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beth_c's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
melissadelongcox's review
*Thanks to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books + NetGalley for the ARC!*
I never guess the ending so I'm VERY proud to report that I immediately guessed that Nana would be bringing home Subject 037 - like just of course, that's what Sayer needs on top of the other stuff going on!
The motive for the murders here was COMPLICATED. I don't know if that's normal for the series or not, but I'll be interested to see if all plots are this layered.
I liked it! I dropped off a little bit around halfway but then got sucked back in. And then the ending, of course, made me desire the next one IMMEDIATELY.
Spoiler
This is my first time reading the Agent Altair series, and I didn't realize it was the third book until *after* I started reading, so I just went with it! I really liked this story and I'll be going back to read the first two now.I never guess the ending so I'm VERY proud to report that I immediately guessed that Nana would be bringing home Subject 037 - like just of course, that's what Sayer needs on top of the other stuff going on!
The motive for the murders here was COMPLICATED. I don't know if that's normal for the series or not, but I'll be interested to see if all plots are this layered.
I liked it! I dropped off a little bit around halfway but then got sucked back in. And then the ending, of course, made me desire the next one IMMEDIATELY.
bookishwithwine's review
3.0
I was so intrigued by the synopsis of this book! It sounded right up my alley! This book was pretty fast paced at the beginning. I always love a badass female detective, and Agent Altair's character was no exception.
The story started off strong with the investigation into two homicides, one being a police officer. Then a bus full of kids go missing. Some are found dead because the killer only wants a certain gender. Then it all ties back to one of the first homicides. I'm not one for ritualistic killings. I'm more of a serial killer type of girl. Don't get me wrong, the killer is fifty sheets to crazy, but just not the crazy I gravitate towards. Once you go down the explanation of an ancient ritual, my eyes start to water over.
It picked up again later when the detective and her crew follow bad lead after bad lead. Your hopes are up, and then immediately diminished! The author did a good job of throwing in a few twists you can't see coming. That alone peaked my interest more.
I did like how the chapters alternated between the search and the kids still alive on the bus. It's always interesting to read both sides.
This is book #3 in a series, and I wonder if I read the first two books if I would have liked it more.
Thank you Minotaur Books for sending this one my way! Grab your copy July 14th!
The story started off strong with the investigation into two homicides, one being a police officer. Then a bus full of kids go missing. Some are found dead because the killer only wants a certain gender. Then it all ties back to one of the first homicides. I'm not one for ritualistic killings. I'm more of a serial killer type of girl. Don't get me wrong, the killer is fifty sheets to crazy, but just not the crazy I gravitate towards. Once you go down the explanation of an ancient ritual, my eyes start to water over.
It picked up again later when the detective and her crew follow bad lead after bad lead. Your hopes are up, and then immediately diminished! The author did a good job of throwing in a few twists you can't see coming. That alone peaked my interest more.
I did like how the chapters alternated between the search and the kids still alive on the bus. It's always interesting to read both sides.
This is book #3 in a series, and I wonder if I read the first two books if I would have liked it more.
Thank you Minotaur Books for sending this one my way! Grab your copy July 14th!
readingwithmygoldens's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 rounded up!!
This is my first book by the author and I cannot wait to read the first two! Highly recommend!
I love me a good book with a serial killer in it and this one was EXTRA cool because it had some really neat aspects to that I'd share, but I don't want to ruin the surprise! Do you like the TV show Bones (or the books that show was based off of)? Then you MUST read this book. It checked a lot of boxes for me. 1) Strong female lead 2) Events that were believeable 3) Lots of red herrings 4) Fun characters and did I mention a serial killer? **The one thing that always makes me a little cautious about a serial killer book is how graphic it will be. I want to be scared, but I don't want to be so scared I can't sleep. This book plays it just right.
Lastly, I think one of the most important aspects with any book, but particularly a thriller/mystery book is the ending. If 3/4 of the book is amazing and the ending blows - well, why did I waste my time? It's really rare for me to guess the ending (and I did with this one), but it didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book at all. I also thought the cliffhanger at the end was great and will absolutely have me hoping for July 2021 to get here quick, quick, quick, so I can read the next book!
Thank you so much to Minotaur Books for the print copy, Netgalley and Ellison Cooper for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review.
Review Date: 07/29/2020
Publication Date: 07/14/2020
This is my first book by the author and I cannot wait to read the first two! Highly recommend!
I love me a good book with a serial killer in it and this one was EXTRA cool because it had some really neat aspects to that I'd share, but I don't want to ruin the surprise! Do you like the TV show Bones (or the books that show was based off of)? Then you MUST read this book. It checked a lot of boxes for me. 1) Strong female lead 2) Events that were believeable 3) Lots of red herrings 4) Fun characters and did I mention a serial killer? **The one thing that always makes me a little cautious about a serial killer book is how graphic it will be. I want to be scared, but I don't want to be so scared I can't sleep. This book plays it just right.
Lastly, I think one of the most important aspects with any book, but particularly a thriller/mystery book is the ending. If 3/4 of the book is amazing and the ending blows - well, why did I waste my time? It's really rare for me to guess the ending (and I did with this one), but it didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book at all. I also thought the cliffhanger at the end was great and will absolutely have me hoping for July 2021 to get here quick, quick, quick, so I can read the next book!
Thank you so much to Minotaur Books for the print copy, Netgalley and Ellison Cooper for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review.
Review Date: 07/29/2020
Publication Date: 07/14/2020
novelesque_life's review
4.0
RATING: 4 STARS
2020; Minotaur Books/St. Martin's Press
Cut to the Bone, the third novel in the Agent Sayer Altair series, is my favourite of the series. It was so well written and exciting. I would read this series in order as this book brings one of the story arcs to sort of conclusion. AND, it also furthers another arc towards the end. There is a lot happening in this novel, with different characters telling the story. I like that you kind of get more of a wider view of the action. I am loving the characters, and the family that Altair is creating. I cannot wait till the next novel!! If you like Karin Slaughter, try this series.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2020; Minotaur Books/St. Martin's Press
Cut to the Bone, the third novel in the Agent Sayer Altair series, is my favourite of the series. It was so well written and exciting. I would read this series in order as this book brings one of the story arcs to sort of conclusion. AND, it also furthers another arc towards the end. There is a lot happening in this novel, with different characters telling the story. I like that you kind of get more of a wider view of the action. I am loving the characters, and the family that Altair is creating. I cannot wait till the next novel!! If you like Karin Slaughter, try this series.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
katekate_reads_'s review
2.0
I was in the mood for a great thriller but unfortunately this fell flat for me. FBI agent Sayer Altair gets a case with a murdered girl - and quickly learns a whole bus full of high school kids has gone missing. I was quickly caught up in the premise and interested to see how it would all play out.
The resolution was too convoluted and over the top unbelievable for me. I also felt like there was a time when a whole team of elite FBI agents couldn’t come up with a solution that anyone who had watched or read a mystery would come to very quickly. Ultimately, this just wasn’t a good fit for me.
Thank you to Minotaur and Netgalley for the advance reading copy.
The resolution was too convoluted and over the top unbelievable for me. I also felt like there was a time when a whole team of elite FBI agents couldn’t come up with a solution that anyone who had watched or read a mystery would come to very quickly. Ultimately, this just wasn’t a good fit for me.
Thank you to Minotaur and Netgalley for the advance reading copy.
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
Cut to the Bone by Ellison Cooper is a chilling mystery that is quite suspenseful. Although this newest release is the third installment in the Agent Sayer Altair series, it can be read as a standalone.
FBI Director Anderson assigns Senior Special Agent Sayer Altair to a murder investigation that turns out to be very complex. Looking first into the killing of a police officer, a teenage girl's lifeless body is discovered nearby. Her murder includes very puzzling elements that Sayer fears could be the work of a possible serial killer. After FBI analyst Ezra Coen discovers the victim's possible identity, Sayer is shocked to discover that twenty three students and several adults are also missing. Now in a race against time, Sayer and the members of her team begin their frantic search for the missing teens. Will they find them before it is too late?
Sayer knows time is not on her side and she presses hard to find the rest of the teenagers. She is unprepared for what awaits her and the pressure becomes more intense after their stunning discovery. Altair is also searching for the meaning behind some of the items found at the scene of the first murder. She knows that finding the explanation for what the killer left at the scene might lead her and the rest of the team to their murderer. Sayer is also very uneasy once she is certain that someone is following her. Is this person linked to her current investigation? Or is there a more sinister reason for this person to keeping such a close eye on her?
Sayer is also a little uneasy due to Director Anderson's hand's off approach to this high profile investigation. Pushing her concerns aside, she enlists the aid neighbor Tino De la Vega to question one of their witnesses. She also relies on Max Cho and his search dog Kona to find a possible trail to the missing students. With Ezra compiling useful information and other experts providing valuable details, Sayer has to act fast due once they realize the murderer is going to strike again. But with scant leads to follow and little viable evidence, can Altair and her team find this disturbed person before the next victim is murdered?
Cut to the Bone is a clever mystery with a fantastic cast of characters and intriguing storyline. Sayer works virtually around the clock in order to prevent the next death. Past and present collide as Ellison Cooper brings this fast-paced mystery to a jaw-dropping conclusion. Old and new fans of the Agent Sayer Altair series are sure to enjoy this latest high octane mystery.
FBI Director Anderson assigns Senior Special Agent Sayer Altair to a murder investigation that turns out to be very complex. Looking first into the killing of a police officer, a teenage girl's lifeless body is discovered nearby. Her murder includes very puzzling elements that Sayer fears could be the work of a possible serial killer. After FBI analyst Ezra Coen discovers the victim's possible identity, Sayer is shocked to discover that twenty three students and several adults are also missing. Now in a race against time, Sayer and the members of her team begin their frantic search for the missing teens. Will they find them before it is too late?
Sayer knows time is not on her side and she presses hard to find the rest of the teenagers. She is unprepared for what awaits her and the pressure becomes more intense after their stunning discovery. Altair is also searching for the meaning behind some of the items found at the scene of the first murder. She knows that finding the explanation for what the killer left at the scene might lead her and the rest of the team to their murderer. Sayer is also very uneasy once she is certain that someone is following her. Is this person linked to her current investigation? Or is there a more sinister reason for this person to keeping such a close eye on her?
Sayer is also a little uneasy due to Director Anderson's hand's off approach to this high profile investigation. Pushing her concerns aside, she enlists the aid neighbor Tino De la Vega to question one of their witnesses. She also relies on Max Cho and his search dog Kona to find a possible trail to the missing students. With Ezra compiling useful information and other experts providing valuable details, Sayer has to act fast due once they realize the murderer is going to strike again. But with scant leads to follow and little viable evidence, can Altair and her team find this disturbed person before the next victim is murdered?
Cut to the Bone is a clever mystery with a fantastic cast of characters and intriguing storyline. Sayer works virtually around the clock in order to prevent the next death. Past and present collide as Ellison Cooper brings this fast-paced mystery to a jaw-dropping conclusion. Old and new fans of the Agent Sayer Altair series are sure to enjoy this latest high octane mystery.
suhkrusai's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It was easy and fast to read, but the plot was not the most surprising nor shocking. Lowkey shipped the main charecter and the subject 037, their interactions were my favourite part.