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The Dollmaker
“A tour de force that has it all.” —Annelise Ryan, USA Today bestselling author of A Death in Door County
“You will devour this book.” —Barbara Conrey, USA Today bestselling author of Nowhere Near Goodbye and international bestselling author of My Secret to Keep
No one is safe. Not when the Dollmaker lurks in the shadows.
When Dawn Hildegard’s best friend Rose is kidnapped by “The Dollmaker,” a crazed serial killer who creates “art” from women’s bodies, she drops everything to find her—including her dream of becoming a doctor. With the help of a handsome new acquaintance and his mysterious brother, they set off to find the killer. Although they quickly become friends, Dawn cannot shake the uneasy feeling that the brothers know more about the murders than they admit.
As more and more victims are found murdered and displayed throughout town, Dawn must use her wits to find Rose before it’s too late. And before she too becomes the Dollmaker’s next victim.
“You will devour this book.” —Barbara Conrey, USA Today bestselling author of Nowhere Near Goodbye and international bestselling author of My Secret to Keep
No one is safe. Not when the Dollmaker lurks in the shadows.
When Dawn Hildegard’s best friend Rose is kidnapped by “The Dollmaker,” a crazed serial killer who creates “art” from women’s bodies, she drops everything to find her—including her dream of becoming a doctor. With the help of a handsome new acquaintance and his mysterious brother, they set off to find the killer. Although they quickly become friends, Dawn cannot shake the uneasy feeling that the brothers know more about the murders than they admit.
As more and more victims are found murdered and displayed throughout town, Dawn must use her wits to find Rose before it’s too late. And before she too becomes the Dollmaker’s next victim.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published February 28, 2023
About the author
Morgan Shamy
6 books351 followersMorgan Shamy is an ex-ballerina turned YA writer.
She has been immersed in the arts since the young age of 4, where she performed alongside a professional ballet company for over seven years, and has danced on prestigious stages like soloing at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
She has taught hundreds of girls in her fifteen years of teaching, where some of her students have received full-ride scholarships to schools like School of American Ballet, the Harid Conservatory, Kirov Academy of Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet, to name a few.
Morgan discovered writing when her three-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer. It was through that experience which instilled the need to share art and magic with children through words on the page.
Morgan is also an accomplished concert pianist. She was the first girl in Utah to receive the 75 pt. Gold Cup in the Utah Federation of Music in piano solo/concerto competition. Morgan currently lives with her X-Games gold-medalist husband and four children in the cold mountains of Alaska.
She has been immersed in the arts since the young age of 4, where she performed alongside a professional ballet company for over seven years, and has danced on prestigious stages like soloing at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
She has taught hundreds of girls in her fifteen years of teaching, where some of her students have received full-ride scholarships to schools like School of American Ballet, the Harid Conservatory, Kirov Academy of Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet, to name a few.
Morgan discovered writing when her three-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer. It was through that experience which instilled the need to share art and magic with children through words on the page.
Morgan is also an accomplished concert pianist. She was the first girl in Utah to receive the 75 pt. Gold Cup in the Utah Federation of Music in piano solo/concerto competition. Morgan currently lives with her X-Games gold-medalist husband and four children in the cold mountains of Alaska.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
December 15, 2022
I was given this read by the author herself in exchange for my honest review.
Truly and utterly captivating. I found myself completely smitten within the first few pages. This book is set during the 1920s and there is a serial killer on the loose. Dawn is a healer, forced to work behind Dr Miller since women are not allowed to practice medicine. She does all of the "non-manly" work and is eager to open her own practice. Her best friend Rose is the prima-ballerina for their local ballet troupe but is set to be married and will consequently lose her ballerina status. However the infamous killer, the Dollmaker, is closing in on their town. Could the Dollmaker already be here? This book had so many twists and turns. I could not put this book down once I started reading. Morgan left me falling in love with Dawn's courage and I found myself torn between who the Dollmaker could be.
I highly recommend this book to any reader who loves suspense and doesn't mind that it is set in the past.
I highly suggest fully surrendering your mind to this beautiful book and just going along for the ride. You won't be disappointed.
Truly and utterly captivating. I found myself completely smitten within the first few pages. This book is set during the 1920s and there is a serial killer on the loose. Dawn is a healer, forced to work behind Dr Miller since women are not allowed to practice medicine. She does all of the "non-manly" work and is eager to open her own practice. Her best friend Rose is the prima-ballerina for their local ballet troupe but is set to be married and will consequently lose her ballerina status. However the infamous killer, the Dollmaker, is closing in on their town. Could the Dollmaker already be here? This book had so many twists and turns. I could not put this book down once I started reading. Morgan left me falling in love with Dawn's courage and I found myself torn between who the Dollmaker could be.
I highly recommend this book to any reader who loves suspense and doesn't mind that it is set in the past.
I highly suggest fully surrendering your mind to this beautiful book and just going along for the ride. You won't be disappointed.
December 15, 2022
So I got a arc copy of this book, went in with little knowledge of what I was about to read, and got hooked straight in.
Just lost few hours reading this book and twists and turns! I never seen the last twist coming!
Fully recommend this book.
Won't post any spoilers because books takes you on a ride and half it's self
Just lost few hours reading this book and twists and turns! I never seen the last twist coming!
Fully recommend this book.
Won't post any spoilers because books takes you on a ride and half it's self
January 1, 2023
I recieved an arc for an honest review
Perfect book for crime lovers
This book is about a girl, trying to find a murderer. On the way she makes new friends, finds love but not without som heartaches.
This was my first time reading something like this .. and i am hooked! This book was soo good. I love the detail, the characters, the suspence.
Perfect book for crime lovers
This book is about a girl, trying to find a murderer. On the way she makes new friends, finds love but not without som heartaches.
This was my first time reading something like this .. and i am hooked! This book was soo good. I love the detail, the characters, the suspence.
April 7, 2024
The Dollmaker by Morgan Shamy is a historical mystery thriller set in the 1920s.
I was not sure what to expect when I started this book, but I was quickly hooked.
Set in a time period where women were still considered to be just an accessory to their husbands, Dawn has no interest in getting married. Her dream is to be a doctor, but with the view on women, she knows that although she was capable of doing everything the doctor she works for, she will never get the same respect that he receives. Women in the medical field were only considered midwives, and if they tried to do more, they were called witches.
When ballerinas begin to disappear, they fear the serial killer that has been named The Dollmaker must be responsible. The Dollmaker kills beautiful young women and cuts a part of the body off, reconnecting them in a Frankenstein like manner. The Dollmaker is creating their own life size version of dolls.
Trying to figure out who the Dollmaker causes you to suspect multiple people, and as the information is revealed, you begin to find more reasons each suspect could be the killer. The book moves fast, with twists and turns coming constantly. The author weaves an engaging mystery that truly captivates the reader. I loved Dawns courage and determination to find her friend Rose that’s missing, regardless of the danger she puts herself into. The book gives you Jack The Ripper vibes. Be ready for twists that you won’t see coming.
I was not sure what to expect when I started this book, but I was quickly hooked.
Set in a time period where women were still considered to be just an accessory to their husbands, Dawn has no interest in getting married. Her dream is to be a doctor, but with the view on women, she knows that although she was capable of doing everything the doctor she works for, she will never get the same respect that he receives. Women in the medical field were only considered midwives, and if they tried to do more, they were called witches.
When ballerinas begin to disappear, they fear the serial killer that has been named The Dollmaker must be responsible. The Dollmaker kills beautiful young women and cuts a part of the body off, reconnecting them in a Frankenstein like manner. The Dollmaker is creating their own life size version of dolls.
Trying to figure out who the Dollmaker causes you to suspect multiple people, and as the information is revealed, you begin to find more reasons each suspect could be the killer. The book moves fast, with twists and turns coming constantly. The author weaves an engaging mystery that truly captivates the reader. I loved Dawns courage and determination to find her friend Rose that’s missing, regardless of the danger she puts herself into. The book gives you Jack The Ripper vibes. Be ready for twists that you won’t see coming.
December 13, 2022
I read this book in a span of four days because it was so good and I was hooked from page one! The characters are amazingly written, well represented as they each have a meaning to the story. The plot twists all throughout the book had me both happy and scared to find out what would be next! The writing in it was PHENOMENAL and I enjoyed this book till the very end. If you like powerful female main characters then this book might be for you!
January 17, 2024
The Dollmaker by Morgan Shamy was narrated by Kate Rudd who I honestly thought did a decent job. She was believable and clear. The novel had a great premise and a chilling crime story. But when it came to a convincing story of closeness I didn’t feel it. The mystery was good but the authentic feelings weren’t there. Something felt off for me so I’m giving this 3⭐️.
Thanks CamCat Publishing via NetGalley.
Thanks CamCat Publishing via NetGalley.
December 18, 2022
I have never read this kind of genre and this book made me want to start! It had me hooked from the very beginning and has an amazing plot twist that I never even saw coming, and I thought I knew what it was but I was so wrong! This book is beautifully written and executed perfectly!
December 15, 2022
The dollmaker is really captivating book. Even though I had an inclination to how it’s going to end, the grand finale was definitely unexpected. I finished the book in two sittings and I did enjoy it.
December 27, 2022
Are you in the mood for a murder mystery with just a sprinkling of romance and tension? This might be the read for you. The setting is back in the 1920s and a young woman is wanting to make her own way in the world as a healer/doctor. Well common back in those days to get married, settle down and have children our main character, Dawn wants no part of it. Our main character gets caught up in a murder mystery who done it, and is trying to work against the clock. I truly enjoyed the characters. I hope this author is going to continue this as a series because I’m not ready to let go of these characters yet.
December 18, 2022
Dark Romance with a big splash of suspense/gothic
Dawn is a woman in a society that still holds women as property and a commodity over being equal to their male counterparts. Dawn has dreams of having her own medical clinic especially since she has gained her medical degree and works as a assistant to the towns doctor. In society women are married and raise kids by 18, but she has no plans of fitting into that norm. Dawn's Bestfriend Rose is the principal Ballerina for the company in town, but she unfortunately has to marry just to survive in a world not kind to the female sex. When something happens to Rose ...Dawn is forced to come to terms with her own standing in society and what her parents demands she does to take care of the family by throwing her into a older rich mans path. Needing to help her friend because she knows the killer known as the Dollmaker has something to do with it all. In which two men will help her, but are they her captors or saviors.
This book is a mind f*ck ready to have you exploding with suspense and doubt at each turn. I was going through it emotionally reading this because the author put you in Dawn's POV and you literally was feeling how the murderer was there, but wasn't there it's so crazy. This was a dark murder mystery like so many people could be the killer. I swear at the end of book I was so shocked I had to find someone in my household to talk about this because flipping no way! This is definitely a great book for the dark suspense readers.
Dawn is a woman in a society that still holds women as property and a commodity over being equal to their male counterparts. Dawn has dreams of having her own medical clinic especially since she has gained her medical degree and works as a assistant to the towns doctor. In society women are married and raise kids by 18, but she has no plans of fitting into that norm. Dawn's Bestfriend Rose is the principal Ballerina for the company in town, but she unfortunately has to marry just to survive in a world not kind to the female sex. When something happens to Rose ...Dawn is forced to come to terms with her own standing in society and what her parents demands she does to take care of the family by throwing her into a older rich mans path. Needing to help her friend because she knows the killer known as the Dollmaker has something to do with it all. In which two men will help her, but are they her captors or saviors.
This book is a mind f*ck ready to have you exploding with suspense and doubt at each turn. I was going through it emotionally reading this because the author put you in Dawn's POV and you literally was feeling how the murderer was there, but wasn't there it's so crazy. This was a dark murder mystery like so many people could be the killer. I swear at the end of book I was so shocked I had to find someone in my household to talk about this because flipping no way! This is definitely a great book for the dark suspense readers.
February 2, 2024
This novel kept me on my toes the entire time. I enjoyed every moment and finished the entire book in one day. Absolutely could not put it down! Every time I thought I figured out who the doll makers was, there was a new piece of information that would sway me to think again. The big reveal caught me by surprise! 10/10 would recommend for anyone who loves a good murder mystery that keeps you on your toes the entire time.
December 11, 2022
Absolutely loved this book! I was sitting on the edge my seat the entire time. This author has a way of words that just transport into her book! Highly recommend.
January 29, 2023
To start this cover is gorgeous!!
This was an interesting book! Most books are predictable and I can usually guess the villain however, I did not see this one coming.
Thank you Morgan for gifting me with The Dollmaker!
This was an interesting book! Most books are predictable and I can usually guess the villain however, I did not see this one coming.
Thank you Morgan for gifting me with The Dollmaker!
January 13, 2024
3 stars
Some people are real creeps, and Dawn is out to find the one the community has taken to calling "The Dollmaker." This is just as gross as it sounds, and the right reader will enjoy - appropriately - these creative descriptions.
The concept is good, the mindful feminism is a nice surprise, and this is a solidly narrated audiobook. Despite the gruesome nature, I'm not sure this one will stand out as particularly memorable for the writing, plotting, or general creativity. That noted, it's an engaging enough listen, and I'd give this author future chances, too.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and CamCat Publishing, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks for this alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Some people are real creeps, and Dawn is out to find the one the community has taken to calling "The Dollmaker." This is just as gross as it sounds, and the right reader will enjoy - appropriately - these creative descriptions.
The concept is good, the mindful feminism is a nice surprise, and this is a solidly narrated audiobook. Despite the gruesome nature, I'm not sure this one will stand out as particularly memorable for the writing, plotting, or general creativity. That noted, it's an engaging enough listen, and I'd give this author future chances, too.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and CamCat Publishing, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks for this alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
December 24, 2022
“The Dollmaker” by Morgan Shamy has been one of my favorites books read this year!! Wow!
It’s a story of young woman in the 1920s dealing with the women suffrage of that time period. Dawn Hildegard had studied to become a doctor but that was unheard of at the time for a woman. As such, she was often thought of as less than especially of the male counterpart. You will be introduced to many heartbreaking, wonderful, weird, and even broken characters that all blend beautifully into this wonderful story!
The storyline lands us into an emotion filled thriller filled with medicine, strange but delightful men, ballet, addiction, and a…. Serial killer! What?? How do you take all those different elements and blend them together so beautifully haunting and detailed! I don’t know BUT Morgan did it!
I enjoy thrillers and the twist with this one got me pretty good. It’s not exactly who I expected but I loved it!
Seriously, one of the best books I have read all year!
- I was provided an eARC of this book for an honest review.
Which I am so glad I was because it is absolutely delightful and hauntingly beautiful!
It’s a story of young woman in the 1920s dealing with the women suffrage of that time period. Dawn Hildegard had studied to become a doctor but that was unheard of at the time for a woman. As such, she was often thought of as less than especially of the male counterpart. You will be introduced to many heartbreaking, wonderful, weird, and even broken characters that all blend beautifully into this wonderful story!
The storyline lands us into an emotion filled thriller filled with medicine, strange but delightful men, ballet, addiction, and a…. Serial killer! What?? How do you take all those different elements and blend them together so beautifully haunting and detailed! I don’t know BUT Morgan did it!
I enjoy thrillers and the twist with this one got me pretty good. It’s not exactly who I expected but I loved it!
Seriously, one of the best books I have read all year!
- I was provided an eARC of this book for an honest review.
Which I am so glad I was because it is absolutely delightful and hauntingly beautiful!
March 1, 2023
Synopsis: The 1920s are fraught with difficulty for women like Dawn Hildegard. She is torn between duty to society and desire to rise above those expectations and become a Doctor, and her efforts are spurned at every turn. The town doesn’t trust a female physician, and her families low status and selfish ambition have done nothing to help. To make matters worse, there is a madman on the loose, creating horrific “masterpieces” out of his victims. His surgical precision has the city on edge, and suspicions run deep. When Dawns oldest friend, a star ballet dancer, is kidnapped, Dawn must discover the killer before his next gruesome creation emerges.
Review: Murder, mystery, medicine…What’s not to love?!? The Dollmaker is a Jack-The-Ripper style thriller, full of swirling fog and twirling ballerinas, with a little romance and a lot of female empowerment.
I enjoyed the plot, and the mystery was completely unpredictable. It was thrilling, but not terrifying and I loved the glimpses of medical practice in the 19th century. It is also a beautiful love letter to dance, and the descriptive imagery is very well done. You can really picture the dancers, the stages and the costumes. You can also picture the dark streets and eerie settings, where the killer lurks and hunts. It is very well done.
I did not rate it a full 5 stars, because I found myself craving greater depth in a few of the characters, and their interpersonal relationships. But, overall, I found it to be a delightfully dark mystery, with a lot to offer!
Review: Murder, mystery, medicine…What’s not to love?!? The Dollmaker is a Jack-The-Ripper style thriller, full of swirling fog and twirling ballerinas, with a little romance and a lot of female empowerment.
I enjoyed the plot, and the mystery was completely unpredictable. It was thrilling, but not terrifying and I loved the glimpses of medical practice in the 19th century. It is also a beautiful love letter to dance, and the descriptive imagery is very well done. You can really picture the dancers, the stages and the costumes. You can also picture the dark streets and eerie settings, where the killer lurks and hunts. It is very well done.
I did not rate it a full 5 stars, because I found myself craving greater depth in a few of the characters, and their interpersonal relationships. But, overall, I found it to be a delightfully dark mystery, with a lot to offer!
December 11, 2022
I was caught from start to finish! The author does such a great job of sucking you in. My favorite part about this book was the setting. It was so haunting and cool. All of the characters were well developed--so much so that at one point or the other, I thought each one was the murderer. Though Sebastian was definitely my favorite. :) Even though he didn't appear for a while in the book! It wasn't formulaic. Definitely a different book, which made it extra enjoyable.
December 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the Jack the Ripper aspect of it. But it wasn't overly scary. It was just different, which was cool. The mystery was great. I totally didn't see who the murderer was. Definitely recommend.
December 29, 2022
I received an ARC copy of this book. I was hooked from the first page. The descriptions of the characters and surroundings took me right into the world created by the author. The suspense and twists keep you on your toes. This was the the first book I have read from this author and I can't wait to read other books from her.
January 17, 2024
***** I received this free audiobook from NetGalley and CamCat Publishing in exchange for my honest review. I absolutely loved this audiobook! Having this unique serial killer as well as an independent strong female main character while being set in the early 1900’s make this book different than others I have read. Such a fun read!!
January 15, 2023
The Dollmaker is riveting, and Shamy is a gifted storyteller and an absolute master at building tension on the page. Her writing is both fluid and lyrical, and I cannot remember devouring a story more eagerly than I did The Dollmaker.
Good versus evil, deception, just enough romance to make you wish there was more. You will devour this book.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an Advanced Reader Copy.
Good versus evil, deception, just enough romance to make you wish there was more. You will devour this book.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an Advanced Reader Copy.
December 24, 2022
I was given this book as an arc in return for an honest review. First off, I want to say that I'm pretty sure this is one of my favorite reads of the year. I loved Dawn, the main character. I loved the unsuspecting love, and I absolutely loved him! The Dollmaker's identity was not anyone I was suspecting. I definitely recommend this book!
December 24, 2022
I was given this as an ARC for a review and i can say omg! I was hooked within the first chapter. I couldnt put it down. I honestly read this on my kindle in 1 sitting. I didnt want to stop. The twist kept coming. When i thought i figured something out, nope another twist comes along and im rethinking myself again. Wont post any spoilers because well you would havw to find out for yourself.
January 3, 2023
This is my third Morgan Shamy book and I will say that as of right now it's my favorite one. First of I love that the author incorporates dance somehow into all of her books. Since she's a former ballet dancer I love that she puts that piece of herself in her books.
We have a mystery, murder and a woman who doesn't want to just sit down and do as she's told. So all of my favorite things basically lol. It's the 1920s. Dawn just wants to be a doctor. She's on her way to that dream but not without major issues. Her dreams do not involve getting married and running a household....which doesn't help how the town already views her family. Not to mention that her own family is quite horrible to her, blame her for her brother's death and her mother is simply trying to marry her off to the highest bidder so that she can live off of that. And then a murderer comes to town.
Very much Jack the Ripper vibes....which I'm always all here for. I'm also here for the love story side plot that didn't take too much precedence because that wasn't the point of the book, so I'm happy that the story wasn't lost with that being pushed to the forefront.
We have a mystery, murder and a woman who doesn't want to just sit down and do as she's told. So all of my favorite things basically lol. It's the 1920s. Dawn just wants to be a doctor. She's on her way to that dream but not without major issues. Her dreams do not involve getting married and running a household....which doesn't help how the town already views her family. Not to mention that her own family is quite horrible to her, blame her for her brother's death and her mother is simply trying to marry her off to the highest bidder so that she can live off of that. And then a murderer comes to town.
Very much Jack the Ripper vibes....which I'm always all here for. I'm also here for the love story side plot that didn't take too much precedence because that wasn't the point of the book, so I'm happy that the story wasn't lost with that being pushed to the forefront.
March 23, 2023
If you love a good murder mystery with a side of romance then you're going to love this 1920s era suspense-filled read. I loved the Gothic feel of the setting, which to me was reminiscent of Jack The Ripper and The Phantom of the Opera. I'm not usually one for historical writing, but this author has a nack for storytelling in such a way that you feel transported to that time with ease. The main character, Dawn, is a strong-willed and independent woman striving to be a Doctor in what was a man's world during the 20s. I loved her character and how she never gave up her dreams despite all of the obstacles thrown her way. I loved the twists and was unable to guess the identity of The Dollmaker before the serial killer was ultimately revealed.
The story follows Dawn, an educated young woman living during the 20s. Most women's goals during this time period were to marry and have children. Much to her parent's dismay, Dawn works as a medical assistant and her dream is to be taken seriously for her medical work and one day open up her own medical practice. When Dawn's best friend, Rose, is kidnapped by the serial killer, The Dollmaker, she fears her best friend will soon become a part of the killer's next artwork installation. With the help of the handsome Gideon and his mysterious brother Sebastien, they strive to hunt down and discover the identity of The Dollmaker. As more victims are murdered Dawn begins to question whether she can trust the 2 brothers or if one of them could be the killer. Dawn works to find Rose before it's too late, and before she too becomes The Dollmaker's next victim.
A special thank you to Morgan Shamy, CamCat Books and Let's Talk Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The story follows Dawn, an educated young woman living during the 20s. Most women's goals during this time period were to marry and have children. Much to her parent's dismay, Dawn works as a medical assistant and her dream is to be taken seriously for her medical work and one day open up her own medical practice. When Dawn's best friend, Rose, is kidnapped by the serial killer, The Dollmaker, she fears her best friend will soon become a part of the killer's next artwork installation. With the help of the handsome Gideon and his mysterious brother Sebastien, they strive to hunt down and discover the identity of The Dollmaker. As more victims are murdered Dawn begins to question whether she can trust the 2 brothers or if one of them could be the killer. Dawn works to find Rose before it's too late, and before she too becomes The Dollmaker's next victim.
A special thank you to Morgan Shamy, CamCat Books and Let's Talk Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 28, 2023
Solid read if you are into mysteries, murder and a hint of romance. The story revolves around Dawn a doctor in training who is being forced into an engagement with an elderly and wealthy man. However, her life is thrown into upheaval when young women begin to pop up dead at the hands of the notorious serial killer, the dollmaker. Having medical knowledge she is approached by Gideon, the nephew of her betrothed, to search for the doll maker in exchange for a plan to elude her engagement. There are quite a few twists and turns leading through the first half of the book. However, there was a bit of a middle book slump for me slowed slightly by the repetitive introspection from Dawn. I think had there been a bit more focus on the external than the internal it would have kept the pacing up. I did enjoy the twist ending when the dollmaker was revealed.
Also, the side plot love story felt a bit flat for me, I just wanted a hint more of relationship building between Dawn and her love interest especially when the chemistry between her and another character had been so much more potent. Overall it was a good read, enjoyable and I’m curious to see what this author writes next.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review
Also, the side plot love story felt a bit flat for me, I just wanted a hint more of relationship building between Dawn and her love interest especially when the chemistry between her and another character had been so much more potent. Overall it was a good read, enjoyable and I’m curious to see what this author writes next.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review
January 22, 2024
I was approved to listen to this audiobook through Netgalley. The Dollmaker is a historical fiction and a horror. It is set in 1920s America and there is a heavy underlying message about the extreme lack of rights that women had in that time period and some of the struggles that women face to this day.
There is a serial killer who is attacking young women, and doing horrible and gruesome things with them postmortem. The story centres around Dawn, whose family have been disgraced from high society, still struggling to put on airs and graces for the town at large yet Dawn, a promising doctor, struggles with being taken seriously about anything that is important to her; her intelligence, her career all while dealing with her mother forcing marriage upon her. It is during this saga that someone close to her is taken, believed to be by the Dollmaker and she makes an unlikely ally where together they try to find out who this crazed Dollmaker is.
It is tense, there is great pacing in the story. The horror elements up until the halfway mark in the story have been minimal, the story focusing more on Dawn and the elements of her day to day life rather than the murders themselves.
There are a few parts of the story that absolutely had me angry at the suffering and day to day expectations of what these women went through, knowing that things have improved for us now in 2024, however, a lot of these same fears are all too familiar.
The ending did shock me. I actually did not see that coming. The whole way through Dawn debates between a few suspects and they are all good choices, I would have been happy with any of them being the culprit because it is believable and yet, that final reveal was not what I was expecting! The ending was even better than I could have imagined, I really wasn’t sure how this one was going to go, I didn’t see how there could possibly be a positive outcome however, Morgan achieved that. I was happy with the ending. I liked that a lot.
There is a serial killer who is attacking young women, and doing horrible and gruesome things with them postmortem. The story centres around Dawn, whose family have been disgraced from high society, still struggling to put on airs and graces for the town at large yet Dawn, a promising doctor, struggles with being taken seriously about anything that is important to her; her intelligence, her career all while dealing with her mother forcing marriage upon her. It is during this saga that someone close to her is taken, believed to be by the Dollmaker and she makes an unlikely ally where together they try to find out who this crazed Dollmaker is.
It is tense, there is great pacing in the story. The horror elements up until the halfway mark in the story have been minimal, the story focusing more on Dawn and the elements of her day to day life rather than the murders themselves.
There are a few parts of the story that absolutely had me angry at the suffering and day to day expectations of what these women went through, knowing that things have improved for us now in 2024, however, a lot of these same fears are all too familiar.
The ending did shock me. I actually did not see that coming. The whole way through Dawn debates between a few suspects and they are all good choices, I would have been happy with any of them being the culprit because it is believable and yet, that final reveal was not what I was expecting! The ending was even better than I could have imagined, I really wasn’t sure how this one was going to go, I didn’t see how there could possibly be a positive outcome however, Morgan achieved that. I was happy with the ending. I liked that a lot.
December 26, 2022
I’d like to start by thanking the author for allowing me to be apart of her ARC team.
I’m rating this book at 4 stars because for me, it was a bit of a slow start. During the first few chapters I questioned my interest but stuck with it! I’m glad that I did.
Set in the 1920s this novel follows a FMC trying to uncover the identity of a serial killer and the disappearance of her best friend. Nothing will stop her, not even when a mysterious figure keeps standing in her way, stealing from her more than just her time. She proves to be strong in her determination!
The twist I came across gave me pause and just when I thought I had it figured out, I was proved wrong! I enjoy a read that keeps me guessing.
I’m rating this book at 4 stars because for me, it was a bit of a slow start. During the first few chapters I questioned my interest but stuck with it! I’m glad that I did.
Set in the 1920s this novel follows a FMC trying to uncover the identity of a serial killer and the disappearance of her best friend. Nothing will stop her, not even when a mysterious figure keeps standing in her way, stealing from her more than just her time. She proves to be strong in her determination!
The twist I came across gave me pause and just when I thought I had it figured out, I was proved wrong! I enjoy a read that keeps me guessing.
February 9, 2024
I had zero expectations for this book. I took the chance on this audiobook and I'm so glad I did. I don't usually consume audiobooks because I tend to go in and out of the story but this was a delight.
The narrator was perfectly matched to the prose, imo. I was invested and intrigued with all the characters. I'm not a mystery/crime reader so maybe it was obvious to some readers, but I really wasn't sure whodunnit until it was too late.
An excellent introduction to Morgan's work, I cannot wait to read Stricken.
Thank you to Morgan Shamy, Netgalley and Camcat Publishing for the opportunity. I've received this audiobook as an ARC and am leaving my review honestly and voluntarily.
The narrator was perfectly matched to the prose, imo. I was invested and intrigued with all the characters. I'm not a mystery/crime reader so maybe it was obvious to some readers, but I really wasn't sure whodunnit until it was too late.
An excellent introduction to Morgan's work, I cannot wait to read Stricken.
Thank you to Morgan Shamy, Netgalley and Camcat Publishing for the opportunity. I've received this audiobook as an ARC and am leaving my review honestly and voluntarily.
December 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It was outside of my normal reading habits, and when I first started and realized this was not something I would normally read, I almost didn't. I am glad I did. It is very well written. The author keeps the twist and turns coming. As soon as you are sure that you know who the Dollmaker is, you are proven so very wrong. 100% will never be who you anticipate it to be. Dawn is an amazing woman, very advanced for her time period. Love the dynamic that is set between Dawn, Sebastian, and Gideon. Highly recommend.
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