To Catch a Killer: Erin Blake, Book 1

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 265 ratings

Price: 17.46

Last update: 06-29-2024


Top reviews from the United States

Suze Lavender
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing gripping story
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2018
Everyone in town knows Erin Blake. Her mother was murdered when she was a little girl and the case was never solved. Erin survived the crime, while she was with her mother when it happened. Afterwards she was taken in by her mother's best friend Rachel. Erin doesn't know who her father is, but she'd love to know. That's why she asked her biology teacher for help. Miss P. wants to analyse DNA samples of the potential candidates. Erin managed to gather what she needs and drives to her teacher's home to deliver them. Unfortunately, before they can get to work Erin finds her teacher's body. She's being linked to another murder. Is this a coincidence?

Erin isn't completely helpless when it comes to science. Together with Spam and Lysa, her best friends, she has a small business. They process samples and they can access most online information. Erin wants to follow in her uncle Victor's footsteps, he works for the FBI and writes about forensics. Together with her two friends she tries to uncover the truth. This is especially important when both Erin and her secret crush Journey are being seen as suspects in the case. Erin saw him the night Miss P. died and identified him, so Journey isn't her biggest fan. However, they soon discover that it's much smarter to work together than having an argument about a crime they clearly both didn't commit. They know they aren't safe until they find the person who's responsible. Is there a link between Erin's mother and Miss P. and will Erin be able to uncover the truth before the killer gets a chance to come after her as well?

To Catch a Killer is a fantastic gripping story. I was immediately intrigued by Erin's detective skills. Her resourcefulness and determination are making sure she keeps finding answers. Erin is incredibly smart and she's good at keeping secrets. She also has interesting friends who are helping her with her problems. I loved the friendship aspect of To Catch a Killer, it adds a beautiful layer to an already fascinating story. The main characters are all intriguing and that makes this book a true gem.

Sheryl Scarborough kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Her story is inspirational and I loved her thorough descriptions of the research Erin is doing. She gives clear explanations that are both educational and entertaining. The combination of a terrific thrilling plot and great scientific exploring is really special. I can't praise To Catch a Killer enough. The story has many unexpected twists and turns and I loved every single page of this amazing book.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2024
Well written novel with an interesting plot.
carlalive
4.0 out of 5 stars Young adult novel an entertaining read for adults too!
Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2017
A very fun read, even for an older reader....give it. Try!
emma
5.0 out of 5 stars Page-turner!
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2024
Incredibly, well-written novel! Kept me glued in for every single word, paragraph, and chapter. Wonderfully crafted. Recommend to literally anyone.
Beverley
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Characters & Great Mystery--Can't wait to read the next one!
Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2017
This is one of the best mysteries I've read in a long time. Once I started reading it, I couldn't stop! I really connected with the main character, Erin. She's so spunky and confident in many ways, yet there's that vulnerable part of her too that made her real. Plus the side characters are so quirky and fun (even the names are awesome--Spam and Lysa), they really made the book for me. I'm a sucker for a good romance, and the chemistry between Erin and Journey was perfect.

To Catch a Killer has great forensic details, so much so at times I wanted to try out some of the experiments myself! I also have secret-attic room envy. I would have loved to have one of those when I was Erin's age--okay, I'll admit, I still want one now.

In a nutshell, the novel has drama, fun, vivid characters, and a fantastic mystery. I'll definitely be recommended this to my friends. Please tell me this is the first of a series! I want another one. :)
SH
5.0 out of 5 stars Cool mystery, even cooler forensics
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2017
Wow, what an exciting book! I'm normally not a fan of thrillers because I always feel like I figure out the culprit halfway through and am just biding my time until the end, but To Catch A Killer had me wondering all the way through. The clues are subtle and the characters were just mysterious enough to pull me through to the end. I loved that the forensics involved weren't all the fancy equipment and professionals you see on TV--just some teens doing the best with the materials at hand, which made me wonder if I could do it myself (especially the DNA testing!). The ending was satisfying and open-ended enough to make this a great stand-alone read but left me salivating for the next in what I REALLY hope will be a great series. Definitely 5 stars, especially for science and forensic geeks.
Shelley
5.0 out of 5 stars A Well Researched, Tightly Woven Thriller You Can't Put Down
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2017
Wow, just wow. From the opening page and its tightly woven twisty plot, this thriller left me breathless. All the more so, because I am not an avid reader of mysteries. I read it in two sittings and especially admired how much research went into getting the forensics just right. Sheryl Scarborough is one of those writers who grabs you at page one and doesn't let you go until the end of the story, without revealing how she does it. Can't wait for the next one (perhaps a series?)!!

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