Carved in Darkness

Sabrina Vaughn #1

by Maegan Beaumont

Fifteen years ago, a psychotic killer abducted seventeen-year-old Melissa Walker. For 83 days she was raped, tortured, and then left for dead in a deserted churchyard...but she was still alive.

Melissa begins a new life as homicide inspector Sabrina Vaughn. With a new face and a new name, it's her job to hunt down murderers―a job she does very well.

But when Michael O'Shea, a childhood acquaintance with a suspicious past, suddenly finds her, he brings to life the nightmare Sabrina has long since buried.

Believing his sister was recently murdered by the same monster who attacked Sabrina, Michael is dead set on getting his revenge―using Sabrina as bait.

Praise:

Named a Best Debut of 2013 by Suspense Magazine

Starred Review"Prepare to be overwhelmed by the tension and moodiness that permeates this edgy thriller. Beaumont's ability to keep the twists coming even when the answer seems obvious is quite potent."―Library Journal (starred review) and Debut of the Month

"Pulse-pounding terror, graphic violence and a loathsome killer."―Kirkus Reviews

"Beaumont knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat...Buckle up for the ride of a lifetime."―Suspense Magazine

"Maegan Beaumont might be new to thriller scene, but her debut thriller, Carved in Darkness, promises to be the first in a long line of novels. Be warned, however, this novel isn't for those who jump a mile every time they hear something go bump in the night. But for anyone who's ever dreamed about enacting a just revenge, this book is for you. Beaumont knows how to cook up and serve a dish called revenge, but she doesn't serve it cold. She serves it sizzling hot."―Vincent Zandri, bestselling author of The Remains and Murder by Moonlight

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Romantic Suspense, Dark, Fiction

394 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2013

About the author

Maegan Beaumont is the author of CARVED IN DARKNESS, the first book in the Sabrina Vaughn thriller series (Available through Midnight Ink, spring 2013). A native Phoenician, Maegan’s stories are meant to make you wonder what the guy standing in front of you in the Starbucks line has locked in his basement, and feel a strong desire to sleep with the light on. When she isn’t busy fulfilling her duties as Domestic Goddess for her high school sweetheart turned husband, Joe, and their four children, she is locked in her office with her computer, her coffee pot and her Rhodesian Ridgeback, and one true love, Jade.
She also writes a blog dedicated to helping writers with plot woes and answering writing questions. Check her out – maeganbeaumont.blogspot.com

Reviews

[Linda Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are just not enough words to describe how great I thought this book was! I always approach debut books a little cautiously and in this case, I was hooked from Page 1. The excitement and suspense doesn't let up until the very end.

A psychotic killer is abducting young women, holding them hostage for days and days while raping and torturing and killing in a most horrendous way. Fifteen years earlier he had kidnapped teenager Melissa Walker and eventually left her for dead. Melissa begins a new life with a new name some years later as a homicide inspector. She has worked extremely hard to put the terror behind her while making a home for her younger brother and sister. Then enters Michael O'Shea, a childhood acquaintance who knows who she is and what happened to her ... and he claims his sister was killed by the same man who took Melissa. And Michael wants Melissa to be the bait to catch him.

The author has done an outstanding job at fleshing out the main characters, as well as all the secondary characters. I found the book hard to put down .. the suspense was never-ending. If you like mysteries, you absolutely will love this one!

I can't wait until the next one! Meaghan Beaumont has hit it out of the park!

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Nail Chewing Stars



Melissa Walker has been kidnapped for 83 days, raped and tortured and the abductor leaves her for dead.

But she doesn't die and her abductor wants her back.

Sabrina Vaughn now looks different, she is no longer the girl she was 15 years ago.

And he will do everything he can to get his Melissa back....





My Thoughts
Good whodunit story. Fast paced... yes I enjoyed it very much.

[Lila · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars read for me.

Interesting thing happened to me with this book and I remember something similar happening to me with movie before. First time I went to see From Dusk 'Till Dawn, I didn't know what's that movie about. So, the movie starts; there are two bad guys, police is after them and they are trying to get to Mexico...and then BAM! Suddenly there are vampires and bad guys are now good guys and they are trying to survive to see light of the day. Up until the middle of the movie you're watching thriller and from there you're watching survival type of horror. And I experienced the same with this book. Up until the middle of it, I was reading great mystery and then it turned into predictable romantic suspense. And that's what makes it so hard to categorize. It doesn't fit into either genre so clearly...
Fair warning: if you don't like to read detailed scenes of torture,this is not book for you. From the very start author is showing you what you get yourself into. Opening scene is very descriptive scene of torture. Our heroine, Melissa, was abducted on her 17th birthday. She was held for 83 days,her eyes were sewn together; she was constantly raped and abused and she is praying that this is the day when her abuser will go too far with his knife and finally kill her. And her wish came through, he's gone too far, but when he dropped her body, she was still alive. As unbelievable as it sounds this is only a glimpse of how sick this killer is. Later in the book there is one very hardcore and gory killing scene and it's definitely not for squeamish. He is one scary sob. Fifteen years later, Melissa changed her name and she is a cop. Her rapist,in memory of Melissa abducts a girl every year on her birthday and kills her.Brother of one of those girls, Michael, wants to catch a killer with Melissa's help and at the same time, killer finds out his favorite girl isn't dead at all.
First half a book was amazing imo. Suspense was building slowly and it really holds your attention. But then all that suspense crumbles, pace abruptly changes and suddenly there is too much of everything in this story. I never thought I'll say this, but there is one body to many.Seriously, all the characters in the story would be found at the exactly same spot without that one kill. There is too many romantic interests (I counted four). I don't know why there was so many men who were interested in heroine... I think story would be great if author didn't make Melissa deal with that on top of the killer and family to think about. Author went with Michael over the top too- he is not just some super secret army killer. He has chip near his spine, so his employer can blow him up if he doesn't do his job.Why? Why go so far with that chip thing? If that was a plot device to separate him later from heroine, I think it's like using a bazooka to kill a fly. There was so many things going on that there was enough material for two novels. And yet I knew who was a killer as soon as he was mentioned. From one believable story it went to you-really-need-to-stretch-your-imagination story. The ending was kind of abrupt and I don't know if there's a sequel planed. It's left to interpretation...*
Despite that, when I read this is Beaumont debut novel, I find some of these things understandable and for her first novel I have to say she did great. I hope she'll write more and I would encourage her to go with something similar like first half of Carved in Darkness. I would buy that without a second thought.;)

* I read on authors page that CiD is first book in Sabrina Vaughn series, so all that I wondered about at the end of CiD will be answered in books to come.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full blog review in progress...

Initial thoughts:

1) Damn, I love me a twisted sister! Writing style is similar to that of JT Ellison in her Taylor Jackson series.

2) Book focused on storyline which was incredible vs. heavy character development.

3) Some of the storyline could have used further explanation or tie together but not enough to detract from rating.

4) THIS is why I love Indie and debut authors. The epitome of quality writing. I can't wait to see what else comes from this author if the debut was this twisted.

5) Read the book in 3 hours.

6) NOT for the faint of heart. There were scenes where I cringed and I am a pretty twisted sister!

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

By: Maegan Beaumont
Published By: Midnight Ink
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Book Blog For: GMTA
Review:

"Carved in Darkness" by Maegan Beaumont was some mystery, thriller/suspense read that was simply some good read. We find that Melissa Walker for 83 days of rape and torture has been taken by a psychotic killer. She was just seventeen year old. She is left for dead but is alive. The person that did this to Melissa was never found and she was not able to identify him because he had her eyes sewn shut. As times goes on we find that Melissa Walker has began a new life with a new name trying to forget the past. Melissa is now Sabrina a police officer who is carrying around a big secret. "She's Melissa and no-one knows she survived apart from her Gran, her room-mate Val and her younger brother and sister." However, when the person who did this to Melissa/Sabrina finds out she is alive we find out from the read that he will do anything to get her back. Now, this is when I say you must pick up the excellent read to find out what all this author has in store for the readers. There will be a lots of twist and turns in this novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are all so well developed and very intriguing along with being so very captivating. Sabrina is really one heroine that you don't want to mess with. She may have been damaged but she is also 'strong and smart.'

If you are looking for a well written mystery, suspense and thriller you have come to the right place for "Carved in Darkness" will give it all to you. Would I recommend? YES!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! I don't normally read mystery thriller type books, but came across this one when I was looking for mystery books for my sister and the summary caught my attention. It was exactly what I needed after being too busy to read for the last few weeks. First page in and you are fully involved in this book! First page!! Its really, really hard to get my attention like that.

This is no long lost love story or second chance love. This deals with a woman who has been through way too much to love now and maybe even ever. I am not going to spoil too much, but she has been beaten and raped by a monster....a monster who left her for dead and is still out there. Worst of all, she may know this monster. He is closer than you think.

After being left for dead, Melissa starts over as Sabrina and immerses herself in her job as a homicide detective. She keeps her senses on high at all times and her emotions in check. She is on a mission to keep her family safe, but when the monster strikes again, she is asked to go back to that small town she never thought she would see again.

Michael's sister was killed by a monster years ago and he has never let himself forget it for one minute. He will use whatever means necessary to get the monster that tortured and killed his baby sister, even if that means destroying the life of one of the girls that got away. But hasn't Sabrina been through enough?

Micheal and Sabrina will have to work together to get this guy ...without getting caught themselves. On the run from the law, the monster, and Michaels sketchy employer, they will do whatever it takes to bring this guy to justice- their justice.

DRAMA and INTENSITY, is what this book is all about! Several times I found myself sitting in a daze at my desk listening to this book. There are so many on edge moments in this book that it wasn't boring once! Another good thing is that its fairly long with 408 pages, so you have time to really get involved and know the characters. Its a very well rounded story with a decent conclusion. This is one of those stories that you feel the more you read, the more you know. Read it and get ready to be entertained!

Check out all my reviews over at FicCentral

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I suffered from O.M.C (one more chapter) until I'd finished it. It was one of those books that kept me guessing the whole way through.

Seventeen year old Melissa is snatched off the street and kept for 83 days, during that time she was raped and tortured. She had her eyes sewn shut and was kept in a basement until he finally went too far, killed her and dumped her in a prayer garden.

Moving forward fifteen years and Sabrina is a police officer with a big secret. She's Melissa and no-one knows she survived apart from her Gran, her room-mate Val and her younger brother and sister.

When the man who took her finds out she's alive he will do anything to get her back. He has continued to kill girls but none of them are Melissa and that's who he wants.

The story is gruesome in parts, the torture scenes are very descriptive. With the help of Michael, whose sister was taken the year before, Sabrina must go back and find the man who kept her all those years ago and who has killed again to flush her out into the open.

She's also got to stay out of the reach of her own police precinct as she is wanted on suspicion of murder, which she's being framed for.

Throw in a cop who hates her, one who is in love with her, a murderer who wants her back and Michael, she's not short of men in her life but she doesn't want any. She's built up walls to keep everyone away but finds that with Michael she doesn't need them but Michael isn't good boyfriend material, he's a mercenary.

He's also falling for her but knows nothing can come of it. He will do anything to keep her safe and get his sisters killer though.

I definitely recommend this book but not if you're squeamish. It's well-written, has a good arc and keeps you up reading one more chapter.

[Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Carved in Darkness by Maegan Beaumont
Reviewed via NetGalley

An excellently worked suspense thriller, “Carved in Darkness” is one of those can’t-put-down-until-finished novels. The reader’s hook blew me away and I never looked back-or never looked away-from the story till it ended. A killer who abducts young, blue-eyed, girls, then hides them away, and assaults and torments them unto death; the few clues are that he only strikes on October 1. His first victim, Melissa Walker, nearly died. In fact, the killer thought she was dead: no heartbeat, no pulse. So he abandoned her in a churchyard, and she was discovered, submitted to multiple surgeries including cosmetic rejuvenation, and sent far away to live under an assumed name, in a new life. She’s Sabrina Vaughn, San Francisco Police Department Homicide Inspector, a tough lady with an ugly job. She is also raising her two younger siblings, Riley and Jason, and they live with her best friend, Valerie Hernandez, whom Melanie worked with when she lived in Yuma.

Author Maegan Beaumont delivers a very gritty tale, yet the violence is not gratuitous; it’s part of the plot and a significant part of the characterization. I especially loved the way in which she, like a 1920’s fan dancer, pulled the veil across the mystery suspect, then withdrew it slightly, then covered him again, and on and on so that the identity of the killer is not telegraphed at all, but works itself throughout the plot. The reader is not cheated by early revelation, and as a decades-long reader of mystery and suspense, I very much appreciate that.

[Marguerite (M)]

triggers triggers triggers
seriously, this story is much darker than I expected.
and the prequel is seriously creepy.

so the book was totally predictable in a "i totally knew who was her kidnapper right away", especially with the prequel's help.
but what was totally unpredictable is how dark and graphic everything was.

i kinda liked the book but also kinda did not because of the super-fast romance that made low-key no sense. it did a 180 in two sentences and I would have loved to see more of a slow burn in all this tragic mess.

trigger warning (prequel and book 1)
graphic depiction of: stalking, torture, stalking, rape, and assault. there are also a few stuff i can't say cause spoilers but not for the faint of heart.

[Blood Rose Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her debut novel Maegan Beaumont introduces the reader to the darkness and how the darkness shapes who we are.

Melissa Walker was kidnapped 15 years ago when she was 17 years old. For 83 days she was tortured, raped and left in total darkness in order for her kidnapper to play his sick game. One day he goes too far and leave her dead in a deserted church yard, but unknown to her kidnapper against all odds she has survived. She has spent her life changing from Melissa who she perceives as weak to Sabrina Vaughn a strong hard as nail homicide inspector. With a new name and face Sabrina believes that she has put the past behind her but when she notices someone from the small town she grew up in, the one that she was taken from, she knows that the past is catching up to her, but this time she is more prepared, she knows that she can survive the darkness, but that is not the only game that the killer knows how to play.

First off, don't start reading this book at night; it starts out with the victim being total darkness and being hunted in a game by the killer as he rapes and torture's her (and yes she does go into detail) so you will be checking your doors and windows to make sure you are secure in your house (but are you really?) and two you'll be in for a long night as you are not going to want to put this book down, as the story unravels you will find yourself drawn more and more into the story.

This book is a Fantastic/Awesome Thriller that had me on the edge of me seat the entire time, that had me hard pressed to put the book down It is a complete adrenaline ride from start to finish. There just never seems to be a great place to stop reading. Beaumont's writing is Dark, Scary, Gritty, Chilling and Gruesome which is everything I want in a serial killer thriller book. Beaumont does not hold back when she writes and is not afraid to take the story and her characters to their limit and she does it in a style where you feel like you are in the room with the characters and feeling their experiences which gets the heart going.

I like Melissa/Sabrina as a character, you can really see the contrast of before and after and how being in the darkness and under going the torment changed and shaped her into an entirely different person. However, you can tell that there is really part of Sabrina that wishes that she could go back and be Melissa again, especially the emotional part, to be able to feel vulnerable and love around the people that she cares about. I think that Beaumont did a good job of portraying Sabrina's PTSD and that even fifteen years later she still has the panic attacks especially around October first. I also enjoyed that Beaumont took the time to show some scenes from the killer's point of view and his obession with finding another Melissa and that is what keeps him going.

I was shocked to learn that this was Beaumont's debut novel and overall, there is nothing too original within the overall premise of the story, but Beaumont wrote this novel like she had been doing it for years. Not introducing anything new has worked to Beaumont’s advantage as she has written a better thriller novel than some of the big names out there. I cannot believe that this is her debut novel. I appreciated too that the ending may not be what people think it will be and it was nice to keep guessing till the end

This is one of the best debut thriller novels that I have ever read (I do not think I have been this excited about a debut thriller novel since Shadow Man by Cody McFadyen). Beaumont is not afraid to go into the dark parts of the human mind and put them on paper and I thank her for that. I cannot wait to read another book by Beaumont. If you are looking for a fantastic thriller make sure to pick up a copy of Beaumont’s book on May 8, 2013, you will not be disappointed and remember to keep the lights in when you read it.

Enjoy!!!!

Note: There are some violent and graphic scenes of torture that occur and are described within this book

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started off a little slow and I had a hard time getting the secondary characters straight. However, once I got the hang of the author's writing style and had a firm grip on who was who, the book really took off for me. The story is about a detective, Sabrina Vaughn, who years earlier was kidnapped on her birthday and held captive for 83 horrific days before he captor left her on the side of a road. The problem was, her captor believed that she was dead but she survived. After her long recovery, Melissa (her previous identity) changed her identity and moved from Texas to California and became Sabrina, a tough SWAT team member who doesn't take crap from anyone.

Her life is going as best as it can be until one day on a run, Sabrina comes across someone she usedto know back from her Melissa days. Scared that her identity has been revealed, she pushes Micheal away until he convinces her that her same captor has also killed his sister and has been kidnapping, torturing, and then killing girls ever since he left Sabrina for dead. Michael wants to use Sabrina as bait to bring out the killer. At first Sabrina is extremely hesitant. She doesn't want to bring up that nightmarish time of her life again and she is now raising her twin brother and sister and would do anything to protect them. But when it becomes clear that her captor has found out that Melissa (Sabrina) is still alive a body count starts to rise around her and the suspicion is placed upon Sabrina and Mchael. Then Sabrina's worst fears are recognized. Her captor makes a direct threat toward her sister. Determined to keep her sister safe, Sabrina goes back to Texas with Micheal even though she isn't totally sure she can trust him. But she must protect her sister at all costs and find the man that ruined her so many years ago. It is time for her kidnapper to face justice.

Returning to Texas with a suspect in their sights, Michael and Sabrina are determined to bring him to his own brand of justice. Just as the pieces of the puzzle are coming together, Micheal is called away for his job and Sabrina is left to work alone. This gives her kidnapper the perfect time to get "his Melissa" back. When Michael returns to Texas earlier than expected, Sabrina (Melissa) has disappeared. Who is the person that leaked that Melissa was still alive in the first place? What were her last movements? Determined to find her and not let the killer finish what he started Micheal begins a desperate search but will he be too late?

This is a definite thrill ride not for the faint of heart. It can be gruesome and graphic. Beaumont doesn't hold back on her descriptions of torture, rape, and death. The reader can feel the anxiety build with Sabrina's and Michael's. The book had my pulse pounding. I hope the author turns this into a series because I would definitely like to see more of this character. The author definitely left room at the end to continue with more storylines with both Michael and Sabrina and I would like to read what happens after the end of the book. . This book is getting a 4 star review only because of the beginning and the confusing characters. I still highly recommend it to murder/mystery fans. But again...not for the faint of heart but not the most gruesome book I have ever read by far. 4 stars.

[Majanka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carved in Darkness is one of the most chilling thrillers I’ve read in a long while. Melissa Walker was kidnapped by a madman when she was barely seventeen years old. The madman kept her for several months, raping her, stabbing her, nearly killing her. One day he thinks he’s killed her, leaving her in a churchyard to die. But Melissa survived, saved by the priest, and she started her life again; changing her name and identity. Now Sabrina Vaughn, a homicide inspector, still struggles every year with the memory of what the madman did to her. Around september, she starts to withdraw, reliving the tragedy.

But unknown to Sabrina, the madman is still at large, doing the same things he did to her to other innocent girls, leaving a trail of bodies behind. Michael’s sister got murdered by this demented serial killer and he’s focused on taking vengeance. He works for a special team and intends to use all his resources into tracking down the murderer. But in doing so, he wants to use Sabrina as bait, convinced that she’s the victim the killer has been dreaming for his entire life.

Word gets out in Sabrina’s old town that she’s still alive, and the serial killer finds out about her new identity. Leaving behind a trail of bodies, he tracks her down, intend on enslaving her once more, bringing her back to the darkness.

As you can see from the synopsis I just told you, this book is drenched in darkness from page one until the end. It’s a true thriller, suspenseful and menacing. I loved Melissa/Sabrina. Her character evolution was amazing, her emotional strength boundless. She constantly lived in fear but tried to fight it day and night, and I was impressed by her posture, even as things began to close in around her. I also liked Michael, although considerably less. At first I thought he was a bit of a jerk, especially when he wanted to use Sabrina as bait. I got he wanted vengeance, but not at the cost of another human being, especially someone who’s already suffered so much. He also saw Sabrina as the cause for why his sister died, which I thought was downright crazy – she had no idea the madman would do this again.

The story itself was amazing. I loved how the victim, who managed to survive, played the main part here. I feel nothing but respect for Sabrina and nothing but disgust for the killer. The writing was great, fast-paced and suspenseful. An excellent novel – just don’t read it with the lights out.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a novel for those who love stories that are dark, twisted, suspenseful, and mysterious. Even better, a novel that leaves you with a few chills. “Carved in Darkness” will give you all that and more. “Carved in Darkness” grabbed my attention right from the start keeping me engaged right up until the end – it was that good. Meagan Beaumont (“Beaumont”) gives the reader a well-developed and bone-chilling story, with a few twists and turns thrown in, all of which flows beautifully at a good pace. What makes this novel really shine is the complex array of characters, each one developed precisely and creatively to fit that exact role. I always appreciate the story more when authors include all the secondary characters giving them more presence, instead of just the protagonists, thereby enriching the story even more. While I liked all the characters and thought the author did a terrific job of creating each one, the author gives the reader a monster that is truly evil and sadistic. The two protagonists at the heart of the story are Michael and Melissa/Sabrina, both of whom are very likeable.

I did have a couple of issues with the story. Though Sabrina is a strong, intelligent, take no-shit woman, able to hold her own in a fight, I thought her character was just a little over the top. Keeping this in mind, it doesn’t make sense to me when Sabrina says that she’s in love with Michael. Right from the start we see Sabrina giving Michael a really hard time over and over again. Except for her siblings and best friend, Sabrina has issues with letting anyone in as she has a permanent brick wall erected around her. This is why I question why she loves him. What was it about him that makes her love him? Because he rescued her? Does she feel obligated? That he’s not there and she misses him? It didn’t seem clear to me.

I highly recommend this novel to all those who love thrillers. Kudos to Beaumont on her debut novel that is well-deserving of all the positive reviews and high praises she’s garnered. I’m hoping that another book will soon follow as there’s no way the author can end the book the way she did and leave her readers hanging. It has to continue and I hope it does.

*Please note that there is quite a bit of graphic violence throughout so if you’re squeamish and/or have issues with such violence, especially against women, I highly suggest you pass on this one.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was terrible. I couldn't get past page 170. The only thing the author wrote well was the rape/torture scenes. Anything with actual plot points and story-telling was horribly done. The characters are stereotypical and flat. I felt no sympathy for anyone, not even the grandmother. The author does nothing to make the characters into "people" that you can care about. The dialogue is horribly written and the plot is unbelievable. There are also comma splices galore and other grammatical mistakes that make an already bad book even more difficult to read.

[Susana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best thrillers I've ever read. It's action-packed, psychological, and sick and demented in the best way. The cast is full of fleshed-out characters you might run into on the street and a villain so sick he'd give Hannibal Lecter nightmares. But the standout is Sabrina. She has all the elements of our favorite badass heroines. She is damaged yet strong and smart.
The writing is superb, the pace is perfect, and the mystery/thriller is top notch. You want to read this book.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carved in Darkness was my first book by Maegan Beaumont, but it will sure not be my last. I LOVED this book. The character has been through the worst but survived. There are some graphic scenes, but it seems fitting for the story. Fantastic story. I cannot wait to read the next one in this series. Great debut! 5 stars

[Bookworm LLC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a GREAT book! Maegan is a fantastic writer. She keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. A must read!!
Fifteen years ago, a psychotic killer abducted seventeen-year-old Melissa Walker. For 83 days she was raped, tortured, and then left for dead in a deserted churchyard . . . but she was still alive.
Melissa begins a new life as homicide inspector Sabrina Vaughn. With a new face and a new name, it’s her job to hunt down murderers—a job she does very well.
But when Michael O’Shea, a childhood acquaintance with a suspicious past, suddenly finds her, he brings to life the nightmare Sabrina has long since buried.
Believing his sister was recently murdered by the same monster who attacked Sabrina, Michael is dead set on getting his revenge—using Sabrina as bait.

[Les Edgerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read but one book this coming year, make it this one! Maegan Beaumont has crafted a superb thriller, with a protagonist that I keep fantasizing meets Jack Reacher and they have a love child... I was fortunate to be able to read this book in mss form and have already pre-ordered my paperback copy and can't wait to read it again. Long after you put it down, this story will resonate with you and it will be one of those rare novels you'll read again and again.

Just... superb!

[Rae Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read thrillers in the past and have not received this much satisfaction in a long time. This book is descriptive and imaginative drawing the reader into the twisted tale. All the while as you tingle with anticipation you are cheering for the heroine to bring her violator to justice. I enjoyed every startling moment and look forward to reading more of Maegan Beaumont's work.

[Breia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy balls.

I love me some nasty serial killer drama and this was one of the best ever. I have read a lot of murder mysteries over the years and about many serial killers but the torture and disgust he put the girls through - yikes.

So glad I stumbled across this gem. Highly recommending to all my serial killer fan friends and researching the author for more.

[Jamie Zenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! couldnt put it down!

[Devyani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review in a while!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

it would have been more readable if there weren't so many grammatical errors but overall it was entertaining.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect with this book, I was going by friends reviews and thought I'd give it a try. Wow, am I ever glad I did, very good book indeed. Sabrina, aka Melissa, is the main character, who was kidnapped 15 years before. She was held captive for 83 days, raped and tortured and eventually killed, or so her captor thought. She is now SFPD Detective, with a lot of emotional baggage. Unbeknownst to Sabrina her captor has been killing women for the past 15 years. The book concentrates on the sick minds of serial killers. Who was her captor? A nice twist at the ending, but you have to read the book to find out. Definitely recommend this book.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good mystery, even if there were flaws, unbelivable circumstances or action, they didn't jump at me screaming with annoyance;)Definetely will be reading second book.

[Sheila · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star--I didn't like it. Flat writing, a muddled plot, and lovingly detailed torture scenes (always with female victims). It felt gratuitous.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prequel had me running to get this book and now that I finished - WOW. Would be spoilers to say to much but what a captivating story.

[At least I read · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before you read this review know their may be SPOILERS in it and since I don't know how to hide them be warned before reading!





I don't read a lot of mystery/thrillers. Mainly because I usually figure it all out before the end of the 2nd chapter and end up bored with the story. Although I did figure this one out it took a bit longer and had a lot of interesting twists and turns that had me second guessing myself a few times. I enjoyed the search and the journey to find this despicable mad man. That part of the story I enjoyed very much.

Had the character betrayals been as promising as the twist and turns this would have been a hands down 5 stars! Unfortunately that wasn't the case. In my opinion Ms. Beaumont needed to delve a bit deeper into the characters to make me feel something for them. I had no insight to Melissa/Sabrina other than the horrible tragedy she suffered and the fact that now she is a feeling-less cop. The same goes for Micheal. I get he was suppose to be a cold heartless killer but these two main characters just felt flat for me. Not to mention that the Sabrina hasn't let herself feel anything in 15 years now she suddenly (with out any explanation or growth between the two) she is in love with Micheal within a weeks time. That just annoyed me.

There are a few things that also bothered me with the set up of Melissa/Sabrina's character. I know the attack happened when she was a minor and the files sealed and what not. This woman who is now a Homicide investigator would have had to have had a physical exam and a psych test done before ever even becoming a cop to begin with. Which brings me to my problem. She has screws and plates in her face which would have had to be explained to a doctor and proof of said injuries would have been investigated. Not to mention the scar carved into her stomach reading MINE. Not only would a doctor be seeing some red flags so would a psychiatrist. So how does nobody know what happened to her. A police department doesn't just say "Oh you changed your name. That's alright, no big deal." They are going to look into it. Again someone would know and it would be in her file.

Believe it or not I still enjoyed the book and would recommend it to someone who is easily able to overlook the flaws and still see the basic structure of a good story.

[Sharon Obelenus Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced thriller, once you start its hard to put down. For 83 days, Melissa is held captive in a hell that no one could survive. On the 83rd day her captor makes a mistake, this time he stabs her to hard and deep. Thinking she is dead, he deposits her body on a bench in a churchyard.

15 years later, Sabrina/Melissa is living in San Francisco. She has become a police officer, but not just any, she is part of the SWAT team and also homicide detective. She lives with her brother and sister that are twins, and her best friend Val.

Still suffering from the PTSD from the brutal 83 days she lived, she is afraid of the dark and always aware of her surroundings. So while out jogging, she realizes someone is following her. When she sees who it is, she knows someone from her past has found her. Calling the only person from where she use to live that knows shes still alive, her grandmother, who has sent someone to watch over her.

Michael O'Shea, was a punk kid, put into a foster home, where he ran away many times or was in some type of trouble growing up. Once his foster parents died, he dropped his step sister off at their aunts and took off. He joined the Army and became Special Forces, then became a gun for hire. When he found out his sister was brutally murdered he came back to the town he grew up in, where Sabrina's grandmother took him under her wing, but also confessed that the murder of his sister was exactly the way Sabrina had been treated. Someone in their little town was kidnapping and killing girls on October 1st, Sabrina's birthday.

Michael is in California for one reason...to bring Sabrina back, one way or another to lure the killer out and get his revenge. When he first confronts her, he explains there have been many murders, all the victims resemble Sabrina, and victimized like she was. He asks her to go back but she refuses, until girls start showing up dead in San Francisco, with notes carved into them for her. But what really gets her is now hes making threats against her little sister. So Michael and Sabrina team up and go back home to get the killer before he can strike again.

[Book Chatter-Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

From start to finish I was engrossed - in fact I lay in bed from 10.30pm - 2.30am and literally did-not-move until I was done.

Carved in Darkness is a harrowing story, but also a story of redemption, growth, and justice. Author Maegan Beaumont has done an excellent job of building the tension, the fear, the mystery and intrigue, to bring forth a story of evocative realism that will have your heart pounding wildly in your chest.

I fell in love with the fully fleshed-out, incredibly likeable hard-arse that is Sabrina. I loved her take-no-prisoners attitude. I hurt for her when she struggled with her PTSD episodes; and my heart bled for her warped and damaged self image. Sabrina Vaughn is a force to be reckoned with and she now has Michael O’Shea in her sights - and what a sight he is!

Michael O'Shea is hot, smoking HOT!!
Oh boy, do I like Michael (a lot!) He is sweet, determined, damaged; under the thumb of a mercenary group, and on the hunt for his sister's killer.
Meeting Sabrina not only fuels his fire for revenge, but fuels in him a desire to cherish and protect that he didn't think he'd ever feel again.

Thrown together by a common goal, Sabrina and Michael make a formidable team and I felt the physical pain of loss when I finished this book - but after a quick look on the internet I was very relieved to find out that Carved in Darkness is only the first book in a series for the charismatic Sabrina Vaughn; and I for one, can-not-wait to read more from my new favourite author.

One of the best books I've read this year.
5 out of 5 stars ~<:]