This is why I love writing reviews and trying new authors: you get to find new gems and new talented authors that compels you to stop a book after the first chapter, think "this is amazing and deserves reading from the very beginning" and makes you start a series properly from book 1 onward. Victoria Heslin is an amazing character and the fact that dogs are involved adds tremendously to the enjoyment of the book (even though I am not a dog owner). I know I will be reading and listening to the whole series and I am very happy to have found a new author to follow with much anticipation.

I'm so impressed with the caliber of Jenifer's writing and I can't believe I haven't read any of her previous books. This is book 7 in the FBI Special Agent Victoria Heslin series, but totally works as a standalone novel. It opens with an intriguing murder scene and I was immediately hooked. The short chapters, compelling characters, and the gradual unveiling of clues had me turning the pages long into the night. I'm so excited to explore her backlist and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. I loved this book!!! Wonderfully written police procedural with a bit of personal info on our main character. Very well done! Highly recommend! Diving into the series because I need more ASAP.

I was really excited to read The Atonement Murders by Jennifer Ruff.

In the Atonement Murders, FBI agent Victoria is investigating multiple murders in Boston and Charlotte. There seems to be a serial killer on the loose and she is determined to stop them before they kill again. There are some similarities between the murders; but what's even more interesting is that these murder victims attended the same HS years ago.

I really enjoy the writing style of Jennifer. Her thrillers/mysteries offer a little bit of Victoria's personal life and her professional life. I like that we get a glimpse into her and her fiancé's life along with all of their greyhounds. I really like that each installment of this series can be read as standalone, and you don't miss a beat!

I will say, this one did drag a bit in the middle for me. I figured out who the killer was pretty earlier on; almost immediately after the scene in which they were interviewed. I was also able to figure out that another character was involved somehow. This may be that I read majority thrillers, so there isn't much that surprises me. And, maybe that is how Jennifer wrote this book in particular. It didn't take away from the story at all.

Overall, I was entertained and wanted to keep reading on. I was eager to watch how Victoria pieced this mystery together and I actually liked the reveal. It wasn't so far-fetched; with the exception of this small woman being able to tie up a grown man lol. But other than that, this was something that could very well happen in real life.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story. It was easy to follow along, which makes for a great introduction into the mystery/thriller genres.

I rated this one 4/5 stars. I will continue to read anything Jennifer puts out and am excited to see what she comes up with next! I'm ready to see how Victoria's wedding is going to play out...and I hope to see the greyhounds involved somehow!

Yea when I requested I didn't realize this was a series. I now need to go back and binge the series because this was good.

SUPER police procedural thriller with enjoyable characters & the twists & turns keep the suspense high & on your toes. RECOMMEND for a great read. Thanks to #NetGally #Bookouture for #the atonement murders in return for my honest review.

This is the seventh novel featuring special agent Victoria Heslin, but it can definitely be read as a standalone, Victoria is assigned to the murder of NBA star Jerome Smith in Boston. She uncovers a link to another murder two months prior, that of a Charlotte man and high school friend of Jerome. In each case, the words "THIS IS YOUR ATONEMENT" have been sprawled in lipstick at the crime scene. Two similar murders soon drop, this time of two women. Victoria must figure out the connection between the victims to uncover the killer. This was fast-paced and featured a strong, likeable heroine.

Another great book in the Agent Victoria Heslin series! This book is part of a series, but could be read alone. Jenifer Ruff’s books always include so much detail and character development that I can’t put these down. I can’t wait to see if the series continues!

The Atonement Murders by Jenifer Ruff is a very highly recommended mystery/procedural and the seventh novel in the series featuring FBI Special Agent Victoria Heslin.
When NBA player Jerome Smith is found murdered in Boston with the words "This Is Your Atonement" written in lipstick on the wall, FBI Special Agent Victoria Heslin is assigned to the case. But this was not the first murder. Two months before this in Charlotte Todd Eckstrom was found murdered with the same message written on the wall. The two men knew each other and were friends since high school, so it seems perhaps the murders were related to some event in their shared past. Then two sisters are murdered with the same message written on the wall but seemingly no connection to the first two.

The Atonement Murders is a well written mystery/procedural that intelligently follows the investigation and sets a fast pace that will hold your attention throughout. The narrative is mainly set in the present day following Victoria and the evidence uncovered, with some chapters set twelve years ago when Todd and Jerome were teens. There are also occasionally shorts excerpts from the killer's journal. The motivation and identity of the murderer is not clear until the end. All the clues and connections are logical and compelling in the investigation. There are no improbably twists.

I really enjoyed The Atonement Murders and as described, it truly is a standalone investigation which concludes at the end. This was my first book in the series and I enjoyed it so much that I now I need to read the previous books. Victoria Heslin is a wonderful, appealing, insightful character. She approaches her investigation with logic, intelligence, and care, plus she loves animals. It was really a pleasure being introduced to her.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Greyt Companion Press via NetGalley.
The review will be published on Barnes & Noble, Google Books, and Amazon.

I read Vanished On Vacation a few months ago and really enjoyed it, so I was excited to get into the next book in this series. This one focuses on the investigation of multiple murders that appear to be related because of a message at the crime scenes - "This is your atonement". How are they related though and what does the message mean?

This one didn't grip me nearly as much as the previous book did, and I thought that final page reveal was pretty obvious early on. I still found this to be an overall enjoyable read though, and I will most likely continue on with this series in the future.

Next week, book # 7 in the Agent Victoria Heslin series will be published! I discovered @author.jenifer.ruff and this series last year. I immediately fell in love with the main character, Victoria, who is tough yet has a heart for serving others. This latest installment in the series has two settings that are near and dear to my heart: my hometown of Charlotte NC and the NC mountains around Boone. Add in multiple murders with a cryptic message and long held secrets waiting to be exposed and this was a great crime thriller novel!

I highly recommend reading this and the other books in this series! While it is a series, these books can easily be read as stand alones or out of order.

Thank you @author.jenifer.ruff and @netgalley for allowing me to read this book ahead of publication in exchange for my honest opinion.

THIS IS YOUR ATONEMENT.

When detectives find the same message at the staged scenes of four seemingly unrelated homicides, FBI Special Agent Victoria Heslin is determined to uncover the connection between them.

The deaths are scattered across the East Coast. The victims are in their late twenties: an All-Star NBA player, an investment banker, a dental hygienist, and a bartender with a serious drinking problem.

Who is making them pay? What have they done? And who might be next?

Spending weeks away from home, Agent Victoria delves into the victims’ pasts, unraveling the strange mystery that links them together. As the killer’s motive becomes clear, Victoria is in a race to the finish that she must not lose.

A standalone thriller.

Holy amazeballs. I was hooked from start to finish.

I would like to thank Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for an advance copy of The Atonement Murders, the seventh novel to feature FBI Agent Victoria Heslin.

The murder of a basketball ball player brings Victoria to her latest case. He is the second person to be found with the message “This is your atonement” written on the wall. Another two murders follow and it is Victoria’s job to work out what links the victims and what they have to atone for.

I enjoyed The Atonement Murders, which is a relatively straightforward plot driven novel with several twists and a neat but guessable final twist. I have not read the previous novels in the series, so I can say that this works easily as a stand-alone.

The novel is mostly told in the present from Victoria’s point of view interspersed with flashbacks to events from twelve years ago told from the various victims’ points of view. I’m not particularly interested in the thoughts and actions of teenagers, but these flashbacks slowly build a story of why the murders are occurring. Of course, the reader has to wade through copious amounts of teenage hormones and angst to get there.

As I said this is a plot driven novel, so it’s not particularly nuanced or deep. It follows the usual route of one development leading to another until a solution is found. There are few roadblocks on this route, although there is a certain amount of jumping to conclusions. On the whole it all falls into place rather serendipitously. Having said that, I would stress that it is entertaining and an easy way to pass a few hours.

By the end of the novel I felt slightly sorry for the perpetrator, who has a terrible backstory, but again the reasons for murder are based on very shaky ground so murder was not the answer.

The Atonement Murders is an easy way to pass a few hours.

This was my first book in the Victoria Heslin series. I really enjoyed it and can be read as a stand alone mystery. The characters are vibrant and engaging and the mystery keeps you guessing. However, it would be best read as part of the series. I went back and started at the beginning and I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I’d read it after I had the character background. I loved that the character is fully fleshed out and while there is a love interest she doesn’t need him to “complete her”. I enjoyed the rescue animals and while the whole premise of living in a huge mansion was so the dogs had room to roam was a bit unrealistic, it was the best kind of unbelievability because the animals are a great addition. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Thanks to Ms Ruff, Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

Quite a good read, with a hunt on to catch what turns out a revenge killing. Agent Victoria is back, with this her 7th book, a FBI agent, hunting for answers to a mystery that is looking for atonement, but who, why and when, leads the reader on a merry chase, with many twist and turns to a final end. Thanks you NetGalley and the publishers for the DRC

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. This is the 2nd book in this series that I have devoured! Jenifer Ruff has a writing style that is easy to read and pulls you into the world of FBI Agent Victoria Heslin. I also love that she includes the dogs in her books! The breadcrumbs she leaves here and there are genius. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.

This is part of a series, and while it can be read as a stand alone I was missing some of the main character’s personality and backstory. This is very heavy procedural focused, written in a very un-dramatic tone. I enjoyed the way the mystery unraveled, with the different points of view as well as flashbacks. I’d happily go back and read others in the series! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to provide my honest review.

Book: The Atonement Murders
Author: Jenifer Ruff
Series: Agent Victoria Heslin Thriller #7
Publisher: BooksGoSocial
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date: April 14, 2022
My Rating: 4 stars

FBI Agent Victoria Heslin is investigating two murders, one in Boston, one in Charlotte. The Boston victim was an NBA superstar athlete; the Charlotte victim was a former classmate/teammate of the superstar.
When their bodies were found, the phrase “This Is Your Atonement” was written in lipstick near the bodies. Later, another seemingly unrelated murder victim marked with that phrase is discovered.
Story kept me interested. As a thriller fan I know to suspect everyone but the ‘Excerpt from Journal Entry’ made it rather clear the murderer was someone who knew the victims ~ had a connection from the past. Even with that it kept me guessing!

In addition to a great story I always love reading the Author’s ‘Acknowledgements’ as well as other info provided at the back of the book. Always looking for the inside scoop to the author’s motivation etc.

In her “Note from the Author” Ms. Ruff tells readers that although ‘Agent Victoria Heslin’ is part of a series, she writes each book so that the readers can read them alone without confusion.

Awww since I haven’t read all the books in this series ~ I was pleased with her writing style!
This was a great read and I look forward to #8!

Want to thank NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 14, 2023

What an intricate, well-crafted mystery!

In North Carolina, a real estate agent walks into a showing to find the current owner dead in the bathtub, with "THIS IS YOUR ATONEMENT" written on the mirror of the scene.

Two months later, an NBA star is found dead in his home in Boston with the same message.

The state officials contact the FBI as these two very different men have very similar crime scenes. Enter Agent Victoria Heslin.

This is my first in the Victoria Heslin series, and I really appreciated being able to read this as a stand-alone. Much of her past was referenced, but not stressed upon to where you felt confused if you were just entering this FBI agent's world.

I really enjoyed the pacing of this novel and how all the pieces came together in such a natural way. None of the clues or leads seemed forced, which made reading it all the more exciting. Heslin herself is a wonderful character and not only did I love her detective work, but I loved her as a person. All of the references to her past definitely have me wanting to go back and start the series from the beginning as it seems like she has gone through some crazy things!

Overall, I loved this mystery. I thought the chain of events that led to the killer's actions were laid out perfectly, and while I did have a hunch about a big twist, enough happened that had me questioning my guess, which I loved.

Definitely enjoyed my time reading this story and I'm looking forward to reading more by Ruff in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley & BooksGoSocial for the ARC in exchange for an honest review :)