The Unknown Beloved

The Unknown Beloved

  • Downloads:6923
  • Type:Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
  • Create Date:2022-04-20 08:21:54
  • Update Date:2025-09-06
  • Status:finish
  • Author:Amy Harmon
  • ISBN:B09F3BV9YF
  • Environment:PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle

Summary

From the bestselling author of Where the Lost Wander and What the Wind Knows comes the evocative story of two people whose paths collide against the backdrop of mystery, murder, and the Great Depression。

Chicago, 1923: Ten-year-old Dani Flanagan returns home to find police swarming the house, her parents dead。 Michael Malone, the young patrolman assigned to the case, discovers there’s more to the situation—and to Dani Flanagan herself—than the authorities care to explore。 Malone is told to shut his mouth, and Dani is sent away to live with her spinster aunts in Cleveland。

Fifteen years later, Michael Malone is summoned to Cleveland to investigate a series of murders that have everyone stumped, including his friend and famed Prohibition agent Eliot Ness, now Cleveland’s director of safety。 There, in a city caught in the grip of a serial killer, Malone’s and Dani’s paths cross once again。

Malone is drawn to Dani and her affinity for the dead and compassion for the destitute。 It doesn’t take long for him to realize that she could help him solve his case。 As terror descends on the city and Malone and Dani confront the dark secrets that draw them together, it’s a race to find the killer or risk becoming his next victims。

Download

Reviews

FMABookReviews

❝Our burdens give weight to everything we do。 They shed light on all that we are。 And the moment we lose them … we lose everything。❞ From the blurb: “evocative story of two people whose paths collide against the backdrop of mystery, murder, and the Great Depression。”Yes, a mystery, from Amy Harmon, about a serial killer!The Unknown Beloved depicts historical, real-life events which took place in Cleveland, Ohio during the 1930’s。 While creative license was used in order to develop captivating cha ❝Our burdens give weight to everything we do。 They shed light on all that we are。 And the moment we lose them … we lose everything。❞ From the blurb: “evocative story of two people whose paths collide against the backdrop of mystery, murder, and the Great Depression。”Yes, a mystery, from Amy Harmon, about a serial killer!The Unknown Beloved depicts historical, real-life events which took place in Cleveland, Ohio during the 1930’s。 While creative license was used in order to develop captivating characters, it was clear Harmon did much research into the actual events that served as the foundation of this story。While the brutal murders were the foundation of the story, the beautiful relationship between Dani and Michael serviced as pillars for the story。 They both cared about the ‘unknowns’, the ones that people ignore, don’t help, don’t give a second thought to; the victims, the helpless, the powerless。 These two fit perfectly together, and I’m not ready to have their story end。The Unknown Beloved was unlike anything I’ve ever read from Harmon。 When I finished reading it, my head was spinning and I sat, shocked that she wrote this story! Now before your feathers get ruffled, know that this isn’t a criticism of her abilities, but admiration for her abilities as a story-teller, and I cannot praise this book enough, it was brilliant!The Unknown Beloved was a work of historical fiction based on true life events that was magical, poetic, suspenseful, romantic, and absolutely fantastic!**I was provided a review copy by Amy Harmon。 This did not influence my opinion of the book nor my review。** 。。。more

MJ Symmonds

For the past several years an Amy Harmon book or two has ended up in my top reads of the year。 It looks like 2022 won't be any different。 The Unknown Beloved was completely riveting and all consuming from page one。 It is quite fascinating to me that an author can take important events and people from history; mix in some fiction and take us on one wild journey as we get lost in the pages。 I was fully invested in Michael and Dani's investigation and hopeful apprehension of The Butcher。 I was perc For the past several years an Amy Harmon book or two has ended up in my top reads of the year。 It looks like 2022 won't be any different。 The Unknown Beloved was completely riveting and all consuming from page one。 It is quite fascinating to me that an author can take important events and people from history; mix in some fiction and take us on one wild journey as we get lost in the pages。 I was fully invested in Michael and Dani's investigation and hopeful apprehension of The Butcher。 I was perched on the edge of my seat as they felt a closing in, of making sure they stayed out of his cross hairs and that they wanted to stop him before he struck again。 Throw in a touch of romance, a couple meddling aunts and you have the recipe for one heck of a read。 **Received ARC through NetGalley。 Voluntarily reviewed** 。。。more

Amy (amy_alwaysreading)

“Your heart is too soft for this Dani Flanagan。” “Maybe so (Michael)。 But perhaps your heart is too hard。”Gritty yet mystical and heartfelt。 Harmon’s newest book tackles a dark time in Cleveland history with finesse and humanity。A gruesome serial killer。 A town shaken to its core。 A grumpy, closed off detective。 And a highly compassionate young woman。 The makings of an unforgettable read。 Fedoras and long black cars set the damper mood for this story。 But it’s Dani’s light touch that awakens the “Your heart is too soft for this Dani Flanagan。” “Maybe so (Michael)。 But perhaps your heart is too hard。”Gritty yet mystical and heartfelt。 Harmon’s newest book tackles a dark time in Cleveland history with finesse and humanity。A gruesome serial killer。 A town shaken to its core。 A grumpy, closed off detective。 And a highly compassionate young woman。 The makings of an unforgettable read。 Fedoras and long black cars set the damper mood for this story。 But it’s Dani’s light touch that awakens the plot’s full potential。 This dark story strewn with victims and laced with fear is offset by the gentleness we find in Dani。 That dichotomy is adeptly executed and creates a message of hope even in the bleakest of circumstances。 The cruelest truth in this story is that of the butcher’s victims。 Real people。 Most lost to the world and left nameless。 Yet Harmon manages to shine light onto them, well honoring them all of these years later。 “Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortal。”This book sets lofty goals… blending true crime facts from the Cleveland Torso Murders into a mystery/romance steeped in magic。 And yet, it works。 Which is why Harmon continues to be a go-to author I can count on。 Many thanks to @amy。harmon。author and @amazonpublishing for this #gifted copy。 (Is it wrong to say that I’m already eagerly awaiting the next book?) 。。。more

Helen - Great Reads & Tea Leaves

I am such a fan of Amy Harmon’s。 Her writing is always so lyrical and you are guaranteed to be swept away no matter what she writes。 Her previous books have covered genres including fantasy, historical fiction, contemporary and young adult just to name a few。 I was intrigued to read what a mystery/crime novel by Amy would be like。 I went in with no real expectations, except knowing Amy to be a talented author who can literally turn her hand to any genre。 Her storytelling in any field with the ch I am such a fan of Amy Harmon’s。 Her writing is always so lyrical and you are guaranteed to be swept away no matter what she writes。 Her previous books have covered genres including fantasy, historical fiction, contemporary and young adult just to name a few。 I was intrigued to read what a mystery/crime novel by Amy would be like。 I went in with no real expectations, except knowing Amy to be a talented author who can literally turn her hand to any genre。 Her storytelling in any field with the characters she produces and research undertaken is always impressive。‘Malone had learned that the images most people presented to the world didn’t reflect reality。’The Unknown Beloved is based on actual happenings in 1930's Cleveland, Ohio during the Great Depression。 It’s dark, sinister and gruesome。 Infamous names including Eliot Ness and Al Capone arise。 In terms of the criminal mystery it leans into the morbid and graphic but all based on facts from the real ‘Torso Murders’ of the day。 You get an accurate sense of what Cleveland, poverty and the Great Depression really felt like。 Add into the mix a serial killer and it most definitely is a dark read。 ‘No, the murders weren’t about the victims。 Malone was convinced the murders were about the killer himself。’Amy is a magician with how she turns her pen to any genre。 She fits no author model。 What a talent。 Yes, this is a crime thriller, however, it is so much more given the author is Amy Harmon。 The characters are real, the crimes are most certainly real but so too is the love story between the two leads。 In many ways, it is like watching a black and white classic movie come to life。 The blend of real facts with Amy’s fictional story is sublime。 She even adds in a touch of the supernatural! In any other author's hands I would be wary, but not with Amy - it just adds that next layer of depth to the story。 It is not only effective but most believable。 “The truth is, the harder we are, the easier we shatter。 It takes some softness to absorb life’s blows。”This book is a crime thriller, it is historical fiction, it is a romance, it is mystery, it is classic Amy Harmon。 Her story telling is something that has to be experienced。 Amy has an incredible way with words and I will gladly read anything and everything she writes。 This book, whilst not my favourite of hers, still testifies to her incredible storytelling。 It conveys such depth and soul, sorrow and pain, hope and love, with moments that will simply steal your heart away。 Do yourself a favour and go read some Amy Harmon。 You won’t be disappointed。“Must we try everything to know something is wonderful?” she asked softly。 “I don’t think so。”This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review。 Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own。 The quoted material may have changed in the final release。 。。。more

°мαggιє° (っ⚈ᴥ⚈)っ™

Aww made me tear up at times。 Especially near the end when he leaves her temporarily。

Samantha Dupree

I'm picturing Oscar Isaac as Michael Malone and you can't stop me。Listen, this is first and foremost a historical thriller/crime novel and I thought it was decidedly well done and I did enjoy the slight fantastical elements。 I did some times get a bit weirded out by the age difference in our leads but it never felt predatory or imbalanced power-wise。This is a very well-paced thriller。 It sets up the real facts about this case well but roots you successfully in the made-up characters along with t I'm picturing Oscar Isaac as Michael Malone and you can't stop me。Listen, this is first and foremost a historical thriller/crime novel and I thought it was decidedly well done and I did enjoy the slight fantastical elements。 I did some times get a bit weirded out by the age difference in our leads but it never felt predatory or imbalanced power-wise。This is a very well-paced thriller。 It sets up the real facts about this case well but roots you successfully in the made-up characters along with the fictionalized real ones so that you care a lot the whole time the plot is happening。 The pace worked particularly well for the romance too。 It allowed for these very different characters to figure themselves out and find the reality of each other over time。 Harmon writes such soft yet passionate romances and its great to read about。Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an early copy。 。。。more

Marissa

Amy Harmon’s latest release, The Unknown Beloved, is everything I love about reading。 Opening one of Harmon’s books, I’m guaranteed a completely immersive experience。 I’m undoubtedly put right in the center of it all and Cleveland during the terrifying reign of The Butcher is a haunting place to land。 I adore the way Harmon uses real life events and in this case, people, to shape the fictional part of the story she wants to tell。 The love that is built between Malone and Dani is so beautiful eve Amy Harmon’s latest release, The Unknown Beloved, is everything I love about reading。 Opening one of Harmon’s books, I’m guaranteed a completely immersive experience。 I’m undoubtedly put right in the center of it all and Cleveland during the terrifying reign of The Butcher is a haunting place to land。 I adore the way Harmon uses real life events and in this case, people, to shape the fictional part of the story she wants to tell。 The love that is built between Malone and Dani is so beautiful even the backdrop of murder and mayhem couldn’t sully it。 With gorgeous prose, impeccable pacing and smooth as silk storytelling Amy Harmon successfully tells the tale of the unsung heroes and gives voice to The Unknown Beloved。 。。。more

Kerrin

The Unknown Beloved is an imaginative telling of the criminal investigation into the Torso Murders committed in Cleveland, Ohio during the 1930s。 The Unknown beloved were the nameless victims, with no families to report them missing or care that they were gone。Eliot Ness, who was working for the city during the murders, brings in Michael Malone, a special agent for the Treasury Department to assist with the investigation。 Malone boards at the home of Daniella Flanigan who lives with her maiden a The Unknown Beloved is an imaginative telling of the criminal investigation into the Torso Murders committed in Cleveland, Ohio during the 1930s。 The Unknown beloved were the nameless victims, with no families to report them missing or care that they were gone。Eliot Ness, who was working for the city during the murders, brings in Michael Malone, a special agent for the Treasury Department to assist with the investigation。 Malone boards at the home of Daniella Flanigan who lives with her maiden aunts in Cleveland。 Malone first met Dani fifteen years earlier when he was a beat cop in Chicago assigned to help her after her parents died under suspicious circumstances。 It was then Malone learned of Dani's special ability to read stories from fabric。Part mystery and part love story, the Unknown Beloved is a fascinating look at the 1930s。 。。。more

Virginia

The Unknown Beloved by Amy Harmon is refreshing and different and told in the way only Amy can tell a story。 Her storytelling is amazing and she has such talent。 As a young girl, Dani Flanagan’s life is shaken when her parents are killed。 Detective Malone is not only a part of the scene but feels for the girl and takes her the next day to her relatives by train。 Fifteen years later they meet again and we have this wonderful story that is addicting and a real page turner。 The Unknown Beloved isn’ The Unknown Beloved by Amy Harmon is refreshing and different and told in the way only Amy can tell a story。 Her storytelling is amazing and she has such talent。 As a young girl, Dani Flanagan’s life is shaken when her parents are killed。 Detective Malone is not only a part of the scene but feels for the girl and takes her the next day to her relatives by train。 Fifteen years later they meet again and we have this wonderful story that is addicting and a real page turner。 The Unknown Beloved isn’t my typical read。 I usually read contemporary romance。 But I enjoyed every minute of it。 Everything brought me back to a different time。 Things and people are described so well I felt I was there。 The crime element, their relationship, the setting, the writing。 It all made made for a fantastic read。 Go one click!An arc was provided for an honest review。 。。。more

Aimee (Getting Your Read On)

Author Amy Harmon is probably the only author I would follow down the path to a serial killer/murder mystery book。 I was so torn as to whether I wanted to read this one but ultimately I decided that yes, I would。 Because, well, Amy Harmon。 I'm not really a fan of these kinds of books, they tend to freak me out。 Yeah, I'm a lightweight。 I was a bit freaked out with this story, if I'm being honest, but only because it really did happen。 The author did a good job of creating characters and adding h Author Amy Harmon is probably the only author I would follow down the path to a serial killer/murder mystery book。 I was so torn as to whether I wanted to read this one but ultimately I decided that yes, I would。 Because, well, Amy Harmon。 I'm not really a fan of these kinds of books, they tend to freak me out。 Yeah, I'm a lightweight。 I was a bit freaked out with this story, if I'm being honest, but only because it really did happen。 The author did a good job of creating characters and adding humanity for me to connect to。Dani is my favorite。 Such a unique individual with a big heart and a clear head。 I loved her every movement, word and thought in this book。 What a powerful message came through her。The details of the murders in this book were true to actual reports。 Such a gruesome, horrible thing to read about。 That was probably the worst part of it all for me。 The details。 I had such a hard time with it because creating a movie in my head with things like that is not where I want to be。 That is in no way the author's fault。 It's just my personal preference。 If this author writes in this particular genre again, I might not go there with her but I'm pretty much game for anything else she writes!Content: death, violence, details of murders including dismemberment and beheading。 Kissing, some sexual content (fade to black)。 Frequent mild swearing。 - I received a complimentary copy of this book。 All opinions expressed are my own。 。。。more

Cheryl

I missed Amy Harmon's poetic, beautiful writing in this one, but it was more than a love story, it was a historical crime book。 I wanted more of the love story, but I liked the characters and the way the mystery played out。 。Not your typical Amy Harmon fashion, but it was still good。 You just can't go wrong with Amy Harmon at the wheel。 I missed Amy Harmon's poetic, beautiful writing in this one, but it was more than a love story, it was a historical crime book。 I wanted more of the love story, but I liked the characters and the way the mystery played out。 。Not your typical Amy Harmon fashion, but it was still good。 You just can't go wrong with Amy Harmon at the wheel。 。。。more

Lisa Aiello

Is there anything Amy Harmon can't write? I mean, I just wanted to climb into this book and live within in the pages with her characters。 This author is one of the very few reasons that I can no longer say I don't like historical fiction or pnr/fantasy。 Dani Flanagan is one kick ass woman, with a beautiful soul, and an amazing gift。 And Michael Malone didn't stand a chance。 I loved the intrigue and the history and the romance and I'm sad that it's over。 Maybe Amy Harmon will find a way to bring Is there anything Amy Harmon can't write? I mean, I just wanted to climb into this book and live within in the pages with her characters。 This author is one of the very few reasons that I can no longer say I don't like historical fiction or pnr/fantasy。 Dani Flanagan is one kick ass woman, with a beautiful soul, and an amazing gift。 And Michael Malone didn't stand a chance。 I loved the intrigue and the history and the romance and I'm sad that it's over。 Maybe Amy Harmon will find a way to bring us along on more Dani and Malone adventures!!! 。。。more

Tasha

Amy Harmon continues to wow me with her talent for writing any genre and writing it well。 She has such a way with words that totally captivates and transports the reader。 The Unknown Beloved combines some of my favorite genres, mystery, romance, and historical fiction。 I was thrilled to dive in and immediately swept into the story and characterization of Malone and Dani。 I loved how Dani’s talent put an extra spin on the story and enjoyed when she would describe what she saw。 The investigation i Amy Harmon continues to wow me with her talent for writing any genre and writing it well。 She has such a way with words that totally captivates and transports the reader。 The Unknown Beloved combines some of my favorite genres, mystery, romance, and historical fiction。 I was thrilled to dive in and immediately swept into the story and characterization of Malone and Dani。 I loved how Dani’s talent put an extra spin on the story and enjoyed when she would describe what she saw。 The investigation itself was also fascinating, if not totally gruesome, to read about and I’m glad the descriptions weren’t glossed over as I think it provided a more intense insight into the case。 As always, I immensely enjoyed reading the Author’s note at the end as it provides a deeper knowledge into how the characters and investigation came to be。 I’m in awe of the research that the author puts into events in history and care into preserving so much truth and dignity to the people who inspired her。 Just a couple of things hindered a 5 star review from me for this one。 There were parts that were a little slow for me and dragged a bit, and I didn’t quite feel as much of a connection between characters for the love interest。 I think maybe some of the conversations were a bit stilted and though the detachment was part of the character, I had trouble connecting as well。 Nevertheless, I very much enjoyed the story and will look forward to anything Amy Harmon writes in the future。 Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC copy to review。 。。。more

Caitlin (CMAReads)

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing for the free book。I am so excited to be reading another Harmon book, and I am going to start on her backlist soon because she writes so well。 I was instantly dragged into Michael and Dani's story。 What a character Michael Malone was - and a lot of these characters are based on real people。 Her author's note was so fascinating。 With Dani, her gift added a fun twist to this crime mystery。 She had such a heart for people and it was so easy to not end up loving this c Thanks to Lake Union Publishing for the free book。I am so excited to be reading another Harmon book, and I am going to start on her backlist soon because she writes so well。 I was instantly dragged into Michael and Dani's story。 What a character Michael Malone was - and a lot of these characters are based on real people。 Her author's note was so fascinating。 With Dani, her gift added a fun twist to this crime mystery。 She had such a heart for people and it was so easy to not end up loving this character。 I would love to read more books with these two in them。 This book is based on a true serial killer in Cleveland in the 1930s, and I knew nothing about it。 But how terrifying this time must've been in this city。 Harmon captures the atmosphere so well。 I can't wait to read more of her work, and I know she writes in so many different genres, which is so exciting for me。 。。。more

Kc1morepage

I’ve been a fan of Amy Harmon’s work for quite sometime。 Her books are completely engrossing and her characters are fully developed and complex。I will admit that I was a bit apprehensive when I found out that The Unknown Beloved is a detective story starring Eliot Ness。 However, The Unknown Beloved is so much more than a “who done it”。 The characters are wonderful people, and I enjoyed getting to know them as they worked to protect the indigent of Cleveland from a serial killer。 I was absolutely I’ve been a fan of Amy Harmon’s work for quite sometime。 Her books are completely engrossing and her characters are fully developed and complex。I will admit that I was a bit apprehensive when I found out that The Unknown Beloved is a detective story starring Eliot Ness。 However, The Unknown Beloved is so much more than a “who done it”。 The characters are wonderful people, and I enjoyed getting to know them as they worked to protect the indigent of Cleveland from a serial killer。 I was absolutely delighted when I read the author’s note and found out how many of the characters in the book really existed。This is a great book that will appeal to fans of historical fiction as well fans of women’s fiction。Thank you Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review。  。。。more

Maria Angie Mendoza

I'm always mesmerized by this author’s formidable character descriptions and this story was no exception。 This suspenseful mystery transported me to Depression Era Chicago。 Our heroine Dani Flanagan is a young child who returns home to make the most horrific discovery。 Detective Michael Malone is assigned the daunting task of breaking the horrible news。 How she takes these news was eery and really sets the tone to who she is。 Dani is unlike any heroine。 Her true grit comes through as she deals w I'm always mesmerized by this author’s formidable character descriptions and this story was no exception。 This suspenseful mystery transported me to Depression Era Chicago。 Our heroine Dani Flanagan is a young child who returns home to make the most horrific discovery。 Detective Michael Malone is assigned the daunting task of breaking the horrible news。 How she takes these news was eery and really sets the tone to who she is。 Dani is unlike any heroine。 Her true grit comes through as she deals with her new horrific reality。 Fast forward 15 years and detective malone and Dani’s paths cross again。 Malone is on a league of his own as far as heros are concerned。The vivid imagery, the strong and smart plot line had me completely captivated from beginning to end。The characters are so well developed, I felt like I was watching a movie and the story unfolded before me。What develops between Dani and Malone is a slow burn, unique, unconventional romance that’s so delicious, gritty and raw it was totally unputdownable。 My lips are sealed as to how her story develops and what happens to her, but let me just say it’s so worth reading and finding out!! 。。。more

maryreadstoomuch

Pub date: 4/19/22Genre: historical fiction, crime fictionIn one sentence: Officer Michael Malone comforted 10-year-old Dani Flanagan when here parents were killed; 15 years later, she'll try to help him catch a serial killer。I picked this one up after hearing great things from my fellow bookstagrammers about Amy Harmon's previous books。 I liked the 1930s setting - it was gritty and dangerous yet glamorous, and I felt immersed in the time period。 Dani was a great MC - I loved how she helped untan Pub date: 4/19/22Genre: historical fiction, crime fictionIn one sentence: Officer Michael Malone comforted 10-year-old Dani Flanagan when here parents were killed; 15 years later, she'll try to help him catch a serial killer。I picked this one up after hearing great things from my fellow bookstagrammers about Amy Harmon's previous books。 I liked the 1930s setting - it was gritty and dangerous yet glamorous, and I felt immersed in the time period。 Dani was a great MC - I loved how she helped untangle the mystery using her gift of understanding a person through their clothing。 The plot slowed down a bit in the middle, but I'm still glad I picked up this unique read。 The story is inspired by a true crime - be sure to read the author's note! I think true crime and historical fiction fans will enjoy this one。 I'm planning to read more from Amy Harmon, starting with her previous work The Songbook of Benny Lament。 3。5 stars rounded to 4。Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Lyndi

Chicago 1923: Tortured by the loss of his two children and estrangement of his wife, young policeman Michael Malone is ready to end his life。 Just one more case and that'll be that。 But when he meets 10-year-old Dani Flanagan, orphaned on the eve of her birthday in a case ruled a murder/suicide that Michael knows is so much more, he escorts her to live with her aunts and she gives him hope and purpose。 He joins Eliot Ness as one of the Untouchables, taking down Al Capone。Cleveland 15 years later Chicago 1923: Tortured by the loss of his two children and estrangement of his wife, young policeman Michael Malone is ready to end his life。 Just one more case and that'll be that。 But when he meets 10-year-old Dani Flanagan, orphaned on the eve of her birthday in a case ruled a murder/suicide that Michael knows is so much more, he escorts her to live with her aunts and she gives him hope and purpose。 He joins Eliot Ness as one of the Untouchables, taking down Al Capone。Cleveland 15 years later: Eliot Ness is now the Director of Safety in Cleveland, where the Torso murders are continuing to terrorize the poor neighborhoods。 The community is on edge the longer the case goes on and refuse to talk to the police so they decide to bring in cops from other areas to investigate undercover。 Michael is set up in a local boarding house and he's shocked to discover that his innkeeper is none other than Dani。 She discovers the real reason he's in Cleveland and is determined to use her gift to help him solve the case。 But the closer they get to identifying the Butcher, the more it puts Dani in danger of becoming his next victim。This book is based on real people and the true crime case of the Torso murders。 The author did an excellent job of setting the scene of the city and time period, I could almost see the story like a black and white movie playing in my head。 Dani's gift helped her with her job in the morgue, giving the indigent dead respect and a proper memorial。 I really found her gift and the way she used it for good to be fascinating。 Rough, jaded, and cynical Michael Malone was fascinating to me too, feeling he didn't deserve happiness, dedicated to his job。 I'm glad he finally accepted a happy ending。 This was definitely a five star read for me。 I received an advance reader copy of this book。 The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily。 。。。more

Kaitlin

I adored this book。 I love Michael and Dani, I love their romance, I love the murder mystery, and I love the ending。 I would read this book again。 Also, I’m now going to watch “The Untouchables” and every Bogie-Bacall movie because that is this book’s vibes。 Amy Harmon has done it again and I hope everyone who loves historical fiction/mystery/romance reads this story。 I sound gushy because I’m feeling gushy and I shan’t apologize for it。 Edited: Thank you to Darci in Amazon Publishing for my adv I adored this book。 I love Michael and Dani, I love their romance, I love the murder mystery, and I love the ending。 I would read this book again。 Also, I’m now going to watch “The Untouchables” and every Bogie-Bacall movie because that is this book’s vibes。 Amy Harmon has done it again and I hope everyone who loves historical fiction/mystery/romance reads this story。 I sound gushy because I’m feeling gushy and I shan’t apologize for it。 Edited: Thank you to Darci in Amazon Publishing for my advance copy! 。。。more

Chantique (Browneyed。bookworm)

Amy Harmon's abilities are unmatched。 She can write across all genres and deliver the most beautiful stories。*I will update my review after some thought。 Just know no matter what genre you enjoy this book is perfect for you。**UPDATEAfter a few days I am still amazed by this story。 Amy took a true part of history and gave it the ending the unsung heroes deserved。Michael Malone was a real hero that history had us forget about。 He worked hard to protect society from some of the most dangerous, well Amy Harmon's abilities are unmatched。 She can write across all genres and deliver the most beautiful stories。*I will update my review after some thought。 Just know no matter what genre you enjoy this book is perfect for you。**UPDATEAfter a few days I am still amazed by this story。 Amy took a true part of history and gave it the ending the unsung heroes deserved。Michael Malone was a real hero that history had us forget about。 He worked hard to protect society from some of the most dangerous, well known villians。 From the beginning of the story it is obvious that Malone and Dani have a very rare connection。 Amy's writing has you immediately caring about their story and wanting to see them get the happy ending fate has tried to take from them。The care and compassion Malone shows Dani, while expected, shaped the way their future would turn out。 But Dani Flanagan had looked into his eyes and said, "If you don't do it, who will?" And his plan had dissolved for good, leaving an odd, new purpose in its wake。 Dani Flanagan didn't know it but she'd saved his life。 Somehow Amy was able to take this historic tragedy and create a love story that will withstand time。 She takes the "Unknowns" and gives them a story。 Dani's amount of care for others, people she's never met, is beautiful。 Despite how taxing it is on her she continues to do all she can to give stories to those who have been forgotten。 It honestly makes me think of Amy。 She takes stories and lives of people that the world continued on without, and brings them back to our minds。 "。。。And I can't hear their stories with my gloves on。" "Why do you want to?" he asked。 "Because。。。 because no one else ever will。" One thing you'll always find with Amy's stories is a love story that doesn't require all the detailed spice to make you swoon。 Just heartfelt confessions that give you butterflies。 "I would have come looking, can't you see that by now? I would have done my best for you。"She surprised him sometimes。 She surprised him often。 Caught him off guard。 Made him hope。 Made him afraid。 Made him foolish。 Made him yearn。 To not believe in her would be like not believing in the sun。 The sun simple was- it shine, it set, it rose, it waned- and it had no need to please or persuade。 That was Dani。 And he suspected he was in love with her。 So no, he was not afraid。 He was terrified。 Please know that this story is so much more than a romance。 Again the romance is in the background of this story。 The tragic history of Kingsbury Run is what pulls this story together。 It's like reading a true crime novel。 You get the behind the scenes of trying to track down a serial killer。 You become apart of the story, sharing the fears of the characters, examining the clues with the police, and trying to understand the why behind such an atrocity。I don't know if this review even does justice for the brilliance of this novel。 I don't think there are words to adamantly express it without telling the story to you。 Just read it。 No matter what genre you prefer, you will be satisfied with it。 There is one quote in this book that I have fallen in love with and plan to carry along with me forever。 I will end this review with it。 "When the world is dark, look at the colors, Nettie。" Despite how horrific some of the content in this story is, Amy makes sure you can find the colors within the darkness。 She gives you hope that the silent heroes in our lives will be remembered。 That the people who feel like they are unknowns in our world are seen and cherished。 She is the light within the darkness。 。。。more

Lindsey Domokur

"The truth is, the harder we are, the easier we shatter。 It takes some softness to absorb life's blows。" Isn't that the truth? I highlighted so many quotes from this story because they resonated with me, they were so profound。 I made myself take my time while reading this, not rushing, but savoring every single word。 Michael and Dani met when she was 10 and he was 23, just starting out as a cop in Chicago。 Her parents were killed and he was in charge of getting her to her aunts in Cleveland。 Mic "The truth is, the harder we are, the easier we shatter。 It takes some softness to absorb life's blows。" Isn't that the truth? I highlighted so many quotes from this story because they resonated with me, they were so profound。 I made myself take my time while reading this, not rushing, but savoring every single word。 Michael and Dani met when she was 10 and he was 23, just starting out as a cop in Chicago。 Her parents were killed and he was in charge of getting her to her aunts in Cleveland。 Michael was going through a rough patch in his life and doing this gave him purpose。Fast forward 13 years, a case brings Michael to Cleveland and fate takes over from there。 He remembers Dani, her special gift, and her spellbinding eyes from all those years before。 He is undercover trying to help solve the Torso Murders, and gets into the seedy underbelly of Cleveland。 Dani knows she can help him solve these crimes, but he wants to protect her at all costs。 Michael also doesn't believe good things can happen to him, everything he has ever loved has been taken away, It takes Dani to make him realize that the good comes with the bad and weathering the storm together is the most important part。This story has it all, true crime, murder, mystery and of course, a love so true that fate led them back together after so many years。 I am a huge true crime fan and the fact that this was set near my hometown was just icing on the cake。 I will always read Amy's words, but this one just hit me right in the heart and refuses to let go。Thank you to Lake Union, Amy Harmon and Netgalley for an early copy。 。。。more

Amy

Some books y0u read and you know you will never forget them。 Such is the case with Amy Harmon's books in general, but MY GOODNESS does The Unknown Beloved dig itself into you and not let go。The story begins with young Dani Flanagan, who comes home to find police in her home and her parents both dead。 At only ten years of age, Dani possess more maturity and sense of awareness than most forty-year-olds。 Her preternatural calm affects Michael Malone, a cop on the scene, as does her intuitive knowle Some books y0u read and you know you will never forget them。 Such is the case with Amy Harmon's books in general, but MY GOODNESS does The Unknown Beloved dig itself into you and not let go。The story begins with young Dani Flanagan, who comes home to find police in her home and her parents both dead。 At only ten years of age, Dani possess more maturity and sense of awareness than most forty-year-olds。 Her preternatural calm affects Michael Malone, a cop on the scene, as does her intuitive knowledge about his family。 Fifteen years later, the US is nearly a decade past the Great Depression, and Michael and Dani's paths cross again。 This time, she's 25, and, well, you know。 Possibilities loom。Michael has come to Cleveland to help Eliot Ness investigate a serial killer, and Amy Harmon makes us worry that this individual poses a threat to Dani。 Michael worries, too。 The suspense and mystery aspect of this book is fantastic。 There is a sense of a cat-and-mouse game being played, and our sense of dread grows。 Harmon also builds the romance between Michael and Dani。 It isn't forbidden, but he feels as if it is。 We see what draws him to her, and we see what draws her to him。 Dani is exceptional。 She has a particular set of skills that both helps and haunts her, and Michael struggles to protect her。 There is one scene toward the end that cracked my cold hard heart open。 I feel like I could cry about it again as I write this review。 As always, Amy Harmon's research shines。 Her imagery helps you see, feel, and even taste this book。 And Eliot Ness! She treats us to a side of him we haven't seen much。 I particularly enjoyed her notes after the book, when she tells us about some of the real people in the book。 What do you do when the one you love is a risk? When you know that, in loving them, you make yourself vulnerable? When you fear that, in loving them, you put them at risk? Amy Harmon addresses these questions in this exquisite, poignant, beautifully written book。 It is a definite top favorite of 2022, if not ever。 Facebook ● Twitter ● Instagram 。。。more

Srivalli Rekha

Publication Date: 19th April 20223。8 Stars One Liner: A few hits and misses; mixed feelings Chicago, 1923: Dani Flanagan comes home to find her parents dead and police handling the crime scene。 It’s her tenth birthday the next day, and Dani is overwhelmed by the loss of her parents。 A young beat constable, Michael Malone, is assigned to take care of her and keep her away from the scene。 Cleveland, 1938: Twenty-five years later, Dani is living with her aunts (her mother’s sisters)。 They are a fam Publication Date: 19th April 20223。8 Stars One Liner: A few hits and misses; mixed feelings Chicago, 1923: Dani Flanagan comes home to find her parents dead and police handling the crime scene。 It’s her tenth birthday the next day, and Dani is overwhelmed by the loss of her parents。 A young beat constable, Michael Malone, is assigned to take care of her and keep her away from the scene。 Cleveland, 1938: Twenty-five years later, Dani is living with her aunts (her mother’s sisters)。 They are a family of seamstresses with royal connections。 But the tough times have made it hard for everyone, including them。 People are scraping by, and things would have been better if not for a mysterious Torso Murderer or The Butcher on loose。 It seems that the Butcher likes to kill people at random and chop them into neat pieces。 Eliot Ness is on the case but with not much progress。 When Malone goes to Cleveland on personal business, Ness convinces him to stay back and help solve the case。 Malone and Dani’s paths soon cross。 Malone is attracted to Dani and her unexplainable connection with fabrics。 He can’t help but notice that she is now a beautiful young woman with many talents。 With the Butcher still hacking his victims, Malone takes Dani’s help to solve the case。 Will the duo be able to find the killer, or will they end up as victims? What does the future hold for Dani and Malone? What I Liked: •tThe book seamlessly blends history and fiction。 Ness, David Cowles, Fronek, Dr。 Edward Peterka, Al Capone, Mysterious Mike (our Malone), and a few other characters are real people。 The Torso Murder is a true crime that was never solved despite so many people working on it for months。 •tThe characters are well-etched, no matter how small their role is。 Derby is one such example。 The setting, too, is clear and easy to visualize。 •tDani’s psychic talent has been beautifully presented。 I loved the scenes where she 'feels' the clothes to read more about the people who wore them。 •tThe romance between Dani and Malone progresses over time and doesn’t feel rushed。 The vibes of reading a historical romance are apparent。 Despite the age difference, the romance works very well。 What Didn’t Work for Me:The book is slow… I mean, very slow。 It feels like placing one foot in front of another and taking baby steps toward a far away ending。 I finished it in 4 days because I speed-read more than half of it。 It’s not until 50% that things start to make little sense。 Moreover, the murders (and bodies) are described in detail。 That wasn’t a problem for me。 I’m used to it, and the tone is a matter of fact。 However, sensitive readers might have a hard time reading about so many hacked bodies as the list goes on and on。 The climax might feel a little disappointing for those who aren’t aware of the real story。 The author did take a few liberties to provide a satisfying ending, but she still had to stay true to the details。 Reading about the Torso Murders will prepare the readers to understand the ending。 It fits if you know what happened。 The author’s note is detailed and helps to a great extent。 Since it comes after the book ends, better be prepared in advance。 Some reviews ask readers not to read about the actual crime before starting the book。 That’s a valid point if you want to focus on the mystery element。 The suspense keeps you hooked but only if you aren’t put off by the slow pace。 You’ll have to decide based on how you feel after reading the first 40%。 That’s what I did。 To sum up, The Unknown Beloved is a good book with interesting elements but fails to work its magic on me。 It leaves me with mixed feelings。 Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review。 All opinions expressed are my own。#NetGalley #TheUnknownBeloved PS: I love the details on the cover。 They make more sense after reading the book。 。。。more

Maureen Mayer

Another literary masterpiece from Amy Harmon! No matter what genre she writes, it instantly turns to gold, but her historical fiction pieces are by far my favorite。The Great Depression not only brought about financial hardships but murder and mayhem as well。 In Chicago, 1923, ten-year-old Dani Flanagan’s parents are murdered。 Michael Malone, a young police officer, is assigned to her case and escorts her to the home of her aunts in Cleveland。 But there’s more to Dani than meets the eye, and over Another literary masterpiece from Amy Harmon! No matter what genre she writes, it instantly turns to gold, but her historical fiction pieces are by far my favorite。The Great Depression not only brought about financial hardships but murder and mayhem as well。 In Chicago, 1923, ten-year-old Dani Flanagan’s parents are murdered。 Michael Malone, a young police officer, is assigned to her case and escorts her to the home of her aunts in Cleveland。 But there’s more to Dani than meets the eye, and over the years he never forgot her or the special gift she possessed。Fast forward fifteen years, and Malone is sent to Cleveland to investigate a string of suspicious murders that has everyone stumped, even Eliot Ness。 To Malone’s surprise, his and Dani’s paths once again collide, but now she is a beautiful young woman and he finds himself even more drawn to her。 Knowing her affinity for the the dead and compassion for the destitute, Malone believes she just might be the only one who can help him crack the case。I simply adore Amy Harmon’s writing, not only for allowing me to become completely immersed within her stories but for giving me a little taste of history too。 While this book is based on true events, Amy puts a bit of a spin on that makes the story all her own。 Michael Malone and Dani Flanagan were wonderful and relatable characters that allowed for some light to shine through a rather dismal tale。Highly recommend!*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review。* 。。。more

Sarah

What a wonderful book! Amy Harmon has just jumped onto my list of favorite authors (I adored What the Wind Knows)。 This book is the perfect blend of historical fiction, true crime, romance, and magical realism。 It may sound like a big mix of genres but Harmon handles the integration seamlessly。 I loved Dani and Michael’s characters。 I had never heard of the Cleveland Torso Murders before and was surprised to realize that part of the book was structured around actual events。 I loved this book and What a wonderful book! Amy Harmon has just jumped onto my list of favorite authors (I adored What the Wind Knows)。 This book is the perfect blend of historical fiction, true crime, romance, and magical realism。 It may sound like a big mix of genres but Harmon handles the integration seamlessly。 I loved Dani and Michael’s characters。 I had never heard of the Cleveland Torso Murders before and was surprised to realize that part of the book was structured around actual events。 I loved this book and highly recommended it! Huge thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review。 。。。more

Renita McKinney

Amazing! That is who Amy Harmon is to me as an author。 Kind! That is who Amy Harmon is to me as a person。Unicorn! The culmination of amazing and kind。Amy, is an old soul with the undeniable ability to tell a story that causes the reader to transcend。 Into the world, she has created。 I have lost myself in every book, every world, every word, every character, Amy Harmon has penned。 The Unknown Beloved。 The days of yore。 When gangsters and mobsters and serial killers ran awry。 The days of old crime Amazing! That is who Amy Harmon is to me as an author。 Kind! That is who Amy Harmon is to me as a person。Unicorn! The culmination of amazing and kind。Amy, is an old soul with the undeniable ability to tell a story that causes the reader to transcend。 Into the world, she has created。 I have lost myself in every book, every world, every word, every character, Amy Harmon has penned。 The Unknown Beloved。 The days of yore。 When gangsters and mobsters and serial killers ran awry。 The days of old crime (Al Capone), crime fighters (Eliot Ness), and a police officer making a name for himself (Michael Malone), add in a young woman with whom a past is shared (Dani Flanigan)。 Take that story, mix in the swagger of Amy Harmon and what you have is another masterpiece。 Because Amy creates masterpieces。 What makes Amy so special is she is not afraid to dip her toe into unknown (no pun intended) waters。 She travels wherever the voices take her, and she always takes the reader on the trek。 Reading Amy Harmon is a feeling。 From the beginning to the end she makes you feel。 The feelings aren’t always of love, joy, and comfort because let’s be honest…life is not always joy and love and comfort。 The feelings Amy evokes are real。 As real as the characters she creates, and those she embellishes。 Her stories are truth。 Her stories are treasures。 。。。more

Jessi - Jessisreadingbetweenthewines

“What a strange vortex the years suddenly seemed。 The jump from ten to twenty-five was a lifetime。 The leap from twenty-five to forty was but a long weekend。 It was like being trapped in a Jules Verne novel。”My second novel from Amy Harmon and she impressed me again! Based on a true crime serial killer in 1930s Cleveland, this book frequently had me on the edge of my seat。 Harmon did a great job of weaving in a little romance and happiness so this didn’t feel nearly as heavy as it could have。 I “What a strange vortex the years suddenly seemed。 The jump from ten to twenty-five was a lifetime。 The leap from twenty-five to forty was but a long weekend。 It was like being trapped in a Jules Verne novel。”My second novel from Amy Harmon and she impressed me again! Based on a true crime serial killer in 1930s Cleveland, this book frequently had me on the edge of my seat。 Harmon did a great job of weaving in a little romance and happiness so this didn’t feel nearly as heavy as it could have。 I was fully invested in the characters’ journeys and felt like I really knew each of them by the end。 I also found the unique storyline of a person with a “sixth sense” surprisingly fascinating。 Harmon fans and those who enjoys true crime will definitely find the content here intriguing。 I had some awesome ladies reading this with me and thoroughly enjoyed hearing their thoughts! @kellyhook。readsbooks @booksandchicks @maryreadstoomuch @amy_alwaysreading @electric_bookaloo Thank you @netgalley and @lakeunionauthors for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! *quotes from an advanced copy may not be in the finished edition。 。。。more

Katja

Review will come a bit later。Thank you to Netgalley for allowingme to read this book。

Julie

In the 1920s, Dani Flanagan finds her life turned upside down。 With the loss of her parents, Dani is sent to Cleveland to live with her aunts。 During the ordeal, Dani was helped with her new transition by officer Michael Malone。 What neither would know is how their paths would ultimately cross again。 Fast forward fifteen years and Michael Malone finds himself headed to Cleveland to help investigate a serial killer that is terrorizing the city。 Malone has been requested to infiltrate the lower cl In the 1920s, Dani Flanagan finds her life turned upside down。 With the loss of her parents, Dani is sent to Cleveland to live with her aunts。 During the ordeal, Dani was helped with her new transition by officer Michael Malone。 What neither would know is how their paths would ultimately cross again。 Fast forward fifteen years and Michael Malone finds himself headed to Cleveland to help investigate a serial killer that is terrorizing the city。 Malone has been requested to infiltrate the lower class in the city since they seem to be the targets of the killer。 Needing a place to call ‘home’ during his stay, Malone finds himself seeking housing from Dani and her aunts。 Time hasn’t exactly been kind to Malone。 The death of his wife and children has hardened the officer and made him a bit rough around the edge。 Dani recognized Malone instantly and the two began a somewhat hesitant friendship。 With the squeeze of the economy affecting everyone, Dani and her aunts are looking for anything to help supplement the family’s tailoring business。 What Malone discovers is the unique way that Dani brings in money to help the aunts。 A task that would bring the duo into the heart of the mysteries surrounding the killings in Cleveland。 The Unknown Beloved is the latest release by Amy Harmon。 If you have never had the pleasure of diving headfirst into a novel written by Harmon, let me assure you that you are missing out。 Typically – I steer away from historical fiction, but I couldn’t resist a novel that was penned by Amy Harmon。 The writing transported me to a time of hardship that can only be imagined through the descriptive words that Harmon pens to paper。 Discover the journey that is both captivating, intriguing, and surrounded in mystery。 。。。more