Publisher Description
Perfect couples are his perfect victims. Now he’s hunting those hunting him in a riveting thriller by New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Isabella Maldonado.
A wedding reception is coming to a close in the Hollywood Hills when the blissful day is shattered by the death of one of the newlyweds. Though the incident appears to be an accident, Homeland Security Investigations agent Carmen Sanchez and her partner, security expert Jake Heron, discover that the tragedy is the third in a series of similar deaths and conclude something far more sinister is at play.
The two uncover chilling evidence pointing to a serial killer who has taken evil to the next level. Dubbed the Honeymoon Killer, this man isn’t interested in his victims but in creating his own macabre masterpiece from their graves—focused on the survivors and reveling in their grief. And now his dark obsession has turned to Carmen and Jake…
The Honeymoon Killer has decided they are the perfect next target. Take one out and delight as the other crumbles. Time is running out as a deadly game between predator and prey begins.
Thrilling Reads Review
After devouring the first Sanchez & Heron novel, I couldn’t wait to see what Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado had in store for their second collaboration — and The Grave Artist doesn’t disappoint. This follow-up delivers another pulse-pounding thriller with the same high-stakes tension and razor-sharp plotting that made the first book so addictive.
Homeland Security Investigations agent Carmen Sanchez and cyber-intrusion expert Jake Heron are back, this time tracking a serial killer dubbed the “Honeymoon Killer,” who stages the deaths of newlywed couples to look like accidents. The premise is chilling, and the investigation kept me hooked from the very first chapter. I particularly enjoyed the interplay between Carmen and Jake — the sharp banter, the underlying trust, and the subtle hints of something more between them.
That said, the story occasionally juggles a bit too much. Alongside the central investigation, there are threads involving international espionage, Russian operatives, and a light romantic subplot. While each element adds layers to the story, the sheer number of moving parts sometimes made the pacing feel slightly uneven. A leaner focus on the main storyline could have made this a five-star read for me.
Still, Deaver and Maldonado know how to stick the landing. The final act is tense, clever, and thoroughly satisfying, with just enough of a tease to keep you eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Overall, The Grave Artist is a strong, high-octane sequel that blends gripping suspense with complex characters and smart plotting. If you enjoyed the first book, this one is absolutely worth picking up — and if you’re new to the series, start with book one so you can fully appreciate the dynamic between Sanchez and Heron.
Author Interview
Check out my 2024 interview with Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado during the release of the first book in the series from Meet the Thriller Author Podcast.
