Abducted.Terrorized.Imprisoned.At nineteen-years-old, college student Josie Stratton was kidnapped by a madman and held shackled for ten months in an abandoned warehouse before she finally escaped her hellish prison.Eight years later, when the body of a young woman is found chained in the basement of a vacant house, Cincinnati Police Detective Zach Copeland is instantly reminded of the crime … instantly reminded of the crime committed against Josie Stratton. Zach was just a rookie on the perimeter of that case, but he’s never forgotten the traumatized woman with the haunted eyes.
As more information emerges, the crimes take on an even more sinister similarity. But Josie’s attacker died by suicide. Does the city have a copycat on its hands? A killer who picked up where the original perpetrator left off? Or are they facing something far more insidious?
Josie has spent the last eight years attempting to get her life back on track, but now there’s a very real chance she could be the unknown suspect’s next target. As Zach vows to keep her safe, and Josie finds herself responding to him in a way she hasn’t responded to any man in almost a decade, the investigation takes on an even more complex edge of danger.
As past and present collide, Josie and Zach are thrust toward a shocking and chilling truth. A revelation that threatens not only Josie’s life, but everything she’s been fighting so desperately to reclaim.
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There is so much heartbreak, fear, confusion and strength in this book that I am just overwhelmed. I had a few spots that floored me in here since I didn’t expect the story to go that direction but in a very good way. I absolutely loved this book and didn’t stop listening until it is over. Think I may have a book hangover with this one.
****** AUDIOBOOK REVIEW ******
Oh My Heavens… my heart! My heart just could not handle the pain during the last few hours of the audiobook. Ughh… it isn’t very often where I struggle with what I want to happen but I struggled. I felt bitterness and my heart ACHED. Mia Sheridan was playing hacky sack with my heart and I’m sure she’s a beginner because she dropped it so many times. I had about an hour left and I wanted so badly to devour that last hour but I had to stop and take a break. My heart hurt so much and I couldn’t pinpoint how I wanted things to go down. I’ll tell ya strait… Mia Sheridan had me a bit scared that I was going to be spending that last hour crying my eyes out. I did. I spent the last hour with tears streaming down my face at 1 am when I should have been sleeping. I regret nothing.
The narration was better than I could have imagined. I’ve enjoyed Callie Dalton’s previous narrations but I feel like she really did something special with this book. Her narration was spot on. I felt the turmoil and the pain, boy did I feel that pain. It wasn’t Ms. Sheridan’s words alone that had my heart accelerating but the voices reading to me, the voices giving the story a heartbeat. Teddy Hamilton was also at the top of his game. There is nothing I would change or alter about this narration. They gave the characters a literal voice and I can’t imagine it any better than it was!
Bravo to everyone involved!! I can’t wait to see what’s next for Mia Sheridan even if my hearts a bit scared of her currently.
I read a lot of books, so it’s only normal that I forget certain details, characters and storylines. There are also those that are ingrained in my mind forever. Mia Sheridan is one of those story tellers that I never ever forget. This story was a solid 6 star masterpiece that screwed with my mind. A page turning experience that I will never forget.
This storyline is so twisted that I was sucked in so deep that’s I had a difficult time to crawl out of. When I thought I had it figured out, the rug was pulled under me. It’s a very twisted tale of suspense and bordering the dark side. Let me make this clear it is dark but not a dark romance. It’s a romantic suspense.
This story was intriguing and very captivating. In the end it all came together to give me the HEA I always look for. I experienced so many emotions while reading this story. The last few chapters I was crying gut wrenching tears. This story comes STRONGLY recommended.
Something totally unexpected from Mia Sheridan this was intense, gripping and page turner
Josie was held captive for 10 months before she could escape. She is still trying to find herself when she is pulled into a crime spree when the police are looking for help and answers from her. Edge of your seat kind of read- would make a great suspenseful movie
What a great story…interesting plot with good characters…some good twists and a wonderful epilogue
4.5 stars. This was a excellent suspense novel. The romance of Josie and Zach is there, but the central story is what happened to Josie. And it is a doozy of a story. I really loved the way it unfolded and I never saw what was coming.
I wanted to kiss Mia for writing this book. I adore thrillers, they are my usual go to. But somewhere along the way I was introduced to Mia Sheridan and I fell in love with her writing style. I would probably read this woman’s grocery list. I have devoured everything she has written and loved each book. So when this book came out, I bought it without knowing anything about it. Once I realized it had thriller vibes I about jumped for joy. This book was fantastic! It had the darkness I love, with the amazing writing style only Mia can do.
Awesome read
Fantastic! This is just what I needed. A romantic suspense with all the twists and turns that had my heart racing and my mind reeling. Zach Copeland and Josie Stratton not only fought for a love they deserved but together fought to solve where the blame lies. The answer will astound you. Must read!
Imagine yourself sitting at the ball game of your favorite team, not just any game but the final series, the one that determines who will be champion. Your team has hit so many home runs, out of this park excelled in this final game of the year. They WIN!!! They are the Champions!!!
Just described this book to a T.
A favorite author writing in a new genre. First time up to bat and BAM!!! Out of this PARK!!! This book was unputdownable! Once you read the first chapter, you are totally invested in the entire story. This book is a MUST read!
Its a suspenseful story, gut wrenching at times, but one thing that stays totally constant is the strong willed young lady who has been through hell and back. Josie Stratton deserves a medal for everything she has been through in her young 28 years of life.
“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.”
The details that went into this story left no details out. Perfectly woven and spun so that even the toughest detective (you the reader) will be left wondering until the very last of this book. Where we figure out all the in’s and out’s of a mastermind.
Kudo’s to this author for showing us how many layers her fantastic writing talent holds. Not stuck in one genre to milk, she has ventured out into the open field where we can only imagine what will come from her next!
I was expecting a darker story but was not disappointed. The story is well written. The h was a little annoying and had a few TSTL moments. Overall a good story. I would recommend this book.
OMG! Spectacular mystery! I couldn’t put it down. So many plot twists and the whodunnit?! Amazing! Absolutely loved this book!!
I crave books that I hate to step away from and once I do I can’t wait to dive back into. That was absolutely what this book was for me. Mia Sheridan is an amazing storyteller and I couldn’t read this book fast enough. Go into this story blind. Just trust in this author and know that you won’t regret a minute of it. The story, the characters are solid and multifaceted. And don’t expend any energy trying to figure anything out just let it all unfold on the pages. It’s an awesome ride!
From the moment I read the blurb for this book, it called to me. Once I started reading, it hooked me. I simply don’t have enough adjectives to express my love for Where The Blame Lies. Intense and thrilling, with dark subject matter, its twists and turns had me all tangled up and the suspense had me just parked on the edge of my seat for the duration of the story. The synopsis tells you all you need to know as far as the plot is concerned, any more would give the game away, and you’ll find no spoilers here.
I just love the characters this author has created. Josie is a true survivor. Her grit and determination, her strength of character and resilience have put her firmly up there as one of my favourite book heroines of all time. I love her and the way she has created a new life for herself. Although not totally unscathed, her efforts to move forward, rather than be completely paralysed by, and stuck in, the past, are admirable. That is until that past seems to come knocking once again.
Detective Zach Copeland, now he is a fabulous character. Kind, caring, strong and dedicated, he’ll do whatever it takes for as long as it takes to keep Josie safe and to close this case. The way their feelings for each other developed and how Zach treated Josie warmed my heart. He was absolutely the right man for her. No doubt about it, I swooned! I cried a little too, when a certain scene brought home the realities of what Josie had been through. I thought her reaction, although difficult to read, was authentic and hugely emotional.
With each page I turned and with a few clues along the way, I had a new theory as to who the perpetrator of these heinous crimes was. So many theories, but never in a million years could I have guessed who, and the reasons why, which were just jaw dropping and quite frankly left me speechless. It’s suspense at its finest and I absolutely loved it. Go read it now!
A phenomenal suspense storyline. Hooked from beginning to end. Definitely will have you guessing throughout, twist and turns keeping you on the edge of your seat. A must read!
* A review copy was provided by the author *
Where the Blame Lies is hands down the BEST book I’ve read by Mia Sheridan to date!!! Actually this is hands down one of the BEST books I have read all year!!!
This book is so unlike what we have come to expect in a Mia Sheridan book, but she knocked this book/genre out of the park. I think she has a strong future writing romantic suspense novels.
This story had it all….it was dark, gritty, at times creepy, heartbreaking, and suspenseful. But this also had a love story that you couldn’t help root for. I will warn readers that this book is not for the faint of heart. Mia does get graphic with the subject matter and it truly might make some readers uncomfortable to read. I know I had to put the book down a couple times just to get my mind straight again. But this book had me reeling right from the start. That is truly ALL I can say about the storyline without spoiling this story.
I will say that I loved Josie and Zach’s characters in this story. Josie goes through a horrific trauma, but she was such a strong and resilient heroine. I loved that she NEVER gave up!!! I don’t know if I would have the same strength and determination if I was in the same situation. Zach was also a determined Hero. I thought him and Josie were a perfect match. I loved watching them grow as characters separately but also as a couple. They truly make a great team.
I truly can’t rave enough about this book. All I can say is READ THIS BOOK!! If you are looking for something that will keep your mind reeling and your heart racing this is the book for you. This will take some out of their comfort zone, but this book was phenomenal and so well written, you don’t want to miss it!!!
I haven’t read a book of this author’s in a while. I can appreciate and recognize that she is a phenomenal writer. However, I have to be in the mood for her stories. When this book started popping up all over the place, I knew I needed to read it. I knew it would be different from her previous books, and I was totally on board.
This book started out great for me. I was turning the pages, trying to put the pieces together. I was almost afraid to find out what exactly was going on. The first part of the book is written as suspense/mystery with an inkling of a romantic spark. I am all for the little romantic spark in a suspense/mystery.
At some point in the book, the mood changed. It went to a romance with a touch of suspense/mystery. This is where I started to lose interest and focus in the book. I was looking forward to a suspenseful mystery. Those elements I love took a backseat to the budding romance.
Overall, the book, per usual, was written well. I was mostly engaged. It took me a while to put the pieces together. I am glad I read it. It is definitely a good read. The heavy on the romance just wasn’t my cup of tea.
This book is definitely a top read of 2019!!
It’s a treasure trove of good story telling.
A powerful romantic slow burn love story, intertwined with a suspenseful twisted crime thriller.
I’ve struggled with my review because honestly, I didn’t know where to begin as there are so many layers to this story and so many spoilers.
So I’ll say this story is a unique, emotional and gut wrenching story. It is a thought provoking journey of healing, empowerment and self discovery.
“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise,”
The story developed and unfolded flawlessly.
Josie’s story had me glued to the pages as her life takes a strange turn years after the heinous crimes she lived through.
Behind the strange discoveries new developments emerge that have her questioning everything she thought she knew about her experience and her life as she knew it. When she meets detective Zach who helps her make sense of these new discoveries in her case, things are not what they appear.
The title offers the biggest clue about the book.
You just have to jump in and find out why!!
I would have liked to learn whatever happened to Charlie, but it didn’t take away from enjoying the story.
A. MUST. READ!!!
I don’t even know where to begin with this book except to say this is one of the BEST books I’ve read this year! ALL THE FREAKING STARS!!!
From the Prologue to the Epilogue this book had me tied up in knots. I couldn’t read pages fast enough, yet at the same time I didn’t want the story to end. I was so intrigued, spellbound and entranced that everytime I thought I knew the answers or where the story was going….. BOOM a twist or turn I wasn’t expecting rocked my world. This story tore through my heart and soul with so many emotions I literally lived on the edge of my seat throughout this entire book.
Mia Sheridan is a new author to me and has now gained a fan with her amazing storytelling, heartbreaking emotional characters and a book that will stay with me long after reading. This book is a must read and one I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
It’s been a minute since I’ve really enjoyed a romantic suspense novel, but holy Hannah did I ever enjoy the heck out of this one.
In case you were wondering, with Where the Blame Lies it’s become very clear that there’s no storyline that Mia Sheridan can’t master. Those of you looking for the emotional depth that is sort of the hallmark of Ms. Sheridan’s storytelling – you’ll find that here. But it’s a little darker. A little more twisty. And it’s not entirely tied to the romance – which kindles slowly and, while emotionally satisfying, is sometimes overshadowed by other powerful emotional punches that this story delivers.
That’s not criticism.
If anything, it’s a testimony to how well-crafted the story is. I was sucked into this story immediately and my brain became almost obsessed as it flitted from chapter to chapter, desperately trying to solve the mystery even as the landscape kept shifting on me. I didn’t guess right, at least not until I was intended to, which means that on top of delivering this super satisfying romance, Ms. Sheridan also delivered this incredibly well-written suspense. She engaged my heart and my head, and that’s not even tipping the iceberg on the emotional experience of reading this book.
It was amazing. Heartbreaking. Healing. Inspiring. I am blown away, emotionally spent, a little hung-over, and shouting from the rooftops that you need to read this book!