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Jessie Tucker Mystery #1
The Silent Victim
The woman’s golden hair is spread out beneath her on the bed of leaves where she’s fallen, her beautiful blue eyes open wide. The police are calling it a random attack, but Jessie Tucker isn’t so sure – she’s seen this crime scene before… she was the victim.
Twelve years ago, Jessie Tucker was attacked as she made her way home from an outdoor concert. She still walks with a limp from that night, and every day since has been a struggle to rebuild her life. The police told her she was unlucky – that she was safe after they charged a local man for the crime. But Jessie has never managed to shake the feeling that there was someone else in the park that night… someone she knew.
But then Margaret Kincaid’s murder file lands across her desk, and Jessie knows she can’t keep silent any longer. Margaret’s wounds so exactly match her own it's spooky – but Jessie’s attacker is in prison, and Jessie has never met the victim. What links her to Margaret Kincaid, and why did the attacker let one woman live, and the other die?
Nail-biting, gripping and absolutely unputdownable! Perfect for fans of Lisa Regan, Kendra Elliot and Gregg Olsen.
Twelve years ago, Jessie Tucker was attacked as she made her way home from an outdoor concert. She still walks with a limp from that night, and every day since has been a struggle to rebuild her life. The police told her she was unlucky – that she was safe after they charged a local man for the crime. But Jessie has never managed to shake the feeling that there was someone else in the park that night… someone she knew.
But then Margaret Kincaid’s murder file lands across her desk, and Jessie knows she can’t keep silent any longer. Margaret’s wounds so exactly match her own it's spooky – but Jessie’s attacker is in prison, and Jessie has never met the victim. What links her to Margaret Kincaid, and why did the attacker let one woman live, and the other die?
Nail-biting, gripping and absolutely unputdownable! Perfect for fans of Lisa Regan, Kendra Elliot and Gregg Olsen.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2019
351 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
November 21, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
The coffee looked terrible and tasted even worse, but drinking coffee was part of the cop– reporter mating ritual. I had spent hours and hours drinking bad coffee in precinct houses all over the city.
I’m hopeless… This is more than just going through a dating dry spell. Men now actually run away to avoid any kind of physical contact with me.
My Review:
Written from the first-person POV of Jessie a female journalist and survivor of a heinous assault. I fell right into this well-crafted and absorbing tale and slid inside Jessie’s pocket as she went about chasing her story and gathering her info. The storylines and writing style were easy to follow, cunningly paced, and shrewdly plotted with more twists than an anaconda’s lunch.
I am stunned and awed to note this cleverly contrived book was written by a man – what an observant and sly silver-tongued devil he must be! He certainly led me on a merry chase and held my rapt attention throughout as he steadily ratcheted up the tension and intrigue to a staggering climax. I had postulated several theories but I was off by a mile and never would have guessed the end result. Dana Perry may well be an evil genius; his neighbors best keep the noise down and ply him with treats.
The coffee looked terrible and tasted even worse, but drinking coffee was part of the cop– reporter mating ritual. I had spent hours and hours drinking bad coffee in precinct houses all over the city.
I’m hopeless… This is more than just going through a dating dry spell. Men now actually run away to avoid any kind of physical contact with me.
My Review:
Written from the first-person POV of Jessie a female journalist and survivor of a heinous assault. I fell right into this well-crafted and absorbing tale and slid inside Jessie’s pocket as she went about chasing her story and gathering her info. The storylines and writing style were easy to follow, cunningly paced, and shrewdly plotted with more twists than an anaconda’s lunch.
I am stunned and awed to note this cleverly contrived book was written by a man – what an observant and sly silver-tongued devil he must be! He certainly led me on a merry chase and held my rapt attention throughout as he steadily ratcheted up the tension and intrigue to a staggering climax. I had postulated several theories but I was off by a mile and never would have guessed the end result. Dana Perry may well be an evil genius; his neighbors best keep the noise down and ply him with treats.
October 26, 2019
I have read a number of good crime & suspense novels this year. Girl Walking Alone is another very good read. It has a good story which keeps up the pace, the central character has depth and the narration is very personal & makes an impact.
Jessie Tucker is a successful reporter. As she covers the story of Margaret Kincaid’s murder in Central Park, the memories of past horrors she has gone through come rushing back. Jessie was assaulted many years back at night and her recovery was considered a near miracle. NY police investigates the case and Jessie identifies her assailant who later dies in prison. The nature of the crimes is yet very similar. Police quickly moves to identify a suspect and considers the case solved, but Jessie feels there are loose ends.
Jessie’s investigation suggests that this is a very involved story involving politicians and there are echoes from the past including incidents during the Gulf War.
The story moves quickly and has a number of good twists and turns. A very relaxing read. Certainly recommended.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author for a free electronic copy of the book in order to provide a review.
Jessie Tucker is a successful reporter. As she covers the story of Margaret Kincaid’s murder in Central Park, the memories of past horrors she has gone through come rushing back. Jessie was assaulted many years back at night and her recovery was considered a near miracle. NY police investigates the case and Jessie identifies her assailant who later dies in prison. The nature of the crimes is yet very similar. Police quickly moves to identify a suspect and considers the case solved, but Jessie feels there are loose ends.
Jessie’s investigation suggests that this is a very involved story involving politicians and there are echoes from the past including incidents during the Gulf War.
The story moves quickly and has a number of good twists and turns. A very relaxing read. Certainly recommended.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author for a free electronic copy of the book in order to provide a review.
November 17, 2019
Jessie Tucker Mystery #1
Twelve years ago Jessie Tucker was brutally attacked and left for dead. Jessie is now a crime reporter who has been assigned the brutal murder of a young woman in Central Park, the very park that had been assaulted in. This case is eerily similar to what had happened to Jessie. But Jessie's perpetrator was caught and was sent to prison. Thinking the police aren't doing enough, Jessie decides to do her own investigation into the death of Margaret Kincaid.
This is a promising start to a new series. I got into the story quite quickly. I liked Jessie, shes a strong feisty character whose got guts and determination. There are plenty of twists to keep you guessing. There are some sex scenes that are quite graphic. The pace is fast I this well written story that also covers politics, blackmail and murder. A very good debut novel. I will be reading more from this series when they become available.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture and the author Dana Perry for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Twelve years ago Jessie Tucker was brutally attacked and left for dead. Jessie is now a crime reporter who has been assigned the brutal murder of a young woman in Central Park, the very park that had been assaulted in. This case is eerily similar to what had happened to Jessie. But Jessie's perpetrator was caught and was sent to prison. Thinking the police aren't doing enough, Jessie decides to do her own investigation into the death of Margaret Kincaid.
This is a promising start to a new series. I got into the story quite quickly. I liked Jessie, shes a strong feisty character whose got guts and determination. There are plenty of twists to keep you guessing. There are some sex scenes that are quite graphic. The pace is fast I this well written story that also covers politics, blackmail and murder. A very good debut novel. I will be reading more from this series when they become available.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture and the author Dana Perry for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2020
The silent victim by Dana Perry is a mystery thriller that gets full marks from me on the mystery part but lacks a lot on the thriller end. I really liked the character of the protagonist, Jessie Tucker, and it is no surprise the author plans to float out a series based on her. She is an advertising executive who gets attacked while walking alone, gets a second shot of life, then turns it around, becomes a newspaper reporter and solves other crimes.
The story is interesting. The twists and turns, including the ending, were well executed.
I understand the tool that is repetition, and its usefulness in narration. I loved it when Rushdie deployed it in Midnight's Children. But Dana just overdid it to the point that it got annoying. It was as if she had a target for a certain number of words, and she blindly went for it.
Verdict: Read if you love stories involving victims turning their lives around.
The story is interesting. The twists and turns, including the ending, were well executed.
I understand the tool that is repetition, and its usefulness in narration. I loved it when Rushdie deployed it in Midnight's Children. But Dana just overdid it to the point that it got annoying. It was as if she had a target for a certain number of words, and she blindly went for it.
Verdict: Read if you love stories involving victims turning their lives around.
January 4, 2020
"You never know what you're going to find when you start messing around with the past."
Jessie Tucker is a survivor. Twelve years ago, she was attacked and left for dead in Central Park. She eventually recovered from her horrific injuries and went on to become a crime reporter for the NEW YORK TRIBUNE. The perpetrator was caught, sentenced to prison and died in a knife attack there. She's learning to let go of the past when another woman is found in the park, this one murdered in a scarily similar fashion and is identified as a campaign aid to a local senator, Frank Landsdale. Jessie can't help but think that the events that follow could be the makings of an incredible story, so she begins her own investigation into the death of Margaret Kincaid using her own experience to heighten the story. Little does she know what her dogged, in depth pursuit of the truth will reveal. NO SPOILERS.
Well, this was certainly a book that begs to be read in a single sitting. It was quite intense with twists around every corner! I enjoyed the narrative and really found myself able to relate to the character of Jessie Tucker. Yeah, she goes off half-cocked and is nosing into everyone's business, but her aim is to figure out what happened to Margaret Kincaid as well as to end her curiosity about her own near death experience. There are plausible suspects around every corner and the shocks just keep on coming as Jessie does her thing. I enjoyed this and am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series as this was the debut. I liked the writing style and the complicated plot. It was a bit different to my usual detective novels and I relished the change of point of view. More please!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read, review and recommend.
Note - read when titled Girl Walking Alone
Jessie Tucker is a survivor. Twelve years ago, she was attacked and left for dead in Central Park. She eventually recovered from her horrific injuries and went on to become a crime reporter for the NEW YORK TRIBUNE. The perpetrator was caught, sentenced to prison and died in a knife attack there. She's learning to let go of the past when another woman is found in the park, this one murdered in a scarily similar fashion and is identified as a campaign aid to a local senator, Frank Landsdale. Jessie can't help but think that the events that follow could be the makings of an incredible story, so she begins her own investigation into the death of Margaret Kincaid using her own experience to heighten the story. Little does she know what her dogged, in depth pursuit of the truth will reveal. NO SPOILERS.
Well, this was certainly a book that begs to be read in a single sitting. It was quite intense with twists around every corner! I enjoyed the narrative and really found myself able to relate to the character of Jessie Tucker. Yeah, she goes off half-cocked and is nosing into everyone's business, but her aim is to figure out what happened to Margaret Kincaid as well as to end her curiosity about her own near death experience. There are plausible suspects around every corner and the shocks just keep on coming as Jessie does her thing. I enjoyed this and am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series as this was the debut. I liked the writing style and the complicated plot. It was a bit different to my usual detective novels and I relished the change of point of view. More please!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read, review and recommend.
Note - read when titled Girl Walking Alone
November 20, 2019
The Silent Victim is the first instalment in the Jessie Tucker Mystery Series and I was pleased to have discovered a new series with a lot of promise and one that begins with a bang. Crime reporter Jessie Tucker puts her life on the line daily in order to bring the truth to those who seek it through her news articles. But it hasn't always been that way; 12 years ago she was heinously attacked and brutally left for dead with the apparent perpetrator collared, convicted and imprisoned by the local police force. However, another horrific assault has taken place with an almost identical modus operandi but the police reassure her that the assailant responsible for her injuries, both physical and mental/emotional, is still serving hard time. Jessica, though, is painfully not convinced. Yet it is even more crucial that the correct person is identified and reprimanded/punished as this time the victim wasn't so lucky and passed on as a result of the horrendous injuries she sustained.
Jessica has more than a vested interest in pinning these crimes on the criminal responsible whereas the crime-fighting forces' primary concern appears to be a solution, any solution in order to "solve" the terrifying incidents as rapidly as humanly possible. I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable, original and impossible to put down debut from Mr Perry and it is clear we are in the presence of a gifted storyteller who can not only provide us with the thrills we crime connoisseurs ceaselessly demand but also the rarities of subtle sophistication and a story packed with substance as well as style; Perry is the real deal. I particularly loved that the main plot hits close to home for our protagonist Jessica as she tries to bring justice to her own case as well as that of the victim who is deceased. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
Jessica has more than a vested interest in pinning these crimes on the criminal responsible whereas the crime-fighting forces' primary concern appears to be a solution, any solution in order to "solve" the terrifying incidents as rapidly as humanly possible. I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable, original and impossible to put down debut from Mr Perry and it is clear we are in the presence of a gifted storyteller who can not only provide us with the thrills we crime connoisseurs ceaselessly demand but also the rarities of subtle sophistication and a story packed with substance as well as style; Perry is the real deal. I particularly loved that the main plot hits close to home for our protagonist Jessica as she tries to bring justice to her own case as well as that of the victim who is deceased. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
November 19, 2019
Brilliant! Brilliant! Super freaking brilliant!!
Why do I have to say anything more?
Jessie was the journalist, investigating the murder of Charlotte Kinkaid in Central Park. The case was close to her heart as years ago, Jessie too was found badly beaten, half dead. She became the face of a survivor, a success story who now wrote about other victims from their POV. This murder pulled not only on her instincts but also on the past, to her ordeal.
My first book by author Dana Perry, I have to say it aloud – he is a master storyteller who could write a book like a ball of yarn where nobody other than him knew how it would end. A shocker of a finish. Jessie was endearing, in fact, I was quite shocked to learn a male author had portrayed her so well. She was complexed and layered. I loved the fact that the author showed that a survivor would never trust anyone completely. A tiny nugget of distrust keeps us alive always.
Twists and secrets, turns and reveals, lies and truth made this book a fabulous read. For me, not a moment was spent where I felt the information given to me was not needed. I loved how the made this story rocking. Thrills were injected at the right places which made me long for more. Twists were hidden with the sleight of the hand till they were revealed with a bang.
I could go on and on about how much I loved this book. But end it here saying – I did love the book!! You got that, right?
Why do I have to say anything more?
Jessie was the journalist, investigating the murder of Charlotte Kinkaid in Central Park. The case was close to her heart as years ago, Jessie too was found badly beaten, half dead. She became the face of a survivor, a success story who now wrote about other victims from their POV. This murder pulled not only on her instincts but also on the past, to her ordeal.
My first book by author Dana Perry, I have to say it aloud – he is a master storyteller who could write a book like a ball of yarn where nobody other than him knew how it would end. A shocker of a finish. Jessie was endearing, in fact, I was quite shocked to learn a male author had portrayed her so well. She was complexed and layered. I loved the fact that the author showed that a survivor would never trust anyone completely. A tiny nugget of distrust keeps us alive always.
Twists and secrets, turns and reveals, lies and truth made this book a fabulous read. For me, not a moment was spent where I felt the information given to me was not needed. I loved how the made this story rocking. Thrills were injected at the right places which made me long for more. Twists were hidden with the sleight of the hand till they were revealed with a bang.
I could go on and on about how much I loved this book. But end it here saying – I did love the book!! You got that, right?
November 22, 2019
The Silent Victim is the first book in the Jessie Tucker Mystery series and I have to say I was completely and thoroughly hooked right from the start.
Crime reporter Jessie Tucker was attacked twelve years ago as she made her way home from an outdoor concert. Having fought her way back to full recovery, a slight limp is the only reminder of the trauma of that night. The police told her she was unlucky and that she was safe after they charged a local man for the crime. But Jessie has never managed to shake the feeling that there was someone else in the park that night, that she knew.
When a woman is attacked and killed, the police believe the deceased was a random target, but Jessie Tucker isn’t convinced – she’s seen this crime scene before, when she was the victim.
When the dead woman, Margaret Kincaid’s murder file lands on her desk, Jessie knows she can’t keep silent any longer. Margaret’s wounds exactly match her own, but Jessie’s attacker is in prison, and Jessie has never met the victim. What links her to Margaret Kincaid, and why did the attacker let one woman live, and the other die?
Then the police gun down their main suspect and it seems that Margaret’s case will die with him. But Jessie is sure that the police got it wrong: the real killer is still out there, and it’s someone close to home. It’s up to Jessie to put together the pieces before he finds his next victim… but who can she trust with the horrendous truth?
Written from the point of view of Jessie, I fell right into this well-crafted and absorbing tale and I felt as though I was shadowing her as she worked at chasing her story and following her leads and instincts. I adored the story-lines which were easy to follow and Dana Perry's writing-style was impressive and note-worthy. I had considered several scenarios but I completely off the mark and never would have guessed the end result.
Also, I think that the author merely scratched the surface with Jessie's portrayal. I was extremely taken with this character's toughness, drive and tenacity and look forward to reading about her in future instalments of this series. With its polished pacing and plotting I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable, original and difficult to put down début from Dana Perry. Evidently he is a gifted storyteller who can provide readers with thrills, sophistication and a story packed with substance. A very highly recommended five star read.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
Crime reporter Jessie Tucker was attacked twelve years ago as she made her way home from an outdoor concert. Having fought her way back to full recovery, a slight limp is the only reminder of the trauma of that night. The police told her she was unlucky and that she was safe after they charged a local man for the crime. But Jessie has never managed to shake the feeling that there was someone else in the park that night, that she knew.
When a woman is attacked and killed, the police believe the deceased was a random target, but Jessie Tucker isn’t convinced – she’s seen this crime scene before, when she was the victim.
When the dead woman, Margaret Kincaid’s murder file lands on her desk, Jessie knows she can’t keep silent any longer. Margaret’s wounds exactly match her own, but Jessie’s attacker is in prison, and Jessie has never met the victim. What links her to Margaret Kincaid, and why did the attacker let one woman live, and the other die?
Then the police gun down their main suspect and it seems that Margaret’s case will die with him. But Jessie is sure that the police got it wrong: the real killer is still out there, and it’s someone close to home. It’s up to Jessie to put together the pieces before he finds his next victim… but who can she trust with the horrendous truth?
Written from the point of view of Jessie, I fell right into this well-crafted and absorbing tale and I felt as though I was shadowing her as she worked at chasing her story and following her leads and instincts. I adored the story-lines which were easy to follow and Dana Perry's writing-style was impressive and note-worthy. I had considered several scenarios but I completely off the mark and never would have guessed the end result.
Also, I think that the author merely scratched the surface with Jessie's portrayal. I was extremely taken with this character's toughness, drive and tenacity and look forward to reading about her in future instalments of this series. With its polished pacing and plotting I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable, original and difficult to put down début from Dana Perry. Evidently he is a gifted storyteller who can provide readers with thrills, sophistication and a story packed with substance. A very highly recommended five star read.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
October 29, 2019
I got a free advance readers’ copy in exchange for my honest review.
Imagine being brutally attacked and left for dead. That in itself is extremely traumatic. But then imagine choosing to become a crime reporter after that only to encounter a crime scene which eerily matches yours.
In Girl Walking Alone, Jessie Tucker has survived what many women dread. A random encounter with a monster. Twelve years later, she is mostly whole again with a slight limp being the only reminder of that night. The man charged with atacking her, Darryl Jackson, was jailed and ended up being killed in prison. She is one of the top crime journalists because she writes from the victim’s perspective. She gets a call from the editor about a new story, the murder of Margaret Kincaid, a senator’s aide. However, as details emerge, Jessie is convinced that Margaret’s attack was too similar to hers to be a coincidence. Police have already killed the main suspect in Margaret’s case but Jessie is convinced that they got the wrong guy. With many of her close friends and associates convinced she’s gone mad, she decides that she is going to get to the bottom of these two mysteries once and for all.
The story was intense and well written. I found myself engrossed quite quickly in this book especially as more surprises emerged. Some of the twists were predictable but the main ones were not. However, I was able to guess one of them before it was fully revealed.
I was instantly able to like Jessie. I admired her strength and determination especially after her attack. The fact that she refused to use her cane even when she needed to was a further sign of how strong-willed she was.
This book is going to be the first in a series and I can honestly say that based on this, I can’t wait for future instalments. There are some characters in this book that I would really like to follow up on and see how their relationships with Jessie were changed.
I did have a few issues though:
When Margaret’s brother, Logan, met Jessie for the first time, they started talking about her attack. Why would he bluntly ask if she was raped? I felt like that was an odd first conversation to have.
Jessie mentioned the strange dreams she was having to her doctors and all they told her was that time heals all wounds. Why wasn’t some form of counseling suggested? After the trauma she endured, she would have been suffering from an extreme case of PTSD
Jessie and her very close friend, Ellen, were discussing something. Ellen started wondering if Jessie was going crazy until Jessie made an intellectual joke. Ellen then decides that Jessie cannot possibly be crazy. Is it that people with mental issues cannot be intellectuals?
The book was a pretty good read, though. There were some sex scenes which were a bit graphic but no obscenities. There was also a lot of extramarital affairs discussed in this book as well as some mention of child abuse which may be disturbing to some readers. Like I said before, this seems like a start of an excellent series.
Imagine being brutally attacked and left for dead. That in itself is extremely traumatic. But then imagine choosing to become a crime reporter after that only to encounter a crime scene which eerily matches yours.
In Girl Walking Alone, Jessie Tucker has survived what many women dread. A random encounter with a monster. Twelve years later, she is mostly whole again with a slight limp being the only reminder of that night. The man charged with atacking her, Darryl Jackson, was jailed and ended up being killed in prison. She is one of the top crime journalists because she writes from the victim’s perspective. She gets a call from the editor about a new story, the murder of Margaret Kincaid, a senator’s aide. However, as details emerge, Jessie is convinced that Margaret’s attack was too similar to hers to be a coincidence. Police have already killed the main suspect in Margaret’s case but Jessie is convinced that they got the wrong guy. With many of her close friends and associates convinced she’s gone mad, she decides that she is going to get to the bottom of these two mysteries once and for all.
The story was intense and well written. I found myself engrossed quite quickly in this book especially as more surprises emerged. Some of the twists were predictable but the main ones were not. However, I was able to guess one of them before it was fully revealed.
I was instantly able to like Jessie. I admired her strength and determination especially after her attack. The fact that she refused to use her cane even when she needed to was a further sign of how strong-willed she was.
This book is going to be the first in a series and I can honestly say that based on this, I can’t wait for future instalments. There are some characters in this book that I would really like to follow up on and see how their relationships with Jessie were changed.
I did have a few issues though:
When Margaret’s brother, Logan, met Jessie for the first time, they started talking about her attack. Why would he bluntly ask if she was raped? I felt like that was an odd first conversation to have.
Jessie mentioned the strange dreams she was having to her doctors and all they told her was that time heals all wounds. Why wasn’t some form of counseling suggested? After the trauma she endured, she would have been suffering from an extreme case of PTSD
Jessie and her very close friend, Ellen, were discussing something. Ellen started wondering if Jessie was going crazy until Jessie made an intellectual joke. Ellen then decides that Jessie cannot possibly be crazy. Is it that people with mental issues cannot be intellectuals?
The book was a pretty good read, though. There were some sex scenes which were a bit graphic but no obscenities. There was also a lot of extramarital affairs discussed in this book as well as some mention of child abuse which may be disturbing to some readers. Like I said before, this seems like a start of an excellent series.
November 20, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jessie was attacked in Central Park 12 years ago. After a long recovery, she switched careers and started covering crimes for the newspaper. When an aide for the US senator from New York is murdered in Central Park, the apparent murderer is quickly caught but Jessie doesn’t buy it and launches her own in investigation uncovering all kinds of deception.
I thought this book was excellent. I did not expect to enjoy it nearly as much as I did. This was a story filled with twists and turns and an interesting investigation. When I thought I knew who did it, I was wrong. When I thought I was at the end and I knew everything I needed to know, I was wrong, there was still more to the story. This was tied up tightly and I am glad that this is going to be a series because I will definitely be reading the next one.
Jessie was attacked in Central Park 12 years ago. After a long recovery, she switched careers and started covering crimes for the newspaper. When an aide for the US senator from New York is murdered in Central Park, the apparent murderer is quickly caught but Jessie doesn’t buy it and launches her own in investigation uncovering all kinds of deception.
I thought this book was excellent. I did not expect to enjoy it nearly as much as I did. This was a story filled with twists and turns and an interesting investigation. When I thought I knew who did it, I was wrong. When I thought I was at the end and I knew everything I needed to know, I was wrong, there was still more to the story. This was tied up tightly and I am glad that this is going to be a series because I will definitely be reading the next one.
November 19, 2019
This is a great start to a new series.
Jessie Tucker is a reporter and takes an interest in a murder in Central Park as she was attacked here twelve years ago.
Jessie barely survived but has built herself back up and gets the bit between her teeth trying to get to the bottom of the recent murder as it’s so similar to her attack.
I loved the way Jessie wouldn’t let anything stop her from getting to the truth and when more people start dying, it all becomes very real.
I hope there will be more books in this series as I’d love to know what’s next for Jessie.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Jessie Tucker is a reporter and takes an interest in a murder in Central Park as she was attacked here twelve years ago.
Jessie barely survived but has built herself back up and gets the bit between her teeth trying to get to the bottom of the recent murder as it’s so similar to her attack.
I loved the way Jessie wouldn’t let anything stop her from getting to the truth and when more people start dying, it all becomes very real.
I hope there will be more books in this series as I’d love to know what’s next for Jessie.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
November 22, 2019
A jaw dropping finish with more twists then you can imagine.
"It's easy to read conspiracy into things that you have no answer for...."
Sometimes things just seem a little bit too easy...a little bit too convenient.
Jessie Tucker survived a brutal attack 12 years before in Central Park. This changed her life in so many ways. She is now a crime reporter for the Tribune concentration on the stories of the victims.
Margaret Kincaids body is found in Central Park. She was bludgeoned to death with a rock. She worked in the campaign office of Senator Frank Lansdale and was in a relationship with his son.
Her murderer is swiftly found and killed by the police when he resists arrest.
Things don't add up for Jessie. Who was Margaret really and why is there an eerie resemblance to her own case 12 years ago? Jessie is like a real pitbull who will not give up finding the truth even if it means going up against powerful people.
I can highly recommend this book! It's a quick read that will really keep you guessing till the end....and then some more!
Thank you to #bookouture and #netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
"It's easy to read conspiracy into things that you have no answer for...."
Sometimes things just seem a little bit too easy...a little bit too convenient.
Jessie Tucker survived a brutal attack 12 years before in Central Park. This changed her life in so many ways. She is now a crime reporter for the Tribune concentration on the stories of the victims.
Margaret Kincaids body is found in Central Park. She was bludgeoned to death with a rock. She worked in the campaign office of Senator Frank Lansdale and was in a relationship with his son.
Her murderer is swiftly found and killed by the police when he resists arrest.
Things don't add up for Jessie. Who was Margaret really and why is there an eerie resemblance to her own case 12 years ago? Jessie is like a real pitbull who will not give up finding the truth even if it means going up against powerful people.
I can highly recommend this book! It's a quick read that will really keep you guessing till the end....and then some more!
Thank you to #bookouture and #netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 22, 2019
4.5 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my Advanced Reader's Copy! Release Date: 11/20/19
Girl Walking Alone is Dana Perry's first novel, and it did not disappoint. Jessie Tucker, the main character, is a top crime journalist in NYC. She connects with the victims on a personal level and searches for justice because she was a victim herself 12 years ago. As a new story lands on her desk, she begins to find eerie similarities between her previous attack and her current case. But her attacker was arrested and has been in prison, right?
There were many twists and turns in this book, some predictable and some unpredictable. I did find some some parts of the book to be repetitive, but it was a very interesting story nonetheless. I loved the main character, and am already looking forward to Dana Perry's next book! I would recommend this book to any fans of mystery/thrillers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my Advanced Reader's Copy! Release Date: 11/20/19
Girl Walking Alone is Dana Perry's first novel, and it did not disappoint. Jessie Tucker, the main character, is a top crime journalist in NYC. She connects with the victims on a personal level and searches for justice because she was a victim herself 12 years ago. As a new story lands on her desk, she begins to find eerie similarities between her previous attack and her current case. But her attacker was arrested and has been in prison, right?
There were many twists and turns in this book, some predictable and some unpredictable. I did find some some parts of the book to be repetitive, but it was a very interesting story nonetheless. I loved the main character, and am already looking forward to Dana Perry's next book! I would recommend this book to any fans of mystery/thrillers.
March 8, 2020
After her near death beating in Central Park, Jessie Tucker changes the course of her career and becomes a badass crime journalist investigating the facts from the POV of victims. Who knows better than her.
When Margaret Kincaid is found dead in the same area as Jessie's attack, she not only is on the case, but it starts to trigger memories of her own from 12 years ago.
Just like her case, the police have found their suspects and the cases are closed. But once Jessie starts digging further through the police reports, of both Margaret's and her own assaults, she realizes that maybe the wrong person was found guilty, both now and then.
I read the majority of this book in one day because I could NOT put it down. There are many intricate details in this book, which made this book electrifying and had me wondering what the author's mindset was while writing this book.....BRILLIANT!!!!
The action and suspense accelerate with each turn of the page!! GRIPPING!!! The narrative pulled me in, and with the author's amazing writing style, I was so engrossed and it felt like I was watching a movie in my head! Totally absorbing!! An adrenaline rush throughout! The ending and how the author pulled it all together outstanding!!!
Do not miss out on this outstanding read!!! And even better news, this is the first book in what will become a series, which I will be the first in line to get my hands on the sequel!!!!
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
When Margaret Kincaid is found dead in the same area as Jessie's attack, she not only is on the case, but it starts to trigger memories of her own from 12 years ago.
Just like her case, the police have found their suspects and the cases are closed. But once Jessie starts digging further through the police reports, of both Margaret's and her own assaults, she realizes that maybe the wrong person was found guilty, both now and then.
I read the majority of this book in one day because I could NOT put it down. There are many intricate details in this book, which made this book electrifying and had me wondering what the author's mindset was while writing this book.....BRILLIANT!!!!
The action and suspense accelerate with each turn of the page!! GRIPPING!!! The narrative pulled me in, and with the author's amazing writing style, I was so engrossed and it felt like I was watching a movie in my head! Totally absorbing!! An adrenaline rush throughout! The ending and how the author pulled it all together outstanding!!!
Do not miss out on this outstanding read!!! And even better news, this is the first book in what will become a series, which I will be the first in line to get my hands on the sequel!!!!
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 11, 2019
This was a decent story but the writing felt a bit stiff/forced at times. An example: the narrator, Jessie, realizes her attacker had on a New York Yankee baseball cap when she was attacked. After saying the full item one time a switch to Yankees cap would have sounded much more natural but never happened.
The New York Yankee baseball cap ironically is the item that makes Jessie revisit her attack and determine that something isn’t right because it must be the same killer if he’s also wearing a New York Yankee baseball cap?? Granted the character does mention that numerous people wear them so she realizes it’s a bit foolish sounding.
There were some decent twists. I didn’t care for the final one and thought it detracted from the story a bit, just too much.
This review sounds very critical and I apologize for that because I really enjoyed it much more than it sounds. I think the series has a lot of potential and for a debut it was quite entertaining.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Bookouture for a copy in exchange for a review.
The New York Yankee baseball cap ironically is the item that makes Jessie revisit her attack and determine that something isn’t right because it must be the same killer if he’s also wearing a New York Yankee baseball cap?? Granted the character does mention that numerous people wear them so she realizes it’s a bit foolish sounding.
There were some decent twists. I didn’t care for the final one and thought it detracted from the story a bit, just too much.
This review sounds very critical and I apologize for that because I really enjoyed it much more than it sounds. I think the series has a lot of potential and for a debut it was quite entertaining.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Bookouture for a copy in exchange for a review.
June 4, 2020
The writing felt stiff and dull at times. I actually enjoyed the part of the investigation throughout the book but most of the revelations felt very anti-climatic and the ending made the story as a whole a bit unbelievable and predictable.
August 18, 2021
This novel was a delight for those who like lots of twists and turns. I love the "never give up" attitude of Jessie. Her dedication to uncovering all the facts will make her an interesting journalist in this series. Great read!
May 23, 2021
4.5 stars
That ending..... Mind blowing🤯🤯. I never saw it coming
That ending..... Mind blowing🤯🤯. I never saw it coming
Currently reading
May 31, 2021Bookouture 99
November 22, 2019
If there's one thing that I like doing, it's discovering new authors. Dana Perry is definitely a new author for me but after having enjoyed reading 'The Silent Victim' as much as I did, I will most definitely be reading more of his work in the future. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Silent Victim' but more about that in a bit.
I couldn't help but take to Jessie Tucker from the first time I met her. She now works as a crime reporter for a newspaper but she used to work for an advertising agency. Not so very long ago Jessie went through the worst kind of trauma you could possibly go through when she was attacked and left for dead in the local park. Jessie miraculously survived the attack although she hasn't been able to go back to how she used to be. The physical scars may have healed as well as they could but the mental scars are still there. When she hears of another lady being attacked, Jessie cannot help but take an interest in the case. She is a reporter after all and she investigates the case. She can often get information that the police could only dream about. Jessie is one tough cookie but then she has had to be. She is driven, tenacious, determined, stubborn, kind, compassionate and sensitive.
Oh my word, I was addicted to this book from the moment I read the synopsis alone. As soon as I started to read, I just knew that I wouldn't be able to put the book down. That's exactly what happened. The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. The book had developed a hold over me and it was a hold that I wasn't willing to break. I thought that if I put the book down for any reason, I might miss some vital clue or some vital information. The more of the book I read, the more of the book I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to be turning. The pages turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out how the story concluded steadily grew and grew. All too quickly I reached the end of this book which I was disappointed about. I don't mean that to sound negative but I was enjoying the author's writing style, the storylines and the characters so much that I just didn't want the book to end.
'The Silent Victim' is superbly written. Dana has a writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Dana certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and then takes you on one hell of a rollercoaster ride as you accompany Jessie on her journey and assist in her investigation. Yes I know it's fictional but I find that if I enjoy reading a book as much as I enjoyed reading 'The Silent Victim' then I tend to 'live' the story as if it were real and the characters seem just as real as me and you. Dana writes so realistically and uses such vivid descriptions that I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself.
Reading 'The Silent Victim' was like being on one hell of a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a 'Snakes & Ladders' board. Just when you thought that you could take a breather, gather your thoughts, reclaim your stomach and settle your heart rate then off the action would go again. This was one of those books that sent my adrenaline levels soaring, sent my blood pressure through the roof and made me as nervous as hell.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Silent Victim' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Dana's work in the future. Here's hoping that we don't have too long to wait. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I couldn't help but take to Jessie Tucker from the first time I met her. She now works as a crime reporter for a newspaper but she used to work for an advertising agency. Not so very long ago Jessie went through the worst kind of trauma you could possibly go through when she was attacked and left for dead in the local park. Jessie miraculously survived the attack although she hasn't been able to go back to how she used to be. The physical scars may have healed as well as they could but the mental scars are still there. When she hears of another lady being attacked, Jessie cannot help but take an interest in the case. She is a reporter after all and she investigates the case. She can often get information that the police could only dream about. Jessie is one tough cookie but then she has had to be. She is driven, tenacious, determined, stubborn, kind, compassionate and sensitive.
Oh my word, I was addicted to this book from the moment I read the synopsis alone. As soon as I started to read, I just knew that I wouldn't be able to put the book down. That's exactly what happened. The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. The book had developed a hold over me and it was a hold that I wasn't willing to break. I thought that if I put the book down for any reason, I might miss some vital clue or some vital information. The more of the book I read, the more of the book I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to be turning. The pages turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out how the story concluded steadily grew and grew. All too quickly I reached the end of this book which I was disappointed about. I don't mean that to sound negative but I was enjoying the author's writing style, the storylines and the characters so much that I just didn't want the book to end.
'The Silent Victim' is superbly written. Dana has a writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Dana certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and then takes you on one hell of a rollercoaster ride as you accompany Jessie on her journey and assist in her investigation. Yes I know it's fictional but I find that if I enjoy reading a book as much as I enjoyed reading 'The Silent Victim' then I tend to 'live' the story as if it were real and the characters seem just as real as me and you. Dana writes so realistically and uses such vivid descriptions that I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself.
Reading 'The Silent Victim' was like being on one hell of a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a 'Snakes & Ladders' board. Just when you thought that you could take a breather, gather your thoughts, reclaim your stomach and settle your heart rate then off the action would go again. This was one of those books that sent my adrenaline levels soaring, sent my blood pressure through the roof and made me as nervous as hell.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Silent Victim' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Dana's work in the future. Here's hoping that we don't have too long to wait. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
November 15, 2019
Jessie Tucker was brutally attacked 12 years ago and was left for dead in Central Park. In the present day, Jessie is now a crime reporter who gets assigned to a brutal murder of a young woman in Central Park that is eerily familiar. As Jessie dives into the case that the cops have deemed closed she learns things are not as they seem. Jessie quickly begins to see there may be a connection between her past and her present but what is she willing to risk to find out the truth.
For a debut novel, the author does an excellent job at character development. Further editing may have provided a better pace to the story as by the end I was flying through the chapters to find out the truth. Overall this book will be enjoyed by fans of Law and Order and it will shock readers when the ending is revealed.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for providing me with an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
For a debut novel, the author does an excellent job at character development. Further editing may have provided a better pace to the story as by the end I was flying through the chapters to find out the truth. Overall this book will be enjoyed by fans of Law and Order and it will shock readers when the ending is revealed.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for providing me with an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2019
[Original title: GIRL WALKING ALONE]
THE SILENT VICTIM is an incredibly engrossing psychological/journalistic emotional thriller. Twelve years ago Jessie Tucker was accosted in Central Park, viciously beaten, left for dead. Eventually she achieved a miraculous recovery which she has never taken for granted. She left advertising to become a reporter, at which she is a bulldog and award winner. But this latest story proves to be so incredibly convoluted and quite possibly connected to her own assault. Finding the facts is akin to traveling the convolutions of the interior of a Nautilus shell; but oh how gratifying for the immensely engaged reader!
THE SILENT VICTIM is an incredibly engrossing psychological/journalistic emotional thriller. Twelve years ago Jessie Tucker was accosted in Central Park, viciously beaten, left for dead. Eventually she achieved a miraculous recovery which she has never taken for granted. She left advertising to become a reporter, at which she is a bulldog and award winner. But this latest story proves to be so incredibly convoluted and quite possibly connected to her own assault. Finding the facts is akin to traveling the convolutions of the interior of a Nautilus shell; but oh how gratifying for the immensely engaged reader!
October 9, 2019
A slightly edgy procedural with aspects of suspense woven in, far from the psychological thriller portrayed by the blurb. It hosts lack-luster characterization, familiar trope, and a superficial plot line that fails to keep pace in an overpopulated genre. Dana Perry’s writing feels as if it is being pulled from her rather than it flowing fluidly to the pages. The cover is beautiful and the premise is strong, unfortunately the delivery is weak. 2 stars.
August 17, 2022
I really enjoyed The Silent Victim, and found it a totally gripping thriller.
The main protagonist being an investigative reporter instead of the standard cop/detective worked really well. Jessie is a really interesting character, and with her background of being attacked and left for dead herself gave an excellent spin on her quest for justice for a new victim. I liked all of the elements around her being a survivor, building her life back up after such a crippling injury, changing career because of what happened and the friendships she'd built up during her recovery. Then watching the impact of this new investigation and what she discovers on her own recovery was quite fascinating.
One of the advantages of the investigative reporter protagonist is that it gives more freedom to explore police corruption from the outside, and I thought this was really well done. A major element of this book is corruption in the police and corrupt politicians, and given the events of the last few years I thought this was both timely and well handled. It also highlighted the problems reporters face within their own papers, trying to negotiate the desires and ambitions of different editors who may be trying to appease powerful external influences.
There were plenty of twists and turns in the plot too. I was kept gripped by the novel, as more and more of the truth behind the death of Margaret Kincaid was revealed, and other long-buried secrets came to light. The pace of the reveals was excellent, sometimes taking a while for Jessie to uncover more and sometimes coming in a breathless rush, and I really liked that some of them were left unsettled, because life isn't always as neatly tied up as many novels would have us believe.
I loved The Silent Victim, with its themes of overcoming trauma and corruption in power, and it's nuanced investigation of a death that many were quick to conclude easily solved.
The main protagonist being an investigative reporter instead of the standard cop/detective worked really well. Jessie is a really interesting character, and with her background of being attacked and left for dead herself gave an excellent spin on her quest for justice for a new victim. I liked all of the elements around her being a survivor, building her life back up after such a crippling injury, changing career because of what happened and the friendships she'd built up during her recovery. Then watching the impact of this new investigation and what she discovers on her own recovery was quite fascinating.
One of the advantages of the investigative reporter protagonist is that it gives more freedom to explore police corruption from the outside, and I thought this was really well done. A major element of this book is corruption in the police and corrupt politicians, and given the events of the last few years I thought this was both timely and well handled. It also highlighted the problems reporters face within their own papers, trying to negotiate the desires and ambitions of different editors who may be trying to appease powerful external influences.
There were plenty of twists and turns in the plot too. I was kept gripped by the novel, as more and more of the truth behind the death of Margaret Kincaid was revealed, and other long-buried secrets came to light. The pace of the reveals was excellent, sometimes taking a while for Jessie to uncover more and sometimes coming in a breathless rush, and I really liked that some of them were left unsettled, because life isn't always as neatly tied up as many novels would have us believe.
I loved The Silent Victim, with its themes of overcoming trauma and corruption in power, and it's nuanced investigation of a death that many were quick to conclude easily solved.
April 28, 2023
I did it again. I read book two quite some time ago and I was intrigued to find out what happened to our main character Jessie. Now, at last, I was ready to attack the first book in the series and find out everything about her background story.
Why do I keep doing this, you might wonder. Well, it's not that I do it on purpose. It's just because, when participating in blog tours, you don't always have space in your schedule and you have to let some books go. One thing I am very strict on it posting on the correct date, not disappointing author nor publisher. I also don't mind not reading books in the right order. I know, sometimes I am weird. :)
But back to the book. Jessie is a great woman. Knowing what she went through, I admire her for what she is doing and she really is like a pit bull when she is after a story. Sometimes she twists the truth a bit, but only for a good cause: going for justice.
I do have to admit my neck hurts after finishing this book and this is because the author kept throwing twists at me and made my head spin, but I loved it. :)
This is such a great book that I enjoyed thoroughly. Money and fame... they can turn people into vicious creatures. 5 stars
Thank you
Why do I keep doing this, you might wonder. Well, it's not that I do it on purpose. It's just because, when participating in blog tours, you don't always have space in your schedule and you have to let some books go. One thing I am very strict on it posting on the correct date, not disappointing author nor publisher. I also don't mind not reading books in the right order. I know, sometimes I am weird. :)
But back to the book. Jessie is a great woman. Knowing what she went through, I admire her for what she is doing and she really is like a pit bull when she is after a story. Sometimes she twists the truth a bit, but only for a good cause: going for justice.
I do have to admit my neck hurts after finishing this book and this is because the author kept throwing twists at me and made my head spin, but I loved it. :)
This is such a great book that I enjoyed thoroughly. Money and fame... they can turn people into vicious creatures. 5 stars
Thank you
September 25, 2021
Jessie Tucker is a journalist who was badly bashed in central Park12 years ago. So was Senator’s beautiful aide Margaret Kincaid’s murder file lands across her desk, and Jessie knows she can’t keep silent any longer. Margaret’s wounds so exactly match her own. But Margaret’s case is closed, all clean. Jessie doesn’t believe the police story, and delves deeply. She finds the Senator has a war history, and Margeret is not Margaret but Cheryl, whose father died in Iraq in the Senator’s company … All tied up. But no, someone was lying, it was someone else, then it’s all tied but now more lies pointing to yet another – right up to the end. Page turning, gripping, but manipulative. Very short chapters, ending with things like “… Now I could see the picture. Or so I thought .” next chapter. Etc. Clever stuff. I was sucked in, sure, but at the end I felt cheated. So I’ll punish Dana with only 3 stars.
January 2, 2020
This is a story about Jessie who was brutally attacked and left for dead.
After months of hard work learning to walk again she became a crime reporter for the Tribune.
Her worst nightmare has happened again......12 years after her own attack. Jessie is determined to find out the truth about her attack and the attack she is now covering for her job.
Was the right man put in prison for her attack? Or, was he falsely accused and the real monster is still out there hurting other women?
This was a great, fast read. You won't want to put this one down.
After months of hard work learning to walk again she became a crime reporter for the Tribune.
Her worst nightmare has happened again......12 years after her own attack. Jessie is determined to find out the truth about her attack and the attack she is now covering for her job.
Was the right man put in prison for her attack? Or, was he falsely accused and the real monster is still out there hurting other women?
This was a great, fast read. You won't want to put this one down.
April 17, 2020
Must read
Such an amazing book. I was hooked from the beginning. It was a different twist on the police procedural for me...a reporters twist.
This is the first in the Jessie Tucker series and I’m really excited to read the next one. As always I love discovering new authors and starting their series from the beginning. This news series by Dana Perry is no exception.
I really liked the characters in this novel and we meet a lot! I adored our main right from the start, I loved her tenacity and she’s very intuitive and smart! Can’t wait to read more about Jessie’s adventures!
Such an amazing book. I was hooked from the beginning. It was a different twist on the police procedural for me...a reporters twist.
This is the first in the Jessie Tucker series and I’m really excited to read the next one. As always I love discovering new authors and starting their series from the beginning. This news series by Dana Perry is no exception.
I really liked the characters in this novel and we meet a lot! I adored our main right from the start, I loved her tenacity and she’s very intuitive and smart! Can’t wait to read more about Jessie’s adventures!
July 20, 2021
The Silent Victim by Dana Perry is the first book in the Jessie Tucker Mystery series and I really enjoyed this book I was hooked from the start This book had a fantastic and Mind blowing ending! I never saw it coming
I highly recommend this book especially as its a new author to me! I loved it
Big Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Dana Perry for my copy to read and review.
I highly recommend this book especially as its a new author to me! I loved it
Big Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Dana Perry for my copy to read and review.
October 12, 2022
The Silent Victim, by Dana Perry.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, had trouble putting with putting it down. It is one of the reads that you keep thinking " just one more page". It is definitely full of surprises, though, I did find, that in the last chapter, I had to reread parts a couple of times as it was full of so much information, that I was missing bits. It is one that I would definitely recommend to people.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, had trouble putting with putting it down. It is one of the reads that you keep thinking " just one more page". It is definitely full of surprises, though, I did find, that in the last chapter, I had to reread parts a couple of times as it was full of so much information, that I was missing bits. It is one that I would definitely recommend to people.
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