Sweetheart by Chelsea Cain

I loved Ms. Cain's first book, Heartsick, and wasn't sure how this one would follow up. This book far exceeded my expectations and the only thing I can say about this book is WOWZERS and I give it an A.

From Amazon:
With Heartsick, Chelsea Cain took the crime world by storm, introducing two of the most compelling characters in decades: serial killer Gretchen Lowell and her obsessed pursuer Portland Detective Archie Sheridan. The book spent four weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and garnered rave reviews around the world. But the riveting story of Archie and Gretchen was left unfinished, and now Chelsea Cain picks up the tale again.When the body of a young woman is discovered in Portland’s Forest Park, Archie is reminded of the last time they found a body there, more than a decade ago: it turned out to be the Beauty Killer’s first victim, and Archie’s first case. This body can't be one of Gretchen's—she’s in prison—but after help from reporter Susan Ward uncovers the dead woman's identity, it turns into another big case. Trouble is, Archie can't focus on the new investigation because the Beauty Killer case has exploded: Gretchen Lowell has escaped from prison.Archie hadn't seen her in two months; he'd moved back in with his family and sworn off visiting her. Though it should feel like progress, he actually feels worse. The news of her escape spreads like wildfire, but secretly, he's relieved. He knows he's the only one who can catch her, and in fact, he has a plan to get out from under her thumb once and for all.

The main character, Archie, is one sick man. When I say sick, I mean sick in the head and physically sick as well. His obsession with Gretchen is unbelievable, but Ms. Cain does such a great job writing about it and explaining all about it, the reader can clearly see how Archie is wrapped around her finger. A lot of the backstory was revealed in this book which the first book didn't have and I loved that. All of the characters are likeable, even though they are all clearly faulted. The suspense is always building and was truly a thriller. It is very dark and not a ton of action, but a lot more in the psyches of people, which I always enjoy. I would highly recommend this book to everyone but suggest that you do start with Heartsick. This morning I kept reading just a few pages because I didn't want the book to end, but finally had to just give in. I was worried about how the book was going to end, because I really do not want the series to end and I think it won't.

I just started a totally different type of book, One Fifth Avenue, by Candace Bushnell. I have only read 25 pages, but I am afraid that it won't hold up to Sweetheart and I may not give this one it's justice. That is why I purposely chose another book that is not a thriller so I won't be disappointed. Have a great weekend and Happy Reading!