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Santa Barbara Suspense #2
What She Never Said
People are dying at a luxury retirement community . . . and not from natural causes.
Ruth Mosby is the VP of operations at Serenity Acres, where the privileged elite go to die. For a hefty fee, wealthy retirees can live the good life in this posh Santa Barbara community—even after they outlive their money. Ruth thinks this is a fine arrangement, but the savvy new boss has a new if you can’t pay, you can’t stay.
Ruth is deeply disturbed when destitute residents start dying at an alarming rate, as if on cue. Even more troubling, a macabre note accompanies each departed guest. Surviving guests whisper about an “Angel” who assists with suicides. Ruth has another word for murder.
Ruth enlists her neighbor, an ex-detective named Zach, to discover the Angel’s secret identity. However, the two have a painful history, and Ruth has dark secrets all her own. To solve the mystery, Ruth must descend from her golden tower—but can she bear the consequences of revealing her own sinister truths?
Ruth Mosby is the VP of operations at Serenity Acres, where the privileged elite go to die. For a hefty fee, wealthy retirees can live the good life in this posh Santa Barbara community—even after they outlive their money. Ruth thinks this is a fine arrangement, but the savvy new boss has a new if you can’t pay, you can’t stay.
Ruth is deeply disturbed when destitute residents start dying at an alarming rate, as if on cue. Even more troubling, a macabre note accompanies each departed guest. Surviving guests whisper about an “Angel” who assists with suicides. Ruth has another word for murder.
Ruth enlists her neighbor, an ex-detective named Zach, to discover the Angel’s secret identity. However, the two have a painful history, and Ruth has dark secrets all her own. To solve the mystery, Ruth must descend from her golden tower—but can she bear the consequences of revealing her own sinister truths?
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2019
124 people are currently reading
1442 people want to read
About the author
Catharine Riggs
4 books196 followersThriller writer | Author of the twin thrillers WHAT SHE GAVE AWAY and WHAT SHE NEVER SAID
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
August 16, 2019
I’ve got two elderly parents in a retirement community, so I spend a lot of time there. Thus, I was interested in a murder mystery dealing with a retirement community. The book starts with the concept of an “angel of death”, someone helping the elderly on their way in exchange for telling a secret. But the real story seems to be about Ruth, the VP of Operations at Serenity Acres. She’s an odd one, a real stickler for rules. She’s not an easy character to like, even though she’s very sympathetic to her “guests”. When the community is bought by a publicly traded conglomerate, the old ways are tossed out the window and Ruth’s concerns really make her the odd man out.
Ruth brings in Zach, her neighbor, a retired detective, to work as nighttime security. They have a dark history together, which we’re not privy to initially, and it’s damaged both of them.
The story alternates between Ruth and Zach. Zach’s sections include way too much of him talking to his dead wife, which annoyed me.
I can’t say this book enthralled me. I found the writing and plot to be pretty predictable and average. I had a good idea who the Angel was from early on. And the ending seemed rushed after such a long lead up.
I hadn’t realized this was the second in a series. But it’s easily read as a stand-alone.
My thanks to netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of the book.
Ruth brings in Zach, her neighbor, a retired detective, to work as nighttime security. They have a dark history together, which we’re not privy to initially, and it’s damaged both of them.
The story alternates between Ruth and Zach. Zach’s sections include way too much of him talking to his dead wife, which annoyed me.
I can’t say this book enthralled me. I found the writing and plot to be pretty predictable and average. I had a good idea who the Angel was from early on. And the ending seemed rushed after such a long lead up.
I hadn’t realized this was the second in a series. But it’s easily read as a stand-alone.
My thanks to netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of the book.
September 6, 2019
Santa Barbara Suspense #2
Ruth Mosby is the Vice President of Operations at Serenity Acres, where the privileged elite go to die. Ruth is very strict and doesn't like when rules are broken. She gets her son a job in the kitchen and a neighbour job as a security guard. But when people start dying there, and not through illness, it looks like foul play. Ruth and her neighbour, Zach have rets hidden in their past. They also have current issues that they are trying to hide. Zach is a retired detective.
I found this book to be a chilling and thrilling read. The characters are complex, the storyline suspenseful. The story is told from several peoples point of view. I did guess where the story was going, ut that did ot spoil it for me. Although this is the second book I this series, it an be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and the author Catharine Riggs for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ruth Mosby is the Vice President of Operations at Serenity Acres, where the privileged elite go to die. Ruth is very strict and doesn't like when rules are broken. She gets her son a job in the kitchen and a neighbour job as a security guard. But when people start dying there, and not through illness, it looks like foul play. Ruth and her neighbour, Zach have rets hidden in their past. They also have current issues that they are trying to hide. Zach is a retired detective.
I found this book to be a chilling and thrilling read. The characters are complex, the storyline suspenseful. The story is told from several peoples point of view. I did guess where the story was going, ut that did ot spoil it for me. Although this is the second book I this series, it an be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and the author Catharine Riggs for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2019
I’ve read two books now by author Catharine Riggs, “What She Gave Away” and her latest, “What She Never Said.” In both novels, she exhibits a real talent for creating characters with deep-seated quirks and foibles, some with serious personality disorders. But it’s what she does with her characters after presenting their flaws that make both books so compelling. By degrees, she reveals events in their pasts that have shaped the way they barge or bumble through life, pasts that hold mistakes and painful events that have marked them for the remainder of their lives.
But wait—even lives mired in regrets can be resurrected. And there lies the real drama.
In “What She Never Said,” the author gives us two very realistic characters who share a past so full of guilt and shame, they can barely speak with each other, which is awkward considering they are still next-door neighbors. It’s when they try to make peace with the past and begin to work together at Serenity Acres that their old wounds are exposed and reexamined, while murder and mayhem tiptoes around them.
On top of fascinating character studies, there is an insidious mystery. The flawless writing swept me along like rapids. I can hardly wait to see what the author has in store in her next novel!
But wait—even lives mired in regrets can be resurrected. And there lies the real drama.
In “What She Never Said,” the author gives us two very realistic characters who share a past so full of guilt and shame, they can barely speak with each other, which is awkward considering they are still next-door neighbors. It’s when they try to make peace with the past and begin to work together at Serenity Acres that their old wounds are exposed and reexamined, while murder and mayhem tiptoes around them.
On top of fascinating character studies, there is an insidious mystery. The flawless writing swept me along like rapids. I can hardly wait to see what the author has in store in her next novel!
Read
August 25, 2019The story had a deadly premise, an Angel who helped the elderly at the nursing home to hasten their deaths. Ruth, the VP of Operations at Silent Acres soon realized that the deaths were not normal. She called in Zach, her abrasive neighbor and retired detective. Together they investigated.
My first book by Catharine Riggs, I was quite enthralled by the story, having read such medical thrillers before. Where this book varied was in characters. I liked that the author took an out of the normal way to write them.
They were headstrong, blunt, didn't like each other, shared a corrosive secret. Both came across as selfish initially till the grew on me. As the pages turned, the layers in the characters were revealed. I liked the strength in writing them.
The story was at the roots a murder mystery. And it didn't disappoint with its suspense. I could guess at the Angel, but I left the thought there and read the book pure for the pleasure of it. The investigation took its turns, as they normally do.
My niggles too made its appearance. The prose could have been sharper, and ending way better.
Overall, it was fun to start the day with a murder mystery. A good breakfast read!!
My first book by Catharine Riggs, I was quite enthralled by the story, having read such medical thrillers before. Where this book varied was in characters. I liked that the author took an out of the normal way to write them.
They were headstrong, blunt, didn't like each other, shared a corrosive secret. Both came across as selfish initially till the grew on me. As the pages turned, the layers in the characters were revealed. I liked the strength in writing them.
The story was at the roots a murder mystery. And it didn't disappoint with its suspense. I could guess at the Angel, but I left the thought there and read the book pure for the pleasure of it. The investigation took its turns, as they normally do.
My niggles too made its appearance. The prose could have been sharper, and ending way better.
Overall, it was fun to start the day with a murder mystery. A good breakfast read!!
October 7, 2019
What She Never Said is the second book in the Santa Barbara Suspense series but it certainly isn't necessary to have read the first instalment beforehand. I mean who can resist such a sinister plot based at a care home for the elderly where patients are been hastily bumped off by a shadowy "angel of death". It has a cosy mystery type of atmosphere to it, which I enjoyed, and the fact that there are many threads to the plot makes the story fully-rounded. Where I felt a little let down was with the characterisation; the only character I felt was sufficiently developed was the "angel of death" and the rest of the cast were rather one-dimensional, cookie-cutter type individuals, unfortunately.
What kept me reading was wanting to know who and why these deaths were occurring so there is definitely a good build-up of suspense on the authors part. However, if you are one of those readers who requires a hero or likeable character to get behind this may not be for you; all of the cast are pretty much unlikeable from the outset. These type of books only serve to those up my belief that dying at home around people you can trust is the preferable way to go. There was also a few decent twists and turns which ratcheted up the tension towards the end of the book and it was a quick, easy and well-written read with the insidious nature of secrets and lies creeping out and coming back to haunt those who wish they could simply forget. Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer for an ARC.
What kept me reading was wanting to know who and why these deaths were occurring so there is definitely a good build-up of suspense on the authors part. However, if you are one of those readers who requires a hero or likeable character to get behind this may not be for you; all of the cast are pretty much unlikeable from the outset. These type of books only serve to those up my belief that dying at home around people you can trust is the preferable way to go. There was also a few decent twists and turns which ratcheted up the tension towards the end of the book and it was a quick, easy and well-written read with the insidious nature of secrets and lies creeping out and coming back to haunt those who wish they could simply forget. Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer for an ARC.
August 28, 2019
This is my first read from this author. I enjoyed the book and the writing keep me glued to find out what happens. Serenity Acres is a retirement home for the wealthy in Santa Barbara. Ruth Mosby is the VP of Operations. When a new company buys Serenity things change. If you can't pay, you can't stay. When the residents start dying one after another it alarms Ruth. Along with all the talk from other residents about an angel. An Angel of Death or is mercy. Ruth asks her neighbor Zach, an ex detective with whom she has history for help in investigating exactly what is going on at Serenity. Ruth has dark secrets of her own and Zach is a recovering alcoholic that suffers from trauma. I was a nurse for thirty two years so I really loved the medical thrill of this. It's compelling and fast read. I really enjoyed it.
Dawnny-BookGypsy
Dawnny-BookGypsy
July 27, 2019
I just finished this latest thriller by Catharine Riggs, and I really enjoyed it! The first part of the book, and the characterization of Ruth, was four to five stars in my opinion. The second part of the book, and especially the end, wasn’t quite as strong, so I landed on three stars.
Ruth Mosby is the VP of operations at a retirement home for the wealthy in Santa Barbara. After working there for there for decades, she finds herself struggling to keep her job and her calm as new corporate management starts ruling with an iron fist in order to cut costs.
But when residents at the retirement home start dying off, Ruth gets suspicious. She works with her long-time neighbor and ex-detective Zach to figure out who is behind the deaths, but the two of them have a painful and dark secret that suddenly threatens to come to the surface.
The book mainly shifts between the POV of Ruth and Zach, although at times there are short inserts from the ‘Angel’ – the individual who is behind the deaths. Ruth is a very interesting character. She is ornery, obsessive-compulsive and almost too much of a stickler to like: she hides her compassion under a tough exterior. Zach, an alcoholic who is loosely practicing sobriety and still suffering from the trauma of his past, is unique and compelling, too. I could have done without hearing from the ‘Angel’: the motivations behind this individual didn’t fully fall into place or click for me. Also, it seemed clear to me who this individual was for a large part of the book.
Overall, I loved the uniqueness of reading a story focused on characters in their twilight years! I found the characters of Zach, and especially Ruth, to be the stand-out element of this book.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC. This will be available September 10!
Ruth Mosby is the VP of operations at a retirement home for the wealthy in Santa Barbara. After working there for there for decades, she finds herself struggling to keep her job and her calm as new corporate management starts ruling with an iron fist in order to cut costs.
But when residents at the retirement home start dying off, Ruth gets suspicious. She works with her long-time neighbor and ex-detective Zach to figure out who is behind the deaths, but the two of them have a painful and dark secret that suddenly threatens to come to the surface.
The book mainly shifts between the POV of Ruth and Zach, although at times there are short inserts from the ‘Angel’ – the individual who is behind the deaths. Ruth is a very interesting character. She is ornery, obsessive-compulsive and almost too much of a stickler to like: she hides her compassion under a tough exterior. Zach, an alcoholic who is loosely practicing sobriety and still suffering from the trauma of his past, is unique and compelling, too. I could have done without hearing from the ‘Angel’: the motivations behind this individual didn’t fully fall into place or click for me. Also, it seemed clear to me who this individual was for a large part of the book.
Overall, I loved the uniqueness of reading a story focused on characters in their twilight years! I found the characters of Zach, and especially Ruth, to be the stand-out element of this book.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC. This will be available September 10!
August 12, 2019
This was an interesting book.
The premise is that there is an angel of death roaming around a retirement home killing off residents who are close to death. It’s straight forward and fascinating but unfortunately this book just isn’t that good.
It’s a shame because the characters are some of the most I’ve ever read and I loved to hate them.
The reveal of the killer and the climax are lackluster and the end is laughable and not in a good way.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this ARC
The premise is that there is an angel of death roaming around a retirement home killing off residents who are close to death. It’s straight forward and fascinating but unfortunately this book just isn’t that good.
It’s a shame because the characters are some of the most I’ve ever read and I loved to hate them.
The reveal of the killer and the climax are lackluster and the end is laughable and not in a good way.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this ARC
May 28, 2019
Is the spike in deaths of destitute residents at the elite retirement complex of Serenity Acres a sad coincidence, or the work of an Angel of Death? This is just one of the many mysteries shrouding the lives—and deaths—of staff and residents at the facility.
Ruth Mosby is the VP of Operations at Serenity, and she draws her neighbour, Zach—an ex-cop, recovering alcoholic, and now security guard—into a risky investigation. Ruth’s defensive self-aggrandizement and self-justification set her up as an unsympathetic character, but Riggs has a tremendous facility for making bitter, brittle, damaged individuals sympathetic. She is also strong on distinctive narrative voices and the prickly exchanges between Ruth and her daughter are terrific.
The novel explores the generational destructiveness of secrets and lies, and Philip Larkin’s lament that parents “[F]ill you with the faults they had and add some extra, just for you.” chimes loud and clear in Riggs's complex and entertaining characters and their damaged relationships.
What She Never Said is a fast-paced, compulsive read—and I speak as a slow-paced, easily distracted reader. Often tense, always page turning, and with well-judged touches of dark humour, it considers serious issues such as assisted suicide and the dangers of psychosocial pressure on vulnerable, while retaining its zing. In Catharine Riggs’s novels, beautiful people can have ugly souls, while the decrepit and the old, the disfigured and the damaged are capable of a generosity and selflessness which reveals their true beauty, and with it, the possibility of atonement and redemption through the power of forgiveness.
Ruth Mosby is the VP of Operations at Serenity, and she draws her neighbour, Zach—an ex-cop, recovering alcoholic, and now security guard—into a risky investigation. Ruth’s defensive self-aggrandizement and self-justification set her up as an unsympathetic character, but Riggs has a tremendous facility for making bitter, brittle, damaged individuals sympathetic. She is also strong on distinctive narrative voices and the prickly exchanges between Ruth and her daughter are terrific.
The novel explores the generational destructiveness of secrets and lies, and Philip Larkin’s lament that parents “[F]ill you with the faults they had and add some extra, just for you.” chimes loud and clear in Riggs's complex and entertaining characters and their damaged relationships.
What She Never Said is a fast-paced, compulsive read—and I speak as a slow-paced, easily distracted reader. Often tense, always page turning, and with well-judged touches of dark humour, it considers serious issues such as assisted suicide and the dangers of psychosocial pressure on vulnerable, while retaining its zing. In Catharine Riggs’s novels, beautiful people can have ugly souls, while the decrepit and the old, the disfigured and the damaged are capable of a generosity and selflessness which reveals their true beauty, and with it, the possibility of atonement and redemption through the power of forgiveness.
August 23, 2019
I have not read the first book by this author but I do want to check it out. Having said that, this book can be read as a stand alone novel.
When it came to characters, I really like the voice of "the Angel". I got the Angel's reason for playing "God". In fact, I did not blame the Angel for what he did. I just wished that the Angel's voice was more prominent in the book. It was meant to not be this way as a way to keep mystery surrounding who the Angel is.
When it came to Ruth; I was not such a fan of her's. In the beginning, she did not seem very concerned about her residents dying. As the story progressed, I did warm up to her but never fully embraced her. Than there is Zach. He was better. I felt sorry for him as he was in pain. However, it helped the story to be more real.
A slow start to the book but it picks up the further you get into it. A fast read that will keep readers intrigued. I would suggest mystery readers looking for something to read to give this book a try.
When it came to characters, I really like the voice of "the Angel". I got the Angel's reason for playing "God". In fact, I did not blame the Angel for what he did. I just wished that the Angel's voice was more prominent in the book. It was meant to not be this way as a way to keep mystery surrounding who the Angel is.
When it came to Ruth; I was not such a fan of her's. In the beginning, she did not seem very concerned about her residents dying. As the story progressed, I did warm up to her but never fully embraced her. Than there is Zach. He was better. I felt sorry for him as he was in pain. However, it helped the story to be more real.
A slow start to the book but it picks up the further you get into it. A fast read that will keep readers intrigued. I would suggest mystery readers looking for something to read to give this book a try.
July 1, 2019
3.5 stars!
When people start dying at a suddenly alarming rate at the retirement community where Ruth works, she convinces her long time friend/neighbor/ex-cop to help her investigate if the deaths are actually from old age.
Thankfully for me, I didn't have to read the first book in this series since I accidentally picked up the second one before the first. The real story doesn't start to get juicy until about half way through the book but once it does, its fast paced and has all the elements of a good mystery. Even though I found myself hating one of the viewpoints of this books (pretty sure it was entirely intentional for her to be so unlikable) I really liked the narrative of this book!
When people start dying at a suddenly alarming rate at the retirement community where Ruth works, she convinces her long time friend/neighbor/ex-cop to help her investigate if the deaths are actually from old age.
Thankfully for me, I didn't have to read the first book in this series since I accidentally picked up the second one before the first. The real story doesn't start to get juicy until about half way through the book but once it does, its fast paced and has all the elements of a good mystery. Even though I found myself hating one of the viewpoints of this books (pretty sure it was entirely intentional for her to be so unlikable) I really liked the narrative of this book!
October 1, 2019
Please read my full review of this book on my blog Lost In Literature
Never have I read a book so much where I spent the first third of the book wishing the murderer would kill the main character. Ruth is the single most unlikeable rule stickler annoying bitchy tattle tale I have ever read. Within the first chapter, she has called the council about someone’s fence being too tall by 3 inches, a dog being off the lead, and gotten a security guard fired because his tattoo pokes out briefly.
I get that part of this all is the trauma of her past making her a bit OCD about the rules but between her seemingly utter disregard for anyone else who isn’t her and her constant rants about Millenials made me want to throw the book in the fire multiple times.
Never have I read a book so much where I spent the first third of the book wishing the murderer would kill the main character. Ruth is the single most unlikeable rule stickler annoying bitchy tattle tale I have ever read. Within the first chapter, she has called the council about someone’s fence being too tall by 3 inches, a dog being off the lead, and gotten a security guard fired because his tattoo pokes out briefly.
I get that part of this all is the trauma of her past making her a bit OCD about the rules but between her seemingly utter disregard for anyone else who isn’t her and her constant rants about Millenials made me want to throw the book in the fire multiple times.
August 19, 2019
This is a captivating novel. The combination of solving a mystery and the revelation of secrets is interwoven well. The character development is great. Within the first few pages I knew Ruth was a cold, driven person lacking compassion. All of the major characters have flaws and I am impressed with how Riggs uses those flaws to propel the plot. Many of them are plagued with guilt driving them to actions they had not anticipated. And the suspense at the end is good too.
I like the secondary plot, the framework for the whole mystery. A high class care facility for the elderly is being taken over by a corporation and that gives the basis for much of the action. There is the issue of assisted suicide as some of the elderly are ready to pass on. Increasing profits means those destitute residents need to be evicted . . . or killed, and someone seems to be involved in causing their demise.
This is the first novel I have read by Riggs. I really enjoyed her writing style, the structure of the plot, the mystery, and the revelation of character secrets. I'll be watching for more from her.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I like the secondary plot, the framework for the whole mystery. A high class care facility for the elderly is being taken over by a corporation and that gives the basis for much of the action. There is the issue of assisted suicide as some of the elderly are ready to pass on. Increasing profits means those destitute residents need to be evicted . . . or killed, and someone seems to be involved in causing their demise.
This is the first novel I have read by Riggs. I really enjoyed her writing style, the structure of the plot, the mystery, and the revelation of character secrets. I'll be watching for more from her.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
September 10, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
What She Never Said is the second book in the Santa Barbara Suspense series but it can be read as a standalone with only minor spoilers for book one.
Going by the synopsis I thought I would love this book but sadly I didn't. Though part of a series called Santa Barbara Suspense it couldn't be less suspenseful. The plot is boring and super predictable (you can guess the villain and the secret they keep hinting at for 2/3 of the book practically from the beginning) and it has one of the most unlikeable cast of characters I've ever read. They go from annoying to insufferable and almost all of them take the most stupid decisions just for the sake of dragging the plot on and on and filling up some pages. Also, if I had have to read the word Fitbit one more time I would've thrown my Kindle against a wall.
After being dissappointed by both her books I can definitely say this author is not for me.
1.5⭐️
What She Never Said is the second book in the Santa Barbara Suspense series but it can be read as a standalone with only minor spoilers for book one.
Going by the synopsis I thought I would love this book but sadly I didn't. Though part of a series called Santa Barbara Suspense it couldn't be less suspenseful. The plot is boring and super predictable (you can guess the villain and the secret they keep hinting at for 2/3 of the book practically from the beginning) and it has one of the most unlikeable cast of characters I've ever read. They go from annoying to insufferable and almost all of them take the most stupid decisions just for the sake of dragging the plot on and on and filling up some pages. Also, if I had have to read the word Fitbit one more time I would've thrown my Kindle against a wall.
After being dissappointed by both her books I can definitely say this author is not for me.
1.5⭐️
July 18, 2019
Don’t sleep on the retirement community! Looks can be very deceiving. This book was crazy but I had to keep reading. It’s a sequel and at times it proved to be a bit challenging to me. I will say that this Author gave just enough to keep me still guessing as I continued to read on. Reading the first book would’ve given me more understanding in my opinion but at the same time it didn’t count this book out for me. It was very intriguing and interesting as well as lots of twists and turns. I give this book 4 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.#Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.#Netgalley
July 2, 2019
Thanks NetGalley and the author for this advance copy in exchange of an honest opinion.
I have never read a book by Catharine Riggs before. I really enjoyed it. The structure of the chapters was easy to follow, the characters were well developed without overly detailed. The idea of 'the angel' is very understandable to me, I believe in euthanasia so this book was very interesting. Of course, it all went in a different direction later on but it's to be expected in a thriller. I would definitely recommend this book.
I have never read a book by Catharine Riggs before. I really enjoyed it. The structure of the chapters was easy to follow, the characters were well developed without overly detailed. The idea of 'the angel' is very understandable to me, I believe in euthanasia so this book was very interesting. Of course, it all went in a different direction later on but it's to be expected in a thriller. I would definitely recommend this book.
September 18, 2019
In this day and age of people living longer than ever before but also they are getting diseases that can ravage their body but leave their minds intact, who really wants to live like that? This story explores the idea of assisted suicide and the possible "slippery slope" it could lead to. The characters were well written and most of them were endearing and had me rooting for them while I was hoping other characters got what was coming to them. There was plenty of action, suspense, and twists to make you want to keep reading. I voluntarily reviewed the advanced review copy of this book via NetGalley.
November 25, 2019
I was unable to read and review the book by the publishing date due to other commitments. I will update the review immediately upon completion of the book. Thank you NetGalley and publisher.
January 14, 2020
It was ok....
August 11, 2020
Well written, intriguing, captivating, full of suspense, secrets... well developed storyline.
Would be interesting to see as a movie.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the access to this book. This is my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Would be interesting to see as a movie.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the access to this book. This is my honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 13, 2019
2.5-star read
Ruth Mosby and Zach Richards have been friends and neighbors for more than 30 years. Zach bore witness to Ruth's divorce, her son's gradual decline into depression and drugs, and the tenuous relationship Ruth has had with her adult children. Ruth witnessed the tragic loss of Zach's only child, the death of his wife by suicide, his battle with alcoholism, and the eventual loss of his job with the local police department. The years have impacted them both in very different ways. Zach is relatively laid back and able to see all sides of an issue without prejudice. Ruth has become very rigid and structured in her life, adhering to the rules above all else. The one shining light in Ruth's life is her job at Serenity Acres, but now that seems to be in jeopardy when her boss retires, a coworker is promoted above her, the company is sold, and the elderly that were put in the company's care appear to be murdered by an "angel of mercy." Ruth is at a loss at how to deal with her new boss, the new company and their new rules, her son's reappearance in her life. Then Zach gets hired as security at Serenity and then talks her into getting her son, Adam, hired on to work in the kitchens. All seems well until another murder takes place and both Adam and Zach have something to hide. Can their secrets be any worse than the secret that Ruth and Zach have been hiding for years? Can Ruth and Zach protect their secrets, protect Adam, and uncover the identity of the "angel of mercy" before it's too late for them all?
I initially found What She Never Said by Catharine Riggs to be a bit of slow read or at least slow-paced read for me simply because it took me quite some time to get invested in the action and characters. Of course, I was also dealing with a series of migraine headaches at the time and my sleep patterns where completely out-of-whack, so I don't know if that had anything to do with it or not (we'll presume it did). This story is presented from the perspective of Ruth Mosby, Zach Richards, and the Angel. I rather enjoyed the chapters dealing with Zach and the Angel's perspectives but struggled with Ruth simply because I found her to be hyper-critical, judgmental, and not a very likable character. Normally that doesn't bother me, but for some reason, I had issues with Ruth. However, once I hit about the halfway point in the story, the story seemed to pick up the pace and I began to empathize a bit with Ruth. She isn't a mean-spirited person, simply someone that's struggling with guilt and it manifests in a strange way - her rigidly adhering to the rules (trust me when you read the book, this will all make sense). There are so many themes discussed in this story, elder care, assisted suicide, drug addiction, the many facets and presentations of depression, family drama, workplace drama, and, of course, murder and suspense. After reading What She Never Said, which can be read as a stand-alone although it is part of a series, I've added What She Gave Away to my TBR list. I encourage you to add What She Never Said by Catharine Riggs to your TBR list, especially if you're a fan of suspense stories featuring family angst and drama.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. This review originally published on 09/13/2019 at https://www.thebookdivasreads.com/201....
Ruth Mosby and Zach Richards have been friends and neighbors for more than 30 years. Zach bore witness to Ruth's divorce, her son's gradual decline into depression and drugs, and the tenuous relationship Ruth has had with her adult children. Ruth witnessed the tragic loss of Zach's only child, the death of his wife by suicide, his battle with alcoholism, and the eventual loss of his job with the local police department. The years have impacted them both in very different ways. Zach is relatively laid back and able to see all sides of an issue without prejudice. Ruth has become very rigid and structured in her life, adhering to the rules above all else. The one shining light in Ruth's life is her job at Serenity Acres, but now that seems to be in jeopardy when her boss retires, a coworker is promoted above her, the company is sold, and the elderly that were put in the company's care appear to be murdered by an "angel of mercy." Ruth is at a loss at how to deal with her new boss, the new company and their new rules, her son's reappearance in her life. Then Zach gets hired as security at Serenity and then talks her into getting her son, Adam, hired on to work in the kitchens. All seems well until another murder takes place and both Adam and Zach have something to hide. Can their secrets be any worse than the secret that Ruth and Zach have been hiding for years? Can Ruth and Zach protect their secrets, protect Adam, and uncover the identity of the "angel of mercy" before it's too late for them all?
I initially found What She Never Said by Catharine Riggs to be a bit of slow read or at least slow-paced read for me simply because it took me quite some time to get invested in the action and characters. Of course, I was also dealing with a series of migraine headaches at the time and my sleep patterns where completely out-of-whack, so I don't know if that had anything to do with it or not (we'll presume it did). This story is presented from the perspective of Ruth Mosby, Zach Richards, and the Angel. I rather enjoyed the chapters dealing with Zach and the Angel's perspectives but struggled with Ruth simply because I found her to be hyper-critical, judgmental, and not a very likable character. Normally that doesn't bother me, but for some reason, I had issues with Ruth. However, once I hit about the halfway point in the story, the story seemed to pick up the pace and I began to empathize a bit with Ruth. She isn't a mean-spirited person, simply someone that's struggling with guilt and it manifests in a strange way - her rigidly adhering to the rules (trust me when you read the book, this will all make sense). There are so many themes discussed in this story, elder care, assisted suicide, drug addiction, the many facets and presentations of depression, family drama, workplace drama, and, of course, murder and suspense. After reading What She Never Said, which can be read as a stand-alone although it is part of a series, I've added What She Gave Away to my TBR list. I encourage you to add What She Never Said by Catharine Riggs to your TBR list, especially if you're a fan of suspense stories featuring family angst and drama.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. This review originally published on 09/13/2019 at https://www.thebookdivasreads.com/201....
March 10, 2020
I had no problem disliking Ruth Mosby from the beginning of What She Never Said. She’s the judgmental busybody turning in her neighbors for the slightest infraction. She’s the patronizing manager pacifying employees to make her job easier without actually doing anything for them. The stickler for rules holds most of society in contempt for the disorganization and chaos of their lives.
And then chaos pays Ruth a visit.
The upscale retirement facility where she works is purchased by a mega-conglomerate, and Ruth is passed over for the position she’s spent eighteen years working toward. Her new boss is twenty years younger, a corporate guy, and pushing her toward the door. Bodies are piling up as seniors die seemingly from natural causes… until the causes aren’t so natural, and not all the dead are senior citizens.
But it’s “what she never said” that continues to plague Ruth and damage lives. My dad used to say, “You might get over, but you never get away.” Ruth is determined to get away with the lies of two decades ago, despite the cost.
This is a solid read with plenty of unanswered questions and mystery. All the characters are broken dealing with their pain in different… and harmful ways.
I liked Zach and Adam. While their descent into self-abuse and depression came with heavy prices and hurt those around them, that was never their intention.
Ruth is a different story. I understood her but will probably never like her. For over twenty years, she’s put herself in a box of rigid routines and anything that disturbs those routines is at fault and must be dealt with.
Several baits and switches point to different suspects, but I’d figured out who the serial killer was long before the end. To be honest, I don’t feel this author was trying to keep the identity hidden until the end. It felt more to me like additional time to get inside their head and see how they manipulated the other players.
A nervous habit of Ruth’s helps to bring about a good ending, but there is still much healing in the future for the characters in What She Never Said. Especially Ruth.
Enjoy!
And then chaos pays Ruth a visit.
The upscale retirement facility where she works is purchased by a mega-conglomerate, and Ruth is passed over for the position she’s spent eighteen years working toward. Her new boss is twenty years younger, a corporate guy, and pushing her toward the door. Bodies are piling up as seniors die seemingly from natural causes… until the causes aren’t so natural, and not all the dead are senior citizens.
But it’s “what she never said” that continues to plague Ruth and damage lives. My dad used to say, “You might get over, but you never get away.” Ruth is determined to get away with the lies of two decades ago, despite the cost.
This is a solid read with plenty of unanswered questions and mystery. All the characters are broken dealing with their pain in different… and harmful ways.
I liked Zach and Adam. While their descent into self-abuse and depression came with heavy prices and hurt those around them, that was never their intention.
Ruth is a different story. I understood her but will probably never like her. For over twenty years, she’s put herself in a box of rigid routines and anything that disturbs those routines is at fault and must be dealt with.
Several baits and switches point to different suspects, but I’d figured out who the serial killer was long before the end. To be honest, I don’t feel this author was trying to keep the identity hidden until the end. It felt more to me like additional time to get inside their head and see how they manipulated the other players.
A nervous habit of Ruth’s helps to bring about a good ending, but there is still much healing in the future for the characters in What She Never Said. Especially Ruth.
Enjoy!
October 3, 2019
Shenanigans at the nursing home! Ruth Mosby is a little too uptight to engender feelings of loyalty among her staff at the upscale Serenity Acres retirement community. She wants things done a certain way and doesn't let facts or emotions cloud her judgment. At the same time, she is fiercely loyal to the company and the "guests" who live there. So she is certain that when her boss retires, she's next in line for the top job. Much to her dismay, her slacker co-worker Kai is given the job, and things look even bleaker when their biggest competitor buys Serenity Acres and shifts the focus from quality care to making a profit. Amid the turmoil, Ruth begins to suspect that something is not right with a number of recent deaths at the facility. She knows her neighbor Zach, a former police officer, could use a job and uses her influence to get him hired as a security guard. They collaborate on a plan to investigate the deaths and find out if there is anything suspicious going on. This leads to rumors of a Goodnight Club, which might have something to do with the deaths, but no one is talking. Then Ruth's son, Adam, who has problems with drugs and several arrests in his past suddenly shows up out of the blue needing a job, and Ruth also gets him work at Serenity Acres. When an employee ends up murdered, and Zach and Adam seem to know more about it than they're willing to admit, the investigation into the deaths goes into high gear.
While it was interesting to try to figure out which of the many suspects at Serenity Acres was "the Angel" (who narrates several chapters and seems to be the one responsible for the deaths), it was a bit tiring with the many side characters and plots (Zach and Ruth have a secret from their past, a young woman at the nursing home has an abusive ex-partner, another worker has a husband with immigration status issues, a former friend of Ruth's wants her to be a character witness in a trial, etc.). Still, I enjoyed trying to work out the identity of the killer and most of the loose ends were tied up in the epilogue at the end.
While it was interesting to try to figure out which of the many suspects at Serenity Acres was "the Angel" (who narrates several chapters and seems to be the one responsible for the deaths), it was a bit tiring with the many side characters and plots (Zach and Ruth have a secret from their past, a young woman at the nursing home has an abusive ex-partner, another worker has a husband with immigration status issues, a former friend of Ruth's wants her to be a character witness in a trial, etc.). Still, I enjoyed trying to work out the identity of the killer and most of the loose ends were tied up in the epilogue at the end.
June 10, 2019
3.5, rounded down to three. I have been to Santa Barbara once, but my husband was born there and has a special love in his heart for it. I think the tv show 'Psych' has shaped the way I think of Santa Barbara though, which might not be the best representation of it. ;) I don't know if I would want to return to this world of Santa Barbara, but it was fun how the author used the setting of the city as a large part of the story (I think my favorite part of the whole book was a short introduction to St. Santa Barbara!)
I have not read Catharine Rigg's first book in the series, but from what I understand, this book is not a continuation so it was easy to pick up this book as a standalone. The story goes back and forth between two main characters. I didn't like either character, even when their character flaws/motivations were acknowledged. It's really hard for me to have a "five-star" book when the main characters are so unlikable. ON a different note, I often feel like the minority when it comes to romance in a mystery. I didn't think it was necessary for some of this story, although I can't really reveal more without adding spoilers.
I am happy to say I "liked" this book as I read it, but that in the long run, it will probably be a bit forgettable down the line. I liked the mystery, but I would not categorize this as a "thriller." The beginning was a bit slow, but it started to pick up around the middle. I recommend this book for those looking for a quick "summer" read.
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have not read Catharine Rigg's first book in the series, but from what I understand, this book is not a continuation so it was easy to pick up this book as a standalone. The story goes back and forth between two main characters. I didn't like either character, even when their character flaws/motivations were acknowledged. It's really hard for me to have a "five-star" book when the main characters are so unlikable. ON a different note, I often feel like the minority when it comes to romance in a mystery. I didn't think it was necessary for some of this story, although I can't really reveal more without adding spoilers.
I am happy to say I "liked" this book as I read it, but that in the long run, it will probably be a bit forgettable down the line. I liked the mystery, but I would not categorize this as a "thriller." The beginning was a bit slow, but it started to pick up around the middle. I recommend this book for those looking for a quick "summer" read.
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2019
What She Never Said by Catharine Riggs is a story of Ruth Mosby is the VP of operations at Serenity Acres, a retirement home for the elderly. This is mainly a home for the affluent but they are told that if they run out of money that they can stay until the end. A new company takes over and does not want to carry out that promise.
When the book starts out, to me, Ruth is an unlikable character, kind of snarky but funny at the same time. Not to say that this is a funny story, but there is a bit of humor. Ruth has a next-door neighbor, Zach, an ex-detective, who lost his son and wife, and Ruth's son Adam was involved when he was a little boy, but they have still remained friends.
There is a person at the retirement home that is the "Angel" who is assisting commit suicide. These people belong to the Goodnight Club. Ruth finds this disturbing and enlists Zach's assistance by giving him a job so he can assist in her investigation to find out who the "Angel" is.
Ruth has a daughter Alice, that she does not see very often and a son, Adam, who has a history of getting into trouble with the law. To try to keep him out of trouble she gets him a job at the retirement home also. But an employee who is also a drug dealer gets murdered and Adam is involved. Ruth does not believe that her son is a murderer so she is more determined to find out who is the killer.
Some other characters are Kai, who ends up as manager of the home after the new company takes over, Ruth coveted the job and was disappointed that she did not get it. There is Ember, an employee of the home, a free spirit. Also, there is Pastor Sam who admits that she assists in the suicides. But what about the people that can't pay? Who is killing them?
I enjoyed this story and read it in two days. Even though Ruth is a snarky character, I did like her. Zach, I felt sorry for because of the circumstances of his son's drowning and the death of his wife. He became a loner and a hoarder. The story is kind of scary as it tells a scenario that could conceivably happen, where people are eliminated because they can no longer pay for their care because their money has run out.
This book is the second in the Santa Barbara Suspense series. I like this one so much I will most likely read the first in the series. Great read!
When the book starts out, to me, Ruth is an unlikable character, kind of snarky but funny at the same time. Not to say that this is a funny story, but there is a bit of humor. Ruth has a next-door neighbor, Zach, an ex-detective, who lost his son and wife, and Ruth's son Adam was involved when he was a little boy, but they have still remained friends.
There is a person at the retirement home that is the "Angel" who is assisting commit suicide. These people belong to the Goodnight Club. Ruth finds this disturbing and enlists Zach's assistance by giving him a job so he can assist in her investigation to find out who the "Angel" is.
Ruth has a daughter Alice, that she does not see very often and a son, Adam, who has a history of getting into trouble with the law. To try to keep him out of trouble she gets him a job at the retirement home also. But an employee who is also a drug dealer gets murdered and Adam is involved. Ruth does not believe that her son is a murderer so she is more determined to find out who is the killer.
Some other characters are Kai, who ends up as manager of the home after the new company takes over, Ruth coveted the job and was disappointed that she did not get it. There is Ember, an employee of the home, a free spirit. Also, there is Pastor Sam who admits that she assists in the suicides. But what about the people that can't pay? Who is killing them?
I enjoyed this story and read it in two days. Even though Ruth is a snarky character, I did like her. Zach, I felt sorry for because of the circumstances of his son's drowning and the death of his wife. He became a loner and a hoarder. The story is kind of scary as it tells a scenario that could conceivably happen, where people are eliminated because they can no longer pay for their care because their money has run out.
This book is the second in the Santa Barbara Suspense series. I like this one so much I will most likely read the first in the series. Great read!
September 24, 2019
An enjoyable, entertaining book. I loved the characters, the setting, the suspense and the complicated relationships that the characters had. It was a quick read that smoothly moved through the three narrators point of views. Ruth is a VP of operations at a California retirement home. She's somewhat quirky but that adds more enjoyment to the story. She's the type that knows the rule book by memory and rather than confront an employee about bending the rules, she sends an anonymous note to their supervisor. She's prim and proper and constantly aware of her public persona. When several residents pass away and are found with pink post-it notes close to their bodies, Ruth hires her neighbor, Zach, a former police officer, to be a security guard at the facility and to investigate the significance of the pink notes. When the owners of the facility sell it to another company, many changes go in to effect. One change concerns the residents who can no longer pay for their care, the destitutes, the previous owners allowed them to stay, the new owners say they have to leave. When destitutes begin to pass away at an alarming rate, Ruth and Zach join forces to determine if they are being assisted to their final resting place. Thank-you to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and Catharine Riggs for an ARC in exchange for a honest review. Looking forward to more from this author
August 10, 2019
Assisted dying fascinates me anyway so when I saw this book available for reviews on Netgalley I jumped at the opportunity.
The story itself is exciting and there is such an interesting dynamic between the main characters. Its fast paced without feeling rushed or too dramatic for the sake of drama which is brilliant. I love a chatacter that toes the line between is this good or is this evil and I think our angel character manages that perfectly.
The way this book is written is incredible!! I LOVE coming across a book that does it different to any other book I've previously read. We get 3 chapters per section of a characters PoV before the book continues the story from another PoV with the occasional chapter from the mysterious angel. I loved it. Sometimes I find that timelines can get confused/confusing when a book will chop and changes between where in the story we are at so I can't rate the way Riggs has chosen to tell hers any higher than I do.
While I guessed correctly about where I thought the story was going, it didn't spoil anything for me at all and I still had so much fun reading the book. I really liked the epilogue too, I feel like we got the closure that I wanted for this one.
It's a great book. 5/5.
The story itself is exciting and there is such an interesting dynamic between the main characters. Its fast paced without feeling rushed or too dramatic for the sake of drama which is brilliant. I love a chatacter that toes the line between is this good or is this evil and I think our angel character manages that perfectly.
The way this book is written is incredible!! I LOVE coming across a book that does it different to any other book I've previously read. We get 3 chapters per section of a characters PoV before the book continues the story from another PoV with the occasional chapter from the mysterious angel. I loved it. Sometimes I find that timelines can get confused/confusing when a book will chop and changes between where in the story we are at so I can't rate the way Riggs has chosen to tell hers any higher than I do.
While I guessed correctly about where I thought the story was going, it didn't spoil anything for me at all and I still had so much fun reading the book. I really liked the epilogue too, I feel like we got the closure that I wanted for this one.
It's a great book. 5/5.
September 16, 2019
I am always looking for different settings for a murder mystery so the idea of this one taking place in a retirement community intrigued me. However, this book is more than just a murder mystery. Catharine Riggs has a real talent for creating characters with depth and flaws and allowing these characteristics to assist in driving the story line. The story is told from varying points of view with those of Ruth, the VP of Operations of Serenity Acres and Zach, a former detective, taking precedence.
These two characters share secrets from the past which affect their future and the futures of those around them. Weaved into that is the changes being made at the retirement community, along with the fact that people continue to turn up dead. Both main characters can be described as difficult at best. Most times, it is easy to pick a character or characters to root for. However, in this case, it is a bit more difficult. As the story line continues, secrets are revealed which allows the reader to have a better understanding of the characters, allowing for even more intrigue. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
These two characters share secrets from the past which affect their future and the futures of those around them. Weaved into that is the changes being made at the retirement community, along with the fact that people continue to turn up dead. Both main characters can be described as difficult at best. Most times, it is easy to pick a character or characters to root for. However, in this case, it is a bit more difficult. As the story line continues, secrets are revealed which allows the reader to have a better understanding of the characters, allowing for even more intrigue. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
September 16, 2019
I am always looking for different settings for a murder mystery so the idea of this one taking place in a retirement community intrigued me. However, this book is more than just a murder mystery. Catharine Riggs has a real talent for creating characters with depth and flaws and allowing these characteristics to assist in driving the story line. The story is told from varying points of view with those of Ruth, the VP of Operations of Serenity Acres and Zach, a former detective, taking precedence.
These two characters share secrets from the past which affect their future and the futures of those around them. Weaved into that is the changes being made at the retirement community, along with the fact that people continue to turn up dead. Both main characters can be described as difficult at best. Most times, it is easy to pick a character or characters to root for. However, in this case, it is a bit more difficult. As the story line continues, secrets are revealed which allows the reader to have a better understanding of the characters, allowing for even more intrigue. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
These two characters share secrets from the past which affect their future and the futures of those around them. Weaved into that is the changes being made at the retirement community, along with the fact that people continue to turn up dead. Both main characters can be described as difficult at best. Most times, it is easy to pick a character or characters to root for. However, in this case, it is a bit more difficult. As the story line continues, secrets are revealed which allows the reader to have a better understanding of the characters, allowing for even more intrigue. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
September 19, 2019
As I began this novel, I thought it might be boring. Nursing home director does investigation of people dying. Well, I was not completely wrong but I was not completely right either. The novel did tell of an investigation of deaths but it was from an unlikely source known as the "Angel" throughout the book. An angel that collects secrets as she puts people out of their misery. But then, someone gets too close.
This novel told from the perspective of three distinct characters: Zach Richards, a somewhat retired detective, Ruth, the nursing home exec, and The Angel. All of the sections in the book begin with a verse from the Bible, seven things that God hates.Within each section are the chapters.
This book seriously had me on the edge of my seat. As the story continued to unfold and the killer being made more clear, I had to restrain myself with each page turn. The twists and turn kept me going and the true killer was a surprise.
This book is a terrific read. 4 stars!
Disclosure: The author sent me this book for review. I chose to review this book and all opinions are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle
This novel told from the perspective of three distinct characters: Zach Richards, a somewhat retired detective, Ruth, the nursing home exec, and The Angel. All of the sections in the book begin with a verse from the Bible, seven things that God hates.Within each section are the chapters.
This book seriously had me on the edge of my seat. As the story continued to unfold and the killer being made more clear, I had to restrain myself with each page turn. The twists and turn kept me going and the true killer was a surprise.
This book is a terrific read. 4 stars!
Disclosure: The author sent me this book for review. I chose to review this book and all opinions are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle
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