Really enjoyed this read once I got used to the graphic nature of the book. Detective Sergeant Lena Evans is a complicated character and had her flaws but I found it easy to cheer her on. I love the detail in which this book is written and was so engrossed in the storyline I finished it in a weekend.

WOW, what a creepy and unsettling read. I know it is just a story but a very descriptively graphic thriller with enough detail to make this reader feel unsettled. Detective Sergeant Lena Evans is a reluctant local celebrity struggling with PTSD. Special Agent Cait Port is the potential solid person Lena needs in her life. Written in the first person, Lena shares how she is feeling and why she is doing what she is doing. Both Cait and Lena are good and likable people working hard to do the right thing. This read provides quite a good look at a person struggling with PTSD.

Wow, what a fantastic book that was well developed and well written. A wonderful author that I can not wait to keep reading. The book will pull you into it and the characters will make you feel their emotions. This book is not for the faint of heart. I want more from this author.

So first things first - I'm a big fan of mystery / horror / suspense novels, and managed to determine the bad guy before the MC , but it didn't take away from the story. Hanson hit the nail on the head with Skin Deep. I want to mention right from the outset that if you're not a fan of gore or vivid descriptions of crime scenes, skip this one. Hanson painted very detailed pictures in every gruesome crime scene, and Skin Deep is not for the faint of heart.

This is a first person mystery, told from the point of view of Lena. I must say that I personally struggle heavily with depression, so at times this was tough for me to get through. Hanson made me think, feel, and experience how Lena felt in many scenes. All triggers aside though, that's honestly exactly what I want in a novel! The only reason I could personally get through this one though, was because my own triggers didn't line up with Lena's situation. Fair warning to other readers if you struggle with PTSD or heavy depression - with the way Hanson writes, you will feel it with this read! It was a very well written crime novel, and I'm reluctant to scare others away from picking it up based on my own personal situation, so take what I'm saying with a grain of salt please! This is still an extremely well written, well planned crime novel that you will enjoy if you're a fan of the genre.

Skin Deep is NOT a light, fluffy read, but it's still great for the genre. Hanson is obviously a wonderful storyteller, and she definitely engrossed me in the novel, just at times, it was too engrossing for me. It's a dark read. There's bits of romance, and light at the end of the tunnel for MC Lena, but throughout the entire book I personally felt very weighed down. I had to put this one down at times (which isn't normal for me in a read), and step away to get myself out of the mindset for a bit before continuing. I'm guessing that others may not feel it as heavily as I did though, and that my feelings were mainly based on my own situation. If you enjoy crime / mystery / murder / suspense novels, you will most likely enjoy this one. This was my first read of a Michelle Hanson novel, and I can confidently say that it won't be my last. I just might be a little more careful with my next choice though to make sure I pay a bit more attention to the trigger warnings before picking up the next one!

Another thing I'd like to point out that I've seen others mention in reviews - I had zero issues with formatting, and I'm reading on the Kindle app on my iPhone. Looks like they've gotten this issue fixed, so don't let this issue deter you from reading!

3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 for the triggers.

*Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!*

This book was everything I didn't Expect it to be and I loved it.

Detective Sergeant Lena Evans takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. However, it would be wise to note that this book might be a little too graphic for some readers.

The book is written in first person and, although not my favourite, it did a great job at describing everything that was happening. Something that i find a bit hard to do, especially if you only have one point of view.

I would recommend this book to everyone that likes to be on the edge of their seat throughout the entire book. The suspense and mystery were great. I also really like the little touch of romance the author added.

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Lena is a detective/ sergeant is famous in her hometown for taking down an infamous serial killer named Lathan Collins. A year later she is still haunted by her time spent in the killers lair. With the anniversary of Lathan's death fast approaches, a killer is sending video of his kills to Lena. The investigations brings Lena's ex back into her life as her partner to catch him. The killer give five days for Lena to figure out who he. There are already four victims. Will Lena be the fifth?

Lena is a very complex character. She is still very broken by her horrific experience. and feels completely isolated from those around her. This was one of those books that I hated to have to put down throughout the day. Lena is a character that I cant help but like and want to root for. Fast paced and a bit creepy. In a good way! There are two different killers talked about in this book and both give me chills.

This is a good book, with a strong plot, story and characters. The only problem is the dead meat. Details about parking a car or how to brush your teeth have nothing to do with the story, so why waste my time with them?

Michelle Hanson wrote a great book! Well developed characters and subplots with Lena and her girlfriend, along with her past love Cait. This is a thriller, meets greatly developed characters emotionally and mentally. I don't want to spoil the book but Lena has an experience that changes her life and this book shares the struggles she goes through to regain back her self-identity.

This book is about a serial killer and a detective, Lena, and about Lena’s complicated relationships. To say more would be spoiling the storyline, so I will leave it at that! This was a very good story, and had the right amount of horror, and romance, to satisfy.

This book is one of the most exciting lesfic thriller I've ever read. In a good way, of course, but wow! I'm not going to add more description than the book blurb so as to not give away any spoilers. This book has a lot to offer to any reader that enjoys this genre. A bit much relationship angst for my personal taste, but maybe to be expected with a character with PTSD and the storyline. This book is worth your time. I will definitely be looking for more lesfic from this author!

3.5 Stars. This was a pretty good serial killer mystery/crime book. I have never read this author before so I took a chance on this. I do have to point out that the formatting was not well done. Everything is double spaced, but the spaces are not where they should be so that was a bit annoying. I got this as a read now ARC from Netgalley. The book is currently available from Amazon for only .99. Hopefully the formatting has been fixed for the published version, but I’m not sure. You would think the author would want to fix an issue on an otherwise well written book. My suggestion would to be read the free sample and if the odd formatting is still there, then decided if you could read it. I personally think the book is worth the .99 even with the formatting issue, but that’s up to you.

This is lesfic and does have some romance. However, most of the book is about the main character Lena dealing with PTSD and trying to find the killer. Lena is a Detective Sargent, who was captured by a serial killer she was chasing. It has now been a year and she is still dealing with nightmares and anxiety attacks. When a new serial killer starts sending videos of murders to the police, Lena most overcome her fears to stop them.

This book is written in first person. There are a lot of details so you actually see, feel, and even smell what the main character is going through. The way this is written you feel like you are actually becoming the character of Lena seeing through her eyes. I think it is a cool way to read a book, but I know it’s not for everyone. I did think at times that details went a little overboard. That Hanson was overdoing it a bit, but for the most part I liked this different kind of writing.

The mystery was well written. Hanson gives out some clues that if you pay attention, you can actually figure out the killer before Lena does. I always like when a mystery writer does that, I think it makes the book more enjoyable. I do have to give a trigger warning. This book is violent and gory. Some of the descriptions of the murders that were caught on video, I had to skim because they were turning my stomach a bit. This is a hardcore serial killer case. On the other side, this book is also very exciting at times since you know you are dealing with someone so evil.

This book has some bumps, but it was a good exciting read that I am glad I read. I think this book will appeal to crime/mystery fans. It is tough to read in parts, but the overall story is well done.