Blindspot by Maggie Smith

Blindspot

by Maggie Smith

April 29 – May 24, 2024 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

From the author of the award-winning Truth and Other Lies comes a gripping suspense novel about an ambitious prosecutor on the hunt for her sadistic stalker . . . only to be framed for murder when he turns up dead.

Rachel Matthews is used to stress—from the cutthroat world of the district attorney’s office to her escalating clashes with her teenage daughter. So when a stranger sends a lavish bouquet with a macabre message and leaves a disturbing video on her doorstep, she’s quick to act. Teaming up with an old classmate turned private investigator, she wades through old case files, searching for someone harboring a grudge. But before she has time to pinpoint a suspect, her stalker issues a demand—he wants money, lots of it, or he’ll hurt her daughter.

Desperate to protect her child, Rachel agrees but soon finds herself fleeing a bloody crime scene, fearful for her life. As evidence mounts against her, Rachel realizes it’s up to her to unmask the enemy behind this vendetta before it’s too late.

Fans of Scott Turow’s Presumed Innocent, Julie Clark’s The Lies I Tell and Heather Chavez’ Before She Finds Me will embrace this taut tale of long-simmering revenge right up to its surprising and twisty climax.

Book Details:

Genre: Psychological Suspense
Published by: Puzzle Box Press
Publication Date: May 21, 2024
Number of Pages: 318
ISBN: 9798989677917
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

April 24, 2023, County Courthouse

The killer is sitting in this courtroom and it’s up to me to prove it.

It isn’t every day a murder this sensational happens in Milwaukee. Sure, we’ve had our share of drive-by shootings, domestic arguments that escalated, home invasions that turned deadly. And yes, there was that lurid trial a while back where the deranged sicko drugged, then ate his victims. That one landed our city in the national spotlight. A once in a lifetime case.

But this one’s right up there. Everyone involved is high profile. Which means it warrants the top guns. Which means my boss of nine years, Marcus Huntley, Deputy DA, is sitting first chair. I catch his eye and his expression confirms what I already know. This is the most important case of my career, and if the verdict goes south, any hope for that promotion goes right along with it.

But this isn’t only about winning for me. There’s a lot more at stake. Consequences I don’t dare think about or I’ll lose my nerve. Because even though the police are convinced this is an open and shut case, I know better.

I know they’ve arrested the wrong person.

Because I witnessed the murder. But for reasons I can’t reveal, I have to keep quiet. Only two people know the whole story and I’ve sworn them to secrecy.

I watch the crowd. Examine every person in detail. Who’s talking to whom, who’s staring at their lap, who’s looking around the room. Who’s fidgeting, adjusting their tie, or rummaging through their purse. Who looks bored and who looks agitated? But even though I’m an expert in spotting a tell, I’m coming up empty.

The electricity in the air ratchets up as the judge enters and the bailiff calls the case. I’ve been up most of the night, pacing the floor, rehearsing my lines, imagining how today would go. What to say and what not to say. What needs to happen so I can walk out of here satisfied.

Part of me wants to scream. Part of me wants to whimper. Part of me wants to rush out the door and never look back.

But I don’t do any of those things. Instead I steel my nerves and set aside the theatrics. A bead of sweat slithers down my spine as I stand to address the judge.

In an orange jumpsuit. And handcuffs.

“Rachel Elizabeth Matthews. You stand accused of first-degree intentional homicide.

How do you plead?”

“Not guilty, Your Honor,” I reply.

***

Author Bio:

In a career that’s included work as a journalist, a psychologist, and the founder of a national art consulting company, Maggie Smith added novelist to her resume with the publication of her debut, Truth and Other Lies, a women’s fiction novel set in Chicago and released in March 2022 by Ten16 Press. It won NIEA’s Juror Grand Prize, the Star Award for Debut Fiction from Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Foreword INDIES Gold Metal for General Fiction, and was selected for the Women’s Book Association Great Group Reads.

In addition to her writing, Maggie hosts the weekly podcast Hear Us Roar (215+ episodes), blogs monthly for Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and is Managing Editor for Chicago Writer’s Association Write City E-Zine. She resides in Milwaukee WI with her husband and her aging but still adorable sheltie. Her second novel, a psychological suspense called BLINDSPOT will be released in May 2024.

Catch Up With Maggie Smith:
MaggieSmithWriter.com
Goodreads
BookBub – @MaggieSmithWriter
Instagram – @maggiesmithwrites
Threads – @maggiesmithwrites
Facebook

Tour Participant Reviews:

‘The author Ms. Maggie Smith wrote a wonderful and riveting mystery thriller that really engages the reader! I was impressed with how well the story flowed together about Rachel and her daughter Charley.’
~ Country Mamas With Kids

‘Blindspot is the first book that I have read by Maggie Smith. I can guarantee you it WILL NOT be my last. This book drew me in within the first few pages and I lost all sense of time while reading. This book is full of twists and turns and heart pounding action. The characters are well developed and the story is well written.’
~ Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting

‘Author Maggie Smith serves up a suspense-filled thriller in Blindspot. The title is well suited for the story because the danger was lurking in an unexpected place. The author excels in the cat-and-mouse approach as Rachel finally realizes the source of her problems. Blindspot showcases a skilled attorney targeted in a revenge plot that she never saw coming.’
~ Novels Alive

‘Ooooh, this was a good one!! With a plot twist on the first page and me holding my breath within the first two chapters, I was hooked fast and couldn’t put it down!! This book holds lots of mystery, suspense, and secrets – so I can’t actually say much without giving things away, but I will say that I’m so glad I read this thrilling book! Highly recommend if you like strong female lead characters and intricately weaved suspense!’
~ ashmanda.k

‘I loved this book and read it in two days. Around each corner there was a twist that kept me hooked. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves twists, unreliable characters, guessing games, and a book that will keep you intrigued until the very last page!!!’
~ Catreader18

‘OHHHEMMMGEEE! When I first read the synopsis for Blindspot, I knew I was in for quite a ride. What I DIDN’T realize was that it was going to be an edge of your seat, nerve-tingling tale of suspense from beginning to end. From its fast pace and complex plot to a truly dynamite narrator, there wasn’t a thing not to love. Maggie Smith utterly knocked this one out of the park.’
~ suspenseisthrillingme

‘if you like psychological thrillers, you do not want to miss this one!! This is a fast paced thriller that will take you on a roller coaster ride of twist of turns. It will grab you from the first page and is heart pounding until the very last. It is tense, suspenseful and highly addicting.’
~ Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

‘You do not want to miss this one!! This is a fast paced thriller that will take you on a roller coaster ride of twist of turns. It will grab you from the first page and is heart pounding until the very last. It is tense, suspenseful and highly addicting.’
~ mokwip8991

‘I LOVED this one!! It was a super fast read and I was hooked from the first chapter. I honestly couldn’t put this down. I’m learning that I enjoy the legal and justice side of thrillers.’
~ Nursevicreads

‘Blind Spot by Maggie Smith is a wonderful twisty suspense thriller! This novel is filled with action, danger, and risks. The main character is placed into the same high intense situation as James Bond would be’
~ The AR Critique

‘a suspense-filled doozy! I was completely absorbed by the story and on the edge of my seat, wondering what in the world was going on! The book was riveting and thoroughly entertaining.’
~ Guatemala Paula Loves to Read

‘The book is intense, twisted and unputdownable. There are secrets, mystery and truth. The revelations, secrets, mystery and plot twists kept me on the edge. Plot is clever and brilliant. Writing is compelling. This is a kind of book where every detail matters and truth is more shocking and twisted than you think it is.’
~ reviewsbyrudra

‘The book took ahold of me and did not let up until the end.The author did an excellent job of building each scene and had me feeling like I was a fly on the wall, which I loved! The characters are well written and realistic.’
~ Paws.Read.Repeat

‘WOW! WOW! What a great suspense read! I’m loved it and struggled putting it down to go do something else. The psychological drama and the head games you face trying to piece it all together and figure it out is not easy to do. This is a book I would definitely recommend if you like psychological suspense.’
~ Pat Fayo reviews

‘I so enjoy a good psychological suspense and I enjoyed Blindspot. It certainly kept me engaged and I read it in one day. Rachel Matthews is one tough cookie. She’s put away her fair share of bad guys and is a strong advocate for women who are victim’s of domestic abuse and violent crime… Blindspot kept me entertained and I’d be happy to read anything else Author Maggie Smith has to offer.’
~ fuonlyknew

‘This book was good! It had me turning pages and guessing until the very end. This book was gripping, fast-paced, and well-written. It will keep you glued to the pages to see what happens next. The plot and the characters were very entertaining. If you’re looking for a good cat and mouse thriller, look no further. I highly recommend this one.’
~ dianas_books_cars_coffee

‘This psychological suspense was an addictive read. It was unputdownable… It is well-developed and delivers the suspense. The author captured my interest and imagination right from the prologue. The mystery was like a brain teaser that didn’t disappoint’
~ bookwormbecky1969

Tour Host Info:

Book Formats: ePub, Print, Netgalley
Hosting Options: Review, Interview, Guest Post, Showcase
Giveaway: There will be a tour-wide PICT Giveaway
More: According to the author BLINDSPOT does not include: Excessive Strong Language, Graphic Violence, Explicit Sexual Scenes, or Rape. However, readers may encounter content that is considered to be another trigger situation. Generally the content is considered to be: Steamy Clean (mild language, mild sexual tension and innuendo, no sex scenes) content. At this time, PICT staff have not yet read this book and cannot give additional information.