Sweetheart

By: Chelsea Cain

Narrated by: Carolyn McCormick

Publisher's summary

With Heartsick, Chelsea Cain took the crime world by storm, introducing two of the most compelling characters in decades: serial killer Gretchen Lowell and her obsessed pursuer, Portland Detective Archie Sheridan. The book spent four weeks on the New York Times best seller list and garnered rave reviews around the world. But the riveting story of Archie and Gretchen was left unfinished. Now Chelsea Cain picks up the tale again.

When the body of a young woman is discovered in Portland's Forest Park, Archie is reminded of the last time they found a body there, more than a decade ago - it turned out to be the Beauty Killer's first victim, and Archie's first case. This body can't be one of Gretchen's - she's in prison - but after reporter Susan Ward uncovers the dead woman's identity, it turns into another big case.

Trouble is, Archie can't focus on the new investigation because the Beauty Killer case has exploded: Gretchen Lowell has escaped from prison.

Archie hadn't seen her in two months; he'd moved back in with his family and sworn off visiting her. Though it should feel like progress, he actually feels worse. The news of her escape spreads like wildfire, but secretly, he's relieved. He knows he's the only one who can catch her, and in fact, he has a plan to get out from under her thumb once and for all.

Chelsea Cain has topped her own best-selling debut thriller with this unpredictable, edge-of-your-seat story.

Listen to the first book, Heartsick.

©2008 Verite, Inc. (P)2008 Macmillan Audio

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Critic reviews

"Superb....With its brisk pacing, carefully metered violence, and tortured hero, Cain's sophomore effort will leave readers desperate for more." ( Publishers Weekly)

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4 out of 5 stars

By KM on 05-27-16

SWEETHEART IS NOT HEARTSICK

I liked this book, but I was not as into it as Heartsick. The intrigue and twists that were present in the first book seemed to have disappeared in this one. It wasn't awful, but I enjoyed the first story much more. I also agree with other reviewers that the end was a bit far fetched. I don't want to spoil the ending so that is all I will say . I still intend to listen to the other books by this author. Just couldn't give it 4 or 5 stars for this one.

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3 out of 5 stars

By Jenna on 10-14-08

Slow, unbelievable, disappointing

I was not impressed with this follow up to "Heartsick". The characters were too weak and whiny this time around. The description was thick and painstaking. I would find myself leaning forward, thinking "come on, get to the frickin point!!" I think the relationship between Archie and Gretchen veered dangerously toward unbelievable. Quite disgusting actually. It was a long time getting to the last 30 minutes that only produced a so-so ending. I think I'll skip the next saga. I've had enough.

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3 out of 5 stars

By Robert on 10-24-10

To Weird!

I listened to the first book, heartsick and like it. This book, however, is way to weird and unbelievable.
They also put music, to transition between chapters... this did not work, long pauses.
If you've listened to heartsick, you will probably be tempted to listen to this one.. I wouldn't recommend it.

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5 out of 5 stars

By TJ on 08-18-22

Awesome

Great book and narration. Looking forward to rest of series. Story is captivating and well presented

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3 out of 5 stars

By Zailey's Mom on 01-28-20

PLEASE ELIMINATE THE MUSIC IN BETWEEN CHAPTERS!

I love this series so much, but the addition of the " dramatic music" in between chapters, really interupted the flow of the book. If you're going to add music, at least let it be appropiate to the chapter, and not the same generic music each time. I just found it to be annoying and it almost made me return it. Let's keep it simple with a amazing performance to match an amazing story! It's the only reason I didn't rate it 4 or 5 out of 5.

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4 out of 5 stars

By Susan on 11-10-16

Pretty good series

I liked how this book picked right up the end of the first book. Parts of this were a little unbelievable but the story was strong enough to carry my attention through to the end. It was interesting how Chelsea Cain sucks you into wanting to know what gruesome thing will happen next. Its like not being able to not watch a train wreck. This was a buddy read and now we are all caught up in the characters, it's an interesting difference to read about a female killer. Looking forward to the next books and some answers.

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3 out of 5 stars

By Tim on 12-24-16

Not nearly as good as the first

I enjoyed the first book in the series but it seemed like the author couldn't come up with a new story so she wrote the same thing again. It was just ok.

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5 out of 5 stars

By slayer on 07-19-20

Great listen!

This book was amazing. So well written and keeps you wanting so much more. I could barely pause it when people tried talking to me. My only issue is between some chapters they play instrumental music for what seems like forever, but I guess it would seem that way if you really wanted to listen 😂

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5 out of 5 stars

By j.hammett on 10-03-08

Continuing the interest

A second instalment of the serial killer/detective relationship which I enjoyed very much. There is definitely something very compelling about the characters and this dark place they have travelled to. Very reminiscent of Clarisse and Hannibal. I would recommend you read the first book 'Heartsick' first.

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5 out of 5 stars

By sonia on 03-20-15

I found another author .

I'm always apprehensive about using a credit wasted many a credit on a new to me author. I am very pleased with Chelsea Cain. between my local library and Audible, I am beginning to listen to number 3 in the series. I had always loved listening to Carolyn McCormick. When she stopped narrating for James Patterson, I stopped purchasing his books. Carolyn adds to any book, her voice is very easy to listen to.

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