Death is one heartbeat away when your stalker is a serial killer.
Police detective Claire Wolfe has a secret admirer. But instead of sending flowers, this twisted psychopath murders wealthy, young women...and leaves gruesome messages for Claire on their mutilated corpses.
To decode her stalker's obsession, Claire teams up with her lover, Special Agent Robert Cline, FBI forensic profiler Dr. Sally Fleischer, and a pretty new detective with secrets of her own.
But there's more to this stalker than meets the eye. The murderer has powerful friends, and they all want a piece of Claire. With a serial killer watching her every move in this lethal game of cat and mouse, Claire must tear open old wounds and expose deadly family secrets. And her poisonous mother isn't making her life any easier.
In this gripping psychological thriller and police procedural page-turner, the race to save the next girl leads Claire to a startling revelation. Is the stalker trying to win her heart-or destroy her, body and soul?
I received an advanced copy for my review and once again, I'm blown away! I couldn't put this down, I had my kindle in one hand while making food and doing things around the house until I finished. The story picks up where we left off in YOU DID THIS and takes off running. I fell in love with the characters all over again and with the way they have developed throughout the books. The twist and turns did NOT disappoint and keeps you guessing until the end. Can't wait for book #3. Jamie Millen, keep 'em coming!
This is the second book I have read by Jamie Millen and I must say, I am a fan!! The books are well thought out with some misdirection. The characters are so well developed that you feel like you really know them! I eagerly look forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend this good book!
Thanks to the author for an advance copy. This is my honest review.
This is the 2nd audiobook I listened to by Jamie Millen, in this 3 book series. I loved the first one and this book also did not disappoint!
It picked up right where The last book ended where Claire Wolf felt like someone was watching her ever move from a distance, and someone was. But who was he and why. Then a high profile murder happens and Claire is sucked in by a new "calling card" with her name on it from the perp. But she has no ties to the victim, what is the angle? As the book goes on you start to see how the secret stalker has a hidden agenda that they are carrying out in someone else's name with Claire being at the forefront of that plan.
Without revealing too much of the book, this is a great police procedural book about a serial killer with a vendetta and a master plan.
I didnt quite give it 5 stars because I didn't feel as many big twists and wow moments as the first book. This one was more suspenseful for me, hanging onto every word hoping for Claire to get the bad guy in the end.
I highly recommend this series. I can't wait to finish the third book!
I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest feedback. I devoured the first novel in this series, and could not wait to get my hands on the next one. I love the characters Millen has created. There are so many layers to these novels that I’m always left guessing until the very end how Millen will wrap it up. Very much looking forward to book 3! These are characters I’m not looking forward to saying goodbye to.
After reading the first installment You Did This, I so hoped it wouldn't be the end of Claire-this book didn't disappoint. I had received it as an advanced copy from the author and that hasn't influenced my review at all. It had all the twists of the first and couldn't put it down....think its so easy to follow too that you could read it on its own merit if haven't read the first as it references parts of previous story. The characters stayed intriguing and believable. Well worth a read.
It was the second book I've read from Jamie Millen. I didn't think I'd like it as much as the first one, but it was even better. The plot was so so good. The daughter-mom relationship was heartbreaking and it made me cry a river.
I didn't think much of the title of the book, but it broke me when I found out its meaning <\3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
On the whole, I enjoyed this story more than I enjoyed the first one, however I will say that once again this author is a little too long-winded for my personal tastes. I also stand by what I initially said about the author and the fact that they should have left the big reveal of Claire's father for a later book, and this one would have been perfect for that.
However, as much as I would have enjoyed that, that isn't what happened. So let's talk about what did happen. Right off the bat, I wasn't surprised to see that Claire and her mother were still at odds with one another. After all Denise had held a grudge for much too long for them to start this story having already made amends with one another. I felt that the back and forth between the two (along with Denise battling alcoholism), while a bit over the top, was on par with how they were in the first book so I enjoyed seeing the two characters evolve over the course of this story.
What I did not enjoy about this character evolution was Claire still being uncertain as to whether or not she was the one losing her grip on reality or having psychotic breaks. I had seen enough of that behavior from her in the first book, and after being cleared of suspicion as well as learning the truth, I had sincerely hoped that would have been the end of her questioning her sanity.
There was also something weird that I had found in the editing. As the story progresses, Claire is visited in her home by the killer. At first she cannot figure out how it had happened as all of her doors and windows were still locked. Even a walk-through of her house with a police detective doesn't turn up any clues. However, the moment her boyfriend FBI Agent Rob Cline and her do a second walk through, she spots something she hadn't before.... a hidden wall. It is then stated that the killer "left the secret doorway open for her to find." Only she didn't exactly find it did she?
I will say that the red herrings in this novel kept me guessing more often than the last novel which was something I enjoyed, and the ending left me intrigued. Where are things heading now that Claire is about to step into a new role working with the FBI? I do already have the third novel on my kindle and look forward to jumping into that one tonight.
4.5 stars The first few chapters artfully integrate a summary of the events that took place in the prior book (You Did This, which was excellent!). So, the book can be read as a standalone, but I think that it would be much better appreciated having read the first book, notably in relation to optimally understanding our protagonist (a smart female detective) and her back story. As with the first book, this one is well-written and fast-paced with a lot of suspense. The story is about a detective and her team trying to identify a creepy murderer before he strikes again, but it’s hard to know who can be trusted. There are a few subplots including one on our protagonist working to salvage her relationship with her mother, and another on our protagonist’s CIA-boyfriend trying to identify prior murder victims. I like how the short chapters alternate between the subplots, with most chapters ending with a cliff-hanger. It makes for addictive reading! This book’s murders seem a tad more gruesome than the first, and there are some uncomfortable scenes, but the author doesn’t dwell on these. And though the story can be a little far-fetched at times, I look forward to the next installment! Thank you to the author and publisher for a free advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I actually enjoyed You Made Me a bit more than the series opener. Claire really starts to come into her own here—you get more of her strength, her edge, and her complexity. I found myself liking and appreciating her in ways I didn’t during the first book.
Thankfully, this didn’t fall into the sequel trap of repeating the same plot beats. I was relieved it didn’t dwell too long on the “Claire as the suspect” angle again—because that wouldn’t have made much sense at this point in the story.
Claire and Rob’s relationship also grew on me in this one. The development felt more natural, and I was glad to see their dynamic evolve. I even found myself softening toward Claire’s mom a bit; getting her perspective added some much-needed depth and helped shift her from villain to something more human.
That said, the book still carried more detail than it needed. Some of the language and extra fluff could’ve been trimmed without taking anything away from the story. And once again, I found myself questioning how these “great detectives” kept missing things that felt glaringly obvious to me as a reader. Also, is it standard to have vital information or a compelling theory but keep it to yourself? Don't seem like it would be.
Still, I’m hooked. The twists, the characters, the pacing—I’m in deep now, and I’m definitely moving on to book three.
I would give this book a 4 star review and would likely reread this series! Looking forward to the 3rd and final book, to see how it all comes to a close.
I can't say that this book was necessarily better than the first but it was definitely up to par and interested/captivated me just as much. I liked how it was both a continuation of the last book while also adding in some new characters and plot points. It was interesting how the bodies the FBI were working to uncover from the first books murders lead into the case Claire was working on with her serial killer stalker. I really didn't think that would have been more of a "pack" thing and never realized how deep into this her father had gone. It was clever though how he recruited his people and it makes you wonder how far out he went and who else he might be working with/those who worked alongside him. I liked too how Claire had helped her mom throughout this book, even when she could have just turned her back on her, and that they came out at the end having a better relationship then they ever did, with her mom even turning the corner to be better. Claire getting engaged to Rob and joining the FBI at the end was a really good way to wrap up this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the second book in Jamie Millen’s, Claire Wolfe Thriller Series”. I highly recommend you read first book before you open this one. These novels are the first I’ve read by the author and they were fantastic. Claire, after years away from her hometown, transferring from Boston PD, to investigate her sister Tina’ murder. After so many years - her questions were finally answered. Her relationship with her mother had always been conflicted and it seems time had not erased any of the resentment and antipathy her mother Diane has used against Claire for most of her life.
Once Tina’s killer was found, Claire thought it would close the festering wounds. With a new promotion she ‘s eager to prove her value to the police department and her mother.
Fans of psychological thrillers, police procedurals, and domestic unrest will love this series. I’m anxious for the next book in the series and am excited to see what else Jamie Millen has in catalog. I’ve found another great storyteller - kudos to the author.
Book Review: You Made Me (Claire Wolf #2) by Jamie Millen "I want to start this review by saying: Jamie Millen has done it once again! This is the second book in the Claire Wolf series, and my god, it has been an absolute emotional rollercoaster. From the very first page, I knew this story was going to blow my mind. Returning to Claire Wolf’s world always fills me with nerves and intrigue because I know Jamie Millen—who is undoubtedly one of my favorite authors—always delivers pure adrenaline. I am still in shock over that plot twist; even though I’ve finished the book, I’m still processing what happened! The characters are perfectly executed, the atmosphere is haunting, and the narrative flow is flawless. This is a thriller that will leave you speechless. If you are a lover of intense, high-stakes stories, you must read Jamie Millen’s work. Truly an excellent job by the author. I’m giving this 5/5 stars because this story is a masterpiece. I am beyond satisfied and impressed. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed this, but I liked the plot of the first one better. Apparently Claire's father is playing 4D chess from the grave, and so is his protege. The problem is, they're playing 4D chess with no one. Like Hannibal in Manhunter, I think WW and Johnny both have certain disadvantages--they're insane.
Diane--You are a bad-decision making machine. I'm glad you reconciled with your daughter.
Claire, the other detectives, FBI--It's amazing anyone survives. With as crazy as the killers are, you are always 10 steps behind them.
Jess--Not my favorite. You annoyed me like you annoyed Claire. It's 2023. Nobody cares who you're sleeping with and you obstructed justice in my opinion, by not telling the investigators what you know. And if you're going to use someone as a beard, maybe not choose the boyfriend of your supervisor.
Four stars for the entertainment value, although the plot is far-fetched.
Claire Wolfe is determined to find her "secret admirer" before he manages to send her yet another horrifying "tribute". Thankful for her team - Robert Cline and Dr Sally Fleisher - she feels armed and ready.
But can she beat him to the next victim?
Millen leaves nothing to the imagination as our characters struggle to uncover the madman. You Made Me is a worthy successor to the Claire Wolfe thrillers, you will be as obsessed as we all are!
[I was fortunate to receive a pre-publication copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
This book was just as suspenseful as the first. I enjoyed the extended closure of the middle school murders only to find out the series is more intertwined than most with just the protagonist’s next adventure. The violence was a bit much for me at times, but I think it made the story that much more difficult to put down. After hating Diane in the first novel, it was comforting to see hee character develop and find peace with Claire. It was unlike other murder mysteries. We knew the killer and his background from the beginning, but were waitinf for capture instead of an identity reveal. Can’t wait to get my hands on the final book in the series!
The PAC continues its deadly mission, targeting three wealthy women, with political forces becoming entangled as Clair uncovers a sinister plot. Her father, seeking to control the city's power structure, is at the heart of it all. Clair meets a member of the pack, only to discover that there are two more involved in the conspiracy. When they attempt to murder both her and her mother, Clair takes matters into her own hands, leading to their eventual arrest. In the aftermath, Clair joins the FBI, her relationship with her partner deepening as he proposes. Meanwhile, her mother returns to her singing career and finds a new partner, marking a fresh chapter in both their lives.
Well I am so glad I found this author - I loved the first book in the series but can you believe it this one was even better. The main characters are even more defined, loved how the mother played such a pivotal role this time.
I can't say anything as there will be spoilers but do yourself a favour and read this book. It will be worth it. There are so many twists and turns. I needed to read this in one session so that I found out what was coming.
I was given an advance copy by the author but this in no way impacted my review.
looking forward to the last book, this was awesome
While being in a slump, I wanted to finish this book before the year new. I should have been finished with it since I started it a few months agai but fell into a reading slump and trying my best to crawl out it. The second book to the Clair Wolf series books was pretty good. It was entertaining and fun to read and listen while being busy as usual. I look forward to the last book of this series. I’d recommend to anyone who wants to read them. Awesome books this far.
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series! Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable. Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story. Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read more of these. Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
As the second in the series, I expected the storyline to slow down and lose momentum. Boy was I disappointed but in a grand way! I could barely put it down. It has been a while since a book kept me up half the night…I finished this in record time because I was dying to see what happened!
Upfront and honest here, I did receive a beta version of this book early in exchange for honest feedback and it did not color my commentary. This truly was a great read.
Everything about the book is masterfully and beautifully done. The writing style, character developments, depiction of the struggles of mending a broken relationship, the plot twists and tidbits of facts sprinkled throughout the pages are perfect for anyone looking for a good mystery filled with suspense and heartwarming moments to curl up and relax to.
I received this as an advanced copy in return for my honest review, and I couldn't recommend the book enough. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
I received a gifted copy of ‘You Made Me’ by Jamie Millen in return for my honest review. This book is the second in the Claire Wolfe series, I really enjoyed the first one, so I was looking forward to reading.
This book follows Detective Claire Wolfe as she returns to work after having some time to recover from a gunshot wound.
Her first case back is the murder of a young lady in a motel room, not only are the wounds inflicted horrific, but the killer has carved ‘Claire’ onto the woman’s back.
Why Claire’s Name? Is this in some way related to her and her past?
Claire must confront her past to discover the murderer, who also becomes her stalker, before it is too late.
Meanwhile the FBI are trying to uncover the missing bodies from the case in the first book in the series.
What will they reveal?
I really love reading this series, not only are the books really well written but I like the banter used between the characters on the police team and how the FBI come in to help. It makes you feel part of the investigation as you are drawn into the lives of the characters.
There are plenty of shocks and twists in this book and it is quite fast paced so it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
There is a cross over from the first book, but I would say it could still be read as a standalone as there is enough explanation for you to understand. The book also ends on a cliff-hanger, so I really can’t wait to read the third book in the series, which I believe is due out in March.
Overall, a brilliant and intense thriller which will leave you wanting more.
3.5/5: this was a strong sequel, and very well tied into the original story. I found this one to be incredibly disturbing and uncomfortable due to the stalker elements, so for me personally that detracted from my rating a bit. I do like that we got to spend more time understanding the main villain’s backstory, but the final twist felt a little out of nowhere to me and unnecessary, and the actual conclusion seemed too easy for a killer so elusive.
This book is definitely a slow start, but it quickly gets very intense and very captivating. It handles the ending of the last book and it’s villain very well and really makes up for the lackluster reveal in book 1.
It was honestly kind of spooky at times and made me feel jumpy in my quiet apartment alone lol. I enjoyed the mystery premise in book one more, but the execution of book two’s plot was great!
Amazing book! It kept me guessing and reading well into the night. I couldn't put it down. This story wrapped up a bunch of mysteries and left me wanting more. The ending is awesome and has me very impatient for the next book!! Highly recommend!! I was given an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
So thankful for my advanced readers copy! Another great Claire Wolf suspense! Just when I thought I knew where the story was going it took so many twists and turns until my mind was blown! I love this page-turning series. I can’t wait for more!! I love how this one ended and the direction it’s going in! You’ll just have to read it to see what I’m talking about!!!
I have enjoyed this second book in this series. I love a good detective. I would recommend this book to all. Audible really brings the characters to life. I don't tell what is in the books I read. That is for you to read and find out. Hope you enjoy it, as much as I have. Off to my next adventure.
I seem to be in the minority here but, while I like Claire and her FBI boyfriend, I find the books too farfetched both in the thrilling bits and also her mother's behaviour. Also thus far (at the end of two books) we haven't really had an explanation of why Tina and the mother behaved the way they did. Claire is also a bit too saintly.