I really enjoyed this collaboration between Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado. The characters were well crafted and the storyline was fast paced. I would recommend this book and will look for this collaboration in future.

The Grave Artist follows Homeland Security Investigations agent Carmen Sanchez and "intrusionist" Jake Heron as they investigate a serial killer known as the "Honeymoon Killer". (In case you're wondering, there are no spiders in this one.😉) The killer in this book targets newlyweds, making the murders appear to be accidents. When Carmen and Jake pursue the killer, he decides to pursue them. Now HE's hunting those hunting HIM!

I liked The Grave Artist, but I think I would have loved it had there been a little less going on. The primary storyline was fascinating. The second storyline was interesting, too. There was a bit of a third storyline, as well, about Russia. As someone wrote in their review, Too much "just happens." I agree. And some parts felt a little forced. (I guess there was a fourth storyline, too, with a little romance.)

The last part of the book made me smile. It's nice to have something to look forward to.

Thank you, #ThomasAndMercer, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. The Grave Artist has an expected publication date of September 9, 2025.

#Crime #Mystery #Suspence #StrongFemaleProtagonist

I read this as a standalone as I didn't realise it was part of a series, however, I don't feel like that hindered me, all it has made me want to do is go and read the first one. I loved it, the writing drew me in from the first page and gripped me all the way through I couldn't put it down

Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for providing the copy of The Grave Artist by Jeffery Deaver; Isabella Maldonado. I am a big fan of Maldonado and I loved her last collaboration with Deaver , so I jumped at the chance to read this book and revisit the adventures of Sanchez and Heron.The main story was great! I loved the killer’s background and the reason for the murders was intriguing. I liked the killer’s POV more than the chapters about the investigation, but as the investigation went on, it got more interesting. There was a little too much going on in this book, but the reveals were amazing, and I loved the characters. This is a great read and I can’t wait to see what Sanchez and Heron get up to next! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

The Grave Artist is book 2 in the Sanchez & Heron series. Though The Grave Artist contains some references to occurrences from Fatal Intrusion (book 1) it can be read as a stand alone story.
I found the concept of a serial killer using murder as performance art to be interesting. Unfortunately, I found this novel to be lacking in execution. Too much "just happens."
The Grave Artist is a quick read that, in my opinion, could be much better

This book written by talented authors is a quick read. Realistic characters keep the story moving quickly.
Red herrings and secrets…Do not try to guess the ending too soon. It is not easily accomplished. Thanks Netgalley

This is the second in a series by Deaver and Maldonado about Sanchez and Heron. It's just as action-packed and thrilling as the first book in the series was!

Book 2 finds Sanchez and Heron chasing a "honeymoon killer" whose obsession is creating tableaus, works of art, with his death scenes.

The story is dark and suspenseful, and the characters of Sanchez and Heron continue to evolve as we learn more about their individual histories. Of course, they find themselves in some steamy moments, but the "will they or won't they" dance continues without a resolution. Yet.

Maldonado writes strong female leads you can really cheer for. Her voice comes through with its usual strength in this book. I couldn't stop reading even though not putting it down meant it was over much more quickly than I would have liked. I hope this series will continue - I want to see what's next for Sanchez and Heron!

Wowza.

What a crazy ride. I am a HUGE fan of Isabella Maldonado, this is my second book by Jeffrey Deaver. This follow up book did not disappoint. It was fast paced with great characters. I really hope we see more of Sanchez & Heron.

I thought Jeffery Deaver quit writing. I couldn't find any new books in the library. Turns out his books are no longer translated. And now i’ve found this one. The Lincoln Rhyme series was my favorite one. This series is good too but the characters stil have to grow a bit on me. The are well developed, the storyline is good, there's suspense and twists. An interesting and entertaining read.
I received .n advance review copy via Netgalley/Thomas & Mercer and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.

Grief is what drives him. Grief felt by the relatives and friends of the victims. So Homeland Security Investigations agent Carmen Sanchez and her partner, security expert Jake Heron, find out when the suspect dubbed the Honeymoon Killer strikes again. Not killing for the sake of it, but to feed off those left behind after a bride or groom is killed on the wedding day.

Their search takes them between continents, but as more sides to this seemingly clearcut puzzle appear, it seems they might be the ones taken down next. Add in office politics and family members who have their own agenda based on a suicide that may just be murder, well… it’s going to be a ride.

I did not read the first book in the series (darn timing was just out!) but it wasn’t 100% necessary in order to understand the backstory here. It would have helped with the familial connections and understanding the Intrusions Investigations as well as a previous nefarious tech character, but otherwise it’s a pretty solid thriller.

Lots of twists and turns, the pacing was smooth, and the romantic connection moved the story forward. The things that I didn’t like were the fact that every character had to have some story in the bigger picture – it seemed no one was just a side character – and the fact that sometimes there were too many bows that tied things up. You got fed an idea that something bad would happen or someone would die. But… The fact that you got to know the killer upfront and the reasons behind some behaviour was a good lead in, and the teaser about the blades was intriguing. Then the killer’s romantic connection and the killer going after the killer… too many storylines. The Italian side felt a little added in without being fleshed out and sometimes I got too many Rhyme vibes off this.

But in the end, a good thriller, well written, with a bit for everyone, I suppose!

A wedding in Hollywood. A young groom suffers a horrible death, initially written off as an accident. But HSY Agent Carmen Sanchez and security and intrusion expert Jake Heron feel otherwise. Two similar deaths in Italy are uncovered and the chase is on. Dubbed the Honeymoon Killer by the police and press, but Serial Killer 2.0 by himself, his next attempt is foiled by Sanchez and Heron and they soon become the killer’s targets. Fast-paced, taunt, and with the usual Deaver attention to detail, this story rocks. It’s the second in this excellent series by this duo of dynamic storytellers but hopefully others are coming.


DP Lyle, award-winning author (Jake Longly and Cain/Harper thriller series), Lecturer, and Story Consultant and Co-creator of The Outliers Writing University
https://www.dplylemd.com/

This is the 2nd book in a series about a law enforcement officer, Carmen Sanchez, and her unlikely partner, in “intrusionist” named Jake Heron. The two pair up to investigate threats to national security, . In "The Grave Artist", Sanchez and Heron found themselves in puruit of a serial killer known as the "Honeymoom Killer". This killer targets newlyweds, killing one member of the new Mr. & Mrs., but he is clever enough to make the murders look like accidents.

I liked the pace of this story, with short chapters that kept things moving. We also know the killer's identity, and get to be a "fly on the wall", while Sanchez and Heron chase down leads, and eventually, the killer himself (yes, it's a man). There is some sexual tension between the partners, but I didn't find it distracting. I did read the first book in the series, and although it wasn't necessary in order to understand, "The Grave Artist", it definitely helped me to fully understand some of the nuances and little snippets of the characters" previous history.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will definitely be looking out for the next in the series. Deaver and Maldonado are a great writing partnership, in fact, I find that the writing is much faster-paced thn when Deaver writes solo. I stayed interested the whole time, enjoying all the twists and turns until the end.

This second installment with Sanchez and Heron is action packed from start to finish.
Jake and Carmen are a true Cop mismatch, but they work well together and I’d like to
see their relationship continue in the next installment.
I must say, the crimes, and murders are so interesting in their execution that when
you combine with the talent of Author Isabella Maldonado, you have an elevated
action packed, super charged bunch of crimes and crooks! Author Jeffery Deaver
brings his Attorney knowledge to the book making this an elevated style of crime
and suspense thriller.
I especially found the conclusion to be so good ~ whip smart and enough to leave
every reader fulfilled and eager to read the. next book by this outstanding duo.
My thanks to Thomas & Mercer for the download copy of this book for review purposes.

I'm a huge Jeffrey Deaver fan. His latest, with Isabella Maldonodo, is available soon. The Grave Artist was a five star read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! I loved that the book still carried over what had happened in the previous book and wrapped up that storyline. The beginning felt a little slow but it really came together quickly. I also loved the plot twist at the end - truly, I did not make the connection or see it coming. I really love the characters and I’m excited to see where the series goes. I would give this 3.5 stars.

I enjoy reading these books but one of the characters, Selina, is one of my least favorite characters in any book. A narcistic spoiled brat who while was important in the first book is now someone who is just there to cause discord and drama.

Other than that, I like Sanchez and Heron and think they work well together. Though I could use less sexual tension.

There is a serial killer who is killing people on their wedding night. He started in Italy and then moved to the US. Obviously a sociopath we follow him as he plots out his next victim. There is also a mysterious woman who somehow is tied up in all of this. I love the tech and the interaction between the characters. I will continue the series.

The Grave Artist starts out slow but quickly picks up pace. It’s the second in the Sanchez & Heron series.

Homeland Security agent Carmen Sanchez and security expert Jake Heron investigate a string of newlywed deaths that appear accidental—but are they actually the work of a serial killer.?

Will they be able to solve the case before the killer comes after them?

Twisty and edge of your seat story!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy for an honest review.

Captivating and intense, The Grave Artist is a suspenseful thriller that grips you by the collar and won’t let you breathe until it concludes. Jeffrey Deaver and Isabella Maldonado have crafted a second straight banger with great characters, a gripping plot, sinister mystery and emotional attachments.

A newlywed is found dead in what appears to be a tragic accident but later discovered to be the result of foul play. As agent Carmen Sanchez and her partner Jake Heron investigate, they find other similar crimes that point to an intelligent and methodical serial killer at large. Dubbing him the Honeymoon Killer, they find the killer revels in the grief of the survivors more so than in the murder itself. Now, Sanchez and Heron must use every tool and resource at their disposal – blurring the lines of legality – to quickly determine who this individual is before more innocent people are targeted and killed.

Fast-paced with no wasted movement, The Grave Artist moves with purpose towards the inevitable showdown between good and evil. Even though the reader knows who the killer is early on, there is plenty of intrigue and twists to keep the story exciting and far from predictable. The enjoyment is derived through the process of being on the hunt for a serial killer…and having a front row seat to the will they/won’t they romantic undertones of Sanchez and Heron’s relationship. Throw in a sentient AI program that helps accelerate the investigation and you have a bit of everything you could want in a thriller.

The first two installments of this series have been action-packed, anxiety-inducing and fun as hell. The result of two great authors teaming up to create something new and entertaining. Don’t sleep on this series!

This book was another hit in the second book in this series. There was a sound storyline with well developed characters. A few twists towards the end added to the enjoyment of this book. This is a book which I would recommend to all of those who enjoy a good mystery.

Book 2 in the Sanchez & Heron series features two powerhouse crime-mystery authors at the top of their game. Set in the Hollywood Hills, this high octane tale reveals the presence of a serial murderer known as the Honeymoon Killer. Once Homeland Security agent Sanchez and security expert Heron are brought in to investigate, I was glued to the pages as the killer starts to target them. Stuck in a reading slump? Read this!