Source: Library BorrowedFormat: Audiobook
Evil at Heart by Chelsea Cain
Narrator: Carolyn McCormick
Length: 9 hrs and 5 mins
Date Read: June 2013
Genre: Police Thriller, Thriller
More Information:Chelsea Cain’s novels featuring Portland detective Archie Sheridan and serial killer Gretchen Lowell have captivated fans through two nail-biting entries, Heartsick and Sweetheart, both of them multiweek bestsellers in The New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly.
Gretchen Lowell is still on the loose. These days, she’s more of a cause célèbre than a feared killer, thanks to sensationalist news coverage that has made her a star. Her face graces magazine covers weekly and there have been sightings of her around the world. Most shocking of all, Portland Herald reporter Susan Ward has uncovered a bizarre kind of fan club, which celebrates the number of days she’s been free.
Archie Sheridan hunted her for a decade, and after his last ploy to catch her went spectacularly wrong, remains hospitalized months later. When they last spoke, they entered a détente of sorts---Archie agreed not to kill himself if she agreed not to kill anyone else. But when a new body is found accompanied by Gretchen’s trademark heart, all bets are off and Archie is forced back into action. Has the Beauty Killer returned to her gruesome ways, or has the cult surrounding her created a whole new evil?
Chelsea Cain continues to deliver heart-stopping thrills and chills in the latest entry in this dynamic bestselling series.
Publisher: Macmillan Audio, Minotaur Books
Series: Gretchen Lowell #3
Also by this author: The Night Season, Kill You Twice, Let Me Go, One Kick
Also in this series: The Night Season, Kill You Twice
Listened for Fun (Library Copy)
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 3.50
Character Rating: 4.60
Audio Rating: 3.50 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished:Evil at Heart got really good the last 1/2! I couldn’t put it down (or turn it off).
Story Thoughts: Chelsea Cain is brilliant at writing totally off-their-rocker characters. Her serial killer Gretchen is one of my favorites. Evil at Heart gave us another twist in the Gretchen/Archie storyline! It was full of twists,turns, and action. The only problem was the first part was a little slow but I think it was necessary for this story. Let’s just say if you are a fan of Gretchen, you will love every single moment her in this story.
Character Thoughts: Chelsea Cain writes kick ass characters. They are all twisted, bruised, battered, and a little off-kilter. There is something to like about all of them though and that to me is awesome character building. Serial Killers are some of my favorite fictional characters but honestly there are few out there that are better than Gretchen. I always get so drawn in by her even when she is only somewhat there. You can feel her in every little moment!
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated by Carolyn McCormick/ Length: 9 hrs and 5 mins
I usually really enjoy Carolyn’s narration but I thought her voice for Archie was off. He sounded more like a teenager than a seasoned police officer. I think she did a great job with all the other voices though and her pacing was fantastic! There is another narrator for the next book so I am going to give it a whirl and see if it is closer to how I imagined these people.
Final Thoughts: This is a fantastic series! The only thing is “DON’T READ OUT OF ORDER” 🙂
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Felicia S
During her non-reading time you can find her hanging with her rescue furr children named after book characters: Lizzie a beautiful cattle dog mix (Pound Pup), Cinder a beautiful Shep/Pitt mix (Pound Pup), and Minerva a beautiful Shep/Pitt mix (Foster Fail). Gathering with friends and family, attending conventions, watching movies/tv shows, rooting for the 49rs, and crocheting.
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I love Gretchen, she has quite an imagination. That crochet hook scene stuck with me for awhile.
Yep! Made me wonder what else my crochet hooks are good for LOL
So, was that last note about order for me?? LOL
Oh these characters sound devine. I also love that you said they were twisted. 😀 Plus, you know I’m an ending girl so the last 1/2 of the book sounds perfect! Must get series!
Ummmm Maybe! I thought it might be going to far to put…
FOR MELISSA: READ THESE SUCKERS IN ORDER!
That would have been over the top right? 🙂 🙂
I have read book one I think, and so agree her characters are fleshed-out and original. I love that the second half completely grabbed you.
I am kind of catching up on my series this month and this was one that I was happy to tackle. It must be scary to be in Chelsea’s head LOL
Yet, another series I need to check out mainly because Chelsea is a local author and obviously because it’s set in Portland.
This is dark but oh so good! 🙂 🙂 I would be interested in knowing if you recognize areas that she writes.
Im so in the mood for twisty thrillers right now, this one sounds like it might fit my mood….:D
This was very twisty! Crochet hooks pulling intestines!
I love this series so much. I listened to the latest book on audio earlier this year and it was my favorite so far! Great review, I almost want to go back and start at the very beginning. 🙂
The last book isn’t at my library yet. I did finish the one after this one though and even though Gretchen was “missing” I still enjoyed it!
Well that is definitely a creepy cover Felicia. And I’m intrigued by a female serial killer, I don’t think I’ve ever read about one before. And Archie’s been hunting her for a decade? Obviously Gretchen is terrifyingly good at what she does.
Intestines pulled out with a crochet hook—I am just saying that is some innovation!
Yikes, ok I heard ya. Do NOT read out of order, got it
Yep! These are a must read in order series 🙂