They Never Die Quietly by DM Annechino
3.0 out of 5 stars Another formulaic, predictable, "female cop in peril" thriller,


This novel was so disappointing. I love thrillers featuring smart, competent female detectives who use their brains and police procedure to solve a case involving a heinous serial killer. Ever since Clarice Starling got into Dr. Hannibal Lecter's head, I've loved the genre and reading about that odd relationship between mind-hunter or cop and criminal. Unfortunately, this wasn't one of those good books.

Sami Rizzo, a single mother, is assigned to the investigation of a psychopathic murderer who is crucifying women and taking their hearts as souvenirs. Even though he typically captures the women along with their children, he released the children when he's finished killing their mothers. Sami and her partner, Al, (romantic interest) don't have many concrete leads when Sami gets the bright (read: stupid and so cliche it's ridiculous) idea to use herself as bait by going on a date with a man who fits many of the characteristics described by other witnesses and by the children of the women who were abducted. Even admitting that what she is doing is dumb when she accepts a dinner invitation from Simon -- she goes ahead with her harebrained scheme and ends up locked in the basement of his isolated home.

As far as I'm concerned, the novel's entertainment value and believability ended on page 146 and limped to its predictable climax and ending a very long 130 pages of Sami in captivity later.

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They scream, but no one can hear them, much less help them. They are in a sound-proofed basement that is much like a mini-apartment. They could live there indefinitely without ever leaving, if they lived.

After he kidnaps the women, always with one of their children, he keeps them their for 72 hours, until the time has come to be "cleansed." Then, he crucifies them and drops the child off somewhere so they can be returned to their dad. He doesn't harm the children, they are leverage, a tool so he can control the women.

Sami Rizzo is the homicide detective leading the case for the serial killer. Police work really isn't in her heart, but she promised her dying father she would choose it as a career. She has something to prove to herself as well as the men in her precinct. Everyone knows women have to show that they are just as good as the men. But the man she thinks may fit the profile is just too handsome and polite. When he asks her out, she decides to go, not only to enjoy herself, but to also scope out his place. But, her gut instinct proved correct, and she soon finds herself waking up naked in a basement behind a steel door. She's grateful that her daughter is with her mother, until Simon kidnaps her and brings her as well. Now, Sami will have to use all her instincts and training to make it out of there alive; unfortunately, Simon has moved up the deadline.

They Never Die Quietly is chilling, horrific, and thrilling. Mr. Annechino has really researched about serial killers and it shines through his writing. Simon is someone whom you wouldn't know has that sort of evil in him; after all, he works with the general public everyday. Sami is a great character, full of so many depths and lengths she will go to for what she believes in. I couldn't turn the pages quick enough, wanting to know more, yet dreading what I would find. Even after I've closed the book, the story has stayed with me. Mr. Annechino writes so vividly, it's like a motion picture playing across your eyes. Definitely a must-read for thriller and mystery fans!! Highly recommend and I can't wait to read the next one!!

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