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Wordhunter
Win a free print copy of this book!
21 days and 18:59:51
25 copies available
U.S. only
An utterly original and compulsively readable detective story about a woman who uses her uncanny ability to analyze words and speech patterns to help solve crimes.
Tattooed, pierced, and a bit of a mess, Maggie Moore is a surprising genius when it comes to words, a savant able to solve any linguistic puzzle. The top student in her forensic linguistics class, she’s tapped by local police to use her skills to decipher harrowing notes left by a stalker-turned-rapist—and succeeds brilliantly.
But when the daughter of a local mayor is abducted, Maggie isn’t sure she’s the right person to help the police solve the crime. Given what happened to her best childhood friend, Maggie just might be too close to this one.
Yet she knows the authorities in this rural south-Central Florida town cannot crack the case without her special skill. Along with her new best friend, a detective Jackson, Maggie begins to analyze the texts, emails, and verbal tics of various suspects . . . and comes to a disturbing conclusion that will rock this small community.
Tattooed, pierced, and a bit of a mess, Maggie Moore is a surprising genius when it comes to words, a savant able to solve any linguistic puzzle. The top student in her forensic linguistics class, she’s tapped by local police to use her skills to decipher harrowing notes left by a stalker-turned-rapist—and succeeds brilliantly.
But when the daughter of a local mayor is abducted, Maggie isn’t sure she’s the right person to help the police solve the crime. Given what happened to her best childhood friend, Maggie just might be too close to this one.
Yet she knows the authorities in this rural south-Central Florida town cannot crack the case without her special skill. Along with her new best friend, a detective Jackson, Maggie begins to analyze the texts, emails, and verbal tics of various suspects . . . and comes to a disturbing conclusion that will rock this small community.
256 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
September 10, 2024
Not many books, or at least not that I’ve read, that feature a main character that is a linguistic expert. I found this talent of great interest, identifying people by their handwriting or word usage. Maggie is the main character, she is a rather tough character, heavy drinking, smoking, pills, and yet she diagrams sentences from different books, as her form of stress relief. She is asked to assist the police, using her skills, to help them narrow down their list of suspects.
I very much enjoyed the premise but the execution could have been better. The writing seemed very simple, almost sophomoric at times. Still, if you love words and their meanings, give this a try.
I very much enjoyed the premise but the execution could have been better. The writing seemed very simple, almost sophomoric at times. Still, if you love words and their meanings, give this a try.
February 17, 2024
Publication Date: August, 2024
Set in rural, rundown area of Florida, the author's main character is a tough, driven and very endearing lover of words and language. Her name is Maggie and I really wanted to encourage and help her, though her own toughness was exciting to see. The plot engaged me and made the book hard to put down. The information about word analysis in forensics was informative. I honestly can highly recommend this book. Enjoy!
My thanks to the author, Stella Sands, and the publisher, Harper for my ARC of this book. #Goodreads Giveaway
(Absolutely loved the diagrams)
Set in rural, rundown area of Florida, the author's main character is a tough, driven and very endearing lover of words and language. Her name is Maggie and I really wanted to encourage and help her, though her own toughness was exciting to see. The plot engaged me and made the book hard to put down. The information about word analysis in forensics was informative. I honestly can highly recommend this book. Enjoy!
My thanks to the author, Stella Sands, and the publisher, Harper for my ARC of this book. #Goodreads Giveaway
(Absolutely loved the diagrams)
July 14, 2024
CW: The main reason I gave this title three stars was that the mystery at its center is about sexual assault and disappearances of children. The author doesn't bludgeon us with horrors, but I just feel uneasy when something like this shows up in my "entertainment." There's also an explosive character prone to physical and psychological violence.
What drew me to Wordhunter was the premise of a mystery novel whose central character is a forensic linguist. I was curious to see how the author would depict that field and what kind of person she's create to embody it. Maggie Moore, our forensic linguist (actually, she's still studying forensic linguistics) is rather a hot mess outside of her area of expertise. Poor self care, alcohol and drug use, a personal history of what can best be described as mind-bogglingly poor choices in sexual partners. There's effective backstory to explain this, but, goodness, she gives a reader a lot to worry about.
Like many such novels, Wordhunter explores the pairing of a professional-amateur investigative duo. Maggie is the amateur half of that team, with hopes of working in investigation/law enforcement, but no real experience yet. Detective Jackson is a deeply committed, by-the-books sort of guy (with problems of his own), who finds Maggie's baggage overwhelming. He wants to keep her in a "civilian" box. She's itching to be a "real" investigator.
The parts involving forensic linguistics were interesting—and leave me willing to try another book by this author with this character set should one appear. I appreciate the care with which Maggie insists that she can't make definitive statements about suspects. She can just offer word-based clues that may suggest bits oabout a suspect's history or the "character" the suspect is trying to come across as to the law enforcement community. Nonetheless, Maggie is able to pull key clues from very small pieces of evidence. Would this be true in real life? I don't know, but I have my doubts.
The unabomber case is offered as an example of the kinds of conclusions that forensic linguistics can lead to—but in the unabomber case analysts had a great deal of previous writing by the suspect and a 35,000-word manifesto to work with. Over the course of this case, Maggie is working with a few brief notes and a handful of equally brief text messages. So I'm not sure I buy some central elements of the puzzle, but I am curious to see where the author can take things next.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.
What drew me to Wordhunter was the premise of a mystery novel whose central character is a forensic linguist. I was curious to see how the author would depict that field and what kind of person she's create to embody it. Maggie Moore, our forensic linguist (actually, she's still studying forensic linguistics) is rather a hot mess outside of her area of expertise. Poor self care, alcohol and drug use, a personal history of what can best be described as mind-bogglingly poor choices in sexual partners. There's effective backstory to explain this, but, goodness, she gives a reader a lot to worry about.
Like many such novels, Wordhunter explores the pairing of a professional-amateur investigative duo. Maggie is the amateur half of that team, with hopes of working in investigation/law enforcement, but no real experience yet. Detective Jackson is a deeply committed, by-the-books sort of guy (with problems of his own), who finds Maggie's baggage overwhelming. He wants to keep her in a "civilian" box. She's itching to be a "real" investigator.
The parts involving forensic linguistics were interesting—and leave me willing to try another book by this author with this character set should one appear. I appreciate the care with which Maggie insists that she can't make definitive statements about suspects. She can just offer word-based clues that may suggest bits oabout a suspect's history or the "character" the suspect is trying to come across as to the law enforcement community. Nonetheless, Maggie is able to pull key clues from very small pieces of evidence. Would this be true in real life? I don't know, but I have my doubts.
The unabomber case is offered as an example of the kinds of conclusions that forensic linguistics can lead to—but in the unabomber case analysts had a great deal of previous writing by the suspect and a 35,000-word manifesto to work with. Over the course of this case, Maggie is working with a few brief notes and a handful of equally brief text messages. So I'm not sure I buy some central elements of the puzzle, but I am curious to see where the author can take things next.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.
January 8, 2024
I am reviewing Wordhunter by Stella Sands. #Wordhunter #NetGalley
A few hints at spoilers but no REAL spoilers!!
Thank you NETGALLEY for a free preview of this book in return for an honest review!
I get why other readers think that the main character is a white-trash version of Lisbeth Salander. HOWEVER, it fits the storyline.
To me, it’s a lot like a combination of characters: the tv series LIE TO ME, Criminal Minds, The Girl With…series. Also, Jackson is reminiscent of Detective Bosch and Nick Pirog’s Thomas Prescott.
I think too many readers are focusing on the similarities and not the differences. This is where it is at for me.
The flow of the story was wonderful. There was no confusion about who was speaking. There was no confusion about the emotions of the characters. The whole book theme made me think of Reba McEntire’s FANCY. It was back woods, shady policing, sneaky shit-pile of detectives weaved in with a few phenomenal characters. From the past to the present, you could feel how a lesser socio-economic demographic is treated by those in authority.
The diagraming of sentences added to the puzzle. While some were difficult, it made you realize how intelligent Maggie is. The humour of Maggie, mixed with her intellect, really makes you appreciate the way her brain thinks.
The slow process of her and detective Jackson’s friendship and business relationship is refreshing. No sex-nor does the reader crave that relationship out of the two characters. I’m guessing that’s where it could head but the author doesn’t breathe life into that….yet. In itself, the relationship is relevant and easy.
The secondary storyline with Maggie’s school and her professor I sensed was coming. It’s like you could feel what was happening, but you were hoping one direction; it went another, darker way.
I’m hoping that this will be a well planned, long running series. It’s nice to have a true mystery/thriller series!
A few hints at spoilers but no REAL spoilers!!
Thank you NETGALLEY for a free preview of this book in return for an honest review!
I get why other readers think that the main character is a white-trash version of Lisbeth Salander. HOWEVER, it fits the storyline.
To me, it’s a lot like a combination of characters: the tv series LIE TO ME, Criminal Minds, The Girl With…series. Also, Jackson is reminiscent of Detective Bosch and Nick Pirog’s Thomas Prescott.
I think too many readers are focusing on the similarities and not the differences. This is where it is at for me.
The flow of the story was wonderful. There was no confusion about who was speaking. There was no confusion about the emotions of the characters. The whole book theme made me think of Reba McEntire’s FANCY. It was back woods, shady policing, sneaky shit-pile of detectives weaved in with a few phenomenal characters. From the past to the present, you could feel how a lesser socio-economic demographic is treated by those in authority.
The diagraming of sentences added to the puzzle. While some were difficult, it made you realize how intelligent Maggie is. The humour of Maggie, mixed with her intellect, really makes you appreciate the way her brain thinks.
The slow process of her and detective Jackson’s friendship and business relationship is refreshing. No sex-nor does the reader crave that relationship out of the two characters. I’m guessing that’s where it could head but the author doesn’t breathe life into that….yet. In itself, the relationship is relevant and easy.
The secondary storyline with Maggie’s school and her professor I sensed was coming. It’s like you could feel what was happening, but you were hoping one direction; it went another, darker way.
I’m hoping that this will be a well planned, long running series. It’s nice to have a true mystery/thriller series!
January 16, 2024
Let's start with the positives! Wordhunter is a fast, easy read that falls somewhere between a cozy mystery and a police procedural. The main protagonist is in graduate school to become a forensic linguist, and she helps the local police department solve open cases. The ending is ambiguous, so one can only assume this book is a pilot to a future series. I haven't read a book with a forensic linguist as the hero, so the author gets points for ingenuity.
Now, the big question - will I read book #2 (if there is one)? Eh. Forensic linguistics is a complex topic; for the most part, the story overestimated the reader's understanding. I love Criminal Minds, CSI, and Law & Order just as much as any other true crime junkie, but there were several parts of the book that soared over my head. And on the rare occasion when the author tried to explain the science behind linguistic analysis, the plot turned into a textbook. It read like a regurgitation of a Google search, and for being such a crucial concept in the plot, I expected more engaging (and educated) explanations.
The main character's job is to analyze written words, but ironically, the writing of this book is pretty amateur. There was a lot of rudimentary dialogue - Maggie said, Jackson said, Maggie said, Jackson said...😴 Characters were barely developed outside of basic descriptions - no one had a clear voice, and I felt zero connection to them.
Some authors can write a story and make the reader feel like an active observer - you feel right there with the characters. Others force the reader into a more passive role, and you feel like you are being talked at. This book fell into the latter category. In addition, several errant plot lines served no purpose to the story and were seemingly added for shock value and filler. For example, a good chunk of the book is spent on a conflict with a professor, but this thread had no significance to the primary plot. It was like a lost balloon floating in the wind.
If Wordhunter was a house, you'd say it had "good bones." It needs more development and a sharp editor, but it has undeniable potential.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for providing the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
Now, the big question - will I read book #2 (if there is one)? Eh. Forensic linguistics is a complex topic; for the most part, the story overestimated the reader's understanding. I love Criminal Minds, CSI, and Law & Order just as much as any other true crime junkie, but there were several parts of the book that soared over my head. And on the rare occasion when the author tried to explain the science behind linguistic analysis, the plot turned into a textbook. It read like a regurgitation of a Google search, and for being such a crucial concept in the plot, I expected more engaging (and educated) explanations.
The main character's job is to analyze written words, but ironically, the writing of this book is pretty amateur. There was a lot of rudimentary dialogue - Maggie said, Jackson said, Maggie said, Jackson said...😴 Characters were barely developed outside of basic descriptions - no one had a clear voice, and I felt zero connection to them.
Some authors can write a story and make the reader feel like an active observer - you feel right there with the characters. Others force the reader into a more passive role, and you feel like you are being talked at. This book fell into the latter category. In addition, several errant plot lines served no purpose to the story and were seemingly added for shock value and filler. For example, a good chunk of the book is spent on a conflict with a professor, but this thread had no significance to the primary plot. It was like a lost balloon floating in the wind.
If Wordhunter was a house, you'd say it had "good bones." It needs more development and a sharp editor, but it has undeniable potential.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for providing the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
January 17, 2024
ARC for review. To be published August 6, 2024. Maggie Moore of Cypress Haven, Florida is a university student studying forensics. Her film professor (?) recommends that she consult with detective Silas Jackson on a cyber stalking case because of her prowess in word analysis. It goes well which leads to her work on the case of the kidnapped mayor’s daughter. She’s also searching for a missing childhood friend, Lucy.
Lots going on in this mystery/thriller, maybe a few too many threads. Maggie is an interesting main character. The constant sentence diagramming got a bit old, though I can see a wordsmith doing this in real life, I guess. I would have like to have seen more of Maggie’s actual work with words and fewer tangents. Overall, good though.
Lots going on in this mystery/thriller, maybe a few too many threads. Maggie is an interesting main character. The constant sentence diagramming got a bit old, though I can see a wordsmith doing this in real life, I guess. I would have like to have seen more of Maggie’s actual work with words and fewer tangents. Overall, good though.
August 25, 2024
Can’t believe this was published.
Points for the diagrammed sentences. I wish the whole book, the story and characters and dialogue were as carefully constructed as those sentences.
Points for the diagrammed sentences. I wish the whole book, the story and characters and dialogue were as carefully constructed as those sentences.
June 28, 2024
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Aug. 6, 2024
Non-fiction author Stella Sands has taken her first foray into fiction with “Wordhunter”, a clever and engaging detective story for fans of Dan Brown and Stieg Larsson.
Maggie Moore is tattooed, pierced and a bit of a misfit, but she has a way with words and can solve just about any linguistic puzzle. Maggie has helped the local police force before, bringing a stalker-turned-rapist to justice so when the young daughter of a small-town mayor goes missing, Maggie is again asked to assist. However, Maggie feels that this case strikes a little close to home, bringing back reminders of the day when her childhood friend disappeared, and she is reluctant to help. But a little girl’s life may be at stake and everyone is desperate- can Maggie put her own past behind her to save a child’s life?
“Wordhunter” is smart and well-formed and Maggie gives off solid Lisbeth Salander vibes, with her tattoos and her brilliance. Right away, I was pulled into this novel, trying to solve the crimes alongside Maggie, and rooting for her eccentricities and talents.
I thoroughly enjoyed the puzzle solving component of this novel, as well as the police investigation and the kidnapping. There is a storyline that revolves around Maggie’s professor, which, although suspenseful and powerful, seemed irrelevant to the story. Socially awkward loner Maggie is recruited by two female friends who we haven’t before met, to go after a professor for reasons I won’t give away. Right around this part of the novel, Maggie’s conversational style changed, and it seemed that “Wordhunter” was going on an entirely different path. Once this storyline had been solved, I was pleased to return to the puzzle and crime solving aspect.
The novel hints that a second story, and possibly more, are incoming and I hope that that is the case. Although some of the conversations are simplistic and rudimentary, and some of the plotlines don’t quite fit, I think with some careful tweaking, Maggie and her wordhunting ways would be something I’d keep reading!
Expected publication date: Aug. 6, 2024
Non-fiction author Stella Sands has taken her first foray into fiction with “Wordhunter”, a clever and engaging detective story for fans of Dan Brown and Stieg Larsson.
Maggie Moore is tattooed, pierced and a bit of a misfit, but she has a way with words and can solve just about any linguistic puzzle. Maggie has helped the local police force before, bringing a stalker-turned-rapist to justice so when the young daughter of a small-town mayor goes missing, Maggie is again asked to assist. However, Maggie feels that this case strikes a little close to home, bringing back reminders of the day when her childhood friend disappeared, and she is reluctant to help. But a little girl’s life may be at stake and everyone is desperate- can Maggie put her own past behind her to save a child’s life?
“Wordhunter” is smart and well-formed and Maggie gives off solid Lisbeth Salander vibes, with her tattoos and her brilliance. Right away, I was pulled into this novel, trying to solve the crimes alongside Maggie, and rooting for her eccentricities and talents.
I thoroughly enjoyed the puzzle solving component of this novel, as well as the police investigation and the kidnapping. There is a storyline that revolves around Maggie’s professor, which, although suspenseful and powerful, seemed irrelevant to the story. Socially awkward loner Maggie is recruited by two female friends who we haven’t before met, to go after a professor for reasons I won’t give away. Right around this part of the novel, Maggie’s conversational style changed, and it seemed that “Wordhunter” was going on an entirely different path. Once this storyline had been solved, I was pleased to return to the puzzle and crime solving aspect.
The novel hints that a second story, and possibly more, are incoming and I hope that that is the case. Although some of the conversations are simplistic and rudimentary, and some of the plotlines don’t quite fit, I think with some careful tweaking, Maggie and her wordhunting ways would be something I’d keep reading!
December 26, 2023
After reading the synopsis, I had high hopes for this book. The idea of a linguistic savant assisting the police to solve crimes excited my inner geek-love for puzzles. It was a quick and easy read with an interesting storyline and a quirky main character, but the portrayal missed its mark for me. The dialogue was extremely disjointed and lacked any kind of emotion. It felt like I was reading in monotone, like someone was just stating a list of facts. There were parts where I should have cared or empathized with Maggie, but I didn't feel a connection to her or any of the characters at all. And to my disappointment, there weren't many puzzles to solve. Maggie was more obsessed with diagramming and analyzing sentence structure. This was kind of cool for what it was, but the diagrams were very hard to read on my Kindle. They would have been much easier to decipher if the sentences were written out prior to or above the diagram. The ending was cut and dry. All my questions were answered but summed up too neatly. I was hoping for a bit more elaboration and a more satisfying ending on the Ditmore issue. The storyline was left wide open, so I'm guessing that there will be a sequel. Overall, it was a decent read, it just didn't WOW me.
Thank you to the author, Harper Perennial and Paperbacks, and NetGalley for granting me early digital access in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to the author, Harper Perennial and Paperbacks, and NetGalley for granting me early digital access in exchange for my honest review!
August 22, 2024
First, the positives: an interesting take on a procedural that had a lot of potential and was mercifully, a quick read.
The negatives: everything else. For a book that purports to be focused on a supposedly intelligent character analyzing words and communication styles, this book is so badly written. The writing is uninspired, the characters are hard to root for, and the drama is rushed. The sentence diagramming feels excessive and does not serve the plot, nor does it convince the reader of the main character's brilliance. The references are either laughably trite (Casey at the Bat, the lyrics to The Gambler) or self-important (Proust). It feels like the author had a lot of ideas and instead of building and layering a compelling story, just threw all of the tired true crime tropes into one book. I was so disappointed by a book that could have been great, but found myself asking frequently how it made it past editors.
There are also several topics that are worthy of content warning, and even these issues are not treated deftly. There's SA and also a weird attitudes about pedophilia--it's commonplace and shrugged off and also no big deal if the main character was underage having an affair with a married man but also the criminal she tracks has kidnapped young girls and photographed and assumedly abused them as well and that's obviously bad. None of the characters have a moral compass, it seems, and that leaves the story with a sense of pointlessness.
I am sure there are some readers who will love this and enjoy it, but it read more like a mass-market procedural instead of a more interesting, developed, and well-written novel.
If you want regional-flavor procedural with smart writing and characterization, read anything by S.A. Cosby instead.
The negatives: everything else. For a book that purports to be focused on a supposedly intelligent character analyzing words and communication styles, this book is so badly written. The writing is uninspired, the characters are hard to root for, and the drama is rushed. The sentence diagramming feels excessive and does not serve the plot, nor does it convince the reader of the main character's brilliance. The references are either laughably trite (Casey at the Bat, the lyrics to The Gambler) or self-important (Proust). It feels like the author had a lot of ideas and instead of building and layering a compelling story, just threw all of the tired true crime tropes into one book. I was so disappointed by a book that could have been great, but found myself asking frequently how it made it past editors.
There are also several topics that are worthy of content warning, and even these issues are not treated deftly. There's SA and also a weird attitudes about pedophilia--it's commonplace and shrugged off and also no big deal if the main character was underage having an affair with a married man but also the criminal she tracks has kidnapped young girls and photographed and assumedly abused them as well and that's obviously bad. None of the characters have a moral compass, it seems, and that leaves the story with a sense of pointlessness.
I am sure there are some readers who will love this and enjoy it, but it read more like a mass-market procedural instead of a more interesting, developed, and well-written novel.
If you want regional-flavor procedural with smart writing and characterization, read anything by S.A. Cosby instead.
August 27, 2024
**WARNING** Contains sexual *ssault and not in a typical 'true crime' way
This book had a lot of potential and a great initial concept! Sadly, the writing devolved into juvenile descriptions of how cool our main character is. I know there is certainly an audience who would love a whole page and a half dedicated to describing each and every tattoo sported by our protagonist, but I am not part of such in crowd. There were too many unnecessary subplots that I felt added nothing and went nowhere. The main story is laughably predictable, there is absolutely no chemistry among any characters - most of which are at best, closer related to caricatures than anything near a real human being - and we are constantly told our narrator is a genius despite not being shown. I was completely prepared to put this down to something that just wasn't for me and call it a day, until the author decided to use a completely unnessacry r*pe as a plot device, which I find to be in extremely poor taste.
This book had a lot of potential and a great initial concept! Sadly, the writing devolved into juvenile descriptions of how cool our main character is. I know there is certainly an audience who would love a whole page and a half dedicated to describing each and every tattoo sported by our protagonist, but I am not part of such in crowd. There were too many unnecessary subplots that I felt added nothing and went nowhere. The main story is laughably predictable, there is absolutely no chemistry among any characters - most of which are at best, closer related to caricatures than anything near a real human being - and we are constantly told our narrator is a genius despite not being shown. I was completely prepared to put this down to something that just wasn't for me and call it a day, until the author decided to use a completely unnessacry r*pe as a plot device, which I find to be in extremely poor taste.
August 25, 2024
Very cool inclusion of diagrams of famous lines from books!!
June 10, 2024
I won this from a Goodreads giveaway. If you’re looking for something quick, entertaining, and a different take mystery solving then I would recommend reading this! I found this story to be refreshing and unique!
March 31, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
Wordhunter.
A new mystery series featuring the latest gimmick, a young female rebel who is also a word savant.
One reviewer summed it up best; Maggie Moore is the white trash version of Lisbeth Salander, minus the computer hacking skills.
Maggie is even assaulted by someone in a position of power, just like Lisbeth was by her social worker.
** Minor copycat spoilers ahead **
Maggie is an alcoholic, pill-popping, junk food eating, motorcycle riding linguistic genius living and working in the hellhole of Florida.
Also, she's haunted by the disappearance of her BFF, Lucy, from almost a decade ago, though the authorities didn't work hard to find Lucy since she wasn't anybody special.
When the daughter of a local mayor is abducted, Maggie is recruited by the police chief to analyze the abductor's notes, which leads to a shocking discovery.
I learned a lot about linguistics, how we talk and write unintentionally reveals a lot about who we are and where we come from, either originally or in a new state or country.
Maggie spends most of the narrative diagramming lines from famous novels, especially when she's stressed and angry.
I wasn't a fan of Maggie; I didn't dislike her but I felt the author crafted her character with a very heavy hand on purpose.
It was as if she thought, how can I make Maggie as hardcore as possible, using all the cliches and stereotypes available in the mystery/thriller genre?
I did like Jackson, another cliche, a detective who had a mental breakdown from a previous case that cost him his job and family and is seeking another chance to sort out his life and career.
Naturally, since this is a book, Maggie tags along with Jackson, which breaks who knows how many rules in how police investigations are conducted.
This is also the second book in a row I've read in which the bad guys are in law enforcement.
It was hard to suspend disbelief for.
Is this the new trend, the good guys are the bad guys? Surprise twist! It's not.
It felt the clues leading up to the big reveal was so obvious; of course, no one else figured it out but Maggie because everyone else is dumb as a sack of hair.
I might check out the next book in the series. MIGHT.
A new mystery series featuring the latest gimmick, a young female rebel who is also a word savant.
One reviewer summed it up best; Maggie Moore is the white trash version of Lisbeth Salander, minus the computer hacking skills.
Maggie is even assaulted by someone in a position of power, just like Lisbeth was by her social worker.
** Minor copycat spoilers ahead **
Maggie is an alcoholic, pill-popping, junk food eating, motorcycle riding linguistic genius living and working in the hellhole of Florida.
Also, she's haunted by the disappearance of her BFF, Lucy, from almost a decade ago, though the authorities didn't work hard to find Lucy since she wasn't anybody special.
When the daughter of a local mayor is abducted, Maggie is recruited by the police chief to analyze the abductor's notes, which leads to a shocking discovery.
I learned a lot about linguistics, how we talk and write unintentionally reveals a lot about who we are and where we come from, either originally or in a new state or country.
Maggie spends most of the narrative diagramming lines from famous novels, especially when she's stressed and angry.
I wasn't a fan of Maggie; I didn't dislike her but I felt the author crafted her character with a very heavy hand on purpose.
It was as if she thought, how can I make Maggie as hardcore as possible, using all the cliches and stereotypes available in the mystery/thriller genre?
I did like Jackson, another cliche, a detective who had a mental breakdown from a previous case that cost him his job and family and is seeking another chance to sort out his life and career.
Naturally, since this is a book, Maggie tags along with Jackson, which breaks who knows how many rules in how police investigations are conducted.
This is also the second book in a row I've read in which the bad guys are in law enforcement.
It was hard to suspend disbelief for.
Is this the new trend, the good guys are the bad guys? Surprise twist! It's not.
It felt the clues leading up to the big reveal was so obvious; of course, no one else figured it out but Maggie because everyone else is dumb as a sack of hair.
I might check out the next book in the series. MIGHT.
July 18, 2024
Thank you to Harper Perennial and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book!
2.5 stars
This was a fast-paced, easy-to-read thriller. The story follows Maggie, the main protagonist, a university student and linguistic genius who helps the local police find the kidnapped mayor's daughter while being haunted by the trauma of her missing childhood best friend, Lucy.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, but it's not something I would rave about. After reading the synopsis, I had high hopes, but the story felt quite predictable. Maggie seemed like an off version of Lisbeth Salander from "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." The tortured genius trope is so overdone.
The frequent sentence diagramming got tiring. Like I get it you smart girl but I wanted to see more of her actual work and her “brilliant mind” rather than just her diagramming sentences from popular culture. Additionally, the storyline with her psycho professor felt unnecessary. The resolution and explanation were glossed over, making it seem redundant. Seriously what was the reason????
Overall, it was a decent and quick read, which I appreciated.
2.5 stars
This was a fast-paced, easy-to-read thriller. The story follows Maggie, the main protagonist, a university student and linguistic genius who helps the local police find the kidnapped mayor's daughter while being haunted by the trauma of her missing childhood best friend, Lucy.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, but it's not something I would rave about. After reading the synopsis, I had high hopes, but the story felt quite predictable. Maggie seemed like an off version of Lisbeth Salander from "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." The tortured genius trope is so overdone.
The frequent sentence diagramming got tiring. Like I get it you smart girl but I wanted to see more of her actual work and her “brilliant mind” rather than just her diagramming sentences from popular culture. Additionally, the storyline with her psycho professor felt unnecessary. The resolution and explanation were glossed over, making it seem redundant. Seriously what was the reason????
Overall, it was a decent and quick read, which I appreciated.
January 19, 2024
I was intrigued to find out how word forensics or forensic linguistics is used in crime solving, by analyzing written evidence, papers, letters, email, etc. to find the authors and possibly a criminal. Maggie Moore has always been fascinated by words, and as a college student she was recommended by her prof to help the police track down a cyber stalker.
Looking at word choice, dialect, syntax, spelling, use or misuse of punctuation, writing style, and more, Maggie analyzes emails to find traits leading to the stalker and with Detective Jackson, goes on to another case of finding the kidnapper of the mayor's missing daughter.
I liked how the relationship between the detective and Maggie develops into one of trust and reliance during the events, some of them life threatening, that take place during their investigations.
A delightful read with an unusual, quirky character Maggie, who learns to stand up for herself in both her work and personal life.
Looking at word choice, dialect, syntax, spelling, use or misuse of punctuation, writing style, and more, Maggie analyzes emails to find traits leading to the stalker and with Detective Jackson, goes on to another case of finding the kidnapper of the mayor's missing daughter.
I liked how the relationship between the detective and Maggie develops into one of trust and reliance during the events, some of them life threatening, that take place during their investigations.
A delightful read with an unusual, quirky character Maggie, who learns to stand up for herself in both her work and personal life.
July 14, 2024
3.5 stars, actually.
You know the old marketing rule - sell the sizzle, not the steak? Well, this book has plenty of steak. Sizzle? Not so much.
In theory, the unique subject matter alone should, IMHO, make it a shoe-in as the start of a highly successful series - I mean, forensic linguistics? A lead character whose passion is diagramming sentences? Never in my word-loving, wildest dreams! In practice, though, the story screams for more character development, cohesiveness and, for want of a better word, pizzazz.
Here's the scoop: College grad student Maggie Moore loves words, and she's studying forensic linquistics. One afternoon she's called into her professor's office, where he says the local police need help with a cyberstalker who's been sending threatening texts and he recommended Maggie. He follows that up by asking her to be his research assistant. When Maggie agrees - reluctantly - she calls police detective Silas Jackson, who just as reluctantly agrees to let her help. That successful effort comes just as the local mayor's young daughter goes missing - a suspected abduction - so Jackson and the police chief ask her to keep helping.
Once again, she's reluctant - mostly because her closest childhood friend, Lucy, pulled a similar disappearing act a decade or so ago and was never found. To Maggie, that was due in large part to a lack of police follow-up, so she's carrying a grudge. But she caves, and begins studying all the written communications from a variety of suspects to gather clues, compose a profile and, hopefully, narrow the list down to one. As she researches, ruminates and rambles through her knowledge base (extensive, but a little convoluted for readers to comprehend easily), her sentence diagrams appear. Those, I suppose, are relevant, but I'll never know because they were too small to read on my Kindle (yes, I could have pulled out a magnifying glass, but that would have taken away much of the enjoyment of reading).
Maggie's been carrying around a fair amount of baggage from her past, and as it turns out, so has Jackson; so of course, they're at loggerheads almost from the git-go. But they manage to hold hands to keep from fighting, and in the process, Jackson agrees to re-look into Lucy's disappearing act. That sets other things in motion, including fodder for the next book (assuming there will be one).
If for no other reason than the intriguing subject matter, I really wanted to like both Maggie and Jackson; but both come off more like cariacatures than real people. Maggie smokes Camels like a chimney, drinks beer for breakfast, has more tattoos than any biker gang and a vocabulary far more colorful than any truck driver I've ever known (I don't have an issue with smutty language, but this is way over the top). Hints of their background stories should have made me sympathize, but the descriptions are so sketchy and disjointed that the only thing I felt was "Okay, so what - you're both grown-ups now, so get over it."
The bottom line for me is this: what's here is a more than respectable start that elicits hope of better efforts to come. I love the premise - and like that spaghetti sauce commercial, it's in there; give the next one some serious polishing, and it's gonna shine. Till then, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to get in on the action early on by way of a pre-release copy.
You know the old marketing rule - sell the sizzle, not the steak? Well, this book has plenty of steak. Sizzle? Not so much.
In theory, the unique subject matter alone should, IMHO, make it a shoe-in as the start of a highly successful series - I mean, forensic linguistics? A lead character whose passion is diagramming sentences? Never in my word-loving, wildest dreams! In practice, though, the story screams for more character development, cohesiveness and, for want of a better word, pizzazz.
Here's the scoop: College grad student Maggie Moore loves words, and she's studying forensic linquistics. One afternoon she's called into her professor's office, where he says the local police need help with a cyberstalker who's been sending threatening texts and he recommended Maggie. He follows that up by asking her to be his research assistant. When Maggie agrees - reluctantly - she calls police detective Silas Jackson, who just as reluctantly agrees to let her help. That successful effort comes just as the local mayor's young daughter goes missing - a suspected abduction - so Jackson and the police chief ask her to keep helping.
Once again, she's reluctant - mostly because her closest childhood friend, Lucy, pulled a similar disappearing act a decade or so ago and was never found. To Maggie, that was due in large part to a lack of police follow-up, so she's carrying a grudge. But she caves, and begins studying all the written communications from a variety of suspects to gather clues, compose a profile and, hopefully, narrow the list down to one. As she researches, ruminates and rambles through her knowledge base (extensive, but a little convoluted for readers to comprehend easily), her sentence diagrams appear. Those, I suppose, are relevant, but I'll never know because they were too small to read on my Kindle (yes, I could have pulled out a magnifying glass, but that would have taken away much of the enjoyment of reading).
Maggie's been carrying around a fair amount of baggage from her past, and as it turns out, so has Jackson; so of course, they're at loggerheads almost from the git-go. But they manage to hold hands to keep from fighting, and in the process, Jackson agrees to re-look into Lucy's disappearing act. That sets other things in motion, including fodder for the next book (assuming there will be one).
If for no other reason than the intriguing subject matter, I really wanted to like both Maggie and Jackson; but both come off more like cariacatures than real people. Maggie smokes Camels like a chimney, drinks beer for breakfast, has more tattoos than any biker gang and a vocabulary far more colorful than any truck driver I've ever known (I don't have an issue with smutty language, but this is way over the top). Hints of their background stories should have made me sympathize, but the descriptions are so sketchy and disjointed that the only thing I felt was "Okay, so what - you're both grown-ups now, so get over it."
The bottom line for me is this: what's here is a more than respectable start that elicits hope of better efforts to come. I love the premise - and like that spaghetti sauce commercial, it's in there; give the next one some serious polishing, and it's gonna shine. Till then, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to get in on the action early on by way of a pre-release copy.
July 28, 2024
Have you ever read a book and hated the protagonist at first but by the end you had grown to love them?
Usually, when I don’t like a protagonist I don’t change my mind. In Stella Sands’ new book, Wordhunter, I found myself in a rare position regarding the novel’s protagonist, Maggie Moore: I spent almost the entire first half of the story not understanding her and actively disliking her. However, by the end of the story I was of a mind I could read another novel full of Maggie Moore solving crimes with forensic linguistics while smoking Camels and drinking Bud and be happy as a clam. She’s such a refreshing female protagonist for a crime procedural thriller with her Gen Z way of looking at life and people and her concentrated rage at men and authority figures. Maggie has more than enough trauma for a salad all on her own, but it’s clear she just wants to compartmentalize it and move on because who the heck doesn’t have a boatload of trauma, especially if they’re female?
Wordhunter doesn’t live on Maggie alone: This novel also has a great idea and story behind it, with some spectacular plotting by Sands. Linguistics and forensic linguistics are things that have always interested me. Those two things were what attracted me to the book in the first place and I was so happy to see they weren’t just a gimmick or cheap trick to get people to read the book. Wordhunter is filled with a ton of small lessons in linguistics, movie quotes, book quotes, true crime facts, forensics knowledge, and just interesting bits of trivia slung around here and there that were effective in keeping me entertained and engaged should the story slow down. Geography and demography also play large (if not explicit) roles in this book as the differences between the regions of Florida come into play as to who might live where and for what reason.
There are some potential triggers in this book: drug and alcohol use/abuse, an overdose, SA (adult, but not explicit), association with criminals (including pedophiles), discovery of underage photos, child kidnapping, vague descriptions of other SAs (adult), child imprisonment, cult behavior, and description of parental death. I apologize if I missed any.
There are some underlying themes of found family, absent fathers, dysfunctional mother/daughter relationships, and love not being logical in here that are kind of simmering like a broth throughout but never brought completely to the surface. I really enjoyed how Sands didn’t just rest on the main plot and theme to carry this book. She gave Maggie and the other characters a loose framework of tropes to swing around on so there were connecting points to build on. That helped this story out immeasurably in the places where it might have felt a little thin.
It was a great read, and I’d gladly read another book about Maggie Moore.
I was provided a copy of this title by Netgalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
File Under: Crime Fiction/Crime Thriller/Kidnapping
Usually, when I don’t like a protagonist I don’t change my mind. In Stella Sands’ new book, Wordhunter, I found myself in a rare position regarding the novel’s protagonist, Maggie Moore: I spent almost the entire first half of the story not understanding her and actively disliking her. However, by the end of the story I was of a mind I could read another novel full of Maggie Moore solving crimes with forensic linguistics while smoking Camels and drinking Bud and be happy as a clam. She’s such a refreshing female protagonist for a crime procedural thriller with her Gen Z way of looking at life and people and her concentrated rage at men and authority figures. Maggie has more than enough trauma for a salad all on her own, but it’s clear she just wants to compartmentalize it and move on because who the heck doesn’t have a boatload of trauma, especially if they’re female?
Wordhunter doesn’t live on Maggie alone: This novel also has a great idea and story behind it, with some spectacular plotting by Sands. Linguistics and forensic linguistics are things that have always interested me. Those two things were what attracted me to the book in the first place and I was so happy to see they weren’t just a gimmick or cheap trick to get people to read the book. Wordhunter is filled with a ton of small lessons in linguistics, movie quotes, book quotes, true crime facts, forensics knowledge, and just interesting bits of trivia slung around here and there that were effective in keeping me entertained and engaged should the story slow down. Geography and demography also play large (if not explicit) roles in this book as the differences between the regions of Florida come into play as to who might live where and for what reason.
There are some potential triggers in this book: drug and alcohol use/abuse, an overdose, SA (adult, but not explicit), association with criminals (including pedophiles), discovery of underage photos, child kidnapping, vague descriptions of other SAs (adult), child imprisonment, cult behavior, and description of parental death. I apologize if I missed any.
There are some underlying themes of found family, absent fathers, dysfunctional mother/daughter relationships, and love not being logical in here that are kind of simmering like a broth throughout but never brought completely to the surface. I really enjoyed how Sands didn’t just rest on the main plot and theme to carry this book. She gave Maggie and the other characters a loose framework of tropes to swing around on so there were connecting points to build on. That helped this story out immeasurably in the places where it might have felt a little thin.
It was a great read, and I’d gladly read another book about Maggie Moore.
I was provided a copy of this title by Netgalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
File Under: Crime Fiction/Crime Thriller/Kidnapping
June 27, 2024
Using forensic linguistics to hunt downñn criminals? I’m in.
This definitely feels like an entry book to a series. With that being said, I wonder if it’s strong enough to get readers connected. While I really love delving into the study of forensic linguistics and having a main character who uses language and literature as a safe space, there were moments I felt like another reader may not have been able to connect with her or appreciate her talent because it wasn’t as thoroughly explained as it could’ve been or explained in a way that was reader-friendly.
There was also a lot of extra plot, storylines, and characters that felt unnecessary for what was supposed to be the main mystery. Our main character, Maggie, is a student who has been recommended to consult with detectives on a stalking case due to her savant-like skills with word analysis. Her successful discoveries on the initial case leads her to be utilized on a larger kidnapping case that shakes the nearby town and local community.
While we’re seemingly focusing on this larger case, we have a case from Maggie’s past involving her missing friend and the missing friend’s mom. Then, they throw in a situation with her professor, which not only felt extremely predictable but also seemed like it was done for filler and shock value. Not to mention the messy romance *eyeroll* as if to remind you, or excuse certain behaviors, due to her age. Italmost felt like the author took you on all these side quests and then wrapped up the book.
As a lover of puzzles, true crime, and mysteries, I was really interested in seeing where this ended up. However, the book spent a lot of time on Maggie’s promiscuity and the descriptiveness of her somewhat messy life. It feels clear that the author is using this book as a starting point for readers to grow with Maggie as she moves into the next chapter of her life.
A lot of the book is about what Maggie wants to do next after she graduates. Some of the side quests feel semi-resolved and it seems like Jackson and Maggie’s relationship is just forming. We’re unraveling parts of Jackson’s past that we’ll likely learn more about in future books. So, I am glad that I read the book because forensic linguistics is not something I see explored often, but I hope to see more focused pursuits and less distractive characters and dialogue in future installments. Especially in a book where linguistics is key.
This definitely feels like an entry book to a series. With that being said, I wonder if it’s strong enough to get readers connected. While I really love delving into the study of forensic linguistics and having a main character who uses language and literature as a safe space, there were moments I felt like another reader may not have been able to connect with her or appreciate her talent because it wasn’t as thoroughly explained as it could’ve been or explained in a way that was reader-friendly.
There was also a lot of extra plot, storylines, and characters that felt unnecessary for what was supposed to be the main mystery. Our main character, Maggie, is a student who has been recommended to consult with detectives on a stalking case due to her savant-like skills with word analysis. Her successful discoveries on the initial case leads her to be utilized on a larger kidnapping case that shakes the nearby town and local community.
While we’re seemingly focusing on this larger case, we have a case from Maggie’s past involving her missing friend and the missing friend’s mom. Then, they throw in a situation with her professor, which not only felt extremely predictable but also seemed like it was done for filler and shock value. Not to mention the messy romance *eyeroll* as if to remind you, or excuse certain behaviors, due to her age. Italmost felt like the author took you on all these side quests and then wrapped up the book.
As a lover of puzzles, true crime, and mysteries, I was really interested in seeing where this ended up. However, the book spent a lot of time on Maggie’s promiscuity and the descriptiveness of her somewhat messy life. It feels clear that the author is using this book as a starting point for readers to grow with Maggie as she moves into the next chapter of her life.
A lot of the book is about what Maggie wants to do next after she graduates. Some of the side quests feel semi-resolved and it seems like Jackson and Maggie’s relationship is just forming. We’re unraveling parts of Jackson’s past that we’ll likely learn more about in future books. So, I am glad that I read the book because forensic linguistics is not something I see explored often, but I hope to see more focused pursuits and less distractive characters and dialogue in future installments. Especially in a book where linguistics is key.
August 30, 2024
3.5/4 stars
When I was in Jr High, I had a teacher who literally leaped around like a game show host, pointing at students to shout out words while diagramming sentences. I'm sure he was trying to make it as exciting as possible, creative teaching, maybe. I was full of anxiety because my mind blanked on everything but nouns and verbs.
This whole book, our mc diagrams sentences when she's stressed. She stressed me because, well, see above. She also has a lot of issues, besides substance abuse, and basically just eats pie. Her forte is forensic linguistics. She gets involved with the police developing profiles of criminals, based on text messages, ransom notes, etc. I liked her, but I want to read book two because, quite frankly, she's not a fully formed mc, as of yet. And a lot of what she does and who she hangs around with is very shady. And there are things that happen that need to be fixed pronto. (I don't really know if there is a book two, just an educated guess as the ending was open-ended.) It pokes a lot of fun at Florida's expense, which made me laugh.
When I was in Jr High, I had a teacher who literally leaped around like a game show host, pointing at students to shout out words while diagramming sentences. I'm sure he was trying to make it as exciting as possible, creative teaching, maybe. I was full of anxiety because my mind blanked on everything but nouns and verbs.
This whole book, our mc diagrams sentences when she's stressed. She stressed me because, well, see above. She also has a lot of issues, besides substance abuse, and basically just eats pie. Her forte is forensic linguistics. She gets involved with the police developing profiles of criminals, based on text messages, ransom notes, etc. I liked her, but I want to read book two because, quite frankly, she's not a fully formed mc, as of yet. And a lot of what she does and who she hangs around with is very shady. And there are things that happen that need to be fixed pronto. (I don't really know if there is a book two, just an educated guess as the ending was open-ended.) It pokes a lot of fun at Florida's expense, which made me laugh.
September 4, 2024
Strong characters. A bit Lisbeth Salander for the main character, tattooed, pierced, savant (albeit in a different field than Salander).
The literary references were interesting. I have read some reviews where the sentence diagraming is said to be unnecessary, I felt that it added to the depth of the story.
My biggest complaint is the three directional cliffhanger.
There was only one question asked in the story that was answered. Three huge, big, enormous and important questions were left on the table. I didn't realize until I looked down at the time counter and saw only six minutes left.
One cliffhanger, okay. I fully appreciate that writing is a job and that authors need to sell books. To string me along, allow me to become invested and leave that many cards on the table was shabby treatment of us, the readers.
Perhaps the author 'walked away' a bit to early.
I listened to the audio book. I thought the narrator did a very good job, he had to have exceptional diction to narrate this book and I feel that he did it well
The literary references were interesting. I have read some reviews where the sentence diagraming is said to be unnecessary, I felt that it added to the depth of the story.
My biggest complaint is the three directional cliffhanger.
There was only one question asked in the story that was answered. Three huge, big, enormous and important questions were left on the table. I didn't realize until I looked down at the time counter and saw only six minutes left.
One cliffhanger, okay. I fully appreciate that writing is a job and that authors need to sell books. To string me along, allow me to become invested and leave that many cards on the table was shabby treatment of us, the readers.
Perhaps the author 'walked away' a bit to early.
I listened to the audio book. I thought the narrator did a very good job, he had to have exceptional diction to narrate this book and I feel that he did it well
August 29, 2024
I wanted something with more character development and less predictable. Was described as having a heroine like Lisbeth Salander but neither the characters nor the setting or the world building were as well devised as the Salander books.
August 28, 2024
maybe not quite a full 5 stars but i couldn’t put the book down because i found the premise so compelling
August 28, 2024
What a page-turner! We’ve got a will-they-won’t-they thing going between Maggie, aka Madame Genius, and Jackson, presumably hot (and single) small town policeman. Maggie’s brain and Jackson’s brawn make them an unlikely pair that ends up trying to solve a local kidnapping together. I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down, and judging the ending, I’m optimistic that there will be a sequel- I need to know what happens with these two! My only critique was the storyline with Ditmire- other than being a piece of shit, I don’t see a huge point to him being included, unless there’s more to come OR his purpose was to kill Florida’s tourism revenue. Overall, I highly recommend this book to thriller/mystery fans, though do make yourself aware of the trigger warnings.
August 9, 2024
God, just terrible. Obvious dialogue, and inner monologue, and unbelievably predictable character interactions.
June 11, 2024
Maggie is a forensic linguist student with a unique gift of solving word puzzles. She is as difficult to pinpoint as the sentences she diagrams in her head and deals with most of her personal problems with alcohol, tattoos and encounters with strangers. When the police ask her to help decipher notes from a child kidnapper she gets pulled in reluctantly. The case is a little too close to her childhood friend's disappearance that she hasn't come to grips with. A kindly detective dealing with his own trauma tries to help her and together they seek out the kidnapper putting both of them in danger. It is what they both need to heal. Maggie is a refreshing character even though she is not always sociable and the story will appeal to fans of the tv character Elsbeth, Stephen King's Holly or Nita Prose's Molly. Be aware that there is sexual violence and child kidnapping that will be a trigger for some. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
June 1, 2024
Liked the concept of a tattooed, pierced forensic linguist who helps rural Florida police analyze a serial killer's notes to crack the crime. But the narrative unravels as the story unspools. Perhaps book 2 will be better?
Read
August 9, 2024I received an electronic ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Life is tough for Maggie. She’s in her mid-20s, in gradschool working, and trying to do it all with no real friends or family. Her best friend went missing when they were 14 or 15. And her single mother died a few years later.
To make it worse, Maggie lives rural Florida, and it’s a real “man’s world,” full of “guy’s guys” whose typically proto-masculine behaviors are tolerated by society, if not encouraged. The customers at her diner job shout out come-ons as their idea of a joke, and she deals with them by one-upping their comments, saying things like, “Only someone with a tiny penis would ask that.” (Not direct quotes.)
Because 1. she is expected to tolerate their behavior, up to and including slaps and groping and 2. she actually has slept with some of them. Right after her mother died. When they were grown men and she was a teenager. Ew and ew and ew. Please note: none of this information is a spoiler, it’s just background information, setting the scene.
Luckily, Maggie has a real talent with words. She’s studying linguistics and seems to have a very bright future if her circumstances don’t get her down. The main plot begins when Maggie is recommended to consult for the local police in the field of forensic linguistics. Meaning she analyses notes, emails and texts, to see if she can find similarities between suspects, similarities within two documents that suggest that they were written by the same person, and/or linguistic tics that could point out details about a person’s upbringing, location, level of education, etc.
Content warning, the crimes being discussed include sexual violence, kidnapping, and minors. All of the crimes happen off the page, but the notes and emails left by the perpetrators of the different cases are sometimes graphic and disgusting. This is a hard-boiled story. Some Silence of the Lambs vibes from this one for me.
Maggie tries not to let the crimes get to her, but she has untreated PTSD regarding both her friend’s disappearance and her mother’s death. She deals by smoking, drinking, working too hard with the police, at school and at the diner. Of course that means something will have to give sometime.
I quite enjoyed the discussion of forensic linguistics, both historical (famously, the Unabomber was caught in part because his brother recognized his preference for re-arranging the aphorism to “eat your cake and have it too”) and within the plot. Although she is presented as exceptionally talented, and her memory is incredible, her forensic deductions seemed completely realistic and the more interesting for it.
I would be remiss without mentioning the depiction of men and the lack of depiction of other women. As in many noir stories, there are very few “good guys” here. The men in Maggie’s neighborhood are sleazy degenerates, same for the customers at the diner. The cops as a whole are presented as kind of lazy and uncaring. Her male faculty advisor is nice enough but kind of weird about making sure no one overshadows him, even in casual conversation. The only examples we have of men with some good qualities are Detective Jackson and the Chief of Police. I also wish we got more substance from her (few) female friend/acquaintanceships. Her coworker at the diner, for instance, seems to care about Maggie. But that’s part of the point; Maggie feels like she has no one, has to do everything for herself, and kind of self-sabotages any potentially healthy relationships.
Overall, the case is interesting but disgusting, Maggie is a realistic genius, and other oxymorons. The twist wasn't a huge shocker, but I didn’t exactly see it coming.
Recommended for people who like hardboiled stories, realistic antiheroes, and especially forensic linguistics.
Life is tough for Maggie. She’s in her mid-20s, in gradschool working, and trying to do it all with no real friends or family. Her best friend went missing when they were 14 or 15. And her single mother died a few years later.
To make it worse, Maggie lives rural Florida, and it’s a real “man’s world,” full of “guy’s guys” whose typically proto-masculine behaviors are tolerated by society, if not encouraged. The customers at her diner job shout out come-ons as their idea of a joke, and she deals with them by one-upping their comments, saying things like, “Only someone with a tiny penis would ask that.” (Not direct quotes.)
Because 1. she is expected to tolerate their behavior, up to and including slaps and groping and 2. she actually has slept with some of them. Right after her mother died. When they were grown men and she was a teenager. Ew and ew and ew. Please note: none of this information is a spoiler, it’s just background information, setting the scene.
Luckily, Maggie has a real talent with words. She’s studying linguistics and seems to have a very bright future if her circumstances don’t get her down. The main plot begins when Maggie is recommended to consult for the local police in the field of forensic linguistics. Meaning she analyses notes, emails and texts, to see if she can find similarities between suspects, similarities within two documents that suggest that they were written by the same person, and/or linguistic tics that could point out details about a person’s upbringing, location, level of education, etc.
Content warning, the crimes being discussed include sexual violence, kidnapping, and minors. All of the crimes happen off the page, but the notes and emails left by the perpetrators of the different cases are sometimes graphic and disgusting. This is a hard-boiled story. Some Silence of the Lambs vibes from this one for me.
Maggie tries not to let the crimes get to her, but she has untreated PTSD regarding both her friend’s disappearance and her mother’s death. She deals by smoking, drinking, working too hard with the police, at school and at the diner. Of course that means something will have to give sometime.
I quite enjoyed the discussion of forensic linguistics, both historical (famously, the Unabomber was caught in part because his brother recognized his preference for re-arranging the aphorism to “eat your cake and have it too”) and within the plot. Although she is presented as exceptionally talented, and her memory is incredible, her forensic deductions seemed completely realistic and the more interesting for it.
I would be remiss without mentioning the depiction of men and the lack of depiction of other women. As in many noir stories, there are very few “good guys” here. The men in Maggie’s neighborhood are sleazy degenerates, same for the customers at the diner. The cops as a whole are presented as kind of lazy and uncaring. Her male faculty advisor is nice enough but kind of weird about making sure no one overshadows him, even in casual conversation. The only examples we have of men with some good qualities are Detective Jackson and the Chief of Police. I also wish we got more substance from her (few) female friend/acquaintanceships. Her coworker at the diner, for instance, seems to care about Maggie. But that’s part of the point; Maggie feels like she has no one, has to do everything for herself, and kind of self-sabotages any potentially healthy relationships.
Overall, the case is interesting but disgusting, Maggie is a realistic genius, and other oxymorons. The twist wasn't a huge shocker, but I didn’t exactly see it coming.
Recommended for people who like hardboiled stories, realistic antiheroes, and especially forensic linguistics.
September 3, 2024
OMG! WORDHUNTER by Stella Sands is DEFINITELY ONE OF MY TOP 3 OF THE YEAR! I could NOT put this one down!
Maggie Moore is a forensic linguistics grad student at Rosedale College when Professor Ditmire pegs her to help the police department in deciphering a note left by a perpetrator. Detective Silas Jackson, a big, gruff man who thinks it’s all hooey (her skills), is shocked when her evaluation holds true. She is contacted by him again when the Chief’s friend (the Mayor of a neighbouring town)’s daughter is kidnapped right off the street. Maggie refuses to work on this case as it hits too close to a personal tragedy in her own life. Silas, however, believes that maybe Maggie has some skills after all. When she explains to him the reasons for her refusal, he promises to help her in anyway he can. I was only a few chapters in before hoping that Maggie and Silas would become a team I would see in the future.
Meanwhile, Professor Ditmire asks Maggie to be his research assistant and tasks her with many of the day to day teaching assistant jobs but also with writing some materials that he takes credit for in publication. What is Maggie to do? She’ll just be happy to graduate and hopes for a job in law enforcement in the future. She just wants to keep her head down at her job in the diner, get on her motorcycle and ride away her problems and maybe take a pill or two.
When she winds up in the emergency room, Silas is there for her. He bundles her up, takes her home, and listens to her backstory. As the search for the Mayor’s missing daughter continues, Maggie is faced with another tragedy whose aftermath could have far reaching consequences. All of this leads to many shocking conclusions that left my jaw on the floor and had me rooting till the end.
I am amazed to see all of the other books by Stella Sands as she writes exactly the kind of books I love. I felt like the research that went into this book was over and above. And diagramming sentences? What book lover hasn’t done THAT a time or two or ten in their heads? Her writing is clear and concise which leads to a very enjoyable read. I could not turn the page as fast enough and got nothing done all day while racing to the explosive conclusion. I stayed up way too late to reach the end. I will certainly be checking out more from this author. DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK IF YOU LOVE PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE. 5+*
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and gladly given voluntarily.
Maggie Moore is a forensic linguistics grad student at Rosedale College when Professor Ditmire pegs her to help the police department in deciphering a note left by a perpetrator. Detective Silas Jackson, a big, gruff man who thinks it’s all hooey (her skills), is shocked when her evaluation holds true. She is contacted by him again when the Chief’s friend (the Mayor of a neighbouring town)’s daughter is kidnapped right off the street. Maggie refuses to work on this case as it hits too close to a personal tragedy in her own life. Silas, however, believes that maybe Maggie has some skills after all. When she explains to him the reasons for her refusal, he promises to help her in anyway he can. I was only a few chapters in before hoping that Maggie and Silas would become a team I would see in the future.
Meanwhile, Professor Ditmire asks Maggie to be his research assistant and tasks her with many of the day to day teaching assistant jobs but also with writing some materials that he takes credit for in publication. What is Maggie to do? She’ll just be happy to graduate and hopes for a job in law enforcement in the future. She just wants to keep her head down at her job in the diner, get on her motorcycle and ride away her problems and maybe take a pill or two.
When she winds up in the emergency room, Silas is there for her. He bundles her up, takes her home, and listens to her backstory. As the search for the Mayor’s missing daughter continues, Maggie is faced with another tragedy whose aftermath could have far reaching consequences. All of this leads to many shocking conclusions that left my jaw on the floor and had me rooting till the end.
I am amazed to see all of the other books by Stella Sands as she writes exactly the kind of books I love. I felt like the research that went into this book was over and above. And diagramming sentences? What book lover hasn’t done THAT a time or two or ten in their heads? Her writing is clear and concise which leads to a very enjoyable read. I could not turn the page as fast enough and got nothing done all day while racing to the explosive conclusion. I stayed up way too late to reach the end. I will certainly be checking out more from this author. DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK IF YOU LOVE PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE. 5+*
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and gladly given voluntarily.
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August 12, 2024Thank you partner @bibliolifestyle & Harper Perennial for the gifted copy. All opinions are mine.
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"Maggie diagramed his sentence across her eyelids...
…and wondered if she should point out that 'whom' not 'who' would have been a more grammatical choice."
A tattooed, pierced young woman with a bit of an attitude who is a whiz with forensic linguistics, helping to solve police cases?? SIGN. ME. UP! Maggie Moore has a hard edge and self destructive streak to her. She’s foul mouthed, pops pills, and drinks and smokes WAAAAY too much. Detective Jackson, whom she got to know on a stalker case, (and has his own issues) convinces Maggie to assist with a missing teen and so begins an unlikely friendship.
Maggie and Detective Jackson (both of whom I liked) felt similar to the main characters in ‘The Girl With a Dragon Tattoo’, but not as dark. (IYKYK) The sketchy small town south Florida setting was seedy and felt like its own character. There’s a brief moment, near the end, when Maggie’s reaction to misconduct with an underage child seems out of character and I wish it had been omitted. That said, the ending wrapped up nicely, but definitely left room for a series! YaY! I’d love to see more of Maggie and Detective Jackson with some deeper character development.
WORDHUNTER appeals to the logophile, bibliophile, cinephile and true crime enthusiast in me! FULL of quotes from literature, music and film, and references to specific cases when linguistic forensics helped catch the culprit, (e.g. the Unabomber) my little nerd heart was all a flutter! The focus on how we say what we say, pronunciation, the use of idioms, regionalisms and grammar, all fascinated me to no end. I ATE. IT. UP! Stella Sands’ writing style is delightfully scattered with alliteration, sentence diagrams and ten dollar word choices. With no unnecessary filler, abrupt jumps from scene to scene added to a breakneck pace that I loved. Overall, WORDHUNTER is trashy good fun; a FAST down and dirty whodunnit with a deeply flawed, yet amusing and snarky anti heroine!
Content warnings by me below.
⚠️Content warnings by me: language, alcoholism, prescription drug abuse, accidental overdose, Mention of: rape, drug overdose & CSA
____
"Maggie diagramed his sentence across her eyelids...
…and wondered if she should point out that 'whom' not 'who' would have been a more grammatical choice."
A tattooed, pierced young woman with a bit of an attitude who is a whiz with forensic linguistics, helping to solve police cases?? SIGN. ME. UP! Maggie Moore has a hard edge and self destructive streak to her. She’s foul mouthed, pops pills, and drinks and smokes WAAAAY too much. Detective Jackson, whom she got to know on a stalker case, (and has his own issues) convinces Maggie to assist with a missing teen and so begins an unlikely friendship.
Maggie and Detective Jackson (both of whom I liked) felt similar to the main characters in ‘The Girl With a Dragon Tattoo’, but not as dark. (IYKYK) The sketchy small town south Florida setting was seedy and felt like its own character. There’s a brief moment, near the end, when Maggie’s reaction to misconduct with an underage child seems out of character and I wish it had been omitted. That said, the ending wrapped up nicely, but definitely left room for a series! YaY! I’d love to see more of Maggie and Detective Jackson with some deeper character development.
WORDHUNTER appeals to the logophile, bibliophile, cinephile and true crime enthusiast in me! FULL of quotes from literature, music and film, and references to specific cases when linguistic forensics helped catch the culprit, (e.g. the Unabomber) my little nerd heart was all a flutter! The focus on how we say what we say, pronunciation, the use of idioms, regionalisms and grammar, all fascinated me to no end. I ATE. IT. UP! Stella Sands’ writing style is delightfully scattered with alliteration, sentence diagrams and ten dollar word choices. With no unnecessary filler, abrupt jumps from scene to scene added to a breakneck pace that I loved. Overall, WORDHUNTER is trashy good fun; a FAST down and dirty whodunnit with a deeply flawed, yet amusing and snarky anti heroine!
Content warnings by me below.
⚠️Content warnings by me: language, alcoholism, prescription drug abuse, accidental overdose, Mention of: rape, drug overdose & CSA
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