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The 9th Girl

Book 5 in the series:Kovac and Liska

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'The 9th Girl' by Tami Hoag is a gripping thriller that follows homicide detectives Sam Kovac and Nikki Liska as they investigate the brutal murder of a teenage girl on New Year's Eve in Minneapolis. The victim, believed to be the 9th victim of the notorious serial killer Doc Holiday, presents a complex case that intertwines personal relationships, high school bullying, and the hunt for a sadistic murderer. As the detectives delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover layers of deception and intrigue, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful conclusion that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The book is praised for its intricate plot, contemporary and true-to-life characters, and the author's ability to blend suspense with elements of teenage drama, family relationships, and criminal investigation. Tami Hoag's writing style is noted for its attention to detail, well-paced storytelling, and the balance between criminal horror and realistic dialogue, creating an immersive reading experience that captivates readers from start to finish.

Characters:

The characters are well-crafted, with depth and complexity in their personal and professional lives, enhancing the story's emotional impact.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and suspenseful, balancing procedural details with emotional character interactions.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a chilling murder investigation involving a serial killer, integrating personal stakes for the detectives and addressing broader social issues.

Setting:

The setting is a cold Minneapolis during New Year's Eve, creating a tense atmosphere that complements the storyline.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and suspenseful, balancing investigative detail with character development.
New Year’s Eve. The worst possible night of the year to be the limo driver of a party bus. Of course, Jamar Jackson had really not found a night or an occasion when it was good to be a limo driver. In...

Notes:

The 9th Girl is the fourth book in Tami Hoag's Kovac and Liska series.
The story starts on New Year's Eve with a gruesome discovery: a body falls from a car trunk into traffic.
The victim is a teenage girl nicknamed 'Zombie Doe' due to her disfigured appearance.
The detectives, Sam Kovac and Nikki Liska, are investigating a serial killer known as Doc Holiday who targets young women during holidays.
This book highlights serious themes such as bullying, family dynamics, and the pressures faced by teenagers.
Hoag had not written a Kovac and Liska novel in over ten years before this release, creating significant anticipation among fans.
The investigation becomes personally relevant for Liska because her son may know the victim, adding emotional stakes to the narrative.
The book intertwines a suspenseful plot with character development, particularly focusing on Liska's struggles as a single mother.
Many readers felt the ending was surprising and did not follow expected narrative paths, which added to the enjoyment of the mystery.
The novel incorporates contemporary issues like social media and teenage bullying, making it relatable to modern readers.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of murder, violence, bullying, child abuse, and the psychological impact of such crimes on individuals and families.

From The Publisher:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Tami Hoag's fan-favorite Minneapolis investigators, Sam Kovac and Nikki Liska, hunt a serial killer in this haunting thriller.

On a frigid New Year's Eve in Minneapolis, a young woman is found brutally murdered-the ninth so far this year in a string of grisly slayings. Homicide detectives Sam Kovac and Nikki Liska fear that it's the work of a serial killer they call Doc Holiday, a transient who has brought his gruesome game to a new and more terrifying level. But as Kovac and Liska uncover the truth, they find that the monsters in the ninth girl's life may live closer to home. And even as another young woman disappears, they have to ask the question: Which is the greater evil-the devil you know or the devil you don't?

Ratings (3)

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1 comment(s)

Incredible
6 months

4.5⭐️ enjoyed this book, not my first by this author. Liked the storytelling style as it keeps you engaged till the end. Haven’t read all the book series but these books are like standalone don’t need to read previous books to understand what is happening.

 

About the Author:

Tami Hoag is the #1 international bestselling author of more than thirty books. There are more than forty million copies of her books in print in more than thirty languages. Renowned for combining thrilling plots with character-driven suspense, Hoag first…

 
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