Deadly Messengers in Aussie Readers

Aug 08, 2015 Brenda rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: read-on-kindle, 2015-release, reviewing-by-request, aussie-authors, own-read, thriller, psychological-thriller

4.5★s

When Detectives Lance O’Grady and his partner Trip Anderson were called to the massacre at a restaurant they had no idea the horror that would face them. And when the fledgling investigation uncovered the murderer as an ordinary person that everyone liked, they were even more stunned. But within a short time it had happened again – a mass killing of proportions that hadn’t been seen before in a long time, this time in a nursing home. The nightmares would be ongoing - if they actually manage 4.5★s

When Detectives Lance O’Grady and his partner Trip Anderson were called to the massacre at a restaurant they had no idea the horror that would face them. And when the fledgling investigation uncovered the murderer as an ordinary person that everyone liked, they were even more stunned. But within a short time it had happened again – a mass killing of proportions that hadn’t been seen before in a long time, this time in a nursing home. The nightmares would be ongoing - if they actually managed some sleep during these shocking investigations.

Kendall Jennings was a freelance writer, struggling to pay her bills and make ends meet. Her constant reliance on the women’s magazines meant she had no involvement in the shady side of life. But when she saw the reports of the massacres, she felt she could write a story from the perspective of a survivor. Before she knew it, Kendall was involved in the investigation, much to the disgust of Lance O’Grady.

Then the shock and horror hit the entire nation when an everyday Mum went crazy with a gun at a family get together; it meant the clock was ticking faster than the investigative police could work – they couldn’t get a lead on what was happening. But O’Grady knew there was no such thing as a coincidence. His old mentor had taught him that; so why couldn’t he make the connections? And the involvement of Kendall Jennings was creating havoc as well. Would they find the answers to the multitude of questions before it happened again? What was the danger? Who was the danger?

Wow! Deadly Messengers by Aussie author Susan May is full on! Grit, tension and horror is laced the entire way through this novel – the plot is an unusual one but it works. I’m not sure being inside the head of a psychopath is ideal but remembering it’s fiction is best! I have no hesitation in recommending Deadly Messengers highly to lovers of psychological thrillers and those who love to delve into the darker side of life; albeit in a fictional way!

With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
...more

33 likes · Like · see review

Aug 17, 2015 Vicki Tyley rated it really liked it

Shelves: indie, australian-author

“‘A necessary evil,’ said the voice in her head. She knew this voice. Liked this voice. Wanted to please this voice. Whose voice it was she didn't know. Now she thought about it, she didn't care. The voice was right. This felt like a necessary evil. In fact, evil was the wrong word. Life changing, more accurate.” – Deadly Messengers

Hooked by the “3 massacres, 2 detectives, 1 writer, 0 answers” tagline, I raced through this intense and edgy thriller. I must admit, though, I skipped some of the mo ...more

21 likes · Like · see review

Aug 08, 2015 Mish rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: australian-authors

Susan May has really outdone herself. Deadly Messenger is a well-written, dark and engrossing thriller. I like books that push me over the edge and Deadly Messenger certainly hit the mark. The book took me to a point where the tension was literary unbearable. I didn’t know whether to scream or cry.

Detectives Lance O’Grady and Trip Anderson are at their wit's end. They’re called out to a bloody crime scene where an ordinary guy - with no history of violence - completely lost it. He went on a murd Susan May has really outdone herself. Deadly Messenger is a well-written, dark and engrossing thriller. I like books that push me over the edge and Deadly Messenger certainly hit the mark. The book took me to a point where the tension was literary unbearable. I didn’t know whether to scream or cry.

Detectives Lance O’Grady and Trip Anderson are at their wit's end. They’re called out to a bloody crime scene where an ordinary guy - with no history of violence - completely lost it. He went on a murderous rampage at a restaurant, butchering the kitchen staff with an axe and threatening the patrons. This is the beginning of many more random, murderous acts to follow.

Kendall Jennings, a struggling freelance writer who writes articles on beauty and health for a women’s magazines. The news of the mass murders is the talk of the town, and it’s a big news. The magazine publishers want a piece of the action so they’ve asked Kendall to interview the survivors and write an article on ‘Survivors Guilt’. It’s way out of her comfort zone but she needs the money, and the pay is good. Later her investigation leads her to some vital information that may or may not be what the detectives are looking for – a connection to the mass murders. The only drawback is that Kendall would have to convince Detective O’Grady – A man who detest journalist.

Deadly Messenger is part psychological thriller, part police procedural with a dash of Sci-Fi thrown in. It’s well thought out evil plot, but to me it was horror is its finest form. Susan May tackles the issue of drugs, prescribed or otherwise. The side affects associated with these drugs on an individual, and whether they can make us lose our senses - drive us to dangerously acts. I found the topic fascinating and it was well researched on Susan’s part. But what I liked most of all was looking at the human emotion of grief. How different people respond, deal or move on. I won’t go into detail of ‘whom’ but there were a few characters in the book that have lost someone very close to him or her, due unfortunate tragedy. The feeling of grief is real and with them now – I could feel its rawness. I could see that some blame themselves; others look for someone or something to put the blame on, while others take extreme measures. It just goes to show the importance of counselling.

As I mentioned earlier it is extremely edgy and high impact for about 80% of the book. Susan lets you take a breath for the rest of the book while she develops chemistry between two players. The only criticism I have is that Kendall does dwell on her lack of finances a little too much, which felt slightly repetitive. But otherwise, it was riveting.

I was given a digital copy of the book for free by Susan May in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Susan
...more

18 likes · Like · see review

Oct 02, 2015 Janine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: for-review

This was a review copy sent to me by the author, I was impressed!! The story grips you from the very beginning, and it combines mystery, horror, crime all rolled into one. The author weaves a very tangled web, and although I felt the mystery criminal was uncovered a little too early for my liking, I must say I did not pick it at all. The ending is not as predictable as you would think either. Do yourself a favour and support this new Australian author, I look forward to reading her other novel. ...more

2 likes · Like · see review