A Thriller (Archie Sheridan & Gretchen Lowell) - Evil at Heart

This is the best series of crime thriller fiction I have ever graced my mind with. All three books come together like a complete book. A superb read that never falters the imagination and the mystery and suspense of this tense tale of good and bad. The unflinching reality of perfect characters give the story a true experience like no psychological book has ever done.

Cain is a writing god when it comes to building the perfect base to a story by forming the beautiful twisted world of characters. Henry the big brother type detective to Archie. Susan the young naïve explore to the end reporter. Debbie the sane ex-wife. Archie the lost soul seeking the ultimate high called death and Gretchen the true spider that weaves the web to complete the base and weave the plot to a dangerous and sensual and sick and disgusting drama that lasts upon the one reading.

Cain gives moments you will never forget. Cain has created a new world in which she has brought the female world into the serial killer reality. She has taken an old story plot and refreshed it with true originality.

The plot thickens once more. Archie is in an asylum, body parts are being left, and Susan is trying to write a book and is swept again into another setting of murder. Gretchen still taunts and haunts.

This is the weakest of the series, the first two books grabs the reader in the first ten pages making you hooked, this one is more drawn out and predictable and even after a hundred pages the book still does not hook. The book is a great read just not spectacular like the other two. You as the reader start to question how much more of this can take place without it being silly or non-reality based.

Yes Gretchen is this sadistic smart genius, Hannibal like Lector character but after a while you’re scratching your head and saying does she have super powers, is she a mutant with invisibility and mind control powers. The first two books explored the sadistic nature of a perfect psycho serial killer, this one starts to overlap itself into the basic simple crime thriller that any author could write. I feel the worst reality to the story is making Susan and Archie almost this Laurel and Hardy type of sleuths. The concept of Archie being deeply disturbed and Susan’s quest for the truth in the first two books had made them unique and wonderful written characters and now it’s like it’s been washed away and hidden from the story.

Cain seemed to walk away from what made the story the best written. With all the negative said, it’s still a very interesting read with many psychos from copycat crazies to the queen herself Gretchen. The story is outrageous and very over the top to the point it’s not believable, but it still maintains the reader.

Finally on Chapter 56 which is page 262 of the paperback, and then all the way to the end of page 324 is when the book really takes off with impact and leaves finally that lasting reality that you had with book one and book two.

This is the 3rd instalment in the (female serial killer) Gretchen and (investigator) Archie Sheridan series and Chelsea Cain did it again, what a thrill. When body parts start showing up around Portland along with Gretchen's trademark, many many little hearts drawn at the crime scenes, Archie checks himself out of the hospital and goes after Gretchen with Henry and reporter Susan by his side. Archie and Henry believe it's Gretchen sending them a message. But Susan has made contact with someone from a Gretchen Lowell fan group (yes fan group). Apparently Gretchen is some kind of a celebrity by now, there are bus tours and there is even a Beauty Killer manicure. It seems sick and in the meantime something that could really happen. Now is it really Gretchen slicing and dicing up victims or is there a fan acting as a copycat serial killer? Cain keeps us guessing what is going on. She really surprises the reader and keeps us guessing even some more in the end about what is true or not.. I love Cain’s sick and twisted mind, not for the faint at heart though because again some very graphic scenes but I’m already wondering what n° 4 Night Season will bring us.

The third time not necessarily a charm. I think this sits somewhere in the 2 1/2 star range, and I really loved the first two.

Archie is on leave and in rehab. Gretchen is on the run, but has promised to not kill so long as Archie doesn't commit suicide.

Bodies start to pile up with characteristics that appear to be Gretchen's signature. Is Gretchen back or is there a fan in Portland trying to reach out to her?

This story didn't have my undivided attention, and to me, was missing elements of suspense and fear that captured me in the first two. I'll say it... I MISSED GRETCHEN. She was almost entirely left out of the book. She is the part of the story that fascinates me and leaves me wanting more.

On the plus side, I think the book did a good job highlighting the twisted fasciation our society has with creating celebrities. It doesn't take much of anything to be a celebrity these days (yes Kim K, talking to you). I recognize that there are felons with celebrity fan clubs, and there isn't much discussion around that. The book probably takes this to the extreme, but sadly, there is an appetite for tours and other "experiences" that allow us to celebrate the evil.

I remain hopefully optimistic that book 4 will be better.

Fingers crossed.

Read in June, 2013

Listened for Fun (Library Copy)
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 3.50
Character Rating: 4.60

Audio Rating: 3.50 (not part of the overall rating)

First Thought when Finished:Evil at Heart got really good the last 1/2! I couldn't put it down (or turn it off).

Story Thoughts: Chelsea Cain is brilliant at writing totally off-their-rocker characters. Her serial killer Gretchen is one of my favorites. Evil at Heart gave us another twist in the Gretchen/Archie storyline! It was full of twists,turns, and action. The only problem was the first part was a little slow but I think it was necessary for this story. Let's just say if you are a fan of Gretchen, you will love every single moment her in this story.

Character Thoughts: Chelsea Cain writes kick ass characters. They are all twisted, bruised, battered, and a little off-kilter. There is something to like about all of them though and that to me is awesome character building. Serial Killers are some of my favorite fictional characters but honestly there are few out there that are better than Gretchen. I always get so drawn in by her even when she is only somewhat there. You can feel her in every little moment!

Audio Thoughts:

Narrated by Carolyn McCormick/ Length: 9 hrs and 5 mins

I usually really enjoy Carolyn's narration but I thought her voice for Archie was off. He sounded more like a teenager than a seasoned police officer. I think she did a great job with all the other voices though and her pacing was fantastic! There is another narrator for the next book so I am going to give it a whirl and see if it is closer to how I imagined these people.

Final Thoughts: This is a fantastic series! The only thing is "DON'T READ OUT OF ORDER" :)

As always, Chelsea Cain didn't disappoint with Evil at Heart. I don't know how she does it but she comes up with some of the most evil, twisted, sick, perverse things one could possibly ever imagine. Sometimes it makes you wonder how a person could come up with such thinsg! Either way, I love it and can never wait to get my hands on the next one.

You have such a diverse set of characters in this series and you can't help but want to read about them! Gretchen who is twisted as ever, Archie, the ever so faulted detective, Henry, the almighty prim and proper protective detective, and Susan, the flamboyant witty reporter! What a set of characters, but I love reading about them and continuing on their journeys with them.

Just as with the previous two books, Cain leaves you wanting more. I listened to the audio version and have never been able to get so lost in a book as I do with Cain's novels. I find myself being able to complete her stories in very few sittings because I just get so lost in the reading.

Overall, a 5 star read and I can't wait to start the next one!

For years, the police have been in hot pursuit of Gretchen Lowell, the Beauty Killer. Even when captured, she manages to escape. And she casts a long shadow.

In Evil at Heart, the third book in the series, we join Archie Sheridan, one of the most dedicated detectives pursuing Gretchen, who is a victim of hers, too. He is under psychiatric care for the traumas he sustained from her, as well as his addiction to pain killers.

But now a series of new murders are occurring, and there is something off about them. The locations and some of the details suggest that someone else is responsible. And yet Gretchen is making her presence known as well. Archie leaves the hospital and takes up hot pursuit.

Who or what is responsible for the new carnage? How does one of Gretchen's previous victims figure into the mystery? And what must Archie and a journalist named Susan Ward go through before they finally discover the answers?

As thrilling as the previous novels, this one had some extra twists and turns that raised questions about just what Gretchen was responsible for, and how much her cult followers had to do with the new series of murders. In the end, there is a face-off. Who will be left standing, and who will not?

As much as I want to know more about these characters, in some ways I hope that this is the end of the series. Four stars.

Gretchen Lowell, America's most gorgeous, insane and sexy serial killer has escaped. The camera loves Gretchen and so, it seems, does America. Her picture graces magazine covers, t-shirts with "Run Gretchen" appear on our teenagers, coffee mugs with "I'd Kill for a Cup of Coffee" and her visage appear in break rooms throughout offices, women read articles on how to "get Gretchen's hairstyle" in fashion magazines. Gretchen Lowell fan clubs are springing up across the country. Archie Sheridan had hunted her for years, and found right beside him, involved in the case. The horrific injuries she inflicted upon him are nothing compared to the psychological damage she left in her wake. Archie has suffered and bled and survived, and now, after he has been hospitalized for months and just starting to heal, he's being drawn back into the hunt. People are once again dying in gruesome ways, and it seems that Gretchen has returned and began killing once more. Archie is forced to begin his hunt again to discover if the Beauty Killer has returned or if this is the work of a bizarre cult of her followers.

Chelsea Cain's new book, Evil at Heart is a high speed adrenaline pumping, pulse pounding, dry-mouthed thriller. Do you remember the times you've gone to a really good scary movie, and someone, usually a girl, goes into a dark scary building? And you're saying...."don't go in...don't go in.." because you just know that no good can come of it if she does? That's what this book does.

At one point, while I'm reading as fast as I can, my right brain is screaming, "No, don't go in there, run...run.... you stupid girl, don't you watch scary movies...get out get out get out...." At the same time, my left-brain is saying, "Uh...imaginary character in a novel...get a grip..." After my right-brain got done slapping the crap out of my left-brain, I continued reading and freaking out. A few more minutes of reading with my fingers splayed in front of my eyes, and I made it to the end of this particular chapter...whew...now I could go to bed. It was late, and then, yup, I'm sucked back in. It was the old "just a few more pages" bit. My recommendation: don't start this book when you have enough time to read it in one sitting. You don't want to dream about it, that would be scary and bad, and you sure as heck don't want to wait and see what happens next.

Cain understands that too much of the unrelenting fear factor might not be manageable to us weaker hearted readers. She lets us see moments of humor in the thoughts of her protagonists that can elicit a chuckle from us, even though we know we probably shouldn't giggle.

Chelsea Cain is the Queen of Creepy as far as I'm concerned. Her first two novels, Heartsick and Sweetheart were good, and I liked them enough that I was interested in reading her third. If you're a person who hates coming in partway through a series, (like me) you might want to check them out, but I don't think you'd have to read them first to "get" Evil at Heart. I expected to like this one as well as the last, but I was wrong. It's the best of the three, Cain just keeps getting better and better. Okay.... creepier and creepier too. My 14-year-old daughter asked what I was reading, and all I could say was, "nothing you're allowed to read yet." (She gets nightmares really easily, doesn't watch scary movies either.) I hope Queen Chelsea of Creep is hard at work writing another novel, this is one loyal reader who can't wait to have the bejeebers scared out of me again by this talented, albeit, often frightening author!

If you're a fan of the genre...get this book! Thriller suspense at its best. But be warned, its a gruesome and graphic page turner, with a strong "ewwww" factor. (I'm as warped as the author must be, I loved it!)

Archie Sheridan was held captive and tortured by Gretchen Lowell, a beautiful and sexy serial killer who has haunted the citizens of Portland, OR for years. She brags that she's killed over 200 people, and she nearly killed Archie. He's voluntarily admitted himself into a psychiatric hospital in an attempt to get over his addiction of Vicoden, and Gretchen herself.

Archie's not the only one who is infatuated with Gretchen. Her crimes have been sensationalized by the media; Hundreds of "Beauty Killer" fan sites have popped up on the internet. There's even a tour bus that drives tourists around to the spots where Gretchen's victims' bodies were found.

When body parts are discovered in the bathroom of a local rest stop, along with the tell-tale "hearts" Gretchen was known to decorate her crime scenes (and victims!) with, everyone believes the serial killer is killing again. Archie's good friend, Detective Henry Sobol, new lead of the "Beauty Killer" task force, asks Archie to check himself out of the psych ward to once again join the hunt for Gretchen. Joining the hunt alongside Archie and Henry is Susan Ward, a reporter for the local newspaper, another near-victim of the Beauty Killer.

Bodies begin showing up at the sites of Gretchen's killings. Something seems a little off to Archie. Gretchen's MO is to remove the spleens of her victims and to carve hearts on their bodies. These new victims don't quite fit the profile of Gretchen's handiwork. Once again, Archie puts his own life in danger in order to find the truth behind the killings.

Chelsea Cain has once again done a stunning job! Her ability to portray such a vicious killer astounds and impresses me. As in the previous two books, Sweetheart and Heartsick, the relationship between Archie and Gretchen fascinates me! Archie's character has performed an astounding transformation. He literally went from a bumbling love-sick puppy in Gretchen's presence to a relatively strong character.

There are quite a few scenes in Evil at Heart that are terrifying and gruesome, even more so than any of Cain's previous books. However, this wasn't just randomly inserted, I think it was done to realistically capture the pure evil that resides in the killer.

I highly recommend this, and the other "Beauty Killer" books to anyone who enjoy a nice, terrifying read!

Gretchen Lowell is still on the loose. Archie and Gretchen made a deal if he did not try to kill himself she would not kill anyone else. when a murder with Gretchen trademark happens all deals are off.

in the meantime reporter Susan Ward has found websites that glorify Gretchen and worship her. susan teams up with Archie to stop Gretchen and to try and catch her.

If one was to attempt to name the most frightening aspect of Chelsea Cain's latest novel, it would be difficult to pick a winner. Cain, a reporter for The Oregonian, exploded into the world of thriller literature with HEARTSICK, the first installment in a trilogy featuring female serial killer Gretchen Lowell and homicide detective Archie Sheridan. This debut went into dark places that seemed almost unimaginable, with Sheridan pursuing Lowell, her true identity unknown at that point, even as he was being seduced by her. In SWEETHEART, Lowell is in prison for the majority of the book, yet controlling actions in and out of her jail cell while continuing to manipulate Sheridan.

Lowell is physically absent for most of EVIL AT HEART, yet one cannot turn the pages without feeling her presence in the room. And therein lies one of the most startling aspects of the novel: the paranoia that informs practically every sentence of the story. This, combined with Cain's unflinching, graphic descriptions of unspeakable deeds and (perhaps most significantly) Lowell's ascendancy to folk-hero status, makes EVIL AT HEART one of the most frightening books you will ever read.

Lowell escaped from prison at the conclusion of SWEETHEART, leaving Sheridan in shreds physically, emotionally and personally. As the new book begins, his body bears the scars of sharp-edged indignities that Lowell visited upon him. Emotionally he is obsessed with her; and personally his marriage is over, his wife and children having fled Portland to new lives in Washington State. Sheridan has surrendered to a controlled and safe life as an inpatient in a mental hospital. Meanwhile, a cult of personality has inexplicably exploded around Lowell. There are guided Beauty Killer bus tours to the sites of her murders; Lowell's image is on the covers of leading regional and national magazines; and everything from restaurants to nail salons are naming products and services after her. Yet she remains tantalizingly, maddeningly out of sight.

Sheridan is brought out of his seemingly safe cocoon and back to the world when it appears that Lowell, reneging on a promise that she had made to Sheridan, has begun killing again. Bodies are discovered at three different sites; the description of at least one of them, a roadside rest stop, will almost certainly give you pause every time you have the urge or need to stop at one during your next long-distance motor trip. Henry Sobol, Sheridan's steady and dryly acerbic partner, is there to help Sheridan take his tentative steps back into the world and police work, as is Susan Ward, whose feelings for him remain undefined though very much in the moment.

While investigating the latest series of killings, Sheridan finds past horrific murders linked to Lowell that were never officially solved. Lowell is in touch with Sheridan, but is as enigmatic and, indeed, as erotically charming as ever, even as the horror of what and who she is shines through while remaining a haunting presence just off the page. When Lowell does appear, it is in a cataclysmic conclusion that raises more questions than it answers, leaving the reader gasping and haunted.

I somehow cannot bring myself to believe that we have seen the last of any of the characters who manage to reach the final pages intact. Regardless, EVIL AT HEART, as with the previous books, stands as a landmark exploration of the darkest reaches of the human psyche, where love, passion, and something unnamable and unknowable intersect.

--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub

Chelsea Cain's wonderfully dark and [...] Gretchen Lowell series is back for its third installment with "Evil At Heart." Now into its third book, Ms. Cain finds herself at a crossroads. The third act of a trilogy is the natural place to wind up stories. But what do you do when you've created characters who can take you places you haven't been to yet?

That's kind of where Ms. Cain is with hero anti-hero police detective Archie Sheridan and his dark love, Gretchen Lowell. Sure, in the first book, "Heartsick," we read how Gretchen tortured Archie in some of the worst ways imaginable, but we also saw how she wormed her way into his heart. With the third book, Gretchen is at large and becoming a twisted object of public devotion. There are tour buses visiting old haunts. "Run Gretchen!" T-shirts are sold in stores. And the latest craze among fashionistas is the Beauty Killer nail job.

Oh, and Portland may be getting hit with a wave of [...] killers just dying to imitate their idol.

The usual cast of characters is back, and they are well-settled into their roles. The series is starting to stretch the conceit that Archie will track Gretchen down only to have her escape after damaging him further, so it's a welcome change to have so much of the book focus on the copycats . . . one of whom shares a dark connection with Archie.

While Gretchen isn't all that terrifying in this book, Ms. Cain offers plenty of scenes sure to give you the willies. Thanks to Ms. Cain's invention of Dr. Gretchen Lowell, men may think twice if an attractive, intelligent blond begins to show an interest in them.

She just might have read these books too, and taken them to heart.

I love the Gretchen Lowell series from Chelsea Cain. Funny, this is the only series (other than Dexter) which is named after the serial killer instead of the chasers. At least I think it is. Someone feel free to correct me if you think of any others. Maybe it's because everyone plans on killing Gretchen yet no one ever manages to do so. And she's not always being elusive. Sometimes she's actually in police custody and still getting away with serial killer creepiness.

I like all the reoccurring characters: Susan the journalist, Archie the cop/living victim and Henry the grump-ass detective. These three (and Gretchen) just keep getting better and better! Archie is still trying to get over his love for his kidnapper, Susan is still trying to find that great story and a way to get closer to Archie and Henry still seems miserable.

This series is not for the feint of heart. There is great details when it comes to the gore scenes: scarification, eyeball mutilation and loss and quite a large amount of pools of blood. If you can stomach the details and love a good thriller, than this one is for you.

Evil at Heart is another installment in the Archie Sheridan & Gretchen Lowell series, and it is a good one. I'm feeling more and more drawn in by Gretchen's pull with each new book. She's not as...prominent in this one as in books past...or maybe she is, but I prefer when she's up front and taunting rather than lurking in the shadows. She's too brilliant to.

On another note, I do wish I could see more of Susan (and that she'd buck up). She's squeamish more often than not, but I suppose that's to be expected, considering all she's been through. She shows a bit more gusto than before, s I guess I shouldn't complain too much. I just wish she'd have a bigger role, but I can sense one on the horizon for her.

I'm on to the next one!

Although "Evil at Heart", the third book in the installment series of serial killer Gretchen Lowell vs. Archie Sheridan, etal., is not quite as frightening as "Heartsick", the original in the series, it is an entertaining reach that is difficult to put down.

The elephant in the room in this story, is the focus on the Main Stream Media, and how their refusal to back away from all details of a story that is forefront in the minds of the public creates celebrity, where the subject of the story is less than worthy of adulation. Cain approaches this with cynical humor, and while the "manhunt" is still first and foremost in the book, the existence of copycats and the groupies who follow even the most loathesome of characters plays a central role.

Cain's a witty writer who knows how to create and maintain suspense, and I'm particularly fond of her portrayal of young journalist Susan Ward in this series.
Definitely worthwhile if you've read the first two installments!

With the release of her first highly-acclaimed novel in the Gretchen Lowell series, "Heartsick", Chelsea Cain introduced readers to the most original serial killer since Thomas Harris' Hannibal Lecter. What makes things that much more unique is the fact that Cain's series has a female villain at its' 'heart'.

Detective Archie Sheridan, emotionally and physically scarred by his love-hate realtionship with his former therapist/lover turned serial killer, Gretchen Lowell, begins "Evil At Heart" inside an insane asylum (where he checked himself in). What makes this third novel in the series stand apart from the prior two is how Chelsea Cain not only puts the focus on the Sheridan-Lowell cat-and-mouse game but firmly places the spotlight on the American media. Yes, the same American media that has vaulted mediocre talents to stardom via American Idol and made Paris Hilton a household name. In "Evil At Heart", Gretchen Lowell is still on the loose - but the search for her has now taken a back seat to the t-shirts, murder bus tours and constant tabloid rag coverage she has garnered from the media at large. Women/young girls are now getting "Beauty Killer" nails and "Run, Grtetchen" t-shirts are a best seller.

One of the tragic results of this media overexposure is the formation of a deadly cult that is copying Gretchen's murders right down to the physical disfigurements she has subjected her victims to. Additionally, a string of grisly murders have begun in the Portland, OR, area and the police do not know if it is the work of Gretchen herself or the delusional cult. Archie Sheridan checks himself out of the asylum and right back into the action as he is the only one capable of stopping the insanity...or so he thinks.

"Evil At Heart" once again is a smart and brutal page-turner that will have readers guessing and squirming, simultaneously. As Archie quotes the over-used movie-line: "Let's get out of here" - I was already starting to miss him & the other characters in this great series - and hope to spend some time with them again soon!

Previous book in this series, "Sweetheart" was scorching hot but this was more of a drawn out tepid bath, it wasn't bad but it certainly lacked the spice. I recommend reading these in order, and for those who haven't read "Heart Sick "and "Sweetheart" this shouldn't be the starting place, that said I'm happy I got to read it but a bit disappointed to how it turned out. The sheer lunacy of Gretchen being a superstar in the media world was hard to believe, people are obsessed more than ever with the Beauty Killer, her images are selling newspapers, there are clubs and secret societies obsessed with her, tee shirts and mugs with her name on them, all a game with a sick undertone, that was something I had a really hard time believing as I don't fall easily for charms and gimmicks of any sort, and I certainly don't believe in glorifying any sort of man killing scum, not even one as pretty as Gretchen. The woman who can manipulate men to do her bidding as she uses her body and seduction to keep them glued to her, is on the run and no one seems to know how to track her except for Archie, trouble is that he has voluntarily checked into a psych-ward and is considered a citizen until proven non threatening to himself.

The game is back on but this time it circles around a story that I frankly wasn't interested in, the possibility of copy-cat killings was just too much as it took the bulk of this novel into directions that didn't seem interesting. I wanted some sort of a conclusion and battle between Gretchen and Archie ad this sadly wasn't it. The writing was silky and smooth as ever but the topic was less satisfactory, something was gone from the novel, perhaps it all lays in Gretchen and without her the storyline loses it's bulk and that pleasurable buzz. If something else comes out in this series I will read it but with caution and weariness, I felt like I jumped into it and came out a bit disappointed, although it's hard to say why without spoiling most of the time line, one major reason for being disappointed depends on lack of something very specific. It was a fast read but less pungent than its predecessor, it wasn't as gory and shocking as it's believed, more like a filler between two other books...I think that people who are expecting a gory psycho story will be rolling their eyes more than once.

- Kasia S.

If there really were a beautiful, yet deadly serial killer like Gretchen Lowell, what would be your reaction to her? Would you be disgusted? Fascinated? Attracted? Would you fall in love with her, even just a little? How would the rest of the country (or the world) react to her?

This is what 'Evil at Heart' takes a pretty hard look at, and that's one of the things I love about Chelsea Cain - she goes where few dare to tread.

The great thing about the Gretchen Lowell series is that each book is a little different. Each tells a gripping, exciting story, and each explores some very dark territory, but each takes a slightly different angle on it. This is so refreshing, when many series seem like the same story with different characters, rehashed over and over again, Chelsea Cain just keeps the surprises coming.

In 'Evil at Heart,' Cain explores the cult of personality that has developed around Gretchen Lowell. With fan clubs and 'Run, Gretchen!' t-shirts, magazine covers and websites galore, Gretchen has developed a rabid following of people all too interested in her 'work' as a serial killer. A new series of clues appears, starting with a spleen found in a public toilet, with the walls decorated in little red hearts, pointing to the idea that Gretchen has started killing again. Detective Archie Sheridan is spending some time in a psych ward, trying to get over his Vicodin addiction and his deeper addiction to Gretchen herself. Reporter Susan Ward is also trying to deal with her own experiences, hoping to further interview Sheridan, and starting to look into the new set of potential murders.

In the course of the book we learn more about the past relationship Gretchen and Sheridan shared, and more about what happened when she was actively killing. More than that, Cain explores the obsession and grim fascination many of us seem to share (myself included) when it comes to serial killers, and how at some point the killer seems to become more interesting to us than the victims. When I was reading about the Gretchen Lowell tours and merchandise and chatrooms in the book, I couldn't help but think how very plausible it would be in the real world. It's an unexpected direction for the story to take, and a pleasant surprise that it could be done while still telling a pretty gripping yarn.

Much like in her first two books, Cain goes places in 'Evil at Heart' that are uncomfortable, and occasionally gruesome. This book (and this series) is not for the faint of heart, but for those who are willing, it is consistently thrilling and surprising, explores some important ideas about our fascination with the dark heart of humanity, and will likely keep you guessing until the very last page.

Taken together, that makes for an excellent case for just why we 'heart' Gretchen Lowell and Hannibal Lecter and those like them. It also makes a very, very good book.

This is the third Archie/Gretchen novel by Chelsea Cain that I have read. It seems that each one drops by half a star. This time, we do not focus on their relationship so I was a bit let down. The change in storyline is initially offputting even though it is still very well written.

After my initial disappointment, I wonder if the author is putting a twist in the series in an effort to not saturate the characters or the readers.

I came upon Ms Cain by getting a greatly reduced price on Heartsick. I was immediately impressed. There are only two more in the series to read. I wish she had more books available. I find her writing style to be addictive.

In Portland, Oregon, detective Archie Sheridan continues his deadly grisly chess game with serial killer Gretchen "the Beauty Killer" Lowell who seems to checkmate him ever time (see SWEETHEART and HEARTSICK). Her latest violent assault is leaving body parts all over a bathroom. Archie was in rehab for prescription drug addiction; but checks out of the center to continue his macabre quest to obtain the final victory over his menace.

Reporter Susan Ward accompanies him as he investigates several homicides that look like the gruesome art work of Lowell, but the sleuth feels something is off kilter. He begins to wonder if perhaps one of Lowell's zillion fans, who see her as a real life Lector since her daring prison escape, might be playing copy cat killer. Meanwhile Lowell continues to taunt and tease him deep inside his heart but also eating at his brain, like many males he wants her.

Readers will feel empathy for Archie who has been painted in many media circles as the villain sort of like an Inspector Javert of Les Miserables stalking America's Sweetheart as capitalism takes over with tours, etc. The story line is character driven by the competition between Archie and Gretchen as fans of the saga will enjoy round three of what looks like a twelve round title fight.

Harriet Klausner

Well, Gretchen Lowell still stirs Archie's desire for her though not as much as before. It might even happen that he is able to turn away her appeal to his, um male gonads. The reader sincerely hopes so.

The author submerges us in an unfortunate community of fan followers of Gretchen's achievements, the gorier the better. These evolution's misfits scarify themselves over and over and one of them in particular intrigues with the possibility of his guilt. Did he/did he not do it? Gretchen mixes us up admirably.

Gretchen has become a folk hero. Apologists offer reasons that a woman who murders in the creepiest and cruelest ways imaginable is really not so bad after all. Even in our cynical times, I cannot see that a manicure style would ever be named for a serial killer.

Also, toward the end of the book Gretchen plays with Archie's mind (not the first time that has happened), and the reader is left up in the air as to whether she was telling the truth. Maybe yes, maybe not. I did not find the ambiguity entertaining, and I think it was sloppy plotting. The story gets pushed along by too many dumb acts committed by Archie and Susan. I was constantly muttering, this will not end well. The best tension occurs when charactors behave intelligently rather than when they are unnecessarily foolhardy.

Of course, there is always the pain in a Cain book--the slicing, the puncturing, the stabbings, the gouging and the miscellaneous body parts turning up everywhere. Without a well-paced plot, the torture is in the tedium as you get the sense the author is trying to top herself in grossing you out. I like books 1 and 2, and even with this one, muscle memory provides some pleasure in visiting with favorite characters again.

But I hunger for resolution. And, I pray that the author does not attempt to rehabilitate Gretchen in future books (and even as I write this, I know a couple of new books are already available). After what we have seen Gretchen do, there is no excuse, no matter how awful a childhood she had. She is too smart and enjoys torture--not just killing but inflicting slow pain--too much, to ever offer any hope of redemption.

The Archie Sheridan/Gretchen Lowell series is solid. Throw in reporter Susan Ward and cop Henry Sobol and you have a great cast of characters. I am eagerly anticipating the next book in the series!

EVIL AT HEART starts out on a path that I questioned somewhat because I didn't feel it was directly centered on the Archie/Gretchen relationship. Eventually it gets there and I enjoyed the last quarter of the book most. The book as an individual read may not be a five star rating but this series is a must read for me because the Archie/Gretchen relationship is very intriguing.

Overall, great characters and decent plot. Hoping the next one is a bit more directly intense to the primary characters.

Cain has pulled off a surprisingly effective novel. After the previous installment, I was left dissatisfied and wishing the characters could be better developed. In this one, she managed to satisfy solid character stories while still providing the grotesque thrills her fans have come to expect. What struck me the most about this novel was the power of Lowell as a villain. Although she appears in only a small part of this novel, the effects of her existence permeate the entire story with an unsettling dread. This novel is back on par with the original novel and I can't wait to read the next installment.

This go around Henry and Claire has join forces by becoming a couple and Archie in a Looney toon bin so he want kill himself. Pieces of someone body washes up out of a toilet and Henry goes get Archie to see if Gretchen has strike again.

Susan brings back her signature style hair of purple and her boots of fashion. Susan finds herself with a dead body that's cut up that leaves her speechless, bloody and fingerprinted for trespassing.

Archie finds he not safe in the bin, Gretchen is on his heels. Bodies are popping up everywhere but Archie is not worry about dieing, he's worried about whose next.
So Archie checks out of the bin and the scavenger hunt beginning with Archie and Susan to see who's behind the killings to find out people are actually auditioning for Gretchen the serial killer.

Susan up dates Archie on the Gretchen websites and the different tips that is out there to find or solve the case at hand. With all the tips they come across on this website leads them right into a trap of trouble for the both of them. Susan gets away but Archie is kidnapped by someone that knows him very well.

That's just the tip of the iceburg that springs out of this book...get your copy today!

Evil at Heart, the third in the Archie and Gretchen series, picks up two months after last year's installment, Heartsick. Archie Sheridan has taken a leave of absence from the task force and voluntarily checked himself into a psych ward to help with his vicodin addiction and suicidal tendencies. He is lingering in the mental hospital when a series of bodies are found that point to Gretchen Lowell as the murder, violating her and Archie's agreement that she would stop killing in return for him not to commit suicide. Gretchen has reached cult status, with fan groups, crime scene tours, t-shirts, and memorabilia. Some even celebrate the number of days she has been free. Susan Ward, journalist for the Herald, wants to write a book about society's fascination with a serial killer. When an anonymous tip leads her to one of the bodies, she is drawn back into the hunt for Gretchen along with Henry, Archie's partner.

Chelsea Cain's novels are quick page turners. The latest is filled with same intensity and suspense. At times, the gory details made me flinch. The character's relationships are intriguing and I can't wait til the next to find out how they evolve. Susan's death facts were morbidly funny. Archie's problems make my heart ache in sympathy. I was glad to see that he is making improvements. I would recommend this books series. It reminds of Hannibal Lector-you know the person is a killer, but you can't help but like them a little.

I loved Heartsick. I think it has the best first chapter of any book I've ever read, though, admittedly, you have to enjoy this genre. Sweetheart was an excellent follow-up novel that gave tremendous insight into these interesting characters. Evil at Heart is a really good addition to this series in my opinion. I believe reading the first two books is an absolute must to get anything out of it, however. I will say, the fact that Archie could survive more brutality does appear a bit far-fetched, but reading novels like this is about escapism. I'm glad he survives what most couldn't.

I say read this one and just enjoy the ride. Can't wait for book four.

I read "Sweetheart" in two days and marveled at the talent of Chelsea Cain. However, when I read "Heartsick", I began to worry that Cain would be unable to live up to my expectations. After all, she had a lot to live up to. We knew the story, we just needed to find out how it ended and so I eagerly awaited "Evil at Heart", the conclusion to the Gretchen Lowell/Archie Sheridan saga.

In "Sweetheart", Cain introduced us to Gretchen Lowell, a manipulative, sociopath/psychopathic female serial killer. After hunting the killer for 10 years, Archie Sheridan (the dedicated task force leader) discovers that the killer he had been searching for was under his very nose, the Beauty Killer Task Force's very own volunteer psychiatrist, Lowell. Seduced and betrayed, Archie is drugged and tortured for several weeks. Forced to drink drain cleaner and "operated on", Archie begins to realize that behind Gretchen's beauty is an evil so profound that he may not survive, when suddenly, Gretchen turns herself in after saving his life (although mentally he will be scared forever) and changes the game into something darker and perhaps more deadly. Archie, now hooked on pain killers with a twisted obsession for the very beautiful Gretchen ("Heartsick"), finds himself in a cat and mouse game to recapture Gretchen following her daring and well planned escape.

Initially, I will say that Gretchen Lowell was one of the most disturbing characters in recent thriller novels. She really has no excuse for being what she is. We know very little of what made her what she was and Cain offers no explanations. And while you are sickened by her depravity, you don't dislike her but struggle like Archie to determine why she is so fascinating. During "Heartsick" you begin to wonder why after all that Archie endured, he is still so obsessed and intrigued by Gretchen. In a way, I had grown tired of Archie's struggle between duty and obsession. After all, how many times could you have a woman carve in your chest and drink draino and still profess to desire her? With those conflicts in mind, I opened "Evil at Heart", hoping for some resolution. Guess what, I found it. Of course, it's not pretty or flowery, but it was definitely an ending to an overall well written trilogy.

Now, on to "Evil at Heat"! Gretchen is still on the loose and Archie is recovering from his near fatal wounds in a mental institution. Estranged from his wife, feeling guilty about their affair and the havoc that Gretchen has caused in his life and to society as a whole, Archie soon finds that she may be up to her old ways as bodies begin to show up with her signature carvings. Forced to play a game that could prove once again to be fatal, Archie his ex-partner (Henry) and the much underestimated reporter sidekick (Susan) set out to discover the truth. Is Gretchen responsible or some underground cult whose members worship Gretchen? Afterall, she is an icon and a movie star. People have become fascinated by Gretchen and hope she continues to elude capture. And it is Archie's struggles to understand not only his fascination with the femme fatal, but society's as well, that makes this a compelling read.

What I came to realize after reading Cain's trilogy is that it was not necessarily about Gretchen, but the tension between outward and inward beauty. On the outside, Gretchen is breathtakingly beautiful (Archie compares her to the star, Venus), but on the inside, ugly (she is also compared to a venus flytrap). Either way, it is this knowledge that she is evil, and just what she is capable of that Archie struggles over in all three books. But it is his eventual realization that by allowing her to win, he will lose himself (and he has already lost enough) that makes us cheer.

Overall, I was satisfied with how the story ended and I think others who follow the series will be too. The only drawback to the story is, if you haven't read the first two, this would be a confusing read. It isn't a stand alone novel. You have to read them all, in order, to fully appreciate the story. With all of that said, 5 stars, Cain definitely is a rising star.

Evil At Heart is Chelsea Cain's third book featuring Detective Archie Sheridan and serial killer Gretchen Lowell. In Cain's latest, when a dead body is found with Gretchen's signature heart, Archie is forced into action. The basic plot revolves around the issue of whether Gretchen, the Beauty Killer, has returned to her ways or has the cult surrounding her created a whole new evil. Evil At Heart is very fast-paced, action-packed and loaded with enough gory scenes to make Hannibal Lecter's stomach a little queasy. So, if you're a thriller lover of books with these qualities (as I am), you'd expect this book to deserve at least a 4-star, and probably a 5-star, rating, right? Well, unfortunately, the best I could give Evil At Heart is 3 1/2 stars. The basic reason is that a lot is lacking from the previous books in this series in terms of enhancing the development of the key characters in Evil At Heart. And, as a matter of fact, if the reader has not read the previous books, Heartsick and Sweetheart, I'd guess they will feel somewhat confused about the characters' motivations. I think Cain has done herself a disservice in Evil At Heart by being somewhat lax in terms of character development and in providing sufficient back stories to enable first time readers of this series to appreciate the characters and why they do what the do. Further, for me, having read the earlier two books, despite Evil At Heart's being filled with action, I did not feel as involved and engrossed as I did in Heartsick and Sweetheart. Perhaps this is because not enough really new information comes out about Archie and Gretchen, as well as about two of the other key secondary characters, Susan and Henry. Further, Archie's relationship with his wife and kids is almost totally ignored in this book. To sum up, unless Cain can bring breath new life into her characters and enhance their development, it might be time for her to move on to a stand-alone.

Evil At Heart by Chelsea Cain

This is the third book in the series by Chelsea Cain. Heartsick, Sweetheart and soon to be released, Evil At Heart. All involving Archie, a homicide detective, and Gretchen Lowell the serial killer, who held Archie captive and tortured for 10 days, his partner Henry and the purple haired reporter, Susan Ward.
Archie has a sexual obsession with Gretchen, throwing away his marriage and exposing his kids to the threat of the serial killer (Sweetheart). In Evil At Heart, Archie is in rehab to kick his pain killer habit and receive treatment for that obsession. Gretchen is on the loose after escaping so just about every murder reported seems to be a Gretchen killing. The latest set of murders alludes to that.
In this book, the author muses over Gretchen and Archie's relationship.
This time around, it seems that Archie is more intent in catching Gretchen for criminal purposes and rather than his own.
The other characters, Henry Sobol, who took over for Archie while he was in rehab, is intent on protecting Archie and doing what he does best: being a solid detective.
Susan Ward is back as the free spirited reporter who seems to get preferential treatment by gleaning police access and accompanying them on their investigations.
Overall, this is a solid, fast paced read that I enjoyed but the characters entertain too many flaws and annoying foibles that I just have an aversion to. The plot itself is entertaining so that I couldn't wait to get back to it. There is some bloody gore scenes but nothing more than what has been in Cain's other novels for this series.

Evil at Heart continues the story of Beauty Killer Gretchen Lowell's murderous relationship with now ex-cop Archie Sheridan. Archie's confined to a mental hospital, recovering from being kidnapped and almost killed by Gretchen, when it appears that Gretchen has started killing again and his expertise is needed back on her case.

At 306 pages, the book falls somewhere between a novella and a real meaty novel, in my opinion. It took me only a couple of hours to finish, and by the middle of the book, I really felt I'd missed a great deal by not having read the first two books in the series first, especially book 2, where apparently a great deal of the physical action took place. So while it's probably not necessary, I still would recommend that if you can, you read the series in order (Sweetheart and Heartsick, I believe were the first two).

The crime scenes are suitably gruesome - occasionally a little over the top gruesome with eyeballs floating in toilet tanks and people hanging off ceiling hooks by their genitals, but I have a feeling that I'd have been less shocked if I'd read the previous books since it was mentioned quite a few times how awful Gretchen's murders were. The twist at the end was interesting - well, there were multiple twists and red herrings and some dangling plotlines that I think the author meant for the reader to figure out.

In tone, Evil at Heart reminded me a bit of Thomas Harris' Manhunter with a little real-life dash of crime in the form of Lawrencia "Bambi" Bembeneck (Run, Bambi, Run) tossed in for good measure. Cain keeps up a relatively quick pace and while most of the focus is on Archie, she devotes some page time to journalist Susan and cop Henry. I never felt like I got to know Susan though, as much as she appeared in the book - and maybe it was me, but she seemed rather annoying most of the time.

All in all, I found the book a good, quick suspenseful read and Cain is excellent at keeping her reader interested. I expected to enjoy the book a bit more than I did based on the synopsis, and I have a feeling I would have enjoyed books 1 and 2 a bit more. The resolution of book 3 left me feeling wondering if this was the end of the series or if Cain would extend it.

Apparently others found this to be an absolutely cruddy read based on the two prior books. Not having read them, my review is strictly for this book, as a standalone read, simply as is. I didn't find the book horrendously awful, nor was it the best I've ever read, but as noted, it probably would have gained something if read as part of the series and not alone. This is an odd book, as I can't really say I'd recommend or not recommend it strongly. I think if you've got the time and you like the genre, I'd recommend all three together, but I don't think I'd recommend buying just one of the series, even based on my 4 star rating.

I really enjoyed the first two books in the series, and picked this one up with much anticipation. AS I read through the novel, two thoughts continued to trouble me. First, and probably least important, enough already. How long can Ms Cain milk the same storyline? I have read other series where killers pop back in a few novels later, but again, and again, and again. Enough!

The second, and more troubling thought, was that this series gets more and more disturbing. I read many mystery writers, so I am not some lightweight who can't take a little gore here and there, or some strange relationships. But this series seems to be lowering itself into nothing but. The nature and description of very warped, sick, torture seems to have sunk to a new low. I am no psychiatrist, but I am starting to actually get uncomfortable wondering what is in the mind of the writer who feels the need to get so into that. And by deduction then, what is in the minds of all the readers who rated this book so high?

I personally am tired of the repetition, tired of the sickness of the protaganist/antagonist sexual relationship, and tired of the continuation of nauseating new ways to torture. I will stick with other writers who can take on similar subjects without sinking to such tactics to sell books.

I, once again, loved Chelsea Cain's latest offering of flawed "hero" Archie Sheridan. I so enjoy how we keep learning more from the original crimes of Gretchen Lowell and her continued mind games. Here we are given more Susan Ward, which is always a good thing. While somehow the book became even more sick than the first two books, it didn't cross the line for me, although it was close. I am looking forward to the next book but think its going to be different. I hope it still has its edge.

Portland, Oregon's most famous female serial killer Gretchen Lowell, a.k.a. The Beauty Killer, is on the loose.

And people are dying.

Homicide Detective Archie Sheridan is still recovering from his very personal "meeting" with Gretchen from within the walls of Providence Medical Center psych ward.

But maybe his best therapy would be to do what he should have done long ago: kill Gretchen Lowell.

It's the only way to stop her.

Evil At Heart is the third in author Chelsea Cain's Beauty Killer series. And the plot lines and writing only continue to get better and better!

Each of Cain's novels are filled with twisting plots that leave you guessing until the very end.

Having read the first two in this series, Sweetheart and Heartsick, I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to read Evil at Heart.

And once again, I'll anxiously await the next one!

If you read "Heartsick" and "Sweetheart", you know what to expect from this book. Same characters, same issues, same blood and spleens. Gretchen has escaped and Archie tries to find her. Oh, and now she is a celebrity and has fan clubs. How nice.

This is the third in the series and has nothing new or exciting to offer. There is almost no character development; it seems like the author assumes everybody has read the first two books and so adds very little to their stories. All of the main characters reappear; along with killer Gretchen and cop Archie reporter Susan is featured, but with none of the descriptions of her mother and home life that shows her quirky side. The few new characters are not fleshed out enough to make them interesting.

This book read like a filler slapped out while writing a fourth book. If another is on its way, I will pass. There is, after all, only so many ways a spleen can be removed from a victim and I have read enough about Gretchen. Archie was an interesting character at one time (although not in this book). Perhaps I would try another book with him as the protagonist chasing other killers or one with Susan in the leading role.

If you have not read any of the series I suggest you read the first, "Heartsick". Although this book can be read alone, the lack of character development noted above would make some of Archie's actions confusing instead of just stupid. "Evil At Heart" is just for those who can't get enough of the series. Unfortunately, I can.

As other reviewers have noted, you really should read Heartsick and Sweetheart before picking up this book. Having said that, if you are familiar with the series, Evil at Heart is another strong installment in the series.

Archie Sheridan is recovering from his last encounter with Gretchen Lowell, but she's still at large. In fact, she's become somewhat of a celebrity, complete with fan clubs. And when bodies start appearing once again, it's not clear whether these new murders are the work of Gretchen herself or one of her more devoted fans.

I wasn't sure about this book at first -- do we really need a third round with Gretchen Lowell? But Chelsea Cain was able to keep the story interesting and fresh. This book is fast-paced and a very quick read, and the plot twists keep the story fresh.

Having heard about Chelsea Cain's books for a few years now I picked up the first one just to see what they were like. Two weeks later I'd finished them all. The Archie/Gretchen books are well written and fast paced. Don't expect to find the meaning of life in them, but do expect to stay up late reading while you have these books on your nightstand.

This was my favorite Beauty Killer book so far, as the familiar characters (Archie, Gretchen, Henry, Susan) are well-established and the plot was very engaging. Gretchen Lowell is on the loose and a new wave of murders may have been committed by her or a copycat. There are some disturbing things happening, and it is up to Archie, with the help of persistent reporter Susan and task-force head Henry, to determine whether Gretchen is involved. It was nice to see Archie gain more control of himself and not be so tormented by the memory of Gretchen and what she did to him. The madness of people venerating her is what drives this book and it was unsettling to see how effectively Gretchen could manipulate people. I think the suspense and the gore make for a fun read and I look forward to the next installment in the series.

Dear Chelsea Cain: Your previous books in the series had me on the edge of my seat. This one was predictable and at times banal. What in the heck happened?! This book, in the series, felt flat in comparison to the others. I don't want to include spoilers, but there was really a lack of imagination with the final outcome. The writing was also uneven. I would be hesistant to read another book in this series--not that there will necessarily be one.

I liked this one better then "Sweetheart". I still wish Gretchen Lowell would show up more often - as I'm sure most of us do - but Cain's writing and forensic knowledge still make for a great read.
Sometime soon, Julia Roberts is going to play Gretchen. She just HAS to...

Chelsea Cain is a great suspense writer and I can't get enough of Archie, Susan, Henry, Gretchen, and the other characters in this series. The books are readable, suspenseful, and well-written. Cain is very descriptive of setting and character. Excellent reading.

As far as the Gretchen/Archie angle goes, this book doesn't contain much development that's of substance. It's a bit predictable in it's plot, but it's also entertaining. I finished the book in a few days and it kept me interested. I'm not sure how much more juice she can get out of the whole Beauty Killer thing, but this one was good enough to warrant a read.