A killer who removes the hearts of the victim is roaming the city and Detectives Bruce Marklin and Jocelyn Beaudette are assigned to the case. Unfortunately for Officer Aaron Pimental he becomes embroiled in the case.
An enjoyable, interesting read with some good twists.

3 and 1 / 2 stars

When the first victim is lured to her death and found in a dumpster, Officer Arron Pimental responds to the call. He is sickened by what he sees. The victim is naked and her heart has been removed.

Detectives Bruce Marklin, who no one likes and Jocelyn Beaudette show up at the scene. Aaron is offended by the cool manner in which Marklin takes in the scene. Beaudette is more human and able to feel more for the victim. They soon discover that this is not the first victim, and before the carnage is over, four victims die in the same manner.

Aaron is having problems with his girlfriend pulling away from him and his best friend has turned into a religious nut. He wants badly to be a part of the investigation, but is basically shut out.

We learn early on who the murderer is and why he is doing it. He has help. Aaron knows these people and is somewhat torn between good and bad. When he finally chooses, his life is in serious danger. Betrayed by his good friend, Aaron and his partner Brian are kidnapped and taken to a secret place where things turn very serious.

The book turns on a dime and gets even more enthralling.

This is an exciting and interesting read. It is fairly well written and plotted. This is my first Jason Parent book and I will be looking into his other novels. The suspense hits you from the very first and it only gets better.

I want to thank Netgalley and Red Adept Publishing, Inc. for forwarding to me a copy of this book to read.

Jason Parent has done it again! He has created a brilliant story that will grip you tight and won't let go! I found myself turning page after page to see what happens next. From start to finish, this book is mind blowing!

Detectives Marklin and Beaudette have their hands full when it comes to the ritualistic killings that plague Fall River. They have to weave their way through a maze of potential suspects. Officer Aaron Pimental's life is getting worse and worse. He is the traffic cop who goes home to a girlfriend that has grown distant. His friends have joined a religious group and don't really have time for him anymore. He wants to hang out with his friends, but they try to pressure him into joining their religious group.

I thought I knew where the story was going, but I was wrong. There are enough twists, turns, secrets, and revelations to keep you on the edge of your seat. The author has created some memorable characters. The characters feel real because you get to know and understand them as the story progresses. You feel the characters' frustrations and emotions. The personalities of each character gradually unfold as the story progresses, letting you see what the character is like and was like before the murders began.

A Life Removed is equal parts psychological horror and physical horror. This book will have you reading late into the night. This is a fun read because you never know where the story is headed. I will definitely be reading Jason Parent's other work!

I highly recommend this book to fans of mystery/thriller and horror!

5/5 stars!