Her Darkest Nightmare

By: Brenda Novak

Narrated by: Thérèse Plummer

Her Darkest Nightmare, first in an electrifying new series from New York Times best-selling author Brenda Novak.

The hunt for a serial killer...

Evelyn Talbot knows that a psychopath can look perfectly normal. She was only 16 when her own boyfriend, Jasper, imprisoned and tortured her - and left her for dead. Now an eminent psychiatrist who specializes in the criminal mind, Evelyn is the force behind Hanover House, a maximum-security facility located in a small Alaskan town. Her job puts her at odds with Sergeant Amarok, who is convinced that Hanover is a threat to his community, even as his attraction to beautiful Evelyn threatens to tear his world apart.

Begins with an escape from her past.

Then, just as the bitter Alaskan winter cuts both town and prison off from the outside world, the mutilated body of a local woman turns up. For Amarok this is the final proof he needs: Hanover has to go. Evelyn, though, has reason to fear that the crime is a personal message to her - the first sign that the killer who haunts her dreams has found her again and that the life she has so carefully rebuilt will never be the same.

©2016 Brenda Novak (P)2016 Macmillan Audio

A Complex Mystery

Her Darkest Nightmare is book 1 in the Evelyn Talbot Chronicles. The events recorded in this novel picks up six months after the prequel, Hanover House.

The summer romance between Evelyn and Amorak has hit a snag. Evelyn is still struggling with issues of intimacy, which ended in her pushing Amorak away. Then one snowy night things between them changed, and I had the privilege to witness Evelyn be able to trust a man to love and appreciate her. Meanwhile, a killer is on the loose. Did a resident from Hanover House escape or is it a blast from Evelyn’s past? One thing for sure whomever it is, the person is smart and meticulous

There were parts of the story that moved slowly for my tastes. This was due in part to time spent explaining psychopathic behavior.
Figuring out the killer’s identity proved to be a challenge. There were several possible suspects, which made it difficult to pick the right one.
Not all the psychopaths in the story were incarcerated, as Evelyn would discover. The story showed that crazies often live and work among us.

Amarok had his work cut out for him as the only law enforcement officer in the town who had no experience with homicides. The town had not experienced a murder in ten years. Then to make matters worse the FBI did not believe the murders warranted their input and there was no help from law enforcement in Anchorage. I found this strange and unrealistic.

Evelyn had her share of challenges. Besides the killer taunting her, someone is determined to discredit her. I admired her tenacity, but her hang-ups regarding Amarok’s age became tiresome. A seven-year age difference is no big deal, but Evelyn did not see it that way.

Narration
This is my second time experiencing Therese Plummer’s narration. I enjoyed her depiction of the characters’ voices. The excitement, fear and suspense came through with clarity.

Conclusion/Recommendation
An intense read featuring likeable characters, a sweet romance and a complex mystery. Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy this installment. I am looking to start the next book, as I am eager to discover what is in store for Evelyn and Amorak.

Slaughter Fan - Similar

I am a big Karin Slaughter and happy to find a similar author with a series! With listening/reading for sure!

a nightmare for sure

prisoners in alaska makes for a great listen you don't know what could happen loved it all the way til the end and the twists awesome job done by narrator!!!

Another Great Read by Brenda Novak

Her Darkest Nightmare (The Evelyn Talbot Chronicles, #1) was a great read by Brenda Novak. Evelyn knows better than anyone else that a psychopath can look perfectly normal. She believed that her high school boyfriend, Jasper, was normal. He wound up imprisoning and torturing her. Evelyn is the force behind Hanover House, a maximum security prison located in Alaska. Where the doctors and specialists learn everything they can from the scariest prisoners from around the country. She is at odds with Sergeant Amarok, because he doesn’t want Hanover House in his small town. Evelyn’s past and present come together and try to ruin everything that she has built. I loved reading this book and can’t wait to read the rest of this series.

Me. Plummer

WOW! All I can say is, I've listened to MANY audio books. And although I had my doubts about Therese as a a voice actor... I have ABSOLUTELY become a HUGE fan! The book of course was Great! Brenda Novak never fails to surprise! But great job bringing it alive!!!

More PLEEEZE...

You don’t wanna miss this series! Loved it and can’t wait for the next one!!! Main character is very strong, brave and admirable. Instead of giving in to her deepest fears, as a result of her past horrific trauma, she chooses to face her demons head on hoping to save future victims from the wrath of the sociopathic human monsters she studies at Hanover House.

Chillingly addictive

This story was way out of my reading norm. However, the storyline was riviting as was the audible version. I recommend This to anyone who enjoys this genre. It was vividly gruesome yet an intriguing look into the minds of psychopaths.

Sooooo Good!

Loved this book. Great combination of suspense, mystery and even a little romance, but not cheesy. Can’t wait for the next one.

You will love this book

I started with the second book accidentally and then went back and got all the other books. I couldn’t stop listening they were that good. I throughly enjoyed these stories and highly recommend!!
#tagsgiving #Sweepstakes #purchasegalore #IheartBrendaNovak #couldn’tputdown

who done it

Very solid murder mystery. Never saw that ending coming. Solid performance as well. Brenda Novak great job