Heartsick

Heartsick

Damaged Portland detective Archie Sheridan spent ten years tracking Gretchen Lowell, a beautiful serial killer, but in the end she was the one who caught him. Two years ago, Gretchen kidnapped Archie and tortured him for ten days, but instead of killing him, she mysteriously decided to let him go. She turned herself in, and now Gretchen has been locked away for the rest of her life, while Archie is in a prison of another kind---addicted to pain pills, unable to return to his old life, powerless to get those ten horrific days off his mind. Archie's a different person, his estranged wife says, and he knows she's right. He continues to visit Gretchen in prison once a week, saying that only he can get her to confess as to the whereabouts of more of her victims, but even he knows the truth---he can't stay away. When another killer begins snatching teenage girls off the streets of Portland, Archie has to pull himself together enough to lead the new task force investigating the murders. A hungry young newspaper reporter, Susan Ward, begins profiling Archie and the investigation, which sparks a deadly game between Archie, Susan, the new killer, and even Gretchen. They need to catch a killer, and maybe somehow then Archie can free himself from Gretchen, once and for all. Either way, Heartsick makes for one of the most extraordinary suspense debuts in recent memory.

Customer Review: A Book You Will Never Forget; I'd Give it 4-1/2 Stars if I Could.


I feel a lot of the reviews so far are rather unfair. I think this is a better book than some have reported. I would give it 4 and 1/2 stars if I could. First, I don't think comparing this to "Silence of the Lambs" is particularly accurate or helpful. I also think, maybe, it might have been the excruciatingly detailed and sometimes horrific torture scences that has "set some people off." I read so many books that at the end of the year I find there are only a scant few that stand out in my mind and I can vividly recall. This will be one that I remember forever! I did not think the characters were one dimensional as some have said. Archie, for example, was the most compelling of complex characters. I was never bored for a minute. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. As for the ending, as endings go (so many are disappointing), I thought this was as good or better than most. I wonder how those who complained could have ended it better. If you are not squeamish, I would definitely recommend this story.

Customer Review: Fast and entertaining


People have been saying that they're disappointed with this book. Yes it is reminiscent of one of literature's best serial killer Hannibal Lector. And yes, the book is fast-paced and direct to the point. But really, is there anything wrong with that? I had a great time reading Heartsick, it delivered everything I was looking for. I can't wait to read the next installment and will be recommending this one to friends.

After having almost died at the hands of Gretchen, The Beauty Killer, Archie is still distraught by the events that happened to him. Not only are is life and health a complete mess, but his mind is as well. He cannot get the image of Gretchen out of his head. As a matter of fact, he still goes to see her every Sunday. Why? It is never really made clear.

But there is a new killer on the loose. Someone is abducting high school girls. All of them are found murdered. The mayor asks Archie to come back to the force to lead the case. That's where he meets Susan, a reporter who's asked to follow Archie and his squad as they try to catch the killer. Susan is rebellious but her role quickly becomes predominant in the case.



Although Gretchen is mostly seen through flashbacks, her presence is very real and present throughout the book. To the fact that it almost becomes terrifying to read what she did to Archie when she was holding him captive. We almost get to understand his addiction with Gretchen after a while. She's such a mystery, such a horrible yet enticing presence...

Angels & Demons

Angels & Demons

From the acclaimed author of Digital Fortress comes an explosive international thriller that careens from enlightening epiphanies to dark truths as the battle between science and religion turns to war.


Customer Review: Thrilling!


If you enjoy action and thrillers, you'll love this book! From the first to the last chapter, I couldn't help but to eat it all up. The main character, John Langdon, reminds me of a cross between Carl Jung and Indiana Jones. While I didn't verify his facts nor cared to, I found this book to be similar to a Die Hard movie. Full of action with incredible stunts. If you read this book for the entertainment aspect and not for facts, you'll have a great read from beginning to end!


Customer Review: great book


If you liked the DaVinci code you'll love this one. It's a must read for mystery lovers.