friendship for the most part (the constant swearing annoyed me though), and how they always stuck together and we're willing to do anything for each other.
I also liked Gray mostly, the way she was the mature and logical one out of the three, and her need to "keep things in order" that came with her OCD. She was a badass mostly, which was cool too. I liked her relationship with her brother, and how well-written it was overall.
To wrap it all up: there were some good things, but I wish the story were more focused on its thriller aspect and had a fairer ending.
*I was provided a copy by D.M Thornton in exchange for an honest review.
Also, I didn't like the ending at all, I mean it was different than I expected, but I still wish it wasn't focused so much on romance
I liked the girls' friendship for the most part (the constant swearing annoyed me though), and how they always stuck together and we're willing to do anything for each other.
I also liked Gray mostly, the way she was the mature and logical one out of the three, and her need to "keep things in order" that came with her OCD. She was a badass mostly, which was cool too. I liked her relationship with her brother, and how well-written it was overall.
To wrap it all up: there were some good things, but I wish the story were more focused on its thriller aspect and had a fairer ending.
*I was provided a copy by D.M Thornton in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews