Cold Cruel Eyes is the fourth book in the brilliant Cursed in Clayton series and it is equally as gripping as the first three. Although a series, they can be read as standalones but I think the reader will have a richer experience when read in order.
Out of a terrifying marriage, Mae is slowly rebuilding her life and concentrating on her art when she begins to have psychic visions of three young women who disappeared in the area over a period of several years to the present. Along with love interest Jude, her friends Frank, Damien and Michael, she vows to solve the mystery and find the missing women.
This is such a gripping page-turner. The author had me all over the place emotionally with this one. From the terror of not knowing who was guilty, to concern for Mae herself, and the horror of what had happened to the women. I just couldn’t put it down.
Jessie Ellis is a first-class author who can tell a story with the best of them, and this series is so exceptionally well-written and well-crafted you will love it. The romance is hot and spicy in all the right places The suspense has you by the throat. The horror will have you checking the wardrobe. You’ll suspect everyone and you’ll worry about the victims. Ellis will not let you go until the very last page.
1 JulianneAuthor 5 books50

'Cold Cruel Eyes' is a gripping and exciting psychological crime thriller.

I didn't know that this was the 4th book in a series, because it read just fine on its own. The series of books have the same families of characters and (according to the first three books' summaries) are in chronological order. But this doesn't mean you can't read them out of order. I'm going to definitely pick up 'Visions of Scarlett' next.

Mae is the main character who is dealing with the terrible fact that her former husband was a serial killer who abducted and killed young girls and women. He is safely put away for a life sentence in prison. But then, Mae is haunted by another slew of kidnappings and disappearances of more young women in the small town. Family hurts are reopened, and she reconnects with her old high school sweetheart Jude Wesson, who gave her her first kiss at a football game before she ever met her evil husband.

Jude is a swoony romantic hero! Loved him, and the lengths he took to investigate the mystery with Mae and put himself in deadly peril. The spicy scenes were hot! Maybe more spice than I expected looking at the cover. There was a little too much graphic sex for my taste, more a high-steam bodice ripper than I expected in a crime/mystery focused novel.

But I enjoyed the author's writing, plot twists and characters and will definitely read all of her books!
Ailsa MellorAuthor 1 book3

I don’t normally gravitate towards thrillers but I was intrigued by the blurb and I was not disappointed. Jessie Ellis’ novel is a page turner, skilfully paced and held my attention throughout. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series (there are four altogether and ‘Cold Cruel Eyes’ is the latest) but it didn’t put me off and it certainly didn’t matter as the book can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed the scene-setting—a desolate and snowy New England before Christmas—and the rural lives the characters lead. But despite the picturesque, idyllic backdrop, all is not what it seems. The author’s protagonist, Mae, is still recovering from her ordeal as the former wife of a serial killer, now serving a life sentence for his crimes, and deeply unnerved by a spate of local kidnappings in the area (all young woman). Who could it be? And why is Mae receiving physic messages about them? Mae’s love interest, Jude, offers to help her unravel the mystery of the missing women and so begins their journey of working out who is behind the abductions. The plot, characters and dialogue are all very realistic and the author maintains tension and suspense throughout. The final chapter ties up the storyline and culminates in a very satisfying ending. If you enjoy pacy thrillers with a generous sprinkling of romance, then this book is for you. Nathan Ellis22 1 follower

Jessie Ellis has done it again with Cold Cruel Eyes, a book that had me hooked from the first page. This fourth entry in the Cursed in Clayton series can stand alone, but trust me, you'll want to dive into the others once you've had a taste of this one.

Mae Jones is a character you can't help but root for. After breaking free from a nightmare marriage, she's finding her footing, only to have her world upended again. Her art, once a refuge, now reveals haunting visions of danger. It's a twist that pulled me in, making me feel I was right there with Mae, trying to piece together the puzzle.

Then there's Jude Wesson—oh, Jude. He's the kind of love interest that keeps you turning pages, not just for the mystery, but to see sparks fly between him and Mae. Their history and chemistry add a delicious layer of tension and tenderness to the mix.

Ellis has a knack for setting the scene. The town, with its picturesque surface and lurking secrets, felt so real I could almost smell the crisp winter air. The story weaves through moments of suspense, warmth, and genuine emotion, striking a balance that's hard to find in thrillers.

What I especially loved was how the book tackled deep themes—overcoming past traumas, the quest for truth, the power of connection—without ever feeling preachy. It's a wild ride, with twists that kept me guessing and a pace that never let up.fantasy romance thriller Dani J2

Although I read the first book in this series, Visions of Scarlett, I somehow missed the next two. But I was so curious about Mae's story after everything that happened in book 1, and I couldn't resist jumping ahead. It didn't disappoint. This was a perfect novel to read on a chilly, rainy weekend. The mystery sucked me in from the beginning, and the love story is cute as well. Jude is a wonderful hero. He's protective and patient with an adorable sense of humor. I love him and Mae as a couple. They are honest with each other and talk things through, and I how they work out the mystery together. I'm always a sucker for a friends to lovers romance, especially when the romance has been a long time coming.
As cute as the romance is, and as much as Mae deserved happiness, the mystery and Mae's visions made this book a page turner. A couple of interesting characters kept me guessing who the kidnapper might be, putting me on the edge of my seat. Especially during the last half of the story, where everything leads to an exciting ending. I was happy to see that a great character will be getting her own story next, and I'll for sure read that when it becomes available.
SL McGinnisAuthor 6 books3

Great book. So, here's the thing. I did not realize this was book 4 in the series. Not at all. I should've paid more attention, yeah, yeah, but that didn't stop me from being captivated from beginning to end. I have purchased the first 3 books based on this book, and its ending. I won't even say anything to that effect because I'm not a spoiler, but my lord.... so much happens. This was a fast-paced, intense read, and I loved every second of it.

One of the best parts of this story is Mae and Jude. I'm a lesbian, and I hardcore want some Jude. Let's move on. Do you love beautiful love stories influenced by danger, loss, and grief? Yeah, bring it. From what I gather from this series, Mae is in the part of learning to forgive and move on after finding out about her husband's deeds. I mean, I would never trust a man after the shit this dude pulled. Still, Mae finds a way to fall in love. More power to her. You go girl.

A good part of mystery, thriller and romance. These are the type of romances I'll come back for. Anyway. Great job Ms Ellis. I loved it.
Darren Beaming31

A Twisted Game by Jessie Ellis is book three in the brilliant Cursed in Clayton series and I think this one might be my favourite. I’ve read book one and loved it and I picked this one by mistake. Luckily, they can be read in any order.
Everly has a dark past and she returns to her home town to escape that past. She turns to her brother’s best friend, psychiatrist Issac Briggs for help when she is attacked by a ghost while out on a pre-dawn hike. She has a long-held crush on him and it seems he has similar feelings for her as between them they search for answers.
This is an exceptionally good book. Ellis is a confident writer who can take the readers to some very dark places – the birth/creation of a serial killer being one of them – then ease their anxiety with a humorous one liner and a few great sex scenes as Everly and Issac give in to their mutual attraction. She seamlessly blends the paranormal with good detective work and a passionate love story and you cannot see the joins.
I'm off to read book 2 now.
2 s François G49

Jessie Ellis's "A Twisted Game" takes you on a suspenseful journey filled with chilling suspense and unexpected romance. Set against the backdrop of Everly Wesson's harrowing ordeal, the novel explores the dark depths of human psyche while weaving a tale of forbidden love and deadly secrets.

The book's strength lies in its intricate plot twists and gripping narrative, keeping you on the edge of your seats from start to finish. Ellis masterfully crafts a world where danger lurks around every corner, leaving readers guessing until the very end.

However, despite its thrilling storyline, the novel occasionally falters in pacing, with certain scenes feeling rushed or underdeveloped. Additionally, some character motivations may leave readers scratching their heads, detracting from the overall immersion in the story.

That said, "A Twisted Game" shines brightest in its exploration of the complex relationship between Everly and Isaac. Their chemistry sizzles on the page, adding depth and emotion to an already captivating story.

In conclusion, "A Twisted Game" offers a thrilling ride for fans of suspense and romance. While it may stumble at times, its compelling plot and well-drawn characters make it a worthy read for those seeking an adrenaline-fueled escape. Nathan Ellis22 1 follower

Jessie Ellis has truly outdone herself with A Twisted Game. Right from the start, you're thrown into Everly Wesson's eerie world, where communicating with spirits is her haunted reality. This book, the third in the Cursed in Clayton series, packs a solid punch of suspense and steamy romance, standing out as a stellar read even if you haven't caught the earlier books.

Everly is a character you can't help but root for—her strength in the face of creepy, life-threatening twists makes her more than just a protagonist; she’s a survivor with a deeply emotional story. Her relationship with Isaac Briggs, her brother's best friend turned protector and love interest, heats up the pages in a way that’s absolutely captivating. Their chemistry is undeniable, bringing a much-needed lightness to the darker, more intense moments of the story.

It's clever how the childhood games we all know are morphed into something sinister. It’s creepy, it's edgy, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering just how far the madness will go. For anyone dipping their toes into Jessie Ellis’s world for the first time with this book, you're in for a treat. It’s perfectly fine as a standalone, though I bet you'll be tempted to go back and devour the first two books just to get more of the backstory. Gill D. AndersonAuthor 4 books61

A Twisted Game by Jessie Ellis can easily be read as a stand alone, but I have since realised it is book 3 of a series . I found Jessie's writing to be original and inteligent and therefore somewhat unpredictable. The story is centred around Everly who has a mysterious and somewhat dark past. Everly returns to her home town and is accosted by a ghost in the early hours of the morning while out in the wilderness.

Issac Briggs is a psychiatrist (and the best friend of Everly's brother). Issac and Everly have both had feelings for each other for some time but have pushed them down over the years. Issac becomes embroiled in the world that Everly has found herself in where spirits communicate with her. Issac becomes involved, first in a concerned sense, but their chemistry becomes harder to ignore. There is a fair bit of suspense with the 'will they, wont they' theme , but you will have to read it to find out!

Through Everly, we see into the mind of a serial killer which is rather dark, but the story is lightned with humour and sexual chemistry throughout. This is a clever mix of genres, a touch of paranormal and also a love story/ investigation. A unique read.

Eduardo153 5

A well-written, engaging, and intense paranormal romance novel with a strong female lead and interesting, complex, well-developed characters. Readers will appreciate the gripping suspense, intricate plot twists, and the development of love between the main characters. The supernatural elements add a layer of intrigue to the story, keeping you hooked until the very end. The book delivers a thrilling experience for both new readers and fans of the series (this is the third book). It may contain some steamy and explicit scenes, which add a layer of passion and sensuality to the narrative. Readers who enjoy a bit of heat in their romance novels will appreciate this aspect. Overall, it's an interesting, suspenseful, and emotionally stimulating read that leaves a lasting impression on you. Regardless if you're seeking heart-pounding thrills or charming elements in a book, this novel offers a satisfying blend of both, making it a captivating addition to any reader's collection, but especially for fans of paranormal romance, romantic suspense, and psychological thrillers. Athina43

"A Twisted Game" is a nice mix of paranormal, romantic suspense, and fantasy. It follows Everly's journey as she grapples with her newfound ability to communicate with spirits while facing a psychopathic killer. The story is set in a paranormal realm and combines chilling suspense with romantic elements. The killer has a strong sadistic nature and s to play twisted games with Everly. As she seeks safety with Isaac, a doctor and her brother's best mate, their relationship deepens. This results in some steamy moments, creating an atmosphere of passion, intimacy, and intrigue. If you appreciate a nice mix of spooky paranormal stuff, heart-racing romantic suspense, and a bit of fantasy, this is a great and engaging read. It will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, wondering what comes next. Its atmosphere and overall vibe could be easily transferred to the big screen. Matt MememaroAuthor 19 books80

A twisted game by Jessie Ellis is a fantastic steamy romance that blends a dark shroud of mystery and intrigue in the main characters Everly and Isaac. Twisted Game is exactly as it is described on the tin. The killer plays games with Everly as she tries to use the paranormal and mysterious themes in the book to uncover who it is and why he’s doing it to her. Along the way is Isaac, her brother’s best friend that she has been crushing on for quite some time.
The thriller aspects of the story keep the pace flowing along nicely, and the steam is obviously what everyone is here for. Twisted Game is well written across all aspects, and the steam between the two leads is more than palpable.
An engaging read that is ly to keep Ellis’ readers coming back to her for more. If you’re a fan of thrillers and romance this will keep you well entertained. Well done.
Philomena's Reviews36 1 follower

A twisted game is a mixed genre book combining elements of the paranormal, romance, steam and mystery with a thriller twist. I loved the dynamics between the characters Everly and Isaac. Although the blurb said it could be read as a standalone I do wish I had read the other two first as I felt there were some inside stories I was t privy too as they'd happened in the other books. That being said it didn't detract from the story too much. I'm a suckered for anything with ghosts and the paranormal and these elements are what made it for me. Plus the story kept me guessing until the end my only reason for not giving 5 stars was the repetition of words when the characters spoke it just didn't seem natural and was too often which pulled me out of the dialogue. Laura LukasavageAuthor 6 books54

Tag your IT!

Everly is a troubled woman with a dark and messed up past. Trying to make sense of everything that's happened to her, while moving forward in her life.

A dark moment from her past has left her with a gift to helping those no longer in this world, those who still need help. But helping leads Everly down a dark, dangerous and life threatening road.

With help from Isaac, her brothers friend, her new therapist and love interest, Everly learns answers to not only help Shelley, a ghost asking her for her assistance to stop Johnny from killing again, but closes doors from other things in her past.

If you suspenseful reads with hot romance and a mix of dark then this is the book for you. Odin's Girl9

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