Everett

Brooke Walton #1

by Jenifer Ruff

From Amazon bestselling author Jenifer Ruff-a dark suspense thriller featuring a fascinating, twisted protagonist. The Brooke Walton series will make you wonder just how well you know your friends, neighbors, and classmates. Fans of James Patterson, Karin Slaughter, Hannibal Lecter, the Dexter series, and Gone Girl will be hooked.
At Everett, perfection has a dark side.... Brooke is a highly-motivated coed at prestigious Everett College. She is determined to graduate number one in her class, get accepted at a top medical school, and become a surgeon. Everything is going according to plan, although she's not sure what to do about Ethan, an attractive guy who would like to be more than friends. Her classmates and professors are captivated by her achievements and appearance, with the exception of one student. Only Jessica, a wealthy socialite, senses Brooke might not be all she appears. But Jessica has her own problems, fueled by too many prescription pills, energy drinks, and a huge case of snobbery. She's too busy looking down her nose when she should be watching her back. What happens in a historic blizzard will settle their differences once and for all.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Mystery Thriller, New Adult, Suspense

218 pages, Paperback

First published August 23, 2014

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Jenifer Ruff writes dark and twisty mystery thrillers, including the award-winning Agent Victoria Heslin Series. Jenifer spends her days writing with the goal of keeping her readers eagerly turning the pages and putting the clues together. She adores peace and quiet, animals, and exercise, especially hiking. If she’s not writing, she’s probably out exploring trails with her dogs. Sign up for her Reader's Newsletter at Jenruff.com and never miss a new release.

Reviews

[Pradeep T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book. It is extremely well written. The story is very good and it will easily take its readers along with it. Being a psychological book fan, I really loved this book and I enjoyed reading the character Brooke. Brooke's character, though it may seem as a fictional one, but, we all have at least one hidden character of ourselves that is known to nobody or very less close people. You call it as a psychotic behavior. That's exactly the character of Brooke displayed in this novel. A must read.

For a complete review of the novel. Please visit the URL: http://booksrevisit.blogspot.in/2015/...

[Robbie Cheadle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke Walton is a brilliant and focused student. She starts her first semester at Everett College after transferring from a smaller and less high profile college subsequent to a traumatic event she witnessed.

I found this story to be darkly fascinating. Brooke is a perfect student, obsessed with her studies and achieving her goals to the exclusion of anything else. She has total control over her body, pushing herself to the limit with her long-distance runs and tough yoga classes, and also total control over her mind. Nothing can distract her, not even the good-looking and wealthy Ethan who is so captivated by her good looks and independence of spirit, that he can't appreciate the implications any of her strange and rather disturbing disclosures and traits.

Of course, such perfection must have a flaw and Brooke's is a total lack of empathy or feeling of any kind and an ability to rationalise any situation to the outcome which suited her best. The book is written in such a way that the reader is almost convinced that Brooke is right in her thinking and you almost find yourself routing for her despite it becoming more and more obvious that what you see with Brooke is definitely not what you get.

Ethan is rather typical of a boy who has grown up in a wealthy home and attended preppy schools where he has been taught to always do the right thing and to stand up for the underdog. It is totally impossible for Ethan to begin to imagine how someone like Brooke thinks and feels. Brooke is so different from anything he has ever experienced in his sheltered life that he is completely bowled over by her. The fact that she does not respond to him in the typical way most of the girls he knows do makes her all the more attractive and interesting. Ethan is determined that Brooke is the girl for him.

Jessica is a typical spoiled society girl whose father has bought her a place at Everett college despite her demonstrating clearly on numerous occasions that she is entirely unsuited to such an academically intense environment. All Jessica can think about is what sort of impression she is making on other people and what she looks like. The pressure to maintain her flawless image results in her becoming addicted to a mix of diet pills, alcohol and antidepressants. Obviously, this makes her the complete antithesis to Brooke, who she hates on sight. Unfortunately, Brooke could never understand how completely indifferent someone like Jessica is to anyone and everything outside her own area of influence and existence and so she perceives a threat where there is none.

How will Brooke react to imagined threat posed by Jessica? How will she continue to hide her strange behaviour from Ethan? Can anyone see beyond the carefully developed image of the perfect student?

I enjoyed this book a great deal and have already bought book 2 in the series as I want to see how Brooke continues to fool everyone around her and achieve her set objectives.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everett: (Brooke Walton Series Book 1) - a review by Rosemary Kenny

'Sugar and spice and all things nice', says the old rhyme, is 'what little girls are made of''. Yet in Brooke Walton's case, appearances are very deceptive indeed.
The beautiful on the outside, (yet severely damaged psychologically) young undergraduate of the eponymous Everett, a college where the story is largely set. There Ms Walton teaches fitness classes and is a totally, obsessively dedicated medical student - to any outside observers.
Unfortunately, beneath her gorgeous exterior Ms Walton hides a terrible secret - she's a serial killer of animals (initially) and humans, in order to satisfy her macabre amoral curiosity about how bodies work - and she's not willing to wait for volunteers from local hospital morgues etc, to donate their bodies to medical science either!
Very well-written (for a first novel) and edited, the events in Everett, by new writer Jenifer Ruff will send a Hannibal Lecter-like tingle of danger down your spine. The only niggle is that many readers, myself included, prefer a 'proper' conclusion that's sadly lacking in Everett. On the plus side, at least it's not a blatant 'plug' for Book 2 either.
Why not read Everett by Jenifer Ruff, Book 1 in the Brooke Walton, a dark psychological thriller series and decide for yourself?

[Georgianna Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everett is a mystery suspense novel by Jenifer Ruff. Centering on life at Everett, an elite and prestigious college in New Hampshire. Brooke Walton has transferred to Everett from Cedarhurst due to the death of her academic mentor. She’s brilliant, lovely, focused on fitness and becoming a surgeon. Oh yes, there just one other small thing, TABrooke’s a psychopathic killer.
Most descriptions are of normal college life and scenery. Some focusing so much on secondary characters that it may seem to be moving slow...it only seems that way. There is a lot of description and information, but it’s setup for the story. Brooke also has a boyfriend, well sort of. He’s wonderful and he thinks he’s in love, but she has to work at doing the things that appear to be what normal people do when they’re attracted or in love, because she doesn’t have those type of feelings. Ever hear of the TV series Dexter? Similar affliction.
The situations are interesting, her stressors are equally interesting. She’s absolutely driven to the physical workouts, even inventing her own workouts and teaching large and satisfied classes. This actually a symptom of her disease, as is being driven to be the best academically and to become a surgeon. It isn’t clear if she also intends to help some people, but she definitely has an interest in cutting into others and seeing the causes of death and what happens.
It’s an interesting read, a few small misspelled words...no big deal, doesn’t effect the story at all. Basically, if you like psycho-type stories and mysteries...this is really interesting. It’s a bit strange to hope the “bad guy” or in this case “bad girl” doesn’t get caught. It’s fun!
Everett is the first book in this story. A sequel Rothaker is also out and I’ can’t wait to delve into its mysteries and dark thrills!
Copy supplied by author

[Kirsten Feldman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 (4 for story, 3 for writing)

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

That Brooke is a perfectionist is an understatement in the way that Mount Everest is a hill. I read this book straight through in one day. Even though I guessed early on what I thought the hidden story was, I still felt compelled to follow Brooke through her super-charged days. Her boyfriend Ethan spoke to me more as a human character, but I'm not sure that being human is one of Brooke's goals anyway. Women like Brooke interest me, in the way that their icy beauty insulates them from the need to act in socially acceptable ways in order to fit in; men, and often women as well, pursue them anyway. That is certainly the case here, from students to professors, from hot guys to "it" girls. And Brooke could care less. This seems to make her yet more appealing. In its twisted way Everett is an accurate reflection of life on an Ivy League-esque campus.

I'll be making the journey to Rothaker with Brooke.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa, this book was certainly nothing like I expected! I can't say for certain what I was expecting, but I can say that it wasn't what I got. Rest assured, though, this is a good thing.

Everett is intriguing and hard to put down. Once I got started, I just had to have more. I really enjoyed Jenifer Ruff's writing style. Her attention to detail, interesting characters, and superb plot make this a great book. I, for one, am fascinated by Brooke and I can hardly wait to start reading the sequel, Rothaker.

This one is a definite recommendation to those that enjoy thrillers.

* This book was received from the author in exchange for an honest review. *

[Punkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

meh

Blah blabbing blah. Rather slow/detailed but only mildly interesting. Won't read the following. Did love the idea of a female serial killer but was not impressed.

[Anastasia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everett by Jenifer Ruff is the first book in the Brooke Walton series. Brooke Walton starts at the prestigious Everett College taking pre-med courses to facilitate her entry into a top medical school. She is highly ambitious, addicted to exercise and very obsessed, focussed on doing everything she can to achieve her goal of becoming a surgeon and not letting anyone get in her way. Not anything I expected when I started this book. A very dark, psychological thriller. I felt sorry for those who were Brooke's friends and especially Ethan who seemed genuinely nice. You could not help disliking Jessica though, who acted very entitled and thought only of herself, but she probably still did not deserve her outcome. In a way Brooke seems to share a lot of Jessica's traits and although her focus is on different things, she too thinks only what is best for herself and her ambitions. I hate when there is an inconclusive outcome and bad things remain unresolved. An interesting book and definitely different to what I expected. I may have left things here but already have the next two books waiting so will continue with these. Seems to be heading the way of the Dexter series but moved a little slow for me. I kept waiting for something to happen but only towards the end do things move along.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really what it seems, and not in a good way

It's hard to review a book that simultaneously rouses curiosity and disappoints in execution.

First, this is YA fiction. It is written in the same vein with "Asylum/Sanctum/Catacomb" (Madeleine Roux) or the Miss Peregrine's series (Ransom Riggs) except without the inspiration or energy. The characters have so much potential but the author stunts it by going cliche with the central character and never trying to turn the readers' imagination. Think female serial killer and just let it go at that.

Cannot recommend except to fans of Twilight because, yes, it really is that pedestrian.

[Renee Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book awhile ago and plan to read the sequel. It was thoroughly enjoyable - a great, suspenseful read.

[Brigitte Bisaillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. The setting of the book at the fictional private school Everett brings me back to my own college days in New England. Everything from the dorms, dining halls, library, and high stress atmosphere of exams made me just a little nostalgic. What didn't remind me of my college experience is the twist the author adds to the plot, creating one scary and complex main character. Brooke is a perfectionist with a real dark side who won't let anything or more importantly anyone get in the way of her success. Everett is a thrilling, fast paced novel and I can't wait to read the second book in this trilogy.

[Ashleyreads_13 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished this book yesterday while I had high hopes for this book, I was slightly disappointed. From the description of the book, it seemed like a promising storyline that drew me into it. While reading it they introduced characters without real meaning behind why they were given a background. This could have been used to elaborate more on the main character Brooke's backstory. I felt like at points the story was jumping all over the place. I am going to read the next in the series, but going in with lower expectations. Hopefully, the next book pulls me in!!

[Aileen V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! I am so glad a friend said "You have to read this!" I was quickly caught up in the main character, Brooke's, story but I was constantly surprised by unexpected developments. This was a very enjoyable book. It moves quickly and is very easy to read. There are no wasted words or details but the imagery and culminating events evoke tension and foreboding throughout the book. It ended all too soon and I'm so glad there is a sequel.

[Kathy Piejak · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there were 6 stars I'd give Everett 6! The characters are so well developed I couldn't stop thinking about Brooke throughout my day. She became my friend at first then someone I aspired to be and was actually glad to see she also had a dark side. Fascinating character!
The kind of book you don't want to end and save, but yet can't put it down either.
I hope Jenifer Ruff continues writing. Waiting impatiently for the next book!!

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only reason I stuck with this book was the storyline. The plot line is interesting and dark, but the writing does the plot a disservice. The dialogue is extremely overdone and unnatural, which really takes away from the story. Still, I'm intrigued enough I'll probably read the sequel anyway.

[Rebecca Waldron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally!

Wow! What a read! Finally a dark book with a sociopath that's realistic. This was a well written and well thought out book with complete characters. I will definitely be finishing this series. I need to know how it all continues and ends.

[Keli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book I enjoyed reading every page.

[Brianna Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Novel. Fast read. Funny and horrifying. Brooke is a psychopath and no one catches on. Fascinating insight into the thought processes of a psychopath. (Book 1 of a series.)

[Marcia Honeycutt Roseman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately I did not enjoy this nearly as much as the FBI series. It just didn’t seem to move along for me. The characters literally got on my nerves.

[Patricia Boracci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everett is an intriguing read. The story takes you inside the mind of a brilliant, beautiful, and disciplined undergraduate student whose goal is to go to Medical School and become a Surgeon. This novel builds action in a subtle way, while driving it's reader to explore the ever so fine line of Intellect Vs. Insanity.
The subtle build is truly a must in a Psychological Thriller, in my opinion because a reader must know and be emotionally attached to the characters involved. The most wonderful character development happened in the first part of the storyline. I knew these characters, because the Author spent time in their day to day lives, and showed how they viewed situations and their reactions to life's situations and stressors. By the time the serious action and suspense was happening, you knew these characters so well, that you felt strong emotions for them.
The main character Brooke Walton, transferred into Everett as a College Junior, as mentioned during her undergrad studies for Med School. As a Medical Professional, with a lifelong passion for Physical Fitness myself, I was excited to read about Brooke's dedication, critical thinking skills, and discipline. In fact many of my acquaintances have these attributes, however someone who is well adjusted mentally must also have a natural sense of ethics and standards. They should want to do the right thing to benefit all. Brooke, however, is only capable of tending to her own needs and desires, and is confident that her goals are the best, and the only ones that should matter to anyone. In Brooke's mind, it is necessary to always be prepared to clear barriers to her goals. She is equipped with a Physically fit body, and keeps a supply of items to kill and mutilate people who must be "taken care of."
This book took me back to Anatomy and Physiology classes in College. None of my fellow students enjoyed our time dissecting cats, and lamb brains. We all knew this had to benefit our studies, thus we persevered. They told us at my college, these were "sick cats from Mexico." Why am I mentioning this in my review? You will have to read the book and find out!! If you like Psychological Suspense, you will love this book!! Enjoy.

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, though I'd say it was more tailored for a YA audience. I didn't find the synopsis matched too well to the actual story, either....wasn't really what I expected at all. I did whizz through it, though, dying to know what happened, so it IS well written and holds your interest.
I'll definitely read the next 2 in the series.
It does have some problems with missed words here and there, "Why haven't seen you at any of them?" or "It's sort of bummer to have a job...." Then we lost a fullstop and speechmarks (and added them where they aren't needed), needlessly capitalised spring, though not every time she wrote it, got apostrophes wrong, but again, not all the time, wrote ice and not iced tea, though had it right as well, water filled needed a hyphen, and this sentence needs a comma: "And that is the result of global warming folks".....but that was it for errors. Not horrendous but could be better checked, nonetheless.
I like Ethan, Robert and Sarah though I'm not a Jennifer fan. Not sure I liked Brooke very much, either. I wanted to shake her a lot of the time !!
As I said, I think younger readers than me would like it more than I did and it's not full of bad language nor horrific violence so it's OK for younger teens to read.

[Julie Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect with this story as I like murder mysteries and there was no dead body mentioned in the blurb, how wrong was I? It was quite slow to start , which I think was intended as it built up the characters and made you like or hate them, then pow the story flips on you, which you were kind of expecting but still oh my gosh!! The story kept you in suspense as to what was going to happen and even how it was going to end. I ended up really enjoying it and looking forward to the next book.
Brook is starting at a new collage and being a geek finds she would much rather study than hangout. Despite the odds she soon lands the affections of the hottest guy on campus. With the help of him and his best friend she is soon talked into putting away her books but nobody could guess the consequences of this action when a blizzard hits the school. Is it bad to be good or good to be bad?
I liked the narrator and think she does an excellent job with each of the characters from whiny to scary all are good at building up the tension.

[bluepits73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version of this book.

This was an interesting listen. The author spends a good amount of time letting us get to know Brooke and helping us see how normal she is. Little by little we are given small indications that things just aren't quite right with this girl. An absolutely fascinating story line. It kept my attention all the way through because you want to see where the author is taking the story. P.S. She's absolutely crazy; and even though you can sort of suspect where the author is going, things, it still creeps up on you unexpectedly. I enjoyed it a lot and really liked the characters. The author did a great job writing this one. 

The narration was perfect for the book. The narrator gave an excellent performance throughout and perfectly captured the nature of the story.

I received a review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

I accidentally picked up the sequel so I decide to seek out the first book in the Brooke Walton Series. Ruff's writing kept me engaged, however, I felt like the characters were too one dimensional for me to be interested in what happens to them. I expected Brooke to have psychopath tendencies so the whole time I was trying to predict who she will kill next and why. There is a lot praise for the sequel so I will check out Rothaker when I have chance to see if Ruff added more depth to her characters. Also super curious to see what happens to Ethan and Robert since I don't imagine they will be attending Rothaker after completing their degrees at Everett.

[Sheri Dye · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoyed 'You', the ever popular television show based on Caroline Kepnes' thriller novel, this may just be what you're looking for.

First line: Everett offered a clean slate for Brooke Waldon, a chance to leave her past behind.

Intelligent.
Beautiful.
Dangerous.
After an incident at her last college, Cedarhurst, Brooke still has every intention of graduating summa cum laude and becoming a top surgeon.
With more difficult courses leaving very little room for distractions, outside of her almost constant need to stay physically active, Brooke sees no value in the social side of college. She's there to learn and will not tolerate failure.
Like a snake in the grass, this young woman creeps through the lives of those on campus, a threat without warning. Will anyone see the danger before it's too late?

[Rena Hereti Lyons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Suspense and Darkness

Brooke Walton is a high achiever, who will let nothing stand in her way of reaching her goals. She is also, beautiful, extremely clever and talented. She is also socially, a misfit in Everett, the prestigious college she is attending. No time, or inclination, for fun, but driven to studying or keeping fit. She also teaches very popular keep fit classes for faculty and students. She wants to be a surgeon and to that end, she harbors a morbid fascination with dissecting dead animals. All par for the cause.
She cannot wait to go to medical school and deal with real human cadavers and learn first hand anatomy.
There is plenty of suspense in this dark tale reminiscent of “The Talented Mr Ridley”.

[Sean Flanagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very well-written and intricately plotted — 3-1/2 stars

Jenifer Ruff's first book is unusual in several ways and more one level. While the writing style may not seem to be that of a seasoned author, the composition and grammar, coupled with the skillful character and scenario development put the book in the class of admired authors.

The characters are revealed incrementally, with descriptions sufficient to make them real yet not completely fleshing them out. This works to gradually enhance some characters, but occasionally may bring unexpected revelations. Likewise, certain mundane scenarios may lead to… well, perhaps that would be saying too much. Just read the book and decide for yourself.

[Colleen Villasenor · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a long time to read this book because I just didn't find it that enjoyable. The main characters either seemed unlikable or one dimensional. I did find myself emotionally involved at the end of the book, but up until the climax, I really didn't feel particularly invested in it. The author did say this was her first book and she hoped to see improvement in future books as the story develops more. I know I would hate to be judged solely on my first attempt. However, with limited time available to me and a long list of books that sound much more intriguing, I will leave it to others to follow her along her path.

[Kimberly C. Winslow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disturbing

Brooke is smart. Brooke is beautiful. Brooke is rare. She wants to be a surgeon and won't let anything get in her way! She is driven by a desire to see the human body as it does in every conceivable way. Brooke has no problem killing people so she can dissect them. She is able to justify every one of her actions to herself. Her looks and being a female cause people to excuse or overlook the signs of her psychopathic tendencies. A chilling character whose ending has yet to be determined.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the simplistic, matter of fact way this book was written. I think the author did a good job on showing the mentality of a sociopath-more so than other similar thrillers-with the lack of empathy, seeing other people as a means to an end and how they can benefit the sociopath, with no real attachment, though not all sociopaths kill.

However, I also found the writing and characters to be flat and very one note. The characters, other than Brooke, didn’t come across as very realistic and bordered, for me, on silly.