Scratched Off by Julie C. Gilbert

Scratched Off Reviews

• 
  Rellim

  Scratched Off is a stand alone psychological thriller by Julie C. Gilbert. I’ll be honest, when Chapter 1 clearly stated who the serial killer was, by name, I was really worried that this wouldn’t be a mystery or very suspenseful. I was wrong. So, so, wrong.
  
  Instead – regularly hearing Andrew’s thoughts and plans juxtaposed with the victims’ and other character’s in the story created an almost constant tension while listening. The closed door romance between Andrew’s sister, Melissa and FBI Agent Sam Kerman added another level of depth to the story – but in very unpredictable ways.
  
  Like most good mystery/thriller books – it’s hard to share what I enjoyed about it without giving anything away. The most descriptive praise I can give is that it was full of surprises and I truly enjoyed listening from beginning to end. I’m looking forward to checking out more of Gilbert’s work.
  
  Content Note: While the romance is closed door and there is no explicit language, this is a book about a serial killer and some of his killings and their aftermath are described in detail.
  
  Narration:
  This was also my first experience listening to Rick Struve. He did a fantastic job with a variety of voices, personalities, and emotions. I felt completely drawn into Gilbert’s writing and truly enjoyed his performance.
  
  Disclaimer note: I know we’re supposed to mention if we received an audiobook for free. For whatever reason, I didn’t make a note about where/why I picked this book (I’m getting better, but have been inconsistent in the past). I *think* it may have been a giveaway in a FB group. So… like everything else, this is my honest review whether or not I received it for free. I did borrow the ebook version via KU to make it easier to take notes.
• 
  Beverly Laude

  This is a well-written, twisted account of a serial killer who kills in order to learn more about killing.
  At the very beginning of the book, the author reveals who the killer is, but don't let that dissuade you from continuing to read. The book is told from several POV's, but it is easy to follow the action. The look into the killer's mind is truly horrific and made me cringe many times.
  
  There is also a budding romance between a physician and the FBI agent tasked with finding the killer. The way that all of the characters mesh together is truly unique and I was still surprise at the ending. My only complaint would be that the reader never learns the "why" of the killings, but I guess that's true with real life as well.
  
  The narrator did a pretty good job, but a couple of the voices/accents were a little over the top. All in all, this was a decent way to spend a few hours if books about serial killers are your idea of a good read.
• 
  Lisa

  OMG!!!!! This story! What a brain burner! I kept trying to figure it out but believe me...I was SHOCKED! I just ran across this book and decided to give it a shot. I am sooo glad I gave the new to me author a chance.
  The story was interesting to me. I loved how I was inside the killers mind. Thinking and seeing how he worked through and delivered for the thrill.
  
  This is a first time author for me. I loved the delivery of the story. The thrill....the suspense and the drama. I wondered where this title came from before I read this book. Now...I LOVE it! I did listen to this on audio. Rick Struve did an amazing job bringing the story to life.
• 
  Bev

  This story is about a serial killer that uses different methods to kill, and the victims have nothing in common except being left in National Parks and
  the gray 'dust' and messages of guilt. Can FBI Special Agent Samuel Kerman figure out the who and why of this case? Then the killer makes things personal.....no one is safe....family, friends, pets. What is up with this killer? You will have to read this wonderfully written thriller to find out. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this story. It is really a great read!
• 
  Sue

  I have read a few of Gilbert's works before, but this one was quite a bit different.
  
  Switching perspectives between an FBI agent, a physician, and a serial killer Gilbert manages to capture each of their personalities. Although not as "hard core" as many thrillers, Scratched Off definitely leans much more towards that genre than her other mysteries.
  
  I was gifted a copy of this to pre-read, but the opinions expressed are my own.
• 
  Craig Jr.

  Dark. Very dark. A serial killer. Graphic details of internal monologue of him. An FBI agent, trying to track him down, much lighter tone in this POV. This story was too dark for me to read all at once, especially when in the serial killer's mind. I've had to put it down several times to read/listen to another book to get my mind on a lighter subject. If you like dark, gritty, and a little disturbing fiction, I'm sure you'll enjoy this.
• 
  RONI FIELDS-OWEN

  Both the author and narrator were new to me but I thought they did an AMAZING job. The narrator was able to capture each and every character and gave them their own identity and I really love that. I definitely will look for other books written by this author for I definitely loved her way of writing. I know others would feel the same way as I do so, I definitely recommend this novel.
  
  #AudiobookObsessionReviewer🎧RoniF.
• 
  SeekingSerenity&Harmony

  This one kept me on my toes.The main characters are an FBI agent and a serial killer. Will the agent be able to stop the killer before it becomes personal? You will have to check out a copy and find out. No spoilers here. I recommend this book. I chose the audio book which made it even more chilling listening to the narrators voice added to the suspense and tense moments.
• 
  Sue

  Format: audiobook
  Narrator: Rick Struve
  
  A serial killer on a mission to find the perfect way to kill someone, only those that deserve it though unless an innocent needs to die to distract the cops or as collateral damage!
  
  A good psychological thriller with a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming.
  
  Narration was good.
• 
  Michelle VanDaley

  My review is based on the audiobook. A suspense filled thriller that has some twists you won't see coming. The narrator did a great job bringing the story and characters to life. I look forward to more from this author.
• 
  Kim Gregory

  Boy, I hate to give four stars for a book I couldn't read, but the writing was very good, so good I had to quit reading because it was just too creepy, scary to me. I usually like to share if a book is clean but I didn't get far enough in it to know - I was just too creeped out to keep reading!
• 
  C

  This was such a psychological thriller with a beautiful love story entwined. Read during the Corona Virus Pandemic of 2020.
• 
  Jan Sjostrand

  Great book Keeps you guessing till the end who will live.
• 
  Lillie

  I have read several books by this author, but this one is quite different. This serial killer doesn't fit the pattern of most serial killers--he varies the way he kills his victims with every murder. The interrelationships--known and unknown--about the characters are interesting and complex. I liked Sam and Mel, and I wanted to know more about the brothers. We know a lot about what Andrew is currently doing, but we don't know what led him into that life or his early life (or Josh's, either). Although I was curious, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. This is sitting-on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense with a nice touch of romance.
  
  I received a copy of the book from the author, but I voluntarily wrote the review, which expresses my honest opinion.
• 
  Rosemary Hughes

  I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title.
  Multi scenes, switching from killer's viewpoint to that of the agent working the case, which gives very different perspective of the killing, and the motivation behind them.
  This story deals with a relationship perspective, where the killer is known to multiple people, who also have different relationships with one and other. A very interwoven story, and even a surprise at the end, that I believe none would have seen coming.
  The narrator does a fantastic job, with varied vocalizations for different characters. It adds another dimension to the overall experience.
• 
  Kathy Anderson

  I have never read one of Julie C. Gilbert's books before. I do have some on my TBR list. After reading Scratched Off, I am definitely going to read her other books.
  
  I was seized by the suspense in this book from Chapter 1. The ending took me by surprise. Julie C. Gilbert does a great job of balancing three storylines - the Serial Killer, the F.B.I. agent and the Doctor. There are a few twist and turns to the plot. The serial killer believes he is cleansing society of those who deserve to do. The F.B.I agent just wants to find this guy quickly and the doctor is wrestling with her feelings concerning her estranged brother. Eventually these characters will all meet in the exciting conclusion to the book.
  
  I recommend Scratched Off to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
  
  I was given a copy of this book by the author to beta read. She does not require or as for a review. The opinions expressed are my own.