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charlotteg0a807's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is my first time reading Karen Ann Hopkin, and it was an interesting experience. For myself sometimes when an author decides to split the book into chapters from different characters perspectives I occasionally get muddled however with this there's not only different characters perspectives but jumping back and forth from the murder victims perspective also, which added to the mix once I became clearer on what characters view we were on it helped to some extent.
If I had paid more attention at the start of this I do believe I should have known who the killer was, however with the way I process information I did manage to overlook it completely .
I had basically the whole day to read so you can read it in one sitting if you're so inclined, interesting characters, a potential love interest for the main character and a clash of cross cultural societies with a lot of long kept secrets.
If I had paid more attention at the start of this I do believe I should have known who the killer was, however with the way I process information I did manage to overlook it completely .
I had basically the whole day to read so you can read it in one sitting if you're so inclined, interesting characters, a potential love interest for the main character and a clash of cross cultural societies with a lot of long kept secrets.
thepaperreels's review
4.0
"The Blood Rock Amish Community was anything but picturesque under it's pretty facade."
Hopkins woven a story that instantly pulls you in to the story and will keep you turning the pages!
The gripping story is about Serenity, the new sheriff in town. And although she's new, she already had a dead girl on her plate and as she was trying to solve the case, she was surprise by the nonchalant reaction of the Amish community since the dead girl was one of their own.
Serenity is the definition of badass! I miss reading female characters like her. She is a little stubborn, yes, but very strong and brave. And there's Daniel. Can I just say how I looove the Daniel POV's. Is there still guys out there like Daniel? Gosh, I hope so. The side characters were all written well and no one is a waste. They all have back stories that was explained and it made the story more interesting.
This was written in three POV's. Three!! I'll be honest and say that I'm not a fan of switching POV's but it worked really well in this story. Hopkins is an amazing writer and the whole story is just very easy to get into. The pacing is perfect and there's no dull chapter. I like getting inside of their heads (especially Daniel's).
The mystery is sooo well crafted. I actually suspected every character in the story and how the culprit was revealed was just impeccably done! As I progress in the story, I also found myself intrigued by the Amish community and their ways. I don't have any experience with any Amish but I would say that this was researched.
I'm really hoping though that this will be a series. I have a feeling that there's still hidden mysteries in Blood Rock and I want to see more of Serenity and Daniel!
Lamb to the Slaughter will keep you at the edge of your seat. Don't miss this nail biting experience!!
Hopkins woven a story that instantly pulls you in to the story and will keep you turning the pages!
The gripping story is about Serenity, the new sheriff in town. And although she's new, she already had a dead girl on her plate and as she was trying to solve the case, she was surprise by the nonchalant reaction of the Amish community since the dead girl was one of their own.
Serenity is the definition of badass! I miss reading female characters like her. She is a little stubborn, yes, but very strong and brave. And there's Daniel. Can I just say how I looove the Daniel POV's. Is there still guys out there like Daniel? Gosh, I hope so. The side characters were all written well and no one is a waste. They all have back stories that was explained and it made the story more interesting.
This was written in three POV's. Three!! I'll be honest and say that I'm not a fan of switching POV's but it worked really well in this story. Hopkins is an amazing writer and the whole story is just very easy to get into. The pacing is perfect and there's no dull chapter. I like getting inside of their heads (especially Daniel's).
The mystery is sooo well crafted. I actually suspected every character in the story and how the culprit was revealed was just impeccably done! As I progress in the story, I also found myself intrigued by the Amish community and their ways. I don't have any experience with any Amish but I would say that this was researched.
I'm really hoping though that this will be a series. I have a feeling that there's still hidden mysteries in Blood Rock and I want to see more of Serenity and Daniel!
Lamb to the Slaughter will keep you at the edge of your seat. Don't miss this nail biting experience!!
kesnit's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
There are a lot of good things with this book. The story is engaging. The author does a great job of mixing flashback in with the up-to-date events so that everything flows together well.
The book lost stars for two reasons. First, there are A LOT of characters to keep track of. Some are easy to remember, but all the Amish blend together, making it hard to remember who is what relationship to who. Second, the book takes a bit to get going. It never got to the point of me thinking of giving up on the book, but it got close.
The book lost stars for two reasons. First, there are A LOT of characters to keep track of. Some are easy to remember, but all the Amish blend together, making it hard to remember who is what relationship to who. Second, the book takes a bit to get going. It never got to the point of me thinking of giving up on the book, but it got close.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse
katybooklover's review against another edition
5.0
Adoro i Thriller e quando mi imbatto in una trama accattivante come questa la sola cosa che posso fare è decidere di leggerlo. E sono felicissima di averlo fatto.
Vittima sacrificale, infatti, non solo è un bellissimo Thriller, con una trama in grado di tenere incollato il lettore fino all’ultima pagina, ma è anche un intreccio perfetto tra indagine e romance con due protagonisti meravigliosi, uniti nel tentativo di scoprire i segreti sepolti dentro una comunità all’apparenza perfetta e pacifica.
Grazie al Pov alternato tra Serenity e Daniel è facile entrare in perfetta sintonia con loro; l’autrice, inoltre, decide di “far parlare” anche la stessa Naomi e questo aiuta il lettore non solo a sentirsi emotivamente più coinvolto ma a capire meglio e più a fondo, le dinamiche della comunità in cui vive. E un ulteriore aspetto del libro che mi è piaciuto è stato il grande lavoro che l’autrice ha fatto per mostrarci da vicino lo stile di vita degli amish, che rifiutano le innovazioni e la tecnologia, sono come cristallizzati nel passato. La loro vita, all’apparenza semplice e tranquilla, inizia a scricchiolare molto presto. Un mondo chiuso che rifiuta lo straniero e che nasconde dentro di sé un lato oscuro che spesso viene ignorato.
Le indagini sulla morte della giovane ragazza mi hanno affascinata sin dal principio, la trama ha un’evoluzione pressoché perfetta, il ritmo narrativo cresce di intensità, capitolo dopo capitolo, di pari passo con il progredire delle indagini.
Un altro aspetto che ho apprezzato è stato l’equilibrio perfetto che l’autrice ha saputo dare alle due diversi componenti del romanzo: da un lato la parte investigativa con la suspense e i colpi di scena, dall’altro la parte romance con l’inizio del rapporto tra i due protagonisti. Quando Serenity e Daniel iniziano a collaborare, stare vicini fa nascere in entrambi qualcosa che potrebbe andare oltre alla semplice attrazione che provano, qualcosa che potrebbe diventare un sentimento intenso e importante.
Lo stile di scrittura di Karen Ann Hopkins mi è piaciuto molto: scorrevole, diretto, avvincente, capace di grande empatia con il lettore e in grado di affascinarlo con gli intrecci che la storia presenta. La struttura del libro consente al lettore di farsi un’idea completa dei fatti e dei diversi personaggi incontrati nel corso della lettura.
Sebbene il romanzo sia conclusivo per quanto riguarda l’indagine, non vedo l’ora di leggere i prossimi volumi della serie, per trovare non solo nuovi casi ma per veder evolvere il rapporto tra Serenity e Daniel che promette veramente bene.
Recensione completa: https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2021/01/recensione-vittima-sacrificale-di-karen.html
Vittima sacrificale, infatti, non solo è un bellissimo Thriller, con una trama in grado di tenere incollato il lettore fino all’ultima pagina, ma è anche un intreccio perfetto tra indagine e romance con due protagonisti meravigliosi, uniti nel tentativo di scoprire i segreti sepolti dentro una comunità all’apparenza perfetta e pacifica.
Grazie al Pov alternato tra Serenity e Daniel è facile entrare in perfetta sintonia con loro; l’autrice, inoltre, decide di “far parlare” anche la stessa Naomi e questo aiuta il lettore non solo a sentirsi emotivamente più coinvolto ma a capire meglio e più a fondo, le dinamiche della comunità in cui vive. E un ulteriore aspetto del libro che mi è piaciuto è stato il grande lavoro che l’autrice ha fatto per mostrarci da vicino lo stile di vita degli amish, che rifiutano le innovazioni e la tecnologia, sono come cristallizzati nel passato. La loro vita, all’apparenza semplice e tranquilla, inizia a scricchiolare molto presto. Un mondo chiuso che rifiuta lo straniero e che nasconde dentro di sé un lato oscuro che spesso viene ignorato.
Le indagini sulla morte della giovane ragazza mi hanno affascinata sin dal principio, la trama ha un’evoluzione pressoché perfetta, il ritmo narrativo cresce di intensità, capitolo dopo capitolo, di pari passo con il progredire delle indagini.
Un altro aspetto che ho apprezzato è stato l’equilibrio perfetto che l’autrice ha saputo dare alle due diversi componenti del romanzo: da un lato la parte investigativa con la suspense e i colpi di scena, dall’altro la parte romance con l’inizio del rapporto tra i due protagonisti. Quando Serenity e Daniel iniziano a collaborare, stare vicini fa nascere in entrambi qualcosa che potrebbe andare oltre alla semplice attrazione che provano, qualcosa che potrebbe diventare un sentimento intenso e importante.
Lo stile di scrittura di Karen Ann Hopkins mi è piaciuto molto: scorrevole, diretto, avvincente, capace di grande empatia con il lettore e in grado di affascinarlo con gli intrecci che la storia presenta. La struttura del libro consente al lettore di farsi un’idea completa dei fatti e dei diversi personaggi incontrati nel corso della lettura.
Sebbene il romanzo sia conclusivo per quanto riguarda l’indagine, non vedo l’ora di leggere i prossimi volumi della serie, per trovare non solo nuovi casi ma per veder evolvere il rapporto tra Serenity e Daniel che promette veramente bene.
Recensione completa: https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2021/01/recensione-vittima-sacrificale-di-karen.html
hookerkitty's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.0
It worries me not only how many people rated this highly, but how many think this is an example of a healthy, romantic relationship. I haaaaate Daniel. Self absorbed, super controlling, has a manchild tantrum when he doesn’t get his way or Serenity tries to set boundaries. Constantly talks about wanting to bone her like it’s romantic, but also acts like they’re gonna get married and have kids even though they only went on one fake date and barely know each other. He forced himself on her on more than one occasion, and even grabbed her wrist to prevent her from walking away at one point (which that’s how my abusive ex started). He constantly undermines her and thinks she needs saving.
Also Serenity supposedly grew up there, but knows next to nothing about the Amish or how the community/culture is in that town. She also makes a lot of bad policing decisions (let’s bring my teenage nephew on a stakeout!)
The whole book reeks of misogyny. Women need to be rescued by men; strong women don’t like men; a woman speaking her mind and setting boundaries is bull-headed; women are supposed to get married, pop out babies, and take care of them and the home, while the men work and do zero help with childcare or the home; a ton of different gross comments on how women look and how they should act - the list goes on.
Also lots of spelling and grammatical errors. Like if someone is excessively crying, they are bawling, not balling. And - say it with me - I could NOT care less. Saying “I could care less” makes zero sense and drives me bananas (esp since it was written at least twice). Along with that, it’s brush/sweep it under the RUG, not carpet. No one is pulling up carpet tacks, sweeping stuff underneath it, and tacking the carpet back down.
Save your sanity and avoid this book. There is no way I’ll continue this series. Definitely understand why I got this for free (and I seem to be discovering that a lot this year as I work through my menagerie of free ebooks 😭)
Also Serenity supposedly grew up there, but knows next to nothing about the Amish or how the community/culture is in that town. She also makes a lot of bad policing decisions (let’s bring my teenage nephew on a stakeout!)
The whole book reeks of misogyny. Women need to be rescued by men; strong women don’t like men; a woman speaking her mind and setting boundaries is bull-headed; women are supposed to get married, pop out babies, and take care of them and the home, while the men work and do zero help with childcare or the home; a ton of different gross comments on how women look and how they should act - the list goes on.
Also lots of spelling and grammatical errors. Like if someone is excessively crying, they are bawling, not balling. And - say it with me - I could NOT care less. Saying “I could care less” makes zero sense and drives me bananas (esp since it was written at least twice). Along with that, it’s brush/sweep it under the RUG, not carpet. No one is pulling up carpet tacks, sweeping stuff underneath it, and tacking the carpet back down.
Save your sanity and avoid this book. There is no way I’ll continue this series. Definitely understand why I got this for free (and I seem to be discovering that a lot this year as I work through my menagerie of free ebooks 😭)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Murder, Death, Child death, and Sexual content
Minor: Vomit, Animal death, Violence, Blood, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Child abuse, Pregnancy, Suicide, Rape, Mental illness, and Grief
thepaperreels's review against another edition
4.0
"The Blood Rock Amish Community was anything but picturesque under it's pretty facade."
Hopkins woven a story that instantly pulls you in to the story and will keep you turning the pages!
The gripping story is about Serenity, the new sheriff in town. And although she's new, she already had a dead girl on her plate and as she was trying to solve the case, she was surprise by the nonchalant reaction of the Amish community since the dead girl was one of their own.
Serenity is the definition of badass! I miss reading female characters like her. She is a little stubborn, yes, but very strong and brave. And there's Daniel. Can I just say how I looove the Daniel POV's. Is there still guys out there like Daniel? Gosh, I hope so. The side characters were all written well and no one is a waste. They all have back stories that was explained and it made the story more interesting.
This was written in three POV's. Three!! I'll be honest and say that I'm not a fan of switching POV's but it worked really well in this story. Hopkins is an amazing writer and the whole story is just very easy to get into. The pacing is perfect and there's no dull chapter. I like getting inside of their heads (especially Daniel's).
The mystery is sooo well crafted. I actually suspected every character in the story and how the culprit was revealed was just impeccably done! As I progress in the story, I also found myself intrigued by the Amish community and their ways. I don't have any experience with any Amish but I would say that this was researched.
I'm really hoping though that this will be a series. I have a feeling that there's still hidden mysteries in Blood Rock and I want to see more of Serenity and Daniel!
Lamb to the Slaughter will keep you at the edge of your seat. Don't miss this nail biting experience!!
Hopkins woven a story that instantly pulls you in to the story and will keep you turning the pages!
The gripping story is about Serenity, the new sheriff in town. And although she's new, she already had a dead girl on her plate and as she was trying to solve the case, she was surprise by the nonchalant reaction of the Amish community since the dead girl was one of their own.
Serenity is the definition of badass! I miss reading female characters like her. She is a little stubborn, yes, but very strong and brave. And there's Daniel. Can I just say how I looove the Daniel POV's. Is there still guys out there like Daniel? Gosh, I hope so. The side characters were all written well and no one is a waste. They all have back stories that was explained and it made the story more interesting.
This was written in three POV's. Three!! I'll be honest and say that I'm not a fan of switching POV's but it worked really well in this story. Hopkins is an amazing writer and the whole story is just very easy to get into. The pacing is perfect and there's no dull chapter. I like getting inside of their heads (especially Daniel's).
The mystery is sooo well crafted. I actually suspected every character in the story and how the culprit was revealed was just impeccably done! As I progress in the story, I also found myself intrigued by the Amish community and their ways. I don't have any experience with any Amish but I would say that this was researched.
I'm really hoping though that this will be a series. I have a feeling that there's still hidden mysteries in Blood Rock and I want to see more of Serenity and Daniel!
Lamb to the Slaughter will keep you at the edge of your seat. Don't miss this nail biting experience!!
mandycandy7118's review against another edition
3.0
It took me a while to get into this one and I honestly felt the start of the book was pretty boring. I did make it through eventually and thought it was pretty good. I liked the ending, too, and felt the lead-up was very well done. However, it still wasn't enough to make me want to read the rest of the series or elevate my opinion above 3 stars.
muddypuddle's review against another edition
3.0
I have very mixed feelings about this book. The first thing I must mention is it needed an incredible amount of editing. It was very disconcerting to have so many errors. I enjoyed the setting, the small town Amish/Englisher countryside of Indiana being very similar to where I live in Pennsylvania. Character development is where I'm scratching my head the most. The story is told from the point of view of the three main characters - one being the female Sheriff, Serenity Adams, the third being her probably-soon-to-be-suitor, Daniel. Naomi is a self-centered, very unlikable young lady right from the start. There are only a few glimpses of someone we feel sorry for in her own point-of-view scenes. It's not until after she dies and you learn more about her from her two boyfriends that you really understand what she's been going through and feel sorry for her extremely difficult life. However, the "mean girl" personality portrayed earlier keep continuing to overshadow new information about here. It's a back-and-forth ride that doesn't make sense. Serenity is smart and impetuous. I don't really like her, or even understand her. And I don't think she's well suited for the job of sheriff. Daniel's cool. I get him. But I don't get his attraction to Serenity. At least not yet - maybe in the upcoming book? And now the story...the mystery... the way it all come together....not super strong, but it worked, with holes.
I enjoy books about the Amish community, especially this type that shares the non-Amish and Amish point of view. Even with all my questionable points about this first in a series, I do think I will continue on and try another.
I enjoy books about the Amish community, especially this type that shares the non-Amish and Amish point of view. Even with all my questionable points about this first in a series, I do think I will continue on and try another.
dawnesap2525's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
isalaur's review against another edition
fast-paced
3.5
3.5 stars…This is the first book I’ve read by this author. The mystery is interesting though most avid mystery readers will figure out the ending early on. There are some far fetched and unrealistic elements which weren’t necessary and hurt the integrity of the story.
The book begins with the shooting death of a young Amish girl. Almost immediately the new sheriff, the MC Serenity, is bothered by what she is seeing. She has recently returned to her small hometown of Blood Rock Indiana and was just elected Sheriff defeating the incumbent. However for someone who grew up in this town she knows absolutely nothing about her Amish neighbors which is just not realistic. And the problem is it make Serenity unbelievable as a reliable law enforcement official. No one grows up in a small community like the one described here and isn’t familiar with the way things work, especially given that her sister and brother-in-law now own a big business in the town.
As the story progresses there are other far fetched elements but some of those I can ignore for the sake of dramatic license (even if it believe it insults the reader’s intelligence.) Serenity is continually stonewalled by the Amish community but it is the reaction of people within the sheriff’s department who are so willing to just let things go that is particularly bothersome.
The crisis point is a TSTL moment which is annoying but the resolution and after effects are completely ridiculous. It’s like the author has forgotten that laws still apply in small towns. Can’t say more without spoilers but there is just absolutely no way this ending could have happened nor any way that Serenity would have allowed it to happen.
There is also the subplot of a budding romance between Serenity and Daniel, a man who left the Amish community and who helped her in this case.
There are several similarities to another series I’ve read and the ending of his one strays right into the same territory as the last book I read in that series. I’ll read the next book hoping for some improvement and consistency in Serenity’s character.
The book begins with the shooting death of a young Amish girl. Almost immediately the new sheriff, the MC Serenity, is bothered by what she is seeing. She has recently returned to her small hometown of Blood Rock Indiana and was just elected Sheriff defeating the incumbent. However for someone who grew up in this town she knows absolutely nothing about her Amish neighbors which is just not realistic. And the problem is it make Serenity unbelievable as a reliable law enforcement official. No one grows up in a small community like the one described here and isn’t familiar with the way things work, especially given that her sister and brother-in-law now own a big business in the town.
As the story progresses there are other far fetched elements but some of those I can ignore for the sake of dramatic license (even if it believe it insults the reader’s intelligence.) Serenity is continually stonewalled by the Amish community but it is the reaction of people within the sheriff’s department who are so willing to just let things go that is particularly bothersome.
The crisis point is a TSTL moment which is annoying but the resolution and after effects are completely ridiculous. It’s like the author has forgotten that laws still apply in small towns. Can’t say more without spoilers but there is just absolutely no way this ending could have happened nor any way that Serenity would have allowed it to happen.
There is also the subplot of a budding romance between Serenity and Daniel, a man who left the Amish community and who helped her in this case.
There are several similarities to another series I’ve read and the ending of his one strays right into the same territory as the last book I read in that series. I’ll read the next book hoping for some improvement and consistency in Serenity’s character.