Retired FBI agent Dr. Beau Peterson’s strange psychic ability enables him to connect with murder victims after their deaths, a talent that aided him in capturing the infamous Ryland Ripper. Now teaching criminal psychology at a local college, he is asked to work with his former partner, Cody Taylor, on a baffling new case—someone, whom the media dubs “Ripper Junior,” is mimicking the Ryland Ripper.
With each of Junior’s kills, Jordan Stafford falls into a trance, forcing her to see every hideous detail through his eyes. Beau reluctantly accepts her assistance in pursuing the dangerous serial killer, but in a macabre twist of fate, she becomes Junior’s new target. Beau, Jordan, and Cody must utilize all of their skills to prevent her from becoming Junior’s next victim.
“Sandy James weaves mystery and romance in her impossible to put down novel, Copycat. Filled with non-stop action and vivid detail, my pulse raced with anticipation from the first to the last page.” New York Time Bestselling Author Aleatha Romig
Sandy lives in a quiet suburb of Indianapolis and is a high school psychology teacher. She is published through Grand Central Forever Yours and Carina Press as well as indie-published. An Amazon #1 Bestseller many times, she has won numerous awards, including two HOLT Medallions.
Copycat is book one in the brand new series, The Hunters by Sandy James. I’ve read quite a few of Sandy’s books in the past and I’ve come to expect sexy, swoony stories that make me smile. Wow, was I shocked to learn of this new series. This is a psychological thriller that yes, has some romance and sexy times. But it is also filled with twists and turns that will keep your heart racing and will have your fingers turning the pages as fast as you can.
Beau Peterson is a busy man. Not only does he teach criminal psychology at Ohio Central University, he is also partners with his long time friend, Cody Taylor, in a special unit of the FBI called The Hunters. They solve the crimes committed by the most deviant of criminals, the serial killers, the men of nightmares. Beau is very successful at solving the crimes because he has help from the deceased victims. For a short time after arriving at a crime scene, he is able to see the ghost of the victim, helping him to understand what might have happened. Beau also suffers from a severely injured knee and needs an arm crutch to walk. He’s constantly in pain and the injury has completely changed his life.
Jordan Stafford is twenty six years old and is currently taking some night classes in psychology. One of her classes is taught by Beau Peterson. Jordan noticed from the start how good looking Beau was. But she wasn’t there to flirt with the teacher. She was there to learn. Because Jordan’s life had been turned upside down a year ago when she started having visions, seeing murders through a killer’s eyes, experiencing everything along with him. Either she is very mentally ill, or she has a psychic connection to a very deranged killer.
“The heart wants what the heart wants.”
When Beau realizes that Jordan is seeing the murders that he and Cody have been trying to solve, their lives are irrevocably tied together, especially when it becomes apparent that Jordan’s life is in danger. As Beau and Jordan spend time together, their feelings for each other grow. Neither of these two trusts easily. Beau has felt like less of a man with his injury. Jordan who grew up in the system, doesn’t trust at all. But, when Beau and Cody are all she has to rely on, she has to learn to trust them both.
Two people with hardened hearts. Two people with a connection to the murders. Two people who needed each other in so many different ways. And a deranged killer on the loose. From the start, this book took me on quite a wild ride. More than once, I muttered, “Wow, I did not see that coming!” Psychological thrillers aren’t my normal book choice. I’m more of a warm and fuzzy romance book girl. But I’m so glad I went for this. I won’t be forgetting it anytime soon. And I look forward to the next book, Soul Collector, which will be Cody’s book.
4.25stars— COPYCAT is the first instalment in Sandy James’ contemporary adult THE HUNTERS slightly paranormal, romantic suspense series. This is retired FBI agent turned professor Dr. Beau Peterson, and social worker/student Jordan Stafford’s story line.
WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise including murder and violence, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from third person perspective COPYCAT focuses on the hunt for a serial killer. For close to one year Jordan Stafford has suffered with violent and detailed ‘storms’, as she ‘sees’ in her mind, real time murders of a serial killer. Working on her Masters’ Degree, Jordan will suffer such a ‘storm’ and find herself in the company of her professor Dr. Beau Peterson, a man who has a secret ability of his own. As the killer continues to up his body count, Jordan suffers with each murder until Beau, and his former FBI partner Cody Taylor begin to uncover a possible connection between Jordan and the killer they named Ripper Junior, a killer whose murders copycat two other infamous cases. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Jordan and Beau, and the fall-out when the truth is revealed, and a killer uses his famous DNA to continue his life of crime.
Dr. Beau Peterson and Cody Taylor aren’t surprised by Jordan’s explanation of the ‘storms’ that have been ravaging the woman with whom Beau will fall in love. Beau is able to ‘talk’ to the recently deceased, and in this working together with Cody, our couple begin to see a pattern that may be linked to our story line heroine. Having no recollection about her early years, Jordan undergoes hypnosis, revealing buried secrets from long ago.
The relationship between Beau and Jordan begins as student and professor but quickly turns into something more when Beau finds himself guardian and protector of a woman who has caught the attention of a serial killer.In seclusion together, Beau and Jordan’s relationship becomes more personal, placing Beau and Cody in the direct line of fire. the $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Beau’s former FBI and current investigative partner Cody Taylor, as well as three serial killers that target our heroine for demons of the past.
COPYCAT is a story of betrayal and vengeance, obsession and madness, secrets, lies, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive and impassioned; the characters are energetic and charismatic. COPYCAT ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
What a great book to ring in 2022 with. A FBI agent who can connect with murdered victims and a woman who connects with a serial killer.
What a ride this was. Multiple sick and twisted serial killers, an 2 man FBI team labeled The Hunters due to their sole purpose of hunting down serial killers, and a woman who sees through the eyes of the Ripper Junior as he kills his victims.
To give much more would give spoilers but it was a page turning thriller for sure.
Wow, Sandy James has proven she can take romance to the suspenseful side without missing a step. Copycat kept me on the edge of my seat from page one! Fascinating premise that takes you into the dark and deadly mind of a serial killer. Nice work, Ms. James!
Copycat had a unique premise and is executed well. No needles but bullets yes. Okay, I lied; some needles but sadly not lethal to the bad guys.
I had never read Ms. JAMES prior to this novel. It was easy to follow and flowed well. The intriguing twist was easy to pick up for anyone following the bread crumbs.
Serial killers, FBI agents, and a college student oh my!