Heartsick is the first book of the series. We are introduced to Archie Sheridan and Gretchen Lowell. I was wondering how this was going to be a series when the serial killer was already in prison. But because Cain is a superb writer with a twisted imagination... it was completely doable. Gretchen was called the Beauty Killer before she was caught. And she really wasn't caught, more like allowed herself to be caught. Archie is a detective on the task force that was put in place to find the Beauty Killer. Archie was also her last victim and number 200. It's the twisted relationship the two of them have that draws you in. Cain keeps you wondering what happened to Archie when he was taken by Gretchen and tortured nearly to death. I was kept on the hook by slowly getting details of the past as the book worked through the present case at hand. We also get to meet Susan Ward. She's a journalist who's been asked to tag along with Archie and tell his story as he's investigating cases of dead girls around Portland. I LOVE Susan. She's quirky, funny and full of unusual tidbits of information. As the books in the series progress I love her more and more. In book 3 I am finding myself laughing out loud at some of the thoughts and dialog attached to this character. Those are the three very important characters. Of course there are supporting characters, but these are really the main three. Gretchen was using Archie and Susan in a game. Gretchen loves to play games with people and she's damn good at it. I don't want to give too much away because I want you to read the book.
Sweetheart is the second book. The Beauty Killer is on the loose, and she's a threat to everyone, including Archie's family and Susan. And the way she breaks out is crazy! She's the absolute mastermind of games. Archie is suicidal and it's Gretchen that he wants. And when I say want I mean that in so many different ways. We start to learn even more about Archie's past and the real story behind his relationship with Gretchen. I'd like to say I saw it coming, but I didn't. It's another gripping tale of love, hate, betrayal, death, games and funny Susan moments. And a deal between Gretchen and Archie that will make you run for book #3 like I did.
Evil at Heart is the next book in the series. Like I said, I'm only halfway through this, but it's awesome. I have no idea who's guilty of what. Gretchen Lowell has a huge fan base. People love her. She's still on the run and bodies are showing up all over the place. Archie is in a psych hospital and Susan is... well.. being Susan. You'll know what that means when you read the series. Archie is no longer a detective because he's taken a leave. but he has to help find out what's going on with all of these dead bodies around Portland. No one wants to call it Gretchen's handy work, but there are some uncanny coincidences that make it hard not to think it's her. We start to learn even more about Archie's past even though you don't think there's anything else Cain can give us. It's simply brilliant!
I will follow up after I read a few more of the books. I can't imagine for one second where this is going. I love that. Check out this website: www.iheartgretchenlowell.net. I thought I was obsessed with these books before... then I went to the website.
Read often!
