From USA Today bestselling author Trisha Wolfe comes her most gripping psychological thriller yet.Lakin Hale, true crime writer and victim of an attack that left her for dead, helps crime solvers and victims close cold cases, yet there is one crime she hasn’t been able to solve:Her own.As she embarks on a new case, working closely with Special Agent Rhys Nolan, the details of the murder begin to … Nolan, the details of the murder begin to eerily resemble the event that nearly ended her life. A silhouette of a man haunts her dreams, but there were only two people there that night–Lakin and her murderer. Is the phantom hero who pulled her from the water a delusion, or is he the only one who can unlock her dark memories?
Buried in a watery grave of lotuses, the victim calls out to Lakin, unearthing painful memories of what was stolen from her that fateful night. For those that played a part, it’s now time to answer for their sins.
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Trisha does what Trisha does…. draws you into the world she’s created and you’re gripped page to page until you’re completely immersed. This was one intense read, which had me reading late into the night needing to know what’s going to happen. I love Trisha’s words! Can’t wait for more!
I am deeply impressed by what I read, by this amazing, complicated story.
My first acquaintance with this amazing author’s world began with “Broken Bonds” series…I love it soo much, decause it was what I love in books… it’s dark, twisted plot, with lots of psychology in it. After that series it was “Darkly, Madly” duet, then it was “Cellar Door” and now Lotus Effect! I can’t put Trisha’s books away, as I start reading them, I delve, and delve, and delve more to know, to understand more. Her world/s are amazing, well written plot, amazing, structured, featured characters and an even more amazing twists, great psychology.
Everything this author does, she does with perfection.Her knowledge of psychology, human nature is what makes me, no, it’s not the word… what leads me to read more and more, want more Trisha’s works…
Trisha has become one of my favorite authors ever!
If you love dark suspence, psychological thrillers, so this book and this author is for you! Highly recommend!
I can only say wow what a book absolutely an outstanding story. There is so much going on in this book that you are taken on one helluva rollercoaster ride as Lakin who is a consultant for the FBI and Agent Rhys solve cold cases and they’ve done an excellent job of solving them except for one…her’s.
Trisha spins a tale that will grab onto you as it sinks it’s claws into you and has you fast turning those pages just so you can find out what happens next. I for one couldn’t put this book down as I started reading it.
I would most definitely recommend one clicking this book.
This is just my opinion and my review.
Lotus Effect is an in-depth, intelligent, and eerie thriller that left me lost in thought and haunted by my own memories I’ve always held as truths. The twists, turns, and revelations held within, led me on a journey unlike any other I’ve ever experienced before. Her poetic style, and intensive knowledge never fail unearth emotion and meaning I didn’t realize existed.
No other author can pull at the depth of my soul quite like this author does….every damn time. Through her words, Trisha reaches into the deepest part of me and consistently brings to the surface things I never dared to examine to closely before. She has the same talent with her characters, exploring their hearts, minds and lives with such detail, intelligence, and deft that I’m left in utter awe of her talent.
Lotus Effect is a masterfully crafted exploration of the psyche of Lakin Hale, psych student turned true crime writer and FBI consultant, and the events that quite literally stole her life, leaving her to grapple with faulty memories and questions left behind by an attacker who remains un-named. Her case unsolved.
Highly recommended to lovers of great writing and stories with depth, grit and originality….Tisha’s work transcends genre and will not fit in any predefined trope.
Just finished reading it and staring at the ceiling like a dumb person because I have no idea how to review what I just went through with this book.
You’ll be pulled in from the first chapter because of the work and ways that the author has created it’s just like watching a thriller movie and can’t stop until the end.
There are many things going on and at times I thought I knew how it will end but no, I had no idea what was coming my way.
The suspense kept me on the edge till the last page.
More than loved it, a book based on psychological thriller and not so much on the romance (but honestly it really didn’t need more than it has), brilliantly done from the writing style to crafting each character at perfection, a story about survival and overcoming the past so you can live your future.
””We are all connected. Through time and space, atoms and neurons. Villains and heroes. We’re all linked in a cosmic web, fighting to live. Fighting for truth.””
Trisha Wolfe has done it again! She’s the queen of suspense and unexpected plot twists! I really loved this book, it pulled me in from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down.
It’s a classic whodunnit, and you’ll be looking at everyone with a suspicious eye. Lakin is a true crime writer, who also works with Rhys, an FBI agent in cold cases. Her case is the only one they’ve been unable to solve. And now, it looks like their newest case may have ties to her own. Everyone is suspect as things start heating up…. and someone is keeping their eye on Lakin, but who?
You want to read this book, trust me! And the twist near the ending will surprise you! I loved it!!
This is my first book by this author and has totally grabbed my attention from page one. This psychological thriller, my favourite genre, will keep you guessing who the perpetrator is right until the last chapter.
Lakin Hale is a true crime author who partners with Special Agent Rhys Nolan of the FBI and digs up and solves cold cases. She was a victim of a violent crime herself and ironically because of memory loss her own case still remains unsolved.
Told in first person point of view, alternating between the past and the present, Lakin is portrayed as a detached but methodical character who through personal experience successfully manages to connect the dots on the cold cases she handles with Rhys. She is a survivor, a strong woman but shows her vulnerable side to Rhys during her weak moments. I am fascinated with the author’s witty and clever narrative that draws the reader’s attention to more than a few suspects. Wolfe’s main players can be clinical at times in which I am glad because this is a psychological thriller after all, although a romantic angle develops in the last quarter of the book between Lakin and Rhys. The frequent mention of the lotus and the parallelisms with Lakin is a play of metaphors and present a big clue to the story.
“I am not like the leaves of the lotus; I am its petals. Soft and pliable, but also sharp and deadly, like the blade that carved my body. I do not suffer my scars. They’re a testament of my strength and will to survive.”
I won’t give any more details to avoid any spoilers but if there is one thing I would like to say is that I would have never guessed who the antagonist is. I had my suspicions but every now and then the author throws in little misleading bones and I grab it and then in the next chapter I find out I was wrong or was I? This new-to-me author has impressed me so much that I am definitely going to look up her other books and add them to my list. I highly recommend this.
“Secrets are only able to haunt when they stay buried. Like a ghost crossing over into the light, once they’re exposed, all that’s left is peace.“
One again, Trisha Wolfe, has crafted a compelling page turner that grabs your attention and sucks you in. This novel was suspenseful and full of twists and turns.
The story follow Lakin Hale, who is the author of true crime novels. Four years ago, a violent crime wrecked Lakin and nearly left her for dead. She’s left with broken memories of the crime. Now she’s working on a new case with Special agent Rhys Nolan. When they take on a crime that has many similarities to Lakin’s own ordeal, they have to crack the case and find out the truth.
I don’t want to give too much away but this book kept me wrapped up in the pages. Trisha Wolfe has a way with words and she always writes a well written tale that is full of details and suspense. I definitely recommend this novel.
4.25 Stars!
Trisha Wolfe delivers a masterfully brilliant, darkly addictive and hauntingly beautiful psychological crime thriller infused with a dash of romance filled with unpredictable twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very last chapter. It was abundantly clear throughout every page of this intricately layered novel that this author did her research bringing us a clever and well-thought out mystery brimming with suspense of a classic “whodunnit” plot.
In Lotus Effect, we are introduced to Lakin Hale – a true crime author helping the FBI investigate cold cases while trying to solve her own murder at the same time. Throughout Lakin’s story, we are told of her brutal attack that left her for dead with no recollection of who attempted her murder through past/present switches carried out in a seamless flow. When she comes across a case that’s gone cold, much similar to her own, her and her partner – Special Agent Rhys Nolan – begin to make a connection without any solid proof… but someone lurking in the shadows doesn’t want Lakin to connect the dots and solve this crime, along with her own.
“I’m the nexus. The black lines all stem from me to connect the other murders, like the lotus stalks descending down into that dark, underwater world of the unknown. What monster did I lure into our lives?”
It did start out a little slow for me, but I think it’s because of the book funk I’ve been in lately and not because of the story itself. However, once I got to the 40% mark, I read straight through to the end, unable to put down this gripping and intense thriller. It’s evident throughout this novel that Trisha Wolfe is undoubtedly intelligent and well versed in the criminal field, with knowledge of the subject matter dripping from each word written. I felt like I was getting a lesson in criminal psychology, bringing me back to my college days when I studied criminal law.
This author never disappoints in her storytelling skills and Lotus Effect is definitely one to read when you’re in the mood for a clever “whodunnit” thriller with an unexpected and jaw-dropping finale guaranteed to blow your mind.
Once again Trisha Wolfe gives readers a book that pulls you in instantly. And then once you start reading, you don’t want to put it down. Everything feels like it takes a back burner status while you get wrapped up in her words. That is exactly what happened with Lotus Effect.
I loved reading about the two damaged leading characters Lakin and Rhys. They were so well created and interesting.
And then there were the crazy twists and turns in this book. Things I never expected and only added to everything that was keeping me hooked on this book to the very end.
Trisha Wolfe fans absolutely must read this book. It’s not one to be missed. But also fans for a great physiological thriller should grab this. It will keep your total focus in all the best ways.
My black heart bleeds for Lotus Effect. Trisha Wolfe has outdone herself with this one. She keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat. Waiting to find out what happened with baited breath. She has a way of drawing you into the story and holding on tight. These characters become a part of you and you NEED to know more. A psychological roller coaster that you never want to get off of
When people are connected by circumstances a domino effect triggers an unexpected set of circumstances.
As a psychology major Cynthia specialized in studying the human mind. After her attack she devoted her time investigating her own crime. When her case led to dead ends she redirected her efforts into solving other cold cases. As a victim of crime she worked closely with Special Agent Rhys Nolan to solve cold cases looking for similarities to her own case.
Characters:
Special Agent Rhys Nolan FBI agent specializing with the cold case division
Lakin Hale a true crime writer and victim of an attack
Told from both the past and present Lakin unlocks her memories from the past as she proceeded in the present. Each cold case was another memory from her case. Certain images, words, and scenes triggered memories bringing her one step closer to solving her own case.
Overall:
This was intricately written with a flurry of activity. I loved the dynamics between Rhys and Lakin. They were a good team. Trisha did her research on the topics of psychology, crime, and investigation. I’m pleased that Trisha didn’t follow the typical CSI format for investigating possible suspects. The way she built the case and followed leads was thrilling. She added in certain elements of knowledge and wonder that had me thinking and pondering her thoughts.
At times I felt as if Lakin’s character was talking directly to me educating me about her thoughts and dreams.
There was a story within a story as Lakin was talking about her current true crime novel. She shared her writing ideas voicing them out loud to the reader as if I was present. It was like living out the life of one of her characters from her books.
When I need a read that will take me deep into the dark, twisted depths of the human psyche – Wolfe is one of my go-to authors.
In Lotus Effect we travel with the writer, FBI cold case profiler and survivor Lakin Hale as she assists Agent Nolan in unraveling their newest cold case.
For Lakin, this one hits a bit close to home. Dredging up memories from her own experience and inducing daymares that may or may not be repressed memories. Who was her mysterious savior? Was there a mysterious savior? What happened during those moments of her death?
I want to be careful not to give out any subtle clue that will ruin the plot or one of the many twists you don’t see coming. So let me just stick with the facts, you can embellish upon them when you begin your own journey among the Blooming Lotus.
The story line jumps back and forth – Lakin takes us back to the past to recall how she ‘believes’ the events took place.
Then we are back in the present and walking the possible path our victim or perpetrator took. This works! It can be complicated at times but It definitely works for this story. IMO it heightens the intensity of some of the scenes and draws the reader in just a bit more – until we no longer feel like an observer but a participant.
LOTUS EFFECT is a standalone psychological suspense novel by Trisha Wolfe. It goes back and forth between past and present.
Without giving away any spoilers, Lakin and Hale had me at their first interaction. #sparkssparking I loved the chemistry that flared between these two, the suspense as they try to find out who the murderer and also delve into what actually happened to Lakin 4 years back. This is what a psychological suspense romance is supposed to be!!! Twists, turns, feels, steam , mystery, action, drama, angst, romance- woohoo!! Yes, I lapped up every single word and craved more, that’s how amazing this story is. I enjoyed reading Ms. Wolfe’s latest and can’t wait for her next book!
My Rating: 4.9 stars *********
Oh my gaaawd!!! This book is one twisted, suspense filled story that kept me on the edge of my seat and refused to let me set it aside for even a moment!
Four years ago Lakin Hale died among the dark water and tangled stems of a lotus pond. When she awakens in the hospital she has no memory of the attack just blurred images of a red lotus and a faceless man.
When her case goes cold, she reaches out to FBI agent Rhys Nolan to help her continue the investigation. With disappointment, they must face that there are no new leads but their time together opens the door for a partnership in which they begin to solve other cases that have sat unsolved for too long. When their newest case has eerie semblances to her own, Lakin and Rhys dig deep to find what the connection might be.
Despite the devastation of her past, Lakin is resilient and strong. At least on the surface. Underneath, she battles for control over her murky memories and her obsession with the need to find, if not peace, then at least a sense of closure.
”I was found on the lake’s muddy bank. That dirt never washed off. By the time I left for good, I was the mud.”
Even though there were times Rhys felt more a secondary character, I absolutely loved him! He was such a huge support for Lakin throughout the investigation. He always seemed to know what she was thinking or what she needed and she found comfort in his ability to do so.
While this story isn’t a heavy romance, it certainly has enough in it to amp up the emotional element. Without Rhys’ point of view it was hard to really know him or his feelings, but this author portrayed him in the most perfect way – while Lakin might have been a bit blind to his feelings, the reader can pick up on them as the story progressed.
”D+mn right I’m jealous of him. Because I want to be the one who saves you.”
My mind is still in a wonderful whirl of emotion having concluded this amazing book! So many twist and turns that I absolutely never saw coming. There are layers upon layers built within the plot and the most wonderful and amazing of twist at the very end that had me fighting back tears. Because we all need to believe in the unbelievable at times.
I know I’m going to be thinking about this story for a while and enjoying it as I do.
The lies we tell ourselves so that we can cope with our insignificant existence, to make us feel more meaningful in this life, aren’t the same as a tailored lie meant to deceive another person.”
Trisha Wolfe is one of those authors that from the minute you finish reading a book of hers, you feel thoroughly schooled. You develop this type of knowledge that you had no idea you were craving and it forces you to look at things differently. Your mind is constantly at work and by the time you’re half way through, you will have no idea which way is up and you’ll love that.
It’s been nearly four years since a tragedy has wreaked havoc on crime writer Lakin’s life. Now a partner with an FBI’s cold case agent, she’s made it her mission to get justice for the ones who no longer have a voice. But with every new lead on a case, her past is somehow connected and the killer is still on the loose. Will Lakin be able to solve the brutal mystery and her own?
Without delving too much into the story, I have to say that this author took us on a psychological turmoil that was hauntingly breathtaking at times with the clearest visual one’s mind can conjure. You felt for the characters and you wanted justice for the deceased because they deserved it and then some. I really liked that the main characters both had difficult pasts and they had this sort of kindred spirit they found in each other. You were immediately connected to them and I loved seeing their protectiveness with each other.
If you love psychological thrillers, then I think you should give this one a try. Trisha Wolfe will definitely have you hooked with the search for a killer.
*Arc received for an honest review.
Trisha has such an amazing gift and talent as a writer to make the reader feel as if they are apart of the story. Her novels always reflect intricate details and research into her subject matter that bring the plot alive. You can read the blurb to get the gist of what the book is about but the blurb won’t tell you to pick up her books. That is me telling you that you are missing out if you have not read her. You’ll be stoked that you did.
There was no man. Only the lotus flowers floating above, their stalks tangling my hair and limbs at the bottom of the lake. There was only my death.”
Trisha Wolfe brought it again with Lotus Effect. It was intriguing as much it was spell binding. I couldn’t put this book down! It was a emotional ride, you could not get enough of. Every page was like another piece to the puzzle. Each one only bringing more mystery, and more questions. It had me on the edge of my seat from the first page until the very last page. Everything about this story was unique, and expertly wrote. The author has done her research and it truly shows in Lotus Effect. The depth of characters and plot was extraordinary. The whole entire story you felt as if you was right there with the characters. You felt their every emotion. Craved the answers they were so desperately searching for. I have always been a sucker for mystery and suspsence. But this is hands down one of the best ones I have read. The chemistry between Rhys and Hale was off the charts! They were this slow burn that sizzles from your Kindle pages. This isn’t your typical love story and frankly I LOVED every minute of it.
“I know once the sun comes up, I’ll feel differently . He’ll feel differently. It’s the late hour. It’s my vulnerability. His protective nature. We’ve created a perfect storm, and the morning light will disperse the vapors.”
Hale is not your typical heroine but you can’t help but be drawn to her. She’s haunted, mysterious, and technical. Everything about Hale’s character draws you in. She’s the perfect contradiction of intelligence and naivety. Her quest for answers makes you desperate to discover all her secrets. Hale’s character will definitely keep you on your toes, and I loved that. I also admired her unwavering strength. Even at her most vulnerable she was nothing short of strong. Even faced with the demons of her past. Hale always remained head strong, set in her ways, and always kept her head held high.
“Rhys doesn’t kiss me; he consumes me. Devouring any barrier in his way.”
Rhys is one of those heros you have to warm up too. However once you do, he’s definitely out to steal your heart. Everything about his character screams alpha male. From his calculated ways, to his over bearing need to protect. He knows exactly what he wants, and will stop at nothing to get it. I loved Rhy’s uncanny way of reading people. He is in tune to everything around him at all times. He was as intriguing, as he was intelligent. However my heart ached for him at times. Even the strongest FBI agents have their vulnerable moments.
“Secrets are only able to haunt when they stay buried. Like a ghost crossing over into the light, once they’re exposed, all that’s left is peace.”
*4 1/2 STARS*
Well earned for one of the most mind blowing murder mystery’s I have read. I can not stress enough to read this story! It’s twisted, dark, and all consuming. This book is hands down going into my best reads of 2019 folder!
Thrilling from start to finish, I couldn’t put this book down. Trauma has changed and shaped Lakin Hale’s life. Now, as a true crime author working along side Special Agent Rhys Nolan of the FBI, her past and present are colliding…or are they? When the truth is unknown, how do we know what to believe?
Wolfe delivers a perfectly crafted story. Delicious tension, mesmerizing mystery, flawed and endearing characters, and so much more. Each piece of the puzzle, building the mystery. What was real and what wasn’t? With danger lurking just out of sight, I was on the edge of my seat. The suspense and my desperate need for answers had me tearing through the pages. Wolfe definitely kept me guessing until the end.
I have been at a loss on what to write for my review. Lotus Effect was phenomenal and totally worth the wait. Lakin, is a true crime writer, helping solve cold cases, while trying to solve her own in the background. You would get a piece here and there to the mystery, but only enough for what feels like a fuzzy recollection, waiting for it to click. I was in suspense the whole time, eating up each word, as fast as I could, but slowly so as not to miss a clue. I love the twist and revelation, when everything started coming to a head. A suspenseful, thrilling, edge of your seat story by Trisha Wolfe. She has certainly become an auto one-click author for me.