** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Copy received through Netgalley

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The Body Counter: Detective Jude Fontaine Mysteries, 02
by Anne Frasier
★★★★★
297 Pages
3rd person, multi character POV; mainly dual POV

Content Warning: descriptions of cult-like behaviour; mentions of suicide, sensory overload, off-page rape and torture, drug use, drug addicts; mentions of mental breakdown, train hopping, cult members and serial killers; mentions of cannibalism, history of torturing animals; mentions of a savage knife attack; mentions of sibling sexual abuse; mentions of childhood leukaemia; mentions of throats cut and bodies mutilated; hints of an abusive, toxic relationship and manipulation; mentions of riots, PTSD and compassion fatigue



The Body Counter is a brilliantly written follow up to the first book in the series. Continuing Jude's journey of recovery, and facing the consequences of the last books events, it deals with some dark material in a very sensitive way.

Again, there's not much I can say about the plot of the crime itself, because it was twisty and clever, and if I say anything it could come across as spoilery. Instead, I'm going to keep it short, and just say that while I was able to follow the clues to figure out who the bad guys were, there were some surprises I didn't see coming.

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This time, as well as the dual POV of Jude and Uriah, there were a few more POV's that were needed, as well.
Elliot is the first POV we get. He's a new tenant in Jude's building, and lives downstairs from her. At first, his only interest is in the fact she wakes him at night, screaming at nightmares. Then, he tries to get to know her, but Jude shuts him out, eventually becoming suspicious of his interest. He has a couple of POV scenes, that provide more background on his place in the story.
Mitchell is a brief POV, as the person who makes the unfortunate discovery of three dead bodies, during his shift as an usher at a movie theatre. He never appears after that.
Blaine Michaels is a homeless young man, and a train hopper. He's embroiled in a plot involving the murderers, a heroin addict, and scared. He briefly acts as a witness for Jude, but only has the one scene for his POV.
Iris is a rich girl who hates her privileged life. During dinner with her family, their friends and potential set-up with a boy, a group of people enter her home and begin slaughtering everyone. Iris is the only witness, and has three extremely interesting POV scenes.
Richard Ashby – Uriah's father – gets his own POV for a scene or two, after Uriah suffers some work-related headaches, stress and fainting spells. As an ex detective himself, he helps to view their case from another angle, and do some subtle wandering around, amongst the gawkers at their crime scene, to gather valuable information.
While the minor character of Clementine gets a POV at the beginning of the book, another, Leo, gets a brief POV near the end of the book.

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In terms of storytelling, I loved that the book picked up just two months after the previous one. Jude was literally still dealing with the repercussions and consequences of her actions at the end of Book 1. The divided opinion of the public – some who see her as a saviour, some as a ruthless killer, for killing her father – adds an extra element to her interactions with the public. She's now no longer just the girl who escaped captivity, no longer a potentially unstable cop, but she's also seen as dangerous by some, or a protector of victims by others.

There are some new characters, beyond those mentioned in my POV list above. There's the interesting homeless lady, Ruthie; the nutty maths professor, Professor Masucci; and the new cop, infatuated with Uriah, Caroline McIntosh, who tries to push Jude closer to the edge of her insanity, no doubt from jealousy. They all have their part to play, and they're all interesting in their own way.
I think, of all the new characters, I liked Elliot and Uriah's father the most. They both have real potential to reappear in the next book, with a huge part to play, or as background characters.

I liked that Jude's struggle with her mental health, and trusting her instincts, continued in this book. The way the old house – her captivity house – was used to represent and further that struggle was really interesting. It made her more real and made her dilemma more realistic.
In contrast, Uriah had his own struggle. First, with constant revisits to places that meant a lot to his wife or where they'd been together, but then also with his own health. After some intense migraines, and a fainting spell, we learn a lot more about Uriah's past, and his health, than anticipated. It all made his journey so much more interesting, and deepened the meaning behind his tentative bond with Jude. It also added an extra layer to her feelings towards him.

My only niggle is that I found a few places where the excitement and anticipation lagged. A few parts dragged, so that it didn't have the same continuous impact and engagement as the first book. I also felt that the investigative aspect was resolved more with luck and outside influences rather than first-hand investigation. As that often happens with a second novel, I didn't let it impact my rating hugely. To be honest, if anything, I'd probably just lower to a 4.5, but round up to a 5 for the fact that it fits so consistently with the character and the series.

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Overall, I love the series and how it's shaping up, so far. I love the title connections, and how they're so relevant to the crimes undertaken. I love Jude's journey, and her budding partnership with Uriah.

I would definitely read more from Anne Frasier, and if they ever decide to add to the Jude Fontaine series, I'll be reading that too.

Another amazing read from Fraser! Twists and turns. Dark and gritty, reminiscent to a horror movie. Loved revisiting with Jude. Thank you, Anne and NetGalley for the ARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love Jude Fontaine and this series (or let's say I love Ms Frasier's writing). There is something so connectable and authentic in the way how Jude Fontaine lives after her own brutal captivity time. Cold, closed, yet so vulnerable and full of surprising but real compassion. She really walks in the victim's shoes. Her partner Uriah Ashby complements her in that, being a widower after his wife's suicide. Fingers crossed for "something more" between them (not happening - yet!).
But while the detectives have empathy, the killer/s have not and they are on serious killing spree which might or might not be based on mathematics (of all things!). To be honest, I seriously needed to suspend my unbelief re the killings, as the internal logic is simply missing and no amount of blood can save the sins of writing the story based on too much red spilling and too less of believable motivations.
But having said that, I have enjoyed practically every page. Jude (and Uriah) are too well-written characters with too much interesting backgrounds for not to be a very good reading ride.

Really enjoyed this mystery genre book. Liked Jude and although i havent read the first book, this one made me want to look it up and I did get enough info to piece it together. A good story which held my attention and I liked the characters, the plot and the twists and turns. Really, really enjoyed.

A few years ago I discovered Anne's books from an ad that appeared on my Kindle. It was for The Body Reader. I read and devoured it. I found out she had more books, and I bought all of the Stay Dead series. When I found out that there was going to be another book in this series, I was so excited! I was ecstatic when I found out that I had received an early copy of this book!
This book was good and every thing I had hoped it would be. I can't wait to read Anne's next work!

I really enjoy Anne Frasier's work. In this series, she doesn't shy away from the deep psychological impacts of a horrific kidnap situation; but she also doesn't paint the picture as hopeless either. I think it's probably a good representation of what can happen. Outside of that, I think she writes a great mystery/procedural and really enjoy her work.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC of The Body Counter by Anne Frasier. Frasier is one of my favourite writers in the thriller/suspense genre and always writes stories with a unique angle. Detective Jude Fontaine learned through experience how to read facial expressions and body language after being abducted and then held captive in an underground cell. She has been mentally and physically tortured, beaten and raped and survived. She escaped and killed her abductor and eventually returns to work as a homicide detective despite the reservations of many around her. She has a new partner, Detective Uriah Ashby, who has a dark past of his own. The two of them investigate a serial killer who targets young women, who go missing and then turn up dead later. Jude has a dysfunctional relationship with her father, a well know politician as well as her brother. She is definitely a damaged woman and the story switches back and forth between a captive Jude and present day Jude, and you wonder if she can hold it together and continue to do her job as well as she does. This story is gritty, fast paced with so much going on that it keeps you totally enthralled. Great job Ms Frasier!

I have been waiting for this book for a long time! The Body Reader was my first time reading Anne Frasier and I immediately became addicted to her work. The Body Counter (and Anne) has not disappointed. Jude and her personal struggles are still very much central to the story, but it is intertwined with an amazingly twisted murder mystery like I have never seen before. An absolutely brilliant book and must read!

Having read both "The Body Reader" and "The Body Counter," I am enjoying the development of the main character (Jude) and her partner. This book involved an intriguing, albeit gory, plot that almost had too many moving parts. I wished the book had been longer with more in-depth content about some of the "tangential" plots. The cliffhanger ending will certainly keep me looking for Frasier's next installment in the series.

The Body Counter is the next book that follows Anne Frasier’s popular The Body Reader about a homicide detective who survived a henious crime and is trying to actually live in the real world again. For three years Jude Fontaine was a captive held in a small basement cell and subjected to horrific torture both of the physical and mental kind. When she escapes and manages to solve her own mystery it doesn’t lead to the happily ever after most people would expect. In The Body Reader, we find Jude still in homicide, still feeling unmoored and detached from emotions when another crime comes calling. This time it seems like a murder spree that has no rhyme or meaning. With her partner Uriah Ashby, who also suffers from his own tormented past, Jude must find out who the murderer is before more are killed. The Body Reader is a fantastic suspense thriller that keeps you on edge, not because of what the villain might do but more on how the protagonist acts when faced with the crime. Jude Fontaine is a complicated, intensely deep and emotionally strong but fragile character and its her journey that makes this series so perfect.

Book 2 in the Jude Fontaine series and it is quite an interesting read, although a bit gruesome at times. Jude is still recovering from the kidnap and trauma inflicted by her father. The book is well written although the body count is huge! I like the developing friendship between Jude and Uriah as they work their latest series of grisly murders. i never guessed the leader of the gang and it kept me engrossed until the end, which I never saw coming. A good read. Thanks to Net Galley for my copy.

Jude Fontaine is back with a crazy rollercoaster ride. Dead bodies are everywhere and a killer is on the loose escalating and plotting and keeping us up to the wee hours. Jude is such an interesting main character with her strength and obvious links to the past that haunt her.
Her partner is there by her side again as they work to solve this deep dark suspense thriller. The story line is captivating and well written. Again a great main character and a great read by one of my favorite authors

The Body Counter by Anne Frasier is the second book in the Detective Jude Fontaine series. Jude and her partner Uriah Ashby are investigating a series of mass murders. Every new murder has more victims. An eccentric math professor contacts the detectives claiming he has found a way to figure out the killer's next move using a math theory. Jude and Uriah don't believe him at first, but soon come to find out he is correct. This case takes Jude to the darkest places of her past. This book was very fast paced and thrilling. I enjoyed the way the author advanced the partnership of Jude and Uriah. There is a lot more revealed about Uriah's backstory. You should definitely check this out! Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I haven't read the first book in this series, The Body Reader, but you get enough information in this book to get the gist of that story. Detective Jude Fontaine was kidnapped and held captive for three years. But, she got away and is now working again, although her ordeal is still causing problems like nightmares and a dislike of people touching her.

In The Body Counter is she and her partner Uriah Ashby, (Yeah I can't stop thinking Uriah Heep) after a madman that is killing people, at first what it seems like a random pattern. Then, a math professor tells them his theory. Which makes a frightening pattern with increasing numbers of murders.

The book is good, I found the story interesting and engaging. However, part of me feels that this wounded heroine theme, a female detective with demons in the past (not actually demons, unfortunately, that would have been interesting) is everywhere now. I read a lot of books like this and that means that they have to really feel different, or at least truly grab me for me to really like it. This one just didn't grab me. I didn't feel like I needed to read the first book right away or long for the next book. It's OK, but the book wasn't that thrilling nor truly surprising. Would I recommend it? Yes, because the writing is good and just because I didn't love the book doesn't it mean that it won't pull other readers in. If I get the chance to read the next book would I do it because I did enjoy the story and the partnership between Jude and Uriah.

Fast paced read with so many twists and turns. What struck me as we revisit with Detective Jude Fontaine is how utterly strong she is, and so very damaged. She endured the unthinkable for the better part of 3 years. How she is functioning is beyond me, and she is a brilliant detective. The story development as well as how this author portrays her blows me away.

Her partner Detective Uriah Ashby is in his own right damaged too. And my opinion is she is stronger than him. Actually it’s described in the book that he is more of a beta guy...and I agree AND she is more alpha. And he draws from her strength and ability to shut down and detach at a crime scene. And in this book they were especially gruesome crimes.

The story was twisted and unique to me with its premise. And I am very interested in what’s going to happen with characters. And with the twist that was thrown out there in the end.

This author has such a strong, unique voice in this genre. She is an auto read for me! If you like dark, twisted mysteries with characters that are damaged and brilliant. This author is a MUST!

This series is epic! Dark, gritty and disturbing, LOVE the twists & turns, love the the damaged yet brilliant characters! Can’t wait for more!

Well, after waiting two very long years for the next in this series, I have to say, I didn't love this one near as much as I loved the first. In the The Body Reader you were gripped right from the start, however, with The Body Counter, I can't say that I ever found the level of suspense or even the level of emotional empathy of the captivating nature. That is, not until the very end. The very end might have been the saving grace for me. It has left me intrigued enough to want to move forward with the series to see how this new character Elliot will advance in the storyline.

One thing I can say for Anne Frasier is that she creates very strong characters. Though Jude may not be someone that the reader can easily connect to, it's easy to understand her nature. She's dealing with her tragic past the only way she knows how, and to many, it's not the most conventional, or even healthy way to move on. One thing we get to see here is Jude connecting more, we see her connect to her partner Uriah, with his medical struggles, we see her connect to the stray "roof cat" that has proved to provide her with more comfort than she realized, but most of all, we begin to see her take an interest in Elliot, someone of the opposite sex... a man... only is her trust misplaced?

I'm looking forward to the next in the series where we get to learn more about Elliot and see just how things will progress for he and Jude. This is going to be very, very, interesting.

I want to thank NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Anne Frasier for allowing me the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my review.

Love this author and loved this book! Second in the series and just as great as the first book. This author has a twisted mind and I love it ! This book grabs you from the very first page with the ritual style killings. Suspense, great characters and lots of twists. You will love this series!!

Summary from Goodreads:

"Months after discovering the mastermind behind her own kidnapping, Detective Jude Fontaine is dealing with the past the only way she knows how: by returning to every dark corner of it. But it’s a new, escalating series of mass slayings that has become her latest obsession at Homicide.
At first, Jude and her partner, Detective Uriah Ashby, can see no pattern to the seemingly random methods, the crime scenes, or the victims—until they’re approached by a brilliantly compulsive math professor. He believes that the madman’s next move is not incalculable; in fact, it’s all part of a sequential and ingenious numerical riddle. His theory is adding up. The body count is rising.
But when the latest victim is found in Jude’s apartment, the puzzle comes with a personal twist that’s going to test the breaking point of her already-fragile state of mind. For all she knows, her number may be up."
My Thoughts:
I remember finishing The Body Reader two years ago and just wishing that the author would turn that book into a series. I loved that book so much (which seems really strange to say considering how dark and twisted it was) and I just wanted more! You can probably imagine how thrilled I was when I then heard about this book and realized that my wish had come true. I couldn't wait to crack this book open which meant I almost instantly started reading it. I will tell you here and now that it was just as good as I hoped and knew that it could be. I loved my time with this book! Loved it! And yes it also feels strange to say that still as this book is just as dark as the first book was. There is just something about Jude's character that is so compelling. I never know what to expect from her or how she is going to react. I also really, really like Uriah's character (her partner on the police force). They compliment each other so well and there is just something so unreachable to both of them. I don't know how else to explain it but it sure makes for really great reading. One thing that I did struggle with at the beginning of this book was remembering all of the details from the previous book. It had been a few years so it wasn't as fresh in my mind as I would have liked. It didn't effect my enjoyment too much though as I just went back and read my thoughts on the first book. I will say that this is probably a series best read in order but since there currently only two books that is completely doable. The mystery portion of this book was both gruesome and compelling. I couldn't stop reading because I just had to see how everything was going to end. This was a book that I just found myself so completely immersed within. It was such a great reading experience and once again I was left wanting more. More books featuring these characters that I just can't seem to get enough of! More mysteries that pull me in and don't let me go! I just want more and that's never a bad thing when it comes to books!
Overall I really, really enjoyed this book so much that it has now cemented the series on to my personal favorites list. I will basically read everything and anything that this author writes! But that long wait for book three......luckily it looks like this author has other books that I can check out in the meantime. I really can't say enough good things about this author and these two books. This is easily a five star read for me which should say it all right there! I will say that this series won't be for everyone as it has trigger warnings galore thanks to everything that Jude has gone through in her past. It's something that she is constantly dealing with and I feel like it comes across so realistically. She is a character that you can really root for even when you don't know what to expect from her. I'll say it again here - start with this first book and if your reading tastes are anything like mine then you won't be disappointed. I would highly recommend this series to readers of mysteries and thrillers!
Bottom Line: A book that is most likely going to be on my top reads list for 2018!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. Thoughts on it are my own.

I'm a huge fan of Anne Frasier. I adore her Elise Sandburg series (and want more!). I read the first Jude novel and was excited to get my hands on an ARC of the The Body Counter. It was just as good as the first. I really enjoy Anne Frasier's writing style and complex characters. It had an interesting story line that included the Fibonacci sequence. You really feel for Jude and all she has been through. I love that the character isn't perfect and working through issues. It was a quick read for me, couldn't put it down. I recommend reading the first in the series, but it isn't necessary at all. Highly recommend this book along with all of Anne Frasiers other novels!

Es macht Freude wieder von Jude zu lesen! Man ist schnell in der neuen Geschichte drin und Jude ist wieder ganz ihr neues Selbst. Sie und Uriah werden Nachts zu dem Mord an drei Männer in ein heruntergekommenes Kino gerufen. Nach der Vorstellung hat der Kinojunge sie tot mit durchschnittener Kehle aufgefunden. Das erinnert an zwei unaufgeklärte Morde, die zwei Wochen zurück liegen. Es gibt keine Zeugen, eine Tatwaffe wird nicht gefunden, Kameraaufnahmen sind zu undeutlich. Die Geschichte beginnt zwei Monate nach dem Ende des ersten Buches. Erfreulicherweise ist Jude bei der Mordkommission in Minneapolis geblieben. Sie wird immer noch von entsetzlichen Alpträumen gequält, kann sich aber nie an deren Inhalt erinnern. Man erfährt mehr über ihr Martyrium und ihr Leben danach, ihre Sicht und ihre Emotionen sind fesselnd und nachvollziehbar.

Dann bekommen Jude und Uriah einen recht außergewöhnlichen schon fast irren Tipp, aber sie haben auch nicht viel anderes in der Hand, dem sie widerstrebend folgen... Was sie zunächst nach Wisconsin führt... Zwischen den beiden Ermittlern hat sich eine gute, vertrauensvolle Zusammenarbeit entwickelt. Die Geschichte und die Taten sind sehr düster und grausam, nichts für schwache Mägen. Auf der anderen Seite erlebt man mit ihnen auch viel Menschliches und Emotionales.

Die schrecklichen Verbrechen und grausamen Schauplätze der Massaker bringen beide und die ganze Mannschaft an den Rand des Zumutbaren. Es folgen menschliche aber inakzeptabel Reaktionen. Mich konnten die Taten zunächst nicht so richtig berühren. Mir fehlte irgendwie eine menschliche Komponente. Oder es war schon zu viel, zu blutig. Die Beschreibungen fühlen sich kühl und distanziert an, anders als im ersten Buch. Aber vielleicht ist es auch die Absicht der Autorin, da auch Uriah die Erlebnisse als surreal und unwirklich empfindet. Man hat ein gewisse Distanz, wie wenn man sich einen Splatter- oder Horrorfilm im Kino anschaut.

Doch dann kommt es zu einer dramatischen spannenden Entwicklung, die Judes spezielle Sinne wachsam werden lässt. Im letzten Drittel bekommt das Buch eine zusätzliche persönliche Komponente, die mich sehr ansprechen konnte. Sie verstärkt die Verbindung zur Geschichte. Es kommen hilfreiche Hinweise und Unterstützung aus unerwarteten Richtungen. Jude nimmt ein gewagtes Risiko auf sich. Es folgt ein sehr spannendes, rasantes letztes Drittel. Alles wird am Ende aufgeklärt, es bleibt eine Idee für die Fortsetzung von Judes Geschichte.

Wichtiger Hinweis: Man sollte Teil 1 zuerst lesen. Teil 2 ist nur für die Leser interessant, die sich wirklich für Judes speziellen Hintergrund interessieren, angezogen fühlen, denn auch in diesem Buch drehen sich wieder große Teile der Geschichte darum.

Auch im zweiten Teil wird Jude noch immer wieder in die Dunkelheit ihres Martyriums zurückgeworfen. Aber es beginnt auch langsam, und zaghaft eine Aufarbeitung. Jude ist wie gewohnt tough und beißt sich durch, auch wenn sie unkonventionelle Wege gehen muss. Judes weiteres Leben nach ihrer Gefangenschaft wird sehr nachvollziehbar, realitätsnah und lebendig geschildert. Weiterhin ein schwerer Weg zurück ins eigene Ich. Aber sie gibt nicht auf! Zum Glück werden ihre Erinnerungen an das Erlebte nicht zu sehr im Detail ausgeführt. Es bleibt für den Leser erträglich, wenn auch trotzdem schmerzlich fühlbar.

Man folgt auch in diesem zweiten Teil gerne diesem ganz außergewöhnlichen Ermittlerpaar mit seine Ecken und Kanten.

Fazit: Ich freue mich schon auf Teil 3!

4,5 von 5 Punkten