Customer Reviews

The Devil's Closet (Ceecee Gallagher)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

For a debut novel, this is more than a satisfying read and though, at first, I had a bit of a hard time warming up to the character and the premise, I ultimately became sympathetic towards both. The plot revolves around a child serial killer who has a penchant for dressing up his victims as elaborate life-size dolls and CeeCee Gallagher, the police officer determined to track him down at all costs, irrespective of the harm her actions may cause to all those involved, including herself. It's definitely a fast paced read and those who enjoy a thriller that doesn't wallow in graphic, gory and/or disturbing details, will find themselves immersed in the story. For me, however, the whole sub-plot regarding CeeCee's personal life and her ongoing love affair with an FBI agent and her husband's alleged dalliances with his new female partner, proved a major distraction. I'm sure Dittrich meant it to be a device by which the reader could become more involved and familiar with the protagonist and in a few instances it actually did serve as a mechanism that exacerbated the killer's personal contempt for CeeCee thereby propelling the narrative forward, but for the most part I found that the novel came to a complete and grinding halt every time it was pushed to the forefront. I found myself gnashing my teeth whenever the actual plot was pushed aside in favor of the romantic entanglements and familial drama. But again, for a debut novel, it's more than enjoyable with a gripping conclusion. The killer is reliably creepy and a loose enough canon to inspire fear, especially as he slowly starts loosing his grip on reality and the most volatile aspects of his psyche surface. If it weren't for the aforementioned love "rectangle", I would have recommended this novel enthusiastically but it was too much of thorn in my side for me to do have done so. I look forward to reading her next novel as I'm sure she'll do away with all unnecessary subplots in the future. Well, I can only hope, anyway.

Without giving the story away, I'll give you a snapshot:

When five-year-old Hanna Parker vanishes from her front yard, an amber alert launches one of the most horrifying cases of Detective CeeCee Gallagher's career. The little girl is found a few days later murdered, but not just murdered -- made up like a doll. But Hanna is only the beginning for a twisted killer who begins to taunt CeeCee at every turn. After the FBI enters the picture, her world is thrust into turmoil. Special Agent Michael Hagerman, the man she fell in love with during a case that nearly destroyed her, will be her liaison. To complicate things further, her husband -- who's also a fellow officer -- has been surreptitiously seeing a new trainee. She can't afford this kind of personal distraction, because in a thrilling climax, CeeCee Gallagher will not only come face-to-face with her worst fears, but a cunning and demented killer as well.

Despite the subject matter, Dittrich doesn't cross certain lines, she doesn't need to -- her style of writing carries the story. I read this book in two sittings and loved it!

I can't wait to read Dittrich's next book, MARY JANE'S GRAVE, due out in July next year. I highly recommend this book to thriller fans of Patricia Cornwell, Tess Gerritsen, and Vince Flynn. Enjoy the ride, but fasten your seatbelt first!

Dittrich does a great job in making a nerve-wracking and enjoyable read out of a pretty dark subject. It freaked me out knowing that it was based on actual cases, but it definitely brought a sense of realism that you don't usually get from a novel, much less from a debut novelist. While the book's definitely not for the faint of heart, it's also not gratuitous. The author moves the story along quickly, and she manages to walk a fine line with a book that's both shocking and tastefully written.

Also, I see that one person has given a negative review, but I'm not entirely sure what he was looking for - the story wasn't about the character's children, and the love-triangle aspect was a smart move if the author is really going to make a series out of these books. I'd love to read the next one and see where she takes the character. Either way, after looking at the reviewer's other book reviews, I noticed that he seems to pretty much hate everything he reads...perhaps he needs a new hobby.

I'm a true crime reader so I don't usually read fiction but when I read the story is based on Stacy's cases I gave it a shot. I wasn't disappointed. Why do I like true crime because you can learn from it. Stacy is a great story teller and she is a voice for the helpless. She shares her expertise and experience on every page. It's better than true crime. Everyone should read this book and be aware of who and how pedophiles lurk and prey on their innocent vicitm's.
I want more keep writing - Stacy!!!

Did not care for her writing style at all! Much too wordy...language was stilted and it seemed that the author was way too full of herself! I made it half way through the book and had to skim the rest of the way. Redundancy rules in this book. Not too many books that I don't care for, but this was certainly one of them. Will not download a book from Ms. Dittrich, regardless of the price.

The book is a real page turner. The Author brings you with her and the characters through each page. And the ending, Oh My God!!!

Richland Metropolitan Police Department Detective CeeCee Gallagher specializes in juvenile sex crimes and homicides. Her clearance record is near perfect because she never gives up and constantly pushes herself beyond the limit; she does not want to hold herself responsible for the death of a child due to her being too slow to catch the predator.

An Amber Alert goes out when Hannah Peltrew disappears from her yard; another child witnessed a man grabbing her and putting her in a car. Hannah is found dead in the filed of an Amish farmer; she was dressed up like a doll and obviously tortured before being killed. The FBI investigates with Agent in Charge Michael Haerman leading the case. CeeCee has not seen him in a year, but still loves him although she chose to stay with her husband who might be having an affair with his trainee. Another child is reported missing and soon afterward found dead; as with Hannah she was made up and posed like a doll. Michael and CeeCee work as a team to end the horrific killing spree, but also know they remain attracted to one another. Meanwhile the serial killer taunts CeeCee sending her clues in a cat and mouse game with another youngster's life on the line.

This first CeeCee Gallagher police procedural is a terrific thriller mostly due to the dedicated lead character, who is tough yet vulnerable because she cares. Although the serial killer taunting the cops with clues is old, fans will feel this predator is as amorally evil as Lector is. The romance between the two cops adds depth to a strong tale that will frighten readers with what happens to the innocent young.

Harriet Klausner

What really bothered me with this book was how, even though CeeCee kept raving about how much she loves her kids, the author shows hardly any interaction between her and them. Of course, CeeCee is either too busy working, or too busy debating whether to cheat on her husband and sleep with the Michael character, to spend time with her kids. And that's the other thing...too much time spent on the love triangle between husband-CeeCee-lover and the mystery becomes too often a secondary plot.

This book has something for every mystery reader: Suspense, action, adventure, romance, conflict, and drama. Stacy Dittrich knows how to weave it all together in this thrilling, suspenseful, and action packed cop drama. Who better to write a page turner, about an investigation into a serial child molester than Stacy Dittrich? Dittrich a detective draws on her experience, and spices the plot up with the sexy, tough as nails, fire breathing, gun toting, cop CeeCee Gallagher. What is the difference between CeeCee Gallagher and a pitbull? Lipstick. This is one cop drama you will not be able to put down!