Little Girls Sleeping: an absolutely gripping crime thriller
by Jennifer Chase
My general philosophy is “I don’t read thrillers, especially psychological thrillers.” They just hold too much impact for me. I read an online review, however, that led me to believe that perhaps I should make an exception for Little Girls Sleeping, the first in a new series by Jennifer Chase. As I started reading this thriller, I wondered if I had made a mistake as the story involves the disappearance of young girls and gives some insight into the twisted mind of the perpetrator. Soon, however, the tale expands into the story of returning veteran Katie Scott and Cisco, her K9 military companion.
A former police officer, Katie is taking some time to decide her next career move when she comes across a cold case file on her uncle’s desk. For Katie, the case is personal because it brings up memories of a childhood friend at camp who was murdered. The rest of the book tracks Katie’s pursuit of the truth and is part thriller, part mystery, and part police procedural. If you are drawn to K9 stories you will certainly enjoy this one as Cisco plays a major role.
Katie, who suffers from PTSD, is a strong and determined young woman. Her character is likable, and readers will look forward to watching her develop in future books in this series. She has support from a childhood friend, Chad, and from her uncle, Sheriff Scott. The plot line is engaging. At about 60% through the book, I had figured out who the evil “Toymaker” is—but I was wrong, and at about 80%, the true murderer is revealed. At that point, however, the action just gets more intense. I’m glad I read this page turner, and I am happy to report no nightmares as a result.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Mystery and Thriller
Notes: 1. If you are interested in the review that inspired my choosing this book, visit blogger/reviewer Shalini.
2. #1 in the Detective Katie Scott Series
Publication: May 31, 2019—Bookouture
Memorable Lines:
The detective didn’t scare her. She had encountered some real tyrants in the army, from sergeants to training officers, so Templeton was like a yapping little dog to her—fierce, but only annoying at best.
Anxiety was a stealthy and unpredictable enemy.
She rubbed her hands together and let the happy memories flood her mind—at least for a short period. Sometimes it was difficult for her to let the positive things into her life. Her experiences had skewed her perception so that everything seemed on the verge of catastrophe. It was as if she had blocked out anything good in her life.
education pathways 
I love legal and psychological thrillers. Page turner’s that grab my attention…yes! Your review was great and I’m glad you lived to tell the tail. 😉 I may have to add this book to my list.
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Thanks. I’m glad you stopped by. Reviews are a great way to learn about books that might interest us.
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Aww that’s so great. I am so happy happy that you enjoyed the book
Thank you for the shoutout
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You’re welcome and thank you for the recommendation.
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Great memorable lines! Looks like a good read.
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Thanks! I love it when tidbits like that are inserted into a good story.
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I’m glad that you took a chance on this one and enjoyed it.
Shalini can be very influential. 😉
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Yes. She is a good reviewer. She likes thrillers and reads fantasies, and I don’t so I don’t often read many of her recommendations, but I think it is broadening to read reviews of other genres.
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Yes…Shalini reads mostly thrillers. I read thrillers myself occasionally, but I don’t like those that are very graphic, violent or sexual in nature; those bordering on horror are a no-no for me. I prefer true crime myself.
And I don’t read any supernatural books or fantasies. But when Shalini reviews a book I’m okay with, I value her opinion. She is a good reviewer. And so are you. 😊
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Thanks. It’s good to see you back online. I hope both you and your mother are continuing to feel better.
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Wonderful review Linda. I just checked Amazon and this one is only $0.99, so I am going to pick it up. I am also going to hop over and check out Shalini’s review. I also love k-9 stories so this sounds like it would be right up my alley. Thanks for adding what sounds like a great read to my TBR.
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I hope you like it. If I am considering a book and then discover a bargain like that, it certainly makes my decision easier! 😉
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I find that Bookouture often has their books for 99 cents for awhile right after releasing them. It is a good time to grab them when they interest you.
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Thanks for the tip. Sometimes I read a review on the publishing day and realize I had missed it as an ARC. I’ll keep that in mind with Bookouture.
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