Darcia HelleReseñas

I am not a fan of short stories nor one chapter books. Just not enough time for plot nor character development. This book is about the torture and killing of a child molester. Icky.

Recommended by RJ. Skye Summers is a hair stylist, harboring thoughts of killing her annoying clients, who feel compelled to share all of their inner secrets with her. Meanwhile, a serial killer is loose in southern Massachusetts is killing women, who use their wily charms to take advantage of men. Needed to say, the killer ends up as a client and there is a showdown. Helle's writing reminds me of Janet Evanovich's, which is praise indeed.

I won this book in the author's , monthly contest and although I miss the Michael and Sean series books I know it had to end sometime. I LOVE everything Ms. Helle writes as she takes me away as I feel as though I am really there! Secrets is not a short book, but I read so fast that the end was the re before I wanted to see THE END! Sometime, people start believing their own lies, and I felt sorry for Samantha who had been abused for years , but she learned to push it down deep and tell lies as she escaped in her mind. She was forever worried that these lies would catch up to her one day. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT SHE WRITES NEXT!!

I clicked went through my list of Kindle freebies recently, and decided to make a dent in them. So I chose this book at random. It happened to be a pretty great pick.

Lauren Covington lives in a world where appearances are everything, well, atleast that's what she was taught by her family. They have to keep up appearances, that her father in a #1 dad and #1 husband. Although this is about as far from the truth as you can possibly get. He's an abusive bastard. He beats their mother daily and if either Lauren or her brother, Stephen, "step out of line" Alex (daddy dearest) beats their mom more to keep the kids malleable to his every whim.

Alex, Lauren's father, is a lawyer who is pretty shady. He gets his way no matter what, and has a habit of collecting people. He's a womanizer, and a D-Bag. Not really sure what else to say about him. Read the book, and you will understand completely why, you don't really want to think of a man like that.

Jesse Ryder was hired by Alex to investigate some things. Jesse is a P.I., who use to be a cop, but decided he didn't want to be a cop and deal with all the shady politics that go on with police. When Jesse gets an assignment from Alex that goes against his morals, he turns it down. This pisses Alex off because he is a man who gets his way no matter what. Alex threatens Lauren and Jesse's budding romance, by threatening Jesse's life. And that is only the beginning...

I liked this book because, to me, it didn't seem as though there was that much effort invested in the romance. Which is nice if your looking for something like that. Which I was, it was a change. Don't get me wrong there is romance in this book, and it is very tender and sweet.

But what I think makes this book so worth reading, is the rest of the story as a whole. Lauren standing up to her abusive father, and rallying her mother against him. The emotional pains that Lauren goes through. Alex's persecution of Jesse, trying to persuade him, and if that doesn't work destroy him. Jesse tries to build evidence against Alex, and with people on Alex's payroll, that become difficult.

The rich and the corrupted and the abused. Makes you realize that there is shit going on out there that you don't always know about because looks can be deceiving.

This review I had to think about. I' m not really sure what to rate this book.

I liked the story for the most part. A bit slow in areas, very repetitive, and too much side stuff added in.
So the main character is Laura Covington. She is in her 20s, has a good job, and lives with her parents and younger brother. She appears to everyone (even her best friends) to have the perfect life and family. When she mets Jesse in a bar and falls for him, the perfect image she portrays shatters.
Jesse knows Laura's father, has worked for him, and knows the real Alex Covington. Not the image the rest of the world is shown. After 20 years of hiding the truth and watching the abuse in her house, both mental and physical: she decides it's time for a change. With Jesse's help of course.

Eli's Coming by Darcia Helle

Eli’s has a secret ability he feels it's a curse. A life of violence and heartache leaves him with nothing. Then he meets Amanda. He falls for her, and she for him. But he has to face some tough choices. Soon she will learn the truth about Eli and she is in danger. Will Eli make the right choices? Can he lead a "normal" life?

A well written supernatural thriller. I really like Eli, he may be flawed but that is what made him "real". Amanda is just as likable, she accepts Eli for who he is. The plot is original, the characters are well developed. The pace moves smooth and there is an even mix of thrills, laughter, suspense, danger and love.

I am a huge fan of Darcia Helle, and she did not disappoint with Eli's coming. I feel that those who love a great thrilling, fantasy will enjoy Eli's coming. ( I also like the cover it adds mystery and suspense to a fantastic story).

Triptychs (mind's Eye Series Book 3)
By Darcia Helle,Maria Savva,Jason McIntyre,Helle Gade,Ben Ditmars,J. Michael Radcliffe,Eden Baylee,Lisette Brodey,Jay Finn,Julie Elizabeth Powell

Triptychs, a set of three associated artistic, literary, or musical works intended to be appreciated together. That is the premise of this wonderful collection of stories/poems. Each Author was shown a photo and were asked to write a story/poem about what they felt while looking at that picture.

Each story and poem is unique, original and written from the Authors perspective. Many different genres are on the pages, and wonderful photos by two gifted photographers as well.

I would love to write a review on each story, but this review would never end. I will say some of the Authors are favorites of mine, while others I just discovered. They are all very talented, gifted and it shows in each story and poem. I truly enjoyed each and every one!

Overall this is a fantastic collection of short stories and poetry, I strongly recommend Triptychs to readers of all genres. You won't be disappointed. (I also love the cover-art.)

BestsellerBound Anthology (BestsellerBound, #1)

A collection of short stories by various authors and genres. I liked each story. some are authors I have read before, others are new to me. they are all gifted, and have their own unique, fantastic writing style. I will say my top three favorite (in no particular order) were: You Can Call Me Ari by Darcia Helle, Flames by Maria Savva & Tears For Hesh by Maria Savva. (List of Authors and titles below.)


Wish Upon A Star by Lainey Bancroft
Tears For Hesh by J. Michael Radcliffe
You Can Call Me Ari by Darcia Helle
Flames by Maria Savva
Minor Details by Jaleta Clegg
Ice Cream Man by Neil Schiller
No Eyes But Mine Shall See by Sharon E. Cathcart
The First Texas Twister by Magnolia Belle
Shadow Lantern by Gareth Lewis
Stained by Amy Saunders

Darcia Helle's 'Quiet Fury: An Anthology of Suspense' is a dark and twisted and absolutely engrossing trip into the minds and circumstances of several people who are all, one way or another, in pretty dire straits. In each story here, Helle's terrific prose, as well as her vivid and gripping writing style, brings you inside a situation, a mind, a soul, a moment that grabs your attention from the first sentence to the last. There's the "crazy" cat lady (who might just be the smartest person on her block), the poor woman who made the wrong chiropractic appointment (this story totally creeped the hell out of me!), and the man watching a purple popsicle melt on the sidewalk as another man's blood runs out over the pavement.

Each tale is memorable, unsettling, creepy, or just plain freaky - and some will move you as well! - and it's a book that is very difficult to put down once you start reading.

Dark, twisted, and very well worth reading. I first read Helle's work in the anthology 'Triptychs', and I'm glad to become close acquainted with her work in this anthology. Definitely a writer worth keeping up with!

I recieved a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Martin David Porter a Photographer provided the photos. Darcia Helle and Maria Savva wrote short stories about the photos. The writing style of each author is different the message we recieve is clear. We the reader are presented with twelve moments in time... We each will have our own perspectives on each story, what had meaning for us in each story. I enjoyed all the stories and the pictures . Two of my favorites Ocean's song and Repercussions. The book has several different genres, Romance, Suspense, Horror and paranormal. I highly recommend to anyone who loves to read books with all different genres present.

The First Kill (Darcia Helle)

A short story introducing the character, Sean Riley who is in the Michael Sykora series. We find out about Seans' past and how he became an assassin. Fantastic short. A great introduction to the other three.

No Justice,Beyond Salvationand Killing Instinct: A Michael Sykora Novel(the newest in Michael Sykora Series)

Enemies And Playmates (Darcia Helle) is a suspense novel.

Lauren Covington should have the perfect life. Her father is a high powered attorney, she lives in a beautiful home and is attending a prestigious university. But her family life is not what it appears to be. Her father is abusive, manipulative and controlling. Lauren is tired of the lies and hiding her family secrets.

Jesse Ryder enters her life. He worked for her father at one time, and knows the truth about Alex Covington. Soon Lauren's life is spiraling in new direction. She is falling is love. This love turns to be dangerous as her father come between the two. Lies, deceit, betrayals and murder abound in this page turner.Fast paced and full of twists, secrets and surprises. Another great suspense by Miss Helle

Hit List (Darcia Helle) is a roller coaster of suspense. Ian's mother (Corinne) appears to have gone crazy, lost her mind. She has memory loss, bouts of paranoia and insists she is being watched. But Ian questions his mother's insanity.

He hires private investigator Lucianna, to find out exactly what happened that last sane night. Ian begins to find that his mother may not be the "crazy lady" she appears to be.

Just when you think you have it all figured out a new surprise pops out at you. Fast paced thriller at best. I highly recommend this all night read. I look forward to reading more of Darcia Helle's books.

Samantha is a beautiful married woman who seems to have it all. But under all that beauty hides secrets. Secrets that haunt her and won't let go. As her lies build, her past is there haunting her. Will she be able to over come her inner demons, or will they consume her? And what happens when lies are your only hope of happiness?

A fast paced psychological tale, that grabs you into the story and won't let you go until the last page. I Highly recommend to those who love psychological/dramatic/gripping/page-turners

Michael Sykora is back in this page turning thriller. He teams up with his old friend Sean Riley, both hit men for their own reasons. They are in pursuit of another assassin, Jake Jackling AKA "Jake the Snake".Together Michael and Sean begin to unravel something sinister, as they catch up with Jake.

They find out about a man going by the name of Sandman, and he wants a beautiful woman Maria Milan, she is his target. No one seems to know what Sandman looks like or what his name is. The deeper they dig , the stronger the danger grows and what they find out about Sandman and his organization is so heinous and atrocious they must stop him before it is too late.

Fast paced psychological, all night read. I recommend to those who love a good thriller. Darcia Helle knows how to grab the readers attention by getting into the mind of psychopaths and bringing them to life. Lock your doors tonight and sleep with the lights on, because Killing Instinct will keep you up all night!

Skye Summers is a hairstylist living in a small town in Massachusetts. She has the perfect husband and her dogs are her babies. Daughter of aging hippies, she grew up in a commune, a vegetarian who would not even consider eating an animal and she would never even consider killing a spider.

So why does she fantasize about killing her clients? These thoughts cross her mind as she cuts their hair. It is beginning to consume her working thoughts. One of the people on her list to kill is her husband ex. The woman is a parasite in her happy life.

Soon women start dying and it appears to be the work of a serial killer. He even names himself the Mass avenger. Soon this becomes the talk of the town. Skye finds herself learning more about this killer, weather she wants to or not. Another hit by Ms. Helle, a page turning all night read.

Max Paddington, who refuses to go "into the light" until his killer can be brought to justice. Max, was an ordinary man, an assistant manager at a store. He died feeling like a failure as if he did not accomplish anything in life. His marriage was in trouble and that left him heartbroken.

Joe Cavelli is a private investigator, he too had an ordinary life. That is until he connects with Max, like it or not. He finds himself able to hear Max, and he is asked to help him (Max) out. Joe agrees to help Max find his killer and why he was killed.

While Joe is trying to solve the murder, Max is trying to find out what went wrong in his marriage. He can not move on until these questions are answered. He is stuck "in limbo" until he is at ease, only then can he
move forward for all of eternity.

A very enlightening read. It makes me wonder what it is like on "the other side". Darcia has created a unique story, part humorous, mysterious, romantic and dramatic. I could not help feel Max's frustration, his feelings of inadequacy(in life) and death. His awkwardness and clumsiness as a ghost, and the dire need to know why this all happened.

Fast paced, fulfilling read. I am a fan of Darcia Helle, she has(perfectly) stepped outside of her usual genre, and created another Hit. I look forward to more work from this talented author.

A simple story about a girl with a seriously intense imagination that happens to cut the hair of a serial killer.

The story was slightly confusing because there are a lot of characters that get rapid fire introduced throughout the book. You've got the main character, her family, her husband, her husbands family, her friends, her client.......

There was an abundance of build up on the characters stories and personalities which was nice but right when you got everyone situated it just ends. It was a surprise as far as endings go which was nice but very very abrupt.

Over all I enjoyed the book and would probably read it again sometime.

This was a pretty good romance-thriller about a girl finding her man & dealing with her abusive father. The situation was fairly horrifying & logically structured. The hero & heroine were both tough, but very believable. While there is some sex, it wasn't over done nor too explicit. I should probably give the book an extra 1/2 star for that since too many authors succumb to filler sex lately.

If I have any criticism, it's that the fight scenes just didn't work all that well for me. They weren't bad, but they didn't grab me the way they have in other books. The detail & logic of the story suffered a little there. Still, they weren't bad - just not as good as the emotions & motivations.

The good guys were all very likable, while the villains had no redeeming qualities, so there was no trouble separating the two nor was there much doubt how it would all play out. Still, there were some interesting twists throughout the story.

It was a fun, quick read. I'll be interested in reading another book by this author in the future. After finding out it was her first book & was self edited, plus the lack of sex, I just can't resist giving it an extra star & will REALLY be interested in her future work.

Lilly Skye Destiny Summers is the misplaced child of Patrick Bateman (American Psycho) and Catherine Tramell(Basic Instinct).A vegan,hippie hairstylist persistently fantasizing on mutilating her infuriating clients discovers her wild reveries come true when she faces a bona fide serial killer- the Mass Avenger. Sinister, schizophrenic and devilishly wacky; this transgressional narrative is a rhythmic trance crafting hell a perfect haven to reside in. I certainly perceive Chuck Palahniuk beaming all the way.

No Justice: A top-notch modern vigilante thriller

'Let him laugh. One more hour and he'd be dead.'

The explosive start to Darcia Helle's "No Justice" immediately hooked me. Almost before I knew it, I was deep in the world of Michael Sykora - software designer by day and a killer for hire at night.

Only Michael doesn't kill just anyone. Instead he targets the lowest of low-lifes - rapists, murderers, child abusers, woman-beaters, child porn pimps - who manage to weasel their way through the justice system unscathed. If the person seeking vengeance can afford it, he takes pay for his work. If they can't, he does his work 'pro bono.'

Along with being well-written, in a crisp, noirish style, Ms. Helle's book is well-paced, speeding up as it approaches its violent bits and then slowing down to develop the multi-layered character of Michael and the people in his world. We meet Ruby, his congenial secretary; her son Isaac, a cop and friend to Michael who's unaware of his homicidal sideline; and Sean, a fellow assassin. We also see Michael slowly reconnecting with his long-estranged alcoholic father, who's gotten sober, but is now dying of cancer.

As we restlessly turn the pages, we also learn of the defining event of his life: the brutal murder of his fiancee, Christina, the great love of his life. A shattering event that has clearly left him emotionally wounded, even as it has set him on the cold-blooded path he now follows - that of the feared professional killer known as the Ghost.

Then a woman from Michael's past appears. Nicki, a prostitute with whom he took physical solace after losing Christina, comes to him for help. She's in mortal danger from Antonio Lott, a murderous gang-banger who believes that Nicki has information that could bring him and his cohorts down. But instead of being a relatively easy, solitary kill like most of his victims, Lott keeps himself surrounded by thugs, which makes Michael's job far more difficult than usual.

Soon Nicki is staying at Michael's place and the sexual and romantic tension between them becomes ever more palpable.

Finally the book comes to a satisfyingly violent conclusion. But it also leaves some tantalizing threads open.

In sum: "No Justice" is a fast-paced, top-notch modern vigilante thriller. It had me turning the pages non-stop to see what would go down next, and left me itching to get to the next installment in the author's Michael Sykora series. Highly recommended.

First rate detective thriller. This gal really knows how to spin a good yarn. Helle's beautiful dark haired green-eyed private investigator Lucianna Martel (Lu), and her ex-cop uncle Vinnie, steal the show in this dynamic mystery thriller. This book has it all good guys, bad guys, dirty cops and even some romance. I didn't want to put it down. Hit List should be at the top of your reading list.

Secrets is a cross between a horror and a tragic romantic thriller. The story starts with a young woman having a series of flashbacks to a past she's tried hard to forget. The recollections threaten to destroy her new life, her marriage, and her sanity.

Her job and her looks make protagonist, Samantha, the envy of some and the target of others. Her beauty masks the ugliest of secrets. A photo shoot with a male model creates a reaction in Samantha she struggles to explain, one that has everyone asking questions. As those around her demand answers, her secrets become harder to hide, yet concealing may them lead to her destruction.

The characters are well developed, lovable and loathsome. The plot line is shocking. The writing is crisp and exciting and the story moves fast.

Darcia Helle is one of my favorite authors.

Oh how this book took me by surprise. From the cover alone one would expect a lustful wild ride, but then I read the description and found myself intrigued. From the start this story reveals a mystery thriller with a romance twist. It was nothing that I was anticipated from cover or description, but it offered such a sweet surprise. I really liked this story of the good vs. evil. It was the ultimate battle that leaves readers praying good will finds a thread of chance to prevail. My heart took one hell of a beating through this novel. I was overcome with emotion as the story uncovers more and more about Lauren's terrible and despicable father. As the story drags you deeper and deeper into its world readers will find themselves reevaluating their own characters for the boundaries of right and wrong. Darcia is one author not afraid to blatantly shock readers with the reality of her villains’ evil character. I was astounded by the levels to which she will catapult readers into the unknown showing the truly evil character in all his glory. I experienced a whole new level of hopelessness with this novel as the characters begin running out of resources. This was an impressive display of talent from this author that has me curious to check out her other titles. This is perfect for mystery lovers that are craving a dark and twisted read.

~BookWhisperer Reviewer JO~

This was a good read. Kept my interest and was entertaining. Characters were good and the storyline was good. Would recommend to others to read.