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Olivia Callahan Suspense #1
The Deadening
Olivia Callahan's quiet, orderly life is shattered when she regains consciousness in a hospital and discovers she is paralyzed and cannot remember a thing. The fragmented voices she hears around her help her piece together that an apparent assault landed her in the hospital, but nobody knows who attacked her, or why. After a chilling struggle to survive, she awakens from a coma unable to remember what happened to her or anything at all, except she has been told she is an entirely different person. Or is she?
Now, in spite of a brain injury that has rewired her personality, Olivia is on a mission to reclaim her life. As clarity surfaces and she starts to understand who she was, she is shocked. Had she really been that person? And if so, does she want her old life back?
Now, in spite of a brain injury that has rewired her personality, Olivia is on a mission to reclaim her life. As clarity surfaces and she starts to understand who she was, she is shocked. Had she really been that person? And if so, does she want her old life back?
310 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2021
About the author
Kerry Peresta
6 books177 followersKerry Peresta's publishing credits include a popular newspaper and e-zine humor column, "The Lighter Side, and the Olivia Callahan Suspense series and standalone, Back Before Dawn, published by Level Best Books. She spent twenty-five years in advertising as an account manager, creative director, and copywriter before deciding to devote more of her time to writing. She is currently working on books four and five for her series and her next standalone. Kerry has been published in several local magazines, including Local Life, Island Events, Bluffton Breeze, and Lady Lowcountry. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Island Writers Network of Hilton Head., South Carolina Writers Assn and Int’l Thrillers. She enjoys participating in writing conferences, and has served as chapter president of the Maryland Writers' Association. Learn more about Kerry at www.kerryperesta.com
https://www.facebook.com/klperesta or https://www.instagram.com/kerryperesta
https://www.facebook.com/klperesta or https://www.instagram.com/kerryperesta
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 27, 2023
WOW. The Deadening by Kerry Peresta is a suspense/thriller novel that keeps on giving, until the very last page is read and I do love the awesome cover. That’s right, even the ending was a total surprise. I am sooo happy that I have the next two books in the series, and I will be cracking open The Rising as soon as I finish writing this review.
I have read amnesia books before, so I thought I would like The Deadening by Kerry Peresta, but I had no idea how great a writer she was. It made me think of a Bones episode, when he literally tripped over her bloody body, except Olivia is alive. The pace and tension level kept me flipping pages, unpredictable moments coming one after another.
When Olivia first becomes aware of…well…anything, it totally creeps me out. Imagine, not being able to open your eyes, speak, move even a finger tip, yet able to hear what is going on around you. Hear people talking at you. Sarah, the nurse is an awesome character. The brain in an amazing organ, doing its best to fix itself when broken.
The characters are well developed. Of course, Olivia develops throughout the story, as memories return and she finds herself. Monty is a total dick, a wonderful villain, one I loved to hate. Niles…sometimes people get caught up in something and can’t find their way out. I had empathy for the man. The girls are girls. Sophie her mother is a fabulous, realistic character. Hunter, the detective who answers her every call, helps her unravel the mystery.
I am having a hard time reining in everything I want to say. I will tell you this, if you are a suspense/thriller fan, Kerry Peresta is an author you want on your reading list.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Deadening by Kerry Peresta.
I have read amnesia books before, so I thought I would like The Deadening by Kerry Peresta, but I had no idea how great a writer she was. It made me think of a Bones episode, when he literally tripped over her bloody body, except Olivia is alive. The pace and tension level kept me flipping pages, unpredictable moments coming one after another.
When Olivia first becomes aware of…well…anything, it totally creeps me out. Imagine, not being able to open your eyes, speak, move even a finger tip, yet able to hear what is going on around you. Hear people talking at you. Sarah, the nurse is an awesome character. The brain in an amazing organ, doing its best to fix itself when broken.
The characters are well developed. Of course, Olivia develops throughout the story, as memories return and she finds herself. Monty is a total dick, a wonderful villain, one I loved to hate. Niles…sometimes people get caught up in something and can’t find their way out. I had empathy for the man. The girls are girls. Sophie her mother is a fabulous, realistic character. Hunter, the detective who answers her every call, helps her unravel the mystery.
I am having a hard time reining in everything I want to say. I will tell you this, if you are a suspense/thriller fan, Kerry Peresta is an author you want on your reading list.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Deadening by Kerry Peresta.
April 13, 2021
The Deadening is the start to a brand new series, Olivia Callahan Suspense, written by Kerry Peresta.
Olivia Callahan's life had been neat and orderly. Or at least, that's what she's been told. Those memories were lost when she was attacked. One day in a hospital, she woke up having no idea what happened to her or even who she was.
She survived, and she will persevere. Getting her life back is going to be a battle, much like the fight for her life and her health. Olivia is more than up for the task and all of the challenges it will bring with it.
“Something soft and warm lay beneath his palms. His breathing sped up. He looked down, but it was too dark to see.”
It has been a hot minute since I had time to read a psychological suspense novel that made The Deadening a refreshing (and terrifying) read for me! Now, I know that a lot of the description may make The Deadening sound like a typical thriller, but trust me! It is anything but.
This is an intense read, right from the start. Even the prologue is enthralling, hinting at the battle that is on the horizon for Olivia Callahan. Overall, I loved her perspective and the unique take on everything she went through.
I think what I loved the most about The Deadening is that Kerry Peresta really embraced this thriller's psychological aspect. Meaning that while there aren't really any dramatic chases or battles, it preys on the anxiety lying in wait in all our minds. In that sense, it was excellently written!
The secondary character introduced was a bit of a surprise for me (his name doesn't come up in the description, for example), but I think his inclusion helped flesh out the story even more. While I think I would have enjoyed it regardless, that did add a nice touch.
Long story short, I enjoyed The Deadening, and I legit can't wait to see what will happen in the next installment of the series. No, really, I have no idea, and that is pretty exciting for me.
Thanks to Level Best Books for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Olivia Callahan's life had been neat and orderly. Or at least, that's what she's been told. Those memories were lost when she was attacked. One day in a hospital, she woke up having no idea what happened to her or even who she was.
She survived, and she will persevere. Getting her life back is going to be a battle, much like the fight for her life and her health. Olivia is more than up for the task and all of the challenges it will bring with it.
“Something soft and warm lay beneath his palms. His breathing sped up. He looked down, but it was too dark to see.”
It has been a hot minute since I had time to read a psychological suspense novel that made The Deadening a refreshing (and terrifying) read for me! Now, I know that a lot of the description may make The Deadening sound like a typical thriller, but trust me! It is anything but.
This is an intense read, right from the start. Even the prologue is enthralling, hinting at the battle that is on the horizon for Olivia Callahan. Overall, I loved her perspective and the unique take on everything she went through.
I think what I loved the most about The Deadening is that Kerry Peresta really embraced this thriller's psychological aspect. Meaning that while there aren't really any dramatic chases or battles, it preys on the anxiety lying in wait in all our minds. In that sense, it was excellently written!
The secondary character introduced was a bit of a surprise for me (his name doesn't come up in the description, for example), but I think his inclusion helped flesh out the story even more. While I think I would have enjoyed it regardless, that did add a nice touch.
Long story short, I enjoyed The Deadening, and I legit can't wait to see what will happen in the next installment of the series. No, really, I have no idea, and that is pretty exciting for me.
Thanks to Level Best Books for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
April 16, 2021
This book was fascinating. I couldn’t put it down. It was a great whodunnit read – but I still felt like I had a few questions by the end (one in particular I just can’t seem to answer!).
Despite this one small question, this book had fantastic descriptions, suspense, and insight into the mysteries of one’s brain (i.e. who we might be as a person when you take away the manipulations we’ve face by the hands of others). The new Olivia Callahan (read below for explanation) is someone I’d love to meet – she’s a force and will stop at nothing when it comes to discovering the truth.
🅱🆁🅸🅴🅵 🆂🆈🅽🅾🅿🆂🅸🆂
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 follows Olivia Callahan upon waking up in a hospital after someone trips over her unconscious body outside of the ER. After having been dumped there, the hospital staff manages to revive her, but she’s paralyzed and cannot even remember her name. Now not only does she have to regain her mobility, but her memory, too.
In an attempt to reclaim her life, she starts to question who she was as a person before all of this happened. Going through a divorce, unable to speak up for herself, the new Olivia is appalled and is now determined to demonstrate just who Olivia Callahan is capable of being.
With an additional twist, her memories start to come back to her, and now she has to ask herself if her old life is even one she wants anymore.
But more than all of this are the ultimate questions: who can she trust? Who did this to her? And why her?
Despite this one small question, this book had fantastic descriptions, suspense, and insight into the mysteries of one’s brain (i.e. who we might be as a person when you take away the manipulations we’ve face by the hands of others). The new Olivia Callahan (read below for explanation) is someone I’d love to meet – she’s a force and will stop at nothing when it comes to discovering the truth.
🅱🆁🅸🅴🅵 🆂🆈🅽🅾🅿🆂🅸🆂
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 follows Olivia Callahan upon waking up in a hospital after someone trips over her unconscious body outside of the ER. After having been dumped there, the hospital staff manages to revive her, but she’s paralyzed and cannot even remember her name. Now not only does she have to regain her mobility, but her memory, too.
In an attempt to reclaim her life, she starts to question who she was as a person before all of this happened. Going through a divorce, unable to speak up for herself, the new Olivia is appalled and is now determined to demonstrate just who Olivia Callahan is capable of being.
With an additional twist, her memories start to come back to her, and now she has to ask herself if her old life is even one she wants anymore.
But more than all of this are the ultimate questions: who can she trust? Who did this to her? And why her?
February 28, 2021
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
The Deadening is a suspense novel by Kerry Peresta. It's the first book from the Olivia Callahan Suspense series.
Olivia Callahan woke up in Mercy hospital paralyzed, blind, and with amnesia. No one knew who she was and what had happened to her. She was
identified when her mother reported her missing and the news showed her picture. In just a week she was making huge progress and she
was named "Mercy's Miracle". Five weeks later, after an immense recovery, it was time to go home, the only problem was that she still had no
memory of her former life. Everyone who knew her they were telling her that she had woken up as a new person. Her only focus was to remember her old life and what had happened to her. Each day a new memory popped up and it was horrible, she wondered about who she used
to be and why. Except for the accident, the most serious decision she had to make was to go back or move forward.
It's such an enthralling story. The plot instantly grabs your attention with the horrific incident. The progress is very slow, it takes you
step by step with her physical and mental recovery. After almost half of the book, it gets more mysterious and dangerous. There are a few
flashbacks that fill in the gaps and some twists that throw you off. At one point I thought I had found the guy but I was wrong, and that
shows how the author is good at misleading you which is important with a book like this one. The huge revelation towards the end was one
I never expected and it explained a lot about the main female character. It's a phenomenal book that everyone should read. I will rate it
with 5 stars.
The Deadening is a suspense novel by Kerry Peresta. It's the first book from the Olivia Callahan Suspense series.
Olivia Callahan woke up in Mercy hospital paralyzed, blind, and with amnesia. No one knew who she was and what had happened to her. She was
identified when her mother reported her missing and the news showed her picture. In just a week she was making huge progress and she
was named "Mercy's Miracle". Five weeks later, after an immense recovery, it was time to go home, the only problem was that she still had no
memory of her former life. Everyone who knew her they were telling her that she had woken up as a new person. Her only focus was to remember her old life and what had happened to her. Each day a new memory popped up and it was horrible, she wondered about who she used
to be and why. Except for the accident, the most serious decision she had to make was to go back or move forward.
It's such an enthralling story. The plot instantly grabs your attention with the horrific incident. The progress is very slow, it takes you
step by step with her physical and mental recovery. After almost half of the book, it gets more mysterious and dangerous. There are a few
flashbacks that fill in the gaps and some twists that throw you off. At one point I thought I had found the guy but I was wrong, and that
shows how the author is good at misleading you which is important with a book like this one. The huge revelation towards the end was one
I never expected and it explained a lot about the main female character. It's a phenomenal book that everyone should read. I will rate it
with 5 stars.
April 1, 2022
Olivia Callahan, in the midst of a divorce, goes from Maryland to Richmond to visit a friend. She wakes up in Mercy Hospital with a severe head injury a week later. She remembers nothing, not even her name. This book is an in-depth view of what it is like to recover from a devastating head injury. Olivia surprises everyone with a complete personality change from the shy submissive person she was. She is a very likeable character. We learn about her as she learns about herself. All the characters are very real and likeable, except her husband Monty who is a chauvinistic creep. The plot is well developed and suspenseful as we begin to learn along with Olivia exactly what happened to her. There are a couple of big twists at the end that left me with my mouth hanging open. I was so involved with the characters that I was sorry when the book ended. I can't wait for book 2 in the series to be released this year. I received a copy of this book from Book Sirens and am reviewing it voluntarily. If I don't like a book I say so. This is an honest review.
March 2, 2021
Couldn’t. Put. It. Down!
I purchased the Kindle version of Kerry’s new book & read it during a flight to DFW & then a connecting flight from there to Tampa. By the time we arrived in Tampa, I had finished this book. I was actually happy about a long, unexpected delay in Dallas before our second flight. Thank you, Kerry Peresta, for yet another can’t-put-it-down page turner. Fantastic!
I purchased the Kindle version of Kerry’s new book & read it during a flight to DFW & then a connecting flight from there to Tampa. By the time we arrived in Tampa, I had finished this book. I was actually happy about a long, unexpected delay in Dallas before our second flight. Thank you, Kerry Peresta, for yet another can’t-put-it-down page turner. Fantastic!
April 23, 2021
In The Deadening, the first book in the Olivia Callahan Suspense Series, author Kerry Peresta weaves a suspenseful tale that follows the challenges that Olivia Callahan faces as she puts the pieces of her life back together after a traumatic assault.
Olivia is found with a serious head injury by a med tech on the grounds of Mercy Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. Comatose, blind, with a traumatic brain injury, and paralyzed, Olivia doesn't have any identification on her, and is classified as a Jane Doe, until her nurse sees a missing person report on the television six days later. Olivia is considered Mercy's Miracle when she regains consciousness and begins the journey of recovering, but she doesn't have any memory of her past. Olivia is determined to reclaim her life, but as her memories return via triggers that prompt flashbacks, Olivia is surprised by the way she had lived in the past, and with the help of Richmond Detective Hunter Faraday, they are determined to find the person behind the assault, and deal with the tangled web of deceit from her past that surfaces along the way.
Author Kerry Peresta weaves an intriguing and suspenseful tale set in the alternating locales of Richmond, Virginia, and Glyndon, Maryland, that follows Olivia Callahan on her quest to reclaim her life after a vicious assault left her with a traumatic brain injury, and no memory of her past. You can't help but get drawn into Olivia's story as she gives a realistic depiction of the challenges she faced as she puts her life back together.
Told in the present time and interwoven with flashbacks to her past, the reader gets to know Olivia as her memories return via triggers. Olivia is no longer the person she used to be, and with the help of Detective Faraday, she wants to find the person who caused the assault, and move on with her life.
The story has a great mixture of drama and suspense that keeps the reader engaged and guessing what will become of Olivia's quest to reclaim her life, and how she resolves the tangled web of deceit from her past. Olivia's journey is filled with grit, emotions, family drama, deceit, heartbreak, and realistic trials and tribulations, you can't help but cheer Olivia on as she discovers what person she wants to be going forward. I look forward to reading the next book in the Olivia Callahan Suspense Series.
The Deadening is a riveting and suspenseful story that you won't be able to put down.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via Net Galley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
Olivia is found with a serious head injury by a med tech on the grounds of Mercy Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. Comatose, blind, with a traumatic brain injury, and paralyzed, Olivia doesn't have any identification on her, and is classified as a Jane Doe, until her nurse sees a missing person report on the television six days later. Olivia is considered Mercy's Miracle when she regains consciousness and begins the journey of recovering, but she doesn't have any memory of her past. Olivia is determined to reclaim her life, but as her memories return via triggers that prompt flashbacks, Olivia is surprised by the way she had lived in the past, and with the help of Richmond Detective Hunter Faraday, they are determined to find the person behind the assault, and deal with the tangled web of deceit from her past that surfaces along the way.
Author Kerry Peresta weaves an intriguing and suspenseful tale set in the alternating locales of Richmond, Virginia, and Glyndon, Maryland, that follows Olivia Callahan on her quest to reclaim her life after a vicious assault left her with a traumatic brain injury, and no memory of her past. You can't help but get drawn into Olivia's story as she gives a realistic depiction of the challenges she faced as she puts her life back together.
Told in the present time and interwoven with flashbacks to her past, the reader gets to know Olivia as her memories return via triggers. Olivia is no longer the person she used to be, and with the help of Detective Faraday, she wants to find the person who caused the assault, and move on with her life.
The story has a great mixture of drama and suspense that keeps the reader engaged and guessing what will become of Olivia's quest to reclaim her life, and how she resolves the tangled web of deceit from her past. Olivia's journey is filled with grit, emotions, family drama, deceit, heartbreak, and realistic trials and tribulations, you can't help but cheer Olivia on as she discovers what person she wants to be going forward. I look forward to reading the next book in the Olivia Callahan Suspense Series.
The Deadening is a riveting and suspenseful story that you won't be able to put down.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via Net Galley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
June 1, 2023
How would you feel if you woke up in a hospital unable to move, speak, or… remember anything at all? Well that’s what happened to Olivia Callahan and when I say this character has an immense growth journey, oh boy do I mean it! The life she lived before the accident had her timid, insecure, and eager to please but when she woke from her coma she checked that meak personality at the door and emerged this strong, brave, sure footed woman! Even when she couldn’t remember who she was or what had happened to her, she exuded a strength that had me rooting for her on every page! She worked hard to recover her memories, stand up for herself, and work with a detective to figure out if her accident was really an accident at all.
Speaking of detective Hunter Faraday… how Kerry Peresta managed to make this story a steamy romance between two nearly platonic characters with very little actual romance at all just blows my mind. That’s all I’ll say about that. ;)
This book was just fantastic from cover to cover. Every chapter was thrilling, every character was interesting, and every layer was revealed in an exciting way! In fact, I am so excited to start book number two that I think I’ll go do that right now!
Speaking of detective Hunter Faraday… how Kerry Peresta managed to make this story a steamy romance between two nearly platonic characters with very little actual romance at all just blows my mind. That’s all I’ll say about that. ;)
This book was just fantastic from cover to cover. Every chapter was thrilling, every character was interesting, and every layer was revealed in an exciting way! In fact, I am so excited to start book number two that I think I’ll go do that right now!
April 6, 2021
The Deadening is the first book in the new Olivia Callahan Suspense series, I actually fell in love with this book and author which I had never read before. Suspense thrillers are one of my favorite genres and this book certainly was filled with lots of twists and turns. Olivia wakes up in a hospital, paralyzed, blind and with no idea who she is or what happened to her. What follows is a intriguing storyline that takes us all on a journey as Olivia searches for answers. As Olivia slowly begins to regain bits and pieces of her memories we begin to weave the storyline together. I will have to say I really like the new Olivia better than the old Olivia. I most definitely would recommend this book to others that enjoy this genre. I received a ARC from the author and #partnersincrimevbt, and this is my honest review of the book.
May 5, 2023
The stark difference between the first few chapters and the rest of the book was wild!!
At the beginning, the story telling was kind of..... watered down? We were told what was happening, instead of being in the heart of it, which kind of made me detached from the book.
Some main characters were also introduced in a way that gave the impression they were side characters or just unimportant names in the story.
.
However, starting from chapter 4, the book gets significantly better, it gets fast paced and so engrossing. Whenever Olivia had a flashback, it was written so well and some flashbacks I really didn't see coming.
Olivia herself was a really great character, she was smart and treated her trauma with levelheadedness and respect, which was refreshing.
.
The plot was strong and the storyline held my attention the whole time. The flashbacks and the transition between each pov and the other were done so well.
The ending was satisfactory, I got my closure and I liked how everything ended for all characters.
.
Overall, a great book.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
At the beginning, the story telling was kind of..... watered down? We were told what was happening, instead of being in the heart of it, which kind of made me detached from the book.
Some main characters were also introduced in a way that gave the impression they were side characters or just unimportant names in the story.
.
However, starting from chapter 4, the book gets significantly better, it gets fast paced and so engrossing. Whenever Olivia had a flashback, it was written so well and some flashbacks I really didn't see coming.
Olivia herself was a really great character, she was smart and treated her trauma with levelheadedness and respect, which was refreshing.
.
The plot was strong and the storyline held my attention the whole time. The flashbacks and the transition between each pov and the other were done so well.
The ending was satisfactory, I got my closure and I liked how everything ended for all characters.
.
Overall, a great book.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
July 10, 2021
Imagine waking up and not knowing where you are...and then realizing you don't know your name and you can't move. Olivia wakes up to find the back of her head hurts, can't see, can't make herself understood, can't really make anything move and starts to panic. She overhears a conversation that she is in the hospital and was dropped off at the E.R. As her panic turns to terror, she succumbs to the blackness once again. As Olivia begins to improve over time she still has no memory of anything prior to coming out of the coma.
Meanwhile Sophie has begun to worry about her daughter Olivia. She hasn't returned from her weekend with a friend. As she cares for her grand-daughters tries to keep them busy so as not to worry about their mother not returning on time. Deciding to keep a timeline she struggles to open a drawer and a white envelope taped to the bottom of the drawer falls to the floor. Wondering if this is a clue she decides to open it, she is surprised at the contents and finally reports Olivia missing.
There are several side stories that are introduced throughout the story and eventually tied up in the reveal.
I really enjoyed the plot of the coma and loss of memory. This was an interesting way to tell Olivia's story. It made me wonder if people's personality change after such a traumatizing event.
Describing this book as fast paced isn't necessarily accurate. You can certainly read this book quickly but the story itself starts out with someone cleaning up blood, jumps to Olivia in the hospital, and keeps building as it introduces more characters until the conclusion. I thought the story was well written and the pace perfect and appropriate for the story. There are twists and turns that will keep you interested until the very end.
I enjoyed reading The Deadening. It was a suspenseful read that held my interest until the end.
I highly recommend The Deadening.
I received an ARC from Book Sirens for an unbiased review.
Meanwhile Sophie has begun to worry about her daughter Olivia. She hasn't returned from her weekend with a friend. As she cares for her grand-daughters tries to keep them busy so as not to worry about their mother not returning on time. Deciding to keep a timeline she struggles to open a drawer and a white envelope taped to the bottom of the drawer falls to the floor. Wondering if this is a clue she decides to open it, she is surprised at the contents and finally reports Olivia missing.
There are several side stories that are introduced throughout the story and eventually tied up in the reveal.
I really enjoyed the plot of the coma and loss of memory. This was an interesting way to tell Olivia's story. It made me wonder if people's personality change after such a traumatizing event.
Describing this book as fast paced isn't necessarily accurate. You can certainly read this book quickly but the story itself starts out with someone cleaning up blood, jumps to Olivia in the hospital, and keeps building as it introduces more characters until the conclusion. I thought the story was well written and the pace perfect and appropriate for the story. There are twists and turns that will keep you interested until the very end.
I enjoyed reading The Deadening. It was a suspenseful read that held my interest until the end.
I highly recommend The Deadening.
I received an ARC from Book Sirens for an unbiased review.
November 23, 2023
I enjoyed the premise of the plot and characters which kept me wanting to keep turning the page. It starts with Olivia being found dumped outside the hospital with a severe head injury leaving her with amnesia. Slowly with the help of her friends and family she starts to recover but with only other people's memories and opinions to go by Olivia is confused as what she is being told doesn't reflect the person she is now , all the while trying to help the police piece together who attacked her and dumped her at the hospital and more importantly why?
I found both Olivia and her mum interesting and the way they interacted with each other. It was plain who you would like and who you would hate.
I look forward to seeing more of them.
Thank you to BookSirens and Kerry Peresta for my ARC ebook.
I found both Olivia and her mum interesting and the way they interacted with each other. It was plain who you would like and who you would hate.
I look forward to seeing more of them.
Thank you to BookSirens and Kerry Peresta for my ARC ebook.
July 28, 2021
This is a must-read book. The haunting trauma of a woman who suffered head injury. She was in a coma and had to relearn how to walk and talk. Due to the extent of her injuries, she has no memories of her pending divorce nor her family members. She doesn't recall her life.
What is so compelling is watching her regain memories of her life prior to being left at the hospital, but who committed this heinous activity. The book captivated me. The author wrote a story that takes you on a journey with an intensity until the very end.
Many books of this genre leads you to conclusions. This author has you shifting blame until the final revelation.
I received this book as an advanced reader, and I have left this review of my own volition.
What is so compelling is watching her regain memories of her life prior to being left at the hospital, but who committed this heinous activity. The book captivated me. The author wrote a story that takes you on a journey with an intensity until the very end.
Many books of this genre leads you to conclusions. This author has you shifting blame until the final revelation.
I received this book as an advanced reader, and I have left this review of my own volition.
September 22, 2021
I received this book as an ARC on Booksirens.com and want to thank them the publishers and the author for the chance to read it and provide a review.
The main reason I prefer to read suspense thrillers is that you spend most of the book trying to figure out what happened, where the story is going and how things will end up. In The Deadening, you are on this path along with the protagonist. You the reader are putting the pieces together along with Olivia as she tries to uncover the events that led to her ending up unconscious in the hospital and after waking up unable to remember what happened or even her life prior to those events.
It was an enjoyable read and I look forward to future works by this author.
The main reason I prefer to read suspense thrillers is that you spend most of the book trying to figure out what happened, where the story is going and how things will end up. In The Deadening, you are on this path along with the protagonist. You the reader are putting the pieces together along with Olivia as she tries to uncover the events that led to her ending up unconscious in the hospital and after waking up unable to remember what happened or even her life prior to those events.
It was an enjoyable read and I look forward to future works by this author.
September 29, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
WOW, what a thrill-ride!! Well deserving of 5 stars!!
I loved this book. Great characters, believable story arc … and a few good clever twists.
I could feel Olivia's pain, fear and frustration as she navigated her way in this book, coming to terms with who she was and trying to find her memories, and in essence, herself. I felt quite proud of her.
The author also did a good job of capturing the essence of the people that were part of Olivia's life.
All in all, a really engaging read. Highly recommended if you enjoy fast paced stories, with well thought out characters and situations, with a touch of suspense and romance.
WOW, what a thrill-ride!! Well deserving of 5 stars!!
I loved this book. Great characters, believable story arc … and a few good clever twists.
I could feel Olivia's pain, fear and frustration as she navigated her way in this book, coming to terms with who she was and trying to find her memories, and in essence, herself. I felt quite proud of her.
The author also did a good job of capturing the essence of the people that were part of Olivia's life.
All in all, a really engaging read. Highly recommended if you enjoy fast paced stories, with well thought out characters and situations, with a touch of suspense and romance.
October 17, 2021
In The Deadening, Kerry Peresta delivers a thrilling, psychologically driven suspense novel. As Olivia Callahan tries to unravel the circumstances behind a brutal attack that’s left her physically and emotionally scarred, the author takes us on an unpredictable and genuinely moving journey into the nature of memory and how it forms our sense of self. The characters are finely drawn, and their complex relationships are rendered with a sympathy that never veers into sentimentality. I highly recommend this taut, thrilling, and well-written mystery.
October 26, 2022
Highly recommend this psychological suspense novel.
The suspenseful storyline in "The Deadening" caught and kept my attention right from the first page. I honestly had hard time putting this book down so much so that I read it in 2 nights. Every chapter was so descriptive it was as if I was right there alongside the characters. If you like psychological suspense novels then you will definitely enjoy reading this one. This is the first book in the Olivia Callahan suspense series. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series ("The Rising").
The suspenseful storyline in "The Deadening" caught and kept my attention right from the first page. I honestly had hard time putting this book down so much so that I read it in 2 nights. Every chapter was so descriptive it was as if I was right there alongside the characters. If you like psychological suspense novels then you will definitely enjoy reading this one. This is the first book in the Olivia Callahan suspense series. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series ("The Rising").
August 4, 2021
Olivia was found near dead on the hospital grounds. When she wakes up from her coma she has amnesia.
This is her journey as she pieces together the puzzle of her past life and those who have tried to kill her.
A fabulous story you won't be able to put down!
Thank you Booksirens and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own
This is her journey as she pieces together the puzzle of her past life and those who have tried to kill her.
A fabulous story you won't be able to put down!
Thank you Booksirens and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own
Read
August 19, 2021This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
September 12, 2021
This was an interesting plot and the story was written in a fast paced way.
I am not going to go into the plot the publishers do this much better than me
I really enjoyed it and would gladly read anything by this author again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am not going to go into the plot the publishers do this much better than me
I really enjoyed it and would gladly read anything by this author again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 9, 2021
A very well written psychological thriller with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I really felt for Olivia as she tried to piece together the memories that would surface unexpectedly. Luckily for her she had a very supportive network of friends.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of The Deadening through BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of The Deadening through BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.
September 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this book.
The characters in it are written so you feel you know them and can hear them, not something all authors can do.
You feel you have worked out what is going to happen or how it will end and them boop, another twist to make you wonder.
Would love to read more by this author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
The characters in it are written so you feel you know them and can hear them, not something all authors can do.
You feel you have worked out what is going to happen or how it will end and them boop, another twist to make you wonder.
Would love to read more by this author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
March 10, 2021
Great Book
I give this book 5 stars and highly recommend it. Author keeps you in suspense until the end. It was hard to put down and I look forward to the next book about Olivia.
I give this book 5 stars and highly recommend it. Author keeps you in suspense until the end. It was hard to put down and I look forward to the next book about Olivia.
March 13, 2021
Good book for raining days😊
Good read from beginning to end. Love suspense book and this is one of the best! Didn't want The Deadening to end.
Good read from beginning to end. Love suspense book and this is one of the best! Didn't want The Deadening to end.
June 25, 2021
Terrific novel! Suspenseful. Beautifully written. Peresta's voice really stands out here. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
May 2, 2021
As always I want to give a shout out to #NetGalley, and author #KellyPeresta for the ARC of #TheDeadening. Thank you so much!
As I started reading this I was immediately gripped by a need to know what happened to Olivia. She is laying in a hospital bed seemingly unable to respond to doctors and nurses trying to help her. She received a head wound and has no identification so no one knows who she is or what happened to her.
Fortunately with the love and patience of a sweet nurse named Sarah she begins responding to people that come in and out of her room. Slowly she regains the ability to talk, but has no idea who she is. When the story airs on the news she is finally identified and her family is informed.
When her mom, Sophie, shows up Olivia still has no memory of what happened to her. In fact, she has no memory at all. She doesn't even remember she has two daughters or that she is going through a divorce she didn't want.. She didn't even know her name until the hospital staff told her. As she continues her journey towards healing small tidbits of memory start invading her mind.
When the memory fragments come to her she can't be sure that she remembers right. What if the wires in her brain are crossed? No big deal, right? At least not until she starts remembering what happened and who put her in the hospital,
That's when things really pick up and go off the rails. There is so much information to sort through and Olivia's personality isn't the same as it was before the attack. She wonders if her soon to be ex could have really done this.....or was it someone else?
This is a great book for a Saturday evening in, or any evening for that matter. It was a quick, easy read that kept my attention from beginning to end. I couldn't turn pages fast enough. This is the first book in a series I am looking forward to reading.
This book is now available to purchase wherever you like to buy your books. Go ahead, you won't be disappointed. It's a great book, the first I've read by Kerry, but it won't be my last. I can't wait for the next in this series! #HappyReading!
As I started reading this I was immediately gripped by a need to know what happened to Olivia. She is laying in a hospital bed seemingly unable to respond to doctors and nurses trying to help her. She received a head wound and has no identification so no one knows who she is or what happened to her.
Fortunately with the love and patience of a sweet nurse named Sarah she begins responding to people that come in and out of her room. Slowly she regains the ability to talk, but has no idea who she is. When the story airs on the news she is finally identified and her family is informed.
When her mom, Sophie, shows up Olivia still has no memory of what happened to her. In fact, she has no memory at all. She doesn't even remember she has two daughters or that she is going through a divorce she didn't want.. She didn't even know her name until the hospital staff told her. As she continues her journey towards healing small tidbits of memory start invading her mind.
When the memory fragments come to her she can't be sure that she remembers right. What if the wires in her brain are crossed? No big deal, right? At least not until she starts remembering what happened and who put her in the hospital,
That's when things really pick up and go off the rails. There is so much information to sort through and Olivia's personality isn't the same as it was before the attack. She wonders if her soon to be ex could have really done this.....or was it someone else?
This is a great book for a Saturday evening in, or any evening for that matter. It was a quick, easy read that kept my attention from beginning to end. I couldn't turn pages fast enough. This is the first book in a series I am looking forward to reading.
This book is now available to purchase wherever you like to buy your books. Go ahead, you won't be disappointed. It's a great book, the first I've read by Kerry, but it won't be my last. I can't wait for the next in this series! #HappyReading!
November 11, 2021
Kerry Peresta delivers a well-written slow-burn psychological suspense as protagonist Olivia Callahan struggles to regain her memory after an assault lands her in the hospital. As she recovers, Olivia embraces a fresh, independent, and outspoken identity — one that is paradoxically different than the demure housewife who a mugger left on the lawn of a local hospital.
With the help of her mother, daughters, and potential love interest, Olivia attempts to navigate divorce proceedings left unfinished from her life before. To complicate matters, her soon-to-be ex-husband begins to show up more often — erratically dancing between reconciliation and retaliation. Regardless of his real motives, he brings a dangerous element back into the picture, one that could cost Olivia and her daughters more than a messy divorce could on its own.
While closer to 3.5 than 3 for the writing, The Deadening is a deftly linear story with a protagonist you want to know, but not necessarily across as many chapters as Peresta delivers. The story is also complicated by so many chapters dedicated to an ex-husband whose motivation is too difficult to pin down and a potential love interest who sometimes feels like a procedural prop.
All in all, the story is enjoyable, and the primary character is promising. Peresta does an excellent job at dissecting the end of a troubled marriage. Yet, the story never truly takes as the thriller it could have been. Despite threats around every corner, none of them have the kind of teeth that will keep anyone up at night, leaving the sense that you like the story and telling but an uncertainty whether you might want more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
With the help of her mother, daughters, and potential love interest, Olivia attempts to navigate divorce proceedings left unfinished from her life before. To complicate matters, her soon-to-be ex-husband begins to show up more often — erratically dancing between reconciliation and retaliation. Regardless of his real motives, he brings a dangerous element back into the picture, one that could cost Olivia and her daughters more than a messy divorce could on its own.
While closer to 3.5 than 3 for the writing, The Deadening is a deftly linear story with a protagonist you want to know, but not necessarily across as many chapters as Peresta delivers. The story is also complicated by so many chapters dedicated to an ex-husband whose motivation is too difficult to pin down and a potential love interest who sometimes feels like a procedural prop.
All in all, the story is enjoyable, and the primary character is promising. Peresta does an excellent job at dissecting the end of a troubled marriage. Yet, the story never truly takes as the thriller it could have been. Despite threats around every corner, none of them have the kind of teeth that will keep anyone up at night, leaving the sense that you like the story and telling but an uncertainty whether you might want more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 17, 2021
The Deadening is a fast-paced book that picks up speed as it goes towards the end of the book. The author did a fantastic job of keeping the fast pace up throughout the book. There was a tiny bit of lag in the middle of the book, but I expected that. The author could pick up the pace again and keep it going until the end of the book.
I loved Olivia, even though I wished that more of her “before” the author showed her accident. The way she handled Monty was golden (and it was even better knowing how she was treated). I also loved that she decided she would try and figure out the events that lead up to her head injury.
I was not too fond of Monty. I would even go as far as to say that I hated him by the end of the book. But, as the author revealed things and different aspects of his character, I wanted to give him a taste of his own medicine. He was so pompous and didn’t understand that Olivia wasn’t the same person. So, I cheered at every little thing that happened to him—even the small stuff.
The storyline about Olivia, her brain injury, and how it happened was interesting. I did figure out who did it by the middle of the book, but I couldn’t figure out why. That came as a massive surprise to me. But it made sense considering who that person was.
The secondary storylines were well written also, and the author did a great job of merging them into the main storyline.
The mystery storyline was fantastic. The author was able to keep me guessing not only about what happened to Olivia but why and who was behind it. She threw out several red herrings (which I almost fell for!!) towards the end of the book.
The end of the book was terrific. Not only was the mystery about how Olivia got her head injury solved, but there were several other mini mysteries solved too. As I mentioned above, I was surprised at who was behind everything.
I enjoyed reading The Deadening. It was a suspenseful read that kept me at the edge of my seat. I am looking forward to reading book 2 (if there is one!!)
I would recommend The Deadening to anyone over the age of 21. It is a clean book (no sex and some kissing scenes). But there are scenes of attempted rape, domestic violence, and drugging a drink.
I loved Olivia, even though I wished that more of her “before” the author showed her accident. The way she handled Monty was golden (and it was even better knowing how she was treated). I also loved that she decided she would try and figure out the events that lead up to her head injury.
I was not too fond of Monty. I would even go as far as to say that I hated him by the end of the book. But, as the author revealed things and different aspects of his character, I wanted to give him a taste of his own medicine. He was so pompous and didn’t understand that Olivia wasn’t the same person. So, I cheered at every little thing that happened to him—even the small stuff.
The storyline about Olivia, her brain injury, and how it happened was interesting. I did figure out who did it by the middle of the book, but I couldn’t figure out why. That came as a massive surprise to me. But it made sense considering who that person was.
The secondary storylines were well written also, and the author did a great job of merging them into the main storyline.
The mystery storyline was fantastic. The author was able to keep me guessing not only about what happened to Olivia but why and who was behind it. She threw out several red herrings (which I almost fell for!!) towards the end of the book.
The end of the book was terrific. Not only was the mystery about how Olivia got her head injury solved, but there were several other mini mysteries solved too. As I mentioned above, I was surprised at who was behind everything.
I enjoyed reading The Deadening. It was a suspenseful read that kept me at the edge of my seat. I am looking forward to reading book 2 (if there is one!!)
I would recommend The Deadening to anyone over the age of 21. It is a clean book (no sex and some kissing scenes). But there are scenes of attempted rape, domestic violence, and drugging a drink.
March 31, 2021
I generally enjoyed this psychological mystery. I was glad it is not a scary thriller in that Olivia's life is in physical danger rarely. We readers try to solve the mystery of her experience right along with Olivia and there was a compelling nature to how information came to light. I felt Peresta did a great job with the trauma and the remembering of events in bits and pieces.
I generally liked the mystery too. I do wish there had been some hints or a little foreshadowing. When the final clues are revealed, I like to think I should have seen that coming rather than feeling it is totally new information.
I do have some grammar pet peeves and this novel would have benefited from closer line editing. “A loud knock startled Sarah and I apart.” (986/3927) “He...moved Serena and I inside...” (3223/3927) A sure way to be clear in pronoun usage is to remove the other person. We have “startled...I” and “moved...I.” It's apparent that doesn't work and the pronoun should be “me.” Another issue was, “Words. ...I used less and less of them...” (3810/3927) When referring to quantified items, like words, “fewer” is used. I know I'm picky but reading the above phrases is like fingernails on a chalk board to me.
This is generally an enjoyable and engaging psychological mystery if one isn't too picky about grammar.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I generally liked the mystery too. I do wish there had been some hints or a little foreshadowing. When the final clues are revealed, I like to think I should have seen that coming rather than feeling it is totally new information.
I do have some grammar pet peeves and this novel would have benefited from closer line editing. “A loud knock startled Sarah and I apart.” (986/3927) “He...moved Serena and I inside...” (3223/3927) A sure way to be clear in pronoun usage is to remove the other person. We have “startled...I” and “moved...I.” It's apparent that doesn't work and the pronoun should be “me.” Another issue was, “Words. ...I used less and less of them...” (3810/3927) When referring to quantified items, like words, “fewer” is used. I know I'm picky but reading the above phrases is like fingernails on a chalk board to me.
This is generally an enjoyable and engaging psychological mystery if one isn't too picky about grammar.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
April 25, 2021
I have to say when this book started with someone scrubbing up blood, my attention was instantly grabbed.
This read did not disappoint. I felt like the book was a perfect blend of Olivia’s recovery, her personality transition, and the mystery behind Olivia’s initial assault.
I loved the progression of Olivia’s change in personality. I also thought the secondary characters were well defined and a few characters that really stayed with me included: Nurse Sarah who originally cares for a severely injured Olivia, Olivia’s soon to be Ex-husband, (slimy) Monty, and Detective Hunter Faraday, who is trying to solve what happened to Olivia.
I look forward to a continuation of this series.
About the Book
When a medical tech finds a bloody woman on the lawn of Mercy Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, this Jane Doe is on the verge of death.
Olivia Callahan, mother of two, has become “Mercy’s Miracle” as she has survived a brutal attack.
The attack has changed Olivia.
Now she must decide who she really is and find out why someone would try to kill her.
Thanks to Partners in Crime VBT for the chance to read and give my honest thoughts.
This read did not disappoint. I felt like the book was a perfect blend of Olivia’s recovery, her personality transition, and the mystery behind Olivia’s initial assault.
I loved the progression of Olivia’s change in personality. I also thought the secondary characters were well defined and a few characters that really stayed with me included: Nurse Sarah who originally cares for a severely injured Olivia, Olivia’s soon to be Ex-husband, (slimy) Monty, and Detective Hunter Faraday, who is trying to solve what happened to Olivia.
I look forward to a continuation of this series.
About the Book
When a medical tech finds a bloody woman on the lawn of Mercy Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, this Jane Doe is on the verge of death.
Olivia Callahan, mother of two, has become “Mercy’s Miracle” as she has survived a brutal attack.
The attack has changed Olivia.
Now she must decide who she really is and find out why someone would try to kill her.
Thanks to Partners in Crime VBT for the chance to read and give my honest thoughts.
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