The Dollmaker

Forgotten Files, Book 2

By: Mary Burton

Narrated by: Christina Traister

Dr. Tessa McGowan had never seen anything quite like it. But the mutilated bodies on her exam table tell a stunningly macabre tale: someone with a twisted mind is kidnapping women and altering their faces to resemble real, life-size dolls. As a forensic pathologist, it's her job to aid the agent leading the case—even if that agent is her estranged husband.

Twelve years ago an unspeakable tragedy destroyed Dakota Sharp's world. Haunted by the ghosts of his past, he's devoted himself to capturing killers. His only regret is that it cost him Tessa. Now, as the Dollmaker case brings them together—and raises his suspicions that he's crossed paths with this deranged psychopath before—they may just have their second chance. But it seems Dakota's not the only one who wants to make Tessa his own...

She may be the Dollmaker's next target, but Tessa has no intention of winding up as another toy on his shelf. Can she and Dakota stop this ghastly killer before his next deadly playdate?

©2016 Mary Burton. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Interesting Plot Line

Liked this book, good believable characters, and interesting overall premise. Only concern I had was that the end seemed to come very quickly with everything just falling right into place and missing opportunity to build some tension. Overall a good listen.

Not my favorite of her novels

Excellent narrator, but I found this a little discombobulated and some parts obvious. The love story was a little meh for me. The narrator made the book. Overall good, but not her best.

Great listen

This was a great book just when you think you know the truth you get a shock and awe

Story good - narrater awful

Story kept my attention. The narrater was so loud I had to turn down the volume. But at times, in the middle of a group of sentences she would unexpectedly raise her voice. I am assuming this is studied inflection or something like that but it isn't normal speaking and was annoying.

The book was the average police detective procedure, which I like. It kept supplying clues and moved along without boring interludes. I like that all the law officials got along with each other.

I didn't guess the 'dollmaker' identity until second to last chapter so that is a good book.

Burton does procedurals like a pro.

It is pretty easy to guess what the doll maker does with women. It’s pretty sick stuff, borderline horror material. Nevertheless the police procedural part was terrific.

Christina Traister does another great job with narration. However, with the male leads in both The Shark and The Dollmaker her voice is low and unemotional. She does an excellent job with accents and both sexes otherwise.

This is the second novel of 3 in The Forgotten Files trilogy. This time the focus shifts to Detective Dakota Parks of the Virginia State Police. His estranged wife has returned to his life and he isn’t sure how he feels about their relationship. She is the new Medical Examiner, which means they must work together. The Dollmaker case suddenly takes a personal turn for the couple, which furthermore complicates their lives.

Mary Burton is a great mystery writer!