The Third Victim by Lisa Gardner Narrator: Teri Schnaubelt
Series: FBI Profiler #2
Published by Brilliance Audio on May 04, 2021
Genres: Suspense
Length: 11 hours and 5 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble
The past isn't over....
An unspeakable act has ripped apart the idyllic town of Bakersville, Oregon, and its once-peaceful residents are demanding quick justice. But though a boy has confessed to the horrific crime, evidence shows he may not be guilty.
Officer Rainie Conner, leading her first homicide investigation, stands at the center of the controversy. It's hitting too close to home, bringing back her worst nightmares, threatening to expose her secret sins. But with the boy's life at stake, she won't let anything stop her from finding the real killer.
With the help of FBI profiler Pierce Quincy, Rainie comes closer to a deadly truth than she can imagine. Because out there in the shadows a man watches her and plots his next move. He knows her secrets. He kills for sport. He's already brought death to Bakersville and forever shattered the community. But what he has really come for is Rainie -- and he won't leave until he has destroyed her....
The Third Victim kicks off with a school shooting in a small town. Deputy Loraine “Rainie” Connor is called to the scene, only to find out she’s already been made primary on the case—before she even arrives. That’s weird enough, but things get worse when she finds the sheriff’s son holding the gun. The kid confesses, but Rainie isn’t buying it. Something feels off, and she’s determined to figure out what really happened, even as the state police try to take over the case.
Enter FBI profiler Pierce Quincy, who has been studying school shootings. He backs Rainie’s instincts and works with her to dig deeper. As the investigation unfolds, we also learn more about Rainie’s past and the sheriff’s own history, adding more layers to the case. Quincy’s personal struggles—his daughter is on life support, and his ex-wife is pushing to pull the plug—add even more tension to the story.
There are a few moments that stretch believability, but the character work is much stronger than in The Perfect Husband, the first book in the series. Rainie and Quincy are easy to root for, and their dynamic kept me engaged. The mystery has plenty of twists and turns, and while we suspect early on that the kid is being framed, the real culprit isn’t obvious. Overall, this was a solid police procedural with a gripping story.
Narration:
Teri Schnaubelt does a great job bringing the characters and tension to life. I’ve listened to her before, so I knew I’d enjoy her performance. She handles the emotional beats well and keeps the pacing just right. I had no trouble getting lost in the mystery unfolding in Bakersville, Oregon.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Lisa Gardner
New York Times bestselling crime novelist Lisa Gardner began her career in food service, but after catching her hair on fire numerous times, she took the hint and focused on writing instead. A self-described research junkie, she has parlayed her interest in police procedure, cutting edge forensics and twisted plots into a streak of eleven bestselling suspense novels.
Readers are invited to get in on the fun by entering the annual “Kill a Friend, Maim a Mate” Sweepstakes, where they can nominate the person of their choice to die in Lisa’s latest novel. Every year, one lucky stiff is selected for literary immortality. It’s cheaper than therapy, and you get a great book besides. For more details, simply visit Lisa’s website.
Lisa lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with her family, as well as two highly spoiled dogs and one extremely neurotic three-legged cat. Lisa graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in international relations.
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I started listening to audiobooks when a new book in a series was coming out and I wanted to get a refresher, but didn’t have time to read all the books (I think it was Anita Blake). I fell in love. I stayed with strictly re-reading books that I’d already read for a long time. I eventually tried an audiobook for something that I hadn’t read first and was hooked there too. Now, I listen to audio for both re-reads and first time. I have some series that I’ve given up reading and only listen. I try to get any many books/audiobooks from the library to help save on my budget. Books on CD and the newer digital downloads from the library really allow me to listen more. I then purchase my favorites (because who can wait in line for your favorite book??) and less mainstream books from Audible or some other online retailer.
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That does get off to a curious start. Sounds good, Melanie!
That sounds different. I’m glad you liked it.
Glad you liked it! Love the sounds of a curious start. Gotta make it fresh to get the readers in 🙂