Some Shall Break

None Shall Sleep #2

by Ellie Marney

This electrifying, chilling sequel to the New York Times bestselling thriller None Shall Sleep focuses on junior FBI consultants Travis Bell and Emma Lewis with a new case that may unravel everything they’ve been working for. 

After a harrowingly close contact with juvenile sociopath Simon Gutmunsson, junior FBI consultants Emma Lewis and Travis Bell went their separate ways: Emma rejected her Quantico offer and Travis stayed to train within a new unit of the FBI Behavioral Science division. But the unit’s latest case is feeling eerily familiar and Kristin Gutmunsson—Simon Gutmunsson’s eccentric twin—reaches out to Travis to send a warning: Emma is in peril.
 
When Travis and Kristin turn up evidence that points back to Daniel Huxton, the serial killer that Emma had escaped, things become more complicated. With a copycat on the loose, Emma returns to Quantico and is thrown back into her past traumas. Compelled to prevent more tragedy—even if it means putting herself in danger—Emma turns to Simon for help once again. But Simon is keeping secrets that could impact their entire investigation. Will the team be able to stop the Huxton copycat before time runs out for his next victims?

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Audiobook, Historical Fiction

400 pages, Hardcover

First published June 6, 2023

About the author

Ellie Marney is a multi-award-winning, bestselling author of thrillers for teens and adults. Her most recent book is All Shall Mourn, the fan-favorite finale book in the electrifying None Shall Sleep series, which kicked off with New York Times bestseller None Shall Sleep and continued with Kirkus-starred sequel, Some Shall Break. Ellie's other titles include ARA Historical Novel Prize-nominated The Killing Code; the Every series - starting with Every Breath - and the companion novel No Limits; CBCA Notable book White Night; and the Circus Hearts series, starting with Circus Hearts 1.

Ellie’s spent a lifetime researching in mortuaries, talking to autopsy specialists, and asking former spies how to make explosives from household items - now she lives quite sedately in south-eastern Australia with her family. Find sign-ups for her newsletter, The Black Hand, at her website, and catch her @elliemarney or @elliemarneyauthor on socials.

Reviews

[Rachel Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

the last 100 pages were crazy wow

[Alyssa Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars

Some Shall Break was 100% exactly what I wanted. I really hope there is a third book after that ending.

Travis and Emma are too of my favorite characters in YA. Bonus bonus for Kristen. And bonus points for Simon? He scares the absolute shit out of me.

-----------------------
How far up the ladder in the FBI do I need to go to get a copy of this book??

[Chelsea Humphrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buddy read with the stabby ladies of bookstagram. 🔪 🔪

None Shall Sleep: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Some Shall Break: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Review to come.

[lexi (aka newlynova)]

hello and thank you to the goodreads friend that set a google news alert for author and knew about this before anybody else

does this book need a sequel? absolutely not. will i be buying it? yes. i would like another teenage sociopath with a side of police incompetence, please thank you

[human]

i take it back.

i NEED this book-

~~~~~~~~~

the fact that i

- don't think the previous book needs a sequel
- don't know what this book is going to be about
- don't even know the publication date

but still want to read this should tell you something about me 🤡

[h o l l i s · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the success of this sequel can pretty much be narrowed down to delight I had watching the two main characters slowly, slowly, dance around each other again after they are reunited three months on from the events of book one.

Because a lot of the rest of this was.. not frustrating by any means but a little hard to swallow.

Once again, Emma is pulled into the FBI's orbit but this time it's for a copycat killer with a disturbingly similar MO to the serial killer she once survived. Which unfortunately forces her to bear witness to other girls being taken and treated the same way she was; a reality she can't ever escape from. I remember saying how impressed I was that Marney had dodged a lot of the on-page rehashing of what Emma is put through back in book one and there's still much of that but we do get a little more clarity on her experience and it's tough. Especially because in this sequel there's a whole other element to her abuse and violation that is revealed. And it's horrid.

Also horrid? Simon, another serial killer, is back. As is his uniquely off-beat twin sister who the FBI lets consult? And visit her brother? What the fffff. This is where things really went off the rails for me. Every single Simon interaction I was just w a i t i n g for it to all go pear shaped. And does it? Well.. what do you think. No spoilers though.

I'm not mad about where we leave things with this book, I definitely want to see more of Emma and Travis and their tentative sweetness, but my god if we don't get a very firm resolution to the Simon thing, ie, he is once and for all no longer a problem.. I'll be big mad. Kristin, too, has a lot to answer for and I'm just really baffled by the whole dynamic. I'm sure we’re meant to be but it's a strange experience.

A lot of this series requires much suspension of disbelief, as always, but this one probably took the cake. If I wasn't so happy to just be reading again I probably would've rated this lower. But for now it did what it was supposed to do : successfully distracted me from the real world.

** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **

---

This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.

[Sarah (berriesandbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ellie marney just casually written the most phenomenal books into existence.

update: one week till this book comes out and i have zero chill. ive been waiting for this for TWO YEARS


ya'll don't understand the felonies i'm willing to commit to get my hands on an advanced copy of this
----------

SCREAMING LIKE A BANSHEE I NEED THIS BOOK

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate] · Rating 2 out of 5]

⤅ Were it not for the INCREDIBLY STUPID actions of the heroine (and, to a lesser extent, the hero) this book would not exist.

But this gets two stars because I nonetheless managed to finish the book, although I came very close to pulling the plug on multiple occasions.

It's three months on from the events of None Shall Sleep, when 19-year-old Emma Lewis - a former kidnapping victim who narrowly escaped a serial killer's clutches - became drawn into the web of Simon Gutmunsson, a 20-year-old serial killer. She turned down the FBI's job offer and flew home to become a normal uni student. In the process, she lost contact with Travis Bell, the trainee FBI agent she had befriended.

But her past apparently isn't willing to let her go just yet. Pittsburgh is now being terrorised by the College Killer, a man who preys on young, dark-haired white women: women who bear a resemblance to Emma. She's spirited back to FBI headquarters for her own protection, and also so she can offer them insights to help catch the killer. In the process she reunites with both Travis and Simon.

Okay, that's as much of a summary as I can do, let's dive into the many ways this book did not work for me. Some of these are actually problems which appeared in the last book; others are new.

❌ Marney isn't great at setting the scene. The book is set in 1982 Pennsylvania, but pretty much the only thing which would date it is the prevalence of cigarette smoke and lack of mobile phones. I struggled to feel immersed in either the time period or the location.

❌ As in the last book, it's difficult to feel connected to Emma. This is sort of understandable, because her traumatised past means she's very reserved. But we get minimal details on what actually happened to her, beyond being abducted for a few hours and assaulted. I'm not looking for anything graphic, but something a bit more fulsome - like, was she raped? Did he use knives on her? - would help explain her character a bit better. Emma is so disconnected that even her family never appear on-page, though you'd think they'd barely let her out of their sight after she was violently taken from them. I don't think they showed up in the first book, either.

❌ You have to suspend A LOT of disbelief if you want to enjoy this book. I know it's 1982 and all, but I found it baffling why the FBI would allow not just a civilian like Emma, but also Kristin Gutmunsson - A CONVICTED SERIAL KILLER'S SISTER, with zero trustworthiness and mental issues - to have almost unrestricted access to case details. This made no sense at all. Travis also is supposed to just be a trainee agent, he's literally still in FBI school, but he's inexplicably treated like a full-fledged agent. I realise police procedures weren't the strictest 40 years ago (losing the St Louis Jane Doe's jumper in the post to a psychic, anyone?) but it kind of felt like Marney was just writing whatever she wanted to, frankly.

❌ Simon Gutmunsson did not belong in this book at all. The author shoehorned him in by having the FBI 'consult' him on how the College Killer might be thinking, which I know happens. But the insights he gives are all stupid and basic (e.g. 'look for a guy with his own house and car') so when the agents act like it's the answer to all their hopes and prayers, it frankly makes them look dumb. His character, which was compelling in the first book, has crossed the line into hokeyness.

❌ There is no actual suspense element to the plot. Emma, we're told, has the ability to recognise serial killers just by looking at them. I can buy she might have a heightened radar for psychopathy after her experiences, but this inbuilt-killer-detector shtick didn't convince me. It just means that she recognises the killer as soon as she sees him, about 50% in, and the rest of the book is about trying to find his records (helpfully, he also gives Emma his real name).

❌ And now the biggest and best: Emma's incurably stupidity. She goes from never wanting to see the FBI again, to wanting to immerse herself in every aspect of their operations, with inorganic speed. There isn't time to list all her dumb actions, so here's a quick reel of her highlights:

⤅ Insisting on playing bait for the killer, despite having zero training, and actually risking tipping him off.

⤅ Drinking water that she knows is drugged, taken from the man she knows is the College Killer, for no discernible reason. This has pretty much the consequences you'd expect.

⤅ Getting evidence of a place the killer might be hiding, and dragging Travis along with her to investigate it, without telling the FBI who are supposed to be protecting her. This also has the consequences you'd expect. To make matters worse, she insists that Travis gives her a gun, despite saying she's not confident with one, doesn't remember how to shoot one, and actually being much more likely to injure herself than anyone else.

⤅ When her handler tries to take her off the case because she needs a break, she ends up in such a bad emotional state that she lets Simon manipulate her (saved only by Travis). Despite this evidence of how emotionally compromised she is, she refuses to take that much-needed break, placing herself and Travis in extreme danger.

⤅ Overall
I have been reading true crime for a long time now, so maybe that's why I'm being a bit harsh. But the combination of Emma's illogical actions, and my inability to suspend enough disbelief, just pushed me over the edge.

The book is clearly set up for a sequel, which at the moment I have no intention of reading.

[Stella 🍉 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’M FERAL WTF I NEED THE THIRD BOOK NOW

5 stars | Rtc

[ᒪᗴᗩᕼ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐

…the bullet points
- serial killer mystery thriller
- historical…early-ish 80s timeline
- dark, violent themes
- FBI behavioral science —profiling in its early stages
- book #2 in the None Shall Sleep Series
- more Silence of the Lamb vibes
- the adult end of the ya spectrum

This book works best if you read book #1 beforehand…it really helps if you just finished it recently. I did a re-listen of None Shall Sleep before I started this book and I'm really glad I did.

While this second book didn’t bring the shock and awe that the first book did…it still had its moments, although this one requires even more suspension of disbelief. It takes a deep dive into Emma’s backstory. Simon and his sister Kristen are back, along with Travis and the FBI, of course. Also…that ending completely sets us up for a third book.

…about the narration
🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️/5
- Christine Lakin & Jake Abel. I’m super disappointed that they eliminated the other narrators for this and didn’t go the full-cast route that they took in book #1. Christine Lakin narrates all POVs except for Simon’s. Jake Abel does all of Simon’s parts and that really works because it really gives him a Hannibal Lecter feel that way.

...the score (out of 10)
- 7.56/10
- Opening ￫ 7
- Characters ￫ 8
- Plot ￫ 7
- Atmosphere ￫ 7.7
- Writing Style ￫ 8
- Ending ￫ 7.7
- Overall Enjoyment ￫ 7.5

[Savannah Cieslak · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me forever and a day to finish this book, but it was so worth it. I loved seeing all of the character growth between the first book and this one. I also think that the main story line in this one delved so much deeper into the characters and we got to see more into their past and how they are continuing to grow and survive it. I definitely recommend this series, but check the trigger warnings. Just like the first book some of the scenes can be a little graphic. Can’t wait to continue with this series!

[katharina ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need a third book like, right now

[Kelli W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having thought, "None Shall Sleep" was a stand-alone novel. I was pleasantly surprised, thrilled, to learn it's characters and their story would continue to be told in a sequel "Some Shall Break."

It is most excellent! While dark, with serial killers and then more serial killers. It is entirely engaging and suspenseful. With characters you connect with, and they will keep you gripped to the pages. Even the bad ones!

Between this sequel and the first, I couldn't say whether I liked one more than the other.
They are both great. Enjoyed reading every page.

One More Thing!
(I saved the best for last!!)

The future is bright. For there is much more still to be told!

[cece · Rating 5 out of 5]

ellie marney really is a master at tension because i genuinely could not breathe for the entire last 80 pages of this book and actually started crying from stress (i’m not kidding). i’ll post a full review when it’s out but anyways ELLIE WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO ME I AM SO FRAGILE AND THAT WAS SO CRUEL HOW COULD YOU (i loved it btw i’m so excited for book 3!!!!!)

[allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

JUST LET MY MAN BE HAPPY!!! ELLIE LET THEM KISS AND BE HAPPY!!!! STOP INJURING HIM!!!!

[scthoughts · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tolerable and somewhat intriguing until the halfway point was reached and then it’s taken over by Emma’s constant stupidity that could no longer be ignored. Her actions were consistently foolish and made no sense. I don’t understand why Travis even liked her. I mean, he wasn’t a catch either but I guess idiots need love too. Also, like in None Shall Sleep, Simon is the one who provides the most interesting moments of the story no matter how outrageous and ridiculous it ended up being.

The craziest thing about all of this? I’d read a third book only bc I want to know whats up with Simon. 😂

[Rach · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I have to admit that I’m obsessed with The Silence of the Lambs - I’ve read it at least a half dozen times and watched the movie upwards of 30 times. Idk why. I just think Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter are two of the most compelling fictional characters ever created. There is nothing like their dialogue, which is so limited in both media, and absolutely show-stealing.

Ellie Marney has them down, pitch perfect. Literally, literally: no notes.

Look, I love modern-day court jester Mads Mikkelsen and the way he plays Hannibal, but his version feels more like an adaptation. It’s a PHENOM adaptation! But it’s playing Hannibal in a different key.

This is just. This is just the source material.

I can’t believe these books aren’t more famous. They are addictive. It was genuinely hard to stop listening - but they are so good I also never wanted to listen while working or just have it in the background. These were books worth giving 100% of my attention, and I did, and it ruined my entire life.

And the AUDIO PRODUCTION OF THIS??? Hachette, can you hear me? Deliver a forehead kiss to the producer from me. Whoever had the idea for the separate Simon narrator - genius. Truly, actually genius. Incomparable. Award-deserving.

These books are incredible. These characters are haunting. This trauma feels so close to the surface. US law enforcement sucks. Women are amazing. Everyone needs therapy. I hope Ellie Marney never writes another book in this series because these two books are perfect. I hope she writes 15 more.

52 BookClub 50: related to the word "murder" - is it EVER


pre-mumble:

the way this book is going to functionally ruin our lives ms marney i—

[Daniela Pinho · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 ✨

Again.

Travis and Emma are everything.

In this sequel, we see Emma finally having her breakthrough, acknowledging her past, her feelings and emotions.

Travis and Emma navigating through new feelings while trying to solve a case close to Emma’s past and it was sooooo good!

The plot was honestly better than the first one. Simon and Kristin were so infuriating, but I love them as characters idk. This series is so well written.

I really want the next one QUICKLY. 😖

[Emma T · Rating 5 out of 5]

SLAY!!!!!!! This book somehow had me giggling and kicking my feet at one moment and on the verge of throwing up the rest. If Emma Lewis and Travis Bell have a million fans I'm one of them, if they have one it's me, and if they have none it's because Simon ate my face off.

[Lexi · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐️

Short Story: Roughly two years ago, I won this book in a book giveaway here on Goodreads and like so many of the books I read, I only requested it because of the cover (who wouldn’t want a pink book cover sitting on their bookshelf. 🤭🤭🤭). Unbeknownst to me, Some Shall Break is actually the second book in the series None Shall Sleep (also the title of Book #1). So, upon discovering this piece of information, I tried two different times to read None Shall Sleep on my own and I just couldn’t get past chapter 5 each time. My original thought was to just give up on the first book and resign myself to the fact that Some Shall Break is going to my second and last book giveaway win. But, two months ago, my library notified me that they had both the Ebooks and audiobook copies for both None Shall Sleep and Some Shall Break and I got too excited. On 05/27/25, I finished None Shall Sleep via audiobook and I guess you can say “Here we are now. Getting ready to enjoy Some Shall Break via audiobook as well.”

Thoughts: Given that None Shall Sleep was a 2 star read for me, my expectations towards Some Shall Break were completely nonexistent. It is with the help of the audiobook companion that has made both books a whole lot easier to read and somewhat enjoyable. Did I enjoy Some Shall Break more than None Shall Sleep? NOPE!!! But…Some Shall Break was slightly more tolerable. Compared to None Shall Sleep, the audiobook seemed more organized. The audiobook even helped move the story forward, especially at 2.00x speed. I did find myself slightly more engaged in Some Shall Break than I did during my time with None Shall Sleep. But, again, lowering my expectations helped a lot. Unlike None Shall Sleep, however, Some Shall Break drained me completely. Chapters 1-26 is where the story slowly begins and slowly starts to play out. It is the fact that these chapters range from 4-9 pages a piece that is so concerning. If it wasn’t for the excitement that chapters 27-55 range from 1-4pages a piece, I would’ve DNF’d this at Chapter 26. I shouldn’t ever find myself falling asleep while reading a book with a very pretty cover. Just the thought should be criminal (no pun intended. 🤭🤭🤭). And I really shouldn’t find myself having to suspend my belief in great amounts just to enjoy a book. This book, alone, caused me so much exhaustion that I seriously cannot wait until this Saturday to just take a huge break from reading and watch some good old fashion television. 😬😬😬.

And let’s not get me started on the characters. THERE WERE SO MANY TO KEEP TRACK OF!!! From the main characters to the different characters mentioned in the FBI/SWAT/Police Departments, my head was spinning. Add the fact that so many of these characters kept making so many dumb decisions (especially one of the FMC, Emma Lewis, and the different characters associated with the different police agencies) and I just couldn’t wait to finish this book. Out of all the characters mentioned, however, Travis Bell (the one of the MMC) will always be my favorite. He kept me entertained and my heart swooning. Because I am planning to DNF this series here, he is the only character that I will truly miss.

Ellie Marney isn’t a bad writer. I just think that this series just wasn’t for me. I do want to wish her the best of luck on her future endeavors, especially her writing career. Due to my experience with both None Shall Sleep and Some Shall Break, this is where I have to leave her as a new reader/audience member. Sorry!!!

Thank you Little, Brown, and Company for Young Readers for providing me with a physical ARC of this book!!!

[hailee · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There’s a seemingly bottomless reserve of these grasping, hungry men. These pathetic, selfish men, who feel entitled to take what they want with no regard for anyone else, and without consequences.

She knows them so well, and she doesn’t want to anymore. Doesn’t want to listen to their bullshit. Doesn’t care about their psychology and their monologues, their histories or excuses. Like Linda, she just wants them gone.”

okay this ate so hard. i love travis & emma and i love to hate simon (iykyk). i was so stressed the last 75 pages of this i was rocking back and forth and frantically flipping the pages. sooooo excited for the 3rd book!!!!!!

again, this series deserves more hype than it gets. severely under appreciated.

“She is a fucking force of nature. She is the maelstrom. And she is mighty.”

[AziaMinor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Rating : A+

"Monsters don't always look like something from a horror movie. Mostly, they just look like...normal guys."



Three months after the events of None Shall Sleep, Emma's in college, Travis is in training, and Simon, still in jail. Now, another killer is on the loose. The problem? He is copying the style of Daniel Huxton, Emma's old tormentor/serial killer that she escaped from. Sent to the FBI to help with the profile, her and Travis - along with Kristen Gutmunnson - team up to catch the bad guy. But Simon is still waiting in the shadows, and he'll insert himself however he can.

Just as amazing as the first book. Emma and Travis' dynamic is the type of slow-burn, colleagues to friends to lovers(?) you could ever ask for. And Simon? Horrifying. I'm so glad that he's treated like the monster he is, and that Emma never once falls for his oozing charisma.

That cliffhanger absolutely wrecked me, and I'm counting the days until I get All Shall Mourn in my hands.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some Shall Break is THE perfect sequel. Being one of my most anticipated reads of this year, I'm pleased to share that it did not disappoint. The storyline kept me hooked and the nightclub scene was *chefs kiss*. Amazing.
The Gang is all back together.
Emma and Travis!
Kristin and Simon!

I loved how Emma and Travis' relationship develops in this one. It was a slow-burn that allowed them to figure out what they mean to each other. And Simon *shudders* still gives me chills. Well done :)

Bring on book 3! ... yes?

[zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

get travis and emma to therapy STAT.

[hannah! · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a masterpiece. i need a sequel.

[kinsley ੈ✩‧₊˚ (semi-hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

.° ༘🩸⋆🔪₊˚ෆ

““ ℳℴ𝓃𝓈𝓉ℯ𝓇𝓈 𝒹ℴ𝓃’𝓉 𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝓁ℴℴ𝓀 𝓁𝒾𝓀ℯ 𝓈ℴ𝓂ℯ𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃ℊ 𝒻𝓇ℴ𝓂 𝒶 𝒽ℴ𝓇𝓇ℴ𝓇 𝓂ℴ𝓋𝒾ℯ. ℳℴ𝓈𝓉𝓁𝓎, 𝓉𝒽ℯ𝓎 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓁ℴℴ𝓀 𝓁𝒾𝓀ℯ… 𝓃ℴ𝓇𝓂𝒶𝓁 ℊ𝓊𝓎𝓈.”

🔪 𝓉𝒽ℴ𝓊ℊ𝒽𝓉𝓈🔪

OMG I’m so sad I finished this😭 I love these books so much❤️ BUT THE ENDING?? I NEED ANOTHER BOOK RIGHT NOW BECAUSE WHAT

🩸 𝓅𝓁ℴ𝓉 🩸
: ̗̀➛ I love the plot of these books so much❤️ They’re just so interesting

🔪 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓇𝒶𝒸𝓉ℯ𝓇𝓈 🔪

Emma: I feel so bad for Emma😭 She’s just been so much and she didn’t deserve any of it😭

Travis: OMG TRAVIS I LOVE YOU SO MUCH❤️❤️❤️

Kristen: I liked her until the end(iykyk) but I understand why she did it.

Simon: I still hate him so🤷‍♀️

.° ༘🩸⋆🔪₊˚ෆ

[cece]

Idek what this is about but i would actually sell my soul for an arc of it

[Taryn Tubbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

What the first book completely missed for me THIS ONE MADE UP FOR IT!!!! So much better than the first omg

[Jenna O'Malley · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 freaking stars.

This book DELIVERS on being scary, suspenseful, intriguing, entertaining, and eye opening.

“You didn’t survive Huxton because of worthiness, Emma.” He looks at her. “I don’t know how you survived. But what really matters is that you’re surviving now, in spite of everything. That survival is all down to your strength of character and will. That survival makes you a fucking force of nature.”

Why aren’t enough people talking about this masterpiece of a thriller? If you are reading this review and just so happen to enjoy YA thrillers with a true-crime-esque vibe, set in the 80s, PLEASE - pick this up so we can chat about it together.

In “Some Shall Break” Emma and Travis are no longer working together as Travis has accepted a job offer with the FBI that Emma has declined. Kristin Gutmunsson (Simon’s twin) notices some strange patterns with girls turning up murdered that directly threatens Emma and her safety. It seems as if Huxton’s old habits are not dead along with him - and there is a man replicating his crimes. With no other option, Emma is taken into custody and forced onto the case. Pining for answers she has to come face-to-face with Simone, once again. Will they be able to catch this man dubbed “The College Killer” before he can hurt anyone else? Or will They be led astray?

Man - this had all of the elements of a good, rounded thriller. Appealing characters, a strong mystery, scary imagery, character development, and a killer ending. I simply could not put this down. As we are uncovering secret truths along with our trio, we are brought into this case with them emotionally. Having Kristin as a partner in this team brought an interesting viewpoint into the situation, as well as Travis and Emma’s relationship. Her “twin attachment” with Simon is so bizarre and uncanny that I can’t help but laugh when they speak to one another in such an awkward manner. They truly are one soul - and I’m interested to see where this leads us in the next installment.

Emma is a force of nature. That girl has experienced the worst things no one should EVER have to endure. Things that tragically happen to females everywhere. I am so glad the author paints her as a survivor while allowing her to confide in help and be vulnerable. I want to give her the biggest hug. Thank goodness she has an amazing support system and people who will look after her. I can definitely understand her negative feelings towards the law. Her bravery has never wavered or disappeared. She will put herself in high-risk situations if she could even help just one other person. She is badass - ery at its peak. We love you, Emma!

The representation of females being at risk every day is STRONG in this one - please read your trigger warnings if you are going to read this book, as it touches on heavy topics that may be difficult to read for some.

“Every woman lives in a constant state of battle-readiness.”

“People only listen when women expose their pain, I suppose. Why do you think it’s like that?”

I am utterly disturbed by this odd fascination Simon has with Emma. Why is he so enthralled by her, and what does this mean for their relationship? Simon is clearly a true sociopath who is violent and holds no regards for others safety or their feelings (other than Kristin?) WHY was he sending her postcards? Why does he enjoy their conversations? Also, why does he seem to cross boundaries with her?

Travis - my dearest. I am so appreciative of the man that you are, and your good morale. I hope you continue to choose what is right in your heart above all else when moving forward in your career. Your courage, your heart, and your intelligence make you a force to be reckoned with. STAY TRUE TO YOU, PLEASE.

I don’t want to give anything away - just please read this book. I BEG from you. The vibes are immaculate with this one. I simply do not have the patience to wait for the 3rd book “All Shall Mourn” to be released.

I NEEDED THIS YESTERDAY.

Eillie, please never stop writing.

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger warnings: murder, blood, death of a parent (in the past), abduction, gun violence, hospitalisation, panic attacks, mentions of rape, drugging

This is one of my most anticipated books of the year, and I kind of wish I'd reread the first one beforehand just to keep all the bits and pieces of the story straight in my head. Anyway, I love Emma and Travis a lot, and I loved seeing them back together investigating another serious crime.

Kristin is a fun addition to the story, although I must admit I did miss the puppies. There were times when I wished we got to see more of the interactions between her and Simon, but the way the story played out in the end was extremely satisfying. The last third was particularly gripping and I couldn't put it down.

And I definitely feel like the ending implies that there's going to be a third book, which I am VERY much here for please and thank you *grabby hands*