UNSUB: A Novel by Meg Gardiner (English) Paperback Book

Description: UNSUB by Meg Gardiner Inspired by the never-caught Zodiac Killer, this riveting psychological thriller by an Edgar-winning author follows a young detective whos determined to apprehend the serial murderer who destroyed her family and terrorized a city 20 years earlier. Tall Premium Edition. FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description From award-winning author Meg Gardiner, co-author of Michael Manns Heat 2--A riveting psychological thriller inspired by the never-caught Zodiac Killer, about a young detective determined to apprehend the serial murderer who destroyed her family and terrorized a city twenty years earlier. Caitlin Hendrix has been a Narcotics detective for six months when the killer at the heart of all her childhood nightmares reemerges: the Prophet. An UNSUB—what the FBI calls an unknown subject—the Prophet terrorized the Bay Area in the 1990s and nearly destroyed her father, the lead investigator on the case. The Prophets cryptic messages and mind games drove Detective Mack Hendrix to the brink of madness, and Macks failure to solve the series of ritualized murders—eleven seemingly unconnected victims left with the ancient sign for Mercury etched into their flesh—was the final nail in the coffin for a once promising career. Twenty years later, two bodies are found bearing the haunting signature of the Prophet. Caitlin Hendrix has never escaped the shadow of her fathers failure to protect their city. But now the ruthless madman is killing again and has set his sights on her, threatening to undermine the fragile barrier she rigidly maintains for her own protection, between relentless pursuit and dangerous obsession. Determined to decipher his twisted messages and stop the carnage, Caitlin ignores her fathers warnings as she draws closer to the killer with each new gruesome murder. Is it a copycat, or can this really be the same Prophet who haunted her childhood? Will Caitlin avoid repeating her fathers mistakes and redeem her family name, or will chasing the Prophet drag her and everyone she loves into the depths of the abyss? Author Biography Meg Gardiner is the author of twelve critically acclaimed novels, including China Lake, which won the Edgar Award. Originally from Santa Barbara, California, she lives in Austin, Texas. Review Praise for Meg Gardiners UNSUB"Gardiners novel breathes new life into the sub-genre with her mastery of police procedure; with superb characterizations of her heroine, the heroines father and the killer; and with enough twists and turns to leave fans of TVs Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder short of breath. The result is an intelligent, sharply written, compelling page-turner that is satisfying on every level."—Associated Press"An adrenaline-fueled rush, this series first has newly minted narcotics detective Caitlyn Hendrix reassigned to homicide so she can track down a sadistic serial killer, the Prophet...Shades of "Silence of the Lambs and the Zodiac Killer."—Boston Globe"Gardiner has created the perfect balance of vulnerability and violence in her main characters, all of whom are damaged in their own ways. When the killer becomes a hot knife through the center of (Caitlins) head, UNSUB will already have a cold grip on your heart."—Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel"Caitlyns desperate quest to stop the killings becomes all-consuming, and toward the end, the book is hard to put down. Fans will delight in the ending, which opens a pathway to a sequel... Thriller fans who like a strong shot of horror will be delighted by this gruesome and furiously fast-paced read."—San Francisco Chronicle"Incorporates thriller conventions, true-crime elements and literary allusions to produce a suspenseful page-turner."—Houston Chronicle"A really frightening book, in large part because of Gardiners deft use of close third-person narration… the tension in UNSUB is ratcheted way up because of our forays into the twisted mind of the Prophet…"—LitHub"The writing is sleek and compelling and emphasizes the escalation of tension, which is a must for a story such as this."—The Oklahoman"Outstanding series launch...Taut pacing and sympathetic characters play against a terrifying villain, who will crawl beneath your skin and trouble your sleep. Thriller fans will eagerly await the sequel."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)"Ratchets up suspense to its cliff-hanging epilog that begs for a sequel. Edgar Award–winning author Gardiner, long praised for developing full-bodied characters while spinning intense psychological thrillers, does herself proud here...hope to see more of Caitlin Hendrix."—Library Journal (starred review)"Gardiner keeps the suspense at peak levels throughout the novel, conjuring creepy, atmospheric music in the minds of her audience, who will be anxiously perched on the edges of their seats anticipating every next horror. Those who worship at the altar of the thriller shall rejoice. The Prophet has arrived."—Shelf Awareness"The staccato delivery and non-stop thrills will have you holding your breath until the very end. There is not one wasted word in her delivery...And remember as you read, breathe in and dont forget to breathe out. Repeat as necessary."—The Florida Times-Union"Move over, Zodiac. The latest of the countless fictional serial killers youve inspired gives you a blistering run for your money."—Kirkus Reviews"Based on the unsolved crimes of the real-life Zodiac Killer, this thriller is well crafted and psychologically complex, easily comparable to Jeffery Deavers Lincoln Rhyme series."—Booklist"Gardiner shines, as usual, with character development, building her grisly psychological thriller around detective Caitlin Hendrix, whose father failed to catch the killer decades earlier. Suspense fans should grab the opportunity to meet Caitlin on her first outing..."—BookPage.com"This is one of those perfect serial killer fares that bring on the nightmares only a fantastic writer like Gardiner can create...This story is one of those too good to review tales. Nothing can be given away when it comes to this plot. All that can be said is Meg Gardiner is an amazing writer and this is yet another book that proves that point to a T."—Suspense Magazine"In this satisfying psychological thriller inspired by the terrifying, never-solved, reallife Zodiac killings, the brisk pace never lets up and the twists keep coming to the very last line...Meg Gardiners crisp prose and sharply drawn, believable characters maintain the readers interest from the first page to the last."—Mystery Scene Magazine"UNSUB, the new serial killer novel by Meg Gardiner, will surely delight the fans of fast-paced thrillers. Gardiners plots are always nail-biting and her twists are more like cliffs that she takes you to the edge of and then at the last moment pulls you back...a perfect summer read."—Mystery Tribune"Meg Gardiner has brought a new dimension to the sub-genre of serial killer novels. Her killer is a monster, but he is a monster that is more realistic than most fictional serial killers, thus making him more frightening...Gardiner has created a female detective who is empathetic, tough but not hard...no fan of psychological thrillers should miss Unsub."—New York Journal of Books"With a killer from your nightmares and a heroine who must risk everything to stop him, UNSUB grabs you by the heart and refuses to let go. A relentless, compelling thriller."—Lisa Scottoline, New York Times bestselling author of One Perfect Lie"Sleep Destroyer Meg Gardiner is up to her evil tricks again with UNSUB, a bracingly fresh serial-killer novel that hums like the third rail. It has all her trademarks—a complex, compelling heroine, a jet-fueled story, and elegant, crisp prose. I blasted through it in a single sitting last night and remain conscious today only due to espresso and the half-life buzz of reading adrenaline. An entrancing and stunning thriller!"—Gregg Hurwitz, New York Times bestselling author of The Nowhere Man "Like The Silence of the Lambs, this novel scared the hell out of me. I dare you to try putting it down. The UNSUB, or unknown subject, at the heart of Meg Gardiners thriller is terrifying."—Don Winslow, New York Times bestselling author of The Cartel"UNSUB is a mesmerizing, unforgettable, nonstop thriller that never lets you go. The single most terrifying book of the past decade."—Steve Hamilton, New York Times bestselling author of Exit Strategy Review Quote Praise for Meg Gardiners UNSUB "Gardiners novel breathes new life into the sub-genre with her mastery of police procedure; with superb characterizations of her heroine, the heroines father and the killer; and with enough twists and turns to leave fans of TVs Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder short of breath. The result is an intelligent, sharply written, compelling page-turner that is satisfying on every level." --Associated Press "An adrenaline-fueled rush, this series first has newly minted narcotics detective Caitlyn Hendrix reassigned to homicide so she can track down a sadistic serial killer, the Prophet...Shades of "Silence of the Lambs and the Zodiac Killer." -- Boston Globe "Gardiner has created the perfect balance of vulnerability and violence in her main characters, all of whom are damaged in their own ways. When the killer becomes a hot knife through the center of (Caitlins) head, UNSUB will already have a cold grip on your heart." -- Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel "Caitlyns desperate quest to stop the killings becomes all-consuming, and toward the end, the book is hard to put down. Fans will delight in the ending, which opens a pathway to a sequel... Thriller fans who like a strong shot of horror will be delighted by this gruesome and furiously fast-paced read." -- San Francisco Chronicle "Incorporates thriller conventions, true-crime elements and literary allusions to produce a suspenseful page-turner." -- Houston Chronicle "A really frightening book, in large part because of Gardiners deft use of close third-person narration... the tension in UNSUB is ratcheted way up because of our forays into the twisted mind of the Prophet..." -- LitHub "The writing is sleek and compelling and emphasizes the escalation of tension, which is a must for a story such as this." -- The Oklahoman "Outstanding series launch...Taut pacing and sympathetic characters play against a terrifying villain, who will crawl beneath your skin and trouble your sleep. Thriller fans will eagerly await the sequel." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Ratchets up suspense to its cliff-hanging epilog that begs for a sequel. Edgar Award-winning author Gardiner, long praised for developing full-bodied characters while spinning intense psychological thrillers, does herself proud here...hope to see more of Caitlin Hendrix." -- Library Journal (starred review) "Gardiner keeps the suspense at peak levels throughout the novel, conjuring creepy, atmospheric music in the minds of her audience, who will be anxiously perched on the edges of their seats anticipating every next horror. Those who worship at the altar of the thriller shall rejoice. The Prophet has arrived." -- Shelf Awareness "The staccato delivery and non-stop thrills will have you holding your breath until the very end. There is not one wasted word in her delivery...And remember as you read, breathe in and dont forget to breathe out. Repeat as necessary." -- The Florida Times-Union "Move over, Zodiac. The latest of the countless fictional serial killers youve inspired gives you a blistering run for your money." -- Kirkus Reviews "Based on the unsolved crimes of the real-life Zodiac Killer, this thriller is well crafted and psychologically complex, easily comparable to Jeffery Deavers Lincoln Rhyme series." -- Booklist "Gardiner shines, as usual, with character development, building her grisly psychological thriller around detective Caitlin Hendrix, whose father failed to catch the killer decades earlier. Suspense fans should grab the opportunity to meet Caitlin on her first outing..." -- BookPage.com "This is one of those perfect serial killer fares that bring on the nightmares only a fantastic writer like Gardiner can create...This story is one of those too good to review tales. Nothing can be given away when it comes to this plot. All that can be said is Meg Gardiner is an amazing writer and this is yet another book that proves that point to a T." -- Suspense Magazine "In this satisfying psychological thriller inspired by the terrifying, never-solved, reallife Zodiac killings, the brisk pace never lets up and the twists keep coming to the very last line...Meg Gardiners crisp prose and sharply drawn, believable characters maintain the readers interest from the first page to the last." -- Mystery Scene Magazine " UNSUB , the new serial killer novel by Meg Gardiner, will surely delight the fans of fast-paced thrillers. Gardiners plots are always nail-biting and her twists are more like cliffs that she takes you to the edge of and then at the last moment pulls you back...a perfect summer read." -- Mystery Tribune "Meg Gardiner has brought a new dimension to the sub-genre of serial killer novels. Her killer is a monster, but he is a monster that is more realistic than most fictional serial killers, thus making him more frightening...Gardiner has created a female detective who is empathetic, tough but not hard...no fan of psychological thrillers should miss Unsub ." -- New York Journal of Books "With a killer from your nightmares and a heroine who must risk everything to stop him, UNSUB grabs you by the heart and refuses to let go. A relentless, compelling thriller." --Lisa Scottoline, New York Times bestselling author of One Perfect Lie "Sleep Destroyer Meg Gardiner is up to her evil tricks again with UNSUB , a bracingly fresh serial-killer novel that hums like the third rail. It has all her trademarks--a complex, compelling heroine, a jet-fueled story, and elegant, crisp prose. I blasted through it in a single sitting last night and remain conscious today only due to espresso and the half-life buzz of reading adrenaline. An entrancing and stunning thriller!" --Gregg Hurwitz, New York Times bestselling author of The Nowhere Man "Like The Silence of the Lambs , this novel scared the hell out of me. I dare you to try putting it down. The UNSUB, or unknown subject, at the heart of Meg Gardiners thriller is terrifying." --Don Winslow, New York Times bestselling author of The Cartel " UNSUB is a mesmerizing, unforgettable, nonstop thriller that never lets you go. The single most terrifying book of the past decade." --Steve Hamilton, New York Times bestselling author of Exit Strategy Excerpt from Book 1 Equinox Present Day Weapon at her side, eyes on the night, Caitlin approached the house. Fog clung to the ground, rolling thick off San Francisco Bay. It hid the stars, their faces, the view beyond. Silently they climbed the steps to the broad porch. The March chill weeviled down Caitlins arms. By the doorbell a faded sticker announced that jesus saves, but Caitlin saw no evidence of it. Not tonight, she thought. Tonight, he didnt get the call. They stacked up beside the door. Behind drawn blinds, a television burbled. Intel suggested that six people were inside. But suggested didnt mean confirmed. Caitlins heart beat hard against her ballistic vest. Beneath it she wore a T-shirt, jeans, and work boots. Her auburn hair was tucked beneath a ball cap. Her nerves were tuned to an ultrahigh frequency, adrenaline crackling through her like static, waiting for the sign. The raid leader held up a fist. The team stilled. Rios was an Oakland Police Department sergeant, built like a furnace in black tactical gear. He glanced at them over his shoulder: Oakland Police, San Francisco PD, Alameda County. Caitlins vest said sheriff. Her ball cap said narcotics task force. They gave him a thumbs-up. The moments before, the suspense, always fried her. Anticipation was hell. The hateful uncertainty. The house was two-story, decrepit, secretly humming with danger. Caitlin hugged the stucco wall, SIG Sauer warm in her hand. At her back, a young Alameda sheriffs deputy named Marston thrummed with apprehension. Come on, she thought. Jesus might not get the call tonight, but were here. Lets move. Rios raised his semiautomatic rifle and pounded on the door. "Police." A dog barked. The TV droned. Rios drew back his arm to pound on the door again. A gunshot from inside blew splinters across the porch. The static in Caitlins nerves resolved to a clear tone. Here we go. Inside the house, feet pounded. Men yelled. Rios tested the doorknob. Locked. He signaled the fourth man in the stack, an Oakland cop who held the Little Pig. Caitlin braced for more gunfire. The Oakland cop, Hillyer, rounded them and aimed the Little Pig at the dead bolt. The scaled-down shotgun was loaded with a breaching round. He fired from an inch away. The dead bolt assembly blew into the house and Hillyer stepped aside. The door yawned open. The Master Key-it worked on any lock. Rios said, "Go, go." Rifle to his shoulder, he led the formation in. The lights were dim, the floor warped. Tight and fluid, they swept into the hall. Rios aimed ahead, then to the right. "Right clear," he said. Caitlin stepped to the left, pistol level. Checked her sector. "Left clear." The hall reeked of sulfur and ammonia. At the back of the house, a battering ram smashed open the rear door. Marston stepped past her, checked his sector. "Clear." They closed up behind Rios, left hands on the shoulder of the person in front of them, and advanced to the wide doorway to the living room. Rios pointed. Go. He swung in. "Drop it," he yelled. A gun clattered to the floor. Caitlin came in behind him. Again she checked her sector. Rios yelled, "Get down," and peripherally she saw a man drop to his knees. She said, "Left clear." Rios kicked a handgun away from the suspect and held his rifle on him while Marston and Hillyer swept the room. "All clear." Down the hall, men shouted. Footsteps raced back and forth. Rios pointed at Caitlin and Marston and put two fingers to his eyes. "Kitchen. Go." Caitlin returned to the hall. At the far end, men grabbed stacks of cash and fled with officers in pursuit. She advanced toward the kitchen door, weapon level, finger on the trigger. Her pulse pounded in her ears. The kid, Marston, closed up behind her. His breath warmed her neck. She was taller than he was, five-ten, and, for the moment, a shield. In another room, someone shouted and slammed into a wall. "Clear," an officer shouted. The stench of ammonia burned her throat. At the threshold she stopped, concealed. Heard nothing from the kitchen. Marstons hand grabbed her shoulder. She nodded: Ready to clear the room. He squeezed: Ill be right behind you. They moved together. She swung through the door with Marston on her heels, peripherally checking the gap between the door and the frame. Vision pulsing, SIG sweeping the room. She immediately stepped out of the doorway. The fatal funnel, path of most bullets. "Right clear," she said. Marston went around her. "Left clear." Crusted dishes covered the counter. On the table sat a money scale, colorful currency straps, and a pile of cash. A trail of twenty-dollar bills wafted across the linoleum in the clammy breeze blowing through the window. The screen had been punched out. It looked like a quick getaway. A shiver climbed Caitlins arms. She hated having a doorway behind her. Even though the team had cleared the hall, a door always felt like a hungry mouth at her back. And the window opened to darkness. To anyone outside, she and Marston were brightly lit targets. Marstons knuckles were white on his gun. He was waiting for the all clear. Beneath the chemical stench hung the reek of sweat. She eyed the darkness outside, a pantry in the corner of the room, and the twenties on the floor. The money didnt actually lead in a trail to the window. Marston stepped toward the table. Outside, the dog barked again. Caitlin raised her left hand, fisted. "Stop . . ." The pantry door flew open. A man lunged out. Shirtless, strung out, he charged toward the table. A butcher knife gleamed in his right hand. Caitlin turned to put him in her sights. Marston was directly beyond him in her line of fire. Screeching, the man drove the knife forward. She launched at him, a flying dive, and tackled him around the chest. He was ripe with sour sweat. Twenties were falling from his pockets. They hit the kitchen table and slid across it. Twitching eyes. Blackened teeth. Clawing hands. She worked the momentum and rolled, flinging him with her to the floor. He shrieked like a smoke alarm. She flipped him facedown and subdued him with a wristlock, forcing his head into the linoleum, knee shoved against his elbow. Marston stood above her, eyes on his own chest. The knife jutted from his ballistic vest. Rios came through the door, weapon raised. He stopped at the sight of Marston and of the man thrashing under Caitlins grip amid broken dishes and crumpled cash. Marston pulled the knife from his vest. "All clear." Rios lowered his rifle. "The guy pop out of the toaster?" Caitlin handcuffed the man and pulled him to his feet. "Its the meth fairy. Tweakerbell." Rioss eyes didnt match his light tone. "Under control," she said. Marston touched his vest, wincing like his ribs were bruised. Rios told him to bag the knife for evidence and take the suspect into custody. As Marston led him away, Hillyer appeared in the doorway. "House is clear," he said. Caitlin followed Rios into the hall. The yelling and running had stopped. In the living room three men sat cuffed on the floor, backs against the wall. The SFPD officers were counting bags of crystal meth. She holstered her gun and exhaled. Overhead came a noise. They all tilted their heads to the ceiling. Rios pointed at Caitlin and Hillyer. "Upstairs. Two bedrooms. Go." The tone in her head revved like a firehouse Klaxon. She didnt ask what the team had missed. She drew her gun again and led Hillyer down the dingy hallway. Her vest felt heavy. So did the SIG Sauer, in a two-handed combat grip. At the foot of the stairs, Hillyer put his hand on her shoulder. Steady. Together they climbed. Upstairs they cleared the hall and first bedroom. The second bedroom door was half closed. From within came muffled sounds. Caitlin leveled the SIG. Not gonna get surprised again. Gonna be ready. The sounds intensified. Almost a cry. She and Hillyer stopped outside the door. They had concealment but not cover, not if whoever was inside decided to shoot them through the plywood. She tried to slow her breathing. She nodded, Hillyer squeezed her shoulder, and she flowed through the door, gun aimed at the source of the sound. "Sheriff. Dont move." The crying intensified. Hillyer slid around her, his weapon swinging. "Stop. Stop." She raised a fist. Grabbed Hillyers vest. "Dont move. Dont breathe. Take your finger off the trigger." She lowered her gun. "Oh, my God." 2 Caitlin closed the front door behind her and flipped the dead bolt. Her footsteps echoed on the hardwood floor. A table lamp gave the living room an amber glow. She reached to unhook her duty belt. She couldnt get her fingers to work the buckle. She closed her eyes and clenched her fists. After a few seconds the shaking eased. She unbuckled the belt and dropped it, clattering, on the coffee table. Her jeans were torn, her knee swollen where shed hit the crank-house kitchen floor. Her red hair was disheveled. Beneath her white T-shirt, the scarred bullet hole in her shoulder ached. The world seemed bright and supersonic. From the back of the house, Shadow came running. Big ears ale Details ISBN1101985542 Author Meg Gardiner Short Title UNSUB Pages 432 Language English ISBN-10 1101985542 ISBN-13 9781101985540 DEWEY 823.92 Year 2018 Series An UNSUB Novel Publication Date 2018-01-02 Imprint Dutton Series Number 1 Subtitle A Novel AU Release Date 2018-01-02 NZ Release Date 2018-01-02 US Release Date 2018-01-02 UK Release Date 2018-01-02 Place of Publication London Country of Publication United Kingdom Publisher Penguin Books Ltd Format Paperback Audience General We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:117390365;

Price: 28.99 AUD

Location: Melbourne

End Time: 2024-11-27T03:31:31.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 AUD