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Where the Blame Lies Kindle Edition

4.5 out of 5 stars 8,660 ratings

Abducted.Terrorized.Imprisoned.At nineteen-years-old, college student Josie Stratton was kidnapped by a madman and held shackled for ten months in an abandoned warehouse before she finally escaped her hellish prison.Eight years later, when the body of a young woman is found chained in the basement of a vacant house, Cincinnati Police Detective Zach Copeland is instantly reminded of the crime committed against Josie Stratton. Zach was just a rookie on the perimeter of that case, but he’s never forgotten the traumatized woman with the haunted eyes.As more information emerges, the crimes take on an even more sinister similarity. But Josie’s attacker died by suicide. Does the city have a copycat on its hands? A killer who picked up where the original perpetrator left off? Or are they facing something far more insidious?Josie has spent the last eight years attempting to get her life back on track, but now there’s a very real chance she could be the unknown suspect’s next target. As Zach vows to keep her safe, and Josie finds herself responding to him in a way she hasn’t responded to any man in almost a decade, the investigation takes on an even more complex edge of danger.As past and present collide, Josie and Zach are thrust toward a shocking and chilling truth. A revelation that threatens not only Josie’s life, but everything she’s been fighting so desperately to reclaim.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Gripping. Intense. Built on layers of suspense and dark themes, yet laced with touches of lightness and one of the greatest human emotions - hope. Mia Sheridan has woven a story of anger, fear, bravery, acceptance, and love. What can I say about this book? Unexpected. Brilliant." - Melanie Moreland, NYT Bestselling author

"Wow!
I'm speechless! I loved Where the Blame Lies! Suspenseful, addicting. I couldn't stop reading and when I was forced to close the book, it filled my thoughts. 5 glowing stars." - Aleatha Romig, NYT Bestselling author

"An epic mystery/thriller but so much more!
Equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful, and so very profound." - Author Catherine Cowles

"Where the Blame Lies had me on the edge of my seat from the first pages of the prologue to the epilogue
. I can't recommend it enough!" - Katie Ashley, NYT Bestselling author

"
Full of twists and turns, Where the Blame Lies will leave you questioning everything. And everyone. I loved it!" - Monica James, International bestselling author

"
Holy hell! Where the Blame Lies is the best book I've read this year! The writing is stunning. When I had to put it down to do other things, my mind stayed focused on it!" - Author Emma Renshaw
"It's been a minute since I've really enjoyed a romantic suspense novel. It was
amazing. Heartbreaking. Healing. Inspiring. I am blown away, emotionally spent, a little hung-over, and shouting from the rooftops that you need to read this book!" - Shelly, Bookgasms's Review

"Keep the lights on! The shocking story had me tied in knots the entire time
. Lots of cringing, hoping, and cheering on my part lead to an ending that left me speechless, pondering, and questioning my own emotions for a few days." - Passion 4 Books's Review

"The author is
truly brilliant. I knew it would be good and she doesn't disappoint. That is what a master storyteller will do to you - hooked, reeled in and sucked you dry of all emotions. Fantastic read!!!" - AC Book Blog

"
A fascinating, intriguing and thrilling story. And totally addictive! I've read it in only one day. I needed to know the answers to every question I had. The suspense is untenable. It's like a game of chess. Brilliant!" - Patricia Wonderland, Goodreads review

About the Author

Mia Sheridan is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. Her passion is weaving true love stories about people destined to be together. Mia lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband. They have four children here on earth and one in heaven. Mia can be found online at www.miasheridan.com

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07XWR6VWC
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 13, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.0 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 428 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 12 and up
  • Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ Where.
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 8,660 ratings

About the author

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Mia Sheridan
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Mia Sheridan is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. Her passion is weaving true love stories about people destined to be together. Mia lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband. They have four children here on earth and one in heaven. Mia can be found online at www.miasheridan.com or www.facebook.com/miasheridanauthor.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
8,660 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a must-read psychological thriller with engaging twists and turns. Moreover, the writing style receives praise for its descriptive prose and perfect narration, while the characters are well-developed with believable emotions. Additionally, customers appreciate the strong and fierce survivors portrayed in the story, with one review highlighting the theme of finding strength and love through adversity. The book maintains a fast pace that keeps readers on their toes throughout.

274 customers mention "Suspenseful story"244 positive30 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful story of this psychological thriller, praising its twists and turns, with one customer noting how absorbing the mystery is.

"This story was great I finished it in one day it was perfect can’t wait to read/hear the other one I’m sure it’ll be anmazing" Read more

"...This was more in the psychological thriller genre and she DID NOT disappoint...." Read more

"...Mia Sheridan has written a very dark book with descriptive flashback scenes of the killer's kidnapping, abuse, torture and rape of the the main..." Read more

"...She faced many tragedies and obstacles but refused to not fight. Many twists, turns, and deceptions!" Read more

210 customers mention "Readability"210 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a good whoodunnit that is a must-read and one of Mia Sheridan's outstanding works.

"I have read many Mia Sheridan books, and I have loved every single one of them. This one, however, is now my favorite!..." Read more

"...You scream hallelujah! Genius and masterful! I applaud Mia Sheridan for taking on a different genre and doing it so well...." Read more

"Very dark and should probably have a trigger warning, but absolutely loved this book... there were definitely tears along the twists and turns." Read more

"This is the best I’ve read in a while. Suspenseful on the edge gripping and nail biting...." Read more

99 customers mention "Writing style"89 positive10 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, describing it as well-crafted with beautiful prose and perfect narration, making it an easy read.

"...The twist blew my mind but was believable. I thought one thing toward the beginning but was pretty much derailed right from the get go...." Read more

"...I give it three stars for the plot and the writing style. The intimate scenes are well written. The abductor is super creepy...." Read more

"This one was very hard to put down, it was very easy to read and easy to understand. I can't wait to read the next one to see what happens next." Read more

"...Another harrowing yet striking novel." Read more

87 customers mention "Heartbreaking"72 positive15 negative

Customers find the book heartbreaking, describing it as a very emotional and tragic story that captures the essence of terrible events.

"...Mia Sheridan captured the character's feelings and the scenes so vividly (or should I say darkly)...." Read more

"...but absolutely loved this book... there were definitely tears along the twists and turns." Read more

"...You’ll be heart broken for Josie and loving the awesomeness of Zach for his great heart and promise to stop whoever is responsible." Read more

"...Is he back from the dead? Is it a copycat? What's happening? All very tense and suspenseful and makes for a good read...." Read more

60 customers mention "Character development"58 positive2 negative

Customers praise the character development in the book, noting how well the characters are described and how their emotions feel authentic.

"...Great twists and turns and intriguing plot and character development." Read more

"...The intimate scenes are well written. The abductor is super creepy. The dialogue is realistic...." Read more

"...It tied in nicely. And it was easy to see why an admirable man like Zach would fall in love with the selfless warrior in Josie ...." Read more

"...of Mia Sheridan’s talent in capturing the psychosis and writing such a beautiful character...." Read more

55 customers mention "Strength"55 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the strength of the characters in the book, describing them as strong and fierce survivors with unbelievable perseverance.

"...This was a book about pain and suffering but also survival and the beauty in human strength...." Read more

"...Those chapters ripped my heart out. I LOVED the relationship that she was slowly developing with Zach...." Read more

"...Murder, mystery, love, hate, humanity, friendship, and more. I love its blurred lines and difficult choices. Well worth purchasing...." Read more

"...Strong writing, strong plot line, strong characters, great twists and strong emotional reactions guaranteed. 👌..." Read more

18 customers mention "Pacing"14 positive4 negative

Customers praise the book's pacing, noting it keeps readers on the edge of their seat.

"4-4.5 stars. This one definitely kept me on my toes. I loved how I was constantly guessing and still managed to be surprised repeatedly...." Read more

"...She doesn’t drag stories out or add a bunch of fluff. Don’t pass on any of her stories! You will be spending your time wisely!!" Read more

"...I didn't want to put it down. This is a keep you on the edge of your seat story!" Read more

"...However, then came they cringeworthy, cliche-riddled love story...." Read more

17 customers mention "Pace"12 positive5 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pace, noting that they read it quickly.

"Perfectly paced with interesting, emotion-filled happenings. Lots of surprising turns in the story ending in a satisfying conclusion...." Read more

"I read it fast, enjoyed the twists. Enjoyed the love affair even though it was so easy to see coming." Read more

"...good writing, tight storyline with unrelenting twists and turns at a great pace, and some really good wisdom of human nature." Read more

"...I did not. It started kind of slow, but started to pick up really fast by book...." Read more

Binged this one in a day!
5 out of 5 stars
Binged this one in a day!
Wow! This was such a unique read, I wasn’t at all prepared for it! I went into this book thinking it was a romance book with some suspense. I was wrong! This is a mystery/thriller with some romance! I really enjoyed it!! I was hooked from the prologue (that was crazy!) and completely invested! In fact, I binged this book in ONE day. Josie was one of the fiercest characters I have read, and I admired her as a mother the entire time. Her relationship with Zach was sweet and protective, and the moments they had together were perfectly sprinkled throughout the intense plot! Read this if you like: ✨ suspense ✨ protective hero ✨ strong and fierce survivors ✨ the power of motherhood
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I have read many Mia Sheridan books, and I have loved every single one of them. This one, however, is now my favorite! I have gone through the motions of all the emotions with this one. Perfection!
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was a dark and sinister mystery. In spite of the eww moments, the story kept me wanting to push forward and complete the book, as Mia Sheridan has a way with words that keep the reader engaged. Great twists and turns and intriguing plot and character development.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This story was great I finished it in one day it was perfect can’t wait to read/hear the other one I’m sure it’ll be anmazing
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    What do you do when one of you favorite authors drops a book? You one-click, of course. I may be the odd one out, but I tend to not even read the synopsis of my favorite authors because I want to be surprised. And boy was I surprised with this one! Where the Blame Lies was not Mia Sheridan's normal contemporary romance. There was a tad bit of romance, but that was not at the forefront. This was more in the psychological thriller genre and she DID NOT disappoint. I was pulled in from the beginning to end and can't believe this type of book was swimming around in Ms Sheridan's head.

    My first clue that this book was going to be different should have been obvious. I follow some social media accounts and Mia had said she was writing this book with a rain sound effect on. I can't think of a better way to get in the mind frame of the story than this. I actually read this book while it was raining in the PNW. Dark and dreary and sad. It really set the tone. This was a book about pain and suffering but also survival and the beauty in human strength.

    This book is not an easy one to read. We live in the past and present of the main character, Josie. A woman that experienced one of the worst things anyone can experience. But she is/was a survivor and endured being captured by someone with an evil that lived within them. Living through those moments was so real. Mia Sheridan captured the character's feelings and the scenes so vividly (or should I say darkly). The plot moves back and forth between the time periods in a very fluid manner. The past showed what she had to endure and what got her there. It was ugly and hard to bear witness to such evil. Who could do that?

    Flash forward to the present and crimes are being committed that are mirroring Josie's own. A copy cat. How could this be happening when her case was all but "solved and handled"? Enter Zach, a detective on these new cases and one that happened to be around when Josie survived her own tragedies. He is getting too close to the victim while investigating the new crimes. He must keep her safe by any means necessary. How close will they become and how far will he go to protect her?

    This story is unlike any other Mia Sheridan book I've read and it worked. It flows from beginning to end seamlessly and we get a feel of who Josie was before and after. I enjoyed seeing Zach come in with his mission to protect and serve. The twist blew my mind but was believable. I thought one thing toward the beginning but was pretty much derailed right from the get go. I was kept on my toes all throughout and worried about Josie's safety and about the abilities of the local police force. When your heart is pounding for fictional characters, you know the author did their job. And when they drop the bomb and then not "tie it all in a pretty bow"? You scream hallelujah! Genius and masterful!

    I applaud Mia Sheridan for taking on a different genre and doing it so well. A true artist that excels at her craft. She constantly captures her characters in such a way that makes them unique yet believable in any sort of scenario. Even though this wasn't her normal genre, she clearly can write it and I can't wait to read more like it from her.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    As a 19-year old college student, Josie Stratton was abducted after a night out and kept prisoner in an abandoned warehouse for ten months. She was able to escape, but her life was never the same. Detective Zach Copeland was a rookie cop assigned to guard her hospital room after she was found, and he’ll never forget her case. Eight years later, a woman is found dead in an abandoned building, shackled just like Josie had been. There are other similarities to Josie’s case, and when more women are found dead, Zach feels he has a copy cat killer on his hands. Police are concerned for Josie’s safety during this, and she can’t help but want to be involved and catch whoever is doing this. As suspects are ruled out, you won’t believe what Zach and Josie uncover.

    This was my first read by Mia Sheridan and I really liked it. The topics are definitely on the darker side, so please check the CWs (or you can DM me!). It was a super twisty read, and I did NOT suspect the killer at all. However, the author connected it all in a way that it totally made sense once it was revealed. There is a sequel (of sorts) to this book and I am looking forward to reading it.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Very dark and should probably have a trigger warning, but absolutely loved this book... there were definitely tears along the twists and turns.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Jasmin Sheehan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Just awesome. Couldn’t put it down!
    Reviewed in Australia on September 21, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I loved this book. Well written. Suspenseful. Romantic. Relatable. Made me cry. Ended beautifully. Will read more by Mia Sheridan
  • Ms. Mint
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on June 30, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Brilliant plot (I didn't see that coming, but it totally makes sense), beautiful writing and flawless characterizations. This is my second Mia Sheridan's book (first one being Archer's Voice), and I can't wait to devour her other ones.
  • AURÉLIE
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ptiteaurel - The Lovely Teacher Addictions
    Reviewed in France on March 29, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Mia Sheridan nous a habitué à des romances intenses et émouvantes et ici , elle nous offre un thriller haletant et palpitant. Le doute est constant, la course aux indices incroyable et si au final une minuscule intuition a été la bonne, je n'avais évidemment pas tous les tenants et les aboutissants.

    Josie Stratton est une miraculée de 27 ans qui a survécu à l'enfer sur terre. Lors des flashbacks nous ramenant quelques années en arrière, nous découvrons toute l'étendue de l'horreur qu'elle a vécue et qu'elle a supporté. Nous avons des échos de son kidnapping, de sa séquestration mais aussi des horreurs qu'elle a subies ! On se demande comment elle a pu survivre à tout cela et en sortir grandie. Quand nous la revoyons , c'est une femme plus ou moins épanouie qui se présente à nous. Elle essaie de remettre sur les rails la ferme qu'elle a héritée de sa tante Maeve. Elle espère y faire une auberge de jeunesse et elle y met tout son coeur pour y parvenir malgré des finances plus que basses. Elle devra faire face à la cupidité de son cousin Archie qui n'hésitera pas à tout mettre en oeuvre pour tenter de la déstabiliser. Il n'y parviendra pas mais l'arrivée du policier Copeland va faire resurgir son passé et sa peur.

    Zach Copeland n'était qu'un simple agent quand l'affaire de Josie a éclaté. Il l'a aperçue à l'hôpital lorsqu'elle a été libérée . Cette affaire est restée ancrée dans sa mémoire par son côté sordide et très malsain. Aussi quand quelques années plus tard, il se voit confier une enquête du même acabit, il ne mettra pas longtemps à faire le lien . Avec Jimmy Keene , son collègue, ils travailleront d'arrache pied pour comprendre qui est derrière tout cela. Alors que Marshall Landish s'était suicidé avant qu'il soit arrêté , qui peut bien connaître des détails que seuls deux personnes pouvaient connaître sur l'affaire? Zach ne comptera pas son temps pour mener avec brio une enquête qui ira de révélations en révélations. De nouveaux liens vont être faits entre les nouvelles victimes et les circonstances du kidnapping de Josie et nous aurons de sacrées surprises.

    Mais au delà de l'enquête c'est un autre lien qui pourrait se tisser entre nos deux héros. La romance est légèrement présente et Mia Sheridan a su formidablement bien doser cela dans son thriller. Etant donné les circonstances, nous ne pouvions pas avoir une romance classique. Il faut du temps au temps car Josie a vécu l'enfer et refaire confiance à un homme n'est pas une mince affaire. De même Zach a aussi son vécu et cela pourrait pencher dans la balance pour certaines occasions. Ce que j'ai aimé c'est la relation de confiance qui va se nouer au fil du temps. Elle sait qu'elle peut compter sur lui pour la rassurer , pour l'épauler ou pour accepter qu'elle vienne voir certains témoins. L'enquête va avancer pas au pas , au diapason des flashbacks et nous allons espérer une fin heureuse dans tous les sens du terme.

    Bref, si vous lisez en VO et si vous aimez découvrir des thrillers haletants alors foncez. Mia Sheridan s'essaie à un nouveau genre avec brio et j'ai désormais hâte de me plonger dans Where the truth lives et découvrir le nouveau héros qui n'est pas un inconnu de ce tome là.
    Report
  • Terri T.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Such compulsive brilliant reading !!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 7, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I had been in a book funk for a while; nothing particularly grabbing my attention to be honest although I was still reading every day, most books just didn't excite me at the moment. Then I happen to read the blurb for this book. I hadn't even realised it had been released last year ( I must have been hiding under a stone) as I love Mia Sheridan and have read a number of her books. I was like, WOW this sounds amazing, I love a good suspense thriller; there is never enough of them around so I honestly couldn't wait to start it.

    Josie was kidnapped eight years previous, locked and chained to a wall in a cold damp room for ten long months but miraculously managed to escape, fast forward to present day and this poor woman is still trying to get her life back on track. When another young woman is found chained to a wall, with all the similarities of the hell that Josie went through, one police officer, Zach remembers Josie's case from all those years ago and ties the two crimes together. When Zach meets Josie to discuss her terrifying ordeal and to tell her they might have a copycat killer on their hands, the chemistry between the two of them is evident from the start.

    I can't tell you how much I adored Zach, he had so much patience and empathy for Josie, he was sweet and loving with her and so protective it bought a tear to my eye. But the star of this book has to be Josie because when you read what she went through in that room you will understand what I mean. Here was one strong lady, I admired her so much. She suffered enormously at the hands of her Kidnapper and what she endured made me weep, but she never gave up. The descriptive of the writing when she was locked away was so well written there were times I felt like I was in the room with her, I felt her pain, I tasted her sadness and despair, but all the time Josie had hope in her heart.
    Now Zach has to find out who is taking these women and torturing them to a slow agonising death. With the help of Josie will he find the person responsible ?

    This story was just amazing, the suspense, the twists, so many edge of your seat moments with wonderful characters that felt so real and life like that it was easy to get sucked into this brilliant intense story. It is dark and at times quite shocking and traumatising but I can't express how much I loved this phenomenal book. Interwoven in-between the horrors is a tender intimate love story simmering in the background and of course reading how Josie overcomes her past to move onto a better future made my heart sore.

    For me this has to be the best book I have read so far in 2020, yes I know I'm late in reading this but there is no doubt in my mind that this book is perfection. What made my day even better was finding out that Mia had released a follow up to this book called Where The Truth Lives - guess what I'll be reading next !!

    If you haven't had the pleasure of reading this story, then go one click now !!
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A really beautiful story
    Reviewed in India on November 2, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The book had every essentials to keep a reader yearning to read more...
    The story was tragic and beautiful. It took me through heartbreak, numbness, happiness and peacefulness all in a page

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