BOOK REVIEW: WHERE THE BLAME LIES BY MIA SHERIDAN

Where The Blame Lies is a romantic thriller that is part of the Where… series. This one is the first, followed by Where The Truth Lives. They are not a duet though, and initially, Mia didn’t intend to write a second book. So technically you can read it as a standalone, since the plot finds its resolution at the end of this novel. The second one has a completely different plot, but some characters from Where The Blame Lies appear there as well.

KEEP IN MIND THAT: the romance is a small part of the plot, so the book is primarily a thriller. If romantic suspense is your cup of tea, I also suggest Karen Rose’s books.

In this post, you can find a summary of the book Where The Blame Lies, my thoughts about it, a short glimpse inside the story, who I recommend it to, and some other details you may find useful when looking to choose your next novel. So keep reading to see if this Mia Sheridan book is what you’re looking for.

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WHO IS MIA SHERIDAN?

Mia is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author who’s known for writing emotional love stories that keep you glued to your seat and occasionally (more than one would like to admit) make you shed some tears. Probably her most popular book is Archer’s Voice, a Sign of Love novel that received huge praise and became a bestseller. In recent years, Mia has switched styles a bit, writing gripping, addictive, heart-breaking thrillers.

Even though old readers of Mia Sheridan’s books are used to her sweet romance stories, she’s proven that she can’t do wrong regardless of the genre. She’s written quite a few novels so far, and if you’re interested in more of her work, this Mia Sheridan reading guide has everything you need to know to navigate through her novels. There’s even a cute PDF guide you can easily download for FREE.

SYNOPSIS

Josie Stratton was abducted when she was 19. Taken from her own bed and chained in a basement where no one could find her. For almost a year she endured the physical, sexual, and mental abuse her abductor subjected her to.

Until she escaped.

Eight years later, the police discover the body of a young woman chained in a basement. The victim appears to have been tortured and violated. The details of this case however remind Cincinnati Police Detective Zach Copeland of the horrors Josie went through. Back then, he was a rookie, and even today he still can’t forget the look on Jodie’s face when he saw her at the hospital.

There’s one “tiny” problem, though. Josie’s aggressor killed himself eight years ago. Zach knows the crimes are connected somehow. At first, they consider the possibility of a copycat. But there are things that don’t add up.

Related read: 10 Psychological thriller books with a twist you won’t see coming.

After surviving hell, Josie has been trying to rebuild her life. She’s still fearful but doesn’t let that ruin her future. Not even when, after eight years since the tragedy that scarred her, another madman seems to have picked up where his predecessor left off.

As Zack and Josie spend more time together, they form a connection she thought she would never need again after what she went through. But his main job is to protect her from the vicious killer and find him before more women suffer at his hands.

The book is told from dual points of view and in the third person. It expertly alternates between “Before” and the present time.

RATING & THOUGHTS

This is a five out of five stars. It’s one of my favorite Mia books, and proves, once again, that she excels at both emotional deliveries AND suspenseful and unpredictable plots.

It’s the kind of book you keep thinking about long after you finish it. Partly because of the intense atmosphere Mia creates, making you feel like you are there witnessing or living those moments. But mostly because of the impact the heroine leaves on the reader. A flawed young woman who goes through unimaginable terrors but somehow gets out of them alive and fights to rebuild her life. A desperate mother capable of moving sacrifices.

Josie, the heroine, is an admirable character. She grows throughout the story and becomes someone to look up to. So much has been taken from her, yet she proves to be the epitome of determination, strength, and selflessness. She’s also caring and loyal that you just can’t help but admire her. Through her, Mia Sheridan creates psychological tension.

Also, the fear and desperation become real to you too! The darkness surrounding these cases is almost palpable. Mia’s writing style is descriptive enough to keep you interested and make you feel.

As for the killer, I think the author does a good job of keeping the readers guessing and invested in finding his identity. In fact, the revelation makes the book a lot creepier!

GLIMPSE INSIDE THE BOOK

“He leaned even closer, and she could tell by the movement of his mask that he was smiling beneath it. ‘

Because,’ he said, ‘because you’re a whore, and you d-deserve to be treated like one.’ His words washed over her along with his scent. It registered, memory responding. Pineapple. Coconut. Something overly sweet and tropical.

And she knew immediately who he was.”

where the blame lies, mia sheridan

SHOULD YOU READ IT?

In case you still aren’t sure whether this book is for you or not, here are a few more guidelines to help you figure out. So read IF or WHEN you are:

• in the mood for a highly suspenseful thriller novel and don’t mind (or in fact you like) a bit of romance thrown in.
• searching for a dark read which includes sadistic criminals
• looking to read a romantic suspense novel
• you want a book that will keep you glued to your seat and won’t bore you
• you want to be surprised by an unpredictable plot
• looking for a heroine who you can admire for her growth and strength
• happy-for-now ending

However, DO NOT READ it if what you want is a pure romance novel with a sweet love story! So don’t go into it expecting a romance and then comment about the relationship between the hero and heroine not being elaborated enough. This is primarily a thriller!

SO! If you’ve realized this is what you’re looking for, you can buy it on Amazon or read more reviews to see what other people think. Click the button below!

I hope you found this useful. If so, share the post with your book-lover friends. Also, in case you’re the type of book lover who likes to use reading journals, logs, checklists, and other stuff, check out my list of bookish freebies and download your favorites.