Review ~ Sweetheart by Chelsea Cain

Goodread's Synopsis ~ When the body of a young woman is discovered in Portland’s Forest Park, Archie is reminded of the last time they found a body there, more than a decade ago: it turned out to be the Beauty Killer’s first victim, and Archie’s first case. This body can't be one of Gretchen's—she’s in prison—but after help from reporter Susan Ward uncovers the dead woman's identity, it turns into another big case. Trouble is, Archie can't focus on the new investigation because the Beauty Killer case has exploded: Gretchen Lowell has escaped from prison.

Archie hadn't seen her in two months; he'd moved back in with his family and sworn off visiting her. Though it should feel like progress, he actually feels worse. The news of her escape spreads like wildfire, but secretly, he's relieved. He knows he's the only one who can catch her, and in fact, he has a plan to get out from under her thumb once and for all.

Chelsea Cain has topped her own bestselling debut thriller with this unputdownable, unpredictable, edge-of-your-seat read.

My Review ~ The roller coaster ride is back.  You get on, and you just can't get off and it just speeds up faster and faster!  Whew!  I will say that I find myself more wrapped up in the story going on with Gretchen and Archie than any of the other crimes.  When you think of a serial killer, most people think of the murders and the gruesome things they did.  Gretchen is about more than that.  She has this fascination with having and torturing Archie.  It gives her a thrill that she can keep Archie from having a normal life.  The connection is just sadistic.

Susan is back and is involved in the current murders.  I love Susan as I said in the Heartsick review here.  Spunky, intelligent and I think just plain fun.  Did I just say "fun" when referring to a thriller.  I'm sick, I know!

This is definitely a great read.  Just a little frustration with Archie, but I guess you gotta cut him a little slack for all he's been through.  My rating is a big ole 4 out of 5.